If you're on this page and reading this sentence, I'm going to take a wild guess and assume you're interested in Hawaii and the many different exhilarating activities and breathtaking views waiting to be discovered…otherwise you're probably lost. Whenever people share with me their big plans to visit Hawaii, the question of the year is, "Where should I go?" or "What is there to do?". Rest assured. I have an answer. However, before I bombard your eyes with Hawaii's splendor, I want to point out that Hawaii is not only beautiful…it's energizing and stimulating. More often than not, I get comments from people like, "I don't know how you lived in Hawaii your whole life, there is nothing to do after awhile". In fact, just last week I met a boy who transferred from UH because O‘ahu "was too boring. "I find these comments extremely amusing, because Hawaii has everything to do and arguably some of the most beautiful hikes and activities waiting to be explored. With that being said, here is my short personal tip list on places and activities to consider when deciding which island to visit and where to explore.
Tip # 1: Go to Kaua‘i and explore the Na Pali Coast
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…As you can see, the Na Pali Coast is breathtakingly beautiful, however reaching this beauty is the hard part. For all the physically fit/aspiring to be fit people out there, hike down the lush river valley to Hanakapi‘ai, and enjoy the magnificent waterfalls and rivers along the way to the beach. But if you're not aspiring to be fit (I understand), enjoy the view from the many different tour boats available. Or, if you're like my parents, ride a helicopter and catch every glimpse of the Na Pali Coast in all its glory. I was fortunate enough to take this picture while on a cruise, however it's on my bucket list to do the eight mile hike. Nevertheless, just go to Kaua‘i. I personally think Kaua‘i is the most beautiful island of all the Hawaiian Islands, and I have every intention of living there when I retire.
Tip # 1A: Also, while you're in Kaua‘i, do yourself a favor and make an appearance at these places
Tip # 2: Zip Line in Maui, enjoy the Road to Hana, and watch them whales
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So for the adrenaline junkies out there, Maui is probably your spot. I've been to Maui three times now, and each time I made it a point to let Jesus take the rope and zip-line. Although zip-lining attracts a certain kind of person and is reserved for the brave and courageous, I can't even explain how exhilarating and freeing it is to soar through nature with your head tilted back. Nevertheless if you're one of those ridiculous people who don't feel comfortable putting your life on the line (literally), I suggest you drive down the famous windy road to Hana, and witness Maui's beauty at its finest. Or you can hike to the many spectacular waterfalls along the road to Hana. Or you can go whale watching. Or you can drive up to Haleakala and watch the sunrise. You get the point….Maui has a lot to do. Here are some pics I took on my last trip to Maui:
Tip # 3: Cleanse yourself in Kona's Waters or cliff jump into it
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Kona is located on the Big Island (Island of Hawai‘i), and has the most clear, pristine, and clean ocean water in the World. Maybe I'm being a tad bit exaggerative, but the salt water is pretty damn clean. In fact, if you're doubting my credibility, according to USA TODAY,"It is known as the Kona Coast and offers some of the best snorkeling sports on the big island including Mahukona Beach park, Maikaiwa Bay, Honaunau Bay, and Kealakekua Bay." Now that my trust has been established, Kona is rocky, which means cliff jumping. Whether you're at "End of the World" or South Shore, there will always be intimidating rocks waiting for you to jump from. This past summer I was fortunate enough to visit my friend in Kona, and a large portion of the trip consisted of jumping off of large scary cliffs (as proven by my cover photo), which I don't regret at all. Nevertheless, if you don't enjoy insane wedgies and bruises from the impact of the water, you can always visit the world's largest active volcano, Kilauea, in Hilo. Seems to be a major attraction…
Tip # 4: Go to O‘ahu, prepare for traffic, and do not stay in Waikiki
Although O‘ahu is easily the most developed and "city-like" of all the Hawaiian Islands, O‘ahu is still magnificent nonetheless. I would know because I was born and raised on the island of O‘ahu, and I'm still discovering hidden places and things to do every day. As mentioned on the title header, a fun fact is that O‘ahu is actually 2nd to L.A. for the worst traffic. To further explain, it would take me about an hour or so to get home from town after school, and I actually quit my job in town this past summer, considering my gas expenses exceeded what I was getting paid. Therefore I was working to drive to work…really enjoyed that time in my life. However, besides the horrific traffic, O‘ahu has a plethora of tourist attractions available, and is home to some of the prettiest and powerful beaches in my biased opinion. It also arguably has the best "night life" of all the Hawaiian Islands. My friends and I never run out of things to do and hikes/beaches to explore. Because O‘ahu is my home turf, I could suggest lookouts, physical/hard hikes, easy hikes, calm beaches, don't go in the water unless you want to die beaches, etc. However one suggestion I will make very clear is….DO NOT STAY IN WAIKIKI YOUR ENTIRE STAY. As much as I also love crowded busy streets and ocean water made up of sunscreen and urine, I do sometimes prefer otherwise - as I hope you do as well. With that being said, do yourself a favor and go to North Shore. Whether you're snorkeling at 3 tables, jumping off of rocks at Waimea, taking pictures with the turtles at Laniakea beach, or watching the deadly surf at Pipeline….you'll find your fave place. Because I love my home so much and can't decide on one pic…here is a slideshow of what I like to do when I'm home: