Living in Hawai'i for a year really opened my eyes to the different cultures, people, cuisine, and landscapes that this majestic world has to offer outside of New Mexico. When I first was flying onto the island, I remember seeing the crystal-clear blue waters and dark green land. I was as excited as a young child opening up gifts on Christmas morning, to be starting this new chapter in my life - a student at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa.
I quickly learned the ins and outs of living life on an island. I bought a bicycle so that I could get around campus and town more quickly, and did not have to take the public transit system if I did not have to. While I still had to attend classes and do adult things, I made sure I had time to explore the vibrant green land around me.
I went on 8-hour hikes with some of my best friends, rode my bike to tourist-filled beaches, and on the weekends took couple-hour long bus rides to the opposite side of the island.
I hope you enjoy reading about some of the best places to visit and explore on Oahu, Kauai, and Maui.
Please check out this short trailer below for the movie "Kiss the Ground" - it's a movie that educates the viewer on how we can reverse climate change and save our beautiful planet.