Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Your Special Vacation in Hawaii

By Penelope SanMateo

Big Island, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lahai or Maui are all part of the perfect vacation in Hawaii. If you have the time and want to see the entire state you will be awed by the beauty each island offers.

Your vacation in Hawaii can be even more spectacular if you visit Waimea Canyon on the west side of the island. This 3,000 ft. deep canyon offers beautiful views of crested buttes, rugged craigs, and deep valley gorges. The opportunity for sensational photos is endless at the canyon.

If you visit the North Shore of Kauai you can walk amongst the beautiful green cliffs and see the cascading waterfalls plummeting into deep narrow valleys far below. Standing on the cliffs, looking over the big Pacific Ocean will give you a sense of just how beautiful the island is and how small in comparison to the ocean.

Now go visit the island of Oahu that was once the home of King Kamehameha. Waikiki offers you the wonderful opportunity for great surfing on Waikiki Beach. You can take lessons here if you are just beginning the art of surfing or enjoy yourself with the big waves if you are an experienced surfer.

While you are at Waikiki Beach you may want to go to the Waikiki Aquarium and see the 3rd oldest aquarium in the U.S. Here there are over 500 marine species and more than 3,000 marine specimens for you to enjoy. They even have two endangered Hawaii Monk Seals for you to learn about while at the aquarium.

Everyone goes to Honolulu when they visit the islands. This capital city is filled with beautiful historic buildings, great art, wonderful monuments and of course, world class shopping.

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.

Sea Life Park will offer you an alternative to Waikiki Beach. Here you will be able to see dolphins and penguins. You can also capture the views of the Pacific Ocean with its breathtaking beauty from the Koolau mountains.

Central Oahu will enable you to visit the USS Arizona and honor those who so bravely fought against the bombing of the area by the Japanese in WWII. You can also relax in the plantation area and enjoy some fresh pineapple grown on the island.

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.

A 60 ft. banyan tree is something you will want to see when you are visiting Maui. The tree and the mountain top of Haleakala offer an alternative to the beaches (which are great) of the other islands.

Come to the Big Island and see how it is still growing! The volcano keeps adding land mass to the island. With 11 different climate zones you can experience everything from the desert to the Rain Forest, from the black sand beaches to the snow capped mountains. - 16492

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