The islands of Aloha – Hawaii is surely one of the most common items on the bucket lists of people from all around the world. And of course, there are plenty of reasons for it. Breathtaking nature, volcanoes, wildlife, and all the relaxation opportunities make this place a true paradise you need to visit at least once. People love it for its unique beauty, amazing beaches, friendliest people and culture and food, but also for experiences such as whale watching, hiking, snorkeling, and more. However, as we usually visit for a week or two, it’s best to be prepared and have a list of things to do and see so enjoy this place to the fullest. Here’s a guide that can save you a lot of time – Hawaii for first-time visitors.
Hawaiian Islands – where to go?
Hawaii consists of several islands, which may be a challenge for first-time visitors. They often can’t decide what’s the best location for their visit, so they can grasp the authentic Hawaiian culture and get the most out of this Aloha experience. Simply put, any of the four main islands will not disappoint. You can head to the Big Island, Oahu, Maui, or Kauai and still enjoy the perfect nature, pristine beaches, and plenty of things to do and see. If you’ve got 2 weeks or more in Hawaii, you’ll have plenty of time to visit two islands. In general, Maui is the most common choice for first-time visitors and their first stop. It’s a place that offers diverse relaxation and entertainment options, plenty of hiking trails, beautiful nature, and accommodations of all types and price ranges. This is one of those vacation destinations you can’t go wrong with, and now let’s see all the great things to do and see as a first-time visitor to Hawaii.
So many things to do and see, so little time – what’s the best place to visit in Hawaii?
Must-see locations in Hawaii
If you’re still thinking about visiting some of these 4 main islands, maybe this guide will help you make the right decisions. Here are the main things to see in some of the most popular islands.
Top things to do and see in Maui
This paradise island has something for everyone and will make it a perfect vacation destination. Some of the top attractions and activities for first-time visitors include:
- Snorkeling – anywhere you go in Hawaii, don’t miss out on the unique snorkeling experience. Top snorkeling spots in Maui include Airport Beach, Olowalu, and La Perouse Bay.
- Visiting Haleakala for a spectacular sunset – watching a sunset from the Haleakala Visitor Center parking lot has become increasingly popular for a good reason, it gives you the best view of the breathtaking sunset over Hawaii.
- Going on a kayak tour at Olowalu Reef and swimming with the turtles;
- Spending a day in Lanai – take a boat trip to this small island near Maui and have a truly remote island experience.
- Check out the pineapple farm – if a pineapple is one of your favorite fruits, it will be interesting to see the process of growing and harvesting the sweetest pineapples ever. Book a tour at the Maui Gold Pineapple Fields and even get a free pineapple to take home.
All the tours and day trips will make your vacation fun, yet these can add up and make your Hawaiian adventure even more expensive. Vacations in the Aloha State tend to be on the expensive side, so be sure plan your stay well and pick activities that fit your budget but also match your preferences and vacation style. At the same time, moving to Hawaii requires solid financial plan. Even though it’s not uncommon for US tourists to love this place and decide to make it a home – just be sure to plan your budget on time and have a trustworthy moving team by your side.
The Big Island of Hawaii
Even though it’s the biggest island in the archipelago, the Big Island is not as developed as some neighboring islands. Its raw beauty and nature are perfect for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. First-time visitors would enjoy visiting:
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – the Big Island is a perfect place for those who seek lava tubes and volcanoes. There are a couple of volcanoes on the island, with Mauna Loa and Kilauea being the most active ones.
- Have a perfect beach and picnic time at Coconut island in Hilo, or some other popular beach place such as Kaunaoa Beach, Hapuna Beach, and others.
- Visit the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden – this botanical garden includes about 1,800 species of tropical plants and is a great place to feel true serenity.
- Go for a night dive and snorkel with manta rays – an encounter you’ll remember forever.
Kauai – the Garden Isle
If you’re visiting Hawaii to see all those impressive landscapes you see in pictures, you need to visit Kauai. It’s the place where you’ll see all that nature scenery Hawaii is famous for – the Coconut Coast, Waimea Canyon, mountains, waterfalls, and pristine sand beaches. If you are visiting the island for the first time, don’t miss to visit Waimea Canyon State Park, Hanalei Beach, Wailua Falls, Kauai Chocolate Farm, one of the botanical gardens in Kauai, and go ziplining in the jungle. Nature lovers will surely have the best time here, so Kauai can be one of the top places to go to as a first-time visitor to Hawaii.
Exploring, relaxation, adventure – in Hawaii, you can have it all.
Oahu
The island of Oahu may be the best introduction to Hawaii state to new visitors. It’s a worldwide-known destination for vacation and a favorite spot for US travelers. Also, according to the Transparent International NYC experts, Oahu may be the best place to move to if you fall in love with Hawaii and decide to make it a home. The state’s capital, Honolulu, is located on this island, and it can be your starting point for the Hawaiian adventure. Visit Oahu for exotic food, beautiful nature, high-quality resorts, and many things to do. From swimming with turtles to checking out museums and historical landmarks, Oahu will keep your attention for the whole vacation.
Ready for the Hawaiian paradise?
Visiting Hawaii is surely on the bucket list of many travelers – and now it’s time to tick it off of yours! First-time visitors have plenty of things to do and see here, so hopefully, this guide can be helpful in making the itinerary that ensures this is the vacation to remember.
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meta: Planning a trip to the Aloha Islands? Read our guide to the top attractions in Hawaii for first-time visitors that will make this adventure unforgettable.