Travel blog

Since ancient times, rituals and merrymaking help us warm the chill of the holiday season with our closest family and friends. But have you ever wondered how the holidays are celebrated in tropical climates? Most of us associate Christmas and Hanukkah with a roaring fire and a thick blanket of snow. In places like Hawaii, people find the Christmas spirit as easily on the beach as mainlanders do gathered around the hearth. Here are some of the unique traditions celebrated during the holidays in the Hawaiian Islands.

Hawaii makes us think of sun-drenched beaches, swaying palm trees, lush forests, and the “aloha” spirit. From whale watching on Maui’s signature Kaanapali Beach to visiting Pearl Harbor on Oahu, Hawaii offers everything you could want in a tropical getaway. To make traveling between its islands easier, many opt for a Hawaii island cruise. Here is why you should consider it too.

Hawaii’s crystal-clear but fragile reefs and ocean life are one of the great attractions of the Aloha state, and a resource the state wants to protect for both tourists and locals alike.

It’s for this reason that in 2018, Governor David Ige signed a sunscreen ban into law. Although this law doesn’t actually ban all sunscreen, it does ban sunblock products that contain certain chemicals.

Hawaii’s warm year-round weather and tropical climate are parts of what make it such a popular vacation destination. Visitors can enjoy lush rainforests, thundering waterfalls, and sunny beaches every month of the year. However, depending on what you’re looking to do, you might prefer to book during certain months.

If you’re passionate about guided travel, then you’re sure to enjoy one of YMT’s Hawaii island hopping vacation packages. We have a variety of multi-island tours that are absolutely perfect for guests who want to see and feel what makes each island so distinct. Do you prefer the excitement and abundant entertainment of Oahu? The easygoing charm of the Big Island of Hawaii? The serenity of Kauai, the “Garden Isle”? Or Maui’s unique blend of historic appeal and breathtaking nature?

Whether this is your first or tenth visit to the islands, you are in for a major treat by joining us on a guided tour, the best way to see more of Hawaii.

Getting ready for a trip to Hawaii and not sure what words and phrases you should know when communicating with locals? While Hawaii is an English-speaking state, it wasn’t made a state until 1959. Because of this, the native Hawaiian language still plays a strong role in today’s Hawaiian lifestyle.

There are countless interesting facts about Hawaii. Because the islands are thousands of miles away from their nearest neighbor, the environment and culture developed and adapted in fascinating and unique ways. The intriguing stories and facts about Hawaii’s human and natural history could fill a book, but there are plenty of amusing facts about Hawaii, too.

Visiting Hawaii’s Waikiki Beach is like stepping onto a movie set. Bronzed surfers maneuver their longboards over rolling waves, as children race to build castles in the sand before rising tides carry them away.

Couples attempt the hula while beachgoers relax and soak in the invigorating Hawaiin sun. Waikiki Beach is indeed the iconic beach of your dreams and the ideal getaway that lives up to its reputation as a world-class destination. 

You’ve finally made it to Hawaii. You have an umbrella drink in one hand, a paperback in the other, and your only shoes are several pairs of brightly colored flip flops. But before you get the idea that a Hawaiian escape is all about the pool deck, we invite you to head a bit further afield to discover local Hawaiian food and the real flavors of the islands.

Pull up a seat at the table and enjoy the best of the Aloha State with these 10 beloved foods to eat in Hawaii:

It’s 85 degrees, the sun is shining, and the ocean breeze carries just a hint of coconut-scented sunscreen. It’s true that there’s never a bad day in paradise, but that doesn’t mean a slip up in etiquette or a misstep in planning can’t cloud what would otherwise be the perfect trip.

However, with these 10 dos and don’ts, you’ll be well on your way to understanding the local culture, and ensuring the Hawaiian vacation of a lifetime.