Hawaii travel guide

The unique Red Dirt Waterfall is a seasonal mini waterfall, which flows down the iconic red soil of Waimea Canyon - waimea actually means "reddish water". The carved out barren red landscape is not unlike what you would expect to find on Mars. Red Dirt Waterfall is one of the many stunning stops along the road to Waimea Canyon - and one which isn't a lookout.

The spectacular road from Paia to Hana is called Hana Highway. It first follows hwy 36, which then turns into hwy 360. Here the road becomes even more winding with hairpin curves and blind spots. The serpentine road passes small communities, lush rainforest and many waterfalls - almost as many as there are one-lane bridges. As parking along the road often is scarce, you won't be able to stop at every waterfall, beach or lookout, but there are so many to choose from. Some tourists turn their car around in Hana and return the same way, but the brave ones continues along the even more challenging section of hwy 360 to Kipahulu Visitor Centre for more waterfalls at Ohe’o Gulch (or hiking Pipiwai Trail). Again, you can return the same way, but if you are in for a wild ride, continue along hwy 360 on the "Road to Hana, South Route" to complete a full loop around Volcano Haleakala.

When people are talking about the scenic "Road to Hana", they are probably talking about the north route from Paia to Hana. However, if you're looking for an adventure do the rugged south route along the Pi'ilani Highway: It first follows hwy 37, which turns into hwy 31, before becoming hwy 360. The first section starts off innocently with soft rolling hills, but soon the paved road will feel like a rollercoaster as it twists its way over the southern slope of Volcano Haleakala. The views of the wild coast and the barren volcanic landscape just seem to get better at every bend. Though this backside road see less traffic than its northern cousin, there are plenty of sharp curves and blind turns to keep you alert. Around the settlement of Kaupo the road condition gets worse. The rollercoaster ride is now reduced to a pothole dodging zigzag. As you get closer to Kipahulu Visitor Centre the road gets better again. Instead of returning the same way you came, do the ultimate road trip by continuing along the "Road to Hana, North Route" to complete the full loop around Volcano Haleakala.

This hike is more of a climb and is absolutely only for thrill seekers. The trail is officially closed, so you have to enter the grounds the "alternative way" (through a hole in the fence and then circumvent a guard) to get to the start of the trail. The trail is also called Haiku Stairs and was originally laid out with wooden ladders during WWII to reach a secret radio station. During the 1950s the stairs were replaced with metal ones. Though the steps and rails since have been repaired (latest in 2003), there are several mangled sections and even some broken steps. Some sections are nerve-racking steep, while others are balancing on a razor-sharp ridge with deep vertiginous drops to both sides. The trail ends at the broken satellite (756 m), where it's either the same way down (another 3,922 steps) or follow a longer trail with mud and ropes.

Many people associate Hawai'i with Waikiki Beach. This iconic beach in Honolulu has been famous for surfing for more than a century. Today the two-mile golden sand beach is lined high-rises and resorts, and is still the place to be - also when the sun sets and all the restaurants and bars come alive. Waikiki Beach actually consists of eight individually named beaches. The first is Duke Kahanamoku Beach at the Hilton Hotel and is one of the most popular due to the protected swimming area. The next is Fort DeRussy Beach Park, which has grassy patches with palm trees and picnic tables. Gray's Beach is the next, though the beach is almost eroded away. Next up is Royal Hawaiian Beach, which has a lot of watersports. Kuhio Beach is right after, which is popular due to its protected swimming area. Queen Kapiolani Beach is great for bodyboarding on the rolling waves along the Waikiki Wall. Next is San Souci Beach, which is off the hotel strip and therefore popular with locals. It's also one of the best snorkeling spots on O'ahu Island. The last of Waikiki beaches is Outrigger Canoe Club Beach, which can be accessed either by walking from San Souci Beach at low tide or through an alleyway between the hotels. Remember, all beaches in Hawai'i are public.

The "Road To Hana" (both north and south routes) passes so many waterfalls, but we will only mention Wailua Falls, which is considered to be the most beautiful of the lot. The picturesque waterfall cascades about 25 meters down into a refreshing small pool. It's visible right from the road, but most visitors would like more than a picture taken from the car window, so parking can be challenging at the small parking lot. There are usually also some vendors selling Hawaiian-made crafts.

Wailua Falls is a twin waterfall, which cascades 26 meters down into a deep pool. There is a lookout at the small parking lot above the falls, but you can't see the entire length of falls from there, and the untrimmed vegetation are also obstructing the view. For full close-up views, you need to follow an unofficial muddy trail to the bottom.

Most will rank Kailua and Lanikai as the best beaches on this side of O'ahu, but Waimanalo Beach is another great candidate. It has the same turquoise waters and soft white sand, but it's also has shady towering trees and is beautifully set on backdrop of steep mountains. It's located right next to Kalaniana'ole Hwy, so it's even easy to reach. However, the beach park is also an unofficial tent camp for homeless people.

Another gem of the Big Island is the Waimanu Valley. The only drawback is it requires a difficult full day 16 km (10 mi.) hike. There are ten campsites that sit along the black sand beach and it is the perfect place to relax for a few days. You access the trailhead from the Waipio Valley. If you are in the valley after a good rain, the valley walls will be covered with waterfalls that drop from 700 m (2,300 ft.) above the valley floor. If raining, caution is required because the trail to the valley floods easily becomes hazardous to hike.

Spectacular Waimea Canyon is called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and for good reason. About 16 km long with green crags, tumbling waterfalls, and deep valley gorges. The twisting drive from Waimea town to Kokee State Park follows the entire length of the canyon, and is the best road trip on Kaua'i. It's littered with lookouts, one more breathtaking than the other. The most established ones have proper parking facilities, while others just have space for a few cars in the curb. Waimea Canyon also offers plenty of hiking opportunities ranging from short walks to further viewpoints, to strenuous hikes deep into the valley.