Traveling To Hawaii And Things To Know
Hawaii, the land of paradise and a great place to get away from it all. For many, traveling to Hawaii happens quite often and for some, it is a whole new experience. You have decided to go come to Hawaii, but now what? What is there to do there and what should you know.
To start, Hawaii is made up of 6 main islands. There is Maui, the Big Island, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu and Kauai. Each island offers its own personality and adventures, as well as its own sense of beauty. Just visiting one island, does not mean you have seen everything Hawaii has to offer.
General Tips On The State Of Hawaii
v The state nickname is The Aloha State and the capital is in Honolulu
v Time zone – Hawaii does not observe daylight savings time, therefore the time difference from the main land will vary throughout the year
v Main languages is English and Hawaiian
v Transportation and accommodations offers high end hotels and budget hotels, condos to rent, cottages, bed and breakfast locations throughout. Rental cars, taxis, shuttles and city buses are also available for your travels
v Dress for Hawaii is generally casual. A light jacket for the evening is recommended in the event you get a cool ocean breeze or for rain, and don’t forget your swimsuit and flip flops
v Electronic availability for cell phones and internet are accessible on most islands
v Hawaii joined the United States as the 50th state in 1959
v Hawaii is also known for its active volcanoes, the surfing, the luau’s and the hula dance
v The word “Aloha” means Hello and Goodbye
v The word “Mahalo” means Thank You
v The Hawaiian language consists of 12 letters (unlike the 26 letters used on the main land). Hawaii’s 12 letters include 5 vowels (a, e, i, o & u) and 7 consonants (h, k, l, m, n, p, & w)
This is all useful and interesting information, but what about the fun, the beaches, the excursions and the food. Here is a short guide for each island that should help you for your travel to Hawaii.
Island of Maui
v At over 10,000 high, visit the Haleakala Crater to see some beautiful views, especially at sunrise or sunset. Dress appropriately or bring some warm clothes, because there is a drastic drop in temperature from the basin
v Bike down a volcano or zip line over the valleys
v Go whale watching or snorkel with dolphins and sea turtles
v Go surfing or try stand-up paddle surfing
v Take one of many scenic drives such as Hana Highway and check out the waterfalls.
v Take a relaxing hike in I’ao Valley or to a private lagoon and swim under a waterfall
v Visit a farm, a winery or any great restaurants or shops in different towns such as Lahaina, Pa’ia or Kihei
Island known as “The Big Island”
v See the molten lava flow at the home of the world’s most active volcano, Kiluaua
v Go diving with Manta Rays
v Take part in stargazing or on air tours
v Pamper yourself on the Kohala Coast
Island of Lanai
v Visit Shipwreck Beach (Kaiolohia). See a World War II ship that is still trapped in the water
v 4 wheel drive to lunar landscapes
v Spend time snorkeling in Hulopoe Bay with spinner dolphins
v Scuba dive at Cathedrals
Island of Molokai
v Ride mules down some of the world’s tallest sea cliffs
v Visit the Macadamia Nut Plantation
v Relax at Papohaku Beach
v Spend time at the Big Wind Kite Factory
Island of Oahu
v Visit the Pearl Harbor museum
v Go shark cage diving
v The university of Hawaii and for many years the home to the NFL’s Pro Bowl game
v The sands and sights of Waikiki Beach
Island of Kauai
v Go horseback riding
v Hike 3 great trails (Kukui, Kuilau Ridge, Kalalau)
v Set up your tents and go camping
v Visit Captain Cook’s Monument
So as you can see, there are so many things to do here in Hawaii, whether you plan ahead or being spontaneous. Still not sure what to do? Throughout the different islands, there are many publications advertising all the different events and activities that you can do. If you want to do some “non- touristy” things, feel free to ask any of the locals, they will be sure to give you some great ideas. But remember to say “Mahalo.”