Especially popular in Kauai and Oahu, the plate lunch is comprised of two scoops of white rice, macaroni salad, and a hearty serving of protein. This meal serves as one of the best history lessons on how an influx of foreign plantation workers in the 1800s shaped Hawaii's culinary landscapes. Try the Loco Moco Drive Inn—a local favorite. Other popular Hawaiian dishes include kalua pig, laulau (taro, coconut cream, and protein), chicken katsu, and lechon (roast suckling pig).

Set on 42 lush acres (17 hectares) of Oahu's northeastern shore, the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) is focused on preserving Polynesian culture, history, and heritage. The PCC offers visitors a chance to learn about life in six island nations across the Pacific Ocean, including Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, and Aotearoa New Zealand. Consider a guided tour through the interactive space’s diverse villages; enjoy the only all-Hawaiian luau in the state; and savor the Ali'i luau buffet.

Molokini is just off the coast of Maui, a sunken Hawaiian volcano that’s an undisputed haven for snorkelers. The partially submerged remains of a cinder cone that erupted approximately 230,000 years ago, created a striking crescent-shaped islet surrounded by some of Hawaii's most transparent, crystalline waters. Put on some reef-safe sunscreen and book a snorkeling tour to get up close and personal with colorful coral reefs and over 250 species of tropical fish.

Visitors to Waimea Valley can learn about its numerous cultural and religious sites. Those that prefer to enjoy Hawaiian flora and fauna can explore a 150-acre (61-hectare) botanical garden with over 5,000 different types of tropical plants, including the state's official flower, the bright yellow hibiscus. A paved path makes it easy for beginners to reach the 45-foot (14-meter) waterfall. Depending on the weather, you can also take a dip in the plunge pool under Waimea Falls.

The Big Island's activities aren't just confined to black-sand beaches and Kona coffee farm tours. Head 45 minutes south from Hilo to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a sprawling UNESCO World Heritage site home to two of Hawaii's most active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Hike the mile-long Halema'uma'u Trail to the Kilauea caldera floor for an unforgettable sunrise and lava flow views. Have a couple of days to explore? Consider a tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to discover even more.

Helicopter tours are one of the best ways to experience Kauai’s impressive landscape. You'll get a bird's-eye view of the dramatic sea cliffs along the Na Pali Coast, fly over notable red rock formations at Waimea Canyon State Park, and spot numerous cascading waterfalls (including Manawaiopuna Falls, which you may recognize from the fan-favorite film Jurassic Park). Prefer to explore by water? Consider a catamaran tour of this region which offers coastline views and snorkeling stops.

Booking a helicopter tour is one of the best ways to experience Kauai’s impressive landscape. You'll get a bird's-eye view of the dramatic sea cliffs along the Na Pali Coast, fly over the notable red rock formations at Waimea Canyon State Park, and spot numerous cascading waterfalls (including Manawaiopuna Falls, which you may recognize from the fan-favorite film Jurassic Park). Prefer to explore by water? A catamaran tour of this magnificent region offers unique, rugged coastline views.

Few spots in America—save maybe Gettysburg or The Alamo—have had more of a political impact on world history than Pearl Harbor, the site of the Japanese attack on the United States on December 7, 1941. Today, this active naval base doubles as a national memorial, where visitors can explore two world-class museums, “visit” the sunken USS Arizona (via the memorial above), explore several other wartime sites, and hear stories from WWII heroes themselves.

With 600 hairpin turns and more than 50 bridges, Maui’s 64-mile (102-kilometer) long Road to Hana is widely regarded as one of the wildest, most scenic drives in the world. You’ll cruise along black-sand beaches, cascading waterfalls, the seven sacred pools of Oheo, magnificent bays, lava tubes, and more—stopping to scope out the sights usually turns this 2.5-hour trek into a 6-hour journey, give or take.

Every December to May, the waters surrounding Maui welcome thousands of North Pacific humpback whales. Hop on a whale-watching cruise, many of which depart from Ala Wai Harbor, for a chance to watch these majestic mammals breach the warm Pacific Ocean waters as they make their annual 3,500-mile (5,632-kilometer) journey south from the Gulf of Alaska to breed and nurse their young.