America’s youngest state is often a forgotten state given that it is so far off the coast of the US mainland. Seasoned travellers know that Hawaii is a gem, though. Hawaii consists of a chain of hundreds of volcanic islands that cover more than 1500 miles in the central Pacific Ocean.
Hawaii’s biggest draw is its weather. It boasts a true tropical climate with average temperatures in the 20s and 30s. Rarely does the temperature fall below 18°C. Furthermore, gentle ocean breezes keep the islands relatively cool, even on the hottest summer days.
Are you planning a trip Hawaii in the future? If so, you will be pleased to know there is plenty to see and do. You’ll also find affordable accommodation regardless of your level of comfort. Hawaii has something for everyone, so take your time to enjoy as much of it as you can.
Here is a list of the best things to do while you are in Hawaii:
Go Windsurfing
Some local historians will tell you that windsurfing was more popular than regular surfing at one time. Apparently, the 1980s brought windsurfers from all over the world to the beaches of Hawaii where the weather was nearly perfect and the waves were even better.
The popularity of windsurfing has died down somewhat, but it is still alive and well in Hawaii. On virtually every public beach, you will find a rental shop and instructors ready and waiting to show you the ropes. The best places to windsurf are on Maui’s North Shore and the Kailua side of Oahu. Ensure you are fully covered for any water sports on your travel insurance.
Try Stand Up Paddle Boarding
As long as you’re heading to the beach for some enjoyable wave action, take some time to give stand up paddle boarding (SUP) a try. SUP is easily the fastest growing water sport in Hawaii. There’s good reason for this. All you need for good paddle boarding is warm water and fairly decent weather. You don’t need the high winds of windsurfing or the killer waves of regular surfing.
Across Hawaii’s populated islands you will find rental shops and instructors ready to teach stand up paddle boarding. What’s more, there are plenty of tranquil bays and quiet inlets where beginners can learn the sport without fear of rough water. The only requirement is the ability to swim.
Take a Helicopter Tour
Regular visitors to Hawaii know that the volcanic nature of the islands means they are constantly evolving geologically. There is no better way to see that evolution than to do so from the air. So why not take a helicopter tour? You’ll see things from the air you cannot possibly see from the ground.
Helicopter tours offer incredible views of Hawaii’s coastline along with her rugged volcanic regions, spectacular waterfalls, and dense forests that look nearly impenetrable. Tours last anywhere from an hour to all day. It really just depends on how much you want to spend and the amount of time you can tolerate being in the air.
Take in a Luau
No visit to Hawaii is complete without experiencing an authentic luau. If you are not familiar with the luau, it is a traditional Polynesian feast that includes cocktails, a large buffet featuring all local foods, and live entertainment that covers the gamut from singing to storytelling to hula dancing.
The most important thing to know about the luau is that it tells the history of the Hawaiian Islands. In other words, a luau is about more than just eating and watching dancers. It is about learning some of the culture and history that make Hawaii such a fascinating place. A genuine Polynesian luau is unlike anything you will experience anywhere else.
Play a Round of Golf
The Hawaiian Islands is resplendent with championship level golf courses set in some of the most idyllic surroundings in the world. The Kapalua Resort on Maui hosts the Annual PGA Hyundai Tournament of Champions, but you don’t have to limit your golf outings to that one spot. There are dozens of courses scattered across the islands.
Go Whale Watching
Britons are familiar with whale watching off the coast of Scotland. If you are planning a Hawaii holiday, make whale watching one of your priorities. It is an entirely different experience as compared to what we have here in Scotland, mainly because of the water and terrain. That’s not to say one is better than the other. Rather, it is just different.
There is no shortage of companies offering whale watching tours around the Hawaiian Islands. The best time to go is during the annual migration from mid-autumn to early spring. The first three months of the year tend to be when whale activity peaks. That’s when the adult females are birthing their calves and then preparing them for life in the ocean.
Spend a Day Snorkelling
We could argue that snorkelling is the number one activity among tourists in Hawaii. Whether you agree or not, snorkelling is still a tremendous experience in that part of the world. A typical snorkelling tour will bring you up close and personal with the legendary Hawaiian sea turtle, spinner dolphins, humpback whales, and literally hundreds of different species of native fish. The only place in the world with comparable snorkelling is the Great Barrier Reef.
Explore Hawaii’s Beaches
The fact that Hawaii is an island state makes it a great destination for people who want to explore beaches. Of course, there are all sorts of public beaches jam packed with tourists throughout the day. But there are also hundreds of secluded, private beaches completely free of tourists. It is the private beaches where you will find unusual black and red sand.
Hawaii is one of the top travel destinations in the US. And why not? The stunning beauty and ideal weather of the Hawaiian Islands makes it hard to beat. It certainly doesn’t hurt that there is plenty to see and do during your trip, from enjoying the wonders of nature to relaxing at the spa or taking in a bit of culture.
