For people living in the States it might not be such an exotic destination, but for all those living on the other side of the great pond, Hawaii have always been a distant dream.
And those lucky enough to travel to Hawaii always come home with amazing stories, be it about the stunning nature, the beautiful beaches or the World War II memorials, Hawaii have a lot to offer for the average tourist.
It is a US state, an isolated volcanic archipelago in the Central Pacific. Of the 6 main islands, Oahu has Hawaii’s only big city, Honolulu, home to crescent Waikiki Beach and the Pearl Harbor memorials.
If you are planning on visiting Hawaii, make sure you don’t miss these seven tourist attractions:
Haleakala National Park, Maui
The Haleakala means “house of the sun”, and according to local legends, the demigod Maui imprisoned the sun here so that the day might last longer.
The park hosts the Halekala Volcano, which had its last eruption between 1480 and 1600 AD. The park is divided into two distinct sections: the summit area and the coastal Kipahulu area.
Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Big Island
Located on the west coast of the Island of Hawaii, the historical site was where, up until the early 19th century, Hawaiians who broke a kapu (one of the ancient laws) could avoid certain death by fleeing to this place of refuge or puʻuhonua.The offender would be absolved by a priest and freed to leave, and defeated warriors would also seek refuge during times of battle.
Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, Big Island
This small, 12-acre zoo is the only US zoo located in a rainforest. It is operated by Hawaii County and receives its funding from the county and from private donations.The Zoo has more than 60 species of animals on display, and the grounds feature more than 40 different species of plants, flowers, and trees.The most popular attraction of the Zoo was a male white Bengal Tiger named Namaste’.
Poipu Beach
The site is home to a number of award winning Poipu beach resorts, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. It features gentle waves, snorkelling, a protected lagoon and many playgrounds. It also features a surf break over a reef, made for experienced surfers only.
Waimea Canyon, Kauai – “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”
Approximately ten miles long and up to 3,000 feet deep, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” is located on the western side of Kauaʻi in the Hawaiian Islands. The canyon was formed by a deep incision of the Waimea River arising from the extreme rainfall on the island’s central peak, Mount Waiʻaleʻale, among the wettest places on earth.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
If volcanoes are your thing, then you should definitely visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It is home to two active volcanoes: Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world’s most massive subaerial volcano.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Another great place for people looking for relaxation and rest. The Hanauma Bay offers snorkelling and a coral reef, and according to a couple of online reviews, you can even swim beside a sea turtle. That is, if you’re lucky enough to find one.
