Hawaii Destinations

Mack Prioleau: Top Places to go to in Hawaii

Hawaii is a dream vacation spot for many travelers, but this state is so diverse that it takes a little effort to ultimately find your “dream within a dream.” Selecting the best island for you and your significant other or family is a huge decision. You will find that no two islands are exactly alike. Here are some reasons to visit particular Hawaiian islands, which may guide you in your Hawaii-vacation planning process, according to travel expert Mack Prioleau.

Maui

Maui, or the Valley Isle, is the second biggest island to some of the world’s best beaches. This is the perfect island for those who are interested in whale watching. You can even get up early to watch the gorgeous sunrise at Haleakala National Park. This particular park is attractive because it features five distinct climatic zones, and the Haleakala Highway — the road that leads to the Haleakala summit — climbs to a high elevation in just 38 miles and is actually a world-record holder for doing so. From this summit, which is more than 10,000 feet tall, you can see the Big Island of Hawaii.

Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii, or the Orchid Isle, is bigger than all other Hawaiian islands combined. This island features a whopping 11 of the 13 different climate zones in the world. For instance, when you visit this island, you will find snow-capped mountains and white sand beaches. You can also enjoy botanical gardens, waterfalls, and rainforests. Some of the most popular falls include Onomea Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Hi’ilawe Falls. The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is also perfect for nature lovers who would be interested in viewing more than 2,000 plant species, such as palms, gingers, and orchids.

Kauai

The northernmost and oldest island, Kauai (or the Garden Isle), is also known for its natural and dramatic beauty. Here, you can visit the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon. This canyon is 10 miles long and a mile wide, and it is over 3,500 feet deep. Floods and rivers flowing from the Mount Wai’ale’ale’s summit carved the canyon thousands of years ago. Here at the canyon, you will find the Waimea River, which has a unique red tint stemming from natural processes that break down the gorge’s rock. You can also go walking on Kokee State Park’s trails or relax in one of many of the Garden Isle’s lovely gardens, such as Limahuli Garden.

Oahu

One of the most popular islands of the Hawaiian island chain is Oahu, also known as the Gathering Place. It features the state’s capital, Honolulu, and most of the state’s population. Thus, it features a mixture of cultural wonders, natural beauty, and entertainment options. You can experience history firsthand at the Pearl Harbor museums and memorials, or you can enjoy some sunbathing or surfing time at Waikiki Beach. No matter what island you choose for your upcoming Hawaiian getaway, you are sure to find a gem that will enable you to live out your dream vacation.