Maui, HI, USA

Straying from the topic of Southern California, but staying with beaches, allow me to talk about Hawaii. Hawaii seems to be everyone's go-to vacation spot already but I feel like I could make you want to go even more. Honomanu Bay is a discrete beach located in the Ko'olau Forest Reserve. The bay doesn't really have normal sand, it has black rocks that make up the beach. Some may say, oh that's not a beach because it doesn't have sand. I beg to differ. It is very much so a beach as anywhere else on this island is. You don't need sand to have a beach.

Honomanu Bay (A photo I took)

Maui isn't just all beaches and great surf, there's a lot more you can do. For example, taking a drive down the coast towards Kaanapali there's so many restaurants and shops that are on the beach. For example Whaler's Village is an outdoor mall with apparel shops, dining, jewelry and much more. There are a ton of shops all around this island and all of which are amazing but I prefer the stores that line the streets in the country of Paia. Like Whaler's Village, there are all kinds of places to shop and dine. Paia is on the coast as well but on the other side of the island.

Oh my gosh, I forgot about one of the most amazing things you can do on Maui! There's boat tour where you can take a ferry around the island and swim with turtles and fish. It is honestly so much fun and a great experience. The ferry then takes you out to an island off of Maui called Lanai. Lanai is not a very touristy island, I would like to think that most tourists would be caught up with all the shopping in Maui. If you get the chance to take this boat ride, I would definitely advise doing it.

Maui always has nice days, even when it's raining, the island is beautiful. If you're lucky, you may catch a Hawaiian rainbow during a rain storm. Hawaii is an amazing state but even though plane tickets are super expensive, it is definitely worth it. Just one week here will get you tanned, relaxed and not ready to go home. Keep this place in mind when you plan your next family vacation! :)