Natural wonders complement sandy beaches

Hawaii: sandy beaches, rocky coast lines, and blue skies. A true tropical paradise, it lives up to its reputation as one of the world's premiere vacation spots. Oahu, the most populous of the Hawaiian islands, has countless destinations to fill itineraries for weeks.

Waikiki, for example, is the most popular district for tourists in Honolulu, with major hotels, ample shopping, an unlimited choice of restaurants, and sandy beaches that, despite being consistently crowded, are perfect for soaking up sun. Waikiki is well-known for its surfing, and surfers can be seen on the waves well into the night and in the early morning.

Although Hawaii is most famous for its resorts and beaches, cultural and natural sites are equally worth a visitor's time. Historic World War II site Pearl Harbor is a must on your trip. The current headquarters to the Pacific navy fleet, you can visit the battleship USS Missouri, a vessel that was in Tokay harbor where Japan signed the official surrender in 1945. If you're going to visit, be sure to arrive early, as most attractions sell out early.

Diamond Head, an inactive volcano that was once home to a US military base, is now a state park. It has an uphill mountain trail for a day outdoors, leading inside the volcano. On the inner ridge of the volcano, there are unpaved paths of over 200 steps that bring you inside what was once a coastal artillery. Nearby, on the peak, a breathtaking view is the reward for the day's hike, where you can see for miles in each direction.

The island of Hawaii, commonly referred to as The Big Island, is less of a tourist destination with smaller cities and more panoramic scenes. Outside the city of Hilo, for instance, natural steam vents provide a unique experience, and a visit to the Volcano National Park is highly recommended for its rainforest-like hike. Massive tar pits and the chance to see an active volcano allow you to adventure while in driving distance to an urban centre. If you grow attached to the area, the University of Hawaii at Hilo offers programmes in many undergraduate disciplines, as well as graduate and post-graduate degrees.

Hawaii can be expensive but can be experienced on a budget. In Honolulu, there are stores on every corner that sell necessary supplies, such as sunscreen, bottled water, and sandwiches: everything you need to visit without breaking the bank, while still being able to eat out for supper and not worry about your budget too much. In Hilo, your options may be limited, but some searching for cheaper options can be fun and memorable.

Hawaii offers both typical beach activities, as well as weeks of natural adventures to be had.

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