The Hawaii You Haven’t Discovered Yet
Local knowledge, honest advice, and the kind of detail you won’t find on a brochure.
Local knowledge, honest advice, and the kind of detail you won’t find on a brochure.
We spend every day on these islands — guiding guests, scouting routes, building itineraries. This is where we share what we know. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Hawaii or your tenth, you’ll find something worth reading.
Food & Culture – 10 min read
Best Luaus in Oahu: Complete Guide for 2026 Travelers
Every experience has the potential to become a cherished memory on your trip to Oahu, Hawaii. But few are as exceptional as attending a luau to relish the cultural (and gastronomical) side of Hawaii. Here’s how a typical luau looks: the sound of drums echoes at sunset, and dancers tastefully narrate stories about Hawaiian culture […]
Nature & Wildlife – 9 min read
Where to See Sea Turtles in Oahu: The Best Beaches & Viewing Spots
A visit to a museum or a resort feels exciting to most people exploring Oahu. What feels more rewarding, though, is spotting a sea turtle on the beach. This gentle creature can appear when the waves hit the shore, or it might already be peacefully resting on the sand. Irrespective of the place you see […]
Trip Planning – 9 min read
How Big Is Oahu, Hawaii? Island Size, Geography, and Travel Insights
Oahu, Hawaii, looks tiny and compact when you see it on the map. If you’re a tourist planning a trip to Oahu, it may seem like the trip can be completed in just a few days. The information missing from the map, though, is how vibrant this island is (and it’s definitely not tiny). Often […]
Things to Do – 9 min read
The Ultimate Guide to Trekking in Hawaii: Trails, Safety Tips, and What to Expect
Everyone is familiar with Hawaii’s famous resorts and postcard-perfect beaches. But could there be something more interesting if you look past the typical sightseeing spots? If you talk to those who have explored this place on foot, they’ll tell you there’s more to explore and experience across Hawaii than anyone could have imagined when they […]
Trip Planning – 9 min read
Oahu Travel Itinerary: The Ultimate 7-Day Guide for First-Time Visitors
If you ask people who have been to Hawaii about their favorite place on the island, many will immediately talk about Oahu. The island has a mix of everything tourists (and first-time visitors) want while holidaying in Hawaii. With natural beauty, rich history, popular landmarks, a laid-back beach culture, and great food, Oahu is simply […]
Trip Planning – 9 min read
Solo Travel in Hawaii: Practical Tips for a Confident Island Adventure
Solo travel is an amazing way to explore the world in your own way. You have unparalleled freedom to plan the trip as you like, eat the food your heart craves, and do things that you really want to do. There’s no need to accommodate someone else’s preferences in your itinerary. The trip is all […]
Food & Culture – 9 min read
What to Buy in Hawaii: 20 Meaningful Souvenirs to Bring Home
There’s a small panic that hits on the last day of a trip, when you realize you still haven’t bought anything to remember it by. The fix is easier than you’d think. Good Hawaii souvenirs hold onto a piece of the place, so a smell or a taste can drop you right back on the […]
Nature & Wildlife – 10 min read
Natural Wonders of Hawaii: 10 Island Landscapes Worth Planning Around
Hawaii doesn’t do things slowly. The landscape announces itself immediately and keeps delivering. Most come intending to visit the beaches and leave totally awestruck. Standing on cliffs, craters, and out-of-the-blue waterfalls along a coastal road, on ground that didn’t exist a few decades ago. The islands’ wonders are their natural beauty and scenic attractions. They […]
Trip Planning – 10 min read
Hawaii Vacation Packing List: Essentials for Your First Trip to the Islands
Packing for a trip to Hawaii is usually easier than packing for destinations with changing seasons, but just because the climate is tropical doesn’t mean it can’t surprise you. Contrary to popular belief, you can’t get away with only wearing shorts and tank tops, and the weather can vary drastically depending on the islands you […]
Hawaii Travel Advice From People Who Live Here
Most Hawaii travel content is written from a distance. Ours isn’t. The Malama Tours blog is written by a team that operates tours on Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island — people who know which North Shore beaches are worth the drive in February, how long Pearl Harbor actually takes, and what to pack for a zipline in the Hawaiian heat.
We cover the practical and the personal — trip planning timelines, activity guides, seasonal considerations, and the kind of local context that makes a good trip great. If you’re wondering what to do, when to go, or how to make the most of your time on the islands, start here.
What topics does the Malama Tours blog cover?
Does Malama Tours offer travel advice beyond their own tours?
How often is the Malama Tours blog updated?
We cover the practical and the personal — trip planning timelines, activity guides, seasonal considerations, and the kind of local context that makes a good trip great. If you’re wondering what to do, when to go, or how to make the most of your time on the islands, start here.