The Aloha State
Capital: Honolulu
Hawa'ii...the last of the 50 states was added in 1959, though they joined the United States by force. The islands were annexed by the US through a show of force where the military was paraded the down the streets in the capital, forcing the queen to abdicate in the late 1890s. Regardless of statehood, it's a beautiful place to visit. Logistics can be difficult, given it's spread across multiple islands...and it can be expensive for the same reason. I've organized this state by island.
Oahu: 'The Gathering Place'.
Honolulu: Capital city and a great place to start / end a trip due to the availability of flights.
Kauai: 'The Garden Isle'.
Lihue: A lot of Hawaii is about the outdoors. Kauai is no different. Canyons. Waterfalls. Beaches. Check.
National Park Sites Visited
Haleakala National Park: The majestic volcano rises above the clouds. If you’re on Maui, this is a MUST do item.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: An area of active volcanoes. You want lava, they got lava.
Kaloko-Honokōau National Historical Park: Dedicated to Hawaiian culture, focusing specifically on fishing at this site.
Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park: Place of Refuge. If you violated the sacred laws, you had the opportunity to make it here for absolution, if you weren’t caught on the way. It’s also a safe haven for those unable to fight during times of war.