A stunning archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, Hawai‘i is a land of beautiful scenery and magnificent volcanoes, and remains one of the world’s favourite holiday destinations. From the outstanding natural beauty both on land and sea, to the rich Polynesian cultural heritage of the islands, there are countless wonders to discover across these isles during your stay…so where, precisely, should you spend your time? Any day in Hawai‘i is a day well-spent, no matter which island you choose, but in our blog we’ll be highlighting 4 of our favourites.
Island of Hawai‘i
Best for: The beauty and splendour of the natural world
As the largest of the 8 major islands, the island of Hawai‘i was once known as ‘Big Island’, and plays home to some of the most stunning sights that this archipelago has to offer. As one of the most ecologically diverse places you’ll find anywhere in the world, this island alone comprises 8 of the 13 types of climate zones that exist on Earth, with a breathtaking array of landscapes and gorgeous sights to see.
Visit the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, home to the two active volcanoes Kīlauea and Maunaloa, marvelling at the massive Halema’uma’u Crater and exploring the Devastation Trail (1 mile / 1.6km). Witness two magnificent waterfalls in Akaka Falls State Park, then head to Hamakua Coast to explore waterfalls wreathed in tropical rainforests on a magnificent drive tour or walk. Visit Hapuna’s mile and a half of soft white sandy beach, and discover amazing surfing opportunities.
O’ahu
Best for: The culture and history of Hawai‘i
Called ‘the Gathering Place’, this island is home to over 75% of Hawai‘i’s local population, and offers peerless opportunities to learn about local culture and history, explore Polynesian heritage, and embrace the caring spirit of mālama. From browsing charming boutiques in Waikīkī in search of authentic Hawaiian-made treasures, to engaging in a wide array of volunteer activities to help leave Hawai‘i better than you found it, there’s so much to engage with here.
Discover the island’s #1 attraction at the Polynesian Cultural Center, where you can experience an authentic lūʻau feast, explore six Polynesian villages, and enjoy captivating cultural shows and demonstrations. In Honolulu, step into history at the ʻIolani Palace – the USA’s only royal palace – then visit Pearl Harbor National Memorial to learn about its history. Relax at Waikīkī Beach before hiking Lēʻahi (Diamond Head) for panoramic views from the crater rim. Venture to Kualoa Ranch on the east coast for movie location tours by horseback, e-bike, or UTV, then explore the legendary North Shore, famous for its surf culture and dramatic beaches.
Maui
Best for: Enjoying the wonders of the ocean
Born from lava flows and nestled in verdant tropical foliage, Maui stands as the second largest island in Hawai‘i, and is home to everything from rural towns like Makaowo to the renowned ‘cool’ locale of Pā’ia. There is spectacular beauty to be discovered on land here, with the Haleakalā National Park and its volcano offering magnificent sights (reservations are required for sunrise parking), but perhaps the greatest bounty to be found on Maui is within the waters.
Whether you’re keen to get your heart racing with watersports or to explore the underwater world, there’s so much to discover. Try your hand at windsurfing in Pā’ia, or if you’re an experienced surfer looking for a thrill, take advantage of the mighty waves of Honolua Bay. Snorkellers and divers will be thrilled by the vibrant array of corals and marine life beneath the waves, with magnificent sites at Molokini Crater providing an experience you’ll never forget. The waters around Maui have some of the best whale watching in the world (December to May), with thousands of humpback whales – koholā – visiting the shores to breed and calve their young. While a boat tour is the best way to take in the experience, whales are often spotted from the shore.
Kaua’i
Best for: Adventure and exploration
Known as the ‘Garden Isle’ of Hawai‘i, Kaua’i is a land of gorgeous, rich vegetation and greenery, with the forested landscapes and stunning coastlines making for truly unforgettable vistas. From the mountains and forests to the rivers and seas, this is an island ripe for exploration, with countless trails and opportunities for adventure awaiting you. Whether you want to embark on the Hollywood Movie Tour or explore the island by foot, air or water, there’s endless options awaiting you.
Discover the Wailua River, the only navigable river in Hawai‘i, kayaking along its glimmering ribbon of blue between the lush trees, then witnessing the spectacular Wailua Falls; while you can’t hike to the bottom of the falls, they’re an incredible sight from the lookout. Venture along the Nāpali Coast, exploring sea caves, secluded beaches, towering sea cliffs and isolated waterfalls. Take a walk along the Waimea Canyon – called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific – or hike to the top of Nounou Mountain to see the ‘sleeping giant’ across the landscape. Advanced hikers can even attempt the Kalalau Trail, a truly impressive and challenging hike, requiring reservations in advance.
Book Your Hawai‘i Holiday With Kenwood Travel
With each island offering its own unique personality, and internal flights almost as easy as catching a bus, any trip to Hawai‘i should include at least 2 of the islands; choose those which inspire you most, or let us help you decide. Whether you want to spend your time exploring fascinating culture, relaxing in a luxury hotel or getting active, or all of the above, we have you covered. At Kenwood Travel, we want to provide the best Hawai‘i holiday experience imaginable, which means our experts will go above and beyond to secure the best rates, the best hotels, and the best experiences for your getaway. Let us handle every little detail, even providing ATOL and ABTA protection for your peace of mind, so you can fly away to Hawai‘i without a care in the world. Give us a call or get in touch online, and we’ll arrange an escape you’ll never forget.
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