Hawaii Links

The Band of Blue in Hawaii
June 8 - June 16, 2004

Links to Hawaiian Sites

The World Clock: Compare Cedar Rapids time to the locations on the itinerary. All times on the Calendar Page are local times.
Hawaii, from the National Geographic.Com: "A century after Hawaiians lost their kingdom and much of their culture, a new generation is discovering its roots—and some of them want their islands back."
Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel: "The ASTON Waikiki Beach Hotel, Where Aloha Burns Bright, is Waikiki's 'hottest' new hotel. Located on the most scenic end of Waikiki, directly across the street from world-famous Waikiki Beach, the upscale, urban-Hawaiian themed ASTON Waikiki Beach Hotel features two towers - Main and Mauka." The students and chaperones will be staying at this beautiful resort.
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort: "Waikiki is more exciting than ever with the completion of the $60 million modernization at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort. This superior oceanfront resort offers panoramic views of world-famous Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort offers beauty, adventure and relaxation for every type of traveler." The followers group will be staying here.
Pearl Harbor: "Oil droplets bubble to the surface of Pearl Harbor above the USS Arizona, creating a vivid link to the past. On a quiet Sunday morning December 7, 1941, a Japanese surprise air attack left the Pacific Fleet in smoldering heaps of broken, twisted steel. Here, peace was interrupted and paradise lost. In hours, 2,390 futures were stolen, half of these casualties from the battleship Arizona."
Planet Hollywood: "Located on the beautiful Kalakaua Avenue, the main street of Waikiki."
Polynesian Cultural Center: "Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, the Marquesas, Fiji, the new Easter Island exhibit, Aotearoa (Maori New Zealand), and of course old Hawaii — at the Polynesian Cultural Center... located in Laie, Hawaii, on the beautiful north shore of Oahu. In addition to enjoying the aloha spirit of the people, the Polynesian Cultural Center features the Alii Luau — Hawaii’s most authentic traditional feast, the Rainbows of Paradise canoe show, special features at the IMAX™ Theater, authentic island handicrafts and souvenirs, other dining and package options, and a cast of over 100 performing in the PCC’s spectacular evening show, Horizons: Where the Sea meets the Sky."
Nuuanu Pali Lookout: "The Nuuanu Pali Lookout ("Cool Height Cliff")overlooking the 985 foot cliffs of the Koolau Mountain Range, is one of the best views on O'ahu. It was here in 1795 that King Kamehameha and his warriors defeated the O'ahu armies by sending them over these steep, forested cliffs and claiming his victory and uniting the Hawaiian Islands. The breathtaking sight and the gruesome history of the battle fought here is enough to cause a chill to run up your spine."
North Shore Beach: "This coastline, blessed with pristine white sand beaches - perfect, glassy walled, epic waves and tubes, is known for its world-class surfing, body boarding, body surfing, great swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving in the Summer months."
Sunset Beach: "Sunset Beach Park is one of the better surfing sites on O'ahu, if not in the world. During the Winter fifteen to twenty foot waves are not uncommon - there are also large Summer swells. When becalmed the ocean is great for swimming and snorkeling. Be very careful of the "Sunset Rip" - newcomers to this beach should check out where this and other hazards are with the beach's lifeguards."
Banzai Pipeline: "When you think of Ehukai Beach Park, the Banzai Pipeline comes to mind. This beautiful tubed surfing break got its name in the late 1950s when Bruce Brown, a famous surf cinematographer, shouted out 'Banzai' while narrating the film Surf Surfari as a surfer dropped in on a particularly vicious wave."
Hunauama Bay: "Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, one of the most spectacular natural resources in Hawaii, is reaping the benefits of over a decade of moves to re-establish its pristine marine ecosystem. Recognizing the damage done by years of neglect and abuse by allowing some three million visitors annually, the City and County of Honolulu in 1990 laid out a plan to restore Hanauma to a clean, healthy state by reducing the number of visitors, establishing an education program, and instituting supportive restrictions."
Diamond Head: "The most famous volcanic crater in the world is Diamond Head, located on the South-east Coast of O'ahu at the end of Waikiki overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was originally named Laeahi by the ancient Hawaiians. The name meant 'brow of the tuna' and looking at the silhouette of the crater from Waikiki, you can see the resemblance. The current name came was given to the crater by British sailors in the 1800's. When they first saw the crater at a great distance, the calcite crystals in the lava rock appeared to glimmer in the sunlight. The sailors mistakenly thought there must be diamonds in the soil."
Hilo Hattie’s: "From the paradise isles . . . the Store of Hawaii is the largest retail source for Hawaiian and Island Lifestyle products. Established in 1963, Hilo Hattie has grown to be one of the most recognized brands in Hawaii - a name you can trust."
Germaine’s Luau: "Take in the rich cultural heritage of the Pacific Islands. Drink in the spectacular show delivered to you at the ocean's edge, under the stars and palm trees. Be touched by the magic of ancient Hawaii and its splendor. Enjoy the sense of belonging, where you are part of the celebration. Experience an authentic Hawaiian Luau like no other and discover why visiting us once may not be enough. Germaine's Luau, is quite simply 'The Best'."
Volcano National Park: "Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, established in 1916, displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution -- processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with complex and unique ecosystems and a distinct human culture. The park encompasses diverse environments that range from sea level to the summit of the earth's most massive volcano, Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. Kilauea, the world's most active volcano, offers scientists insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and visitors views of dramatic volcanic landscapes." More links for the Big Island trip can be found on the Calendar Page.