Hawaii's Juxtaposition by Tommy Smith

Hawaii is a travel destination for over 8.3 million visitors a year, and a multi-billion dollar industry. No wonder Hawaii is on my top 10 list! Hawaii is a set of islands nestled off the west coast of America and boasts 6 main islands that make up the chain. With lush rain forests, to vast flat-lands, fiery volcanoes and beautiful sunsets, Hawaii has something for everyone. One of the most beautiful aspects of Hawaii, in my opinion, is all of the seemingly opposite elements living right next to each other. Whether you are looking to find jagged mountain ridges hugging the coastline, or wide open spaces decorated with beautiful clouds that look like they are made out of cotton, Hawaii has some of the most unique areas in the western hemisphere.

Did you know that Hawaii has 8 different climate zones on it’s Big Island? That’s right, with one of the most diverse climate zones in the world, you can enjoy a continuous wet rain forest, to a dry barren tundra climate. With so many different climate zones, one can find themselves exploring the world over in just 4,028 square miles. If that isn’t enough motivation to check out Hawaii, then see what other great activities this little paradise has to offer.

One – The Beach

It is no secret that most people travel to Hawaii for the beaches. After all, the entire state is a chain of islands off the west coast. If you love pristine beaches, beautiful sunsets, and non-stop surfing, then Hawaii is perfect for you. Some of the most popular beaches in the area are Waikiki Beach, North Shore Beach, and Kaanapali Beach. With so many options to choose from you can see why so many people love to visit the islands for their summer vacation.

Two – Volcanoes

Did I mention that you can see live, active volcanoes in Hawaii? With the island continuously growing due to constant magma overflow, Hawaii is considered one of the most active areas in the world and you can get up close and personal with many of these world wonders by visiting the Hawaii Volcano National Park. Not for the faint of heart, this park offers you the chance to learn how over the last 70 million years Hawaii has been building its pristine beauty and rugged terrain.

Three – Haleakala Crater

By far one of the most extreme and beautiful experiences one can have on a vacation, climbing a dormant volcano that reaches over10,000 feet above sea level.
There are countless ways to enjoy this monument whether you are planning a bike trip, hiking trip, or simply want to drive you way to the top and take your time when exploring. Visiting the Haleakala Crater is a must when visiting the great state of Hawaii.

Four – Get Your Drink On

If you are looking for a more diverse form of entertainment and are a connoisseur of the finer things in life, then why not check out the local distillery in Kula. The Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery offers private tours, event hosting, and of course taste testing! You can spend the day touring the grounds, learning about the sugar cane industry, and understanding the distillery process from ground to glass. oceanvodka.com

Five – Swimming With the Fishes

And I don’t mean wearing a concrete boot either. Hawaii is one of the best places to go snorkeling and scuba diving in the world. With so many different beaches and swimming holes, you can find just about every kind of snorkeling paradise one can dream of. If you are a novice, then try out a shallow water dive, if you are looking to explore a bit on your own, check out the local expert expeditions that can drop you off in areas where you can swim around drop offs, overhangs, and deep water. No matter what your age or experience, Hawaii has a wonderful array of snorkeling adventures.