THINGS TO DO IN HAWAII
We want your ride with us to be the highlight of your vacation, but we also want your Hawaiian experience to be so memorable that you return again and again. To that end, here is a visitor’s guide to some of the best dining and attractions on the three islands that we serve.
Kauai Visitor’s Guide
Here, in Hawaii’s glorious garden, majestic waterfalls cascade into pristine canyons, and the rugged Nā Pali coastline spurs wonder in the hearts of visitors and locals alike. There is much to do in Hawaii’s garden, so let’s get started with some of our favorite attractions.
ATTRACTIONS
Blue Dolphin Charters
Blue Dolphin operates the two largest motor sailing catamarans on the island and specializes in providing tours of the Na Pali Coast and the forbidden island of Niihau. They offer one tank SCUBA diving for passengers with or without prior SCUBA experience and have a money back guarantee that their visitors will see dolphins during their tour. (Photo Courtesy of Blue Dolphin Charters)
Bubbles Below
Bubbles Below provides an environmentally responsible and educational SCUBA experience along the stunning Kauai and Niihau coastline. They are passionate protectors of the reef residents of their dive sites and aim to create future stewards of the oceans by exposing divers to the wonders of this diverse and beautiful environment. (Photo Courtesy of Bubbles Below)
Kauai Backcountry Adventures
Kauai Backcountry Adventures offers zipline and mountain tubing adventure tourism on a 17,000 acre former plantation in the heart of Kauai. Their exclusive access provides total privacy, a unique tourism experience and allows for responsible stewardship of one of Hawaii’s great wilderness habitats. (Photo Courtesy of Kauai Backcountry Adventures)
Skydive Kauai
Skydive Kauai may have the perfect combination of thrills for the adventure tourist. First, enjoy a 20-25 minute scenic plane ride over some of the island’s best views, then enjoy an exhilarating free fall over the scenic coastline. If you love skydiving, this should be on your to-do list.
Original Red Dirt Shirts
In 1992 Hurricane Iniki hit the island, causing nearly two billion dollars of damages and completely flooding a small screen printing shop. The white shirts waiting to be printed were stained with the red mud of the island. The shop decided to print them anyway. Thirty years later, Red Dirt Shirts are an international sensation. (Photo Courtesy of Original Red Dirt Shirts)
Polynesian Adventure Tours
Polynesian Adventure Tours offer a variety of tour packages including a Waimea Canyon and Wailua River Tour, a tour of famous movie sets, and the Luau Kalamaku package. Polynesian Adventure Tours also offers tours on many of the other surrounding islands if you want a full Hawaiian experience. (Photo Courtesy of Polynesian Adventure Tours)
FOOD/DINING
Kauai Island Brewery
The world’s “western-most brewery” and the island’s only brew pub. This retro-industrial themed complex offers thirty-five foot ceilings, chandeliers, a catwalk to a mezzanine over the entryway, gorgeous views of the sunset over Port Allen Bay, and of course fantastic beers and pub food. (Photo Courtesy of Kauai Island Brewery)
Smith’s Family Garden Luau
Want the full Hawaiian experience? Smith’s Family Garden Luau has been voted the best Luau on the island by The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook. Four generations of family work together to maintain an island paradise with delicious food, and live entertainment in the form of Hawaiian hula, Tahitian drum dances and the Samoa fire knife dance. (Photo Courtesy of Smith’s Family Garden Luau)
Puka Dog
Home baked Hawaiian sweet bread, grilled polish dog, fresh tropical fruit relish, Hawaiian mustard and fresh squeezed ice cold lemonade – if these sound like your idea of a tasty meal, get down to the Poipu Village Shopping Center and try a Puka Dog, a uniquely Hawaiian taste experience. (Photo Courtesy of Puka Dog)
Kauai Kookie
Kauai Kookie was founded in 1965 to provide island style desserts to serve at a family business. Fifty years later it is now one of Hawaii’s most recognized and trusted brands, making over 50,000 cookies and other specialty bakery items daily. Visit their factory store outside of Hanapepe and sample delectable desserts straight from the oven.
Oahu Visitor’s Guide
Welcome to the thriving nightlife of Hawaii’s gateway to world — Oahu, home to Honolulu, Waikiki, the North Shore, world-class beaches, dining, and accommodations. If you are looking for the classic Hawaiian experience, Oahu has a little bit of everything that you need.
ATTRACTIONS
Honolulu Zoo
Take the family on a trip to the Honolulu Zoo. There are over 900 tropical, Asian and African species to visit. And with its central position between the slopes of Diamond Head and Waikiki, a visit to the zoo pairs well with hiking trips or other family excursions. (Photo Courtesy of Honolulu Zoo)
Wet N Wild Water Park
Hawaii’s Wet N Wild Water Park is an excellent place to visit for families with kids of all ages. While it is located off the tourist path, it is easily reached on the public bus route. The water park has rides that range in intensity and a play area specifically for toddlers. Wet n’ Wild is open year round with varying days of closure dependent on the season. (Photo Courtesy of Wet N Wild)
Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail
This trail is one of the easiest hikes for families with small children as it is completely paved. So, bring your strollers, water, hats and sunscreen and enjoy the 1 mile hike to the peak. Don’t forget your camera as some families are lucky enough to spot a humpback whale during their migration season!
Lanikai Pillbox
Feeling like an adventurous hike? Try the trek up the Lanikai Pillbox Trail (also known as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail), before relaxing on beauitul Lanikai beach. The hike is rated as an intermediate challenge and features gorgeous views along almost the entire trail. Lanikai Beach offers crystal clear waters great for swimming and sugary white sands to relax on.
FOOD/DINING
Star of Honolulu
Enjoy the breathtaking Hawaiian sunset and panoramic views of the coastline on the Star of Honolulu dinner cruise, now featuring the “My Hawaii” show and dancing. Also available are whale-watching and holiday cruises. Star of Honolulu whale-watching cruises come with a Whale Guarantee, and children cruise free with a paid adult.(Photo Courtesy of Star of Honolulu)
Magic of Polynesia
Magic of Polynesia is more than just dinner – it’s an incredible show of death-defying magic, world-class fire knife dancing, beautiful Polynesian dances, and dramatic special effects. Choose from one of their four packages to find the show experience that fits your schedule.(Photo Courtesy of Magic of Polynesia)
Paradise Cove Luau
Paradise Cove Luau features 12 oceanfront acres, live Hawaiian music, and traditional Hawaiian ceremonies. Learn island arts and crafts, net fishing techniques, and underground oven cooking. Finish your evening with an extensive feast featuring traditional Hawaiian cuisine as well as local favorites, followed by the award-winning Paradise Cove Extravaganza. (Photo Courtesy of Paradise Cove)
Top of Waikiki
Indulge in the best contemporary regional cuisine at Top of Waikiki restaurant, and take in the 360-degree views of Waikiki, Honolulu, and beyond. This rotating restaurant completes a full rotation every hour, ensuring you’ll get a once-in-a-lifetime dinner experience. (Photo Courtesy of Top of Waikiki)
The Big Island Visitor’s Guide
With eleven of the world’s thirteen climate zones, The Big Island could more accurately be described as “The Adventure Island.” If you love beautiful waterfalls, active volcanoes, mountain treks, and black sand beaches, then The Big Island is ready to steal your heart.
ATTRACTIONS
Volcanoes National Park
Located on the southeast part of the Island, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a living, breathing testament to the awesome power of Mother Nature. This park is home to the Kilauea volcano, the most continuously active volcano in the world. There are multiple ways to experience the park; you can visit the park without even leaving your car, but it is also one of the Big Island’s best places for hiking. You can spend as little as two hours, to multiple days at the park.
Mauna Kea Observatory
One of the world’s most renowned astronomical sites on the planet is located on top of Mauna Kea. At this elevation, the light pollution is minimal and the air is thin, which allows the stars to glitter in a way that is seen from only a few places in the world. If you enjoy stargazing, consider visiting the Mauna Kea Visitor Station, where they hold free stargazing programs and provide education about Mauna Kea every night.
Hapuna Beach
Hapuna Beach is known for being one of the cleanest and most family-friendly beaches in Hawaii. Its smooth, white sand extends far out into the surf. On the way to Hapuna beach, you can stop and visit other beaches, as most of the white sand beaches are located on the west side of the island.
Kealakekua Bay
Kealakekua Bay is an important historic site located 12 miles south of Kailua-Kona; it is said to be the place where Captain Cook landed for the first time, and was killed a year later. A white obelisk was erected to memorialize his death. This bay is also known for being a perfect spot for snorkeling and scuba diving, and it is not uncommon to see dolphins.
Kona Coast
Snorkeling tours are gorgeous everywhere on the chain of islands, but what could be better than snorkeling or diving at night with manta rays? The Kona coast is listed by PADI as one of the top five best places to scuba dive with manta rays in the world. It is famous for having these dives available year-round!
Waipio Valley
During your visit to the Big Island, hiking and horseback riding is an option in Waipio Valley. Located on the northern coast of the island, this sacred valley is a place of indescribable beauty, and is of great historical significance to the Hawaiian people. It was the home of King Kamehameha I during his childhood.
FOOD/DINING
Kona Brewing Company
Enjoy some liquid aloha and great pizza, pub, and American cuisine at Kona Brewing Company’s Kona Pub & Brewery in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy the tropical vegetation surrounding their 2,000 square foot outdoor lanai, belly up to the U-shaped koa bar, or enjoy a tasty meal in their air-conditioned bar area. (Photo Courtesy of Kona Brewing Company)