Hawaiian Marketplace

Hawaii does not only offer fun water activities; it also has some of the most interesting historic sites to visit. One of the most famous historical places worth visiting in Hawaii is the Pearl Harbor. Before it was only a reminder of a great war, but now it is considered as a main attraction that draws the attention of many travelers and tourists.

A Brief History

Pear Harbor was initially a far-reaching, shallow headlands and bay. It was known as the Wai Momi, which means pearl water or sometimes called as the Pu’uloa, meaning long hill. In Hawaiin legends, Pu’uloa was considered as the dwelling of the goddess of shark.

It was in 1898 when Hawaii was invaded by the United States, and it was agreed that they get exclusive privileges to Pearl Harbor. In the year 1914, the once quiet and peaceful embayment has become the homes of Army personnel and US marines. It started to be filled with military barracks and shelter for artillery units, infantry and cavalry. In the turn of 1941, Pearl Harbor has served as the place for exercise of the US Navy.

1941 seems to be a very eventful year; this was the start of the Japanese-American war. The death of almost 2300 soldiers and civilians had pushed the United States to another bloody war.

Historical Attractions

In our day, only a few hints of what had taken place in the olden times can be seen. The place had been renovated and has been opened to the public to have a feel of what had transpired in the 19th century. Today, it is now regarded as the most astonishing naval bases in the world. People who visit the place can only admire and bring to mind the gory details they read in their books.

There are three attractions that are open for public viewing. The first attraction is the Battleship Missouri. This is where General Douglas McArthur had signed the peace treaty, thus ending the war between the United States and Japanese. It was in September 1945 when World War II has finally ended. The Battleship Missouri displays the different wars that took place from the 20th century, offering us at least 50 years value of the olden times.

Next historical attraction is the Bowfin Submarine. This attraction showcases the captivating ability and competence of submarines. This Bowfin Submarine is believed to have submerged at least 40 opponent ships and was believed to be instrumental in ending World War II. This submarine had surely done its part in making history.

Another Pearl Harbor attraction is the Arizona Memorial. This is said to be the symbol of the start of the World War II. When you take a look inside this memorial you will find the names of the crewmen who had sacrificed their lives. Visiting this memorial is really heartbreaking knowing that 1,117 men were buried in that place. To relive the events on the Second World War, the Memorial Center has a short film viewing of what had happened in the war.

Every time you hear “Hawaii,” you immediately think of the world’s most wonderful beaches and endless luau parties. Not many may know this, but Hawaii Waterfalls are actually also among the world’s best. There are many waterfalls in the islands, though some can be viewed only on air so you have to hire a helicopter to see them. All the same, those that you can see from land are just as beautiful and definitely worth a tour. Here are three of the more famous waterfalls in Hawaii:

Heleleikeoha Falls in Maui

The Heleleikeoha Falls, also known as Blue Angel Fall or Blue Pool, is located in the eastern side of Maui, along Ulaino Road. You can easily take a dip in the pool and enjoy the waterfalls in one side and the ocean on the other – a view so breathtaking that you just cannot take your eyes off it. The fall is usually light flowing, and when rain has not fallen for a long time, the water just trickles down the rocks.

To get to the pool, however, you have to cross some private properties despite the beach being considered public access under the Public Access Shoreline Hawaii (PASH). But of course, with all the publicity it has been getting (and along with it the human traffic and the trash that is left behind by the tourists), the owners of the private sections are not very happy, causing controversies on how to handle the tourism in the area.

Rainbow Falls in Big Island

At Hilo town on eastern Big Islands is the Rainbow Falls it is right off Waianuenue Avenue on the northwest side of Hilo. This is the most visited waterfall in the Big Island. Its water falls from 80 feet above, from a river that flows from an arch-shaped rock above a cave.

If you go early in the morning, you can catch a beautiful sunrise – as the sun goes above the mango trees, light starts trickling into the beautiful turquoise-colored pool below. Its effect to the tropical setting is just magnificent. For a better view of the falls, you can also hike down a stone path to reach a lookout point.

Hipuapua Falls in Molokai

Also in Maui, Molokai is the site for the one of the major waterfalls in the head of Halawa Valley. Called Hapuapua Falls, this waterfall boasts of a 500-feet drop and is the biggest waterfall in Hawaii. The second longest fall is the Moaula Falls, which is right next to Hapuapua Falls, at only 250-feet tall. Both falls are visible from Highway 450 if you are on the road to Halawa Valley.

The 7,240-meter (23,760 feet) hike is an intense hike. It is recommended that you go with a tourist guide if you want to do the hike, especially since the trail crosses through some private properties and the area is not very well marked.

Manoa Falls in Oahu

If you are spending a day or two at Waikiki Beach, plan a small side trip to see the Manoa Falls. Manoa Valley is easily accessible via car or city bus from Waikiki, and offers an easy hike amidst beautiful tropical bamboo and rainforest. At 150 feet high, the falls can even be bigger after a good rain, but likewise would be a little drizzle during the hot and dry season. The 2,400-meter (7,920 feet) hike takes only less than an hour from the valley up to the top of the mountain.

It is not recommended that you swim in the pool where the water falls, regardless of how inviting it looks especially on a nice day. You may also want to bring insect repellent, and wear comfortable hiking shoes as you will have to climb over some rocks along the way.

Endless Possibilities in Hawaii

As mentioned earlier, Hawaii has several waterfalls in all its islands. Check out your travel agent when planning a trip to Hawaii to make sure that you see one or two of the best waterfalls in the island where you are going. As much as you love going to the beach in Hawaii, you cannot pass on the chance of seeing some of the world’s best waterfalls – and marvel at the beauty of water both above and beyond.

A famous feast in the island chain in the Pacific, the Hawaiian luau is a way by which the people in the islands celebrate a number of occasions – birthdays, anniversaries, graduation, a good harvest, and even just welcoming friends and tourists in Hawaii. It is a very well-known feast that it has become a famous theme for parties all over the world as well.

Typical luaus are held by the beach where guests can enjoy the beauty of the horizon as the sun goes down. It is a casual affair where guests wear shorts, Hawaiian shirts, sundresses and even bikini tops in bright, tropical colors. When you go to one, be ready to be adventurous when the huge menu of Hawaiian food if served. A lot of the food names will sound foreign, but they are a must-try. Foods that are usually served in luaus are poi, kalua pig, lomi salmon, haupia, char siu, chicken adobo and chicken lu’au. A lot of these are also from Hawaii’s influences from Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Portugese and many others that make their own culture very colourful and interesting.

An open bar serving a wide variety of cocktails is also typical of a luau. Among the favorite drinks are Mai Tai, Blue Hawaiian, Piña Colada, Hawaiian cocktail, and Hawaiian Fruit Punch for the children.

A Traditional Feast

Much like any traditional celebrations, a lot has to be prepared for a good luau. It starts from the early morning preparation of the imu, which is basically an underground oven used to cook kalua pig that is a main part of any luau feast. It is made by digging a pit in the ground where hot coal and river rocks are placed to steam the food on top of banana stalk and leaves.

Traditional luaus give guests a chance to learn about Hawaiian and Polynesian culture. Apart from the imu ceremony, there are also Hawaiian storytelling, lei making and hukilau, a way of fishing invented by the ancient Hawaiians. Music and dancing are a huge part of the feast as well where ukelele music accompanies the traditional dance performances, especially the hula dance.

Essential to a Hawaiian Travel

If you are planning a vacation in Hawaii, you should not miss out on going to at least one luau. They are available in every major island in Hawaii, including Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. A trip to Hawaii without going to a luau would be like traveling to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower, or going to New York and skipping the tour of the Statue of the Liberty.

Regardless of which island you go to, it is recommended that you check out one of the commercial luaus available in the area through your travel agency. The performances are different in every island, but would essentially involve the offering of leis, dinner, cocktail drinks and dancing. The commercial ones would make sure that all the traditional parts of the feast are done and that you would have fun.

Easily one of the most popular beaches in the state of Hawaii, Waikiki beach has some of the finest waters and stunning white the state has to offer. The nearly 1.5 mile stretch of sand witnesses the arrival of thousands upon thousands of beach goers annually. While many visitors to the beach simply go there to relax and tan in the sun, there are a host of things to be enjoyed at the beach. A rubber raft can be rented nearby and you can simply float away offshore. If this is not your thing then perhaps surfing is more to your liking. Surfing lessons are available from a nearby local business if you would like to try but are just beginning to learn how to surf. Regardless of how you spend your time on the beach you are sure to have a blast in the warm sun that is characteristic of Hawaiian weather.

Visitors seeking to get the most out of their vacation can stay at one of the fine hotels or resorts situated directly on the beach. Access to the beach is then very simple and in addition, most of the lodging opportunities on the beach are near to various other amenities such as shopping institutions and excellent restaurants. Many of the ocean view hotels have their own marvelous, built-in eateries, thus fine dining is within a few steps of your hotel suite. One of the best hotels in the area in which to lodge, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, lies along the beach and is commonly referred to as the “pink palace.” Many visitors and guests of this hotel enjoy having brunch here as it is quite the pleasant experience. While visiting be sure to check out some of what Waikiki has to offer in terms of nightlife also. Halekulani’s House hosts hula dancing on a nightly basis and is an awesome way to spend an evening as well as absorb the culture.

Hawaii volcanoes are known as “shield” volcanoes, gently sloping mountains produced from a lot of very wet, fast-moving lava flows. Each island is made up of at least one primary volcano.

These volcanoes primarily erupt a type of rock, known by geologists and vulcanologist as basalt. When in a “molten” state, basalt produces the fluid lava that you see running down the mountains and valleys.

The Big Island, though, is home to five major volcanoes: Kilauea, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Hualalai and Kohala. Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano on earth. But Kilauea is the most active volcano in terms of how much lava it erupts each year.

On the Big Island, Kilauea, which ancient Hawaiians believed was the physical manifestation of the fury of the mountain goddess, Pele, is Hawaii’s most active volcano. It has added 550 acres of coastal land since eruptions beagan in 1983. Hot rivers of molten orange lava, flowing downhill can be seen most any evening of the year.

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, two hour’s drive from Kona and five hours from Kohala, can be the highlight of your vacation. Open year round, one can explore the many aspects of Kilauea volcano. Much of the best hiking on the Big Island is found within this park. And a visit to the park will give you an up-close view, since you can’t really see the mountain from anywhere else on the island Visit Hawaii Volcano National Park

In addition to Kilauea, two other Hawaii volcanoes are active. Mauna Loa, which last erupted in 1984; and Loihi, which erupted in 1996. But for an up-close look at volcanoes, the Kilauea volcano is where you want to be. It is sometimes referred to as the “drive-in” volcano.

Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, also on the Big Island of Hawaii, stand more than 13,700 feet high. Both have frequent snowstorms during the winter. Mauna Kea even has year-round snow fields near its pinnacle. Imagine being able to ski in Hawaii!

When you move along the island chain from Big Island in the south, where volcanoes are more active, to the northwest part of the chain, the volcanoes become older — and less active. Hualalai, with its last recorded eruption occurring in 1801; and Haleakala, which last erupted way back in 1790! Waianae is also considered inactive. Plus, the two primary volcanoes that make up the island of Oahu have not erupted for well over a million years! Click here for more information on Hawaii volcanoes.