Image courtesy of Jenny Tong
Hawai'i is a beautiful tropical destination that has probably been on your bucket list for some time. I had the opportunity to join some fellow Fora Advisors on a recent trip there. It was my first time, and I will definitely be going back. Here are my picks for things to do in Hawai'i for first-timers, specifically on the islands of O’ahu and Maui.
Things to do in Oahu
Image courtesy of Jenny Tong
For the film buff: Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch is a stunning 4,000-acre private nature reserve and working cattle ranch, known for its dramatic landscapes that have served as the backdrop for numerous Hollywood TV shows and movies— most famously, Jurassic Park. Beyond its cinematic fame, the ranch offers a variety of outdoor activities such as horseback riding, ATV tours, ziplining, and cultural experiences, allowing visitors to explore its diverse terrain from lush valleys to towering cliffs and ancient Hawai’ian historical sites.
For the history fanatic: Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor offers a poignant and educational experience. It’s the site of the devastating 1941 attack that drew the US into World War II. You cannot miss a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial, a solemn white structure built over the sunken battleship designed to resemble the initial defeat. Afterwards, you’ll cross a bridge that symbolizes the final victory and encourages peace. Most importantly, the bridge offers a moment to reflect on the lives lost.
Other notable museums here include the Battleship Missouri, where the Instrument of Surrender was signed, and the USS Bowfin submarine, offering a broader perspective of the Pacific War. Escorted tours are available for all the other museums except the USS Arizona Memorial, since it’s a memorial burial ground.
We really enjoyed our tour guide with the Keawe Tour, who had a wealth of knowledge on the historical events. The tours are led either by ex-military, park rangers, or submariners who are still involved in the day-to-day preservation and education of the site.
For the theater-lover: Cirque du Soleil Auana
Located exclusively at the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel in Honolulu, Cirque du Soleil Auana is a vibrant and unique resident show inspired by the rich culture and stories of Hawai’i. Through breathtaking acrobatics, mesmerizing hula, captivating music performed entirely in the Hawai’ian language, and stunning visuals, the show takes the audience on a journey through the islands' legends and traditions featuring a diverse cast of international and local talents.
For the foodie: Poke chef dinner
Chef Eric, executive chef at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach, leads the hotel's "Art of Poke" experience, which offers a hands-on and insightful journey into the creation of this iconic Hawai’ian dish. Participants learn about the history and cultural significance of poke. Select from a variety of fresh, high-quality ingredients and receive guidance on preparing your own personalized poke bowls under Chef Eric's expert instruction. It's a delicious and educational culinary adventure that goes beyond simply tasting poke, providing a deeper appreciation for its artistry and flavors. (For more Honolulu food inspiration, check out my fellow travel advisor Tyler Chow’s guide to Honolulu.)
Things to do in Maui
Images courtesy of Jenny Tong
For “The White Lotus” fan: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
As a guest of the hotel, you’ll be able to access the infamous infinity pool featuring a White Lotus bar and a cabana. Definitely book this well in advance. If you’ve got a big budget, you could even relive the show by spending a night in the Pineapple Suite. (The suite will soon be undergoing renovations, so hurry if you want to book it soon, which I can help you with.)
For the theater-lover: Luau
Attending a luau is one of the best things to do in Maui. The island boasts several exceptional luaus, each offering a unique cultural experience with delicious food and captivating entertainment. Highly-rated options include the Old Lahaina Luau, known for its authentic and historical storytelling, and the Royal Lahaina Luau, the island's longest-running oceanfront luau, with a fantastic fire-knife dance.
The Feast at Mokapu at the Andaz Maui offers a luxurious, multi-course table-service experience, while the Drums of the Pacific at the Hyatt Regency is famous for its thrilling fire-knife performance. For a family-friendly option with beautiful ocean views, the Te Au Moana at the Wailea Beach Resort is often recommended. You can’t go wrong with any of these options.
For the thrill-seeker: Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is a legendary scenic drive along Maui's eastern coastline, renowned for its lush rainforests, dramatic waterfalls, winding roads (over 600 curves), and ocean vistas. A popular stop along this journey is the black-sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park, famous for its unique volcanic black sand, sea caves, lava tubes, and coastal scenery.
For the sunrise-lover: Haleakala National Park
Image courtesy of Jenny Tong
Watching the sunrise from the summit of Haleakala National Park is an unforgettable and often chilly experience, requiring an early wake-up call and reservations. As the sun ascends above the cloud-filled crater, it bathes the otherworldly volcanic landscape in an array of colors. The sheer scale of the dormant volcano and the panoramic views make it a highly sought-after and spiritual experience on Maui—and very well worth the wait, as the whole journey up to the mountain by car takes a few hours.
For the sunset-lover: Trilogy Sunset Sail
The Trilogy Sunset Sail along the Kaanapali coast is a relaxing and picturesque way to end the day. You’ll get stunning views of the West Maui Mountains and the neighboring islands as the sun dips below the horizon. Departing from Ka'anapali Beach, these catamaran excursions provide a comfortable setting to enjoy the sunset, and sometimes include drinks and appetizers. It was the perfect way for us to end our trip with a tranquil and scenic evening on the water. It’s ideal for groups, couples, and families alike.
For the animal-lover: Whale-watching on the Kapalua Coast
Images courtesy of Jenny Tong
The Kapalua Coastal Trail is a mecca for humpback whales due to favorable water temperatures in the channel between Kapalua, Moloka’i, and Lanai. Despite being at the tailend of the whale-watching season (which extends from November to May), we caught a few glimpses of baby humpbacks practicing their breaching.
For the foodie: Banyan Tree at The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, Maui
Beneath a magnificent, century-old banyan tree at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, the Banyan Tree restaurant offers a refined dining experience with ocean views. It focuses on contemporary Hawai’ian cuisine, showcasing locally sourced ingredients and innovative culinary techniques. The restaurant provides an elegant and romantic ambiance, making it a sought-after destination for special occasions and those seeking a sophisticated taste of the islands. Every Friday, the restaurant features a special chef's table menu, which I was lucky to experience. Not only do the meals showcase ingredients from the chef's garden on property, most of the seafood we had was also freshly caught that morning. My favorite dishes were the shrimp appetizer, Wagyu steak, and hamachi! It was hands down one of the best meals I’ve had in recent memory.
