Summer vacations are, for many people, the most anticipated time of the year. They’re your chance to put your feet up and relax with your loved ones, reflect on all of your recent hard work, and give yourself a much-needed break in the sun. You might only get one summer vacation in the whole year, which makes that time away all the more special – so really, it has to be perfect.
Quite a few of us would be happy enough going anywhere with a bit of hot weather and a beach for a summer vacation, but there’s so much more to see and experience if you just know where to go! If you haven’t already, it’s time that you considered making a trip to Hawaii.
When you visit Hawaii, you can rest assured that every single one of your senses is guaranteed to be in for a treat. Here’s just a small idea of what Hawaii has in store for its island visitors:
For The Eyes: Beautiful Scenery
No matter where you are in Hawaii, there’s no escaping its obvious encapsulating beauty. Be sure to spend a morning on one of the island’s many sandy white beaches, watching the waves lap against the shore and the sea birds circle lazily overhead. Head away from the seas and explore Hawaii’s inner terrain, where lush, tropical mountaintops and vast volcano craters give way to some of the most astounding views across the coastline.
In the evenings, take a casual stroll along the seafront, where you’ll find little Hawaiian cafes and restaurants lit up by the warm glow of candles and lantern light. Return to the beach and take a spot in the sand, where you’ll be treated to an uninterrupted view of the Hawaiian sunset: a colour explosion of oranges, reds and purples that will take your breath away.
For The Ears: Traditional Music
Get ready to immerse yourself in the distinct sounds of the traditional instruments that make up Hawaii’s music. Listen out for Hawaii’s unique way of playing the guitar, reflecting the laid-back lifestyle of the island. Enjoy The Ukulele Festival in the summer, and settle down at sunset to the lazy rhythm of Hawaii’s traditional folk music, inspired by the beauty the island has to offer.
For something a little different, listen out for Hawaiian chanting, a ritual aiming to preserve the island’s fascinating history. Stop to let the power of the language flow through you and appreciate the steady thrum of the traditional Hawaiian shark skin drums.
For The Taste: Delicious Hawaiian Delicacies
No matter what your taste buds are into, Hawaii is a food lover’s heaven. Start traditional with a poke bowl, which tastes better in Hawaii than anywhere else in the world. Enjoy the subtle spices of chicken long rice, a Hawaiian staple, and the smoky, tender flavours of kalua chicken or pork. Don’t miss out on trying lomi lomi salmon, one of the favoured side dishes in Hawaii, for a refreshing tomatoey hit.
Work your way towards dessert and feast on Hawaii’s sweet, tropical pineapples with locally churned ice cream, or try out the creamy, smooth texture of poi, made from an enticing concoction of mashed over-ripe bananas and coconut milk. Get your mouth really watering with the crispy, fluffy, sugary sweetness of malasada, or choose to refresh your palate with a cup of shaved ice.
For The Smell: Hawaii’s Nature
There’s nothing quite like the scent you’re met with when you step off the plane onto Hawaiian ground. The light, tropical breeze carries the hint of sea salt and the sweet scent of Hawaii’s local flowers, the bougainvillea and plumeria.
Head inland and you might pick up the aroma of coconut, pineapple and papaya, three delicious locally grown fruits that can be found in their masses in Hawaii. Once you reach the livelier tourist areas, expect a whole array of different smells altogether: the sharp hit of Kona coffee and the tangy aromas of barbecuing fish, and other traditional meats on the menu.
And The Rest…
It’s impossible to give every reason why you need to visit Hawaii in one post, because there really is something to appeal to everyone. The island suits vacationers with all intentions; whether you’re after a romantic break for two, an action-packed adventure with friends, or a chilled-out vacation with children.
In Hawaii, it’s not just your senses that are spoilt for choice, it’s your brain. From restaurants to eat at to activities to try out and events to get involved in, there’s so much going on that you won’t know what to do first. Water sports fans will love the waters of Hawaii for testing out their favourite tricks, lovers of culture will be fascinated by Hawaii’s local traditions, and nature enthusiasts will be more than made up with the many hiking trails Hawaii has to offer.
Or, of course, if you’re heading to Hawaii with the intention of doing absolutely nothing, that’s fine too. You’ll be more than equipped with everything you need to sit back, relax, and let your worries travel far away…