Tag Archives: Hawaii

Haunama Bay Oahu, Hawaii
Hawaii, Oahu, Plan

Oahu: 10 Reasons to Go

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Oahu is where America’s love affair with the Hawaiian Islands began. Home to the largest harbor, it has long been a favored port of call. Today, Oahu is not only the Pacific’s primary air hub for transcontinental travel, but also a prime destination itself, drawing travelers from around the world. They come not only for the beaches and scenery, but also for the cultural and commercial activities of the region’s most cosmopolitan destination.

1  Picture Perfect

When the first postcards came back from Hawaiian vacations, they were likely emblazoned with images of Waikiki Beach, with the distinct profile of Diamond Head in the distance. This is where generations have come to lay in the sand and play in the surf, and to this day, Hawaii’s most famous beach remains a favorite with vacationers and residents alike.

2  Capital Attractions

Honolulu is a vibrant, cosmopolitan capital known for its diverse cultural influences. As would befit a major international city, it also offers a range of performing arts, including the symphony, ballet, opera and theater, along with a wealth of museums and fine art galleries. Among the most popular art-centric places are the Honolulu Museum of Art and the Hawaii State Art Museum. All told, there are more than 100 museums and art galleries in the Honolulu area.

3  Authentic Eats

Honolulu’s dining scene is as eclectic as its population, offering everything from five- star chefs’ tables to food trucks and native fare, plus a variety of Asian cuisines. Kapahulu Avenue is ground zero for dining diversity. For an authentic local taste, try a plate lunch, and sample some traditional dishes such as laulua pork served with a side of poi. Finish up with another Hawaiian favorite: shave ice.

4  Surfing Roots

Oahu’s wave riders launched the modern sport of surfing. Today, the world’s best challenge the mammoth wintertime waves of the North Shore. You can enjoy a vicarious stoke by catching the pros in action at events such as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Meanwhile, on the other side of the island, the smaller and kinder swells of Waikiki delight first-timers and more casual wave riders.

5  Pineapple Ice Cream

Though no longer one of the world’s pineapple powerhouses, Oahu still grows the succulent fruit, which finds its way into the island’s tastiest frozen concoction. Some repeat visitors to Oahu will make the pilgrimage to the Dole Plantation just to savor a scoop of the signature pineapple ice cream. However, while strolling Waikiki you can stop at HU-LA-LA’S Ice Cream for a cone.

6  Service Center

Oahu is not only an R&R favorite of troops and sailors on leave, it is also home to nine military bases representing all five branches of the U.S. military service. No trip to the island would be complete without a visit to Pearl Harbor to pay homage at the USS Arizona Memorial and the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument.

7  The Diversity District

Though it’s known as Chinatown, the area of downtown Honolulu centering around South Pauahi Street is now home to a diverse blend of Southeast Asian cultures. Like the Chinese immigrants who settled here when they first arrived in the islands, new arrivals and native Hawaiians of Vietnamese, Laotian, Japanese, Thai, Filipino and Korean descent have also established roots in the neighborhood. Their heritages meld in the eclectic shops and eateries that offer every manner of goods and services, along with a mouth-watering array of ethnic dishes. A favorite is the food hall at the Maunakea Marketplace.

8  Island Designs

The Hawaiian-print or Aloha Shirt is tourist kitsch to some, a passion for others. Like modern Hawaii itself, this iconic design is the result of a melting pot of styles and fabrics borrowed from Japan, China and the Philippines, which melded with the local Palaka work shirt to emerge as an island icon. Today, Honolulu is home to some of the best tailors and designers of the genre, which include names like Tori Richard and Reyn Spooner.

9  Legendary Luaus

When the sun goes down, the torches light and the drums resound across the island at dozens of sites getting ready for a luau. The party’s been going on since the early 1900s, when some of the first tourist hotels on Waikiki Beach began staging their own versions of this traditional island feast for the benefit of visitors. Today, the best luau performances are far more than just a hotel sideshow; they are cultural celebrations wrapped in a party.

10  The Wild Side

There’s more to Oahu than the city of Honolulu. Just a few miles away, wild areas with green valleys and cascading waterfalls await hikers. The family-friendly Waimea Falls Park is an easy visit, while a trip to the remote Maunawili Falls requires a muddy trek through the Koolau Mountains. A favorite closer to town is the mile-and-a-half hike to the summit of Diamond Head for sweeping views of the island.

Cap Juluca Beach Villas, Anguilla
Anguilla, Caribbean, Florida, Florida Keys, Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Stay, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Beachfront Rooms Just Steps from the Water

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There’s nothing like waking up- or falling asleep – to the soothing sound of waves. Whether the roar of the Atlantic or the soft swish of the Caribbean Sea, the rhythm signals the presence of water and a beach. Imagine that early morning walk along the shore or gazing at the moon in total darkness as waves lap at your feet. Here are five hotels that couldn’t get any closer to the shore if they tried.

Moorings Village, Islamorada, Florida

The Moorings Village & Spa, Rooms just steps from the beach

Enjoy your morning coffee with a view of the Atlantic from the porch of the Maroni House. Photo: the Moorings Village & Spa

Think of a coconut plantation, where 18 cottages are tucked in among a variety of palm trees and blooming hibiscus and bougainvillea add splashes of color to the greenscape. This is the Moorings Village & Spa. A top spot to book is the white Maroni House, with its lush green front yard that meets the sandy shoreline and faces the Atlantic Ocean. Sit on the big wrap-around porch with a cup of Joe and watch the sunrise. (Florida Keys’ sunrises are just as spectacular as the famed sunsets.) With just a few steps you’re on the water’s edge taking a stroll, followed by a swim or some paddleboarding. The bedroom has a king-size bed and French doors that open onto the porch, providing a dreamy view of feathery palms, beach and water. Go ahead, open the doors and feel the island breezes. The cottage’s oak-wood floors and crisp decor complement the tropical environment. Bonus: A midday siesta in one of the hammocks draped between the beach’s many palm trees is total bliss. 

Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, Ponte Vedra, Florida

Ponte Vedra Inn & Club

Miles of the Atlantic shoreline greet you when you wake up at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. Photo: Ponte Vedra Inn & Club

 A real Florida classic, the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Northeast Florida has beachfront rooms that allow you to step out the door and right onto a wide stretch of the Atlantic shore. The rooms are exquisitely furnished with heavy wooden beds, complete with carved headboards and posts, and dressed in comforters and pillows in rich seascape tones and floral and stripe patterns. Wide moldings define the walls and ceilings and add a regal touch to the decor. The ocean rooms are so close to the Atlantic that the sound of waves will lull you to sleep. 

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Bolongo Bay, St. Thomas

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort is a water-sports playground, but at night it takes on a romantic aura. Photo: Bolongo Bay Beach Resort

 A low-key property on Bolongo Bay, this smaller resort is a water-sports playground. First-floor rooms open their doors onto the sand, and with a few steps you’re at the shoreline. Move between your room, the sand, the Caribbean waters and the toys—kayaks, paddleboards, aqua bikes and paddle boats. Nestled against hillside tropical foliage, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort is a cool little hideaway. Rooms are decorated in sunny oranges and yellows with bamboo-inspired furniture. Bonus: At the weekly Snorkel Booze Hunt, snorkelers search for a bottle of rum staff members hid under the sea. 

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Kapulehu, Island of Hawaii

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii

From the outdoor area of this Four Seasons suite, Hawaii’s shore is just steps away. Photo: Four Seasons

Go for an oceanfront Superior Suite on the lower level so you can walk out through the patio and onto the beach at this Four Seasons gem. Hawaiian art and nature-inspired furnishings are well executed to create a luxurious décor reminiscent of Hawaii’s golden age (the boom years from 1893 to 1941). The beach’s fine white sand blends with black lava landscapes and Pacific blues to dazzle the eye. 

Cap Juluca, Anguilla

Photo: Cap Juluca

Having the beach just outside your door makes a stay at the impeccably designed Cap Juluca perfect. Photo: Cap Juluca

From your perch on the patio of these Moorish-style beachfront villas, the architecture’s stark white arches frame the intense blues and greens of the beach just outside your door. Strikingly romantic and as close as you can get to the brightest sands in the Caribbean, Cap Juluca’s rooms and suites boast white walls and floors that connect with the alabaster sands just beyond. Columns, domes and more arches give this resort its intriguing aura. 

 

Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort, Marathon, Florida

Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort

Sand, palm trees and water creates an amazing tropical vibe at Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort. Photo: Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort

In the Florida Keys, you really have to search to find a sweeping beach, which is why a stay at the Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort is such a treat. Walk out the French doors of a two- or three-bedroom beachfront house onto the porch and savor the expansive view of sparkling white sand that leads to the Gulf of Mexico. Palm trees, lounges, a swimmer’s beach and even TJ’s Tiki Bar are right there. And the two-story beach house couldn’t be prettier. Its white walls and linens serve as a canvas for brightly colored furniture, bed accessories and accent walls boasting playful floral and sea coral patterned wallcoverings. The full kitchen allows you to brew your own coffee—or mix your own cocktails—to enjoy curled up in an Adirondack chair on the porch or the second-floor balcony. 

 

Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, USVI
Anguilla, Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Florida, Hawaii, Miami, Miami Beach, Oahu, South Beach, Stay, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos, U.S. Virgin Islands

Tropical Vacation Resorts with the Coolest Swimming Pools

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No doubt, every vacation to the tropics includes at least one day at the pool. Whether you jump in and splash around, peacefully float on your back or hang out poolside with a good book, the pool is important. So make sure you find the swimming pool that works for you. From lazy-river styles to infinity-edge designs to even works of art, these pools all have what it takes to make your time in the sun the best.

Zoetry Agua, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Zoetry Agua, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, tropical vacation resorts

At dusk a tropical sky casts a romantic aura over the pool at the Zoetry Agua resort. Photo: Debbie Snow

So well designed is the swimming pool at the Zoetry Agua in Punta Cana that you’ll feel as if you’re surrounded by the rainforest. Soft sensual curves make the pool inviting, and tiny islands home to tall lean palm trees rise up from the water. The pool shaped like a serpent weaves its way through the lush grounds, past hut-like buildings with cane-thatched roofs. 

Raleigh Hotel, South Beach

Photo: The Raleigh

Its art-deco design from the 1940s makes the Raleigh Pool a South Beach icon. Photo: Raleigh Hotel

They don’t make swimming pools like the art-deco pool at the Raleigh Hotel on South Beach anymore. Its iconic curves, now accentuated in black, date back to 1941 when architect L. Murray Dixon designed the hotel. Everything about it screams elegant, sexy and cool. From its high dive-turned-waterfall to its funky lifeguard stand-inspired tower, it retains its bygone-era style. After several facelifts and booms and busts Miami-style, this hotel swimming pool still ranks as one of the top places to swim, hang out and, most importantly, be seen. 

 

Viceroy, Anguilla

Viceroy, Anguilla

The Viceroy’s modern architectural forms carry through to the infinity pool area. Photo: Viceroy

One of the swankiest swimming pools ever, the infinity-edge pool at the Viceroy Hotel in Anguilla is surreal in its design. Perched on a small promontory, the hotel’s modern architectural elements interact with the natural surroundings, making way for a pool with the illusionary effect of shimmering water that meets the Caribbean Sea and extends to the horizon. 

Parrot Cay by COMO, Turks and Caicos

Parrot Cay by COMO, Turks and Caicos

A serene sheet of water, the Parrot Cay by COMO’s infinity pool is the ultimate place to de-stress. Photo: Parrot Cay Resort

Situated on a private island, the beautifully understated infinity pool at the Parrot Cay by COMO is set against scrub-covered sand dunes and the Atlantic Ocean. From your perch on a chaise lounge, the vast pool is so cleverly crafted it visually becomes one with the beach. Bonus: Poolside tiki huts transform into private dining rooms for a romantic evening. You’ll feel like you’re having dinner on the beach. 

Halekulani, Waikiki, Hawaii

Photo: Halekulani

Besides being a work of art, the Halekulani pool offers tantalizing views of Hawaii’s coastline. Photo: Halekulani

Like an artist’s canvas, the bottom of the swimming pool at Waikiki’s Halekulani resort has been turned into a stunning piece of artwork. Using 1.2 million glass tiles, an eye-popping blue mosaic of a Cattleya orchid was created. Whether you swim above the flower with eyes open or view it from the pool’s deck, the design is breathtakingly beautiful. 

Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

Photo: Ritz Carlton

The infinity pool at the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas blends beautifully with its tropical surroundings. Photo: Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

From your chaise lounge on the deck of the infinity pool at the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas, you can watch the feathery shadows of palm trees dance on the water. As your eye moves with the ripples, the pool water seems to extend into the Caribbean Sea, where fishing boats bob against the soft peaks of the island’s green mountains in the distance. Who would ever imagine a swimming pool could create such a picturesque panorama? 

 

 

Caribbean beach chairs for families
Bahamas, Bahamas-New Providence, Cabo San Lucas, Caribbean, Costa Rica, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Jamaica, Kauai, Maui, Mexico, Oahu, Plan, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos

10 Top Beach Destinations for Family Vacations

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You want to get away, but not from your family. Instead, you’d like to find a place in the sun that provides both relaxing moments and exciting memories. A place where you can temper togetherness with some alone time while the younger generation pursues their passions would be ideal. This destination should also be safe, relatively easy to reach and offer a diverse range of sights and activities—just in case you want to take a break from that beach chair and have some adventures. Here are 10 tropical destinations within easy reach of North America, each ideal for a family getaway.

St. Lucia

Coconut Bay, St. Lucia Kayaking

Located near the airport, St Lucia’s Coconut Bay Resort offers a wide range of activities for adults and children. Photo: Richard Hallman/Coconut Bay

The Caribbean’s Windward Islands are green and mountainous, with surf-washed beaches to the east and calmer waters to the west. In between are waterfalls, jungles and scenic overlooks worthy of a hike, a canopy zip-line tour or a horseback ride. One of the easiest to reach from North America is St. Lucia. Currently, there are seven U.S. and Canadian cities offering non-stop flights into Vieux Fort airport on the island’s southern coast. Luxe resorts are hidden away in St. Lucia’s wooded hills and sheltered bays, but not all are suited to the lively sounds of active children. One property where children are not only accepted, but catered to, is the Coconut Bay Resort. This mid-range but highly rated property is close to the airport and departure points for island adventures such as rainforest tram rides and four-wheeler tours. The adults-only Harmony wing is separated from the lively Splash wing, which is home to a water park, paintball court and beach shack; it’s the center for a variety of supervised land and water sports. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy all the grown-up perks expected of an all-inclusive. 

Dominican Republic

With direct air service into Punta Cana, the island’s most popular resort area, getting the family to a beach in the Dominican Republic is easy. The crime rate in this region of the DR is almost non-existent, and vacation action centers around the numerous all-inclusive resorts lining the coast. Most waiters, clerks and cab drivers have at least basic English comprehension, and within the resort complexes, you may find yourself having to seek out opportunities to practice your high school Spanish. One of the best places for families, toddlers to teens, is the Club Med Punta Cana, which is just minutes from the airport and directly fronting one of the region’s finest palm-fringed beaches. From the on-site children’s buffet, complete with baby food, to the skate park, hangout lounge and teen spa, the youth programs and recreational opportunities go well beyond the usual kids’ club routine. 

Jamaica

Negril Jamaica, Beaches Resort

Negril’s Beaches Resort offers a wide range of kid-centric amenities, including a water park and lazy river. Photo: Steve Sanacore/Beaches Resort

Jamaica is ground zero for the all-inclusive lifestyle, and the resorts that focus on families go all out to deliver a complete vacation experience for the younger generation. Parents aren’t forgotten however, and thanks to a wide assortment of infant programs, kids’ camps, and all-age water-sports activities, it’s easy for a family to play together— or pursue their own passions. Montego Bay is the default arrival point for the majority of all-inclusives, and resort shuttles whisk your group directly to a beachfront complex. High on any family’s list—especially those with younger children—is the Beaches property in Negril, which is about an hour away from the airport by shuttle bus. The little ones will be rewarded for their in-transit patience when they are greeted by Elmo and other Sesame Street characters. Older children can lose themselves in a smorgasbord of age-appropriate diversions that include water sports and everything from an Xbox Play Lounge to an under-21 nightclub (relax, there’s no alcohol). Parents can join in the fun or opt for a round of golf, a spa treatment and a private candlelight dinner. For those looking to stay closer to Montego Bay, two of the best family-friendly properties are the Half Moon resort and Iberostar Rose Hall Suites. 

Costa Rica

Xandari Resort, Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s Xandara Resort is centrally located, providing convenient access to San Jose and area attractions. Photo: Xandara Resort

 Once the kids reach bike-riding age and beyond, Costa Rica becomes a fantastic vacation destination for eco adventures and active water sports. By far the safest country in Central America, Costa Rica has long been a haven for U.S. expats. The country’s mountainous central regions mitigate the tropical heat and provide a magnificent backdrop for rainforest hikes, volcano tours, jungle river rafting, and high-flying zip-line tours. Equally popular are the numerous beachside resorts nestled into the green jungles of the Pacific Coast. Though the distances between regions may not seem great as the crow files, twisting mountain roads can mean drive times of several hours. Rather than try to see and do it all in one trip, it’s best to settle into a base camp resort and sample some of the more exciting adventures that are within easy range of that locale. The beautiful landscaped grounds of Xandari Resort & Spa provide commanding views and easy proximity to the capital of San José, while an hour to the north guests of the Peace Lodge can wander through the adjacent La Paz Waterfall Gardens and relax in eco-lodge luxury. A coastal destination that combines the best of jungle and beach is the Manuel Antonio National Park. The Sí Como No Resort, Spa & Wildlife Refuge is the region’s premier property, while Hotel Costa Verde, with its airplane suite and resident monkeys, is certainly one of the most fun places to stay.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico El Conquistador Resort

Puerto Rico’s El Conquistador resort offers a water park and daily boat trips to a private island. Photo: El Conquistador

If you are stuck in San Juan freeway traffic, with the kids asking “are we there yet,” it might seem like you never left Miami or Manhattan. But once you steer clear of the capital’s urban sprawl, a better side of the island is revealed. Puerto Rico’s green highlands provide miles of back-road exploration and rainforest adventures, while the ocean beckons. Surfers prefer the waves of Rincón to the west, but the island’s clearest waters and sunniest skies are found to the east. Forty minutes from Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport, the coastal town of Fajardo is an epicenter for fishing, sailing and diving excursions, and a jumping off point for the out islands of Culebra and Vieques. Just north of town, the Waldorf Astoria El Conquistador overlooks the eastern water, with an on-site marina, seven outdoor pools and a water park complete with flumes and a lazy river. Families can book into the Las Casitas Village to enjoy the extra elbow room of one- and two-bedroom suites and still be within easy walking distance of all amenities, including the spa and golf course. The waterfront is lacking in sandy beaches, but a catamaran ride from the docks will deliver you to private Palomino Island for a day of beachfront relaxation. 

Turks and Caicos

The Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Village

The Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Village sits on the midpoint of Providenciales’ magnificent Grace Bay. Photo: Beaches Resorts

 In their natural state the dry, low-lying islands of the Turks and Caicos aren’t much to look at—until you reach the shore. There, soft white sand meets water that shimmers in shades of emerald and turquoise. Thanks to direct air service and ample supplies of desalinated water, this sun-swept British Crown Colony has evolved into a world-class resort destination. If you arrive on Providenciales accompanied by children, you are most likely headed for Grace Bay and the expansive grounds of Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa. This property takes the all-inclusive family resort concept to a whole new level, delivering activities and indulgences for all ages—including parents. There’s a dedicated nursery facility and toddlers are watched over by certified nannies and entertained by costumed Sesame Street characters. Older children can frolic in the Caribbean’s largest water park or join guided snorkel tours, beach games and reggae jams. If the teens managed to get tired of the beach, they can move to an age-themed game room, hangout lounge or dance club. Mom and dad aren’t slighted either, with everything from scuba diving to spa treatments, plus 19 restaurants and a dozen bars to sample. 

Cabo San Lucas

Melia Cabo Real, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The Melia Cabo Real is a family-friendly resort located north of Cabo San Lucas on Mexico’s Sea of Cortez. Photo: Victor Elias/Melia Cabo Real

Cabo San Lucas can be a party town, but there’s more to Baja’s southernmost settlement than the nightly reveries of the marina district. The same sunny skies, blue waters and warm sands that draw spring breakers and incognito A-listers can also provide the backdrop for a memorable family vacation. A number of resorts are tucked along the coast between the airport at San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas itself, offering a base for self-contained recreation on-property, plus reasonable drive times to the cape’s other attractions. One favorite family option is the Melia Cabo Real All-inclusive Beach & Golf Resort, which is kid-friendly both in terms of pricing and amenities. Children under 12 stay free with parents and can enjoy a range of youth-centric activities. A good near-town option is the Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa, which sits just over the hills from downtown and at the far end of the beach near Land’s End and the Cape’s signature arch. Guests find a range of youth activities, but the real attraction is the chance for some private beach time in one of the world’s most spectacular settings, combined with five-minute access to town. 

Paradise Island

Atlantis resort, Bahamas, Tubing

The Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, Bahamas features a mile-long tube river with rapids and tunnels. Photo: Jeffrey Brown/Atlantis Resorts

Flying into New Providence Island, home to the capital city of Nassau, is easy from points all across the eastern United States. There are several vintage and a couple of newer resorts along the western and southern coasts worth consideration, but once the kids hear “Bahamas” they will probably be thinking “Atlantis.” The marketing machine behind this mega-resort gets the word out on the children’s channels, so there’s a pretty good chance they’ll already know what to expect. You won’t have the property’s beaches, pools or water park to yourself, but everything runs with theme park-like precision. A family of four can book into the more cost-effective Beach Tower and still enjoy all the diversions the resort complex has to offer. 

Curacao

If Curacao isn’t on your family’s vacation radar, it should be. The island tempers the practical stability of the Netherlands with a hint of Caribbean spice, providing an experience that is slightly exotic, but ultimately comfortable and safe. You may hear strains of Papiamento or Dutch when strolling through the historic districts of Willemstad, but if you need to ask directions, you’ll probably get an answer in English. Water sports are the primary draw, but the capital city has also made a name for itself in recent years as a regional center for art and culture. You’ll mingle with a mixed bag of Europeans at the cafes or on the beach. A top choice for family groups with mixed-age children is the Sunscape Curacao Resort. Close to both the airport and downtown, this all-inclusive is very kid-friendly, not only because of the various youth-central amenities and activities, but also because of its location. The sheltered beach is perfect for swimming and first-time snorkelers, and the Curacao Sea Aquarium complex is within easy walking distance. 

Hawaii

Napali Kai Beach Resort, Lahaina, Maui

Napili Kai Beach Resort, Lahaina, Maui. Photo: Jim York / Napili Kai Beach Resort

Hawaii’s resort infrastructure is second to none, and it’s a tropical destination that’s also part of the United States, so you can skip the passport and count on all the comforts of home, and then some. Each of the four major destinations has its own vibe. Oahu offers urban amenities or an escape to the north shore; Kauai is a bit wilder and ideal for outdoor adventures and relaxing natural surroundings; Hawaii (aka the big island) tourism focuses around Kona and golf and big game fishing are prime. It is the island of Maui that offers the greatest diversity of activities for children of all ages, and quite a few resorts cater to families with water parks, youth camps, game rooms, social activities and so forth. Sometimes, less is more, and if you want to focus on together time and relax at a resort where you don’t have to ride a tram to get to the dining room, consider the Napili Kai Beach Resort. Its low-rise condominium accommodations are set on ten acres of landscaped grounds fronting a quiet beach and snorkel-worthy Napili Bay.

 

Mauna Kea Golf Course, Kohala Coast, Hawaii
Bermuda, Cabo San Lucas, Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Jamaica, Lanai, Mexico, Nevis, Play, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Rico, Trip Ideas

Tees by the Sea: 10 Spectacular Oceanfront Golf Courses

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If your idea of a great vacation includes not only sun, sand and blue water, but also sand traps and water hazards, you don’t have to choose one over the other. Seaside golf resorts give you the best of both: a relaxing tropical vacation with the chance to play some of the most fabled and scenic courses in the world. We’ve assembled a collection of first-class golf courses that not only sit beachside, but are also in prime vacation destinations. Some have fun, yet forgiving, fairways and accommodating greens, while others challenge with architecture that demands precision and incorporates natural hazards, from lava fields and mangrove swamps to precipitous, surf-washed cliffs. And as an added bonus, each of these courses is affiliated with a world-class beachfront resort, where spa time, poolside languor and fine dining can cap off a great round.

Port Royal Golf Course, Southampton, Bermuda

Port Royal Golf Course, Bermuda

Delivering dramatic oceanfront views and one of golf’s most famous holes, Port Royal is the current home of the PGA Grand Slam. As a public course, it is open to all. Photo: V Stephen Raynor

Bermuda has more golf courses per square mile than anywhere on earth. High on the island’s list of must-plays is the Port Royal Golf Course, home to one of the most memorable waterfront holes in golf: the 235-yard, par-3 16th hole, which perches on the edge of an oceanfront bluff, offering spectacularly distracting views of azure waters that lie in wait for the errant hook shot. Benefiting from multi-million dollar upgrades in recent years, this top-ranked public course has attracted its share of pros with events such as the annual PGA Grand Slam of Golf.

Where to Stay: Book an ocean-view room next door at the Pompano Beach Club and you will not only enjoy a world-class beach and memorable ocean views, but also 15-minute proximity to three additional courses: Riddell’s Bay Golf & Country Club, Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort and the ever-popular Turtle Hill Golf Club at the Fairmont Southampton, widely considered one of the sport’s more challenging and scenic par-3 courses. Pompano’s staff can arrange for transportation and tee times at many of the island’s courses, including space-available tee times at the renowned Mid Ocean Club on select days. Once the clubs are put away, guests enjoy amenities that includes water sports, tennis, spa services and one of the island’s top-ranked eateries—The Cedar Room. There are few better places to toast a successful day on the links than the Sunset Lounge, which, as the name promises, delivers amazing sunset views. 

Four Seasons, Nevis

Four Seasons Nevis Golf Course, Oceanfront Golf Courses

En route to a finish overlooking the beach, the Four Seasons Nevis course first plays uphill then provides some dramatic downhill tees with panoramic views. Photo: Four Seasons Resorts

Making par on this Robert Trent Jones II course at the Four Seasons Nevis is no day at the beach—though your reward after sinking the 18th hole could be a stroll right onto Pinney Beach. Only the final hole plays ocean-side, but there’s no shortage of scenery—or challenges. After hitting past the remains of an old sugar mill and into spectacular views of Nevis Peak, the back nine takes an uphill turn, requiring some strong carries, but worth it for the panoramic views of the beach below. At the par-5 15th hole, you’ll be looking at better than 650 yards from the back tee to the greens. Relax, the heady 175-foot fairway drop puts gravity on your side. Overall, the course’s many long, narrow fairways keep you honest, and you’ll discover why the golf gurus consistently rank these as 18 of the finest holes in the Caribbean.

Where to Stay: The Four Seasons resort is equally serious about tennis and has 10 well-maintained courts. Three pools provide varying levels of quiet-versus-fun, and a sheltered section of Pinney Beach is devoted to swimming and water sports. With rooms and suites set in free-standing cottages nestled into the lushly landscaped property, it’s possible to find a bit of privacy, but equally easy to join the fun. The resort is family-friendly, but not at the expense of adult-centric services and amenities. Beach lovers may want to secure one of the resort’s cabana-style beach verandas. These open-air day retreats are just steps from the water’s edge and deliver sweeping views of the Caribbean and Nevis’ sister island of St. Kitts.

White Witch, St. James, Jamaica

White Witch Golf Course, St. James, Jamaica

White Witch challenges with strategic bunkers and undulating greens, but ultimately rewards with spectacular water views. It is now managed jointly with nearby Cinnamon Hill. Photo: Rose Hill

Jamaica’s White Witch golf course offers spellbinding beautiful ocean views from most every hole, but it can also torment with narrow fairways leading to wickedly placed bunkers and fast, undulating greens. This long par 71, designed by Robert von Hagge and Rick Baril, is generally considered the best in Jamaica. Located within the historic grounds of the Rose Hill Plantation near Montego Bay, the course takes its name not from the beguilingly architecture, but from the former plantation owner and alleged voodoo mistress, Annie Palmer (no relation to the golfing great). Any magic now emanating from this 200-acre swath of golfing paradise is of a brighter nature and might involve the club’s renowned “golf concierges”—local caddies whose intimate knowledge of course strategy can help players shave a few strokes off their game.

Where to Stay: Be among the first to stay at the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall when it opens in 2014. A former Ritz-Carlton, the property will re-emerge as an adult-focused all-inclusive with an emphasis on active recreation supported by upscale amenities and the Hyatt branding. 

Punta Espada Golf Club, Cap Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Espada Golf Club, Cap Cana, Dominican Republic

On Punta Espada’s scenic 2nd hole, the views can distract, and sea breezes often come into play. The immaculately-groomed course is one of the top ranked in the Caribbean. Photo: Punta Espada

The Dominican Republic rewards vacationing golfers with a wealth of challenging and scenic waterfront courses, and one of the latest additions to this roster is the Punta Espada Golf Club at Cap Cana. This lushly landscaped and immaculately groomed course has garnered top honors for the Caribbean two years running from Golfweek magazine. The scenery alone goes a long way towards justifying such a ranking, as there are ocean views from all holes and eight play right along the beach. But this Jack Nicklaus-signature course also offers a level of play equal to its beauty, incorporating natural features such as bluffs, beach, waterways and foliage into a design that can accommodate yet challenge golfers of all levels, including the pros. The fairways are relatively wide and provide forgiving bailout areas, but the course requires both accuracy and strategy to score well. Many consider the par-3 13th hole to be Punta Espada’s signature hole, and it is also one of the more challenging, with a stunningly distracting sliver of ocean between tee and green.

Where to Stay: There are several first-class beachfront properties near the club. For a vacation stay as memorable as your rounds of play, book a suite or villa at the adjacent Eden Roc at Cap Cana. All suites feature private outdoor pools and gazebos, and guests have access to the exclusive Caletón Beach Club.

St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

After playing through mangrove lowlands that have been designated as a bird sanctuary, the Bahia Beach course breaks out of the forest at the 16th to play along a palm-lined beach. Photo: St Regis Bahia Beach

Long before you reach the namesake strand of sand, the Bahia Beach Golf Course brings water into play. In all, some 15 holes of this 7,000-yard course include water features. Designer Robert Trent Jones Jr. took full advantage of a network of existing saltwater lagoons to create a layout that in his words, “will challenge but also delight your soul and spirit.” Through much of the course, thick foliage and water features line the fairways, creating not only a buffer against coastal trade winds, but also preserving one of the island’s more pristine natural habitats. In fact, Bahia Beach is the first and only course in Puerto Rico to be named a Gold Audubon International Signature Sanctuary. Above the greenery and lagoons, the highlands of the El Yunque National Rain Forest loom in the distance. But the real reward comes when players break out to the ocean at the 16th hole and play their final three holes beachside. Here, sea breezes can become a factor, but overall this course provides not only natural attractions, but also a great round of resort golf that challenges without inciting frustration.

Where to Stay: The golf course is part of a planned residential and vacation complex that includes the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort. More than half of the property’s 480 acres were left wild and include two miles of sand beaches. Hiking trails wind around lakes and through a bird sanctuary, the grounds of a former coconut plantation and indigenous coastal forests. The resort’s focus on luxury and service is matched by its commitment to an ecologically responsible operation. So guests enjoy nature along with gastronomic and other pleasures one would expect from a world-class resort destination. 

El Camaleón Golf Club, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

El Camaleón Golf Club, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Mexico’s El Camaleon plays through lush coastal landscapes and visits the beach twice, first at the 7th (shown) and again at the 15th. Photo: Fairmont Hotels

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula sits on a Swiss cheese of underground rivers. Just behind the beaches of the Riviera Maya, several of these caverns rise to the surface to guard the fairways of the El Camaleón Golf Club. Some might consider the fact that this course hosts Mexico’s only PGA TOUR stop reason enough to tee up. But well-maintained fairways and greens are far from the only reason to play this favorite vacation golf destination. The course’s architecture pays homage to its natural surroundings, beginning with a tee adjacent to a watering hole known as a cenote. A lush mangrove habitat flanks fairways with thick green foliage, and a series of canals attracts birds and local fauna. Twice during its play along the coastal forests, El Camaleón provides golfers with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and one of the world’s longest coral reefs. Both the 7th and 15th holes are beachside, where trade winds come into play. From the long tees, this course challenges the pros, but played a bit shorter, it can also accommodate those with a two-digit handicap. Adding to the appeal is a full-service clubhouse with adjoining practice facilities, with a double-ended, 350-yard driving range and an expansive short-game area with putting and chipping greens.

Where to Stay: Though accessible from a number of resorts in the Riviera Maya region, the smart play is to stay on-site at the Fairmont Mayakoba Resort. This AAA 5-Diamond oceanfront property is a low-rise collection of structures that pay homage to local tradition, along with a respect for the natural environment. A majority of the resort’s rooms, suites and casitas are cloistered in a coastal jungle overlooking lagoons, but pools, common areas and a select set of rooms overlook the bright waters of the Caribbean across a stunning strand of white sand.

Pacifico Golf Course at Punta Mita, Mexico

Pacifico Golf Course at Punta Mita, Mexico

Hole 3B at Punta Mita’s Pacifico course earned its nickname “Tail of the Whale” from the humpback whales that are sometimes sighted breaching just offshore. Photo: Four Seasons Resorts

Playing the Pacifico course at the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita may not be the most difficult round of golf in the tropics, but it is undoubtedly one of the most scenic. Taking full advantage of its waterfront real estate, the course meanders around the resort’s peninsula to provide eight holes directly fronting the Pacific Ocean or Banderas Bay. It’s complemented by palm-fringed and beautifully landscaped fairways overlooked by the distant Sierra Madre mountains. During winter months, players may face an added distraction as they approach the third tee: migrating whales passing just offshore. A highlight of any round—and a must-do photo op with or without the passing whales—is hole 3B, aka the Tail of the Whale. Presented as an optional par 3, this hole requires golfers to carry across beach and rocky shallows to a green embedded on a small island. It’s spectacular and possibly intimidating. But in reality, the Tail of the Whale is as accommodating as the majority of this course, which offers wide and relatively forgiving fairways that allow players to focus on the view without sweating the strategy. Players looking for a more challenging round can play the resort’s other course, the Nicklaus-designed Bahia, which is rated 10 strokes tougher than its seaside sibling and provides a variety of terrain challenges.

Where to Stay: Spectacular backdrops aren’t the only reward for playing a round at Pacifico. You have the option of settling in at one of Punta Mita’s luxurious resorts—including the course’s host property, the Four Seasons. The spa ranks as highly for its services as the golf course does for its scenery, and beaches, pools and activities please not only players, but their spouses and families as well. 

Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The Cabo Del Sol Ocean Course offers nearly a mile of oceanfront play, including one of the premier tandem par-3s in the game, the dramatic 6th and 7th.. Photo: Jim Mandeville / Nicklaus Design

For more than two decades, the Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol has reigned as Baja’s premier beachside golf course. With seven direct oceanfront holes, it certainly commands more waterfront than any other course on the Baja Peninsula. In addition to a mile of scenic beach, the course serves up challenging topography with an ample helping of arroyos and sand traps, along with some demanding carries. As new courses sprouted up in recent years, the Cabo del Sol team upped their game with a reconfiguration of several signature holes. The green on the signature par-4 5th hole now perches precipitously close to crashing surf, creating additional drama for a hole that has been ranked among the best 500 in golf. Next, players tee off for the first of two redesigned back-to-back par 3s at 6th and 7th. Already being called two of the primer tandem 3s in the game, these holes skirt a tidal inlet flanked by craggy outcroppings, creating a test of accuracy to challenge the game’s best when hit from the blues. As you make your way towards the spectacular 17th, also a world-ranked hole, you may see why Nicklaus himself called this stretch “the three finest finishing holes in all of golf.”

Where to Stay: For easy access to the course, you can choose from three resorts within the Cabo del Sol development—the Fiesta Americana Grand, the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar and the Premier Resorts condominiums—or for access to even more of Baja’s best golfing action, move up the coast a few miles to the Hilton Los Cabos, which offers golf packages that includes playing the area’s other premier courses. 

The Challenge at Manele Bay, Lanai, Hawaii

The Challenge at Manele Bay, Lanai, Hawaii

Lanai’s Challenge At Manele Bay perches atop a high bluff overlooking the waters of the Hulopoe Marine Reserve. The 12th hole requires a 200-yard water carry. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority

Getting to the quiet island of Lanai requires a ferry ride or a connecting flight from a major Hawaiian gateway, but the reward for hauling your clubs along is a chance to play one of the world’s most scenic ocean-side courses: the Challenge at Manele Bay. Sitting on the island’s remote southern coast atop a 200-foot-high wall of red lava cliffs, the course provides spectacular ocean views and photo ops from start to finish. Don’t let your attention stray from the fairway, however, as nine doglegs and several carries across unforgiving black lava fields demand targeted play, especially when hitting from the long tees. The signature and much-photographed 12th hole will test your faith, as it requires a 200-yard carry across breaking surf. You have a chance to repeat your performance at the 17th hole, which calls for a dramatic cliff-side carry. Trade winds are usually a factor, but the course was created with the prevailing breezes in mind, and players usually finish with a sense of exhilaration rather than frustration.

Where to Stay: Book a room on-property at the Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay. The resort overlooks Hulopoe Bay, the best bathing spot on the island. The Four Season staff coordinates guests’ water-sports adventures, ranging from swims with spotted dolphins and snorkel tours of the protected reefs to scuba dives, ocean kayak tours and surfing lessons. The more sedentary find beach umbrellas and a sparkling pool, plus a full range of dining and pampering one would expect from a Four Seasons property. 

Mauna Kea Golf Course, Kohala Coast, Hawaii

Mauna Kea Golf Course, Kohala Coast, Hawaii

With its dramatic water carry, panoramic ocean views and lush landscaping, Mauna Kea’s 3rd hole is one of the most photographed holes in the sport of golf. Photo: Mauna Kea Beach Resort

It’s been 50 years since Robert Trent Jones, Sr. created this course atop the black volcanic ash of the Big Island’s western shores. It was christened by a round from the Big Three— Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player—and soon earned a reputation as Hawaii’s best. The course has held up well in the decades since and is still highly regarded in golfing circles as a must-play venue. In fact, Mauna Kea has been credited for defining the components that make an ideal resort course. The scenery rewards as the course rises from the ocean to heights of 300 feet to deliver panoramic views of the coast, but the architecture also delivers its share of challenges. Elevation and prevailing winds often come into play, and the pitched and well-guarded greens require accurate approach shots. The course’s par-3 third is one of the most photographed holes in all of golf. Hitting from a cliff-side tee, players must carry across a small bay to a green that is guarded by seven bunkers.

Where to Stay: The course is a 30-mile drive from resorts in the Kona area, but two premier properties are within walking distance of the fairways. The course’s host property, Mauna Kea Beach Resort, provides exclusive access to what many consider the Big Island’s best white-sand beach. Just to the south of the course, the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel overlooks its namesake bay and beach, delivering magnificent ocean views from every room. 

 

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Hawaii, Oahu, Play, Trip Ideas

Into the Blue: Four of Oahu’s Best Snorkel Sites

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The island of Oahu is washed by some of the clearest ocean waters in the world. When they meet the shore, waves sometimes pound with relentless fury. But in other places, the boundary between sea and land is more serene, creating an opportunity to don snorkel gear and see what lies below. But there are other things to consider as well. Some sites may be too distant, others may require challenging climbs down rocky cliffs to reach the water, and many more lack nearby shore facilities. Oahu’s best snorkel sites have not only interesting underwater landscapes and plentiful fish life, but also easy access, nearby parking and a chance to shower off afterward. Here are four of our top picks:

Hanauma Bay

The reefs at Oahu's Haunama Bay are the state's most popular, attracting a million visitors a year.

The reefs at Oahu’s Haunama Bay are the state’s most popular, attracting a million visitors a year. Photo: iStock

Hanauma Bay is undoubtedly Hawaii’s most popular snorkeling destination. Nearly a million visitors a year enjoy this scenic stretch of sand, which is within easy range of Honolulu. The Bay is sheltered from prevailing winds, and provides beachside showers, bathrooms and even a tram for those who lose ambition for hiking back up to the parking lot. You certainly won’t have the beach to yourself, but everything runs smoothly. A mandatory orientation briefing for first-timers is held at the Education Center, which is worth visiting in and of itself. Daily updates on water conditions are posted, and snorkeling equipment is available for renting beachside. The coral formations show evidence of snorkeler traffic, but the underwater life is the focal point. Feeding is no longer allowed, but the fish are plentiful and seem inured to human presence.

Sharks Cove

Shark Cove, Oahu's best snorkel sites

When sea conditions are favorable, Oahu’s Shark Cove is suitable for intermediate to advanced snorkelers. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority

Sharks Cove offers a slightly wilder take on snorkeling. Located on Oahu’s North Shore near some of the island’s most famous surf breaks, this site is often washed by high surf during winter months, but frequently calms from spring till fall. Parking, public bathrooms and showers are nearby within Pupukea State Park, and a snorkel rental concession sits right across the road. Bring water shoes to aid entry across the rocky shoreline, and snorkel only when there is no sigh of surf or strong surge. Once submerged, you will be treated to clear blue water filled with a variety of fish, turtles, and possibly a sighting of the white-tipped reef sharks that give this site its name. It’s OK; they’re not dangerous to humans.

San Souci Beach

Oahu, Hawaii, Woman Snorkeling

Honolulu’s San Souci Beach provides shallow reefs close to shore and adjacent showers and changing facilities. Photo: iStock

If you are near Waikiki Beach and want to get in a bit of fish watching, the best place to slip on mask and fins is San Souci Beach. This stretch draws fewer crowds than Waikiki to the north, and the coral formations begin in shallow water, close to shore. This topography brings fish life close to the surface, but also means the site is less suitable when there is a swell running. The majority of the time, conditions are favorable for beach entry and a swim over the reef. The best fish population can be found near the rock jetty at the south end of the beach. Afterward, public showers provide a refreshing rinse.

Ko Olina Lagoons

Ko Olina Lagoon Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu’s Ko Olina lagoons are manmade with rock-covered borders ideal for young or novice snorkelers. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority

To ensure visitors could always enjoy calm waters and sandy beaches, the developers of the Ko Olina resort complex carved a series of four sheltered lagoons into the coastline of west-central Oahu. These sculpted bodies of water provide an easy, safe way for anyone to ease into snorkeling. And although there are no natural coral formations to admire, you’ll have no problem finding fish life, and turtles sometimes visit the lagoons as well. Because the lagoons are situated in a resort area, there’s ample parking and a full range of amenities nearby.  

 

JW Marriott Ihilani Ko Olina Oahu Hawaii
Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Oahu, Play, Trip Ideas

Families and Fairways: Hawaii’s Top Beachfront Golf Resorts

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Hawaii is home to some of the world’s finest and most scenic golf courses, and you’ve come to play. But if the family is along, you’ll also want to stay at a place that emphasizes the islands’ other great asset: the Pacific Ocean. And it wouldn’t hurt to add in some nice meals, a few beach games, some side trips to see the sights, and maybe a spa session for you and the significant other. Here are some of our favorite ocean-side resorts that combine great golf with an equally outstanding resort experience.

Oahu

Stay At: JW Marriott Ihilani Ko Olina Play At: Ko Olina’s immaculately-maintained par 72 consistently ranks in the top 75 resort courses worldwide. As a bonus, there are a half dozen more first-class courses within a few minutes of the resort. Why Here: Sitting on Oahu’s sunnier western shore, the Ko Olina resort is within a half-hour drive of major attractions and Honolulu. Located ocean-side and shouldering the northernmost lagoon, the property provides panoramic water views, a range of water sports, spa services and walking access to the Ko Olina resort district. Another Favorite: Turtle Bay Resort is perched dramatically on a point of land that delivers ocean views from all rooms. You’ll find a top-rated golf course, a pair of great beaches and proximity to North Shore destinations and adventures.

Maui

Grand Wailea, Hawaii's best beachfront golf resorts

Aquatic elements at the Grand Wailea include adult and family pools, a water park and an expansive beach. Photo: Grand Wailea

Stay At: Grand Wailea Play At: Wailea’s trio of courses—Blue, Gold and Emerald—provide play that ranges from comfortable to challenging, but rarely frustrating. Why Here: Dominant views of Wailea Beach, ranked as one of Hawaii’s best beaches, are breathtaking from this Waldorf Astoria resort. Pool options include the signature Hibiscus pool for relaxation and a sprawling family pool complex and water park, with slides, rope swings and more. Everything you want can be found within the expansive resort, but you are also centrally located for day trips around Maui. Another Favorite: Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is a prime choice if you prefer a north shore location. Sitting above Honokahau Bay, it is surrounded by green lawns and the fairways of its two PGA-worthy courses, Plantation Course and scenic Bay Course.

Hawaii

Mauna Lani Bay Golf

Dramatic vistas, such as the South Course’s famous 15th hole, await golfers at Mauna Lani Bay. Photo: Mauna Lani Bay Resort

Stay At: Mauna Lani Bay Play At: The resort’s two scenic ocean-side courses, North and South, offer championship lay, plus there’s a junior- and novice-friendly nine-hole course. Why Here: It sits on a magnificent stretch of beach, with most rooms having at least partial Pacific Ocean views. In addition to golf, there’s an indoor/outdoor luxury spa, tennis club, an excellent fitness center and one of the island’s best restaurants, the Canoe House. Children’s programs include cultural activities and eco adventures as well as water sports. Another Favorite: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, an upscale yet tastefully subdued property on gorgeous grounds, is adjacent to the Jack Nicklaus-signature Hualalai Golf Course. Its refined yet family friendly, with numerous activities for youngsters and teens.

Kauai

19-Kauai-Grand-Hayatt-Hawaii

Located on the sunny side of the island, the Grand Hyatt Kauai offers activities and amenities for all ages. Photo: Hyatt Hotels

Stay At: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa Play At: Poipu Bay Golf Course, the resort’s championship links-style ocean course that consistently ranks in golf experts’ top-100 polls, is where you want to tee off. Spectacular vistas are mated with conveniences such as in-cart sat-nav systems for exact yardage information. Why Here: Located on the drier south shore, the Grand Hyatt Kauai is known for is ideal blend of upscale adult pampering and active, age-appropriate children’s activities. You’ll find multiple dining options from casual to memorable, the island’s largest spa, on- and off-site recreation programs, a white sand beach, saltwater lagoons and winding lazy-river pools with waterfalls and grottoes. Another Favorite: St. Regis Princeville, with its manicured grounds and oceanfront views, is the showcase property of the north-shore Princeville resort area. It’s home to the freshly-renovated Makai Golf Club and is just down the road from the award-winning Prince Golf Course.

Lanai

Lanai Four Seasons Resort Hawaii

The Challenge at Manele Bay plays along the edge of towering lava cliffs. Shown here is the scenic 11th hole. Photo: Four Seasons Lanai

Stay Here:  Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay Play Here: The resort’s Challenge at Manele golf course delivers dramatic cliffside play that includes one of the most-photographed holes in golf: the par-3 12th hole. Scenery aside, it’s a demanding round of target-style golf with multiple carries over the island’s natural lava rock terrain. Why Here: This is Lanai’s premier oceanfront resort, sitting above the island’s finest beach and the underwater nature preserve at Hulopoe Bay. Several exceptional restaurants for the adults, beach games, surfing lessons and a teen center make it a good choice for a family vacation. Another Favorite:  The Lodge at Koele is Lanai’s other Four Seasons resort. It sits in the mid-island highlands, with commanding views and immaculate landscaping. In addition to playing the Experience at Koele golf course, guests enjoy a wealth of hiking, horseback and off-roading adventures.

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Hawaii, Maui, Plan, Trip Ideas

Maui: 10 Reasons to Go

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This is where land and sea come together to create a tropical playground with something for everyone. Whether it’s kayaking calm coves, exploring coral reefs or riding wind and surf, Maui is ground zero for active water sports. For the more relaxed, there are breaching whales to watch, miles of scenic beaches and seaside resorts ready to wine, dine and pamper. Golf courses sit beneath volcanic highlands that play host to a wide range of adventure sports and provide scenic drives for the more sedate.

1  A Little Bit Country

Maui blends world-class resort amenities with open spaces. It’s larger than Oahu, but has one-eighth as many people. Save for the towns of Kahului and Lahaina, and the resort areas along the western shores, it is an island of pasture, farmlands and wild spaces. Haleakala National Park alone encompasses nearly 8 percent of the entire island.

2  Altitude Adjustment

Maui’s towering Haleakala volcano not only creates sunny rain shadows for the resorts and beaches on the island’s west coast, it also provides an elevated playground where you can hang glide, horseback ride, coast down a volcano on a bicycle or hike to lava caves, rainforests and waterfalls. Greeting the sunrise from atop the crater summit is a popular ritual, but one that will have you getting out of bed before four o’clock to make the drive, and bundling up against 40-degree temperatures up top.

3  30 Miles of Beaches

Ranging from wild and sporting to serene and scenic, Maui has a beach for everyone. The island has more than 30 miles of sandy strands, ranging from expansive crescents to small swaths tucked into protective coves. Sands come in colors from black to gold to white and even red. Tiny Paako Beach, aka Secret Cove, is a favorite site for oceanfront weddings.

4  Easy Arrivals

Maui’s Kahului Airport provides non-stop flights to nine U.S. gateways, so there’s no time lost transferring through Oahu. If island hopping is part of the vacation plan, there are daily flights to Oahu, Kauai and the island of Hawaii, as well as ferry service to the islands of Lanai and Molokai.

5  Whales

The world’s largest mammals come from all parts of the Pacific Ocean to breed in the waters of the Hawaiian Islands, and one of the best places to see breaching humpbacks is in the Auau Channel, near Maui’s northwest corner. Whale-watching season runs from early January through the end of March, with tour boats leaving Lahaina’s harbor daily for a 15-minute cruise to the prime observation areas.

6  620 curves, 59 bridges

The highway to Hana winds along Maui’s verdant eastern shore, with ocean views, waterfalls and enough photo ops to overload your camera’s memory card. Though the map shows a one-way drive of just 45 miles from Paia to Hana, plan on spending a full day for a there-and-back excursion. You’ll need the extra time for numerous scenic stops and to ease passengers through the hairpin turns in comfort.

7  Homegrown

Maui’s sun-washed western slopes are fertile territory for organic farming, and the island’s bounty doesn’t escape the notice of local chefs. The farm-to-table food movement is growing—literally—and fresh-sourced ingredients are finding their way into kitchens across the island. Several farmers offer tours and workshops, and some even provide on-property accommodations for those seeking to indulge their green thumbs.

8  Wind Riders

Sites like Hookipa Beach draw the world’s best windsurfers and kiteboarders to play in the surf and steady trade winds. The Aloha Classic is one of the largest annual windsurfing events, running for two weeks in late October to early November, but competitions continue on throughout the winter season. For top-level kiteboarding action, catch the KSP World Championships in late November.

9  Made in the Shade

Shading an area the size of a city block, Lahaina’s courthouse banyan tree provides a shaded venue for local events that include art festivals and craft bazaars. Lahaina itself is worth a day of exploration. The first capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii, this port of call has seen Polynesian warriors, whalers and missionaries come and go. To get the full story, take a walk on the Lahaina Historic Trail, which runs through the town’s two historic districts near Front Street.

10  Sweet Stuff

Maui is the only Hawaiian island that is still a significant producer of sugar, and cane fields cover some 37,000 acres of the ‘central valley. As part of the harvest process, these fields are burned before the cane is cut, creating dramatic plumes of smoke that can be seen from the coast. Though not a must-see, the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum will certainly interest history buffs, while the youngsters may clamor for a ride on the Sugar Cane Train that chugs along the coast from Lahaina to Puukolii.