Book Hawaii holidays to surf, meet dolphins and dance a bit of hula on dreamy Pacific islands.
Beautiful white-sand beaches, diving and snorkelling opportunities, and great surf attract visitors to the islands of Hawaii every year.
Who doesn't think of palm-fringed beaches, sun-down cocktails and hula dancing when they hear Hawaii mentioned? Well, expect the clichés and more if you visit this group of islands in the Pacific Ocean - including whale watching, championship golf courses and dramatic landscapes. And the islands aren't just a retreat for honeymooners and couples, there's plenty on offer for all of the family.
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Whether you plan a multi-island trip or spend your holiday really getting to know one place, Hawaiian breaks allow you to combine a completely relaxing getaway with trips to admire amazing landscapes, flora and fauna. And, you may even bump into the American President Barack Obama while you are there as he regularly visits the islands where he was born.
With the famous Waikiki Beach, lively capital Honolulu and the historic landmark Pearl Harbour, Oahu is probably the best-known island. Families will enjoy visiting the Sea Life Park where it is possible to swim with dolphins, and trying not to get lost in the enormous maze at the Dole Plantation. There's also a huge range of hotels on the island to suit all budgets.
The second-largest Hawaiian island, Maui, is the ultimate spot for golfers - where else can you play on championship courses with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop? And children will love gasping as manta rays and sharks swim past them in the Maui Ocean Centre.
Lanai is a more serene retreat and an excellent location for honeymooners as it boasts exclusive resorts, the famous Sweetheart Rock (Puu Pehe) and beautiful beaches. For more active visitors, there are also golf courses, calm waters for snorkelling and brilliant routes for hiking.
Those who would like a serene break with plenty of swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing should head to Kauai where 50 miles of beach frame the island. Many of the stretches of sand are more secluded than on the other islands. But it's the landscape - rainforest, waterfalls and dramatic cliffs - that really wows visitors.
Other Hawaiian highlights include visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, watching a hula show and even learning the dance yourself, going whale watching and trying to spot hump backs, and going to the quiet island of Molokai where no building is taller than a coconut tree. And for the ultimate view of the islands' waterfalls, volcanoes and beaches, book a helicopter tour.
If you are planning a trip to Hawaii this year and need some help, read our fact file below and use TravelSupermarket's search tool to find the cheapest deals.
When to go
Weather
The weather in Hawaii is reliably hot with temperatures in the islands' winter (November until March) even reaching 26C. Whale watching season runs from late December until early May.
Events
Lei Day; May 1; throughout Hawaii
May 1 every year is a public holiday in Hawaii when the custom of making a lei is celebrated. There are lei making demonstrations and competitions, arts and crafts, dancing and a Lei Queen is crowned every year. Don't turn down a lei or take in off in front of the person who gave it to you as you will be considered to be very rude.
Aloha Festival; September; Honolulu
This vibrant festival celebrates traditional Hawaiian culture through parades, dance performances and music. Huge block parties take place throughout the festival with food, entertainment and crafts, and a highlight is the Aloha Festivals Floral Parade.
Triple Crown of Surfing; November/December; Honolulu
Watch the world's top surfers and younger enthusiasts compete on the world's largest waves. Events take place on Oahu's North Shore and the prize money totals $1millon.
Best of Hawaii holidays for...
Active types: Got a taste for adventure? Hop around on the newly created land at Puna, on the east coast of Big Island, where red hot lava pours into the cool blue sea. Keep a look out for steam vents, which send white clouds pouring up into the sky.
Kids & teens: Kids of all ages have the chance to swim with cheeky dolphins at Dolphin Quest Oahu. After half an hour of splashing around with the friendly creatures, there's time to learn about looking after the world's oceans.
Relaxing: Spend a day of your holidays in Hawaii at Waikiki Beach's Serenity Spa, located at an ancient Hawaiian healing site. Treatments use local flower essences and fragrant essential oils. Tired out from all that pampering? Go and flop on the beach!
Free & cheap: If you love bargains you'll love the Aloha Flea Market, which sells everything from local paintings to tasty snacks. Even if you don't need anything, it's worth going for a wander around - it only costs a dollar to get in.
Nightlife: When it comes to nightlife, chilled-out Waikiki is definitely the place to be. Slip on your shorts then head to Rumfire, down by the beach, which has an open-air bar and an inviting outdoor swimming pool.
Babies & toddlers: Take the little ones to Maui Ocean Center, where they can come face-to-face with sharks and squid for the first time. The cute baby sea turtles are a sure-fire hit with toddlers.
With the famous Waikiki Beach, lively capital Honolulu and the historic landmark Pearl Harbour, Oahu is probably the best-known island. Families will enjoy visiting the Sea Life Park where it is possible to swim with dolphins, and trying not to get lost in the enormous maze at the Dole Plantation. There's also a huge range of hotels on the island to suit all budgets.
The second-largest Hawaiian island, Maui, is the ultimate spot for golfers - where else can you play on championship courses with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop? And children will love gasping as manta rays and sharks swim past them in the Maui Ocean Centre.
Lanai is a more serene retreat and an excellent location for honeymooners as it boasts exclusive resorts, the famous Sweetheart Rock (Puu Pehe) and beautiful beaches. For more active visitors, there are also golf courses, calm waters for snorkelling and brilliant routes for hiking.
Those who would like a serene break with plenty of swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing should head to Kauai where 50 miles of beach frame the island. Many of the stretches of sand are more secluded than on the other islands. But it's the landscape - rainforest, waterfalls and dramatic cliffs - that really wows visitors.
Other Hawaiian highlights include visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, watching a hula show and even learning the dance yourself, going whale watching and trying to spot hump backs, and going to the quiet island of Molokai where no building is taller than a coconut tree. And for the ultimate view of the islands' waterfalls, volcanoes and beaches, book a helicopter tour.
If you are planning a trip to Hawaii this year and need some help, read our fact file below and use TravelSupermarket's search tool to find the cheapest deals.
When to go
Weather
The weather in Hawaii is reliably hot with temperatures in the islands' winter (November until March) even reaching 26C. Whale watching season runs from late December until early May.
Events
Lei Day; May 1; throughout Hawaii
May 1 every year is a public holiday in Hawaii when the custom of making a lei is celebrated. There are lei making demonstrations and competitions, arts and crafts, dancing and a Lei Queen is crowned every year. Don't turn down a lei or take in off in front of the person who gave it to you as you will be considered to be very rude.
Aloha Festival; September; Honolulu
This vibrant festival celebrates traditional Hawaiian culture through parades, dance performances and music. Huge block parties take place throughout the festival with food, entertainment and crafts, and a highlight is the Aloha Festivals Floral Parade.
Triple Crown of Surfing; November/December; Honolulu
Watch the world's top surfers and younger enthusiasts compete on the world's largest waves. Events take place on Oahu's North Shore and the prize money totals $1millon.
Best of Hawaii holidays for...
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