The Hawaiian Vacation: Leis, Luaus, And Luscious Landscape

Nothing says tropical paradise quite like an excursionPrincetown. The dramatically plunging Na Pali Coast
to the Hawaiian Islands. The volcanic archipelago lostState Park in the northwest draws backpackers and
in the middle of the North Pacific Ocean stretchesnature lovers to its 11-mile Kalalau Trail, the only land
northwest from the Big Island of Hawaii in the southaccess to this rugged and isolated coastline. Sea cliffs
through Maui, Kahoolawe, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, Kauaiand lush valleys alternate along the route that ends
and Niihau, each with its own identity and topography.at Kalalau Beach. Stone terrace walls and sacred burial
Eleven more islands, reefs and atolls comprise thegrounds of Hawaiian tribes still dot the valleys, while
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and are all uninhabited.there is a growing naturalist community tucked away
Get As Far Away As Possible, Reallyat the end of the trail. The wettest place on earth,
Travel to Hawaii, the 50th state of the U.S.A., is theaveraging 460 inches of rainfall per year, is near the
ultimate getaway. The island-chain situated 2300 milespeak of Kauai�s Mount
from the mainland is the exposed top of anWai�ale�ale. From this point, plunging
enormous undersea volcanic mountain range knownrivers have carved out the fantastic expanse of
as the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain and isWaimea Canyon, coined �The Grand Canyon
commonly known as the most remote and isolatedof the Pacific� by Mark Twain. The views
island outcropping on Earth.are a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Geographically, the islands are more subject toResort or Adventure, Pick your Pleasure
tropical weather, large waves and storms on theMaui is the most popular resort destination in Hawaii.
north/northeast side, know as the windward side.The lush island boasts the spectacular and riveting
The leeward side of each island, to the southwest, isHana Highway, which is more about the wondrous
drier and thus home to the majority of resort towns.journey than the secluded destination, and Mount
The incredible blend of Polynesian, Tahitian andHaleakala, where a hike into the Haleakala Crater will
European cultures makes for a dynamic adventureland you in the center of the world�s largest
from the traditional luaus and serene Shinto shrines todormant volcano. The Big Island of Hawaii is the
the hippie-surfer culture abundant in the less touristyyoungest island and nearly entirely comprised of
locales.Mauna Loa, the largest shield volcano on Earth.
Kauai: A One-Stop Hawaiian ExperienceLounge and snorkel on the Kona side of the island or
The westerly island of Kauai is one of the lesserventure out across lava fields along the eastern
inhabited islands and claims many of Hawaii�scoast.
most stunning natural features. The blend of a moreFrom the bustle of Honolulu and Waikiki on Oahu to
prominent local population with the southern resortthe tranquil serenity of Lanai�s sandy
region and a priceless backdrop makes Kauai thebeaches, a journey to the middle of the Pacific will
ultimate escape within an escape.certainly prove to you that Hawaii is more than just
The north shore offers world renowned surfing andpineapples and coffee.
windsurfing next to the wealthy community of