Welcome to the Travel with a Challenge Hawaii travel theme page, consistently rated Number One by readers as an inspirational destination resource for the discerning alternative traveler.

We invite you to click on the images or titles below to explore a wide variety of richly-illustrated, informative pages showcasing the Hawaii Islands that conventional vacationers will never know exist!

You will be intrigued and astonished by this island-by-island introduction to the unique geological, natural and cultural history, and volunteer options of the Hawaiian Islands, a travel mecca we invite you to visit through fresh eyes!
Button courtesy of Pacific Whale Foundation.

Take time away from Maui’s beautiful beaches and ocean-focused activities to explore “upcountry” (quite literally) where the volcano views are spectacular, the crowds disappear, and the themes of the day are wine tasting laced with Hawaiian history, gourmet goat cheeses galore and the many possibilities of lavender.

Experience the famous mule ride down a 1,700 foot cliff trail to the world’s best known leper colony on the Kalaupapa Peninsula. Learn about Father Damien’s work with the lepers, the inspiring story of this US National Historic Park's management of the site today, and the pilgrimage travel potential as Father Damien is officially named a saint of the Catholic Church in October 2009.

Alison Gardner spends a grassroots kind of day hanging loose with two of Lana’i’s knowledgeable favorite sons exploring a thousand years of Hawaiian native heritage, ninety years of pineapple plantation history, and today’s dreams and realities on a Hawaiian island waking to a new world of tourism, Lana’i-style.

Guidebook author Kirsten Whatley, describes dozens of short and long volunteer service opportunities on five Hawaiian Islands where environment and wildlife are the focus. This is a great way to meet local people and lend a helping hand for a few hours or a few days as you learn about the state’s rare plants and animals and its environmental challenges.

From the outside, this apparently conventional resort complex occupies a prime location on one of Hawaii's most beautiful beaches. Step inside and you will discover a creative team of management and staff that understand the essence of authentic Hawaiian culture and traditional hospitality, where guests become family at Maui's Most Hawaiian Hotel!

Longing to visit somewhere that few will experience in their lifetimes? At Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, northwest of the Hawaiian Islands, you can now be a privileged guest for a week where rare and endangered sea birds, plants and marine wildlife make their homes. US military history is also a major part of this atoll’s intriguing story.

Let chef Matthew Gray, founder of Hawaii Food Tours, invite you on a mouth-watering introduction to the multi-ethnic melting pot of Hawaii’s cuisine while encouraging you to sample some of the most popular [and dangerous!] specialties of the islands. “The best way to experience the Aloha spirit is to taste it!”

Discover the many guided and self-guided tour opportunities to learn about Hawaii's wildlife, geology, conservation challenges, and a colorful cultural and historical past while encountering some unique personal adventures on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island and Molokai.

Discover the diversity of character accommodations in the Hawaiian Islands, from historic homes, bed and breakfasts and hotels to working farms, wellness retreat centers and vacation rentals to suit every budget and taste.

 
Learn the meaning of those long tongue-twisting words that make up the musical Hawaiian language. Cultural history was never so much fun, tracking the colorful story of the islands' earliest arrivals, as well as later European, U.S. and Asian settlers comprising the unique modern mosaic of Hawaii. Don't pass this page up -- You'll regret skipping an intriguing islands snapshot, past and present.

Peak through the lens of Hawaii's pre-eminent nature photographer, Jack Jeffrey, and shares his observations on the endangered and threatened wildlife of these islands he calls home. Month after month, year after year, this is the most popular single article on the Travel with a Challenge web magazine.

Take a Hawaiian Islands life enrichment holiday while focusing on your physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual health. In this overview article, you will identify the best resources to research your Hawaii wellness vacation.

Learn about Hawaii's world-class practitioners and healthy holiday planners who offer a wide-ranging menu of treatment and counselling services, retreats and workshops designed to send clients home in tip-top form.

Join the adventure of a moderately challenging hike to the top of this famous Honolulu landmark, while learning its geological, native and colonial history. Brand new fabulous images make the story even more enticing!

Come along with a Maui News staff reporter as she faces her own fears and learns about Hawaii's fragile environment during a zipline adventure through the tropical rainforest of Maui's highest volcano, Haleakala.

Homework is half the fun with the suggested readings that go way beyond conventional guidebooks in bringing Hawaii's natural history and culture alive.

Poipu Resort is one of the premier resort destinations on Kauai, offering luxury homes and condos in Poipu Kai Resort and beachfront condos in the Nihi Kai Villas.

Hawaiian Beach Rentals offers the largest selection of Hawaii vacation rentals in the islands including beachfront villas, vacation homes and affordable condos. Popular rentals include Oahu vacation rentals and Oahu villas.

Discount Hawaii car rentals with free upgrades for you Hawaii vacation. Or stay the night at oceanfront Kuhio Shores.

Did you enjoy your vacation so much that now you want to move to Hawaii? You wouldn't be the first! Search all Hawaii real estate listings available for sale with the MLS including Oahu real estate, Kauai real estate and Maui real estate.

Spot Vacation Rentals
Detailed listings of the most beautiful beach house vacation rentals in the world. Whether you’re looking for a condo, vacation home, or villa rental, there are several rentals to meet your needs – and your budget.

Poipu Hawaii Vacation Rentals
Hundreds of Kauai vacation rentals available directly from their owners. Stay in a Hanalei home, apartment in Princeville, condo in Kilauea or villa vacation rentals in Poipu.

Explore Hawaii With Timeshares
Hawaii is a virtual haven for the discerning vacationer like yourself. There is so much to do and see in Hawaii that you may want to buy timeshare on your favorite island to ensure that you don't miss a thing. Because they offer pre-paid, weeklong accommodations on an annual or biennial basis, Hawaii Timeshares are generally more budget friendly than renting a hotel room or suite. To save even more money, you may want to consider buying timeshare resale or finding timeshare rentals. There are hundreds of timeshares for sale in Hawaii, many of which offer guided tours of the area's most exciting and unique attractions.