Sitting in the middle of the Hawaiian island chain, Maui may serve as the Goldilocks example of the idyllic Hawaiian island to visit for the first-timer. It has breathtaking natural beauty, outdoor hiking/activities given its varied climes along Maui Upcountry shouldered by Haleakala, gorgeous beaches replete with marine life to dazzle your eyes while you snorkel or dive, and in the right season whale-watching. Maui lies somewhere in the middle of the spectrum between the more populated and developed Oahu and the rugged isolationism of Kauai.
For most American and International visitors, Honolulu (Oahu) serves as the gateway to their Hawaiian Islands Adventure. For some, Honolulu is merely the entry and exit port before going to the North Shore (Oahu) or off to the rest of the archipelago: Maui, Kauai, Hawaii, Lanai, or Molokai. For others, Honolulu will be the epicenter of their trip or they may have a few days to explore during a conference/meeting. The bulk of our Hawaii Trip was in Maui (future itinerary), but we spent 3 nights in Honolulu and we wanted to see as much as possible in Greater Honolulu / Southern Oahu. In this mini-itinerary, we focus on maximizing your time here with some amazing food, quick hikes, great beaches and snorkeling, and breathtaking vistas!
