When you step off the plane upon your arrival in Hawaii, you will enter another, more exotic world. Catch the arch of a rainbow, smell the plumeria that permeates the air as you gaze upon the sapphire waters of the Pacific Ocean. The sun will be warm on your face as cool, refreshing sea breezes gently lift your hair.
Hawaii is a magical land that has a rich culture and Polynesian traditions. It is impossible to explore all the wonders Hawaii has to offer travelers on just one trip, so we have compiled a short list of must-see attractions to get your feet wet so to speak.
1. A Day that will Live in Infamy: Pearl Harbor Memorial, Oahu
The skies were full of danger and death on December 7th, 1941. A bomb pierced the armor of the USS Arizona dropped by Japanese aircraft. War was declared that day and at the Pearl Harbor Memorial you can relive the experience. Start your journey at the Visitor Center which offers a film to explain the events of that never to be forgotten day. Gaze at the names on the memorial wall of those who lost their lives for their country.
A boat will take you to the floating memorial that allows visitors to look down upon the sunken Battleship USS Arizona. It is a solemn place as many of the crew is still down below in their final resting place. Visitors will get up close to see the ravages that war can cause and the devastating effect it has on human life.
2. Let the Beauty of Kauai Enchant You
The Napali Coast is home to soaring cliffs, bays and beaches. Delve the depths of the Waimea Canyon were your senses will be enhanced like never before. Rent a helicopter and take a soaring ride along the cliffs that the Napali Coast boasts. If you like kayaking, brave the waters of the Waialua River. Kauai is the only island with rivers easy to navigate in Hawaii. Kauai is known as the “Island of Discovery,” and when you arrive, you will know why.
3. The Big Island of Hawaii
Millions of years ago, the islands of Hawaii emerged from the sea by the force of her volcanoes. Kilauea is where visitors can get a bird’s eye view of an active volcano. Hawaii can boast three volcanoes still active. The Big Island has Kilauea as well as Mauna Loa. They can be found at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visitors can thrill to the hot molten lava that spews from the cone of Kilauea. This volcano has been in continuous eruption since 1983. Mauna Loa saw her last eruption in 1984. Under the waters of the south coast of the Big Island is where you will find Loihi. It has been erupting since 1996 and threatens to rise to the surface in approximately 250,000 years as the ninth island of Hawaii’s chain.
