Beauty is Everywhere in Hawaii

I think you’re cheating yourself a little if you don’t make time to explore and appreciate all the outer islands, with the exception of Ni’ihau and Kaho’olawae (public access restricted). Excluding those two islands, available to visit are the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, and the Big Island. Because the islands are volcanoes that moved over a hot spot resulting in islands of various stages, the topography is drastically different from island to island. It’s hard to really understand, respect, and value Hawaii’s true beauty if one isn’t aware of how each island differs from each other.

Kauai: Natural Wonders

Affectionately known as the garden isle, Kauai is the island for an outdoor focused vacation; a lot of Kauai’s beauty is tied to the island’s natural features.

The Price of Beauty: Queen’s Bath

Queen’s Bath lies on Kauai’s Northern shore in the lovely town of Princeville which is a world class destination. A quick 10 minute walk past a waterfall, down a rocky hillside and you’re at Queen’s Bath. Many are confused about the location of the tide pool – there are other areas where it is also possible (but more dangerous) to swim.

About the size of a pretty large pool, the swimming area is a natural tide pool with some fish swimming. Water spills over the lava rocks to refresh the pool; but also notice how smooth the surrounding lava rocks are as a result of 5 million years of weathering (Big Island lava rock is sharp with hundreds of little dimples). From October through May, the coast is exposed to very big surf with numerous people have drowned after being swept off the rocks.

Oahu: Ono Kind Grinds

Easily the most populated island, Honolulu is the big time city in a small time place. With Waikiki as it’s flagship attraction, it’s always going to be a mecca for shopping, sun, and leisure.

OG Shrimp Truck: Giovanni’s 

If there was a state contest for the best garlic shrimp in Hawaii, I would put my money down on Giovani’s Shrimp Truck. It is by far the best place to get garlic shrimp on Oahu and in my opinion, the state. Their are other various competing trucks that do okay shrimp plates, but do not be fooled by their newer equipment or pretty marketing, don’t you dare settle for those imposters!! You know you’ve found the right place when you see Giovanni’s across a white truck covered with signatures signed in sharpie (last time I checked, I could still find my name!).

A plate comes with 12 plump shrimp smothered in their garlic butter sauce

Over 60 Years in the Business: Leonard’s Bakery

There is only one thing in mind whenever I’m on island and stop by Leonard’s, Malasadas! For those that don’t know, they’re basically a potogee (poh-t0e-ghee, local slang for Portuguese) donut without a hole in the center. The thing about malasadas is they’re not that hard to make, they’re just really hard to make right. By right I mean, something only Leonards knows how to do! If you’ve had a malasada but never Leonard’s, then don’t ruin it for yourself because you will never want to eat another malasada other than Leonard’s! They also have other baked goods available (not that you’d want to try anything else).

Always ask for extra sugar!

Molokai: A Touch of Father Damien

The least touristy of the visitable Hawaiian islands, Molokai is definitely the island of choice if roughing it is high on the priority list.

Kalaupapa: The Dirty Truth

Up until roughly 1969, Kalaupapa on Molokai’s northern peninsula was a leprosy colony existing in isolation from the world. It was originally established in 1873 under a law enacted by Kamehemeha the fifth, which exiled men, women, and children with leprosy to Molokai’s most northern tip. It was Father Damien’s life work to care for, live with, and help the people of the colony. He spent 16 years dedicating himself to his cause before he past away after years of thoughtful service. To this day we hold him in the highest regards and view him has a martyr of charity.

Lanai: The Vision of Larry Ellison

Since Larry Ellison assumed ownership of Lanai he has been working on his plans to transform the island into a sustainable tourist destination; a dream still in the works.

A Tale of Two Four Seasons 

For now, there are two world class Four Seasons Hotels to serve visitors’ needs. The first option is the Four Seasons at Manele, it is your typical luxury beach hotel; beachfront, sunny, hot, with excellent customer service. Then there is the Four Seasons at Koele, my personal favorite. It is set higher up away from the beach in a woodsy location. I love this hotel in particular because it is an elegant country setting with touches of class throughout the hotel.

Big Island: Hawaii’s Man Child

With two major volcanoes on the island, the Big Island represents the biggest and youngest island in the island chain. Mauna Loa and Kilauea are considered active volcanoes which means that the Big Island is still continuing to grow, although it is barely noticeable to the human eye.

Kilauea: Pele’s House of Fire

The most active of Hawaii’s five volcanoes and quite possibly the most active volcano in the world, Kilauea is located about a hour or so south of Hilo. Housed in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea is a destructive force only done justice in person. The scale of this park and the force that it commands is something that chills me to the bone.

Kilauea in Hawaiian folklore is considered to be an earthly representation of the Hawaiian fire goddess, Pele.

Contact a Maui Real Estate and Lifestyle Specialist

Please interview me to be your trusted Maui Real Estate and Lifestyle Advisor. I was born and raised on the island, and spend a considerable amount of time to inform my clients about the best deals currently on the market. Please do not hesitate to call me for your Maui real estate needs. I am more than happy to assist you in your home search.

Aloha,