Hawaiian Island Cruise Vacations - Islands in the Sun
By Elaine Lince
Let the lure of lush tropical volcanic islands call you. Imagine your footprints in sand that varies from black to green to golden yellow. Breathe in the salt air as you sit on your own private balcony as the ship slides past the islands at sunset. If your thoughts are starting to drift away, a Hawaiian cruise vacation may be the thing for you.
The Hawaiian Islands consist of eight islands, Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai, Nihau and the uninhabited Kahoolawe. There are several uninhabited islands in a smaller chain.
On your Hawaiian cruise you can take in and enjoy all the onboard activities and dine in the wonderful restaurants found on the cruise ship, and then explore and enjoy the wonders of the Hawaiian islands and the Polynesian atmosphere. Water activities such as deep sea fishing, snorkeling, and helicopter tours around the volcanoes are some of the on-shore activities you can enjoy.
The island of Maui is 727 square miles of tropical forests, volcanic mountains, and wonderful beaches. Waterfall abound. Visit Haleakala National Park home to the worldâÂÂs largest dormant volcano. The sand around this island is soft and yellow. From December to May the humpback whales migrate past. Golfing, biking, and helicopter tours are very popular. Swimming with dolphins and snorkeling are also fun.
Kauai is known as the âÂÂGarden IsleâÂÂ. Abundant rainfall nourishes rain forest and green valleys. The island is actually a volcano that extends three miles about the ocean floor. This island is laid-back; there are small villages and great restaurants. You have seen the terrain of this island if you watched Jurassic Park.
The island of Hawaii has two great areas: the city of Hilo and the Kona Coast. In Hilo the sand turns form green to black to yellow. Hilo is the wettest city in America with ten feet of rain annually, yet maintains an average 70 degrees all year round. There are waterfalls, and an active volcano to see. Surfing is a main attraction.
The Kona Coast has lava rock to white sand beaches. This less touristy area features top-notch dining venues. Stop and get some great coffee. Water sports are popular here on the leeward side of the island. You may want to take a tour of the coffee and chocolate factories, visit botanical gardens or go fishing.
Oahu has the best weather of all the islands. In Honolulu visiting Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona memorial is a must. Stop by the Polynesian Cultural Center. Surfing is again a popular attraction, along with hiking and shopping.
It is easy to see why the Hawaiian Islands are so popular. They capture what is the best of tropical scenery, they have great activities and excursions you can take part in, and a cruise is a great way to see them all. Just think, you only have to unpack once!