Hawaii

Island
Hopper
GUIDES

Sheraton Waikiki: Your Oceanfront Oasis

Hawaii is a destination that truly offers something for everyone, and when I think about the perfect balance of relaxation and activity, my mind always goes to Waikiki on Oahu. It’s a place where you can experience iconic beaches, vibrant culture, and a surprising amount of tranquility, even in a popular area. I’ve found that a good home base is key to unlocking the best of any trip, and for me, that’s often a well-located resort that provides comfort and convenience without sacrificing access to the heart of the destination. Oceanfront Access Being directly on Waikiki Beach is a

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Hike to O‘ahu’s Highest Peak on Mount Ka‘ala

Summiting peaks offers a rewarding sense of accomplishment, especially when the journey involves challenging terrain and breathtaking natural beauty. Reaching the highest point on Oʻahu, Mount Kaʻala, provides just such an experience, requiring significant effort and careful planning to navigate its rugged slopes and unique ecosystem. Mount Kaʻala Hike Mount Kaʻala stands as the tallest point on Oʻahu, reaching just over 4,000 feet. The Waiʻanae Mountains, home to this peak, are carved with deep valleys that contribute to the dramatic landscape visible along the Leeward Coast. While the elevation might not seem extreme to seasoned hikers, the 6.8-mile out-and-back

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Maui’s Road to Hana: Music, Waterfalls, and Black Sand Beaches

Embarking on the Road to Hana on Maui is more than just a scenic drive; it’s an immersion into the island’s soul. Music and the open road are deeply intertwined here, with songs often celebrating the land’s natural beauty. It’s a place-based culture, where intimate knowledge of the land shapes expression. The journey itself is an experience, a way for locals and visitors alike to connect with the island’s diverse landscapes. The Pacific Coast Highway The iconic Road to Hana, a legendary stretch of highway on Maui, is an adventure in itself. With over 600 curves packed into 52

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Visiting Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor Memorial

Visiting Pearl Harbor on Oahu is a profound experience, drawing visitors into a significant chapter of history. It’s a place that demands reflection, set against the backdrop of Hawaii’s natural beauty, offering a stark contrast between past tragedy and present tranquility. The historical depth here is immense, covering the events of World War II and much more, making it a must-see destination for many. The USS Arizona Memorial stands as the central point of remembrance. Many visitors find themselves overcome with emotion while standing above the sunken battleship, where over a thousand U.S. sailors remain entombed. The names etched

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Maui’s Road to Hana and Beyond

The Road to Hana, a legendary route on Maui, evokes strong opinions among travelers. Some describe it with a reverence bordering on obsession, while others find its winding path challenging. I wanted to see for myself what made this drive so captivating and controversial, so I set out to explore it. Maui’s Road to Hana My journey began from the northwest part of Maui, a location offering stunning sunsets and views of neighboring islands. While the immediate surroundings were picture-perfect and relaxing, the call of the Road to Hana was persistent. Paia, a charming small town about ten minutes

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Discover the Big Island’s Maunakea stargazing program

My sister and her family are planning a trip to Hawaii next year, and as we offer our recommendations and reminisce about our trip to the Big Island last October, I wanted to share a few of my favorite things we did outside of the resort. The Big Island of Hawaii offers so much to explore beyond the typical vacation spots, from stargazing on a dormant volcano to finding the best local eats and experiencing traditional Hawaiian culture. Maunakea Observatory Road Maunakea is a truly remarkable place, known as the tallest mountain in the world when measured from base

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Enjoy Maui’s fresh, tropical flavors from farm to table

In January 2026, Central Maui farm Mahi Pono completed the first commercial harvest of mandarin oranges grown in Hawaiʻi—a milestone that points directly to what makes eating on Maui different from anywhere else. The island grows its own sweet Kula onions, rare taro varieties cultivated for over a thousand years, and Maui Gold pineapple that is sweeter and less acidic than typical pineapple. Yet Hawaiʻi still imports roughly 85 percent of its food, a figure the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism has documented. The gap between what the land can produce and what actually reaches a

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Discovering Maui’s Local Farmers Markets

Stepping into a Maui farmers market feels like a genuine slice of island life, far removed from the resort strips. It’s where you find the real flavors of the island, from sun-ripened papayas to handcrafted ukuleles. I remember one Saturday morning, the air thick with the scent of plumeria and roasting corn, Lily excitedly pointing out a stall piled high with vibrant dragon fruit. It’s these moments, surrounded by local produce and friendly faces, that truly define a trip for me. The Upcountry Farmers Market in Pukalani attracts 50+ vendors. This guide is your map to navigating Maui’s diverse

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Discover Hanalei’s timeless beach town charm

After crossing the old, one-lane steel bridge over the Hanalei River, it feels like stepping back in time. Hanalei is a classic beach town in Hawaiʻi, without large resorts or chain restaurants. It has one main road, long, quiet beaches, and charming shops housed in old plantation-style buildings. This quaint town has drawn travelers seeking a peaceful escape for many years, serving as a scenic backdrop for films and inspiring songs. Discovering Hanalei The views from the Hanalei Valley Lookout offer a glimpse into the area’s past. Below, the Hanalei River winds through lush taro fields, with Hīhīmanu Mountain

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Explore Maui’s Spectacular Road Trips

The island of Maui offers a variety of driving experiences that showcase its diverse beauty, from lush rainforests to volcanic landscapes. The well-known Road to Hana is a prime example, but Maui also presents other scenic routes that are worth exploring. The Road to Hana takes visitors from Kahului to Hana town on the east side of the island. This 65-mile journey is known for its narrow, winding roads and numerous one-way bridges, many of which are over a century old. Along the way, you’ll encounter waterfalls and stunning views of the Maui coastline and dense rainforest. It’s a

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