Hawaii consists of 8 main islands with a total of 1,211,537 people. Each island is nestled between an entirely volcanic island chain and due to the islands impressive geographical location it does not contain a single straight line along its boundary. The biggest and most populated island is Oahu where the capital Honolulu lies just near Mauna Kea This powerful volcano holds the record as the tallest mountain at 13,796 ft beating out Mt. Everest.

Hawaiian ancestry is about as diverse as any place can be. About 40% of the population consists of Polynesian and Asians. During the nineteenth Chinese, Japanese, and Filipinos immigrated to the island to find work mainly on sugar plantations. By the late nineteenth and early twentieth century Hawaii was already Inhabited by over 13,000 Hawaiian-Portuguese and Puerto Rican immigrants that came in hopes of finding work as well.

Hawaii has the largest population of Christians and the second largest number of Buddhists. Hawaiians are very in touch with nature and spiritual well being. Hawaiian's speak two major languages which are English and Hawaiian. Native Hawaiian language is a combination of Hawaii Creole and English derived from the islands rich Polynesian influences. Pidgin is the dialect in which most natives refer to as. Hawaii joined the state union on Aug. 21st, 1959 making it the 50th state.

Hawaii's State Flag

Native Hawaiian Dancers

Mauna Kea Erupting

Rich Coastal Land

It doesn't stand more than 25 or so metres above sea level, so when the sea gets brave, big waves jump one to the other side of the ring when the Tramontana wind blows hard from the north. What from the distance looks like bare rock with no more human presence than a lighthouse and a small grave yard is home of many birds including some rare and endangered ones. On the ground there are some shrubs and a few species of insects including a few endemic of the islands.

The islands were known long time ago as the snake islands, but none of them survived the fires set to exterminate them. Since ancient times they were used as a shelter for fishermen and a safe base for smugglers and pirates. The best treasure is kept under the water. Clean and crystalline like the air and boiling with life after being a military area for many years and declared afterwards marine sanctuary. Huge groupers, shoals of barracudas and giant size lobsters are common sight both inside and outside the caldera, being the channels that link the lagoon with the open sea the places where you find huge static fish floating in the current. I've personally been in Columbretes a couple of times both over and under the water and I've seen them a handful more times from the air. Every time I am surprised by the magic of the place and astonished to find so much life and beauty in such a tiny and distant place.

Corregidor Island is the American fortress during the World War II. Tagaytay has the Taal Volcano which is the smallest volcano in the world where you could hike for just forty five minutes. Bohol is home of the Tarsiers, the smallest primate in the world and you will find the gem of the visayas, the Chocolate Hills. Anilao in Batangas is where tourist can enjoy wind surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Safarri Zoo is in Calatagan Batangas where tourist can mingle with tigers and lions and other wild animals.

You will find Mayon Volcano in Bicol, the most beautiful volcano with a perfect symmetrical cone. In Sorsogon, you will enjoy whale watching and where tourist can swim with whales and dolphins. Magellan's Cross is in Cebu where Ferdinan Magellan, first put the cross upon its landing.

Cagayan de Oro is the city of the golden friendship where you can enjoy white water rafting at Cagayan River which is the longest river in the Philippines. Camiguin has three volcanoes and a coastline that alternates between white and black beaches with volcanic rocks. Davao is the Durian Capital of the Philippines. You will also find Mt. Apo in Davao which is the highest peak in the Philippines where you can enjoy mountain climbing. Genuine pearls can be found at Dakak Pearl Farm in Samal Island. And the Eagle Sanctuary in Davao is the sanctuary for all the endangered species of eagles that are found.

Pagugpod beach is in Laoag City. The third oldest city in the Philippines where architectural remnants of the Spanish era still stand is in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Paskuhan Village is in Pampanga where Christmas spirit is present all year round. Palawan is known as the last frontier, you will find the underground river here which is the St. Paul subterranean National Park. The Tubbataha Reef National Park is also in Palawan. This park has many sharks, barracudas, mackerels, garoupas and many more.

Calauit Island in Busuanga Island is where endangered species of animals can be found. Irawan Crocodile Farm is in Puerto Princesa in Palawan where crocodiles are being propagated. El Nido in palawan is the origin of the soup called bird's nest. Subic Free Port is in Olangapo City which is known as the Shining Jewel in Central Luzon.

The Magat Dam is in Ramon, Isabella. This is the biggest dam in the whole Philippines. Los Banos Laguna is home of many hot springs. The Pagsanjan Falls is where you can enjoy the shooting rapids of the falls. The Hidden Valley is a natural botanical garden in Laguna. Puerto Galera is in Mindoro the favorite diving spot in the Philippines. Mount Pinatubo has become famous in the world because of its catastrophic eruption.

Hundred Islands in Lingayen is where you can see hundred islands dotted along the Lingayen Gulf in Pangasinan. Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte is the surfing capital of the Philippines. Luneta Park in Manila is the biggest park in the Philippines where Dr. Jose Rizal was executed during the Spanish era. Fort Santiago in Intramuros, the walled city of Manila, where Dr. Jose Rizal wrote his farewell letter “Mi ultimo Adios”.

This unique town in the island of the tiger is the largest town on the largest pacific island of Honduras. Although an island, it is fairly easy to get to Amapala. You must first get to the fishing town of Coyolito, buses to Coyolito run frequently from San Lorenzo, as well as from Choluteca. Once in Coyolito, you can hire a motor launch to take across the channel to the island. Both rides to the island are a remarkable journey to be enjoyed and at times the views and flora are breathtaking. Without question the first impression that strikes you upon arriving for the eight minute boat ride to the island is the conical volcano. There is also a road that leads to the top of almost perfect conical extinct volcano on the island From here, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Gulf. If you are headed for El Salvador, there is cuasi regular service to La Union in El Salvador. There is local immigration and customs service at Amapala, so getting a stamp on your passport prior to departure is no problem.

Regretfully, I have to report there are no tigers on Tiger Island. Isla del Tigre is within the larger Gulf of Fonseca which is shared by three countries: Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua. The island is the largest of a small archipelago of islands. All three countries can viewed at one time and boat rides are offered as well.

The island fishing village is small friendly village of locals that begin there day at sunrise and sell their catch that day at the Port of Amapala. Many native Hondurans drive for many miles to purchase the seafood of their choice. The variety of fish and shrimp is without question fresh and many time the clients are waiting for the boats to dock and unload their catch.

The entire archipelago is part of a significant marine and terrestrial reserve as is the large volcanic peak seen across the strait from El Tigre known as Sacate Grande. This peak once an island itself until connected by a causeway to the mainland through the mangrove swamps is where the road now ends at Coyolito and where small launches to Amapala can be taken. Extending back east from the archipelago is a deep bay--Bahia de Chismuyowhich is completely ringed by near pristinemangroveforests and wetlands and is targeted for management by both countries that border it, El Salvador and Honduras. The mangroves and wetlands ringing the gulf are among the largest, least degraded and most important example of this aquatic ecosystem between South and North America.

My visit there was short and I regret I didn't have more time to see more. I enjoyed talking to the locals and having a few beers with them at the many bars along the beach. It was a real pleasure to move out at the break of dawn with two island fisherman to learn their craft.

Their wooden boats are more like a 20 ft. John boat but are stable and easy to control. It allows the fisherman plenty of room to store all their equipment and nets and their catch when they haul the nets in.

I was in luck because the haul for the day was their best in several weeks and it elicited smiles from them until they unloaded the catch and sold it all. Selling was a simple process because the Hondurans were offing prices as the boat touched the cement dock. It did not take long to strike a good price for both parties and we were head back to Tiger Island unbeknown to be to celebrate their good fortune at their family bar. That was indeed a great time and I hated saying my good-byes to the Medina family. vista it presents as the backdrop to the island.

This unique town in the island of the tiger is the largest town on the largest pacific island of Honduras. Although an island, it is fairly easy to get to Amapala. You must first get to the fishing town of Coyolito, buses to Coyolito run frequently from San Lorenzo, as well as from Choluteca. Once in Coyolito, you can hire a motor launch to take across the channel to the island. Both rides to the island are a remarakable journey to be enjoyed and at times the veiws and flora are breathtaking.

Without question the first impression that strikes you upon arriving for the eight minute boat ride to the island is the conical volcano. There is also a road that leads to the top of almost perfect conical extinct volcano on the island From here, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Gulf. If you are headed for El Salvador, there is cuasi regular service to La Union in El Salvador. There is local immigration and customs service at Amapala, so getting a stamp on your passport prior to departure is no problem.

Regretfully, I have to report there are no tigers on Tiger Island. Isla del Tigre is within the larger Gulf of Fonseca which is shared by three countries: Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua. The island is the largest of a small archipelago of islands. All three countries can viewed at one time and boat rides are offered as well.

The island fishing village is small frendly village of locals that begin there day at sunrise and sell their catch that day at the Port of Amapala. Many native Hondurans drive for many miles to purchase the seafood of their choice. The varity of fish and shrimp is un questionly fresh and many time the clients are waiting for the boats to dock and unload their catch.

The entire archipelago is part of a significant marine and terrestrial reserve as is the large volcanic peak seen across the strait from El Tigre known as Sacate Grande. This peak once an island itself until connected by a causeway to the mainland through the mangrove swamps is where the road now ends at Coyolito and where small launches to Amapala can be taken. Extending back east from the archipelago is a deep bay--Bahia de Chismuyowhich is completely ringed by near pristinemangroveforests and wetlands and is targeted for management by both countries that border it, El Salvador and Honduras. The mangroves and wetlands ringing the gulf are among the largest, least degraded and most important example of this aquatic ecosystem between South and North America.

My visit there was short and I regret I didn't have more time to see more. I enjoyed talking to the locals and having a few beers with them at the many bars along the beach. It was a real pleasure to move out at the break of dawn with two island fisherman to learn their craft.

Their wooden boats are more like a 20 ft. John boat but are stable and easy to control. It allows the fisherman plenty of room to store all their equipment and nets and their catch when they haul the nets in.

I was in luck because the haul for the day was their best in several weeks and it elicted smiles from them until they unloaded the catch and sold it all. Selling was a simple process because the Hondurans were offing prices as the boat touched the cement dock. It did not take long to strike a good price for both parties and we were head back to Tiger Island unbeknown to be to celebrate their good fortune at their family bar. That was indeed a great time and I hated saying my good-byes to the Medina family.

Regarded as one of the most perfect cone in the world locates in the Bicol province of Southern Luzon. An active volcano but erupts in centuries interval. The volcano has been a boon for centuries to Bicolano farmers nearby, due to rich farm land brought forth by its tectonic activity.

Sunset at Manila Bay

Anywhere else in the world, exquisite sunsets that continues to fascinate lovers of nature are common sights, but at the historic Manila Bay as the sun slowly marches away from view, appears one of the most ravishing sunsets that nature has to offer.

Taal Volcano

Located in the mountainous region of Tagaytay, Northern Luzon is widely considered the world's lowest active volcano. This unique land feature is a grand sight to behold on overlooking rest houses that are bathed in gentle and crisp mountain breeze. These well-developed rest houses with enough plain space around for picnic and children's playground are ideal for taking a break from the humdrum of everyday city life.

Banaue Rice Terraces

Sometimes considered as one of the wonders of the world is located in Batad, Mountain Province in Northern Luzon. This historic rice terraces so unique in the world was built by the native Ifugao of the province. This splendid man-made prehistoric structure is now preserved by the Philippine Government for heritage and for all tourists around the world to see.

Chocolate Hills

A panoramic view of this seeming ocean of hills provided by an elevated guest house lying on top of a mountain is perhaps one of the most arresting sights one could experience his whole life. Geologists speculated these little mountains that turn brown (thus the name chocolate) every summer due to blighting grasses were remnants of corral refs when this tiny Island province of Bohol was under sea some two million years ago.

This is a leftover product of quaternary glacier which has a record of 3 million years. It is found in Chongqing, China.

This is a rare and extraordinary view of a rainbow after rain.

This is Qiaogeli Peak, situated in the northern part of Pakistan. It is regarded as the world's second highest peak. The Western climbers refer it as K2 Peak while Chinese authorities officially refer it as Qogir or Qiaogeli Feng.

This is a rare scene of a water tornado occuring in the city of Kunshan in a province of Jiangsu, China.

This is a rare sandstorm that swept through the sky of a city in Jiayuguan in Gansu Province, China.

This "strange hoop of barley field" was discovered in the southern region of Russia. It is regarded as a new discovery by the local people there.|

The photo shows a volcanic eruption that took place in the Eastern part of Java Province in Indonesia. This Buluomo Volcano spews high temperature ashes, dust, and smoke as high as 3,000m.

This is Kilauea Volcano, the world's most active volcano, situated in the island of Hawaii, which lies against the southeast flank of much larger Mauna Lao Volcano in the United States. Its eruption is always accompanied with extremely hot steam plume and lava. The hot lava flows in the lava tube and may flow to cover a local road.

This is a splendid look at a meteor and its aurora. The meteor is a meteoroid that falls to the Earth in a fiery tail which is a bright glow observed over the night sky.

This is a combination scene of comets and aurora over the sky of Alaska. The comet is a mixture of dust and frozen gases that is usually dark and in a solid body that sweeps across the space. The comets appear star-like and they look like tiny balls to our naked eyes in this picture.

This is a faint, but sporadic, atmospheric phenomenon seen in the night sky from locations at high latitudes. This aurora may develop into steady greenish arcs, swirling curtains of yellow green light.

This is an incredible lenticular cloud formation on the top of this mountain. It has the shape of a mushroom.

This is a near-death star which is surrounded by a nebulae resembling a ladder.

This is the world's tallest waterfall called Angel Falls. It is also known as Qiulumeilu Falls. It is located in the Gran Sabana region of Bolivia State, Venezuela in the Canaima National Park. Its total height is at 979m (3,212 ft) with a height of the longest drop of 807m (2,648 ft).

This is Iguazu Falls which is one of the top attractions to visit in South America. It is located on the border of Argentina and in Brazil that is 23km upstream of the converging point of Iguazu River and Parana River respectively. Iguazu Falls has the shape of a horseshoe and is 82m in height, and 4m in width. Its width is four times wider than the Niagara Falls in North America, and is slightly wider than Africa's Victoria Falls.

This is the Aconcagua volcano which is situated in Argentina. It is an extinct and inactive volcano and also the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere with its elevation of 6.959m.

This is a rare look at double rainbows that appeared over the sky of Lhasa, a traditional capital of Tibet, China.

These are a series of spectacular lightning occurrences!

This is an amazing scene that shows a thousand birds flying over the sky of the National Parks of Costa Rica during the evening hours. The sun gradually sinks beneath the earth.

This photo shows how a black hole devouring a star in the universe.

This is an icy scene near the mouth of Huang He River, China.

Taal Volcano is known as the smallest active Volcano In the world. However, many people don't know that Taal volcano is one of the largest volcanoes all over the world, but now, it became smaller many years had passed. This smallest volcano is surrounded by lake known as the Taal Lake.

Hotel accommodations in the area are vast especially during special occasions. Some are celebrating their birthdays and some are their weddings. Some are conducting seminars and conferences.

Picnic Grove where you can rent cottages and benches to enjoy your meal or snack. Also, there are stores and some souvenir items inside the grove. Horse back riding is a thrilling adventure for beginners. However, for people who are professional enough on this activity, it is like a hobby.

There are a lot of famous restaurants where fine dining is expected. However, the foods are expensive and only people with good budget can avail of the big price. Also, there are restaurants wherein you can avail of low cost foods.

Spectacular Casinos where most rich people play. For them, playing in the casino is a form of relaxing.

Most photographers visit the place because they can take a full shot in different angles of the beautiful views of the City.

The best leisure activity for children is to play in the Class-A playgrounds designed especially for children. Zoo is also expected for children to see different kinds of animals.

Moreover, sports like golf and skating are also available. Fabulous golf courses at Tagaytay Highlands International Golf Club, Inc. and skating rails to add up for young and old.

The Palace in the Sky is actually on top of the mountain that is fully developed and now it is called as People's Park In The Sky. There are flat and cemented ways to lead you to the Park. Inside the Park, you can see a lot of activities also and a nice panoramic views. There are souvenir shops where you can buy different shirts with prints of People's Park In The Sky.

In the hill, a flower farm where there are various kinds of beautiful flowers. Fruit stands near the highways are too many to choose from where you can buy fresh fruits. You can see a lot of different fruits especially pineapples because there are pineapple plantations in the city.

A boat trip to taal volcano is highly recommended. They can tour you around the rim of the volcano. You can almost boil an egg there. It's really a meaningful adventure to all.

There are convents and retreat houses near the People's Park In the Sky. They say, if you are in high places, you are closer to heaven. Maybe, that is the reason why there are many devotees and pilgrims visit the place.

Visiting the place is worth it especially when you want a nice and peaceful place to stay for a while and give yourself a relaxing ambiance to eliminate stress. It's a pleasant place, secure and safe.