Discover why the six Islands of Aloha are home to treasures unlike any other on earth: The dramatic cliffs of the Napali Coast on Kauai. The vibrant shores of Waikiki Beach on Oahu. The miles of white sands of Papohaku Beach on Molokai. The dolphin friendly waters of Hulopoe Bay on Lanai. The summit of Haleakala on Maui. The primal energy of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii's Big Island. It won't be easy choosing which island to visit on your trip to Hawaii, but you'll find there are no wrong answers.
Visit the historic landmarks of Hawaii and learn about the rich culture of the islands. Explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, from hidden beaches to small towns that you won't find on a postcard. Learn to surf, snorkel or kayak and earn your Hawaii suntan. And don't forget to go to an authentic luau where you can get a taste of Hawaiian culture and watch the art of the hula. You'll find the itineraries on Hawaii are endless. From romantic escapades to family fun; from whale watching to walking on a volcano; you can do it all or you can simply sit back and do nothing.
THINGS TO DO IN HAWAII...
Visit an active Volcano
The Big Island of Hawaii is home to Volcanoes National Park and Mt Kilauea, the world's most active volcano. Kilauea has been in a continuous active state since 1983 and the lava flow now covers 506 acres and growing every bigger every day.
Access to the park is best through organized tour groups which ensure your safety whilst giving you the opportunity to view Natures raw beauty at its best - orange glowing lave flows, black sand beaches, white gushing steam vents and the red black volcanic eruptions. This is a must see to any Hawaii traveler.
Fly high over Kauai
Renowned for its stunning, the best views of the island of Kauai are from one of the local helicopter tours.
Hover over hidden valleys; get a birds-eye view of fabulous water falls; swoop along deserted shorelines while taking onboard the running commentary of your local pilot. With about 80% of the ruggedly beautiful island inaccessible by foot, the only way to truly see Kauai in its entire splendor is by air.
Relax on world famous beaches
Do what tens of thousands of tourists and locals do every day - simply lay back and catch the warm rays of the sun or catch a wave. Renowned as a surfer's paradise, the Hawaiian Islands have beaches and surf conditions for everyone. With a back drop of emerald mountains, golden sands and clean blue waters its no wonder that Hawaii has some of the best beaches in the world
Have a whale of a time
Every winter - late November to early April - humpback whales, leave the sub freezing waters of Alaska to play, breed and birth their young in the warm shallow waters of the Hawaiian Islands.
This annual event sees thousands of these gentle giants of the sea provide one of the best spectacles that you'll ever see, especially around The Big Island, Maui and The Big Island. There are numerous whale watching tours, and your resort will be able to recommend one for you.
Snorkel off the island of Molokini
Molokini is the most popular snorkeling site in all of Hawaii and the reason is simple. Molokini consistently has the clearest water in Hawaii, teaming with beautiful fish. On most days visibility is between 80 and 200 feet.
Located several miles off of the south shore of Maui directly across from the Wailea / Makena area, the Molokini Marine Reserve is only accessible by boat and there are plenty of tour / charter boats of all shapes, sizes and prices operating throughout the year.
Bike down Maui's Haleakala Mountain
Jump on board your tour bus, take in the views from the high point, on top of Haleakala and its crater. At more than 3,000 feet above the sea level, Haleakala is one of the largest easily accessible mountains in the world.
After the views, jump on your hired mountain bike for the down-hill ride - as slow or as fast as you want! But we recommend that you do take your time to experience Haleakala's views during sunrise or sunset. Its legendary beauty inspires both young and young at heart
See the Grand Canyon of the Pacific
The island Kauai is dominated by the Waimea Canyon and Koke'e State Park. Dubbed as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" by Mark Twain, Waimea Canyon reigns supreme.
The canyon is one mile wide, 10 miles long, and over 3,600 feet in depth. The colouring of its inner walls and the roadside lookout views into the canyon are spectacular. The play of light and shadow throughout the day on the colorful striated layers of rock is extraordinary and a photographers dream location.
The greens go on forever
With over 80 recogonised courses spread across six tropical islands, Hawaii is truly a golfer's paradise. Few places are as perfect for golf as Hawaii, with its dramatic topography, ideal growing conditions for lush green fairways and flowering vegetation, coral fringed sea and sandy beach backdrops and year-round balmy weather. You'll find that the bigger resorts have their own courses or are affiliated with a local club. The list of course designers is as numerous as are the courses, so you're guaranteed to find the right course to meet your game.
Attend an authentic Polynesian Luau
There is now better way to be welcomed to the Aloha Islands than as a participant at a traditional Polynesian Luau. A colourful mix of storey telling, dance, fire walking, music and feasting, the Luau is as synonymous with Hawaii as the grass skirt. Be prepared to get the hips swaying for the hula dance and don't forget to take your camera. Check with your resort as to the times and locations for this traditional celebration.
Shop to you drop
If you're in need of retail therapy, the quaint shops and artists' studios to elegant art galleries and large shopping centers await you.
You'll enjoy island-style shopping and find many unique items, including T-shirts dyed with Hawaiian red dirt, macadamia nut cookies, music by local musicians, designer clothing, custom jewelry, furniture, surfboards, fine art and gifts handcrafted of wood, ceramics, fabric, or glass.
And when the sun sets
The tourist areas of the islands come alive in the evening. Local chefs offer up the best in 'world cuisine' and unique local delicusicies featuring locally caught fish such as tahi and opakapaka to the mahi-mahi and ulua, along with a vast range of tropical fruits and vegetables.
From silver service fine dining to a local neighbourhood restaurant, you'll enjoy your culinary experience as much as you'll enjoy the warmth of the locals.