10 Reasons to Travel to Hawaii

Hawaii has all the makings of a perfect vacation destination: stunning ocean views, white beaches, vast green mountains, and an abundance of wildlife, food, and culture. With winter just around the corner, we're quick to find any excuse to hop on the next plane and head to this island paradise for some quality rest and relxation.

Now here's how you get there. Alaska Airlines offers the most non-stop flights from the West Coast. And to help make your trip to Hawaii even more exceptional, Alaska offers a great deal with their Visa Signature(r) card--buy one coach ticket and bring someone else along for about the cost of a night out!

These are our top 10 reasons to visit (and probably never leave) the Aloha State.

Image via Go Hawaii

1. Public beaches - All of Hawaii's beaches are open to the general public and offer visitors a scenic slice of picturesque perfection. The islands' beaches satisfy those wanting to bake beneath the sun's rays or to surf the ocean's cerulean waves. Head to Ehukai Beach Park for the best surf and Mauna Kea Beach for swimming and snorkeling.

Image via YouTube

2. Volcanoes - Some of the world's most beautiful volcanos are within reach during a visit to the Hawaii National Volcanoes Park. The park offers miles of hiking and the opportunity to observe lava spill from Kilauea--one of Hawaii's active volcanos. This is a serious geographical wonder.

Image via Wikipedia

3. Hula Dancing - Learn to appreciate and participate in the cultural dance form of Hawaii. Book a private lesson or a group class before showing off your moves at a Hula bar or dance night.

Image via Wikipedia

4. Pineapple -You haven't truly tasted a pineapple until you've sampled those grown on the islands of Hawaii. Many local restaurants and bars offer innovative dishes and beverages utilizing the delicious tropical fruit. Try Waikoloa Beach Resort's fried rice bowl with fresh shrimp served inside a half-pinapple or DUO's Hawaiian Rueben with pineapple kimchi. Finish your culinary evening with the Smokin' Mai Tai at Royal Hawaiian's Mai Tai Bar where smoke-infused, caramelized pineapple meets rum deliciousness.

Image via Go Hawaii

5. Molokai Island - Decades ago, Hawaii exiled all of its inhabitants infected with leprosy to Kalaupapa--an isolated peninsula of Molokai island. Remnants of that secluded community can still be seen by tourists willing to traverse the rocky terrain. The entire island serves as an ode to authentic Hawaiian life.

Image via Go Hawaii

6. Aquatic life - The calm and transparent waters offer amateur marine explorers an incomparable glimpse at the tropical fish, whales, sea turtles, and manta rays that reside near the islands' beaches. Hanauma Bay, Molokini Crater, and Kealakekua Bay are a few of our favorite aqautic must-sees.

Image via Feel The Planet

7. Honokohau Falls - At more than 1,000 feet, the two-tiered waterfall is the tallest in Maui. It's inaccessible by land and can only be viewed from above via helicopter. Though certainly pricier than your average hike, an air ride of Honokohau Falls is sure to be an unforgetable experience.

Image via Go Hawaii

8. Privacy - Far from the pressures and bustle of the other 49 states, Hawaii offers a refuge for those searching for relaxation. The island chain is one of the least populated areas in the country, making it a wonderous getaway from the crowds, noise, and routine of home. Sometimes a healthy dose of seclusion is all we need to feel recharged.

9. Polynesian Themed Cultural Center - This destination offers an authentic look into Polynesian culture. Located in Laie, there are eight simulated villages and a variety of performers demonstrating traditional Polynesian arts and crafts. Enjoy the stunning grounds and maybe learn a thing or two.

Image via Wikipedia

10. Manoa Falls - Check out Manoa Falls on the island of Oahu. Featuring a drop of 150 feet, this waterfall is thunderously loud and visually arresting. It's just a short 1.5 mile hike from the nearest road and is certainly worth the short trek. You may even consider Manoa Falls one of the many wonders of Hawaii.

Image via Wikipedia

What are you waiting for? Fly to Hawaii now.