Hawaii: Three Trips, Two New Islands, One Forever Favorite
Hawaii has always held a special place in my heart—but this trip truly elevated it to a whole new level. This was my third visit to Hawaii, yet my first time exploring both Kauai and Maui, and it was nothing short of unforgettable.
My first trip was a high school adventure with my mom on Oahu, full of beach days and classic island memories. The second was in 2010 with my husband—ten dreamy days on Oahu balancing relaxation with adventure. But this third trip? This one was about celebration, friendship, and saying yes to once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Kauai: Wild, Lush, and Unforgettable
We landed in Kauai with our best friends to celebrate my best friend’s 40th birthday—and kicked things off in the most epic way possible: a no-doors helicopter ride soaring over the dramatic mountains and cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. With nothing between us and the landscape below, the waterfalls, emerald ridges, and razor-sharp cliffs felt almost unreal.
That night, we stayed at Koloa Landing Resort, perfectly located in sunny Poipu and ideal for adventure-filled days.
Na Pali Coast by Sea (A Must-Do)
The next day brought one of the most exhilarating experiences of the entire trip—a high-speed sea adventure with Na Pali Pirates. We boarded rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs)—the same style used by Navy SEALs—and took off along the coast.
These boats are fast, powerful, and so much fun—cutting through waves, catching air, and splashing us with salty spray the whole way. We snorkeled with sea turtles, enjoyed lunch on a secluded beach, and as if the day couldn’t get better, dolphins joined us on the ride back, swimming alongside the boat in the golden afternoon sun. Pure magic.
Secret Falls Adventure
Another highlight was kayaking the Wailua River and hiking to Secret Falls. The paddle was peaceful and serene, and the hike was lush with tropical flowers, bamboo groves, and small cascading waterfalls along the way.
When we reached the falls, sunlight danced across the pool below, making the water sparkle like tiny diamonds. It felt hidden, sacred, and worth every step. Afterward, we rewarded ourselves at a laid-back beach bar—cold drinks, salty snacks, and that “we earned this” feeling.
Luau Nights & Golden Sunsets
One evening was spent at a traditional luau, filled with vibrant hula dancing, powerful fire performances, live music, and a feast of island flavors. The energy, storytelling, and culture made it so much more than just dinner—it was an experience.
On our final day, we headed out early for an all-day fishing trip. The sunrise brought dolphins swimming beside the boat, and though it was a calm day at sea, we still came back with fresh tuna. That evening delivered one of the most breathtaking sunsets I’ve ever seen—layers of blues, purples, reds, yellows, and oranges filling the sky, while sea turtles came ashore to rest for the night. A perfect farewell to Kauai.
Maui: Iconic Adventures & Resort Bliss
We arrived in Maui early, grabbed lunch from a local food truck stop (highly recommend!), and headed straight to the beach. Crashing waves, warm water, and sunshine set the tone before checking into our VRBO on Sugar Beach.
Road to Hana
Our first full day was dedicated to the legendary Road to Hana. Using a guided road trip app made all the difference—it felt like having a local narrator with us all day.
We stopped at waterfalls, overlooks, bamboo forests, and fruit stands, including:
Twin Falls
Waianapanapa Coastal Trail
Wailua Falls
And finally, Waiʻānapanapa State Park
The black sand beach was dramatic and stunning—waves crashing against jet-black sand surrounded by lush greenery. We wrapped up the day with dinner at Paia Fish Market, and it absolutely lived up to the hype.
Snorkeling & Legendary Dining
Another unforgettable day was spent snorkeling at Molokini Crater. A catamaran ride, crystal-clear water, vibrant coral, and tropical fish—it’s one of those experiences that never gets old, no matter how many times you’ve done it.
That night, we finally checked off a bucket-list restaurant: Mama’s Fish House. We wanted to order everything, but the Tristan Island Lobster stole the show—rich, indulgent, and absolutely unforgettable.
Ending with a Bang
For our final night, we splurged on a resort stay at Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott—and wow, what an ending. Incredible pools, ocean views, cocktails, and that polished resort energy made it the perfect grand finale.
Final Thoughts
Hawaii is one of those destinations that evolves with you. Each visit feels different, meaningful, and unforgettable in its own way. From rugged coastlines and heart-pounding adventures to peaceful sunsets and cultural experiences, Hawaii will always call me back.
It truly is a destination everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.