Hawaii is known the world over as a place of breathtaking natural beauty. Six million years in the making, Hawaii is a brilliant masterpiece of nature. For visitors, it's inspiring, rejuvenating, revitalizing. The six islands of Aloha provide many different backdrops: smoking volcanoes and splashing waterfalls, undersea caverns and alpine streams, black lava deserts and deep green rainforest, botanical gardens where house plants grow into towering trees, and beaches that come in shades of gold and black, even green and red!

Shangri La is the Honolulu home of Doris Duke. Built in 1937, Shangri La houses an impressive collection of Islamic art and is considered one of Hawaii’s most architecturally significant homes. Shangri La was also the most private of homes, a retreat and sanctuary for a woman who greatly valued her privacy. In her will, Duke set in motion plans to open Shangri La to the public as a place for the study of Islamic art and culture.

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution — processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with unique ecosystems, and a distinct human culture. The park highlights two of the world’s most active volcanoes, and offers insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and views of dramatic volcanic landscapes. Marvel at lava flowing into the ocean, gaze at nene flying over the caldera at sunset, or hike through a rainforest in search of the Happy Face Spider...great adventures await those who visit Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park!

Nani Mau Gardens, located in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, has evolved into a treasure of the Islands with 20 acres of many-splendored tropical flowers and trees, pools and waterfalls and sun dappled paths. "Nani Mau" which translates as "forever beautiful" in Hawaiian is a perfect name for this beautiful garden that first opened to the public in 1972. Featuring 20 acres of artistically landscaped displays of native and exotic tropical flowers and plants, a spectacular orchid garden, rare palms and tropical fruit orchards, a visit to Nani Mau is a favorite of both visitors and residents alike.

Stretching for almost 20 miles, the North Shore beaches of O`ahu possess endless opportunities to catch some rays or take a dip in the turquoise waters. The wide sandy beaches make for a delightful stroll. During the winter months the North Shore produces monstrous waves reaching heights of 20 feet and higher which are impressive to watch from a save distance. However, the summer brings tranquility to the North Shore, with gentle waves lapping the shoreline - making it ideal for fishing, swimming, diving, walking and relaxing.

The Pipiwai Trail is located on Maui and leads you to one of island's most breathtaking sights… beautiful Waimoku Falls. At the end of the trail, this 400-foot waterfall cascades down a sheer lava rock into a small pool below. This is definitely one of the best hikes on Maui, and if you’re on the southeast side of the island, you shouldn’t miss it. The hike itself is only four miles roundtrip, but it can take up to 3-5 hours to enjoy, so be sure you have plenty of time to experience the beautiful tropical setting and to return before the sun sets.

In the cool Molokai uplands, a pack of mules prepare for the day's ride down to the world's most unique and formerly forbidden village of Kalaupapa. The journey begins from the Mule Barn with a mule guide briefing. You will learn your mule's name and the Mule Skinners (guides) will teach you how to ride and control the mules. No worries, these mules are personally trained by company owner Buzzy Sproat, one of Hawaii's foremost experts on mules. You will be riding down 1,700 feet of the most spectacular as well as the highest sea cliffs in the world (recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records). Enjoy a unique day in the Kalaupapa National Historical Park.

Keahiakawelo - the Garden of the Gods

Keahiakawelo, also known as Garden of the Gods, is an otherworldly rock garden at the end of Polihua road. Its eerie Mars-like topography is populated with stacks of mysterious rock towers of all sizes. According to Hawaiian lore, this barren landscape is the result of a contest between two kahuna (priests) of Lanai and Molokai. The rock towers, spires, and formations formed by centuries of erosion are at their most enchanting at dusk. It's no wonder why this is one of Lanai's most popular visitor attractions.

While you’re on Hawaii’s Big Island, take some time to go to an authentic luau, or Hawaiian feast. Most luau celebrations are filled with plenty of good food and quality entertainment, including Polynesian dancing, hula performances and exciting fire dancers. At a luau, you can sample some of Hawaii’s authentic dishes, such as the tasty kalua pig that is cooked in an imu, a pit filled with hot lava rocks.

The Golf Challenge at Manele

High above the crashing surf of Hulopo'e Bay, The Challenge at Manele on the island Lanai is an outstanding golf course that more than lives up to its name. Built on lava outcroppings, the course features three holes on cliffs which use the Pacific Ocean as a water hazard. The five-tee concept challenges the best golfers – tee shots over natural gorges and ravines must be precise. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this dramatic, unspoiled natural terrain is a stunning backdrop, and every hole offers majestic ocean views. During the winter, you may even catch spectacular sightings of whales right from the fairways.