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Cruising Hawaii, The Vacation for the Entire Family

By: The Cruise Web, Inc.

Hawaii! Just saying the name invokes memories of family, fun and adventure! For me, a Southern California native, Hawaii was a “local” destination. From the sparkling black sand beaches and tropical rain-forests to native cuisine, metropolitan shopping to the friendly, warm culture — Hawaii has it all!

When you think of Hawaii, you think of several unique islands, each offering its own unique scenery and activities. So, what’s the best way to see the most of Hawaii? Cruising, of course! In one easy voyage, you can see much of these majestic islands. There are a couple options to cruising the islands. You have the option of a 7 day round trip from Honolulu (my recommendation), or a longer voyage from the West Coast. When cruising from Hawaii you have the opportunity to see all of the major islands and cities in one fabulous trip! And …this trip includes overnights where you want them most, Maui and Kauai.
Additionally, Hawaii is one of the most family friendly places to which you could travel! I’ve compiled a list of my favorite sites and activities from my past trips. Each one is a treat for you, and a delight for the entire family.
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory – Hilo
If you like macadamia nuts, you’ll love this factory! It features the history and trivia of macadamia nuts as well as the ability to view actual processing. The gift shop has all things macadamia, including the much sought after, macadamia nut oil.
Volcano National Park – Hilo
Also in Hilo is the Volcano National Park. Home of Kilauea Volcano, the Big Island’s youngest volcano, this park also boasts the Thurston Lava tubes. These round, pitch black tubes were created from the steam of the ocean as it rose from the red hot lava that flowed centuries ago.
Maui’s Rain Forests
I’ve visited many rain forests in my travels; however, none compare to those I visited in Maui. Bright vibrant colors, clear clean smells, nature at its finest. If you think your kids wouldn’t enjoy this excursion, think again! With the help of one word, I guarantee they’ll be up for it: bugs! No, not the flying get in your face bugs, more of the ”let’s see what’s under this rock” type of bugs. You know, the kind your kids collect! You don’t have to look, but they can’t resist.
Haleakala National Park – Maui
Here, on Maui’s highest peak, lies the world’s largest dormant volcano, Mount Haleakala. This volcano is quite a sight offering deeply sculpted, richly colored surfaces. This peak is deeply etched in my memory as I had the opportunity to view it at sunrise. From pitch black the sun exploded into colors that defy description. From the top of the 7 mile crater the views were indescribable.
Dole Pineapple Factory – Honolulu
While the plantation itself is used mostly for tours now, it a fascinating look into the history of the pineapple — and the man that made it famous, James Dole. There’s a train that runs through the plantation and a garden tour where you will see more pineapple varieties than you knew existed. Yes, there is a gift shop and yes, they do ship to the mainland.
Honolulu Zoo
If you like zoos, then the Honolulu Zoo is for you. This zoo boasts all that other zoos have to offer – and more! It has more than it’s share of fascinating tropical birds, reptiles and mammals. With world class tropical rain-forest habitats, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime.
Pearl Harbor – Honolulu
There’s really not much I can say about Pearl Harbor, it left me speechless! And … it will leave you the same way!
Kauai
Known as the Garden Isle, it’s the oldest and most beautiful of the islands. From Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, to Hanalei Beach on the Nawilwili Bay — it’s easy to see why people love it! Learn to hula, go to a luau, count geckos, visit a ranch — this island contains as much adventure or relaxation as you want.
In total, I’ve traveled to Hawaii five times. If I could sum up all of these experiences, it would go something like this: the memories you will create will be cherished forever — it’s a vacation like no other, an experience of a lifetime!
Bon Voyage!
The Cruise Web, Inc.
The Cruise Web, Inc.
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