The Hawaiian Islands are a truly magical place with their own unique culture and traditions – attracting snowbirds for decades. They also enjoy some of the best weather on earth, virtually the same year-round with warm breezes, lots of sunshine, clear skies – oh, and rainbows!

With all the talk these days about over-tourism and concern over the environment, the Hawai'i Tourism Authority is encouraging visitors to experience Hawai'i in a more respectful and responsible way - for the sake of the ʻāina (land), its people, and wildlife. It also allows visitors to have a more enriching and spiritual experience while they are there.

This involves learning about the local culture, traditions, and history of these islands. It also involves volunteering in one way or another to give back to these beautiful islands and help preserve their natural state.

Hawai'i has always been so much more than a beach destination - despite its fabulous beaches and clear waters. The dramatic scenery complete with volcanoes and lush vegetation are truly spectacular. 

The rich Polynesian culture is fascinating to learn about and snowbirds can immerse themselves in the history and customs of these beautiful islands.

There is a great opportunity for snowbirds to soak in all things Hawaiian while they are here because they come for much longer than typical vacationers and can really get to know the people, the customs and the way of life.

What is “Mālama”?

Hawaiʻi wants visitors to “mālama” – which means to care for, to protect, to give back – during their stay. Snowbirds can volunteer while they are here to help with agriculture, reforestation, and the protection of wildlife and the ocean. This is a great way to meet the local people and fellow snowbirds. 

Snowbirds often get involved in the local communities wherever they spend the winter - and Hawaiʻi has actually established this Mālama program to assist visitors with finding projects they can get involved in to give back.

These can include activities like patrolling turtle nesting areas, planting seedlings, cleaning beaches and parks from debris and litter, and helping with local farming and cultivation.

Volunteering can make any long-term stay in Hawaiʻi so much more meaningful for snowbirds.

Getting here

Hawaiʻi has an international airport on all four major islands – O’ahu, Maui, Kaua’I and the Island of Hawaiʻi. Both Air Canada and WestJet fly to Hawaiʻi during the winter months. There are also inter-island flights. 

Snowbirds can choose to stay on more than one island

Snowbirds will want to go to the islands that offer a good choice of accommodations and also offer the activities and amenities that they are looking for. 

But why just visit one?  Snowbirds often go for one, two, three months or more. There’s plenty of time to plan to stay on two or three different islands while you are there and discover each one’s exclusive charms.

Here are some of the major islands you’ll want to consider:

Maui

Maui has long been a favorite with Canadians - especially snowbirds - with its beautiful beaches, scenic landscapes and laid-back lifestyle. 

The island is the second largest in Hawaiʻi and boasts over 30 miles of beautiful sheltered beaches, as well as Haleakalā National Park - home to the island’s tallest peak -, waterfalls and the iconic Hana Highway with its breathtaking views. 

In terms of accommodations, snowbirds will find lots of condos and apartments for rent, as well as rental homes of all sizes from modest cottages to modern villas - and of course, hotels, resorts and B&Bs.

It is worth shopping around for a rental, as you just might find a deal. Maui is very much open for business but still not quite as busy as it used to be so this is a great time to consider spending part of the winter there.

O’ahu

The third largest Hawaiian island is home to the majority of Hawaiʻi’s diverse population and has some of the most spectacular scenery on and near its northern shore. This is where the TV show Lost was filmed.

O’ahu is also home to the bustling and iconic Hawaiian city, Honolulu with famous Waikiki beach. This fundamental contrast between the ancient and the modern makes O‘ahu so unique. The island offers a cool vibe and a fabulous selection of restaurants and accommodations for snowbirds, plenty of whom make O’ahu their winter home.

Smaller towns around O’ahu offer more laid back vibes than Honolulu but wherever you are on this island, the scenery is stunning.

Island of Hawaiʻi

Hawai‘i’s largest island is so impressive. Nearly twice the size of the other Hawaiian Islands combined, its sheer size is awe-inspiring. The island actually embraces four climate zones ranging from Wet Tropical to Polar Tundra, a result of the shielding effect and elevations of the Maunakea and Maunaloa volcanoes.

Explore the dramatic landscapes of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, the lush valleys of the Hilo and Hāmākua Coasts and the jet-black sands of Punalu‘u Beach. 

Check here for information on accommodations on the Island of Hawai’i.

Kaua’i

Kaua’i is also known as the ‘Garden Isle’ with lush green valleys, mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls and tropical rainforests. 

The oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain, Kaua’i is known for its natural beauty, with some parts only accessible by sea or air.

Be prepared to be bowled over by the natural beauty here. A great spot for nature worshippers.

Check here for information on accommodations on Kaua’i.

Weather

The weather in the Hawaiian Islands is idyllic. Of course, island climates change constantly but warm temperatures prevail year-round and showers come and go, leaving beautiful rainbows. Rainbow sighting is so common in Hawaiʻi that you will rarely miss seeing one each and every day.

Car rentals

It really is worth renting a car for a few days to explore whichever island you visit. However, car rentals are not cheap, so you will want to shop around for the best deal. 

Watersports

There is no shortage of water activities in these islands, offering something for everyone depending on your level of fitness and interests.   

Snorkelling is very popular just off the many wonderful beaches, and watersports of all kinds abound including sailing, boating, swimming, surfing, fishing and more. 

Golf

Hawaiʻi is home to many fabulous and challenging golf courses, some that are among the world’s best and designed by such golf legends as Arnold Palmer and Ben Crenshaw. 

The PGA Tournament of Champions is held in Maui each year amidst incomparable scenery with lava flows, palm trees and lucky rainbows.

Hiking

Active snowbirds will love hiking in the Hawaiian islands. Choose from trails in the rainforest that lead to a waterfall – or hike the steep hills and mountains to discover birds and incredible views.

The Bottom Line

There’s really no place on earth quite like Hawaiʻi and the islands provide an idyllic place for snowbirds to escape the cold and spend the winter. It is also a great place to reconnect with nature and do some volunteering while you are there. 

Of course, there are also all the usual sports and watersports, great shopping, restaurants and things to do.

Come and experience Aloha for your next snowbird escape. 

For more detailed information about Hawai’i as a snowbird destination, check out Snowbird Advisor’s Hawai’i Destination Guide.