Been here twice. Be there before 5.30 to catch the glorious sunrise. Very cold weather & windy, prepare very thick jacket, pants & hat + sunglass! Hotel blanket will be useful :)
The sunset from Haleakala is good too--and you don't have to worry about leaving well before dawn to get there in time! (and no bikers.)
Amazingly fresh fish for under $12. The chef-owner personally delivers each dish and explains the preparation. More places to eat like a local: tandl.me/12ufz7c
A great vantage point for seeing humpback whales from land. Turn off the highway at the gravel road — parking on the side of Honoapi‘ilani Hwy is not allowed.
Award-winning D.T. Fleming beach is a must! Great for snorkeling, boogie boarding and stunning views of Honolua Bay. Facilities include BBQs and picnic areas for a full day of fun in the sun!
The best snorkeling we have found in the area. You will see a turtle or two almost every day. Try Merriman's for a cocktail and enjoy the sunset view from the first row ♥
Go snorkeling here! Saw a turtle, three(!) different eels, & a ton of fish. Head down while it's raining (you're going to get wet anyways) & you might score a parking spot. Rinse station for your gear
Did you know that Waimoku Falls, Maui's largest accessible waterfall, is the highest of the 7 pools of Oheo Gulch, and features a 4 mile roundtrip hike? Just be careful, and mind the 400 foot drop!
Best consistency of shave ice that we've found in Hawaii. No HFC. Don't forget the mochi.
This place is amazing! If you get there on the later side, some of the selection may be gone (especially the greens from his home garden), but everything we had was incredibly tasty! -- The Mayor
Many visitors and locals consider Makena their personal favorite beach, and for good reason. Golden sands extending nearly a mile long make Makena the perfect location for a sunset stroll. Read more.
No fresh showers nor full bathrooms (port-a-potty) so plan accordingly. The beach makes it worth it. Big beach is excellent!
Good place to catch waves for bodysurfing or boogie boarding. Just make sure not to faceplant close to shore... little too gravelly. ;-)
"Pastoral remoteness prevails in this upcountry community of old flower farms, humble cottages, and newer ranch houses." - Frommer's
Definitely take the walking tour, and after that, grab a cup of freshly-steeped lavender tea and some fresh lavender scones and just soak in the atmosphere. Life is good.
Costs $3/person to enter, but there isn't much to see unless maybe you pay for one of the tours. Pretty much just a gift shop, you can buy some tea and scones, and a rather small garden walk.
Expect it to be raining. One of the most beautiful and wet locations on Maui.
Incredible hike with amazing views. The beginning is the most challenging part. A must do while in Maui.
Everything is pretty much at Pukalani Terrace, what's not there is nearby in any direction from there. Grew up in Pukalani the Terrace was out hangout. Pool is across the street for hot days.
Another side of Maui. Spectacular bi-coastal views and delicious fresh eats from the farm. Knowledgable staff with Aloha!
Next time I get to Maui, I'm going to forget going all the way to Hana and just spend hours here.
Heed all signs and warning about flash floods and climbing around rocks. People die from being stupid. Read more.
Best with kids, has showers, restrooms, sandy bottom, good snorkeling, not so heavy waves, always a place to park, just go and enjoy!
If you go out directly between Mokapu and Ulua, you'll find great snorkeling on the reef. Turtle cleaning station at the second reef, but deep. Might need scuba gear. Read more.
"Half-day hike descends into crater and returns. Trailhead between mile markers 14 and 15. 2.25 miles round trip. Lots of switchbacks and views, native flowers, usually misty and cool."
"Half-day hike, 5 miles down and back. Trailhead at Haleakala Visitor Center. Alien landscape of reddish black cinders, lava bombs, silverswords. Solitude and silence. Turn back at the crater floor."
"Grande dame of Maui's visual arts scene. Exhibits always satisfying. Elegant Mediterranean-style villa designed in 1917. Can arrange tours on 24 hours notice, $12."
Starts off Highway 30. Follows ancient Hawaiian coastal footpath. Cool blowhole turnoff before mile 20. Drive thru Kahakuloa.
Don't assume there's no close parking. Saw many people trekking from Hana Hwy but there is a pretty large parking area 2-3 miles down the dirt road. It's a dirty, dusty, nasty hike. No beach access.
"Working nursery and a quiet forested space with two labyrinths and a Buddha barden. Nice open space to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of lower Makawao."
Take your time and take plenty of photos. Explore the side paths, there are lots if hidden treasures.
The receptionists will give you free fish food for the Koi Pond if you ask for it.
Enjoy this hidden gem when trade winds are light for an ideal place to boogie board without large crowds.
Bring a lunch & your camera. It's a great way to break up the Hana drive w/lots of opportunities to take great pics of the cliffs, waterfalls, flowers/trees. Worth the money--Beautifully maintained
Local products. Get yourself some ice cold coconuts and wander around exploring the local goodies.
The lilikoi cheesecake is amazing, actually everything is amazing! You can't go wrong!
Saimin is Hawaiian comfort food - long, soft, crinkly Chinese-style noodles in a Japanese-style broth, topped with green onion, slices of fish cake, bits of luncheon meat
Great environment. Food was really good. Pig and chicken were best. Open bar of cocktails, beer, and wine was a plus. Good show. Overall great experience. Definitely recommending this one.
“I Hidden pottery studio and gallery overflows with colorful vases, mugs bowls and tiles.”
Amazing free rum tastings on the 1/2 hour. Sign up at the gift shop. They have packing sleeves and flight-sized bottles if you want to take rum home. Don't miss out on the coffee dark & spiced rums!
Cute little train ride. Would recommend more for those with children. Get to feed goats, wild pigs and chickens which was a treat for the kids.
This is an awesome farmers market - fresh local fruit & salad, fresh noni shots, art, handmade organic skin care
Clear or rainy, that's an amazing trail to do! Just beautiful nature everywhere. And a highly spiritual place!
Come from 5-9 to see all the shops and vendors along the road. If you want to eat I would come early, so you don't have to wait in line. There is one restaurant and several food trucks.
I wish I knew about this place earlier -- I would've stayed here my entire stay in Kauai. local, chilled out beach town with great restaurants and plenty of beach access. Not a resort town.
We came here for breakfast every day of the trip. Try their homemade banana bread and cold brew. The avocado toast with poached egg on fresh bread was delicious. Lots of locals so you know it’s good.
One of the coolest surf towns I have ever visited. There are not a lot of tourist traps here. Just a laid back island feel with beautiful beaches and a mountain back drop.
POKE BOWL FTW! Get the wasabi sauce, one scoop of rice is plenty, all the poke is delicious. Avocado super fresh, spicy and wasabi also top notch.
Touristy, but free hula show every Wednesday at 5pm. Get there early for a seat.
Sunset was amazing here. Got to the south tip for best view of the sunset. We saw a double rainbow over Waimea while the sun set over Ni'ihau!!
It's the only bookstore on the island and the most western bookstore in the US which is cool...but just about every book is brand new. I was hoping to get a cool used book but oh well.
Brah, grab a bento from their premade section in the back, or grab a number and order a killah plate lunch. Huge portions.
On your way out to Waimea Canyon, stop by this local favorite for Hawaii's famous shave ice. Expect long lines.
The Date with Fate and Passion Fruit Hoot are both delicious. Well worth stopping by!
Wear good shoes with plenty of traction. Sandy paths with lava rock strewn in. Beautiful views and plenty of access to lower trails.
Fresh, top-quality organic ingredients and hand-shaved ice served out of a gleaming, 1961 Aristocrat Lil Loafer trailer. Parked outside Warehouse 3540.
I wouldn't stop here for more than five minutes to grab some quick photos. Good enough to just drive through.
A place for fresh fish to grill or eat. Hook a deal on swordfish, yellowfin, moonfish, wahoo and smoked fish such as marlin, salmon and ahi. Try a cold or hot plate to go; the menu varies day to day.
Great poke counter with a ton of toppings. Spicy ahi of course. $10 will feed you nicely. Good spot for a snack close to the airport
Consistently voted one of the top beaches in the U.S., Hapuna is the largest white sand beach on the island, with showers, picnic pavilions and turquoise water, making it well worth the parking fee.
Soft, white sand beach great for snorkeling. Enter from the shallow beach area and swim near the rocks on either end of the beach. Saw so many fishes here!
Amazing snorkeling and a beautiful monument to Captain Cook. A bit of damage from the earthquake. Get there early to avoid crowds.
Still an island staple for decades. Best in the islands and a must-taste for anyone in Kona!
Always get the ice cream in the middle! Best place for shave ice, expect a line, but well worth it!
There's a cool cove at N end of beach: walk N toward the hotel, then W along the trail at hotel lawn edge. Look down. There it is! Swim N just outside the cove for relatively neat & easy snorkeling.
Good sand beaches, but no real shade. Spencer beach is better and more comfortable. Body surfing and rip tides are the only two reasons to go to this beach.
Beautiful and fairly short hike. Bring lots of water and sunscreen, as it gets hot in the crater. Lots of switchbacks through the rainforest are a welcome cool off.
The southern most point in the US. Believed to be where the Hawaiians first landed between 400 and 800AD. Amazing view of nothing but ocean from this spot to Antarctica. Read more.
This thing is only open on Wednesdays between 10 and 2. Don’t get your hopes up! Plus, the address is wrong. You need to put the Sheraton resort in your GPS to find it
A variety of local farmers and culinary offerings each Saturday morning. Grab a fresh breakfast from one of the local booths, then pick up some fruits, honey or coffee to go.
'One of the most scenic roads of the Big Island. Combine this road with a visit to the nearby hot springs' https://www.lovebigisland.com/seven-day-itinerary-for-big-island-hawaii/
'4-mile Scenic Route just outside of Hilo, a winding, magical drive along the coast. Along the way: World Botanical Gardens (lush fern forests) & famous falls at UmaUma Falls, ‘Akaka Falls State Park
Famous across Hawaii for their malasadas, this is a quick stop off the highway. Malasadas are Portuguese donuts with no hole, filled with an assortment of cream or fruit jelly. Sweet and yummy!
The largest valley on the island, Waipio is an impressive sight. You can catch views of waterfalls and the black sand beach from here. Only 4x4 vehicles and strong hikers are allowed down the road.
Wow! Akaka falls is stunning especially after a good rain storm. Very easy hike to lookout. Don’t bother with Kahana falls. Not much to see.
Wednesday is the day to hit the largest farmer's market on the island. Come in the morning for the best selection. You're bound to find a fruit or vegetable you've never seen before. Souvenirs galore.
Easily accessible snorkeling spot in Kona, with clear water. Great for families, shallow with lots of fish. On the north side of the beach along the highway you'll find surf lessons and gear rentals.
Not a white sand beach so bring water shoes to walk around and prevent cuts on your feet. Watch where you step. Things that look like rocks are actual living coral. Preserve this gorgeous place!
"Large playground, with its colorful fun zones, offers hours of fun and activity for kids of all ages... great picnic area with picnic tables and large benches"
'With a multi-story castle theme, this playground is perfect for your little knights to climb, explore and run around. This playground was ranked as number 11 of the top 50 playgrounds in the U.S.'
"3,700-square- foot playground, innovative and safe structures (including ropes, rails and ladders)"
Great for kids. Safe, sand, some shade. Plenty of parking makes this a top family beach.
This place is a gem ... a very well protected sandy cove for the kids & an ocean beach, shade, full restroom and many great views. There was a wedding going on on the grassy bluff when we visited.
Great hiking trail over lava fields and through islands of forests called kipukas.
Very family friendly beach and campground. Picnic ramada has wi-fi so you can get away from it all and check in with the outside world when you need to.
