Posted On March 15, 2018
Hawaii is teeming with wildlife, adventure, and beautiful vistas; it is easy to see the draw of a vacation in the Hawaiian Islands. From exploring inactive and active volcanoes on the Big Island to learning about Hawaii's history on Molokai, we have compiled a shortlist of ten "musts" for an unforgettable experience in this breathtaking pacific archipelago.Transcription:1 | Hike the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea. Legend says its crater is the home of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire.For an even closer look at the volcano, hike inside it through the Thurston Lava Tube, a 450-foot long tunnel created by Kilauea’s molten lava.2 | Ride horseback along the golden beaches of the Poipu Coast, such as secluded Mahaulepu Beach.Nearby, you may even find petroglyphs, or prehistoric rock carvings, created by the ancient people of Poipu.3 | Sail along the Na Pali Coast to see 5-million-year-old cliffs, the Waiahuakua Sea Cave, and bottlenose and spinner dolphins swimming alongside boats.4 | Explore unique ecosystems growing inside the crater of Haleakala, an inactive volcano.You’ll find the endangered nene, Hawaii’s official state bird, and the rare silversword -- a plant that grows exclusively in Hawaii.5 | Sip locally grown, roasted, brewed coffee in Kona, where the uniquely flavorful coffee is one of Hawaii’s prized exports.Because of the coffee’s extraordinary nature, one 100% Kona coffee bean bag can cost about $20 per pound -- and sometimes more.6 | Take a boat tour and go whale-watching with a local conservation group. Maui is one of the world’s primary breeding spots for humpback whales, which visit the area from November through May.7 | Learn about Hawaiian traditions at a luau, a Hawaiian banquet.Luaus usually include traditional Hawaiian dishes, such as kalua pig (pig cooked in an underground oven) and Lomilomi salmon (raw fish marinated).8 | Watch the sunset from above by hiking the Kaiwa Ridge Trail.Also known as the Lanikai Pillbox Trail, the route is approximately one mile long, and its peak provides a stunning view overlooking the turquoise Kailua Bay.9 | Step back in time to the ancient settlement of Halaway Valley on Molokai, dating back to A.D. 650.Early Polynesians farmed and thrived there for over a thousand years until tsunamis eventually caused them to abandon the valley. Today, the area is being resettled by a new generation.10 | Surf some of the planet’s most legendary waves on Oahu’s North Shore, where the Vans Triple Crown surfing competition is held yearly.Athletes brave the North Shore’s waves, such as the Banzai Pipeline. A tube-like wave created by a nearby shallow reef, and Sunset Beach, where waves are so powerful that they scoop out parts of the beach.
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