Discoveries…America's National Parks: Hawaii

This new entry in Jim and Kelly Watt's visually stunning series highlights the 50th state, with eye-popping vistas of volcanic landscapes, subtropical rainforests, stunning beaches, and other sites taking a starring role. Kilauea is the main attraction at Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, where its eruptions over the past 30 years have added about 500 acres of land to the southern shore (the spewing of red-hot magma in high-definition is a powerful image). A stop at the visitor's center finds people exploring 3D displays that illustrate the topography both above and below the water. On Maui, the film crew goes to Haleakala National Park (a favorite spot for tourists to catch the sunrise) and then travels up the coast-hugging Hana Highway—with its hundreds of curves, 50-plus bridges, and beautiful waterfalls—to see the gravesite of aviator Charles Lindbergh. Also on the itinerary is the sobering tribute to fallen American servicemen and civilians at the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor on Oahu. Rounding out the program are segments on popular activities including whale watching, snorkeling, and windsurfing. Sure to appeal to armchair travelers and those planning trips, this is highly recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block)