Selecting A Hawaii Vacation Area Isn’t Easy

November 26th, 2008

Narrowing down your Hawaii vacation destination is even more difficult than it may seem to be at first.  Most people try to decide which island – or islands – they think would appeal to them most.

The problem is that, except for little Molokai and Lanai, each of the islands actually has three or more distinctly different areas within their beaches.

On Oahu, Waikiki – on the south shore – is where the action is, and it’s close to most of the island’s other attractions.  On the north shore, Turtle Bay is a full-blown resort near “Old Hawaii,” those humongous winter waves and the quaint little town of Haleiwa.  Ko Olina is a newer, sprawling, self-contained resort area well west of Honolulu in leeward Oahu.

On the north shore of Kauai, the beautiful Hanalei and Princeville area is quiet and scenic with nice resorts.  The south shore has Poipu and a whole bunch of ritzy resorts with all kinds of things to do.  On the east shore, the town of Lihue is the island’s business and population center, with good accommodations that are convenient to most of Kauai’s spectacular attractions.

Maui is said to be two islands.  West Maui has Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kapalua and those spectacular resorts.  The island’s larger portion contains the rustic Upcountry, the mammoth Haleakala crater and the Waimea resort area.  Way to the east, the fantastic Hana area is an isolated destination unto itself.

The Big Island is generally divided into the Hilo side – the east – and the Kona side – the west.  But it’s far more than that.  On the Kona side, the coast is lined with one spectacular resort after another, and farther inland is ranch country in the rural areas of Waimea and Kamuela, the majestic Mauna Kea and the world’s most powerful telescopes.  The Hilo side is far less touristy, but that’s where you’ll find Volcanoes National Park and the amazing lava flows.

As you can see, there’s a lot to consider beyond a choice of islands.  The best thing to do is pick an agent from our website and begin a relationship (No obligation, of course).   Our agents all are experts in Hawaii – have lived here and can guide you with passion and professionalism.  Or, if you prefer, call 1-800-843-8771.

Posted by Jim Winpenny
 

Entry Filed under: Big Island, Kauai, Maui, Molokai, Oahu