Hawaii Tours: An Overview of the Islands

Posted on Thursday, August 06, 2009

Hawaiian Paradise 

The Islands of Aloha are a scenic paradise, and you will explore the rich cultural history of the Hawaiian people which makes your visit to the islands even richer.

Since the weather in Hawaii is very consistent, Hawaii is the perfect destination to visit anytime of the year. You can discover the beautiful beaches, tropical waters and the very unique cultures. Hawaii offers an ideal experience for couples, families, golfers and honeymooners. Here are some highlights of what you can see and do on the most popular islands:

Oahu – "The Gathering Place"

The city of Honolulu recently expanded its beachfront where you can attend weekend concerts, sunset torch-lighting ceremonies and free hula performances.

Waikiki makes Oahu the most-visited island. It has more restaurants, shops, and nightlife than all the other Hawaiian Islands combined.

Close to Waikiki is the USS Arizona Memorial which commemorates the women and men that died on December 7, 1941, during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

Along the North Shore of the island, you can drive to the 42-acre lagoon park, The Polynesian Cultural Center. Enjoy the authentic Hawaiian luau experience at the award-winning Ali’i Lu’au dinner and show. The Polynesian Cultural Center is the number-one paid attraction in Hawaii.

Maui – "The Valley Isle"

Maui is second most visited island. The most popular area is along Kaanapali, which is on the western shore of the island. Kaanapali is considered to have one of Maui’s best beaches. 

Home to 36 holes of championship golf, Ka'anapali offers golfers both spectacular views and a   challenge. So if golf is your passion, then you're in one of the best spots on Maui.

In Lahaina, on a specially built, open-air luau grounds next to the ocean, the Old Lahaina Luau is one of the finest luaus in the world, offering excellent Hawaiian food and entertainment.

Hana is Hawaii’s very own Garden of Eden with its unspoiled tropics with shimmering waterfalls, beautiful flowers and breathtaking cliffs.

Kauai - "The Garden Isle"

You could say Kauai is on any list of the world's most beautiful and spectacular islands as it is made up of lush tropical greenery and sparkling beaches. Formed some six million years ago, Kauai is the oldest island in Hawaii.

South of the island is Poipu which is the perfect resort area. The accommodations range from ultra-luxury hotels to cozy bed-and-breakfasts. Here you will find gourmet restaurants and specialty shopping.

Wailua Falls is the must-see waterfall to visit on the garden island of Kauai, mainly, because it is the most easily accessible waterfall. The falls was made famous when it was the opening scene of the popular show, Fantasy Island. 

Hawaii – "The Big Island"

The island of Hawai‘i is the youngest of the Hawaiian isles, but by far the largest island. The Big Island offers so much diversity. You can go from fiery volcanoes to fascinating waterfalls or from a snowy winter to sultry summer all within a 50 mile drive, passing through spring and fall along the way.  

You can head to Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park. The park highlights two of the world’s most active volcanoes. It includes Mauna Loa, world’s largest volcano, and Kilauea, which has been continuously erupting since January 1983. The park displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration and evolution.

Kona offers calm and clear waters which are perfect for snorkeling, diving or even spotting dolphins and green sea turtles. Kona is the home of hundreds of coffee plantations and many offer tours to the public. The high elevation and rich volcanic soil creates the ideal environment for harvesting this unique Hawaiian coffee bean. Be sure to sample Kona’s unique Hawaiian coffee and experience the rich flavorful taste that makes Kona coffee so highly valued.

Whether this is your first time visit or returning, the islands offer distinct experiences that will entice any traveler. For every visitor, Hawaii is a fantasy realized!