Hawaiian Islands Alternative Travel

Guided nature hikes enrich Hawaiian visits on every island. Hawaii Forest & Trail

Much more than Beaches and Palm Trees!

Welcome to the Travel with a Challenge Hawaii travel theme page, consistently rated Number One by readers as an inspirational destination resource for the discerning alternative traveler. Readers regularly email to say they had no idea that the Hawaiian Islands were so much more than sun, sand and palm trees.

Traditional ki’i totems on the Big Island’s south shore.

Feel free to explore our other Travel Theme Pages for vacations well suited to senior travelers, their families and friends. We invite you to click on the images or titles below to explore a wide variety of richly-illustrated, informative pages showcasing the Hawaii Islands that conventional vacationers will never know exist!

You will be intrigued and astonished by this island-by-island introduction to the unique geological, natural and cultural history, and volunteer options of the Hawaiian Islands, a travel mecca we invite you to visit through fresh eyes! Button courtesy of Pacific Whale Foundation.

Take time away from Maui’s beautiful beaches and ocean-focused activities to explore “upcountry” (quite literally) where the volcano views are spectacular, the crowds disappear, and the themes of the day are wine tasting laced with Hawaiian history, gourmet goat cheeses galore and the many possibilities of lavender.

The Mule Ride is not operating at present and access to the national park is closed for now. Experience the famous mule ride down a 1,700 foot cliff trail to the world’s best known leper colony located on the Kalaupapa Peninsula. Learn about Father Damien’s work with the lepers, the inspiring story of this US National Historic Park’s management of the site today, and the pilgrimage travel potential after Father Damien was officially named a saint of the Catholic Church in mid-October 2009.

Spend a grassroots kind of day hanging loose with two of Lana’i’s knowledgeable favorite sons exploring a thousand years of Hawaiian native heritage, ninety years of pineapple plantation history, and today’s dreams and realities on a Hawaiian island waking to a new world of tourism, Lana’i-style.

Guidebook author Kirsten Whatley, describes dozens of short and long volunteer service opportunities on five Hawaiian Islands where environment and wildlife are the focus. This is a great way to meet local people and lend a helping hand for a few hours or a few days as you learn about the state’s rare plants and animals and its environmental challenges.

From the outside, this apparently conventional resort complex occupies a prime location on one of Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches. Step inside and you will discover a creative team of management and staff that understand the essence of authentic Hawaiian culture and traditional hospitality, where guests become family at Maui’s Most Hawaiian Hotel!

Let chef Matthew Gray, founder of Hawaii Food Tours, invite you on a mouth-watering introduction to the multi-ethnic melting pot of Hawaii’s cuisine while encouraging you to sample some of the most popular [and dangerous!] specialties of the islands. “The best way to experience the Aloha spirit is to taste it!”

Discover the many guided and self-guided tour opportunities to learn about Hawaii’s wildlife, geology, conservation challenges, and a colorful cultural and historical past while encountering some unique personal adventures on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island, Lanai and Molokai.

Discover the diversity of character accommodations in the Hawaiian Islands, from historic homes, bed and breakfasts and hotels to working farms, wellness retreat centers and vacation rentals to suit every budget and taste on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island, Lanai and Molokai.

Learn the meaning of those long tongue-twisting words that make up the musical Hawaiian language. Cultural history was never so much fun, tracking the colorful story of the islands’ earliest arrivals, as well as later European, U.S. and Asian settlers comprising the unique modern mosaic of Hawaii. Don’t pass up this page — an intriguing snapshot of the islands, past and present.

Peak through the lens of Hawaii’s pre-eminent nature photographer, Jack Jeffrey, and shares his observations on the endangered and threatened wildlife of these islands he calls home. Month after month, year after year, this is the most popular single article on the Travel with a Challenge web magazine.

Take a Hawaiian Islands life enrichment holiday while focusing on your physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual health. In this overview article, you will identify the best resources to research your Hawaii wellness vacation.

Learn about Hawaii’s world-class practitioners and healthy holiday planners who offer a wide-ranging menu of treatment and counselling services, retreats and workshops designed to send clients home in tip-top form.

Join the adventure of a moderately challenging hike to the top of this famous Honolulu landmark, while learning about the volcano’s geological, native and colonial history. At the summit, you will enjoy some terrific views in all directions as you catch your breath and you will certainly come away with a lasting appreciation of Diamond Head.

Come along with a Maui News staff reporter as she faces her own fears and learns about Hawaii’s fragile environment during a zipline adventure through the tropical rainforest of Maui’s highest volcano, Haleakala.

On Kauai’s south shore minutes from beaches and Garden Island highlights, The Villas at Poipu Kai is a new boutique resort perfect for groups of friends or multigenerational family vacations. With a choice of 2 to 4 bedroom poolside or garden units, each villa features a gourmet kitchen, attractive plantation-style living area, washer/dryer, and a veranda (lanai) exemplifying the charm and relaxation of Hawaii.

Taking a trip to Hawaii? Several Honolulu hotels with attractive prices from Expedia.

Poipu Resort is one of the premier resort destinations on Kauai, offering luxury homes and condos in Poipu Kai Resort and beachfront condos in the Nihi Kai Villas.
 

Check out our other theme pages, clustering richly-illustrated feature articles by travel theme or regional destination:
Travel Adventures in Africa
Bird and Nature
Sleeping with History Accommodations
Latin America
Multi-Generational Family Travel
European destinations
South Pacific destinations
Cruise and Train Travel
Volunteer vacations
Asia and India destinations
Mediterranean destinations
Wellness and Spiritual vacations.