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Hawaii
Travel
destination reviews refer to the Hawaiian Islands as the
best place for sun, sand and natural attractions - the
place to head for a fun holiday.
This
is the location of some of the finest beaches in the United
States, each unique in its dimensions, shapes and hues.
These sandy stretches are fronted by crystal waters teeming
with tropical fish darting through forests of coral. Some
of the world's best surfing and watersport opportunities
are offered here and for those intent on premium sightseeing
it is hard to beat the thrill of watching lava flow from
the world's longest erupting volcano.
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Visitors
who relish exploring different cultures and ancient
civilisations will find the best of Polynesian relics
in which to indulge their passions, as they soak
up some of the 'Mana' (spiritual power) with which
the islands were imbued by the legendary gods and
goddesses.
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Hawaii's
nightlife is centred on traditional festivals which
visitors are encouraged to experience as they don
'leis' (necklaces of flowers) and dance the famous
'hula' after sunset.
The
state of Hawaii includes approximately 130 islands
in the Pacific Ocean, many of which are uninhabited.
The islands lie about 1,600 miles (2,600km) off the
coast of mainland USA.
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The
largest island, Hawaii, is known imaginatively as
the Big Island, but the state capital, Honolulu,
and most of the population is located on the smaller
island of Oahu, which is also the main tourist destination.
The other main islands are Maui, Molokai and Kauai.
Between them the islands boast an amazingly diverse
geography providing endless recreation opportunities,
from snowboarding on mountain summits to hiking
through rainforests. The possibilities offered by
a Hawaiian holiday are limited only by the boundaries
of the imagination.
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Surfing
Hawaii
offers some of the world's best surfing, with waves
to suit all ages and levels, from gentle rollers perfect
for learning to some of the biggest surfing waves
in the world. Oahu's North Shore is fabled for its
monstrous waves between October and March, which set
the stage for legendary world surfing championships
at Pipeline and Banzai Beach, where swells can reach
heights of 25 feet (8m).
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Sunset
Rip is another notorious break and is also a venue
for several international competitions. The famed
Pipeline is one of the best waves on the North Shore
and during the winter months forms the biggest barrel
in the world, while Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach are
also world-renowned for their huge waves of 15 to
20 feet (4-6m). Beginners are also catered for with
small and easy rollers at places like Waikiki Beach,
Chuns Reef, Cockroach Bay and Puena Point, and there
are plenty of surf schools and experienced instructors
available. The south coast of Kauai is also an excellent
surfing spot for beginners, with reliable waves at
Poipu and Kalapaki Beach.
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Oahu
Oahu
is only the third largest of the inhabited Hawaiian
islands, but it is home to nearly three-quarters
of the state's residents, most of them living in
the ultra-modern capital city, Honolulu, and its
adjacent beach resort suburb of Waikiki, on the
south coast of the island. Beyond the urban bustle
of the south, Oahu is quiet and enchanting; flaunting
23 state parks and punctuated by ancient stone heiau
(temples).
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The
island's most recognisable landmark is the 761ft
(232m) tall Diamond Head to the east of Waikiki.
This mountain is a 'tuff cone' formed 100,000 years
ago when an eruption of volcanic ash hardened into
solid rock. The extinct volcano is traditionally
believed to be the home of Pele, the fire goddess.
Oahu means 'gathering place', and the island certainly
lives up to its name in its ethnic diversity, which
becomes evident at a glance at the annual festival
calendar. From the Chinese New Year in late January
to King Kamehameha Day in June and the Aloha Festivals
in September there is barely a dull moment and always
a reason for celebration.
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Big
Island
The
youngest and largest of the Hawaiian Islands, the
island of Hawaii (known as Big Island to avoid confusion)
is one of the few places on earth where visitors can
go from snowboarding to snorkelling in a single day!
Local legend has it that the volcano goddess Pele
and the demi-god Kamapua'a, who could control the
weather, battled for the island and eventually decided
to divide it: Pele
took the hot, dry western half and Kamapua'a ended
up with the wet, tropical east.
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Big
Island, however, actually has twelve distinct climatic
zones ranging from tropical rain forests in the east
to the frozen tundra atop Mauna Kea and the arid desert
of Ka'u in the south. This diversity makes Hawaii's
Big Island an unrivalled pleasure ground for active
holidaymakers, the island's resorts offering every type
of outdoor activity imaginable. |
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Volcanoes
To
add to the thrill there is the attraction of two active
volcanoes on this island - the Kilauea Caldera is
the longest continuously erupting volcano in the world,
its present eruptive phase dating back to 1983; Mauna
Loa last erupted in 1984. Of the three other volcanoes
on the island two, Mauna Kea and Kohala, are extinct,
while Hualalai is considered to be dormant.
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All
this volcanic action has meant that holidaymakers
can decide on their preferred beach sand tones ranging
from white to red, black and even green.
Together
with the diverse ecosystems of Big Island is the rich
Polynesian Hawaiian culture, a culture that has absorbed
some interesting elements from both Asia and Europe,
creating a colourful mix. On the coast you can dance
the hula at an authentic luau feast, while upcountry
you will find a blend of Portuguese and Mexican culture
combined with Hawaiian tradition among the 'Paniolos'
(cowboys) on the giant cattle ranches.
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Cruise
Port Travel is the start of your next great adventure!
Several
Photos by HawaiiPictures.com
Monday through
Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Other times by appointment.
Give us a
call at: (928) 472-7878
or Toll Free: (877) 949-7678
or send us
an e-mail
You can also e-mail us personally:
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