Hawaii Vacation Rentals
Looking for an island paradise? How about a whole chain of them? Hawaii consists of hundreds of islands from the aptly named Big Island (also known simply as Hawaii) to tiny uninhabited atolls. The six islands of Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Hawaii, and Oahu each have their own personalities. We’ve prepared this guide to help you decide on which piece of paradise your next luxury vacation rental should be located.
The biggest Kahuna of them all, the Big Island, goes by the name Hawaii and encompasses much of what every island has to offer. Visitors will find many of the Big Island luxury vacation rentals on Hawaii’s western side because the central mountains block storms from hitting this area, guaranteeing sunny days. This area is also home to many of state’s best beaches. Five volcanoes form this island, home to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Another popular natural feature, Waipio Valley, has been called the most beautiful valley in the world. History buffs will also appreciate Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, the City of Refuge for the island’s pre-colonial natives, which has been recreated for posterity. The Big Island also has plenty of family activities, including Dolphin Quest, where the family can swim with dolphins!
If Hawaii is the biggest island, Oahu and Maui have the most culture, with a plethora of dining, shopping and entertainment options complementing the natural beauty and perfect beaches.
Oahu The most recognizable city of Hawaii, Honolulu, can be found on the island of Oahu. Many visitors come to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial to pay their respects and learn about one of the major flashpoints of World War II. Families will also enjoy the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium. Even more popular is Sea Life Park, one of Oahu’s most visited attractions. The best places for luxury vacation rentals can be found outside this area, however. Stay on the North Shore to get close to the surfing lifestyle. Waianae sits close to Makaha Beach County Park, a popular surf spot. The Polynesian Cultural Center has recreated villages that showcase the original lifestyles of Pacific Islanders. If you’re looking for an adventure, try Waimea Falls Park, home of cliff diving displays and tours by kayak, horseback and ATV.
Maui Like Oahu, Maui has some of Hawaii’s most unique and vibrant towns. One of the most unique, Hana, lies at the end of the famous Hana Highway. View the art at the Hana Coast Gallery and pick up some chili sauce at HanaHotties. Continue down the coast to the Haleakala National Park, home of the Seven Sacred Pools. Kihei, another great town, boasts the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and is a great place to charter a whale watching boat. For the best Hawaiian dinner experience, complete with hula dancers and luau, check out the Feast at Lele in Lahaina. Lahaina draws many visitors staying in luxury vacation rentals all over Maui. Not to be outdone by Oahu, Maui also has created its own aquarium experience at the Maui Ocean Center. The Hawaii Nature Center also has hands-on exhibits that the kids will love. Golfers will appreciate 16 world-class courses that include the home of the Mercedes Benz Championship on the PGA Tour.
Kauai Kauai has been blessed with abundant amounts of rainfall, spectacular mountain scenery and some of the best beaches. One of the best places to experience the lush tropical vegetation and rugged terrain is the Na Pali Coast Trail. Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, is also a must-see. Imagine championship golf courses set against these magnificent backdrops! The Kauai golf scene is legendary, and Golf Magazine has named Poipu Bay Golf Course one of the Top 18 courses in America. Nearby Poipu Beach was once named the best beach in America by "Dr. Beach."
Lanai Lanai remains low-key, though not undeveloped. Consider this island for two main amenities: privacy and golf. Read how About.com described the two marquee courses, often considered two of the world’s best: The Challenge at Manele is "…carved from lava cliffs hundreds of feet above crashing surf. All eighteen holes of this target-style course have breathtaking views of the ocean and neighboring islands." At The Experience at Koele, "the first seven holes sit atop a forested plateau 2,000 feet above sea level, where morning mists rise to provide panoramic views of the islands of Maui and Moloka’i across the deep blue channel." If that doesn’t make you want to reserve a Lanai luxury vacation rental, what does?
Molokai Molokai shares Lanai’s quiet profile. The boat ride from Maui not only transports you across the Kaholi Channel, but also back in time. The rural character really comes out with visits to Purdy’s Natural Macademia Nut Farm. Don’t forget to try some of the local coffee. Of course, there are plenty of adventures to be had. There’s nothing like diving or snorkel at Black Rock off the Kaanapali coast. Sailing and sport fishing off the coast are also popular activities.
Top Ten Things to Do and See in Hawaii
1. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
2. Dolphin Quest
3. Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial
4. Sea Life Park
5. Polynesian Cultural Center
6. Feast at Lele
7. Golf Maui
8. Poipu Beach
9. Haleakala National Park
10. Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, the City of Refuge
