Is Hawaii on your bucket list? (Written by a co-advisor who has visited Hawaii)
GREAT INFORMATION!!
In todays ever changing world of Covid-19 there are not many places that we can travel without a lot of stress. Hawaii has minimal (just a negative Covid test 72 hours prior to departure) and it is well worth the trip.
You are probably wondering which Hawaii island to visit and thinking about which one would be best for you and your travel party. Unlike many destinations, Hawaii is not really one destination - but six unique, eclectic, and diverse island destinations that all happen to be within the same state. The six main islands, four of which we have listed below, are, from west to east, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii.
The islands are very diverse, and each one has its own unique offerings, making choosing an island rather difficult, especially for first-time visitors. And once you've started visiting the islands, coming back to a different island can often feel like a totally different place with a whole new set of experiences, sights, and attractions. Additionally, one of the most common misconceptions about Hawaii is that it's all like Waikiki (on Oahu), Lahaina/Ka'anapali (on Maui), or Kailua-Kona (on the Big Island) - that is, developed and tourist-oriented. The reality could not be further from the truth, as there are plenty of non-developed parts of the island chain, including large ranches, farms, miles of wild coastline and untamed landscapes, and an abundance of verdant valleys bursting with waterfalls.
If you have been to Hawaii... which is your favorite?
I have ranked them based on which ones I liked the best.
#1 - Oahu - The Gathering Place Home to the Hawaii state capitol of Honolulu and the majority of Hawaii's population, Oahu is a vibrant mix of natural and cultural wonders with the entertainment and amenities of the 21st century. Check out the waves on the famous North Shore, relive American history at the memorials and museums of Pearl Harbor, or soak up the sun and take a surfing lesson on Waikiki Beach. Oahu is truly a hot-spot for Hawaii activities, tours, shopping, surfing, nightlife, and dining. The island is the most developed of the major islands, and it'll feel like it - it's busy here, and unlike some areas of Hawaii, there's more hustle and bustle around the clock. But don't worry, there's plenty of natural Oahu to visit, too, including some amazing trails, incredible overlooks, and plenty of stunning coastal views to go around.
Oahu Highlights:
Waikiki Beach - Iconic gathering place for visitors from around the world. Pearl Harbor - Explore the historic sites recounting the Pearl Harbor attack. Hanauma Bay & Nature Preserve - One of Hawaii's premier snorkeling sites. Nuuanu Pali Lookout - Historic spot with fantastic mountain views. North Shore - Legendary birthplace of big wave surfing.
#2 - Maui - The Valley Isle The second-largest island is home to what some believe are the best beaches in the world. If you visit during the winter months, book a tour to see the majestic whales, as Maui has some of the world’s best whale watching. Wake up early to catch the sunrise at Haleakala, stroll through historic Lahaina town, or drive the majestic Road to Hana for spectacular scenery.
There's a reason many repeat visitors to Hawaii joyfully say, "Maui no ka oi" - which translates to "Maui is the best." Maui offers a little bit of everything in Hawaii, providing the best mix of nature and developed areas (towns), good snorkeling, great hiking trails, a volcano you can hike into, and so much more. Honestly, Maui makes a great island to visit for first-time visitors.
Maui Highlights: Lahaina Town - Whale watch, shop, and dine in this historic hot spot. Makena Beach State Park (Big Beach) - One of Maui's largest beaches. Iao Valley State Park - Historic site home to the iconic Iao Needle. Haleakala National Park - Scenic home of Maui's highest peak. Hana Highway - Famous for the scenery, twists, and turns on the way to Hana town.
#3 - Big Island of Hawaii - The Orchid Isle
Larger than all of the other islands combined, the island of Hawaii, also known as Big Island, encompasses most of the world's climate zones - from white sand beaches to snow-capped mountains. See waterfalls, rainforests, and botanical gardens near Hilo; explore the historic PuuKohola Heiau, north of Kona; or view Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The sheer size of the Big Island of Hawaii also gives it a 'rural' feel, much like Kauai has, but so much larger! Plus, the island's diversity is truly astounding; there's nothing else quite like it; Hawaii Island is as eclectic as they come; from lush and verdant rainforests to barren black lava fields that stretch for miles.
Big Island of Hawaii Highlights: Historic Kailua-Kona Town - Historic seaside hot spot. Waipio Valley - Hawaii's largest isolated inhabited valley. Downtown Hilo - Discover local treasures in the island's capital city. Ka Lae (South Point) - The southernmost point in the United States. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - Home of one of the world's most active volcanoes and otherworldly scenery.
#4 - Kauai - The Garden Isle
The oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian Island chain is graced with dramatic, natural beauty. Explore Kokee State Park's trails, see Waimea Canyon- the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific"- or take time to relax in one of the many beautiful gardens of the aptly named 'Garden Isle,' such as Limahuli Garden. In our opinion, Kauai represents the most iconic view of Hawaii - lush surroundings, verdant valley, an abundance of waterfalls and rainbows. This island is probably the most "rural" of the main Hawaiian Islands. It offers the perfect getaway for romantic trips, anyone seeking relaxation away from the hustle/bustle of everyday life, or those looking to explore the backcountry trails, of which Kauai has plenty (some of the best hikes in the state can found on Kauai).
Kauai Highlights:
Wailua Falls - Kauai's most popular waterfall. Kalalau Trail - Spectacular coastal trail on Kauai's North Coast. Poipu Beach - Voted one of America's best beaches. Waimea Canyon - Nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific."
Some facts on Hawaii
The best weather in Hawaii Generally, the best weather in Hawaii can be experienced in June, July and September. This is when travelers can expect the least amount of rainfall along with warm water temperatures. However, Hawaii has pretty great weather year-round (after all, the Aloha State experiences only two seasons). So if traveling during June, July or September isn’t in the cards, you’re not out of luck.
The best time to surf in Hawaii
Only four of the islands in the Hawaiian archipelago are suitable for surfing year-round: Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. As for when and where you’d like to surf, well, that depends entirely on your skill level. The waves follow a somewhat consistent schedule. In the winter, for example, surfers can find serious swells off an island’s north coast, while the south coast experiences calmer seas. During the summer, the opposite is true.
So, for advanced surfers, winter season, or ho’oilo, which runs from mid-November to early February, is when you should look out for big wave surfing competitions on the North Shore of Oahu, also know as the “Seven Mile Miracle.”
On the Big Island, surf enthusiasts should check out La’aloa Bay and Honoli’i Beach Park.
For novice surfers, you’re going to want to spend more time on the islands’ southern coasts in the winter. In Maui, beaches in Kaanapali, Lahaina and Kihei deliver just-right waves for beginners to get their feet wet.
The Best Time to Go Whale Watching Whales migrate to Hawaii in pods of roughly 1,000 between late December and early April, making Maui and the Kohala Coast of the Big Island two of the best places on Earth to spot the giants.
The Best Time to See Turtles If you’re interested in spotting Hawaiian green sea turtles, they’re quite numerous on the Ho’okipa Beach in Maui — just don’t get too close. Visit in the summer, during nesting season, to increase your odds.
When to visit Hawaii to avoid crowds The peak tourism season in Hawaii typically starts in the middle of December and continues until the end of March or mid-April. The off-season stretches from the middle of April and continues until mid-June, and resumes again from September until crowds tick up before the holidays.
July and August, while not considered Hawaii’s busy season, still tend to draw decent crowds — and are especially popular with vacationing families.
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