In 6th grade, I was fortunate enough to take a trip to Hawaii with my family as part of my older twin brothers’ graduation gift. Now, almost 10 years later, it remains my favorite place in the country that I have traveled to. Hawaii has so much to offer, from its stunning natural beauty and rich culture to the aloha spirit of the locals. Honestly, it’s an experience like no other, and I can’t wait to go back! Here are some of my favorite places from my trip to Oahu and Maui:
Waikiki Beach
One of the first places we visited was Waikiki Beach on Oahu. We spent a few days on this island, enjoying the beach and indulging in some tourist attractions. We spent one day at the Pearl Harbor Memorial, learning about this powerful event in history and seeing some of the remnants of the sunken ship. Another day, we hiked up Diamond Head to see spectacular views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean, which was remarkable!
The Road to Hana
Driving along the Road to Hana was another unforgettable adventure. The journey itself was breathtaking, with winding roads, rainforests, and waterfalls. We made several stops along the way, including the famous Twin Falls, where we hiked a short trail to find a stunning waterfall with a swimming hole. We couldn’t resist stopping at Twin Falls, especially since we have two sets of twins in our family!
A Luau Experience
No trip to Hawaii would be complete without experiencing a traditional luau. We attended a luau in Maui that featured a fantastic mix of delicious food and entertaining performances by local hula dancers, fire performers, and even some guests from the audience! The feast was a highlight, with new foods like kalua pig, poi, and an array of tropical fruits. It was a memorable and enjoyable way to immerse ourselves in Hawaiian culture and cuisine, as well as a great opportunity to meet other travelers from all over the world.
Dole Plantation
We also made a stop at the Dole Pineapple Plantation, which was a fun experience to see where the products we consume in the US come from. We learned about the history of pineapple farming in Hawaii and took a ride on the Pineapple Express train, which took us through the fields of pineapples. My favorite part was trying the famous Dole Whip—which is delicious pineapple soft-serve ice cream!
Snorkeling Adventures
One of my favorite activities was snorkeling on a private beach in Maui. We went with a private tour guide and spent some time exploring the vibrant coral and beautiful fish! It was my first time snorkeling, and I loved every moment of it. At the private beach, there was a homemade shaved ice truck, offering an array of hollowed-out fruits like coconuts and pineapples— the perfect way to finish off the adventure!
Overall, Hawaii holds a special place in my heart not just for its beautiful landscapes and culture but for the unforgettable memories. The experience I had traveling in Hawaii was unmatched, and I think it is truly one of the most peaceful, relaxing, and happiest places to vacation. I can’t wait to go back and believe that traveling to these islands should be at the top of everyone’s travel bucket list!
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