The Best Things to Do in Hawaii

For the United States, World War II began on Dec. 7, 1941, with the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor. The many hours spent on a plane or ship getting to Hawaii would be wasted if you didn't take the opportunity to visit one of the most hallowed sites in American history. The sacrifice of the few for the many reminds every visitor of the cost of the freedoms they enjoy. Be prepared to spend more time here than you think you will.

Humpback whales return to Hawaii from mid-December to mid-April to give birth. If you are lucky, you may see one of these mammoth creatures breaching or witness a mother teaching her calf how to survive. Take advantage of one of the tour boats that allows you to actually listen to the whales communicating.

Finding a luau in Hawaii is as simple as finding a hat with big mouse ears in Disney World. A luau is a traditional Hawaiian feast, but the authenticity varies considerably across the islands. The typical Hawaiian luau involves sitting around a big table covered in food. Most luaus feature a whole pig being roasted from a hole in the ground, called an imu in Hawaiian. Another thing you need to know is that luaus are not cheap. Depending on where you go, you can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $200 per person.

The Big Island provides one of the few spots in the United States where you can see active volcanoes doing their fiery business. Volcanoes National Park covers 520 square miles and includes Mauna Loa and Kilauea. The ideal visit to the volcanoes of Hawaii will have you witnessing the creation of this planet in a way that has been going on for millions of years. Few things in nature can match the incredible sight of molten lava rolling into the ocean to cool before solidifying into land. What you get when you visit Hawaii's volcanoes is the chance to see what it was like when the islands were first created.