National Geographic Traveler: Hawaii

Active travelers trust National Geographic to deliver what they want in a guidebook: expert advice, insider tips, and the cultural feel of each destination not easily found online. These guides are pitch-perfect for today's experiential travel enthusiasts who want an authentic, enriching immersion.

Hopping from one dazzling Hawaiian island to the next--beginning on Oahu with Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, North Shore, and more--Rita Ariyoshi takes visitors on a breathtaking journey through this plumeria-scented paradise, describing all the major sights--and lesser-known ones as well. Along with the fabled beach and its attendant hotels, you'll visit the spectacular Bishop Museum, and take a detour to the North Shore, known for its giant waves and surfing culture. Then it's on to Maui, where charming Lahaina harks back to whaling days; the magnificent Haleakala volcano promises an amazing sunrise experience; and the white-knuckle Hana Drive overlooks the sparkling sea as it winds past countryside right out of Old Hawaii. The Big Island is famous for its volcanoes--you can walk down to see an actual lava flow; as well as the waterfall-laced Hana Coast and the cowboys of the Waimea highlands. There's no prettier island than Kauai, the "Garden Isle," and Ariyoshi makes sure that you don't miss the Bali Hai peaks of the North Shore, where you might wish to sip a cocktail as the sun sets; the fluted cliffs of the Na Pali coast; or the grandiose Waimea Canyon, interlaced with hiking trails. Undeveloped Molokai was once a leper's colony, and you can take a mule ride down to the tiny church where Father Damien once cared for the afflicted. Tiny Lanai was once the world's largest pineapple plantation, and is now a retreat for the rich and famous.

Several in-depth features introduce you to special aspects of Hawaii, including detailed discussions on the hula, golfing in Hawaii, and the story of the lei. This completely updated guide takes you on a walk around historic Honolulu, as well as through historic Lahaina; and a drive around the geologically fascinating Crater Rim in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Sidebars on experiential travel reveal how to attend a luau like a local, zip-line on Kauai, and enjoy Hawaii's healing arts. The guide describes the history and culture of Hawaii, and is full of practical information, including how to get around the region, an extensive list of handpicked hotels and restaurants, and selective activities and entertainment options.

RITA ARIYOSHI served for ten years as editor of Aloha Magazine. Her travel articles, fiction, and memoirs have appeared in a variety of international magazines and literary journals, including National Geographic Traveler. She is a five-time first-place winner in the prestigious Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition.