Hawaiian Island Geography
The islands located in the Pacific Ocean are a diverse archipelago of 137 atolls, islets, seamounts, and islands. The Northwestern islands, primarily uninhabited, are a haven for wildlife and offer unique, untouched beauty. The Southeastern islands, including Hawai’i, Maui, Moloka’i, O’ahu, Kaua’i, Ni’ihau, Lana’i, and Kaho’olawe, are the most visited and offer a wide range of attractions and activities for travelers.
You may think it’s like another tropical paradise, similar to The Bahamas or St. Thomas. But you’d be mistaken. Hawaii has a distinct feel, scent, and energy- the Aloha spirit. This spirit is a way of life in Hawaii, embodying love, respect, and harmony with nature and others. Once you experience it, you’ll understand why it’s so unique and captivating.
The native culture is Polynesian, a vibrant and ancient culture that has shaped the islands’ traditions, language, and way of life. Some locals still speak Hawaiian. Learning a few words of the destination language permanently enriches me, so I will share a few phrases at the end of the post that you should know before visiting.
Top 15 Recommendations
Each offers a distinct adventure and a chance to create unforgettable memories.
1. Haleakala National Park
- One of my favorite spots in the Hawaiian Islands is the breathtaking island of Maui, home to the Haleakala National Park. This park, renowned for its unique volcanic landscapes, offers many activities for visitors. Whether you hike or drive to the top of the Haleakala crater, the sunrise and sunset views are simply unforgettable.
- Remember to bring an extra layer, as it can get chilly up there. Tours are also available if you prefer a guided experience.
2. Hanauma Bay
- Snorkel at Hanauma Bay on O’ahu. Parking is above the beach, so be prepared to walk down a very steep hill to the beach and back up to your car.
Check out Halona Blowhole Lookout, a short dive down the road.
3. Whale Migration
- Visit from December through February to see Humpback Whales. They migrate from Alaska to give birth and mate in the numerous whale sanctuaries around the islands. I chose to see them in Maui on a small tour, and we were in a zodiac. It was best because we were almost at eye level with the water. We also saw many whales breaching in the distance from our hotel room at Turtle Bay Resort. I lost count of the number of breaches I saw. It was exhilarating!
4. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see active volcanoes (if lucky) and learn about the island’s geological history.
5. Snorkeling with Mantas
- One of the most unique experiences you can have in the Hawaiian Islands is snorkeling or diving with the Manta Rays. These gentle giants, with wingspans of up to 20 feet, can be found at two well-known locations, Manta Heaven and Manta Village, off the coast of Kona on the big island of Hawaii. They are filter feeders feeding on plankton and are utterly harmless to humans.
- There are numerous tour companies, but I always prefer to book with a tour company owned by Kānaka ‘Ōiwi, people with ancestral heritage on the islands. Not only will you have a fantastic tour, but you could also get an insight into this beautiful culture. Plus, the experience of swimming with the mantas will be genuinely unforgettable.
6. Attend a Luau
- If you are in O’ahu, the Polynesian Culture Center is a great place to see a luau and learn about Polynesian Culture and the islands of Polynesia. The luau is a traditional Hawaiian feast accompanied by music, hula dancing, and other cultural performances. It’s a beautiful way to immerse yourself and experience the warm hospitality of the Hawaiian people. If you are staying on the other islands, most hotels will offer a luau for their hotel guests.
7. Visit the North Shore of O’ahu
- Stay and explore the north shore of O’ahu. It’s best to rent a car so you can truly explore. The north coast is dotted with beaches, and having a car makes it easy to stop for a swim or watch the surfers on a whim. The area is known for its laid-back vibe, world-class surf breaks, and stunning beaches. I stayed at Turtle Bay Resort and loved it! Movie buffs might recognize the property from “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.”
Be sure to stop at the food trucks, a local favorite for delicious and affordable eats. My favorite was Mike’s Huli Huli Chicken, We loved it! We also ate at Ted’s Bakery. They offer breakfast, lunch as well as bakery items.
8. Surfing
- You can catch a surf competition at Pipeline Beach on O’ahu’s north shore. Because of the enormous waves, they usually happen from December through February. We were lucky to see the Volcum Pipeline Pro Competition. Finding a parking spot can be difficult and you may need to walk far, but it’s all part of the experience.
9. Hula Lessons
- Learn Hawaiian dancing, like the hula or Tahitian hula. Most hotels will offer lessons or you can use a company like Hawaii Hula Company. They come to you with costumes and fresh flowers. You first learn the basic movements and hand gestures then put it all together with beautiful Hawaiian music.
10. Grand Hyatt Hotel on Kaua’i
- Get a Resort Pass to the Grand Hyatt or stay at the hotel on Kaua’i. They have one of the most stunning pools I have ever been to, with many hidden corners where you feel like the entire pool is yours.
Besides the slide, my favorite part was the saltwater lagoon between the ocean and the chlorinated pool. I spent most of my time there when I wasn’t in our private cabana by the pool. The food was terrific, and the staff was very welcoming and helpful. For movie buffs, the giant rock cliff on the left of the hotel was where they filmed “Six Days, Seven Nights,” It is the scene where Harrison Ford and Ann Heche jump into the ocean while being chased.
11. Snorkel with Sharks
- Snorkel with sharks while in the safety of a cage or whale watching: We used Haleiwa Shark Tours and Whale Watching, owned by a local Hawaiian and located on the north shore of O’ahu. Our captain and first mate were fantastic! We opted for the shark cage snorkel and saw many Galapagos and sand sharks.
- We also had the incredible experience of hearing whales singing while I was underwater, and we were even surprised as one came up for a breath behind the boat.
12. Try Local Donuts
- Eat a freshly baked, warm Malasada donut. YUM!!! We went to Zippy’s on the drive to the North Shore on O’ahu. They are made to order, so you get them warm. The cream-filled malasada was my favorite.
13. Kaua’i Coast
- Sail past Kaua’i’s stunning Na Pali Coast, a rugged and remote coastline known for its towering sea cliffs, lush valleys, and cascading waterfalls. You can see some Kamakou and Molokai Forest Reserve, bonus points for anchoring, and spending time on one of the beautiful deserted beaches. This is a must-see for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
14. Road to Hana
- Explore the ‘Road to Hana‘ on Maui. The drive is breathtaking, with many natural wonders, like waterfalls, trails, and valleys. The road has over 600 turns and can be dangerous, especially if you’re not taking it slow. It’s hard not to sightsee, but this is a road you need to pay attention to. The total drive will take 6 hours, so consider staying in Hana Town. You can stop at the Twin Falls, a popular spot for swimming and picnicking, and the Wai’anapanapa State Park, known for its black sand beach and lava caves.
15. Honolulu Waikiki
- Visit Honolulu’s Waikiki Beach in O’ahu to learn to surf, relax, or shop.
We stayed one night at the Sheraton Waikiki, which is located on the ocean. I recommend The International Marketplace for a variety of restaurants. We ate at Goma Tei Ramen. It was delicious and very reasonably priced. We loved it so much that we ate there on both nights of our two-night stay. A free hula performance started while we were leaving one night, which made our visit even more special.
Honolulu and Waikiki Beach can be touristy but worth the visit.
Do your research before you visit to make the most of your time here. You won’t be able to see everything in one trip, so prioritize what is most vital for you to see. Stay hydrated; the breeze makes the air feel cooler than it is, and the sun is powerful. Planning makes you feel more prepared and confident about exploring the islands.
Remember to embrace the spirit of aloha by talking to the locals to enhance your experience, looking up for rainbows, dancing to Hawaiian music, wearing a flower in your hair, smiling at strangers, and, most importantly, having fun!
Hawaiian phrases you should know;
Aloha– means love, affection, peace, compassion, and mercy and is commonly used as a simple greeting. It has a cultural and spiritual significance to native Hawaiians.
Mahalo – means thank you, or thank you very much.
Kama’aina – refers to people who live on the island. You may see this on a sign in a store promoting Kama’aina prices. (locals pay less in some shops)
Ohana – means family or close friends.
Lanai – a patio or balcony. (a term you may see when booking hotels or homes.)
