Bye, Winter. We're moving on to longer, sunnier days.
Warm up in Hawaii with four quick getaways from lazy beach stays to spirited nightlife and epic outdoor adventures.
Explore City Life in Oahu
(Courtesy of Luxury Row)
THINGS TO DO
Like Los Angeles on tropical steroids, Oahu promises a beach vacation with high energy and urban vibes. Just a few miles south of Honolulu, Waikiki is the island's largest, most bustling city, full of buzzy restaurants, luxe shops, and beaches for miles—six beaches to be exact. Honolulu's Luxury Row is part high-end shopping mecca (think Chanel, Gucci, Saint Laurent) and part art-lovers' paradise, transforming seasonally for cultural celebrations and art festivals. Once you've soaked in the city vibes, you can explore Pearl Harbor, hike at Diamond Head State Monument, and snorkel Hanauma Bay—a protected nature preserve and underwater park home to more than 400 species of marine life. Also drop in at one of North Shore's legendary surf spots like Sunset and Pipeline Beaches (best during winter months).
(Courtesy of Mahina & Sun's)
EAT + DRINK
Inspired by the people of Hawaii, chef Ed Kenney's Mahina & Sun's elevates home cooking at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Go for the farm-to-table ingredients, stay for the live music, poolside concerts, and movie nights under the stars. Mahina & Sun's is the region's leader in sustainable ocean food sourcing, which means you can indulge in kualoa oysters and guava mimosas and save the planet.
Taste from an array of Honolulu's hottest flavors in one city block at Salt at Kaka'ako, a dynamic gathering place with restaurants, shops, and events. J's BBQ & Grill is a longtime local favorite serving signature Korean dishes and original family recipes like meat jun and barbecue chicken. Pop into Bevy Market for salads, sandwiches, soups, easy picnic boxes, and made-in-Hawaii souvenirs such as salt, honey, coffee and hot sauce. Beer lovers rejoice: Village Bottle Shop & Tasting Room is Hawaii's first craft beer cafe (you heard that right). Pass the day tasting from more than 500 beers or grab some to takeaway for that aforementioned picnic.
(Courtesy of Aqua-Aston)
WHERE TO STAY
Local artists and tastemakers hang at The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, where mid-century earth tones and bold prints make for a perfectly cool beach vibe. Choose a one-room bungalow or go all out in the gorgeous one-bedroom penthouse with its private rooftop lanai and plenty of space to chill. Be as daring or traditional as you like at one of the hotel's onsite eateries (Mahina & Sun's and Olive & Oliver). Grab a cocktail and check out an open air movie or head for the poolside cabanas. Feeling adventurous? Hop on one of the hotel's complimentary bikes and explore nearby Chinatown and downtown Honolulu.
For an oceanfront escape at Waikiki, look no further than The Residences at Waikiki Beach Tower. Just 10 miles from Honolulu International Airport, you'll enjoy the privacy of your very own one- or two-bedroom condo with luxe resort-quality services and gourmet kitchens. Walk out your door and go snorkeling, parasailing, or take a sunset cruise. Or simply take in the oh-so-Instagrammable view from your quiet lanai. Head up to the recreation deck where you can swim laps in the heated pool, or melt into a chaise lounge after a soak in the spa.
Across the street from Waikiki Beach is Park Shore Waikiki, a perfect location for those interested in a pretty stay that won't break the bank. Book a standard room from $140 a night, or an ocean-view room from $193. You'll be greeted with cool, lavender-dipped Oshibori towels upon arrival, where you'll meditate on sweeping views of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach. Start your day with healthy eats from onsite Tucker & Bevvy, or dine on fresh sushi and sashimi at Yoshitsune Restaurant. Sip tropical cocktails poolside, take a yoga class, or pack some of the hotel's complimentary beach chairs and towels and head for the sand. Enjoy an outdoor concert at the Waikiki Shell, or stroll the open air International Marketplace.
Hang Loose and Wander in Maui
(via Hawaii State Parks)
THINGS TO DO
The second largest Hawaiian island is known for its world-class beaches, farm-to-table fare, breathtaking sunsets, and laid-back vibes. Maui is also known as the Valley Isle for its large isthmus, framed by the Pacific Ocean and formed by two volcanic masses which separate the island's northeastern and southwestern regions.
Western Maui boasts the Iao Valley State Park, an area rich in cultural and spiritual history and once a sacred burial ground for Hawaiian chiefs. Take a paved walk (.6 mi) to the Iao Needle, a volcanic remnant rising 1,200 feet above the valley floor and the site of one the most famous battles in Hawaiian history. Spend the day wandering in Wailuku, in Central Maui, where you'll find cute wooden storefronts, local restaurants, and First Fridays celebrating local culture through art, music, and more. The eastern side of the island is home to Haleakala National Park, a diverse landscape with rugged volcanic formations and bamboo forests. Sunrise viewings are not to be missed; reservations are required and can be made up to 60 days in advance. Need we mention the road to Hana? Brave the highway's signature hairpin turns—we promise its lush forests and epic waterfalls are worth the wait...and the nausea.
(Courtesy of Morimoto Maui)
EAT + DRINK
Six miles south of Lahaina on the Honoapiilani Highway, in West Maui, is local favorite Leoda's Kitchen & Pie Shop. Serving up "glorified grandma comfort food," you might stop here for the chicken and waffles, or the burger and salad, but we're guessing you'll stay for the homemade sweet and savory pies; word has it they come in mini size, so you can have the chocolate macadamia nut and the banana cream. Mama's Fish House (North Shore) offers fresh fish caught daily from Maui's shores. Savor the Kona kanpachi, skillet-seared with coconut lemongrass and sweet potato mash, or warm up with a bouillabaisse of king crab, mahimahi and Kauai prawns in a garlic-saffron broth. Try traditional sides like Kalua wild boar, housemade poi and octopus luau (menu changes daily). Take your dinner plans up a notch at Morimoto Maui, a sleek and airy sushi bar on the coast of Kihei, in southwest Maui. Expertly crafted sushi, noodles and seafood dishes are punctuated by 180-degree ocean views. Go all out and order the omakase ($140/person) and a bottle of Morimoto 1972, an aged sake with notes of pumpkin and citrus oil ($400).
(Courtesy of Aqua-Aston)
WHERE TO STAY
Your belly is full and you're ready to unwind after a day of adventure. Check in at Aston Kaanapali Shores, West Maui's premier oceanfront resort on the famed Kaanapali Coast. Residing on 10 acres of sandy beachfront, you can explore tropical gardens and glorious waterfalls without ever leaving your hotel. Choose from quaint hotel rooms or spacious condominium suites, each with sweeping views and ensuite kitchen and laundry. Stay in and take a free scuba lesson, or spend a lazy day enjoying the two freshwater swimming pools, open-air dining, yoga classes, and tennis courts. This family-friendly resort also features a kid's club—you know, for when Mom and Dad are at the spa.
The resort features onsite shops, restaurants and cultural activities, too, and when you are ready to venture out, you can explore the historic whaling village of Lahaina, just five miles away. Don't miss the traditional Old Lahaina Luau. Take an eco-adventure zipline tour through the West Maui Mountains, or hop on an ATV at Kahoma Ranch to get your adrenaline pumping. Not your pace? Gorgeous golf courses, whale watching tours, hiking trails and a variety of leisurely outdoor experiences abound nearby.
Find Adventure on the Big Island of Hawaii
(Courtesy of Discover Hawaii Tours)
THINGS TO DO
Nearly twice the size of all the Hawaiian islands combined, Hawaii is the youngest and largest of all. Ranging from wet and tropical to the polar tundra, this is the only island in the Hawaiian chain where you can experience all four of the world's climate zones. It is here, if nowhere else, that Mother Nature reigns supreme. Witness molten lava flowing from active volcanoes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, or visit the snow-capped summit at Maunakea where you can drive from sea level to 14,000 feet less than two hours. On the northeastern side of the island lies the Hamakua Coast with breathtaking stretches of lush scenery, tropical rainforests, waterfalls and bright green valleys. Kick back on the southeastern edge of the island at the famous Punaluu Black Sand Beach, where you'll find Hawaiian green sea turtles basking under the coconut palms. Swimming isn't ideal here, so pack a picnic and ready your selfie stick. Want a front-row seat to the aforementioned lava flows? Sunrise, sunset, daytime and twilight lava ocean tours are available through Big Island Boat Tours.
(Courtesy of Merriman's Waimea)
EAT + DRINK
Surf and turf is the plat-du-jour at The Rim at Volcano House. Devour fresh-caught Hawaiian fish, grass-fed beef, and locally grown veggies with the Kilauea caldera and Halema'uma'u Crater beckoning in the distance. Local musicians set the tone nightly from 6 to 8:30pm.
Merriman's Waimea, chef Peter Merriman's flagship restaurant, is nestled in upcountry Waimea. Order the It's Nice to Share dinner for two and the legendary mai tai.
(Courtesy of Aqua-Aston)
WHERE TO STAY
Unwind at Aston Kona by the Sea, a relaxing condominium resort sure to make you feel at home. Stroll the magnificent rocky shoreline, sunbathe in a sandy cove, or watch the waves from the shady comfort of a coconut tree. Watch as the sun sets over the Kona coast from your private balcony, swim laps in the oceanfront freshwater pool, or test your culinary skills at the barbecue grills. Experience all that the Hawaii Island has to offer with a traditional luau or helicopter sightseeing tour—the activities desk in the lobby can arrange a myriad of adventures.
Unplug in Kauai
(via Go Hawaii)
THINGS TO DO
If you're looking to rejuvenate with the ultimate off-grid experience, look no further than Kauai, the fourth largest and geologically oldest of the Hawaiian Islands. Punctuated by deep emerald valleys, jagged cliffs and meandering rivers, Kauai is a playground for nature lovers. The best part? Some areas of this remote island are only accessible by air and sea. The famed Napali Coast, a 17-mile stretch on the island's North Shore, is one of them. Think rushing waterfalls and velvety green peaks that jut toward the sun. Hop on a boat tour departing from Port Allen to the West, or when conditions are right, take a guided kayaking or rafting trip to remote beaches and hidden sea caves. Feeling sea sick? Take an aerial tour from Lihue Airport and see the magnificent Manawaiopuna Falls, a spectacular backdrop once featured in Jurassic Park. Fish, swim and play at Hanalei Bay, or pop into an art gallery in Hanalei Town, then stay for a ukulele concert at the Hanalei Community Center. On Kauai's South Shore, head to Poipu Beach where the water is perpetually warm and inviting to visitors, locals, green sea turtles and humpback whales alike. The beach is perhaps most famous for the endangered Hawaiian monk seals which hang out there; only 1,200 remain in existence today. At night, linger in one of Poipu's many boutiques or dine on Pacific-Rim cuisine by the ocean. Kauai's West Side will take you a world away to stunning natural wonders, historic sites and the funkiest of small towns. Pro tip: This is where the locals hang. Lace up your hikers and hit the trails at Waimea Canyon. Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, you'll find rugged terrain and views for days. Waimea Town, an off-the-beaten-path seaport, awaits with a plethora of small shops and local businesses.
(via Java Kai)
EAT + DRINK
Cool off at Wailua Shave Ice, where chef/owner Brandon Baptiste, who hails from Thomas Keller's Per Se in NYC, scoops Kauai's version of a snow cone from a vintage Winnebago on Kapa'a Beach (East Shore). Choose from an assortment of tropical flavors with cheeky names like Wailua Sunrise and Love Potion #9. Nearby Java Kai serves hand-roasted, small-batch coffee alongside healthy breakfast and lunch options until 3pm. Grab your power bowl to go, or dine in at the mint-green colored cafe by the sea. Thirsty? Head to Kauai Island Brewery & Grill (Port Allen), a popular microbrewery with 10-plus house beers on tap and hearty pub-style eats like the Kauai island fish tacos and a kalua pork sandwich. On the North Shore, less than 10 miles from Hanalei Bay, the Kilauea Fish Market offers traditional Hawaiian fare in a quaint cottage with outdoor seating. The ahi tuna poke wrap and mahi mahi tacos are crowd favorites.
WHERE TO STAY
Get away to an oceanfront oasis on the Garden Isle at Aqua Kauai Beach Resort, sandwiched between lush mountains to the north and Waimea Canyon to the south. Bronze your skin by one of the hotel's four idyllic swimming pools, some with waterfalls and a lava tube slide. Treat yourself to a relaxing massage at the onsite Hawaiian Rainforest Spa, or greet the sun at an authentic Nukoli'i Sunrise Ceremony where you'll learn an ancient chant. Lei making, hula lessons, and koi feedings are also among the activities. Enjoy nightly live music and farm to fork dining at one of the hotel's five restaurants. Guest rooms are newly renovated and feature bright, modern furnishings. Each room has a private lanai, whether you choose a room with mountain, pool or ocean views.
Aqua-Aston offers hotels for all with thoughtful amenities and services, wherever you are. Sign up for Aqua-Aston's A-List Insider program for instant discounts on your next stay, a gift upon arrival, and preferred status for a free upgrade at check-in (pending availability). You'll also receive exclusive travel offers via email and a dedicated phone number to Hawaii-based concierges available to plan your next vacation.
