HAWAI’I
Aloha! Now is the time to take your dream vacation to Hawaii!
Craving Amazing Travel will collaborate with you to help you choose which major Hawaiian Island(s) to visit.
The Big Island of Hawaii
The big Island of Hawaii has hundreds of miles of coastline for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and surfing.
Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for amazing landscapes for the stargazing, biking, and hiking.
Visit the black sands of Punaluu Beach, where you can see the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles basking on the beach.
The west side of the island is Kona which is known for the warm sunny weather, world-class golf courses, whale watching, manta ray night dives, and taking a four-wheel drive vehicle up to the 14,000 ft. Summit of Mauna Kea to watch a beautiful sunset. You can visit many farms such as the octopus, seahorse, honey, chocolate, macadamia nuts, and coffee farms.
The east side of the island is Hilo, which is known for stunning rainforest hikes, cascading waterfalls, hot springs, and easily accessible red-hot flowing lava.
The Island of O’ahu
O’ahu is known as the Gathering Place and home to the state capital, Honolulu. It is the most populated and developed Hawaiian Island. Here you will enjoy the best city life, nightlife, restaurants, bars, shopping, skydiving, parasailing, surfing, snorkeling, sunbathing, swimming, hiking, biking, helicopter tours, and boat rides.
On O’ahu, make sure you don’t miss visiting the historical Pearl Harbor, which is the site of WWII’s 1941 bombing attack and home to the USS Arizona Memorial, and the historic Chinatown, the Punchbowl which is a crated turned-cemetery, and the Waikiki iconic beach.
The Island of Maui
In Maui, you will see some of the most amazing sunsets, discover breathtaking views at every turn along the famous scenic Road to Hana, snorkel in the warm waters of Lana’i, enjoy a Molokini cruise featuring playful marine life, immerse yourself in island culture at an authentic luau that offers Polynesian cuisine, music, and dancing. For a thrill, you can go on a helicopter excursion that offers a spectacular view of Haleakala Crater.
The Island of Kaua’i
Kauai is Hawaii's fourth-largest island and well known as the "Garden Island," & the “Island of Love”. Here you can chase the cascading waterfalls, drive along the coast, fly above the island in a helicopter, dine by the sea, hike the Kalalau trail and the trails of Kokee State Park, kayak the Wailua River, snorkel at the Poipu Beach, visit the Kauai food trucks, zipline above the Kauai’s emerald valleys, see the jaw-dropping rugged mountain peaks, find secret surf spots and stunning beaches. This island has a casual, laid-back atmosphere that is retro, rustic, and is also very romantic.
The Island of Moloka’i
The Island of Moloka'i is known as the "Friendly Isle". You will have a unique experience if you visit the Island of Molaka’i because there are not very many vehicles and you will not find a single traffic light on the island. Here you can relax, enjoy the slow-paced environment, and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural landscapes.
Things to do here are scuba dive the barrier reef, visit a coffee or macadamia nut farm, mike along the trails and roads, golf at a world-class golf course, surf, boogie board, body surf, swim, sunbathe, kayak over the coral reefs, hike through the rain forest of Kamakou Preserve, ride on a mule down to the Kalaupapa Sea Cliffs, go horseback riding, visit the Old Sugar Mill of Koloa , go shopping, enjoy the peaceful beaches, and visit all the cultural sites.
You can take a daytime ferry trip from Maui.
The Island of Lana’i
The Island of Lana’i is Hawaii’s smallest inhabited island. This island originally was an island-wide pineapple plantation but is now known for its quiet beauty and luxurious five-star world-class resorts. You can visit charming boutiques the central town of Lanai City go on horseback rides, play golf and enjoy many more activities. Make sure you visit Hulopoe Bay, which is a protected marine reserve with a wealth of sea creatures including Hawaii’s famous spinner dolphins, and in the winter months you may be able to see the humpback whales.
You can take a daytime ferry trip from Maui to Lana’ via Expeditions Lana’i Ferry.
Island Hopping
You can island hop from one island to another by airplane. Flights are about 20-50 minutes long and are not too expensive between to hop between islands. We recommend that you stay a couple of days at each island so you have plenty of time to explore the different islands.
Another fabulous way to see more than one island is to do a Cruise to explore multiple Hawaiian islands all in one vacation. As a cruise passenger, you can go on many shore excursions like volcano hikes, kayak through lava tubes, whale watching expeditions, helicopter rides, and snorkel at an ancient underwater crater during the day and stay on the cruise ship (aka. a floating hotel) at night.
Seasons:
Summer (Dry & Sunny) Season: April — October.
Average Temperature: 85 degrees F.
Driest Island: Maui
Driest Month: June
Hot & Humid, especially in Waikiki & Honolulu.
Hottest Months: July & August.
The sun is very intense, so wear lots of coral reef-safe sunscreen.
Winter (Rainy) Season: November — March.
Average Temperature: 78 degrees F.
Surf: Much higher, making it risky to swim. Surfers love this.
Prepare for colder temperatures at higher elevations.
Trade winds bring slightly cooler air from October through March.
Hurricane Season: July, August & September
Wave Surf Season: November - February on Hawaii’s North Shores.
Humpback Whale Watching Season:
Late December — early May
Peaks: January — early April
Vog in Hawaii
Vog is volcanic smog. It is an atmospheric effect that is caused by emissions of the Kilauea volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii.
If you have chronic health issues such as COPD, emphysema, or asthma, then we suggest you consult with your doctor before their visit.
How to dress:
Pack casual, comfortable clothes that are lightweight cotton or blend fabrics. Bring good walking shoes for hiking and sightseeing, and flip flops or sandals for the beach. Make sure to bring swimsuit cover-ups to wear at hotels, restaurants, and public places.
Pack a small umbrella and rain jacket for random rain showers that may occur.
Bring warm clothing for chilly evenings and if you plan to go to Haleakala National Park on Maui or Volcanoes National Park and the Summit of Mauna Kea on the Island of Hawaii.
Spending Money:
Hawaii is one of the most expensive states in the entire United States of America. Plan to spend more money on groceries, drinks, and at restaurants than you would in other states.
How long are flights to Hawaii from the United States?
From the West Coast, USA: About 5.5 — 5.75 hours
From the Midwest, USA: About 8 — 9 hours
From the East Coast, USA: About 12.5 hours
Time zone:
Standard time (GMT-10). Hawaii is 4 hours behind Mountain Time, 5 hours behind Central Time, and 6 hours behind Eastern Time. Hawaii does not observe Daylight Savings Time.
Currency:
U.S. Dollars.
Getting Around:
Transportation options vary from island to island. For most islands, you can also get around by rental car, bus tours, shuttle, taxi, Uber or Lyft, or public transportation.
Official Language:
The official language is English & Hawaiian. Although Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese is spoken as well.
Resort Fees:
Most Hawaiian hotels & resorts tack on a resort fee that covers parking, tennis courts, and hotel services. You may pay around $15-25+ per room, per night.
Waterfalls:
Every island features amazing waterfalls that you can experience by going for hikes or helicopter tours.
Volcanos:
According to the www.usgs.gov, the active volcanoes that are located on the Big Island are Kilauea, Mauna Loa, Lo’ihi, Mauna Kea and Hualalai and one active volcano that is located on the Island of Maui called Mount Haleakala.
Best Nightlife:
Oahu has the hottest nightlife and club atmosphere with lots of nightclubs, bars, and live music in the capital city of Honolulu.
The Big Island, Maui and Kauai offer more laid-back bars and restaurants.
Best Beach Bars:
Nalu Kai — Kauai
Oasis on The Beach — Kauai
House without a Key — Oahu
Mai Tai Bar — Oahu
The Edge of Waikiki — Oahu
Bumbye Beach Bar — Maui
Lava Lava Beach Club — The Big Island
Beach Tree Bar — The Big Island
Best Beaches:
Poipu Beach — Kauai
Ho’okipa Beach — Maui
Napili Bay Beach — Maui
Kailua Beach — Oahu
Waikiki Beach —Oahu
Honaunau Beach — The Big Island
Papakōlea Beach — The Big Island
Punalu’u Beach — The Big Island
Romantic & LUXURY HawaiiAN Resorts:
Hawaiian Resorts are known for their romantic appeal for couples, and honeymooners who are looking to enjoy breathtaking views, white sandy beaches, a tropical cool breeze, romantic sunset dining, cascading waterfalls, and world-class spas.
Here are a few examples of Romantic Hawaiian Resorts we may suggest to you:
Hotel Wailea, Relais & Chateaux — Maui. Adults-only retreat for couples who love elegantly creative cuisine. They have 72 one bedroom suites on 15 tropical acres of land. Relax poolside in their living room style cabanas, or by the beach with a beach valet serving you handcrafted cocktails.
Turtle Bay Resort — Oahu. They have many different accommodations including standard rooms, suites, ocean villas, beach cottages, and the extra-luxurious vista level. They offer adventures like kayaking, moped’s, canoe rentals, tennis, golf, biking trails, hiking, and horseback riding. They have panoramic views of the breathtaking shorelines that is perfect for watching the sunset and sunrise.
The Four Seasons Hualalai — The Big Island. Surrounded by white-sand beaches and black-lava landscapes. They offer three oceanfront restaurants, a swimmable aquarium with 4,000 fish, adults-only pool, lap pool, ocean pool, spa treatments, outdoor showers, and breathtaking ocean views.
Contact us to customize the perfect romantic vacation package!
Family-Friendly Resorts:
Hawaiian Resorts are usually family-friendly. Some resorts offer more family-friendly activities and entertainment for children than others. Some of the resorts will have waterparks, and kids clubs for children.
Here are a few examples of family-friendly resorts:
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa — Maui. They offer a stimulating oceanfront setting on Ka'anapali Beach along with six outdoor pools that include an interactive new family pool, an adults-only pool, a spa rejuvenation, and fun island themed dining experiences.
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa — Oahu. They offer Disney-inspired activities & themes.
There are many more family-friendly resorts that have activities nearby the resorts that are suitable for children. Contact us to find you the perfect family-friendly resort for your vacation.
Family-friendly activities:
Lydgate State Park — Kauai. Tree-lined beach with enclosed ocean swimming areas that are popular for snorkeling, picnics & camping. Adjacent to the beach is Kamalani, Kauai’s largest playground that has slides, swings, and climbing areas for children of all ages.
Honolulu Zoo — Oahu. 42.5 -acres of zoological and beautiful botanical gardens located within Kapi`olani Park, and near Waikīkī Beach.
Kakaako Waterfront Park — Oahu. 35-acres of grassy hills, beautiful sunsets, and paved waterside pathways.
Kapiolani Regional Park — Oahu. Largest and second oldest public park.
Sea Life Park — Oahu. Hawaii’s best wildlife and animal park.
Waikiki Aquarium — Oahu. The 2nd oldest aquarium in the United States. Discover tropical fish, mammals, and reptiles. Take a behind-the-scenes or after-dark tour.
Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii — Oahu. 29-acre Amusement park with 25 exhilarating water attractions with tropical landscapes and natural cliffs.
Zipline Tour at Kualoa Ranch - Oahu. A Treetop Canopy Zipline Tour at Kualoa Ranch, where you will zipline and soar above the iconic Jurassic Valley and be able to see famous Hollywood film set locations.
Baldwin Beach Park — Maui. Long, white sandy beach with lots of grassy lawn with public BBQs and picnic tables.
Hawaii Nature Center — Maui. Nature trails and offers children an interactive and immersive educational experience.
Keopualani Park — Maui. A 110-acre city park that offers kids ’ soccer, adult softball games, picnics, gym, swimming pool, and skate park.
Maui Ocean Center — Maui. 3-acre marine life park where you can see fish, sharks, turtles, stingrays. Sleep with the sharks in an overnight sleepover.
Whale Watching Tours — Maui, Molokai, or Lanai.
Liliuokalani Park and Gardens — The Big Island. 30-acre park of expansive Japanese gardens.
Panaewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens — The Big Island. It’s the only natural tropical rainforest zoo in the United States. Featuring rainforest animals, endangered Hawaiian animals (spider monkeys, lemurs, nene geese), and over 80 other animal species. You can also view orchids, bamboos, 100 varieties of palms, and a water garden in the Botanical Gardens.
SOME HOLLYWOOD MOVIES THAT WERE FILMED IN HAWAII:
Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park, Tropic Thunder, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, The Descendants and Jurassic World, Kong, Skull Island, Jumanji: the Next Level, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Finding Nemo, Pearl Harbor, Lilo & Stitch, Blue Crush, Along Came Polly, Superbad, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Avatar, Godzilla, and Point Break.
There are tv and movie set tours to experience while visiting the Hawaiian Islands.
