Another Article From A Travel To...

Hawaii: Our Most Exotic, Alluring State

by Eileen Vento
http://www.fcthawaii.com

There is a place in the Pacific where its beauty and romantic environment in the South Seas makes it like a place from a tropical dream. This place is called Hawaii and just being there is like living in a fantasy.

People visiting these islands look forward to enjoying a place where they will be able to be well-rested and relaxed. They look forward to the heavenly tropical atmosphere and seem to feel they are in a place right out of the movies. It's interesting to note also that Hollywood did make several movies here to include a film named Fantasy Island. Tourists here can stay in one of many relaxing resorts named the Total Escape which is another small tropical haven.

Volcanoes formed Hawaii and today it is one of the largest chains of islands in the world. And, there is so much to see there. You can see the petroglyphs where the rocks in foothills have been carved with pictures of warriors, animals, and canoes. You can see beaches that have both red and black sand. Also, you can see the "Grand Canyon" of the Pacific. This canyon has measurements with a depth of 3,000 feet and width of 12 miles. The list of things to see seems almost endless. Add to it things, animals, and places such as the grand caves, volcanoes, humpback whales, and green sea turtles. The grand caves were formed by ancient lava tubes. These tubes were partially filled with ocean water and spawning shrimp in them make the water turn red.

This is a unique place alright. Have you ever heard of anywhere with so many attractions? And, all these attractions are in very close proximity to each other. The islands themselves really do not cover much area. The island of Kauai has been around for about 6 million years and has the most rainfall in the group. Kauai has Mt. Wai'ale'ale which holds the record as being the wettest spot in the world.

Pretty impressive, especially when you realize that the dimensions of Kauai are only 18 x 12 miles. Add to that the fact that the tallest sea cliffs in the world rise directly from the ocean to more than 3,000 feet along Molokai's North Shore.

Although there are 47 miles of coastline, the island of Lanai does not have many swimming beaches and is the smallest of the main Hawaiian islands available to visitors.

The two volcanoes Puu Kukui and Haleakala created the lava flows to build the island of Maui. This island is the second largest of the main islands of Hawaii and is a popular spot for honeymooners.

Oahu is the third largest island. The entire island belongs to the City and County of Honolulu. It's regal in its own way, as well. Iolani Palace, in downtown Honolulu, is the only royal palace in the United States.

Then, just to add to the magic of it all, seemingly defying gravity and all the physics you've ever studied is Kaena Point, in Oahu. Waves here, from both directions, come crashing together. During the winter months, waves at Kaena Point can reach well over 40 feet, higher than anywhere else in Hawaii.

Ready to go? You don't even need a passport. "Fantasy Island" is right here in the United States of America.