Escape the tourists and mingle with Hawaiians on the lesser-known island of Molokai or in rural Upcountry Maui.
You might wonder where Hawaiians vacation, considering they already live in a stunning destination ripe for tourism.
Each island offers something distinct.
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Here are seven destinations in Hawaii that locals love.
I can still vividly recall winding our way to the summit, into the stars.
Haleakala is home to a number of endangered and endemic species.
Sunny Fitzgerald
The name means “House of the Sun” in Hawaiian.
Kui Wright, a bartender in Waikiki, saysSherwoodsis his family’s favorite beach.
It’s right in the middle of a great Hawaiian town called Waimanalo.
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Sherwood Beach is another gem, with gentle waves and views of the Ko’olau mountains.
Professional surfers from around the world congregate and compete here.
Locals also go to the North Shore to unwind and sink into a slower pace.
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South Shore, Kauai
The largely undeveloped island of Kauai is nicknamed the “Garden Island.”
But the South Shore is a slightly drier escape.
This sunny swath of Kauai is popular among snorkelers, swimmers, and Poipu Beach resort guests.
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Of course, there is much more to see if you’re on Kauai.
“Not only because of its beauty, but because of the people.”
Although Lanai is the smallest inhabited island in Hawaii, Tabura says it has a lot to offer.
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The island drew Anela Evans back to her home, too.
“When visiting Lanai, it’s as if you’ve taken a step back in time.
Life moves at a slower pace.
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The people have a warmth about them and exude aloha.
“Lanai is special in every sense of the word.
“It’s one of the most fascinating places I’ve experienced,” said filmmaker Vince Keala Lucero.
“As a Native Hawaiian and hula practitioner, it’s an area that’s highly sacred.
Halema’uma’u Crater is known as the home of Pele, the creator of this’aina(land).
For me, that’s a place foraloha ‘aina(love for the land).”
Molokai
Locals seeking simple island pleasures without the high-rise buildings and sprawling resorts love Molokai.
The Kalaupapa Lookout is a must for visitors to Molokai.
Pescaia also loves Papohaku Beach on the west end of the island.
A visit to this beach provides a spectacular and humbling experience.”
