Hawaii for the Newby Islander
Hawaii has always been on my “must-visit” list. While the tropical state is part of the US, the exotic elements of the island make it seem much farther away. I’ve come up with a list of things to do for the first time traveler to Hawaii (myself included).
Unsure of where to stay? Try one of these Waikiki hotels.
Learn to Surf
I’ve always wanted to learn to surf and since I have yet to do so, Hawaii seems like an ideal place to start. In many ways surfing is synonymous with Hawaii so finding group or private lessons takes little effort on your part. With so many surfers around, water traffic is inevitable so watch out for those around you. Another thing to note is sharks. My Mom actually learned to surf in Hawaii and very nearly had a run-in with a huge Tiger Shark, so keep this in mind before doing something borderline dangerous.
Dance at a Luau
If you are shy about dancing I suggest you test your limits in Hawaii. Luau’s are held throughout the island and seem like the perfect way to have fun while learning about the Polynesian culture. These performances are all throughout the island and usually accompanied with some sort of dinner or drink special. If you want to learn more about the art of the luau, taking a hula class might be just the thing to feel more local.
Explore the Island
I remember my Dad telling me how many residents get “Island fever” after a year of living in Hawaii because it doesn’t take too long to explore the whole Island. For the rest of us who don’t live here, there’s never a shortage of things to do and see. While Hawaii is the “Big Island”, there are other smaller and equally interesting islands including Maui (the Valley Isle) and Molokai (The Friendly Isle). Oahu (the Gathering Place) has hiking trails that will give you the ultimate reward – an amazing view.
Drink your way to Exotic
If surfing scares you and aren’t the most talented dancer in the world, I suggest you head straight to the bar. I generally order wine or champagne in my everyday life but when I travel, trying a few local drinks is a boozy way to feel exotic. These are some of my favorite tropical drinks and ones I’d definitely taste in Hawaii: Mai Tai, Lava Flow, Blue Hawaiian, Hukilau and Aloha. You can order these at any bar or make them yourself if you are feeling particularly adventurous.
See Art After Dark
As an avant-garde traveler, it’s not just the sporting and cuisine of Hawaii that is of interest. The Honolulu Museum of Art hosts a monthly ArtafterDark art party which takes place the last Friday of each month from 6-9 pm. If you miss this during your time in Hawaii, make sure to check out the museum during the day or try stopping by Kailua’s Second Sunday art gallery walk. The Honolulu Academy of Arts has an extensive collection of Asian paintings and Buddhist statues.
Image via USFWS Pacific‘s flickr stream
*This post made possible by Aqua Resorts.
Follow us on Facebook and Tweet us: @BohemianTrails
Sign up for our free monthly BOHO BLAST!
19 Comments
I would love to do all 5 things. I believe they are all essential and necessary to an amazing time in Hawaii.
Alexa Meisler recently posted..Organic Hair & Skin Care On the Go with Intelligent Nutrients
I think so too!
Megan recently posted..Hawaii for the Newby Islander
Wow! Did you mother continue her surfing classes after her near run-in with the Tiger Shark?
Laura recently posted..Recipes From The Road: Romanian Stuffed Eggs
I don’t think so….apparently she had a crush on her instructor and didn’t realize he was actually saving her when he suddenly jumped on her board and took her to shore
Megan recently posted..Hawaii for the Newby Islander
I’ve never visited Hawaii!! Would love to go!
dtravelsround recently posted..Daily Wanderlust: nighttime in Madrid
I want to take surfing classes there like my Mom – although minus the shark situation
Megan recently posted..Hawaii for the Newby Islander
I never really thought much about visiting Hawaii, until recently. I’m not sure why. People rave about it and I’m lucky enough to have it in my country. I think in the future I’ll spend a few months working there. This is a great list of to-do’s for visitors. I really want to try some of their famous exotic drinks. I don’t know about surfing though. The waves look massive and yea, not knowing what’s below and looking like a seal to whatever is below is a bit scary.
Bobbi Lee Hitchon recently posted..Live and work in paradise
Living in Hawaii for a few months sounds like a great idea! I’m sure that will give you plenty of time to sample all the exotic drinks!
Megan recently posted..Hawaii for the Newby Islander
Great post – and now of course I really want to go to Hawaii. It’s terrible that I have never been to the most exotic place in my own country, but half way around the world a few times now!
Definitely going to start looking in to that!
Jess | GlobetrotterGirls recently posted..What’s for breakfast in Laos?
That’s the same for me – I’m trying to make a point of traveling more within the US this year
There’s certainly nothing wrong with going half way around the world though – that’s awesome!
Megan recently posted..Hawaii for the Newby Islander
Have never been to the Big Island but have been to Maui 3 times. Each time it’s hard to come back and makes me wish I was American so I could live there
A Cook Not Mad (Nat) recently posted..A Mexican Dish From The Yucatán
Never been to Maui! Sounds like a great place
Megan recently posted..Hawaii for the Newby Islander
haha I would love to dance in a lua. Would I get to wear a coconut bra? Cause that would be awesome
Jade – OurOyster.com recently posted..Riding The Fiji Ferry During A Cyclone
haha that would be awesome!
Megan recently posted..Hawaii for the Newby Islander
Kauai is a must-see while in the Hawaiian islands. I’ve been to Oahu and Mauai – both are nice – but nothing compares to the unsurpassed natural beauty of Kauai, Hawaii’s oldest island. There are many travel sites but this one is a shortened version:
I love reading all of the travel blogs – keep the news coming!
Awesome – thanks Barb!
Megan recently posted..Bohemian Trails Talks Inspiration
Correction on the Kauai website (leave off the last L):
All of those sound like great ideas! Nice to be reminded that Hawaii is more than just beach
Wanderplex recently posted..Don’t let the weather put a damper on your vacation: 17 ideas for a rainy day
Thanks! You are so right…it’s much more than an island. Tons of things to do!
Megan recently posted..If I Could Start Over