Illinois (IL)

Illinois State Flag

"Land of Lincoln"

"Chi-Town", "City by the Lake", "City in a Garden", "City of Big Shoulders", "Great Commercial Tree", "Heart of America", "Mud City", "Prairie State", "Second City", The City Beautiful", "The City that Works", "The Great American City" and "Windy City".

Why visit Illinois?

Travelers seeking a world class city to enjoy architecture, culture, dining, historical sites, history, museums, nightlife, shopping and theatre. 

Chicago City, IL. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Capital: Springfield
• State Bird: Northern Cardinal
• State Dessert: Pumpkin Pie
• State Flower: Violet
• State Gemstone: None
• State Mammal: White Tailed Deer
• State Rock: None

"Route 66" Pontiac, IL. Photo Credit: Andreas H/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Agricultural heavy equipment mogul, John Deer Headquarters & Manufacturing is in Moline, IL.
  
• The first McDonald's was built in Des Plaines, IL.
  
• Features 2 National Forests, 5 State Forests and 43 State Parks.
• The snack Twinkie, a golden sponge cake with a creamy filling was invented by James Alexander Dewar (Canadian-born baker) in Schiller Park, IL.
  
• Late President Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) while in grade school (9) resided in Dixon (1920-1923) with his family.
• In 1830, Late President Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) at 21 moved to Macon County, IL with his family, a year later on his own. Elected to the Illinois Legislature in 1834 and reelected from 1836-1844. President from 1861-1965.
• Clark Kent (Superman), Reporter at The Daily Planet in Metropolis, IL.
  
• Until the build of the One Trade Center (New York City) the Sears Roebuck & Company was considered the tallest building across our nation. Sold for $1.3 billion (2015) and renamed Willis Tower (global insurance broker).
  
• Around 75% of the state is farmland. A leading producer of corn, grain and soybeans.

Thank You!

• Spotlight Celebrities: Betty White (Actress), Dwayne Wade (Athlete), Harrison Ford (Actor), Hillary Clinton (Former First Lady), Michelle Obama (Former First Lady), Robin Williams (Actor) and Walt Disney (Founder), just to name a few.
• Movies to Inspire You: A League of Their Own (1992),  Contagion (2011), Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986), Lucas (1998) and Man of Steel (2013), just to name a few.
• Novels Set in Illinois: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (written by Mark Twain) and The House on Mango Street (written by Sandra Cisneros), just to name a few.

Dwight, IL. Photo Credit: Jorge Segovia/Unsplash 

Good to Know

• Chicago is a hub for Amtrak Trains connecting passengers to the Northeast, South and West Coast.
• Route 66 starts in Chicago (ends in Santa Monica, CA).
• Foliage Season starts around the last two weeks in September and last until the last two weeks of October.

Subject to heat waves, winds, snow storms and tornadoes.

• Best Time to Visit: May - October
• Coldest Month: January
• Hottest Months: July
• Peak Season: June - August

The Bean (Cloud Gate), Chicago, IL. Photo Credit: Rick Lobes/Pixabay

Search Results

Web resultsThe Bean (Cloud Gate) in Chicago

Photo Credit: Rick Lobes/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: 1820 Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House, Adlai E Stevenson Historic Home, Albany Mounds State Historic Site, American Airlines Flight 191 Crash Site, Apple River Fort State Historic Site, Beattie Park Mound Group Historic Site, Bernard Stuve House, Bieker-Wilson Village Archaeological Site, Buel House State Historic Site, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Carthage Jail, Cattle Bank, Charles A Lindbergh Historical Marker,  Clayville Town Historic Site, Corbin Farm Site, Douglas Tomb State Historic Site, Fort de Chartres State Historic Site, Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site, Frederick C. Robie House, Grand Village of the Kickapoo Historic Site, Griggsville Landing Lime Kiln Historic Site,Halfway Tavern State Historic Site, Ida B Wells-Barnett House, Illinois Iron Furnace National Historic Site, Jarrot Mansion, John Deere Historic Site, Joliet Iron Works Historic Site, Joseph & Emma Smith Mansion House, Joseph Smith Historic Site, Kaskaskia Bell State Historic Site, Kincaid Mounds State Historic Site, Kolmer Site, Lewis & Clark State Historic Site, Lincoln’s First Illinois Home State Historic Site, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, Marquette Building, Martin-Boismenue House State Historic Site, Modoc Rock Shelter National Historic Site, Nike Missile Site C-44, Nike Missile Control Site C-72, Morrow Plots, Old Fort Dearborn, Olof Johnson House, Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site, Scott Joplin House State Historic Site, Sinnissippi Mounds Historic Site, Stephen Wright House, Ulysses S Grant Home and Virgil Hickox House.
• Museums: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum & Library, Adler Planetarium, American Writers Museum, Bethel School, Block Museum of Art, Champaign County History Museum, Chicago Children's Museum, Chicago History Museum, Curiosity Museum, David Davis Mansion, Dickson Mounds State Museum, Dillon Home Museum, DuPage Children's Museum, DuSable Museum of African American History, Elgin History Museum, Field Museum, Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio, Great Western Railroad Museum, Henry Thomas Museum, Hieronymus Mueller Museum, 
  Historic Auto Attractions, Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, Illinois Rural Heritage Museum, Illinois State Military Museum, 
  Illinois State Museum, International Museum of Surgical Science, Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, John C Flanagan House Museum, Krannert Art Museum, La Salle County Historical Museum, Lincoln Heritage Museum, Livingston County War Museum, Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA), McHenry County Historical Society, McLean County Museum of History, Monticello Railway Museum, Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Photography, Museum Of The Gilding Arts, Museum of Science & Industry, National Museum of Mexican Art, National Veterans Art Museum, Norsk Museum, Northern Illinois Fire Museum, O'Fallon Historical Museum, Oriental Institute Museum, Orpheum Children's Science Museum, Pearson Museum, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Peoria Riverfront Museum, Pettengill-Morron House Museum, Poos Museum, Ronald Reagan Museum, Route 66 Association of Illinois, SciTech Hands On Museum, Smart Museum of Art, Spurlock Museum, Sunderlage House, Super Museum, Swedish American Museum, Telephone Museum of Gridley, The Art Institute of Chicago, The Pullman Park National Monument, The Richard H Driehaus Museum, The Staley Museum,  Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens, Vachel Lindsay Home, Vermilion County Museum, Western Illinois Museum, Wheels O' Time Museum and William Tanner House Museum. 
• Popular Attractions: Adler Planetarium Skyline Walk, Aikman Wildlife Adventure, Air Combat Museum, Allen Miller House, Alta Vista Terrace Historic District, American Toby Jug Museum, Anderson Japanese Gardens, Atomic Cannon, Bahá'í House of Worship, Big Pencil, Broadway National Historic District, Brookfield Zoo, Cairo's Historic Park DIstrict, Cantigny Park, Caterpillar Visitors Center, Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago Riverwalk, Cloud Gate, Colonel Davenport Historical House, Crown Fountain, Dana Thomas House, Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Fountain of Time, Garden of the Gods, Garfield Park Gold Dome Field House, Gemini Giant, Glen Oak Park, Glessner House, Goofy Ridge, Grady's Family Fun Park, Great Salt Springs, Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, Grosse Point Lighthouse, Gurnee Mills, Haymarket Martyrs' Monument, Horseshoe Mound Preserve, Illinois Iron Furnace, Illinois Fallen Firefighters Memorial, 
  illinois Governor's Mansion, Jeremiah Strawn House, Kane County Flea Market, Kaskaskia Dragon, Knight's Action Park, Lake Michigan, Lincoln Park, Leaning Tower of Niles, Lincoln Memorial Garden & Nature Center, Lower Dells Waterfall, Matthiessen State Park, Michael Klunk Farmstead, Millennium Park, National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Nauvoo Groves, Nauvoo Historic District, Navy Pier, Orson Rogers House, Owen Lovejoy House, Oz Park, Peoria Holocaust Memorial, Peoria Zoo, Pleasant Home, Pontiac Canyon, Postville Courthouse, Pullman National Monument, Purple Martin Highrise of the Purple Martin Capital of the Nation, Miller Park Zoo, Raging Waves Waterpark, Railsplitter Covered Wagon, Red Covered Bridge, Richard Pryor Statue by Preston Jackson, Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home, Sand Ridge State Forest, Sandwich Antiques Market, Scovill Zoo, Shawnee National Forest, Shawneetown Bank, Shedd Aquarium, Six Flags Great America, Skydeck Chicago, S.S. Eastland Memorial, Solomon Allen Barn, Splash Country, Standard Oil Gas Station, Starved Rock State Park, 
  St Clair County Historical Society, Superman Statue, The Art Institute of Chicago, The Gardens at SIUE, The Mill, The Morton Arboretum, The Water Works Indoor Water Park, Tribune Tower, Tunnel Hill State Trail, Two Story Outhouse, Union Stockyards Gate, Washington Park Botanical Garden, 
  Waukegan Harbor Light, Webb Brothers Blacksmith Shop, Weber House & Garden, Westclox Museum, Wild Bill Hickok Memorial, Wilford Woodruff Home, World's Largest Knitting Needles & Crochet Hook, World's Largest Catsup Bottle, World's Largest Mailbox, World's Largest Wind Chime, 
  Wrigley Field, World's Largest Pitchfork, World's Largest Rocking Chair, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, and Old Joliet Prison. 
• Popular Cities/Towns to Visit: Aurora, Champaign, Chicago, Elgin, Galena, Geneva, Joliet, Lisle, Naperville, Oglesby, Peoria, Rockford, Sandwich and Waukegan. 
• Special Events: (March)  Joseph Jefferson Award, Illinois State Bar Association High School Mock Trial Invitational, The Fest for Beatles Fans, (April) Chicago Rose of Tralee, (May) Anime Central (ACen), HerrinFesta Italiana, International Mister Leather (IML), Lake of Egypt Paddle Fest, Lilac Time, Summer Camp Music Festival ,  (June) Edwardsville Route 66 Festival, Grant Park Music Festival , Great Galena Balloon Race Weekend, Lisle Eyes to the Skies, Long Grove Strawberry Festival, Macon County Fair, Metropolis SuperCon, Miss Illinois' Outstanding Teen, People's Summit, Ravinia Festival, Superman Celebration,  (July) Anime Midwest, Bughouse Square Debates, Cornerstone Festival , North Michigan Avenue Art Festival, Pitchfork Music Festival, Ruido Fest, Taste of Chicago,  (August) Chicago Air & Water Show, Cobden Peach Festival, Decatur Celebration Great River Tug Fest, Illinois State Fair,  Lollapalooza, Northwest Illinois Film Festival ,  US National Straw Sculpting Competition, (September) Chicago Jazz Festival, Festival of the Vine, Jazz Weekend, Mississippi Earthtones Festival, Murphysboro Apple Festival, Old Fashioned Pumpkin Festival, On the Waterfront, Popeye Parade & Picnic, Shoe Fest, Shrimp Festival, Springfield Mile, Three Dog Night, Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival, World Music Festival Chicago, (October) Chicago International Film Festival, Galena Oktoberfest, Halloween Parade & Festival, Open House Chicago (OHC), Redneck Fishing Tournament, Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, Vulture Fest, (November) Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, Festival of Lights, HolyBoulders Bouldering Competition and Turkey Testicle Festival.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Cahokia

Lincoln Home, Springfield, IL. Photo Credit: Yinan Chen/Pixabay 

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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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