29 Mar 2022 Travel Inspiration

Your Guide to Hawaii

Is there any other little slice of paradise quite like Hawaii? When it comes to American soil, it’s hard to beat a vacation on Hawaiian islands, whether you’re partaking in scenic hikes or embracing the laid-back vibes epitomised by locals. With that in mind, we’ve put together your very own guide to Hawaii so that you can make it a holiday to remember and see the best of this US state in the Pacific Ocean.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park 🌋

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park gives visitors an up-close and personal view of the region’s undeniable natural beauty. Here, you will find lush rainforests, lava tubes and rolling black lava fields. There’s also the Halemaumau Crater, the home of Pepe, a Hawaiian volcano goddess.

The beautiful beaches 🏖

The beautiful beaches

There is no shortage of amazing beaches in Hawaii, whether you’re spending time at the world-famous Waikiki Beach in Honolulu or are lazing the days away on the soft sands found in Maui. Make sure you visit Hawaii island’s Punalu’u Beach with its volcanic black sand. It’s quite the sight to behold.

Surfing 🏄‍♀️

Surfing

Surf’s up in Hawaii, where you’re encouraged to grab a board even if you’ve never ridden a wave before. Oahu is known for its incredible surfing beaches, from Sunset Beach to Waimea Bay and Ehukai Beach. There are plenty of available classes for first-timer surfers, but you can grab your board and go straight out to sea if you’re already at one with the waves.

Pearl Harbor ⛴

Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is steeped in history and was one of the deciding reasons for the United States getting involved in World War II. Today, you can visit several naval memorial attractions where you’ll learn about the fateful day on December 7th 1941, when it was attacked. There are three main sites: the USS Arizona Memorial, where the battleship was sunk during the attack; USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and the Pacific Aviation Museum.

Go hiking along the Kalalau Trail 🥾

Go hiking along the Kalalau Trail

Take in splendid views of Kauai’s coastline along the Kalalau Trail, an 11-mile stretch well worthy of an Instagram pic or two. The hike begins at Ke’e beach in the Na Pali Coast State Park and works its way through the coastline to Hanakapiai Beach. It’s best to take a breather here and admire the beautiful coastline before continuing to Hanakapiai Falls, a majestic 300 foot-high waterfall. The pathway is rugged, but it’s well worth the challenge for one of the most beautiful hikes in the world.

Road to Hana 🚘

Road to Hana

If you don’t fancy walking the Kalalau Trail, get behind the wheel and enjoy a scenic drive ready to capture your imagination. The Road to Hana is filled with tropical foliage, black sand beaches, rushing waterfalls and unforgettable views over the winds and bends. This famous roadway is situated along Maui’s North Shore and features 600 hairpin turns and more than 50 bridges. It’s widely regarded as one of the best drives in the world.

Chinatown 🥡

Chinatown

Located in Honolulu’s historic commercial district, once upon a time, Chinatown was associated with gambling and brothels. Now, it’s a buzzing area where you can sample the local restaurants and enjoy the arts. There are live musicals, comedy shows and more, showcasing the creative hub of Hawaii and giving guests something a little bit different from the island’s usual hotspots.

Hanauma Bay 🏝

Hanauma Bay

The natural landscape is one of Hawaii’s biggest appeals, and Hanauma Bay is a prime example of the beauty found on the island. The nature preserve is full of seaside fun with its natural settings – it acts as a place where many go for a spot of snorkelling, thanks to the crystal clear waters.

Go whale watching 🐳

Go whale watching

If you’re visiting Hawaii between November and April, you might want to do a spot of whale watching. Maui, Big Island and Kaui are the best places to see the 10,000 humpbacks who migrate from their summer feeding grounds of Alaska during these months. Get the camera out and make a few new sea friends.

And horseback riding 🐎

And horseback riding

There’s a paniolo (cowboy) culture in Hawaii, and you can fully immerse yourself in it for a unique experience. Kahua Ranch’s Na’Alapa Stables is located in the island’s northern parts and offers horseback riding to holidaymakers looking for fun activities. A typical ride lasts between 1.5 and 2.5 hours and offers the chance to gallop along grassy terrain with panoramic views of the mountain and coastal areas.

Guide to Hawaii

Whether you’re backpacking around the island or staying at a five-star resort, Hawaii offers a little something for everyone. With world-class beaches, beautiful landscapes and locals ready to extend a friendly warm welcome, Hawaii is a place where you can do just about anything while experiencing one of the most beautiful places in the United States.