Canadian snowbirds will find a very warm welcome in Hawai’i this winter, where the spirit of aloha is alive and well.
The term “Aloha” can be used many ways - including to greet someone or bid them farewell - but it actually means love, compassion, living in harmony with kindness and respect. And this is exactly what snowbirds can expect when they arrive in Hawai’i.
The Hawaiian Islands are a Polynesian paradise - each with its own unique experiences and traditions that make everyone feel welcome and relaxed - you can literally feel your stress leaving your body when you arrive here. If rest and relaxation are a priority, you’ll find it here - even though there are a myriad of activities to choose from.
The dramatic scenery of these islands - complete with volcanoes and lush vegetation - is spectacular. As is the perfect weather year-round with gentle breezes, lots of sunshine, clear skies and warm waters. There’s probably no better location where you will be guaranteed great weather throughout your stay.
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.
Weather
The weather in the Hawai’ian Islands is idyllic. Of course, island climates change constantly, but warm temperatures prevail year-round and showers come and go, leaving beautiful rainbows. Rainbow sightings are so common in Hawaiʻi that you will rarely miss seeing one each day.
Car rentals
Hawai’i is so much more than beautiful beaches. 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. If you’re less ambitious than that, beach walking at sunrise and sunset is spectacular!
Snowbirds can choose to stay on more than one island
Snowbirds often go for one, two, three months or more. There’s plenty of time 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
Probably the most popular Hawaiian Island for Canadian snowbirds over the years is Maui--- with its gorgeous beaches, scenic drives and a great variety of accommodations. Maui has always attracted snowbirds, and you will receive a very warm welcome here.
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 – making Maui the perfect spot to settle in for a winter sojourn.
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's worth shopping around for a rental, as you just might find a deal. Maui is very much open for business, and this is a great time to consider spending part of the winter here.
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, featuring the 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.
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.
Of course, there are also all the usual sports and watersports, great shopping, restaurants and things to do.
Come and experience Aloha for yourself on your next snowbird escape.
For more detailed information about Hawai’i as a snowbird destination, check out Snowbird Advisor’s Hawai’i Snowbird Destination Guide.
