4. Kualoa Ranch, Oahu
If you’ve ever wanted to step foot on the location of where Jurassic Park, Lost or Godzilla were filmed, Kualoa Ranch should be on your itinerary. This 4,000-acre working cattle ranch is a collection of rainforests, valleys, white sand beaches and cliff faces. Kualoa ranch offers many types of tours and experiences whether you are looking to see the movie sets or escape into the legends of the land. From horseback riding to ATV rides, this ranch caters to all. Explore the secluded secret beach and try your hand at paddle boarding or kayaking, or journey across an ancient Hawaiian fishpond and tropical garden.
5. Ahalanui Park, Hawaii Big Island
Unlike your hotel swimming pool, you’ll find the locals often outnumber the tourists here. The main feature of Ahalanui Park is the spring-fed volcanic hot pool that hovers around a balmy 90 degrees. The perfect place to soak your muscles after a hike, the view of the crashing ocean beyond the sea wall and the surrounding coconut trees makes this a hidden oasis. The park makes perfect outing for the family. There are lots of ladders to climb down in the water and snorkels are encouraged as there are plenty of fish swimming about.
6. Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, Kauai
If you’re a photography buff and looking to snap that perfect vacation photo, Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is where you want to head. A picturesque lighthouse stands amongst towering cliffs with lush green foliage in the distance. A haven to the endangered monk seals, the infamous green sea turtle and humpback whales in the winter, this is the perfect viewpoint for any marine life lover. Witness the huge gathering of birds that seek refuge at Kilauea Point and use the telescopes and binoculars to catch a closer glimpse. Explore the lighthouse and learn its history from the displays throughout.
