November 3, 2008
Vacation in Hawaii
It will be nearly as much fun as taking the actual vacation in Hawaii to review all the things there are to do on the islands. There are more than just the Big Island of Hawaii; there are also Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lahai and Maui. Each offers their own special attractions for your pleasure.
When you visit the island of Kauai you will have the opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, better known as Waimea Canyon. Here you will see panoramic views of the more than 3000 feet deep canyon. You will see crested buttes, ragged crags, and deep valley gorges. Your camera will never stop clicking at all the beauty surrounding you.
Visit the North Shore of Kauai and see the beautiful sights from the top of the towering cliffs with their greenery and flowing waterfalls tumbling to the valleys below. Stand on the cliffs and get a view of the Pacific Ocean and the endless waves rolling in to the shore.
Leaving Kauai and going to Oahu you can visit Waikiki Beach and enjoy the wonders of surfing. Here you can take lessons or experience the big waves for those that are experienced surfers. King Kamehaheha lived on the island at one time.
While you are at Waikiki Beach you may want to go to the Waikiki Aquarium and see the 3rd oldest aquarium in the U.S. Here there are over 500 marine species and more than 3,000 marine specimens for you to enjoy. They even have two endangered Hawaii Monk Seals for you to learn about while at the aquarium.
Everyone goes to Honolulu when they visit the islands. This capital city is filled with beautiful historic buildings, great art, wonderful monuments and of course, world class shopping.
Take a tour of Iolani Palace where King Kalakaua and his successor, Queen Liliuokalani held lavish parties and conducted diplomatic affairs for the kingdom. See the private living quarters of the royal family and learn the history of how the Queen was imprisoned in an upstairs bedroom following the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy.
Visit the other areas of the island, such as Windward Coast with its Koolau Mountains. Here you will see the opposite of the Waikiki Beach area. The rugged mountains, dramatic ocean views while watching the dolphins and penguins at the Sea Life Park.
Central Oahu will enable you to visit the USS Arizona and honor those who so bravely fought against the bombing of the area by the Japanese in WWII. You can also relax in the plantation area and enjoy some fresh pineapple grown on the island.
When you visit Molokai be sure to spend a little time at the main harbor, Kaunakakai, where the tallest point on the island is located. This is the steeple of a chruch since no buildings are taller than a coconut tree!
Now you are off to Lanai and the area well known for the pineapple plantations. You can find fabulous snorkeling spots, enjoy the swimming or just sit on the beach and see ifyou spot a whale or a dolphin. The relaxed environment of the island will make you glad you took a break to visit here.
Maui has not only beaches but mountain crests to see too. There is Haleakala where you can stand and almost see the “end of the earth.” Take a drive on the crooked road to Hana and visit the Seven Sacred Pools.
The Big Island is still getting bigger with the activity of the Kilauea volcano. There are 11 different climate zones on the Big Island which generate everything from Rain Forests to deserts, black sand beaches and snow capped mountains. You will truly enjoy your time on the Big Island on your Hawaii vacation.
Filed under Travel and Leisure by Penelope SanMateo
