Hawaii is a popular vacation spot for many reasons. Activities are available for all ages including sunbathing, shopping, outdoor sports, excellent food, museums, scenic drives and cultural experiences.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, there are eight major islands in the state of Hawaii. The most popular Hawaiian Islands for tourism include Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui and the Big Island. Below is an overview of some of the possible highlights for a Hawaii vacation.
Hike Waimea Canyon On the Island of Kauai
Known for its beauty, more than 60 movies and television programs have been filmed on Kauai.
Popular activities on Kauai include hiking Waimea Canyon, kayaking on the Wailua River, boat rides into the Fern Grotto, and helicopter rides along the Napali coast.
The 52-foot high Kilauea Lighthouse in an excellent spot for taking photos. After visiting the lighthouse, take time to take in the excellent Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge.
Visit Pearl Harbor On the Island of Oahu
Oahu is home of the state capitol and the bustling city of Waikiki. While on Oahu, be sure to take in a luau, hike to the top of Diamond Head crater, take surfing lessons, and pay your respects at Pearl Harbor's USS Missouri and USS Arizona memorials.
Take a drive to Oahu's north shore and stop off at Matsumoto's in Haleiwa for some Hawaiian shaved ice.
Enjoy Peace and Quiet on Molokai
Molokai is the place to go for those looking for peace and quiet. The Kamakou Preserve boasts 3,000 acres of pristine rain forest, with over 200 plants that are found nowhere else in the world.
Be sure to pack a lunch, sunscreen and a bathing suit before heading off on the 4.2 mile round trip hike to Mooula Falls in the Halawa Valley. Since the hike crosses private land, a tour guide is required.
Snorkel on Lanai
Lanai's Hulopoe Bay is an excellent place to snorkel, explore tide pools, and go body boarding. Spinner dolphins are a favorite attraction in Hulopoe Bay, and in winter months, Humpback whales can be seen. The bay is protected so visitors are not allowed to take home any shells or stones.
Mars-like in appearance with numerous towers made out of rocks, Keahiakawelo, popularly referred to as Garden of the Gods is and excellent place to hike.
Drive to Hana on Maui
Visitors to Maui who don't mind driving on curvy roads will want to rent a car for the 52-mile drive from Kahului to Hana. Due to the narrow roads, sharp turns, and opportunities to take in amazing scenery, the drive which crosses 54 bridges takes between two and four hours. Expect to take in amazing seascapes, waterfalls and rainforests.
Those not quite up to the drive to Hana might prefer to go shopping in Lahaina and rest in the shade of the 60-foot tall banyan tree that was brought to Lahaina from India in 1873.
Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on The Big Island
The Big Island of Hawaii has diverse climates including deserts, rainforests, beaches and even the snow-capped mountain, Mauna Kea. Those who want to swim with dolphins in Kona will enjoy this Island.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park provides visitors with a rare opportunity to get close to an active volcano.
A place of worship for ancient Hawaiians, Puukohola Heiau is a stone temple that was constructed between 1790 and 1791. It's an excellent place to learn about Hawaii's history and culture.
Unless time and money are no object, few people can visit every island on one trip to Hawaii. Tourists to Hawaii should consider whether they'd like to snorkel in Kauai, visit Pearl Harbor on Oahu, or enjoy the peace and quiet of Molokai. A Hawaiian vacation package is an option for those who wish to leave the planning up to others.
References:
Go Hawaii. Hawaii's Official Tourism Website (accessed 26 December, 2009).
U.S. Geological Survey. Major Hawaiian Islands (accessed 26 December, 2009).
Rebecca Livermore - Rebecca Livermore has been a freelance writer for more than 15 years. She had her first article published in a national print magazine in ...
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