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The island of Maui is always among the top vacation destinations in the world, and is one of the most popular islands in Hawaii. This island offers numerous tourist activities for couples and families, and stunning views from nearly any vantage point on the island. Maui is known for over 120 miles of sparkling beaches and several unique inland habitats created by the two volcanoes on the island. This popular vacation destination has something for everyone, whether your trip is a family vacation or a romantic getaway.

When visiting Maui, don’t miss out on the chance to visit a luau. Many of the larger hotels offer a professional luau every week to give tourists a taste of this traditional Hawaiian feast. Luaus offer traditional Hawaiian cuisine and exotic tropical dishes that are actually a fusion of Polynesian, Asian, and Hawaiian cultures. This delicious buffet includes Palua Pork, often cooked in the customary manner of an underground oven, where the pig is roasted all day long. The breathtaking entertainment at a luau often includes hula dancing and Samoan fire dancers.

Of course, when visiting Maui you must leave time for enjoying the beach. The island is known for beautiful white sands and gleaming blue waters. Try your hand at scuba diving or snorkeling to catch a peek of marine life, which includes bright tropical fish, coral, and manta rays. A submarine tour is an interesting way to see these creatures without getting wet. To enjoy the waves, rent a surfboard or jet ski or go swimming in the warm waters off Maui’s beaches. There are also several specialty cruises and tours designed to offer unique views of the island and the surrounding waters. If your visit is scheduled between December and April, take advantage of the opportunity to embark on a whale watching cruise.

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Although you may not think of forests when you think of Hawaii, there are plenty of inland environments for you to explore. Home to two volcanoes, Maui has a unique rainforest ecosystem. This mountainous region can be explored by helicopter or by Jeep. The eastern coast of Maui is easy to explore thanks to the Hana Highway, which offers countless lookout points and opportunities to see breathtaking views. Maui’s many trails offer ample opportunities for biking and hiking, where you may spot some of the unique plants and animals that call the island home. Each of Maui’s unusual environments is filled with a vast array of exotic species. One of the most popular destinations on the island is Oheo Gulch, also know as Seven Sacred Pools. Swimming through this series of waterfalls and pools, which empties into the Pacific Ocean, is said to bring good luck.

Although the best views are said to be along the coast, there are thousands of amazing views available in the inland areas, too. The view from Haleakala crater, formed by one of Maui’s volcanoes, is said to be the best sunrise. This volcano last erupted over two hundred years ago; you can still see this eruption’s lava flows. This is actually one of the highest mountains in the world, though much of its height is hidden underwater. For the best sunset views, head to Lahaina. This wharf is known for its restaurants and shops in addition to whale watching and sunset cruises.

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The traditional Hawaiian feast now known as the luau dates back hundreds of years. Before the reign the Hawaiian King Kamehameha II, men and women in Hawaii were not allowed to eat together. After abolishing this law in 1819, he held a symbolic feast with women invited. At this feast, King Kamehameha served a traditional dish involving chicken wrapped in Taro leaves and baked in coconut milk. This dish, known as ‘Luau,’ gave this feast its name.

Rather than simply a party, luaus were held in recognition of important events, from notable visitors to a coming of age celebration. During the first luau dinners, diners sat on the ground and ate food placed on leaves and woven mats. Traditional foods for these early luaus included roast pig and mashed taro root (a staple of the Hawaiian diet), both of which are still served at many luaus today. In these days, women in Hawaii were forbidden from eating certain foods, considered delicacies. King Kamehameha II was sure to incorporate these into his symbolic feast. All of these foods were eaten with the fingers; no utensils were used.

While it was certainly a festive occasion, these luaus were only held for certain events, not solely for entertainment value. These luaus were a very specific type of celebration; they were not just any Hawaiian party. Luaus, both then and now, have always been large feasts. In fact, King Kamehameha II often invited hundreds of guests; sometimes, guests ate in several shifts because there was not enough room for everyone.

Today, luau parties are held all over the islands, both for tourists and for celebratory reasons. Guests at luaus receive a lei, a necklace of woven flowers, as a symbol of welcoming. Though many visitors to Hawaii visit large commercial luaus, they are still held throughout the island for more symbolic occasions.

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Commercial luau parties held just for tourists are held weekly at the most popular hotels in Hawaii. These professional luaus are not only feasts, but also entertaining displays. Often visitors at a luau will see thrilling fire dances, which are actually Samoan rather than Hawaiian in origin, in addition to traditional Hawaiian hula dancers. If you are visiting Hawaii on vacation, be sure to visit a luau, not only for its delicious food but also for the entertainment. Often, crafts and souvenirs are sold in addition to more traditional foods and entertainment. Many tourist-centered luaus offer the opportunity for guests to learn a simple hula dance from traditional dancers.

Today’s luau parties are actually a fusion of cultures, including Asian, Polynesian, and Hawaiian influences in addition to mainland dishes served with tropical flair. Today, teriyaki sauce is a staple flavor in luau foods, giving each dish a sweet yet savory flavor. You may even see teriyaki sauce marinated Spam, a canned meat that is quite popular in Hawaii, in addition to more traditional Hawaiian dishes like poi and Kalua Pork. Luau parties were quite popular during the 1960s, so some luaus incorporate cocktail foods from this era, even macaroni salad, or cocktail weenies in teriyaki sauce. Today’s luau parties may simply be Hawaiian themed, and range drastically in their adherence to traditional luau foods and customs.

The lei-giving custom was first observed by Captain Cook in 1779, though this tradition is believed to date back to at least several centuries before this sighting. Originally, the design and wearing of a lei was meant to symbolize the wearer’s social rank, which was reflected in both the type of flower used and how the lei was woven. Today, leis are frequently worn by Hawaii’s most important public figures, such as the governor, particularly for important public appearances and on holidays.

Leis have also been worn, both historically and in modern times, on important occasions, including births, deaths, victories, and graduations. Depending on the occasion’s symbolism, different flower varieties or colors can be incorporated into the lei. Leis are also used in various religious ceremonies, where lei rituals are completed to ask the gods for safety when traveling or fishing or for fertile crops.

Leis are a popular Hawaiian gift not only for special occasions but also as a symbol of respect, love, welcoming, or appreciation. Though lei ceremonies have typically been reserved for important occasions, today leis can represent many different meanings, and are seen at nearly every public gathering, for nearly any reason, throughout the islands. Many visitors even receive a lei when they arrive to Hawaii on vacation. They are said to represent the “spirit of aloha,” which can mean several different feelings, including a greeting, farewell, hope, joy, or love. A lei created from beautiful flowers is meant to represent a non-verbal expression of aloha.

One occasion in Hawaii where leis are nearly always seen is a wedding. The wedding couple can incorporate leis into their celebration in several different ways. The wedding officiant may bless or hold the flowers, which the couple then exchanges a symbol of their commitment to each other. They may also give the leis to their family, a symbol of the families joining together. They may choose to have the wedding party don leis instead of corsages, or give them to wedding guests as favors to symbolize their appreciation for the support of their guests.

Today, leis are popular gifts for dozens of different occasions, and the gift of a lei has come to symbolize many different feelings. Though there are almost no restrictions on the occasion or meaning of a lei gift, if you are the recipient of a lei, there are a few guidelines to follow. A lei is a very special, hand-woven gift, and it is considered rude to refuse on. It should be treasured, especially if you are honored with a lei made from a particularly rare flower. The lei should be worn around the neck, head, or a hat brim. Do not wear leis around your neck if you are pregnant; according to superstition, this represents the tangling of the umbilical cord. To dispose of a lei, never throw it in the trash. Instead, return it to nature, either to the area where the flowers were collected,  or by hanging it in a tree or floating it away in a body of water.

The islands of Hawaii were first noticed by Europeans when Captain James Cook happened upon the islands during his search for the Northwest Passage, a water route through North America. Naming the chain the Sandwich Islands, he carried news of his discovery back with him, prompting other Europeans and Americans to settle in the area throughout the 1790s and 1800s. Not only settlers but also missionaries began arriving as soon as 1820, attempting to convert native Hawaiians to Christianity. Within just a few decades, the chain became a primarily Christian nation. Because of all of these foreign influences, the diet and living standards in Hawaii changed significantly during this time.

At this time, politics within Hawaii were changing rapidly as well. In fact, each Hawaiian island had its own distinct entity as recently as 1810, when King Kamehameha I finally united the islands, forming the Hawaiian Kingdom. A well-developed government was soon established; King Kamehameha III prompted the writing of the Constitution in 1840. By 1848, the government instituted a western-style concept of land ownership, replacing the old system in which the islands were owned in common by every resident. This move, known as Mahele, opened the doors for large pineapple and sugar plantations. As a result, many native Hawaiians were left landless.

In 1843, Hawaii fell briefly under British rule, though the islands regained their sovereignty the same year. Still, this event proved a sign of what was to come. The government of the Kingdom of Hawaii would be challenged throughout the rest of the century, finally being overthrown by American colonists in 1893. Eventually, Hawaii became a U.S. territory in 1898, symbolizing the end of nearly two thousand years of uninterrupted rule by native Hawaiians with Polynesian ancestry.

In December 1941, a surprise attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, resulted in U.S. entry in World War II. Prior to the attack, few Americans had heard of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, which was then still a U.S. territory. Because of its strategic importance to the U.S. Navy, Hawaii was placed under martial law during the aftermath of this surprise attack. Hawaii was exposed to unprecedented international attention throughout the war, and life would never be as isolated on the islands as it was before the war.

Hawaii became a state in 1959 following a vote showing 94 percent in favor of statehood. Despite this landslide vote, there has always been a significant movement headed by native Hawaiians to regain Hawaiian sovereignty.  In fact, various political groups have advocated for self governance in Hawaii since the area became a U.S. territory in 1898.

These beautiful flowers are used for many Hawaiian traditions. Among these, the most well-known is the giving of flower wreaths known as leis. This gift is hand woven, and meant for wearing around the neck or head. When vacationing in Hawaii, you may even receive a lei as a symbol of welcoming upon your arrival. Many leis are made of plumeria, one of the most popular Hawaiian flowers.

Another flower that is commonly used in leis is the lehua blossom. Known for bright flowers and soft, needle-like petals, it is the official flower of the Big Island. Native Hawaiians consider this flower sacred to Laka, the goddess of hula, and Pele, the volcano goddess.

The hibiscus is one Hawaiian flower that is familiar to many on the mainland. The yellow hibiscus, which has been considered Hawaii’s official flower since before statehood, is seen in tattoos and other symbols of island culture, such as leis. It is frequently used to decorate the side of a tropical drink, and is said to be the flower which best symbolizes ‘aloha,’ or the island spirit.

The hibiscus is known to native Hawaiians as pua aloalo. Giving a hibiscus as a gift has come to symbolize “seize the day,” because the blooms are short-lived. Besides its decorative uses, the hibiscus has also been used for teas and jams, as well as traditional herbal remedies for dandruff, wound dressing, nausea, and other purposes.

The hibiscus flower is very large, and is often found in white, purple, pink, and red, in addition to the most popular yellow variety. In fact, there are over 200 distinct varieties of the hibiscus. Only seven of these are native to Hawaii, you are likely to see many other varieties on the islands which have been imported from around the world.

While the hibiscus is Hawaii’s state flower, each island also has its own official flower. Some islands have chosen a bloom that is quite plentiful throughout the island, while others are rare or even endangered, and not often seen outside botanical gardens.

Although orchids are one of the flowers that is strongly associated with Hawaii, there are only three species of orchid that are native to Hawaii; the rest have been imported. Other exotic flowers that you may see throughout Hawaii include the heliconia, better known as the bird of paradise. Its unique wax-like appearance has earned it a reputation as the most exotic-looking plant on the islands.

There are also many non-flowering tropical plants that are seen in Hawaii. These include fruit trees such as banana, papaya, mango, and breadfruit, which grow abundantly here. A prized Hawaiian fruit is the lychee, which is shaped like a grape with a hard coating. One tree found only on the island is the Koa Tree, which grows at higher elevations. Its hard wood has been used for canoes, furniture, and bowls.

When visiting Hawaii, you’re sure to be dazzled by the array of tropical flowers, plants, and trees, both in the wild and in Hawaii’s well-known botanical gardens. Many of these exotic species are not found anywhere else in the world.

A luau feast nearly always starts with pork. At large luau events, this mainstay of luau cuisine means an entire pig that is roasted all day long in a specially-made pit oven. For a smaller luau party, slowly cook a pork roast in Hawaiian rock salt and liquid smoke. Then, shred the cooked pork. Although the thought of a luau often brings to mind the image of a whole roast pig, you can recreate this delicious dish on a smaller scale using a pork roast.

There are alternatives to pork for your luau party. Another authentic meat for luaus is teriyaki sauce-marinated chicken, with a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors. Teriyaki chicken should be served with pineapple rings for a tropical touch. The perfect seafood dish for a luau is Lomi Salmon, a contemporary dish that is very popular with modern luaus. This dish is a combination of shredded salmon, crushed ice, and diced tomatoes. No matter which meat you choose to serve at your luau, serve it with long rice cooked in teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, garlic, or ginger. A side dish frequently seen at luaus is a fruit platter including coconut, pineapple, watermelon, and other tropical fruits.

Most traditional luaus serve poi, which was once a staple of Hawaiian diet, as a unique side dish. This nutritious food is made from taro plant roots which are peeled, steamed, and mashed. Water is then added to the mashed taro root until it develops the consistency of pudding. Poi is served cold. Another luau food that is made with taro is known as ‘luau,’ this is the dish that gave this feast its name. Luau is chicken wrapped in taro leaves and cooked in coconut milk.

Luau cuisine is often very creative, not only in the flavors but also in the display of the food. For example, the fruit salad can be served on bamboo skewers or in a bowl created from a hollowed out watermelon. The larger professional luaus use each dish on the buffet table to create a uniquely shaped display.

When planning a luau menu, don’t forget about creating the perfect dessert. Lemon bread or coconut pie are easy desserts, though there are also many other unique desserts. A traditional luau dessert is Haupia, made with coconut milk. Warm three cups of coconut milk and 1/2 cup sugar in a saucepan.  Then add half a cup of cornstarch, and wait for it to thicken the mixture. Chill in a baking dish and sprinkle with shredded coconut.

Food is very important to the overall ambiance of a luau. This feast for the senses often combines traditional Hawaiian dishes, many of which have been a staple of the Hawaiian diet for centuries, with luau-style cuisine that is actually a combination of several cultures. When planning your own luau feast, incorporate plenty of tropical fruits and teriyaki sauce. Draw the inspiration for your menu from the island environment; an array of tropically-inspired foods will bring the right atmosphere to your luau.

Traditional luaus were not just big parties. They were held to celebrate milestone occasions, such as a coming of age or the arrival of an important guest. Although many contemporary luaus are simply festive Hawaiian parties, traditional luaus were only held for symbolic occasions. Today, large commercial luaus are held throughout the islands for tourist entertainment. If you are a guest at such a luau, you will likely receive a lei, or necklace of woven flowers, as a welcoming gift. These professional luaus are often held at the most popular hotels throughout the islands. More traditional luaus are held throughout the year for symbolic celebrations.

Both modern and traditional luaus are large feasts; during the time of King Kamehameha II, guests often had to eat in several shifts, because the guest list numbered several hundred. During the earliest luaus, invited guests sat on the ground, where food was placed on woven leaf mats. The traditional luau food, including roast pig and mashed taro root, was eaten by hand, without the use of any utensils. Both staples of the Hawaiian diet are still served at many modern luaus. King Kamehameha II ensured that the luau incorporated delicacies which had, until that point, been forbidden for women to eat.

Today’s commercial luaus, which are held weekly at the most popular tourist spots throughout Hawaii, offer not only delicious feasts, but also engaging entertainment. Visitors to a Hawaiian luau often see Samoan fire dances and Hawaiian hula dancers; you may even get the chance to learn a simple hula dance. Today, many luaus also offer crafts and souvenirs for sale. Modern luaus include not only native Hawaiian elements but also Polynesian and Asian influences, of which the fire dancing is just one example.

This fusion of cultures also extends to the cuisine, which includes traditional Hawaiian and luau cuisine in addition to standard Asian or mainland dishes served with tropical flair. Many of the meats served at a luau are marinated in teriyaki sauce, lending a sweet yet savory flavor to the feast. One unique dish is teriyaki marinated Spam; this canned meat is surprisingly popular throughout Hawaii. Nearly every luau will also offer traditional Hawaiian fare, including Kalua Pork and poi. Because luau parties were particularly popular during the 1960s, some luaus also incorporate cocktail foods from that era, such as cocktail weenies cooked in teriyaki sauce, or even macaroni salad.

No Hawaiian vacation is complete without enjoying at least one luau, not only for the delicious food but also for the excitement. Today’s luaus range drastically in their adherence to traditional luau cuisine and customs, from traditional celebrations held for symbolic reasons to Hawaiian themed summer parties.

Today, breaking rules in Hawaii does not often lead to such extreme consequences! But there are still many rules that visitors in particular should follow. We’re not talking about the usual rules of society either, but rules in place to preserve the very nature of this paradise which so many have come to love. Here are some things to keep in mind as you take in the many sights the state has to offer.

• Don’t feed fish, unless you are going to eat them: Snorkelers are often tempted to feed fish in order to attract more of them, but this results in unnatural behavior. It can even wipe out entire populations!

• Don’t take lava: It can be incredibly tempting to swipe a piece of lava rock out of the national park. It’s beautiful and it’s unusual, but give into the temptation and Pele (goddess of the volcano) will curse you. If that doesn’t scare you, consider how much of Hawaii would remain if everyone were to fill their pockets with lava rock every year. Odds are you will lose it anyway; why not just leave it for everyone to enjoy?

• Don’t take shells! The same rule applies to remains of life from the ocean. It can seem like there are shells enough, but again, they are the result of years of painstaking work by nature. Shells are recycled by smaller animals, and removing them does damage to the ecosystem.

• Be careful of reefs: Coral reefs are both sensitive and fragile. Don’t stand on them, and be mindful of where your feet are kicking as you swim.

• Pay attention to beach signs: There are a few areas on the sands of Hawaii where sea turtles breed and lay their eggs. Pay attention to signs, or you may be causing further problems for this endangered animal!

Hawaii’s Big Island is one of the best destinations in the state, if only because it tends to attract the less rowdy tourist crowds. There are plenty of things to do on the island of Hawaii, and one way to take in some of the most important is a trip across the island, from Kona to Hilo. It’s a six hour drive, so you’ll want to stay overnight, but here is what you can expect.

• Varying landscapes: You will be amazed at just how many ecosystems can be contained on one island, all formed by two volcanoes. The Kona side is dry, and lava rock is the norm on the sides of the road here. As you take Saddle Road, you’ll notice things get a lot drier, with semi-arid conditions. On the descent, you’re suddenly in tropical rain forest. The volcanoes loom in the distance and you find yourself in the rainiest spot in the whole USA.

• A great city: Hilo is friendly, upbeat, and not nearly as expensive as other spots in the state. You’ll also find many of the people friendlier; they’re just happy you came in out of the rain.

• Not a lot of company: We don’t know whether most people fly or boat into Hilo. What we do know is that not a lot of them drive. The roads are virtually empty for most of the trip!

• Lots of animals: You will see a lot of animals on the drive, most of them not indigenous. It’s kind of fun to play spot the wild goat or pig, and wild turkeys are often seen as well. If you’re really lucky, you might catch sight of Hawaii’s national bird, the nene, although they are said to be quite rare.

• National Parks: There are at least two big state attractions on the Hilo side of the island. Both the Tsunami Center and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, in which Mauna Loa and Kilauea are located, are well worth the trip. Try visiting one on the day you get there, and the other on the day you head back.