Publisher Description

With this beautifully illustrated guidebook's extensive information for off-the-beaten-path and authentic spots on each Hawaiian island, you'll be able to plan your next visit to Hawaii mindfully, with exclusive experiences in mind.National Geographic Traveler: Hawaii is the ideal companion for finding your bearings in the wide range of possibilities offered by the Hawaiian Islands, those jewels rising up in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean. The islands are the quintessential tropical paradise, but they're also full of surprises: delicious cuisine, the most active volcano in the country, fabulous sea cliffs, and refined boutiques. A unique atmosphere with Polynesian and Asian influences that are embedded in a genuinely American spirit, each of the six major islands has its own distinct character: Oahu, the cosmopolitan meeting place; Maui, young, lush, and sporty; Kauai, the garden isle; Hawaii, the big island or the orchid of the archipelago; Molokai, family-oriented and welcoming; and Lanai, a haven of peace and serenity.Making knowledgeable choices for your visit with the help of National Geographic experts will make your experience on the islands a memorable one. Discover the best Hawaii has to offer with:- Driving tours-from Volcano National Park to the famed Road to Hana;- A narrative that highlights the lifestyle, history, and modern culture of the islands;- Off-the-beaten path excursions;- The best spots for spotting turtles, dolphins, and whales off-shore;- Top-notch diving and snorkeling destinations;And so much more.You have to visit the Hawaiian Islands to truly understand the profound meaning of Aloha, which is more than just a greeting. Discover how Aloha infiltrates every aspect of Hawaiian life with suggestions from National Geographic photographers and travel experts that take the guesswork out of planning your next trip.

Author Biography

RITA ARIYOSHI is the author of Maui on My Mind and Hula is Life. She served for 10 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 of the prestigious Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition. Her stories have been commended by the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, the Pacific Asia Travel Association, the Hawaii Publishers Association, and the National Catholic Press Association. She is a grand prize-winner in the annual National Steinbeck Center Short Story Competition, and recipient of the Pushcart Prize for Literature. Ariyoshi's work has been collected in anthologies and made into television productions. A short story about Molakai won the University of Hawaii 2011 Ian MacMillan competition and a novel in progress was a finalist for the 2011 James Jones Literary Fellowship. She lives in Honolulu with her family.Hawaii-born journalist THELMA CHANG updated and wrote new features for the 2009 edition.

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