Hawaii

The first time I went to Hawaii, I was fifteen and it was the longest flight I had taken in my life so far–Hawaii is a long distance from anything, but it felt especially long from Montana! It was hard not to fall in love with the stunning landscape, the curious wildlife, and the feeling that adventure could happen at any moment.

I remember swimming in the ocean near our hotel and hearing the sounds of humpbacks under the water. Talk about magical!

Since then, Daniel and I have been lucky to go back and spend quite a bit of time exploring several of the islands there. Now that I am a bit older, it’s less about having a family vacation and more about hiking, kayaking, and the many water activities you can find.

However, Hawaii can be a bit tough to navigate–especially if you are going to experience the outdoors and national parks over relaxing at a resort. It was almost impossible for us to find appropriate places to camp in Maui!

This guide will give you some tips and information to help you plan your trip with an emphasis on hiking, national parks, and water activities in this stunning chain of islands.

Quick tip: Check out the Haleakala sunset over the sunrise. The experience is just as magical, and you don’t need reservations to enjoy it!

Map of Hawaii

Hawaii basics

Date founded: August 21, 1959

Nickname: The Aloha State

Fun fact: Hawaii has the highest life expectancy of any state–might be because they live in paradise!

Can’t miss: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Haleakala National Park, Road to Hana, whale watching, hiking, water activities.

Top 5 things to do in Hawaii

Here are some of my top choices for things to do when you are visiting Hawaii.

1. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

It’s not every day you get to see an active volcano. The hikes here are surreal, like walking on another planet. The park’s diverse landscapes are a must-see–it’s also a great park for kids!

2. Road to Hana, Maui

This drive is legendary. Every turn reveals waterfalls, rainforests, and beaches. It’s a full day adventure, but totally worth it for the views and stops along the way. If you are a drone photographer like I am, this is also a great place to capture some stunning shots.

Quick tip: Don’t miss stopping for the famous banana bread you can get along the road–it was one of the highlights for us!

3. Snorkeling and water sports

The ocean life here is unreal. Kayaking where whales might pop up next to you or snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs – it’s an aquatic wonderland. I also recommend hopping on a surfboard here too–there’s a reason that Hawaii is famous for its waves.

4. Visit Pearl Harbor, Oahu

A poignant piece of history that’s deeply moving. The museums and memorials offer a lot of insight into this significant event. While I wouldn’t recommend heading to Oahu just for this (unless you are really into military history), it’s definitely worth seeing if you are already there.

5. Hiking in Kauai

The trails in Kauai, like those in Waimea Canyon, are stunning. The views are some of the best in Hawaii – lush, green, and absolutely breathtaking. If you choose only one spot to strap on your hiking boots in the Aloha State, in my opinion, it would be on this verdant island.

Best time to visit Hawaii

April to June and September to December are sweet spots–nice weather and fewer tourists. Perfect for outdoor stuff, like when Daniel and I did the hikes and kayaking. We went in January, and the weather was fantastic–and it was the ideal time for whale watching.

Summers and winter holidays get pretty busy, but one of the perks of Hawaii is that the weather is consistent all year. This means you can’t really go wrong any time you go.

I recommend 10 days in Hawaii

Ten days is just enough to get a real taste of island life. Splitting time between the Big Island and Maui worked great for us. But if you’re eyeing more islands, like Oahu or Kauai, you might want to stay a bit longer.

Each island has its own vibe and adventures, from hiking active volcanoes to unwinding on stunning beaches. More time means you can truly embrace the laid-back Hawaiian lifestyle without feeling rushed.

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Hilo

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- Carlsmith Beach Park
- ‘Akaka Falls State Park
- Rainbow Falls
Where to Stay in Hilo
Where to Eat in Hilo

Lahaina

Where to Eat in Lahaina

Tips for visiting Hawaii

Here are some things I found helpful when Daniel and I visited Hawaii!

Sun protection is key: Trust me as someone who burns super easily, the sun in Hawaii is intense. Slather on that sunscreen, wear a hat, and don’t forget your sunglasses – even on cloudy days.
Hydration is essential: With all the hiking and beach time, it’s easy to forget to drink water. Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and keep enjoying your day.
Ocean safety: Those waves and currents can be stronger than they look. Always respect the ocean, swim in lifeguarded areas, and listen to local advice.
Dive into local culture: Hawaiian culture is rich and welcoming. From trying poke to learning about the islands’ history, it really makes the trip. It’s also important to be respectful and Leave No Trace–remember that this is their home.
Embrace ‘Island Time’: In Hawaii, things move at a slower pace. It’s part of the charm. Relax, unwind, and go with the flow–even taking a day to lie on the beach was perfect for us!