posted by admin on Aug 28
Sightseeing in Hawaii
Hawaii was, at one point, economically dependant on exports of sugar and a pineapple however much has changed since then. Now the island is almost fully dependant on tourists and leveraging the stunning and unspoiled beauty of the islands. Hawaii has 8 islands in total, 6 of which can be visited by tourists on vacation. Big Island ” Big Island is the largest island in Hawaii as its name would suggest, it is also getting larger with time due to the active volcanoes that are there and which also represent great sightseeing opportunities on the Island. Kona is a must see attraction for tourists and is the epicenter of everything that goes on in the Island. Oahu ” Despite not being the largest Island, Oahu is home to the most Hawaiian citizens and also the government. That is why it is referred to as the gathering place among locals and tourists alike. Just on the borders of Honolulu are pineapple fields, one of Hawaii s biggest exports, which are a great sight for tourists to cast their eyes on. The North Shore of Oahu is a must see place for surfers with some of the biggest waves worldwide appearing there in the winter. The USS Arizona Memorial is at Pearl Harbor and is obviously a popular place to check out for tourists. Maui ” The road to Hana, a village, is referred to by some as one of the most beautiful roads in the world. Do not expect to travel there in a hurry though ” the reason it is memorable is it is long and meandering with beautiful sights along the way. The volcano called Haleakala is massive, and stands tall into the sky of the second largest island in Hawaii. The areas of Lahaina, Wailea, Kihei and Kaanapali are the most popular tourist resorts on the Island and with good reason. They are not only beautiful, but also full of life and engrained in Hawaiian culture and tradition. Kauai - Mount Waialeale is probably the most famous location on the Island of Kauai, however do not expect to go there without your rain coat! One of the reasons it is famous is because it is referred to as one of the rainiest places in the world. The Wailua River is fast paced and teeming with fish, and is also a place that tourists can not give enough of. For those that have never seen a canyon, the Waimea Canyon is certainly worth checking out. The Na Pali Coas is also very popular among tourists too. Molokai ” Molokai is referred to as Friendly Isle however it is not nearly as developed as the other islands that are open to tourists. The most notable attraction is Kalaupapa which was home to Father Damien of the famous leper colony. Lanai ” This Island is famous for once being owned by Dole Foods which are a manufacturer of pineapples. Now it is no longer owned by Dole Foods and is now the residence of a few very exclusive hotels.
The article is written by Andrew Arakaki. He writes about <a href="http://www.buzzhawaii.com">hawaii tours</a> and <a href="http://www.buzzhawaii.com">hawaii adventures</a>.
Holland America Invites the World to Celebrate 50 Years of Grand Voyages
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
As the first cruise line to take on the world, Holland America began Grand World Voyages in 1958. As 2008 approaches, Holland has grand plans for a global-size celebration! Guests can choose from full circumnavigation and circle continent sailings onboard either ms Amsterdam or the intimate ms Prinsendam for tours lasting up to 114 days.
Global Circumnavigation Onboard Amsterdam
With a total of 320 days of cruising, 118 ports and 74 countries, the 114-day global circumnavigation cruise literally puts the world at your feet. The Amsterdam will usher 1,380 guests on January 4, 2008, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, through the Panama Canal and on to the South Pacific, New Zealand, the Far East, India, Arabia, the Mediterranean, Black Sea and North Africa. A stop in Bermuda rounds out the tour before returning to North America. Passengers can disembark in New York or continue on to Fort Lauderdale.
While you might expect to see classic destinations on the itinerary, Holland America has also opted to include several lesser-known, but equally exciting, ports. A maiden call at Phu My, Vietnam, is one of the most intriguing, but those onboard Amsterdam can also look forward to visiting Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Fuerte Amador, Panama; Christchurch and Dunedin, New Zealand; Sochi, Russia; Sevastopol, Ukraine; Split, Croatia and Tripoli, Libya.
Overnight stays are scheduled for Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, Turkey, Venice and other popular destinations. Plus, a first for Grand World Voyages: Guests will get to tour Fiordland National Park’s Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound in New Zealand.
73-Day Grand Africa Voyage on Prinsendam
If intimate cruising is more to your liking, Prinsendam (which accommodates 793 guests) is the perfect vessel for your world cruise. Visits in the Caribbean and Caicos Islands start your voyage in a tropical and relaxing manner before whisking you away to the remote Madeira Islands. As you embark on the African continent, plan to explore the untouched savannahs of Cape Town and Durban, South Africa; the stunning beaches of Mombasa, Kenya and the amazing wildlife of Walvis Bay, Namibia.
Late-night departures are planned regularly throughout the cruise to allow you the most time for excursions, shopping and sightseeing.
Both Ships Upgraded for 50th Anniversary
But the ports are only part of the excitement! In additional efforts to make this noteworthy occasion truly spectacular, Holland has recently upgraded both Amsterdam and Prinsendam. Mariner’s Dream staterooms with plush linens, the Neptune Lounge exclusively for suite guests, the Pinnacle Grill for reservations-only dining of the highest caliber and many other exceptional features have been retrofitted to the two ships, which will carry world-tour passengers.
Shorter Tours Also Available
For those who can’t spare 114 days to explore the world, shorter tours are available. Segment cruises and circle continent sailings can range from 16 to 58 days. While shorter voyages, these tours focus on specific regions of the world and offer multiple opportunities for exploration.
Special Incentives
Currently, Holland America is offering early-booking bonuses for travelers who book world tours now. Those perks can include free airfare, prepaid gratuities, shipboard credit, packages, luggage shipment, limousine transfers and more. Check with your Holland representative or your travel agent for details when booking.
For most people, a world cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime event. If you’re going to invest the time and money to see the world, doesn’t it make sense to do it in grand style? Choose the destinations, the length of time and the ship you prefer and then make plans to see wondrous things you’ve never even dreamed of before!
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center at <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com">http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com</a> offering the best deals including <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/alaska_cruises.htm"> Alaska cruises</a>. Visit them today!