There are countless reasons to visit but these 10 must see nature spots on the Hawaiian Islands should figure at the top of any itinerary. From thundering waterfalls to lush fern forests, soaring mountains and marine parks chock-a-block with tropical fish, Hawaii is a paradise like no other place on earth.
Here are a few suggestions on the 10 must see nature spots on the Hawaiian Islands: -
1.Volcano Park – all of Hawaii is made of volcanoes, but this is the only place where you can come close to a living volcano. Mt Kilauea is still oozing red-hat lava. Along lava terrain in Volcano Park, you can walk on pahoehoe which is smooth, billowy and ropey lava and aa which is rough, jagged and spiny.
Take a short stroll on Devastation Trail which goes through a desolate area completely destroyed by lava, bringing home the power of the volcanic eruption on the environment.
For kids, the Thurston lava Tube is a thrill! It is scary and spooky as you enter a huge, silent black tube covered with cobwebs, drips and tree roots. The tube stretches underground for almost 1/2mile.
Check out ancient Hawaiian art along the Chain of Craters road at the Puu Loa Petroglyphs. There are thousands of mysterious carvings on stacks of rocks around a circular boardwalk. At the end of the Chain of Craters road, watch glowing magma pour and sizzle into the surf.
2. Akaka Falls – The spectacular waterfall thunders down 442 ft to a sparkling pool at its base. An easy trail through a rainforest, bamboo groves and wild ginger plants takes you to an observation point. From here, you get a perfect view and an eye-popping photo op of the Akaka Falls and the nearby Kahuna Falls, which is a relatively dwarf at 100ft. Look out for rainbows!
3.Waimea Canyon – Its reddish lava beds remind everyone of its mainland counterpart, the Grand Canyon. Although much smaller, a drive along the Waimea Canyon Drive produces jaw-dropping views of unending vistas, crested buttes, sharp crags. The canyon is only a mile wide bur drops more than 3,000 ft over a 12 mile stretch.
The different layers along the canyon’s walls point to successive volcanic eruptions. Hike into it or fly by in a helicopter.
4. Garden of the Gods - The ultimate rock garden, and according to locally myth, a mystical garden where gods play. Located in northern Lanai, the rocks, thrown by volcanic eruptions, have been shaped by natural elements into surprising shapes and brilliant reds, oranges, yellows and ochers. Lonely, rugged and barren, this almost feels like the end of the world.
5. Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park - Along a black lava shoreline, this is an ancient sanctuary for Hawaiians who ran afoul of tribal kapu or taboos. Sanctuary was granted once the kapu breaker scaled the great wall onto sacred grounds. Tall wooden totems guard the ancient temples, royal dwellings and burial grounds. Follow natural lava steps down to wonderful snorkeling and keep a look out for the honu or green turtles that make their home here.
6. Mauna Kea - On Hawaii’s highest peak, you feel closer to the gods. Standing nearly 14,000 feet above sea level, you can catch views of Maui, Molokai and Lanai while scientists peer at starry constellations through the world’s largest collection of astronomical horoscopes. A rugged hiking trail leads down to the Onizuka Visitor's Center at mid-elevation for nightly star gazing programs through their telescopes. On a good night, you might even catch a dazzling meteor shower.
7 Hanauma Bay – this is one of nine underwater parks in Hawaii. Swimming here is akin to swimming in a giant outdoor aquarium. Just below its turquoise blue surface are ancient coral reefs and schools of fish so friendly that they will come eyeball to eyeball with you. There is no need to put on snorkeling gear to enjoy the marine life – even in waist deep water you can spot more than 50 species of tropical fish.
8 Waipio Valley – the Valley of the Kings is so steeped in myth that the ghosts of the ancient royals buried here are believed to rise and chant throughout the night. From the coast fringed by a black sandy beach to six miles inland, the walls of the valley soar a mile into the skies. This created a protective enclave that was once home to more than 40,000 native Hawaiians. A hike into the Valley leads you by streams, taro fields, cascading waterfalls and the relatively shallow Waipio river. Either hike or ride on horseback into the valley
9 Mt Haleakala – From the Haleakala summit, hike down the lunar-like crater on trails that meander around the cinder cones. The terrain is raw and rugged and altogether memorable. While the summit is the main tourist draw, there is another distinct destination within the park. The Kipahulu coast, which is lush, tropical and green, is home to the Seven Sacred Pools. These two attractions are not linked by any connecting roads and have to be approached separately.
10 Captain Cook’s Bay – also known as Kealakekua Bay, this calm stretch of water is sandwiched between tall red cliffs and green mountain slopes. A steep hiking trail leads down to the marine park which is rich in tropical fish and is home to a bunch of spinner dolphins.
Hawaii is a giant playground whether you are a water sports junkie, a serious hiker or a weekend athlete. With a little planning, you might get to visit all of these 10 must see nature spots on the Hawaiian Islands. If you cannot make every spot in one go, there is always scope to come back again and again and again.
