Choosing the Right Hawaiian Island For You

Maui

Maui is the perfect spot for idyllic sandy beaches. If you're hoping to plop by the pool or beach with a good book, check out the resort towns of Kaanapali or Wailea. Picture authentic hawaiian culture, shopping, and drinks with umbrellas in them. Don't be fooled though, there's still plenty of adventure to be had if you go looking for it.

Things to Do

Explore Upcountry: Upcountry is home to several charming towns, including Makawao, Kula, and Pukalani. These towns, filled with shops and art galleries have a country-western feel. Look out for chickens roaming the streets!

Whale Watching: If you visit during whale season (December to April), go on a whale watching tour to see humpback whales.

Road to Hana: Take a scenic drive along the famous Road to Hana, enjoying waterfalls, lush landscapes, and beautiful vistas. If you get carsick, make sure to bring some dramamine!

Snorkeling: Take a boat tour to explore popular spots like Molokini Crater or Honolua Bay.

Ocean Vodka Tasting: Come for the Maui-produced vodka and spirits, stay for the unbeatable island view.

Luau: A luau in Hawaii is a no-brainer. Although they can be pricey, they are well worth it. Check out the Old Lahaina Luau or the Feast at Lele.

Shopping: Head to Kihei Kalama Village for an authentic Hawaiian outdoor market, Lahaina’s Front Street for a lively feel with restaurants and shops, and Paia for surf shops, vintage boutiques, and local artisans selling handmade jewelry and clothing.

Hikes: Take a short hike to see the iconic Iao Needle, hike the Waihee Ridge Trail for views of the West maui Mountains, or take a dip in the many swimming holes along the 13 Crossings Trail.

Beaches

Kaanapali Beach: You can’t mention Maui Beaches without paying homage to Kaanapali Beach. One of Maui's most famous beaches, Ka'anapali is a long stretch of golden sand with crystal-clear waters.

Makena Beach (Big Beach): This large and scenic beach, officially known as Oneloa Beach, offers a wide expanse of golden sand and great waves for bodyboarding and bodysurfing. Be cautious of the strong shore break, especially during high surf.

Kahekili Beach Park (Old Airport Beach): Located near the northern end of Ka'anapali Beach, this park is a favorite among locals for its clear waters, snorkeling, and often good conditions for boogie boarding.

Ho'okipa Beach Park: Famous for its strong winds and waves, Ho'okipa is a popular spot for windsurfers and kiteboarders. Additionally, it's an excellent location for watching sea turtles and enjoying spectacular coastal views.

Oahu

The island of Oahu offers a perfect blend of culture, entertainment, and natural beauty. Honolulu is home to the iconic Waikiki Beach and historical landmarks like Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head. The west side hosts resort town Ko Olina, home to man made lagoons once built for Hawaiian Royalty. The North Shore is home to laid-back surf towns with local restaurants, shops, and food trucks.

Things to Do

Hawaii Plantation Village: The Hawaii Plantation Village offers visitors a glimpse into the past by showcasing the lives of the immigrant laborers who worked on Hawaii's sugar plantations in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Pearl Harbor National Museum: Pay tribute to history at Pearl Harbor National Memorial, including the USS Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri Battleship. Tickets go on sale every day at exactly 3pm for the following day.

Kaneohe Sandbar: Take a tour to the Kaneohe Sandbar, the largest sandbar in the world. Most tours offer sandbar volleyball, stand up paddle boarding, and snorkeling.

Spend a day in Haleiwa: Haleiwa’s an old town on the north shore with local restaurants and shopping. It’s also close to world famous surf spots in the fall and winter.

Hikes: Check out Diamond Head for panoramic views of Honolulu, Moana Falls to see the stunning 150-foot Moana Falls waterfall, or Waimea Valley for lush gardens and vegetation.

Shopping: Check out Ala Moana, one of the largest open-air shopping centers in the world. For authentic Hawaiian shopping, head to Haleiwa.

Beaches

Kailua Beach Park: The beach is less crowded than Waikiki, making it a favorite spot among locals and visitors alike. It's perfect for windsurfing, boogie boarding, and beachcombing. The nearby town of Kailua provides excellent dining options and local boutiques to explore after a day at the beach.

Hanauma Bay: Hanauma Bay is a marine nature reserve with a vibrant coral reef ecosystem. The bay is teeming with colorful fish and marine life, making it a must-visit spot for snorkelers and nature enthusiasts

Waimanalo Beach: The beach is less crowded than some of the more popular spots, making it an excellent choice for a peaceful getaway. With its turquoise waters and majestic mountain backdrop, Waimanalo Beach is ideal for swimming, picnicking, and long walks along the shore.

North Shore Beaches: Oahu's North Shore is renowned for its massive winter waves, attracting professional surfers from around the globe. Some famous North Shore beaches include Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay, and Banzai Pipeline.

Kauai

If you're a nature lover looking to hike lush landscapes, Kauai is for you. Kauai boasts the stunning Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon. The island is stunning and serene, and best for those happy to avoid touristy vibes.

Explore Limahuli Garden and Preserve: This botanical garden on the North Shore showcases native Hawaiian plants and offers guided tours to learn about the island's unique flora and cultural significance.

Explore the Na Pali Coast: The Na Pali Coast is famous for its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and pristine beaches. Experience the island's majestic beauty from the air via helicopter, or by sea via a boat tour.

Luau: Treat yourself to hula performances, traditional music, and a delicious feast. Some of the best on the island are Smith’s Luau and Luau Kalamaku.

Hikes: Check out Kalalau trail along the Na Pali coast, Wailua Falls for waterfall views, or Waimea Canyon for Hawaii’s version of “The Grand Canyon”

Mountain Tubing: Book a tubing tour through the historic irrigation system that was originally built to transport water from the mountains to the sugar cane fields. These canals, also known as "ditches," are the highlight of the tour.

Shopping: Check out Hanalei Town for local shops and boutiques, and Old Koloa town for art galleries and Hawaiian made products.

Beaches

Tunnels Beach: On the North Shore, Tunnels Beach is a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Its underwater reef formations create a diverse marine environment.

Poipu Beach: Poipu Beach on the south shore offers calm waters, making it an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling. It's also a great place to spot Hawaiian green sea turtles.

Hanalei Bay: This iconic crescent-shaped bay is perfect for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Hanalei offers a relaxed atmosphere, making it a great spot for swimming, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island, aka "The Big Island", is somewhat of a mix of all that Maui and Kauai have to offer. The island itself is large and generally divided into two sides: Kona and Hilo. Kona, the drier side of the island, is home to lava fields, beaches, and local towns with restaurants and shopping. Hilo, on the eastern side of the island, is wet and tropical. In Hilo, you’ll find black and green sand beaches, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and plenty of nature begging to be explored.

Things to do in Hilo

Hikes: Witness the beautiful Rainbow Falls waterfalls, which often displays a rainbow in the mist during sunny mornings or take a dip in the swimming holes along the Wai’ale Falls trail.

Kaumana Caves

Panaewa Rainforest Zoo: Spend time at the only tropical rainforest zoo in the United States, home to various animals and lush vegetation.

Mauna Kea: While not directly in Hilo, nearby Mauna Kea offers an unforgettable stargazing experience due to its high elevation and clear skies.

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden: Explore this lush garden with a variety of tropical plants, flowers, and waterfalls along a scenic coastal trail.

Chocolate Farm Tours: During Chocolate Farm Tours, visitors can witness the entire chocolate-making process, from harvesting cacao pods to the final product, while learning about the history, culture, and sustainability practices behind the craft.

Beaches

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach: Travel south of Hilo to find this unique beach with black sand, sea turtles, and coconut palm trees.

Hilo Bayfront Park: Enjoy the waterfront views, take a leisurely walk, or have a picnic in this scenic park.

Things to do in Kona

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park: Discover the rich history of Hawaii at this ancient place of refuge, where ancient Hawaiians sought forgiveness and sanctuary.

Shopping: Historic Kailua Village is home to shops, galleries, and historical landmarks. Alii Drive, the iconic street in the heart of Kailua Kona, offers more shops, boutiques and art galleries.

Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay: Explore the crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life of Kealakekua Bay, known for its excellent snorkeling and historical significance.

Hulihee Palace: Tour this historic palace that once served as a summer residence for Hawaiian royalty and now houses a museum showcasing Hawaiian artifacts.

Nighttime Manta Ray Viewing: Take a boat tour to observe manta rays feeding on plankton under the glow of lights during a unique nighttime experience.

Kona Coffee Farms: Take a tour of a Kona coffee farm to learn about the coffee-making process and sample some of the world-famous Kona coffee.

Beaches in Kona

Kahaluu Beach Park: One of the most popular snorkeling spots in Kona, Kahaluu Beach Park is known for its calm, shallow waters and abundant marine life. It's an excellent place to see colorful fish and green sea turtles up close.

Kikaua Point Beach Park, also known as Pine Trees Beach, is a picturesque and secluded beach located on the western coast of Hawaii Island, near the town of Kailua-Kona. Pine Trees Beach is a favorite among surfers and bodyboarders.

Makalawena Beach: Accessible by a rugged hike or a 4WD vehicle, Makalawena Beach offers a secluded and pristine setting with white sand and crystal-clear waters. It’s worth the rugged walk!

Oahu

Restaurants

Helena’s Hawaiian Food: Family owned and operated for 100 years, this Hawaiian stop is a local’s classic.

Rainbow Drive-In: A classic local spot famous for its plate lunches and iconic mix plate featuring a variety of local favorites.

Moku Kitchen: Offering modern Hawaiian cuisine with a farm-to-table approach, Moku Kitchen focuses on locally sourced ingredients.

Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar: Known for its creative sushi rolls and contemporary Asian-inspired seafood dishes.

Musubi Cafe: The cafe offers a variety of musubi flavors, including classic spam musubi, as well as creative and fusion option

Monkeypod: The restaurant offers a relaxed and vibrant dining experience, showcasing a menu with contemporary American dishes infused with Hawaiian flavors, and emphasizing locally sourced, fresh ingredients. Be sure to try the Mai Tai!

Hau Tree: Known for its seafood-focused menu and Hawaiian-inspired dishes, Hau Tree Restaurant is a charming beachfront dining establishment located in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Kapolei FoodTrucks: There’s no shortage of cuisines at the Kapolei Food Trucks on the North Shore. Check out Grinds 2 Da Max for large lunch plates full of katsu, ahi, salmon, ribeye, crab salad, kimchi, noodles, and more.

Cafes and Sweets

Leonard’s Bakery: The line is long but the wait is worth it. Make sure to grab extra napkins - this is a messy treat!

Liliha Bakery: You must try the poi mochi donuts. Just trust me on this.

Waiola Shave Ice: While Waiola seems a bit off the beaten path, it’s objectively the best shave ice on the island.

Maui

Restaurants

Cafe o Lei at the Mill House: A classic restaurant located at the beautiful old Mill House. The food and the views are both great!

Nalu’s: Nalu’s offers Hawaiian plate breakfasts and lunches. The atmosphere is just as good as the food, with wild chickens meandering in and out of the storefront.

Tamura’s: Maui’s best kept secret is Tamura’s market poke. It’s fresh and relatively unknown by most tourists

Flatbread Company: Located in the quaint town of Paia, Flatbread is known for their one-of-a-kind pizzas made with local ingredients

Moku roots: If you’re vegan (or if you’re not!), Moku roots is a must-try! Its the islands only zero-waste vegetarian and vegan restaurant and supports local farms.

Monkeypod: Just like on Oahu, Monkeypod is an island classic. Known for their mai tai, their drinks can’t be missed!

Kihei Caffe: Kihei Caffe is a popular and beloved breakfast spot located in Kihei. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of omelets, pancakes, French toast, and local specialties like the Loco Moco and Kalua Pork Benedict.

Paia Fish Market: The fish can’t get fresher than at Paia fish market. The lines may be long but the wait is worth it!

Sansei: With locations in both Kapalua and Kihei, Sansei’s known for their fresh sushi. Try to make it during happy hour for unbeatable prices!

Maui Brewing Co: Alongside their selection of craft beers, the on-site restaurant serves up delicious pub-style fare, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy excellent beer and great food in a laid-back and inviting atmosphere.

Cafes and Treats:

Cinnamon Roll Place: The Cinnamon Roll Place on Maui is a delightful bakery that specializes in mouthwatering cinnamon rolls and other sweet treats.

Leoda’s Kitchen: In addition to their savory offerings, Leoda's is famous for its delectable sweet pies, including classics like banana cream and chocolate macadamia nut.

Hawaii Fudge Company: This sweet shop is known for its creamy and indulgent fudge creations, including classic flavors like chocolate and peanut butter, as well as unique Hawaiian-inspired options like coconut and macadamia nut.

Kauai

Restaurants

Brenneckes Beach Broiler: Picture classic Hawaiian platters in an open air restaurant with ocean views.

Merriman's Fish House: A popular fine-dining restaurant known for its farm-to-table approach and delicious seafood dishes

Eating House 1849: Helmed by renowned chef Roy Yamaguchi, this restaurant combines Hawaiian and international flavors in innovative ways. The plantation-inspired setting adds to the overall dining experience.

Oasis on the Beach: This beachfront restaurant offers a relaxed setting with an emphasis on fresh seafood and local ingredients.

The Dolphin: The Dolphin is a seafood market and restaurant where you can enjoy freshly prepared fish and other seafood dishes. Their fish tacos and poke bowls are highly recommended.

Duke's Kauai (Lihue): Named after legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku, this restaurant pays homage to his legacy with a beachfront location and a menu featuring classic Hawaiian dishes and tropical cocktails.

Cafes and Treats

Lappert's Hawaii: Indulge in delicious ice cream and sorbet flavors at Lappert's. This local ice cream parlor is known for its creamy, tropical-themed treats.

Hanalei Bread Company: A cozy bakery and cafe in the heart of Hanalei, offering delicious pastries, artisan bread, and breakfast items. Don't miss their famous cinnamon rolls.

Uncle's Shave Ice (Koloa and Poipu): Another fantastic shave ice spot with a wide selection of flavors and the option to add ice cream and other toppings for an extra special treat.

Big Island

Hilo

Restaurants

Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill: While also mentioned in the Kona restaurant list, Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill has a second location in Hilo that offers the same excellent seafood and Hawaiian-inspired dishes.

Puka Puka Kitchen: A local gem, Puka Puka Kitchen is a food truck located in the Seaside restaurant area. It serves up delicious Hawaiian plate lunches with generous portions and flavorful options.

Moon and Turtle: This popular restaurant in downtown Hilo offers a creative and ever-changing menu with a focus on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Dishes blend Hawaiian, Asian, and global influences, providing a unique dining experience.

Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine: Situated in the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Pineapples offers a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood, steaks, and traditional Hawaiian dishes. The restaurant overlooks Hilo Bay, providing beautiful views to accompany your meal.

Cafes and Treats

Bears' Coffee: A charming coffee shop that also serves breakfast and lunch items, Bears' Coffee is a great spot for a leisurely morning meal or a quick bite to eat.

Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack: Known for their sweets - including smoothies, açaí bowls, and soft serve.

Kona

Restaurants

Da Poke Shack: For authentic Hawaiian poke, Da Poke Shack is a must-visit. This unassuming spot is renowned for its fresh and flavorful poke bowls.

Ulu Ocean Grill and Sushi Lounge: Located at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Ulu Ocean Grill offers a fusion of Hawaiian and Asian flavors using locally sourced ingredients, with stunning ocean views.

Kona Brewing Company: Enjoy craft beers and a menu featuring pub-style food with a Hawaiian twist at this local brewery.

Broke Da Mouth Grindz: This local gem serves up hearty Hawaiian comfort food, including plate lunches, loco moco, and kalua pork.

Umekes Restaurant: In addition to poke, the restaurant serves a variety of Hawaiian dishes, including plate lunches, seafood, and delicious appetizers.

Lava Lava Beach Club: Situated right on the sandy shores, the restaurant offers breathtaking views of the ocean and is known for its Pacific Rim-inspired cuisine, which includes a variety of fresh seafood, grilled dishes, and Hawaiian favorites.

Cafes and Treats

Peaberry & Galette: This cafe offers artisanal coffee and a selection of sweet and savory crepes, making it an excellent spot for a unique dining experience.

Green Flash Coffee: A popular local coffee shop known for its excellent espresso drinks, freshly brewed coffee, and friendly atmosphere. They also offer a selection of pastries and light bites.