Simple Hawaii Maps
Kaumahina Wayside Closure
What to pack on your Hawaii vacation trip
Sunday - October 05, 2008
Piilani Highway officially reopens on Maui
SCETV Test
Hawaii Charity - Education, Culture, Nature, Environment
Driving tips for the Road to Hana on Maui
2.) Prepare and Plan
A little planning can go a long way on your trip down the Hana Highway. It's not in everyone's best interest to stop at each spot along the way. You will save yourself some time and aggravation by buying a good book or doing some advanced planning on the web before buckling up. Our book "Hana Highway: The Road to Hana Mile by Mile" is a full color guide which offers ratings and complete information about each stop in a convenient size. A good map showing each spot is really indispensable. That way you should know what is coming up next. We suggest making a game plan. Pick the spots you would most like to see and skip the ones that do not interest you. Know what you are going to see before you get there and save yourself some time.
There are a few simple things you should do before you begin the drive that will eliminate a lot of hassle. Fill up the car in Pa'ia. It seems like a no-brainer, but there are no gas stations between Pa'ia and Hana and you never know what could happen. The same goes for food. Pack a picnic lunch and snacks for the road because you are at the mercy of roadside fruit stands until you reach Hana - there are no fast food pit stops. It is also probably wise to determine beforehand which stops have restroom facilities, especially if you are traveling with children.
3.) Pack Accordingly
Maui is a tropical paradise and Hana is on the "wet side" of the island. This means that even during the "dry" season, it is smart to pack a rain jacket or poncho. Little showers can breeze through and rain on your parade, but not if you are prepared. With water comes the jungle's worst ambassadors - mosquitoes. If you plan to get out of the car and walk anywhere along the road, it is smart to pack some strong mosquito repellent.
Footwear is really important as well. If you plan to hike in Kipahulu, boots are a necessity. You can probably get away with sneakers at spots like Waikamoi or Wai'anapanapa. Remember some of the stops aren't fully-equipped and aren't on flat land. You may want to ditch the two dollar Wal-Mart flip flops in favor of some sturdier sandals.
4.) Rise and Shine
As painful as this may sound, you need to get up early. This gives you the upper hand in driving. We recommend making it to the beginning at Pa'ia by 7 a.m. This should give you a head start over all the other late-sleeping visitors, thereby cutting down on traffic and crowding at stops. Plus, the earlier you start, the more you can fit into your itinerary.
5.) Drive Back Early
Unless you plan on staying in Hana, you need to be back in Pa'ia before sunset. The road to Hana is challenging enough during daylight. All those one-lane bridges and hair-pin turns are beastly in the dark. There are very few street lights. Pay attention to the time.
Friday - August 01, 2008
Vog damages Big Island crops
Thursday - July 31, 2008
Snorkeling spots on Maui closed
Sunday - June 29, 2008
Hana Bay gets a face lift
Saturday - March 08, 2008
Lava heads to the ocean
Pi’ilani Highway beyond Kipahulu open by October
Silverswords of Hawaii
Hawaii Names converted from English
Hawaii Culture and Heritage
Hawaii Plants and Animals
Eclectic Hawaii - Like no other
Hot and Cold, Wet and DryConsidering there are 13 climate zones in the world, you'd probably assume Hawaii fell into a single category or two; something in the tropics perhaps? Try 11 – that’s not a typo – ELEVEN!
No place on earth is quite as diverse as Hawaii when it comes to climate and weather on such a small geographical area. From barren lava desert on the leeward side of select islands to lush rainforest directly on the other, you'd think you were in two separate parts of the world. Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island of Hawaii, and even Haleakala on Maui can been seen with a white snowy cap during several months in the winter. Down below the water is a warm 76 degrees. There aren't a lot of places you can surf and ski in the same day.
Consider also that select locations receive but a few inches of rain a year, as in 10 inches or less. Other parts of the islands receive upwards of 440 inches of rain a year. In Wai'ale'ale Crater on the island of Kauai, an average yearly rainfall of 440-470 inches is not uncommon - making it the wettest spot on earth. Hilo, the second largest city in the state, located on East Hawaii, is the wettest city in the United States. Just over 30 miles away, on the western flank of Kilauea exists the Ka’u Desert.
Big and yet so Small
At one end of the chain the mountains reach nearly 14,000 feet above sea level, their peaks often capturing snow during the winter. On the other end of the chain, some 1,600 miles away, many of the oldest Hawaiian Islands barely scratch the surface of the waves that relentlessly pound away at their ever shrinking shores. Even Kauai, the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands, likely used to reach up to 5,000 foot higher into the clouds then even Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea do today. But five million years of wave action, wind, and erosion have reduced it to a peak of only 5,200 feet at Kawaikini. Over time the Hawaiian Islands will all suffer the same fate and sink beneath the blue ocean once again.
In total area, the seven major islands rank in at number 43 amongst the United States, one of the smallest. When considering only land area, they're a smaller 47th. But if one considers all of the Hawaiian Islands stretching 1,600 miles out into the Pacific, all legally part of the state of Hawaii, and if you include their territorial waters, you might be surprised that you'd have an area more than TWICE the size of Alaska. Move over Alaska, California, and Texas, you're not so big anymore.
Two Fish and some BreadIt's hard to take a little bit of anything and turn it into a lot. But Hawaii isn't playing by the same rules. Here there are some 6,000 birds, plants, sea creatures, and insects found nowhere else on earth. They are endemic to Hawaii and have evolved here and only here. From a few hundred seeds flown in by the birds, blown in by wind, and carried by the currents - Hawaii has bloomed with extraordinary flora. The fauna evolved too, especially the birds, creating some of the most amazing honey creepers found in the entire world. Many are rare or endangered today - many more have already gone extinct. It is important that visitors and locals alike band together to protect these priceless forms of nature. Since the arrival of man, thousands of exotic plant and animal species have been introduced, and many are invasively evasively taking over the true natives.
Hawaii Tourism Statistics
2007 Tourism Authority Final Report
For the full year 2007, total visitor days decreased 1.6 percent, while total arrivals dipped 1.2 percent to 7,368,048 visitors. The average length of stay was virtually unchanged at 9.15 days. Visitors from Canada grew 5.3 percent and arrivals from the U.S. West rose slightly (+.1%), but there were fewer Japanese (-3.5%) and U.S. East (-3.3%) visitors compared to 2006.
"Hawai‘i's visitor industry remained stable in 2007 especially coming off of two robust years of growth," said State Tourism Liaison, Marsha Wienert. "We continue to be encouraged by the increase in visitor spending, as well as ongoing growth in the number of visitors from markets such as Canada, Hawaii's fourth largest market, and the strong performance of Hawai‘i's cruise industry."
Individual Island Data (See chart for reference)
The statistic below are "arrival" data - meaning visitors who arrived in the islands (either from the mainland US, abroad, or from another island). When viewing these statistics, we encourage visitors to keep the geographic size of the islands in mind. For example, the Big Island and Kauai have very similar trends in arrivals. However, the Big Island is significantly larger than Kauai (in fact, it is larger than all of the other islands combined) so numbers alone cannot tell the complete story. Kauai and the Big Island may very well have the exact same number of visitors any given month, but the size of the island will also determine how "crowded" it feels.
The Big Island of Hawaii, the largest in the chain typically ranges between 100,000-150,000 arrivals each month. These numbers were generally higher in 2007 in comparison to either 2006 or 2005. Excluding the summer "hump" felt through all the islands, the number of arrivals fluctuates much less than some other islands in the chain, so visitation is usually about the same in Hawai'i. Spring visitation was notably higher in 2007 when compared to 2006 and Fall visitation was notably lower. The events we noted on the best time to travel to Hawaii page, that are held each spring and fall, can increase visitor ratios on the island.
Maui, the second largest island in the chain, typically ranges between 175,000-250,000 arrivals each month. On some years Maui's arrival numbers bounce around a good bit throughout the year, but in 2007 they remained fairly constant. The summer "hump" is by far the largest period of arrivals, but there are also significant spikes at other times during the year, most notably around the Christmas holidays. Maui also saw more arrivals in 2007 than either 2006 or 2005. March has the largest notable increase in 2007, while December had the most notable decrease.
Kauai, the fourth largest island in the chain, typically ranges between 95,000-120,000 visitors each month. Kauai, in general, is a much quieter island (arrival wise) when compared to the likes of the other islands in the chain. But that may be due to its size and "theme" (all things green). The summer "hump" is the only really busy time on the island, though it's not as distinct as the "hump" Maui and Oahu experience. Kauai, like Maui and the Big Island, saw higher arrival numbers in 2007 than previously in either 2006 or 2005. It is also clear the Kauai saw a notable increase in Spring and early Summer 2007 traffic when compared to 2006.
Oahu, the third largest island in the chain, typically ranges between 350,000-450,000 visitors each month. As you can quickly see, that number quickly dwarfs the other islands arrival data. Oahu is widely popular with visitors abroad, and given that 75% of the state's population lives on this single island, the arrival data can skew accordingly. Oahu's numbers were down in 2007 in comparison to 2006, but Oahu remains the most popular island of choice for many visitors. The drop in visitation, as noted, has now happened twice in a row over the last three years.
Molokai and Lanai only make up 2% of all visitor arrivals combined. If you're heading to the islands, we suggest you look at the detailed statistics provided on the Hawaii government page linked above.
More Information: Hawaii Weather page or Selecting a Hawaiian island to visit
If you want even more detailed tourism specifications, please visit the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism.
For the full year 2007, total visitor days decreased 1.6 percent, while total arrivals dipped 1.2 percent to 7,368,048 visitors. The average length of stay was virtually unchanged at 9.15 days. Visitors from Canada grew 5.3 percent and arrivals from the U.S. West rose slightly (+.1%), but there were fewer Japanese (-3.5%) and U.S. East (-3.3%) visitors compared to 2006.
"Hawai‘i's visitor industry remained stable in 2007 especially coming off of two robust years of growth," said State Tourism Liaison, Marsha Wienert. "We continue to be encouraged by the increase in visitor spending, as well as ongoing growth in the number of visitors from markets such as Canada, Hawaii's fourth largest market, and the strong performance of Hawai‘i's cruise industry."
Individual Island Data (See chart for reference)
The statistic below are "arrival" data - meaning visitors who arrived in the islands (either from the mainland US, abroad, or from another island). When viewing these statistics, we encourage visitors to keep the geographic size of the islands in mind. For example, the Big Island and Kauai have very similar trends in arrivals. However, the Big Island is significantly larger than Kauai (in fact, it is larger than all of the other islands combined) so numbers alone cannot tell the complete story. Kauai and the Big Island may very well have the exact same number of visitors any given month, but the size of the island will also determine how "crowded" it feels.
The Big Island of Hawaii, the largest in the chain typically ranges between 100,000-150,000 arrivals each month. These numbers were generally higher in 2007 in comparison to either 2006 or 2005. Excluding the summer "hump" felt through all the islands, the number of arrivals fluctuates much less than some other islands in the chain, so visitation is usually about the same in Hawai'i. Spring visitation was notably higher in 2007 when compared to 2006 and Fall visitation was notably lower. The events we noted on the best time to travel to Hawaii page, that are held each spring and fall, can increase visitor ratios on the island.
Maui, the second largest island in the chain, typically ranges between 175,000-250,000 arrivals each month. On some years Maui's arrival numbers bounce around a good bit throughout the year, but in 2007 they remained fairly constant. The summer "hump" is by far the largest period of arrivals, but there are also significant spikes at other times during the year, most notably around the Christmas holidays. Maui also saw more arrivals in 2007 than either 2006 or 2005. March has the largest notable increase in 2007, while December had the most notable decrease.
Kauai, the fourth largest island in the chain, typically ranges between 95,000-120,000 visitors each month. Kauai, in general, is a much quieter island (arrival wise) when compared to the likes of the other islands in the chain. But that may be due to its size and "theme" (all things green). The summer "hump" is the only really busy time on the island, though it's not as distinct as the "hump" Maui and Oahu experience. Kauai, like Maui and the Big Island, saw higher arrival numbers in 2007 than previously in either 2006 or 2005. It is also clear the Kauai saw a notable increase in Spring and early Summer 2007 traffic when compared to 2006.
Oahu, the third largest island in the chain, typically ranges between 350,000-450,000 visitors each month. As you can quickly see, that number quickly dwarfs the other islands arrival data. Oahu is widely popular with visitors abroad, and given that 75% of the state's population lives on this single island, the arrival data can skew accordingly. Oahu's numbers were down in 2007 in comparison to 2006, but Oahu remains the most popular island of choice for many visitors. The drop in visitation, as noted, has now happened twice in a row over the last three years.
Molokai and Lanai only make up 2% of all visitor arrivals combined. If you're heading to the islands, we suggest you look at the detailed statistics provided on the Hawaii government page linked above.
More Information: Hawaii Weather page or Selecting a Hawaiian island to visit
If you want even more detailed tourism specifications, please visit the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism.
Hawaii Must See and Do
Hawaiian Style Star Ratings
Hawaii Geology and Geography
The Volcanoes of the Big Island
Mauna Loa, the Big Island’s largest volcano makes up approximately 51% of the island, and most people still have a surprisingly hard time finding it when they are here. Mauna Loa means “Long Mountain” and is given this name due to its large shield shape. This shape makes it difficult to distinguish Mauna Loa as an actual mountain.
The name “shield volcano,” which is what all the islands in Hawai‘i are, comes from a perceived resemblance to the shape of a warrior’s shield. Molten lava rises from a hot spot in the earth’s crust, erupts through various vents and rifts on the surface, and proceeds to move down the gentle slopes toward the ocean, building up layer upon layer over millions of years. Kilauea Volcano, the world’s most active volcano and home to the fire-goddess, Pele, resides on the eastern slopes of Mauna Loa. At one time many believed Kilauea to be a vent of Mauna Loa, but today we know it has its own magma chamber and is completely separate from its larger cousin next door. Mauna Kea is the other major volcano on the island making up about 25% of the island’s total landmass. Mauna Kea is significantly easier to spot than Mauna Loa, often recognized in winter months by its snowy cap, hence the name Mauna Kea - meaning “White Mountain.” Reaching a total elevation of some 33,000 feet from the sea floor, of which only 13,780 (approx.) feet exist above sea level, the mountain is the highest point in the Pacific Ocean and the world’s tallest mountain from base to summit.
The Big Island’s other volcanic mountains are Hualalai in Kailua-Kona on the west side of the island and Kohala on the northwest tip of the island. Kohala is the oldest mountain on the island and shows much more geological wear than its younger counterparts. The amazing sea cliffs found in Kohala today were likely caused by a giant landslide some 200,000 years ago.
Mauna Kea and Hualalai are both considered dormant, like Haleakala on Mau'i. Chances are they will erupt again in the long-term future, though most likely to no significant degree (volume wise) as the hot spot no longer exists beneath them. Generally speaking, the only eruptions that occur beneath these dormant mountains are due to their subsidence into the ocean floor, usually a few thousand feet over time, which then heats and "pushes" any remaining magma up to the surface in the form of an eruption. Unfortunately, while these eruptions lack volume, they can be somewhat violent and even explosive. Mauna Kea owes its steep slopes to a explosive type of eruption in the recent geologic past. Explosive eruptions often produce widespread ash deposits, which help build a steeper sided volcano like those found in the western United States. Today the physical differences between Mauna Kea (fairly steep sided due to 'recent' explosive eruptions) and Mauna Loa (still in its shield-forming stage) are very distinct. In its prime, Mauna Kea likely reached a few thousand feet higher than it does today. As previously noted, Mauna Kea remains the tallest mountain, from top to bottom, on the planet. From base to summit it towers some 33,000 feet. That's taller than Mount Everest. Plus if you consider what's subsided (sunk) into the ocean floor, which the USGS does take into account for mountain height, then the mountain is 56,000 feet tall. That's just incredible!
Mauna Loa and Kilauea are both considered active volcanoes. Mauna Loa last erupted in 1984, and is likely to erupt fairly significantly again in the near future. Since 1843, the beginning of well-documented historical data, Mauna Loa has erupted 33 times. Geologically speaking that makes it a very active volcano. Mauna Loa is by far the bulk (51%) of the Big Island and remains the world's largest (in mass) volcano. Currently, Kilauea makes all the news and steals the show, but one day in the future Mauna Loa will remind us why it's the biggest volcano on the island. Mauna Loa can erupt significant amounts of lava in a very short time frame, dwarfing Kilauea.
Kilauea, once believed to be merely a side satellite vent of Mauna Loa but now recognized as its own distinct volcano, is the world's most active volcano, erupting continuously since 1983. Between January 1983, and June 2007, nearly 600 acres of land were added to the island by lava flows from Kilauea volcano. This growth has not been without cost however. Several towns have been destroyed by Kilauea: Kapoho (1960), Kalapana (1990), and Kaimu (1990). Today the remnants of these towns struggle to survive on the flanks of the world's most active volcano. In some aspects these towns are all but abandoned except by a few.
As previously mentioned, just 18 miles off Hawai'i's southeast coast is the undersea volcano known as Lo'ihi. Lo'ihi is an actively erupting seamount that lies approximately 3,178 feet below the surface of the ocean. If and when Lo'ihi breaks above the waves, it will likely join with Kilauea (which, in theory, will be much larger by that time) and become the sixth peak in what is now Hawai'i's largest island. Don't book your hotel room just yet though: it's a good 50,000 years or more in the making.
Brief History of Hawaii
European Arrival
With the sighting of great white sails on the horizon, the likes of which the Hawaiians had never seen, the islands were forever changed. Captain James Cook, one of the world’s most recognized British navigators, sailed into Waimea Bay on the island of Kaua‘i first in 1778, and then onto the Big Island at Kealakekua Bay in early 1779.
At the time of Cook’s arrival on the Big Island some 10,000 or more Hawaiians were in the midst of their makahiki celebration, a celebration that honored the god Lono. Cook arriving on his ship with white sails (similar to that of the god Lono’s flag) was likely mistaken as the god Lono and treated accordingly. During his two week stay on the Big Island, he was honored in ceremony upon ceremony. Cook and the Hawaiians entertained each other mutually with their own inventions before the famous navigator set sail away from the islands. Shortly there-after, the makahiki celebration ended, and the bay was made kapu (off-limits).
Meanwhile, a storm off-shore had damaged one of Cook’s ships. Naturally he returned to the bay expecting the same hospitality he’d received before. But many of the Hawaiians had grown tired of the sailors’ presence in the bay, and despite the fraternization that took place, one of Cook’s smaller boats was stolen. It should have ended there, but Cook instead decided to go ashore and kidnap Chief Kalaniopu'u until his boat was returned. Intentional or not, Cook was stabbed in a skirmish which left him dead at the hands of Hawaiian warriors.
Today, a white monument, stands erected at the northern end of the bay where Cook met his demise, a solemn reminder of this event. This is the only piece of land in the Hawaiian chain that remains British soil. Today the area has become most popular for its snorkeling and kayaking.
Cook’s presence forever changed the islands. Chiefs were always at war with one another in Hawai'i. Never had a single ruler controlled all the islands. But a young chief by the name of Kamehameha, a native of Kohala on the Big Island, had taken note of the Westerners weapons and set out to conquer all the islands in the Hawaiian chain: to be their first king. By 1791, he had defeated his cousin and arch-rival on the Big Island, and by 1795, he had conquered Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i, and O'ahu. In 1810, the chief that ruled Kaua'i, seeing all that had happened with Kamehameha and his warriors island by island, pledged his loyalty to Kamehameha. With that act, Kamehameha (seen here) fulfilled the prophecy that he would become the first King of Hawai'i.
Kamehameha ruled with a tight grip. He wished to prepare the islands for increasing contact with the west - sailors, whalers, and entrepreneurs. Unfortunately Kamehameha could not prepare the islands for what would affect them the most, venereal disease. Over the next century the Hawaiian population was decimated by the likes of influenza, typhoid fever, and measles. Estimates say the population decreased by as much as 80%.
It was greed that would next change the islands. Riches were to be made of the forests of Hawai'i with the sweet smelling sandalwood, a huge commodity in the orient. Guns, boats, and even canons made their way into Hawaiian life, and for the first time the concept of owning land came into existence. In 1819, when Kamehameha died, so did the remainder of Hawaiian life. A short time later Kamehameha II, at the behest of Kamehameha I’s wife, Ka'ahumanu, broke the kapu system that had ruled the islands for generations. A year later, the missionaries arrived from Boston.
Christian Missionaries
In early April of 1820, the first Christian missionaries stepped off their ship from Boston to, yet again, forever change the islands. In the wake of the kapu system being destroyed, many argue the Hawaiians were a people without a religion. Ka'ahumanu and Kamehameha II both quickly became converts of Christianity. The missionaries, recognizing what had just happened in the islands, were quick to destroy many ancient alters and heiau (temples), and quickly replace them with churches (many of which still stand). Today the largest religious groups remain Roman Catholics and Protestants.
Even Pele herself was defied when Kapiolani, high chieftess to the Big Island of Hawai'i, decreed that Jehovah was her god. When Pele remained quiet, the Hawaiian people believed, and many converted. A similar event took place in the mid-1970’s, where again Pele was denounced, and in a twist of irony the volcano erupted afterwards.
However, the missionaries brought a skill to the islands that would put Hawai'i on the map as far as the rest of the world was concerned, reading and writing. Hawai'i eventually soared to have the highest literacy rates in the United States. There had been no previous written language in Hawai'i until the missionaries' arrival. Everything was passed down by word of mouth. It was for this reason the Hawaiians could recite nearly the entire Bible from memory, an astonishing feat to the missionaries that taught them.
It was the children of the missionaries' families that would ultimately make the greatest change in Hawai'i. Ideally the families would have returned home as they were supposed to have done but instead stayed on the island and began a practice no Hawaiian had ever heard of, owning land.
Western law also made its way into Hawaiian life. The Hawaiian Constitution came into existence by 1840, along with a supreme court and a parliament.
Land issues continued to be a large focus in the coming years. By 1848, land was divided into thirds - one for the royalty, one for the government, and one for the common people. Two years later foreigners could buy land outright, and that they did.
Led by the missionaries' descendent's, a great agricultural boom occurred in Hawai'i in the early 20th century, bringing more and more immigrants from Japan, China, and the Philippines to work in the growing fields of sugarcane, pineapple, and other large crops. Hawai'i became a melting pot of world cultures, faiths, and customs, which forged a new identity that still holds true today.
Oil discovered in the heart of America lead to the end of the whaling era, though whales had been so depleted in the waters off Hawai'i that the industry barely existed. Sugar was the new king of the islands, and would continue to be well on into the twentieth century. Today the industry is all but dead in the state, and the economic impact of its absence is still felt in many areas.
With the sighting of great white sails on the horizon, the likes of which the Hawaiians had never seen, the islands were forever changed. Captain James Cook, one of the world’s most recognized British navigators, sailed into Waimea Bay on the island of Kaua‘i first in 1778, and then onto the Big Island at Kealakekua Bay in early 1779.At the time of Cook’s arrival on the Big Island some 10,000 or more Hawaiians were in the midst of their makahiki celebration, a celebration that honored the god Lono. Cook arriving on his ship with white sails (similar to that of the god Lono’s flag) was likely mistaken as the god Lono and treated accordingly. During his two week stay on the Big Island, he was honored in ceremony upon ceremony. Cook and the Hawaiians entertained each other mutually with their own inventions before the famous navigator set sail away from the islands. Shortly there-after, the makahiki celebration ended, and the bay was made kapu (off-limits).
Meanwhile, a storm off-shore had damaged one of Cook’s ships. Naturally he returned to the bay expecting the same hospitality he’d received before. But many of the Hawaiians had grown tired of the sailors’ presence in the bay, and despite the fraternization that took place, one of Cook’s smaller boats was stolen. It should have ended there, but Cook instead decided to go ashore and kidnap Chief Kalaniopu'u until his boat was returned. Intentional or not, Cook was stabbed in a skirmish which left him dead at the hands of Hawaiian warriors.
Today, a white monument, stands erected at the northern end of the bay where Cook met his demise, a solemn reminder of this event. This is the only piece of land in the Hawaiian chain that remains British soil. Today the area has become most popular for its snorkeling and kayaking.
Cook’s presence forever changed the islands. Chiefs were always at war with one another in Hawai'i. Never had a single ruler controlled all the islands. But a young chief by the name of Kamehameha, a native of Kohala on the Big Island, had taken note of the Westerners weapons and set out to conquer all the islands in the Hawaiian chain: to be their first king. By 1791, he had defeated his cousin and arch-rival on the Big Island, and by 1795, he had conquered Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i, and O'ahu. In 1810, the chief that ruled Kaua'i, seeing all that had happened with Kamehameha and his warriors island by island, pledged his loyalty to Kamehameha. With that act, Kamehameha (seen here) fulfilled the prophecy that he would become the first King of Hawai'i.
Kamehameha ruled with a tight grip. He wished to prepare the islands for increasing contact with the west - sailors, whalers, and entrepreneurs. Unfortunately Kamehameha could not prepare the islands for what would affect them the most, venereal disease. Over the next century the Hawaiian population was decimated by the likes of influenza, typhoid fever, and measles. Estimates say the population decreased by as much as 80%.
It was greed that would next change the islands. Riches were to be made of the forests of Hawai'i with the sweet smelling sandalwood, a huge commodity in the orient. Guns, boats, and even canons made their way into Hawaiian life, and for the first time the concept of owning land came into existence. In 1819, when Kamehameha died, so did the remainder of Hawaiian life. A short time later Kamehameha II, at the behest of Kamehameha I’s wife, Ka'ahumanu, broke the kapu system that had ruled the islands for generations. A year later, the missionaries arrived from Boston.
Christian Missionaries
In early April of 1820, the first Christian missionaries stepped off their ship from Boston to, yet again, forever change the islands. In the wake of the kapu system being destroyed, many argue the Hawaiians were a people without a religion. Ka'ahumanu and Kamehameha II both quickly became converts of Christianity. The missionaries, recognizing what had just happened in the islands, were quick to destroy many ancient alters and heiau (temples), and quickly replace them with churches (many of which still stand). Today the largest religious groups remain Roman Catholics and Protestants.
Even Pele herself was defied when Kapiolani, high chieftess to the Big Island of Hawai'i, decreed that Jehovah was her god. When Pele remained quiet, the Hawaiian people believed, and many converted. A similar event took place in the mid-1970’s, where again Pele was denounced, and in a twist of irony the volcano erupted afterwards.
However, the missionaries brought a skill to the islands that would put Hawai'i on the map as far as the rest of the world was concerned, reading and writing. Hawai'i eventually soared to have the highest literacy rates in the United States. There had been no previous written language in Hawai'i until the missionaries' arrival. Everything was passed down by word of mouth. It was for this reason the Hawaiians could recite nearly the entire Bible from memory, an astonishing feat to the missionaries that taught them.
It was the children of the missionaries' families that would ultimately make the greatest change in Hawai'i. Ideally the families would have returned home as they were supposed to have done but instead stayed on the island and began a practice no Hawaiian had ever heard of, owning land.
Western law also made its way into Hawaiian life. The Hawaiian Constitution came into existence by 1840, along with a supreme court and a parliament.
Land issues continued to be a large focus in the coming years. By 1848, land was divided into thirds - one for the royalty, one for the government, and one for the common people. Two years later foreigners could buy land outright, and that they did.
Led by the missionaries' descendent's, a great agricultural boom occurred in Hawai'i in the early 20th century, bringing more and more immigrants from Japan, China, and the Philippines to work in the growing fields of sugarcane, pineapple, and other large crops. Hawai'i became a melting pot of world cultures, faiths, and customs, which forged a new identity that still holds true today.
Oil discovered in the heart of America lead to the end of the whaling era, though whales had been so depleted in the waters off Hawai'i that the industry barely existed. Sugar was the new king of the islands, and would continue to be well on into the twentieth century. Today the industry is all but dead in the state, and the economic impact of its absence is still felt in many areas.
Hawaii Weather and Climate Patterns
On average, the summer months are the driest and sunniest, but they are also the most humid and warmest. The winter months usually bring more rain to the windward side of the islands, north and east, but prolonged rain storms are uncommon. Make note of the difference between the Big Island's Rainbow Falls in winter (right) and summer (left) - this is due to rainfall differences.The southern coasts of each island are the driest parts year round. Also, consider that Hawai'i is geographically and topographically one of the most diverse places you'll ever find. The weather from one side of an island to the other varies greatly over distance and the topography present. Since weather can be so unpredictable in Hawai'i, keeping a small poncho with you during hikes or other outdoor activities might be a good idea. Unless you hike into any valleys, where clouds can build up and stick around a while, you're likely only to experience rain in short spells.
Hawai'i Temperatures: Hawai'i is fortunate in that it has a mild and pleasant temperature throughout the year, the largest complaint likely being the humidity for those not used to it. There is hardly any difference between night and day temperatures year round. The occasional storm or the trade winds are the exception to the rule, but even then temperatures don't vary by much. The average high and low in the summer are around 85 and 71 respectively, while the average high and low in the winter are 78 and 62 respectively.
The temperature estimates only apply near sea level, please keep in mind that elevation changes will alter the temperatures. With every 1,000 foot climb in elevation, the temperature, on average, drops another 3.5 degrees. We strongly urge visitors to take note that certain islands have topography that changes often, as does elevation. If you plan to visit the summit's of Haleakala on Maui or Mauna Kea on the Big Island, you'll also need to prepare accordingly as temperatures between 10,000-14,000 feet can be downright cold even in the summer months. We advise against winter travel to the summits on the Big Island, as blizzards are not uncommon there. Ultimately our message is simple. Keep the topography and elevation of where you are traveling in mind and prepare accordingly. Even if you do not plan to visit the summit areas on Maui or the Big Island (or visit either of these islands at all), a light jacket might be useful in other areas around the island you're visiting where elevation is above three to four thousand feet. Jackets or light sweaters are also useful for any dawn/dusk hiking at higher elevations, like Koke'e on Kauai or Hawai'i Volcanoes Park on the Big Island.
If it's the ocean temperatures you're wondering about, rest assured you'll find warm temperatures year round. Ocean temperatures remain pretty comfortable throughout the year ranging from 80 degrees in the summer to a milder 74 in the winter.
More Information:
Be sure to check out our When to visit Hawaii page for more information about visiting each island.
For detailed information on weather forecasts, we highly recommend you check out the Hawaii Weather Today website.
Hawaii Car Rental Tips
2.) We recommend you book your rental online as many rental companies have online specials. Booking your rental together with a flight and/or accommodation will also save you money.
Tip: When booking online always look for car rental coupons before you make your final decision. You can possibly save a lot of money.
3.) Book as far in advance as possible. Depending on when you travel the rates may increase or decrease according to demand from other travelers. We always figure that planning ahead on this never hurts.
4.) When possible, rent two, three, five day, or week long packages as these are generally priced lower than any other.
5.) At the rental counter you'll be given three options in regards to refueling the vehicle. Two are good deals and one is not. You can choose to prepay for a tank of gas, usually at a special (lower) rate, which allows you to return it with any amount of fuel in the tank. Or you can choose to refuel before you return the car at the going rate for gas at stations near the airport. The final option is the most expensive option, to return the car and let the rental agency refuel it for you. Just be warned that their refueling rate is significantly higher than the going rate for gasoline at stations (up to two dollars more!).
So which option is best for you? Here's the benefits of each option, and some price estimates to go along.
If you choose the prepay option you'll be charged at the counter for a full tank of gas. The rates that most rental agencies charge per gallon are typically only pennies cheaper than the going rate on the island, but it's still a way to save some money. Of course you are not reimbursed for what fuel remains in the tank when you return the car. So if you return the car with a half tank of gas then you paid for something you didn't use. The prepay option is ideal for people who don't want to worry about refueling their car on the way back to the airport or who think they'll return the car nearly empty.
The other option you have is to refuel the car yourself before you drive back to the airport. This can be the cheapest alternative for many folks because you leave with a "free" tank of gas at the time of your rental, and you're only responsible for filling the tank back up when you return. Ultimately you pay only for what you used on the island. This is the best option if you plan to do a lot of driving on the island and have the time to refuel on your way to the airport. Just keep in mind that gas stations are only allowed to get so close to airports for security reasons, so make sure you top the car off when you return it.
The last option we do not recommend because it's the most expensive. If you don't prepay for your fuel, and you return the vehicle with a half tank, the rental company will charge you a much higher rate to refuel the car once back in their possession. The rate is usually criminal, and thus we highly advise you not to choose this option unless you absolutely have to.
Tip: When booking online always look for car rental coupons before you make your final decision. You can possibly save a lot of money.
3.) Book as far in advance as possible. Depending on when you travel the rates may increase or decrease according to demand from other travelers. We always figure that planning ahead on this never hurts.
4.) When possible, rent two, three, five day, or week long packages as these are generally priced lower than any other.
5.) At the rental counter you'll be given three options in regards to refueling the vehicle. Two are good deals and one is not. You can choose to prepay for a tank of gas, usually at a special (lower) rate, which allows you to return it with any amount of fuel in the tank. Or you can choose to refuel before you return the car at the going rate for gas at stations near the airport. The final option is the most expensive option, to return the car and let the rental agency refuel it for you. Just be warned that their refueling rate is significantly higher than the going rate for gasoline at stations (up to two dollars more!).
So which option is best for you? Here's the benefits of each option, and some price estimates to go along.
If you choose the prepay option you'll be charged at the counter for a full tank of gas. The rates that most rental agencies charge per gallon are typically only pennies cheaper than the going rate on the island, but it's still a way to save some money. Of course you are not reimbursed for what fuel remains in the tank when you return the car. So if you return the car with a half tank of gas then you paid for something you didn't use. The prepay option is ideal for people who don't want to worry about refueling their car on the way back to the airport or who think they'll return the car nearly empty.
The other option you have is to refuel the car yourself before you drive back to the airport. This can be the cheapest alternative for many folks because you leave with a "free" tank of gas at the time of your rental, and you're only responsible for filling the tank back up when you return. Ultimately you pay only for what you used on the island. This is the best option if you plan to do a lot of driving on the island and have the time to refuel on your way to the airport. Just keep in mind that gas stations are only allowed to get so close to airports for security reasons, so make sure you top the car off when you return it.
The last option we do not recommend because it's the most expensive. If you don't prepay for your fuel, and you return the vehicle with a half tank, the rental company will charge you a much higher rate to refuel the car once back in their possession. The rate is usually criminal, and thus we highly advise you not to choose this option unless you absolutely have to.
Hawaii Safety and Hazards
The Sun (All Islands)
The sun - A UV index of near 14+ every day speaks for itself. We recommend at least 15+ sun block in Hawai'i at all times. Don't ruin your visit by trying to get that tropical tan. The tan will be gone within a month of your return home, the memory of the burns will last a lot longer.
Streams, Rivers, & Pools (All Islands)
Our primary message here is short and sweet. Pay attention to the flow of the stream where you are and be aware of the weather inland. Streams and rivers can change flow rates and heights very quickly in the islands. Flash flooding is a regular occurrence in some places. One good rain, even far inland from where you are, can cause a stream to rise substantially. If you're crossing any streams or rock hopping, pay close attention to the weather and the water levels. Anytime you are crossing a stream or river where it empties into the ocean, we also advise crossing inland a bit. Dangerous rip currents can form in the ocean at the mouth of a river or stream. Hiking poles may be extremely useful for any crossings you do make, as they provide an extra set of limbs to help you keep your balance.
If you go swimming, make sure you don't swallow any water, and try and cover up any open wounds you have so that water can't get in them. In Hawaii leptospirosis can be found in water contaminated by animal droppings, and you do not want to get mixed up with the likes of this disease. It causes flu-like symptoms and in rare cases death.
Ocean Life & The Beach (All Islands)
If you've ever been to the beach then you likely already know about the hazards of the ocean. Rip currents, sharp coral, large waves, surf, and various creatures are just a few. The most notable sea-creatures to watch out for on the Big Island are coral, jellyfish (Portuguese Man-of-War), and sea urchin's. If you plan to swim, snorkel, or scuba dive on the island, make sure to do your homework and become fully educated on the hazards of the ocean here.
Volcano Area Hazards (Big Island and portions of Maui)
The first thought that comes to mind when you hear about Hawai'i volcano danger is probably the lava hazards. In reality the 2000 degree Fahrenheit lava probably poses the least amount of danger to the sensible person. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and the surrounding Volcano area of the Big Island are subject to a number of hazards that are easy to overlook or just aren't something you'd expect without prior knowledge of the area. While this is mostly applicable to the Big Island, Maui is no exception providing it has many areas covered with recent (geologically speaking) lava flows as well - especially in South Maui. Let's go over a few of these hazards.
Hiking on Lava: Around the Big Island and especially at the end of Chain of Craters Road you will have the opportunity to hike over lava. You may have made note on our Hawaii Geology page, that there are two types of lava, pahoehoe and a'a flows. You also likely know that trying to walk over a'a is a fool's errand. The only lava flows that are traversable are hardened pahoehoe flows like those found at the end of Chain of Craters Road.
Currently this is the only location you can also safely approach active flows (when they are present). The dangers involved in crossing lava, even pahoehoe lava, are primarily due to the razor-like sharpness of the hardened lava. Even the pahoehoe flows are as sharp as glass, and you can easily cut yourself (especially your hands) in the event of a fall. Extreme care and/or precautions should be taken when hiking over lava. Long pants and gloves are always a good idea. The heat produced by the sun on top of the black asphalt-like lava surface deters many visitors from wearing long pants, but don't risk the injury. The pahoehoe surface is smooth but can contain all sorts of variations in the surface that can catch your foot or cause you to stumble. It is also important you remain keenly aware of the texture of the flows you are walking across, as shallow lava tubes can cave in, dropping you a few inches (or more) below the surface. If you plan to make any lengthy hikes, also be sure to bring adequate amounts of water as dehydration can occur quickly on the shade-less black lava surface.
Viewing Active Lava Flows: As a continuation of the above hazard and warning, we again encourage all visitors to be prepared for any hiking they do on hardened flows out to see active flows. When approaching active flows your body will only let you get so close before the heat forces you to stand back, but use common sense and don't attempt to get any closer than you must to view the lava safely. Lava temperatures average around 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not attempt to cross any active flow up slope as active flows are often concealed in lava tubes beneath the surface, and you do not want to find one by mistake.
Do not cross any National Park boundary ropes in the park, as they are in place for your protection. The park service is fairly liberal about how close they will allow people to get to lava flows; so traversing beyond the boundaries they've set up is extremely dangerous. Usually the roped off areas are near the lava entry point into the ocean. Violent explosions, deadly steam plumes, and gases make this a treacherous area to be near. Furthermore, all lava benches are roped off for the same reason. Lava benches can easily collapse at any time spelling certain catastrophe for anyone on the bench at the time. Just two days before writing this article a 45 acre bench collapsed in a single night; yes, 45 ACRES!
Volcanic Gases & Vog: Where hot lava meets the sea, and especially at the source of the eruption, the volcano produces a deadly concoction of gases. In fact, it's estimated Kilauea puts out about 2,500 tons of sulfur dioxide a day. Enough of those fumes can kill someone almost instantly, (as if you needed another reason to stay behind those barriers the park service puts up). Even far away from the sources of these sulfur dioxide plumes visitors can experience another type of gas, Vog.
Vog is a mixture of the sulfur dioxide gas, water vapor, carbon dioxide, dust, and other airborne particles. Vog exists in fairly high amounts all around the volcano area and can even wrap around the island into Kailua-Kona depending on trade wind activity. Hilo, Puna, Kohala, and the Hamakua coast are usually vog-free. Vog affects different people in different ways. Visitors with asthma and respiratory troubles will have the most problems. In our experiences with vog we've been mostly unaffected by it. It's unpleasant to smell, but it has never had any adverse affects on us. We have though, on a few occasions, experienced especially heavy vog settle upon us near the end of Chain of Craters Road (usually coming from Pu'u O'o up the pali, “cliff”) when the trade winds were blowing light. Usually this causes coughing and a burning sensation in the eyes, nose, and mouth. If possible, avoid areas where you notice a lot of vog. Usually you can see it in the air like a low cloud moving south down the coastline from the volcano (can you make it out in the photo here?). If you are caught in thick vog, try and get out of it as quickly as possible. You can call 808-885-7143 for a vog index update.
If you want more information on vog, hiking over, and viewing lava safely, please consult the park rangers inside Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
The sun - A UV index of near 14+ every day speaks for itself. We recommend at least 15+ sun block in Hawai'i at all times. Don't ruin your visit by trying to get that tropical tan. The tan will be gone within a month of your return home, the memory of the burns will last a lot longer.
Streams, Rivers, & Pools (All Islands)
Our primary message here is short and sweet. Pay attention to the flow of the stream where you are and be aware of the weather inland. Streams and rivers can change flow rates and heights very quickly in the islands. Flash flooding is a regular occurrence in some places. One good rain, even far inland from where you are, can cause a stream to rise substantially. If you're crossing any streams or rock hopping, pay close attention to the weather and the water levels. Anytime you are crossing a stream or river where it empties into the ocean, we also advise crossing inland a bit. Dangerous rip currents can form in the ocean at the mouth of a river or stream. Hiking poles may be extremely useful for any crossings you do make, as they provide an extra set of limbs to help you keep your balance.
If you go swimming, make sure you don't swallow any water, and try and cover up any open wounds you have so that water can't get in them. In Hawaii leptospirosis can be found in water contaminated by animal droppings, and you do not want to get mixed up with the likes of this disease. It causes flu-like symptoms and in rare cases death.Ocean Life & The Beach (All Islands)
If you've ever been to the beach then you likely already know about the hazards of the ocean. Rip currents, sharp coral, large waves, surf, and various creatures are just a few. The most notable sea-creatures to watch out for on the Big Island are coral, jellyfish (Portuguese Man-of-War), and sea urchin's. If you plan to swim, snorkel, or scuba dive on the island, make sure to do your homework and become fully educated on the hazards of the ocean here.
Volcano Area Hazards (Big Island and portions of Maui)
The first thought that comes to mind when you hear about Hawai'i volcano danger is probably the lava hazards. In reality the 2000 degree Fahrenheit lava probably poses the least amount of danger to the sensible person. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and the surrounding Volcano area of the Big Island are subject to a number of hazards that are easy to overlook or just aren't something you'd expect without prior knowledge of the area. While this is mostly applicable to the Big Island, Maui is no exception providing it has many areas covered with recent (geologically speaking) lava flows as well - especially in South Maui. Let's go over a few of these hazards.
Hiking on Lava: Around the Big Island and especially at the end of Chain of Craters Road you will have the opportunity to hike over lava. You may have made note on our Hawaii Geology page, that there are two types of lava, pahoehoe and a'a flows. You also likely know that trying to walk over a'a is a fool's errand. The only lava flows that are traversable are hardened pahoehoe flows like those found at the end of Chain of Craters Road.
Currently this is the only location you can also safely approach active flows (when they are present). The dangers involved in crossing lava, even pahoehoe lava, are primarily due to the razor-like sharpness of the hardened lava. Even the pahoehoe flows are as sharp as glass, and you can easily cut yourself (especially your hands) in the event of a fall. Extreme care and/or precautions should be taken when hiking over lava. Long pants and gloves are always a good idea. The heat produced by the sun on top of the black asphalt-like lava surface deters many visitors from wearing long pants, but don't risk the injury. The pahoehoe surface is smooth but can contain all sorts of variations in the surface that can catch your foot or cause you to stumble. It is also important you remain keenly aware of the texture of the flows you are walking across, as shallow lava tubes can cave in, dropping you a few inches (or more) below the surface. If you plan to make any lengthy hikes, also be sure to bring adequate amounts of water as dehydration can occur quickly on the shade-less black lava surface.
Viewing Active Lava Flows: As a continuation of the above hazard and warning, we again encourage all visitors to be prepared for any hiking they do on hardened flows out to see active flows. When approaching active flows your body will only let you get so close before the heat forces you to stand back, but use common sense and don't attempt to get any closer than you must to view the lava safely. Lava temperatures average around 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not attempt to cross any active flow up slope as active flows are often concealed in lava tubes beneath the surface, and you do not want to find one by mistake.
Do not cross any National Park boundary ropes in the park, as they are in place for your protection. The park service is fairly liberal about how close they will allow people to get to lava flows; so traversing beyond the boundaries they've set up is extremely dangerous. Usually the roped off areas are near the lava entry point into the ocean. Violent explosions, deadly steam plumes, and gases make this a treacherous area to be near. Furthermore, all lava benches are roped off for the same reason. Lava benches can easily collapse at any time spelling certain catastrophe for anyone on the bench at the time. Just two days before writing this article a 45 acre bench collapsed in a single night; yes, 45 ACRES!
Volcanic Gases & Vog: Where hot lava meets the sea, and especially at the source of the eruption, the volcano produces a deadly concoction of gases. In fact, it's estimated Kilauea puts out about 2,500 tons of sulfur dioxide a day. Enough of those fumes can kill someone almost instantly, (as if you needed another reason to stay behind those barriers the park service puts up). Even far away from the sources of these sulfur dioxide plumes visitors can experience another type of gas, Vog.Vog is a mixture of the sulfur dioxide gas, water vapor, carbon dioxide, dust, and other airborne particles. Vog exists in fairly high amounts all around the volcano area and can even wrap around the island into Kailua-Kona depending on trade wind activity. Hilo, Puna, Kohala, and the Hamakua coast are usually vog-free. Vog affects different people in different ways. Visitors with asthma and respiratory troubles will have the most problems. In our experiences with vog we've been mostly unaffected by it. It's unpleasant to smell, but it has never had any adverse affects on us. We have though, on a few occasions, experienced especially heavy vog settle upon us near the end of Chain of Craters Road (usually coming from Pu'u O'o up the pali, “cliff”) when the trade winds were blowing light. Usually this causes coughing and a burning sensation in the eyes, nose, and mouth. If possible, avoid areas where you notice a lot of vog. Usually you can see it in the air like a low cloud moving south down the coastline from the volcano (can you make it out in the photo here?). If you are caught in thick vog, try and get out of it as quickly as possible. You can call 808-885-7143 for a vog index update.
If you want more information on vog, hiking over, and viewing lava safely, please consult the park rangers inside Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
Hawaii Waterfalls
Hawaii Gardens
Best time to travel to Hawaii
In our opinion, the summer is simply too warm for a lot of outdoor hiking and adventure, especially on locations like the Big Island’s black lava fields or any other island's coastal trails (Kalalau on Kauai for example). Select lower prices are nice on the wallet, but the sun combined with the humidity can make going anywhere but the beach a chore. We’d say come a few months earlier in the spring or a few months later in the fall if given a choice.
Fall: More rain begins to fall in November as the trades increase to their winter levels, and there are days where rain showers will dominate on the windward coast and mauka areas. While Hawai'i had been going through a fairly dry spell for several years, 2006 was a year of almost extreme precipitation amounts, causing flooding on many islands in the early winter months. 2007-2008 have also been considerably wetter when compared to recent years; and many say Hawai'i is returning to its more "true" weather cycle. A Kona storm in late 2007 dumped a tremendous amount of rain on the islands and caused wind damage in several areas. Kona storms, in general, can be quite nasty in Hawai' when they do hit. So what exactly IS a Kona storm?
When a Kona storm develops or moves into the area, the prevailing wind pattern changes - south and southwesterly winds replace the trades. Since the winds typically affect the Kona coast of the Big Island, the storms have thus taken on that name.
Although destructive Kona storms are relatively rare, they occur often enough to warrant a mention here. Kona storms bring high winds, heavy rain, snow atop higher mountains (like Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island), lightning and thunder can occur (a rarity in Hawai'i). Due to extreme terrain differences in the islands weather conditions can be highly variable across a relatively small area. Gusts of winds up to 60 miles per hour have been known to happen on the Big Island, while other portions of the Hawaiian chain were simply dealing with increases breezes.
"High season" for traveling begins in mid-December which typically causes rates for flights, tours, and accommodations to the islands to rise. In general the fall months and the spring months are very similar. Like in the spring, the Big Island of Hawai'i can become quite busy during October as a major event is held on the island. Typically in October, the Ironman Triathlon event is held on the Kona side of the Big Island of Hawaii. Check online calendars for the exact dates each year.
Which Hawaii island to visit?
3.) Hiking:
There's no question about it. We chose Hawaii because of this very option; it's a mecca of trails. If you're like us, and are crazy about hiking to see the often unseen, then definitely consider this option. From gorgeous coastal trails, barren lava hikes, to lush jungle, you can do it all in Hawaii.
Points - Big Island (12), Maui (9), Oahu (3), and Kauai (15)
4.) Beaches & Swimming:
Some of the best beaches on earth can be found right here in Hawaii. If you consider yourself a beach-going person, then you're going to love Hawaii's choices. Take your pick of white, yellow, black, green, or even red sand.
Points - Big Island [Kona-Side Only] (8), Maui (11), Oahu (7), and Kauai (6)
5.) Sunny Weather
This is a really important option for some folks. If you are absolutely set on having optimal weather, then add this to your list. Keep in mind that the windward side of each island will always have a chance for showers, but that in general, some islands are just drier than others. We're going to assume in this option you're staying in one of the accommodation hot-spots on each island.
Points - Big Island (11), Maui (10), Oahu (8), and Kauai (6)
6.) Kayaking:
If kayaking is your thing, then in Hawaii you'll certainly have a chance to get out and row somewhere special.
Points - Big Island (8), Maui (4), Oahu (2), and Kauai (12)
7.) Cultural Spots
If it's the history of the places you visit that intrigues you, then this is a category to put on your list. Hawaii has an incredibly rich history that is unique to all the world. Lucky for us, much of this history has been preserved throughout the islands in various historical sites.
Points - Big Island (9), Maui (8), Oahu (10), and Kauai (8)
8.) Tropical Flora and Fauna
OK, so when I said hiking was the only reason we picked Hawaii, I lied. This was the other reason. If you're a big fan of tropical plants and birds, then make sure to put this on your list. Hawaii offers some of the most diverse plant and animal life on the planet, and several species are endemic to the islands, meaning they ONLY exist here.
Points - Big Island (8), Maui (10), Oahu (3), and Kauai (12)
9.) Fishing:
Can't resist the urge to grab a fishing pole and see what you can catch? Whether its local shore fishing or deep sea, be sure to add these to your score.
Points - Big Island (8), Maui (5), Oahu (2), and Kauai (0)
10.) Visual Diverseness (Topography, Geography, etc):
There are some islands in Hawaii that can literally make you feel like you've been on a road trip around the entire continental United States. Others remain the same pretty much all the way around. If you are really interested in the diverse ecology of the islands and you'd like to see a lot of change when driving around, then this choice is for you.
Points - Big Island (16), Maui (11), Oahu (6), and Kauai (7)
11.) Children-oriented activities:
If you're a family with children, then this is definitely an option for you. Some of the islands offer an incredible array of activities and sights for families, like zoo's, aquariums, water parks, and more.
Points - Big Island (8), Maui (10), Oahu (14), and Kauai (7)
12.) Golf:
Take your pick of many beautiful world-class golf courses throughout the islands. If you're into golf, then Hawaii is definitely a place to take a swing at a game you'll never forget.
Points - Big Island (9), Maui (15), Oahu (1), and Kauai (5)
13.) Luxury Dining:
You'll have a variety of dining options on any of the four major islands. But some are much better equipped to give you a incredible experience than others (for a price). Some islands are better at serving up local produce than others, and that's reflected in our score as a positive thing. General dining is the next option, so skip this one if you're not looking for luxury dining.
Points - Big Island (3), Maui (12), Oahu (9), and Kauai (4)
14.) General Dining:
Whether it's a small restaurant's or a fast food place, if you're not as concerned about where the food is, but only that you don't have to fix it, then this option is for you.
Points - Big Island (8), Maui (9), Oahu (12), and Kauai (6)
15.) Government Parks (National and State)
Hawaii certainly has it's fair selection of beautiful state and federal parks. It's home to two National Parks including Haleakala National Park on Maui and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. You'll also find several National Historic sites on certain islands.
Points - Big Island (15), Maui (10), Oahu (6), and Kauai (6)
Planning your Hawaii trip
Money
Let's be honest, traveling to Hawaii isn't cheap. Almost any mode of transportation to arrive on these beautiful shores is going to cost a pretty penny. Booking a room here isn't the deal some folks are used to when they travel (though you can find bargains if you look), occupancy is almost always high, and thus so are the prices. And the cost of importing all the goods to these islands is passed on to you by merchants, especially at the grocery store and gas station. The only real break you'll catch is with a rental car, competition is fierce, and the prices reflect it.
As a traveler to Hawai'i you will likely come under one of two conditions, the budget traveler or the traveler looking to live the high life. Believe it or not, Hawai'i may be just about the only place you can choose one style over another and leave with the same experience. Most people who have tried both lifestyles have reported having just as good a time either way. So whether you conscientiously save money in Hawai'i by seeking out great deals or alternatively spend loads of money on resorts, tours, and fine dining, you'll likely leave with the same great experience.
That's the magic of Hawai'i - the real gift is what's around you, the natural beauty of the island, the people, and the friendly atmosphere. Sure you can buy great things, participate in amazing activities, and eat in first class restaurants while here, and we certainly encourage travelers to live life in Hawai'i to the max. On the same token, we also encourage everyone to enjoy the best part of Hawai'i, the part that's free to everyone... the spirit of Aloha.
Ultimately, our point is you don't have to spend a fortune on Hawai'i to have a good time. Our website and physical guidebooks are primarily designed for those on a budget who want to get away from their hotels and condos to see the great outdoors, participate in fun activities that won't break the bank, and experience life on Hawai'i like a local would.
Our last suggestion regarding money is to pay for most of your bills and purchases in Hawai'i with credit, debit, or check. Traveling with cash, even in Hawai'i, is usually never a good idea. There are countless stories told about folks who have lost their money and thus lost their fun. On a recent trip around the islands we ran into one poor soul who had lost his wallet containing all his money on a beach. You can cancel checks and plastic cards, but you can't replace your cash. This isn't to say you shouldn't bring any cash, but as a general rule of thumb we would suggest purchasing most things with an alternative payment form. If nothing else, it keeps record of if for future review (which may or may not be a good thing - 'Those earrings cost how much?')
All about Hawaii
The Lifestyle: There are a lot of great things about Hawai'i. There are all the unique places, beautiful scenery, smells, beaches, hikes, and oh yes, most of all, the people. If you visit Hawai'i and don't feel at home, you must be doing something wrong because Hawai'i has the most friendly people in the whole country. And given that we are originally from the South, that's saying a lot because most folks from the South think they are THE friendliest. We did too, until we stepped foot on Hawai'i for the first time. People smile here, a lot, and they are happy. Strangers say "hello" when they pass each other, and politeness has been a hallmark of the island's identity for years.
Heard something different? Here's the dose of reality we feel obligated to provide. In modern times, you're bound to hear all sorts of different stories about experiences in Hawai'i. In the last few years Hawai'i has come under the strain of its heavy tourism. And with such a small geographic area, conflicts between visitor and resident are bound to arise. Our advice is to treat Hawai'i like you would any other location you are a guest. Show aloha (in the true sense of the word) and you'll find it given in return.
A lot of folks come to Hawai'i today with the "Disneyland" mentality. This typically is what causes the conflicts to occur. This is especially true in the form of private property trespassing due to visitor exploration. Without preaching, just keep in mind Hawai'i isn't a theme park and it's not all public. In fact, many public places neighbor private ones. Just be mindful of where you're exploring and obey all private property signs. You'll be on the right track to avoiding any conflict with residents. And if you should experience any negative-vibes or stink-eye (ugly looks) from someone for no apparent reason, just forget about it. The vast majority of folks here are the nicest we've ever met. Don't let a bad apple spoil the barrel. Aloha is still alive and well here, make no mistake about it. Help be a part of preserving it and show your own Aloha everywhere you go.
The Hawaiian Language and Shaka
Hawaii Accommodations Tips
About Hawaii-Guide and Tradewind Creations LLC
Shipping Policies
FAQ & Product Ordering Terms
Photography Terms of Use
Hawaiian Style Privacy Statement
Order Confirmation
Maui - Mile by Mile 1st Edition Corrections & Updates
Hawaii 101 - Getting Started
OK, once you've nailed down a list of your favorite places you can get to the nitty gritty of 'Beyond the Basics'. Some of this may seem irrelevant, but we highly encourage visitors to read as much as they can on the islands before visiting. Hawaii is like no other places in the United States, and quite honestly, is very much like visiting a foreign country. Check out topics like our Hawaii Safety page, our Rental Tips, and our Accomodation Tips. You might also want to read up more on Hawaii Weather patterns, Hawaii History, and the Geology of Hawaii.
Regardless of how much you've traveled in the past and where you've been there is one good rule to follow when coming to Hawai'i, leave as much as you can at home! Seriously, bring only what you'll need during your stay and nothing more. Chances are a pair of shorts and a nice Aloha shirt are all you'll need for even some fine dining.
Leave the formal wear back home. And please don't bring your passport if you're a U.S. citizen (you'd be surprised how many folks do).
A light jacket and a long pair of pants might also be nice for those visits to higher elevations around the islands. You'd be surprise how many "chilly" people there are in Hawaii each day. Sure it's tropical, but not everything's at sea level either. On the other hand, don't overdo it and bring your winter coat to Hawai'i unless you feel you absolutely need it for visiting the summits of Haleakala or Maui or Mauna Kea on the Big Island at sunrise or sunset. If you're visiting Kauai or Oahu, add a larger coat to the list of do NOT bring.
With the motto, “less is more” in mind, here are a few other items to bring. Sunblock (the UV on Hawai'i is typically 14+ in the spring, summer, and fall), a backpack (for any hikes) and a water bottle, slippers (flip flops, shower shoes, zoris), mask, snorkel, and fins (or rent locally instead), two bathing suits (one to wear while the other dries) and a cover-up, camera and film (or digital cards), lightweight raincoat or poncho (it's tropical here), bug spray with DEET (for any forest hikes), flashlight (for just in case), hiking boots / hiking rods (even if you're not a hard core hiker, it's not a bad idea to bring proper footwear for some trails), and most importantly a list of all your troubles to leave behind. Seriously, we enforce that last one!
Waterfalls and Gardens
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