Dedicated to the preservation of its natural wonders the islands of Hawaii are home to a number of national and state parks, county beach and recreational areas, marine and bird sanctuaries, forest and petroglyph preserves and a range of arboretums and botanic gardens. |
Of its renowned National Parks, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island leads the way with not one but two massive active volcanoes promising some fiery action for the intrepid adventurer. Kilauea Caldera is accessible by car via Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road, but if you decide to hoof it on foot, 140 miles of hiking trails wind their way through an amazing diversity of terrains ranging from forests of ferns to rivers of lava flowing along tropical beaches to the Pacific – and of course, the surreal cinder-scapes of all things volcanic. On Maui the Summit Section of Haleakala National Park is home to the immense Haleakala Crater that can be viewed from above or descended into on foot or aboard a trusty steed. The sunrise pilgrimage is a spectacular introduction, with many opting for a cruisey downhill ride via mountain bike after the event. In the Kipahulu Section waterfalls cascade into refreshing pools, inviting a dip after exploring its many historic sites. State Parks, in abundance on all major islands, encompass an incredible diversity of features, botany, terrain and scenery and offer a wide range of activities depending on your orientation - and the natural environment. Idyllic stretches of sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, lava formations, tangled jungles, towering cliffs, verdant countryside, and waterfalls, tide pools, oceans and bays lend themselves to sensory delights and physical pursuits according to individual inclinations. It goes without saying that hiking is the favoured pastime of most visitors to Hawaii’s state parks. The 11-mile Kalalau Trail along the Na Pali Coast on Kaua’i, which is often likened to trekking Nepal, traces the footsteps of ancient pioneers and forges its way around deep gorges and over steep inclines that free-fall into turquoise waters far below. To be completely dwarfed by this magnificence the Na Pali Coast may also be skirted by canoe or kayak. Thrills and spills are also part of the action on trails that lead into Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Park on Kaua’i. By contrast, Makena State Park on Maui affords some luxury resort facilities but also two secluded beaches for doing it all au naturale. Less daunting trails that wind through gently undulating countryside, verdant rainforest, flowering tropical gardens and pretty coastal scenery are every bit as rewarding for majestic views, lush scenery and the chance to get away from it all. The sheltered blue water of Hanauma Bay on O’ahu is an underwater marine conservation park that invites swimming and snorkeling amid a glittering array of tropical sea critters. Diamond Head forms the monumental backdrop to vibrant Waikiki whilst a maze of trails winds through the misty greenery of Ko’olau Range. Goat Island affords a safe haven for birds and fans of our feathered friends at Malaekahana State Recreation Area, as does the wildlife refuge at Kilauea Point on Kaua’i. Historical sites abound on all the islands but nationally registered landmarks such as Pu’uhonua O Honaunau, the ancient ‘place of refuge’ and the leper colony of Kalaupapa are to be found on the Big Island and Moloka’i respectively. Gardens and arboretums all over the islands reflect the history of Hawaii through the biodiversity of ethnobotanical plantations such as the esteemed Lyon Arboretum in Honolulu. Orchids, lavender, hibiscus, heliconia and protea of almost infinite variety lend grace and colour to botanical gardens everywhere. Zen gardens invite meditation and relaxation while spice and herb gardens are the province of revered Chinese herbalists on all the islands. And when all is said and done, you can’t go wrong – tropical Hawaii is a flourishing Garden of Eden. Experience it's magnificence for yourself. |
O'ahu is the most visited of the Hawaiian Islands, home to the vibrant city of Waikiki Beach with its fantastic dining, shopping & nightlife, North Shore's banzai pipeline, snorkelling at Hanauma Bay, and an impressive arts and culture scene. Read more ...
