The Na Pali Coast
Kauai

The Na Pali Coast is one of the "most amazing natural wonders" in Kauai. "Tucked away in paradise," the Na Pali Coast features 17 miles of coastline that are inaccessible by car. You can get there "via helicopter or boat, and it's worth it." Although not recommended for swimming, the "views of the coast are astounding," and "able bodied hikers will enjoy the challenge" of the rugged hiking trails for a "fantastic work out." Read more.

Merrie Monarch International Hula Festival
Hilo

Dedicated to preserving artistic and cultural traditions throughout Hawaii, the Merrie Monarch Festival is "truly a cultural event." Each year for a week, locals and visitors attend this festival, which includes: art exhibits, craft fairs, demonstrations, performances, and a parade. There is even a three-day hula competition. This event "keeps the art of hula alive--from ancient hula to modern." Vendors and craft fairs feature local products "that are not found in retail stores." The entire experience is "life enhancing." Read more.

Obon Festivals
Honolulu

Since "Hawaii is the melting pot of the Pacific," it is only fitting that Japanese immigrants brought Obon Festivals to Hawaii. Known as Festivals for the Dead, this Buddhist ritual is a time to honor the spirits and pay respect to departed ancestors. The summer is Obon season, when nearly every Buddhist temple honors its ancestors. The festival is a cultural event that also involves lots of dancing--bon odori, usually around a yagura tower. Often there are taiko drums to facilitate a joyous atmosphere. The idea is to "let go of things that hold us down and set trouble out to sea." It's truly "enlightening."

Old Pali Road
Honolulu

Once a commonly traveled roadway, Old Pali Road, in the jungles behind Kailua and Kane'ohe, is now a popular (and easy) hiking trail. From Pali Lookout to just under Pali Highway, the trail is concrete, but near a hairpin curve is the turn to take to reach the waterfall. This "old road winds through rainforest with fragrant ginger and philodendrons hanging overhead." From the road, you'll see peaks from nearby mountains, and during the hike, you'll get "a sense of the lushness of a tropical rainforest."

Scuba diving at "Cathedrals"
Coast of Lanai

For "incredible scuba diving and snorkeling," visit the coast of Lana'i, where "fabulous spires of coral" and lava domes formed the "Cathedrals." It's a scuba diver's dream, as "there are towers of coral with tunnels that you can dive through." The depths are about 60 feet, and many divers can swim through at a time. Light filters through the many openings to create the cathedral effect. The best part is that "few dive boats or people" come to this spot, which is about a 45-minute boat ride from Lahaina Harbor.

Hamakua Hideaway Treehouse
Kukuihaile

Experience Hawaii in the "most perfect setting" at the Hamakua Hideaway Treehouse in the Waipi'o Valley. "Hidden away from the world," you can wake up to "the most glorious sunrises" and fall asleep to the sounds of the nearby waterfalls. Although it might be the "ideal romantic getaway," the tree house is so "tranquil, you won't want to go back home!"

Mermaid Cafe
Kauai

The Mermaid Cafe in Old Kapaa Town is a local favorite. Serving "delicious, healthy food with a smile" it's hard to go wrong. Their specialty is the ahi nori wrap, "a spectacular combination of seared ahi tuni, sushi rice, cucumber, ginger, and wasabi-mayonnaise wrapped in nori and a spinach tortilla." It's like "a cross between a burrito and a sushi roll." You can also find chicken satay, tofu, eggs, and more.

Giovanni's Aloha Shrimp
North Shore

Look for the "broken-down, graffiti-covered, old, white shrimp truck" and "hand-painted sign" set up along the roadside on Kamehameha Highway, and eventually you'll find Giovanni's, the oldest and most famous North Shore shrimp truck. "Plan your visit before noon on weekends" to avoid the long, "after-surf line." Sit on a picnic table "after a morning of wave riding" (or watching), with "a heaping plate of prawns (dripping in garlic butter), two scoops of rice, and their famous hot sauce." Read more.

Hilo Farmers' Market
Hilo

The Hilo Farmers Market is the place to find ripe, flavorful pineapples and more exotic tropical fruits and vegetables "that you don't even know exist." There are more than 100 vendors that "truly showcase the Big Island's various cultures by way of exhibiting the vast array of produce, flowers, fish, and baked goods." Go early, before 8am on Wednesdays and Saturdays, for "the best selection." Read more.

Lava Rock Ponds
Makena

About two miles south of Makena Beach is the Ahihi-Kina'u Natural Area Reserve, which was created in 1973. The preserve includes about 2,000 acres of jagged lava, green growth, pebble beaches, and crystal clear offshore water. Some parts, where the lava once flowed, look like the surface of the moon. The water is "so pure, you can see down to the very bottom, a 20-foot depth!" The anchialine ponds are unique to Hawaii and are located within Cape Kinau's lava flows. They are fed by the tides through narrow subsurface channels. There are "beautiful fish you can see clearly without even getting into the water." Read more.