Hawaii is a trip I’ve always dreamed of taking, it’s hard to believe that the trip has come and gone! I’m writing this in the wee hours of the night because although a four-hour time difference doesn’t seem like much, it is a hard transition when it comes to a sleep schedule. The good outweighs the jet lag and we had the most wonderful trip to America’s island state.

We visited two islands of Hawaii; Maui and Oahu. We were fortunate to stay with friends on Maui and they showed us the local attractions. Our trip was truly incredible thanks to the kindness and hospitality that our friends so graciously offered to us.

There is so much to cover from an eight-day trip to an island, but below is a list of our favorite things.

#8 - Leoda’s Pies

As someone with a serious sweet tooth, this pie was incredible. Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Show was such a cute roadside restaurant in Maui. The case of pies immediately caught my eye but their menu of food did not disappoint either. A must-see when visiting Maui!

#7 - Dole Pineapple Whip at the plantation

Food may be a theme of this blog, but the Dole Pineapple Plantation was really neat to experience. Located in the center of Oahu, this tourist destination did a great job of showing native plants and explaining the process of growing pineapples. James Dole arrived in Hawaii in 1899 and revolutionized the fruit industry by being the first company to can pineapples. Today, it’s free to visit the plantation, and trying the pineapple whip is a must!

#6 - Old Lahaina Luau

The traditional luau experience was incredible. The Old Lahaina Luau did a fantastic job of creating a top-notch experience for all guests. The five-course meal included traditional Hawaiian cuisine and of course, the dessert was my favorite. They also performed about an hour-long show, explaining the history and culture of a Hawaiian luau. Highly recommend!

#5 - Hiking

We did two hikes, one on Maui and one on Oahu. Both were very different terrains but very enjoyable. Not only was it beautiful weather and a great way to exercise, but both hikes included beautiful views.

PRO TIP: tickets for Diamond Head Crater on Oahu must be purchased ahead of time

#4 - Whale Watch

Whale season on Maui takes place from November through March, so a whale watch was a must-do! The whales were active during our watch and made for great entertainment. The Pacwhale organization had a fun and interactive crew, making the two-hour boat ride go very quickly.

#3 - Exploring the USS Bowfin

Pearl Harbor is a beautiful memorial and we spent hours learning about one of the pivotal moments that shaped our country’s history. After touring the USS Arizonal memorial and exhibits, we purchased tickets on-site to visit the USS Bowfin. This submarine was a part of the fleet that served in the Pacific during World War II. The audio tour did a great job of explaining the ins and outs of the submarine. It was fascinating, and a little claustrophobic at times, but made me very thankful to those who served our country.

#2 - Visiting the USS Arizona

The USS Arizona was the reason we visited Oahu. The memorial is a tribute to the 900 men who were buried within the sinking ship after the attack at Pearl Harbor. The visit to the USS Arizona is only about 10 minutes long but the impact is much greater. The memorial was built directly over the ship, which still lies at the bottom of the harbor. It’s a beautiful memorial to those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

Tickets to the USS Arizona are required and space is limited, purchase in advance! We also did the audio tour, which was a great way to learn more about the events at Pearl Harbor, which led to the U.S. involvement in World War II.

#1 - Enjoying island life

Our favorite island was Maui. The island has delicious local restaurants, gorgeous beaches that are public to everyone, and incredible activities to keep anyone busy. Mix that with good company and 80 degree weather, and it’s a perfect trip.