History
While it's the newest state in the United States, Hawaii is a collection of islands with a history that is legendary. Hawaii's past is fascinating for its culture, as much to those from other countries as to its own countrymen.

The facts and figures seem farfetched, but history traces the Polynesians of the Marquesas Islands as the first natives, 15 centuries back, traveling 2,000 miles by sea, with a million stars as their navigation. Key figures in Hawaii's history include Captain James Cook and King Kamehameha. Hawaii was certainly worth fighting for and King Kamehameha's armies conquered all, eventually unifying the islands that were each separated by water plus form of government and ways of life.

Each island is believed to have formed through mystical means and nature's blessings were clearly integral in the formation and centuries of enjoyment going forward. Volcanoes; waterfalls; rugged coastlines against soft shores; native flora, fauna and birds; desert areas and the seemingly endless sea are part of Hawaii's landscape.

Fertile land offered bountiful farming in sugar and pineapple, which brought a workforce of multiple cultures, including Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese and Filipino. A significant event in Hawaii's history is the surprise attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor on Oahu on December 7, 1941.

Today, Hawaii is part of America, but it is its own melting pot and one from which everyone wants a taste. Its own traditions and culture of hula, music, handicraft and lei greetings are all experiences that make Hawaii more than a tropical island vacation.

Things To Do
Eight National Parks, endless miles of coastline, beaches that have repeatedly received critical acclaim as the global best, indigenous plants and home to every land and water sport imaginable, sublime sea life, explosive volcanoes and trails of their aftermath…these are just a beginning of all that awaits in Hawaii.

World Heritage Sites and national botanical gardens alongside numerous activities for any age and interest, plus adventures that are still new because it simply cannot all be discovered in one visit. Staying in a vacation rental allow, temporarily, a feeling of home in paradise. It also permits guests to visit like a guest and vacation like a local. Cook meals whenever you'd like after stocking up at the farmers' markets some nights and others, take advantage of great nightlife, beginning with fiery sunsets, strong drink in hand.

Discover your Hawaii, whether it's exploring the outdoors, extreme adventures, finding the perfect beach, eating the freshest and most innovative dishes, playing rounds of world class golf, or even taking from President Obama's past itineraries, or create a combination of all.

Eat and Shop
Plate lunch, poi, pupu, shave ice, garlic shrimp (roadside, of course), malasadas and the entire luau experience are each Hawaiian culinary musts. Creative dishes, picnics on the beach, upscale dining and the fresh seafood will play a significant part in any Hawaiian vacation. Hawaii's culinary events mean fresh fruits and vegetables that are rare elsewhere. The food is only enhanced by incredible settings and will make for fun anecdotes to share back home, maybe just as much as the stories of the active adventures.

Many destinations boast of handcrafted items and Hawaii's many boutiques and merchants are verified as genuinely made on the islands; these are the souvenirs to take home. Jewelry and unique island creations, apparel and gourmet foods are also part of the care package you should create for yourself to take home and enjoy. Retail therapy is available in many forms and upscale shopping is a treat in Hawaii, with plentiful high-end brands and designers' items. Open-air shopping centers, outlet malls, pick-your-own farms, farmers' markets, island boutiques and charming shops dot the islands, with a keepsake to take home or something to enjoy on the spot.

Packing
Apparel, toiletries and some electronic essentials (digital camera, battery charger, cell phone charger, etc. ) are the main items to pack for a trip to Oahu. Anything forgotten is always available on the island, but to be prepared to land and head directly to one of the beaches, bring your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen and sandals. If you're planning on hiking, bring good shoes. It's always good to pack primarily casual clothing plus a few nice outfits, at least one, for a fancy night on the town.

Your vacation rental will have some of the basic utensils and kitchen items.