Hawaii Vacation Resorts

Traveling to Hawaii might be the closest a person can come to visiting paradise. The lush green landscape, crystal blue waters, and mist-covered volcanoes are stunning to behold. Viewing photographs and postcards of the islands is often enough to inspire awe in people, but nothing can compare to seeing the sights of Hawaii in person.

From the moment you step off the plane in Hawaii, you are met with colors and fragrances that don't seem to exist on the Mainland. The scent of plumeria lingers in the air, and the sounds of the ocean permeate the islands. The unique beauty of Hawaii has done its part to turn many vacationers into full-time residents.

Lodging in Hawaii

Oahu, Maui, The Big Island, and Kauai are home to some of the most spectacular resorts on Earth. Grand hotels that rest in the shadows of Hawaii's majestic mountains and overlook the Pacific can be found on all four islands. However, the view is not the only thing that makes these resorts appealing. Enormous waterfall pools, swim-up bars, and rooftop hot tubs are not uncommon. Many hotels also house spas, several upscale restaurants, traditional luaus, and access to some of the best surfing in the world.

People interested in a bit of privacy can find condos and beach houses in Hawaii. Often located in secluded areas, many of these rentals feature private beaches, golf courses, and shopping centers. People do not have to give up traditional hotel amenities when they choose to stay in condominiums, as most offer housekeeping, in-room movies, and room service.

Daytime Activities in Hawaii

Lounging on the beach is a perfectly acceptable way to spend a day in Hawaii. There are, after all, far worse activities than sipping on a drink served in a pineapple while taking in a breathtaking view. However, there are attractions on the commercialized islands that should not be missed. Tours of plantations introduce people to the exceptional vegetation that grows in Hawaii, and they give visitors a chance to eat some of the most delicious fruit on the planet. There are also historical tours that highlight the traditions of the indigenous peoples of the islands.

Sporting enthusiasts can try their luck with the waves, or they can head to higher ground and bike around the base of a volcano. Less extreme athletes can play 18 holes on one of Hawaii's many world-renowned golf courses, or get in a few quick sets of tennis on some of the finest grass and hard courts in the country. While shopping may not technically be a sport, you can work up quite a sweat walking along an outdoor Maui mall that features both native and Mainland stores.

Island Hopping

Many people who vacation in Hawaii stick to one island. In some cases, this can make for a cheaper trip. Also, flying to Hawaii can be draining, and the last thing they want to do is get back on a plane and head to another island.

Oahu, home to Honolulu, maintains the beauty of the islands, but it is also incredibly industrialized. The pace is more akin to that of the rest of America, which is great for some people, but isn't what everyone is looking for when they come to Hawaii. Maui continues to become more commercialized. However, there are still portions of the island that are untouched, and a hike into the mountains of Maui can lead a person to ancient temples and secluded pools that seem to have been forgotten by time. Kauai remains relatively undeveloped. There are resorts, restaurants, golf courses, and plenty of other tourist-friendly spots, but much of the island has been left in its natural state. The Big Island features some of the best tours and adventure activities. Island hopping can be a great way to experience Hawaii, because each island offers something different.