TGR Staff - Photo by Troy Squillaci - 10/18/2023
Hawai’i is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Consisting of 137 islands and some of the best coastline in the whole world, this particular state is a very popular summer vacation destination. If you’re currently saving up your PTO to visit for the first time, you’ll obviously want to experience the best Hawai’i has to offer. And that’s why we’ve put this guide together - check out our mini itinerary checklist down below.
Spend a Couple Days in O’ahu
O’ahu is seen as the main island in Hawai’i, and there’s a lot to do when you land here. As such, spend a couple days exploring this island in particular before you go anywhere else. There’s a huge shopping district and cultural center that’ll take some getting around!
Plus, if you love getting out on the water, we’ve got good news! GetMyBoat released a list of the best boating cities of 2023 and Honolulu was at the top of the report - you’ll need at least a couple hours to experience the coastline from the water, so be sure to factor this into your schedule.
Head to Maui
Maui is one of the most famous islands in Hawai’i. It’s the second-largest island in the state, so you’ll definitely have a lot to do here when you visit. It’s why Maui should be the second destination on your itinerary, after O’ahu. Why not drive up the mountain to the Nakalele Blowhole, and then come back down to see the Haleakala Crater? It’s a great little road trip, and you can fit in plenty of local sights and tasty local cuisine as you go.
Pack Plenty of Camera Batteries for Kaua’i
Kaua’i is a quieter island compared to O’ahu and Maui, but it still has a lot to offer. As such, you shouldn’t miss it on your first visit to Hawai’i. This is where you really get to see how the other half live; the local scene is very strong and can provide a good source of food and unique souvenirs. As well as this, keep in mind that Kaua’i is known as the Garden Island, meaning there’s a lot of amazing nature to take in as well. Book in a visit to Kōkeʻe State Park to see more green than you’ve ever witnessed in your whole life!
Don’t Miss Out on Moloka’i
Only 38 miles long, Moloka’i Island is still one of the biggest places in all of Hawai’i. However, it’s another quiet place and is good for any introverts who’d like to have a place to stop and soak up the fresh ocean air. There's also a lot of history to find here, so if you’re a big fan of studying the past, you’ll definitely want to check out Kalaupapa National Historical Park, which used to be a leper colony and now acts as a living museum.
If you want to go to Hawai’i for the first time, plan out your trip like this!