Hawaiian Travel Platter – The Urban Delights

Hawaiian Outdoors – Feeding Your Explorer's Senses

If you ask me about the places to visit for adventure, for rejuvenation, and for assimilating nature, I would pick 'one' multi-locale destination - Hawaii. Lush green forests, mesmerizing sand beaches, snow-capped hills, volcanoes, deserts, and amazing fauna & flora, the floral, vibrant culture, Hawaii definitely offer life size experience. It's all worth a long vacation and many revisits.

The Hawaii State

Hawaii or the Aloha State, aptly nicknamed Paradise, is a US state. Its capital is Honolulu. A western USA state, Hawaii is an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. Its a chain of around 170 islands. Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and The Big Island (Hawaii) are the 6 prime, populated Islands. Niihau has a population of just 170 and Kahoolawe is uninhabited.

My Agenda

Known mainly for its 'natural' seduction, Hawaii offers lesser-known city tourism as well. Here, I am attempting to bring out some key promising things to do in the cities of the Hawaiian Islands - mainly Oahu, Maui, and some in The Big Island. So, we are exploring beyond the very stimulating greenery, glowing volcanoes, coffee plantations, reefs, and enchanting beaches. I am providing here a broad overview of urban tourism at 3 key Hawaiian islands.

Reaching Hawaii: The most accessible and well connected airport in Hawaii is Kona International Airport (KOA) in the west. Alternatives are Hilo International Airport (ITO) in East Hawaii or get down at Honolulu International Airport (HNL) at Oahu and take an approximately 40 minutes flight to The Big Island. I am sticking to the most sorted Kona International Airport.

Hawaii Island (The Big Island or the Island of Hawaii): Hawaii is the largest islands of USA and has over 60% of the Hawaiian land mass. It is the southeastern end of the archipelago in North Pacific Ocean. As you de-board at KOA, gear up for a splendid journey ahead. I can assure you that you will be back to the airport longing to spend some more time on the magical islands of Hawaii.

Kailua-Kona is home to a whole host of bars, pubs, clubs, lounges, and of course ranches, jazzing up the night life. Several type farm tours are conveniently available. Coffee has a special place in Kona. You can get an onsite insight on full production steps of coffee through these tours to Coffee Farms. Kona Historical Society's Kona Coffee Living History Farm located in Captain Cook and Heavenly Hawaiian Kona Coffee Farm visit are especially recommended.

Some 53 miles and 2.5 hours drive to the East from Kona, is Hilo, the largest Hawaiian Island city. East Hawaii Cultural Center (EHCC) here is an art museum for multiple type of cultural activities. You can get a deeper glimpse of the fun culture of Hawaii in Hilo. Those kinky flowery accessorizing thrills you like anything. Hilo Farmers Market is a stunning flea market to spend the day with not just farmers but crafters, artists, etc. too over good food!

Maui (The Valley Isle): Located in West Maui, Lahaina is the hub of city tourism with Whalers Village having shopping areas and beachfront restaurants lined up. If performing arts fascinate you, then Maui Theatre in Lahaina can serve you the best. Here, Ulalena, a production house, runs widely acknowledged and award winning 1-2 hours stage performance of the Hawaiian people. Located in Kahului, Maui Brewing Company serving crafted beers like ales and lager. In Kahului, you will also find the flea market, Maui Swap Meet. Check out clothing, jewelry, crafts, arts, food, and so much more here.

Oahu (The Gathering Place): Hawaii's capital Honolulu is located at the southeast coast of Oahu. If you are a connoisseur of art, then the Honolulu Museum of Art is the place to be. You can also visit Chinatown near Downtown Honolulu. Chinatown features historic buildings alongside urban lofts. For the indulgent souls, Waikiki city forms a perfect place to jazz up the spirits. Sheraton's restaurant RumFire and Duke’s Canoe Club is a hit among the tourists owing to the live music and drinks the places offer. Hit the Royal Hawaiian Centre at Kalākaua Avenue for upmarket shopping and dinning experience. Splurge on shopping & food and then spoil yourself a little at the Waikki Beach Walk.

To sum up, Hawaii caters to all tastes and preferences. This destination does command a visit.

                                          -By Bhumika Gupta, Writer & Rakhi Sinha, Founder & Director, TSS