If you’re still on the fence about a 2019 (or end of year 2018) Hawaii vacation, then here’s our annually updated list of Visit Hawaii | 25 Top Reasons for 2019. So find your favorite Hawaii deals and start planning today.
Hawaii remains a premiere worldwide travel destination and has been a recurring top pick by the US Tour Operators Association, Lonely Planet, Leisure & Travel, travel agents and others. Visit Hawaii and see why.
Visit Hawaii | 25 Top Reasons for 2019
1. The Aloha spirit. A friendly accepting attitude for which Hawaii is well known. And the islands’ inimitable charm and charisma.
2. Natural beauty beyond words. Pictures speak a thousand words.
3. Moderate Hawaii weather. It’s perfect all year which makes it perfect for shorts, t-shirt and “slippahs” attire. Cooling trade winds mean it is even very comfortable in summer.
4. Islands that each retain a unique character. So whether you want to escape people entirely on Molokai or Lanai, enjoy the one million person metropolis of Honolulu, or something in between on the Big Island, Kauai or Maui, we’ve got you covered.
5. A plethora of beaches considered world class. First, remember that all of Hawaii’s beaches are public by law. So you can plunk yourself down right even right where the movie The Descendants was filmed. That beach, on Kauai is the lead photo today. Where to start? From Hapuna and Punaluu on the Big Island, Makena and Kaanapali on Maui, Ala Moana/Waikiki, Hanauma Bay and Lanikai on Oahu, and Hanalei and Poipu on Kauai, Hulopoe on Lanai and Papokahu on Molokai, and that’s just for starters. There will be as many opinions on our best beaches as there are readers of this article. And we’d like to hear yours!
6. Spectacular Hawaii sunsets and sunrises. Example below! This is the stuff that Hawaii vacation memories and dreams are made of. You’ll be inspired and moved. Guaranteed!
7. Tropical fruits and flowers. Local seafood. Great local food products abound on all of the islands. Many if not most simply cannot be found on the mainland. Papayas, mangoes, or bananas from Hawaii – as we say no ka oi (there is no equal)!
8. The smells of Hawaii. Starting with Plumeria and other exotic floral scents that waft in the air as well as those that can be purchased.
9. Culturally diverse foods of Hawaii which are inspired by those of us who live here. Have you tried poi? Farmers markets are always a great place to start.
10. Hawaiian music. With a wide array of both popular and traditional styles. An enormous creative range that starts with slack key and Ukelele and soars.
11. Hula. A unique global dance form that originated in Hawaii by Polynesian settlers. It is accompanied by Mele (song) and by Oli (chanting). Not to be missed!
12. Wildlife that can readily be seen. From Hawaiian monk seals to sea turtles, humpback whales and unique birds among others.
13. Enormous variety of activities for all to enjoy. You can spend your entire life here and still not take them all in.
14. Family fun. A great place for kids of all ages to be kids, and a unique respite from the mainland.
15. Romance. A case could be made for Hawaii being the perfect place for romance. What do you think?
16. Exotic yet familiar. While safely within the US, you’ll also have no issues with your cell phone, electric or foreign currency.
17. Hawaii is easy to get to. There are many direct flights to the Big Island, Honolulu, Kauai and Maui. And more flights and deals will be coming soon. We’ve now got three airlines each focused on Hawaii. Those include Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and soon, Southwest Airlines, in addition to legacy US and other carriers.
18. Pearl Harbor on Oahu. The iconic World War II memorial is consistently ranked in the top three most visited destinations in Hawaii. and is part of the National Park Service.
19. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. See the result of 70 million years together with today’s unique and complex ecosystem. The park is also a native plant and animal refuge. Recently reopened, and not to be missed!
20. Haleakala National Park and Road to Hana on Maui. The spectacular crown jewel on Maui.
21. Waimea Canyon on Kauai. The grand canyon of the Pacific will not disappoint. Guaranteed.
22. Kalaupapa Hike on Molokai. A beautiful and spiritual journey awaits those who make this trip.
23. Sailing the Napali Cost on Kauai. Whether as a day trip or part of an NCL Hawaii cruise, this is guaranteed to be an unforgettable winner.
24. Island vistas from Maui. On either west or south Maui, you’ll enjoy some of the most spectacular island views possible. Take in picturesque Molokini, Kahoolawe, Lanai, and Molokai.
25. Hawaii is relaxing. From some of the worlds best resorts and spas to Hawaii beach rentals, you are going to unwind while staying here. That’s for sure.
What are your top reasons for making a Hawaii vacation happen?
Rudy F says
I am interested in Hawaii vacation trips and deals to the islands. I particularly enjoy snorkeling.
Thank you.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Rudy.
Are you signed up to get our email alerts? https://beatofhawaii.com/subscribe.
Aloha.
Flor says
Hello, I am planning a trip to Hawaii in late August for a week. Our choice of island is The Big Island since me and my son love the outdoors and hiking. When is the best time to buy airline tickets, book a hotel reservation or buy a package deal? This will be my first time going to Hawaii and I am super excited! I love your website and thank you for all the wonderful posts:) More power to you!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Flor.
Thank you. You didn’t say where you’re flying from, but based on your computer IP address it looks to be Phoenix. Phoenix hasn’t had many good deals to Hawaii for a long time. Thus we’d expect target price to be high $500’s. Keep checking as that could happen at any time. Currently price is about $100 higher. Availability should not be an issue.
Suggest buying accommodations and car at that time since air prices will vary by day of week. Packages may be more convenient but aren’t likely to save any money.
Aloha.
Dan M says
Hawaiian beaches are great. My favorite is Keawakapu on South Maui Wailea area.
Alan says
My personal list for Waikiki: Hiking up to the lookout at the top of Diamond Head for the spectacular view, going to Leonard’s Bakery for a fresh malasada (Portuguese doughnut) with haupia (coconut cream) filling, going 120 feet under Mamala Bay in an Atlantis submarine and perhaps best of all, sitting on a bench behind Kaimana Beach on a weekday morning when it is quiet and just enjoying the feeling of being in Paradise. I will be back in March 2018 with my son, daughter-in-law and two granddaughters. Aloha.
Ronald says
We call Hawaii our home but we just happen to spend a lot of our time on the main land. “Home is where your heart is”
Mahalo for keeping it as it is.
Forever grateful
Charlie and Zelda
Colleen says
We love listening to the waves lap the seashore OR when it is wild – crash onto the shore! Between that and the sunrises and sunsets – We don’t need much more of an incentive. We love everything about Hawaii. Especially the Aloha spirit and the slower pace.
We first visited Maui in 2004. Then visited the Big Island in 2005, 2007, 2009, and 2015. We will be visiting Kauai for the first time in late 2017! We can hardly wait! We never dreamed in a million years that we would get to visit Hawaii even once! But, Hawaii is hubs favorite place to visit and I couldn’t be happier to plan another trip!!
See you soon! Just a few more months.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Colleen.
We look forward to meeting you after all these years!
Aloha.
Colleen says
Now that we are ‘older’ one important factor to consider when traveling in general is the fact that Medicare works in Hawaii :o) Thankfully, we have never needed to use it, but when we used to travel to MX – we always, Always, ALWAYS had to purchase Travel/Health insurance and what we jokingly call ‘bag and tag’ insurance.
Hubs prefers visiting Hawaii above any place we have Traveled. We are heading back to Big Island (missed all the excitement :0( and it looks like we will be making a return trip to Kauai in 2020. So, maybe we will meet over drinks after all :0)
Mahalo for all your hard work. Love Beat of Hawaii!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Colleen.
We love you guys too and look forward to your return!
Aloha.
Sandra H says
Thank you for all this great information about why we should visit Hawaii as soon as possible! I love Hawaiian scented products and I bet I would love the Plumeria and exotic floral scents wafting in the air that you mentioned. I’ll have to show this list to my husband and it’ll convince him that we need to go!