Hawaii Questions

Question: What are some must-dos on our Hawaii vacation?

One of the first things I tell people to do on their vacations is RELAX. I know when you are traveling, sometimes it can be a little hard, you want to do everything and see everything. Well, luckily in Hawaii, most of the stuff you have to see or do, is very relaxing. Whether you soar over the islands on a Hawaii helicopter tour, see rainbows of fruity fish on a Maui snorkel tour, or just cruise in a convertible, you will be feelin’ the island groove in no time.

Their are many great boat tours on all of the islands, all of them offering unique experiences: towering Na Pali cliffs, whales breaching off of Diamond Head, lava violently introducing itself to the sea, or just a voyage in our great big blue. And if you can get a good one, and the weather is just right, you will have a “moment”. By moment, I mean an unforgettable, dolphins playing, turtles basking, whale flapping, experience. One of those things that stick in your head. When you are back to work, the Hawaii coastline will grace your thoughts when you need it most. When you are trying to decide where to go next summer, that nagging desire to do it again will be pulling you. When it is gray and cold, it is the other place you are going to be wishing you were. If you aren’t prone to seasickness, seeing Hawaii from the surrounding Pacific is quite the ticket.

If you are going to do it from the ocean, then you might as well do it from the sky. Another heart stopping, pulse racing, yet altogether soothing way to see Hawaii is on a helicopter tour. You see waterfalls and cliff lines that are inaccessible to almost all humans. You feel the enormity of your smallness (not at all in a bad way), you feel the power of the land, the island, the ocean and earth. Catch the Waimea Canyon deep and ancient, watch new Hawaii being formed over Volcano. The few helicopter tours that I have been on, have all been accompanied by a soundtrack that amplifies the experience and an experienced pilot the put the passengers at easy. If it puts you more at ease, select your tour operator based on their safety record.

If you are able, get a convertible rental car in Hawaii and drive with the top down. Many visitors come to the islands and hop on big tour buses that drag them around to all of the tourist traps. While there is some valid reasons for those less mobile to take these tours, if you have a license and a heartbeat, go cruising. The drive around the west side of Oahu up to the North Shore is prime “leave your troubles behind” cruising. And basically anywhere on Kauai and the Big Island are perfect for going topless. Or see how far you can make it up Haleakala on Maui before you need to pull over a put the top up. Hint: bring a sweater!

Now, I have failed to mention about a million other things that are great about Hawaii; And many are well worth a visit. But if you just did the above, with a little beach time on top, you would go home a happy camper. For more great information or ideas, there are many great guides online that can detail Oahu activities, Maui activities and things to do on Kauai and the Big Island.