Hawaii, the most recent of the 50 American states, is the only state composed entirely of islands, such as Honolulu and Oahu on the east coast. Ideal for a holiday in the sun or for walking in its breathtaking landscapes, the islands of Hawaii have everything needed to lure visitors. Hanauma Bay, which lies in the southeast of the island of Oahu, offers tourists a magnificent view: turquoise waters, beautiful coral reefs and amazing marine wildlife come together to create an unforgettable moment.
For the more active visitors, there are many hiking trails that offer the opportunity to discover the many volcanoes on the islands. Nature lovers will appreciate the Diamond Head volcano located on the south coast of Oahu. At 231 metres high, hikers can enjoy spectacular aerial views of Waikiki, Honolulu and Koko Head, and, in good weather, they can even see the neighbouring island of Molokai.
The beauty of these islands never ceases to amaze people.
For those who love shopping, there are many places in Hawaii. From small souvenir shops to luxury boutiques, there is something for everyone. The international Marketplace is an outdoor market where you can buy all kinds of souvenirs: t-shirts, necklaces, ornaments, floral shirts and dresses, etc. For lovers of luxury brands, the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center has all the major brands. Finally, there is the Ala Moana Center, the largest outdoor shopping centre in the United States, which has 290 shops and restaurants. In this temple dedicated to shopping, you will find everything from famous US brands to Hawaiian souvenir shops, which have something for every budget.
Hawaiian cuisine is influenced by all the people who have come to settle on the archipelago. You will find Japanese sushi, Chinese chow mein, Vietnamese saimin, Portuguese sausages and even American burgers. A regional cuisine has been developed based on these many cultures: a cuisine that is flavoursome but expensive. There are sweet and savoury dishes, which are created using European methods and presented in a Japanese-inspired way. Tourists enjoy the tropical fruit and vegetables, such as passion fruit and, more surprisingly, O'helo berries, macadamia nuts and fern shoots.
Hawaii has a pleasant climate throughout the year and even in winter temperatures reach 25°C. For those who don't like the wind and rain, it is best to visit the islands in summer when the climate is dry and the sun is always shining.
For tourists staying less than a week, it is best to concentrate on one of the four largest islands: Oahu, Maui, the Big Island or Kauai.
What should you take with you? Summer clothes, swimwear and a light sweater for the evenings, which are always fairly cool.