Hawaii


Hawaii

  • About Hawaii

    Hawaii is the most Southern state of the USA and includes the islands of Hawaii:

    • Oahu
    • Maui
    • Kauai
    • Hawaii
    • Molokai
    • Lanai

    A chain of 132 islands make up the entire state of Hawaii although the majority are so tiny they are not inhabited. Each major island offers beautiful scenery, sandy beaches, ancient culture and a choice of superb visitor attractions. Hawaii is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and is about 2,400 miles South West of the US mainland.

    Spectacular sunsets and stunning mountains ensure Hawaii is a popular wedding and honeymoon destination. But there is more to Hawaii than tying the knot and kicking back to enjoy the impressive views. Opportunities for adventure sports are plentiful, including world famous surfing, kayaking, climbing and trekking.

    Meanwhile you will find golf courses and health and fitness retreats. Theres also some serious opportunities for shopping and nightlife, all of which is presented with that special Hawaiian razzmatazz.

  • Main Islands

    Hawaii

    Twice as big as its sister islands combined, Hawaii or The Big Island as it is known, offers diverse landscape including tropical beaches, deserts, rainforests, volcanoes and snow-capped mountains. The western side of the island is the driest region in all of Hawaii, with the best beaches. This factor is due to the mountains acting as a block to North Easterly winds. The Eastern Coast is equally beautiful through with tropical rainforests, waterfalls and dramatic seas.

    Mauis

    The second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands is one of the surf capitals of the world. Its West Coast is a sun trap and has beautiful white sand beaches. Maui offers tropical jungles and waterfalls plus super watersports and beach life. It also has some vibrant nightlife. Maui is dominated by two large extinct volcanoes which tower over the divide of a tropical valley.

    Oahu

    Very cosmopolitan island which includes great shopping and entertainments as well as its famous beaches and the worlds biggest surf. Also includes the biggest city in Hawaii: Honolulu. Honolulu and Waikiki are major holiday and entertainment centres for the Pacific. WWII memorials and exhibitions centres are popular attractions at Pearl Harbour.

  • Attractions

    Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

    An unforgettable tour experience which includes visiting two active volcanoes and a series of vastly different landscapes ranging from tropical beach to sub-arctic. Includes the summit of Mauna Loa, the worlds biggest volcano, and the steaming Kilauea Caldera, the red hot crater of Kilauea Volcano.

    Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, Hawaii

    Visit ancient temples, burial grounds and other sacred sites of the Polynesian people including royal fishponds and coastal village sites. Opportunities for superb snorkelling and the sampling of traditional arts and crafts. The park, established in 1961, is spread over 182 acres.

    Polynesian Cultural Centre, Oahu

    Seven Polynesian villages with interactive games, crafts and entertainment on 42 acres of tropical paradise. Islanders re-enact war dances and wedding ceremonies. Other activities include fire knife throwing and firewalking. Includes the Horizons night show with over 100 native performers.

    Pearl Harbour, Oahu

    Includes the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Battleship Missouri Museum and USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park. The memorials and exhibitions are a tribute to the 2,390 people who died during the attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941.

    Iolani Palace, Oahu

    Another reminder of Hawaiis unique heritage which has the distinction of being the only royal palace in America. Built in 1882 by King David Kalakaua the palace in Honolulu includes some impressively high ramparts inspired by European castles. Walkways surround the building offering superb views.

    Hawaii Maritime Center, Oahu

    The Islands fascinating maritime history is unveiled at this centre in Honolulu including the history of Polynesian explorers and whalers, traders plus the history of surfing and canoe racing. Key exhibits include a skeleton of a humpback whale, a Polynesian double-hulled canoe: Hokulea, and the worlds only surviving four-masted, full-rigged ship: the Falls of Clyde.

    Waikiki Aquarium, Oahu

    Tropical marine research centre and visitor attraction at Waikiki Beach featuring aquatic life from Hawaii and the Pacific. The Aquarium, the third oldest public aquarium in the US, houses more than 2,500 specimens including sharks, seals, rays, jellyfish.

  • Climate

    Climate is tropical and sub tropical and varies per island. A major distinction in climate is often identified as windward or leeward. Windward sides face the North East Trades and receive more rainfall. Leeward sides are drier and tend to be the location for tourist resorts. Seasons tend to consist of a long summer and short winter and the temperature is rarely anything but warm or hot. There is a wet season in Hawaii starting in November but the rains are not usually prolonged. Hurricane season in Hawaii is from June to November but the Hawaiian Islands are rarely affected. The US National Weather Service is based in Honolulu.

  • Geology

    The Hawaiian Islands were formed by volcanoes arising from the sea floor. Because the islands are isolated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and protected by vast mountain ranges a wide range of tropical landscapes has been created including rare flora and fauna. Volcanic activity and erosion from the sea has also helped create Hawaiis superb, individual landscape.

  • Key Facts

    • Full Name - Hawaii
    • Population - 1,300,000
    • Time Zone - GMT -10
    • Languages - Hawaiian, English
    • Currency - US Dollar