Vacation to the Hawaiian Islands: Beaches of Kauai, Maui, Oahu and More
Kauai
On the northern end of the Hawaiian chain of islands is the island of Kauai basking in the pacific sun. The island of Kauai is cooled by the trade wind breezes and is known for its natural beauty. The flight from Honolulu Airport takes about �½ hour to reach the six million year old island of Kauai. Kauai covers just about 550 square miles and has over 50 miles of sparkling beaches. Kauai is a must stop for those in love searching for romance and adventure. Kauai has several luxury resorts, and is the spot for those searching for rest and relaxation.
The island of Kauai is separated into 5 main sections; the West Side, the North Shore, Coconut Coast, Lihue Kalapaki, and the South Shore. Each section has its own distinct characteristics. The west side is home to the Polihale State Park as well as the Waimea Canyon and the North Shore gives you a spectacular view of the Napali Mountains
From the sweeping mountains to the wide open ocean vistas and cascading waterfalls the island of Kauai is unparalleled in beauty and naturalness. From Paipu’s crystal waters to the Waimea Canyon in the northwest corner Kauai is a land of discovery and sheer exquisiteness. Some of the top attractions are the Jeweled Palette, Polihale State Park, and the 4,000 foot tall cliffs of the North Shore. There is also a wide variety of outdoor activities like snorkeling or Scuba diving, hiking, horseback riding, and parasailing.
If you are also looking for dining and entertainment you will find it on the island of Kauai, but don’t expect glam and glitter-you have to go elsewhere for that. There is also a wide variety of hotels and inns that offer not only accommodations but relaxing spa services. There is also free entertainment in the lobby of the Lihue Airport Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., except Wednesdays. For more information on the island of Kauai you can call the Kauai Visitors Bureau Hotline at 800-262-1400 or you can log onto http://www.kauaidiscovery.com or www. Kauai-hawaii.com
Oahu
Now, if you are looking for glam and glitter Oahu may be the island for you. With an energetic cosmopolitan atmosphere the island of Oahu offers a complete tropical oasis. Oahu is home to the world Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, and the well liked North Shore. Oahu is also home to the leafy Kapiolani Park, Diamond Head (near the beaches), and the Ala Moaha Shopping Centre where you can buy designer clothes with tags like Armani.
The turn of the century Grandes Dames Hotel is also located on the beautiful island of Oahu and there are plenty of restaurants, nightclubs, spas, and outdoor activities for the more active traveler. Oahu is also very popular for weddings and honeymoon vacations. You can take surf lessons in the turquoise blue ocean of Waikiki Beach, shop for souvenirs (which are quite plentiful, but mostly kitsch and craft), or have your first Mai Tai on a beachside terrace.
The island of Oahu is divided into 6 main sections names Waikiki, Honolulu, the North Shore, West Shore, East Shore, and Windward Coast. Oahu Island is quite popular with newlyweds, families, and outdoor water sports enthusiasts. With beautiful beaches, golf, shopping, restaurants, and an exciting nightlife the island of Oahu is perfect for the more active traveler. The romantic adventure of the Oahu Island is only limited by each person’s imagination and sense of adventure. For more information on Oahu you can log onto http://www.visit-oahu.com.
Maui
Further down the chain of Hawaiian Islands toward the southern point lies warm Maui. Maui also seems to be pretty popular with romantic, active couples of all ages from newlywed to retired. The most popular resort areas are in Kaanapali, Kapalua, and Wailea where there are many resort hotels and spas. There is also 18 hole golf, tennis, and multiple water activities located throughout this resort area of Maui. The best restaurants happen to be in Lahaina, Kihei, and Kula where island grown fruit and vegetables are served along side freshly caught fish and live music and entertainment are nightly events.
Maui has its own airport as well as some of the most must see sights of all the Hawaiian Islands. You can take a bike ride down the 12,000 foot dormant volcano of Haleakala or visit the pristine coral reefs just off the coast. Snorkeling, fishing, kayaking and canoeing, and guided tours are just some of the highlights of Maui. You can also take a short boat ride to Lanai for the day if you like. For more information on visiting Maui you can go to http://www.visit-maui.com.
Lanai and Molokai
Located across form the Auau and Kalohi Channels are the islands of Lanai and Molokai. These are the two smallest and least visited Hawaiian Islands mostly because they are both largely rural sporting rugged coastlines and raw land. Molokai is considered one of the friendliest islands of Hawaii and is very popular for weddings and honeymoons, as well as outdoor adventure and water sports. Molokai has some of the most beautiful beaches and bays, miles of hiking trails, a range of hotels to suit all tastes and prices, spas, lush valleys, and pristine coral reefs. Molokai also keeps the integrity of the island by maintaining its history as a part of visiting Molokai.
On Molokai, no building is taller than a coconut tree and there is no traffic or traffic lights on the entire island. Molokai is considered to be one of the most natural Hawaiian Islands and is popular with adventurers of all kinds. There is also horseback riding, guided tours, golf, shopping, snorkeling and scuba diving, boating, and fishing on the island of Molokai. For more information you can call the Molokai Visitor’s Association at 800-800-6367 or you can log onto http://www.visitmolokai.com or http://www.molokai-hawaii.com.
The island of Lanai is 18 miles long and 13 miles wide, with only 17 miles of paved roadways and is considered to be another one of the Hawaiian unspoiled paradises. At one point in time the island of Lanai produced over 90% of the United States pineapples and even today the island still has 100 acres reserved for growing pineapples. Lanai is home to numerous wild species like turkey, pheasant, quail, partridges, and sheep. For more information on Lanai you can log onto http://www.visitlanai.com or even http://www.oahu-hawaii.com.
