Famous for its frequent rainbows, the Hawaiian islands are the embodiment of color: emerald green valleys and rainforests, fiery sunsets, sapphire blue waters, and white- and black-sand beaches, just to name a few. Natural wonders abound and the spirit of aloha infuses every experience; it’s picture-perfection at every turn. Each of the six major islands has its own unique personality. Which one suits yours?
Location: The Hawaiian islands are located in the middle of the North Pacific Ocean, just over 2,400 miles from Los Angeles.
Climate: In a word, tropical. Temperatures at sea-level average in the mid- to low-80s, with fairly consistent trade winds. May to September tends to be drier, while October-April tends to be wet.
Places of Note:
Kauai, the northernmost major island in the chain, is also known as the “Garden Island.”Incredible geography is the hallmark of this island, where natural beauty abounds amid rainforests and beaches, towering mountains, waterfalls, and Waimea Canyon—the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Beyond bougainvillea and hibiscus, the Coconut Coast offers a visual feast thanks to the Hawaiian Flame and Rainbow Shower trees that populate the island. Where else can you drive on a petal path? More than 120 miles of hiking trails beckon here which makes it the perfect island for outdoor adventurers. Popular spots include Waimea Town, Opaekaa Falls, the Fern Grotto, Poipu Beach Park, and the Nepali Coast.
Oahu is home to the majority of Hawaii’s population, not to mention metropolitan Honolulu. Sometimes called “the Gathering Place,” Oahu is a vibrant convergence of old and new, history meets modern-day. Cultural and historical landmarks, museums and more are found here (in fact, visit them all by walking along the Waikiki Historic Trail), alongside the cosmopolitan cityscapes. But don’t miss the timeless beaches and small towns that offer the vviews and experiences classic Hawaii is known for. Popular spots include Waikiki, Kapahulu, Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head, the Chinatown arts district, Valley of the Temples, the North Shore, Kailua Beach, and the site of Pearl Harbor.
Image of Kauai
Molokai is quiet and quintessential “aloha,” a port city where fishermen haul in their catch each day and you’re more likely to travel by four-wheel-drive than you are a rental car. There are no streetlights here, just impeccable beauty evidenced by pristine, tropical landscape that includes two waterfalls, one of the largest white-sand beaches in Hawaii, and a sacred cathedral valley. Off the beaten path, Molokai is perfect for an escape that takes you off the grid, even if just for the day. Popular spots include Kaunakakai, the Hawaiian Fishponds, the Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove, Papohaku Beach, and Halawa Valley.
Lanai, just nine miles from Maui, is a beautiful contradiction—one half of the island offers a multitude of opportunities to relax and play in luxury, the other side is more rustic and rugged. The best part? The island is small enough to enjoy it all in one trip. Luxury and tranquility await you on the southern end of the island, offering luxury hotels and championship golf. Unpaved roads in northern and central Lanai lead to secluded locations and surprising destinations. Popular spots include Garden of the Gods, Shipwreck Beach, Sweetheart Rock, Kaumalapau Harbor, Hulopoe Bay, Polihua Beach, and the Munro Trail.
Image of Molokai
Maui, the Valley Isle, offers five distinct regions, showcasing fertile valleys and botanical gardens, peaks and valleys, and so much in between. You’ll thrill to more than 80 beaches and 120 miles of shoreline here, not to mention intimate waterfall-fed pools, quaint small towns, vibrant resort communities and historic whaling villages. Catch the sunrise at the peak of Haleakala (just 10,023 feet above sea level), get a glimpse of the area’s cultural past via the Arts and Cultural Center, drive the road to Hana and dine waterfront while the sun dips low. Romance waits around every hairpin turn on this island. Popular spots include Lahaina, Wailea, Kaanapali, Kapalua, Hana, the Pools of Oheo, Haleakala National Park, Kaanapali Beach, Makena Beach State Park.
Hawaii, the Big Island is nearly twice as large as all the other Hawaiian islands combined, and boasts awe-inspiring beauty, complete with active volcanoes. From coffee plantations to mountain summits, scenic highways and by-ways to ancient seaside villages, a trip to the Big Island is full of adventure. Add shopping and dining to your list, and perhaps you’ll even see a manta ray or sea turtle during your explorations. Anything is possible in Hawaii! Popular spots include the Kohala Coast, the Thurston Lava Tube, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Waimea, Waipio Valley Lookout, Hilo, Kona, and Historic Kailua Village.
Image of Hana
Resort Options: There are as many ways to “stay” as there are to play on the Hawaiian Islands. From vacation rentals, luxury, 5-star hotel resorts and condominiums to rental condos, cottages, and bed and breakfasts (you can even camp, if you wish), there’s no shortage of accommodations.
Why You Should Honeymoon Here: A honeymoon in Hawaii is the perfect beginning to romance for years to come. Exploring and experiencing the beauty of the islands is a love potion, to be sure. Secluded beaches, foliage-covered hideaways and epic adventures all await you.
Ready to begin planning your dream honeymoon in Hawaii? Remember, with help from Ever After’s Experts, all your travel details are taken care of, so you can focus on creating the perfect honeymoon, no matter where you go! Contact an Expert today at RomanceTravel@everafter.com, call us toll-free at 888.734.4787 or visit our website at everafter.com.
