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Ala Moana Beach Park

My advice is to explore the walking paths! They take you around the park and offer gorgeous views without the crowd. Just be sure to wear sunblock, it can get super sunny!

If you're planning on swimming, keep an eye on the tide schedule. I didn't, and the current was pretty strong at midday. Better to enjoy a swim during the morning when it's calmer.

I think you should definitely get there early—like around 7 AM. The sunrise is stunning and you can snag a good parking spot before it fills up

I suggest packing a picnic! There's plenty of grassy areas to enjoy and food at nearby kiosks can get pricey. Bring your own snacks and drinks to save some cash.
Laniakea Beach

I recommend checking the surf report before going. The waves can be pretty intense, and it’s helpful to know what you’re getting into, especially if you’re a beginner. Last time, I didn't check, and it was a bit overwhelming!

If you're planning to rent a surfboard, I suggest hitting up local shops instead of the beach rentals. They usually have better prices and more flexible hours. Saved me some cash!
Diamond Head

I suggest getting there around 7 AM to avoid the crowds. The hike is much more enjoyable when it's not packed! Plus, you'll beat the heat. I wish I had done this instead of going later in the day
Fort DeRussy Beach Park

I think taking a stroll along the paths leading to the park's historical sites is cool. I didn't realize how much history was there until I walked around a bit; definitely worth the time!

I suggest visiting in the morning around 8 AM to beat the crowds and enjoy a peaceful sunrise. The beach feels totally different when it's quiet and the sun is just coming up.

I recommend checking out the free beach yoga classes on Tuesday mornings. It’s a great way to unwind and meet other travelers while enjoying stunning ocean views.

If you’re into watersports, rent gear at a nearby shop instead of the beach rentals. They have way better prices, and you can get some nice deals for a full day.
Fort DeRossi Beach Park

If you spot any locals with surfboards, don’t be shy! My advice is to ask them for tips or suggestions; they might know some hidden spots that aren’t in the guidebooks.

I suggest checking the tides before you go. When I visited, the beach was almost underwater during high tide, so plan those beach activities accordingly.
I think shoes are a must if you wanna explore the area. The sand gets super hot mid-day, and trust me, you don’t want to be hopping around like a hot potato.

Get there by 8:00 AM if you want a good spot! It's a lot less crowded early, and you’ll have the best views plus the morning sun without burning your skin.
Napili Beach

I think you should check the tide schedule before going. I went during high tide, and the beach was smaller than expected. It's better to enjoy the full stretch of sand!

I suggest wearing reef-safe sunscreen. The locals really care about protecting the ocean, and I felt good knowing I was doing my part to prevent harm

My advice is to bring your own snacks and drinks. The nearby shops can be pricey – I ended up spending way too much on just a couple of bottles of water.
Halona Blowhole

for parking, arrive before 10 am. i got lucky and found a spot, but it fills up fast, especially on weekends. save yourself the stress!
Kailua Beach Adventures

Definitely get the combo package for equipment rentals! It saves you some cash rather than renting everything separately. I think it was worth it for the whole day.

My advice is to bring your own snacks and drinks. The nearby shops can be a bit pricey, and it's nice to have something on hand while you're on the water.

If you’re planning to take photos, go for the golden hour around sunset – the lighting is amazing! Just make sure to keep an eye on the tides.
Hanalei Beach

Be ready for changing weather! Bring a light rain jacket and check the forecast before heading out. It drizzled on my visit, but the sun was still shining afterwards.

Check out the food trucks near the beach for amazing local eats – I grabbed some poke there and it was fresh and affordable! Don’t skip the flavors of Kauai.

Parking can be tricky, so arrive early, like by 9 AM, to score a spot. Otherwise, be prepared to park a ways back and walk to the beach.

I highly recommend visiting in the late afternoon around 4 PM for the best sunset views. It’s a total mood-lifter and gives you that postcard-perfect shot.
Pillbox Hike

I recommend starting the hike early around 7 AM to beat the heat and the crowds. The sunrise views are absolutely stunning and totally worth it!

Try to go on a weekday if you can. It was way less crowded for me, and I really enjoyed the peace and quiet instead of battling for space.

Bring plenty of water! I thought I’d only need one bottle, but it gets pretty hot on the trail, and you'll want to stay hydrated.

I suggest wearing good shoes, but don’t stress about looking cute. I saw lots of folks slipping in flip-flops—totally not worth it!