One of the most physically beautiful places in the world, some of Hawaii's unique experiences are the most expensive. Volcanoes and canyons are best viewed from the air, and helicopter and small plane operators offer tours. A visit to Lanai, the smallest and most exclusive island in the chain, is a chance to get away from it all. And, of course, there are numerous resort and luxury golf courses throughout the state.
Take a Helicopter Tour
Helicopter and small plane tour operators offer flights over Hawaii's active volcanoes on the Big Island. As compelling as the volcanoes are from the ground, the view from the air gives the best perspective of the glowing orange lava flowing down the mountains and steaming when it rolls into the sea.
On Kauai, a helicopter tour of Waimea Canyon, where Jurassic Park was shot, beats a hike any day. You'll see the sheer cliffs, lush growth and depths of the canyon.
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters offers tours on the Big Island, Kauai and Maui.
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
Hawaii, Kauai, Maui
(800) 745-2583
www.bluehawaiian.com
Go to Lanai
If you're looking for the most luxury and exclusivity you can find on Hawaii, treat yourself to a few days on Lanai. Formerly a pineapple plantation, the island has undergone a renaissance courtesy of the Castle & Cook Corporation, which built two high-end resorts with championship golf courses and luxury spas. Manele Bay is right on Hulopoe Beach (great snorkeling) and The Lodge at Koele is a mountain location. Both are managed by the Four Seasons. The golf course at Manele Bay hugs the cliffs along the Pacific, and the two at Koele wind through pine forests.
Four Seasons at Manele Bay
1 Manele Bay Rd.
Lanai, Hawaii 96763
(808) 565-2000
www.fourseasons.com/manelebay
The Lodge at Koele
Keomuku Highway
Lanai, Hawaii 96763
(808) 565-7300
www.fourseasons.com/koele
Eat at the Princeville Luau
One of the pricier luaus in the islands, the Princeville luau is worth the $99 per person. From watching the pig roasting in its pit to seeing fire dancers on the stage, the food and entertainment are unparalleled. The view is quite spectacular, too. From the tent next to the Princeville Resort's infinity pool, you'll have a front-row seat at one of the best spots to watch a Hawaiian sunset -- Hanalei Bay.
Princeville Luau
5-3900 Kuhio Highway
Princeville, Hawaii 96722
(800) 826-4400
www.princeville.com
Play Golf
Some of the most scenic golf courses in the world are on Maui. The Wailea Golf Club's Emerald, Gold and Blue courses have famed views of Haleakala and the Pacific while the courses at the Bay and Plantation courses at Kapalua hug the coastline. All of these Maui courses are lush and in excellent condition.
Golf at Wailea starts at $99 for twilight and goes up to $225. Kapalua prices start at $138 for twilight and go up to $298. If you're on Kauai, the world-renowned Prince and Makai courses are challenging and beautiful. Prices for the Prince course begin at $70 for twilight up to $200.
Wailea Golf Club
100 Wailea Golf Club Dr.
Wailea Resort, Hawaii
(808) 875-7540
www.waileagolf.com
Kapalua Golf Club
300 Kapalua Dr.
Kapalua, Hawaii
800-KAPALUA (800) 527-2582
www.kapalua.com
Princeville Golf Club
5-3900 Kuhio Highway
Princeville, Hawaii 96722-3040
(808) 826-5070
www.princeville.com
About The Author
Jill Dorson is a professional journalist who covered sports for nearly 20 years. A passionate golfer and traveler, Jill has covered professional and college golf, the NFL and everything in between. Jill has played golf all over the U.S.and hasn't found a destination she doesn't want to visit.
