Hawaii

On Hawaii's Big Island, you can experience the desert-like lava plains along the Kona coast, climb its tallest mountain (Mauna Kea), hike through green rainforest or over black lava rock and the rainiest city in America, Hilo. From easy to extreme, there are many ways to enjoy everything this little corner of the Pacific has to offer.

The best time for whale watching is from November to May. Humpback whales travel to Pacific waters to give birth and care for their young before the long swim home to Alaska. During that time, you can easily spot them from the shore. Watch for a spout, like a plume of smoke over the ocean. This "whale exhale" will hold its shape for a few seconds, unlike a puff of sea spray made by wind. It's a grand show from shore, but the best place to see it is onboard a boat. Providers know how to get where the whales are safely watched, careful not to break the 100' perimeter and invade their "space." Many boats have a hydrophone they lower underwater to let you listen to the whale song. The boats offer refreshments, restrooms and good company.

Other activities include a submarine ride, kite surfing, a dinner cruise, and swimming with the dolphins. One of the best dolphin encounter programs is in the lagoons of Hilton Waikoloa Village or you can meet the dolphins in their own neighbourhood. The better Ocean activity providers do it all. They offer seasonal whale watch excursions, plus scenic sunset sails, snorkel cruises, private fishing charters and much more. Kayaks are a good way to explore out-of-the-way waters with a guide. There are even see-through kayaks for a totally new perspective. From sport-fishing and parasailing, to boogie boarding and scuba there is plenty to fill the daylight hours.

For an off beat experience, why not take an inflatable kayak tour down old sugar cane water flumes? There are week-long custom "camps" that are tailor-made for your family gathering, including dolphin swims, a cookout and accommodation.

Hawaii's Big Island is alive with history. On the west side, experience Pu'uhonua O Honaunau, a restored three centuries old Hawaiian village, complete with thatched huts, hand-carved tiki deities, a temple and a sense of awe. You can tour an historic coffee plantation or a major ethno-botanical garden, call on a royal residence, visit the first official Christian church in the Islands or see the home of Hawaiian paniolo (cowboys) in Waimea town. Or you can gaze into space on a Mauna Kea summit astronomy trek. In east-side museums, discover the power of a tsunami or take a virtual undersea voyage, check out a macadamia nut factory, missionary manor house, and an orchid farm.

A not-to-be-missed experience is a visit to an active volcano. Today, Hawaii Volcanos National Park (HVNP) is the country's 13th National Park and the state's premier visitor attraction. It was created to preserve the region's unique volcanic features, its early human history and the plant and animal life that is part of this special bioregion. It is located 30 miles southwest of Hilo and 96 miles southeast of Kona. It's open year-round, 24 hours a day. There is also good shopping in Kona, coffee plantation tours, excellent golf on the Kohala Coast, and the quaint town of Hilo, where you'll feel as though you've gone back in time.
A hike down to the current lava flow offers a once in a lifetime chance to view Madame Pele at work up close - her home, Kilauea Volcano, is the world's most active. The current eruption began January 3, 1983 and is the largest and longest eruption in history. There is no indication when she will stop, but believe there is a good chance of her still being active by the time this newsletter reaches you! Across the island there are jagged lava fields, which provide a contrast to the otherwise lush vegetation. Seeing the lava flow glowing at night is an incredible experience.

All of Hawaii's six islands have long, unspoiled stretches of coastline providing a bounty of beaches that have long been a beacon for visitors. Whether it is Kauai, Big Island, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai or Maui there is something unique about each of them.

Kaui

There's more beach per mile of coastline here than on any other Hawaiian Island. Forty-three beaches in total, varying from quiet white-sand lagoons, to calm water bays, to expansive pounding ocean shores.
Big Island. There are 266 miles of coastline and 47 beaches here with diverse sand colors from white to green to rich volcanic black. The waters of Hawaii's Big Island are teeming with brightly coloured tropical fish and make it a popular destination for snorkelling and diving.

Oahu

Oahu has over 125 miles of shoreline. It is known for world-famous Waikiki Beach, and the big-wave North Shore surf beaches, Pipeline and Sunset. But there are several other sandy wonderlands in between. The South Shore coastline is known for its many sheltered beaches ideal for families (however, in the Summer the surf can get unusually high). snorkelling, tide pooling and swimming make great activities for families picnicking along these beaches. The West Shore (Leeward side) also has many fine swimming beaches. This coast is known for offshore fishing spots. Winter months see the largest waves, which reach heights of more than 15 feet. The North Shore is best known for its world-class surfing and huge winter swells. During the winter months, waves reach heights of 25 feet. The East Shore (Windward side) beaches tend to be more lush and tropical. Northeast trade winds keep the coast cool 90 percent of the year, making it a favourite location for windsurfing and sailing enthusiasts.

Molokai

Papohaku Beach, located on the west end is three miles in length and as wide as 100 yards. As it's the second largest in the entire state, you're sure to find plenty of room to spread out your towel and soak in the serenity. You'll find no end of ways you can enjoy the Island's varied coastline. Spend your days sailing, windsurfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking, or boogie boarding your way around the Island's many coves, inlets, and wide-open shores.

Lanai

This offers popular water sports including snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing, and deep-sea fishing. One of the island's most prized attractions is glorious Hulopoe Bay, a marine conservation area prized by divers and snorkelers for its vivid tropical reef fish. Here you can spend days splashing in the warm waters, where spinner dolphins are just as likely to frolic. Another unforgettable activity is charting a sailboat to go on a snorkelling or sightseeing adventure to the island's remote and beautiful West coast.

Maui

Some beaches are so small and tucked away you'll need an experienced guide to help you find them, while others - like famous Kaanapali or Wailea - are ranked among the best beaches in the country. And when you've had enough fun in the sand, a world of water activities awaits you. You can enjoy just about any ocean activity imaginable here, including snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing, surfing, windsurfing, boogie boarding, skim boarding, jet-skiing, catamaran cruises, deep sea fishing and charters of every kind.

As you can see, there is surely something for everyone in Hawaii, so contact our specialist consultants for more details. They will be pleased to guide you through your decision making to ensure you have the best possible holiday.

Images courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)/Tor Johnson, Joe Solem, Dana Edmunds