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Hawaii
Hawaii...
the name conjures up magical images of tropical beaches and sun drenched vacations.
A top honeymoon destination, a great family vacation spot and a popular business
meeting destination, the islands of Hawaii bring a taste of native culture that
sets them apart as a leisure destination. Settled
by Polynesians somewhere in the first millennium, it wasn't until Captain Cook
visited in 1778 that the Western world took note of these green jewels in the
Pacific. The British explorer named them the "Sandwich Islands."
Although the
native inhabitants continued to rule Hawaii throughout the 19th century, Queen
Liliuokalani eventually lost her throne, under questionable circumstances,
to expanding U.S. business interests. The native government was disbanded and
Sanford Dole replaced the Queen as President of the Republic of Hawaii near the
turn of the 20th century. Hawaii
soon became an official U.S. territory and, a few decades later, was the reason
the U.S. entered World War II, following the Japanese attack on an American naval
base near Honolulu at Pearl
Harbor. The U.S. military presence is easy to see on most of the islands.
Active and retired members of all branches of the armed forces, along with their
families, are happy to call Hawaii their adopted home. Today
Hawaii's warm climate, sandy beaches, warm breezes and scenic beauty make it a
vacationer's paradise and immensely popular with honeymooners, surfers, spring
breakers and sun worshipers in general. Comprised
of eight main islands - Hawaii,
Kahoolawe, Maui,
Lanai, Molokai, Oahu,
Kauai, and Niihau - Hawaii's most famous beach, Waikiki,
is located on Oahu's south shore. The
sun, sand and surf are just part of the island attractions. The culture of the
first people still defines the Hawaiian experience. Visitors are greeted with
a flower lei and a bright smiling Aloha! as they arrive. Beach luaus, outrigger
canoe races and hula dances are the most familiar ancient traditions that you
can share, but if you take the time to see the less traveled sections and museums
you'll learn the rich history of the people who first settled the land. In
addition to its tropical allure, Hawaii also offers vacation-goers national parks
and historic centers such as the Haleakala
National Park on Maui, the USS
Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, and Iolani
Palace, the former residence of the islands' last monarchs.
More about
Hawaii travel around the Web
Go
Hawaii - The
official tourism site chock full of useful info on family vacations, golfing,
wedding & honeymoon planner, art, history & culture plus hotel booking,
dining, weather info and separate guides for each island. Hawaii
Travel | Lonely Planet World Guide - Where to go and what to see including
major and offbeat attractions, history and culture, picture gallery, seasonal
events. Hawaii's
Visitor Guides - The online visitor center with maps, pictures, restaurant
and shopping guides, beach and island overviews. Aloha
from Maui - Top attractions, activities, wedding & honeymoon planner,
maps, pictures, travel tips, and a good backgrounder on Hawaiian culture. The
Oahu Visitors Bureau - The official site featuring facts, information
and pictures of popular golf courses, favorite wedding spots, family fun, sports,
art & culture, hotels & restaurants, plus additional guides to Waikiki,
Honolulu, the Windward Coast and shore areas. Molokai
- The Most Hawaiian Island - Generous helping of info on accommodations,
transportation, visitor activities, a special report on the Kalaupapa Peninsula,
photo tours, FAQ's, weather info, event schedule. Discover
Kauai - The complete guide including island culture, visitor attractions,
parks & beaches, hotels & restaurants, event calendar, related links.
Hawaii
Summer Vacation Calendar:
also see ->
Honolulu Tourist Attractions | Hawaii
Beaches & Surf Reports
Hawaii
Wineries | Christmas
in Hawaii |
Moving
to Hawaii Pearl
Harbor Day |