Hawaii honeymoons

The Hawaiian islands are an archipelago that include nineteen islands and atolls, located in the central Pacific Ocean. Hawaii became the 50th state in the United States in 1959. Located at the southeastern end of this archipelago are the eight main islands namely, Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui and Hawaii with more than 120 islets. Of these, the more popular ones that significantly attract tourists are Hawaii, Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Lanai. The islands are volcanic, with active volcanoes like Mauno Loa and Kilauea and edged with coral reefs.

When Pearl Harbour was bombed, Hawaii became a major naval station. Hawaii’s biggest industry is tourism and it is also famous for its astronomical sightings, with a world astronomy center. Other industries are commercial fishing as well as sugarcane, pineapple, papaya and coffee plantations.

The warm welcome that is accorded to a visitor in Hawaii has given it the nickname of the ‘Aloha State’. Hawaii has also lent its culture, with luaus, leis and the hula gaining popularity in different parts of the world with Hawaiian theme parties.

Climate, Inhabitants and Culture

Hawaii is more subtropical than tropical and does not experience extreme variations. Temperatures range between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit.

The people include the original pure-blooded Polynesian settlers and Hawaiian people, though due to marriages between various races, these are fewer in number. There are many immigrants from China, Germany, Japan, Korea, Puerto Rico and Portugal.

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The flora and fauna is abundant with fern forests and a variety of species of birds and animals. The official languages are Hawaiian and English but Japanese and Tagalog are also spoken. The locals and labourers also commonly speak a mix of their language and English which evolved into a kind of a Creole, formally called Hawaiian Creole English, but popularly referred to as Pidgin English.

A look at the more popular islands that comprise the Hawaiian group:

Hawaii

Hawaii is the largest island and is hence called the Big Island. Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are volcanic mountains here that occasionally experience snowfall in the winter months. There is also the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with the Crater Rim Drive and the Devastation Trail with a black lava field. You can also visit the Halemaumau Fire Pit, the Kilauea Iki Crater and the Thurston Lava Tube, where you get an idea of how lava erupts through the ground forming a large tube. There is also the Hawaii Volcano Observatory and the Jagger Museum. The Akaka Falls are magnificent, with a lush waterfall plunging 400 odd feet resplendently surrounded by verdant vegetation.

Hawaii offers a wonderful mix of activities right from hiking and water sports to golfing, windsurfing or just soaking in the ambience and beauty of this tropical paradise. At Kona, you can take an underwater tour. Hawaii also offers a great blend in terms of shopping experiences right from big shopping centers to flea markets and roadside stalls. Another attraction is the Concert of Carols held in December. Hawaii also affords many opportunities to witness the traditional lu’au.

Oahu

Oahu, that lodges the capital, Honolulu, is the most inhabited island of the group and about eighty percent of the state’s residents live here. It offers a unique blend by combining the tropical beauty of an island retreat with the entertaining aspects of a city. So, on the one hand, you have gorgeous stretches of beaches with white sand and nature lending itself to hiking trails, while on the other hand, you have golf courses, fancy dining, museums, shopping and tourist attractions, as well as a busy nightlife with trendy nightclubs like Zanzabar and Fashion 45. Shopping options are endless with the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, International Marketplace, Ala Moana Shopping Center etc., where you can get everything from designer wear to traditional handicrafts.

The must-see on the honeymooning tourists' agenda is Pearl Harbour with the Arizona Memorial Visitor's Center, the USS Missouri and the USS Bowfin Park and Submarine Museum. The Polynesian Cultural Center displays the Polynesian cultures with screen shows and canoe rides. Waikiki is a world famous beach and the surfing on the North Shore attracts world championship level competitions. You can also swim with the dolphins on the Leeward Coast. There is also the Sea Life Park where you can have interactive sessions including swimming and cavorting with ocean creatures like dolphins, sea lions and turtles. This is also your only chance to view the ‘wolphin’ a cross between a whale and a dolphin. And if you want to sweep your bride off her feet and have the budget for it, there’s the Star of Honolulu Dinner Cruise, that adds just that extra touch of romance to an already perfect honeymoon!

Kauai

Kauai is located at the farthermost end of the group and sandwiched between Oahu and Niihau (the farthest island). The magnificent Waimea Canyon, plunging to a depth of 3,600 feet, is located here as well are the Wailua Falls and a natural amphitheatre called the Fern Grotto. All these are great spots for honeymooners to soak in the unusual and ethereal beauty of gushing falls, rock formations and luminous caves. The other activities of the outdoorsy kind include biking, horseback riding, hang gliding, kayaking and of course, water sports. You could even see aerial views of the island by taking a helicopter tour from Lihue and experience the majestic canyons, waterfalls and jungles, often with the added perk of hearing of their ancient history and legends told by the pilot.

Maui

Maui has everything – culture, tourist attractions, adventure sports and excitement. It is the second largest island and is called the Valley Isle. The Haleakala Crater is dormant but a great place for honeymooners to get romantic while watching a sunrise; in fact, take it in on the first day itself. Early mornings can be cool. It has a National Park that is picturesque and a lovely picnic site, Ohe’o Gulch, that symbolizes ‘seven pools’ that are delightful to splash around in, though caution is advised. Maui has windsurfing (Ho’okipa Beach), whale watching, hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing and scuba diving, all tailored to suit the more adventurous of honeymooners as well as the Maui Sports Park. Shopping is terrific, with many delightful options. And of course, there is the traditional lu’au with the popular Lahaina Luau held every day on the beach except on Sunday. Impress your better half by learning how to hula and enjoy the wonderful cultural entertainment.

Lanai

Lanai has attractions like the Manele & Hulope Bay, where the Hawaiian spinner dolphins can be sighted, Shipwreck Beach that has the hull of a World War II ship beached on its reef and Lana’i City with its old world charm of plantation style architecture. Apart from the water sports and land activities like golfing and hiking, there is a wealth of history in Lanai, with royal ruins and even the ghost town of Keomoku.

Molokai

Molokai is also a popular destination with tourists and honeymooners alike with its Kalaupapa Lookout in Pala’au Park which can be reached via an adventurous mule ride, and the Horse and Wagon Ride to the temple of 'Illi'ili'opae. There is also the Big Wind Kite Factory in Maunaloa. There are towering vertical cliffs barricading Molokai.

Whichever island you choose to visit, you are sure to have a wonderful honeymoon on the Hawaiian islands.