Hawai'i's Best

Surfing in Waikiki (Oahu)

Waikiki is one of the best places in the world to learn to surf. The waves are friendly, the water’s warm and there are tons of great instructors available right on the beach. Whether it’s your first time or you just want to cruise a few long rides, this is the place to do it.

Kualoa Ranch (Oahu)

This is where movies like "Jurassic Park" were filmed — and it feels just as epic in person. You can do everything from horseback riding to ATV tours to zip-lining, or even just take a scenic movie sites tour. It’s a great way to see the island’s lush, dramatic interior.

Dole Plantation (Oahu)

An easy and fun stop, especially with kids. You can ride the Pineapple Express train, walk through the garden maze and, of course, try a fresh Dole Whip. It’s touristy in the best way.

Hanauma Bay (Oahu)

One of the most famous snorkeling spots on Oahu, and for good reason. The water is calm and clear, and the reef is full of colorful fish. You do need to make a reservation in advance, but it’s worth the extra step.

Trilogy Excursions (Maui)

If you’re on Maui, book a boat trip with Trilogy. They offer snorkel sails, sunset cruises and even trips out to Lana'i. The crew is amazing, and they serve up breakfast and lunch on board. The whole experience is relaxing, scenic and super well-run.

Driving up to Waimea Falls was such a scenic adventure — lush greenery, dramatic cliffs and the sound of nature all around. The falls are stunning, and taking a dip in the cool water is a must. Afterward, we headed over to the beach, where we got to jump off the cliff into the crystal-clear ocean — so much fun and a bit of a thrill! Later in the day, we visited the Dole Pineapple Plantation, soaking in the history and, of course, enjoying some fresh pineapple. To wrap it up, we took a well-deserved rest at Pipeline, watching the surfers catch some amazing waves and enjoying the peaceful vibes. It was the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation and natural beauty.

Kualoa Ranch was an unforgettable adventure! We explored the ranch’s stunning landscapes with a variety of activities, and my favorite parts were definitely the zip-lining and the boat tour. The zip-lining offered incredible views, and the boat tour let us cruise along the coast, taking in breathtaking scenery and iconic movie spots. While the boat and zip-lining were top highlights, the movie tour was pretty incredible too — seeing all the filming locations from "Jurassic Park" and other classics made it even more special. It’s truly a place where nature, adventure and Hollywood come together.

We started the morning at Pearl Harbor, soaking in the history and significance of this iconic site. Afterward, we stopped by Ala Moana Center for some shopping and to grab a coffee at the Dior Café — a stylish spot to relax and refuel. Then, to wrap up the day, it’s all about catching some waves with a night surf session.

Flying into Maui today, I stopped at The Whaler’s Mall for a delicious lunch at Hula Grill — a perfect spot to enjoy some fresh island flavors. Afterward, I headed to The Ritz-Carlton to soak in the vibes by the pool. Later, I unwound with a nice dinner at the poolside restaurant, enjoying the perfect combination of great food and stunning views.

A perfect day at the Ritz-Carlton in Maui started with some serious relaxation. I kicked off the morning with a rejuvenating treatment at the spa, where every detail was designed to help me unwind. Afterward, I headed to brunch, enjoying delicious dishes while taking in the serene atmosphere. Later, I soaked up the poolside vibes with a refreshing drink, lounging by the water under the warm sun. In the afternoon, I took a peaceful walk down the historic King's Walk, immersing myself in the natural beauty and rich history of the area.

Today started off with a peaceful yoga session to get centered, followed by a delicious breakfast to fuel the day. I played a little basketball out by the beach — can’t beat that ocean breeze — then took a quick soak in the water to cool off. Later, I kicked back poolside, sat in my lounge chair and enjoyed a delicious cheeseburger with a margarita — absolute perfection. In the afternoon, I headed up to the room to freshen up, then wandered through a few of the shops in the lobby. The perfect ending to the day? A wonderful luau filled with music, dancing and amazing food.

Time to head over to the Big Island! Flying in, it’s always amazing to see all the black lava rock from the air — it gives the island such a unique and dramatic look. Once I landed, I headed off to the Hilton to walk the grounds and take it all in. I wrapped up the day with dinner at Tommy Bahama — great food and chill island vibes to end the evening just right.

Today at the hotel was incredible. I went paddleboarding near the hotel’s man-made waterfall, a favorite spot for the sea turtles, who like to hang out under the falls since it kicks up food for them. The lagoon is salt water, and the turtles can come and go freely, which makes it feel even more special.

On the way back to my room after lunch, I took the hotel’s boat ride through the property, which was such a relaxing and fun way to take in the surroundings. After getting ready, we headed over to the Four Seasons for dinner at Beach Tree. I always look forward to ordering the ricotta cavatelli with black truffle, wild mushrooms and Parmigiano-Reggiano. It’s one of my favorite dishes, and the setting couldn’t be more perfect.

Leaving the Hilton on the Big Island, I set out for an adventure toward Volcanoes National Park. The drive is one of my favorites — starting with a scenic stop at Akaka Falls State Park to see the stunning 442-foot waterfall tucked in a lush rainforest. Then it was on to Waipi'o Valley for breathtaking views of the cliffs and taro fields below. I passed through charming towns like Waimea, perfect for a coffee stop or a quick bite. The scenery constantly shifts, from black lava fields to green pastures to misty highlands, each more beautiful than the last. Every stop gave a glimpse into the island’s wild beauty, all leading up to the powerful landscapes of the volcano.

Start the day off with a round of golf at the Hualalai Golf Course at the Four Seasons Hotel, where the Jack Nicklaus signature championship course offers stunning views — bright-green fairways contoured against black lava, with the final holes returning to the ocean for a picture-perfect finish. After golf, head back to the Hilton and grab lunch at Lagoon Grill. Relax by the pool for a bit, then indulge in an early dinner at Nui Italian, savoring delicious dishes in a cozy atmosphere. As the sun sets, it's time for an unforgettable evening, heading out to snorkel on a magical coast tour in Kona.

On our last day, we spent the morning at the beach, snorkeling and paddleboarding with the turtles — such an incredible way to wrap up the trip. After working up an appetite, we enjoyed a delicious lunch poolside with a great burger, soaking in the sun and the views. It was the perfect way to relax before getting ready to head home, feeling grateful for such an unforgettable adventure.