Page 14 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – May/June 2018

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The Hawaiian Islands: A Slice of Paradise
TM
By Judie Karhan
In magnetic Hawaii, cares magically melt away with the tropical sun. Here, warm coastal breezes sway coconut palms and cobalt blue seas stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s easy to believe that you have found paradise. The lure of these islands is so compelling that many frayed mainlanders find themselves returning year after year.
With so many naturally beautiful features – expansive beaches, cascading waterfalls, lush gardens and mountains – Hawaii makes a perfect island getaway. On a Discoveries 12-day adventure with Insight Vacations, visitors to Hawaii have the opportunity to explore all the wonders of four main islands – Oahu, the Big Island, Maui and Kauai. While these islands share many similarities, each is unique in its geography and history, with personalities all their own.
Begin the journey in the capital city of Honolulu, taking in fantastic views of Waikiki Beach and the ocean from the balcony of your elegant oceanfront hotel. The next day there will be opportunity to take a historian-guided tour of Iolani Palace, the only official royal residence in the United States, as well as a downtown tour of Honolulu that includes the Hawaii State Capitol and historic King Kamehameha Statue at Aliiolani Hale (home to the Hawaii State Supreme Court). But the day isn’t over yet. In the evening, as the sun sets over the Pacific, enjoy a luau feast and entertainment from storytellers, musicians and dancers of the Aha’aina Luau.
The next day, the tour group will visit historic Pearl Harbor, home of the USS Arizona and the battleship Missouri memorial, honoring World War II military personnel. Later, sit back and relax on a scenic drive into the volcanic crater known as Punchbowl, home to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Punchbowl’s Hawaiian name, “Puowaina,” is often translated as “Hill of Sacrifice,” which relates closely to the history of the crater.
In the morning, fly to the Big Island to discover Kailua-Kona, once the capital of the Kingdom
of Hawaii. Spend time exploring Kona and learn the story of the 1900s local coffee farmers at the Kona Coffee Living History Farm. The Big Island is unlike the other islands in many ways. Volcanoes
National Park is one of the few places in the world where visitors can come face to face with an active volcano. Walk where lava once flowed in the Thurston Lava Tube and view the world’s largest volcano, Mauna Loa, as well as the active volcano, Kilauea. Visit the Jagger Museum featuring exhibits of Pelehonuamea, the Hawaiian deity of volcanos. With all this lava, it should not surprise visitors to also find black-sand beaches on the island. While in the high country, cattle graze the verdant valleys under snowcapped mountains.
After a full day exploring the Big Island, it’s off to Maui, your home for the next three days. Maui, the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands, was once a thriving whaling center. Today, one of its biggest draws is Haleakala, a 10,023-foot-high volcano you can drive up to or bicycle down as you say aloha to the morning sun or enjoy another beautiful sunset. On Maui, you will find the perfect combination of scenic mountains and coastline, luxury resorts, shopping and sports activities. During your time spent on the island there are many opportunities for leisure pursuits such as snorkeling off coral reefs or venturing along the infamous Road to Hana. Your Traveling Concierge is available to make all the arrangements.
Kauai, the last leg of the journey, is commonly referred to as Hawaii’s Garden Isle. It is known especially for its lush rain forests, dramatic coastal cliffs and valleys. Magnificent sunsets on the western shores set the stage for romance. Expect to find
a bit of heaven when you reach the beautiful white-sand beaches and take in the magnificent coastal views at your resort in Poipu. One of Kauai’s amazing natural geographic features is Waimea Canyon, with its vibrant colors resplendent in
the changing island light. Enjoy the scenery as
narrated by an island native. In the evening, dine on contemporary Hawaiian cuisine and wine, served amid open-air thatched huts, waterfalls and koi-filled lagoons of Tidepools Restaurant at your farewell celebration dinner.
This Insight Vacations tour also features plenty of free time to explore on your own ... perhaps indulge yourself at a spa, take a flightseeing tour over rainforests and hidden waterfalls, golf at a championship course, or simply soak up the sun. Aloha!
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