Islands

Hawaii consists of eight islands, out of which six are open for living and tourists. Each island in Hawaii varies in size, attractions and activities. Some of these are famous for deep valleys. Others are attracting visitors for sandy beaches, while some have gained popularity for the variety of marine life.

At some places in Hawaii island, Hawaii visitors can enjoy night life and Polynesian culture. On some places in Hawaii, you can enjoy the world class golfing experience. Then, there is a small Disney land, where families, couples and elders can get a taste of Disney world.

Big Island of Hawaii for first timers

The biggest island among Hawaii islands is Hawaii, which is also called “The Big Island of Hawaii”.  Its area is 10450 square kilometre. There are two airports at the Big Island of Hawaii. One is in Kona (KOA), on the western side while the other is on the eastern side, in Hilo (ITO).

Big Island of Hawaii is known for its volcanic eruptions and the dry lava beds which are spread all around the island. Major place to visit in Big Island is the Hawaii volcanoes National Park. Some Hawaii visitors find walking around the volcanoes Park to be a bit boring and feel that Island is slow. Always bring water with you when visiting the park.

Visiting the Hawaii volcanoes National Park must be always accompanied with hiking the Mauna Kea mountain and visiting the research facility. At the Mauna Kea you can see a 360 view of the beautiful pattern of lava rocks spread around the island. Make sure to carry good jacket as the temperature falls to a considerable level.

Another attractive place for Hawaii visitors at the Big Island of Hawaii is Kailua-Kona. Kona is famous for one of the finest coffee beans in the world. Other features at Kailua are numerous waterfalls and Kamakahonu. It is a historical monument worth visiting if you are visiting the Big Island of Hawaii.
Kamakahonu is located behind King Kamahameha Marriot Hotel.

While you are at Kona, and interested to see canoes, huts, tikis, palm trees, sand. From one of the ancient sites in Hawaii, Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is a must visit place. Its the place where the ancient Hawaiian people would send law-breakers to seek sanctuary from the death penalty. The park is small however, offers a lot to the visitors. You will find wooden carvings of Hawaiian gods. Make sure to bring your food on your way. As its a sacred place, you are not allowed to snorkel.

If you plan to snorkel on your first visit to Big island around a place with history, you can visit Captain Cook’s monument. It is located on the southern western part of Kona Coffee Farm. You can reach at Captain Cooks monument either by hiking for four hours which can be exhausting. Water is very clear and ideal for snorkelling at Captain Cook. Don’t forget to bring lot of water if you plan to reach the monument with hiking.

For first time Hawaiian visitors interested in history and culture at the Big Island of Hawaii, a place not much talked about is Waikoloa. Here you can explore historical temples, fishponds, and ancient petroglyph fields. The plus point of Waikoloa is that its weather is always sunny and you can enjoy activities like snorkelling, windsurfing and swimming. Watching sunset at Waikoloa with a cocktail in hand is the recommended experience you should definitely try.

If you are at Big Island of Hawaii and want to see rainbow, colourful sandy beaches, flowing lava, greenery, you must visit the town of “Volcano”. The best way to explore town of Volcano is by car. On the way you can also explore the youngest volcano in Hawaii, which is Kilauea.

Another town in Big Island of Hawaii is Hilo that you can consider to visit on your first Big island trip. Hilo has unpredictable weather and famous for rainfall most part of the year. While at Hilo, Hawaii visitors for first time can visit the botanical gardens and lush vegetation during the rainy season.

For Nature lovers visiting Big Island of Hawaii, Waipio Valley and overlook provide a great opportunity to see the fertile valley laden with plants and trees of papayas, mangoes, avocados , grapefruits and bananas. Exploring the Waipio Valley will be accompanied with Hiilawe Falls which are over 1100 feet high.

If the time permits during your stay at Big Island, you can drive from Hilo to Waipio Valley Lookout along the Hamakua Coast. There is a town in Big Island of Hawaii “Waimea” (also called Kamuela)which is famous for its cowboy culture. You can do horseback riding among the herds of grazing cattle, visit farmers market and watch live theatre.

The big Island of Hawaii is never short of available activities for the Hawaii visitors coming for the first time. There are options to Swim with dolphins, snorkelling, sailing and even explore the island through a helicopter. You can explore the island towns, colourful beaches , green forests and capped volcanoes on car. You can drive the whole day as the coastline is around 250 miles. The big island of Hawaii has one of the famous Manta Ray Snorkelling spots.

Oahu for first time visitors

Oahu is the islands that most of international Hawaii visitors will land on their first trip to Hawaii. The airport that carries biggest international traffic in Hawaii is Honolulu Airport(HNL).One you are in Oahu, you can find flights to other islands.

Many Hawaii visitors who land in Oahu, are spending most of their time in Honolulu. Closest attraction in Honolulu is Waikiki beach which has long strip of white sand and always crowded with people. Central Waikiki area is very walkable. However, if you rent a car, its definitely crowded within the city but outside the city, its possible to navigate faster.

 

Polynesian culture centre in Oahu is a must visit place, if you want to fully immerse yourself into Polynesian culture. In the evening time, you can watch Evening Luau in Oahu. Off course, these visits to the culture centre and Evening Luau are not free and you have to buy tickets.

If you want to visit a beach with long sandy strip with blue turquoise waters, but without any crowd, Waimanalo beach is where you should go. You will find Waimanalo beach park on the eastern side of Oahu.

Talking about the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii which has been featured in many magazines, Lanikai beach is a must visit place for first time Hawaii visitors. There are no waves and water is calm. You can do snorkeling and swimming at the Beach.

If time permits, you can hike to Lanikai pillbox which is a short hike from Lanikai beach and you will have a birds eye view of the beautiful area. Parking can be tricky here as it will be crowded most of the time.

Kahana Beach park on the eastern side of Oahu is a beach which is out of this world. It offers great view of the ocean and also some hike nearby towards the lions head which is a bit tricky hike.

For Hawaii visitors interested in special architecture, and love for Japanese history, Byodo-In temple is a must visit. Byodo-In temple is located in Temples Memorial Park on the eastern part of Oahu. It was nominated as one of top 20 most beautiful Buddhist temples.

While exploring the options to visit in Oahu, you might have heard about the Dole Plantation. The fact is that, many visitors found the train ride boring and complain, there are no pineapples trees, or mazes. This is quite opposite to what is advertised. Another issue at Dole Plantation, Oahu, can be, as there are lot of visitors, you may have to wait up to a couple of hours standing. Decide on your own whether is it worth your time and money to visit Dole plantation.

If you are exploring the Honolulu watershed forest reserve, in southern part of Oahu, Maunawili falls is a hidden waterfall where people enjoy jumping into the pond, swimming and taking bath. The hike can be very muddy and mosquitoes bite are quite common here.

Southern part of Oahu has the world known Hanauma Bay which is a nature preserve and famous spot for snorkelling and swimming. Due to its reputation, bay visitors can reach 10000 per day in numbers. However, there is an entry fees with certain protocols to follow. Timings can be tricky despite having them online as some first time visitors to the bay have complained about closing times as they start calling visitors out of water 45 mins before the closing time.

Hikes nearby Hanuma bay are Hanauma Bay Trail and Koko Head Rail trail. Hanauma Bay trail is less difficult compared to the Koko Head trail, as Koko Head trail has no markings and its tricky footings make it less favoured by the first time Oahu visitors.

If you are looking for super easy hikes around 3 miles long, Makapu lighthouse on north of Koko Head trail can be a good option for taking cool pictures. Oahu visitors for first time in February and march will also notice whales swimming and playing around the blue waters.

Southern shore of Oahu has another sport known as Spitting Cave where Oahu visitors stop to see the ocean waves hitting the cave and water comes out with a huge pressure. The place is definitely awesome but dangerous as normal shoes are not sufficient if you are walking here. Its not advised to take children as there is a probability of slipping which can be injurious.

Northern part of Oahu for first timers offers many opportunities for surfing and swimming. Pipeline, Oahu is famous for huge waves but sometimes can be good for swimming as well.

Black rock beach is another attraction in northern part of Oahu. It has options for swimming and jumping from a 15 feet high rock (definitely not recommended).

Hawaii islands has been featured in many movies, however, Island of Oahu is famous for its lush green beauty featured in films like Jurassic Park, Pearl Harbour and Jumanji. All these movies were shot at the Kualoa Ranch which is in Northern eastern part of Oahu. Beside taking picture at spots where movies were shot, other attractions for visitors are zip lining, ATV, horseback riding. These attractions were closed due to COVID-19, but now the activities are slowly starting to be resumed.

Kauai for first time visitors

Kauai is the western most island among Hawaiian islands. Kauai Island is also named as “Garden Isle”. There is no doubt the name fulfils its reputation, as it welcomes you with lush mountains, beautiful coastline and dramatic waterfalls. Kauai is also famous for diverse variety of plants available here.

Activities in Kauai first time visitors are bringing them closer to nature, unlike Oahu where there are urban and cultural activities. According to local Kauai guides, minimum two days of stay at the island are good to explore the full experience of Kauai island.

There are outdoor adventure activities for first time Kauai visitors, therefore, it essential to identify the best weather to visit Kauai. The best time to visit Kauai for outdoor activities is from April-June and from September-November. During both of these time periods, rain is less and you can go out exploring the natural beauty of the island. First time Kauai visitors must keep in mind that they will experience brief showers daily, no matter which season you visit.

The most important place to visit for first time Kauai visitors is Na Pali Coast. It can be explored by Helicopters, Boat trips on the water, or hiking through the Kalalau Trail. There are camping options for Kauai visitors planning to explore Na Pali Coast through Kalalau Trail, permits must be purchased 30 days before. Visiting Kauai plantation railway is a good option for families visiting  with kids.

Kauai is blessed with over eight waterfalls. Wailua Falls is top of the list which is featured in Jurassic Park Movie. Waipoo Falls is another attraction in Kauai are visible from various lookouts on Waimea Canyon. Manawaiopuna falls in Kauai are also called Jurassic park falls.

Located at the western side of Kauai, Waimea Canyon in Kauai is also called “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. It must be the top of must visit places for first time Kauai tourists. Craggy red cliffsides with greenery spread throughout the Waimea Canyon can be seen by car on Kokee Road. Other options are hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. Famous lookout points in Waimea Canyon are Waimea Canyon lookout, and Puu Hinahina lookout. Waimea Canyon is neighbouring to Kokee State Park which is having a completely different appearance.

Top tourist attractions in Kauai for beach lovers are Hanalei Bay, Anini Beach, Poipu Beach Park, and secret beach. Tunnels Beach, Lawai Beach, Hanalei Beach,and Kalapaki Beach add to the list of Kauai beaches for first time visitors.

Kauai does not offer wild nightlife but still first time Kauai visitors can find few options to enjoy nightlife. Princeville Night Market and, the Hanapepe Friday Night Festival & Art Walk are worth visiting for Kauai visitors looking for night activities.

Despite having a laid back feeling, there are festivals and events on the Kauai Island. The longest celebration in Kauai is Waimea town Celebration. Kauai first time visitors will find events, music and parades at The Price Kuhio celebration. The prince Kuhio celebration is held at Anahola Beach Park.

List of events and festivals at Kauai can be extended to The Color Run, The Spring Fantacy Orchid Show, Heiva, Koloa Plantation Days, Kauai Mokihana Festival.