Things to Do When You're in Hawaii

Hawaii is one of the most scenic places in the world to golf. The beauty of the islands has attracted the world's top architects, who have left their mark on the state. Hawaii's golf courses range from ocean-side links courses to rainforest layouts to strategic challenges along the Big Island's lava deserts. High-end golf resorts include Kapalua and Wailea on Maui, Turtle Bay on Oahu, and Mauna Lani Resort on the Big Island. Bargains courses can be found as well, like Waiehu Municipal on Maui and Wailua Municipal on Kauai.

The clarity of the water and concentration of tropical fish in Hawaii make scuba diving and snorkeling favorite activities in the state. The Kona coast of the Big Island and the submerged lava tubes off of Lanai are major destinations for scuba divers. Well-known snorkel spots are Hanauma Bay on Oahu, Olowalu on Maui and manta ray encounters near Kailua-Kona on the Big Island.

Hawaii has become a world-class dining destination. Home-grown chefs like Roy Yamaguchi, Sam Choy and Alan Wong have garnered international reputations for their Pacific Rim cuisine. Many of the opulent resorts around the islands boast big-name restaurants, like Wolfgang Puck's Spago restaurant at the Four Seasons Resort Maui.

Humpback whales from Alaska migrate to Hawaii every winter to mate and give birth. Visitors can often view whale activity from the shore, but boat trips are the best way to see the animals up close. Maui is the premiere destination for whale lovers, while the Big Island also receives a large number of whales.

Hawaii is especially scenic from the air. Helicopters have unlimited access to landscapes that are difficult to get to on foot. One of the most popular helicopter trips is over the volcanic eruptions at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. On Kauai, trips along the Na Pali Coast are spectacular, and Maui trips often involve Haleakala and the waterfalls along the north shore.

One of the most well-known activities in Hawaii is the luau. This Polynesian tradition generally involves a pig roasted in an underground oven called an imu. Commercial luaus usually conclude with wild cultural dances performed by local men and women, including fire twirling.

Don't let the wide array of activities distract you from what you really came to Hawaii to do: relax. A mix of tropical fruit juice with a heavy dose of rum is one way to ensure you'll unwind.