Hawaiian islands have so much to offer
(ARA) - The Aloha State beckons your family with the thoughts of fresh pineapple, dipping your toes into the warm Pacific waters and breathing in perfumed air. So which island do you want to visit?
The big tourist islands are Oahu, which is where all flights arriving from out of state touch down, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii (also known as the Big Island). Each island has its own unique characteristics and beautiful sightseeing opportunities. Make sure you book cheap flights between each of the islands so you can catch all of Hawaii's amazing scenery.
Oahu - A visit to Oahu is incomplete without a stroll through Waikiki. Beautiful hotels, warm and calm water perfect for swimming or taking a beginner's surfing lesson, sunset dining in restaurants right on the water and miles of sandy beach are why many tourists don't stray any further than this destination.
But if you do want to explore more, plan a tour of Pearl Harbor where you can see the rusting ships resting on the ocean floor. Learn more about the delicious pineapple served everywhere and tour the world's largest mazes at the Dole Plantation. Relax in the surf shops while watching experts battle huge waves on the rustic North Shore. Explore the Hawaiian culture and royal history in Honolulu.
Maui - Catching the early morning sunrise on the rim of Haleakala, the world's largest dormant volcano, is a must-do on this island. Hopefully you can time your trip right to miss the frequent fog that rolls in the volcano crater, blocking your view. And if your family is a little adventurous, book a bike tour down the volcano, so you can keep watching the sunrise all the way down.
Other activities you can't miss out on when planning Hawaii vacations to Maui include whale watching, cliff diving off of Puu Kekaa at Kaanapali Beach, a drive to Hana and a stop at the Pools of Oheo, and either attempting or watching the windsurfing at Hookipa.
Kauai - Sightseeing is the thing to do on Kauai - with towering cliffs dropping off into the ocean, wet and dry caves, lighthouses, rain forests and miles of white sandy beaches. This island is also full of historical information, from the monument where Captain Cook first came ashore, to Ke ahu a laka Heiau, where hula students still come to test their skills.
Hawaii - Active volcanos make the Big Island a big draw. Even if you don't spot red hot lava glowing in Volcanoes National Park, you can't miss the black beaches around the island. Whale watching, diving with the mantas and swimming with the dolphins are also popular activities.
Courtesy of ARAcontent