All About the Aloha State
By Adam Davis, Editor
August 2006
Kauai's soaring sea cliffs. Maui's wild road to Hana. Oahu's legendary North Shore. The Big Island's lava-baked landscape. With so many unique island experiences to choose from, you might be tempted to take on more than that hula lesson on Waikiki Beach. Read on for an introduction to Hawaii’s four most popular islands--and don’t blame us if you’re finding it hard to pick just one.
Oahu: The Gathering Place
It’s hard to pin down Hawaii’s most populous island, where a short drive can take you from the plumeria-scented metropolis of Honolulu to the big-wave beaches of the North Shore. Jam-packed with diversions, from golf courses to nightclubs to the world’s largest outdoor shopping center, Oahu is ideal if you want your tropical retreat laced with life the fast lane.
Highlights:
- Hanauma Bay: This calm, crescent-shaped bay on the southeastern tip of Oahu can get crowded, but the dozens of species of tropical fish don’t seem to mind--and where there are fish, there are satisfied snorkelers and scuba divers. The bay is open every day except Tuesdays. Go early to avoid the crowds (and get a parking spot).
- Pearl Harbor: It’s hard to imagine one of the greatest turning points in American history taking place on this peaceful island in the middle of the Pacific, but a visit to USS Arizona Memorial puts the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor into dramatic perspective. A visit to this site is a must--just be sure to get there early to avoid long lines.
- The North Shore: Waikiki Beach suddenly feels very far behind as you cut through the pineapple plantations on Kamehameha Highway towards the North Shore. Stop in the town of Haleiwa for a shaved ice, then continue up the coast to the world’s most famous big-wave beaches: Waimea Bay, Banzai Pipeline, and Sunset Beach.
Maui: The Valley Isle
Funky towns, fields of sugarcane, volcanic beaches, and bumpy roads through misty rainforests make Maui a bona fide jack of all trades. Everyone from world-class windsurfers to septuagenarian whale watchers loves the Valley Isle--and that makes for a great mix of company over a round of Mai Tais as the sun goes down in Lahaina Town.
Highlights:
- Haleakala Crater: At more than 10,000 feet above sea level, this enormous dormant crater lays claim to one of the most legendary sunrises on Earth. It’s worth the 3am wake-up call to make it to the top for dawn. If you’re still feeling groggy after sunrise, get your adrenaline pumping on a bike tour from the top of the crater all the way down to sea level.
- The Road to Hana: This 50-mile stretch of topsy-turvy road gives credo to the old saying that it’s not the destination, but getting there that counts. Top off your gas tank, fasten your seatbelt, and set off for an eye-popping adventure along Maui’s verdant northeastern coast.
- Whale watching: From the shore or by sea, there’s nothing quite like seeing the humpback whales on their annual migration to the waters off the coast of Maui. Visit during the winter or early spring (January to April) for the best viewing opportunities.
Kauai: The Garden Isle
There’s a spot on Kauai that gets an average of 444 inches of rain each year--but that shouldn’t stop you from packing your swimsuit and sunscreen. Kauai’s lush foliage gives way to golden sands on the north and south shores. Just don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to leave the beach behind and discover the Garden Isle’s wild side--by foot, kayak, or even helicopter.
Highlights:
- Kayaking the Na Pali Coast: During the summer, when the conditions are just right, adventurous visitors glide past the emerald cliffs of the Na Pali Coast in sea kayaks. Tours are strenuous, and last a full day. But if you know how to swim and you’re physically fit, it’s the experience of a lifetime.
- Hanalei Bay: Even with Hawaii’s overload of picture-perfect beaches, this one stands out. On Kauai’s north coast, the long stretch of Hanalei Bay is calm and inviting for swimmers, snorkelers, and divers in the summer, and ferociously seductive for surfers in the winter.
- Waimea Canyon: If the Grand Canyon had a mini-me, this would be it. At one mile wide, 10 miles long, and 3,500 feet deep, Waimea Canyon is one of the greatest natural wonders of the Pacific. Hike in for a close-up view, or see it by helicopter.
The Island of Hawaii: The Big Island
Nature’s been a bit reckless on the Big Island, giving it a dash of just about everything under the sun: towering cliffs to the north, smoldering volcano vents to the south, misty jungles to the east, and lava-baked deserts to the west. If you’re coming to Hawaii for a tropical escape, then much of the Big Island might leave you high and dry. But if you’re the type to find beauty in a variety of climates and terrains, then the Big Island might be for you.
Highlights:
- Kohala Coast: This perennially sunny stretch on the northwest shore is dotted with some of the island’s top accommodations, including the legendary Mauna Kea Resort, built by Laurance Rockefeller back in 1965. Even if you’re not a guest at the Mauna Kea, stop by to see the tasteful Pacific and Asian art collection or test your skill on the Robert Trent Jones, Sr. golf course--home to the most famous Par 3 in the Pacific.
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: If you feel like the Big Island is growing on you, you’re right in more sense than one. Due to volcanic activity the island is adding on land mass every year--and you can be an eye witness to the geographic expansion on a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
- Parker Ranch: One of the largest working cattle ranches in the United States, Parker Ranch gives new meaning to the phrase, “way out West.” Throw on a pair of boots and explore the 175,000-acre ranch by horseback, wagon ride, or ATV.
For more travel tips and advice, check out Amy Ziff’s monthly column, Travel Trends & Advice from A to Z, at www.travelocity.com/atoz. To suggest a topic for a future column or to tell about a travel experience of your own, please email Amy Ziff at ask.amy@travelocity.com.
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