When you're in the middle of the Big Square (Stora Torget) in Karlstad, your eyes will inevitable land on the Peace Monument, erected in 1955 to commemorate the peaceful dissolution of the union between Sweden and Norway in 1095. The sculpture, which depicts a woman holding a broken sword and one foot on the head of a soldier, was elected as the ugliest statue in Sweden and nicknamed even with pet names.

Perfect for the beginner, Two Steps, a colloquial name for Honaunau Bay, is the marquee location for a jumping off point. There are plenty of sightseeing opportunities while exploring the sea, with corals, varied topography, and an abundance of ocean life.

You have the unique opportunity to watch one of nature's most powerful, beautiful processes as the earth unfurls to release its magma from the volcanoes. As one of the most active volcanoes on the planet, Kīlauea volcano is consistently one of Big Island's biggest attractions. Its reputation precedes it as a sacred place for Native Hawaiians as well. Marvel at the active Mauna Loa, learn about volcanology at the Jaggar Museum, take a selfie at the viewpoint overlooking the Halema'uma'u Crater. The long, underground cave formed by ancient flowing lava called the Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku) is another must-see.

This thin strip of white-sand beach is flanked by the Anaehoomalu Bay on one side and two ancient Hawaiian fishponds, Kuualii and Kahapapa, on the other. Located near the Waikoloa Marriott, it is a favorite spot for swimming, windsurfing, snorkeling and other water activities.