Picture in your mind a  “vacation in paradise” and chances are you may immediately think ‘Hawaii’.  And ask someone what destinations are on their “travel bucket list”, and once again, Hawaii may be the answer – for good reason!  While America’s 50th state may be best known as a beach destination, it is also a remarkably diverse and, in many places, wild place, where you can find one of the world’s most active volcanoes as well as the world’s tallest sea mountain – and also spend time exploring lush rainforests, emerald valleys, and plunging waterfalls.

And, it’s incredibly beautiful.

But beyond the natural beauty that is Hawaii, you’ll also find a fascinating history and culture, delicious regional cuisine, and a wide variety of outdoor activities – kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and of course surfing – on each of the 7 inhabited islands  (and over 100 smaller uninhabited islets, atolls, and coral reefs that count as “islands”) that make up what we collectively know as Hawaii.

For many visitors, a vacation to Hawaii begins on Oahu – the most populous and developed of the islands. Honolulu, the state capital, is home to the famous Waikiki Beach on this island, as well as Diamond Head State Monument, the dormant volcano which is probably one of Hawaii’s most iconic natural landmarks.

The Big Island (also called Hawaii Island) is known for its volcanoes, especially it’s two huge (and active) volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Or for something slightly less exciting, travelers can visit Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano that last erupted approximately 4000 years ago. At 13,796 feet above sea level and over 33,000 feet from the bottom of the ocean floor, Mauna Kea is the tallest sea mountain in the world – and a spot where skiers can even find good conditions a few months each year.

Beyond these two islands, visitors to Hawaii may want to relax in Maui with its beautiful landscape, and many resort options and championship golf courses. Or consider the island of Kauai, sometimes called the ‘Garden Isle’ with it’s beautiful vegetation. Lanai is a perfect place to “get away” from it all, with luxurious resorts that provide the ideal place for visitors to indulge. And if you truly want to experience peace and quiet in paradise, then plan to visit the island of Molokai, where no building is taller than a coconut tree, and where there aren’t even any traffic lights.

Hawaii may be paradise, but it’s also a vacation destination of incredible and beautiful contrasts with a wide variety of things to see and do beyond “just” a beach. Whether you choose to spend your entire vacation in one of the many wonderful resorts the islands offer, or you decide to “island hop” and visit several different islands – or even plan a cruise that explores the best of the islands – if you haven’t yet visited Hawaii, it definitely needs to be on your travel bucket list!

Aloha!

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