On the Road | Hawaii 2024 - Three Island. Four Weeks.
Jul 19, 2024
On the Road | Hawaii 2024: A Place That Lives for the Light
DES Rating: 95 | A Place That Lives in You Long After You Leave
The Story
Ever wished you could just escape to paradise for a while? Well, that’s exactly what I did. I spent four glorious weeks exploring the Hawaiian Islands—soaking up the sun, hitting the links, diving into the ocean, and indulging in some seriously delicious food.
My journey began on the Big Island, where I checked into the luxurious Four Seasons Hualalai. With its black lava coastline, lush tropical grounds, and postcard-perfect beaches, this was my home base for two unforgettable weeks. I teed it up at Hualalai’s oceanfront course and shot a personal-best 84—on a bucket-list course, no less. Then there was Mauna Lani South, which felt more like playing inside a landscape painting than a golf round.
Off the course, I dove deep into island life. I explored Holualoa’s art-filled hillsides, took an ATV tour through the rich history of Aloha Adventure Farms, and stargazed atop Mauna Kea—13,000 feet up, above the clouds and among the stars. One moment I was off-roading through ancient trails, the next I was floating in the crystal-clear waters of Kealakekua Bay, snorkeling with sea turtles and tropical fish.
Next stop: Maui. I checked into the Four Seasons Maui, another stunner, and kept the adventures rolling. I snorkeled the volcanic crescent of Molokini Crater (yes, there were sharks), played three different courses—including the legendary Kapalua Plantation—and found a new brunch obsession: the Blackstone Benedict at the Plantation House. My SUV handled the winding ascent to Haleakalā just fine, but those views? Unreal. Mars meets Maui.
Finally, I wrapped the trip on Oahu at the iconic Halekulani in Waikiki. My days were filled with beach walks, swims in turquoise waters, and long, peaceful evenings behind the lens. I didn’t just eat well—I ate memorably. From fresh sushi to plate lunch classics, Oahu brought the flavor and then some.
As I boarded the plane home, salty and sun-kissed, one word came to mind: grateful. For the places, the people, the light, and the luxury of being present in it all.
Where I Stayed
🏨 Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (Big Island)
A luxury sanctuary on the Kona coast. With open-air design, black-lava paths, and world-class amenities, it’s hard to imagine a more fitting launchpad for two weeks of island exploration. Golf, snorkeling, stargazing—it’s all right here.
🏨 Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Ocean views. Elegant design. Classic Maui luxury. This resort set the tone for island-hopping with elevated vibes and easy access to some of the best snorkeling and golf on the island.
🏨 Halekulani Hotel (Oahu)
A historic beauty in the heart of Waikiki. Tranquil, understated, and steps from the sea. The perfect exhale before heading home. (Full review coming soon.)
Can’t Miss Experiences
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⛳️ Golf at Hualalai & Kapalua Plantation
Two of the most scenic courses I’ve ever played—and that’s saying something. Hualalai’s greens hug the coast, and Kapalua feels like golfing in a dream. -
🌌 Stargazing on Mauna Kea
Standing above the clouds at 13,000 feet as the sun sets and stars explode into view? Spiritual. -
🤿 Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay & Molokini Crater
Vibrant coral, sea turtles, and deep Pacific blue. Bring an underwater camera—you’ll want receipts. -
🚙 Road Trip to Haleakalā
It’s a drive. It’s a journey. It’s otherworldly. And worth every curve and climb. -
🌺 ATV Tour at Aloha Adventure Farms
Learn the land, feel the history, ride the trails. A perfect blend of thrill and cultural depth.
Destination Experience Scorecard: 95 | A Place That Lives in You Long After You Leave
Here’s how Hawaii scored through the lens of On the Road Photography.
| Category | Rating (1–10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 📸 OTR Rating (Photography Value) | 9.5 – Pure magic, from lava rock coastlines to golden-hour volcanoes | |
| 🧭 Adventure & Exploration | 9.0 – From summits to sea turtles, it’s the explorer’s playground | |
| 🎨 Culture & Vibe | 9.0 – Deeply rooted, beautifully shared, effortlessly alive | |
| 🏖️ Relaxation & Atmosphere | 10.0 – Oceanfront luxury and tropical ease at every turn | |
| 🏕️ Accommodations | 9.5 – Four Seasons excellence and Halekulani grace | |
| 🍽️ Food & Local Flavor | 9.0 – A feast of flavor across islands, fresh and unforgettable | |
| 🧾 Overall Destination Score | 9.5 – A Place That Lives in You Long After You Leave |
Reflections
Hawaii isn’t just one destination—it’s a symphony of islands, each with its own tempo. On this trip, I felt the rhythm of each place in a different way: the quiet wisdom of the Big Island, the natural drama of Maui, and the vibrant pulse of Oahu.
Whether you’re chasing waves, chasing tee times, or chasing light with a lens, Hawaii offers space for it all. It’s the kind of place that slows you down in the best way, reminds you of what matters, and fills your cup—body, soul, and creative spirit.
