Aloha! Let us introduce ourselves. We’re just a few members of the Shaka Guide team here to share some of our favorite things to do in Hawaii. In this article you’ll hear from Andrew, Shaka Guide’s Co-Founder and CEO; Jen, our Content and Marketing Manager; Reyn, our Graphic Designer; and Spencer, our Lead Storyteller and Writer. 

Each of us work in different parts of the company to help bring the tours to life! We hope that you learn just a little bit more about us and our love for Hawaii. 

What is your ideal day in Hawaii? 

Andrew: 

I’m a little biased because I went to school on the North Shore [of Oahu] so I’m familiar with that side of the island. 

A little about me, I’m married, and I have a ten year old son so a lot of the activities that we do are based around what would be good to do as a family. My ideal day in Hawaii is taking my family to the North Shore, usually we’ll go hang out in Laie, check out some of our old college spots, but really what we like doing is during the summer months is go to the Shark Cove tidepools… just going out and snorkeling in the tidepools. And then afterwards, we dry out, make our way back and grab a bite to eat on the North Shore somewhere… go somewhere different try some food. From there we kind of go back home and chill. 

Andrew and his family on a day out in Hawaii!

Jen: 

My ideal day in Hawaii would definitely be spent on the North Shore [of Oahu]. I love the vibe there, the shops, the beaches and the food. I’d start by heading over to Haleiwa for an early lunch, probably at Kono’s but maybe at Big Wave Shrimp. Then I’d visit some of the shops just to browse. From there I’d head over to Banzai - my favorite beach - and just relax on the beach and watch some of the surfers. After that, I’d probably head back home but not before grabbing a slice of chocolate haupia pie from Ted’s bakery - my favorite! 

Reyn: 

My ideal in Hawaii would be either a barbecue or picnic at the beach or at a friend or family’s house. Growing up my family and I used to barbecue at Ala Moana Beach Park. It's a nice open, family friendly park - yeah I have a lot of memories at that park. 

Spencer: 

I would say, definitely a beach. I particularly like the beaches that start with a nice hike, like Shipman Beach [on Big Island] was always a go-to for a really nice Hawaii day because you can get in a jungle hike and lava rock cliffs and then it ends in a cozy beach. 

Favorite island? 

Andrew: 

My go-to island is Kauai, the reason being, it’s smaller - you can see a lot more in a shorter drive time. And there’s a lot to explore, there’s a lot of variety in terms of nice beautiful beaches, coastal and mountain views, but also some really nice hiking. So what I really like to do there is take my family, go, and do a little bit of both!

Jen: 

This is so tough. I’d have to say Kauai because I really feel like there’s something magical about the island. It’s so lush and green, but there are also really beautiful beaches and of course the Na Pali Coast is unlike anything else in the world. I also love to learn about a place’s history and when you’re there people talk about the history of the island and you can learn a lot. 

I have to give Oahu an honorable mention though because I think it really has a mix of everything. One day you can be in the city and the next you’re at an epic beach or hike just 30 minutes away with a completely different feel. 

Reyn: 

I’m going to go with Oahu, just because I grew up here and all my childhood memories were made here. But, they all have their perks. I’ve only been to Maui, Big Island and Kauai. As far as scenery, I think Kauai is up there. 

Spencer: 

That’s tough, between Big Island and Oahu I might say Big Island, it’s a little bit easier to find some space and a little bit of solitude. I haven’t been to Kauai, but I have researched and have always wanted to do the Kalalau Trail, but I haven’t been there and I suspect it’s going to be my favorite. 

Pololu Valley Hike on the Big Island, Photo by Spencer

Foodie face off - poke or plate lunch? Why and where? 

Andrew: 

Good question, I am definitely a poke person over a plate lunch. I would choose really well-done poke over a steak or shrimp. For me poke has the perfect balance of flavor and texture and it’s good for you as well. I’ve been to every major poke place on every island and there are two I would go to as my go to’s - the Ishimura Store on Kauai in Waimea Town. They have some really great poke. They have a menehune poke with fish eggs and a creamy sauce, but it also has a spice to it and some green onions - that’s a really nice one, they usually sell out before noon. But, I don’t live in Kauai, I live in Oahu, so I actually go to Foodland, they have the best poke bar none, really good spicy poke but also the California ahi is really nice. 

Jen: 

This is hard, and really depends on the mood, but I’d have to say poke. It’s so fresh in Hawaii. My favorite stop has to be Off the Hook in Oahu. I’ve had their ginger and spicy poke with sushi rice - SO GOOD. But I also love some Foodland poke - my go to there is the California ahi. 

Off the Hook, Photo by Jen 

Reyn: 

It depends on what I’m craving at the time. But, I’ll give you some recommendations. For poke, Kahiau Jerky is really good, Ono Seafood is good and Alicia’s - those are all really great poke shops. For plate lunches there are so many different types of plate lunch places, but some that come to mind are Pioneer Saloon and Rainbow Drive Inn is kind of a classic. 

I’ll normally get two different types of poke, I’ll usually get spicy ahi and for my second option I either do salmon, hamachi or some places have ‘inamona style it has kukui nut oil infused in the marinade - so I really like that. For plate lunch, I’ll name my order for the different places I listed, at Pioneer Saloon, I’ll get the hamburger steak with daikon and a demi glaze. At Rainbow Drive Inn I get the mixed plate - it’s BBQ meat, breaded chicken and fish with rice and mac salad. 

Spencer: 

I guess I have to say plate lunch. For the where, hard to say, but my order is a loco moco. 

Mountain or coastal hikes? 

Andrew: 

Definitely mountain, the mountains have a beautiful rainforest jungle feel. I love that they’re shaded, sometimes the coastal hikes can be really hot. The coastal hikes are nice, but if I really want to go on a long hike I’ll do mountain hikes all day long. 

Jen: 

Coastal for sure. I love the beach and so I love coastal views. Mountain hikes are nice though, especially if it leads to a coastal view at the end, for example, Puu Maelieli Trail - you hike through forest but when you get to the end you reach a pillbox that overlooks the windward side of Oahu. 

Reyn: 

I like coastal, and I like mountain hikes if they’re ridge hikes and you’re mostly on the ridge and not too much in the forest. Nothing too woodsy. 

Spencer: 

People always ask me if I’m a mountain or a beach person. I always say a beach person but I think in Hawaii I might be a mountain person because the jungle ridges are so unique. They really kind of take your breath away - so for Hawaii I’ll say mountain hikes. 

Favorite hike(s) and why?

Andrew: 

The one that we’ve done over and over and over is the Makiki Valley Loop. This is in downtown Honolulu - there’s a loop there, I think it’s about four miles, it crosses a couple of rivers, has nice views. I’ve done it many times with my family - it’s not as crowded too. 

Another one that I definitely enjoy, this is more of a family legacy story. We went as a family to do the Ka'au Crater hike. It’s about seven miles, it’s very strenuous. It’s one of the few craters that you can’t drive to - so you hike to this crater and then you hike around the upper perimeter of the crater and you can see both the windward and leeward side [of Oahu]. We got a late start on this hike, we started at 11a.m. and ended at 7 p.m. It was really scary to hike at night. But we made it back and it was epic. 

 Andrew and his family on an epic hike!

Jen: 

My favorite hike is Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Hike on Oahu. Now, I know it’s considered easy and is paved the whole way, but I just love how accessible it is and that there are so many great view points along the way. I think it’s perfect if you want to wake up early and watch the sunrise or if you’re pressed for time but want to get a nice hike in. It’s definitely not the most intense hike, but I love it. 

However, I need to mention the Onomea Trail on Big Island. This hike had me enamored the entire time. It’s a mix of a jungle hike and a coastal hike so it feels like you’re getting the best of both worlds. 

Reyn: 

One hike that I enjoyed was Wiliwilinui, there is a lot of woods, but once you get past it, there are alot of scenic windows and it has a lot of peaks and dips so that keeps it interesting and the view at the end is amazing. 

Spencer: 

Olomana on Oahu is one of my all time favorite hikes pretty much anywhere in the world. There’s a lot of opportunities on Oahu for really adventurous hikes but there’s a whole lot of build up and you have to be ready for an entire day - you know ten miles of hiking or more. But Olamana is only about two miles. It’s definitely a difficult hike, but short and gives you that sense of adventure when you’ve only got a morning to squeeze in. You can kind of customize it a bit, the first peak is definitely a big adventure, but if you’re looking for even more than that the second two are a really big adventure.  

Favorite beach(es) and why - you can choose up to three! 

Andrew: 

I definitely have a preference for Oahu since I’m most familiar with it. My go-to beaches are Waimanalo Beach Park, and that is near Kailua, and it tends to be a little less crowded. It’s just a beautiful calm beach, it’s a very wide beach, there’s a ton of sand so there’s a lot of room to spread out. 

Number two would be White Plains. I live in Kapolei and I really like this beach because it’s close to my house. It has a really calm but consistent off-shore break for surfing. I’m not the best surfer, but I do enjoy to go and paddle around. 

And another beach I enjoy is actually Ko Olina because it's very calm and it’s a protected cove. Specifically, I enjoy the Paradise Cove part of Ko Olina. There’s very limited parking, but if you can get parking there it’s like the best beach in the world. 

Jen: 

Definitely Banzai Pipeline. Although you can’t really swim here most of the time, I still love it. It’s so vast and water is such a deep shade of blue. It’s just beautiful. My second favorite would have to be Kailua Beach. This one is also big, but completely different from Banzai. The water is generally calm so it’s perfect for swimming and it’s a beautiful turquoise color - another beauty of a beach! 

 Kailua Beach on Oahu has gentle waves and turquiose waters! Photo by Jen

Reyn: 

A trip to the North Shore is always fun, it feels like an adventure because I live in town. I like Sunset Beach, that’s one of my favorite North Shore beaches -- parking is convenient and there’s a lot across the street. 

Spencer: 

I’m definitely a big fan of the big ones, Makapu’u is a favorite, Lanikai is a favorite. If I go to Sandy’s and it’s kind of too crowded, Halona Cove - love that one. All of those for the dramatic landscape, the big cliffs next to the beaches are always stunning and being able to see the tiny islands off the coast are always a stunning view to take in. And then on Big Island, definitely Shipman Beach, which I mentioned before has that nice hike. Green Sand Beach, definitely is super unique - I personally have never seen anything like that anywhere else.

OK, another foodie face off - shave ice or malasadas? Why and where? 

Andrew: 

If I had to choose, I would do malasadas. I would go for like a cream malasada but sometimes just the plain ones are great. In Hawaii it’s a nice little gift, you’re going to a party or a friend’s you bring a dozen malasadas. There are a handful of solid spots, but [the top spot] definitely has to be Leonard’s. 

Jen: 

Malasadas! A fresh, warm malasadas is just too good to pass up. My go-to is the custard from Leonard’s Bakery. 

Reyn: 

I’m not huge on sweets but shave ice is so refreshing so I’ll probably go with that. And I’ve never had a bad shave ice, so they’re all good to me, but Waiola’s and Uncle Clay’s are good spots. 

 Malasadas from Punaluu Bakery on Big Island, Photo by Jen

Spencer: 

Malasadas for sure. Love malasadas -- getting them all warm and hot out of the oven. Leonard’s is definitely the go to, but on Big Island, there’s a really good bakery on the way to South Point. [Punalu’u Bakery]

What are your “must see” for any visitors? Why? 

Andrew: 

I would say first time visitors come to Oahu you’ll get your bang for your buck. There’s a lot to see - there’s the beaches, there’s the popular attractions like PCC [Polynesian Cultural Center], Pearl Harbor, Dole Plantation, the North Shore. First time, come to Oahu. It’s pretty dense - there’s a lot to do here in close proximity. I would say Oahu for first-time visitors cause you can kind of do it all. 

If I had to look at must sees in terms of other islands, starting with Kauai is Waimea Canyon and Na Pali Coast. Those are two separate things but kind of in the same area. Those are beautiful views and hikes. 

For Maui, one of my favorites is actually the Nakalele Blowhole in West Maui. It’s very cool. There’s a ton on the Road to Hana, there’s more to name than I think are possible to mention. I really like the Nahiku Landing - there’s a walk out to an old landing where there used to be a dock and that view with the mountain and the ocean - it’s just beautiful. 

For Big Island...I’d have to say South Point is something to do just once. There are huge sheer cliffs and the wind is so incredibly strong. I just love that feel of the cliffs and the waves and the wind it’s just, you feel nature in its rawest form. 

Jen: 

On Oahu, I’d say the North Shore. A lot of people think of Oahu and think of Honolulu and Waikiki, but just 45 minutes outside the city you’re in the North Shore and it’s a completely different feel. 

In Kauai, I would say the Na Pali Coast - no matter how you choose to see it. It’s just a natural wonder and you’ll be in awe the entire time. 

In Maui, I love Haleakla. The scenery is surreal. You’ll feel like you're on mars but also in the clouds. It’s just wild! 

And finally, on Big Island, I’d say Volcanoes National Park - again because of the scenery. It’s so crazy to see landscapes that have been destroyed by actual volcanoes and then to see the parts of the park that are coming back to life - it’s really cool!

 Views atop Haelakala, Photo by Jen

Reyn: 

Na Pali Coast on Kauai because the scenery is so grand and breathtaking. Witnessing it, it’s like you’re in an episode of planet earth. 

Spencer: 

Definitely, I always try to get everyone to if not both, to either Lanikai or Makapu’u. They’re pretty popular spots but they’re pretty iconic. If not both, one of those two. On Oahu I usually try to get them to Olomana, usually prepare them for it first cause it’s a bit of a workout. On Big Island, definitely green sand beach, usually Shipman Beach - I think that’s a very Big Island hike, it’s jungly and quiet. Those are some places I would take people that maybe aren’t typically on the itinerary. 

Favorite Shaka Guide tour?

Andrew: 

I would say the most difficult tour we ever made was actually our first one. So the first tour we ever made would be the Circle Island tour. That tour has at least 18 or 20 revisions on it over the course of a few years, so I would say it’s my favorite because I’ve put the most effort into perfecting it. It kind of has a special place in my heart because that’s where it started. 

Jen: 

This is so tough, but I’d have to say the North Shore Kauai Tour. I love it because of all the beaches and the history. If you start the tour in Kapa’a the entire return trip you’ll hear awesome stories about the island’s history. It’s really entertaining! 

 Just one of the beautiful beaches on Kauai's North Shore Tour, Photo by Jen

The best thing about working for Shaka Guide? 

Andrew: 

Everything that people do is they want to have that validation that the product you’re providing is appreciated. You want to feel that the work you’re giving is appreciated. For Shaka Guide, I don’t see our customers, we have hundreds a day that use our app and I never see them and I wish I could. 

If I were a real tour guide they’d be in my bus and I would take pictures for them - and I would do that tour guide thing - you engage with those people. But I don't, so one of my favorite things is to read our reviews because this is one of my only touch points with that customer. One of my best things to do is to read our reviews and that really helps me remember, wow, we’re doing something that people really appreciate and we’re a big part of the enjoyment and the success of their vacations. 

Jen: 

It’s really cool to work for a company that helps people learn about Hawaii and the islands’ history. With travel, a lot of times it can be just seeing, but with these tours you’re able to see and learn about the places you’re visiting which I think creates a deeper connection and appreciation for the islands. 

I’d also say working with a group of people and getting to see the final product of our combined efforts. From app development, to tour writing, to graphics, it’s cool to see everything come together! 

Reyn: 

I like working closely with people from different backgrounds and seeing how our individual contributions work to reach a common goal. 

Spencer: 

Probably getting to learn about national parks and the history of national parks. It’s something I’ve always been interested in but not something that I made time for. So it’s great to be able to do that day to day and write about it day to day.