Hawaii is enchanting. Its beauty will stun you. Its floral scents will surround you. Its culture will fascinate you. Its legends will intrigue you. Its world-class resorts will pamper you, and you'll be treated as honored guests, as the "Spirit of Aloha" embraces you.

If you have traveled to Hawaii before, nothing more needs to be said. If you have yet come to visit, mere words and pictures can never do justice to the wonders that await you…but we'll try!

The environment is friendly, and the beauty of Hawaii is almost unparalleled. Majestic mountains were created millions of years ago by volcanic activity that thrust the islands three miles from the ocean floor. Wave action across endless eons of time created coral reefs, and then battered and broke them to create miles of white sand beach. To millions of travelers, Hawaii means paradise!

HAWAII TRAVEL INFORMATION GUIDE

Hawaiian Language

When visiting Hawaii it is useful, and polite, to speak with a few basic Hawaiian words and expressions.

The Hawaiian alphabet has only 12 letters - the five regular vowels (a, e, i, o, and u) and seven consonants (h, k, l, m, n, p, w).

The vowels are pronounced ah, ey, ee, oh and oo, not ay, ee, eye, oh and you like in English.

Most of the time each vowel in a word is pronounced separately.

We have listed a few of the popular words that you may find useful:

aloha - hello, goodbye, welcome, farewell, love
haole - a foreigner, often referring to a Caucasian
heiau - Hawaiian temple, place of worship
hula - native dance of Hawaii
kamaaina - native born citizen or local resident of Hawaii
lanai - a porch, balcony or veranda
luau - a Hawaiian feast
mahalo - thank you
makai - a direction "towards the sea"
mauka - a direction "towards the mountains"
mele - a song or chant
ohana - family
ono - delicious
pau - finished
poi - crushed taro root, made into a sticky paste

Climate

ABOUT HAWAII'S CLIMATE
Hawaii has a moderate tropical climate influenced by the warm Pacific Ocean and prevailing northeasterly trade winds. Temperatures vary little from place to place, except at higher elevations. The average annual temperature of 75 ° F (23.9° C) fluctuates only slightly from summer to winter. The recorded temperature in the state has ranged from 12° F (-11.1° C) near the summit of Mauna Kea in 1979 to 100° F (37.8° C) at Pahala (on the Big Island of Hawai‘i) in 1931.

Unlike the temperature, Hawaii's rainfall varies tremendously according to location. The highest amount of rainfall is usually at moderate elevations on the windward (east) sides of the islands and is due to moisture-laden oceanic trade winds. Leeward (western) locations are drier, because they are shielded from the damp winds by mountains. The lowest rainfall in the state is at Puako on leeward Hawai‘i (Big Island), which averages 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain a year. Mt. Wai‘ale‘ale on Kauai is known as the "world's wettest spot," averaging 486 inches (12,344 mm) of rainfall per year. Severe storms are uncommon, but in September 1992 Hurricane Iniki caused an estimated $1 billion in damage, mostly on Kauai. The state's annual "hurricane season"-- when these storms are most likely to form -- is June through September.

Average climate

Average January temperature range
Honolulu: 65° to 79° F (18.3° to 26.1° C)
Hilo: 63° to 80° F (17.2° to 26.7° C)

Average July temperature range
Honolulu: 73° to 87° F (22.8° to 30.6° C)
Hilo: 68° to 83° F (20° to 28.3° C)

Average annual temperature
Honolulu: 77° F (25° C)
Hilo: 73° F (22.8° C)

Average annual precipitation
Honolulu: 23 in (584 mm)
Hilo: 134 in (3404 mm)

Mean number of clear days per year
Honolulu: 90
Hilo: 30

Weddings in Hawaii

Love is in the Air. Believe it or not, there really is no word for "romance" in the native Hawaiian language. "Hoonanea" comes closest, meaning as it does "to pass the time in pleasure." And when you come to Hawaii seeking romance - whether for a honeymoon, or a wedding, or that unforgettable getaway with the one you love - you'll find time passing in sweet pleasure no matter what you and your special someone are doing.

These are the pictures every other destination in the world tries to imitate, but they just can't: You're strolling together by the light of mystic lanterns and torches, the glow of an orange moon on your glistening white beach. Or perhaps you're riding horseback through sparkling surf, with the palms swaying in the balmy breeze. Or maybe it's the hula dancers that are swaying, under a Banyan tree, to the serenade of steel guitars and ukuleles. Or it could be that once-in-a-lifetime kiss, intoxicated by the scents of plumeria and night-blooming jasmine.

All these experiences are waiting for you in Hawaii, along with countless others we'll leave to your imagination. Small wonder that Hawaii is the number one dream destination for lovers the whole world over.

And perhaps now you begin to see why the native Hawaiian language has no need for a word for romance. Because in Hawaii, romance is the very essence of life.

Hawaii Weddings

Marriage License Requirements in Hawaii

License Information
You must have a valid license to be married in Hawaii. Licenses may be obtained at:

State Department of Health
Marriage License Office
1250 Punchbowl Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 586-4544

or by appearing before one of the many marriage licensing agents on the Neighbor Islands (your hotel or wedding coordinator can direct you to the nearest one). There is no waiting period, and the license is valid statewide for thirty days. The fee is $50 cash, payable to the agent.

Other Information

Both partners must be over the age of eighteen. Birth certificates are not required, but a driver's license or other form of identification should be brought to the licensing appointment. If either partner has been married before, he or she will have to state the date, county and state (or country) in which the divorce was finalized for each previous marriage. The license also requires the names of each partner's parents and the places where they were born.

• Please call us (toll free) at 1-888-783-1342 for more information.

Getting There

Hawaii - Hawaii's Big Island is the largest of six major islands in the Hawaiian chain. Due to our size, we have two international airports - one on the East side of the island in Hilo and the other on the West side in Kona. You'll find both airports slower-paced, relaxed and uniquely tropical. Convenient, direct flights into Kona allow you to begin your stay in paradise sooner and if you're coming from overseas, you'll usually save time getting through customs as well. More and more visitors are traveling to the Big Island by sea, enjoying a luxurious and fun ocean cruise as part of their adventure. Two ports of call offer exciting opportunities to sample the Island's amazing variety of climates, natural wonders and myriad

Kauai - The northernmost and oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands--is a little bit out of the way. About 2,400 miles from the nearest continent, to the north the Pacific stretches unbroken to Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, and to the south about the same distance to the islands of Polynesia. But getting here from most places is just an in-flight movie, a couple of meals and a nice, long nap away. United Airlines offers direct service to the island twice daily and Sun Trips excursions schedule twice weekly flights. However, all major American carriers and 11 international carriers touch down at Honolulu International Airport. From there, you'll connect with a quick inter-island flight to Kauai. Inter-island carriers, Aloha and Hawaiian Airlines, depart about every 30 minutes from Honolulu International Airport for the 27-minute hop to Kauai. Flights are scheduled from about 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Passage on an inter-island cruise ship will get you a quick look at the island. Norwegian Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean cruise ships call on Kauai. The $400-million Norwegian Star can accommodate 2,200 passengers and is scheduled to make its inaugural trip to the island in early December.

Lana'i - Lana'i is served by two of Hawaii's major Inter-island airline operators, which connect with US mainland and overseas carriers through Honolulu International Airport.

Moloka'i - Moloka'i is just a short 20 minute flight from Oahu. Service is provided by several inter-island airlines.

O'ahu - Honolulu is the Hawaii's capitol and the state's largest city. Honolulu International Airport is Hawaii's main terminus and 90% of all the national and international carriers land here. The Neighbor Islands are serviced by regularly scheduled, inter-island commercial flights that use Honolulu as their hub.

With daily, direct flights from all over the globe and hundreds of places to stay, it's easy to plan a holiday in paradise. The best thing about your Hawaiian vacation is that it can be designed to fit your budget. All of the best things are free including the ocean, the beaches, the sun and the aloha.

Popular Destinations

Kaua'i - Kaua'i, "The Garden Isle," is the oldest and fourth largest of the Hawaiian islands. It is a lush island dense with misty rain forests, magnificent canyons, intensely vibrant flowers, rushing rivers, and verdant horizons. Its natural bounty has been the backdrop for many films; luxury lairs plus ample outdoor activities and spellbinding sights make it a fantasy island for honeymooners both energetic and idle.
Kaua'i is a total sensory experience, a place where the richly hued Waimea Canyon shares real estate with white-sand beaches, sea geysers, dramatic cliffs, ginger-scented jungle, rare seabirds, wild fruits, sequoia forests, fern grottoes, and cascading waterfalls. Its natural bounty has been the backdrop for many films and T.V. shows including South Pacific, Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark and, perhaps most famously, Fantasy Island. Hit the trail, slip into a kayak, or hop a horse to explore the real deal up-close.

Lana'i - The island of Lanai, Hawaii's most exclusive island, is remote from the pressures of the outside world, a place where relaxation is always accompanied by the pleasures of the good life. Its ideal weather rivals the best in the world. Its warm, friendly residents welcome travelers with a down-to-earth charm. Hawaiian culture, outdoor adventures, a variety of water sports, championship golf, white sand beaches and wonderful accommodations help complete the picture.  We invite you to explore our Island, proudly known as "Hawaii's Most Exclusive Island."

Hawai'i - During your vacation here on Hawaii's Big Island, you'll find yourself - renewed, refreshed, amazed, informed and deeply touched - by abundant, spectacular and unspoiled nature, by the warmth of an authentic Aloha spirit uniquely nourished by our contact with this living land (itself constantly in rebirth) - and by the sheer variety of all there is to see, to do and to feel. Hawaii's Big Island is famous as a magnet for the peoples of the world. When you feel the presence of this special place, you'll find out why - and you'll redefine your expectations of the word "vacation." You can begin your adventure right now! Dive into our site: you'll soon be "magnetized" yourself!

Maui - This one island offers an ideal combination of activity and inertia -- perfect if you only have time to visit one island or like to keep your options open -- yet lives up to its "Magic Isle" moniker. Rainbows are regulars and artists swoon over the dreamy vistas. By day, award-winning beaches; palm-fringed golf courses (Maui's west coast is called the "Golf Coast" thanks to nine world-class courses); and Haleakala National Park, the largest dormant volcano in the world -- the Manhattan-sized crater is filled with hiking trails and lush valleys -- battle for your attention. Rent some wheels and hug the Hana Highway, an enchanting 52-mile, 600-curve coastal drive framed in cascading jungle- and waterfall-covered cliffs and ocean drop-offs. At night you and yours can haunt swanky restaurants, watch a luau, or simply sit on your star-lit lanai (balcony) and listen to waves break upon the moonlit shore.

Moloka'i - There's an island in Hawai'i that the world has left behind. A place where there are no buildings taller than a coconut tree. No traffic and no traffic lights. Where nature calls you to push yourself to the limit and pull yourself together.

Despite the fact that hula was invented here, the world seems to spin a little slower on this charming island near the middle of the chain. Called the "Friendly Isle" -- and thought by some to be the "most Hawaiian" of the Islands -- come here to rediscover the simple pleasures of pokey exploration and conversation (called "talking story") under palm tree wind chimes. Speaking of palm trees, you won't see any buildings higher than one (three stories) and traffic lights, honking horns, an car snarls are nonexistent. Think mellow days exploring the Kamakou Preserve, a mountainside rain-forest preserve and sun worshipping on three-mile-long Papohaku Beach, the longest stretch of sand on the Hawaiian Islands.

An island, a place, a state of mind...called Moloka'i

O'ahu - O'ahu is the sun and fun capital of the Hawaiian islands with an array of sea, land and sporting activities from which to choose. Visitors will enjoy hiking through rainforests, biking along mountain ranges and swimming in the azure blue waters of the Pacific. These activities are excellent vehicles to explore the environment, history and experience the culture of the island.

The climate is extraordinarily consistent with average summer high temperatures at 87 degrees and average winter high temperatures at 80 degrees. The ocean hovers between 72 and 76 degrees all year long.

Social butterflies will appreciate why O'ahu ("oh-wa-oo") is known as the "gathering place": Everyone's here! There's infamous Waikiki Beach, a district of Honolulu that hums with a multicultural mix of cultures, shops, restaurants, shows, discos, and tourist attractions, including the Honolulu Zoo, 500-acre Kapi'olani Park, Waikiki [band] shell and aquarium. Venture north to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center, a Polynesian "EPCOT" of sorts, and stay for the dinner buffet and evening show. Rimming the island are some great beaches, including Waimea Bay (of the Beach Boys' "Surfin' USA" fame) and Halona Cove (near the Halona Blowhole) where you can suck face in the "From Here to Eternity" surf. On a somber note, no visit to O'ahu is complete without visiting the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, which hovers directly over the wreckage of the warship, also the final resting place of many of the men who died that day (their remains are still inside).

Big Island of Hawaii

Activities | Attractions

Activities

Submarine Tours
One hundred feet below the surface aboard one of the world's most sophisticated tourist submarines, you'll journey through natural coral reefs and see a wide variety of fabulous marine life. Tours depart regularly from the Kailua-Kona pier.

Sport Fishing
Kailua-Kona is known as Hawaii's sport fishing capital, and hosts one of the world's largest marlin tournaments each summer. Charters are available on a half or full-day basis, and most provide tackle, bait and plenty of fishing knowledge.

Golf
With more than a dozen courses to choose from - and some unique terrain - the Big Island is a wonderful golf destination. You'll find oceanfront, lava-laced courses on the Kohala Coast, and pristine, pastoral fairways located 2,000 feet above sea level.

Snorkeling
Float above a colorful underwater world of reef fish, coral formations and ancient, underwater lava fields and you'll discover the fun and relaxation of snorkeling - Big Island style. It's easy, and it cools you off at the same time!

Horseback Riding
The Big Island boasts hundreds of thousands of acres of ranchland and pastures, perfect for horseback riding. Ride through the Waipio Valley or above the Kohala Coast, and perhaps you'll get a glimpse of the life of the paniolo - the Hawaiian cowboy.

Attractions

Tsunami Museum
Located in the restored vintage 1930 First Hawaiian Bank Building in downtown Hilo, the museum is a stunning showcase for tsunami exhibits and displays. Those who died in tsunamis and those who survived and started over after losing family, friends, homes and businesses is honored here.

Parker Ranch
Located along the Kohala Coast is the Parker Ranch, at 225,000 acres one of the largest cattle ranches in the United States. Surrounded by miles of green meadows, this unspoiled area maintains the feel of old Hawaii. Experience the life of the paniolo - the Hawaiian cowboy.

Hulihe'e Palace
Built in 1838 by Governor John Adams Kuakini, the Palace remained a vacation spa for Hawaiian royalty until 1916. A collection of former Hawaiian royalty furniture and effects, as well as ancient artifacts owned and maintained by the Daughters of Hawaii is displayed.

City of Refuge National Park
The 182-acre park features ancient ruins and the most impressive collection of Hawaiian petroglyphs on the South Kona Coast. The beautifully preserved setting also includes a puuhonua (temple), royal fishponds and other interesting archeological sites.

Hawaii Volcano's National Park
One of the state's premier visitor attractions, this national park is home to Kilauea, a 4,000-foot volcano whose January 1983 eruption still continues today. The lava of Kilauea runs down slope all the way to the sea, creating one of the most spectacular sights on earth.

Oahu

Activities | Attractions

Activities

Golf
There are 21 golf courses are open to the public on Oahu, and more to come. The courses range from relatively modest nine-hole layouts to world-class, championship courses whose tournaments attract some of the biggest names in golf.

Snorkeling
Visit Oahu and you'll find the island is at least as pretty below the water line as it is above. You can snorkel in a dedicated marine preserve for a small fee at Hanauma Bay, and there's also good snorkeling at Kaimana Beach at the eastern end of Waikiki.

Shopping
From high-class fashions and jewelry to authentic island artifacts, Waikiki's assortment of shopping malls and specialty stores offer something for everyone. The Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center or International Marketplace make for good places to start.

Surfing
For decades, Oahu has been known as the surfing capitol of the world, with the greatest range of breaks and the best-known beaches. You'll find hundreds of different spots, with conditions perfect for rank beginners as well as the best in the world.

Sailing
A lunch, dinner or sunset cruise is a great way to create a lasting memory of your visit to Oahu. It's an outstanding opportunity to watch whales during the winter months and a great way to see the island from a different perspective.

Attractions

Pearl Harbor
Visit the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, a monument straddling the sunken hull of the battleship sunk during a Japanese attack on December 7, 1941. Also visit the U.S.S. Missouri, the site of Japan's official surrender to the United States and the end of World War II.

Hanauma Bay
Quite possibly the world's most popular place to snorkel, this crescent-shaped bay located a half-hour from Waikiki is home to an incredible variety of brightly-colored fish...many of whom will eat right out of your hand.

Polynesian Cultural Center
An hour from Honolulu on Oahu's north shore is the Polynesian Cultural Center. Here, you'll get to know the people and cultures of Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, the Marquesas, New Zealand and Tahiti. Bring your camera, and stay for the royal luau.

Bishop Museum
Nowhere else in the world can you find as impressive an array of Polynesian artifacts. Dedicated to the preservation of Pacific cultures, the Bishop Museum provides an ideal destination to discover what Island life was like in bygone days. Just 20 minutes from Waikiki.

Iolani Palace
This Historic Landmark is the only state residence of royalty in the United States. It is the official residence of King Kalakaua and his Queen, from 1882 until the King's death in 1891. The Palace was capitol of the Provisional Government, Republic, Territory and State of Hawai`i until 1969.

Kauai

Activities | Attractions

Activities

Hiking
The island of Kauai offers hikers the opportunity to experience some of the world's most beautiful scenery. Whether you're a novice looking for a relaxing afternoon spent exploring an easy trail, or an avid hiker seeking a weeklong adventure, you'll find it here.

Kayaking
The oldest island in the Hawaiian chain, Kauai features Hawaii's only navigable rivers, providing another option for kayaking enthusiasts. Several outfitters on the island lead excursions on the Wailua River and along the Na Pali coast.

Helicopter Tours
A terrific way to see the entire island of Kauai in a short period of time is by "flightseeing" on a helicopter tour. The pilot is your narrator as you cruise above Mt. Waialale, Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast, Hanalei Bay and many other sights.

Luaus
What's a visit to Hawaii without an evening spent at a luau? Kauai has some good ones, including a few award-winners. Enjoy a hearty island buffet dinner and a tropical beverage or two, then sit back and experience the songs and dances of the Islands.

Golf
An impressive array of golf courses dot Kauai. The oceanfront courses at the Poipu Bay Resort annually play host to the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, and the majestic fairways and greens at Princeville provide some of the world's most spectacular golf experiences.

Attractions

Napali Coast
Unmarred by roads, Kauai's Na Pali Coast is accessible only by boat, helicopter, or via one of Hawaii's most famous hiking trails. With wind and wave-worn cliffs jutting thousands of feet above sea level, the Na Pali Coast is one of Kauai's most frequented natural wonders.

Kilauea Lighthouse And Wildlife Refuge
Built in the early 1900's, the lighthouse guided ships heading to and from the Orient. The lighthouse sits on a narrow peninsula, one of Kauai's most popular attractions. Visitors can enjoy bird watching and learn of Kauai's natural history.

Fern Grotto
Centrally located on Kauai's eastern shore, the Fern Grotto is the site of many of Kauai's most memorable weddings. A massive green natural lava tube, the Fern Grotto is located along the Wailua River and can be reached by flat-bottom boat.

Waimea Canyon
Nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," this 3,567-foot deep canyon is brushed with deep shades of russet, jade, amber, rose and gold. One of the island's most spectacular natural wonders, Waimea Canyon is a "must see" for any visitor to Kauai.

National Tropical Botanical Gardens
There are three botanical gardens on the island, each with its own unique beauty. Allerton Gardens is also known as the "Garden of Art", see Queen Emma's Cottage at the McBryde Garden or surround yourself by sculpted mountain ridges at the Limahuli Valley Garden.

Maui

Activities | Attractions

Activities

Whale Watching
Each winter, between the months of December and April, several thousand humpback whales migrate south to the waters off Maui to feed, calve and frolic. A whale-watching cruise is something no winter visitor to Maui should miss.

Parasailing
From May to November (the months that whales aren't present off Maui), parasailing is a thrilling way to view the island's coastline. Launching safely from a platform at the back of the boat, you'll soar hundreds of feet above the water…a tour you won't soon forget!

Golf & Tennis
Among Maui's 15-plus golf courses, several are ranked near the top worldwide, including Kapalua's Plantation Course, site of the Mercedes Championship each winter. Tennis enthusiasts also enjoy championship facilities featuring grass, clay and hard courts.

Bicycling
Maui offers visitors the unique opportunity to bike down the side of a volcano. You'll travel by van to the summit of Haleakala, a 10,023-foot dormant volcano, then cruise to the bottom on specially equipped bikes, enjoying the view as you descend.

Scuba Diving
Maui is well known to divers for beautiful coral gardens, tropical reef fish and green sea turtles. The calm, protected local dive spots are ideal for both experts and beginners. Dive boats depart from two harbors, and some resorts offer on-property dive centers.

Attractions

Molokini Islet
This crescent shaped islet, an extinct volcanic crater, is located about 3 miles off Maui's southwestern coast and is accessible by boat only. The diversity of fish and other marine life is among the most impressive in the state. Humpback whales have been known to enter the cove.

Lahaina Town
Located on Maui's western shore is the historic town of Lahaina. Once the bustling whale center of the Pacific and capital of Hawaii, Lahaina now boasts an impressive enclave of shops, boutiques, art galleries and restaurants.

Hana
Occupying the extreme eastern tip of Maui is heavenly Hana, an unspoiled village accessible by a scenic highway, whose winding road has become legend. With its down-home charm and almost indescribable beauty, it's no wonder so many celebrities have experienced a Hana getaway.

Haleakala
The "House of the Sun," is a dormant volcano rising 10,000 feet above sea level. At the crater's rim, visitors are presented with a view of an enormous crater which is large enough to contain all of Manhattan. A sunrise excursion to the top of Haleakala is something no visitor should miss.

Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
Each winter nearly two-thirds of the entire North Pacific population of humpback whales migrate to Hawaii for breeding, calving and nursing activities. The sanctuary is also home to a fascinating array of marine animals, corals and plants, some found nowhere else on Earth.

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Contact: One of our Vacation Specialist at 1-888-898-3628.   CLICK HERE  to request our assistance or visit us at www.cmtravelonline.com to learn more about our top vacation destinations.