Hawaii: Recs
ABOUT
I visited Maui in 2011 and Kauaʻi in 2014. I later returned to Kauaʻi in 2018, and Maui in 2020 right before the COVID lockdown began. There really are no bad times to visit Hawaii, however the rainiest moths are between November - March.
I personally love Kauaʻi as its the most lush and mountainous island with the best hikes but Maui has incredible wildlife and beaches. I’d also like to visit Oahu at some point. Listed below are recs for Maui followed by recs for Kauaʻi.
MAUI HIKES
Iao Valley State Park: This is more of a touristy walk, however the area is full of history. If you follow the river upstream a ways (while not allowed) there are spots to swim.
Waihee Ridge Trail: This trail has some of the best views in Maui, it is a 3.9 mile out and back with 1,574 ft of elevation gain. We did this and loved the views.
Pipiwai Trail and Waimoku Falls: 3.4 mile out and back that takes you through a bamboo forest and past several waterfalls.
Twin Falls: This trail is on private property so is only open certain hours, its a 1.5 mile out and back that ends with a waterfall. The trail often closes when there is heavy rain and recently for fire ants.
MAUI BEACHES
West Shore
Kapalua Bay Beach: Smaller beach, surrounded by palm trees and calm water for swimming and snorkeling.
Honalu Bay: Rocky bay with great snorkeling and diving, but you must swim out a bit. No sandy beach. West (left-hand) side is the best for snorkeling.
Ka’anapali Beach: One mile stretch of beach with several resorts on it, runs from Black Rock to Canoe Beach/ Whalers Village also backs up to the this beach.
Kahekili Beach Park: Another resort beach but less crowded than Ka’anapali, easy snorkeling tons a fish and sea turtles.
North Shore
Baldwin Beach Park: Long, wide beach outside of Paia. Fairly windy and rough surf but with protected swimming areas on either end.
- We parked here and walked all along the beach and sea wall trail into Paia town, passing Paia secret beach (a clothing optional beach).
South Shore
Po’olenalena Beach: Great for snorkeling around the rocky outcroppings at the south end of the beach
Ho’okipa Beach: Top windsurfing destination and rough surf. We saw a kids surf training camp here when we visited. Not really for swimming.
Big beach aka Makena beach: Around half a mile long and extremely wide. Also referred to as Oneloa Beach. Surf can be dangerous, so only swim/surf here if experienced at high tides.
East Maui (on the road to Hana).
Kaihalulu Beach: This red sand beach is a small cove and worth visiting if driving the Road to Hana. The hike down to the beach is a little sketchy.
MAUI ACTIVITIES
Road to Hana Drive: Famous 64.4-mile stretch of Hawaii connecting Kahului to the town of Hana in east Maui. The drive can be dangerous but there are worthwhile sights along the way though including:
- Rainbow Eucalyptus tree walk/hike: Hana Highway, just before Mile Marker 7
- Wai’anapanapa State Park: Waianapanapa, Hana, HI 96713
- Surfboard Fence: 66 Kaupakalua Rd, Haiku, HI 96708
Boat trip for snorkeling (pick a tour company on a catamaran), we did the Lanai Snorkel trip on SeaMaui and saw tons of sea turtles and whales. One whale even swam up to our boat. We also considered doing a Sunset Sail trip.
Haleakala Volcano Hike or drive to the top for sunrise.
Sunflower Fields: In Waikapu and only bloom early in the year and are usually cut by Feb. When we visited in March they were already harvested.
Olivine Pools: Beautiful tide pools in west maui, however they can be very dangerous. Read more about them here before going.
Surf Lessons: We went with this company and you can always just rent a board and go out yourself once you know the surf spots that match your skill level.
MAUI FOOD
Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop: We went here three times we loved it so much. Incredible homemade sweet and savory pies as well as salads/sandwiches.
Olowalu Juice Stand: Next to Leoda’s (can just walk over) cute juice stand where you can buy fruit, smoothies, fresh squeezed juices etc.
Kihei Caffe: Great breakfast and lunch with some Hawaiian dishes.
Mill House Restaurant: In central Maui, nice sit-down on an old sugarcane plantation. We went here and walked around the grounds before eating. Cool stop just to learn the history of the land.
Nuka: Japanese sushi, ramen and hot dishes.
Mamas Fish House: More upscale, classic Maui restaurant.
Paia Bowls: Cute lil cafe in Paia for smoothies/acai bowls.
Flatbread Company: Pizza and salad in Paia.
Cafe O'lei Kihei: Healthy sit down with Hawaiian focus.
The Plantation House: Restaurant in Kapalua Resort with an amazing view.
Kauaʻi HIKES
Awaawapuhi Trail: 6.7 mile out and back with 2,125 ft elevation gain. The views are insane.
- This hike has been at the top of my list for a long time. However it was closed due to rain/rockslides during both of my visits to Kaua’i.
Honopu Ridge Trail: 4.4 mile out and back with 1,597 ft elevation gain. Also has insane views. Again closed during both my visits.
Nualolo Trail: 7.5 mile out and back with 2,578 ft ft elevation gain. Great sweeping ridge and ocean views.
Kalepa Ridge: 1.9 mile out and back with 610 ft elevation gain. Again, great sweeping ridge and ocean views.
Kalalau Trail: This is the most popular hike in Kaua’i, as its in the Na Pali coast. In total its a 22 mile out and back with 6,177 ft elevation gain.
- However you can turn back at any point (we turned back after 3ish miles). The hike begins at Ke'e beach, and if you’re just day-hiking the beach its a great spot to swim and snorkel once you’re done hiking.
Hanakapiai Falls Trail: 8 mile out and back with 2,293 ft ft elevation gain. This is a similar hike to the one above in the Na Pali coast. The first two miles are the same to Hanakapiai Beach, then it is another 2 miles to the falls.
Okolehao Trail: 3.4 mile out and back with 1,177 ft elevation gain. You hike up the ridge behind Hanalei. This trail also closes often due to weather.
Ho’opi’i Falls: This is more of a walk. 2 mile out and and back with 300 ft elevation gain to see the Hoopii Falls. There are 2 falls and the second has a rope-swing.
Makaleha Falls: 2.8 mile out and back with 849 elevation gain ends in 3 waterfalls., can be difficult to navigate.
Kuilau Ridge Trail: Cool forest views, 3.6 mile out and back with 666 ft elevation gain.
Kauaʻi BEACHES
South Shore
Poipu Beach State Park: Located in the southern coast of Kauaʻi so gets more sun. Good for swimming, snorkeling and a surf break for experienced surfers.
Shipwrecks Beach: More local spot for surfing, located in front of the Grand Hyatt Hotel.
North Shore
Tunnels Beach (aka Makua): Best snorkeling on the north shore, has a lifeguard, beautiful views.
Ha Ena Beach Park: Just past tunnels beach. Stunning views of the lush mountains next to the beach but water can be dangerous for swimming.
Hanalei Beach: Stretch of beach in Hanalei, calm waters (its a bay) great views and a picturesque pier. Good for walking down.
Anini Beach: Stronger currents so be careful but good snorkeling less crowded than Poipu or Hanalei.
Secret Beach (aka Kauapea): 3,000 foot long north shore beach with clothing optional sections.
- Directions: Take the Kuhio Highway past Kilauea and turn right on Kalihiwai Road, after 50 yards turn right onto an unmarked, unpaved road. Take to the end then nearby is a steep trail leading to the beach.
Hideaway Beach: Secluded beach so less crowded, great snorkeling spot. Accessed by steep path near Pali Ke Kua Condos. We actually kayaked to this beach from Hanalei bay.
Kalihiwai Beach: Big sandy beach lined with trees, no hiking required easily accessible by car with a big parking lot.
Kauaʻi ACTIVITIES
Hanalei Bay: This is my favorite area of Kauaʻi, its not very built up and feels more authentic to island life. there are taro fields across the highway and the bay is surrounded by giant lush ridges and mountains. We stayed here but you can also visit for the day.
Queens Bath: Located in Princeville. Go right after sunrise and at low tide to swim in incredible tide pools next to the ocean (pictured above).
- This spot can be busy busy and dangerous at high tide. Make sure you check the tides before going. Tide chart here.
Wailua Falls: Large beautiful waterfall. You can hike down if you sneak to the left of the fence (pictured above)
KÄ«lauea Lighthouse: Located on KÄ«lauea Point, nice scenic lookout while driving to/from Hanalei.
Waioli Huiia Church: Cute church in Hanalei.
Farmer’s Market in Hanalei: Normally every Saturday from 9:30am.-12:00pm. Not sure if happening now due to COVID.
Boat Trip: We took a catamaran trip that sailed along the Na Pali coast for an up close view of the ridges and saw lots of spinner dolphins. The water was a little rough for snorkeling but was gorgeous.
Kayak Hanalei Bay: We did a led tour with Kayak Kaua’i, if I were to kayak again I would likely just rent a kayak and go out on my own.
Surf Lessons: We went with Hanalei surf school, but again once you know the spots that match your skill level just rent a board yourself!
Kauaʻi FOOD
We spent most of our time on the north shore so the following recs are for Hanalei:
Wishing Well Shaved Ice: Converted truck with super cute stand for shaved ice and Acai bowls.
Tahiti Nui: Laidback local bar, live Hawaiian music every night good seafood dishes.
Hanalei Poke: Food truck with delicious poke bowls.
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue: Spot for traditional Hawaiian fast food lunch plates, we went here to try the Kalua pork.
Pink’s Creamery: Ice cream, shake and smoothie shack. Super cute, we got macadamia nut ice cream and milkshakes here and they were amazing.
Hanalei Bread Company: Cafe with local bread, coffee and pastries.
aCCOMMODATION
There is an extremely wide variety of lodging on the islands. Everything from 5-star hotels, to all-inclusive time shares to eco-lodges to treehouse airbnbs to van rentals for car camping. It’s really up to you to decide what kind of experience you want!
