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Hawaii
Aloha!
Welcome to the Aloha State!
Why
The Why, When & How to visit...
The beautiful landscape with volcanoes, canyons, bays, and black sand beaches is certainly appealing. The Polynesian culture is a highlight that draws people to Hawaii. It's also the furthest away you can get from the continental United States without actually leaving the US or needing a passport, if a US citizen.
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Fun Facts: The Hawaiian alphabet consists of 13 letters, including all the vowels. Most words start with a K or W and include most vowels, so words are very similar. There are also wild roosters all over.
When
How
The main airport in Hawaii is in the capital city of Honolulu on Oahu (HNL) where approximately 70% of the Hawaiian population lives. The other large airports with direct flights from the US include: Kahului on Maui (OGG), Kona (KOA) and Hilo (ITO) on Hawaii Island, and Lihue (LIH) on Kauai. It is a long flight to HNL at 11 hours from NYC, 9 from Chicago, and 5.5 from SFO.
Hawaii's temperatures and rainfall are fairly consistent year-round making it a nice year-round destination. The busiest time is typically Winter through early Spring, which also aligns with whale migration timing.
Where
to stay...
Norwegian Cruise Line offers 7 night cruises year-round from Saturday to Saturday on its Pride of America to and from Honolulu to Maui, Hawaii Island, and Kauai, including passing the Na Pali Coast. The cruise is a great, cost effective and efficient way to see the main Hawaiian islands within a week, including accommodations, meals, and entertainment. The ship is older and has more of a colonial American than Hawaiian feel, but provides a great price option to visit Hawaii and see all of the main islands within a week without feeling rushed. Alternatively, below are hotel suggestions for each of the main islands:
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1) Honolulu - The newer hotels are a few blocks from the beach like the newly opened Wayfinder Waikiki that opened in January 2023. Dovetail Hotels took a 1970's building and made it new again with Hawaiian vintage inspired decor. Another fun hotel for a cheaper 3.5 star option is the Shoreline Hotel Waikiki. Bright colors and fun design features make this a good priced, centrally located option.
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For two upscale hotel options closer to Waikiki Beach, check out Alohilani Resort, which opened in 2018, and Halekulani. Alohilani has that modern, airy, chic design aesthetic with an infinity pool close to the beach. Halekulani is a more Hawaiian classic luxury resort with recently renovated crisp, airy rooms with the famous House Without A Key restaurant.
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2) Maui - Hotels in Maui are very expensive and look fairly similar to me, so really come down to cost, location, and service. The Hotel Wailea, Relais & Chateaux is the only luxury adults-only hotel in all of Hawaii located in Wailea near most of the other luxury hotels, including the Fairmont, Four Seasons, Waldorf Astoria, etc. It has that traditional Polynesian design with modern rooms, however is not located on the ocean, but a short ride away.
The Andaz Maui is another nearby option for a beachfront, modern resort. The Ritz-Carlton Maui is located in Kapalua on the NW tip of the island around beaches, golf courses, hiking trails, and restaurants. Most of the Hyatt and Marriott branded hotels are located next to each other along Kaanapali Beach. The Hyatt Regency Maui has a nice option here with recently renovated rooms.
3) Hawaii Island - A standout on Hawaii Island is the Mauna Lani, An Auberge Resort, which re-opened in 2020 after completing a $200MM renovation. The hotel has a cool vibe embracing the classic Hawaiian character with modern features. Another option is the Fairmont Orchid, which provides a luxury, beachfront option right next to the Mauna Lani at a lower price.
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4) Kauai - Perhaps the biggest news to hit the Hawaii hotel circuit is the opening of the first 1 Hotel in Hawaii on Hanalei Bay in Kauai in February 2023 on the site of the former St. Regis / Princeville Resort. Be prepared to pay a pretty penny for this brand new, high-end resort overlooking the beautiful Hanalei Bay. Alternatively, stop in for a drink & bite at their Welina Terrace overlooking the bay. A less expensive more traditional Hawaiian resort option with recently renovated rooms is the Ko'a Kea Resort on Po'ipu Beach.
What
to...
Do
Aside from sipping Mai Tais on the beach, below are suggestions on activities to do on each island:
1) Honolulu - One of the top sights to see and spend time at in Honolulu is Hanauma Bay State Park located a 20-30 minute drive from Waikiki. The bay is formed within a volcanic cone that provides a protected marine ecosystem with a peripheral reef for snorkeling and swimming. An online reservation is required for entry limited to 1,400 guests per day and only open Wed-Sun at the time of writing. The bay can be reached by public bus or driving. There are also mopeds to rent to get around the island like these.
A visit to Pearl Harbor National Memorial is another popular activity. There's an add-on option to tour the Missouri battleship where the document to end WWII was signed by the US & Japan, as well as tour a submarine. There are all day tours to cover the highlights like this one and this one.
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2) Maui - Driving the Road to Hana is one of the main activities specific to Maui, which I recommend, but takes the better part of a day for the full drive. The drive can start in the small surfing town of Paia, which has a few cute shops, a grocery store, gas stations and casual restaurants. There are some food trucks and fruit stands along the drive and limited bathrooms. There are waterfalls along the drive and a black sand beach with neon, green plants (pictured above). Iao Valley is another option to experience beautiful scenery. For time on the water, take this boat to Molokini Crater & Turtle Town for beautiful scenery and snorkeling.
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3) Hawaii Island - The main cities on Hawaii Island are Hilo and Kona. Hilo has the Volcanoes National Park with an active volcano that expands the island by 40 acres annually from its eruptions. Botanical World Adventures is another nice place to visit with a waterfall, rain forest, zip lining and garden with fruit available to pick. Hilo also has a Farmers Market to purchase local fruit. Richardson Ocean Park is a stretch of pretty public black sand beach with sea turtles. In Kona, enjoy famous Kona coffee and beer (and pizza) from Kona Brewing. Taking a boat ride where dolphins and whales swim is another great activity to experience in Kona.
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4) Kauai - The majority of Kauai is not accessible by car, so helicopter tours are a popular way to see more of the island. A boat ride past the famous Na Pali Coast is also a highlight. A river cruise down the Waliua River to the Fern Grotto is another on water option to take in the scenery. Kauai also has the Grand Canyon of the Pacific - Waimea Canyon, along with Hawaii's version of Old Faithful - Spouting Horn.
Eat
At a Luau. The one I chose and enjoyed was in Maui at the Feast at Lele. The luau is located on the beach starting at 5:30 pm and lasts 3 hours. It provides a 6 course meal, all-you-can drink beverages, including recommended pairings, and entertainment. The courses are all influenced by Polynesian culture across Hawaii, New Zealand, Samoa, and Tahiti. Traditional dances from those countries are presented with each course. Options on other islands include: Aloha Kai in Honolulu, Oahu, Voyagers of the Pacific in Kona, Hawaii Island, and Kalamaku in Lihue, Kauai.
Drink
Hawaii is known for its Polynesian tiki cocktails, primarily its Mai Tai, which is a combination of rum, lime, orgeat, and curacao or triple sec. Preferably to have in a tiki glass or coconut with a colorful drink umbrella, cherry and pineapple slice. Kona Brewing beer is another option for a delightful, refreshing drink.
*If of legal drinking age to drink responsibly
Wear
Tropical attire and Hawaiian shirts
Watch
Blue Hawaii by
Norman Taurog
Listen
"Aloha-oe"
by Liliuokalani
Gift
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