Hawaii

A guide to Hawaii, covering Oahu, in Honolulu, sight of fabled Waikiki Beach and its attendant hotels; iconic Diamond Head; and, the Bishop Museum. It takes you on a walk around historic Honolulu, as well as a walk through historic Lahaina; and, a drive around the geologically fascinating Crater Rim in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

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This title begins on Oahu, in Honolulu, sight of fabled Waikiki Beach and its attendant hotels; iconic Diamond Head; and, the spectacular Bishop Museum. A detour to the North Shore, known for its giant waves, yields insight into Hawaii's surfing culture. Then it's on to Maui, where charming Lahaina harks back to whaling days; magnificent Haleakala volcano promises an amazing sunrise experience for those willing to get up in the middle of the night; and, the white-knuckle Hana Drive, overlooking the sparkling sea as it winds past countryside right out of Old Hawaii. The Big Island is famous for its volcanoes - you can walk down to see an actual lava flow; as well as the waterfall-laced Hana Coast; and, the cowboys of the Waimea highlands.There's no prettier island than Kauai, the 'Garden Isle', and Rita makes sure that you don't miss the Bali Hai peaks of the North Shore, where you might wish to sip a cocktail as the sun sets; the fluted cliffs of the Na Pali coast; or the grandiose Waimea Canyon, interlaced with hiking trails. Undeveloped Molokai was once a leper's colony, and you can take a mule ride down to the tiny church where Father Damien once cared for the afflicted.
Tiny Lanai was once the world's largest pineapple plantation, and is now a retreat for the rich and famous. Several in-depth features introduce you to special aspects of Hawaii, including detailed discussions on the hula, golfing in Hawaii, and the story of the lei.A favorite component of the "Traveler" series are the walks and drives that help the visitor get to know an area intimately; in the "National Geographic Traveler: Hawaii", you are taken on a walk around historic Honolulu, as well as a walk through historic Lahaina; and, a drive around the geologically fascinating Crater Rim in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Sidebars on experiential travel include attending a luau like a local, ziplining on Kauai, and how to enjoy Hawaii's healing arts.