In Hawaii, a favorite saying is: "Lucky you live Hawai'i." For many of us, this is not the case. When we visit though, we want to relish our time there. We want to capture as many sights and experiences as we can. Instead, we say: Lucky you love Hawai'i! Originally, this section was to be called "Off the Beaten Track." However, as the site materialized, I discovered that hanging out at favorite "secret" spots is a rarity now. Growing up, there were beaches, surfing and fishing spots that only locals knew about. Now, paved roads give access to most "secrets." So, this section will feature something that you should see.

BIG ISLAND:

Akaka Falls/Rainbow Falls: Two thundering waterfalls will greet you along a short hike at Akaka Falls State Park. Just outside of Hilo, the trail leads you through a tropical rain forest and past freshwater pools.

City of Refuge, Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park: This sacred refuge (25 miles south of Kailua-Kona) was a sanctuary to those who broke a kapu or religious taboo, as well as defeated warriors, and women, children, and the sick in time of battle. Palace grounds, a royal fishpond, and a reconstructed temple are part of your walking tour. http://gohawaii.about.com/library/weekly/aa062600a.htm

Don't forget to take the turn off for the Painted Church (St. Benedict's Catholic Church). Just about a mile from the Honaunau (South Kona) post office, the turnoff is on the right. Beautiful painted murals adorn the church.

Hapuna Beach: This half-mile-long crescent beach slopes down to crystal-clear waters. During summer, it's great for swimming, snorkeling, and bodysurfing. Winter finds waves pounding the shoreline.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Kilauea): The Chain of Craters Road connects you to the visitor center, craters, active and dormant lava flows, and views of rain forests, mountains, and the coast. If you are fortunate, you can see Madame Pele at work via car, foot, or helicopter. http://www.volcanogallery.com/hawaii.htm

Mauna Kea: A paved road off of the narrow, winding Saddle Road will take you from the lower slopes of Mauna Kea to the Visitor Information Station at the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy. http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/mko/visiting.htm

KAUAI:

Fern Grotto: Do not miss the relaxing cruise up the Wailua River to a natural lava rock grotto covered with tropical ferns. Along the way, beautiful scenery and grasslands offer opportunity to imagine what life in the valley was like in days gone by.

Hanalei: Located on the northern part of Kauai, Hanalei typifies a tropical paradise. The mountains, river, and ocean meet to create a valley wherein taro fields jewel the landscape. White sand beaches and waterfalls beckon many to this small town.

Na Pali Coast: Its best to experience the spectacular beauty of the Na Pali Coast via helicopter or by boat. The cliffs and valleys, waterfalls and greenery captivate.

Waimea Canyon: This valley reminds everyone of Arizona's Grand Canyon. A much smaller version, its ever-changing beauty makes the drive worthwhile. Visit the Waimea Swinging Bridge before you leave the area.

Wailua Falls: Dramatic 80-foot waterfalls can be seen from Highway 583 or Maalo Road.

BEACHES:

Hanalei Beach: A half-moon shaped sandy beach that is a great for lounging in the sun. Swimming is fair due to shorebreak; surfing and boogie boarding are good.

Kalapaki Beach: Beautiful white sands and calm waters make this beach ideal for swimming. The bay is partially protected. Boogie boarding and body surfing are also popular. Located alongside tropical lagoon sanctuaries and 2 hotels. If your day permits, visit the Menehune (Alekoko) Fishpond.

Po'ipu Beach: Located near the southern-most tip of Kauai, the beaches in this area are great for snorkeling and scuba diving. Swimming here is almost always safe, especially on the left side of the beach.

MAUI:

Haleakala Crater: Breaking through the cloud cover, beautiful sunrises and sunsets can be viewed from the top of the Haleakala summit 10,000 feet above sea level. Bring a jacket or blanket, and a thermos of coffee or hot chocolate. It can be cold before sunrise and after sunset. Watching the first (or last) rays of sun streak the sky is a truly memorable experience. Several outfitters combine a sunrise bike ride with brunch. Stop by Hosmer's Grove on your way down.

Maui Downhill tel. (800)535-BIKE or (808)871-2155; http://www.mauidownhill.com
Maui Mountain Cruisers tel. (800)232-6284 or (808)871-6014; http://www.mauimountaincruisers.com
Mountain Riders Bike Tours tel. (800)706-7700 or (808)242-9739

Hana: Unspoiled by progress, Hana is much as it was in decades past. The winding 2-lane road to Hana takes you across one-lane bridges and past spectacular scenery. 52 serpentine miles from the Kahului Airport, its rainforest beauty captivates. Visit Hasegawa General Store and the Seven Sacred Pools. http://www.hanamaui.com/home.html

'Iao Needle: Located in the 'Iao Valley State Park, 'Iao Needle is a natural rock pinnacle rising above the 'Iao stream. Stretch your legs at Kepaniwai Park or take a short hike to the bridge overlooking the stream. Watch out for the mosquitoes!

Pioneer Inn and the Banyan Tree, Lahaina: Front Street, bustling with new storefronts, galleries and restaurants, belies the history that haunts Pioneer Inn and the Banyan Tree. Don't forget to visit Whaler's Village, Kaanapali, and Kapalua. Lahaina is also home to the Lahaina Jodo Mission, the site of a huge bronze Buddha, the largest outside of Japan.

BEACHES:

Ho'okipa Beach Park: Two miles past Paia, on the Hana Highway, Ho'okipa is one of the world's top windsurfing sites. Baldwin Beach, located closeby, has great bodysurfing waves almost year-round.

Kaanapali Beach: Bordering hotels, condos and Whaler's Village, this is a great place to combine swimming,shopping, and dining.

Kamaole III Beach Park: Kamaole I, II, and III greet you on your trip to Kihei. Popular with the locals because they're easily accessible, Kamaole III, or "Kam-3," is the best. As with all beaches in Hawaii, watch out for submerged rocks and coral. The ocean bottom also slopes and can drop off quickly.

Kapalua Beach: A beautiful beach protected from strong winds, this spot is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The beach borders the Kapalua Bay Hotel. Driving past the resort, you will find Mokuleia Beach, one of Maui's best bodysurfing spots.

MOLOKAI:

Ancient Hawaiian Fishponds (a.k.a. Royal Fish Ponds): Many ancient fish ponds made from lava rocks and coral can still be found along the southern coast (visible from Kamehameha V Hwy (450)). Thought to be built in the 13th century to feed royalty, this incredible achievement in aquaculture provided a ready supply of fish.

Ili'ili'o'pa'e Heiau: This is the biggest and most famous heiau on Molokai where kahuna (priests) performed the rite of human sacrifice. Breathtaking views await as you journey by horse-drawn wagon or on horseback to this sacred ancient temple.

Molokai Wagon Rides (808)558-8380; http://www.molokai.com/wagon/

Kalaupapa: Riding a mule to down the steep, narrow, and slippery trail to Father Damien's famous leper colony should not be missed. The pristine, sun-drenched beach that appears as you exit the lush forest takes your breath away. The trek aboard sure-footed mules is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. (Yes, you will feel it the next day.)

Molokai Mule Ride (800)567-7550; http://www.muleride.com

OAHU:

Arizona Memorial: Straddling the sunken hull of the battleship USS Arizona, the memorial commemorates the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. It is the final resting place for 1,102 (75 were recovered) crewmen who lost their lives. http://members.aol.com/azmemph/usarlink.htm

Bishop Museum: The Bishop Museum embraces and preserves the history and stories of Hawai'i and the Pacific. Beautiful collections and exhibits share the island heritage. http://www.bishopmuseum.org

Diamond Head: The hike to the top of the world-famous Diamond Head Crater ranges from easy to moderate. The trail includes 2 flights of stairs (76 and 99 steps, respectively), eventually wending its way through the military battery that occupied the crater. The view of Waikiki to Koko Head is breathtaking. Bring a flashlight (for a 225-foot unlit tunnel) and water.

Iolani Palace: The official residence of King Kalakaua and Queen Kapi`olani from 1882 until the King's death in 1891, this is a National Historic Landmark. It is the only state residence of royalty in the United States. Venture down King Street and visit the King Kamehameha Statue and the Kawaiaha'o Church on Punchbowl Street. http://www.iolanipalace.org

Kodak Hula Show: (888)229-7770. Performed at the Waikiki Shell, performances start at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, weather permitting. Bring your camera and enjoy the show. http://www.kodak.com/cluster/global/en/consumer/events/hulaShow.shtml

Pali Lookout/Old Pali Highway: At an elevation of about 1,000 feet in the Koolau Mountains, the Nu'uanu Pali Lookout overlooks picturesque windward O'ahu. Winds are usually very strong, making walking and leaning into the wind an experience in itself. Located off of the Pali Highway, ginger and lush greenery fill your senses.

Polynesian Cultural Center: Located on Oahu's northeast shore at Laie. Little "villages" introduce visitors to life and the culture of the major island groups of Polynesia. A great way to while away daylight hours and the evening with activities and shows. http://www.polynesia.com

Shopping: Every visit to Hawaii must include a "shop 'til you drop" escapade. Visit the sites below to plan your energizing day!

http://www.visit-oahu.com/shopping_centers.asp

Tantalus: At the top of hairpin turns via Round Top Drive, breathtaking panoramic views of Diamond Head, Waikiki, Punchbowl Crater, and Honolulu await you. Stop at Pu'u Ualakaa Park for the best view.

BEACHES:

Hanauma Bay: This marine sanctuary located in the crater of an extinct volcano is just past Hawaii Kai. Bring your snorkel and fins to see incredible schools of tropical fish swim past you. Parking is very limited, so go early. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy.

Kailua Beach: Located on the east shore of Oahu, this gorgeous white sand beach stretches for almost a mile. Beautiful clear, blue water make it a wonderful swimming spot. Relax and enjoy.

North Shore: Chun's Reef,Waimea Bay, Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach: During the winter, waves on the North shore of Oahu are incredible and mesmerizing . Do not venture in, or even too close: they can sneak up on you and have a wicked undertow. Traffic will be slow-going as everyone will be driving out to take a gander. Surfing on the North Shore is world-renown.

http://www.visit-oahu.com/beaches.asp

Hawaii Web Sites of Interest:

HAWAII:

http://www.hawaiiweb.com
http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/hints.htm
http://www.thisweek.com/allislands/tour.html
http://www.nps.gov/havo/
http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dsp/txtindex.html

BIG ISLAND:

Hawaii County
Hawaii Chamber of Commerce

KAUAI:

Kauai Government
Kauai Visitor's Guide

LANAI:

Visit Lanai
Lanai Online

MAUI:

Maui County
Visit Maui

MOLOKAI:

Visit Molokai
Molokai Visitor's Guide

OAHU:

Visit Oahu
City of Honolulu