Beach vacations
Whichever of the islands you choose, everywhere you will find excellent beaches: secluded and not so secluded, hard to reach or those that can be accessed directly from the hotel. All of them will be beautiful, mostly with a gentle approach to the water, appreciable waves in summer and very big – in winter, as well as a complete ban on nudism.
The leader in the number of cool beaches – Oahu, chief among them – Waikiki, where it is always crowded and fun. No less famous Hanuma Bay, where they come and snorkel – there are coral reefs not far from the shore.
Beach Oahu Lanikai called one of the most beautiful in the world, and here the beautiful sunrises. Also considered the most beautiful vacation area is the coast of Na Pali island-garden Kauai. Hawaii is famous for its colored beaches: green on the Big Island (Hawaii), black on the Big Island and Kauai, and red on Maui. Celebrity favorite beaches, Kaunaoa and Ka’anapali, are on the Big Island and Maui, respectively.
Most of the smaller beaches do not have developed infrastructure. In addition, inexperienced swimmers and children should be especially careful in Hawaii – waves can carry you into the ocean, and sharks can occur.
Active Recreation
Hawaiians claim that surfing was born on their islands. This explains the fact that almost everyone here is surfing (surfing is included in the school curriculum), everywhere and always. Although of the seasons, athletes prefer winter: in November and April around the archipelago are the highest waves.
The most popular island among surfers is Oahu. In its northern part in the winter waves are born up to 7 meters, they “saddle” professionals, there are held competitions. In the southern part, especially on Waikiki, will be comfortable for beginners. Also good spots on the island of Kauai – Tannells Beach, Poipu Beach, and others.
For scuba diving should go from May to October, when the ocean is calm: you can meet not only the fish, but also turtles, rays, sharks, dolphins, and even whales. There are sunken tankers, airplanes and interesting caves on the west and east sides of Oahu. The Molokini Volcano Crater off the island of Maui and the volcanic tunnels around Kauai are no less tempting.
And for surfers and divers working special schools and rent equipment. In addition to these sports, hiking through national parks is popular.
Excursions
There aren’t enough classic island sights: lovers of architecture and art will have to content themselves with Iolani Palace (official site), Polynesian Cultural Center (official site), Museum of Bishop (official site) and the base Pearl Harbor (official site), the movie about which at one time became a cult. But for nature lovers, it’s a treat.
On the Big Island, visit Volcano National Park and try to climb Mauna Kea and see Kilauea, a very active volcano, on Oahu go to Diamond Head Reserve. On Kauai, you can walk through Waimea Canyon and appreciate the ethereal beauty of the Na Pali coastline from a kayak or boat.
If you can’t afford it, helicopter and submarine tours are the best way to experience it.
Hawaii for Kids
On the one hand, a trip to Hawaii with children – the pleasure is doubtful: a long flight, hotels-towns with children’s clubs and saving “all inclusive” can’t be found. On the other hand, there’s so much to see and do that little travelers should definitely be taken.
For entertainment, go to Kualoa Farm (official website) on Oahu to feel like a hero of “Jurassic Park” and “Kong: Skull Island” movies. It is a must to visit the Honolulu Zoo (official site) with funny lemurs, rhinos, cheetahs, the Komodo Dragon, etc.
Also on Oahu, there is the Sea Life Park Hawaii oceanarium, the dolphinarium, the trampoline center, the research center, and other centers for kids.
On the Big Island, kids will enjoy the seahorse farm (73-4388 Ilikai Place, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740) and its many wildlife refuges, and whale watching off Kauai.