Located on the North Shore of Kauai, Napali Coast is a very special place. This rugged coast will leave you breathless as you gaze upon the pali (high cliffs) that rise as much as 4,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean, sea caves, lush green valleys and cascading waterfalls that journey to the shores from from thousands of feet above. The only land access to this enchanted area is via the Kalalau Trail, an 11-mile trail that starts at Kee Beach, crosses five different valleys and ends at secluded Kalalau Beach.

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Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Island of Hawai’i, 96 miles from Kailua-Kona and 30 miles from Hilo. Founded in 1916, the Park encompasses 333,000 acres from the summit of Maunaloa to the sea. Here you’ll find 150 miles of hiking trails through volcanic craters, scalded deserts and rainforests as well as a museum, petroglyphs, a walk-in lava tube and two active volcanoes: Maunaloa, which last erupted in 1984 and Kilauea which has been erupting since January 3rd, 1983. The extraordinary natural diversity of the park was recognized in 1980 when it was named a World Biosphere site by UNESCO and in 1987 when the park was again honored as a World Heritage site.

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The sunny west coast of Maui was once a retreat for Hawaiian royalty and the capitol of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Today, West Maui is home to spectacular resorts  a wealth of activities and some of the most amazing sunsets in the world.

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More than 3,500 feet in diameter with a 760-foot summit, Diamond Head in Waikiki is perhaps the world’s most recognized volcanic crater. It is a lasting remnant of a volcanic explosion that occurred about 500,000 years ago. Ancient Hawaiians called it Laeahi, which translates to “brow of the tuna.” The name “Diamond Head” can be traced to the 1800s, when British sailors mistakenly thought there were diamonds lodged in the crater’s soil. The extinct crater and lookout point at the peak of it is a popular hiking destination for many. A hiking trail leads from the crater up to a lookout point. But be prepared to climb some stairs. In fact, there are two stairs, one has 99 steps and a second one has 76 steps. There’s also a 225-foot (69 m) hardly lit tunnel through which you’ll have to go. The tunnel is a remnant of the former military use of the crater. So you should be in good physical condition to do the hike.

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credit: Eric Tessmer, Honolulu Hawaii

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The pipiwai trail hike is located in the Haleakala National Park at Oheo Gulch. Pipiwai Trail is 4 miles roundtrip, gaining 650-feet in elevation. It takes 2 1/2 – 5 hours to hike, depending on your the physical condition. Waimoku Falls are final destination of hike, falling 400-feet down a sheer lava rock wall shaped like a horse shoe.

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credit: PHOTOGRAPHRdotNET

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credit: Rick McCharles

credit: Rick McCharles

credit: Rick McCharles

credit: Rick McCharles

credit: Rick McCharles

credit: Rick McCharles

credit: Rick McCharles

credit: Rick McCharles

Punalu’u Beach Park is the most famous black sand beach on Hawaii. It is located on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is a perfect place to watch the sea turtles, and swim or snorkel. Punaluu Beach was created by lava flowing into the ocean. You should enjoy the soothing massaging feeling of the lava granules under foot. Taking black sand from here is strictly not allowed.

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credit: Ariane Middel

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Hawaii’s tropical climate and its beauty is very popular destination for tourists.