Travel to Hawaii
Surfing, Volcano, and Beach.
Fire and water have come together to shape this archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. It is indeed the combination of lava flows from volcanoes confronting the power of ocean waves that has created Hawaii. Still today, visitors can observe the red-hot glowing magma as volcanoes spew fountains of flames.
A trip to Hawaii is to visit the 50th state of the United States. This group of islands to the north of Polynesia is more than 3,900 kilometres south-west of San Francisco. Hawaii is actually an archipelago that combines no less than 137 islands, islets, and atolls. The eight most important, running along an axis from the northwest to the southeast, are called Kauai, Molokai, Kahoolawe, Hawaii, Niihau, Oahu, Maui, and Lanai. The capital of Honolulu is on the island of Oahu. The permanent residents, numbering more than a million, are visibly the cosmopolitan result of interbreeding among American, Polynesian, and Asian groups.
During this all-inclusive trip to Hawaii, you will have the opportunity to learn how this territory was formed geologically in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Volcanoes erupting on the ocean floor produced lava flows that solidified when they came in contact with water, eventually emerging above the water line. Then, both water and wind erosion fashioned the incredible scenery that we see today. Above water, the ancient volcanic cones continued to erupt, giving way to deep, almost inaccessible valleys with very fertile soils. The climate and soil quality have resulted in a lush vegetation, punctuated by beautiful waterfalls. The power of the waves and the undertow have reduced the lava rock to powder that results in Hawaii's white, golden, and black sand beaches. It is in this rich soil that coconuts grow and turtles come to lay their eggs.
Around the islands are lagoons whose coral reefs sometimes engender impressive waves. These are the famous Big Waves, the most beautiful in the world, attracting surfing enthusiasts from all over to Hawaii. This surfers' paradise has become the trademark of the archipelago, whose promoters take every advantage to publicize it and make this natural surfers' paradise a trademark of the archipelago! Surfing became fashionable in the mid-20th century and remains very popular with the local people. Come to feel the power of the surge in Peahi, north of the island of Maui, a place known as Jaws. The surge can reach twenty-five metres in height, one of the highest in the world.
During your stay in Hawaii, you will find that nature is omnipresent. Volcanoes do not impress only geologists. Hawaii is, literally, a hot spot out of which magma flows continuously. The main volcanoes are Kilauea, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Mauna Ulu, and Hualalai. You can hike or take a motorized vehicle to get close to the action and to experience the power of nature like never before!
A number of features classified as UNESCO World Heritage sites are worth a visit. Since 1987, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – that brings together the most active volcano at 4,170 metres, Mauna Loa, as well as Kilauea – has been included in the list. The park allows visitors to observe and understand the geology, fauna, and flora of the place. From snowy peaks to sandy beaches, there is a lot to take in! The amazing Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument encompasses ten islands and covers 360,000 square kilometres. It is intended to protect natural areas of prime importance and archaeological areas underwater.
You can buy a plane ticket at any time of the year and take advantage of the Hawaii all-inclusive package. The climate is subtropical and moderated by the trade winds that blow steadily. However, summer is sunnier and warmer, especially on the west coasts of the islands that lay downwind. Winter is characterized by more frequent showers.
Mythology is an important part of the social life of the archipelago. Hawaii has a rich pantheon of gods, including the fire goddess Pele and her enemy sister, the sea goddess Na Maka o'Kahai. The elements such as the sun, the moon, lightning, and mountains permeate rites and traditions. Standards of social behaviour were developed in ancient times and expressed through the arts such as dance, tattooing, and singing. Historians draw on Hawaiian art to understand the history of the archipelago.
From a gastronomic point of view, Hawaiian cuisine has a multicultural foundation. From Japanese sweet and sour to Asian sauces and condiments, not to mention European dishes and local fish and tropical fruits – the mix will delight the taste buds of visitors. Remember, however, some specialties like breakfast with loco moco, the lunch plate, saimin, lomi-lomi salmon, etc. Hotels frequently organize lu'au, traditional feasts where all dishes are allowed.
Hotels in Hawaii are of high quality with comfortable rooms and the extras you want. The resorts are more expensive but also more luxurious with beautiful tropical parks, souvenir shops, swimming pools, golf courses, and various other sporting activities. This postcard-perfect holiday is ideal for rest, relaxation, and contemplation.
A little friendly advice. If you opt for a one-week stay in Hawaii, focus on the key offerings: surfing, relaxation, and tours of Oahu and the Big Island. If your Hawaiian trip lasts longer, plan a hike that allows you to explore the valleys and volcanoes and treat yourself to a few boating excursions and catamaran sailing!
