Tag Archives: Hawaii

Diamond Head, Oahu, Hawaii
Hawaii, Oahu, Play, Trip Ideas

10 Things to Do on Oahu

Leave a comment

 

The island of Oahu overflows with attractions and activities- far more than anyone could take in on a single visit. From this long list, we’ve chosen a few of our favorites. Some are simple and obvious, others not so well known, but certainly worth pursuing.

1  Enjoy a Close Shave

Though its made with ice and a sweet liquid, Hawaiian shave ice is much more than a snow cone. Rather than just trickle syrup over a cone of crushed ice, a frozen block is shaved into micro-fine particles that resemble powdery snow. Fresh fruit juices such as pineapple, guava, mango or passion fruit are then added, and absorbed by this fine powder to create a cool treat that is more creamy than crunchy.

2  Catch the Fireworks

Fireworks over Waikiki Beach. Photo: iStock, things to do on oahu

Fireworks over Waikiki Beach. Photo: iStock

There are few things more spectacular than a fireworks show over water, and in Honolulu, you don’t have to go far or wait long to enjoy such a spectacle. Each Friday night, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa stages a traditional luau that ends with a big fireworks show over the water. You don’t have to attend the party to reap the benefits of the aerial light show, as the colorful explosions are visible from points all along Waikiki Beach. Make your way to the waterfront and settle in with a chair or blanket to enjoy the show.

<b>

3  Ride an Outrigger

There are many ways to take to the water in Oahu, but one of the most memorable is aboard a traditional outrigger canoe. The fun escalates when you join a group paddle at Waikiki Beach, where long breaking waves of moderate height are ideal for canoe surfing. These rides are suitable for all age levels, and don’t require the balance or water skills of surfing. All you need do to catch a wave is dig in your paddle when the canoe master says go, and then sit back and enjoy the ride.

4  Watch the Ponies

You don’t need an ascot or oversize sun hat to take in a match at the Hawaii Polo Club, but you might want to pack a bathing suit and beach blanket. These Sunday afternoon matches have become a favorite island tradition. For a modest admission fee you can set up on the beach side of the playing field, where picnics and barbecues create an atmosphere akin to a stadium tailgate party. For added refreshment, the ocean is just a few steps away.

5  Tour the Harbor

Oahu, Arizona Memorial, Hawaii

USS Arizona Memorial. Photo: iStock

The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor should be a must-do stop on any visitor’s list, as it is one of Hawaii’s most significant historic landmarks, and the final resting place of many U.S. servicemen. But there’s more to see and do at this busy naval port, enough to fill an entire day. Other noteworthy stops on a tour of our nation’s history could include a tour of the decommissioned USS Missouri, a trip through the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park and a visit to the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor, which tells the story of the air war.

<b>

6  Eat a Plate Lunch

For a taste of how the locals eat, stop by one of the many downtown cafes or any of the roadside diners across the island that serve up a traditional plate lunch. Choose your meat from savory offerings such as kalua pork, Korean barbecue, chicken katsu, beef teriyaki or fresh mahimahi, and it will come with a couple scoops of rice and a helping of macaroni salad. Ask for the mixed plate if you want to sample two different meats.

7  Take in History

Delve into Hawaii’s rich cultural and natural history at Oahu’s Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum. In addition to telling the story of the islands through displays and programs, it houses an extensive regionally-themed library, the world’s largest collection of Polynesian artifacts and a suite of flora and fauna displays that include some 13.5 million specimens of bugs. For a more in-depth experience, sign up for one of the numerous lecturers and educational presentations the museum offers.

8  Summit the East End

Koko Head Crater, Oahu, Hawaii

Koko Head Crater, Oahu. Photo: iStock

If you’ve done Diamond Head and are looking for another climb that ends with a big view, head to Koko Head District Park near the island’s easternmost point. Here, a relatively short but fairly steep trail will take you up 1,000 feet to the top of Koko Crater, where you can take in 360-degree views of Molokai Channel, Haunama Bay and the Kiliouou Valley. Once down from the summit, you can find easier paths in the nearby Koko Crater Botanical Garden, which is a prime example of a dry-land garden, with plants from the Americas, Hawaii, Madagascar, and Africa growing within a 60-acre crater.

<b>

9  Get a Taste of Sugar

Discover a tasty bit of the island’s past at the Hawaii’s Plantation Village. This living history museum and botanical garden occupies the grounds of a former sugar plantation and tells not only the story of the agricultural process, but also the various ethnic groups who worked the cane fields and processing plants. The settlement consists of some 25 original and restored plantation-era homes and buildings, which house a diverse collection of artifacts and exhibits.

10  Ride a Rickshaw

Settle in and let your guide do the work and share some local knowledge on a pedal rickshaw trip through Honolulu’s eclectic Chinatown and notorious (but safe) red light district. Other highlights of the trip could include the Hawaiian Capitol building and landmarks such as the Iolani Palace. Along the way you’ll not only pick up some cultural and historical facts, but also some great insider tips on lesser-known places to visit.

 

Hawaii Snorkeling
Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Play, Trip Ideas

Into the Blue: Favorite Snorkel Sites on the Island of Hawaii

Leave a comment

 

If you are on the island of Hawaii and want to don mask and fins for a bit of fish watching, your best bet is to head west. The island’s central-west coast sits in the wind shadow of two towering volcanoes–Mauna Lao and Mauna Kea, so there’s no river runoff to cloud the water and the shore is also sheltered from the prevailing swells that wash the eastern side. With much of the coast covered in lava rock, entry points can be a bit more demanding than on sandy beaches. But there are a number of popular and very scenic reefs that can be reached safely and easily from shore, or by tour boat. Here are four of our favorites.

Kahaluu Beach Park

Located just south of the town of Kailua-Kona, this waterfront park provides not only great snorkeling, but also convenient access. The parking area is close to an entry point where snorkelers can wade in from a sandy area rather than over sharp rocks, and there are lifeguards on duty. The park also provides showers, bathrooms and picnic pavilions. The cove is surrounded by rocky shallows, and there are usually large numbers of tropical species to be seen. Depths are generally less than 10 feet, which means there is more color to the reefs when sunlight penetrates and more chance of getting up close to the sea life.

Kahaluu Beach Park, Favorite Snorkel Sites on the Island of Hawaii

When seas are calm, snorkelers can discover snorkel-worthy sites along many Big Island beaches with rock outcroppings. Corals grow on these hard surfaces, attracting fish life. Photo: iStock

Honaunau Bay

Some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii can be found in the waters of Honaunau Bay, adjacent to Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park. Snorkeling is not allowed in the park itself, but just to the north, there is an access point where two flat rock ledges provide safe entry into the clear waters of the bay. These rocks give the site its local nickname “two-steps,” and it is also referred to as the Place of Refuge. Whatever it’s called, this site is not to be missed, as its coral formations and rocks hold a wealth of tropical fish, sea turtles and the chance of a swim-by from spinner dolphin. The site is popular, but there is usually ample parking. Several tour operators also offer water access aboard smaller, raft-life vessels.

Hawaii Snorkeling

The reefs and coastal waters of Hawaii are home to more than a thousand species of fish. Some are found throughout the Pacific, but more than 300 are native only to these islands. Photo: iStock

Kealakekua Bay

The waters of the Kealakekua Bay Marine Reserve are rich in fish life and colorful corals, and there are extensive shallow areas suitable for snorkeling. But if you are planning to wade into this marine preserve from shore, you’d better pack some sturdy shoes and extra drinking water, because reaching the entry point requires a hike of 45 minutes or more across loose lava rocks. A better option is to come by boat. Several tour companies are licensed to lead kayak tours into the reserve, and more provide half-day and full-day snorkeling and water-sports cruises aboard power launches and sailing catamarans. To enjoy some personal water space, book with one of the smaller operators, lest you find yourself in the water with 50 other swimmers.

An overhead view of Kealakekua Bay.

An overhead view of Kealakekua Bay. Reaching this rocky shore by foot requires a difficult hike, but fortunately, a number of tour operators provide boat charters. Photo: iStock

Mauna Kea Bay

The beach at Mauna Kea Bay is often cited as one of Hawaii’s most scenic. It is certainly one of the most serene. Public access is regulated by the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, which allows just 25 non-guest cars in the parking lot each day. The reward for arriving early is a spot on this quiet beach and a chance to snorkel in its sparkling waters. When swells are not present, the gently sloping sand shallows are ideal for youngsters just getting their sea legs. More serious fish watchers can follow the rocky shoreline out to the point beyond the hotel, where corals grow among the lava rocks, and fish flit in the sunlight.

Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea is one of the most beautiful snorkeling beaches in Hawaii. Come early to secure one of the limited number of parking spaces that guarantee beach access. Photo: Stephan Hoerold/iStock

 

 

 

Oahu Coastline
Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Kauai, Maui, Oahu, Plan, Trip Ideas

Hawaii’s Natural Wonders

Leave a comment

 

Hawaii is home to so many spectacular sights it’s nearly impossible to picture just one iconic landscape when imagining the state’s natural beauty. Sprawling beaches, towering coastal cliffs, tropical rainforests, volcanoes and red-hot lava flows are just a few of the picturesque scenes the islands provide—not to mention the bounty of bays and lagoons that make for stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

Hawaii Fairmont Orchid Spa
Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Maui, Oahu, Stay, Trip Ideas

Best Hawaiian Resorts for Island-Style Spa Treatments

Leave a comment

 

A visit to a spa in Hawaii is somewhat different from a stateside pampering. In the islands the experience goes tropical with pineapple, coconut and lime fragrances and earthy with volcanic mud and lava rocks playing a role in your treatment. The islands’ big-name resorts go all out in creating not only fantastic treatments you won’t find back on the mainland, but the perfect surroundings that only a tropical Hawaiian island can provide. So if it’s time to detoxify, relax, get healthy or just spoil yourself, these resort spas are so worth a visit.

Fairmont Orchid, Kohala Coast, Big Island of Hawaii

Pampering in the Hawaiian Islands means connecting with nature and being outdoors where water, wind and the fragrance of the island create a relaxing environment for a spa treatment. At the Fairmont Orchid resort the spa is actually called, the Spa Without Walls, which makes perfect sense. Guest treatment rooms include outdoor huts near waterfalls and oceanfront cabanas where the soothing sounds of water mix with ocean breezes. In this setting, it’s only appropriate to indulge in a lomi lomi massage, one of the most traditional Hawaiian massages. It was used in ancient Hawaii by native healers. Therapists move their forearms and hands in long gliding, rhythmic movements and use medium pressure to relax muscles. They work gently, yet deeply into the tissue, and the continuous flowing strokes, combined with loving touch, ease muscle tension so internal energy can better flow.

Hawaii's Fairmont Orchid Spa

The Fairmont Orchid resort’s Spa Without Walls takes advantage of the Big Island of Hawaii’s waterfalls to create areas for reflection and relaxation. Photo: The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii

The Kohala Coast is known for its high-end resorts, and the Fairmont Orchid is right up there with the top properties. Its grounds can rightly boast some of Hawaii’s most impressive tropical gardens and cascading waterfalls, plus a white sandy beach on Pauoa Bay. Rooms have lanais with views of the Pacific Ocean or the lush gardens, and the bamboo- style four-poster beds bring the tropical theme inside. Thatched umbrellas and a tiki bar make the alfresco Hale Kai restaurant an inviting spot for lunch or dinner. 

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalow, Kohala Coast, Big Island of Hawaii

A trip to the spa at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel is like a visit to a Hawaiian village. Thatched-roof huts for treatments and meditation are surrounded by jungle-like foliage and dramatic rocks. Natural lava saunas and a Watsu pool are part of the spa too. The names of the treatments alone are tantalizing: Papaya Pineapple Body Treatment, Kona Mocha Body Scrub, Seaweed Therapy and Lava Flow Body Wrap. If you want to detoxify from all the work-related stress you left behind or too many libations the night before, the Lava Flow Body Wrap is for you. Therapists apply volcanic mud and then wrap your body; the results are smoother skin and the remineralizing of your body. The Lava Watsu Experience is pure stress relief. In the comfort of a pool, where the water is the perfect temperature for your body, a therapist helps you to relax through flotation and rhythmical movements said to relieve pain and promote flexibility.

Mauna Lani Hotel Spa, Hawaii

Tropical foliage and thatched roofs create a Hawaiian village ambience for spa-goers at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii. Photo: Mauna Lani Bay Hotel

Considered one of the Big Island’s most romantic resorts, you’ll be dazzled by its open-air lobby with cathedral ceilings. Koi ponds and illuminated sheets of water add to the decor. Guest rooms have a minimalist decor with graphic orchid artwork and great views of the Mauna Kea Mountain. If you want to splurge, the property’s bungalows at 2,700 square feet of living space are perfect for a long vacation. They have private pools, Jacuzzis and barbecue areas. If you need a reason to extend your stay, we’ll give you one: golf. With two courses that blend mountain and ocean and the Keiki Course for youngsters, one day of golf won’t be enough. 

Grand Wailea, Maui

This Waldorf Astoria resort has bragging rights to the largest spa in Hawaii. Its two-story Spa Grande covers 50,000 square feet and devotes one floor to dry treatments and the other floor to wet indulgences. In fact the spa is known for its Terme Wailea Hydrotherapy. Enjoyed prior to a treatment, the water therapy can include time spent in a Roman whirlpool tub followed by a quick dip in a cold plunge pool, or guests can opt to soak in the hot water of a Japanese furo bath. Another option is the cascading waterfall massage designed especially to knead the neck and shoulders with the pressure of water dropping from a height of 10 feet. The hydrotherapy also includes five Hawaiian sea salt baths and an invigorating loofah scrub. The spa organizes treatments by philosophies: water, fire, earth, air and harmony. Fire, for example, involves heat to warm the body, and the Pohaku massage, using hot lava stones, is said to be one of the most therapeutic.

Grand Wailea Maui, Hawaii Spa

The termé in the Spa Grande at Maui’s Grand Wailea resort lets guests choose their specialty bath: mud, seaweed, aromatherapy, papaya and mineral salt. Photo: Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

The resort, set on 40 acres fronting the Wailea Beach on the southwest shore of Maui, is all about giving you plenty of space, whether it’s a 640-foot room or a huge pool with a swim-in grotto and 19-foot waterfall. There’s also the swim-up Grotto Bar. But guests’ favorite place, no doubt, is a table at the floating seafood restaurant, named after Hawaii’s official state fish, affectionately known as Humu Humu. Its cluster of thatched-roof Polynesian huts and the chance to pluck your own lobster from the nearby lagoon are reasons to go. 

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, Kona, Big Island of Hawaii

After you’ve learned how to make a lei, play the ukulele and dance the hula, you’ll find more Hawaiian-centric things to explore at the resort’s Hoola Spa. The word hoola means to heal, and treatments here range from pure bliss to therapeutic. The Hawaiian Sugar Polish Body Treatment for sensitive skin uses Hawaiian sugar crystals and botanicals to gently scrub the body followed by a Vichy rinse. The Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage is the islands’ version of a Swedish massage, using techniques handed down through generations. The long, gliding strokes and gentle rhythmic motions make this a popular choice. The Hoola Spa also offers a Deep Lomi Lomi Massage for guests who want a firmer, more intense experience. The newest offering at the spa is the Himalayan Salt Spa, a room where guests inhale very fine micro- particles of salt that are said to have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and improve the immune system.

Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa, Hawaii

Guests enjoy the warmth of the sun and the coolness of ocean breezes during a massage at the Hoola Spa in the Sheraton Kona Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii. Photo: Sheraton Kona Resort

The Sheraton Kona Resort is perched on the edge of Hawaii’s iconic lava rocks, hugging Keauhou Bay. Although the rooms are stunning with warm wood tones and crisp white linens, you’ll no doubt want to spend your days in the pool area, where a 200-foot lava tube waterslide, hot tubs and a striking view of the water and crenulated coast teases the eye. A bonus is the resort’s special viewing area where guests can see the hauntingly beautiful manta rays, with wing spans up to 20 feet, glide by most evenings. 

Trump Hotel Waikiki, Oahu

At this Trump International hotel in Honolulu, the Spa at Trump pumps up its offerings to include treatments that use traditional Hawaiian botanicals. Think pineapple, lime, coconut and sugar. What could sound more appealing to the senses than the Hawaiian Pineapple Lime Exfoliation Massage? Pineapple has natural exfoliating enzymes and nutrients to renew and revitalize the skin. The exotic combination of pineapple, lime and cane sugar in the hands of a therapist are used to gently cleanse, refresh and rehydrate your skin, before the body massage. The final touch is the application of tropical oils to conclude your hour of bliss. Another Hawaiian-centric treatment is the Kalo Coconut Wrap. Therapists use coconut and the healing kukui nut oil to condition the skin. And while you are wrapped and relaxed, your feet and scalp are massaged, leaving you with a head-to-toe pampering.

Waikiki Trump Hotel Spa, Hawaii, Oahu

Among the signature treatments at the Spa at Trump in the Trump Hotel Waikiki is the gemstone massage, using gem-infused oils that contain diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires. Photo: Trump International Waikiki

After a visit to the spa, relax at the hotel’s infinity pool, where a watery view of the Pacific Ocean will keep you feeling totally de-stressed. Accommodations at the Trump Hotel include studios with kitchenettes and suites with full kitchens that spoil guests with their Bosch, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances. And for the nights you want to dine out, BLT Steak is the top on-property restaurant where a French flair and a contemporary décor give this steakhouse its upscale appeal.

The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Honolulu, Oahu

With a guest roster that includes presidents, royalty and celebrities, the Kahala Hotel & Resort is known for its high standards, and the spa is no different. The Kahala Spa’s treatment rooms are anything but tiny, and include a relaxation area with comfy rattan chairs, a glass-enclosed shower, a soaking tub and a changing area that provides privacy. Wood flooring and slat-style windows add warmth to the room, which opens onto an outdoor area. Each treatment begins with the ritual of Hoomaka, a cleansing and relaxing foot massage. For the ultimate experience, book the Lovely Hula Hands Massage, a four-handed dancing of hands using the lomi lomi massage techniques. Two therapists work in rhythm with each other to ease you into a state of total relaxation.

Kahala Resort Spa, Hawaii

Honolulu’s Kahala Hotel & Resort’s spa suites include private indoor and outdoor relaxation areas for lounging after a treatment. Photo: The Kahala Hotel & Resort

You can follow up your treatment with a leisurely stroll on the resort’s palm tree-fringed shore or by lolling in a hammock. Your room’s lanai is another great perch where you can relax while gazing at the Koolau Mountains. Rooms are airy with a palette of light natural tones and island touches, such as tropical leaf shapes etched into the carpeting, and the luxe bathrooms have deep soaking tubs. Located just minutes from shopping and nightlife, the resort’s complimentary shuttle will whisk you into Waikiki. 

 

Oahu Surf
Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Maui, Oahu, Play, Trip Ideas

Catching the Wave: The Best Places in Hawaii to Learn to Surf

Leave a comment

 

If you’ve ever dreamed of learning to surf, the islands of Hawaii are an ideal place to get started. Yes, this is one of the planet’s premier big-wave destinations, where the world’s best come to test their mettle—and sometimes even risk their lives. But Hawaii is also a great place for first- time surf riders, and novice-friendly surf breaks can be found on all the major islands.

waikiki hawaii surfing, paddling out, learn to surf

Paddling out into beginner-friendly surf at Waikiki Beach, home of the modern surfing movement. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority

The powerful waves that experts crave rise up quickly from deeper water to form steep walls. To catch this type of wave, a surfer must jump quickly to a standing position as the board falls down the wave face, then perform a sharp cut near the bottom to turn sideways and keep in front of a breaking curl.

By contrast, a novice-friendly swell will build more gradually over a gently sloping bottom and move more slowly toward shore while maintaining a face that resembles a mound more than a wall. Catching a ride on this type of wave is much easier, as the surfer has more time to paddle into the wave, and can set a straighter path towards shore.

It sounds easy, and it can be, but most people will still benefit from a lesson or two. Fortunately, the Hawaiian Islands excel in the instruction department. Numerous surf schools are located on or near the best novice-friendly breaks, and accommodating surf coaches have helped everyone from toddlers to octogenarians catch their first wave.

The main reason to get surfing lessons rather than going it alone is safety. No, you aren’t in danger of getting punched out by an angry local, that’s only in the movies. But if you simply rent a board at random and head for the shore, you may end up over your head in a surf break that pounds and pummels, leaving you waterlogged and discouraged. Most professional surfing instructors have undergone lifeguard training, first aid and CPR. They know the best breaks, have perfected teaching methods that allow almost anyone to succeed and can provide you with the right equipment.

Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii surf

The steady swells that roll in along Oahu’s Waikiki Beach are ideal for novice and causal surfers, who can enjoy long rides with little fear of dangerous wipeouts. Photo: Tor Johnson/Hawaii Tourism Authority

The best boards for first-timers are usually larger than those the pros use. A bigger board is not only easier to ride on a slow wave, it’s also more stable for learning how to stand atop. A favorite with newbies, the soft-top boards are comfortable to lie on while paddling and provide better traction when you practice standing. Many instructors also furnish comfort items, such as swim shoes and Lycra rash guard shirts that prevent chaffing and provide sun protection.

A typical first-time lesson lasts about two hours and begins with a few minutes of dry land instruction on how to catch a wave and stand up. Many of the areas where beginner lessons take place are fairly shallow, and you may be able to stand in the water. A bit of swimming may still be in order if you wipe out. Fortunately, a fall at a beginner break won’t result in an underwater tumble in foaming surf, and within minutes you’ll be ready to try again. Most everyone gets the hang of it by the end of the first lesson and is able to stand for at least a few brief moments. You’re surfing Dude!

Best Places for Beginning Surfers

 
 

Oahu

The island’s fabled North Shore spawns monster waves each winter. Meanwhile, on the opposite side of Oahu, far kinder swells wash into the waterfront at Waikiki. It was here on a long, steady wave that the modern sport of surfing was born and popularized by Duke Paoa Kahanamoku. Several surf schools operate on this beach, which is sought out by accomplished long boarders, stand-up paddleboard enthusiasts and outrigger canoeists. It’s a very democratic scene, and one where newbies are a common and accepted sight. Among the more established schools serving Waikiki are Hans Hedman Surf Adventures, which is headquartered in the Park Shore Hotel, and to the north of the strand, the Ty Gurney Surf School at the Imperial Resort.

Hawaii surf lessons, waikiki

Savoring the thrill of the first ride during a surfing lesson at Waikiki Beach. Photo: Hans Hedman Surf Adventures

Another popular option for those who are staying in the Ko Olina resort area, or who don’t mind driving a bit to get away from the crowds, is the Hawaii Fire Surf School. Here, the instructors are off-duty firefighters who surf. And though they stand ready to rescue, there’s little likelihood of getting into trouble as you learn on the gentle waves of a nearly secluded beach on Oahu’s West Coast.

A third option takes you to the North Shore where Hans Hedman operates a satellite facility at the Turtle Bay Resort. Rather than attempt the big breakers that pound the outside reef in winter, you’ll be surfing the milder secondary break to the inside. If these waves grow too challenging, the instructors know of several alternate locations nearby that remain novice-friendly.

Maui

Two areas in Maui are favored for learning. Near Lahaina, the break to the south of the harbor breakwater is one of the most consistent and popular spots on the island. Nearby Puamana Beach Park is another favorite site for instruction. What they both have in common are easy water entries, manageable waves to paddle through on the way out, and a fun ride back in without the fear of being overtaken by a towering wall of water. Among the best schools in Maui are the Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy, the Goofy Foot Surf School and—though the name doesn’t imply it—Maui Surfer Girls, which in addition to its female surf camps, teaches beginners of all ages and both genders.

Farther down the coast, another favorite spot—and what some say offers the best beginner waves on the island—is Kalama Cove in Kihei. Here, a steady, consistent swell rises in relatively shallow water, and there are excellent shore facilities at nearby Kalama Park. This site, like many, is best in the morning, when there is less wind. Just across the street from the park is Big Kahuna Surf Adventures, which provides instruction and all the necessary gear. Also nearby is Maui Wave Riders.

surfboards, hawaii

Neophytes or casual surfers can find a wide assortment of rental boards available near popular sites. Photo: iStock

Hawaii

Although better known for golf and big game fishing, the Big Island has a vibrant local surf scene too. The central west coast is where you find breaks suitable for first-timers to hone their skills. A few miles south of Kailua-Kona is Kahaluu Beach Park. The clear waters inside the sheltering reef are a favorite with swimmers and snorkelers, while the waves attract beginner and intermediate surfers. There is often a smaller break to the inside, where even youngsters won’t feel intimidated, while the outer break can provide a bit more challenge for those who have mastered the basics. This is where most instruction takes place, and two favorite schools are Surfer Bear Hawaii and Kona Mike’s Surf Adventures.

 

Hiking Haleakala Maui, Hawaii
Hawaii, Maui, Play, Trip Ideas

Volcano Adventures: Best Activities on Maui’s Mount Haleakala

Leave a comment

 

The Hawaiian Islands were built by volcanoes. Maui can lay claim to two. Kahalawai is the traditional name of the smaller and long-expired cone better known as the West Maui Mountains. To the east, Mount Haleakala’s island-dominating profile hasn’t shown activity for several hundred years, yet is still considered a dormant rather than extinct volcano.

For an exciting range of outdoor activities head to Haleakala. This two-mile-high mountain creates the island’s weather and views. Whether exploring its verdant lower slopes or descending into the otherworldly interior crater, there are adventures suitable not only for the bold and fit, but for the rest of us as well. Here are some of the ways you can enjoy Haleakala, the peak known in the Hawaiian language as the House of the Sun:

Drive It

Haleakala Maui, Hawaii, Maui’s Mount Haleakala

The Haleakala summit sits at an elevation of 10,000 feet, which can provide a breath-taking contrast when driving up from sea level. Photo: iStock

Haleakala is one mountain you won’t have to climb, thanks to a paved highway that zigzags its way up to the rim of the crater, which sits more than 10,000 feet above sea level. It’s a 90-minute drive from Lahaina or the Kihei area, so you’ll have to get up early if you want to watch the sunrise from up top. And dress warm because fog and early morning temperatures around 40 degrees will greet you. Air temps usually climb into the 60s by afternoon. A trip to catch the sunset is another equally popular option.

Hike It

Aside from the road leading to the summit, the remainder of Haleakala National Park is preserved in a natural state and can only be accessed by foot. You’ll find trails for all levels, from short paths, along the summit rim suitable for all ages, to all-day and overnight descents into the lunar- like interior of the crater that are only for the fit and well prepared. On any hike, keep in mind that you are starting at an altitude of as much as 10,000 feet, where hydration and sun protection shouldn’t be overlooked.

Bike It

Cyclists looking for a challenge can take on all or part of the 38-mile route from sea to summit. The climb is steady, but grades are manageable rather than extreme. High performance rental bikes are available in case you don’t want to ship your own ride. Far more popular—and less demanding—are the shuttle-up/drive-down excursions offered by several tour companies. After a van ride to the summit to admire the view, the 25-mile downhill run begins at the park entrance. Dress warm, and if you aren’t keen on the 3:30 a.m. wake-up call required for the sunrise tour, opt for the mid-morning ride, or rent bikes and a rooftop carrier and stage a self-guided descent.

Ride It

Haleakala Maui horseback riding, hawaii

For many years, horseback tours included trail rides into the crater. Currently, routes have shifted to the greener outer slopes. Photo: iStock.

Saddle up to explore the lower slopes of the volcano at one of two working cattle ranches. These rides take you through pastures with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean far below and into shaded groves of eucalyptus, koa and ohia trees. Reservations are usually needed, as these are popular rides.

Zip It

Zip-line and canopy bridge tours are Maui favorites, and several of the best courses are located on the wooded lower slopes of Haleakala. These tours make a good add-on after a trip to the summit, as they are located near the base of the park’s highway and typically take a couple of hours to complete.

Fly It

If you are standing on the peak of the volcano and feel an urge to leap into space, seek professional help. The experts take off from the top, but you’ll actually need to move a bit downslope to harness up for a tandem paraglide adventure. The views will still be amazing. Paragliding, which is a cross between parachuting and hang gliding, begins with a short downhill run followed by a soaring descent that can last up to a 15 minutes.

Camp It

Camping Haleakala, Maui, hawaii

Hosmer Grove, on the wooded middle slopes of Mount Haleaka provides campers with a memorable backdrop. Photo: Brad Scott/iStock

Intrepid back country explorers who obtain permits can camp or stay in the wilderness cabins located deep within Haleakala National Park, but they’ll have to carry everything on their back—including water. For a more civilized take on tenting, you can drive to the Hosmer Grove campground, which sits just below the summit entrance and has 50 sites with water and no-frills bathrooms.

 

 

Punaluu Black sand beach, big island, Hawaii
Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Plan, Trip Ideas

The Big Island of Hawaii: 10 Reasons to Go

Earning its nickname for the orchid flowers that thrive in the dark volcanic soil, the island of Hawaii is also referred to as simply “the Big Island.” It’s a fitting title, as many things here happen on a bit grander scale: the distances, the mountains and the views. Few other places in the world can you swim in tropical waters in the morning, then stand atop a snow-capped peak two hours later. Or transition from lush rainforests to cool grasslands then move on to arid lunar-like coastal flats in the same afternoon. From the quiet luxury resorts of the Kohala Coast to the fiery energy of Kilauea, it is an island of contrasts and wide-open spaces.

1  Land of Fire

This is the youngest island in the Hawaiian chain, and it’s still growing. Volcanoes National Park is one of the only places in the world where you can come face-to-face with an active volcano and see the still-smoldering remains of a lava flow emerge and flow into the sea, creating clouds of steam as the molten rock cools to form new land.

2  Room to Roam

The Big Island isn’t just a slogan. At 3,000 square miles, it’s almost twice the size of all the other Hawaiian Islands combined. A “once around” driving tour will put more than 200 miles on the odometer, and it’s possible to visit 10 climate zones ranging from tropical to polar.

3  Snow in the Tropics

T-shirts emblazoned with “Ski Hawaii” aren’t a joke. Towering nearly 14,000 feet above sea level, Hawaii’s two major volcanic peaks—Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa—are sometimes covered in snow during the winter. Adventurous skiers and snowboarders ride to the summit of Mauna Kea on four-wheel-drive vehicles for a chance to glide on “pineapple powder.”

4  Open Range

Hawaii is cow country. The Parker Ranch is one of the oldest working cattle ranches in America, and at a quarter million acres, it’s half again the size of the entire island of Molokai. Hawaiian cowboys, known as paniolos, stage a rodeo each Labor Day, and the ranch is open for horseback tours year-round.

5  Home of the Iron Man

Each October, the town of Kailua-Kona hosts the world’s most famous endurance race: the Iron Man. The race was born in Oahu, but moved to the Big Island in 1981 to take advantage of the uncrowded roadways for bikers and runners, and Kona’s expansive sheltered bay for swimmers.

6  Golf Galore

In a state known for golf, the Big Island offers not only the most chances to play a round, but also many of the best opportunities. Some of the most stunning courses are those on the Kohala Coast that place green fairways against a backdrop of jet-black lava flows. A total of 23 courses on the island provide everything from affordable, democratic play to some of the most storied holes in the sport.

7  Big Fish

Trophy game fish swim close to the island’s western shore. The two largest blue marlin in the world were landed in Kona, as well as the most fish over 1,000 pounds. Prime fishing grounds are just a short run from Honokohau Harbor, and seas are usually calm, as the prevailing trade winds are blocked by the island’s towering volcanoes.

8  Black Sands

When lava rock is ground fine by wind and waves, the result is black sand, and the Big Island has some of the finest black sand beaches in the world. The easiest to reach is Punaluu Beach, which lies just to the east of the island’s southern tip. If you are driving a circle tour of the island, make sure to look for it between mile markers 55 and 56 on Highway 11.

9  Legendary Coffee

Kona coffee is prized for its rich flavor, derived from the fertile volcanic soils and cool mountain air that envelops the slopes where coffee plants thrive. Scattered throughout the Kona district are coffee farms, which offer tours and tastings. The small town of Holualoa, known for its art scene, is a good place to start a caffeine quest.

10  Totally Tubular

When lava spills from an erupting volcano, it sometimes flows in subterranean conduits called lava tubes, which eventually cool to create caves. At sites like Kaumana Cave near Hilo, visitors can walk more than a mile into one of these former lava highways, which are now refreshingly dark and cool.

Molokai Mule Ride Hawaii
Hawaii, Molokai, Plan, Trip Ideas

Molokai: 10 Reasons to Go

Traditions are alive and well on Molokai, where farming and ranching is still a way of life for many, and tourism supplements rather than dominates the economy. There are no high rises or mega resorts, no traffic lights or streetlights, and no franchise eateries or stores. Instead, you’ll find quiet villages, where accommodations run to small inns and rental cottages, and nightlife is more about stars than bars.

1  Rural Roots

Though no longer a major pineapple producer, Molokai is still an agricultural island, where family plots grow bananas, papaya, sweet potatoes and taro, and cattle roam the island’s western grasslands. The primary settlement of Kaunakakai is still known as a paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town, and a place where dinner is more likely to come fresh from the garden and the sea rather than the refrigerator.

2  Home of the Hula

Oral traditions name Molokai as the island where the hula dance was born. Now synonymous with Hawaiian culture and often incorporated into luau floor shows, hula was originally danced not only as a form of entertainment, but as a way to preserve the island’s oral history and mythology. The stories of hula are told through gestures and the accompanying chants, and one of the best places to see its purest form is the annual Ka Hula Piko festival, which is a showcase for traditional dance, culture and food.

3  The One Percent

Of the more than seven million visitors who come to the Hawaiian Islands each year, fewer than one in a hundred will make it to Molokai. As a result, you won’t find tour buses clogging the roads or excursion boats lining the harbors. Things get even quieter in the evenings when day-trippers from Maui reboard the ferry, leaving the island to its residents and a very few longer-term guests.

4  Something Fishy

Long before the modern science of aquaculture developed, Hawaii’s native people were raising seafood in coastal impounds made of coral and lava rock, which kept fish corralled while allowing sea water to flow in and out. Some of the best preserved are located near One Alii Beach Park. These structures are thought to be 700 to 800 years old. Two in particular, Keawanui and Ualapue Fishponds, have been designated as National Historic Landmarks.

5  A King’s Vacation

King Kamehameha V constructed his summer home at Kaunakakai Beach and raised cattle on land that later became the sprawling Molokai Ranch, which is Hawaii’s second largest. He’s also credited with planting hundreds of coconut trees in what is now the Kapuaiwa Coconut Beach Park. This shaded grove is one of the island’s signature landmarks—just be sure to watch for falling coconuts if you enter.

6  St. Damien’s Legacy

The Catholic missionary Joseph de Veuster was granted sainthood for aiding the leprosy victims exiled to Molokai’s remote Kalaupapa peninsula. The site of this former colony is now open to the public as Kalaupapa National Historical Park, but it can be reached only by a rugged trail. Here visitors can learn the story of St. Damien and the colony, and visit St. Philomena Roman Catholic Church, where Damien served and was originally buried in the adjacent cemetery.

7  Cliff Hanger

The precipitous trail leading to the Kalaupapa colony drops 1,700 feet in three miles and often runs just inches from the brink of a cliff. Surefooted mules ferry visitors up and down this dramatic pathway. Plan on devoting most of the day to the ride, as the three- mile trip takes about 90 minutes each way, and there’s a break at the bottom to explore and have lunch. The path is also open to ambitious hikers looking for a good workout.

8  Southern Exposure

The longest barrier reef in Hawaii stretches for nearly 30 miles along Molokai’s southern coast. The clear waters that envelop these coral gardens are home to hundreds of species of fish and are a favorite with divers and snorkelers. The site called Murphy’s Beach is a favorite entry point, as it provides calm water and shaded beachside facilities for gearing up.

9  Seaside Heights

Along the island’s northern shore, the world’s tallest sea cliffs rise abruptly to heights of almost 4,000 feet. In the rainy season, tendril-like waterfalls cascade down the green cliff faces to form feathery plumes of spray. A short hike from the parking area at Palaau State Park takes you to the edge for a look down. Boat cruises along the bases of the cliff face originate from Kaunakakai harbor and from the island of Maui, where you can also book helicopter fly-bys of the cliffs.

10  Honey Do

Bees turn the flowers of the kiawe tree into a pure white honey that is prized by gourmands. Known as meli in the Hawaiian language, this sweet concoction is produced at a select few apiaries on Molokai, and sold at local stores.

Waimea Canyon Overlook, Kauai, Hawaii
Hawaii, Kauai, Plan, Trip Ideas

Kauai: 10 Reasons to Go

Leave a comment

Nature takes center stage on the lushest of the Hawaiian Islands. Kauai has been around for more than five million years, and the ages have carved deep canyons and covered the land in a rich and diverse mantle of greenery. This is the island for anyone who packs hiking boots rather than dress shoes— though golf shoes will also work. And for those who are less interested in returning to nature, an assortment of upscale properties also stands ready to pamper.

1  The Wild Side

Kauai’s Napali Coast is a land without roads, where narrow valleys are walled by sheer cliffs that drop thousands of feet to the sea. This rugged landscape is a mecca for adventurous hikers, who challenge the cliff-side trails for the reward of remote beaches and wild green valleys. For a less strenuous viewing experience, there are helicopter tours and boat cruises along the seaside bases of the cliffs.

2  Waterworks

With an average of 450 inches of rainfall each year, Mount Waialeale is said to be the wettest place on earth. It’s certainly one of the greenest, with plenty of cascading waterfalls set against towering emerald cliffs. Reaching the summit is an arduous—and damp—endeavor that few attempt, but jeep tours to the rainforest at the base of the slope are a popular option.

3  For the Birds

Kauai has more free-roaming wild chickens than people. These birds are mixed descendants of the island’s once-native red jungle fowl or moa and domestic chickens. They thrive because Kauai was the only island where the mongoose, a predator of eggs, was never introduced, but in settled areas, free- roaming become fair game for the stew pots of locals.

4  Canyon Land

Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” the rugged Waimea Valley is enclosed by towering 3,500-foot canyon walls that expose the underlying lava substrate in shades of red, blue, green and purple. Highway 550, aka the Kokee Road, skirts the western edge of the chasm, offering dramatic views from overlooks and access to the hiking trails of Waimea Canyon State Park.

5  Hollywood Goes Green

When producers go for the prehistoric look, they often find it in the rainforests and rugged mountains of Kauai. Think Jurassic Park, Lost World and the opening scenes from Raiders of the Lost Ark. The island’s more civilized side also sees its share of production crews, dating back to classics such as South Pacific and Blue Hawaii.

6  A River Runs Through It

Kauai is the only Hawaiian island with navigable rivers. The placid Wailua River flows past historic sites where temples stood, and kayakers now ply waters where warriors in dugout canoes once paddled. A favorite cruise takes visitors on a two-mile voyage upriver, with a stop at the lush Fern Grotto, where the walls of a natural lava rock amphitheater are covered in thick greenery.

7  Seeing Red

Kauai is famous for its brilliant red dirt, which was used to make traditional fabric dyes and in folk medicines. The soil’s dramatic color is the result of iron-laden minerals, and certain microorganisms which ingest those minerals. This red earth can be quite cloying, but that’s OK, because it’s considered good luck to come home with a trace of the soil on your clothing. Or you could buy one of the island’s signature Red Dirt Shirts.

8  Growing Attractions

Kauai’s nickname is “The Garden Island,” and this is certainly true of the National Tropical Botanical Garden, which features the world’s largest collection of native Hawaiian plants. For a wilder take on native flora, head to the Wainiha Preserve, which is home to more than 130 flowering plants found only in Hawaii, including more than 40 growing only on Kauai.

9  A Pinch of Salt

At the Hanapepe Salt Pans, traditional evaporation beds turn ocean water into sea salts known locally as paakai. The right to harvest the solidified mineral residues in the salt pans at Hanapepe is passed down through generations, and traditions dictate that this salt can never be sold, but only given as a gift. Of course, it is possible to buy other varieties of Hawaiian sea salts at places across the island.

10  Gushing Waters

Kauai is home to some of Hawaii’s most spectacular waterfalls. Some like the “Jurassic Falls” are located in remote areas that can only be seen by helicopter tour, but others can be reached by hiking, paddling or simply pulling off the road. One favorite that is within driving range is Wailua Falls, which some might recognize from the opening scenes of the vintage television series Fantasy Island.

Garden of the Gods, Lanai Hawaii
Hawaii, Lanai, Plan, Trip Ideas

Lanai: 10 Reasons to Go

The smallest and least populous of Hawaii’s six major islands, Lanai blends natural beauty and small-town quietude with first-class service, thanks to a pair of upscale resort properties and their affiliated championship golf courses. Those seeking a beach experience will find one of Hawaii’s finest stretches of protected sand at Manele Bay, while the island’s pine-clad and mist-shrouded central highlands create a vacation experience where morning treks, afternoon tea and sporting clays don’t seem out of place.

1  Pineapples Past

For most of the 20th century, Lanai was owned by the Dole family and was home to the world’s largest single pineapple plantation. The fields now lay fallow, and the former nickname of “Pineapple Island” no longer applies. Reminders of the island’s agricultural past include Lanai City’s Dole Park and the small Hotel Lanai, which was original built to house company managers.

2  Crowd Control

The least populated of Hawaii’s six major islands, Lanai has only 3,000 residents and hosts fewer than 70,000 vacationers each year. On any given day, you’ll probably be sharing the island with fewer than 1,000 other visitors, and many of them have come for the day and will depart with the ferry or catch a flight back to one of the larger islands before evening.

3  Traffic, Light

With just three paved roads and zero traffic lights, it would be hard to get lost on Lanai’s “main roads” (though the island’s numerous dirt tracks are another story). A shuttle links the harbor docks to Lanai City, which, despite the ambitious name, is a village of about 3,000 people, where everything is within walking distance.

4  Trail Blazing

Though paved roads are scarce, some 90,000 acres of Lanai’s backcountry is laced with more than 400 miles of dirt roads and tracks suitable for four-wheel-drive vehicles. Off- road rentals are the best way to reach some of the island’s best beaches and sights. For those willing to go the distance and traverse nearly 60 miles of dirt roads and tracks, Polihua Beach provides the ultimate in seclusion. This two-mile strand overlooks the Molokai channel and is about as far from civilization as one can get in Hawaii.

5  High and Drier

The central highlands of Lanai sit in the rain shadow of Maui, providing a climate that is tempered by altitude but not inundated by the heavy rains that fall on the higher parts of other islands. A substantial portion of the island’s drinking water comes from desalinization, and plans are in the works to quadruple production capacity to ensure there will always be ample supplies.

6  Rocking Out

The dramatic rock formations known as Garden of the Gods appear to be stacked and scattered by some unseen giant’s hand. Geologists claim it is the work of erosion, while local traditions maintain it is the detritus of sky gardens cultivated by island deities. If you are into rocks and solitude, it’s a must-see, but don’t expect interpretive trails or other trappings of more developed natural wonders. Make sure to rent a four-wheel- drive vehicle and get good directions before attempting the bumpy seven-mile drive from Lanai City.

7  New Ownership

The nickname ‘private island’ reflects not only solitude, but the fact that some 98 percent of the island land is held by a single entity. The recent sale to Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison has resulted in an infusion of resources. Among the projects now in the works are upgrades to the island’s two signature resorts, new homes in Lanai City and an airport expansion to potentially accommodate direct flights from the U.S. mainland.

8  A Place for Pines

Lanai’s relatively dry climate is ideal for pine trees. The first Cook Island pines were introduced nearly 150 years ago and now cover much of the island’s central highlands. These trees harvest the fog that sometimes envelopes the slopes and actually return water to the land. A hike along Kaiholena Ridge will take you into the heart of this pine forest.

9  Game Place

Wild sheep and axis deer now roam much of the island’s unsettled backcountry. Managed hunting is used to control the populations of these non-native species, but they are still common sights when hiking or driving the back roads.

10  Five Islands

On a clear day, you can see five islands from the summit of Mount Lanahale: Maui, Molokai, Oahu, Kahoolawe and Hawaii island. Getting to the view requires some backcountry driving along the Munro Trail. This 12-mile single-lane dirt track winds along the island’s sharp spine, passing through forests of pine, eucalyptus and ironwood on the way to the top. Pullouts along the route provide views of Maunalei gulch.