Alaska Travel

3 Reasons to Visit Alaska and Hawaii in the Same Vacation

The 49th and 50th states of the USA respectively, Alaska and Hawaii are both very different parts of our diverse country.  We’ve visited both states often and have found several good reasons to combine them on a vacation.

Proximity

Although roughly a 6 hour flight apart, both Alaska and Hawaii are located on the western side of the US mainland.  There is much travel between these states and as a result travelers can choose from regular and frequent air flights.  Not surprisingly because they are part of the Pacific Rim, each has evidence of some volcanic activity. Neither impacts of the safety of their residents.

Different Attractions

Volcanoes are about the beginning and the end of the similarity between Alaska and Hawaii and its their differences that make these states worth combining in a vacation.

Alaska extends into the Artic part of North America whilst Hawaii is situated close to the equator.

Alaska is characterized by the presence of spectacular glaciers, magnificent fjords and wild life that includes polar bears, black and brown bears, bald eagles.  It is home to diverse sea life that migrates to its cooler climate annually or reside there despite the sub zero winter temperatures.

Alaska is home also to one of the world’s great natural wonders in its Marine Inland Passage.  It is from here that shows off some of its most magnificent scenery here to visitors traveling on cruise ships or even as they travel on the local ferry system.

At sea level Hawaii is an interesting mix of white sanded beaches and coconut palms with smooth rolling surf that helps it live up to its island paradise reputation.  Surfing, snorkeling and swimming are popular beach based activities for ocean lovers there.

Hawaii also offers opportunities for those who enjoy hiking with trails that often end at sparkling beaches.  Kauai the northernmost Hawaiian island also home to the famous Hawaii coffee plantation has great walking trails if you enjoy walking.  Pineapple and macadamia nut plantations reflect other aspects of Hawaii’s economy and their owners welcome visitors.

Hawaii is also more cosmopolitan than Alaska and downtown Waikiki offers most of the high end shopping retreats found anywhere on the mainland.

If you’d rather do very little in your Hawaiian paradise and would prefer just to soak up Hawaii’s warmth, there is always a hammock strung between two coconut palms not far away!

Stop Over

If you are traveling west east from South East Asia, Australia or New Zealand, Hawaii is a great place to break your journey to Alaska.  Many travelers from this part of the world stop in Hawaii for a few days on the outbound journey and then again when they return home.  In this way they avoid the effects of jetlag and get to enjoy two very different kinds of experiences on a combined Alaska and Hawaii vacation.

 

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