Hawaii is a U.S. state located in the Pacific Ocean. It is the only state outside North America, the only island state, and the only state in the tropics.
Hawaii is also one of a handful of U.S. states to have once been an independent nation.The state attracts tourists, surfers, and scientists from around the world with its diverse natural scenery, warm tropical climate, abundance of public beaches, oceanic surroundings, active volcanoes, and clear skies on the Big Island.
1:30pm-4:30pm : USS Arizona Memorial
USS Arizona Memorial marks the final resting place of one of the most iconic World War II battleships destroyed in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. More than 1,100 sailors and marines died here when Japanese forces attacked the harbor. The memorial, constructed in 1962, attracts nearly 1 million people each year. Begin your tour at the visitor center, where you can listen to a free talk about that fateful day and watch a brief documentary about the attack. You can then take a shuttle boat to the memorial, which straddles the hull of the sunken battleship. Remember that the memorial admits only a limited number of visitors each day, so it is a good idea to book a tour well in advance. Set aside time for a visit to the memorial museum so you can take in the personal stories of American soldiers who fought and died here.
5:00pm-5:30pm : USS Utah Memorial
On December 7, 1941, one of the first vessels attacked by the Japanese was the USS UTAH. Japanese Commanders Genda and Fuchida, planners of the attack, had ordered their pilots to ignore the training ship which, as a non-combat ship, was not worthy of attack, but eager pilots dropped torpedoes on the UTAH. One torpedo slammed into UTAH's port side at 8:01 a.m. as the crew raised the flag on the f...antail. Moments later a second hit the same area. Water began to fill the ship rapidly, and it listed 15 degrees. The senior officer aboard, Lt. Commander S.S. Isquith, realized that UTAH was sinking and reportedly gave the order, "All hands on deck and all engine room and fire room, radio and dynamo watch to lay up on deck and release all prisoners." The crew was ordered to the starboard side of the vessel to escape the danger of loose timbers pinning men down or striking them. These timbers had been used in previous weeks to cushion the deck from practice bombs dropped by planes from the ENTERPRISE. By 8:05 the list had increased to 40 degrees. The ship was lost. "Abandon Ship over the starboard side" was shouted over the din. As the men scrambled for safety, the increased list caused the timbers to loosen and slide in the water, crushing the men below. At about 8: 12 the UTAH capsized after mooring lines snapped. Thirty officers and 431 men were reported to have survived the loss of the ship, including my grandfather, Louie Underwood. At best estimates, six officers and 52 enlisted men were lost, some trapped aboard ship, others cut down by strafing aircraft. In 1972, a memorial in honor of the crew of Utah was dedicated on the northwest shore of Ford Island, adjacent to the ship's wreck.
10:30am-11:00am : Byodo-In Temple
A replica of a 950-year-old Buddhist temple, Byodo-In Temple welcomes visitors from all faiths. The temple serves as a place for worship and meditation. Discover a 3 m (9 ft) statue of Lotus Buddha inside, painted in gold and coated with gold leaf. Visit the Japanese gardens with peacocks, black swans, turtles, and frogs. Pay attention to the three-ton brass bell near the entrance, which is said to purify the mind and bring positive things to those who ring it. On the temple's grounds, you'll discover a reflecting pond, meditation niches, and small waterfalls. If you go inside, remember it is customary to remove your shoes.
11:30am-5:30pm : Kailua Beach Park
Stephen Leatherman, known as America's beach expert, ranked Kailua Beach Park the best beach in America in 1998. The water attracts surfers and bodysurfers to its gentle waves. The beach itself slopes slowly into the water with no coral or rock. The shallow water and slight incline make swimming easy. Take advantage of the regular trade winds and try your hand at wind and kitesurfing here.
10:30am-2:30pm : Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
Makapuu Lighthouse Trail will take you over the hills and by the sea, from a stunning beach to a volcanic point. According to legend, Makapu’u was a supernatural being, with eight bright eyes. Today, instead of a giant at the point, you'll find a lighthouse named after her, with a red roof and what's thought to be the biggest lighthouse lens in the United States, standing 3.5 m (12 ft) tall. Bring water, a hat, and binoculars--if you’re lucky, you’ll see whales in addition to seabirds. Be mindful of the prickly cacti along the way.
3:00pm-5:00pm : Lanikai Beach
10:00am-1:00pm : Makena Beach
You won't have to worry whether there's enough room for your umbrella at Makena Beach. Also known as Big Beach, it's nearly 1.5 km (1 mi) long and the largest beach in Maui. You can enjoy shade from the large volcanic cliffs, which also offer protection from tradewinds. Book a snorkeling or kayak tour to get an up-close look at some of the sea life. It's a good idea to go out with a guide, because the water can get rough Remember to bring drinking water and sunscreen.
12:30pm-3:30pm : Wailea Beach
Wailea Beach offers silky smooth sand, warm water, and turtles swimming through the waves. With shallow water for non-swimmers, and no rocks to hurt your feet, it’s easy to see why this beach is considered one of the most beautiful on Maui. Bathroom and shower facilities are available, and you can rent an umbrella. To see moee of the the coral and fish, you can rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board.
4:00pm-5:30pm : Wailea Beach Path
10:30am-1:00pm : Zipline
Glide above the exotic tropical scenery of Maui on a guided zipline tour from Ka'anapali. This type of activity is ideal for those looking for an adrenaline kick in a safe but exciting, controlled environment. Trained guides will ensure you get a safety briefing and don your gear correctly, so that you can concentrate on zipping over the island's scenic landscape. A zipline tour could last from 2 to 8 hours, with varying difficulty levels at adventure courses--keep in mind that some have age and weight restrictions.
1:30pm-4:30pm : Napili Beach
Known as the "hidden gem" of Maui, Napili Beach offers swimming, snorkeling, and a possibility of encountering sea turtles. It is a rare beach on the island where there are no sharp coral reefs on the shoreline. The ocean bottom is soft and sandy, and rather steep, which makes it suitable for surfing, given that the weather permits. Showers and toilets are available, and there is a general store several minutes away. You will find food places in the area too. Shade is not common, so bring a sun umbrella.
5:00pm-5:30pm : Maui Esacape Rooms
10:00am-10:30am : Kalepolepo Beach Park
11:00am-1:00pm : Ulua Beach
Nestled between two rocky points, Ulua Beach provides space for swimming, snorkeling, diving, basking in the sun, and--when the surf is up--boogie boarding. Ulua, meaning "adult crevalle fish," offers a bounty of fish and corals to spot while snorkeling and serves as a great place for inexperienced divers to have a few lessons. Watch for manta rays, sea turtles, sea horses, and moray eels here.
1:30pm-3:30pm : Kamaole Beach Park III
Stretched along the Pacific on the island's south shore, 4 hectare (10 acre) Kamaole Beach Park III has the largest oceanfront green space in the area. Part of a chain of three similarly named beaches, the park features an expanse of trimmed grass and coastal trees that provide shade, making it the primary spot for barbeques and picnics. Bring along some food to cook up on one of the grills, kick back on the sand, or take a dip in the water. Free parking is available on the street or at a nearby lot.
3:30pm-5:30pm : Kamaole Beach Park II
A wide, quiet beach, Kamaole Beach Park II is only one of a series of beaches in the area. Although storms can sweep the beach down to volcanic rock pebbles, most of the year it is covered in golden sand. The beach is flanked by the luxurious Maui Banyan condos and a spot of dense, green growth. The greenery continues around the beach, creating a barrier between the relaxing oceanside and the civilization beyond the trees.