When Hawaii re-opened for tourism in October 2021, more than 65,000 travelers arrived in the first week. Why so many? Because thanks to iconic natural beauty, luxury beachfront resorts, open-air activities, and ease of entry for Americans, Hawaii is the ideal destination for your next vacation.
The islands of Hawaii have long been at the top of travelers’ bucket lists. From the allure of the South Pacific location, the tropical trade winds, stunning natural beauty, the diversity of the different islands, and the friendliness of the local Hawaiian people and culture, there’s a good reason it is so popular.
But as we enter a new era of tourism, where health and safety, social distancing, and outdoor activity become more important, what is it that makes Hawaii even more attractive for today’s conscientious traveler? We explore all the reasons to love Hawaii, even more, tomorrow than we did yesterday.
In the modern age of COVID, fresh air and open spaces are vital. Thankfully, Hawaii possesses both in spades. The average temperature in Hawaii’s summer is a balmy 85°F, while the winter months, typically November to April, average 78°F. Those temps and the accompanying breeze of the ever-present trade winds will spoil you quite easily.
Of course, Hawaii is made up of multiple islands, with six major islands stretching over 1,500 miles in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Talk about socially distanced! Each island has its own unique personality and attraction for why people visit. Most resort developments are spread out in small towns and villages along the beautiful coastline. Honolulu, on Oahu, is the only major metropolitan city, fronting the historic Waikiki Beachfront. Even on Oahu, outside of Honolulu, the majority of the island is open space and country roads.
When it comes to choices in accommodations, Hawaii offers incredible diversity with everything from luxury resorts and suites to multi-bedroom condo-style units with full kitchens and vacation home rentals. Travelers today want space to spread out, and Hawaii hotels and resorts are known for beautiful outdoor spaces, large lagoon-like pools, and beachfront locations. Because of the comfortable weather and lack of bugs (almost no mosquitos!), indoor spaces and outdoor spaces seamlessly merge with many hotel rooms offering spacious lanais (patios or balconies) that expand living space and allow fresh air throughout the room.
As for open spaces, the diversity of Hawaii’s landscapes astounds all who visit these lush mountainous islands. From Waikiki Beach on Oahu to Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon on Kauai, Volcano National Park on the Big Island to Hana Coast on Maui, each island hosts a number of natural treasures to explore and enjoy at your own pace.
Whatever that pace may be, you can satisfy it here. Hawaii is an adventurer’s playground where you can spend an adrenaline-pumping day under the warm tropical sun learning how to surf, snorkeling with green sea turtles around the state’s 1,200 miles of coral reef, floating through caves on a mountain tubing adventure, parasailing over a thousand feet high, fishing the deep seas for mahi-mahi, photographing whales, hiking to hidden waterfalls and exploring dormant (or active) volcanoes! Or if you prefer a slower pace, enjoy hundreds of secluded hidden beaches, soak up the sun in a hammock under some swaying palm trees, explore tropical gardens, spend a wellness day at a world-class spa, or enjoy a round of golf at some of the world’s most picturesque ocean-view courses.
After a day of outdoor adventures, outdoor dining is usually just steps away. Hawaiian cuisine is as blessed with flavors as the islands themselves are with nature. A bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables (pineapple anyone?), teamed with fresh-caught sashimi-grade fish creates a bouquet of flavors found in such dishes as poke, a delicious, raw-fish salad; luau stew with Kalo (taro) leaves; and even shaved ice covered in homemade, all-natural, locally sourced syrups. And, of course, you can complement your meal with a fresh cup of Kona Coffee, or a tropical Pina Colada, Mai Tai, Blue Hawaii, or Lava Flow – yum! You can easily enjoy these flavors as far from crowds as you wish thanks to copious amounts of outdoor seating at restaurants, open-air food stalls, and farmer’s markets.
Hawaii’s culinary roots come from deep-seated traditions and an iconic Polynesian culture that are a joy to discover on your journey. The aloha spirit is still strong with locals, who celebrate it through hula dancing, luaus, lei greetings, and ukulele music. Heritage sites welcome visitors from across the islands, from the Iolani Palace on Oahu, home to Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs; prehistoric ruins at Lanai’s Kaunolu Village; the famous Iao Needle on Maui, the site where King Kamehameha I conquered the Maui army; and the Koloko-Honokohau National Historical Park on the Island of Hawaii, not far from Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes.
To get the most of your Hawaii vacation, we can help you maximize your time on each island and coordinate all of the details of travel today. From interisland air to rental cars, finding the right suite for your family to negotiating the details of the Safe Travels Hawaii program, we can handle the logistics leaving more time for you to enjoy. Whether you are going for a few days, few weeks, or few months, we’re ready to help.
Mahalo!