Vacation to Hawaii

Vacation and Holiday Ideas!

Vacation to Hawaii - Plan Your Hawaiian Getaway

When you think of a vacation to Hawaii, you're not really thinking of one destination, but several, as Hawaii is made up of several islands, each offering visitors something unique. Typically visitors will spend time on one island, due to the expense and hassle of flying from one island to the next. There is no ferry between the islands, the exception being a ferry between Maui and Molokai or Lanai. There were a few years when there existed a Hawaii Superferry between the main islands, but that was suspended. So, with that in mind, which "vacation to Hawaii" do you want to experience? It might help to know a little about each island.

Vacation to the Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii is often called the "Orchid Isle" and is the largest, yet youngest, of the Hawaiian Islands. The Big Island is twice the size of all the other major Islands combined, and it's still growing! When you vacation on the Big Island you may feel like you're vacationing in many different places at once, as there are 12 different climate zones existing on the Big Island. So, in one day you can take a walk through a lush rain forest, shiver on a snow-capped mountain, and relax away on a black sand beach.

The Big Island is also home to the largest park in the state, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You can experience the park in many ways: with guided-tour walks and hikes with the park rangers; by helicopter, or by driving the Crater Rim Drive, an 11-mile driving adventure taking you around the Kilauea Caldera, through tropical rainforest to the desert, encountering craters and steam vents the whole time.

Vacation to Kauai

Kauai is known as the "Garden Island" because it's filled with lush, tropical gardens. It's also home to Mount Wai'ale'ale, the "wettest spot on earth." For those into hiking, Kauai doesn't disappoint due to mountainous regions, specifically the Waimea Canyon or the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” rising up to 4,000 feet. If you're up for it (and in condition for it), try the Kukui Trail, a challenging hike which winds down 2000 feet into the Waimea Canyon floor. Other great Kauai hikes include the Kalalau Trail which follows the Na Pali Coast. To go the entire distance will take about two days, but you'll be treated to incredible views of waterfalls and ancient Hawaiian ruins. If you don't want to go the entire distance, do what many people do - hike in two miles to Hanakpiai Falls and back. Do be careful as the trail can be wet and slippery. For families and beginners, the Kuilau Ridge Trail is good, which boasts views of Mt. Wai’ale’ale, rolling hills and the ocean.

Vacation to Oahu

Oahu is home to the majority of Hawaii's residents, as well as the famous Diamond Head, a 761-foot-tall "tuff cone," created almost 100,000 years ago with a volcanic eruption. Oahu is also home to Pearl Harbor, which was attacked by the Japanese on December 7, 1941. The attack resulted in 2,390 dead, and propelled the US into World War II. It is here you’ll find several memorials including the USS Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri Memorial and the USS Oklahoma Memorial. Other landmarks include Waikiki Beach and ‘Iolani Palace, the official residence of Hawaii’s former monarchy, King Kalakauaand his sister and successor, Queen Lili‘uokalani. The Palace's grounds and galleries are now open to the public as a museum.

Vacation to Maui

Maui is the second largest Hawaiian island, and one of its most popular, having consistently been voted “Best Island” by readers of Conde Nast Traveler. Why? Beaches, beaches, beaches. In fact, Maui has over 30 miles of gorgeous beaches where you can sink your toes into white, red or black sand. Some of the most popular beaches in Maui include: Kaanapali Beach on the western part of Maui, where you'll find white sand and great snorkeling; Makena Beach State Park, also known as Big Beach as it's one of the largest beaches in Maui; and Kahana Beach Park, which is known as an excellent windsurfing spot.

Another Maui must-see is the town of Hana, along Maui's eastern coastline, which some consider the last unspoiled Hawaiian frontiers. Getting to Hana is part of the adventure. The famous Hana Highway may be only 52 miles from the Kahului Airport, but it may take you 2-4 hours to drive, with its 600 curves, 54 bridges and numerous places to stop to admire the views.

Vacation to Lanai

If you're someone who's idea of a vacation to Hawaii includes solitude, yet with a variety of outdoor activities to choose from, then you'll want to visit “Hawaii’s Most Enticing Island.” Located only nine miles from Maui, Lana is the place to get away from it all. No traffic lights here. Not a one! But, you will find luxurious spa resorts (such as Four Seasons Resort Lana’i at Manele Bay) where you can be pampered with a wide variety of spa services. And, golfers are treated to one of the most beautiful golf courses on earth - The Challenge at Manele. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, The Challenge features three holes on cliffs, where the water hazard is the Pacific Ocean!

Vacation to Molokai

Molokai boasts Hawaii's longest white sand beach, as well as the only barrier reef outside of Australia. Molokai is an island of natural splendor, and is called the "Most Hawaiian Island" of Hawaii due to having the largest percentage of Native Hawaiian residents outside of the privately-owned island, Ni'ihau. While there be sure to take a mule ride to Kalaupapa Peninsula. Be sure to brag to your friends back home that you rode along some of the tallest sea cliffs in the world overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The ride takes you to the historic town of Kalaupapa, site of a former settlement for victims of Hansen Disease (leprosy), where, at one time, 1,200 people were forced in exile.

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