It won’t be easy choosing which island to visit on your first trip to Hawaii, but you’ll find there are no wrong answers when visiting this enchanting destination.
From romantic escapades to family fun; memorable hikes to walking on a volcano; you can do it all or you can simply sit back and relax. Allow yourself to explore Hawaii’s unique islands and you’re sure to find your trip to Hawaii won’t be your last. Here, you will learn about a few spots in the Aloha state that shouldn’t be missed that will maximize your valuable time in paradise:
Redwood Trail – Maui
This hiking trail, found in Polipoli State Park, is populated by redwood trees that were brought to Hawaii to re- establish the watershed. A truly stunning sight and entertaining hike that will immerse you in the lush Hawaiian landscape.
The two mile-long Redwood Trail goes through the tall stands of redwood trees planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s along with many other trees in the park. Bikes are not allowed on the trail.
Pro tip: Walk slow and steady. You’ll be at an elevation level of over 6,000 feet. It’s not Everest but still pretty high. It’s also suggested that you wear bright clothing as you may encounter hunters in these areas.
The Vintage Cave – Honolulu
Don’t let the relaxed, tropical beach environment fool you, Hawaii’s restaurant scene is vibrant and strong. The Vintage Cave is the most expensive and exclusive restaurant in Oahu with a tasting menu starting 300$. This luxe establishment was listed on Zagat in 2014 as one of the twelve hottest restaurants in Hawaii, and listed by Zagat again in 2016 as one of the ten hottest restaurants in Hawaii.
Before the club opened to the public, it only admitted members who were willing to pay thousands of dollars a year to dine there. Many A-list celebrities and public figures have been spotted dining here as well, so you might just spot one of your faves.
The Vintage Cave is also said to have some of the most unusual ingredients found on the island as well as a wine list that will make any wine aficionado weep with joy. Various pieces of artworks by Pablo Picasso, Anton Molnar, Zhou Ling, and others valued at more than $1 billion hang from the brick walls of the dimly lit restaurant.
Make sure you book your table in advance! Better yet, let our Concierge Services team do it for you.
Volcanoes National Park – Big Island
Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, Volcanoes National Park offers a unique, close up look at active volcanoes. The very popular tourist attraction consists of five separate volcanoes: the Kohala, Mauna Kea, Hualālai, Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcano. Visitors will see hot lava flow down the mountain side, and dry lava covers the road, showing its unstoppable force.
The park has over 150 miles of hiking trails, exposing visitors to volcanic craters, rainforests, desserts, a museum, and a walk-in lava tube. This is the most intimate and exciting volcanic tour people can freely explore. It’s a good idea to dedicate an entire day to visiting the park and come prepared with plenty of food and water.
Harold L Lyon Arboretum – Honolulu
If you’re a fan of plant life then the Lyon Arboretum should be top of your Hawaii to-do list. This tropical rainforest has been open to the public for over half a century in the hopes of educating the masses about Hawaiian flora. Visitors can explore twelve gardens and seven miles of hiking trails, a dream for nature lovers!
Named after the Minnesota born plant pathologist and operated by the University of Hawaii, the 200 acre research site and cultural resource park now has over 5,000 tropical plants throughout its grounds, including rare and endangered native Hawaiian plants.
If you are an avid hiker or outdoor enthusiast, you will want to explore the arboretum on foot. Walking along the marked trails takes you on a fascinating tour of plants and trees from all different corners of the world, including Asia, Europe and the USA. The Aihualama Waterfall, Inspiration Point and the many gardens are part of what make this such a rewarding hike.
Don’t forget to bring your bug spray!
Hunakai Beach – Honolulu
Hidden from prying eyes is a secluded beach that delivers a calm and relaxing atmosphere for tourists who want to get away from the crowds. Hunakai Beach, also called Kahala Beach, is a very luxurious area where you can enjoy a relaxing picnic or simply just to sunbathe.
Like many of the beaches in Hawaii, this one boasts pristine blue waters and beautiful palm trees, but the true breathtaking beauty of this shoreline lies in its long, often deserted stretches of white sand, where you can actually take long walks on the beach without tripping over people, chairs or sandcastles. The best time to visit to ensure some privacy would be during the week, so make sure you plan a day around checking out this stunning gem of a beach.
Twin Falls – Maui
With a stunning mixture of power and beauty, action and tranquility, the North Shore is the place to be the place to be for the traveler that wants it all. Although it’s more commonly known for its heavenly beaches, it also offers a plethora of other activities for the whole family such as . After a lovely trek through a tropical paradise you’ll arrive at the Twin Falls.
Although you can navigate the falls on our own, a guided tour is available where you’ll pick some historical facts from your guide. This hike is perfect for those traveling with children or a big group, where you will discover many different tropical waterfalls and fresh water swimming holes.
If Hawaii is your next vacation destination then you can be assured that all your senses will be engaged and replenished by the time you leave. Get in touch with us today to learn more about all the villas we have located in Hawaii.
No Comments