Bamboo Forest on Maui Tours [Reviews 2024]
Road to Hana & Bamboo Forest on Maui Tours Thursday May 16, 2024
Road to Hana & Bamboo Forest on Maui – the “Highway to Heaven”.
The Road to Hana & Bamboo Forest on Maui Tour is an iconic 64 miles, 103 kilometers drive through the island of Maui.
It is the most beautiful and enchanting drive you will ever have in your life, full of thriving bamboo forests on Maui, dramatic waterfalls, and the greenest landscapes you can imagine.
The Hana highway connects Kahului to the town of Hana, and it’s the best way to see the bamboo forests on Maui.
Stop at many viewpoints, explore the rainforests and beautiful beaches, and make a day out of this wild adventure.
Road to Hana & Bamboo Forest on Maui Tours 2024– Quick Review
- Small-Group Road to Hana Adventure Tour with Pickup
- Oahu Circle Island and Snorkeling Tour
- Small-Group Road to Hāna Tour 6 to 8 passengers
- Maui: Road to Hana Adventure with Breakfast & Lunch
- Maui Dream 65-minute Helicopter Flight
- Full Circle Reverse – Luxury Road to Hana Tour from West Maui
- Road to Hana Day Trip
- Road to Hana Adventure w/ Breakfast & Lunch
- Maui: Self-Drive Sightseeing Road Trip
- Maui: Group Tour Rainforest Waterfall Canyon Rappelling
Road to Hana & Bamboo Forest on Maui Tours 2024 – In Detail
You will see why the Road to Hana should be on your Maui itinerary! Explore the best Road to Hana & Bamboo Forest on Maui tours and read what each can offer.
You’ve come to the right place for nature lovers looking to get away in the wild.
1. Small-Group Road to Hana Adventure Tour with Pickup
Departure: 1090 Ho’okele St, Kahului, HI 96732 at 8 am.
Duration: 10-hour full-day tour.
Includes: Road to Hana & Bamboo Forest on Maui, Ho’okipa Beach Park, Waikani Falls, Pua’a Ka’a State Park, and many more.
Bookings: Check Tour Availability & Price
This full-day Road to Hana & Bamboo Forest on Maui tour has all the best stops on the highway with amazing activities and viewpoints!
The Road to Hana is famous for being dangerous for its complicated windy roads and how narrow they can be at certain points. Going on a tour is an excellent option as you will be in safe hands that take on the driving with serious precautions.
This tour features two beautiful waterfalls – Waikiki and Wailua Falls – the tallest waterfall on the Hana highway.
The Maui Honey Bee Sanctuary and Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread make this tour a top hit! Enjoy some Hawaiian snacks and refill at these cultural stops.
One of the last stops on the Road to Hana & Bamboo Forest on the Maui tour is Ho’okipa Beach Park. Here, you will see people participating in many water sports – namely windsurfing!
For more information and full tour details, Check Tour Availability & Price.
2. Oahu Circle Island and Snorkeling Tour
2. Oahu Circle Island and Snorkeling Tour
Departure: 8:00 AM. Pick-up is included for most Waikiki accommodations, the airport or port.
Duration: 8 – 10 hours.
Includes: Full-day circle-island tour of Oahu to see all of Oahu’s top attractions in just one day. Bottled water, Snorkeling gear and snacks dsupplied.
Bookings: Check Tour Availability & Price
Make the most of your time on Oahu with this full-day circular island tour. It’s a fast-moving day trip that will take you to Diamond Head, the Dole Plantation, private beaches, a coffee farm, and more.
You may also snorkel in the ocean around the North Shore, home to sea turtles.
This tour has a total of 15 stops, including Diamond Head Beach Park, Kahala, Halona Blowhole, Eternity Beach, Sandy Beach Park, Makapu’u Point, Waimanalo Beach, Mokoli’i Island, Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Farm and Farm Tour, Laie Hawaii Temple, Kahuku Farms, Kahuku, Haleiwa, Haleiwa Alii Beach Park, Dole Plantation, and Green World Coffee Farms.
Therefore, whether it’s the beaches, waterfalls, bamboo forests on Maui, or the pure Hawaiian culture, you can experience it here – the Road to Hana has it all.
Honestly, just do this tour!!! You see and learn so much.
For more information and full tour details, Check Tour Availability & Price.
3. Small-Group Road to Hāna Tour 6 to 8 passengers
3. Small-Group Road to Hāna Tour 6 to 8 passengers
Departure: 7:00 AM, Hotel pickup offered or meet at Kahului, HI, USA
Duration: 10 hours (approx.)
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks a road trip of the Road to Hana including Ho’okipa Park, Huelo, Hanawi Falls, Hana Bay, Haleakala Volcano, and many more.
Bookings: Check Tour Availability & Price
Discover the beauty of the Road to Hana on this small-group adventure from Lahaina. Sit back and relax as you travel along the famous road, filled with curves and one-lane bridges, with an experienced driver.
Learn about Hawaiian history, heritage, and culture as you make stops at several locations along the way, including Ho’okipa Park, Huelo, Hanawi Falls, Hana Bay, Haleakala Volcano, and many more, to see lush landscapes and ocean views.
Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and snacks included in the tour, and benefit from hassle-free transfers from your accommodation. With a small group, you’ll receive more attention from your knowledgeable guide.
Drive through the eclectic town of Paia, an old plantation-era town, before passing the world-famous Ho’okipa Beach Park, known for its perfect windsurfing conditions. Marvel at the painted forest of beautiful rainbow eucalyptus trees in the historic area of Huelo.
Take a refreshing swim break and explore the idyllic Pua’a Ka’a State Park, which features two small scenic waterfalls and pools. During your visit to the small community of Keanae, step into the past and feast on the best banana bread in the Hawaiian islands while possibly catching a view of the honu, Hawaiian sea turtles.
Admire the cascading Hanawi Falls and the beautiful rainforest views at the Nahiku Viewpoint. Take a swim break at the spectacular Honokalani Beach, a gorgeous black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park, where an ancient Hawaiian footpath leads to the beach area.
Stop at Koki Beach overlook to see the red hill known as Ka Iwi o Pele and get an excellent view of `Alau Island, a seabird sanctuary. Take a rest stop at the tropical flowers of Maui to use the bathroom and enjoy a little shopping opportunity.
Admire Wailua Falls, an 80-foot cascading waterfall and plunge pool considered one of the most photographed beautiful waterfalls on Maui. Visit the serene grounds of the Palapala Ho’omau Church in lovely Kipahulu and pay your respects at Charles A. Lindbergh’s grave.
Capture the beauty of the Kipahulu district with its rugged coastline, mountain valleys, and sweeping ocean views. Drive through the quaint, rustic Kula district, with its brilliant white, octagonal Holy Ghost Church, offering the best views in Upcountry Maui.
Finally, end the tour in Kahului, located in the valley between the West Maui mountains and the slopes of Haleakala on the south side of Maui. This small-group adventure is the perfect way to discover the beauty of the Road to Hana and create unforgettable memories.
For more information and full tour details, Check Tour Availability & Price.
4. Maui: Road to Hana Adventure with Breakfast & Lunch
4. Maui: Road to Hana Adventure with Breakfast & Lunch
Departure: Meet at Safeway, 1090 Ho’okele St, Kahului, HI 96732
Duration: 9 – 10 hours.
Includes: Lunch sandwich, swim break at a waterfall and black sand beach, entry to Wai’anapanapa State Park and the black sand beach included.
Bookings: Check Tour Availability & Price
Embark on an unforgettable 10-hour journey along the famous Road to Hana, a scenic drive that spans 64 miles of Maui’s stunning natural beauty. Take in the lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and 59 bridges as you wind through 640 curves.
On your way to the Ulupalakua Ranch, one of Maui’s oldest and largest ranches, you’ll pass the charming town of Keokea. Continue on to the Kipahulu District, where you can pay your respects at the Palapala Ho’omau Church, the final resting place of legendary aviator Charles Lindbergh.
Stop for an outdoor picnic-style lunch surrounded by the stunning black sand beach scenery. Then, make your way to the Pua’a Ka’a State Park, where you can hike through the lush rainforest and admire the sparkling waterfalls.
Be sure to visit the impressive lava caves at Wai’anapanapa State Park, and take in the breathtaking beauty of Ke‘anae Point during your 30-minute stop there.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a 15-minute stop at Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread, where you can indulge in the delicious homemade treats.
As you continue along the Road to Hana, you’ll pass by other notable sights such as the Bamboo Forest, Ho’okipa Beach Park, Waikani Falls, Wailua Falls, and Charles Lindbergh’s grave. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see the Maui Honey Bee Sanctuary and Laulima Farm as you make your way towards Ohe’o Gulch in Haleakala National Park.
For more information and full tour details, Check Tour Availability & Price.
5. Maui Dream 65-minute Helicopter Flight
5. Maui Dream 65-minute Helicopter Flight
Departure: Flights depart from Kahului Heliport, 2 Lelepio Pl., Kahului, Maui.
Duration: 65 minutes.
Includes: Complete Maui flying expedition with views of Hana, bamboo forests on Maui, Lahaina, Kapalua, Kaanapali, and Wailea.
Bookings: Check Tour Availability & Price
Calling all those in need of an adventure in the sky! Fly from above and see the entirety of Maui island and all its beauty.
This unique flight tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience on the island. You won’t get any views like this from the grounds of Maui.
See the magical bamboo forest on Maui, Haleakala’s crater, the dramatic West Maui Mountains, and the iconic Iao Valley State Park. All of Maui’s best highlights in one day, in a helicopter!
We highly recommend this tour if you want to see everything on the island. Fun for anyone and the best flight you can imagine.
For more information and full tour details, Check Tour Availability & Price.
6. Full Circle Reverse – Luxury Road to Hana Tour from West Maui
6. Full Circle Reverse – Luxury Road to Hana Tour from West Maui
Departure: Pick-up is included.
Duration: 8 – 10 hours.
Includes: Road to Hana & Bamboo Forest on Maui, Upcountry Maui, the town of Hana, Hana ranch restaurant, Haiku, and many more.
Bookings: Check Tour Availability & Price
This Road to Hana & Bamboo Forest on the Maui tour is very different from the rest. They will go all the way around the mountain instead of going back on themselves. And they will also do it in reverse, which is something that the locals do.
There is no better way to experience Hana’s thrilling and dangerous road than a local! This tour is perfect for those wanting to see it all in one day, with some of the best highlights of Maui.
Upcountry Maui is our favorite, where you will learn about the history of agriculture in Hawaii – a place that will take you back in time.
Also featured on this tour is the town of Hana; people say that Hana is a small town known as the ‘Real Hawaii.’ Hana remains with most of its original small local town feel and, unlike other towns on the islands, hasn’t been overdeveloped.
And not to forget the miles of bamboo forest on the Road to Hana, where you can get lost in paradise.
For more information and full tour details, Check Tour Availability & Price.
7. Road to Hana Day Trip
Departure: Pickup is included (check the list online for certain times).
Duration: 9 – 10 hours.
Includes: Road to Hana & Bamboo Forest on Maui, Keanae Point, Waianapanapa State Park, Waikani and Wailua Falls, and many more.
Bookings: Check Tour Availability & Price
Take a beautiful trip down the Road to Hana & Bamboo Forest on Maui on this amazing tour that gives you the pure life of Maui.
The road to Hana is so famous in Hawaii for its untouched landscapes and impressive natural landmarks along the way.
We don’t know many roads that stretch for 64 miles or 103 kilometers that go through such beautiful areas – which is why everyone wants to cruise along the Road to Hana in Maui.
One of the most popular and famous spots on the Road to Hana is the bamboo forest on Maui. Getting there is an adventure, of course, but when you arrive, you can see nature come alive and hear the wildlife surrounding you.
Having a guide with you always makes your time more valuable, as you can learn about the ancient history that lies here on the Road to Hana.
For more information and full tour details, Check Tour Availability & Price.
8. Road to Hana Adventure w/ Breakfast & Lunch
8. Road to Hana Adventure w/ Breakfast & Lunch
Departure: 6:00 AM. Pick-up and drop-off from Maui hotels.
Duration: 12 hours.
Includes: Lush forests, towering waterfalls, and rural hamlets along the coast. Visit villages such as Pai’a, Keanae, Wailua Falls, and Pua’a Ka’a State Park. Enjoy Wai’anapanapa State Parks black sand beaches.
Bookings: Check Tour Availability & Price
If you’re looking for a jam-packed day tour with everything included for you and your group – this Road to Hana & Bamboo Forest on Maui tour is the one.
On this full-day trip to Hana, see the magnificent tropical beauty of the popular Road to Hana.
Stop at roadside waterfalls, spectacular black sand beaches, and the beautiful mountain scenery around Haleakala Volcano.
This is one of the finest methods to see Hana—especially if you don’t want to drive! With an instructive tour guide at the wheel, this is one of the greatest ways to visit Hana—particularly if you don’t want to.
Other leading highlights throughout the day feature Hana Highway – Road to Hana, Paia, Keanae Road, Hana, Lunch at Hana Farms, Hana Bay, Wai’anapanapa State Park, Pua’a Ka’a State Park, and Ho’okipa Beach Park.
This tour is perfect for getting almost everything done in one day if you’re taking a vacation in Maui so that you won’t miss any important spots on the island.
For more information and full tour details, Check Tour Availability & Price.
9. Maui: Self-Drive Sightseeing Road Trip
9. Maui: Self-Drive Sightseeing Road Trip
Departure: The app will show a green flag for the starting point.
Duration: 8 hours.
Includes: Road to Hana, Seven Sacred Falls, Mt. Haleakala, black sand beaches, and many more.
Bookings: Check Tour Availability & Price
Opt for this self-drive road tour around Maui and explore at your own pace. Everything is through an app with straightforward instructions showing where to go at each stop.
Above all, we love how they have combined a guided tour into your phone, giving you a different experience from the rest!
It’s best to do this with a friend or a group of you so whoever isn’t driving can control the app and check any necessary precautions.
This tour will give you the best adventures in Maui for a full day with the best highlights – such as the stunning waterfalls along the Road to Hana, the famous black sand beaches of Waianapanapa State Park (and the Red Sand Beach!), and the impressive views at Haleakala.
For more information and full tour details, Check Tour Availability & Price.
10. Maui: Group Tour Rainforest Waterfall Canyon Rappelling
10. Maui: Group Tour Rainforest Waterfall Canyon Rappelling
Departure: 10600 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708, USA
Duration: 3 hours.
Includes: Rappelling down the waterfalls in the rainforest of Road to Hana, with professional and expert guides.
Bookings: Check Tour Availability & Price
Are you a thrill seeker looking for some adventure? Want to combine the act of a sport with the beauty of nature?
You’ll ride down jungle cliffs and waterfalls on an anchored rope system in a private rainforest canyon, trek through streams and natural paths, and swim in freshwater pools.
This fun and crazy tour will allow you to rappel down the gorgeous waterfalls in the rainforest valleys! Located on the famous Road to Hana, this beautiful environment will truly make you feel alive.
The excellent guides will make you comfortable using the equipment and prepare you before heading down to waterfalls.
Even if you’ve never tried rappelling, you can still have the time of your life on this tour, as it’s suited for anyone. And what better place to experience your first rappel adventure than in the middle of a rainforest in Maui?
Great for those into the sport and heart-pumping activities!
For more information and full tour details, Check Tour Availability & Price.
Road to Hana & Bamboo Forest on Maui Tours 2022
Now you know enough about the exciting, thrilling, and dangerous Road to Hana in Maui – are you ready to take on the adventure of a lifetime and experience the island’s hidden secrets?
These best Road to Hana tours give you a different experience – whether hiking, viewpoints, sports, beaches, or the Maui bamboo forests, the list keeps going!
Read our Hawaiian Islands Travel Guide to learn more about the Hawaiian Islands and the many experiences for visitors.
Do you like Tropical Islands?
If you like experiencing a getaway on a beautiful tropical Island, you may like our Fiji Travel Guide
More reviews? Here are reviews on trips and tours in Hawaii.
Travel Guide to Hawaii 2024
Explore the beautiful paradise of Hawaii while experiencing the Road to Hana & Bamboo Forest on Maui Tours, and find out more in our Travel Guide to Hawaii for 2024
We can help you discover the stunning beaches, delve into the Hawaiian Jurassic parks, check out the best things to do in Maui, and head to a Kualoa ranch tour.
After reading “Travel Guide to Hawaii,” you will have everything you need to know to enjoy a vacation or longer-term stay in these magical Hawaiian Islands.
The incredible scenery bursting with color does make you feel like you are on another planet, tucked away from the rest of the world. What more can you ask?
You will be able to explore so much these islands have to offer in Hawaii. So, start packing your bags and book those flights! Here’s why the Hawaiian Islands should be your next trip.
Hawaii – Where is Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands is a cluster of islands in the North Pacific Ocean and the only state outside the mainland of the Continental United States. Ranking as the fourth smallest land area, Hawaii Islands has a population of 1.4 million.
Hawaii consists of 6 major islands – Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and of course, the island of Hawaii, also known as the ‘Big Island.’ In total, there are 137 islands in the chain! (The majority of these being uninhabited)
The largest island is Hawaii, which is nearly twice as big as its neighbors. It is known for being the most volcanically active – two of the most famous, Kilauea’ and ‘Maunaloa’ are located here.
However, the most visited island is ‘Oahu’ – booming with tourism and receiving around 4.7 million visitors yearly. It has the state capital of Honolulu, taking up two-thirds of Hawaii’s population. Honolulu is the largest city and is considered one of the U.S.’s most modern cities.
‘Lanai’ is a secluded island for those looking for a more private and luxurious vacation. It offers the most beautiful scenery for solo and group travelers, specifically couple travelers.
‘Maui’ is suitably nicknamed ‘Beverly Hills Island’ – another luxury destination! You will not be disappointed if you want to live it big, with resorts, beaches, and nightlife.
‘Kauai’ attracts those searching to spend all their time in nature, nicknamed the ‘Garden Island. This isn’t surprising for us – 97% of the land here has been preserved. So if you want to see the untouched wilderness, look no further.
And last but not least, we have ‘Molokai’ – home to many native Hawaiians and the most authentic of them all. It is truly a wonder not to be missed.
Hawaii – Airports & Entry
Depending on your destination, flights from the United States mainland typically take around 5 hours to get to Hawaii. Check if any stops will add extra time to your journey.
Most international flights will likely land in Oahu, the central hub island. So if your final destination is, for example, Maui, you will probably have to transfer here.
Like every other flight, the earlier you book, the higher your chance of getting cheap flights! I always use Google Flights or Skyscanner to check the most affordable flights. The closer you are to Hawaii, the cheaper it will be. Be aware of when you are going – if you are traveling in the high season, prices will also be higher than in the low season.
The most popular airline to look at is Hawaiian Airlines. They go between the Hawaiian Islands and offer reasonable prices. You also have Southwest Airlines, known for its low prices.
You can either get a flight or use the ferry system to travel between the six islands, which are all very accessible.
Check the times if you prefer to take a more scenic ferry ride. The system has a Molokai Ferry, which departs from Maui, and the Maui-Lanai Expeditions Ferry arrives in Lanai.
Or, if you want to hop on a flight to get to your next island, all can be reached from Honolulu Airport within around 40 minutes.
If you know you will be moving throughout the islands and visiting more than one, I would advise you to give yourself enough time as it could take a big chunk of your day, and you may want to rest after your arrival!
Hawaii – Currency
The currency in Hawaii is the U.S. dollar.
Check the current Euro to the USD exchange rate.
Check the current AUD dollar to USD exchange.
Check the current UK Pound to USD dollar exchange rate.
Hawaii – History
Hawaii officially became America’s 50th state in 1959. It is located 2,397 miles from San Francisco, California, and the capital is Honolulu in Oahu.
It was 400 C.E. when the Polynesians first discovered Hawaii. They traveled to the Big Island in canoes navigating their way by the stars! They lived in their small communities for many years here.
However, Captain James Cook became the first European in Hawaii who traveled to Kauai in 1778; this discovery cost him his life.
There are also two other neighboring islands, Niihau and Kahoolawe.
Niihau is also known as the ‘Forbidden Island’ – consists of one tiny village; outsiders can only see this island from a helicopter. They cannot step on land to preserve the Hawaiian soil.
Kahoolawe is the other island with no inhabitants, limited access to outsiders, and no activities or tours. Unfortunately, after the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, the island remained a bombing target until 1990.
The attack on Pearl Harbor, located on Oahu island, left a mark in history; with more than 2,300 Americans killed, it took many years to recover from this devastation.
Hawaii – People & Culture
Hawaiian and English are the official languages in the state of Hawaii. Hawaiian is marked as the Polynesian language originating from the Austronesian family. Not many speak the language today, which is classified as critically endangered by UNESCO.
English has become the official language in schools, and the Hawaiian language decreased in the 1800s.
The aboriginal Hawaiians were brown-skinned with black hair, typically with very athletic bodies. The men would wear a ‘malo,’ a small piece of cloth covering the lower body, and women would wear a ‘tapa’ to create a skirt, sometimes including leaves with the material.
And don’t forget about the Hawaiian Islands’ flowers! Of course, when we think of Hawaii, we always think about the people dressed in their bright, bold flowers. It is very common for women to wear a single flower or a wreath in their hair – sometimes just consisting of leaves, and we often see them draped around their necks.
The wreath of flowers can also be gifted as a welcome gesture – known as the ‘Lei.’ It stands for friendship and should only be removed in private.
The people are considered very strong, with various sports dominating the islands over the years, such as swimming, wrestling, boxing, spear throwing, and surfing. Surfing will always dominate the sports world in Hawaii; it is very common to be taught surfing at such a young age, considering you live next to these tropical waters!
Hula! The captivating dance highlights the Hawaiian culture throughout the years. It truly is a magical wonder empowered with its dance and music. The music can be slow and tranquil or upbeat and fast, performed with their fascinating chants. It was initially a religious performance in which they would honor a Hawaiian god or goddess as part of a ceremony. With its strong historical roots still growing among Hawaii’s people, it will always be known as part of its culture.
Hawaii – Food
Hawaiian cuisine, where do we start? The vibrant colors, full flavor, and countless dishes you can have here will leave your mouth watering for more. Here are some of the most popular words you may come across in Hawaii.
Lomi Lomi Salmon
This dish is served cold – salmon fillets mixed with tomatoes, onion, and sea salt. The taste will remind you of the sea and leave you feeling refreshed!
Chicken Long Rice
The Chinese introduced this one to the Hawaiian culture in the 1900s. A stew-like dish created with clear noodles mixed with chicken, onion, and ginger, served over white rice. This hearty meal brings a mixture of flavors.
Kalua Pig
For those meat lovers, do not miss this dish! This is big in Hawaiian cuisine, and you will see it a lot here. It is slow-roasted pork known for its incredible smoky flavor (it has the appearance of pulled pork). You can pair this with anything you like, but rice can be very common.
Poi
This one has always been a traditional meal for the Hawaiians. It is made by mashing Kalo, which creates a thick grey-like paste. You can eat it on its own or add some Kalua Pig or salmon to add extra flavor!
Laulau
This one comes wrapped in taro leaves (the leaves are inedible, so be sure to unwrap them before eating!). Inside you will find the meat, which can be pork, chicken, or fish. This is cooked for many hours in a hot rock oven which makes the juices from the meat incredible. It will simply melt in your mouth.
Poke
Yes, this dish does sound Japanese – probably because it consists of raw fish! However, unlike the Japanese, who typically slice their fish in thin pieces, you will find they serve it in cube-size bites here in Hawaii. The commonly used fish is ahi (tuna), served with soy sauce, sea salt, onions, and seaweed.
Haupia
A sweet Jello-like pudding – a beloved Hawaiian dessert. It is made with sugar and coconut milk, and prepared with pia (Polynesian arrowroot). It is cut into small slices, which can be added to fruit.
Hawaii – Weather
The weather in Hawaii is more or less consistent all year round. They only have two seasons – Summer, from May to October, and Winter, from November to April.
The temperature during the day stays around the high 60s (Fahrenheit) 20s (Celsius), for example, 84 (F) 29 (C) during Summer. Then in the Winter, this only drops a few degrees to around 77 (F) 25 (C). So you won’t need too many layers in the Winter!
Of course, the night will be slightly cooler; temperatures will drop to 59 (F) and 15 (C).
As for the rainfall, the wettest months are during Winter, usually November to March. Luckily, most of the rain happens in the mountains on the northeastern side of the islands due to the high-pressure zones.
This creates a magnificent tropical environment – whenever we think of Hawaii, we always envision mountain tops with the greenest scenery, right? The microclimate adds to these rich, tropical environments.
If you’re planning on surfing during your trip, the water temperatures here are pretty comfortable! They can be anywhere in the high 70s (F) or mid-20s (C). The waves will vary depending on which beach you will go to and the day.
I always check Magic Seaweed – an excellent app for surfing conditions. You can check local beaches for all the necessary information.
Hawaii – Tourism
The high season in Hawaii is between March and September, with the most elevated temperatures.
Visitor numbers drop from October to November, with slightly more relaxed and wetter Hawaiian Islands weather.
Hawaii is generally a good holiday destination all year round because of its comfortable climate and the suitable range of activities available.
Be aware that prices are always higher during peak season, so the winter would be better if you don’t mind visiting in the cooler months and are on a strict budget.
As Hawaii is a state of the USA and is geographically close, most visitors are from the American mainland states. More so from the west than the east because of cost and distance.
Canada has the second-highest visitation numbers to Hawaii.
Hawaii – Getting Around (public & other transport)
The main types of transportation on the Hawaiian Islands include bus, shuttle, taxi, Uber, or rental car.
Speedishuttle is a company that offers private and shared shuttles on the Hawaiian Islands – good when you want to get between the airport and your accommodation. This service is available on Hawaii Island, Oahu, Kauai, and Maui.
The bus in Honolulu is a great way to get around Hawaii. A pretty reliable source of transport and, of course, on the cheaper side. Depending on your destination, some buses will frequently arrive every 10 or 30 minutes, but some may be every hour if your location is less central.
A new rail system can also get you out of the airport to Downtown or the city’s west side. The Honolulu Transit provider is HART.
Taxi services will be widely available in the main Hawaiian Islands. Like everywhere else, this will cost you more, but you have a private car, and they will drop you off wherever – so if you can afford it, this is a good option.
Uber or Lyft prices will vary depending on demand and time. It will most likely be cheaper than a taxi.
If you have a partner or are traveling in a group, and know you want to visit slightly more remote areas on the island, then a rental car is the perfect option! It saves money when there are more of you, but it gives you a lot of freedom when you can hop in the car for any trip. Be sure to look around at various companies to get a good deal, and pre-book to arrange this when you arrive at the airport!
Hawaii – Popular Attractions – Explore Oahu
Jurassic Adventure Park Tour
You can’t come to Hawaii and not do a Jurassic Park Tour! One of the most famous scenic and exciting adventures in Oahu is a once–in–a–lifetime experience you will not forget.
Suitable for everyone. Nature lovers. Animal lovers. Film lovers! You will get something out of this experience no matter who you are.
The guided tours take you to magical film sites! How cool is that? There can’t be a more iconic place for a movie than Jurassic Park in Hawaii. They are located in Kualoa, Hakipu’u, and Ka’a’awa Valleys.
The Jurassic Park Tour offers unbelievable scenery to gaze at, adventurous treks through the forest, and the enormous cages used in the films.
Don’t let the prices on these tours deter you; it is worth every penny. I would set aside a day for this activity and maybe get up to scratch with the Jurassic Park movies before you go! You will get even more excited when you realize you’ll see the real thing in Hawaii soon!
Pack plenty of water and sunscreen, and grab that camera! You will be snapping plenty along your adventures here.
Tickets sell out quickly for the Hawaii Jurassic Park Tours, so pre-book with as much time beforehand. I would recommend checking a couple of months before your trip – anything within a month will be tricky to get your hands on because it is so popular.
Kualoa Ranch Tour
Located on the island of Oahu, Kualoa, Hawaii, is a private nature reserve and working cattle ranch. They offer several activities that can keep you entertained for hours – offering several tours.
They include a Jurassic Valley Zipline, ocean voyaging, ATVs and raptors, beaches, food tours, and many more.
Head to the Kualoa Ranch website to find an activity for yourself or the family! (The same website used for Hawaii Jurassic Park Tours) Suitable for any age, you will be able to make this an exciting trip for everyone.
Again, tickets sell very quickly here, so make sure you check in advance with plenty of time.
Kualoa Ranch Tours is one to remember when visiting Hawaii!
The famous 300,000-year-old volcanic cone on Oahu island is one of the most popular activities in Hawaii.
Diamond Head State Monument
Along the Diamond Head Summit Trail hike, you will see the most spectacular views from the rim of a volcano! The walk is moderate but will take 1.5-2 hours, so be prepared for many steps and pack lots of water and snacks for the journey.
The earlier you arrive, the less crowded it will be. Getting there is easier if you have a car; there is a parking lot located here at the start of the hike. Or you can get an Uber if you can’t access a car.
Mauna Kea
The other popular volcano hike here in Hawaii is Mauna Kea. The highest peak in Hawaii with a summit of 13,803 (feet) and 4,207 (meters) above sea level – a challenge for those hikers out there!
A lot of people opt for driving to the summit. There is a very accessible road to get here, and the most beautiful scenery is on the drive up.
Some experience altitude sickness because of the height, so you may want to grab some pills if you think you’ll be affected by this.
Also, take a jacket with you! Temperatures at the top will be cold, and it can get pretty windy!
Hawaii – Best Things to do in Maui
Hana Highway
Discover the famous highway, which is nicknamed the Road to Hana. The 53 miles, 85 kilometers of curvy, winding roads will take you through breathtaking scenery on the island, including many remarkable waterfalls.
You can book a tour for this one if you want to sit back and not stress about your mode of transport. Or you can take the car and drive it yourself, go with your partner or friends and make a trip out of it.
Give yourself plenty of time, and be sure to drive slowly! Some spots have very narrow and dangerous roads, so caution must be taken when driving.
There are numerous places you can stop by the car to take in the views or have a bite to eat. This is at the top of our list of Maui’s best things to do!
Relax on Maui’s Beaches
You’re in Maui, the sun is shining, and you’re not feeling like a strenuous day full of hiking. Don’t worry! One of the best things about the island of Maui is you have plenty of beaches to choose from. Grab your favorite book and music and head to one of these beautiful spots.
Kaanapali is probably rated as one of the best beaches in Maui. With its numerous resorts and stunning beach walk, you can’t go wrong visiting this one.
Next on our list is Makena, divided into two beaches – known as Big Beach and Little Beach. Both offer gorgeous white sands where you can swim or snorkel. If you want a more secluded beach, head to the small cove of Little Beach.
Wailea (known as the water of Lea) is another famous beach; if you don’t mind the crowds during peak season, then be sure to visit this one! Put this on your list of things to do in Maui.
Kapalua Coast Trail
A beautiful hike along the coast with gorgeous green views of the island. This is considered one of the best things to do in Maui!
This hike is more manageable and, in total, is around 2 miles. Family-friendly trail – make sure you wear appropriate shoes as some parts are sand or gravel.
Travel Guide to Hawaii 2024
So, now you have all the information you need on Hawaii’s culture, lifestyle, and the tropical world of the Hawaiian Islands.
Whether you are going on vacation, making it your next digital nomad spot, or having an adventure with your family. Hawaii and the Hawaiian Islands are places everyone will always love for the incredible beauty in the islands and the people.
A paradise in the middle of the ocean waiting to be explored by many. Filled with natural beauty, adventure, and beaches you’ll dream of for a lifetime.
Start making that itinerary and book your getaway to this Hawaiian Islands paradise.
More reviews? Here are reviews on trips and tours in Hawaii.
After graduating in the UK, Lacey exchanged cloudy skies for sunny European landscapes. She spent two years enjoying Portugal and Spain’s vibrant cultures and beautiful coastlines, especially the Algarve. Now a teacher in the UK, Lacey still travels widely, sharing her experiences as a travel writer.