The Hawaiian Islands

Most people who go to Hawaii head straight for Waikiki Beach near Honolulu. The name of that island is Oahu, which sounds like "Wa-who." There are Hula shows all over Waikiki, but this one was in a shopping mall.

Hawaii has other islands, but Oahu is where you will find Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and the North Shore with it's famous surfing beaches. The Bus, as the local bus line is called, can take you all the way around the island for $1.50. If you have a Medicare card you can ride for half price.

Once you have seen Oahu, go to the other islands to see the real Hawaii. The Big Island, which is actually named Hawaii, just like the state, is one where you can see active volcanoes with liquid lava pouring into the sea. There are mountains that are so tall they are often covered with snow, yet they are in the tropics. Lava flows many years old often look like they cooled yesterday. There are deserts and rain forests. Hawaii has spectular waterfalls and plenty of rainbows. You can also drive down to the southernmost point in the United States. It's a beautiful spot with a green sand beach.

Hilo is on the wet side and it rains most days, but you won't mind. The rain falls as a soft mist, and even if you get a little damp, the temperature is comfortable.
Be sure you ask about the tsunami that almost wiped out Hilo in the late 1940's.

Kona is the dry side. Beaches tend to be small because Hawaii is the youngest island in the state. Be sure you drive up to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Most towns on Hawaii are quite small, but worth a stop. People are friendly and don't mind if you ask questions.

Some people say that Molokai, Lanai, and Kauai are the real Hawaii. They have not been overly developed like Oahu.

If you could only see one island in the Hawaiian chain, it should be Maui. It has a little bit of all the things you see on other islands. Haleakala has not erupted in over 200 years, but the view from the top is breathtaking. At 10,024 feet, the oxygen is a little thin, and you'll need a sweater or a jacket.

Kauai is a small island, but a big favorite. They call it The Garden Isle. The cliffs and golden beaches of Kauai have starred in many a movie. This is where Hawaiians go for vacations. They have caves, blowholes, coconut palms, a canyon and cliffs that make you gasp. Kauai is the home of famous Poipu Beach. Some call it the best beach in the world.

You can fly to Hawaii, or catch a cruise in California and go there and back in style.
Check with www.altotravel.com They specialize in cruises, or they can book you a hotel right on the beach.

There is a lot more than hula shows in Hawaii.