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Hawaii

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Introduction To Hawaii

There’s no place as synonymous with paradise as Hawaii. This Pacific Ocean archipelago is more than just a goldmine of staggering natural beauty; it’s a destination that inspires pure, unfiltered wanderlust. From crystalline waters to powdery white sands and technicolour coral reefs, a trip to Hawaii will have you feeling as if the saturation has been turned all the way up…

Tropical getaways your calling? Hawaii will be your haven for sure, but you’ll soon find out these islands, scattered in the cobalt blue Pacific Ocean, have far more soul than your average beach holiday. Magnificent scenery and Hawaii go hand-in-hand, but what makes this place extra special is the warm welcoming Aloha spirit. The locals here are some of the most hospitable people on the planet, with the centre of Hawaiian culture revolving around giving and kindness. The easy breezy, laid back and chill mentality was basically invented by the Hawaiians, and nothing can match the relaxed vibes you’re guaranteed to feel here.

Breathtaking views can be found around every corner of the islands, and you don’t have to go far for an insta-worthy snap. Regardless of what island on your Hawaii tour you explore, beautiful beaches, friendly faces and “ono grinds” (good eats) are at the heart of this stunning Archipelago.

So let’s break it down - six islands you say? But not just any old islands, these are six of the most diverse, heavenly, sun drenched, naturally gorgeous, sea and landscapes you’ll ever experience, guaranteed to thrill any Hawaii tour package you choose. Fancy yourself an adrenaline junky? Hit the waves on Waikiki, where the surf is always up. Nature buff? Hike your boots up to the summit of the Earth’s most active volcano, Kilauea, just casually. A mermaid in a previous life? Swim and snorkel with Hawaii’s oceanic locals called honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles), then relax on pristine beaches on the island of Lana’i. Then to top it off, toast to your good fortune and amazing new memories, with a beer at sunset…

To really feel at one with your surroundings, it’s all about immersing yourself in the beckoning, rich, Hawaiian culture. Every aspect of life on these astonishingly beautiful islands is done with passion and love, from the local cuisine to the traditional forms of expression like dance and art. To understand this paradise is to welcome the Aloha spirit into your life, and leave with a little piece of it embedded in your heart.

FAST FACTS
Language: English
Currency: US Dollar
Electricity: 110V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter the USA.
Dialling Code: +1
Time Zone: (GMT-10:00)

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Things to do in Hawaii

Go surfing with the pros at Sunset Beach on the North Shore (Waikiki)

In tropical Waikiki, the surf is always up. 7 miles long and the setting for the Vans Triple Crown Surfing Event, the North Shore favourites of Sunset Beach, Ehukai Beach and Waimea Bay all serve up a healthy dose of waves that make this place so famous. With North Shore at your disposal and one of the longest rideable surf spots in the world at Sunset Point, whether you’ve been strapping on a leg rope since your days in diapers, or are trying this rad sport for the very first time, there is no better place to get a feel for what ‘wave sliding’ really means than Hawaii.

Sip on beers at sunset with a Sunset Cruise (Kona)

What better way to reflect on all of the amazing experiences you’ve been lucky enough to share with the Pacific Ocean, than a sunset cruise around Kona. Combining unparalleled views of the coastline with some extra party guests (our turtle friends), nothing beats the tranquillity of this experience. With a balmy breeze filling the sails and a drink in hand, your level of relaxation rivals never having to work another day in your life. Embracing the Aloha spirit to its fullest potential, the richness of Hawaii’s culture, the passion and love in which everything is carried out, and the feeling of inner peace that accompanies the fluid arc of a hula dancers hand or in the soft rhythm of a slack-key guitar, you come to realise, you’re head over heels in love with Hawaii.

Hike to the top of the Diamond Head Crater (Waikiki)

Hawaii was first discovered, supposedly, by Captain James Cook in 1778. Sailing into Oahu Island, neither Cook nor his fellow sailors could believe their luck upon spotting a crater sitting along the islands skyline, holding what looked like diamonds. These later turned out to be shiny calcite crystals of no value but the name stuck, and Diamond Head Crater was born. One of Hawaii’s most famous landmarks, Diamond Head was formed more than 100,000 years ago and lends itself to many adventure based activities. Hiking on literal history, the views of Waikiki and Oahu’s South Shore will leave you breathless.

Visit Volcanoes National Park and catch a glimpse of red hot lava at the Kilauea Volcano (The Big Island)

Ever dreamed of witnessing one of the Earth’s most primal processes of creation and destruction? Awaken your inner homosapien with an awe-inspiring view of nature’s wonder at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Kilauea, one of the two volcanoes that call this island home, is the most active volcano on earth, producing 250,000-650,000 cubic yards of lava per day. To put that in perspective, that’s enough to resurface a 32 kilometre-long, two lane road each day. Crazy, huh? Sometimes referred to as “the world’s only drive-in volcano”, this pre-historic site is a great choice for a Hawaii day tour and a dreamscape for hikers, the emerald valleys, icy waterfall pools, flowing lava and rainforests producing some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes you’ll likely ever witness.

Experience the black sand at Punaluʻu Beach (The Big Island)

Dreaming of swimming in crystal waterfall pools or lazing on golden sand beaches? Life on a tour to Hawaii is lived outdoors. World renowned for its beaches, the islands have every type imaginable: white, black, green and red sand, private coves, hidden bays, popular shorelines, surfable reefs, and off-the beaten track, untouched gems. One that stands out for its ubiquitous Hawaiian vibe, is Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. Located on the Southeastern Kau Coast, Punaluu’s sand is coloured black from the constant volcanic activity. Coconut palms fringe the sand here, making this a gorgeous spot for some high-octane sun baking, followed by a sprint/shimmy/dance across the scorching hot sand to flop into the refreshingly clear water.

Experience traditional Hawaiian Hookipa at a super fun Luau (Maui)

Floating all by itself in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii proudly maintains its own distinct identity apart from the US mainland. Rich in diversity across all spectrums, the Hawaiian people are proud of their cultural identity and happily share their customs, including the Hawaiian Hookipa, which literally means “the hospitality of complete giving”. No trip to the Hawaii is complete without experiencing a luau - a Hawaiian feast featuring music and vibrant performances, which will allow you to both absorb and understand the local culture and its practices. To take home a greater appreciation for the world around you and an insight into one of Hawaii’s most coveted cultural experiences, this is something that cannot be missed.

Go swimming, snorkelling and play volleyball on an all-day sailing adventure to Lana’i (Maui)

Calling all ocean gypsies, this one’s for you. Aside from its golden sand beaches, world-class surfing, incredible wildlife and countless scenic hiking and biking opportunities, Hawaii can also add under water playground to its never-ending list of amazing reasons to visit. Because of its warm tropical waters, the bays around the archipelago are renowned for their rich aquatic life and are literally teeming with tropical fish, Hawaiian spinner dolphins, manta rays and honu - green sea turtles. Not a fan of the snorkel look? Chill to the max and soak up that extra delicious Hawaiian Vitamin D on the decks of our sail boat as we cruise to Lana’i, then find your feet on the ground again and try your hand at some volleyball.

Mountain bike the trails of the 10,023ft Mt Haleakala Volcano (Maui)

As per Hawaiian culture, superstition and storytelling accompany many of the archipelago’s miraculous natural sites. The Mt Halekala legend goes that the demigod Maui lassoed the sun from its journey across the sky as he stood on the volcano’s summit, slowing its descent to make the day last longer. Haleakala, translated as ‘house of the sun’, is a mountain that towers over the island of Maui. Part of a scenic National Park and visible from just about any point, Mt Haleakala Crater is a force of nature in every sense and at 10,023 feet above sea level, this dormant volcano is the stage for a breathtaking range of landscapes, and an experience well worth getting up before dawn for. As the sun peeks over the horizon, an ever-changing swirl of colour and light dance across the vast sea of clouds- a sight described by Mark Twain as “the most sublime spectacle I have ever witnessed”. What better way to pay homage to Twain, than by conquering this crater by bike - insane downhill run and never-ending views guaranteed.

Explore the spectacular waterfalls and lush green paradise of Iao Valley (Maui)

The epitome of lush, towering emerald peaks guard the valley floor of Iao National Park. Every shade of green imaginable encompasses your view with thick, heavy rainforest scenery as far as the eye can see. A tropical paradise and site of one of the most famous battles in Hawaiian history, Iao Valley is a now peaceful 4,000-acre park of mystical beauty. Home to one of Maui’s most recognisable landmarks, the Ioa Needle is known to locals as the stone of Kanaloa (God of the Ocean), and appropriately stands mounting guard over the Valley. Easy hiking and picturesque scenery are the main pulls of a visit to this tropical paradise. The Valley is a botanical wonder, home to many native and indigenous plants. Channel your inner botanist and breathe the fresh mountain air at the top of this eerily charming paradise, a must do on your tour of Hawaii.

Savour a cup of Kona’s most famous export, coffee!

Where would we be without coffee? With an abundant supply, it’s little wonder the Hawaiian people are so warm and welcoming; coffee plantations are just another amazing part of life as a Hawaiian. Kona, on the Big Island, stretches for almost 2/3rds of the entire West Side. Here, Kona Coffee is an exclusive commodity. A visit to North or South Kona, will bring you as close to the action as can be, as the 100% pure stuff is grown only in these regions. What makes coffee in Kona so special? The high elevation, constant cloud coverage and rich volcanic soil from Hualalai Volcano in the upland slopes of Kona, create an ideal environment for harvesting this unique Hawaiian coffee bean. There are hundreds of coffee farms in Kona, so a visit to the thriving orchards to learn about the meticulous harvesting process is a must.

Top 5 Festivals in Hawaii

Say mahalo (hello), to a collection of festivals that truly embody what it is to be Hawaiian. From culinary classics to exquisite tastes, all things liquor with a beach backdrop, and gorgeous traditional scenes of dance and music, we might have to take this one step further and become Hawaiian citizens. Creativity and innovation mixed with tradition sit at the forefront of what is a fiercely proud culture that loves a celebration.

Waikiki Spam Jam

Waikiki

On Waikiki every year, hundreds of people gather on the street to celebrate their joint love of spam. Yes, you heard me correctly - the canned meat found in supermarkets has an entire annual festival dedicated to it. Non-stop entertainment on two stages and Honolulu’s best collection of restaurants come together to inspire creative spam recipes, whilst spam themed T-shirts, shorts and even slippers add a new level of fanatical to this uniquely loveable free street party.

Hawaii Food & Wine Festival

All Islands

Picture this - craft cocktails, speciality beers, wine and culinary delicacies all with a stunning oceanfront setting. Hawaii Food and Wine Festival, takes place over three weekends on multiple islands, with 100 internationally renowned master-chefs, culinary personalities and drinks producers coming together to put on a feast of epic proportions. Local ingredients, creative dishes and food innovation all sit front row, in a foodie event that shouldn’t be missed.

Ukulele Festival

Honolulu

The magical ukulele features in many Hawaiian family gatherings, beach parties, late night serenades and living room shindigs. Bringing rhythm and joy to all aspects of life, the Ukulele for the Hawaiian people is more than just an addition to their love for music. The Ukulele Festival, a summer tradition in Honolulu, brings together the Ukulele Orchestra, a group of over 800, to show off their love for this quaint tropical instrument.

Aloha Festivals

All Islands

The King of all Hawaiian festivals, Aloha Month kicks off a celebration of culture. Spread across all six islands, this smorgasboard of tradition honours all things music, dance and history. Embodying the epitome of Aloha Spirit, the Hawaiians really know how to put on a party. Witness colourful flower-filled processions, the captivating arc of hula dancer’s hands and the beautiful smiles of local Hawaiians as they continue to protect their unique identity with this incredible festival.

Lantern Floating Hawaii

Honolulu

A breathtakingly beautiful ceremony hosted by Shinnyo-en, a Buddhist community, the Lantern Festival takes place each year on Memorial Day where an estimated 50,000 people gather on the shores of Honolulu’s Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island. Lanterns inscribed with lost family and friends are released with hopes, prayer and love into the gentle waters of the bay at sunset. An emotional ceremony with lots of tears, it brings strangers together as they honour and remember their loved ones.

Top 5 Museums & Galleries in Hawaii

Live volcanic science, astronomy, Royal Palaces, Hawaiian heritage and world history are just a taste of what Hawaii’s museum scene has to offer. This tropical Archipelago may be famous for its effervescent coral, crystal clear water and lush waterfalls, but it packs a punch when it comes to museums. Fancy an afternoon or two spent indoors? Take your pick from our favourites...

Bishop Museum

Honolulu

This museum of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture is the legacy of the last descendant of the Kamehameha Dynasty (aka King K’s fam). Dating back to 1889, it houses the world’s most extensive collection of art and artefacts pertaining to the Hawaiian and Polynesian people. A beautifully ornate building, the Bishop Museum was originally part of a school to provide education to native Hawaiians, established by a philanthropist Charles Bishop. To understand the rich and fiercely unique native Hawaiian and Pacific cultures, a visit to this legacy is a must.

ʻIolani Palace

Honolulu

‘Iolani Palace tells the story of Hawaii and its people. Home to the royal family, executive building to the new republic, prison to the overthrown Queen, treasure to Hawaii’s first Governor, and now a national historical landmark, the ‘Ioalani Palace is an icon. The only official royal residence in the US, it is recognized as the spiritual and cultural epicentre of Hawaii.

USS Missouri

Pearl Harbor

7.55am, December 7 1941. The devastating events of this fateful day, known the world over, changed the course of history. Plunging the US into World War II, and claiming the lives of thousands, Pearl Harbour still bears the scars of this unexpected Japanese air attack. Named Pearl Harbour for the pearl oysters that were once harvested here, a visit to this tragic sight will change your perspective on human history and life in general. The sunken hull of USS Arizona, a reminder of the devastation, sits in the shallow waters, still leaking oil that pools on the water’s surface like black tears. A moment in history that should not be forgotten nor missed, on your visit to Hawaii.

Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii

Hilo, The Big Island

A place that combines modern science with Indigenous culture, the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Centre is every bit as exciting as its mountain-inspired conical shaped roof. Boasting an enormous planetarium, this museum discusses life on earth, exploration and the Polynesian voyagers, all in one. A great chilled afternoon activity to escape the sun, you can’t help but imagine your life as a navigator braving treacherous ocean conditions, with only the stars as your guide.

Jaggar Museum

Volcanoes National Park

Whether you’re a budding volcanologist or a curious traveller, don’t miss the rare opportunity to witness live volcanic science. Jaggar Museum, named after its founder Dr Jagger, the first volcanic scientist of his time, is the only Volcanic Science Museum to have an active volcano erupting next to it. Understanding the natural forces behind the construction of the Hawaiian islands is a mind-blowing feat. Staying for sunset guarantees an unbelievable show of nature as the lava-illuminated steam and gas effervescently billow from craters.

Food in Hawaii

Soul food, unique cooking techniques, flavoursome seafood, hearty comforts and unusual garnishing; Hawaii’s food scene is one not to underestimate. From the seafood heavy delicacies to the slow cooked pork dinner party favourites, this Pacific Ocean paradise has an array of surprisingly creative dishes to keep even the foodie aficionados on their toes. Salty, tangy, sweet and spicy, Hawaii’s most important ingredient is of course, it’s Aloha spirit. Cheesy but true, say yes to all the good eats this wonderful land has to offer.

Poke

Around for centuries and a Hawaiian favourite, this healthy, fresh and delicious dish is the latest on-trend food to hit the world’s street market stalls, restaurants and home kitchens. Pronounced ‘Poh-keh’, this local staple simply means, ‘cut into chunks’ in Hawaiian. Rooted in the days when native Hawaiian fishermen would slice up smaller reef fish and serve them raw, poke was then seasoned with whatever was on hand -usually sea salt, nuts or seaweed. You’ve probably witnessed its rise to greatness on social media with colourful toppings and served in coconut style bowls, an inherent feature in the ‘clean-eating’ movement. But sorry to break it to you, real Hawaiian poke isn’t very Instagrammable… Check it out for yourself, and leave the photo-sharing to sunset.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Ono Seafood, 747 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu}

Pork Lau Lau

Hawaiian soul food at its finest, pork lau lau is a traditional dish cooked in an underground oven for hours. Wrapped in taro leaves, the pork becomes melt-in-your mouth tender, a household favourite and the ultimate comfort food. Often accompanied by salted butterfish and sweet potatoes, the taro leaves seal the flavour and moisture, creating an intensely juicy and succulent pork. Our mouths are salivating just thinking about it…

_{Best eaten at}
_{Ono Hawaiian Food, 726 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu}

Lomi Lomi Salmon

In complete juxtaposition to Pork Lau Lau, Lomi Lomi Salmon, is a refreshingly light dish, served as a signature side to offset the heaviness of the pork. Raw, salted and diced salmon, mixed with tomatoes, sweet Maui onions and flakes of chilli pepper, this dish is the perfect palate cleanser best eaten cold. Lomi, referring to the method of preparation, is the Hawaiian word for massage, the ultimate culinary technique to bring the flavours together.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Ono Seafood, 747 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu}

Squid Luau

One of the tastiest dishes Hawaii has to offer, don’t be put off by its less than appealing look. Appearing more like creamed spinach than a tropical delicacy, squid luau is a wonderful accompaniment to pork lau lau and lomi lomi salmon. Slow cooking luau leaves and squid in coconut milk with salt and sugar, result in this dish’s thick, creamy, puree texture. While by no means a dish you’d pick from an image only menu, this salty but sweet local cuisine packs a punch.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Helena’s Hawaiian Food, 1240 N School St, Honolulu}