The Beautiful Aloha State

It’s Wanderlust Wednesday, and this week we are off to the great state of Hawaii, our 50th state, joining the Union in 1959. Some of my favorite photos from an epic Hawaiian Cruise. From the highest volcanic peaks and craters

to the deepest, dankest rainforests

and fern grottos

to the smoldering volcanic landscapes,

this state is a lush tropical paradise,

resplendent with colorful flora

and fawna (this is the rare Haleakalā Silversword that is found on the island of Maui at an elevation of 6,900 to 9,800 feet on the dormant Haleakalā Volcano)

and of course, an occasional peacock. (I don’t know how Coach got this close, but this girl doesn’t chance any bird encounter, no matter how beautiful the feathers!)

Water, water, everywhere.

Comprised of 6 major islands and surrounded by the vast Pacific, the Hawaiian islands have shorelines of breathtaking scenery. These “blow-holes”, that give the appearance of whale spouts, are actually created by years of erosion, the pounding surf carving crevices in the rocky ledge that blows through as the waves crash against the shore. And, yes, the water really is that blue.

From the cruise ship, the view is to shore, floating by craggy mountainsides in the morning mist,

pretty lighthouses standing watch along the rocky shore

and amazing sunsets and sunrises

and softly colored rainbows in the distance.

Pearl Harbor. Crowds silently cueing in line, patiently waiting their turn for a boat ride out to view the memorial constructed over the sunken remains of the USS Arizona.