Famous Places in Hawaii to Visit
With its white sand beaches, crystal blue waters, red hot lava and lush green jungles, Hawaii offers visitors a colorful range of diverse landscapes. While natural wonders abound --- and it's easy to waste a week relaxing at the beach --- take some time on your vacation to explore Hawaii's culture and history. Every island has its own popular attractions; some are just more famous than others.
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Volcanoes National Park
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Have a blast at Volcanoes National Park. The Hawaiian archipelago (group of islands) was borne of volcanic activity, and this park offers great insights into its formation. More than 500 square miles of park land features access to Mauna Loa, Hawaii's largest volcano and Kīlauea, its most active. Volcanoes National Park, however, is more than just smoke and lava. The nutrient-rich soil supports a rich ecosystem with diverse flora and fauna. There are a number of ways to approach such an enormous place. For a quick tour, explore Kīlauea by car along Crater Rim Drive. If you have a little more time, hike one of the many trails that run through the park. Day hikes and multi-day "back country" hikes are available. There are also two campgrounds in Volcanoes National Park you can stay at free of charge.
Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii National Park, HI 96718
808-985-6004
nps.gov/havo
USS Arizona Memorial
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A flag flies from the Arizona' s mast to commemorate the fallen. A somber reminder of the tragic events of Dec. 7, 1941, the USS Arizona memorial rests on the water over the hull of the sunken battleship it commemorates. Tours begin at a shore-side museum and visitor center with a film on the history of Pearl Harbor. Visitors then board a boat to the memorial, which consists of an assembly room, central ceremonial room and shrine, where you will find a marble wall engraved with the names of the lost. Operated by the National Park Service since 1980, the USS Arizona memorial is located next to the active Pearl Harbor Naval Base. It is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
USS Arizona Memorial
808-422-0561
arizonamemorial.org -
Hanauma Bay
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Hanuma Bay supports a complex coral reef system. A volcanic crater formed this natural pool on the southeast corner of Oahu. Today, this area is a nature preserve and marine life conservation district. Rent snorkeling equipment on the beach and get up close with the exotic aquatic life, including green sea turtles, parrot fish and moray eels. A number of hiking trails follow the perimeter of the bay, offering gorgeous views. All visitors must watch a wildlife safety video before entering the park grounds.
Hanauma Bay
7455 Kalaniana 'ole Highway
Honolulu, HI 96815
808-396-4229
hanauma-bay-hawaii.com
Banzai Pipeline at Ehukai Beach
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Banzai Pipeline waves are for experts only. The spring and summer months bring calmer waters to this beach, best known for its monstrous waves. During this time, visitors to Oahu's north shore can come to Ehukai Beach to enjoy snorkeling, jet skiing and swimming. The winter, however, brings waves in excess of 20 feet, making the Banzai Pipeline a destination for serious surfers and the perfect beach to host the annual Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.
Ehukai Beach
59-337 Ke-Nui Rd.
North Oahu, HI 96712
http://www.hawaiiweb.com/oahu/beaches/ehukai_beach_park.htm
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References
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- Photo Credit hawaii image by csaba fikker from Fotolia.com Volcano image by wojciechhajduk from Fotolia.com US FLAG image by Stockphotoman from Fotolia.com coral image by DOLPHIN from Fotolia.com wave image by NorthShoreSurfPhotos from Fotolia.com
