Hawai’i has been for a very long time on my bucket list and this February I was able to travel there, spontaneously. If asked if you want to go to Hawai’i what would you say? Definitely not No, right?! Well I was so fortunate to go with my parents there. I hope it’s not awkward for you that I am still traveling with my parents at the age of 24. But I have a really good relationship to my parents and once a year I am traveling with them somewhere, sometimes with my boyfriend, sometimes it’s only me.
Something about Hawaii, there are 6 main islands and I’ve visited three during my trip – Big Island, Maui and Oahu.
1. Stop Kailua Kona, Big Island; LAX->Kona 5 hours flight
We stayed our 1st night in Kailua. My whole family works in the food industry, that’s why we are always curious and want to experience different restaurants and the local food. If you are a beer fan you need to visit the Kona Brewing Co.and they have good food too!
The next day after breakfast and check-out we drove around the island to an active volcano and then afterwards to Hilo. Sadly it was raining thats why I got no picture of the volcano. From there we flew the next day to Maui.
2. Stop Maui
My favorite island from Hawaii is Maui! I fell in love with it immediately.
Here are some things I did while on Maui which I would recommend:
1.Road to Hana
The road to Hana is one of the most picturesque drives I’ve ever taken. It is definitely not for the faint of heart (you should be a good driver) since the road is often narrow and winding. If you take it you will definitely be rewarded with beautiful waterfalls, scenic landscapes and ocean views, Jurassic-looking plants and very good street food! You need to stop at one of the several street food shacks.
There is one called Ka Hakus Smoke Shack, right before the entrance to the Garden of Eden, with Hawaiian BBQ and it was fantastic! Really good! Everything they used is recycable and they are very pro environment! They are right in the middle of nowhere and it does not look like much but first impressions deceive. The people running this place are super friendly and make you feel like you’re at a backyard bbq. I went in thinking that I would hate it, it would be too dry, too salty, etc. because I’ve never eaten barbecue that I’ve enjoyed before. However, this made me love barbecue.
The meat was fresh, the food is made right in front of you. It’s piping hot when you eat it (but not so hot that your tongue gets burned, plating takes some time so it’s the perfect temperature once it enters your mouth) and seasoned perfectly. No complaints. The food was served on a banana leaf with chicken, pork belly, rice, some sort of salad (don’t know the name) and caramelized banana. The portions were huge, make sure you have a companion to eat it with you! That being said, I can’t believe it’s only $20. They could really be charging $30+ for such a good meal.
The food was perfect and I need to say one of the best meals I’ve eaten during my trip! It was a highlight for me! And their banana bread was delicious too!
2. Feast at Lele
I would recommend everybody who is visiting Maui to see the Feast at Lele. It is a not a traditional luau (A luau (Hawaiian: lūʻau) is a traditional Hawaiian party or feast that is usually accompanied by entertainment) since it covers other pacific islands too like New Zealand, Samoa and Tahiti. You get to try food of every region accompanied with traditional local dances. The location is beautiful, since the tables and the stage are at the beach and you are able to watch the beautiful sunset. It will be an unforgettable evening with great food and drinks, professional dancers, awesome live music and very friendly server!
3. Kaanapali Beach
We’ve stayed at the Aston at the Whaler on Kaanapali Beach, where we had our own suite. At Kaanapali Beach there are a lot of different resorts located, restaurants, a beautiful shopping centre and a scenic Beachwalk. At Kaanapali Beach you’re able to snorkel with turtles, try out surfing and sip delicious cocktails!
Sadly we’ve only stayed at Maui for four nights and it was not enough because there was still so much left to see!
Tattoo – waves
You may have seen my tattoo inspired by the waves of Maui. I got it spontaneously. We’ve visited Lahaina a small beach town next to Kaanapali did some shopping and ate lunch there and while shopping I saw this intriguing Tattoo Studio called Skin Factory. After lunch I told my parents that I am getting a tattoo if they take walk ins. Half an hour later I had my second tattoo, my waves of Maui. I thought about this tattoo for a long time but there was just never the right time and place. My parents were so thrilled about my tattoo that they want to get one for themselves. I need to say that they don’t own tattoos yet and want to get one now when they are retiring. Which is kinda crazy but exciting for us;)
3. and last Stop – Waikiki, Honolulu
Moana Surfrider hotel
The place to stay at Waikiki Beach is the Moana Surfrider hotel. We’ve planned to stay in Honolulu for two nights but unfortunately and to our luck we’ve got to stay another night in this tropical paradise, since our flight got delayed.
The Moana Surfrider is a beautiful hotel with an open air ground floor that blends well with beach and street. It has a historic feel and the staff was very friendly. There is a gigantic tree in the middle of the hotel, the restaurants are located with a view to the beach and to the many skilled surfers.
Waimanalo Beach
This beach will leave you in awe. Waimanalo Beach on a sunny day is jaw-dropping dead gorgeous, with turquoise blue water and miles of the softest white sand your toes will ever touch! And its rarely visited by tourists!
I made a tropical Granola recipe inspired by my vacation to Hawai’i, try it! You will love it!
I hope you enjoyed my travel diary about Hawai’i!
Love, Antonia
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