With its unique culture, inspired culinary scene and huge selection of outdoor activities, Hawai‘i is truly like nowhere else on earth. Imagine the warmth of the sun, the sand between your toes and unparalleled natural beauty all around you. There are six Hawaiian Islands all with incredible, unique experiences for you to enjoy. The diversity of the islands is part of the adventure, but a common element is the love of life and generous spirit of the Hawaiian people. They are firmly rooted in the traditions of their unique music, dance and cuisine - and they tell wonderful stories of their kings and gods of old.
The first thing that strikes you about Hawai‘i is the warmth of the welcome. Aloha - the spirit of the islands - is often heard as a greeting, but the meaning of Aloha goes deeper. It means love, kindness and compassion. It can also mean mercy, sympathy, sentiment, grace and charity. A Lei is a garland or wreath of flowers presented upon arriving or leaving as a symbol of affection. Lei should never be thrown away casually, or tossed into the trash. Traditionally they should be returned to the place they were gathered, or if that is not possible, they should be returned to the earth by hanging in a tree, burying, or burning. A lei represents love, and to throw one away represents throwing away the love of the giver.
Many tourists seek the opportunity to attend a traditional Hawaiian feast called a Luau. The name refers to the taro leaf that is frequently served. Popular Luau Dishes include Poi (pounded taro plant root; a starch meant to be eaten with everything) Chicken Long Rice (a chicken noodle soup-like dish with bean thread noodles and ginger) and Kalua Pig - pork which is prepared in an imu or underground oven and shredded. The underground imu oven is part of traditional Polynesian culture. Heated stones are layered with green vegetation to create steam, then comes the food, followed by covering material and finally a layer of dirt to seal the oven.
Another “must see” cultural experience in Hawai‘i is Hula dancing. In ancient Hawai‘i, a time when a written language did not exist, hula and its chants played an important role in keeping history, genealogy, mythology and culture alive. With each movement – a hand gesture, step of foot, swaying of hips – a story would unfold. For many years following the arrival of missionaries, the hula as well as the Hawaiian language and music were suppressed. It wasn’t until King David Kalakaua came to the throne in 1874 that Hawaiian cultural traditions were restored. Public performances of hula flourished and by the early 1900s, the hula had evolved with modern times. Today, this unique art form has become a worldwide symbol of Hawaiian culture.
The beaches of Hawai‘i come in all colours – white, black and red – and come fringed by coconuts or accented by dramatic cliffs. Some beaches are pounded by the spectacular waves that draw surfers from all around the world. Other beaches are lapped by gentle waves and protected by off shore reefs. Cristal clear waters and year-round warm temperatures ensure that there are always wonderful opportunities to bask in the sunshine.
If you are looking for activities the list is almost endless - deep sea fishing, sea kayaking, surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving, nature watching for dolphins or Humpback Whales, swimming with manta rays, going down in the Atlantis submarine, taking a scenic helicopter tour, ascending a volcano, hiking, bird watching, biking, ziplining, shopping, visiting the spa, lounging on the beach… Hawai‘i also attracts golfers of every level from around the world with more than 70 golf courses resort - both public and resort courses. All the islands have great golfing offering one-of-a-kind signature holes and championship-calibre course designs, with greens lined with black volcanic rough and stunning seaside water hazards.
Hawai‘i is a wonderfully romantic destination and a perfect choice for weddings, honeymoons, vow renewal, and romance generally. Sunset strolls on the beach, intimate dinners at unique restaurants and couples massages at luxury resorts all set the scene for a perfect couple’s vacation in one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
If Hawai‘i is on your bucket list it’s easier to get to Hawai‘i than ever. WestJet and Air Canada offer a huge selection of flights to the four major islands of Hawai‘i, and there are even direct flights from Toronto to Honolulu with Air Canada Rouge that will start in mid December and run until mid April. So picture yourself in Hawai‘i right now!
Kaua‘i is the oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain. It is draped in emerald valleys and etched by sharp mountain spires and jagged cliffs aged by time and the elements. It is the fourth largest island and is sometimes called the "Garden Island". Centuries of growth have formed tropical rainforests, forking rivers and cascading waterfalls. Some parts of Kauai are only accessible by sea or air, revealing views beyond your imagination. More than just dramatic beauty, the island is also home to a variety of outdoor activities. You can kayak the Wailua River, snorkel on Poipu Beach, hike the trails of Kokee State Park, or go ziplining above Kauai's lush valleys. But, it is the island's laid-back atmosphere and rich culture, found in its small towns, that make it truly timeless.
While Kauai is famous for its dramatic scenery, it’s also home to some of Hawai‘i’s most picturesque beaches. The island is surrounded by 50 miles of shimmering white-sand coast where you can enjoy jaw-droppingly beautiful unspoiled views and a low-key atmosphere away from the crowds. Find activities for both daring and more relaxed travelers, from surfing Hanalei Bay’s waves in the North Shore to spotting whales and sea turtles at Poipu Beach Park in the south.
The island offers helicopter tours for bird’s eye views of its dramatic scenery. Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular activities as well as golf, pampering spas, garden visits and sunset strolls. If you go in November you can attend the Slack Key Guitar Festival www.slackkeyfestival.com and discover this iconic music of Hawai‘i.
The island is made up of 7 distinct microclimates - from the desert-like West Side to the tropical rain forest interior. Kaua‘i’s light trade winds blow away the humidity and the climate is mild all year round.
North Shore is home to dramatic natural beauty like the cliffs of the Napali Coast and it is an outdoor lovers paradise. The East Side is also called the Coconut Coast because of the groves of coconut palms that grow there.
Lihue is the island's government and commercial center but it is surrounded by natural wonders like Wailua Falls. Kauai is home to the only navigable rivers in Hawai‘i, so kayaking is an integral part of a unique Kauai vacation. Paddle down the Wailua River as it weaves through lush, jungle landscapes.
On the South Shore you'll find sites with cultural, historical, and geological significance alongside beautiful beaches. Poipu Beach Park is one of Kaui’s most popular beaches, with its crystal-clear waters and occasional appearances by Hawaiian monk seals. Poipu also has a natural wading pool for young swimmers.
On the West Side you will discover the charming, art-filled Town of Hanapepe as well as the scenic vistas of Kokee State Park. Spread over 4,345 acres on a plateau 3,200 to 4,200 feet above sea level, Kokee State Park is covered in forest, wild flowers and hiking trails. It is an excellent spot to see native plants and colorful endemic Hawaiian forest birds like the apapane, iwi and moa.
Sometimes called “The Gathering Place,” Oahu certainly lives up to its name. It is the third largest Hawaiian island and home to the majority of Hawai‘i’s diverse population. Here you will find a fusion of East and West cultures rooted in the values and traditions of the Native Hawaiian people. It’s this contrast of ancient and modern that defines Oahu — from bustling city life to laidback surf towns. You'll find plenty of different options as you explore Oahu's diverse regions, the island's many activities and its eclectic restaurants and accommodations.
As the largest island, Oahu is packed with things to do. There are over 16 golf courses to choose from. Deep Sea Fishing promises the opportunity to catch Blue Marlin, Wahoo and more. Well known for its surfing, Oahu also offers you the chance to enjoy the sea by going down in the Atlantis Submarine. Honolulu’s Waikiki area has fabulous shopping from local crafts to international brands. The huge range of dining options includes food trucks (including world famous “Shrimp trucks” with Kahuku shrimp) and “Shave Ice” snow cones. Another unique offering is “Malasadas” – Portuguese deep fried pastries. And if you go in November you can celebrate the wonderful cuisine of Hawai‘i by attending the Hawai‘i food and wine festival www.Hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com.
Honolulu is the state capital and largest city in Hawai‘i. Honolulu is a unique combination of tropical glamour and buzzing international metropolis, where sandy shores meet city streets. If Oahu is the heart of Hawai‘i, then Honolulu is its racing pulse. In this cosmopolitan capital city, you’ll find everything from historic landmarks to fine dining to world-class shopping. Home to the majority of Oahu’s population, Honolulu stretches across the southeastern shores of the island, from Pearl Harbor to Makapuu Point, encompassing world-famous Waikiki Beach along the way.
Located on the south shore of Honolulu, the world-famous neighborhood of Waikiki was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty. Known in Hawaiian as "spouting waters”, Waikiki is Oahu’s main hotel and resort area and a vibrant gathering place for visitors from around the world. Along the main strip of Kalakaua Avenue you'll find world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, activities and resorts.
The lush Windward Coast is only a short drive from Honolulu. Here you can enjoy the peaceful Japanese Byodo-in Buddhist Temple and adventurous Kualoa Ranch. As you drive along Pali Highway, skyscrapers and the sprawling city of Honolulu give way to lush valleys and country landscapes. A trip to the Windward Coast reveals a slower-paced side of Oahu, and some of the most stunning natural beauty anywhere in Hawai‘i.
In Central Oahu you can get a unique perspective on World War II with a visit to Pearl Harbor, or explore the island's agricultural traditions at the Dole pineapple plantation. Pearl Harbor is the largest natural harbor in Hawai‘i. This active naval base is home to five Pearl Harbor Historic Sites that you can visit: The Pacific Historic Parks, the USS Battleship Missouri Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, the Pacific Aviation Museum and the USS Oklahoma Memorial. These special monuments commemorate the historic events that changed the course of history during World War II.
Leeward Coast is an area on Oahu's west side that is home to rural towns, off-the-beaten-path beaches and one luxurious resort area, Ko Olina. Other fun and family-friendly attractions in the area include a traditional Hawaiian experience at Paradise Cove Luau and the Wet n’ Wild Hawai‘i water park. Local beaches include Makaha Beach, one of the first spots where surfers began big wave surfing, and Yokohama Bay.
Oahu’s North Shore today is the big wave surfing capital of the world. If the perfect wave exists, you’ll find it on Oahu’s North Shore. The towering, glassy winter waves of this legendary surf mecca draw the best surfers in the world, while smaller and gentler summer waves are better for beginners. Stretching for more than 7 miles, the beaches of the North Shore host the world’s premier surfing competitions during the peak winter months, including the biggest of them all, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (November - December).
Maui, also known as “The Valley Isle,” is the second largest Hawaiian island. The island is beloved for its world-famous beaches, the sacred Iao Valley, views of migrating humpback whales (during winter months), farm-to-table cuisine and the magnificent sunrise and sunset from Haleakala Volcano. So perhaps it is not surprising that Maui has been voted "Best Island in the U.S." by Condé Nast Traveler readers for more than 20 years. Canadian travellers also love Maui and it gets the highest number of Canadian visitors of all the Hawaiian islands.
With 120 miles of coastline, Maui boasts over 30 miles of beautiful beaches. On these world famous shores you’ll find white, black and red sand beaches, renowned surfing and windsurfing spots as well as some of the best beaches in the world to simply swim, snorkel and sunbathe. Many are easily accessible beach parks with lifeguards, picnic facilities and restrooms. Others are undeveloped, "secret spots" found off the beaten path.
Activities in Maui include glass bottomed boats, sea kayaking, snorkeling and scuba. On land you can visit the Molokini crater, hike, bike, zipline or take a swing on Maui’s 12 golf courses. If you visit in November you can get a great insight into the culture at the Made in Maui County Festival www.madeinmauicountyfestival.com. This showcases the arts and crafts, jewelry, fashions and food trucks.
The waters surrounding Maui are the stage for some of the best whale watching in the world. Each winter (December through May), thousands of kohola (humpback whales) travel to Hawai‘i from colder waters to breed, calve and nurse their young. The whales are drawn to the area’s shallow waters, especially the Auau Channel between Maui, Molokai and Lanai, making Maui an ideal jumping-off spot for whale watching.
In Central Maui head to Wailuku for mom-and-pop shops and eateries along the way to visit the Iao Valley State Park. This top attraction in Central Maui offers burbling streams and an easy hike on a paved trail to view one of Maui’s most iconic landmarks, the 1,200-foot Iao Needle.
Visitors to East Maui who brave the Hana Highway’s signature hairpin turns and narrow bridges are rewarded with out-of-this-world views of lush rainforests, gorgeous waterfalls and exotic beaches. When your mind imagines Maui, it probably looks a lot like the island’s epic east side: cascading waterfall pools hidden in lush rainforests, roadside pineapple stands, hairpin turns around plunging sea cliffs. It’s all here, along the legendary Road to Hana—one big reason why East Maui is a must-see on any traveler’s list.
South Maui is known for the tropical beaches of Kihei, Makena and Wailea – where you can relax and unwind at a world-class resort or tee off at one of the 13 world-renowned golf courses. You’ll find the sunniest, driest area of Maui on the peaceful southwestern coast. Maui's southwestern shores are home to many extraordinary beaches, including Makena Beach which is 1.5 miles of golden sand stretching as wide as 100 feet in places.
The sunny northwest coast of Maui was once a retreat for Hawaiian royalty and the capitol of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Today, West Maui is home to spectacular resorts, shopping, restaurants, a wealth of activities and some of the most amazing sunsets in the world.
If you venture to Upcountry Maui you can watch the sunrise from the peak of Haleakala, see ancient Hawai‘i’s desert landscapes and discover unique, locally grown food. Towering over the island of Maui and visible from just about any point, Haleakala Crater is a force of nature in every sense. At 10,023 feet above sea level, this dormant volcano is the stage for a breathtaking range of landscapes—and skyscapes. Haleakala means "house of the sun" in Hawaiian, and legend goes that the demigod Maui lassoed the sun from its journey across the sky as he stood on the volcano’s summit, slowing its descent to make the day last longer.
Spanning more than 30,000 acres of public land, the stunning landscapes range from Mars-like red deserts and rock gardens near the summit to lush waterfalls and streams in the park’s coastal Kipahulu section. On the lower slopes of Haleakala are the famous Pools of Oheo in Oheo Gulch. Here you’ll discover beautifully tiered pools leading to the sea that are fed by waterfalls. Weather permitting, you can take a dip in the tranquil waters, fed by streams starting 2 miles inland.
The island of Hawai‘i is the youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain. Nearly twice as big as all the other Hawaiian Islands combined (hence, its nickname, “Big Island”), its sheer size is awe-inspiring. You can travel through all four of the world's different climate zones, ranging from Wet Tropical to Polar Tundra - a result of the shielding effect and elevations of the massive volcanoes Maunakea and Maunaloa. From the molten magma flowing at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park to the snow-capped heights of Maunakea; from the lush valleys of the Hamakua Coast to the jet-black sands of Punaluu Beach, the island of Hawai‘i is an unrivaled expression of the power of nature.
A highlight of any trip to the island of Hawai‘i is Volcanoes National Park. You can see one of the most active volcanoes on earth and learn how the Hawaiian Islands were formed. It is a chance to witness the primal process of creation and destruction that makes this both one of the most popular visitor attractions and a sacred place. According to legend, the Volcano goddess Pele lives at the summit of Kilauea. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park encompasses 333,000 acres from the summit of Maunaloa to the sea. Discover 150 miles of hiking trails through volcanic craters, scalded deserts and rainforests, as well as a museum, petroglyphs, a walk-in lava tube and two active volcanoes: Maunaloa, which last erupted in 1984 and Kilauea which has been erupting since January 3, 1983. It is a remarkable experience to see the glowing volcano lava and stars at night.
Another “must do” for tourists is the drive around the island – proclaimed as one of national Geographic’s “Ultimate Road Trips”. The long list of island activities also includes sea kayaking, whale watching, snorkeling and diving, swimming with Manta rays or an undersea trip in the Atlantis Submarine. As well as 13 Golf Courses there are art galleries and farmers markets to explore. Excellent coffee grows on the island of Hawai‘i and if you visit in November you can celebrate its flavour at the Kona Coffee Festival www.konacoffeefest.com.
If you’re driving along the Hamakua Coast you will discover hidden gems including taro farms, black sand beaches, splendid waterfalls and more. Located just north of Hilo on the northeastern side of the island of Hawai‘i, the Hamakua Coast is one of the most beautiful stretches of scenery on the island. With nearly 84 inches of rainfall a year, the region boasts lush tropical rainforests, stunning waterfalls and tranquil green valleys.
During most of the 19th and 20th centuries, the Hamakua Coast was covered with sugar cane. Today, communities can still be found where small farmers grow kalo (taro), hearts of palm, vegetables and tropical fruit. Small towns like Honokaa also feature specialty shops and boutiques with their own local flavor. Stop and tour gardens full of exotic plants, including the Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden and World Botanical Gardens with its triple-tiered Umauma Falls.
At Puna you can see dramatic features such as lava trees and molds at Lava Trees State Park and swim in volcanically heated tide pools. Because of constant volcanic activity on the island of Hawai‘i, you'll find black sand beaches as well as white. Located on the southeastern Kau coast, Punaluu Black Sand Beach is one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawai‘i. Coconut palms fringe the upper edge of the sand and you may also discover large honu, (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles), basking on the beach.
The sunny Kona District stretches almost two-thirds of the entire West side of the island of Hawai‘i. Along this expansive area, you’ll find bright blue water, abundant resorts, coffee farms and tastings, and unique historical and cultural landmarks.
A particularly significant historic place is Kealakekua Bay to the south. This is where Captain James Cook first set foot on the island in 1778 and where he was eventually killed. South of Kealakekua Bay is Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, a well-restored Hawaiian “place of refuge.” North of Kailua-Kona is the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park, a 1160-acre park that lets you explore early heiau (temples), fishponds and petroglyphs.
The island of Hawai‘i is often called the “Golf Capital of Hawai‘i” because of the renowned courses found along the Kohala Coast. Nestled amongst the jet-black and rust-red lava rock fields, a result of eruptions from the island's volcanos centuries ago, are green oases full of world-class accommodations, fine dining and some of Hawai‘i’s best golf courses. The sun-drenched Kohala Coast sees an annual average rainfall of only nine inches, so soak in the sun and relax at Hapuna Beach State Park, one of the island of Hawai‘i’s largest white sand beaches, indulge at local restaurants or recharge at a local spa.
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