Hello fellow travelers! Hope all is well in the adventure world and that everyone is having an amazing time planning or experiencing life-changing trips. I am happy to announce that I will be traveling to Hawaii for the first time this summer and am so excited to start researching all the culture and sights of Hawaii. I hope that you all find my tips and info helpful!
Oahu: For a little background, Oahu holds 3/4 of Hawaii's residents, even though it is not the largest of the island. Its two main cities are Honolulu and Waikiki. Oahu is famous for its beautiful rainforests and great snorkeling bays. Wai'anae Mountains and Ko'olau Range are the two main peaks that create great environments for hiking and exploring the various terrains that Oahu offers. This island is perfect for family travel with its sea life, historic sights, and other activities. For instance, it houses Pearl Harbor where you and your family can tour submarines and aircraft carriers. You can experience the wild life with the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium. If you are more into the adventurous side, Oahu promises a wide range of water activities from snorkeling in the famous Hanauma Bay and catching the gigantic waves on the North Shore.
Hartz, Perrie. Fodor's Hawaii. New York: Fodor's Travel Publications, 2016. Print.
Friedman, Bonnie. Eyewitness Travel Hawaii. N.p.: Dk Pub, 2015. Print.
Oahu: For a little background, Oahu holds 3/4 of Hawaii's residents, even though it is not the largest of the island. Its two main cities are Honolulu and Waikiki. Oahu is famous for its beautiful rainforests and great snorkeling bays. Wai'anae Mountains and Ko'olau Range are the two main peaks that create great environments for hiking and exploring the various terrains that Oahu offers. This island is perfect for family travel with its sea life, historic sights, and other activities. For instance, it houses Pearl Harbor where you and your family can tour submarines and aircraft carriers. You can experience the wild life with the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium. If you are more into the adventurous side, Oahu promises a wide range of water activities from snorkeling in the famous Hanauma Bay and catching the gigantic waves on the North Shore.
- Top destinations in Oahu:
- Polynesian Cultural Center: Replicates six Pacific cultures through architecture, dancing, singing, food, and clothing. (*Closed on Sundays)
- Byodo-In Temple: This shrine is dedicated to the first Japanese immigrants and is located in the Valley of the Temples. Tip: Visit this temple at sunset, even though you won't be able to go inside the colors of the sunset frame the shrine for a spectacular sight. To know: Photography is prohibited unless you have a reservation ($100 for personal photography)
- Diamond Head: 760ft volcanic peak. The hike is 3/4th of a mile for beautiful views of Honolulu and Waikiki. To beat the crowds Foder's Travel advises to start the hike before 8 am. *The gates close at 6pm.*
- Makapu'u Point: Spectacular views of the beach and you only need to climb 100ft for views. More experienced hikers can climb even higher.
- Waimea Valley: A beautiful place to see waterfalls, animals, and world-class botanical gardens. (*Waihī Waterfall is 45ft tall and about 3/4th of a mile from the entrance of the Valley) Open 9am to 5pm everyday of the week.
- Top Destination in Maui:
- The Road to Hana: This winding gorgeous road provides a stunning journey along the coast that brings you right in the middle of the rainforest. There are many stops along the way where you can use the trails to find hidden waterfalls and pools perfect for swimming.
- Nākālele Point: Red-hued cliffs over the water that holds a special surprise when the water shoots through the lava tube submerged under the sea.
- Banyan Tree: Located in Lahaina, this 60ft high tree covers 2/3rds of an acre and it the location of many celebrations and festivals.
- Waianapanapa State Park: Go here to explore the freshwater caves and black sand beaches. It is located along the Road to Hana.
- Fun Fact about Hawaii:
- Hawaii is made up of 132 islands
- Hawaii is the only U.S. state that grows coffee.
- The Big Island has 8 out of 13 of the world's climate zones.
- Flip-Flops are called "slippers" and everyone wears them.
- Aloha can mean: hello, welcome, love, best wishes, and goodbye.
- They produce apple-bananas and strawberry-papaya.
- 5 million cans of Spam are sold in Hawaii per year.
- Lava is 50% comprised of Silica, most commonly known as glass.
- Never wear a Lei before giving it to someone else. They say that once you wear it, it absorbs your spirit so you would be giving away part of yourself.
- 90% of Hawaii's food and energy is imported.
Hartz, Perrie. Fodor's Hawaii. New York: Fodor's Travel Publications, 2016. Print.
Friedman, Bonnie. Eyewitness Travel Hawaii. N.p.: Dk Pub, 2015. Print.