Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
8 Days in Hawaii for a First Timer
21
items Going to Hawaii in 2023 was the trip of a lifetime that I honestly think about daily. We spent 8 days there and visited 2 islands- Oahu and Maui. Here’s all the things we did on each island and what I would go back to in a heartbeat!
Map
Sections
2
Oahu
Maui
Oahu
We spent a quick 3 days on Oahu. It was definitely more of a touristy visit. Here’s what we did! There’s tons more I want to do!
Such beautiful temple grounds with beautiful photo spots. Even if you aren’t able to go into the temple, it’s worth it to stop by and visit the visitor center.
Laie Hawaii Temple | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org
As a boy mom, I had to stop by a restaurant that is inspired by a boy mom! I absolutely loved it and loved how fresh everything was.
Seven Brothers - Laie
I fell IN LOVE with the Polynesian culture after our day here. This is such a cool place to learn about all the different cultures and get a taste of them (literally). Highly recommend the VIP tickets to get the best seating for all the shows and the...
Polynesian Cultural Center
Leonards is a must go if you are in Hawaii! Malasadas are a Portuguese donut. I love that this staple Hawaiin food captures the melting pot of cultures that make up Hawaii. The actual bakery is super busy, so get there early or stop by the food truck...
Leonard's Bakery - Malasadas, Pao Doce, Malasada Puffs, Pao …
Pearl Harbor is a must if you are in Oahu. It was so humbling being there and seeing some of the original bullet holes in the windows. Make sure to get reservations for the boat to USS Arizona!
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Dukes just feels like Hawaii! Pro tip; make a reservation or just order to go from the bar! Don’t skip on the pulled pork sandwich or Hula Pie!
Duke's Waikiki
HIGHLY recommend this place for breakfast! The food was so delicious and the views were amazing. I’m sad we went on our last Oahu day. I wish we would’ve enjoyed it more!
Hula Grill Waikiki
Maui
When I say I fell in LOVE with Maui, I really fell in LOVE! Maui is the Hawaii I always dreamed of! The culture, the people, the food, the experiences. It was all so amazing!
Sadly, a lot of my favorites burned down in the Lahaina fires. But here ar...
We LOVED this hotel. The rooms were spacious, they provide reusable water bottles and water and ice refill stations through out the resort, have umbrella, chairs and beach towel rentals, and are right on the beach! Don’t skip on the breakfast package...
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort a…
Banyan trees in Hawaii are breathtaking! And this one in Maui is the biggest. The regrowth after the fire would be incredible to see.
Banyan Tree Park
Don’t skip the opportunity to go to the top of the volcano to watch the sunrise! Just make sure you go when it’s not cloudy!
Haleakalā National Park
We loved this beach! It does get busy though because it’s by all the hotels. Many people like jumping off the black rocks, we loved snorkeling and sitting on the beach!
Black Rock Beach
Do not, I repeat, do not skip this place! It was the best shave ice I ever had! We went multiple times and sometimes just ate it for dinner.
Ululani's Hawaiian Sha…
Leoda’s is another must stop place in Maui! Our lunch was delicious! Also- don’t skip the homemade pies! So many options and they were all so yummy!
Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop
This pizza place was so delicious! It was perfect for a long day of driving the road to Hana!
Flatbread Company
This is one of the stops on the Road to Hana! While the Road to Hana is long, with a lot of stops, this is one I would recommend!
Honomanu Bay Beach Information & Directions - Hawaii Guide
Another must do stop! This little peninsula is made from lava rocks and it’s amazing to see all the black lava rocks in the water.
Ke'anae Peninsula
Simply breathtaking and 100 percent worth seeing!
Wailua Falls
Another stop on the Road to Hana that’s absolutely worth it! All of the water falls falling into each other is amazing.
‘Ohe‘o Gulch
Both my husband and I agreed, even if we didn’t do any other stops on the Road to Hana, making the drive to this hike is absolutely worth it!
Pipiwai Trail
This was one of my favorite beaches we went to! The water was so clear and warm. And sea turtles were spotted right on the shore. The only downside is it does get packed and busy!
Napili Bay
Don’t skip on dinner at Hula Grill. The atmosphere and food are fantastic. And they have AMAZING hula pie!
Hula Grill