Hawaii

My aunt has travelled to all 50 U.S. states, and in her words, she “saved the best for last.” I am still in disbelief that Hawaii is a part of the United States of America. Living in a place full of pure “Aloha” is something that I’ve never experienced before, and I don’t ever want to leave! You will feel the magic on every Hawaiian Island when seeing all of the underwater life, hiking on magnificent mountains, soaking in the island vibes at the most beautiful beaches and delicious drinks at the beach bars, eating poke and açaí, and meeting people with the most beautiful souls. While aloha means “hello” and “goodbye,” it also is a feeling of love and family. I hope you get to experience the Spirit of Aloha while you are here!

I have been to every Hawaiian Island that we are allowed to go to, and it is difficult to pick which is the best! The Islands of Hawaii each have different vibes and experiences that deserve their own place on this blog. Below are brief descriptions of the Islands starting with the most populated island of O’ahu, to the least populated island of Lāna’i, to help you decide where you would like to travel.

O’ahu

O’ahu is the most popular and populated island with the big city of Honolulu and its famous Waikiki Beach for surfing and city life along a beachfront. On one side of the island you get the hustle and bustle of city life, but nearby you also have great opportunities for hiking, stunning beaches, great restaurants, the historical Pearl Harbor, the best surf in the world, and you will get to see how pineapples grow at the Dole plantation. I live on O’ahu, so this island will have the most amount of information on it.

Big Island (also known as The Island of Hawai’i)

Snorkeling with the glowing manta rays at nighttime is one of the highlights of my life on this island! I also recommend heading up to Mauna Kea under the stars, and witnessing the incredible Volcanoes National Park. The Big Island is also known for Kona Coffee farms. This truly is a “big island” so there is lots of driving time between each experience; but the driving views you get are great too.

Maui

Maui has one of the best sunrises I’ve ever seen, on top of Haleakala National Park (another life highlight!). There is also lots of magical sea life, small adorable towns scattered around the island, and the well-known Road to Hana. Their up-country on the way to Haleakala Mountain has many farms with the flower called Protea (a gorgeous flower - you need to see it!). Maui is probably the second-most popular island in Hawaii, next to O’ahu, and has a much more laid-back atmosphere.

Kaua’i

Kaua’i is frequently mentioned as the most beautiful of all the Islands. This island has the awe-inspiring and striking mountain cliffs called the NaPali Coast. It is similar to what’s the mountains on the windward side of O’ahu, but more dramatic as it’s up against the coastline and not accessible by car. Waimea Canyon is another must-see if traveling here, which is like an island version of the Grand Canyon. There are also various adventures and beaches that are unique to this island.

Moloka’i

Moloka’i, also known as the “Friendly Isle,” is home to the now-gone leper colony at Kalaupapa, with its leader/helping hand Father Damien. The National Park there is currently closed, but you can still go to the Kalaupapa Lookout, which gives me the chills just thinking about its magnificence. On this beautiful and tiny island, there are no police, no stop lights, only two gas stations, and a small yet amazing bakery. The small town vibes really make this island special; every single person I met there were the friendliest I’ve ever met.

Lāna’i

Lāna’i is the least populated of all of the Islands and is closest to Maui. It is known for the ritzy Four Seasons Hotel and golf course, a cat sanctuary, a ship-wrecked beach and the Garden of the Gods which you can only access with a 4-wheel-drive vehicle.

Click on the photos below to learn about these islands in more detail.