Susan Bleecher
Hawaii is my favorite place to unwind. I get off the plane, smell the tropical air, and all my cares fall away. It is also my favorite place to get active, interact with history and culture and enjoy some of the most creative and freshest cuisine anywhere. From golf to water sports, to snorkeling and hiking, Hawaii is an outstanding destination for almost every interest imaginable. There is sometimes even snow on top of one of the mountains on the island of Hawaii.
The wide range of activities and welcoming culture make Hawaii one of the best places in the world for multigenerational groups. My husband and I take our own extended family there—including our grown children and grandchild —often twice a year, and we never tire of it because there is always something new to experience together.
Each island has its attractions. On the Island of Hawaii, a.k. a. the Big Island, you can go stargazing at the top of Mauna Kea volcano, or go to Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Park, a place of refuge, where in ancient times those who had broken one of the many sacred laws could go and be saved from the death penalty. And depending on the conditions, you can also visit a volcano that has been active for decades.
Kauai feels the most natural and authentically Hawaiian. Here, much of the island has been preserved in its natural state. There is a lot of great hiking, especially in Waimea Canyon State Park, nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of Hawaii.”
Maui is quite developed but we have found things we do that most people never see. For example, there is a lovely municipal golf course near Wailuku that the U.S. Army built. And the town of Wailuku has a small but fascinating museum built of lava rock and koa wood with artifacts that date back before the arrival of Europeans and gardens planted with native Hawaiian plants.
Oahu, home to Waikiki and Honolulu, also has secluded beaches and an interior rainforest where you can hike as well as a wide array of family-friendly adventures and historic sites to visit.
All the islands have wonderful snorkeling, surfing, beaches, and rainforest hikes. And I always suggest everyone try one at least one luau. There are some that are quite sophisticated and authentic, both in entertainment and cuisine.
Each island also has wonderful villages and towns that have changed little over time—places like Hana on Maui, Hawi and Hilo on Hawaii, and Hanapepe, Kauai’s historic art town. Even Oahu has tiny towns that tourists rarely visit where you can dine in a local eatery or eat fresh shrimp from a food truck.
As a certified Hawaii expert, I can help you sort through Hawaii’s infinite options so you can enjoy Hawaii, your way.