Just Got Back from Hawaii and OMG... (Honest Review)
Hey everyone! So many of you have been asking about my Hawaii trip, so I finally decided to write this review. Actually, this was my third time in Hawaii - first for my honeymoon, second with friends, and third as a solo trip. Each time felt completely different, and I think I'm finally starting to understand what Hawaii is really about.
Honestly, before my first trip, I was like "What's the big deal with Hawaii? Isn't it just expensive beaches?" But after actually going there... wow, I can't even put it into words.
First Hawaii Trip - Honeymoon (Oahu)
My husband picked Hawaii for our honeymoon. I wanted to go to Europe, but he kept saying "Hawaii is more romantic!" Looking back, he was absolutely right.
After a 9-hour flight from LAX, we landed in Honolulu and the moment we walked out of the airport... that warm breeze and plumeria scent! It was exactly like in the movies. On our drive to Waikiki, seeing Diamond Head for the first time literally made me go "whoa..."
We stayed at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel - the famous Pink Palace! It was pricey (like $400/night 😅) but it was our honeymoon, so we splurged. Totally worth every penny though. The hotel itself was so gorgeous we could've just stayed there all day.
The first day we were jet-lagged, so we just hung out at Waikiki Beach right in front of our hotel. But even that was mind-blowing! The water was so clear and warm - completely different from any beach I'd been to. Watching the sunset with a mai tai in hand... that's when it hit me - this is what a real honeymoon feels like.
On day two, we climbed Diamond Head. Getting up at 5 AM was torture, but the sunrise from the top... I still get goosebumps thinking about it. You can see all of Honolulu and Waikiki in one view, and watching the sun rise over it all... I literally teared up. Holding my husband's hand while watching that sunrise was just perfect.
And Kailua Beach! This place was pure heaven. Way more peaceful than Waikiki, and the water color was this insane emerald green that photos just can't capture. The pictures I took there are still my phone wallpaper.
Second Hawaii Trip - With Friends (Oahu + Maui)
I guess I talked about Hawaii too much after my first trip because four of my friends were like "We need to go too!" 😂 So last year we all went together, hitting both Oahu and Maui. Totally different vibe with friends!
We were way more active this time. Went to the North Shore for surfing lessons, did tons of snorkeling... Surfing was honestly so hard! The instructor said "Hawaiian waters are beginner-friendly," but it still took me 30 minutes to stand up once. But that one time was so thrilling I kept trying.
Giovanni's shrimp truck on the North Shore! The line was crazy long but so worth it. That garlic shrimp was incredible - we were all licking our fingers. My friends were like "This is seriously amazing!"
And the Haleakala sunrise on Maui... absolutely insane. Waking up at 3 AM and driving to the top of the mountain where it was 40°F! I had no idea Hawaii could be that cold. We were all shivering, waiting for sunrise, but when the sun came up above the clouds... all four of us just went "wooooow" at the same time. It felt like being on another planet.
The Road to Hana was epic too. Those famous 620 curves! There are waterfalls everywhere, but swimming at Wailua Falls... even thinking about it now gives me chills. The water was so clear and cool, and swimming while listening to the waterfall was like becoming one with nature.
Third Hawaii Trip - Solo Travel (Big Island)
At the end of last year, work was getting really stressful, so I decided to take a solo healing trip. This time I chose the Big Island, and it was hands down the best decision ever.
The Big Island is completely different from Oahu or Maui. It feels more raw and natural. Since it's a volcanic island, there's this really primal energy to it.
Seeing actual lava at Volcanoes National Park... I got goosebumps instantly. Watching that red-hot lava flowing into the ocean with white steam rising up... I could literally feel that the Earth is alive. It was even more magical at night.
Stargazing at Mauna Kea was absolutely incredible too. Going up to 13,800 feet was tough because of the thin air, but the night sky from up there... it looked like stars were literally falling down. I could see the Milky Way so clearly and even spotted a few shooting stars. Being alone made it even more immersive.
And the colored sand beaches! Seeing sea turtles at the black sand beach, then hiking 2.5 hours to reach the green sand beach... I was exhausted but it was such a unique experience. Actually seeing that green sand that only exists in 4 places on Earth was incredible.
Foods You MUST Try in Hawaii
- Poi – at first I was like "what is this?" but it’s surprisingly addictive. Had it at Helena's Hawaiian Food.
- Kalua Pig – whole pig cooked underground, melts in your mouth.
- Shave Ice – Matsumoto’s with li hing mui flavor. Unique and delicious.
Things That Were Disappointing
- Molokini Crater tour – waste of money, beach snorkeling was better.
- Luau shows – too touristy, buffet-style food.
- Pearl Harbor – important history but maybe underwhelming if you don’t know much background.
Hawaii Travel Tips
- Flights – book 2–3 months ahead. I booked via Expedia packages and saved more than booking separately.
- Accommodation – location is everything! Always read reviews on Booking.com.
- Rental Car – essential for Maui or Big Island.
- Sunscreen – Hawaiian UV is no joke. I bought SPF 50+ on Amazon.
- Tipping – 20% at restaurants, $2–3 for bellhops.
When's the Best Time to Go?
Winter (Dec–Apr) – whales + good weather, but expensive and crowded.
Summer (Jun–Aug) – warmest water, lots of families.
Best – May or Sep–Nov: great balance of weather, fewer crowds, better prices.
How Long Should You Stay?
At least 5 nights. 7–10 days is perfect. First-timers: stick to Oahu. Return trips: explore Maui, Big Island, or Kauai.
My Final Thoughts
Hawaii is... truly special. It's not just pretty beaches — there’s something that heals your soul. Expensive, but worth it. Perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries, or healing trips. Next time: Kauai’s Na Pali Coast!
Booking Links
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