Lanai Island. Have you ever been? Also known as the Pineapple Isle, Lanai island is the home of some iconic places like Sweetheart Rock, Garden of the Gods, and Shipwreck Beach. It houses one of the most expensive resorts in Hawaii and 98% of the island is owned by Larry Ellison, founder of Oracle. He bought most of the island, including the Four Seasons hotels, for $300 million dollars. The hotel was renovated and made into the luxury resort that it is today.
I have been doing a lot of research about the island of Lanai, as I’m writing a retelling of a Hawaiian legend that took place on Lanai. While the popular folklore of Lanai is Pu’u Pehe, or Sweetheart Rock, there’s another known tale, shared by King Kalakaua in his book, “Legends of Hawaii.” The story of Ka’ala, the flower of Lanai, is not as well known, but a story that I think deserves to be told nonetheless.
If you want to read the first book in my Hawaiian fairy tale and folklore retelling collection, check out Lehua.
Since I’ve never been to Lanai, I knew I had to do as much research as possible. And, maybe one day if I’m lucky, I’ll get to visit the island. 🙂 This article includes everything you need to know about Lanai, it’s name, history, iconic things to do and places to see, and little known facts that I found along the way! I hope you enjoy!
This is a “lanai,” like a porch or veranda, but we’re talking about the island Lanai in this article!
Is it Lanai or Lāna’i?
The correct spelling is Lāna’i, and nobody really knows where the name originated. For the purpose of ease and because “Lanai” is how the word is commonly spelled and used, I’ll be writing the name of the island as “Lanai” in this article.
There’s a Hawaiian legend that a prince from Maui, Kaulula’au, was sent to Lanai because he pulled up a breadfruit tree and his father was displeased. Lanai had been known to have man-eating spirits but instead of getting killed by them, the prince was able to drive the man-eating spirits away.
As a reward, Kaulula’au was given the island to rule over. The island was then called “Lāna’i o Kaulula’au,” which means “day of the the conquest of Kaulula’au.”
Today the word “Lanai” is used, instead of Lāna’i, for ease.
Why is it called the Pineapple Island?
For some reason, Oahu has always seemed like the pineapple island because it has pineapple fields and is home to the big tourist attraction, Dole Plantation. However, the first pineapple was planted on the island of Lanai in 1921 by Charles Dole.
So it makes sense that the island received the name! By 1930 the island of Lanai would export over 65,000 pineapples a year. Lanai produced most of the world’s pineapples. The last pineapple harvest occurred in 1992, but Lanai still keeps its name as the Pineapple Island.
How big is Lanai? What is the ecology and geography of the island?
Lanai is about 18 by 13 miles and was formed 1.5 million years ago by the volcano Palawai. Some parts of the island are dry and red, while other parts are lush and green.
Lanai has such a variety of landscape and ecology, it’s amazing. One second there will be high sea cliffs and the next thing there are white sandy beaches.
You’ll learn a little more about the diversity in the “Main Attractions” section of this article. 🙂
Does Lanai have deer? Can you hunt them?
I talked to my mom about my research on Lanai and she mentioned it has plenty of deer. I didn’t know this so dug deeper and guess what?
The island has tons of deer!
In 1868, the country of India gifted eight axis deer to King Kamehameha V of Hawaii. Without any natural predators, the deer have multiplied over the last hundred years. It’s estimated that there are about 40,000 to 60,000 axis deer between the islands of Molokai, Maui, and Lanai.
In the fall, Lanai residents are allowed to hunt the deer for free. People who are not residents of Lanai also can register to hunt the deer.
What are some interesting historical facts about Lanai?
Lanai is said to be the place where cliff jumping was born. Hawaiian warriors would leap from the southeast 80-foot Kaunolu Point to prove their courage.
Europeans spotted Lanai on their departure from Hawaii. Captain Clerke took charge of Captain Cook’s ship, the HMS Resolution, after Captain Cook was killed in Kealakekua Bay on February 14. Captain Clerke spotted Lanai on February 25, 1779.
Before Lanai was one of the world’s biggest pineapple producers, it was owned by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The people started a colony and herded sheep. Walter Murray Gibson was a leader of the church at the time and helped build the colony. He got involved in fraudulent activity, paying for land with the church’s money and putting the titles in his name. He was excommunicated and members of the church moved to Laie on O’ahu, building their community and faith there.
Do people live on Lanai?
Yes! Lanai has a high school and elementary school, but the island has no traffic lights! About 3,200 people live on Lanai. There are three hotels and two of them are luxury resorts.
Other random facts about Lanai
There are plenty of feral cats on the island, because there are no natural predators.
Larry Ellison most of the island, but the rest is owned by the government.
There is no public transportation on Lanai. To get there, people have to take a ferry or plane from Maui. Once on the island, visitors can rely on rental cars (or jeeps, because so much of the island is off-roading), or hotel vans to get around.
The town in Lanai has local shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
Image of Lanai from Maui island
Traveling to Lanai: How to get to Lanai, how to get around, where to stay
You can get to Lanai by taking a ferry from Lahaina, Maui (it’s only about 8 miles). There are car rentals, though a jeep is advised because many of the island roads are not well developed, and many of the attractions require 4-wheel drive.
There are only three places to stay in Lanai: Hotel Lanai (around $400/night), Four Seasons Resort ($1k or more a night), and Sensei Lanai ($5k or more a night). If you’re staying at one of the hotels, there is usually an air service provided to get to Lanai. All of the hotels provide shuttle services too.
The island also has many tourist vans and shuttles available for visitors coming off the ferry.
Many Maui tour companies, like Sail Trilogy, offer snorkeling and day experiences on Lanai, so keep an eye out for those options too.
What are the main attractions of Lanai?
Hulupo’e Beach
This beautiful white sand beach is perfect for all ages. Snorkel and see the fish in the reef off the shores, and maybe you’ll even get a glimpse of the spinner dolphins in the bay.
Hulupo’e Beach attracts people every year, as the ferries dock not far from here! If you travel to Lanai for a day, swimming at Hulupo’e beach is a great option to experience!
Sweetheart Rock (Pu’u Pehe Rock)
Sweetheart rock on Lanai, Hawaii
The Hawaiian tale of Sweetheart Rock says that a young warrior from Lanai, Makakehau, fell in love with Pehe, from Lahaina. Makakehau loved her so much, his eyes would mist each time he saw her—hence his name, “maka,” meaning eyes, and “kehau,” meaning misty. Makakehau took Pehe to Lanai and put her in a sea cave at the base of Manale Cliffs.
One day while Makakehau left the cave to work, a storm blew in. He dropped all of his things and ran straight for the cliff to get Pehe. Unfortunately, a strong surge had drowned Pehe. He gathered her in his arms, climbed the 80-foot cliff of the cliff rock, and buried her at the top. After he mourned, he leaped into the surf below.
I chose to retell the story of Ka’ala of Lanai, instead of Puhe’s story. There are too many unanswered questions, like, “Why did he put her in the cave in the first place?” It seemed too controlling and overprotective for me. Also, this story is a tragedy, which is why I chose Ka’ala’s story over the Sweetheart rock story. Keep reading til the end to learn about Ka’ala’s story.
You can reach Sweetheart rock by going southeast past Hulopoe Beach.
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods, Lanai Island
Legend says that the formations in this garden were created by gods who dropped rocks from the sky while making their gardens. The red lava is unique and beautiful, it’s almost like walking on Mars. Is this really Lanai? Yes, it is!
The funny thing is that there’s a “Garden of the Gods” in Colorado Springs but this is a different one. 🙂
Polihua Beach
Located at northern Lanai, you can drive here with a 4-wheel vehicle. You can also go with a tour guide to this beautiful beach. Watch the waves and water carefully, as strong winds can cause currents and dangerous swimming conditions.
Shipwreck Beach (two ships from World War II)
While you can’t swim at Shipwreck beach, due to the tides and currents, it provides a unique scene of ships wrecked on the shores. Abandoned and left to rust and deteriorate overtime, the 1940s oil tanker creates a haunting yet mesmerizing scene.
Use a 4-wheel drive vehicle and drive about 30 minutes from the port to see Shipwreck beach. Please use caution when driving so your vehicle does not get stuck in the sand!
If you walk on a trail past Shipwreck beach, you will find a petroglyphs!
The Lanai Culture and Heritage Center seeks to educate its visitors and community on ways to protect and care for the island. It offers historical, cultural, and artistic artifacts meaningful to the people of Lanai.
If you would like an educational experience or simply want to learn more about Lanai, check out this center.
*As of writing this article, the museum website says that the Lanai Culture & Heritage Center is closed until further notice.
If you want to snuggle with a cat, check out the Lanai Cat Sanctuary. It homes over 600 cats on 3.5 acres of land. If you love cats, this is a fun place to stop and hang out with some furry friends… and admission is free!
This is actually an image of a Maui trail, because I couldn’t find any pictures of the Munro trail. Sorry! 🙁
This is a 12.8 mile hike through lush rainforests of ‘ohia lehua, eucalyptus, ironwood, and pine trees. At an elevation of 1,600 feet, you’ll get gorgeous views.
You don’t need to do the whole hike to see everything. At about 2.5 miles in, there’s a scenic lookout. Go Hawaii’s website says that on a clear day, you can see 6 Hawaiian islands. Also expect canyon views of Maunalei gulch.
The end of the trail takes you to the highest spot on Lanai, called Lanaihale, an elevation of 3,370 feet.
Manele Golf Course
Four Seasons Lanai includes the Manele Golf Course. I’d probably be at the beach all day, but if golfing is your thing, you have that option to do it at Lanai!
From what I researched, weekday prices are $350-$425.
Check out the website here for the most up-to-date prices: Manele Golf Course
Mike Carroll Gallery
I love local artists and work, and Mike Caroll has a gorgeous gallery on Lanai. On his website, he says, “I try to capture a sense of place in my paintings.”
Hawaiians are all about finding their sense of place in the world, so I love that Carroll said this. His artwork showcases beautiful, bright colors, scenes of the beach, palm trees, and waterfalls. If you are in Lanai, definitely stop by and appreciate his artwork.
You can also order any of his work on his website!
Scuba divers love this dive! I don’t scuba dive, but I have heard neat reviews about Cathedral Dives. Look up “Cathedral Dives” in Google and admire the pictures. Light pouring in from holes in the cave create a mesmerizing underwater scene.
Experience Cathedral Dives by taking a guided tour from Maui or Lanai.
Which Hawaiian treats are you craving? It’s hard not to drool a little when you see pictures of li hing gummy bears or sour worms. Or chi chi dango mochi, kulolo, or chocolate haupia pie. Hawaiian treats are seriously the best!
But if you’ve moved to the mainland, like me, you might realize that in order to get some Hawaiian treats, you sometimes have to go to Asian markets or other speciality stores because the local markets don’t have specific ingredients. Don’t worry. I’ve created this list of easy Hawaiian trets to help you satisfy that island sweet tooth. A few of the following items on the list may require some assistance from your island friends and family (or you can order items online), but most of these are treats you can make from items at your local grocery store. Enjoy!
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
I’m not sure if this counts as actually Hawaiian treats but it was my dad’s favorite so I always assumed it’s a Hawaii thing. Anyway, you can easily get a can of pineapple at your local supermarket, as well as the other ingredients like yellow cake mix, maraschino cherries, butter, and brown sugar. There are numerous recipes online but my favorite is the one where you don’t use a recipe and just pack that brown sugar and sugar on the bottom of the cake pan! Cheehoo!
Li Hing Mui Gummy Bears (or Worms or Watermelon)
You might need someone to send up a bag of li hing mui, but once you get your hands on it, the world of sweetness is yours! Sprinkle li hing mui on gummy bears, sour watermelons, sour worms, or even pineapple to make your own Hawaiian treats at home!
Haupia Chocolate Pie
This is surprisingly easy to make, especially if you’ve learned to do it from scratch. I like to buy the premade graham cracker crusts and make my own haupia, which is composed of coconut milk, corn starch, and sugar. The chocolate pudding mix is a breeze to make. Put that on top with some whip cream and you’re good to go. It might not taste exactly like Ted’s Bakery, but hey, it is good enough. 🙂
Guava and Lilikoi Juice
Did you know that you can find Guava juice at your local grocery store? It isn’t Hawaiian Sun brand–and it doesn’t really taste like Hawaiian Sun brand–but it’s guava and it’s good enough. I’ve also found Welch’s Passion Fruit drink, which tastes like heaven! (Disclaimer: My local grocery store is different from yours so it’s totally dependent on the location and availability! I wish you luck in finding tropical juice at your store though!).
Mochi
If you can find a box of mochi powder at your local supermarket, take advantage of it. There are numerous recipes online that will satisfy your mochi cravings. Chi chi dango can be made in the microwave while coconut mochi could be baked in the oven. If you’re ambitious like me, you might even try making mochi ice cream during the summer!
Cocoa Rice
This is super easy to make, and it tastes just like camping trips at the beach. Remember when all your family was there and they made cocoa rice cause it fed the army? There are some really great recipes online if you never learned how to make this warm island dessert from your kupuna. Can you smell the cocoa rice, coupled with the salty sea mist? Ono. 🙂
Tapioca Pudding
Mom makes cold tapioca pudding, kind of like halo-halo. Make the tapioca, add a can of coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, a can of fruit cocktail, a can of mandarin oranges, and, if you’re lucky like me, a can of lychee will do just the trick!
King’s Hawaiian Sweet Bread
Most stores carry this, but you’re probably going to have to pay the price for it. I can say, however, that it is worth it to buy, especially if you’re craving it. I can’t count how many times I walked past it in the store and thought to myself, Come on Lei, just get it. So just reward yourself sometimes! King’s Hawaiian Sweet bread never disappoints and tastes just like home!
Pani Popo
I absolutely love pani popo. When I lived in the Philippines, I’d take advantage of making this, because it was so easy to make and tasted just like home. Also, if you’re not into making rolls (like me), then you can buy rolls ready-to-make (in the freezer section) or use sweet rolls (King’s Hawaiian can even work for this but if you’re like me, you’d rather save that to eat by itself).
Fruit
If you’re absolutely dying for the sweet island flavor, then just buy some tropical fruit. I’ve found it so helpful (emotionally, mentally, and physically) to reward myself with some local fruits. They’re probably going to be expensive, which is why I call it a reward, but you should treat yourself to a mango here and there, or, if you’re ambitious, a pineapple. If you don’t have either of those things at your local supermarket, then try sprinkling some li hing mui on your apples or oranges. That always brings the taste of home back.
Dried Tropical Fruit
Dried mango is one of my favorites, especially because there’s usually an option for this anywhere you go.
Bananas
If you have some bananas, there are numerous ways to prepare them and satisfy cravings. If you’re Hawaiian, banana bread tastes so much like family. If you’re Filipino, make some banana lumpia (although you might have a tad bit of difficulty finding the wraps). If you’re Samoan, make suafa’i by boiling them, adding some tapioca and coconut milk, and sticking it in the oven (I LOVED when my mom made this–can you taste it now? Mmmmm). And if you just want to feel like a surfer, then make some banana pancakes and sing Jack Johnson’s “Banana Pancakes.”
Don’t get discouraged if you want Hawaiian desserts but moved away from Hawaii 🙂
There are so many delicious local foods you can make while on the mainland. I know that when I first moved, I felt like I had access to nothing. But, as I learned where to look (besides the Asian aisle–did you know they have coconut milk in the baking aisle?) and to keep an eye out for local goods, I’ve really enjoyed experimenting and learning to make the foods my mom used to make. Sure we might not have bubble tea, although I will say my sister ordered some of those items from Amazon and mastered it–so it is possible!–but we still can satisfy our inner local cravings using the goods we got!
Let’s hear from you!
Is there a snack or dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth craving? Is there a recipe you tried that really worked for you? Share in the comments below!
Hawaii locals are a unique bunch of people. Hawaii locals come from all kinds of backgrounds and ethnicity, not just Hawaiian. I grew up in Hawaii, and my parents are both Hawaiian, so the culture, customs, and etiquette of Hawaii were a part of my everyday life. I actually lived in the mainland until nine years of age, but my parents, Hawaii locals themselves, raised us in the way they’d been raised: we took our shoes off when entering the house, waited politely for the host to eat before digging in, shared food (or didn’t share food if we didn’t have enough for everyone), and so forth.
When we finally moved back to Hawaii, I learned even more from the locals themselves: how to go with the flow, not to stress too much over outward appearances, to be clean, generous, and more. Since moving back to the mainland, I thought it’d be fun to write a list of the funny things Hawaii locals do, as a result of growing up and/or living in the islands.
This article was written for my retired blog but I thought it’d be fun to re-use it here! I hope you enjoy this list and that something here makes you smile!
We wash our hair everyday
And I might just add that we shower everyday too. Since experiencing winters and dry environments in the mainland, I understand why people don’t wash their hair everyday. But growing up in Hawaii, it was a must to wash your hair every. single. day. It was a necessity and maybe just a natural part of growing up on a humid, wet island.
We wash our dishes by hand
When I moved into an apartment in Utah, I was shocked that my roommates used the dishwasher to wash a few mere dishes. Why not just do it by hand if you only have a few plates and cups? When my family did have a dishwasher in our home, I don’t remember using it much. If we did use it, it was usually for after big family events or when we had lots of guests over.
We wait for the hostess to eat before digging in
Not all locals do this, but I know this is something I’ve learned growing up. You don’t dig into the food until the wife of the head of house takes a bite. This might be something passed down from my Chinese heritage, but I remember this one incident where I went to a party and an aunty got mad at some girls for digging in before she, the hostess, had even gotten food and sat down herself. Yikes! Just a tip for the mainlanders… if you go to a local person’s house for dinner, do yourself a favor and wait til the hostess sits down and eats. I know she’ll say, “Eat, eat, eat!” but use your discernment. I always wait out of respect because the host deserves to eat too!
We take our slippers/shoes off at the door
I can’t even explain how weird it feels to wear shoes in a house, especially when the house has carpet….
We wear slippers and socks TOGETHER
And speaking of slippers, why not keep your socks on when you wear them? Sure you might have to make your socks look like tabis, but who cares? Slippers and socks are a comfy combination.
We always offer food to visitors
“Are you hungry? No? I’ll make you something…” Locals love food, and it’s shame if we can’t offer you something, even if it’s a glass of juice. If you drop in unexpectedly, we’ll still ask you if you’re interested in eating something. We don’t care if you might be standing at the door and ready to leave. We just love food, and we have to offer some, just in case. Nobody leaves our home hungry.
We won’t eat something in front of you if we don’t have enough to share
And, speaking of food, if we’ve brought a snack of some sort and you’re with us, we’ll only bring it out if we have enough to share. It’s really rude to eat something in front of another person and not offer. This includes if we’re in big groups. We’ll only buss out the snacks if we know everyone can get a piece. Otherwise, we’ll save our snack and eat it privately later.
We will pack up leftover food for you to take home
Whether it’s a party, a family dinner, or just stopping by, don’t be surprised when we buss out the ziploc bags to package things to go, or just give you the rest of the food. Just take it. We won’t be satisfied unless you do.
We appreciate food by making noises
And I don’t mean body noises, but I mean “Mmmmmmm…” We love complimenting and appreciating food with words and noises of affirmation like “Mmm…” and “Yum…” and “Ohhhh this is SO ono.” Some locals even dance a little when they eat–not dramatically though, just swaying back and forth–but we like to show our appreciation with noises of approval. Get used to it cause we love food. 🙂
We flash our headlights to warn other cars of cops up ahead
It’s an unspoken rule (but I guess it is spoken cause I just wrote about it), but on highways or going down busier streets in Hawaii, if someone coming towards you flashes their highlights once at you, it’s not a cause to get mad. In fact, locals are so grateful when this happens, because it means there’s a cop up ahead. Not that we’re speeders, but it’s just us being good neighbors. I’ve never experienced this on the mainland. I did it once and wondered to myself if the oncoming driver knew what that meant. And, tbh, there might be a lot of reasons people might not do it on the mainland, but Hawaii is small enough that we can keep other cars on the lookout.
We wave a lot when we’re driving
We are so used to sticking our hands out the window and throwing shakas, or waving just to anyone from behind the wheel (whether it’s an incoming car or a pedestrian crossing in front). I always feel weird when I wave to a pedestrian and they look at me like I’m crazy… but hey, gotta keep the aloha spirit alive. And it’s the best when they smile and wave back. 🙂
It’s so fun to be from Hawaii
There are probably more things that you thought of as you read this. While these differences in lifestyles aren’t bad things, they’re funny to think about. To be honest, locals will adapt to the lifestyle of wherever they live. Just don’t be surprised if any of these things pop around once in a while. Is there something you thought of that Hawaii locals do differently from mainlanders or other cultures/lifestyles?
Which Hawaiian sea animal is your favorite? After all, what is a visit to Hawaii without seeing some of the ocean wildlife? Seeing turtles, sharks, dolphins, fish, and more are amazing memories. They’re unforgettable moments where we connect with nature and God’s creations. I can’t even say how many people tell me about how they saw turtles, fish, or dolphins on their trip to Hawaii and their entire soul lights up.
Seeing (and possibly getting close—if circumstances are safe and permit) marine animals in Hawaii inspires us. It ignites a part of us deep within, perhaps the inner child, the one we’ve tucked away for so long.
I hope this list of ocean animals in Hawaii will inspire you. Maybe it will jog your memories of Hawaii. Maybe you’ll learn something new. Or, just maybe, you’ll remember how much you love nature, God’s creations, and let out that inner child in you once more. 🙂
Read more about Hawaii’s value of protecting and caring for the ‘aina here: Mālama
Manta Ray
Yes, the manta ray is a Hawaiian sea animal too! I’m from the Big Island so I was actually shocked to learn—after I moved—that there are tons of manta rays on Kona side and you can go on a tour to swim with them! If you’ve done this, please let me know in the comments. I’m fascinated and would love to do it in the future.
Manta rays are different from sting rays, but I won’t go into detail on it. The nice thing is that the Hawaiians also distinguished them differently. The word for manta ray is hāhālua (pronounced hah-hah-loo-ah).
If you’ve read “Aloha State of Mind” you’ll remember my little discussion on hā, which is breath. But hā can also mean mouth, and manta ray literally means “two mouths.” Side note: If you know Hawaiian numbers, ‘elua is two, so that’s why “lua” is the last part of this word.
The Hawaiians called manta ray “two mouths” because of the two flaps sticking out either side of their mouths, so it makes sense.
Both the manta ray and sting ray can also be called “lupe.”
Sting Ray
The sting ray is known to be around Hawaii, though I’ve never heard of anyone encountering them. They’re called hīhīmanu in Hawaiian. Hihi could mean several things, like “to creep, spread, or intertwine” or “a large meshed fish net.” Manu means “bird” so what I infer from this is that the Hawaiians must have seen the sting ray as a large fish bird, because sting rays do have large wings on either side of their bodies, or a spread-out, creeping bird.
Turtle
My favorite sea animal of all time, the honu (pronounced hO-noo) can be found all over the Hawaiian islands. When I looked in the Hawaiian dictionary, I actually found out the the hawksbill turtle has its own name, which is ‘ea.
People are so afraid of sharks, but I think they’re beautiful and majestic! The Hawaiian word for shark is manō. Many ancient Hawaiian legends and proverbs tell of the niuhi, which is a man-eating shark, but most Hawaiians regarded the shark as sacred ‘aumakua, family ancestors.
The generic name for fish is i’a but most fish have specific names according to their type. The old Hawaiian superstition is to not let anyone know when you’re going fishing or the fish will hear and leave the area!
Here are some notable fish names (let’s see if you can say these!) 😉
‘Ahi
Mahimahi
Humuhumunukunukuapua’a
A’awa
Moi
Opelu
Manini
Dolphin
If you’ve been lucky enough to spot dolphins swimming and resting in the bay areas, then you know how playful and fun they can be. The Hawaiian word for dolphin is “nai’a,” pronounced nae-ah.
Whale
Maui is the best place to see whales when they migrate towards warmer waters. The Hawaiian word for humpback whale is koholā, pronounced kO-hO-lah, and the word for sperm whale is palaoa.
My dad used to catch squid in the reefy areas of the North Shore. While I have seen a good amount of squid in my life (and the black ink they shoot out too), I haven’t seen an octopus. The Hawaiian word for octopus is he’e, and the word for squid is similar, mūhe’e.
Sea urchin – Yes, it’s a Hawaiian sea animal (even though it might not look like it hehe)
Watch out for this lovely yet dangerous invertebrate animal. Especially on the Big Island, where the only way to get into the water is by way of walking on lava rocks, or sandy shores with rocks, keep an eye out for the long black spindles of the sea urchin. The Hawaiian word for sea urchin is wana, pronounced vah-nah.
Jellyfish
I used to get stung a lot by the Portuguese Man-of-War at Hukilau beach or other beaches along the North Shore of Oahu. While it’s not very common for people to get stung by jellyfish in Hawaii, it does happen. The Hawaiian word for jelly fish is pololia.
What is your favorite marine animal?
Is there a sea animal I missed? Do you know the Hawaiian word for it? Let us know in the comments below!
Are you thinking of traveling to Hawaii during Covid? Is it worth it? My short answer: no. The long answer: there are pros to going during Covid.
Allow me to explain…
My husband and I decided to go to Maui at the end of January 2021. With about 4 weeks to plan our trip, I looked into everything I needed to do before boarding. With covid affecting the world, I wondered if my husband and I could successfully make it to Hawaii. I heard of so many people who got tested and arrived in Hawaii, only to be turned around because they went to the wrong testing center, or didn’t have their paperwork, etc. Needless to say, I was anxious about traveling to Hawaii during the pandemic.
I hope this article helps you make a decision about traveling to Hawaii during covid. There are some really great pros, and some pretty pathetic cons. I’ll be as transparent as possible to help you figure out the answer to your question.
Please know that everything changes with the pandemic, so what I’m sharing here may not be relevant anymore at the time of you reading this. Please, please, PLEASE do your research if you plan on traveling to Hawaii during covid. Their requirements change all the time, so do your part. This article is purely to give you an idea of the situation, not to direct you on the requirements to travel to Hawaii during covid. Check out the official Hawaii covid page for accurate and up-to-date information.
Pre-Travel Hawaii Requirements for Covid
The pre-travel was probably the most stressful part because things change all the time. One day they say you need to do X, and the next day they say you need to do Y…
The day before our flights, I saw a NEW requirement to download the Aloha Safe Alert app BEFORE boarding. I felt SO relieved and stressed. If I hadn’t seen the newest requirement, would they have turned us around at the airport?
So here’s who you want to be following if you plan on going to Hawaii during Covid.
Ok, with that said, here’s what we had to do before the trip:
Create a Safe Travels account and upload all documents BEFORE the first flight
Get tested within 72 hours of departure. Please note you MUST get tested at one of their approved sites, not just at your local hospital. They will only let you through if you get tested from someone on their “Trusted Testing and Travel Partners” list.
Download and activate Aloha Safe alert app
Have ALL paperwork on hand. I printed so many papers because the website suggested I do so. Spoiler alert: they didn’t look at ANY of these papers because I had already uploaded it ALL online… better safe than sorry I guess.
You probably read that list and thought, “Not bad.” I thought so too. However, finding the trusted testing and travel partners was harder than I thought… We finally got tested at Walgreens, but drove to a super far location because the Walgreens in our county didn’t offer testing. While that sounds stressful, before the testing itself felt morestressful… because we avoided people as much as possible. We could not risk any chance of catching covid. Isolation played a toll on my mental health.
Pre-Trip Cons:
Using the Aloha Safe Alert app felt like huge anxiety. Knowing that at any time I could receive a notification saying, “You’ve been exposed,” just stressed me out so much. It felt unfair that I might have to quarantine because I’d been around a stranger for a few seconds.
Masks: Wearing a mask at the airport and airplane took a toll on both of us. Especially for my husband, who already has a difficult time breathing without the mask, wearing a mask for almost 10 hours wore him out. We couldn’t take any breaks from mask-wearing unless we went to the bathroom… no thanks. I felt sorry for flight attendants and airport security who had to constantly remind people to completely cover their nose and mouths with the masks. It just kind of felt like a big mess.
Pre-Trip Pros:
Airplanes worked at less than half capacity. My husband and I always sat together. I could honestly say about 11-20 people sat in each flight. I feel super bad for the airline companies but they worked hard to keep the planes clean and social distance people well. We definitely had a lot of space to stretch out.
During the Trip
When we landed in Maui, the whole process turned out easier than I thought. The workers at the airport already had our information (because I uploaded it all), so they checked a few things (including our temperature) and sent us through!
It was THE BEST FEELING to walk out of the airport and into the fresh Maui air—though we still wore our masks, as required. I thought the most helpful way to give you an idea of Hawaii during covid is a pros and cons list. These are all based on my opinion though, so take it or leave it, no offense. 🙂
Pros:
Overall Maui was waaaay less busy in Hawaii than ever before: For example, we drove the road to Hana, a scenic route typically overcrowded and full of traffic. We hit absolutely NO traffic whatsoever. When we arrived in Hana and stayed at the resort there, the local who worked there told us we came at a good time. She said usually it’s a stressful drive because of the traffic and lack of parking at scenic spots.
Less lines and crowds at restaurants: We hardly waited at any restaurants to take out or have a seat. To be honest, there was still a LOT of people, but definitely not as much people like I remember Hawaii.
Cons:
Masks: Governor Ige mandated masks in Hawaii and it just sucks to wear a mask, not breathe well, and not really enjoy things as much. Most people didn’t wear masks at the beach because we all sat social distanced, but at restaurants and grocery stores, managers and workers heavily enforced mask wearing. We went on a short hike on the road to Hana and didn’t wear our masks (because there weren’t other people around), and a local lady vending at the front yelled at us. It’s not fun to get yelled at, and it’s not like we were trying to be irresponsible or rude. There just wasn’t anyone around, and she was definitely more than six feet away. There’s just silly stuff like that, which make the situation unpleasant.
Less small businesses and restaurants open: Not sure if a bunch of restaurants went out of business or what, but many of the places I planned to eat at were closed. That bummed me out a lot, because the only food places that stayed open were mediocre food places, at best. It’s always disappointing to spend $30 or more on a meal for two people and it turns out to be crappy food.
Overall, is it worth it?
After I wrote this article and sat on this question for the last month, the short answer for me is no. I don’t regret our Hawaii trip during covid, because I needed a little break from the cold and felt tired of the whole covid situation. But I don’t think I want to go through the hassle of getting tested, experiencing anxiety over new and updated requirements, wearing a mask everywhere (including airports and airplanes), feeling bummed over closed good food places and restaurants, and dealing with snappy people over mask-wearing. I don’t feel like it’s worth it to me.
I would rather go to one of the southwest states to get some sun, saving money and stress. The only pro for me was that there was less people on the island. But it just felt like everyone was on edge, worried about wearing or not wearing a mask, wanting to enjoy, yet restricted… It felt difficult to talk to people or send a smile—everything felt so constricting.
While I may not travel to Hawaii during Covid again, I can still plan my next trip. Check out some of my free resources and articles on travel!
Planning a trip to Maui? This Maui Guide contains some of my favorite places on the island, and leaves a lot of open space for you to spend on the beach or enjoy your favorite island things!
Each Hawaiian island is unique, and Maui features gorgeous greenery, lovely beaches, and breathtaking views from just about anywhere on the island! This simple Maui Guide includes the following:
An interactive map, provided by WanderLog, to make your trip planning easier!
The best time to visit Maui
Where to stay on Maui
Maui Places to see and Food recommendations
Road to Hana details
How many days should you stay?
And unique things to do while on the island!
Save this map to make your planning easier!
Wanderlog is a trip planner app that makes your vacay/trip planning THAT much easier! Everything I’ve mentioned in this article is saved in the map below, so be sure to download the wanderlog app and add these fun things to your to-do list. Keep scrolling to get all the details/scoops on the locations below! 🙂
We went in January, which has pros and cons. When you go in the winter months (Dec-March) there’s a lot of wind, meaning big waves. The north and west side of the island saw a lot of wind, which made it uncomfortable and cold on the beaches. However, the south side was perfectly fine though. The biggest pro of going during the winter is that there are plenty of whales! We saw whales everyday we were there!
Side note: I’m writing this in February 2021, and the pandemic has made it so only people who do all the proper testing and requirements can visit Maui. When we went, there was significantly less people in general due to it being after the holidays and the global pandemic. It’s definitely nice to not have so many people there (especially on the road to Hana), but also be aware that mask-wearing and social distancing are mandated on the island.
Where to Stay on Maui
We stayed at Castle Maui Banyan in Kihei because we didn’t need anything fancy–just a nice place to shower and sleep at the end of the day! They have very reasonable prices, especially if you purchase your stay using points from a credit card. I’m sure you can find good deals using third party websites as well.
Benefits of staying in Kihei:
I honestly think Kihei is the best place to stay. It is pretty central on the island and, in my opinion, has the prettiest white sand beaches. It doesn’t get the wind that the west side gets, so you can really plan on having an amazing beach day. 🙂
We also chose to stay our last night in Hana, because we didn’t want to do the road to Hana in one day. I highly recommend doing Hana in two days, as it allows you time to enjoy the bamboo hike at the end! It also gives you time to chill and enjoy Hana instead of rushing back quickly. We stayed at the Hyatt Hana Maui Resort. I think our place in Kihei was nicer than this, but I honestly think this is probably the nicest place to stay in Hana. The other inns and places we drove by didn’t compare to this resort.
Maui Places to See & Food Recommendations
There’s SO much to see on Maui! I recommend getting a rental car so you can explore the island on your time. I’ve listed some of the iconic, enjoyable things to do on your trip! Remember that you don’t need to do this all in one trip. I recommend reading through the Maui guide and jotting down a few things you’d like to do. Or save this page to your bookmarks to review later!
West Maui
Gorgeous sunrise view from Lahaina Town
Catch a sunrise at Lahaina town. The old banyan tree is an iconic thing to see Lahaina, as well as walking down the streets. Lahaina is a cute, old town with plenty of local shops, artists, and restaurants. There are also beaches to relax at here—just make your way towards the ocean and there are plenty of sandy beaches.
Baya Bowl had my favorite acai bowl in Maui!
Eat a delicious acai bowl at Baya Bowls (this was probably the best-tasting, quality foods of all the foods in Maui).
We ate at Cheeseburgers in Paradise for lunch in Lahaina. It was pretty greasy but the fries were good.
Snorkel at Honolua or Mokulaie.
Stop by Punalau beach for a fresh coconut.
See the Nakalele Blowhole (if conditions are right–sometimes if the tide is too low, the water will rise high enough to shoot out of the blowhole).
Banana bread is a kind of a big deal in Maui, so my friend recommended Julia’s banana bread, which is usually around the Blowhole area.
And then STOP and turn around at this point. Going along the northwest coast from the Nakalele Blowhole area to Kahului breaks most of the rental contracts. This road is very dangerous, one way at most parts, and goes around steep ocean cliffs, with falling rocks on the other side. Pretty scary! We did this drive and I will say it’s beautiful and terrifying.
North Maui
Hike the Waihe’e ridge trail but please be warned. There are unattended cows along this path. One of the cows charged us and it was very scary! We were ok, but I’m not sure if I’d go again.
Iao Needle at Iao Valley State Park: Entrance fee $10
See the Iao Needle at the Iao Valley state park.
Check out the unique South Pacific and Asian architecture and plants at Kepaniwai Park.
Walk around Wailuku and enjoy the mural wall art along the buildings.
Eat dinner at Zippys in Kahului (Zippys is one of my favorite chain restaurants in Hawaii—it’s always consistently good!).
South Maui
Beaches, beaches, beaches! If you want a beach day, spend it here on the south side of Maui. It is so worth it!
We spent the day at Po’olenalena beach, but get there a tad early because public parking access to the beach is limited.
*Something really neat about this beach is to the south side of it is a great snorkeling spot! You’ll see a lot of tour boats and snorkelers around that area so it’s hard to miss it.
La Perouse Bay in the morning
La Perouse Bay is a popular spot to see. We came here with a paddle board but because of the windy weather, it really wasn’t that fun. I think it’s gorgeous though.
There are a lot of activities down here—it just depends on what you want to do! You can rent a paddle board and walk it to the beach, rent some bikes and ride the town, or just walk around and check out all the street restaurants and food trucks!
There weren’t very many food places down here I can confidently recommend.
Haleakala National Park
This is not the summit of Haleakala–this is below the summit but I think it’s more beautiful down here! 🙂
There are two parts of Haleakala National Park and they are not connected by any roads. One of them you can access from the central Maui, and the other part is only accessible outside of Hana.
The popular Maui thing to do is see the sunrise at Haleakala. You have to reserve your place ahead of time. When I went onto the websites there was absolutely no spots available, so we planned to see the sunset.
It’s SO much better! And I don’t even think the summit is the best spot. As we drove up, we were in awe at how gorgeous the clouds looked below the trees! By the time we got to the summit, it was cloudy and so foggy that we couldn’t see anything. (See picture below).
So my advice is do Haleakala at sunset and enjoy being above the clouds but don’t feel obligated to go to the summit. There are plenty of places to pull off and enjoy the sunset above the clouds!
Road to Hana
I think the road to Hana is definitely worth a try at least once. I don’t think I want to do it again—mostly just because it’s long and I don’t enjoy being in the car that long, even with all the stops. Here are some of my favorite stops though (my road to Hana guide will be up soon!).
(MM stands for mile marker)
MM 2 – Twin falls
MM 16.5 – Seeing the beautiful rainbow eucalyptus trees at the Ke’anae arboretum (skip the Garden of Eden because the Ke’anae arboretum is free and has plenty of plants to admire).
MM 22.5 – Pua’a ka’a state park has easy access waterfalls, as well as a bathroom.
MM 23 – Short lava tube hike. Super neat and most people just drive past!
HANA – Finally getting to Hana is such a relief. I recommend staying the night so you don’t have to rush the Pipiwai trail. Maybe we were tired, but the Pipiwai trail took a minute for us to finish. We stayed in the Hana Resort.
Some things to do in Hana are to eat at the food trucks or the Hana Ranch Restaurant. The red sand beach is right here in Hana, an easy trail and pretty sight (it took us less than 10 minutes to hike to the red sand beach–we didn’t swim there. Just checked it out).
Bamboo Forest, Maui
MM 42 – Ohe’o Gulch and Pipiwai Trail are SO worth it. The bamboo forest and Waikamo falls were totally worth it.
Make sure you STOP here and turn around. Going past the national park may violate your rental contract.
How many days should I spend on Maui?
I recommend 4-5 days, which gives you plenty of time for adventurous hikes and relaxing beach days.
Be on the lookout for whales (especially during the winter months!)
Enjoy Maui!
I hope you enjoyed this Maui guide! So many people visit Maui again and again because of the delightful beaches and warm tropical sun. There’s so much to enjoy, I hope you have an amazing time! Don’t forget to save the Maui guide to help you plan your trip later!
Love,
Lei
Your turn!
What is your favorite thing to do in Maui? Let us know in the comments below!
A haku lei makes any trip to Hawaii that much better! We’ve all seen the touristy pictures of people in Hawaii, purple orchid leis around their necks, donning colorful aloha shirts, and big smiles on their faces. But what if you could experience more than the touristy stuff in Hawaii? What if you could wear more than a lei to explore Hawaii, and feel a natural grace and elegance that blends in with the vibe of the refreshing islands?
This is exactly what a haku lei can do. This all-natural (or synthetic, if you choose!) accessory is more than just a flower crown.
The traditional art of making a lei po’o, aka a “lei” for the “po’o” (head), has been practiced for hundreds of years. We use lei po’o for celebrations, hula dance, birthdays, or just because!
There are different ways to make the lei po’o, which is why not all lei po’o are considered haku lei, the popular term these lovely crowns have been given in the last couple of years.
What is your lei po’o style?
Here is a brief list of the different style of lei po’o to help you get a feel for the type you want:
Kui – This style is mostly used to make the lei that hangs around the neck. However, it can also be used to make lei po’o. A long lei needle strings the flowers together. The strings are then tied together, making a beautiful lei. The flowers that make up a kui lei are usually plumeria, orchid, pua kenikeni, tuberose, and carnations.
Wili – Wili means “to twist.” This is the most popular style to make lei po’o. A strand of raffia or ti leaf secures flowers and ferns to a backing. Many people refer to this as a haku lei, but we’ll get to that next!
The lei po’o made for me was in the wili style
Haku – Lei haku is actually a braided or woven lei, where flowers and/or ferns are braided or woven to keep in place. I’ve seen this style mostly used by hula dancers, as they braid ti leaves or other ferns to keep firmly in place.
So what is a haku lei?
A haku lei is actually the “weaver of lei” and the lei haku is the braided/woven lei. At this point, people find it easier to refer to the haku lei as the reference to a lei po’o. If you want to be specific, though, that’s great!
Where can I get a lei po’o in Hawaii?
One of my favorite haku lei artists is Andrea from petite.maui, who I partnered with for this blog post. Located on the island of Maui, Andrea creates any style of lei po’o you want. From bold foliage that pops, to pastels and whites for special occasions, she can make it all.
There are quite a few lei po’o makers in Hawaii, but it’s important to know what makes a good lei maker. Here are a few tips to help you find a great head lei for your trip to Hawaii!
What makes a good haku lei?
The style is clean
My mom worked and competed as a professional hula dancer growing up, and she told me few things about what makes the best lei po’o. The first thing she told me is that the style is clean, no matter if it’s a wili, kui, or haku style. When I look at haku lei maker’s work, I pay attention to the inside. That seems weird because doesn’t it only matter what the outside looks like?
The inside is what touches your head and if it’s not quality work, it won’t feel good to wear. It will be uneven against your forehead, and it can hurt to wear.
Trust me, I’ve worn lei po’o that isn’t made well. Though they might look pretty, they really hurt and I want to take it off asap! It’s honestly a bummer!
As you can see in the picture below, Andrea’s haku lei has a clean wili style inside of the lei po’o. This makes it comfortable to wear, meaning you’ll never want to take it off! 🙂
The clean woven raffia ensures a comfortable wear on your head 🙂
The colors pop
Every artist and graphic designer can testify to the importance of colors. A lei po’o artist is no different than any other artist. They pay attention to color and theme, and especially make the lei po’o to the needs and wants of the person receiving it.
One thing I loved about Andrea’s work is I didn’t tell her specifically what I wanted, but she definitely over-delivered! She chose a simple style of white and orange orchids, complimented by magenta carnations and bold ti leaves. When she gave it to me, she said she chose some “playful colors,” which I loved.
I loved the colors she chose for me!
Working with a local lei artist has great benefits: whatever colors and theme you desire, they’ll help you bring that vision to life.
The haku lei is made with aloha
If someone is going to make you something, it’s so important they make it with aloha. Andrea was so sweet and helpful, I could immediately tell the goodness she put into making the haku lei. While it might be easy to buy a haku lei from a shop in the city, it takes away from the heart and meaning of haku lei making. I’ve made haku lei before and it is truly a labor of love. It takes time and care to pick the flowers and ferns, assemble the foliage, and make the haku lei itself.
“Hana me ke aloha” is one of my favorite sayings meaning to “work with love.” Buying a lei po’o from a local artist can guarantee this amazing experience and connection.
Oftentimes you can, as long as your lei does not include specific plants that are prohibited. Refer to this website to see prohibited plants, and specifically ask your haku lei artist to not include those things.
When you take it home, I suggest letting it dry and keeping it for the memories! The haku lei Andrea made was so beautiful and well-made, that I’m letting it dry to use as a decoration in the office! 🙂
Will you wear a haku lei on your next trip to Hawaii?
I love supporting local Hawaii artists, and haku lei makers are no exception. The malamaand aloha that goes into creating a lei po’o can be felt every time you put it on. It makes a trip to Hawaii that much more special!
Let me know in the comments: What is your favorite Hawaiian flower?
For this post, I partnered with Andrea at petite.maui. You can count on me to be an honest and good steward of this opportunity. All opinions are my own.
Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to snorkel Molokini crater for myself. The calendar picture of the crescent shaped island, surrounded by white sailboats, intrigued me for years.
On our trip to Maui, we finally got to snorkel Molokini crater, and it did not disappoint! We did a snorkel tour with Sail Trilogy, and there were so many things I enjoyed about this. I’ll discuss it in this blog post and include some extra tips, so keep reading!
We parked at the Ma’alaea Harbor, which was .50 cents per hour. Our tour was scheduled for about 6 hours (8-1:30pm) so we only paid $3 for parking. Not bad. 🙂 The tour sends more info on where to park, which is very helpful. Just be sure to follow the directions or you’ll end up walking forever to the right slip spot, like we did! There is more than one Sail Trilogy boat in the harbor so be aware of that and go to the right slip!
Since I teach and perpetuate values of alohaon my blog, I notice when brands and companies align with these values too. Throughout the article I will share some of the values that I feel made this experience so great.
Even before we stepped onto the boat, the captain herself greeted us. She was so kind and welcoming, we felt like we were in good hands. The spirit of aloha was strong with all the crew members aboard.
The boat had some reef-safe sunscreen to use, and the crew encouraged us to apply sunscreen at least an hour before getting into the water. So we put our belongings away inside the boat (there is no “secure” place to put your bag—it’s just a community area to put your bag) and put on sunscreen before choosing a spot to sit on the side of the boat.
Tip: There were two bathrooms on the boat, so that was nice to know!
The tour took place during Hawaii’s mask mandate, so masks were required in the harbor. Once we left the harbor, however, we were free to take them off.
Seeing Whales on the Tour
Tip: Traveling to Maui between December and March almost always guarantees whale sightings! We did a snorkel tour during this time—as opposed to a whale watching tour—because we knew we’d see whales anyways. Seeing whales on the way to Molokini was definitely a free bonus!
Don’t forget to pin this for later!
I was so excited because there were plenty of whales to see! It really made the experience special. Some whales swam close to the boat, and some far. But I’d say that every 10-15 minutes there were whales to see. The captain killed the engine anytime the whales swam nearby, and the rest of us clambered to one side of the boat in order to get a close-up view.
The captain explained to us that the younger calfs stuck close to their moms and usually mimicked them. So when a whale jumped up, you could expect to see another shortly after (if it was a female).
Snorkel Molokini Crater Tour
We had a cinnamon roll for breakfast–a special recipe that was delightful!
The tour provided us with a cinnamon roll for breakfast. Something about Hawaii is that we love perpetuating things from the past. We learn and experience so much when we keep traditions (like with the value of “Nānā i ke Kumu”). The cinnamon roll was a recipe from Mom Coon, and it was delightful! It felt, somehow, like a piece of the company’s history handed down. The crew also gave us a cup of fresh fruit, and that was nice.
Tip: I wish I had brought a small snack or granola bar because the cinnamon roll and fruit weren’t enough breakfast for me, so I was kind of hungry until lunch. If you have a bigger appetite, you might want to consider bringing something small to add onto this yummy breakfast!
As Molokini loomed in the distance, one of the sailors gave us a briefing on safe snorkeling, as well as best practices to mālama (care for) the reef and marine life. I really appreciated this, along with the reef-safe sunscreen. It was easy to tell that the crew members had a deep passion for the protection of the ocean, and doing what they can now to preserve it for years to come.
The tour provided anti-fogging spray for the goggles, which really helped. The tour also required us to use one of the floaties provided. You could choose from a snap-on yellow flotation around the waist, a noodle, or a yellow vest that could convert into a floating device.
When we arrived at Molokini, we jumped in to finally snorkel Molokini crater. A dream come true! I marveled at the beautiful fish and coral reefs. The captain said Molokini has some of the clearest waters, where we would be able to see at least 100 feet down. While the fish were amazing and all that, I couldn’t help being amazed at the sounds of the whales in the water. It sounded so beautiful and calming.
Bring a jacket or thick towel cause it can get cold!
After we snorkeled Molokini crater for about an hour, we got back on the boat. I wrapped up in a towel because of the chilly air and wind. In the packing list the tour provided us with, it did encourage us to bring a light jacket. I’m kind of weird because I don’t like wearing jackets if I haven’t rinsed the salt water off. So I just kept my towel wrapped around me as the ship sailed to the next snorkeling spot.
Tip: Bring an extra towel or something to keep warm!
Snorkeling Another Spot
The captain directed us towards another snorkel spot. Online it said that most of the tours typically go to “Turtle Town” but this time, the captain decided to take us to a different spot. It was one of the crew member’s favorite spots, and we had the potential of seeing manta rays.
It was a pretty spot, like almost all snorkel spots in Hawaii. But I wish we had gone to turtle town, as I’d heard lots of good reviews about it. I think we’ll have to check it out on another trip to Maui though!
I got really cold snorkeling. But when we got back onto the boat, I was happy to find they had a little shower to rinse off with freshwater! No need to stay salty the entire boat ride back!
When we settled down and started sailing back, the crew members immediately brought out lunch: teriyaki chicken with fried rice, green salad, and a roll. It tasted so good!
The Values of Aloha on Sail Trilogy
What impressed me the most was the crew’s willingness to serve. They truly perpetuated the value of ho’okipa by hosting with a smile, always being happy to get whatever we needed, and taking initiative. Their love and passion for their work was so obvious. It reminded me of the value of ho’ohana—their jobs didn’t seem like “jobs” because they seemed to genuinely enjoy their work. It seemed so meaningful to them, and I loved that.
I definitely felt full after lunch because the crew members came around with seconds. It was so relaxing and enjoyable to eat a warm meal, watch the whales in the distance, and just enjoy the moment.
Shortly before we reached the harbor, we put our masks back on. The captain gave us a huge mahalo and thanked her crew members as well. When we left, we handed the captain a tip as a thank you.
Tip: Bring some $$ for a tip—the captain mentioned a Venmo option but we didn’t use that method.
Overall I’d love to sail with Sail Trilogy again. They have some other amazing tours, like a boat that goes out to Lanai and spends the day there. Wow, that would be so neat!
My favorite part of the snorkel Molokini crater tour was the overall spirit of aloha that the crew members and captain perpetuated. Each of them welcomed us with smiles and they were all willing to laugh and help us have a good time.
The other thing I loved was the whale-sightings. What a treat! Hearing them sing as we snorkeled felt magical and, in some ways, not real. But it was real, and I have pictures and videos to remember it too! If you’d like to see the videos, check out my instagram highlights of Maui!
Your turn! What are your favorite snorkel spots in Maui? Let me know in the comments below!
For this post, I partnered with Sail Trilogy for a discounted experience. You can count on me to be an honest and good steward of this opportunity. As always, all opinions are my own.
“What are the best things to do in Hawaii?” This is one of the most common questions I get asked. As someone who grew up in Hawaii and visits often, I’ve thought of how overwhelming planning might be for someone else who’s never been to Hawaii.
What are the best things a person should do when they go to Hawaii?
I’ve put together a list of my favorite things to do in Hawaii that are iconic, memorable, and FUN. These really are the best things to do in Hawaii! They are also things you can do on ANY Hawaiian island, which will really help with planning.
You can fit any of these activities easily into your schedule and they work around any budget. Some of these activities are even FREE! 🙂
So here are the 10 best things to do on any Hawaiian island!
P.S. I made the images like little postcards so you can save them to your Pinterest for later! Or download them to use as a phone background or reminder of your upcoming trip! 🙂 Even better, send them to a friend to share aloha!!
1. Relax at the beach – The #1 best thing to do in Hawaii!
A vacation to Hawaii is never complete without some time at the beach. Pack your favorite snacks, use reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin, and lie out on the warm beaches of Hawaii.
If relaxing, resting, or taking a nap on the beach isn’t your thing, there’s so much more to do! I’ve seen people doing all kinds of things at the beach, from playing football, throwing frisbees, reading a book, chatting with friends, having a campfire, walking hand-in-hand along the shore, doing a photoshoot, and so forth.
And don’t miss out on activity #3 for all the great things you can do IN the water! 😀
2. Eat shave ice
This is a must try! It gets hot in Hawaii, so cool off with some ‘ono shave ice! Most shave ice places have so many flavors, you might get overwhelmed.
Here are some local flavors from the islands that you might want to consider: guava, lilikoi (passion fruit), lychee, coconut, and pineapple.
All of the islands have places to get shave ice, so keep an eye open or plan ahead where to go! 🙂
3. Try a water activity, such as snorkeling, surfing, boogie-boarding, SUP, or body boarding
Water activities add an extra level of excitement and fun to the beach experience. The ocean is truly a magical place, with so much to learn about, explore, and do.
Trying a water activity is one of the best things to do in Hawaii because they’re great for all levels and ages. Boogie boarding is a great introductory water sport for kids. Teens and adults can enjoy SUP or surfing (kids can do it too!). And snorkeling is great for all ages! There really is something for everyone on the shores of the beautiful Pacific ocean!
4. Attend a luau (or eat luau food)
This is for the cultural experience of Hawaii. Every island has places to attend a luau, and the prices range. If you’re not interested in watching or paying for a luau show, at least try the food.
Many places in Hawaii serve traditional luau food on “luau plates.” The traditional food includes:
Laulau
Kalua pig
Rice
Lomi salmon
Poi
Chicken long rice
Squid luau
And poke.
There are always variations on the “luau plate”, but try at least some of these traditional, mouth-watering luau favorites at local restaurants and eateries.
To see traditional hula and performances, you can also find free shows on some of the islands! You just have to be aware of the times, and follow covid guidelines too.
5. Wear a lei (or a flower in your ear)
A fresh flower or leaf lei brightens up any day. If you are with someone, give them a lei, which is a symbol of friendship, honor, celebration, and love.
You can order leis from local vendors. Most grocery stores and road-side stops also sell fresh lei.
For women, a simple flower in the ear is also a fun way to feel and be a part of Hawaii. Wearing the flower in the right ear means she is single. Wearing the flower in the left ear means she has a special someone.
Another thing I love are haku lei, or flower crowns. These lovely crowns make any woman light up, bringing out their natural beauty. They’re fun to wear during the entire trip, and great for pictures!
6. See a waterfall – Don’t miss this best thing to do in Hawaii!
Every island has plenty of beautiful waterfalls. Each one is majestic in its own way, from small waterfalls flowing into different pools, to tall, breathtaking waterfalls.
Each one usually requires hiking, but the great thing is that there are hikes for all ages and levels. Some waterfalls you can literally drive right up to, and some takes a short (or long) hike to see.
7. Try a poke bowl
Cubed, raw ahi tuna fish marinated in the most mouth-watering sauces, poured onto a bed of hot rice.
That’s a poke bowl.
Some people get freaked out by the idea of eating raw fish, but you must give it a try! It might surprise you how delightful and refreshing a poke bowl is! My husband was pretty hesitant about eating it, but once he tried it, he could never go back.
Every island has grocery stores and shops that sell poke bowls. My favorite poke bowls are from Foodland (also known as Sack n’ Save), as they are the freshest, best sized cubes, and most flavorful poke choices. My favorites poke flavors are the traditional shoyu poke, as well as the spicy poke!
8. See marine life, like dolphins, whales, fish, or sea turtles
Your vacation wouldn’t be complete without seeing some kind of marine life. Hawaii is home to hundreds of beautiful sea turtles, as well as dolphins, whales, fish, and, of course, sharks.
Though I will mention shark sightings are SO rare! In all the years I lived in Hawaii (about 10+ years), I only saw a shark once. And it’s because I stayed out in the water past sunset. It was a small shark though.
Go snorkeling to see turtles and fish (this is free if you have your own snorkeling gear too!). Take a whale-watching tour or dolphin excursion to see these magical creatures in the wild (tours usually start at $100/person).
Seeing Hawaii’s unique marine life is an experience you will never forget!
9. Stop at roadside fruit stands or food trucks
Support local businesses by stopping to buy some fruit or food. Fresh fruit tastes AMAZING! And the local food trucks have delightful treats for all ages and tastes!
My favorites are acai bowls. They are a refreshing way to fuel up and get your nutrients in for the day!
10. Feel the Aloha spirit
This is the best thing to do in Hawaii. There’s something about being on the islands that feels safe, light, and peaceful. We call that the aloha spirit. It’s in everything, from the people to the plants to the animals.
E komo mai! 🌺 I am the author of Aloha State of Mind, a self help book that teaches you how to create paradise wherever you are. My blog, Naturally Aloha, focuses on all things Hawaii: culture, values, food, lifestyle, and more. I hope my writing inspires you to carry aloha with you everywhere! Learn more…
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