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HAWAII
We've watched Hawaii from afar in movies, on TV, on travel posters and every vacation book in print. It seems everyone goes to Hawaii as often as possible. And why not? It's paradise!
Hawaii is the southernmost of the 50 United States, and is an archipelago of 125 islands. There are 8 main islands. Looking at a map, they read (from southeast to northwest) Hawaii, Kahoolawe, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai and Niihau. The territory reaches from sea level as far as the eye can see to a height of nearly 14,000 feet at Mauna Kea on the Big Island - Hawaii. If you're at all interested in the birth of an island, the first chapter of James Michener's "Hawaii" is a must read. Read it aloud to your kids (or have them read it aloud to you) so they can get a feel for the tremendous time and chance involved.
Most of the islands have national or state parks and each has some unique feature - a glowing lava flow, the best curls for surfing in the U.S., super snowskiing, pineapple and other plantations, superb beaches, whale and dolphin areas, and the list goes on.
The history of the islands is comparatively short, humans having been a late addition to the chain. The Polynesians only arrived about 1,000 to 1,400 years ago, and Europeans and Asians arrived on the Sandwich Islands in the late 18th century. There are cultural centers and historical museums dotted around, including, of course, Pearl Harbor.
There are so many ways to enjoy the Hawaiian Islands. You can laze in the shade on a quiet beach, take advantage of the water sports, the night life, the shopping, the many natural parks, or rely on the resort areas to entertain you. When you are browsing the various resorts, notice how many provide special children's programs. For pure romance or for family frolics, its hard to beat Paradise.
DIVISION OF STATE PARKS
Department of Land & Natural Resources
1151 Punchbowl Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
808 548-0300
HAWAII VISITORS BUREAU
Waikiki Business Plaza
2270 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
(808) 923-1811
FISHING & HUNTING REGULATIONS
Department of Land & Natural Resources
1151 Punchbowl Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
(808) 587-0166 Bed and Breakfast Inns |
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