By Kent Ninomiya
The islands of Hawaii offer a wide range of experiences in an idyllic tropical setting. Each Hawaiian island has its own character. Island hopping in Hawaii is a great way to experience many different things in a short period of time. Hawaiian Airlines offers inexpensive inter-island flights for this purpose.
Hanauma Bay
This nature preserve on Oahu is world famous for its clear water, gentle waves and sea life. Because most travelers to Hawaii fly into Oahu first, Hanauma Bay is often one of the first places they go. It is well worth an afternoon of lying on the sand, snorkeling among the fish and frolicking in the waves.
Pearl Harbor
This national monument is a well-preserved historical site. You can take a boat to the USS Arizona Memorial where 1,177 sailors died December 7, 1941, marking the entry of the United States into World War II. The tip of the USS Arizona sticks out of the water and still holds the American flag. It is a sobering and somber scene.
Volcanos National Park
The Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii is the only continuously erupting volcano in the United States. You can see lava flowing from it throughout the year. See it at night when the lava glows in the dark. The Big Island of Hawaii is dry and volcanic. This is quite a contrast to the lush tropical look of the other islands.
Waimea Canyon
Waimea Canyon, referred to as the "Grand Canyon of Hawaii," is 10 miles long, one mile wide, and more than 3,500 feet deep. The walls of the canyon are lush, green and teeming with life. In this regard, it is nothing like the Grand Canyon--or any other place. See it in the morning before the clouds sweep in. Waimea Canyon is on the island of Kauai, the most tropical ofthe Hawaiian Islands.
Road to Hana
This drive on the island of Maui is considered one of the most spectacular in the world. The road to Hana winds around 600 hillside curves and more than 54 bridges. Most of them are single lane. Breathtaking views are around every corner and waterfalls line your path. Stop and swim beneath the cascading water. Leave early and bring all your supplies with you. There are very few services on the road.
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About the Author:
Kent Ninomiya is a veteran journalist with over 23 years experience as a television news anchor, reporter and managing editor. He traveled to more than 100 countries on all seven continents, including Antarctica. Ninomiya holds a Bachelor of Arts in social sciences with emphasis in history, political science and mass communications from the University of California at Berkeley.
