Traveler's Guide to the Hawaiian Islands

♦ Routes (free): Detailed travel itineraries in USA

General:

The Hawaiian Islands are the most suitable place for the description: "Paradise on Earth". It is one of the most diverse and exotic places in the world. They feature a combination of magical beaches (with white, golden, black and even green sand), rainforests, volcanoes, waterfalls, and tropical vegetation.

Hawaii is a state of contrasts: Hawaii is home to the wettest place on earth (WAI'ALE'ALE, the highest mountain in Kauai, which receives about 12,400 mm of rain per year), the rainiest city in the US (Hilo, on the "Big Island") and on the other hand, sunny and arid areas.

In Hawaii, there are deep canyons and green valleys compared to mighty mountains. The mountains MAUNA KEA and MAUNA LOA (on the Big Island) are the tallest mountains in the world if measured from the sea floor from which they protrude. Their height above sea level is almost 4,300 meters, but their total height is about 9,700 meters! Hawaii is also a state of contrasts regarding population density: Honolulu is a vibrant and crowded city with skyscrapers and a population of 380,000 residents, while at a distance of 80 km away on the island of Molokai, only 7,400 residents live. On the island of Niihau, near Kauai, only 160 residents live, all of Polynesian descent.

Hawaii is the 50th state of the USA, and as such, it is convenient and easy to visit. The residents are English speakers, its currency is the US dollar, health and communication services are at the highest level, tap water is drinkable, and everything is organized and orderly. So while on one hand, you are in a remote and exotic place, on the other hand, the standards are American. The Hawaiian island chain consists of 137 islands, islets, and reefs along 2,400 km in the heart of the Pacific Ocean.

The eight main and significant islands in the chain are: Hawaii (known as the "Big Island" because it is twice as large as all the other islands combined), Maui, Oahu (where Honolulu, the state capital, is located), Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe (arranged by size, from largest to smallest). These eight islands are spread over only 560 km at the south-eastern end of the chain. The total area of the islands is 16,500 sq km (about half the area of the State of Israel). The area of the Big Island, HAWAII, is about 10,000 sq km. The islands were formed by repeated volcanic eruptions that continue to this day. Every year, the islands move about 13 cm towards the north-west. At a distance of 48 km from the southernmost island, the "Big Island," another island is growing in the depths of the sea, which has already been named LOIHI and is expected to peek above the water's surface in about 10,000 years.

The "oldest" island among the eight main Hawaiian islands is Kauai (known as the "Garden Isle"), which has existed for about 5 million years, while the youngest island is Hawaii (the Big Island), which is less than 800,000 years old and is still growing thanks to its active volcanoes that continue to emit lava into the sea. The KILAUEA volcano was active since 1983 and continued to emit lava until early 2018. It is considered the volcano with the longest eruption in the world.

Important note: In May 2018, a severe eruption occurred in the south-east of the island, many homes were burned, and roads were blocked. As of October 2019, there is no more lava flowing on the island. Volcanoes National Park has changed, and certain hiking trails have been cancelled. Visitors to the site are recommended to enter the park's visitor center and update on the open hiking trails.

The Hawaiian Islands are one of the most isolated areas in the world: they are located about 3,200 km from the nearest inhabited place: the Marshall Islands, 3,800 km from the nearest continent, North America (the California coast), 4,000 km from Tahiti, and 6,160 km from Japan.

Due to their isolation, the Hawaiian Islands are very biologically unique. Only a few species of animals and plants managed to survive the long journey to the heart of the ocean and adapt to the island conditions, and from them, new and unique types were created over the years. More than 4,300 species of plants and animals exist only in the Hawaiian Islands and nowhere else in the world. To maintain this uniqueness, everyone arriving at the islands is required to fill out a form declaring that they are not bringing vegetables, fruits, plants, or animals of any kind. There is also strict agricultural inspection before leaving the island. Only certain varieties of agricultural produce are allowed to be exported from the island. It is strictly forbidden to pick fruits or flowers and take them home.

There are no snakes at all in Hawaii! Therefore, locals say that Hawaii is better than Paradise... The only disadvantage of this paradise (besides the fact that it is very far from us) is the cost of living. The cost of living in Hawaii is on average 27% higher than in the rest of the US states, and the casual tourist to the islands will feel this at every step: the prices of food, lodging, and tourist attractions are significantly more expensive. It's a good thing that the wonderful nature and magical beaches are free...

The wonderful sunsets don't cost money either. Hawaii is known for its spectacular sunsets in shades of purple-red-orange and even green! Sometimes, in the very last second of the sunset, a flash of green light can be observed, called: GREEN FLASH.

With all this beauty, it's no wonder that over 7 million tourists arrive in Hawaii every year.

Ways to get to Hawaii

Airports

The four major islands in Hawaii have airports that can be reached from various places across the US, and you should specifically check which cities have direct flights without a connection and to which island. International flights from a variety of destinations in the world are available to Honolulu and to two airports on the Big Island: Kona in the north-west of the island and Hilo on the east coast.

Cruise Ports

There are six ports in Hawaii where cruise ships arrive: Honolulu port on the island of Oahu, two ports on the Big Island: Hilo port in the east of the island and Kailua-Kona port where there is a boat service (tender) to the pier, as the ship is at anchor. In Maui, there is Kahului port in the north-center of the island and Lahaina port in west Maui (with boat service, tender, which is currently inactive due to fire damage). In Kauai, ships arrive at Nawiliwili port in the east of the island near the city of Lihue.

The Islands:

OAHU

Oahu (pronounced: oh-ah-hoo) is the most famous island in the Hawaiian island chain. Its nickname "The Gathering Place" is indeed suitable because it attracts tourists from all over the world. It is the third largest of the Hawaiian islands, but almost 80% of Hawaii's total population resides there. Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, located on the western, most populated side of the island, is the center of economy, business, and trade of Hawaii, but primarily the main tourism center of the state. More tourists visit Oahu than any other island in Hawaii. Most of Hawaii's well-known symbols are located on this island: Waikiki beaches, the extinct DIAMOND HEAD volcano, the Pearl Harbor naval base, and the only royal palace in the US.

♦ Helicopter flight experience on the island of Oahu:

Honolulu

Waikiki is the center of nightlife and entertainment in Hawaii with an abundance of luxury hotels, upscale restaurants, and shops. Waikiki is indeed one of the best-known and busiest beaches in the state, but those looking for quieter beaches will find them on the island as well. So, not far from the skyscrapers of Honolulu, you can also find isolated tropical beaches and small villages. Almost everyone who comes for a vacation in the Hawaiian Islands passes through Honolulu International Airport. This is the only island with highways in Hawaii. Oahu is also considered the surfing capital of the US. Other famous tourist attractions on the island: the Polynesian Cultural Center, Bishop Museum, Sea Life Park, Valley of the Temples, and Hanauma Bay which is the best snorkeling beach on the island.

Booking tours and trips in Oahu from Viator:

MAUI

♦ Extended article: Travel and vacation on the island of Maui

Maui (pronounced: mow-ee) is the second largest island and second in popularity. The island was formed by two large volcanoes that protruded high above sea level. The extensive lava they emitted filled the valley between them with mineral-rich red soil, and therefore it is so green and abundant with vegetation and agricultural crops. Most residents of Maui live in this valley, and therefore the island's nickname is: "The Valley Isle".

The area of the island is about 1,870 sq km and 103,000 residents live there. Every year, 2.3 million tourists come to Maui.

♦ To book from Viator - helicopter flights over Maui and Molokai:

People are not the only visitors to the island. Half of the world's population of HUMPBACK whales arrive every winter in the warm waters near the island. Whale watching tours are one of the many attractions the island has to offer. In the past, Maui was the world's whaling capital, and around this industry, LAHAINA developed, which is the most touristy city on the island.

Tourist attractions not to be missed in Maui are:

♦ The 88 km road to HANA, with 617 turns and twists and 56 one-lane bridges passing through rainforests and tropical beaches.

You can drive independently in a rented car (narrow and very winding road) or you can also purchase a guided tour to Hana from Viator: Small-Group Road to Hana Adventure Tour with Pickup B/F & Lunch

♦ The dormant volcano HALEAKALA CRATER, which is the tallest dormant volcano in the world and resembles the moon in its topography. It rises to a height of about 3,000 meters.

A sunrise tour to the volcano can be purchased from Viator: Majestic Haleakala Sunrise Tour with Pick-up

♦ The wonderful quiet beaches in the western part of the island and the excellent surfing beaches in the northern part of the island. ♦ Diving near the crescent-shaped Molokini island.

Booking tours from GetYourGuide.com

KAUAI

Kauai (pronounced: kah-why-ee), the fourth largest and northernmost of the eight Hawaiian islands, is the "oldest" island geologically. It was formed five million years ago! The wettest place on earth is on the island, and therefore it has more rivers, streams, and waterfalls than all the other Hawaiian islands. The island is abundant with tropical vegetation, and it is no wonder its nickname is: "The Garden Isle". There is magic and wild beauty in Kauai, and this is probably why many film producers chose it as the best place to film their movies. Among others, "Jurassic Park," "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Six Days Seven Nights" and many others were filmed in Kauai. The island offers its visitors adventures with a view: one of the best ways to see the island's wonders is in a helicopter flight passing over the steep Napali cliffs, which cannot be reached by car, and over WAIMEA CANYON, which Mark Twain called: "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific".

♦ Booking a day trip from Viator to Waimea Canyon and Kokee Park:

Kauai Canyon Explorer - Private Tour featuring Waimea & Kokee

In Kauai, there are three rivers where you can kayak, lovely beaches, some hidden from sight, that can be reached through thick vegetation that reaches almost to the water.

Kauai is very diverse topographically and climatically. Its northern part is rainy and has thick tropical vegetation, in its center is a high mountain permanently covered in clouds, while in the south and west of the island, the sun shines during most days of the year. In Kauai, there is a pleasant breeze that acts as the island's natural air conditioning. Kauai is known for its many golf courses, offering a magical view of the ocean. This is the only island in Hawaii where it is forbidden to build buildings taller than a coconut tree (four stories).

A LUAU show in Kauai can be booked from Viator - Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Buffet Dinner and Show

HAWAII

♦ Extended article: Trip to Hawaii, the Big Island

Hawaii (pronounced hah-why-ee), is nicknamed "The Big Island" to distinguish it from the state, which is called by the same name. This nickname is very appropriate for the island, whose area is twice as large as all the other islands combined. Despite its size, it is the youngest island in the chain and continues to grow even today thanks to the active volcano, KILAUEA, which is the most active volcano in the world!

The Big Island was the first of the Hawaiian Islands discovered by Polynesian sailors and today over 130,000 residents live there. Its number one tourist attraction is the "VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK", which was one of the only places in the world where one could stand safely near a red lava flow until 2018. Even outside the National Park, you can drive for many kilometers alongside lava rocks from different periods that reach the sea.

Important note: Due to the last eruption in May 2018, changes occurred in the park and you should first check at the park's visitor center which roads and trails are open.

There are relatively few beaches with fine, soft sand on the island, but they are among the ten most beautiful beaches in the world! On the Big Island, there are many beaches especially suitable for diving and snorkeling, where you can swim alongside sea turtles and wonderful tropical fish. Among the beaches, you will find beaches with black and even green sand! In the center of the island are two mighty mountains: MAUNA LOA and MAUNA KEA which is the tallest mountain in the world (when measured from the ocean floor). In winter, its peak is covered in snow. The world's largest telescope was placed on this mountain.

♦ Recommended tours, trips and shows on the Big Island from the recommended Viator site:

Due to the climate conditions and soil, coffee, macadamia nuts, and orchids thrive on the island. The southernmost point in the US is located in the south of the island: "KA LAE" is its name, a place where strong winds blow all year round. The two largest cities on the island are: Hilo, located on the eastern, rainy side of the island, and Kona, located on the western, sunny side.

Polynesian dance

♦ Recommended guided tours on the Big Island:

MOLOKAI

MOLOKA'I (pronounced: mo-lo-kye) is a small and quiet island near Maui that is particularly suitable for relaxation and seclusion. Its nickname: "The Friendly Isle". There are no cinemas, shopping centers or fast food chains and not even traffic lights! On the other hand, this peaceful and non-commercialized island offers great views. On its northern coast are the highest sea cliffs in the world, KALAUPAPA, which can be reached by riding mules on a trail with 26 sharp bends. On the western coast of the island, you can enjoy the largest sandy beach in Hawaii, "PAPOHAKU" is its name. In its eastern part there are rainforests. You will also find the tallest waterfall in Hawaii, falling from a height of about 670 meters into the sea, on this magical island. What cannot be found on the island is crowding and crowds. The number of residents on the island is only about 7,000, many of them of Hawaiian descent.

LANAI

LANAI (pronounced: lah-nye) is also a small island offering peace and escape from the crowds, considered the most isolated island among the Hawaiian islands. On the island, which belongs to the DOLE family, were once the largest pineapple plantations in the world, hence its nickname: "The Pineapple Isle". There are only about 50 km of paved roads compared to many kilometers of pristine beaches. About 2,400 residents live there. The only two hotels on the island are highly luxurious resorts that only the wealthiest can afford. These hotels are stunningly beautiful and feature world-class golf courses. This is the island where the elite come to play. Bill Gates got married in Lanai and rented the entire island for the purpose. HULOPE BAY is a marine reserve considered one of the best diving sites in the world. The best way to see the island is by a day-long cruise departing from the nearby island of Maui.

NIIHAU

NIIHAU (pronounced: nee-ee-how) is a small private island (area 177 sq km) near Kauai, where only its owners and residents of pure Hawaiian descent live. The official language of the island is Hawaiian. There is no electricity or telephones on the island, nor are there paved roads or car traffic. The main occupation of the 160 residents of the island is ranching and fishing. So that it does not become a modern island like the rest of the Hawaiian Islands, tourists are forbidden to visit it except for those invited by the few residents of the island or the owners of the island (the Robinson family), and therefore it is called "The Forbidden Island". It can be viewed from the western shore of Kauai or via a helicopter tour above it.

KAHOOLAWE

KAHOOLAWE (pronounced: kah-ho-oh-lah-veh) is a tiny (area 115 sq km) completely uninhabited island that served as a target for shooting in the training of the US Army's air and sea forces. Today the military is cleaning it of all unexploded shells and no one is allowed to reach it without a special permit.

Language:

Although residents speak over a hundred different languages in the Hawaiian Islands, Hawaii has two official languages: English and Hawaiian. The Hawaiian language is melodic and derived from Polynesian. It has only 12 letters: VOWELS: a, e, i, o, u and consonants: h, k, l, m, n, p, w.

Islands' Economy:

Every year over 7 million tourists arrive in Hawaii, of which over 4 million tourists are from the US and about two million are Japanese. Besides tourism, which is the primary industry on the islands, agriculture also has a significant place in the state's economy, with the main crops being: sugarcane, pineapple, flowers, and macadamia nuts. A third of the world's pineapple crop is in Hawaii! Hawaii is the only state in the US where coffee is grown. The Hawaiian Islands are the only place in the world hosting all types of the US military branches (14% of Oahu's residents are members of the US security forces and their families).