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5 Must Visit Kauai Attractions

Have you recently decided that you would like to vacation on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai? If you have, your first step should involve making all of your needed travel arrangements. Once those arrangements are complete, you should examine popular attractions on the island.

As for why you should research Kauai attractions before your trip, there are a number of benefits to doing so. One of those benefits includes time. Kauai is filled with a large number of attractions, as well as other great activities. Creating a small itinerary for your trip can help to make sure that you get to experience all that this Hawaiian Island has to offer.

One attraction that you will want to visit, when on a Kauai vacation, is that of the Waimea Canyon. The Waimea Canyon is also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Here, you will find a number of lookout spots that are a sightseers dream come true.

Not far from the Waimea Canyon is the Kokee State Park. Although often considered to be a separate attraction and destination, many travel websites combine this state park with the Waimea Canyon. Hiking trails can allow you to explore the land, as well as take amazing pictures. The Kokee Museum can teach you the history and culture behind the area you are about to explore or just finished exploring.

The Napali Coast, located on the northern end of Hawaii, is a must visit for those looking for fun and adventure. Unfortunately, the Napali Coast is only accessible by the Kalalau Trail. This trial is eleven miles long and covers rough terrain. Due to the terrain, only those in good health are encouraged to take the hike. Also, due to its length, many tourists decide to stop and camp along the way, creating a two-day adventure.

Although the Napali Coast is a hiker’s dream come true, those who wish to avoid the long journey can still enjoy and see the beauty of the land either by boat or air. Helicopter tours of the coast and guided boat tours are also available.

Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches, but Kauai, according to the Hawaii Official Tourism Site, has the only navigable rivers in Hawaii. The most popular is that of the Wailua River. Kayaking and canoeing are two popular ways to explore the river. If you are looking for a more relaxing approach to take, guided boat tours are available. The river is also home to the Fern Grotto.

Hawaii is known for their sometimes mysterious, but amazing legends. One is that of the Spouting Horn, located on the south end of Hawaii in Poipu. Here, water spouts around 50 feet high! According to Hawaii’s Official Tourism Site, the ancient Hawaiians thought the coast was protected by a giant lizard. It was believed that the water spraying up from the lava tubes is his breath.

The Kilauea Light House, is another must visit attraction for Kauai vacationers. The lighthouse is situated atop rugged coastline. It is known as the best destination to take pictures, as you are able to get unique panoramic shots. It addition to the beautiful view of the ocean, you will also see a wide array of sea birds, as the area is also home to the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge.

As you can see, there are a number of great attractions for you to visit on your next Kauai vacation. In fact, did you know the above mentioned activities are just a few of the many that you will find? Other mentionables include the Captain Cook Monument in Waimea, the Huleia National Wildlife Refuge, and the Allerton Tropical Gardens and McBryde Gardens, both located near Poipu Beach.

As previously stated, in addition to sightseeing and visiting a few of the above mentioned Kauai attractions, there are also many more Hawaiian activities for you to enjoy. These activities include boating, hiking, camping, shopping, swimming, and surfing.

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5 Must Visit Maui Attractions

Are you in the process of planning to trip to Maui Hawaii? Maui is one of Hawaii’s most popular vacation destinations. One of the reasons for that is all that you can see. Did you know that Maui is filled with amazing attractions, most of which are considered “must visits?” After a close examination, you will be more than pleased with your decision to take a Maui vacation.

Once you have made your Maui travel arrangements, you should start focusing on which Maui attractions you would like to visit. Although having options is nice, your choices can seem overwhelming. Since there is so much for you to see, you will want to create a to do list or a vacation itinerary for yourself. If you don’t, you may find yourself missing out on some of the history and beauty that Maui has to offer you.

For help with determining which Maui attractions you should visit, please continue reading on. For your convenience, five popular Mau attractions that come highly rated and recommended are outlined below.

1 - The Island of Molokini

The Island of Molokini is a crescent shaped island that is located not too far past the southern coast of Maui. Although those just looking to sightsee will enjoy the boat trip, Molokini is home to some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling that all of Hawaii has to offer.

Private and group tours are available to the island.

2 - Iao Valley State Park

The Iao Valley State park, located in central Maui, beautiful historical land. According to Hawaii’s Official Tourism Site, it was home to the great Battle of Kepaniwai, which occurred in 1790.

The biggest attraction at the Iao Valley State Park is that of the Iao Needle. The Iao Needle is a sightseers dream come true. A visit to this state park is ideal for those who enjoy hiking and learning about the history or Maui.

3 - The Banyan Tree

The Banyan Tree, located in Lahaina, is another must visit for all Maui tourists. The Banyan Tree is one largest trees of its kind in all of the United States. The Official Hawaii Tourism Site states that the tree is the size of an average city block!

If your Maui vacation is a family vacation, you should definitely take your children to see the tree, as it is something that they will likely never forget.

4 - Haleakala National Park

The Haleakala National Park is located on the eastern side of Maui. There you will find the world’s largest dormant volcano. Past tourists recommend hiking to watch the sunrise at the Haleakala Crater.

The Haleakala National Park, like many other parks in Hawaii, can be explored by foot, car, or bike. In addition to the Haleakala volcanoes, you will be able to see and explore tropical landscaping that features rare flowers and plants, beautiful streams and waterfalls.

5 – The Hana Highway

Also located on the eastern edge of Maui is the Hana Highway. Although a highway itself may not seem like a must see tourist attraction it is. It is one of the most scenic places to visit in all of Hawaii and what you will see will, literally, amazing you. On the drive, you will pass through narrow, yet beautiful bridges, see amazing waterfalls, get breathtaking views of the ocean, see amazing foliage, and so much more.

A drive along the scenic Hana Highway is enough reason alone why you should rent a car for your next Hawaii vacation.

As highlighted above, there are a number of Maui attractions that you should take the time to visit. Since the above mentioned Maui attractions are just a few of the many that you will find on the Island, you may want to do a little bit of research before your trip. With a standard internet search online, you can find detailed Maui travel guides, as well as request free printed travel guides to be delivered to your home.

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4 Must Visit Big Island Hawaii Attractions

Are you in the process of planning a Big Island trip? Hawaii’s Big Island is a popular vacation destination, partly due in fact to its size. Why? Because there is so much for you to do and see.

Once your Big Island travel arrangements are made, you may want to shift for your focus to what you can do and see. Creating an itinerary for your trip has a number of benefits. It is important to remember that Big Island is filled with so much for you to do and see; so much that you may not have enough time to do so. Familiarizing yourself with popular Big Island attractions before your vacation can help you make sure that you visit the mostly highly rated and recommended sites, a few of which are outlined below.

1 – Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must see for all Big Island tourists. This National Park is situated on 377 square miles of a vast array of landscaping. Whether you are interested in traveling by car, foot, or bike, there is a large part of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that you can examine.

When traveling by car, you can visit the summit of the Kilauea volcano. Chain of Craters Road is also a must visit in the park, as this is where lava once flowed over the road. With so much to do and see in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, including guided tours and themed wilderness tours, you may want to stay onsite. What better way to end your day than camping? Camping is free as long as you paid admittance into the park.

2 – Waipio Valley

Waipio Valley is also known as “The Valley of the Kings.” This Big Island attraction is a must visit if the history and culture of Hawaii is of interest to you. Here, you will be able to explore an area that was once populated with native Hawaiians. There are unlimited hidden treasures in the area, including beautiful waterfalls, rivers, and tara fields.

To learn the history of the Waipio Valley, not just see it, a guided tour is recommended. Guided tours of “The Valley of Kings,” are available by way of car, horseback, and foot.

3 – Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is often referred to as “A Garden in the Valley of the Ocean.” Due to close proximately, a visit to the gardens is advised either before or after a visit to “The Valley of the Kings.”

Guided garden tours are available for multiple trails, including the Onomea Falls and Palm Jungle Trail.

4 – Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park

If you are unable to visits the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park is a must visit for you. Situated on 180 acres of land, this National Historic Park is considered sacred ground. It was once refuge and home to those who broke the law.

When visit the Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park, you can see the black lava rock, a sacred temple, wooden statutes of Hawaiian gods, and so much more! The area is filled with beautiful fish ponds; therefore, you can enjoy a fishing adventure in addition to hiking and examining the historical background of Hawaii’s Big Island.

In addition to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park, and Waipio Valley, there are other popular and well-known attractions that you should place on your vacation itinerary. Those visiting the North Side of Big Island will want to examine Parker Ranch. Those visiting the South Side of the island should checkout the views at the Ka Lea South Point.

As you can see, there are a number of must visit attractions for your next Big Island vacation. The above mentioned attractions are just a sample of what you will find on the island. For that reason, you are encouraged to use the internet to your advantage or request free Big Island travel guides, which are relatively easy to find online.

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The Best Way to Travel

The best way to travel is really dependent upon the person who is going on holiday and the destination they have chosen.

The more independent, adventurous personality will, in all likelihood, opt for the flexibility of a self drive tour, whereas the individual who prefers to have everything cut and dried and taken care of on their behalf will possibly choose either a guided or group tour, depending on how sociable they are.

‘Flexi-drives’ for the adventurous

In truth, self drive tours are really ‘flexi-drives’ where the intrepid journeyman can add, modify, adapt and exchange virtually any aspect of their itinerary, including preferred routes, activities and even accommodation.

There is absolutely no rigidity to the sojourn but at the same time they will have tapped into the extensive knowledge and local know-how of dedicated tour operators who will have assisted them every step of the way, from planning the itinerary with the client’s continual feedback to the point of meeting and greeting them at the airport to hand over the hired car keys.

As long as the destination is a relatively safe one with suitable road networks and a reasonable infrastructure, the self drive tour option is arguably the best way to experience an African safari for some.

Advantages of self drive tours:

* Tailor-made itinerary
* Routes and departure times that suit the client, not the group
* Freedom to ‘shop till you drop’ en route, as there are no baggage constraints except for the size of the boot
* A safety net in place in case of emergencies or any other problems
* The ability to drive off the beaten track for unique sight-seeing; a big plus on a Big 5 safari
* No dodgy travelling companions

Disadvantages of self drive tours:

Undoubtedly the cost. Rental cars and petrol come at a premium these days and the tour operator will not have the benefit of ‘volume’ buying that generally keeps the costs of accommodation and transport much lower in the group scenario.

Escorted or guided tours are the best of both worlds

Escorted or guided tours are the best of both worlds. The client still has all the benefits of privacy and flexibility, yet at the same time can hand over the reins to the local guide, who will generally act as a driver too.

The one major drawback of an escorted tour is that it can prove to be rather expensive. The client and his party will not only have to fork out for the guide’s expertise but all his or her meals, accommodation and entry fees to national parks or any other excursions too.

Group tours offer security, companionship and little effort

Group tours are possibly the ideal mode of travel for single people, females and senior citizens. The group offers security, companionship and comfort as well as the ideal opportunity to make new friends. It is also the cheapest way to travel purely because of volume purchasing.

Disadvantages of group tours are:

Stuck with that group of people and an inflexible itinerary

Often not enough time to enjoy any one place

Can sometimes miss out on cultural experiences if too busy interacting with the group.

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