Columbus Cruise Review

Time Zone: GMT - 10. Daylight Saving Time is not observed.

Currency: US Dollar (US$) = 100 cents.

Language: English.

Sightseeing: Hilo is a lush, tropical town that is the gateway to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Established in 1916, the park spans 878 sq kilometres (339 sq miles) and ranges from sea level to the top of Mauna Loa, the world’s tallest volcano at 4169m (13,677ft) high. Many rare species of plant have flourished in the volcanic landscape, indeed over 90 per cent of the park’s flora and fauna, including 10,000 species of insect and spider, is unique to Hawaii. Hiking trails are a popular way of seeing the wildlife and also the dramatic lava fields and steam vents surrounding Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano.

Shopping: Hula implements, hand-crafted musical instruments, jewellery, wood carvings, ceramics, items crafted from feathers, glassware, orchids, macademia nuts.

Eating Out: Luau (a whole pig roasted in a pit along with sweet potatoes, and plantains. Chicken luau (tender chicken pieces cooked with taro tops and coconut cream). Garnishes include limu (seaweed), paakai rock salt and chopped roasted kukui nuts. Local seafood includes moi (mullet) ulua, opakapaka (pink snapper), lobster and yellowfin tuna. Desserts often feature coconut, tropical fruits or macademia nuts.