Island 101
November 17th, 2007
·
by admin · Filed Under: Uncategorized
ISLAND WHAT??
Is it your first time planning a Hawaii vacation and you have no idea what all the “island talk” is about? Is everyone asking you what island(s) your are visiting.. and you assumed there was only one??? You are not alone. Many first-timers have the same problem. When posed with the same question, I remember thinking…I better check my ticket and a map: QUICK! Maybe I can relieve some of the pressure by discussing some of the common misconceptions. Listen carefully and you’ll sound like a seasoned pro!
WHAT ISLANDS ARE WE TALKING ABOUT EXACTLY??
(Simplified Version)
Oahu
Oahu is the place that most people think about when they consider taking a Hawaiian vacation. It is known as the “Gathering Place”. It is the most populated, most visited, and most developed of all the Hawaiian islands. This is usually the place you think of when you “think Hawaii”. It is where you will find Waikiki and Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and the Polynesian Cultural Center…etc. Are you beginning to breathe easier? Hope so!
Maui
Maui is the second most visited and most popular island. It’s not located in Florida, ( that’s Miami) common mistake for first-timers. Maui has two popular places to visit… Hauna and Lahaina. Hauna is known for it’s 
beauty. It boasts rainforests, waterfalls, hiking, biking, and it’s famous Road to Hauna. Lahaina is on the other side of the island. It is an old whaling town and has a popular waterfront shopping district. During Dec-May you can spot humpback whales just off shore. Lahaina offers great boat tours where tourists can see the whales up close.
The Big Island (Hawaii)
Hold your breath because this gets a little confusing… The Big Island is Hawaii.. You heard correctly, it’s the “real” Hawaii. It’s name is Hawaii.. Do you get it? Is it making sense? Maybe I’m the only one who gets confused (highly possible)! The Big Island happens to be bigger than all the other islands combined (hence the name) and it has active volcanoes!! It has two sides; Hilo & Kona. The Hilo side is the rainy side. It has waterfalls, volcanoes, and rainforests. The Kona side is the sunny side. When you’re on Kona you’ll enjoy luxury resorts and ocean activities. It’s also entirely possible to visit both sides while you are there if you are willing to do a little driving.
*Halfway point… it’s okay if you need a little break….it’s a lot of info!
Kauai
It is the oldest island and is called the “Garden Isle”. It is very lush and has tropical rainforests. You can visit lots of beauitful and historic places on the island. It’s small, but offers the “Old Hawaii Experience”. It doesn’t have much of a nightlife, but it is a great place to relax, read a book, and escape!!
Lanai
Was once known as the “Pineapple Island” due to large Dole Pineapple plantations, but it is now called “The Private Island”. It has a population of about 2,800 and 140 square miles. It has a handful of resturants, one movie theater, (probably not stadium seating) and one gas station. There isn’t one traffic light on the entire island! It is dry and grassy and not very tropical. It’s not how you picture Hawaii to be…but you may love the quiet atmosphere and small town feeling.
Molokai
The last island on our list….Yepee! It’s known as the “Friendly Isle”. Is has a population of only 2,300. It is country-like with open ranges and cattle ranches. There is little crime on the island and the people don’t lock their doors at night (unbelieveable)! It has the largest population of Native Hawaiian ancestry of any island. It seems like we saved the best for last….well at least the nicest for last!
ISLAND HOPPING
One more thing I thought I should mention is “Island Hopping”. You’ll probably hear about this from all your Hawaii veteran show-off’s! “Island Hopping”, is simply visiting more than one island while you are in Hawaii. You don’t have to jump anything or hop around; you just have to take a short, reasonably priced flight. Some Hawaii pro’s recommend seeing 1-2 islands for every 10 days you stay in Hawaii. It could get pretty complicated hopping around all the time….
Hopefully this information helps you plan and enjoy your vacation…next time we will practice our Hawaiian vocabulary!!
Aloha and Mahalo!
The Hula Girls…
