Island Hopping in Hawaii

Hilo

My island-hopping adventure in Hawaii began with a visit to Hilo, where my friends warmly welcomed me at the port. Having explored Hilo before—taking in the beauty of Rainbow Falls, the Boiling Pots, and the lush gardens—I was excited to see something new this time.

We set out on a scenic drive to Akaka Falls, a breathtaking 442-foot waterfall nestled within a verdant rainforest on the Big Island. The short hike through the tropical landscape was filled with the sounds of birds and the rustling of giant ferns, making the journey just as enchanting as the destination.


After soaking in the beauty of the falls, we headed to a nearby beach park for a relaxing picnic. As we settled in, my friends shared a delightful surprise: I didn’t need to book a snorkeling excursion to see sea turtles. Just below the picnic area, a serene lagoon was home to these gentle creatures. Watching them glide effortlessly through the clear water was a magical experience.


One of the highlights I had been anticipating was witnessing the eruption of Mt. Kilauea. My friends assured me it would be a spectacular sight for photography. However, upon arrival, I was met with an unexpected twist—the volcano had stopped erupting. While I didn’t get to see lava flows this time, standing near one of the world’s most active volcanoes was still an awe-inspiring experience.


My time in Hilo was a perfect mix of adventure, nature, and good company, setting the tone for the rest of my Hawaiian island-hopping journey.


Oahu 

My visit to Honolulu, Oahu, was all about experiencing the island’s famous beaches and marine life, and the highlight of my trip was undoubtedly the Waikiki Turtle Snorkeling Trip. Since it was turtle season, I was excited to see these majestic creatures up close.

Snorkeling at Turtle Canyon

I had high expectations for the snorkeling excursion, as I had heard that turtles were plentiful in the area. However, reality didn’t quite match the hype—I only saw one turtle during the trip. That said, it was an unforgettable moment. The turtle swam straight toward me, and before I could react, our guide had to pull me away to maintain a safe distance.


Beyond the turtle encounter, I spotted a few colorful fish and even caught sight of a couple of barracudas lurking in the water. The snorkeling was enjoyable, but if you’re expecting an overwhelming number of turtles, it might be a hit-or-miss experience.


Exploring Waikiki Beach


After snorkeling, I spent some time at Waikiki Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world. Many people say Waikiki is like Los Angeles by the beach, and I couldn’t agree more. The area is packed with tourists, high-rise hotels, and endless shops, making it far from the serene tropical escape some might expect.


That being said, Diamond Head looming in the background provides a stunning contrast to the bustling beach scene. While Waikiki Beach is iconic and lively, it’s not a place I would rush back to if I were looking for a peaceful retreat.


Honolulu and Waikiki offer a mix of urban energy and natural beauty, but for those seeking a quieter, more laid-back Hawaiian experience, I’d recommend exploring beyond the tourist-heavy areas. While my Waikiki Turtle Snorkeling Trip wasn’t exactly as expected, it was still an adventure worth experiencing.


Maui: Discovering a Different Side of Maui

Maui has always been one of my favorite Hawaiian islands, and on my previous visits, I spent most of my time soaking up the sun at the stunning beaches of Kapalua and Kaanapali. This time, however, I wanted to explore more of the island, especially in the wake of the devastating fire that had reshaped parts of its landscape. My journey led me to the lush northern region of Maui, offering a mix of natural beauty, history, and cultural heritage.


Chasing Waterfalls and Watching Daredevils at Ho’okipa


My first stop was Twin Falls, a beautiful waterfall located on private land rather than a state park. The short hike through tropical greenery led me to cascading falls and refreshing pools—an ideal spot for a peaceful nature escape.


Next, I visited Ho‘okipa Beach Park, famous for its massive waves and skilled surfers who take on the challenge. Unlike the calm beaches of Kapalua, this beach is not meant for leisurely swims—it’s a place where daredevils test their limits. The power of the ocean was on full display, and I even witnessed a young surfer being treated by paramedics after a wipeout. While the beach may not be for the faint of heart, its dramatic beauty made for some fantastic photos.


Hiking Through the West Maui Mountains


One of the highlights of my trip was hiking in the West Maui Mountains, beginning at ʻĪao Valley State Park. Even if you’re not an avid hiker, the short but steep climb to the viewing platform is worth it for the breathtaking sight of ʻĪao Needle, a lush green peak rising dramatically against the backdrop of misty mountains. This valley is not only visually stunning but also rich in history, as it was the site of a pivotal battle in Hawaiian history.


From there, I continued hiking down the Wailuku River Valley, taking in the serene surroundings and the sound of rushing water. On my way back, I made a brief stop at the Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens, a hidden gem that celebrates the island’s multicultural history. Walking through its sections, I admired the traditional architecture, gardens, and statues representing the diverse cultures that have shaped Maui—Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Native Hawaiian, Korean, Puerto Rican, and Filipino.


A Relaxing Finale at Maui Tropical Plantation


To wrap up my adventure, I visited the Maui Tropical Plantation, where I enjoyed a well-earned cup of coffee while taking in the panoramic views of the West Maui Mountains. It was the perfect way to unwind and reflect on my time exploring this beautiful and resilient island.


Maui’s north side offered a completely different experience from my past beach-filled visits, reminding me of the island’s deep history, natural wonders, and cultural richness. While the scars of the fire remain, so does the island’s incredible spirit and beauty.  


Kauai, the Garden Island

My previous visit to Kauai was for a destination wedding, and while it was a fantastic celebration, I spent most of my time indoors partying. The one thing that stuck with me from that trip was the incredible wedding feast at the Grand Hyatt. This time, however, I wanted to truly experience why Kauai is called the Garden Island—even if I only had a day to do so.


Exploring Kauai by Taxi Tour


Since my time was limited, I opted for a taxi tour with three other tourists. In Kauai, taxis double as tour guides, offering private island tours for about $60–$70 per hour—a great way to see the sights without the hassle of renting a car.


Our first planned stop was the Kīlauea Lighthouse, a famous landmark on the island’s northernmost point. Unfortunately, after an hour-long drive, we discovered that it was closed to visitors, and to our disappointment, we couldn’t even catch a glimpse of it from afar. However, the detour wasn’t a total loss—we got an up-close view of King Kong Mountain, a distinctive peak that resembles the profile of the famous movie ape. It was an unexpected but fascinating sight.


Chasing Waterfalls in Lihue-Wailua


Next, we headed to the Lihue-Wailua area, home to some of Kauai’s most breathtaking waterfalls. Our first stop was ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls, a stunning 151-foot waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The viewing platform offered a postcard-perfect scene, reinforcing why Kauai is known as the Garden Island.


A short drive away, we found Wailua Falls, also known as the Fantasy Island Falls—named after its appearance in the opening scene of the classic TV show Fantasy Island. Standing there, watching the water plunge into the pool below, I felt like I was in a dreamlike paradise. This area truly lived up to its reputation, with its dense rainforests, vibrant tropical plants, and misty waterfalls.



Relaxing at Nāwiliwili Beach


After a day of sightseeing, I decided to wind down at Nāwiliwili Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand near the cruise port. The beach was the perfect spot to relax, watch the waves, and reflect on my short but memorable day in Kauai.

Though I only had a glimpse of what the island has to offer, my visit confirmed that Kauai is indeed a lush, magical paradise. Next time, I’ll be sure to stay longer and explore even more of its breathtaking landscapes.


NOTE:  All photos & video by the author

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