Although you can spend years on Kauaʻi continuously discovering new parts you never knew existed, the Garden Island makes it easy for visitors to tour the entire island within a week. When the furthest you can drive is under three hours, the possibilities are endless. We recommend spending some time on each side of the […]
There’s no better way to explore the natural beauty of Oʻahu than by hiking. You’ll venture into native rainforests, marvel at panoramic views of the coastline and see places most visitors don’t—and burn off that breakfast, too. So if you like to stay active on your vacations or you’re brand-new to hiking, Oʻahu has dozens
After a 2-mile trek under a grueling sun, I crawl through a small crevasse into a dim cave. As I stare up at the cavern’s irregular surfaces, I notice the air, cool and refreshing. And then I spot the verdant oasis in the center of this prehistoric cave. I’m captivated. I’m standing not only in
Kōkeʻe State Park is a hiker’s dream, with 45 miles of hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of Kauaʻi’s fabled Nāpali Coast. But as someone who has made all sorts of travel mistakes in my life—including thinking we could grab dinner at the park’s restaurant only to find out it closes at 4:30 p.m. and
Kauaʻi is for those who truly want to get away. Lush mountains, cascading waterfalls, remote beaches — the island offers the Hawaiʻi vacation of your dreams. Hike through tropical rainforests or along breathtaking pali (cliffs). Kayak through verdant valleys to hidden waterfalls. Walk along more than 50 miles of beaches. If you want get away,
Seeing a waterfall in Hawaiʻi. Yes, it’s a thing. And one of the most accessible waterfalls is ʻAkaka Falls on Hawaiʻi Island. In fact, you can see two waterfalls—ʻAkaka Falls and the smaller Kahuna Falls—on this short but beautiful hike through a lush rainforest filled with bamboo and wild orchids. And it’s only a half-hour
While Maui is known for its spectacular snorkeling conditions, visitors should not overlook its one-of-a-kind trails. From roaming through tropical rainforests to traversing a volcanic crater, one of the best ways to understand Maui’s unique topography is to lace up a pair of hiking shoes and experience it first-hand. 1. Haleakalā National Park Standing
With its striking ridges, panoramic views and historical hiking trails, Lē‘ahi, also known as Diamond Head, is among Oʻahu’s most prominent features. More than 3,000 hikers visit the volcanic cone every day to climb the 1-mile trail to its summit. Travelers to Oʻahu this summer should know that beginning on May 12, 2022, the state
It seems like everything grows on Hawai‘i Island, from coffee beans to sweet potatoes, and nowhere is that more apparent than in Hilo. Gorgeously lush, the town features a distinctly overgrown aesthetic with small businesses, shops and natural wonders around every corner. And even if you travel a few miles out of town, you’ll find
Be sure to plan your Diamond Head State Monument hike around these upcoming closures. The monument—hike included—will be off-limits to visitors and locals on October 28 and 29, reopening briefly then once again closing from November 1-5. The closures will be in service of providing demolition crews the time and space to remove two structures—a
Kaʻena Point, situated at the westernmost part of Oʻahu, lures all kinds of life, from nesting Laysan albatross to hikers who follow an old railroad bed to the remote and scenic protected area. But it’s a sacred place for the dead. too. Named for a relative of the god Pele, the point is known as
Haʻikū Stairs, aka Stairway to Heaven, is one of the most Instagrammed trails on Oʻahu—even though it’s been closed (read: off-limits) since 1987. (Though you’d never know that from social media!) So Honolulu officials decided it was enough. Yesterday Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said he plans to move forward with removing the controversial stairs, which
