Why Visit The Hawaii Of The North This Summer

Hawaii is a spectacularly unique destination that draws in millions upon millions of excited travelers around the world each year, and according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, in 2023, over nine million visitors came to Hawaii. It’s incredible for one destination among the magnitude of beautiful places to visit, to consistently stand out as a top choice for travel.

There’s a multitude of reasons why Hawaii is consistently ranked among the most popular publications for being a must-see destination. The beautiful beaches, for example. Hawaii is even home to two of the best beaches in the world. The luscious forests and National Park sites you can visit for free are incredible opportunities to feel a connection to the land. And finally, let’s not forget one of the most impressive aspects of Hawaii: the views.

But, here’s a fun fact for you. Did you know there’s an island in Scotland (yes, Scotland) that’s considered the Hawaii of the North? It may be hard to believe, but listen to this. Within the Inner Hebrides is a group of islands located off the west of mainland Scotland, including over 35 inhabited and uninhabited islands, each with its own unique offering. One of those islands is Tiree — AKA the Isle of Tiree — and the photos just might have you thinking of Hawaii.

The Hidden Scottish Paradise Of Tiree Is More Accessible Than You May Think

The Isle of Tiree is the perfect opportunity to experience island paradise

Trees behind colorful buildings in front of a water body in Oban Scotland

To get to the Isle of Tiree, you’ve got a few options. One option is to fly to Glasgow International Airport (GLA) and then take a flight to Tiree Airport (TRE) via the airline Loganair — a 45-minute flight. This is a fantastic choice for anyone interested in falling in love with the landscape of Scotland. The air route is known to be one of the best chances to overlook the one-of-a-kind beauty of western Scotland and the Isles.

If you’re interested in an alternative route, an excellent choice is to travel by ferry from Oban, also known as the Gateway to the Isles. The port town of Oban is located in the Highland Region of Scotland and the largest town in Argyll and The Isles.

To reach it, you can travel by car, train, or plane. From Oban, you then take the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry service to the Isle of Tiree, which is a 4-hour ferry ride that operates on a ‘roll on roll off’ service for passengers with vehicles — a very convenient choice if you’d like to bring your car to the Isle of Tiree to explore the island.

Why Exactly Is The Isle Of Tiree Considered The Hawaii Of The North?

These white sandy beaches and picturesque landscapes will have you thinking you’re in a Hawaiian island paradise

Sunset on Isle of Tiree Scotland

This may come as a surprise to you, but the Isle of Tiree is famous for its stunning sandy beaches. You probably never would’ve thought that white sandy beaches would be found in Scotland, did you?

Alas, the 12-mile-long and 3-mile-wide Isle of Tiree proves different. The 20th-largest island in Britain is recognized and loved for having one of the highest levels of sunshine in the British Isles. Hawaii has the Isle beat when it comes to temperatures, but there are some warmer months to enjoy in Scotland.

This is also where you can dip your toes into pristine turquoise waters just like in the most beautiful secluded beach towns in Hawaii. Gott Bay, located on the east side of the island, has miles of soft white sandy beaches, perfect for enjoying the radiating morning sunshine or sunset, picnics, and admiring the coast, which is just like seeing the breathtaking views you can experience on a morning adventure at Hanauma Bay in Honolulu.

View of Isle of Tiree from ferry

If you love Hawaii for its epic outdoor adventures and sports, you’ll especially be interested in Balephuil Bay. A mecca for windsurfers and home to the world-championship windsurfing Tiree Wave Classic, this October celebration is a prestigious event and a longstanding tradition in the British calendar.

Finally, the one sport all visitors admire most and is synonymous with Hawaii… surfing! Whether you’ve gotten on a board or not and no matter where you go throughout Hawaii, you’re bound to run into some serious waves and surfers. When visiting Tiree, you can head to Balevullin Beach, located in the southwestern part of Tiree, where you’ll find Surf School Tiree, which is part of Blackhouse Watersports, and learn to surf or improve your skills.

If You Know Ohana, Then You’ll Understand Fàilte do Thiriodh

Fàilte do Thiriodh means “Welcome To Tiree,” and that’s just the beginning of this Scottish islands sense of community

The West Coast of Scotland

What makes Hawaii so magical is you can feel the sense of “Ohana,” family, the moment you step on the island. There’s an undeniable sense of community that you not only can feel but can see, especially when you venture out of the large cities and into the lesser-known spots rarely visited by tourists. The Isle of Tiree gives off that same sense of community as soon as you step onto the island.

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The Fishing and Maritime Traditions, especially, are an integral part of today’s culture of this Scottish island and its connection to the sea. Crofting, for example, is a unique part of Scottish culture you’ll find on the Isle of Tiree — it’s the basis for the pattern of settlement and township structure.

“Crofting is a system of landholding, which is unique to Scotland, and is an integral part of life in the Highlands & Islands. Crofting can deliver a wealth of benefits to crofters and the crofting communities”, according to the Crofting Commission of Scotland.

Traditional Hawaiian music, or kahiko, is a highlight of touring Hawaii. Similarly, you’ll find the same impression of music culture here on Tiree. The Tiree Music Festival is a major moment for the locals and visitors who fly in for this spectacular event in one of the most interesting destinations in the world. Because of its capacity, only 2,000 people can attend the festival, which makes it even more of an intimate and special occasion for music lovers.

“The world will come to an end, love, and music will endure.” — a Gaelic proverb.

There you have it, the Hawaii of the North is ready for you to book your ticket and take your adventure!