The Hawaiian Islands

Turtle Bay, Oahu, Hawaii

My favorite thing about the Hawaiian Islands is the diversity of each. Which means you can have various experiences from one island to the next because they are all so different from each other. 

My personal favorite is the Big Island of Hawaii. First timers will wonder what they've gotten themselves into when they land in Kona and look out the window and wonder if they've just landed on the moon. There’s black lava everywhere. You’ll experience the blackest nights you’ve ever seen which makes the starry skies shine with a breathtaking brilliance. There are so many different excursion options in this area. Especially compared to any of the other Hawaiian Islands. There are very few people here so if you’re looking for a quiet Hawaiian escape, this is the place to be. A 45-minute drive to the other side of the island is where you’ll find a lush green landscape and the entrance to Volcanoes National Park. If a volcano is erupting during your visit, the best way to see it is via a helicopter tour.

My other favorite is Oahu, which some people might find surprising. Oahu is where many experience Hawaii for the first time. The classic Waikiki shoreline with Diamond Head in the background is iconic and Pearl Harbor draws history buffs from across the world. But it’s a big city. It’s kind of like Las Vegas on the beach! The North Side of the island is where Oahu really shines. It’s a quiet area with endless beaches and cute little shops. The shrimp trucks are everywhere! You can stop and get a fresh seafood meal for practically nothing.

Kauai is for nature lovers. Those you like to put on their hiking boots and walk along green trails and experience the best that Mother Nature has to offer. It also tends to be fewer crowds on Kauai. If you’re looking for a fantastic beach vacation, you’re better to visit one of the other islands as Kauai just isn’t known for its beaches. Expect some rain here as it’s the wettest place on earth!

Maui is incredibly popular, can be more crowded, and is generally, overrated in my opinion. After the devastating 2023 Lahaina fire, that area is not accessible. It will be awhile before Lahaina will be able to accept visitors again, unfortunately, but the nearby Ka’anapali area is beautiful. The Wailea area can be kinda stuffy with its high end resorts and most activities will be in the Ka’anapali/Lahaina area. Rates to Maui are actually quite good right now. They are eager to bring back tourists after the fire which will help in the massive rebuilding efforts in Lahaina. If you’re looking to see whales, January through March is the best time to visit. And you don’t even have to take an excursion. From your hotel balcony you’ll be able to see plenty of whales.

I highly recommend getting yourself the traditional shaved ice on any of the islands. It’s a bit like a snow cone, but it’s in a bowl. You can pick your favorite flavored syrup, but be sure to get it topped with cream. Poke (pronounced POH-kay) is a dish made with marinated raw fish, vegetables, and rice and should not be missed. Going to a luau is very traditional. I've experienced many, many luaus through the years and all are not created equal. I can help you to find the best luau experience in terms of the show and the food.

I suggest not traveling over any holiday in order to avoid crowds and extremely high prices and November and December to avoid the rainy months. Otherwise, there really isn’t a bad time to visit Hawaii as the year-round average temperature is roughly 83 degrees.

The gorgeous lush green mountains of the islands are what call to you, begging you to return to this Pacific escape again and again. The sunsets are stunning. The sea and its treasures mesmerizing. Let me help you discover Hawaii!