Travel Log: 1997 - USA

Hawaii, USA (25th November to 8th December 1997)
Aloha!
Hawaii is known for its sandy beaches, warm waters, lush vegetation, sunny days and tropical nights, but it's the people, their glorious traditions, and cultural diversity that bring visitors back year after year. From the moment you set foot on these exceptional islands, you are overcome with a feeling of well being. Everywhere you go, people are smiling and relaxed.

Oahu: http://www.hawaiiweb.com/oahu
Waikiki Beach:
Perhaps the world's most famous beach, Waikiki has been the backdrop for Hollywood movies and the starting place for many a romance. While the beach is a suntanner's paradise, the warm waters are perfect for snorkeling, surfing or just floating on an inflatable mat. http://waikikibeach.ca/

Diamond Head: (a volcanic tuff cone)

Hula Hut: (Aloha Polynesia Dinner Show)

Iolani Palace:

The only royal palace in the United States, it was completed in 1882, during the reign of King Kalakaua. It is the official residence of Hawaii's last monarchs. http://www.iolanipalace.org/

Star of Honolulu:

Oahu Coastal Cruise:

A cruise from Waikiki to U.S.S. Arizona Memorial aboard Hawaii's largest luxury cruise ship.

Diamond Head: (a closer view)

Pearl Harbour:
Pearl Harbor is a harbor on the island of Oʻahu, Hawaii, west of Honolulu. Much of the harbor and surrounding lands is a United States Navy deep-water naval base. It is also the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The attack on Pearl Harbor by the Empire of Japan on December 7, 1941, brought the United States into World War II.

U.S.S. Arizona Memorial:

A structure built on top of the sunken battleship U.S.S Arizona, is dedicated to some 1,177 men who lost their lives duing the surprise attack on Pearl Harbour.
http://www.nps.gov/usar

Anchor from the U.S.S. Arizona battleship:

Ali'lolani Hale:Ali'iōlani Hale is a building located in downtown Honolulu, currently used as the home of the Hawaii State Supreme Court. It is the former seat of government of the Kingdom of Hawaii and the Republic of Hawaii.
Located in the building's courtyard is the famed gold-leaf statue of Kamehameha the Great.

Kamehameha The Great:

He conquered the Hawaiian Islands and formally established the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1810. By developing alliances with the major Pacific colonial powers, Kamehameha preserved Hawaii's independence under his rule.

Aloha Tower:When Aloha Tower was built in 1926, it was the tallest building in Hawaii. Today, it still stands tall as Hawaii's symbol of Aloha to the world.

Aloha Tower is one of Hawaii's most famous landmarks. Overlooking Honolulu Harbor, it was a beacon to travelers and home of the true aloha spirit. Today, it is home to Hawaii's waterfront Festival Marketplace.

View of Honolulu Harbour from the 10th floor of Aloha Tower:

Hawaii Maritime Center:

Spanning 2000 years of Hawaiian history, the colorful exhibits bring to life the excitement and danger of the islands' rich seafaring heritage.

Decked outside is the Falls of Clyde, a National Historic Landmark and the only four-masted, full-rigged sailing ship still afloat.

U. S Army Museum of Hawaii:
Hawaii's military history is chronicled at this museum in historic Battery Randolph at Fort DeRussy in Waikiki. The battery was built as a concrete fortress in 1911.

International Market Place:
The International Market Place has been an island tradition for years upon years. With over 130 carts, shops and artisan stands, this open-air setting in the heart of Waikiki remains a must-see-and-do for that special gift or souvenir.

Take time to talk story with the local craftspeople, and snap a photo by a cascading waterfall under a century-old banyan, original home of Donn the Beachcomber.

The International Food Court offers a variety of local and international cuisine, plus free Hawaiian entertainment five nights a week.

Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center:
Located in the heart of Waikiki, the Royal Hawaiian Center offers over 110 shops and restaurants and is one of Hawaii's largest shopping malls.

A duck trying to make me buy something:

Ala Moana Hawaii's Center:Ala Moana Center, Hawaii's largest shopping center located in Honolulu just minutes from Waikiki, is an open-air shopping oasis, with over 290 stores and restaurants.

More retail therapy:

Waikele Factory Outlet:
Located 15 miles west of Honolulu, there are more than 50 stores offering brand name merchandise at discounted prices.

Hanauma Bay:
Situated in the crater of an ancient volcano, it is a world class snorkeling and scuba diving spot. The sea life here is protected by law and the fish are so tame that they will eat from your hand.

Surrounded by the fishes:

Feeding the fishes:

Hanauma Bay Wildlife:
Hanauma Bay snorkeling is so popular because of the wide variety of species in the bay. In addition to the turtles, snorkelers can take a peek at the Humuhumunukunukuapuaa (the state fish of Hawaii) milletseed butterfly fish, yellow tangs, trumpet fish, angel fish, and many more.

Waimea Valley & Adventure Park:A historical nature park on Oahu scenic North Shore. A valley rich with the unspoilt beauty, tropical splendor and history of old Hawaii.
Nature has created only a few spectacles as breathtaking as this one. Located on 1,800 acres above legendary Waimea Bay, the park harbors 6,000 plant species and hundreds of animal species.

Waimea Falls Park:The 45-foot high Waimea Falls is the focal point of the beautiful 1,800-acre park. Here, divers re-enact Hawaiian warrior games of skill and courage by climbing the slippery waterfall and diving from various ledges into the rocky pool below.

Kauai http://www.hawaiiweb.com/kauai/html/sites
- The Garden Island
- It is the oldest and most northerly of the main Hawaiian Islands
Poipu:
- The sunny side of Kauai
Sprouting Horn at Poipu:
This natural wonder occurs when waves rushes through a lava tube and bursts through a small opening at the surface in a geyser of water, with a moaning & hissing sound. Every wave produces another spray. Sprouting Horn frequently spurts salt water 50 feet into the air.

Poipu Beach:

Waimea Canyon:

- The Grand Canyon of the Pacific (Mark Twain)

Waimea Canyon is the largest canyon in the Pacific and truly a dramatic sight to behold. Located on the western side of Kauai, the canyon measures 10 miles long, 1 mile wide, and more than 3,500-feet deep. It was carved thousands of years ago by rivers and floods that flowed from Mount Wai'ale'ale's summit, among the wettest places on earth. The lines in the canyon walls depict different volcanic eruptions and lava flows that have occurred over the centuries. Even though smaller than the Grand Canyon of Arizona, Waimea Canyon rivals the beauty. Numerous lookouts and hikes offer terrific views of every aspect of this natural wonder. The canyon is protected by the Koke'e State Park which encompasses 4,345 acres of land and has 45 miles of trails that run through the canyon and the nearby Alakai Swamp.

Kokee State Park:
Kōke'e State Park is located in northwestern Kauai. It includes a museum, which focuses on the weather, vegetation, and bird life; a lodge which serves food and sells gifts; cabins for rent; and hiking trails. The park is just north of Waimea Canyon State Park and includes 4,345 acres (17.58 km2) of mountainous terrain.
The main attractions of Kōke'e State Park trails are the native vegetation, native forest birds, and the scenic cliffside views.

Waimea Canyon State Park encompasses 1,866 acres (7.5 km²) and is a popular tourist attraction on the island. It provides a wilderness area with numerous hiking trails.
Waimea Canyon Lookout is one of the premier attractions in Kauai. This stunning Lookout offers the most spectacular and breathtaking views of the Gorge. There are a number of lookouts and trails that provide remarkable views of every aspect of this panoramic canyon. The Lookout also offers views of the surrounding Koke'e State Park. This State Park encompasses an area of over 4,345 acres (17.6 sq-km) and has 45 miles (72 km) of trails that cut through the canyon and the Akaka Swamp, situated nearby.

West Side Resort Area:

Waipo'o Falls
Waipo'o Falls is a fantastic waterfall on Koke'e Stream dropping 800 ft in two tiers. It is located in the heart of the Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
The first viewpoint of Waipo'o Falls is located at Waimea Canyon Lookout. There is a second (and much better) viewpoint at the unsigned Pu'u Ka Pele Lookout.

Kalalau Lookout
The Kalalau Valley is located on the northwest side of in the Na Pali Coast State Park and houses the beautiful Kalalau Beach. The Nā Pali Coast is very rugged and is inaccessible to automobiles. The only legal ways to access the valley are by kayak or by hiking the Kalalau Trail.
The valley is renowned for its natural beauty; it is surrounded by lush cliffs more than 2,000 feet (610 m) high. Many native Hawaiians lived in the valley into the 20th century. Today, its designation as a state park forbids any one from residing there.
This glorious lookout provides you with a panoramic view of the Kalalau Valley, the largest valley on Na Pali. The Kalalau Trail, an 11-mile hike down steep seacliffs, through waterfalls and to the ocean, is one of the most popular in the world. Views from the lookout change minute to minute depending on the ever-present clouds.

Nawiliwili Harbour:
(Background - world class Kauai Marriot Resort . . .where Steven Spielberg stayed)
Stately cruise ships use this harbour as their port-of-call. It is located at the mouth of the Hule'ia Stream which creates a natural channel for the large ships. This harbour and nearby Niumalu Beach Park were pictured in the movie "Raiders of the Lost Ark".

Opaeka'a Falls:
Located off the north branch of the Wailua River, this fall is not accessible by river or trail. An overlook, however, off Kuamo'o Road provides an excellent and safe viewing area. The falls flow year-round, unlike many waterfalls on the island that are dependent on heavy rains.

It was a backdrop for Jack Lemmon and Ricky Nelson in "The Wackiest Ship in the Army".

Wailua River:
Wailua River is a long, slowly meadering river that starts at the Wai'ale'ale Crater and is fed by several tributaries on the way to the ocean. This is the only navigable river in all of Hawaii. Several forks in the river lead to waterfalls and can be easily explored by kayak.
The most popular river trip is to the sacred Fern Grotto. Flat bottom cruise boats carry visitors 40 minutes up the river to this natural wonder. The river is a popular site for many types of water activities. Waterskiers can often be seen enjoying this freshwater retreat.

Kamokila Village along the Wailua River was the setting for "Outbreak"

Sleeping Giant - Nounou Mount provides the man in repose profile:

Scenes of the Wailua river appear in Harrison Ford's "6 Days/ 7 Nights" action comedy.

Fern Grotto:

- A popular wedding backdrop

For an unusual Hawaii adventure, cruise up the Wailua River to a lava rock grotto covered with tropical ferns. At the grotto, you will be serenaded by Hawaiian musicians playing traditional, local songs. The acoustics within this natural amphitheater are fanatastic and greatly enhance the singing and guitar accompaniment.

Wailua Falls:

Wailua Falls is a majestic 83-foot waterfall that feeds into the Wailua River. There is another waterfall nearby named Opaeka'a Falls.
Wailua Falls is located close to the roadside lookout for everyone to enjoy. The falls was made famous when it was featured in the opening scene of the popular television show, Fantasy Island.

Hawaii The Big Island http://www.hawaiiweb.com/hawaii/html/sites
Our Volcano Adventure with Polynesian Adventure Tours
Akaka Falls State Park - easy to follow trails lead to two waterfalls.
Kahuna Falls:

Akaka Falls (the highest on the island at 420 ft):

Akatsuka Orchid Garden:

Nicknamed the "heart of Hawaii", waxy Anthuriums are so durable they don't seem real:

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park:
- A natural wonder unparalleled in its geologic grandeur

The Island of Hawaii is built from five separate shield volcanoes that erupted somewhat sequentially, one overlapping the other. These are (from oldest to youngest):

Kohala (extinct)

Mauna Kea (dormant)

Hualalai (dormant)

Mauna Loa (active, partly within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park)
Kīlauea (very active; part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park)
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/409

Volcano House:

Hawaii's oldest hotel, overlooking an active crater, the Kilauea Caldera

It is near the Kilauea Visitor Center (3980 ft)
The Volcano House hotel overlooking Kilauea has been operating since it was a grass shack in 1846. Even Mark Twain once stayed here on his visit to Hawaii. The fire in the lava rock fireplace has been continually burning since 1877.

Kilauea Caldera:
Kilauea, is the most active volcano on earth

It is the most visited active volcano on the planet
The current Kīlauea eruption began on January 3, 1983
Come face to face with an active volcano. This once in a lifetime chance to safely explore one of the world's most active volcanoes makes Hawaii a destination unlike any other.

Halema'uma'u Crater:

- a pit crater located within the much larger Kilauea Caldera

Keanakako'i Overlook:

Chain of Craters Road:

This 3,700-foot drive eventually ends where a lava flow has literally overtaken the road. Hike over the lava fields toward the sea cliffs where you can see molten lava meet the sea.

Chain of Craters Road:

Thurston Lava Tube:
Walk though a 500-year old lava cave formed when an underground channel of molten lava drained from its cooled walls forming a massive, hollow chamber. A tropical rainforest awaits you at the end of the tube.

Thurston Lava Tube:

(A 450 ft long subterranean lava tube, which we can easily hike through as there are lights to guide us)

MAUI

The Best Island In The World: www.hawaiiweb.com/maui/html/sites

It is also dubbed "The Valley Island" as the island is defined by the 3,027m Haleakala and the 1,750m Puu Kukui volcanoes which spilled so much lava between them that they created a valley.
Lahaina - the fun capital of Hawaii - known all over the world for its colorful waterfront atmosphere, Lahaina attracts over a million visitors each year:

(It is a National Historic Landmark. It has many historic attractions, great shopping, dining and cruises from Lahaina Harbour).

Whalers Village - located on Kaanapali Beach - Fine Shops & Restaurants with an oceanfront view:

{(also has 2 museums: The Whalers Village & Hale Kohola (House of the Whale)}

Ioa Needle at Ioa Valley State Park:

(A natural rock pinnacle presiding over the Iao stream and surrounded by the walls of the Pu'u Kukui Crater. Once used as a natural altar, the 2,250-foot stone pillar, covered in green foliage, is really a basaltic core that has survived eons of swirling water.)

Ioa Valley:

- A peaceful lush area with easy hikes, exotic tropical plants, and clear, natural pools. The ridge-top lookout offers a fantastic view of the valley and Kahului Harbor.

- Iao Valley is the site of one of the most famous and bloody battles that changed Hawaii history forever. On this site, In 1790, King Kamehameha I destroyed the Maui army in his effort to unite the Hawaiian Islands.

Dive trip from Maui to Lanai www.hawaiiweb.com/lanai/html/sites

Sharkfin Rock:

(One of Lanai's Diving Destinations) (With Lahaina Divers)

The Heavenly Drive To Hana:
(The highlight of a trip to the coastal part of the Haleakala National Park is actually the drive from Kahului down the Hana Highway to Hana. This is about 83-km of twisting and turning road that boasts 617 hairpin turns and 50 narrow bridges between Kahului and Hana Town. The Hana Highway is truly one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world).

Kaumahina State Wayside - a 7.8 acre site which provides a scenic, forested rest stop for travelers along the Hana Highway on the northern Maui coast.
Attractions - Kaumahina State Wayside provides covered picnic facilities as well as a beautiful scenic overlook of the Keanae Peninsula and the north Maui coastline. A couple of loop trails lead up from the ocean. A eucalyptus grove provides shade for this wayside park, which also contains a variety of other exotic plants:

Wailua Falls - A truly impressive water along Hana Highway - The water drops 200-feet down a sharp cliff that is surrounded by vegetation. The air may be filled with mist as you walk to the base of the mossy grotto at the foot of the falls.

Wailua Bay: