Maui Island (Hawaii): description, attractions, recreation, reviews. Enchanting Hawaiian Beaches The Best Beaches of the Hawaiian Islands
Visiting the Hawaiian Islands means having a great time at a picturesque resort - the dream of almost every tourist. Visitors are welcome here, and there are many options for interesting pastime in this tropical paradise.
In this article we will tell you what excursions you can visit while on vacation in Hawaii and indicate approximate prices for these tours.
Oahu Island – sightseeing tour
During an excursion on the island of Oahu, you will visit the best observation decks: overlooking the city of Honolulu, the crater of the Diamond Head volcano, Haunama Bay, Iternity Beach and the Halona Blowhole. Then we will drive through the prestigious Kahala area, visit Cape Makapuu, the local village of Waimanalo, visit the Valley of the Temples and the Byodo-in Temple (an exact replica of the Japanese one), then visit a flower nursery and a macadamia nut store, and after that - at the Pali pass.
This excursion lasts for five hours. The price for a group of one to three people is 320 dollars, from four to six – 450, and if the number of tourists is larger, then by agreement.
Excursion: helicopter flight over the island of Oahu
Taking a helicopter ride, you can see Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head, Waikiki, Chinaman’s Hat Island, as well as admire the Sacred Falls and Dole Pineapple plantations, exotic... read more
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Weather in Hawaii by month:
Month | Temperature | Cloudiness | Rainy days / Precipitation |
Water temperature in the sea |
Number of solar hours per day |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
During the day | At night | |||||
January | 25.1°C | 22.3°C | 26.5% | 1 day (20.3 mm.) | 24.5°C | 11 o'clock 0m. |
February | 25.0°C | 22.2°C | 35.5% | 4 days (53.9 mm.) | 24.2°C | 11 o'clock 27m. |
March | 25.0°C | 22.1°C | 33.0% | 2 days (41.3 mm.) | 24.2°C | 12h. 2m. |
April | 26.2°C | 23.1°C | 30.0% | 2 days (27.6 mm.) | 24.7°C | 12h. 39m. |
May | 27.2°C | 23.8°C | 29.0% | 2 days (28.5 mm.) | 25.3°C | 13:00 10m. |
June | 28.1°C | 24.6°C | 26.9% | 1 day (23.7 mm.) | 25.8°C | 13:00 25m. |
July | 29.1°C | 25.3°C | 23.8% | 1 day (14.6 mm.) | 26.2°C | 13:00 17m. |
August | 29.6°C | 25.7°C | 24.0% | 1 day (24.7 mm.) | 26.7°C | 12h. 50m. |
September | 29.3°C | 25.6°C | 24.0% | 1 day (31.9 mm.) | 27.1°C | 12h. 15m. |
October | 28.6°C | 25.2°C | 28.2% | 1 day (38.8 mm.) | 26.9°C | 11 o'clock 39m. |
November | 27.2°C | 24.5°C | 31.2% | 2 days (23.6 mm.) | 26.2°C | 11 o'clock 8m. |
December | 25.9°C | 23.4°C | 32.4% | 2 days (35.9 mm.) | 25.1°C | 10 o'clock 52m. |
*This table displays weather averages collected over more than three years
TOURIST REVIEWS:
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Hawaii will offer every guest the right island
Everything that the largest Pacific archipelago belonging to America is rich in is the turquoise of the sea, the gold of the sun, the pearls of the sands. This is what we, yesterday's students, thought when we were getting ready to go on a trip to find the treasures of relaxation. However, having spent a little time in Hawaii, we unexpectedly found hidden jewels of relaxation, the shapes of which were determined by the island.
Lanai is unique in its impressive number of golf courses, highly specialized clubs, and training centers. Oahu is famous for its Sea Life Park, where dolphin therapy is practiced. This island is considered ideal for exploring the fascinating Polynesian culture, which is preserved by the natives of special villages, and diving (thanks to the legendary Hanuma Bay, where the natives feed turtles).
What makes the island of Hawaii unique is its volcanic origin. Some fire-breathing mountains act to supply the famous Punaluu Beach with anthracite sand. When you sunbathe on volcanic lava, you feel like an action superheroine. Once you find yourself in the gardens and Waimea Canyon (the longest valley) of Kauai, you find yourself in a blockbuster. You'll fly on a plane that flies freely between the islands to Maui, and you'll live a little in a fairy tale with a slight surfer twist. Magnificent tropical forests, luxurious waterfalls, bluish-scarlet sunsets, stormy seas.
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HOLIDAY PRICES:
How much does a vacation to Hawaii cost? December 2014.
tour cost
Our last tour was to Hawaii. Our group of 4 people had visas. We opened it earlier, independently by private invitation. The cost in those days was $165. We flew from Moscow with two transfers (Amsterdam, San Francisco) to Honolulu. The ticket was purchased in advance, so the cost was $800. The return flight, although longer (38 hours with stops) via Atlanta-Amsterdam, was tiring, but something you can’t tolerate for the sake of such savings.
We chose the hotel on line 2, but we didn’t regret it at all. The beaches of Waikiki are only a 5-minute walk, but there are many restaurants, shops and cafes along the way. It didn’t bother me at all, and the hotel pleased me with its convenience and cleanliness. Compared to others, its price was about $150 for a double room. The Imperial Hawaii Resort hotel is located close to the bus stop, which gave us the opportunity to ride around the entire island and visit other beaches for 2.5 dollars. Taxis to and from the airport were taken on the spot, without ordering. The trip for 4 cost only $30, with a very odd time (late night arrival) and an early departure at 5 am.
We organized an excursion to the zoo and pineapple plantations ourselves. We walked to the zoo; the entrance ticket was $20. We spent almost the whole day in one of the richest zoos in the USA. Pineapple paradise cost - 2.5 (bus) + ride on an excursion train around the territory - 7 dollars + samples of different types of pineapple products (juice, ice cream, sweets) - about 5 dollars. Several times we went to China Town (Honolulu area) and to the center with monuments, universities and museums. Compared to other US resorts, holidays here turned out to be the cheapest. True, as always, there is not enough time to visit all the interesting things.
Food and products
If you pay attention to the cheapest establishments, Japanese and Chinese cuisine are very attractive and widespread here. Coffee can be purchased for 99 cents at any convenience store or eatery. Decent and more expensive restaurants cost from $30 per person with light drinks. Marriott offered a buffet for $20, a good Japanese buffet complex for $15. Of course, there are many American chain restaurants like McDonald's where you can have a meal for 6-9 dollars.
Total money spent on vacation
Helpful information?
Holiday impressions in December
The temperature both day and night is very comfortable for relaxing and walking.
Youth recreation
You can enjoy exploring all 6 islands that are completely different from each other. Even the weather can be different.
Holidays alone
If you don’t want to look for adventure and explore all the Hawaiian islands, then you can choose a very quiet place and enjoy the peace and beauty of nature.
What to take with you on vacation?
Everything you might need for a holiday by the sea. Sunscreen lotions are a must. Temperatures are not very high in December, but you can still get burned.
For walks in the tropical forests of the island, you will need protection from mosquito bites and it is better to take closed clothing and shoes.
Where is the best place to stay?
If you are traveling alone, then the International Hostel in Honolulu for 2800 rubles is ideal. For a group of friends, a good option would be to stay at the Aekolion residence near the village of Vaikolou 3100 per night. We didn't stay in a hotel for more than 3 days. They changed islands and moved from place to place. It's more interesting and you can see more.
What to do at the resort?
Exploration of the Hawaiian Islands, helicopter tours, yacht trips, diving and coral reef exploration.
For those who love exotic photographs, you can immediately go to the island of Oahu. On this island in the bay there is a huge coral reef located right in the crater of a dormant volcano. Here you can explore the bottom with a mask and see exotic fish.
Helicopter excursions will reveal all the delights of the island and help you see all the beauties in a short time.
Waterfall in the tropical forest.
Great tour of the island of Oahu. On this excursion you will be able to see the prestigious Kahala district, where most of the Hollywood stars live. View Honolulu from the heights of the Tantalus Mountains.
Diving on Maui is very popular. This is an amazing island for exploring the underwater world. The excursion is organized by experienced instructors and trainers. Dive boats depart daily from Maui.
An incredible sight is the sea fountains that can be seen on the shores of the island of Kauai. Bizarrely shaped stones cut through the sea waves during high tide in such a way that incredibly high fountains are formed. The water playing in the sunlight bends so that you can see a rainbow. An incredibly beautiful sight.
Where can I eat?
It is better to eat in inexpensive cafes, since in our opinion there is a huge selection of seafood and they are fresher.
About the quality of food and service
Hawaiian cuisine takes some getting used to. Not everyone will like it, so if you don’t plan to experiment, you can order the usual fast food. A staple of Hawaiian cuisine is taro. This is an absolutely unleavened product and is used to make purple mashed potatoes. In regular eateries you can try different types of fish with delicious sauces. The island has a large selection of food from various countries: Japanese, Chinese, and European.
Disadvantages of vacationing in Hawaii
Hawaiian food is high in calories and high in starch, fat and salt. In order not to get unpleasant surprises with your stomach, it is better to find out the composition first or ask for a tasting portion.
Is it worth vacationing in Hawaii?
Hawaii is definitely a place where you want to return again and again. All of the Hawaiian Islands are incredibly beautiful and attractive with their unpredictable weather and tropical forests.
Hawaiian Islands, USA - description
The Hawaiian Islands are 24 islands located in the Pacific Ocean between 20 degrees north latitude. and the Northern Tropic and at longitude 160 degrees East. at a fairly decent distance from the USA. They represent the peaks of an underwater ocean ridge. So there are quite a few active volcanoes here. The largest islands are Hawaii. Kahoolawi, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island. The most active volcano, Kilaui, is located on the Big Island.
The Hawaiian Islands are located in a climatically extremely comfortable region of the Pacific Ocean. The climate is tropical, maritime. There are two seasons: summer - between May and October; winter - from October to April. Spring and autumn are relative. The coolest months are January and February. The average minimum temperature at this time drops to +18 degrees, the maximum reaches +27 degrees. The hottest time of the year is August. The average minimum temperature at this time is about +21 degrees, the maximum reaches + 32 degrees.
From October to April, the influence of tropical cyclones is great, when the greatest amount of precipitation falls (from 80 to 100 mm, in Hawaii - up to 370 mm).
The rest of the time it is sunny and dry. The driest month is June, with monthly precipitation of only about 10 mm, but on the southernmost island of Hawaii, up to 160 mm can fall in this month.
You can swim here at any time of the year. The water temperature stays at +23.+28 degrees all year round.
Best time to visit:
Hawaii is most comfortable from May to October, when there is the least chance of rain.
Beach holiday.
Diving.
The Hawaiian Islands include 24 islands and each of them is unique in its own way, each with something to see. This is the homeland of the Polynesian peoples, where you can experience their culture. Nature has endowed this region with interesting landscapes, animals and plants.
Ecotourism.
The nature of the Hawaiian Islands is very diverse, one might even say unique, so tourists enjoy walking through tropical rainforests.
In addition, on the Hawaiian Islands you can actively engage in cross-country cycling or go fishing.
To travel to the Hawaiian Islands you must have a passport and a visa.
To obtain a visa, you must provide the US Embassy.
- foreign passport valid for 6 months after the end of the trip -
The only thing that cannot be found in Honolulu, as on any other Hawaiian island, is gambling establishments.
There are four other popular resorts on the archipelago. where lovers of paradise holidays and surfing come. The most populated island, where, by the way, the capital Honolulu is located, is Oahu. The infrastructure here is well developed and the resort is the most popular on the Hawaiian Islands; it is difficult to find a wild place here; fun and bustle penetrate every corner of the island and into the minds of people.
The island of Hawaii is the largest, but sparsely populated resort; it attracts tourists with its unusual black volcanic sand on the beaches; there are only a few places on the island that are chosen by tourists. The most popular city is Kailua-Kona. It is small, but there are entertainment options for every taste.
The Kauai resort is a favorite place for golfers and lovers of eco-tourism. It is called the garden island because it is entirely covered with tropical forests. There are two amazing and beautiful natural wonders here: Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast.
The island of Maui has strong winds, so windsurfers come here, and in general there are about 60 beaches on the island, which are recognized as the best in the world.
You can travel between the islands of the archipelago by ferries or planes, or on domestic airlines. By the way, on the island itself it is very cheap to drive a car; car rental in the Hawaiian Islands is the cheapest in the USA - $20 per day.
Hotels in the Hawaiian Islands do not operate on an all inclusive system, so tourists often decide for themselves whether it is better for them to stay in a hotel complex - “resort”, or rent an apartment. “Resorts” are a complex that includes swimming pools, parks, restaurants, rental apartments are not much inferior to them, since they are located in picturesque places on the shore, they also have swimming pools. Renting an apartment in the Hawaiian Islands is cheaper than staying in a hotel.
On the numerous beaches of the Hawaiian Islands you can calmly lie on the beach, sunbathe and swim. You can swim in the ocean. This is either a civilized beach, where you have everything you need - from sun protection cream to a disposable camera for underwater photography, or an uncivilized one, where the waves are raging, and you have to take care of the beach supplies yourself.
Hanauma Bay Beach on the island of Oahu is considered the best beach in the Hawaiian Islands; the beaches of Lanikai Beach and Kailua Beach Park are also very popular on this island; on the island of Maui - Kapalua Bay Beach, Kaanapali Beach; on the island of Kauai - Poipu Beach; on the Big Island - Hapuna and Mauna Kea Beach. You can also swim in the pools of many hotels. There are pools with sea water and some with fresh water.
Surfing can be considered the symbol of the Hawaiian Islands.
The most popular places. on the island of Maui - Hookipa Beach Park for professionals, the beaches of Kihei are suitable for beginners, Kanaha Beach is accessible for all levels of skiing - on the island of Oahu - Waikiki Beach for both beginners and professionals.
The underwater world of the local coastal waters is diverse and colorful. The most popular diving site is the submerged Molokini crater on the island of Maui. It is excellent for group dives. For lovers of sunken ships, the island of Oahu will be interesting. The main dive center here is the city of Honolulu. On the Big Island, you can highlight the town of Kona Coast on the west coast. Here you can dive into the “Eel Cave”, “Turtle Hole” and make a “Night encounter with a manta ray”. Manta rays are large rays, but they are safest near this island. More experienced divers who prefer to dive in uncrowded areas will appreciate the underwater world of the southern coast of Kauai. The most interesting places are the Sheraton Caves, the sunken ship Luckenbach, and lava caves where sharks are found.
The most common method of transportation in Hawaii is by car. Highways allow you to reach any settlement on the island. All roads are in good condition. In order to rent a car, you must have a driver's license and be over 21 years old (25 years old in some rental companies). Typically, rental payment is made by credit card, but if you book a car when purchasing a tour, then upon receipt you can pay in cash, leaving a refundable deposit of approximately $200 per week and presenting an international air ticket. Along with the car, the tourist will receive a detailed road map. It is prohibited to exceed speed on the roads, you must give way to a pedestrian who has entered a controlled crossing, and you must not keep open bottles of alcohol in the car. Failure to comply with one of the rules may cost you your driver's license.
A taxi is usually ordered by phone or taken from the hotel; it can be stopped by hand, but when giving preference to this type of transport, you must keep in mind that this is quite an expensive pleasure.
The best way to travel from one island to another is on small planes of local airlines. The flight will take no more than 20 minutes.
Everyone who has visited the islands pays tribute to Hawaiian cuisine. Hawaiian cuisine is famous for its seafood dishes. "Lomilomi" made from minced raw salmon, "laulau" - steamed fish or pork, "opakapaka" made from pink snapper - all these are integral components of the local menu. Spicy lovers will enjoy the Hawaiian red onion. You can try a pig baked in an earthen pit according to local custom. The process of eating such a pig usually takes place at sunset and is accompanied by some kind of show - the national dance "hula" or tricks with fire, popular in Polynesia. The whole thing is called "Luau". Not the least important place here is occupied by tropical fruits. Here they will offer both “banal” banana-oranges and caroms with a floral taste and the “passion fruit” similar to a small watermelon. The local cocktails “Mai Tai” and “Lover’s flower” are very good. They exist in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions.
Useful little things
Gamblers should keep in mind that there are no casinos on the islands.
Shops are open from Monday to Friday from 9.30 to 17.30, however there is no official closing time for shops and many are open 24 hours a day and on Sundays. The price (sales tax) in stores does not include value added tax; when purchasing, you will have to pay an additional 8.25% of the cost of goods.
Hawaii, like the mainland United States, has strict regulations for the sale of alcoholic beverages. They can only be bought in stores that have a special license. In other stores you can only buy beer. Persons under twenty-one years of age are prohibited from selling alcoholic beverages.
It is customary to tip about 10-15% of the bill to waiters and taxi drivers, about 0.5-1 dollar to the receptionist, maid, and porter.
National characteristics
The most important thing about Hawaiians is their cheerfulness and sociability. The joyful mood of life is called the word “Aloha,” which means “hello,” “goodbye,” and “welcome,” and is also included in the name of many local businesses. Even Hawaiian license plates say "Aloha State." Hawaiians love to talk, each of them is very interested in where vacationers come from, their name, and whether they often visit the islands.
Electricity
220V, 50Hz-
Healthcare
Hawaii, like the rest of the United States, does not have a public health insurance system. Therefore, when going on vacation to the archipelago, you need to purchase an insurance policy. When applying for it, you should check which cases of illness are included in the insurance. Strictly for these items expenses will be reimbursed by the insurance company. When visiting a doctor, vacationers pay the bills themselves, and upon arrival in their country of permanent residence, they receive compensation from the insurance company. You must keep all prescriptions and records of all services provided by your physician. If a vacationer has a serious illness and cannot pay the bills, you need to contact the insurance company. When visiting a doctor for a non-emergency medical issue, you should check to see if your insurance will cover the visit.
When traveling to the islands, it is recommended to get vaccinated against yellow fever
Embassy of Ukraine (In the USA)
When you think about vacationing somewhere on islands in the ocean, then for some reason Hawaii immediately comes to mind. This is no coincidence; the Hawaiian Islands are the best place to relax in the Pacific Ocean, and not only in the Pacific. If you are in doubt, here are the arguments in favor of the Hawaiian Islands. One of the important arguments is that Hawaii is a US state. Accordingly, prices for everything are not very high; at many Pacific island resorts that do not belong to the United States, the price tags are higher. Since this is American territory, there is a good level of service and excellent hotels. There will be no problems with the road either, since Honolulu airport is one of the busiest in the United States.
The flight to Hawaii is quite long. Please note that there is no direct flight from Russia to the Hawaiian Islands yet. Let's hope that one of the air carriers will open a direct route soon. Transfers usually take place at a US airport. The flight from Moscow to the States takes on average 13 hours. Some tourists prefer to relax in a hotel before their next flight. You can purchase tickets with a transfer in Los Angeles or New York. On your way to Hawaii you can see these cities. The time difference from Moscow is 12 hours.
Well, the most important argument in favor of the Hawaiian Islands is its amazing diversity. The vegetation here is very bright and lush, there are many different landscapes that are rarely seen in one place. Many tourists choose Hawaii not only because there is something to see here, but they are ready to go here only because the beaches here are some of the best in the world. There are countless beaches here. The most attractive places where you can lie on the white sand and dive in search of amazing sea creatures are worth mentioning separately. The most popular is, of course, Waikiki Beach, located in the south of Oahu. This is 3 km of beach and 5-star hotels, many shops, restaurants, bars and all kinds of entertainment venues. Please note that this is a fairly crowded place and if you want to quietly relax to the sound of blue waves, you are unlikely to be able to do so.
Hanuma - just like the previous one, is located on Oahu, the most beautiful beach in Hawaii, distinguished by the fact that in the lagoon in which it is located there is simply a huge amount of all kinds of beautiful fish. This is a great place for scuba diving. Kaanapali is a beach on the west side of Maui. On the territory of this beach there are a lot of different restaurants, cafes, jet ski rentals, surfing and much more. Kapalua, a beach located on Maui, is perfect for families with children, as there are no big waves on it. Also suitable for families with children is Poipau Beach in the south of the island of Kauai; it has a special area for children's swimming.
Fans of snorkeling (another name for snorkeling) usually go to Kahaluu Beach and Kealakekua (Hawaii Island). The beaches can be reached by car or taxi. The island of Hawaii offers a unique water activity - swimming with giant stingrays. This is an amazing and exciting sight. The island of Molokai is famous for its beaches covered with black volcanic sand. By the way, all beaches on the Hawaiian Islands are free! The only thing is that you can pay for a sun lounger, but on some beaches they are also free. We could go on and on about all the delights of this paradise, but it’s best to visit it yourself!
04:23 pm - Hawaiian adventure or how I liked it in Hawaii. Part 1. o. Oahu
For some reason I wanted to start my first post with Hawaii. Probably because they made a very strong impression on me. Before I got there, I had been watching the TV series “Hawaii Five-0” for several months. Every episode I dreamed and imagined how one day I would find myself there and be like Kona (those who watched the series will understand who he is) surfing on Waikiki Beach (the most famous beach on the Hawaiian Islands) and walking on warm evenings in the evening Honolulu. And finally, this day has come.
I flew to Hawaii from the States. Before that, I had already been there for a couple of weeks in San Francisco. A sufficient number of well-known airlines fly to Hawaii from the states, such as Delta, US Airways, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines; I flew the latter. The flight from San Francisco to Hawaii is not that close - almost 5 hours 30 minutes + the time difference with Northern Fleet is 3 hours. Changing time zones was truly stressful for me. First, upon arrival in the Northern Fleet from Belarus (in Minsk 10 hours more than in the Northern Fleet), and then in Hawaii minus 3 hours from the Northern Fleet time. The first week I fell asleep at strange times and woke up at equally strange times of day. Then I got used to it unnoticed...
The first point on the Hawaiian trip was the island of Oahu.
In general, Hawaii is an archipelago consisting of 24 islands and many other small islets and is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Also, Hawaii is the 50th US state (there are only 50 states in the US).
The most famous 6 Hawaiian islands are:
Oahu (Oahu): The capital of Hawaii, Honolulu, and the famous Waikiki Beach are located here; most tourists come here.
Kaua"i (Kauai): the oldest and most picturesque island, all covered in greenery, absolutely all due to the large amount of rainfall that falls all year round.
Big Island or as it is simply called Hawaii: the largest island in the archipelago with active volcanoes.
Maui: the second largest island of the Hawaiian archipelago with good spots for windsurfers.
Moloka"i (Molokai) And Lana"i (Lanai)- The least popular island among tourists, Lanai is only more or less famous for the pineapple plantations that once occupied most of the island.
I visited only two: Oahu and Kauai.
I flew from San Francisco to Honolulu in the morning. The weather was somewhat suspiciously cloudy. In my mind, upon arrival, I was supposed to plunge into the eternal sun and incredible heat, which I love so much. With the heat, everything was according to plan, but the sun seemed tired of shining all year round and decided to take a time out.
I took a taxi and went to the hotel to drop off my things and run to the surfboard rental on the famous Waikiki beach. In Hawaii, as elsewhere in the States, everything is expensive. 5-7 km from the airport to the hotel by taxi cost something like $30. I didn’t like Honolulu. It’s too crowded, there’s a lot of noise, and besides Waikiki Beach, a cloud of boutiques on both sides of Waikiki Street, restaurants and tall hotels, there’s nothing.
When you get to Waikiki, you realize that the density of human bodies per square meter. a meter of sand resembles something very similar to Crimea. People everywhere, in 32 degree heat, they are all craving a chocolate tan. Apparently they want to become like the locals.
On the streets of Honolulu you can meet many young people, as well as Japanese, who go shopping, buying everything on their way “like the last time.” By the way, 54.8% of the population in Hawaii are Asians, of which as many as 19.9% are Japanese. I don't like this kind of vacation. With crowds of people and shops, none of which I ever entered. Although I’m lying, I only bought rubber flip-flops. In general, on almost all trips, a friend taught me to travel only with a backpack, in which I can carry the most necessary things. It’s really convenient, and if you suddenly need something, you can always buy it on the spot.
Waikiki Street, like Waikiki Beach, is very popular among tourists (for lack of anything else), here you can even get to the performances that the locals put on for tourists completely free of charge, so that they can get into the spirit of Hawaiian culture.
I had a chance to see one of these on the first day. Hawaiian women and children sang and danced traditional Hawaiian hula dances, trying in every possible way to put tourists in a positive mood.
In addition to hotels and boutiques, there is a monument on Waikiki Street Duke Kahanamoku(full name is: Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku, Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku).
Here he is considered the "father" of surfing. In general, he was a swimmer, an Olympic champion, and during his trips to competitions around the world he actively promoted this type of physical activity such as surfing.
In addition to the monument, there is even a cafe named after him. To have a snack there you had to wait in line for 20-30 minutes. Everyone wants to try regular food at a cafe called Duke's.
On the first day, I had to understand what was happening with surfing, since a trip to Hawaii meant a good surf spot, where I could continue my acquaintance with the board and the ocean (the first acquaintance took place in Bali, Indonesia).
There are tons of people in the water with boards. Some with a surfboard, some with a paddle board (a paddle board is also a board, but a little larger than a surfboard, with a paddle attached to it, so you stand and row wherever your eyes look). All the “surfers” are waiting for something, apparently waves that I never caught. They were there, but they were very weak...
You can rent a surfboard or paddle board right at the entrance to the beach. They even accept credit cards for payment on the beach! An hour of renting a surfboard costs $10, but even if you pay for 2 hours and sit for 3, the local good-natured people don’t charge you for the extra time, I don’t know why. This happened to me more than once.
The next day the situation with the waves was the same. Apparently, in the summer at the end of June it’s not really surfing season, although everyone said that in Hawaii the surfing season lasts all year round. Some people managed to catch a wave, but I didn’t. There’s also a reef under my feet, and I have a panicky fear of falling and tearing something off myself (in Bali, I skinned everything I could just on the sand when I was thrown off the board, and here’s a reef, so continue your acquaintance).
It looks like surfing is not a woman's thing :)
Therefore, it was decided to rent a car and go for a drive around the island, look around, as they say. Car rental points in hotels are everywhere, but behind the hotels on the corners there are locals, from whom you can also rent cheaper. Because on some hertz.com it’s also better book in advance, on the day I needed the car the prices were such that I could cry. In the end, I managed to grab this beauty from the locals.
A convertible in Hawaii is an irreplaceable thing! You can simply drive around the island and watch the beautiful landscapes from the car. It is worth taking into account that if the sun is shining, it is so powerful that even moving in a convertible with the breeze from one point to another, it’s easy to get sunstroke and sunburned shoulders. So it was the same with me. For some reason, since childhood I have been ignoring all kinds of oils, creams, etc., which I later regret very much..
It's amazing that license plates have rainbows on them. But this is not easy!
Hawaii is also called the Rainbow State, since rainbows are a common occurrence here and can be observed very often.
To be honest, after Honolulu I thought that nothing good was waiting for me here anymore, but I was sincerely surprised when I drove 10 km from the city.
The ideal option to see the entire island is to rent a car or moped (for those who like the breeze). Unfortunately, I was only able to ride around the southeastern part of Oahu.
A completely different matter, a different world. You only see people in passing cars or local merchants on the side of the road. You can breathe a sigh of relief.
The weather changed many times, from sun to rain and back again. The rains here are absolutely not terrible, it rained for five minutes and calmed down, although the weather does not look very friendly.
A 25-minute drive east of Honolulu is the wonderful Hanauma Nature Preserve Park and Hanauma Bay Beach. The beach is considered the most beautiful on the island and is completely hidden from human eyes. It is located in a quiet closed bay and is ideal for a beach holiday, swimming and snorkeling, because... it has the largest coral reefs in Hawaii.
I didn’t go down to the beach itself, since all the parking spaces near the park were occupied and the local old-timers didn’t even allow me to drive in, and just to look at the beach from above I had to ditch the car by the road and walk.
During my entire stay in Hawaii, I never left a feeling of inner peace and tranquility (with the exception of Honolulu). It seems that a person really depends on nature and, being in Hawaii, you can easily find harmony and energy, which is so often missing in everyday life.
Driving around the island by car, it’s impossible not to notice the numerous Shrimp stations (usually an old van converted into a kitchen where they prepare several types of shrimp: with butter, garlic, coconut, chili sauce, and just original).
Not stopping and not trying is a sin.
There are entire shrimp farms on Oahu.
I took, as I was told, the most popular - with garlic. For the rest of the time, this became my favorite dish, since Hawaiian cuisine itself is unremarkable, but I had to eat something.
Here, at Shrimp Station, you can cool off and wash down everything you eat with coconut juice.
Mmm.. Yum! I really liked it.
And to completely freeze, you can try traditional Hawaiian ice cream called Shave Ice. In fact, it is just crushed ice, sprinkled with syrups of different flavors. There are all sorts of fruity flavors to choose from.
Not that tasty, but you can take a photo :)
Oahu has a lot of good, beautiful beaches, but in my opinion Hawaii is far from
beach holiday. Here you have to drive, walk, climb mountain paths and look. But if time permits, you can lie on the beach for a day or two.
Everything is great in Hawaii. Sunrises and sunsets are so romantic and picturesque that just because of such a sunset you want to have a wedding in Hawaii.
and live your whole life in one of the village Hawaiian houses, which for some reason are very expensive.
Some wooden shack in an unknown place like this one will cost $300,000.
And a house on the ocean costs from $1 million.
In total, I spent three days on Oahu and Honolulu. This was enough for me to ride around one part of the island and understand whether I wanted to stay here or should I go and see some other island.
On the fourth day, it was decided to move to Kauai - the most picturesque Hawaiian island.
Read about this in the following post:
Hawaiian adventure or how I liked it in Hawaii. Part 2. o. Kauai.
Hawaii is famous throughout the world for its magnificent beaches, which are considered one of the best in the world. Indeed, the island has beaches for every taste - with different colors of sand, with a special sea and unique landscapes. Even if you're not planning a trip to Hawaii, just admire these mesmerizing photos and you'll be in a positive mood for the whole day. Here are 9 outstanding Hawaiian landscapes.
Hapuna Beach
Hapuna Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii is one of the most beautiful white beaches in the world. It is part of the Hapuna National Park, reaching almost two kilometers in length. Hapuna is famous for its amazing white sand and crystal clear calm sea. There are simply ideal conditions for diving, swimming and sunbathing throughout the year. The beach provides all types of amenities including restrooms, showers, picnic tables and parking. There is always a rescue team on duty at Khapuna. Undoubtedly, this is an excellent beach for relaxation, snorkeling, volleyball and other sports. In addition to a wide range of activities, it is also one of the best places in Hawaii to watch the sun set. There are plenty of upscale hotels and restaurants around, so you don't have to worry about food and accommodations.
Ke Beach, Kauai
Beautiful Ke Beach is located on the northern part of the island of Kauai, at the end point of the island's Kuhayo Highway. The beach is part of the large Ha'ena National Park with many amazing hiking trails, ancient Hawaiian sites and sea caves. Protected by coral reefs, the beach is famous for its clear, calm waters, where all conditions are created for ideal diving. Ke is also perfect for relaxation, swimming, leisurely walks and playing beach volleyball. There is the necessary infrastructure, including toilets, showers and parking. Many tourists come here to admire the bright red sunsets. The famous 15-kilometer Kalalau Trail begins right at the western end of Kee Beach. This excursion route leads directly to the picturesque Kalalau Valley in the northwestern part of the island.
Makena Beach, Maui
This stunning beach is part of Makena National Park on the southern tip of the Hawaiian island of Maui. It is also known as the Big Beach, reaching 30 meters wide and more than 2 kilometers long. Makena stands out for its beautiful golden sand and clear, clean sea. In addition, there are 330 sunny days a year. Right on the shore is the famous golf resort of Makena with all kinds of restaurants, fitness centers, shops, bicycle rentals, parking, tennis courts and other amenities of civilization. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii. But you must be careful when swimming in the ocean and always follow the instructions of the lifeguards. Experienced operators will guide you through the ins and outs of scuba diving and kayaking, while beautiful sunsets will create a romantic atmosphere for your relaxation.
Kailua Beach, Honolulu County
Kailua Beach is one of the best in the Honolulu area of Oahu. It's one of the main attractions of the 35-acre Kailua Coastal Park, with miles of white sands and crystal clear turquoise waters. This large beach is ideal for families with children. The sea here is relatively calm and you don't have to worry about big waves. In Kailua you can walk, swim, surf, or just laze on the clean sand. Kailua Park provides protection from the hot sun thanks to its many trees. Amenities also include barbecue areas, showers, picnic tables and volleyball courts.
Kaanapali Beach, Maui
Ka'anapali is a popular, lively beach on West Maui. This stunning beach offers over 5 kilometers of stunning white sand and crystal clear sea. Kaanapali Beach is also known as a great place for canoeing. The developed tourist infrastructure includes numerous resorts and hotels along Kaanapali, classic bungalows, bars, fitness centers, swimming pools and other amenities. Kaanapali is a wonderful beach for water sports, canoe cruises, whale watching and stunning sunsets.
Punalu Beach, Big Island
Punalu is the most beautiful black sand beach in Hawaii. This unusual sand was formed as a result of the collision of hot lava flows with ocean waters. When relaxing on the beach, keep in mind that taking sand with you is prohibited by law. Punalu Beach is surrounded by tall palm trees, creating life-saving shade during the hot season. The rocky coastline makes swimming here quite dangerous, but the beach offers plenty of other activities. These include excursions, photography, watching Hawaiian green turtles and other delights. Punalu Beach offers tourists free parking, toilets and showers.
Hanalei Bay
The crescent-shaped Hanalei Bay is located on Kauai's North Shore and is the largest bay on the island. The beautiful beach of the bay stretches for more than 2 kilometers, reaching 40 meters in width. This is truly the most beautiful beach on the island of Kauai with majestic mountain peaks in the background. The first thing that attracts attention on the beach is the 100-meter pier, from which it is convenient to dive into the sea and fish. It is also a great place for surfing and kayaking. Ganaley may not be the best place for diving, since the coral reefs are concentrated only at the far ends of the bay, but there is always interesting entertainment for any tourist.
Waikiki Beach, Honolulu
The most beautiful beach on the island of Oahu is Waikiki, located in the southern part of Honolulu County. The strip of perfectly white sand and completely transparent sea stretches for more than 2 kilometers. It is also one of the busiest beaches in Hawaii. The name 'Waikiki' means 'refreshing water' in Hawaiian. Indeed, the waters of Waikiki Beach are always clear, warm and calm. It is an ideal place for surfing and learning to dive, among many other water sports. You can also visit the amazing ancient volcanic crater Diamond Head on the southern tip of Waikiki Island, but excursions to the crater rim can be quite challenging. The top offers breathtaking views of Waikiki Beach. It is home to many world-class resorts and hotels, as well as a number of accommodation options for the budget traveler.
Lanikai Beach
The Hawaiian name 'Lanikai' means 'Sea of Heaven'. With miles of soft white sand and clear blue water, this beach truly is as beautiful as its name suggests. Lanikai is located on the windward coast of Oahu and is protected by reefs, providing ideal diving conditions. The beautiful beach is considered one of the most popular photography spots in Hawaii. Not far from the coast there are two beautiful islands, on one of which rare species of birds nest. This site is protected by the Hawaiian government and is inviolable. You can rent a kayak and explore the islands, spend hours sunbathing on the beach, or play sports - all of this is available at Lanikai Beach.