Considered one of the top tourist destinations, Hawaii is famous for its abundance of flora, fauna, volcanoes, and picture perfect beaches. It is popular for its authentic culture and variety of activities, from swimming to hula dancing, to visiting the Pearl Harbor Museum.

Hawaii is well known for its tropical vegetation because of its warm and wet weather and sunlight. Bananas, coconuts, and pineapple are some of Hawaii’s most abundant fruits. The Dole gardens grow a variety of pineapple as well as other crops for market. Visitors can walk between crops of fruits and take a train ride around the Dole property.

The beaches in Hawaii are always occupied by excited tourists trying to get a little bit of sun. The clear warm water and cooling sea breeze make for a perfect place to relax. Dinner by the light of tiki torches is a great way to end an exotic day. Hawaii has a variety of fresh seafood such as fish and shrimp, and other authentic dishes available.

Visitors often attend luaus where they can try Hawaiian style food like roasted pork and fried exotic fish. There are activities only available in Hawaii such as “Pick A Pearl” stations where adventurous travelers can choose pearls straight from the oyster. Tourists can visit Pearl Harbor in Oahu and visit memorials and museums dedicated to World War II. There are a variety of marine life that vacationers can interact with, such as swimming with dolphins and manta rays.

Volcanoes are also a major attraction in Hawaii. There are a few active volcanoes that can be visited. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park allows tourists to experience erupting volcanoes such as Kilauea and Maunaloa.

I went to Oahu Island with my mom and younger sister in the summer of 2008. I was fortunate to have visited the Polynesian Cultural Center as well as Waikiki Beach. There was an extravagant luau featuring dancers in grass skirts with flowers in their hair and around their ankles. The environment was very relaxing and welcoming and felt like the ideal getaway.

Hawaii is a charming and restful vacation spot. Even though it’s part of the United States, it’s devoid of the stress of everyday life in America.