Hawaii Vacation: Travel Tips for Island Attractions and Beach Fun

Hawaii is an extraordinary place to vacation all year long. With breathtaking views, warm weather, fun activities and crystal clear water in an amazing shade of blue, it's no wonder Hawaii is called a tropical paradise. Here are just a few of the many wonderful activities the islands have to offer--choose any or all of them, and your Hawaii vacation is guaranteed to be an unforgettable adventure.

ON THE WATER

Some of the most enjoyable Hawaii vacation activities involve water, naturally. Sailing, surfing, scuba diving and kayaking are all popular with island visitors, but swimming and snorkeling are two of the best reasons to visit Hawaii. They require little expertise or expense, and there are literally thousands of locations to choose from.

Hanauma Bay on Oahu is a snorkeler's dream, offering an abundance of beautiful coral reefs, exotic marine life and some of finest underwater fish viewing in the world. On Maui, snorkelers can explore turtle reefs, shipwrecks and nature preserves. The island of Kauai offers Hawaii vacationers impressive natural wonders such as sea caves and waterfalls.

On the Big Island, Hapuna Beach is one of the most popular with Hawaii vacationers, for several good reasons. The gleaming white sand is the perfect place to sunbathe after swimming; wave conditions are excellent for surfing and bodyboarding; plentiful fish and calm waters provide superb snorkeling opportunities; and lifeguards are on duty every day.

BEACHCOMBING

If searching for beach glass, shells, driftwood and other treasures appeals to you, Shipwreck Beach on the island of Lanai is the place to go during your Hawaii vacation. Shipwreck is not suitable for swimming but is a nice spot for picnicking and sunbathing, with magnificent views of nearby Molokai and Maui.

SUNSET CRUISES

A Hawaii dinner cruise offers spectacular scenery and romantic sunsets, enhanced by delicious cuisine and on-board entertainment. The ships glide smoothly along on the calm water while rugged mountains, city skylines and volcanoes provide majestic backdrops.

SUBMARINE TOUR

Take an incredible journey to the bottom of the ocean aboard Atlantis XIV, the world's largest hi-tech passenger submarine. The spacious, air-conditioned sub has comfortable seating and large portholes for viewing fish, coral reefs, turtles and sunken shipwrecks.

SEA LIFE PARK

The island of Oahu is home to a magical marine attraction where dolphins, sea lions and penguins perform in beautiful ocean-side lagoons or open-air aquatic theaters. Memorialize your Hawaii vacation by taking an underwater photo safari, or watch divers swim with stingrays; your kids will love romping on a giant pirate-ship maze.

FLIGHTSEEING

A helicopter tour offers a unique bird's-eye view of Hawaii's lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, pristine beaches and more. Touring by air lets you see volcanoes from a safe distance, and night flights provide sensational views of Honolulu's lights or Oahu's awe-inspiring Sunset Beach.

PINEAPPLES!

No Hawaii vacation would be complete with a stop at the Dole Plantation on Oahu. Notable features include a two-acre Pineapple Garden walk-through maze with 11,000 colorful plants, and the Pineapple Express narrated train tour.

In reality, a Hawaii vacation offers so many great activities that it's impossible to do them all on just one trip. But regardless of which ones you choose, you're certain to have a wonderful time, and will probably begin planning your next Hawaii vacation soon after you return!