Hawaii

There are only a few Hawai'ian snorkeling gems better than Kapalua Bay. Tucked into a narrow cover along the rocks of a long dormant volcano is a beautiful sandy bay that should be on any Maui snorkeling list. The neighborhood is quiet and relaxed that surrounds a picturesque beach. Getting here is ...

Located just south of Kailua-Kona International Airport, Wawaloli Beach is a hidden gem that many tourists miss completely on the way out of the airport. To get there just simply turn into the Natural Energy Lab on Makako Bay Dr from Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway (HI19). About a mile down the road is bea...

Located near the northern tip of the Big Island, Waipi'o Valley is one of the most beautiful views that you can experience in all of Hawaii. Waipi'o Valley is an hour and 30 minute drive from Kona and an hour and 10 minutes from Hilo. To access the lookout, take HI-19 west to HI-240. Make sure to dr...

The beach might not be very big but fortunately the Ocean has plenty of space. This is an awesome snorkeling spot. You can see tons of fish. The electric company right across the street has a large pipe that runs into the ocean and releases a heavy amount of hot water. This causes many fish to come ...

This is a fun hike in central Oahu that leads to multiple water falls! Bring some shoes that you don't care about because the trail is muddy and you will definitely get dirty. There is also a cliff diving spot at one of the falls. This hike is just one trail located in the Ewa Forest Preserve. There...

The hike to the Waimea Falls offers both the natural beauty of a tropical rainforest, as well as the unique, in situ opportunity to learn about local history. Although this hike can be crowded, it is definitely worthwhile to see and swim in this amazing Hawaiian waterfall. The approximately mile-lon...

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden is on my list of the top ten most beautiful nature places you can drive to. Hoʻomaluhia means "to make a place of peace and tranquility." This breathtaking gem was built in 1982 by the US Army Corps of Engineering to prevent flooding. There’s a lot to do here, you can ev...

Drive north along the Akoni Pule Highway for approximately 45 miles. When you reach Lapakahi State Historical Park, turn left of of the highway and find a parking spot. The fishing village itself consists of several volcanic rock walls along the shore. It is a great stop while exploring the northwes...

Looking for a good photo opportunity while on Oahu? Mokoli‘i is one of the best you can find. Not only is it a scenic and unique view, but you can also have some fun with perspective. Located only 20 miles from Honolulu, hop on H1 W for about 2 miles before turning onto HI-63 N for 7 miles. Then, me...

Mauna Kea is one of the volcanoes that helped form the Big Island of Hawai’i. However, its last eruption was around 2600 BC. Mauna Kea sits at an elevation of 13,796ft above sea level making it the second highest mountain I’ve hiked as I write this post – just shy of Mt Whitney . Interestingly, more...

A beautiful beach for swimming less than 10 minutes from downtown Hilo! Because Hilo is more rocky and jungly than the western side of the island, this beach is more of a swimming hole than a traditional beach. Carlsmith is also frequented by big turtles (like the ones in Finding Nemo!), but please ...

Running or biking on Old Mamalahoa Hwy is a treasure! The path is marked as a 'Scenic Drive' but you can park your car along the way and run, or bike through. This area is north of Hilo's downtown so you'll follow Mamalahoa Hwy north (the only highway that goes around the north side of the island) u...

Enjoy a 2 hour horseback ride on Kohala Mountain in Waimea on the north side of the Big Island! There are several ranches in the area through which you can take a guided tour - I would recommend Paniolo Adventures , but you can look up the ranches in the Waimea / Kohala Mountain area. The ranches ty...

Pupukea is located on the North Shore of Oahu. This beautiful spot is a great place to catch the sunset. During the winter time there can be very large surf, so be extra careful not get too close to the water's edge. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists to just relax and enjoy the Islands of ...

Start at Kahana Bay in Ahupua'a O Kahana State Park on Oahu's windward coast, between the towns of Kaneohe and Laie. Paddle for as long as you'd like! The current gets stronger further upstream.

Wyllie's beach is a small beach next to Anini beach. It is on the northwest side of the river mouth. There is a 0.8 mile trail down to the beach. The trail head is near the Westin Princeville. This is a handy beach for those staying in the Princeville area, as it is walkable from most vacation homes...