Maui, Hawaii Travel Diary

As we were planning our Hawaii trip last September (see more here, here, here, and here!), Bryn and I knew that we wanted to see a volcano. Most of our time was spent at our home base at our incredible friend and host Maxwell’s apartment in Honolulu (here) and all around the island of Oahu (here). However, there are no volcanos on the island of Oahu. SO, with Maxwell’s amazing guidance and advice that we island hop while in the Aloha State, we decided to take a day trip to Maui to see 1 of the 2 volcanos that call it home without having to pay the hefty costs of staying at a hotel. And while 1 day may not be a long time to truly get to know and fully explore the island of Maui, it truly was a good amount of time to visit and have some memorable adventures!

You may be wondering is 1 day enough time to visit Maui?!?! Within the 1 day that we had in Maui, we were able to do a variety of different activities, including: visiting a lavender farm on the side of a volcano, the adorable downtown of Paia, a portion of the Road to Hana, the stunning Maui beaches, and *of course* a volcano. So, needless to say, I think that 1 day in Maui is a great and more cost-effective option to island hop from Honolulu or another Hawaiian island if you want to visit a few points of interest without committing to staying for long (or to a potentially hefty hotel stay). Over on Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee), I have been following a fellow Washington, DC-based content creator that I adore named Maddie (go support her @onthemovewithmad) who does day trips to/from Washington, DC all the time. And, needless to say, I am SO happy to have done my own and have her in mind as a reference of how to do so!

For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page.

Maui, Hawaii Travel Diary

Getting There (To/From Honolulu):

The only way to really island hop is to fly. Hawaii used to have a ferry service between the islands, however, the ferry service is no longer in use. Both Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines offer flights to/from Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye Airport (HNL) and Maui’s Kahului Airport (OGG) multiple times a day for under $200 round trip depending on the time and season that you book. If I recall, I paid ~$150 for my round trip flight ticket about 2-3 weeks out. However, the sooner you book your ticket, the cheaper your flight will be! It is also worth mentioning that if you are a loyal Delta or United member, you can redeem your miles to book your flight on Hawaiian Airlines if you choose to. The one-way flight was approximately 30-45 minutes from boarding to leaving the plane. By far, the flight to/from Honolulu and Maui is the quickest flight I’ve ever been on!!

I will also note that both Daniel K. Inouye and Kahului Airports are extremely unique and add to the utter Hawaiian charm and culture. Daniel K. Inouye Airport has a … garden with coy fish ponds as well as a hallway lined with children’s artwork from local Hawaiian schools. Kahului Airport has a beautiful old school trolley train system to take travelers to different parts of the airport, all while surrounded by palm trees and beautiful farmlands. Never in the mainland United States have I EVER been in awe of how neat and unique airports are than in Hawaii!

Getting Around Maui:

The best way to get around for 12 hours in Maui is to rent a car. However, I would suggest having somebody with you (thanks to Maxwell on this one!) who is comfortable driving the unique Hawaiian roads, as they are very different than the roads on the mainland United States. Maui’s roads are pretty windy and unlike any I’ve ever seen before. We opted to rent a car upon arrival at the airport and I decided to go with the cheapest service that I found at the airport and split the cost between the three of us. Enterprise ended up being the cheapest option, so we went with that. My biggest piece of advice is to do your research on the best value options that make the most sense for you and your crew rental car-wise and to budget accordingly for gas, as it’s not cheap in Hawaii.

If you aren’t open to the idea of driving around Maui, I would look into tour groups across the island or day resort passes to a nearby resort and Uber to/from there.

What To Do:

Drive to the top of Haleakala Volcano (at Haleakala National Park) – As for our MAIN reason besides *of course* visiting the island of Maui to see another island beyond Oahu was to see a volcano. Haleakala Volcano is currently a dormant volcano with beautiful outlooks along the way up Crater Road to get to the top of it. Crater Road is a steep road and the ecosystems around the further we drove up it changed as the altitude did. One of the most important and biggest draws of Haleakala National Park is the preservation of its volcanic landscapes and protection of unique ecosystems. While I was a bit nervous going up the volcano via Crater Road, I am SO glad I did and got out of my comfort zone to see such a beautiful and unique place in our world!

Grab a locally brewed beer and delicious eats at Paia Fish Market Restaurant in downtown Paia – Paia is a census-designated place in the northern part of Maui, While we didn’t spend a ton of time in downtown Paia, I fondly remember my time there briefly strolling the adorable local shops, charming art galleries, and colorful streets. Honestly, our biggest draw to Paia was getting lunch – LOLLL! We ended up going to Paia Fish Market which was a HIGH for me, as I got to try locally Hawaiian brewed beer and delicious locally sourced fish (specifically what I ordered I cannot remember though – whoops!). Paia Fish Market is a popular spot in downtown Paia, as the line was out the door when we arrived (it went by quick, though!) and was well worth the wait!! If I had more time in Maui, Paia would be on my list to spend more time in.

Admire the mystical gardens at Ali’i Kula Lavender – Located on the foothills of the Haleakala Volcano, Ali’i Kula Lavender is a mystical sprawling property with stunning gardens and scenic views and a lavender market selling over 45 varieties of lavender. Admission is $5/person (free for kids 12 and under and additional discounts for those eligible) with additional items for purchase within the market. From hydrangeas to palm trees to stunning sculptures and everything in between, the stunning gardens are nothing short of magical and gush-worthy. Truly, the gardens showcase and preserve the unique beauty and diversity of flora in Maui’s ecosystem. At the same time, the lavender market is AMAZING and has ultra-kind staff, too! Be sure to try some of the complimentary lavender lemonade and sweet treats while there!!

Drive and sightsee along the Road to Hana – While our 12 hours in Maui was a mega high for me as a whole, the biggest high for me was getting to do some sightseeing on the Road to Hana. Known for its one lane bridges (a unique experience in itself to drive through – thanks Maxwell!!), waterfalls, rainforests, and beautiful ocean views, the Road to Hana connects Maui’s Kahului to Hana via Highways 36 and 360. While it typically takes an entire day for the drive to Hana which we didn’t do this time around, I am extremely grateful that we did part of the Road to Hana! Our experience on the Road to Hana gave me a peak into what Hawaiian life specifically in Maui was like, especially before Hawaii became apart of the United States. Hawaiian life and culture is a beautiful and unique culture and each island has its own distinct lifestyle and culture, too. The Road to Hana gave me a peak into what Hawaiian life is like in Maui and I am SOOO grateful for that experience! Some of our highlights on the Road to Hana included: visiting a black sand beach, driving through the rainforest, and seeing the sea turtles at a distance.

Note: While you can (we did!) see sea turtles swimming around at the beaches alongside Turtle Bay, it is important to keep your 10 feet distance from them at all times, according to federal guidelines as stated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (here). Please note that all photos were shot and taken with federal guidelines in mind.

Seeing the Sea Turtles:

Black Sand Beach:

Grab local Hawaiian specialties + snacks at Target – Immediately after landing in Kahului, we headed to Target to grab some local Hawaiian specialties and snacks for the day. The Target in Kahului just about a mile or two from the Kahului Airport making it an easy place to grab some necessities for the day. While at Target we grabbed local Hawaiian specialties, including gummy candy and locally made coffee grounds. Such a cool experience and I highly recommend before or after your sightseeing in Maui hitting up this Target for a cool experience and opportunity to grab some local delights to bring back home.

Wrap-Up

Each Hawaiian island has its own special flair and I am grateful, thankful, and blessed to have visited Maui, *even* if it was for 12 hours! Maui is an amazing island with a unique history, culture, and ecosystem. Maui truly taught me and showed me the true Hawaiian lifestyle, which was such a privilege to even get a peak into seeing. Indeed, our 12 hours in Maui, Hawaii were unforgettable and so special!

Mahalo, Maui!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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7 Places To Visit in Oahu, Hawaii

Thanks to our incredible host Maxwell, Bryn and I had the amazing opportunity and privilege of seeing the majority of the Hawaiian island Oahu via our 7 days in Honolulu (here). Oahu is the home of Honolulu – Hawaii’s capital and its biggest metropolitan city and business district – as well as several beautiful beaches and unique terrain and flora and fauna. Maxwell graciously drove us around Oahu, showing us ALLL of the beautiful beaches from the North Shore to the West Shore to the Lower East Side and everywhere in between. I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to see so much of one of the many islands in the state of Hawaii, as every island is unique and has its own distinct culture and history (and also within different parts of the islands including Oahu, too). We also spent a gorgeous day on the island of Maui (here). In this post, I will be sharing seven places to visit around Oahu, Hawaii.

While we visited different places around Oahu, Hawaii with Maxwell, if you plan to visit Honolulu and want to sightsee beyond the city, I would highly recommend renting a car. After riding as a passenger amongst the highways of Oahu, I would recommend renting a car and being prepared for a different driving environment than you’re used to back in what locals to Hawaii call the mainland United States. The driving there is a bit stressful and something to prepare for and be ready for. Be prepared and ready for a change driving-wise!

For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page.

7 Places to Visit in Oahu, Hawaii

1 – Nu’uanu Pali Scenic Lookout (Nu’uanu Pali Drive, Kaneohe)

To kick off our time sightseeing around Oahu, Hawaii, Maxwell took us to hike the Nu’uanu Pali Scenic Lookout. Offering panoramic views of Oahu’s Windward Coast, Nu’uanu Pali Scenic Lookout truly takes your breath away and was a lovely introduction to the beauty that Hawaii has to offer! While a brief and easy hike that I did in a dress and sandals, the hike was definitely worth it for the incredible views and being immersed into Hawaii’s local environment view the local flora allll around you. We ran into locals and tourists alike while hiking which made for a fun kickoff to sightseeing around Oahu. As a so-called “Hollywood hiker,” I would do it again any day!

2 – Kualoa Regional Park (49-479 Kamehameha Regional Highway, Kaneohe)

Having a public access beach and regional park for all to enjoy, I first touched the Pacific Ocean at the beaches at Kualoa Regional Park! One of the unique things that I learned while visiting was that the locals enjoy their cooking out at the public and private beaches within their communities as a way to come together. We saw kids playing, families simply being together, and meals being enjoyed while at our Kualoa Regional Park stop – truly a beautiful thing. Besides learning about one of the beautiful aspects of Hawaiian life and culture on Oahu, Bryn and Maxwell and I enjoyed taking in the beautiful beachfront views and terrain behind us. Indeed, Kualoa Regional Park offers BREATHTAKING views at every corner!

3 – Turtle Bay Resort (57-091 Kamehameha Regional Highway, Kahuku)

Situated alongside Oahu’s North Shore, Turtle Bay Resort: a Ritz Carlton Resort is a beautiful place to stop for a refreshment as a part of your Oahu adventures! We grabbed cocktails at the resort’s onsite Lei Lei’s Bar and Grill and had the best service (the staff are ultra-kind!) and stunning oceanfront views. Alongside a variety of cocktails and drinks, Lei Lei’s Bar and Grill also offers lunch and dinner items alongside small bites and is open to all guests, including those stopping in and not staying at the resort.

4 – Beaches on Turtle Bay

Right by the Turtle Bay Resort whether onsite or nearby, there are beautiful public access beaches on Oahu’s Turtle Bay situated on the North Shore. When we went it was super peaceful and the water was crystal clear and indeed a dream come true to be at! We all swam in the water and simply enjoyed the beautiful moments!!

Note: While you can (we did!) see sea turtles swimming around at the beaches alongside Turtle Bay, it is important to keep your 10 feet distance from them at all times, according to federal guidelines as stated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (here).

5 – Beaches on the West Shore

Oahu’s North Shore isn’t the ONLY place to see beautiful beaches on the island. Oahu’s West Shore also has some breathtaking beaches to visit, too! A fun fact is that Disney’s Resort Aulani is located on Oahu’s West Shore about an hour away from downtown Honolulu. We stopped at a beautiful beach overlooking terrain and *even* having a cave that the waves would crash into – which was super cool and crazy to see!! The terrain on Oahu’s West Shore is unique and distinguishes itself from Oahu’s North Shore terrain which is also unique in itself. Visiting Oahu’s West Shore taught me the beauty of Hawaii and the differences in life and culture across the island of Oahu.

6 – Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline (8751-9057 Kalanianaʻole Highway, Honolulu)

Even though paved hiking trails are offered at the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, we opted to simply stop at a scenic lookout alongside the drive as Bryn and I were to be boarding our flight back home that afternoon. I felt a bit sad as we were leaving Oahu while we visited, but as always, I found myself in awe with the beauty that this scenic shoreline has to offer. Oahu is nothing short of beautiful beaches and getting to see the stunning shoreline views one last time at Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline was indeed the icing atop of the cake of an incredible trip!

7 – Manoa Falls

Manoa Falls is a 150-foot waterfall located just outside of downtown Honolulu. Most notably, Manoa Falls is known as a place of healing. I feel very lucky to say that I got to experience Manoa Falls’ healing powers, myself, and am grateful that I got to (more on that here). Manoa Falls is beautiful and I would recommend bringing the proper shoes to hike it as I 10000% did not – LOL!

Wrap-Up

Oahu is a beautiful Hawaiian island filled with several unique beaches and opportunities to learn about Hawaiian life and culture, whether by the shore or not. Through it all, I am so grateful for the memories that we made jamming out to music in Maxwell’s car amongst the sheer beauty of Oahu. Truly grateful!

Mahalo, Oahu!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Hawaii Sunset Cruising

7 Days In Honolulu, Hawaii For First-Timers Travel Guide

***Please note that this 7 Days In Honolulu, Hawaii For First-Timers Travel Guide will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date information. This travel guide was most recently updated as of December 2025.***

Back in September of 2024, my friend Bryn and I made the long journey across the United States and over the Pacific to visit our friend Maxwell in for 7 days Honolulu, Hawaii. Maxwell recently graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa (when we went he was wrapping up his college experience) and has fallen in love with Hawaii during his years in the Aloha State. We couch surfed at his apartment for a week, as he graciously hosted us alongside his roommates and showed us around Honolulu, most of Oahu, and even part of the island of Maui. Needless to say, our trip to Hawaii is by far one of the best trips that I have ever taken. Truly, I will look back on this trip with extreme gratitude and appreciation for the Hawaiian people, culture, and hospitality. At the same time, I want to thank Maxwell for being such an incredible host and tour guide and for welcoming us to Hawaii with open arms. As they say in Hawaii, Mahalo!

In this blog post, I will outline how to plan a weeklong trip to Honolulu, Hawaii including several things to do, places to eat, and what to keep in mind as you fly as a first-timer to the Aloha state! 

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page.

7 Days In Honolulu, Hawaii For First-Timers Travel Guide

Table of Contents

Where To Stay

Know Before You Fly

Getting There (from the East Coast!)

Getting Around Honolulu (and Oahu!)

What To Do

Where To Eat

Where To Stay:

While in Hawaii, we didn’t do any overnight excursions beyond Maxwell’s apartment in Waikiki (a well-known neighborhood in Honolulu!), but we did take a day trip by plane to the neighboring island of Maui (here) and have the opportunity to explore much of what the island of Oahu aka the home of Honolulu (here) has to offer. However, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to lodging in and around Honolulu. 

 

Know Before You Fly:

Before flying to Honolulu, it’s important to keep these things in mind for your long journey across much of the Pacific:

  • If flying domestically within the United States, airlines such as United Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines will charge you for a checked bag *even* in Economy fare as Honolulu is within the United States. If you plan to check a bag, be sure to budget for a checked bag in advance.
  • On the flight to Honolulu or anywhere in Hawaii, all passengers will be required to fill out a form similar to United States Customs upon entering the state of Hawaii and must list their accommodation on their trip alongside purpose of travel and declare any items brought into the state. The state of Hawaii has a unique ecosystem, so this form is done to ensure that its ecosystem is preserved for us to enjoy for years to come.
  • If traveling to/from the United States, you do not need to bring your passport with you to visit Honolulu. United States passports are NOT required to visit Hawaii.
  • Upon departing Honolulu, everyone’s luggage must go through an agricultural scan (it takes literally 30 seconds and is super easy!) if flying outside of Hawaii. This agricultural scan will occur upon entering the airport and all bags, including checked bags must go through this quick and easy scanner (similar to that of a scanner at airport security. The purpose of Hawaii’s agricultural scan is to protect its ecosystem as well as our ecosystems back at home from cross-contamination and the spread of infectious diseases.

Above all else, be sure to bring ample blankets, water bottles, snacks, modes of entertainment, etc. for your long flight to/from Honolulu.

Getting There (from the East Coast!): 

We all know that getting to Hawaii is a LOONGGG journey from the East Coast! Bryn and I were coming from different respective cities on the East Coast, too, and wanted to fly together for the longer flights to/from Honolulu. That all being said, we opted for connecting flights to/from Honolulu for the longer stretches in the air and then decided to take a shorter flight back to/from our respective cities. Our amazing host Maxwell is a loyal Delta flyer and sold us on taking Delta this trip as we Delta offers the most meal options and free alcohol (even in Coach!) on the way to/from Honolulu. The fares to/from Honolulu were also cheaper than other airlines, too. On the way there, Bryn and I met up at JFK airport in New York City to take a direct flight from there to Honolulu which is an ~11 hour daytime flight. And, on the way back, Bryn and I took a red eye flight that left Honolulu at 3:30pm their time to Detroit where we caught early morning flights back home via a sunrise arrival back on the mainland United States. Let’s just say that sleep was TOUGH on the way back due to the time difference and my body thinking it was 11pm Hawaiian time as opposed to 5am Eastern time! But, I was so happy to sleep all day in my bed when I got home – LOLLL!! Overall, the trip to and from Hawaii while long, was definitely a fun time navigating the travels with Bryn and making memories on the plane!

Getting Around Honolulu (and Oahu!):

To get around Honolulu and Oahu, there are several options at your disposal depending on your budget and preferences:

  • If staying in Waikiki, there are multiple beach options according to this resource from Hawaii Aloha Travel, many of which are in walking distance or an easy Uber ride away. 
  • Uber is another excellent option within Honolulu/Oahu to get around, especially if you plan to primarily hang out around Waikiki and close to your hotel/resort. 
  • If you plan to stay primarily near your hotel/resort and want to venture out to other parts of Oahu including the North Shore without renting a car, then definitely look into some of the many day trip options to choose from.
  • If you want to have the option to explore Honolulu and beyond without sticking to a strict schedule via a tour group, then definitely look into rental car options. 

What To Do:

Note that this travel guide will primarily focus on things to do within Honolulu, Hawaii and not beyond. But don’t fret! I outline a few points of interest for exploring around Oahu and beyond Honolulu in this travel guide.

Photoshoot at the Royal Hawaiian

On our Hawaiian journey, Bryn and I opted to do more sightseeing activities as opposed to hanging out at the beach all day. Neither of us are big beach people for more than a day or a few hours and Hawaii has SO MUCH to offer! So, that all being said, we opted to explore much of what Honolulu, Waikiki, and the island of Oahu has to offer.

Visit The Royal Hawaiian Hotel – Ever since I saw Katie of A Touch of Teal (whose blog I ADORE!) share about her experiences staying at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel a few years ago, I knew that it was a must-see for me when in Honolulu! The Royal Hawaiian Hotel is known as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific” and is located in the heart of Waikiki. Yes, The Royal Hawaiian Hotel IS PINK!!! The Royal Hawaiian offers onsite shops, restaurants, and oceanfront views. If I had more time, I would’ve checked out their Mai Tai Bar (here). Luckily, it was an easy 20 minute walk from Maxwell’s apartment, making it a great option for the photoshoot (here) that I have been fantasizing about for the past few years!

Photos at the Pink Palace

Hike Manoa Falls – Manoa Falls is conveniently located outside of Honolulu. Let’s just say that I am NOT a hiker and nor did a pack the correct shoes for hiking on this trip. Hence, I don’t know if I even have good hiking shoes – haha! SO, the rocky, uphill walk to/from Manoa Falls was intense for me. I did learn though that Manoa Falls is a place of healing, which is something that I fully experienced while on our hike (read more about that here).

Manoa Falls

Shopping at Waikiki – From luxury fashion to local Hawaiian shops to Hard Rock Cafe to souvenir shops to Tommy Bahama and everything in between, Waikiki has several shopping opportunities! Some of my favorites included the ABC Store for souvenirs and snacks (more on that below!!) as well as the following:

  • Blue Ginger – Known for their tropical Hawaiian-made and designed luxury resort wear. The fabric of each garment is made to adapt to the Hawaiian heat and climate. I ended up purchasing a lovely blue robe that I wear on Summer nights!
  • Reyn Spooner – Known as the “world’s most collected Hawaiian shirts”, selling high-quality Hawaiian shirts that you won’t find at your average souvenir shop (or most shops back on the mainland!). I ended up purchasing a Hawaiian shirt for my Papa from their line of NFL football team-themed shirts (GO COMMANDERS!).
  • Sunshine Swimwear – I happened to walk into this store as I was intrigued by the beautiful swimwear pieces in the store windows! A great place to grab high-quality swimwear for sunny beach days.
  • Honolulu Cookie Company – With its Hawaiian beginnings, this delicious cookie shop sells Hawaiian-made cookie delights! Customers can buy cookies to enjoy now, later, or *even* cookie gifts to take back home. They also gave out free samples which are fun to enjoy!!!

Downtown Waikiki at night

Take a sunset cruise with Moana Sailing Company – One of the biggest items on my Hawaii bucket list was getting to take in the lovely sunset on a sunset cruise! I ended up finding Moana Sailing Company via TripAdvisor or Viator (I forget which – whoops!) and was actually pulled into looking into this company a bit more because of the name – LOL! Coincidentally speaking, Moana Sailing Company happens to be one of the top-ranked sunset cruise companies in Honolulu! SO, as Bryn and I were planning out our Honolulu excursions, we knew that a sunset cruise with Moana Sailing Company was A MUST! We ended up paying a bit extra and booked VIP to board early, get a complimentary Terri’s tumbler souvenir cup, and our first drink (or two!) at the bar free (the rest we paid for alongside tips to their Venmo!). The staff was AMAZING and super kind as well as our fellow tourist friends that we met while setting sail!

See the Fireworks on Waikiki – Every Friday night at 7:45pm, the Hilton Hawaiian Village at Waikiki puts on a lovely fireworks show! The fireworks are free to see (visitors and hotel guests, alike, must scope out a spot though beforehand!) and a crowd adjoins to see them. Truly, it is magnificent and was a special way for us to end our time and spend our last night in the Aloha State together!

Fireworks at Waikiki

Tour Iolani Palace – Built in the mid-1800’s, Iolani Palace was home to Hawaii’s last remaining monarchs, serving as the only royal Hawaiian residence until the now-state was annexed by the United States in 1898. Iolani Palace is a place that represents beautiful celebratory occasions as well as some dark and sad occasions in Hawaiian history. Moreover, it represents the history of Hawaii (including its time as a monarch-ruled nation) and its people and culture that it preserves to this day.

Iolani Palace

Visit Pearl Harbor – Bryn and I both agreed that visiting Pearl Harbor was a priority for us while visiting. Pearl Harbor is a naval base where the United States entered into World War 11 with a surprise attack there on December 7, 1941. Today, it is a United States National Historic Landmark offering tours (both guided and self-guided) for visitors to honor those that fought and paid the ultimate sacrifice on that somber day. Pearl Harbor is a true testament to remember to show gratitude to those that have served our nation and have fought for us to have our freedoms that we sometimes take for granted. I highly recommend anyone visiting Honolulu take advantage of visiting Pearl Harbor and pay their respects. Admission is free and can be reserved online (here), however, there is a $1 reservation fee per person to visit the USS Arizona, which we ended up doing while there.

USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor

Shopping at Ala Moana Center – Ala Moana Center is Honolulu’s major mall! Many of the shops there are stores that you will usually find at any United States mall, however, it is ALWAYS fun to enjoy them in Hawaii! At the same time, there are also unique aspects to this shopping mall, including the United States Postal Service that has a home here, the flagship Nordstrom store, a Target, and a Marshall’s. I LOVED getting to make a purchase at the Marshall’s here, where the ultra-kind cashier told me that she LOVES working there to see all the vacationers as she says that “everyone is happy on vacation!” HOW WONDERFUL!! Check out the shopping and dining opportunities here.

Ala Moana Center

Visit the ABC Store – No, the ABC Store is not a liquor store as they are back on the East Coast United States here in Hawaii! The ABC Store is rather a convenience store that sells souvenirs, to-go food options and snacks, alcohol, and more. I actually bought two adorable bracelets and a Tervis tumbler at the ABC Store alongside many other souvenirs! ABC Stores are pretty much on EVERY corner here in Honolulu, especially in Waikiki where many tourists come each year. One of the unique traditions that many visitors take part in is taking a shot (many shooters of all liquors are available!) at every ABC Store that you come across. Let’s just say that there are SOOO many ABC Stores in Waikiki where we stayed, so it’s easy to have a good time real fast!

ABC Stores in Honolulu

Take a day trip to the North Shore, Lower East Side, or West Shore – I felt SO lucky that Bryn and I had an incredible host in our friend Maxwell! Maxwell has a car being a local for the time being in Honolulu and he graciously showed us some incredible spots across the island of Oahu. In fact, we saw the majority of Oahu on our trip! I will share more about our day trips to the North Shore, Lower East Side, and West Shore in a future blog post, so stay tuned!!

If I had more time, I would’ve loved to have gone paddle boarding and checked out some of the many offerings that the Royal Hawaiian Hotel has to offer (such as mai tai happy hour!).

Where To Eat:

Brunch at Cinnamon’s – My favorite meal of 2024 EVER! Breakfast at Cinnamon’s is a MUST-eat! We enjoyed pink guava-flavored pancakes (guava is a Hawaiian specialty!), alongside a traditional Hawaiian breakfast which includes rice, sausage, and eggs. The pork sausage was AMAZING! Bryn and I were blown away by this recommendation of Maxwell’s, given my strong desire for pink pancakes – LOLLL, that we ended up dining at Cinnamon’s twice!

Best breakfast

Chocolate + Wine/Rum Tastings at Manoa Chocolate – Manoa Chocolate offers FREE wine/rum and chocolate tastings every 15-30 minutes to guests. You simply pull up a chair at their bar and get a few delicious samples! The staff were super kind and enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Manoa Chocolate also sells their AMAZING Hawaiian-made chocolate bars and a few select souvenirs at their shop, too! Highly recommend going, especially if you are on the wait list for a table at Cinnamon’s and *just* maybe a bit hangry (like we were!).

Chocolate + Wine Tasting

Hawaiian Style Breakfast at McDonald’s – Only in Hawaii can you get a traditional Hawaiian breakfast! Including sausage, sticky rice, eggs, and a hash brown, I actually enjoyed the McDonald’s take on Hawaiian breakfast a few times!

McDonald’s Hawaiian breakfast

Hawaiian Snacks at 7-11 & ABC Store – *Even* the local 7-11 and ABC Stores carry several unique to Hawaii delights to either take on the go or to snack on. These two options are definitely a great option that don’t break the bank and are actually pretty good! Poke aka a traditional Hawaiian delight is sold fresh at these convenience stores, too, and makes for an excellent pick me up that’s not too filling.

Dinner at Tommy Bahama – We did dinner at Tommy Bahama and it did NOT disappoint! The Tommy Bahama restaurant is located on the rooftop of the Tommy Bahama shop on Waikiki and makes for an excellent dinner while out on the town.

Group photo at Tommy Bahama

Drinks at Sky – To end off our time in Honolulu, we took in the skyline views of Waikiki and greater Honolulu atop this open-air rooftop bar atop a 19-story building. Sky offers drinks and small plates and is great for happy hour, a nice night on the town, or a nightcap after dinner.

Skyline at Sky

Lunch at Foodland Farms – Located inside the Foodland Farms Hawaiian supermarket (we went to the location inside of the Ala Moana Center!), Foodland Farms offers several dining options while you can get your groceries. Having Maxwell’s expertise experiencing Hawaiian poke, he discovered that Foodland Farms offers some of THE BEST poke in Honolulu at their poke bar. Truly, it is like a meat market experience at a local Wegman’s on the East Coast with free samples as you make your final decision to order poke bowls for lunch. I was extremely blown away by the quality of the food and will definitely go back multiple times if/whenever I go back to Hawaii!

Best poke ever

Lunch at Maui Brewing Company – With an open air restaurant overlooking its location in the Waikiki shopping district, Maui Brewing Company boasts a variety of local Hawaiian beers as well as your typical East Coast brewery food options (burgers, nachos, etc.) alongside some Hawaiian delights. I ended up ordering fish n’ chips with locally caught Hawaiian fish! Definitely a great lunch break from the hustle and bustle and heat of walking in Waikiki.

Beer at Maui Brewing

Dinner at Noods Ramen Bar – Located inside Honolulu, Noods Ramen Bar dishes up some delicious ramen with innovative flavors. I rarely order ramen for takeout and I was in for a surprise!!

Dinner at The Daley – Located in Honolulu’s Historic Chinatown (which is a unique neighborhood in itself that would be neat to explore given more time to!), The Daley is a local burger spot that serves incredible burgers made-to-order. The Daley also has a delicious signature bourbon-based cocktail and amazing … crinkle-cut fries aka a favorite of mine!

Downtown Honolulu at golden hour

Dinner at Tanaka of Tokyo Central – A hibachi restaurant in Waikiki that was AMAZING! I highly recommend dining here if you want a splurge of a meal on your Hawaiian journey, as it serves hibachi with a unique Hawaiian twist. We happened to sit next to a group of people visiting Hawaii from California that were ultra-kind and made our hibachi experience all that more special, alongside the excellent service and staff!

Hibachi + cocktail

Dessert at Il Gelato – Authentic Italian gelato in Hawaii?!?! SAY NO MORE! Il Gelato definitely has me covered when it came to some delicious refreshments on those hot Hawaiian days!!

Wrap-Up:

Hawaii is truly an incredible place to visit. From landing in Honolulu to departure from Honolulu, I have indeed never visited such a unique and beautiful place like Hawaii before in my life. Indeed, Hawaiian life and culture has so much to offer and to be immersed into it for even 7 days was such a blessing. It was also great to be able to experience some beautiful places and learn more about Hawaii first hand from a University of Hawaii student and resident: our host Maxwell.

Mahalo, Hawaii, and til next time!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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A Lilly Pulitzer Holy Grail Moment

Ever since Bryn and I were planning on visiting our friend Maxwell in Hawaii, I had a dream photo shoot at the iconic “pink palace” aka the Royal Hawaiian Hotel located in downtown Waikiki. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel is seriously iconic in all its pink glory. And, what better way to style this photoshoot of my dreams than in a Lilly Pulitzer holy grail printed shift?!?!

*Just* in case you didn’t know, Lilly Pulitzer has a few select popular prints over the years that are considered “holy grail”. Many of these holy grail prints are archived and not sold/continued to be sold by Lilly Pulitzer. Some of these prints are upwards of 10+ years old, too. I found this amazing holy grail print guide by Ayana Lage here. When people think of Lilly Pulitzer prints, they may very well picture one (or more!) of Lilly Pulitzer’s iconic prints. Holy grail prints also sell for hundreds of dollars on secondhand sites such as eBay and Poshmark. Some of my favorites include “Let’s Cha Cha” (which I’m wearing for this photoshoot!) and “First Impressions” which I have hanging in a mini skirt form on my Lilly Pulitzer wall in my cloffice (here) alongside another “Let’s Cha Cha” shift. When I started to fall in love with the Lilly Pulitzer brand and styles, I immediately fell in love with many of the well-known holy grail prints, too!

For my photoshoot at THE Royal Hawaiian Hotel, I decided to *finally* style my “Let’s Cha Cha” shift that I purchased off of ThredUp earlier this year. I initially purchased a “Let’s Cha Cha” shift off of Poshmark in a much smaller size in my college years that now hangs on my Lilly Pulitzer wall! During my latter college years, I ended up growing into my figure and sadly couldn’t fit into many of my loved clothing pieces (including many holy grail Lilly Pulitzer garments). While it took quite a bit of grieving on my part that I probably wouldn’t be able to fit into many of my previously worn Lilly Pulitzer holy grail pieces, I was over the moon when I *finally* found a “Let’s Cha Cha” shift in my now-size for a reasonable price (thanks to eBay and Poshmark, usually it would be out of my price range!). During those years of grieving, I definitely struggled to feel confident with my newly grown into figure and truly feeling like my best self. It wasn’t until Summer 2023 that I felt like my best self again figure-wise. All bodies are beautiful bodies folks! Through it all, truly, having a photoshoot in my “Let’s Cha Cha” shift IN HAWAII no less years after not being able to fit into my previous one was such a full circle moment for me. Only if 2021 Katie knew, she’d be SO excited and smiling SO big!

Indeed, my Lilly Pulitzer holy grail photoshoot was such a dream come true and truly a full circle moment. 100000% one for the books!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Manoa Falls: A Place of Natural Healing

I have started sharing A TON on my Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee) about my weeklong trip to kick off the month of September 2024 to Hawaii. I truly had such a memorable experience visiting the Aloha State and getting to learn about Hawaiian life and culture. Indeed, Hawaii is a unique place with its own beauty and culture. I felt as if I was in a different country without having to worry about bringing my passport! One of our many adventures while in Hawaii was to Manoa Falls, which has been known (thanks to our *very own* host and tour guide Maxwell for sharing this with us!) to be a place of natural healing. Little did I know that I would feel the healing powers of Manoa Falls while there.

It was a Friday afternoon and I found myself on a week long trip to Hawaii hiking what I would consider an intense hike up to Oahu’s Manoa Falls. I wore the wrong shoes: a pair of oversized “gel” Jack Roger’s flip flops. The trail to Oahu’s Manoa Falls, located just outside of Honolulu and in close proximity to the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s campus, is a rocky one with some steep slopes that can be rather slippery and muddy. Clearly, I wore the wrong shoes and did not come prepared (nor did I pack any hiking-appropriate shoes). I also found myself screaming on the inside and moaning on the outside at all of the rocks on the rocky slopes that I kept slipping on and off of. As a self-proclaimed “Hollywood hiker” as my influencer bestie Lindsay and I both proudly say, I find myself doing nothing but paved outdoors trails. I found myself practically the entire way to Manoa Falls whining like a toddler in a 25 year old woman’s body.

For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page.

I sat down having pretty much given up on this hike that I called “the worst hike ever” within my toddler-like whining. And, then, a release came. A release of tears. A breath of fresh air. And, last but not least, the beginning of healing for me from something from my past. Little did I know, Manoa Falls is well-known as a place of healing. Little did I know that I was in one of the best places to begin healing past wounds. Sometimes, the universe and/or a higher power (if you believe in one) puts us in places to begin our own healing and to empower us to get out of our comfort zones. Manoa Falls did just that for me while on my weeklong adventure to Hawaii. Truly, I am blessed that in those vulnerable moments I was in a beautiful place filled with natural healing powers.

After a healing release on our way to Manoa Falls, we continued our hike to see our first (for me and Bryn!) Hawaiian waterfall (!!!!). It was indeed worth the release of past pain and suffering at such a healing place. Truly, I wish everyone the power of healing that the world can bring us if we open up to it. Throughout the approximately 1.6 miles hike to Manoa Falls, I felt ALL the feels. But, through it all, I began to heal, which is a beautiful thing. Manoa Falls brought me back clarity, peace, direction, and, most importantly, healing power.

Thank you, or should I say, Manolo Manoa Falls!

XOXO – Katie <3

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