Hawaii is the most recent of the 50 U.S. states and joined the Union on August 21, 1959. It is the only U.S. state located in Oceania and the only one made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean.
Once you
hear a word “Hawaii”, your brain starts tricking your imagination to draw
dreamy images of sunsets by the palm fringed Pacific, stimulating your salivary
glands in anticipation of feasting on a juicy slice of fresh papaya picked
fresh from a tree; your toes almost feel the tickle of white sandy beaches
underneath and your hips start swaying to the rhythms of the traditional hula
dance. Hawaii is a paradise on Earth offering ideal escapes for outdoor
aficionados, surfers, snorkelers, whale watchers and honeymooners. With so many
places to visit in Hawaii, how do you decide where to go? Below we present in
no particular order, our top 20 selections from this great places.
Places
to Visit in Hawaii
Waimea Canyon
Waimea
Canyon, on Kauai's West Side, is described as "The Grand Canyon of the
Pacific." Although not as big or as old as its Arizona cousin, you won’t
encounter anything like this geological wonder in Hawaii. Stretching 14 miles
long, one mile wide and more than 3,600 feet deep, the Waimea Canyon Lookout
provides panoramic views of crested buttes, rugged crags and deep valley
gorges. The grand inland vistas go on for miles.
Na Pali Coast
The Na Pali
Coast is a very special place. The pali, or cliffs, provide a rugged grandeur
of deep, narrow valleys ending abruptly at the sea. Waterfalls and swift
flowing streams continue to cut these narrow valleys while the sea carves
cliffs at their mouths. Extensive stone walled terraces can still be found on
the valley bottoms where Hawaiians once lived and cultivated taro.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Experience
the Heartbeat of a Volcanic Landscape. Volcanoes are monuments to Earth's
origin, evidence that its primordial forces are still at work. During a
volcanic eruption, we are reminded that our planet is an ever-changing
environment whose basic processes are beyond human control. As much as we have
altered the face of the Earth to suit our needs, we can only stand in awe
before the power of an eruption.
Haleakala National Park
A Rare and Sacred
Landscape. This special place vibrates with stories of ancient and modern
Hawaiian culture and protects the bond between the land and its people. The
park also cares for endangered species, some of which exist nowhere else. Come
visit this special place - renew your spirit amid stark volcanic landscapes and
sub-tropical rain forest with an unforgettable hike through the backcountry.
Polynesian Cultural Center
The
Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) is a Polynesian-themed theme park or living
museum located in Laie, on the northern shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Owned by the The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and dedicated on
October 12, 1963, the PCC occupies 42 acres (17 ha) owned by nearby Brigham
Young University–Hawaii. Within eight simulated tropical villages, performers
demonstrate various arts and crafts from throughout Polynesia. Visitors may
also take a free shuttle tour of the university and see the Laie Hawaii Temple
and its associated visitors' center of the LDS Church.
Honolulu
Home to the
State Capitol, Honolulu is the vibrant epicenter of Hawaii. Here you’ll find
everything from historic landmarks and treasured monuments to world-class
shopping and a flourishing arts and culture scene. Home to the majority of
Oahu’s population, the sprawling city of Honolulu spreads throughout the
southeastern shores of Oahu, from Pearl Harbor to Makapuu Point, encompassing
world famous Waikiki.
Waikiki
Located on
the south shore of Honolulu, the world-famous neighborhood of Waikiki was once
a playground for Hawaiian royalty. Known in Hawaiian as "spouting
waters," Waikiki was introduced to the world when its first hotel, the
Moana Surfrider, was built on its shores in 1901. Today, Waikiki is Oahu’s main
hotel and resort area and a vibrant gathering place for visitors from around
the world. Along the main strip of Kalakaua Avenue you'll find world-class
shopping, dining, entertainment, activities and resorts.
Waikiki is
most famous for its beaches and every room is just two or three blocks away
from the sea. With Leahi (Diamond Head) as your backdrop, the calm waters of
Waikiki are perfect for a surfing lesson. In fact, legendary Hawaiian waterman
Duke Kahanamoku grew up surfing the waves of Waikiki. This Olympic gold
medalist in swimming actually taught visitors how to surf at the turn of the
century and was later known as “The father of modern surfing.” Today, the
Waikiki Beach Boys perpetuate Duke’s legacy by teaching visitors how to surf
and canoe and the Duke Kahanamoku Statue has become an iconic symbol of
Waikiki.
Hanalei Bay
Hanalei Bay
is the largest bay on the north shore of Kauaʻi island in Hawaii. The town of
Hanalei is at the midpoint of the bay. Hanalei Bay consists of nearly two miles
of beach, surrounded by mountains. In the summer, the bay offers excellent
mooring for sailboats, stand up paddle boarding and swimming. The Princeville
community overlooks from the northeast entrance to the bay of Hanalei River.
During the winter the surf becomes large and is a favorite surf location.
Pearl Harbor Memorial
From
Engagement to Peace. World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument
preserves and interprets the stories of the Pacific War, including the events
at Pearl Harbor, the internment of Japanese Americans, the battles in the
Aleutians, and the occupation of Japan.
Molokini Crater
Molokini is
a small, crescent moon-shaped island that is a State Marine Life and Bird
Conservation District. Lying only three miles from Maui's southwestern coast,
Molokini spans over 18 acres and rises 160 feet above reef-filled waters,
offering visitors snorkeling and diving amongst a kaleidoscope of coral and
more than 250 species of tropical fish.
Tours are
available from nearby Maalaea Harbor and Lahaina. Early morning is the best
time of day to explore this pristine reserve, and whale watching is an added
bonus during the winter months. If you're a scuba or snorkeling enthusiast, a
visit to Molokini is a Maui must.
Wailua Falls
Wailua
Falls, just north of Lihue, is a step off the beaten path. Located at the south
end of the Wailua River, it cascades into two streams, dropping 80-feet below.
Some even say the distance is more accurately described as 200 feet.
Like other
spectacular spots on Kauai used as film locations, Wailua Falls is most
recognized in the opening credits of the long-running television show
"Fantasy Island." Easily accessible, Wailua Falls can be seen from
the roadside, so you can leave your hiking boots behind. To get there, head
north from Lihue and follow Maalo Road in Hanamaulu. Travel uphill for about
three miles. If you visit in the mornings, you may be treated to a rainbow,
making for an amazing photo of Wailua Falls.
Road to Hana
The Road to
Hana is more than just a great drive through a beautiful area of Maui. Most
visitors tend to zip to and from Hana with a checklist of sights to photograph.
This is the wrong way to do it. Do your due diligence beforehand, decide on a
few locations that look the most intriguing, and take your time at each
location.
In order to
truly experience Hana, it helps to know more about the history and legends of
the area. You may find out that there are legendary stories associated with
each spot where Gods have left their mark and historic battles have been
fought. Transport yourself not only to Hana, but back in time to the historic
moments and legendary tales that shape the islands.
Kalalau Trail
The Kalalau
Trail is a trail along Nā Pali Coast of the island of Kauai in the state of
Hawaii. The trail is very strenuous and runs approximately 11 miles (18 km)
along the island's north shore from Keʻe Beach to the Kalalau Valley. An
experienced, very fit hiker can complete the trail in about a day, or do the
entire 22 miles round trip as a day hike, but most people require two days and
will camp along the trail. At this time camping is only permitted on the beach
at Hanakoa Valley (6 mile mark) and Kalalau Beach.
Lahaina
Once known
as Lele, which means “relentless sun” in Hawaiian, Lahaina is a historic town
that has been transformed into a Maui hot spot with dozens of art galleries and
a variety of unique shops and restaurants.
Once the
capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom in the early nineteenth century, Lahaina was
also a historic whaling village during the whaling boom of the mid-1800’s. Up
to 1,500 sailors from as many as 400 ships took leave in Lahaina including
Herman Melville, who immortalized the era in his classic novel Moby Dick.
Today,
Lahaina is on the National Register of Historic Places. You can still get a
feel for old Lahaina as you stroll down lively Front Street and visit historic
stops like the U.S. Seamen’s Hospital, Hale Paaho (Lahaina Prison), the Pioneer
Inn and other sites on the Lahaina Historic Trail. Approximately 55 acres of
old Lahaina have been set aside as historic districts.
Akaka Falls
Pleasant
self-guided walk through lush tropical vegetation to scenic vista points
overlooking the cascading Kahuna Falls and the free-falling ‘Akaka Falls ,
which plunges 442 feet into a stream-eroded gorge. The 0.4-mile loop footpath
requires some physical exertion.
Hanauma Bay
Staring out
at the circular-shaped shore of Hanauma Bay on the southeast tip of East
Honolulu, you can imagine how this beautiful cove was once a volcanic crater.
Today, this crater, likely flooded by wave erosion, is home to an important
nature preserve and the island's most popular snorkeling destination.
Preservation
is emphasized at Hanauma Bay after it went through a major restoration to
re-establish its delicate eco-system. Learn about protecting the bay at the
recently opened Marine Education Center where you can watch a short theatre
presentation and view exhibits. Then swim out into Hanauma Bay’s clear blue
waters and explore the lively reefs full of colorful fish. Rent or bring your
own masks, snorkels and fins. And be sure to pack a lunch or stop by the snack
bar after a morning of exploration.
Molokai
“Hawaiian by
nature”, the island of Molokai remains true to its island roots. There are no
traffic lights—just aloha—in the harbor town of Kaunakakai, where fisherman
haul in their daily catch and farmers showcase fresh-picked produce from neighboring
fields. Quiet your spirit and you’ll feel the mana (power) that protects the
island, from an area near Maunaloa said to be the birthplace of hula to the
indescribable beauty of Halawa Valley. Or, descend 1,700 feet on a surefooted
mule to the remote settlement of Kalaupapa and change your perspective forever.
Lanai Island
Lanai is an
island of intriguing contrasts. Hike the lunar landscape of Keahiakawelo
(Garden of the Gods) or picnic overlooking Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock), named
for a maiden Puu and her handsome warrior. Two Four Season Resorts pamper
you—one along the seaside, the other in the misty mountains—while Hotel Lanai
in Lanai City welcomes you with old plantation charm. Whether you’re hiking
among native ohia lehua trees on the Munro Trail or making your way to the 18th
hole, Lanai is easily Hawaii’s “Most Enticing Island.”
Maui Ocean Center
Maui Ocean
Center is an educational, three-acre, state-of-the-art aquarium and marine park
offering a look at the vast undersea world of the islands!
Oahu Sea Life Park
At Sea Life
Park, Hawaii's marine life comes alive in a dazzling display that will
entertain and delight. Located just 15 miles from Waikiki on Oahu's beautiful
and scenic Makapuu Point, Sea Life Park is a world-class marine attraction
perched between the majestic Koolau Mountain Range and breathtaking Makapuu
Beach. See dolphins dance, sea lions sing, and penguins perform in this magical
place by the sea.
Come and
explore our entertaining and educational attractions!
Get up close
and personal with a fantastic array of marine life and make amazing discoveries
about the inhabitants of our aquatic world. You can swim with dolphins, come
face to face with Sea Lions, play like a pirate or just kick back and watch our
thrilling animal shows.
Stay dry or
get wet, it's up to you but one thing's for sure - learning's never been so
much fun!.
About PRABISH BISHUNGKHE
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