Discover Hawaii: The Ultimate Guide for First-Time Visitors – Tips, Tricks, and Things To Do
Aloha! Welcome to Hawaii: A First-Timer's Guide
If you’re dreaming of blue skies, pristine sandy beaches, beautiful clear waters, and some of the best island food in the world, Hawaii is the perfect destination for you. Once you visit, you’ll realize why its consistently one of the top destinations in the world. On my first trip, there were so many different things I wish I knew so in this comprehensive guide, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know. If you’re looking for the perfect Hawaii travel guide or the best things to do in Oahu and Maui, you’re in the right place. From when to visit, to where to stay, to insider tips and the top 10 things to do in Hawaii, sit back and get ready for everything you need to know to explore the beautiful islands of Hawaii.
Meet the Islands
Hawaii consists of six main islands – Oahu, Maui, Hawaii (also known as the Big Island), Kauai, Molokai, and Lanai, each with it’s personality and beautiful natural wonders. I recommend visiting Oahu and Maui if you love beautiful beaches, the bustling city of the island, and some of the most amazing things to do in the world. We’re going to be covering things to do in Oahu and also in Maui in this guide.
Planning Your Trip: Best Time to Visit
While Hawaii is amazing all year around, there are some peak tourist seasons that make it super expensive. So if you have to choose: here are the periods I recommend:
Peak Season: December to April
During this season you can expect great temperatures ranging from mid-70s to low 80s°F (24-29°C). However, this time is super popular for those looking to escape colder climates, and Waikiki (in Oahu) and Maui can be really crowded. Prices for accommodations and flights are higher during this time so if you do choose to visit book all your accommodations/car rentals in advance.
Low Season: May to September
For those who are looking to escape the expensive prices, May to September is a great time to visit. The weather is perfect averaging from the high 70s to low 90s°F (26-32°C), and the water is warm for swimming, surfing, or snorkeling. There can be a chance of rain, especially in the afternoon due to the higher humidity but they usually pass quickly. Popular attractions tend to be less crowded and you can find more affordable flights and accommodations during this time.
Shoulder Season: October to November
A lot of people don’t visit this time but it is one of the most ideal with smaller crowds, amazing weather, and great deals. The average temperatures range from the mid-70s to mid-80s°F (24-29°C), and the islands are a lush green after the summer rains.
How To Get Around - Transportation in Hawaii
I highly recommend renting a car when visiting Hawaii as it’s the most convenient option. Public transportation isn’t as ideal to find in Hawaii if you want to do what you want, and on your own schedule. Ubers and ride-sharing can be expensive as well and most things especially in Maui are far from each other.
You can grab a Turbo (renting someone else’s car) or I recommend Hertz. I highly highly do not recommend Avis as we had a nightmare experience with them in Maui when we got a flat tire, and no one responded to us for 8+ hours. We ended up having to HITCH HIKE (yes you read that right) and it was a complete nightmare. Luckily Hawaiians are some of the sweetest people I’ve met but Avis ended up losing our car and almost made us liable for the entire vehicle.
I also do not recommend renting a Tesla, it may seem like a great idea because gas is pretty expensive in Hawaii but most of the roads are not equipped for an electric car and you can easily pop a tire like us (AND there are no spare tires in a Tesla)
Top Things to Do in Oahu (Waikiki is the neighborhood)
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
Located only a quick 30 minutes away from Waikiki, Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is an absolutely stunning place of natural beauty. It’s the perfect way to see the beautiful mountains and has over 400 lush acres of vibrant flowers, greenery, and majestic palm trees. If you are seeking a tranquil escape from bustling city life, Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is one of the best things to do in Oahu to immerse yourself in a paradise of natural beauty. Located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, this enchanting botanical garden offers an array of compelling reasons why it should be on every nature enthusiast's bucket list.
The gardens are free to visit as well and they are open from 9AM - 4PM every day. As you drive there escaping the bustling city, you’ll start to see the true landscapes of Hawaii and find solace in the tranquility of Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
Tip: go as early as you can to get this place to yourself and if you want those Instagrammable photos, be sure to rent a nice white Jeep! There are plenty of places to park your vehicle here for those stunning photos.
2. Koko Head
A local told us about this park and it is truly one of the coolest places we’ve visited - but not for the weak! If you’re an avid hiker, a nature enthusiast or you’re in for a challenge, this magnificent trail offers a unique and unforgettable experience. The Koko Head Hike is more than 1,000 steps up which is a steep and strenuous climb but makes it so rewarding once you reach the top. Many people come here for the most breathtaking sunrises and sunsets and if you’re lucky, you can even see humpback whales in the distance. Grab your hiking boots and your camera to create memories that will last a lifetime. Once you get on top, you’ll see why this is one of the best things to do in Oahu.
Check out my video of our hike here: Koko Head Hike
Lace up your hiking boots, grab your camera, and embark on a journey to Koko Head Hike, where you'll create memories that last a lifetime.
Grab my favorite hiking shoes here, they double as water shoes too!
3. Musubi Cafe Iyasume
Located in the heart of Waikiki, one of the best and most inexpensive meals we had was in Musubi Cafe Iyasume. Perfect for a quick snack or even a meal before an excursion, this is my #1 recommendation for food to try in Oahu! They create musubis, which is a Hawaiian tradition, consisting of a block of pressed rice topped with a variety of fillings like salmon or tuna, wrapped in a layer of seaweed. You can find traditional flavors here like a class spam musubi to creative ones like a shrimp tempura or teriyaki chicken.
They also have an array of other Hawaiian specialties like poke bowls or loco moco.
My favorites were the shrimp tempura, spam with Perilla leaf, and tuna onigiri.
4. Diamond Head
One of the most popular hikes - and for a good reason, located in the heart of Waikiki, is Diamond Head hike. It’s a great alternative for those who don’t want to journey up Koko Head. The views are amazing but it tends to get very crowded. Therefore, I would book the earliest or latest times for those who want to avoid the crowds or get some stunning photos.
Reservations ARE required and you must book online in advance, during the busy season these sell out FAST
Book here: BOOK IN ADVANCE
Recommended: When you finish climbing, there is an acai bowl spot that is absolutely delicious called Da Cove Health Bar & Cafe nearby. Finish your hike, grab a bowl, and head to Waikiki beach to enjoy the rest of your day.
5. Cliff Jumping - Waimea Bay Rock
The North side of Oahu is one that most people overlook but shouldn’t! There are tons of amazing food trucks and shops in this neighborhood including Jenny’s Shrimp Truck, a local favorite. Waimea Bay Rock is also on the north side about an hour's drive from Waikiki and is a mesmerizing beach. It stands as a tall colossal formation and lots of locals and visitors take to this rock to cliff jump! Brave souls can climb the cliffs and leap off jumping into the crystal clear waters below.
This was also the very first place I saw a sea turtle in Hawaii!
If you’re not up for a cliff jumping challenge, it’s still a great place to explore, snorkel, see a sunrise/sunset, and just enjoy the beautiful beaches Oahu has to offer.
Grab some snorkel gear before you go as this is an AMAZING place to do some snorkeling and there is no where to rent nearby!
6. Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach is one of those places you HAVE to visit in Oahu. It’s probably close to your hotel and travelers around the world flock to visit this stunning beach. You can take a surf lesson, go snorkeling, stand up paddleboarding, or go shopping around the world-class shopping centers. There’s so much to shop around here from high-end fashion boutiques to local traditional Hawaiian crafts. There’s also a vibrant nightlife with amazing drinks, live island music, and hula shows.
7. Halona Blow Hole
Halona Blowhole is an amazing place with beautiful crystal clear waters and a blowhole that occasionally shoots water up to 30 feet in the air. The viewing point gives you a breathtaking view of the Halona cove and during the winter time, you can see humpback whales in the distance.
I recommend coming here on the way to your excursion to Hanauma Bay or Koko Crater.
Top Things to Do in Maui
Moving on to one of my favorite places on earth, Maui! The difference between Oahu and Maui is that Oahu is more of a bustling city with great shopping, great restaurants, and a lot of beautiful attractions an hour away. Maui has more beautiful untouched nature and is a town where most travelers stay in grand resorts. The attractions are a little further from each other (1-2 hours away) but they’re EPIC and the stunning natural beauty here is almost unmatched. If you have the time, here’s what to do in Hawaii for a week, the best things to do in Maui, Hawaii
5. Wai’anapanapa State Park
This is one of my favorite things to do in Maui and a place that left me absolutely speechless… If you’ve never seen a black sand beach, you’re in for an absolute treat at Wai'anapanapa State Park. Located on the eastern coast, this may be a 1-2 hour drive but completely worth it. The black sand is glistening, jet black, and stepping here is like seeing a surreal dreamscape.
Check out my post here for Everything You Need To Know About Wai'anapanapa State Park For More!
However, one thing to note about this place is you cannot bring any black sand back. There is a ban on sand souvenirs to protect the park and legend has it, if you take any sand back you WILL subject yourself to years of bad luck. There are many signs here that say those who have dared to take sand here, have returned them shortly after experiencing severe misfortunes. To honor and respect the cultural heritage of Hawaii as well, its better to refrain from taking any sand and just appreciate it’s beauty.
You NEED to make reservations in advance to this place and I recommend coming right when it opens to get this place all to yourself. Otherwise, it tends to get pretty crowded.
4. Road to Hana
You can’t talk about the best things to do in Maui, Hawaii without mentioning Road to Hana. It’s one of the worlds’s not scenic drives stretching over dramatic cliffs, picturesque waterfalls, and lush rainforests, and is one of the best things to do in Maui. Be careful though when driving here, as we got a flat tire here and there is no service.
I recommend exploring this place on your way to Wai'anapanapa State Park!
3. Sunrise or sunset at Haleakala National Park
This is probably one of the COOLEST experiences in Maui but one where reservations are hard to get. Many people flock to Haleakala National Park over 10,023 feet up to see the most beautiful sunrise or sunset. Sunrise is constantly sold out (we couldn’t even get one reservation date the entire week we were here) but here’s what you’re going to do.
You don’t need a reservation if you’re going for sunset, you just need to get there early. Opt to arrive 2-3 hours early and sit in your car until sunset. You need to arrive 2-3 hours early because the parking lot is quite small and fills up QUICK. If the top parking lot if filled by the time you get there, you’ll need to resort to the lower parking lot which won’t grant you as great of a view.
With views like these, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best things to do in Maui, Hawaii
Warning: an insider tip is that it gets absolutely FREEZING up there. Make sure to pack a jacket and even some headache pills as the drive up is long and windy AND you might experience altitude sickness including headaches, nausea, difficulty breathing, and dizziness. I felt all of these but they quickly subsided and it turned into one of the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen.
2. Helicopter Ride Over The Stunning Island
This is probably one of the more expensive things we did in Maui, but one that was the best thing to do in Maui. We took a Doors Off Maui Helicopter and took a helicopter ride over the stunning island. You can see stunning beaches, lush rainforests, rugged cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. This 45-minute drive includes going over 2 different islands and truly being able to see the islands from a bird’s eye view. The guides were amazing in telling us about the culture and history of Maui while showing us jaw-dropping hidden gems. If you’re on a time crunch in Maui, I would definitely put this on the top of my list to see Maui from a completely different perspective.
1. Maui Ocean Center - The Aquarium of Hawaii
If you have some time, make sure to check out the Maui Ocean Center to find some of the most impressive marine ecosystems of the Hawaiian islands. Here you’ll see sea turtles, rays, sharks, and beautiful colorful fish while learning about Hawaiian oceans and a chance to see these marine creatures up close. It’s also located on the stunning Maalea Bay and is a great place to enjoy the views.
Where To Stay?
Wailea Beach Resort in Maui:
This four-star luxury Marriott property was one of our favorite places to stay in Maui with an unbeatable location, right on the shores of Wailea Beach, we were able to see so many sea turtles on the property! They also have amazing restaurants on the property and nearby with multiple swimming pools, one of the tallest waterslides, and paddle boards, snorkels, and surfboards available for rent. There’s also a huge shopping center nearby making it the perfect place to spend 5 days.
Hyatt Centric Waikiki
Hyatt Centric Waikiki was one of our FAVORITE stays in Waikiki as its location is unbeatable. Situated just minutes away from the world-famous Waikiki Beach, it’s easy to walk to shops, restaurants, and more. From the moment you step out of the hotel, you can feel the exciting energy Waikiki has to offer and they even have a parking lot so you don’t have to worry about your vehicle. The staff is so kind and the beds are super comfortable.
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