The Hawaiian Islands: Where to Stay, Eat, and Visit

The Hawaiian Islands - the picture-perfect tropical paradise on the top of many summer destination lists. While Hawaii surely has some of the most beautiful landscapes, Hawaii is also home to a unique culture that prioritizes family and supporting local communities. Since we can’t take you through all of the islands in Hawaii (the state technically has a whopping total of 137), we’ll take you through some of the most popular and alluring islands the state has to offer. Who’s ready to say Aloha?  

Visit:

The four most visited islands in Hawaii are: Maui, known as “The Valley Isle”, Oahu, “The Gathering Place”, Kauai, “The Garden Isle”, and Hawaii, “The Big Island”. You’re guaranteed lots of summer sun, long beach days, and lush green hikes on any island, but as shown by their names, there is something that makes each island unique. Kauai is known for having the most rich greenery and nature, with an abundance of hiking and waterfalls; Waimea Canyon is home to some of the most popular hiking in the region. 

Oahu is all about activities, from surfing to shopping and nightlife, while Maui is said to be known for some of the best beaches in the world, and Hawaii has natural attractions galore; from volcanoes to snow-capped mountains and rainforests. 

Stay: 

 

Ho’oilo House is an adorable bed and breakfast in Maui that will give you the quintessential Hawaiian stay, and they also donate to the Pacific Whale Foundation for every night you book. If you're headed to Kauai, stay at sustainable hotel chain 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay; their oceanfront sanctuary will leave you in utter peace. @hooilohouse

Eat: 

Picture poke bowls with the freshest fish you can find, delicious fish tacos, and refreshing açaí bowls. The Tin Roof Maui is a  “new generation mom & pop shop”, offering classic Hawaiian meals, and they also work closely with local farmers, fishermen, ranchers, and artisans to provide honest food to their community. 

For those refreshing açaí bowls we’re sure you’re now craving, Da Cove Health Bar and Cafe in Oahu also has pitaya (dragonfruit) bowls that are made with locally grown and island caught ingredients, prepared fresh.

In need of a sweet treat? Niu Soft Serve Parlour on the Big Island is a dairy-free ice cream dream with flavors that change weekly. Always aiming to pay homage to their Hawaiian culture, their flavors feature classic Hawaiian flavors like coconut, ube and mango.