In the world of travel, all islands are not the same. The Hawaiian Islands are my absolute favorite travel destination. From the fresh floral air that hits you the minute you step off of the plane to the warm tranquil waters, there is no other place like it. Each island is unique and offers a distinct experience.
The island of Oahu is the main hub for Hawaii, as most flights from the mainland stop there first. Sometimes called “the gathering place,” Oahu is the home to the majority of Hawaii’s population. With its combination of city and country this island offers a little something for everyone. The Ala Moana Center is one of America’s largest outdoor shopping malls offering everything from high-end stores to local specialty shops. The International Marketplace features over 130 artisan stands and Hawaiian accessory stores and is a must-do on the vacation check list. The famous Waikiki beach is a great place to pick up a surf lesson or just splash around in the calm blue waters. I usually don’t recommend renting a car for the full duration of your time on this island, as parking is expensive and limited. Most of the larger hotels have a car rental desk where you can rent for one day and take a drive around the island to the North Shore, which is where you will see huge waves and professional surfers. Climb Diamond Head crater if you dare, or take a trip to the Polynesian Cultural Center to learn about all of the South Pacific islands and their history. Of course a trip to Oahu is not complete without a visit to Pearl Harbor. There you will hear the history of the Day of Infamy and be moved by the USS Arizona memorial. It is a place you will never forget.
Next stop is Maui, “The Magic Isle” and my personal favorite for its beauty and beaches. One of the most scenic drives in the world is on the island of Maui. The famous “Road to Hana” consists of 600 curves and 54 bridges (many of them one lane) and is only 52 miles long from Kahului. Believe it or not, this trip will take between two to four hours one way! Along the way there are several waterfalls, flourishing rainforests, and dramatic seascapes. If you dare drive this route yourself, leave early and pack a picnic lunch, as this will be an all day affair. Be sure to make several stops along the way to savor the beauty. Stroll through the Botanical gardens, walk along the black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park, and take a plunge in the “Seven Sacred Pools” also called “Pools of Oheo”. The awesome beach in Napili is a great place for beginner snorkelers, as the water is calm and there are several species of fish to see.
On to Kauai, “The Garden Isle” and the most lush and green of all of the islands. While this island gets over 400 inches of rain each year, most showers only last a few minutes and create beautiful rainbows. Many movies such as Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Arc, and Avatar were filmed on this tropical island. Waimea Canyon is often called the Grand Canyon of the South Pacific; here you can hike a trail or just gaze from a scenic overlook. Poipu beach is a lovely white sand beach, perfect for swimming or snorkeling.
The big island of Hawaii is famous for Volcanoes National Park. This is the newest and largest of the Hawaiian chain and is still growing due to its active volcano, Kilauea. Half of Hawaii is green and tropical with waterfalls and rain forests, and the other half is a volcanic dessert of snow-capped mountaintops and black sand beaches. Kona is home to several coffee farms as well as historic landmarks. The original leader of Hawaii, King Kamehamea, spent his final years in Kona. There are two airports on Hawaii, one in Kona, which is closest to most of the resorts, and the other in Hilo, which is closest to Volcanoes National Park. Several tour operators offer day tours to the island of Hawaii from Maui.
Lastly are the quiet islands of Lanai and Molokai. Only nine miles from Maui, Lanai is very laid back and only has a few hotel choices. You will not find one traffic light on Lanai, but there are two champion-level golf courses. Molokai is most famous for Father Damien’s work with Hansen’s disease (Leprosy) sufferers. It is often called the Hawaiian island where time seems to have stood still, and where the Hula was born.
If you would like help planning your next trip to Hawaii, contact us at 847-966-0800 or visit our website www.completetvl.com.
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