Hawaii- Decisions, Decisions! : SharkTrek Travel Blog

Hawaii is one of my favorite destinations- it never disappoints!

One major advantage Hawaii has for US travelers is that, since it is our 50th state, there's no need to worry about getting a passport or currency exchange rates!

The biggest challenge is to decide which island or islands to visit. On today's blog we will give you a brief overview of the islands and what they offer:

1. Oahu- Most travelers fly into Honolulu (HNL) which is located on the island of Oahu. Famous for Waikiki Beach, the Dole Pinapple Plantation, the Bonzai Pipeline of the North Shore and Pearl Harbor, Oahu is a great choice if you want a lot of different experiences. If you are bringing the kids and need access to McDs and Chick Fil A, Oahu may be your best option.

2. Maui- The second most popular airport to fly into is Kahului, Maui (OGG). Maui is a fantastic choice if you want to get far away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki and Honolulu and just relax on the black sand beaches. Of course with the road to Hana, Haleakala National Park, Maui Ocean Center, hiking Pipiwai Trail and snorkeling at Molokini Crater there is still a lot to do.

3. Kauai- Breath taking vistas such as Waimea Canyon, Wailua Falls and the Kilauea Lighthouse make Kauai a favorite island for almost anyone who goes there. Trekking the Kalalau Trail, snorkeling at Tunnels Beach, and seeing the "Sprouting Horn" is so worth going off the beaten path to this island paradise.

4. Hawaii- the "Big Island" As the youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain, it has earned its nickname. This island is host to the Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park, the Mauna Kea Observatory, and the famous Kona coffee plantations. Many visitors say their highlight was seeing the manta rays at night, dolphins and sea turtles.

5. Lanai- Lanai is the most exclusive island with extremely limited accomodations. Some unique offerings on Lanai are a hike on Munro Trail to the summit of Mt. Lanaihale, which offers stunning views, Shipwreck Beach (where you can see the remains of a WWII-era tanker), and Lanai Cat Sanctuary where you can play with the kitties!

With so many amazing things to do in this gorgeous chain of islands, you may want to consider a cruise so you can see them all! Or, of course, you can come back again and again like many of us do.