Paradise: found! Is there anywhere in the United States more beautiful than Hawaii? The ultimate tropical escape, this place has it all. A one of a kind culture, jaw-dropping natural beauty, endless adventures, and flawless beaches– the Hawaiian Islands have it all.

From the peaks of the volcanoes to the depths of the sea, there’s just so much to explore.

And it’s way bigger than you think! Imagine the distance from NYC to Washington D.C. Believe it or not, that’s how vast the state of Hawaii is. If you want to see the highlights of island of Hawaii and Kauai, you’ll need to do some planning.

Here’s my guide to island hopping from island of Hawaii to Kauai!

Getting Between Islands

There are a few airlines that’ll take you from one island to the next. Hawaiian Airlines, Island Air, and Mokulele Airlines all have regular fights but the prices can vary quite a bit. Be sure to book as early as you can for the best options and prices.

The flight from island of Hawaii and Kauai will take just around 1-2 hours.

There are ferries between Maui and Lanai but other than that it’s all air travel when it comes to island hopping in Hawaii.

Top Things to Do on the Island of Hawaii

Twice the size of all the other islands combined, the island of Hawaii is known as “The Big Island.” It is home to active volcanoes, all but two of the world’s climate zones, and some of the world’s most unforgettable sites. Here are some of the top things to do on the island of Hawaii!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

This is truly a place unlike any other. Learn about active volcanism and Hawaii’s biological diversity here. At the heart of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you’ll find the world famous active volcanoes, Kilauea and Maunaloa, and you can see Kilauea’s Halemaumau Crater glowing in the night’s sky.

Hilo Farmers Market

Open daily from 7:00 am – 4:00 pm (with an early 6:00 am start on Wednesdays and Saturdays), this place has a fun open-air market vibe. With up to 200 local farmers and crafters selling produce, handicrafts, and tropical flowers, you can find some incredible local souvenirs here.

Manta Ray Night Dive

There is just something so magical about night diving. I went out with Jack’s Diving Locker for a night dive with Mantas and it was one of the most incredible dives of my life. They have trips for every level, including a snorkeling option, so this is a must-do!

Shave Ice

There’s no finer local grub than the delicious shaved ice at Original Big Island Shave Ice Company. With homemade, natural flavor syrups, this stuff is heaven after an afternoon exploring the island.

Waianuenue Falls (aka Rainbow Falls)

Waianuenue means “rainbow water” in Hawaiian and it’s easy to see how this gorgeous spot earned its name. Falling over a lava cave, this beautiful locale is the Hawaiian Moon Goddess, Hina’s, mythological home.

Top Things to Do on Kauai

Nicknamed the Garden Isle, much of the island of Kauai is covered in thick tropical rainforests and, as immortalized by countless Hollywood movies, the coasts are lined with dramatic cliffs. Basically, this island is just ripe for exploration. Here are some of the top things to do on Kauai!

Sail and Snorkel Napali Coast

I took a trip with Holo Holo Charters and would highly recommend their Sail and Snorkel tour. We sailed past the towering sea cliffs of the Napali Coast– which is easily one of the most picturesque sights in Hawaii– then out to a dream snorkeling spot. And, in both directions, we got the chance to sail with a big pod of dolphins!

Hike Waimea Canyon

While the coasts of Kauai tend to always steal the spotlight, the lush interior of the island is well worth a visit. A hike through Waimea Canyon will show you just how picturesque the forest, canyons, and overlooks can be.

Take a Helicopter Tour

There is no better view of the islands than from above! I took a trip with Island Helicopters and it was one of the highlights of my adventure because it was so breathtaking. You’ll never find a more Instagram-worthy sight!

Watch the Sunset from Lawai Beach

Sometimes it’s the simple pleasures, isn’t it? Just sitting and watching the sun set over the beach has always been one of my favorite things to do. On the south shore of Kauai, you’ll find one of the island’s best spots for watching the surf at sunset.

Take a Haku Making Class

Forget about the touristy lei at the airport. For the ultimate Hawaii experience, you’ve got to make your own! I took a haku lei making class with Elvrine at Heavenly Hakus Kauai and made a fab flower crown. All of the flowers and plants we used were from her own garden!

Want to follow my island hopping route?

Island of Hawaii

Kauai

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The Ultimate Girlfriend Getaway Guide to Oahu

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What to Pack for a Week in The Maldives

10 Amazing Islands You Need to Visit Now

The Ultimate Travel Gear Packing Guide

This post was written in partnership with the Hawaii Tourism United States. As always, thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Instagram

Some places are worth coming back to 🐧

Boulders Beach, Cape Town with Oliver
9 months → 21 months → 3.5 years

I blinked and my baby become a toddler…
and my toddler become a little boy. 😭

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Some places are worth coming back to 🐧

Boulders Beach, Cape Town with Oliver
9 months → 21 months → 3.5 years

I blinked and my baby become a toddler…
and my toddler become a little boy. 😭

January Wrapped 🗓️
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We landed in Cape Town mid-January and hit the ground running.

Oliver and I packed up our life and moved abroad for a year — chasing a simple question: what’s the best that could happen?

My parents joined us for the first month — which meant extra hands, loving support, and the sweetest way to begin this chapter.

Between toddler sickness (IYKYK) and playing full-time tour guide, we somehow managed to squeeze in so much life.

A long weekend in Paternoster.
Glamping under the stars at Camp Canoe.
Summertime in the city.
Oliver starting at his new preschool.
Adventures through the Cape Winelands.
Slow weekends at the farmer’s market.
Afternoons stretched long at the beach.

It’s been messy and magical.
Exhausting and energizing.

Somewhere between pharmacy runs and beach swims, it started to feel less like a move…

and more like the start of our biggest adventure yet! 🌍
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#capetown

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January Wrapped 🗓️
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We landed in Cape Town mid-January and hit the ground running.

Oliver and I packed up our life and moved abroad for a year — chasing a simple question: what’s the best that could happen?

My parents joined us for the first month — which meant extra hands, loving support, and the sweetest way to begin this chapter.

Between toddler sickness (IYKYK) and playing full-time tour guide, we somehow managed to squeeze in so much life.

A long weekend in Paternoster.
Glamping under the stars at Camp Canoe.
Summertime in the city.
Oliver starting at his new preschool.
Adventures through the Cape Winelands.
Slow weekends at the farmer’s market.
Afternoons stretched long at the beach.

It’s been messy and magical.
Exhausting and energizing.

Somewhere between pharmacy runs and beach swims, it started to feel less like a move…

and more like the start of our biggest adventure yet! 🌍
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#capetown

Sun-drenched mornings, salty air, and the kind of place that makes you instantly exhale @waldorfastoriacostarica ✌️
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Our stay at this brand-new property was truly a dream — sweeping ocean views, elevated design, and more pools than I’ve ever seen at a hotel in my entire life.

From award-winning wellness to coconuts by the pool, every detail felt thoughtful and intentional.

🧖‍♀️ The Spa
Recently named Costa Rica’s Best Resort Spa, this sanctuary blends modern wellness with local healing traditions — volcanic mud rituals, rainforest-inspired therapies, and grounding treatments that leave you floating.

🛎️ Amenities
World-class service, beachfront access, a stunning collection of pools (truly — endless), curated experiences, and those sweet elevated touches everywhere you turn. Newly opened, yet already operating like a seasoned 5-star icon.

💦 Kids’ Club
One of the coolest spaces for littles — crafts, games, toys, and outdoor play areas that made traveling with Oliver feel easy (and fun for him, too).

🥥 The Food & Coffee
Fresh, locally sourced Costa Rican flavors with elevated execution. Oceanfront bites, poolside snacks, handcrafted coffee experiences, and yes… plenty of coconuts.

🌿 Sustainability
Proud holders of the Bandera Azul Ecológica for conservation and environmental efforts — luxury and responsibility beautifully intertwined.

We truly cannot wait to come back. ✨

If you’re looking for a luxury, family-friendly escape in Costa Rica — this is your spot.

A huge thank you to @waldorfastoriacostarica for hosting us on this sunshine-soaked getaway.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#costarica #waldorfastoria #luxuryfamilytravel #familytravel

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A little late sharing this — but I needed time to sit with 2025. It was so much more than what made it to Instagram.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
This was the year I stopped measuring life in miles traveled… and started measuring it in the days we weren’t promised.

Not in passport stamps.
Not in hotel check-ins.
Not in how far we could go.

But in the quiet relief of “clear.”
In small hands squeezing mine tighter.
In birthday candles and quiet camping mornings.
In laughter that came back after fear.

2025 was the plot twist year.

The year I learned strength doesn’t look like control —
it looks like surrender.
It looks like showing up anyway.
It looks like choosing joy even when you know how fragile it is.

And it looks like being surrounded by the people who love us most.

We traveled the world.
But more importantly —
we celebrated what we almost lost.

And at the end of it all?
We packed up our life and chose a new continent. 🇿🇦

2025, you were heavy.
You were also beautiful.
You changed me.

2026 — I’m ready.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#2025wrapped

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18380851606081524

A little late sharing this — but I needed time to sit with 2025. It was so much more than what made it to Instagram.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
This was the year I stopped measuring life in miles traveled… and started measuring it in the days we weren’t promised.

Not in passport stamps.
Not in hotel check-ins.
Not in how far we could go.

But in the quiet relief of “clear.”
In small hands squeezing mine tighter.
In birthday candles and quiet camping mornings.
In laughter that came back after fear.

2025 was the plot twist year.

The year I learned strength doesn’t look like control —
it looks like surrender.
It looks like showing up anyway.
It looks like choosing joy even when you know how fragile it is.

And it looks like being surrounded by the people who love us most.

We traveled the world.
But more importantly —
we celebrated what we almost lost.

And at the end of it all?
We packed up our life and chose a new continent. 🇿🇦

2025, you were heavy.
You were also beautiful.
You changed me.

2026 — I’m ready.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#2025wrapped

My favorite smart features of my old home! 🏠
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠
I put a lot of thought and design into my home, so I knew I had to get curated, high-tech window shades to match.

Enter @rollishades — sleek, custom motorized shades that actually elevate the space while solving the very real sunlight problem. From light-filtering to blackout options, everything is tailored to fit perfectly and controlled with the touch of a button (or app). It’s the kind of smart, intentional design that makes a home feel finished. 🪟🤍

I easily installed these in my guest bedroom and let me just say, when guests come over, they’re getting what feels like a hotel experience in my home (minus the room service).
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠
#gifted #homedesign #interiorinspo #smarthome #rollishades

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18083248064243187

My favorite smart features of my old home! 🏠
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠
I put a lot of thought and design into my home, so I knew I had to get curated, high-tech window shades to match.

Enter @rollishades — sleek, custom motorized shades that actually elevate the space while solving the very real sunlight problem. From light-filtering to blackout options, everything is tailored to fit perfectly and controlled with the touch of a button (or app). It’s the kind of smart, intentional design that makes a home feel finished. 🪟🤍

I easily installed these in my guest bedroom and let me just say, when guests come over, they’re getting what feels like a hotel experience in my home (minus the room service).
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠
#gifted #homedesign #interiorinspo #smarthome #rollishades

Cancel reply

Adam

I haven’t seen Kauai but i have visited Hawaii and that is the best island in my opinion but after hearing about Kauai i need to visit it too.

November 5, 2017 at 12:49 am · Reply

Tammy

I love it there.in Kauai I. love to travel there and the other islands. I can fly there really cheap. And the people are really great. I would love to go back.

January 25, 2018 at 8:14 pm · Reply

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