Hawaii the “Big Island”, Kauai, Kohalooawe, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Niihau is a private island, Oahu is home to the state capital, Honolulu.
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Oahu Revealed is blisteringly candid. You want a travel guide that sings praises everywhere and for everything? Find yourself another book. However, if you want to be prepared for the lines at Hanauma Bay, want to know what “ocean view” means in a hotel two blocks from the beach, want to know whether the Polynesian Cultural Village is a rip-off or entertaining, and how many speed bumps you have to drive over to visit the Pu’u O Mahuka Heiau near Pupukea, then this is the book. Waimea Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Oahu aka The Waimea Valley Audubon Center, the Waimea Arboretum and Botannical Garden introduce you to 36 major botanical collections. Over 150,000 guests per year follow the sunlit paths, explore the gardens, and visit the crystal clear pool below Waihi Falls. Most of the plant collections are native Hawaiian plants, focusing on island ecosystems and is home to a variety of Hawaiian birds. Located in the gorgeous Waimea Valley, The Waimea Arboretum and Botannical Garden is a great experience for the whole family. Must-do’s are: have a picnic, and visit the Waimea Valley Audubon Center.
Diamond Head State Monument, Oahu
Diamond Head is Hawaii’s most famous landmark. Known in Hawaiian as Le’ahi, so named by Hi’laka, the sister of the fire god Pele, because the summit supposedly resembles the forehead (lae) of the yellowfin tuna fish (‘ahi). It wasn’t until the late 1700’s, when western traders thought they had found diamonds on the slope of the crater, that they began to call it Diamond Head. But before you head to the Diamond Head State Monument to dig for diamonds, you should know that (to the disappointment of the western explorers and traders) the so-called diamonds were merely calcite crystals, worthless to mine.
Haleakala National Park, Maui
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Oahu
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island
If you are only visiting for the day explore views of dramatic volcanic landscapes via Crater Rim Drive, an 11-mile road that surround the summit caldera with many scenic stops and short walks. You can also drive down the Chain of Craters Road to explore the East Rift and coastal area where the lava flowed into the ocean in 2003, and, depending on the always-changing volcanic activity, you may be able to view active lava flow. Must-do’s are: all the scenic stops on Crater Rim Drive, Kilauea Visitor Center, and eat at the Volcano House.
Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge, Kauai
Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is located on Kauai’s north shore, and is 203 acres of protected land. Discover Hawaii’s wildlife as you explore the refuge, such as the Pacific golden plover, Laysan albatross, and Hawaii’s State Bird (the nene). Just off shore you might glimpse humpback whales (in winter months), Hawaiian monk seals, and spinner dolphins.
Located on the Big Island, the Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is a 182-acre park full of archeological sites and reconstructions of an ancient Hawaiian “Place of Refuge”. This sacred site was once home to Hawaiian royalty and a place of refuge for those who broke a kapu (ancient Hawaiian law) or defeated military. This Hawaii historical park offers a self-guided tour and learning opportunities. Must-do’s are: the self guided tour, photographing the many green sea turtles sunbathing on the beach, and playing a game of kônane.
Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, Big Island
Polynesian Cultural Center, Oahu
Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Big Island
The Haleakala National Park preserves the Haleakala volcanic area on the island of Maui. Explore the summit area and/or the Kipahulu area down on the coast, but be aware that these park areas are not connected by road and it will take two separate trips to visit both. Both Haleakala National Park areas are unique; the summit offers spectacular views and scenery, while the valley of Kipahulu is lush and lined with beautiful freshwater pools and waterfalls including the pools of Oheo. Must-do’s are: hike the two-mile trail leading through the Oheo Gulch and swim in the lower pools, and visit the visitor center.
The Kilauea Lighthouse is a short walk from the parking lot and has spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. The Kilauea Lighthouse, the northernmost point of the inhabited Hawaiian Islands, was first illuminated on May 1, 1913, producing a double flash every ten seconds. The original tower with its clamshell lens (the largest of its kind in the world) is still intact, but now turned off, replaced by a low-maintenance, more efficient light beacon. This landmark lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 18, 1979 and now houses its own museum about itself. Must-do’s are: take a tour with a volunteer, shop at the small store in the visitor center, and get a picture of you with the lighthouse in the background.
The Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is the only tropical zoo in the United States and shouldn’t be missed during your Big Island vacation. You will encounter a variety of rainforest animals and endangered Hawaiian animals, such as a white Bengal tiger, spider monkeys, lemurs, nene geese (the Hawaiian State bird), and over 80 other animal species. The Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is also considered a botanical garden covered with orchids, bamboos, 100 varieties of palms, and a water garden. The Panaewa Zoo, about 4 miles from Hilo, is open daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is free. Must-do’s are: the petting zoo (only on Saturday), the white Bengal tiger (Namaste) feeding at 3:30 daily, and the gift shop.
The Polynesian Cultural Center is a unique and exciting attraction that every Hawaii traveler should visit. Explore and experience Hawaiian and other Pacific cultures by visiting the seven recreated native villages full of activities in history, hospitality, and culture. The Polynesian Cultural Center also houses Hawaii’s most authentic luau and the world’s largest night show. You will be greeted by with a traditional fresh flower lei and feast on traditional old style foods while enjoying an exciting hula show. There is much to see and do at the Polynesian Cultural Center, so don’t miss out on this rare Hawaii opportunity. Must-do’s are: watch the Rainbows of Paradise canoe pageant, watch a show at the IMAX theater, and attend the award-winning luau. For details, see the Polynesian Cultural Center.
The most-visited attraction in the Sate of Hawaii is the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with around 3 million visitors per year. This must-see park encompasses the summit of the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea, and the world’s most massive volcano, Mauna Loa. The park offers unique hiking and camping opportunities. Start at the Kilauea Visitor Center to receive the latest information on trails, range-led activities, road conditions, and safety precautions.
The must-do at the Diamond Head State Monument is the short hike through old military bunkers. (Bring water and a flashlight.) The historical trail to the summit is an easy 1.4 mile hike that climbs an elevation of 560 feet and ends with sweeping views of the Honolulu area. There are handrails, plenty of places to rest, and places of interest, so allow 1.5 to 2 hours for a leisurely round-trip hike. Also, bring a flashlight because portions of this trail go through long, dark tunnels. Amazingly, some locals and visitors jog up and down Diamond Head for exercise.
This beautiful, sheltered bay was once damaged by years of excessive use and neglect. In 1990, the City and County of Honolulu began great plans to restore Hanauma Bay. After more than a decade of efforts, Hanauma Bay was restored into a pristine marine ecosystem by reducing the number of visitors, establishing an education program, and instituting supportive restrictions. These improvements have created some amazing snorkeling and swimming opportunities. Must-do’s are: visit the education center, pick up a fish I.D. card before snorkeling, and talk with the volunteers at the beach kiosk.
To get to the access road to the trail, follow Kalakaua Avenue to Kapiolani Park. Go north on Diamond Head Avenue to 18th Avenue.
USS Arizona Memorial, Oahu
Visiting the remains of the USS Arizona will encourage you to contemplate the sense of sacrifice our military personnel endured during the Pearl Harbor attack. The USS Arizona Memorial is the mid-section of the sunken battleship and offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about that fateful day. The guided tour of the USS Arizona Memorial includes a 23-minute documentary film, a short boat trip and a self-guided exploration of the Memorial. Must-do’s are: visit the Remembrance Circle, rent the audio headset for the tour, and explore the visitor center.
With full-color fold-out maps and insider tips, this smart little pocket travel guide will lead you through the Aloha States most popular gems: Maui, the Valley Isle (and its smaller islands of Molokai and Lanai) and Kauai, the Garden Isle! Heres what to see and do, and where to eat, drink, shop, stay, and playfrom sun-drenched beaches to cloud-covered volcanoes, from posh resorts to wild emerald-green valleys. Includes Top Picks and handy Notes pages. 214 pages, 10 fold-out maps. 4-1/4” wide x 5-3/4” high. Book lies flat for ease of use. Elastic band place holder.
“The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook” covers it all-from the mile-high summit of Mt. Wai’ale’ale, to the sparkling underwater reefs. This is the best investment you can make for your Kaua’i visit. Whether you are a first time visitor, or a longtime kama’aina, you will find out more about Kaua’i from this book than from any other source. Discover the island of your dreams with “The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook.”
15 specially-created maps in an easy-to-follow format with mile markers-so you’ll always know where you are on the island
Clear, concise directions to those hard-to-find places such as deserted beaches, tropical jungles, hidden waterfalls, rugged scenic coastlines, freshwater lava pools and scores of other hidden gems listed nowhere else
Companion website with links to every business, events calendar, over 70 resort reviews complete with aerial photos-so you’ll know if oceanfront really means oceanfront
Driving tours let you structure your trip your way, point out sights not to be missed along the way and are complemented by 100 spectacular color photographs
Exclusive chapter on Kaua’i’s beaches with detailed descriptions including ocean safety
Fascinating sections on Hawai’i’s history, culture, language and legends
Frank, brutally honest reviews of restaurants, hotels and activities show you which companies really are the best…and which to avoid-no advertisements
The finest guidebook ever written for Kaua’i. Now you can plan your best vacation-ever. This all new seventh edition is a candid, humorous guide to everything there is to see and do on the island. Best-selling author and longtime Hawai’i resident, Andrew Doughty, unlocks the secrets of an island so lush and diverse that many visitors never realize all that it has to offer. Explore with him as he reveals breathtaking trails, secluded beaches, pristine reefs, delicious places to dine, relaxing resorts, exciting waterfalls, colorful canyons and so much more. Every restaurant, activity provider, business and resort is reviewed personally and anonymously. This book and a rental car are all you need to discover what makes Kaua’i so exciting.
The most up-to-date and accurate information available anyplace with up-to-the-minute changes posted to our website
Unique Adventures chapter and over 60 pages of exciting activities from ATVs to ziplines
