FAST GUIDE TO SLOW HAWAII
TO LISTEN TO
Sslowness-soundtrack to Hawai’i
MAUI
TO STAY
Maui Eco Retreat is built upon land known by the Ancient Hawaiians as the “resting place of mature souls.” The new luxury is space, and this site is blessed to be immersed in nature. Located in the majestic and lush Valley of the White Owl on the North Shore. The secluded location creates a magical refuge that is centrally located, while also offering easy access to Haiku, Paia, Hana, and Haleakala. Here, you can experience authentic Hawaii, and immerse yourself in the rich culture and land.
610 Huelo Road
Haiku
TO EAT AND DRINK
An acai bowl and smoothie food truck located in beautiful Lahaina.
741 Waine'e Street 1510
Lahaina
An award winning farm-to-table-to-farm restaurant serving plant based wraps, sandwiches, bowls, salads and more.
335 Keawe Street
Lahaina
Hawaii's largest craft brewery.
Kahana Gateway Center
4405 Honoapiilani Highway
Lahaina
TO VISIT
Hana Highway
It is not about the destination but about the journey. Driving past waterfalls, stopping to visit coves, black lava beaches and spectacular views. Recommended is not to miss stopping at Honokalani Black Sand Beach, in the Waianapanapa State Park.
A serene beach with pristine water, overlooking the iconic Molokini Crater.
Lahaina is a nice, walkable town with small shops and cafés.
A park that cares for endangered species, some of which exist nowhere else, amid stark volcanic landscapes and sub-tropical rain forest.
Remote, wild, volcanic coastline offering solitude and respite from urban life. Lodging, camping, picnicking, shore fishing and hardy family hiking along an ancient Hawaiian coastal trail which leads to Hana.
4,000-acre ʻĪao Valley State Park is known for providing the best views of the legendary ʻĪao Needle, or Kuka’emoku in Hawaiian. Kuka’emoku towers 1,200 feet high above the lush ʻĪao Valley floor (2,250 feet above sea level) and is also called the phallic stone of Kanaloa—the Hawaiian god of the ocean.
O’o Farm is the result of the owner’s extraordinary commitment to providing quality local produce for their local Maui restaurants to deliver a true “Farm to Table” experience.
651 Waipoli Road
Kula
Great spot for surfing, or for turtle-spotting.
At 2,500 feet above sea level, the beauty of Makawao Forest Reserve is truly unparalleled. This unique forest is located in the upcountry of Maui, Hawaii, and features flowering ginger plants, fragrant eucalyptus trees, and spectacular views of the island and ocean below. This region also has cooler temperatures than Maui’s beaches and is a great place to take a break from the sun.
Waioka Pond, also known as Venus Pools Maui, is a secret hike to the Venus Pool out in Hana on East Maui. This hike is located on private property, so make sure you get permission to go to the Venus Pool so that you can have legal access. After a quick 5 minute hike from the road, you'll find yourself at these natural pools right next to the ocean and many locals use this spot as an exciting place to cliff jump into the water.
KAUAI
Note: the south side of the island has generally calmer water (for swimming) and the north side has much more dramatic and beautiful scenery.
TO STAY
With a tropical Hawaiian décor, located on a nice quiet lane in Polpu Beach, off the beaten path yet still within a short walking distance to beaches, restaurants and shops.
2672 Puuholo Road
Koloa
Beautiful organic architecture, tropical, ambiance together with elegant, modern decor and fine art collection make Ka Hale Luina a perfect luxury villa for those in search of a sophisticated island setting and all the comforts and amenities of a luxury retreat.
5150 Kikala Road
Kalaheo
TO EAT AND DRINK
Vegan and locally sourced.
4-369 Kuhio Hwy,
Kapaʻa
Tapas, cocktails and fine wine.
5-5161 Kuhio Hwy
Hanalei
A community market, café and restaurant, designed to provide healthy everyday options.
2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka Street
Koloa
Locally owned and operated, Hanalei Bread Company is an organic bakery and coffee house in the heart of Hanalei.
5-5161 Kuhio Highway
Hanalei
In a casual yet elegant setting of an Old Hawaii Plantation, Chef-Owner Peter Merriman serves his unique style of Hawaii Regional Cuisine in Kauai's Poipu. A pioneer in the "Farm to Table" concept, he serves only the freshest products, at least 90 percent of which are locally grown or caught, using only sustainable methods.
2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka Street
Koloa
Oasis is a beautiful oceanfront restaurant that showcases the best of what Kauai has to offer in cuisine, service and ocean views.
4 820 Kuhio Hwy
Kapaʻa
TO VISIT
The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
Spread over 4,345 acres on a plateau 3,200 to 4,200 feet above sea level, Kōkeʻe State Park is covered in forest, wild flowers and hiking trails.
Located on the far west side of Kauai, Kekaha Beach Park is best left for watching the sunset and beach combing.
The Kalalau Trail is an 11-mile trail that leads from Ke'e Beach to Kalalau Beach along the Nāpali Coast.
Hā’ena State Park is located at the northwestern extent of Kuhio Highway on Kauai’s north-shore. The park offers viewing of restored lo’i kalo (taro field, as well as, the spectacular Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park.
If you’re in the mood to simply get away from it all, put Kauapea Beach on your radar. Also known as Secret Beach, these sandy shores are definitely a hidden gem in North Shore Kauai. Since it takes an oft-treacherous trek down a slippery path to get here, many people skip it in favour of the many other nearby beaches. But if you manage to make the trip, you’ll be well rewarded for your efforts.
While it’s more challenging to access than many other beaches, Polihale State Park is a great location if you’re looking for a place with less people. The beach is accessed via rough, five mile road.
The tunnel is a beautiful beach on the North Shore of Kauai. Known to locals as Makua, the Tunnels sprawls across the North Shore.
Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
One of the world’s most scenic coastlines of beautiful beaches, towering sea cliffs, and deep hanging valleys with waterfalls that merge into the sea. Shaped by long-term erosion, the coast was originally inhabited by Hawaiians and then attracted the attention of others from the west, prompting local authorities to enforce permits, camping access and restrictions to visitors.
Built on the footprint of our Hawaiian ancestors, Limahuli Garden and Preserve is located on the north shore of the island of Kaua’i in one of the most biodiverse valleys in the Hawaiian Islands. Home to dozens of endangered plants and birds found nowhere else on earth, Limahuli Garden and Preserve highlights native and culturally-significant species in an authentic Hawaiian landscape.
Hale Halawai’s Hanalei Farmer’s Market
Enjoy delicious locally grown fruits & vegetables from Kauai North Shore farmers. The fresh squeezed juices, locally made honey, fresh-baked goods, salsa and other tasty treats highlight the culinary talents of the area.
West of Princeville, on Kauaʻi’s North shore, is peaceful Hanalei Town. Graced with timeless beauty, this lovely small town is home to everything from historic places to contemporary art galleries. Hanalei Town is an unforgettable stop on your visit to Kauaʻi.
BIG ISLAND
TO STAY
Located on the slopes of Mount Hualalai in the heart of the Kona Coffee belt, our romantic, relaxing Inn awaits you. Our Big Island bed and breakfast is not just an “accommodation,” but a working coffee farm and an extraordinary Hawaiian experience epitomizing the spirit of Aloha.
76-5932 Mamalahoa Highway
Holualoa
TO EAT AND DRINK
Family owned and operated, Sweet Cane Cafe first opened in August of 2011 to provide Hawaii Island with a casual and accessible farm-to-table experience. Serving cane juice, cane slushies, cane juice based smoothies, elixirs, vegan and gluten free baked goods, sandwiches, salads, and soups; items are made with as many local and organic ingredients as possible. All breads and sauces are made in house.
48 Kamana Street
Hilo
Wine tasting in paradise is just a sip away at Volcano Winery on the Big Island.
35 Piimauna Drive
Volcano
World class artisan craft beer brewed/bottled on-site, fresh local food. Hawaii's highest brewpub, located in Waimea on the Big Island.
64-1066 Mamalahoa Highway
Waimea
Kona Coffee is world-renowned and consistently rated among the very best gourmet coffees in the world. If you are a coffee enthusiast you shouldn’t visit the Big Island without a trying out a good cup of Kona Coffee.
74-5588 Palani Road
Kailua-Kona
At Pueo Osteria, the authentic, invigorating flavours of Italy meet the style and delicacy of Hawai’i. Pueo Osteria accelerates the charts for restaurant culture, with admirable food and unmatched service. Attracted are those who are indulging their senses and celebrating with the best cuisine and service on the island.
68-1845 Waikoloa Road
Waikoloa Village
TO VISIT
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Extending from sea level to 13,681 feet, the park encompasses the summits of two of the world's most active volcanoes - Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
The Hawaiian macadamia nut is grown and produced on Big Island by Mauna Loa.
Mauna Loa has the best macadamia nuts inspired by Hawaii.
At 2,800m elevation the visitor center is a great place for stargazing, especially if you visit during the free weekly stargazing events. The drive over Saddle Road and up to the visitor center is also highly worth it, and shows a beautiful side of Hawaiʻi.
Located on the southeastern Kaʻū coast, Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaiʻi.
Papakōlea beach is a geologic oddity among few in the world. It means 'plover flats,' after the Pacific golden plover. This hike travels to a green sand beach located in a bay cut into a side of Puʻu Mahana, a cinder cone that erupted about 50,000 years ago. The green sand is created by a common mineral in Big Island lava called olivine, which stays deposited on this beach because it is heavier than the other components of the lava.
Pleasant self-guided walk through lush tropical vegetation to scenic vista points overlooking the cascading Kahuna Falls and the free-falling ‘Akaka Falls, which plunges 442 feet into a stream-eroded gorge. The 0.4-mile loop footpath requires some physical exertion
Beach 69
Waialea beach is one of the more popular white sand beaches on the Big Island. Especially so during the summer months, because of the sun, shade and good snorkeling. Waialea beach is also called “69 beach” because of the number 69 utility pole close to the parking area of this beach.
This desert is an amazing and unique landscape on an island full of such landscapes. Attesting to the power of the volcano here are two-hundred year old fossilized human footprints in mud-ash. Their origin isn't entirely clear, but it is surely fascinating to walk among the footprints of the ancient Hawaiians in this desolate place. Read more below about the history of the footprints.
Unique among commercial sellers of honey, this is a family operation and the honey in their jars comes exclusively from their own hives, which have carefully attended to without the use of artificial feeds or chemical miticides.
This chain of stores has three locations on Big Island, selling organic and natural food.
Hilo Farmers Market on the Big Island of Hawai’i sells fresh Hawaiian fruits and vegetables, tropical flowers and local crafts.
The largest of the island's white sand beaches, Hāpuna Beach has consistently been rated on international Top Ten lists of the islands' best beaches.
O’AHU
TO STAY
We recommend finding an apartment or bungalow with nice view and/or outdoor space, located near where you want to be.
TO EAT AND DRINK
Kahumana Food Hub & Organic Farms
Historically, Waianae was the food basket of Oahu. Today, Kahumana Farm Hub helps to share Waianae's native abundance at farmers' markets, restaurants and grocery stores across the island, while creating income opportunities, preventing food waste and cultivating relationships with food producers in the community.
86-660 Lualualei Homestead Road
Waianae
Great food, service, and outdoor patio atmosphere.
3452 Waialae Avenue
Honolulu
Moku Kitchen is a chef-driven concept that brings Hawaii's rich upcountry farming and ranching heritage to downtown Honolulu's urban lifestyle.
660 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu
Kahuku Farms is a leading provider of fresh local produce on the North Shore of Oahu.
56-800 Kamehameha Highway
Kahuku
TO VISIT
Doris Duke’s Honolulu home has been transformed into a museum of Islamic art and design. A spectacular villa in one of the most beautiful settings of the island.
4055 Pāpū Circle
Honolulu
Today owned by a foundation and open to the public, was designed by Vladimir Ossipoff and widely considered to be one of this best works.
3300 Tantalus Drive
Honolulu
Ka'ena Point State Park is the gateway to Ka'ena Point Natural Area Reserve at O'ahu's most northwestern point.
Formed within a volcanic cone, today Hanauma Bay offers a pristine marine ecosystem after the City and County of Honolulu laid out a plan in 1990 to restore the bay, after years of use from the millions of visitors who visit and love to snorkel Hanauma Bay. Voted Best Beach in the United States in 2016, volunteers have a booth located on the beach level to help visitors learn about conservation of the reef and the types of fish that live there.
Remains of this ancient volcano lie as massive fragments strewn nearly 160 km over the ocean floor to the northeast of Oʻahu. The volcano is thought to have first erupted on the ocean floor more than 2.5 million years ago. It eventually reached sea level and continued to grow in elevation until about 1.7 million years ago, when the volcano became dormant. The volcano remained dormant for hundreds of thousands of years, during which time erosion ate away at the initially smooth slopes of the shield-shaped mountain; and the entire mass subsided considerably.
Scenic views of the ocean lapping against the rocky coast and the offshore seabird sanctuary await visitors to Laʻie Point State Wayside.
Hawai'i's most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views, and military history.
The Honolulu Museum of Art is a home for art and education that exists for the benefit of the entire community, presented in a setting that promotes beauty, harmony, learning, self-awareness, and connection.
900 S Beretania Street
Honolulu