The Hawaiian Islands are full of beauty and incredible places to
see, along with loads of things to do. If you're planning a much-needed getaway
to any one of these islands, you're sure to find that there are so many
opportunities to explore, have fun, and relax. In fact, it may even be difficult
for you to narrow down your many options to those that you can accomplish within
the timeframe that you'll be there.
Some places throughout Hawaii, though, are considered the must-see spots of these islands, and they're the areas that
you definitely don't want to miss. Check out the list below for four of these
must-see places so you can plan your trip accordingly.
1. Na Pali Coast, Kauai
The Na Pali Coast is one of the most beloved places in all of
Kauai, and it's also considered Hawaii's best route for backpackers, as it's 22 miles round-trip and offers unspoiled lands, valleys,
cliffs, and, of course, views of the Pacific Ocean.
Photo source: Wikipedia
The trail that runs along the Na Pali Coast was actually
constructed in the middle of the 1800s, and it features sheer drop-offs, sharp
turns along cliffs, and switchbacks that are narrow, so you need to be strong
and balanced, as well as brave. Only hike this area if you have a lot of
experience with hiking these types of trails. But if you have the skills, expect
to pass through a total of five valleys before the path will end and you reach
Kalalau Beach.
2. Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park is one of the most sought-after
places on the island because it is unlike any other place on Earth. There,
you'll find amazing black lava, rainforests, and an array of landscapes with a
total of seven ecosystems.
Check out Crater Rim Drive, which is 11 miles long and encircles
Kilauea's summit caldera. Remember, Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes
on the planet, so it's definitely a sight to behold.
Also be sure to check out Steam Vents, which is where you can
actually see steam rise out of the interior of the Earth. And Thurston Lava Tube
is a walkable, natural tunnel that's 500 years old and used to house a river of
violent molten lava.
3. Waimea Canyon, Kauai
If you're in search of picture-perfect, raw, natural beauty, you
must see Waimea Canyon, which is found on the west side of Kauai. It's 1.5 miles
wide and 13 miles long, as well as an incredible 2,750 feet deep. There, you'll
find incredible cliffs that are rugged and colored a variety of hues, including
brown, orange, green, and red.
Take the Waimea Canyon Drive, also known as Highway 550, to Puu
Hinahina Lookouts and Waimea Canyon if you want to head out on your own. Then
you can hike the Kukui Trail, which is a 2.5-mile trail that's quite challenging
because it features a steep path that drops a whopping 2,200 feet to the floor
of the canyon.
4. Road to Hana, Maui
If you want to drive someplace and rest your feet for a while,
you can still enjoy some exhilarating beauty if you are on the island of Maui
and taking the famous Road to Hana. So go ahead and rent a convertible so you
can have the top down and the music turned up.
The Hana Highway, also known as Highway 360 and Highway 36, is
truly an adventurous excursion that you will not forget, and you may want to
stop along the way and take some photographs of the beautiful scenery, 50
bridges, and the small town of Hana itself, which is located on the eastern
shore.
Hana is known for its thriving Hawaiian culture, but before you
get there, you can enjoy breakfast in Paia, swim in the amazing waterfall pools
that are found in Puaa Kaa State Wayside Park, and visit the Kahanu Garden and
Waianapanapa State Park, which is a black sand beach.
When booking your trip to Hawaii, consider what spots you
definitely must see, as you may need to book several hotels on different islands
and plan for flights between the islands throughout your vacation. You can also
search for things like cheap Kauai vacation packages if you are on a budget, or
you can book your stay at a resort and review their
vacation packages. This could be a great way to plan your trip more easily
and affordably. Then it's a matter of heading out and having fun!
