Domestic: Hawaii

December 18, 2015

Just the name Hawaii conjures thoughts of breathtaking beauty, endless beaches, luaus with exotic music and dancing, all wrapped in romance and gorgeous sunsets. The Hawaiian Islands are all that and SO much more.

There is no language barrier or currency exchange, which adds to the simple perfection of this destination.  But perhaps Hawaii’s most unique feature is it’s aloha spirit; the warmth of Hawaii’s people that beautifully complements the Island’s ideal temperatures.

The Islands

Each island has its own distinct personality, offering different adventures, sites and activities. Interisland flights are frequent and cost effective.

Oahu

If this is your first trip, we recommend spending some time on Oahu.  Known attractions like Waikiki, the Polynesian Cultural Center, hiking atop Leahi (Diamond Head) and of course Pearl Harbor make this a must.  You could spend your entire time on this island alone, especially if your time is limited, exploring the popular and less traveled parts of the island.

Maui

This magic island is dotted with quaint towns, artist communities and endless jewel-tones sand beaches.  Laid back with the perfect mix of activities, beauty and outstanding food, many couples head right to Maui.

Watch the sun rise above a sea of clouds high atop Haleakala.  Lose count of the waterfalls along the road to Hana, with narrow one-lane bridges, hairpin turns and incredible island views. Just past Hana, you’ll discover the famous Pools of Oheo, tiered pools fed by waterfalls.  Take a dip in these tranquil pools or countless other options along the way.

Maui’s highest peak is located at Haleakala National Park. Haleakala’s graceful slopes can be seen from just about any point on the island.

Kauai

Known as the “Garden Isle”, this completely accurate description sums up Kauai. Draped in emerald valleys, sharp mountain spires and jagged cliffs, this oldest island with centuries of growth have formed tropical rainforest, forking rivers and cascading waterfalls. Some parts are only accessible by sea or air, reveling views beyond your imagination.

Waimea Canyon, sometimes called the Grand Canyon of the South Pacific, is breathtaking.  A must for hike lovers, forest trails are filled with birds, wild flowers, canyon views, wet forests and sweeping views of valleys opening up the North Shore.

Although not as plentiful as other islands, Kauai can boast of some beautiful beaches, including Poipu. Culture found in its small towns, this laid-back island is a perfect escape.

The “Big Island” of Hawaii

It’s big, young and still changing with one of the most active volcanoes in the world (Kilauea).

Full of adventure, this island offers a little of everything. From molten magma flowing from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to the snow-capped heights of Mauna Kea; from the green rainforest of the Hamakua Coast to the famous jet-black sand beaches of Punaluu.

Almost twice as big as all the other Hawaiian Islands combined,  this dramatic size is perhaps one of the most exciting things about this islands unbelievable geographic diversities, creating a microcosm of environments and activities.

Molokai & Lanai

Unspoiled country and untouched beaches.  No skyscrapers or stoplights. From the highest sea cliffs in the world along Molokai northeast coast to Lanai’s stunning views atop the pine-lined Munro Trail, these islands capture a special place to find serenity and intimacy.

An easy way to visit these islands is a day trip by boat, departing from the more populated islands daily.

Activities

It would be easier to name what you can’t do.  Almost every activity you can think of is available on the Hawaiian Islands.  From whale watching (Dec-May), swimming with manta rays, horseback riding ,world class golfing, hiking, surfing, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, zip-lining, biking down a mountain top, 4-wheel driving adventures, sailing, deep sea fishing, site seeing by plane or helicopter, the list goes on.

Hawaii is just about perfect. From your first aloha and lei upon your arrival to your last aloha upon departing, you’ll make a promise to return some day.

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