Big Island

 

Introduction:

Big Island is raw with beauty. It is the youngest and biggest of the Hawaiian islands and has a dry, sunny Kona-side and a wet, lush Hilo-side, so it’s best to book separate accommodations on either side to avoid a long, tiring drive back. It is only island where you can catch the flow of red hot lava from a hot spot right beneath the island and the only place in Hawaii where it snows. Excellent for star gazing, snorkeling and eating.

What to do:

Arrive at You can to see active volcanoes by air, water or on foot. If you are pressed for time and can spare the cash, do a one-hour helicopter ride (expect to pay about $200 per person). Book in advance for the tour. On a normal day, you will see smoke, some molten lava slowly snaking its way down the volcano, and older lava flows that spared a few houses while it swallowed the rest of the town, as well as waterfalls and acres and acres of macadamia tree farms. If you get lucky, you may see more active lava action and clouds of steam as boiling lava rushes into the cool blue ocean.

After the helicopter ride, drive north along Highway 19 to Hilo Farmer’s Marketin the morning for local crafts and food. Continue the drive to Akaka Falls, a half-mile loop footpath leading up to a 400+-foot scenic waterfall. On the way back to the main highway, stop by the tropical fruit stand and pick up some ripe mangoes and papayas. For the more adventurous-type, you can call ahead to book a half-day zipline tour over the many waterfalls in this area.

Drive south to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to learn about volcanoes and Hawaii’s geology. Check out the onsite museum and then walk inside the barren volcano crater and dark lava tubes, smell the steam from sulfur banks, and explore the fern forests that have colonized hardened lava left from previous eruptions. If you are lucky, you may see a red glow, especially at dusk, from the crater. Amazing photo ops here. Stay overnight in Hilo or one of towns near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Because the drive from Hilo to Kona takes 3 hours, hit the road early and do a pit stop at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach on route and get up close and personal with sea turtles sunbathing on the black sand beach. DO NOT touch them as that is illegal. Drive around the southern tip of the Big Island, the southernmost point in the U.S., and stop by Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park where the site of an ancient Hawaiian heiau, or temple, offered refuge, and essentially asylum, to those condemned in ancient Hawaii. It’s also next to the much-beloved local snorkeling haven called the “Two-Step”, where the tiered lava shelf is one of the most incredible snorkeling spots on the planet. Because much of the hardened lava has not had time to erode into sand, the “Two-Step” has some of the clearest waters for snorkeling in the world. Arrive before noon for calm water and to avoid crowds. DO NOT go in if the currents are too turbulent and cloudy. Drive further north and stop by one of the Kona coffee plantations for a local tour and tasting. Pick up a bag of Kona coffee.

Drive north on Highway 190 to check out rural pastures and Big Island farms in Waimea. Stop by Parker Ranch for a historical tour of the local paniolo, or cowboy, culture. Drive further to Kapaau, the northern most point on the island and the birthplace of King Kamehameha I, where the first bronze statue of the king, which was previously lost at the sea, now stands. Arrive at Pololu Valley Lookout and hike around there for some stunning views of the majestic North Kohala district. On the drive back, visit cute souvenir shops and cafes that line the streets along Highway 250 and enjoy a delicious, locally-sourced, all-natural, grass-fed black Angus beef burger at Village Burger in Waimea. Drive up Mauka Kea before sunset and stargaze 14,000 feet above sea level at the Mauna Kea Observatory (the only place on Hawaii that snows!). Make sure you have a full tank of gas and four-wheel drive, especially during the winter months. Drive back to Kona to enjoy poke, or Hawaiian sashimi, and wash it all down with a pint of Kona Longboard at the Kona Brewing Company.

Eat & drink:

Village Burger for amazing grass-fed burgers, Kona Brewing Company for beer tasting, Manago Restaurant for the best and biggest pork chop ever, Da Poke Shack or Umeke’s for poke, Honu’s Beachside Restaurant for casual fine dining.

Where to sleep:

We stayed at Bebo’s Bunkhouse-Kona Coffee Farm for a rustic, warm farm experience with Bebo’s dog, chickens and farm fresh vegetables.

Additional tips:

Here you can try yourself to some cool activities such as night diving or snorkeling with manta rays as well deep sea fishing.

 

Maui

Introduction:

Maui is known for having the most serene, beautiful beaches in Hawaii, whale-watching in the Spring, unforgettable sunset on Mt. Haleakala, and country charm in rural Hana. If you are a licensed diver, you can dive in Molokini.

What to do:

Arrive in Kahului Airport, pick up rental car and drive 1.5 hours to Mt. Haleakala, a dormant volcano with spectacular colors and plants 10,000 feet above sea level, and watch the sunset from the summit. Notice the landscape changing from tropical to foggy tundra and finally to volcanic above the cloud layer. Drive down and stay at Kihei or Lahaina.

sunrise scuba diving tour at Molokini, a small islet off that boasts turtles, manta rays and reef sharks and other residents. From December to March, you may also encounter whales on the boat ride to Molokini or hear their songs as you are diving. Spend the rest of the day beach hopping along the Wailea coast where it has some of the most serene, beautiful beaches on Maui, including the popular Makena Beach. Or rent a surfboard or a SUP (stand up paddleboard) and learn how to surf or paddleboard (it’s harder than it looks!).

titillating curves on the Road to Hana, and enjoy photo ops at every turn! Watch sunset cliff diving at Kaanapali Beach. It’s only 15 minutes, so don’t be late! Drive back to Lahaina for the tropical night life.

 

Lanai

 

Introduction:

Lanai is famous for its pineapples and, most recently, as the an island privately purchased by Larry Ellison, the founder and CEO of Oracle. That said, it is open to public visitors. Come for a swim in the tidepools with dolphins at Hulopoe Beach, world class golf, horseback riding or a sight of Sweetheart Rock or petroglyphs at Shipwreck beach, and Martian landscape at the Garden of the Gods.

What to do:

Enjoy the beautiful sunrise ferry on route to Lanai. Arrive at the dock and take a 30-minute bus to Lanai City to pick up rental car (only jeeps or four wheel drive allowed on the island). Examine petroglyphs and enjoy pristine beaches at Shipwreck Beach where you can still see the tanker shipwrecked on a reef. Check out the Four Seasons in Lanai City and play a round of croquet on its grounds or enjoy the dozens of orchids in its white conservatory. Those staying overnight and not pressed for time can take a horseback ride on the many ranches in Lanai City. Drive to see barren, red Martian landscape at the the Garden of the God. Return rental car in Lanai City and take the shuttle bus down to sea level for a enjoyable lunch at the Four Seasons in Manele Bay(remember to order some Lanai pineapple). Take a dip in the tidepools with dolphins in Hulopoe Beach, and if time permits, hike to Sweetheart Rock.

Eat & drink:

It’s worth stopping by the Four Seasons in Manele Bay for a drink on the terrasse with a splendid view.