As someone who has lived on the island for my entire life, I’m always giving people recommendations of places to visit on Oahu. After all, there’s so much more to the island than just the tourist hub of Waikiki!

While on Oahu, you can learn about Hawaiian history at ‘Iolani Palace, watch pro surfers tackle massive waves at Banzai Pipeline, and even see a recreation of a famous Japanese temple!

So whether you’re looking for adorable towns, hidden gems, historic landmarks, or beautiful beaches, here are 12 amazing places to visit on Oahu, Hawaii.

12 Amazing Places to Visit on Oahu, Hawaii

1. ‘Iolani Palace

Many visitors to Oahu forget to take some time to learn about Hawaiian history. A trip to ‘Iolani Palace, the only official palace in the United States, can easily remedy that problem.

‘Iolani Palace was once home to King Kalakaua and Queen Lili‘uokalani, the last of Hawaii’s reigning monarchs. And when a group of American businessmen decided to overthrow the Kingdom of Hawaii, Queen Lili‘uokalani was then held prisoner in this palace for eight months.

While at ‘Iolani Palace, you can learn more about Hawaiian history, discover how Hawaiian royalty lived, and even see the room in which Queen Lili‘uokalani was imprisoned. If you decide to visit at the end of July, you might even get to watch the amazing Prince Lot Hula Festival.

2. Waimea Bay

Waimea Bay is one of the most famous beaches on Oahu. In the summer, the conditions are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. In the winter, they are great for surfing. But Waimea Bay is most famous for cliff diving. On the western end of the beach, there is a fifteen-foot-tall rock where locals and visitors alike brave their fears of heights for little thrills.

3. Ka‘a‘awa Valley

While many visitors to Oahu spend the entirety of their vacations on the beach, very few remember that Oahu also has stunning mountain ranges. And that’s a shame, because these mountains are one of my favorite parts of the island! One of the best places to visit on Oahu to see these greenery-laden mountain ranges is Ka‘a‘awa Valley.

The easiest way to access Ka‘a‘awa Valley is by visiting Kualoa Ranch. There are many different tours you can take at Kualoa Ranch, but my favorite is the ATV tour. While on any

of the provided tours, you’ll be able to admire the views of the thriving Ka‘a‘awa Valley and Ko‘olau Mountain Range, learn about Hawaiian mythology, and even eat fresh tropical fruits right off the tree!

Kualoa Ranch also happens to be a popular filming location. Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, Jumanji, and many more movies and TV shows have been filmed there. Even Netflix’s latest hit, Finding ‘Ohana, was filmed at Kualoa Ranch.

4. Kailua

Kailua is a small town on the east side of Oahu that is most well-known for its beautiful beaches. It is, after all, home to both Kailua Beach and Lanikai Beach, both of which have been recognized as a couple of the best beaches in the world.

But Kailua also has a different feel from the rest of the island. It combines the island’s relaxed, yet adventurous atmosphere with a free-spirited vibe. You can kayak to the Mokulua Islands, try vegan lau lau (a traditional Hawaiian dish wrapped in ti leaves) from Ai Love Nalo, and even hike to the Lanikai Pillbox for sunrise.

5. Lanikai Pillbox Hike

While the Lanikai Pillbox Hike is technically located in Kailua, it deserves a feature of its own.

The first question many people have is, “what is a pillbox?” A pillbox is essentially a cement military bunker that was built during World War II and used as a lookout point. There are quite a few pillboxes dotted around the island, but the Lanikai Pillbox is the most famous one.

This 25-minute hike to the first pillbox gives you amazing views of the two bright green Mokulua Islands in the distance. When combined with the sparkling blue Pacific Ocean and the golden rays of a sunrise, the scene is absolutely magical!

6. Byodo-In Temple

The Byodo-In Temple is definitely one of the best places to visit on Oahu – but not many people know about it! This bright red Japanese temple is actually a miniature version of the Byodo-In Temple in Uji, Japan, which also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

7. Pearl Harbor National Memorial

On December 7, 1941, the U.S. navy base at Pearl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese Navy Air Service, killing over 1,000 people. This event incited the United States’ involvement in World War II.

Today, you can visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial to learn about the events leading up to and following the attack, pay your respects, and even meet a veteran of the Pearl Harbor bombing.

8. Koko Crater Botanical Garden

Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden is the Oahu garden that has been getting tons of Instagram fame over these past few years. And while Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden is certainly beautiful, Koko Crater Botanical Garden is my personal favorite for one main reason: the plumeria grove.

Located right at the entrance of the garden, the plumeria grove includes dozens of plumeria varieties in all sizes, shapes, and colors! With blooming flowers ranging from pristine white to striking pink, it’s a gorgeous sight to see.

9. Kaka‘ako

Kaka‘ako is the trendiest neighborhood on Oahu. Situated in Honolulu, Kaka‘ako boasts fun fusion restaurants, amazing street art, and exciting events. You could easily spend your entire day admiring the murals from the Pow Wow! Hawaii festival, dining at one of the restaurants at SALT at Our Kaka‘ako, perusing the adorable shops of the South Shore Market, and enjoying the atmosphere of the Honolulu Night Market.

10. Banzai Pipeline

Banzai Pipeline – or just Pipeline – is known as one of the premiere surfing spots in the world – and it’s located on Oahu’s North Shore! Simply put, it’s one of the coolest places to visit on Oahu.

In the winter, waves regularly reach 20 to 30 feet (or 40 to 60 feet for anyone who isn’t from Hawaii, because we measure wave size differently). You can often see pro surfers like Kelly Slater and Billy Kemper surfing these massive waves! And if you’re lucky, there might even be a surf competition during your time on the island, such as Billabong Pipe Masters or Da Hui Backdoor Shootout.

11. Laniakea Beach

Laniakea Beach, also known as Turtle Beach, is definitely one of the best places to visit on Oahu. Oahu has tons of wildlife enjoying the island, but none are as easy to see as the turtles on Laniakea Beach. As a matter of fact, in the summers, it’s not uncommon to see half a dozen Hawaiian green sea turtles lounging on the sandy shores.

If you do visit Laniakea Beach, please remember to give the turtles space and respect. Hawaiian green sea turtles are actually an endangered species, so it’s especially important that you do not feed or touch these animals.

12. Dole Plantation

Ever since the Dole Plantation was established on Oahu in 1899 by James Dole, this company has been ingrained into Hawaii life. We buy Dole pineapples at local grocery stores, enjoy fruity drinks made with Dole pineapple juice, and occasionally stop by the Dole Plantation for a tasty Dole whip.

While at the Dole Plantation, you can learn about the company’s history, ride on the kid-friendly train, enjoy loads of pineapple treats, and even wander through the world’s largest maze!

What are some other spots that you think belong on this list of the best places to visit on Oahu, Hawaii? Let me know in the comments below!

For more on Hawaii Travel:

• What to Pack for a Hawaii Vacation
• My Favorite Memories | 10 Things to do in Hawaii
• My Top 10 Adventure Activities to Do in Maui Hawaii
• Luxury Guide to Big Island of Hawaii
• Where to Stay in Maui: A Guide to the Best Areas
• My Little Guide to Maui | Beaches, Food, Lodging & MORE

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The post 12 Amazing Places to Visit on Oahu, Hawaii appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Cheap Flights to Hawaii With Next Vacay

When people think of taking a week or two-week vacation in the USA, they tend to go to Florida, North Carolina, or maybe California. Hawaii has always seemed like a “save it for the honeymoon” or “save it for later” kind of place. Why? Because the flights are often expensive and people always say it’ll cost a couple of grand to have a vacation in Hawaii. But this is often in your head. You don’t have to stay at a 5-star hotel on the beach. Actually, I stayed in Hawaii for a month and did a lot of Airbnb rentals, cooking at home, and staying at small inns rather than resorts. I rented surfing and snorkeling equipment from small shops rather than booking tours. You can do Hawaii on a budget – and it might even feel more authentic.

I use Next Vacay to be on the lookout for insanely good deals since they email me a few times a week (sometimes a few times a day). They emailed me this deal of $341 for Hawaii and I immediately called my mom to see if we should book a trip. The price was so low and I feel like people just don’t imagine that you can go to Hawaii for this price from the mainland. I get so stoked when Next Vacay send out deals like this and end up tweeting about it all the time because it just lets people actually go the places they dream about – wanderlust in action! Next Vacay has been one of my favorite websites for travel for over two years now. You can read my full review here.

After you get the flight booked, you get to start planning your trip! You’ll have to think about which island really calls to you. Each island is so different and while Oahu is often visited most because of Waikiki and the Pearl Harbor memorial. Many people will tell you the Big Island is totally overlooked and you should prioritize it in your plans. Kaui is known as the most beautiful (it’s where Jurassic Park was filmed) and Maui is definitely a chilled honeymoon spot. These are the four most popular and it’s usually best to pick just two on your first trip.

Try to use the money you saved on the flight to treat yourself to a surf lesson or book a touristy yet amazing luau even if just to eat the delicious buffet.

You can do a mix of pre-planned activities and finding your own adventure. For example, one day you might want to take equipment from the hotel to snorkel from the shore but another day you can splurge out on a catamaran tour to snorkel at a small nearby island. You don’t have to do tours for everything. With a rental car, you can go explore bamboo forests and find secret waterfalls all on your own. 

Visiting just a couple of islands means there’s always a great reason to come back!

You might just be rolling your eyes thinking “there is no way I can go”. Whether it’s money, time off of work, or family commitments, you’re more likely to find a reason to stay home than to go.

With my blog, I might be showing you MY travels, but the point of it all is that I strive to make YOUR travel dreams real, not just something you “pin for later” on Pinterest. Later may never come! I show you tools like Next Vacay and booking websites to save you money on car rentals and hotels so that you can do it now – not later.

I’m sure you all want to swim with turtles and eat shave ice under a rainbow (not an exaggeration; Hawaii has a bizarre amount of rainbows, ha!). Try to think outside of the box. Now that you know there is a flight to Hawaii cheaper than you imagined, what can you move around to make the trip work? Do you need a dog-sitter or babysitter? Maybe you can ask your family to help. Do you have some vacation time you have been avoiding taking for years? It’s time to take it!

Yes, we’re all busy and we all have bills – but my travels to Hawaii and beyond are things experiences I’ll remember for the lifetime and the some of the best money I’ve spent. One thing that brings ideas like this trip to Hawaii from my mind to reality is using Next Vacay – signing up for it two years ago brought me trips and experiences that I would have missed otherwise. Their cheap deals made my travels so much better (and more often).

So, Wait – What is Next Vacay?

I have been using Next Vacay for over two years. I reviewed them and it went viral – I get video messages sent to my inbox on Instagram thanking me for turning them onto Next Vacay. In my 4 years of blogging, I’ve never seen my readers react so positively to a brand and get this excited about travel deals. It’s been wild to watch Next Vacay grow, as I knew the brand when they first started out. In fact, I am the first blogger they ever worked with.
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The main thing people ask before signing up is: “Is this real? It seems too good to be true.”. It’s real. It’s not too good to be true! It’s not a scam and there is no “hidden small print”. I can give you my word on that.

Let me sum up how Next Vacay works, don’t worry I’ll be quick!

You sign up with this link. You’ll get a month free trial, so you can cancel before your card is charged in that month. If you like it and keep it, you’ll pay their small fee of $25 which is for a whole year and input your closest airport and a couple of nearby ones. Then watch the emails come pouring in. I get a few a day as my airport is quite popular, but you might get a few a week. The prices listed are always a round-trip price. The email will tell you when and where you can get the deal and give you a link to click to book. You book through the link to a major airline site or Google Flights, not through Next Vacay.

The price for the membership doesn’t go up. It’s stayed the same price of $25 since I’ve been with them – and considering how popular they are, they could charge more but don’t which I appreciate as a member. They use their technology to find crazy cheap deals, only searching dates and destinations that make sense (not a two-day trip to Minnesota on a Tuesday in winter) and when one from your airport pops up, they email it to you.

The best part is that if you don’t find a deal you like in SIX months, you can cancel and get your money back. There’s literally nothing to lose. At the very least, you’ll get some travel inspiration in your inbox to keep your wanderlust alive.

For me, the best deals are ones from the USA to India, which is a flight I take a lot and they have saved me so much money finding deals on this. Rather than just reading my good deals, you can look at Next Vacay’s Facebook page to see the many users sharing the deals they’ve recently booked.

Ready for your dream trip? You can sign up for your free trial and plan it! Here are some other people’s reactions to Next Vacay so you can see what I mean:

Click here to get a free trial to next vacay

Pin these cheap flight to Hawaii deals for later (just hover over and the Pinterest logo will pop up for you to click it):

This post is in partnership with Next Vacay. I was paid for this post but only write about things I truly believe in. I have been a happy user of their services for over two years and not only love this company but think it’ll be the smartest $25 you spend toward travel this year!

The post Finally Cross Hawaii Off Your Bucket List With This $341 Round-Trip Flight appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

There are so many different activities you can do in Hawaii. I’ve written about adventurous activities in Maui while also writing about the amazing spas you can visit. Since you could be hiking one day and enjoying a luxury dinner the next, I thought I’d jot down a guide on what to pack for a Hawaii vacation. This way you’re not stuffing a huge suitcase but you’re also not forgetting the essentials!

Tips for a Hawaii Vacation

• If you haven’t booked your flight yet, check Kiwi for the best possible flights. I wrote about my love for Kiwi here. Basically, it does all the work of flight hacking and whatnot for you. Compare your flights here.
• Check the weather. Might be obvious advice, but you never know! If it’s going to suddenly downpour while you’re there, no sense in worrying about packing for the outdoors.
• If you’re not a U.S. citizen, get travel insurance. Healthcare in the U.S. is crazy expensive and travel insurance is so cheap. I always use and recommend World Nomads.
• Make a list of activities you’ll be doing. This will help you pack light. No sense in bringing hiking clothes if you’re going to be in the water the whole time.

What to Pack for a Hawaii Vacation

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are not only practical and good for your eye health but they can make an outfit look a lot better – it’s the ultimate accessory and one of the only ones I travel with. My favorite brand is Sunday Somewhere which area a little pricey but so durable. I also love LeSpecs which is also durable but closer to $50 per pair. I also love my Ray Ban Clubmasters.

Flowy Dresses

I live in dresses when I travel. Dresses make it so much easier to get ready as you don’t have to match outfits and instantly look put together and chic. I love Free People and usually buy about 5 dresses from them every summer when I’m in the USA. They are around $88 originally but you can get them on sale online or at stores like Macy’s, usually around 30% off. I think of them as an investment!

Crop tops

Crop tops are great with high waisted shorts and maxi skirts. I tend to go for simple cotton casual tops and have a few ruffled ones for night’s out. For the cotton ones, I try to get Top Shop or something a little more quality (not Forever 21) since I only buy about 3 each year and wear them over and over, so I want them to hold up. A favorite dressier one is the striped one below by Tia.

Jean Shorts

You’ve gotta pack jean shorts! I got lucky with my favorite pair of Levi’s being on a clearance rack IN HAWAII for just $5. What are the chances!? But, I have others, mostly from Urban Outfitters, and have a regular jean color, black, and a tan pair. They are small, so I usually travel with all three.

Rompers or Jumpsuits

These are the best thing ever invented and I pray they don’t go out of style! I always loved rompers, but I first bought my first pantsuit, a military green one from Urban Outfitters, last year for my travels in Israel and Morocco and it was the BEST thing I ever traveled with: instantly looking put together with zero effort. Since then, I’ve bought too many to count – a few of my favorites are cotton ones by Tia. I’m loving this jumpsuit right now.

Bikinis

I travel with too many bikinis. I always think, “Oh, one more won’t take up that much space,” but they kind of do. You should limit it to three if you can. One that is sexy (Mary Grace Swim), one that is cute (Maaji), and one that is great for water sports (L*Space).

You can read about my favorite bikini brands here.

Chacos

Chacos are the first practical walking shoe that I purchased when I first went to Europe. They lasted forever, and I still wear them to this day. The more they look worn, the more I like them. The sole is rubber and won’t ever get worn in though which means these are going to last forever.

Read more about which Chaco’s are best for you here.

Bralettes

I don’t have much up top, so put just bralettes when I travel. I tend to wear the type of clothing that these aren’t necessary but they are necessary for some outfits. I have them in pretty much every color.

Coverups

I sort of collect these: Melissa Odabash, L*Space, Tia, and Fara are some favorites. I love white flowy ones with embroidery the most!

Make-Up + Skincare

You should try out Sun Bum for sunscreen. It’s my favorite brand and smells so good + it’s good for the environment and doesn’t hurt coral reefs. I have the face stick, the spray, and the tanning oil. I also always travel with a Wet Brush, Clinique moisture surge lotion, It’s a 10 miracle conditioner, Sun Beam to make my cheekbones sunkissed, and the lipsticks linked below. All these items come one every trip and are perfect for Hawaii!

For More Hawaii Posts, Check Out These:

• Luxury Guide to Big Island of Hawaii
• Top 10 Adventurous Activities to Do in Maui
• Helicopter Ride with Air Maui
• Top Spas in Maui

Pin “What to Pack for a Hawaii Vacation” for Later!

The post What to Pack for a Hawaii Vacation appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well. E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.

A Luxury Guide to Big Island of Hawaii

Tell us a little about yourself and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Hi everyone!  My name is Jennifer from World On A Whim.  I’m a Los Angeles, California native who can’t stay still and is constantly seeking new travel opportunities to travel.  I wanted to give some input on the Big Island of Hawaii since I have come here every year for about 20 years.

I started off going on business trips for my dad’s insurance conventions and spent one week each year with the same group of kids.  I have such fond memories of playing Hide and Go Seek in the hotel and eating tons of food at the fancy insurance parties every night.

When I travel to the Big Island now, I am filled with nostalgia.  It has become a sort of sanctuary for my family and me as we relish old memories and try to make new ones.  That’s the beauty of the Big Island…you really feel like it is your second home.

What makes the Big Island of Hawaii a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?

Glamour often refers to beauty, and it’s pretty hard to find anywhere with more spectacular vistas than the island of Hawaii, or the Big Island. Built on miles of barren lava rocks, the Big Island is made up of stunning beaches, mountain scenery, almost outer space-like lava fields and the warm ocean waters.  There are very few places in the world where the most stressful aspect of your day is whether or not you want a Mai Tai or Pina Colada lying by the ocean and if you would like seared ahi or mahi mahi for dinner. 

What 5 star hotel is the best in the Big Island of Hawaii?

The hotel with the best reputation on the Kohala Coast is definitely the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.  They have everything from a manmade tide pool, to snorkeling classes, and a cultural center where you can make leis and learn about Hawaiian culture.

What about boutique hotels in the Big Island of Hawaii, of them all, which would you send your friends or family to stay at?

No question if you are looking for something other than a chain hotel, you either choose the Mauna Lani or the Mauna Kea. These are both gorgeous, opulent resorts with fantastic beaches that bring the true feeling of old Hawaii to your experience.

Unlike the Hilton, you don’t ride on a Disney-like boat or train to get to your room.  At the Mauna Lani, you actually walk through a lobby with sharks swimming by you in the indoor/outdoor ponds.  Fans of the Mauna Lani or the Mauna Kea have a secret understanding of what I call “Big Island fever.”  You get all the luxury of a five-star resort with an aloha feeling that you just can’t find anywhere else.

Personally, I have stayed at the Mauna Lani every year since I was 11 years old.  While it is still a large resort, I feel very much at home here upon arrival.  I know Pamela at the front desk whose nephew plays for the UCLA football team, Martin the fish feeder, and many others.  The best part about this hotel is that they  have a fabulous beach and free lounge chairs and it isn’t overcrowded like some hotels where you have to wake up at 7 AM to reserve a spot near the ocean.

Are there any fun activities for the adventurous traveler on the Big Island of Hawaii?

For the more adventurous traveler, I would highly recommend zip lining, touring the island on a helicopter, and driving a jeep up to the top of Mauna Kea.  There are a multitude of water sports to partake in as well.  However, there are also a plethora of activities available for the more cautious traveler who may just want to spend a day away from the lounge chair he/she has been sitting on for the past week.  And if you can’t bear to part ways with that chair, I completely understand!

My favorite activity on the Big Island is called Flumin Kohala.  It is incredibly unique in the sense that you kayak through a man-made “ditch” or aqueduct that was drilled over a century ago.  The history, scenery, and adventure all combine to make an unforgettable experience.  Another place I recommend visiting is the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park.  That may be a mouthful to say, but very few people are actually talking when you visit this national park also known as the “city of refuge.”

Where are the best hangouts during the day in the Big Island of Hawaii?

Since I usually end up spending the majority of the afternoon sitting on a lounge chair and then eating an extravagant meal for dinner, I always like to get up and do an activity in the morning.  Check out the Kona coffee tours at Mountain Thunder and then get your caffeine on with some legit Kona coffee.  It is also quite fun to drive into Kona and walk around the downtown area.

If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants on the Big Island of Hawaii and what are their best dishes? 

My all-time favorite restaurant on the Big Island is Brown’s Beach House at the Fairmont Orchid.   It’s a hat-trick of a great dining experience – fantastic food, live Hawaiian music and a sunset that rivals most.  I advise you to check sunset times prior to your trip and make reservations for a table on the grass.  This is really true for all the top restaurants with an outside patio on the Big Island.  I don’t eat fish…I know who goes to Hawaii and doesn’t eat fish, so I will usually get some sort of filet and mashed potatoes combination.  Other great restaurants to check out are the Canoe House, Merrimans (where you can eat the flowers!), and Roys.

Let’s talk desserts- what place makes the best?

Hula Pie.  It’s a macadamia nut ice cream piled high on a chocolate cookie crust and topped with chocolate fudge and whipped cream.  Honestly, it’s pretty fantastic anywhere you go.

Tell us all the hot shopping spots; who’s carrying the trendy local designers on the Big Island of Hawaii? 

Every major hotel has their own shops nearby; my favorite shops can all be found at the King and Queen shops at the Hilton Waikoloa.  They have high-end luxury shops such as Tiffany and Co, Michael Kor’s and Louis Vuitton as well as small artisanal shops and the occasional farmer’s market.  Shops at Mauna Lani  have lots of high-end stores as well as a great Tommy Bahamas for post-shopping lunch.

If you’re getting an early start to your shopping, have coffee at Kimo Bean for some authentic Kona coffee. The Shops also have a free Hawaiian hula and fire dancing show that lasts about an hour and is better than most of the luaus anywhere in Hawaii. 

What are a couple of the best salons and spas on the Big Island of Hawaii?

Every resort has incredible spas.  I had a massage at the Mauna Lani Spa and it was outside in a hut in a beautifully secluded garden area.  Any fancy resort that you go to on the Big Island will have a fabulous spa and what should hopefully be one of the best and most relaxing massage experiences of your life.

Time for a great sunset view on the Big Island of Hawaii… where would you go?

I love being in the ocean and watching the sunset from the water.  You can always head to the beach which should be right outside your hotel and lay in a lounge chair with a glass of wine and watch the sunset.  At most resorts along the Kohala coast, they have a nightly torch-lighting ceremony at dusk where a man blows a conk shell and runs around to all of the tiki torches along the resort and lights them for the evening.

Now that the sun’s gone down, fill us on the best places to go for some evening drinks or a great pre-gaming spot.

Nightlife on the Kohala Coast doesn’t exactly include your typical bars and nightclubs.  Instead, you will probably be sipping a very fancy cocktail as you listen to live Hawaiian music and watch a Hula dancer at your local hotel bar.  You could always head to Kona which is about a 30-45 minute drive from the Kohala Coast if you prefer more of a raucous nightlife experience, but after that 3-course meal, you are probably going to want to stay close to home.

Hailing from Los Angeles, California, Jennifer started her international travels in 2009 during her time studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain.  After college, she moved to Madrid, Spain for a year to teach English through the Auxiliares program and has made travel a huge part of her life every since.  Jennifer’s blog highlights the perfectionist’s guide to spontaneous travels at World On A Whim.  Connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

The post Luxury Guide to Big Island of Hawaii appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well. E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.

A Luxury Guide to Kihei

Tell us a little about yourself and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel in Kihei in Maui?

I’m a journalist who loves to travel. Thankfully, my fiancé does too. This past year we lived in Florida, California, and Georgia. We’ve visited Maui three times since 2010 and always stay in Kihei.

What makes Kihei a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?

Beautiful sunsets, amazing food, luxurious hotels, and a long list of beautiful beaches make Kihei a glamorous destination.

What 5-star hotel is the best in Kihei?

The Waldorf Astoria’s Grand Wailea is our favorite 5-star hotel in Maui. It is less than five minutes from Kihei. Click here for rates and availability. 

What about boutique hotels in Kihei, of them all, which would you send your friends or family to stay at?

Kamaole Sands is a condo complex that is run like a boutique hotel. The beach is just across the street, and they have an excellent selection of rooms. Click here for rates and availability. 

Are there any fun activities for the adventurous traveler in Kihei?

Our absolute favorite adventure activity is watching the sun rise or set at Haleakalā National Park. Taking a whale watching tour is also a great option for the months of December to April.

What about adventurous travelers wanting to get in the water?

Take a day cruise from Kihei to the “Disneyland of Snorkeling,” more commonly known as Molokini Crater to swim with more than 250 species of fish and marine life.

Where are the best hangouts during the day in Kihei?

Charley Young Beach is the best place to be during the day. 

If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants in Kihei and what are their best dishes?

The 5 Palms Restaurant at 2960 S Kihei Road is the perfect date night spot. Make a reservation for just before sunset and order the 5 Palms Filet Oscar.

Let’s talk desserts- what place makes the best?

Shaved ice is very popular in Hawaii. Check out Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice.

Tell us all the hot shopping spots; who’s carrying the trendy local designers in Kihei?

The Kihei Kalama Village has more than 40 shopping kiosks selling various items from local artists. We also love the Shops at Wailea, which feature the Maui Clothing Company, Tiffany & Co., Maui Dive Shop, and many more high-end and local retailers.

What are a couple of the best salons and spas in Kihei?

The Hidden Spa at 993 S. Kihei Road has several massage options we love. Locals like J Meier Salon for cuts and color.

Time for a great sunset view in Kihei… where would you go? 

Kama’ole Beach parks have the best spots to watch the sunset. Travelers and residents travel to the beach to watch the sunset almost every day. 

Now that the sun’s gone down fill us on the best places to go for some evening drinks or a great pre-gaming spot.

Check out Three’s Bar & Grill in Kihei’s Kalama Village for cocktails and live music.

If you end the night at a fancy club, which one do you head towards?

Visit the elegant Botero Lounge at the Grand Wailea. For the late night party, visit Ambrosia Maui Martini Lounge.

Jerriann Sullivan is an award-winning journalist. The L.A. Times, Chicago Tribune, and NBC News have published her work. She is the travel editor for Being Abroad. Follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Google+.

The post Luxury Guide to Kihei appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well. E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.

A Luxury Guide to Waikiki

Tell us a little about  yourself and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel in Waikiki.

Aloha! We’re Natasha and Jarden of A Global Stroll. We are two high school sweethearts who were both born and raised here on the island of O’ahu, Hawaii, so we both know this place pretty well.

While we absolutely love traveling and visiting new places, Hawaii is a beautiful place to explore, and Waikiki is constantly growing and expanding. It’s nice to be able to escape to your “backyard” for a little staycation.

What makes Waikiki a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?

Waikiki is truly a vacationer’s paradise! White sand beaches, luxury shopping (check out Ala Moana Mall!), and near perfect weather make for a great time here in the islands.

Waikiki is the main hot spot for nightlife, has a huge number of hotels and spas, and there are numerous 5 star eateries in the area.

What 5 star hotel is the best in your town?

You can’t go wrong with The Trump Hotel in Waikiki if you’re looking for ultimate luxury. A lot of celebrities choose to stay there (we’ve actually seen one during our stay!), and it has an amazing infinity pool and spa.

What about boutique hotels, of them all, which would you send your friends or family to stay at?

We’ve heard that The Modern Honolulu is an amazing spot! It also boasts an insane infinity pool that hosts a lot of popular pool parties. They also have a club downstairs that we frequent, Addiction.

(editors note: I stayed at the Modern and wrote a review, check it out!

Another popular boutique hotel is Hotel Renew. A block from the beach, near popular shops and restaurants, and some rooms are even dog friendly!

Are there any fun activities for the adventurous traveler?

There are truly a countless number of adventurous activities for the thrill seeker in Hawaii. There are a ton of watersports available at Waikiki from parasailing to jet ski, and for the truly adventurous there’s shark cage diving! (All of which we’ve done!) We’ve also recently gone sky diving, and Hawaii is probably one of the most beautiful places to jump out of an airplane.

Where are the best hang outs during the day?

The beach is an obvious option, and living on an island, there are plenty to choose from. We also have a big food truck scene, and Salt at Kaka’ako is a fun place to try new, local cuisine.

We also love to hike on our days off, and the views here are gorgeous! Try out Lanikai Pillboxes, Diamond Head, or Kokohead.

If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants in Waikiki and what are their best dishes?

Italian is our favorite type of food, and La Cucina and Arancino on Beachwalk have some of the best pasta dishes we’ve ever eaten!

La Cucina is run by a singular chef who hand makes all of their pasta dishes. The Ravioil Gorgonzola comes with a roasted garlic cream sauce and cranberries; simply out of this world!

Arancino on Beachwalk is known for their Spaghetti Ai Ricci Di Mare, aka their uni pasta. Fresh uni, or sea urchin, is paired with a sweet garlic wine cream sauce that’s absolutely delicious! If you’re a seafood lover and you’ve never tried uni, this is a must!

What’s one local food that needs to be tried?

Poke, definitely! Pronounced “poh-kay”, it’s fresh raw fish that’s often garnished with sauces/spices and put on rice. (A poke bowl.) While there are many different kinds and you can find them almost anywhere, our favorites are the spicy ahi bowls.

Let’s talk desserts- what place makes the best?

When you come to Hawaii you NEED to try shave ice! You can find it almost anywhere, but our favorite place to get it is at Ailana’s, across from Ala Moana mall. Definitely try their homemade haupia and strawberry milk syrups! Shokudo also makes a drool-worthy honey toast dessert.

What are a couple of the best salons and spas in Waikiki?

The Moana Lani Spa at the Moana Surfrider is one of the largest and luxurious spas in Waikiki. It also boasts great ocean view rooms, and offers a variety of treatments.

Another great one is the Spa at Halekulani, which offers a variety of polynesian inspired treatments.

Time for a great sunset view… where would you go?

Honestly you can catch an amazing sunset anywhere in Hawaii; it’s one of the perks of living here! Lay on the beach after a long day of surfing and feast your eyes on some of the most picturesque sunsets you’ve ever seen.

Now that the sun’s gone down, fill us on the best places to go for some evening drinks or a great pre-gaming spot.

A really popular place that offers unique cocktails and food is Bevy, a classy bar with fancy drinks and $1 oysters during happy hour.

If you’re looking for something different, often before a night at the club we like to go to Air Park Karaoke with friends. They have a bar area and private karaoke rooms that are very modern and have the latest songs. They also have ahhhmazeball cocktails! 

If you end the night at a fancy club, which one do you head towards?

Our favorite clubs are The M or District Nightclub. Both have great music and are very popular clubbing spots. The District also has amazing $5 drink specials until midnight; can’t beat that.

Natasha and Jarden are the two Hawaiians behind A Global Stroll. While they currently grind the 9-5, they explore and travel as much as they can, working towards their goal of full-time travel. A Global Stroll is filled with adventure guides, money-saving tips, and cringe-worthy travel stories, introducing you to your next adventure and filling your palate with wanderlust. Check out A Global Stroll and see where they are off to next! Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

The post Luxury Guide to Waikiki appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Ben and I talk about Hawaii a lot. We even want to move there! But no worries, India is still home. When we were leaving I asked Ben of all the things to do in Hawaii, what his favorite bits were about Hawaii and they were pretty similar to mine, which I want to share here. There are a lot of guides out there saying what you should do, like the “Road to Hana”, but when I ask friends about their vacations, I just want their best memories, not a guide book answer.

10 Favorite Things to do in Hawaii

1. Surf Classes with Nancy’s Surf Clinic

I loved surfing! I really want to do more of it. It was such a rush. I remember when I got obsessed with learning to snowboard years ago, and this is kind of like that. I know I’ll be surfing again. Read more about my lessons in this article: 10 Adventures to have in Maui.

2. Staying at the Modern Hotel

It is one of my favorite hotels ever! It was so cool to have a suite and such a great view of the ocean. The hotel was pricey and I reviewed it for this blog. I know it’s not in everyone’s budget for a suite, but the standard rooms are really nice too and around $300 which is the norm for Waikiki. Read my review of Modern Hotel here.

3. Old Lahaina Luau

Ben and I both loved the laua! I didn’t think it was tacky or too overly touristy. I mean, yes it was full of tourists but it was such a beautiful show. It was right on the beach, there was a stunning sunset and delicious food. Read more about this in my Guide to Maui.

4. Flying in a helicopter with Air Maui

I got chills and almost “happy tears” while flying with Air Maui. While in the helicopter, they went over to the waterfalls in the valleys of the green lush mountains. They got so close to the water! It was incredible and there was this cool soundtrack playing in our headphones. Read more about my time with Air Maui there if you want.

5. Living like a local in Spreck’s Plantation

I loved the last two nights when we stayed at Spreck’s Plantation house. It was just 10 minutes from the airport so was good to get all our shopping down and close to the rental car drop off. It was by far the most affordable place we stayed and they had bicycles, laundry, and snorkling equipment you can borrow. For more info check out my Guide to Lodging in Maui.

6. Snorkling in such clear Maui water

Snorkeling here was better than anywhere I’ve done, which used to be Ko Tao as the best. I had a blast out with Alli Nui on a catamaran. It was a 6 hour tour with a local Hawaiian lunch and other snacks. You can snorkel on our own as well and there are rental places just about everywhere. If you want more information on Alli Nui check out this article: 10 top adventures in Maui.

7. Having freedom of a rental car

Normally I don’t rent a car when I travel, but I guess most of my big trips were outside the US. Having a rental car in Maui let us see the whole island while we were there- I’m talking all over the place! When we had no plans we went for a drive and found things to do. Of course the road to Hana was one. I wrote about the car companies we used in my Guide to Maui.

8. The views: sunsets, rainbows, beaches

I used to think India had some of the best sunsets, but that was because I hadn’t seen Hawaii’s! I mean, every day we saw a rainbow… I think because of all the mist in the air? Maui is one of the wettest places on earth, and one of the windiest! The views on the road to Hana were great, but actually the route from Lahaina south had amazing views, many of which are whale watching points which sadly wasn’t in season while I was there.

9. Eating in hippie Paia town

We liked Paia so much that we ended up staying at the Paia Inn in the center of town. Many of the top foods in Maui are in Paia from the fish market to the cafes and a little Mexican place. I particularly loved the sandwiches from Mana Foods! Check out my guide to food and shopping in Paia for more.

10. The massage I got at Montage Hotel

This was a life-changing massage. I’m not kidding: lomi lomi Hawaiian style with hot stones done by a woman that could read my mind. There were saunas, steam rooms, and waterfall outdoor showers. I loved every second of this spa. I did check out 3 spas in Maui, but this was the best.

The post My Favorite Memories | 10 Things to do in Hawaii appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Maui is a stunning island in Hawaii! I spent a few weeks in Hawaii and wrote a number of articles about my time, but wanted it to be kind of all together in one article. There are links throughout this guide to Maui so you can read more.

Which Area to Stay in Maui:

I’ll start out with a little map I made to show the areas of Maui. This can help you choose which area to get a hotel.

When you fly in you’ll land in Kahului at the top center. As you can see, Lahaina is a high-end area with great beaches, similar to Kapalua which is a little north. Paia is the hippie town which starts the road to Hana and Makawao in the middle is cowboy land called “upcountry”. Kihei is touristy and has a bar area called The Triangle. 

I stayed in four different areas and wrote about that plus reviews of specific hotels:

• Guide to where to stay in Maui (reviews of hotels near airport & staying in a small house/apartment)
• Staying in Ka’anapali Maui at the Sheraton
• Paia Inn | A Hippie Chic Must in Maui

Here are a couple of photos from “upcountry”:

Renting a Car in Maui

Once you figure out where to stay, you have to find out what you want to do with your time! Keep in mind that parking is really expensive, but so are Ubers and random taxis. We rented through Budget and actually didn’t take the car because it was so dirty.

We used Dollar once and Thrifty once and it was fine. For the smallest “compact” car they have either little chevy’s or Mazda’s. Because we came from out of country without insurance, we needed to take out the full insurance. Keep in mind that you don’t have to do this through the company your rent from.

Tip: If you rent from an international website, the name you enter has to be a FOREIGNER of the USA and the main driver. For example, Ben found a website in India, that was Indian. Luckily he is British, or our reservation wouldn’t have worked and we would have lost the money.

If you want to see Maui in-depth, you need to rent a car! Plus, the road to Hana is one of the biggest attractions in Maui and you’ll need a car for that. Update: since writing this post, I have found rentalscars.com and use them since they compare all the other sites.

What to do in Maui

There is so much to get up to and some that is very affordable, so that you’ll never go bored here. First up I’ll talk about adventure since I’ve already written about it. Check out:

• My Top 10 Adventure Activites in Maui (catarmarn sailing, zip-lining, and more!)
• and a detailed post on a helicopter ride over the island: Seeing the Island Differently with Air Maui

There were a few more things I wanted to try but didn’t have time. One was blown art classes at Hui No’eau visual arts in Upcountry and the famous Elvis show. They also put on a show about Hawaii, but we’d already done the Luau so didn’t go. Another option is a day at the aquarium (Ocean Center) which is near Maalaea Port in the South.

Tip: for something different drive NW from the airport- it’s a gorgeous ride but no cars like the road to Hana! On the way is a ranch called Mendes that has horseback riding. I didn’t have time to try! You can also see places they filmed Jurassic Park

Beaches & watersports:

You’ll want to spend a lot of time at the beaches! On the North West you have Ka’anapali where all the fancy resorts are. This has some of the best snorkeling and is called “Black Rock”. We could see the catamarans come in to the rocks to snorkel from our hotel window.

This is Ho’opika where they come to windsurf! The professionals come here and it’s the best in the world. This is the first stop on the Road to Hana, don’t miss it!

you’ll see this view driving the southern route from the airport to Lahaina

Money saving tip: Just hire equipment from a random place and bring it to Ka’anapali. You don’t have to be staying in a hotel to get to the beach, nor do you have to come on a big catamaran. Just walk on in! Makena beach above and below

Down near Kehei, we searched for snorkeling and had no luck. Makena beach in Kehei is a shore break so you can’t even boogie board here without maybe getting an injury. It’s cool to come watch the locals skim board and boogie board here though because it takes so much talent to do. According to the lifeguard, they have neck and spinal injuries more often than you’d think.

Also checked for snorkeling in Wailea, but couldn’t find anything worthwhile. Better to just go for Lahaina.

Up near Paia, the water is rocky and a bit dangerous. You have to make sure to only go in water that has signage saying to do so, and never go in murky water. There was a shark attack one week before we went which was fatal. My surf instructor said he has seen two tigers while surfing.

Spa treatments in Maui:

Maui has amazing spas, most of which are located in fancy hotels. If you have a lower budget you can also get treatments at places which stand alone.

I got my nails done at the Kaahumanu Queen Mall at Le’s Nails for $15 USD and it wasn’t great, ha but was cheaper than buying clippers, a file, and polish myself. I had a few massages (all in the name of research) and a facial which I wrote about here:

• Absolute Bliss at 3 Top Spas in Maui

Secret local waterfalls:

There are falls on the Road to Hana like Twin Falls which can be crowded. We had a local take us to some secret waterfalls. It was a little pricey, but worth seeing these cool spots that had NO tourists. We had the place to ourselves and could swim up to these waterfalls, swing on vines, and if you’re me- fall down and scrape your leg up. Be sure to wear mosquito spray.

Having the “local secrets of Maui” is worth paying for a tour (if you can find one). You can ask around to surf instructors as they might do tours on the side. Getting off the beaten path in Maui is what we remember the most about our trip!

Check out a luau:

You can’t go to Maui and NOT see a luau. We went to Old Lahaina Luau which is the most famous in Hawaii and known as the best.
There was free parking (rare in Hawaii) and we were greeted with drinks on entry. You’re free to wander and get photos will they prepare the pig, Hawaii style:

The guys were funny and people were all crowded around taking photos with selfie sticks. After the big reveal, everyone chills and drinks until your table is called for food. There is SO much food it’s insane! Here are mine and Ben’s plates.

There was the typical kalua pork, sweet bread, mahi-mahi Maui style, salad, Pulehu steak, rice, island style chicken, sweet potato, taro salad, more pork wrapped in banana leaf (laulau), veggies, ahi poke, and this yummy guava butter (so good). After dinner was served the Luau started. I was surprised it wasn’t just dancing and singing it was a story: the whole story of Hawaii and it was very cool. It was one of our favorite things looking back on the trip, that we did in Hawaii. With India being so conservative it was just refreshing to see another culture that is so open – didn’t hurt to look at all the eye candy either!

Details: Old Lahaina Luau, 1251 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761, United States. Phone:+1 808-667-1998. You MUST make reservations in advance. Tickets are $109 USD.

Food & Shopping in Maui (By Area)

Old Lahaina:

• There’s an outlet mall here. It was great but had Coach, Michael Kors, Gap, Tommy, Calvin Klein, and more.
• The main strip has lots of shops! My favorite was LUSH where I got solid shampoo and facial masks which are all natural. You can buy local art here. It’s quite pricey. Also at Island Sole you can get all brands of flip-flops. I got new reefs! Also famous: Lahaina Tub and Scrub.

• The main gelato shop wasn’t impressive, but the Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice was so good and worth the wait. It’s the #1 place to eat in Lahaina and it’s just ice!! lol I got lemonade, fruit punch, and blue raspberry.

• Check out the Honolulu Cookie Company there are delicious samples so you can decide what to buy.
• To eat: Longhi’s, Spanky’s for live music and booze, Hard Rock Cafe, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Bubba Gump, Ruth Chris, and Lahaina Grill (famous & pricey) which is right next to the Lahain Inn. Round Table Pizza delivers and was very good!

cheeseburger in paradise

• Some hotels in Ka’anapali have shuttles to here.
• The luau I went to was here (information above).
• There is a HUGE Banyan tree, one of the biggest in the world in Lahaina. Don’t miss checking it out- but then it’s pretty hard to miss!

Kehei:

• Check out the shrimp truck pictured below! The tacos were the bomb!

• The triangle is here. It’s called that I guess based on the Bermuda triangle, you drink and get lost in all these bars!
• Tiki’s Bar had really good live music and happy hour deals:

• Great spot to chill out and watch surfers and drink!
• There is shopping in the main area. It’s mostly self run shops like a market and I found a couple I loved. One was Re-Psyched “sea the beauty” where this girl was making designs from beachy stuff like shells and sea glass. I got a hook for keys made from driftwood and a seaglass magnet as my only souvenirs in Maui!

that girls cute shop!

Paia:

I have a whole guide on Paia which includes best food and shopping. Make sure to check it out because some of our BEST MEALS were in Paia!!

• Guide to Paia Food and Shopping

Makawao:

• Market Fresh Bistro was all I had time to try. If you’re going to Makawao for zip-lining which is why many go, head there early to explore the town.
• There are many cute shops in Makawao. I got a very cute druzy stone bracelet by Rue Belle at the shop Mercantile, which was a lot at $50 USD but it’s the only big purchase I made in Maui. There are about 10 shops all together. Give yourself about 1-2 hours here.

Kahului:

• I won’t lie we spent a lot of time eating fast food while staying here! This is the airport area and it was kind of our relax and not play tourist place.

sorry!!! but yes that’s me eating pizza hut, taco bell, and McDonalds. we had just landed from India!

• check out famous Da Kitchen for local favorites. There is a famous ice cream place called Guri Guri, which only has two flavors.
• The mall here is Queen Kaahumanu Mall and it isn’t bad. There’s also a Target and Walmart if you need to stock up on things for say, a camping trip!

Pin these adventures in Maui off the beaten path for later:

The post My Little Guide to Maui | Beaches, Food, Lodging & MORE appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

I spent three awesome weeks hopping around Maui, and we managed to cover all the main areas of the island! It’s a pretty small island, so it’s not hard to do. Rather than just tell you the hotels we stayed at, I want you get an idea of where to stay in Maui in terms of the best areas!

There are a lot of different towns and some might fit you better depending on what you’re looking for. It could be a more hippie vibe, like in Paia or something for honeymooners, like the high-end resorts to the west.

Where to Stay in Maui: A Map

Here’s a little map. I added in words in purple so you know what I’m talking about later. I’m generalizing a little bit, but this is the gist.

To drive, you can see the roads go around the island because there are parks in the middle. It took about 20 minutes from North (Paia) to Kihei (touristy). Then for example, Kihei to Lahaina will take 40 minutes, and Kahului (airport, middle north) to Lahaina 45 minutes.

Best Areas to Stay in Maui

Kahului Airport: Where to Stay in Maui for Arrivals & Departures

When I went, there were only 3 hotels near Kahului Airport. One is the Marriott right next to the airport, one not worth mentioning, and one called Maui Seaside. We stayed here twice actually between flights to and from Honolulu.

It’s not a bad hotel at all and on a budget, you could stay here. It’s not ideal for a nice vacation though. It’s only 15-minutes to Paia, 45 minutes to Lahaina, and 20 to Kehei. The hotel was on the ocean but at a port and there was a nice, freezing cold pool and very nice staff. Parking here is only 5 dollars a night, a steal on Maui.

Check prices for Maui Seaside here

Compare hotels near Kahului Airport here & Airbnbs here

Ka’anapali: Where to Stay in Maui for a Honeymoon and with Family

There is a strip of hotels all next to each other, and it’s designed to be the main resort area for the island. You can even find a mall in this strip, so you really never have to leave. Some never do.

There’s a Westin, Sheraton, Ka’anapali Beach Hotel, Hyatt, Aston, and more. They share the same strip of beach, which is known for the best snorkeling in Maui. The water is so clear blue and it really is a great view. This is where the “black rock” is.

We stayed at the Sheraton. Read a full review of the Sheraton Maui here. I had two days free in exchange for a review, but we ended up paying to stay longer because we did love it AND it is the best value for money. Only the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel was a little cheaper but didn’t look nearly as nice.

Check prices for Sheraton Maui here

I also had spa treatments at the Westin, and that property was amazing. It was more expensive than the Sheraton, but was more for couples and a bit fancier than the Sheraton, which was more family oriented.

Check prices for the Westin here

Compare hotels in Ka’anapali here & Airbnbs here

Kapalua: Where to Stay in Maui for Luxury

A little north, about 15 minutes from Ka’anapali is the quieter area Kapalua. Here is the famous Montage Hotel. They have these in California as well. It’s one of the 15 most expensive hotels in America. I had a massage here and saw the grounds. Absolutely stunning.

Check prices for the Montage here

I also checked out the Ritz-Carlton for a spa treatment, and it was an amazing property as well. Again, the hotels here are all near to each other.

Check prices for the Ritz-Carlton here

Compare hotels in Kapalua here & Airbnbs here

Lahaina and Kihei: Where to Stay in Maui on a Budget

People staying in Ka’anapali head to Lahaina for dinner and shopping. Kihei is more chilled out, younger crowd with cheaper food options. Both are filled up with tourists, not as quiet, and not as known for snorkeling. For those reasons, we didn’t stay here but just drove here to spend time.

Compare hotels in Kihei here & Airbnbs here

Makawao: Offbeat Area to Stay in Maui

This is “upcountry” Maui, and there are some hotels/retreats here. They were all booked during my visit. The town is very cute. You’re secluded but not far from anything. I think it’d be cool to stay here, but not for the whole trip. This is where I did zip-lining and where you can horse-back ride at the Ranches.

Compare hotels in Makawo here & Airbnbs here

Paia: Where to Stay for Hippies

Paia is THE “hippie” town of Maui. Willie Nelson has a bar here. Most of the locals surfers live in affordable housing just outside the town. It’s small with only one stop light, and there used to only be one inn, Paia Inn. This was a very charming old hotel that’s done up in chic style. We loved it, see a full review of Paia Inn here.

Check prices for Paia Inn here

Check for more hotels in Paia here & Airbnbs here

Spreksville: Our Favorite Place to Stay in Maui

Just 10 minutes away between Paia and Kahululi (the airport) is a little town called Sprecksville, which seems to just have a nursing home. There is a small place called Spreck’s Plantation which has 4 little studio houses. We stayed in the Plumeria room. Actually, this was the ideal place to stay in Maui. It was the cheapest place we stayed, was a great location, had scuba equipment, big TV, WiFi, bicycles, a kitchen, was fully stocked, comfortable beds, and was a quiet neighborhood. They even had Shantaram laying around.

If you’re traveling as a family or a honeymoon on a budget this is great. There isn’t a pool, but you have a patio with a grill and it’s 5 minutes from a quiet beach and a 15-20 minute bike ride to Kahana Beach. We loved staying in big hotels and fancy digs, but when it comes to practicality and budget this was the #1 choice.

It’s like having your own apartment and especially if you’re staying long term it’s great. Another time to stay here is the few days before you leave to go home. It’s got laundry so Ben and I did all our shopping for India in Kahului from here, did our laundry so back in India we didn’t have to, and just chilled a few days to end our trip. Bonus here, no resort fees and free parking.

Hana: One Last Option for Maui

The “road to Hana” does indeed lead to Hana. We didn’t stay here but there were a few options. It didn’t appeal to us, as if I were going to stay off the grid, I’d rather be in Makawao then so far away from everything

Compare hotels in Hana here & Airbnbs here

I hope this guide was helpful in deciding where to stay in Maui! I explored a lot of the island in the few weeks we had and we stayed in many different areas. This is just a quick look and I’m sure there is much more to explore.

More Maui Travel Guides

• My Little Guide to Maui | Beaches, Food, Lodging, & MORE
• My Top 10 Adventure Activities to Do in Maui Hawaii
• Absolute Bliss at 3 Top Spas in Maui

Pin for later!

The post Where to Stay in Maui: A Guide to the Best Areas appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Maui is not a place to sit around on the beach. It’s a place to go play and be active! Everyone else around will be, so why not join in? Even if you have a budget of 20 bucks you can rent a SUP (stand up paddleboard) and look into the clear blue ocean for turtles! And remember, you can always kill two birds with one stone. For example, in whale watching season don’t book a whale tour. Book a snorkeling tour instead, and you’ll see whales while you’re out there. Here are my 10 favorite adventure activities to do in Maui Hawaii.

Tips for Visiting Maui, Hawaii

• For flights to Maui, check out Kiwi to get the cheapest options. I use it now for all my flight bookings (you can see a full post here), whether it’s domestic or international.
• If you’re not a US Citizen, make sure you check out any visa requirements to visit. I use iVisa for everything related to tourist visas.
• Also, US Healthcare is expensive (take it from a former nurse!). One small, broken ankle could wind up costing more than your whole trip if you don’t have insurance. I highly recommend World Nomads while you’re here, especially with these activities. You can easily get a quote in the box on my sidebar or clicking here.
• For a full guide to Maui beyond these activities, check out my little guide here.
• If you want to look through all the tours you can do, Viator has a huge list!

10 Adventurous Activities to do in Maui Hawaii

1. Helicopter Ride over Maui

My tour with Air Maui really topped the charts of “coolest shit I did in Hawaii.” I think it’s absolutely worth the money. The trip is short and sweet, takes up hardly any of your day, and you get to see a glimpse into so many areas of the island. You can even do the Road to Hana by helicopter in an hour rather than drive it which takes all day.

Check out Helicopter Tours on Viator here

2. Canopy Zipline Tour

I’d only ever been once before back in Ohio at Hocking Hills with my parents. If you’re an Ohioan, the ones in Maui are a little bigger but no scarier. I chose Piiholo Ranch Zipline. It’s located in the cowboy town of Makawao (779 Piiholo Road) in what they call “upcountry Maui”; I suggest going early to the town, exploring and having lunch before your tour.

See all similar Zipline tours here

Tip for Families: If you’re looking for free activities to do in Maui Hawaii, or things to do with kids, this is free for kids under 12 with an adult accompanying them. They have a couple different options and both seemed pretty in the middle on a scale of hiking to skydiving.

There was a drop after one zip where you have to just walk off the platform and a suspension cable will catch you part way and slow you down to the ground – with this part, I got the same adrenaline as bungee jumping! So, pretty cool.

This is the drop part that I loved, and below you see the staff pulling another zipper (is that a word) in. He was a blast as a tour guide! 

The ranch itself goes back all the way to 1830 when missionaries came. During the tour, you’ll hear stories and see the forests of Haleakala. I did the 5 line which was $190 USD. You must wear closed-toe shoes, long pants work best, you can take a camera with a safety strap, and you must be over 8 years old and over 50 pounds (max 275). Tours are rain or shine. I had some rain; they gave us coats and I actually enjoyed the showers.

3. Snorkeling from a catamaran

You HAVE to go snorkeling while in Maui. The coral reefs are cooler than any I’ve seen in places like Thailand, and the water has such good visibility. I chose “luxury sailing charters” Alii Nui and was not disappointed.

See similar snorkeling tours here

When we showed up, it seemed like there were too many people for the boat and they said: “just wait until we’re out and you’ll see there is loads of space…” They were right. When you arrive, it’s early, cold, and breakfast is piled high for everyone, so of course, people jam into the bottom of the boat to eat. As soon as we took off, people spread out over the trampolines and outside the edges of the catamaran. They never take more than 60 people.

Other than the snorkeling being amazing (we went to two locations, gear was great, and wetsuit tops provided), staff was funny and helpful, they were fully stocked with sunscreen, towels, blankets, and fresh water hoses to rinse off, and the FOOD was amazing – even though goPro’s don’t do it justice.

Granted, I just got in from a year in India, but I devoured everything. Full breakfasts with bacon, eggs, croissant, bagels, fruit and more), to snack time (one of my favorite times of day lol) which were veggies, pita and dips, and cookies, to a yummy Hawaiian lunch of pulled Kalua pork, macaroni salad, and more. It was a six-hour tour which was just right to snorkel, lay out and enjoy the boat, eat and mingle. You can also scuba or huka dive from the boat at an extra fee.

I did the morning snorkel deluxe. Arrive at 6:30 am at Ma’alaea Harbor (slip #56, parking is free). The cost is $165 USD and you can book online through the link above.  Tip: bring clothing for COLD weather. It was freezing in the morning. Also, yes, booze is included in the price!

4. Surf like a local!

I really wish my photos would have turned out better for this, but sadly most are blurry as the zoom was messed up on my camera, or actually, I think I just need a new camera.I went surfing with Nancy Emerson Surf Clinic. She is a pro surfer herself and has been a Hollywood stunt double. She has schools in Oahu, Maui, and the Gold Coast. She’s not only the first school to open in Maui, but she focuses on safety and teaching people about the ocean instead of just throwing loads of people in the sea on boards and collecting cash.

It’s individualized attention from the pros and the most there would ever be are 5 people if you choose the least expensive option. My instructor was huge and could probably have blocked a wave for me with his body if he tried haha, but he was like a lifeguard and also gave me a push for each wave since at first people can’t really paddle hard enough to catch the fast waves.

If spots are booked up during your stay, check out more surfing places here

sad these are blurry :(

We had a land lesson first then spent over 2 hours in the water even though my lesson was only two hours (my instructor was a really good surfer, and I think just loved being in the water so neither of us was keeping time). We only stopped because I literally couldn’t paddle anymore. My arms were so tired and my legs were shaky. But, thanks to snowboarding almost my whole life, I got up on the first wave and by the third was turning. It was amazing, and I’ve been daydreaming about surfing ever since.

Their lessons were one of the most memorable parts of my trip, and I highly recommend taking lessons through her clinic. Lessons start at $95 for two hours. Also, while doing land lessons I looked over and saw THIS GUY:

5. Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) & Kayaking

Something that anyone can do! You just need to get used to balancing on the board and start out in really, really calm water. We saw a turtle go by and since the water is so clear, you can see all the cute fish underneath. It’s also a great workout! Renting was once as cheap as $10 so it’s easy to just do on a whim anywhere. One well-known company to rent from is called Hawaiian Paddle Sports who you can also get kayaks from.

make sure to wear sunscreen!

If you want some more guidance, check here for SUP lessons

6. Road to Hana

This road starts near Paia and goes up to the small isolated town of Hana on the east coast. We weren’t in AWE of the road to Hana, but it was very cool. Luckily, our hotel Paia Inn gave us a printed out personalized guide of what to stop and see because the signage isn’t great. Alternatively, you can buy CDs that explain the stops along the way. You’re going to need something to tell you which mile markers to slow down at. Also, they make it out like you need a lunch, and there’s NOTHING on the way, but there were loads of stalls selling food. Still, we took a lunch because we didn’t know. Mana food is amazing and has delicious sandwiches and salads. For car rentals, check rentalcars.com; they compare all the major car hire sites.

If you’d prefer, there are tons of different tours for the Road to Hana.

We stayed in Paia, but if you aren’t, then save time to see this cool little town. Also, go to Ho’okipa to watch the kite-surfers (most famous windy surf place in the world). The first bits are Twin Falls, a Bamboo Forest, and painted Eucalyptus trees. Basically, after that, we just drove. We didn’t stop for, well anything until we got to Hana Bay. To be honest, it was raining and all the cars were driving slow, so we got kind of bored. The views were covered by clouds. We’re used to Indian traffic, and it was exhausting not to be able to pass people ;)

You need 3 hours to drive out there. If you make stops, then you need a whole day dedicated to this drive and you should get started early in the morning.

7. Bike to the beach

I hadn’t ridden a bike since I was a kid, and Ben sort of hates riding bikes, but we did it anyways ha! Our apartment at Spreck’s Plantation had a few lying around so we went to the beach, and it was really fun. There are bike rentals all over the island and bike lanes making it safe.

If you want, you can even go on bike or mountain bike tours

(and now a few things we didn’t do, but are great options for your trip to Maui!)

8. Horseback riding

I really wanted to do this but didn’t have time. I was looking at Mendes Ranch because it is in the mountains and views of the ocean too. Most of the ranches in Makawao don’t have sea views.

Check out other horseback riding tours here

9. Scuba diving

We didn’t have it in our budget to do it while out on our Alli Nui tour, but you could on that boat or you can use a variety of companies. Actually, if you want to snorkel, but with a smaller group of people, like 6-8, you can look into Snorkel Safari, a company I wanted to try but didn’t have time.

Here are some scuba diving tours

10. Drive up and hike Haleakala

This is a volcanic crater that’s famous to see at sunrise, and it’s a drive… which means waking up at 4:30 am. I’d just been to Bandung seeing huge craters that were amazing, and we didn’t want to get up early, so skipped. I know people will think that’s crazy, but sometimes when you travel you have to do what you feel like. I have a feeling I’ll be back and able to do this another time. You can mountain bike down from this!

Check out the different Haleakala tours here

If you’re going to be on the island a while, it’s worth taking the time to read up on the local secrets in Maui and find some ways to get off the beaten path – we hired a local guy one day to show us some secret places and it’s one of our favorite memories. You can read my whole guide to Maui here.

Pin 10 Maui Adventures for later so you never run out of things to do in Maui while you’re there!

Disclosure: Some of these activities invited me in exchange for a review and exposure on my blog- all opinions are always my own! This post also contains affiliate links.

The post My Top 10 Adventure Activities to Do in Maui Hawaii appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Paia is this cute town 15 minutes from the airport. It’s on the North coast of the island, and as Hawiian’s will tell you, the North coast is always the chilled hippie coast of an island, like North Shore in Oahu. This is the “start” to the road to Hana and some tourists just pop in for a packed lunch in the morning. You should take time to actually stay in Paia! Look no further than Paia Inn.

Where to Stay in Paia Maui | Paia Inn

It’s smack dab in the center of everything but does have parking so you don’t have to parallel (10 bucks to park 3 shops down, or 20 bucks to park in the back lot) and it’s on the beach. It’s a historical site used as the only hotel back in the plantation days (used by Japanese in the 20’s) and now mixes that historical look with modern chic charm.

The rooms are a little small but that’s because they didn’t tear apart the original building. They have comfy beds that take up most of the space, mini-fridge filled with snacks, Apple TV (you can log in to your HULU and Netflix), spa like toiletries, safes, iPod dock, and surfer artwork (more on that later). The floors look like typical hardwood but are bamboo!

The staff are these little hippie Joni Mitchell girls that were so sweet. The lobby is adorable with shell chandeliers and leather couches. Complimentary breakfast included, wait for it…. POPTARTS! so clearly I was happy. There were other things to like coffee, biscotti, fruit, oatmeal and nutrigrain bars.

If you walk out the back you can chill on the beach side patio where they have towels, chairs, sunscreen, boogie boards, and a freshwater shower. The waves here can be rough and the beach is small (maybe Ben should build a reef here) so you have to be careful and aware of the rocks. There are lawn chairs so I just laid out and read. You can even rent a bike from them complimentary.

So, the artwork I mentioned is in every room and is really cool. It’s by this guy Avi Kiriaty and I saw it in some shops to purchase. They have his art in the lobby and in each room. It’s Polynesian style surfer pieces. Very cool!

It’s a 1-2 staff to guest ratio during the day, which is really nice since most hotels and resorts in maui are so big. So, there’s someone to help with bags, help you decide where to have lunch, and make sure you have what you need for the beach! The only moment we wavered at the Inn was around midnight when the AC wasn’t cold enough and no one answered the “night” number on the phone (we were going to ask them to turn it colder in our room, as you don’t have personal access). Although with a small 10 bedroom Inn, we understood why no one stayed awake in reception.

details of the Paia Inn

The smallest rooms are $199, our room was “standard” which go for $239 and up, and the suites go from $259-$999, while the extra 3 bedroom house on the back starts at $1199 and up. As stated, parking is extra at $10 or $20 per night depending on where you choose to park. Breakfast and WiFi are free and you can contact them on their website or email info@paiainn.com & call 808.579.6000

Food & Bars in Paia

Some of the top restaurants in Maui are located in Paia town. One of the most famous is owned by the one and only Willie Nelson!

1.  Charley’s Restaurant & Saloon

This is the one owned by Willie. It serves pizza, is crowded is as the night goes on they start to charge a cover.

2. Flatbread company

This is right next to the Inn and was pretty good. We got sausage pepperoni and veggies but it was really expensive with each topping an additional few dollars. There’s usually a short weight, and a 16 inch was too big for me and Ben.

3. Rock & Brew

We actually weren’t that impressed with this. I think the mac n cheese was microwaved… turkey sandwich was good!

4. Paia Fish Market

Really famous, really tasty, and not that expensive. I got fish tacos and two was too many. We also got seafood soup and Ben got the fish n’ chips. It was all really good. Everything closes early so be there by 8 at least.

5. Mana Foods

We went in here a few times and it was so good! It’s a grocery store with a deli counter (hot and cold). Ben loved the turkey meatloaf, and I was crazy about the deli turkey sandwiches and salad bar.

6. Ku’au Store

Kind of like Mana Foods, just past the town, this place had SUCH good sandwiches and hot dogs with coleslaw as well as healthy snacks that obviously I didn’t try ;) I loved the lemonade and homemade cookies.

One we didn’t try that are famous: Mama’s Fish house (too expensive to try), Cafe de AMIS, Ono Gelato, Cafe Mambo to hang out, and mexican food at Milagros. There was also the Hana Bay Picnic Company, but we liked Mana Foods so kept going back there.

Shopping in Paia

There are lots of cute boutique shops along the street. It’s just one (Hana Highway) and the intersection at Paia Inn were you can find a few more shops down that lane. They are very expensive and I didn’t anything to buy; not to say the stuff wasn’t cute, it was!

Some that stood out were: Wings Hawaii who has lots of local designers like dream catchers by Nana’s vintage dreams and littlest birds, then there was Puka Puka and lots of art stores. I liked Maui Hands for homemade items, particularly work by Mario Amata.

-I was a guest of Paia Inn, but absolutely loved it and all opinions are my own!

The post Paia Inn: a Hippie Chic Must in Maui appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

I am just addicted to massage. I mean, I give Thai massages, but usually after I give one I tell people OMG I need one myself now. In India they aren’t that expensive so you could get one for $10 bucks & weekly if you felt like it.

In Maui they are a little more expensive, but I knew I wanted to try their style. I love trying different styles when I travel, like the Indian Ayurvedic, the Balinese, or yoga massage. I even have a salon and spa link on my blog dashboard. When I came out to Maui, a few hotels invited me to try their spa and there’s no chance in hell I was going to pass that up. I scheduled them immediately! This is possibly the #1 perk of being a travel blogger.

There are all big luxury hotels and resorts that have highly ranked spas in Hawaii. You can choose from any and you won’t be let down, I know it’s a lot of money to spend- if you want to budget for only one on your trip to Maui, you can take a peak at these three and see if one suits you. Originally, I was going to tell you the pros and cons, but honestly there weren’t any cons so I’m just going to share about the different styles I tried.

1. Montage Kapalua Bay

The Montage is ranked the #1 spa in America! It did not disappoint and even more than that, it was THE best massage I have ever had in my life. I got the “body bliss”. It was hot stone but she added some traditional lomi lomi (Hawaiian with long strokes by their forearm, very stretching).

I was sore from surfing and she was a magician. It was like she could read my mind, that wonderful Norwegian Dutch woman!  I bet you could request her but I don’t know name.. maybe nationality will help :) If you have never had a hot stone massage, I highly suggest this one.

Special bits:

• You can pick your oil scent from Hawaiian smells (coconut for me!)
• The resort is incredible and you can use spa all day
• They use like Egyptain cotton sheets and the softest pillows under your legs and do part of that massage with your head raised.
• Neck-stretching.. whatever it is, was amazing.
• There’s a sauna, steam room, shower waterfall, cafe, gym and more!
• They have the the Mauka to Makai (mountain to sea) experience were you can pick where you’d like your massage. I had mine outside and it was to die for.

To contact you can check the website: Montage Kapalua Bay or call 808.665.8282.

2. Westin Maui Resort & Spa

You get to walk past flamingos on your way into this spa! I got the “Heavenly massage” for 50 minutes which just flew by. It was very relaxing, calming, and used heat.

I also got a facial here which was just the coolest thing ever. It’s a machine that just sucks out all your blackheads instead of the therapist having to scrape them out. Painless and works better plus they do all the other stuff like cleansing and exfoliation but in only 25 minutes. My face was radiant after! But, do NOT go with a sunburn or they can’t do it. As the website states it “stimulates the fibroblasts to produce more broad spectrum collagen/elastin proteins”.

Special bits:

• They have you pick a stone with special wording to focus on during massage. I chose grattitude since I was already feeling very grateful.
• they are the only ones in Maui with the Hyra-facial (and if you book online you get a discount).
• They give you chocolate after, hellz ya!
• The spa makes their own lotion products, called Hualani a pineapple and passion fruit scent. Yum, I even got some to take home and love the sugar body polish.

“Hualani, meaning “Heavenly Fruit” in Hawaiian language, was designed using locally-grown pineapples and passion fruit as well as the moisturizing oils from macadamia nut, coconut and kukui nut.”

• You can use the steam room, sauna, showers, whirlpool and such all day.
• AMAZING views and during season you can whale watch from here.

To contact you can check the website: Heavenly Spa by Westin or call 808.661.2588.

3. Ritz-Carlton

You know nothing can be bad at the Ritz ;) Here I got a plain Lomi-lomi massage which ended up having hot stones too, which I may now be addicted to. There are all these add-ons you can do for just $25 bucks to amp up your massage as well.

Special bits:

• Get there early and enjoy the amenities: food, snacks, cucumber for your eyes or drink, hot tub, sauna and spa.
• Kick-ass robes! no joke
• You pick a saying at the end in Hawaiian and they tell you what it means.
• Choose from 5 different lotion scents
• The steam room has such intense Eucalyptus I felt like a new person when I got out.

To contact you can check the website: Ritz Spa

The post Absolute Bliss at 3 Top Spas in Maui appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

I was meant to stay at the Sheraton in Maui for only two days, but the night before check-out when I was meant to leave and explore a new hotel to tell you about… I searched and searched for best value for money hotels in Maui, and quickly realized that I was already there.

The first two nights we stayed in a deluxe ocean front, which was amazing but out of budget to stay longer. We ended up booking two extra nights in a more basic room facing the garden, but the girl at the desk ended up upgrading us so we didn’t have to switch rooms because no one was checking into ours. That’s some customer service there – and she didn’t even know I was a blogger!

view from the room!

Ocean Front Room at Sheraton Maui

On Ka’anapali beach which is the “it” place to stay on Maui, there is a famous point called black rock. Our room looked our over this! It was pretty cool to look out and see people snorkeling, the occasional turtle, and cliff-jumpers. There’s actually a really famous cliff diving ceremony that includes information about local culture that I unfortunately missed.

view from the room

I became obsessed with Sun Bum while here! & yes, that’s a turtle! Seen from our balcony

The rooms have everything you’d imagine at a fancy hotel chain like this: fluffy towels, huge comfy beds, refrigerator, microwave, big flatscreen TV, balconies with furniture, and high quality toiletries.

These rooms were on the other side of the 23 acre property, so it’s good to figure out where everything is when you check in. You can ask someone to show you around. Ben downloaded an app (yes, they have a resort app!) but all we ended up using it for was to change channels on the TV, ha.

Sheraton | food & poolside, and more!

There’s a variety of restaurants in the Sheraton, a few of which are out by the pool: Cliff Dive Grill, Mai Tai Bar, and Hank’s Haute Dogs. We had burgers and pulled pork with Asian slaw by the pool when we checked in and I was so hungry and it was so good I didn’t even remember to take a photo.

We had hotdogs a few days later. Hanks is pretty famous in Hawaii and has been visited by Diner’s Drive In’s and Dive’s and Man Vs. Food. I am a hotdog lover – seriously it’s one of my favorite foods so I got the chili dog and obviously loved it. Ben got a fried bacon wrapped dog, which is so not surprising.

For dinner there is Black Rock Lounge, a Luau, and Tappen-Yaki Dan which is where the guy cooks Japanese food in front of you; something I hadn’t done since I was a kid. We went for that! It is pricey I have to say, but so freakin’ delicious! Our guy actually tried our for Top Chef and was really friendly.

I love eating with other people because you’re forced to talk and open up. We met a nice couple from Sydney who’d been on the island a while and gave us some tips.

One the last night we just stayed in, watched a movie and ordered pizza from a local place called Round Table pizza. It’s nice to just enjoy being in the room sometimes.

Because the hotel is SO big, they do a card swipe for towels. I think so that people from the beach don’t come up and steal towels. We chilled at the pool and I thought it was pretty cool when staff went around giving everyone popsicles! Very cute.

There was a spa but I didn’t get a chance to check it out. We snorkeled out near the rocks but didn’t see too much, which was strange because from my hotel room looking down I could see through the clear water! It’s actually a really famous place to snorkel and SUP.

You can go kayak with dolphins or scuba. We saw catamarans docking with tour groups coming to black rock to snorkel, so it was pretty cool that we could just walk out and do it anytime we wanted to.

You can also rent a tennis court for $20. We should NOT have done so, as Ben found out what I’ve hidden for over two years… I have no hand eye coordination. He was astounded by how bad I was and ended up just practicing his serve.

If you want to splurge on an ocean front room, it’s really nice to look out at the view. Ben couldn’t get over how blue the water was. We really looked around for another hotel before checkout, not because I wanted to leave the hotel but because I wanted to review more places for the blog. In the end, we wanted to stay at the Sheraton longer and actually I wanted a couple days of no reviews or work.

The Sheraton is such a nice place and not as expensive as the rest of the hotels on the strip so it made sense to stay longer. There were a lot of families and honeymooners. If you take an ocean front room, you’ll be in a very quiet area at the far end of the hotel which was very nice.

The Sheraton Maui Contact & Booking

• To book, click over to this link. If you want to check out the IG and twitter, both are @sheratonmaui.
• Hint, if you check in early and you’re room isn’t ready you’ll get a coupon for 35% lunch and 2 complimentary drinks while you wait. Hellz ya ;)
• There is a parking garage to use, but where I stayed at the end had a lot to park in. There are resort fees here on $35 USD per day that will be added to room charge.
• If you’re curious about the Sheraton on Oahu (Waikiki), my parents stayed at it and really liked it… I know you don’t know my parents lol but you can definitely trust their opinion.
• If you’re renting a car, Ka’anapali is close to Lahaina town making it the best area to stay.

*I was a guest of the Sheraton the first two nights in Maui, but found it was the best value for money hotel in Ka’anapali so ended up booking two more nights on my own dime, so as always opinions are my own!

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I was in Honolulu less than a week, so as I said this is a “little” guide to Honolulu; just a peak at some of my favorite parts of Honolulu. I want to also add that it’s ideal to get out of Waikiki and drive to North Shore for example to watch surfers and eat at the famous shrimp trucks, but as Ben and I were both there for work and I had to get my passports re-issued, we didn’t find the time.

We did lots of time to explore Waikiki. I decided to write this as a Q & A just for fun.

this is a statue of Duke, the creator of surfing- at the center of Waikiki beach

What is Waikiki?

It’s the first beach in Honolulu, Oahu that was developed and is where most of the hotels are located. It’s near the airport and Pearl Harbor, so most people stay in this area. The beach is crowded but there’s so much to do from SUP to volleyball or tennis all along the stretch. We did SUP and our friend Jito saw a turtle. You can also just watch the surfers.

Should I rent a car in Honolulu?

It really depends. Most hotels have shuttles to Pearl Harbor, which is the biggest tourist attraction for obvious reasons. If you want to explore Oahu (and you should even though I didn’t) you’ll need a car. Uber is available and taxis are all over so you won’t be stranded. Hotels and every restaurant charge for parking so if you don’t explore the island then don’t rent a car.

Some rental tips for Dollar and Thrifty (the main companies): If you pick up near airport, you have to drop at same place or there is a higher charge. If you pick up on Waikiki, it’s the same but they aren’t open all night so you’re kind of screwed. Also, Budget rental is terrible, we almost used them but bolted when we saw the beat up car they wanted us to take. We used both Dollar and Thrifty between Oahu and Maui and they gave us Mazda’s as a compact car at a good price. Also, there is no airport shuttle at night for the car-hire places.

What’s the bar scene like on Waikiki?

Places actually don’t stay open that late in Waikiki and we didn’t check out any clubs- don’t think it’s really that type of place, although the #1 club Addiction was in my hotel, The Modern and is only open Thur- Sat. It’s 10 bucks for girls and 20 for guys. We were told that Lulu’s and Duke’s is where locals go to drink, but since it’s on the strip with all the hotels I don’t know if that’s true. Also, it was almost impossible to get a table at either.

Another tip a friend (the girl I met on the goMowgli tour) told me is to get to China town for a funky nightlife. She said that’s where locals hang out and it’s really fun. Too little time for me though!

Where should we eat in Honolulu?

We were recommended a lot of local places. The first down by Diamond head at the end of the beach was called Barefoot. They didn’t have booze but had a laid back feel, fried fish, and a guy with a guitar!

Tiki’s on the strip was delicious and I took some photos there. We tried everything: smoked meat, ahi tuna, sweet duck, a seafood dip, lamb with garlic shrimp and gnocchi, apple dessert and chocolate spring rolls.

We were pretty let down by Chart House and it was really expensive to boot. We wish we had more time to try places a family friend Rick who’s very familiar with Honolulu recommended: Nico’s at Pier 38, pies at Ted’s Bakery, Haleiwa Joes, and Soul De Cuba.

There are ABC stores all over where you can pick up snacks and ready-made sandwiches to take to the beach. I might have had a few hotdogs from there – I know…. but they were so good.

What’s the shopping like on Waikiki?

There are shops all along the strip. Lots are surf shops like Billabong and RVCA but they have high-end and even Urban Outfitters. There was a place behind Urban called “cookies” and I found some really cute rings there, one is a starfish.

Inland a few streets you’ll find Walgreens, Walmart and malls. The main swim shops are San Lorenzo which are brazilian bikinis (aka really tiny).

I picked up some Sun Bum sunscreen which smells like bananas and Maui Babe tanning lotion which is famous in Hawaii. Overall, everything is pretty expensive so I didn’t shop much.

Where to Stay in Waikiki?

I stayed in two places that you can read detailed reviews on: the mid-range boutique hotel, VIVE Hotel Waikiki which is under $200 bucks per night, and the luxury boutique #2 hotel in Honolulu, The Modern Honolulu which was an insanely kick-ass place to stay. Both were in ideal locations and I had no qualms with either. My parents stayed at the Sheraton a couple of years ago and loved it.

What do you do in Honolulu?

Most people come just for a beach vacation. You can enjoy the ocean: snorkel, scuba, stand up paddle, surf, and swim. You can go to the Pearl Harbor museum. Party, eat, shop… it’s really just a great place to relax!

As for luau’s, the general consensus is to save that for Maui. Check out Diamond Head which is at the end of the strip. For places to visit, manoa falls trail and ‘lolani palace.

Extra things to look out for: Friday fireworks at from the Hilton and the tiki torches being lit on the beach each night. Waikiki was pretty cool and a great place for a vacation! I don’t think I’d move here but can’t wait to go back and check out the rest of the island.

The post My Little Guide to Honolulu appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Hawaii is a dream destination for many and most save up years in order to take a two-week holiday there. I tried out a couple different hotels in Honolulu and found the perfect hotel for those looking for where to stay in Honolulu on a budget. Rooms usually go for around 300 per night on Waikiki.

• little guide to Waikiki

view from my room at VIVE

lobby

VIVE Hotel Waikiki ticks all the boxes for me:

• Under $200 USD per night if you book ahead
• 5 minute walk to center of Waikiki beach
• Parking if you rent a car
• Complimentary breakfast & WiFi
• Contemporary boutique style and brand new
• Ocean views for some rooms

The rooms at VIVE hotel

I stayed at the VIVE for two nights in an ocean facing room called Lifestyle Junior Suite which kind of made all the different. Our room was the second to top floor. The room had an insanely comfortable bed, robes and spa quality toiletries, and a living room with a big ass TV that you can hook a HDMI cord up to your computer and stream movies.

As I said, it’s a short walk to the beach. After your complimentary breakfast, you can borrow towels, beach chairs and beach mats for free from the from desk. The only things missing from this hotel is a pool, but Waikiki is all about the beach anyways.

When I read reviews on TripAdvisor before going, some people complained about the A/C being noisy, so I feel I should mention it. I didn’t notice it AT ALL. It is a window A/C so you can hear a quiet hum, but it’s nothing to fret over.

VIVE Hotel contact and booking

• VIVE Hotel Waikiki, 2426 Kuhio Ave, Honolulu
• +1 808 687 2000
• There are no resort fees, and I am trying to remember but i think parking was $15 per night.
• Book Vive hotel here

I was a guest of VIVE Hotel but opinions are always my own.

The post VIVE Hotel Waikiki | boutique stay on a budget appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

I am just cutting to the chase and saying: I loved everything about my helicopter tour with Air Maui, so if you’re looking for an Air Maui review, I’m giving it two thumbs up! I got so many great photos that I wanted to share and a few tips to help you enjoy your ride to the fullest.

First off, getting there. Air Maui is at the heliport at the Kahului airport. Actually, ALL of the helicopter tour companies are lined up next to each other. You need to take 5 dollars exact change for the parking, arrive 30 minutes early (it’s easy to find on Google maps), and wear black so there is no reflection on the windows. I went the morning after I flew into Hawaii and didn’t have a single black thing in my bag, so ugh on that one! The pictures turned out okay though.

You can’t take anything on the helicopter with you except a camera. They will weigh you, and if you’re over 240 pounds you’ll have to get an additional seat.

If you think it’s a bit scary, it’s not at all! It was a smooth ride and even though the glass is right in front of you so you can see everything, it never made me nervous looking down. I think because you’re going fast, it seems like a ride.

I felt like a super lame-ass taking this pic, but ya know, instagram.. then it didn’t really turn out showing my bracelet has the quote so didn’t even make it on Instagram! The things I do for blogging.

You’ll wear headphones and not be able to talk to the pilot because he’s dealing with air traffic control at first, but he can talk to you into his little microphone. There’s also a playlist going with some sweet music.

It’s hard to not push the buttons. Good thing Ben is afraid of heights and didn’t come, because he would have touched at least one.

How crazy that the couple behind me has family from Goa and Kerala!? They were on their honeymoon. I made besties with this fellow solo traveler on the left.

The ride I did was the West Maui / Molokai (another island), was 40 minutes long and cost $253 USD. If you’re solo like me, you get a discount! I’d be curious to try the road to Hana one as well, but loved the one I did. If you’re a millionaire reading this, then you might like to know they do private charters starting at over 2,000 USD per hour.

Our dude was really cool and flew right up next to some waterfalls, one of which was going sideways because it is so windy here with the “trade winds”. Here’s the sideways waterfall:

When the pilot took us into the valley of the mountains, and up near the waterfall I almost got happy tears again, which hadn’t happened since a very touching Budweiser commercial involving a horse a puppy.. takes a lot for me! Our pilot told us some cool stories about the island while we flew around.

One was about how the islands came to be. He said one local story is that there was only one, the Big Island, and a kid was fishing there. He caught a the smaller islands but while pulling in the line broke leaving them halfway out, how they are now. He also pointed out the mountain goats on the side of the cliffs which was crazy! They have no predators, so kind of overtake everything.

I was a guest of Air Maui on this tour, but all opinions are always my own.

The post Seeing the island differently with Air Maui appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

After our 3 week trip in Hawaii Ben asked what my favorite bits were and right up there with surfing and helicopter rides I said our two nights at The Modern Hotel Honolulu. It really is that good that a hotel on its own can MAKE your trip. Look no further for where to stay in Honolulu. 

• Related: little guide to Honolulu

This place is great for couples, honeymooners, or friends on a weekend getaway. Clearly, The Modern is a “modern” hotel and also newly built. The design was so simple but homey with little touches like a throw blanket on the bed and big white fluffy couches. It’s no wonder it’s voted best boutique hotel in Hawaii by CN Traveler, Forbes, and #2 on Tripadvisor. You can see on the signed surf boards in the lobby famous surfers who have stayed (artwork by Herbie Fletcher called Wrecktangles, which are boards actually broken on North Shore’s big waves).

The hotel is on Waikiki beach, but on the edge which was a little quieter. Personally, I liked being a little bit away and it was still walkable. If you stay here and aren’t planning on leaving Waikiki, I don’t really see why you should rent a car.

The Modern Rooms Review

We stayed in the Ocean Front one bedroom suite. I was a guest of the hotel in order to review this so was given an upgrade- this room was just one step below the suite and Ben and I were feeling very thankful for this blog and you readers! They emailed a little list of things to “check” that you want in your room (at not charge). There were a bunch of option and I checked yoga mat and a Keurig. Of course, I didn’t even touch the yoga mat… but I thought about it.

If you want something a little less expensive there are more types of rooms one that has one big bed, and one that’s smaller with twin beds. You can get a room for under $300 which is damn good for Wakiki, and actually shocking for a place this nice.

Then, there is the suite which is stunning and has very cool surfer artwork and photos of Kelly Slater when he drinks a beer at the end of a huge wave.

Why to stay at The Modern Hotel

Okay, first of all – the views and those sunsets!

There are not one, but two pools. One was more crowded and kind of cool place to be, while the other was more of a hide out and the one I preferred. No one was ever around and I usually had it all to myself. The party pool plays music even under water! The hotel is a who’s who place to be with pool parties sponsored by liquor companies and a nightclub, Addiction, in the hotel that’s ranked the best in Honolulu and hosts celebrity DJ’s.

Then, there’s the “Study” which is something very unique. During the day, non-existent and during the night, the lobby’s bookcase swings open to live music in a chilled out bar called the Study with cocktails named after famous books and authors.

There’s also a spa, a gym, goflow yoga (the type with neon lights) and unlike most big hotels in Hawaii- no resort fees. This isn’t somewhere I could afford to stay often, but if you’re saving for a big trip to Hawaii, this is where you want to stay.

Breakfast isn’t included in the price (tea and coffee is) and there are also two restaraunts on site. I didn’t get to try the famous Iron Chef Morimoto’s as, I mean, I DO have a budget lol, but I did get to try lunch poolside when I met with the marketing director. My choice was the steak tacos and they kicked ass! MMM.

Okay last weird reason that I don’t even know what I find so special… but the smell of plumeria (Hawaiian flower) in the lobby. I had never smelled that before and loved it so much I used that oil in a massage later on in the trip.

The Modern Hotel Contact & Info

• The Modern Honolulu , 1775 Ala Moana Boulevard , Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
• 15 minutes from airport
• No resort fees, breakfast not included *if you book online they do offer specials for breakfast and drinks*, free WiFi
• Use the valet parking even though it’s $5 more than the lot across the street because you can come and go as many times as you like and at the other lots you have to pay each time.
• Book The Modern

I was a guest of The Modern, but opinions are always my own.

The post The Modern Hotel Honolulu | The BEST on Waikiki appeared first on Hippie In Heels.