There are several beautiful islands on the planet, Crete ( Greece ), Bali ( Indonesia ) and Sicily ( Italy ), but Hawaii is the most beautiful island of the world. Why? Despite the small size of the island, it is world of wonders that words can't define but that luckily for you can be revealed live and in color place by place. Here you'll find everything you need to enjoy your stay. From natural wonders -- warm beaches, spectacular volcanoes, fantastic waterfalls, and nature sanctuaries -- and unique hospitality to modern wonders -- tall buildings, Olympic stadiums, transportation network -- and amazing traditions -- as the "lei", the "hula dance" and the surfing. For this reason, no other island on Earth can compete with Hawaii. In addition to these selected wonders, Hawaii is a world-class resort destination with state-of-the-art accommodations. Certainly Hawaii seems to have discovered the secret of successful: Tourism.
The 47th largest state in the United States, Hawaii is the size of Northern Ireland. It is an American state of 132 islands stretching over 1,500 miles across the Pacific Ocean. The eight main islands are: Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Kahoolawe, Lanai, Kauai, and Nihau. Thanks to its natural wonders, Hawaii now has one of the highest standards of living in Oceania. Certainly Hawaii is a great example of what happens when the modern technology is applied to the economy.
Mauna Loa - A Natural Wonder of the World
Hawaii is also well-known for its famous volcanoes and craters. Haleakala -- the most popular tourist spot on the island of Maui -- is the world's largest dormant crater. The crater measures about 20 miles around and is about 3,000 feet. From the top, you can see the principal islands of the archipelago. But Haleakala is not the only volcano. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to one of the world's most amazing volcanoes -- Mauna Loa ( 13,680 feet ). Here, too, is Kilauea volcano ( 4,009 feet ).
Like the Galapagos islands ( Ecuador ), Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro and Nepal's Mount Everest, Mauna Loa is one of the world's most attractive natural wonders. Mauna Loa is not violent because the eruption occur only in limited sections of the crater. This eruption is one of the most impressive spectacle on Earth. It is surrounded by fern forest.
The Most Beautiful Girls
Here you can see some of the most beautiful girls of the world. Curiously Hawaii is an ideal place for fashion photographers, film directors, and models agents. Like Venezuela, Texas, and India, Hawaii is famous for its beautiful women. Certainly it is birthplace of several spectacular girls -- Nicole Kidman ( actress ), Patricia Ford ( fashion super model ), Carolyn Suzanne Sapp ( Miss America 1992 ), Tia Carrere ( singer and actress ), Renee Alway ( super model ), Kelly Ho ( actress ), Angela Perez Baraquio ( Miss America 2000 ), Agnes Nalani Lum ( top model ), Kelly Preston ( actress ), and Maggie Q ( actress ). In addition to this, Hawaii has won four Miss USA crowns and one Miss Universe title. In 1952 Kananiopepau Edsman finished second at the First Miss Universe pageant in Long Beach, California.
Astounding Oahu
In this island there are so many different types of scenery and climate. There are lots of beaches, where you can go swimming, fishing, surfing and sailing. Oahu is home to Waikiki Beach, one of the most popular beaches on Earth. It offers a mixture of wonders: world-class resorts, luxury restaurants, night clubs, and water sports facilities. Oahu is also home to Honolulu, the capital city. Honolulu - which is actually the biggest city in terms of population --is one of the world's top destinations for businessmen. Besides all that, the island of Oahu has other fantastic places. Diamond Head, an extinct volcano, is one of the world's most famous promontories and one of Oahu's most popular tourist spots. But it isn't the only wonder. The Underwater Coral Gardens of Kaneohe, in Heeia, is an amazing marine world.
There's also lots of beautiful historic buildings where you can stop. In Laie, for example, you can visit the world's most beautiful mormon temple. It is an architectural gem of the modern world.On the other hand, Nuuanu Pali, at the upper end of Nuuanu valley, offers an amazing view of the northeastern coast. And it was here that Kamehameha I won a battle.
To appreciate the history of Hawaii, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is recommended. Here are the remains of the more than 16,000 persons who lost their lives during the World War II and the Korean War. Under this historic atmosphere, you also can visit the Pearl Harbor Naval Base. This place, one of the largest natural harbors in the Pacific Ocean, is used as an American naval base. Sixty-eight years ago, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor plunging America into World War II. The battleship Arizona, sunk in the Asian attack, rests here.Finally, Makapuu Beach offers its outsiders a charming and comfortable environment. This beach -famous for its "perfect waves" - is a sanctuary for many body-surfers in the Pacific Ocean.
Hawaii - The Island of Orchids
Each Hawaiian island is a wonderland - a mixture of the modern, natural and the old. In this context, Hawaii --the largest Hawaiian island- gathers many of the most beautiful orchids on Earth. In this island, there are more than 20,000 types of orchids. Here, too, is Pu'uhonua o Honaunau, a national park since 1972, which was an ancient Hawaiian religious sanctuary for criminals, ex warriors and other fugitives.
Captivating Kauai
Kauai -- a masterpiece of landscape gardening -- is home to one of the world's most stunning natural wonders : Hanalei Valley, also known as the birthplace of rainbows. With its unique tropical landscape, here you will find the most beautiful rainbows on the planet. According to many travel writers, it is Hawaii's greatest tourist spot.But it isn't the only wonder. It's also home to Waimea Canyon -- it has an amazingly colored gorge 3,600 feet deep. Waimea Canyon offers beautiful scenery for photographers, hikers ands naturalists. On the other hand, Mount Waialeale, in the center of the island, is the wettest spot on Earth. It has an average annual rainfall of 460 inches (1,170 centimeters).
Akaka Falls
Much of what offers to the tourist is amazing and unique. In addition to its black sand beaches, snow-covered mountains, perfect climate and other natural wonders, Hawaii is also home to some of the world's most beautiful waterfalls. In this land, the nature lover can satisfy a lifetime thirst for beauty in the incomparable waterfalls. The most important waterfalls in the island is Akaka Falls, 442 feet high. It, near Hilo (Hawaii island), is a long, slender waterfall on Kolekole stream. Likewise, Akaka is one of America's largest waterfalls.
Showing posts with label volcano. Show all posts
Showing posts with label volcano. Show all posts
April 8, 2011
February 17, 2011
Hawaii Vacation - Beat the Boredom and Hit The Streets
One of the problems with going on vacation is that the days are so filled that you don't have any time to rest and recharge your batteries. This is usually the case for those who head to the islands of Hawaii. Hawaii's tourists often spend so much time soaking up sun that they wear themselves out! The best way to combat this problem without throwing away a day in paradise by staying in your hotel is to take a a look around.
One exceptional spot is located near popular Waikiki is the ten-mile hike up Mount Tantalus. This is a drive you'll want to take slowly so that you don't miss any of the scenery. If you travel too quickly, you will miss the many pull offs that give you a chance to enjoy the breathtaking views of the island. Do not be surprised if you get caught in a quick tropical storm and witness a rainbow emerge from the rain! Almost at the top of the mountain, you'll find Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park, which gives you a panoramic view of Oahu, including popular locations like Diamond Head and Waikiki. Enter the highway through the town of Wahiawa, and head towards the North Shore. You will pass the famous Dole Plantation, so be sure to roll down the windows to enjoy the smell of fresh pineapple fields. To the left you will see towering mountains while the turquoise ocean will be on the right. As you continue your drive, you will find that you are driving right along the Pacific Ocean. The water is so close that you can literally touch it from your car!
A trip down Interstate H-3 in Oahu is something you should not miss. There is even a tunnel through the heart of the mountain!
For a shorter drive, go to the eastern end of the island, and drive from Waikiki to Hanauma Bay. This drive will start at Kalakaua Avenue and head towards Kapiolani Park. When you are finished at the park, head to Diamond Head, where you will enjoy the view from Diamond Head Beach. Continue following the road through the richest neighborhoods of Oahu. Taking a drive is one of the best ways to relax on your Hawaiian vacation.
One exceptional spot is located near popular Waikiki is the ten-mile hike up Mount Tantalus. This is a drive you'll want to take slowly so that you don't miss any of the scenery. If you travel too quickly, you will miss the many pull offs that give you a chance to enjoy the breathtaking views of the island. Do not be surprised if you get caught in a quick tropical storm and witness a rainbow emerge from the rain! Almost at the top of the mountain, you'll find Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park, which gives you a panoramic view of Oahu, including popular locations like Diamond Head and Waikiki. Enter the highway through the town of Wahiawa, and head towards the North Shore. You will pass the famous Dole Plantation, so be sure to roll down the windows to enjoy the smell of fresh pineapple fields. To the left you will see towering mountains while the turquoise ocean will be on the right. As you continue your drive, you will find that you are driving right along the Pacific Ocean. The water is so close that you can literally touch it from your car!
A trip down Interstate H-3 in Oahu is something you should not miss. There is even a tunnel through the heart of the mountain!
For a shorter drive, go to the eastern end of the island, and drive from Waikiki to Hanauma Bay. This drive will start at Kalakaua Avenue and head towards Kapiolani Park. When you are finished at the park, head to Diamond Head, where you will enjoy the view from Diamond Head Beach. Continue following the road through the richest neighborhoods of Oahu. Taking a drive is one of the best ways to relax on your Hawaiian vacation.
February 7, 2011
Kahuku travel to the Hawaii Big Isle
Legend says bald Kahuku, in the southern district of Kau on the Big Island, was once a lush with forests, fruit trees and taro fields. Many villages in the area, and when the people were not inclined their crops they enjoyed games, including Holua (sled) races down steep grassy slopes.
One day Pele, the tempestuous goddess of the volcano, appeared in Kahuku as a beautiful princess and her bravery exhibited in this exciting but dangerous sport. Fascinated by her grace, courage and athleticism, two handsome young chefs challenged her race with them, and wound up vying for her affection as well.
As time passed, however, the chiefs saw the princess had a volatile temper. "Be careful," warned an elderly. "She was Pele, here playing with us before she returns to her home in fiery Halemaumau Crater."
Once it would be best for their relationship with the mysterious princess cool, the heads began its decline invitations to race. Their detachment angry Pele. Body on fire, eyes flashing and smoke from her mouth, she stamped the ground and shook earthquakes Kahuku. Hot lava burst from fissures and flowed far and wide. The once green land was bleak and desolate.
Terrified, Pele's former lovers walked toward the sea, hoping to escape her fury. She quickly caught up with them and embraced them. Molten lava piled upon them, creating after Puu o Pele (The Hills of Pele). Saved from later eruptions, this lonely monuments can still be seen along the coast from Kahuku.
This is perhaps one of the stories you hear on the monthly Kipuka Akihi Walk in Kahuku led by National Park Service Rangers. On July 3, 2003 at the Park Service in conjunction with the Nature Conservancy purchase of 116,000 acre Kahuku Ranch from the estate of Samuel Mills Damon as a supplement to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Transaction of $ 22,000,000 - the largest land conservation deal in Hawaii's history - increased the size of the park by 50 percent to 333,086 hectares.
Now known as the Kahuku Unit of the national park, the property runs along the slopes of Mauna Loa, which, for half of the Big Island is the largest volcano on earth. Ranging between 2,000 meters and 13,000 meters high, the unit encompasses diverse ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, bushes, stark lava, and subalpine and alpine communities.
Ranger Adrian Boone, Dean Gallagher, John Stallman and Kupono McDaniel launched for five hours, 1.5 miles long walk in April 2009.
"We thought it would be a great opportunity for the public to dozens of rare and endangered plants and birds, and also to see an area that was private property of a century and half to visit," said Boone.
"We walk through a virgin forest, surrounded by meadows. The forest kipuka (oasis) ranching survived 150 years because it is located in a canyon with steep walls, and cattle, sheep and goats had a hard time getting it."
The vegetation flourishes also hapuu Pulu (tree ferns); kupukupu (sword fern) and fragrant maile Kolea Lau Nui, whose wood was long ago used to tapa beaters, making house posts and beams. Also important is a patch of rare Olona, which early Hawaiians wove into rope.
"We have a management program as part of the hike, so that participants can help preserve the kipuka," said Boone. "We explain that highly invasive non-native plants such as strawberry guava and kahili Ginger can blanket the ground and choke native plants, and it is important for us to remove them before that happens. Once people understand that they are happy to lend a hand. "
Hikers walk between the trees, they keep their eyes open to native or pulelehua Kamehameha butterfly and three species of endangered forest birds - the akepa, akiapolaau and Hawaii creeper. The endangered io (Hawaiian hawk), opeapea (Hawaiian BAT) and Nene (Hawaiian goose, Hawaiian state bird), and five rare species of songbirds - the elepaio, iiwi, amakihi, omao and apapane - their homes here.
"In ancient times, people were known as Kahuku bird hunters," said Boone. "They appreciated birds for food and for their beautiful feathers, which they made in cloaks and similar articles for the alii (royalty). Kahuku was well known throughout the islands for the abundant forests, which KOA wood for canoes provided."
During mid 1800, the Hawaiians also collected sandalwood and Pulu (tree fern fiber) from Kahuku forests for trade. Livestock began during the same period, meat, hides and tallow from cattle were valued as a commodity.
Kahuku is also geologically important because much of it is very active within Mauna Loa's southwest rift zone. Scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory U.S. Geological Survey, consider it an excellent environment for research. Although frequent earthquakes and lava flows have buried a number of archaeological sites, many remain, including the old paths, AHU (altars), house sites and rock carvings dating back 700 years.
"The Kipuka Akihi Walk allows visitors to see another side of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park," said Boone. "It's a challenge, but enlightening, excursion back in time."
One day Pele, the tempestuous goddess of the volcano, appeared in Kahuku as a beautiful princess and her bravery exhibited in this exciting but dangerous sport. Fascinated by her grace, courage and athleticism, two handsome young chefs challenged her race with them, and wound up vying for her affection as well.
As time passed, however, the chiefs saw the princess had a volatile temper. "Be careful," warned an elderly. "She was Pele, here playing with us before she returns to her home in fiery Halemaumau Crater."
Once it would be best for their relationship with the mysterious princess cool, the heads began its decline invitations to race. Their detachment angry Pele. Body on fire, eyes flashing and smoke from her mouth, she stamped the ground and shook earthquakes Kahuku. Hot lava burst from fissures and flowed far and wide. The once green land was bleak and desolate.
Terrified, Pele's former lovers walked toward the sea, hoping to escape her fury. She quickly caught up with them and embraced them. Molten lava piled upon them, creating after Puu o Pele (The Hills of Pele). Saved from later eruptions, this lonely monuments can still be seen along the coast from Kahuku.
This is perhaps one of the stories you hear on the monthly Kipuka Akihi Walk in Kahuku led by National Park Service Rangers. On July 3, 2003 at the Park Service in conjunction with the Nature Conservancy purchase of 116,000 acre Kahuku Ranch from the estate of Samuel Mills Damon as a supplement to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Transaction of $ 22,000,000 - the largest land conservation deal in Hawaii's history - increased the size of the park by 50 percent to 333,086 hectares.
Now known as the Kahuku Unit of the national park, the property runs along the slopes of Mauna Loa, which, for half of the Big Island is the largest volcano on earth. Ranging between 2,000 meters and 13,000 meters high, the unit encompasses diverse ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, bushes, stark lava, and subalpine and alpine communities.
Ranger Adrian Boone, Dean Gallagher, John Stallman and Kupono McDaniel launched for five hours, 1.5 miles long walk in April 2009.
"We thought it would be a great opportunity for the public to dozens of rare and endangered plants and birds, and also to see an area that was private property of a century and half to visit," said Boone.
"We walk through a virgin forest, surrounded by meadows. The forest kipuka (oasis) ranching survived 150 years because it is located in a canyon with steep walls, and cattle, sheep and goats had a hard time getting it."
The vegetation flourishes also hapuu Pulu (tree ferns); kupukupu (sword fern) and fragrant maile Kolea Lau Nui, whose wood was long ago used to tapa beaters, making house posts and beams. Also important is a patch of rare Olona, which early Hawaiians wove into rope.
"We have a management program as part of the hike, so that participants can help preserve the kipuka," said Boone. "We explain that highly invasive non-native plants such as strawberry guava and kahili Ginger can blanket the ground and choke native plants, and it is important for us to remove them before that happens. Once people understand that they are happy to lend a hand. "
Hikers walk between the trees, they keep their eyes open to native or pulelehua Kamehameha butterfly and three species of endangered forest birds - the akepa, akiapolaau and Hawaii creeper. The endangered io (Hawaiian hawk), opeapea (Hawaiian BAT) and Nene (Hawaiian goose, Hawaiian state bird), and five rare species of songbirds - the elepaio, iiwi, amakihi, omao and apapane - their homes here.
"In ancient times, people were known as Kahuku bird hunters," said Boone. "They appreciated birds for food and for their beautiful feathers, which they made in cloaks and similar articles for the alii (royalty). Kahuku was well known throughout the islands for the abundant forests, which KOA wood for canoes provided."
During mid 1800, the Hawaiians also collected sandalwood and Pulu (tree fern fiber) from Kahuku forests for trade. Livestock began during the same period, meat, hides and tallow from cattle were valued as a commodity.
Kahuku is also geologically important because much of it is very active within Mauna Loa's southwest rift zone. Scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory U.S. Geological Survey, consider it an excellent environment for research. Although frequent earthquakes and lava flows have buried a number of archaeological sites, many remain, including the old paths, AHU (altars), house sites and rock carvings dating back 700 years.
"The Kipuka Akihi Walk allows visitors to see another side of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park," said Boone. "It's a challenge, but enlightening, excursion back in time."
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