America's 50th state, Hawaii, offers its visitors a veritable treasure trove of unforgettable vacation experiences. From its active volcano, Kilauea, to the vivid tropical fish in its waters, to many Polynesian cultures that formed its society, Hawaii bursts with opportunities for a memorable visit. Here are five of the most unforgettable vacation spots in the Aloha State.
1. The island of Oahu
Oahu, home to the state capital of Honolulu, bursts with vibrant life. The capital city boasts a fabled array of shopping, dining and entertainment. For some, however, Oahu means Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head and other natural attractions. These include making some new finny friends at Sea Life Park at Makapu'u Beach or getting "up close and personal" with the tropical denizens of Hanauma Bay, a world-famous snorkeling site. Those with an interest in history will want to take in the battleship USS Arizona Memorial, commemorating the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces, or visit the "Mighty Mo," the battleship USS Missouri Memorial.
2. The Polynesian Cultural Center, Oahu
No Hawaiian visit would be complete without a genuine Polynesian luau, and that's a major feature of The Polynesian Cultural Center in La'ie, about an hour's drive north of Honolulu. Before the festivities start, however, travelers can take in the cultural center's seven different village exhibits from Hawai'i, Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, the Marquesas, Tonga and Maori New Zealand (Aotearoa), to learn about Polynesian peoples.
3. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Big Island (Hawaii)
This spectacular park on The Big Island draws some 3 million visitors every year. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park encompasses two of the world's extraordinary volcanoes: Kilauea, the most active and dormant Mauna Loa, the largest. The 11-mile Crater Rim Drive around Mauna Loa's summit gives visitors breathtaking vistas of natural Hawaiian beauty. Any park visit should start at The Kilauea Visitor Center for information on safety precautions, road conditions and campaign and hiking availability.
4. The NaPali Coast, Kauai
The unspoiled, uninhabited and spectacular NaPali Coast on the island of Kauai, with its jaw-dropping cliffs, could cause a visitor to get sunburned on the roof of the mouth. In fact, some travelers say that NaPali encapsulates all of Hawaii's natural beauty. The oldest and fourth largest of the main Hawaiian Islands, Kauai boasts a 111-mile coastline ringed with coral reefs and beaches of golden sand. Inland Kauai is home to mountain rain forests including Mt. Wai'ale'ale, whose average annual rainfall of 460 inches makes it one of the earth's wettest locales. Visitors don't need umbrellas though, because showers are brief, punctuated by sunshine producing glorious rainbows.
5. The island of Maui
Maui seems to enthrall its visitors. Nature lovers come in winter to view humpback whale. Adrenaline junkies speed across canyons on zip lines, a sports sub underwater or cycle down the side of a volcano. Athletes love Maui for its golfing and beach sports, such as kite-boarding and windsurfing. Lovers of nightlife can find taste-tempting restaurants and thrilling stage shows in Lahaina. Maui's film festival and writers' conference draw those of artistic bent. And if all that excitement wears out visitors, they can seek out the care of holistic healers at Haleakala, reputed to be one of the world's strongest natural energy points.
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