The Real Havaianas – Two Weeks, Two Hawaiian Islands

The destination was already decided: Hawaii.The problem was… which island?

What most people don’t know is that Hawaii isn’t just one island — it’s an entire archipelago with over 100 islands. The eight main ones are Ni’ihau, Kaua’i, O’ahu, Moloka’i, Lãna’i, Kaho’olawe, Maui, and Big Island. Since Hawaii belongs to the United States, it’s one of the favorite vacation spots for Americans — and, as I quickly discovered, for Japanese tourists too.

So how do you choose an island? What makes one “better” than another? How do you even know? Too many questions. Very little planning. Very Brazilian.

I was traveling with two Brazilian friends: Renato, a doctor from Rio who was about to move back to Brazil, and Renzo, another carioca friend who would soon do the same. One evening, we sat at a bar to decide our itinerary.

Two beers later, the entire trip was “strategically planned.”

Renato had already researched almost everything about the islands and probably knew more than me and Renzo combined.

He quickly convinced us that O’ahu had to be one of our stops. After all, Honolulu — Hawaii’s capital and home to some of the world’s most famous beaches — is there. And honestly, who hasn’t dreamed of surfing where longboard surfing was born?

Done. One island chosen. Now… what about the second one?

We considered Big Island, but quickly realized we’d spend half the trip driving from one side to the other — and spending all our money on gas instead of food. After asking friends, consulting Saint Google, and pretending we were experienced travelers, we decided on Maui. Everyone said it was one of the most beautiful islands, with lush nature and a vibe that felt strangely familiar to Brazil.

O’ahu

The moment we landed in O’ahu, the warm, dry air hit me like a flashback from Brazil. We rented a car and headed straight to our hostel in Honolulu.

Beautiful place. Touristy? Absolutely. Beautiful? Also absolutely.

It didn’t take long to notice that the Japanese had practically adopted that part of the island. Which makes sense — they’re basically right across the Pacific Ocean. A few hours on a plane and boom: paradise.

In the following days, we explored the legendary North Shore, where some of the biggest surf competitions in the world happen.

We also visited the northeast side of the island and a Polynesian Cultural Center that every tourist seems obligated to visit.

And honestly? Totally worth it.

There was traditional Polynesian dancing, music, food, and a production level that felt somewhere between Disney and Hollywood. Think “Brazilian pork roast,” but with fire dancers and ocean views.

Maui

After exploring O’ahu — including a visit to Pearl Harbor — we flew to Maui.

We weren’t even sure if the place we booked was good, but once again Hawaii decided to casually show off. We stayed in Lahaina, a small village that looked like a postcard from another century.

Imagine an old fishing village with crystal-clear water, perfect sunsets, and people who somehow always seem relaxed - that was Lahaina.

We rented snorkeling masks and, at one point, found a sea turtle underwater. Such a simple moment — yet one that made me ridiculously happy.

Then things got even more interesting.

While chatting with a local guy, we discovered that every Sunday there was an unofficial gathering on a hidden beach in the south of the island: music, dancing, drums, guitars… and apparently clothing was optional. Naturally, we had to investigate.

It felt like a Hawaiian Woodstock.

About twenty people playing drums, others singing, some dancing barefoot, some fully embracing the “back to nature” philosophy a little too enthusiastically. And there they were: The Real Havaianas — exactly as nature intended.

We also managed to watch the sunrise from the top of a dormant volcano before heading back to real life.

But honestly?

Nothing felt truly normal after that trip.