Exploring the Islands of Hawaii

Hawaii has always been one of the top vacation destinations, and the good news is that Hawaii will be lifting its quarantine restrictions soon. That means it’s time to think about your next vacation to the Hawaiian Islands.
There are 137 islands that make up the state of Hawaii, there are 4 that people remember the most: Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the island of Hawaii. Here are the top things to do on each of these islands:

Kauai. Kauai is the fourth largest island, and truly earns it’s nickname of the “Garden Island”. Picturesque views, lush valleys, tropical rainforests and more form the backdrop for any trip to this island. There’s plenty to see here, including:

• Waimea Canyon. Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon is one of the top attractions on Kauai. The canyon is about 10 miles long and 3,000 feet deep with spectacular views. While it’s accessible by car where you can take advantage of the numerous turnouts to explore, you might want to take advantage of a helicopter tour where you’ll get a much closer look at the canyon and the beautiful Waipoo Falls.
• Na Pali Coast. The 15-mile stretch of the Na Pali Coast is one of the most iconic in Hawaii. Even though most of its rugged coastline is inaccessible, there are still ways to experience its beauty. For the avid hiker, there’s an 11-mile trail from Ke`e Beach to Kalalau Valley that will get you to the coast. For the rest of us, take advantage of the various boat and snorkeling excursions, or even another helicopter tour.
• Hanalei Bay. For the beach-lover, no trip to Kauai is complete without a visit to Hanalei Bay. The 3-mile long beach is perfect for relaxing, snorkeling and even surfing.   
  

Oahu. Oahu, home of Hawaii’s capital Honolulu and most of its diverse population, is the third largest island. There is plenty to see and do on Oahu - here are just a few:

• Diamond Head. If you are up for a hike, then Diamond Head your best bet. This volcanic crater has become a stunning landmark that attracts visitors from all over. The 1.5-mile hike can be strenuous at times, but it is well worth the climb to see the views from the summit.
• Polynesian Cultural Center. Sometimes known as the Disney World experience of Hawaii, the Polynesian Cultural Center offers a look at the various cultures of the South Pacific in 7 distinct villages, including the regions of Hawaii, Fiji, Samoa, Marquesas, Tonga, Aotearoa (New Zealand), and Tahiti. Plan to spend a day here, and end it with one of the best luaus in Hawaii!
• Pearl Harbor. No trip to Oahu is complete without visiting Pearl Harbor and paying tribute to those who lost their lives during WWII. In addition to the Arizona Memorial, there are 3 other attractions in the area, including the USS Missouri Battleship, the USS Bowfin Submarine, and the Pacific Aviation Museum. Each gives you a glimpse into the history surrounding the Pearl Harbor attack and the aftermath of our participation in WWII.
• Oahu’s North Shore. Don’t miss the opportunity to drive through the countryside of Oahu and visit the North Shore. On the way, stop at the Dole Plantation and pineapple fields. Visit the Historic Haleiwa Town for a traditional Hawaiian shave ice and a quick walk through the town. Then head to the North Shore, where you can relax on the beach, stroll through the galleries and museums, and just enjoy the laid back Hawaiian island life!

Maui. Maui is the second largest island in Hawaii and is nicknamed “The Valley Isle”. It has been voted the “Best Island in the US” by Conde Nast Traveler for readers for the last 20 years – and it’s no wonder. There is so much to do on Maui that it’s hard to narrow it down. Here’s what stands out:

• Road to Hana. This 65-mile scenic drive is well worth the trip. It will take the better part of a day to explore, given the hairpin turns and one-lane stretches of the highway. There are many stops along the way, so plan ahead. Make sure that you stop at the Maui Garden of Eden to explore the arboretum, the Keanae Peninsula for a spectacular view of “Old Hawaii”, Wai’anapanapa State Park with its black beaches, and of course Hana Town itself.
• Haleakala Crater at Haleakala National Park.  Haleakala Crater is another not-to-be-missed spot on Maui. The sunrise from the crater is spectacular. It can take up to 2 hours to reach the summit, so plan on a very early morning. You will need reservations, so plan accordingly.
• Lahaina Historic Trail. There’s more than 500 years of history and 65 significant historic sites to visit in Lahaina. Don’t miss the Baldwin House Museum which is the oldest house on Maui, and the  legendary 145-year-old Banyan tree – the biggest in the US.

The Island of Hawaii. Also known as the “Big Island”, the island of Hawaii is the largest island in Hawaii. In fact, it’s almost twice as big as all the other islands combined. Here are just a few things that you will want to see and do while on the Big Island:

• Hawaii Volcanos National Park. Topping the list is a visit to the Hawaii Volcanos National Park. Here you can see active volcanoes, lava tubes, and more. Take the 11-mile road trip to Crater Rim for a spectacular view of the park. If you’re adventurous you can also hike through parts of the park and explore the nature of volcanoes up close. Just be sure to check in with the visitor’s center before heading out – you never know what an active volcano can do!
• Go Snorkeling with the Manta Rays. One of the most interesting things to do on the Big Island is to go snorkeling at night.  Manta Rays feed just north of Kailua-Kona each night, and you can see these large mantas up close as they frolic in the water. Make plans through one of the local dive/snorkel operators to ensure you get the most out of the experience.
• Kona Coffee Living History Farm. Hawaii is closely associated with coffee and you can explore the coffee trade through the Kona Coffee Living History Farm – a 5.5. acre working coffee and macadamia nut farm that provides hands-on experiences of the culture and traditions associated with the Kona coffee industry throughout the years.

Are you ready to start planning your trip to Hawaii? Give Luxury Destinations Concierge a call at (805) 236-4437. We’ll help you make the most of your island getaway.