Introducing Hawaii
So many states claim uniqueness, and Hawaii does too. It now even boasts that it’s the birthplace of the USA’s 44th president, Barack Obama. But this string of emerald islands in the cobalt-blue Pacific Ocean, over 2000 miles from any continent, takes a little work to get to. So you may wonder: will that be time and money well spent?
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We’re so glad you asked: cue the galloping Hawaii Five-0 theme music and watch surfers carve a thunderous ocean, Elvis croon and lei-draped beauties dance hula ’neath windrustled palms.
Hawaii, as tourist bureaus and Hollywood constantly remind us, is ‘paradise.’ Push past the hype and what do you find? Darned if they’re not right. Hawaii is hiking sculpted cliffs or diving coral-reef cities in the morning and drinking mai tais to slack-key guitar at sunset. It’s slurping juicy papayas with hibiscus flowers in your hair; it’s Pacific Rim cuisine, fiery volcanoes and cavorting whales. By serendipity and design, Hawaii is an almost flawless destination. It’s an enchanting multicultural society with roots in Polynesia, Asia, North America and Europe, and it’s an expression of nature at its most luscious and divine.
About seven million visitors come to experience paradise annually, but the islands are not as crushed with sun-baked tourists and cooing honeymooners as that sounds. If you want a cushy resort vacation, head for Oahu’s Waikiki or West Maui. For something cheaper or more adventurous, aim for the Big Island or Kauaʻi. If time is short, stick to one island and make the most of it. Honolulu is a teeming cultural and economic powerhouse, but in under an hour you can be alone in the rainforest or snoozing on white sand.
Locals know that Hawaii isn’t really paradise, but on any given day it can sure feel like it.
Last updated: Feb 23, 2010
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Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Honeymoon
by martiniman 14 September 2011
I think the OP is from someone in Romania because of the family name, is that right Larisa?. But I might be wrong... :-) The choice…
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by Nutcase 13 September 2011
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by lisa2468 13 September 2011
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Hawaii
Things to do
- All things to do (1,051)
- Activities (203)
- Entertainment (83)
- Restaurants (353)
- Shopping (103)
- Sights (309)
- Tours (0)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Hawaii
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1 Hanalei Bay
Perfect crescent of sand and sea, winter surf mecca
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2 Mauna Kea
Sacred Hawaiian summit, mecca for astronomy, epic sunsets and stargazing
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3 Waimea Canyon
Mammoth gorge displaying layers of ancient lava flows
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4 Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Hot lava, snowy summits, moody rainforests and stellar hiking
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5 Waikiki
Umbrella drinks, ukulele music and tropical kitsch at Oahu’s primary resort strip
Fast Facts about Hawaii
- Population 1,288,198
- Hawaiian proverb The rain follows after the forest
- Median household income $63,750 (5th in the US)
- Miles of coastline 750
- Size 6450 sq miles; the USA’s fourth smallest state
- Percentage of marriages that are interethnic about 50%
- Percentage of residents who want mandatory recycling over 80%
- State fish of Hawaii humuhumunukunukuapua'a (reef triggerfish)
- Number of tourists in Hawaii each day, on average 180,000
- Cans of Spam consumed in Hawaii annually 7 million
Our favourite Hawaii Blogs (beta)
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An Itinerary for the Big Island of Hawaii
Blog: Ottsworld - 26 January 2012
For me, travel is about experiences and connecting with people. When I make a connection with people in a destination, then it will turn into one of those magical places that will be on my ‘favorite’ list for years to come. That is what the Big Island of Hawaii was for me. I made many [...]
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Honey Happiness
Blog: Ottsworld - 24 January 2012
Can honey make the world a better place? Prior to traveling on the Big Island my answer to that question was most definitely “Huh? ” most likely followed by “No.” However, after meeting Richard of the Volcano Island Honey Company, spending hours talking to him enthralled with every piece of information that came from his [...]
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Kailua Kona – Lodging with a Personal Touch
Blog: Ottsworld - 19 January 2012
Big Island – Accommodation – Kona Hula Girl When I first wrote to the Kona Hula Girl owners to learn more about their rental property the owners said, “I do want you to be aware that this is not a traditional hotel in any way”. They clearly knew exactly what to say to me to [...]
