Hawaii is perhaps the most popular getaway destination for Canadians and Americans living on the west coast. I have traveled to Hawai’i many times.
The Hawaiian greeting Aloha means both hello and goodbye. This flashback 1983 photo shows the Kodak Hula Show – no longer in operation.
May you experience some of the peace the Hawaiian Islands can confer upon you, if only you will relax, and let them cast their magic…
Travelogues
This travelogue is a combination of all my trips to Hawai’i. In 1983 we went to Oahu and Maui. In 1995 we went to Maui, Kaua’i, and the Big Island of Hawai’i, in 2001 I went to Kaua’i and the Big Island of Hawai’i, in 2009 I went to the Big Island of Hawai’i, and I cruised to Hawai’i in 2010, 2014, 2017 and 2022.
- Oahu – Waikiki, Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, the Polynesian Cultural Center, the East & North shores
- Maui – Kahalui, Kihei, Kaanapali/Lahaina, Haleakala volcano, the infamous Road to Hana, Humpback whales
- Kaua’i – Lihu’i, East Coast, North Coast, South Coast, Waimea Canyon, Helicopter Tour, Na Pali Cruise, Limahuli Gardens – old Hawaii, the Garden Isle
- Big Island of Hawai’i – Kona Coast, North Coast, Kilauea volcano, Place of Refuge, Hilo, Mauna Kea & observatories, coffee production
Getting there
There are a good choice of connections to Hawai’i from all countries around the Pacific Rim. Many airlines also offer direct flights to Hawaiian destinations other than Honolulu. This can save you time and money for inter-island flights. Hawaiian Airlines is the main Hawaii-based carrier, and operates out of departure points on the west coast of North America and Asia. Hawaiian often offers the best choice of flight times between the mainland and the islands.
Don’t forget to investigate charter airlines, since they can often offer best value as compared with the regular carriers, especially when you package airfare, accommodation and car rentals. Hawaiian Airlines is the main carrier offering inter-island flights. They give excellent service, with frequent flights between all the major islands. You can book connecting flights between Honolulu (Oahu) and the other islands when you book your mainland flight, or simply show up at the counter and purchase your ticket. Sometimes, purchasing tickets ahead of time costs more than the last minute ones.
Cruising to Hawai’i is also an option, assuming you have the time available for a 5-6 day crossing of the Pacific Ocean. Cruise lines depart from the west coast of North America regularly to Hawai’i. I have done this four times, however enjoying sea days is a must, since it take six days each way between Vancouver and Hawai’i, sometimes 5 days between California and Hawai’i.