WHAT BROUGHT ME TO HAWAII

This trip to Hawaii was super special to me because I was arriving in Maui (the Kihei/Wailea area) for a week to celebrate my best friend’s wedding. She was getting married at Gannon’s in Wailea. After the wedding my friend Sean and I had a 7 day Norwegian Cruise booked which would start on the island of Oahu in Honolulu and take us to all the islands including Maui, The Big Island of Hawaii, Kauai, and back to Oahu to disembark. I can’t wait to share with you all the fun things we did, what we missed out on because we didn’t plan enough in advance, and all the yummy food and drinks we devoured along the way!

WELCOME TO OAHU

WHAT WE DID

Prior to the cruise we walked around the infamous Waikiki area. There are tons of shops, restaurants, and a good mix of affordable shopping as well as higher end shopping.
Lunch at the Paia Fish Market (I don’t eat seafood but this is a popular favorite for many). My friend opted for the Shrimp Quesadilla and Seafood Pasta pictured below.

MORE TO EXPLORE

If it happens to be raining in Waikiki the Waikiki Aquarium could be a fun thing to do indoors. I did see some deals in tourist brochures and Groupon is never a bad idea!
The Honolulu Zoo
Pearl Harbor (more information and helpful tips later in this post!) Pearl Harbor is located about 25 minutes from the Waikiki area and 4 miles from the Honolulu (HNL) Airport.
When we were eating at Paia Fish Market we noticed a huge line across the street at Marukame Udon Waikiki which apparently is a Japanese Restaurant that according to Yelp is well worth the wait.

Oahu is one of my favorite islands in Hawaii to explore! To be honest Waikiki is my least favorite part of the island. I highly recommend renting a car and exploring the entire island since every part is so different! For more to do around the island of Oahu check out my blog post A Fit Gal’s Guide to 8 Things to Do in Oahu .

GOOD TO KNOW

Flights tend to be pretty inexpensive when flying to the other islands. We were able to fly Southwest from Maui to Oahu for around $40 one-way. The flight was about 30 minutes.

If you are in need of luggage storage in Waikiki there is a place called Waikiki Baggage & Luggage Storage who will store your bags for $8 for the day, but in all honesty we had trouble finding it and it was pouring rain when we were looking for it. We got lucky and a hotel owner allowed us to store our luggage for free for a couple of hours leading up to the cruise.
An Uber from the Honolulu Airport to Waikiki was around $25 but keep in mind the rides can be limited at different times of the day. We had to wait a good 20 + minutes for the arrival of our ride.
If you decide to take a cruise that is porting out of Honolulu, the cruise port is extremely close to downtown Waikiki (about an 8 minute ride). The Honolulu Airport to the cruise port is about 20 minutes without traffic (6 miles). However, with traffic it can take 40 minutes. Honolulu during rush hour traffic is known to be some of the worst traffic in the US!

WELCOME TO MAUI

WHAT WE DID

Kihei

When I was in Maui for the wedding my group stayed in an Airbnb in Kihei which is about 10 minutes down the road from the resort area better known as Wailea.
We went out to “The Triangle”. This is an area that consists of around 8 different bars and is known for the night life. Not exactly the classiest but think karaoke, college bar scene, dive bars, fun night out.
There is also a Paui Fish Market located here, which in my opinion was much busier than the one located in Waikiki.

Wailea

Drinks at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea Bar (be prepared for celebrity sightings). There is no happy hour available at this property.
Drinks and lunch at Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar. The Macadamia Crusted Goat Cheese was a favorite of mine.
Luau at the Grand Wailea Resort. Dinner, unlimited alcohol, and entertainment included.
Gannon’s Restaurant and Bar was where my best friend got married and here we enjoyed yummy food and cocktails. The Wailea Golf Club is located here as well if golfing is on the agenda for your trip!
Monkeypod Kitchen for dinner. Be sure to make a reservation in advance. Luckily we were able to snag two seats at the bar within 15 minutes. Loved the House-Made Gnocchi. The Wild Mushroom & Truffle Oil Wood Fire Pizza is super yummy as well! More on a “must try drink” from Monkeypod later in this post!

Lahaina

Once our cruise ported back in Maui we paid for transportation to an area called Lahaina. Lahaina was a cute little area with boutique-type shops, hand-made gifts and jewelry, coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and some water activities to take part in. There is no beach access in Lahaina so keep that in mind. It reminded me of Key West vibes. Lots of just walking around and exploring in one area.
Grabbed iced lattes from Bad Ass Coffee Of Hawaii right in town.
Stopped for mai tais at Down the Hatch. Down the Hatch offers happy hour too from 2PM to 6PM daily!

Kaanapali

We wanted to explore beyond Lahaina so we branched off up the road to an area called Kaanapali which we LOVED! I would go back in a heartbeat! This is a more happening resort area with beach access, fun bars and restaurants, shopping, golfing, and crystal clear waters! Whaler’s Village was a hot spot!
Monkeypod Kitchen for an infamous Monkeypod Mai Tai. This location was way less busy when we stopped there during the day around lunchtime. Their Mai Tai is one-of-a-kind!
Spent hours floating in the crystal clear, calm ocean and laying out on the beautiful beach.
Grabbed appetizers and drinks at Hula Grill. I was obsessed with the local style potstickers and kabocha pumpkin hummus!

Paia (North Shore)

Since our cruise spent two days in Maui the second day we did the Road to Hana. We started our journey in a town called Paia. Our cruise offered an excursion in a bigger group which didn’t allow for many stops for people to get out so we got some information regarding a private tour which cost $500 total for the day split amongst however many people you get to go! On our tour we stopped for banana bread, pulled pork sandwiches, and many photo ops including the Black Sand Beach. With some research you should be able to find private tours on the island!
Didn’t make it to Mama’s Fish House BUT more important information regarding this MUST TRY RESTAURANT below!

THE ROAD TO HANA

MORE TO EXPLORE

There is an area north of Kaanapali known as Kapalua. Here there are more resorts such as the Ritz Carlton, restaurants, and beautiful beaches. We did not get a chance to explore this area but it definitely seems more quiet, intimate, and private.
Haleakalā Volcano Sunrise Tour with Skyline Tours . The bride and her family did this tour and mentioned it was extremely early in the morning and very cold so keep that in mind! They do provide you with a huge winter jacket for this tour. This is one of the more popular activities to do in Maui.
Pride of Maui Snorkeling Tour with Sea Turtles.
Valley Isle is also a company that offers Road to Hana Tours.
When we drove through Paia I noticed many unique shops. Surf shops, art galleries, boutiques, consignment, and restaurants. The town gave me Bohemian, California Venice Beach Vibes. There are also a handful of beaches within walking distance of the quaint little town.
Dole whip and shaved ice are worth trying during your time in Hawaii!
If you are in need of a photographer in the Maui Area check out my best friend’s wedding photographer.

GOOD TO KNOW

Remember that restaurant I was talking about in Paia? It is called Mama’s Fish House and it is so popular that it can require a reservation months in advance depending on the time of the year. So if you know you are heading to Maui make a reservation! It is on the pricier side and a popular celebrity hang out!
Rent a car! Ubers are on the pricier end especially if you are trying to explore the island. There were also many times when our Uber App said there were no rides available in our area!
The Road to Hana is a long day! Be prepared with snacks, water, proper water shoes/shoes with grip, a bathing suit, cash money $$$, bug spray, ponchos, towels you don’t care about, and sunscreen. Everyone’s tour is different but for our private tour there were stops along the way which included locally made pulled pork sandwiches, banana bread, smoothies, tacos, and much more food and beverages that were cash only and there isn’t exactly an ATM in the middle of the rain forest! There were local artists selling handmade gifts & jewelry on the side of the road too! I bought a beautiful pair of handmade pearl earrings.
On our Road to Hana Tour we started in Paia and turned around once we saw the Black Sand Beach near Hana and that was more than enough! Also do not take anything you care about down towards the Black Sand Beach clothing-wise because it could get ruined. And do not attempt to take any lava rocks! Security detectors on the cruise detected them and I had to give them back! So much for healing lava rocks!
The ABC convenience stores are not cheap. If you are planning on a long term stay and/or are in an Airbnb for the week I suggest Costco if you are a member, the grocery store, or Walmart. Either way be prepared for prices to be higher when it comes to food, water, alcohol, and basic needs such as medicines and toiletries.
The Maui Bus Transit System has a bus that runs from Lahaina to Whaler’s Village in Kaanapali that we took for $2 each way. (cash only and no beverages allowed. I had to finish my latte and wait for the next bus!) The bus also runs even further north up to Kapalua where the Ritz Carlton is located. If you need help ask the locals! They will lead you in the right direction and it was fairly easy!

WELCOME TO THE BIG ISLAND (HAWAII)

WHAT WE DID

Hilo

Our two cruise stops on the Big Island were Hilo and Kona.
We didn’t partake in any of the cruise excursions in Hilo but we wanted to get off the boat and see the town. We ubered into town and went to the daily farmer’s market. The farmers market had the biggest avocados I had ever seen, local produce, exotic fruits, and plenty of handmade gifts such as essential oils, soaps, and jewelry. In fact in 2019 Kona had a record breaking 6 lb. 11 oz. avocado!
There were plenty of thrift stores and consignment stores in the town and some cute shops to buy gifts.
Found a new yummy coffee shop in called Waipuna Coffee. Shop closes at 3PM and is not open on Sundays.

Kona

In Kona as soon as our cruise ported it started to downpour. We had parasailing booked through our cruise line but it ended up getting cancelled due to the weather conditions. The company was called UFO Parasail and is located right on the pier in Kona.
Despite the rain I managed to rent snorkel gear for about $7 for the hour from Big Island Water Sports located in a small shack and snorkeled in the water at Kamakahonu Beach which was right off the pier. There were some really cool tropical fish right there and saw a really cool eel!
We decided to try and find a spa since the rain didn’t let up during our time in Kona. We found a spa called Body Rhythm Spa (now Lighthouse Spa) and managed to book a last minute couple’s massage for about $80 each. I highly recommend booking a massage off the cruise or away from your resort because it is drastically cheaper and a bigger bang for your buck! Turns out Body Rhythm Spa ran some of the resort spas and the same massages were $30-$40 more at the resorts. Always check Groupon for deals too!
Stopped for drinks and appetizers at Fish Hopper. The clam chowder was a win for my friend Sean and the red sangria had my name on it!
Coffee at Menehune Coffee Company. Do yourself a favor and splurge at these coffee shops in Hawaii! They are out of this world good! Iced lattes for days!
Quick stop at the local Taco Bell because I just had to once while in Hawaii! Just because I am a health and fitness blogger doesn’t mean I don’t love me some TB!

MORE TO EXPLORE

Some of the cruise line excursions in Hilo included waterfalls, volcano tours, ATV’s, helicopter rides, ziplining, and botanical gardens. There are things to do and explore in this area but at this point in our trip we were looking to just lay low and relax.
Hilo Palace Theatre offers concerts, shows, broadway plays, and film festivals throughout the year.
Some of the Kona excursions included snorkeling, whale watching, submarine, parasailing, volcanoes, glass bottom boat rides, farm tours, and fishing.
There was definitely more of a resort area to explore in Kona further down the road along the ocean as well as a farmer’s market that is open Wednesday-Sunday but unfortunately, we didn’t make it down the road because of the heavy rain.
In Kona, right on the pier you can find parasailing, snorkeling, stand up paddle boards, and many more water sport type things to do!

GOOD TO KNOW

The town of Hilo closes down early. It is more of a quiet town with not much to do. It was fine for a cruise stop but this would never be a vacation destination of mine nor would I go out of my way to go there!
In Kona, Big Island Water Sports had stand up paddle boards to rent as well as snorkel gear for a very reasonable price.
Both Hilo and Kona provided us with some rain so just be sure to check the forecast when you are making plans and have a back-up plan to make the most of your time! For us, our day in Kona ended up really working out. Despite not being able to parasail we were able to relax and get an affordable massage.
The Big Island which includes both Hilo and Kona is the wettest island in all of Hawaii so keep that in mind! Lots and lots of rain!

WELCOME TO KAUAI

WHAT WE DID

Kauai was one of my favorite islands! We did an excursion thru the cruise which consisted of about a 3 mile kayak trip and waterfall hike. We got some pretty heavy rain but regardless it was such an incredible adventure!
Since our ship stayed two days here we had the opportunity to go out in the evening off the ship. We hit up Nawiliwili Tavern which was definitely more of a dive bar with pool tables.
After we hit the dive bar we walked over to Cafe Portofino which is a restaurant turned dance floor/bar on Thursday evenings after 10PM. This is also known as industry night or Portofino Nights. Not quite my cup of tea and they charged a cover fee after 11PM. Since there isn’t much nightlife here this is your best bet and it stays open until 2AM if you are looking to have a late night.
On our second day in Kauai we linked up with a local who was recommended to us and he gave us the cruise ships version of the “Director’s Cut Tour” and showed us some hot spots for filming around the island which really interests me. We explored an area called Poipu which had some really nice airbnbs and more privacy. It looked very peaceful.

MORE TO EXPLORE

In Kauai there is a Duke’s Restaurant which is good for a nice meal and nice cocktails.
Marriott’s Beach Club looked like the best bet resort-wise in Kauai. Nice beach area and pool area.
The Napali Coast is located on this island but unfortunately we did not get to see it. This particular cruise normally cruises along the Napali Coast on the way back to Honolulu, however, the waves were too high and the water was so choppy (this is typical in January) so our cruise ship had to re route and take a different route back.
Gorgeous Airbnbs all over the island, especially in Poipu.
Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park is said to be a gorgeous must-see.
- Beautiful Beaches and State Parks all over the island.
  EXPLORING KAUAI: DIRECTOR’S CUT TOUR

GOOD TO KNOW

Of all the Hawaiian Islands Kauai has the least amount of people and that is definitely noticeable but in a good way!
Very peaceful, serene island. Perfect place to come to really relax, think, and reset.
Kauai did not feel as touristy as the other places I visited on my trip in Hawaii.
Respect the locals and their space. We were told that the locals can become very upset if drunk tourists come into town and act wild and not respectful!

WELCOME BACK TO HONOLULU, OAHU

WHAT WE DID

The day we arrived back to Honolulu was also our travel day back to the states. The Pride of America Cruise offered an early-bird Pearl Harbor Tour which provided luggage storage on a secure bus as well as providing us with enough time to get to the airport and airport transportation so we figured why not! Also on my last trip to Oahu Pearl Harbor was closed and I did tell myself if I ever came back I would check it out.
Flew back to Los Angeles.

MORE TO EXPLORE

For more to do around the island of Oahu check out my blog post A Fit Gal’s Guide to 8 Things to Do in Oahu

GOOD TO KNOW

I suggest booking your Pearl Harbor Tour thru some sort of organized group or through your hotel. I say this because apparently a certain amount of tickets with specific time slots are given to these groups for the USS Arizona Memorial which is located at Pearl Harbor. I would not go to Pearl Harbor without seeing the USS Arizona Memorial. It was honestly one of the most interesting pieces of history I have ever experienced and having the opportunity to pay my respects to the lives lost there was an experience I will never forget.
Regarding Pearl Harbor I also suggest purchasing the guided tour which was around $7. I was given a free souvenir tote from one of those Oahu Brochure Coupons and also given a pair of headphones so that I could use the device and get as much out of the tour as I could. Without the self guided headphones and device I would have felt a little lost because things are spread out and can be overwhelming.
It took about 2 hours for me to get through all the exhibits as well as my boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial.