Overview of Hawaii
Any 'Best Of' travel guide inevitably includes the Hawaiian Islands as the best place for sun, sand and natural attractions - the place to head for an idyllic beach holiday.
Hawaii has some of the best beaches in the United States, each unique in its dimensions, shapes and hues. These sandy stretches are fronted by crystal waters teeming with tropical fish darting through forests of coral. Some of the world's best surfing and watersport opportunities are offered here and for those intent on premium sightseeing it is hard to beat the thrill of watching lava flow from the world's longest erupting volcano.
Visitors who relish exploring different cultures and ancient civilisations will find the best of Polynesian relics in which to indulge their passions, as they soak up some of the Mana(spiritual power) with which the islands were imbued by the legendary gods and goddesses.
The state of Hawaii includes approximately 130 islands in the Pacific Ocean, many of which are uninhabited. The islands lie about 1,600 miles (2,600km) off the coast of mainland USA. The largest island, Hawaii, is known unimaginatively as the Big Island, but the state capital, Honolulu, and most of the population is located on the smaller island of Oahu, which is also the main tourist destination. The other main islands are Maui, Molokai and Kauai. Between them the islands boast an amazingly diverse geography providing endless recreation opportunities, from snowboarding on mountain summits to hiking through rainforests. It's no wonder that Hawaii is one of the most popular travel destinations in the United States: the possibilities offered by a Hawaiian holiday are limited only by the boundaries of the imagination.
Key Facts
- Language:
- English is the most common language spoken but Spanish is often heard in the south-western states.
- Passport/Visa:
-
It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Visa is required for short visits unless travelers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.
As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
-
The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs (two flat parallel pins and a rounded pin) are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter.
Travel to Hawaii
Climate
The climate of Hawaii is more subtropical than tropical, due to the fact that the sea surrounding the islands has a moderating effect. Weather conditions tend to be fairly consistent, with little temperature variation. There are two seasons, neither of which is particularly extreme. Summer (May to October) has pleasant temperatures and humidity is low, with the average highs of 82°F (28°C). Winter (November to April) has temperatures that rarely fall below 65°F (18°C). The climate of each Hawaiian island can differ according to whether they fall on the windward side or not, as those areas on the windward side experience more rain and cloud cover caused by prevailing north easterly trade winds. Hawaiian resorts tend to therefore cluster on the leeward sides so that tourists can enjoy the benefits of more sunshine.
Health Notes when travelling to United States of America
There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential.
Safety Notes when travelling to United States of America
Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, however, travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world, an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened, particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US at risk. There is a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.
Customs in United States of America
Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which you may legally buy and consume alcohol is 21 years.
Duty Free in United States of America
Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,600 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Liberia and Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country.
Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period.
Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.
Doing Business in United States of America
In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups, business practices may differ according to each state, however rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more formal than the West Coast, however in states such as California dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and it is considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings of 'Hello' and 'How are you?' are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over lunch.
Status and age are not necessarily indicative of seniority, nor do they carry much weight in themselves. Those doing business in the States should be mindful of this fact; never make assumptions about someone's position or rank. Best practice is to be respectful to all parties. That said, the US upholds a hierarchal business structure, in which 'the boss' is the ultimate decision-maker. Senior leaders have the power of the last word, and can go against the grain just as easily as they can follow popular opinion. Concentrate on winning over this individual, even if the greater group seems unsupportive. Americans value a direct style of communication. In this fast-paced, consumer culture 'time is money', and small-talk is viewed as unnecessary and wasteful. Get to the point quickly, speak about issues in a frank and open manner, and don't take offence if someone questions or challenges you outright.
Communication in United States of America
The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, especially all urban areas, and wifi is widely available.
Tipping in United States of America
A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but don't tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, tip 20 percent of the bill. It is normal to tip staff such as valets and porters in hotels; this is discretionary, although a minimum of $5 is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is good.
Passport/Visa Note
It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Visa is required for short visits unless travelers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.
As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
-
The most important requirement on entering the U.S. is providing proof of Canadian citizenship. A valid Canadian passport is the best document to prove Canadian citizenship and the right to return to Canada. However, several other documents can serve, depending on the mode of transport. Generally, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada, though there are some exceptions.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
-
UK nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay. Most passport holders can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travel to the US for up to 90 days. The VWP includes tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
-
Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. If visiting the US for fewer than 90 days, Australian nationals may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
-
Passports must be valid for duration of stay. Irish nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
-
Passports must be valid for duration of stay. New Zealand nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
-
South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay. A visa is required.
Currency
The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.
| Exchange rate for 1 USD - U.S. Dollar | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1.00 BMD Bermudan Dollar |
0.90 EUR Euro |
0.69 GBP U.K. Pound Sterling |
108.90 JPY Japanese Yen |
1.31 CAD Canadian Dollar |
0.99 CHF Swiss Franc |
|
1.38 AUD Australian Dollar |
25.11 UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia |
337.71 KZT Kazakhstani Tenge |
1,505.84 LBP Lebanese Pound |
0.71 LYD Libyan Dinar |
6.86 BOB Bolivian Boliviano |
|
107.88 NPR Nepalese Rupee |
0.38 OMR Omani Rial |
3.64 QAR Qatari Rial |
1.38 SGD Singapore Dollar |
8.29 SEK Swedish Krona |
6.63 TTD Trinidad Tobago Dollar |
|
9.98 VEF Venezuelan Bolivar |
45.83 DOP Dominican Peso |
6.72 HRK Croatian Kuna |
18.63 MXN Mexican Peso |
586.30 XOF West African CFA Franc |
3.16 PGK Papua New Guinean kina |
|
1.00 BSD Bahamian Dollar |
2.11 FJD Fiji Dollar |
22.64 HNL Honduran Lempira |
110.53 DZD Algerian Dinar |
1,191.31 MMK Myanma Kyat |
11.19 BWP Botswana Pula |
|
3.37 PEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol |
693.53 CLP Chilean Peso |
478.10 AMD Armenia Dram |
24.17 CZK Czech Koruna |
19.98 MDL Moldova Lei |
124.29 ISK Icelandic Krona |
|
2,938.75 UZS Uzbekistan Sum |
3.85 ILS Israeli New Sheqel |
0.71 JOD Jordanian Dinar |
0.30 KWD Kuwaiti Dinar |
31.35 UYU Uruguayan Peso |
35.52 MUR Mauritian Rupee |
|
28.51 NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba |
8.34 NOK Norwegian Krone |
3.92 PLN Polish Zloty |
3.75 SAR Saudi Riyal |
146.02 LKR Sri Lanka Rupee |
35.62 THB Thai Baht |
|
3.67 AED U.A.E Dirham |
3.59 BRL Brazilian Real |
4.05 RON Romanian New Leu |
7.77 HKD Hong Kong Dollar |
587.63 XAF Central African CFA Franc |
22,474.70 VND Vietnamese Dong |
|
13.95 ARS Argentine Peso |
2.70 XCD East Caribbean Dollar |
7.83 GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal |
9.77 MAD Moroccan Dirham |
0.38 BHD Bahrain Dinar |
1.00 PAB Panamanian Balboa |
|
1.50 AZN Azerbaijan Manat |
3,117.81 COP Colombian Peso |
68.30 KGS Kyrgyzstan Som |
279.76 HUF Hungarian Forint |
7.87 TJS Tajikistan Ruble |
13,683.10 IDR Indonesian Rupiah |
|
8.88 EGP Egyptian Pound |
1,191.10 KRW South Korean Won |
5,669.42 PYG Paraguayan Guaraní |
4.16 MYR Malaysian Ringgit |
538.75 CRC Costa Rican Colón |
1.47 NZD New Zealand Dollar |
|
104.74 PKR Pakistani Rupee |
66.80 RUB Russian Rouble |
15.60 ZAR South African Rand |
2.12 TND Tunisian Dinar |
2.00 BBD Barbadian Dollar |
1.75 BGN Bulgarian Lev |
|
2.95 TRY Turkish Lira |
46.62 PHP Philippine Peso |
32.62 TWD New Taiwan Dollar |
196.50 NGN Nigerian Naira |
107.15 XPF CFP Franc |
3.91 GHS Ghanaian Cedi |
|
124.92 JMD Jamaican Dollar |
1.80 ANG Neth. Antillean Guilder |
1.38 BND Brunei Dollar |
110.56 RSD Serbian Dinar |
6.58 CNY Chinese Yuan |
19,898.50 BYR Belarussian Ruble |
|
6.65 DKK Danish Krone |
3.44 TMT New Turkmenistan Manat |
67.26 INR Indian Rupee |
|||
Euro to U.S. Dollar
1 EUR = 1.12 USD
Canadian Dollar to U.S. Dollar
1 CAD = 0.76 USD
U.K. Pound Sterling to U.S. Dollar
1 GBP = 1.44 USD
Australian Dollar to U.S. Dollar
1 AUD = 0.72 USD
New Zealand Dollar to U.S. Dollar
1 NZD = 0.68 USD
South African Rand to U.S. Dollar
1 ZAR = 0.06 USD
Airports in Hawaii
Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
http://www.hawaii.gov/hnl
Location: Honolulu The airport is located on Oahu Island about six miles (10km) west of downtown Honolulu and nine miles (15km) west of Waikiki Beach.
Time: Local time is GMT -10
Contacts: Airport information desk: +1 808 836 6413.
Transfer between terminals: The three terminals are connected by shuttle buses and outdoor walkways.
Getting to the city: There are several city bus services that follow different routes and schedules connecting to central Waikiki. Many hotels offer pick-up services and the The Roberts Hawaii Express Shuttle offers affordable, on-demand, island-wide transfer services from honolulu international airport.
Car rental: Car hire companies represented at the airport include Advantage, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and National. Some other car rental companies are located off-site and provide buses to ferry passengers to their offices; it's worth checking the rental companies' location before booking.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available; the ride to Waikiki takes around 20 minutes and has a metered fare of about $40-45. Fares may be slightly more if it's rush hour or peak travel time.
Facilities: The airport is well supplied with restaurants, bars and shops, including duty free. There are ATMs and bureaux de change throughout the airport terminals, a massage centre, a hairdresser and a nearby hotel, which offers shower facilities and rooms charged by the hour. The business centre in the main lobby offers fax, internet and photocopy services. Facilities for the disabled are good; those with special requirements should contact their airline in advance.
Parking: There is parking located near each terminal. The first half hour costs $1 and a full hour costs $3. The maximun daily charge is $18 per day. There is an economy lot, which charges $15 per day. Monthly parking is available for $300.
Kahului Airport (OGG)
Kahului Airport
http://www.hawaii.gov/ogg
Location: Maui The airport is located three miles (5km) northeast of Kahului Town in Maui.
Time: Local time is GMT -10.
Contacts: Tel: +1 808 872 3830.
Getting to the city: Maui County operates a public transit system from the airport which operates daily. The Maui Bus stops at marked locations fronting the terminal; Route 40 (Upcountry Islander) operates every 90 minutes between 6am and 10.11pm, while Route 35 (Haiku Islander) operates every 90 minutes between 5.30am and 9.40pm. Note that only one bag is allowed per passenger.
Car rental: Car rental agencies include Thrifty, Avis, Hertz, National, Enterprise, Dollar, Budget and Alamo.
Airport Taxis: Airport taxis are located fronting the baggage claim area and are metered.
Facilities: Kahului Airport features shops, restaurants, customer service, an information desk and ATMs.
Parking: Parking lots are located near the terminal. Parking is free for the first 15 minutes, $1 for the first 30 minutes, $2 for the second 30 minutes and $2 per hour thereafter up to a daily maximum of $15.
Honolulu
Nearly all of the millions of people who holiday in Hawaii each year come to Honolulu. Home to the state's largest airport and its largest port, Honolulu is the transport hub of Hawaii. Far from the quiet and isolated resorts that many associate with the islands, Honolulu is a bustling city of nearly a million people.
Honolulu is Hawaii in microcosm. Visitors can spend their morning paddling a kayak or taking a surf lesson, shop 'til they drop in the boutiques of the Ala Moana Center, and attend a luau or take in a show at the Polynesian Cultural Center in the evening. The city itself has many attractions, and visitors will enjoy visiting the Waikiki Aquarium and Honolulu Zoo (both in Kapiolani Park), peering into Diamond Head Crater, and having fun on one of the many stunning beaches in Waikiki.
Honolulu is home to many excellent restaurants, a lively nightlife, and enough souvenir shops to satisfy even the most avid bargain-hunter. The hustle and bustle of the city may not be everyone's idea of a romantic holiday in Hawaii, but a few days in Honolulu is a must on any island getaway.
Getting around in Honolulu
Getting around Honolulu, and Oahu in general, involves familiarising yourself with local directions. Visitors may be told to go makai (toward the sea) or mauka (toward the mountain); the famous Diamond Head crater is also an important landmark and reference for the east, and the town of Ewa stands in for the west. The main public transport system is simply called The Bus, and serves Honolulu and most of Oahu. The bus network is comprehensive, with about 100 fixed routes and more than 4,000 stops allowing travellers access to all parts of the island. The most popular route runs between Waikiki and Ala Moana Center every 10 minutes. Single tickets are $2.75, or 1-day visitor passes are available for $5.50. The Waikiki Trolley is also a fun way to get around Honolulu, looping around 12 key locations every 40 minutes with commentary by the driver. Taxis are also available, and provide a good means of getting around at night; they are locally regulated so fares are standard across all companies.
Nightlife in Honolulu
While many tourists think of Hawaiian nightlife as resort luaus with hula dancers and roast pigs, Honolulu offers a much more diverse experience for the adventurous visitor. Waikiki has a number of bars and restaurants ranging from friendly pubs to upscale nightclubs, and some host live music on various nights of the week. Chinatown is also a bustling neighbourhood after dark, with a number of underground bars. Other great nightlife hubs in Honolulu include The Aloha Tower Marketplace, which has more than 60 restaurants and bars, and the Ala Moana Shopping Centre.
Dining in Honolulu
Honolulu offers diners anything and everything, from the local and delightful, to many exquisite international cuisines. If home-grown and unassuming cuisine is what you're after then you will find it in and around the city without too much effort.
Classic dining spots offering regional food at its best are the likes of Helena's Hawaiian Food, a famous eatery in and around Honolulu established in 1946 and still producing firm favourites for tourists and residents alike. Another popular spot in Honolulu is Uncle Clay's. Friendly staff, a relaxed atmosphere and original snow cones are what keep people coming back.
If you want a truly luxurious experience, Honolulu happily caters to that too; many high-end restaurants are always abuzz in the city. Sushi Sasabune offers visitors a unique and upmarket sushi experience while La Mer ensures a breezy and romantic oceanside evening in a restaurant known for its impeccable service and French cuisine.
Helena's Hawaiian Food —
Local
Located in Honolulu's Chinatown, Helena's Hawaiian Food is an unassuming eatery that has gained a well-deserved reputation as one of the best restuarants in Oahu to sample Hawaiian specialties like Kalua Pig, Lomi Salmon, Pipikaula-Style Short Ribs, and Haupia (a coconut milk-based dessert). Portions are small and economical, which allow diners to try several dishes at once, or sample one of the set menus. Helena's is always busy, so expect to wait a minimum of 15 minutes for a table. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Friday, 10.30am to 7.30pm.
1240 North School Street
Honolulu, United States of America
http://www.helenashawaiianfood.com
Uncle Clay's House of Pure Aloha —
Local
Uncle Clay's doesn't have a large menu, but that hasn't stopped it from becoming one of the most popular restaurants in Hawaii. The restaurant specialises in a range of shaved ices using all-natural ingredients ranging from sweet potato and kale to chocolate, guava and coffee: this isn't your average snow cone! Uncle Clay and his staff draw equally rave reviews for the friendly service. Despite the restaurant's location in an unassuming strip mall, it is a must-visit on any trip to Honolulu.
820 West Hind Drive
Honolulu, United States of America
http://www.houseofpurealoha.com
Hy's Steakhouse —
Steakhouse
An old-school steakhouse with a reputation for the best cuts of beef in Honolulu, Hy's Steakhouse is set in an elegant wood-panelled dining room in the Waikiki Park Heights Hotel. The menu offers a mixture of American, European, Hawaiian and Pacific cuisine, including their famous Kiawe-Broiled Steaks. Reservations recommended.
2440 Kuhio Avenue
Honolulu, United States of America
http://www.hyshawaii.com
Sushi Sasabune —
Sushi
Sushi Sasabune isn't a cheap sushi joint with a bumpy conveyor belt; the chefs take pride in each creation, made from the freshest ingredients like Japanese sea urchin, Louisiana blue crab, or Nova Scotia salmon. The elegant dining room offers a menu of excellent options, but the real experience at Sushi Sasabune is to be had at the sushi bar, where 'Sushi Nazi' chefs are very specific about how each type of sushi is to be eaten; a special experience for any sushi lover!
1417 S King Street
Honolulu, United States of America
http://www.trustmesushi.com/honolulu
La Mer —
French
Housed in the Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki, La Mer is a breezy and romantic oceanside restaurant known for its impeccable service and French cuisine. The menu, offering choices like Dorade Baked in a Rosemary Salt Crust and Big Island Lobster, is accompanied by an excellent wine selection, and the tasting menu is a great option for diners who just can't decide. Reservations are recommended. Diners should note that children under eight are not allowed at La Mer.
2199 Kalia Road
Honolulu, United States of America
http://www.halekulani.com/living/dining/la_mer
Leonard’s Bakery —
Bakery
You can't go to Honolulu and not try the malasadas from Leonard's Bakery. Fluffy balls of dough are fried until just crispy and coated in cinnamon and sugar or filled with fresh custard… it's impossible to eat just one! Leonard's Bakery also offers a variety of freshly-baked goods like cookies, cakes, danishes and Pao Doce (Portuguese sweetbread). The small bakery can get very crowded, and unfortunately there are no tables to sit at.
933 Kapahulu Avenue, Kaimuki
Honolulu, United States of America
http://www.leonardshawaii.com
Climate in Honolulu
Honolulu experiences warm, balmy weather all year round, its tropical climate subject to variations caused by different elevations and geographic exposure rather than seasons. Temperatures vary little throughout the year, averaging between 66°F (19°C) and 89°F (32°C). Located on the southern side of Oahu, Honolulu is drier than the leeward side, the rain-bearing trade winds blocked by the mountain ranges. The wet season in Honolulu is from October to March, and averages seven to 10 rainy days per month. The water temperature in Hawaii is warm year round, staying between 77°F (25°C) and 81°F (27°C).
Sightseeing in Honolulu
Honolulu welcomes visitors from across the globe who come to enjoy its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, shopping districts and tropical climate.
The city is made up of three areas, Waikiki, Downtown and Pearl Harbour. Waikiki is a main tourist hub, drawing travellers with its exquisite stretch of beach and picturesque shoreline. While visiting Waikiki, a visit to the Waikiki Aquarium is a must; not only is it one of the oldest aquariums in the US but it is also home to more than 3,500 plants and animals. The Downtown neighbourhood is geared more towards history and culture with a range of good museums, historic buildings and landmarks which provide interesting sightseeing fodder. The USS Arizona Memorial is a must-see when in Honolulu, allowing for a look back in time to the tragedy of Pearl Harbour and America's entry into World War II. Another unique attraction, of a very different sort, is the Diamond Head Crater; this extinct volcano is one of the most famous landmarks in Hawaii.
Exploring Honolulu's Chinatown is a novel option and illustrates just how multi-cultural the Hawaiian islands are. Markets and restaurants in this vibrant neighbourhood sell all sorts of delicacies and visitors can view art, a dragon procession or even make an offering at a Buddhist temple.
Honolulu Attractions
Bishop Museum
The Bishop Museum in Honolulu is the largest museum in Hawaii and the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific, recognised worldwide for its cultural collections, research projects and educational programmes. The museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop, in honour of his late wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha family of Hawaii. Originally, the museum housed the extensive family heirlooms of the royal family. But now the collection includes millions of artefacts, documents, and photographs relating to Hawaii and other Pacific island cultures. It also has one of the largest natural history specimen collections in the world. All these treasures are housed in the former Kamehameha School for Boys in Bernice Street, Honolulu, established by the princess, which moved to a new location in 1940.
Address: 1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu
Telephone: (808) 847 3511
Website: www.bishopmuseum.org
USS Arizona Memorial Museum
The USS Arizona was one of several United States battle ships that were sunk by the Japanese Imperial Navy during its surprise historic attack on Pearl Harbour, Oahu, on December 7, 1941, causing the US to enter into World War II. The Arizona sank in about nine minutes, along with 1,177 sailors and marines who were on board. Visitors are carried by Navy shuttle boats to the unusual memorial centre, which has been constructed over the sunken hull that lies six feet (2m) below. The names of the dead are inscribed in stone inside the memorial. Visitors are shown a documentary film, and can view artefacts and exhibits explaining the tragedy. The memorial is open daily, but there is always a large queue for the free tickets, which are issued on a first-come-first-served basis, so be prepared to wait. Bookings are not taken.
Address: 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu
Telephone: (808) 422 0561
Website: www.nps.gov/usar
Honolulu's Chinatown
Enter Honolulu's Chinatown neighbourhood through the Gateway Plaza on the corner of Bethel and Hotel streets in the city's downtown business district, and you step into an exciting and exotic world made up of a colourful and eclectic blend of Southeast Asian cultures. Here Vietnamese, Laotian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Filipino, and a myriad of other ethnic groups work in harmony to sell their wares, serve their delicacies, and perpetuate their cultural traditions. The market sells an array of delicacies from noodles to duck eggs, and tantalising smells issue from the numerous inexpensive speciality restaurants in this 15-block area. Visitors can also consult an herbalist, view an art exhibit, watch a dragon procession, make an offering at a Buddhist temple, or perhaps buy a precious jade memento in this rich and memorable part of town.
Address: Entrance is on the corner of Bethel and Hotel Streets, in downtown Honolulu
Website: www.chinatownnow.com
Waikiki Aquarium
The award-winning Waikiki Aquarium in Honolulu is home to more than 3,500 plants and animals. One of the oldest aquariums in the United States, the facility is a great place to say hello to the colourful inhabitants of the Pacific Ocean, including zebra shark, giant octopus, monk seal, sea turtles, and giant clam. The aquarium offers classes and activities for children. These are very popular and must be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.
Address: 2777 Kalakaua Avenue, Waikiki
Telephone: (808) 923-9741
Website: www.waikikiaquarium.org
Diamond Head Crater
One of the most famous landmarks in Hawaii, Diamond Head dominates the landscape over Honolulu. Officially termed an extinct volcanic tuff cone, the mammoth cone is a US Monument and a popular attraction on Oahu. Located near resorts and beaches in Honolulu, Diamond Head has a hiking trail that takes roughly two hours to complete; while the trail is uneven and includes nearly 200 steps, the view of Oahu from the summit is well worth the effort. Note that hikers should bring plenty of water and protection from the heat, as there are no facilities along the trail, and the only comfort station is located at the base of the crater.
Address: Off Diamond Head Road Between Makapu'u Avenue and 18th Avenue
Website: www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/oahu/
Events in Honolulu
Moloka'i Hoe Canoe Race
Sunday October 10, 2021 (10 October 2021)
Where: Duke Kahanamoku Beach
Outrigger canoe racing is embedded in the culture of Hawaii, and each year the race, considered to be the world championship, attracts thousands of fans. The canoes form a large part of the way of life of the islanders and in the past the prestige allocated upon those who would win the race was enormous. Nowadays, although the symbolic nature of the victory remains, the festival enjoys a relative influx of tourist interest and media attention.
http://www.molokaihoe.com/
Ukulele Festival Hawaii
Sunday July 19, 2020 (19 July 2020)
Where: Kapiolani Park Bandstand in Waikiki, Oahu
The ukulele is surely Hawaii's signature instrument, and its popularity today - within a diverse range of musical styles - is largely down to the efforts of one man, Roy Sakuma. In 1971, at a time when very few people were interested in the ukulele, Sakuma organised the 1st Annual Ukulele Festival, in an effort to show the world how the ukulele could be played, not just as a rhythmic addition to background music, but as a solo instrument of sophistication and virtuosity. Waikiki's Ukulele Festival is now a summer tradition in Hawaii, and is by far and away the largest ukulele festival in the world. Every year, thousands of people gather to watch performances from local and international artists, and an 800-strong ukulele orchestra compromised of Sakuma's students.
http://www.ukulelefestivalhawaii.org
Airports in Honolulu
Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
http://www.hawaii.gov/hnl
Location: Honolulu The airport is located on Oahu Island about six miles (10km) west of downtown Honolulu and nine miles (15km) west of Waikiki Beach.
Time: Local time is GMT -10
Contacts: Airport information desk: +1 808 836 6413.
Transfer between terminals: The three terminals are connected by shuttle buses and outdoor walkways.
Getting to the city: There are several city bus services that follow different routes and schedules connecting to central Waikiki. Many hotels offer pick-up services and the The Roberts Hawaii Express Shuttle offers affordable, on-demand, island-wide transfer services from honolulu international airport.
Car rental: Car hire companies represented at the airport include Advantage, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and National. Some other car rental companies are located off-site and provide buses to ferry passengers to their offices; it's worth checking the rental companies' location before booking.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available; the ride to Waikiki takes around 20 minutes and has a metered fare of about $40-45. Fares may be slightly more if it's rush hour or peak travel time.
Facilities: The airport is well supplied with restaurants, bars and shops, including duty free. There are ATMs and bureaux de change throughout the airport terminals, a massage centre, a hairdresser and a nearby hotel, which offers shower facilities and rooms charged by the hour. The business centre in the main lobby offers fax, internet and photocopy services. Facilities for the disabled are good; those with special requirements should contact their airline in advance.
Parking: There is parking located near each terminal. The first half hour costs $1 and a full hour costs $3. The maximun daily charge is $18 per day. There is an economy lot, which charges $15 per day. Monthly parking is available for $300.
Oahu
Oahu is only the third largest of the inhabited Hawaiian islands, but it is home to nearly three quarters of the state's residents, most of them living in the modern capital city, Honolulu, and its adjacent beach resort suburb of Waikiki, on the south coast of the island. Far more than simply resorts and beaches, Honolulu is a cosmopolitan city with vibrant nightlife, plenty of excellent restaurants, and a thriving arts community.
Beyond the urban bustle of the south, Oahu is quiet and enchanting; flaunting 23 state parks and punctuated by ancient stone heiau (temples). The island's most recognisable landmark is the 761-foot (232m) tall Diamond Head to the east of Waikiki. This mountain is a 'tuff cone' formed 100,000 years ago when an eruption of volcanic ash hardened into solid rock. The extinct volcano is traditionally believed to be the home of Pele, the fire goddess.
Oahu means 'gathering place', and the island certainly lives up to its name in its ethnic diversity, which becomes evident at a glance at the annual festival calendar. From the Chinese New Year in late January to King Kamehameha Day in June and the Aloha Festivals in September there is barely a dull moment and always a reason for celebration.
Getting around in Oahu
Getting around Honolulu, and Oahu in general, means orienting yourself to local directions. Visitors may be told to go makai (toward the sea) or mauka (toward the mountain); the famous Diamond Head crater is also an important landmark and reference for the east, and the town of Ewa stands in for the west.
The main public transport system is simply called TheBus, and serves Honolulu and most of Oahu. The most popular route runs between Waikiki and Ala Moana Center every 10 minutes.
The Waikiki Trolley is also a fun way to get around Honolulu, looping around about a dozen key locations approximatley every hour with commentary by the driver. Stops include Hilton Hawaiian Village, Iolani Palace, Wo Fat's in Chinatown, the State Capitol, King Kamehameha's Statue, the Mission House Museum, Aloha Tower, Honolulu Academy of Arts, Hawaii Maritime Museum, Ward Centre, Fisherman's Wharf, and Restaurant Row.
Taxis are also available, and are a good way to get around at night; they are locally regulated so fares are standard across all companies. Relying on taxis for all transport gets expensive quickly however.
Climate in Oahu
Oahu experiences constant warm, balmy weather all year round, its tropical climate subject to variations caused by different elevations and geographic exposure rather than seasons. Temperatures vary little throughout the year, averaging between 66°F (19°C) and 89°F (32°C). The southern side of the island, including Honolulu and Waikiki, is drier than the leeward side, the rain-bearing trade winds blocked by the mountain ranges. The wet season in Oahu is from October to March, and averages 7-10 rainy days per month. The water temperature in Oahu is also warm year round, staying between 77°F (25°C) and 81°F (27°C).
Sightseeing in Oahu
The heart of Hawaii's tourism, Oahu has no end of attractions and activities to entertain the millions of tourists who fly into Honolulu each year.
Whether attending luaus at the Polynesian Cultural Centre and learning about local history at the Bishop Museum and Honolulu Academy of Arts, or visiting royal palaces and WWII memorials, Oahu is the best place to get a taste of Hawaiian culture and history while enjoying its idyllic pleasures.
And there are plenty of pleasure-seeking activities to enjoy. Visitors can choose from dozens of world-class beaches offering everything from enormous waves and snorkelling lagoons to beautiful sunsets, with plenty of space to simply lay out and enjoy the Hawaiian sunshine.
There are plenty of scenic spots inland as well, as holidaymakers can hike the Diamond Head Crater, explore the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, or even visit one of the world's largest pineapple plantations. Tours of the North Shore and Windward Koolau Range are also offered on horseback.
Cooling off on a hot day is easy at the Wet n Wild Hawaii waterpark or the Waikiki Aquarium, both great activities for the whole family. And after a full day of exploring the beauty of Oahu's wild side, visitors can enjoy the excellent restaurants, shopping and nightlife offered in Hawaii's capital, Honolulu.
Oahu Attractions
Oahu Beaches
The main attraction for visitors to Oahu are the range of 139 beaches which, from the pounding waves of the north shore to the gentle swells of Waikiki in the south, offer the chance to bathe and soak up the sun, or tackle a variety of watersports in water temperatures that never fall below 75ºF (24ºC) all year round.
The south shore is favoured by families, offering picnic spots and opportunities for snorkelling, tide-pooling and swimming. Magic Island near Waikiki is a peninsula where the beach is protected by a man-made breakwater offering safe bathing and a stretch of shady, grassy areas on which to picnic. At Ala Moana Beach a half-mile of white sand is protected by a reef, washed by calm shallow waters. Hanauma Bay marine sanctuary is located in the crater of an extinct volcano and is an ideal snorkelling spot while Waikiki Beach, the most famous stretch of sand in the world, draws about four million visitors a year to its sands where sun worshippers can buy fast food, snacks and cocktails to enjoy under their rented umbrellas.
The North shore is favoured by surfers, particularly during the winter months when waves can reach heights of 25 feet (8m) at beaches like Ehukai with its famed Pipeline, Sunset Beach and Waimea Beach.
The East shore boasts lush tropical beach settings with conditions ideal for windsurfing and sailing. Kailua Beach Park is picturesque and usually in the 'top ten beaches in the United States' lists. Lanikai is even better. Sandy Beach is popular for kite-flying, and Waimanalo offers four miles of uninterrupted white sand framed by palm trees.
On the West coast the Ko Olina Resort and Marina offers seven crescent shaped sandy beaches with palm trees and views of the Waianae Mountains, and Yokohama Bay is a quiet, beautiful spot away from the madding crowds.
Polynesian Cultural Centre
Hawaii's top tourist attraction, the Polynesian Cultural Centre, is situated on the Kamehameha Highway in Laie on the scenic north shore of Oahu island. This remarkable venue, visited by more than one million people a year, consists of seven Polynesian 'islands' in a beautifully landscaped 42-acre setting, representing Samoa, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, Tahiti, the Marquesas and Tonga, all situated in a freshwater lagoon. The centre gives visitors a holistic insight into the culture of the different Polynesian communities, employing students from the nearby Brigham Young University-Hawaii campus to bring various activities, from pageants and ceremonies to tribal tattooing demonstrations, to life. A highlight of a visit to the Centre is the evening show spectacular, 'Horizons', presented in the 2,770 seat Pacific Theatre with its multi-level stages allowing for fiery volcanoes and brilliant fountains to erupt as special effects in this huge Polynesian song and dance revue.
Address: 55-370 Kamehameha Highway (83), Laie, HI
Telephone: (808) 293 3333
Website: www.polynesia.com
Valley of the Temples
Opposite a bustling shopping centre on the Kahekili Highway in Kaneohe, below the Koolau mountains, nestles a little piece of Japan tucked away in Hawaii. The Valley of the Temples Memorial Park contains oriental gardens and koi ponds, a massive nine-foot Buddha statue, Japanese Tea House and an exact replica of Japan's 900-year-old Byodo-in Temple, the original of which stands in Uji near Kyoto. The temple was recreated to honour the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii.
Address: Kaneohe, HI
Telephone: (808) 239 8811
Website: www.byodo-in.com
Iolani Palace
The only royal residence in the United States, the Iolani Palace stands on the corner of King and Richard Streets in Honolulu. Its opulent interior gives a glimpse into the lives of Hawaii's last reigning monarchs between 1882 and 1893. It was originally home to King Kalakaua and his Queen, until he died in 1891. His successor, Queen Lili'uokalani, then took up residence until the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in 1893 by the US Marines in a palace coup. The palace has been fully restored. Visitors on guided tours can see the portraits of Hawaiian kings and queens, valuable vases and statuary, the grand staircase, the throne room decorated in crimson and gold, the state dining room, and the royal family's private quarters.
Address: 364 South King Street, Honolulu
Telephone: (808) 522 0822
Website: www.iolanipalace.org
Surfing in Oahu
Synonymous with surf, sand and sun, Hawaii is a place where South African and Australian surf legends Shaun Tomson, Mark Richards and Wayne 'Rabbit' Bartholomew pioneered the surfing scene, turning it into the professional sport it is today. Hawaii's surfing beaches are internationally famous, as immortalised in the surfing documentary Riding Giants. The most famous surfing beach in Hawaii is Oahu's North Shore, featuring the classic point break of Waimea Bay as well as the likes of Waikiki, Off the Wall, Backdoor Pipe, Sunset Beach (known for its big wave surfing) and the notorious Pipeline, a reef break located off Ehukai Beach Park ideal for eager spectators, bikini-clad girlfriends and surf photographers due to its close proximity to the beach. Oahu's North Shore works best during the winter months when large waves are created by winter storms in the North Pacific, a stark contrast to the clear, calm water during the summer months. Other key spots for surfing in Hawaii include a great point break at Magic Sands Point on Big Island, the reef break of Pine Trees in Kauai, and Maui's Honolua Bay. Beginners are also catered for with small and easy rollers at places like Waikiki Beach, Chuns Reef, Cockroach Bay and Puena Point, and there are plenty of surf schools and experienced instructors available. The south coast of Kauai is also an excellent surfing spot for beginners, with reliable waves at Poipu and Kalapaki Beach.
Maui
From the top of its dormant Haleakala volcano crater to its lush rainfores and pristine beaches, the Hawaiian island of Maui offers a magical Pacific vacation.
Maui, named after a Polynesian god, is as close to paradise as it is possible to get. Originally six different volcanoes created a single landmass that, over the millennia, separated to become the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe. All remain administratively linked today as Maui County.
Maui is the second largest of the populated Hawaiian islands (after Hawaii Island), and also boasts the second largest population in the state. Its two main features are the Haleakala crater (the name means 'house of the sun'), which is the largest dormant volcano in the world; and the underwater valleys that connect Maui with its sister islands in the surrounding ocean, providing shelter for an abundance of marine life.
The island's main business centre is the town of Kahului/Wailuku, while the major resort area is in the west and concentrated in Ka'anapali and the historic whaling town of Lahaina. In the south of Maui is another busy resort district around the town of Wailea. Maui's tropical north shore is quieter without large hotels, only bed and breakfast establishments providing a relaxing break. The island offers several points of cultural and natural interest worth exploring, over and above its beautiful beaches and underwater wonderland.
Getting around in Maui
The main mode of public transportation in Maui is the Maui Bus, which operates several daily routes through large towns like Wailuku, Kihei, Lahaina, Wailea, and Kahalui. The bus routes don't cover the island comprehensively however, so most travellers in Maui opt to hire a car; note that hired cars must be booked well in advance as they can sell out, especially on holiday weekends.
Climate in Maui
Maui is a tropical island with a mild year-round climate tempered by the Pacific Ocean. At sea level, the average afternoon winter high temperature is around 79°F (26°C) during the coldest months of December and January. August and September are the hottest summer months with average temperatures of about 86°F (30°C). Like most volcanic tropical islands, however, many different microclimates make it essential to pack for a variety of conditions: swimsuits and light hot-weather clothing for the beaches, a lightweight windbreaker for the occasional shower at higher elevations, and protection that is more serious during inclement conditions when hiking Haleakala.
Sightseeing in Maui
Maui is one of the most popular islands in Hawaii for tourists thanks to its famous beaches, commanding volcanoes, lush jungles, and idyllic waterfalls. Encompassing all that travellers dream of in a Hawaiian getaway, the island offers no shortage of things to see and do.
Hiking is a popular activity on Maui, and there are a number of excellent trails in Iao Valley State Monument and Haleakala National Park. Makawao State forest also offers good trails for both hiking and mountain biking. Another way to enjoy the trails is be horseback, with guided tours available from Maui Stables.
Hana Highway is a great way to see the island, offering spectacular views and stopping points like the Garden of Eden arboretum and Wainapanapa State Park. Adrenaline junkies will be sure to try the Piiholo Ranch Zipline, soaring up to 600 feet (183m) above the tree canopy.
It's no surprise that many of Maui's best activities happen in or near the water. Snorkelling in 'Turtle Town' south of Wailea offers the chance to see tropical fish, coral reefs, and of course sea turtles; other great dive spots include Ulua Beach, and the cove south of Black Rock.
Canoeing and kayaking are also fun ways to pass the time in Maui, or visitors can take a sunset cruise to look for whales and dolphins. Whatever the preference, there is always something to do in Maui.
Maui Attractions
Haleakala National Park
The Haleakala National Park extends from the summit of the volcano down into the crater, then across the volcano's southeast slopes to Maui's east coast beyond the town of Hana. The main reason for the park being visited by nearly one and a half million people a year is the attraction of peering down into the crater of what is the world's largest dormant volcano. Haleakala last erupted in 1790 and has been deadly quiet ever since, although it is not considered to be inactive. The massive crater covers 19 square miles (49 sq km), big enough to hold the whole of Manhattan. Hawaiians regard the crater as a sacred site. It is possible to drive to the summit along a twisting road that climbs 10,000 feet (3,000m) in just 37 miles (60km); visitors can also explore the desolate landscape inside the crater on hiking or biking trails. There are numerous other opportunities for recreational activities in the National Park too. The Park's headquarters just inside the park entrance provides information of activities and programmes offered. The Haleakala Visitor Centre near the summit of the volcano explains, via exhibits, the history, ecology, geology, and volcanology of the area.
Address: Kula, HI
Telephone: (808) 572 4400
Website: www.nps.gov/hale
Maui Ocean Centre
The Maui Ocean Centre is an unrivalled aquatic experience and the largest tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. The Centre is located in oceanfront Ma'alaea Village off the Honoapiilani Highway, within minutes of all major resort areas; it consists of indoor and outdoor displays allowing visitors to see, touch and explore Hawaii's unique marine environment. The walk-through aquarium contains thousands of fish showcased in more than 60 interactive habitat exhibits, including the Turtle Lagoon, Hammerhead Harbor, Sea Jelly Gallery, and the Marine Mammal Discovery Center.
Address: 192 Ma'alaea Road, Wailuku
Telephone: (808) 270 7000
Website: www.mauioceancenter.com
Baldwin Home Museum
One of Lahaina's best preserved 19th-century landmarks, the house in Front Street built by Rev Dwight Baldwin in 1834, stands now as the oldest house in Maui. Baldwin was a missionary who started a farm on the island and was responsible for growing the first plantations of Hawaii's indigenous pineapples, the fruit that is now enjoyed worldwide. Baldwin's home gives an insight into island life in the missionary era. Alongside is the Master's Reading Room, another of Maui's oldest buildings, which used to be frequented by visiting sea captains when missionaries closed down seafront bars in the early 19th century. The building is now occupied by the Lahaina Restoration Foundation, which issues maps and guides for visitors wishing to take a walking tour around Lahaina's historic attractions.
Address: 120 Dickenson Street, Lahaina
Telephone: (808) 661 3262
Website: www.lahainarestoration.org/baldwin.html
Hana Highway
No visit to Maui is complete without hitting the highway - the Hana Highway, that is - that runs for about 50 miles (81km) between Kailua and Hana on the northeastern coast of the island. This hair-raising but incredibly scenic coastal drive was built in 1927 by gangs of convicts. It twists and turns its way along the coastal cliffs, containing 56 bridges and 600 hairpin bends. The route winds through numerous lush valleys lined with dozens of waterfalls, dense rainforest, bamboo thickets, fern groves, and tulip trees. Visitors need at least a day to traverse the highway, stopping to enjoy a dip in mountain pools or exploring off-shooting hiking trails, many of which lead to historic sites like the little 19th century church built of lava and coral in the village of Ke'anae. There are two national parks on the route, some lava caves, blowholes, temple ruins, and of course unsurpassed views.
Big Island
The youngest and largest of the Hawaiian Islands, the island of Hawaii (known as Big Island to avoid confusion) is one of the few places on earth where visitors can go from snowboarding to snorkelling in a single day! Local legend has it that the volcano goddess Pele and the demi-god Kamapua'a, who could control the weather, battled for the island and eventually decided to divide it: Pele took the hot, dry western half and Kamapua'a ended up with the wet, tropical east.
Big Island, however, actually has twelve distinct climatic zones ranging from tropical rain forests in the east to the frozen tundra atop Mauna Kea and the arid desert of Ka'u in the south. This diversity makes Hawaii's Big Island an unrivalled pleasure ground for active holidaymakers, the island's resorts offering every type of outdoor activity imaginable. To add to the thrill there is the attraction of two active volcanoes on this island - the Kilauea Caldera is the longest continuously erupting volcano in the world, its present eruptive phase dating back to 1983; Mauna Loa last erupted in 1984. Of the three other volcanoes on the island two, Mauna Kea and Kohala, are extinct, while Hualalai is considered to be dormant. All this volcanic action has meant that holidaymakers can decide on their preferred beach sand tones ranging from white to red, black and even green.
Together with the diverse ecosystems of Big Island is the rich Polynesian Hawaiian culture, a culture that has absorbed some interesting elements from both Asia and Europe, creating a colourful mix. On the coast you can dance the hula at an authentic luau feast, while upcountry you will find a blend of Portuguese and Mexican culture combined with Hawaiian tradition among the 'Paniolos' (cowboys) on the giant cattle ranches.
Sightseeing in Big Island
There's always plenty to see and do on Hawaii's biggest island. With no shortage of natural beauty, many holidaymakers spend the weekend to explore the breath-taking scenery in Volcanoes National Park, Waipi`o Valley, Akaka Falls, and the slopes of Mauna Kea. There are also several beautiful botanical gardens around Hilo.
The beaches of Big Island, while not as famous as Waikiki, are also worth seeing, as they are made up of more unusual black and green sand. Kua Bay is also a stunning white sand beach with good facilities.
Visitors who want to get up close and personal with nature can go on dolphin and whale-watching trips, and The Hilton Waikoloa Village offers a swimming with dolphins experience.
For a glimpse into life on Big Island, several coffee farms offer tours, as well as the Hawaiian Vanilla Company, the only vanilla farm in the US.
Lapakahi State Historical Park offers another perspective as a partially-restored fishing village dating back 600 years. Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is also a must-visit to learn about Hawaiian heritage, though it is often crowded with tourists.
Big Island Attractions
Hilo
Overlooking beautiful Hilo Bay and dominated by two volcanoes (the active Mauna Loa and dormant Mauna Kea), Hilo was a trading centre for native Hawaiians in ancient times, becoming an important port once the westerners had discovered that the area was ideal for growing sugar cane. More modern times have seen Hilo bear the brunt of two tsunamis, one in 1946 and another in 1960. But the hardy citizens of Hilo cleaned up their city after each affliction and now the high-water marks of these devastating events are a tourist attraction, along with the Pacific Tsunami Museum on the corner of Front and Kalakaua Streets. Although reminders of the past are everywhere in the architecture and attractions, Hilo remains a young city with a small-town feel, home to the University of Hawaii and the Merrie Monarch Festival which celebrates hula dancing annually in the week after Easter. Another of the hottest happenings in Hilo is the Farmers' Market, held on Wednesdays and Saturdays along Front Street, when more than 100 vendors set up their stalls selling everything from fresh produce to Portuguese pastries and native crafts. The downtown area of Hilo contains Hawaii's largest collection of historic buildings, dating back to the turn of the century. There are plenty of restaurants, museums, a rainforest zoo and the beautiful Nani Mau Gardens to explore.
Hulihe'e Palace
The stately mansion of Hulihe'e is situated on Alii Drive in Kailua Kona on the west coast of Hawaii's Big Island. It was built in 1883 and served as the holiday home of Hawaiian royalty until 1925 when it was turned into a museum; it now houses a collection of ancient Hawaiian artefacts and personal memorabilia of the Hawaiian royal family. The bust of King Kalakaua's presides over the entrance hall, while the beautiful Koa dining table carved from a single log of wood graces the Kuhio Room. Little touches like Princess Ruth's hatbox made from the trunk of a coconut tree and the cradle of Prince Albert, son of King Kamehameha IV, bring alive a sense of history in the house. The highlight of the collection is the impressive wardrobe in the Kawanakoa Room, which is made of koa wood and trimmed with the King's crest and carvings of classic Greek muses.
Address: Ali'i Drive, Kailua-Kona
Telephone: (808) 329 1877
Website: daughtersofhawaii.org
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
In the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park surrounding the earth's most massive volcano, Mauna Loa, visitors can actually watch lava flow into the sea from Kilauea, the still active on-site volcano. Park rangers direct visitors to the daily eruption activity on a dramatic burnt landscape, which transforms the landscape with the ongoing eruption. The park is located 30 miles (48km) southwest of Hilo on Highway 11, on the southeast coast of Big Island. Inside the park the Thomas A Jaggar Museum provides a fascinating insight into the geology of a volcano, as well as the cultural aspect of Hawaii's legendary volcano goddess, Pele. Visitors can view seismograph readings, study earth science displays and enjoy photographs of volcanic eruptions.
Address: Hawaii Belt Road, Volcano, HI
Telephone: (808) 985 6000
Website: www.nps.gov/havo
Pacific Tsunami Museum
Hilo has been destroyed several times by tsunamis. The first-hand oral testimony of tsunami survivors is now preserved along with some other fascinating information in the Pacific Tsunami Museum, located on Kamehameha Avenue in the town. The museum features a series of permanent exhibits that interpret the tsunami phenomena, the Pacific Tsunami Warning system, the history of tsunami in the Pacific Basin, tsunami of the future, myths, and legends about tsunami and public safety measures for tsunami disasters.
Address: 130 Kamehameha Avenue
Telephone: (808) 935 0926
Website: www.tsunami.org
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
This important Hawaiian cultural and historical site on the black-lava Kona Coast of the Big Island contains some forbidding-looking giant idols, although it was in fact built as a refuge for ancient Hawaiians who had violated kapu (social taboo) or as a sanctuary for defeated warriors. The surrounding area outside the huge enclosing wall was home to several generations of powerful chiefs. The 182-acre park also boasts other archaeological sites including some temple platforms, royal fishponds and the ruins of ancient villages. The Hale o Keawe temple, which contains the mortal remains of 23 Hawaiian chiefs, and some thatched buildings have been reconstructed.
Address: Captain Cook, HI
Telephone: (808) 328 2288
Website: www.nps.gov/puho
Kona Coffee Museum and Farm
For a taste of the coffee industry that flourished in the early 20th century on the Big Island visitors can tour the Uchida Coffee Farm, south of Kealakekua town on the Kona Coast. Tour guides in period costumes show off the original farmhouse, bathhouse, coffee mill, and drying platforms. Only a few miles away is the Kona Historical Society Museum, housed in the old Greenwell family store, where photographs, ranching and coffee farming exhibits are on display. The store was built by Henry Greenwell in 1875.
Address: 82-6199 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook
Telephone: (808) 323 3222
Website: www.konahistorical.org
Molokai
The tiny Hawaiian island of Molokai has been called the 'island that the world has left behind'. It is largely untouched by tourism and development, there are no highrise buildings, traffic lights or fast food outlets, even in the main town of Kaunakakai.
As small as it is (you can drive from tip to tip in a couple of hours) this authentic paradise boasts Hawaii's longest white sand beach and other black sand stretches; the only barrier reef north of Australia; a lowland desert, some rainforests and ancient Hawaiian heiau (temples). The island was once a place of refuge for those who violated the Hawaiian kapu (taboo) system, and many visitors are drawn by the mana (spiritual power) that still seems to infuse this naturally beautiful spot.
East of the Kalaupapa peninsula, to the north of the island, is the world's highest sea cliff, Kahiwa Falls. The peninsula itself used to be a leper colony in the mid-19th century, and some sufferers of the ailment continue to live there out of choice. Molokai's main claim to fame, however, is as the place where the famous Hawaiian hula dance was born. Each May a hula festival is held in Papohaku Beach Park in honour of the dance.
Kauai
The wettest spot on earth is said to be Kauai's Mount Waialeale with an average rainfall of 485 inches per year - this has resulted in the Alakai Swamp, the highest swamp in the world, and the Waimea River, the longest river in the Hawaiian Islands. It also causes an abundance of rainbows and lush vegetation that has earned it the title of 'the Garden Island'.
Kauai was the first of the Hawaiian Islands to be discovered by English explorer Captain James Cook in 1778 when he landed at Waimea on Kauai's southwest coast. There is evidence, however, that he was not the first European in Hawaii; some Spanish sailors may have paid a visit about a century earlier.
Today Kauai is popular with visitors, but tourism development is concentrated in just a few prime locations such as the Princeville resort on the north coast. The main attractions on Kauai are its natural beauty and the unassuming lifestyle of the people.
Holidaymakers who opt for Kauai's raw wilderness are rewarded with some of the most secluded, pristine beaches in the Hawaiian Islands and marvellous natural wonders like Waimea Canyon, covering 14 miles (23km) on the west side. There are also some restored historic sites to explore, like the Alekoko Fishpond near Nawiliwili Harbour on the southeast coast, regarded as an engineering wonder of ancient times.
Climate in Kauai
The climate of Kauai is semi-tropical, moderated by the ocean surrounding the island, and the weather is generally warm and sunny year-round. There are two seasons - summer (May to October) has pleasant temperatures with an average of about 78°F (26°C), and winter (November to April) has temperatures that rarely fall below 65°F (18°C). The sheltered southern and eastern sides of the island enjoy the best weather, with little wind and clear, sunny skies.
Sightseeing in Kauai
Kauai is a paradise for outdoor adventurists, drawing hikers, surfers, scuba divers and kayakers. Despite being the longest-colonised of the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai's infrastructure isn't as developed as most of its neighbours; visitors to the island come for the natural beauty, rather than resorts and nightlife.
Hiking is one of the most popular activities on Kauai, and a great way to see the spectacular interior of the island. the 11-mile Kalalau Trail is one of the most famous routes, however Waimea Canyon and Koke'e State Park offer slightly easier trails suitable for the whole family.
Other great outdoor places for families include Lydgate State Park and the Huleia National Wildlife Refuge.
The beaches on Kauai are ideal for watersports, and the south shore offers great opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving. Dive boats leave daily from Po'ipu, and Ni'ihau is an unforgettable dive site, though more expensive. many south shore beaches also offer kayak rentals, and visitors can explore the many miles of navigable rivers, either alone or with a guide.
Kauai Attractions
Kalalau Trail
Since 90 per cent of Kauai is inaccessible by road, hiking is a great way to experience the island's celebrated natural bounty. There are a number of good hiking trails around the island, but by far the most famous, and the most popular, is the strenuous 11 mile (about 18km) Kalalau Trail, which winds along the Na Pali Coast. This spectacular coastline is dotted with waterfalls and swift-flowing streams which over centuries have cut steep, narrow valleys that terminate in rugged cliffs overhanging the ocean. The trail begins at the end of the road at Kee Beach, and most hikers will opt to camp out for at least one night before returning. It is possible only to hike the first two miles (about 3km) of the trail, which will lead hikers to Hanakapiai Beach, where they'll be greeted by breathtaking views of Kauai's North Shore. Note that the Kalalau trail will take even well-conditioned hikers a full day to complete, and should not be undertaken lightly; however, those who are willing to put in the effort will be richly rewarded. Permits are required when continuing beyond Hanakapi'ai Valley (two miles into the trail), whether you are planning to camp overnight or not, and can be obtained from the State Parks office in Lihue during normal business hours.
Address: Hanalei, HI
Website: www.kalalautrail.com
Napali Coast State Wilderness Park
A rugged coast of extreme beauty, the Na Pali Coastline stretches 15 miles (24km) from Ke'e Beach all the way to Polihale State Park on the island of Kauai. The rugged cliffs create a paradise of peaks and valleys, bubbling streams and dramatic waterfalls. The area is inaccessible by car; the Kalalau Trail from the end of Hawaii Route 56 (called the Kuhio Highway) provides the only land access for hikers, traversing 11 miles (18km) and crossing five major valleys before reaching Kalalau Beach at the base of Kalalau Valley. A popular way to explore the Na Pali Coast is by kayak as the original islanders did, allowed by permit between May and September.
Telephone: (808) 274 3444
Website: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/napali-coast-state-wilderness-park/park-info/
Lanai
Lana'i is still an undiscovered gem for many visitors to Hawaii. Once owned entirely by commercial pineapple growers, the island's tourist development now includes several luxury resorts like the Four Seasons.
Not a destination for party-seeking travellers, Lana'i appeals to wealthy vacationers looking for a bit of privacy and pampering (Bill Gates had his wedding here). The island is hard to get to with no direct flights from the mainland US, adding the feeling of 'getting away from it all'.
Lana'i is a beautiful island with many natural attractions, including Hulopoe Bay Nature Reserve, which contains an extensive network of 100 miles (161km) of hiking trails. Other outdoor activities like scuba diving, horseback riding, golf and whale watching are possible here.
The only town on Lana'i is Lana'i City, with just more than 3,000 residents. The town has most of the island's restaurants and shops, and boasts the only intact plantation town in Hawaii. Lanai City is also home to the island's airport, which has flights to Honolulu and Molokai.
Port of Call - Hawaii (Hilo)
The second largest city in the whole of Hawaii, Hilo is a major port of call for many cruise ships. The lush and diverse landscape enchants visitors and the warm and welcoming locals will charm their way into your hearts. One cannot visit Hawaii without spending some time on its pearly white beaches and enjoying the sun and surf. Head to the Richardson Ocean Park to check out the black sand beach. Other key attractions include the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Queen Liliuokalani Gardens, a 30-acre (12 hectare) Japanese garden, or the Pacific Tsunami Museum. Cruise ships dock at Hilo port, which is located just a few minutes from town. Cruise passengers are often greeted by a show put on especially for their arrival where traditional Hawaiian music and dancing can be enjoyed as well as the sale of souvenirs.
Shopping in Hawaii (Hilo)
Most shopping in Hilo can be done in and around Kamehameha or Keawe Avenues and passengers who are in town on Wednesdays and Saturdays should be sure to check out the Hilo Farmers Market. There are great shopping opportunities in this town and the scenic bayfront is also a great place to pick up some bargains from storefronts dating back to the early 1900s. Orchids and coffee are favourite buys, but are not always realistic souvenirs for cruise passengers to take back home.
Dining in Hawaii (Hilo)
Cafe Pesto - great cosy Italian restaurant with hearty pastas
Ocean Sushi Deli - Trendy eatery serving quality sushi
Hilo Bay Cafe - unassuming cafe serving Hawaiian-influenced American fare
Things to do in Hawaii (Hilo)
Visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Go snorkelling at Leleiwi Beach Park
Visit the Akaka Falls
Walk in the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden in Onomea Bay
Walk along Banyan Tree Drive
Big Island Visitors Bureau Tel: +1 800 648 2441
http://www.bigisland.org
Port of Call - Honolulu
Honolulu is both the capital and largest city of Hawaii, famed for Waikiki beach, gorgeous scenery and world-class attractions such as Pearl Harbour. Beyond the modern comforts of Honolulu, the island of Oahu is quiet and strikingly beautiful. There are 23 national parks to explore and countless beaches to laze on. Cruise passengers arrive at Oahu Dock, part of the Honolulu Cruise Terminal. The terminal complex is centred round Aloha Tower allowing passengers to step right into the heart of the city.
Shopping in Honolulu
Aloha Tower is both a key landmark and top shopping centre for visitors. Other options include Ward Warehouse and the Ala Moana mega-mall containing a huge range of international shops. Waikiki's International Market Place is great for souvenirs with over a 100 unique shops. The Farmer's Market on Saturday's is great for delicious local produce.
Dining in Honolulu
Michele's at the Colony Surf Hotel - romantic restaurant overlooking Waikiki Beach
Chai's Island Bistro - sensational seafood right outside the Terminal
Sushi Sasabune - innovative and upscale sushi restaurant with knowledgable chefs
Things to do in Honolulu
Go whale-watching over December to May
See the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbour
Marvel at Shangri La, Doris Duke's incredible Islamic themed estate
Visit Kaena state park
Take a surf lesson - after all this is where the sport was invented
Port of Honolulu Tel: + 1 (808) 587 2076 Aloha Tower Marketplace
Port of Call - Kailua Kona
Kailua Kona, on Hawaii's Big Island, is a popular year-round cruise destination offering extraordinary weather (12 different climates on the island!) and stunning landscapes. Cruise ships dock off shore and passengers are ferried on tender boats from the ship and disembark at the Kailua Pier. The pier is in the centre of Kailua town, which has good restaurants and shops. Within easy reach of Kailua, cruise passengers can explore Big Island's tropical rain forests, the frozen tundra of Mauna Kea, and the arid Ka'u desert. An array of activities, from snorkelling to snowboarding, are also available for visitors on the island; there are water sports operators at the Kailua Pier. Tourist information is available from a booth at the pier, and there is also transport and tours available for cruise passengers. The pier is within easy walking distance of the town.
Shopping in Kailua Kona
Ali'i Drive is the main shopping destination in Kailua, with a variety of shops selling everything from T-shirts, sunglasses and jewellery to local souvenirs or arts and crafts. The Coconut Grove Marketplace and the Ali'i Gardens Marketplace are also worth browsing, featuring extraordinary finds such as traditional weapons or local coffees and nuts. Wal-Mart and K-Mart are also located nearby.
Dining in Kailua Kona
Rapanui Island Café - trendy bistro known for its fresh and tasty Indonesian food
Island Lava Java - great for breakfast and coffee, and their pizza is also fantastic
Da Poke Shack - a tiny eatery, perfect for enjoying Hawaiian seafood on a budget
Things to do in Kailua Kona
Visit Kilauea Caldera, the longest continuously erupting volcano in the world
Meet the paniolos(cowboys) at Parker Ranch
Relax on the black sand beach of Punaluu
Visit the Kona coffee farms and sample their famous brews
Take a fishing charter to catch the sought-after blue marlin
Big Island Visitors Bureau 65-1158 Mamalahoa Hwy Suite 27B Kamuela +1 808 885 1655 http://www.bigisland.org
Port of Call - Maui (Kahului)
The largest community on the Hawaiian island Maui, Kahului is an commercial centre perfect to springboard into the lush scenery, volcanic peaks and paradisical beaches of the rustic and pristine landscape. The best activities on the island are experiencing its dramatic landscapes outside of the port city. The best among these is Haleakala National Park and its enormous volcanic crater or the road to Hana, a spectacular and dramatic scenic drive. Ships berth at the Kahului's dock, a near walk into town, although nothing of particular interest is close to the port. Most passengers wisely take organised shore excursions or waiting taxis to more interesting destinations around Maui. The beginning of the Hana Highway is next to the dock. Some ships anchor off the coast of Lahaina and tender passengers to its downtown, a short drive from Kahului.
Shopping in Maui (Kahului)
There is a standard mall in Kahului although better souvenirs and boutique shopping is found in Lahaina. There are more small shops in Whaler's Village on Kaanapali Beach.
Dining in Maui (Kahului)
Da Kitchen Kahului - enormous portions of Hawaiian grilled food
Bistro Manila - friendly restaurant serving excellent filipino food
Makena Grill - Small fish taco stand is the best on the island
Things to do in Maui (Kahului)
Visit nearby Wailuku
Deep-Sea fishing out in the horizon
Windsurf on Hookipa Beach, the world's best windsurf spot
Take a helicopter tour of the island
Sail a catamaran out to Molokini and whale watch on the way
Tel: +1 (808) 874-4919 http://www.mauinfo.com rwmaui@gmail.com
Hawaii Attractions
Overview
Hawaii is not only rich in natural beauty but is also steeped in spectacular history, making it a superb destination to explore.
Most visitors tend to be drawn to the beaches on their arrival and Hawaii will certainly not disappoint. Waikiki is a beautiful stretch of the oceanfront and is considered to be Hawaii's most popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a vibrant experience with loads of exciting nightlife and entertainment too. The shoreline of Oahu is certainly a main attraction in its own right, drawing not only beach-goers but surfers to the north shores for some sun, sand and surf. With many resorts on any one of the spectacular islands to choose from and the lively nightlife and good cuisine found in most regions, relaxation is not hard to find on the Big Island.
Other renowned attractions of Hawaii include the Diamond Head Crater; Hilo, which has been dubbed 'Hawaii's forgotten city'; the award-winning Waikiki Aquarium in Honolulu; The Polynesian Cultural Centre; the USS Arizona Memorial; and The Haleakala National Park. With so much to choose from and an array of tastes catered to, Hawaii will leave any visitor more than satisfied and with the plan of a possible return visit in the works!
Oahu Beaches
The main attraction for visitors to Oahu are the range of 139 beaches which, from the pounding waves of the north shore to the gentle swells of Waikiki in the south, offer the chance to bathe and soak up the sun, or tackle a variety of watersports in water temperatures that never fall below 75ºF (24ºC) all year round.
The south shore is favoured by families, offering picnic spots and opportunities for snorkelling, tide-pooling and swimming. Magic Island near Waikiki is a peninsula where the beach is protected by a man-made breakwater offering safe bathing and a stretch of shady, grassy areas on which to picnic. At Ala Moana Beach a half-mile of white sand is protected by a reef, washed by calm shallow waters. Hanauma Bay marine sanctuary is located in the crater of an extinct volcano and is an ideal snorkelling spot while Waikiki Beach, the most famous stretch of sand in the world, draws about four million visitors a year to its sands where sun worshippers can buy fast food, snacks and cocktails to enjoy under their rented umbrellas.
The North shore is favoured by surfers, particularly during the winter months when waves can reach heights of 25 feet (8m) at beaches like Ehukai with its famed Pipeline, Sunset Beach and Waimea Beach.
The East shore boasts lush tropical beach settings with conditions ideal for windsurfing and sailing. Kailua Beach Park is picturesque and usually in the 'top ten beaches in the United States' lists. Lanikai is even better. Sandy Beach is popular for kite-flying, and Waimanalo offers four miles of uninterrupted white sand framed by palm trees.
On the West coast the Ko Olina Resort and Marina offers seven crescent shaped sandy beaches with palm trees and views of the Waianae Mountains, and Yokohama Bay is a quiet, beautiful spot away from the madding crowds.
Hilo
Overlooking beautiful Hilo Bay and dominated by two volcanoes (the active Mauna Loa and dormant Mauna Kea), Hilo was a trading centre for native Hawaiians in ancient times, becoming an important port once the westerners had discovered that the area was ideal for growing sugar cane. More modern times have seen Hilo bear the brunt of two tsunamis, one in 1946 and another in 1960. But the hardy citizens of Hilo cleaned up their city after each affliction and now the high-water marks of these devastating events are a tourist attraction, along with the Pacific Tsunami Museum on the corner of Front and Kalakaua Streets. Although reminders of the past are everywhere in the architecture and attractions, Hilo remains a young city with a small-town feel, home to the University of Hawaii and the Merrie Monarch Festival which celebrates hula dancing annually in the week after Easter. Another of the hottest happenings in Hilo is the Farmers' Market, held on Wednesdays and Saturdays along Front Street, when more than 100 vendors set up their stalls selling everything from fresh produce to Portuguese pastries and native crafts. The downtown area of Hilo contains Hawaii's largest collection of historic buildings, dating back to the turn of the century. There are plenty of restaurants, museums, a rainforest zoo and the beautiful Nani Mau Gardens to explore.
Polynesian Cultural Centre
Hawaii's top tourist attraction, the Polynesian Cultural Centre, is situated on the Kamehameha Highway in Laie on the scenic north shore of Oahu island. This remarkable venue, visited by more than one million people a year, consists of seven Polynesian 'islands' in a beautifully landscaped 42-acre setting, representing Samoa, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, Tahiti, the Marquesas and Tonga, all situated in a freshwater lagoon. The centre gives visitors a holistic insight into the culture of the different Polynesian communities, employing students from the nearby Brigham Young University-Hawaii campus to bring various activities, from pageants and ceremonies to tribal tattooing demonstrations, to life. A highlight of a visit to the Centre is the evening show spectacular, 'Horizons', presented in the 2,770 seat Pacific Theatre with its multi-level stages allowing for fiery volcanoes and brilliant fountains to erupt as special effects in this huge Polynesian song and dance revue.
Address: 55-370 Kamehameha Highway (83), Laie, HI
Telephone: (808) 293 3333
Website: http://www.polynesia.com
Bishop Museum
The Bishop Museum in Honolulu is the largest museum in Hawaii and the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific, recognised worldwide for its cultural collections, research projects and educational programmes. The museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop, in honour of his late wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha family of Hawaii. Originally, the museum housed the extensive family heirlooms of the royal family. But now the collection includes millions of artefacts, documents, and photographs relating to Hawaii and other Pacific island cultures. It also has one of the largest natural history specimen collections in the world. All these treasures are housed in the former Kamehameha School for Boys in Bernice Street, Honolulu, established by the princess, which moved to a new location in 1940.
Address: 1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu
Telephone: (808) 847 3511
Website: http://www.bishopmuseum.org
Valley of the Temples
Opposite a bustling shopping centre on the Kahekili Highway in Kaneohe, below the Koolau mountains, nestles a little piece of Japan tucked away in Hawaii. The Valley of the Temples Memorial Park contains oriental gardens and koi ponds, a massive nine-foot Buddha statue, Japanese Tea House and an exact replica of Japan's 900-year-old Byodo-in Temple, the original of which stands in Uji near Kyoto. The temple was recreated to honour the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii.
Address: Kaneohe, HI
Telephone: (808) 239 8811
Website: http://www.byodo-in.com
Iolani Palace
The only royal residence in the United States, the Iolani Palace stands on the corner of King and Richard Streets in Honolulu. Its opulent interior gives a glimpse into the lives of Hawaii's last reigning monarchs between 1882 and 1893. It was originally home to King Kalakaua and his Queen, until he died in 1891. His successor, Queen Lili'uokalani, then took up residence until the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in 1893 by the US Marines in a palace coup. The palace has been fully restored. Visitors on guided tours can see the portraits of Hawaiian kings and queens, valuable vases and statuary, the grand staircase, the throne room decorated in crimson and gold, the state dining room, and the royal family's private quarters.
Address: 364 South King Street, Honolulu
Telephone: (808) 522 0822
Website: http://www.iolanipalace.org
USS Arizona Memorial Museum
The USS Arizona was one of several United States battle ships that were sunk by the Japanese Imperial Navy during its surprise historic attack on Pearl Harbour, Oahu, on December 7, 1941, causing the US to enter into World War II. The Arizona sank in about nine minutes, along with 1,177 sailors and marines who were on board. Visitors are carried by Navy shuttle boats to the unusual memorial centre, which has been constructed over the sunken hull that lies six feet (2m) below. The names of the dead are inscribed in stone inside the memorial. Visitors are shown a documentary film, and can view artefacts and exhibits explaining the tragedy. The memorial is open daily, but there is always a large queue for the free tickets, which are issued on a first-come-first-served basis, so be prepared to wait. Bookings are not taken.
Address: 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu
Telephone: (808) 422 0561
Website: http://www.nps.gov/usar
Honolulu's Chinatown
Enter Honolulu's Chinatown neighbourhood through the Gateway Plaza on the corner of Bethel and Hotel streets in the city's downtown business district, and you step into an exciting and exotic world made up of a colourful and eclectic blend of Southeast Asian cultures. Here Vietnamese, Laotian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Filipino, and a myriad of other ethnic groups work in harmony to sell their wares, serve their delicacies, and perpetuate their cultural traditions. The market sells an array of delicacies from noodles to duck eggs, and tantalising smells issue from the numerous inexpensive speciality restaurants in this 15-block area. Visitors can also consult an herbalist, view an art exhibit, watch a dragon procession, make an offering at a Buddhist temple, or perhaps buy a precious jade memento in this rich and memorable part of town.
Address: Entrance is on the corner of Bethel and Hotel Streets, in downtown Honolulu
Website: http://www.chinatownnow.com
Haleakala National Park
The Haleakala National Park extends from the summit of the volcano down into the crater, then across the volcano's southeast slopes to Maui's east coast beyond the town of Hana. The main reason for the park being visited by nearly one and a half million people a year is the attraction of peering down into the crater of what is the world's largest dormant volcano. Haleakala last erupted in 1790 and has been deadly quiet ever since, although it is not considered to be inactive. The massive crater covers 19 square miles (49 sq km), big enough to hold the whole of Manhattan. Hawaiians regard the crater as a sacred site. It is possible to drive to the summit along a twisting road that climbs 10,000 feet (3,000m) in just 37 miles (60km); visitors can also explore the desolate landscape inside the crater on hiking or biking trails. There are numerous other opportunities for recreational activities in the National Park too. The Park's headquarters just inside the park entrance provides information of activities and programmes offered. The Haleakala Visitor Centre near the summit of the volcano explains, via exhibits, the history, ecology, geology, and volcanology of the area.
Address: Kula, HI
Telephone: (808) 572 4400
Website: http://www.nps.gov/hale
Maui Ocean Centre
The Maui Ocean Centre is an unrivalled aquatic experience and the largest tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. The Centre is located in oceanfront Ma'alaea Village off the Honoapiilani Highway, within minutes of all major resort areas; it consists of indoor and outdoor displays allowing visitors to see, touch and explore Hawaii's unique marine environment. The walk-through aquarium contains thousands of fish showcased in more than 60 interactive habitat exhibits, including the Turtle Lagoon, Hammerhead Harbor, Sea Jelly Gallery, and the Marine Mammal Discovery Center.
Address: 192 Ma'alaea Road, Wailuku
Telephone: (808) 270 7000
Website: http://www.mauioceancenter.com
Baldwin Home Museum
One of Lahaina's best preserved 19th-century landmarks, the house in Front Street built by Rev Dwight Baldwin in 1834, stands now as the oldest house in Maui. Baldwin was a missionary who started a farm on the island and was responsible for growing the first plantations of Hawaii's indigenous pineapples, the fruit that is now enjoyed worldwide. Baldwin's home gives an insight into island life in the missionary era. Alongside is the Master's Reading Room, another of Maui's oldest buildings, which used to be frequented by visiting sea captains when missionaries closed down seafront bars in the early 19th century. The building is now occupied by the Lahaina Restoration Foundation, which issues maps and guides for visitors wishing to take a walking tour around Lahaina's historic attractions.
Address: 120 Dickenson Street, Lahaina
Telephone: (808) 661 3262
Website: http://www.lahainarestoration.org/baldwin.html
Hana Highway
No visit to Maui is complete without hitting the highway - the Hana Highway, that is - that runs for about 50 miles (81km) between Kailua and Hana on the northeastern coast of the island. This hair-raising but incredibly scenic coastal drive was built in 1927 by gangs of convicts. It twists and turns its way along the coastal cliffs, containing 56 bridges and 600 hairpin bends. The route winds through numerous lush valleys lined with dozens of waterfalls, dense rainforest, bamboo thickets, fern groves, and tulip trees. Visitors need at least a day to traverse the highway, stopping to enjoy a dip in mountain pools or exploring off-shooting hiking trails, many of which lead to historic sites like the little 19th century church built of lava and coral in the village of Ke'anae. There are two national parks on the route, some lava caves, blowholes, temple ruins, and of course unsurpassed views.
Hulihe'e Palace
The stately mansion of Hulihe'e is situated on Alii Drive in Kailua Kona on the west coast of Hawaii's Big Island. It was built in 1883 and served as the holiday home of Hawaiian royalty until 1925 when it was turned into a museum; it now houses a collection of ancient Hawaiian artefacts and personal memorabilia of the Hawaiian royal family. The bust of King Kalakaua's presides over the entrance hall, while the beautiful Koa dining table carved from a single log of wood graces the Kuhio Room. Little touches like Princess Ruth's hatbox made from the trunk of a coconut tree and the cradle of Prince Albert, son of King Kamehameha IV, bring alive a sense of history in the house. The highlight of the collection is the impressive wardrobe in the Kawanakoa Room, which is made of koa wood and trimmed with the King's crest and carvings of classic Greek muses.
Address: Ali'i Drive, Kailua-Kona
Telephone: (808) 329 1877
Website: daughtersofhawaii.org
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
In the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park surrounding the earth's most massive volcano, Mauna Loa, visitors can actually watch lava flow into the sea from Kilauea, the still active on-site volcano. Park rangers direct visitors to the daily eruption activity on a dramatic burnt landscape, which transforms the landscape with the ongoing eruption. The park is located 30 miles (48km) southwest of Hilo on Highway 11, on the southeast coast of Big Island. Inside the park the Thomas A Jaggar Museum provides a fascinating insight into the geology of a volcano, as well as the cultural aspect of Hawaii's legendary volcano goddess, Pele. Visitors can view seismograph readings, study earth science displays and enjoy photographs of volcanic eruptions.
Address: Hawaii Belt Road, Volcano, HI
Telephone: (808) 985 6000
Website: http://www.nps.gov/havo
Pacific Tsunami Museum
Hilo has been destroyed several times by tsunamis. The first-hand oral testimony of tsunami survivors is now preserved along with some other fascinating information in the Pacific Tsunami Museum, located on Kamehameha Avenue in the town. The museum features a series of permanent exhibits that interpret the tsunami phenomena, the Pacific Tsunami Warning system, the history of tsunami in the Pacific Basin, tsunami of the future, myths, and legends about tsunami and public safety measures for tsunami disasters.
Address: 130 Kamehameha Avenue
Telephone: (808) 935 0926
Website: http://www.tsunami.org
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
This important Hawaiian cultural and historical site on the black-lava Kona Coast of the Big Island contains some forbidding-looking giant idols, although it was in fact built as a refuge for ancient Hawaiians who had violated kapu (social taboo) or as a sanctuary for defeated warriors. The surrounding area outside the huge enclosing wall was home to several generations of powerful chiefs. The 182-acre park also boasts other archaeological sites including some temple platforms, royal fishponds and the ruins of ancient villages. The Hale o Keawe temple, which contains the mortal remains of 23 Hawaiian chiefs, and some thatched buildings have been reconstructed.
Address: Captain Cook, HI
Telephone: (808) 328 2288
Website: http://www.nps.gov/puho
Surfing in Oahu
Synonymous with surf, sand and sun, Hawaii is a place where South African and Australian surf legends Shaun Tomson, Mark Richards and Wayne 'Rabbit' Bartholomew pioneered the surfing scene, turning it into the professional sport it is today. Hawaii's surfing beaches are internationally famous, as immortalised in the surfing documentary Riding Giants. The most famous surfing beach in Hawaii is Oahu's North Shore, featuring the classic point break of Waimea Bay as well as the likes of Waikiki, Off the Wall, Backdoor Pipe, Sunset Beach (known for its big wave surfing) and the notorious Pipeline, a reef break located off Ehukai Beach Park ideal for eager spectators, bikini-clad girlfriends and surf photographers due to its close proximity to the beach. Oahu's North Shore works best during the winter months when large waves are created by winter storms in the North Pacific, a stark contrast to the clear, calm water during the summer months. Other key spots for surfing in Hawaii include a great point break at Magic Sands Point on Big Island, the reef break of Pine Trees in Kauai, and Maui's Honolua Bay. Beginners are also catered for with small and easy rollers at places like Waikiki Beach, Chuns Reef, Cockroach Bay and Puena Point, and there are plenty of surf schools and experienced instructors available. The south coast of Kauai is also an excellent surfing spot for beginners, with reliable waves at Poipu and Kalapaki Beach.
Kona Coffee Museum and Farm
For a taste of the coffee industry that flourished in the early 20th century on the Big Island visitors can tour the Uchida Coffee Farm, south of Kealakekua town on the Kona Coast. Tour guides in period costumes show off the original farmhouse, bathhouse, coffee mill, and drying platforms. Only a few miles away is the Kona Historical Society Museum, housed in the old Greenwell family store, where photographs, ranching and coffee farming exhibits are on display. The store was built by Henry Greenwell in 1875.
Address: 82-6199 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook
Telephone: (808) 323 3222
Website: http://www.konahistorical.org
Kalalau Trail
Since 90 per cent of Kauai is inaccessible by road, hiking is a great way to experience the island's celebrated natural bounty. There are a number of good hiking trails around the island, but by far the most famous, and the most popular, is the strenuous 11 mile (about 18km) Kalalau Trail, which winds along the Na Pali Coast. This spectacular coastline is dotted with waterfalls and swift-flowing streams which over centuries have cut steep, narrow valleys that terminate in rugged cliffs overhanging the ocean. The trail begins at the end of the road at Kee Beach, and most hikers will opt to camp out for at least one night before returning. It is possible only to hike the first two miles (about 3km) of the trail, which will lead hikers to Hanakapiai Beach, where they'll be greeted by breathtaking views of Kauai's North Shore. Note that the Kalalau trail will take even well-conditioned hikers a full day to complete, and should not be undertaken lightly; however, those who are willing to put in the effort will be richly rewarded. Permits are required when continuing beyond Hanakapi'ai Valley (two miles into the trail), whether you are planning to camp overnight or not, and can be obtained from the State Parks office in Lihue during normal business hours.
Address: Hanalei, HI
Website: http://www.kalalautrail.com
Waikiki Aquarium
The award-winning Waikiki Aquarium in Honolulu is home to more than 3,500 plants and animals. One of the oldest aquariums in the United States, the facility is a great place to say hello to the colourful inhabitants of the Pacific Ocean, including zebra shark, giant octopus, monk seal, sea turtles, and giant clam. The aquarium offers classes and activities for children. These are very popular and must be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.
Address: 2777 Kalakaua Avenue, Waikiki
Telephone: (808) 923-9741
Website: http://www.waikikiaquarium.org
Diamond Head Crater
One of the most famous landmarks in Hawaii, Diamond Head dominates the landscape over Honolulu. Officially termed an extinct volcanic tuff cone, the mammoth cone is a US Monument and a popular attraction on Oahu. Located near resorts and beaches in Honolulu, Diamond Head has a hiking trail that takes roughly two hours to complete; while the trail is uneven and includes nearly 200 steps, the view of Oahu from the summit is well worth the effort. Note that hikers should bring plenty of water and protection from the heat, as there are no facilities along the trail, and the only comfort station is located at the base of the crater.
Address: Off Diamond Head Road Between Makapu'u Avenue and 18th Avenue
Website: http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/oahu/
Napali Coast State Wilderness Park
A rugged coast of extreme beauty, the Na Pali Coastline stretches 15 miles (24km) from Ke'e Beach all the way to Polihale State Park on the island of Kauai. The rugged cliffs create a paradise of peaks and valleys, bubbling streams and dramatic waterfalls. The area is inaccessible by car; the Kalalau Trail from the end of Hawaii Route 56 (called the Kuhio Highway) provides the only land access for hikers, traversing 11 miles (18km) and crossing five major valleys before reaching Kalalau Beach at the base of Kalalau Valley. A popular way to explore the Na Pali Coast is by kayak as the original islanders did, allowed by permit between May and September.
Telephone: (808) 274 3444
Website: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/napali-coast-state-wilderness-park/park-info/
