Located in the South Pacific, Hawaii's chain of islands draw millions of tourists a year. With a lush tropical feel, active volcanoes and rich sealife, the state offers many interesting things to see and do.
About 30 miles southwest of Hilo on Hawaii's Big Island, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park houses one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, Kilauea. According to the state's official tourism website, interesting attractions include the Kilauea visitor's center, Crater Drive, Thurston lava tube (Nahuku), Puu Oo vent and Volcano House hotel.
Visitors have the opportunity to see craters, lava flows, hike through the rain forest and learn about the Hawaii volcanoes. Signs are posted throughout the park to remind visitors to stay within marked areas. Gases and unstable land make it dangerous to venture off course.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
1 Crater Rim Dr
Hawaii National Park, HI 96718
808-985-6000
nps.gov/havo
Discover the history of Hawaii and gain an appreciation for the state's culture at Hawaii's Polynesian Cultural Center. With the entertainment and hospitality of Polynesian villages, you can take a canoe ride, watch a night show, dine or be entertained by Polynesian dancers. The sights and sounds will immerse you into Hawaiian Polynesian culture, making it a must see site for any tourist.
Hawaii's Polynesian Cultural Center
55-370 Kamehameha Highway
Laie, Hawaii 96762
808-293-3333
polynesianculturalcenter.com
Kahalu's Beach Park is a choice location for seeing the variety of underwater life forms of Hawaii. According to LetsGoHawaii.com, "This is one of the best snorkeling destinations in Hawaii." The water is relatively calm and the coral reefs are rich with an array of tropical Hawaiian fish and plants. Sea turtles have been known to crawl right up besides local swimmers onto the sandy beach.
Kahalu'u Beach Park
78 6699 Alii Dr.
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
808-961-8311
letsgo-hawaii.com
Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden holds 400 acres of endangered and rare plants and a 32 acre lake. It is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and is closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The garden provides a variety of programs and activities for all ages. Group tours are available with reservations.
Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden
Department of Parks and Recreation
50 N. Vineyard Blvd.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
808-522-7060
co.honolulu.hi.us/parks
