Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku

Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku

Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku began travel writing in 2014, soon after receiving her master’s degree in New Media Journalism. She started by sharing the secrets of some of Austin’s best food, festivals, celebrities, entertainment, events, and locales, eventually as the editor of Austin.com. Eventually, after moving to Hawai‘i Island in 2016, she had the opportunity to start writing about the special place that she now called home in publications like Fodor’s, The Matador Network, and Local Getaways. After marrying into a Hawaiian family Laurie developed a deep passion for ethical, sustainable travel, especially how it affects the quality of life and land in the Islands. Family travel, as well as food and beverage, are also some of her favorite things to write about. When she’s not island-hopping to take in all she can throughout Hawai‘i’s diverse landscapes, Laurie spends most of her weekends exploring tidepools and the dynamic shoreline of East Hawai‘i, chasing sunshine on the west side of the Island, and constantly growing her knowledge of and palate for the eclectic cuisines that make up Hawai‘i’s ever-evolving food scene. She shares her home with her husband, two children, and a menagerie of rescue animals.

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50 Ultimate Things to Do in Hawaii

50 Ultimate Things to Do in Hawaii

From gorgeous beaches to traditional luaus to top-notch surfing, Hawaii offers terrific experiences that should be on every traveler’s list. Here’s what you need to do and see for a memorable trip.
Pagoda Hotel

Pagoda Hotel

$$ | HI | Honolulu

The Pagoda Hotel makes for a great affordable option in the middle of Honolulu

The Laylow, Autograph Collection

The Laylow, Autograph Collection

$$ | Hawaii | Oahu

From the moment you arrive at The Laylow, it’s obvious that the design team put thought into every corner of this ...

Hilton Waikoloa Village

Hilton Waikoloa Village

$$$ | HI | Waikoloa

Dolphins swim in the lagoon; pint-size guests zoom down the 175-foot waterslide; a bride poses on the grand staircase; ...

Ewa Hotel

Ewa Hotel

$ | HI | Honolulu

This affordable hotel located one block from the beach in Waikiki finds itself ...

Holiday Inn Express Waikiki

Holiday Inn Express Waikiki

$$ | HI | Honolulu

A $30 million renovation and rebranding of Maile Sky Court in 2017 brought a Holiday Inn Express to Waikiki, and with ...

Royal Sea Cliff

Royal Sea Cliff

$$ | Hawaii | Big Island

These beautiful vacation condos, managed by Outrigger and by Wyndham, offer incredible views from their location perched atop volcanic bluffs

Volcano Forest Inn

Volcano Forest Inn

$$ | Hawaii | Big Island

This small, but cheery inn is home to four rooms set amongst five acres of tropical foliage

Chalet Kilauea

Chalet Kilauea

$$ | HI | Volcano

This beautiful, intimate hotel focuses on bringing the outside in through natural elements and unique artistry

Kamuela Inn

Kamuela Inn

$$ | HI | Kamuela

One of the only boutique hotels in the Waimea area, anyone looking for a charming, but more upscale paniolo (cowboy) country experience will find touches ...

Arnott's Lodge

Arnott's Lodge

$$ | HI | Hilo

Arnott’s Lodge walks the line between campsite, hostel, and budget hotel

50 Ultimate Things to Do in Hawaii

50 Ultimate Things to Do in Hawaii

From gorgeous beaches to traditional luaus to top-notch surfing, Hawaii offers terrific experiences that should be on every traveler’s list. Here’s what you need to do and see for a memorable trip.