There's more to Hawaii than Waikiki. Adventures await you as you travel different parts of Oahu and the other islands of Maui and Hawaii.
When your vacations plans take you to the exotic islands of Hawaii, be sure to get the most out of your visit by getting out of the incredibly touristy location of Waikiki on Oahu. Hawaii has much more to offer than an overcrowded beach with tourists wearing Hawaiian shirts and flower leis.
If you need to stay on Oahu, rent a convertible and drive around the island to its north shore. Here you will find one of the biggest surfing spots in the northern hemisphere. Both amateur and professional surfers line the beaches to ride the waves of Oahu's north shore.
While you are on Oahu, make a trip out to see the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial. This world renowned landmark signifies the United States' entry into World War II and reminds us of the unprovoked Japanese attack and tragedy of December 7, 1941.
Try your hardest to get off of Oahu. Chartered boats and commercial airliners are all means to get from one island to another. Cruise ships frequently have Island Hopping Packages which allow you to see most of the Hawaiian Islands by day and travel to each at night while you are being entertained by a show, dancing the night away in the ship's nightclub, or peacefully reading a book on the ship's deck. Don't forget this option is a great way to travel while you are doing the last thing that you want to do on your Hawaiian vacation- sleeping.
Maui Noka Oi! Means that Maui is number one! This most artsy Hawaiian Isle has so much to offer you on your Hawaiian getaway. Lahaina is one of the most famous cities on this island, boasting both amazing art galleries and quaint shop lined streets. This city comes alive at night with its wide variety of bars and nightclubs. Be sure to visit Cheeseburgers in Paradise while in Lahaina, as it is a popular tourist lunch spot named after the famous Jimmy Buffet song.
Halloween in Lahaina is much like Mardi gras, with people lined streets as well as people hanging off of balconies. If you're luck enough to be here on Halloween, it is certain to be a memory for years to come.
Another sight to see on Maui is the small town of Paia, located on Maui's western coast. Paia is the wind surfing capital of the world! Here you will see surfboards with sails in all sorts of colors and designs from all over the world. Sitting at the coastline on a bench watching the windsurfers is a relaxing way to spend a quiet afternoon on Maui.
Getting up extra early and driving a rental car up the dormant volcano of Haleakela to watch the sunrise is another enjoyable activity on Maui. There are many tour groups available in which you can ride up the volcano in a chartered van and ride back down on a bicycle. How many times would you get to do something like this in your life? One important key to remember is that this volcano is dormant, not extinct. This means that Haleakela will probably erupt again.
Many more scenic adventures await you on the big island of Hawaii. This island is host to Volcano National Park where you will walk on hardened lava rock and see black sand beaches. Be sure not to take any of the lava rock back home with you, as this is bad luck and frowned upon by Madame Pele, the island's volcano goddess. Madam Pele has been seen around the island capital of Hilo, either as a young woman in a long, flowing, white dress or as an old woman looking for a cigarette.
The erupting volcano of Kilauea is also located at the southeast corner of this island in between the small cities of Kona (world famous for its coffee) and Hilo It is the only active volcano on the islands, so be sure to try and catch a glimpse of this amazing spectacle of nature on your visit, especially at nigh when the vibrant hues of red and gold pop out of the dark, nihjt sky.
Hawaii offers something for everyone. Whether you want to sit on a beach and drink Pina Coladas all day, or take a helicopter tour of the island of Kauai, you will be sure to enjoy your trip and have cherished memories to last a lifetime.
