If there is a better place on earth for sun, sea and sand then someone should tell the tourists who return year on year to Hawaii - because to them there is nowhere better. Certainly Hawaii has some of the finest beaches in the United States and there are plenty of opportunities to have fun with some excellent watersports, a unique nightlife that centres on local traditions and a chance to learn more about some of the island's ancient civilisations. Indeed Hawaii is so much beyond just being a paradise island (if that isn't enough!) with Polynesian relics and true Mana spirit. The temperatures range from 20-28°C throughout the year and the rains tend to fall from December-March. Flights from the UK to Hawaii take around 19hrs with at least one stop in the US.
Cultural sites, fine beaches and crystal clear waters - Hawaii has it all...
To say there is something for everyone in Hawaii would be an understatement. For the majority of tourists the main draw is the fine beaches with their crystal clear waters that appeal to everyone from families to couples looking for a romantic retreat. Additionally however, Hawaii offers cultural sites to give you an alternative way to pass the day and some of the best fun is to be had when night falls and the local entertainment begins.
Hawaii itself is often referred to as the 'Big Island' because it is one of around 130 islands grouped together on the Pacific Ocean. The Big Island is nearly twice the size of all the other islands combined and is rich in natural diversity that you're bound to want to explore. The best beaches include Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, which is wide and long and loved by bodysurfers, as well as Anaehoomalu Beach which is great for swimming, snorkelling, wind surfing and scuba diving.
The most popular island however, is Oahu, which is the home of around three quarters of the state's population as well as the capital city of Honolulu. Oahu has a strong reputation for festivals including the Aloha Festivals in September and the Chinese New Year in January. The beach resort suburb of Waikiki is world-renowned while Sunset Beach is massively popular for surfing, Lanikai Beach is considered Hawaii's best swimming beach and Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of the premier diving locations in the world. Oahu is also the home of most of the leading attractions including the Arizona Memorial Museum, which has been constructed over the fallen hull of the ship that was destroyed as part of the Pearl Harbour bombings and visitors are carried by navy boat to its location.
The top attraction in all of Hawaii is the Polynesian Cultural Centre that can also be found in Oahu. The centre delves into the history of the Polynesian community and features seven Polynesian islands including New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Hawaii, the Marquesas, Tahiti and Tonga. Other highlights in the area include the Iolani Palace, which is the only royal residence in the USA, the Valley of the Temples with its oriental gardens and the Bishop Museum with numerous cultural collections. Hawaii is also establishing itself as a popular golfing resort with more than eight course to choose from and is famed for its volcanic national park with unique ecosystems and two of the world's most active volcanoes.
Honolulu is the best place to shop and enjoy the nightlife of Hawaii. It has a range of shops and there are plenty of places to eat and drink too. There are many market places including Aloha Tower, O'ahu Market and the International Market Place, which is the perfect place to grab a kitsch souvenir. Most of the night action occurs in Waikiki, which has a large gay scene and you can dance the night away at several clubs and bars including Anna Bannanas and Rumours.
Of the remaining islands, Maui is the most visited with attractions including the Maui Ocean Centre and Hana Highway - one of the best coastal drives in the area. The waters off the west coast of Maui are the best place to go whale watching, though all of the islands are good for spotting humpback whales. Molokai is comparatively untouched as an island with a long white sand beach and plenty of natural beauty to discover with a lowland desert, several rainforests and temples. Kauai by contrast is popular but remains comparatively wild with lots of secluded beaches.
