Hawaii Vacations Idea #1:
Whalers Village Museum, Lahaina, provides an interesting look into the life of a whaler in the mid 1800’s. They have a large collection of whaling memorabilia and exhibits showcasing harpoons, sea chests, photo murals and the skeletal remains of a 40-foot Sperm Whale. There is a re-creation of an authentic whale boat with a typical whaling crew’s quarters.
Hawaii Vacations Idea #2:
Kahanu Garden, on the eastern shores of Maui, is part of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens. It has 123 acres of tropical plants including the world’s largest collection of breadfruit. It is surrounded by black lava flows and native forest. Self-guided or guided tours are available. The garden is also home to one of the largest ancient Hawaiian stone temples in the islands, the 500 year old Pi’ilanihale heiau.
Hawaii Vacations Idea #3:
One of the top ten dive sites in the world is MoloKini, a tiny island off the coast of Maui. The crescent shape of the island creates a 300 foot deep protected reef that is home to 250 species of fish and perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. Boats take you to the island but you cannot go ashore because it is a protected preserve.
Hawaii Vacations Idea #4:
Whale Watching season on Maui is December to May. Some 2,000 to 3,000 Humpback whales migrate every year from Alaska down to the southwestern coast of Maui. The Pacific Whale Foundation conducts whale watching cruises led by marine naturalists. But you don’t have to go out on a boat to catch a glimpse of these 40 ton creatures. They are a common sight along Honoapiilani Highway between Maalaea Bay and Lahaina, particularly at McGregor Point.
Hawaii Vacations Idea #5:
Sea Life Park, located on Oahu’s beautiful Makapuu Point, is the place to go swimming with the dolphins. You can put on a dive mask and get up close and personal with a dolphin. You will get to spend 20-25 minutes in deep water with your dolphin. Depending on the dolphin’s mood it may take you on a dorsal fin drag ride.
Hawaii Vacations Idea #6:
Shark Spectator Adventures, in Oahu, will take you out to see the sharks. The crystal clear water is 200-400 feet deep. You can stay on the surface and watch the sharks from the boat. Or you can climb into a glass cage which is then lowered into the water. This is an adventure you will never forget.
Hawaii Vacations Idea #7:
USS Arizona Memorial and Museum commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor that brought the U.S. into World War II. There is a 75-minute guided tour that takes you to the resting place of the USS Arizona and the ship’s 1,177 crewman who died that day. A 23-minute documentary film reviews the attack as it happened. There is a memorial, museum, and waterfront exhibits.
Hawaii Vacations Idea #8:
If you are feeling adventurous you can take a drive on the Hana Highway. This coastal road is famous for its 600 white-knuckle turns and its 54 one-lane bridges. It’s a thrill-ride of a journey but along the way you will be rewarded with stunning scenery and plenty of opportunities to stop at beaches, hiking trails, waterfalls, caves, and more stunning scenery.
Hawaii Vacations Idea #9:
Kialua Beach Park is an excellent Hawaii beach vacation idea for the family. It’s a top beach and not crowded. Stay in the quaint town of Kailua and get a real slice of Hawaii life.
Hawaii Vacations Idea #10:
Haleakala National Park is a dormant volcano by the sea. It has 27 miles of moderate difficulty hiking trails through rainforest, shrub land and volcanic rock. There are both guided hiking and independent hiking opportunities. This is considered “THE” place to watch the sunrise in Maui. The park is popular for sky-watching, particularly night time stargazing.
Hawaii Vacations Idea #11:
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park houses two active volcanoes which have been erupting since 1983. You can see molten lava hissing into the ocean or hike 150 miles of dense forest and lava trails, much of which is suited to day trips. The park is also great for auto touring, overnight backpacking, bird watching, and camping.
Hawaii Vacations Idea #12:
On Kauai, Hawaii’s “Garden Isle”, the National Botanical Garden Is waging a war to preserve the native plant species and slow down the rate of extinction. They maintain three beautiful lush gardens on the island where you can these plants can be viewed and enjoyed by visitors.
The National Botanical Garden Garden’s headquarters is on the South Shore and this is where the McBryde and Allerton gardens are located. Limahuli Garden is on the North Shore. Both guided and self-guided tours of the gardens are available. If your vacation takes to Kauai, consider a visit to these wonderful botanical displays of Hawaiian plant life.
Author
Peter Shannon – He writes for his website 1001 – Vacation ideas. You
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