Waikiki Aquarium

No trip to Hawaii is complete without spending some time in Honolulu. Its museums and palaces are the best place to learn about the history and culture of the Hawaiian Islands. Its nightclubs and restaurants are the most sophisticated in the state. And you can spend the day at the beach and then see a show in the evening.

If you’re wondering what to do in Honolulu, there are plenty of options. You should start your visit at Waikiki, one of the most famous beaches in the world. Lined with luxury hotels and resorts, it’s always packed. For the best views of Diamond Head and the city skyline, take a surfing lesson. Or go for a catamaran cruise at sunset. Whatever you do, make sure you get out on or in the water at least once during your visit.

Even though it’s part of the United States, Hawaiian culture is unique – and foreign. While you’re here, take the time to discover more and you’ll have a richer, more rewarding trip.

The Bishop Museum is a great place to learn more about the islands. Located in a building that dates from 1889, it recently underwent a $20 million restoration. Not only does the museum have the best historical and cultural artifacts from Hawaiian culture, it also has exhibits about volcanoes, the Pacific Ocean, and the flora and fauna of the islands. There are several buildings on the property, and you’ll see everything from the Hawaiian kings’ ceremonial robes to grass huts.

The best hula performance in Hawaii takes place here at 11AM and 2PM on weekdays. There’s also a planetarium with several shows a day. The Bishop Museum is one of the most informative things to do in Honolulu.

At the Polynesian Cultural Center, you’ll see recreated mini-villages from Tonga, Tahiti, Samoa, Fiji, and New Zealand. Opened in 1963 by members of the LDS church, the center is on a 42-acre site about 30 miles from Waikiki. Demonstrations of hula dancing, tattooing, fire dancing, craft making, and other native arts bring traditions alive for visitors. There’s a show every night with hula and other island entertainment.

Diamond Head is the most recognizable Honolulu attraction. But it also offers some of the best views of the city. If you hike 560 feet to the top of the crater, you’ll have 360-degree views of the island of Oahu. It only takes about half an hour, and it’s suitable for people of average abilities. To beat the crowds, go early or late – but be aware that the park closes at 6PM.

Gardeners will enjoy a visit to the Foster Botanical Garden. It’s close to Chinatown, in the heart of Honolulu. Many of the trees in the 14-acre garden were planted in the 1850s, and today the garden has many rare species that are found only in Hawaii. There’s a large collection of ornamental palms, orchids and other tropical flowers, and 26 rare trees that are protected by law.

Waikiki Beach

Housed in the original 1872 Royal Hawaiian Hotel, the Hawaii State Art Museum showcases the work of more than 200 artists. And the Honolulu Academy of Arts has 32 galleries displaying Hawaiian art, American and European paintings, prehistoric artifacts, and Mayan and Greek objects. The building itself is considered one of the best examples of old Hawaiian architecture, and the grounds are lovely.

Built in 1882, Iolani Palace is the only royal residence in America. Visitors see the jewelry of the royal family, their royal apartments, and the thrones of King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani. When it was built at a cost of $360,000, it was quite lavish and high-tech. In fact, it had electricity before Buckingham Palace or the White House. Tours of the palace add a lot of insight, but you need to make reservations in advance.

The most moving of the Honolulu attractions is the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the USS Arizona was struck and sank in nine minutes. 1,777 people perished and the names of the dead are carved into the white marble wall here. The stark memorial flanks the sunken ship which lies six feet below the surface. The experience lasts several hours, and you’ll spend some of your time waiting. Invest in one of the audio players and reflect on the sacrifice of the sailors and marines who died here.

If the USS Arizona marked the beginning of America’s participation in World War II, the USS Missouri marked the end. The last American battleship, “Mighty Mo” is best known as the place where the Japanese signed the Terms of Surrender on September 2, 1945.

With more than 420 species of marine life, the Waikiki Aquarium is a must for those who love the sea. Exhibits here are dedicated to reef environments, jellyfish, and other underwater critters. And you’ll be able to get up close and personal at the touch tanks. You’ll see sharks, monk seals, sea turtles, coral, eels, tropical fish, and the only chambered nautilus born in captivity.

Find more Hawaii travel tips.Legend:
1) Bishop Museum
2) Polynesian Cultural Center
3) Diamond Head
4) Foster Botanic Garden
5) Hawaii State Art Musuem
6) Honolulu Academy of Arts
7) Iolani Palace
8) USS Arizona Memorial
9) USS Missouri
10) Waikiki Aquarium

View Honolulu attractions map in a larger map

Waikiki Aquarium Image Flickr: coconut wireless
Waikiki Beach Image Flickr: Alan Light

Hana, Maui

Maui is a terrific place for a vacation. Blessed with incredible natural beauty, a near-perfect climate, and a laid-back vibe that inevitably leads to relaxation, Maui charms even the most jaded traveler.

There are so many things to do in Maui, that deciding how to spend your time can be a challenge. Although you can always opt to do nothing but sit on the beach and watch the world go by.

But you came here for a reason, so you might as well make the most of it and dive in, literally and figuratively. Because you can have experiences here you’d never have back home, and the memories will stay with you forever.

Maui hotels come in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges. If you can afford it, upgrade to a room with an ocean view. It will be worth it.

The island is small enough that you can reach any place in a few hours – although the trip to Hana takes quite a while. The most popular Maui resorts are Kaanapali, Kapalua, which is a great choice for golfers, Kihea, and Wailea/Makena, where many of the new, luxury hotels are.

You’ll be able to do almost anything no matter where you stay because virtually all of the Maui resorts have activity desks offering a wide range of adventures.

The closest thing to a town on Maui is Lahaina, the center of whaling in the 19th century. It’s the best place to get a sense of the island’s history. And there are plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy.

Kannapali has a beautiful beach with wonderful views of Lanai and Molokai. But beach lovers shouldn’t stop there. Makena is an undeveloped beauty that’s well worth the hike or drive.

Speaking of drive, the winding road to Hana is a journey to another world and a trip back in time. Along the way, you’ll pass lush tropical jungles, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking views of the shimmering sea. You can go there and back in a day, but then you won’t have any time to enjoy Hana. Better to go half way, or better yet, to spend the night at the Hotel Hana-Maui (book well in advance).

Snorkeling is one of the most popular Maui activities, and everyone should do it at least once. It can be as simple as renting some gear and heading into the crystal clear water. But once you get your feet wet, you may want to take a full- or half-day snorkel trip to Molokini. The reef there abounds with colorful fish, and delicate coral formations. A variety of trips are available from Lahaina harbor.

Maui marine life

If you can’t swim, you can even take a submarine cruise, see everything, and stay dry as a bone.

Maui vacations in winter – particularly between December and April – have an extra attraction: migrating humpback whales. Whale-watching cruises take you right to them. Or you can see them from shore at spots like McGregor Point near Maalaea.

Those who are willing to rise long before the crack of dawn can go to the summit of Haleakala for the sunrise. The view from this 10,000-foot perch is incredible and when the sun rises, you’ll feel like you’re witnessing the dawn of time. It’s cold up there, so take plenty of warm clothes. The adventurous can arrange a package that also includes biking down the mountain from the 6,000-foot level.

To really enjoy the water, rent a surfboard, kayak, windsurfer, or boogie board. Lessons are available, and rates are reasonable. If you’re on a budget, try body surfing. Just be sure to stay where lifeguards are on duty.

Golfers have their choice of courses. Kapalua Resort in West Maui and the Wailea and Makena resort courses are challenging courses with stunning ocean views.

Most visitors find that there are so many things to do in Maui that they return again and again.

Find more Hawaii travel tips.

Hana, Maui Image Flickr: DirectDish
Maui marine life Image Flickr: wbaiv

St. Regis Princeville Resort Kauai

Few places on earth pack as much into such a small space as the island of Kauai. With some of the most ravishing scenery anywhere, friendly locals, and a wide variety of accommodations and activities, Kauai is a great vacation spot.

Less developed than Oahu or Maui, Kauai has a low-key charm that makes it impossible not to relax. And there are excellent Kauai hotels for those who don’t mind spending a lot, as well as those who only want to spend a little.

Luxury Kauai hotels.

The most luxurious hotel in Kauai is the St. Regis Resort Princeville. When money’s no object, this is the place to stay. The former Princeville Resort Kauai underwent a multi-million dollars renovation before reopening in 2009. Views of Hanalei Bay and the mountain known as Bali Hai for the movie South Pacific take your breath away. And butler service ensures that guests in suites want for nothing. If you prefer not to stay here, at least come for an expensive cocktail.

On Kauai’s South Shore, not far from Poipu Beach, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa is one of the biggest Kauai resorts with half a dozen restaurants and bars, a full-service spa, beautifully landscaped gardens, and dramatic ocean views.

Kauai beach resorts.

Those who prefer a resort with lots of facilities and amenities have plenty of choices on Kauai. The Sheraton Kauai Resort is on a beautiful, swimming beach adjacent to Poipu Beach. Sunsets from their lounge called the Point are unforgettable, and they offer the only ocean-front luau on the island.

Nearby, the 121-room Koa Kea Hotel reopened last year after being nearly destroyed by a hurricane in 1992. It has a swimming pool, ocean-front restaurant, and spa. For those who want all the amenities of a big hotel without hundreds of fellow guests, this is a good choice.

Poipu Beach

The Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club enjoys a great location on Kalapaki Beach. If you dream of a huge, undulating pool, tennis, fitness center, and lots of activities, you’ll love it here. There are good programs for kids too.
The Hilton Kauai Beach Resort has four pools, water slides, lots of restaurants and bars, and free transfers to the airport, which is nearby.

Kauai vacation rentals.

A condo with a kitchen can save you quite a bit of money, especially if you’re traveling with a group of friends or family. And there are several good ones on Kauai to choose from.

With amenities like granite countertops, Sub Zero refrigerators, and a two-acre, winding swimming pool, Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort and Spa are the nicest – and most expensive – vacation rentals on the island. If you can afford it, pop for an ocean-view unit. Choose this one if you like to walk to shops and restaurants.

The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas are a close second with private lanais, in-unit washers and dryers, and access to some of the island’s best golf. It has a great program for kids of all ages, and the layout makes it seem smaller than it is.

Marriott Waiohai Beach Club has two-bedroom condos with modern kitchens, ocean views, and private lanais. Although expensive, groups of six will spend less here than they would with two separate condos. It has a pool, and you can walk to many great restaurants and Poipu Beach.

Next door to the Sheraton, Kiahuna Plantation has one, two, and three-bedroom condos in a variety of price ranges. The grounds here are especially attractive – there’s even a cactus garden surrounding their excellent restaurant, which is housed in an old plantation house. The beach is great, but there’s no pool. Although it’s not as glamorous as some of the newer properties, it has a lot of Hawaiian charm.

The most affordable vacation rental is Wailua Bayview, which is located close to the beach in Kapaa. The Coconut Marketplace is nearby for shopping and restaurants.

VRBO – Vacation Rentals By Owner

St. Regis Princeville Resort Kauai Image Flickr: Cedartones
Poipu Beach Image Flickr: rezsox

1) St. Regis Princeville Resort
2) Grand Hyatt Resort and Spa
3) Sheraton Kauai Resort
4) Koa Kea Hotel and Resort
5) Kauai Marriott Resort
6) Hilton Kauai Beach Resort
7) Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort
8) Hilton Kauai Beach Resort
9) Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
10) Kiahuna Plantation
11) Coral Reef Resort
12) Waimea Plantation Cottages
13) Hanalei Colony Resort

View Kauai Hotels in a larger map

Kiahuna Plantation Kauai

No matter what your style or budget, you’ll find a wide assortment of Kauai lodging to choose from, whether you prefer a luxurious resort hotel, a laid-back motel, or a condo.

You can stay anywhere on the island and still see all the major attractions — it’s that small.  And it’s easy to get around.

Poipu Beach lodging and accommodations.

The south shore of Kauai has great weather all year long, even during winter when it can be rainy on the north shore.  The beaches here are also good for swimming year ‘round, so it’s very popular with vacationers.

The Poipu Beach area has some of the best Kauai accommodations, and there are plenty of top-notch restaurants and shops.

One of the most appealing Kauai resorts, The Sheraton Kauai Resort is right on a sandy beach that’s great for swimming, snorkeling, or just sunbathing.  You can rent a surfboard in the Kiahuna Beach parking lot from former surfing champ Margo Oberg.

The Sheraton offers the only beach-front luau on the island.  But if you don’t want to come for the luau, come for drinks and appetizers at The Point, which has great views at sunset.

Next door to the Sheraton, Kiahuna Planation is one of the best Kauai vacation rentals.  It has studio, 1, 2, and 3-bedroom condos with kitchens and balconies or patios.  There are several barbecue grills on the grounds that you can use to fix dinner.   Or if you don’t feel like cooking, Plantation Gardens restaurant is very good and very romantic.  It’s set in an old plantation house surrounded by tropical gardens.

The property on the south side of Kiahuna Plantation was vacant for years after the old Poipu Beach Hotel was destroyed by Hurricane Iniki in 1992.  The recently opened Koa Kea Hotel & Resort is a nice addition to the Poipu hotels lineup.

With just 121 rooms, the size is manageable.  But it’s got all the amenities of the bigger Poipu resorts — a beach-front restaurant, a swimming pool for the kids, and even a spa.

The other Poipu vacation rental is the Marriott Waiohai Beach Club.  The  2-bedroom, ocean-view units here can sleep up to six.  The kitchens are modern and well equipped.  And the units are nicely furnished.  It’s not an inexpensive choice, but if there are enough of you, it can be less expensive than getting two condos.

Although it’s not on Poipu Beach, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa is only about five minutes away.  It’s located on

Grand Hyatt Kauai

Waimea lodging and accommodations.

Beautiful Waimea Canyon is the main reason to come to the west side of Kauai.  The town has a good shrimp restaurant, a legendary shave ice stand, and a couple of blocks of shops for tourists.  But because you can see everything here in a day, there aren’t many hotels.

The best is Waimea Plantation Cottages.  Spread of 27 acres, it’s on the grounds of an old sugar plantation.  The cottages here are all individually decorated, but each has some authentic Hawaiiana touches, like bark cloth draperies and rattan furniture.  Cottages come in all shapes and sizes.  When you get hungry, the Waimea Brewing Company is on the property.

Kapaa and Lihue lodging and accommodations.

This part of Kauai is the busiest on the island, with strip malls, fast food restaurants, and traffic jams.  But the east shore also has some of the most affordable Kauai hotels, and there are lots of choices in every price range.

Located on Kalapaki Beach, the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club was recently renovated.  Some of the property is dedicated to time-shares, but hotel rooms are also available.  The resort’s signature is its 26,000 square foot pool.  The property also has tennis courts, a 24-hour fitness center, a free airport shuttle, and a good kids’ program.  Service is first-rate, and the activity desk can arrange anything you can think of.

Another one of the most popular Kauai resorts, The Hilton Kauai Beach Resort has four restaurants and bars, four swimming pools with waterfalls and water slides, and a spa.  It was renovated in 2007.  The beach is not good for swimming, but many guests prefer the sandy-bottom swimming pool.

If you want to stretch your vacation dollars, a Kauai vacation rental with a kitchen can save you money on meals out.  Wailua Bayview is one of the best values with rates starting as low as $175 a night.  The beach-front complex only has 45 units, so if you’re traveling in peak season, reserve well in advance.  The views here are great.

Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort and Spa may be the finest condos on Kauai.  With Sub-Zero refrigerators, granite counters, an in-unit washers and dryers, they have every amenity you could want.  The Ocean-front units have to-die-for views, and the swimming pool meanders over nearly two acres.  The area is congested, but most people who stay here think it’s work it.

Another great value, the Coral Reef Resort on the Beach is an older property that was recently purchased and renovated by the new owners.  A nicely furnished ocean-front suite here starts as low as $245 a night.  The grounds have coconut palms and other tropical plantings, and the beach is good for swimming,

Princeville lodging and accommodations.

Hanalei Bay Kauai

Princeville has long been known for the luxurious Princeville Resort.  It closed in 2008 and was recently reopened as the St. Regis Resort Princeville following a $100 million renovation.  Perched above Hanalei Bay, the St. Regis has breathtaking views  of the ocean and the mountain that was Bali Hai in the movie South Pacific, which was filmed in this area.

Golfers will appreciate being able to choose between two highly rated courses.  And the rooms have every conceivable nicety, including 42″ plasma TVs.   If you want the services of a butler, book a suite.

If you want to stay in the Princeville area but prefer a condo, the units at the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas have full kitchens, washer/dryers, and private lanais.  With good kids’ program, three pools, and a 24-hour health club, it’s a good choice for families.

The best place to get away from it all is the Hanalei Colony Resort, which has no phones or TVs in the rooms.   There’s not much to distract you here but the beautiful beach, the spa next door, and the Mediterranean restaurant.   It’s cheaper than the other Princeville hotels and it’s convenient to all the north shore attractions.

Read more Hawaii trip planning information here.

For more information about Kauai visit this Kauai Hawaii site.