Hawaii travel guide

Spectacular Akaka Falls drops impressive 135 meters down. For breathtaking unobstructive views follow the paved trail from the parking lot to the viewing deck. The trail is a loop of about 0.6 km and pass through lush rainforest with tall trees and giant bamboos. There is also a lookout for another and almost as tall waterfall, Kahuna Falls (100 m), but unfortunately it's partly hidden by vegetation.

The northern shore of O'ahu Island is famous for its world class surfing, particularly during winter, where the waves can reach mammoth proportions. Banzai Pipeline off Ehukai Beach is especially legendary for its perfect barrels, which offers some of the best tube riding in the world. Unfortunately, the monster waves break in shallow water just above a sharp coral reef, which have caused serious injuries and death to many pro surfers (and surf photographers) over the years, making Banzai Pipeline one of the most deadliest waves in the world.

The 1.3 km hike to the summit of the crater rim of Diamond Head (232 m) is very rewarding. It's about 30 minutes (one-way) hike from the parking lot at the bottom of the crater along a well established trail with sections of steep stairs and even a tunnel. There are several historical military installations on the way including a bunker at the summit. The hike is not easy and you will share the trail with others. but you will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the crater and Honolulu.

The setting of Green Sand Beach is more spectacular than the greenish colour of the sand. Located at the bottom of an aqua blue horseshoe-shaped bay at the foot of steep cliffs, the first look of this secluded beach will for sure take your breath away. To reach the beach from the parking lot you have to hike for about 5 km along the wild barren coastline on a beaten track. Locals have set up a thriving business by driving peple back and forth in their beat up 4x4s.

The beautiful northern shore of Kaua'i Island is dotted with beaches. Stunning Haena Beach is one of the easiest to access as there is a parking lot. The three beaches, Haena, Makua and Tunnels, then lies as white pearls on a string with cragged Makana Ridge (Bali Hai) as a photogenic backdrop. The middle section is popular with resting monk seals, while Tunnels Beach at the tip is considered one of the best snorkeling spots on Kaua'i - particularly during summer, when the sea is at its calmest. Note that swimming can be dangerous with both strong currents and maiming shore breaks, so like everywhere else in Hawai'i: "If in doubt, don't go out!"

The east coast of O'ahu is also gorgeous. Here the sheer cliffs breaks off into the turquoise ocean. The shore is littered with tide pools and blow holes, some easier to see than others. From the lookout you can Halona Blowhole, where sea water is pushed through a lava tunnel and sprayed high into the air.

It's easy to understand why Hanalei Bay is so popular. The long crescent-shaped beach has soft creme-coloured sand and is set among a backdrop of dramatic mountains with cascading waterfalls. The waves close to Hanalei Pier, at the north end, are among the calmest on the North Shore, and is a magnet for novice surfers. Kayaks and stand up paddle boards have their playground on the other side of the pier, where Hanalei River flows into the bay.

It's easy to understand Hapuna Beach's reputation as one of the finest in Hawaii. A gorgeous sliver of white sand enclosed by black lava rocks. However, when the waves are big (in winter), the shore break can get rough and flood the entire beach. Luckily, you can always retrieve to the grassy patches on higher ground at the beach park. Here you also find showers, toilets, and shady pavilions along with a big parking lot (a hint of its popularity).

The Volcanoes National Park on Big Island used to be world famous for its flows of red glowing molten lava. However, the eruption in 2018 put an end to that. Today the national park is all about crater lookouts and hiking over old lava flows. To see where the lava once flow, head to the end of Chain of Craters Road. Since the landscape is constantly changing, start your visit at the well organized visitor center, which has the latest information about what is open or not. The national park is Hawaii's only UNESCO World Heritage site.

Iao Valley is dramatically beautiful. Towering peaks with waterfalls tumbling down the sheer cliffs towards the gushing river at the lush bottom. The crown jewel of the park is the Iao Needle, a pinnacle which shoots more than 360 meters into the air. Like elsewhere in Hawaii, the valley has a long history and mythological significance. The actually state park is fairly compact with a parking lot and paved short walkways leading to various lookouts.