Hawaii travel guide
Hawaii is the last state to join the USA and is the only island state. The state consists of 132 islands but only 8 are familiar to most of us. Only a handful of the islands are known for their tourist attractions and hotels. The islands of Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Oahu and the big island of Hawaii. The state is known as the Aloha state but also as the Pineapple state and the Paradise of the Pacific.
Aloha to one and all. Incase you are not aware Aloha means hello, goodbye and I love you. You will be greeted with Aloha no matter where you go so just respond with the same
In Oahu you can swim, surf, boat or even take a hula lesson on the beach at Waikiki. Hop on a bus and visit the national Punch Bowl cemetery, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head or the Polynesian Cultural Center where you can learn about the other islands of Polynesia. If you were a library paste eater in kindergarten you will love tasting the poi that is so famous in Hawaii. You can view and sample fresh pineapples and tour a pineapple packing plant. The beaches are clean, the flowers are fantastic and the water is clear.
Maui is known as the Magic Isle or Valley of the Chain. It has been voted the “Best Island” for more than a dozen years. Lahaina is the main city of the island and boast a tree which branches cover an entire city block. Beaches abound and the most popular is Kaanapali where swimming and surfing go on all the time. There are several championship golf courses for you to try out. Whale watching is also a popular pastime in Maui.
Kauai, known as the Island of Discovery, is beautiful and unique. You can take a walk through Fern Grotto or perhaps even get married there among the hanging ferns at the entrance of a cool cave.
On Kauai, you will find 50 miles of beautiful beaches. Explore the small historic towns of Hanapepe and Koloa where all buildings are lower than a coconut tree. Waimea Canyon on the west side of the island is known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, and is an impressive sight to see. It is 14 miles long one mile wide and 3,600 feet deep. You can have a panoramic view of the crested buttes, the deep valley and the rugged crags.
The big island of Hawaii is still growing. It is the youngest of the island and the biggest. It is the home of one of the most active volcanoes in the state. The volcanoes are the source of its growth. You can visit the National Volcanoes National Park and walk around the edge of the volcano and feel the heat rising from it. On Hawaii are noted black beaches and snow-capped mountains, rainforests and volcanic deserts for you viewing pleasure.
No matter which island you chose to visit or if you chose to visit all of them you will find wonderful hotels, great restaurants, luaus, hula shows and souvenirs in abundance. Hawaii is a great place for a honeymoon, wedding, an anniversary or just a relaxing vacation.
Aloha!
Photos by Jphilipson on flickr
