“That peaceful land, that beautiful land … the climate, one long delicious summer day and the good that die experience no change, for they but fall asleep in one heaven and wake up in another”. This is how Mark Twain eloquently described Hawaii, and these words are as true today as when he uttered them in 1889.
It is the most geographically isolated landmass in the world, anchored 3200 km from its nearest neighbour as the figurative and literal “Crossroads of the Pacific. Hawaii is home to the world’s most active volcano and the world’s tallest sea mountain. The state is one of the youngest geological formations in the world and the youngest state of the union. It is also the birthplace of surfing and the hula and the former seat of a royal kingdom. Although voyaging Polynesians settled this chain of islands 2000 years ago, it wasn’t until 1778 – two years after the United States became a nation – before outsiders first discovered this mid-Pacific Mecca of the tropics.
Many people consider Hawaii their dream vacation, a favourite honeymoon spot. It so exotically beautiful, so culturally unique and so highly regarded by visitors with equal fondness and reverence that many competing destinations hold it up as the standard to be measured by.
Author James Michener got it right about Hawaii when he wrote: “You will fail to believe how one small portion of the world could be so crammed with wonders.”
In Hawaii’s world of endless summer, there are hundreds of entertaining wonders to be enjoyed throughout its six beautiful islands - Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui and Hawaii’s Big Island. Ancient Polynesians referred to them as “the heavenly homeland of the north”. Whether by land, air or sea, these islands offer one exhilarating activity after another. Enjoy world-class golf, biking, hiking and horseback riding through balmy tropical landscapes. Soar high above on a zipline adventure tour through a forested canopy over rivers and waterfalls. For those who want a bird’s eye-view of the islands helicopter tours abound, where you can fly over lush valleys, hidden waterfalls and spectacular shorelines.
If the deep blue sea is more your cup of tea, take advantage of Hawaii’s warm Pacific waters to surf, snorkel, scuba, kayak or parasail. For those more leisurely oriented, explore the depths of Hawaii’s marine life through undersea submarine tours, or sun and frolic aboard a cruise excursion. And only in Hawaii can you explore an active volcano (on Hawaii’s Big Island), watch the flow of lava up-close (but not too close!) and bear witness to earth’s creation of land.
For educational enrichment, the state offers more than 80 museums showcasing its culture, history and the arts. History buffs will be fascinated by the “bookend battleships” of World War II now located bow-to-bow in Pearl Harbour: the revered USS Arizona Memorial and the gigantic “Mighty Mo” (Battleship Missouri Memorial).
Those wanting to be pampered and indulged can enjoy state-of-the-art spas in most of the hotels. Lovers of cuisine can indulge in the highly touted Hawaii Regional Cuisine - think of plates with beautifully prepared foods incorporating the freshest of fish and produce, often with the aromatic flavours of ginger, soy and garlic, or ingredients unique to Hawaii, perhaps fern shoots gathered in Waipio Valley, or goat cheese from the Puna District. Shoppers will not be deprived, and practically everything-under-the-sun can be found on the islands. Hardly a weekend goes by without a celebration of Hawaii’s multicultural heritage, Hawaiian music, or an island-inspired sports events taking place.
In addition to activities that visitors can do on their own or book through a qualified member of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB), there are hundreds of fun and interesting things to do on HVCB’s Calendar of Events – and the list keeps growing. To find out more about Hawaii, check out the official website http://www.GoHawaii.com.
Aloha! E Komo Mai! Welcome!
Quick Facts: Capital: Honolulu Nickname: Aloha State Language: English, Hawaiian Population: 1,262,840 Weather: April – November (Summer): 24° C - 31° C December – March (Winter): 20° C - 27° C Average Water Temperature: 23° C Major Airports: Honolulu International Airport Flight Duration: 37 hours (ex Jhb) with layover in Atlanta or Los Angeles Transportation: Car rentals, tour buses, shuttles, taxis or city buses Time Difference: 12 hours Visa Required? Yes. Please contact the U.S. Visa Information Service on 011 275 6300 to schedule an appointment