7 Destinations in Hawaii Where the Locals Love to Go
Posted by Maris on 25th Sep 2024
Given that they already reside in a breathtaking location ideal for tourism, you might wonder where Hawaiians go on vacation. In actuality, many visit Las Vegas, which they lovingly refer to as their "ninth island," along with other West Coast vacation spots in the United States and some regions of Asia (a nine-hour direct flight will get you to Japan). However, Hawaiians cling to their blessed territory—rich in history, culture, adventure, delectable cuisine, and some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth—when the time comes for a staycation.
Being a native here, I like to make jokes like, "Maybe you're boring," if you become bored in Hawaii. Every island has something unique to offer. Thus, we embrace the beauty in our backyards and consider ourselves "lucky to live in Hawaii," as the expression goes. These are seven popular tourist spots in Hawaii among the locals.
Upcountry Maui
Among all my travel experiences, my favorite memory is from a vacation I took to Haleakalā National Park over ten years ago. I remember spiraling up into the sky and finding our way to the summit. We shivered at the top and waited quietly, the scene too peaceful for even words to spoil. The sea of cotton-like clouds that emerged as the sun started to rise was so bizarre that I couldn't help but wonder whether I was in heaven.
The national park comprises over 30,000 acres and is centered around a dormant volcano that reaches a height of 10,023 feet and covers more than 75% of Maui. Several indigenous and endangered species are found in Haleakalā. In Hawaiian, the name translates to "House of the Sun." The islanders revere the area as the sacred site where the kahuna po'o, or high priests, formerly meditated and gained insight.
Debbie Nakanelua-Richards, director of community and cultural relations at Hawaiian Airlines, suggests visiting the Saturday Upcountry Farmers Market in Makawao while you're in Upcountry Maui, the rural region on the Haleakala side of the island. Fresh-cut flowers, honey, grab-and-go meals, tropical fruits, apparel, and handmade goods are available here. Grammy-winning Hawaiian artist Kalani Pe'a advises visiting the Ali'i Kula Lavender farm to fully immerse your senses in Upcountry Maui's flora. He enjoys writing music in the gazebo or on the lanai, surrounded by scented blossoms.
Windward Coast, Oahu
Honolulu's population of about 340,000 people doesn't have to travel far to get outside the city. The island's Windward Coast starts from Makapuʻu Point, which is approximately 15 miles east of the city, and stretches all the way to Kahana Bay. Hiking and beach hopping along this eastern side are infinite, with plenty of trails and beaches, lava tubes, blowholes, surf breaks, and breathtaking coastal views. Families can frequently be found strolling along the paved Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail. At the same time, skilled bodyboarders and surfers can be found at Sandy Beach and Makapuʻu Beach (also known as Broke Neck Beach due to its hazardous circumstances).
Waikiki bartender Kui Wright claims that his family's favorite beach is Sherwood. "The Ko'olau mountains provide an incredible backdrop, the sand is soft, and the waves are never too big." It is located in the center of Waimānalo, a charming hamlet in Hawaii. Every time we head back from the beach, we pass by stands offering various local delicacies like shave ice, lau lau (a Hawaiian delicacy usually consisting of salted butterfish and pork wrapped in taro leaves), and my personal favorite, malasadas (Portuguese pastries).
Windward Oahu is home to some of the world's best beaches, including Kailua Beach (popular with windsurfers and kayakers), Lanikai Beach, and Kualoa Ranch. This 4,000-acre private reserve is a local favorite for zip lining, horseback riding, and taking in the breathtaking and storied 'āina (land). Another hidden treasure is Sherwood Beach, which offers views of the Ko'olau highlands and calm waters.
North Shore, Oahu
The legendary North Shore is another popular destination for tourists and inhabitants of Hawaii, and it's less than an hour's drive from Honolulu. Here, pro surfers from all over the world gather to compete. Though his homeland is well-known for its surf culture, Koa Rothman, a professional big-wave surfer and cofounder of The Sunrise Shack, claims that anyone can enjoy this place without being a surfer. He claims the seven miles of white sand beaches are ideal for securely seeing the surfers and swells from the shore. Surf competitions are held at Banzai Pipeline, a surf break off Ehukai Beach Park, and Sunset Beach, as its name implies, is a great spot to take in the sunset views. One of the most scenic locations on the North Shore is Waimea Bay Beach Park, the official Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational site.
Locals also travel to the North Shore to relax and adopt a calmer pace. According to Nakanelua-Richards, locals adore Waimea Valley, which is home to Oahu's largest temple, for its serene rainforest environment and profound cultural significance. When you visit, have a picnic, participate in cultural activities, or cool off in the freshwater pool close to Waimea Falls.
South Shore, Kauai
Kauai, the mostly undeveloped island, is called the "Garden Island." This location gets a fair amount of rain and is home to Mount Waialeale, one of the wettest places on Earth. However, the South Shore offers a rather dryer getaway. This sunny section of Kauai is well-liked by swimmers, snorkelers, and visitors to Poipu Beach resort.
South Shore sunsets are among the best, according to Noelani Planas, the executive chef at Red Salt at the Ko'a Kea Resort and a native of Kauai. According to her, Baby Beach, a protected cove west of Poipu Beach, is a great place to watch one. It has "calm, ankle-deep waters, perfect for families with babies — hence the name — and small children." In addition, she recommends visiting Koloa Landing's Sunset Wall, a beloved local location directly across from Ko'a Kea Resort. Chef Planas also advises people to chase the sun a little bit farther at Salt Pond Beach Park, where a calm sunset may be enjoyed in a protected lagoon with crystal-clear water.
Of course, if you visit Kauai, there is much more to see. Experienced hikers should complete the 22-mile Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali Coast. Additionally, a trip to Waimea Canyon, sometimes called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," is necessary for those who want to take in the breathtaking hues and rock formations.
Lanai
Hawaiians who want to reconnect with their roots travel to the island of Lanai, or return home. Lanai Tabura, TV host of Cooking Hawaiian Style and cohost of the podcast "It's a Hawaii Thing," described the location as "one of those places where you can still feel the aloha spirit." "Not only because of its beauty, but because of the people." Although Tabura currently resides in Honolulu, he and his three brothers were reared on the island of Lanai, and they still travel back to see their mother and community there. Tabura claims that despite being the least populated island in Hawaii, Lanai has a lot to offer. His favorite places are Pu'u Pehe, also known as Sweetheart Rock, which is named after a tragic mo'olelo (tale), Keahiakawelo, or the Garden of the Gods, Maunalei Gulch, and the Lanaihale trek.
Anela Evans was drawn back to her home by the island as well. Evans was born and raised on Lanai, although she moved away for a while before coming home to work as a cultural practitioner and historian at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai from 2018 to 2022. It seems as though you've traveled back in time to Lanai. The pace of life is slower. The folks are friendly and radiate aloha. You'll be amazed at the ability and perseverance of the ancient Hawaiians as you explore preserved archaeological and cultural sites like Kaunolu, a historic fishing hamlet, the archaeologist says. "Lanai is unique in every manner possible. It is truly impossible to fully understand until you set foot on the island."
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park's appeal of volcanic activity and exotic scenery draws in over 1.5 million tourists annually. The 335,259-acre park and its two active volcanoes are significant to Hawaiian culture, so visitors are not the only ones who visit.
Director Vince Keala Lucero remarked, "It's one of the most fascinating places I've experienced." As a Native Hawaiian and hula dancer, I revere this location greatly. Pele, who created this 'āina (land), is said to reside in Halema'uma'u Crater. It has been breathtaking to feel the steam vents up close, see smoke billowing kilometers into the sky, and watch her natural fireworks over the past ten years. Witnessing firsthand both the emergence of the newest regions of our globe and the horrifying devastation of lava makes it difficult not to see this location as wahi pana, or a sacred zone. In my opinion, that is a place for aloha 'āina, or love of the land."
The Molokai
Molokai is a favorite among locals looking for basic island pleasures away from huge resorts and tall buildings. This little island in Maui County, about 10 miles wide and less than 40 miles long, has managed to escape industrial development and maintain its natural beauty. This region is home to desolate beaches, some of the biggest sea cliffs in the world, and Kalaupapa National Historical Park, a symbol of resiliency and strength that was formerly the site of the isolation of leprosy patients. The about 7,400 people who live on Molokai are mostly Native Hawaiians who carry on this unique island's language, customs, and history.
When visiting Molokai, one must see the Kalaupapa Lookout. "The lookout sits on the edge of a 2,000-foot cliff where you can see the expansive Pacific Ocean with Kalaupapa peninsula sprawled before you," explains Miki'ala Pescaia, an interpretive park ranger at Kalaupapa National Historical Park and a Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner who was born on Molokai. "You can see passing humpback whales in the winter, and occasionally you can hear their tail slap reverberating up the cliff." When you read the captivating story panels and try to picture life in the past and now, the bird's-eye view is truly unique."
Pescaia is also a fan of the island's western Papohaku Beach. "Stretching for three miles, this white-sand beach is never crowded, and sometimes you are the only person there," she stated. The summer months are quieter and you may enjoy the last rays of sunlight as the sun sets, but the winter north swells bring dangerous waves and locals advise avoiding swimming during that time. A trip to this beach offers an amazing and humble experience.