What to see in United States

Hawaii

It was the last territory to join the United States, although it is one of the destinations most popular with visitors to the continent.

Located in the Pacific Ocean, the Hawaiian archipelago is characterized by its volcanic origin, and some of its volcanoes are still active today. This is the case for Kilauea, on Big Island, known for the lava that falls directly into the sea and the spectacle of its fierce red lava.

As well as serving as a backdrop for films such as Jurassic Park or the television series Lost, this sun and beach destination is recognized as the cradle of surfing. On the shore numerous centers offer longboard courses for beginners, so you can not travel to Hawaii without having a go at this national sport.

Big Island is one of the best known because in the Pearl Harbor bay, near Honolulu, one of the most bloody episodes of World War II took place, which led the United States to enter the conflict. Today, Pearl Harbor is open to visits and consists of several memorials to the victims, as well as combat aircraft, submarines and missiles used in the offensive.

Other main islands such as Maui and Kauai stand out for their natural parks, the greenery of their landscapes and because their coast is made up of extensive beaches without crowds where you can enjoy a vacation to the rhythm of hula and with several leis - flower necklaces - around your neck.

 

Must see in Hawaii

 

Big Island

The island of Hawaii, known as Big Island to differentiate it from the name of the archipelago, is the largest in the entire state. It is a volcanic island, with Kilauea being the most active of them all. In fact, its eruption is practically permanent and the fall of lava to the sea is one of the most popular natural spectacles of the island.

There are many excursions by both boat and helicopter for the best views of this fierce volcano. It is located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which also includes the Mauna Loa. Its black sand beaches are another of the islands peculiarities. The best known is Punaluu Black Sand Beach, where you can enjoy a different landscape than other islands of Hawaii.

Among its cities are Hilo, capital of the island and where most of the population of Big Island is located; and Kailua Kona, smaller but more touristic wherein its neighborhood of Ali i Dr there are a variety of resorts, restaurants and shops.

One of the essential places to get to know the history of the island is the palace of Hulihe'e, dating from the nineteenth century. The best sunsets can be seen from the Mauna Kea Summit, an unmissable experience on a trip to Hawaii.

 

Maui

Formed by two volcanoes, linked by a narrow strip of land, Maui is one of the most beautiful islands in Hawaii. It was named in honour of the demigod Maui, who according to legend fished the island out of the sea.

One of its main tourist attractions is the Haleakala National Park, which houses the highest peak on the island: a volcano with more than 3,000 meters of height. It's great variety of landscapes makes it ideal for a hiking.

Its surroundings can be explored both on foot and on horseback. Another of the most popular routes on the island is the road that goes to Hana, with its abundant vegetation and a coast full of paradisiacal beaches.

If what you want is to visit a city, Lahaina is ideal to enjoy the charm of an old fishing center that was once dedicated to whale hunting. Kaanapali Beach is valued by the locals as a place to enjoy watching the humpback whales and is a paradise for lovers of scuba diving.

 

Oahu

Oahu is the most populated island of Hawaii and one of the most tourist orientated since most of the points of interest of the archipelago are concentrated on the island. Among them, this is where the capital, Honolulu, is located.

It is a modern city full of skyscrapers that contrasts with the coastal towns of its surroundings. One of the most visited parts of the capital is the port, where the Aloha Tower is located and where you can find a variety of restaurants and bars.

The most touristic area of the island, where the big resorts are concentrated, is Waikiki. Built on the shores of the sea, this surfing paradise has two world-renowned icons. One of them is the Diamond Head, the inactive volcano that stands at the end of the coast; and the statue of Duke Kahanamoku, the creator of surfing.

In the interior of the town, you can find one of the most varied markets of the island, the Aloha Market, where you can buy typical products of the United States. Also, its large avenues have a variety of international restaurants, shops and boutiques.

Another of the attractions of Oahu is Pearl Harbor, the bay attacked by the Japanese in December 1941. Here you can visit USS Arizona, the memorial that remembers the victims of the offensive; in addition to one of the submarines of the time, as well as an exhibition of fighter jets, missiles and tanks used during that night.

Although Oahu is the most urbanized island in the archipelago, on the North Shore are some of the most spectacular beaches in Hawaii known starring in films and television series such as Lost.

 

Kauai

Kauai is the oldest island in the Hawaiian archipelago. Of volcanic origin, and not overly popular with tourists, its nature is one of the best preserved. Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea is one of its most precious jewels. Waimea city is famous for being the place where Captain Cook disembarked in the 18th century.

The Waialeale Volcano, which is over 1,500 meters high is the highest peak on the island and a beautiful landmark.

Other natural wonders of Kauai are the geyser of Spouting Horn, located on Poipu beach; or the Opaekaa and Fern Grotto waterfalls, located along the Wailua River.