Hula in Hawaii
When you think of Hawaii you think of fun, sun maybe you in a floral shirt with a cocktail with an umbrella it yes? Chances are most people only visit the tropical paradise on holiday, or to experience the unique atmosphere of the islands. We often have that mental picture of people going to Hawaii on their honeymoon (first or second) or maybe to celebrate an anniversary since it’s known to be a romantic and popular location particularly for couples, newlyweds and those commemorating decades of nuptials. There’s no denying that Hawaii is a great place to relax and get away from the daily hustle and it’s easy to picture yourself on a beach facing the ocean with your shades on and a pretty girl nearby isn’t it? Imagine it, you with your lei flowers around your neck while you sit back on a recliner on the beachfront sipping something tasty and enjoying the splendid views of exotic and beautiful girls doing a hula dance on the beach at sunset. Fantastic!
“The hula dance is a dramatization of words from the oli or mele in a visual form.”
Aside from the cliche reasons to visit, Hawaii has so much more on offer. It’s home to a fantastic variety of wild and marine life and it’s beaches with their breathtaking views attract millions of visitors to their shores each year. Hawaii is not just a truly beautiful and majestic place but it’s also culturally rich and an eco-tourism hotspot so we decided to discover more of what this wonderful cluster of islands has to offer.
Hawaii is tropical, we get that, but it has some very unique aspects that when all things are considered, make it a pretty awesome and one-of-a-kind place. For instance, did you know that Hawaii has a royal palace, or that it’s home to some of the world’s most active volcanoes? Yup, Hawaii’s Big Island, which is the common term used for the state of Hawaii, is growing by more than 42 acres each year because of the Kilauea Volcano which has been erupting for around 30 years. How’s that for badass?
There’s a lot to experience in Hawaii with its golden-warm sandy beaches which are complemented by a glimmering ocean that almost makes you feel at one with nature and the sea. Aside from all of Hawaii’s natural beauty and splendor, the people of the islands convey a beauty and completeness of their own being almost like the spirit of the Islands – the heart of Hawaii. Islanders are inviting, friendly and eager to share their rich culture and history with visitors from all around the world. So why not visit “heaven on earth” and explore the natural splendor of the Islands of Aloha? It’s definitely one for the bucket list!
PACK YOUR BAGS!
Discover why Aloha and its six islands are packed with so many exciting things to do and see. In a way, Hawaii has it all, from awesome naturally occurring sites like dramatic cliffs, vibrant shores, lengthy beaches, and dolphin-friendly waters, to landmarks like the Byodo-In Temple and Diamond Head. It’s not just the natural beauty to be found all around the island but there is also a lot to do when the sun goes down with events happening at local watering holes, plenty of social gatherings and tons of evening activities to keep you occupied. In Hawaii, there’s really no reason to stop having fun, ever – 24/7!
SET SAIL UNDERWATER
The marine wildlife is apparently as inviting and friendly as the people of Hawaii. It seems everything is better in Hawaii and it would be the experience of a lifetime to get to swim with turtles, dolphins and even manta rays. So next time you’re there here are some must-do water tours.
Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran
Swim with the turtles when you visit Turtle Canyon on a power catamaran from Waikiki. Here, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the gorgeous islands as you cruise along the shores of Oahu. The mission is simple, to meet some turtles up close and personal. You’ll get to snorkel in warm waters frequented by Hawaii’s Green Sea Turtles and other tropical fish! But that’s not all. Keep an eye out for other marine wildlife nearby as the area along the cruise trip is frequented by dolphins and migrating whales. Back onboard the catamaran, you’ll get to enjoy amazing views of Diamond Head accompanied by good people, cool music and refreshing drinks. The best part about the tour is that snorkeling instructions and equipment is included and if you don’t see a turtle, you’re given a complimentary return ticket. Talk about putting your money where your turtle is.
Manta Ray Snorkel Trip
Swimming with dolphins is pretty cool, sharks, badass but to say you’ve been up close with a manta ray, now there’s something not many people can say. This is the perfect opportunity to claim those bragging rights by swimming with, interacting and even feeding manta rays under neon lights. Add to your underwater adventure stories the chapter of the time you kicked it with a manta ray. This is an experience that is sure to be memorable and something you’ll be telling your friends about for the next few decades. On this trip, you’ll get to witness a breathtaking sunset over the horizon before heading off for a night snorkel where you’ll get to see majestic manta rays gliding through the warm waters with highlights including submerging yourself in the manta rays natural environment and being guided by a knowledgable expert with equipment and refreshments afterward. And like with the turtle tour, if you don’t get to see a manta ray your next underwater excursion is on them, at no extra charge. Gosh, Hawaii tour operators sure know how to add a value proposition.
FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS!
The geography and landmarks of Hawaii are rich in history and meaning. Seeing the sites and partaking in the activities is awesome but for the full experience, you must indulge in some of the rich cultural history that the islands have to offer.
Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial Tour
You can select from a morning or afternoon departure and start the tour with a pick-up from your hotel. Here’s a classic tour for the would-be historians that offers valuable insight into the infamous Pearl Harbor attacks that we’ve heard about. Discover what they meant, how it happened, and why the United States got involved in WWII. You’ll be accompanied by a knowledgable guide who’ll provide expert background information on Hawaii’s role in WWII all while answering any questions you may have. Tickets can grant you access to the “Road to War” and “Attack” museums where you can watch actual film footage of the events that transpired on that day. Once you arrive at Pearl Harbor you get to visit the WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument and explore the exhibits there. After, you’ll see the USS Arizona Memorial where you can see the ruins of the sunken battleship beneath the memorial. How epic is that?
Waterfall and Volcano Adventure Tour
Experience Hawaii’s natural history by exploring some of the much older parts of the islands. On this tour, visitors will be taken to ALL the tourist attractions in and around the island of Hilo. You’re guaranteed to leave with one-of-a-kind memories of historical sites like the Volcanoes National Park which is sure to amaze you with its size and active volcanic eruptions. The park includes 323,431 acres of land with more than half of the park being designated as the Hawaii Volcanoes Wilderness area. Inside the park is a diverse ecosystem of plant and wildlife along with natural environments that range from sea level to the summit of the Earth’s most massive active volcano. The cool highlights about this tour include hotel pick-ups and getting the full experience of the Volcanoes National Park and its surroundings. It’s also a great place to take some awesome Instagram pictures!
A HEAVENLY PERSPECTIVE
Once you’re out of the water and done with the history, why not see the wonderful splendor of the islands from way up high? Like in the sky! There are a variety of ways to do so, from selfies on one of the many summits you can hike during a day tour, to helicopter rides and even nifty ziplines there’s definitely something for everyone.
Zipline Park at Camp Maui
There’ll be plenty of time to hit the beach and check out the girls later, but for now, why not try something that’s sure to get your adrenalin pumping. Head over to the Zipline Park at Camp Maui and get ready to experience a truly unique two-hour zipline adventure through the treetops at the historic World War ll base called “Camp Maui” on Maui’s North Shore. Here’s, you’ll have expert guides to lead you through a thrilling zipline course that features 7 lines, giant towers, aerial platforms, and swinging suspension bridges. Build up the courage to have a go at the highest ziplines which reach heights of 70 feet and extends 900 feet from end-to-end, reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. There’s no better way to see one-of-a-kind views of Maui’s beautiful and lush landscape including views of Maui’s North Shore and the Pacific Ocean. You’ll get to select a time slot that suits you with all ziplining instructions and safety equipment like a helmet, safety harness and gloves all included. Aside from all the heart-racing action on offer, you’ll also learn about Hawaii’s rich history, wildlife and diversity and culture.
Maui and Molokai Helicopter Tour
Get a bird’s eye view of the natural beauty of the majestic Maui and Molokai islands on this exclusive 45-minute helicopter tour. Flights are available during the morning or afternoon and include expert narration to enhance your knowledge of the region. Feel like a true VIP as you set off to enjoy a personalized flight through the deep valleys and craggy ridges of the magnificent West Maui Mountains. Along the ride, you’ll see natural splendors like waterfalls and valleys that are inaccessible by land and experience the full wonder of the sea cliffs of Molokai’s inaccessible North Shore. If you’re not planning on doing much, you still gotta do this!
DID YOU KNOW
Hawaii originates from the Proto-Polynesian word “hawaiki” which means “Place of the Gods” or “Homeland.”
Hawaii is home to the largest active volcano on Earth. Dubbed Mauna Loa, it’s recognized as the largest subaerial volcano in both mass and volume as is dwarfed only by Tamu Massif – an extinct submarine shield volcano.
Awesome movies with scenes shot in Hawaii included Godzilla, You, Me and Dupree, Jurassic Park & Jurassic World, 50 First Dates and Tropic Thunder.
Hawaii is one of four U.S. states that has banned the use of billboards for advertising. Speaking of bans, snakes are also illegal with the only places permitted to display snakes being zoos.