About Hawaii
Hawaii or ”the Aloha State” is the 50th state of the United States located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The capital city is Honolulu. The islands are on Hawaii Standard Time, which is 5 hours behind the East Coast (6 hours during Day Light Savings Time). English is spoken, although the Hawaiian language is still spoken in selected areas of the islands.Although the State of Hawaii is comprised of many islands, some of the primary Hawaiian Islands are:
OAHU – Home to the state capitol and the majority of Hawaii's population. Honolulu is a large city situation on the southern end of Oahu. One of the most famous beaches in the world, Waikiki, stretches along the city of Honolulu. Oahu is also famous for the North Shore where pro surfers ride the big winter waves and Pearl Harbor, historical exhibits in memorial to those who served in the Pacific during WWII.
Chris's Picks in Oahu:
- Enjoying a shave ice at Matsumoto's. http://www.matsumotoshaveice.com
Shave ice is a sweet treat made from ice that is shaved by blades to a fine powder shaped together in a cone or bowl with various flavored syrups poured on top. Other toppings can be added to shave ice including a scoop of vanilla ice cream at the bottom, or azuki beans on top. Shave ice is similar to "snow cones" but the ice is usually more fine, and the syrups more tasty. It is the treat of choice in Hawaii. - Eating at Hoku's at The Kahala Hotel & Resort. Known for its innovative fusion fare which melds Hawaiian, Asian and European flavors - Hoku's is consistently ranked as one of Hawaii's best restaurants.
- Watching the surfers at Sunset Beach on the North Shore.
- Hiking Diamond Head.
>> http://www.hawaiiweb.com/oahu/default.htm
Honolulu also offers a wealth of options for unique family activities:
>> Family Activities in Honolulu (on AAGP's travel information page)
KAUAI – is the oldest and most northern of the islands and is often referred to as the “garden isle” for its lush greenery and natural beauty. The northern most coast of Kauai is a profile of rugged peaks called the Napali Coast and is best viewed by a boat ride discovering hidden coves and secret beaches. On the western side of the island drive up the Waimea Canyon – “the grand canyon of the Pacific” – and visit the KoKe'e Lodge at the top for a comforting meal. Visit sunny Poipu beach in the south and soak up the sun and watch the Spouting Horn geyser shoot its water up to the sky.
Chris's Picks in Kauai:
- Driving up the Waimea Canyon and having a late breakfast at the Koke'e Lodge by a roaring fireplace.
- Enjoying a burger at Duane's Ono-Charburger – located in a shack on the highway – the best burger you will ever eat.
- Riding a rubber boat along the Napali Coast and riding a secluded beach for an afternoon swim.
- Watching the Spouting Horn frequently spurt salt water 50 feet into the air and buying souvenirs at the vendor tents.
- Walking out to the Kilauea Lighthouse and watching the birds and whales.
>> http://www.kauaidiscovery.com
HAWAII - is the largest of all of the Hawaiian Islands (bigger than all of the other island combined) and is one of the newer islands, from a geological perspective. The dramatic landscape is unique as there are still active volcanoes erupting on the Island and much of the topography is comprised of volcanic rock. The island contains 11 of the world's 13 climatic zones from sandy beaches to snowcapped mountains – it is truly unique. In Hilo, the island's capitol, visit waterfalls, rainforests, and the macadamia nut factory. Off the Kona coast, swim with turtles and dolphins. And, don't miss a visit to Kilauea in Hawaii's Volcano's National Park.
Chris's Picks in Hawaii:
- Walking through the macadamia nut orchard and sampling chocolote covered macadamia nuts at the Mauna Loi factory
- Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see the new eruption at the summit of Kilauea volcano. http://www.bigisland.org/parks/939/volcano-eruption-update.
- Horseback riding at the Parker Ranch. http://www.parkerranch.com
- Walking on the black sand beach of Punalu'u and observing the endangered Hawaiian green sea turtle nests in the black sand.
- Spending the day at the Anara Spa at the Hyatt Regency in Poipu.
MAUI – is the second largest island and home to some of the best beaches in the world as well as the Humpback whales who migrate off the shore every winter. Enjoy a thrill as you bike down the Haleakala Crater (larger than the island of Manhattan) and see the silver sword plant – the only place in the world it exists. Visit the old whaling village of Lahaina and enjoy the western Kanapalli Coast with its beautiful beaches. Take a trip to Hana which includes some of the most spectacular scenery found anywhere in the Hawaiian islands, but the road is long and winding, with over 600 curves and 54 bridges.
Chris' picks in Maui:
- Eating Hula Pie at Kimos - a Lahaina landmark with reasonably priced cuisine and spectacular sunset views. The upstairs dinning room reflects the architectural influence of New England's former whaling port and downstairs waterfront lanai & bar offers a more Hawaiian-style ambiance.
- Eating tequila shrimp and firecracker rice at David Paul's Lahaina Grill.
- Having someone else drive me on the road to Hana.
- Shopping at Whaler's Village.
- Enjoying a sunset catamaran sail.
MOLOKAI – is an island that has preserved its connection to the past with almost half of its population being of native Hawaiian ancestry. Visit the town of Kaunakakaki and experience what it was like to live in Hawaii many years ago. Discover beautiful flora in Halawa Valley. Perhaps the most stunningly place in Hawai'i, is the Kalaupapa National Historical Park/Settlement - the site of Father Damien's mission where he ministered for 16 years to those suffering from Hansen's disease. If you want to visit Kalaupapa you must apply for a permit from the State Department of Health and no children under 16 years of age are allowed to enter.
>> http://www.molokai-hawaii.com
LANAI –is the sixth largest of the Hawaiian Islands. It is also known as the Pineapple Island because of its past as an island-wide pineapple plantation. The only town is Lânai City, a small settlement. Without a single traffic light, Lanai is a true island getaway and features two resort hotels, Mânele Bay and the Lodge at Kôele. Most of the attractions on the island outside of the hotels and town can be visited only via dirt roads that require a 4x4 vehicle. Puu Pehe, a.k.a. "Sweetheart Rock", is situated about 150 feet offshore between Manele Bay and Hulopoe Bay along the island's southern coastline. It is one of Lanai's most recognizable landmarks and also the setting for one of Hawaii's most enduring legends. Keahikawelo, also known as "Garden of the Gods", is characterized by boulders of varying sizes, shapes and colors. They are the result of thousands of years of erosion.
>> http://www.fourseasons.com/manelebay
>> http://www.fourseasons.com/koele
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit Hawaii's official site: www.gohawaii.com.
>> Top of page
