Idaho (ID)

Idaho State Flag

 

"The Gem State"

Why visit Idaho?

Ideal outdoor enthusiasts desiring to backpack, camp, cross-country ski trails, dude ranches, fishing, gorges, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, landscapes, mountains, mountain biking, river rafting, rock climbers, snowboarding, snowmobiling, wild white-water rivers and wilderness.

Sawtooth Range, Idaho. Photo Credit: Alex Bertha/Unsplash 

At a Glance

• Capital: Boise
• State Bird: Mountain Bluebird 
• State Dessert: None
• State Flower: Syringa
• State Gemstone: Star Garnet
• State Mammal: Appaloosa Horse
• State Rock: None

Fun Facts

• In 1936, the world's first ski chairlift was installed in Central Idaho.
• In 2019, with 130.9 million hundredweight (cwt ) of potatoes, it's no surprise they're our nation's leading producer.
  
• The state offers 72 different types of precious and semiprecious stones.
  
• Heyburn State Park harvest wild rice every fall annually.
•  The world's largest factory for barrel processed cheese is in Gooding.
  
• A Elk Hunter's Paradise considering their local population.
• Features 36 Lakes/Rivers, 13 National Forests and 27 State Parks.
• The Idaho Anne Frank (German-Dutch Diarist) Human Rights Memorial is one of only eleven amongst our nation to receive a sapling from the original Anne Frank Chestnut Tree in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Boise, ID. Photo Credit: Pinpals/Pixabay 

Thank You!

• Spotlight Celebrities: Anna Marie "Patty" Duke (Actress), Brandon Bair (Athlete), Ernest Hemingway (Author), George Kennedy (Actor) and Kristin Armstrong (Athlete), just to mention a few.
• Movies to Inspire You: Bronco Billy (1980), Dante's Peak (1996), Magic Valley (2011), Napoleon Dynamite  (2004), My Own Private Idaho (1991), Pale Rider (1985) and Soda Springs (2012), just to mention a few. 
• Novels Set in Idaho: Daredevils (written by Shawn Vestal), Housekeeping (written by Marilynne Robinson),Idaho (written by Emily Ruskovich) and Travelers Rest (written by Keith Lee Morris), just to mention a few. 

Redfish Lake, ID. Photo Credit: Kim Rollins from Pixabay 

Good to Know

• State sales tax is 6%, however campgrounds, hotel and motel accommodations are taxed at a higher rate, 7% - 11%.
  
• Among our few states that a major freeway does not connect its two largest metropolitan areas, Boise and Coeur d'Alene.

 

Subject to wildfires, snow and wind storms.

• Best Time to Visit: May - September and November - March
• Coldest Month: January
• Hottest Months: July
• Peak Season: June - August

Photo Credit: Jesse Bridgewater/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Chamberlain Ranger Station Historic District, Elephant Hunters Historical Marker, Evel Knievel Jump Monument, Fort Boise & Riverside Ferry Sites, Fort Hall Replica, Guffey Butte & Black Butte Archaeological District, Harriman Wildlife Refuge Historical Marker, Hells Canyon Archeological District, Minidoka National Historic Site, Oregon Trail Memorial Bridge, Rock Creek Station & Stricker Homesite, Ruud Mountain Chairlift, The Big Eddie, Wagon Box Prophecy Monument and Werthheimer Building.
• Museums: Appaloosa Museum & Heritage Center, Art Museum Of Eastern Idaho, Bannock County Historical Museum, Basque Museum & Cultural Center, Bicentennial Historical Museum, Boise Art Museum, Boise Basin Museum, Butch Cassidy Museum, Central Idaho Historical Museum, Collectors Corner Museum, Discovery Center of Idaho, Eagle Stake Family History Center, Farnsworth TV & Pioneer Museum, 
  Gem County Historical Society & Village Museum, Herrett Center, Idaho Black History Museum, Idaho Museum of Mining & Geology, Idaho Museum of Natural History, Idaho Potato Museum, Idaho Science Center, Idaho State Museum, Idaho Military History Museum, Jerome County Historical Museum, Legacy Flight Museum, Lemhi County Historical Museum, McConnell Mansion, Museum of Clean, Museum of Idaho, Museum of North Idaho, National Museum of Wildlife Art, Northern Pacific Railroad Depot Museum, Oasis Bordello Museum, Oneida Pioneer Museum, Our Memories Museum, Owyhee County Museum & Library, Pocatello Model Railroad & Historical Society, 
  Sprag Pole Inn & Museum, Stanley Museum, The National Oregon/California Trail Center, Twin Falls County Museum, 
  Wallace District Mining Museum, Warhawk Air Museum and Yanke Motor Museum.
• Popular Attractions: 17 Mile Cave Lava Tube, Ah Toy Garden, Axel Bohman House, Bayhorse Ghost Town, Bear River Massacre Site, Balanced Rock Park, Black Pine Deer Farm, Boise Depot, Boise National Forest, Boise River, Bruneau Canyon Overlook, Chi-Sandra Garden, Christ Chapel, City of Rocks National Reserve, Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, Cataldo Mission, Chesterfield Idaho, Clearwater National Forest, East Idaho Aquarium, Elmer's Fountain, Experimental Breeder Reactor II, Farragut State Park, Fort Sherman Chapel, Franklin Relic Hall, Freak Alley Gallery, Galena Summit Overlook, Gold Fork Hot Springs, Gravity Hill, Hells Canyon, Hemingway Memorial, Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial, Idaho Botanical Garden, Idaho Falls Zoo, James Castle House, Johnny Sack's Cabin, Julia Davis Park, Kuna Caves, Lake Pend Oreille, Lava Hiking Trail, Massacre Rocks State Park, Minnetonka Cave, Myrtle Falls Trail, National Fiddlers' Hall of Fame, Nez Perce National Historic Park Heart of The Monster, Old Idaho Penitentiary Site, Old Mission State Park, Ponderosa State Park, Priest Lake, Prince Albert Hot Springs, Redfish Lake, Rexburg Rapids, Roaring Springs Water Park, Salmon River, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Shoshone Falls Park, Shoshone Ice Cave, Sierra Silver Mine, Silent City of Rocks, Silverwood Theme Park, Spirit Lake Historic District, Spokane Valley Land & Water Company Canal, Swan Falls Dam, Syringa Winery, Table Rock, The Butterfly Haven, Whittenberger Planetarium, Williamson Orchards & Vineyards and Wilson Springs Ponds.
• Popular Cities/Towns to Visit:Boise, Caldwell, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho City, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Meridian, Nampa, Pocatello, Post Falls, Sun Valley and Twin Falls. 
• Special Events: (February)The Sandpoint Winter Carnival,  U.S. Pacific Coast Championship Sled Dog Races,  (March) K&K Fishing Derby, (May) Lost in the 50's Car Show and Street Party, (June) Borders 3 Jamboree Car Show, Car d’Lane Classic Car Show, National Old Time Fiddlers Contest, Riverfest Music Festival, (July) Antique & Classic Boat Festival, ATV Jamboree, Harrison’s Old Timer’s Picnic,  Jullyamsh Pow Wow, McCall Summerfest, Post Falls Days, Rathdrum Days, Smart on the River, The Wooden & Antique Boat Festival, (August) Art on the Green, Bonner County Fair & Rodeo, Festival at Sandpoint, Huckleberry Festival, Ironman Coeur d’Alene,The Long Bridge Swim, Western Idaho Fair, (September) Art in the Park, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Idaho State Draft Horse & Mule International Show and Northwest Best Alpaca Show.

Soda Springs, ID. Photo Credit: Klaus Stebani/Pixabay 

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Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii State Flag

 

"The Aloha State"

"Paradise", "Paradise of the Pacific" & "The Islands of Aloha"

Why visit Hawaii Islands?

Sophisticated luxury traveler seeking a tropical climate destination to enjoy beautiful beaches, biking, culture, diving, fishing, gardens, hiking, historical sites, horseback riding, kayaking, landscapes, luau's, mountains, museums, rainforests, sailing, shopping, snorkeling, surfing, tropical flowers, volcano, waterfalls, water sports, whale watching and windsurfing.

Waikiki Beach, Honolulu County, Hawaii. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

A popular destination for:

• Amateur & Professional Photographers
• Conventions, Meetings & Reunions
• Destination Wedding
• Ocean Cruises Embarkation/Disembarkation
• Groups: Family, Friends and Multigenerational 
• LGBTQ+ Friendly
• Milestones: Anniversary, Bachelor Party, Bachelorette Party, Birthday, Honeymoon, Retirement & Vow Renewal

Kauai County, HI. Photo Credit: Braden Jarvis/Unsplash

At a Glance

• Capital: Honolulu
• State Bird: Nene
• State Dessert: Smith Island Cake
• State Flower: Yellow Hibiscus
• State Gemstone: Black Coral
• State Mammal: Hawaiian Monk Seal
• State Rock: None

Nāpali Coast, Kauai County, Hawaii. Photo Credit: Kathy VanDeventer/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Averages approximately 30,000 traveler arrivals per day.
• Hawaiian written language uses only seven consonants: h, k, l, m, n, p, w and vowels a, e, i, o and u.
  
• Most of the Lei's are made from the Big Island orchids.
• Approximately 98% of Lanai is privately owned by Larry Ellison, CEO of Oracle Corp.
• "Coconut Tree Ordinance", prohibits new construction of buildings taller than 55 feet on Kauai.
• Our only state to grow cacao, coffee and vanilla beans.
• Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument is our nation's largest conservation area.
• Diverse farm crops consisting of: coffee, flowers, fruits, macadamia nuts and vegetables.
• Kauai has the only navigable rivers amongst the islands.
  
• The only state to have Royal Palaces: Hulihee Palace, Iolani Palace and Queen Emma Summer Palace.
• The Hula Dance (Polynesian) is accompanied by chant or song.
  
• Combined has 19 State Forest and 52 State Parks.
• Late Legend Musician, Elvis Presley filmed TV show Aloha from Hawaii. Also, filmed Blue Hawaii, Girls! Girls! Girls! and Paradise there too. 

Hawaiian Hula Dancers. Photo Credit: skeeze/Pixabay 

Thank You!

• Spotlight Celebrities: Barack Obama (Former President/Politician), Bethany Hamilton (Athlete), Bette Midler (Musician), Bruno Mars (Musician) and Nicole Kidman (Actress), just to name a few.
• Movies to Inspire You: Big Bounce (2004), Blue Crush (2002), Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2011), Pearl Harbor (2001), Six Days Seven Nights (1998), Soul Surfer (2005), The Descendants (2011) and Tropic Thunder (2008), just to name a few.
• Novels Set in Hawaii: Hawaii: A Novel written by James A Michener,  Honolulu written by Alan Brennart, The Descendants written by Kaui Hart Hemmings and Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers written by Lois-Ann Yamanaka, just to name a few.

Hilo, Hawaii (Big Island). Photo Credit: user32212/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• In the order, of tourism popularity: Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi and Big Island.
  
• Award winning breweries and wineries.
  
• Waikiki is most famous for Waikiki Beach.
  
• A popular treat is the "Hawaiian Shave Ice" which differs from crushed Snow Cones.
• Public bus service is expensive (Honolulu) and limited (Big Island, Kauaʻi and Maui. A rental car is recommended to explore the island.
• Ferries only transport between Lānaʻi-Maui and Maui-Molokaʻi islands.
• Restroom signs often read, Kane (Man) and Wahine (Woman).
• Forgo the traditional postcard to loved ones, send the popular coconut instead.
• Words to know: Aloha (a-lo-ha) = Hello, 'A' ole palikir (ah-oh-leh-pee-lee-kee-yah) = You're Welcome, Howzit? (how-zit) = How are you?, Mahalo (mah-hah-loh) = Thank You, 'Ono Grinds (oh-no-grinds) = Delicious Food and Waina (wy-nah) = Wine.
• There are no all-inclusive resorts amongst any of the islands.
• Lānaʻi, the smallest island only has three paved roads, one stop sign and no stop lights.
  

Waikiki, Hawaii (Oʻahu). Photo Credit: Jed S from Pixabay 

Subject to hurricane season is June - November. 

Volcano eruptions occur.

• Best Time to Visit: Mid April - Early June and Mid September - Mid November
• Coldest Month: February
• Hottest Months: June - August
• Peak Season: December - April

Hawaiian Volcano. Photo Credit: skeeze/Pixabay 

The state officially recognizes 137 islands which includes four islands of the Midway Atoll. The best known islands consists of:

Hawaiʻi Island (Ha-vai-ee)

"Big Island", "Orchid Isle" & "Volcano Isle"

Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy beautiful beaches (sand shades of green, red and black) caves, coral reefs, deep sea fishing, gardens, golf, hiking, horseback riding, ranches, waterfalls, water sports. Nightlife and shopping is limited.

• Historical Sites: 'Akaka Falls, Greenwell Store Marker, Hale o Keawe, Hikiau Heiau, Honokaa Mural, Kai Opae, Kalalea Heiau, Kamehameha III Birthplace, Kamakahonu National, Keauhou Holua Slide, King Kamehameha Birthplace, Kapoho Lava Flow 1960, Kohala Ditch Company Mule Station, Kohala Lighthouse, Kohala Trade Center, Kona Point, Korean War Memorial, Kuamo'o Point, Lapakahi State Historical Park, Laupāhoehoe Lookout, Lava Flow, Lava Tree Molds, Mailekini Heiau, Mo'okini Heiau, Nāhuku - Thurston Lava Tube, Na Loko I'a O Kalahuipua'a, Opihi Rock, Petroglyphs, Puna-Kāʻu Historic District, Purple House, Pu'ukohola Heiau National, Pu`u Loa Petroglyphs, S.H. Kress Co. Building, Slippah Pole, The Great Wall, The Old Japanese Schoolhouse, Thurston Estate, Waikoloa Petroglyph Reserve and  Waikoloa Petroglyphs.
• Museums: Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka Space Center, Eva Parker Woods Cottage, Hawaii Plantation Museum, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Lectures, H.N. Greenwell Store Museum, Hulihe‘e Palace, Imiloa Astronomy Center, Isaacs Art Center, Jaggar Museum, Kamuela Museum, King's Mansion, Kona Coffee Living History Farm, Kona Hawaiian Quilt Museum & Gallery, Laupahoehoe Point, Laupahoehoe Train Museum, Lyman Museum, Mokupāpapa Discovery Center, Pacific Tsunami Museum, Paniolo Heritage Center and Tsunami Clock of Doom.
• Popular Attractions: Akaka Falls State Park, Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, Alanui Kahiko, Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden, ʻAnaehoʻomalu Beach, Anna Ranch Heritage Center, Banyan Tree, Beach 69, Botanical World Adventures, Botanical World Kona, Captain James Cook Monument, East Hawaii Cultural Center, Green Sand Beach, Hala Tree Organic Kona Coffee Farm, Hapuna Beach, Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Hilo Drag Strip, Honomalino Beach, Hu’he Falls, Hula Daddy Kona Coffee, Kailua Pier, Kaipalaoa Landing, Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, Kona Farmers Market,  Kaumana Caves, Kaunaʻoa (Mauna Kea) Beach, Kealakekua Bay, Kiholo Bay, Kilauea Caverns of Fire, Kohala Historical Sites State Monument, Kona Historical Society, Kuemanu Heiau, Kula Kai Caverns, Lake Waiau, Lava Tree State Monument, Lekeleke/Kuamo'o Burial Grounds, Liliʻuokalani Park & Gardens, Living Stones Church, Lokahi Garden Sanctuary, Magic Sands Beach Park, Mahukona Beach Park, Makalawena Beach, Makani Golf Club, Maku'u Farmer's Market, Manini'owali Beach, Mauna Kea Golf Course, Mauna Loa Observatory, Mermaid Ponds, Mokuaikaua Church, Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation, Nāpō’opo’o Pier, Onomea Bay Trail, O'oma Beach, Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, Parker Ranch, Pololu Valley Lookout, Punalu'u Beach,  Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park, Pu’u Ali’I Bay, Pu'u O'o Trail, Richardson Ocean Park, Royal Kona Coffee Center, Sadie Seymour Botanical Gardens, Shipman Beach, South Point Heiau, Star of the Sea Painted Church, Statue of King Kamehameha, Steam Vents, St Michael The Archangel Church, Sulphur Banks, The Club at Hōkūliʻa, Volcano Winery, Wailuku River State Park, Waipiʻo Valley Lookout, 
• Popular Cities/Towns to Visit: Hilo, Holualoa, Kailua, Kona and Waimea. 

Kauai, Hawaii. Photo Credit: TeamHealthy808/Pixabay 

Kahoʻolawe (kah-hoh-oh-lah-wey)

"The Target Isle"

Smallest of the eight main Hawaiian Islands. Formerly a bombing range for the U.S. Military; volunteer work is about the only way to experience the island as it's strictly off-limits to the public by law. 

Pineapple Fields, Hawaii. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

Kauaʻi (KAU-WAH-ee)

"The Garden Isle"

Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to enjoy beautiful beaches, birdwatching, fishing, forests, golf, gorge, hiking, kayaking, lush green landscapes, monk seals, mountains, sailing, snorkeling, surfing, valleys, waterfalls, water sports, whale watching (December - Mid April) and zip lining. Nightlife and shopping is limited.

• Historical Sites: Fort Alexander, Hale Puna, Kilauea Lighthouse, Kilohana Estate, Maniniholo Dry Cave, Seto Building and Waioli Mission House.
• Museums: Grove Farm Homestead, Kaneiolouma Heiau, Kauai Historical Society, Kauai Museum and Kokee Natural History Museum.
• Popular Attractions: Allerton Garden, Anini Beach, ʻAuliʻi Lūʻau, Brennecke's Beach, Captain Cook Landing Site, Chabad Kauai, Da Life Outdoors, Fern Grotto, Glass Beach, Grove Farm, Hanakapi'ai Falls, Hanalei Pier, Hanapepe Valley Lookout, Hikinaakala Heiau, Holoholoku Heiau, Iraivan Temple, Island Art Gallery Kauai, Kalapaki, Kalalau Lookout, Kamokila Hawaiian Village, Kauai Coffee Company,  Kauai's Hindu Monastery, Kauai Plantation Railway, Kauai Raceway Park, Kauai Safaris, Kauai Soto Zen Temple Zenshuji,  Kauai Veterans Cemetery, Kawai’ele Waterbird Sanctuary, Keālia Beach, Kee Beach, Kiahuna Golf Club, Kīlauea Lighthouse, Kōkeʻe State Park, Koloa Jodo Mission, Larsen's Beach, Lawai International Center, Lihue Civic Center Historic District, Limahuli Garden & Preserve, Lydgate Beach, Makua Beach, Makauwahi Cave Reserve, Makauwahi Cave Trail, Manawaiopuna Falls, McBryde Garden, Moir Garden, Mount Waialeale, Na 'Aina Kai Botanical Gardens & Sculpture Park, Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, National Tropical Botanical Garden, Nāwiliwili Harbor, Ninini Point Lighthouse, Nounou-East Trail, Old Koloa Sugar Mill, Old Koloa Town, Poipu Beach, Poliahu Heiau, Princeville Botanical Gardens, Pu’u O Kila Lookout, Queen’s Bath, Russian Fort Elizabeth State Historical Park , Sacred Rudraksha Forest, Sleeping Giant Trail Head, Smith Family Garden Luau, Spalding Monument, The Bright Side Gallery, Wailua Heritage Trail, Wailua River State Park, Waimea Canyon State Park, Waimea Canyon Lookout, Waioli Huiia Church, Waiʻoli Mission District, Waiopili Heiau and Wyllie's Beach.
• Popular Cities/Towns to Visit: Hanapepe, Koloa, Waimea and Wainiha. 

Honolulu, Hawaii (Oahu). Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay

Lānaʻi (La-nah-ee)

"The Pineapple Isle"

For the traveler desiring a less crowded and quieter island destination to enjoy ATV back road exploring, bicycling, diving, fishing, golf, horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, sailing, snorkeling and ocean rafting. Medical Services, nightlife and shopping is limited.

• Historical Sites: Kahekili's Leap, Kaunolu Village and Shark's Bay. 
• Museums: Lanai Petroglyphs and The Lana'i Culture & Heritage Center.
• Popular Attractions: Dole Park, Hulope Bay, Hulopoʻe Beach Park, Kaiolohia Beach, Kaunolu Village Site, Keahiakawelo, Mike Carroll Gallery, Munro Trail, Polihua Beach, Puʻu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock) and The Challenge at Manele. 
• Popular Cities/Towns to Visit: Keomuku, Lanai City and Lopa.

Maui, HI. Photo Credit: hmmunoz512/Pixabay 

Maui (Mah-ow-ee)

"The Valley Isle"

Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking breathtaking views while enjoying beautiful beaches, calm ocean bays, diving, fishing, gardens, golf, helicopter tours, highland ranches, hiking, mountains, outdoor activities, parasailing, sailing, snorkeling, sugarcane fields, surfing, tennis, volcano vistas, water sports, whale watching, windsurfing and zip lining.

• Historical Sites: Dr. Jose P Rizal Monument, Halekii-Pihana Heiau State Monument, Hale Pa'i Printing House, Honokahua Burial Site, Lahaina Courthouse, Moku'ula & Kamehameha Iki Park, Olowalu Petroglyphs, Paia Bay Bunker, The King's Taro Patch and Waiola Congregational Church & Cemetery.
• Museums: Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum, Bailey House Museum, Hale Aloha, Hale Pa'ahao Prison, Hale Pa'i, Hana Cultural Center, Lahaina Restoration Foundation, Makawao History Museum, Makena Cove, Masters Reading Room, Maui Animal Farm, Maui Historical Society, Maui Okinawa Cultural Center, Pioneer Mill Co, Plantation Museum, US Seamen's Hospital, Museum, Whalers Village Museum and Wo Hing Temple Museum. 
• Popular Attractions: Ahihi Bay, Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm, Baldwin Beach, Charles Lindbergh's Grave, Ching's Pond, Cove Beach Park, Enchanted Floral Gardens of Kula, Five Graves, Fleming Beach, Garden of Eden Arboretum, Haleakalā Observatory, Hamoa Beach, Hana Highway Millenium Trail Marker, Hāna Maui Botanical Gardens, Hanomanioa Light, Honokalani Beach, Ho'okipa Lookout, Huialoha Church, Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center, Iao Needle State Monument,Iao Valley State Park, Kaahumanu Church, Ka'anapali Beach, Kahanu National Tropical Botanical Garden, Kahekili's Leap, Kama'ole Beach Parks, Kanaha Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, Kapalua Adventures, Kapalua Bay, Karen Lei's Gallery, Kaupo School Teacher's Cottage, Kahekili Beach Park,  Ke'anae Arboretum, Keanae Lookout, Kealia Coastal Boardwalk, Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, Kula Botanical Gardens, Lahaina Jodo Mission, Lahaina Lighthouse, La Perouse Memorial, Launiupoko Beach Park, Little Beach, Makaluapuna Point, Makena Beach, Makena Landing Park, Maui Exposition, Maui Golf & Sports Park, Maui Jacaranda, Maui Ocean Center, Maui Tropical Plantation, MauiWine, McGregor Point, Nakalele Blowhole, Napili Bay Beach Trail, Ocean Vodka, Ohai Trail, Olivine Pools, Road To Hana, Sacred Garden of Maliko, Secret Cove Beach, Sunflower Field, Surfing Goat Dairy, Tedeschi Vineyards, The Kings Gardens Maui, Twin Falls Maui Farm Stand, Twin Falls Maui Waterfall, Upper Waikani Falls, Waihee Coastal Dunes & Wetlands Refuge, Wailea Beaches, Wailua Valley State Wayside, Waimoku Falls and West Maui Mountains. 
• Popular Cities/Towns to Visit: Hana, Kahakuloa, Kahului, Kaupo, Kihei, Lahaina, Wailea and Wailuku.

Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

Molokaʻi (Moh-loh-kah-ee)

"The Friendly Isle"

Ideal for the traveler desiring a charming and quiet island destination to enjoy beaches, fishing, hiking, history, mountains, relaxation, seclusion, waterfalls. Medical Services, nightlife and shopping is limited.

• Historical Sites: Kaiaka Rock, Kalokoeli Fishpond, Ka Ule o Nanahoa, Mökopu Island and Okala Island.
• Museums:Axcess, Molokai Museum & Cultural Center and Richard & Gloria Marks Museum. 
• Popular Attractions:  Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Ierusalem Hou Church, One Alii Beach Park, Palaau State Park, Pālāʻau State Park and Papohaku Beach. 
• Popular Cities/Towns to Visit: Ho'olehua, Kaunakakai, Kualapuʻu and Ualapue.

Oahu, Hawaii. Photo Credit: Michelle Raponi/Pixabay 

Niʻihau (NEE-EE-HOW)

"The Forbidden Island"

Owned by the Robinson Family, is off limits to uninvited visitors allowing natives to live a more traditional lifestyle.

Ko Olina Lagoon, Oahu HI. Photo Credit: Michelle Maria/Pixabay 

Oʻahu (O-waw-hee)

"The Gathering Place"

Ideal for the traveler seeking a diverse and tourist driven island to enjoy beaches, city life, golf, hiking, history, kayaking, museums, nightlife, opera, sailing, shopping, surfing, theater, water sports and windsurfing.

• Historical Sites: Aliʻiolani Hale, Fort Kamehameha, Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site, Honouliuli National Historic Site, Kamehameha V‘s Birthplace, Maunawila Heiau, Opana Radar, Pahukini Heiau, Pu'uokapolei, The Kaniakapupu Ruins, Tomb of King Lunalilo and U.S.S. Arizona Historic Marker.
• Museums: Battleship USS Arizona Memorial, Bishop Museum, Children's Discovery Center, Doris Duke Theatre, Hawaii Heritage Center, Hawaii State Art Museum, Honolulu Fire Department Museum & Education Center, Honolulu Hale, Honolulu Museum of Art, John Young Museum of Art, Kings Guard Museum, King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center, Lucoral Museum, Naval Air Museum Barbers Point, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, The Honolulu Museum of Art Spalding House and Tropic Lightning Museum.
• Popular Attractions:  Ala Moana Shopping Center, Aloha Tower Marketplace, Aquarian Foundation, Banyan Tree, Barbers Point Lighthouse, Battery Boyd, Battery French, Battery Hasbrouck, Battleship Missouri Memorial, Brewer's Wharf, Brothers in Valor Memorial, Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Chinatown, College Hill, Coral Crater Adventure Park, Diamond Head Lighthouse, Diamond Head State Monument, Dole Plantation, Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue, Elvis Aloha From Hawaii, Ewa Sugar Company Plantation, Ford Island Control Tower, Foster Botanical Garden, Friendship Garden, Grace Cooke House, Haleiwa Beach Park War Memorial, Haleiwa North Shore Sign, Halona Blowhoe, Hanauma Bay, Happy Dragon, Hawaii's Plantation Village, Honolulu Harbor, Honolulu Zoo, Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, Iolani Palace, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole Statue, Japanese Peace Bell, Kahanamoku Beach, Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, Kanaina Building, Kapahulu Avenue, King Kamehameha Statue, Koko Head Regional Park, Kū'īlioloa Heiau, Kukaniloko Birth Stones, Kukuihoolua Island, Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden, Louise Dillingham Memorial Fountain, Luke Field, Lulumahu Falls, Makapuu Point, Mauna ʻAla, Mount Kaala, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Nuuanu Pali Lookout, Nuʻuanu Pali State Wayside, Pali Notches, Pearl Harbor, Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Pearl Harbor Naval Hospital Historic Location, Pineapple Garden Maze, Harry's Kingdom, Pohaku Lana'i, Princess Kaʻiulani Statue, Princess Pauahi Statue, Princess Victoria Kamāmalu Bldg, Queen Emma Summer Palace, Queen Kapiʻolani Statue, Sandy Beach, Senator Fong's Plantation & Gardens, Statue Saint Marianne Cope, Summit of Diamond Head Crater, Sunken LST-480, The Byodo-In Temple, The Gulch, The Liljestrand House, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, USS Oklahoma Memorial, Valley of the Temples Memorial Park,Waikīkī Aquarium, Waikiki Beach, Waimea Botanical Garden, Waimea Falls, War Memorial Natatorium, Washington Place and Wizard Stones. 
• Popular Cities/Towns to Visit: Haleiwa, Honolulu, Kailua, Kaneohe, Makaha, Mililani, Pearl City, Waianae and Waimea.

"Aloha", means "hello", "love", or "goodbye"

Hawaii Surf. Photo Credit: skeeze/Pixabay 

• Special Events: (January) Chinese New Year (Oʻahu), Honolulu Festival (Oʻahu), (February) Panaewa Stampede Rodeo (Big Island), (March) Kona Brewer's Fest (Big Island), Waimea Heritage Days Festival (Kauai), (April) County's Agricultural Festival (Maui), Merrie Monarch Festival (Big Island), (May) Annual Farm Festival at Hamakua Harvest, Kau Coffee Festival (Big Island), Lantern Floating Festival (Oʻahu), Lei Day (all islands), Mele Mei (Oʻahu), (June) Kamehameha Festival (Big Island), King Kamehameha Day (all islands), O-Bon Festivals (Kauai), (July) Koloa Plantation Days (Kauaʻi), Prince Lot Hula Festival (Oʻahu), Ukulele Festival (Oʻahu), (September) Aloha Festivals (Oʻahu), Annual Hawaii Island Festival of Birds (Big Island), Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament (Big Island), Hawaiian Music & Culture Fest (Kaui), (October) Coconut Festival (Kauai), Eo E Emalani I Alakai Festival (Kauai), Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, Hawaii Yoga Festival (Kauai), IRONMAN World Championship Oʻahu), Mealani’s Taste of the Hawaiian Range (Big Island), (November) Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (Big Island), Vans Triple Crown (Oʻahu) and (December) Pearl Harbor Remembrance (Oʻahu).
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (Big Island) and Papahānaumokuākea (Oʻahu).

Hanauma Bay, Hawaii (Oʻahu). Photo Credit: photosforyou/Pixabay 

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Georgia (GA)

Georgia State Flag

"The Big Peach"

"City in a Forest", City of Trees" and "Empire State of the South"

Why visit Georgia?

The cosmopolitan travelers seeking subtropical climate to experience: battle reenactments, beaches, bicycling, culture, contemporary art,  forts, gold mining tours, golfing, hiking, history, mountains, museums, music, peach orchards, plantations, southern hospitality, swamps, vintage mansions, waterfalls and wild rapids.

Lake Lanier Islands, GA USA. Photo Credit: Brandon Carson/Unsplash 

At a Glance

• State Bird: Brown Thrasher
• Capital: Atlanta
• State Dessert: Peach Cobbler
• State Flower: Rosa Laevigata
• State Gemstone: Quartz
• State Mammal: White Tailed Deer
• State Rock: None

Fun Facts

• In 1828, Blue Ridge Mountains (Dahlonega) ignited their "Gold Rush" adventure.
  
• During 1886, Coca Cola was invented in Atlanta.
• In 1943, the first state to allow 18 year olds to vote.
• In 1976, the popular Cabbage Patch Kids were born at Babyland General Hospital in Cleveland, GA. 
• The world's sweetest onion (Vidalia Onion) only grows Glennville and Vidalia.
  
• There are an estimated 17 Fortune 500, 26 Fortune 1000 Companies headquartered in Georgia.
  
• According to Guinness World Records Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta) was the largest aquarium in the world (2010).

Atlanta City, GA. Photo Credit: Paul Brennan/Pixabay 

Thank You!

• Spotlight Celebrities: Cam Newton (Athlete), Julia Roberts (Actress), Luke Bryan (Musician), Navia Robinson (Actress) and Ravon Symone (Actress), just to name a few.
• Movies to Inspire You: Almost Christmas (2006), A Madea Christmas (2013), Barbershop: The Next Cut (2006), Hall Pass (2011), The Good Lie (2014), The Hunger Game (2012) and The Walking Dead (2010), just to mention a few.
• Novels Set in Georgia: Faithless (written by Karin Slaughter), Grass Roots (written by Stuart Woods) and Tobacco Road (Erkskine Caldwell), just to name a few.

Tybee Island, GA. Photo Credit: 1778011/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Coca Cola and Sweet Tea are drink staples.
• Plan to experience the differences between the rural and urban areas.
• Do shop and dine at the Monastery of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit (Conyers) for local breakfast and goods prepared by Monks.
• Summertime is hot and humid.
• As the "Chicken Capital of the World" is best eaten in Gainesville.
  
• Allow your mouth to feast on locally grown ripe melons, peaches, peanuts and pecans.
• Pristine beaches are located on the southeastern coast, Golden Isles.
  
• Always wear bug repellent to avoid the West Nile Virus.
• Their most popular attraction is Stone Mountain receiving over four million visitors annually.
  
• Augusta hosts the annual Masters Golf Tournament every spring.
  
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is considered one of our nation's busiest airports.
  
• Has 29 Islands, not all are inhabitable, however the most popular islands to visit is Jekyll Island, Sea Island, St Simons Island and Tybee Island.

A humid subtropical climate subject to hurricanes and tornadoes.

• Best Time to Visit: March - May
• Coldest Months: November - February
• Hottest Month: July
• Peak Season: June - August

St Simons Island, GA. Photo Credit: 1778011/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Andersonville National, Chief Vann House, Etowah Indian Mounds, Fort King George State, Fort Morris, Fort Pulaski National Monument, Georgia State Capitol, Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, James Brown Statue, Jarrell Plantation, Jimmy Carter National, Lapham-Patterson House, Little White House, Lover's Oak, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, New Echota, Pickett's Mill Battlefield, Resaca Battlefield, Robert Toombs House, Savannah Historic District, Swan House, Telfair Academy, The King Center and Wormsloe.
• Museums: Atlanta History Center, American Prohibition Museum, Apex Museum, Booth Western Art Museum, Cannonball House, Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum, Currahee Military Museum, Dahlonega Gold Mine Museum, David J Sencer CDC Museum, Delta Flight Museum, Foxfire Museum & Heritage Center, Georgia Museum of Art, Georgia's Old, Governor's Mansion, Georgia State Railroad Museum, High Museum of Art, Jepson Center for the Arts, Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum, Johnston–Felton–Hay House, Michael C Carlos Museum, Museum of Aviation, Museum of Arts and Sciences, National Center for Civil & Human Rights, National Civil War Naval Museum, National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, National Prisoner of War Museum, Old Car City USA, 
  Pinpoint Heritage Museum, Road To Tara Museum, Rogers House Museum, Sorrel Weed House, Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History, Telfair Museums, Tellus Science Museum, The Columbus Museum, The National Infantry Museum, Webb Military Museum and World of Coca-Cola.
• National/State Parks: 2 National Forests, 3 National Parks, 6 State Forests and 63 State Parks.
• Popular Attractions: Augusta Riverwalk, Amicalola Falls State Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden, BabyLand General Hospital, Barbie Beach, Black Rock Mountain State Park, Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Blythe Island Regional Park, Callaway Gardens Robin Lake Beach, Cecil B Day Butterfly Center, Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, CNN Studio Tours, Consolidated Gold Mine, Dinotorium, Driftwood Beach, Dungeness Ruins, Fairyland Caverns, F.D. Roosevelt State Park, Flat Rock Park, Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia, Forsyth Park, Fort McAllister State Park, Fort Mountain State Park, Georgia Aquarium, Georgia Guidestones, Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, Georgia Veterans State Park, Golden Isles, Heritage Hall, Hills & Dales Estate, Jimmy Carter Peanut of Plains Statue, Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park, Lanier Islands Beach & Water Park, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Geyser Towers, Magnolia Springs State Park, Marietta Square, Martin Luther King Jr National Historical Park, Mid Beach, Netherworld Haunted House, North Georgia Wildlife Park & Zoo, Oakland Cemetery, Okefenokee Swamp Park, Old Fort Jackson, Paradise Garden, Pasaquan, Peach Blossom Trail, Pine Mountain, Providence Canyon State Park, Reed Bingham State Park, Rock City Gardens, Rock City Lookout Mountain, Malibu Norcross, SAM Shortline Train, Six Flags Over Georgia, Six Flags White Water, Skidaway Island State Park, SkyView Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain Skyride, St Simon's Island, Tank Town USA, The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Tiny Doors ATL, Toccoa Falls, Tybee Beach Pier, UGA Marine Education Center & Aquarium, Wild Adventures, Wild Animal Safari, World of Coca-Cola and Zoo Atlanta.
• Popular Cities/Towns to Visit: Albany, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Athens, Augusta, Blue Ridge, Brunswick, Columbus, Dawsonville, Decatur, Johns Creek, Macon, Marietta, Roswell,  Sandy Springs, Savannah and Warner Robins.
• Special Events: (January) New Year's Bluegrass Festival, (March) Azalea Festival, Blessing of the Fleet, Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival,International Cherry Blossom Festival, Rhythm & Ribs BBQ Festival, Savannah Music Festival, Savannah Stopover, Sip & Savor Spring, (April) Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Athens Twilight Criterium, Due South, Roswell Moves!, SweetWater 420 Fest, Thomasville Rose Show & Festival, (May) Alpharetta Arts Streetfest, Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, Atlanta Jazz Festival, Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival, Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival, Papa Joe's Banjo-B-Que Music Festival, Shaky Knees Music Festival, Spring Arts in the Park, Taste of Alpharetta, The Atlanta Cycling Festival, (June) Art in the Mountains, Bicycle Ride Across Georgia, Candler Park Music & Food Festival, Georgia 400 Hospitality Hwy Century, Made in Georgia Festival, Penny McHenry Hydrangea Festival, River Lantern Parade, Rockfest, Roswell Lavender Festival, Thomas A Dorsey Festival, Tour of North Georgia , Tunes from the Tombs, Watermelon Days Festival, (July) Bragg Jam, (August) Arts in the Heart, Crush Fest Wine & Food Festival, Georgia Mountain Fair,(September) A3C Festival & Conference, Imagine Music Festival, Music Midtown, ONE Musicfest, Six Gap Century Bicycle Ride & Three Gap Fifty Bike Ride, Wildwood Revival, (October) Georgia Apple Festival, Oktoberfest, Twin Rivers Challenge Cycling Event, Wire & Wood Songwriters Festival, (November) HemlockFest, Savannah Food & Wine Festival, Shrimp & Grits Festival and (December) Victorian Christmas Festival, just to name a few.

Appalachian Mountains. Photo Credit: Paul Brennan/Pixabay 

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? 

Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.