Byline: By JOHN PEACOCK
MARK Twain called Hawaii 'the loveliest fleet of is lands that lies anchored in any ocean'.
It was his idea of paradise... and everyone should go to paradise at least once in their lives - waiting until you die can be a bit hit or miss.
A holiday to Hawaii can be expanded into a two or three centre trip, possibly by flying to Las Vegas with all its glitzy attractions for a few days, or to San Francisco or Los Angeles and then on to Honolulu for a cruise.
A few days in Los Angeles gives a chance to visit Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood for its movie sets, the Kodak Theatre where the Oscars are held and tour the homes of stars in Beverly Hills.
Your stay in Hawaii can also be extended, but cruising on the fabulous new Pride Of Hawaii alone would be a memorable holiday.
This giant of the American cruise fleet has 10 themed restaurants each with its own galley, 12 bars and lounges, a wide range of entertainments including a 1,042-seat Venetian-style theatre, children's facilities, health spa and beauty salon and extensive 24-hour gym.
And everything is informal, unless you want to dress for dinner. Stopping at four of the six islands, its cruises start on Mondays, and are geared to newlyweds beginning their lives together at one of the most romantic places on Earth.
YOU can even marry on board and honeymoon in Hawaii.
The lush green islands enjoy a warm, balmy climate throughout the year and claim many world records.
They have the world's tallest mountain, Mauna Kea, when measured from its base under the ocean to its summit, the world's highest sea cliffs, the world's number one destination for diving and world championship surfing...
And Hawaii probably has the world's most amazing ecosystem.
With sea clarity of up to 100ft, it has 'the best marine life and conditions on Earth', rainforests, an alpine lake, extinct, dormant and active volcanoes including the fiery Mount Kilauea - which has been 'gently erupting' for more than 20 years - spectacular waterfalls cascading hundreds of feet and ringed by rainbows, a 14-mile long canyon, mountains and secluded valleys.
The other islands - Oahu, Molokai, Kauai and Lanai - all offer something for everyone, history, romance, natural beauty, a mix of cultures and traditions, tastes and sounds.
Some visitors will be content to relax on the uncrowded beaches and just marvel at the beautiful scenery.
Water sports enthusiasts - beginners or experts - can swim, snorkel, dive, canoe, kayak, surf, windsurf, kite surf, water-ski, try outrigger canoeing, go big game fishing, touch and feed dolphins and go whale watching.
For a real low-down dive, book on the Atlantis Submarine which descends 100ft into crystal-clear water to explore exotic coral reef gardens, brightly coloured fish and sea turtles.
Want the high life? Helicopter trips are available, including flying over the live volcanoes, hang gliding with or without a motor, or a flight in a vintage plane.
Free-wheeling cyclists can be transported to the top of the world's largest dormant volcano, Haleakala on Maui, and ride the 38 miles down its gentle slopes.
Golfers will find Hawaii a green heaven. With 80 courses, many of them championship standard, it is even possible to book tee times from the ship and play eight rounds during your cruise, with prices from pounds 52 a round, all inclusive.
Hawaii is also a retail Eden, with shopping centres offering designer clothes as well as regional handicrafts and market places.
You can learn how to make Hawaiian garlands, the colour of the flowers used depending on the occasion. We were greeted with purple and white orchid garlands and the greeting 'Aloha'- 'Welcome'.
It is just a pity there comes the time to say, 'Goodbye'.
SAIL THERE..
FLIGHTS and cruises can be booked with Norwegian Cruise Line America, which link with American Airlines, on 0845 65881010 or visit www.ncl.co.uk The 10-night fly-cruise costs from pounds 1,449 per person and includes seven nights on Pride of Hawaii, all meals and entertainment on board, return flights, room only hotel accommodation pre and post-cruise, port charges, airport taxes and all overseas transfers.
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ALOHA: Unwind on Waikiki Beach
