Postcard from Hawaii

Aloha from Hawaii 

You have got to visit Hawaii at some stage in your life.

Lots to see and do. Easy to get to the other islands and is a great place for anyone.

I visited the Big Island and O'ahu (Honolulu, Waikiki Beach etc)

More amazing experiences here that I loved. Definitely ticked off a number of my bucket list things to see and do.

Let's start with the Big Island. Here you can have 8 independent climate zones. Crazy right!!

Bucket list number 1 was flying over an active volcano in a helicopter. Wow...just wow. Seeing the lava flowing and all the smoke and steam was something I will never forget. Amazing experience.

Bucket list number 2 was being in the ocean at night seeing the Manta Rays. They are so gentle and graceful. Holding on to a floating board with lights that attract plankton bring the manta rays to feed. The mantas at times, barely a hand distance away from you was so surreal. The tour operator I chose only takes a small number of guests to allow faster access into the ocean. You are also able to engage better with the team onboard and be looked after better rather than being on a boat that takes lots of passengers. Highly recommend this activity. It is suitable for all ages and completely safe.

The Big Island has waterfalls, hikes, volcano, black sand beaches with turtles all resting on the sand, snorkeling, swimming and green sand beaches.. a good 3 days is plenty on this island. Enough time to explore the island and do some activities.

O'ahu - this is home to Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, The North Shore (known to be the surfer's capital of the world), Pearl Harbor and more.

Pearl Harbor is well worth the visit. You don't have to be a war buff to appreciate the history here. You can explore the Battleship Missouri, check out Hangar 79 (Aviation Museum) with actual bullet holes through the glass of the hangar, walk through a submarine and of course visit the USS Arizona Memorial. 

I found it all very interesting and sad at the same time. 

Kualoa Ranch is home to Ka’a’awa Valley, known as Hollywood’s “Hawaii Backlot,” where over 200 Hollywood movies and TV shows have been filmed since the 1950’s. You will see the boneyard from Kong Skull Island, the Jumanji dance-fight area, Godzilla’s massive footprints, and several other filming locations! There is a historical WWII army bunker, built entirely into the side of the mountain range. There you’ll find posters, props and memorabilia from movies and tv shows filmed at Kualoa through the years, as well as some cool WWII artifacts and exhibits.

Waikiki is where most of the accommodation is and is the most popular spot to be in. The beaches, restaurants, shops and activities will keep you entertained. You can do as much or as little as you want. Fireworks displays happen every Friday night on Waikiki Beach.

The outlet shopping is so good and the great thing is when travelling to Hawaii, you get 2x checked in bags for your flights per person on Air NZ. Plenty of room to bring back all those shoes, clothing, handbags and other items you like.

Getting around is super easy and another great thing is everyone speaks English. Plenty of things for kids to do as well.