Hawai’i  

Overview

Snowbirds have long flocked to Hawai’i.   Today, snowbirds can explore the six major islands of Hawaiʻi - Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, and the Island of Hawaiʻi, each with its own unique personality, adventures, activities, and captivating sights. 

Home to some of the world’s most active volcanoes, the only U.S. royal palace, and the welcoming spirit of aloha, Hawaiʻi is an unparalleled destination for escaping the winter.  Snowbirds can immerse themselves in the glimmering ocean, emerald valleys, and golden sands, as well as experience the spiritual beauty of the hula, and embrace the warmth of Hawaiʻi’s people, perfectly complementing the islands’ inviting temperatures.

Snowbirds who want to visit attractions are advised to check the requirements in advance, as some of them require pre-booking as well as a parking permit.

Getting Here 

Hawai‘i has international airports on all four major islands: Kaua‘i (LIH), O‘ahu (HNL), Maui (OGG) and Island of Hawai‘i (KOA), and all of these airports are serviced either by Air Canada and/or WestJet in the winter, with reduced frequencies in the summer. 

All other airports are domestic and are serviced by American carriers. For inter-island flights, Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest and  Mokulele Airlines are the best options. There is also a ferry service from Maui to  Lānaʻi that is a great experience.

To move around on-island, try exploring alternative means of transportation like tours or public transit to really experience the local way of life. All major car rental companies are also an option, but car rentals and parking can be expensive.     

Maui 

Overview

Maui is ready to welcome you. It seamlessly combines grand natural wonders with a small-town charm, providing a distinctive fusion of sophistication and simplicity. 

Upcountry Maui boasts lush gardens enveloping quaint communities, while local farms yield fresh bounty year-round. Maui offers diverse experiences for snowbirds around the island with long stretches of golden sands, great hiking opportunities, golf courses and watersports.

To aid the residents of Maui after the summer 2023 wildfires, the best form of support is by booking a stay on the island. Stay up to date on the situation by visiting www.gohawaii.com/ca a site maintained by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority.

Accommodations & Where to Stay

There are plenty of condos, cabins, apartments and homes available for longer stay rentals. For more information about accommodation options, visit: Places to Stay on Maui | Maui Hotels & Accommodations | Go Hawaii.

Things To Do

If you’re looking for things to do during your stay, Maui offers snowbirds a wide variety of attractions that you can only experience on the island.

Known as ‘The Valley Isle,’ Hawai‘i’s second largest island is beloved for its world-famous beaches, the sacred ‘Iao Valley, burgeoning farm-to-table cuisine and incredible sunrises and sunsets at Haleakalā.

From December through May, visitors from around the world converge on the island to witness the migration of thousands of humpback whales that swim to Maui’s waters to breed, calve, and nurse their young.

Visitors with a passion for golf have the delightful opportunity to select from a collection of 14 distinct courses, many of which have been skillfully crafted by renowned course architects and golf icons like Arnold Palmer and Ben Crenshaw. It's challenging to envision a more breathtaking backdrop for these 18-hole masterpieces, as fairways seamlessly blend with ancient lava flows, tees are embraced by palm groves, and greens are framed by rainbows emerging from the ocean mist. You can learn more about golf options here: Maui Golf Courses: Resort, Public & Municipal Courses on Maui | Go Hawaii

For snowbirds who enjoy hiking, there are a variety of trails around Maui, ranging from novice to experienced. For a list of the most popular trails, visit Maui Hiking Trails: A Guide to Hiking on Maui | Go Hawaii

Experiences & Events

Snowbirds looking for festivals and events won’t be disappointed, as Maui offers many of them. Some of the highlights include:

• The Hawai‘i Food and Wine Festival  October 24-27, 2024 is an epicurean experience that spans three islands each fall, the Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival (HF-WF) is the largest food festival in Hawai‘i. Co-founded by two of Hawai‘i’s own James Beard Award-winning chefs—Roy Yamaguchi and Alan Wong—the festival showcases Hawai‘i’s rich agricultural diversity and homegrown culinary talent through world-class culinary experiences. For more information visit Hawai‘i Food and Wine Festival. 

The East Maui Taro Festival (April) in Hāna, honors Hawaiʻi’s “staff of life”; if you thought taro stopped at poi, wait till you try fluffy pancakes and more goodies made with Hawaiʻi’s most traditional food staple. For more information visit East Maui Taro Festival.

Island of Hawai’i

Overview

Hawai‘i’s youngest and largest island is truly a sight to behold. Nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined.

With one trip to the Island of Hawai‘i, snowbirds can experience all but four of the world’s different climate zones, ranging from Wet Tropical to Polar Tundra, a result of the shielding effect and elevations of the Maunakea and Maunaloa volcanoes. 

From the dramatic landscapes of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, to the lush valleys of the Hilo and Hāmākua Coasts, to the jet-black sands of Punalu‘u Beach, the Island of Hawai‘i is nothing short of a masterpiece.

Accommodations & Where to Stay

The Island of Hawai‘i’s accommodation options for snowbirds are as diverse as the island itself.

Throughout the island, you’ll find a wide range of hotels, bed and breakfasts, condominiums, vacation rental homes and cottages.

Major resort destinations include the Kohala Coast and Kona area, plus there are several hotels in Hilo and Puna on the east side, closer to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. And here’s a pro tip: if you’re staying in Kona and plan on visiting Hawai‘i Volcano’s National Park, consider staying in Hilo, Puna or the Volcano Village area for a night since one day isn’t enough time to explore the park.

Things To Do

Snowbirds certainly won’t go hungry on the Island of Hawai‘i, where they can visit the Mauna Loa Macadamia Visitor Center and Big Island Candies to sample authentic local treats. 

They can also participate in coffee farm tours in Kona, or check out O.K. Farms, which grows fruit, coffee, macadamia nuts, spices and chocolate, all along Hilo’s historic Wailuku River. 

Other must-see sites include:

• Lili‘uokalani Gardens: Explore the largest authentic ornamental Japanese garden outside of Japan, featuring pagodas, a teahouse, arching bridges over fishponds and is also a great spot to take in views of Hilo Bay and Coconut Island. 
• Rainbow Falls: Known as Waiānuenue or "rainbow water," Rainbow Falls was given the name because on sunny mornings, rainbows can be seen in the mist thrown up by the waterfall. 
• Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park: safeguards some of the planet's most distinctive geological, biological, and culturally significant landscapes. Spanning from sea level to 13,680 feet, the park encompasses the summits of two highly active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Recognized as both an International Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands as a testament to the rich diversity and importance of these natural wonders.

Visitors can find a wide array of items to buy during their visit, ranging from Hawaiian quilts, to jewelry, handmade glass and bowls made out of rare koa wood. For more information, visit Shopping on the Island of Hawaii | Big Island Shopping | Go Hawaii.

Experiences & Events

There is no shortage of festivals and events for snowbirds to enjoy on the Island of Hawai’i. Some highlights include:

• The Merrie Monarch Festival in spring (the week following Easter Sunday), features Hawaiʻi’s premier hula competition.
• The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, held every November in venues throughout Kona, honors the regions’ strong ties to coffee.

O‘ahu

Overview

Sometimes called ‘The Gathering Place’, O‘ahu certainly lives up to its name.

The third largest Hawaiian island is home to the majority of Hawai‘i’s diverse population, not to mention a fascinating fusion of East and West cultures rooted in the values and traditions of the Native Hawaiian people.

It’s this fundamental contrast between the ancient and the modern that makes O‘ahu so enticing. From bustling city life in Honolulu to laidback surf towns, the island absolutely dazzles with its cool vibe and eclectic mix of restaurants and accommodations that keep visitors coming back for more and plenty of snowbirds make O’ahu their winter home.

Accommodations & Where to Stay

Snowbirds will find a variety of smaller hotels, condos and rental accommodation around O’ahu.

The majority of O‘ahu’s accommodations are in Waikīkī, home to a glittering array of shops, beaches and world-class hotels.

However, rental accommodations can also be found in the nearby town of Kailua - a suburb of Honolulu known for its magnificent beaches and one of the best places to live in Hawai‘i.

On Oahu’s dramatic North Shore, Haleʻiwa is a very cool place to stay with its surfer shops, art galleries and casual restaurants. Snowbirds looking for a laid-back lifestyle can find rentals here.

Things To Do

O’ahu is where culture and creativity, town and country, and leisure and adventure meet for the ultimate tropical getaway for snowbirds. 

• O‘ahu has long been famous for its iconic Waikīkī Beach.
• Pearl Harbor: At the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, learn about one of the most pivotal moments in US history: the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the subsequent entry of the United States into World War II.
• Don’t miss the surfing mecca on the North Shore. 
• Visitors who delve a little deeper will find the latest expressions of Hawaiian music, art and culture that provide a glimpse into the real Hawai‘i. 
• Not to be missed is a tour of the residences of Hawaiian royalty at Iolani Palace. Explore the meticulously restored state apartments, which include the Blue Room, State Dining Room, and Throne Room. These are the elegant settings where King Kalākaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliʻuokalani, hosted extravagant gatherings and managed the diplomatic affairs of the kingdom.
• Hawai’i is a foodie paradise. Be sure to sample the cuisines from a myriad of cultural influences at restaurants and roadside stalls. And be one with nature and rejuvenate the soul at these iconic sites:
• Kualoa Ranch - Kualoa Ranch is a private nature reserve that offers tours and activities on Oahu's windward coast, where you can see the stunning views, learn about the history and culture and visit famous movie sets.
• Lē‘ahi (Diamond Head) State Monument: One of Hawaiʻi's most famous landmarks, Diamond Head State Monument is a great place to hike as well as take in the panoramic views of Honolulu.
• Waimea Valley: Visitors interested in Hawaiian culture, botanical gardens, waterfalls and gorgeous trails should look no further.

Experiences & Events

There are many festivals and events on O‘ahu for snowbirds to experience. Here are just a few:

• The Lei Day Celebration takes place on May Day (May 1) at the beautiful Kapiʻolani Park, including lei-making competitions and demonstrations, crafts, food, hula and live music. 
• The Honolulu Marathon in December attracts runners from around the world and is exciting to watch.

Kauaʻi 

Overview

Hawai‘i’s fourth largest island, Kaua‘i is often called the ‘Garden Isle’ for its emerald valleys, sharp mountain spires, cascading waterfalls and tropical rainforests grown over centuries.

The oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain is renowned for its natural beauty, with some parts only accessible by sea or air. No matter where you go or what you do on the island, chances are you’ll be wowed at every turn by the sheer beauty here.

Accommodations & Where to Stay

There’s no shortage of posh resorts, quaint B&Bs and condo rentals in Kaua‘i. Snowbirds are recommended to stay in one of these three areas:

The North Shore, East Coast and South Shore.

In Princeville and Hanalei on the North Shore is where you’ll find luxury resorts like the Princeville Resort Kaua‘i and Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, while the more densely populated East Cost and South Shore are home to a wide variety of hotels, resorts and affordable vacation rentals for the entire family.

Things To Do

The Garden Isle is a true adventurer’s playground. For snowbirds seeking a more relaxed pace, Kaua‘i offers plenty of opportunities to explore local culture and history, at museums, historical landmarks, farmers markets and more.

For a touch of Hollywood glamour, visitors can tour the film locations of more than 60 movies and TV shows.

And for nature and adventure enthusiasts, Hawai‘i’s most incredible natural wonders are just waiting to be explored in Kaua‘i, including the Nāpali Coast, Waimea Canyon and Wailua River. Small towns like Hanapēpē, Kōloa, Waimea, Kapa‘a and Hanalei are also worth a visit, as are the pristine sands of Po‘ipū Beach Park.

Kaua‘i is home to a wide array of thrilling outdoor activities, from kayaking on the Wailua River to snorkeling on Po‘ipū Beach, hiking in Kōke’e State Park and ziplining above Kaua‘i’s lush valley.

Experiences & Events

Kauaʻi has many festivals and events for snowbirds to enjoy, including:

• Kauaʻi Chocolate & Coffee Festival (October) highlights al things cacao and coffee industries of Kauaʻi.
• Kauaʻi Festival of Lights runs through December to New Year’s Day with visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus on certain December 15 & 22.

Lānaʻi 

Overview

As the smallest inhabited island, Lāna‘i offers and escape from it all, where luxury and privacy are a way of life. 

Delve into the historic paniolo (cowboy) culture, take in stunning canyon views of Maunalei Gulch or capture unforgettable sunsets at the iconic Pu‘upehe. From land to sea, the unexpected awaits.

Molokaʻi 

Overview

Natural and rustic, Moloka‘i remains true to its island roots.

Here, visitors can experience the old-Hawai‘i and feel the Hawaiian culture and aloha spirit permeate from the central town of Kaunakakai to the rugged wilderness on a guided trek through the revered Hālawa Valley. Molokaʻi is all about savoring and sustaining the simple things in life.

See why Canadian snowbirds love Hawaiʻi: