A lot has happened here in Hawaii in the last few years. I don’t have to remind you about COVID-19 and the wildfires, but one thing hasn’t changed, and that’s the beauty of the islands and their appeal as vacation destinations. One of the things we love to do here is share fun things to do and, hotel reviews, off-the-bean path spots, help visitors understand these islands, share Hawaii's Worst-Kept Secrets, and how to prepare for a memorable vacation.

Surfing Sucks- Don't Try It

Have you ever seen or heard the meme, “surfing sucks don’t try it”? If you have then I’m sure you know the purpose behind it. Any local can attest to the frustration of their hometown becoming more and more crowded, and not just the popular towns of Hawaii like Waikiki. It’s happening everywhere. 

I think there’s something to be said about this. First and foremost, the earth is a thriving place. It’s ignorant to think that population growth won’t affect your hometown. Whether it’s happening now or 25 years from now, the place that you call home will (or already does) see more people within its borders than it did when you were growing up.

I understand why so many people feel this is a bad thing. I can definitely get frustrated when trying to get around town.  I wouldn't say I like being held up by slow-moving cars, hoards of tour bus pedestrians crossing the road, or unusual traffic, all caused by overcrowding. But all that being said, if you don’t change your attitude about it, you’ll always be conflicted by it. Unfortunately, it is inevitable, and the only way to stay happy amongst an ever-growing population is to embrace it. Or at least learn to accept it. Or move I guess. I know it’s hard.

So in honor of changing our attitude toward population growth, I’m highlighting Hawaii’s worst-kept secrets. The destinations of the islands are what everyone knows about, but the locals wish they could be kept secret forever.

It’s these ‘secrets’ that give visitors a unique experience in Hawaii though, which they have a right to enjoy. Everyone deserves to have an insightful and fun vacation right? Locals from the islands want to know about the best nightclubs in Vegas or the secret surf spots in California, just like I wanted to know about the best wineries in Bordeaux or the most fun place to surf in Barbados when I traveled there.

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Hawaii's Worst Kept Secrets

This is why I’m sharing the top things about Hawaii that should have been kept a secret a long time ago, but are now widely known for your vacation pleasure. Enjoy.

Snorkeling

There was a time when visitors came to Hawaii but didn’t swim. Well, they did swim, but it was in layered gowns, stockings, wool suits, and swimming caps and only wading out to their waists. Getting in the water wasn’t a widely enjoyed outdoor activity, especially because bathing suits (especially for women) were very uncommon until about the early 1900s. So you can bet that Hawaii's now popular water activity- snorkeling- was definitely not a common thing to do. Thus the waters were void of snorkelers.

But today, snorkeling has become one of the top ocean sports for visitors to partake in during their Hawaii experience. Which means many of the top snorkel spots are crowded. But if you’re adventurous enough, there are coastlines, coves, and beaches that are snorkel-friendly AND uncrowded, you have to be willing to explore a little. Top snorkel spots that are Hawaii’s worst-kept secrets are Hanauma Bay in Honolulu, Shark’s Cove on Oahu’s North Shore, Poipu Beach on Kauai, Molokini off of Maui and Kahaluu in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island. Remember, if it’s crowded, it must be for a reason!

Food Trucks

Hawaii has quite possibly one of the most popular food truck scenes in the country.