Hawaii as holiday destination

What makes Hawaii so special? Well, the answer is easy: As a tourist you get a little bit of everything, that is a great mixture of landscapes, a wide range of activities and a lifestyle which is hardly imaginable in the European world. The scenery ranges from volcanic land over tropical rainforest areas to the famous white sand beaches. It thereby offers opportunities to do cycling, hiking, walking, bird watching, swimming, snorkeling, and diving. In conjunction with that, people can taste the various regional dishes and get to know the locals. All these things make Hawaii a place to go, especially for people who are used to rough landscapes and the continental ways of living.

How to get there?

Due to the huge distance people often shy away from booking a flight as they assume high expenses to be paid. Yet, there are a number of cheap offers from Scandinavia to Hawaii or other islands with similar features. It is a good idea to check them out in Finnish here initially. It is nowadays easy and safe to book flights online and once that is done, there is nothing in the way to plan a nice and different holiday on the islands.

Hawaii is the perfect choice for those who want to spend a multifaceted holiday. Whether one seeks for relaxation, a sporty adventure or a mix of both – its endless beaches and winding rainforests as well as the volcanic coastlines can be discovered by bike or by foot.
Especially travellers who decide on taking their bikes won’t be disappointed. Travelling by bike offers a freedom of choice and a better understanding of the host country. You can choose your own pace, take a break to admire the stunning tropical scenery and discover the “real” Hawaii.
Whether you are looking for a rush of adrenalin on your mountain bike or a nice tropical bike ride: Hawaii invites you to discover its various islands and to create a close contact to nature, the opportunities are limitless. Tours can vary from extremely challenging to simply relaxing. Anyone who wants to have a holiday experience different from conventional travelling will find satisfaction by travelling Hawaii with bikes.

The ultimate outdoor experience

Lovers of outdoor experience can park their mountain bikes whenever they feel like it to snorkel or kayak or simply to take a break and enjoy the island’s richness of colour.
Not only the country’s landscape but also its historic sites such as village ruins and churches can be discovered on two wheels. Bikes enable you to find hidden and unpopulated spots and beaches and also to get in touch with other travellers who decided to discover the picturesque landscape with their mountain bikes.
For those who want to live the real outdoor experience there also is the possibility of carrying along a camping equipment and to spend the night in on of the various campsites. Travelling by bike also is a matter of safety of course. People who bring their bikes should not forget to pack their helmets too!

Summer in the city

Spring and Summer are the most wonderful time to visit Paris. The city has lots of beautiful gardens, especially the famous Jardin du Luxembourg is full of flowers of every color and a hotspot for Parisians. In the evening everybody takes an aperitif with wine, baguette and cheese on the large lawns before they head off to one of the many bars that line this beautiful park.
People who want to go to Paris between May and September should plan their trip carefully and book a room on wimdu in advance.
On rainy days the city has a lot to offer too, the grey Parisian sky has even been the subject of many songs for it creates a particular atmosphere. The many renowned museum are open almost everyday and one can spend hours looking at the masterpieces of their collections.

Landscape

The Hawaiian Islands, rich with fertile volcanic land are home to diverse and bountiful landscape such as tropical rainforest and alpine vegetation, contrasting with red, white, green, black, pepper colored stunning sand beaches. There are mountainous sea cliffs, lush green valleys with diverse flora, active volcanoes, picturesque waterfalls, silent and majestic mountains offering visitors a myriad of landscapes to relish and fall in love with.

Activities

Tourists have a wide selection of activities to choose in Hawaii. These include scuba diving, snorkeling, bird watching, air tours and hiking. The rich marine life awaits underwater or avid divers who will marvel at a whole new world of spectacular aquatic landscape. All over the islands, there are cultural show performances displaying the exotic Polynesian heritage, and many historical sites such as sacred Haeiu’s and Pearl Harbor. Food is also excellent in Hawaii Islands. A variety of cuisines, such as the local food and regional cuisine, and the ethnic and traditional American fare, can be enjoyed all over the islands. Plenty of shopping can be done in Hawaii Islands. Biking down Haleakala, driving the road to Hana, discovering National Parks are among the many adventures waiting to be unravelled when visiting Hawaii Islands.

Formed wholly by volcanic eruptions, the main islands frequented by tourists are Kaua’i, O’ahu, Moloka’i, Lana’i, Maui and Hawaii Island. The unique topography, constantly erupting Kilauea volcano, the diverse habitats, myriad of cultures and stunning waves and pristine beaches are perpetually alluring. For many who have been there, once is never enough. While tourism is Hawaii’s Islands main industry, the agricultural sector is another important facet of the islands’ economy. Coffee, macadamia nuts, cane sugar, pineapples and bananas are some of the main agricultural products exported.

Flora and Fauna

The spectacular flora and lush foliage and diverse vegetation in the islands have often played second fiddle to the beautiful beaches. The vegetation zones include alpine vegetation, subalpine communities. montane dry and wetlands, and the lowland and coastal communities. With unique native flora, and other imported flora, Hawaii’s Islands are home to some stunning plant species. The marine life presents a whole new underwater world like no other. The islands’ isolated location right in the middle of the Pacific, has created a conducive environment of rich population of marine species and a dynamic reef ecosystem. Many endangered species such as the green sea turtles have found protection in the waters of the Hawaii’s Islands.

With an abundant of environment’s treasures on land and under water, Hawaii’s Islands will remain a paradise of nature for all to respect and revere.

Nature

While Honolulu and Waikiki are major magnets for modern tourism, the remaining rural landscape offer serene scenes of beauty and tranquility. The botanical paradise in Waimea Valley Audubon Center is home to over 30 different gardens with thousands of tropical and some rare flora. Different bird species such as the peacocks and nene geese can be seen roaming freely. The valley tour is great for bird watching and most travelers choose to head for a swim or snorkel at the Waimea Beach Park, located across the valley. Further down along the coast, is the hub of North Shore where Ali’i Beach Park, famed for the big waves and surfing competitions, and Hale’iwa Beach Park, a tame stretch for winter swim are located.

Moving further inland, is the Dole Plantation, once the world’s largest fruit cannery, now serves as a distribution warehouse. There is a Pineapple Garden Maze within the Plantation, covering more than two acres and with the world’s largest maze. At top western tip of Oahu, lies Ka’ena Point which has mountainous coastline with visual treats of spectacular sunsets. Whale spotting along with sighting of green turtles and monk seals can be observed on clear days.

With such spectacular sights of nature, the east of Oahu is also home to the Polynesian Cultural Centre along the north-east coast and Byodo-In Temple further down. The varying sights and attractions make Oahu an unique island filled with nature’s treasures.

Scenic nature

The most scenic spot in Moloka’i is the home of the earliest Polynesian settlers, the Halawa Valley with dense rich foliage and breathtaking waterfalls. Close to the original settlement, there are ruins of ancient temples known as heiau. There are guided tours and trek trails along the meandering trails passing rivers, streams and dirt roads surrounded by the lush vegetation. While avid trekkers will want to join the guided hikes, which are the only access to the vast valley, drive down the eastern coast of Moloka’i, passing ancient sites, quaint churches and sparsely populated villages will also bring travelers to the valley as the destination for the drive.

Other popular hiking trails are at the Kamakou Rain Forest, one of the most unspoiled tracts in Hawaii, Kalaupapa Trail at Kalaupau National Historical Park which is now a memorial, among others. While there are some stretches of pristine beach, Moloka’i’s true beauty lies among the lush greenery in the valleys and rainforests.

Maui’s regions

Maui has five distinct regions- Central Maui, West Maui, East Maui, South Maui and Upcountry Maui, each uniquely scenic with its own rich history. Central Valley, in Central Maui, is the isthmus of two converging volcanoes which eventually led to the formation of Maui. This valley is also the home to majority of the islanders. Wailuku is the Central Valley town where the largest Maui collections of Hawaiian artifacts are housed in Bailey House Museum. Not to be missed in this valley is the Iao Valley State Park- iconic for its historical significance and the spectacular landmark- Iao Needle, towering at 1200 feet high. This state park also offers excellent hiking trails among the most lush greenery at times masked by willowy clouds.

Moving from nestled Central Valley, which is actually at the foot of West Maui, where the thriving historic town Lahaina, the original capital of the Hawaiian Islands, is located. The former harbor town, once called Lele, is now home to numerous tourist attractions of historic significance. These places include the western-style Baldwin Home with original period furnishings, Pioneer Inn, the oldest hotel and favorite landmark in town, and several others along the town’s historic trail.

Nature and Landscape

East Maui is home to most unique landscape of the Haleakala National Park and the languishing town of Hana, which the destination of a spectacular scenic drive along the top eastern coast. The challenging drive, filled with narrow twists and turns, is an endless visual treat of velvety tropical vegetation, stunning waterfalls, and perfect for swimming, pools and myriad of fascinating seascapes. The varied terrain in Haleakala National Park, where Maui’s highest point is located, includes barren cinder desert to alpine shrub, and the volcanic summit depression. The hiking trails are certainly one of its kind, with vistas at varying altitudes and landscapes.

South Maui is where some of the best beaches can be found, at the entire stretch of the southern coast. Whale watching, surfing, scuba diving and kayaking are perfect for the leeward coast of the southern region. Upcountry Maui, is a fascinating countryside with rolling hills and home to ranches and small upcountry farms.

Maui offers some delightful drive trails to explore its fascinating facets of nature and history that leaves one awe-inspired by the magnificent sights.

The North Shore

The surfing capital of the world is indisputably Oahu’s North Shore. During one of Hawaii’s distinct surfing seasons, thanks to the Alaskan winter storms, the biggest of the surfing waves hit the first landmass, after a journey of more than 5000km, gaining momentum and increasing energy. The geography of Oahu’s North shore is such that that the land lie and ocean floor are advantageous in welcoming the towering waves and unceasing barrels. The powerful swell lines hitting Waimea Bay, in Oahu’s North Shore attract surfers from all around the world to these northern shores during winter. Waikiki beach is actually excellent starting point for beginner surfers as it provides excellent breaks throughout the year and the summertime tame waves are especially great for beginners.

Surfing carnival

Every year, for three weeks, starting from late November, it is surfing carnival at Oahu’s North Shore. The world’s most prestigious series of surfing competitions, the Triple Crown of Surfing takes place at Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach at Waimea and the Ali’i Beach park in Hale’iwa. The enthralling excitement in the atmosphere is inexplicable and can only be experienced along with surfers from all over the world, who gather to compete and watch the crowning of the world champion of surfing.

During summertime, surfers head to the south shores for favourable waves for surfing and boogie boarding. The Waikiki beach in Oahu and Poipu Beach in Kauai are popular summer hangouts for surfers. In Maui, excellent surfing spots are at Hookipa Beach and Napili Bay, summer surfing is good at Baldwin Park. The biggest island, Hawaii Island may not have spectacular waves as its neighbours but there are some excellent breaks found at Waipo and Papeekeo, among other beaches.

From the majestic soaring cliffs along Na Pali coast in Kaua’i, to the rocky landscape in Lanai’s Garden of the Gods, and legendary surf waves in O’ahu, rugged Hana Coast in Maui, to the historic sites in Honolulu, and Kona district farms renowned for the Kona Coffee to the coconut fringed white sandy coasts in every main island are just glimpses into the abundant of nature in this isolated archipelago.

Volcanic past

Having been born of underwater volcanic eruptions, there are magnificent landscapes such as the Waimea Canyon in Kaua’i, where the layers of lava flows are clearly visible. The late-stage volcanic crater in O’hau’s Hanauma Bay is another spectacular sight as well as the Hawai’i Island’s Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, which are a pair of giant shield volcanoes.

The lush greenery is another refreshing landscape to marvel at. The diverse vegetation zones include the harsh and dry Alpine vegetation which is made of sparse array of shrubs such as silverswords, and the subalpine communities with variations of grasslands to stunted trees. The Montane dry and wet areas, and the lowland and coastal communities are more fine examples of nature’s glory in the amazing land of surf, sea and sand.