I Dream Of Hawaii

Hawaii combines the best of both worlds: the lure of something new and exotic (lush rainforests, gorgeous waterfalls, Polynesian culture and experiences), with the familiarity of ‘home’ (it’s still within the United States).

Visitors to Walt Disney World can get a glimpse of this unique experience with a stay at the Polynesian Resort, offering theming, dining, and influences straight from Hawaii. And now Disney has offered another way to experience this wonderful destination: through the new Disney Adventures program, giving you and your family a magical vacation on two Hawaiian Islands (either Oahu and the Big Island, or Oahu and Kauai), liberally sprinkled with the service and pixie dust that Disney is known for.

Oahu is the island most people think of when they think of Hawaii, though it is perhaps more well-known for one of its regions: Waikiki. This famous beach and city attracts travelers to take a stroll along the stretches of soft white sand, or to partake of the great food and lively entertainment in the city, from night clubs to Polynesian luaus.

Most hotels have great kids (and family) programs, and there are plenty of activities to participate in throughout the island. The U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, for example, is located in Pearl Harbor (a short distance away), commemorating the lives lost during the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Do you love animals? The Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium, and the Sea Life Park all give you the opportunity for up close encounters with many animals, including dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, sharks, and moray eels. Or explore the 4,000 acres of Kualoa Ranch by horse, ATV, helicopter, Jet Ski, or kayak. Explore sunken ships, airliners, and coral reefs by submarine, or ride the slides at the Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park. See Pearl Harbor by catamaran – either by day, or as the sunsets – or take off into the interior on a nature hike or 4x4 safari tour.

On the "Big Island" of Hawaii, even more adventure awaits, for here is the most amazing contrast of the Hawaiian Islands: lush tropical vegetation interspersed with glowing lava fields. A view of the red-hot lava by night is not to be missed! But there’s more than just Volcanoes National Park (where you can witness the island “growing” as the lava slowly flows out into the sea and cools)… visit the desert-like conditions along the Kona coast (and taste its fine coffee!) and then hop on over to Hilo, the rainiest city in America. If you are visiting during the winter, be sure to take a whale watch tour and see the great Humpback whales up close. Swim with the dolphins or learn Hawaii’s favorite pastime, surfing!

And then there is Kauai. When people imagine what Hawaii is like, Kauai is what they are dreaming of; lush, tropical and wild, majestic green mountains with flowing waterfalls streaming down its side. The most amazing way to see Kauai is by helicopter. Soar over the Waimea Canyon, and visit the lush rainforests, some of which can only be reached by helicopter. For hikers this island is paradise, though you can also explore it by guided tour or renting mountain bikes to explore on your own.

A wealth of programs and activities can be found to enrich your experience, teaching you everything from surfing to coconut frond weaving, and exploring everything from tide pools to historic sites. On Saturdays, be sure to check out the Starlight Planetarium Program at the Kauai Children's Discovery Museum in Kapaa, which demonstrates how the ancient Polynesian voyagers used the stars, winds, and currents to reach these islands by canoe. Or just enjoy one of the many gorgeous beaches.