Oahu

Maui
Haleakala - Up Country Haleakala National Park - Haleakala is the shield volcano on east Maui that formed most of the island and is Maui's most popular landmark. The Haleakala National Park stretches out over 28,000 acres and includes the summit where the crater lies, the mountain and its wilderness, and the coastal Kipahulu area. A visit to the summit of the volcano should be a must on anyone's visit to Maui for the stunning views and unparalleled rich natural beauty. A visit to the 10,023 foot peak, Maui's tallest point, at sunrise is a popular option, while other visitors chose to hike through the wilderness or cycle down the mountain. Makawao - Makawao, dense with art galleries and one-of-a-kind shops (many featuring women's clothing), makes a worthy day-trip from South Maui or West Maui. If you can't believe that Old World cowboys can peacefully co-exist with New Age crystal worshippers, you haven't been to Makawao. Hitch your car up to a hitching post (alongside a horse, perhaps!) and saunter down the old wooden boardwalks. Seeing is believing.
Kahului - Wailuku Tropical Gardens of Maui - To see this four-acre riot of color now, you'd never guess that not so long ago it was just a treeless, empty lot. This beautiful botanical garden and export plant nursery was built in 1987 as a showcase for tropical plants from all over the world. It's scenically situated in the Iao Valley, and a self-guided tour on the property takes you through the garden, across Iao Stream, and passes a koi pond and palm grotto. Along the half-hour walk, you'll see exotic blooms and plants you'll swear came out of a Dr. Seuss book, including stunning orchids and the Raphia palm, which sports leaves up to 60 feet in length, the longest of anything in the plant kingdom. Iao Valley State Park - The Iao Valley is one of the most distinct and breathtaking areas in Maui, where mountains reach high into the sky and then suddenly plunge again into the ocean, their craggy rock faces covered with lush vines and plants. One of the most recognizable formations is the Iao Needle, a steep pinnacle overlooking the Iao stream. This was an historical altar where warriors would make sacrifices as they looked upon the surrounding Pu'u Kukui Crater. Maui Arts and Cultural Center - Since 1994, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center has offered top-notch musical and artistic events. Actually, by offering a full schedule of theater, live musical performance, dance, and more, MCC has become the epicenter of Maui's art scene. Check out their website to see upcoming performances and events, so that once you've had your fill of Maui's natural beauty, you can witness its cultural depth as well.
Hana Road to Hana* - The drive itself is the thing to be experienced. So, if your personality is more attuned to the destination rather than the process, choose something else to do. You can expect dozens of one-lane bridges, more than a handful of waterfalls, too-numerous-to-count panoramic vistas of open ocean and verdant valleys, and slow going. Start out early, and take the whole day. If you can't spend the night in Hana, many guidebooks recommend that you return before nightfall. Hana - Hana is a small town that is most famous for the road that leads to it. On the one-of-a-kind road to Hana, you will find sacred pools, waterfalls, lush jungles, and incredible views. Once you've arrived, you can stop by the nearby botanical gardens if your desire for natural beauty hasn't been slaked by the drive over. Garden of Eden Arboretum & Botanical Garden - Located just past mile marker 10 on the road to Hana (Highway 36) are the verdant tropical gardens where the opening sequence of "Jurassic Park" was filmed. The 26-acre park, designed by Alan Bradbury with the aim of restoring the area's natural ecosystem, contains 500+ trees, plants and flowers native to the Pacific islands.
Wailea - Makena Molokini* - This small island is situated two and a half miles off Maui's south coast. Molokini was once an active volcano (now extinct) but is now an ideal site for snorkeling and other aquatic trips. Its shape creates a natural barrier from currents and waves, making its calm waters one of the finest spots in the world for diving. It is also a State Marine Life and Bird Conservation District, so you cannot actually visit the island itself. However, you're free to enjoy its spectacular aquatic beauty, so take advantage.
Kihei - Maalaea Kalepolepo Beach Park - Kalepolepo Beach Park is a small beach with some of the best swimming waters in Maui. Since it is wedged between two seawalls, the water is calm and perfect for younger swimmers. What once was a Hawaiian village and fishpond is now a popular sand and sun destination for beach-bound visitors. Curious visitors can visit the nearby Koieie Fishpond, one of the last remaining testaments to Hawaii's ancient technique of aquaculture. Pi'ilani Highway - The Pi'ilani Hwy (otherwise known as Highway 31) is a winding highway that hugs the southern coast of Maui. This scenic drive is one of the main arteries of the island; it connects North Kihei to South Kihei, and Wailea and Makena are also stops along the way. Farther along you'll find Lahaina, after merging with Honoapi'ilani Highway. Traveling along the Pi'ilani Highway is a kind of Zen experience--you will find that the path is just as important as the destination. Maui Ocean Center - While it might seem superfluous to visit sea creatures in an aquarium when all you have to do is don a snorkel, mask, and fins, nothing could be farther from the truth. Whatever you do, don't miss it. From the living coral and plentiful reef fish to the walk-through tunnel that makes you feel like you're in the ocean with sharks and rays, it's all magnificent.
Lahaina Whalers Village Museum - This little museum, tucked into a bastion of commercialism (an upscale, outdoor mall), packs a serious punch. Upon close inspection, and with the devotion of time, you can almost become an expert on the whaling industry. There's no better place to do it, unless you go to New Bedford or Nantucket (in Massachusetts). Before leaving the shopping center, check out the sperm whale skeleton. Banyan Tree Park - It's hard to believe that a tree could take up an entire city block, but it does. Entire lives seem to be lived beneath its thick branches and under its wise gaze. Pause on a bench and try to take it all in. Sailors and others have come and gone in Lahaina, but this tree has remained.
Hale Kahiko - A hale kahiko is an archaic Hawaiian thatched-roof house. Each hale was built for a specific function, such as sleeping, cooking or crafts. This replica of a Hawaiian village features three hale filled with ancient implements and furnishings. Beautifully landscaped grounds contain several species of indigenous trees and plants. A free guided tour is available, or for those preferring to set their own agenda, a map is available at no cost. Hula and craft demonstrations are held at random times during the week. Sugar Cane Train - In the early days of Hawaii's Western colonization, trains were used to haul sugar cane from one spot to the other. Eventually, more modern forms of transportation became popular, and today almost nothing can be seen of the original Hawaiian railroads. However, the tracks between Lahaina and Ka'anapali are still functional, and the cherry-red Sugar Cane Train still travels them regularly. A dinner ride is available on Thursdays.