Hawaii
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Why Hawaii ?
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Brochures can be ordered in print or downloaded in digital format.
Discover the destination
See cruises in the Pacific Islands
Brochures can be ordered in print or downloaded in digital format.
Discover the destination
Surfers, volcanoes and ukuleles... Beyond the clichés, Hawaii has a strong cultural identity that its people work to preserve and promote. Here are some tips, facts and curiosities to prepare for your cruise to Hawaii.
Best practices
To do In this harmonious mix of communities, kindness, tolerance and gratitude are central to social life. Smile, stay relaxed and embrace the Aloha Spirit yourself! To avoid Many of Hawaii’s sites are sacred, so be sure to follow the signs and avoid crossing the fences. Similarly, collecting stones, sand or any other natural element is illegal and considered offensive to Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes.
Fun facts
May 1st is Lei Day in Hawaii, with competitions to make these iconic flower necklaces. Given to visitors as a welcome, the flower garland also marks special occasions like birthdays or graduations. But never give a closed lei to a pregnant woman – it is thought to bring bad luck to the unborn child. And in the language of flowers, it might be useful to know that a flower worn on the right ear indicates a woman is single.
Essential vocabulary
Hawaii is the only American state to have two official languages: English and Hawaiian. Hawaiian belongs to the Marquesan group of languages, and its alphabet has just 12 letters. Greeting someone in Hawaiian is seen as a sign of respect for their culture. Good morning / Good evening: Aloha kakahiaka / Aloha ahiahi Goodbye: A hui hou Welcome: E komo mai Excuse me / Please: E kala mai / ’Olu’olu Thank you: Mahalo Yes / No: ’Ae / ’A’ole How are you? Pehea ’oe? Fine, thank you: Maika’i au, mahalo My name is...: ’O … ko’u inoa.
Gastronomy
If you’re lucky enough to attend a lū’au, a traditional Hawaiian feast, the meal will be an opportunity to sample some iconic dishes, such as laulau, steamed meat wrapped in taro leaves. The kālua pua’a consists of a whole pig cooked slowly in an imu (a buried oven) and then shredded, served with poï, a purée made from pounded and fermented taro roots. And for dessert, try the coconut pudding, haupia.
Myths and legends
Hawaiian tradition tells of the rivalry between two divine sisters to explain the origin of volcanoes – Pele, goddess of fire, and Na Maka o Kahai, goddess of the sea. Na Maka o Kahai endlessly pursues Pele wherever she goes. From island to island, Pele tries to escape by hiding. From the craters, she spits fire, which flows down to the ocean. Then, once tired, Pele calms down and sets off to other parts of the archipelago. Na Maka o Kahai then gains the upper hand, drowning the lava beneath the waves.
In the spotlight
The Merrie Monarch Festival takes place every spring in Hilo, on the island of Hawaii. Over the course of a week, the world's best hula dancers compete in events accompanied by shows and art exhibitions. This and other festivals across the islands keep alive not just a dance, but a profound expression of Hawaiian culture. The hula is a unique art form, a spiritual communion with the earth and the gods that marks the events of life.
Culture
Book With ‘Hawaï!’ (Gallimard Loisirs, 2019), Joann Sfar shares his travel diaries from the land of the ukulele. In his inimitable style, he breaks down the clichés about Hawaiian culture and shares recounts his adventures. His humour and finesse offer an original way to discover Hawaii. Film Released in 1966, ‘Hawaii’ was adapted from the novel by James A. Michener. It follows Protestant missionary couples who arrived to convert the inhabitants of the archipelago in the 1820s, marking the beginning of colonisation. Music The ukulele, joyful and light‑hearted, is Hawaii’s signature instrument. Its distinctive sound can be heard worldwide in Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole’s rendition of ‘Over the Rainbow’.
Key figures – 53
Hawaii has 51 state parks plus two national parks – Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (UNESCO‑listed) and Haleakalā on Maui, famous for its sunsets. These parks protect extraordinary natural sites, including volcanoes, canyons, lava flows, waterfalls and black-sand beaches, as well as safeguarding Hawaiian culture.
Discover the destination
In Hawaii, nature calls for every superlative, from towering waterfalls dotting the rainforest to the coral reefs teeming with life. Explore it on foot or in the water, soak up the Polynesian way of life and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals.
Is it the breathtaking view of the volcanic crater of Diamond Head, or the long, steady waves that urge you to take up surfing, or simply the restaurants with your feet in the sand that make Waikiki in Honolulu one of the most famous beaches in the world? Turquoise waters, soft white sand and swaying palms – whatever the reason, Waikiki is a Hawaiian essential.
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean at more than 4,000 metres above sea level, Mauna Loa and Kilauea are two of the world’s most active volcanoes and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With eruptions, lava lakes, molten rock streaming into the sea and sulphur vents, it feels almost like another planet. Yet a road allows easy access to some of the park’s most spectacular viewpoints.
On 7 December 1941, the American naval base at Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu was attacked by Japanese aircraft, drawing the United States into the Second World War. Today the site is a place of remembrance, with exhibitions retracing the events of the battle. A fascinating visit to learn more about a pivotal moment in history.
Set in parkland in downtown Honolulu, Iolani Palace was the residence of Hawaii’s last monarchs. Built in 1882 by King Kalākaua in a neo-Renaissance style inspired by his travels, it has been painstakingly restored to its former glory. A visit to the only royal residence in the United States is a must to better understand Hawaiian national identity.
The Aloha Spirit is more than courtesy; it’s a philosophy of life, embracing inclusion and resilience, and permeates the whole of Hawaiian culture! To experience it, try your hand at surfing, hike to the foot of waterfalls to connect with nature, attend a traditional hula kahiko dance, and most importantly, take the time to talk with Hawaiians.