The Beauty of Hawaii
Ten days on Two Islands ♥ A glorious adventure in the lush lands of Hawaii.
I first would like to share with deep sadness and a heart for the community of Maui living and working in Lahaina, and other areas affected by the tragic fires that occurred on Aug of 2023; this trip was prior. I was lucky enough to travel and see the beauty, vibrant life, and kindness of this community. The devastation by fire – breaks my heart. Nothing but love and uplifting thoughts to those impacted. (Please note some of the adventures may have been affected by this devastation and no longer available.)
This post of adventures while enjoying the Island Life will not be the usual itinerary with a daily breakdown. I am going to share some facts and hopefully share some fun ideas for your Island trip! I hope you enjoy this half as much as I did while reminiscing this beautiful vacation ♥
Oahu – Honolulu/Waikiki
Is the third largest Island and one of the most vibrant, lively, and popular destination for travelers. It has large crowds, delicious food, all night hangs, shopping malls, beautiful sandy beaches, culture, fun, fun and did I mention FUN!
I enjoyed the vibrant life and the people watching was endless!
Hotel & Stay
Believe it or not, I am not big on crowds so I found it quite surprising how much I LOVED Oahu, the fun hype of Honolulu, and the crowds of Waikiki. But with preparation knowing I may need some calm after travel and busy touristy days, we choose to stay on the calmer end of the Waikiki.
We booked a lovely boutique hotel with partial ocean views and facing Diamond Head. The hotel and location were PERFECT! Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head is truly a treasure. Staff was excellent, amenities plenty, small private beach access, free bike loans, espresso in rooms, and a beautifully chic restaurant and bar with fabulous views of the ocean.
Enjoying an early morning espresso while looking out at the views of Diamond Head and the ocean was the best part of my mornings ♥
Exploring Waikiki ♥
A Day Exploring Waikiki ♥
I had an absolutely fabulous day adventuring on bike and foot through Waikiki. I was able to check out a complimentary bike from our lovely hotel. First stop, a leisurely 13-minute ride to the KCC Cactus Garden.
I Then I headed toward the beach and enjoyed a delicious Macadamia Nut Latte (locals suggestion.) I also enjoyed some people watching, beach walking, shopping, and overall just simply enjoying the kickback hustle of Waikiki.
A favorite memory is biking through Waikiki, stopping for coffee, walking the beach, and exploring the most beautiful shopping center, International Market Place. As you wonder about perusing the open-air shops, delicious dinning, and all the amenities this market has to offer you will be amazed by the lush gardens, architectural structures, art, and relaxing vibrancy of this place. It is a MUST SEE even if you are not a shopper.
I truly recommend dedicating time to exploring Waikiki on bike and foot. So much to take in and savor ♥
Dole Plantation
Next on the itinerary the Dole Plantation. Even if you visit only for the Dole Ice Cream, it is worth the visit! Entrance to the Plantation is FREE, and you have access to walk the main grounds and see beautiful gardens as well as vibrant sprouting pineapples ♥ You can take a narrated train tour, but tickets must be purchased in person, so on a busy day be prepared to wait. We opted to explore the grounds on our own and that did not disappoint! The food from the cafeteria grille was equally enjoyable and surprisingly deliciously yummy (as all the other food we had on the island was.) There is also a great shop to stock up on all things Pineapple!
Next Stop: Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Admission to National Memorial museums & grounds are free.
Open 7 days a week 7:00 AM- 5:00 PM. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.
Albeit, a tourist destination this Memorial is moving and full of history and insightful truth about the heartache of war and honoring those who lost their lives on that devastating day, December 7, 1941. Although, there is no entry fee and no ticket required to see the museums, to board the USS Arizona Memorial (which includes watching a detailed short film) you will need to make reservations. To learn more about the reservations policy click HERE
There are additional museums you can pay to tour such as the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, Battleship Missouri Memorial , and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. Cost varies per museum or you can choose the Passport purchase that gets you into each. For more details check HERE.
After the solemn and touching visit at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, it was time to hit that beautiful volcanic peak I had been gazing at the last couple of days –
Diamond Head ♥
Diamond Head State Monument is Open: 6:00am – 6:00pm. Cost: $5 – $10. Please make note that there is an entry and parking fee for non-residences wishing to visit, so be sure to click HERE for details if you plan to go! Visitor’s Center is Open from 7 am to 3:30 pm and offers tours until 2 pm.
This Moderate hike to the Summit of Diamond Head is worth the effort! There is a tunnel leading into the park, concrete paths, stairs, and amazing coastal views of Waikiki. It is truly a fun hike and has much to explore. It does get crowded at the peak so be sure to be kind and take turns ♥
Unforgettable Oahu Visit’s
Okay, now onto the top two of my FAVORITE places we visited while in Oahu. The Byodo-In Temple and Kualoa Ranch ♥ Putting these on your trip itinerary is a must! The ranch is about 8 miles from the Temple so we planned both on the same day.
Byodo-In Temple
Located in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. Entrance is only $5 and gives access to other amazingly beautiful and lush gardens and burial estates. You can spend hours walking these gorgeous grounds of the Valley of Temples, stroll while taking in all the beauty as well as culture and heritage of this magnificent park.
For more park info and to purchase tickets you can click HERE. I recommend bringing a blanket and picnic to enjoy. There is a peace and sacredness around this entire park that embodies the richness of faith for all.
Kualoa Ranch Nature Reserve. A stunningly beautiful 4000 acres of sacred lands. Many movies and television series have been filmed here too!
I recommend booking one of the many adventures in advance, they can sell out. The Ranch offers tours on bikes, tours on horseback, tours on UTVs, Tours on busses, tours on boats, and many other adventures to choose from and with different price ranges to fit your budget! For more info and booking click HERE.
We opted for the Jungle Expedition Tour and for $51.95 a person and it did not disappoint! It was over 90 minutes through dense and vast deep jungle with walks up to a mountain peak overlooking the ocean as well as a few movie set stops ♥
The ride was fun, open-aired, and beautiful. The driver/tour guide had many dad jokes in his arsenal that kept our group laughing. The perfect soundtrack of music played as we rode along the dirt roads and paths, in and out of the jungle. These touches made for a fun and memorable experience.
Island Yums!
Now let’s talk about the food of Honolulu – Yum ♥ We ate at many establishments, of which I did not get pictures or forgot to save location as they were often on the go. But I did not complain once about what we had to eat, drink, or treats to refresh, as everything was delicious. Including the 7-Eleven teriyaki flavored musubi we had (I kid not; GET SOME!)
Upon Landing in Oahu, we headed from the Honolulu International Airport (which was lovely and easy to navigate) to find some coffee and lunch. We decided to try a cute place, not too far from our hotel, called Aloha Pineapple Cafe. Not only was the name fitting but the Yelp reviews were great! It is a cute little beach house-looking café with delicious food that is packaged up nicely for those on the go.
The next shoutout goes to Sweet E’s Cafe ♥ We loved this place so much that we returned Two mornings in a row. My traveling partner is the type that does not like to wait long for food but we were happily waiting our 30+ minutes to enjoy their food! A good Eggs Benedict is a fav of mine and theirs was fabulous.
Then there was the “YOU MUST” have a Lava Flow Cocktail while in Hawaii, so what better place to try one than Duke’s Waikiki? Although, I don’t recall how good the food was the drink and their famous Hula Pie were killer!
Can we talk about a delicious bowl of Ramen? YES, we can! We found just that by seeking out the locals favorite spots and came upon Ono-Ya Ramen. The vibe, food, service, and sake, were equally perfect for what we were in the mood for.
And let’s not forget to mention Hawaiian Shaved Ice ♥ We had our fair share, and personally, my favorite was the ice with fruit and condensed milk. But I was more than happy to enjoy them ALL! These tasty treats pictured below are from Jejubing Dessert Cafe, it is located in the Ala Moana Center, so if you have a fancy for shopping definitely take the time to stop in for this refreshing yum.
Before we move on to the next island, I would like to pay tribute to “The Duke”. Duke Kahanamoku was a talented Olympic swimmer who popularized the sport of surfing and brought it to the attention of the world. He embodied the spirit of “Aloha” and always treated everyone with love and respect. The statue at Kapiolani Park is believed to represent him welcoming everyone with open arms, as that was his nature.
MAUI – Lahaina/Makawao
As beautiful as Oahu is, Maui may exceed any comparisons. There is a calmness and grace that shines even through the scattered showers on this island that seems to be touched by the heavens. It is lush and dense with a wild nature that blooms with vibrant color and life.
We took a short flight over from Oahu that was just over an hour. Of course you need time to navigate airports, wait for rental car, and such, but starting out early to insure you still have a full day of sites and adventure is more than doable!
Hotel Stay 1
While in Lahaina we decided to lodged at the Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas. It was a Beautiful resort-like atmosphere with efficient concierge service, shuttles to local shopping centers, an onsite restaurant with a beautiful view, numerous pools and spas, and beachfront access! (Which I took advantage of daily.)
The grounds were vibrant, clean, and lovely. I loved walking the facilities and capturing all the stunning growth. We had a no-hot water issue in the first villa we were assigned, but staff quickly corrected this and moved us to a newly remolded unit with a ground-floor patio and garden view. (I suggest requesting the ground floor garden view) It was lovely and more private. I was delighted with the change.
After a brisk morning walk around the lush property, I’d take in the ocean views while enjoying a cup of their lobby brewed coffee ☼
Evening activities while in Lahaina included a walk along Front Street, to visit all the quaint shops and seek out some gifts and souvenirs. We strolled along the front street pier (that has sadly since been destroyed by the 2023 fires.)
We then enjoyed an amazing Luau where we were seated outside with panoramic views of the Maui Ocean. It had exciting entertainment, tasty beverages, and delicious food! This Luau takes you on a tour of the Polynesian cuisine and culture. It was truly an Island experience ♥ Unfortunately, Feast at LELE is temporarily closed, but it is a MUST to book once they are open! (I wish them a speedy recovery)
A fun touch for your tropical vacation is to coordinate some vibrant fashions. I found my cute red ruffle button jumper (just don’t forget to wear the adorable matching waist tie, like I did) and his color coordinated shirt on Amazon, for a great price too!
In addition to the spectacular view, food, drink, and entertainment, they had beautiful handmade items that local craftsmen were selling on the beach. In between courses and shows you can meander a few steps and peruse the little unique beach market. I purchased a hand-carved Big Kahuna Tiki for my dad, George ♥ I was engaged and entertained watching this gentleman work so effortlessly crafting this beautiful keepsake. Start to finish the Feast at LELE was a delightful cultural experience.
Maui Adventures!
Snorkling and Snuba
Now on to adventurous excursions (please note I highly recommend booking all excursions and adventures in advance. I saw numerous people trying to book and join sold-out activities and the disappointment is real. A little planning and organizing are always worth it!)
First a snuba adventure with Trilogy. We opted for the trip to Molokini because swimming with turtles and visiting this middle-of-the-ocean volcano crater sounded like a true adventure. (Unfortunately, the day we headed out it was windy so the boat rocked a bit, and much of the sand in the ocean got kicked around, but we still saw and swam with some beautiful sea life.)
When I was seeking out a snorkeling tour, I chose Trilogy for the overall premium experience. The boats looked beautiful, the family recipe of handmade cinnamon buns was enticing, the island-themed adult beverages, and an afternoon full-plated meal. Let’s just say despite the weather, we were not disappointed! It was a memorable and well-rounded experience. TRAVEL TIP: If you are like me and tend to get seasickness, I’d like to share a remedy learned from experience. Take a Less Drowsy Dramamine the night before your trip and another half in the early morning (only if you tend to get pretty sick.) It was a game-changer for me!
Zip Lining
Next on the Itinerary of fun, we have Zip Lining! It was a surprise adventure for my travel partner’s Birthday Extravaganza! I made a big deal of the day and called it as such because he’s not big on celebrating and that-is just crazy beans to me. Birthdays MUST be celebrated, and in high fashion, or in-this-case with adventure ♥ I booked Skyline Hawaii the Haleakala Zip Tour. It is right along the Haleakala National Park (which sadly, we did not make it to, but that’s okay, gives cause for another trip!) Note: Helmets are nonnegotiable, even if you don’t look like a supermodel in them. So just, strut that style and smile!
Lunchtime!
After a fun morning of hiking and ziplining, it was onto a surprise birthday lunch at the famous Hali’imaile General Store, (reservations are needed) and yes birthday afternoon desserts were a must! If you do decide to venture this way be sure to stop in and see some art and real-life glass blowing at the Makai Glass Maui located directly across the street. We spent over an hour watching some beautiful pieces being created.
Lodging on the calmer-side of the Island ♥
As planned, we stayed our last couple of days and nights on the secluded side of the island, which is dense with farmland and tropical plants. The small towns with small populations were very welcoming to tourists and it was lovely and relaxing.
I booked a gorgeous and rural inn in the quaint town of Makawao, called North Shore Lookout, and it was the perfect lodging to wind down our Hawaiian adventure. This beautiful boutique bed and breakfast has it all. Coastline views, mountains, serenity, and proximity to a wonderful little town. The upscale continental breakfast was perfect, chilled drinks available for your pleasure were a bonus, and the property has a lagoon-style pool and spa, outdoor firepit, and patio with grill. There is not enough I could say about this lovely piece of paradise ♥
Our next adventure – Road to Hana but first, Fresh Coconuts! (I wore a few kimono’s in this tropical paradise. It was one of my favorite style accessories looked cute over a swimsuit, shorts or jeans!)
Road to Hana ♥
The gloriously coastal and scenic 64-mile route called Road to Hana is easily one of the top, day road trips I have ever taken! We were coming from the town of Makawao and the entrance to the road is in Kahului. Although due to road damage and some construction, we were not able to drive Hana in its entirety, it was the grandest 4 hours of leisure driving I have ever had.
It is like a smooth swaying road into a dense tropical forest with plenty of places to stop and pop out for a picture, a quick hike into the forest, and even lots of snacks! Be sure to do some research to check out all the stops along the way and maybe highlight a few of your favs because there will be something beckoning you at every turn. Here’s a quick and easy guide by the blog Peanuts or Pretzels to start your RTH planning ♥
Rain and waterfalls and forest and rainbow eucalyptus oh my!
Beautiful Maui Dining – Mama’s Fish House
Although we grabbed bites to eat along the way and stopped for meals here and there while in Maui, Mama’s Fish House shines above all the other restaurants ♥
located in Paia, is this beautiful and extremely popular (and for good reason) restaurant. Don’t let the name fool you into thinking this is going to be a dive bar or fish-n-chips experience. This is Island dining at its best! Located on the shore of the Maui Ocean this open-aired building with views and exposure to the Island was incredible!
Book In Advance!
This place is popular and sought after for many reasons including the cuisine, that reservations are usually booked a year in advance! We thought we had booked a dinner reservation, but soon realized that it was booked for the following year. However, we arrived as soon as they opened and explained the situation to the exterior hostess. She was kind enough to get us an early dinner reservation for the following night, although it was not in the main dining room and was a small table off to the end of their bar. Nevertheless, the experience was absolutely stunning.
The walk along the beach to the restaurant, the savory cuisine, and the service were all top-notch and deserving of a 5-star rating, (chef’s kiss). The vibrant tropical décor was in every little detail, just as each bite of our meal was a savory satisfaction. You can see, taste, and feel the heart and passion that is in this Restaurant. Be sure to book early and save some $$$$ for this meal, because it is worth it!
Beautiful oceanfront property of restaurant and the Inn. Yes there is a Mama’s Inn too!
A Hui Hou (Until We Meet Again)
And with that, our final evening in Maui was enjoyed with this special dinner and then we headed back to our quaint and rural bed and breakfast, for a relaxing soak in the spa. Gazing at the beautiful night sky and feeling renewed, enriched, and grateful that the beauty of Hawaii graciously welcomed us with her Aloha spirit ♥
Morning Brews
Each morning during our stay we could order a specialty espresso from their kitchen. This shot is from our last morning on this beautiful Island.
I look forward to returning and exploring the culture and beauty of Hawaii. Until then this trip and the memories will stay weaved in my heart full of mahalo.
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