David Kriso
Aloha! When pineapples, volcanoes, and hula skirts are mentioned, what comes to mind? Hawaii is the correct answer. With its awe-inspiring scenery, romantic landscapes, and memorable Pacific Ocean sunsets, Hawaii is the one destination everybody dreams about. It is the destination which captures the imagination. Hawaii has eight main islands; Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Niihau, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Molokai, and the Big Island. The Big Island is home to the towns of Kona and Hilo, with volcanic activity covering a vast majority of its breathtaking landscape.
The presentation is written for two audiences; library venues and cruise ships. Library venues are only the tip of the iceberg. The cruise ship audience is the audience which will truly appreciate it. Without any doubt, it will get them prepared for what they are looking forward to. More than ever, it will prepare them for the unexpected. The presentation is written based on ports-of-call. When the ships depart California, they will normally stop at the ports of Hilo (Big Island), Kauai, Honolulu (Oahu), and Lahaina (Maui). On the return, the ships will make a stop in Mexico before returning to their home ports.
The Big Island, is home to many great places to visit. There are lava fields, the coffee belt, magnificent waterfalls, Parker Ranch, and the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens. Visitors, first-time or frequent, are always looking for something memorable to do, or an experience to take back home to cherish for all-time sake. The Big Island captures the imagination regardless of the circumstances. The Big Island is the perfect place for the mind to wonder and the spirit to rejuvenate.
Nicknamed the Garden Isle, Kauai takes over the imagination just as quickly as the Big Island. The lush rain forests, the steep cliffs, and the incredible ocean views are unforgettable. Visitors can take helicopter tours of the island. If anyone likes talking to parrots, Kauai is the place. If anyone is looking for the perfect place to let the forces of nature take them by surprise, Kauai is that perfect place. If anyone is looking for the perfect tropical drink by the pool, Kauai is that place. Kauai is the place where visitors can experience it all.
Oahu, the home of Hawaii’s state capital, Honolulu, features a smorgasbord of flavors and memorable experiences. Oahu, in Hawaiian, means “The Gathering Place”. It also marks the place of a pivotal event in our nation’s history. Honolulu is home to Diamond Head, the iconic volcanic mountain peak on Oahu’s southeast shore. Punch Bowl National Cemetery and Pearl Harbor are two places which visitors must not miss. No one goes to Hawaii without paying their respects to the 1,102 servicemen entombed in the USS Arizona. Nearby is the USS Missouri, the battleship on which Japan officially surrendered to the United States. The USS Missouri, nicknamed Big Mo, also fired the first shots of the Persian Gulf War in 1991. No one wanted to get in the way of her powerful 40 inch guns. On the opposite side of Ford Island, is the USS Utah. The morning of December 7th, 1941, the USS Utah was sunk just as the American flag was being raised on her bow. She still lies capsized, despite efforts to upright her hull. Oahu is well-known for famous Waikiki Beach. In Hawaiian, Waikiki means “spouting fresh water”, dating back to the springs and streams that fed wetlands that once separated Waikiki from areas further inland.
Known as the Valley Isle, Maui is a destination which captures the imagination of the young crowd. Maui is home to the quaint town of Lahaina. Lahaina is the town where the cruise ships tie up. Lahaina has a smorgasbord of shops along the shore side, along with eateries featuring various island flavors. Approximately an hour’s drive south of Lahaina is the town of Makena. Makena is home to Makena State Park. At Makena State Park, visitors will discover Big Beach and Little Beach. Little Beach is the most popular. Little Beach is Maui’s nude beach. Visitors from all over visit to experience its tranquil setting and the romantic tone of the waves. Based on visitors’ experiences, there is candidly no better way to experience the Pacific Ocean water than au natural. Since Little Beach is located in a state park, visitors are responsible for their own garbage. Further, there is no alcohol allowed on either Big Beach and Little Beach.
Every Sunday, a drum circle is formed on Little Beach. From sunrise to sunset, visitors and locals dance their lives away on the white sand. Whether dressed or UNDRESSED for the occasion, it is the opportunity and adventure of a lifetime. It is certainly the perfect place to unwind and enjoy good company of fellow beach goers. If anyone wants to experience the Pacific Ocean like never before, Maui is the place. If any visitor wishes to enjoy that peace and quiet from everyday life, Maui is the place. Maui, on the whole, ties all of the fun and fond memories together.
Hawaii is not just a place for lovers, but a place for the mind and spirit to rejuvenate. From rich traditions, to historic sites, to local flavors, and popular beach destinations, Hawaii has it all. Hawaii is the perfect place for any visitor to enjoy new experiences, try new things, and just be themselves. Above all, Hawaii is the perfect place for what the Hawaiians call Ohana, meaning “family”. “Hawaii: Forever erupting with history and culture” will make its debut in November 2016.
