Articles about Hawaii
Shopping Hawaii
For some, a vacation without shopping is only a vacation. Whether you’re in this group or just a casual consumer, the Islands of Aloha will supply every opportunity to satisfy your craving to hold a shopping bag. Pack light and plan to pick up a new bathing suit or a perfect little sundress for lunch on the terrace. Leave your golf cap at home and select a logo cap from your new favorite golf course. Or add to your collection of stylish and fun aloha shirts.
While you’re touring, keep an eye out for the small antique shops and general stores that pop up and be sure to stop in. you might find the one thing you didn’t know you were looking for.
Have fun discovering unique made in Hawaii products like macadamia nut cookies, island-grown coffee, baked goods, Hawaiian Vintage Chocolates, jams, jellies and the world’s sweetest pineapple. Want some more? Take home a supply. Tropical flowers like protea, ginger, anthurium and bird of paradise are another popular purchase. Visit a flower farm and order a stunning arrangement sent to your home every month.
Leave room in your suitcase to bring some goodies for yourself and your friends. Part of the fun in shopping Hawaii is the many good things that just aren’t available back home. From kitschy souvenirs that have real class just because they’re from here, to original design aloha shirts, beautiful and rare shell necklaces and hand-carved koa wood bowls and Hawaiian quilts. There are lots to choose from to keep the memories of your Hawaii vacation alive between visits.
If you like you’re shopping concentrated; there are shopping malls and centers in the more popular regions. You’ll find an array of department stores, designer boutiques and a merchant mix sure to have something for everybody and a memory in every purchase.
Hawaiian Volcanoes
The first thing that many people think of when they hear about the danger of the volcanoes is the hazards of lava. Actually, even though the temperature of the lava is about two thousand degrees Fahrenheit, lava is probably the least danger to a person with common sense. There are many dangers that are easily overlooked in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the volcano areas on the Big Island. You would not expect these dangers if you did not have knowledge about this area. This applies mainly to the Big Island, but Maui has a lot of areas with recent flows of lava. This is especially true in the southern part of Maui.
On the Big Island you can hike across lava at the Chain of Craters. You will find two kinds of lava there, a’a flows and pahoehoe. It is a foolish thing to try and walk over a’a. The only lava flows that are hardened enough to hike over is the pahoehoe flows such as the ones at the Chain of Craters Road.
You can approach active lava flows at this location also if they are active. The main danger in hiking across lava is the sharp edges of the hardened lava. They are sharp like broken glass and it is very easy to cut yourself if you fall. It is always best to wear gloves and long pants. This will offer you some protection if you fall. The hot sun on black lava discourages some people from wearing long pants, but they are necessary if you want to avoid injuries. Remember that you are walking over shallow tubes of lava that can collapse and let you go a little below the surface. If you are planning a long hike, you will need to bring plenty of water so that you do not dehydrate on the black lava.
If you are hiking out to see an active lava flow, you will still want to be properly prepared. You can only get so close to the active flows before you will be forced back by the heat. Be sure to be sensible and only get as close as you have to for viewing the lava. The lava will be about two thousand degrees Fahrenheit. Do not attempt to climb up any slopes because active lava flows can be hidden in tubes below the surface. You do not want to mistakenly find one.
Do not ignore the boundary ropes in the National Park. They are there to protect you. The park service is very lenient about how close people can get to the lava flows. It is extremely dangerous to cross their boundaries. The areas that are usually roped off is where the lava enters the ocean. In this area there are deadly steam plumes, gases, and violent explosions. They rope off the lava benches because of the same risks. A lava bench is subject to collapse at any money and will result in a definite catastrophe for anyone who happens to be on the bench.
The Hawaiian volcanoes are a wonderful place to visit. Just be sure you take the necessary precautions and use common sense.
Privacy