Hawaii is the most recent of the 50 U.S. states (joined the Union on August 21, 1959), and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean. Hawaii’s diverse natural scenery, warm tropical climate, abundance of public beaches, oceanic surroundings, and active volcanoes make it a popular destination for tourists, surfers, biologists, and volcanologists alike. Due to its mid-Pacific location, Hawaii has many North American and Asian influences along with its own vibrant native culture. Hawaii has over a million permanent residents along with many visitors and U.S. military personnel. Its capital is Honolulu on the island of Oahu.
Popular destinations in Hawaii
1. Honolulu: As if remarkably gorgeous weather and glorious sunsets aren't enough, Honolulu brims with freebies that appeal to visitors of all ages. You can count on most larger hotels and shopping areas and some museums to have complimentary cultural programs that cover such things as hula dancing, lei making, weaving and ukulele playing.
2. Lahaina: Lahaina, the former Hawaiian capital, was the center of the global whaling trade, and its Historic District is a National Historic Landmark. Traditional Hawaiian luaus, surf lessons and tours on horseback are fun, but let’s be realistic—you wouldn’t be in Hawaii if you didn’t want to go to the beach. Try Ka’anapali Beach, one of Maui’s best.
3. Kailua-Kona: The history of Kona-Kailua, on the Big Island of Hawaii, includes Hawaiian royalty, Christian missionaries and Captain James Cook. You’ll have your pick of stunning beaches – will it be white sand or black sand today? Don't forget the waterfalls, volcanoes, luaus, seahorse farm, whale and dolphin sightings, sea turtles and, of course, the Kona coffee.
4. Kihei: Situated on Maui's western shore, Kihei has grown exponentially over the years and now offers an impressive selection of hotels and restaurants, catering to visitors who flock to dive, swim and sun themselves on Maui's fine white sand beaches. Home to the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, Kihei is an excellent place to spot the vast mammals.
5. Kapaa: Kapaa, means "solid" in Hawaiian. Travelers find this small town, nestled at the base of Nounou (the Sleeping Giant) Mountain on Kauai tourist friendly with its diverse array of hotels, shopping centers, and restaurants. The Kinipopo Shopping Village is a favorite for its fun eateries and small keepsake shops. Look for the "Kauai Made" logo for products made by local craftsmen using traditional materials. Kappa also offers water sports, including water skiing and kayaking.
6. Wailea: Sure, some people go to Hawaii for adventure, but if golf, shopping and being pampered are the most strenuous activities on your itinerary, Wailea’s your destination. With one of Maui’s best beaches at Keawakapu, three championship courses at Wailea Golf Club and a trio of top spas, visitors will have every opportunity to relax. And if adventure is your goal, an outrigger canoe is only a rental away.
7. Princeville: Originally planned as a barony of the young Prince Albert, who would never live to see its fruition, the present resort community of Princeville is nothing less than regal with its emerald cliffs overlooking magnificent Hanalei Bay. Two championship golf courses offer challenging fairways and unsurpassed views over the ocean.
8. Waikoloa: The South Kohala coast of the island of Hawaii is home to Waikoloa Beach. Ancient Hawaiian history and culture, including petroglyphs believed to represent the heavens, stands side-by-side with ultra modern full-service resorts. Waikoloa is also home to fine examples of traditional Hawaiian aquaculture.
Climate
Hawaii’s climate is typical for the tropics, although temperatures and humidity tend to be a bit less extreme due to near-constant trade winds from the east. Summer highs are usually in the upper around 31 °C during the day and mid around 24 °C at night. Winter day temperatures are usually in the low to mid 28 °C and (at low elevation) seldom dipping below the mid 18 °C at night. Snow, not usually associated with the tropics, falls at 4,205 metres on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island in some winter months. Snow rarely falls on Haleakala. Mount Wai?ale?ale, on Kaua?i, has the second highest average annual rainfall on Earth, about 460 inches (11,684.0 mm). Most of Hawaii has only two seasons: the dry season from May to October, and the wet season from October to April.
Cuisine
The Cuisine of Hawaii is a fusion of many foods brought by immigrants to the Hawaiian Islands, particularly of American, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Polynesian and Portuguese origins, including plant and animal food sources imported from around the world for agricultural use in Hawaii. Many local restaurants serve the ubiquitous plate lunch featuring the Asian staple, two scoops of rice, a simplified version of American macaroni salad (consisting of macaroni and mayonnaise), and a variety of different toppings ranging from the hamburger patty, a fried egg, and gravy of a Loco Moco, Japanese style tonkatsu or the traditional lu'au favorite, kalua pig and beef, and curry.
Culture
The aboriginal culture of Hawaii is Polynesian. Hawaii represents the northernmost extension of the vast Polynesian triangle of the south and central Pacific Ocean. While traditional Hawaiian culture remains only as vestiges in modern Hawaiian society, there are reenactments of the ceremonies and traditions throughout the islands. Some of these cultural influences are strong enough to affect the United States at large, including the popularity (in greatly modified form) of luaus and hula.
If you are in the States you should definitely explore the States. Pay for example a visit to Miami, we'll know Miami for its tourism but we never been there. So if you are visiting Hawaii you should definitely pay a visit to Miami, Florida. The women from Miami, Florida are very hospitality and they all want to meet tourist who are travelling throw there city. So don't be shy, and start a conversation with an lovely interesting lady.
Things to do
1. Art Walk in Chinatown: Meet contemporary local artists who follow a noble tradition in the arts district of Downtown Honolulu and Chinatown.
2. Eat Like a Local on Oahu: Hawaii locals love to eat. And Oahu offers a variety of comfort foods in a variety of off-the-beaten path locations.
3. Entertainment on Oahu: Oahu is Hawaii’s center for the arts, entertainment and events with something happening just about every week of the year.
4. Farmers’ Markets on Oahu: At Farmers’ Markets on Oahu you can buy local fish, meat, and produce and sample Oahu-style cooking, from gourmet plate lunches to Hawaii Regional Cuisine.
5. Festivals of Oahu: Oahu has more festivals than any other island, ranging from parades to cultural celebrations.
6. Hawaii Regional Cuisine on Oahu: Hawaii Regional Cuisine inventively blends Oahu’s freshest flavors with the cuisine of the world.
7. Hula on Oahu: See authentic hula throughout Oahu at seasonal festivals, competitions, luau and live performances at hotels and resorts.
8. Pay a visit to beautiful New York! this amazing city has a lot to offer for culture pleasure but also for nightlife. You find many bars and clubs where you can hang out and meet other people. New York is the city if you want a hole different day for your stay in Hawaii.
