MAIN Travel North America USA 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