Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii State Flag

 

"The Aloha State"

"Paradise", "Paradise of the Pacific" & "The Islands of Aloha"

Why visit Hawaii Islands?

Sophisticated luxury traveler seeking a tropical climate destination to enjoy beautiful beaches, biking, culture, diving, fishing, gardens, hiking, historical sites, horseback riding, kayaking, landscapes, luau's, mountains, museums, rainforests, sailing, shopping, snorkeling, surfing, tropical flowers, volcano, waterfalls, water sports, whale watching and windsurfing.

Waikiki Beach, Honolulu County, Hawaii. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

A popular destination for:

• Amateur & Professional Photographers
• Conventions, Meetings & Reunions
• Destination Wedding
• Ocean Cruises Embarkation/Disembarkation
• Groups: Family, Friends and Multigenerational 
• LGBTQ+ Friendly
• Milestones: Anniversary, Bachelor Party, Bachelorette Party, Birthday, Honeymoon, Retirement & Vow Renewal

Kauai County, HI. Photo Credit: Braden Jarvis/Unsplash

At a Glance

• Capital: Honolulu
• State Bird: Nene
• State Dessert: Smith Island Cake
• State Flower: Yellow Hibiscus
• State Gemstone: Black Coral
• State Mammal: Hawaiian Monk Seal
• State Rock: None

Nāpali Coast, Kauai County, Hawaii. Photo Credit: Kathy VanDeventer/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Averages approximately 30,000 traveler arrivals per day.
• Hawaiian written language uses only seven consonants: h, k, l, m, n, p, w and vowels a, e, i, o and u.
  
• Most of the Lei's are made from the Big Island orchids.
• Approximately 98% of Lanai is privately owned by Larry Ellison, CEO of Oracle Corp.
• "Coconut Tree Ordinance", prohibits new construction of buildings taller than 55 feet on Kauai.
• Our only state to grow cacao, coffee and vanilla beans.
• Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument is our nation's largest conservation area.
• Diverse farm crops consisting of: coffee, flowers, fruits, macadamia nuts and vegetables.
• Kauai has the only navigable rivers amongst the islands.
  
• The only state to have Royal Palaces: Hulihee Palace, Iolani Palace and Queen Emma Summer Palace.
• The Hula Dance (Polynesian) is accompanied by chant or song.
  
• Combined has 19 State Forest and 52 State Parks.
• Late Legend Musician, Elvis Presley filmed TV show Aloha from Hawaii. Also, filmed Blue Hawaii, Girls! Girls! Girls! and Paradise there too. 

Hawaiian Hula Dancers. Photo Credit: skeeze/Pixabay 

Thank You!

• Spotlight Celebrities: Barack Obama (Former President/Politician), Bethany Hamilton (Athlete), Bette Midler (Musician), Bruno Mars (Musician) and Nicole Kidman (Actress), just to name a few.
• Movies to Inspire You: Big Bounce (2004), Blue Crush (2002), Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2011), Pearl Harbor (2001), Six Days Seven Nights (1998), Soul Surfer (2005), The Descendants (2011) and Tropic Thunder (2008), just to name a few.
• Novels Set in Hawaii: Hawaii: A Novel written by James A Michener,  Honolulu written by Alan Brennart, The Descendants written by Kaui Hart Hemmings and Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers written by Lois-Ann Yamanaka, just to name a few.

Hilo, Hawaii (Big Island). Photo Credit: user32212/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• In the order, of tourism popularity: Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi and Big Island.
  
• Award winning breweries and wineries.
  
• Waikiki is most famous for Waikiki Beach.
  
• A popular treat is the "Hawaiian Shave Ice" which differs from crushed Snow Cones.
• Public bus service is expensive (Honolulu) and limited (Big Island, Kauaʻi and Maui. A rental car is recommended to explore the island.
• Ferries only transport between Lānaʻi-Maui and Maui-Molokaʻi islands.
• Restroom signs often read, Kane (Man) and Wahine (Woman).
• Forgo the traditional postcard to loved ones, send the popular coconut instead.
• Words to know: Aloha (a-lo-ha) = Hello, 'A' ole palikir (ah-oh-leh-pee-lee-kee-yah) = You're Welcome, Howzit? (how-zit) = How are you?, Mahalo (mah-hah-loh) = Thank You, 'Ono Grinds (oh-no-grinds) = Delicious Food and Waina (wy-nah) = Wine.
• There are no all-inclusive resorts amongst any of the islands.
• Lānaʻi, the smallest island only has three paved roads, one stop sign and no stop lights.
  

Waikiki, Hawaii (Oʻahu). Photo Credit: Jed S from Pixabay 

Subject to hurricane season is June - November. 

Volcano eruptions occur.

• Best Time to Visit: Mid April - Early June and Mid September - Mid November
• Coldest Month: February
• Hottest Months: June - August
• Peak Season: December - April

Hawaiian Volcano. Photo Credit: skeeze/Pixabay 

The state officially recognizes 137 islands which includes four islands of the Midway Atoll. The best known islands consists of:

Hawaiʻi Island (Ha-vai-ee)

"Big Island", "Orchid Isle" & "Volcano Isle"

Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy beautiful beaches (sand shades of green, red and black) caves, coral reefs, deep sea fishing, gardens, golf, hiking, horseback riding, ranches, waterfalls, water sports. Nightlife and shopping is limited.

• Historical Sites: 'Akaka Falls, Greenwell Store Marker, Hale o Keawe, Hikiau Heiau, Honokaa Mural, Kai Opae, Kalalea Heiau, Kamehameha III Birthplace, Kamakahonu National, Keauhou Holua Slide, King Kamehameha Birthplace, Kapoho Lava Flow 1960, Kohala Ditch Company Mule Station, Kohala Lighthouse, Kohala Trade Center, Kona Point, Korean War Memorial, Kuamo'o Point, Lapakahi State Historical Park, Laupāhoehoe Lookout, Lava Flow, Lava Tree Molds, Mailekini Heiau, Mo'okini Heiau, Nāhuku - Thurston Lava Tube, Na Loko I'a O Kalahuipua'a, Opihi Rock, Petroglyphs, Puna-Kāʻu Historic District, Purple House, Pu'ukohola Heiau National, Pu`u Loa Petroglyphs, S.H. Kress Co. Building, Slippah Pole, The Great Wall, The Old Japanese Schoolhouse, Thurston Estate, Waikoloa Petroglyph Reserve and  Waikoloa Petroglyphs.
• Museums: Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka Space Center, Eva Parker Woods Cottage, Hawaii Plantation Museum, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Lectures, H.N. Greenwell Store Museum, Hulihe‘e Palace, Imiloa Astronomy Center, Isaacs Art Center, Jaggar Museum, Kamuela Museum, King's Mansion, Kona Coffee Living History Farm, Kona Hawaiian Quilt Museum & Gallery, Laupahoehoe Point, Laupahoehoe Train Museum, Lyman Museum, Mokupāpapa Discovery Center, Pacific Tsunami Museum, Paniolo Heritage Center and Tsunami Clock of Doom.
• Popular Attractions: Akaka Falls State Park, Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, Alanui Kahiko, Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden, ʻAnaehoʻomalu Beach, Anna Ranch Heritage Center, Banyan Tree, Beach 69, Botanical World Adventures, Botanical World Kona, Captain James Cook Monument, East Hawaii Cultural Center, Green Sand Beach, Hala Tree Organic Kona Coffee Farm, Hapuna Beach, Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Hilo Drag Strip, Honomalino Beach, Hu’he Falls, Hula Daddy Kona Coffee, Kailua Pier, Kaipalaoa Landing, Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, Kona Farmers Market,  Kaumana Caves, Kaunaʻoa (Mauna Kea) Beach, Kealakekua Bay, Kiholo Bay, Kilauea Caverns of Fire, Kohala Historical Sites State Monument, Kona Historical Society, Kuemanu Heiau, Kula Kai Caverns, Lake Waiau, Lava Tree State Monument, Lekeleke/Kuamo'o Burial Grounds, Liliʻuokalani Park & Gardens, Living Stones Church, Lokahi Garden Sanctuary, Magic Sands Beach Park, Mahukona Beach Park, Makalawena Beach, Makani Golf Club, Maku'u Farmer's Market, Manini'owali Beach, Mauna Kea Golf Course, Mauna Loa Observatory, Mermaid Ponds, Mokuaikaua Church, Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation, Nāpō’opo’o Pier, Onomea Bay Trail, O'oma Beach, Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, Parker Ranch, Pololu Valley Lookout, Punalu'u Beach,  Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park, Pu’u Ali’I Bay, Pu'u O'o Trail, Richardson Ocean Park, Royal Kona Coffee Center, Sadie Seymour Botanical Gardens, Shipman Beach, South Point Heiau, Star of the Sea Painted Church, Statue of King Kamehameha, Steam Vents, St Michael The Archangel Church, Sulphur Banks, The Club at Hōkūliʻa, Volcano Winery, Wailuku River State Park, Waipiʻo Valley Lookout, 
• Popular Cities/Towns to Visit: Hilo, Holualoa, Kailua, Kona and Waimea. 

Kauai, Hawaii. Photo Credit: TeamHealthy808/Pixabay 

Kahoʻolawe (kah-hoh-oh-lah-wey)

"The Target Isle"

Smallest of the eight main Hawaiian Islands. Formerly a bombing range for the U.S. Military; volunteer work is about the only way to experience the island as it's strictly off-limits to the public by law. 

Pineapple Fields, Hawaii. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

Kauaʻi (KAU-WAH-ee)

"The Garden Isle"

Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to enjoy beautiful beaches, birdwatching, fishing, forests, golf, gorge, hiking, kayaking, lush green landscapes, monk seals, mountains, sailing, snorkeling, surfing, valleys, waterfalls, water sports, whale watching (December - Mid April) and zip lining. Nightlife and shopping is limited.

• Historical Sites: Fort Alexander, Hale Puna, Kilauea Lighthouse, Kilohana Estate, Maniniholo Dry Cave, Seto Building and Waioli Mission House.
• Museums: Grove Farm Homestead, Kaneiolouma Heiau, Kauai Historical Society, Kauai Museum and Kokee Natural History Museum.
• Popular Attractions: Allerton Garden, Anini Beach, ʻAuliʻi Lūʻau, Brennecke's Beach, Captain Cook Landing Site, Chabad Kauai, Da Life Outdoors, Fern Grotto, Glass Beach, Grove Farm, Hanakapi'ai Falls, Hanalei Pier, Hanapepe Valley Lookout, Hikinaakala Heiau, Holoholoku Heiau, Iraivan Temple, Island Art Gallery Kauai, Kalapaki, Kalalau Lookout, Kamokila Hawaiian Village, Kauai Coffee Company,  Kauai's Hindu Monastery, Kauai Plantation Railway, Kauai Raceway Park, Kauai Safaris, Kauai Soto Zen Temple Zenshuji,  Kauai Veterans Cemetery, Kawai’ele Waterbird Sanctuary, Keālia Beach, Kee Beach, Kiahuna Golf Club, Kīlauea Lighthouse, Kōkeʻe State Park, Koloa Jodo Mission, Larsen's Beach, Lawai International Center, Lihue Civic Center Historic District, Limahuli Garden & Preserve, Lydgate Beach, Makua Beach, Makauwahi Cave Reserve, Makauwahi Cave Trail, Manawaiopuna Falls, McBryde Garden, Moir Garden, Mount Waialeale, Na 'Aina Kai Botanical Gardens & Sculpture Park, Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, National Tropical Botanical Garden, Nāwiliwili Harbor, Ninini Point Lighthouse, Nounou-East Trail, Old Koloa Sugar Mill, Old Koloa Town, Poipu Beach, Poliahu Heiau, Princeville Botanical Gardens, Pu’u O Kila Lookout, Queen’s Bath, Russian Fort Elizabeth State Historical Park , Sacred Rudraksha Forest, Sleeping Giant Trail Head, Smith Family Garden Luau, Spalding Monument, The Bright Side Gallery, Wailua Heritage Trail, Wailua River State Park, Waimea Canyon State Park, Waimea Canyon Lookout, Waioli Huiia Church, Waiʻoli Mission District, Waiopili Heiau and Wyllie's Beach.
• Popular Cities/Towns to Visit: Hanapepe, Koloa, Waimea and Wainiha. 

Honolulu, Hawaii (Oahu). Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay

Lānaʻi (La-nah-ee)

"The Pineapple Isle"

For the traveler desiring a less crowded and quieter island destination to enjoy ATV back road exploring, bicycling, diving, fishing, golf, horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, sailing, snorkeling and ocean rafting. Medical Services, nightlife and shopping is limited.

• Historical Sites: Kahekili's Leap, Kaunolu Village and Shark's Bay. 
• Museums: Lanai Petroglyphs and The Lana'i Culture & Heritage Center.
• Popular Attractions: Dole Park, Hulope Bay, Hulopoʻe Beach Park, Kaiolohia Beach, Kaunolu Village Site, Keahiakawelo, Mike Carroll Gallery, Munro Trail, Polihua Beach, Puʻu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock) and The Challenge at Manele. 
• Popular Cities/Towns to Visit: Keomuku, Lanai City and Lopa.

Maui, HI. Photo Credit: hmmunoz512/Pixabay 

Maui (Mah-ow-ee)

"The Valley Isle"

Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking breathtaking views while enjoying beautiful beaches, calm ocean bays, diving, fishing, gardens, golf, helicopter tours, highland ranches, hiking, mountains, outdoor activities, parasailing, sailing, snorkeling, sugarcane fields, surfing, tennis, volcano vistas, water sports, whale watching, windsurfing and zip lining.

• Historical Sites: Dr. Jose P Rizal Monument, Halekii-Pihana Heiau State Monument, Hale Pa'i Printing House, Honokahua Burial Site, Lahaina Courthouse, Moku'ula & Kamehameha Iki Park, Olowalu Petroglyphs, Paia Bay Bunker, The King's Taro Patch and Waiola Congregational Church & Cemetery.
• Museums: Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum, Bailey House Museum, Hale Aloha, Hale Pa'ahao Prison, Hale Pa'i, Hana Cultural Center, Lahaina Restoration Foundation, Makawao History Museum, Makena Cove, Masters Reading Room, Maui Animal Farm, Maui Historical Society, Maui Okinawa Cultural Center, Pioneer Mill Co, Plantation Museum, US Seamen's Hospital, Museum, Whalers Village Museum and Wo Hing Temple Museum. 
• Popular Attractions: Ahihi Bay, Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm, Baldwin Beach, Charles Lindbergh's Grave, Ching's Pond, Cove Beach Park, Enchanted Floral Gardens of Kula, Five Graves, Fleming Beach, Garden of Eden Arboretum, Haleakalā Observatory, Hamoa Beach, Hana Highway Millenium Trail Marker, Hāna Maui Botanical Gardens, Hanomanioa Light, Honokalani Beach, Ho'okipa Lookout, Huialoha Church, Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center, Iao Needle State Monument,Iao Valley State Park, Kaahumanu Church, Ka'anapali Beach, Kahanu National Tropical Botanical Garden, Kahekili's Leap, Kama'ole Beach Parks, Kanaha Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, Kapalua Adventures, Kapalua Bay, Karen Lei's Gallery, Kaupo School Teacher's Cottage, Kahekili Beach Park,  Ke'anae Arboretum, Keanae Lookout, Kealia Coastal Boardwalk, Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, Kula Botanical Gardens, Lahaina Jodo Mission, Lahaina Lighthouse, La Perouse Memorial, Launiupoko Beach Park, Little Beach, Makaluapuna Point, Makena Beach, Makena Landing Park, Maui Exposition, Maui Golf & Sports Park, Maui Jacaranda, Maui Ocean Center, Maui Tropical Plantation, MauiWine, McGregor Point, Nakalele Blowhole, Napili Bay Beach Trail, Ocean Vodka, Ohai Trail, Olivine Pools, Road To Hana, Sacred Garden of Maliko, Secret Cove Beach, Sunflower Field, Surfing Goat Dairy, Tedeschi Vineyards, The Kings Gardens Maui, Twin Falls Maui Farm Stand, Twin Falls Maui Waterfall, Upper Waikani Falls, Waihee Coastal Dunes & Wetlands Refuge, Wailea Beaches, Wailua Valley State Wayside, Waimoku Falls and West Maui Mountains. 
• Popular Cities/Towns to Visit: Hana, Kahakuloa, Kahului, Kaupo, Kihei, Lahaina, Wailea and Wailuku.

Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

Molokaʻi (Moh-loh-kah-ee)

"The Friendly Isle"

Ideal for the traveler desiring a charming and quiet island destination to enjoy beaches, fishing, hiking, history, mountains, relaxation, seclusion, waterfalls. Medical Services, nightlife and shopping is limited.

• Historical Sites: Kaiaka Rock, Kalokoeli Fishpond, Ka Ule o Nanahoa, Mökopu Island and Okala Island.
• Museums:Axcess, Molokai Museum & Cultural Center and Richard & Gloria Marks Museum. 
• Popular Attractions:  Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Ierusalem Hou Church, One Alii Beach Park, Palaau State Park, Pālāʻau State Park and Papohaku Beach. 
• Popular Cities/Towns to Visit: Ho'olehua, Kaunakakai, Kualapuʻu and Ualapue.

Oahu, Hawaii. Photo Credit: Michelle Raponi/Pixabay 

Niʻihau (NEE-EE-HOW)

"The Forbidden Island"

Owned by the Robinson Family, is off limits to uninvited visitors allowing natives to live a more traditional lifestyle.

Ko Olina Lagoon, Oahu HI. Photo Credit: Michelle Maria/Pixabay 

Oʻahu (O-waw-hee)

"The Gathering Place"

Ideal for the traveler seeking a diverse and tourist driven island to enjoy beaches, city life, golf, hiking, history, kayaking, museums, nightlife, opera, sailing, shopping, surfing, theater, water sports and windsurfing.

• Historical Sites: Aliʻiolani Hale, Fort Kamehameha, Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site, Honouliuli National Historic Site, Kamehameha V‘s Birthplace, Maunawila Heiau, Opana Radar, Pahukini Heiau, Pu'uokapolei, The Kaniakapupu Ruins, Tomb of King Lunalilo and U.S.S. Arizona Historic Marker.
• Museums: Battleship USS Arizona Memorial, Bishop Museum, Children's Discovery Center, Doris Duke Theatre, Hawaii Heritage Center, Hawaii State Art Museum, Honolulu Fire Department Museum & Education Center, Honolulu Hale, Honolulu Museum of Art, John Young Museum of Art, Kings Guard Museum, King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center, Lucoral Museum, Naval Air Museum Barbers Point, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, The Honolulu Museum of Art Spalding House and Tropic Lightning Museum.
• Popular Attractions:  Ala Moana Shopping Center, Aloha Tower Marketplace, Aquarian Foundation, Banyan Tree, Barbers Point Lighthouse, Battery Boyd, Battery French, Battery Hasbrouck, Battleship Missouri Memorial, Brewer's Wharf, Brothers in Valor Memorial, Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Chinatown, College Hill, Coral Crater Adventure Park, Diamond Head Lighthouse, Diamond Head State Monument, Dole Plantation, Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue, Elvis Aloha From Hawaii, Ewa Sugar Company Plantation, Ford Island Control Tower, Foster Botanical Garden, Friendship Garden, Grace Cooke House, Haleiwa Beach Park War Memorial, Haleiwa North Shore Sign, Halona Blowhoe, Hanauma Bay, Happy Dragon, Hawaii's Plantation Village, Honolulu Harbor, Honolulu Zoo, Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, Iolani Palace, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole Statue, Japanese Peace Bell, Kahanamoku Beach, Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, Kanaina Building, Kapahulu Avenue, King Kamehameha Statue, Koko Head Regional Park, Kū'īlioloa Heiau, Kukaniloko Birth Stones, Kukuihoolua Island, Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden, Louise Dillingham Memorial Fountain, Luke Field, Lulumahu Falls, Makapuu Point, Mauna ʻAla, Mount Kaala, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Nuuanu Pali Lookout, Nuʻuanu Pali State Wayside, Pali Notches, Pearl Harbor, Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Pearl Harbor Naval Hospital Historic Location, Pineapple Garden Maze, Harry's Kingdom, Pohaku Lana'i, Princess Kaʻiulani Statue, Princess Pauahi Statue, Princess Victoria Kamāmalu Bldg, Queen Emma Summer Palace, Queen Kapiʻolani Statue, Sandy Beach, Senator Fong's Plantation & Gardens, Statue Saint Marianne Cope, Summit of Diamond Head Crater, Sunken LST-480, The Byodo-In Temple, The Gulch, The Liljestrand House, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, USS Oklahoma Memorial, Valley of the Temples Memorial Park,Waikīkī Aquarium, Waikiki Beach, Waimea Botanical Garden, Waimea Falls, War Memorial Natatorium, Washington Place and Wizard Stones. 
• Popular Cities/Towns to Visit: Haleiwa, Honolulu, Kailua, Kaneohe, Makaha, Mililani, Pearl City, Waianae and Waimea.

"Aloha", means "hello", "love", or "goodbye"

Hawaii Surf. Photo Credit: skeeze/Pixabay 

• Special Events: (January) Chinese New Year (Oʻahu), Honolulu Festival (Oʻahu), (February) Panaewa Stampede Rodeo (Big Island), (March) Kona Brewer's Fest (Big Island), Waimea Heritage Days Festival (Kauai), (April) County's Agricultural Festival (Maui), Merrie Monarch Festival (Big Island), (May) Annual Farm Festival at Hamakua Harvest, Kau Coffee Festival (Big Island), Lantern Floating Festival (Oʻahu), Lei Day (all islands), Mele Mei (Oʻahu), (June) Kamehameha Festival (Big Island), King Kamehameha Day (all islands), O-Bon Festivals (Kauai), (July) Koloa Plantation Days (Kauaʻi), Prince Lot Hula Festival (Oʻahu), Ukulele Festival (Oʻahu), (September) Aloha Festivals (Oʻahu), Annual Hawaii Island Festival of Birds (Big Island), Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament (Big Island), Hawaiian Music & Culture Fest (Kaui), (October) Coconut Festival (Kauai), Eo E Emalani I Alakai Festival (Kauai), Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, Hawaii Yoga Festival (Kauai), IRONMAN World Championship Oʻahu), Mealani’s Taste of the Hawaiian Range (Big Island), (November) Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (Big Island), Vans Triple Crown (Oʻahu) and (December) Pearl Harbor Remembrance (Oʻahu).
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (Big Island) and Papahānaumokuākea (Oʻahu).

Hanauma Bay, Hawaii (Oʻahu). Photo Credit: photosforyou/Pixabay 

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