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Hawaii - the Big Island
The youngest and most diverse island in the
Hawaiian archipelago, the Big Island is a wonderland of sights
and experience. Larger than all the other islands put together,
it is an island of amazing contrasts. Lush rain forest, plunging
waterfalls, monolithic cliffs, beaches of many colours, fields
of exotic orchids, active volcanoes and snow-capped peaks
are all waiting to be discovered.
The Big Island's attractions include:
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and ground arrangements
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Akaka Falls
One of the Big Island’s most
photogenic spots, the falls plunge some 450 feet down
a mossy cliff face, creating a cloud of spray below.
The setting is idyllic, amidst a chasm overgrown with
tropical vegetation and orchids.
Kailua-Kona
This is the oldest western community
in the islands, founded by New England missionaries
in 1820. The heart of the town retains the air of a
seaside town. You may like to visit Hulihee Palace;
the former summer home of the Hawaiian royal family
and full of Hawaiiana, including the huge furniture
specially made to fit the 400 lb Princess Ruth! Also
here is Mokuaikaua church, the oldest Christian church
in Hawaii, built in 1836.
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Volcanoes
One of the more dramatic sights of
your holiday is certain to be the continual lava flows
of Kilauea, inching gradually into the ocean. Perched
on the slopes of Mauna Loa, Kilauea – whose name means
“much spewing” – has been erupting constantly since
1983, and looks in no hurry to stop. You will have the
opportunity to admire this natural phenomenon up close
in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You’re also sure
to hear the legend of Pele, the fire goddess, said to
have made her home in the crater of Kilauea, and to
manifest herself as molten lava.
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Mauna Kea
The ancient Hawaiians called
Mauna Kea the “White Mountain”, thanks to its snow-capped
peak. Rising to 13,796 feet, it is the highest in the
Pacific.
History
As well as being the place where
western missionaries first landed, the Big Island was
also the birthplace of Hawaiian royalty, including King
Kamehameha 1. The first man to rule all the Hawaiian
Islands together, a statue in Kohala commemorates him.
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Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Gardens
Located in Hilo, the gardens showcase
many orchids, palms and heliconia.
Natural Exports
The Big Island is known for its production
of gourmet Kona coffee, macadamia nuts, beautiful orchids
and anthuriums. Many of the farms welcome visitors,
and offer samples.
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