Renee Pinsky
Hawaii really has something for everyone, from multigenerational family reunions to honeymoons, babymoons and friend getaways. It is exotic and tropical, yet you are still in the United States, with no language or health barriers.
Food is a well-developed art in Hawaii. Many restaurants are as notable for their stunning ocean views as their food. And for honeymoons and romantic getaways, I can arrange a private formal dinner, served course by course, in a private spot on the beach or in a garden.
Adventurers will find plenty of Instagrammable moments. You can ride zip lines that “fly” over steep valleys, go bungee jumping or join a sunrise bike ride from the top of a volcanic crater. There are also wonderful hikes which lead to glorious waterfalls, and ranches that offer horseback rides through the countryside or along the beach at sunset.
Hawaii is also home to legendary surfing beaches as well as pristine reefs for snorkeling and diving. You can go out in an outrigger canoe and catch the waves back to shore, or try stand-up paddling or add a challenge to your yoga poses by practicing them on a surfboard.
For those who want a taste of traditional Hawaii, I can arrange for you to go fishing with a local fisherman, take a hula class, or learn to play the ukulele. Iolani Palace, home to the last Hawaiian queen, is one of many historic sites where you can learn about traditional Hawaiian culture.
And for a bird’s eye view, each island has favorite helicopter tours. You wear headphones so you can listen to your captain point out the sights and hear beautiful music as you fly over the mountains and towns.
Each island has its own special draw. On Oahu, first-time visitors usually want to visit Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, and the Polynesian Cultural Center, where you can learn about traditional island life throughout Polynesia.
On Maui, Kaanapali is the ideal resort area if you want to go exploring and don’t want to rent a car because you can walk from restaurant to restaurant along the beach and there is snorkeling just offshore. But there are other lovely resort areas too.
And on Maui, organized adventures like getting up before dawn to watch the sun rise over Haleakala Crater are commonplace. Many people also “do” the drive to Hana, which is a twisting, turning two-lane road along steep cliffs.
The Big Island of Hawaii is unique because it is the only island where you can often see a volcano in action, and golfers love its dramatic courses, where frozen lava flows often border the greens.
Kauai is a hikers’ paradise. Here, Waimea Canyon is known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” and the cliff-lined Napali Coast has been preserved in its natural state.
Hawaii is one of my favorite destinations, and a favorite of many of my clients, so I stay up-to-date on the latest hotels, restaurants, and adventures, and can add many VIP perks to your trip. If you are thinking of going to Hawaii, I would love to arrange your trip.