September is one of the Hawaii's best-weather months so it's a good time to schedule some outdoor sightseeing and trips.
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a good place to start. Kilauea Volcano is one of the world's most active, with a continuous flow of oozing lava coming from it since it reawakened in 1983. Visitors can see steam vents, lava tubes and old lava flows with a hike through the park, which also features wonderful views. Helicopter tours are also available.
The waters of Hawaii stay about 74 degrees year-round so visiting one of Hawaii's renowned beaches is a good way to relax. Try Lanikai Beach on Oahu, thought by locals to be the state's best beach to swim. It has clear water, a wide beach and powdered-sugar sand. You can also try sailing, surfing or kayaking here. Or visit Hanalei Bay Beach on Kauai, a nearly semi-circle of white sand. A backdrop of waterfalls and mountains peaks offers great views.
And for an extreme in weather, visit Mauna Kea, a snow-capped mountain that is considered a haven to native Hawaiians. It is the highest peak in Hawaii. Take a tour to the top and enjoy the views and the cold air.
Also in September, Windward Community College holds its annual Windward Hoolaulea. This is a free event with all sorts of activities, including a silent auction, a book sale and keiki, or children's, activities, among other sights. Keiki is the Hawaiian word for baby or child.
Visit the Honolulu Academy of arts and its collection of more than 50,000 works. Asian, European and American paintings and graphic and decorative arts are displayed. Many exhibits on display are by Hawaiian artists.
Pearl Harbor is a must-see. Aside from being the state's largest natural harbor, the naval base there is a National Historical Landmark. Visitors can learn about the history of the Japanese attack on the base that drew the U.S. into World War II, view the four museums that commemorate that history and contain a memorial, see a restored WWII submarine and step aboard a battleship. There is also an aviation museum with fighter planes on display.
At 63 years, Aloha Festivals is the oldest and largest statewide cultural celebration in the United States. It began in 1946 as Aloha Week and was designed to showcase Hawaii's music, history and dance and carry on those traditions. The name changed in 1991. Each September, the Aloha Festivals take place on Hawaii and features traditions from all of the islands. Hula, traditional chants, native foods, arts and parades are part of the celebration.
