U.S. Graduation Trip: A Two-Island Hawaiian Adventure

🎓🌺Aloha, friends! Just returned from an unforgettable graduation trip to Hawaii – the ultimate paradise for both relaxation and adventure! Here’s my two-island travel guide filled with tips, highlights, and good vibes 🌊✨ 🏝️ Island Choices Hawaii has 8 main islands. I visited: Oʻahu: Cultural hub & city life 🏙️ Big Island: Wild nature & adventure 🏔️ 🌺 Oʻahu Guide 🏞️ Must-Visit Spots Waikīkī Beach: Golden sands, surfing, epic sunsets 🌅 Lanikai Beach: Turquoise water + powdery sand = paradise 🏖️ Diamond Head: Hike for panoramic island views 🗻 Pearl Harbor: Historic site with moving stories ⚓ North Shore: Famous waves & laid-back vibes 🏄 H3 Highway: Scenic drive through lush green mountains 🛣️ 🍽️ Foodie Hits Poke Bowl: Fresh, flavorful, a Hawaiian staple Shave Ice: Colorful, refreshing, perfect for hot days 🍧 Loco Moco: Comfort food at its best 🍛 La Mer: Fine dining with ocean views Sushi Sho: Authentic omakase experience 🍣 Night Market & Farmers Markets: Local treats & crafts 🗺️ Adventure Map Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: Witness active lava flows Mauna Kea: Stargaze from one of the world’s best sites 🔭 Kua Bay: Pristine beach with bright blue water Akaka Falls: Lush rainforest & stunning waterfall Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach: Sunbathe with sea turtles Papakōlea Green Sand Beach: One of only 4 in the world 💚 Southernmost Point: Stand at the edge of the U.S. 🗺️ 🍛 Local Eats Umekes Fish Market: Fresh fish & local dishes Hawaiian Style Cafe: Giant portions, classic breakfasts 🍍 Punaluʻu Bake Shop: Famous sweet bread & pastries Teshima's: Japanese-Hawaiian comfort food 🍱 Da Poke Shack: Some of the island’s best poke 🥗 Kona Coffee Tour: Sip 100% local coffee Hilo Farmers Market: Tropical fruit & handmade goods 🥭 💡 Travel Tips Flights: 45-min hop between islands 🛫 Mauna Kea & Volcano Hikes: Bring a warm jacket & hiking shoes 🥾 Car Rental: 4WD recommended for Big Island roads 🚙 Cash: Many local vendors are cash-only 💵 🎓 For International Students As a recent grad on OPT with expired student insurance, I made sure to get Tigerless OPT Insurance before traveling 🛡️. It covers both health emergencies and travel accidents – total peace of mind for my adventure! 🌈 Final Aloha Standing at the southernmost cliff of the Big Island, with the ocean wind in my hair, I felt truly alive. Hawaii taught me that life, like its weather, can be both powerful and gentle – but always full of surprises. #US #Honolulu #Hawaii