Hawaii

Founded in 1916, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park stretches from the coastline to the summit of the world’s... biggest shield volcano, the Mauna Loa 13,680 ft (4,169 m) high. Lava fields, volcanic craters and cinder cones characterize the scenery – steam rises from many spots and the thought occurs that the volcano is just about to erupt. The national park, which was declared an international biosphere reserve, is the result of 70 million of years of volcanism and evolution. Since volcanism can be experienced directly, Hawaii Volcanoes is known as one of the most impressive national parks throughout the USA. Kilauea, the most active volcano on earth, offers a fantastic insight into the formation of the Hawaiian Islands as well as great sights of the primordial landscape. more

Ala Moana Beach Park is located west of famous Waikiki Beach. The 800 m long magnificent beach was artificially... created, when sand was heaped up here. Since the beach is protected by the offshore coral reef, the water is very calm – ideal for swimming. However, the coast drops quite steeply, so less experienced swimmers should be careful. The beach is very popular among Honolulu locals, since it is less crowded than Waikiki. On weekends, they arrive with their entire family in order to spend the day barbecuing in the shady picnic areas or on the pretty lawns. Toilets, showers and lifeguards are available. more

Pearl Harbor is a harbor and United States Navy base in Hawaii. It became famous through the kamikaze-attack... by Japanese fighter jets against the US-Pacific fleet on December 7th 1941. This event, during which 2,400 Americans were killed, triggered the involvement of the United States in World War II. Today, the USS Arizona Memorial is anchored above the wreck of the sunken battleship USS Arizona and can be visited by boat. The oil, which still leaks from the wreck, is referred to as “tears of the Arizona”. Additionally, one can visit the sumbarines USS Bowfin and USS Missouri. The Missouri was the site of the signing of Japan’s capitulation on September 2nd 1945. more