Ever dreamt of a nature’s paradise where you can witness volcano, waterfalls, beautiful beaches, whales, and mountains all in one place? Visualising it as an ultimate experience to invigorate, there is no other place in the world like Hawaii. It is a place where you feel as if the Almighty gathered all his concentration and power to form this heavenly place in his own sweet time. Due to its isolated geographical location from other states, and far in the Pacific, you are not allowed to bring any plants and animals in order to maintain Hawaii’s natural beauty and healthy vegetation.

HISTORY

Though it became the 50th state of the United States of America in 1959, the pages of history go back centuries earlier. Roughly 1,500 years ago, Polynesians from the Marquesas Islands in the Pacific, first set foot on a Hawaiian Island. With only the stars to guide them, they miraculously sailed over 2,000 miles in canoes to migrate to the Islands. 500 years later, the Hawaiian culture burgeoned over the centuries, giving rise to the art of hula and the sport of surfing. Land division conflicts among ruling chieftains were common. In 1819, less than a year after King Kamehameha's death, his son, Liholiho, abolished the ancient kapu system. Even though the American colonists controlled much of Hawaii’s economy and welfare, in 1898, Hawaii became a territory of the United States.

ATTRACTIONS

Once upon a time major hub for the whaling, sugar and pineapple industries, Hawaii is now economically dependent on tourism and the U.S. military.

•Waikiki: - Here the real fun and attraction begins after dark. The gathering place for the tourists today, it offers live music, great drinks, sushi rolls, shopping at the Waikiki Beach Walk and much more. Don‘t forget to enjoy the late night food there, the ultimate moment to savour the biggest pancakes being served.

•Downtown Honolulu & Chinatown: - On the first Friday of each month, this place comes alive with loads of open gallery houses, entertainment, and ultimate night life experience. Located next to Downtown Honolulu, the historic buildings of Chinatown feature fine art galleries, unique restaurants, and Hawaii’s hippest bars.

•Hilo, Hawaii’s Big Island: - If you want to experience the authentic local culture of Hawaii’s Big island, then this is the off-beaten spot for you with variety of restaurants, galleries, and shops.  Not a place for nightlife, Hilo is a place to experience the local culture of Hawaii’s Big Island.  Be careful as this is not the place to experience the night life of Hawaii like other locations.

•Hawaii Volcano National Park: - To witness the presence of the goddess of volcano, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is definitely not a place to miss at any cost. Covering almost 333,086 acres, it is the largest park in the state, and most popular tourist attraction. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, don’t forget to explore 500 years old Nahuku lava cave located within the boundaries of Hawaii Volcano National Park.

•Waterfalls: - You will find incredible waterfalls along the Hamakua Coast. Gigantic 442 foot Akaka Falls can easily make you feel awestruck. Wailuku River State Park features the 80-foot Rainbow Falls.

•Black Sand Beaches: - Due to its constant volcanic activity, Hawaiian Islands are the home to many implausible black sand beaches. Among all, the most famous one is Punaluu Black Sand Beach, a home to many Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles

CULTURE

Hawaii has preserved and perpetuated its famous and rich culture of Hula, a unique Hawaiian dance accompanied by song.  It is said that this enchanting and world symbol started on the islands of Molokai and Kauai. You are blessed if you visit Hawaii during the ongoing festivals, perfect place to witness the authentic Hula. The Merrie Monarch Festival (March - April) is held in Hilo on Hawaii. The Big Island hosts the world’s premier hula competition, but getting tickets is the biggest challenge, considering its level of popularity.  The Prince Lot Hula Festival (July), the Kauai Mokihana Festival (September) on Kauai, and Molokai Ka Hula Piko Festival (May) in Molokai are other premier attractions.

GETTING TO HAWAII

Dedicate at least 2 weeks for this beautiful place if you plan to feel it to the fullest. From India to Hawaii via flight will take approximately as 17 to 19 hours. Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu is Hawaii's major airport, serving as the entry point for most of Hawaii's visitors. There are also direct flights from the U.S. mainland to Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island. There are daily ferry services from Lahaina Harbor in Maui to both Manele Bay in Lanai and Kaunakakai Harbor in Molokai. To really experience all that Hawaii offers, you should consider renting a car. Reserve your rental vehicles in advance because quantities can be limited on some islands. Many visitors also enjoy taking bus tours to conveniently explore the Islands. Shuttles, taxis and public transport are available on most islands.

STAYING IN HAWAII

Finding accommodations is easy in Hawaii. There are convenient choices right from the historic hotels, luxury resorts, charming vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, hostels, and rental condos. Mentioned below are few links you can refer in the context of Hotel Booking in Hawaii

•             http://bookit.com/us/hawaii/?gclid=CNnRjev--LwCFWUF4godiRkArw

•             http://www.fivestaralliance.com/luxury-hotels/16/north-america/united-states-hawaii

•             http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/luxury/articles/top-resorts-in-hawaii

BEST TIME TO VISIT HAWAII

Any time of the year is a good time to visit Hawaii. Summer, between April and November, is warmer and drier (average temperature is 75-88F) while winter, between December and March, is a bit cooler (68-80F). Trade winds keep things comfortable year-round.

Hope you are on the verge of saying, ‘E hele mai ana au Hawaii’ (Hawaiian language), which means ‘I am coming Hawaii’.