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Here are a few interesting facts and important things to remember before you set out on your Hawaii Tour!

•    Hawaii is the home of President Obama and was the 50th state admitted to the union on August 20th, 1959.

•    The state of Hawaii consists of eight main islands: Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and the Big Island of Hawaii.

•    Under-sea volcanoes that erupted thousands of years ago formed the islands of Hawaii.

•    The capital of the world’s most active volcanoes and the world’s tallest sea mountain – Mauna Kea.

•    From east to west Hawaii is the widest state in the United States.

•    More than one-third of the world’s commercial supply of pineapples comes from Hawaii and it is the only state within United States that grows coffee.

•    Hawaii has the toughest laws against smoking in the United States. It’s against the law to smoke in public buildings, including airports, shopping malls, grocery stores, retail shops, buses, movie theaters, banks, convention facilities, and all government buildings. Hotels and resorts prohibit indoor smoking. Smoking is not allowed within 20 feet of a doorway or a window. Even some beaches have no-smoking policies. Hawaii laws impose strict fines for breaking any of these smoking regulations.

•    Hawaii does not observe daylight saving time. When daylight saving time is in effect in most of the United States, Hawaii is 3 hours behind the West Coast and 6 hours behind the East Coast. When the U.S. reverts to standard time in November, Hawaii is 2 hours behind the West Coast and 5 hours behind the East Coast.

Driving on one of the world’s most extravagant coastlines, The Hana Highway on the east coast of Maui, is simply captivating as you take in the lush landscapes with thriving rainforests, cascading waterfalls, mysterious caves and breath-taking seascapes along the way. The highway is a sixty-eight mile stretch of road between Kahului (the most heavily populated area on the island) with Hana and most of its six hundred twenty bends take you through fertile, stunning rainforest scenery.

Located at the start of the Hana Highway, Kahului isn’t well known as a tourist spot, but it does have the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum which is worth a visit before taking to the Hana Highway, as well as a being home to a few national parks. Part of the road known as Highway 31 was closed for a period until a couple of years ago during an earthquake that took place in 2006 but it has now reopened. Exciting features of the Hanah Highway for those keen on feats of engineering are the steel and concrete bridges. All but one of the bridges installed in and around the first decade of the twentieth century is still in use. Bailey bridge now replaces the one bridge that became unstable.

The awe-inspiring drive along the Hana Highway meanders along a rugged shoreline and takes up to four hours as drivers tackle the hairpin bends and one-lane bridges but is well worth the time taken to admire the waterfalls that dot the way along the Hana Highway. There are many places to stop off to enjoy the tremendous views and take a breather from driving. One of the best is the famous Seven Sacred Pools. There are many well-maintained trails from which to enjoy exploring this area.

On reaching Hana visitors can take time to travel around this delightful little town and enjoy the area – sunbathing at Hana Beach Park or snorkelling at Waianapanapa State Park, a beautiful black sand beach. A great hike is to the isolated Kaihalulu Beach, known as Red Sand Beach for its red cinder sand.

Maui is also famed for the impressive gathering of humpback whales, which inhabit its surrounding waters from November to April as they breed, a sight that can be viewed from land. For a closer encounter there are boat trips from the town of Lahaina. The town itself was once the centre for the Pacific whaling trade and retains much to see of its celebrated past including the Old Prison, the Seaman’s Hospital and the Pioneer Inn. It is also in Lahaina where America’s largest Banyon tree lives.

Also just off the coast of Maui is Molokini, a sunken volcanic crater rim packed with life and a wonderful place to explore with a snorkel or through diving. Activity seekers may also love the invigorating 36-mile bike ride down the slopes of Mount Haleakala at dawn, horse riding through flourishing tropical valleys or playing golf at one of a dozen championship courses with eye-catching backdrops.

Who doesn’t dream of a Hawaiian trip? Of course, everybody dreams of going to Hawaii and spending their vacation there. Hawaii has become the dream destination of many people. Travelers and cruisers love to visit this place because of its unique vacation spots.

In Hawaii, there are four islands, which can be a grand location for your great Hawaiian cruise.

These particular islands have unique sights and charm. You will surely love your cruise at the four different islands called Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island. You should try visiting these places when you plan on cruising.

A Hawaiian vacation is a perfect vacation for hard working people. On a Hawaiian cruise, you do not just see the island itself but you will have the chance to tour the entire state.

You can visit Hawaii anytime of the year because of its temperate climate. It really makes a great vacation spot.

You will only have to decide on which cruise liner, but with plenty of liners available, it will not be difficult to make a good choice. You will be able to choose a cruise liner that can guarantee you all the things you need at an affordable price.

Once you get on board, you will be welcomed with many activities. There are so many entertaining amenities on the boat. You will enjoy the different amusement center, spas, boutiques, pools and even sport centers.

If you are a very outgoing person you will be sure to enjoy the different bars and disco clubs on board. If you are feeling more quiet, you can just go over to the cafŽ or read your favorite books in the library. Truly, you will never experience boredom on your Hawaiian cruise.

Kauai is a great island to visit during your Hawaiian vacation. Though it is the smallest island, and the furthest away from the Big Island, it has a rich culture and abundant wildlife. Kauai has many beautiful houses, and the island boasts many different activities, such as picnicking, biking, touring and off road sightseeing.

Kauai is very famous because of its very unique island composition. Hollywood movies usually shoot films in this place when they try to represent the natural wildlife of Hawaii. You will start from Waimea canyon which you can visit in a long tour while visiting the island.

You will also have a chance to visit Oahu, the second largest island of Hawaii. The famous Waikiki is found on this particular island.

Oahu is known because it is a dominant island that has been the target place for special gatherings. This a great place to visit on your Hawaiian cruise.

You can experience all the comfort and enjoyment you could want when you visit this particular island. You can enjoy snorkeling and diving over the deep waters of Pearl Harbor, and learn a little of its great history and go across the island and have a visit to the Polynesian Culture Center and discover all the remarkable historical facts of Hawaii.

You will also have a chance to visit Maui. This is the island where you can find many different outdoor activities such as kayaking, biking, and ATV touring. Some of the amazingly beautiful beaches are found in this particular place. The summit of Haleakala is truly a necessary sightseeing venture.

Finally, you will tour the famous Big Island, which is also called Hawaii and is the largest among the four islands. You will experience a lot in this island; it has a bit more to offer than the other islands.

You can also enjoy the different outdoor activities such as venturing to the very interesting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Wherever you wish to go and whatever you want to do, there is a bounty of breathtaking scenery in Hawaii.

These are the things that the island Hawaii can offer when you visit it by cruising.

After visiting Hawaii, you will be amazed at the amazing scenery, the rich history and the abundance of activities. It’s no doubt that many people come back to visit Hawaii again and again. Watch out, or you could become addicted to cruising in Hawaii!

Many say that vacationing along the beach is the only way to travel. Knowing exactly how long you intend to vacationing in Hawaii for, as well as exactly when can better assist you when finding a traveling rental that can accommodate you. But if you plan to go and you do not want to stay in a hotel or go on a group tour through a travel agency, the best option for you is for rentals. Have you recently made the decision to go traveling? Beach resorts are one of the best choices for families looking for.

Depending on the type of beach home you choose to rent, you should have access to multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen, dinning room, living room, and even a laundry room; everything that you need while enjoying a vacation. There will no be a shortage of things to do if you are a tourist as there are many world class tourist attractions in the island paradise. Choosing the right honeymoon in Hawaii is really simple once you know what to expect when you get there. The top locations for a family trip in Hawaii are the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island.

A family vacation in Hawaii is more than anything you have ever dreamed off. You have finally decided you and your family on going to the beach and take that long awaited dream trip. Can you leave for that month vacation you have always wanted to take? You may be away for your well deserved trip for a week, but you want to make sure your blogging efforts do not suffer. It may also be a good idea to schedule your next family vacation because of everything that you and your children will get to see. More and more tourists each year decide to go on a vacation. Have you recently made the decision go to the beach?

For those visiting the place first time or those coming back for more, it holds something new and exciting with every trip. Hawaii, a place to put down your roots in 1 The minute someone mentions the beaches, it brings to mind the hoopla. Imagine what you could do with that: save it, invest it, pay down student loans, buy yourself jewelry, go on a luxury trip. Many beaches have clear, calm waters, which are ideal for young children and inexperienced swimmers. Although beaches are part of the attraction, there is also a chance that you may like to stay inland, at a more centralized location.

Hawaii is an archipelago that makes up hundreds of islands that that stretch over 1500 miles. The climate of Hawaii is surprisingly complex. The Hawaiian Islands lie in the tropics, but because of high volcanic mountains, the weather can be quite varied. Mauna Kea is the highest peak on the island of Hawaii at nearly 14,000 feet.

Hawaii Rainfall
Rainfall varies widely not only from one island to another, but is very dependent upon the elevation of the location, and if the location is facing windward or leeward of the northeast trade winds. Rainfall totals of about 20 inches can be expected near the high mountain tops and lee coastal locations. In contrast, up to 300 inches will be found on the windward slopes of mountains generally between 4-6 thousand feet. Compare three different locations in Hawaii:

1. Honolulu has a very distinct wet and dry season. The dry season stretches from April through September where generally only ½” to 1” of rainfall occurs each month. During the wet season, October through March, about 2-3 inches of rainfall occurs.

2. Hilo is on the north coast of Hawaii and faces the northeast trade winds resulting in about 126” of rainfall per year. There is no dry month, with June having the lowest amount of rain with 7 1/3”. November has the most rainfall with about 15 ½”.

3. Mauna Loa is one of Hawaii’s tallest volcanic mountains. Because of its height – nearly 14,000 ft high, it is usually above the moist trade wind showers. Only about 19” of yearly rainfall occurs with January being the wettest month with about 3 inches of rain.

In general most locations receive their maximum rainfall during the winter months, with the Kona coast of Hawaii being a notable exception.

Hawaii Temperatures
Hawaii’s temperatures are mild to warm all year at the resorts. Summer high temperatures usually are in the mid to upper 80’s with morning lows in the mid 70’s. Winter highs are in the upper 70’s to near 80. Keep in mind that it is much cooler in the mountains, especially on the higher slopes of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. Daytime highs are in the 50’s all year with overnight lows in the 30’s most months.

Hawaii Travel Weather Summary
Hawaii has a complex climatology and thus experiences many different types of temperature and precipitation regimes. However, most travelers visit the resorts at beach locations that receive plenty of sunshine with only an occasional passing shower. The high volcanic mountains are considerably cooler with much heavier precipitation. Plan to take a jacket it your trip takes you into the mountains, otherwise temperatures are usually very comfortable.

Rich is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist with 25 years of weather forecasting and television experience. Visit his website for more on expert hurricane forecasts and travel resources.

Here are a few interesting facts and important things to remember before you set out on your Hawaii Tour!

•    Hawaii is the home of President Obama and was the 50th state admitted to the union on August 20th, 1959.

•    The state of Hawaii consists of eight main islands: Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and the Big Island of Hawaii.

•    Under-sea volcanoes that erupted thousands of years ago formed the islands of Hawaii.

•    The capital of the world’s most active volcanoes and the world’s tallest sea mountain – Mauna Kea.

•    From east to west Hawaii is the widest state in the United States.

•    More than one-third of the world’s commercial supply of pineapples comes from Hawaii and it is the only state within United States that grows coffee.

•    Hawaii has the toughest laws against smoking in the United States. It’s against the law to smoke in public buildings, including airports, shopping malls, grocery stores, retail shops, buses, movie theaters, banks, convention facilities, and all government buildings. Hotels and resorts prohibit indoor smoking. Smoking is not allowed within 20 feet of a doorway or a window. Even some beaches have no-smoking policies. Hawaii laws impose strict fines for breaking any of these smoking regulations.

•    Hawaii does not observe daylight saving time. When daylight saving time is in effect in most of the United States, Hawaii is 3 hours behind the West Coast and 6 hours behind the East Coast. When the U.S. reverts to standard time in November, Hawaii is 2 hours behind the West Coast and 5 hours behind the East Coast.

First, let’s look at what Hawaii has in store for hikers. Every island will has trails for everyone from the seasoned professional to the beginner. Haleakala, which is on Maui, is considered among the best spots to hike. If you are on Oahu, there is Diamond Head waiting for you. If you make it through the forty five minute hike to the top, you will be left breathless by the views of Waikiki, Honolulu and of course, the Pacific Ocean.

If you prefer to get your exercise the “wheel” way, there are few bicycling excursions as enjoyable as the downhill cruise on the slopes of Haleakala. On Lanai, use your “pedal power” reach the mysterious Garden of the Gods, a lunar-like landscape dotted with colorful and strangely eroded rocks.

Another popular way to see this island is horseback riding. One of the United States largest ranches, a sprawling 175,000 acres, Parker Ranch is on the Big Island where you can pretend you are a cowboy for the afternoon.

Skiing? In Hawaii? Yes, indeed. The summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island is usually blanketed with snow from late November through April. Only advanced skiers should attempt to brave these slopes, however.

If water is more your speed, Hawaii will not disappoint you. Waikiki has gentle waves and shallow water that make it perfect for learning how to surf. If you are a little more adventurous around water, why not try SCUBA diving just off the south sour of Lanai at the Cathedrals? Feel like catching your own dinner? Tuan and Marlin hang out in the deep waters off Kailua Kona.

To see all the beauty of Hawaii from the top, try hang gliding or helicopter at one of the many providers on the island. Oahu even has skydiving to offer you. There, a licensed instructor will show you how to not panic when you jump out of a plane at 13,000 feet so you can open your shoot on time. Do not worry, though, it will be a tandem jump, and if you do go blank, the instructor will pull the cord for you.

Want to do specific activities in Hawaii but have no idea which island has the best of the best? Use these lists to get ideas and helpful tips about the best surfing, scuba diving, exotic beaches, and much more!

This article is designed to help you choose which Hawaiian islands to visit if you have a particular activity in mind. Granted, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that all the 6 major islands of Hawaii have all of these activities in one shape or form. We have used a mixture of popular opinion and our own personal research and experiences for compiling these lists. An “(s)” indicates it may only be available during certain seasons. Remember to always check conditions & availability, especially for water activities.

Best Nightlife

1. Oahu – Waikiki
2. Maui – Lahaina
3. Big Island – Kailua Kona

Best Hiking
1. Kauai – Na Pali Coast (s)
2. Kauai – Waimea Canyon
3. Big Island – Mt. Kilauea

Best Surfing (Advanced) (s)
1. Oahu – North Shore
2. Kauai – Hanalei Bay
3. Maui – Honolua Bay

Best Surfing (Beginner) (s)
1. Oahu – Waikiki
2. Kauai – Kalapaki Beach
3. Maui – Launiupoko Park

Best Scuba Diving
1. Maui – Molokini
2. Maui or Lanai – Lanai Coast
3. Big Island – West Coast

Best Windsurfing / Kite Surfing (s)
1. Maui – Hookipa Beach Park (advanced)
2. Maui – Kanaha Beach (beginner)
3. Oahu – Kailua Beach

Best Snorkeling
1. Oahu – Haunama Bay
2. Maui – Kaanapali (Black Rock)
3. Kauai – Lydgate Beach & Tunnels

Best Shopping

1. Oahu – Aloha Market & Waikiki
2. Maui – Lahaina
3. Big Island – Kailua Kona

Best Nude Sunbathing
1. Maui – Little Beach in Makena
2. Big Island – many locations
3. Kauai – Secret Beach in Kilauea

Best Exotic Beaches
1. Maui – Red Sand Beach (Hana)
2. Big Island – Punaluu Black Sand Beach
3. Big Island – Mahana Green Sand (s)

Best Nature Experiences
1. Kauai – Na Pali Coast
2. Big Island – Kilauea Volcano
3. Maui or Lanai – whale watching (s)

For even more “Best of Hawaii” lists, visit: (http://www.gladtravel.com/HI-info/bestofhawaii.aspx).

There’s no doubt, your wedding is your treasured day to remember. So many plans, so much to prepare, and you want everything to be just perfect. So why don’t we turn your special day into a completely magical memory by having your wedding in your own Hawaiian Paradise:

UNIQUENESS FROM THE STANDARD WEDDING
While the ceremonies are beautiful, so many people hold their wedding near to where they live. While you might think it should be easier to coordinate everything if it’s nearby, in truth you’ll spend so much of your pre-wedding days and weeks not only in preparation, but also having the joy and stress with your regular daily routine.
This should be a time to be stress free and have no other thoughts but your dream filled day in mind. Clear the clutter of routine, and enjoy the preparations while living stress free in exotic bliss. You have a chance to not only break away from the mundane, but to also create your loving future while living the dream.

GIVE FRIENDS AND FAMILY AN EVENT TO REMEMBER
Yes you want your loved ones to enjoy your wedding as the special day it is, but how memorable will it be a couple of weeks after it’s done? Think of weddings you’ve been to – it was nice on the day, but did you really give it much thought days later.
Now imagine if, as a guest, you had been whisked away to a romantic island to spend the days as a truly memorable event. If you have family flying in from out of town, why not go just a little further and have everyone enjoy something special to take their stress away from daily life.
Give a little vacation to all of your loved ones. Allow them to relax and focus on the joy you’re sharing with them. It’s easy to forget a local wedding, but they’ll never forget that beautiful day in paradise.

HAWAIIAN WEDDINGS ARE EASIER
Preparations for your wedding are so much easier. The stress is taken away because all the local services know exactly what is needed, and can bring your whole day together with little notice. Weddings are a specialty, and the Hawaiian people are proud to make your joyous dream a reality to be forever cherished.

COST SAVINGS ARE HUGE
You may expect a wedding in Hawaii to cost far more than a less distant occasion, but you actually save thousands in expenses. Decorations alone can often pay for the wedding in savings alone. You couldn’t ask for a more beautiful backdrop than a cool cascading waterfall, or gentle waves on a tropical beach – Nature is your most breathtaking decoration, and it will surround you with beauty. The State of Hawaii now requires a permit for beach weddings – with a nominal fee.

THERE’S NO WAITING TO GET MARRIED
You simply apply for your marriage license, and can be married immediately. There’s no waiting period, and you don’t even need to take a blood test. The bride and groom simply appear together in person before an agent to apply for a marriage license – and the cost is only $60-US.

HAWAIIAN MARRIAGES ARE RECOGNIZED WORLD WIDE
Hawaiian weddings are legal and binding in all 50 states. Additionally, most other countries in the civilized world recognize and accept Hawaiian weddings. There are no U.S. citizenship requirements, and you do not have to be a resident of Hawaii.

Hawaii, a beautiful island, is a tropical paradise with all its beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes and natural sanctuaries.   No wonder it is on every traveler’s list to vacation in this popular travel destination.

Hawaii is absolutely one of the most beautiful states in America. When you think about the leis and the hibiscus, the waterfalls, and the ultra refreshing Mai Tais — all of which illustrate the beauty of Hawaii, you will not begin to wonder why American celebrated writer Mark Twain called Hawaii “the most magnificent, balmy atmosphere in the world….”
Hawaii is composed of six key islands — Big Island, Kauai, Molokai, Oahu, Maui, and Lanai, and each of these islands has something very exciting for every tourist.

One of the most amazing attractions that you will experience in Hawaii is the Volcano Vista, a spectacular show of Hawaiian volcanoes erupting with their lava blazing as it flows through the border part of the ocean into a bulging haze of clouds.

Coral reefs as well as  reef fish abound in The Big Island. Take a thrilling 100-feet deep journey into the ocean aboard the Atlantis 48 submarine. Such has earned the interest of so many that it has even been featured on the National Geographic’s television broadcasts.

While in Hawaii, take the Kohala Waterfalls Escapade starting by hiking in the North Kona and Kohala coasts on top of flowing lava from the Mauna Loa and Kohala Mountains. If you are going during the winter months, you’ll be able to see from a distance humpback whales. Dolphins are a great sight from the coastline practically the whole year round. While there, don’t miss the seven incredible waterfalls and other beautiful sights that make Kohala Waterfalls an experience that is truly worth remembering.

To ensure that you will only have the best experience in Hawaii, know the best times to visit Hawaii. The busiest days are from December to February because this is the chilliest period in other states of America, and people naturally want to go to some place else where the climate is tolerable. On the other hand, hotel rates can be higher around this time, so if you are on a tight budget, consider going during the months of April, May, or late October all through mid-November.

Hawaii is fortunate not to have extreme weather conditions. In fact, there is just a slight difference in the temperatures during winter and summer. Hawaii experiences the most intense rainfall during December, while the period between June and October is the hottest period in the island. It’s also windy during summertime, which makes it a great time to windsurf. If you want to go board surfing, the best time to visit Hawaii is during the winter season when the waves are at their largest.

Hawaii has become tourist-friendly. Transportation is not a problem in Hawaii. There are inter-island boats that can take you from Lana’i to Maui and vice versa, and from Kaunakakai to Lahaina and vice versa. There are enough sails between the Big Island, O’ahu and Maui, too. At the same time, inter-island flights are also available, made possible by Hawaiian Airlines and Aloha Airlines.

The Island of O’ahu has designed a convenient transportation scheme, so getting in and around the island shouldn’t be a hassle for tourists. As for the other islands, you may need to rent a car if you want to go around privately. If you do rent a car, please remember that horn blowing is considered rude in Hawaii. You can only do this if absolutely necessary, such as when there is an emergency case.

Before taking a trip to Hawaii, be updated of travel alerts. The Big Island in Hawaii has the most active volcanoes, the Kilauea and Mauna Loa, and since 1983, Kilauea has been spewing lava.