You don't have to do without pristine beaches if you are taking the famous road to Hana or hiking in Haleakalā, far from the lively western side of Maui: Wai'anapanapa State Park's black sand volcanic beaches with its cabins and picnic area will won't leave you disappointed.

The Houston Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals, all housed in naturalistic habitats that reflect their native ecosystems. From lush gardens and towering trees to open-air exhibits, the zoo offers a scenic and immersive experience for visitors of all ages.

The Restonica river runs through the central town of Corte and flows towards a series of mesmerising gorges just to the southwest. Hiking, swimming, and climbing are popular activities in the area, all along the 15 kilometres that the gorges stretch.

Space Center Houston, the official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center, brings the excitement of space exploration to life with interactive exhibits, real spacecraft, and hands-on experiences. Get up close with a moon rock, see spacesuits worn by astronauts, and explore the history of human spaceflight through engaging films and artifacts. Don’t miss the tram tour—it takes you behind the scenes to Mission Control, where NASA guided Apollo missions and still oversees the International Space Station. You’ll also stop by the Astronaut Training Facility and Rocket Park, home to a massive Saturn V rocket, one of the most powerful ever built.