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In my last post, we packed Zion, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Lake Powell into four days. This time, let’s unpack the schedule. If time and budget leave a little breathing room, Hawaiʻi is my favorite place to give my mind and body a break.

I’ve been four times, including three trips in the past four years. So yes, I’m hooked. But I’m a free spirit who wants a little bit of everything. Staying on one island for an entire trip feels a little too slow for me, so I visit at least two islands each time.

Oʻahu is where I always start before taking a deeper dive into the rest of Hawaiʻi. Shopping, food, beaches, a little adventure—it’s a good place to begin.

Where to Stay: Think About How Much You’ll Walk

For a first visit, I’d stay in central Waikīkī, where you can walk between restaurants, shops, and the beach.

On my second trip, my mom and I stayed at Prince Waikiki. We planned to drive around the island and do some shopping, so being near Ala Moana Center made sense. And those marina views? Just as gorgeous as the photos.

Then we decided to walk to Island Vintage Coffee in central Waikīkī for lunch. Sounds manageable, right? Except once you’re there, you’re probably not just eating and heading back. A few shops, a stroll along the beach, “let’s check out this place”—and those steps add up. By the time we still had the walk back to Prince Waikiki, we were feeling it. Bring comfortable shoes. Your lunch plans might turn into a whole afternoon on your feet.

A Little Shave Ice Detour

I don’t know if anyone’s ever sold you on the whole ‘hidden gem’ thing. Well, I’ve definitely fallen for it.

My first shave ice on Oʻahu was Island Vintage Shave Ice, right in Waikīkī. Loved it. But then came all those posts: “You HAVE to try this little spot on the North Shore!” And there I went, chasing shave ice. Apparently, finding a good one right down the street wasn’t enough for me. It had to come with a little adventure.

After trying a few more, guess which one was still my favorite?

Maybe that’s a little life lesson hiding in my shave ice: we don’t always appreciate what comes easily. Sometimes we have to go looking for something better to realize how good we had it right where we started.

Beyond Waikīkī: My Two-Day Island Drive

I’m not an early bird, and racing between stops doesn’t sound like vacation to me. So I split my island sightseeing into two days.

Day 1: Pineapple, Garlic Shrimp, and North Shore Beaches

My suggested route is Waikīkī → Dole Plantation → Haleʻiwa → Laniakea Beach → Waimea Bay → Sunset Beach.

First stop: Dole Plantation. If you’re in the mood for a little tourist moment, grab a pineapple Dole Whip. Nothing wrong with starting the day with dessert.

In Haleʻiwa, Jenny’s Shrimp Truck is my go-to for garlic shrimp. Giovanni’s is another famous option, but I haven’t tried it. I keep going back to Jenny’s.

Next is Laniakea Beach, also called Turtle Beach. You might spot sea turtles resting on shore, though they don’t work on our vacation schedules. Give them at least 10 feet of space.

Continue to Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach, but don’t feel obligated to spend hours at every stop. Pick a favorite and settle in.

Day 2: Green Mountains, a Japanese Temple, and Lanikai Beach

For the second day, I’d follow Waikīkī → Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden → Byodo-In Temple → Kualoa Ranch → Lanikai Beach.

Start with the dramatic green mountains at Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden, then head to Byodo-In Temple, tucked beneath the mountains.

Book your Kualoa Ranch tour first, then plan the garden and temple around it. Check opening days before heading out.

Lanikai is my favorite beach on Oʻahu. When the sun comes out, the water literally looks like blue Jell-O. If there’s daylight left after the ranch, I’d finish here. Just leave time for traffic and finding a legal parking spot.

That’s my kind of vacation: a little exploring, something good to eat, and enough room to change my mind.

A Few More Stops If You Have Time

Still have a few days? Hike Diamond Head for coastline views, or tackle Koko Head if you’re feeling ambitious. Look into Hanauma Bay for snorkeling—check reservations first. And for an evening off your feet, enjoy dinner, music, hula, and storytelling at a lūʻau.

There’s plenty to keep you on Oʻahu. Next post, we’ll head to another island.

Want to see a lot without spending your entire vacation on the road? We combined canyon hikes, desert views, and a lake day into four full days of exploring Utah and Arizona. We also had an arrival day to get from Las Vegas to Zion, so plan for that extra night. Not everything went smoothly, but that’s part of what made the trip memorable.

Getting There: Las Vegas to Zion

We landed in Las Vegas around midday, picked up our rental car, and drove to Under Canvas Zion. By check-in, we were ready for dinner and a quiet evening.

Our tent had a toilet, sink, and shower—but no air conditioning. There was a cooling mist, but in August, it still felt like sleeping in a sauna. Glamping was an experience, although anyone who needs a cool room to sleep should keep that in mind.

There’s food at camp, or you can drive into Springdale for more options.

Day 1: Angels Landing and Springdale

Our first goal was Angels Landing. If it’s on your list, check the permit requirements before going. You need a permit for the section beyond Scout Lookout.

We made it partway before rain moved in and a ranger directed us back. Turning around was disappointing, but wet rock and an exposed trail were enough to convince me.

Even without reaching the top, we got a substantial hike. Afterward, we explored Springdale and found a great dining place called Zion Pizza & Noodle Co. Sometimes the backup plan tastes pretty good.

Day 2: The Narrows, Then Page

For the Narrows, we rented hiking shoes and a walking stick. The slippery river rocks made me glad we did.

I expected the clear water I’d seen in pictures. Recent rain gave us muddy water instead, but walking between those towering canyon walls was still memorable. Check current conditions and flash-flood forecasts before heading in.

That afternoon, we drove to Page, Arizona. We planned to catch sunset at Horseshoe Bend, but by the time we checked into our hotel, we were too late. Leave yourself extra time if sunset is a priority.

Day 3: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend

We toured Upper Antelope Canyon in the morning. Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon are on Navajo Nation land, and you must book an authorized guided tour.

Having visited both, I personally preferred Lower Antelope Canyon. Upper is known for its distinct light beams, but those depend on the season and time of day. Research that before booking if they’re what you’re hoping to see.

Later, we finally visited Horseshoe Bend and had dinner at Rustic Thistle in Page. Page felt like a small, peaceful town, and our dining choices seemed more limited than in a bigger city. We picked Rustic Thistle because of its high ratings, and I’d seriously recommend trying their seafood boil if you’re ever there.

Day 4: Lake Powell Stole the Show

Renting a motorboat on Lake Powell turned out to be the highlight. After hiking and following tour schedules, spending a full day exploring the water and taking in the sandstone cliffs was a welcome change.

Four days gave us a lot of variety without changing hotels every night. My biggest advice: arrange permits and tours early, leave room for weather changes, and don’t rush the lake day. That’s the one I’m especially glad we kept.

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When planning a trip, we often start with one question: Where should we go? But I think another question matters just as much: What do we want to experience?

Sometimes I want to walk through a city and learn about its history. Other times, I want to spend my days outdoors or simply slow down somewhere beautiful. Looking back at my travels, three different experiences stand out: culture in Italy, adventure around Zion, and relaxation in Maui.

Culture: Taking My Time in Italy

Italy gave me so many opportunities to experience history. Visiting the Colosseum and exploring Vatican City felt very different from seeing them in photographs. Walking through the Vatican Museums and seeing Raphael’s paintings made the experience even more memorable.

Florence, Cinque Terre, and Venice each offered something different. I loved the colorful towns of Cinque Terre, while in Venice, simply walking around became part of the experience. A gondola ride was another memorable part of the visit.

For me, cultural travel works best when I leave room to slow down. Famous attractions are worth visiting, but I don’t want my entire trip to feel like checking items off a list. Sometimes sitting outside a coffee shop and watching everyday life tells me something about a place that a landmark cannot.

Adventure: Getting Outside Around Zion

Adventure travel brings a different kind of energy. Around Zion National Park, the landscape becomes the focus, with hiking and opportunities to explore the canyon scenery.

Under Canvas Zion was part of my travel experience in this area. Glamping appealed to me because it offered a way to feel closer to nature while still having comforts such as a shower and toilet.

Relaxation: Slowing Down in Maui

Not every trip needs a packed schedule. In Maui, staying at the Hyatt Regency Maui and exploring the property felt like part of the vacation itself.

We also visited the Nakalele Blowhole and took a dolphin-watching tour. Spending time on the water, enjoying the scenery, drinks, and snacks, was one of the highlights of the trip.

Mama’s Fish House was another memorable stop. For me, food and the setting can be just as much a part of a travel experience as sightseeing.

Relaxation doesn’t have to mean doing nothing. It can mean choosing a few things I genuinely want to do and leaving space between them.

Which Experience Fits Your Next Trip?

Before choosing a destination, ask yourself:

• Do I want to learn about history and culture?
• Am I looking for outdoor activities and adventure?
• Do I need a slower pace and time to unwind?