A holiday in Hawaii is the perfect blend of tropical island getaway and Big City America lifestyle and vibe. Your first gift on your Hawaii holiday will be a lei strung round your neck by a cheerful smiling Hawaiian. A symbol of welcome and the lush tropical flora, this simple gift demonstrates all that is Hawaiian; friendly, warm and welcoming.
Hawaii is among the most popular holiday destinations in the world and welcomes over 6 million visitors a year. The reasons are obvious; endless sandy beaches, exclusive resort enclaves, huge surf, lava moonscapes and lush mountain scenery. From a vibrant city pace to a laidback rural way of life Hawaii truly has a holiday offering for everyone.
Most visitors arrive in Honolulu, on Oahu, to experience the iconic Waikiki, Pearl Harbour and Sunset Beach. Unlike the other islands, Oahu is highly developed and carries all the infrastructure of a modern urban setting. Holidaymakers tend to gravitate to Waikiki and it’s a bustling, lively and densely populated centre. The beach is a magnet for the active and passive, is often crowded and hemmed in by hotels and glitzy malls. For the real unspoiled Hawaii, try moving inland, or go to one of the Neighbour Islands.
For a hit of geographic diversity the Big Island has it all. Hawaii’s tallest mountain, often snow capped, steep coastal cliffs, thunderous waterfalls and bleak lava fields are just some of the scenic attractions.
Maui has evolved into the discerning holidaymaker’s destination of choice, with busy tourist resorts of West Maui counterpointed by the serene uplands and east coast. An idyllic destination for so many reasons, Maui threatens to overtake Oahu in popularity with travellers.
Lesser visited Molokai is Hawaii’s food bowl, with fruit plantations side-by-side with cattle ranches on rich, lush and very fertile soils.
Once a private island devoted to pineapple plantations, today Lanai is home to ultra-luxury resorts and private holiday homes and Kauai, the Garden Island, is so picturesque it’s featured in many international bestseller movies.
Hawaii fun facts
Hawaii is the only US state that grows coffee beans
The Hawaiian alphabet comprises only twelve letters, vowels A,E,I,O,U and consonants H,K,L,M,P,W
Haleakala Crater on Maui is the world’s largest dormant volcano
CRUISING THE SOUTH PACIFIC
Saturday 16th January 2010
Travel Counsellor: Liz Van-Boxel
Last December I was frantically finishing off the Christmas shopping and it occurred to me that my husband had been desperate to go on a cruise since the day I met him! Whilst I have travelled extensively it was the one type of holiday that I had never experienced. So in January this year we were all booked to join our P&O cruise onboard the Dawn Princess from Brisbane.
The day arrived and once clearing customs we walked onboard the ship. My first impression was how huge it seemed and how spacious. The reception area was well laid out and whilst waiting to check in I had chance to window shop at a couple of the onboard boutiques. After getting our key cards we checked into our very well appointed cabin that had ample storage, comfortable beds, and a TV that showed all the latest releases.
Once unpacked we made our way to deck 12 and enjoyed a fantastic buffet lunch as the ship set sail down the Brisbane River. We sat in the sun by one of the 2 pools (one adult only) and enjoyed... view full story
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