Take Part in Hawaii’s Greatest Water Sports

the 7 islands

Spectacular Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii is composed of numerous islands that could truly entice tourists. The state is home to over 130 isles and atolls but only eight are considered as its major islands. Out of the eight islands, only six of them welcome visitors and regarded as completely open to tourism.

 

The island of Hawaii is more commonly known as the Big Island in order to prevent confusion with the name of the state. This is Hawaii’s largest island and it houses Kona’s major resort area, two of the biggest summits in the world, as well as the most active volcano on earth. Tourists would be able to see that the Big Island has a little something for every person. It has orchid farms, world-class golf courses, cattle ranches and its famous black sand beaches.

 

The island of Oahu is also christened as the Gathering Place because it is the most heavily populated and urbanized island of all. Aside from being the commercial center of Hawaii, it is also the governmental district of the state. This is where one could find Honolulu, which is the famous Waikiki Beach’s home. Just off the city are huge pineapple fields and another favorite tourist destination is the Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona National Memorial. This is also the residence of the magnificent peak of Diamond Head. Travelers visit Oahu for its glorious nightlife, its assortment of restaurants as well as its remarkable shopping areas.

 

Maui is the second biggest island in Hawaii and this is where tourists could find the Haleakala, which is a 10,023 foot high volcanic mountain crater. The island is nicknamed as the Valley Isle because of the tapered plain between the mountains of West Maui and the Haleakala. On the western section of Maui are the famed resort areas of Wailea, Lahaina, Kihei, and Kaanapali. On its eastern part lies the small village of Hana, which can only be reached via one of the loveliest roads in the world called the Hana Highway. Travelers visit Maui for the outdoor sports it offers such as cycling, snorkeling, and golfing, among others.

 

The island of Kauai is dubbed as the Garden Isle. This is where travelers could go to if they want to see numerous natural wonders like Na Pali Coast, the Waimea Canyon and the Wailua River. Tourists drop by at Kauai for its majestic scenery and stunning beaches. The Poipu Beach on Kauai’s southern section is among the finest beaches in the state.

 

Molokai is also called the Friendly Isle but this is also among the least developed islands in Hawaii. For people in search of serenity and well-preserved beaches, this is the perfect island.

 

Lanai used to be home to huge pineapple plantations but the island is now filled with a few high-end resorts such as the Lodge at Koele and the Manele Bay.

 

The island of Niihau is privately owned and its population is composed of Native Hawaiians.

 

The last major island is Kahoolawe. This was previously utilized as a bombing range for the US Navy and until now, the island remains uninhabited.

 

With all the beautiful islands it offers, there is no question as to why Hawaii is always hailed as a tropical oasis. Travelers would find it difficult to decide on where to have their holiday among Hawaii’s lush and vibrant islands.

Spectacular Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii is composed of numerous islands that could truly entice tourists. The state is home to over 130 isles and atolls but only eight are considered as its major islands. Out of the eight islands, only six of them welcome visitors and regarded as completely open to tourism.

 

The island of Hawaii is more commonly known as the Big Island in order to prevent confusion with the name of the state. This is Hawaii’s largest island and it houses Kona’s major resort area, two of the biggest summits in the world, as well as the most active volcano on earth. Tourists would be able to see that the Big Island has a little something for every person. It has orchid farms, world-class golf courses, cattle ranches and its famous black sand beaches.

 

The island of Oahu is also christened as the Gathering Place because it is the most heavily populated and urbanized island of all. Aside from being the commercial center of Hawaii, it is also the governmental district of the state. This is where one could find Honolulu, which is the famous Waikiki Beach’s home. Just off the city are huge pineapple fields and another favorite tourist destination is the Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona National Memorial. This is also the residence of the magnificent peak of Diamond Head. Travelers visit Oahu for its glorious nightlife, its assortment of restaurants as well as its remarkable shopping areas.

 

Maui is the second biggest island in Hawaii and this is where tourists could find the Haleakala, which is a 10,023 foot high volcanic mountain crater. The island is nicknamed as the Valley Isle because of the tapered plain between the mountains of West Maui and the Haleakala. On the western section of Maui are the famed resort areas of Wailea, Lahaina, Kihei, and Kaanapali. On its eastern part lies the small village of Hana, which can only be reached via one of the loveliest roads in the world called the Hana Highway. Travelers visit Maui for the outdoor sports it offers such as cycling, snorkeling, and golfing, among others.

 

The island of Kauai is dubbed as the Garden Isle. This is where travelers could go to if they want to see numerous natural wonders like Na Pali Coast, the Waimea Canyon and the Wailua River. Tourists drop by at Kauai for its majestic scenery and stunning beaches. The Poipu Beach on Kauai’s southern section is among the finest beaches in the state.

 

Molokai is also called the Friendly Isle but this is also among the least developed islands in Hawaii. For people in search of serenity and well-preserved beaches, this is the perfect island.

 

Lanai used to be home to huge pineapple plantations but the island is now filled with a few high-end resorts such as the Lodge at Koele and the Manele Bay.

 

The island of Niihau is privately owned and its population is composed of Native Hawaiians.

 

The last major island is Kahoolawe. This was previously utilized as a bombing range for the US Navy and until now, the island remains uninhabited.

 

With all the beautiful islands it offers, there is no question as to why Hawaii is always hailed as a tropical oasis. Travelers would find it difficult to decide on where to have their holiday among Hawaii’s lush and vibrant islands.

Abundant Marine Life

Have a Look at Hawaii’s Abundant Marine Life
Undoubtedly, Hawaii is renowned around the world for its beautiful and unusual beaches. Since most of the travelers in this state make it a point to stop by at a local beach when they are in the Hawaiian Islands, visitors would most likely come across some of its magical underwater beings. There are roughly 680 fish species that commonly inhabit the Hawaiian waters. Out of those varieties, around 450 species of fish actually remain close to both the inshore areas and the reefs. Listed below are some of the sea creatures that tourists might stumble upon while they are relaxing in the beach:

 

A sea life that is very familiar to Hawaii is the coral. The corals that are regularly seen in the Hawaiian Islands are solid, rock-like formations that are aptly named for their recognizable shapes such as cauliflower, plate, antler, finger, as well as razor coral. There are a few corals that seem soft like the tube coral and tourists would be able to find them in the ceilings of some caves. The black coral, which bears a resemblance to the winter-bare shrubs, could be located at depths of approximately over 100 feet.

 

Study: Acidification of oceans could impact marine life KDRV, OR - 18 hours ago Most of this change is happening in the upper part of the ocean, where most marine lifelives. NOAA Oceanographers Richard Feely and Christopher Sabine …

Daily Star – Lebanon

Meltdown in the Arctic: Polar icecap shrinking at an alarming rate Daily Star – Lebanon, Lebanon - 1 hour ago A new study revealed how some marine animals could be affected by acidic sea water. Scientists from Sweden and Australia allowed sea urchins to mate in …

Party-at-the-Pier celebrates marine life The Asian Pacific Post, Canada - Aug 27, 2008 Party-at-the-Pier will include marine-themed activities and displays, along with entertainment on the Burrard Drydock and St. Roch Piers Stages, …

CTV.ca

A raft made of junk crosses Pacific in 3 months The Associated Press - 14 hours ago The men said a variety of marine life gathered under the raft throughout the trip. One day, said Paschal, they caught a fish after watching it grow for five … Raft: Hawaii voyage focuses on ocean debris Honolulu Star-Bulletin all 205 news articles »

For travelers who visit Hawaii starting from November to April would be most likely see the popular humpback whales. These marine visitors drop by the islands in order to mate and give birth to their offspring each year. However, after spring, these whales would settle down in Alaska until it is time to come to Hawaii once again. Every Hawaiian Island offers tourists a chance to take some whale-watching cruises during winter that would let them watch these massive animals up close. People would also be able to observe these incredible leviathans from the shore. They could actually develop up to roughly 45 feet long, so when a humpback whale jumps out of the ocean, one would be able to view it from a distance. Other whales like sperm, pilot, pygmy killer, false killer, melon-headed, and beaked whales could also be seen all throughout the year, particularly in the tranquil waters outside the Kona Coast of the Big Island.

 

There are numerous reef fishes found in the waters of Hawaii. Butterfly fish is one of the most colorful among them all. They are frequently viewed in pairs, and they seem to use up most of their time in feeding. There are approximately 22 butterfly fish species and 3 of them, which are millet seed, bluestripe, and pebbled, are prevalent in the islands.

 

Hawaii is also famous for their big-game fish such as swordfish, marlin, as well as tuna. There are 6 types of billfish that can be found in the offshore waters all over the islands like the sailfish, striped marlin, broadbill swordfish, Pacific blue marlin, shortbill spearfish and the black marlin. The billfish in Hawaii vary in size beginning from the shortbill spearfish weighing 20 lbs. Up to the Pacific blue marlin weighing 1,805 lbs., which is the biggest marlin worldwide that was caught with just a rod and reel.

 

The Hawaiian Islands have plenty of things that they could take pride in such as their flourishing marine life. Their varied sea life is one thing that nature lovers and ordinary tourists alike would truly appreciate. These magnificent under-the-sea creatures would definitely draw a crowd since some of them are solely found in the tropical oasis of Hawaii. 

Eco Tour Oahu

Eco-tourism on O‘ahu

Adventures with the Gecko
877-THEGECKO (843-4325)
Multi-day trips are available for exploring volcanos, beaches and jungles. Activities include hiking, camping, snorkeling, swimming and sight seeing.

Hawaiian Islands Eco-Tours
(808) 236-7766 (local)
Naturalist guides lead day hikes and full day land and beach adventures on Oahu. Backpacking (trekking), camping, and kayaking trips are available on Oahu, the Big Island, Maui and Kauai.

Hawaiian Outdoor Adventures
44-321 Kaneohe Bay Drive
Kaneohe, Oahu, HI 96744
808-254-3393 (local)
Hike in rainforests. Kayak in rivers or the ocean. learn about the plants and legends of the early Hawaiians. Learn Hawaiian arts and crafts. Work on an ancient taro farm. And much more.

Hike Hawaii
Honolulu, HI
808-683-3967 (local)
Hike parts of Oahu not usually seen by tourists. Personal guides lead small groups and share information about the history of the islands, plants, wildlife, and legends.

Mauka Makai Excursions
877-ECO-OAHU (326-6248) (toll free)
The speciality here is cultural, archaeological and ecotour field trips and hikes.

Oahu Nature Tours
P.O. Box 8059
Honolulu, Hawaii 96830
800-861-6018 (toll free)
Learn about Oahu’s geology, archaeology, mythology and history. They specialize in small, guided excursions to see Hawaii�s native bird and plant species.

therealhawaii Hawaiian Eco-Cultural Excursions
1-877-597-7325 or islandstyle@worldnet.att.net
Dedicated to bringing you exciting, educational, and culturally minded eco-excursions throughout the Hawaiian islands.

Wild Side Eco-Adventures
808-255-5812 (local)
Whale/dolphin encounters, meteor showers, coral spawning and snorkeling the state’s most extensive coral reefs await you with experienced crews to guide you. Sailing and kayak charters are available too.

beaches

Beach

• This is where you’ll find world-famous Waikiki Beach!
• The love scene in “From Here to Eternity” was filmed here on Makaha Beach

Ehukai Beach
- past Sunset Beach on Kamehameha Highway (Route 83)
- advanced surfing
- popular with young crowd
- volleyball, kayaking, street musicians
- restrooms, showers

Hanauma Bay
- On Kalanianaole Highway (Route 72), about 10 miles east of Waikiki
- nature preserve with restricted access
- snorkeling and scuba diving
- restrooms, showers, concessions

Kualoa Park
- just off Route 83, north of Waikane
- narrow beach, calm & shallow water
- restrooms, showers

Makaha Beach
- off Farrington Highway (Route 93), about 2 miles north of Waianae
- board surfing prohibited due to popularity of body surfing
- this is the beach from the love scene in “From Here to Eternity”

Malaekahana State Recreation Area
- north of Hawaiian Temple on Kamehameha Highway (Route 83)
- no lifeguards
- just offshore: Mokuauia Island, a state-owned bird sanctuary. you can wade out during low tide.
- restrooms

Sandy Beach
- just off Kalanianaole Highway
- volcanic rock reef on east side
- restrooms, showers, concessions
- bodysurfing
- strong currents & undertow

Sunset Beach
- north shore, on Kamehameha Highway (Route 83)
- surfing & boogie boarding
- popular with locals

Waikiki Beach
- 3 miles east of Honolulu
- consists of 2 miles of beaches from Diamond Head to Ala Wai Canal
- beginner surfing, catamaran and outrigger canoe rides, diving, sailing, snorkeling, pole fishing

The Ultimate Natural Attractions in Hawaii

The Ultimate Natural Attractions in Hawaii

 The islands of Hawaii are blessed with bountiful natural attractions. Tourists and locals alike marvel at the sight of these Hawaiian wonders. Travelers would definitely have no reason not to enjoy their time in these beautiful islands. Listed here are some of Hawaii’s greatest natural attractions that would surely lure numerous guests:

 

Waterfalls

 

The sparkling waterfalls tumbling downwards into the dazzling freshwater pools are just some of the state’s loveliest natural wonders. If travelers are on the Big Island, they should drop by the magnificent Rainbow Falls in Hilo or even the majestic 442 feet high Akaka Falls, which is just past the city. If guests are on Maui, the Hana Highway or Road to Hana provides several viewing opportunities. Also, at the end of the highway, one would be able to find the Oheo Gulch, which is also recognized as the Seven Sacred Pools. This site has some of the most accessible and dramatic waterfalls in Hawaii. Kauai is also rich with waterfalls, specifically in the North Shore as well as along the Wailua area, wherein tourists would find the 40 feet high Opaekaa Falls. This particular falls could be considered as the most attractive waterfall in the whole island. With picturesque summit peaks as its backdrop, the Opaekaa Falls is really among the magnificent wonders of Hawaii.

 

Volcanoes

 

The entire state is dotted with volcanoes so it is best if tourists would get to see one. On Oahu, travelers would be able to hike to the pinnacle of the ancient and world-renowned Diamond Head. One could also take pleasure in seeing the fire-breathing Kilauea located at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in the Big Island. This is where tourists can have an up close experience with some hot lava ooze. On Maui, the Haleakala National Park would offer guests an opportunity to have a look into a dormant volcanic crater.

 

Gardens

 

To catch sight of the extensive beauty of Hawaii, tourists could spend an afternoon at one of the state’s lush gardens. On Oahu, guests should stop by the Foster Botanical Garden, which is home to roughly 26 local Hawaiian trees, including some rare trees like the East African tree. On the Big Island, travelers would be able to see the Liliuokalani Gardens. This is a huge formal Japanese garden and it showcases bonsai, pagodas, carp ponds, as well as a charming moon-gate bridge. At Kula Botanical Garden in Maui, tourists would be able to have a self-guided stroll that would enable them to see over 700 local and exotic plants. These would include some proteas, orchids, as well as bromeliads. On Kauai, guests could visit the Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens. Its lands measure around 240 acres and it is also lined with 70 life-size spectacular bronze statues.

 

 

Marine Life Conservation Sites

 

There are nine underwater parks that are sprinkled across Hawaii. The most noteworthy of these marine life conservation spots are Oahu’s Hanauma Bay and Waikiki Beach, the Hulopoe and Manele Bays of Lanai, the Kealakekua Bay on Big Island, as well as Molokini, which is just outside Maui’s coast. Tourists would do well to remember to bring along their snorkeling gear when they visit these incredible places during their holiday in Hawaii.

 Tourists would definitely have a fantastic time dropping by some of Hawaii’s natural attractions. This goes to show that aside from sandy beaches, Hawaii has plenty more to offer to its discerning guests.

Treasured Souvenirs from Hawaii

Treasured Souvenirs from Hawaii

     A vacation, anywhere in the world, would not be complete without souvenirs. Souvenirs are pieces of things that contain wonderful memories that tourists could not go home without. Although Hawaii is an expensive place to be, buying inexpensive knick-knacks are still within reach, but only if travelers are patient enough and eager to find a great bargain.

   Visitors should stay away from buying in a hotel’s souvenir shops. The products are not only costly, but they could actually be found somewhere else on the island with the same quality but in a more affordable price. Buying from the shops found in the hotel is definitely a big no-no.

  Tourists should not just explore and sight-see the whole islands, but they should also be on the lookout for local bargain stores and those that are on sale. Travelers could save a fortune by buying mementos from these kinds of shops. Flea markets or farmers market on the islands are good places to go as well. They are usually held on specific days of the week so tourists should make sure to ask a local in the area. Vendors sell a variety of Hawaiian souvenirs such as clothing, coral jewelry, shells and many others.

   If guests could not go to the weekly farmers markets, they could always go to any Hawaiian local shops. Hilo Hattie’s is a very popular souvenir chain store with one or two shops on each Hawaiian island. Their merchandise ranges from clothing, accessories to foods and sumptuous delicacies. The most common remembrance guests love to buy here is the Hawaiian t-shirt.

 Another prominent chain shop that could be found on almost all the Hawaiian Islands is the ABC Store. They sell almost all kinds of tokens in a very reasonable price, perfect for those that are looking for a great deal.

 Shopping for souvenirs is not an easy task. It requires keen eyes to find the perfect merchandise and a pair of strong legs to go on for hours and hours. It is advised that tourists should give an ample time for shopping so they could find the best deals in town. Purchasing tokens in a hurry would never be a good option. Aside from getting the product on a sky-high price, they could also not take the finest one back home.

 Moreover, travelers should never become impulsive buyers. They should also bear in mind that they should comb through all the stores that they could visit. It is wise to compare the prices first of each merchandise before deciding on what to buy. It is really like hitting two birds with one stone – guests could discover the island by walking around town and get a cheaper keepsake at the same time.

  Buying in bulk is another way to get souvenirs in a low-cost price. Tourists could always ask for a discount, particularly in souvenir shops or stalls along the beach or in different tourist attractions. Accessories made up of shells like necklaces and bracelets are definitely inexpensive when guests buy more than one.

 Souvenirs are great tokens to make tourists remember the countries and places they have been to. Buying keepsakes should not be a tedious task and guests should actually find it enjoyable. After all, these mementos are bought to make themselves or their loved ones happy.

Experience Terrific Hiking in Hawaii

Hiking along the islands of Hawaii is among the finest ways to view and delight in the state’s flourishing rainforests, distinct coastal areas, extensive valleys, volcanic formations as well as its rich flora and fauna. The hiking trails in Hawaii vary in terms of length and difficulty. There are those that tourists can trek in just a few hours while there are also those that can become a day-long journey. The brief and simple hiking trails in Hawaii could be self-guided whereas the long and more challenging trails should be done with a veteran guide. The organized trips in Hawaii involve nature hikes and these can be enjoyed on all of the Hawaiian Islands, especially on Oahu. The various nature tours offered in Oahu is a terrific means of exploring the land at the same time, discovering about the island’s geography, geology, as well as the history of Hawaii.

 

Waterfall hiking is among the most prevalent out of all Hawaiian treks. The waterfalls sprinkled throughout the islands feature the state’s breathtaking natural beauty and it also highlights the largest crowd-drawer in Hawaii, which is water. Waterfall hiking is truly brilliant when tourists visit the Seven Sacred Pools located in Maui. Visitors could also traverse along the Road to Hana or Hana Highway that provides magnificent view of the coast as well as crisp blue skies.

 

Plenty of tourists make it a point to visit the Manoa Falls Trail. Travelers would make their way through a bamboo forest before finally reaching the 150 feet high glimmering falls. Guests should not expect that they would be able to swim because a landslide back in 2002 has dumped rocks and debris into the pool at the falls’ base, which caused Hawaii to make the pool off-limits. After this trail, there is another one available, which is the Aihualama Trail. This would take trekkers up to a winding pathway until they arrive at the end of the Manoa Valley and hikers would be able to see an astonishing overlook.

 

Another most popular hiking trail in Hawaii that adventurous guests should not miss is inside the Diamond Head volcanic crater. Tourists would traipse up roughly 175 stairs, and they would tour through an unlit tunnel that is 225 feet in length so as to arrive at an observation deck that was formerly used by the military in searching for their enemies. The smooth trail appeals to novice hikers, and they would be treated to a view of the Waikiki shores as well as neighboring places from above.

 

Ridge trails are considered as the most challenging trails, but they do present some glorious views of the islands. The Mauumae Ridge Trail, which is also called Lanipo, is frequently referred to as the rollercoaster workout. These trail guides tourists along the top of the complex green mountainside. Visitors would get to have a close up sight of the rest of the Koolau Mountains as well as the Koko Crater and the Waianae Mountains.

 

Hiking along Hawaii’s various paths and trails is a great activity that is pursued by daring visitors of the islands. This allows nature lovers to have a wonderful view of the different islands as well as be able to see some unusual landscapes. That is why it would be best for tourists to keep themselves away from the beautiful beaches for a moment, pack their bags and then head out for an exceptional adventure in the trails of tropical Hawaii.

Hawaii’s Best Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Sites

Hawaii’s Best Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Sites

 All the islands of Hawaii have pretty good scuba diving and snorkeling locations. There is no Hawaiian tropical vacation that is fulfilled without the tourists having to embark on a snorkel or scuba diving adventure. Travelers that are into various ocean activities would be pleased to find out that each of the islands in this state has its own fine coral reefs and mystifying shipwrecks. Here are some of Hawaii’s excellent scuba diving and snorkeling spots:

 

A lot of experienced scuba divers and snorkelers agree that the island of Maui is home to the first-rate underwater opportunities among all the Hawaiian Islands. First on the list is the Wailea luxury resort site. It has an easily accessible shoreline that offers the greatest off-the-beach snorkeling experience. Its waters are so calm that plenty of young children get to experience their first snorkeling escapade in Wailea. The best place in the whole of Maui, though, is the extinct Molokini Crater. Tourists would need to get on a short boat ride to get to this volcanic crater, which is acknowledged as among the top scuba diving areas worldwide.

 

In the Big Island, tourists would be able to delight in the Kohala Coast. It is very beautiful and is considered as the best that this island could offer to those who are seeking some scuba diving or snorkeling escapade. The Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, a renowned destination for several ocean activities, is also encompassed by the Kohala Coast. The Sea Caves, which is just off Honaunau and close to the Kona Coast, boast of serene waters that are also ideal for snorkeling. The Big Island’s western shore houses the Kailua-Kona Town. One would be able to find here an extraordinary array of fish and for those lucky enough to visit beginning November to May, they would be able to see some humpback whales settle in the area.

 

Lanai might be the smallest of the state’s main islands, only having one town. However, it still boasts of great under the sea explorations. There are two renowned scuba destinations found in Lanai, which are The First and Second Cathedrals, as well as Fish Rock. The finest scuba diving and snorkeling place in this island is Fish Rock. It is a volcanic cone that has a depth of roughly 75 feet, and it is fantastic to explore the things around this underwater rock. The First Cathedral and Second Cathedrals are undeniably astounding. These are actually ancient lava tubes that hollowed out into a 65-foot depth, with bright lights shining inside from above. It has numerous smaller fish species that seek sanctuary in them plus the wall crevices became the home of varied kinds of crustaceans. The Second Cathedral is the bigger between the two, but either one would be able to offer an unsurpassed scuba diving experience.

 

All of the finest scuba diving and snorkeling places mentioned are definitely beautiful and out of the ordinary. But tourists should also do well to remember that the coral reefs found in these sites are living animals and therefore, should not be removed. It is better to take home another souvenir because it is considered illegal not to mention unethical, to cut off a piece of the corals to take home. All of these spots are among the best scuba diving and snorkeling areas in the whole state, and travelers should cap off a perfect tropical vacation by taking time out to have a scuba diving or snorkeling trip in exotic Hawaii.

Next Page »