Hawaii

What you need to know before you go

    Hawaii is a string of grand, tropical islands in the Pacific, each with their own appeal. The most popular is Oahu, home to the capital of Honolulu, where you will find famous spots such as Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor. Maui is a surfer’s paradise and captures the idea of Hawaii as a top beach destination thanks to its stunning shoreline. Hawaii’s Big Island offers more rugged experience, being home to an active volcano and pristine coral reefs.

    Kauai in the north is often called the ‘Garden Isle’ for its rugged green valleys and lush mountain rainforests and waterfalls. Away from the common crowds, there are the remote islands of Molokai and Lanai. These are the least populated of Hawaii’s main islands and offer rustic escapes and seascapes. What the Hawaiian Islands do have in common are natural beauty, an exotic Polynesian culture and history, and amazing resorts.

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    What to see & do in Hawaii

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    Things to do in Hawaii showcase a wide variety of opportunities for exploration, natural wonders, historic sites, fine seafood dining, shopping, nightlife, world-class beaches, and adventure. The stunning beaches here offer white sand and black and even green sand along its 266 miles of coast. While you're here, you can go snorkeling and scuba diving among sea turtles and rays or go surfing in famous pipes. You can take... Read more

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    Where & what to eat in Hawaii

    Food and Dining in Hawaii offers a culinary tradition with homegrown ingredients and freshly sourced seafood with everything from party-style pig roasts to elegant upscale dining. You can hit up a food truck for a quickly grilled shrimp skewer or head for a creative fusion establishment that combines Asian, island, and New American cuisine into indescribable flavors. The best restaurants in Hawaii use fresh produce gathered from local farmers... Read more

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    Where to shop & what to buy in Hawaii

    Shopping in Hawaii's Big Island lets you explore everything from your favorite big-name brands to handmade quilts, jewelry, hand-blown glass, rare koa, wooden bowls, and other exciting finds. Shopping on this island offers world-class independent shops focused on unique indigenous craftsmanship. Visit historic Kailua Village or the Keauhou Shopping Center for traditional shopping or explore the range of small-town art galleries in Hawi and Holualoa. While... Read more

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    Where to go & what to do at night in Hawaii

    Nightlife in Hawaii's Big Island is laid back and casual, with fewer big discos spinning thumping electronica and more relaxed live music, drinks, and great food. Some of the most popular nightspot locations on the Big Island are found in Kailua-Kona and Hilo. Check out places like the Hilo Town Tavern for live music or Coqui's Hideaway for pool tables and good food. In Kailua-Kona, check out Humpy's... Read more

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    Useful information

    Information about Hawaii's Big Island can be found at the island's Visitors Bureau along the Kohala Coast, where you can get guides and information about everything going on. If you need to know where the best sites are, what events are happening, how to get transportation, or even book tours of the island. The Visitor Center is also run by the National Park Service and offers information about eruptions every... Read more

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