Hawaii Five - Oh!

By Katie Vandergriff

Hawaii has been on my bucket list. For a long time. Not because I thought it was anything special, but because I had been to all the other U.S. states. Visiting Alaska, typically a hard one, was easy for me: I was born there. And, through the years I somehow managed to live in, travel to, work in, or travel through the other 48.

That just left Hawaii.Now, I wonder - why did I wait so long?

Flying into Honolulu is like landing in a fairytale land from a kid’s story book. The one with treasure maps that show sandy beaches where pirates live, jagged mountains where dragons hide, and tranquil coves where mermaids spend their days. We divided our time in Hawaii between Oahu and Kauai. Both places were spectacularly beautiful and equally unique.

Hawaii is the perfect mix of easy sophistication balanced with unspoiled nature. Whether your preferred method of travel is “fast and furious” or “slow and curious”, Hawaii has something for everyone.

So, if you find yourself considering a trip to Hawaii, whether as your second or fiftieth state, here are some top things to do and see:

LAIE POINT

Looking for the perfect place to watch the sun rise over the ocean? Try Laie Point. It’s a short drive through a small residential neighborhood, and there is parking near the point. Narrow trails wind through the volcanic rock leading to the edge where the waves crash below. Later in the day grab arguably the island’s best fish and shrimp tacos at North Shore Tacos. Or cross the street to the Food Truck Park and get just about any other Hawaiian specialty food you desire. Be sure and top off any meal with shave ice.

DOLE PLANTATION

At the Dole plantation, pass through lush rows of pineapple plants with hundreds of baby pineapples growing and ripening in the sun. A colorful garden paradise where you can wander among dozens of varieties of tropical plants. Definitely plan to end the stop with a huge bowl of Dole Whip smothered in juicy fresh pineapple.

PEARL HARBOR

One of the most famous historical events in United States history is the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The USS Arizona Memorial draws more than 1.8 million visitors each year from all over the world. You can purchase tickets to tour the memorial. It is built over the final resting place of the US battleship and many of the 1,177 crewmen killed on December 7, 1941. Or, just wander along the shoreline and view the historical markers and memorabilia marking this tragic event.

GREEN WORLD COFFEE FARM

At the Green World Coffee Farm wander freely between the coffee bushes in the fields ripe with coffee beans. At the small market purchase fresh coffee beans to take home, or grab a hot cup of coffee and relax in the shade surrounded by the coffee bushes.

WAIKIKI

This big city has high rise hotels, designer fashion stores, and tons of tourists from all over the world. For buzzing night life and beautiful (albeit crowded) beaches, Waikiki is a must see. Diamond Head mountain is the dramatic backdrop for the city. Surfers crowd the beach where the ocean waves are warm and calm. Catch Hawaiian dance performance art on a street corner or in a local park. Traffic is congested, but transportation can be made easier with Uber or city bus.

SUNSET BEACH

Even if you have to rush to Sunset Beach from other places on the Island it’s worth it to be there in time to watch the sun dip golden into the Pacific Ocean. Sunset Beach is aptly named. Watch the sky fill with blazing colors and brightly light the surfers catching the last waves of the day. Hang out in the warm sand until only a faint pink glow remains in the sky.

POIPU BEACH

Poipu Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Kauai for good reason. It’s fun to pass through the Tree Tunnel on the way to the beach. The waves are gentle, the water is clear, and the snorkeling is excellent. Considered one of the safest beaches in Hawaii, a lifeguard is on duty seven days a week. Sleeping monk seals often lounge on the beach. The small town has a great local culinary scope, and for a real treat, stop by the Da Crack for eat-in or takeout. You start with your choice of flour or corn tortillas, and then add your favorite fillings including fish, chicken, shrimp, beef, port, veggie, and carne asada.

WAILUA FALLS

Lots of rain on Kauai makes for lots of water going over the falls. One of Hawaii’s most beautiful falls is the 173-foot Wailua Falls. Parking can be a bit tricky, but the overlook is worth the trip. With stunning views at the top of the mountain, these falls are featured in the opening credits of the television series Fantasy Island.

WAIMEA CANYON

Stretching out like a witch’s hand, the large Waimea Canyon is considered the Grand Canyon of Hawaii. Multiple waterfalls pour out of the mountainsides and can be seen from vantage points along the overlook trail. As mentioned before in Kauai it rains a lot, which also helps make beautiful rainbows over the lush landscapes. If you are lucky, you may catch numerous rainbows over towns, along roads, and through the canyon.

NORTH KAUAI

North Kauai is a lush, remote part of the Kauai island. While there, the Queen’s Bath is a great place to watch surfers or try surfing for yourself. For excellent Hawaiian fare try the Tahiti Nui, a restaurant frequented by locals and featured in the “Descendants” movie starring George Clooney. Just down the street you can grab dessert at the Wishing Well Shave Ice. And, finally, end the day watching the sun set from the Hanaliei Lookout. Magic happens as the sun dips down past the point where the mountains run into the sea.

GARDEN ISLAND CHOCOLATE FARM

If chocolate is your thing, be sure to stop at the Garden Island Chocolate Farm. You can tour the farm to learn how the chocolate is grown and made from the cacao fruit pods. Stop by the gift shop for a wide variety of chocolate bars, teas, and coffees. Ranging from white to dark, they have chocolate to fulfill all of your chocoholic fantasies.

ANINI BEACH

If you are hoping to snorkel or view the large coral reef that rings Kauai, Anini Beach is the place. Outside of the tourist crush, this beach is somewhat isolated. It goes on for several miles, and boasts the longest and widest fringing reef in the Hawaiian Islands. People have reported seeing large sea turtles and a wide variety of sea life. The Kilauea Lighthouse is also visible from the beach below.

KILAUEA POINT

The Kilauea Lighthouse is considered a must stop for visitors to the north shore. Built in 1913, the 52-foot tall renovated lighthouse towers on a rocky point nearly 200 feet above the ocean. The Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is a home for hundreds of local and migrating sea birds. And during the season between December and April the point is a perfect spot for whale watching.

FARMER’S MARKETS

Throughout the week, Farmer’s Markets are held around the island. Hit one up if you are looking for fresh local island fruits, colorful greens, and tropical flowers. For amazing Hawaiian treats, load up on pineapple, nectarines, clementines, tangerines, star fruit, dragon fruit, and avocados.

HAWAII MOVIES

In Kauai it rains. A lot. That is what turns it into the beautiful tropical jungle. But, even on rainy days, it possible to see more of Hawaii from the comfort of your hotel room or Airbnb couch. “Blue Hawaii” with Elvis Presley, “Fifty First Dates” with Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler, “Descendants” with George Clooney, and Stephen Spielberg’s “Jurassic Park” were all filmed in Hawaii.