Question by Brahbrah: What is the best vacation spot in Hawaii for someone who is only mildly fond of beaches?
I am not anti-beach, but beach activity alone does not make a vacation for me. What are your favorite areas of Hawaii other than the beach? I would be up for urban pursuits, wildlife viewing, or anything unique and fun.
Best answer:
Answer by Stimpson J. Cat
I really liked Big Island. There are some beautiful mountain towns and natural settings that are not along the beach.
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I would say either Oahu or the Big Island. Actually, there are lots of non-beach things to do on any of the islands, but Maui & Kauai are more beach oriented.
On the Big Island there is the Volcano National Park – lots to do & see there. There are some nice waterfalls just outside of Hilo & there is the Waipio Valley.
http://gohawaii.about.com/cs/bigislandland/a/waipio_valley.htm
http://www.nps.gov/havo
http://www.101thingstodo.com/hawaii/bigisland/tours/hilowaterfallcruise/index.php
Oahu has tons of stuff to do. We have a decent zoo,an aquarium, lots of historical places like Iolani Palace & Pearl Harbor, several museums (art, natural history, missionary period), a symphony orchestra, art on the fence (local artists display their work for sale outside the zoo on the weekends), & a small but interesting Chinatown.
http://www.iolanipalace.org/
http://www.nps.gov/usar
http://www.artonthezoofence.com/
All of the islands have good hiking, Maui & Kauai have zip-lining. If you come between December & March, a whale watching cruise is a must. Every island has beautiful sightseeing, like the road to Hana on Maui or the Waimea Canyon on Kauai.
Have a great vacation & don’t forget your sunscreen!