2. Mauna Loa summit cabins — "You have to appreciate Pele's unique artistry to enjoy the 20-mile hike to the top of Mauna Loa because after the first few miles, you cross the vegetation line and it's nothing but lava. But what an amazing kaleidoscope of different colors, textures and shapes! After a while, in the absence of anything but rock, your perception adjusts, and you see more and more: red, white and orange strips, green glitter scattered over black slabs, pillows, towers and geometric blocks ... The summit cabin on the edge of Moku'aweoweo caldera feels like the top of the world, but the landscape is so different from our normal experience, sometimes you're not sure what world you've reached to top of ... "

— Jeff Johnson, Big Island

3. Lili'uokalani Gardens, Hilo — "For many years, my wife and I have been going to Lili'uokalani Gardens for our lunch breaks. The surroundings and scenery are so beautiful, giving us a sense of calmness and tranquility. With beautiful Hilo Bay and majestic Mauna Kea fronting you, how can one help but feel good?"

— Edward Madamba, Hilo

"Only on the Big Island can you view a Japanese-style garden with a kayak sailing on blue waters and downtown Hilo's vintage historical buildings, all eclipsed by the majestic, snow-capped wonder of Mauna Kea ... it always takes my breath away; I feel blessed."

— Gloria Kobayashi, Hilo

4. Ko Olina, O'ahu — "This is a very special place for my husband, Nelson, and me. Several years ago, our children gifted us with two night's stay at Ihilani (Resort & Spa Ko Olina by JW Marriott). We chose to celebrate our anniversary there and have ever since. Each year, we enjoy the beautiful ocean and the Wai'anae Mountains. ... It is our favorite spot."

— Grace Kwon, Manoa

5. Makapu'u Lighthouse, O'ahu — "The walk leads up to lookouts at the very top where you can feel the trade winds blowing at your face as you smell the salt air, and depending on the season, may see whales breaching. The ocean sparkles with its many different shades of blue and green. Paragliders pass by and wave 'aloha' to you as they turn back toward the massive cliffs of Waimanalo. ... It is at that moment that your breath gets taken away."

— Mavis Nikaido, Manoa

6. Ka'ena Point, O'ahu — "Ka'ena Point is a place without human development. ... I walk along the oceanside as much as possible, looking at critters and at this time of year, watching out for humpback whales making big splashes ... At the end, the albatross are nesting, some of them putting on a mating dance, and in the rocks, an endangered monk seal is often resting."

— Kirsten Plath, Waialua

"I've hiked many trails on O'ahu, but my favorite is on the west side and requires an advance permit from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Ka'ena Point Satellite Tracking Station trail ... It's so cool up there, and the thing I notice most is the absolute quiet. The song of an occasional bird pierces the air, the view of Makua Valley and the brilliant turquoise of Yokohama Bay is breathtaking. (state.hi.us./dlnr/dofaw/pubs /west_oahu_camp_hike.pdf)"

— Pat Goding, Waipahu

7. San Souci/Kaimana Beach, O'ahu — "You get that old-time Waikiki feeling, sunning and swimming near the Natatorium, and still have a panoramic view of newer Waikiki."

— Z.S. Johnson, Kaimuki

8. Manele Bay, Lana'i — "When you sit by the pool or at the beach, the view is beautiful, and friendly young men come around and ask if you want to be spritzed with cool water. When you say, 'Yes,' they ask, "One or two?' I think this is grand. The rooms and food are fabulous, and sometimes you get to snorkel with dolphins in the bay. I also like that you don't need to rent a car."

— Kristine Westmoreland, Hawai'i Kai

(The Lodge at Koele and Lana'i in general got LOTS of votes, not just for physical beauty but for the aloha of the people.)

9. Pu'u Mahana/Green Sand Beach, Big Island — "While nominating this beach, the title, 'Have You Left Your Footprints Lately?' immediately comes to mind. This beach speaks for itself in the peacefulness my husband and I feel when lounging at this remote wonder."

— Melanie and Craig Steier, Pearl Harbor

10. Salt Ponds, Hanapepe, Kaua'i — "Salt Pond is very relaxing with a genuine and enjoyable mix of locals and tourists. The salt ponds themselves are historical and the salt, most believe, medicinal. Occasionally, a music group sets up at one of the pavilions and all are included. The keiki enjoy the warm shallows and adults can swim for fitness or snorkel or sunbathe. It is not uncommon to find visiting families of Ni'ihau enjoying the Salt Pond with their Kaua'i 'ohana."

— Jackie Lott, Kalaheo

11. Na Pali Coast, Kaua'i — "On Kaua'i, the Na Pali Coast is a place where there is much history packed into green valleys, populated in ancient times, surrounded by jagged mountains and blue oceans. From above, the incredible view beckons from the easily accessible Koke'e trail, or for the more adventurous, from the trails crisscrossing the area. While no roads scar this shoreline, for those in better shape, there is the Kalalau trail and also a kayaking route along the fantastic coast. And if you want to just comfortably enjoy the towering cliffs, join a boat or helicopter tour. Wild, preserved and remote — yet anybody can find a way to experience this incredible natural beauty."

— Met Lebar, Mililani

12. Pu'uhonua O Honaunau, the Big Island — "When sunshine, billowy clouds, azure waters, coconut trees and history meet, you have Pu'uhonua O Honaunau, the City of Refuge on the leeward coast of the Big Island. I remember my first glimpse of sea turtles basking in the sunlight at the water's edge. The restored heiau of black lava rocks stands facing the ocean. Wooden carved gods protect the sacred grounds. The lavalava-clad fishermen casts his net in the lagoon. Tidepools offer a clear view of sea life. Gray and reddish brown stones jut up from the white sand. A long boat is sheltered by a thatched roof. My imagination hears conch shells calling. I feel the beating of drums in my veins. Ancient Hawai'i is here."

— Ellen Horiuchi Williams, 'Aiea

"Even gazing at the ocean from the shore here gives meaning to the word 'Pacific.' "

— Patti Callahan, Kapalua

13. Red Sand Beach/Leho'ula, Hana, Maui — "There is a hidden place on Maui. Through a canopy of ironwood trees, old Japanese tombstones are fallen and scattered. ... Carefully tread upon the weathered path. When you come upon it, you will notice the pristine blue of the bay protected by a dark, black lava break. When you adjust your eyes, the red sand beach will dazzle you. Here, Hawaiians of old would have enjoyed an idyllic haven before we modern mortals intruded."

— Sharon K. Ocalvey, Mo'ili'ili

14. Po'ipu, Kaua'i — "Po'ipu Beach is the ideal setting for a family adventure. ... There are special spots for every age. 'Baby Beach' is so protected by a curve of lava rock that only ripples caress the surface of the water there. Just over a rise in the sand, where monk seals sometimes haul out for a snooze, another protected bay gives snorkelers the best sittings of colorful fish ... (A) step away is Brennecke Beach, where young surfers can experiment on the modest waves."

— Ruth Johnson, Po'ipu

15. Courtyard of the State Library, O'ahu — "Sitting in the outdoor courtyard at the main library in Honolulu is like being encased in a chrysalis — quiet, peaceful, a good place to hang around and relax. Just as a butterfly emerging sees the world with new eyes, reading a book at your leisure in this tranquil atmosphere will open new worlds around you."

— Randy Lau, Kane'ohe

16. Ka'iwa Ridge pillboxes, Lanikai, Kailua, O'ahu — "The first part of the hike, you feel the cool trade winds and get a great view of Lanikai and the Mokulua Islands. The higher one gets, the views of Windward side are beautiful, but the best part comes when you reach the second pillbox and can see from the lighthouse at Makapu'u Point past Waimanalo to Chinaman's Hat, a hike worth doing."

— Bernice Mattingly, Mililani

17. Waikahalulu/Lili'uokalani Garden, O'ahu — "On the day my Mama died, I sought to ease my pain ... My best friend, Toni, and I went to walk in a portion of Nu'uanu Stream ... Memories of fun were there. It was quiet and serene ... The stream flowed into a waterfall, Waikahalulu, in the midst of town. There the water seemed to cleanse my aching spirit. It washed all my cares out to sea."

— Sharon Kalei Ocalvey, McCully

18. Diamond Head, O'ahu — "In summer, it's a fabulous lookout to the surfers and waves. In winter, on calm days, one can spot the whales coming from Maui. On windy days, the windsurfers are beautiful to watch, like colorful butterflies. And every time I stop by, I offer to take the pictures of couples and families, together. A great place to share the aloha."

— Libby O. Antone, Kapahulu

19. Shipwreck Beach/Kaiolohia Bay, Lana'i — "At first sight, Shipwreck Beach is a mystical experience. Not another footprint in the sand and little likelihood of meeting a soul. Honu (turtles) bobbing their heads out of the water, an occasional monk seal ... the solitude and beauty are profound."

— Kathleen Brindo, Lana'i City

20. Honomu-Hanawi-Onomea, Big Island — "All these names will lead you to an Eden ... My best friend and I went there by accident. Signage said, 'Scenic Route,' and, being adventurous, we went. Lush nature greeted us. An old bridge, a cold-water stream and the fallen Onomea Arch. ... There's something that occurs in one's soul upon finding a place of beauty, relaxation and renewal. Words cannot capture feeling justly."

— Sharon A. Ocalvey, Mo'ili'ili

21. Pololu, Big Island — "One of the best places to see is the view from Pololu Valley Trail on the Big Island ... breathtaking and beautiful. The trail goes down to a black sand beach. I told myself I would go there again.

— Sheila Nolasco, Pearl City

22. Tumbleweeds, Wai'anae Coast, O'ahu — "There is a very special beach on the Wai'anae Coast known as Tumbleweeds. The ocean here is totally clear and pure. There is a gray-black rock ledge, much of it covered with soft green-brown seaweed that massages your feet as you walk on it. Also, hundreds of names are chiseled into the ledge ... The current is wicked, it pulls you strongly to the right, but that just makes Tumbleweeds a natural water-park-type attraction! Once you dive under the breaking waves (timing is everything) you came out into great swimming waters ... When you catch a wave, you can ride, ride, ride, all the way down the beach. ... You feel like a tumbleweed in the wind, rolling and rocking."

— John Arnold, Wai'anae

23. Hamoa, Hana, Maui — "The Hamoa Peninsula has to be one of the most spectacular places on Earth. On one side, there is Hamoa Beach, ranked one of the 10 best in the world. On the other is Koki Beach, with little 'Alau Island anchored offshore. ... While stunning during the day, on a moonlight night, the place is pure magic. In the summer, the warm air and water are perfect for a moonlight swim. In the winter, Mother Nature's big waves put on an awesome show. And most of the time, you will have this magic all to yourself."

— Sanford Hill, Makiki (but Hana, for many years)

24. "Backside" Moloka'i — "The north coast of Moloka'i is affectionately called by locals 'Backside Moloka'i.' While most visitors in that area get to see just Kalaupapa and perhaps Halawa, the lush valleys and beaches below the towering cliffs are experienced by far fewer. The easiest way to get to Wailau ("Many Waters") is to arrange for a boat transfer from Halawa. Kayaking there is quite a bit harder, while getting there on foot is reserved for the most experienced hikers. The valley was formerly a fishing village and commercial farming community, abandoned by 1920."

— Met Lebar, Mililani

25. Waimoku Falls, Maui — "Most venture the three-hour, 260-turn, 59-bridge Hana Highway to see the Seven Sacred Pools ... (but) just across from the pools, stands a small wooden post reading 'Waimoku Falls' and something of a trail behind it ... It begins as any normal Hawai'i trail — beautiful, intriguing, fun. However, at your first glimpse of a waterfall along the way, you realize this is unlike any other. The falls are huge, gushing water and close enough to touch. The trail is loaded with more-than-Kodak moments. And the bamboo forest, which takes you to another world ... Nothing can prepare you for the sight you will behold at the end. Out of almost nowhere appears the most massive waterfall in all Hawai'i. It is a moment of utter awe."

— Holly Jones, Kailua