HAWAII
Amanda has had the wonderful opportunity to visit Hawaii many times, and you will find her on the Big Island every January. She has seen 6 of the eight islands over the last ten years and always looks forward to her travels to this beautiful destination. From the fantastic fresh food to the beautiful palm trees and total relaxation, this is truly a destination to embrace healthy living.
Did you know that Hawaii is the most isolated population center on the face of the earth and the only state that grows coffee? No wonder all the people are so happy and full of energy!
So, which island is the best to see? Well, it depends on your preference…
Oahu - The Gathering Place. Oahu is the most visited Hawaiian island, with nearly 4.7 million visitors annually.
Maui - The Valley Isle. Maui is the second most visited island, with around 2.4 million visitors annually.
Kauai - The Garden Island and home to the filming of Jurassic Park
Hawaii - The Big Island, also known as the volcano island
Activities:
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Snorkeling and Scuba Diving- It doesn’t matter what island you are on; an afternoon catamaran sail with some snorkeling is always a treat and rejuvenating for the soul. While Hanauma Bay is one of Oahu's most popular tourist destinations for snorkeling, I highly recommend going elsewhere. Sadly, much of the coral in that area is dead due to many people stepping on it. Hulopoe Bai in Lanai and Honolau Bay in Maui are a few of my favorites. And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention all the spectacular dive spots in Kauai, too.
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Waterfalls- Let's say they are like Starbucks in Manhattan: Sometimes it feels like there’s one around every corner. One of my favorites is Hanakapi’ai Falls, Kauai. If you like an adventurous hike, this one is for you. It’s relatively long and can be slippery with the rainfall. Though it’s a bit difficult, it is so worth it.
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Whale Watching- Humpback whales visit Hawaiian waters each year from November to May, with the season's peak being from January to March. It’s pretty epic when you can see them alongside you while sailing on a catamaran in the middle of the ocean.
Best Time To Visit: Anytime is a great time to visit the beautiful islands, but some months are better than others. You’ll always be able to find warm, tropical weather in Hawaii. Due to Hawaii’s proximity to the equator, temperatures don’t vary drastically from season to season, like in North America, Europe, etc. In summer months, daytime high temperatures range from mid to upper 80s. In winter, daytime highs average in the upper 70s to lower 80s. The Big Island is super sunny year-round, where it only receives around 10 inches of rain each year. On most islands, rain showers are short-lived, and you are treated to a rainbow afterward.
Health Tip: Hawaii is known for its vast amount of pineapple. Eat up. It’s delicious and plentiful for immune system support, bone strength, and eye health, and it has many anti-inflammatory benefits. One cup of pineapple chunks contains only 82 calories. Pineapples are also fat-free, cholesterol-free, and low in sodium. Not surprisingly, they do have sugar, with 16 grams per cup. So everything is in moderation. Overeating can result in mouth tenderness, including the lips, tongue, and cheeks.
Empowering you to live well + travel!
