A tour of Hawaii is a dream come true for many travelers. The beautiful natural areas, the clear blue ocean and the beautiful colors make Hawaii a feast for the eyes. The Pacific state is made up of 137 volcanic islands and atolls (ring-shaped islands). Hawaii has 8 major islands of which Maui, Hawaii (The Big Island), Oahu and Kauai are the most important. During your tour, discover the national parks, discover craters on horseback and spot whales during a tour at sea. Read here what you should not miss!
Towns
According to smber, there are hundreds of villages and towns on the many islands of Hawaii. The most famous and largest of these is Honolulu, the capital. Honolulu is located in the south of the island of Oahu. Honolulu means “sheltered harbor” in Hawaiian. The city plays an important role as a shipping and aviation hub. The city is also much visited by tourism, there are many luxury hotels. Nearby is a small but snow-white sandy beach: Waikiki. At Waikiki you will find many shopping centers, cozy restaurants and hotels. A must-visit during your tour of Hawaii!
Nature
The colorful Hawaii has become world famous partly because of the beautiful nature reserves that can be found there. The sometimes still active volcanism on the islands has created a unique piece of nature. The islands themselves are volcanoes, but most of them are no longer active, except for Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Many endemic plants and animals can be found in the state, which are found nowhere else. Beautiful endemic species include the Hawaiian monk seal and Hawaiian goose, so keep your camera handy during your tour! Humpback whales can also be seen here regularly, wintering in Hawaii when it gets too cold for them in Alaska.
Two breathtakingly beautiful national parks Volcanoes National Park (Big Island) and Haleakala National Park (Maui). In Volcanoes National Park you can admire volcanic eruptions up close, a unique experience! Here is also Chain of Craters Road, a road buried under solidified lava from Kilauea, the most active volcano in the world. Along the way you will find glowing fires and sulfur fumes. During your tour through Hawaii you will discover one thing for sure: nature never stands still here.
Haleakala National Park is home to Mount Haleakala, meaning ‘house of the sun’. The top of this mountain can be reached by car, very worthwhile during your tour of Hawaii! The crater at the top of Haleakala can be explored on foot or on horseback. Beautiful views, colorful slopes and vast lunar landscapes appear around you as far as the eye can see.
Culture
The islands were colonized by Polynesians, and they still live there today. In 1810, after the discovery by the Europeans, Hawaii became a state under King Kamehameha. He also abolished religion, partly due to the influence of American missionaries. In 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state of the US. Now English is mainly spoken and many immigrants live there, the original population is in the minority. Yet there is still much of their friendly character on the islands. Habits such as the lei (garland of flowers) and the hula (dance) are also still characteristic of this state.
The cuisine is a mix of all kinds of influences. Due to immigrants from China, Japan and Portugal, the cuisine has become very diverse. A bite to eat in a local restaurant is therefore highly recommended during your tour!
Climate
The state has a tropical climate that is very constant. There are only two seasons: summer and winter. In the winter it is an average of about 26 degrees and in the summer around 30 degrees. A tour of Hawaii is therefore possible all year round! The islands do not know extremes, this is due to the trade winds that regulate the climate. It can also snow in Hawaii! This occurs on the highest mountain peaks and on the islands of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Hurricane season runs from June to November in the state.
Tour of Hawaii
When you make a tour through Hawaii, the above sights should not be missing from your list. Activities such as surfing, paddle surfing and sailing an outrigger canoe also give you that special Hawaii vibe! On several islands you can rent cars with which you can explore the area. Most islands have a good infrastructure so that you can go a long way by car. The national parks are also generally easily accessible and can usually be explored by car. Most visitors go island hopping and visit (part of) the eight major islands. Wherever you go during your tour of Hawaii, this holiday paradise leaves an unforgettable impression!
