One of the most exotic places in the world to travel is Hawaii. The amusement parks there are perfect to soak in these Pacific islands and Polynesian culture. The beautiful rainforest is the perfect setting for exploring the flora and fauna of Hawaii. Read further to know more about some of the top 10 Hawaiian amusement parks.
- Polynesian Cultural Center – Known for the traditional feast of Hawaii “Luau”, the Polynesian Cultural Center is one of the many popular parks in Hawaii. The park offers an insight into the life in many different Pacific islands. The whole park is spilt into a number of villages that each explores the culture of Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti, Fiji and Tonga. Visitors to the park can choose from a host of activities like dancing, learning the history of Tikis, climbing a coconut tree etc.
- Haleakala National Park – This national park located on the island of Maui preserves the Haleakala volcanic zone. The summit offers fantastic views while the lush Kipahulu valley is dotted with freshwater pools and waterfalls. Must dos here are hiking and swimming. Guided bike tours too are an attraction here and if you love riding, then never this miss spot.
- Seal Life Park – Located on Waimanalo Bay east of Honolulu, this park gets visitors up close and personal with creatures of the sea. One can enjoy shows featuring dolphins and sea lions. Also there is a pirate ship to play in.
- Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park – This tourist attraction on Big Island is spread across a 182 acres park and is full of archeological sites and reconstruction of the ancient Hawaiian “Place of Refuge”. This sacred site was once the home of the Hawaiian royalty. It was also a place of refuge for people who broke a law known as “Kapu” and the defeated military.
- Wailua River State Park – Considered to be Kaua’i’s most popular state park, it is divided into three areas. Inside this park are the Wailua Falls, a double waterfall that cascades down 80 feet. TV’s Fantasy Island featured these falls in the opening scenes. Several places of worship, refuge and birthstones are located within the park.
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — This park is a must visit to watch lava-filled geology in action. Spread across 333,086 acres, this park is home to the world’s most active volcano Kilauea and also Mauna Loa, considered to be the world’s most massive volcano.
- Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo – The only zoo located inside a rainforest, this small 12 acre zoo has more than 60 species of animals on display. The grounds are covered with more than 40 different species of trees, plants and flowers. The zoo’s most popular attraction is a male white Bengal Tiger named Namaste’.
- Wet’n’Wild water park – This water park is set amidst 29 acres of lush, tropical surroundings It has over 25 rides and attractions for families and thrill-seekers. Considered to be Hawaii’s only water park, it has water slides, an interactive children’s area and a huge 400,000 gallon wave pool among many other thrilling features.
- Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area – A half-mile beach shaped as a crescent is great for swimming, bodysurfing and picnics. It also has a snack bar, restroom and shower facilities. This location is also famous for hiking.
- Waimea Canyon State Park – Located on the island of Kaua’i, the famous author Mark Twain first called it the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. It is very colorful and abundant in waterfalls. It is best viewed from a helicopter. Explore the gardens on the sunlit paths, and this ecosystem is the best way to spend time with your family.