Applying for a visa to travel to the Hawaiian Islands. When a dream becomes reality

After hundreds of questions and assumptions from friends and acquaintances that I was a millionaire, I finally pulled myself together, sat down, patiently went through all the bank statements, picked up the checks, strained my memory and sat down to write this post - about how much my week-long trip to the Hawaiian Islands cost June 2015.

I originally planned to visit Hawaii as part of trip around the world, which was planned 10 months before the start (since September 2014). Tickets were purchased for good prices from Honolulu to Seattle and from Anchorage to Reykjavik. But time made adjustments, the ruble exchange rate became frightening, and as a result, the air tickets were returned through voluntary and (to my luck) forced refunds.
But my fearless friend Elnar (Mishka.Travel) did not give up on a trip around the world and asked me to at least fly to Hawaii, where his wife also flew. And a month and a half before the trip, I began to book, buy, order everything that was necessary for the trip.
So, I arrived at the appointed point - the island of Maui at 12:00 on May 31st, and departed at 10:00 on June 6th. Total 6 full days.

Hawaii is a US state, so a valid visa is required.

All Hawaiian notes:

1. FLIGHTS

While almost everyone flies to Hawaii from the US mainland, I flew an unconventional route - east, through and Tokyo.

I found all the tickets at the prices listed below using ticket search engines. Skyscanner And Aviasales.

S7, together with Japan Airlines, sold a ticket on the route - Tokyo - Honolulu and back for 28 thousand rubles.

A ticket from Moscow to Vladivostok with Aeroflot in comfort class cost me 14,708 rubles.

And from Vladivostok to Moscow I bought a ticket for Aeroflot miles in business class and only paid extra 3208 rubles.

Having arrived in Honolulu (Oahu island), after 3 hours the next flight to Kahului on the island of Maui was waiting for me. For the flight Honolulu - Kahului I paid $72 or 3675 rubles (Island Air airline).

I returned from Maui to Honolulu using MOKULELE Airlines and paid for the ticket $110 or 5614 rubles.

2. HOTELS

On the way back to Moscow, I stayed at the A Hotel Amursky Zaliv in Vladivostok and paid 1,500 rubles per night.

3. CAR RENTAL

As a result, we drove (if I remember correctly) about 800 km around the island of Maui and refilled the tank for $20 (I bought bucks for 51 rubles), arriving at the service center to return the car before departure.

In total, renting a car cost us three $335.24 or 18,183 rubles (per person - 6,061 rubles).

4. FOOD

It's hard to write about everything that was eaten and drunk)

On the second day we discovered a place where you can order excellent breakfasts all day long.

Since it gets dark early on the island, and it’s light already at 4 am, life was already starting to boil at 5 am. And we had to hurry so that at 5:30-6 there would be no line for breakfast. On average, you could have a good meal for $10.

We bought food in supermarkets and cooked it in our apartments. It was always possible to buy fresh seafood, fish, and meat at very reasonable prices.

IN last evening We bought these two pieces of beef for $25 and cooked them on a gas barbecue in our backyard.

Some price tags:

5. NATIONAL PARKS

By car we went to Haleakala Park, and also during a trip to Hana - to Kipahulu Park, where each paid an entrance fee of $15 or 765 rubles ( 255 rubles per person).

Haleakala Park:

Kipahulu Park:

6. SURFING

One of my main goals when going to Hawaii was to try stand up on a board. A two-hour lesson in using the board cost $110 or 5,610 rubles for three. At first it seemed to us that this time would not be enough, but after 40 minutes I realized that for the first time it was too much for me, and after an hour and a half my strength was at zero.

RESULTS

Let's summarize the sections in rubles:

1. Flights—RUB 55,205.
2. Accommodation - 18,314 rubles.
3. Car rental - 6,061 rubles.
4. Food, drinks, goodies - on average 50-60 dollars a day, that is, for 6 days approximately 18,500 rubles.
5. National parks - 510 rub.
6. Surfing — 3,060 rub.
7. Postcards - 2,550 rub.

Total: 104,200 rub.

Is it worth spending that much money for a week? In my opinion yes!

Video from the trip

Find cheap flights to Hawaii

All you need to do is enter your origin and destination (Honolulu, Kahului or other Hawaiian cities) and your intended travel dates, then click “Find Flights.” The air ticket search engine will select the optimal route for you and show you minimum price among airlines and air ticket sales agencies.

- how to get to Honolulu and how to combine a great vacation in California and then go on a trip to Hawaii. Los Angeles offers a variety of holidays - here you can learn the secrets of cinema, go surfing, go by car to various national parks and authentic towns on the coast Pacific Ocean. But the classic beach holiday in Los Angeles, unfortunately, no. But on the Hawaiian Islands you can sunbathe on the beach and swim in the ocean as much as you like - the water is warm, and the reefs and lagoons in the coves protect from big waves Pacific Ocean.

In this article I will tell you how to arrange the best one for yourself vacation in Hawaii: how to fly to Hawaii Honolulu airport how to organize transfer to your hotel on Waikiki Beach. I will also give examples of the best beaches on Oahu and Maui so that you can choose.

1. Buy a ticket for a flight Los Angeles - Honolulu (LAX - HNL), see cheap air tickets on the website Aviasales.ru →
2. Choose a beach on the island of Oahu and book a good hotel near it on the website Booking.com →
3. If necessary, book a car rental on the website Rentalcars.com →
4. Getting from Honolulu International Airport to the hotel
5. Relax on best beaches Hawaii

Now let's talk in more detail about each of these five points.

Flight to Hawaii in the USA

Hawaii and their capital, Honolulu, is in the middle of the North Pacific Ocean, a six-hour flight from Los Angeles. Many airlines fly here, so you just need to choose a flight that suits the time and price. When I bought a ticket from Los Angeles to Honolulu, I flew with Delta, and I will say that it was a very comfortable flight. Six hours passed almost unnoticed.

By the way, from Moscow to Honolulu You can only fly with transfers - through Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle or New York. See cheap flights.

Recommendation: in my opinion, combining a trip to California and a vacation in Hawaii (which I managed to do without any problems) is much more interesting than traveling there separately. Therefore, it is worth buying tickets in advance in the USA both to Los Angeles and from Los Angeles to Hawaii. Why in advance? Yes, because summer in the States is a period of mass vacations for Americans (much like in Russia, only on a larger scale). And since North Americans are accustomed to planning their vacations in advance, they can snag tickets on all the best flights while you put off deciding on your airline tickets.

Honolulu Airport in Hawaii

IN Honolulu airport(Honolulu International Airport, HNL) on the island of Oahu you immediately understand that you are in a completely different world: it is still the USA, but there is already a Polynesian sky above your head. There is a pleasant humidity in the air, which almost never happens in Los Angeles. In addition, at the airport in Hawaii everything is very convenient: you can immediately rent a car and go to your hotel, or take a taxi or even take a bus to the tourist center - Waikiki. If you come on a tour to Hawaii, you will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel, so you don’t have to worry about anything,

Good to know:

• Honolulu Airport is located near the city center (only 7 km) and almost next to the mecca of beach life - Waikiki (12 km).
• Good news for travelers from Russia: you do not need a separate visa for Hawaii, like for the islands of French Polynesia (Tahiti and Bora Bora). Since Hawaii is one of the 50 states of America, a US visa is valid here.

Honolulu Airport on the map

How to get from Honolulu Airport to downtown Oahu

• On Waikiki Express(Airport Waikiki Express) can be sent directly to your hotel for just $16. This service is usually booked in advance, so you will be met at the airport with a sign. You can easily recognize company representatives by their yellow traditional Hawaiian shirts. However, it is worth remembering that this is not a personal vehicle and will travel to Waikiki with all stops at each hotel. The east of the airport your hotel is located, the longer this trip will be.
• Buses numbers 19 and 20 depart every half hour from stops 913, 914, 915 in front of the airport and go to the center of Waikiki. The bus fare is only $2.5 per person. This option is only available to those who have little luggage.
• By rented car. Parking at Waikiki hotels usually costs $20-35 per day. The cost of car rental and conditions can be found on the car rental website Rentalcars.com (follow the link).
• On Taxi. The cost of a trip to the city center will be $30-40 plus tip. Traveling with three of us is more profitable than taking an express bus, and it’s faster in terms of time.

Waikiki - Oahu's tourist center

Waikiki(Waikiki) is a large, bustling beach 2.5 km long, located in the southern part of the island of Oahu and is a huge tourist center with all the necessary infrastructure. There are high-rise first-class hotels right on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, many shops and fashion boutiques are located nearby. There are always a lot of people here, because this is the most convenient place for those who want to relax in Hawaii, but do not want to go far from the airport.

If you want to live in the thick of things, then you should definitely choose Waikiki beach. I also lived in Waikiki, because first I wanted to go trekking to the Diamond Head volcano, and then see the rather interesting Honolulu Zoo. And the best shopping in Hawaii is also on the streets of Waikiki.

My impressions of Waikiki: Despite the fact that I arrived in the summer, it was the beginning of June, and there weren’t very many people on the beach yet, so I was able to relax to the fullest! I would especially like to note that the quality of your holiday in Hawaii is significantly influenced by the hotel; you should not skimp on comfort here.

• Two of Waikiki's finest hotels are four-star hotels right on Waikiki Beach with their own oceanfront pool and beachfront boardwalk that needs no further introduction:
• 3* hotel near the beach and ocean view - Aston Waikiki Circle Hotel >>
• Waikiki apartment with full kitchen close to Ala Moana Park and Beach. This great option for those who want to be in the center, but also have access to a non-crowded beach. Look Waikiki Studio >>

Maui Airport called Kahului(Kahului Airport, OGG) and is the second major tourist hub in Hawaii after Oahu. You can fly here not only from Honolulu, but also by direct flight from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Anchorage and other cities in the USA and Canada.

How to get from Maui Airport to your hotel:

• By car. Most of the hotels are located in Lahaina, Wailea and Kaanapali. Renting a car in Hawaii is not very expensive; prices can be found on this website.
• By shuttle. The Express Shuttle provides a service to transport guests to their hotel on Maui. The cost of the trip is from 24 to 44 dollars one way (depending on the chosen beach).
• By taxi. The average cost of a taxi ride on the island of Maui is between $72 and $85.
• By bus. With transfers from the Pick Up Zone #3 stop, you can travel directly from the airport to popular beaches on Maui. Bus tickets in Hawaii are only $2 per trip.

It is better to stay on the island of Maui in Hawaii in one of the nicest hotels near the beach. You can use our recommendation, or choose the most suitable one for yourself in terms of comfort and price.

Here are the best hotels on Maui:

• In Wailea and near Wailea Beach - Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea >>
• In Kaanapali - a traditional tourist town like Waikiki - Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas >>

Visiting the Hawaiian Islands means having a great time at a picturesque resort - the dream of almost every tourist. Visitors are welcome here, and there are many options for interesting pastime in this tropical paradise.

In this article we will tell you what excursions you can visit while on vacation in Hawaii and indicate approximate prices for these tours.

Oahu Island – sightseeing tour

During an excursion on the island of Oahu, you will visit the best observation decks: overlooking the city of Honolulu, the crater of the Diamond Head volcano, Haunama Bay, Iternity Beach and the Halona Blowhole. Then we will drive through the prestigious Kahala area, visit Cape Makapuu, the local village of Waimanalo, visit the Valley of the Temples and the Byodo-in Temple (an exact replica of the Japanese one), then visit a flower nursery and a macadamia nut store, and after that - at the Pali pass.

This excursion lasts for five hours. Price for group from one to three people- 320 dollars, from four to six - 450, and if the number of tourists is more - then by agreement.

Excursion: helicopter flight over the island of Oahu

Taking a helicopter ride, you can see Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head, Waikiki, Chinaman’s Hat Island, as well as admire the Sacred Falls and Dole Pineapple plantations, exotic... read more

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Weather in Hawaii by month:

Month	Temperature		Cloudiness	Rainy days / Precipitation	Water temperature at sea	Number of solar hours per day
	During the day	At night
January	25.1°C	22.3°C	26.5%	1 day (20.3 mm.)	24.5°C	11 o'clock 0m.
February	25.0°C	22.2°C	35.5%	4 days (53.9 mm.)	24.2°C	11 o'clock 27m.
March	25.0°C	22.1°C	33.0%	2 days (41.3 mm.)	24.2°C	12h. 2m.
April	26.4°C	23.1°C	29.4%	2 days (28.3 mm.)	24.7°C	12h. 39m.
May	27.4°C	23.7°C	27.3%	2 days (27.0 mm.)	25.3°C	13:00 10m.
June	28.3°C	24.5°C	24.9%	-	25.8°C	13:00 25m.
July	29.1°C	25.3°C	23.8%	1 day (14.6 mm.)	26.2°C	13:00 17m.
August	29.6°C	25.7°C	24.0%	1 day (24.7 mm.)	26.7°C	12h. 50m.
September	29.3°C	25.6°C	24.0%	1 day (31.9 mm.)	27.1°C	12h. 15m.
October	28.6°C	25.2°C	28.2%	1 day (38.8 mm.)	26.9°C	11 o'clock 39m.
November	27.2°C	24.5°C	31.2%	2 days (23.6 mm.)	26.2°C	11 o'clock 8m.
December	25.9°C	23.4°C	32.4%	2 days (35.9 mm.)	25.1°C	10 o'clock 52m.

*This table displays weather averages collected over more than three years

TOURIST REVIEWS:

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Hawaii will offer every guest the right island

Everything that the largest Pacific archipelago belonging to America is rich in is the turquoise of the sea, the gold of the sun, the pearls of the sands. This is what we, yesterday's students, thought when we were getting ready to go on a trip to find the treasures of relaxation. However, having spent a little time in Hawaii, we unexpectedly found hidden jewels of relaxation, the shapes of which were determined by the island.

Lanai is unique in its impressive number of golf courses, highly specialized clubs, and training centers. Oahu is famous for its Sea Life Park, where dolphin therapy is practiced. This island is considered ideal for exploring the fascinating Polynesian culture, which is preserved by the natives of special villages, and diving (thanks to the legendary Hanuma Bay, where the natives feed turtles).

What makes the island of Hawaii unique is its volcanic origin. Some fire-breathing mountains act to supply the famous Punaluu Beach with anthracite sand. When you sunbathe on volcanic lava, you feel like an action superheroine. Once you find yourself in the gardens and Waimea Canyon (the longest valley) of Kauai, you find yourself in a blockbuster. You'll fly on a plane that flies freely between the islands to Maui, and you'll live a little in a fairy tale with a slight surfer twist. Magnificent tropical forests, luxurious waterfalls, bluish-scarlet sunsets, stormy seas.

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HOLIDAY PRICES:

How much does a vacation to Hawaii cost? December 2014.

Tour cost

Our last tour was to Hawaii. Our group of 4 people had visas. We opened it earlier, independently by private invitation. The cost in those days was $165. We flew from Moscow with two transfers (Amsterdam, San Francisco) to Honolulu. The ticket was purchased in advance, so the cost was $800. The return flight, although longer (38 hours with stops) via Atlanta-Amsterdam, was tiring, but something you wouldn’t tolerate for the sake of such savings.

We chose the hotel on line 2, but we didn’t regret it at all. The beaches of Waikiki are only a 5-minute walk, but there are many restaurants, shops and cafes along the way. It didn’t bother me at all, and the hotel pleased me with its convenience and cleanliness. Compared to others, its price was about $150 for a double room. The Imperial Hawaii Resort hotel is located close to the bus stop, which gave us the opportunity to ride around the entire island and visit other beaches for 2.5 dollars. Taxis to and from the airport were taken on the spot, without ordering. The trip for 4 cost only $30, and at a very odd time (late night arrival) and early departure at 5 am.

We organized an excursion to the zoo and pineapple plantations ourselves. We walked to the zoo; the entrance ticket was $20. We spent almost the whole day in one of the richest zoos in the USA. Pineapple paradise cost - 2.5 (bus) + excursion train ride around the territory - $7 + samples different types pineapple products (juice, ice cream, sweets) - about $5. Several times we went to China Town (Honolulu area) and to the center with monuments, universities and museums. Compared to other US resorts, holidays here turned out to be the cheapest. True, as always, there is not enough time to visit all the interesting things.

Food and products

If you pay attention to the cheapest establishments, Japanese and Chinese cuisine are very attractive and widespread here. Coffee can be purchased for 99 cents at any convenience store or eatery. Decent and more expensive restaurants cost from $30 per person with light drinks. Marriott offered a buffet for $20, a good Japanese buffet complex for $15. Of course, there are many American chain restaurants like McDonald's where you can have a meal for 6-9 dollars.

Total money spent on vacation

Useful information?

Holiday impressions in December

The temperature both day and night is very comfortable for relaxing and walking.

Youth recreation

You can enjoy exploring all 6 islands that are completely different from each other. Even the weather can be different.

Holidays alone

If you don’t want to look for adventure and explore all the Hawaiian islands, then you can choose a very quiet place and enjoy the peace and beauty of nature.

What to take with you on vacation?

Everything you might need for a holiday by the sea. Sunscreen lotions are a must. Temperatures are not very high in December, but you can still get burned.

For walks in the tropical forests of the island, you will need protection from insect bites and it is better to take closed clothing and shoes.

Where is the best place to stay?

If traveling alone, then the International Hostel in Honolulu for 2,800 rubles is ideal. For a group of friends good option There will be accommodation in the Aekolion residence near the village of Waikolou 3100 per night. We didn't stay in a hotel for more than 3 days. They changed islands and moved from place to place. It's more interesting and you can see more.

What to do at the resort?

Exploration of the Hawaiian Islands, helicopter tours, yacht trips, diving and coral reef exploration.

For those who love exotic photographs, you can immediately go to the island of Oahu. On this island in the bay there is a huge coral reef located right in the crater of a dormant volcano. Here you can explore the bottom with a mask and see exotic fish.

Helicopter excursions will reveal all the delights of the island and help you see all the beauties in a short time.

Waterfall in the tropical forest.

Great tour of the island of Oahu. On this excursion you will be able to see the prestigious Kahala district, where most of the Hollywood stars live. View Honolulu from the heights of the Tantalus Mountains.

Diving on Maui is very popular. This is an amazing island to explore underwater world. The excursion is organized by experienced instructors and trainers. Dive boats depart daily from Maui.

An incredible sight is the sea fountains that can be seen on the shores of the island of Kauai. Stones weird shape that's how they cut sea ​​wave during high tide, incredibly high fountains are formed. Playing on sunlight the water breaks so that you can see a rainbow. An incredibly beautiful sight.

Where can I eat?

It is better to eat in inexpensive cafes, since in our opinion there is a huge selection of seafood and they are fresher.

About the quality of food and service

Hawaiian cuisine takes some getting used to. Not everyone will like it, so if you don’t plan to experiment, you can order the usual fast food. A staple of Hawaiian cuisine is taro. This is a completely unleavened product and is used to make mashed potatoes. purple. In regular eateries you can try different types of fish with delicious sauces. On the island large selection food from various countries: Japanese, Chinese, European.

Disadvantages of vacationing in Hawaii

Hawaiian food is high in calories and high in starch, fat and salt. So as not to get no pleasant surprises with a stomach, it is better to find out the composition first or ask for a tasting portion.

Is it worth vacationing in Hawaii?

Hawaii is definitely a place where you want to return again and again. All of the Hawaiian Islands are incredibly beautiful and attractive with their unpredictable weather and tropical forests.

We are from St. Petersburg, we definitely travel every six months. This time we decided visit Hawaii. Friends recommended it and the reviews were wonderful. But because I wanted to see much, and move from hotel to hotel, fly from island to island, and sit in airports for hours- We didn’t want it one bit, so we decided to take a cruise.

After infinite flight moved in a covered smog Los Angeles, still night in flight, and in the first rays of the sun rising from the ocean we see a miracle! In the middle of the emerald abyss - there is a volcano with its top torn off. Inside the crater is all green, and transparent turquoise waves splash around snow-white foam. Nearby lies a joyful and bright city immersed in greenery and sandy beaches.

Hawaii is the last state of America, but the first thing we heard in a taxi on the way from the airport was “Hawaii is not America!” - can you imagine? Then we were given a long lecture all the way; “We are, they say, fighting against corporate rules, against the fact that multinational corporations were squeezing out our small businesses, our farmers, small shops and infringing on our rights!!!”

These are the times! To hear this in States! Not only does it turn out that we consider ourselves deprived! I don’t know what suppresses them (!?) America, as we later learned all national parks are supported by the federal budget, and payments population, and medicine and pensions and other. And state payments Hawaii to the American budget (federal tax) is only 1.5%! I don’t know if this information is accurate and how one can be dissatisfied, but with our 60% of sent you know where-don't compare. But, Maybe there are some reasons. During our trip, we heard more than once the now familiar phrase “Welcome to Hawaii” and “Hawaii is not America”!

Day we rested, walked along Waikiki-reminiscent of Sydney, but a lot of Japanese. Very!!! Hawaii is considered the most expensive state in America, but it seemed cheaper to us St. Petersburg. The streets are clean and completely safe wherever you are. Even on a deserted beach at night.

There it is customary to give 15% tips or 10% if the bill is large. In New York, a year ago, when we gave 15%, the waiters came up and blatantly asked; - “There’s something wrong with you I liked it? -and showed their displeasure by shaking off the tablecloth before nose, it was very unpleasant.

Stayed at the hotel Aston, almost right on the shore.190 dollarsnight and a million dollar view. But we didn't expect this pandemonium. Crowds, crowds, crowds of people, Asians everywhere - in the corridors, elevators, restaurants. And for breakfast and dinner and... always. Brrrrr.

Restaurants by prices quite affordable and with good kitchen. We fell in love with the Oceanarium Restaurant the first time. Imagine huge aquarium where exotic fish, stingrays and a Hawaiian mermaid swim. Without scuba gear, underwater like a fish. Waving your hand and tail.

Dinner at restaurant cost $90 for two, including tip, fried scallops in wine, perfect Kamchatka crabs, squid baked in batter, excellent steak, local fish, fried shrimp, cakes, strawberries in hot chocolate, and all this - in a huge number. It was difficult to get up from the table.

In the evenings there are mini shows in Waikiki. Either Hawaiian women dance, swaying their hips, making men shrink awkwardly, or handsome Hawaiians with spears and swords perform a fire show, or fireworks - the city never sleeps and lives the busy life of a world resort.

What's left is terrible impression from Japanese restaurants. No, prepare-they are wonderful. But attitude?! We heard the opinion that the Japanese are Nazis and do not consider anyone other than the Japanese to be people (I used to think that this was an unfounded statement), but here collided with a clear disregard for white clients. That is, we were clearly shown that the Japanese were here in the first place. It was shocking. Americans at the next table, after forty minutes(!) of waiting, they began be indignant and we too, at the end we started arguing. We will never go to them again.

In the morning we took Taxi, it turned out that there are a LOT of taxis there expensive! They charge 120 per hour dollars! Taxi drivers are polite, but the meter was ticking scary! People are open and friendly, always smiling and sincerely trying to help. Very different from Americans in other cities. No one for you Nothing does not try to impose, everything is very kind and pleasant to the soul and heart.

We got there with our suitcases ship. Cruise we planned still in St. Petersburg, but our agencies asked for almost 3,200 thousand dollars for interior cabins. I have a husband English speaking, I went to the America Right website and found the same cabin for 2700! We chose an inside cabin (without portholes) because we thought that we would leave in the morning and return at night. And the difference in money is better spent on excursions and yourself and your loved ones.

On the liner you go to heaven. Gyms, swimming pools, saunas, French, Italian, American restaurants -for any The taste and cuisine are excellent everywhere. For Italian and French and for alcohol you have to pay an extra 25-30 dollars. The menu is incredible. And fish in any form, and steak, and... everything you dream about. It's true that discos are a disgrace to America!

Last year we took cruise on Caribs and excursions that were offered at ship. Based on last year’s experience, we didn’t really like it, since I don’t speak English very well, and there was also a large group of American pensioners. While there they are on their own crutches and strollers to the bus home mowing By the time they crawl in, sit down, you’ll sweat. And there are screaming kids behind me. The end result was a crumpled, boring and difficult excursion for us to endure.

I am a businesswoman, and as a former lawyer, took over the organization of excursions and tours. From sad experience knew how important it was to have good guide Both the mood and impressions from the trip! To have a bore who knows little and crumples up the whole trip for us is excluded! I checked everything three times, read all the forums and reviews, and even found a Russian agency there (I won’t say which one. They intimidated me by deleting the resource) which hooked me both with the routes and the description. And as always, I was not mistaken!

I wanted look all without any crowding, crushing and waiting, then When It’s convenient for us, so we took an individual tour from our “Russo-Hawaiians” "Mysterious Hawaii" across all islands.

Cruise allows you see maximum from maximum amenities. During the day, you are in one city, you go on an excursion, see the best, and in the evening you return to your ship. No need search restaurant, taxi, then go to the hotel, then to the airport to fight with suitcases, waiting, check-in lines, flights, new taxis and hotels... None of this torment. Every for two days we had a new island, and every day - new city. You see more, you pay less, and there are no hardships or hassles. In addition, the routes along which we traveled with our guides clearly went past the routes huge tourist buses.

After Honolulu we moored to Maui. Maui is considered the most the best island for a “life” as close as possible to heavenly. The biggest one lives there quantity millionaires per capita of the American population. And after visiting it becomes clear why.

Taking car, we went to get permission to camping at the city hall. We were surprised that camping is prohibited on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and everyone must find alternative accommodation for these two days. Because We We arrived on Tuesday, we were guaranteed one night at the camp ground Kahana in North Oahu, about an hour from Honolulu. We arrived at our parka at about five in the evening, after shopping at Wal-mart, where we bought fins and rubber slippers (since we were warned that some beaches may be rocky) water and off I go for the first time. I was amazed by the huge selection of snorkeling accessories (snorkel is a snorkel for breathing, and snorkeling is swimming in an underwater mask with a snorkel) and diversity dried seafood. There we had a bite to eat at a local Fast Food, which offers a Hawaiian menu - pork baked in the ground, burgers with salmon, ribs cut crosswise rather than lengthwise.

There is a wonderful Valley there Craters at the very top of the mountains, I can't go wanted, it’s hard to endure mountain roads and the guide warned that the road winds, but... they husband I was persuaded.

How lovely! The road goes through impassable jungle, then our mixed forest, across lawns and hills (just like in New Zealand). You rise up and you drive through the thickness of the clouds, higher and higher, and you are already in the heavens, and the whole world and endless the ocean is below you!

Tired of gray everyday life? Do Türkiye and Thailand seem “hackneyed” and banal to you? Well then, Aloha! Welcome to Hawaii! By the way, did you know that this word means not only greeting, but also “goodbye”, “friendship” and “love”? In our virtual tour we will consider everything that is useful for a traveler to know before a trip. Maui is one of the most popular islands in the archipelago and the third largest. The Internet, based on the assessments of travel journalists and reviews of tourists, recognized its primacy in the ranking of the most visited and interesting places on the planet. A stay in this paradise is worth the money and time spent. How can a Russian tourist get to the island of Maui? And what awaits him there? Let's find out together!

Hawaiian Islands: Geographical Education

Location: Northern Hemisphere, central Pacific Ocean. You won't need exact coordinates unless, of course, you are an airline pilot. The Hawaiian Islands archipelago belongs to the United States of America. This is the most long chain islands all over the Earth, the area of ​​which is about 2.5 thousand km 2. In addition, the Hawaiian archipelago is the most remote inhabited place on the planet. Think about it: the distance to the USA is almost 4 thousand km, to Japan - twice as much. The official language is English, but the population also speaks local dialects (Hawaiian, Polynesian and others).

The fiftieth US state of Hawaii is a region with high population density. More than 1.3 million people live here. The area of ​​these Pacific islands is constantly increasing due to natural reasons - due to volcanic eruptions. This is why you can find beaches in Hawaii unusual shades: red, black, brown and even green, which attract tourists so much.

More than two million people vacation here every year. The most visited cities by tourists are Hilo and Kailua-Kona. In order not to get confused between the names of the archipelago and the largest of its islands, the Americans call the latter “The Big Island”. The state capital is Honolulu, in international airport where most international flights land. There are four districts in the state (the islands of Hawaii and Maui, Kauai and the capital).

Nature of the "Island of Flowers"

Hawaii is composed almost entirely of volcanic rock. The surface of the islands is only a small part of the mountains, the main part of which is hidden in the depths of the ocean. Some volcanoes are over 70 million years old.

Rare islands of the Pacific Ocean can boast such a variety of tropical vegetation, exotic flowers beautiful names. Orchids, plumerias, silver swords grow in numerous gardens, and the yellow Hawaiian hibiscus (sometimes red) is considered a national symbol. On the islands you can see huge pineapple plantations. However, currently these delicious fruits are not exported; the state's main source of income is tourism. Hawaii is the only place in America where coffee is grown.

There are much more animals, especially sea animals, than birds. Many species of birds have become extinct due to extinction or significant change their range. Of course, man and... mongooses are to blame for this. Environmentalists are sounding the alarm about massive deforestation on the islands.

Animals are presented in all their diversity. In Hawaii alone you can find the green monk seal and about 1,500 species of other endemics found only in this place.

US visa and air travel options

In addition to permission to enter the country and payment of the consular fee ($160), Russian tourists will need to undergo an interview. At independent travel You need to pay the fee before submitting the necessary documents for a visa at the consulate. Then wait (usually for email) identification code. It will be announced at an interview, for which you must pre-register on the website of the US Diplomatic Mission in Russia. You can communicate with a state representative at the Consulates General, which are located in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vladivostok and Yekaterinburg. If you buy ready-made tour to Hawaii, almost all the work will be done by the agency. The only thing required is your personal presence at the interview.

Most often, Russian tourists choose to fly from Moscow to Honolulu, and then from the capital of the archipelago they fly to the island of interest, for example, Maui. You can fly to California or Seattle, with airports connecting you to cities like Kahulue, Hilo and Kona.

Operators offering tours to Hawaii

Nowadays, with developed Internet technologies and with a thoughtful approach, it is possible to independently plan, book and travel to almost anywhere on the planet. You can also turn to professionals who will greatly simplify this task. Tours to Hawaii are provided by such tour operators as Biblioglobus, UNEX, KMP-group, GTV-group and some others.

Simplified booking systems allow you to independently decide on the route and its dates, and choose a hotel. On the island of Maui, for example, you can consider accommodation options from 5 to 2 stars.

The Aloha State or the Hospitality State

We all remember numerous American films where happy tourists leave the plane wearing colorful short-sleeved shirts, and a wreath of bright Hawaiian flowers always hangs around their necks. This tradition actually takes place on the archipelago; to this day, the local population greets everyone who arrives on the islands with flowers. Everyone. There are enough flowers here for everyone.

Travel journalists, when describing this Incoming event, note that the point here is not at all that Hawaiians live off tourists, and that it is beneficial for them to welcome the guest well. They are just like themselves - hospitable, sincerely welcoming, kind and cheerful. Warmth of soul is felt in the sparkle of eyes and warm smiles. The visitor gets the feeling that past life he was originally from here, but now he just returned home.

What is the island of Maui?

Planning a paradise vacation? Then you need to go to Hawaii! It is not surprising that in reviews of the island of Maui, tourists write only enthusiastic comments: “amazing!”, “amazing!”, “amazing!” It harmoniously combines a secluded beach holiday with water activities (diving, surfing, etc.), relaxing walks and difficult mountain climbs, nightclub life and quiet, relaxing hours in a fashionable hotel.

The island, with an area of ​​more than 1800 km2, is divided into parts: western (smaller) and eastern (the kingdom of the Haleakala volcano). The most popular vacation spots are the following: Lahaina, Kihei, Wailea, Kaanapali, Kahului, Waikuku. We'll talk about them below.

Maui - VIP vacation (dispelling myths)

The average Russian becomes a little uncomfortable with an amount exceeding $3,500. Typically, tour operators indicate in a note that this is the cost of the tour without air travel, that you need to pay extra for a visa, food, some excursions, and hotel fees. It turns out to be an astronomical waste, which only very wealthy people can afford. Is it possible to reduce it? Let's try.

1. A visa costs $200 (rounded).

2. If you book a round-trip flight from Moscow to Honolulu in advance (for example, several months in advance), you can spend $550.

3. A local flight within the state of Hawaii (Honolulu-Kahului and back) costs approximately $150.

4. The most budget accommodation options can be found on east coast islands. The minimum price per night starts from $350. If you book a room several months in advance, the discount is up to 51%. It turns out to be $200 per day (rounded).

5. No more than $200 per day is spent on food, entertainment and excursions (according to reviews from experienced travelers). It depends on where to eat and how to have fun.

Total: for an independent tour lasting 5 days 6 nights you can spend $2900. No surcharges or overpayments. Let’s convert it into our usual currency and get about 175,000 rubles. If we take into account the fact that we buy air tickets and a hotel room at different times, the installment plan will be quite good.

Packing your suitcase correctly, or Climatic features of the island of Maui

We pack swimsuits, tanning products and all other attributes of a beach holiday. It is important to take into account that at an altitude of 3000 m above sea level (if you go on an excursion to the craters of volcanoes) it is very cold and the strongest wind blows. You will need warm jackets and be sure to wear sombrero-type hats (so that they don’t fly off your head).

The island of Maui is tropical, so even on the coldest winter days the temperature does not drop below +17 0 C. The rest of the time it stays within +23-28 0 C. The beach season can last here all year round, but the months from May are considered the dry period to October.

Where can you stay here?

Hotels of various price categories located on the coasts, you can rent a villa or rent a corner from the locals (if you know Hawaiian). To choose a place that suits your tastes, consider the popular areas of Maui.

Laikhana was once the capital of the archipelago, a major whaling center. Today there is a historical center with national attractions, as well as good surfing and diving centers. Happy tourists ride horses through tropical gardens and inhale the aromas of hibiscus.

Kihei is a very romantic place where newlyweds from all over the world like to come to honeymoon. Wailea is famous for its golf courses and good shopping.

Kaanapali has a huge beach with developed infrastructure. People go kayaking here, and in the evenings they host Hawaiian parties with fiery hula dancing.

There are many markets in Kahului that sell all sorts of interesting trinkets, souvenirs, seafood and exotic fruits. You can rent a car and go explore the picturesque surroundings, lushly overgrown with lush vegetation. If you love national parks, aquariums, and want to see a real American ranch, then you need to go to Waikuku.

Exotic cuisine

The main dishes of the islanders are seafood and fruits. Of course, there are restaurants here that offer tourists international cuisine; you can find kebab and burger shops. Tourists are offered various types of grilled meat and fish (beef, elk, salmon). It is worth trying breadfruits prepared in a special way (called ulu dish). Raw red fish is often served with tomatoes (lomilomi). It is also wrapped in large mint leaves and steamed. Pork in coconut sauce turns out delicious.

Maui is a real fruit abundance. Here grow pineapples, wild guava, which in the tropical forests itself falls under the feet of tourists, papaya, pomegranates, pamela and many, many other goodies.

The best beaches in the world

There are more than thirty of them here - for every taste. You can even choose the color of the sand. But all the beaches on the island of Maui are similar in one thing: they are clean, incredibly picturesque... They are the best! These are not just words, as many experienced travelers think.

You should definitely visit Kanapali Beach in Laihan - this is an amazingly beautiful corner that you will never forget in your life.

Excursion trips to Maui (Hawaii)

It is impossible to come to the island and not see the Haleakala volcano, which occupies a huge area here. Climbing it along a serpentine road is an extreme activity. It takes your breath away as you gradually drive into the clouds. At an altitude of about 3 km above sea level there is a strange terrain reminiscent of the planet Mars: the volcanic rock is colored red, there is almost no vegetation. Co observation platforms the view is breathtaking. The way back lies through a plantation of unusual flowers - proteas.

You should definitely go to Waioki Falls - a 400 m high waterfall. The road to this attraction of the island of Maui goes through a tropical rain forest, where you can see real Hawaiian nature with your own eyes.

One of the most amazing sights to see is the whale festival. This is the conventional name for a natural phenomenon during which thousands of these amazing huge creatures gather to spawn around the shores of the islands. Whales gracefully jump out of the water and release fountains. Eyewitnesses say the picture is mesmerizing. The main characters of the festival sail to the Hawaiian archipelago from November to May.

When a dream becomes reality...

Once you set a realistic goal, start moving towards it little by little. Think: everything is real, even the coveted trip to Hawaii! Holidays on the island of Maui are a real fairy tale when you open your eyes, close them, and still don’t believe that you are here. Why not?!