Kaleidoscope Travel & Cruise » Hawaii

Hawaii – The Big Island

Administrator — Thu, 14 Oct 2004 16:16:02 +0000

Aloha and welcome to Hawaii’s Big Island. Here you will find 266 miles of Pacific coast line. The Big Island is twice the size of the other major Hawaiian Islands combined. The island of Hawaii was formed by five volcanoes , two of which remain active: Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Lava has been flowing from Kilauea since 1983 and spilling into the sea. The lava has added an estimated 500 acres of land to the island in the last 21 years. The top visitors attraction on the island is of course Volcano National Park where you can enjoy a self guided hike or climb aboard a helicopter for a bird’s eye view of the Volcano. On the west side of the island you will find the seaside village of Kailua-Kona where the majority of visitors stay. The Kailua-Kona area is dry and sunny with contrasting landscapes of lava rock and tropical trees. A short drive away you will find the town Waimea, which is home to The Parker Ranch. In 1847 John Parker from Massachusetts married King Kamehameha’s granddaughter and inherited 640 acres. Today at 225,000 acres the property is now one of the largest cattle ranches under single-ownership in the US. On the east side of the island you will find the capital city of Hilo, full of historic buildings, unique restaurants, quaint boutiques and museums. While Hawaii’s Big Island has more than enough coastline for lounging in the sun, it is better known for it activities. The choices are endless, you can spend your time up in the air touring the island by helicopter, kayaking, snorkelling, whale watching, fishing, scuba driving, surfing, bicycling, horseback riding, hiking or golfing on one of the 18 championship courses

Molokai

Administrator — Thu, 11 Nov 2004 16:07:28 +0000

There is a place where it is still possible to experience the seclusion, peace and unspoiled natural beauty and authentic Hawaiian culture of decades past. It’s called Molokai, often referred to as the most Hawaiian island. Molokai is one of Maui’s sister islands and is just 38 miles long and 10 miles wide but contains some of Hawaii’s most unique sights and adventures. Here you won’t find a single traffic light, a shopping mall or a nightclub. Nor will you find an elevator – there is no need for one, no building on the island is taller than a palm tree. You will find plenty of activities to keep you busy, off road mountain biking, kayaking, horse back riding, hiking, golfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing, sport fishing, or wind surfing. Molokai’s north coast is the setting of some of the most incredible views on earth. Sign up for a cruise and sail along the coastline, taking in the majestic sights of the world’s highest sea cliffs, which tower 3,300 feet above the crashing surf. The best known area of the island is Kalaupapa, where people stricken with leprosy were banished in the late 1800’s. If your idea of a great vacation is unspoiled natural beauty and a quiet lifestyle appeals to you, Molokai is the place for you.

Oahu

Administrator — Thu, 25 Nov 2004 16:12:50 +0000

Oahu is also called the gathering place. It is a rich and rewarding destination. Beyond the turquoise water, the pristine beaches, and the razor-ridged mountain, there’s a delicious blend of Pacific influences and the luxurious pace of island relaxation. You’ll discover the incredible diversity of the island and its unparallel range of sights, activities and experiences. Oahu is 44 miles long and 30 miles wide. In Waikiki the choices are endless, you may choose to discover the historic side of Waikiki by visiting Bishop Museum, Ancient Pohaku, Cave of the Shark God, Damien Museum, Kaoi’olani Park, or the War Memorial. Journey to Central Oahu to see the sunken U.S.S Arizona Battleship and pay your respects to the 1,177 men that lie entombed or climb aboard the Battleship Missouri for a peek into a memorable chapter of history. Spend the day at one of the many beaches on the 112 miles of shoreline. Oahu has a beach for everyone. Whether your looking for high adventure on the waves, romantic sunsets, or a protected family friendly swimming spot. The perfect way to end your day is at a luau, enjoy the hula dancers, music and the all-you-can-eat island feast. Throw in one of Oahu’s spectacular sunset and you know you are in paradise.

Kauai

Administrator — Fri, 10 Dec 2004 02:11:03 +0000

Hawaii’s Island of Discovery is famed for its diverse and scenic wonders, such as the 3,567-foot deep Waimea Canyon, stretching 14 miles across the western end of the island and often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” and the 3,000-foot high mountain cliffs that rise from the ocean floor to form the magnificent, unspoiled Napali Coast. There are many other differences that make Kauai unique from its sister islands. No building can be built over four stories high, the approximate height of a mature palm tree. The island has 43 white sand beaches, more beaches per mile of coastline than the other islands. Kauai has also been the film location site for more than 60 major motion pictures and television films, including such classics as South Pacific and Blue Hawaii with Elvis Presley and more recently, Jurassic Park III and Lilo & Stitch. You will find four of the ten top golf courses in the state of Hawaii, one of which is ranked in Golf Digest’s “100 greatest golf courses in America”. For coffee lovers there is the largest coffee plantation, Kauai Coffee Company a 4000-acre estate plantation. Kauai’s romantic settings are perfect for couples. Families will also feel right at home with hiking bicycling, whale watching, snorkelling, and kayaking. Whether you are looking for relaxation or an adventurous exploration of natural wonders, Kauai is the perfect location.

Maui

Administrator — Fri, 21 Jan 2005 02:32:01 +0000

Welcome to Maui, the Magic Isle. Famed as one of the most romance and magical places on earth. It is the second largest island in the aloha state at 729 square miles, 48 miles long and 26 miles across at its widest point. Every area of Maui is so astonishingly different in climate, culture, and geography, touring Maui is like visiting seven island in one. West Maui is the historic heart of the island. Here you will discover Lahaina, a National Historic District, and the popular resort areas of Ka’anapali and Kaplaua. Some of the prettiest beaches in the world are in this area — including Kapalua Bay. The weather in this region is superb and the opportunities for exploring the ecology, the history, and the culture of Maui are incredible. Heading north from Kapalua you will discover a wild and majestic area — the soaring cliffs and the rich ranch lands that overlook the Maui-Molokai channel. Journey on the “Road to Hana”, a destination in itself, massive etched lava streams from Mt. Haleakala last eruption some 200 years ago create a landscape of barren beauty. Next head to the Northwest region of Wailuku and Kahului, where you will find the city centers of Maui, where most of the islands citizens live. South Maui is home to the luxurious resort areas of Wailea and Makena and the fishing and excursion ports of Ma’alaea . Heading south past the solitude of Makena Beach is the rugged La Perouse Bay. There are more delights and discoveries on this one island than can possibly be experienced in one vacation, this is why Hawaiians have a saying “Maui no ka oi” which means “Maui is the best”.