Lonely Planet
15 things to know before visiting Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi is one of the most popular destinations on the planet. Here are a few tips to do what’s best for the locals, the land, the ocean and visitors.
OutsideJun 17
We Tracked Down the 50 Best Waterfall Hikes in America—One in Every State
Free-hanging waterfalls, thundering cascades, and rapids hemmed in brilliant moss: No matter what you're looking for, you can find it in a state near you.
25 things in this story
- Pipiwai TrailTrailHike through bamboo forest to Waimoku Falls.
- Makahiku FallsSightAn appetizer cascade just a half-mile from the Pipiwai Trailhead.
- Elsewhere
- Yosemite FallsSightYosemite National Park, United StatesFifth tallest waterfall in the world at 2,425 feet.
- Yosemite Falls TrailTrailYosemite National Park, United States7.2-mile trail to the upper falls.
- Horsetail FallsSightValdez, United StatesA 300-foot braided wonder tumbling down a verdant hillside.
- Kent FallsSightKent, United StatesConnecticut's tallest waterfall at 250 feet, multi-stepped beauty.
- Continental FallsSightBreckenridge, United States225-foot roaring, multi-tier cascade flanked by spruce trees.
- Keystone Canyon Pack TrailTrailValdez, United StatesTrail to Horsetail Falls with mountain and river valley views.
- Hemmed-In Hollow TrailTrailJasper, United StatesChallenging hike to a towering waterfall tucked into a hollow.
- Buffalo National RiverSightJasper, United StatesLeisurely float option to reach Hemmed-In Hollow Falls.
- Red and Yellow trailsTrailKent, United StatesRoutes to the falls featuring steep terrain.
- Spruce Creek TrailTrailBreckenridge, United StatesLeads to the base of Continental Falls.
- Mohawk Lakes TrailTrailBreckenridge, United StatesContinues past Continental Falls to six additional alpine lakes.
- Alapocas RunTrailWilmington, United StatesOffers low falls and unique rock faces along a mixed-surface path.
- Brandywine CreekSightWilmington, United StatesCreek offering low falls and unique rock faces.
- Falling Waters SinkSightChipley, United StatesA creek plummets 73 feet into a sinkhole.
- Wiregrass TrailTrailChipley, United StatesEasy, looping stroll to Falling Waters Sink.
- Panther Creek FallsSightClayton, United StatesPicturesque falls with a swimming hole at the bottom.
- Shoshone FallsSightTwin Falls, United StatesImpressively broad, 212-foot cascade surging with snowmelt.
- Canyon Rim TrailTrailTwin Falls, United StatesLesser-used trail to hike to the bottom of Shoshone Falls.
- Havasu FallsViewpointSupai, United StatesStunning blue-green cascade just above the Grand Canyon floor.
- Havasupai TrailTrailSupai, United States10-mile one-way trek to reach the falls and campground.
- Wildcat Canyon WaterfallSightUtica, United StatesThe crown jewel of Starved Rock State Park's gorges.
- Clifty FallsSightMadison, United States
- Little CliftySightMadison, United States
OutsideMar 24
What Travelers Should Know About the Floods in Hawai’i
With historic flooding hitting the Hawaiian islands, travelers are rethinking spring break plans. Here’s what locals want you to consider before canceling your trip.
15 things in this story
- Sugar BeachSightKihei, United StatesBeach in Kihei, Maui.
- Jamie O’Brien Surf ExperiencePlaceOahu, United StatesOffers surf lessons at Turtle Bay Resort and Waikiki.
- Turtle Bay ResortHotelOahu, United StatesLocation for surf lessons on the North Shore.
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National ParkMuseumBig Island, United StatesPartially reopened, access to Kīlauea summit restored.
- Haleakalā National ParkNature reserveMaui, United StatesBoth districts remain closed.
- Waiʻānapanapa State ParkSightMaui, United StatesPark on Maui, remains closed.
- ʻĪao Valley State MonumentParkMaui, United StatesMonument on Maui, remains closed.
- Maui True NorthPlaceMaui, United StatesOffers surf and kitesurfing lessons.
- MānoaNeighborhoodOahu, United StatesArea on Oahu that suffered extreme damage.
- LahainaNeighborhoodMaui, United StatesArea on Maui impacted by fires.
- WaikikiSuburbHonolulu, United StatesArea in Honolulu, largely unaffected.
- KīlaueaSightBig Island, United StatesSummit area in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
- Chain of Craters RoadSightBig Island, United StatesRoad in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, access restored.
- East MauiNeighborhoodMaui, United StatesArea in Maui, including Road to Hāna, limited access.
- Road to HānaSightMaui, United StatesRoad in East Maui, limited to local traffic.
Condé Nast TravelerDec 14, 2025
14 National Parks That Are Even More Beautiful in Winter
Summer may be high season, but these parks are at their best in the colder months.
16 things in this story
- Delicate ArchSightArches National Park, United StatesThe arch is the most widely recognized landmark in Arches National Park and is depicted on Utah license plates and a…
- Ocean DriveTrailAcadia National Park, United StatesScenic drive, plowed during snowy months.
- Phantom RanchHotelGrand Canyon National Park, United StatesVintage cabins and restaurant at the canyon bottom.
- Santa Elena CanyonSightBig Bend National Park, United StatesSunset turns this canyon into shades of amber.
- Zabriskie PointSightDeath Valley National Park, United StatesTake in the rosy glow of sunrise from here.
- Golden CanyonTrailDeath Valley National Park, United StatesHike through the mustard-hued walls of this canyon.
- Inn at Death ValleyHotelDeath Valley National Park, United StatesLounge poolside at this freshly updated historic hotel.
- Circle of Fire helicopter tourPlaceHawai'i Volcanoes National Park, United StatesSoar over the national park on this tour.
- Chisos Mountains LodgeHotelBig Bend National Park, United StatesStay here and marvel at high-elevation vistas.
- Bright Angel CampgroundPlaceGrand Canyon National Park, United StatesNab last-minute permits to camp near the river.
- Rim TrailTrailGrand Canyon National Park, United StatesFamily-friendly trail with panoramic views.
- Window FormationSightBig Bend National Park, United StatesMarvel at vistas of this formation.
- Hermits RestSightGrand Canyon National Park, United StatesStone ruins at the end of the Rim Trail.
- Alpine Visitor CenterSightRocky Mountain National Park, United StatesHighest visitor center in the National Park System.
- Trunk BaySightUS Virgin Islands National Park, U.S. Virgin IslandsIslet in Virgin Islands National Park.
- Keys ViewSightJoshua Tree National Park, United States