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They say the best way to experience a new holiday destination is to live like a local, and quite frankly, we'd have to agree.
Hawaii is no exception to this rule. Away from the bustling beach resorts and tourist traps there's a world of hidden beauty and adventure waiting to be explored – and we're here to help you unlock the archipelago's potential.
Here's how you can step off the tourist track when travelling around Hawaii.
Uncrowded hiking trails in Hawaii
What better way to get off the beaten track than by physically getting off said track? With its extensive and breathtaking landscapes, Hawaii is brimming with a plethora of walking trails away from the hustle and bustle of tourist-packed places. Here are a few of our favourites:
- Hanakapi'ai Falls: Located on the island of Kauai, in Ha’ena State Park, this challenging 8-mile in-and-out hike meanders along the Na Pali coastline, through lush greenery, and over rocks and rivers, before rewarding you with the waterfall itself. Advance registration and permit required – hiking poles recommended.
- Makapu'u Lighthouse: If you’re on the island of Oahu, lace up your boots and check out historic Makapu’u Lighthouse. This 2-mile round trip walk is perfect for all the family, as it’s only about an hour one-way. The best part: alongside the stunning coastal views, the waters below are humpback whale territory Nov-May – so keep your eyes peeled!
- Koko Head Crater: Ready to feel the burn? Koko Head Crater is another Oahu hike worth completing, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. Walkers must climb more than 1,000 steps to reach the summit – but the panoramic views are worth it!
Photo credit Getty/M-Kojot
Eat like a local at independent food trucks and eateries
While franchise restaurants may be an easy and 'safe' option, you're never going to get a true taste of Hawaii that way. Instead, eat like a local at the following eateries:
- Rainbow Drive In: After more than 60 years in the biz, Rainbow Drive In is one of Oahu’s oldest and most famous local eateries. Here, diners can feast on classic Hawaiian plate lunches such as pork cutlets, chili, and hamburger steak.
- North shore shrimp trucks: On the north side of Oahu, visitors can sample the area’s world-famous shrimp at the various trucks along the shore. The pick of the bunch is Giovanni’s. While the lines can get long, the fresh shrimp is worth the wait. However, there are others such as Famous Kahuku Shrimp that still deliver on the wow factor but boast smaller wait times.
- Uncle Bobo's: Just off Kaaawa Beach on Oahu’s eastern shore lies Uncle Bobo’s. This beachfront eatery serves up hearty Hawaiian fare to locals and visitors alike. Think barbequed meats, seared ahi, chicken katsu and other delicious dishes.
Conduct your own snorkelling excursion
With its clear waters, abundant marine life and postcard-perfect beaches, Hawaii is a snorkelling-lover's dream. However, hopping onboard a tourist-crammed boat can soon turn that dream into a nightmare. Thankfully, it's incredibly easy to find your own secluded snorkelling spot that has just as much - if not more - appeal.
Take Keawakapu Beach for example. This sheltered snorkelling spot can be found on the west side of Big Island, near Kailua Kona. The fish here are known to be very comfortable around humans. If you're lucky you may also spot sea turtles swimming in the shallows!
Photo credit Getty/M Swiet Productions
Stay at a rental property instead of a large resort
For that true home-away-from-home feeling, say goodbye to tourist-clad resorts and all-inclusive meals, and aloha to cosy homes that are situated in more peaceful and out-of-the-way spots.
For instance, Moloka'i. Whilst it's Hawaii's fifth largest island, Moloka'i gets only a fraction of the visitors that flock to Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. Known for its pristine beaches and dramatic cliffs, it’s the perfect place to kick back and relax. Thankfully, there are a host of vacation rentals around this idyllic Hawaiian island to ensure you get the right accommodation.
Photo credit Getty/Ejs9
Shop at local markets
What better way to live like a local than to shop like a local? Thankfully, Hawaii is adorned with an abundance of farmer and flea markets to grab some traditional treats. However, some such as KCC in Honololu have become fairly tourist-orientated, so stick to more out-of-the-way options such as Oahu’s Mālama Hawai‘i Makers Market, Napili Farmers’ Market on Maui, and Hanalei Farmers’ Market in Kauai. Here you can pick up fresh produce and handcrafted gifts.
Best secluded Hawaiian beaches
If you want a beach vacation without the big beach crowds, here are the best beaches for peace and solitude.
Makua Beach, Oahu
Makua Beach may be one of the best secluded beaches in Hawaii. It’s on the island of Oahu, just like Waikiki, but is removed from the tourist hubbub. With the backdrop of the Waianae Mountains and the crystal blue of the ocean, you’ll feel like you’re in paradise while enjoying the silence.
There is no lifeguard on duty, so you swim at your own risk, but if you’re looking for a serene spot to sunbathe, this is the place for you.
Kawakiu Beach, Moloka’i
Though they're situated between Hawaii's most popular islands, Oahu and Maui, Moloka’i and Lanai account for only around 1% of annual visitors to Hawaii combined.
Needless to say, Moloka’i's beaches are pretty quiet. Kawakiu Beach is the island’s northernmost beach and can be accessed after a 45-minute hike, which means you won’t be sharing it with many others.
Polihale State Park, Kauai
This remote beach is along Kauai’s western shore, near the Na Pali cliffs. It’s secluded and tranquil, as it takes some effort to get to – you have to drive over sand dunes, which requires a four-wheel drive vehicle.
But once you’re there, you’ll relax in the sun and take in the beauty of the Pacific without a lot of extra noise.
Waipi’o Valley Beach, Big Island
Reaching this beach may be more difficult than the rest, but you’ve likely never seen anything like the black-sand beach of Waipi’o Valley. If it’s been a rainier season, off in the distance you may be able to see the Kaluahine Falls to the east.
Currently, the Waipi’o Valley floor is closed to non-residents. To get to the beach, you’ll need to go on a tour. The scenery is spectacular, but swimming is not recommended due to strong rip currents.
Things to keep in mind when going the secluded route
- Prepare to do a lot of hiking to get to these hidden gems, or to rent a tough vehicle with four-wheel drive.
- Do research in advance to prepare for the longer hikes or drives so you bring enough food and supplies.
- Remember there are often no lifeguards on duty so swim at your own risk.
- Especially during winter months, surf can be rough, so pay attention to the state of the waves before surfing or swimming.
- If you opt for a more popular beach on any of the Hawaiian Islands, weekdays are usually not quite as crowded.
- Some beaches close at night, so make sure you check beach hours that could change throughout the year.
Travel insurance
We all know that the good times can take a slight detour when travelling. When the going gets tough, Travel Insurance Direct policies aim to do the heavy lifting and may assist with travel insurance cover such as USA travel insurance to help keep your trip moving in the right direction, so you can refocus on the fun.