Another memorable part of the world that I was lucky enough to visit. With four main Islands located in the Pacific Ocean, it's just paradise waiting to be discovered.
You would imagine the beautiful Hawaiian Islands to be the tropical paradise of clear blue waters and white sandy beaches. Although relatively true, the Islands boasts of lush green rainforests, bamboo forests, stunning hidden waterfalls, and large mountains of volcanic rock. Having only two distinct seasons, summer (Kau) is from May to October and winter (Hooilo) is from November to April. One hundred and thirty-seven of the Hawaiian Islands are Located in the Pacific Ocean, but only six Islands you can choose to visit, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii Island (The big Island) and two smaller Islands of Molokai and Lanai. All offering something different for everyone’s chosen activity. From the adventurous outdoor sporting experiences to the calm waters of the marine life, to some well-earned retail therapy and hitting the bars and restaurant, to relaxing on the golden or white sands with a cocktail. Hawaii really is a dream destination for everyone’s bucket list.
Hawaii Islands overview
Oahu – Big City, small Island
Maui – Romantic sunsets & beaches
Kauai – The adventurous Island
Island of Hawaii – Large Island, many choices
Molokai – Traditional Hawaii
Lainai – Secluded romance
Oahu -The Island of opportunity
Oahu has the largest population of all the Islands, is known as the ‘Heart of Hawaii’ and is home of Honolulu, the state capital. The island is bustling with shops, bars, restaurants, and entertainment as well as offering lots of sporting activities from zip-lining, mountain biking, ATV drives, horse riding, kayaking, and snorkeling. You can visit the surfing hot spot of the iconic Waikiki beach where you can indulge in surf lessons. For those looking for nature, Oahu is also home to many stunning waterfalls you can hike to. For those looking for a spot of history, visit Pearl Harbour, the poignant and powerful reminder of the tragic times during World War II.
Oahu’s Main Resorts
Waikiki – Sitting on the South shore is Waikiki beach, Hawaii’s best known tourist hotspot. With a variety of shopping, bars, restaurants, entertainment, and a range of budget properties to world class resort hotels.
Kahala – To the east of Waikiki is the ideal destination for those wanting something a little quieter, but still a convenient distance from all the excitement of Waikiki and downtown Honolulu.
Ko Olina – Here you will find a luxurious corner of Oahu. Just 30 miles west of Honolulu with luxury hotels, villa rentals, golf courses, spa’s, swimming lagoons and other amenities, with some geared towards families.
North Shore – With its surfing culture, laid back charm and magnificent white sandy beaches, the North Shore has a distinctive character and vibe. The main resort here is Turtle Bay, which includes a full-service resort hotel as well as condominiums.
Activities & Attractions
Indulge in some serious retail therapy at Ala Moana Shopping centre.
Enjoy the night life of China town and downtown Honolulu.
Soak in the sun and people watch on Waikiki beach.
Plunge into the water with a variety of water sports.
Surf the waves at Waimea Bay, Sunset beach, and the Banzai Pipeline.
Learn about Hawaiian history at the ‘Iolani Palace’, the only Royal Place on US soil.
Experience Kualoa Ranch, a 4,000-acre nature reserve and the backdrop for film and TV productions.
Hike the trail up to Diamond Head, one of Hawaii’s volcanic tuff cone.
See the Island of Mokoli’I, ‘Chinaman’s hat’, from the Windward Coast.
Visit the famous and iconic Pearl Harbour.
Key Facts
Oahu is the most popular of the Hawaiian Islands due to the frequent flights into Honolulu from the East and West coast.
This Island has far the most extensive public transport system named ‘The Bus’, having reasonable fares and special visitor passes for multiple day uses.
Whilst staying in Waikiki you should avoid renting a car, instead you can do daily rentals to explore the rest of the Island.
Waikiki offers the widest variety of accommodations for a range of tastes and budgets.
Honolulu was once the Capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom. You can learn all the Islands history by visiting the ‘Iolani Palace’, the ‘Bishops Museum’, and the ‘Queen Emma Summer Palace’.
There is a contrast between the North Shore and the South. The North Shore being much quieter and best known for its surfing beaches and food trucks.
To the East on the Windward Coast, you will find great beach parks and adventure activity centres such as ‘Kualoa Ranch’.
Maui – The Valley Island
Maui is sometimes known as the captivating Island due to its local charm and community spirit, with breath taking scenery, lunar landscapes, bamboo forests and rugged volcanic geography palm fringed beach resorts and champion golf courses. The Island boasts lots of beach side opportunities, from paddle boarding, whale watching and swimming with the sea turtles. A submarine experience allows you to get close spectacular views of the array of marine life, exotic tropical reefs, and numerous sunken vessels.
A visit to Maui would not be complete without experiencing the road to Hana. A 64-mile scenic car journey between Kahului and Hana. Driving along Maui’s northern coastline taking in the stunning scenery along the way. You can finish at sunset on Ho’okipa beach and if the timing is correct, witness the protected green sea turtles make their way up onto the beach.
Maui’s Main Resorts
Kapalua– Located along the sunny west side of the Island and nestled in one of Hawaii’s largest nature preserves, this resort features stunning white sand beaches, two marine sanctuaries, award winning accommodations and two legendry world class golf courses.
Ka’anapali – Also located along the west side of the Island with a three mile stretch of what is known to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Maui, and once a playground for Hawaiian Royalty. Here you can choose between a romantic indulgence, or a fun filled family getaway.
Wailea – Located along the southwest coast, here you will find five beautiful crescent shaped beaches and stellar golf courses. Wailea offers world class restaurants and shops. The area exudes a sense of privacy, serenity and freedom spread across an area three times the size of Waikiki.
Makena – Also Located along the southwest coast and a perfect setting for those who want to escape the crowds. As Makena is still underdeveloped and under visited by tourists, it remains the Islands best stretch of coast for active outdoor pursuits.
Activities & Attractions
Watch the sun rise and set in the Haleakala National Park.
Go whale watching from Lahaina between December and March.
Discover over 250 species of fish at Molokini Marine Reserve.
Visit the Paniolo (the Hawaiian Cowboys) as you horse ride through ‘Upcountry’ Maui.
Head to Lahaina for amazing entertainment, dining, and a variety of water sports.
Play golf on one of the award-winning champion golf courses.
Experience one of the most spectacular drives in the world on the Hana Highway.
Key Facts
Before Honolulu took the title in the 1850’s, Maui’s Lahaina was the Capital of Hawaii.
Maui’s most famous and largest dominant volcano in the world is Haleakala. Its crater is an astonishing 21 miles across and 4,000 feet deep. In fact, the entire Island of Manhattan could fit inside.
The smaller Islands of Moloka’I and Lana’I are collectively known as Maui Nui (Greater Maui) and are all part of Maui County.
Maui is known as the “The Valley Isle” and is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands.
You will find three different colours of sand in Maui. The black sand, which is created by the pulverized lava rock, red sand which also comes from the lava; however, its colouration is due to the iron rich content, and the white sand is created by the Coral and shells.
Lahaina is the home of the Banyan tree, a popular attraction which was originally 8 feet tall and was brought to the Island from India. The tree stands more than 60 feet tall, and you can walk nearly an acre under its shade. It is the size of a full city block.
Maui is the home of sixteen golf courses, some which host professional tournaments.
Kauai – The Island of nature
Kauai is the oldest of the Islands and is known as the Garden Island. Having 90% of the Island of natural beauty with unspoilt tropical rainforests, deep emerald valleys, and dramatic cliffs with stunning views. No wander it is the location of many films, including Jurassic park, Blue Hawaii, South Pacific and The Descendants. It is also home of the Queens bath, a unique tide pool that formed after a lava tube collapsed, then filled with fresh water from the natural springs. It is surrounded by igneous rock and can be very dangerous to explore if the waves are bigger than 4ft. Otherwise it is safe for a gentle swim. Kauai offers experiences such as Zip-lining, Kayaking, Hiking, helicopter tours, or you can take a casual stroll around the Beautiful Botanical gardens. Kauai holidays have a more remote feeling with lots of privacy and relaxation for couples and honeymooners that want to just embrace that sun, sea, and sand holiday.
Kauai’s Main Resorts
Princeville – Located on the North Shore with a backdrop of lush and tropical mountains lined with stunning waterfalls and dazzling cliffside view. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it is an excellent spot for your sunset viewing.
Po’ipu – Is on the South Shore of the Island and the beach is actually two beaches in one. A tombola (known as Nukumoi Point) is a narrow sand split that extends from shore to Island that separates the two bays.
Lihu’e – Is the government and commercial centre of the Island, as well as a cultural and historical area. Having a variety of natural wonders to also explore. Just a short distance from Lihu’e is the cruise port of Nawiliwili.
Kalapaki – Located on the East side and boast of multiple accommodations, white sand beaches and a playground of activity, including many water sports, land tours or simply relax under the shade of a palm tree.
Activities & Attractions
Experience the stunning Napali Coast by foot, boat or helicopter.
Hike around the Kokee State park and the Waimea Canyon. ‘The Grand Canyon of the Pacific’.
Discover the Nounou Mountain, also known as the ‘Sleeping Giant’.
Plunge into the Wailua River for a variety of water sports, including, Kayaking and paddle boarding.
Take a trip to the ‘Alekoko’ fishpond and learn about ancient Hawaiian fishing methods.
Enjoy the thrills of zip lining through the jungle.
Stroll around the National Botanical Gardens, including McBryde & Allerton Gardens.
Chill, relax and embrace the serenity of the Po’ipu Beach Park.
Key Facts
Kauai is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands and is defined by its lush landscape.
80% of the Island is actually inaccessible by car, therefore explored by zip lining, kayaking, ATV tours, boat excursions and helicopter tours.
Kauai has more, and only navigable rivers than any other of the Hawaiian Islands.
This Island is known for its botanical gardens, including three that are part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden.
Kauai boasts of spectacular scenic attractions, including Waimea Canyon and the Napali Coast.
50% of the 111 miles of coastline are sandy beachfront.
Captain James Cook was the first modern visitor that landed on Kauai’s Waimea beach on January 19th, 1778.
Island of Hawaii (Big Island) – The Island of Adventure
Hawaii Island is the largest and youngest of all the Islands, with its cosmopolitan bustle and natural beauty. Offering many beaches, rainforests, lava fields and is home to Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano, which you can take a boat trip to watch erupt the molten lava into the sea.
So much more to explore on this Island with lots of natural wonders and historic sites. You can swim with Manta rays; experience whale watching or dolphins playing freely in their natural habitat. You can take a visit to the Akaka Falls State Park to visit the stunning 420-foot waterfall.
The Island of Hawaii offers luxury golf resorts and well-being spas. The main city of Hilo hosts the vibrant farmers market, art museums and cafés to relax and people watch.
The Island of Hawaii’s Main Resorts
Kona Coast – The major resort areas are found along the sunny Kona Coast on the central-west side of the Island. Kona is more laid back with a local charm with calm clear waters that are shielded from the winds by Maunaloa, making it a perfect place to snorkel, scuba dive or go on a manta ray dive at night.
Kohala Coast – The Kohala Coast is more of a full-scale resort with world class hotels, shopping areas, championship golf courses, tennis courts, spa’s, pools and a variety of condominium and villa rental properties.
Hilo – This side of the Island offers breath-taking natural beauty with dramatic waterfalls, rainforests and is close to the Volcano National Park. Volcano House is the closest hotel to the volcano and is the only public hotel located within the National Park.
Activities & Attractions
Swim with the manta rays, some spanning up to 16 feet wide.
Visit the only active volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park by boat or helicopter.
Explore the Lava Tree State Park in Puna.
Stargaze on the world’s tallest sea mountain Maunakea. 14,000 feet high.
Visit the stunning waterfalls at ‘Akaka Falls State Park’.
Enjoy the variety of water sports including surfing, snorkelling and scuba diving.
Wander around the Hawaii Museum of Contemporary Art.
Key Facts
While there is a mass transit in the form of the Hele On Bus, rental cars are recommended for flexibility and ease. The drive time from Kona to Hilo, depending on the route, is about two and a half hours.
The sunnier and drier side of the Island of Kohala Coast is where most of the Islands upscale resorts are situated.
The lush areas surrounding Hilo are known for botanical gardens, waterfalls and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Islands premier visitor attraction.
The uplands of Waimea are where visitors can experience the paniolo (cowboy) heritage.
Island of Hawaii is the birthplace of Kamehameha the great and offers many important historic sites pertaining to Hawaiian royalty.
Molokai & Lanai – The Hidden gem Islands
These two smaller islands see fewer visitors with their unspoilt natural beauty and traditional rural lifestyle. Molokai is the lager of the two and is home to Kalaupapa National Historic park, which was once an isolated former leper colony. Lanai, the smaller island of the two you will find shipwreck beach. At least a dozen vessels known to have been accidentally, and sometimes intentionally grounded here. You can visit the largest surviving ruins of a prehistoric Hawaiian fishing village in Kaunolu. Both Islands offers more of a secluded holiday where you can relax and take in the nature. Alternatively, enjoy a day trip from one of the Main Islands to one of these hidden gems.
Hawaiian Cuisine
It has been said that a melting pot is not the most accurate way to describe Hawaiian multi-ethnic population. It is more like a stew, where all the flavours compliment and influence one another but the ingredients retain their richness instead of melting into an even sameness. Following World War II visitors grew in Hawaii, along with hotels and restaurants. Food was shipped in and the menus copied American menus which lead to negative perception about Hawaii’s food scene. In 1991 a group of Hawaii chefs got together to change everything. A food revolution, Hawaii Regional Cuisine was started by the chefs, having a vision to put Hawaii on the map as a major culinary destination. Now almost 30 years on, the cattle are raised on the upland pastures, fruit and vegetables are grown from rich volcanic soil.
Today many local restaurants and roadside food stands serve the ubiquitous plate lunch (also called loco moco), featuring the Asian staple, two scoops or rice. American macaroni salad topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg and brown gravy. Variations of the dish include Japanese style konkatsu or kalua pig and beef.
Another very popular meat in Hawaii is Spam. Hawaiian residents consume the most Spam per capita in the US. It is so popular that is sometimes referred to as ‘The Hawaiian Steak’.
Hawaii’s Fun Facts
From East to west Hawaii is the widest state in the USA and is the only state that is made up entirely of Islands
The word ‘Hawaii’ comes from the Proto-Polynesian “Hawaiki”, which means “Place of gods” or “Homeland”.
There are only 12 letters in the Hawaiian alphabet and the word ‘Aloha’ means ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’.
Hawaii’s big Island grows by 42 acres each year due to the active Kilauea volcano.
It is considered rude to refuse to wear a lei flower if offered to you. This flower should never be thrown away, but returned to the land, preferably where the flowers were first gathered. A tradition that dates back for many years and is still today taken quite serious by the natives.
Oahu has the largest pineapple maze in the world. The Dole plantation stretches over 3 acres and has 14,000 carefully crafted colourful Hawaiian plants.
In Kauai, there are no cities, no freeways, no chain restaurants, no skyscrapers, or towers. In fact, no building is allowed by law to be taller than a palm tree. Also, the maximum speed limit is only 50 mph.
In 2004 the police had numerous calls reporting a horrible plane crash on Makule’ai beach, it was in fact Oceanic Flight 815, a part of the set for the TV series ‘Lost’. You will find many movies filmed in Hawaii, such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Jurassic Park, 50 First dates, Godzilla, Jumanji, Tropic Thunder and many more.
Did you know that between 4,000 and 10,000 humpback whales migrate to Hawaii from Alaska each year?
Preparing for your holiday to Hawaii
What to Pack
In Hawaii, every day feels like Aloha Friday. Clothing is casual except the odd upscale restaurant in the evening. Jackets for men are not required for dinner, just a casual button-down or collared shirt is appropriate for most occasions. Hawaii’s all year-round climate ranges from bikini weather during the day to a light sweater or jacket in the evening and comfortable shoes or sandals.
Sun Protection
As always, it is advised to apply sun protection whilst in the sun. Hawaii’s proximity to the sun makes for gorgeous tans but can also bring nasty sunburns. To help protect the bleaching of coral and other damage to the Islands oceans habitat, use a reef-safe sunscreen. And do not forget to bring your sunglasses and a hat to protect your head.
Ocean Activities
If you are planning to dive into the waters with any of the variety of water sports, you can purchase swimsuits or you can bring your own. Scuba suits and gear can easily be rented.
Outdoor wear
Planning to hike through the stunning rain-forests? You will need to bring sensible walking shoes with you as there is limited selection on some of the Islands. A light jacket is recommended to protect against wind or rain.
Golf Attire
Most of the golf courses require you to wear the appropriate and proper golf attire. A collared shirt and dress shorts or slacks. No denim, cargo, or sport shorts.
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