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Hawaii Visitors Guide

❀ MAUNA LOA HELICOPTER TOURS ❀

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.

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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

Captain Andy’s Sailing Adventures

Capt. Andy’s has been providing sailing, rafting, and snorkeling along the Na Pali coastline since 1980. They’re passionate about sailing and providing the highest quality fun and informative experience for all visitors. (Photo Courtesy of Capt. Andy’s)

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.

Kauai ATV

Kauai ATV is Kauai’s premiere off road adventure tourism company. Get ready to get dirty in one of their twenty bio-diesel Mud Bugs, or their Ohana Bug (a 4 seat dune buggy made for families.) Bring swimwear, sunscreen and a healthy taste for adventure.

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)

Kauai Coffee

Kauai Coffee Company is a true Hawaaian coffee estate, employing sustainable environmentally sound practices and growing over 3,000 acres of coffee in rich volcanic soil and mountain rain. Stop by their shop in Kalaheo, take the walking tour and enjoy daily coffee tastings.

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.

Kauai Chocolate Company

The Kauai Chocolate Company is a small family business that makes delicious treats, freezes them and ships them internationally. If you’re a chocolate lover, stop by their shop at the Port Allen Shopping Center and sample their tasty wares.


iconOahu 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

Polynesia Cultural Center

Want to get a true flavor of island culture without having to travel extensively? Stop by the Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu to experience the culture of seven Polynesian island groups in one place. (Photo Courtesy of Polynesia Cultural Center)

Honolulu Museum of Art

Oahu features a fantastic blending of cultures from east and west. Visit the state’s only general fine-arts museum, the Honolulu Museum of Art, to see one of the top Asian art collections in the country. (Photo Courtesy of Honolulu Museum Of Art)

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)

Waikiki Aquarium

Visit the Waikiki Aquarium. You will be amazed at the Green Sea Turtles, Hunters on the Reef and Coral exhibits. Great for small kids to get an up-close look at the animals that live under the sea! (Photo Courtesy of Waikiki Aquarium)

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)

USS Arizona National Monument

Take a tour of the USS Arizona National Memorial. This is a 184-foot memorial that was completed in 1961 and a flag is flown from the destroyed mast. Visitors will enjoy a short film that explains the events that transpired when Pearl Harbor was attacked.

Shore of Diamond Head

Diamond Head is one of the most famous features of Oahu. Around the base of this fabulous extinct volcano you can find shallow beaches perfect for surfing, and less crowded than the beaches of the famous North Shore.

Kailua Beach

This family-friendly beach is a must see. Close to Lanikai Beach and the Lanikai Pillbox trail, Kailua Beach is an excellent place for swimming, and its sand and water are some of the most pleasant in Oahu.

Maunawili Falls

The waterfalls on Oahu tend to be less easily accessible than on some of the other islands of the Hawaiian chain. The Maunawili Falls Trail offers beautiful waterfalls and lush foliage at the cheap price of a two and a half mile round trip hike.

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.

Hanauma Bay

Snorkeling tours are easily booked in Hawaii’s Hanauma Bay. This bay is one of the most famous in all Oahu snorkeling as it has a lot of tame fish, calm water and white sand. Snorkeling is closed on Tuesdays to preserve the eco system, so plan accordingly.

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)

Waikiki Brewing Company

Just looking for a drink? Try Waikiki’s first ever brewery. Their seven barrel brewhouse features handmade craft brews from blondes to porters. (Photo Courtesy of Waikiki Brewing Company)


iconThe 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.

Holualoa Village

Art is very present on the island, as the spectacular environment of Hawaii Island inspires many artists. If you enjoy art, you should go explore Holualoa Town and the art galleries there. (Photo Courtesy of Holualoa Village Association)

Merrie Monarch Festival

Stop by the Merrie Monarch Festival to experience the culture of Hawaii. This world premier Hula event is a weeklong cultural festival that takes place annually in Hilo.(Photo Courtesy of Merrie Monarch Festival)

Green Sand Beach

Off the east side of South Point is a geological oddity that is among few in the world called Green Sand Beach. If you are feeling really adventurous you can hike to Green Sand Beach, however, if you don’t want to hike and want to have some fun, you can go there using a 4WD.

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!

Kiholo Bay

Speaking of great snorkeling, if snorkeling at night with manta rays is not your thing, maybe you can try snorkeling with sea turtle at Kiholo Bay.

Ahalanui Hot Pond

If the warm waters of The Big Island are still not warm enough for you and your family, then the Ahalanui Hot Pond is made for you. Located on the east shore near Pahoa, this spring-fed, walled-in, and volcanically heated pool will offer a unique experience.

Ka Lae Cliffs

The southernmost point in the United States is on the Big Island at the beautiful Ka Lae Cliffs. This is a great place for cliff jumping, but swimming isn’t advised due to dangerous currents.

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

Da Poke Shack

“Poke” is a Hawaiian word meaning cut, cubed, or sliced. Enjoy Hawaiian cuisine and seafood at Da Poke Shack, located in Kailua-Kona.(Photo Courtesy of Da Poke Shack)

Blue Dragon Restaurant

Asian, International and Seafood featuring global-coastal flavors. Featuring produce from Blue Dragon Farm and Sage Farms in Hawi, and fish right from Kawaihae Harbor. Live music almost every night of the week. (Photo Courtesy of Blue Dragon Restaurant)

Harbour House Restaurant

A casual, family-friendly hideaway at the harbor in Kona serving fresh fish daily, as well as cold beer served in chilled schooners. Featuring fish and chips and affordable open-air dining on the water. (Photo Courtesy of Harbour House Restaurant)

Hilo Bay Cafe

Enjoy locally inspired dishes, artisan sushi, and hand-crafted cocktails at Hilo Bay Cafe’s big, bright location overlooking the tropical blue waters of Hilo Bay and majestic Mauna Kea. (Photo Courtesy of Hilo Bay Cafe)

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)

Pau Pizza

Featuring pizzas and sandwiches with superior meats & produce, wholesome soups, exciting salads with vibrant housemade vinaigrettes, fresh baked bread, wild seafood, and local produce. Open seven days a week. (Photo Courtesy of Pau Pizza)

Ultimate Burger

Enjoy an Ultimate Burger and Fries made with fresh, local, organic ingredients. Chef Makani keeps the menu simple to truly focus on creating the ultimate burger. Located a one-minute drive from the beach with plenty of parking! (Photo Courtesy of Ultimate Burger)

Ken’s House of Pancakes

Voted Best Breakfast on the Big Island 14 years in a row! Their entire menu, featuring delicious breakfasts, burgers, prime rib, tacos, and of course pancakes, is available 24 hours a day. Nightly specials five nights a week.

The Coffee Shack

You’ll love the view from the espresso bar, which overlooks 26 miles of coastline. Sip a freshly brewed cup of Kona coffee and sample homemade pies, cakes, and other tasty treats. (Photo Courtesy of The Coffee Shack)