Things to Do in North America

Kailua-Kona, the largest town on the Big Island of Hawaii, is the epicenter of activities and tours on the Kona Coast—part of the island’s western (leeward) side. The antithesis to the lush, often rainy jungles of Hilo on the island’s eastern (windward) side, dry and sunny Kona’s activities put a huge emphasis on long days in the outdoors. Kailua-Kona is the jumping-off point for the Big Island’s best coffee-farm tours, superb reef snorkeling, all levels of hiking, and experiencing ancient Hawaiian culture, while downtown’s seaside shops and dining come with spectacular sunset views.

 

Many Big Island sightseeing tours originating in Kona include stops to take in roadside lava tubes, the former royal summer residence at Hulihee Palace, the Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay, ancient Hawaiian heiau (temples) at the Place of Refuge National Historical Park, and coffee-tasting excursions. Some also visit points north and south of town—for example, to stargaze atop Mauna Kea or stroll along striking black- and green-sand beaches. Popular activities include submarine tours of local reefs, night snorkeling with manta rays, fishing charters, luaus, helicopter tours, and surfing and stand-up paddleboarding lessons.

 

Downtown Kailua-Kona, opposite Kailua Bay, is eight miles south of Kona International Airport. A coastal road, Route 19 (Queen Kaahumanu Highway), connects the town to points north, while Route 11 (Mamalahoa Highway) connects it to points south. Highway 190 runs up through the mountains and links the town via Saddle Road to Hilo and the island’s windward side.

 

Though Kona enjoys balmy beach weather year-round, winter (November through March) does bring slight temperature dips and occasional afternoon rains. These months, however, also coincide with some popular annual visitors: migrating humpback whales, visible on boat tours departing from the downtown pier and harbor. The annual Ironman World Championship triathlon draws huge crowds and fills hotels throughout the region for weeks leading up to the October event.

 

The Big Island is home to five volcanoes, and you’d be remiss not to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes to see the active lava flows. Though closer to Hilo on the island’s eastern side, a number of land-based and helicopter tours depart from Kona daily. If driving, plan to spend at least two hours getting to the national park. There are two routes: the high, central Saddle Road and the slow and winding southern coastal roads. Closer to Kona, Mauna Kea offers visitors 13 telescopes and incredible stargazing with nightly programs illustrating constellations.

Although it is often referred to as a resort, Ko Olina doesn’t describe a property in particular. It is, in fact, a master-planned vacation and residential community containing several upscale resorts, like the Aulani Disney Resort & Spa, the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa and Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club. The area is famous for its pristine, man-made beach coves (the sand was imported from Lanai!) that are very popular with swimmers. Their creation was more a necessity than a caprice, as the ocean tends to be quite turbulent in these parts; the rock levies encase the lagoons for safer sea ventures.

The destination is famous for its unparalleled golfing opportunities, including the LPGA Lotte Championship (women's professional golf tournament on the LPGA Tour). Ko Olina caters to a luxury and affluent clientele, but visitors should know that it is entirely possible and strongly encouraged to visit the lavish hotel grounds without being a registered guest – the gardens and exotic flora alone are worth the detour. Additionally, the Ko Olina golf course features 72 impeccably maintained courses complemented by cascading waterfalls and rolling hills, as well as a Hawaiian fusion restaurant.

Because of its location on the west side of the island, Ko Olina makes for a perfect spot to enjoy one of Hawaii’s legendary sunsets. Activities in the area are otherwise limited if visitors are not registered guests at one of the three resorts.

Known locally as Kits Beach, this broad stretch of sand is a popular summer hangout and brims with joggers, tanners, and families. Views of downtown Vancouver skyscrapers, the Burrard Inlet, and the North Shore Mountains are a big draw, as is Kitsilano Pool, a huge heated outdoor saltwater pool that spans 451 feet (137 meters) in length. 

Kitsilano is one of Vancouver’s most beloved beaches and is a must-see for anyone looking to experience the city’s urban beach culture. It is often visited as part of city highlights tours, as well as on kayaking tours and cruises around the Burrard Inlet and False Creek. 

Visitors will find a wide range of things to do at the beach. Play tennis, volleyball, or basketball on outdoor courts; bring the kids to the playground; or go swimming in the saltwater pool, which has a dedicated children’s area for younger swimmers. 

Kitsilano Beach is situated in the Kitsilano neighborhood, about a 10-minute drive southwest of downtown Vancouver. Take the ferry from Granville Island to Vanier Park, and stroll for 5–10 minutes along the waterfront path. Alternatively, ride bus 2, 4, or 7 from downtown Vancouver. 

As expected, Kitsilano Beach is busiest in summer. It’s a picturesque place to watch the sunset, though if you want to experience it at its most tranquil, come for an early morning winter walk.  

Kitsilano Beach is one of several stretches of sand situated within the city limits of Vancouver. Beach lovers can also visit Second Beach in Stanley Park, which also has an outdoor pool, or English Bay Beach, another summer hot spot where crowds gather to play volleyball, throw a Frisbee, and socialize. For a more off-the-beaten-track option, try clothing-optional Wreck Beach, near the University of British Columbia campus. 

Koko Crater is where locals head when they’re in need of a really good workout, and it’s also a popular visitor attraction thanks to the stunning views from the top. In order to reach the summit, however, you’ll first need to conquer the 1,048 steps that run in a straight line up the mountain. The steps themselves are actually railroad ties left over from WWII, and while the first half of the steps are moderately steep, it’s the final push to the 1,100-foot summit that make your legs really start to burn.

The reward for reaching the top, however, is unobstructed, 360-degree of the southeastern section of O‘ahu. Gaze down towards Hanauma Bay and the turquoise waters of the crater, and watch as waves break along Sandy Beach and form foamy ribbons of white. Neighboring Diamond Head looms in the west and is backed by Honolulu, and the island of Moloka‘i—and sometimes Lana‘i—float on the eastern horizon. To explore Koko Crater’s dry interior instead of hiking to the top, the Koko Crater Botanical Garden offers self-guided tours of the 60-acre basin and its colorful dryland landscape. 

In July 1897, a year after local miners literally stuck gold in the Klondike Region of northwestern Canada, a local Seattle newspaper got wind of the news and published a headline stating simply “Gold! Gold! Gold! Gold!” It triggered an exodus of hopeful prospectors that is today known as the Klondike Gold Rush. The hopes of riches beyond imagination jump started wild dreams in over 100,000 people, who all sold their farms, homes and businesses in the midst of an economic depression to head north to the Yukon gold fields. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park in downtown Seattle commemorates and preserves the stories of those brave people taking part in the “Last Great Adventure”, many of whom underwent the long voyage in vain, and explores the city’s crucial role in the events. 

The Seattle unit of the Klondike Gold Rush Park is part of an international cooperation between the United States and Canada, with other sites being located in historically important locations. The Seattle portion of the park is soaked in history as well, as the old Cadillac Hotel where the museum is now located, served as a major outfitting and departure point during the stampede following the gold news. The museum functions as an interpretative center and also offers up helpful information on how to visit its sister units and trails. 

Kilauea Volcano is the star of the Big Island’s Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii's only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kilauea Volcano remains active, spouting orange lava, venting steam, glowing, and sputtering. When conditions are safe, it’s possible to drive around the volcano's edge on the 11-mile (17-kilometer) Crater Rim Drive.

As a highlight of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (and the Big Island as a whole), Kilauea features on just about every sightseeing tour. At the Jaggar Museum and Observatory, you can see steam rising from Halema‘uma‘u Crater and, as it begins to get dark, a glow from the lava lake within. Those craving a more adventurous experience can opt for a guided cycling tour through the national park, hike to the summit of Kilauea, or combine a national park tour with an afternoon of ziplining over the Umauma River.

Kilauea Volcano is a 45-minute drive along Highway 11 from Hilo on the island’s south coast. The best way to get here is by rental car or organized tour.

Plan to visit the park in spring or fall when the island sees fewer visitors. If you’re visiting during peak summer season, arrive at the Jaggar Museum first thing in the morning or late in the evening after the crowds have dispersed. 

To get the most out of your visit to the volcano, especially if you’re visiting independently, make the Visitor Center your first stop upon entering the park. Here rangers can update you on the latest conditions, offer suggestions for the best hikes, and let you know about any special programs or events happening within the park.

Knott’s Berry Farm, a 160-acre (65-hectare) amusement park in Buena Park, California, is one of the most-visited theme parks in the United States. The attractions—from dizzying roller coasters to scream-inducing thrill rides—and water park make Knott’s a popular option for family fun in Southern California. 

 

Thrilling roller coasters are Knott’s claim to fame, and each of its six themed areas, representing part of the Southern California experience, is home to at least one. Ghost Towns is a trip into the past with authentic 19th-century buildings and gun-slinging bandits duking it out in the legendary Wild West Stunt Show. Camp Snoopy is home to the Peanuts Gang and offers 20 kid-approved rides and hands-on adventures. At Wild Water Wilderness you’ll find a raging white-water river, cascading waterfalls, soaring geysers, and old-style ranger stations. Head next door to Knott’s Soak City Water Park to beat the heat on body slides, speed slides, and an artificial wave lagoon.

 

Purchasing tickets ahead of time can save time at the gate and guarantee against disappointment in case of a busy sold-out day. Admission is also discounted if you have a Go Los Angeles Card.

 

 

Knott’s Berry Farm is located outside of Los Angeles, just 10 minutes northwest of Disneyland via Interstate 5 and the Artesia Freeway. Parking is available on-site.

 

Due to the mild weather in Southern California, the park is popular year-round. The park’s opening hours change seasonally, so check the website for updated times. To avoid the crowds in summer, plan to visit on a weekday for shorter ride wait times.

 

Knott’s Berry Farm all started with the humble boysenberry (celebrated each spring during the Boysenberry Festival). After adding fried chicken to its repertoire, the rides sprung up to occupy customers waiting in line for these tasty treats—and the rest is history. Some say Knott’s, California’s oldest theme park, was the inspiration for Walt Disney’s empire.

About as touristy as you can get on sleepy Kauai, Kilohana Plantation, the former estate of a sugar baron, now boasts a short train ride through tropical orchards, an upscale alfresco restaurant, the headquarters for Kauai’s only major rum distillery, shopping and a spa, plus a luau complete with fire twirlers. Thanks to a 1980s restoration, the 16,000-square-foot manor house retains much of the structural charm it must have had when Gaylord Parke Wilcox, the head of the Grove Farm sugar plantation, built the Tudor mansion in 1935.

Though history buffs will find a few interior nods to the Hawaii Historic Landmark’s former use—vintage photographs, ornate carpeting, hardwood floors and wainscoting—this is no museum. The home’s bedrooms, sitting rooms and sunrooms now host shops purveying a huge variety of 8island-inspired souvenirs from glassworks to pottery, apparel and jewelry to coconut carvings, confections and spices. The sprawling 104-acre estate, expanded since the Wilcoxes resided there, now includes a sustainable farm boasting crops of coffee, papaya, banana, lychee and vegetables, which bolster the menus of the onsite Gaylord Restaurant and the Mahiko Lounge.

It’s hard to say what attraction is the biggest draw here, but most visitors board mahogany passenger cars to embark on a 40-minute informative tropical train ride and spot some feral pigs, learn about the estate, sample the terroir of Kauai via the Koloa Rum Tasting Room or stay for the highly theatrical evening luau, one of the island’s most popular.

Maybe not as well-known as nearby neighbor Akaka Falls, Kolekole Falls is hidden beneath a bridge along the Hamakua Coast, north of Hilo. Lush and almost jungle-like, the waterfall is part of Kolekole Beach Park. 

There is a rocky beach where the Kolekole Stream meets the ocean that has a reputation for being rough. Kolekole Beach Park, like other coastal areas along Hawaii can experience seasonal high surf and strong currents, making the ocean unsafe for swimming. But the stream is usually calm and a favorite swimming spot complete with a rope swing tied to a banyan tree. 

The streamside park is also a popular place to fish and picnic. Along with picnic tables, there are barbecue pits, pavilions with electricity and restrooms.

Part way between the colorfully striated Waimea Canyon and Kalalau Lookout atop the fabled Napali Coast, the excellent but aging Kōkeʻe Museum serves as a regional visitor information center as well as a natural history museum. Inside you’ll find topographical maps, cultural and geological information, late 19th century botanical prints, dioramas of Hawaii’s forest birds, and mounted specimens of its more notorious feral invasive species like Polynesian boar and mouflon sheep. The gift shop occupies nearly half the space and features many books, guides and Kauai-made souvenirs. Next door, the rustic Kokee Lodge Restaurant has all day breakfast, soup and sandwiches and is the only meal for miles.

Each October, Hawaiian Queen Emalani’s visit to Kokee is celebrated with a traditional hula festival on the expansive treeless Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow. Fronting the museum, this large, treeless green is popular with picnicking families. No one really knows trees don’t grow here, but, according to one Hawaiian legend, it was formed by an angry, headless, giant demi-god who plows the path each night in search of his missing head. For brave overnighters, there’s a small selection of rental cabins across the lawn.

Aside from the towering, active volcanoes that stoically rise behind town, nothing has helped shape Kona more than the coffee crop and its farmers. Plantation workers from around the globe arrived in Kona in the early 1900s to work sugar, coffee, and fruit farms, and the Kona Coffee Living History Farm is set on the grounds of the authentic and historic D. Uchida Coffee Farm. Having arrived from Japan in 1906 to work in a sugar plantation, Daisaku Uchida saw opportunity in coffee and leased this 5-acre, Captain Cook farm that is little changed today. When the lease on the farm was finally up, rather than see the area developed into residential homes, it was donated to the Kona Historical Society as a means of preserving this vital chapter of Kona’s plantation past. When visiting the Kona Coffee Living History Farm today, walk through the farmhouse where coffee was processed and learn the tricks of the trade, and also experience the daily life of pioneering farmers. For travelers who loves history, culture—and coffee—this is a truly an immersive and educational way to experience Kona’s past.

Insider's Tip: Try samples of fresh macadamia nuts when you first arrive at the farm. Also be sure to take advantage of the freshly brewed Kona coffee.

L.A. Live is at the heart of the action in downtown Los Angeles. It is the sports, music, and entertainment hub surrounding venues like the Staples Center and Los Angeles Convention Center. The energetic collection of nightclubs, restaurants, venues, movie theaters, and even museums truly has something for everyone. A few highlights include the iconic Conga Room, the Nokia Theater, and Lucky Strikes and Lounge bowling center. L.A. Live is also home to the GRAMMY Museum and its decades of music industry history. 

With more than twenty restaurants there plenty of dining options. Some of Los Angeles’s best luxury hotels can be in surrounding skyscrapers. Live entertainment and special events are frequent, and award shows and red carpets can also be seen here on a regular basis. The ever-modern structures and lights of L.A. Live are set to continue to expand, so we can expect much more entertainment to come out of this cultural center in years to come.

Most visitors to South Kohala are familiar with the resort enclaves of Waikoloa and Mauna Lani, where golf courses sit in stark contrast to the surrounding black lava fields. The white sands of Hapuna Beach are a favorite of beachgoers, and history buffs will love stopping in to the Pu’ukohola Heiau, which was commissioned by the great King Kamehameha. While this national historic site sees thousands of annual visitors, only a mere handful will make the journey to the smaller Mo’okini Heiau on windswept Upolu Point; constructed in the 5th century AD by some of the earliest Polynesian voyagers, this is also where King Kamehameha was born.

Further up the road in the North Kohala plantation towns of Hawi and Kapa’au, travelers will find artisan outposts of craft stores and coffee shops. A massive statue of King Kamehameha presides over Kapa'au and is still draped in flower lei during the annual King Kamehameha Day celebrations each June.

On the eastern coast, rugged valleys with sing-song names such as Pololu, Waipio, and Waimanu form deep clefts into the lush mountainside, and are a favorite of island hikers and thrill-seekers. Waterfall trekking to jungle ziplining are popular in these outdoor playgrounds, and Waipio Valley is regarded as one of the most scenic corners of the island.

Planted firmly on the lawn of Aliiolani Hale, the State Supreme Court building, is the most visited of all the statues honoring King Kamehameha I in Hawaii. The 18-foot bronze icon with golden-colored detailing was erected in 1883 and depicts a spear-wielding and cloak-draped Kamehameha the Great, the first Hawaiian monarch and the ruler credited with uniting the Islands under single rule in 1810. 

Each year on a date near the June 11 state holiday commemorating King Kamehameha, community groups build massive flower lei garlands and drape them over the Honolulu statue using the ladder from a fire truck. The popular lei draping ceremony commemorates the King’s significance and kicks off week-long celebrations of colorful parades and festivals throughout the Islands.

The story of the statue’s procurement also undoubtedly adds to its allure: Constructed in Europe, the sculpture took several years to make, and, when finally finished and rounding the horn of South America, (the Panama Canal wasn’t completed until 1914) the ship carrying it wrecked near the Falkland Islands. Using insurance money, a second statue was quickly built and arrived in Honolulu without incident; this is the statue that stands here today. Meanwhile, Falkland fishermen were able to retrieve the sunken original and sold it to back to the then-U.S. territory, where the strikingly similar sculpture still stands not far from the king’s birthplace on Hawaii Island. Another Kamehameha figure, made from molds of the Honolulu version, is one of two statues representing the state of Hawaii in the National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC.

Home to Mount Logan, the highest peak in Canada, snow-capped mountains and stunning glaciers dot the landscape of Kluane. It’s also home to more than 100 species of birds, including the golden and bald eagle.

Covering more than 20,000 square kilometers, nearly 9,000 square miles, the area can be explored by raft, mountain bike or hiking on foot. Horseback riding and fishing are also popular activities. Lake trout, arctic grayling, and sockeye salmon are just a few of the fish species that populate the waters.

Kluane National Park lies within the traditional territories of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and Kluane First Nation who have a long history of living and harvesting in the region. The park is a designated World Heritage Site and presents an opportunity to explore rich First Nation history and take in truly stunning scenery.

Once a cast iron range factory, the mixed-use, food-focused Krog Street Market is now a colorful and eclectic center showcasing southern and international flavors. Home to dozens of unique food stalls and restaurants, visitors can sample sweets from Xocolatl or the Little Tart Bakeshop and visit local hot spots like Richards' Southern Fried for some authentic down home chicken.

Show up at Krog Street Market with an open mind and empty belly to get the most out of a visit. Though easy to explore solo, travelers who prefer to experience the scene with a guide will find a number of walking tours that feature local food and drink—one of the best ways to learn about neighborhood culture, sights and flavor.

Take a tour of San Antonio’s King William Historic District for a peek into the city’s first suburb, settled by wealthy German merchants in the late 1800s. Stroll throughout the 25 blocks of historical mansions—many of which have been converted to shops, cafés, and museums—to admire the district’s Greek Revival, Victorian, and Italianate architecture.

Highlights of the King William Historic District, once affectionately nicknamed Sauerkraut Bend for its German influence, include the Guenther House and Pioneer Flour Mills, Villa Finale, and Edward Steves Homestead. Many of these offer paid tours or quaint cafés. 

The best way to familiarize yourself with the King William Historic District is through a guided tour. You can take a walking tour, a scooter tour, or a hop-on-hop-off bus or trolley tour that will allow you to cover several key sights around the city. Some tours include a San Antonio River Walk cruise.

The King William Historic District is located south of downtown San Antonio, and King William Street is its main thoroughfare. Madison and City streets run parallel to the east and west, with Turner Street on the north and Guenther Street to the south. Take the VIA Metropolitan Transit city buses or Blue Line Trolley to South Alamo and South St. Mary’s streets or Market and Alamo streets. You can also rent a bicycle from bike-sharing stations around the city.

King William Historic District homes that offer tours, as well as museums, shops, and restaurants, all have varying hours, so check before you go. Generally, house tours run from late morning to early afternoon (from about 10am to 3pm), and houses may be closed for holidays and special events, so plan your itinerary accordingly to avoid disappointment.

The King William Historic District is home to the oldest continuously operating flour mill in the state of Texas. Carl Guenther immigrated to Texas from Germany in 1851 and established the Pioneer Flour Mills in 1859. King William Street was named for Kaiser Wilhelm I of Prussia, a reflection of the cultural influence of German settlers in Texas in the 1800s.