Hawaii Travel Guide
Information
So, What is it Really Like?
Hawaii is officially known as the 'Aloha' State. Aloha, in the native language, means welcome and with some of the friendliest people in the world that is just right. Hawaii is a handful of lovely islands set in an azure ocean. For many, this place where Polynesian, Asian and Western cultures mingle freely, is the stuff that dreams are made of. Famed for its tropical beaches it also has lush green jungles, snowy mountain peaks, active volcanoes and exotic wildlife.
The state of Hawaii consists of eight main islands. The isle of Oahu is home to the capital, Honolulu. Oahu is also the main centre for politics, business and culture.
What's on the other Islands?
Hawaii
Or Big Island, is the one with the volcanoes. A visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park gives an opportunity to see first hand the spectacular and violent forces that have shaped the planet. Kilauea is an active volcano that can be seen from just about anywhere inside the park. Eruptions only occur every 11 months or so but evidence of volcanic activity is everywhere. Puuhonua o Honaunau is a sanctuary built on a site next to the traditional home of the kings of Hawaii. This holy site was begun in 1550 but with the abolition of the old Hawaiian religion, it was destroyed. Restoration of the City of Refuge, Temple and Royal Palace areas is near completion. The site offers a unique view of Hawaiian culture that can't be matched anywhere on the islands.
Maui
After Oahu, Maui is the most popular of the island destinations. Despite the temptations of mass tourism and the dollars it brings the island still has a feel of not being overcrowded. This is due in part to the natural geography of the coastline but also the restraint shown by the local planning authorities.
The chief attraction on Maui is the Haleakala National Park, which encompasses the Haleakala Crater. This is essentially a dormant volcano - the last eruption was in 1790 and further eruptions are considered unlikely - and it is most notable for the sunsets that can be seen here. The crater is also considered a holy place. There are many trails and walks within the park. These give an opportunity to observe the many rare plants and birds unique to the area.
Also worth visiting is the village of Hana. The road into this isolated spot - the Hana Highway - is winding and difficult but also rewarding. The road passes through Jurassic type vegetation as it goes west along the coast. Places where stopping to enjoy is the view include 'Twin Falls', Honomanu Bay, the Keanae Arboretum, Wailua Lookout and the Seven Pools at Kipahula. The best halt along the road is at the Puua Kaa State Park. Whilst there take a trip to a pair of black lava caves, the site where Chief Kaakea, according to legend, killed his wife.
The village of Hana is blissfully unchanged from how it was before the advent of tourism. In this inaccessible place, it is possible to see a Hawaii that is now mostly a distant memory.
Kauai
Of all the gems in the Hawaiian Island chain Kauai is thought, by many to be the most dazzling. Due to the inaccessibility of the interior - much of which is covered by thick vegetation - settlement has been restricted to the eastern, coastal side of the island.
The untouched scenic splendour of the island is typified by primeval, impenetrable vegetation, hidden valleys and rushing waterfalls.
Whilst on the island try and take in the Hanelai Valley, the Na Pali Coast, the Kauai Museum and the Pacific Tropical Botanical Gardens.
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