The Ultimate Guide To Hawaii: Welcome to Paradise

Aloha and welcome to Loving Life With Cass’ June series on the beautiful, heaven like U.S. state of Hawaii. Every day this week Loving Life With Cass will be posting blogs all about Hawaii, and give you the information you need to start planning your own trip to paradise. 

Located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean Hawaii is one of the fifty states of the United States of America and the only archipelago state. Often referred to as paradise, the tropical islands of Hawaii are home to stunning crystal clear waters, breathtaking bright orange, purple and pink sunsets, lush rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls, miles of gorgeous beaches and coastlines, volcanoes, sea turtles and warm welcoming people. 

In 2014 I lived in Hawaii for six months. I remember the wind blowing through my hair as I shouted out the lyrics to one of my favourite songs. I looked out the car window admiring the beautiful rainforest when suddenly the scenery changed to the crystal-clear blue pacific ocean. I continued to sing as I watched the waves crash into the molten rocks. This is the definition of paradise. We drove a little longer and again, the scenery changed to lush, green fields. I thought to myself, “Hawaii has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth.” (Read more about my road trip around the Big Island of Hawaii here.)  Each day in Hawaii was an adventure – it was an experience that i’ll never forget. If you are looking to escape and experience a good mix of adventure and relaxation, Hawaii is the place for you.  

Fun Facts:

• Hawaii was first discovered and inhabited by Polynesians from the Marquesas Islands around 400 C.E. The first settlers lived in small tribes on the islands, farming the land, fishing and battling neighbours for jurisdiction.
• The Hawaiian language only has 12 letters and one symbol. Five vowels a, e, i, o, u, seven consonants h, k, l, m, n, p, w and a symbol that looks similar to an apostrophe.
• The islands were first united under King Kamehameha in 1810 and became the Kingdom of Hawaii.
• Hawaii has two official languages English and Hawaiian.
• Hawaii is known for its cane sugar, pineapple, flowers, coffee beans, bananas, and macadamia nuts.
• Hawaii is the only U.S. state that grows coffee.
• The Hawaiian Islands were created from volcanic eruptions.
• Hawaii has its own time zone.
• Hawaii is said to be the birthplace of surfing.
• The island of Kauai, also known as the ‘Garden Isle’ is where they filmed Jurassic Park.
• The Big Islands dormant volcano Mauna Kea is the world’s biggest and tallest volcano.
• Hawaii is home to the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Whales mate, give birth and nurse their young here.
• It is illegal to disturb or harass sea turtles in Hawaii and you can be fine up to $10,000 for a first time offence. This includes but not limited to touching, riding, or provoking of any kind. The Honu (Hawaiian for green sea turtle) are very sacred in the Hawaiian culture so by touching these animals you are not only committing a crime but also disrespecting the Hawaiian people.
• There is snow in Hawaii.

The Islands:

There are eight main islands that make up the state of Hawaii however, you are likely to only visit six out of the eight due to one, Niihau, being privately own and another, Kahoolawe, being uninhabited, and access to it is prohibited. The other six islands are welcomed to tourist and are filled with unique breathtaking views and epic land and water adventures.

Hawaii (The Big Island)

Hawaii (often referred to as the Big Island) is the biggest island in the state of Hawaii, with eight out of the thirteen climate zones. The ever-changing scenery makes the island unique and beautiful. One minute you are enjoying the waves at the black sand beach, and the next you are on top of a snow capped mountain. It has beautiful waterfalls and is also home to not one, but FIVE volcanoes two of which are still active!

Oahu

Home to Honolulu, the most populated and the capital city of Hawaii, Oahu is by far the most visited island. Oahu or “Gathering Place”, has a successful blend of traditional Hawaiian cultural and modern vibe. You can visit laidback surf towns, trek up mountains and enjoy the energy of the city life.

Maui

Maui is the second largest Hawaiian Island and is often called “the Valley Isle”. Tourist visit the island from all over the world to see it’s glorious mountain ranges, valleys, and golden beaches. It has been voted the best island in the USA for over 20 years.

Kauai

Kauai is nicknamed the “Garden Island” for its lush, emerald vegetation, sharp mountain peaks, and jagged cliffs. It is home to stunning tropical rainforests, cascading waterfalls and flowing rivers. It is also the filming location of Jurassic Park.

Molokai

Molokai is known for having the world’s highest sea cliffs, the longest continuous fringing reef and has Hawaii’s longest white sand beaches. This island has stayed true to it’s Hawaiian roots, with most of its inhabitants being Native Hawaiian and honouring ancient Hawaiian traditions and lifestyle.

Lanai

Lanai is the smallest inhabited island in Hawaii, a place where you won’t find any stop lights. It has a combination of luxurious world-class resorts and golf courses and rugged off-the-beaten-path adventures. Most of the island is not developed and makes it a great place to trek.

When to go:

The best time to visit the Islands of Hawaii depends on who you are, your budget, which islands you are looking to check out and what attractions you are going to see.

Hawaii is known for having great weather all year long, however in the summer months the temperature and humidity rise and the tropical heat and humidity may not be enjoyable for everyone. Keeping the weather in mind the best time to visit Hawaii would be from April to May or September to October. Also, take note the rainy season falls between November and March and the dry season is from April to October.

High time for tourist is from mid-December to mid-April. If you are travelling on a budget plan your trip from mid-May to July or September to mid-December, as you are more likely to find cheaper accommodations, rental cars and flights.

Each island of Hawaii is super unique and has amazing attractions, festivals and events that happen all year long. Depending on what you are into you may want to visit Hawaii at different times of the year. If you are heading to Oahu to surf at North Shore, then you want to visit from November to January. If you want to paddle board or kayak beside humpback whales then think about visiting The Big Island during January to March. I recommend you do a little research and discover all that Hawaii has to offer, and plan your dates around the best time for you to do all the activities you want to. Need help planning your trip to Hawaii, book a consultation call with me today. 

Where to stay:

Where to stay depends on what island(s) you are planning on exploring while on your trip and of course your budget. All of the islands have great hostels and resorts to stay at.

The Big Island:

Luxury – Hilton Waikoloa Village , Mauna Lani Resort

Budget- My Hawaii Hostel, Kona Beach Hostel

Oahu:

Luxury – Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach

Budget- HI-Honolulu

Maui:

Luxury – Fairmont KEA LANI

Budget- Aloha Surf Hostel

Kauai:

Luxury – Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort And Spa

Budget- Kauai Beach House

Molokai:

Hotel Molokai

Ke Nani Kai

Lanai:

Luxury – Four Seasons Lanai

Budget- Dreams Come True Lanai

What to do:

Here are 10 must see attractions and activities to do while exploring all of the islands of Hawaii.  

1. Road trip around each island
2. Paddle board with wild dolphins
3. Sea kayak
4. Swim with Manta Rays  
5. Enjoy a dolphin encounter
6. Attend a Luau
7. Hike
8. Snorkel
9. Enjoy the view of the islands from a helicopter
10. Surf

Where to eat:

Hawaii is home to some absolutely delicious restaurants, food trucks and local markets that range in price. Here are some of the highest rated restaurants on all of the islands:

1. Tahiti Nui Restaurant
2. Wailua Shave Ice
3. Teshima’s Restaurant
4. JO2 Restaurant
5. Leoda’s Pie House
6. Sushi Izakaya Gaku
7. Loving Hut
8. Peace Cafe Express – Food Truck
9. Veg-out
10. Maui Kombucha

The breathtaking beauty and the laid back attitude of Hawaii has left a mark on me that I know I’ll never be able to wipe off. Burned in my memory are golden sunsets with bursts of orange, pink and purple, swimming with sea turtles in the crystal clear Pacific Ocean and long, adventurous hikes that took me through the rainforest and lead me to hidden waterfalls. My time spent with locals are moments I will cherish forever. I’ll never forget luaus where my taste buds first experienced traditional Hawaiian food like poi, and I was taught how to hula. Being submerged in its nature and culture has taught me to slow down and take in the now. It taught me to breathe in the moment and cherish life for what is in front of me. Hawaii is a special paradise and I truly recommend it to everyone.

Hāʻawi iāʻoe i ke aloha. (Hawaiian for “sending you love”)

Mahalo,