Things to Do in Hawaii

When compared to the sun-drenched beaches of Poipu or Hanalei, Koke'e State Park is a brisk mountain outpost where bikinis and boardshorts are replaced by flannels and hiking boots. Located at 4,000 feet in the uplands above Waimea Canyon, the air is cooler than down on the shoreline, and flocks of nene goose meander through the low clouds that linger on the forested mountain slopes.

In addition to being a mountain outpost, Koke'e State Park is known as having Kauai's best hiking. No fewer than a dozen trails depart from the immediate vicinity, with trailheads leading either towards the colorful ravines of famous Waimea Canyon or into the lush interior which ranks as one of the wettest spots on the world. Still other trails lead towards overlooks which gaze down on the Na Pali coast, and the 3,000-foot, near-vertical drops are definitely not for the faint of heart.

For those who would prefer the dramatic overlook without having to hike to get there, the road which runs through Koke'e State Park reaches its upper terminus at the Kalalau and Puu O Kila overlooks where visitors can peer deep into the remote Kalalau Valley. Or, if you would prefer to learn about the island's varied natural history, the Koke'e Natural History Museum outlines everything from the introduced game animals of the Garden Isle to the effect that Hurricane Iniki had on the island's wildlife.

Camping is available for those who want to experience the early-morning calm of the mountains, and the entire park is a breath of fresh air where the crashing surf of the shoreline is replaced by whistles of native song birds as they flit their way through indigenous treetops. Rugged, rustic, and completely undeveloped, you can even make out the Forbidden Island of Niihau as it looms on the distant horizon.

While most sights on the island of Oahu are located in an urban setting, the Byodo-In temple is a Buddhist sanctuary backed by the Ko'olau Mountains. Located in Oahu's "Valley of Temples", the Byodo-In temple is only ten minutes from the town of Kaneohe and is a peaceful escape from the fast pace of city life.

Modeled after the 900-year old Boydo-In temple in the Kyoto prefecture of Japan, the temple on Oahu is a popular place for events and weddings where Buddhist communities from both Hawaii and Japan come to celebrate together. Although the Byodo-In temple is not a practicing temple, visitors are welcome to tour the grounds in exchange for a nominal fee.

More than just well-manicured grounds and a replica of Japanese architecture, the temple is also home to a golden Buddha which is believed to be the largest of its kind carved outside of Japan. Measuring over nine feet tall, the carving is covered in gold lacquer and is rung by 52 smaller Boddhisattvas who all celebrate around the base of the Buddha.

The temple is also home to a three-ton brass bell which was cast in Osaka, Japan, and it's reputed to mirror the original bell which hangs in the original Japanese temple. Or, if you simply want to collect your thoughts, there is a meditation pavilion towards the back of the temple as well as a reflection pond which is stocked with hundreds of koi.

The Byodo-In temple a testament to the island's Japanese community, and it's a calming respite from the fast-pace of city life which grips Hawaii's most populous island. Despite the fact the temple is mere minutes from a major town, a walk around the temple grounds still manages to feel like a journey to a different place and time.

For what it lacks in a sandy beach, Puako Bay more than makes up for with its pristine waters for snorkeling. Tucked away on the Kohala Coast at the end of a residential road, Puako Bay is a favorite spot of local snorkelers and divers. Mornings offer the best conditions before the wind comes up, and while the rocky entry might be a difficult for beginning snorkelers or children, the reward that competent snorkelers will find is a vertical wall in crystal water that's covered in vibrant marine life. When conditions are calm in Puako Bay, visibility can often extend to 60 or 70 feet, and during the winter months on the Big Island, it's possible to hear the distant song of migrating humpback whales. On shore, at the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve, visitors will find nearly 3,000 rock drawings that date to Ancient Hawaii"”which is the largest collection of petroglyphs found anywhere in the state. 

One of Hawaii's most popular luaus is held beside swaying palms and a stunning sunset at Paradise Cove.

A Hawaiian village at Paradise Cove highlights island arts and crafts, and cultural activities include net fishing, the Imu underground oven ceremony and of course the hula.

After being greeted with a traditional floral lei and tropical mai tai, relax into the evening with a full Hawaiian buffet and tropical drinks. Transportation can be included as a package, along with souvenirs, deluxe seating and drinks.

Kauai's capital city is Lihue, though with a population in the low thousands, "˜city' may be overstating things a little.

It is the island's main shopping destination, however, with a Macy's and other big-name department stores you'll recognize. You'll also find a variety of good restaurants in Lihue.

The town's proximity to the airport makes scenic air tours a major reason to visit.