Aloha Hawaii | Hello965 in Hawaii

Aloha!

Time of visit was in July, 2017! [minor super minor rain, and the weather was excellent!)

Getting to Hawaii

My trip was starting in Maui, Hawaii, so in my case I flew from San Francisco to Maui (there were also flights from Los Angeles).

Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu is Hawaii’s major airport, serving as the entry point for most of Hawaii’s visitors. All major domestic carriers and many international carriers serve Oahu, so you can get here from just about anywhere.

There are also direct flights from the U.S. to Kauai, and Hawaii Island, but for the most part, you may need to connect through Oahu to get to the neighbor islands including Lanai and Molokai. There are daily ferry services from  Lahaina Harbor in Maui to both Manele Bay in Lanai and Kaunakakai Harbor in Molokai.

My first stop was: Maui

Maui is an island in the Central Pacific, part of the Hawaiian archipelago. The island’s 30 miles of beaches include golden-crescent Kapalua, sheltered from strong currents by lava-rock promontories.

Nickname: The Valley Isle

Capital City: Wailuku (“Water of the destruction”)

Population: 168,000

Island Flower: Lokelani (“Heavenly Rose”)

Highest Peak: Haleakala, 10,023 feet

Accommodation: Four Seasons Maui at Wailea

The location of the Four Seasons Maui was just excellent. Overlooking Wailea Beach, this luxurious Maui hotel offers 3 swimming pools and 3 restaurants on-site. It features spacious rooms with ocean or garden views. Kahului Airport is 17 miles away. The 3 restaurants in the hotel serve a variety of cuisine. Chef Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant Spago features a fusion of Hawaiian and California cuisine with ocean views. Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante offers rustic Italian cuisine with a Hawaiian flare. DUO Steak and Seafood restaurant offers poolside dining. If guests prefer a cocktail, Lobby Lounge offers drinks, sushi and ocean views.

I personally liked the Adults pool, and the beach area. Make sure to check their activities as well; I’ve tried the SUP Yoga (Paddle Board Yoga) and loved it.

Things to do in Maui

• Helicopter Ride
• Hula dance & dinner
• Stand Up Paddle Board
• Surfing Classes
• Sunrise Hike: Top of Haleakala
• Drive the Road to Hana
  • Black Sand Beach (30 mins)
  • Lava Tubes (30 mins)
  • Red Sand Beach (30 mins)
  • Coconut Glen’s ice cream (15 mins)
  • Haleakala National Park (2 hours – if you do the long hike)
• Checkout Lahaina: Tons of shops and restaurants all along front street. We park in the outlet parking lot and walk down, just get something at the ABC Store in the mall and get your ticket validated.
• Kaanapali Zip Line Adventure
• Small Hike to see Twin Falls
• Biking Downhill from Haleakala
• Checkout Big Beach for Bodyboarding.
• Checkout Kapalua Beach for snorkeling.

Second Island: Lanai

Lanai is an hour away by ferry from Maui, you could also reach it by air (30 minutes flight) from Honolulu. The main airport on Lanai is Lanai Airport (LNY). There is no direct service to Lanai from the continental US. Instead, fly to Honolulu International Airport (HNL).

Lanai is The smallest inhabited island in Hawaii, It  is a special place where you’re sure to find serenity, adventure and intimacy. If you want to get away from it all, get away to Lanai.

Lanai has only two world-class resorts, the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, and the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, Lodge at Koele (which is not open yet as of July 2017). The historic Hotel Lanai can be found in Lanai City.

Accommodation: Four Seasons Lanai

Hello luxury! This by far, is one of the top experiences I’ve had across the Four Seaosns resorts that i’ve experienced previously. Very luxurious rooms, amazing dining options, great views and landscaping across the resort. Absolutely loved it!

Malibu Farm for lunch was one of my favorites hands down. Do not miss out on their burger. I’ve also loved so much Nobu (As usual, very delicious), my least favorite was the steak house which wasn’t bad either but still my least favorite.

Important Tip: Beware of the mosquitos! They’re literally EVERYWHERE. I did not survive even with repellent and long pants, so take precautions and necessary measures.

If you’re going to visit Lanai, then you need to know that Lanai is a super tiny little island, there’s nothing much to do outside of the resort so keep this fact in mind and plan your trip accordingly.

Things to do in Lanai

• Horseback riding
• UTV/ATV Rides
• Massages & Spa
• Snorkel Sail Tour
• Hike to Sweetheart Rock for sunrise
• Other activity can be done and found at your hotel such as Yoga

Third Stop: Kauai

Nickname: The Garden Isle

Capital City: Lihue (“Cold Chill”

Population: 70,475

Resort Areas: Princeville, Kapa’a, Poipu

Island Flower: Mokihana (berry)

Highest Peak: Kawaikini, 5,243 feet

Accommodation: Grand Hyatt

7 different restaurants including upscale seafood cuisine at Tidepools, Italian specialties at Dondero’s, and sushi creations at Stevenson’s! I was blown away with the resort’s amenities, facilities and dining options the minute I walked in. The rooms though, not blown away at all. I would say average in comparison to my other stays around Hawaii. Will I consider staying here again? Yes, but not for the rooms; for everything ELSE!

The pool, the seasalt lake, the beach, and the views – absolutely worth it.

Things to do in Kauai

• Na Pali Coast Sailing/Kayaking/Helicopter
• Helicopter Ride over Waimea Canyon
• See Waimea Canyon with the look out points or Hike it! (The hike takes around 2-3 hours)
• Kalalau Trail
• Checkout the shopping villages and the shopping area, there re plenty of shopping villages/town, just check with your concierge the closest one to you, or the one that suits your likings the most.
• We stayed at Poipu area, checkout Poipu Beach Park if you’re around!
• There are plenty of water falls to see, some are: Wailua Falls, Opaekaa Falls, and the Secret Falls Uluwehi.
• Checkout Polihale Beach for camping!

I only spent 24 hours in Kauai, and unfortunately wasn’t able to experience much! I do recommend you to ask your concierge for more recommendations and things to do if you’re spending plenty of time in Kauai! I loved my short time there so I wish I had more time to explore it!