By Amy L. Gouger
The Aloha state inspires thoughts of warm sand, sunny seas and palm trees. As a chain of multiple islands, Hawaii draws tourists with white
beaches, warm waters and many fun activities. Hawaii contains six main islands called Maui, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai and Hawaii's Big Island. There are many activities for visitors to enjoy in Hawaii.
Geological Attractions
Due in part to being an developing island chain, Hawaii contains many wonderful natural attractions.
In Kauai, Waimea Canyon, carved by floods and runoff, impresses with a length of 10 miles, a width of a single mile and a depth of more than 3,500 feet.
Waimea Canyon State Park
DLNR, Division of State Parks
P.O. Box 621
Honolulu, Hawaii 96809
(808) 587-0300
Considered a natural national landmark, Diamond Head in Hanauma Bay on Oahu received its name from little crystals found by sailors who thought they were diamonds. The 770-foot tuff cater presents distinguished backdrop to Waikiki beach.
Diamond Head State Monument
DLNR, Division of State Parks
P.O. Box 621
Honolulu, Hawaii 96809
(808) 587-0300
History
Hawaii is rich in Hawaiian culture. It's also been effected by more recent tragedies.
Pearl Harbor, a National Historic Landmark on Oahu exists as a reminder of 2,390 dead from an attack from Japan during World War II. Five sites stand in the memory of that attack: Battleship Missouri Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, Pacific Aviation Museum, USS Oklahoma Memorial and USS Arizona Memorial. They each show a little bit of the whole picture of Pearl Harbor. For example, the USS Oklahoma took nine torpedoes and Battleship Missouri took the surrender of Japan.
Visitors can take four-wheelers or to the Shipwreck Beach on Lanui. In distance an old metal rusted haul of a shipwreck nests on the reef. The shipwreck stands as a warning of treacherous waters of the area. In turn, the waters are not for swimmers. Ships have easily met their doom; swimming isn't permitted. However, hiking, sunbathing, exploring and fishing are excellent ways to take advantage of the beautiful beach.
Pearl Harbor Visitors Center
7 Arizona Memorial Way
Honolulu, Hawaii 96818
(808) 423-1942
Theater
Besides the traditional movie theaters and the like, on special weekends throughout the year, on the island of Oahu's Waikiki Beach a free movie is shown on a 30-foot projection screen. The actual location is on an area called the Queen's Surf near the Honolulu Zoo. The name of the event is Sunset on the Beach and costs nothing. Live bands play for the crowd up to 2 hours beforehand. Bringing a towel is recommended, though some tables and chairs are provided.
Water
As an island chain, Hawaii thrives on the sea. Kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing and scuba diving are just some of the activities for tourists on or in the pristine waters of Hawaii's Islands. There are vendors near each of the prominent locations for water sports.
As a Marine Life Conservation District, Kealakekua Bay on Hawaii's Big Island hosts snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking.
Despite being an easy spot to snorkel, The Honaunau Bay (Two-steps) on Hawaii's Big Island still amazes and delights.
Molokini near Maui is an extinct volcano. Many snorkeling enthusiasts will enjoy a trip to the volcano. The trip to the volcano works double as a view into the ocean's ecosystem, and an abundance as 250 species of fish live in those waters.
In Hulopoe Bay, Lanai, people can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, picnic and whale watch.
Whale Watching
Humpbacks return to Hawaii in the winter. The whale watching season runs primarily from November to almost May. After a stint in the warm waters of Hawaii, the giants return north to waters around Alaska. Maui contains the highest concentration of whales.
National Parks
As mentioned, Hawaii contains many geological attractions in part because it is a developing island chain. The National and state park system harbor the attractions.
Haleakala National Park in Maui portrays a traditional national park with camping, hiking, sky gazing and swimming. Covering the park are little natural wonders and marks from long-ago Hawaiians.
Haleakala National Park
PO Box 369
Makawao Hawaii 96768
(808) 572-4400
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park contains actual lava flows both old and still flowing. Like many National parks, it permits biking, hiking and camping on its grounds.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
P.O. Box 52
Hawaii National Park, Hawaii 96718-0052
(808) 985-6000
Sky
If exploring Hawaii by land and sea isn't enough, try by air. Nearly all of the islands have airplane tours, helicopter tours or skydiving.
About the Author:
Amy L. Gouger holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from East Stroudsburg University. Previously a technical agent, she now serves as a ghostwriter and contributor to various online publications.
