Aloha! Are you planning a trip to Hawaii and looking for things to do?
Wondering what the top Hawaiian attractions are so you can see them when you visit?
If you're traveling to Hawaii, add this of attractions and must-sees for all ages and tastes.
1. Green Sea Turtles of Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach in Honolulu is most likely the busiest area in all of Hawaii. So to see the shyest creatures on the planet here - the safeguarded green sea turtles -- you could be in for a treat.
Travel Pointer: Wade out and watch the elegant sea turtles play effortlessly beside the swimmers and surfers and be impressed by it all; however bear in mind, no touching!
2. North Shore Surfing-- Oahu
A terrific year-round destination and the ultimate surf-town, the beaches east of laid-back Haleiwa on Oahu's North Shore blow up with surfers and spectators each December as it hosts the prestigious VANS Triple Crown of Surfing events. World prominent beaches like Sundown Beach, Waimea Bay and the aptly called Banzai Pipeline are the capital of surfing, where 20 foot waves prevail and supply the ultimate backdrop to an exciting afternoon of enjoying the very best in the business.
Travel Idea: Giovanni's Shrimp Truck on the side of the roadway is an absolute must stop.
3. Helicopter Trips-- Oahu, Kauai and Big Island
As most of the Hawaiian Islands are blanketed in thick, rich rainforest, dramatic mountain varieties and deep canyons inaccessible by vehicle or even foot, there is no better way to see them in all their magnificence than from above. Helicopter trips provide more than simply a bird's eye view of the spectacular surface as your headset links you to an experienced tour guide (functioning as the pilot) who discusses the geology, ecology and history and answers any questions you might have. On Oahu, take a look at Dole's pineapple shaped plantation, the enormous Waimea Canyon in Kauai or the still-spewing Kilauea volcano on Big Island.
Travel Pointer: Get something to eat after the trip.
4. Hawaii Volcanoes National Forest-- Big Island.
Although the Island of Oahu receives the most vacationers, the most visited destination in the state of Hawaii is on the Big Island. Hawaii Volcanoes National Forest includes Kilauea, among the world's most active volcanoes in addition to the world's largest volcano, Mauna Loa. Amazing Crater Rim Drive is an 11 mile road surrounding the summit and lookouts stops en path offer jaw dropping vistas of the plunging Rainbow Falls and lava tubes you can really stroll through!
Travel Suggestion: On Crater Rim Drive, stop at the Volcano House Restaurant for a bite or for a genuinely distinct experience spend a night in among the 10 refurbished cabins at the Volcano House Hotel.
5. Conventional Polynesian Tap Tattoos-- All Islands
Nowadays, every 2nd person and their granny sports some sort of body-art. What most do not understand is that the art of tattooing (Tatau) came from with the Polynesians and the conventional approach of "tapping" has been around for countless years. Putting the electric device away, the artist dips his self-made needle in some self-made ink and delicately taps out the always traditional and passed-down design over lots of unpleasant hours. As tapping is ending up being a dying art, tattoo enthusiasts make appointments often months in advance to fly throughout the ocean for their chance to obtain dealt with by a legend.
Travel Idea: Do not ask your mama for permission.
6. Local Food!-- All Islands
You don't need to see the Polynesian Cultural Centre for a luau (but you must) to sample some of the islands' superb local meals. Besides the obvious native Polynesian impact, Japanese, Chinese and Korean inhabitants have created a tasty mash-up of flavours leading to some amazing cooking experiences. From ceviche-like Poke to the Pipi Kaula brief ribs (smoked and dried, jerky style) and the whacky desert simply called shaved ice (it's not a snow cone with beans in it!), the local food right here is a pleasant surprise.
Travel Pointer: Hawaiians are strangely in love with Spam. That's right, Spam. Attempt the Spam musubi-- slices of Spam wrapped in rice and seaweed then deep fried.
7. Pearl Harbor-- Oahu
Hawaii's largest natural harbor was likewise the sight of the WWII Japanese attack that signaled the beginning of America's participation in the war, also called The Date of Infamy. Complete tours take you to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Centre, USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine, USS Missouri Battleship, Pacific Air travel Museum, Punchbowl National Cemetery along with a Historical Honolulu City Trip. It is the only naval base in the U.S.A to be designated a National Historic Landmark.
Travel Tip: If you're planning to see Pearl Harbor Day (Dec 7), you'll have to come back another time -- along with Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day, all monuments are closed.
8. Diamond Head State Monolith-- Oahu
Reminiscent of Rio's Sugar Loaf, Diamond Head is Hawaii's most well-known landmark. Citizens called it Le'ahi for its similarity to the forehead of a yellow-fin tuna however believing the crater consisted of diamond deposits, settlers called it Diamond Head. The mile or so hike snakes through military bunkers providing spectacular scenic views of Honolulu and Waikiki Beach, ending at the 560 foot high top.
Travel Pointer: As temperature levels climb up swiftly, begin your climb early and remember to bring good shoes and a great deal of water!
9. Whale Enjoying-- Maui
It turns out that Maui isn't simply a romantic island for us people! Our cold weather bring the ocean's acrobats west from Alaska to the warm waters off Maui's western coast to mingle, mate, deliver and nurse their young. In between December and March each year, 10,000 humpback whales make the pilgrimage and whale watching trips offer a magical and intimate check out the lives of these mild giants as they breach and interact just meters away. It's real you can find whales from shore right here however one appearance through a set of binoculars and you'll wish you were a lot more detailed.
Travel Pointer: To minimize your time in getting out to prime whale seeing territory and optimize your actual watching, book a trip aboard The Explorer (a fast, huge zodiac) and add an additional half hour of viewing enjoyable.
10. Waimea Canyon-- Kauai
Mark Twain called it "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific" for excellent reason. At 13 miles long, 1.5 miles broad and nearly 4,000 feet deep, Waimea Canyon might not be as huge or old as Arizona's monster however the crater still takes up practically the whole western half of Kauai. Hike down the gorge to the canyon floor and be surprised by your surroundings as the sun changes the rock's colours with every passing cloud. Unwind on the banks of the Waimea River and view the double waterfalls of Wailua drop a dramatic 2,000 feet before you.
Travel Idea: See to it you fill-up prior to going on Waimea Canyon Road as there are no gas stations.
