Local Insights: Common Questions About Hawaii
As a lifelong resident of Hawai'i and a travel writer, I receive countless inquiries about visiting the islands, and I love sharing my knowledge. The best way to truly enjoy Hawaii and its rich cultures is to venture beyond the tourist hotspots. From stunning beaches to scenic hikes and charming local businesses, here are the answers to your most common Hawaii questions from a local's perspective.
What’s the best Hawaiian Island to visit?
This is undoubtedly the question I hear most frequently about Hawai'i, and the reason might be that the answer varies for each person. The best island to explore in Hawai'i depends on your individual preferences.
O‘ahu offers the most urban experience of all the islands and is famous for its surf competitions. Maui is celebrated for its romantic vibe, making it a favorite for couples, while families can also enjoy attractions like the Road to Hana and Surfing Goat Dairy. For waterfall enthusiasts and hikers, Kaua‘i is the perfect choice. The Big Island of Hawai‘i boasts incredible diversity, featuring beaches, rainforests, deserts, and snow-capped mountains, plus it's home to active volcanoes. Lastly, the smaller islands of Lana‘i and Moloka‘i are ideal for those seeking hidden gems, with Lana‘i having more tourism amenities.
How many Hawaiian islands can you explore in a single trip?
I generally suggest spending at least four to five days on each island. Therefore, if you're planning a week-long stay, it's best to focus on one island. For a ten-day visit, you can comfortably explore two islands, and if you’re here for two weeks, you can enjoy up to three islands!
You can take in stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from various scenic spots within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Photo by Getty Images.What’s the best way to travel between islands in Hawai'i?
While many assume there are roads or ferries connecting the islands, that's largely not true. The only ferry service operates three times daily between Maui and the smaller islands of Lanaʻi and Molokaʻi. For travel between other islands, you'll need to take a plane.
How can you visit the volcanoes in Hawai'i?
To see Hawaiʻi’s most active volcano, you'll need to travel to Hilo on the Big Island. From there, drive to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which is home to Kilauea and Mauna Loa, the two most active volcanoes in the state. This is the only place to witness geothermal activity on any Hawaiian island.
Kilauea erupted nearly continuously from 1983 to 2018, but now both Kilauea and Mauna Loa have more sporadic eruptions. While you might catch a glimpse of lava during your visit, there's no guarantee. However, eruptions are usually not dangerous to people or property. If a particularly explosive event occurs during your visit, stay updated with local news and heed the advice of authorities.
Even if there's no active eruption, there’s plenty to explore and learn about geothermal activity at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy the lava glow from the Halema‘uma‘u Crater overlooks, walk through the Thurston Lava Tube, warm yourself by the steam vents, or hike across the volcanic crater on the Kilauea Iki Trail to start your adventure.
This laulau is prepared with salmon: a must-try local dish that showcases a variety of proteins. ShutterstockWhat dishes should you sample in Hawai'i?
With its rich tapestry of cultures and fertile soil, Hawaiʻi boasts a vibrant food scene. You'll find delicious locally grown tropical fruits like apple bananas, guavas, liliko‘i (passion fruit), and macadamia nuts. Traditional Hawaiian dishes such as kalua pig (shredded pork), kulolo (taro-coconut pudding), laulau (steamed protein wrapped in leaves), and haupia (coconut pudding) are also worth trying. While they may be a bit harder to find, Waiahole Poi Factory on Oʻahu and Kaaloa’s Super J’s on the Big Island are excellent places to start.
Next, there's what we call local food, where culinary fusion truly shines. Don't miss malasadas (Portuguese-style donuts) from Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery on Oʻahu, saimin (a pan-Asian noodle soup) from Hamura Saimin on Kauaʻi, poke (seasoned raw fish) from Tanioka’s on Oʻahu, shave ice from Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice on Maui, and spam musubis (a rice, spam, and seaweed snack) available at any 7/11 you encounter (it may sound odd, but you have to trust me on this).
What’s my favorite hike in Hawai'i?
Hawaiʻi is home to countless beautiful hikes, leading you to breathtaking ocean and mountain vistas, hidden waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, or ancient petroglyphs. My absolute favorite is the Kuliʻouʻou Ridge hike on Oʻahu. This 4.7-mile trek is challenging but rewards you with diverse plant life and stunning views of the island's southeast coast and the vast Pacific Ocean.
One beach that will remain etched in your memory from Hawaii is undoubtedly Ke'e Beach on Kauai. Getty ImagesWhat’s my favorite beach in Hawai'i?
You can't go wrong with any beach in Hawaiʻi. Some may be a bit more crowded (or popular, depending on your perspective), while others are better suited for surfing or snorkeling. Some beaches are shaded by towering trees, and others bask in full sunlight, but all are fantastic.
In fact, some of my favorite beaches in Hawaiʻi are the hidden gems you come across while driving along the stunning coastlines. If you're seeking specific suggestions, Kailua Beach on Oʻahu, Pohoiki Black Sand Beach on the Big Island, and Hanalei Bay on Kauaʻi are all absolutely remarkable.
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