HAWAII

2010: The Big Island Adventure (Orchid Isle)

Your first immersion into Hawaii was defined by raw nature and local flavors.

• The Oahu Prelude: A quick transit allowed for a day at Hanauma Bay, snorkeling in the sunken volcanic crater before heading to the "wet side" of the Big Island.

• Hilo Basecamp: Stayed in an Airbnb that allowed for a local lifestyle, including morning trips to the Hilo Farmers Market to source fresh fish for home-cooked meals.

• The Volcanic & The Lush: We explored the steaming landscapes of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and the towering 442-foot Akaka Falls.

• The Southern Tip: We visited the famous Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, home to basalt sands and sea turtles, before experiencing a traditional Lūʻau (the "Hawaii dinner").

• The Kona Side: A drive across the island took us to the sunny Kona coast for more exploring.

2020: The Maui Immersion (The Valley Isle)

Returning during the quiet of 2020, we explored Maui’s diverse microclimates from a base in Lahaina.

• Beaches & Bays: We covered the best of the west and south, from the surfing waters of Ka’anapali and the calm of Kapalua Bay to the family-friendly Baby Beach and Napili Bay.

• The High Altitudes: We hiked the lush Waiheʻe Ridge Trail and made the legendary drive to the Haleakalā Summit to witness a sunset above the clouds.

• Island Staples: We experienced the Road to Hana and took a boat out to snorkel the crystal-clear crescent of Molokini Crater.

• Local Tastes: Between adventures, we refreshed with coconut water at ʻĪao Needle and grabbed the iconic coconut buns at Home Maid Bakery.

2021: The Dual-Island Reunion (Kauai & Oahu)

Our most recent trip was a collaborative journey with friends, combining the ruggedness of Kauai with the history of Oahu.

• Kauai (The Garden Isle): Exploring Kauai’s interior requires a bird’s-eye view, so we joined Sunshine Helicopters for a tour of the island’s most dramatic landscapes. We soared through the deep gorges of Waimea Canyon and along the razor-sharp ridges of the Na Pali Coast, areas largely unreachable by foot or car. We balanced this high-octane experience with a serene visit to the Kauai Hindu Monastery, a hidden gem of spiritual tranquility.

• Oahu (The Gathering Place): The North Shore & Interior: We visited the Dole Plantation (the pineapple farm) and found a local favorite at Sugar Daddy’s for fresh-pressed sugarcane juice.

  • History & Hiking: We paid respects at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and ended the trip with the iconic steep ascent of the Diamond Head (Leʻahi) Summit Trail for a panoramic view of Waikiki.