Hawaii is one of the most beautiful and dynamic vacation destinations in the United States. With the Pacific Ocean surrounding the volcanic islands providing breathtaking views of the surf, amazing animal and plant life, and one of the most idyllic climates in the world, its no surprise that Hawaii is one of the most traveled to islands in the world. With the state actually encompassing the six islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the Big Island, there is plenty to do and see. In fact, it may take six different trips to see all that Hawaii has to offer. Here you will find adventure, romance, tranquility, all on world-famous beaches, in hidden coves, over volcanic plains, and under a beautiful sea. Great websites on Hawaii. Gohawaii.com, Waimea.com , Hawaiiactivities.com
Hawaii’s Big Island is an adventure all in its own. The youngest of the islands, it is still hot from birth and growing every day as its active volcano, Kilauea creates new land. Huge black lava fields, cascading waterfalls, islolated beaches, and peaceful rain forests await you here. Each area of the island has its own character and adventure, so be sure to save time to see and experience it all! The island’s capital city, Hilo, is full of museums and galleries in Historic Downtown and has a great Farmers’ Market every Wednesday and Sunday. On the Hamakua Coast, visitors will find Waipio, only accessible by four-wheel drive as vertical cliffs and waterfalls flowing into deep valleys surround the area. The Kohal Coast, the island’s huge playground, has endless days of sunshine, white sand beaches, lush golf courses, and plenty of opportunity for outside fun. The bustling harbor town of Kailu-Kona charters deeep-sea fishing trips and has plenty of shops, hotels, and restaurants. Visitors will find the famous Kilauea Volcano in the Puna district. Although the lava flow has covered a few beaches and small towns, there is still plenty of greenery to be found in the area. Visit the town of Pahoa where you can soak in the volcano heated pools at Ahalanui Beach Park. Come and experience the Polynesian lifestyle in one of the grandest and most beautiful vacation destinations in the world. More information on Big Island.
Kauai, known as Hawaii’s “Island of Discovery”, is the state’s oldest island. The island is a dream come true full of tropical forests, cascading waterfalls, undisturbed sandy beaches, and all with a laid-back atmosphere sure to enthrall any visitor. This island is known for its natural look and feel, as it is not quite as crowded or filled with tourists as some of the other islands. The beauty formed by millions of years of earth, wind, and fire can be seen throughout the island. One of the most beautiful natural wonders, the Napali Coast, can be seen via boat or helicopter. Its miles of vertical beaches diving into a sea of crashing surf seems unbelievable to those who have never witnessed it. On Kauai, visitors will find Hawaii’s only navigable rivers, deep canyons, endless beaches, and colorful plant life that will amaze you. Travel to the Coconut Coast, comprised of the towns of Wailua, Kapaa, and Anahola. This was one of the first settled areas in the state and offers shops, restaurants, activities, and attractions. Visit some of Kauai’s famous waterfalls and the beautiful Wailua River. The North Shore is home to Kilauea, Princeville, Hanalei, and Haena. This area is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and Haena State Park. Visitors will want to see the world renowned Princeville Resort and its first class golf courses. The South Shore will delight visitors with its shady eucalyptus canopies and quaint plantation towns. Visit Koloa, Hawaii’s oldest plantation town, and the popular resort town of Poipu with family-friendly beaches and golf courses. More information on Kauai.
Oahu is the perfect mix of gorgeous scenery and sophisticated amenities. The beaches of Oahu all have names that are known worldwide for their amazing beauty, soft sand, and aloha spirit. This island is home to Honolulu, the state capital, and one of the few modernized areas of the state. Although this capital has much to offer visitors with museums, shops, and other cultural attractions, the real way to see the island is outside the city limits. Right outside this metropolitan area lie tropical valleys that have not changed much in thousands of years. See Waikiki, one of the most popular and well-known beaches anywhere. Eat at fine dining restaurants or grab a local favorite from a stand on the road. Boogie boarders will want to try out the surf on Makapuu Beach, Lanikai Beach is popular with swimmers, kayakers, and windsurfers, and Kailua Beach is known for beachcombing and strolling along its crystal blue waters. Visit Kahana to feel the charm of the small beach towns that dot the coast. Oahu’s world famous North Shore is blessed with pristine white sand beaches and perfect, glassy walled, epic waves and tubes, is known for its world-class surfing, body boarding, body surfing. Serious surfers and spectators crowd Sunset Beach Park, Waimea Bay Beach Park, and Ehukai Beach Park, home to the infamous Banazi Pipeline, to see the epic waves that crash on the shore. Oahu is also home to Pearl Harbor, where the attack was made on December 7, 1941. Here you can see the famous USS Arizona Memorial and the rest of “Battleship Row”. Visitors can tour the entire island in a day, but it is suggested to spend several days in this Hawaiian paradise. More information on Oahu.
Molokai is the vacation destination for nature purists. Where you find roads, they will most likely be empty. The island survives on raising crops, catching fish, and clinging to tradition. Here, there are no fancy shops, huge resorts, or throngs of tourists. Instead, there are secluded empty beaches, untamed natural beauty, and serene views. Although the island is small at only 38 miles long and 10 miles wide, there are so many sights and natural wonders to see. Visit Iliiliopae Heiau, an ancient temple, and the 60-lus rock walled fishponds that you can find on the South Shore. Bird and wildlife watchers will want to visit Kamakou Preserve, a mountain forest home to many endangered species of plants and birds. Visit Molokai for unspoiled wilderness and beautiful scenery without the hustle and bustle of the high tourism areas. More information on Molokai.
If Hawaii has been on your wish list and crowds are not your favorite vacation sight, then Molokai is for you. This is the place where you can actually expect to walk on the beach and see no other footprints in the sand. With a wealth of natural beauty, some off the beaten path locations, attractive outdoor activities and a chance to truly relish the shopping experience, this “Friendly Island” is perfect for those who like peace and quiet.
Often called the “most Hawaiian Island” Molokai is almost totally untouched by commercialization. Molokai does not advertise itself much and is a well-kept secret that you will love to discover. One of the first things you will notice is that there are very few cars or vehicles on the roads. Look closer; there are no traffic lights either! There are no malls, no elevators and no skyscrapers here. What you will find is peace of mind and complete relaxation, the exact ingredients for a wonderful vacation.
Molokai’s attractions are off the beaten track. The Kalaupapa Peninsula, now a park, is home to the world’s highest sea cliffs. This place of majestic mountains, deadly steep cliffs and shark-infested waters was once a leprosy settlement and a guided tour will reveal its history of death and exile. Climb the myth and mist-shrouded Kamakou Mountain, standing tall at 4,961feet. There is a lush rainforest at the top and the views of the ocean, waterfalls and cliffs are well worth the hard ascent. Visit the Moomomi Beach to see coastal sand dunes and green sea turtles or go to Papohaku Beach for an undisturbed walk on the golden sand.
If you are wondering what you can do while relaxing, communing with Nature and sitting in one place for hours on end, the answer is fishing. This is one of the most popular activities at Molokai and maybe you will catch one of the famed Marlins. Take a deep-sea fishing cruise and enjoy the views from afar. The beautiful valleys and waterfalls make for great hiking trails and the beaches are too inviting to resist. Go for a swim, snorkel or rent a kayak to explore the reefs and coves. Take a mule ride up the sea cliffs of Kalaupapa. Learn about the Hawaiian culture, traditions and customs while touring a natural macadamia nut farm and sample some of the delicious nuts. Other activities include motorbike riding, tennis and golf.
The markets of Molokai make for a unique shopping experience. Since there are no chains or departmental stores, most shopping can be done at small, family run businesses. You may be surprised to find that the shopkeepers are more keen on making your visit memorable than selling their wares. Be sure to get some of the pure Hawaiian gourmet coffee grown at Molokai’s coffee estates. Art galleries abound and you may find some wonderful woodcarvings or other hand-made artifacts to take home as souvenirs.
Whether you choose to simply lounge on the beaches, sweat it out by climbing the mountains or shop to your heart’s content, a relaxed body, rejuvenated mind and complete satisfaction will be the true souvenirs of your vacation at Molokai.
Lanai, Hawaii’s most exclusive island, is where visitors can find high luxury and privacy in an island getaway. The island revolves around its one small town, Lanai City, and its two resort properties, the Lodge at Koele and the Manale Bay Hotel. Premeir golf courses, spas, upscale dining, and plenty of activities await you. Here, visitors can enjoy a game of lawn bowling or croquet, play tennis at the Manele’s tennis center, or go on horseback rides on the beach. Swim and snorkel at Hulope Beach and Manele Harbor. Visit Keahikawelo, the Garden of the Gods, Kaiolohia Bay, Shipwreck Beach, or the rainforest at Lanaihale. Visit this upscale resort island that is off the beaten path but full of adventure and luxury. More information on Lanai.
The Magic Isle, more commonly known as Maui, offers heavenly beaches, tropical trade winds, crystal clear water, uncrowded beaches, and world-class golf. The South Coast is home to the resort areas of Maalaea, Kihei, Wailea, and Makena known for its gentle swimming surf. Visit the quaint town of Haiku, just minutes from the world famous windsurfing beach of Ho'okipa. Under the shadow of Kahalawai, one of Maui’s volcanic mountains, lie historic Lahaina and the famous resorts of Kaanapali, Kahana, Napili, and Kapalua. Front Street in Lahaina offers visitors shops, art galleries, entertainment, and restaurants on the waterfront with a taste of old world charm. Maui, one of the world’s largest playgrounds is a great place to hike, kayak, snorkel, windsurfing, and surfing, but it is also one of the most relazing places on the planet. Forty-two miles of never crowded beaches give it a secluded feel and towering volcanoes and mountains provide plenty of solace from the vacation hey-day. More information on Maui.
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