Hawaii Holidays

You can surf in the South Pacific. You can scuba dive in the Mediterranean. And you can go whale watching in Norway. While some of Hawaii’s most popular attractions and activities can be seen and done elsewhere, getting to visit a live volcano is one of the most unique features of a Hawaiian vacation.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

There’s not another national park in the United States like Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park. Located on the Big Island of Hawaii and covering over 500 square miles, this park includes Kilauea (one of the most active volcanoes on Earth), as well as Mauna Loa (the largest volcano on Earth).

The word Kilauea translates into “spewing” or “much spreading” in Hawaiian, referring to the frequent lava emissions produced by the volcano. In fact, a lava eruption that began at Kilauea in 1983 still has not stopped. Although it’s safe to visit the volcano and its lava flows, in 1987 the current eruption gobbled up Royal Gardens Subdivision and a newly constructed, multi-million dollar museum and visitor’s center. In 1990, the volcano’s lava obliterated the towns of Kalapana and Kaimu.

Visitors to the volcano today can come close enough to observe the lava flows directly by driving to the end of Chain of Craters Road. In the past the road was longer, but now it ends where the lava begins.

Mauna Loa means “long mountain” in Hawaiian. Erupting for the past 700,000 years, Mauna Loa is still active today, although not as active as Kilauea. In the past 3,000 years, Mauna Loa has erupted an average of once every six years; however, its last eruption was in 1984. Some adventurous, physically fit visitors enjoy the long hike up the side of Mauna Loa.

Other Things to Do and See at Volcanoes National Park

After taking a look at the lava of Kilauea or hiking Mauna Loa, take advantage of some of the many other unique features of Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park. For the outdoorsy family, there are plenty of day hikes that aren’t too strenuous and are even wheelchair and stroller accessible. The park also has space for camping, bike trails for cyclists, and longer, harder wilderness hikes.

The park has a visitor center that shows a video every hour about Hawaii’s volcanoes, as well as a schedule of daily ranger-led activities. The Jaggar Museum, which previously housed the offices of the US Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, is today devoted to many interesting exhibits on volcanology. Jaggar Museum also includes an overlook, which is one of the best places to observe the most recent eruption of 2008.

When you plan your trip to Hawaii, be sure to include some time to visit Volcanoes National Park – possibly the most unique national park on the planet.

 

Photo credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Kirk Lee Aeder

Hawaii is famous for many things – its surfing, its volcanoes, its laid-back island culture, its wildlife. But there's something else that's special about Hawaii that often goes unrecognized: its cuisine. A blend of the many different cultures which have settled in the Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian cuisine represents an interesting fusion of the best flavors of Europe, Asia, and the Pacific Islands.

To taste the Hawaiian flavours for yourself then simply enter your details in the enquiry form on the right and our Hawaii holiday experts will be delighted to help you.

What is “Native” Hawaiian Food and Drink?

Early Polynesian settlers introduced many of the foods that you'll find today at a Hawaiian luau: they introduced coconut, taro (a starchy root), sweet potatoes, and breadfruit. Tahitian settlers brought Hawaii's first bananas. The Polynesians also brought Hawaii's first pigs and chickens, which remain staple meats of the Hawaiian diet today. Of course, seafood was also an important part of the diet of early Hawaiian settlers.

When Captain James Cook came to Hawaii in the late eighteenth century, he brought with him sheep, goats, melons, and pumpkins. A few years later, another European seafarer introduced cattle to Hawaii.

Cuisines from Around the World Immigrate to Hawaii

Thanks to pineapple and sugarcane plantations, Asian migrant workers flocked to Hawaii in the nineteenth century. Chinese immigrants brought stir fry cooking, rice, and a host of Chinese herbs and spices. Koreans brought barbecue pits and kimchi. Japanese immigrants introduced sashimi, sushi, and tempura.

The Portuguese immigrants who came to Hawaii near the end of the nineteenth century built their traditional beehive ovens to make Portuguese sweet bread and malasada, an egg-sized, deep-fried dessert still popular in Hawaii today. They also introduced cooking with tomatoes and chili peppers.

By the early twentieth century, the Hawaiian melting pot included Filipino and Puerto Rican immigrants, bringing with them their own cooking heritages. Today, recent influxes of Thai and Vietnamese immigrants have added even more options to Hawaiian food and drink.

What to Try in Hawaii

With all these delicious cooking influences, Hawaiian food has become an unusual blend that cannot be found outside the islands. From barbecued pork to cubed salmon mixed with tomatoes and chili peppers, there are so many unique Hawaiian dishes that it can be hard for a visiting food connoisseur to know where to start.

A typical day in Hawaii might begin with your morning Kona coffee – that is, the local arabica coffee grown on the slopes of the world's largest volcano, Mauna Loa. Maybe you'll choose the Hawaiian French Toast for breakfast, topped with fresh tropical fruits. For lunch, try a traditional Hawaiian plate lunch, which will include a scoop of white rice, a macaroni salad, and a main entree. Some of the most popular entrees are Asian-style noodles or the “hamburger steak”. The hamburger steak is a hamburger patty on rice, covered with brown gravy. To make that “steak” a Loco Moco, add a fried egg, sunny side up.

At dinner, it will be time to go to a luau. After you put on your lei and have your first Mai Tai, dig in to the pulled pork, salmon, sweet potatoes, and all the tropical fruit you can eat.

Don't worry – with all the hiking, swimming, surfing, and snorkeling you do on your holiday, you won't gain a pound! So why not make Hawaii the destination for your next holiday and enjoy all these mouth-watering dishes. All you have to do is fill out the enquiry form below and our Hawaii holiday consultants will be in touch very soon.

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Joe Solem

The island of Oahu is one of the four major islands of Hawaii. Home to the city of Honolulu, Hawaii's biggest city, Oahu is the island most visitors will initially fly into. To Honolulu's southeast is the community of Waikiki, location of the internationally renowned Waikiki Beach. Although Waikiki only officially covers 1.5 square miles, it is one of the most frequently visited holiday spots in all of Hawaii.

A Holiday Spot for Centuries

Waikiki is dotted with high rise resorts and classy hotels. Although the high rises are relatively new, taking a holiday on Waikiki Beach isn't. Since the late nineteenth century, visitors have been making their way to Waikiki Beach to soak up the sun and catch a few waves. In 1893, a Greek-American named George Lycurgus renamed a local guest house “Sans Souci”, which is French for “without care”. Sans Souci became the first beach resort on the island.

The “First Lady of Waikiki” is the nickname for another historic spot in Waikiki, the Moana Hotel. Opened in 1901, the hotel is still one of the premier places to stay in Waikiki. Some of its visitors have included King Edward VIII and the Olympic swimmer and “father of modern surfing”, Duke Kahanamoku. Just down the road from the Moana is the Royal Hawaiian. Opened in 1927, the Royal Hawaiian's very first guest was Princess Abigail Kawananakoa, who would have been the Queen of Hawaii had the island nation not been incorporated into the United States.

The Famous Beach

Waikiki Beach is definitely the most famous beach in Oahu; some might argue that it's the most famous beach in the world. What makes Waikiki Beach so special?

For starters, the water itself. Close to the shore, the water is gentle, and perfect for swimmers. The gentler water may not be appealing for experienced surfers, but for new surfers, Waikiki Beach makes a great training ground. Kuhio Beach Park, located between the Moana Hotel and Diamond Head, is a popular beach for surfing lessons. Scuba diving, kayaking, canoing, jet skiing, and parasailing are also all available from Waikiki Beach.

One of the more unique attractions at Waikiki Beach are the shark tours. The adventurous can climb inside a floating shark cage under the water and wait for an up-close look at some of the world's most feared sea creatures. The slightly less adventurous can watch from the plexiglass windows on the tour boat.

Other Things to Do in Waikiki

When you get tired of sea creatures and seawater, there's still plenty more to do in Waikiki. The Polynesian Culture Center is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Hawaii. For a drier outdoor activity, try hiking up Diamond Head, a huge volcanic crater that offers a 360-degree view of Waikiki. And for World War II history buffs, touring the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor (a short way from Waikiki) is a must-see.

In short, no matter what your age, no matter what you like to do, see, or eat, you'll find it in Waikiki.

Photo credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Joe Solem

Waikiki is without a doubt one of the most famous destinations in the world. Of course the main reason for this is because it is home to the renowned Waikiki beach.

The pristine sands and clear waters are what make this beach so special. Be sure to try your hand at surfing or a wide range of other water sports like kayaking, scuba diving or parasailing when you visit.

Away from the beach there are still many more things to do in Waikiki. Why not learn about the fascinating Polynesian culture and explore the rich history and culture of these stunning islands.

For an unforgettable adventure take a hike up Diamond Head where you can witness a huge volcanic crater as well as amazing 360-degree views of the whole of Waikiki.

Waikiki really does have something for every one of all ages making it the perfect holiday destination. So why not book your holiday here today? All you have to do it fill out your details below and out Hawaii holiday experts will be delighted to help you.

They don’t call Hawaii “the Big Island” for nothing: the island of Hawaii is not only the biggest of the Hawaiian islands, it’s bigger than all the other islands combined. And the Big Island is only getting bigger. Unlike some of the other islands, where the volcanoes are either dormant or extinct, Hawaii’s volcanoes are still active and continue to erupt. Visiting a live volcano, and getting an up-close look at a lava flow, is one of the most popular tourist activities on the island.

Like Maui and Oahu, Hawaii is one of the most visited islands in the Hawaiian archipelago. And like those other two islands, Hawaii has plenty to offer its guests.

Natural Wonders

As already mentioned, visiting a live volcano is one of Hawaii’s must-do activities. Head up to Volcano National Park, where you can explore the volcanoes on foot or by car. One of the easiest ways to get close to the active lava flow is to drive down Chain of Craters Road. The road ends rather abruptly where the lava begins. In fact, a lava flow only recently swallowed up an entire visitors’ center! The multi-million dollar facility had just been completed when the volcano decided against the project.

Hikes in Volcano National Park have more to offer than just the volcanoes. The lush, tropical forests growing along the volcanoes’ slopes make for a beautiful hiking or biking trip. Camping at the park is also available, and for those who would rather stay indoors, there are also comfortable lodge accommodations.

Besides Volcano National Park, explore some of the islands other parks, including Akaka Falls State Park, named for the magnificent, 442-foot waterfall that plunges into a deep gorge. Slightly tamer than the state and national parks is the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. Featuring a boardwalk along the ocean and plenty of its own, less dramatic waterfalls, the garden contains over 2,000 tropical plant species.

Kona Coast: Fit for a King

The Kona Coast on Hawaii’s western shore was once the home of the Hawaiian royalty. Today, it’s a great place for visitors who want to be treated like a queen or a king for the duration of their holiday. The waters off the coast are great for swimming, snorkeling, and catching a glimpse of a dolphin or sea turtle. Some might enjoy a boat tour to swim with the manta rays, or a fishing trip chasing the giant Pacific Blue Marlin.

The weather stays in the balmy 80s Fahrenheit (that’s 27 degrees Celsius) all year round. And unlike other areas of the Hawaiian islands, there’s not much rain on the Kona Coast; rainfall average less than two inches per month. So you can expect your visit to have plenty of sunshine – perfect for a winter getaway.

The seaside town of Kailua-Kona used to be a quiet fishing village, but today it’s an excellent place for shopping, dining, and relaxing. Luxury resorts, condominiums, and high-class hotels are common in Kailua-Kona.

But if that level of luxury isn’t right for you, Hilo on Hawaii’s eastern coast might be more to your liking. The largest town on Hawaii’s largest island, Hilo has hotels of all sorts and plenty of beach access.

One thing’s for sure: no matter where you stay on Hawaii’s Big Island, you’ll find plenty to do – or, if you prefer, plenty of time to lay around on the beach, and not do anything at all.

 

Photo credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Kirk Lee Aeder

Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian islands, after the “Big Island” of Hawaii itself. Like all of the major Hawaiian Islands, Maui has a nickname: “The Valley Isle.” The “valley” from which Maui takes its nickname is the large isthmus between the two volcanoes that make up the island, one in the northwest and one in the southeast.

Maui is one of the most popular of the Hawaiian Islands to visit – in 2007, Maui said “Aloha” to nearly 3 million tourists, who in turn contributed an astounding US$3.5 billion to the local economy. What do all these tourists see and do in Maui? Here’s a quick look.

Regions of Maui

Maui’s southern shore is one of the main tourist destinations on the island. It includes Kihei, which offers plenty of beach-side accommodations, condos, and high-rise hotels; Makena, whose beaches are popular with the locals; and Wailea, an upscale collection of resorts, five-star hotels, and golf courses.

Western Maui is dominated by Lahaina, a historic town that at one time was the royal seat of the King of Maui. As westerners and missionaries moved into Hawaii, they built many churches, schools, and modern streets. Some of these buildings are still standing and are open to tourists, including the Lahaina Fort. Not far from Lahaina are the two famous and popular beaches, Kaanapali and Kapalua. Both beaches have major resorts as well as condominiums, villas, and other places to stay.

Central Maui is often ignored by tourists, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing there to see. In fact, central Maui is a great place for visitors who enjoy learning more about history, culture, and native flora and fauna. In central Maui, the curious tourist will find the Kanaha Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, the Maui Community and Cultural Arts Center, and the Maui Tropical Plantation, amongst other sites of interest.

Maui’s upcountry region is scenic and ruggedly beautiful – a great destination for visitors who enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities. Halekala National Park lies at the heart of the region, and encompasses over 27,000 acres, including Halekala itself, Maui’s massive volcano.

Hana, located on Maui’s eastern side, also borders Halekala National Park. Located at the end of a winding, 68-mile highway nicknamed the “Road to Hana”, which itself is a tourist destination, the region of Hana is quieter, more tropical, and more mystical than western and southern Maui. Along the Road to Hana, visitors might stop in at Paia, an old plantation town that was revitalized in the late 1970s by hippies and windsurfers. Not far from Paia is Hookipa Beach Park, which is probably the most famous windsurfing destination in the world. Hookipa is not for beginners, but for experienced windsurfers, it’s a destination not to be missed.

Whether you choose the cultural sites of central Maui, the adventure of traveling along the Road to Hana, hiking in the upcountry, or the popular resort regions of western and southern Maui – or if you decide to visit the whole island – the island of Maui will provide you with everything you need for a most memorable holiday.

Photo credit: Hawaii Tourism Japan (HTJ)

Kauai, also known by its nickname, “Garden Island”, is the fourth largest of Hawaii's islands. Like all of the Hawaiian islands, Kauai was formed by volcanoes. Kauai is the oldest of Hawaii's islands; lava flows first started around five million years ago. While all the volcanic islands in Hawaii are stunningly beautiful, Kauai is known in particular for its beauty.

The Grand Canyon of the Pacific

Waimea Canyon is so large and so magnificent that it has earned the name “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. Unlike most canyons, which are created primarily through erosion, Waimea Canyon's real girth comes from the collapse of the volcano that formed Kauai. The collapse formed a depression which funneled lava down from the volcano. The western cliffs of Kauai are formed of lava that ran down the surface of the volcano, while the other cliffs were formed as lava pooled in massive heaps.

Nearly 2,000 acres in size, Waimea Canyon State Park covers much of the Waimea Canyon. Popular with tourists, the state park includes many miles of hiking paths.

One end of Waimea Canyon State Park bumps up against another state park, Koke'e State Park. Attractions at this state park include incredible waterfalls and breathtaking views of Waimea Canyon and a view of the nearby Nihau Island.

Napali Coast

The North Shore of Kauai is known as the Napali Coast. Home to another state park of over 6,000 acres, the ruggedly beautiful coastline is inaccessible by car – you can only get to it by hiking, by water, or by air. In Hawaiian, Napali means “cliffs”. If you're tired of hiking after visiting Waimea Canyon, consider a sailboat tour of Napali Coast.

A popular activity along the Napali Coast is snorkeling. Unlike Waikiki Beach and Hanauma Bay, which have been overrun by tourists and had their natural reefs destroyed, the reefs off Napali Coast remain intact. Around the island of Kauai, there are hundreds of species of tropical fish, and a full third of these fish can't be found anywhere else in the world.

Watching Whales and Dolphins

Whilst on your Hawaii holidays Kauai is an excellent place to go to watch the Hawaiian Humpback Whales, which swim home from Alaska each year to feed, play, and give birth. The best time to see the whales is between February and March, although whales can be spotted any time from November through May.

The waters around Kauai are also called home by bottlenose, spinner, and spotted dolphins. Considering how playful, intelligent, and social the dolphins are, while watching the dolphins, one certainly wonders if the dolphin pods themselves are on a “human watching” trip!

In summary, if it's shopping you want, stick to Honolulu. If you want to catch a serious wave, go to Oahu's North Shore. But if what really draws you to Hawaii is its incredible tropical beauty and peaceful wild spots, visit Kauai. You'll be glad that you did.

 

 

Photo credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Ron Dahlquist

Everyone visiting Hawaii knows about Honolulu, Hawaii's capital city, and about Waikiki, the popular tourist destination just south of Honolulu. But what else is there to see and do on the island of Oahu, one of Hawaii's eight biggest islands?

Oahu might be a relatively small island, but it's still nearly six hundred square miles. In those six hundred square miles, visitors can find everything from shopping and surfing lessons to magnificent views from the top of extinct volcanoes.

Hanauma Bay

The word “Hanauma” in Hawaiian translates into “Shelter Bay”. Not quite as famous as Waikiki Beach, Hanauma Bay is probably the second most popular beach destination in Oahu. Located on Oahu's southeastern tip, about twenty minutes' drive from Honolulu, the bay is considered by many to be the premier site for snorkeling.

Whilst on your Hawaii holidays, besides snorkeling, there's also the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. The Nature Preserve is relatively new; at one point, Hanauma Bay accommodated some three million tourists per year, and all that traffic damaged the ecosystem. In 1990, the City and County of Honolulu established a plan to turn the area into a protected reserve. In 2002, they finished the project with an award-winning Marine Education Center. Today, Hanauma Bay is not a place for parasailing, surfing, and jet skiing, but for those who want a quieter swim amongst reefs and tropical fish, Hanauma Bay is the place to go.

Valley of the Temples

One of Oahu's hidden gems is the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. Although it is a memorial park (in other words, a cemetery), the park is filled with gorgeous statuary and mausoleums of famous residents. The Valley of the Temples is most famous for the Byodo-In Temple, a non-denominational Buddist temple. Built in 1968, Byodo-In Temple is a full-scale replica of a temple of the same name outside Kyoto, Japan. The original temple is a United Nations World Heritage Site; Byodo-In Temple in Hawaii may be a replica, but it draws thousands of visitors each year. Tourists love the serene ponds filled with koi, the Japanese gardens, and the nine-foot Lotus Buddha, which is the largest carved Buddha created since the twelfth century.

Oahu's North Shore

If Hanauma Bay and the Valley of the Temples are just too tame for your kind of holiday, you might want to check out Oahu's North Shore. The North Shore is world-renowned for its surfing – surfing contests have been held for years off the North Shore, where the waves are big and dangerous. The waves are so big, in fact, that for years they went unsurfed because they were considered too dangerous. In the early 1990s, some brave surfers started a new technique called Tow in Surfing, in which a jet ski tows a board and rider into a huge wave. By the early part of this decade, Tow in Surfing was taking surfers to new heights – literally: surfers on the North Shore can catch waves twenty or even fifty feet in height.

From Waikiki Beach and Hanauma Bay in the south to North Shore surfing in the north, Oahu has plenty to offer its visitors, making it possible to spend a very enjoyable Hawaiian holiday without ever visiting any of the other islands.

Photo credit: Hawaii Tourism Japan (HTJ)

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