Hawaii Travel Guide
Travel destination reviews that highlight 'The Best of...'
invariably refer to the Hawaiian Islands as the best place for sun,
sand and natural attractions - the place to head for a fun
holiday.This is the location of some of the finest beaches in the United
States, each unique in its dimensions, shapes and hues. These sandy
stretches are fronted by crystal waters teeming with tropical fish
darting through forests of coral. Some of the world's best surfing
and watersport opportunities are offered here and for those intent
on premium sightseeing it is hard to beat the thrill of watching
lava flow from the world's longest erupting volcano.Visitors who relish exploring different cultures and ancient
civilisations will find the best of Polynesian relics in which to
indulge their passions, as they soak up some of the 'Mana'
(spiritual power) with which the islands were imbued by the
legendary gods and goddesses.Hawaii's nightlife is centred on traditional festivals which
visitors are encouraged to experience as they don 'leis' (necklaces
of flowers) and dance the famous 'hula' after sunset.The state of Hawaii includes approximately 130 islands in the
Pacific Ocean, many of which are uninhabited. The islands lie about
1,600 miles (2,600km) off the coast of mainland USA. The largest
island, Hawaii, is known imaginatively as the Big Island, but the
state capital, Honolulu, and most of the population is located on
the smaller island of Oahu, which is also the main tourist
destination. The other main islands are Maui, Molokai and Kauai.
Between them the islands boast an amazingly diverse geography
providing endless recreation opportunities, from snowboarding on
mountain summits to hiking through rainforests. The possibilities
offered by a Hawaiian holiday are limited only by the boundaries of
the imagination.
Hawaii Travel Guide
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Description:
The main attraction for visitors to Oahu are the range of 139
beaches which, from the pounding waves of the north shore to the
gentle swells of Waikiki in the south, offer the chance to bathe
and soak up the sun, or tackle a variety of active watersports in
water temperatures that never fall below 75ºF (24ºC) all year
round. The south shore is favoured by families, offering picnic
spots and opportunities for snorkelling, tide-pooling and swimming.
Magic Island near Waikiki is a peninsula where the beach is
protected by a man-made breakwater offering safe bathing and a
stretch of shady, grassy areas on which to picnic. At Ala Moana
Beach a half-mile of white sand is protected by a reef, washed by
calm shallow waters. Hanauma Bay marine sanctuary is located in the
crater of an extinct volcano and is an ideal snorkelling spot while
Waikiki Beach, the most famous stretch of sand in the world, draws
about four million visitors a year to its sands where sun
worshippers can buy fast food, snacks and cocktails to enjoy under
their rented umbrellas. On the West coast the Ko Olina Resort and
Marina offers seven crescent shaped sandy beaches with palm trees
and views of the Waianae Mountains, and Yokohama Bay is a quiet,
beautiful spot away from the madding crowds. The North shore is
favoured by surfers, particularly during the winter months when
waves can reach heights of 25 feet (8m) at beaches like Ehukai with
its famed Pipeline, Sunset Beach and Waimea Beach. The East shore
boasts lush tropical beach settings with conditions ideal for
windsurfing and sailing. Kailua Beach Park is picturesque and
usually in the 'top ten beaches in the United States' lists.
Lanikai is even better. Sandy Beach is popular for kite-flying, and
Waimanalo offers four miles of uninterrupted white sand framed by
palm trees.
Address:
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Description:
Hawaii's top tourist attraction, the Polynesian Cultural Centre,
is situated on the Kamehameha Highway in Laie on the scenic north
shore of Oahu island. This remarkable venue, visited by more than
one million people a year, consists of seven Polynesian 'islands'
in a beautifully landscaped 42-acre setting, representing Samoa,
New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, Tahiti, the Marquesas and Tonga, all
sited in a freshwater lagoon. The centre gives visitors a holistic
insight into the culture of the different Polynesian communities,
employing students from the nearby Brigham Young University-Hawaii
campus to bring various activities, from pageants and ceremonies to
tribal tattooing demonstrations, to life. A highlight of a visit to
the Centre is the evening show spectacular, 'Horizons', presented
in the 2,770 seat Pacific Theatre with its multi-level stages
allowing for fiery volcanoes and brilliant fountains to erupt as
special effects in this huge Polynesian song and dance revue.
Address:
55-370 Kamehameha Highway (83), Laie, HI
Postcode:
Telephone:
(808) 293 3333
Email:
internetrez@polynesia.com
Website:
www.polynesia.com
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Description:
The Bishop Museum in Honolulu is the largest museum in Hawaii
and the premier natural and cultural history institution in the
Pacific, recognised worldwide for its cultural collections,
research projects and educational programmes. The museum was
founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop, in honour of his late wife,
Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal
Kamehameha family of Hawaii. Originally the museum housed the
extensive family heirlooms of the royal family, but now the
collection includes millions of artefacts, documents and
photographs relating to Hawaii and other Pacific island cultures.
It also has one of the largest natural history specimen collections
in the world. All these treasures are housed in the former
Kamehameha School for Boys in Bernice Street, Honolulu, established
by the princess, which moved to a new location in 1940.
Address:
1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu
Postcode:
Telephone:
(808) 847 3511
Email:
Website:
www.bishopmuseum.org
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Description:
Opposite a bustling shopping centre on the Kahekili Highway in
Kaneohe, below the Koolau mountains, nestles a little piece of
Japan tucked away in Hawaii. The Valley of the Temples Memorial
Park contains oriental gardens and koi ponds, a massive nine-foot
Buddha statue, Japanese Tea House and an exact replica of Japan's
900-year-old Byodo-in Temple, the original of which stands in Uji
near Kyoto. The temple was recreated to honour the first Japanese
immigrants to Hawaii.
Address:
Kaneohe, HI
Postcode:
Telephone:
(808) 239 8811
Email:
Website:
www.byodo-in.com
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Description:
The only royal residence in the United States, the Iolani
Palace, stands on the corner of King and Richard Streets in
Honolulu, its opulent interior giving a glimpse into the lives of
Hawaii's last reigning monarchs between 1882 and 1893. Initially it
was home to King Kalakaua and his Queen, until he died in 1891. His
successor, Queen Lili'uokalani, then took up residence until the
Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in 1893 by the US Marines in a
palace coup. The palace has been fully restored. Visitors on guided
tours can see the portraits of Hawaiian kings and queens, valuable
vases and statuary, the grand staircase, the throne room decorated
in crimson and gold, the state dining room and the royal family's
private quarters.
Address:
364 South King Street, Honolulu
Postcode:
Telephone:
(808) 522 0822
Email:
info@iolanipalace.org
Website:
www.iolanipalace.org
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Description:
The USS Arizona was one of several United States battle ships
that were sunk by the Japanese Imperial Navy during its surprise
historic attack on Pearl Harbour, Oahu, on December 7, 1941,
causing the US to enter into World War II. Visitors are carried by
Navy shuttle boats to the unusual memorial centre, which has been
constructed over the sunken hull that lies six feet (2m) below. The
Arizona sank in about nine minutes, along with 1,177 sailors and
marines who were on board. The names of the dead are inscribed in
stone inside the memorial. Visitors are shown a documentary film
and can view artefacts and exhibits explaining the tragedy. The
memorial is open daily, but there is always a large queue for the
free tickets, which are issued on a first-come-first-served basis,
so be prepared to wait. Bookings are not taken.
Address:
1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu
Postcode:
Telephone:
(808) 422 0561
Email:
Website:
www.nps.gov/usar
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Description:
Enter Honolulu's Chinatown neighbourhood through the Gateway
Plaza on the corner of Bethel and Hotel streets in the city's
downtown business district, and you step into an exciting and
exotic world made up of a colourful and eclectic blend of Southeast
Asian cultures. Here Vietnamese, Laotian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai,
Filipino, and a myriad of other ethnic groups work in harmony to
sell their wares, serve their delicacies and perpetuate their
cultural traditions. The market sells an array of delicacies from
noodles to duck eggs, and tantalising smells issue from the
numerous inexpensive speciality restaurants in this 15-block area.
Visitors can also consult a herbalist, view an art exhibit, watch a
dragon procession, make an offering at a Buddhist temple, or
perhaps buy a precious jade memento in this rich and memorable part
of town.
Address:
Entrance is on the corner of Bethel and Hotel Streets, in
downtown Honolulu
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.chinatownhi.com
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Description:
The Haleakala National Park extends from the summit of the
volcano, down into the crater, then across the volcano's southeast
slopes to Maui's east coast, beyond the town of Hana. The main
reason for the park being visited by nearly one and a half million
people a year, is the attraction of peering down into the crater of
what is the world's largest dormant volcano. Haleakala last erupted
in 1790, and has been deadly quiet ever since, although it is not
considered to be inactive. The massive crater covers 19 square
miles (49 sq km): big enough to hold the whole of Manhattan.
Hawaiians regard the crater as a sacred site. It is possible to
drive to the summit along a twisting road that climbs 10,000 feet
(3,000m) in just 37 miles (60km); visitors can also explore the
desolate landscape inside the crater on hiking or biking trails.
There are numerous other opportunities for recreational activities
in the National Park too. The Park's headquarters just inside the
park entrance provides information of activities and programmes
offered. The Haleakala Visitor Centre near the summit of the
volcano explains, via exhibits, the history, ecology, geology and
volcanology of the area.
Address:
Kula, HI
Postcode:
Telephone:
(808) 572 4400
Email:
Website:
www.nps.gov/hale
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Description:
The Maui Ocean Centre is an unrivalled aquatic experience and
the largest tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. The
Centre is located in oceanfront Ma'alaea Village off the
Honoapiilani Highway, within minutes of all major resort areas. It
consists of indoor and outdoor displays allowing visitors to see,
touch and explore Hawaii's unique marine environment. The
walk-through aquarium contains thousands of fish showcased in more
than 60 interactive habitat exhibits.
Address:
192 Ma'alaea Road, Wailuku
Postcode:
Telephone:
(808) 270 7000
Email:
info@mauioceancenter.com
Website:
www.mauioceancenter.com
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Description:
The whaling museum in the heart of Maui's commercial centre,
Lahaina, documents the sleepy port city's evolution into a whaling
boomtown in the middle of the 19th century, combining exhibits and
educational displays. The Whaler's Village Museum is home to an
impressive collection of whaling memorabilia including harpoons,
sea chests and a re-creation of the crew's quarters on a typical
whaling boat between 1825 and 1860, when men spent months afloat in
a harsh environment chasing their massive quarry. The centre also
shows films about whales and whaling history throughout the
day.
Address:
Whalers Village Shopping Centre, 2435 Ka�anapali
Parkway
Postcode:
Telephone:
(808) 661 4567
Email:
Website:
www.whalersvillage.com/museum.htm
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Description:
One of Lahaina's best preserved 19th-century landmarks, the
house in Front Street built by Rev. Dwight Baldwin in 1834, stands
now as the oldest house in Maui. Baldwin was a missionary who
started a farm on the island and was responsible for growing the
first plantations of Hawaii's indigenous pineapples, the fruit that
is now enjoyed worldwide. Baldwin's home gives an insight into
island life in the missionary era. Alongside is the Master's
Reading Room, another of Maui's oldest buildings, which used to be
frequented by visiting sea captains when missionaries closed down
seafront bars in the early 19th century. The building is now
occupied by the Lahaina Restoration Foundation, which issues maps
and guides for visitors wishing to take a walking tour around
Lahaina's historic attractions.
Address:
120 Dickenson Street, Lahaina, HI
Postcode:
Telephone:
(808) 661 3262
Email:
Website:
www.lahainarestoration.org/baldwin.html
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Description:
No visit to Maui is complete without hitting the highway - the
Hana Highway, that is - that runs for about 50 miles (81km) between
Kailua and Hana on the northeastern coast of the island. This
hair-raising but incredibly scenic coastal drive was built in 1927
by gangs of convicts. It twists and turns its way along the coastal
cliffs, containing 56 bridges and 600 hairpin bends. The route
winds through numerous lush valleys lined with dozens of
waterfalls, dense rainforest, bamboo thickets, fern groves and
tulip trees. Visitors need at least a day to traverse the route,
stopping to enjoy a dip in mountain pools or exploring off-shooting
hiking trails, many of which lead to historic sites, like the
little 19th century church built of lava and coral in the village
of Keanae. There are two national parks on the route, some lava
caves, blowholes, temple ruins and of course unsurpassed views.
Address:
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Description:
The stately mansion of Hulihe'e is situated on Alii Drive in
Kailua Kona on the west coast of Hawaii's Big Island. It was built
in 1883 and served as the holiday home of Hawaiian royalty until
1925 when it was turned into a museum; it now houses a collection
of ancient Hawaiian artefacts and personal memorabilia of the
Hawaiian royal family. The bust of King Kalakaua's presides over
the entrance hall, while the beautiful Koa dining table carved from
a single log of wood graces the Kuhio Room. Little touches like
Princess Ruth's hatbox made from the trunk of a coconut tree and
the cradle of Prince Albert, son of King Kamehameha IV, bring alive
a sense of history in the house. The highlight of the collection is
the impressive wardrobe in the Kawanakoa Room, which is made of koa
wood and trimmed with the King's crest and carvings of classic
Greek muses. The palace suffered significant damage from an
earthquake in October 2006 and attempts are being made to restore
it to its former glory. Hulihe'e Palace suffered damaged in the
wake of the tsunami of March 11, 2011, and some parts may be closed
to visitors.
Address:
Ali'i Drive, Kailua-Kona
Postcode:
Telephone:
(808) 329 1877
Email:
Website:
huliheepalace.com
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Description:
In the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park surrounding the earth's
most massive volcano, Mauna Loa, visitors can actually watch lava
flow into the sea from Kilauea, the still active on-site volcano.
Park rangers direct visitors to the daily eruption activity on a
dramatic burnt landscape, which transforms the landscape with the
ongoing eruption. The park is located 30 miles (48km) southwest of
Hilo on Highway 11, on the south-east coast of Big Island. Inside
the park the Thomas A Jaggar Museum provides a fascinating insight
into the geology of a volcano, as well as the cultural aspect of
Hawaii's legendary volcano goddess, Pele. Visitors can view
seismograph readings, study earth science displays and enjoy
photographs of volcanic eruptions.
Address:
Hawaii Belt Road, Volcano, HI
Postcode:
Telephone:
(808) 985 6000
Email:
Website:
www.nps.gov/havo
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Description:
Hilo has been destroyed several times by tsunami (tidal waves).
The first-hand oral testimony of tsunami survivors is now preserved
along with some other fascinating information in the Pacific
Tsunami Museum, located on Kamehameha Avenue in the town. The
museum features a series of permanent exhibits that interpret the
tsunami phenomena, the Pacific Tsunami Warning system, the history
of tsunami in the Pacific Basin, tsunami of the future, myths and
legends about tsunami and public safety measures for tsunami
disasters.
Address:
130 Kamehameha Avenue
Postcode:
Telephone:
(808) 935 0926
Email:
tusunami@tsunami.org
Website:
www.tsunami.org
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Description:
Forget about the Wild West, Hawaii gave birth to the original
cowboys about 40 years before they took over Texas. The history of
the Hawaiian Paniolo (cowboy) culture, going back 200 years, is
captured in the Parker Ranch Museum and Visitor Centre in Waimea.
Here visitors can experience paniolo herding, cutting, roping,
branding and cattle-sorting on a wagon-ride that also takes in some
ancient Hawaiian artefacts and historic corrals in the hill
country, over and above the working cowboy station. The Parker
Ranch is the third largest privately owned ranch in the United
States. The Museum contains antique ranching tools, historic
photographs and furnishings and is complemented by two historic
homes on the site, which are open to visitors. The Mana Hale
saltbox house, built of koa wood by Parker Ranch founder, John
Palmer Parker, dates from the mid-1800s. The large Victorian home
Puuopelo houses an art gallery containing some original works by
Renoir, Degas, Dufy, Corot and Pissarro. Professional and amateur
rodeo competitions are held regularly at the arena.
Address:
67-1435 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kamuela
Postcode:
Telephone:
(808) 885 7655
Email:
info@parkerranch.com
Website:
www.parkerranch.com
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Description:
*Most areas of the park are currently closed, due to damage
suffered during the tsunami of 11 March, 2011.*This
important Hawaiian cultural and historical site on the black-lava
Kona Coast of the Big Island contains some forbidding-looking giant
idols, although it was in fact built as a refuge for ancient
Hawaiians who had violated kapu (social taboo) or as a sanctuary
for defeated warriors. The surrounding area outside the huge
enclosing wall was home to several generations of powerful chiefs.
The 182-acre park also boasts other archaeological sites including
some temple platforms, royal fishponds and the ruins of ancient
villages. The Hale o Keawe temple, which contains the mortal
remains of 23 Hawaiian chiefs, and some thatched buildings have
been reconstructed.
Address:
Captain Cook, HI
Postcode:
Telephone:
(808) 328 2288
Email:
Website:
www.nps.gov/puho
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Description:
For a taste of the coffee industry that flourished in the early
20th century on the Big Island visitors can tour the Uchida Coffee
Farm, south of Kealakekua town on the Kona Coast. Tour guides in
period costumes show off the original farmhouse, bathhouse, coffee
mill and drying platforms. Only a few miles away is the Kona
Historical Society Museum, housed in the old Greenwell family
store, where photographs, ranching and coffee farming exhibits are
on display. The store was built by Henry Greenwell in 1875.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
(808) 323 3222
Email:
khs@konahistorical.org
Website:
www.konahistorical.org
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Description:
Visitors passing through the Kona International Airport will not
be able to miss the clearly marked space centre that is dedicated
to the memory of Big Island born astronaut, Ellison Onizuka. The
astronaut died in the 1986 Challenger Space Shuttle disaster, and
the educational centre not only commemorates this event, but also
contains displays about other manned space flight programmes, an
interactive rocket propulsion exhibit, a moon rock, astronaut suit
and models of spacecraft.
Address:
Keahole-Kona International Airport, Kailua-Kona
Postcode:
Telephone:
(808) 329 3441
Email:
tashima@aloha.net
Website:
www.hawaiimuseums.org/mc/ishawaii_astronaut.htm
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Description:
Since 90 per cent of Kauai is inaccessible by road, hiking is a
great way to experience the island's celebrated natural bounty.
There are a number of good hiking trails around the island, but by
far the most famous, and the most popular, is the strenuous 11 mile
(about 18km) Kalalau trail, which winds along the Na Pali Coast.
This spectacular coastline is dotted with waterfalls and
swift-flowing streams, which over centuries, have cut steep, narrow
valleys, that terminate in rugged cliffs overhanging the ocean. The
trail begins at the end of the road at Kee Beach, and most hikers
will opt to camp out for at least one night before returning. It is
possible only to hike the first two miles (about 3km) of the trail,
which will lead hikers to Hanakapiai Beach, where they'll be
greeted by breathtaking views of Kauai's North Shore. Note that the
Kalalau trail will take even well-conditioned hikers a full day to
complete, and should not be undertaken lightly; however, those who
are willing to put in the effort, will be richly rewarded.
Address:
Hanalei, HI
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
dacy@kalalautrail.com
Website:
www.kalalautrail.com
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Description:
The award-winning Waikiki Aquarium in Honolulu is home to more
than 3,500 plants and animals. One of the oldest aquariums in the
United States, the facility is a great place to say hello to the
colourful inhabitants of the Pacific Ocean, including zebra shark,
giant octopus, monk seal, and giant clam. The aquarium offers
classes and activities for children, however these are very popular
and must be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.
Address:
2777 Kalakaua Avenue, Waikiki
Postcode:
Telephone:
(808) 923-9741
Email:
info@waquarium.org
Website:
www.waquarium.org
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Description:
One of the most famous landmarks in Hawaii, Diamond Head
dominates the landscape over Honolulu. Officially termed an extinct
volcanic tuff cone, the mammoth cone is a US Monument, and a
popular attraction on Oahu. Located near resorts and beaches in
Honolulu, Diamond Head has a hiking trail that takes roughly two
hours to complete; while the trail is uneven and includes nearly
200 steps, the view of Oahu from the summit is well worth the
effort. Hikers should bring plenty of water and protection from the
heat, as the only comfort station is located at the base of the
crater.
Address:
Off Diamond Head Road Between Makapu'u Avenue and 18th
Avenue
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
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Description:
A rugged coast of extreme beauty, the NÄ Pali Coastline
stretches 15 miles (24km) from Ke'e Beach all the way to Polihale
State Park on the island of Kauai. The rugged cliffs create a
paradise of peaks and valleys, bubbling streams and dramatic
waterfalls. The area is inaccessible by car; the Kalalau Trail from
the end of Hawaii Route 56 (called the Kuhio Highway) provides the
only land access for hikers, traversing 11 miles (18km) and
crossing five major valleys before reaching Kalalau Beach at the
base of Kalalau Valley. A popular way to explore the NÄ Pali Coast
is by kayak as the original islanders did, allowed by permit
between May and September.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/kauai/napali.cfm
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