Add to your Hawaii must-do list now!
- Practice your hula at a traditional Luau. There are several luau options and pros/cons of each, but the waterfront Old Lahaina Luau is focused on the authenticity of Hawaiian history and music, as well as traditional cuisine.
- Spend time in the warm cobalt blue water. Surfing was invented in Hawaii and the surf beaches are laid back, friendly hangout spots. It’s a great place to ask about surfing lessons with a local. Diving a bit deeper, Maui has fantastic snorkeling opportunities, including Molokini Crater one of the very few volcano islets in the world, as well as vibrant coral reefs and exotic marine life like the green sea turtle.
- Experience the captivating waterfalls of Maui. Most are along the road to Hana and worth the stop. One of the first is Twin Falls, a 400-foot waterfall accessible by walking the Pipiwai Trail, which includes a Banyan Tree and bamboo forest. My favorite is the Upper Waikani Falls, or Three Bears, because you can park, scramble down the rocks next to the bridge and hang out in the pools of the waterfall.
- Get up close and personal with one of the two volcanos that make up Maui. Haleakala is the world’s largest dormant volcano rising 10,023 feet above sea level. The best way to do this, is to watch the sunrise, the “the most sublime spectacle I have ever witnessed” according to Mark Twain. You’ll need a car reservation, which you can secure online up to two months beforehand. From the summit parking lot, it’s worth the 10-minute walk to the Leleiwi Overlook. Another tip: if you’re traveling from the East side of the world, plan on doing this the first morning because the jet lag will work in your favor.
- Eat the local cuisine. Did you even go to Hawaii if you didn’t eat spam? Here’s a roundup of the must-try dishes when you’re on the island:
- Spam Musubi is a combo of rice, fried spam and dried seaweed. The Hawaiian version of a sushi roll
- Poke is thick cuts of seafood (often octopus), mixed with different seasonings. Traditional Hawaiian poke is seasoned with Hawaiian sea salt, roasted nuts and a variety of local seafood
- Manapua is Hawaii’s version of a traditional Chinese bao filled with sweet char siu pork
- Shaved ice is a favorite dessert. Add some coconut toppings and you’ll be living the Hawaiian life!
- Pair these with a Mai Tai and you’ll never leave
