PassPorter Online
PassPorter.com
Award-winning travel guidebooks
Home Florida - Walt Disney World Caribbean - Disney Cruise Line California - Disneyland Resort Anywhere and Everywhere! Travelers Store Message Boards PassPorter's Club Help!
  About Us  |  Customs Office   |   Register Your Book   |   Book Updates   |  Newsletter  |  Articles  |  Photos  |   Follow Us on
Articles Menu
PassPorter Articles
Planning
Disney Dreaming
What Keeps Us Coming Back
Disney for Veteran Visitors
Rumor Round-Up
Finding Answers
Best Disney Trip Advice
Getting Your Disney Fix
How Young Is Too Young?
Top Ten Disney Questions
Tipping (Gratuities)
Timeshare Vacation Offers
Disney World on a Budget
Credit Cards 101
Money-Saving Strategies
Preparing Kids For Disney
Taking Toddlers to Disney
Planning Trips for Others
Convincing Others To Go
Importance of Being Lazy

Preparing For Your Disney Cruise
Ten "Must Pack" Items
Touring With A Group
Chaperoning A Group Trip
Traveling
Ten Travel Tips
Luggage Tips
iPhone, I Travel
Driving to Disney
Driving With Kids
Child Safety Seats
CARES Harness Review
Rental Cars
Amtrak Auto Train
Airline Security
Flying With Kids
Surviving Long Flights
Surviving Bumpy Flights
Surviving Bad Vacations
Surviving Long Airport Waits
Staying Healthy
First Aid on Vacation
Solo Travel
Pregnant at Disney
Dress For Travel
Traveling With Pets
International Travel
Taking A 'Greener' Trip to WDW

Orlando Sanford Airport
Lodging
Choosing a Resort
On-Site Lodging vs. Off-Site Lodging
Disney Resort Primer
Reserving a Room
Key to the World Card
Fun at Resort Hotels
Disney Vacation Club
All-Star Movies
All-Star Music
All-Star Sports
All-Star Vacation Homes
Animal Kingdom Lodge: Perfect for Teens
Villas at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Beach Club
BoardWalk Inn & Villas
Contemporary Resort
Ft. Wilderness Camping
Old Key West
Wilderness Lodge
Home Sweet Home
Grand Californian #1
Grand Californian #2
Grosvenor Resort
Hilton Resort
Orlando Airport Marriott
Priceline.com
Radisson Resort Parkway
Shades of Green
Westin Century Plaza
Making The Most of Bell Services at Disney's Deluxe Resorts
DVC's Old Key West Resort
Cruising
Preparing For Your Disney Cruise
New Ships!
Cruise Security
International Port Security
Convincing a Husband to Cruise
Palo Dinner Review
Vow Renewals Onboard
Cruising With Special Diets
Cruising St. Martin
One in a Million Cruise
Zip-A-Dee-Zip-Line: A Canopy Adventure
A 'Magic' Time In The Mediterranean
A Wrap-Up From DCL's Inaugural Mediterranean Cruise
DCL: Not Just for Kids!
Spa Villas Review
Touring
Laugh Floor Comedy Club
Mickey's PhilharMagic
Fantasyland For Adults
Mission: SPACE
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
Star Wars Weekends
Animal Kingdom
Expedition EVEREST
Surviving the Parks as First Time Parents
Surviving the Holidays
Overcoming Kids Fears
Planning Park Days
Four Parks in One Day
Touring with Toddlers
A Kid's Perspective
A Teen's Take
Educational Epcot
Flower & Garden Festival
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
Scary Places (Halloween)
Playing "Millionaire"
Winning "Millionaire"
A Day With Allie
Past Attractions at Magic Kingdom
Meeting Mickey
Disneyland at 50
Future of Disneyland
Beyond the Disney Parks
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Monorail System
California Adventure
Expanding Disney's California Adventure
10 Reasons to Love Disneyland
A WDW Veteran's First Trip to Disneyland
A Disneyland Veteran's First Trip to Walt Disney World
Disneyland Homecoming
Walt Disney World With Pre-Teen Boys
Keys To The Kingdom Backstage Tour
Pirates & Princess Party
WDW with Teens? Absolutely!
Dining
Disney Dining Plan
More Dining Plan Tips
Dining Plan Revisited
Dining Plan Answers
Advance Dining Reservation (ADR) Strategies
Artist Point Review
California Grill Review
Nine Dragons Review
Spoodles Review
The Turf Club Review
Crystal Palace Review
Yak & Yeti Review
Tutto Italia Review
Character Dinners
Dine With A Disney Imagineer
Eating Healthy at Disney
Food Allergies
White Water Snacks
MurderWatch Mystery Theatre
Disneyland Dining: Yamabuki
Disneyland Area Dining: Pirate's Dinner Adventure
Party For The Senses
Artist Point
1900 Park Fare Dinner Review
Making Magic
Romance At Disney World
Beating The Post Trip Blues
Discovering the Magic
Magic of Slowing Down
Unexpected Treasures
Wishes Fireworks Cruise
Backstage Tours
Epcot's Segway Tour
Epcot's International Food & Wine Festival
Taking Great Photos
Taking Great Fireworks Photos
Digital Photo Q & A
Souvenirs on a Budget
Pal Mickey
Birthdays at Disney
Reunions and Gatherings
Holidays (Christmas)
More Holidays
Disney Intimate Weddings
Disney Vow Renewals
Custom Events
Scrapbooking
Preserving Memories
Scrapbooking Supplies
Finding Scrapbook Supplies at WDW
Memories and Milestones
Scavenger Hunts
Geocaching
Hidden Mickeys
Hidden Mickeys Book Review
Richard Petty Experience
More Richard Petty Rides
Ft. Wilderness Trail Ride
Disney Podcasts
MouseFest 2006
Cirque du Soleil: La Nouba
Sharing
Making of PassPorter
Rest of the World
United States:
Big Apple Greeter
City Pass Cards
Hawaii
Hilton Head Island #1
Hilton Head Island #2
Celebration, Florida
Key Largo & Islamorada
Miami, Florida
Pensacola, Florida
St. Augustine, Florida
Space Coast, Florida
Tampa-St. Petersburg
WonderWorks (Orlando)
Knoebels, Pennsylvania
Las Vegas
Los Angeles
San Diego
San Francisco
Anza-Borrego Desert
Grand Canyon
The Poconos
New York City
New York Splash Tours
New York City Dining
New York: Antiques
New England
New Orleans
Nashville, Tennessee
Adventures by Disney: Wyoming
Fort Sumter, South Carolina
Zoos of the World
Universal Studios Orlando
New Attractions at Universal Orlando
Seuss Trolley Train Ride at Universal Orlando
Sanibel & Captiva Islands
Universal: For Non-Thrill Seekers?
Madison County, Iowa
The Great Smoky Mountains
Yosemite
Discovery Cove (Orlando)
Busch Gardens Africa: SheiKra Coaster Review
NASCAR AllState 400
Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Niagara Falls, New York
Blue Horizons at SeaWorld Orlando
International Travel:
London
London Museums
London's Globe Theatre
Kent, England
Bath, England
Great Britain via Harry Potter
Stonehenge
Ireland
Paris
Marseilles
Rome
Stockholm, Sweden
Helsinki, Finland
Quebec City, Canada
Prince Edward Island
South Africa
Leeds Castle
Pompeii
Windsor Castle
Wimbledon
Menorca
Dover Castle
Florence
Monaco
Niagara Falls, Ontario
I Dream of Hawaii
by Michelle R. Mangio, Guest Contributor

When it comes to planning a vacation, most people desire to experience something exotic, without the hassles of flying to a foreign country where one has to worry about what languages are spoken, what side of the road to drive on, and different currency. It is for that reason that Hawaii has remained one of the most desired destinations of Americans, consistently ranking in the top 10 of surveys.

Hawaii combines the best of both worlds: the lure of something new and exotic (lush rainforests, gorgeous waterfalls, Polynesian culture and experiences), with the familiarity of ‘home’ (it’s still within the United States).

Visitors to Walt Disney World can get a glimpse of this unique experience with a stay at the Polynesian Resort, offering theming, dining, and influences straight from Hawaii. And now Disney has offered another way to experience this wonderful destination: through the new Disney Adventures program, giving you and your family a magical vacation on two Hawaiian Islands (either Oahu and the Big Island, or Oahu and Kauai), liberally sprinkled with the service and pixie dust that Disney is known for.

Oahu is the island most people think of when they think of Hawaii, though it is perhaps more well-known for one of its regions: Waikiki. This famous beach and city attracts travelers to take a stroll along the stretches of soft white sand, or to partake of the great food and lively entertainment in the city, from night clubs to Polynesian luaus.

Most hotels have great kids (and family) programs, and there are plenty of activities to participate in throughout the island. The U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, for example, is located in Pearl Harbor (a short distance away), commemorating the lives lost during the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Do you love animals? The Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium, and the Sea Life Park all give you the opportunity for up close encounters with many animals, including dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, sharks, and moray eels. Or explore the 4,000 acres of Kualoa Ranch by horse, ATV, helicopter, Jet Ski, or kayak. Explore sunken ships, airliners, and coral reefs by submarine, or ride the slides at the Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park. See Pearl Harbor by catamaran – either by day, or as the sunsets – or take off into the interior on a nature hike or 4x4 safari tour.

On the "Big Island" of Hawaii, even more adventure awaits, for here is the most amazing contrast of the Hawaiian Islands: lush tropical vegetation interspersed with glowing lava fields. A view of the red-hot lava by night is not to be missed! But there’s more than just Volcanoes National Park (where you can witness the island “growing” as the lava slowly flows out into the sea and cools)… visit the desert-like conditions along the Kona coast (and taste its fine coffee!) and then hop on over to Hilo, the rainiest city in America. If you are visiting during the winter, be sure to take a whale watch tour and see the great Humpback whales up close. Swim with the dolphins or learn Hawaii’s favorite pastime, surfing!

And then there is Kauai. When people imagine what Hawaii is like, Kauai is what they are dreaming of; lush, tropical and wild, majestic green mountains with flowing waterfalls streaming down its side. The most amazing way to see Kauai is by helicopter. Soar over the Waimea Canyon, and visit the lush rainforests, some of which can only be reached by helicopter. For hikers this island is paradise, though you can also explore it by guided tour or renting mountain bikes to explore on your own.

A wealth of programs and activities can be found to enrich your experience, teaching you everything from surfing to coconut frond weaving, and exploring everything from tide pools to historic sites. On Saturdays, be sure to check out the Starlight Planetarium Program at the Kauai Children's Discovery Museum in Kapaa, which demonstrates how the ancient Polynesian voyagers used the stars, winds, and currents to reach these islands by canoe. Or just enjoy one of the many gorgeous beaches.

Maui can argue that it is more famous than Oahu, at least among honeymooners. Here romance reigns, with gorgeous stretches of beach (some of the best beaches in the entire country) ranging from soft white to rich black sand, bamboo forests and lush scenery, an ancient volcano, and beautiful waterfalls.

Don’t forget to visit the Maui Ocean Center, featuring a 750,000-gallon, open-ocean tank with a walk-through acrylic tube. Scout for rare birds on a walk through a bamboo forest, or explore the ocean floor on a glass-bottom boat. Hike up Haleakala to view the sunset or sunrise, or take a relaxing catamaran cruise on the ocean. Relax and enjoy this magical island.

Tiny Lanai is often referred to as the most exclusive island in Hawaii; less visited than the “Big Three” (Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island). Visitors to Lanai can often find stretches of sand all to themselves. With only 3,000 people living on the island, you’ll feel as if you’ve found a secluded tropical hideaway where you can escape from hectic, everyday life. This is where people come to relax, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and be pampered. Arguably the best golf courses in Hawaii can be found here. But if you’re not into golf – or into pampering and spa treatments – there is plenty more to do; snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, and deep-sea fishing. Swim in the warm waters, where you might find spinner dolphins frolicking alongside you. Or explore glorious Hulopoe Bay by scuba or snorkel, which is prized for its vivid tropical reef fish. Then take a thrilling 4x4 excursion into remote Keahikawelo or along the sands of Kaiolohia Bay to marvel at the rusting Liberty Ship grounded just offshore. Or just spend some time lying in the sun, enjoying the best Lanai has to offer - turquoise waters, lush tropical vegetation, beautiful beaches, and plenty of sunshine.

But if you really want to escape from it all, Molokai is the island for you. The most noise you might hear is the tropical birds calling out to you from the trees, or the sounds from the bakery in Kaunakakai when folks line up for delicious cinnamon buns and freshly baked rolls. While “relaxation” is the middle name of Molokai, there is still plenty to see and do, for here is a true nature’s playground for you to indulge in. Enjoy a truly unique experience as you take a mule ride down a cliff to Kalaupapa National Historical Park, the isolated, historic settlement of those afflicted with Hansen’s Disease. Enjoy a bicycle tour of the island, or partake in an intimate hike into the interior. Explore the many natural tide pools along the shore. But whatever you do, don’t miss Molokai’s most stunning attraction, the world’s tallest sea cliffs, plunging an astounding 3,000 feet to meet the crashing surf. You can experience it in a myriad number of ways; by sightseeing boat, hike, bike, horseback ride, or a thrilling mule train trip down the steep cliffs.

Hawaii is truly a dream destination. Nowhere else in the U.S. can you find a place so full of natural beauty and lush tropical vegetation, surrounded by turquoise waters filled with brightly colored fish and coral reefs. Here green mountains peak out of fern leaf rainforests, revealing gorgeous waterfalls tumbling down their sides. Stretches of white and black sand beaches invite sun bathers to watch as surfers ride the waves, or dolphins and humpback whales frolic in the ocean.

Here, too, you will find friendly people, and be enriched by the amazing Polynesian culture; from arts and crafts (such as frond weaving and floral leis), to dance (the hula), to delicious cuisine, and immersion in a culture so different and yet familiar.

Hawaii is more than just a dream: it’s very much a reality, and a destination that’s within our own backyard. Accommodations range from simple hotels to villas to luxurious suites, and can accommodate all budgets. So the next time you are planning a dream vacation, make this a dream come true, and visit Hawaii.

This article appeared in our May 11, 2006 newsletter -- subscribe to our popular newsletter today for free!

Related Articles:

Priceline.com
Hilton Head Island

 

Return to PassPorter.com | Discuss lodging on the PassPorter Message Boards

Updated 04/06/07 



Read additional articles from PassPorter.com

Subscribe to our free e-mail newsletter, PassPorter News, published for more than 58,000 opt-in subscribers worldwide. As an added bonus for subscribing, you will receive a 20% discount coupon for the PassPorter Store -- no catch!

E-mail Address:

First Name:

E-mail Format:
-Text/Don't Know  

-HTML

 
 

We respect your privacy and never sell or rent our subscriber list. Subscribing will not result in more spam! We guarantee it.

AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Copyright 1999-2015
by PassPorter Travel Press, an imprint of MediaMarx, Inc.

       LEARN MORE
Learn More With Our Award-Winning Guidebooks


PassPorter's Walt Disney World guidebook

PassPorter's Sidekick for the Walt Disney World Guidebook e-book

PassPorter's Disney Vacation Club Guide

PassPorter's Disney 500: Fast Tips for Walt Disney World Trips e-book

PassPorter's Disney Speed Planner: The Easy Ten Step Program to a Perfect Walt Disney World Vacation e-book

PassPorter's Disney Weddings & Honeymoons

PassPorter's Festivals and Celebrations at Walt Disney World e-book

PassPorter's Treasure Hunts at Walt Disney World

PassPorter's Disney Cruise Line guidebook

PassPorter's Disney Cruise Clues: First-Class Tips for Disney Cruise Trips

PassPorter Disneyland Resort and Southern California Attractions guidebook

PassPorter's Open Mouse for Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line guidebook

       SPONSOR LINKS