Hawaii is, without a doubt, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the United States, and for good reason—have you ever been to a more gorgeous place? If you are planning a trip to Hawaii soon, lucky you! Here are some tips for making the most of your holiday in Hawaii.
Immerse yourself in local food
Hawaii has a rich food culture, influenced by the cultures of the many peoples which have roamed these islands, from Polynesian to Japanese and more. When you are in Hawaii, therefore, there’s nothing better than to eat like a Hawaiian!
A popular, refreshing and nutritious choice for lunch is a poke bowl, a type of salad made with marinated tuna, rice, vegetables and sometimes fruit. For a more substantial meal, try kālua pig—a type of pulled pork which is traditionally cooked in an underground oven. When it comes to dessert, few things can beat malasadas, a delicacy originally from Portugal which consists simply of deep-fried dough balls covered in sugar.
Choose your location wisely
While the whole Hawaiian archipelago has something to offer, unless you are planning to camp out in the wild, you want to stay on an island which has plenty of amenities such as restaurants and water sports, as well as plenty to see. Maui, the ‘Valley Isle’, is a great choice.
Maui resorts offer plenty of activities such as snorkeling and whale watching, as well as easy access to natural attractions such as Haleakala—the highest point on Maui, named ‘House of the Sun’ because watching the sunrise from this point is a magical experience—and the famous scenic road to Hana, with its rainforest, cliffs and waterfalls.
Visit the Volcanoes National Park
The Hawaiian archipelago was formed by volcanoes, many of which are still active. At the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park you can safely witness volcanic eruptions, cycle down Kilauea Volcano, hike through 123,000 acres of legally protected wilderness or drive down the spectacular slopes of Kīlauea on the Chain of Craters Road, which will take you all the way to the sea.
Go sailing on Kauai
The Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, on the small island of Kauai, is a gorgeous coastal area inaccessible by road, and the best way to view this spectacular area is by sailing boat. “Nā Pali” means high cliffs, and some of the cliffs on this coast rise to an impressive height of 4,000 feet. There are also coastal caves to explore, and the history enthusiasts will be pleased to know that this is a highly fruitful archeological area, being the first place in Hawaii where humans settled.
Drive or hike along the Waimea Canyon
Also located on the island of Kauai, the Waimea Canyon has been termed ‘the Grand Canyon of Hawaii”, and you can either explore it by car or hike one of its many trails. Try to go in the summer months and early in the morning, as outside of these times the sky will cloud over and the humidity will make your experience a lot less pleasant.
