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With hundreds of islands and over seven hundred miles of coastline, the state of Hawaii features some of the most beautiful and pristine locations in the world. For a family looking for a little bit of everything on their next vacation, Hawaii can be the perfect place to visit. But, unless they know where they’re going, families can find themselves spending a majority of their vacation time travelling from island to island. That is, unless they visit the North Shore of Oahu, which offers a touch of traditional Hawaiian culture with modern amenities and great places to eat.

Oahu “The Gathering Place”

Oahu, the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands, features the state capital, Honolulu, on its southern coast. The eastern coast of the island features excellent fishing in Kaneohe Bay. But it is the North Shore of Oahu that can provide families with the perfect vacation itinerary.

For the family members searching for a little bit of traditional Hawaiian sports experience, the North Shore provides three well-known surf spots: Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay, and Ehukai Beach. All three locations provide excellent surf waves and plenty of easily accessible surf instruction for beginners. And for those interested in the sport, Ehukai Beach is one of the world’s premier locations for surf competition. In fact, Ehukai Beach has made the North Shore of Oahu the most famous surfing location in the world.

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The Polynesian Experience

For those interested in Hawaiian culture but not so interested in the world of extreme sports, the North Shore also offers a bevy of other options. The Polynesian Cultural Center offers families the opportunity to plan a “personalized Polynesian experience.” This can include a cultural tour guide and entrance to a variety of traditional Hawaiian villages.

Once the family has seen what it was like to live in a traditional Polynesian village, it might be time to move on to more traditional modern beach activities. The North Shore offers a wide variety of things for those wishing to experience the outdoors. The entire family can stick together on the hiking trails by beautiful Waimea Bay.

Or, if they feel like spending some time on the water, there are a number of fishing and boating options. Chupu Charter’s North Shore Fishing experiences provide excellent big-game fishing opportunities with trained professionals. If the family is interested in the fish but not in fishing, there are also Shark Tours available. And for those who want to be on the move all the time, there are paddle, hang gliding, and horseback riding lessons available on the North Shore.

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Then, once everyone is worn out from a hard day of island exploration, there are a number of restaurants that provide the perfect Hawaiian fine dining experience. Because of the close proximity to traditional Hawaiian fishing areas, almost all North Shore restaurants offer the freshest seafood in the world, guaranteeing that there is something for everyone to try. But just in case, there are also a number of restaurants featuring traditional American fare.

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Maui is among the top vacation destinations in Hawaii, and for good reason. The island offers countless activities for tourists, both indoors and out, as well as spectacular views from nearly anywhere on the island. Maui boasts over 120 miles of coastline with sparkling blue waters, as well as many unique inland environments. This popular vacation spot offers something for everyone, from romantic getaways to family vacations.

On Maui, one of the most popular tourist activities is the luau. The largest hotels in Maui offer a weekly luau to give tourists a taste of life in Hawaii. A Hawaiian feast, luaus offer traditional Hawaiian dishes and unique new takes on exotic tropical cuisine, in addition to breathtaking entertainment, often including fire dancers and hula dancing. The delicious buffet found at a luau nearly always includes Palua Pork, which is sometimes cooked in the traditional manner of utilizing an underground oven to cook an entire pig.

When visiting Maui, or any other Hawaiian island, do not forget to leave time for the beach. Maui is known for its beautiful sands and sparkling blue waters. If you want to sneak a peek at the underwater life, including coral, tropical fish, and manta rays, try scuba diving or snorkeling. To see the marine life without getting wet, schedule a submarine tour. There are many other ways to enjoy the waves, too, including surfing, jetski rentals, and of course, swimming. A number of specialty tours and cruises offer unique views of the island and the waters surrounding it. Whale watching is a particularly popular cruise between December and April.

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There are plenty of unique environments to explore away from the water. Maui is home to two volcanoes, which have created a mountainous region known for its unique ecosystem. Explore this area by Jeep or by helicopter. Visit the Oheo Gulch or Seven Sacred Pools area to swim in a series of waterfalls and pools emptying into the Pacific Ocean. Local legend claims that swimming all seven from start to finish will bring you luck for a year.

The island of Maui is easy to explore thanks to the Hana Highway, running along the eastern coast of the island. There are countless lookout points offering amazing views along this highway. Other vantage points can be found by hiking or biking one of Maui’s many trails, which also offers you the opportunity to spot the unique plants and animals that call Maui home. The environments on the island range from lowlands to forests to rainforests, each filled with a diverse range of exotic species.

For the most part, the best views are said to be along the coastline. However, there are inarguably thousands of amazing views available all across the island. The best sunrise view is said to be the view from Haleakala crater. This crater was caused by the eruption of Haleakala; this volcano last erupted in 1790, and you can still see the lava flows from this eruptions. One of the highest mountains in the world, it measures five miles from seafloor to the summit, towering 10,000 feet above the sea. For sunset, make your way to Lahaina, a wharf offering a street of shops and restaurants and frequent whale watching and sunset cruises.

In Hawaii, leis made of beautiful tropical flowers are given as a gift on many occasions; visitors often receive one of these wreaths upon their arrival in Hawaii. The lei is most often made of Plumeria blooms, which are pink or white and very delicate.

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Another flower often used for lei wreaths is the lehua blossom. Known for bright flowers and soft, needle-like pedals, this species is the official flower of the Big Island. This flowering tree is considered by native Hawaiians to be sacred to Pele, the volcano goddess, and to the goddess of hula, Laka.

A well-known flower that has made its way into countless tattoos and other representations of Hawaiian culture, and is thought to best represent ‘aloha’ and all things Hawaii, is the yellow hibiscus. Known to native Hawaiians as the pua aloalo, this has been considered Hawaii’s official flower since the 1920s.

Hibiscus flowers are very large, and are often found both in leis and decorating the side of a fruity tropical drink. This plant also has many other traditional uses, ranging from teas and jams to herbal remedies for dandruff, nausea, and wound dressing. When placed behind the ear of a woman, this flower indicates whether she is available for a relationship. Giving a hibiscus as a gift means “seize the day,” since the blooms only last a day or so.

The hibiscus is also found in white, purple, pink, and red, and is very fragrant. There are over 200 distinct varieties of this flowering plant. Though only seven are native Hawaii, you are likely to see dozens of other varieties on Hawaii; these have been imported from other tropical climates around the world.

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Each island also has its own official flower. On some islands, their official bloom is quite plentiful, and you are likely to see it while on vacation. In others, the flower variety is quite rare or even endangered, and you would be lucky to see it without a visit to a botanical garden.

Although many people associate orchids with Hawaii, there are actually only three orchid species that are native to the islands. The rest have been imported. Other exotic flowers that can be seen around the islands include the heliconia, or bird of paradise, with a unique wax-like appearance. This is often cited as the most exotic-looking plant on the islands.

Besides flowers, there are also many other unique plants seen in Hawaii. For example, fruit trees, including avocado, banana, mango, papaya, breadfruit, and macadamia, grow abundantly throughout the islands. Lychees, which are shaped like grapes with a hard coating, are a prized fruit; these trees grow wild throughout Hawaii. The Koa Tree, found at higher elevations, is found only in Hawaii. This hard wood is used for canoes, bowls, and furniture. If you look around the islands, you’ll surely be dazzled by the array of flowers, plants, and trees that you see.

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Though many modern luaus stray from traditional luau cuisine, with menus incorporating such varied foods as macaroni salad and sushi, many large luau events still adhere to more traditional culinary choices. Many of these traditional luau foods have been eaten in Hawaii for centuries. When visiting Hawaii, be sure to attend a luau party for an exotic feast and entertaining surprises. On the mainland, throw a Luau-themed party for the perfect summer celebration.

Your own luau feast should start with Kalua Pork, a well-known mainstay of luau menus. At large luau events, an entire pig is often roasted all day in a specially-constructed pit oven. For a smaller luau party, cook a pork roast slowly in liquid smoke and Hawaiian rock salt. Once it is fully cooked, shred it. Though many people think of a whole roast pig when they think of a luau, it is entirely possible to approximate this delicious dish on a smaller scale.

Another popular and authentic meat choice for a luau party is chicken marinated in teriyaki sauce, which gives it a delicious combination of savory and sweet flavoring. Serve this dish with pineapple rings on the side. Seafood fans will enjoy Lomi Salmon, another excellent choice for your luau party. This contemporary dish that is often seen at today’s luaus is a combination of shredded salmon filet, diced tomatoes, and crushed ice. Serve your meat choice with long rice cooked in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, or teriyaki sauce. Another delicious tropical side dish is a fruit platter featuring coconut and pineapple.

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Nearly every traditional luau includes poi as a unique side dish, as it was a staple of Hawaiian diet for many centuries. A nutritious dish made from the root of the taro plant, it can be purchased fresh in some locations. To make poi yourself, peel, steam, and mash the taro root. Add water to the mashed root until it forms a pudding-like consistency, and serve cold. Another traditional luau food to incorporate taro is actually known as ‘luau.’ This dish is chicken wrapped in taro leaves and baked in coconut milk.

Luau cuisine is often very creative; this creativity should continue in the way the buffet is displayed. For example, serve the tropical fruit in a bowl constructed from a hollowed out watermelon, or thread the fruit onto bamboo skewers. Many of the larger professional luaus use each dish to create a uniquely shaped display across the buffet table.

Don’t forget to create a fitting dessert for your luau. Many Hawaiian desserts incorporate coconut milk. Haupia, a traditional coconut-based Hawaiian dessert, is made by combining three cups of coconut milk and half a cup of sugar in a saucepan. Once this mixture is warm, stir in half a cup of cornstarch, which thickens the dessert. Pour into a baking dish and sprinkle with shredded coconut. Chill this dessert, and serve once it has become firm.

When planning a luau, remember that the food is the most important attribute. A modern luau party, which should be planned as a feast for the senses, often combines both traditional Hawaiian dishes and unique luau-style cuisine that is actually a fusion of several styles. When creating your own luau feast, remember to incorporate lots of teriyaki sauce and tropical fruits. Luau party food inspiration should be drawn from the island environment of Hawaii; a wide variety of tropically-inspired foods completes the luau atmosphere.

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In Hawaii, leis made of beautiful tropical flowers are given as a gift on many occasions; visitors often receive one of these wreaths upon their arrival in Hawaii. The lei is most often made of Plumeria blooms, which are pink or white and very delicate.

Another flower often used for lei wreaths is the lehua blossom. Known for bright flowers and soft, needle-like pedals, this species is the official flower of the Big Island. This flowering tree is considered by native Hawaiians to be sacred to Pele, the volcano goddess, and to the goddess of hula, Laka.

A well-known flower that has made its way into countless tattoos and other representations of Hawaiian culture, and is thought to best represent ‘aloha’ and all things Hawaii, is the yellow hibiscus. Known to native Hawaiians as the pua aloalo, this has been considered Hawaii’s official flower since the 1920s.

Photo by suchitra of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/chitrasudar/

Hibiscus flowers are very large, and are often found both in leis and decorating the side of a fruity tropical drink. This plant also has many other traditional uses, ranging from teas and jams to herbal remedies for dandruff, nausea, and wound dressing. When placed behind the ear of a woman, this flower indicates whether she is available for a relationship. Giving a hibiscus as a gift means “seize the day,” since the blooms only last a day or so.

Photo by ashleytheartist2002 of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/ashleytheartist2002/

The hibiscus is also found in white, purple, pink, and red, and is very fragrant. There are over 200 distinct varieties of this flowering plant. Though only seven are native Hawaii, you are likely to see dozens of other varieties on Hawaii; these have been imported from other tropical climates around the world.

Each island also has its own official flower. On some islands, their official bloom is quite plentiful, and you are likely to see it while on vacation. In others, the flower variety is quite rare or even endangered, and you would be lucky to see it without a visit to a botanical garden.

Although many people associate orchids with Hawaii, there are actually only three orchid species that are native to the islands. The rest have been imported. Other exotic flowers that can be seen around the islands include the heliconia, or bird of paradise, with a unique wax-like appearance. This is often cited as the most exotic-looking plant on the islands.

Photo by Tiger Girl of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/tigergirl/

Besides flowers, there are also many other unique plants seen in Hawaii. For example, fruit trees, including avocado, banana, mango, papaya, breadfruit, and macadamia, grow abundantly throughout the islands. Lychees, which are shaped like grapes with a hard coating, are a prized fruit; these trees grow wild throughout Hawaii. The Koa Tree, found at higher elevations, is found only in Hawaii. This hard wood is used for canoes, bowls, and furniture. If you look around the islands, you’ll surely be dazzled by the array of flowers, plants, and trees that you see.

One of the most popular tourist activities is a luau. This Hawaiian feast offers delicious food, including traditional Hawaiian dishes and exotic fusion cuisines, in addition to amazing entertainment, including fire dancing, a Samoan display, or hula dancing, which originates in Hawaii. The delicious buffet almost always includes roast pork, sometimes cooked in the traditional manner of an underground oven. Many of the largest hotels host their own weekly luaus to give tourists a taste of island life.

When vacationing in Maui, or indeed anywhere in Hawaii, don’t forget to leave plenty of time for the beach. On Maui, enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling to sneak a peek at the unique underwater life, including tropical fish, coral, and manta rays. Want to see the underwater life without getting wet? Schedule a submarine adventure. Other ways to enjoy the waves include swimming, surfing, and jet ski rentals. There are a number of specialty tours or cruises designed to offer you a unique view of the island and surrounding waters. Whale watching, for example, is particularly popular between the months of December and April, when these beautiful creatures may be spotted off the coasts of Maui.

Away from the beaches, explore the mountainous regions of Maui by helicopter or by Jeep. Visit the Oheo Gulch, also known as the Seven Sacred Pools. Located in Hana, this series of waterfalls and pools empties into the Pacific Ocean. According to legend, swimming all seven pools from start to finish will bring you good luck.

Maui is easy to explore thanks to the Hana highway, with runs along the entire east coast of the island. Other amazing views can be seen by hiking or biking along one of the many trails in Maui. Besides the breathtaking views, you’ll also get a chance to spot the unique flora and fauna that make Maui such an amazing place to visit. Maui is characterized by a diverse range of climates and environments created by its pair of volcanic mountains, ranging from lowlands to forest to rainforests filled with exotic species of both plant and animal life.

There are inarguably thousands of amazing views from Maui, particularly along the coastline, though the best sunrise view is said to be on Haleakala crater. Haleakala last erupted in 1790; you can still see the lava flows on your visit to Maui. One of the world’s highest mountains, it measures 5 miles from the seafloor, and rises to 10,000 feet above sea level. For sunset, head to Lahaina, where you’ll find a street of shops and restaurants and a wharf, from which sunset cruises and whale watching journeys often depart.

What Middle Eastern-style meal would be complete without skewers of grilled shish kabob? While its name still evokes the exotic locales of places such as Turkey and Arabia, shish kabob spread across Asia to Europe, America and Australia, becoming a truly global dish.

Every shish kabob cook has his or her own favorite recipes, but here are 5 of the most frequently seen variations. Experienced cooks suggest using stainless steel skewers rather than wooden ones to avoid getting splinters in the food. Oiling the stainless steel skewers also will help get the entrée onto the plate when it’s time to serve.

Chicken Shish Kabob.

Chicken has become one of the more popular meats for shish kabob, especially in southern Asian recipes from India and points east. White meat chicken is cut into 1-1/2 inch cubes and threaded onto skewers, alternating with an array of vegetables as varied as the cook’s imagination. Since the meat for shish kabob is typically marinated in advance, cooks have the opportunity to come up with creative flavor combinations. Some like to use a single tense flavor such as teriyaki sauce, sometimes with a little ginger to give it some “kick.” A Japanese “yakitori” version mixes sake, soy sauce, molasses and grated onion, while a tropical island recipe uses pineapple juice mixed with brown sugar, soy sauce and dry mustard.

Beef Shish Kabob.

Beef has become another preferred meat for shish kabob. Cooks prefer to use sirloin for beef shish kabob because it grills well and holds up on the skewer. Teriyaki sauce is a popular marinade for beef shish kabob, while other cooks opt for red wine, flavored oils or the traditional olive oil mixed with a firecracker array of peppers or with cumin, the spice that gives Indian curry its zing. Beef shish kabob is most often matched with traditional vegetables: mushrooms, onions, green peppers and tomatoes.

Shrimp Shish Kabob.

While it can be difficult to use fish in shish kabob, shrimp is the perfect seafood for a skewer. In fact, the Australian “shrimp on the barbie” dish often turns out to be a shrimp shish kabob. Shrimp shish kabobs are about the easiest to make, because they can be grilled by themselves without vegetables, simply brushed with melted butter or teriyaki sauce. A simple recipe for shrimp shish kabob marinates a pound of shrimp two hours in olive oil with lemon, garlic, chopped and parsley pepper. Then it’s grilled for five minutes and delivers mouth-watering taste to eager diners.

Fruit and/or Veggie Kabobs.

Vegetarians can get into the act as well when it comes to shish kabob. In fact, some cooks love nothing more than to fill a skewer with squash, onion, mushroom, peppers, tomatoes, zucchini or other veggies, brush everything with teriyaki sauce or butter, and then grill and enjoy. Even chunks of fruit can be made into shish kabob, usually served with a sweet dipping sauce.

Lamb Kabobs.

Lamb shish kabob is the classic interpretation of this dish. In fact, shepherds in the Middle East probably originated the recipe. To make traditional lamb shish kabob, cut lamb into 1-1/2-inch cubes and marinate in olive with salt, pepper, garlic and oregano or mint. Alternate meat on the skewer with chunks of onion, tomato, pepper and mushrooms. Grill until the meat is medium well and the vegetables are tender-crisp.

The lei-giving custom was first observed by Captain Cook in 1779, though this tradition is believed to date back to at least several centuries before this sighting. Originally, the design and wearing of a lei was meant to symbolize the wearer’s social rank, which was reflected in both the type of flower used and how the lei was woven. Today, leis are frequently worn by Hawaii’s most important public figures, such as the governor, particularly for important public appearances and on holidays.

Leis have also been worn, both historically and in modern times, on important occasions, including births, deaths, victories, and graduations. Depending on the occasion’s symbolism, different flower varieties or colors can be incorporated into the lei. Leis are also used in various religious ceremonies, where lei rituals are completed to ask the gods for safety when traveling or fishing or for fertile crops.

Leis are a popular Hawaiian gift not only for special occasions but also as a symbol of respect, love, welcoming, or appreciation. Though lei ceremonies have typically been reserved for important occasions, today leis can represent many different meanings, and are seen at nearly every public gathering, for nearly any reason, throughout the islands. Many visitors even receive a lei when they arrive to Hawaii on vacation. They are said to represent the “spirit of aloha,” which can mean several different feelings, including a greeting, farewell, hope, joy, or love. A lei created from beautiful flowers is meant to represent a non-verbal expression of aloha.

One occasion in Hawaii where leis are nearly always seen is a wedding. The wedding couple can incorporate leis into their celebration in several different ways. The wedding officiant may bless or hold the flowers, which the couple then exchanges a symbol of their commitment to each other. They may also give the leis to their family, a symbol of the families joining together. They may choose to have the wedding party don leis instead of corsages, or give them to wedding guests as favors to symbolize their appreciation for the support of their guests.

Today, leis are popular gifts for dozens of different occasions, and the gift of a lei has come to symbolize many different feelings. Though there are almost no restrictions on the occasion or meaning of a lei gift, if you are the recipient of a lei, there are a few guidelines to follow. A lei is a very special, hand-woven gift, and it is considered rude to refuse on. It should be treasured, especially if you are honored with a lei made from a particularly rare flower. The lei should be worn around the neck, head, or a hat brim. Do not wear leis around your neck if you are pregnant; according to superstition, this represents the tangling of the umbilical cord. To dispose of a lei, never throw it in the trash. Instead, return it to nature, either to the area where the flowers were collected,  or by hanging it in a tree or floating it away in a body of water.

The islands of Hawaii were first noticed by Europeans when Captain James Cook happened upon the islands during his search for the Northwest Passage, a water route through North America. Naming the chain the Sandwich Islands, he carried news of his discovery back with him, prompting other Europeans and Americans to settle in the area throughout the 1790s and 1800s. Not only settlers but also missionaries began arriving as soon as 1820, attempting to convert native Hawaiians to Christianity. Within just a few decades, the chain became a primarily Christian nation. Because of all of these foreign influences, the diet and living standards in Hawaii changed significantly during this time.

At this time, politics within Hawaii were changing rapidly as well. In fact, each Hawaiian island had its own distinct entity as recently as 1810, when King Kamehameha I finally united the islands, forming the Hawaiian Kingdom. A well-developed government was soon established; King Kamehameha III prompted the writing of the Constitution in 1840. By 1848, the government instituted a western-style concept of land ownership, replacing the old system in which the islands were owned in common by every resident. This move, known as Mahele, opened the doors for large pineapple and sugar plantations. As a result, many native Hawaiians were left landless.

In 1843, Hawaii fell briefly under British rule, though the islands regained their sovereignty the same year. Still, this event proved a sign of what was to come. The government of the Kingdom of Hawaii would be challenged throughout the rest of the century, finally being overthrown by American colonists in 1893. Eventually, Hawaii became a U.S. territory in 1898, symbolizing the end of nearly two thousand years of uninterrupted rule by native Hawaiians with Polynesian ancestry.

In December 1941, a surprise attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, resulted in U.S. entry in World War II. Prior to the attack, few Americans had heard of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, which was then still a U.S. territory. Because of its strategic importance to the U.S. Navy, Hawaii was placed under martial law during the aftermath of this surprise attack. Hawaii was exposed to unprecedented international attention throughout the war, and life would never be as isolated on the islands as it was before the war.

Hawaii became a state in 1959 following a vote showing 94 percent in favor of statehood. Despite this landslide vote, there has always been a significant movement headed by native Hawaiians to regain Hawaiian sovereignty.  In fact, various political groups have advocated for self governance in Hawaii since the area became a U.S. territory in 1898.

These beautiful flowers are used for many Hawaiian traditions. Among these, the most well-known is the giving of flower wreaths known as leis. This gift is hand woven, and meant for wearing around the neck or head. When vacationing in Hawaii, you may even receive a lei as a symbol of welcoming upon your arrival. Many leis are made of plumeria, one of the most popular Hawaiian flowers.

Another flower that is commonly used in leis is the lehua blossom. Known for bright flowers and soft, needle-like petals, it is the official flower of the Big Island. Native Hawaiians consider this flower sacred to Laka, the goddess of hula, and Pele, the volcano goddess.

The hibiscus is one Hawaiian flower that is familiar to many on the mainland. The yellow hibiscus, which has been considered Hawaii’s official flower since before statehood, is seen in tattoos and other symbols of island culture, such as leis. It is frequently used to decorate the side of a tropical drink, and is said to be the flower which best symbolizes ‘aloha,’ or the island spirit.

The hibiscus is known to native Hawaiians as pua aloalo. Giving a hibiscus as a gift has come to symbolize “seize the day,” because the blooms are short-lived. Besides its decorative uses, the hibiscus has also been used for teas and jams, as well as traditional herbal remedies for dandruff, wound dressing, nausea, and other purposes.

The hibiscus flower is very large, and is often found in white, purple, pink, and red, in addition to the most popular yellow variety. In fact, there are over 200 distinct varieties of the hibiscus. Only seven of these are native to Hawaii, you are likely to see many other varieties on the islands which have been imported from around the world.

While the hibiscus is Hawaii’s state flower, each island also has its own official flower. Some islands have chosen a bloom that is quite plentiful throughout the island, while others are rare or even endangered, and not often seen outside botanical gardens.

Although orchids are one of the flowers that is strongly associated with Hawaii, there are only three species of orchid that are native to Hawaii; the rest have been imported. Other exotic flowers that you may see throughout Hawaii include the heliconia, better known as the bird of paradise. Its unique wax-like appearance has earned it a reputation as the most exotic-looking plant on the islands.

There are also many non-flowering tropical plants that are seen in Hawaii. These include fruit trees such as banana, papaya, mango, and breadfruit, which grow abundantly here. A prized Hawaiian fruit is the lychee, which is shaped like a grape with a hard coating. One tree found only on the island is the Koa Tree, which grows at higher elevations. Its hard wood has been used for canoes, furniture, and bowls.

When visiting Hawaii, you’re sure to be dazzled by the array of tropical flowers, plants, and trees, both in the wild and in Hawaii’s well-known botanical gardens. Many of these exotic species are not found anywhere else in the world.