Tips for your holidays in Hawaii
If heaven was a place on earth, it would be in Hawaii! That’s how the song goes, right? Well, even if it doesn’t, it might as well do! Hawaii is like a piece of paradise, located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It is made up of a total of 137 volcanic islands, 8 of which are considered the main islands. Hawaii is part of the United States, although it has a distinct culture and a lot of influences from Asian countries as well as Portugal!
Hawaii has a rich history and up until this day you will find indigenous people on the island, conserving the local culture and traditions. While most people do speak English, Hawaiian is still one of the official languages of the archipelago. Today, islands like Maui, Oahu and Big Island are super popular tourist destinations, and offer a lot of fun activities like boat tours and watersport activities.
Popular destinations for the best watersports and boat tours in Hawaii
Maui Island
Since all Hawaiian islands are surrounded by the endless waters of the Pacific Ocean, they are great destination for watersports and boat tours. Some of the most popular destination in Hawaii are located on the magical island of Maui. Here you can do a
Land and Sea Whale Watch Tour to enjoy watching whales in their natural habitat!
Another fun watersport in Maui takes place in Lahaina, and includes a Kayak tour with whales and turtles at Olowalu! On the south coast of Maui, you can make your childhood dream come true and have Ocean mermaid swimming lesson in Maui!
Honolulu - Oahu Island
Probably one of the most famous destinations in Hawaii, Honolulu has made a name for itself all over the world! If you hear Hawaii, you probably instantly think about Waikiki, right? Hula, palm trees and pristine beaches, this is what Honolulu on the island Oahu stands for! But did you know that you can also do great boat tours and watersports in Honolulu?
The boat tour with snorkeling at Turtle Canyon is an amazing experience, as you get to snorkel with sea turtles in the sea! This is always a magical moment, and will probably be one of the highlights during your stay in Honolulu! Surfing in Honolulu is also on the bucket list of many visitors, and with a private surf lesson in Honolulu you will get the best of this experience!
Kailua-Kona - Big Island
For those of you looking for even more nature and adventure, a visit to Kailua-Kona on Big Island is the best choice! The famous Hualālai Volcano is one of the must-dos during your stay on Big Island, and easily reachable from Kailua-Kona. But of course there are also a lot of option for boat tours and watersports on Big Island!
One of the best boat tours in Kailua-Kona is the Kealakekua Snorkel and Sail along the Kona Coast. On this boat tour, you will get to visit the beautiful Kealakekua bay and the famous Captain Cook Monument. If you prefer getting a bit more active, the Clear Bottom Kayak Rental in Kailua-Kona is a great way to explore the unique coast of Big Island at your own pace!
Language and currency in Hawaii
In Hawaii and all Hawaiian Islands there are two official languages - English and Hawaiian, the native Hawaiian language. But don’t worry, you get around with English everywhere. However, people will be happy if you learn some basic Hawaiian vocabulary, like Aloha (Hello and Goodbye) and Mahalo (Thank You).
The currency in Hawaii is the USD, and you can easily exchange your currency in the local banks. Credit Cards are also widely accepted in the tourism areas of the islands. It is recommended to change currencies in the town at the banks, as the exchange rates at the airports are usually higher.
Getting around in Hawaii
If you truly want to experience the islands of Hawaii, renting a car is the best option to get around in Hawaii! On all of the main islands you can rent a car in advance and then pick it up when you land at the airport. Renting a car allows you to visit the hidden corners on the island and along the coast, and gives you the flexibility to make the most of your holidays in Hawaii.
Of course you can also visit Hawaii without renting a car. In the bigger towns on the islands you usually have a good public transportation, and you can also book day tours with operator that take you to some of the more remote attractions. For short distances, renting a scooter or bike in Hawaii is also a good choice. In the towns in Hawaii you can also get around by taxi or rideshare apps like Uber!
To get from one island to another, the best and easiest way to do so is by plane. There are a lot of flights between the main islands of Hawaii everyday, and if you book in advance, you can also get them at a good price. There are also ferries or private boat charters to take you from one island to another. If you’re looking for a boat option to travel between islands in Hawaii, get in touch with us via email and we’re happy to help finding the best option!
Whatever you decide to do during your trip to Hawaii, we promise you will love this archipelago in the Pacific Ocean! Sunshine, friendly people and a lot of fun are guaranteed! For any further tips or requests, feel free to contact us anytime.