Hawaii Travel Guide

Hawaii is one of the world's most iconic tourist destinations, a place that has been drummed into the collective consciousness of the western world through magazines and popular culture (including the odd Elvis movie) for generations. No matter what your perception is of Hawai'i - the pure white beaches fringed by perfect waves, romantic sunsets, tropical fruits or hula dancers and the ukulele - it's all true! Hawaii has so much to offer, adventure, romance, the most modern of resorts or the chance to get away from it all.

Hawaii has had an interesting, action packed history. The early settlers to the islands were Polynesian and Tahitians who arrived between 2000 and 3000 years ago. Europeans began to arrive in the 1770s, beginning an often rocky relationship with Hawai'i's monarchs. In the mid 1800s, Europeans set up sugar plantations which became instrumental in creating the ethnic diversity now evident in modern Hawai'i. Hawai'i eventually became the 50th state of the USA in 1959.

Hawaiians are a complex blend of different heritage representations, including Polynesian, Anglo-Saxon, Japanese, Chinese and other island races. The result is an individual and exciting culture, with the laid-back approach to life that seems to come naturally in the tropics.

The world's most isolated archipelago is known collectively by the name of the largest member of the group, Hawaii. The main islands of O'ahu, Maui, Kaua'i and Hawai'i all have their own unique charms and attractions, making Hawai'i the perfection destination for everyone. O'ahu is the entry point into Hawai'i for most visitors, as it is home to bustling Honolulu and Waikiki, almost 130 beaches which include some of the world's most renowned surf breaks, and a large number of artistic and cultural pursuits such as festivals and opera.

Kaua'i, the Garden Isle, provides the perfect opportunity to partake in an exhilarating variety of both land and water-based activities in a Jurassic Park-like landscape. Maui is all about rejuvenation and general well-being, with renowned spa treatment centres and picturesque secluded retreats that offer healing in combination with a uniquely Hawaiian experience. Moloka'i and Lana'i, far less commercialised than the other islands, offer wild beaches and a stunning and varied landscape.

Hawai'i, The Big Island, is twice the size of the other major islands combined, and offers extraordinary diversity of landscape and climate. The island boasts everything from multi-hued beaches to tropical rainforest, snow-capped mountains and an active volcano with flowing lava-encompassing 11 of the earth's 13 different climatic zones.

Hawai'i's fabulous climate and surrounds lends itself to many watersports including scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, windsurfing and sailing. However, of all the activities it is surfing that runs through the veins of the Hawaiians. Haiwai'i's amazing and famous surf breaks are the site of numerous international surf contests throughout the year. Surf schools operate all over the islands and Waikiki Beach is one of the most popular places to learn.

The Hawaiian Islands are actually the tops of submerged volcanoes. These peaks dominate the landscape of the islands, providing spectacular scenery. There are two fantastic national parks in Hawai'i. Maui has Haleakala National Park, known for it's scenery, while the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on Hawai'i Big Island has incredible hiking trails which takes in huge areas of wilderness, where some of the world's rarest plants and animals is protected.

Hawaiian food has various influences from many cultures present in the local population.Traditional Polynesian, Chinese, Japanese, American and other Asian influences are all well represented in Hawai'i's restaurants. Hawaiians aren't traditionally late diners, so be sure to plan on eating early in the evening.

Traditional art and craft pieces and wood carvings make great souvenirs of your holiday in Hawai'i, as do beautifully made kapa cloth or traditional Hawaiian quilts. If you are after something cheap and fun, bright shirts and sarongs or even imitation hula skirts a T-shirt or Kona coffee should do the trick.