| Hawaii is not just sand, surf, luaus and tans. Sure, | | | | life, much of it unlike anything to be seen on the |
| these are on every vacationer's list, but the | | | | continental U.S. |
| islands have so much more to offer and to miss | | | | Waimea Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Oahu |
| them will mean not getting the most from your | | | | A great place to see the unique plant life of the |
| Hawaii experience. Because of the island hopping | | | | islands and to get an understanding of the local |
| that is involved, you may not be able to fit all of | | | | ecosystem. The Waihi Falls with the crystal clear |
| them into your schedule. These places are not | | | | pools at the bottom are a major attraction and a |
| presented in any particular order, since everyone | | | | great picnic spot. |
| has their own personal preference. So make your | | | | Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge, Kauai |
| own priorities and try and fit in as many as you | | | | Located on the north shoe of the island of Kauai, |
| can. | | | | this is the place to see the bird life of the islands |
| Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island | | | | and during the winter, spot humpback whales, |
| Located on the Big Island, this is the most popular | | | | Hawaiian monk seals and dolphins that come close |
| tourist destination in Hawaii. It contains both the | | | | to the shore. The lighthouse offers a panoramic |
| most active volcano in the world - Kilauea, and | | | | ocean view and is not to be missed. |
| the largest one - Mauna Loa. Depending on how | | | | The Polynesian Cultural Center, Oahu |
| much time you have, you could do just a one-day | | | | For a traditional Polynesian experience there is |
| trip or devote a few days to the unique camping | | | | nothing to beat this place. Here you will find eight |
| and hiking opportunities that the park has to offer. | | | | traditional island villages that showcase the |
| Whatever your plans, always begin at the Kilauea | | | | lifestyles, music, art and dance of eight Polynesian |
| Visitors Center to get safety tips and information | | | | island nations - Fiji, Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, Easter |
| on the conditions in the park. If you do not feel | | | | Island, |
| like venturing out on your own, there are many | | | | Aotearoa (New Zealand), the Marquesas and of |
| ranger led excursions for you to join. Do not miss | | | | course, Hawaii. The Center is often times called a |
| the dramatic landscapes of the Crater Rim Drive. | | | | living museum. After a day of exploring these |
| Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Oahu | | | | open-air villages, you can sit down to a traditional |
| This is a must visit place for all snorkeling and | | | | Hawaiian luau feast, followed by a show featuring |
| marine life enthusiasts. Once in a state of decay, | | | | a cast of more than 100 performers. |
| the Preserve has now been restored to its | | | | Haleakala National Park, Maui |
| natural beauty. No only does the bay offer | | | | Located on the Island of Maui, this park is divided |
| unparalleled swimming and snorkeling opportunities | | | | into two sections. The summit area is at the top |
| and a chance to see an amazing variety of | | | | of a volcano and offers spectacular views of the |
| marine life, the education center is a great place | | | | lush tropical greenery of the island. Go to the |
| to learn about the ecology of the region and gain | | | | valley of Kipahulu and you will be walking amidst |
| a better appreciation of the marine life that you | | | | the lush foliage, waterfalls and clear freshwater |
| will be seeing. | | | | pools for an experience you will not find |
| Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, Big | | | | anywhere else. |
| Island | | | | Diamond Head State Monument, Oahu |
| Those interested in the history of the islands will | | | | For a different type of experience, go to |
| find this park a place definitely worth visiting. This | | | | Diamond Head. It gets its name from the mistake |
| is a sacred place with deep religious meaning and | | | | the early settlers made in thinking that there |
| was once the home of the island royalty. Here | | | | were diamonds to be found here. An easy |
| you will find both archaeological sites that go back | | | | 1.4-mile walk takes you to the summit of the |
| to the dawn of the island's history as well as | | | | mountain from where you will get panoramic |
| reconstructions of the ancient Hawaiian Place of | | | | views of the whole Honolulu area. |
| Refuge, a sanctuary for those who broke the | | | | USS Arizona Memorial, Oahu |
| laws or were defeated in battle. | | | | Here is a chance to contemplate the sacrifice and |
| Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, Big Island | | | | loss of life that occurred on December 7th, 1941, |
| This is the only rainforest zoo in the U.S. and a | | | | the day "that will live in infamy." The memorial is |
| place to encounter a vast variety of rainforest | | | | the mid section of the sunken battleship, and the |
| animals as well as endangered species. Prime | | | | solemnity of the place is something you will never |
| attractions are the white Bengal tigers, geese, a | | | | forget. The tour includes a short documentary |
| range of monkeys and other primates. This is also | | | | film of what happened on that fateful day. |
| a botanical garden with over 100 varieties of plant | | | | |