What to See and Do in Hawaii

This hub is designed for people who are considering the Hawaiian Islands as a vacation travel destination. We will talk about interesting things to see and do on the various islands.

Hawaii is truly paradise on earth! No matter how many times I go back to the Hawaiian Islands, I always find new places to visit and fun things to do! It is an incredible place that I highly recommend for an awesome vacation.

While limiting my selection of favorite places to just 10 is next to impossible, here are some of my top "must do" things on the various islands.I will continue to add additional articles on wonderful things to see and do on the various islands as I add to this hub so check back often.

Since most people begin their vacation by landing at the Honolulu airport on Oahu, I will begin my list of favorites here on Oahu and then move to some of the more interesting things on the other islands.

1. Oahu - Of course, no visit to Oahu would be complete without taking time to fully explore the great city of Honolulu. Honolulu has it all from great hotels and fine dining, to exhilarating night spots, to historical and cultural centers to the soft sands of Waikiki Beach. Honolulu is a melting pot of cultures in which to shop, explore or just relax on the beach. Allow plenty of time to tour this great city and unlock her secrets on any trip to this island.

2. Oahu - Whether or not you have ever been to Oahu, you can more than likely identify a majestic picture of Diamond Head, an extinct volcano located at the south-eastern tip of the island. A hike to the top via tunnels and stairways that climb ever upward is a great experience and the view of Honolulu from the top is well worth the effort to make the climb.

3. Oahu - Another not-to-be-missed place on Oahu is Pearl Harbor with the somber U.S.S. Arizona Memorial solemnly reminding us of the 1949 attack on the United States that began in this very location. Run your fingers over the names of the souls who lost their lives on this day on the memorial wall.

4.  Kauai - One of the most rugged and beautiful coastlines in all of the Hawaiian Islands is the Na Pali coast on Kauai's northwest shoreline. The site has served as the set of many movies so you many recognize this area even though you have never been here before. The best way to view the Na Pali coastline is either via helicopter or from the water as there are no roads in this rugged part of Kauai.

5. Kauai - Another beautiful and rugged place to hike or just enjoy the scenery is Kauai's Waimea Canyon. Called the "Grand Canyon of Hawaii" the changing colors and exquisite scenery in this area is definitely worth taking the time to visit while visiting Kauai.

6. Maui - Since the Hawaiian Islands were created from the build-up of centuries of volcanic eruptions, Maui's Haleakala National Park, rising 12,000 feet from the base of the island and 30,000 feet above the ocean floor, is an unusual place to explore, hike and drink in the exotic beauty of the mountain highlands in paradise. The views from this pristine mountain are gorgeous and the hiking is incredible. Unless you visit Hawaii during the summer, be sure to take warm clothing however, because it does get cold at these heights.

7. Maui - When visitors come to Maui, chances are they will spend their time sunning and enjoying the resorts along the beautiful Ka'anapali Beach on western Maui. The beaches are beautiful and the Mai Tai's cold on Maui's not-to-be-missed western coastline.

8.  Maui - While the small town of Hana on the eastern shores of Maui is quaint, it is the beautiful sights along this long stretch of winding, narrow road that really hides the treasures of Maui. Be sure to find out about all of the hidden treasures, dramatic waterfalls and eye-popping scenery on the road into Hana town and take your time exploring along the way.

9. Hawaii "Big Island" - As the youngest of the Hawaiian Island chain, it is here that you can explore newly created land as lava hisses and steams as it meets the water's edge. Any trip to the Big Island of Hawaii must include at least one day to visit and tour Volcanoes National Park at the southern end of the Big Island.

10. At the northern end of the Big Island, a spectacular view of the valley of Waipio Valley is another excellent place to visit while touring the Big Island's many beautiful sights. It was on this very beach that Kevin Kostner made his way to shore in the movie Waterworld. On a clear day, you may even be able to see the peaks of Haleakala off in the distance from this vantage point as well. Definitely a great photo opportunity!