HAWAII
Hawaii,
often called "Big Island," is the largest and youngest
island in the Hawaiian chain.
It's also growing every
day as lava from active volcanoes flows to the sea, adding to
Hawaii's mass. The island's variety is amazing, from snow-covered
mountains to black-sand beaches; vivid orchid fields to rain
forests.
The cradle of Hawaiian culture and birth place of King Kamehameha
I, Hawaii has many historic sites worth visiting, including
the Place of Refuge, petroglyph fields, Captain Cook monument,
and Hulihee Palace.
Unmatched in its diversity,
Hawaii's Big Island features cattle ranches, deep-sea fishing,
diving, snow skiing, tours of Volcanoes National Park, hiking,
and four-wheeling. Golf is a major draw, with a wealth of stunning
courses dotting the island, and Pleasant Holidays puts together
outstanding golf packages with island resorts.
Welcome to Hawaii ...land
of mystery and majesty, forged of fire and ice, and a sportsperson's
paradise.
KAUAI
Kauai,
the oldest of the major Hawaiian Islands, is alive with lush
vegetation and tropical flowers.
Waimea Canyon (the "Grand
Canyon of the Pacific"), Wailua Falls, Fern Grotto, and
the magnificent Na Pali coast are highlights of the "Garden
Isle," and sights not to be missed.
Kauai is also a land of the menehunes, Hawaii's "little
people" who, according to legend, preceded the Polynesians
by centuries and built massive fish ponds and other structures
in single nights.
The sheer beauty of Kauai
has made it a favorite of honeymooners and others who relish
the quiet life. But even on this unhurried island, there's plenty
to do, such as helicopter tours, golf, tennis, rafting and river
cruises
LANAI
Lanai
offers a totally different kind of Hawaiian Getaway.
Once only used for pineapple
production, Lanai is now a private retreat centered upon two
award-winning luxurious resorts. The Lodge at Koele is like
a country estate located in the wooded highlands of the island.
The Manele Bay Hotel is a Mediterranean-style, beach front resort
surrounded by lush gardens and waterfalls, overlooking magnificent
bays.
And, although the atmosphere is unhurried, the available diversions
include biking, tennis, championship golf, four-wheel driving,
big game fishing, and snorkeling, hiking, diving and horseback
riding. You'll even find a library reading room, fine restaurants,
picnics, garden tea service, full spa facilities, lawn bowling,
and croquet.
This private island is
for those who appreciate the utmost in luxury, with a twist
of adventure.
MAUI
Maui
was created millions of years ago by two volcanoes that flowed
together to form the "Valley Island"
In legend, however, the
island was named after the demy-god Maui, who is said to have
pulled the Hawaiian chain from the Pacific while he was on a
fishing expedition.
Whichever explanation you prefer, magical Maui is known for
its indescribable sunsets, water sports, multi-colored beaches,
lush rainforests alive with waterfalls, quaint fishing villages,
serpentine road to charming Hana, rolling hills with sprawling
ranches, world-class golf and tennis, Haleakala crater, and
historic Lahaina Town, the former government and whaling capital
of Hawaii. Maui is also known for its spectacular resorts, where
guests receive the finest in services, accommodations, and deluxe
amenities.
When island residents
refer to their home, they say: "Maui no ka oi," which
means "Maui is the best." Visit the best, Maui.
MOLOKAI
Molokai
is one of the most peaceful, relaxing places you will ever visit.
The sparely crowded beaches and unrushed lifestyle make this
island a perfect retreat, yet there are many activities to add
to your experiences here, such as biking, ocean kayaking, hiking,
golf, and horseback riding.
You can also explore a variety of sites on Molokai, including
the historic settlement of Father Damien, the village of Kaunakakai,
rustic seaside towns, secluded coves, and hidden valleys. On
the island's spectacular northern coast, which can only be reached
by helicopter or boat, you'll find isolated beaches and sheer
cliffs with waterfalls plunging hundreds of feet into the ocean.
Molokai is thoroughly
relaxing and far removed from the bustle of city life; the ultimate
hideaway.
OAHU
Oahu
is the population center of Hawaii and is aptly called the "The
Gathering Place."
Here, you'll find it all. Bustling Honolulu, the state's capitol,
and the famed resort area of Waikiki Beach draw visitors from
around the world. There are almost unlimited water and beach
activities, electric nightlife, golf, tennis, museums and historic
sites, fine restaurants of every variety, shopping for the souvenir
hunter to the serious collector, and visitor attractions of
all descriptions.
But venturing out to other parts of the island you'll find an
entirely different side of Oahu just waiting to be discovered,
from quiet retreats on the North Shore to quaint villages of
ancient origin to scenic vistas to remote beach hideaways.
