Hawaii
This page discusses some general guidelines we suggest you use for planning your trip to Hawaii.
Give yourself enough time. It’s typically 6.5 hour flight from Vancouver to get to (and from) Hawaii. Combine this with jet lag and the logistics of getting settled in, means that a week is sometimes not enough time. If you can try to plan your vacation for two full weeks.
Don't try to do too many islands. There's no reason you have to visit all the islands in one trip (even if it's perhaps the only trip you'll take). For a two week vacation, two or maybe three islands are enough. For a one week vacation, stick to one.
The islands are bigger than you might think. The Big Island of Hawaii is big; it takes 3-4 hours to drive from one side to the other. While the other islands are smaller, you are still looking at lengthy drives to get across the island. Figure out what you want to do, and find a place to stay nearby.
Get some good guidebooks, and read them in advance. A lot of the best spots in Hawaii are not listed in rental car maps or brochures you'll pick up at your hotel. For example, many of the best beaches are accessible only by dirt roads, or poorly marked trails.
Go anytime of the year. There is "winter" (between October and April) in Hawaii, characterized by possible storms and slightly cooler temperatures. Don't confuse rain with storms. Due to the tall mountains and the east to west trade winds, the windward (eastern) sides of most of the islands tend to be plush and rainy year round, and the leeward (western) tend to be dry year round.
"Summer," is between May and October. Hawaii's longest and shortest days are about 13 1/2 hours and 11 hours.
What to pack. Most vacationers assume thatwarm climate of Hawaii will require them to bring light clothing, such as bathing suits, shorts, and tank tops. But, it is also significant to be prepared for the evenings in Hawaii that are a little bit cooler.As well, if you consider visiting tourist magnets such as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or Haleakala National Park of Maui Island. In that case you should bring warmer clothes in preparation for the cooler temperatures you might feel at higher altitudes. Also, make sure for hiking you may need hardy walking shoes. You should always have in mind to take sunscreen and bug spray when go Hawaii vacation tours.
What to see. There are so many different sites to see and things to do you may have to do some serious research before you know which part of Hawaii you would prefer to see and what activities you would like to do.
1. Luau - You can't experience the true Hawaii without attending a Luau. With so many great Luau's available in Hawaii it's hard to choose. The Polynesian Cultural Center has a luau called the "Ali'i Luau" that's held in La'ie on Oahu's North Shore. Then you have Germaine's Luau, which is held on a private beach to the east of Honolulu. Germaine's Luau is definitely one of the more popular Luau's in Hawaii. A third destination would be the Paradise Cove Luau which is held on a 12-acre beach at the Ko Olina Resort. At every Luau there's great food, traditional Hawaiian games, Polynesian entertainment and lei making lessons.
2. Diamond Head - Diamond head is a great destination in paradise. Diamond head provides a great trial for hikers. A hike to the top of Diamond Head takes about an hour. The journey all the way to the top of the mountain is well worth it. The summit offers a spectacular 365-degree view of Oahu. If you like to take pictures and have awesome photographs of views, this is the place to be.
3. North Shore Oahu- The North Shore of Oahu is home to the top world-class surfers in the world. During the Winter is when huge wave swells come in. At that time you can see the best of the best surfing the waves. It is an easy hour's drive from Waikiki to beautiful Haleiwa town where the North Shore begins for most visitors as they travel in an eastward direction around Oahu. There are countless sites to see and as you drive along the north coast you always have the paradise ocean waters at your side.
4. Volcano - Big Island - The Kilauea Volcano is an awesome sight. You can take a fully guided tour to the volcano site. You can see live lava flows and rivers. Witness the lava flowing into the ocean and adding just a little more to the Big Island. There's full package tour flight that leave Oahu and bring you back the same day. The provide food and transportation as they guide you through an easy to moderate hike. They take you as close to the lava as you can.
5. Road to Hana - Maui - The breath-taking 57 mile journey to discover the Road to Hana is a memorable experience that shares with visitors the exuberant tropical beauty around 617 curves and 56 one-lane bridges. Undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking drives in the world. Incredible ocean views, spectacular cliffs, bamboo jungles, cascading waterfalls, tropical streams and pools, colorful and fragrant island flowers, and lush rain forest vegetation are all to be enjoyed on your way to ‘Heavenly Hana.”
6. Surf - That's right Surf! Get out in the water and go do it yourself! You can't really experience this destination in paradise without actually surfing yourself. Waikiki offers many outlets to choose from. You can go see one of the many surf instructors that are there on the beach. One of those guys will have you wave riding in no time. It's something you have to experience. It's like how they say. "only a surfer knows the feeling".
Why Visit Hawaii?
It's a safe destination. Just as any other vacation destination precautions do need to be taken, however the Hawaiian Island are very safe and the people are very welcoming. English is the main language spoken so there is no need to worry about not understanding the locals. The currecny is very familiar for many and easy to manage.