Hawaii - Don't Hire a Tour Guide, Guide Yourself
When you visit Hawaii there are many islands that offer plenty
of exciting activities, natural wonders, and enjoyment for all
who visit. However, Hawaii is one of the most expensive places
to live in the United States, so you can only imagine how
traveling in the area might affect your budget. Because of this
you might prefer to guide yourself through the islands with some
suggestions of the better activities and natural wonders
awaiting you, especially on Oahu and Kauai. If you choose to
guide yourself you will certainly save yourself lots of money
not to mention you will enjoy your trip a little more because
you will be in charge and more aware of your surroundings. When
you guide yourself through Hawaii you will enjoy more of an
adventure than if you hire a guide. The following activities
will help you guide yourself to a vacation of a lifetime.
Guide Yourself on Oahu If you are on the island of Oahu then you
can enjoy the beauty of the island from a rent a car and simply
drive to the appointed locations as well as discover some on
your own. Oahu is incredible and there is so much to see and do
you will really enjoy guiding yourself because you can stay a
little longer or move ahead faster if you choose to do so. If
you follow these suggestions you will spend a couple hours
checking out the recommended sites, or longer if you choose.
The first stop is at the Punchbowl/National Cemetery. The
cemetery is located off of Puowaina Drive and there are signs
that will guide you the short distance to the cemetery. Here you
will encounter the National Memorial Cemetery that is the
resting ground of thousands of WW2, Korea, and Vietnam soldiers
who gave their lives for their country. More than 35,000 graves
are located at Punchbowl, which is an extinct crater of a
volcano. The Punchbowl is open to visitors daily from 8:30 am -
6:30 pm and more than 6 million visitors visit each year. You
too should visit the Punchbowl to honor those fallen and to
remember.
>From the Punchbowl you can hop back in your car and head to Puu
Ualakaa Overlook. This stop offers an amazing 230 degree view of
Honolulu from Mt. Tantalus. You can see from Pearl Harbor to
Diamond Head and will simply be overwhelmed with this site. If
you feel like stopping for a few minutes and continuing on that
is fine, or else you can pack a picnic lunch, hike the trails,
and just enjoy the beauty.
If you are really interested in plant life and hiking then your
next stop will be truly enjoyable. From the Overlook you should
head to the Lyon Arboretum. More than 194 acres of rainforest is
home to 8000 species of plants that will truly turn your head
and make you appreciate nature. There are trails you can hike as
well as restrooms on the premises.
Also while on Oahu you should visit Pearl Harbor. This is
perhaps one of the most frequented locations on the island. Here
is the USS Arizona memorial and you can view a memorial to all
the individuals who lost their lives when Japan attacked Pearl
Harbor. The memorial is constructed above the ship that sank.
There is also a free program you can attend and learn more about
Pearl Harbor.
While there are many places on Oahu you just have to visit,
these are several recommended options that will keep you on your
feet and enjoying the beautiful area.
Tour Kauai on Your Own Once you have seen Oahu you should set
your sites on Kauai. There is so much to see and do in Kauai
that you could tour the island for weeks and still not see and
do it all. However, just a few of the most exciting and
interesting locations will be highlighted here.
The Waimea Canyon Lookout is a must see if you are in Kauai and
you will be amazed at the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. From the
lookout you have a vista of the mile long, 10 mile wide canyon.
You will be amazed at the site.
After this visit you should head to Salt Pond County Beach Park,
which is next to the salt ponds. These are the only salt ponds
in Hawaii that are still in use and produce the ancient rock
salt. This is off of mile marker 17 so keep your eyes open as
you are driving along.
Another must see location in Kauai is the Russian fort at
Hanalei Bay. Russia was not in Hawaii too long, but there is a
bit of their fort remaining to remember when they were. Although
the two year adventure ended and little is left of the fort, you
have a breathtaking view of Hanalei Bay that is worth the trip.
Then, you must visit Maniniholo dry cave. This cave is made from
a mesh of trees and vines and is simply amazing. There is no
water in the cave to be concerned with, either. This sea cave
has been in existence for ages and there is a legend that it was
dug by sea elves. Once you see Maniniholo dry cave you can make
up your own mind.
The final must see on Kauai is Kamokila Hawaiian Village. Here
you will be able to learn a little bit about Hawaiian history
and how old Hawaiians lived. Amazingly enough, these Hawaiians
were truly self sufficient and lived off the land. Kamokila
Hawaiian Village. Here you will be able to learn a little bit
about Hawaiian history and how old Hawaiians lived. Amazingly
enough, these Hawaiians were truly self sufficient and lived off
the land. You can visit this village any day and even take a
ride in a canoe if you so choose.
There are many more things to do in Oahu and Kauai than those
listed above; however these are just suggestions to help you
keep in mind hat Hawaii is more than beautiful beaches and
luaus. It is a state with a significant past and an amazing
history regarding the Hawaiians as well as the Americans. When
you are visiting Hawaii you will get a feel for the past and
truly come to understand a little more about Hawaii.