Summertime and the livin’ is easy. We’ve got Hawaii on the mind but before we can pack our bags for the Aloha state let’s plan a bit. Right now we’re right smack in the peak season where the beaches are crowded and the resorts jam-packed with families, couples, and business travelers trying to blow off a little steam at a secluded cove in Honolulu. It’s best to know what your itinerary will be especially for Hawaii because when the weather in other destinations gets lousy, travelers usually end up here soaking in the relaxed vibes and cheery atmosphere for days. Surfing, volcanoes, rainforests and sipping a drink on the shore with one of those cute beach umbrellas is what we live for if we’re being honest. But the amount of variety Hawaii will offer is actually why we love it so much. Club lovers won’t be disappointed either because the nightlife here is insane.

Read on for a couple of ideas of where to stay, eat, drink, shop and sightsee when you’re in Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai and the rest of the Hawaiian islands.

The best hotels in Hawaii

Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort

For a lavish 5-star Hawaiian stay, book a room in tasteful Japanese-themed décor. This architectural beauty is a stylish and high-end wellness retreat perfect to check in after a tiring and over-stimulating plane ride to the islands. Guests will be treated to a highly personalized soothing and transformative experience for the senses, designed to help you relax, unwind and take in the the natural hospitality and tranquil vibes of Lanai City.

The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort

For the most popular luxury accommodation on the Waikiki Strip, look no further than the Royal Hawaiian. The hotel is instantly recognizable with its iconic pink hues of the hotel’s walls and interiors - pink stucco to be precise. And we are loving these modern, pop art vibes that seem a bold decorating move for a Hawaiian resort. Still the hotel does well to look after its guests with an incredible beach-side garden oasis where you can see both rattan relics and modernity in the ambience and furnishings. Just a gorgeous place to stay!

Duke’s Waikiki

Sip on a Tiki cocktail y’all and take in the beach vibes of this trendy surf n’ turf restaurant. Duke’s is the place to be for a cool gathering of friends and family just looking for that perfect spot of lunch or dinner and of course refreshing umbrella drinks crafted with real fresh squeezed juices and the best quality spirits. But it’s really the exceptional seafood menu and decadent desserts that people come here for. Some might say this restaurant is Insta-famous. Order the coconut shrimp, wings, burgers and fries. Can’t go wrong with those!

La Mer

Okay so Hawaii’s fine dining is just as exquisite as its more casual eateries and La Mer is testament to that. This French establishment is a classy sophisticated curated affair set in one of the most opulent dining rooms in all of Oahu. Open-air dining at the Halekulani Hotel and while the menu prices are on the high side, the food delivers in total completeness and the satisfaction of the beach views makes it more bang for your buck. Romantic dinner for two or else just an ideal place to come to experience high quality cooking.

Hawaii’s best spas, beaches and parks

Waikiki Beach

Hawaii’s beaches are world-famous. When beach-hopping it’s best to consider the amount of privacy you want and of course what activities and food stalls you can sample near the shore. We can’t forget the crowds either. But whatever said and done Waikiki Beach is still one of the most popular beaches travelers love to lounge at in the backdrop of the skyscrapers and boutique stores in the South Oahu.

Spa Montage Kapalua Bay

Booking here means you can expect impeccable pampering and exquisite treatments in true Hawaiian fashion. The spa itself is located in Montage Kapalua Bay and brings new meaning to the words “rejuvenation of the mind, body and soul”. The awe inspiring setting in the West Maui mountains and glistening waters of Kapulua Bay is a treat for the senses and guests love to the ‘hydrotherapy circuit’ which gives the experience of Maui’s maka (mountain) rain with the bamboo showers. A delightful and immersive experience in nature for sure.

Sunset Beach Park

Surfer’s paradise and so popular there was a classic TV show named after it. Sink your toes into the soft sands of this two-mile stretch on the North Shore of Oahu. Sunset Beach Park is quite famouse for the big wave surfing season during winter bringing in quite a crowd. So surfing lovers will not want to miss this spot when the season is hot for riding those waves and partying near the shore.

Other cool things to do in Hawaii

• Yoga and meditation at Hualalai Spa at Four Seasons Resort

• Hike to Diamond Head for panoramic views

• Visit Bishop Museum

• Go on the Manoa Falls Trail

• Visit Pearl Harbour National Memorial

Hawaii has so many lavish hotels to stay at, incredible cuisine, great sightseeing and holiday activities and of course the iconic beach and Tiki vibes we all know and love. So what are you waiting for? Download our Hawaii city guide and start planning your trip!