Hawaii vacations are on the top of everyone's favorite list of trips. The six islands of Hawaii are Oahu, Maui, Kauai, The Big Island (Hawaii), Molokai and Lanai, each offering something for every taste - history, romance, natural beauty, a mix of cultures and traditions, tastes and sounds that can't be found anywhere else but the islands.
Hawaii vacations
If you're wondering what the top things people do on their Hawaii vacations (besides enjoy the magnificent Hawaii beaches), read on.
Whether you're here to see an incredible Hawaii volcano or you want to laze on a beach at a top resort in Kona, Hawaii, knowing ahead of time what you want to do will help you make the most of your trip to Hawaii.
Hawaii - the Big Island
Volcanoes National Park - Most visitors to Hawaii want to see lava from an active Hawaii volcano, and the big island does not disappoint when it comes to this. Spread out over 333,000 acres, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park takes up a large portion on the southern part of the Big Island. Mauna Loa, rising at 13,677 feet, is easily the largest dormant volcano in the world.
Kona Coast - The Kona coast, on the west side of the Big Island, is home to the top resorts on the big islands and the popular Kona vacation rentals. The Kona area enjoys great weather all year round, in addition to other activities like deep-sea fishing and snorkeling, making this a popular place for Hawaii beaches.
Maui
Road to Hana - This is the most incredible drive of all the Hawaiian Islands. This 52 mile Hana drive usually takes about 3 hours, and goes over 54 different bridges. The drive starts at Kahului Airport, and the beginning of the ride takes your through farmlands that grow Pineapple and Taro. Then you will find yourself in a tropical rainforest, surrounded by papaya, guava, and rainbows eucalyptus trees.
Iao Valley - Iao Valley beauty has inspired Hawaiians to gather here to honor the agriculture god, Lono, during an annual festival called the Makahiki festival. For over a hundred years visitors have been coming to the valley to enjoy the scenic beauty of this lush valley.
Oahu
Hanauma Bay - On Oahu, Hanauma Bay has a marine reef that is the top place for snorkeling anywhere on the island. There are more than 50 species of fish that make their home here, and you can see them up close when you scuba dive or snorkel at Hanauma Bay.
Waikiki Beach - Waikiki beach is located on the southern shores of Oahu. Since this place was frequented by the Hawaiian royalty during the 1800's, Waikiki has been a retreat for visitors looking for a relaxing shore. Waikiki beach is now home to the most resort hotels on the island, and home to the most modern luxury resorts in Hawaii as well as historic Hawaii hotels as well.
Kauai
Na Pali Coast - The name is this spectacular place is taken from the Hawaiian word Pali, which means cliffs. The cliffs of the Na Pali coast are dramatic valleys that rise hundreds of feet from the ocean floor. These deep gorges are caused by streams and waterfalls which continue to create crevasses into the ancient stone, which are further eroded by the waves of the sea.
Waimea Canyon - Waimea Canyon is an incredible feast for the eyes. The canyon is more than 3,500 feet deep, and more than 10 miles long. This canyon was created by the flooding from the rivers that flowed out of the volcano Mount Waialeale. If you look at the canyon walls, you will see the lines that show traces of the geological activity that has taken place over the past thousands of years.
