Great Vacation Get-Aways and Places to Visit: Hawaii

Nov 4, 2010
Tamara Laschinsky

Hawaii is a favorite vacation spot - skyseeker with permission

Great places to visit and vacation in Hawaii, including things to do and see. Visit Hawaii and see Hawaiian attractions and beaches like nowhere else.

Beautiful volcanic mountains surrounded by ocean and lush green vegetation. Hawaii is a favorite travel hot spot for millions of tourists each year. View the volcanoes, spend some time on the ocean sailing or skiing, learn to hula or tour the cities.

Choosing Which Island to Visit in Hawaii

Choosing an island may not be easy as you have six wonderful options ahead of you. Choose from the following islands for your Hawaiin get-away:

Kauai: The oldest and most northern island. Visit the Wailua River, Napali Coast, Poipu Beach Park and Waimea Canyon.
Oahu:The state capital and majority of local population. Watch the pro surfers on the North Shore, visit Pearl Harbor, check out the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve and hike up the Nuuanu Pali Lookout.
Molokai: Preseved in it’s past, this island has a slower and relaxed paced. Visit Kaunakakai, the Kaluapapa National Hisotrical Park and visit Papohaku Beach, one of the largest white sand beaches in Hawaii.
Lanai: No traffic lights, 100% island! Visit Hulopoe Bay, shop and dine in Lanai City and experience Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods).
Maui: The second largest island and best beaches, be sure to visit Lahaina, Makena Beach State Park (Big Beach), Iao Valley State Park, Haleakala National Park and the town of Hana.
Hawaii’s Big Island: Larger than all the other island combined, be sure to visist Hamaku Coast’s waterfalls, visit the Downtown Hilo, experience coffee at the Coffee Plantations and stop by the Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona).

Beaches to Visit in Hawaii

Hawaii is well known across the world for its incredible beaches. Miles of while sand and clear waters is a common perception of Hawaii’s beaches, but they also have black, green and red sand beaches too.

Poipu Beach (Kauai): Once named “America’s Best Beach”, Poipu is a popular visitor destination for humans and Hawaiian monk seals.
Hanalei Beach Park (Kauai): North Shore beach for romantic sunsets.
Lydgate Beach Park (Kauai): Family friendly beach on the Coconut Coast. Great spot for first-time snorkelers.
Waikiki Beach (Oahu): Very popular beach and great place for taking surfing lessons.
Kailua Beach (Oahu): Family friendly beach for activities like snorkeling and kayaking.
Waimea Bay, North Shore (Oahu): Big wave surfing beach. In the summer, the big waves subside and yield perfect beach conditions.
Papohaku Beach Park (Molokai): Three miles long and one mile wide, one of Hawaiia’s largest white-sand beaches.
One Alii Beach Park(Molokai): Favorite beach for Hawaiia’s alii (royalty) and great beach for family & friends.
Hulopoe Beach Park (Lanai): Once named “America’s Best Beach” and has a sweeping white-sand shoreline.
Polihua Beach (Lanai): Two miles of white sand and a more secluded beach.
Kaiolohia (Lanai): Also known as “Shipwreck Beach”, you can see a WWII ship off the coast.
Kaanapali Beach (Maui): Three miles of white sands, named “America’s Best Beach” in 2003.
Makena Beach State Park (Maui): Nearly 2/3 of a mile long of white-sand beach, one of Maui’s largest beaches.
Wailea Beach (Maui): Named “America’s Best Beach” in 1999. Restrooms available and equipment rentals.
Kahaluu Beach Park (Hawaii’s Big Island): One of the best places to snorkel and take surfing lessons.
Punaluu Beach Park (Hawaii’s Big Island): Remote beach with black sand.
Spencer Beach Park (Hawaii’s Big Island): Picnic facilities, shady areas and large beach makes this a popular family destination.

Activities to Do While Visiting the Hawaiian Islands

There are many activities to do while visiting Hawaii, including:

Visiting the Volcanoes: Visit the three active volcanoes of Hawaii. The Maunaloa volcano, last erupted in 1984. The Kilauea volcano continuously erupts, since 1983. Underwater is the Loihi volcano and has been erupting since 1996. Every 250,000 years, it breaks the surface and adds to the Hawaiian chain of islands.
Water Activities: Lying on the beach, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking and boat tours are only some of the water activities you can do while visiting Hawaii.
Golfing in Hawaii: Over 70 spectacular courses to choose from. Wonderful scenery and championship caliber course designs.
Heritage Sites of Hawaii: Hawaii has many heritage sites to visit. The Kilauea Lighthouse, Waimea Canyon State Park and the famous Diamondhead, which offers panoramic views of Waikiki and Honolulu are only some of the heritage sites available to you. Don’t forget to visit Pearl Harbor, the National Historical Landmark and WWII Valor.