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Many local people, however, still pay homage to Pele, the goddess of volcanoes. Following the ancient Hawaiian tradition, people still leave offerings in extinct craters to show reverence and seek protection. One can see these at sites such as the Big Island’s Pu’uhonau o Honaunau, a sacred place of refuge, and Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park, home of still active Kilauea volcano. The Polynesian cultural centre, located at an hour’s drive from Waikiki, gives a glimpse of the Hawaiian culture and the major South Pacific island nations. One is greeted by friendly islanders of seven different Polynesian groups — Fiji, Hawaii, Marques, New Zealand, Samoa, Tahiti, and Tonga. In the Tongan village, a young maiden demonstrated how tapa (bark) cloth is made. In Samoa, one witnesses the alacrity of a nimble youth to climb a coconut tree and open the fruit. Put on a grass skirt and the Tahitians will show how the hip-swinging otea dance is done. Pick up two sticks in New Zealand and learn how the rhythmic Maori stick game of tititorea is played and beat of Fijian musicians with the bamboo resonators. Every village at the centre features authentic, native activities that sharpen skills, improve co-ordination and spark the mind. Watching the spectacular Canoe Pageant with colourful Polynesians displaying their traditional dances and accompanied music is a feast both for the eyes and the ears. Before the evening show, a stopover at the treasures of Polynesia shopping plaza with stores and kiosks filled with Polynesian handicrafts is tempting enough. There is also a wide selection of keepsakes and souvenirs at Shop Polynesia, the art gallery and the Hukilau store. The highlight of the visit is "Horizons! Where the Sea Meets the Sky," the lavish evening show filled with the songs and dances of the Pacific. This musical spectacular on a large "volcanic island" stage features a cast of over 100 Polynesians in colourful ceremonial costumes reliving their 5000-year-old history through songs, dances and stories. The Hawaiian temple, built in 1919 by the Church of Jesus Christ, is called the "Taj Mahal of the Pacific". Access to the interiors of the temple is restricted to church members. But the visitor’s centre, which features a 10-foot marble replica of Thorvaldsen’s "Christ’s" statue, is open to all which has impeccably manicured gardens with fountains, waterfalls, a reflecting pool, exotic flowers and palm trees. There are a number of
beaches that dot the island’s shoreline. Ala Moana Beach Park is a
favourite for its clear waters, soft sand and picnic facilities. The
sandy lagoon is perfect for swimming. At an arms length is the Ala
Moana shopping centre. Perhaps the world’s most famous beach,
Waikiki, the backdrop for many Hollywood movies, is a sun
tanner’s paradise. The warm waters are perfect for snorkelling and
surfing. The Waimanalo beach is great for learning bodysurfing or
boogie-board. The Kailua beach, five miles past Waimanalo, with its
steady breezes and sandy shoreline, is Oahu’s windsurfing capital.
Ehukal is the site of the famous "Banzai pipeline", where
waves break in a hollow fashion. Surfers disappear inside the
"tube" and emerge seconds later — surfing’s ultimate
manoeuvre. The Waimea bay is the site of the biggest ride-able surf in
the world. During winter, the surf can reach heights of 40 feet. These
lovely beaches entangle the body and spirit of every visitor. |
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FROM
its botanical gardens, cultural centres to its 97 museums and
historical sites, the Aloha state has lots to offer. Hawaii, which
constitutes diverse ethnic groups, witnessed dramatic changes in its
urban environment, economic stature and population structure over the
past two decades.