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United States » Hawaii
 City Guide
 
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Comprised of six tropical islands in the south pacific, Hawaii is a picturesque visitor destination for people worldwide. Here, visitors can enjoy the tranquility that comes with strolling along the beach at night or the adventure of activities like hang gliding and surfing. Oahu, the most populated of the Islands, features the world-class resort city of Honolulu and its well-known Waikiki Beach. The island of Maui is another popular spot.
Oahu
More than you imagined, more than you knew, Oahu is a rich and rewarding destination. Beyond the turquoise waters, the pristine beaches, and the razor-edged mountains, there s a legacy of royalty, a delicious blend of Pacific influences and the luxurious pace of island relaxation. Oahu is the sun and fun capital of the Hawaiian islands with an array of sea, land and sporting activities from which to choose. Visitors will enjoy hiking through rainforests, biking along mountain ranges and swimming in the azure blue waters of the Pacific. These activities are excellent vehicles to explore the environment, history and experience the culture of the island.
Maui
Maui s scenery is superb and its landscapes diverse. The island s sunny western coast is lined with gorgeous white-sand beaches, and the warm ocean waters are teeming with humpback whales. You can explore jungle and waterfalls, windsurf with the pros or enjoy a drink at Lahaina s historic taverns.
Maui is known as The Valley Island because of its two large extinct volcanoes divided by a central valley. It s the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands and the most developed of the Neighbor Islands. It s renowned for its fine beaches and some of the world s best windsurfing and surf spots.
Kauai
Kauai, the Garden Isle, lavishes pristine beauty on all who visit. Miles of sandy beaches line the shores of Kauai. Enjoy Lumahai Beach-famous for its role in the movie South Pacific. The resort area of Poipu Beach is particularly popular. Kee Beach is noted for its exceptional snorkeling. Inviting lava rock pools can be enjoyed in Lydgate State Park. For some local history visit the Kauii Museum in Lihue, the main town, or the ancient Tahitian temple Poliahu Heiau. Hiking is popular in Kauai-adventurous hikers can challenge the cliffs of the Na Pali Coast on the Kalalau Trail near the resort area of Princeville.
Molokai
The island clings to tradition. Its small population prefers to live by raising crops, catching fish and adhering to the old ways. Molokai isn t merely a lovely island, it s the only island for those who what to experience something besides commercial luau, fancy shops, big resorts and the company of tourists. Instead, discover serenity, empty beaches and untamed outdoor beauty. In short, you ll experience a place where you can look inward as much as outward. You will also find the Hawaiian culture, which is woven into the fabric of everyday life.
Lanai
If your idea of an island getaway includes ultra luxury and secluded privacy, the Island of Lanai awaits you. Just over 3,000 people live on this small island. Life evolves around its one charming town, Lanai City, and two deluxe properties, the upcountry Lodge at Koele and the ocean side Manele Bay Hotel. Both consistently win top resort honors. Two stellar gold courses, a spa, fine dining choices, and plenty of outdoor activities and water sports guarantee there ll be plenty to do until its high tea in the music room.
Lanai s unique outdoor attractions are the primary reason for visiting the island. They include the Garden of the Gods in Kanepu u, where rocks and boulders are scattered across a crimson landscape as if some divine being had placed them there as a sculpture garden. Adjacent is a self-guided nature trail leading through the Kanepu u Preserve, a unique dry land forest hosting some 48 native species, including the endangered Hawaiian gardenia. The waters at Hulopo e Beach are so clear that within a minute of snorkeling you can see fish the colors of turquoise and jade.
Big Island
The spirit and energy of creation surrounds you everywhere on Hawaii s Big Island. Polynesian legend claims the goddess Pele gave volcanic birth to the Islands of Aloha. Countless waterfalls feeding rain forests of botanical wonder add a fantasy flavor to the landscape. Massive black lava fields hint at the island s relative youth. And multiples of uncrowned beaches let you catch your breath amidst unspoiled beauty. It s thrilling.
During your vacation here on Hawaii s Big Island, you ll find yourself - renewed, refreshed, amazed, informed and deeply touched - by abundant, spectacular and unspoiled nature, by the warmth of an authentic Aloha spirit. Hawaii s Big Island is famous as a magnet for the peoples of the world.
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By Air
Direct Flights: United Airways, Aloha Airways, Cathay Pacific
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Attractions In Oahu:
Under water adventure, see the various colours of the ocean by diving deep into the blue waters, snorkelling
Waimea Valley and Soft Adventure Park
waterfall; rainforest trail; kayaking; mountain bike rides
Honolulu Heritage Trail
Ialani Palace, Bishop museum, Kawaiaha o church
Tantalus Drive - Honolulu Forest Reserve
scenic drive and walks overlooking Honolulu
Attractions In Maui:
Whale Watching
Nov-May; calving late Jan-Mar; excellent viewing from coast
Historical Lahaina Town
charming seaside town; art galleries; restaurants
Haleakala Crater
sunrise; hiking trails; mountain biking
Road to Hana and Kipahulu Reserve
tropical rainforest; valleys; waterfalls;
Snorkelling Molokini
snorkelling and scuba diving
Attractions In Kauai:
Na Pali Coast and Kokee State Park
dramatic coastline; hiking; scenic beaches
Helicopter Sightseeing to Mt. Waialeale
wettest place on earth, waterfalls, spectacular views
Kayaking
exceptional river and sea kayaking
Waimea Canyon
river gorges; scenic lookouts; hiking trails
Hanalei Bay and Valley
tropical mountains; taro plantations; kayaking
Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge
sea birds and Hawaiian Monk seal colonies, coastal hike
Sights of Wailua River
historical sights, Fern Grotto, river tours and waterfalls
Attractions In Big Island:
Archaeological Sites of The Ancient Hawaiian s
stone foundations; temples; petroglyphs; Captain Cook memorial
Volcano National Park
lava flows, volcanic crater, walking trails
Hiking Waipio Valley
lush valley, black sand beach, waterfalls, strenuous hiking
Waterfalls and Botanical Gardens of Hilo
Tropical rainforest, short trails, cascading waterfalls
Waimea Countryside and Pololu Valley
horse riding; cattle ranches; valley and coastal trails
Summit of Mauna Kea
13,796 feet; observatory and star gazing; snow in winter
Attractions In Molokai:
Halawa Valley
Situated on the eastern side of Molokai.
Attraction type: Valley
Molokai Ranch
A 100 year old, 53,000-acre ranch with breathtaking views and scenery.
Attraction type: Ranch; Wildlife park; Biking trail (mountain)
Molokai Mule Ride
A two hour mule ride down an 1800 foot cliff to Kalaupapa Peninsula.
Attraction type: Hiking trail
Kalaupapa National Historical Park
This historical park was a former leper colony run by Father Damien in the 1930s.
Attraction type: National park
Attractions In Lanai:
Munro Trail
Attraction type: Hiking trail; other
Shipwreck Beach
Attraction type: Beach
The Challenge at Manele
This 18-hole, par-72 course over 7,039 yards runs on red lava fields along a scenic coastline, offering stimulating challenges like drives over cliff, deep gorges and ravines with flags very close to the cliff s edge.
Attraction type: Golf course
Kanepuu Preserve
Attraction type: Nature reserve
The Experience at Koele
This 18-hole, Par-72 course at 7,012 yards is refreshing and stimulating, where the back nine is on flat terrain and front nine more scenic, difficult but fun.
Attraction type: Golf course
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Shopping In Oahu:
Even if you re not a born shopper, Oahu s dozens of malls and endless boutiques will lure you in for at least a bit of window-shopping. In addition to finding that priceless piece of artwork you ve dreamt about (at a bargain to boot!), in every town on the island you ll find the best street-market deals on souvenirs for friends and family back home.
Honolulu (including Waikiki) has the biggest concentration of small and large malls, street markets and food venues. Not-to-be-missed highlights include Hilo Hattie, Ala Moana Shopping Center, International Marketplace, Honolulu s Chinatown, and the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet.
Shopping In Maui:
Maui offers a harmonious mix of big-department-store malls - primarily in Kahului, serving the resident population - and well-placed clusters of boutiques offering the wares of talented local artists, beach wear, high-end jewelry, thrift items, antiques and cheap souvenirs. Higher-end goods you ll find in Maui s upscale resort areas.
Memorabilia hunters will want to spend a day in charming Wailuku. Although the shopping selection here is somewhat limited, you ll have fun browsing the antique shops, thrift outlets and small boutiques along the town s main street.
If you drive the road to east Maui, you may encounter a farmers market or arts and crafts fair in the tiny town of Hana. Also look for Hasegawa s General Store, a relic of the family-owned, corner-grocery-store days of a bygone era.
Shopping In Kauai:
The hub of activity on the island of Kaua i, Lihu e offers a handful of moderately sized shopping centers scattered along Kuhio Avenue. Farther north, Kapa a and Wailua offer a string of gift shops, cafés, art galleries and great health food stores, in addition to several small shopping complexes.
While visiting Kaua i be sure to tour the island s smaller towns. On the North Shore (Kilauea, Hanalei, Princeville) and the South Shore (Po ipu, Koloa, Hanapepe, Waimea) you ll find fewer shopping centers and a delightful abundance of specialty shops. Hanapepe Town offers more than a dozen fine-art galleries along its main thoroughfare.
A bit west of Waimea looks for great deals at the Spouting Horn flea market. With some exploring you ll discover more than your suitcase can hold - including such distinct, hand-crafted items as black pearl jewelry, handmade quilts, exotic flowers and plants, fine cigars, fragrant soaps, and seascape watercolors.
Shopping In Big Island Hawaii
Visitors to the island of Hawaii will find big-mall shopping - with the likes of JC Penney, Borders Books and Music, Safeway Superstores, Wal-Mart and Macy s - in Hilo and Kailua-Kona. Kona s Ali i Drive, running along Kailua Bay and through the heart of this lively seaside town, is packed with art galleries, fine jewelry shops, outdoor bazaars and gourmet cafés.Outside of town is perhaps where the real bounty can be found. Along this vast island s quieter byways the bargain hunter can explore clutches of main-street boutiques offering fine art, organic local snack foods, antiques and unusual collectibles.
Start 10 miles north of Hilo on the Hamakua Coast, in tiny Honomu Village, whose block-long main street is a window-shopper s delight. Travel a few miles farther up the road where Waimea s charming main street showcases everything from pure Kona coffee and handicrafts to Stetsons and cowboy boots. Then head south to Na alehu - the southernmost town on the Big Island (and in United States) - and finish out the day with a legendary slice of Punalu u sweet bread and a fresh sample from a roadside fruit stand.
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Getting Around Oahu
Oahu has a comprehensive bus system, making the island easy to explore by public transport. It will be necessary to hire a car to fully explore the other main islands.
Getting Around Maui
Nearly all of the major rental car agencies offer car rentals from the Kahului airport. One note of caution -- if you plan to drive to one of Maui s scenic locations in the mountains or on the other side of the island, please be aware that many of the roads are narrow and winding. You may find some roads difficult to navigate in a van or SUV.
Getting Around Kauai
Getting around Kauai is easy with a rental car.
Getting Around Big Island
By Bus - The Big Island s public transportation system, called Hele-On, consists of a main route between Hilo and Kailua-Kona that operates once a day in each direction, plus several feeder routes to Volcano, Pahoa and Waikoloa that run two or three times a day.
By Car - the Big Island requires the rental of a car or motorcycle if you plan to do any serious exploring. The two-lane highways along the Kona Coast, Hamakua Coast and through the Volcano area are narrow, packed with tour buses and trucks, and the traffic flows fast. You ll want to be behind either the wheel of a car or the handlebars of a motorcycle
Getting Around Molokai
Molokai Island has no public transportation, but you can easily get around by Car and Taxi. Rental Car and Taxi are available at the Molokai Airport.
Getting Around Lanai
By Car or Bike. With so few paved roads here, you ll need a four-wheel-drive vehicle if you plan on exploring the island s remote shores, its interior, or the summit of Mount Lanai hale.
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Zaffron, Oahu
India Cafe, Oahu
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Zanzabar Night Club - Oahu
Ocean Club - Oahu Moose Mcgilly Cuddy s - Lahaina
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