I am publishing my Six Day itinerary for the State of Hawaii
Here are some facts that confuse people:
Initially, you will find names very confusing but at the end everybody just knows Aloha and Mahalo!
Suggestions:
1. Read some history of Hawai'i and King Kamehameha I. You will really appreciate its uniqueness
2. Carry an umbrella or raincoat ( weather is unpredictable)
3. Carry sunscreen
4. Buy snorkel gear if possible . You can get it for cheap $45 from any sports store.
5. Get both flipflops for the beach and heavy boots for hiking
We decided to spend 6 Days in Hawaii because of Vacation constraints ( longer the time better it is..). I decided to do some island hopping too as I still consider myself young.
We decided to spend three days in Island of O'ahu and three days in Hawai'i ( also known as the Big island)
Vacation has different definitions for different people: For me its not about relaxation ( unlike my wife) but to explore places, food, hike around and talk to people.
O'ahu: O'ahu ( means gathering place) is the most crowded island of Hawai'i. The state capital of Honolulu has more than 900,000 population. It gives you an experience of Hawai'is History, Big city life, traffic jams and unparallel beauty!
Day 1:
We stayed right in the heart of Waikiki. Place is filled with skyscrapers and high-end shops
USS Arizona Memorial: Fee: Free. 2-3 Hours (if you go early). Must
This place marks the resting place of sailors and civilians dies during the infamous Japanese attack of pearl harbor on 7th Dec 1941.
You have to go early to get the tickets or stand in the queue hoping that those who booked the tickets don't show up there. There is a short film about the attack (it was fairly neutral with no chest thumping). After that you are taken to the USS Arizona memorial a monument built over the sunk ship. We can still see the oil slick coming from the ships. I could see many people breakdown crying.
:http://www.nps.gov/valr/index.htm
Hanauma Bay: Fee: $7/Head. 3-4 Hours. Must.
This is the most exciting place for snorkeling. You can also buy the snorkeling gear here. Water is never over your chest at least for 600 feet off coast. It is ideal if you don't know much swimming. Just look down and you will see an amazing range of fish and corals!
http://www1.honolulu.gov/parks/facility/hanaumabay/
Day 2
KCC - Farmers Market - Near Diamond Head: Fee: Free. 1-2 Hrs. Carry Cash. Optional. Only Sat/Tue
Go early. Hoards of Japanese tourists. But range of foods is simply awesome. Had my best pizza ever.....
Pali Lookout: Fee: $3 Parking. 1/2 Hr.
When we went it was foggy. But still it has nice views. It has also historical significance.
Lankai Beach: Fee: Free: 1-4 Hrs.
I nice white sands beach with turquoise water. Good for paddle boarding.
Boyodo Temple: Fee: $3. 1 Hr
It is a replica of Japanese Buddhist temple in Kyoto. It is a peaceful place.
Laie Point: Fee: Free. 1/2 Hr
Rugged lava flows and clear blue sea.
Sunset Beach: Fee: Free: 1-4 Hrs.
This place is for surfers. I could see 6 feet waves. The waves are much higher. It is the best spot in the world for surfing!
Matsumoto's Shaved Ice: It is one of the landmark groceries. The most popular hawai'ian shaved ice.
Day 3
Leonards’s Bakery: It is one of the must do things in HNL. You should try Malasadas ( Portuguese doughnuts)
Diamond Head Hike: Fee: $2/Head. 2-3Hrs. Must
It is an easy hike. roads are well paved and have to go through tunnels to reach to the top of Diamond Head. You will get nice views of downtown Honolulu.
Bishop Museum: Fee: $20 (is indeed high!).
If you are interested to learn the unique history of Hawai'i this is the place to come to. I would suggest read some history of Hawai'i.
We flew to the Big Island ( Hawai'i) to KOA. It is fully a rural setting (a stark contrast to Honolulu). We stayed in different places all 3 days ( all of them BnB's..and it was wonderful! We covered full island in 3 days..)
Day 4
We stayed in Captain Cook BnB. It was a nice experience with awesome views. The house owner used to stay in same place where we were staying in CA.
Honaunau Bay(Two Step) and Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park: Fee: $5. 3-4 Hrs
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park: It has all the artifacts like huts,idols ..a unique perspective. Worth your time. The two step is the best snorkeling place I have been to. There are no services near this place. Bring your own snorkeling kit. It has two steps where you can go in this deep water. . It has the most beautiful fish and corals I have ever seen! I will rank this as my highlight of the trip!
South Point (Ka Lae) and Green Sand Beach: Fee: Free, 2-3 Hrs. Must
It is the southernmost point in US (of the 50 states).
Green Sand beach: It is one of the must dos . It is very close to Ka Lae ( just a road bifurcation). You will reach a place beyond which normal cars cant go only 4X4 with high suspensions can go. There would be an illegal passenger transport car. He would charge $10-15 for the 3 mile hike. It is worth this money. The beach is amongst only 2-3 beach to have the olive green sand!
Day 5
Volcano National park: Fee: $5/Head. 4-5 Hrs. Must
One of the reasons why I chose to come to big island is to see volcano!
But unfortunately this year volcano is flowing not in the sea but in the woods owned by federal authorities. It was nearly impossible for us to see lava
kia iki trail: 4-5 miles trail
Waipio Valley Lookout - Fee: Free . 1/2-3 Hrs
It has a black sand beach awesome for surfing. The village down below is extremely isolated. You cannot go to the valley in your own car you need 4X4 car. The roads are so steep that even walking is difficult.We got a ride form a creepy local who was drinking beer! So watch-out for him..take lot of water..
We stayed in Jacarada Inn. A beautiful place but expensive. We paid $168/night.
Day 6
Mauna Kea VIS: Mauna Kea is the highest peak in Hawai'i. It is snow-capped. you can drive up to Visitor information center but beyond that you will need a tour guided vehicle or 4X4 as the ascent is very steep. Try to advance book a night guided tour to the summit observatory
Pololu Valley Lookout: Fee:free.
Walk down the valley (1-2 Hrs). This place has nice views.
Hapuna Beach: Fee: Free ( Parking has fees but you can park outside free).
It is one of the top 10 beaches in the world. Good for paddle boarding as waves are not very high.
Here are some facts that confuse people:
- Hawaii became the 50th State of US only in 1959!
- Is the only place in US with actual king's palace.
- Hawaii is the name of state and also the name of Big island.
- There are 8 major islands viz.Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, Maui and the island of Hawaiʻi
Initially, you will find names very confusing but at the end everybody just knows Aloha and Mahalo!
Suggestions:
1. Read some history of Hawai'i and King Kamehameha I. You will really appreciate its uniqueness
2. Carry an umbrella or raincoat ( weather is unpredictable)
3. Carry sunscreen
4. Buy snorkel gear if possible . You can get it for cheap $45 from any sports store.
5. Get both flipflops for the beach and heavy boots for hiking
We decided to spend 6 Days in Hawaii because of Vacation constraints ( longer the time better it is..). I decided to do some island hopping too as I still consider myself young.
We decided to spend three days in Island of O'ahu and three days in Hawai'i ( also known as the Big island)
Vacation has different definitions for different people: For me its not about relaxation ( unlike my wife) but to explore places, food, hike around and talk to people.
O'ahu: O'ahu ( means gathering place) is the most crowded island of Hawai'i. The state capital of Honolulu has more than 900,000 population. It gives you an experience of Hawai'is History, Big city life, traffic jams and unparallel beauty!
Day 1:
We stayed right in the heart of Waikiki. Place is filled with skyscrapers and high-end shops
USS Arizona Memorial: Fee: Free. 2-3 Hours (if you go early). Must
 |
| USS Arizona on a cloudy day! |
This place marks the resting place of sailors and civilians dies during the infamous Japanese attack of pearl harbor on 7th Dec 1941.
You have to go early to get the tickets or stand in the queue hoping that those who booked the tickets don't show up there. There is a short film about the attack (it was fairly neutral with no chest thumping). After that you are taken to the USS Arizona memorial a monument built over the sunk ship. We can still see the oil slick coming from the ships. I could see many people breakdown crying.
:http://www.nps.gov/valr/index.htm
Hanauma Bay: Fee: $7/Head. 3-4 Hours. Must.
 | |
| Not so hidden paradise - Hanauma Bay |
This is the most exciting place for snorkeling. You can also buy the snorkeling gear here. Water is never over your chest at least for 600 feet off coast. It is ideal if you don't know much swimming. Just look down and you will see an amazing range of fish and corals!
http://www1.honolulu.gov/parks/facility/hanaumabay/
Day 2
KCC - Farmers Market - Near Diamond Head: Fee: Free. 1-2 Hrs. Carry Cash. Optional. Only Sat/Tue
Go early. Hoards of Japanese tourists. But range of foods is simply awesome. Had my best pizza ever.....
 | |
| @KCC Market Fresh Farm Produce |
 |
| Best Pizza Ever! |
Pali Lookout: Fee: $3 Parking. 1/2 Hr.
When we went it was foggy. But still it has nice views. It has also historical significance.
 |
| One of the turning points of Hawai'is history |
Lankai Beach: Fee: Free: 1-4 Hrs.
I nice white sands beach with turquoise water. Good for paddle boarding.
 |
| Blue Lankai |
Boyodo Temple: Fee: $3. 1 Hr
It is a replica of Japanese Buddhist temple in Kyoto. It is a peaceful place.
 |
| Peace at last! |
Laie Point: Fee: Free. 1/2 Hr
Rugged lava flows and clear blue sea.
 |
| rough blue seas |
Sunset Beach: Fee: Free: 1-4 Hrs.
This place is for surfers. I could see 6 feet waves. The waves are much higher. It is the best spot in the world for surfing!
 |
| Best beach for surfing 6 feet waves! |
Matsumoto's Shaved Ice: It is one of the landmark groceries. The most popular hawai'ian shaved ice.
 |
| All touristy things done! |
Day 3
Leonards’s Bakery: It is one of the must do things in HNL. You should try Malasadas ( Portuguese doughnuts)
Diamond Head Hike: Fee: $2/Head. 2-3Hrs. Must
It is an easy hike. roads are well paved and have to go through tunnels to reach to the top of Diamond Head. You will get nice views of downtown Honolulu.
 |
| Top of Diamond Head! |
Bishop Museum: Fee: $20 (is indeed high!).
If you are interested to learn the unique history of Hawai'i this is the place to come to. I would suggest read some history of Hawai'i.
We flew to the Big Island ( Hawai'i) to KOA. It is fully a rural setting (a stark contrast to Honolulu). We stayed in different places all 3 days ( all of them BnB's..and it was wonderful! We covered full island in 3 days..)
Day 4
We stayed in Captain Cook BnB. It was a nice experience with awesome views. The house owner used to stay in same place where we were staying in CA.
 |
| Morning coffee in Kona |
Honaunau Bay(Two Step) and Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park: Fee: $5. 3-4 Hrs
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park: It has all the artifacts like huts,idols ..a unique perspective. Worth your time. The two step is the best snorkeling place I have been to. There are no services near this place. Bring your own snorkeling kit. It has two steps where you can go in this deep water. . It has the most beautiful fish and corals I have ever seen! I will rank this as my highlight of the trip!
 |
| Ahh! I wish I was there again.... |
South Point (Ka Lae) and Green Sand Beach: Fee: Free, 2-3 Hrs. Must
It is the southernmost point in US (of the 50 states).
Green Sand beach: It is one of the must dos . It is very close to Ka Lae ( just a road bifurcation). You will reach a place beyond which normal cars cant go only 4X4 with high suspensions can go. There would be an illegal passenger transport car. He would charge $10-15 for the 3 mile hike. It is worth this money. The beach is amongst only 2-3 beach to have the olive green sand!
 | |
| Green Sand.... |
Day 5
Volcano National park: Fee: $5/Head. 4-5 Hrs. Must
One of the reasons why I chose to come to big island is to see volcano!
But unfortunately this year volcano is flowing not in the sea but in the woods owned by federal authorities. It was nearly impossible for us to see lava
kia iki trail: 4-5 miles trail
 |
| Crater with oozing gases |
Waipio Valley Lookout - Fee: Free . 1/2-3 Hrs
It has a black sand beach awesome for surfing. The village down below is extremely isolated. You cannot go to the valley in your own car you need 4X4 car. The roads are so steep that even walking is difficult.We got a ride form a creepy local who was drinking beer! So watch-out for him..take lot of water..
 |
| Black Sand |
 |
| Waipio Valley |
We stayed in Jacarada Inn. A beautiful place but expensive. We paid $168/night.
Day 6
Mauna Kea VIS: Mauna Kea is the highest peak in Hawai'i. It is snow-capped. you can drive up to Visitor information center but beyond that you will need a tour guided vehicle or 4X4 as the ascent is very steep. Try to advance book a night guided tour to the summit observatory
 |
| On the way to Mauna Kea |
Pololu Valley Lookout: Fee:free.
Walk down the valley (1-2 Hrs). This place has nice views.
 |
| Picture Perfect |
Hapuna Beach: Fee: Free ( Parking has fees but you can park outside free).
It is one of the top 10 beaches in the world. Good for paddle boarding as waves are not very high.
 |
| End of the Trip :( |
