From O'ahu to Kona: The Complete Hawaiian Islands Guide

Please reach out to me for a detailed day-by-day itinerary for each island!

O’ahu: Catch a sunrise surf then go hike at three peaks, Waimano, Makapuu, Maunawilli, or Lanikai. Go snorkel at Mermaid Caves, hit the Kakaako Farmer’s Market, or go swimming with sharks off of North Shore. End the day with cliff jumping at Waimea and sunset yoga on the beach.

Kaua'i: Complete the world-famous Kalalau Hike (with a permit) and camp overnight. Explore Hanalei shops and restaurants, snorkel at Tunnels beach, see the tide pools at Queen’s Bath, and relax on Haena Beach Park. Head South to hike Waimea Canyon and take a boat ride around the island to see the iconic Na Pali Coast by from afar.

Maui: Relax beachside at the world-famous Wailea or Kaanapali beaches. Snorkel the Molokini Crater, hike through the Lao Valley’s rugged terrain and West Maui mountain, swim up to the Makamakaole Waterfall. Drive the Road to Hana, stopping at waterfalls, lush forests, and beaches along the way—end at Waimoku Falls and Koki Beach. Enjoy a sunset cocktail boat road to finish the perfect day.

Kona: Relax at the black sand beaches (49 Black Sand and Kehena). Visit the Red Lava Floating Field, hike around Volcano National Park, and take the adventurous journey to the gorgeous green Mahana Beach.

First and foremost—the best poke is from the local grocery store (never buy the pre-frozen)!

O’ahu: Some of my favorite local places that fully capture the essence of Hawaii are in North Shore—Farm to Barn Café is high-quality, organic, and delicious (you can’t go wrong). The Sunrise Shack Shark’s Cove is the perfect gem to grab a post-shark dive coffee and acai bowl to refuel. Some great places closer to Waikiki and more populated but authentic include; Herringbone Waikiki, Hau Tree (right on the beach and great for sunset), Off the Hook Poke Market, ‘Alohilani, and Pau Hana.

Kauai: Walking the single street in Hanalei is cute and has great restaurants - Hanalei Bread Company & Bar Acuda (all the seafood is super fresh). Java Kai Coffee is my favorite with phenomenal coffee and delicious acai bowls. Holey Grail Donuts is a photogenic stop where they serve a donut hole on top of your coffee! Hello insta jealousy. 1 Kitchen in the 1Hotel is more upscale and has milk bread you cannot pass up on. On the Southern part of the island, Koloa Fish Market is a hidden gem with unbelievable mango bread, while Beach House Restaurant has the best dinner view on the island.

Maui: Like Poke? is the perfect poke spot to hop off the plane and get the largest portion of delicious poke. The poke nachos are unbelievable. Lineage is a great spot for your noodle fix—I highly recommend the garlic noodles. The Plantation House is an upscale Hawaiian retreat surrounded by a beautiful, elegant landscape overlooking the ocean and the 19th hole. Old Lahaina Luau is a great way to experience an authentic Hawaiian Luau while on the island. Lastly, Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery is a bit off the normal path, but a great tour with fantastic spirits and tastings.

Kona: You cannot visit Kona without a visit to the CanoeHouse at sunset to experience the relaxing atmosphere and drink a delicious Mai Tai. Their lobster is to die for and they have an impressive wine list. Halani is a delicious breakfast spot with amazing ube pancakes and a full brunch buffet you cannot miss. ULU Ocean Grill is the perfect romantic setting for a honeymoon or anniversary focused on fine dining. The King Crab and scallops are top-notch. On the Southern part of the island, Punalu’u Bake Shop and Ka’u Coffee Mill are perfect local spots to get caffeinated and get a fix for your sweet tooth!