Each Hawaiian island we visited offered its own version of paradise, creating unforgettable memories at every turn. On the Big Island, we explored the otherworldly landscapes of Kilauea, hiked the Kilauea Iki Trail, wandered through lava tubes, and toured flavorful stops like Greenwell Farms and the Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory—all topped off with a swim alongside wild spinner dolphins. Maui delivered the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation—from learning to surf at Goofy Foot Surf School and winding our way through the lush landscapes of the stunning Road to Hana, to celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks on a sunset dinner cruise and enjoying a traditional luau at The Feast at Lele. We ended our journey on a high note, watching the sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā and biking down the slopes of the volcano—an unforgettable finale to an incredible island experience. Oahu blended history and beauty with visits to Pearl Harbor, a UTV tour at Kualoa Ranch – the real-life Jurassic Park, and iconic sunsets on the North Shore at Sunset Beach and Banzai Pipeline. Kaua’i captivated us with its raw natural beauty, including a thrilling, doors-off helicopter tour over the Na Pali Coast, a bucket-list hike along the Kalalau Trail, and surfing along the golden beaches of Poipu. Every island had its own charm—and together, they left us completely enchanted by the spirit of aloha.
Island Highlights
Here are the highlights for each island based on our 2014 trip to the Big Island and Maui and our 2021 trip to Oahu and Kaua’i. Check out each island blog for detailed itineraries and travel tips.
🌋 Big Island (full blog)
- 🌋 Explore Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, including Kilauea, steam vents, the Kilauea Iki Trail, and Thurston Lava Tube
- 🐬 Swim with wild spinner dolphins
- ☕ Tour at Greenwell Farms, maker of Kona coffee
- 🍫 Tour at the Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory
- 🍺 Sample local brews at Kona Brewing Co. — Liquid Aloha at its finest
- 🖤 Walk the sands of Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
- 📍Visit Ka Lae (South Point) — the southernmost tip of the U.S.
🌴 Maui (full blog)
- 🌿 Scenic drive along the legendary Road to Hana with stops at iconic spots like Waiʻanapanapa State Park, Wailua Falls, Koki Beach, and Oheo Gulch
- 🐢 Snorkel with turtles in secret coves like Honokeana Bay
- 🏄♂️ Surfing lesson at Goofy Foot Surf School in Lahaina — we both stood up on our first try!
- 🌺 Traditional luau at The Feast at Lele
- 🚢 Dinner cruise on the 4th of July with fireworks over Lahaina
- 🌅 Sunrise at Haleakalā and an unforgettable bike ride down the volcano
- 🍰 Black Pearl dessert at famous beachfront Mama’s Fish House
- 🎩 A magic show at Kupanaha, right at our resort
🦕 O’ahu (full blog)
- 🦕 Off-road through movie backdrops on a UTV tour at Kualoa Ranch, film location for Jurassic Park, Lost and more
- 🎖️ Visit Pearl Harbor, including the USS Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri
- 🥾 Hike both Diamond Head and Manoa Falls for great views and jungle vibes
- 🧘 Walk the peaceful grounds of the Byodo-In Temple in the Valley of the Temples, film location from Lost
- 🏄♂️ Watch world-class surfers take on waves at Banzai Pipeline
- 🎥 Dine at Roy’s Beach House, a film location from Forgetting Sarah Marshall
🚁 Kaua’i (full blog)
- 🚁 Soar above the island on a doors-off helicopter tour
- 🥾 Hike the Kalalau Trail along the Na Pali Coast to Hanakapi’ai Falls
- 🌄 Visit the breathtaking Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”
- 🏄♀️ Surf in Poipu
- 🌺 Sip coffee and pastries at Imua Coffee Roasters to start each day
💡Hawaii Travel Tips
- 🚗 Rent a car (convertible if you can!) on every island—and book early to avoid shortages
- 📲 Download offline maps for Road to Hana, Kalalau Trail & remote areas
- ⏰ Start hikes early to beat the heat, crowds, and afternoon rain
- 🥾 Wear grippy shoes—many trails (like Hanakapiʻai & Pipiwai) get muddy
- 🦟 Bring bug spray and reef-safe sunscreen for hikes and beach days
- 🏄♀️ Try surfing lessons—Goofy Foot (Maui) and Poipu (Kaua‘i) are great for beginners
- 🐢 Snorkel with sea turtles at hidden gems like Honokeana Bay in Maui
- 🍽️ Make reservations early for top spots like Mama’s Fish House & Roy’s Beach House
- 🍍 Stop at roadside stands for fresh fruit, coconut ice cream & local flavors
- 🌺 Join cultural activities like lei-making, hula lessons, luaus, and fire shows at your resort
- 🧥 Pack layers for higher elevations like Haleakalā and Volcanoes NP
- 🏝️ Limit your trip to two islands max—spending about a week on each gives you enough time to explore, relax, and soak in the aloha without feeling rushed, especially on your first visit.
Picking an Island to Visit
- 🌴 Maui (our favorite!) – Best for Variety & First-Time Visitors: For a perfect mix of culture, sea life, waterfalls, and tropical vibes, Maui checks every box. Snorkel with turtles, drive the Road to Hana, learn to surf, experience a luau like The Feast at Lele, or catch a sunrise at Haleakalā. It’s great for first-time visitors who want both adventure and relaxation in one island.
- 🥾 Kaua‘i – Best for Hiking & Seclusion: If you’re seeking lush landscapes, jaw-dropping hikes, and a more laid-back, uncrowded vibe, Kaua‘i is your island. Home to the iconic Kalalau Trail, Waimea Canyon, and hidden beaches accessible only by foot or kayak, it’s ideal for outdoor lovers and adventure seekers looking to disconnect and explore untouched beauty.
- 🎥 O‘ahu – Best for History, Film Locations & Energy: History buffs, film fans, and those who love an energetic island with lots to do will love O‘ahu. Visit Pearl Harbor, hike to scenic lookouts like Diamond Head Crater, and go off-roading at Kualoa Ranch, the real-life setting for Jurassic Park. While it’s busier than the other islands, the access to beaches, hikes, museums, and dining makes it worth it. For an island that some people avoid for being more commercialized than the others, it defied our expectations with its stunning natural beauty.
- 🌋 Big Island – Best for Volcanoes & Local Flavors: If you’re fascinated by active volcanoes, rich geology, and authentic local experiences, the Big Island offers a dynamic and diverse adventure. Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, hike through lava tubes, and sample local favorites like Kona coffee, Hawaiian chocolate, fresh fruits, and Kona Brewing Co. beer.
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