At a time when Europe still afraid of falling off the edge of the world as soon as you cross the equator, some Polynesians went looking for a new home. The journey ended in Hawaii , the seven eyes of the Pacific.

Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Hawaii (Big Iceland), Molokai, and Lanai Nihau

the names of the islands of the archipelago. Here, five hours from the North American west coast, you'll find golden beaches, an ocean of liquid such as Aquamarine, neon rainbows and friendly people.

Hawaii is considered by tourists as a desired destination number one. What remains hidden to most visitors: the holiday paradise is the most militarized state in America. On Oahu more than 60,000 soldiers are stationed with members, a quarter of the island is restricted area.

Sweetness and exotic beauty

The American annexation in 1900 and the abolition of the monarchy still influences the political events of Hawaii. "Haole" (stranger, White) has for the Hawaiian race, the whalers, missionaries, leprosy, and Pearl Harbour barely survived, got a bitter taste.

Western diseases favored the gradual disappearance of the Hawaiian race, and descendants of Japanese and Chinese workers who toiled in the last century on pineapple and sugar cane plantations, urged the Polynesian island nation further into the background.

Yet produced the liaison between brown-skinned Polynesians and Asians graceful a beautiful breed of people. Exotic beauties, with the gentleness of the islanders and the intellect of Asia - no wonder the Hawaiian Angela Perez Baraquio was chosen Miss America 2001 ...