Hawaii offers so much to the discerning traveller that it is sometimes difficult to decide where to go on your first visit. If you are seeking to experience alluring tropical rain forest, pristine beaches, viewing active volcanoes, playing some golf and relaxing at a beautiful beach resort or just going surfing, Hawaii has it all! Hawaii is a group of Islands on the Pacific coast and is one of only two non-contiguous states in the United States of America. The beautiful and unique attractions of Hawaii make the country a premier destination for travellers – over 9 million people visited Hawaii in 2017. If you are considering the Hawaiian Islands for your next trip, here are some things to bear in mind to make the most out of your visit.
Where to go and what to do?
Hawaii offers a lot of variety as a destination and includes several places for you to visit and enjoy, some of the top locations that we recommend that you visit include; The Big Island, Maui, Oahu and Waikiki.
Oahu
Oahu is the most populous of the Hawaiian Islands and is home to the capital city of Honolulu. Oahu has all the trappings of a modern city and also several historical and natural sites that attract millions of tourist every year. Probably the most popular place to visit on the Island is the USS Arizona Memorial which commemorates the Pearl Harbour attack of 1941. You should watch the movie about this historic event and take the boat ride to the site of the attack; you will get a clearer understanding of the events of Pearl Harbour if you do so. The city also includes cultural heritage attractions such as the 19th century Lolani Palace, which was the home of the last Monarch of Hawaii. Sea Life Park is a popular park that offers the opportunity to swim with Dolphins or admire the other beautiful aquatic animals such as the Penguins or Sea Lions.
The suburb of Waikiki in the city of Honolulu is a vibrant and popular destination for visitors. It has some stunning beach front hotels lining the pristine shores, Waikiki is known for surfing, shopping, fantastic nightlife and world-class dining options. The Waikiki suburb is also home to the Honolulu Zoo, which hosts a variety of unique animal species including the infamous Komodo dragon
The Big Island
Some people erroneously call the entire Hawaii group of Islands the Big Island; this is however not so since the Big Island is just one of the islands in Hawaii, albeit the largest of the eight main Hawaiian Islands. The Big Island is the perfect destination for visitors, offering pristine beaches, astonishing mountain ranges, cultural attractions, waterfalls, active volcanoes, lively nightlife and a variety of quality lodging options – from 5-star hotels to small vacation homes. Some of the top attractions on the Big Island include; the Rainbow Waterfalls, the Alaska Falls State Park, the Volcanoes National Park, and the King Kamehameha Statue. There are several popular beaches including the Kukio Beach, Kahaluu Beach Park and the Spencer Beach Park. If you want to get some golfing in, the Kona Country Club and the Hilo Municipal Golf Course are just two of the many options available to you.
Maui
The island called Maui is located in central Hawaii and is home to several unique attractions – from white sand beaches, cascading waterfalls to volcanoes. This island is ideal for nature lovers or people who love outdoor activities. When you visit the Island of Maui, you should not miss, visiting the Haleakala National Park – this park is home to the dormant Haleakala Volcano and includes endangered wildlife species such as the Hawaiian Geese. This park is also an excellent place for hiking and seeing beautiful waterfalls. The Baldwin Home Museum, Maui Ocean Center and the Bailey House are also attractions of note on the Maui Island.
When to visit Hawaii
The weather in Hawaii is warm all year-round, making the destination an appealing option for vacation seekers. The peak season is from December to mid-April, during this time, the beaches tend to be crowded, and the pricing tends to be higher. The Spring Season (April – June) is probably the best time to visit Hawaii since you get the best deals, the beaches are not crowded, and the weather is phenomenal!
