For many Americans, Hawaii usually conjures up images of tiki huts, beautiful hula girls, luaus, flame-throwing Polynesian hotties and huge waves. All of these sites exist, but in order to gain some sense of what Hawaii is really about, you'll have to sneak away from the usual spots and explore the unique locales. As an insider at one point in time, here are seven suggestions from island to island.

North Shore
Big waves, long boards, short boards, rip curls and surfers are what make this area a prime destination in Oahu. Non-surfers and beginners will watch for days as the enormous waves swallow even the most advanced boarders. Known for hosting some of the world's top surf competitions, the North Shore is a must-see. While you're there, try the fish burgers at Grass Skirt Grill. Delicious

Hulopoe Beach Park
Long ago the island of Lanai was used strictly for pineapple production, but these days tourists can wake up to spectacular sunrises or nestle in for the evening with equally stunning sunsets. Hulopoe Beach Park is a marine conservation area loved by divers and skin divers. Whether you only want to dip your toes in the warm waters or go in for a closer look at the brightly colored tropical reef fish, the beach park has numerous things to keep the charged traveler busy.

Tropical Rainforest
Kauai is the Hawaii everyone imagines all the other islands to be like: incredible beaches, waterfalls and a tropical rainforest. Aerial tours are popular and are the best way to capture dramatic views of Kauai's untouched areas. Several tour companies offer aerial tours from Oahu and Maui to neighboring islands like Kauai, Lanai and Hawaii.

Kilauea Volcano
Volcanic activity is what put Hawaii on the map so it only feels right to pay a visit to one of the world's most active lava flows which is located on Hawaii's Big Island. Kilauea Volcano is a part of the National Park service offering visitors an opportunity for unusual hiking, camping and the chance to see sensational volcanic landscapes.

Forbidden Island
Niihau, known as the "Forbidden Island" is privately owned, rarely advertised on tourism sites and the least populated of all the Hawaiian Islands. One of the best ways to experience this paradise is by going on a dive adventure. Plus, there are no roads, hotels or restaurants and the 250 residents live without electricity. Only highly experienced divers are encouraged to dive the Niihau and Lehua Rock Crater areas as there are extreme vertical drop-offs, choppy surface conditions, strong currents and sharks. Dive trips in Niihau start in late spring toward the end of May.

Big Wind Kite Factory
Molokai is a sleepy sort of island and easy breeze that keeps conditions perfect for a relaxing day of kite flying. Take a tour of the Big Wind Kite Factory for a free tour and the secrets to how the giant hula girls and flying pineapples are created. If you're a first-time flyer spend an afternoon taking lessons at their testing facility next door.

Molokini Island
If diving in Niihau sounds a bit too intense, try the waters around Molokini Island which is just off Maui. The island itself is a partially submerged inactive volcano that now serves as a nature preserve. The diving scenery features kikakapu (lemon butterfly fish), puhi (eel), honu (sea turtle), and orange cup coral.

More Hawaii Ideas From Gadling.com:
- Great Hawaiian Hiking Site
- Makani Kai Helicopter Tours
- Three Tasty Tourist Traps
- Oahu's North Shore
- Sexy Molokai Travel With Freddy & Eddy