Planning a trip to the paradise that is the 50th state? Most likely you're going to log lots of beach time. But don't forget to douse yourself in sunscreen--and take advantage of all the magnificent things to see and do in Hawaii. This tropical nirvana is made up of six main islands that are actually the tips of massive mountains created by a crack in the earth's mantle, which has been spewing molten rock for over 25 million years. Translation: There's a whole lot of unique beauty and natural wonders for you to discover. Here's a brief list to help jump-start your itinerary. For more details, check out our Destination Guides for the Big Island, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, and Oahu.
Take a Hike
Whether you go with an adventure-travel company or venture out on your own, a hike through any number of Hawaii's Edens will leave you breathless. In Kauai's Kokee State Park, there is a terrific concentration of hiking trails set in the native rain forest, which runs along the spectacular Waimea Canyon. But the best known landmark in the Pacific is Diamond Head, which dominates the Honolulu skyline. The hike to the top of this volcanic cone rewards with spectacular panoramic views of Oahu.
Ride a Bike
Get up a few hours early (we're talking 3am--but it's worth it) and treat yourself to the most spectacular sunrise you'll ever witness. The sunrise bike tour down Maui's Haleakala begins with the sun coming up over the largest dormant volcano in the world. Called the House of the Sun, Haleakala is seen as the spiritual center or the energy vortex for the island's kahunas and priests. You'll see why when you ride down the volcano's 10,023-foot summit with its lush, rugged, and wet landscape all around you.
Set Sail
There are so many seafaring companies to help you get buoyant in Hawaii, you'd have to be stuck on a sandbar to miss them. Take a sunset sail along the waterfalls and sea caves of Kauai's Na Pali Coast, ride a catamaran off Waikiki Beach, or charter a sailboat along the turquoise waters of the Big Island. If windsurfing floats your boat, check out Maui's Hookipa Beach--it's a top international windsurfing destination.
Slow Ride
Take yourself on a Hawaiian safari and rent a car through the best of the islands. Maui's Hana Highway will take you past 55 miles of jungles, roadside waterfalls, sedate country towns, cloud forests, and rolling hills. But if this sounds a little too calm for you, rent a four-wheel drive on Lanai and explore the island's raw beauty of coconut palms, bamboo trees, serene coves, and volcanic caves. This is the only way to travel, as the best of Lanai's secluded beaches are accessible only along unpaved, bumpy roads.
Go Down Under
Discover the thriving life beneath the sea in Hawaii's premiere underwater destinations. Oahu's Hanauma Bay is a snorkeling and scuba-diving oasis. The rugged volcanic ring is full of coral and marine life with clear, calm waters. Always keep in mind that this is a nature reserve with restricted access, so tread lightly. Near Kona, Kealekekua Bay offers some of the best snorkeling on the Big Island. In addition to witnessing scores of tropical fish, many snorkelers have seen dolphins swimming very close to the shore.
Whale Watch
Maui is the prime place to view migrating humpback whales. From December through May, you can see them aboard a boat--or even from the road. The huge humpbacks cruise these waters, along with monk seals and dolphins. It is said that 50 percent of humpbacks come here to get away from Alaska's cold winters, congregate with other whales, and mate. The best way to view the whales is on a whale-watching boat with an experienced guide. But if you're worried about getting seasick, another great way to spot them is to keep your eyes wide open while driving around the islands--just look for the crowds pointing oceanside.
Do the Hula
A visit to the islands just wouldn't be complete without experiencing a traditional luau. Offered on any one of the islands, these are truly Hawaiian fiestas with all the trimmings. You'll get "lei'd" with a colorful floral bouquet, watch the experts shake their hula hips, and dine on roasted pig.
Get Tubular
Catch a wave in Waikiki and then head over to the North Shore to see how it's really done. Numerous surf schools can be found just about everywhere on Oahu, the surf town mecca. Leave the big waves to the experts and just hang loose, watching these gracious wave worshippers get tubed at the world-famous surf spot, Banzai Pipeline.
Fly High
See where no man has gone before. Much of Maui can only be accessed by air, so take flight over its tangled tropics and see the topside of the Haleakala crater on a helicopter ride. Another stunning bird's-eye view will glide you over the Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island to view the steaming sunken crater, hardened lava rivers, tropical beaches, and lush rain forests.
Go Golfing
Take your pick of places, Maui, Oahu, Lanai, the Big Island, and Kauai all have fantastic golf courses. This is a golfer's paradise with year-round play and well-maintained courses all set in the natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. The 50th state is host to numerous international professional golf tournaments--and with more than 10 of America's top golf resorts, they are at least worth a visit, even if your swing isn't up to par.•
