Hawaiian Vacation Bucket-List

From the world famous Waikiki beach to the secluded island of Moloka'i: Hawaii has a lot to offer! These are my top 10 picks to add to your Hawaiian bucket-list.

Awh, Hawaii. The ultimate paradise & tropical vacation destination. From the gorgeous scenery, the hospitable people, and the immaculate food... Hawaii has so much to offer! I visited a friend in Hawaii and we spent three weeks island hopping from Oahu, Moloka'i and Maui. The crystal clear waters, juicy citrus fruits and mountains that looked like something out of a movie set (Jurassic Park was filmed here btw🦖) had me questioning reality every day. People actually live here and experience this luxurious environment everyday?

From the bustling city of Honolulu to the untouched island of Moloka'i, there is so much to see and experience! I know we are currently in a world-wide pandemic and #socialdistancing is the motto, however, if you've postponed a trip to Hawaii or are securing a cheap flight for a later day, I have the ultimate Hawaiian bucket-list for you and your future vacay!

While I didn't list everything I did, it can all be viewed here on my vlog! But here we are folks! These are my top 10 recommendations of places and things YOU MUST do. While some activities are super touristy and others require you to escape off the grid, you will surely make the most out of your Hawaiian experience checking these places out!

1. Hālawa Valley

Halawa Valley is located on the island of Moloak'i on the east side of the island. Nestled in between staggering high mountains, the views in Halawa Valley are spectacular! Dozens of casting waterfalls surround you and the water is very calm on the shore. This area is remote so you're guaranteed to have the beach to yourself. The ride out to the valley was exhilarating! Driving on a winding road that is literally scaling the side of the mountain will certainly get your adrenaline pumping. Once you get over the fear of possibly falling off, the views are outstanding! You can even take a peak at the neighboring islands of Lana'i and Maui.

2. Lulu Mahu Waterfall Hike

Seeing a waterfall is a non-negotiable for any Hawaiian vacation. There are so many waterfall hikes on each island but this was the only one I actually hiked up to. Lulu Mahu is a 1 mile trek upstream to a beautiful 50ft waterfall! This trail is technically considered illegal since it is on government private property... but it still attracts an immense amount of tourists. After rustling through a bamboo forest, following a stream uphill climbing over a few giant rocks, this beauty awaits you! The trail is tagged with pink markers so you don't get lost & just be sure to bring some bug spray!

3. KoKo Crater Railway Trailhead

Athlete or not, pushing your stamina to it's max is worth it for this intense hike! Prepare to sweat, face your fear of heights and look to others on the trail for extra motivation. The panoramic views sitting at the top are INSANE! You have a clear view of the entire island of Oahu. This trail is 1.8 miles going both ways and you elevate an extra 990ft. Bring sure to bring some water. You will need it!

4. Shark's Cove

Shark bait hoo ha ha! Okay, there are no sharks in this cove. But you're guaranteed to see some tropical fish, sea urchins, octopuses and other fun sea creatures! This beautiful hideout is located on the North Shore near Turtle Beach. Just be sure to bring some goggles/snorkel gear!

5. Cruise the North Shore

Renting a car and cruising through the North Shore is a fantastic way to see parts of the island you wouldn't get to see if you chose to stay in a popular tourist zone like Honolulu. Only an hour drive, the North Shore has a lot to offer besides its magnificent views. From the popular & tasty north shore shrimp trucks, gnarly pipeline beach, turtle beach Ted's Bakery's world famous pies or visiting the shoppes & restaurants of Haleiwa... there is so much to indulge in! And if renting a car isn't in your itinerary, Oahu has a reliable public transit system that offers $5-day passes which has routes going all the way around the island!

6. Eat at the local restaurants

You never really experience a place until you indulge in their local cuisines. Bruh! The flavors of Hawaii are mind-blowing! My advice to you is to eat your way through the islands! I recommend staying away from the major tourist-chain restaurants and trying the local restaurant! With the help of the natives recommendations and Yelp, we discovered some of the best eats on the island. Da Cove Health Bar & Cafe has the best acai bowl on Oahu in my opinion. They use bee pollen as a topping!!! Doraku Sushi is to die for (best sushi in my entire life) and Thai Mee Up food truck has the best garlic shrimp on Maui! Perhaps the whole world! Here are a few of my favorite places you should try. Thank me later :)

Lahaina Fish, Odori-ko, Thai Mee Up, Bogart's Cafe, Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop, HiBlend Health Bar & Cafe, Andy's Sandwiches & Smoothies, Baci Bistro, Farmacy Health Bar Wailuku, Shokudo Japanese Restaurant & Bar, Poke On Da Run, Rajanee Thai , Peace Cafe

7. Mermaid Caves

Go ahead and add this as the 8th Wonder of the World. If you've never swam in a cave before, let this be the place you do it at! Located on Oahu, these magnificent caves will surely take your breath away and put you in-touch with your inner mermaid. Just be sure to check the surf report to see how high the tides will on the day you decide to go!

8. Diamond Head State Monument

This is a huge tourist attraction on Oahu and for good reason. It's not everyday you can step foot inside of a giant crater! Diamond Head is an incredible hike that is friendly for all ages and activity levels. It only takes around 45mins to reach the top and views along the way are amazing. There is even a catwalk that extends off the edge of the crater for all my dare devils. Once you reach the top you get a birds-eye-view of Honolulu! At the end of the hike, there's a pineapple whip truck at the bottom to give yourself a much deserved refreshment.

9. Take a surfing lesson

Everyone should ride a Hawaiian roller-coaster at least once while they're in Hawaii! My friend gave me an impromptu surf lesson on the island of Moloka'i, but he recommends Maui as the best island for beginners! Most islands offer board rentals and lessons! I 10/10 recommend stepping out of your comfort zone and hopping on the waves!

10. Whale watching

If you're visiting Hawaii anytime between November-May... you're going to be in peak humpback season baby! There are so many ways to see the whales. Whether it be on a lookout spot on Maui or hitting the waters on a boat tour, chances are high that you will see a whale spout or breach the waters! Bonus: if you're island hopping, be sure to snag a window seat so you can get aerial views of the whales down below!

These are just a few of the places and activities that elevated my Hawaiian experiences. While there are more places I wanted to visit and even more hidden gems I don't know about, I hope this adds to your Hawaiian itinerary or bucket-list dreams! I would love to hear about your Hawaiian vacation in the comments.

Thank you for reading & safe travels to you all!

Mahalo!