Hawaii Holidays

Hawaii became the 50th (and so far, latest) state of the United States in 1959 (just beating Alaska).  The country is actually a group of twenty or so small islands situated at the centre of the north Pacific ocean.  Once dependent on industry, Hawaii’s natural beauty attract millions of tourists every year and hence the country now relies heavily on tourism for its income. Consider Hawaii holidays for unforgettable time of life.

Its capital is Honolulu, a large city on the third biggest island of the group.  The honour of “largest island” belongs to the one which is also known as Hawaii or is now more commonly known as the “Big Island” to avoid confusion.

The islands were populated by the Polynesians long before Captain Cook arrived in 1778.  Each island was a separate kingdom until 1810 when they all surrendered their control to Kamehameha I of Hawaii.  The United States took the islands for themselves in 1893 and it remained a US territory until joining the union in 1959.

The Big Island is where you will find Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on Earth, part of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  Here you will also find some of the most unique geography on the planet.  There are two main towns, Kohala and Hilo; Hilo is noted as the place that receives the most rainfall – some 300 inches a year on average – of anywhere.  All of Hawaii is subjected to a mix of intense sunshine and repeated deluges.

Honolulu, the state capital, is actually on the island of Oahu, which is the island amongst the group with the largest population and is certainly the most developed.  Over 80% of the state’s population live in Honolulu, and is the best known tourist destination in Hawaii, with the prime attraction being the fabulous Waikiki Beach.

The north shore of Oahu teams with surfers each year, mostly in the mild winter months where the waves can reach impressive heights.  The only airport on the islands is in Honolulu, although you can also travel to the islands from the west coast via boat.

Maul is the second largest island in the group and is nicknamed “the Valley Isle” in honour of the deep geographical cleft between the 10,000 foot tall volcanic mountain crater of Haleakala and the West Maul mountains.  There are several resorts on Maul, at Lahaina, Kaanapali, Japalua, Kihei and Wailea.

The other main islands of the group are Kauai, which is renowned for its many natural wonders; Molokai which is undeveloped and was once home to a leper colony; and Lanai, which has a handful of extremely exclusive and expensive resorts.

Hawaii is ideal for those who wish to experience its natural and unspoilt wonders whilst having the convenience of accommodation in a large, developed city.  You can stay and sun on Waikiki beach all day if you so wish, but the hiking trails and tours through the wilderness and Rainforests should not be dismissed.  The state boasts many areas of outstanding natural beauty, with each island possessing unique areas of unspoilt countryside.

The 50th state of America has everything a tourist could ask for: sun, sea, the convenience of developed accommodation and awe-inspiring areas of natural interest.  Book your vacation to this famous and friendly holiday paradise today and experience everything that is unique about Hawaii and its people.