Lava Flows on the Big Island
In addition to the spectacular waterfalls, rainforests and scenery, and the warm Hawaiian culture, the range of activities you can enjoy throughout the islands is downright impressive. For the active set, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, hiking, and golfing. As well as swimming, shopping, biking, horseback riding, tennis, and fishing. You can even ride a for-real submarine to immerse yourself in the underwater world without getting wet. And no trip would be complete without feasting at an authentic luau.
The best-known island is Oahu, home to the state capital, Honolulu. If you've watched Hawaii-Five-O, then you've seen a few of Oahu's most-famous sites, like Diamond Head! Oahu is a fantastic place to learn about the colorful history of Hawaii, from the rebuilt native villages of the Polynesian Cultural Center to the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. Perhaps the most-famous sand in the islands, Waikiki Beach, still attracts crowds of sun-worshippers. Superb shopping is available in the cosmopolitan capital city.
The "Big Island" of Hawaii features endless black-sand beaches formed by the still-quite-active volcanoes such as Kilauea. Volcano National Park is where you can reliably see still-smoking craters and calderas, and learn everything you wanted to know about these natural wonders. If you're very lucky, lava conditions may enable you to witness a lava flow firsthand--from a safe distance. Helicopter tours provide a breathtaking way to get up close and personal with the volcanoes.
Kauai and Maui are both known for their unspoiled natural beauty, with endless rain forests, sugar cane fields, beaches and palm trees. Remember the beautiful forests of Jurassic Park? That was Kauai. While you're there you might want to visit the National Wildlife Refuge for some great bird-watching.
