Hawaii is one of the destinations on our ‘dream travel list’. At this current time, the world cannot travel. However, we can keep our wanderlust alive by researching and building must-see itineraries for future trips. So, over the coming weeks I’m going to write an ‘armchair traveller’ post about each of the destinations on our travel hit list. I’ve enlisted the expert opinion of my fellow travel bloggers to provide their ‘must-see’ place in my chosen destination. I hope you enjoy this series, and maybe you too can include some of the suggestions in your future travel plans 🙂
Road to Hana
The trip on the Road to Hana, also known as the Hana Highway, is one of the top sights in Maui. The road leads from the main town of Kahului, 103 km along the north coast to the small town of Hana. Officially called Hawaii State Route 36 & 360, you pass 54 bridges, almost 600 hairpin bends and pass numerous natural highlights. Road to Hana is said to be one of the most beautiful panoramic roads in the world.
A stop at the Twin Falls is absolutely recommended. At km 2, these two beautiful waterfalls with a natural pool are on private property. A small footpath leads to the first waterfall in about 5 minutes. The public Kaumahina State Wayside Park is also worth a longer stop. And then there is Ke’anae Arboretum. The natural paradise is located on the Pi’inau’au river between km 16 and 17 and opens up the entire diversity of tropical fauna to visitors on a nearly 1.5 km walk. The Road to Hana is not to be missed when visiting Hawaii.
Submitted by Clemens, Travellers Archive
Poipu Beach in Kauai
Poipu Beach is one of the jewels of Kauai’s coastline, located on the south-eastern side of the island. It’s a dichotomy of natural beauty and convenience that makes it an ideal place for travellers to Hawaii to spend their time. You’ll find restrooms and a playground close to the sand, and the beach is also in walking distance to restaurants – some of which conveniently offer take-out so you can eat it on the beach!
While the modern conveniences by Poipu Beach make it easy for visitors to spend a day at the beach, it’s the beauty and wildlife that keeps people coming back. It’s not uncommon to see seals and sea turtles lounging on the sand, seemingly oblivious to the sunbathers around them. The sea turtles are often found on the sand next to a small, calm bay on the eastern end of Poipu Beach, which is an area that is also perfect for families with young children visiting Kauai.
Submitted by Gina, Evergreen & Salt
North Shore of Oahu
There are so many fantastic places to visit in Oahu, Hawaii, and one of my favorites is exploring the North Shore. I consider this area the real Oahu with stunning beaches and snorkeling spots, beautiful tropical gardens and valleys to explore, waterfalls to swim in and western type towns to enjoy. One of the cute towns in the area is Haleiwa, a sleepy town that is more of a gentrified hang out spot with trendy galleries, restaurants and even food truck areas that bring people up from Honolulu and visitors from around the world. The world famous surfing spot at Sunset beach and the Banzai pipeline is famous during winter time and draw to these amazing beaches and of course surfing. But if you’re more into quiet beaches and snorkeling, consider going to Sharks Cove or Waimea Beach for fun in the sun and gorgeous waters to swim in.
The North Shore of Oahu is a world away from crazy Honolulu and the tourist area of Waikiki. It is a real taste of life that locals enjoy the outdoors, adventure experiences and of course good food from the area.
You’ll love exploring the North Shore of Oahu, if you want to get beyond the downtown metropolis of Honolulu. Check out my post of visiting the North Shore of Oahu for more inspiration, images and must visit places around the area.
Submitted by Noel, Travel Photo Discovery
Lahaina, Maui
There’s nothing like armchair visiting Hawaii, especially Lahaina, Maui. Spend your day relaxing at home while checking out all of the things to do in Lahaina. Lahaina’s Old Town is one of the most popular places to visit.
Once an old whaling town, the main street, Front Street, was where all of the hustle and bustle happened. Here you will find many historic buildings, including the Wo Hing Chinese Temple, Alexander Baldwin Home, and the Old Lahaina Courthouse, as well as ruins of Kamehameha I’s Brick Palace.
Don’t forget to check out Lahaina Banyan Court. This public park is home to the largest banyan tree in the United States as well as the Old Lahaina Courthouse and the ruins of the coral-bricked Old Fort.
The harbor at Lahaina is also a famous starting point for all sorts of water activities ranging from whale watching tours, snorkel trips to Molokini Crater, sunset dinner tours and more. Majority of the tour boats in Maui leave from here for day trips to the water.
Submitted by Constance, The Adventures of Panda Bear
Big Island Road Trip
If you are heading all the way to the lush beautiful islands of Hawaii, you would be remiss to not visit the namesake island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island. And what better way than to take a road trip around the island? The Big Island is perfect for first-time visitors, with scenic beaches, towering volcanoes, and wildlife encounters. There is truly something for everyone, whether you are looking to travel on a budget, or enjoy the finer things it has something to offer.
You can start your adventure in Kona on the west, or Hilo on the East side of the island. The drive between these two is long enough that it would be worth staying the night in each on your journey, though day trips are also possible. Some noteworthy stops along your trip should include the City of Refuge near Kona town known as Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park where you can learn about the culture of Native Hawaiians. Then, head next door for world-class snorkeling. Be sure to also visit Volcanoes National Park as you head south, and see if you can catch sight of some active lava flows! Don’t miss the beautiful waterfalls and botanical gardens near Hilo town, and of course stop at the stunning beaches along the way, especially in time for sunset.
Submitted by Michele, Adventures Abound
Pipiwai Trail inside Haleakala National Park, Maui
Hiking the Pipiwai Trail on Maui is easily a highlight of anyone’s trip to this magical Hawaiian island. You can find the start of this hike inside the Kipahulu district of Haleakala National Park. This easy/moderate 4 mile out and back hike lives up to the hype.
The first mile takes you by several lookouts where you can spot waterfalls gushing in the distance and past an ancient banyan tree. Around mile two you start to enter a peaceful bamboo forest. The cracking bamboo swaying in the breeze will instantly put you at ease. The towering bamboo provides dramatic shade from the hot Hawaiian sun.
If you thought it couldn’t get any better you’ll arrive at the star of the show, a 400 foot waterfall known as Waimoku Falls. You won’t be able to swim under these falls but there are rocks to rest on and take in her beauty.
Waterfalls, enchanting bamboo forests and photogenic banyan trees make this hike perfect for the whole family and worthy of anyone’s bucket list.
Submitted by Jess, I’m Jess Traveling
Black sand at Punalu’u beach
One of the biggest attractions of the Hawaiian Islands is the incredible natural diversity. Not just the flowers but even the beaches come in different colors thanks to the mighty volcanoes. The most colorful beaches can be found on the youngest islands in the archipelago: Maui and Big Island. That’s because the older the island, the more the colors fade in the sunlight. West-Maui is mostly home to golden beaches. On the east of the island, along the Road to Hana, you’ll find a red sand beach called Kaihalulu beach and a black sand beach called Honokalani or Waianapanapa beach.
On the Big Island of Hawaii, you’ll find many beaches that consist of volcanic rock. But if you know where to look, you can find yourself a soft sandy beach too. There are some white sandy beaches, one unique olive-green sand beach called Papakolea beach and the gorgeous black sand beaches in Hawaii. The most popular one is Punalu’u beach, located just half an hour from Hilo town.
Seeing the black crystals sparkle under the rolling waves and contrast with the ocean water and the lush vegetation is such an amazing experience. It’s also much easier on the eyes than white sand, which is known to reflect the sunlight. Just be careful when you dip your toes in the sand because it can get very hot. As you lay there on your beach towel, absorbing the calming warmth of the sand, you might get the company of a honu or Hawaiian sea turtle. These captivating creatures love the warm sand just as much as humans do.
Submitted by Sarah, CosmopoliClan
Diamond Head hike, Oahu
Whether you’re looking for history, epic views or just a great hike, the Diamond Head hike is an essential inclusion on the itinerary for any visit to Oahu, Hawaii.
Created by an eruption about 300,000 years ago, ash and particles settling around the centre to eventually form the rock crater with a floor area of 175 acres. The 760 foot peak offers amazing panoramic views of the Hawaiian coastlines and is well worth the climb. The hike itself is less than three km.
While it will certainly get the heart rate up, the climb itself isn’t terribly difficult and there are plenty of places to stop along the way. Military enthusiasts will love stopping at the WWII outposts on the way to the top, the position of the crater made it a natural choice to keep watch for enemy ships.
It is one of the most popular hikes on the island, so expect it to be busy at most times of the day. If you’re keen, it is recommended as a spectacular spot to watch both sunrise and sunset if they line up with the opening hours of the crater.
Submitted by Holly, Globeblogging
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
One of the most unique places to visit in Hawaii is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the south side of the Big Island between Hilo and Kona. While it is a bit of a drive, there are tons of things for you to see and do at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Head to the Jaggar Museum to learn all about the different types of lava flows and what scientists are currently studying.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is your best chance at seeing real lava as well as running through old lava tubes. There are tons of cool hiking trails and you can even camp at this national park. What’s extra cool about Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is its incredible Special Ranger Programs. Learn about Hawaiian culture through hands-on activities and tours. But, if you are short on time during your trip to the Big Island, just plan to do the Crater Rim Drive. This scenic drive hits up all the highlights in the shortest amount of time. Either way, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is not to be missed!
Submitted by Marcie, Hawaii Travel With Kids
Street Art and Microbreweries in Honolulu
While you’re in Honolulu check out the amazing street art and microbreweries in Kaka’ako. It’s only about a 12 or 13-minute bus ride or uber to Kaka’ako from Ala Moana Mall and definitely worth a look around.
Kaka’ako was an uninteresting industrial area full of warehouses and auto body shops until ten years ago when the first ‘Pow! Wow!’ art festival took place and local and overseas artists created huge colorful murals on building walls all over the area. Each year in February local and international artists take part and create new street art murals. In 2020 ninety artists created new murals – some funky and some classical, but all definitely worth a look.
Along with the street art, the area has also developed an interesting range of microbreweries, speakeasies, and cafes. The area has been involved in beer making since the mid-1900s, so when you’ve seen all the artwork you can, pop into one of these craft breweries and sample some of the specialty beers and whiskeys and interesting food that is produced in the area. Find out more at Murals and Microbreweries.
Submitted by Maureen, So Many Places! So Little Time!
Diving with Manta Rays, Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island is home to one of the most incredible dive and snorkel sites on earth. Every evening, just after dark, bright spotlights, permanently mounted in a broad circle on the sea bed, are lit. The lights soon attract swarms of krill – microscopic creatures that are the main food source for many much larger marine creatures. Divers kneel on the sea bed, just beyond the lights. Snorkelers float above, clinging to large rafts, so they can comfortably see the lights down below. The anticipation builds. Suddenly, enormous alien-like creatures, with 2-meter wide wing spans, swoop out of the darkness, mouth wide open to scoop up the invisible krill. These are manta rays, and seeing them is a truly incredible sight. They glide and swoop in circles, turning upside down near the surface, giving delighted snorkelers a show, and swooping inches from the heads of awe-struck divers.
There are several boat operators that run snorkeling and/or diving trips to see the manta rays. The manta rays visit this site throughout the year. Although sightings are not guaranteed, chances are good of seeing these gentle giants. Boats cannot go out in rough weather though, and January and February tend to have rougher seas. If you are visiting the Big Island, this is an amazing experience not to be missed!
Submitted by James, Travel Collecting
