Welcome to Hawaii, a tantalizing string of islands sitting isolated in the central Pacific, just waiting to be explored and enjoyed. Formed by ocean floor volcanoes (making them the world's tallest mountains when measured from the base to the peak), the islands island of Hawaii are the land of sun, surfing, and the aloha spirit. Formerly the seat of a royal kingdom, Hawaii contains the only royal palace in the United States, yet brims with relaxation and adventure sure to please every type of traveler.
You'll never forget the Hawaii is volcanic land; these are the world's most active volcanoes and the land of the islands is the world's newest. Coffee trees and pineapple plantations dot the volcanic slopes, as well as cowboys known as 'paniolos'. Whether you prefer a hike to a secluded tropical waterfall, partake in a traditional feast, or do some snorkeling in clear warm ocean waters, Hawaii holds as much or as little activity as you'd like. It's the perfect mix of there being many things to do and also ample time to do nothing.
There are six major islands of Hawaii to visit. Many people will plan to take in two in a week's time or perhaps three in ten days, though any of the islands could be circled easily in a day or conversely explored for weeks on their own. While physically not large in themselves, the Hawaiian islands offer an immense range of activity options, from the adventurous to simply taking it easy, and offer up a rich cultural heritage yet with plenty of modernity mixed in. Hawaii serves well as a quick getaway, a trans-pacific stopover, or a place to get away from it all for a while.
One thing you'll quickly learn is that things in Hawaii run on 'island time'- why rush yourself in paradise? Hawaii is easy to navigate and you'll find the locals truly happy to welcome you to and show off their beautiful homeland. The weather in Hawaii is pleasant throughout the year with temperatures rarely falling below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Trade winds keep the highs from encroaching into the 90's on the high end of the scale. The ocean water averages typically in the mid 70's, making all variety of activities possible.
The city of Honolulu on the island of Oahu serves as the aloha gateway for the bulk of Hawaii's visitors, yet the bustle and glitz of Waikiki Beach are only one type of island experience available in Hawaii. At the crossroads of the Pacific, Hawaii welcomes international visitors, cruise passengers, backpackers, families, golfers, watersports enthusiasts, whale watchers, cultural explorers, and beachcombers. Whether you wish to trek in a tropical forest, shop for traditional arts and crafts, learn the hula, or just enjoy the sands and surf, Hawaii has something for everyone.
This guide is designed to be easy to use and to provide an informative overview such that you can plan how to start off your time in Hawaii. As such, it is best used to be a jumping off point for your own discoveries, as you'll quickly find there's more to the islands than can be written in any guide. Hawaii is best experienced up close and personal, so once you've decided where to begin and set your foot on Hawaiian ground, a whole wonderful world will become open up to you and you just may find yourself in love with the islands of aloha.
