Hawai`i

Hawai`i is an isolated archipelago in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, approximately 2,550 miles southwest of Los Angeles and about 3,900 miles southeast of Tokyo.

First settled by Polynesians between A.D. 300 and 600, Hawaii was visited by British captain James Cook in 1778. He named them the Sandwich Islands.

Politically Hawaii is part of North America as a U.S. State, but geographically, because of its (isolated location,) it is not considered part of any continent.

It's comprised of 8 major islands (Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and Niihau) and a series of smaller ones. Hawaii is the world's longest island chain.

On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on the island of O`ahu, and the United States entered World War II.

Today the islands are one of the premier travel destinations in the world, and to quote Mark Twain, "The loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean..."

These lush, green islands are the visible tops of a chain of submerged volcanic mountains that stretch 3,100 miles from Hawaii, all the way to the Aleutian Trench in the north Pacific Ocean. Most are now inactive stumps of volcanic rock, encircled by coral reefs.

The youngest volcano (Kilauea), in Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, still erupts occasionally, spewing lava and creating new land. Maui's Haleakala is still considered active, but is not currently erupting.

Numerous sea cliffs fringe the outer edges of the islands, and rugged valleys, crater remnants, canyons and waterfalls are commonplace.

O`ahu's Diamond Head, the most famous landmark in the island chain is a large volcanic tuff cone formed by a series of explosive eruptions an estimated 100,000 years ago. Ironically, in this tropical paradise, the tops of Mauna Loa and Muana Kea on the Big Island are snow-capped.

Climate

The Hawaiian Island's weather is very consistent, with only moderate changes in temperature throughout the year.

There are only 2 seasons: the summer months (called Kau in Hawaiian) that extend from May to October and the winter months (Ho'oilo) that run from November to April.

The average day-time summer temperature at sea level is 85 degrees F. (29.4 C) while the average day-time winter temperature is 78 degrees (25.6 C).

O`ahu

The main island - the one with Honolulu, Waikiki, Don Ho, Pearl Harbor, and the fictitious "Hawaii Five O". Known to the ancient Hawaiians as "The Gathering Place", O`ahu is truly one of the most beautiful Islands in the world.

Honolulu is the State Capitol as well as the county seat. Total area is 594 sq. miles - 44 miles long and 30 miles wide and 112 miles of coastline. O`ahu is also the most populated Hawaiian Island with over 950,000 residents. The highest point is Kaala Peak with an elevation of 4,003 ft above sea-level.

Directions to Wedding Ceremony

Sandy's Beach
From Waikiki

Start out going west on Ala Blvd. Turn right onto McCully St. Then turn right onto Kapiolani Blvd at next light and stay in left lane. Follow Kapiolani Blvd until you see the ramp sign for H-1 East. Take the H-1 East ramp and merge onto Interstate H-1 East. Follow Interstate H-1 East which becomes Kalanianaole Hwy /HI-72 east. Follow Kalanianaole Hwy until you get to Hawaii Kai (be in right lane once in Hawaii Kai). Once you cross Lunalilo Home Road you will start up hill toward Hanauma Bay. Stay on this road along the coast line until you reach Sandy's Beach Park. Turn right at the second entrance and bear to the left to the end of this road. Wedding party will be directly in front of you approximately 50 yards.

Directions to Wedding Reception

Laniakea YWCA
From Sandy's Beach

Start out going west on Kalanianaole Hwy back toward Honolulu. Stay onto Kalanianaole Hwy until it becomes H-1 Freeway West. Take H-1 West until you see Vineyard Street Exit. Take the Vineyard Street exit. When you come to the first light you will turn left onto Punchbowl Street. Take Punchbowl Street to Beretania Street. Turn right onto Beretania Street. Take Beretania Street to Richards Street. Turn left onto Richards Street. YWCA will be on your right at 1040 Richards Street.

Directions to Waikiki from Reception

Waikiki
From Laniakea YWCA

Start out going down Richards Street to King Street. Turn left onto King Street. At second light bear slight right onto Kapiolani Blvd. Follow Kapiolani Blvd to Kalakaua Avenue. Turn right onto Kalakaua Avenue. Follow Kalakaua Avenue to street where hotel is located.

Directions to Wedding Reception

Laniakea YWCA
From Waikiki

Start out going west on Ala Blvd to McCully Street. Turn right onto McCully Street. Follow McCully Street the whole way up to Beretania Street. Turn left onto Beretania Street. Stay on Beretania Street until you pass Punchbowl Street. Once you pass Punchbowl Street the next street on the left is Richards Street. Turn left onto Richards Street. Laniakea YWCA is on your right at 1040 Richards Street.