I have been to Hawaii twice and I absolutely love it! I have heard people say the flights are too long or its too expensive but trust me-it is worth it! I have also heard its sun and beach which you can get on the mainland but trust me-it is not Florida or California. The weather is perfect with 80 degrees even in August, there are different terrains on the various islands with mountains, volcanoes and waterfalls. Hawaiians are extremely friendly and inviting and Polynesian food and drinks are delicious!
The last time I was in Hawaii I was able to spend some time on the island of Maui. I experienced so much in a few days that I thought I would share the things you must do while visiting this breathtaking island.
1) Take a tour up to the Haleakala summit to watch the sunrise. This is without a doubt one of the best things I have ever experienced. Even more so since I was able to do it with my Mother. Make sure to dress warm since temps up there can be 40 degrees or less even in the summer! One of my favorite lines was asking one of the tour guides “what is all that fluffy white stuff?”. His answer- “umm the clouds!” Besides being in an airplane I have never seen or come close to clouds! Watching the skyline go from complete darkness to the wide range of colors while the sun rose was magnificent.
2) Hang out on Kanaapali beach. I was lucky enough to stay on this beach. There are paths that lead to a cute downtown area with shops and restaurants and it is a great place to go star gazing at night and watch all the surfers which leads me to #3..
3) Go surfing! It is Hawaii after all. I cant say that I did this but people that I watched taking lessons seem to enjoy it! There are lessons for pros or beginners available.
4) Go to a Luau. This is a Hawaiian tradition and not to be missed. I suggest researching the different ones available in your area for price and location. I definitely recommend doing one on the beach at sunset. Expect tasty traditional foods such as poi (made from the taro plant), Lomilomi salmon, poke-a salad with tuna and spices, and of course pork from the Kalua pig which is cooked underground. There is also entertainment including live music and flame throwers that make it a night to remember.
5) Take the road to Hana. The drive is long and winding on cliffs, pass waterfalls, lush tropical landscape and with ocean views! I took a tour to Hana but many tourists rent there own car and do the drive themselves. It is not for the faint of heart but absolutely worth the trip!
6) While in Hana visit the black sanded beaches! Due to lava from the volcanoes the sand is black and the water has a grey hue. Beautiful, unique and so calming!
7) Visit the seven sacred pools. These are waterfalls that empty into pools which empty out into the ocean. You can climb down and go for a magnificent swim in the fresh, cool water.
8) Watch the sunset every night from everywhere! The beautiful colors and the uninterrupted views watching the sun disappear beyond the ocean is memorable to say the least.
9) Eat macadamia nuts! I can not believe I did not take any pics of these! There are roasted macadamia nuts, chocolate covered ones, macadamia crusted fish at food stands and restaurants and my favorite-macadamia nut ice cream! I was seen eating chocolate macadamia nut ice cream at the airport terminal prior to boarding my flight!
10) Relax and Enjoy! Hawaii and Maui in particular are the perfect places to relax and unplug. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings and people all around you. While going through pics I found my first selfie taken with my camera and both arms stretched out! lol I was trying to capture the colorful plants behind me!
Have you been to Maui? If so share your thoughts with us!
N.S.W.
This is such an awesome list of things to do in Hawaii. I would love to take the kids. I’ll be referring back when I get to go.
Hi Adanna! Thank you! I am sure you all would love it!
Yes, I’ve been to Maui and it was AMAZING. I did the road to Hana, and it was just amazing. I wish I had left earlier so I could really stay longer at each stop. I stayed in Lahaina, where I could walk to everything and enjoy the best hamburger I’ve EVER eaten in my life at the Cool Cat Cafe. I definitely want to go back again. It was actually more affordable than I thought for flight and hotel, but the food is extremely expensive. I stayed in a condo rental at the Outrigger Aina Nalu , and cooked most of my meals, and ate out a few nights a week to balance it all out. Overall one of the BEST trips of my life.
That all sounds so wonderful! I agree some aspects are expensive but so worth it. I need to explore apartment rentals more to cut costs. Thx for reading!
I have only been to Kauai but I am desperate to see the other islands. I actually want to do an island-hop 🙂 Your pictures are beautiful, especially the sunrise. Looks like you had an amazing time!
Thank you! yes we did! I have heard great things about Kauai so I definitely want to go there and to the Big Island.
OK. So now I’m on travel sites trying to book a trip to Maui! Haha! Thanks!
lol Ashley you should! It is amazing!
Stunning photos! I have to make my way to Hawaii next year. I would love to watch the sunrise at Haleakala summit and visit the seven sacred pools. Until I have the opportunity, I will have to return to these photos and live vicariously through them. Happy Wednesday, Nadeen 🙂 Many blessings to you!
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Thank you! You will love it there! Thanks for reading and commentng!
Great post, my boss is going to Maui in December and if I wasn’t jealous when I found out I sure am now. Hawaii is on my list of places to visit.
JC I know your boss will enjoy it! I cant wait to get back! Thanks for reading!
Thanks for these Hawaii tips. I’m adding it to the list of places to go!
Wonderful post! Thank you so much. My husband and I are planning a trip there, what Hotels would you suggest?
Thank you
-Genesis
I am glad it was helpful! You will love it there! I stayed at the Sheraton on Kaanapali Beach. Great location. I walked to the town area often to eat and shop. http://www.sheraton-maui.com
Great post with great things to do on Maui. However, you missed out so much by staying ABOVE water.
You.Must.Snorkel.
It is cheap (rent gear including fins), easy (my kids took to it right away) and so much fun! Must do Molokini island and Turtle Town. We took a sunrise boat snorkel tour. Awesome.
John you are correct! Thank you for adding those suggestions! I look forward to spending more time in and on the water next time!
Just came back to the Mainland from a surprise trip (My husband sprung this delightful shock on me only a week before we left on Christmas Eve.), and I am having an emotional Maui hangover. (When I heard the scrub of the plane’s wheels bark on landing in Houston, I shed tears that I couldn’t explain. I was in mourning.) I had the time of my life, and the seven days I was in the palm of paradise, I was closer to everything God is. Maui made me realize how great He is. We didn’t go on many excursions, for we were just fine soaking up the air, the culture, and the life of that wonderful place. We gaped at the ocean on Kaanapali as a daily ritual, and tooled around the island in our rented car in absolute delight with the flora, fauna, foliage, and folks. Yes, I agree. The agonizingly long flight is taxing, but it is a bargain price to pay for what one gets. My husband admitted he had been planning our 15th anniversary Hawaiian getaway for almost two years, so I am certain the monetary investment was sizable (We ain’t rich people, but dang! Two years?!?); nevertheless, it was money more than well spent. I could not have gotten the highs by way of anything else. And, boy, what a high!
What a wonderful surprise from your husband! So romantic! I look forward to going back to Hawaii!
My husband and I have been to Maui several times and are returning again tomorrow. We never tire of the beauty on this island and the relaxation of doing nothing if we so choose. We always budget into our trip a meal at Mama’s Fish House. If we do nothing else, this is the highlight, especially if we can reserve a time just before sunset and then get to walk out on the beach and enjoy this spectacular beautiful coloration of the sky. Nothing like it.
That sounds amazing! I can’t wait to get back to Maui and will keep this restaurant in mind.
Thanks for guide us with amazing maui TIPS..
Maui Car Rental