Many people give America’s 50th state the nickname Paradise and it doesn’t take long on these spectacular volcanic islands to realize that the moniker is well earned.
Hawaii is an archipelago of volcanic islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Come here to spend your days riding aquamarine waves into golden beaches, hiking up dramatic peaks or exploring fascinating cultural attractions.
Although it's the most recent state to join the U.S., Hawaii’s history goes much farther back than its accession in 1959. Settlers from the Marquesas Islands landed on these islands between A.D 300 to 600. Visit heritage sites such as Kaunolu Village and Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park to learn about Hawaiian culture from these earliest days.
Each one of Hawaii’s islands offers a dizzying array of beaches, inland adventures and cultural sights. The Big Island features Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, where you can hike up to lava craters and find hidden inland waterfalls. Hawai’i island also features several restaurants serving delectable local cuisine. Try poke, the local fish salad delicacy.
Explore inland Kauai to discover its dramatic scenery. Hike along the cliffs of Na Pali or through Waimea Canyon then pause for a moment in the Hindu Monastery. Naturally, Kauai has its share of stunning beaches. Linger in Kauapea, Lydgate or Poipu and watch for dolphins from the shore.
Oahu is popular among surfers and is also the home of the Pearl Harbor National Historic Sites, a focal point for bringing the U.S. into World War II. Relax in buzzing Waikiki, where you will find the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, a monument to the man who became known as the “father of modern surfing.”
Maui contains some of Hawaii’s most dramatic scenery. The second-largest island in the archipelago offers whale- and turtle-watching at Makena Bay, volcanic adventures in Haleakala and educational attractions such as the Maui Okinawa Cultural Center.
Many people arrive in Hawaii on a cruise liner, but Honolulu International Airport also offers several flights to and from the state. High season in Hawaii is between December and April, but it remains an exciting and inviting state in every season.
