FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Island Hopping in Hawai’i

by Katie McElveen

Sep 1, 2017
September 2017

HOME TO JUNGLED MOUNTAINS, stunning beaches, exotic culture, lots of cool activities and even world-class infrastructure, Hawai’i poses a nagging question: How do you choose your favorite among the isles that comprise this magical chain? Luckily, you don’t have to — wellpriced flights make hopping among islands quick and affordable.

Oahu may be Hawai’i’s most developed island, but it never lost sight of its Polynesian roots. Beautifully restored Iolani Palace, the only royal residence in the United States, and the Bishop Museum both tell the story of the Hawai’ian monarchy, overthrown in the 1890s.

A wave of Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese immigrants arrived on Oahu in the 1800s; explore their legacy in Honolulu, filled with block after block of authentic tastes, smells and experiences ranging from boisterous dim sum houses and shops selling the Portuguese doughnuts called malasadas to tiny storefronts packed with lei makers patiently stringing in silence.

If it’s Saturday, follow an early-morning climb to the top of Diamondhead with a breakfast of freshly made specialties like macadamia nut cake, pineapple bread pudding and fried rice studded with barbequed pork at the Kapi’olani Community College Farmer’s Market near the base of the mountain.

Lively Waikiki Beach made surfing famous, and its manageable waves make it a great place to learn the ancient sport of kings. Surf schools abound; the pros at Aloha Beach Services can get even the most balance-challenged novice up at least once. Farther afield, you’ll spot whales and world-class surfers among the massive waves along the funky North Shore; on the island’s east coast, rent kayaks at Kailua Beach and paddle to one of the crater-filled volcanic cays that stud the calm water, or ogle the mansions along adjacent Lanikai Beach. For an unforgettable encounter, let the marine biologists who run Wild Side Specialty Tours take you into the sea to snorkel with pods of curious wild dolphins.

When it’s time to get out of the sun, outdoorsy types can hop onto one of the easily accessible hiking trails that embroider the hilly jungle to spot dramatic waterfalls, wild banana plants and tropical flowers you thought only existed in the florist’s cooler. Shoppers will want to explore designer treasures at Ala Moana Center and the shops along Kalakaua Avenue.

Where Oahu bustles, Maui calms. Dotted with farms and villages like surf-centric Paia, the pastoral upcountry gives way to an array of beaches ranging from wide, sun-splashed strands to intimate coves. D.T. Fleming Beach Park offers easy access to a number of hiking trails; Ka’anapali Beach, with its soft sand, palm trees, calm water and views of Lanai in the distance, is a Hawai’ian beach of dreams. To snorkel with sea turtles, grab your gear and stroll along Ka’anapali to Black Rock Beach, where the shy swimmers gather to feast on the buffet of aquatic plants that flourish around the rocks. Along the Makena Coast, Wedding Beach offers a tiny pocket of paradise, reached through a doorway carved into an ancient stone wall.

Waimea Canyon, Kauai © MNSTUDIO | DREAMSTIME.COM

Waimea Canyon, Kauai © MNSTUDIO | DREAMSTIME.COM

Rising more than 10,000 feet, Haleakala, Maui’s dormant volcano, sees the first and last light of each day on the island. There are a number of ways to take in the scene, including sunrise tours — excursions that end with a cycle ride down the mountain — and sunset outings with time on the summit for a laser-guided and telescopic exploration of the brilliant night sky.

Mention you’re visiting Maui to just about anyone and they’ll ask if you’ll be driving the Road to Hana, a 52-mile-long twisting roadway known as much for its 600 hairpin turns as it is for the remarkable sights — a blacksand beach, placid pools, roaring waterfalls and valley overlooks — it passes. Tell them, “Yes,” then visit Maui Roadsters, which rents reproduction 1957 Porsche Speedster convertibles, thus ensuring you’ll take those turns in style. Plan to take the day — you’ll want to dip your toes in the water, shoot dozens of photographs and grab a bite to eat in Hana or Paia.

Unlike Maui’s beauty, which unfolds at its own pace, Hawai’i Island is all about drama. Topping the list is Kīlauea Volcano, erupting with waves of fiery lava within Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park since 1983. Since the best time to see the lava flow is at night, consider taking a guided late-day hike or a boat tour, which gets you frontrow seats to the spectacular show. Kīlauea’s liquid fire is just one aspect of the 505-square-mile park. The 11-mile crater-rim drive offers views into the smoking caldera; you can also walk through a lava tube and check out an underground volcano observatory.

Hawai’i Island is also home to Mauna Kea, which, at nearly 14,000 feet, is the state’s highest point. Long dormant, it’s now topped with telescopes and ranks among the best destinations in the world for checking out stars, planets, galaxies and other points of light in the velvet sky.

On an island filled with the most spectacular of sights, Waipio Valley still manages to stand out, thanks in part to the majestic waterfalls that plunge over volcanic cliffs, cascade down deep green ravines and tumble into placid pools, often from more than 1,000 feet. Although you can drive to a lookout, consider a tour, either by Jeep or horseback, which will let you get close to all that gorgeousness.

On Hawai’i Island, even the beaches have style — beyond Punalu’u, with its famous black sand, there’s also Papakolea, notable for green sand, and Hapuna, a classic turquoise and blue strand notable in its classic perfection.

If you only have time for one activity on Hawai’i Island, make it an open-door helicopter tour with Paradise Helicopters. You’ll see it all — the volcanoes, the beaches, the waterfalls and Waipio Valley — as the wind rushes in.

Poipu Beach Park, Kauai © EDDYGALEOTTI | DREAMSTIME.COM

Poipu Beach Park, Kauai © EDDYGALEOTTI | DREAMSTIME.COM

Less than a quarter the size of Hawai’i Island, Kauai also offers a surprising range of ecosystems and ways to experience them. Verdant green valleys, many strung with zip lines, spread for miles. To the west, the striated walls of Waimea Canyon reflect sunset shades of rose and gold as they plummet more than 3,300 feet. Radiating from Mount Wai’ale’ale, an extinct volcano and the wettest place on Earth, Hawai’i’s five navigable rivers rush toward the sea carrying canoers, kayakers and mountain tubers along for the ride. At the beach, water that ranges from bathtub calm to positively surly attracts splashers, swimmers, snorkelers and surfers. Even better, the island’s petite dimensions mean that after spending the morning in a state of adrenaline-fueled bliss, you can be on the beach by lunchtime, toes digging into the sand, mai tai in hand.

Many visitors stay in sunny Poipu, but Kauai’s North Shore offers a decidedly authentic experience. Hanalei, a laid-back beach town that, it’s said, is the mythical home of Puff the Magic Dragon, abounds with galleries, local coffee houses and surf shops. On Hanalei Bay, just a few blocks off the main drag, first-time surfers are pushed to the beach by gentle waves. If you’re lucky, you might spot Bette Midler or Pierce Brosnan strolling along the strand since both own beachfront homes on the bay. In typical Kauai fashion, everyone knows where the celebrities live, but no one really seems to care. It’s also where you can access the 11-mile-long Kalalau Trail, the only land access to the 3,000-foot-tall cliffs that comprise the legendary Na Pali coast. Take water, go early and be sure to have plenty of space on your camera. The views are astonishing.

Hawai’i Info to Go

Major carriers serve Oahu (HNL), Maui (OGG), Hawai’i Island (Hilo, ITO/Kailua-Kona, KOA) and Kauai (LIH) from the U.S. mainland and, with regional partnerships, among islands, so you can begin your trip on one island and return from another. If you’d rather book a roundtrip from the same island, Hawaiian Airlines, Island Air and Mokulele Airlines offer reasonably priced inter-island flights. Taxis serve all airports, as do car rental companies; most hotels also offer transport via van or limousine.

Where to Stay in Hawai’i

FOUR SEASONS RESORT HUALALAI This Big Island property takes its cues from nature with lots of treeshaded spaces, a gorgeous beach, dramatic lava formations and even a natural aquarium filled with tropical fish. 72-100 Ka`upulehu Drive, Kailua- Kona, Hawai’i $$$$$

HALEKULANI An oasis of calm in the center of Waikiki beach, Halekulani is a graceful resort where white marble piazzas sweep past courtyards planted with fragrant plumeria and frangipani. 2199 Kalia Road, Honolulu, Oahu $$$$$

HOTEL WAILEA Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, this Relais & Châteaux Maui property centers around a stunning pool; beach lovers can take a free shuttle to a private beach club. 555 Kaukahi St., Wailea, Maui $$$$$

Restaurants in Hawai’i

BAR ACUDA Chef Jim Moffatt came to Kauai on vacation and never left; his tapas and wine bar is as wellknown for creative small plates as it is for its creative cocktails. 5-5161 Kuhio Highway, Hanalei, Kauai $$$

CHEF MAVRO At this legendary Honolulu restaurant serving French/Hawaiian fusion in a romantic setting, go for the Chef’s menu with wine pairings. 1969 S. King St., Honolulu, Oahu $$$$$

MERRIMAN’S RESTAURANT Enjoy local fish and Hawai’ianinflected fare with live music in an elegant oceanfront setting in Kapalua. End your meal with drinks around the fire pit. 1 Bay Club Place, Kapalua, Maui $$$$

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 19, 2025

Darling Jack’s Tavern Review

My visit to Darling Jack’s Tavern in Philadelphia was an absolute delight, offering a combination of great food, refreshing drinks and even better company. Located on South 13th Street, this spot had been on my list for quite some time, and my friend and I were excited to finally check it out. Safe to say, the evening lived up to the hype.

Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City

They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.

Daily
Mar 19, 2025

6 Adventurous Destinations and Hotels for Earth Day Travel

Plan an adventurous getaway this Earth Day (April 22) at one of these destinations and hotels around the world.

eFlyer News
Mar 19, 2025

Atmosphere Core to Debut First Heritage Hotel in Europe

Atmosphere Core, a leading name in hospitality in South Asia, makes its debut in Europe with the launch of Borgo Monchiero Heritage by Atmosphere in Piedmont, Italy. This thoughtfully restored, 18th-century monastery lies in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for some of Italy’s greatest wines.

Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive

Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.

eFlyer News
Mar 19, 2025

Copa Airlines Launches Nonstop Service from Panama City, Panama, to San Diego

Copa Airlines begins non-stop service to and from San Diego (SAN) on June 25, connecting California’s southern city to Panama City, Panama (PTY). The four-times-weekly service operates Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Daily
Mar 18, 2025

Expedition Cruise Line Introduces Sami Food Ambassador

When it comes to authentic Norwegian cultural experiences, HX Expeditions is unmatched. New to the line’s offerings is the addition of Culinary Ambassador Máret Rávdná Buljo, a reindeer herder and custodian of Sami traditions who possesses a deep knowledge of Sami culinary culture.

A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways

This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.

March 2025
Mar 18, 2025

Portland , Oregon’s, Drink Culture Goes Beyond IPAs and Cold Brews

Last November, rather than ride out the endless election news cycle at home, I hopped on a plane and headed to a destination filled with verdant spaces to clear my head — and great drinks to quench my thirst, no matter the outcome.