Friday, November 7, 2008

Plan a Vacation in Hawaii

By Penelope SanMateo

Whether you are planning to visit the Big Island, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lahai or Maui your vacation in Hawaii will be filled with enjoyment. There are sites to see on each of the islands that make up the state of Hawaii.

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.

Visit Oahu, the once home of King Kamehaeha. Here you can go to Waikiki Beach and enjoy the surf. There are opportunities for lessons or just the big waves for the experienced surfer to be challenged by at the beach.

If you want to learn about marine life but aren't into scuba diving then you may want to visit the Waikiki Aquarium which is on the shoreline of Waikiki Beach. Here there are over 500 marine species and 3,000 marine specimens just waiting to educate you at the 3rd oldest aquarium in the United States. The interactive exhibits will be a thrill for all that attend.

Of course you will visit Honolulu while you are on Oahu. This beautiful capital city is the epicenter of Hawaii with everything from the historic buildings to treasured monuments along with the opportunity to do some shopping and see the wide array of arts and culture.

Tour Iolani Palace and see the private living quarters of King Kalakaua and his successor, Queen Liliuokalani. You will see where they held lavish entertainments and did the diplomatic business of the kingdom. Hear bout the Queen being imprisoned in an upstairs bedroom after the overthrow of the 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.

You have probably read about it in the history books, or you remember it from when it actually happened but here in Central Oahu you can visit the USS Arizona and see the memorials that are a tribute to the brave men and women that were killed in the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese at the start of the US involvement in WWII. If you want to relax after that experience you may want to sample the fresh pineapple that is grown in the lush valley in the area.

Molokai is a different scene than the other islands you will visit on your Hawaii vacation. The tallest point is a church steeple because nothing on this island is taller than a coconut tree. How unique is that in this world of high-rises soaring overhead?

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. - 15784

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