Besides being one of the only two states in the U.S. that doesn’t border another state, there are many other ways in which Hawaii is truly special. Like its culture, cuisine, beaches, breathtaking landscape and most emphatically, its aloha spirit.
Did you know that Hawaii produces a large percentage of the world’s supply of macadamia nuts? Or that Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. that grows coffee? Try cinnamon and wasabi flavored macadamia nuts at the Hamakua Macadamia Nut Visitor Center (Hawaii Island) and Tropical Farms (Oahu). You can also tour one of the only coffee farms in the U.S on Hawaii Island at Kona Coffee and Tea Company.
Here are a few reasons to visit the top of the Mauna Kea Observatory on Hawaii Island: it is 13,000 feet above sea level, it is above the clouds, and it has the largest telescope in the world. Though you might not be able to view with the giant telescope itself, Mauna Kea Observatory offers its visitors free viewings with other telescopes every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night.
Honolulu in Oahu is the home to the only royal palace in the U.S -- Iolani Palace. The palace was once the residence of Hawaiian monarchs King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani, until the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893. It reopened as a museum in 1978 and exhibits important Hawaiian cultural and historical artifacts.
When was the last time you cycled down a volcano? Unless you live in Hawaii, specifically on Hawaii Island, then the chances that you have taken this wild trip are next to none. Book a tour with Bike Volcano to ride around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Think beach sand only comes in white and brown? Not in Hawaii. In addition to those classic white beaches, Hawaii has beaches with red, black, and green sand. Visit Waianapanapa State Park (Maui) and Punaluu Beach (Hawaii Island) for black sand, Kaihalulu Bay (Maui) for red sand and Papakolea Beach (Hawaii Island) for green sand.
Find your way in the world’s largest plant maze at Dole Pineapple Garden Maze on Oahu. It covers 3 acres with colorful paths crafted from over 14,000 Hawaiian plants.
Not to be confused with a snow cone, Hawaiian shave ice is its own unique delicacy. The top is a delicious rainbow swirl of thinly shaved ice and the bottom has layers of ice cream, azuki (red) beans, and condensed milk. Then there is the fried, doughy, better-than-donut malasada. Try both at Matsumoto Shave Ice and malasadas at Leonard’s Bakery, on Oahu.
Spend the evening rejoicing with new friends as you learn about Hawaiian culture through this beautiful ceremony. It features hula, music, and pork that has been slow roasted in an imu (fire pit) for hours.