Take a break from the Christmas rush downtown and visit the Christmas trees and beautiful wreaths on display at Honolulu Hale. This year's theme, "Christmas Enchantment," is represented by 84 wreaths in the 18th annual Christmas wreath contest.

"Usually we have around 100 wreaths but have had as many as 200 entries in past years," said Tori Laitila of the mayor's office of arts and culture, and coordinator of the contest. "About one-third of our entries are from individuals who submit each year and we also have entries from teachers who like to make it a class project," Laitila said.

One example is Moanalua Elementary's first-grade class, which took first place in the children and youth division with a Hawaiian Christmas-themed wreath featuring gingerbread surfers and hula dancers made from felt. First-grade teacher Landy Shiroma said the class of 19 was thrilled to visit Honolulu Hale to see their beribboned winning entry and have "lots of suggestions" on how to spend their $150 cash prize. Moanalua also won third place in the youth and children division.

Top wreath honors went to Kay Yoshida whose "Angels of Gold" wreath is made from a base of two palm seedling branches colored in gold with flowers and angels handcrafted from wire. "The wreath represents a Cinderella story, enchanted by gold where the angels frolic through the flower bed," Yoshida said.

Kathy Tosh's wreath won in the adult division and Lily Maile Caban's wreath won in the themed division.

The wreaths will be on display in the Lane Gallery at Honolulu Hale through Jan. 6.

Top 10: Worldwide adventure

The best-selling adventure-travel destinations in November, from www.iexplore.com:

1. The pyramids of Egypt.

2. Machu Picchu, Peru.

3. Rain forests of Belize.

4. Expedition cruising to Antarctica.

5. Cultural tours to Vietnam.

6. Hiking in Patagonia, Argentina, and Chile.

7. Cruising the Galapagos Islands.

8. Rain forests of Costa Rica.

9. Cultural tours to China.

10. Safari in Kenya.

What they're saying: Big Island bliss-out

Alison DaRosa of the Copley News Service was looking for more than sun and surf on the Big Island. "In these harried, scary times, what travelers seem to be seeking more than ever is healing."