Hawaii
Part of the US and part of paradise – that’s Hawaii. A glorious blend of Polynesian tradition, magnificent resorts, rainforests, volcanoes and beautiful beaches.
Hawaii in a nutshell
Part of the US and part of paradise – that’s Hawaii. A glorious blend of Polynesian traditions and culture, magnificent beach resorts, rainforests, active volcanoes and beautiful black-sand beaches, Hawaii has an inimitable old-world charm.
Before it became a state of its own, Hawaii was colonial in every sense of the word, but now it’s more independent and modern it still holds on to its warm, welcoming atmosphere and infectious charm. Made up of 6 main islands – Big Island, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, Lanai and Molokai – Hawaii is scenically spectacular, a popular respite for the world-weary traveller, with exciting adventure activities including whale watching, scuba diving, surfing and communing with the locals to learn about their culture.
Each island has its own special charm. The most popular and well-known island is The Big Island, or Hawaii, renowned as an idyllic beach vacation destination. Also very popular are Maui, a luxurious spot, renowned for its high-end sumptuous resorts and spectacular beaches, and Oahu, known as ‘The Heart of Hawaii’, a haven for surfers and home to Pearl Harbor.
Tiny Lanai is a romantic spot, where the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Lanai is situated at Manele Bay. The island of Hawaii, or The Big Island, because it’s the largest of all, is by far the most popular destination. It’s called ‘Old Hawaii’ these days because it’s retained its colonial charm.
Kauai is the northernmost island in the chain, called the ‘Garden Island’ because of its stunning natural beauty, while Molokai is an authentic. Island with unspoilt beauty.
So how do you choose where to go, what to do and where to stay? It depends on the type of vacation you’re looking for, whether you’re keen for an active or laidback experience, a romantic, authentic or sophisticated one. It’s all up to you.
Best time to visit: Come in the dry season, from May to October. For a less expensive vacation, visit in April or November.
Best Area for Sightseeing: You have so many spectacular islands to choose from. See Things to do in Hawaii below for some inspiration.
Shopping in Hawaii: You have a wide choice on the islands, from upmarket, modern stores and malls to traditional markets and bazaars. Handicrafts abound, and you’ll find all sorts of souvenirs to choose from, especially in Honolulu and Waikiki.
Food & Restaurants in Hawaii: The islands offer a delicious mix of Asian, Portuguese and South Pacific influences as well as their own special flavors. You’ll find authentic and global dishes in eateries and restaurants on all of the islands, and in the hotels and resorts.
Nightlife: Of course, hotels and resorts offer a varied night-time entertainment program, but the islands themselves also come alive after dark in a variety of restaurants and bars. Oahu and The Big Island offer the most vibrant nightlife options, including live music.
Beaches: Choices, choices… Each island has its own beautiful spots to sunbathe on and spectacular scenery. Mau’s Red Sand Beach is spectacular, as is the black sand Punaluu Beach on the Big Island. Oahu’s Lanikai Beach is a great spot to sunbathe on, and Kaanapali Beach on Maui is exceptional. And that’s just a small taste of what’s in store. So explore, discover and enjoy.
Things to do in Hawaii:
- Take a carriage ride to see the sacred gorge in Waipio Valley on The Big Island.
- Watch hula dancing on Molokai.
- Visit historic Pearl Harbor on Oahu.
- See the sun rise from the top of a volcanco in Haleakala National Park.
- Explore the 6-century old Polynesian temple, Pi’ilanihale Heaiu, on Maui.
- Enjoy whale watching from Kauai’s Na Pali coast.
- Climb to the top of the Koko Head Crater on Oahu.
Best way to get around: Best way to visit Maui, Molokai and Lanai is by plane. On the other islands, you can rent a car, bicycle or a moped to explore your slice of paradise.
Best Area for Families: Oahu Offers stunning family-friendly facilities and accommodation and the ‘classic’ Hawaii experience.