Tidbits
Island Hopping in Hawaii

Ah, the islands of Aloha! You are welcomed with a warmth and charm that immediately puts you at ease. Slip into the laid back Polynesian way of life as you enjoy scented tropical air, an agreeable climate and clear, warm waters. Whether you're taking an organized tour, travelling independently or sailing around the islands by ship, you'll discover paradise! Here's a roundup of each island's highlights.

  • Oahu
  • Kauai
  • Maui
  • Hawaii
  • Molokai
  • Lanai

Oahu

  • Home of the state capital and largest city, Honolulu.
  • Famous landmarks include Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, breathtaking Nu'uanu Pali Pass and the big waves of the north coast beaches.
  • Pay your respects at the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.
  • Experience Hawaiian culture by attending a luau, touring a ukulele factory and visiting the Polynesian cultural centre where you can experience life on many of the islands in the South Pacific.

Kauai

  • Natural wonders abound – waterfalls, blow holes, cliffs, caves, Fern Grotto and colourful Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
  • Take a helicopter ride for the best view of the spectacular scenery.
  • Kayak down the Wailua River - Kauai has the only navigable rivers in Hawaii.
  • Tee off at one of the many challenging and scenic golf courses.

Maui

  • Maui is noted for Haleakala National Park, 'Iao Valley, Wailua lookout, excellent beaches including Ka'anapali and Napili Bay and many outstanding golf courses.
  • The town of Lahaina is on the National Registry of Historic Places. It was a missionary and plantation centre and a whalers' stop in the mid-1800s.
  • Watch the sunrise from Haleakala, the 3,048-meter dormant volcano.
  • Take a whale watching boat to see the Humpback Whales that winter here.

Hawaii

  • Larger than the other main islands put together, Hawaii is famous for Volcanoes National Park. Mt. Kilauea is the world's most active volcano, continuously erupting since 1983. You can get close up to the lava flows by day or watch from your cruise ship at night as the red hot flows glow in the dark.
  • From Hilo, visit Akatsuka Orchid Garden, Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls.
  • On the Kona coast, you'll find the famous Kona coffee plantations, the 12th century Puuhonua o Honaunau (Place of Refuge), the painted church and Hulihe'e Palace, summer home of Hawaiian royalty.
  • Kealakekua Bay Marine Sanctuary is an ideal spot for snorkelling and kayaking. On shore stands a monument to Captain James Cook, the first British explorer to visit the islands, who was killed here.

Molokai

  • Molokai is the real Hawaii with no bustling cities.
  • Nature, tranquility, history and culture are the attractions.
  • Hiking and mule rides are popular ways to see the island.
  • Hike in Halawa Valley, visit Kalaupapa National Historical Park where Father Damien ministered, or take a boat to see the dramatic sea cliffs (over 610 meters high) along the North Shore.

Lanai

  • Get away from it all on Lanai - most roads are unpaved, there are just two luxury resorts and two championship golf-courses.
  • Visit the Mars-like landscape of Keahiakawelo, the "Garden of the Gods". Best viewed at dusk for a mysterious effect.
  • Hulopoe Bay is one of the best beaches in America. Enjoy lava rock tide pools and see Spinner Dolphins while snorkeling, swimming and body boarding.
  • Hike or bike the Munro Trail for spectacular views of Lanai and neighboring islands Maui, Molokai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, and the Big Island.