Paradise without a passport! The Hawaiian Islands
Even without a passport, you can truly experience paradise for your vacation. The Hawaiian Islands are a great option for you! Each island has its own distinct personality; if you have more than 5 nights, you can easily experience at least 2 of the islands for a truly unique experience.
Oahu is the most famous of the Hawaiian Islands and by many considered to be the heart of Hawaii. This is where you find Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, and Diamond Head just to name a few. During the winter months the legendary North Shore is a surfing mecca for the world’s best surfers. No trip is Oahu is complete without experiencing a traditional Hawaiian Luau! While there are many, my favorite is the Paradise Cove Luau.
Maui is the magic isle of the Hawaiian Islands. The historic streets of seaside Lahaina, the beautiful beaches of Kaanapoli, the scenic road to Hana, and the Haleakala National Park, are just a few of the reasons Maui has been voted “Best Island” by readers of Conde Nast Traveler for nineteen years. During the winter months, Maui is one of the best places in the world for whale watching, the Humpback whales return to the warm waters (by whale standards that is!) year after year. Watching the sunrise from 9,740 feet atop Haleakala Crater is an experience not to be missed.
Haleakala Crater
Kauai is known as Hawaii’s Island of Discovery. There are the soaring cliffs of the Napali Coast and the vast chasms of Waimea Canyon. You can explore charming and historic small towns like Hanapepe and Koloa where no building is taller than a coconut tree! Some of my other favorite spots on the island are Poipu Beach Park (it was once voted America’s best beach!), Wailua Falls, and Opaekaa Falls. Some of the lush interior of the island is only accessible by air, so you may find yourself taking a sightseeing sky adventure by helicopter or small plane.
Mauai Kauai
Hawaii Island, known as The Big Island, isn’t just big, it is still growing! Hawaii Island is the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands and geographically the largest. It is home to Volcanoes National Park and one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea. Hawaii Island also has the tallest sea mountain in the world at more than 33,000 feet (Maunakea), the most massive mountain in the world (Maunaloa) and the largest park in the state (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park). All but two of the world’s climate zones generate everything from lush rain forests to volcanic deserts, snow-capped mountaintops to beautiful black sand beaches.
Lanai is considered Hawaii’s most enticing island. You can definitely escape the crowds, hustle, and bustle of very day life as it is largely an island of untouched tranquility. This romantic island is truly a “get away from it all” destination. Hulopoe Bay fronts the Four Seasons resort and is a protected bay with incredible tide pools and a great place for dolphin watching. Kaiolohia, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is located on the northeast coast of Lanai and features a ghostly ship, wrecked off shore. Lanai City is the central town and features charming shops and local restaurants.
Molokai is Hawaiian by nature. Visit Molokai and travel back to a timeless place with serene seascapes, unspoiled coastlines, and untamed wilderness. Molokai stays true to its Hawaii traditions tucked away from the hustle of the outside world. No building is taller than a coconut tree, no traffic, and not even a traffic light! Molokai is also said to be the birthplace of hula! You can get to Molakai by air from Honolulu or there is an interisland ferry from Maui. There is absolutely no public transportation so you will definitely need a rental vehicle; it is best to plan this well in advance as they can be limited.
I hope this gives you a brief taste of what the Hawaiian Islands has to offer you!
Kelley