The South Kohala coast of the island of Hawaii is home to Waikoloa Beach. Ancient Hawaiian history and culture, including petroglyphs believed to represent the heavens, stands side-by-side with ultra modern full-service resorts. Waikoloa is also home to fine examples of traditional Hawaiian aquaculture. In 1985, the University of Hawaii renovated the Anchialine ponds which today nuture a wide variety of sea life. Nearby Anaeho'omalu Bay has the Ku'uali'i and Kahapapa Fishponds. 

Ecologically diverse and sparsely populated, the Big Island of Hawaii is larger than all the other better-known Hawaiian islands combined. Rental cars allow visitors to discover wonders from snow-capped mountains to rainforests to deserts. Best known for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the longest volcanic eruption in recorded history, the Big Island caters both to those who crave adventure and to those looking for luxury, with the flotilla of decadent mega-resorts dotted along Kohala Coast.

Hawaii's premier natural attraction offers a wealth of live volcano activity, rainforest, hiking trails and spectacular scenery. See the park's wonders from fifty miles of usually navigable roads - lava flows sometimes necessitate a detour - or take a few days to explore its marvels. Don't miss Kilauea's four-kilometre-wide Halemaumau caldera, Kilauea Iki crater trail, the easy Kipuka Puaula Trail or the chance to pick up a souvenir of the red hot action at Volcano Art Centre & Gallery.

The stunning white, black, green and red sand beaches and fiery lava flows near Volcano are best seen from a hired car, moped or tour bus. This town adjacent to Kilauea, the youngest volcano on the Big Island, offers attractions such as the enticing Volcano Winery, Thomas A. Jaggar geological and historical museum and the Cooper Center. At the end of a day experiencing Volcano's myriad marvels, take a seat by the imposing stone fireplace in romantic Kilauea Lodge and sample Polynesian-inspired cuisine.

The landscape of Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaii, is diverse. Beaches of black, grey, brown and white sand contrast with mountains and dramatic waterfalls. Hilo's Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo is the only US zoo in a tropical rainforest. A day trip away are the snow-capped mountains Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, both with observatories near 11,000 feet, and Kilauea Caldera, an active volcano. Back in town are a farmer's market, restaurants, shopping and banyan trees planted by celebrities and politicians.

Nestled in a picturesque valley just 75 miles north of Los Angeles, Ojai is brimming with small town charm and creativity. Get lost in locally owned boutiques with hand-crafted wares, galleries, and distinctive cafes. Explore the outdoors with opportunities to horseback ride, mountain bike, rock climb, hike, golf or play tennis. Surrounded by scenic hills and aromatic orchards, Ojai is the perfect place for a rejuvenating retreat.

The next time you're driving to Toronto or Niagara Falls, stop in Hamilton, where tourist traffic isn't quite so rampant. The Niagara Escarpment provides spectacular scenery, with beautiful trails and waterfalls. Visit nearby farms, orchards and vineyards, or plan your trip to coincide with Hamilton's lively fall fairs.