Hawai’i

Hawai’i

Oahu

Hawai’i

History in Pearl Harbor

Day 1: Pearl Harbor

A must do while on Hawaii because it is a place where history has been wrapped up. Interestingly the story of the attack is not only shown from the US perspective, but also from the Japanese perspective and of the Japanese descendants living on Hawaii. It also gives you the opportunity to inspect a gigantic battle ship from up close and to see the place where the 2nd world war has ended.

Hawai’i

Waikiki Beach Fun

Day 2-3: Waikiki Beach

It’s the place of the rich and the surfers. It has a beautiful beach which is divided by all the top hotel brands but it still has the cool surfer vibe of all the surfers hanging out in the waves.
Diamond Head is the name of the crater rim right next to Honolulu. The view on the way up and from up there is unique and definitely worth the hike. But be prepared to share it with some others. As even on a Monday it can get quite crowded up there.

Hawai’i

Waves at North Shore

Day 4: Malaekahana Camping

The place to be for all surfers and those who like to watch them. In case you belong to the second group then grab yourself a shaved ice and watch them doing their tricks.

Hawai’i

Snorkeling Hanauma Bay

Day 5-7: Bellow Field Camping

Probably the most beautiful beaches on the island are on its east side. They are perfect for relaxing and snorkeling and the best place to do that is Hanauma Bay. The reef there is very healthy with lots of fishes and the rangers there are doing an excellent job in protecting it.

Hawai’i

Big Island

Hawai’i

Volcanic South Coast

Day 8-9: Hilo Reeds Bay Resort

The southern tip of the island is full of lush rainforest. Some of it so pristine, that you fear to destroy its equilibrium if you simply touch it. In harsh contrast to this you can find the lava fields right next to it. About a year ago was the last outbreak of one of the five volcanoes and this one destroyed more than 700 buildings and structures and forced more than 2’000 people to relocate. One of the streets is still blocked by solidified lava.

Hawai’i

Fragrant Rainforests

Day 10: Samuel M. Spencer Camping

There are many waterfalls worth visiting on the biggest of the Hawaiian islands. Two of them are the Rainbow falls and the Akaka falls. And when there is enough sun, the Rainbow falls show you their special feature. The Akaka falls don’t have a rainbow but are, with their 132m of free fall more than twice as high as the Niagara falls.

Hawai’i

Whales & Dolphins

Day 11: Kohanaiki Camping

The south-west part of the island offers the best whale watching possibilities. You can even see those giants from the shore. But make sure to bring your zoom lens as they can be quite far away.

Petroglyphs are stone carvings created by the ancient Hawaiians. Their exact meaning is not known but they show events like birth, hunt and other major events. Close to the petroglyphs is a beach with black volcano stones mixed with white remains of the corals.

At Kealakekua Bay you can rent a kayak and look for resting dolphins as well as snorkel at the Captain Cook memorial. It is probably the best snorkeling spot on the island as the corals look super healthy and there are many colorful fishes. Only a short drive further is another snorkling spot called 2-step. And there you have the chance to see Spinner Dolphins.

Hawai’i

Land grows on Hawai’i

Day 12-13: Punalu’u & Volcano NP

Even though there is no more glowing lava to see, it is still super interesting to visit Hawai’i Volcanoes NP. You learn a lot about the five big volcanoes on Big Island and the recent eruption.

Hawai’i

Sunset on Mauna Kea

Day 14: Hilo Reeds Bay Resort

Driving up the highest mountain in the world is possible. No, we are not talking about Mt. Everest, we are talking about Mauna Kea. Measured from the ground of the ocean this mountain is more than 10’000 meters high.

Hawai’i

Maui

Hawai’i

Road to Hana

Day 15-16: Waianapanapa Camping

This road is considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world and probably everyone who has driven it, would agree. You get the chance to drive at the coastline within a beautiful rainforest. Every couple of meters there is another waterfall to watch or another spectacular piece of coastline to stare at. Tipp: Make sure to stop at the Ka Haku Smoke Shack as their Hawaiian BBQ platter is absolutely fantastic. All points are marked on the map above.

Hawai’i

Sunset on Haleakala

Day 17: Haleakala NP

Watch the sunset or sunrise at the Red Hill Haleakala. It is the highest mountain on Maui and of course it is a volcano. The road up there is a bit less steep and tricky than the one leading up to Mauna Kea on Big Island but the view is of the same intensity. For sunrise you need a reservation but for sunset you can just show up. In case you are lucky enough to be above the clouds, the view over the cloud sea is spectacular but also a bit freezing.

Hawai’i

Strolling in Lahaina

Day 18-19: Kahana Falls Resort

Lahaina is a beautiful little town, that managed to keep its attraction despite being full of tourists. There are art galleries and shops and of course many restaurants. A great place to drink a beer while watching the sunset and enjoying original Hawaiian live music is Kimo’s.

Hawai’i

Whale Songs Underwater

Day 20-21: Olowalu Camping

From Dec to April is whale season. The humpback whales are travelling all the way from the Antarctica to Hawaii to mate, give birth and nurse their babies.
And when you are diving at Molokini you will probably hear them singing during the entire dive.

Hawai’i

Kauai

Hawai’i

Relaxing Beach

Day 22-28: Kauai Shores Hotel

Poipu Beach is considered one of the best snorkeling spots on the island and it is pretty in the shallow water with all the colorful fishes. But because of the shallow water it is also full of kids.

Hanalei hosts the most famous farmers market of the island every Saturday morning. There you can buy all sorts of vegetables and fruits, flowers, handcraft items and food. And there are some local artists performing on their instruments.

Hawai’i

Kayak to Secret Falls

Day 27: Secret Falls

To be honest, they are not that secret anymore, but as they can only be accessed by kayaking and a long muddy walk they are still pretty special.

Hawai’i

WOW: Waimea Canyon

Day 28: Waimea Canyon

This is maybe the most beautiful canyon you can imagine. Its colors are unreal. There are all sorts of waterfalls, from the tiny little Red Dirt Waterfall to the gigantic falls in the center of the canyon. Everything about this canyon is fascinating. Its size, the plants, the colors, the shape of its walls – simply everything.

Hawai’i

Sailing Napali Coast

Day 29: Sailing Napali Coast

The only way to access the famous Napali Coast is by boat or by helicopter flight. And it is definitely worth it, as it is probably the most beautiful coastline you can imagine.