About Hawaii

"Aloha" is what you will first hear when you get onboard Hawaiian Airlines. Aloha and welcome to the Islands of Hawaii nicknamed The Aloha State. With hundreds of beaches scattered around the six main islands and beautiful weather all year round Hawaii has a lot to offer anytime of the year. However the Islands of Aloha' do offer so much more than sun, surf, beaches & great shopping. Hawaii is also known for its unique Polynesian culture.

Hawaii became the 50th U.S. state on August 21, 1959. Its capital city, Honolulu, is located on the island of Oahu and so is the world famous Waikiki Beach. There are 6 islands that most tourists visit: Oahu, the Big Island of Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai.

So picture yourself on a pristine white beach overlooking the crystal clear Pacific Ocean, palm trees swaying in the wind and the air is filled with a sweet scent of plumeria. In the distance you can hear the gentle tones of a hula. Yes, you're in paradise... you're in Hawaii!

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Something Special

Hawaii’s wide range of high-end luxury resorts, its wonderful climate and its reputation as a ‘shopper’s paradise’ make it the ultimate destination for your luxury getaway. Our great array of luxurious Hawaiian resorts offer the very best in five star service.

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Multi Stop Packages

Planning a trip to Hawaii? Why not drop in to the South Pacific Islands along the way or travel onward to mainland USA? With these great multi-stop packages you can!

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Popular Regions

OAHU - there's no shortage of things to do on Oahu. Home to the state capitol and the majority of Hawaii's population, Oahu is a vibrant mix of natural and cultural wonders with the modern arts, entertainment, and amenities of the 21st century. See pro surfers charge the big winter waves of the famous North Shore. Learn about American history at the memorials and museums in Pearl Harbor. Soak up the sun and learn to surf yourself on legendary Waikiki Beach. Hike down a lush mountainside, just minutes away from a soaring cityscape. Feast at a luau under the stars one night, dine at a five-star restaurant another. Sunbathe all day on the North Shore then dance all night in Waikiki.

MAUI - the second largest island is home to what some believe are the best beaches in the world, as well as Humpback whales who migrate off Maui's shores every winter. Wake up early to catch the sunrise atop Haleakala Crater. Stroll through historic Lahaina, and learn about Maui's whaling past. Drive the long and winding road to Hana for spectacular scenery. From the summit of Haleakala Crater to the shore of Big Beach in Makena, Maui has a breadth of exhilarating outdoor sights, activities, and entertainment for every visitor.

HAWAII'S BIG ISLAND - bigger than all of the other islands combined, the island of Hawaii, or Hawaii's Big Island, is vast enough to hold 11 of the world's 13 climactic zones from sandy beaches to snowcapped mountains. Famous for the active Kilauea volcano, Hawaii's Big Island is home to a list of fascinating anomalies. See waterfalls, rainforests, and botanical gardens in Hilo. Snorkel, scuba, or fish off the Kona Coast. View Kilauea, the world's most active volcano in Hawaii Volcano's National Park.

KAUAI - the oldest and northernmost island in the Island chain is graced with dramatic, natural beauty. Outdoor adventures and romantic escapades flourish on

Explore the golden sand beaches of the Coconut Coast. See the massive Waimea Canyon, "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Take a boat ride to marvel at the towering cliffs of the Napali Coast.

MOLOKAI - with almost half of its population being of native Hawaiian ancestry, Molokai is an island that has preserved its connection to the past and its love for the outdoors. Step back to a simpler time in the sleepy town of Kaunakakaki. View the verdant flora in Halawa Valley. Learn about the works of Father Damien at Kalaupapa Settlement.

LANAI - without a single traffic light, Lanai is a true island getaway for luxury, romance, and privacy away from crowds. Play golf at Lanai's two prestigious courses. See the rock formations at Keahiakawelo, "The Garden of the Gods." Off-road amongst the pine trees along Munro Trail.

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Couples Resorts

Share a breathtaking sunrise atop Haleakala Crater in Maui. Tandem kayak along the tranquil Hanalei River in Kauai. Boat along the towering cliffs of Molokai's North Shore. Toast the sunset in a catamaran off Lanai. Stargaze atop Mauna Kea on the Big Island. Dine and dance deep into the night on Oahu.

When the day is done, sip champagne on your balcony while relaxing to the rhythmic ebb and flow of the ocean. Tomorrow there are beaches to explore. Sunsets to chase. Pleasant surprises to stumble upon. You'll see why the special moments of your trip to Hawaii become even more enduring when they're shared together.

If you're planning a wedding in Hawaii the options are endless. Would you like to get married on the beach or in a chapel? Do you want a reception by moonlight or in the comforts of a hotel banquet hall? Even tying the knot on a surfboard isn't out of the question on Oahu.

The world-class service and amenities of the myriad hotels and resorts on Oahu are custom-made for weddings and honeymoons. Here romantic moments and memories flourish like the rich green slopes of the Koolau mountains. On Oahu there are endless ways to give your special beginning a very memorable start.

Whether you're walking down the aisle or spending some much deserved time together as man and wife, Hawaii's Big Island offers a multitude of accommodations and services to make sure the biggest moments of your life receive the exceptional treatment they deserve.

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Family Friendly

See Hawaii through the eyes of a child. Miles of beach perfect for building sand castles, collecting seashells, or chasing hermit crabs. Submarines, helicopters, and glass-bottom boats to ride in. Aquariums housing dolphins and sharks. Museums where they can learn about volcanoes and the stars. "Ohana" is the Hawaiian word for "family" and you'll find the importance of ohana here in everything from weekly family-friendly events to the keiki (children) learning programs at most hotels and resorts.

The wonder of Hawaii is more than enough to spark the imagination of any child. A few days in the Islands and it won't be long before you start feeling like a kid again too.

Visit the Kauai Children's Discovery Museum in Kapaa for hands-on fun. Keiki will love Ohana Adventure at the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu. Watch a dolphin show at Sea Life Park on Oahu. View well-preserved ancient Hawaiian fishponds on Molokai. Explore the tide pools of Hulopoe Bay on Lanai. See the nation's largest tropical reef aquarium at the Maui Ocean Center. Learn about volcanoes at the Kilauea Visitor Center on Hawaii's Big Island.

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People & Customs

Aloha means more than Hello and Goodbye it's the warmth you feel from the moment you step off the plane. It's the friendliness, hospitality, and generosity you'll discover from everyone you encounter, from the hotel concierge to the people on the street. It's the love the people of Hawaii have for their home, their heritage, and each other.

Perhaps it was the ancient Polynesians who first arrived on the Islands who brought this sense of Aloha. Perhaps Aloha is a result of Hawaii's spectacular environment nurtured by a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities. Perhaps more than any of its incomparable natural wonders and diversions, the Aloha Spirit is what truly makes Hawaii unique. We invite you to visit Hawaii to discover what Aloha means to you.

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Shopping

We know that there is only one thing that Aussie's like better than shopping and that is finding a bargain! Hawaii truly is a shopping mecca and provides a number of different opportunities to satisfy even the most hard-core shopper!

Possibly the best known shopping complex in Hawaii is the Ala Moana centre, located on Ala Moana Boulavard about 15 minutes from the centre of Waikiki. Ala Moana center contains over 250 stores from Macy's and Neiman Marcus through to boutique stores and well know brand designers. Ala Moana is easily accessible by Oahu's transportation system simply called "The Bus".

The Victoria Ward centre is just next door and offers shoppers a whole day of shopping activity with another 120 shops, a multiplex cinema and even a farmers market. The Bus will take you from central Waikiki for approximately US$1.50.

A little further out of Waikiki and close to Pearl Harbor, is Waikele Premium Outlets, and here you'll find bargains galore! Waikele is Hawaii's first and only outlet centre. The outdoor centre features over 50 stores from the worlds leading brand names such as Polo Jeans, Banana Republic, Max Mara and Tommy Hilfiger. Waikele is located 30 minutes from downtown Honolulu and transport is available from most hotels in the area.

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Top Things To Do

Whether you're looking for some great waves, beautiful dive sites or just want to relax in the gentle Pacific Ocean - Hawaii is where you'll find it. Water conditions change dramatically with season. Winter swells bring huge waves to some beaches while other beaches stay calm year round. Summer is generally the best time for sea kayaking, snorkeling and diving as the water is calmer.

Hawaii also has numerous activities that don't require you getting wet. With over 80 golf courses throughout the main Islands Hawaii is every golfers dream. You also have hundreds of hiking and biking trails to explore as well as soft adventures such as ATV rides and Zip-lining.

At night stroll through the International Market Place in the heart of Waikiki, it's open till late and is the place to go for souvenirs, aloha shirts, sarongs, shell jewellery, leis, knick-knacks, a cheap meal & entertainment.

Hawaii is also known as golf heaven. Blessed with breathtaking scenery, unforgettable signature holes and championship caliber course design, it's no wonder Hawaii attracts so many golfers from around the world.Discover a variety of unique course layouts on Hawaii's six, geographically distinct islands from greens lined with volcanic rough to stunning seaside water hazards. And with more than seventy amazing golf courses to choose from, it won't be difficult to find the perfect course for you.

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General Health

Hawaii is free from malaria, yellow fever and most other diseases endemic in other tropical countries. Mosquitoes are present throughout Hawaii but are rarely an annoyance on the dry coastal areas. Water is safe to drink except from mountain springs where purification is needed. The only real threat is the Sun - sunstroke, prickly heat and other skin irritations particularly in the more humid months from August to November when light, airy clothes are essential. Take plenty of sunscreen and a good brim hat with full UV protected swimsuits recommended for small children.

Doctors, dentists and pharmacies are found everywhere but are extremely expensive as are hospital beds and emergency operations.

If swimming, it is advisable to stick to the public beaches which have lifeguards. Hawaiian beaches often have dangerous rip tides and currents around its passages and the state uses official flags to represent swimming conditions.

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When To Go

Anytime of year is a good time to visit Hawaii. The average temperature here is between 25˚- 32˚ C. Summer, between April and November is warmer and drier while winter, between December and March, is a bit cooler. Trade winds keep things comfortable year-round.

Depending on where you're located in Hawaii, the weather can be very different over even short distances. On the same day, on Oahu you might find sun over the beaches in Waikiki and rain only a few miles away in Manoa Valley.

Although there are no true "seasons" in the islands in the same sense as the rest of the U.S., the climate does go through annual cycles based on rainfall. The "wet" season in Hawaii (cooler temperatures and more rainfall) runs roughly from October to March, and the "dry" season (warmer temperatures and less rainfall) from April to September. There is therefore a higher probability of rain if you visit during the peak of tourist season in late December or January.

Overall, Hawaii is warm and balmy - when you step out of the plane you'll immediately notice that the air is soft and humid - and during the summer months the trade-winds provide a pleasant breeze.

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What To Pack

It's warm on Oahu, so pack your summer attire. You may want to bring a light jacket or sweater for the evenings. Suits and ties are rarely worn here. Bring some casual dress clothes or resort wear if you plan on experiencing Oahu's nightlife. You can buy an Aloha Shirt and flip-flops (or slippers, as the locals call them) when you get here.

Consequently, besides your driver's license, credit card, camera, binoculars, and other essentials, it's best to keep your clothes to a minimum... a jacket, sweater, one or two pair of washable slacks/shorts, walking shoes, sandals and swim gear. Sunscreen is essential since Hawaii's close proximity to the Equator translates into very strong sun radiation. The suitcase space you save can be used to fill up on island purchases.

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Weddings & Romance

Share a breathtaking sunrise atop Haleakala Crater in Maui. Tandem kayak along the tranquil Hanalei River in Kauai. Boat along the towering cliffs of Molokai's North Shore. Toast the sunset in a catamaran off Lanai. Stargaze atop Mauna Kea on the Big Island. Dine and dance deep into the night on Oahu.

When the day is done, sip champagne on your balcony while relaxing to the rhythmic ebb and flow of the ocean. Tomorrow there are beaches to explore. Sunsets to chase. Pleasant surprises to stumble upon. You'll see why the special moments of your trip to Hawaii become even more enduring when they're shared together.

If you're planning a wedding in Hawaii the options are endless. Would you like to get married on the beach or in a chapel? Do you want a reception by moonlight or in the comforts of a hotel banquet hall? Even tying the knot on a surfboard isn't out of the question on Oahu.

The world-class service and amenities of the myriad hotels and resorts on Oahu are custom-made for weddings and honeymoons. Here romantic moments and memories flourish like the rich green slopes of the Koolau mountains. On Oahu there are endless ways to give your special beginning a very memorable start..

Whether you're walking down the aisle or spending some much deserved time together as man and wife, Hawaii's Big Island offers a multitude of accommodations and services to make sure the biggest moments of your life receive the exceptional treatment they deserve.

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