When you think of Hawaii, what comes to mind? Crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, waving palm trees, the hula? Hawaii is all this, and more. Hawaii is a study in geological time. Its history began more than twenty-five million years ago. The earth was in a time of terrible upheaval. On the continents, mountains such as the Alps and the Andes were being formed. Under the tons of ocean water, movement of the tectonic plates was taking place. Lands were being formed and pushed up toward the surface. However, it was not until a few million years ago that these volcanic lands began to emerge.

The islands we know were formed in order: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii. Off the coast of the Big Island, a new one is now being formed well under the protection of the ocean. To the northwest of Kauai are barren, uninhabited islands. Some of the would-be islands never survived the earth’s movement, but of those that did, a true paradise was created. First the forces of erosion worked their magic on the islands, creating peaks and valleys. Then came the mosses and ferns. Seed plants were carried by migrating birds and the winds carried insects from other continents. Trees sprang up, and unique animal species began to evolve.

Polynesians were the first to inhabit the islands. They came from the Marquesa Islands and later from Tahiti. Originally they had come from the coasts of Asia. They were probably fleeing wars or other calamities that were invading their homes. The Polynesians were remarkable sailors. They came without chart or compass and without any directions. They came in groups and they made their homes in Hawaii.

In the heart of most Hawaiians is the legend of Pele. She was the daughter of Haumea, the goddess known as Mother Earth. Her father was known as the Chief Who Dreamed of Trouble. Perhaps Pele dreamed this as well. At least she inherited a wanderlust and one day asked her father to send her away. Her brother, the god of sharks, made a canoe for her and sent relatives with her to protect her. It seems that there was also a lover’s quarrel. Both Pele and her sister loved the same man, but her sister stole him from Pele.

Pele had a magical digging stick. In her pursuit of her sister, she dug holes that created volcanoes. Her sister, who was goddess of the seas, followed and put the fires out. As such, the islands were formed.

Polynesian culture flourished until the mid eighteenth century when English ships, under the command of Captain Cook, arrived at the islands. Then followed the missionaries and the women brought over to marry the men, and the face of the islands changed. This is acted out on Maui, in a show called “Ulalena”. Don’t miss it! Hawaii became our 50th state in 1959, so of course, English is the national language. Many schools,however, are teaching the old Hawaiian language. It consists of only twelve letters; the five vowels, A, E, I, O, and U, and seven consonants: H, K, L, M, N, P, and W. You will also find many signs that have been translated to Japanese.

Each of the Hawaiian islands has its own identity. Kauai, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Oahu with its haunting Pearl Harbor and famous Waikiki Beach, Maui with its Road to Hana and whaling villages, Hawaii with its volcanoes and coffee plantations. To see Hawaii, you should at least see all four of these.

Hawaii is for love and romance. It is also for adventure. While there, learn to surf, snorkel or dive, take a helicopter ride over the volcanoes or hike on the warm lava surfaces, experience sunrise at Haleakala and sunset at Mauna Loa, learn about the history at the Bishop Museum, swim with the dolphins, play golf, go fishing (but don't catch the state fish, the Humuhumunukunukuapuaa - it's against the law!). Visit the burial places of Hawaiian royalty at the Iao Needle, or go to the royal Place of Refuge. You will never tire of things to do.

How you see Hawaii is up to you. Guided inclusive tours such as those by Tauck Tours, Perillo Tours, and Globus make it easy to see the islands. Or you can do it on your own through tour operators such as Classic Vacations, Gogo Worldwide Vacations, and Blue Sky Tours, by prebooking hotels and cars, and you can even prebook some of the excursions before you leave. Hotel choices range from small B and B’s to deluxe hotels and villas.

Hawaii is paradise. Hawaii is for all ages. Hawaii is for you!

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