OKINAWA
For a view beyond Waikiki Beach and the surrounding tropics of the island, a visit to Diamond Head 760 feet above is a must. This tuff crater is an iconic landmark of the islands and is a favorite for hikers thanks to the breathtaking vistas it offers. (Photos by Miyuki Takiguchi and Denisse Rauda)

For a view beyond Waikiki Beach and the surrounding tropics of the island, a visit to Diamond Head 760 feet above is a must. This tuff crater is an iconic landmark of the islands and is a favorite for hikers thanks to the breathtaking vistas it offers. (Photos by Miyuki Takiguchi and Denisse Rauda) ()

Whether you’re working from home, sheltering in place or just staying home, if you’re like us, you’re probably dreaming of open skies, sandy beaches, tall mountains, or perfect powdery slopes. Our travel plans may be on hold, but that doesn’t mean we can’t dream up where we’ll go next.

Welcome to virtual vacation video series where we can explore destinations from the comfort of our homes.

Join us as we take a short virtual journey to Hawaii.

The great thing about this destination is that it is easily accessible from almost anywhere in the Pacific theater and getting there can be relatively inexpensive thanks to many budget airline options in the region.

Hawaii, a tropical archipelago made up of eight main-islands and more than 120 small islands is blessed with natural beauty, rich history, traditional Polynesian culture and arts, and delicious cuisine. This is a great place for a getaway.

Some of the must-see spots in Hawaii’s capital island Oahu include:

  • King Kamehameha Statue – Standing before the State Supreme Court, this 18-foot bronze statue of King Kamehameha is one of the Hawaii’s most popular photo op sites. Kamehameha is known as Hawaii’s greatest kings for his role in uniting the islands in 1810 after years of conflict. Every year on June 11, which is Kamehameha Day, the statue is draped with wreaths of flower lei.

  • Waikiki Beach – Known as one of the most popular beaches in the world, Waikiki in Honolulu City is a 2-mile-long beach of white sand and calm turquoise waters. Kalakaua Avenue, along the beach, offers many shops and restaurants with something for everyone.

  • Diamond Head – For a view beyond Waikiki Beach and the surrounding tropics of the island, a visit to Diamond Head 760 feet above is a must. This tuff crater is an iconic landmark of the islands and is a favorite for hikers thanks to the breathtaking vistas it offers.

A visit to Hawaii would not be complete without trying a Hawaiian delicacy – Kalua Pork. Plan ahead for one of the many luaus around the island for dinner and a show. The sweet and tender pork is cooked using a traditional Hawaiian cooking method using an underground oven called an imu. Enjoy this dish while dancers onstage perform traditional Hawaiian dances for an inside look at the island’s culture. This is one you won’t want to miss!

I hope you enjoyed our virtual visit to the bewitching island of Hawaii and that perhaps it's inspired your next trip. Stay safe and get ready to travel with us in our next video. Thanks for watching!

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