Hawai’i: It’s Got Everything For Everyone
There are some holiday destinations where you go once to lie on a beach and recharge your jaded batteries. These destinations are terrific for working on the tan, maybe dipping in the pool and snorkelling in the lagoon – but that’s about it. There’s not a lot else to do except drink cocktails in the bar until it’s time to go home again. Then there are other holiday destinations which have all that – and then some!
O‘ahu
This is where your adventure will likely start. Home of Honolulu and the airport, O‘ahu is often the only island travellers see of Hawai‘i . Which is great for first time visitors as O‘ahu has everything you could ever want from a holiday destination with plenty of bars, shops, every kind of restaurant and, of course, the legendary Waikīkī beach…
Surf’s up
If you’re already a surfer then you won’t need to be told how good Hawai‘i is for surfing as you’ve probably already spent years dreaming of busting out your board on the beaches of O‘ahu , Maui and Kaua’i – as they have long been known as some of the best in the world. On the other hand, if you’re a grommet then what better place to learn than at the spiritual home of surfing?
On the southwest, or leeward side, of O‘ahu the waves are much more gentle than on the north and east making it the perfect zone to get started on possibly the most addictive sport ever invented. You can even sign up for a school as you’ll see several of them dotted all along the west side beaches of O‘ahu.
Diamond Head
Lest we forget, all of Hawai‘i is a result of volcanic eruptions all along the Pacific Ring of Fire – which includes us here in New Zealand too. The whole chain of Hawaiian islands was created by movements of the Pacific tectonic plate over millions of years and evidence of this is everywhere including dormant craters. Diamond Head is one such giant crater and is conveniently placed right next to Waikīkī Beach for you to discover. A simple hike will have you on the rim where you can see pretty much all of O‘ahu .
Before you leave, O‘ahu must-sees include Pearl Harbour; the Kualoa Ranch where a heap of Hollywood movies and TV shows are made; and to enjoy the ‘Pineapple Experience’ at the Dole Plantation.
Kaua‘i
Kaua‘i – or the ‘Garden Island’ – is one of the more picturesque islands in the archipelago. Complete with soaring mountains, jagged cliffs and cascading waterfalls Kaua’i is definitely worth a hike or three. But, if you’re not feeling so energetic, you can always enjoy it all from the air. Wings over Kaua‘i cover the vast Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” as well as the famous Nāpali Coastline – all with expert commentary.
Maui
Once you’ve had a decent crack at everything O‘ahu has to offer, it’s time to jump on over to Maui. Known for a more relaxed vibe, Maui still has the pristine beaches and kickass surf of O‘ahu . But Maui also has many fantastic unique features without the throng of Honolulu. If you love nature then Maui is the ideal place to watch humpback whales as the waters off the island are where they come every year to mate, give birth, and raise their young. You can see them at the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary where the sightseeing tour operators can even guarantee your sighting.
For an even closer encounter with nature check out Teralani Sailing Adventures. They offer a range of snorkel tours, sunset sails, whale watch tours and dolphin cruises where you can get up close and personal with all sorts of magnificent marine life from the comfort of Hawai‘i’s toasty warm waters.
Maui is also home to the somewhat bizarrely named Gilligan’s Island Lū‘au which is a great place to experience authentic Hawaiian Polynesian culture through storytelling, audience participation and performance. Their lū‘au is a lot smaller than others you’ll encounter around the traps so it’ll pay to book earlier as their shows sell out quickly.
Hawai‘i Island (Big Island)
As the nickname suggests; Hawai‘i Island or ‘Big Island’ really is big by Hawaiian standards! So don’t try to race through too much in too short a time when you come here. Unlike O‘ahu , there is a distinct lack of high-rise buildings here and a much more chilled vibe. That makes the Big Island one of the best places to bust out your hiking shoes or mountain bike to explore the multitude of trails that crisscross the island. Plus, if you’re any sort of vulcanologist, this is also home to the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, one of the most popular attractions in all of Hawai‘i .
As you can see, Hawai‘i is one of the premium holiday destinations in the world – so be prepared to share it with lots of tourists – especially if you only go as far as O‘ahu . Remember Hawai‘i is a US state so their dollar is the currency here and their custom of tipping is also expected in restaurants (15-20% of the bill), bars ($1 per drink) and taxis/Ubers (10-15%). And don’t forget to tip the hotel porters ($1-$2 per bag), housekeeping and tour guides too.
The best thing about Hawai‘i is that it doesn’t matter what kind of holiday you’re after – or even if you change your mind halfway through! – you’re guaranteed to have exactly the experience you need. It’s the safest bet you can make.
Tiki Tacky
No trip to Hawai‘i is complete without a visit to at least one Tiki bar. The delightfully kitsch brainchild of the wonderfully eccentric Don the Beachcomber, tiki bars are a vestige of a different time before global travel when the exotic Polynesian culture of far-away distant lands was the very antithesis of buttoned-down suburbia of 1950s America. Back then John and Jane Doe couldn’t get enough of Hawaiian ukeleles, hula dancing and wacky cocktails served in carved tumblers. And you can get your fix too at a variety of tiki bars all over Hawai‘i – with an absolute classic in Tahiti Nui, located in Hanalei on Kaua‘i’s north shore.
Sofitel Moorea Kia Ora Beach Resort
On the edge of the crystal clear lagoon
Hilton Tahiti Resort, Papeete
Oceanside Resort
Tahiti Dream with Windstar
Luxury accommodation, transfers + Tahiti cruise!
Tahiti & The Tuamotu Islands with Windstar
Premium accommodation with a luxury cruise!
