Hawaii General Information Nickname: Aloha State State bird: The Nene (Hawaiian Goose) State flower: Yellow Hibiscus Capital: Honolulu Date of admission to the Union: 21st Aug 1959 Population: 1,211,537 (2000) Population density: 42.8/sq km 2000 total overseas arrivals/US ranking: 2,727,000/4 Time: Hawaii-Aleutian (GMT - 10). Daylight Saving Time is not observed. The State: The island group of Hawaii lies 3860km (2400 miles) off mainland USA, comprised of 132 islands and atolls. The state of Hawaii consists of eight islands, of which seven are inhabited and six allow visitors. Oahu contains the capital, Honolulu, and is the most commercialised, while Hawaii is the biggest island. Oahu has two diagonal mountain ranges (the Waianae and Koolau), with many beautiful waterfalls. Hawaii is cloaked in macadamia orchards and coffee plantations. The islands support rainforest, green flatlands and a variety of other climates – in fact, of 13 climatic regions, Hawaii has all but two. Physically and psychologically, Hawaii stands apart from the USA, with an ethnically diverse population and a rich Polynesian heritage. Travel - International Air: International airports: Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is about 13km (8 miles) northwest of the city (9 miles from Waikiki). Coaches to Waikiki hotels meet all flight arrivals during the day (travel time – 25 minutes). City bus services 19 and 20 run every 30 minutes (travel time – 30 minutes), however luggage is not allowed on city buses. Taxis are available (travel time – 20 minutes, cost – about US$25). Other international airports are Hilo International Airport and Kana International Airport. Domestic airports: Kauai: Lihue. Molokai: Ho'olehua and Kalaupapa. Oahu: Kalaeloa, Dillingham Airfield. Maui: Kapalua-West, Maui, Kahului, Hana. Lanai: Lanai Airport. Hawaii: Waimea-Kohala. Frequent inter-island services are offered by Aloha Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, which also sells passes offering unlimited inter-island flying; coupon books for these are available from local travel agents. All-island passes are typically available in increments of 5, 7, 10 and 14 days. Approximate flight times: From Honolulu to Anchorage is 5 hours 40 minutes, to Chicago is 9 hours 55 minutes, to London is 17-19 hours (including stopover, and depending on route taken), to Los Angeles is 5 hours 20 minutes, to Miami is 10 hours 35 minutes, to New York is 11 hours 40 minutes, to San Francisco is 5 hours 5 minutes, to Singapore is 18 hours 15 minutes, to Sydney is 12 hours 30 minutes, to Washington, DC is 11 hours, to the islands of Kauai and Maui is 20 minutes and to Hawaii is 35 minutes. Air Passes: The Polypass (offered by Polynesian Airlines) allows the holder to fly between the Southern Pacific destinations of American Samoa, Fiji, Niue, Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga; Honolulu (Hawaii) and Los Angeles in the USA; Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney in Australia; and Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington in New Zealand. The pass is valid for one year. Once a reservation has been made and travel begun, all travel must be completed within a maximum of 45 days. Tickets will be issued against the Polypass by any Polynesian Airlines office (a valid passport is also required). For further information, contact Polynesian Airlines (website: www.polynesianairlines.com). SEA: Hawaii has nine commercial harbours. Kauai: Port Allen, Nawiliwili. Molokai: Kaunakakai. Oahu: Honolulu, Kalaeloa Barber’s Point, Kewalo Basin. Maui: Kahului. Hawaii: Hilo, Kawaihae. Cruise lines running to Hawaii include: P&O (Honolulu) and Princess. Norwegian Cruise Lines also operates inter-island cruises. Ferries run between Maui, Lanai and Molokai. RAIL: The Hawaiian Railway Society on Maui offers one-hour journeys on a historical diesel-electric locomotive formerly used to haul sugar cane from Ewa Plantation Village to Ko’olina, available on Sundays. On Maui, the Lahaina-Kaanapali & Pacific Railroad, also known as the Sugarcane Train, offers daily 30-minute rides between Lahaina and Kaanapali. Road: Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Right-hand turns are permitted in the right lane at a ‘stop’ light unless otherwise indicated. Pedestrians are given the right of way most of the time. Bus: Deluxe modern tour buses operate on all islands. Taxi: Metered and available throughout the main islands. Car hire: Available through local and international agencies. Drivers must be over 21 years of age for car hire. Documentation: Foreign driving licence required. Urban: Good local bus services are provided on Oahu. An exact flat-fare system operates. For further information, telephone the Bus Information Line (tel: (808) 848 5555). Detailed information on bus services and popular attractions can be found online from Oahu Transit Services (website www.thebus.org). On other islands, taxis are available and car hire is possible. A limited public bus service operates on Kauai and Hawaii. Introduction Oahu Island When Captain James Cook landed here in the 18th century, Oahu had been untouched by the West. It achieved prominence when the volume of Honolulu’s commercial traffic increased and the US Navy acquired rights to Pearl Harbor. Oahu has four divisions from a tourist’s point of view: Honolulu, the metropolitan centre; Waikiki Beach, 5km (3 miles) from Honolulu’s downtown area; Oahu's famous North Shore, stretching from Kahuku to Kaena Point; and the Windward Coast, notable for its beaches. The Leeward Coast, on the western side, is more desolate, though in recent years a certain amount of development has taken place and new residential areas, golf courses, parks, a shopping centre and an amusement park (Hawaiian Waterways Adventure Park) have sprung up. HONOLULU: The cultural, commercial and political centre of the island group is the starting point for most visitors. The Waikiki Beach area is a particularly popular resort region of the city, and has recently undergone a multi-million dollar rejuvenation programme including construction of new walkways, traffic calming measures, and picnic and entertainment areas. Over the next few years, several older high-rise hotels in the district will be demolished and replaced by new low-rise hotels and public walkways. The old harbour area here (known as Aloha Tower Marketplace) has recently been converted into an attractive waterfront development, with shopping plazas, restaurants and pavement entertainers. Other attractions include: Kalakaua Avenue, Kilohana Square, the Ala Moana Center and the Kahala Mall (all noted for their shopping); the Honolulu zoo near Kapiolani Park (where the Honolulu Marathon is concluded annually); the National Cemetery of the Pacific, or Punchbowl, a memorial and cemetery for US military veterans; central Honolulu, including Chinatown; the fine collection of Asian art at the Honolulu Academy of Arts; Bishop Museum; the new Hawaii State Art Museum; Iolani Palace and the spectacular Nuuanu Pali. There are also many other parks, plus aquaria, museums and theatres in the city and its environs. Oahu's most visited attraction is Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial (open Tues-Sun, 0800-1500), the scene of Japan's surprise attack which brought the USA into World War II. Free tours take visitors by boat to the memorial spanning the wreck of the Battleship Arizona where 1177 men died. Excursions: A variety of excursions is available. At least a day should be allowed for the Circle Island Tour, which takes in the whole of Oahu. Attractions en route include Waimea Falls Park, Pearl Harbor, the Polynesian Cultural Centre, Sea Life Park, the Waialua Coffee Visitors’ Center (on a former plantation), the Sacred Birthstones and Sunset Beach. Hawaii ‘The Big Island’ encompasses over 10,000 sq km (4000 sq miles) and holds more attractions than initially meet the eye. Towns like Kailua-Kona and other resorts lie along the Kohala Coast on the west side of the island. Over on the east coast lies the town of Hilo as well as Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, one of the natural wonders of the world. At 4103m (13,677ft), Mauna Loa is the largest single mountain mass in the world, while at 1200m (4000ft), the still-active Kilauea’s steaming vents and frequent eruptions provide an unusual (and safe) spectator sport. The volcano is continuously erupting, and can be seen entering the ocean at sea-level. Maui Over two million tourists a year flock to Hawaii’s second-largest island, popularly known as ‘The Magic Isle’. Luxury resorts and budget condos abound, but there are isolated spots of raw beauty. Attractions include the town of Wailuku; the more bustling town of Kahului; the Iao Valley; the historic whaling town of Lahaina; Mount Haleakala a massive volcanic crater whose name translates as ‘The House of the Sun’; the tranquil beauty of Hana on the Eastern Shore; the East Mountain range with its native ecosystem; the waterfalls at Wailua Cove; and Ka’eleku Caverns, which are loacted beneath the Hana Rainforest, and now open to the public for guided tours. Lanai Once known as ‘The Pineapple Isle’ (pineapples have dominated the plantation economy since the early 1900s), beautiful Lanai now offers two five-star resorts. Spectacular natural attractions include the dramatic Shipwreck Beach or Kaiolohia with its petroglyph rock carvings and the mystical Garden of the Gods at Kanepu’u. Other attractions include the ruins of Kaunolu Village (a complete archaeological site) and the Munro Trail, which leads to the Hauola Gulch, a truly spectacular view of the neighbouring islands. From November to April, Lanai is the perfect place for whale-watching, as humpback whales make the waters around the island their winter breeding and calving grounds. Molokai A 15-minute flight east of Honolulu, Molokai, ‘Hawaiian by Nature’, offers wide open vistas, an easy-going ambience and a lively local community. Attractions include the harbour town of Kaunakakai, with its quaint and colourful shops; Mount Kamakou; the Moaulu Falls; the beautiful Halawa Valley; Molokai Ranch; and Father Damien’s Community at Kalaupapa. Kauai ‘Hawaii's Island of Discovery’ is breathtakingly beautiful (some say it is the most outstanding in the archipelago), with staggering mountains and miles of sandy beaches. Located at the northwestern end of the curve of islands, Kaua’i is small (1400 sq km or 552 sq miles), with a laid-back pace and discreet tourist facilities; ideal for the visitor who does not care for crowded beaches or high-rise hotels. Local attractions include Mount Waialeale; the capital town of Lihue; Waimea Canyon; the tropical rainforest in the centre of the island; the Wailua River; the Fern Grotto; the awesome Napali Coast and the nearby temple of Holoholoku Heiau. Hanakapiai Beach is two miles inland and there is a stupendous waterfall two miles up in the Hanakapiai Valley. Social Profile Food & Drink: Hawaiian food offers the best of 'Pacific Rim' and 'New American' cooking syles, influenced by Mediterranean, Mexican, Chinese and other Asian countries. Many dishes are based on chicken, pork, seafood and local fruit and vegetables cooked using traditional methods. Special condiments and spices are used (see below). Much of the food available on the islands is basically US with Asian influences brought in by the assortment of ethnicities that make up the population. The classic traditional Hawaiian feast is the luau based around a puaa kalua (whole pig) that has been shaved and rubbed with rock salt on the inside. It is then placed on chicken wire, filled with hot stones from the fire, and cooked in an imu (pit) along with sweet potatoes, plantains and sometimes laulau (pork, butterfish and spinach-like taro shoots wrapped in leaves and steamed). The steam is prevented from escaping by encircling the pig with banana and coconut husks and taro leaves and covering the pit with wet burlap bags. The cooking process takes about six hours. The kalua pig is eaten with fingers and is accompanied by the traditional Hawai’ian poi (thick paste made from ground taro), opihi (a salty, black, clam-like mollusc) and lomi lomi salmon (salmon rubbed with an onion and tomato marinade). Chicken luau comprises tender chicken pieces cooked with taro tops and coconut cream. Garnishes include limu (seaweed), paakai rock salt and chopped roasted kukui nuts. Local seafood includes moi (mullet) ulua, opakapaka (pink snapper), lobster and yellowfin tuna. Hawaiian breakfast specialities are macadamia nuts and banana and coconut pancakes with coconut syrup. Fresh fruit and nut ice-creams or sorbets make excellent desserts. The minimum legal drinking age is 21 years of age. It is illegal to consume alcohol in parks and on beaches. Nightlife: Bars and nightclubs abound, especially on Oahu and Maui. Top international stars are booked, whilst luau shows (traditional Hawaiian banquets followed by live performances of music and dancing) are in themselves a great attraction. Jazz, big band music, tea dances and hula groups are all available. Shopping: The Aloha Tower Marketplace, Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center and the Ala Moana Shopping Center in Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, are popular shopping areas. Opening hours: Mon-Sat 0900-2100. Some shops may open Sun 0830-1800. Sport: Golf courses are numerous and scenic. Deep-sea fishing is very popular off Hawaii’s Big Island. The Hawai’ian islands are particularly good for watersports. For would-be yachtsmen, one-week yachting charters are available, with or without crews. All boats are equipped with Coast-Guard-approved safety equipment and are under Coast Guard supervision. Surfing is, of course, a very popular sport – for both participants and spectators. Snorkelling is especially popular near the Molokini Crater off Maui, as well as at various sites around each of the islands. In addition, there are some exciting international events such as the Canoe Races, in which outrigger canoes race against each other. One particularly gruelling race course runs from Molokai to Waikiki. Races take place from autumn to spring. Special Events: There is a variety of events and festivals on the different islands. An up-to-date list can be found on the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau website (www.calendar.gohawaii.com). Selected events in 2003 include: Jan 13-19 Sony Open in Hawaii 2003, Oahu. Jan 29-Feb 9 World Championship of Women’s Bodyboarding, Oahu. Feb 1 Hula Bowl Maui All-Star Football Classic, Maui. Mar 31-Apr 6 Merrie Monarch Festival (cultural festival, including Hawaii’s most prestigious hula competition), Hawaii. Jul Kapalua Wine and Food Festival, Maui. Jul-Aug 41st Annual International Festival of the Pacific, Hawaii. Aug Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, Hawaii. Sep-Oct Aloha Festivals (Hawaii's largest multicultural festival). Climate Warm throughout the year, with an average temperature of 24-29° C (75-85° F), and no appreciable difference between ‘summer’ and ‘winter’. Heavy rainfall can occur in some mountainous areas from December to February, but most areas only receive short showers, while others remain totally arid. Required clothing: Lightweights are advised throughout the year, with warmer clothes for winter. Beachwear is popular, and protection from the midday sun, such as sunglasses and sun hats, is advisable. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.