Hawaii

Hawaii, with its capital Honolulu, is a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, which is best known for its tropical temperatures, paradisiacal landscapes and hula dancing. Here you can surf on Waikiki Beach, visit the most active volcanoes in the world and swim with the most colorful fish through the most beautiful corals. In Hawaii you will find a particularly diverse as well as impressive flora and fauna combined with a special mentality of the inhabitants. Due to this combination, the region attracts many tourists every year.

Hawaii - how the islands differ

Hawaii consists of 137 islands, but only six of them are relevant for you. The others are either undeveloped or privately owned.

HAWAII

The paradise island world

Azure lagoons, dreamlike sandy beaches, beautiful waterfalls, evergreen rainforests, paradisiacal nature with high mountains, active volcanoes and great shopping opportunities.

The best way to enjoy your vacation in Hawaii is to get active yourself. Take part in an excursion by water or by boat, go by bus or rent a car - better yet a convertible. Open the top and follow your spirit of enterprise. Visit museums and historical sites or go to an unknown beach. You are at the destination of your dreams!

Discover Hawaii

Hawaii is a chain of islands in the Pacific Ocean, which belongs to America and is called the 50th state. The archipelago, apart from the coral reefs, is of volcanic origin and part of the Polynesian culture. In total, Hawaii comprises 137 islands, most of which are uninhabited. However, there are also numerous islands where life is flourishing. Among the most famous and popular are:

O'ahu

O'ahu means "gathering place", and that is exactly what it means, as it is the most populous of the Hawaiian Islands. The numerous multicultural islanders, who live mainly in the capital Honolulu, give the island its very special charm. And just like its inhabitants, the city of Honolulu is something very special, because in no other city you can find skyscrapers directly between paradisiacal beaches, tropical mountain ranges and in the middle of it still two extinct volcanoes. Among the most popular attractions on O'ahu, Hawaii are the lively Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbour, the viewpoint Nuuanu Pali and the crater D

Maui

On Maui, Hawaii you will find gorgeous beaches, impressive coastal roads and breathtaking natural wonders. Maybe, or exactly because of that, the island is also called "the magic one". A special feature are the humpback whales, which annually migrate to the warm waters of Maui during the winter months. The island is one of the best places in the world to observe these peaceful giants. And the former whaling port of Lahaina also shines today with numerous stores, restaurants and entertainment venues.

Hawaii Island (Big Island)

The youngest Hawaii Island is at the same time also the largest and it is still far from being fully grown due to its volcanic activity. This is mainly due to two volcanoes, Kilauea and Maunakea, which is also the highest sea mountain. Moreover, here you can find all climatic zones on one spot. In the morning you can wallow in the snow on the highest volcanoes and in the afternoon you can go windsurfing in summer temperatures. There are also numerous temples and archaeological sites. All these features make Big Island, Hawaii a unique spot. By the way, since 2016 the island is officially no longer called Big Island but The Island of Hawai'i or Hawai'i Island. Here you will also find the gorgeous Rainbow Falls, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Punalu'u Black Sand Beach Park.

Kaua'i

From the youngest we now come to the oldest Hawaiian island - Kauai. It is also called the Garden Island because of its unique vegetation and was formed six million years ago from a single volcano, the Waialeale. This also created the origin of the entire island chain. Since the island is to remain extremely natural, no house may be built higher than a palm tree. That's why it was an excellent place to shoot many scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean and Jurassic Park. For vacationers, Kauai, Hawaii offers spectacular snorkeling opportunities. You will also find the Napali Coast, Waimea Canyon and the geyser Spouting Horn.

Simply unforgettable

A vacation in Hawaii is a unique experience that you will surely never forget. There you can, for example, dive between the lava caves, drive along the romantic coastal road Hana, watch lava rivers flowing into the water, ride on mules past picturesque cliffs, hike along the challenging Napali Coast or surf on the biggest waves. And at the latest after swimming with dolphins and turtles you will have a memory to tell your grandchildren about.

Getting married in Hawaii

Many associate Hawaii with beach weddings or dreamy honeymoons, and it's no wonder, because the Aloha Islands are among the most romantic places in the world. Here you can say yes next to passing dolphins, in front of rushing waterfalls, to romantic sunsets or on high cliffs and celebrate the most beautiful moment of your life. When planning your dream wedding, numerous wedding planners, caterers and photographers will support you in Hawaii. If you are interested, please contact us. We have prepared numerous arrangements for you.

Island hopping - the best way to explore paradise

It would be a real pity if you take the long journey and then visit only one island. Each one is different and has its own distinctive sights. So take your time and enjoy the South Seas paradise. If you take three to four days per island, you will be able to see the most important sights. For Hawaii Island you might want to take a little more time. To get from one island to the other you have to fly. With the frequency of connections, it almost feels like taking a bus. Check-in is done at ticket machines. There are no printed tickets. So it's really easy to get from one island to the other.

In Waikiki/Honolulu you can get around well by public transportation. A rental car will only cost you unnecessary parking fees, which are very high. If you want to explore the rest of Oahu, I recommend you to book a rental car by the day. Or you can join one of the many excursions that are offered here. On all other islands it is advisable to have a rental car. There is only a limited offer of public transport.

The 10 most beautiful sights in Hawaii

The Hawaiian islands offer an almost infinite variety of sights and you will hardly manage to see everything. Therefore, we would like to introduce you to the following highlights that you should not miss.

1. Napali Coast, Kauai

You have to see the colorful cliffs of this part of the coast! There are three possibilities:

You sail with the catamaran along the cliffs and pass spots where you can snorkel.
You look at the coast from above during a helicopter flight.
If you have plenty of time, you can hike the 35 kilometer Kalalau Trail in two days.

2 Hanalei, Kauai

One of the most romantic bays of the islands awaits you in the north of Kauai. You may know it from the movie "The Descendants". In the small town of Hanalei there are small boutiques and galleries to discover.

3 Waimea Canyon, Kauai

The Grand Canyon of the Pacific impresses with spectacular rock formations and a variety of flora and fauna. There is a hiking trail that will take you along the edge of this natural wonder. On a helicopter flight you will see it in connection with the Napali Coast.

4. Diamond Head, Oahu

An approximately two-hour, partly steep climb brings you to the top of Honolulu's landmark. The effort is worth it, because you will be rewarded with a fabulous view over the island. Don't forget to take enough water with you.

5 Kaneohe Bay, Oahu

The bay is one of the most photographed places on the island. Especially popular with locals are trips to the sandbars that rise to the surface at low tide. Nearby is the Valley of the Temples, with a replica of a 950-year-old Byodo In temple in Japan. Jurassic Park, among other films, was filmed at Kualoa Ranch.

6. Polynesian Cultural Center, Oahu

If you're interested in Polynesian culture, you should plan a day at this open-air museum. Each people presents itself in a typical village. In the early evening, you will go to a luau (Hawaiian feast) followed by a brilliant show where you will learn the dances of these peoples. In this park there is also one of the famous Moai figures from Easter Island, which is also part of Polynesia.

7. Road to Hana, Maui

One of the most beautiful panoramic roads in the world leads you through 600 hairpin curves and over 59 partly one-lane bridges. Along this road grow bamboo forests and in many small side valleys there are enchanting waterfalls. On the sea side black lava beaches and blow holes are waiting to be discovered.

8. Haleakala, Maui

The 3,000 meter high volcano is part of the national park of the same name. The sunrises on its summit are spectacular. From Paia you drive in serpentines for about 100 kilometers through forests and meadows to reach the summit. In the park you will see the Hawaiian state bird, the Nene goose.

9. Volcanoes National Park

Experience firsthand how new life grows from lava that destroys everything. It is especially fascinating to see it pouring into the sea during a boat trip. If your time allows, plan two or more days for this park and explore it on the many hiking trails.

10. Place of Refuge

The Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historic District is a magical place. The nobles came here because it is said that a lot of energy flows here. The temple complex is completely preserved and restored. There are few places in the islands where Native life is so vividly depicted.

Five beaches in Hawaii you should visit

Of course, Hawaii also has real dream beaches. Besides the already mentioned Hanalei Bay, we give you a few recommendations for unforgettable beach days.

1. Waikiki Beach, Honolulu

The most famous beach on the islands is a must-see, even if it is by far not the most beautiful. A narrow strip of sand separates the hotels from the water. If you continue towards Diamond Head, the beach becomes calmer and also wider.

2. Hanauma Bay, Oahu

The bay is actually a crater of an extinct volcano and nature reserve. The beach was voted the best in the U.S. in 2016. The state park is especially popular with snorkelers, who explore the fascinating underwater world here.

3. Kaanapali Beach, Maui

Everyone will find their favorite spot on the approximately 4.8 kilometers of white beach. When planning the hotels, care was taken to leave enough space for those seeking relaxation.

4. Poipu Beach, Kauai

At this gorgeous beach you will find ideal conditions to splash in the waves. At the end is Nukumoi Point, where the endangered Hawaiian monk seals like to doze in the sun.

5. Hapuna Beach, Hawaii Island

This is one of the few white beaches on Hawaii Island. To get here you have to drive through the black lava landscape in the west of the island. While snorkeling, you may encounter a manta ray.

What is the best way to get to Hawaii?

For the outbound flight, it is recommended to book an early flight from Europe via San Francisco or Los Angeles. There you can catch a connecting flight to Hawaii and arrive on the same day in the evening. This will reduce the jet lag a bit. You should not go to bed right away, but finish the first evening with a walk.

A stopover on the mainland of the USA makes more sense on the return flight, otherwise you will spend two days in various airplanes. That is quite exhausting.

You have to keep in mind that the flights from the mainland to Hawaii and back are considered domestic flights and therefore - at least in economy - there is no free food. When you change planes, however, you usually have enough time to buy something to eat and drinks at the airport. This way you also get some exercise after sitting for a long time.

With a direct return flight you usually have two stops in the USA. The first on the West Coast and the second on the East Coast, so two domestic flights without free food.

When is the best time to vacation in Hawaii?

The islands are a year-round beach destination. From May to October, the average temperature is about 29° C, and about 25° C in winter. February is the best booked month, as many Americans from the mainland come to the islands to escape the winter. By the way, if you want to go whale watching, you should go to Hawaii between January and April.