Oahu

Hawai'i (Big Island)

Volcano Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - With steaming volcanic craters, rainforest lava tubes, stunning views, and live lava flows creating new sections of the park every day, it is no wonder that Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is visited by over two million people every year. The park offers the opportunity to explore two active volcanoes, Kilauea Volcano and Mauna Loa. Kilauea's dramatic black hulk almost feels alive due to the constant volcanic activity, while Mauna Loa, at 13,000 feet, is the largest volcano on the planet. Jaggar Museum - This highly informative museum in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will help you understand the fascinating, sometimes bizarre geology that makes the park so unique. You can see the some of the many different forms of lava, from the fine, needle-like lava called "Pele's Hair" to the massive orbs of lava known as "Volcanic Bombs."	Volcanic drama is visible from many vantage points.
Hilo Pepe'ekeo Scenic Drive - Located 8 miles north of Hilo, the Pepe'ekeo Scenic Drive is 4 miles of gorgeous, unabated natural beauty. The lava pools, gurgling brooks, roaring waterfalls, and lush jungles evoke all that you dreamed about when you first got the idea to visit Hawaii. Make several stops for photos--although the road is narrow and windy, there are several turnouts for visitors to stop and smell the roses. Although this drive is just a short jaunt, it delivers the goods. Wailoa Center - One of Hilo's premier centers for art and culture, the Wailoa Center is situated in the midst of vibrant Wailoa Park. A showplace for local artists as well as exhibitions of work from around the world, the center hosts the Spring Art Festival, one of the largest arts fairs in the state. A focal point of the local art scene, the center always has something interesting happening. Akaka Falls - The magnificent 442-foot drop of Akaka falls is at the same time Hawaii's most dramatic waterfall and its most understated. The State Park is tucked into the extreme end of the island's windward side, and seeing the falls involves an easy, paved half-mile walk from the parking area.	Pepe'ekeo Scenic Drive: This little, off-the-beaten path is short but sweet.
Ka'u – Pahala Punalu'u Beach Park* - The statue of a child swimming with turtles is at once elucidating and misleading. While this is an excellent place to spot turtles, swimming is not recommended. Nonetheless, this black sand beach houses a rare treat--turtles will bask in the sun and relax as you stroll by the ponds. This is a perfect place to simply chill out and feel at one with nature, as you soak in the experience. Don't touch the turtles, as cute as they may be. It's not because they bite, but the oil from our fingers can damage their shells.	Crafts at Wailoa Center
Kohala Coast Hapuna Beach Park - This beach has been voted the best beach in the United States on more than one occasion, and it is easy to see why. The beach is a half-mile strand of powder fine white sand that curves into the distance, fringed by palm trees on one side and perfect blue ocean waves on the other. This is a great beach for swimming, and a lifeguard is usually on duty. A reef at the south end of the beach offers excellent snorkeling. Parker Ranch Visitor Center & Museum - Founded in 1847 and with over 150,000 acres of land, Parker Ranch is one of the oldest and biggest ranches in the United States. The ranch lies at the heart of the Hawaiian paniolo, (Hawaiian cowboy) tradition. The ranch has been an integral part of the history and development of the Waimea area, and the visitor center and museum provides informative exhibits on the background of the ranch and the important affects it has had on the surrounding communities.	Hapuna Beach Park: consider camping in one of the six state-owned A-frame cabins on the beach.
Waikoloa Waikoloa Petroglyph Preserve - These petroglyphs, or stone inscriptions, were etched into the face of the mountain centuries ago. Featuring thousands of facsimiles of turtles, canoes, and other mysterious carvings, the Waikoloa Petroglyph Preserve is one of the most fascinating ways to witness the unique culture of native Hawaii. 'Anaeho'omalu Beach Park - Supported by a background of hundreds of graceful coconut palm trees, 'Anaeho'omalu Beach is famous for its awe-inspiring sunsets. Tranquil waters allow for leisurely swimming and snorkeling, and there are quite a few small inlets along the shoreline, which are nearly always vacant. Upon close examination, you will frequently stumble on Hawaiian sea turtles swimming in the shallows, especially at the south end of the bay.	Parker Ranch Museum has informative exhibits about one of the oldest and biggest ranches in the United States.
Kona – Up Country Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden - A stunningly beautiful area on the verdant Hamakua Coast, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is the highlight of many people's trip to the island. The extensive 40-acre garden is tucked into a sheltered valley, which enables even very delicate non-native tropical flowers to flourish alongside the many examples of Hawaiian flora. Donkey Mill Art Center - Coffee beans are not the only thing to sprout from the fertile soil in Holualoa; a lively art scene has also bloomed from the same grounds. Located in a lively art community, the Donkey Mill Art Center is the place to see local artists exhibit their wares. Visitors can also take art classes for a fee, as well as other classes such as ukulele and slack-key guitar. Visit the Donkey Mill Art Center to see the best-named location on the Big Island. Holualoa Kona Coffee Company - Located on the beautiful upland slopes, the Kona Lea Plantation of the Holualoa Kona Coffee Company has lovely views out over the Kona coast, and is an ideal spot to learn about one of the island's most important exports. You can tour the plantation, which uses entirely organic farming techniques, and then check out the roasting facilities, where the aroma of fresh roasting coffee will have you salivating for a cup of joe. Luckily, a free cup awaits you at the end of the tour.	The best time to visit the petroglyphs is during the morning or afternoon, when the sun is low in the sky.
Kona Airport - Kealakekua Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park - The ancient Hawaiians were governed by a strict set of rules, called kapus, which were rigidly enforced. Interestingly, the Hawaiians also valued the concept of refuges, or pu’uhonua, which were certain designated places where those who were pursued--either for breaking kapu or as defeated warriors--could go and be absolutely safe from harm. Later, the refuge seeker could ask a priest for absolution for their crime and return home. This 182-acre park built on the site of such a refuge, and there is indeed a sense of calm and protection that permeates the place. Even sea turtles and humpback whales seek out this beautiful spot. Besides the pu’uhonua complex, you can see temple platforms, ancient fishponds, and several ancient villages. Onizuka Space Center - Located in the airport, this small museum is dedicated to the memory of Ellison Onizuka, one of the astronauts killed in the Challenger explosion as well as the first Hawaiian in space. The museum packs in a lot of interesting items. The space fanatic in your family can see a real moon rock, a gravity well, and use a propulsion simulator to launch a miniature model of the space shuttle.	Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden: if any garden is worth a visit, it's this one.
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park: a historical refuge.	See local artists exhibit their wares at the Donkey Mill Art Center.