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Hawaii in and of itself is beautiful. There are so many advantages to visiting. There isn’t a lack of things to do and see from lounging on warm secluded beaches of different colors to experiencing vibrant and traditional cultural experiences. If you’ve never been, then maybe 2016 is the year you visit.

If you’ve visited Hawaii on more than a handful of occasions, then maybe just maybe, 2016 is the year you look into making it a constant and steady retreat. If you’ve ever thought of owning a timeshare but wanted a little more insight, check out these tips to see if there is a timeshare in your New Year.

A time share is a property that has multiple owners where each gets to use the property every year. In the scenario of a fixed timeshare, the owner typically books his/her vacation time the same week every year. This offers the benefit of not having to worry about planning an annual vacation or worrying about accommodations. It’s an opportunity to return to your favorite vacation destination year after year without a lot of planning.

Timeshares have been around for several decades with one of the first to open up in Kauai, Hawaii so when it comes to timeshares, Hawaii has a first foot in the door.

Benefits of Owning a Time Share

When it comes to visiting Hawaii, the benefits are numerous and obvious. Timeshares, however, offer their own unique benefits.

• Timeshares offer a variety of accommodations and activities for singles or entire families
• Hawaii is popular during any time of the year; it’s not season specific
• You can pay for your vacation in advance
• Timeshares offer considerable savings over time
• Take advantage of exploring different locales or returning to your favorite hot-spot every year.
• Choose a variety of other resorts according to your tastes, needs, and desires

Be Prepared for the Hard Sell

If you’ve ever received one of those coupons in the mail saying you’ve won a free trip in exchange for a 90 minute presentation, then you’ve already been introduced to a timeshare. Most timeshare properties will offer you a prize such as a vacation or set of tickets to an expensive show in order to lure you in to their presentation.

If you think you’re going to sit through it unaffected, think again. The presenters are well trained in selling and selling hard. Pressure is their middle name. For every response you have, they have two waiting to make buying a timeshare right then and there on the spot more appealing.

A timeshare is a valuable offering if it works for you. Just give yourself enough time to think it through and consider all the options before you are coached into signing on the spot.

Read the Fine Print

Each state may have its own set of laws so it’s important to know whether or not you are able to rent or exchange your timeshare, sell it or even pass it on to your children in your estate. Just like any other transaction, read the fine print.

Talk to others who may have the same timeshare you are interested in, consult with experts and make an informed and educated decision. Buying a timeshare may be the perfect choice for you after all the paperwork is read and information is gathered.

Pay Attention to the Dates

Many timeshares are easy enough to exchange depending if they belong to a chain of resorts; however, if not you may have to join a private exchange group which can have an additional fee. You may not even get the guaranteed exchange or date you want.

If you know a specific place and date when you want to travel, you need to be ready a year or more in advance to choose where you want to head to next. Some families book their next vacation during their current one.

Remember too, you are not purchasing a piece of property but a share in the rights to use it. When you go in with your eyes open and with all the right information from the onset, a timeshare could get you closer to visiting and re-visiting paradise once again.

Is There a Timeshare in Your New Year? Check out These Tips

In Hawaii, aloha means many things. Some travelers to the beautiful isles of Hawaii think it simply means either hello or goodbye. Aloha means so much more. It’s more of a way of life and a spirit than just a simple greeting. To live the Aloha life, you embrace love and compassion in all you do and to all who you meet. Aloha is a way of being and a lifestyle.

If you’ve never been to Hawaii before, maybe it’s time to embrace the spirit of aloha in 2016.

Of course, there’s always plenty to do on any one of the islands of Hawaii; some more touristy than others. And, of course, there’s always plenty of nothing to do – like lay on the white sand beaches and soak up all that sun in paradise.

If you’re planning to head on over to aloha right after the New Year, there are still some holiday happenings going on in the islands.

Say Aloha to New Years in Hawaii

Hop aboard a New Year’s Eve cruise through Honolulu Harbor as fireworks explode in multi-colored lights overhead. Head on over to the Waikiki Starlight Luau in Hilton Hawaiian Village. You will never be at a loss to ring in the New Year in Hawaii – if you are lucky enough to be spending the first day of the New Year on any one of the islands.

Imagine ringing in the New Year at any one of Hawaii’s beaches or parks with music wafting in the background, fireworks overhead and the smell of a traditional luau wafting under your nose.

Ward Winter Village Outdoor Ice Rink

If you want something to really write home about, why not try ice skating in the middle of paradise. The Ward Winter Village Outdoor Ice Rink is still featuring its holiday schedule until January 10th, 2016. Go for a spin on the ice and grab a cup of hot cocoa while you’re at it.

Honolulu City Lights

Do you have a few more days in the beginning of January to continue the celebration of the New Year in Hawaii? Stop by the Honolulu City Lights up until January 3rd and take part in the festivities as you watch the floats in the parade float by, enjoy authentic Hawaiian foods or listen to live performances.

Hawaii Cherry Blossom Festival

Want to leave the snow and the shovel behind and enjoy the sights and sounds of fragrant Hawaii? Join in the ceremonies at the Hawaii Cherry Blossom Festival to celebrate the fragrant and beautiful cherry blossom. Plenty of pageants and coronations for a different kind of travel experience.

What’s New in Hawaii?

The great thing about Hawaii is in how it maintains its culture but keeps up with the trends. Here are a few happenings for Hawaii in 2016:

• Ritz Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach will offer upscale rooms
• Oahu will open the first Hampton Inn and Suites
• Aston Kaanapali Shores will have a new one million dollar pool complete with new LED lighting – imagine that
• The Four Seasons Resort will re-introduce itself after a beautiful transformation
• For the shoppers – plenty of opportunity to shop till you drop at the International Market Place
• And Hawaii National Volcano Park celebrates its 100th year

And if you are a car enthusiast, why not plan your trip later in the year towards March and enjoy the First Hawaiian International Auto Show set for March 18-20.

If you’ve never been to Hawaii before, there’s plenty to see and do in 2016. You will find the traditional tourist attractions and memorial sites such as the USS Arizona and the Diamondhead crater and for a more unique experience why not take on some whale watching, zip lining or stay in one of the above-mentioned resorts where you can enjoy the fruits of their labor.

In 2016, you can enjoy all that is old and all that is new in Hawaii while you ring in the New Year, as well.

The attack on Pearl Harbor back on December 7, 1941 was commemorated on December 7, 2015 remembering the day 74 years ago leading the United States into World War II. There were several commemorative ceremonies that took place from parades to the laying of wreaths and in places from Washington, D.C. to the spot where the attacks took place in Hawaii.

Not only is the anniversary 74 years old, there were even veterans attending that were older than that. The oldest living United States veteran coming in at 110 years old was also taking part in the remembrance of those who lost their lives on that fateful day 74 years ago. The 110-year-old Lake Charles, La. Veteran was joined in Washington by other veterans and even two additional survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack in order to honor and remember those lost.

On December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy conducted a surprise attack on the United States naval base located in Pearl Harbor. Hundreds of planes attacked shortly prior to 8:00 in the morning. December 7, 2015 commemorated that event.

The Sights and Sounds of Commemorations

Speeches – Throughout the United States, speeches were made honoring those who survived and remembering those who perished. USS Arizona surviving veterans rang a bell to honor their fellow sailors as taps played out in the background.

Parades -In Hawaii, parades that included the culture of Hawaii full with flame throwers and hula dancers marched along the streets as crowds cheered, honored and remembered those who were lost on December 7, 1941.

Live Dive – There was a live dive scheduled for December 8, 2015 at World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. The Live Dive will showcase locations aboard the ship previously unseen. The hosts of the event will be available for discussion live at the theater. Imagine taking part in viewing a live dive as it happens on such a commemorative occasion.

Visitors can get a clearer picture of what it might have been like to be aboard the vessel and get an understanding of how much is involved in maintaining this sacred space.

Band Performances – Army, Air Force, and Marine Band performances performed for all to enjoy, and several commemorations also involved a moment of silence at 7:55 a.m., the moment the attack began.

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Commemoration via Live Stream – Three live events were showcased offering history and remembrance to those in attendance. The commemoration had a live broadcast of both the USS Oklahoma and USS Arizona memorial ceremonies.

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

The National Park Service together with the United States Navy together hosted the commemoration at Kilo Pier which was open to the public. And, for those who could not attend, a live stream was offered at the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center.

If you’ve never been to Hawaii and visited the site of the USS Arizona Memorial, it’s never too late to start planning as next year marks the 75^th anniversary of this day that will forever remain in the hearts of Americans as the day the United States entered into World War II.

Of course, Hawaii is paradise, but there is also a piece of important history there as well. If you visit, you can get the chance to pay tribute, remember, and create a moment of silence in honor of those who perished.

Are you daydreaming about a trip to Hawaii in the future? While everyone is running around holiday shopping and storing up goodies for inclement winter weather, you may be fantasizing about your next warm weather getaway. What’s better than daydreaming? Planning and booking your holiday vacation for 2106 is what’s better.

If you think of vacation, chances are you are like most folks and believe it is a lifetime away – until next summer, that is. However, waiting until the New Year might not be in your best interest. You can book your holiday now for 2016 and discover the hidden benefits.

Re-Book before You Leave

One of the benefits of booking a holiday in advance is the ability to get your pick of the litter when it comes to choices. You may be a return visitor and have a recurring annual trip on your agenda. For some it might be a winter escape to Aruba while for others it’s a spring fling to Hawaii. Whatever it may be, when you book again before you leave, you reap the rewards.

For some, a trip to Hawaii is an once-in-a-lifetime trip. For others, there are airline credit card miles, travel hacks, and plenty of ways to make it a recurring event. If you book another return trip before you exit your current vacation – whether it is a camping cabin in Pennsylvania or a trip to Hawaii for the following year, you guarantee your favorite spot.

Do you have a favorite place to stay or a particular section of a resort you like to stay in? Book it now and sit back and enjoy your holidays.

Early Bird Catches the Discount

The early bird may catch the worm, but when it comes to booking travel in advance, the early bird just may catch the discount. You may qualify for an early-bird discount or you may qualify for a return visitor discount. The odds of you getting a discount are in your favor either way.

While the thought of spending some money to save some money might seem like it’s for “other” people, when it comes to travel it can work for you too.

You Get Your Choice of Tours

Have you ever gone on vacation and stood on line to get tickets to an event or tourist site only to be shut out of your first choice? When you book a holiday vacation just before the New Year, you may have an array of options you would not necessarily have if you wait.

Some travelers wait until they arrive at their destination to book their tours only to find out they cannot do what they want, when they want. Worse yet, sometimes these travelers go home without being able to see the site or attend the event. When you book early, you have a better chance of getting your first choice.

Early Payment Discounts and Incentives

Some travelers might want to put a small deposit on their pre-booked travel plans. Other travelers inquire about pre-paying their travel package in advance. Taking out travel insurance is a great way to take advantage of pre-payment plans and early payment incentives on packages, hotels, and tours. When you pre-pay in advance, you can reap the rewards of discounts and incentives. When you purchase some travel insurance, you can rest a bit more easily about your travel plans.

Everyone Loves a Freebie

When you plan, book, and pay in advance, you get to ask for freebies. Maybe you want an extra night’s stay on the house for booking early. What about a dinner voucher for two in that exciting new restaurant you’ve had your eye on for a while? Go ahead and ask for freebies – you never know, the company you are booking with might be so ecstatic about your adventurous pre-planning, they are more than willing to throw in a couple of extra bonuses.

Beef up Those Group Discounts

If you are booking early and traveling as a group, why not go for the double discount and ask for an even bigger group discount. Start out by asking for a group discount and then don’t be afraid to ask for an even bigger group discount for planning, booking and paying early. Companies, more often than not, are more willing to grab a bunch of travelers and offer them a decent discount to keep them happy – and booked!

While you might never dream of having the money now to pre-plan a future trip, you never know how much you might actually be saving if you do.

Although 2015 is winding down to an end, it’s never too late to explore what’s trending in the world of travel; especially travel to Hawaii. There’s no better time to plan your next tropical vacation while facing the onset of another winter also known as, “snowmageddon.”

For some travelers, getting away from it all and enjoying cultural flavors of Kalua pig, poi, and tropical fruits rather than the traditional turkey is a new trend in itself. If you are planning or even thinking about going somewhere warm for the holidays, here are some top tips to trendy travel in Hawaii.

Dining and Eating

One of the biggest trends for travel to Hawaii is in the way visitors choose to dine and eat. More and more travelers are choosing to get acquainted with the food and culture of Hawaii. While there is no shortage of any type of meal on the islands of Hawaii, travelers want to get to know Hawaiian cuisine more personally.

Going above and beyond the tourist-like luaus, vacationers while the real deal, authentic Hawaiian experience. Travelers are dining at traditional, family-owned restaurants to get their taste of the exotic and delicious Hawaiian entrée known as lau lau or a food truck lunch plate of loco moco with a side of Spam meat. Travelers want the real deal when it comes to eating Hawaiian foods.

Philanthropic Vacations

There are organizations for travelers looking to give back to Hawaii while vacationing. These organizations offer visitors the opportunity to help sustain and maintain some of Hawaii’s vital resources while earning a discount on their stay.

One such organization is Volunteer on Vacation in Hawaii. Travelers have the opportunity to give back to Hawaii all that its natural beauty and splendor has given to its millions of tourists and visitors throughout the years.

Travelers get a sense of giving back while enjoying a little discount in paradise.

Go Tropical and Go Big in a One-of-a-Kind Way

If you want to head out for the holidays to a tropical destination, check out Uncommon Journeys. They are hosting an original trip that combines both rail and sail during Thanksgiving time. From November 25^th through December 13^th, you can enjoy train travel to San Diego followed up by a 17 night round trip journey to Hawaii through the Holland America cruise line.

There will be plenty of activities once you are on land and throughout the ports too. Imagine pulling into the tranquil waters of Hawaii’s coast, seeing volcanoes rise up from the ground and the endless miles of sugar-sand beaches. You’ll get to float along from one scenic setting to another as you cruise along your way. Talk about going tropical and going big.

Free train travel from any city makes it even more possible. Travelers all beginning to see the sense behind a new trend of saving up for an once-in-a-lifetime trip like this – even if it means skipping a vacation one year.

Hawaii’s New Resort

It’s always exciting when a new resort is trending and visitors are following and watching as it unveils. Hokuala is the “rising star” of Hawaii and is set to become the latest and greatest resort in Kauai.

A boutique hotel that covers the span of activities from biking and beach activities to spa and find dining experiences, along with signature golf course. The one-of-a-kind mix that makes this new resort so unique is that it combines the authentic culture with the needs of the visitors and the community. It truly looks to be a one-of-a-kind experience too.

You can eat like a native, give back through volunteerism or follow the latest rail and sail while waiting for your chance to visit the newest trending resort in Hawaii. Some trends are simply worth following.

When planning for a trip to Hawaii, you will be, of course, excited beyond belief. You’ll want to spend some time, though, planning what to bring with you. There’s lots to see and do beyond the usual tourist stuff. You might sign up for a backpacking trip on the Kalalau Trail or in Haleakala National Park. You might even consider roughing it in paradise while camping out in Kalalau.

Whether you are taking on nature or nurturing yourself in luxury accommodations, here is a list of must-have items when visiting Hawaii:

1. Hotel Amenities – Sometimes when booking a trip, you forget to ask the simplest of questions. It takes some time and some skill to find the best deal combined with the best hotel. In the midst of all that exploration, you might forget to ask the basic questions.

–  Check the hotel to see if they offer an iron and board. Most of what you bring to Hawaii will be cotton, and cotton gets wrinkled easily.

– Ask if there is a microwave in the room. You may find yourself indoors for a short while during one of Hawaii’s famous rain showers and want to have a quick snack.

–  Even a mini-fridge is an added bonus. You can buy yourself a case of water for the price you might pay for one bottle at a popular tourist site.

– Find out if they have a laundry facility; this could be a life saver. Inquire if the hotel has a blow dryer; some hotels don’t offer this so don’t assume.

– Ask if there is a restaurant on premises and does it include breakfast.

– Don’t forget to pack some of your favorite non-perishable snacks.

2. Gear – If you have, it bring it. Know your itinerary beforehand. This will help alleviate spending time searching for and renting gear once you get to the islands. When you visit Hawaii, you want to spend more time doing activities than planning

– Hiking shoes; if you have them, bring them. There are so many gorgeous trails with breathtaking views on the islands of Hawaii, you’ll be glad you did.

– Waterproof lightweight jacket/sweater for nighttime

– Wear layers; you can bring a carry on with a mix of a little bit of everything

3. Protective Gear 

– Regardless of how you think you may look in a hat, it’s advisable to bring a hat or visor.

– Sunscreen – it’s better to bring your own than to pay high prices once you arrive on the islands.

– Extra shades – if you have an extra pair of sunglasses, bring a backup pair

– Don’t forget to bring extra contact lenses; the beach, sand and surf can wreak havoc on them.

4. Beach Bag Tote – Have you ever gone on vacation and forgotten your beach tote and find yourself carrying your beach wares in a plastic bag? Beach totes are easy enough to fold up small and pack in your suitcase.

5. Beach Towel – Bring your own beach towels; you’ll be glad you did, especially if the hotel has a laundry service. You can just pop in the swimwear and beach towels and be ready to go again the next day. Don’t buy beach towels on vacation. Save room in your suitcase for souvenirs.

6. Aloe Vera – Nobody wants to plan on getting sunburn, but if you do, you’ll be delighted that you packed some aloe vera cream in case the discomfort of sunburn hits in the middle of the night. When you are out having so much fun in the sun, it’s easy to lose track of applying that extra layer of sunscreen.

7. Your Itinerary – Make an itinerary before you go. How many times have you found yourself on vacation and asking everyone what they want to do only to get three or four different answers? When you have an itinerary, you don’t waste valuable vacation time.

8. Your Own Water Bottle – Bring your own water bottle you can refill. This saves you money. Moreover, lots of places in Hawaii are remote and use a “bring in/carry out” policy.

9. Electronics – Don’t forget your phone, camera, and computer charger, and your memory card. These items are quite expensive if you need to buy them while on vacation.

10. An Extra Tote – Bring an extra small tote for all those extra souvenirs you know you will be bringing.

With these top 10 must-have items, you’ll spend less time preparing and more time enjoying paradise.

Is traveling to Hawaii on your bucket list? If you do go, of course, you’ll be busy checking out things to do, places to go, sights to see. You’ll probably even have an itinerary of activities along with the best possible hotels to stay and even luaus to enjoy. However, if you’ve never been to Hawaii or are hoping to go “someday” soon, why not take your travel planning to the next level. There are pitfalls in traveling anywhere, but knowing them ahead of time is worth their weight in gold.

Here are 7 Pitfalls to Avoid before Traveling to Hawaii

Not Investigating Hurricane Season

If you’ve waited forever to go to Hawaii, saved and planned for what seems like a lifetime, don’t forget to look into when it’s prime hurricane season in Hawaii. You’ll probably be so busy thinking of how beautiful it is once you get to paradise, you may overlook its hurricane season – excitement can do that. Forgetting to look into the seasonal changes during Hawaii’s hurricane season, could be a damper on your dream vacation.

Typically, Hurricane season runs from June 1 through until November 30. That’s not to say that Mother Nature could change her mind at any given time, though. If you do plan any traveling during those times, you may want to explore the past weather history of the islands you intend to visit.

If you do book your visit during these times, ask your hotel questions, get tips and advice, do your research beforehand, check in with your airline carrier, and stay up-to-date. With so many mobile apps, you can easily stay ahead of the game.

Traveling when it’s Prime Tourist Time

If you want to make the most out of your Hawaiian vacation, don’t travel during peak tourist times; especially if it’s your first time. Peak tourist times are typically during Christmas time in late December through New Year’s, during snowbird season from January to middle of February, and during spring break season usually in the months of March and April.

Not Planning Ahead With Apps

We live in the most advantageous time to do everything with the ease and use of technology – especially mobile technology like apps. There are some useful apps you could use to plan ahead for your Hawaii vacation:

• Maps.Me – if you need an offline map, this is a great app, especially for those isolated hikes you might take through the hills and mountains of Hawaii.
• Surfing apps – if you want to stay abreast of the latest surfing conditions, make sure to download your favorite surfing app, which will keep you ahead of the game.
• Hawaii News Now – from weather to world reports, you can get all your important info with this app.
• Weather apps – a good weather app can go a long way, especially when traveling to Hawaii. You can keep abreast of tropical storm warnings and weather watches as well as get surf updates.

Not Doing Your Research

So many visitors get excited about their trip to paradise, they forget to do extra research or to do their homework beforehand. Do your research.

• Find the best time to travel
• Look for the best deals
• Discover package deals
• Research airline/hotel/tourist deals
• Watch out for updates

Not Checking Reviews for Accuracy

It’s nice to ask friends and family their opinions, but remember this is only their experience and not necessarily yours. Check out the forums, read up on readers’ choice awards, and check out reviews too. If they all match up with a negative experience on one particular adventure, then you can feel a little more secure to stay away, as well.

Not Comparing and Contrasting Your Prices

If you are visiting Hawaii, chances are you’re looking to get away from all that stress. You don’t want to do the work of comparing and contrasting prices because it feels like work. However, once you do the work, you’ll be glad you did. Getting the best deal and the most value is rewarding and will give you the best Hawaiian experience too.

Not Keeping an Eye on Fuel Prices

Keep an eye out for fuel prices. The lower the prices, the lower the air fare and the more the competition. If you don’t keep an eye out for fuel prices, how will you get the best deal? The more competition, the better it is for you.

Sure, plenty of people go to Hawaii to savor miles and miles of white sandy beach between their toes or to interact with all the amenities of the ocean. You can surf, swim, kayak, and canoe or get some much-needed relaxation as you de-stress while walking along the Hawaiian shores.

There are so many more ways to indulge all your senses when you visit Hawaii. From tasty treats and feel-good feelings, you can enjoy all the sights and sounds of a Hawaiian excursion. Six incredible islands, all with their own fragrance and flair.

Treat your taste buds -You probably think of pineapples and coconuts when you think of the tastes of Hawaii, but there is so much more than this. While Hawaiian fare blends these popular ingredients into its cuisine, it also includes some history and culture into the mix. Of course, you can indulge in tourist events such as a hosted luau served with roast pig and poi, but there’s nothing like an authentic taste of any land.

Tropical Farms of Hawaii is one such place. There you can take a tour and treat your taste buds to the buttery, delectable taste of macadamia nuts and savor some coffee from home-grown regions. Additionally, if you haven’t heard, coconut milk is all the rage. Here at this farm, you can quench your thirst with the taste of the sweetest and coolest coconut water from your very own coconut. If all that touring is making you crave something sweet, try your taste buds on a malasada with the sweet, moist goodness of everything you’d expect from a Hawaiian doughnut.

In the mood to taste some authentic Hawaiian food? No worries, everywhere you turn, you can get your taste buds on some Poke – tender, marinated, fresh ahi tuna.

Go cuckoo for Kulolo – a Hawaiian dessert made from taro, sugar and, of course, coconut milk.

Go Crazy for some Loco Moco – a dish consisting of hamburger, rice, a fried egg and topped with gravy.

What’s that sound? If you are present to the experience of actually being in Hawaii (as opposed to trying to cram it all in one visit), you can savor the sounds of these islands.

Get in tune with the rhythmic sounds of the ukulele as you sit and enjoy a tasty, festive luau.

Listen for the call of the ocean while the conch shell is blown, signifying the beginning of a festive evening.

Get present to the sounds of nature as you tour a rainforest. The exotic birds have a song just for you.

Of course, there is the thrashing, crashing sound of the waves as they hit the multi-colored shores from pearly white to black sand beaches.

The Feel of Paradise – Nuuanu Pali Lookout, Oahu offers you a real deal experience. You will have the wind at your back and the ocean breeze on your face as you bask in the view overlooking the Oahu coastline.

Shop the local markets where you can touch and feel the wares and choose the best fruits to delight your other sense – your taste buds. There’s nothing quite like visiting a local outdoor market to touch and feel the arts and crafts and find the one that suits you the best.

Of course, feeling the sand between your toes, but also in your hands – build a sandcastle, feel the warmth of the sun as you embrace the essence of tropical bliss.

The Smell of the Ocean – If you take a moment to really inhale and take in the scent of the ocean, you just might smell the sea salt and that beautiful fragrance that only the sea can give you.

Trade winds are your own personal delivery person while in Hawaii. It can bring the scent of a multitude of exotic flowers from frangipani to perfumed passionflower wafting under your nose.

Salmon, chicken, and pork are also on top of the list of savory scents in Hawaii. Any time you get a hint of these tasty foods, you can be sure that someone somewhere is hosting a luau.

An Abundance of Sights – Suffice it to say, that the most overloaded sense is the sense of sight. There is so much to see in Hawaii that it would take hundreds of articles to cover them all.

Rainforests, mountains, volcanoes, and beaches along with winding and twisting roads leave your sights on overload. From the creatures in the rainforest to the habitants of the sea, you won’t believe your eyes.

From the Halona Blowhole, a lava tube capable of spewing water up dozens of feet in the air to smoky volcanic clouds and the glow of overflowing lava spilling out from a volcano, Hawaii is a sight to be seen.

When you consider any of the islands of Hawaii, you may think there’s no need to define any of them other than as paradise. You would be right in that thought. However, it’s nice to take a comprehensive look at all the islands and see which one matches your personality. Not only do you want to see which island of Hawaii is most in alignment with who you are, it’s also important to seek out which island suits your vacation needs best.

When traveling to Hawaii, you want to make every moment count. It’s not often you get to visit paradise on earth, after all. If you are seeking lively entertainment and lots of tourist attractions, you may want to stay on Waikiki Beach. For a more laid back, authentic vibe, Moloka’i may be just the remedy you need for a life lived on overload where all you want to do for a while is disconnect.

Weather in Paradise

Depending on when you visit, you can expect the weather temperatures to be anywhere from the high 70s to upper 80s. Some parts of the island are warmer and drier while certain parts, such as those closer to the rainforest, are wetter and cooler. Either way, this island is a nature-lover’s dream.

Being One with Nature

Out of all the islands, Moloka’i is a favorite for those who appreciate authentic nature experiences. This island is known for the having the friendliest of residents. Their way is the authentic way. You can enjoy fishing, surfing, kayaking, and surfing right alongside those who inhabit the island.

You won’t be likely to find yourself waiting in long lines, waiting for heavily populated tourist destinations here. You will be rubbing elbows with the locals as you try your hand at sport fishing. From horseback riding to mountain biking, the outdoors is your playground in Moloka’i.

For the Athlete in All of Us

Once you arrive on the island, you cannot help but feel connected to the beautiful, natural surroundings. The warm sunlight and trade wind breezes will make you want to devour everything natural and outdoors you possibly can.

There is a hiking experience for every hike lover and for every level, at that. You get to choose from mountain or valley to shoreline in between. If your idea of an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime hike is viewing breathtaking scenery from an overlook, uncovering secret pools or passing by an historical site, then a hike on Moloka’i is medicine for your soul.

The Greens in the Greenest Place

As if Moloka’i was not green enough itself with its rainforests and plant life, you can visit a different kind of green – The Greens at Kauluwai (Ironwoods Gold Course). Who could be better than you as you playing a round in the beautiful and serene natural setting of Moloka’i?

Kalaupapa National Historic Park

The Kalaupapa peninsula is where those afflicted with leprosy were sent. The park offers insight and testimony to those who lived out their lives in isolation as they suffered from this terrible disease. The historic preservation of the buildings, the museums and the cemetery all tell the untold story of those who lived, suffered, and died there.

Halawa Valley

If you wish to take one of the most impressive hikes of your life, then step into Halawa Valley and take a step back into time when Polynesians lived, roamed and worshipped. Mooula Falls are waiting for you to view their two-tiered magnificence. So grab a guide and go take a hike in one of the most exquisite and untouched places on the planet.

Papohaku Beach

On this flawless, white-sand beach, you will feel as though you are on your own private property. Its seclusion adds to its beauty and charm. You will find picnic tables, the most pristine place to walk on the beach, and be able to enjoy snapping prize-winning photographs to call your own. Picnic tables under the trees and picturesque scenery with miles of sugary sand beaches underfoot will help you let it all go on this solitary beach.

It’s not every day that you get to go on a trip to Hawaii. Some people use the expression, “It’s not about the destination, but the journey.” When it comes to planning ahead for your trip to Hawaii and setting foot in paradise, it’s about both the journey and the destination. If you had to think of anything more fun than both planning and arriving on your trip to Hawaii, not too many things could compare.

If you do have intentions to visit Hawaii, but aren’t quite ready yet, that’s good news too. It’s never too early to plan ahead for a trip to paradise. If Hawaii is on your wish list, but you haven’t had time to do much research yet, there are a host of reasons to visit the Big Island.

Top 3 Reasons to Go Visit Hawaii

• The weather is idyllic. Temperatures are between 80 and 85 degrees, not too hot, with the trade winds blowing and the golden sun shining, it’s near perfect. Even when it rains, a few minutes later you get the benefit of one of Hawaii’s famous rainbows immediately afterward.
• The epitome of relaxation – not only is the weather sublime and the surroundings glorious, the people are some of the most laid back and relaxed folks you will find. If you are in need of a much-needed rest and relaxation destination, the Big Island is the place for you.
• Something for everyone – from weddings to honeymoons and family reunions to singles’ events, there is something for everyone in Hawaii. Dancing, nightlife, beach activities and water sports, historic tourist attractions and even volcanoes, there’s never a dull moment – until you say there is. With endless beaches and deep blue waters, you can pull up a hammock and not move until you want to.

Once you have your mind set that this is the perfect destination for you, it’s time to plan ahead.

Choose Your Island

This is where some of the work comes in; however, by planning ahead, you can get a clear idea of which island best suits your needs. Many families and couples, however, visit more than one island on their trip to Hawaii.

• Hawaii – waterfalls, rainforests and volcanoes
• Maui – the road to Hana
• Oahu – Home to the historic Pearl Harbor sites and Waikiki
• Kauai – famous sea cliffs of the Napali Coast
• Molokai – deep connection to Hawaiian culture and heritage
• Lanai – luxury, romance and R&R

What type of activities do you intend to partake in – historical and cultural or water-based sporting activities? Are you looking for pure relaxation or romance on the beach? Once you know which island you want to visit and what you want your itinerary to look like, next is the accommodations.

Accommodations

There are quite a few things to think about when it comes to which accommodations you will choose.

• Do you want to book a package deal with an online discount travel service combining air fare, hotel and excursions? Or would you prefer to go it alone and compare and contrast the various deals?
• Where would you like to stay? All inclusive resort, small beach hut or a condominium? Would a service such as Airbnb suit you where you can rent a room or a small house from a private owner and come and go as you please?
• What is your budget? Economy or luxury or somewhere in between. When you know your budget ahead of time, you have more than enough time to save.

Credit Cards and Frequent Flyer Miles

If you play your cards right – credit cards, that is – you might get a super deal on your airfare to Hawaii. Shop around and seek out the best credit card deals that offer the best frequent flier reward programs, whether it is an airline credit card or private card. If you travel for business a lot, those points can add up nicely. If you play your cards right, you may get some pretty substantial discounts on your airfare.

Look for cards that offer flexibility and the ability to transfer and use your points toward airfare and/or hotels accordingly. Pay attention to the fees, rules and requirements and you may be pleasantly surprised that you find yourself with quite a few extra points adding up before you know it. It might take some time and effort, but again, if you plan ahead, it can be well worth your while.

Ask for Discounts

Many a traveler has received some pretty decent discounts simply for being a “newbie” to a hotel, resort or restaurant. Businesses want happy customers, but more importantly, they want repeat customers. Never be afraid to politely ask for an incentive to visit, dine or stay and offer the reward of coming back with your entire family.

Even ask to book excursions in advance and receive a discount for doing so; you never know who just may say yes to your request.

These starter tips will help you plan ahead well in advance so that you can have the most enjoyable visit when your feet finally do hit the ground in paradise.