The Islands are a Great Place to Get Away
If I asked you to close your eyes and think about Hawaii, I’ll bet a picture of palm trees swaying in the wind or beautiful black sand beaches would be part of what you see. The Hawaiian Islands have beautiful weather year-round making it ideal for golf, swimming, horseback riding, hiking and more. With over 750 miles of shoreline and over 400 named beaches, Hawaii is the perfect place to get away and relax.
National Parks
Hawaii had lots of National Parks. Pearl Harbor is one of the most visited but did you know that the Mighty Mo was on display there as well? You can also visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawaii, Haleakala National Park on Maui or Waimea Canyon on Kauai. If you are looking to visit national parks, the Hawaiian Islands have a great number to offer.
Water Sports
Hawaii is a surfer's paradise. Beginners can start out at Pua'ena Point or White Plains Beach. More advance surfers can be found in Waimea Bay where the island's biggest waves can reach up to 35 feet. (You have to be pretty brave or pretty good to surf here!) If snorkeling is your thing, try a night swim with reef manta rays on the Big Island or swim with the sea turtles in Maui. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve in Oahu is a perfect place to see wildlife but go early because it can get crowded in this bay. For all you fishermen out there, you don't need a license to go saltwater fishing in Hawaii. Try your hand at fishing for dorado or yellowfin tuna while your visiting the islands.
For Movie Buffs
Tons of movies and television shows have been filmed in Hawaii. You can visit the sites where Lost and Hawaii Five-0 were filmed. Visit the Kualoa Ranch and see the locations where Jurassic Park, Godzilla, or 50 First Dates were filmed. If you plan to take this tour, make sure you book weeks in advance as they sell out quickly.
Cruising the Islands
Because the islands are spread out – one of the best ways to explore Hawaii, especially on your first vacation there – is to take a cruise around them. Although many cruise lines serve Hawaii, I recommend two cruise lines that actually start and end their itinerary in the islands themselves.
Small Ship Discovery Cruise with UnCruise Adventures
Your UnCruise experience will be very different from other cruises you have taken. They are all-inclusive – transfers, as many excursions as you can fit into a day, baggage handling, beverages – you get it all. Your only out of pocket expenses besides souvenirs would be tips for staff at the end of the voyage. You can do as much or as little as you want. Excursions are set up based on activity level and they can handle any kind of dietary restrictions. All you have to do is ask. You’ll find you do things with UnCruise, you never thought you would ever get to do in your life.
INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS FOR YOUR UNCRUISE HAWAII ADVENTURE
- Talk story with a local Kahuna in Molokai’s ancient Halawa Valley
- Hike Hualalai Volcano—peer into the crater or venture inside a lava tube
- Two National Historic Parks offer time with a ranger, on the beach, and for water play
- Evening pa‘ina (feast) and Hawaiian jam session with Molokai locals
- Lunch at a mountainside coffee plantation
- Search for dolphins, whales, and other sea life in a natural marine sanctuary
- Snorkel among coral gardens and at a sea turtle habitat
- Island history at the Lana‘i Culture and Heritage Center
- Snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and skiff exploration
- Exclusive yacht getaway—unforgettable for honeymoons
Large Ship Island Cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line
Because Norwegian cruises round trip from Honolulu, they give you more time in each port including overnights on Maui, and Kaua`i. This extra time allows you to better experience this island paradise. Check out their “Free at Sea” Program that allows you to choose up to 5 free offers when you book your Hawaii cruise.
