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From the relaxing beaches and sophisticated boutiques of Maui to the unspoilt natural beauty of Kaua’i, the Hawaiian Islands offer a unique and incredible holiday experience. Here is an overview of what you can expect from each of the four main islands.
Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
What to expect:
O‘ahu, the third-largest island in the group is home to the majority of Hawai`i’s diverse population, fusing Eastern and Western cultures with the values and traditions of the indigenous Hawaiian people. You’ll find an intoxicating blend of ancient and modern cultures: bustling city life and laidback surf towns, rugged mountains and towering skyscrapers, pineapple plantations and idyllic beaches.
Our favourite local holiday experience:
Waikiki Beach is a fantastic place to try your hand at the sport that was first made popular here; surfing. Sign up for a lesson, then celebrate your achievements with cold beverages and poke bowls at the iconic Duke’s Barefoot Bar.
Insider tip:
Take a day trip around the island, visiting iconic movie locations, legendary surf breaks and golden beaches along the way. When you reach the fabled North Shore, be sure to stop off at one of the famed shrimp trucks for a plate of freshly cooked shrimp doused in garlic, olive oil and lemon butter.
Aerial landscape view of spectacular Na Pali coast, Kauai, Hawaii
What to expect:
Hawai`i’s fourth-largest island is the oldest in the Hawaiian chain, renowned for its emerald valleys, steep mountains and jagged cliffs that are shrouded in tropical rainforests and cascading waterfalls. The island is home to a variety of outdoor activities: choose from kayaking the Wailua River, snorkelling on Poipu Beach, hiking the trails of Kokee State Park, or ziplining above Kauai’s lush valleys.
Our favourite local holiday experience:
Take a break from all that adventure with a treat from one of the island’s famous shave ice stands. Wishing Well in Hanalei is renowned for making theirs with organic, house-made flavours and locally farmed fruits.
Insider tip:
Fans of ‘Jurassic Park’ will find Kauai’s landscape familiar, and one of the best ways to experience its dramatic valleys and peaks, which have featured in many big movies, is by helicopter tour. Although you won’t see any dinosaurs, you can land at the famed Manawaiopuna Falls, which provided the backdrop for the movie’s dramatic helicopter landing site.
Maui, Hawaii
What to expect:
Hawai`i’s second-largest island is beloved for its world-famous beaches, the sacred Iao Valley, views of migrating humpback whales, farm-to-table cuisine and the magnificent sunrises and sunsets from the summit of Haleakala.
Our favourite local holiday experience:
The warm waters that surround the Hawaiian Islands are teeming with marine life, and one of the best ways to see what lies beneath the surface doesn’t even require you to get your hair wet! The Atlantis submarine underwater tour lets the whole family see what lies 100 feet below the surface, including a 19th century wreck and an artificial reef.
Insider tip:
Visit Maui between December and May and you may lucky enough to see the humpback whales which migrate through Hawaiian waters at this time every year.
Kilauea volcano around Hawaii volcanoes national park
What to expect:
The youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain, the Big Island is nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined and is still growing due to constant volcanic activity. Many of the world’s different climate zones can be found on the island, and two of its volcanoes – Kilauea and Maunaloa – are considered some of the world’s most active.
Our favourite local holiday experience:
What could be more thrilling than a visit to an active volcano? Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is an amazing place to explore – walk through ancient lava tubes and across its former lava flows, stopping off at Kilauea Visitor Centre for a great introduction to the park before you start.
Insider tip:
Although its beaches often take a back seat to its volcanoes, Hawai`i has its share of spectacular beaches, from the beautiful white sands of Hapuna Beach to the unusual green sands of Papakolea. And be sure to come prepared for some amazing snorkelling.
The islands of Hawai`i are all so different and so endearing, it can be difficult to decide on just one – so why not see them all on your next holiday?
For inspiration and assistance in planning your visit to the Hawaiian Islands, speak to your personal travel manager.
We at Travel Managers Australia recognise the traditional owners of the country where we live and work. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of Indigenous people and their enduring cultures and connections to the land and waters of New South Wales.
