{"id":184130,"date":"2017-11-13T15:01:51","date_gmt":"2017-11-13T14:01:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/?p=184130"},"modified":"2017-11-18T17:22:24","modified_gmt":"2017-11-18T16:22:24","slug":"top-10-things-to-do-in-hawaii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/2017\/11\/13\/top-10-things-to-do-in-hawaii\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10: things to see & do in Hawaii"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Monday\u00a0newsletters<\/a>\u00a0always feature\u00a0top 10 travel lists<\/a>\u00a0to inspire.<\/p>\n

Today (November 13, 2017):\u00a0Top 10 things to do Hawaii.<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Home to some of the world\u2019s most spectacular scenery, the only royal palace in the U.S. and the welcoming aloha spirit, Hawaii is like no place on earth.\u00a0The glimmering ocean, lava-spewing volcanoes, emerald valleys,\u00a0towering coastal cliffs, sandy beaches, and sublime luxury hotels & resorts<\/a> lure thousands of tourists each year, who get lost in the spiritual beauty of the hula and find out how the warmth of Hawaii\u2019s people wonderfully complement the islands\u2019 perfect temperatures.\u00a0Although Hawaii is comprised of a chain of 132 islands, we usually refer to only a few islands when we think of Hawaii: Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai and the Island of Hawaii (more commonly known as the Big Island).\u00a0 I hereby share with you my 10 preferred things to see & do on the stunning Hawaiian archipelago.<\/p>\n

There is more info (with reviews) below the slide show. \u00a0Think I\u00a0missed one?\u00a0Leave a<\/strong>\u00a0comment <\/strong>or take my poll<\/strong>\u00a0below!<\/p>\n

This slideshow requires JavaScript.<\/p>

<\/div>\n

*** Read: top 10 best luxury hotels & resorts on Hawaii<\/a>\u00a0***<\/em><\/p>\n

\n
10. REMEMBER WWII AT PEARL HARBOR, HONOLULU, OAHU<\/a><\/strong><\/h5>\n
\n

Known the world over as a ‘date which will live in infamy<\/em>‘, the devastating events of December 7, 1941 changed the course of history. It was right here that a surprise air attack by the Japanese plunged the United States into World War II, claiming thousands of lives.\u00a0Today, five historic sites honor the events occurring at this National Historic Landmark<\/a>, about 30 minutes from Waikiki Beach. Hear first-hand stories from survivors describing the chaotic scene on Battleship Row. Walk through an airplane hangar that still bears the scars from that fateful morning. And peer into the shallow harbor where the sunken hull of the USS Arizona rests, still leaking oil that pools on the water\u2019s surface like black tears, as they\u2019ve been described. Visiting Pearl Harbor is an experience that will be etched into your soul forever and will offer you a new perspective on World War II.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
9. SURF THE BIG WAVES, NORTH SHORE, OAHU<\/a><\/strong><\/h5>\n

If the perfect wave exists, you\u2019ll find it on Oahu\u2019s North Shore. The towering, glassy winter waves of this legendary surf mecca draw the best surfers in the world, while smaller and gentler summer waves are better for beginners. Stretching for more than 7 miles (11 km), the\u00a0beaches of the North Shore host the world\u2019s premier surfing competitions during the peak winter months, including the biggest of them all, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.\u00a0The months between November and February are the best times to see\u00a0big wave surfing. \u00a0The massive waves can sometimes swell up to thirty feet or more\u2014dangerous even for experienced surfers\u2014so always heed warning signs. From May to September, the waves subside, creating a more tranquil atmosphere for surfing and swimming.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
8. DRIVE THE HANA HIGHWAY, MAUI<\/a><\/strong><\/h5>\n

When your mind imagines Maui, it probably looks a lot like the island\u2019s epic east side: cascading waterfall pools hidden in lush rainforests, roadside pineapple stands, hairpin turns around plunging sea cliffs. It\u2019s all here, along the legendary Road to Hana – one big reason why East Maui is a must-see on any traveler\u2019s list.\u00a0The Hana Highway snakes along the island\u2019s northern coast for 52 miles (83 km)\u00a0 and the drive to Hana can take as few as 3 hours or last an entire day, depending on how many pictures you stop to take and food stands you sample.\u00a0 After you\u2019ve navigated the more than 600 white-knuckle turns and 50 bridges, you\u2019ll enter\u00a0Hana\u2014a charming small town where time seems an abstract concept and aloha is a way of life. Just beyond Hana is the stunning Kipahulu section of\u00a0Haleakala National Park (cf below), where a hike to a stunning water fall and a refreshing swim is the perfect reward after a long drive.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
7. SEE THE WORLD’S MOST ACTIVE VULCANO, BIG ISLAND<\/a><\/strong><\/h5>\n

Vast, rural and remote, the Big Island’ southernmost region, Kau, is a quiet area free of large hotels, resorts and golf courses. It\u2019s here that you find\u00a0Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park<\/a>, which is home to two volcanoes including Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes on earth, sometimes called ‘the world’s only drive-in volcano’. It\u2019s a sacred place of natural wonders where you can witness the growth of the island –\u00a0 a primal process of creation and destruction – right before your eyes.\u00a0Scientists are unsure how long the current eruption may last\u2014it could go for another 100 years or stop tomorrow. Many locals say that Pele, the volcano goddess who lives here, is very unpredictable. The chance to watch Kilauea’s blistering lava flows meet the sea is a sight not to be missed during your visit.\u00a0The extraordinary natural diversity of the park was recognized in 1987 when the park was honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
6. RELAX ON THE ARCHIPELAGO’S STUNNING BEACHES<\/a><\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n

Besides jaw-dropping natural scenery, Hawaii boasts also some of the best beaches in the world, some built around the intense drama of powerful waves crashing against towering cliffs, some so remote that they are only accessible by helicopter or boat, and some so hidden and gorgeous that they need to remain a secret.\u00a0On Hawaii’s world-famous shores you\u2019ll find white, black and red sand beaches, renowned surfing and windsurfing spots as well as excellent beaches for simply swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The best beaches are found on Maui, with Makena Beach – a 1.5 mi (2,4 km) stretch of golden sand that is also known as Big Beach – considered the island’s best. IMHO, Kauai’s Polihale is hands-down the Hawaiian archipelago\u2019s most breathtakingly beautiful beach though.\u00a0 This seemingly deserted 7 mi (11 km) stretch\u00a0is several miles from the nearest town and holds a vibe of enchantment and mystique, still alive on Hawaii today.<\/p>\n