Travelers Advantage....

HAWAII:
WHAT’S NEW IN THE ISLANDS OF ALOHA

There’s always something new in the Hawaiian Islands to attract first-time and veteran visitors. Whether it’s a new and unique accommodations option, a newly opened attraction, an unusual activity, a local restaurant, a great new golf course, or an “undiscovered” beach, the Islands of Aloha always have something new to offer.

It’s definitely easier to reach the Hawaiian Islands, with increases in air service from Hawaiian Airlines, ATA Airlines (great specials), and Air Canada, all offering more service. In addition, Hawaii in an ideal “stopover” point on the way to Australia or New Zealand (many visitor stay several days in Hawaii before continuing on their journeys).

PICKING AN ISLAND

The only difficult part of a Hawaii vacation may be choosing which island to visit. Because of their proximity and great inter-island air service, many visitors choose to visit more than one.

Hawaii’s six main islands all offer a multi-cultural mix and Hawaiian hospitality, but each one definitely offers its own unique accommodations, dining, scenery, activities, and more. If you have the time, it makes island-hopping a great idea (and package pricing even more sensible)!

Home to many of Hawaii’s best-known locations (like Waikiki, Diamond Head, and Pearl Harbor), Oahu is known at the “Heart of Hawaii.” The island’s cosmopolitan hub, Honolulu, is the state capital and the nation’s 11th largest city. The varied island also offers some of the state’s top beaches, snorkeling, hiking, museums, shopping, night-life, and restaurants. Along with well-established attractions like the Polynesian Cultural Center, Sea Life Park the USS Arizona Memorial, Waikiki Aquarium, and 125 miles of beautiful beaches, Oahu offers many other natural and cultural possibilities. The dining and shopping scenes also continue to expand in exciting ways.

The Big Island is definitely bigger and better than ever when it comes to new offerings. Along with walking on old lava or watching it hiss into the sea (thanks to Kilauea, the largest active volcano in the world), other Big Island options include world-class golf, dining in a plethora of new restaurants dotting the landscape, visiting the snowcapped summit of Mauna Kea, scuba diving off the Kona Coast, and interesting driving tours through fields of Kona coffee or along any coastal highway.

The green valleys and towering waterfalls of Kauai mean nature lovers of all sorts will love the ‘Garden Isle.’ Though all of Hawaii offers incredible natural opportunities, Kauai is one of the best places in the world to enjoy Mother Nature. The cliffs and beaches of the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon (which Mark Twain called the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’), panoramic helicopter rides, and more await visitors to Kauai.

The island of Molokai is certainly one of the “quieter” Hawaiian islands, with the ‘Friendly Isle’ offering a leisurely getaway where there are no chain restaurants--or even stop lights! This is the place to get away from it all.

Similarly, the island of Lanai is another unique option. These former pineapple plantations now offer great golf, tennis, and more in an upscale atmosphere.

Last, but certainly not least, Maui is a menagerie of the best of Hawaii can offer, with world-class resorts, dining, and shopping; incredible snorkeling and diving; and great golf.. Among many activities available, possibilities include taking a drive along Hana Highway (including 617 turns and 56 one-lane bridges), or diving off Molokini (located 2-1/2 miles off the southern coast of Maui).  The extinct  volcano is now designated a Marine Life Conservation District, with almost 250 species of fish, and is one of the top 10 dive sites in the world.

WHEN TO GO

Spring through fall offer ideal times to go to Hawaii. ‘Shoulder’ and ‘off’ season rates can often be found through Traveler’s Advantage, with great package deals that provide the best of one or more islands in a single price.

Autumn provides yet another perfect reason to head to Hawaii, thanks to Aloha Festivals (www.alohafestivals.com). Honoring the heritage and culture of Hawaii for more than 50 years, Aloha Festivals celebrates with pageantry, parades, street parties, concerts, and family activities that span six islands and six weeks in September and October. This year’s theme is “For the Children.”

Most islands include a parade and each has its own personality that reflects the local traditions and people. Oahu’s Aloha Festivals Floral Parade is so spectacular that it was nationally televised for many years.

Whichever island or events you choose, there is always something new awaiting travelers to Hawaii. It’s just a matter of picking your island (or islands) and getting ready to say Aloha!