Travel
Hawaii
A Ten Day Guide to Oah’u + Kaua’i
Aloha! Welcome to Hawaii, the home of John John Florence, Barack Obama, Blue Crush, Pearl Harbour, The North Shore and Poke bowls. With direct flights between Sydney and Honolulu a quick ten day trip to this dreamy destination is well worth it. Hawaii is the youngest of the U.S states and is entirely an archipelago, made up of over 100 islands. There are six main islands to visit, The Big Island, Maui, Oah’u, Kaua’i, Molokai and Lanai. For a ten day trip, visiting two or three islands is recommended to thoroughly enjoy your time on each island. The best time to visit is usually between April and May or September and October. However if you’re looking for big surf or to watch the Pipe Masters competition December is your best bet. Below is a guide to Oah’u and Kaua’i.
OAH’U
Waikiki
EAT + DRINK
Herringbone
An indoor oasis with jungle vibes boasting an oyster, wine and beer happy hour. Pop in for a drink before dinner.
Bill’s
Modern eatery by infamous chef Bill Granger. Right off the main strip this bustling restaurant serves everything from their classic ricotta hotcakes to snapper crudo. Grab a seat on the balcony if you can.
Buho Cantina
Soak up the rays on the oversized rooftop at this delicious Mexican restaurant in the heart of Waikiki. Treat yourself to a Marg and enjoy the abundance of Mexican delights. The fish tacos are highly recommended.
Sunny Days
This roadside cafe is on the way to The Diamond Head Hike. Sunny Days serves sprout sandwiches, pancakes, smoothie bowls and plate lunches. Their portion sizes are generous and are the perfect fuel before taking on the hike.
Honolulu Cookie Company
Honolulu Cookie Company stores are dotted all around the city. Don’t feel guilty if you “cookie hop” and try the samples at each location, we’ve all done it. They have an abundance of flavors of shortbread, the most popular being butter macadamia, white chocolate coconut and chocolate chip macadamia. They also make great gifts to take home, if you manage not to eat them all before your flight!
Lava Tube Tiki Bar
You have to try at least one Tiki Bar in Waikiki. Take a seat at the bar, order a MaiThai and enjoy the atmosphere.
Ice Cream Rolls
There’s a lot of ice cream in Hawaii but if you’ve never tried an ice cream roll then you’re in for a treat. This Kapuni Street vendor creates your ice cream right in front of you to your liking. Go with a friend and split two, it’s the only way to choose between the variety of delicious toppings.
Hideout Restaurant At The Laylow
Hideout is a modern rooftop restaurant with dining tables, bar and lounge area. Enjoy the fresh food and live music over a nice glass of wine. Hideout has a relaxed yet classy vibe and it’s the perfect place to wind down after a long day of hiking and surfing.
The Beach Bar Under The Babylon Tree
Located in the Moana Surfrider resort, this bar is an absolute must do for sunset. Situated right on Waikiki beach the Beach Bar boasts incredible views, live music and fun cocktails. Get there early to secure a prime spot for sunset viewing.
Furusato Sushi
If you’re craving sushi and sashimi then head to Furasato. The food is fresh and comes out fast. They also have plenty of sake options and the staff are friendly.
Maui Brewing Co.
Grab a beer and a bite and if you can’t decide which beer to choose try one of their flights and taste them all! Good pub style food and large portions. Try and get there while it’s still light so you can sit outdoors and enjoy the chilled summer afternoon vibe.
SLEEP
The Modern
Located a little away from the main drag of Waikiki this contemporary hotel offers yoga classes, a day spa and two incredible pools. On occasion the staff deliver treats to the sun bathers such as frozen pineapple and mango drinks. They also offer a variety of bars and restaurants within the resort.
Wyndham Garden Royal
The Wyndham has huge rooms with views of the city and the river. There’s a pool and valet parking which is handy given there isn’t much street parking on the island. The rooms are big and many have kitchenettes and large living areas.
Polynesian Beach Club Hostel
If you’re looking for something a little more budget friendly there are plenty of hostels around the island. Polynesian Beach Club Hostel is located a couple of streets back from the beach and close to the zoo. The staff are friendly, it’s cheap and clean. For a hostel you can’t really go wrong with this one.
SHOP
High End
One street back from the beach and Waikiki turns from surfers paradise to a high end fashion mecca. This main strip is lined with palm tress, restaurants, tourist gift shops as well as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci and Hermes to name a few.
EXPLORE
Waikiki Beach
This is the heart of Oah’u with gentle rolling waves conducive to easy long rides, you’ll find an abundance of surf lessons, sun bathers and kids building sand castles out the front of their beach front hotels. High end fashion is also extremely prevalent in Waikiki as are nice restaurants and bars. Waikiki is a place to relax and enjoy being a tourist.
Diamond Head Hike
Not far from the centre of town is the famous Diamond Head Hike, known for stunning views and its military history. As well as Diamond Head there are the Manoa Falls Trail and The Koko Crater Railway Trailhead. As with most tourist attractions head to the trails early, this will not only avoid mass crowds but also beat the midday heat. Experience the breathtaking views that you’ve been seeing on instagram for yourself.
North Shore
EAT + DRINK
Giovanni’s Shrimp Trunk
The line is worth the wait. It’s basically a gaurantee that you’ll have to queue up before getting your plate of garlic shrimp and rice. While it might not sound like anything special it certainly is. Giovanni’s is situated among other food trucks, many of them selling similar fare however it’s the most popular by far. Grab your plate of shrimp scampi (their best seller) and eat it near the Mack’s Handcrafted Sodas and Pops truck and try a homemade soda.
Banzai Bowls
This street side smoothie shop can be hard to miss! It’s located close to Pipeline, hence it’s name. Order a takeaway açaí or pitaya bowl and head to the beach to eat and watch the waves, if you’re lucky you might even catch a few pros out there!
EXPLORE
Pipeline
The infamous Pipeline, one of the most dangerous waves in the world due to its power and a shallow base of reef beneath this heavy wave. While it’s not the wave to try out your foamie from Costco on it’s definitely worth checking out. Perhaps enjoy a smoothie bowl from Banzai Bowls on the beach, a safe distance from the crashing shoreline and enjoy watching the surfers navigate the wild waves.
Lanikai
EAT + DRINK
Lanikai Juice Bar
Juice bar in Lanikai town, it has healthy snacks and delicious smoothies!
EXPLORE
Lanikai Pillbox Hike
This hike will literally take your breath away, due to both the stunning views but also because it’s a little steep, especially at the start! It’s a shortish hike with lots of lookouts along the way. It’s completely open so you might catch yourself stopping every few feet as each step creates a new angle to view the incredible coast line from. It gets busy and hot so try to head up before midday.
Lanikai Beach
One word. Paradise. The crystal clear waters, calm breeze and white sand makes Lanikai Beach an absolute haven and provides a well deserved recovery after taking on the Pillbox Hike. There’s really not much more to say about it this spot other than it’s a must do for some peace and quiet and a solid tanning session.
KAUA’I
Hanalei
Hanalei is a pretty quiet town it’s known as the North Shore of Kaua’i. There’s not much going on at nighttime and not much accommodation, if any, in the town itself. But there’s lots to do during the day and plenty to eat and drink. There are also a lot of golf courses in the nearby areas if you want to mix up your beach side activities for land.
Words: Alice I’Anson 2020
Cover Image: Alice I’Anson 2019
EAT + DRINK
Hanalei Poke
Cute little poke truck next to the supermarket, there’s usually a line but it’s worth it. The Kelia & Hanalei bowls are recommended but they all look delicious! Enjoy your bowl on the wooden benches out the front.
Wishing Well Shave Ice
Smoothie truck, the food truck theme is pretty strong in Hawaii, that serves shave ice as well as açaí bowls. This place also has wooden benches out the front where you can eat and drink.
Bar Acuda
Tapas and wine bar on the Main Street in Hanalei. Good idea to book ahead as it’s one of the ‘nicer’ places in town. Grab a table or sit at the bar and enjoy chatting to the friendly bar staff. This place is a must do in Hanalei.
Hanalei Bread Co.
Great bakery owned by the same people as Bar Acuda. It’s always buzzing and there is often a line. It has delicious breakfasts, breads and granola bars for on the go as well as good coffee.
Hanalei Harvest Market
Good for snacks when you’re road tripping around the island.
EXPLORE
Hanalei Beach
Hanalei Beach is a couple of streets back from the main restaurant area. It can be hard to find a parking spot so if you’re heading there for the day get down early. Take a picnic and hire some surfboards in town, they usually don’t have them for hire on the beach. During April the waves are generally quite gentle. Some days there are none at all but usually by the afternoon it picks up. Perfect for mini mals, long boards and beginners.
Hanalei Pier
Walk along the beach front towards the pier and watch the sunset. When the sun has set walk through the backstreets of Hanalei parallel to the beach, here you’ll see a some local houses and lots of land and palm trees.
Princeville
SLEEP
Wyndham Ka'eo Kai
Most accommodation near Hanalei is in Princeville. There are plenty of resorts boasting pools and golf courses. They all have carparks and many have kitchenettes, balconies and washer dryers in unit so you can set up a base here and then head of exploring during the day. The Wyndham offers all of the above, the staff are friendly, the rooms are huge and if you’re lucky you’ll get a room with a balcony or ‘lanai’ as the locals call it with a view of the golf course and out to the open sea.
EXPLORE
Queens Bath
This place is an absolute must. It’s a short walk from the car park that is often full, you’ll have to wait in the queue for a spot but it’s worth it. The walk is about 10 minutes and it starts off by climbing through a fence and can be pretty steep and muddy a long the way. Queen’s Bath is a tide pool and a sinkhole that is separated from the ocean by lava rocks. It used to be a royal bathing place, hence its name. At the end of the hike as you step onto the rocks next to the ocean there are a plethora of warning signs about the risks and dangers of the waves. Depending on when you go the water is calm and safe however it is advised to check the tides and not take any risks as people have been dragged out to see off the rocks when not taking the appropriate precautions. If you do go at a safe time then enjoy the relaxing swim in these beautiful ocean baths and if you’re lucky you might even see a turtle or two!
Hideaway Beach
Hideaway beach suits its name perfectly, it certainly isn’t a beach you would just stumble upon. You have to know where it is to get there. The carpark is located near the Princeville Resort, then head on down the beach path which has a couple of hurdles such as one part where you have to climb down a very steep section but they have ropes and rails in place to assist you. When you get to the beach it’s well worth it. Hideaway is a little sanctuary surrounded by trees with rocks at each end of the cove. Take a picnic (backpack recommended so you’re hands free for the hike) and plenty of water so you can spend an entire day or afternoon at Hideaway.
EAT
Princeville Resort
Another perfect place to watch the sunset over Kaua’i. This fancy resort has incredible views from the balcony, have a cocktail, order some sushi and enjoy the sunset. This is not a hidden gem so make sure you get there early enough to get a good spot outside.
Hideaways Pizza Pub
If you’re looking for something a little more low key head down the road to Hideaways Pizza Pub for a hearty pizza and a beer, or two.
Foodland
This is the main supermarket in Princeville, it has everything you need to cook at your accommodation and they sell drinks here too. There’s only one road in and out of Hanelai so you’ll definitely pass at some point. Be mindful, this area doesn’t stay up late so check the supermarket hours as it’s unlikely they’ll be open if you’re craving midnight snacks.
Nā Pali Coast
EXPLORE
Awa'awapuhi Trail Hike (Waimea Canyon)
This hike took 2 hours 20 minutes walking total, the way there is mostly downhill and the way back is up. It’s a moderate hike mostly due to the steepness and uneven ground. Get there early (arrive around 7:30am) it gets super busy and it’s much better when no one is there. When you get to the end the views are amazing of NaPali Coast and you can walk out along the rocky narrow cliff that juts out. It’s a bit scary and sketchy so be careful, you don’t have to do it! If you’re scared of heights or not confident on your feet then it’s recommended you just enjoy the view from the top. On the drive back down stop at a few of the lookout points for more amazing canyon views.
Nā Pali Coast Boat Tour
Makana Charters have a really good tour. It runs for about 4-5 hours and you can go snorkeling, they provide lunch of sandwiches and the guides are awesome. It doesn’t feel like a tour as they are super chilled and just share interesting information about that coast. You’re likely to see dolphins and turtles along the way as well as locations from Jurassic Park. If you want to you can also view the coast in a helicopter, there are plenty of tours available. They are much shorter than the boat tour but have spectacular aerial views of the coast line.
Beaches
Driving along the coast there are plenty of beaches and towns to stop at. Poipo and Pakala beach are a couple as well as Ka’apu and Wailua which are pretty popular surf break for the locals.
Kilauea Cute town and a lot quieter and smaller than Hanalei. There are a few restaurants but you have to search to find them as well as nice shops in a pocket near the Fish Market. It’s definitely worth visiting as you’re driving along the coast.
EAT + DRINK
Palate Wine Bar
Palate Wine Bar in Kilauea has similar vibes to Bar Acuda but a little quieter. Start with the cheese board, artichoke tapenade and a glass of wine. The staff are super friendly here and knowledgable about the products they serve so feel free to ask questions and learn about the wines and cheeses they offer. They also serve gluten free flatbreads so if you have an intolerance you don’t have to miss out!
Fish Market
This is actually a restaurant not a market and it doesn’t look like anything special but you can buy fresh fish here and cook it yourself. Take it back to your accommodation and BBQ it on your lanai.
Trilogy
Coffee Shop near the Fish Market. It has many varieties of warm drinks as well as healthy snacks including sugar free, vegan and paleo friendly.
SHOP
Hunter Gatherer
Surf and lifestyle shop selling books, surfboards, games and homewares. There are lots of nice things in here and it’s a good place to pick up a gift for someone back home.
Waimea
Beach town near the Waimea Canyon
EATIsland TacoRoadside taco shop that often has a line. No fuss tacos with incredibly fresh seafood. This is a must do, so find a road that leads through Waimea. Order the Wasabi Ahi Tacos if you’re an Ahi fan.
GETTING THERE, AWAY + AROUND
Transport
Ground
Hire a car! You can do this on both these islands, the easiest way is to hire from the airport as that’s likely where you will be entering and exiting the island from. There are a lot of different companies to choose from. Alamo has been tried and tested. Maybe try something a little fun and get a Jeep for one island and a Mustang for the other.
Air
Hawaiian Airlines have plenty of flights each day between the islands at pretty reasonable prices. If you’re flying from Australia there’s always a Jetstar sale on so keep an eye out.