BabuSoge

Day 0- We touched down in Maui after a long journey. Originally, we were supposed to go from MSP to DEN to OGG with United, but due to a canceled flight, we had to quickly change our plans. Thankfully, we still made it to Maui, arriving at 8 pm instead of the expected 3 pm on April 20th. Once there, we a car at National Car Rental, and picked up some groceries before heading to our BnB in Paia.

Day 1- We started the day early, leaving at 6:30 a.m. for the Road to Hana (RTH). Our reservations for Wai’anapanapa State Park were from 7 a.m. to 12 noon. After a non-stop drive, we reached the park around 8:30 a.m. We savored our packed breakfast at the beach, then hopped onto the Coast Trail (north side). The striking contrast of the black rocks, lush greenery, and deep blue ocean amazed us. After exploring and taking plenty of photos, we returned to our car at 11 a.m. Driving past Hana, we visited Wailua Falls, had lunch at Thai food by Pranee in Hana, and made stops at various places like Kaihalulu Beach, Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside and Twin Falls (we jumped into 2 of the 3 waterfalls at Twin Falls and the one at Pua’a Ka’a Wayside). The day ended with us enjoying dinner we cooked ourselves back at our BnB.

Day 2- Although we’re not swimmers and have never tried snorkeling, we decided to give it a go. We signed up for a snorkeling tour with Zephyr Adventures Maui. Our tour started at 8:30 a.m. near Turtle Town. With our guide, we explored the underwater world and were amazed to see 12 turtles during our one-hour tour. By 10:30 a.m., we were headed back to Paia. After a shower, we enjoyed our leftover dinner from the previous night for lunch. Our next adventure took us to the stunning North shore of Maui. We followed a route that went counter-clockwise, starting from Paia and ending in Lahaina. This journey was filled with breathtaking sights. We saw the olivine pools, checked out Karen Lei’s art gallery, and brought back some souvenirs for our home. We hiked down to the Nakalele blowhole to witness its spouts as well as the fascinating vista on the other side of the blowhole. Our drive was dotted with several stops, each offering scenic beauty that was a treat for the eyes. Although the road seemed more challenging than even the (in)famous Road to Hana, Nitin’s skillful driving on the small, winding roads made it an enjoyable adventure. Drawing from our previous day’s snorkeling experience, we decided to snorkel again, this time in Honolua Bay. Equipped with our own gear, we ventured into the bay’s waters. To our delight, we encountered various schools of fish and even spotted a curious turtle swimming by. With our appetites worked up from the snorkeling, we made a stop at Miss Arepa. We shared a delicious jackfruit arepa and savored a refreshing passionfruit and mint drink. As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Kaanapali Beach to witness the sunset. The day ended back at our BnB, where we cooked ourselves a hearty dinner to cap off another day of amazing exploration.

Day 3– We didn’t rush in the morning and started around 8:30 a.m. We drove along the southern shore of Maui and took a different route through the backroads to reach the Kipahulu area of Haleakala National Park. The drive was like a painting with beautiful scenes, although the last few miles had dirt roads. But even then, the views were amazing in many places. We weren’t the only ones on the road. Despite the dirt roads, there were around 3 to 4 cars in front and a few more behind us. Our destination was the Pipiwai Trail leading to the stunning Waimoku Falls and the lovely Ohe’o Gulch. The hike was worth it, and we brought a burrito from our previous night’s dinner to enjoy after the hike. We decided to drive back to Paia through the Road to Hana (RTH) route, since it was decidedly easier to drive on than the backroads of Haleakala. Along the way, we took another plunge into the Pua’a Ka’a waterfalls to cool off and have some fun. On our way back, we stopped at Ho’okipa Beach, where we were treated to the sight of many surfers riding the waves and even turtles enjoying the beach. We spent about an hour soaking up the scene before heading back to our BnB, arriving around 6 pm. It was a day filled with exploration, natural beauty, and the simple joys of taking in the scenic beauty of Maui.

Day 4 – Day 4 began super early. We woke up at 2 am and hit the road by 3 am, all for the famous Haleakala sunrise. Arriving in good time, we even got to enjoy the Milky Way before sunrise during what’s called the “blue hour.” And when the sun did rise, it was a show-stopping spectacle, totally worth the early wake-up call. After watching the sunrise, we decided to explore more and hiked the sliding sands trail. We turned back after going about 2 miles. Then it was back to our BnB for breakfast in Paia, followed by showers to freshen up. We returned the car, bid good-bye to Maui and and took an inter-island flight with Hawaiian Airlines to Kauai. The flight was scheduled for 3:00 pm, but it took off at 4:15 pm. Once in Kauai, we picked up our rental car and drove to our home in Kapa’a for the next 3 nights. We were hungry after all the travel, so we headed straight to Tiki Tacos for dinner. The tacos were amazing, and what’s even better is that they had lots of options for us vegetarians. They even made a special vegetarian version of the Royal Hawaiian taco for us. It was a delicious way to end a day full of activities.

Day 5- We kicked things off by hanging out at Lydgate Beach in the morning. For lunch, we opted for something extra delicious — Anatta’s Thai food truck. But the real excitement of the day was the doors-off helicopter ride we took with Mauna Loa Helicopters. It’s hard to put into words how incredible it felt. People often say you can take the ride whenever, but the NaPali coast looks its absolute best in the afternoon. The sun works its magic, turning the coastline into a breathtaking sight. While other parts of the island, like Mt. Wai’aleale, might have more clouds, if soaking in the stunning coastline is what you’re after, an afternoon ride is the way to go. After the helicopter adventure, we headed to Poipu Beach. The sun started to set, casting a warm, golden glow over everything. We spent time there, taking in the beauty until the sunset. Back home, we put on our chef hats and prepared a delicious dinner. It was the perfect ending to an extraordinary day filled with natural wonders and unforgettable moments.

Day 6– Our destination was Haena State Park, and we reserved a parking spot 30 days in advance. The real excitement started as we hiked along the Kalalau Trail. For the first 2 miles, we were treated to awe-inspiring views of nature’s beauty. Around the 2 mile mark, we reached Hanakapiai Beach, where we decided to take a break and let the tranquility of the place sink in. The sound of the waves, the gentle breeze, and the stunning view made this moment of relaxation truly rejuvenating. After soaking in the beach vibes, we made our way back. We snorkelled at Ke’e beach and saw the vibrant colors of the coral and the colorful fishes. As the day started to transition into evening, around 5 pm, we returned to our BnB. A quick refreshing session in the shower reinvigorated us, preparing us for the special occasion that was ahead. We had made reservations at The Plantation House by Gaylords on the occasion of Sruthi’s birthday. The ambiance was enchanting, and the food was beyond delicious. We savored every bite, enjoying the unique flavors that celebrated the island’s culinary delights. The evening was truly magical, with a sense of joy and celebration in the air. As we enjoyed our meal, we reflected on the day’s adventures and the journey that led us to this wonderful moment. The combination of the delightful food and the charming atmosphere created an experience that will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Day 7– We left our accommodation quite early, at 6 am. Our destination was Kekaha Beach, where we were set to embark on an exciting adventure with Blue Ocean Adventures. The vessel they used was a ridge hull inflatable, and it was designed to hold 14 passengers. We were in for quite a treat. During this experience, we had an incredible amount of fun. The boat took us on thrilling rides with exciting maneuvers, and we got to explore sea caves along the coastline. One of the highlights was the chance to jump into the ocean multiple times, which was both exhilarating and refreshing. To add to the enjoyment, we were served fresh pineapples and drinks, making the whole experience even more delightful. However, what truly stood out were the breathtaking views of the NaPali coast. The scenery was beyond words, and the beauty of the coast was truly remarkable.A special moment came when we were given the opportunity to jump out of the boat right in front of the NaPali itself. This was such an unforgettable experience that the captain and co-captain of the boat captured the moment with photographs, allowing us to keep this memory forever.

After a morning filled with adventure and excitement, the boat tour concluded around 12:30 pm. Following that, we decided to explore more and drove around Waimea Canyon State Park, taking in the impressive sights.As the afternoon rolled around, at approximately 2:30 pm, we headed towards the airport. We dropped off the rental car, and caught our flight to Oahu with Southwest Airlines, departing at 6:15 pm. Once we arrived in Oahu, we opted for an Uber to get to our new accommodation. This place was situated in the Waikiki area, conveniently close to Ala Moana Mall.

Day 8– We made a smart choice to use public transportation during most of our stay in Oahu. After a delicious breakfast at our BnB, we hopped onto a bus that took us to the historic Pearl Harbor site.

We spent over 4 hours immersed in the history and significance of the place. The USS Arizona and the aviation museum were particularly captivating. Learning about the past and paying our respects was a moving experience.

As the day transitioned into the evening, we utilized the bus system again. Our destination was Tane Vegan Izakaya, a place we had reserved ahead of time. The anticipation was worth it — the Japanese cuisine we enjoyed there was nothing short of incredible. In fact, it was the best vegan Japanese food we’ve ever tasted.

Day 9– On the 9th day of our journey, we started with a delicious breakfast at Waffles and Berries in Waikiki. The acai bowls and waffles there were beyond amazing — the flavors were simply unbeatable.

We decided to explore using the bus again, this time heading to the serene Byodo-In Temple. The journey itself was enjoyable, and the time we spent at the temple was truly special. The tranquility and beauty of the place left a lasting impression on us.

As we made our way back, we couldn’t resist trying Leonard’s malasadas, a local treat that delighted our taste buds. Our adventure continued as we wandered around Ala Moana Mall. Some shopping and a cup of coffee later, we found ourselves at Ala Moana Beach Park, where we were witnessed a mesmerizing sunset over the ocean.

As the evening approached, we returned to our BnB, where we prepared a cozy dinner. It was a day filled with delightful experiences and wonderful moments that we’ll always cherish.

Day 10- We had an exciting plan in store. We had reserved a UTV raptor tour at Kualoa Ranch. To get there, we hopped onto a bus that took us to the ranch. The tour was a blast, as we zoomed around on the UTVs, enjoying the rugged beauty of the landscape. After the adventure, we visited a macadamia nut farm. We couldn’t resist trying some unique coffee roasted with macadamia nuts, and we also picked up some delicious roasted macadamia nuts to snack on.

As the day started winding down, we returned to our accommodation in the evening. To cap off the day, we decided to unwind at Waikiki Beach. The hustle and bustle of the area, music, happy vibes, and the sound of the waves created a perfect atmosphere.

We headed to Duke’s for cocktails and dinner. The combination of great food, refreshing drinks, and the beachy ambiance was the perfect way to end the day’s escapades.

Day 11- We rented a car for our last day on the island, and guess what? We got lucky with an upgrade — a convertible! It was pretty cool since we had the car for just one day. We wanted to see what all the fuss about convertibles was, and it turned out to be a fun ride! But it wasn’t without some notable inconveniences such as having to keep opening/closing the roof, limited space for luggage, etc.

Our first stop was the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail, where we enjoyed a nice walk and soaked in stunning ocean views. Then, we ventured into the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens, where the beauty of nature surrounded us.

Next up, the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout revealed breathtaking panoramic sights. Our journey took a delightful turn as we visited the Manoa Chocolate Factory, savoring the rich flavors of their chocolate creations.

Feeling hungry, we treated ourselves to lunch at Ganesh Dosa, where we relished delicious food. We made a quick pit stop at the Polynesian Cultural Center, mainly for some ice cream fun, without buying tickets to go inside.

The North Shore had more to offer as we explored its inviting beaches, each with its own charm. Our day reached its peak as we witnessed surfers riding the waves and catching a spectacular sunset at Sunset Beach Park. The day eventually wound down. We returned the car to the airport. Our flight back to the mainland US was at 10:30 p.m., marking the end of our wonderful Hawaiian adventure.

Final thoughts: Reflecting on our journey, we found that beginning our days with early morning activities made our inter-island travel day worthwhile despite delays. This way, our time wasn’t all about moving between islands — it was also about enjoying new experiences.

Choosing to rely on public transportation on Oahu turned out to be a smart decision. It was not only affordable but also made exploring the island super convenient. We’re really glad we took this route instead of renting a car for the entire trip. It helped us see the island in a different way.

A significant part of our budget went into the various activities we indulged in. We’re pleased to say that we’d highly recommend all of the businesses: Zephyr Adventures Maui for Snorkeling, Mauna Loa Helicopters for a private doors-off helicopter tour, Blue Ocean Adventures for the NaPali adventure tour, and the UTV tour at Kualoa Ranch. Each of them added a unique and memorable aspect to our journey.

All the food we had during our trip was equally satisfying. The restaurants and food trucks we visited served up some great meals. Preparing some of our own meals not only saved money but also ensured we maintained a healthy balance in what we ate.

All in all, our Hawaiian adventure was a blend of early mornings, exciting activities, delicious food, and relaxing vibes. We headed back to the mainland US with a treasure trove of memories and experiences that will keep us smiling for a long time.