Active volcanoes, majestic waterfalls, stunning sunsets, and miles and miles of warm, sandy beaches – all of this and more await you on a US holiday to the island state of Hawaii. Discover the must-see sights – Pearl Harbour, Waimea Canyon and scenic national parks and relax on Waikiki Beach, snorkel off Kauai’s coast, savour the Kona coffee and delight in whale-watching at Maui.
If you’re ready to discover tropical beauty and enjoy pure tropical bliss, these are the Hawaiian Islands you need to visit:
Oahu
Believed by many to be the perfect representation of paradise, Oahu, known to locals as ‘the gathering place’, is Hawaii’s most populous island. Some top activities on this island include:
Honolulu Sightseeing
Start your Honolulu sightseeing at the sunken USS Arizona and its impressive memorial to the men still entombed there, as well as Punchbowl National Cemetery with its beautiful views of Honolulu. Other must-see sites include bustling Chinatown, Iolani Palace and the statue of King Kamehameha the Great.
Of course, no trip to Oahu would be complete without time spent at Waikiki; the world’s most famous beach. Relax, read a book, enjoy a refreshing drink and the blue waves of the ocean.
Big Island
The Big Island, (officially named Hawaii), is the largest island in the United States’ Hawaiian archipelago. As the name suggests, The Big Island is fantastically diverse, with much to explore and indulge your adventurous spirit in.
Hilo
Starting in the town of Hilo, enjoy the spectacular scenery that includes misty plateaus, craggy cliffs, tropical rainforests, bamboo groves and lava deserts.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Witness dramatic volcanic landscapes, rare flora and fauna and even the world’s most active volcano; Kilauea, in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Kona
There’s so much to enjoy in the charming and historic town of Kailua-Kona. Go snorkelling in a coral reef and view magnificent tropical fish; embark on a helicopter ride along the Kohala coastline, over the famed Parker Ranch and an active volcano. Or, for a real adventure, hike to the summit of Mauna Kea Crater to watch the sunset, before heading to the Ellison Onizuka Visitor Centre for an evening of stargazing.
Kailua
Rich in history, Kailua features the historic Hulihe’e Palace, the former holiday home of the Hawaiian Royal Family, and Ahu’ena Heiau, the restored personal temple of King Kamehameha the Great.
Kauai
Full of splendour, beauty and culture, Kauai is an island that represents the true spirit of aloha like no other.
Sightseeing Highlights
Upon arriving in Kauai, go for a drive along the scenic southern shore via Poipu Beach to Waimea, which was once the Polynesian capital of Kauai and the site where Captain Cook landed on the islands in 1778. Some sightseeing highlights here include Waimea Canyon, known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’, the lush and fertile Hanapepe Valley, and a photo stop at Spouting Horn, a dramatic blowhole on the ocean’s edge.
Maui
Renowned globally for its beauty, atmosphere, history and a never-ending supply of pristine beaches, waterfalls, snorkelling and gardens to name a few, there’s plenty to be seen on the ‘Valley Island’ of Maui.
Sightseeing Highlights
Kickstart your Maui sightseeing with a visit to the ‘Iao Valley, known as the ‘Yosemite of the Pacific’, to view the ‘Lao Needle. Then, head through lush farm country and along the shoreline via Maalaea Boat Harbour to Lahaina, once a whaling centre and capital of the Hawaiian monarchy.
Road to Hana
Explore the Road to Hana, one of the world’s most spectacular scenic drives with 54 bridges and many waterfalls.
Haleakala National Park
Venture to Haleakala National Park, the volcano known to islanders as the ‘House of the Sun’, and its vast Haleakala Crater.
Ready to relax and let your senses come alive in Hawaii? Check out our range of Cosmos Hawaii holidays here.
