Hawaii

Aloha and Welcome to Hawaii! Yes it is a part of the United States, has been since 1959. We are comprised of many islands, with Oahu, Hawaii, Maui and Kauai being the more populated and visited, Lanai & Molokai getting their share of tourism, and all sorts of other little islands floating around out there. There are no ferries [yet]....so flying is the only way to get from Island to Island.

Typically you fly into Honolulu (HNL), located on the island of Oahu, and then take Interisland flights on one of several Hawaii based airlines out to the other Islands. Direct flights from many large cities on the mainland are also available into Maui and Kona (on the West side of the Big Island). ATA also flies from Oakland direct to Hilo on the East side of the "Big Island" (the island of Hawaii). The Big Island is BIG...it's a long drive on two lane roads from Kona to Hilo....a beautiful drive, but don't fly into one side expecting to just "buzz over" to the other side for your first night accomodations.

To bring: great hiking shoes, water!!!!, flashlights if going out to the lava at night, slippers (aka flip flops aka thongs), mask and snorkel, #50 Sunscreen, and a good attitude.

a recommended site for gathering some information: Your Guide to the Path Less Traveled

Hawaii "The Big Island"

Active volcanos are located on the East side in the Upper Puna District. The Volcanoes National Park is at 4000 feet just outside Volcano Village in Upper Puna. Remember 4000 ft...it can get really cold up there when the weather is rainy, so pack warm clothes along with your beach wear. The Puna district has many great things - of course active lava flows, black sand clothing optional beaches, farmer's markets, and surfing. Hilo Town is really a great little town and well worth a stop over in East Hawaii...farmer's market, Rainbow Falls, snorkel beaches just outside town [some with body boarding and surfing waves] and gateway to the fabulous Observatories on Mauna Kea. Daily bus service all around the Island is free, but VERY sporadic. The famous white sand beaches are all in West Hawaii and Kailua-Kona has a pier for boat trips to see the whales and dolphins. Kayaks and dive equipment are all available to rent. The drive along the East side Hamakua Coast is spectacular as is the drive through South side Ka'u going up to Volcano....going through many little villages along the way. There's coffee country above Kona....ranches in Kohala and Waimea...too many great adventures to compress into a wiki.

Oahu "The Gathering Place"

This is the center of government and commerce in the islands. Here you can find museums, nightlife, and the widest assortment of culture and food. If you are looking to party, this is the Island! Oahu has an excellent bus system, so getting around is easy. For Summer, Winter, and Spring Break, make your Couch Surfing arrangements far in advance, since this is the destination island for most of the Couch Surfers. The North Shore is the location for the famous Triple Crown surfing event, with big waves running from mid-November through the new year.

Some great options for those coming to Oahu & those already here, check out O'ahu - Michelle's Seven On a Budget

Kauai "The Garden Isle"

This is the island of lush green beauty and endless beaches with few people. You will find peace and healing on this island. The famous Napali Coast is spectacular to view and Kalalau Valley is like the garden of Eden, complete with abundant food for gathering and clothless naturalists abound. Waimea Canyon Road is a favorite of those not opting for an adventure, but who still want to enjoy breath taking views of Waimea Canyon and the island of Niihau. The drive finishes at Kokee State Park where cool, lush, abundant hiking and camping can be found. PLEASE BE WARNED for all of Kauai's beauty, the ocean's can be extremely dangerous. Please heed all beach signs.

Maui "The Valley Isle"

Molokai "The Friendly Isle"

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