Hawaii
It's easy to see why Hawaii has become a paradise synonymous: Sugary
beaches, Technicolor coral reefs and volcanoes beckoning adventurous spirits.
Hawaii is an archipelago belonging to the United States, which is located in
the North Pacific. Composed of eight islands of volcanic origin, it is a
captivating paradise full of beaches and palm trees, with endless tourist
attractions worth discovering.
Culture & History
Hawaii's diverse
culture is expressed in, among other things, language, music, art, theater,
dance, film, food, and a host of festivals. The spirit of aloha is at the core
of it all: in the flowing arc of a hula dancer's hands or in the smooth rhythm
of a slack-key guitar. The "aloha spirit" is the coordination of mind
and heart in each person. It brings each person to their own being. Each person
should think and convey good feelings to others. In the contemplation and
presence of the vital force.
Hawaii is as proud of its multicultural
heritage. On these Hawaiian Islands, the descendants of ancient Polynesians,
European explorers, American missionaries and Asian plantation immigrants mix
and mingle. What's remarkable about contemporary Hawaii is that harmonious
multiculturalism is the rule, not the exception. Boisterous arts and cultural
festivals keep diverse community traditions alive, from Hawaiian outrigger
canoe races to Japanese taiko drumming. Come here to see what the future of the
USA could be.
Flavors
Gastronomy in Hawaii
is one of the fundamental nuclei of its culture. Due to the diversity of roots
that make up this archipelago, its typical dishes are a combination of the
well-exploited qualities of its various influences.
The cultures that are
most present in Hawaiian food are the North American (whose most influential
dishes were those made from cereal and hamburgers), the Japanese (which offered
a great diversity of fish-based dishes) and the Portuguese ( whose influence is
especially noticeable in sweet dishes).
Urban Experience
Floating all by itself in the middle of the Pacific, Hawaii proudly
maintains its own distinct identity apart from the US mainland. Spam, shave
ice, surfing, ukulele, and slack key guitar music, hula, pidgin, aloha shirts,
'rubbah slippah' (flip-flops) – these are just some of the touchstones of
everyday life, island style.
Pretty much everything here feels easygoing, low-key and casual,
bursting with genuine aloha and fun. You'll be equally welcome whether you're a
globe-trotting surf bum, a beaming couple of fresh-faced honeymooners, or a
big, multigenerational family with rambunctious kids.
In Hawaii, you can
find a variety of things to do, one of them is learning how to make the
traditional Hawaiian flower necklaces which means a symbol of affection between
the traditional Hawaiian culture. You can also walk through the streets and
find places to have a refreshing drink and even more so know the beautiful
traditional songs with guitars which are called Ki hoalu and enjoy the
festivities as well as the museum where you will find the world's largest
collection of artifacts. Polynesians, and the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Outdoors & Adventure
Snapshots of these islands scattered in the
cobalt-blue Pacific Ocean are heavenly, without the need for any embellishment
by tourist brochures. Sunrises and sunsets are so spectacular that they cause
for celebration all by themselves, such as atop Haleakalā volcano on Maui.
Whether you're dreaming of swimming in crystal waterfall pools or lazing on
golden-sand beaches, you can find what you're looking for here.
Just as in days of old, life in Hawaii is lived
outdoors. Whether it's surfing, swimming, fishing or picnicking with the ʻohana
(extended family and friends), encounters with nature are infused with the
traditional Hawaiian value of aloha ʻaina – love and respect for the land.
Go
hiking across ancient lava flows and down fluted pali (sea cliffs). Learn to
surf, the ancient Hawaiian sport of 'wave sliding,' and then snorkel or dive
with giant manta rays and sea turtles. Kayak to a deserted offshore island or
hop aboard a whale-watching cruise. Back on land, ride horseback with paniolo,
Hawaii's cowboys.