Although
they left me behind, here's what the Crew on the Statendam will be
enjoying...
Oahu
Honolulu,
Waikiki & Beyond
Honolulu
is a bustling city with skyscrapers, thriving commerce, bright lights,
five-star restaurants, great shopping, and, thanks to television and
feature films, some of the most recognizable scenery on earth.
It may seem that every visitor to the island is vying for a sandy
spot on Waikiki—the most famous of all Hawaii's beaches, but all the
serenity of a tropical paradise is as close as a twenty-minute ride
away.
Hawaii
-- The Big Island
Hilo
Hilo’s
misty climate makes it a natural tropical greenhouse.
Ferns, orchids, and distinctive anthuriums thrive amid annual
rainfall of up to 150 inches. There’s
a lot to see and do amid brief, warm afternoon showers that are always
followed by a showy rainbow so grab an umbrella and head out.
Kailua-Kona
The
Big Island of Hawaii is the largest island in the Pacific and is growing
daily, thanks to Kilauea’s volcanic activity.
With snow capped mountains, lava strewn deserts, rain forests,
waterfalls, meadows, lakes, and multi-colored beaches, this is simply
one of the most smashing places on earth.
The Big Island is also a spiritual center to Hawaiians with
numerous sacred heiaus, or ancient temples, and a pervading sense
of “mana.”
Kauai
Hawaii’s
northernmost island features a juxtaposition of lush vegetation, barren
desert, and gleaming beaches. Appearing
as a backdrop to Hollywood’s most glittering stars, Kauai has set the
scene for feature films from South Pacific and Blue Hawaii
to Jurassic Park. Considered
by many visitors to be the most beautiful and natural of the islands, it
is also the most independent; local law prohibits buildings that exceed
the height of a coconut tree.
Maui
"Maui
no ka oi" means Maui is the BEST. You'll hear this local
phrase and soon find yourself nodding in agreement. Maui has some
of Hawaii's most stunning scenery, beautiful palm-fringed beaches, and
friendliest residents. Known as the 'Valley Isle,' Maui was
created by two now-dormant volcanoes and is the namesake of the demigod
Maui.
This
information and more is available at Cruise
Diva, the
site for cruise news, reviews, packing lists, articles, and ports of
call information especially for cruisers.
Copyright
© 2001 - Linda Coffman
