| Hawaii is situated in the North Pacific Ocean and is | | | | Hiking here should be a priority. |
| the 50th state of the United States. It lies in the | | | | The town of Wainea is home to the Parker |
| tropics, completely surrounded by water and | | | | Ranch, the largest in the country. It's a complete |
| without any territory on any mainland or | | | | cowboy treat with the 4th of July Rodeo thrown |
| continent. The islands were formed by the | | | | in for good measure. Mauna Kea is a place best |
| volcanoes that rose from the sea floor and there | | | | approached by the Saddle Road where you would |
| is a theory that the tectonic plate under the | | | | be literally on top of the world at 13,796 feet. |
| Pacific Ocean moves in a north westerly direction | | | | Now we move from Waimea down the hill to the |
| and the hot spots remain stationary and this is | | | | south Kohala coast, a playground beyond belief. |
| slowly creating new volcanoes and explains why | | | | Swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing all on the sunny |
| southern Hawaii has active volcanoes. | | | | shores of white beaches is to be experienced to |
| The legend of the Polynesians says that the | | | | be believed. |
| goddess Pele moved across the islands of aloha till | | | | The harbor town of Kailua-Kona has shops, |
| she reached the big island which was her home. | | | | restaurants, hotels, condominiums, deep sea |
| Here is one island where active volcanoes erupt | | | | fishing charters and the Ironman Triathlon World |
| constantly, adding to the overall land area. It | | | | Championship every October. Head south and fill |
| inspires a spirit of energy and creativity in every | | | | your senses with the amazing fragrance of some |
| visitor. There are many water falls which leave | | | | of the world's best coffee. The Kona Historical |
| visitors spellbound, the flora and fauna add an | | | | Society in Kealakekua is home to the local history. |
| element of fantasy to the place and the beaches | | | | Some of the best snorkeling sites can be found |
| are watched over by Snow Mountains. All said and | | | | here. Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park |
| done, the natural scenic beauty of this place | | | | is the place that served as a refuge for the |
| defies description. | | | | Hawaiians and is one of the most sacred sites of |
| The capital city of Hilo has one foot in the present | | | | Hawaii. |
| and one in the past. It rains only in the evenings | | | | Kau is bordered by the Puna district at the Kilauea |
| which ensures that it is ever green. Local color | | | | volcano. Life goes on despite lava engulfing some |
| would include a trip to the Siusan Fish Auction and | | | | towns, but for the orchids and flower growers, its |
| the Farmer's Market on Wednesdays and | | | | business as usual. Here, tired but happy tourists |
| Saturdays. North of Hilo is the Hamakua coast | | | | can soak in the volcano heated thermal pool and |
| which has vertical cliffs, wispy waterfalls and lush | | | | reflect on all the beauty that they have seen. The |
| green valleys. The highway ends at the Waipio | | | | wonderful vacation spots in Hawaii really need to |
| Valley which is the only one accessible by road. | | | | be experienced to be believed. |