Which Island?



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Which Hawaiian Island should I choose?

This is a question often asked by first time traveler to Hawaii, or travelers who have never visited outside of popular Waikiki on Oahu. Each Hawaiian Island shares similar characteristics, like warm tropical weather, a plethora of beaches to visit, and fun activities to engage in, but here are some distinct differences to help you make your choice:

Choose Oahu if

  • You enjoy the amenties that come with a world class vacation spot
  • You enjoy shopping - there is everything from luxury to trinkets
  • Nightlife is important to you
  • A direct flight is important to you (HNL is the main airport for all of Hawaii)
  • A variety of dining options is important to you
  • Crowds don't bother you (Waikiki, Honolulu)
  • You want to watch a live surfing competition (North Shore)
  • You'd like everything to be within walking distance (Waikiki)
  • You have an interest in history (Honolulu's Historical District)
  • You are taking the family and need a variety of kid-friendly activity options

Choose Maui if

  • You enjoy small, boutique towns or countryside
  • You want near perfect seclusion (Hana)
  • Art galleries are fun to tour (Friday Night Art Walk in Lahaina)
  • Whale watching is an activity you would like to do
  • For great snorkeling and scuba options
  • Golfing on world class golf courses is your forté
  • It's a romantic vacation you and your partner are seeking

Choose Hawaii (Big Island) if

  • You want to see an active volcano (Kilauea)
  • You want to visit an observatory and watch the stars
  • Deep sea sport fishing is your ideal vacation (Kona side)
  • You want to see snow and drive to a beach in the same day
  • You want to stand at the southernmost US town (Southpoint)
  • Hiking is top of your to-do list
  • Diverse terrain sparks your interest (11 of 13 world climate zones are found here)

Choose Kauai if

  • You enjoy the countryside and small town feel
  • Outdoor adventures are your thing (kayaking, hiking, biking)
  • Dramatic landscapes excite you (Waimea canyon, Napali Coast)
  • You are a movie buff (over 100 motion pictures & TV shows have been filmed here)
  • You want to go to a beach and be the only one there (not always, but it happpens)

Top Experiences and Tours in Hawaii

If youʻre booking your trip to Hawaii last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours and experiences!

From Honolulu: Oahu 60min Helicopter Tour with Doors Off/On

From Honolulu: Oahu 60min Helicopter Tour with Doors Off/On

Highlights

  • Enjoy your helicopter tour around Oahu with doors on or off
  • See spectacular island sights like North Shore's Banzai Pipeline, the Chinaman’s Hat, Makapu’u Lighthouse, the Sacred Falls, and Kaneohe Bay
  • Fly over the USS Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor
  • Experience dazzling panoramas of Waikiki Beach & Diamond Head

Description

Hop aboard a helicopter and admire Oahu’s landmarks on a guided flight tour from Honolulu. See the Waikiki skyline from above, fly past Diamond Head, and round the volcanic cliffs to Makapu’u Lighthouse. Choose a private or shared tour, with your choice of an on-or-off door experience. Make your way to the local partner’s helipad to begin your experience. Ascend above the city and follow the Windward Coast, with breathtaking views of the Ko’olau Mountains in the distance. Listen to your guide's live tour commentary. Pass Lanikai Beach and see its gorgeous coral formations. Cruise over Kaneohe Bay and discover why this place is regarded as one of the most scenic locations on Earth. Glide past the “Chinaman’s Hat” off the east coast of Oahu. See the Ka’a’awa Valley—the historic home of the island’s kings. Plus, take in views of the lush rainforest surrounding the Sacred Falls. Continue onto the North Shore to spot surfers at the Banzai Pipeline and Waimea Bay. Loop back to Honolulu and get a glimpse of the pineapple-tastic Dole Plantation. Finally, pass over the iconic Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, before returning to the helipad.

Includes

Helicopter tour around Oahu Choice of doors on or off Live guided tour commentary Straps and cases provided for cell phones at base

Important Information

  • The operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or appear to be intoxicated, and they'll be charged in full
  • When booking the doors off experience, your seat may or may not be directly adjacent to an open door
  • Only passengers weighing 80 lbs (36 kg) or more may fly with the door off in the Robinson R44 helicopter
  • Only passengers weighing 100 lbs (45 kg) or more may fly with the door off in the Airbus Astar helicopter
  • For each guest weighing 260 pounds (118 kg) or more, a weight and balance fee is required to safely balance the aircraft. For guests weighing between 260-279 lbs (118-126.5 kg), a fee in the amount of 50% of the seat price will be assessed after booking. For guests weighing 280 lbs (127 kg) or higher, an additional seat purchase will be assessed after booking
  • A full-fare seat is required for children aged 2 years and over
  • If you plan to scuba dive within 24 hours of the flight time, you may not take part

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 2 days in advance for a full refund

South Maui: Molokini & Turtle Town Snorkeling Tour with Meal

South Maui: Molokini & Turtle Town Snorkeling Tour with Meal

Highlights

  • Explore the underwater paradise of Molokini, a world-famous snorkel location
  • Marvel at the dramatic geography of this iconic extinct volcanic crater
  • Snorkel in waters with 150 foot visibility home to 250 species of colorful fish
  • Spend time with family and friends and take in the beautiful Maui scenery
  • Enjoy a continental breakfast and deli sandwich lunch included with the tour

Description

See Maui from a new perspective as you swim and snorkel alongside its marine life at Molokini and Turtle Town. Cruise to these famous snorkeling destinations by catamaran, and enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard. Meet your captain and crew near Maalaea Harbor for your check-in. Board the comfortable catamaran and enjoy a continental breakfast of pastries, muffins, fresh fruits, coffee, tea, juice, soda, and water as you head towards Molokini. Arrive at Molokini and admire the scenery of the extinct volcanic cone, home to around 250 different local species. Jump into the water and snorkel with native wildlife such as black triggerfish, yellow tang, and parrotfish. Continue onto Turtle Town, where you’ll swim with protected Hawaiian green sea turtles among the underwater lava formations. Rest assured a lifeguard will be in the water at all times as you snorkel around the beautiful coral gardens. Enjoy a deli lunch with flatbread turkey sandwiches or veggie burgers, potato salad, chips, fruit and veggie platters, and chocolate chip cookies, soft drinks, juice, and water. Choose to purchase beers or a Mai Tai, and relax in the shade of the cabin. Or top up your tan on the bow of the boat as you return to Ma'alaea Harbor.

Includes

Catamaran cruise Continental breakfast (fresh fruit, mixed muffins, and pastries) Coffee and tea Flatbread turkey sandwiches or veggie burgers, potato salad, chips, fruit and veggie platters, and chocolate chip cookies Unlimited soda, juice, and water Use of snorkeling equipment and flotation devices Freshwater showers 2 restrooms

Important Information

  • Snorkeling locations will be decided on the day based on the conditions For vegetarian, gluten-free meals, or any other special dietary need please call at the time of booking Alcoholic beverages are available to purchase for $3 each. Must be 21+ with a valid photo ID With your safety as a top priority, alcohol is served once the snorkel portion of the tour is complete Wildlife sightings are likely, but not guaranteed Basic swimming ability recommended Wetsuits are available to rent for $10 each Underwater cameras are available to rent for $85 each Dramamine is available for purchase 2 tablets for $5 T-shirts available for purchase for $20 each

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 2 days in advance for a full refund

Oahu: Swim with Dolphins, Turtle Snorkel Tour and Waterslide

Oahu: Swim with Dolphins, Turtle Snorkel Tour and Waterslide

Highlights

  • Dive into the water to snorkel and swim with Hawaiian turtles and dolphins
  • Feel the breeze in your face as you sail along Oahu's scenic Waianae coastline
  • Learn about Hawai‘i's culture and hear the traditional 'Oli' prayer of the sea
  • Benefit from the use of extensive snorkeling and swimming equipment on board
  • Enjoy complementary lunch, water, green tea, Hot cocoa, snacks, Pineapple slice

Description

Cruise along Oahu’s western coastline in search of dolphins on this exciting snorkel adventure. You will have multiple opportunities to jump in the ocean with wild dolphins as they swim by. After swimming with the dolphins, enjoy a complimentary Locally crafted Lunch on our way to our snorkeling destination. Once we are ready, we will head over to the famous snorkel and surf beach, Makaha! Here we will be on the lookout for Hawaiian Green sea turtles, colorful reef fish, and more! You also get to experience several ocean activities like trying out our brand new 21 Ft built in waterslide, Stand-up paddleboarding, kayak, and a big floating mat to lounge on. Once you are done with the water, you can rinse off and warm up with our ION hot shower on board. We will also serve fresh green tea and hot cocoa! This is a fun family event that will be a day to remember for years. View the stunning West Side of Oahu as we make our way along the shoreline. - Your lunch will be a turkey sandwich unless you specify a different option by 8:00 PM HST the evening before your tour. To request a vegetarian lunch, please call our office at (808) 636-8440 - Please take your seasick remedy an hour prior to your excursion. - Please note; The dolphin swimming portion of the tour is fast-paced and recommended only for advanced snorkelers/ swimmers. - Restrooms are available on board. - Keep an eye out for whales (December-March) Iruka Hawaii Dolphin - You will love where we take you

Includes

Transportation Lunch (turkey sandwich unless a vegetarian option is requested by phone by 8:00 PM HST the evening before your tour) Drinks Snorkeling gear Water slide Paddle boards Kayak Floating mat

Important Information

  • The boat includes shaded areas and 2 restrooms Complementary transportation from select hotels in Waikiki and Ko Olina are available

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Kauai: Luau Kalamaku with Buffet Dinner & Show

Kauai: Luau Kalamaku with Buffet Dinner & Show

Highlights

  • Taste a Luau buffet dinner with local favorites
  • Enjoy a lei greeting and photo taking by the waterfall
  • Watch traditional hula dancing and live Hawaiian music
  • Stroll through the craft fair featuring local artisans
  • Be mesmerized by fire dancing and an award-winning Hawaiian show

Description

Experience an unforgettable evening at Kilohana Plantation's 60-acre orchard and agricultural park. Savor a delightful buffet dinner and watch a spectacular 45-minute main show chronicling an epic sea voyage between Tahiti and Kauai along one of the longest sea roads of Polynesia. Browse the wares at the craft fair of local artisans. Witness the unearthing of the pig from the imu. As you arrive at Kilohana Plantation, enjoy a traditional lei greeting and drinks from the open bar. Sit down to a luau buffet of poi (mashed starchy vegetables), fresh salads, Kalua pork baked in the imu, and seasonal fish. Dig into teriyaki chicken, noodles, fresh fruits, salad, pineapple upside down cake, haupia (coconut pudding), and a banana crĂšme tart. After dinner, relax with live Hawaiian music and marvel at the cast of entertainers, including graceful hula dancers and traditional fire knife and fire poi ball dancing. The interactive stage design with transport you back in time to ancient Polynesia, during the time of the people’s remarkable migration to the Islands. Watch the story of an epic voyage taken by islanders between Tahiti and KauaÊ»i on one of the longest sea roads of Polynesia. Through laughter, fear, seduction and fire, a new legacy is created, born from the cherished seeds of their ancestors. Have the chance to take a photo of the cast at the end of the show.

Includes

Lei greeting Open bar Buffet dinner featuring local, favorite dishes Kalamaku show

Important Information

  • Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation is available if the option is selected for an additional fee The price of the activity does not include the train ride at an additional fee The menu includes gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options The menu is subject to seasonal changes

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Oahu: Coral Crater Zipline Tour

Oahu: Coral Crater Zipline Tour

Highlights

  • Feel the thrills of flying through the air on a zipline at speeds up to 30 mph
  • Have an unforgettable and fun experience with friends, families, and loved ones
  • Enjoy gliding on modern ziplines that provide the security needed for beginners
  • Choose 3 or 6 exciting zipline rides ranging in heights between 300 to 900 feet
  • Follow your guides and be at ease with a modern braking system to keep you safe

Description

Feel your adrenaline pump while flying through the air on a zipline experience at Coral Crater Adventure Park. Have a memorable time as you glide through the air and select to ride 3 or 6 times. Follow your guides as they lead you through 3 or 6 ziplines ranging from 300 to 900 feet. This tour is for those looking to experience a safe, thrilling, high-flying experience. The ziplines feature a modern braking system, which means that zipliners do not need to control their speed or stop themselves, allowing all ages and abilities to participate in this activity. Your expert guides will be with you throughout the adventure.

Includes

Zipline tour Pickup in Waikiki (depending on option selected) Guide 3 or 6 zipline rides (depending on option selected) Safety gear and equipment

Important Information

  • Participants must weigh between 40 lbs - 275 lbs. All participants will be weighed in, and fully clothed, during the check-in process before each tour. Those unable to meet the requirement will not be permitted to zip and will not be offered a refund or rescheduled Children between 40 ‐ 60 lbs can still participate by zipping in tandem with a guide The minimum age for this activity is 6 years old Securable, close-toed shoes are required. Athletic shoes are recommended (a limited number of water shoes are available for purchase) Store any and all unneeded items in lockers provided during check-in All participants must sign a waiver

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

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