Magical Hawaii Travel Tips

Mark Twain called Hawaii, “…the loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean…” a description as apt today as it was over a hundred years ago. Hawaii is the perfect playground — a place where the ultimate in relaxation and the vibrant beat of adventure meet.

To truly experience the tropical wonders of the Hawaiian Islands you should see the landscape from all perspectives: by land, by air and by sea. Whether you’re a biking enthusiast who dreams of racing down the side of Haleakala Crater, or your vacation pleasures derive from history, artwork and cultural traditions, Hawaii has activities that suit every taste. We can help you find the Hawaiian vacation that matches your style and budget. We can also book reservations for special tours and activities to assure that the ones you want aren’t sold out. If you change your mind, most tours allow you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Explore by Land
For the truly adventurous, jeep tours and hiking treks are a way to explore the Islands and see them as the locals do. Visit favorite island “hidden spots” and catch a glimpse of unspoiled tropical paradise. For example…On Maui, take a narrated horseback ride from the summit of Haleakala to the Ka Moa O Pele junction or to the Kapalaoa Cabin. On Oahu, take an ecotour to learn about the geology, archaeology, mythology and history of Hawaii. Bring your camera to capture Hawaii’s birds, native plants, waterfalls, rainforests, volcanic craters and coral reefs. Take a fluming tour on the Big Island — a leisurely trip in a double hulled kayak that meanders over a 3.5-mile scenic portion of the Kohala Sugar Plantation irrigation system, traveling through pristine rainforests. On Kauai, try a zipline ride from the trees of the island’s rainforests. Bicycle along palm-fringed paths accompanied by a chorus of tropical birds. Rent motor scooters (or motorcycles), pack a picnic, grab some towels, and treat yourself to a self-guided circuit of the island’s beaches. Spend the morning with a birding expert on an easy hike to a waterfall.

Explore by Sea
Whether you prefer to get wet or stay dry, the islands’ magic is revealed along the shore. Peer at turtles, dolphins and coral reefs from the comfort of a glass bottom boat or a sightseeing submarine. Treat yourself to the sheer exhilaration of bouncing on a wave-runner. Skim over the ocean’s surface on a sailboat or on water skis, or explore its depths while snorkeling or scuba diving. Take a surfing lesson, float on an inner tube, or swim in a sheltered cove. Spend the day at sea and try your hand at sportfishing. Watch surfers from around the world ride gigantic waves in surfing competitions. Take a dinner cruise to watch the sunset — or bring the kids for an all-day family adventure cruise. Swim with dolphins. The waters of Hawaii beckon and never disappoint.

Explore by Air
Some of Hawaii’s most magical sights can best be seen by air – flightseeing by helicopter or small airplane. You’ll peer into volcanic fire pits and swoop over the eerie moonscape of black lava on the Big Island. See the waving sugar cane fields and sweeping upland curve of Haleakala on Maui and the rainbow-covered mountains of Oahu’s heartland. Climb over Honolulu Harbor and let your eyes and camera capture postcard-perfect Waikiki. Gaze down at the breathtaking Na Pali coastline on Kauai and into Waimea Canyon and the island’s waterfall-filled valleys. The flattened images you see on maps suddenly come alive in three dimensions. You can see the contours of the reefs, the halo of frothy surf surrounding each island, and perhaps even whales cruising majestically along the shore. For the ultimate experience, some tours even allow you to view the sights with the doors removed!

Explore with your Family
Together and individually, the Hawaiian Islands are playgrounds designed for family fun. From the littlest keiki (child) to well-traveled teenagers, parents and grandparents — Hawaii has abundant choices for everyone. When you’re ready to explore, we definitely recommend that you start at the beach. Take a surfing lesson and then try out the waves. Your surfing instructor will be happy to suggest good beaches for beginners. Enjoy a submarine ride to see the creatures, reefs and shipwrecks of the Pacific. Learn about and swim with dolphins at Sea Life Park Hawaii on Oahu or at hotels and other locations throughout the islands. Get acquainted with Polynesian culture as you feast on delicious seafood, meat, and fresh island produce at a luau. Don’t miss the fire-knife dance! Visit a private ranch for horseback or all-terrain vehicle adventures.