The Hawaiian Islands is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, with crystal clear blue waters, warm sandy beaches, shady palm trees and lush mountainous landscapes. But beyond Hawai'i's iconic natural beauty, there is so much more to see and experience within this tropical paradise.

Each of the Hawaiian Islands offers unique and different experiences, from outdoor adventures, shopping and nightlife to romantic escapes. Relax and rejuvenate in the idyllic scenery of Kaua'i, energize in the excitement on O'ahu, be captivated by the surprises on the islands of Maui, Moloka'i and Lana'i, or inspired by the natural wonders of Hawai'i Island. There are endless opportunities to tailor your Hawaiian vacation to satisfy every whim and desire.     

Kaua'i

Outdoor & Adventure

Nicknamed the Garden Island, Kaua'i is green and flourishing with lush flora that runs from the mountains to the ocean. Kaua'i offers more than 50 miles of white-sand beaches – more beach per mile than any other island in Hawai'i. Other natural wonders include the 3,567-foot deep Waimea Canyon, dubbed “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and the 3,000-foot towering mountain cliffs overlooking the Napali Coast along the northwest shoreline. Kaua'i's abundance of outdoor activities, including kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, mountain tubing, horseback riding, ATV adventures, zipline tours, and helicopter and boat tours, offer memorable vacation experiences for families, romance travelers, adventure or rejuvenation seekers.

Romance

No island knows romance like the Garden Isle.Readers of Travel + Leisure recently voted Kaua'i as the most romantic island in the U.S.As stated in the magazine, readers chose Kaua'i for its “dramatic scenery – primeval rainforest andphoto-ready waterfalls.” The publication also noted that Kaua'i “has enough film credits torival those of an A-list actor, including The Descendants, Avatar, and the steamy noir Body Heat.”

O'ahu

Outdoor & Adventure

Adventure abounds on the island of O'ahu with an array of exhilarating sea, land, air, and sporting activities. Hiking through rainforests, biking along mountain ranges and horseback riding in lush valleys; parasailing, parachuting and gliding over the dramatic landscape of O'ahu; swimming, diving, snorkeling, and surfing in the azure blue waters of the Pacific are excellent opportunities to explore the diversity O'ahu offers. 

• For surfing adventures, check out Hans Hedemann (www.hhsurf.com), Hawai'i Hot Spot Surf School or Hawaiian Fire (www.Hawaiianfire.com)
• Take a scenic drive to O'ahu's famous North Shore and hop aboard a glider plane at Dillingham Airfield with Original Glider Rides. Soar above the island on a three-seater sailplane with a friendly, knowledgeable and professional pilot, and see stunning views of the northern coastline. www.honolulusoaring.com
• Located in lush Ka'a'awa Valley with sweeping views of Kaneohe Bay, Kualoa Ranch & Activity Club offers horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and trolley rides to O'ahu's adventure-seeking visitors. Boat across an 800-year-old ancient Hawaiian fishpond to Secret Island to enjoy snorkeling or windsurfing. www.kualoa.com
• Sail along the Waikīkī coastline and snorkel near picturesque Diamond Head Crater on the Outrigger Catamaran. Snorkels and masks are provided and passengers are supervised by a lifeguard-certified crewmember. Take a ride in an Outrigger Canoe with a Waikīkī beach boy and experience the thrill of catching a wave without the surfboard. www.waikikibeachsailing.com
• Experience miles of uninhabited beaches, the most extensive coral systems in the state and pristine areas far off the beaten path with Wild Side Specialty Tours. This unique experience contains one of only a few known areas in the world that free-roaming dolphins interact with humans in the water. www.sailHawaii.com
• Explore O'ahu's lush valleys, cascading waterfalls and far-reaching coastlines by mountain bike, foot and boat during Bike Hawai'i's “From the Rainforest to the Reef” full-day adventure. Other half-day and full-day biking, hiking, sailing, kayaking, and snorkeling adventures are available. www.bikeHawaii.com

Family

• Families can create life-long memories while exploring Hawai'i's mysterious undersea world aboard with Atlantis Submarine Adventures. Both parents and children will be thrilled with sights of sunken ships and hundreds of exotic fish on a one and a half hour journey to the great depths of adventure. www.atlantisadventures.com
• Affectionately known as the “Mighty Mo,” the USS Missouri allows families to learn about life at sea aboard the world's last battleship.  Guided tours of the WWII battleship are offered daily and invite visitors to explore Mighty Mo's high-tech galleys.  www.ussmissouri.com
• Located between the slopes of Diamond Head and Waikīkī, the Honolulu Zoo is a place the whole family can enjoy. Attractions include the African Savannah, a ten-acre wildlife preserve exhibit of more than 40 species of uncaged African birds and mammals including the Komodo dragon. Families can welcome the sloth, the newest zoo resident.  For a relaxing family outing, the zoo hosts free weekly concerts in the summertime. www.honoluluzoo.org
• As one of the most historically significant destinations on O'ahu, Kualoa Ranch & Activity Club offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, educational programs and scenic tours for the whole family. Set on 4,000 acres of paradise on the windward side of the island, Kualoa Ranch aims to preserve, protect and enhance the natural beauty of the land while sharing its unique Hawaiian culture. Activities include helicopter tours, horse rides, ATVs, ranch and movie set bus tours, pasture ball, scuba diving, Jet Ski rides, and snorkeling tours. www.kualoa.com
• Outrigger Catamaran Rides offers dramatic views of the beautiful skyline of Waikīkī, the Ko'olau Mountain Range, Diamond Head, and the Kahala coast aboard the smooth-sailing 45-foot long catamaran. Cruises are offered daily and can include snorkeling excursions, sailing cruises and sunset voyages. Parents and children can enjoy spotting green sea turtles and Humpback whales during the winter months. www.waikikibeachsailing.com
• The warm island spirit of aloha abounds at the Polynesian Cultural Center, Hawai'i's number one paid visitor attraction. Located on O'ahu's North Shore, the center features seven Pacific Island villages on 42 acres with hands-on cultural experiences and interaction, and boasts friendly tour guides eager to share their Hawaiian culture and heritage with visitors. Families can also enjoy a canoe pageant and an impressive luau, followed by dazzling hula performances at “Hā: Breath of Life” a spectacular evening show. www.polynesia.com
• Sea Life Park Hawai'i added several new attractions to its already fascinating 62-acre marine park on O'ahu's South Shore. Families can get up close and personal with the interactive dolphin adventures or swim face-to-face with stingrays. Parents and kids can also participate in an underwater Sea Trek photo safari in a 300,000-gallon tank and visit lively exhibits of sea lions, penguins, seals, turtles, and sharks. www.sealifeparkhawaii.com
• Famous for its collection of tropical fish, the Waikiki Aquarium features a hands-on exhibit about sharks, an interactive exhibit on the origins of Hawai'i's marine life and a giant exhibit with sharks and other reef predators for the whole family to explore. The Coral and Reef Interactive Exhibit includes films, live presentations, touch-screen interactive displays, and samples of coral species that live in waters around Hawai'i and the South Pacific. www.waquarium.org

Romance

From natural beauty and adventure to sophisticated resorts, shopping and nightlife, romance is found throughout the island of O'ahu, known affectionately as “the heart of Hawai'i.” 

• Natural beauty creates the perfect setting for a romantic interlude. Stroll along O'ahu's idyllic shorelines, share a candlelight dinner on the beach, enjoy a kayak adventure together, take a scenic drive around the island, breathe in panoramic views of the city from Mount Tantalus or Diamond Head
• Pamper yourself with a spa treatment made for two that incorporate Hawaiian, Asian, Western, and Polynesian techniques. Check out spas at: Moana Lani Spa at the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, The Kahala Hotel and Resort's Spa Suites, SpaHalekulani at the Halekulani, Mandara Spa at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Na Ho'ola Spa at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki, Ihilani Spa at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa
• Revel in O'ahu's nightlife to celebrate your special occasion together with music and dancing at any one of the island's clubs: Rumours at the Ala Moana Hotel, Pearl Ultralounge at Ala Moana Center, Nextdoor or SoHo in Chinatown, Zanzabar or Addiction at The Modern Honolulu in Waikīkī
• For a romantic sunset drink, Waikīkī's beachfront hotels offering spectacular views include: Mai Tai Bar at The Royal Hawaiian, House Without a Key at Halekulani Hotel, The Beach Bar at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort, Hula Grill at Outrigger Waikiki and Tropics Bar & Grill at Hilton Hawaiian Village
• For a thoughtful and unique romantic evening, the Movie Museum offers movies for two.  The intimate 18-seat movie theater can be rented exclusively for private screenings of all of your favorite romantic classics. 
• Fabulous food, great ambiance and excellent service are the ingredients to cook up romance. For a romantic dining experience, reserve a table for two at La Mer, Orchids at the Halekulani, Hoku's Restaurant or cabana seating at Seaside Grill, both at the Kahala Hotel and Resort, Bali Steak & Seafood at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort and Spa, Chef Mavro, Alan Wong's Restaurant, Haleiwa Joe's, Star of Honolulu Five-Star Dinner Cruise, Morimoto Waikiki, Azure at The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort, Nobu Waikiki, Hiroshi Eurasian Tapas, Michel's at the Colony Surf or Ola at Turtle Bay Resort
• Remember your special occasion with a special souvenir, including Hawaiiana tattoos, Hawaiian jewelry by Philip Rickard or matching aloha wear from Manuheali'i, Tori Richard, Reyns or 'Iolani Sportswear

Shopping

O'ahu is a shopping paradise, where casual and sophisticated shoppers will find a tantalizing variety of independent, locally owned markets and stores, as well as a world-class collection of national retail chains and upscale boutiques that sell everything from handcrafts and uniquely Hawaiian products to lusted-over luxury merchandise. In addition to the major shopping malls on island, there are dozens of independent markets, boutiques and shops.

• Ala Moana Center, located in the heart of Honolulu, is the world's largest open-air shopping center with more than 290 stores to meet your every need. The Center is recognized as having the flagship stores for most major international, national and local retailers. Stores range from surf shops such as Town & Country and Hawaiian Island Creations, to upscale boutiques such as Chanel and Gucci to standard favorites such as Macy's and Nordstrom. Makai Market is the largest international food court in Hawai'i and one of the largest in the United States with seating for 1,500 people, offering ethnic cuisines from Thailand, Korea, Japan, China, the Philippines, Hawai'i, Mexico, and Italy.  www.alamoana.com
• Kahala Mall is located near the upscale residential area known as Kahala and features more than 90 shops and restaurants, as well as eight movie theaters. Kahala Mall also has dozens of independent local retailers such as The Vue, a boutique featuring local Hawaiian clothing and gift items, and trendy women's boutiques, Adore, Shasa, Ohelo Road, and In My Closet. www.kahalamallcenter.com
• Located in the heart of Waikīkī, Royal Hawaiian Center has more than 150 stores and services in this three-story complex, offering great shopping, dining and entertainment.  Popular shops and restaurants include Kate Spade, Apple, Ferrari, The Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Changs, and more. The center also offers free hula, ukulele and lei making lessons, as well as live Hawaiian entertainment. www.royalhawaiiancenter.com
• Just minutes from Ala Moana Center, Ward Centers offers an array of more than 100 dining and shopping options, as well as a 16-screen movie theater, at its four retail complexes – Ward Warehouse, Ward Centre, Ward Entertainment Center, and Ward Gateway Center. National retailers include Nordstrom Rack, Sports Authority, T.J. Maxx and Famous Footwear, as well as locally-owned boutiques that sell everything from designer mu'umu'u and bath fixtures to gourmet cooking items. Popular eateries include Buca di Beppo, Big City Diner, Ryan's Bar & Grill, Kanpai Bar & Grill, and Kaka'ako Kitchen. www.wardcenters.com
• Waikele Premium Outlets is changing the way residents shop. The “mega center,” located in west O'ahu, offers a variety of value retail stores and factory outlets. Values can be found at name-brand outlet stores such as Banana Republic, Barneys New York, Brooks Brothers, Coach Factory, and Guess. www.premiumoutlets.com
• Waikiki Beach Walk offers more than 50 shops and restaurants, including local retailers and eateries such as Mana Hawai'i, Aloha Army and Roy's Waikiki, as well as national favorites such as Quiksilver and Yard House. www.waikikibeachwalk.com
• 2100 Kalakaua Avenue has already been compared to Rodeo Drive and Fifth Avenue. The 110,000-square-foot luxury center opened in November 2002. Its tenants include Chanel, Gucci, Tiffany & Co., and Tods. The center also showcases Hawai'i's culture and flora, which the developer, the Honu Group, created to bring back a Hawaiian sense of place tying into the recently improved Waikīkī theme. www.2100kalakaua.com/ www.luxuryrow.co

Maui

Outdoor & Adventure

The three islands of Maui County or "Maui Nui" celebrate very different and distinct personalities and offer a synergy that is unique in Hawaii. The geographical relationship of Maui, Moloka'i and Lana'i make it possible to wake up on Maui, spend the day sailing and snorkeling off Lana'i, and be back in time for a sunset luau on the beach at Wailea.

Or you can hop aboard a ferry from Lahaina Harbor and explore Moloka'i's east-end rainforest or tour the remote, historic Kalaupapa Peninsula. These inter-island adventures offer unique views of the islands, their coastlines, and their looming mountains from the grand Pacific Ocean.

Mauians are revitalizing natural habitats. They are reawakening ancient taro patches. Some are preserving precious marine resources. Others are sharing authentic Hawaiian cultural experiences. All are part of the same fabric. And the quilt they are weaving is called Malama Maui - "to nurture Maui." Learn about what Mauians are doing to care for and share their special home, and how visitors can experience one of the world's most spectacular travel destinations from the kama'aina or "homegrown" point of view.

"Malama Maui" is about people who enjoy learning about the history, natural environment and living culture of a place, travelers who want to immerse themselves in the rich heritage that makes a destination unique. This type of travel has been called agri-tourism or ecotourism, yet Malama Maui reaches beyond these labels, asking visitors to experience what most Maui residents value above all – aloha 'aina or love of the land.

• Haleakala, known as the “House of the Sun” is more than Maui's most visible landmark. The 10,023-foot volcano, dormant since the 1600s, is also where legend says the demi-god Maui lassoed the sun, forcing it to slow its path across the sky. (Now you know why the day is 24 hours long.) This storied mountain can be mined for all sorts of stories – Hawaiian myth and history, its volcanic past and future, its astronomical observatories, its role as a model of environmental conservation, and as a stunning campground with miles of amazing hiking trails. Plus there is the singular experience of watching the sunrise from the summit. 
• Maui Nui is the heart of whale-watching in Hawai'i, and for good reason. During the winter mating and birthing season, it has the largest concentration of humpback whales in Hawaii easily viewed on whale-watching cruises and even from shore. It also has a museum and an ocean center with exhibits on whales and whaling. There are lots of ways to approach the story of whales in Hawai'i – the history of the 19th-century hunts and how that industry changed Hawai'i forever, the biology of the huge humpbacks. But ultimately, every good whale story should include a personal encounter with these beautiful behemoths, and Maui is the perfect place for this amazing experience.
• Sometimes getting there really is half the fun. The friendly little rural community of Hana on Maui's lush northeast coast is home to Hotel Hana-Maui, one of the most quietly sublime hotels anywhere, and nearby Hamoa Beach, which gets on Top 10 Beach lists. Hana is 52 miles and a world away from bustling Kahului. Sure you can hop on a little plane and fly in, but then you will miss the twisty winding fun of the Hana Highway. This two-lane road takes you across 54 little one-lane bridges, through lush forest, under towering trees whose ripe fruit turns to a wine pulp beneath car tires, past an arboretum, picnic spots, and roadside stands selling tropical flowers and fruit. Hana Highway is definitely a story in itself.
• With so many different kinds of wonderful beaches around Maui, there are bound to be plenty of story angles to float your boat. There are beaches with world-class surfing and wind-surfing; beaches and adjacent shoreline perfect for kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving; beaches for hiking through ancient Hawaiian history, for seeing rare native sea life, and yes, for just lying on the sand and soaking up rays. There are beautiful beaches that get voted onto Top 10 lists, beaches where you can order a cocktail and secluded beaches where you can channel your inner Robinson Crusoe.

Family

Not all vacations bring families closer together. Sometimes the kids are going one-way and the older folks another. A true family vacation should be bonding – time spent together, time that everyone enjoys, a time of shared adventures that turn into family stories told again and again in the years to come.

There is something about Maui that really brings a family closer together. It begins with sunrise in a warm, crystal-clear sky. The climate and natural beauty suggest that it's time to slow down. There is no hurry to “get somewhere” – unless, perhaps, out onto the beach for an early morning swim or stroll. Beach sand is a great equalizer; it pleases infants as much as the elderly. A quiet beach becomes a place for conversations, or maybe just for “hanging out.” Slowing down the business of daily life often allows people the luxury of simply saying hello.

• Travel + Leisure Magazine released for the first time a “Best Beaches on Earth” list; Wailea Beach on Maui's sunny, southern shores took first place in the activities category. TripAdvisor announced their 2013 Travelers Choice Beaches Awards Winners and Wailea Beach earned the honor of being one of the Top 10 Beaches in the US. Wailea's resort hotels and condos offer a host of ocean and beach activities. Snorkeling, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, outrigger canoe rides, whale watching (in season) and sand castle building are some of the most popular. www.wailearesortassociation.com

• This historic town is a whole book of stories. Lahaina is no longer that wild and wooly whaling town where sailors on leave clashed with determined missionaries; however, it is still arguably Maui's best party town with plenty of lively oceanside bars and restaurants, as well as interesting boutiques and galleries that stay open through the evening. Lahaina has a serious side, too. The latest exciting news is the archeological detective work going on at Mokuula, an enormously important early Hawaiian site.
• The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas offers an evening of fun for tweens with dancing, delectable mocktails and treats offered at Pulehu, an Italian Grill, and pre-party at Spa Helani, a Heavenly Spa by Westin. Live entertainment with a cool DJ spinning teen favorites will add merriment to the get-together with lots of gifts and prize giveaways. Activities include dance contest, Wii games, balloon sculpture and more. www.westinkaanapali.com.
• The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas' Annual Fourth of July Celebrations are designed with an eco-friendly touch - 60,000 fresh orchids in shades of white and purple are showered onto resort guests from a helicopter above! The Hawaiian flower shower creates an unusual buzz of excitement especially with specialty flowers that are dropped together with thousands of orchids. Guests who find the specialty roses receive prizes ranging from dining and spa certificates. The environmental-friendly activity promotes a clean and smokeless "flowerworks" alternative and emphasizes the importance of environmental sustainability. www.westinkaanapali.com.
• Enjoy the art of learning to weave or craft a fish using coconut leaf fronds during your vacation. This new activity is now offered at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa. Additionally, guests are treated to free ukulele lessons, hula dancing and coconut husking demonstration where you can taste fresh coconut water. The local craft fair held oceanfront at Tropica Lawn offers unique finds including handmade items, while Stargazing with Becky takes you on a fascinating exploration of the stars. www.westinmaui.com. 
• Wailea Golf Club has upgraded its rental program for 2013 with a new fleet of rental clubs featuring TaylorMade's wildly popular RocketBallz clubs. Guests can now play Wailea's award-winning courses with a full complement of top-rated RBZ clubs including driver, woods, wedges and irons, plus the White Smoke putter. Renowned for helping players achieve greater distance, RBZs have received rave reviews for their performance, feel and looks. Wailea Golf's rental clubs are available for men and women at the Wailea Gold & Emerald. www.waileagolf.com. 
• Three-time Merrie Monarch winner Kamaka Kukona, with show choreographer Reri Septirno, have redesigned Wailele Luau at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa. Held outdoors with a stunning oceanfront and waterfall backdrop, the new show utilizes the elements of earth, fire and water to reflect the rich Polynesian culture through superb performances with vibrant costumes. Highlights include the story of Pele, Goddess of Fire and a new performance dedicated to Wailele (waterfalls). The extreme fire-knife dance performance by fire-knife dance champion Martin Tevaga is the perfect finale! www.westinmaui.com.

Romance

The Hawaiian Island group known as Maui Nui - Moloka'i, Lana'i and Maui - is rich with beauty and aloha, the spirit of love that pervades every aspect of the Hawaiian culture. A favorite destination for romance visitors, couples come to Maui seeking a reprieve from the busyness and stress of their daily lives. They seek, and find, a place that represents the beauty of their own budding love, a place to celebrate their joining as one, or even a place to revive the spark of a long-lost romance. Gorgeous natural beauty, the magic of diverse environments, the value of Maui's convenient location and abundant service options make Maui the perfect setting for lifelong memories.

Maui has some of the finest resorts anywhere on the planet. You can laze on the beach (or by the pool) sipping amazing cocktails, or dine in superb restaurants, or indulge in the royal treatment at the spa, or take part in Hawaiian culture demonstrations, or play on championship golf courses, or enjoy ocean sports. The only difficult thing about Maui's resorts is leaving to explore the rest of the island.

• Elope to heavenly Hana for a secluded wedding or civil union and honeymoon. Travaasa Hana's elopement package features an inclusive stay (with all meals, spa treatments, and activities), arrangement of marriage license or civil union appointment, traditional wedding lei, fresh flower scatter at wedding site and in-room upon return from ceremony, the personal services of a wedding specialist, and more. Located at the end of the Road to Hana on Maui's eastern shore, Travaasa Hana is surrounded by natural beauty and known for its Hawaiian cultural heritage and small town charm. www.travaasa.com/elopement
• Kapalua Spa announces the Hawaiian love story inspired by the story of star-crossed lovers Princess Naupaka and a commoner. Legend notes the Naupaka blooms in halves and when the flower from the mountain (Naupaka Kuahiwi) joins the oceanside (Naupaka Kahakai), the lovers will be reunited. Hawaiian Healer Darrell Lapulapu developed an exclusive fragrance featuring the two Naupaka flowers specifically for this couples-only treatment, which includes lomi lomi massages, exfoliation using the special fragrances and a couple's bath. Includes lunch, tropical fruit tray and coconut water. www.kapalua.com
• Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa's acclaimed Tour of the Stars program has earned the resort the title of CNN Travel's “Top Hotel in the World for Stargazing,” another accolade in the growing list of recognitions for this unique astronomy experience. Hyatt Regency Maui tops CNN Travel's list as the sole representative for the United States, and is joined by properties and experiences reaching from Morocco to Iceland. www.maui.hyatt.com

Hawai'i Island

Outdoor & Adventure

Outdoor adventure is practically everywhere you look on Hawai'iIsland. Hikers can walk in sand, snow and across a steaming volcanic crater – all in one day. Campers can pitch their tent on a beach, in a lush rainforest or on a high-desert lava plain naturally decorated with purple rocks. Snorkelers can float among sun-spangled reefs teeming with a rainbow of reef fish, while SCUBA divers can explore a world of manta rays – at night. Cruise from a bird's-eye-view by boarding a helicopter or flight-seeing plane above this incredible landscape. Hawai'i Island is overflowing with untold adventure stories waiting to be discovered.

• Designated as a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site (1987), Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park (333,086 acres) is an unparalleled natural display of volcanic forces, endemic plants and rare birds.
• Three other national sites – Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historic Park, Pu'ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site and Kaloko-Honōkohau National Historic Park – make ancient Hawaiian history come alive. And the 175-mile Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail is easily one of the most dazzling beautiful hikes you'll ever take.
• Visitors can explore the waters of Kealakekua Bay with Kona Boys on a guided kayak and snorkel tour in the morning or afternoon. To ensure a fun and safe experience for children and adults alike, all guides are lifeguard, CPR, and first aid certified. Kayak and snorkel gear, healthy snacks and drinks are included. www.konaboys.com
• Kahalu'u Beach Park in Kona is Hawai'i Island's premier snorkeling and green sea turtle bay. This shallow, safe bay is also home to more than 100 species of reef fish and 400 year-old corals, which the Kahalu'u Bay Education Center helps to protect and preserve through proceeds from snorkel gear rentals and underwater camera purchases.

Family

• Some of the world's most powerful astronomical telescopes have been built atop 13,796-foot Maunakea. Its isolation in the middle of the Pacific Ocean means exceptionally clear, dry air and low light impact. There's also the good fortune to be at an optimal geographic position on the planet. Poised at 19.5 degrees north latitude, visitors can see the entire Northern Hemisphere and 90 percent of the Southern Hemisphere. Imagine seeing the North Star and Southern Cross in the same evening!
• Rock fan or music lover, a fan of deep space astronomy or exploring the discoveries on Maunakea, 'Imiloa Astronomy Center's Friday Night planetarium programs have something for everyone. The eclectic mix ranges from pure science to entertaining music shows. This month, visitors can catch Pink Floyd's The Wall planetarium show, the 3D Hitchhiker's Guide to the Universe live program, and the Maunakea Skies Talk on new discoveries from the telescopes on Maunakea. www.imiloahawaii.org.

Romance

Hawai'i Island is an ideal romantic getaway that offers adventure for lovebirds. Get a sensuous couples massage in a AAA Five Diamond resort, enjoy succulent local lobster under candlelight on the beach or sneak a kiss while manta ray diving. Tie the knot in a misty rainforest, on the beach at dawn, on horseback or on a catamaran sailing offshore or on a golf course. Wherever you're wed, you can be draped in lei of fragrant flowers.

• Guests of Hilton Waikoloa Village are invited to an Evening Under the Stars at Waiulua Bay. Once a month at 6 p.m., visitors pack up a blanket or beach chair and enjoy a casual night of entertainment with storytelling of local myths and legends under the starry skies at the Palace Garden. www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com.
• Newlyweds interested in saving money during their honeymoon can take advantage of Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa's online bridal registry service. Imagine a romantic honeymoon at Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa enhanced by an unforgettable massage for two at Ho'ōla Spa or a torch-lit dinner under the stars. Couples can share the registry web link with friends and family and let them select from an array of items for the honeymoon. www.sheratonkona.com or www.starwoodhi.honeymoonwishes.com.
• For an ocean adventure that captures the true essence of Hawai'i, get on board Body Glove Cruises Historical Sunset Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay. Visitors will be immersed in the aloha spirit and local history and legends of the historic bay while enjoying Hawaiian style music, Pacific Rim cuisine, and complimentary cocktails. www.bodyglovehawaii.com
• Other suggestions for spending time with a loved one include: a visit to 'Akaka Falls, camping in Hāmākua at Laupāhoehoe Point, hiking in Waipi'o, a valley steeped in legends of separated lovers, stargazing at Maunakea, horseback riding in Waimea, exploring North Kohala's small towns of of Kapa'au and Hāwī, relaxing at Kohala Coast's luxurious resorts, strolling through Kailua Village, learning about culture and history at South Point (Ka Lae), feeling the heat at Kīlauea volcano's Halema'uma'u Crater at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, or cruising the boardwalk at funky Pāhoa town in Puna.

Shopping

• Look out for new retail stores at Kings' Shops within Waikoloa Beach Resort. Kona Surf `N Sandals opened in January with the largest selection of Da Kine accessories, luggage, bags and apparel on the island. The store also offers a huge selection of hats including authentic Panama hats as well as Reef and Sanuk slippers and sandals. In March, Paradise Boutique opened, offering fashionable women's clothing, handbags, jewelry, and accessories. Visitors staying at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel or Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel can hop aboard the new Kings' Shops Shopping Shuttle.  www.kingsshops.com

Established in 1998, the Hawai'i Tourism Authority, the state's tourism agency, is responsible for strategically managing tourism to optimize benefits for Hawai'i that integrates the interest of visitors, the community and visitor industry. Tourism is our state's leading economic driver and largest employer and the HTA continually works to ensure its sustainability well into the future. For more information on the HTA, please visitwww.Hawai'itourismauthority.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter (@Hawai'iHTA).

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Media Contact:           

Andrea Oka

Stryker Weiner & Yokota Public Relations

Phone: (808) 523-8802

Email: andrea@strykerweiner.com