August 2nd, 2008
Which Island(s) To Visit on My Hawaii Vacation?
Many people I talk to think that the Hawaiian Islands are all very similar and that perhaps it doesn’t matter so much which one they visit. Well, that assumption is far from the truth. Beyond the breathtakingly beautiful scenery, whale, turtle, and dolphin filled waters, championship golf courses, and the Aloha Spirit that Hawaii is known for – visitors will find that each island offers a unique charm of its own.
Depending on the length of their trip I advise my clients to limit the number of islands they visit during their Hawaii vacations – allowing at least 3 nights on each island. The first step to determining which island to visit is for the traveler to identify what they are looking for in their Hawaii vacation – and match those interests with the attractions unique to each island.
Romantic Islands
The romantic adventurer should consider Maui, Kauai or Lanai. These islands offer perfect settings for weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries, especially if the couple enjoys romance in an unconventional way.
Arriving on Maui you will be welcomed by a laid back atmosphere full of beauty, shopping, delicious cuisine, & adventure all around. One “must do” for couples taking a Maui vacation is the islands most popular road trip – the road to Hana. The winding road is a 52-mile, three-hour adventure through the rainforest. With 617 curves, drivers often need a respite, which Mother Nature provides in the form of dazzling waterfalls and secluded natural pools for swimming.
Kauai, nicknamed the Garden Isle, is full of romantic settings with waterfalls, sea cliffs, grottoes, jagged mountains, and its most popular feature – fewer tourists. J Only 10% of the island is accessible by car, and it’s the only place in Hawaii where you can navigate rivers. Couples can cruise up the Wailua River in a kayak or canoe to the lava rock Fern Grotto, a romantic spot used frequently for wedding ceremonies.
Couples who desire a more intimate, serene escape will enjoy the small island of Lanai. Attractions include Keahiakawelo, the Garden of the Gods, where dusk provides an enchanting background of rock towers and formations caused by years of erosion. Also, Lanai offers couples who share a love of golf two of the most spectacular championship golf courses in Hawaii
Family Friendly Islands
Families will enjoy any island, but some of the attraction that might appeal more to children are on Oahu, the Big Island, and Maui.
Oahu is well equipped with entertaining and educational attractions for children and history-buff parents, including the Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium, the Polynesian Cultural Center, Hanauma Bay, Sea Life Park, the U.S. Army museum, and the infamous USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. One of the best Pearl Harbor Tours includes a World War II veteran as your guide and you can get first-hand accounts of that historic event.
The Big Island is relatively young in its experience attracting tourists, so it offers families a vacation off-the-beaten-path. One of the “big” attractions is Mauna Kea, the world’s largest mountain, measured from the ocean floor. Because of the high altitude and clear air on top of Mauna Kea, ten nations have built world-class telescopes that allow researchers and visitors to see 90% of the heavens.
Maui provides great boat tours for families to catch sight of the North Pacific humpback whales that migrate from Alaska to Hawaii for the breeding season, which is generally between October and March. There is also the Maui Ocean Center which is amazing aquarium showcasing Hawaii marine life up close!
Islands of Adventure
Travelers looking for adventure should head to Oahu, the Big Island, or Kauai.
Surf lessons are available on the world famous Waikiki Beach in Oahu. Or if you are traveling in December visitors can watch the Surfing Championships where surfers from around the world compete on waves 20 feet high – and higher!!
The Big Island serves as a home to Kilauea, an active volcano that has been erupting since 1983. Visitors can come face to face with this natural spectacle, and other wonders, when they enter Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. In addition to the world’s longest running active volcano - the Big Island also has great beaches, marine life, waterfalls, rainforests, and snowcapped mountains – truly the best for adventure travel.
Kauai is great for hikers. The only land entrance to one of the island’s most secluded and untouched treasures, Kalalau Beach on the Na Pali Coast, is via the Kalalau Trail. This 11-mile trek crosses five different valleys. Hikers often opt to break the trip into two days by setting up camp at the halfway point (permit is required). Historians believe this rugged yet beautiful coastline was the first area of Kauai to be settled by the ancient Hawaiians. As inhospitable as these cliffs appear, they provided the settlers with all the basics of life: freshwater from the mountain streams, native vegetation and fertile ground in the valleys, and unparalleled fishing in the vast ocean. Numerous sea caves, small beaches and high waterfalls add to the beauty and uniqueness of the landscape. Kauai is also home to Waimea Canyon – the largest canyon in the Pacific – 10 miles long, 1 mile wide and 3500 feet deep. Numerous lookouts and hikes offer terrific views of every aspect of this natural wonder.
After choosing which island to visit, the next question to ask is “How do I get there?” A Hawaii vacation package that includes air, hotel, car and even some tours or excursions on the islands is the easiest, most convenient, and most affordable way to see Hawaii. Keep in mind that the Hawaiian Islands are not filled with all inclusive type resorts as you find in the Caribbean and Mexico – some resorts will include breakfast daily but the all inclusive food and drinks is just not available.
Hawaii Aloha Travel offers many Hawaii vacations and working with an experienced agent like myself who can help you customize the trip of a lifetime is truly priceless. We have the most flexible flight options, a wide selection of hotels, tours and cars at great prices, an affordable travel insurance option at $41 per person, and for most vacation packages allow the booking to be confirmed with a $50-100 per person deposit. All that plus getting to work with an agent who knows Hawaii and is in Hawaii…I think the next step is obvious! Give me a call at 1800-843-8771 x21 or send an email to Angelica@hawaii-aloha.com and I would be happy to help!
Mahalo,
Angelica Friedmann
Hawaii Aloha Travel
1800-843-8771 x21 (main)
808-237-5261 (direct line)