Favourite destinations
Hawaii
Hawaii is a beautiful tropical vacation hot spot unlike any other in the world. From its beautiful white sandy beaches and its majestic mountains and steep valleys to its city life, there really is something for everyone to enjoy!
So you’re ready to head to Hawaii! Here are higlight things you should know to enjoy your Hawaiian vacation to the fullest.
When you arrive and/or leave, you may be given a lei. This is a gesture of aloha (love, affection, esteem); thus, you should always graciously accept it and the hug or kiss on the cheek that comes with it. Closed (tied) lei should rest on the shoulders, half draped in the front and half down the back. Open (untied) lei are worn around the neck, with each side hanging evenly down the front. Pregnant women should wear only open lei; closed lei are considered bad luck because they symbolize the umbilical cord around the baby’s neck.
The Big Island of Hawaii is overflowing with beautiful nature, and much of that is the result of overflowing volcanoes. The park is brimming with volcanic activity and is home to Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Most visitors require at least a day to completely absorb the breadth of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hike or zip-line through the park’s mountains, forests, and waterfalls. If you stick around the island after nightfall, you’ll experience some of the best stargazing in the world. Talk about a perfect way to end the day.
With over 750 miles of shoreline and over 400 named beaches, all of which are public beaches, you're sure to find a beach in Hawaii that's perfect for you and your family. In Hawaii, you can also choose the color of your beach. There are white sand beaches, yellow sand beaches, black sand beaches, red sand beaches, and even one green sand beach. Since the ocean conditions can be unpredictable, my best advice, if you plan to go into the water, is to select a lifeguard protected beach.
Each of the Hawaiian Islands was formed by a single hotspot on the floor of the ocean. The islands stretch over 1500 miles from Kure Atol in the northwest near Midway, to Lo'ihi Seamount, the newest island being formed off of the southeast coast of Hawaii Island, the Big Island. As the islands move off the hotspot over time, each has reminders of their volcanic past.
On Kauai, visitors can take a helicopter tour into the crater of Mt. Waialeale, one of the wettest spots on earth. On Oahu, almost all first-time visitors make the hike to the top of Diamond Head. On Maui, a drive to the summit of Haleakala for dawn is a must. Of course, however, the most popular volcano of all is Kilauea on Hawaii Island, which has been in a state of constant eruption since January 3, 1983.
Hawaii is the most diverse state and is a melting pot of all cultures. You will find influences from, of course, Hawaiian culture, as well as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Portuguese, Samoan, Tahitian, Tongan, Micronesian, and Spanish—and the list goes on.
Even though Hawaii has a winter season, it doesn’t get much colder than 75°F (24°C) during the day—ever. It is summer all year long to the typical vacationer, and shorts and bathing suits are normal attire.
As mentioned before, Hawaii is a melting pot of cultures, and every culture has introduced something and added their own flair to the state’s cuisine. Don’t be afraid to try some authentic Hawaiian food while you are here, and don’t let poi scare you; it is actually quite yummy!
Thousands of people get married and go on their honeymoon in Hawaii every year—and for good reason. There are plenty of beautiful and relaxing hotels and spas, private beaches, nonstop adventures, as well as fancy restaurants to experience with your significant other.