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Juneau Cruise Port
Juneau’s cruise port sits right alongside the historic downtown area, within walking distance of seafood restaurants and frontier-themed shops. There’s plenty to see and do right off the boat in the state capital, but the port also serves as a jumping-off point for excursions to Mendenhall Glacier and the Alaskan wilderness.
The Basics
Passengers docking at the busy Juneau cruise port have a host of options to choose from. A popular choice combines a city tour of the former mining town with a trip to the nearby Mendenhall Glacier, located 12 miles (20 kilometers) northwest of the city. For animal lovers, the port serves as a departure point for whale-watching excursions in scenic Auke Bay, and the nearby Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area protects the highest concentration of brown bears on the planet. Adventure travelers can spend their time in port white water rafting or ziplining on Douglas Island, while cultural options include gold mining excursions or traditional Alaskan salmon bakes.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most Juneau shore excursions include round-trip transportation from the Juneau port.
- Guided tours from the Juneau port typically last anywhere from three to eight hours, depending on the activities chosen.
- Book a private, customizable tour to make sure you don’t miss any of the sights on your list.
- Don’t forget to bring sun protection and bug repellent ashore with you.
How to Get to Juneau from the Juneau Cruise Port
Cruise ships dock at three different areas, all within walking distance of Downtown Juneau. Larger ships tend to dock near South Franklin Street (near the Mount Roberts Tramway), while smaller vessels dock next to the floatplanes. A third dock sits at the south end of town.
Port Information
Juneau averages 220 days of rain each year, so be sure to dress for the weather. The official currency is the US dollar, and there are ATMs and banks located throughout town.
Address: South Franklin Street, Juneau AK 99801, USA
From ¥ 391
Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
Juliette Gordon Low might be better known as the founder of the modern American Girl Scouts. Her birthplace home is a highlight of Greek Revival, and is Savannah’s first registered historic landmark. The beautiful southern mansion has been refurbished to its height of 1880s splendor and touring the home you’ll hear about the life and times of four generations of one iconic American family. A great stop for anyone – Girl Scout or not – the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is as inspirational as it is informative. Complete with entertaining guides, artifacts, and points of interest that keep both young and old happily enthralled (like trying on 19th century corsets, for example), the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is not to be missed.
Practical Info
The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is located at 10 E. Oglethorpe Ave., in downtown Savannah. Tickets are $8 adult, and $18 for a Preservation Pass, which includes this house, the Isaiah Davenport House, and the Andrew Low House. Tours are available.
Address: 10 E Oglethorpe Ave, Savannah, GA 31401, USA
Hours: Book reservations for day viewings
Admission: Adults: $8
From ¥ 223
Kailua Pier
Kailua Pier is the northern bookend to most of Kailua-Kona’s restaurants, shops and bars, a stretch of concrete wide enough to host four-lanes of traffic (if it wasn’t closed off to cars). The historic pier was first built as a downtown fishing dock in 1900 and utilized rocks from deconstructed Hawaiian palace and fort walls, but today few boats moor here. Instead, the pier is mostly used for large events and festivals including the annual Kona Ironman World Championships, which starts and finishes at the pier, and the Kona International Billfish Tournament whose daily catches of sometimes-massive fish species including Pacific blue marlin are weighed from pier-side scales for all to see.
On the pier’s northern side, a small beach fronting the King Kamehameha Marriott Hotel has public showers, restroom blocks and hosts community events such as the Kona International Surf Film Festival and the Kona Brewers’ Festival. Aside from the beach, the best vantage for
Ahu’ena Heiau, a still-revered thatch-roof temple dedicated to Lono and dating to the early 19th century, is from Kailua Pier. Some say the temple is just 1/3 of its original size when built by Island-uniting King Kamehameha I. Because it is believed the monarch also died here, the site and its tiny man-made island remain sacred and off-limits to the public, despite being on the National Register of Historic Landmarks.
Practical Info
The pier is located on Kaahumanu Place at the bend where Alii Drive becomes Palani Road. It is next door to the King Kamehameha Marriott Hotel and across the street from the Fish Hopper Restaurant and ABC Store.
Address: Kaahumanu Place, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740, USA
From ¥ 787
Kalalau Lookout
The Napali Coast tops nearly everyone’s Kauai bucketlists with its sheer green undulating cliffs dropping directly into cerulean waters. The Kalalau Trail takes you back in and along Napali’s Valleys for 11 miles down to the beach and back up and out for another 11—a trip that takes most people at least two days to complete. Not for everyone. Enter the Kalalau Lookout, an easily accessible vantage from which to take in the deep expanse of Napali’s most recognizable Kalalau Valley and get a taste of Napali from land without all of the hiking. Sitting at an elevation of 4,000 feet, the lookout is perfectly positioned to take in the full two-mile-across valley and the ocean beyond.
Practical Info
Kalalau Lookout is located near the end of Kokee Road, off Waimea Canyon Road, at mile marker #18. Visit the lookout in the morning between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. if possible. During this window, the sun fully illuminates the valley’s crags, and ensures the best chance of uninterrupted views before the regular afternoon clouds roll in.
Address: Kokee Rd, Kapaa, Hawaii, USA 96746, USA
From ¥ 914
Jungle Island
Jungle Island (formerly Parrot Jungle Island) is a glorious homage to tourism kitsch. This is one of those places kids beg to go, so just give up and prepare for some bright-feathered, bird-scented fun. Actually, the 18 acre (7 hectare) waterfront facility, lushly landscaped and using a minimum of pesticides, is pretty impressive, thanks in part to the parrots, macaws, flamingos, and cockatoos flying about in outdoor aviaries.
The Cape Penguin colony is especially cute, as is Crocosaurus, a 20 foot (6 meter) long saltwater crocodile that lives in Serpentarium. Other critters include snakes, crocodiles, gibbons and orangutans, not to mention tortoises, iguanas, and a rare albino alligator on exhibit.
You can even see animals in action, as Jungle Island host a number of shows starring roller-skating cockatoos, card-playing macaws, and numerous stunt-happy parrots. Nearby is Pinecrest Gardens, which has a petting zoo, mini-water park, and a lake.
Practical Info
Jungle Island sits on the north side of MacArthur Causeway, which connects downtown Miami with South Beach. To get here, take I-95 to I-395 east (MacArthur Causeway). Make a right on Parrot Jungle Trail, which is the first exit after the bridge. If you have kids, consider combining a visit to Jungle Island with the Miami Children's Museum, which is located nearby.
Address: 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Watson Island, Miami 33132, USA
Hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm (until 6pm on weekends)
Admission: Adults: US$33, Children (3-10yrs): US$25
From ¥ 358
Kahaluu Beach Park
Yellow tang, surgeon fish, multi-colored parrot fish, pufferfish, humuhumunukunukuapuaa (Hawaii’s state fish) and over 100 other species can be spotted in this crystal clear and protected cove south of Kailua-Kona. Kahaluu Beach Park’s small stretch of white coral and black lava beach makes this one of the great and rare Hawaii Island snorkeling spots that also affords easy ocean access. Couple that with its picturesque setting—fringed with palms and bookended by the tiny white-clapboard 1880s Saint Peter by the Sea mission—shallow u-shaped bay, and year-round water temperatures hovering between 75 and 81 degrees, and Kahaluu is a strong a contender for the Island’s best snorkeling locale. Beyond the ancient rock wall said to be built by Menehune (a hard-working race of little people in Hawaiian legends), seasonal breakers around five feet high entice both beginner and moderately experienced surfers. During the winter months, monster waves rage and bring out the experts as they have for centuries—it’s said this was a popular surf spot for alii (Hawaiian royalty). With all of these great features, Kahaluu Beach Park’s charms are no secret—after around 10 a.m. it can be challenging to find a spot in the parking lot or on the sand.
Practical Info
Kahaluu Beach Park is located at 78-6740 Alii Drive and is free and open to the public from dawn to dusk. There is an onsite lifeguard as well as several showers, bathrooms and half a dozen picnic tables under a small gazebo (though there is no place within walking distance to get food, so pack a snack!). Recently, a large truck-turned-information center run by an area non-profit has begun parking in the onsite lot. Its volunteers are expert locals who care about the ocean life and promote safe snorkeling habits (like not standing on the reef), and can tell you more about “that orange fish” you saw. The truck also sells reef-safe sunscreen and rents snorkeling gear. Other popular rental options include Kahaluu Bay Surf and Sea, which also offers surf and SUP lessons from its shop across the street, and Snorkel Bob’s in downtown Kailua-Kona.
Address: 78-6740 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA 96740, USA
Hours: Open daily dawn-dusk
From ¥ 697
Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Just off Maui’s shore on the island of Molokai, Kalaupapa National Historic Park is the former site of two leper colonies. People living with Hansen’s disease (leprosy) have been quarantined here since the days of King Kamehameha, and a community of cured patients still inhabits the Kalaupapa Settlement, scenically surrounded by steep Pali cliffs. The park is dedicated to preserving the experiences of the past so that they might be learned from in the present and future.
Father Damien, a Belgian missionary, first came to Molokai in the 19th century and cared for the afflicted until his death. In doing so, he brought awareness of the disease to the rest of the world. Once completely isolated, the peaceful area is now a center for education and reflection. Historic churches, homes, and cemeteries can still be seen. Out of respect for the residents, the number of visitors is limited to 100 per day.
Practical Info
Kalaupapa is accessible only by tour, and must be traveled to by mule, hiking, or small plane. It is open Monday to Saturday and is not accessible by car.
Address: Kalaupapa, Hawaii, USA
From ¥ 1,278
Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park
It’s easy to look at the Kona coastline and wonder how Hawaiians survived. Barren, dry, and covered in black lava, this desolate terrain appears inhospitable and incapable of supporting life. In actuality, however, this harsh coastline boasted a thriving population of native Hawaiian inhabitants, who worked intimately with the natural surroundings to maximize all of its resources.
At Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park—set just south of the Kona Airport—this ancient history is brought to life and is blended with recreation. Take a hike past ancient fishponds that were used for feeding the village, and follow trails past historic heiau that were used to worship the gods. If the Kona sun gets a little too hot, cool off at white sand Honokohau Beach, or a take a dip in the Queen’s Bath and enjoy the secluded, hidden surroundings.
More than just the beaches and hiking trails, the Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park is as an outdoor museum of Hawaiian archaeology. Petroglyphs, fishponds, and ancient rock walls are scattered across the park’s 1,160 acres, and traditionally restored, thatched-hut hale (houses) sit on the shore like they once did for centuries. Local fisherman can often be seen throwing nets like their ancestors before them, and this is the perfect place to unplug and escape when staying in downtown Kona.
Practical Info
The Hale Ho‘okipa Visitor Center is open from 8am-4pm daily and is off of Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway. To access the park after 4pm when the gates to the Visitor Center close, follow the road to the Honokohau Marina and the signs to the Kona Sailing Club. From here, a short trail leads north to the beach and all of the hiking trails within. There is no admission fee for visiting the park, and no camping is allowed.
Address: Kaloko-Honokohau, Kalaoa, HI 96740, USA
Hours: Daily 8am-5pm
From ¥ 838
Kaibab National Forest
This huge 1.6 million-acre National Forest park, divided into three distinct sections both north and south of the Grand Canyon, is more than just juniper, spruce and pine forest as the name implies—it is also comprised of grassland prairies, rocky riverbeds, scrubland and peaks like Kendrick Mountain at 10,418 feet.
Popular for its Grand Canyon-esque ecosystems without the crowds, the first decision visitors will have to make is which section to visit. The Williams District in the far south is home to the park’s visitor, which carries maps and brochures of area activities, while the Tusayan District abutting the southern edge of Grand Canyon National Park has popular hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails through its varied elevation. The North Kaibab District—bisected by the Kaibab Plateau-North Rim Scenic Byway (State Highway 67), past sinkhole ponds and Ponderosa pines—is the largest area and stretches most of the way to Utah.
In total, the forest area boasts six campgrounds and more than 300 trail options affording chances to glimpse whitetail deer, elk, turkey or coyote. Three historic cabins—Hull Cabin in the Tusayan District, Jumpup Cabin in North Kaibab and Spring Valley Cabin in the Williams District—are available for rent. Several Grand Canyon helicopter and plane tours departing from the airport in Tusayan afford the chance to double-dip and take in the National Forest en route to the Grand Canyon’s grandeur.
Practical Info
Unless you have a specific trail or activity in mind, the Williams and Forest Service Visitor Center is a good place to start. It’s open daily from 8 a.m. til 6:30 p.m. in the summer and from 8 a.m. til 5 p.m. in the off-season.
Address: 800 S 6th St, Williams, Arizona 86046, USA
Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. til 6:30 p.m. in the summer and from 8 a.m. til 5 p.m. in the off-season.
From ¥ 1,014
Kahana Bay Beach Park
Pre-contact Hawaiians didn’t believe in land ownership, but they did divide the Islands into sectional slivers called ahupua’a. Running from the mountains to the sea, ahupuaa had enough land and water resources to support a whole community, and the 5,300 acre Ahupua’a ‘O Kahana State Park is one of the few statewide divisions that remains intact and managed as a whole. Surrounded on three sides by the verdant Koolau Mountains, and fronting Kahana Bay, the scenic park includes a dusty neighborhood of mostly ethnic Hawaiian residents, two popular jungle hiking trails —Kapa’ele’ele and the Nakoa Loop—leading back into a deep valley, the remnants of an ancient fishpond and a beach park with year-round camping.
Most visitors, drawn by its forested seaside park and calm tropical waters, stop by the here to snap photos enroute to the North Shore. The bay is very shallow and can be murky thanks to the nearby infusion of Kahana Stream, so swimming is not recommended. Instead, the best parts of this park are both scenic and cultural: Visit the rocky, circular remains of the ancient Huila Fishpond on the eastern side of the bay, or head into the park to speak with residents. The 31 families that live here share responsibilities and assist with interpretive programming. The volunteer-staffed orientation center will help guide you toward the hiking trailheads that navigate Kahana Valley, former site of kalo loi (taro terraces), au’wai (channeled irrigation streams), heiau (temples) and later, during WWII, jungle warfare training.
Practical Info
The orientation center with trail-maps, information and restrooms is visible a short drive into the park, but before the neighborhood houses. Makai (seaside) facilities include include picnic tables, restrooms and showers, but, note there are no lifeguards at Kahana Bay. 10 beach campsites are available by advance permitting only ($18 per campsite of up to six per night for non-residents; permits available via camping.ehawaii.gov).
Address: 52-222 Kamehameha Highway, Hauula, Oahu 96717, USA
From ¥ 531
Kailua Beach Park
Thanks to its ample parking, family-friendly atmosphere, and postcard-worthy shoreline, Kailua Beach Park is often regarded as one of Oahu’s nicest beaches. Like its neighboring cousin, Lanikai Beach, this stretch of white sand is fronted by turquoise waters which stretch out to the Mokulua islands.
Unlike Lanikai, however, Kailua Beach Park is as active a destination as Lanikai is calm. Everything from snorkeling to kayaking and parasailing is available from this windward shore classic, and when the wind picks up in the afternoon the kitesurfers, windsurfers, and catamaran sailors take to the water in full force.
On shore, Kailua Beach Park is a popular spot where locals gather for picnics and barbecues, and the bustling streets of Kailua town are only a short walk from the beach. Trendy cafes and classic delis ring the streets surrounding the park, and this is a part of the island where you could spend an entire day just lounging about the sandy shores and exploring the neighborhood on foot.
While afternoons are a favorite time for watersports enthusiasts, locals agree that mornings at Kailua are the perfect time for a long stroll down the beach to neighboring areas such as Kalama Beach and secluded Lanikai. Whether it’s walking or diving or paddling an outrigger canoe, Kailua Beach Park is always a hub of activity that serves as the epicenter for the windward beach community.
While the beach is admittedly busy (particularly on the weekends), it’s a different sort of energy from the crowds at Waikiki Beach, and a visit to Kailua Beach Park is a refreshing day trip for those who still want to soak up the sun but get out of Waikiki.
Unlike Lanikai, however, Kailua Beach Park is as active a destination as Lanikai is calm. Everything from snorkeling to kayaking and parasailing is available from this windward shore classic, and when the wind picks up in the afternoon the kitesurfers, windsurfers, and catamaran sailors take to the water in full force.
On shore, Kailua Beach Park is a popular spot where locals gather for picnics and barbecues, and the bustling streets of Kailua town are only a short walk from the beach. Trendy cafes and classic delis ring the streets surrounding the park, and this is a part of the island where you could spend an entire day just lounging about the sandy shores and exploring the neighborhood on foot.
While afternoons are a favorite time for watersports enthusiasts, locals agree that mornings at Kailua are the perfect time for a long stroll down the beach to neighboring areas such as Kalama Beach and secluded Lanikai. Whether it’s walking or diving or paddling an outrigger canoe, Kailua Beach Park is always a hub of activity that serves as the epicenter for the windward beach community.
While the beach is admittedly busy (particularly on the weekends), it’s a different sort of energy from the crowds at Waikiki Beach, and a visit to Kailua Beach Park is a refreshing day trip for those who still want to soak up the sun but get out of Waikiki.
Address: Kailua Beach Park, Kailua, HI 96734, USA
Hours: Open 5am - 10pm. Restrooms open 6am - 10pm.
From ¥ 818
Kaanapali
Hawaii’s first planned resort town, Kaanapali is a consistent favorite with visitors, with numerous hotels and condominium complexes sharing the prime waterfront location along Kaanapali Beach. Once named America’s Best Beach, the spot offers three miles of sand and warm, swimmable water. Families play on the shores, keeping eyes open for a possible whale swimming in the distance. Tour boats depart directly from the sand during whale-watching season, which runs through the winter.
Along with numerous restaurants, there are a variety of stores located in Kaanapali’s open-air Whalers Village shopping mall. Throughout the day, free Hawaiian entertainment, like hula dancing and lei-making lessons, are offered to guests. A walkway runs in between the beach and the line-up of resorts and businesses, making it easy to forget about the car and stroll from one spot to the next. There’s always a fun crowd of folks moving about.
Practical Info
Kaanapali Beach is just under an hour’s drive from Maui’s Kahului Airport. It’s considered by most to be West Maui’s signature beach town.
Address: Maui, Hawaii, USA
From ¥ 751
Jungle Queen Riverboat
The dignified Jungle Queen Riverboats have plied Fort Lauderdale’s New River for more than 80 years. Passengers aboard the historic vessels enjoy sightseeing along the city’s riverfront as well as in the waterway’s tropical environment—complete with extraordinary plants, exotic birds, and resident alligators. Whether you opt for a daytime or evening cruise, all come with the crew’s signature hospitality and entertainment along the way.
The Basics
The Jungle Queen Riverboat Company owns two boats and offers several tours. The daytime sightseeing cruises go up the New River, sailing past Millionaire’s Row, downtown Fort Lauderdale, Port Everglades, and the Intracoastal Waterway, and more. Some cruises include a stopover at the Jungle Queen Tropical Isle where passengers see an alligator show and other native wildlife. The evening dinner cruise heads up the New River as well, but also includes an island stopover for an all-you-can-eat dinner of barbecue ribs, chicken, and shrimp, and a variety show under the tropical foliage.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Reservations are required, so make sure to book in advance.
- Choose between an evening dinner cruise (four hours) and shorter sightseeing cruises (90 minutes or three hours).
- For the dinner cruise, vegetarian meals are available upon request, but must be arranged at least 24 hours in advance.
- The boat and Tropical Isle are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
All cruises depart from Bahia Mar Yachting Center, in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. Paid parking is available in the Bahia Mar Hotel lot or a public lot across from the Jungle Queen box office.
When to Get There
Jungle Queen cruises sail year-round, rain or shine, with the boats featuring covered tops. Boats begin boarding 45 minutes prior to departure.
Jungle Queen Throughout History
Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruises were started in 1935 as a few small boats that gave sightseeing tours through the "Venice of America" — Fort Lauderdale's historic New River. After WWII, a dinner cruise was incorporated and since 1958 the cruises have included a vaudeville-style variety show. Today Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruises are still run by the same family who took over in 1958.
Address: 801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale 33316, USA
Admission: Varies
From ¥ 168
Kapaau
Much like the neighboring town of Hawi, Kapaau is a town in North Kohala that is experiencing an artistic resurgence. Eccentric artisans and shabby chic galleries now populate sugar-era storefronts, and the pocket-sized town has an intriguing allure that is impossible to pass without stopping.
More so than any other sight, however, Kapaau is known for the King Kamehameha statue that stands just off the highway. Constructed in 1880 in Florence, Italy, the statue was lost during a terrible shipwreck off the coast of the Falkland Islands. For 32 years it sat at the depths of the Atlantic sea floor before it was amazingly found and eventually delivered to its rightful home in Hawaii. The statue was placed in Kapaau since it's considered the birthplace of the king, who was born in a field on Upolu Point only a few miles from town.
Behind the statue, a small museum has a bulletin board with a timeline of Hawaii's history, although you get the feeling that time ticks slower here than in the rest of the state. Continue six miles to Pololu Valley for a sweeping view of the ocean, or descend the rocky, switchback trail down towards the historic, rock-strewn shoreline. For an enjoyable picnic along the coast, pick up lunch from a Kapaau restaurant and head to Keokea Beach Park, a comfortable stretch of grass and picnic tables that fronts the crashing surf.
Practical Info
The town of Kapaau is one hour from Kona and 30 minutes from Waikoloa. Swimming can be rough along the coast, and most afternoons are characterized by wind and the potential for passing showers. Since tourism is such a mainstay of Kapaau's economy, most businesses are open for visitors seven days per week.
Address: Kapaau, Hawaii, USA
From ¥ 1,251
Kaneohe Bay
The best stretch of sand in Kaneohe Bay is out on the middle of the sea. That’s where the sandbar, or “Sunken Island” emerges during low tide, and its sugary white sands are like a floating cay that was made especially for you. Kayaking to the sandbar is one of the most popular activities on the Windward Side of Oahu, and while the beaches along the shoreline aren’t great for swimming, the protected waters make the perfect spot for paddling, boating, or kayaking.
In addition to the sandbar, five islands poke above the turquoise, reef-fringed waters. The tallest of the islands—Chinaman’s Hat—rises 200 feet from the northern edge of the bay and offshore of Kualoa Park. Known to Hawaiians as Mokoli“i, the island resembles a large straw that seems to be floating on the surface of the water. While there may or may not be a Chinese man underwater (according to local legend), one thing that’s found on the Kaneohe seafloor is tens of thousands of sea urchins—imported by scientists to help stave off the growth of highly invasive algae. While the water around the sandbar offers nice swimming and has a soft, sandy bottom, much of the shoreline is rocky, slippery, and potentially covered in urchins. A better bet is to stay in the kayak and enjoy the view of the mountains, which explode from the shoreline with a rugged fury, their peaks outstretched toward the clouds.
Practical Info
Kaneohe Bay is on the island’s eastern shore about 30 minutes from Waikiki. Morning hours offer calmest conditions for paddling, swimming, and boating, and check the tide charts for low tide for the best time to visit the sandbar. Private boats and charter boats can be rented in Kaneohe, and kayak rentals are offered in the neighboring town of Kailua.
Address: Oahu 96744, USA
From ¥ 325
Kahului
The town of Kahului on Maui is often just the starting point for vacations on the island, but if you've got a bit of spare time there are some good reasons to explore Kahului before moving on.
Kahului is one of the main shopping destinations for Maui residents, and it's home to one of Hawaii's largest airports. Besides shopping, however, you can also check out the Kanaha Beach Park and Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary. The former is a relatively hidden beach (behind the airport), and the latter is a bird sanctuary with some endangered Hawaiian bird species. There's also a botanical gardens featuring solely native Hawaiian flora. The town's history is closely tied to the sugar industry, which you can trace at Kahului's Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum.
Many visitors to Kahului know it as the starting point for the scenic Hana Highway (also known as the Road to Hana), which winds more than 50 miles along the northern shore of the island from Kahului to Hana.
Practical Info
Kahului is Maui's largest town, the airport is Hawaii's second-busiest and the port is big enough for cruise ships.
Address: Kahului, Maui, Hawaii, USA
From ¥ 937
Juneau Icefield
Set 2,000 feet (610 meters) above Downtown Juneau, the 1,500-square-mile (3,885-square-kilometer) Juneau Icefield is the fifth largest in North America and feeds 38 major glaciers, including Mendenhall Glacier. Visitors come from around the world to trek on the 3,000-year-old icefield itself or tour one of its many glaciers.
The Basics
A vast majority of visitors who step foot on the icefield do so as part of a helicopter tour from Juneau. A typical helicopter flight takes visitors above the icefield for a landing on one of several different glaciers and a guided walk on the surface of the ice. Those with an interest in Alaskan dog sledding can combine a helicopter tour of the Juneau Icefield with a dog sled ride from a camp on secluded Herbert Glacier.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Juneau Icefield is a must-visit for adventure travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Dress in warm layers; it’s much colder out on the ice than it is in Juneau.
- Opt for a basic glacier landing, or upgrade to a dog sledding experience.
- Most helicopter tours include round-trip transportation from Juneau.
- Some helicopter tours are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
While situated only a stone’s throw from Juneau, it takes an airplane or helicopter ride to access the icefield itself. The only safe way of getting there is by booking a guided tour.
When to Get There
The best time to visit the icefield, as well as Juneau’s other outdoor attractions, is from May to August when days are long and relatively warm. Crowds on the icefield are never really a problem, but you’ll find a much quieter Juneau if you bundle up and visit during the offseason (September to April).
Going, Going … Gone?
The Juneau Icefield and the glaciers it feeds have been retreating since the 1700s. Experts studying the ice sheets of Alaska predict that if current global warming trends continue, the Juneau Icefield will be half its current size by the end of this century and will disappear entirely by the end of the next.
Address: Juneau, Alaska, USA
From ¥ 2,022
Kalapana
More than anything else, the town of Kalapana is a town that was, not a town that is. It is a sad, black, graveyard of homes where dreams, memories and material possessions were incinerated by nature’s fury. Prior to the eruption of Kilauea volcano, Kalapana was a sleepy town along the Big Island’s eastern coastline. All of that changed in 1990 when Kilauea literally rolled through town. By the time the molten carnage was through, over 100 homes had been burned and swallowed by the shifting orange magma.
Today there are still about 35 homes remaining in Kalapana, although the main highlight is where visitors can hike to watch lava spill into the sea. Ever since Kilauea began erupting in 1983, over 500 acres of new land has been created along the coastline, and even though it isn't officially a part of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kalapana is often the best place to watch the drama unfold.
Practical Info
The town of Kalapana is 32 miles from Hilo and 40 miles from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The lava viewing area is at the end of Highway 130, and the hike to reach the lava flows can vary from 20 minutes to a couple of hours depending on the exact location of the flow. The hike to the lava is across rocky terrain, so closed–toe shoes are needed, and the best time to view the lava is at night when it glows a fiery bright orange.
Address: Kalapana, Hawaii, USA
From ¥ 1,522
Kaeleku Caverns
Also known as the Hana Lava Tube, these subterranean caverns were created when lava once cooled on the surface here but continued to flow underneath the ground above. Now there are hundreds of unique rock formations throughout the half mile long cavern system, including stalagmites and stalactites. The Kaeleku Caverns are the largest accessible lava tubes on Maui. It is estimated that the caves were formed nearly 30,000 years ago, and legend would tell us they are the work of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire.
Water drips from the ceilings of the caves, but bats and insects are noticeably absent from the environment. Much of the caverns look as though they’ve been coated in chocolate. It’s an underground landscape that feels almost otherworldly, waiting to be explored. Above ground, there is a unique red Ti botanical garden maze that is also easy to get lost in.
Practical Info
The Kaeleku Caverns are located near mile marker 31 on the Road to Hana (Hana Highway). To reach the visitor’s center, turn left on Ulaino Road from the highway and drive about a half mile. The caves are open Monday to Saturday from 10:30am to 4pm, and admission costs $12. Handrails are present along the walking path, and flashlights or headlamps are both recommended and provided with entry. Bring a jacket, as temperatures inside the caverns can be quite cool.
Address: Hana, Hawaii 96713, USA
Hours: Mon–Sat 10:30am–4pm
Admission: $12
From ¥ 1,827
Kaanapali Beach
Kaanapali Beach is perhaps the most well-known beach in all of Maui. Situated on west the west coast, these three miles of soft, golden sand have been called the best beach in America. It was once the retreat for the royal family of Hawaii, and it is now home to some of the most famous Hawaiian resorts.
There are countless ways to enjoy the beautiful beach, from a stroll on the sand to swimming and snorkeling in the clear, warm sea. There is a paved walkway along the length of the beach, but it’s hard to resist walking on the sand. If you’re in the water, keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles—they’re common visitors to the area. During whale season, humpback whales can be seen breaching from the shore.
At the northern end of Kaanapali, Black Rock has some of the beach’s best snorkeling. Every night at sunset cliff divers can be seen performing the Hawaiian ritual here, lighting torches along the cliff before leaping into the ocean.
Once you’ve had your fill of the beach activities, head up to nearby Whalers Village for some of Maui’s best shopping and dining, as well as a whaling museum with history of the area.
Practical Info
Kaanapali Beach is located in northwest Maui, roughly a 50-minute drive from Kahului Airport. Blue shoreline access signs point to public beach access points and limited free parking. There are showers located along the beach but no public restrooms. Water activities are available from vendors lined up along the shore.
Address: Kaanapali Beach, Lahaina, Hawaii 96761, USA
From ¥ 491