Hawaii Cruise - from Vancouver - 110645

With a population of almost 500,000 Vancouver in British Columbia is the most important port at the Pacific. It is considered to be one of the safest and cleanest cities in the world and, on account of its sheltered location, it has a mild climate all year round. A special attraction at the northern edge of the city is Vancouver's Hausberg Grouse Mountain, which can be reached by a cable-car and has excellent facilities for winter sports and hillwalking as well as a wonderful view of the city. Capilano Suspension Bridge, measuring 137 m in length and suspended 70 m above a river gorge, which visitors can cross, is also nearby. Sights include: Gastown, Stanley Park, Chinatown, Science World, Vancouver Aquarium, Harbour Centre with its viewing platform, the waterfront with a sea bus.

The "Salmon Capital of the World" is one of the towns in south-east Alaska that already existed during Russian times. As in Sitka, this Russian influence is also apparent here in the form of folk dancers and a Russian Orthodox church. In Totem Bight State Park you can view totem poles elaborately carved by the Tlingit native Americans. Ketchikan is considered to be a Mecca for salmon fishers, who already settled here hundreds of years ago.

Juneau, situated between Mount Juneau and the Gastineau Channel, was founded during the Gold Rush. Due to the lack of major roads it has retained its cosy atmosphere. The capital of Alaska has many attractions, such as the old Victorian houses, the governor's palace, museums and much more.

Skagway is in the Klondike National Historic Park. Today it is a reminder of the era of the Gold Rush when thousands of gold diggers set sail to make their fortune. The historic part of Skagway is particularly worth a visit. Here you can take a stroll along the promenades lined by buildings with restored facades. Sights include: the Gold Rush Cemetery, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, the Trail of '98 Museum, the historic town centre.

Sitka, founded by the Russians in 1804, was the capital of Russian Alaska for a long time. A dormant volcano rises around 1,000 m over the town surrounded by small islands. Sights such as the Russian-Orthodox church and the Russian bishop's house are a reminder of the Russian influence. In the Sitka National Historical Park visitors can see a collection of totem poles, a fort and a reconstruction of the battlefield of 1904. The Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Centre is also situated in this park. Here you can see local artists and craftsmen at work. The Sheldon Jackson Museum provides an insight into the culture of the native peoples and how they have survived the bitter cold climate through the ages. In the Alaska Wildlife Centre meanwhile you can see many native species of animal at close quarters.

Hilo is the capital of the "Orchid Island" of Hawaii. The extremely humid climate means the town has been spared the travails of mass tourism. It has snow-covered volcanoes, huge macadamia nut plantations, forests of orchids and black volcanic beaches. The main attractions in Hilo are the old town, "Susian" fish market and the Akaka Falls.

The counterpart to Hilo is Kailua-Kona, the secret capital of the Big Island. The notable difference is that everything is considerably more modern in Kailua-Kona than in the small sleepy town of Hilo. Hotels, shops and restaurants can be found on Alii Drive. The reconstructed Ahuéna Heiau (a temple of King Kamehameha I.), Hulihe'e Palace and Moku´aiku Church, built of blocks of lava and one of the oldest mission churches on Hawaii are all worth seeing. Kailua-Kona is also world-famous for the spectacle held each October - the Ironman Triathlon.

Kahului is the capital of Maui, Hawaii's second-largest and third most densely populated island. The island was formed by two volcanoes. The East Maui Mountains are often shrouded in cloud, causing a cooler climate.

Kahului is the capital of Maui, Hawaii's second-largest and third most densely populated island. The island was formed by two volcanoes. The East Maui Mountains are often shrouded in cloud, causing a cooler climate.

Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii. With a population of 1.24 million it is the largest city between America and Asia. The most important sights on Hawaii include the memorial at Pearl Harbour and Punchbowl National Cemetery, the King's Palace (the only one ever to be built on US territory) and the extinct volcanoes "Diamond Head" and "Koko Head".

The green island of Kauai is a tropical paradise. The island is famous for its steep cliffs, purple-green valleys, untouched rainforests and breathtaking waterfalls.

Hilo is the capital of the "Orchid Island" of Hawaii. The extremely humid climate means the town has been spared the travails of mass tourism. It has snow-covered volcanoes, huge macadamia nut plantations, forests of orchids and black volcanic beaches. The main attractions in Hilo are the old town, "Susian" fish market and the Akaka Falls.

The counterpart to Hilo is Kailua-Kona, the secret capital of the Big Island. The notable difference is that everything is considerably more modern in Kailua-Kona than in the small sleepy town of Hilo. Hotels, shops and restaurants can be found on Alii Drive. The reconstructed Ahuéna Heiau (a temple of King Kamehameha I.), Hulihe'e Palace and Moku´aiku Church, built of blocks of lava and one of the oldest mission churches on Hawaii are all worth seeing. Kailua-Kona is also world-famous for the spectacle held each October - the Ironman Triathlon.

Nuku Hiva is part of the northern island group of the Marquesas Islands. The island's particular charm undoubtedly lies in the beautiful bays found all around the craggy coastline. Taiohae is the adminstrative seat and the seat of the archbishop and also boasts many attractions, such as the Nôtre Dame des Marquises cathedral, with unsusual sculptures carved from exotic woods, or the wooden sculpture dedicated to the author Herman Melville. Just a few kilometres from Taiohae, in the valley of the same name, is the archaeological site of Tohua Koueva. It was the main headquarters of chief Pakoko, who lead a successful rebellion against the French in 1845. A visit to the site is worth it just to see the bougainvillea and hibiscus plants that bloom in an array of colours and the ancient Banyan trees.

The island of Huahine is one of the Society Islands and lies 175 km north-west of Tahiti. Huahine comprises two islands connected by a bridge, and surrounded by a coral reef. The island, which is volcanic in origin, is home to 5,000 people. The picturesque fishing village of Fare is the main town on the island. The airport is on the North Island. At the southern tip of the South Island there are breathtaking diving areas with a legendary variety of species of fish.

The volcanic island of Bora Bora is home to one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, "the pearl of Polynesia". It is surrounded by several small islands. The region's airport is on one of these islands, the other has hotel resorts. There are also orchids growing in the wild, making this a wonderful area to take a long walk. Thanks to the lagoon, there is also a wide range of water sports on offer, such as sailing, glass-bottomed boat-trips, snorkelling, diving ... The main atttraction is the 100 metre-high mountain "Muto Toopua" with "Hiro's bell" - uniquely shaped basalt rocks that sound like a bell when struck.

Papeete is the capital of Tahiti. The island is a mixture of beautiful coves, white sandy beaches, tropical plants and French vanity.