Hawaii truly is a paradise that captivates the hearts of all who visit. Sun-kissed beaches, crystal-clear waters, rugged cliffs and mesmerizing seascapes await on this archipelago of 8 islands. I instantly fell in love with the Hawaiian islands 7 years ago. The inconceivable beauty has brought me back regularly ever since. But beyond the green mountains cleaved by deep valleys lie hidden waterfalls cascading into emerald pools, lush tropical forests teeming with wildlife, and a vibrant local culture that captivates the soul. It’s no surprise that Hawaii remains a top destination on many travelers’ bucket lists.
An Island for Every Traveller
Hawaii is made up of 8 major islands, half of which are most visited by tourists. Set amidst the Pacific Ocean, they are a flight away from Vancouver or Calgary and a connecting flight away from Toronto.
INSIDER TIP: For the most beautiful sunsets, make sure to visit in the winter months.
Choosing Hawaii is easy, but choosing an island requires a little more thought, as each one offers its own distinct personality and appeal. I frequently get asked the question, “which is your favourite”? Like any parent with multiple kids will tell you, my answer is usually, “I love them all equally”. Okay, maybe I do have a favourite, but I’m definitely not picky. I’d be happy to be on any one of them for a week!
Whether you prefer the vibrant nightlife of Waikiki Beach, the scenic road to Hana on Maui, or the tranquillity of Kauai, there is no shortage of memorable experiences waiting to be discovered in Hawaii.
KAUAI – For the nature lover!
I’ll start with my favourite (shhh!), Kauai is the oldest island, and deservedly nicknamed “The Garden Isle”. It’s famous for its rugged coastline with dramatic cliffs and where the popular movie Jurassic Park was filmed. While Kauai might be the least touristy of the 4 major islands, there’s still a Costco to grab all your essentials. The qualities that make Kauai less attractive to some are ones that make it the perfect location for travellers who want a less polished, less tourist-laden experience. It is the perfect island for those looking for solitude and adventure.
Kauai is a nature lovers paradise. It’s on Kauai that you’ll find “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, with its deep red and green gorges and breathtaking trails leading to stunning views and rushing waterfalls. And if you’re a waterfall chaser like I am, you’ll have more than a dozen falls to explore on the island. For those old enough to remember, the tv sitcom “Gilligan’s Island” was also filmed on Kauai. Chosen for it’s secluded location, the beach where it was filmed is still relatively unknown and secluded. In fact, you can find many beaches on Kauai where you may be the only one there! 
Kauai’s Na Pali Coastline (my favourite part of Kauai) is a photographer’s dream. Pali in Hawaiian means “cliff” and this dramatic coastline of rugged cliffs is awe inspiring. Hike, boat or take a helicopter tour to take in the jaw-dropping views.
INSIDER TIP: If taking a boat tour of the Na Pali coast in the winter, do so from the south shore, and in summer, look for one that departs from the North shore.
If you’re looking for nightlife though, Kauai is probably not for you. That’s ok though, add a second week to your vacation and catch a quick flight to Honolulu, you’ll barely feel like you’ve taken off before you’ve landed again!
OAHU – For the Savvy Traveller!
Oahu is the most populated of the Hawaiian islands and the most visited. Honolulu, the state’s capital, offers nightlife, numerous restaurants, shopping and world famous Waikiki beach. The abundance of accommodations makes Oahu a great choice for every budget. From basic to luxury, Oahu has something for everyone. If you can only visit just one island, Oahu would be my pick.
INSIDER TIP: Visit from December to March, and you can get a direct flight from Toronto with Air Canada.
What I love most about Oahu is that if you want city life you’ll find it and if you want hiking, nature great food, and amazing beaches you’ll also find them here. To get the most of your vacation, I recommend renting a car. You can definitely stay in Waikiki and not go anywhere else for the week, but you’ll miss out on amazing hikes, turquoise beaches, green lush mountains, and local “grindz”. 
An Oahu visit is not complete without a famous Dole Whip. You can find it offered around the island at select establishments, but there’s nothing like the original, directly from the Dole Plantation!
I could go on an on about Oahu, but it would likely need a page on its own. Definitely one for the bucket-list!
MAUI – For the Luxury Seeker!
Considered by many to be the most beautiful of all the islands, Maui is loved by the world’s rich and famous. It is also a popular choice for weddings and honeymoons. All that beauty comes at a price, though. Maui is one of the most expensive islands to stay on. Even tent accommodations will run you upwards of $300USD a night!
If you’re looking for luxury, you’ve come to the right place. Some of the world’s most luxurious hotel brands have resorts on Maui. You’ll find some of the most beautiful white sand beaches on the leeward side, specifically west Maui. Ka’anapali beach, once loved by Hawaiian royalty is now one of Maui’s most popular locales. You’ll find great swimming and snorkelling, and if you’re lucky like we were, you’ll get to snorkel alongside the islands famous green sea turtles. These gentle giants can reach up to 400lb!
Wailea is another popular spot with tourists. This south Maui beach town offers full-service resorts, high-end shops, and inviting beaches. For a memorable experience, I recommend the Grand Wailea Resort, a Waldorf Astoria property. The resort is truly breathtaking, and offers numerous amenities, you might not want to leave!
You can’t leave Maui without doing 2 things. Sunrise at Haleakala, and the Road to Hana.
Haleakala, or “house of the sun”, is the spot for one of the most spectacular sunrises in all of Hawaii. Watching the sunrise from above the clouds at 10,000 feet elevation atop this dormant volcano is an experience unlike any other. 
INSIDER TIP: Layer up and bring a blanket, it’s about 30 degrees cooler here than at sea level. Even when I thought I had dressed warmly, it wasn’t enough. It was freezing!
Both are extremely popular, so advance planning is necessary. Don’t worry, Offbeat Getaways is here to help!
Lastly, writing about Maui is also quite painful. I was there only a couple months before the fires that ravaged much of West Maui, specifically Historic Lahaina town. Many of the places we enjoyed, were now no longer, including this historic Pioneer Inn, that we had the pleasure of staying at. Be respectful when visiting. Many people have still not been able to return home, don’t have a home to return to, or much worse, have lost loved ones to this devastating event. The island definitely needs tourism though since this is much of their bread and butter. If you’d like to donate, make sure to give to local charities where you can be sure your money gets in the hands of the people that truly need it.
HAWAII aka “THE BIG ISLAND” – For the Cultural Traveller!
Hawaii isn’t called the Big Island for nothing; it’s nearly twice as big as all of the other islands combined! From great snorkeling to black & green sand beaches, you’ll need some time to explore all this diverse island has to offer. Hawaiian culture seems the strongest here, and the people who live here are very proud of their roots – as they should be! Taro is still farmed the traditional way, and luau’s are still a backyard event, not a ticketed show for tourists!
Kilauea, is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Set in Volcanoes National Park, a trip here is sure to be memorable. Witness the black lava fields that extend to the ocean, and feel first hand the steam coming from magma deep underground. 
On the northeast end of the island, Hilo is definitely worth a trip. This culturally-rich city is also the island’s wettest. It receives an average of 300 inches of rainfall annually, and November is typically the wettest time to visit. I was lucky when I visited to have perfect weather. Even the locals were surprised how dry it was for the time of year. Hilo offers numerous waterfalls, great snorkeling, lush gardens and friendly locals. 
Make your way around the island to the Kohala coast. One of the few places on the island with white sand beaches, the Westin Hapuna Beach resort is a stunning property with a beautiful sandy beach. Or stay next door at the Mauna Kea resort, where you can view Manta rays at night directly from the shore!
The island’s capital, Kailua-Kona, offers an array of accommodations and is probably best known for being the home of Kona coffee. This area also has one of the driest climates of all of Hawaii, so no matter what time of year you visit you’re bound to have great weather. Include a trip to one of the local farms to grab a cup of this award winning brew and make sure to bring some back; it makes a great gift!
INSIDER TIP: Most coffee plantations offer free tours and it’s a great way to see where your morning brew comes from!
What are you waiting for?!
I could go on and on about Hawaii. It’s one of the few places on earth that I return to over and over. Usually I won’t revisit a place since the earth has so many wonderful places to see and explore, but Hawaii is definitely special. Pink & purple sunsets, turquoise-hued waters, innumerable hiking trails set amidst waterfalls and green mountains, delicious food, friendly people…oh and shave ice (that’s right, SHAVE not shaved), Hawaii is Aloha. It is more than just a greeting. Aloha embodies, love, respect, and harmony with people and nature. It is something you need to witness for yourself, and then come tell me when you’re next trip is booked. 😉
