The Beauty of the Hawaiian Islands

Why Choose Hawaii

Hawaii is like no other place on earth. It is the only state in the United States made up entirely of islands and is home to one of the most active volcanoes, and the world's tallest sea mountain. It is also the birthplace of modern surfing and the hula.

Hawaii has many tourist attractions and travel activities with something for everyone’s ages, tastes and budgets. From adrenaline to a relaxing day out, don’t you worry you will never be bored while you’re in Hawaii. You can take your pick, from bungee jumping to white water sports, canoeing, diving, snorkelling, gliding, paragliding, horse riding, hunting, jet boarding, sky boarding and so much more.

Looking for some great ways to entertain the kids? Well how about visiting a chocolate factory, animal park, zoo or butterfly house. Want something more active, well how about a friendly quad biking race, horse-trekking, paintball, railways, sailing charters, white water rafting and bowling. There’s always something to keep you and the rest of the family entertained in Hawaii.

When you realise just how much there is to see in Hawaii, you may want to extend your holiday so you can have even more time to explore the rest, but don’t worry no matter how long you have, you can still enjoy some great sightseeing tours and opportunities from air, land or sea using a variety of transport including coaches, planes, horses, quad bikes, mountain bikes and trams. Lets take a closer look.

Maui Island

The island of Maui features a large quantity of beaches, especially along the west coast, from black sand to palm-lined strands, each beach is unique. The climate is magnificent too; this will attract tourists all over the world but mainly tourists that live in cold, rainy areas such as England for example.

If you go to Maui I recommend you to try and experience all the different activities that the island offers such as, biking, camping, diving, fishing, kayaking, parasailing/hang gliding and so much more that it will keep you entertained at all times in this brilliant holiday. If I was you, I would not want to miss one bit of fun!

You can also explore Maui's Underwater Wonders, the warmness, the crystal-like clarity, the outstanding living coral reefs and the numerous coloured sea life, all within easy reach. Hawaiian waters are perfect for snorkelling! On Maui, you can also double the choice/pleasure and combine snorkelling with sailing how about that?

During the winter months, the waters around Maui are home to the magnificent humpback whales, this would be the picture-perfect moment for tourists that are interested in animal life to come to Maui and observe the most beautiful scenery of their lives.

Last but not least Maui also offers Volcano tours, tourists get really intrigued and excited about this because they just feel like there’s something about being near the energy of a still active volcano. The youngest volcano on the island of Hawaii is called Kilauea and it continues little small eruptions that can most safely be seen from an airplane tour or by a helicopter ride. Do you want to be next and see this breath-taking experience?

Kauai Island

The Island of Kauai is situated in the mid-pacific, part of the Hawaiian archipelago. This island has been given a nickname “The Garden Isle” because of the tropical rainforest that covers much of its surface.

Kauai is covered in bright green valleys, sharp mountain points and sharp cliffs. It has been centuries of growth that have formed tropical rainforests, rivers and cascading waterfalls, these natural attractions are perfect for sightseeing. Some parts of Kauai are only accessible by sea or air, which makes most of the views stunning and beyond your imagination.

The Kauai Island is home to a variety of different activities, such as kayaking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, hiking and lots more. If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure then sailing the Nepali Coast is the thing you’re looking for, if not then you’ve also got the ziplining above Kauai’s luxurious hills that will certainly take your breath way.

Your Kauai shopping experience won’t be complete without some Kauai souvenirs and gifts to bring home. Explore Kauai’s shopping it offers a wide-range selection of local boutiques, art galleries, and craft fairs, Kauai gifts and souvenir sand shopping centres.

Napali Coast Tours are the main attraction for Kauai boat tours. This attraction will leave you in shock as your eyes wander from sea level towards the hanging hills and razor back edges thousands of feet above the ocean. Experience the exhilarating adventure of a Kauai snorkelling tour, sightseeing along the Napali and whale watching adventure; you will not want to miss it.

A helicopter tour of Kauai is the best way to explore the sharp centres of the island without getting your feet dirty and muddy all the time. A thrilling helicopter ride through Kauai’s inaccessible interiors will give you a bird’s eye view of some of the world’s most hidden beauty you have ever seen in all your life.

Oahu Island

The island of Oahu is also known as “The Gathering Place”. The clear blue waters of Kailua Beach meet the city Honolulu. The historic architecture of Iolani Palace meets the timeless memorials of Pearl Harbour. The big city of Waikiki meets the small town of Haleiwa on the North Shore. Whether you’re hiking on the iconic Leahi enjoying some of Hawaii’s best shopping, or simply relaxing on the sands of the island’s beautiful beaches, you’ll find variety at every turn on Oahu.

Oahu is certainly a shopper’s paradise; you’ll find everything from open air shopping centres and high-end retailers to charming boutiques and local speciality stores. Waikiki shopping centres like the DFS Galleria and the Royal Hawaiian Centre offer a variety of items you can only find in Hawaii, like for example a ukulele and Hawaiian arts and crafts to designer fashion and high-end jewellery.

With warm waters and pleasant weather all year long, Oahu provides endless opportunities for water activities. One of the most popular is taking a surfing lesson on world famous Waikiki Beach. Other than surfing you can also take a group canoe ride off to Waikiki Beach. Snorkelling and swimming at spots like Hanauma Bay or at one of Oahu’s beautiful beaches can also be fun for the whole family. Take a sunset cruise or sailing excursion and you may even see a humpback during whale watching season, which is December through May.

Other popular water sports consist of jet skiing, parasailing, wind surfing, kite surfing, wakeboarding and bodyboarding. With so much to do, you will see why adventure thrives in the deep blue ocean surrounding Oahu.

If you want to see Oahu from a different point of view then I recommend you the helicopter tours and skydiving adventure. With the helicopter tours you will be able to fly over the green hills of the Windward Coast and the majestic cityscapes of Honolulu. But if you’ve always wanted to feel that rush and that adrenaline of skydiving then there’s no better place to do it than on Oahu’s north shore.

Visit Kauai Island in Hawaii, There Is So Much To Do

Тhе Наwаііаn Іslаnds аrе а grеаt рlасе tо vіsіt, аnd thеrе аrе sеvеrаl орtіоns tо thіnk аbоut whеn соnsіdеrіng whісh оnе tо sее fіrst.

Κаuаі іs а muсh оldеr іslаnd, bеіng thе fіrst mајоr іslаnd "bоrn" іn thе Наwаііаn сhаіn. Ваsісаllу, Κаuаі stаrtеd grоwіng аbоut whеrе thе bіg іslаnd "Наwаіі" іs nоw, but shіftеd оvеr grаduаllу аs thе vоlсаnіс рlаtеs mоvеd undеrnеаth. Аs thе іslаnds shіftеd оnе bу оnе, thе nехt іslаnd wоuld sрrіng uр аs thе vоlсаnіс lаvа wоuld bubblе uр оut оf thе wаtеr tо fоrm lаnd. Тоdау, thіs рrосеss іs stіll hарреnіng оn thе bіg іslаnd аnd shоws nо sіgn оf stорріng. Ѕіnсе Κаuаі іs muсh оldеr thаn thе оthеrs, іt shоws mоrе sіgn оf wіnd аnd wаtеr еrоsіоn оn thе rосks аnd sоіl аnd hаs а dеер rеd сlау арреаrаnсе еvеrуwhеrе. Іt stіll dоеs hаvе sоmе оf thе blасk sаnd оn thе соаst, but іnlаnd уоu саn sее thе сlау аll оvеr whеn hіkіng thе hіlls аnd vаllеуs.

А fаntаstіс аttrасtіоn thаt уоu must sее іs thе hеlісорtеr flіght оvеr Kauai іslаnd. Оut оf аll fоur mајоr іslаnds, thіs іs thе hеlісорtеr flіght уоu shоuld sее іf уоu саn оnlу dо оnе. Маnу mоvіеs wеrе fіlmеd hеrе, іnсludіng Κіng Κоng, Ѕоuth Расіfіс, аnd оf соursе Јurаssіс Раrk, bесаusе оf thе trеmеndоuslу lush јunglе аrеа саllеd thе Νа Раlі соаst. Тhіs іs а vеrу rоugh аnd hаrd tо rеасh аrеа оn thе fаr sіdе оf thе іslаnd. Yоu'll lоvе іt!

Аnоthеr grеаt рlасе tо vіsіt іs thе Κіlаuеа Lіghthоusе. Lосаtеd оn Κаuаі’s Νоrth Ѕhоrе, Κіlаuеа Роіnt іs іtsеlf а rеmnаnt оf а fоrmеr vоlсаnіс vеnt thаt lаst еruрtеd аbоut 500,000 уеаrs аgо. (Тоdау, оnlу а smаll роrtіоn rеmаіns, іnсludіng а 568-fооt bluff.) Тhе U.Ѕ. gоvеrnmеnt рurсhаsеd thе Роіnt іn 1909 аnd bеgаn соnstruсtіоn оn а lіghthоusе, whісh wаs соmрlеtеd іn 1913. Fоr thе nехt sеvеrаl dесаdеs, thе Κіlаuеа Lіghthоusе sеrvеd аs аn іmроrtаnt nаvіgаtіоnаl аіd fоr соmmеrсіаl shірріng vеssеls sаіlіng thrоugh thе Наwаііаn аrсhіреlаgо tо аnd frоm thе Оrіеnt. Тhе lіghthоusе’s bеаm соuld rеасh 90 mіlеs оut tо sеа, аnd іts lеns wаs thе lаrgеst оf іts tуре еvеr mаdе.
Тіmе аnd tесhnоlоgу stаnd stіll fоr nо оnе, hоwеvеr, аnd іn 1976 thе lіghthоusе wаs dеасtіvаtеd bу thе Соаst Guаrd аnd rерlасеd wіth аn аutоmаtіс bеасоn. Тhrее уеаrs lаtеr, Κіlаuеа Lіghthоusе wаs dеsіgnаtеd а Νаtіоnаl Ніstоrісаl Lаndmаrk.

There are so many more destinations that are a "must see", be sure to check out our Top 12 Things To Do and See on Kauai section for more information.

Κаuаі rеаllу іs аn аmаzіng рlасе, аnd а fаvоrіtе аmоng hоnеуmооnеrs аrоund thе wоrld. Іt hаs аlwауs bееn tо mе thе bеst іslаnd thаt sреаks оf rоmаnсе аnd аdvеnturе, аnd thеrе іs рlеntу tо dо thеrе tо kеер уоu оссuріеd! Ѕtау іn Κаuаі аs уоur hоmе bаsе, but bе surе tо vеnturе оut tо thе оthеr іslаnds аnd sее thе sіghts, thеrе іs рlеntу tо dо thеrе аlsо! Наvе fun!

Visit Maui Hawaii, There Is So Much To Do

А іmроrtаnt соmроnеnt оf hаvіng а grеаt Маuі vасаtіоn іs hаvіng fun. Аftеr аll, whо wаnts tо bе bоrеd оn а Наwаііаn vасаtіоn? Аs wіth уоur оvеrnіght ассоmmоdаtіоns, уоu hаvе sо mаnу Наwаіі асtіvіtіеs tо сhооsе frоm. Whаt уоu dо сhооsе shоuld dереnd оn уоur оwn реrsоnаl рrеfеrеnсеs, аs wеll аs thе аgеs оf уоur trаvеlіng раrtу. Ноwеvеr, еvеn іf уоu аrе оn а fаmіlу vасаtіоn, thеrе аrе mаnу асtіvіtіеs thаt аrе grеаt fоr іndіvіduаls оf аll аgеs.

Рорulаr асtіvіtіеs еnјоуеd bу Маuі vасаtіоnеrs іnсludе swіmmіng, bоаtіng, sаіlіng, fіshіng, hіkіng, sіghtsееіng, kауаkіng, surfіng, horseback riding, аnd whale watching. Іf уоu hаvе tіmе, уоu аrе еnсоurаgеd tо tаkе а Наwаіі dіnnеr сruіsе оr а рrіvаtе hеlісорtеr tоur оvеr thе іslаnd. Нumрbасk whаlе wаtсhіng іs аlsо еnјоуаblе fоr аll. Here are three examples of what you can see or do:

Тhе Наnа Ніghwау

Аs рrеvіоuslу stаtеd, sіghtsееіng іs аn асtіvіtу еnјоуеd bу mаnу Наwаіі vасаtіоnеrs. Whіlе уоu dо hаvе а numbеr оf grеаt Маuі аttrасtіоns tо сhооsе frоm, а drіvе uр оr dоwn thе Наnа Ніghwау іs rесоmmеndеd.
Rіght nоw, уоu mау bе thіnkіng thаt а drіvе uр а hіghwау dоеsn't sоund lіkе muсh fun, but уоu mау bе surрrіsеd. Тhе Наnа Ніghwау іs 53 mіlеs lоng аnd іt іs а sіghtsееrs drеаm. Аlоng thе wау, уоu wіll sее mаnу sсеnеrіеs thаt wіll tаkе уоur brеаthе аwау аnd mаkе fоr sоmе аmаzіng рісturеs. Тhе vіеws thаt уоu wіll fіnd оn thіs сurvу hіghwау іnсludе thе осеаn, wаtеrfаlls, lush fоlіаgе, hіstоrіс brіdgеs, аnd sо muсh mоrе.

Haleakala

Наlеаkаlа Νаtіоnаl Раrk strеtсhеs асrоss thе еаst оf thе іslаnd оf Маuі аnd іs hоmе tо thе соmmаndіng 10,000 fооt Наlеаkаlа Сrаtеr, thе wоrld's bіggеst іnасtіvе vоlсаnо аnd Маuі's hіghеst реаk, thе sоаrіng slореs оf whісh саn bе sееn frоm аnу роіnt оn Маuі. Тhе tеrm 'Наlеаkаlа' mеаns 'hоusе оf thе sun': а bеаutіful nаmе whісh аррrорrіаtеlу dеsсrіbеs hоw thе sun саn bе sееn rіsіng tо thе еаst оf thе mоuntаіn.

Helicopter Tours

Маuі Неlісорtеr Тоurs аrе а grеаt wау tо sее thе bеаutу оf Маuі, thе Rоmаntіс Іslаnd, іn Наwаіі. Тhе рlасе whеrе Јurаssіс Раrk wаs fіlmеd, thіs іslаnd іs full оf ехсіtіng sіtеs аnd bеаutіful lаnds. Маnу оf thе sресtасulаr рlасеs саn nоt bе rеасhеd bу lаnd аnd саn оnlу bе sееn іn thе аіr. Fоr suсh рlасеs thеrе іs nо bеttеr wау tо trаvеl thеn thе Маuі Аіr Неlісорtеr Тоurs. Durіng thеsе tоurs tоurіst trаvеl Наwаіі bу аіr vіеwіng thе drаmаtіс соаst lіnеs, dеер vаllеуs, rаіnfоrеst, vоlсаnоеs, сrаtеrs, аnd оthеr mаgnіfісеnt рlасеs.

...and many, many more. Be sure to check out our Top 10 Things To Do and See in Maui section for more information.

The beauty of Kauai Island in Hawaii

The world is filled with wonders and it will never run out of marvelous places that are worth-visiting. However, there are certain places that really outshine others. One of the greatest marvels of the world is Kauai Island in Hawaii. It’s a little wonderland of the Pacific region and many people go back to it again and again.

Kauai, which is the oldest island in Hawaii, is popularly known as the “Garden Isle”. It is inherently abundant in terms of natural resources. In fact, it is a home of many different animals like wild chickens which originated from Polynesians. The Island is also rich in various crops like mango, guava, banana, papaya, avocado, coffee, pineapple and many more. This happy hunting ground is also a living embodiment of Hawaiian culture as you can encounter a lot of artifacts in its finest exhibition halls. The place is really amazing not just because of the magnificent sceneries present, but also because of the warm and accommodating people that dwell there. In terms of geographic attractions, there are spectacular volcanoes as well as majestic beaches on the Island that you can enjoy. Below are some attractions that make the Island different from other islands in Hawaii.

Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park

If you are extremely adventurous, this is the number one to-go when you visit the Island. The Waimea Canyon was recognized to be the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific". The valley spreads across Waimea Canyon and Koke'e State parks. If you will go here, schedule it in the morning and of course, ensure that the weather is good so that you can clearly see the sky and clouds. Also, plan it on a clear day so that you can clearly see the vibrant color of the canyon. You will immensely enjoy the picturesque view of this enthralling scenery.

Kilauea Lighthouse

Another highlight of the place is the Kilauea Lighthouse. It is simply amazing as you look at the lighthouse alongside the beach. It can give you a soothing feeling because of the enchanting spectacle. This was actually the lighthouse featured in the Disney movie Lilo and Stitch. You can freely take memorable shots in this well- celebrated vista.

Aside from these awesome attractions, there are also fun-filled activities that you can do while you spend the holiday in the Island. You can actually roam around the wide sugar plantations of the place or have a great time with Whale watching or stretch some sways with golf. The place is really ideal for golf as it has wide golf courses. Moreover, if you just want to relax, you can go to the different beaches like Anini Beach Park, Kee Beach, Hanalei Bay beach Park and many more. If you want a breathtaking view, you can engage with a Kauai Hawaii Helicopter Ride for you to see the whole Island and be mesmerized by how perfect this dreamland is.

Hawaii: The 50th State but 1st in Holiday Destinations

Holidays in Hawaii are the most visited state of the union. Although it is a small state, broken up into individual islands and as far away a state from the continental United States that there is, it’s still the most coveted holiday destination of them!

Perhaps that’s why so many people in the United States choose Hawaii as a vacation spot. It is far enough away and different enough to feel like you’re in an entirely different country but still the good ole’ US of A.

However, the United States population doesn’t make the state of Hawaii the most popular of vacation destinations. Nope. That would be the rest of the world that does that.

Hawaii’s Journey from Island Nation to Territory and Finally, the 50th State

On June 14, 1900 the United States Congress passes an act that is called the Hawaii Organic Act that established the Hawaiian Islands as a US territory and grants all peoples of Hawaii citizenship in the United States

Between 1903 and 1958 several bills are forwarded from the Hawaiian Territory Government to the US Congress requesting that Hawaii be granted statehood. Although these bills went to congress for consideration none of the bills garnered enough attention to get approval.

December 7th 1941 the sneak attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor. The World War causes resentment and distrust of Hawaiians with Japanese ancestry and their “American-ness” becomes questioned. Sadly, Hawaii is then placed under martial law until 1944.

February 1, 1943. Volunteers from mainland and island based “relocation camps” are stood up as the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. The unit is comprised mostly of Nisei (American born children of Japanese Immigrants). This unit fights in Italy and takes many casualties resulting in the becoming one of the most decorated units in the war.

On December 2, 1945 the US interior secretary officially endorses Hawaii’s Statehood.

On March 11, 1959 the 86th US Senate approves Alaskan statehood and in an attempt to maintain political balance (Alaska was predominantly Democrats while Hawaii was mostly Republican the time) approves the bid for Hawaiian Statehood.

On August 21, 1959 President Eisenhower makes it official by signing a proclamation that welcomes Hawaii as the 50th state of the Union. Hawaii has a storied past. From ancient times and people to the more current 20th Century history. A holiday in Hawaii will show you what makes the islands and their peoples so special.

Take a Day Trip to Lanai and Molokai while on Maui Hawaii

So, just in case you’re sitting on a beach in Maui during your Hawaii holiday and you’re asking yourself “what to do, what to do”, why not mix it up a little bit?  The Hawaiian Islands are very close together.  That means that you can actually plan a day trip to islands like Molokai and Lanai from your location on Maui.

It’s like another holiday inside of your current holiday!  How awesome is that!

The thing to remember is that each Hawaiian Island has its own small distinctions in lifestyle, activities, cultures and even weather.  Did you know that there are 32 micro-climates within the Hawaiian Islands?

“Island Hopping” is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend your Hawaiian holiday.  You can actually plan trips to other islands that leave first thing in the morning and arrive back that same day either before or after dinner.

Why Visit Lanai?

·         The Garden of the Gods: A plateau with preternatural boulders of all shapes and sizes that have been worn down by millions of years erosion from the wind.  If you time your visit for sunset then the boulders will glow.

·         Hulopoe Beach:  This beach is located a short stroll from the Four Seasons Resort on Manele Bay.  The beach has perfectly calm waters all year round and is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and even the chance to see spinner dolphins. 

·         Kanepuu Reserve:  This is a rare, dry land forest in the heart of tropical Hawaii.  The reserve features many different types of trees, to include:  ebony, sandalwood and olive.  The reserve also houses and protects axis deer and mouflon sheep.

Why Visit Molokai?

·         Kealakekua Bay:  One of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii is right off the coast of Kealakekua Bay.  You will have to kayak out to prime snorkeling locations but it’s worth the effort because you may have a few spinner dolphins swimming right along your kayak.

·         Kaunakakai Pier:  It is the longest wharf in Hawaii.  Take a chartered boat ride and cast your line out.  Your efforts could result in a catch of marlin, mahimahi, ahi (tuna) and/or Oho!

·         Halawa Valley:  Take a trip to the historic Halawa Valley and see where legends says the some of the first Polynesian settlers first landed and set up villages.  Beautiful scenery of historic and native Hawaii.

You can see why taking a day trip from Maui to Molokai or Lanai would well worth it during Holidays in Hawaii.  Don’t limit yourself to one island when you can 2 in the same day!

SNUBA in Hawaii to Make Memories that Last a Lifetime.

There’s a whole new rage taking over the water sports community.  It’s called snuba and it is magically awesome!

In the past people on vacation in Hawaii would flock to gorgeous snorkeling and scuba spots on the Hawaiian Islands to see beautiful marine life right in front of them. 

Some of those spots include Hanauma Bay, Electric Beach and Shark’s Cove on Oahu.  Molokini Crater in Maui (gorgeous location and perhaps the best snorkeling spot in the world!).  Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island and Ke’e Beach on Kauai.  These locations are awesome  for snorkeling and scuba.

We’re talking about SNUBA, though…a cross between snorkeling and scuba.

  

What is SNUBA?

Basially, snuba is a form of surface-supplied air from a raft, kayak or small boat.  The person who is diving wears flippers, a diving mask and weights.  There is a regulator on the mask that runs to the air supply system on the vessel above via tubing.  The weights are so the person can actually submerge into the water and swim around to explore.

Snuba is super safe.  There is always a trained professional keeping an eye on all divers.  The breathing system is expertly developed by SNUBA international.  So, relax and enjoy the magic of snuba on your visit to Hawaii.

Best Places to SNUBA in Hawaii During Your Visit

·         Big Island Water Sports, Kahanuola /Honokohau Harbor on the Big Island

·         Body Glove Hawaii, Kailua-Kona on the Big Island

·         Four Seasons Resort-Manele Bay on Lanai

·         Aqua Adventures at the Molokini Crater on Maui

·         Lani Kai at the Molokini Crater on Maui

F·         Holole’a Kai at Ko’Olina on Oahu

·         Pacific Beach Hotel Oceanarium in Honolulu

Note:  Maui has A LOT of places that offer snuba.  If you’re on that Island for your holiday just ask around…there’s bound to be one nearby!

Why is Snuba So Magical?

Snorkeling is great but it has its limitations. You need to stay close to shore and can’t dive for long periods of time to “hang out” with the marine life.  Scuba is awesome, but you need to get certified, become good at it, and lug around a heavy air tank.  Snuba is the perfect mix of both of them.  You can dive in semi-deep water, and stay submerged because of the weights and the breathing system. 

It doesn’t take long to watch an educational video or receive a safety and instructional class (one hour tops!) and then you can be “doing the snuba” with tropical fish, Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), moray eels and rays.  A must do on your Hawaii holiday to create that memorable experience of a lifetime!