Travelling between islands is done via plane with Hawaiian Airlines or GO! Mokulele, which offers flights in small aircrafts. These are cheaper than flying on a commercial airline, but tend to be a little more hair-raising due to the size of the plane.
Car hire is another option for tourists. Hawaii’s roads are well maintained and pleasant to drive on, and all the leading car hire companies offer a fleet of cars to suit your needs.
Each island has its own bus service, which offer a cheap, reliable way to get around. In fact Oahu’s 93 bus routes are some of the best run in the US. Oahu also has the Waikiki Trolley’s; open-air buses which take visitors to the main tourist attractions on the island.
Taxis are reasonably plentiful in Hawaii, though are expensive. Use them sparingly, if you’re watching your dollars.
One of the most active in the world, Kilauea is a hive of incredible wildlife and a must-visit for its spectacular views. Its fertile soil gives life to a lush rainforest and streams peppered with fragrant flowers. On a hike, you can expect to see some of the island’s most incredible sights, including Hawaiian petroglyphs, flowing lava tubes and incredible views of the island.
There are few sights on this earth quite as exciting as seeing a whale breach in the ocean. Tours from all of Hawaii’s main islands offer whale watching boating trips. Expect to see Alaskan humpback whales that have headed to the warm, shallow waters of Hawaii for the winter.
A holiday in Hawaii is, for many, a holiday of a lifetime. It’s no secret that Hawaii isn’t cheap, but sometimes it’s worth the blowout. If you’ve got the cash to spare, a helicopter ride over Kauai is an experience you’ll never forget; mountains, tropical green forests and deep, blue seas. About 80 percent of Kauai is inaccessible, so this really is the best way to see it.
Hawaii is a magnet for surfers from across the world, and hosts several high profile events throughout the year. Its crashing waves, laidback vibe and spectacular scenery make it an ideal destination for surfers. Whether you’re a pro, or just fancy getting yourself a few lessons and a washboard stomach, Hawaii has the all the amenities you’ll need to hit the water.
Make an early start and head to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where Mauna Loa, the world's largest volcano and the world's most active volcano are located. You won't want to rush around, so give yourself until sunset to explore. Then, as the night falls, head to Waikiki or Honolulu to experience the nightlife; beach-y and bohemian, high end and luxurious or pulsing and upbeat, there really is something for everyone.
Maui is the perfect spot for exploring Hawaii's incredible array of marine life; head to Molokini Crater for some of the best snorkeling around. After an active day, unwind in Kahului where you'll find bars and restaurants offering live music and dance as well as fresh, juicy mai thais.
Get your surf on for a day's riding the waves at Oahu's North Shore, the surfing capital of the world. Even if you don't fancy getting your toes wet, the scenery and sport-watching make it well worth a visit. In the evening, head back to the cities for a laua – a Hawaiian party. Most of the big resorts have their own, and there are several others dotted around the city, too. Expect plenty of drinking, hula dancing and a fair amount of fish to munch on, too.
Perfect for honeymooners, or those who just want a relaxing break, the best way to spend your time in Kauai is on the long, white sand beaches. Soak up the rays and enjoy the spectacular scenery until the sun sets and it's time to head to one of the island's luxury resorts with their extensive selection of high-end seafood restaurants.
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Expedia Holidays > Hawaii Holidays
