December 2013 2013 Holiday Travel Guide Travel Leisure Company Inside this issue: complete 2 Welcome to Hawaii this 2 Think fun. Think adventure. Think Hawaii! Offering a great range of things to do, Hawaii is sure to have something that will please everybody. Universally known to be one of the most striking places in existence, it's not enough to just to soak in the when 2 beauty so why not make the most of your time by filling it in with fun-filled adventures? Choose from something as simple as a massage, a stroll along the beach and playing golf to something extreme such as surfing giant waves, parasailing and jet skiing. finished 3 Enjoy the brilliance of the country with a fun activity that's suitable to your needs and taste – trust Hawaii , it has it all! Come with 4 over to Hawaii and catch a wave! all 5 articles 6 Featured Property The TLC featured property this month is the Kahala Hotel and Resort located in Honolulu. The Kahala has the distinction as a Leading Hotel of the World. Set on a private beach in one of Oahu’s most upscale resi- dential neighborhoods, The Kahala Hotel & Resort has a secluded hide- away vibe. December Discount—book your trip by December 31st and receive a $500.00 airfare credit per person. See your TLC Specialty Travel Agent for details. Page 2 Travel Leisure Company 2013 Holiday Travel Guide The Rich History of Hawaii “The Aloha State” became the 50th state in 1959, but the history of Hawaii goes back centuries earlier. Roughly 1,500 years ago, Polynesians from the Marquesas Islands first set foot on Hawaii Island. With only the stars to guide them, they miraculously sailed over 2000 miles in canoes to migrate to the Islands. 500 years later, settlers from Tahiti arrived, bringing their beliefs in gods and demi-gods and instituting a strict social hierarchy based on a kapu (taboo) system. Hawaiian culture flourished over the centuries, giving rise to the art of the hula and the sport of surfing, but land division conflicts between ruling chieftains were common. In 1778, Captain James Cook, landed on Kauai at Waimea Bay. Naming the archipelago the "Sandwich Islands" in honor of the Earl of The state of Hawaii Sandwich, Cook opened the doors to the west. Cook was killed only a year later in Kealakekua Bay on Hawaii Island. consists of eight main In 1791, North Kohala born Kamehameha united the warring factions of Hawaii Island and went on to unify all of the Hawaiian Islands into one royal kingdom in 1810. In 1819, less than a year after King Kamehameha's death, his son, Liholiho, abolished the ancient kapu islands: Niihau, system. Kauai, Oahu, Maui, In 1820, the first Protestant missionaries arrived on Hawaii Island filling the void left after the end of the kapu system. Hawaii became a Molokai, Lanai, port for seamen, traders and whalers. The whaling industry boom flourished in Lahaina Harbor in Maui. Throughout these years of Kahoolawe and the growth, western disease took a heavy toll on the Native Hawaiian population. Big Island of Hawaii. Western influence continued to grow and in 1893, American Colonists who controlled much of Hawaii's economy overthrew the Hawaiian Kingdom in a peaceful, yet still controversial coup. In 1898, Hawaii became a territory of the United States. In the 20th century, sugar and pineapple plantations fueled Hawaii's economy bringing an influx of Japanese, Chinese, Filipino and Portuguese immigrants. Lanai, under the leadership of James Dole, became known as the “Pineapple Island,” after becoming the world’s leading exporter of pineapple. This mix of immigrant ethnicities is what makes Hawaii’s population so diverse today. On December 7, 1941, the Japanese launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on Oahu. Four years later, on September 2, 1945, Japan signed its unconditional surrender on the USS Battleship Missouri, which still rests in Pearl Harbor today. In 1959, Hawaii became the 50th State of the United States. Today, Hawaii is a global gathering place for visitors to share in the spirit of aloha. Beyond the sun and surf of the islands, we urge you to discover the rich cultural history of Hawaii to add even more depth to your visit. Heritage Sites of Hawaii Heritage Sites of Hawaii are special places located throughout the islands that provide significant histori- cal, cultural and environmental contributions to the understanding and enjoyment of Hawaii. Whether it’s a unique natural wonder; a National Historical Site, Park or Monument; or a sacred place that encapsulates Native Hawaiian customs, beliefs and practices; these are the sites that are “must see” destinations on your next visit to Hawaii. Bishop Museum: The premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific region, Bishop Museum is known throughout the world for its cultural collections, research projects, public education programs, and Native Hawaiian artifacts. Diamond Head (Leahi) State Monument: Hike to the top of Hawaii’s most recognized landmark for panoramic views of Waikiki and Honolulu. Iolani Palace State Monument: Dedicated in 1882 and the only official state residence of royalty in the U.S., Iolani Palace’s grounds and galleries are now open to the public as a mu- seum. Makapuu Point Lighthouse: Located on the Ka Iwi State Scenic Shoreline, the Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail features breathtaking ocean views. National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl: This is one of the nation’s prominent national cemeteries. Over five million visitors come to pay their respects here and to see the panoramic view of Honolulu. Nuuanu Pali Lookout: Also known as the Nuuanu Pali State Wayside, this historic site provides an impressive, 1,200-foot view of the Windward side. Pearl Harbor: Visit the five Pearl Harbor Historic Sites located in this National Historic Landmark and World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. Queen Emma Summer Palace: The summer retreat of Queen Emma, this museum houses a collection of her belongings, furnishings and artifacts. Washington Place: Visit Washington Place in Downtown Honolulu, the residence of Queen Liliuokalani, Hawaii’s last reigning monarch. It is located in Hawaii’s Capital Historic District and is open for private tours Page 3 Travel Leisure Company 2013 Holiday Travel Guide Hawaiian Culture and Traditions The Cultural Tourism of Oahu Oahu is a civilized paradise that's best known for its rich culture and colorful history. Its multicultural heritage complements the warmth of its people and its inviting tradition. Oahu's love for culture is very evident in the number of cultural centers they have put up as well as the museums showcasing Hawaii's natural beauty, unique heritage, history, and arts. To emphasize the wealth of Hawaii's culture, Oahu is home to museums, theaters, and tours that offer a glimpse of the past and its celebrated traditions. Other than mere sightseeing, you are encouraged to join tours and take part in many activi- ties that are in store for both locals and foreign guests. The Hula Hula is a uniquely Hawaiian dance accompanied by chant or song that pre- serves and perpetuates the stories, traditions and culture of Hawaii. Hawaiian legends tell stories of hula beginning on the islands of Molokai and Kauai. Today, this enchanting art form has become a worldwide symbol of Hawaiian culture and the beauty of Hawaii’s people. The popularity of hula has spread to the U.S. mainland, Japan and even Europe. There are many types and styles of hula. Hula auana (modern hula) is danced to western influenced music and features a more modern and fluid style. This is the most familiar type of hula to visitors. Hula kahiko (ancient hula) is danced to dramatic chants and percussion with more traditional costumes. The Polynesian Cultural Center, or PCC, is a good a starting point for your cultural exploration. It is almost an hour away from Waikiki. To represent the diversity of the early inhabitants of Hawaii along with their rich history, it showcases native villages repre- senting Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, Aotearoa (Maori New Zealand), Rapa Nui (Easter Island), and the Marquesas. Here, you can learn more about the history of each island nation and how they mirror the true Polynesian culture. This is also a good place for admiring exhibits and participating in activities that feature traditional arts and crafts, ancient forms of recreation, food preparation, and even training methods used in ancient warfare. The Lei Custom The lei custom was introduced to the Hawaiian Islands by early Polynesian voyagers, who took an incredible journey from Tahiti, navigating by the stars in sailing canoes. With these early settlers, the lei tradition in Hawaii was born. With the advent of tourism in the islands, the lei quickly became the symbol of Hawaii to millions of visitors worldwide. There are very few "rules" when it comes to wearing a Hawaiian lei. Anyone can wear one, anytime - there need not be an occasion. It is perfectly fine for one to purchase or make a lei for themselves. It is common for locals to have a nut, seed or shell lei on hand to wear on special occasions. And hats are often adorned with flower, fern or feather leis. There are, however, a couple of "unspoken rules" one should know when receiving a lei for the first time. A lei should be a welcomed celebration of one person's affection to another. Therefore, always accept a lei, never re- fuse. The proper way to wear a lei is gently draped over the shoulders, hanging down both in front and in back.