Page 11 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – January/February 2020

Hawaii
Known as the Big Island because of its size, this is
the place for active travelers and nature lovers. More significant than all of the other islands combined, it offers 11 of the world’s 13 climate zones.
Begin your tour in Kailua Village, a historic fishing village that once was a retreat for Hawaiian royalty. Here you can shop, dine and learn about the Hawaiian culture at Hulihee Palace, where monarchs spent their summers.
A little way north is the Kohala Coast, a resort area brimming with golf courses, great restaurants and Hapuna Beach State Park. Explore ancient history through the fascinating petroglyph fields. Venture inland and uphill to reach the coffee plantations and ranches
to take a horseback tour with the paniolos – Hawaiian cowboys. As sunset approaches, head up to the peak of Mauna Kea, where sunsets are spectacular and the stars are more numerous than you thought possible.
Hilo is a vibrant town with museums dedicated to science, culture and history, as well as unique shopping. In Wailuku River State Park, you can view Rainbow Falls and the Boiling Pots, a series of pools that bubble as if boiling. To the south from Hilo, you can access Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Walk through a lava tube, hike through volcanic craters or take a helicopter ride for a bird’s-eye view. Finish your Island of Hawaii journey by digging your toes into the black volcanic sand of Punalu‘u Beach.
Kauai
Looking to venture a little off the beaten path to a quieter island where you can relax and enjoy Hawaii’s natural beauty? This is the one to choose.
On Kauai, the natural
wonders never cease.
An excellent place to
start exploring is Waimea
Canyon, known as the
Grand Canyon of the
Pacific. The area where the
canyon’s mountains meet
the sea is known as the Napali Coast. While it’s mostly inaccessible by land, boat tours are plentiful and can be found in Port Allen in the town of Eleele.
The next stop is Poipu Beach, one of the most well- known beaches in the Hawaiian Islands and home to many popular hotels and resorts. Golfers will find an abundance of challenging courses to play in this area. Head east and north to Wailua, where you can journey up the river to the famous Fern Grotto. Stop to marvel at Opaeka’a Falls, which can
be viewed from the roadside. Circle to the north shore and visit the Kilauea Lighthouse for a scenic stop on your way
to Princeville, where you can cool off with a dip in Queen’s Bath, a tidepool at the shoreline that’s reached by a short hike. Further west is the town of Hanalei, known for historical places and art galleries as well as taro farms you can tour.
Whichever island is right for you, be sure to make the most of your experience with exciting activities and excursions that are as memorable as Hawaii itself. Call your AAA Hudson Valley Travel Agent today to start planning your dream Hawaiian getaway! Call 518-426-1000 or email booktravel@aaahv.com
Pleasant Holidays is a AAA Preferred Supplier for hotels and resorts. Don’t forget to ask for your AAA member benefit when booking.
Photo: IStockphoto: jhorrocks
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Photo: IStockphoto: maximkabb