When to go: Hawai’i offers warm and sunny weather years round. The average sea temperature ranges from 25◦c to 29◦c allowing for great swimming weather all year long.
May to October is hot and humid, so lather on the sunscreen and enjoy the many water activities the islands have to offer.
November to April brings the wet season creating Hawai’i’s rich, green, tropical environment. This season is the best time for avid surfers as large ocean swells create Hawai’i’s legendary big waves.
Snorkelling: With 1900 kilometres of coral reef fringing the islands, Hawai’i is a snorkeler’s paradise. Snorkel in the crystal clear waters of O’ahu’s Hanauma Bay and be rewarded with an abundance of tropical fish. Off the coast of Maui, Molokini Crater was once a volcano and is now home to a kaleidoscope of fish. At tunnels Beach of Kaua’i snorkelers will enjoy the amazing coral and marine life while divers can explore the underwater tunnels of lava tubes. On the Island of Hawai’i, the gentle waters of Kealakekua Bay are homes to schools of fish and, on occasion, Spinner Dolphins.
Wonderful Waikiki: Famous Waikiki Beach is the place to be. Relax on the warm Waikiki sands, soak up the sun and cool off with a dip in the welcoming waters. Learn to surf on the gentle waves or paddle out on an outrigger canoe. Stroll along Kalakaua Avenue where you’ll find world-class shopping, dining and entertainment options. For the adventurous, hike the 1.3 kilometres trail to the summit of Diamond Head of stunning views Waikiki. Take a snap with the Duke Kahanamoku statue, he was known as the ‘father of modern surfing’. End each day with a refreshing Mai Tai.
TV & movie locations: the islands of Hawai’i have been the backdrop to many movies and TV shows. From blockbuster films 50 First Dates and Blue Hawai’i to iconic TV shows Magnum P.I and Hawaii Five-0, Hawai’i’s white beaches, lush jungles and stunning coastlines have been on show. The unofficial ‘backlot of Hawai’i’ Kualoa Ranch on O’ahu is host to many films. See the boneyard from Kong: Skull Island, The famous fallen tree in Jurassic park and Hurley’s golf course from LOST. In Honolulu visit the Hawaii Five-0 headquarters, Ali’iolani Hale. On Kaua’i Wailua Falls may look familiar from the opening credits of Fantasy Island.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park: Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, on the Island of Hawai’i, delivers some of Mothers Nature’s most awe-inspiring wonders. Travel along Crater Rim Drive which circles Kilauea Caldera and see steam vents and sulphur banks. Walk one of the Park’s many hiking trails and discover craters, scalded deserts, rainforests and petroglyphs. For a different view, take a helicopter flight over the national park. See the enormity of this otherworldly landscape and the effects of the recent eruptions.
Haleakala National Park: feel the power of nature at Haleakala National Park on Maui. This dormant volcano’s summit, at 3,055 metres above sea level, is the stage for breath-taking land and skyscapes. Wake up early and head to the Visitor Centre to catch the sunrise. Watch the sun peek over the horizon and the sky light up with colour over a sea of clouds. Once the sun is up take in the Mars-like landscape. Hiking trails and horseback riding is available, so you can explore the park’s natural beauty. For the night owls, watch the sun set or try star gazing.
Pearl Harbour: Visit Pearl Harbours, the site of the devastating attack during World War II. Take a boat to the USS Arizona Memorial, which is built over the sunken wreckage of the battleship and the final resting place for many of its crew. Explore the decks of the Battleship Missouri and see exhibits spanning three wars. Learn about the battles beneath the sea at the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park and see the 50 aircraft on display at the Pacific Aviation Museum. Stop at the USS Oklahoma Memorial to honour the 429 crew who lost their lives in the attack.
Traditional Luau: Experience the warmth of the Hawaiian People and the genuine aloha spirit at an authentic luau. Be welcomed ait a lei greeting and join in on Hawaiian arts and crafts. Watch the imu ceremony where the kalua pig is removed from the underground oven, before enjoying a dinner of Hawaiian delicacies including shredded pork, poi (pounded taro) and haupia (coconut pudding). Learn the art of hula dancing and Hawaiian/Polynesian culture through live performances and music. Be amazed by the talented fire knife dancers as they twirl knives into the night sky.
Road to Hana: Maui’s Hana Highway is one of the world’s most scenic drives. The road has 620 hairpin bends as 59 narrow bridges passing lush rainforests, flowing waterfalls and picturesque seascapes. The drive can take between two and four hours but is well worth the time. Stop at Wai’anapanapa State Park for the black sand beach, ocean caves, blowhole and hiking trails. Discover the Hana Lava Tube and stroll through sleepy Hana Town. Refresh with a dip in the pools of Twin Falls and Wailua Falls and soak up the sun at the crescent shaped Hamoa Beach.
Na Pali Coast: Towering dramatically over the ocean the emerald-hued cliffs and razor sharp ridges of the Na Pali Coast on Kaua’i are an unforgettable sight. Take a boat ride or kayak along the coast and marvel at the soaring cathedral cliffs and beautiful hidden beaches. The adventurous will enjoy hiking along the Kalalau Trail for panoramic water views, cascading waterfalls and see, narrow valleys. For stunning Views without the hike, take to the skies on a helicopter tour over the lush green cliffs and see areas of the coast that are inaccessible by land and sea.
O’ahu’s North Shore: Soak up the laidback lifestyle of O’ahu’s North Shore. A surfing, mecca, this is the place to see pro surfers catch epic tubes. Waimea Bay, Ehukai Beach (Banzai Pipeline) and Sunset Beach are where you’ll see big wave surfing. Between November and February the waves can swell up to 10 metres or more! Watch Green sea turtles napping on the warm sand at Laniakea Beach and stop at charming Haleiwa for surf shops and rainbow-colored shave ice. Don’t miss Giovanni’s shrimp truck a local favourite.
O’ahu:
From buzzing city life to laidback surf towns. O’ahu offers an amazing and diverse range of experiences. Famous Waikiki boasts beachfront resorts, live Hawaiian entertainment and shopping options.
See & Do:
· Watch the pro surfers on the North Shore.
· See the movie sets and sights at Kualoa Ranch.
· Hit the shops of Kalakaua Avenue.
· Learn to surf at Waikiki Beach.
· Climb to the top of Diamond Head for stunning views of Waikiki.
· Visit Iolani Palace, the only royal home in the United States.
Maui:
Maui is known for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, spectacular volcanic craters and charming historic towns. Beautiful Ka’anapali and Wailea beaches are the perfect places to swim and enjoy the warm Hawaiian sun.
See & Do:
· Look out for Humpback whales off the West and South Coasts between December and May.
· Watch the sunrise from the summit of the dormant volcano, Haleakala.
· Soak up the sun at Makena Beach.
· Cool off in the Pools of ‘Ohe’o.
· Hike ‘Iao Valley state Park to see the ‘Iao Needle at a 365 metre high peak.
· Snorkel at Black Rock located at the norther end of Ka’anapali beach.
· Experience Hawaiian hospitality at the Old Lahaina Luau.
· Check out the assortment of shops along Lahaina’s Front Street.
Kaua’i:
Kaua’i has incredible natural beauty with soaring mountains, jagged cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Discover the island’s charm on one of the 60 sandy beaches, some of the best are Poipu Beach, Lydgate Beach Park and Kealia Beach. For adventure, hike the Koke’e state park or kayak along the Wailua River.
See & Do:
· Marvel at the Waimea Canyon, known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’.
· Try zip lining above Kauai’i’s lush valleys.
· Go mountain tubing down the old plantation ditches?
· Snorkel at Kee Beach for an abundance of marine life.
· Take a helicopter flight over the Na Pali Coast.
Island of Hawai’i:
The best kept secret of the Hawaiian Islands is the Island of Hawai’i. Visit the Kona and Kohala Coasts for their white sand beaches and be sure to snorkel or dive in the clear waters. Head to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park to see steam vents, rainforests and deserts.
See & Do:
· Look out for whales along the Kohala Coast between December and May.
· Visit Punalu’u Black Sand Beach.
· Stargaze on Maunakea, the tallest sea mountain in the world.
· Learn about Hawaiian Culture at Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park.
· Experience a night snorkel with Manta rays on the Kona and Kohala Coasts.