Tourist Attractions in Hawaii
Hawaii lives up to the impression of being a tropical paradise. Not just because of the different landscape and nature reserves that you can enjoy, but also because of the various historical sites that are perfect for sight-seeing.
First, the USS Arizona Memorial that can be found at Pearl Harbor, Oahu is a site that has been immortalized in world history. On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked the American base by surprise, triggering an exchange of hostilities between Japan and the US, finally culminating in the dropping of an atomic bomb near the end of the Second World War. The site commemorates the brave men and women who have suffered in this attack. It features a visitor center where you can learn more about the events of this fateful da
While on a Hawaiian cruise, make sure you take a moment to visit the Diamond Head in Oahu. It is one of Hawaii’s most well-known landmarks and it has served as Hawaii’s symbol. The locals call it “Le’ahi,” a term that marks its resemblance to the brow of the yellow fin tuna. Its English name came from British sailors who, in 19th century, landed on the island and thought that the basic crystals (or calcite) found in its soil were diamonds. Be sure to visit the Diamond Head crater as well. Hikers who reach its summit will be rewarded with an awe-inspiring view of the island, as well as Honolulu.
One of the favorite tourist sites in these islands is the Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park. This park has different landscapes that include formations at sea level up to the summit of the largest volcano in the world, Mauna Loa. The park also plays host to the Mt. Kilauea, the most active volcano worldwide. The park illustrates the result of years and years of volcanic activity, thus providing a view on how the ecosystems and geology of the Hawaiian Islands evolved. Visitors can enjoy tours led by rangers, as well as camping, hiking, and scenic drives around the park.
For ocean-lovers, a must-see attraction on Oahu is the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, where you can enjoy large deposits of coral reefs that can be accessible by shore or by snorkeling. The bay is preserved because of the presence of a surrounding land mass, thus lessening the possible destruction brought by large swells or large currents. Pristine waters ensure that you can see a wide variety of marine life, enough to take your breath away.
Finally, the Haleakala National Park located in Maui is also a treat to visit for those looking for breath-taking land masses. You can visit the crater of Mt. Haleakala, which is famous for its size. Or you can drive to the valley of Kipahulu where you can see lush forests, water falls, and clear pools of water that are available for you to swim in.