Hawaii

Hawaii is The Aloha State, paradise to surfers. It has the most Asian-Pacific Islanders in the U.S. You can experience authentic Hawaiian culture and flavors at a lu’au in Lahaina, Maui, complete with hula dancing girls and ‘ahi poke. There are volcanoes by a rainforest in the Big Island, or Hawaii. For some adventure, hike through the Thurston Lava Tube or take a Secret Lava Tube Tour. Oahu is full of Pearl Harbor attack sites and memorials, a must-see for the history buff, as is the ╩╗Iolani Palace on O’ahu. The road to Hana in Maui goes past waterfalls and spring-fed cave pools, so photo-taking and swimming stops along the way are equally important.

The warm climate in Hawaii is conducive to a raw, plant-based diet, and such offerings are pretty common, if not quite as popular as uncooked fish. Having fresh sugarcane juice and acai bowls are delicious way to feel healthy. Try some organic taro root burgers (with or without cheese) or taro hummus! Salad bars, Indian and East Asian vegetarian cuisine, and Egyptian curries on brown rice are other light, tasty options. Dairy-free coconut milk ice cream makes a nice tropical dessert!