Sara Benson - Hawaii

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Its easy to see why Hawaii has become synonymous with paradise. Just look around at the sugary beaches, Technicolor coral reefs and volcanoes ready for adventure and cherished by local traditions.

The natural beauty of these scattered islands in the cobalt blue Pacific Ocean is heavenly, without the need for any tourist-brochure embellishment. And, as tropical getaways go, Hawaii couldnt be easier or more worth the trip. Visiting these Polynesian islands is not always cheap, and theyre certainly a long way from anywhere, but whether youre after an urban jungle or a cloud forest, a snowy mountain or a nude beach, you can find what youre looking for here. Sunrises and sunsets are so spectacular that theyre cause for celebration all by themselves, while after-dark stargazing from Hawaiis volcano summits is unparalleled.

Just like in days of old, life in Hawaii is lived outdoors. Whether its surfing, swimming, fishing or picnicking with the entire ohana (family), encounters with nature are infused with the Hawaiian sensibilities of aloha aina and malama aina love and care for the land. For malihini (newcomers, visitors), to appreciate Hawaiis infinitely varied landscapes and seascapes is to experience their ancient mana (spiritual power).

Start by hiking across ancient lava flows, up craggy volcanic peaks and down fluted pali (sea cliffs). Learn to surf, the ancient Hawaiian sport of wave sliding, then snorkel or dive with rainbow-colored schools of tropical fish, giant manta rays and endangered sea turtles. You can even kayak to your own deserted offshore island, or hop aboard a whale-watching cruise in winter. Thirsty for even more adventures? Back on land, crawl through lava tubes, gallop along paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) ranch trails and zipline through forest canopies.

Floating all by itself in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii maintains its own sense of self apart from the US mainland. Spam, shave ice, surfing, ukulele, hula, pidgin, rubbah slippah these are just some of the touchstones of everyday life in the islands. Everything here is easygoing, low-key and casual, bursting with genuine aloha and fun. Youll feel equally welcome whether youre a surf bum, solo backpacker or a big family with rambunctious kids tagging along.

Like Oahu-born President Barack Obama, Hawaii is proud of its multicultural heritage; descendents of Native Hawaiians, European and Asian plantation immigrants and US missionary families mix and mingle. Whats most remarkable about contemporary island society is that multiculturalism is the rule, not the exception. Boisterous year-round arts and cultural festivals keep the islands diverse traditions alive, from ancient sacred hula and outrigger canoe races to Japanese taiko drumming and modern-day surf championships.

Kahanamoku Beach, Waikiki ()
ANN CECIL / LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Pack the boots, friends youll want them to explore the miles of trails running through this unique national park ( ).

Ha lemaumau Crater
GREG ELMS / LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Kauais Na Pali Coast

The Na Pali Coast ( ), which can be experienced by land, sea or air, should head everyones Kauai to-do list. Make a gentle oceanic journey by boat, with motors or sails or, for true sea adventure, pit your paddle and kayak against the elements: wind, swell, and sunshine. For hikers, Kee Beach is the entry point for the rugged 11-mile long Kalalau Trail. This trek will transport you to a place distant and distinct from all others, with verdant cliffs soaring above a sloping valley abundant with fruit trees, bearded hippies and solace seekers.

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Waikikis Beaches & Nightlife

Waikiki ( ), where hula dancers sway to ancient and modern rhythms nightly at beachfront resort hotels, bars and even shopping malls and famous island musicians strum slack-key guitars and ukuleles.

RICHARD IANSON / LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Road to Hana

Ready for an adventure? Of all the jaw-droppingly dramatic drives in Hawaii, this is the Big Kahuna. A roller coaster of a ride, the Hana Hwy ( ) winds down into jungly valleys and back up towering cliffs, curling around 600 twists and turns along the way. Fifty-four one-lane bridges cross nearly as many waterfalls some eye-popping torrents, others so gentle they beg a dip. But the rides only half the thrill. Get out and swim in a Zen -like pool, hike a ginger-scented trail and explore the wonders along the way.

Three Bears Falls
KARL LEHMANN / LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Haleakals Moonscape Trails

You might think youre walking on the moon as you wind down into the belly of Haleakal ( ). First thing you notice is how eerily quiet everything is; the only sound is the crunching of loose volcanic cinders beneath your feet. The path descends gently into an unearthly world, a landscape of stark lava and ever-changing clouds. Russet-colored cinder cones rise from the crater floor. Looking back toward the summit, eyes focused on the steep crater walls, its impossible not to be awed by the raw beauty.

Sliding Sands Trail
JOHN ELK III / LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Laid-back Kailua

If Waikikis impersonal, high-rise condoville scene isnt for you, hop over the pali (mountains) from Honolulu to Oahus Windward Coast. Kailua Bay () has awesome scenery, with offshore islands that practically beg you to jump in the ocean or launch your kayak and paddle over for a little sunbathing and snorkeling. Kailuas beaches also offer wicked windsurfing and kitesurfing. And at the end of the day, you can retreat to your own little beachfront cottage. Now thats bliss.