Picture a one-lane windy road that is exhilerating and frightening at the same time - surrounded by greenery that is blooming and waterfalls that fall hundreds of feet to the bottom of the thick forest.

When planning to drive this path, set aside a whole day. This way you have plenty of time to stop along the way and look at the magnificent scenery, take pictures, and stop for breaks. Once you get to Hana, you will have plenty of activities to choose from - like going to the beach, snorkeling, hiking, and many more options.

The NaPali Coast is located on the north-western side of Kauai, and is only accessible by boat, helicopter, or a multi-day trek on foot. Because this long stretch of cliff face and beach is not easily accessible by vehicles, it makes the journey to see it that much more special and rewarding. I took a 2 hour long catamaran ride to the NaPali coast and witnessed crystal clear blue water, green cliff faces with depth that is almost unimaginable, and abundant sea life waiting to greet us.

A fun and adventurous way to explore the coast is through a catamaran ride. Captain Andy's, Blue Dolphin Charters, and Barefoot Tours all offer a wide variety of cruises to suit every person wanting to experience the unique earthly presence.

With big waves crashing and baby sea turtles breaking free from their shells, you finally understand why the North Shore is such a big deal. This is the essence of North Shore on Oahu. The streets of this little town are always bustling with people. There are many shops to peruse and restaurants and food trucks to try.

The perfect time of year to visit this side of the island is during the end of October and the whole month of November. This is because the waves become as tall as some buildings - up to 30 feet high and even taller. While you are not able to get in the water due to the danger of under currents and wave height, it still is a wonderful experience. If you are set on getting into the water while you are here during those months, you can travel to any other part of the island, like Kailua, and enjoy the calm waters and sandy beaches.

Life-filled coral reefs and warm waters await you at Hanauma Bay in Honolulu, HI. This destination is perfect for seeing lots of ocean life, but also is great for just spending a day on the beach. You can safely snorkel within the reef, but if you are feeling adventurous, you can scuba dive beyond the reef.

To get into Hanauma Bay, you need to pay a small entrance fee and go through about a 30 minute education about respecting coral reefs and safety.