More than 8 million tourists visit Hawaii each year, nearly 60 percent of whom come from other American states. Because there is so much to see in Hawaii, the average trip lasts 9 to 10 days.
Some of these guests spend most of their time in Honolulu. Others take a Hawaii cruise around all of the islands. Here are some reasons why the 50th state is such a popular vacation destination. Ā
There Is Something for Everyone
Each of the eight islands that make up Hawaii has something different to offer. There are activities for every person to enjoy, making it an ideal vacation spot for large families.
Oahu, for instance, includes both gorgeous sandy beaches and bustling shops. Science lovers enjoy the big island, which features the most active volcano in the world.
Kauai, the oldest of the main Hawaiian islands, has tons of vegetation. This makes it an ideal hiking spot. Maui, meanwhile, lets visitors have a fun adventure in the afternoon and then sit for a delicious restaurant dinner in the evening.
The Food Is Unique
These restaurants no longer just serve traditional Asian dishes. In 1991, a dozen local chefs created a special Hawaiian cuisine that combines the islands’ flavors with food found in the rest of the world. While Hawaiian restaurants can be found all over the country, tourists come to the state to experience authentic island meals.
The Scenery Is Breathtaking
No matter which island tourists visit, the scenery in Hawaii is spectacular. People who love laying in the sand and watching the ocean waves enjoy the WaikikiĀ beach on Oahu and the North Shore beaches of Kauai. Hawaii is also home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, with the ones in Maui being particular highlights.
The incredible views do not stop once the afternoon turns to evening. The sunsets are amazing and lead to spectacular photos. For visitors who do not mind getting up early, the sunrises are equally impressive.
The People Are Friendly
Some cities do not appreciate visitors from abroad. Ā In New York City, for instance, residents see tourists as annoying groups of people who block the flow of traffic on the street. Hawaiians, however, are known for being friendly to outsiders. That is partly because so many Hawaiians work in the tourism industry. It is also the result of the island’s famed “aloha spirit,” which is promoted by the government.
It Is Easily AccessibleĀ
Americans have to take multiple flights to reach some exotic locales. International locations also require a passport, which can be cumbersome to obtain and renew. Hawaii is much easier to reach. No extra paperwork is required, and most airlines offer direct flights to the islands.
Tourists Can See Different Animals
A Hawaiian vacation lets animal lovers from the Midwest view creatures that thrive primarily in coastal areas. The ocean waters feature reef fish, monk seals, and the endangered green sea turtles. Dolphins are also a highlight for visitors. Whales even put on shows for tourists during the winter months.
There Is Lots of History To Study
While Hawaii has only been an American state since 1959, it has a rich and interesting history that goes back centuries. Polynesians settled in Hawaii 1000 years before Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas. While King Kamehameha I united the islands in 1795, the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown by whites in the 1800s. They created the Republic of Hawaii, which existed until the United States annexed Hawaii in 1898. Of course, Hawaii was also the site of the famed Pearl Harbor attack in December 1941. The major islands of the state include museums and cultural centers that teach visitors about the state’s past.
Hawaii includes beautiful landscapes, nice people, and informative attractions. Foodies, nature-lovers, and history buffs all have reason to visit this group of islands. It is thus no surprise that Hawaii remains a common vacation locale. Ā