5 Things Most Tourists Miss in Hawaiʻi (That Locals Love)

1. Moonrises Over the Ocean

Everyone rushes to the beach for sunset — but few wait around for the moon to rise. On a clear night, especially around the full moon, it’s a surreal sight as it rises over the ocean and lights up the water in silver.

2. Hot Malasadas from a Local Bakery

Skip the chains. Find a neighborhood bakery early in the morning and grab malasadas — warm, sugar-coated Portuguese donuts, often filled with custard or guava. Leonard’s on Oʻahu is famous, but there are gems on every island.

3. Watching Honu at Sunset (from a Distance!)

Many beaches on Maui, Oʻahu, and Big Island have turtle haul-outs at dusk — where honu (sea turtles) come ashore to rest. Sit quietly and admire from 10+ feet away. It’s one of the most peaceful, spiritual scenes you’ll experience.

4. Plate Lunches at a Park

Locals don’t eat at fancy waterfront restaurants every day. Grab a plate lunch (rice, meat, mac salad) and eat it at a shady park near the ocean. Bonus: no wait, no crowd, and a view money can’t buy.

5. The Sound of Nothing

Find a quiet stretch of coastline. No music. No phones. Just waves and wind. This is the part of Hawai‘i that gets in your soul — and stays there long after the trip is over.

Final Thought:

The best souvenirs aren’t found in shops — they’re found in quiet moments.

And when you’re back home? Scan your Lava Coasts coaster, press play… and relive those moments again.

Sip. Scan. Escape.