Hawaii

A National Historic Landmark, this gorgeous royal estate blends Italianate and Polynesian styles, a singular mashup referred to as American Florentine. — Condé Nast Traveler

More than 2,000 species of tropical plants thrive in this little-known Eden by the sea. — Frommer's

Floating over the hulk of a sunken battleship, the concave, 184-foot white-concrete bridge marks the permanent tomb of 1,177 sailors killed in the Pearl Harbor attack. — Michelin Guide

Quite simply, this is one of the most historic sites in all of Hawaii. — Fodor's

Since the latest eruption began in 1983, Kilauea Volcano has been adding new land to the Big Island rather steadily. — Fodor's

The 252-acre McBryde Garden has the world's largest collection of native Hawaiian flora, plus other rare Pacific species. — Michelin Guide

Picture paradise: a white, sandy beach fringed with palm trees and fragrant tropical plants, licked by crystal-clear, aqua-blue surf. — Michelin Guide

Even if you do not have kids, this is a must-see on your vacation. — Frommer's

The huge, centuries-old temples... lie in ruins at this ancient historical site, sacred to native Hawaiians. — Travel + Leisure

The longest stretch of beach in Hawaii... backed by sand dunes 50 to 100 feet tall. — Fodor's

Photographs, murals and artifacts chronicle the sweeter side of Maui's history, and the interplay of geography, water and people in growing sugarcane and producing sugar. — Michelin Guide

Recreated individual villages showcase the lifestyles and traditions of Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, Fiji, the Marquesas Islands, New Zealand, and Tonga. — Fodor's

Formerly known as The Contemporary Art Museum, this is the only place in Hawaii devoted exclusively to contemporary art. — Where

A perennial “best beach” winner, the long swath of Poipu is actually two beaches in one, divided by a tombolo, or sandbar point. — Frommer's

In addition to jaw-dropping canyon vistas and ocean views, you can also see several fine specimens of native trees, including koa and ohia, as well as invasive species such as kiawe. — Lonely Planet

This palm-fringed, gold-sand beach is bordered by black-lava fingers, protecting swimmers from ocean currents. In summer, Hulopoe is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just lolling about. — Frommer's

The beach is just a small strip of sand with lots of coral in the water. Even for the unadventurous, a stop at the lookout point is well worth the time. — Fodor's

Hanaiakamalama was the summer retreat of Queen Emma, the consort of King Kamehamena IV, and their son Prince Albert Edward. — Travel + Leisure

Once the nation's largest privately owned ranch, peaking at 250,000 acres. Throughout the years, the ranch has had to sell off parcels, including 24,000 acres to the US military in 2006. — Lonely Planet