There are few spots on earth that have truly left me completely lost for words.
Have you ever built up a place in your mind so heavily, that when you actually see it with your own eyes, it is a little bit of a let down?
For me, it was New York City’s world-famous Times Square… or Los Angeles’ renowned Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Places that I’d romanticised after seeing them in my favourite 90’s rom-coms and comfort television shows countless times.
But after seeing them with my own eyes?
It was akin to a Tinder date that had fabricated their bio and used an extremely flattering selfie from a decade ago.
Touching down in Honolulu, just a nine hour flight from Sydney, I tried to keep my expectations in check.
Sure, the emerald green cliffs of Hawai’i looked beautiful on the glossy pages of the travel magazines I’d flicked through in the Qantas lounge.
And yes, the entire Brady Bunch clan did have an incredible time prancing along Waikiki beach during the criminally underrated A Very Brady Sequel (1996).
But I’m a Queenslander. I’d grown up in a coastal town, just a few minutes walk from a gorgeous beach that attracts visitors from all over the world.
There is no way an American beach could rival what we had back in Australia. There was just no way.
Right?
Well…
As I tentatively opened the door to my spacious balcony on one of the top floors of the gorgeous OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, my heart leapt out of my chest.
I was wrong. So wrong.
In every sense of the word.
Before my very eyes stood the majestic sight of O’ahu’s famous Diamond Head volcano, which cascaded down to the contrasting pure white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters of the iconic Waikiki beach.
It was nothing like I imagined Hawai’i was going to be like. It was a million times better.
Lost for words, my heart was full of excitement. I had only just landed and so far, this was, by far, one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen.
The Hawai’ian archipelago is made up of 137 islands, stretching over 2,400km across the Pacific Ocean.
Visitors to the state are able to stay on one of the six main islands, including O’ahu, Kaua’i, Moloka’i, Lāna’i, Maui and the island of Hawai’i.
Each place is extremely unique and boasts its own important history and culture, each one vastly different to the next.
Australians make up a huge part of tourism to the state, with figures from the Hawai’ian Tourism Authority stating that around 165,000 Aussies have visited annually for the past few years.
We are also staying longer, tending to spend an average of 9 to 10 days in the state, making us one of the longest-staying and highest-spending international visitors.
But the most shocking detail to me was that Australians are rarely venturing out of Waikiki, with most staying in the tourist hub.
Back in December, I was fortunate enough to visit three islands that make up the state of Hawai’i, and it made one thing very clear.
If you want to visit Hawai’i, do not make the grave mistake of simply staying in the big tourist areas around Honolulu and Waikiki, like so many Aussie tourists do.
Yes, these spots are popular for a reason. They are lots of fun, extremely stunning, and have everything you could possibly need.
But there is so much more to Hawai’i that so many visitors never get to see. The biggest mistake you could make while visiting the state is staying in just one area.
Let me tell you why.
O’ahu
The third largest, yet most popular island in Hawai’i, O’ahu is home to the state’s capital, Honolulu.
With its lush green landscapes and stunning warm waters, it is what is conjured up in most tourists’ minds when they daydream about a relaxing Hawai’ian holiday.
Where to stay
The OUTRIGGER’s Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel is nestled on the bustling Kalākaua Ave, right in the pulsating heart of Waikiki.
Just a few minutes walk from Waikiki beach, it blends breathtaking Lēʻahi (Diamond Head) and ocean views with high-end luxury shopping, delicious local dining and vibrant street entertainment.
The different rooms and suites truly encompass the essence of local charm, and I was enamoured by the thoughtful small touches that really made us feel like we were in Hawai’i in our Junior Suite.
The fresh orchid in the bathroom captivated me, and the intricate wooden design truly embodied that Polynesian flair.
While there are dozens of breakfast spots right at your doorstep, the resort’s very own Hawaiian Aroma Caffe was a fun spot, overlooking the sparkling pool in the mornings.
While others participated in some very peaceful-looking yoga classes just next door, I loved going down in my pyjamas to grab an egg bagel and caramel macchiato.
It’s all about balance!
The hotel is also home to Honolulu’s first ever resident Cirque Du Soleil’s show, Auana, derived from a Hawai’ian word meaning “to wander” or “veer off the beaten path”.
It reflects the true sense of adventure the show embodies, guiding audiences through Hawai’i’s ancient stories and cultural landscapes while merging tradition with Cirque du Soleil’s signature artistic flair.
It pays homage to the state’s heritage, blending breathtaking acrobatics, multimedia projections, and mo‘olelo (stories) inspired by the islands’ rich culture.
Strolling down from our hotel room just upstairs to the conveniently located theatre at the Beachcomber, I had no idea what to expect as a total Cirque du Soleil first timer.
Full disclosure. In the past, despite respecting the art form, I have never been a massive fan of live theatre shows or musicals.
However, Auana changed my perceptions entirely.
I was completely transfixed from start to finish. Even my Mum, who, like me, had never gone out of her way to sit through any live theatre shows, was dazzled the entire way through.
The show is truly spectacular, and celebrates the essence of the Hawai’ian islands through breathtaking artistry and awe-inspiring athleticism, unfolding across eight chapters.
From the Polynesian migration, to the “golden age of tourism”, each act honours a deep connection to the ʻāina (land), celebrating Hawai’i’s rich heritage and cultural traditions.
Rooms at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel generally start at around AUD$350 a night.
What to do
You will never be short of things to do on O’ahu.
There is truly something for everyone, and that is part of the magic of the island and why so many tourists come back, year after year.
A visit to Honolulu would not be complete without a stroll along the famous Waikiki beach, with water so calm and clear, it is like being transported to another realm of total relaxation.
While I vegged out on the sand, far more active tourists hiked up Diamond Head to take in Honolulu from above.
For the history buffs out there like myself, a visit out to Pearl Harbor is a once in a lifetime experience.
We spent a solid few hours moving through this deeply moving historic site, visiting the USS Arizona Memorial.
A solemn war grave, it marks the final resting place of 1,102 of the 1,177 sailors and Marines killed on USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan on December 7, 1941.
Visitors can also visit the USS Battleship Missouri and pay their respects at the nearby USS Oklahoma and USS Utah memorials.
A visit to O’ahu would not be complete without a day at the famous Kualoa Ranch, a 4,000-acre private nature reserve located around 38km from Waikiki.
Any film freak can instantly recognise the dramatic scenic green valleys, as they have been the stunning backdrop for over 200 movies and television shows.
Nicknamed ‘Hollywood’s Hawai’i backlot’, it has been the shooting location for blockbusters like Jurassic Park (1993) and Jurassic World (2015), Kong: Skull Island (2017), Pearl Harbor (2001) 50 First Dates (2004), George of the Jungle (1997) and Godzilla (1998) as well as television shows like Lost, Hawaii Five-O and Magnum P.I.
As we rode through the valleys in our tour car, it really felt like we were at the end of the earth, as if dinosaurs could come stomping around the corner at any moment.
One of the creepiest parts was coming across these giant prop dinosaur bones. They looked so real!
Our time in O’ahu was beautifully capped off by a sunset sail on the Kamoauli, an educational and cultural sailing tour aboard the only U.S.C.G.-certified Polynesian wa’a kaulua: a traditional style all-wood, double-hulled sailing canoe.
Kamoauli is dedicated to preserving and perpetuating Hawai’ian culture by offering a unique educational platform to share ‘ka moʻōlelo o ka ‘āina’ – the native history, myths, legends and stories of the islands.
We were instantly warmly welcomed onto the gorgeous boat by the delightful Captain Rob Riekena and his dedicated team, before sailing out to Waikiki Bay.
An educational experience, Kamoauli is dedicated to preserving and perpetuating the different unique aspects of Hawai’ian culture.
The lovely Uncle Danny had us playing the Hawai’ian steel guitar, giving me extra points for guessing the song Sleepwalk (1959), while the talented Sonny Kapu – who was once a contestant on American Idol – drifted us into serenity with his ukulele.
There are few things that could have been more relaxing than looking at the vastness of Diamond Head right in front as the tunes lulled us further into tranquillity.
Some days, guests are greeted with all sorts of marine life, like turtles, dolphins and even whales.
The Island of Hawai’i (The Big Island)
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to spend a day on Mars?
Well, we might not have the technology to get there yet. But visiting the Island of Hawai’i feels like a pretty close second.
The stark, barren, basaltic terrain and high-altitude, low-humidity environment visually and geochemically mimic the red planet in the most wonderful way.
It is the land of bubbling volcanoes, world-famous coffee Kona coffee beans and some of the best snorkelling spots in Hawai’i.
After a short flight from Honolulu to Kailua-Kona on Hawaiian Airlines, we were being transported through the most fascinatingly unique landscape I had ever seen, with tufts of fountain grass and black volcanic rock as far as the eye could see.
Where to stay
The tourist hub of Kailua-Kona, located on the western side of the Big Island, is home to an array of stunning resorts overlooking the rolling waves and dramatic cliffs above.
Checking into the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa was a dream, with vast views of the deep blue ocean and the cliffs of Keauhou Bay welcoming us in as we made our way to our accommodation.
Things only got better from our gorgeous oceanfront room, which led out to a large balcony (lanai) that overlooked an expansive swimming pool, perched just above the ocean.
The resort’s newly renovated guest rooms and suites blend harmoniously, uniting the property’s heritage with modern aesthetics.
The stunning swimming pools — yes, plural – are truly the heart of the resort, with people from all walks of life coming to relax either in the serene adult-only section or the bustling family-friendly lagoon.
The resort boats the biggest water slide on the whole island and proves to be very popular with both kids and kids at heart.
I personally witnessed an entire group of friends aged in their eighties holidaying together from Colorado and they were delightfully taking turns going down the slide, one after the other.
We later also spotted them having a few celebratory birthday Mai Tais in the exclusive Voyager 47 Club, OUTRIGGER’s own private lounge.
Available to guests staying in the club rooms and suites, it takes in sweeping ocean views at sunrise and sunset, with guests able to enjoy a rotating menu of locally-inspired dishes and carefully curated cocktails.
We later enjoyed dinner and wine at PIKO, the resort’s main restaurant, as we were serenaded by a local musician on the guitar.
Afterwards, we took a stroll over to the Manta Ray viewing deck, a popular feature of the resort.
While not quite brave enough to go snorkelling with them, we enjoyed watching them gracefully glide in the water, illuminated by the moon.
The next morning, we visited the resort’s cultural centre and went on an informative 90 minute walking tour lead by one of OUTRIGGER’S local Cultural Advisors.
The complimentary experience invites guests to explore the historic villages of Kaukulaelae and Keauhou Bay, where ancient traditions, royal history and the spirit of place come together beside the sea.
The tour ended right next to the bustling local Kona Farmers Market, where patrons can enjoy some delicious grub, fresh local coffee and purchase some little trinkets and souvenirs to take back home.
Rooms at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa start at around AUD$390 a night.
What to do
If you can muster up enough energy to be pulled away from a poolside cocktail, a guided day tour around the Big Island is truly a magnificent way to see it in its entirety.
Wasabi Tours’ Big Island Grand Circle Tour truly had it all, letting us experience the incredible diversity of the island.
Led by our knowledgeable local guide, Derek, we first travelled along the Kona coast to a local coffee farm to sample world-renowned Kona coffee and learn about the island’s agricultural heritage.
Kona Coffee is some of the best in the world and I can see why.
We continued along to Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, spotting green sea turtles resting peacefully on the shore.
We then explored the Volcanoes National Park, walking through the historic Nāhuku Lava Tube, visiting steam vents, and looking out over the majestic active craters.
After a relaxing lunch break by the trees, we journeyed along the Hāmākua Coast to marvel at the sheer power of the soaring, 135m ‘Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls, while we ended the tour with a breathtaking sunset view at the Waipiʻo Valley overlook.
We could not have asked for a better day and our guide truly made it an experience to remember.
Maui
Our final stop in our Hawai’i trip was to the blissful island of Maui, home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the entire world.
The island is still recovering from the devastating wind-driven 2023 wildfires that prompted mass evacuations and caused widespread damage.
Tragically, 102 people lost their lives, while thousands more were displaced.
Tourism plummeted dramatically and is currently in a state of gradual stabilisation, with visitor numbers remaining about 15 to 20 per cent lower than pre-fire levels, according to Maui Now.
One of the best ways for visitors to support the island is simply by visiting and investing funds into the economy by buying and eating locally.
You can also donate to the Hawaii Strong Foundation, which provides financial resources to support the immediate and long-term recovery needs for the people and places affected by the fires.
Where to stay
Called Maui’s ‘most Hawaiian resort’, the OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort is a true celebration of all things Hawai’i, set in one of the dreamiest tropical spots in the world.
The resort’s daily activities allow guests to immerse themselves in the vibrant tradition and customs of the land, all set in a true beachside paradise.
Our room was propped right on the stunning Kāʻanapali Beach, an incredible 4.8 kilometre stretch of white sand in West Maui, with our balcony opening up right onto the heart of it all.
There is nothing more magical than the blissful sound of lapping waves lulling you to sleep at night, followed by the fresh morning ocean breeze gently waking you up in the morning.
Dinner at the resort’s Maui Brewing Co is a must. Set right on the beach, the expansive open-air interior is perfect for couples and families alike.
One of the most special parts of the resort actually happened when we were leaving.
As part of their traditional farewell ceremony, staff gift departing guests a traditional kukui nut lei as a special keepsake.
The tradition signifies ‘ohana (family) and encourages guests to return; for every subsequent visit, you are gifted an additional white nut to add to the necklace.
The kukui nut holds profound cultural significance in Hawai’ian tradition and is revered as a symbol of enlightenment.
In ancient times, the soft golden light emanating from the burning kukui nuts would guide travellers safely through the darkness.
Rooms at the OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort start at around AUD$485 a night.
What to do
While our other spots in Hawai’i had jam-packed itineraries, Maui was the perfect place for us to slow down, catch our breath and completely unwind.
The art of doing nothing is truly celebrated here.
We started our mornings slow, with a leisurely stroll to the nearby Whaler’s Village to grab a delicious coffee and colourful smoothie bowl to enjoy right on the beach.
A dip in the beautifully calm ocean after breakfast was a spiritual experience and I felt as if I could have stayed all day, simply floating for hours like a happy otter.
Guests can hire large beach umbrellas from the resort, which saved our skin from getting burnt as we spent the day napping, reading and taking in this beautiful part of the world.
For the more adventurous guests, hiring a car is the best way to see Maui.
The picturesque Road to Hana, on the east side of Maui, is a legendary 102 kilometre scenic drive through lush rainforests and dramatic coastal cliffs, showcasing the pure natural beauty of the island.
If staying near the resort is more your thing, the world-famous Kāʻanapali Beach is the perfect destination for endless swimming and snorkelling.
Sitting on the soft sand on our final night in Hawai’i, we watched the sun set majestically into the lapping waves, marking a perfect end to our holiday.
The writer travelled to Hawai’i as a guest of OUTRIGGER and Hawaii Tourism
Leave a Reply