Discover the World of Whales in Hawaii
September 28, 2008 by writer
Filed under Attractions, Hawaii Eco, Hawaii activities, Oahu Tours
Hawaii, being famous for its beaches, is also a seasonal home for whales. In fact, whale watching is a favorite activity of tourists and locals alike once the winter season rolls by in the state. There exist roughly 10,000 up to 15,000 humpback whales throughout the world and more than a thousand of these adorable animals stay at the warm waters of the Hawaiian Islands each year, during the latter part of November. The whales remain in the state until April and there are even some who are spotted until May before making their way back to their other home, which is Alaska. Hawaii photographers
Tourists would be able to see whales in the tropical waters of each of the Hawaiian Islands. There are plenty of tour providers that arrange either day or sunset whale watching cruises on both small and huge boats. Majority of these tours assure guests of some whale sightings, and if some visitors were not able to view any whales, they would be given a complimentary whale watching tour. Normally, the charge for the tour also incorporates a snack, a drink, some comprehensive narration, and there are also those who offer hydrophones on board the ship. These hydrophones would allow the passengers to listen to the sounds that whales make to communicate with each other.
Immersing one’s self into the world of whales with the help of a submarine is a fascinating way to observe and discover more facts about the humpback whales. In the Aloha State, Atlantis Submarines is the only submarine provider throughout Hawaii and it operates on Maui, Oahu, as well as the Big Island. Not only would the guests be able to see the whales in their natural environment, but since humpback whales are naturally curious about their surroundings, there are some of them who would even approach the water vessel.
Even if whale watching in the state could be done in any Hawaiian Island, the protected Auau Channel as well as the shallow tropical waters farther down Maui’s west coast are among the greatest places to observe whales. There are also boat tours available here from November until April and it departs from the Lahaina Harbor plenty of times each day during the season for watching whales. On the island of Kauai and on the Big Island, there are also abundant whale-watching opportunities and the boat tours are offered by experienced and expert guides.
If one is not comfortable on board a boat, humpback whales could also be seen from dry land. On Kauai, some great sites to start looking for whales are the Kealia Lookout, the Kilauea Lighthouse, and other elevated points of land, particularly in the coastal regions.
In the state of Hawaii, watching whales is a preferred pursuit, and similar with other outdoor activities, there are also rules in whale watching. Observers of these animals should not approach them either by swimming or via a boat within a hundred yards of a whale. But then, since whales are innately inquisitive, they could approach people and there is no law against that. Come to Hawaii to listen to the sounds of the whales as they “sing” and have an amazing experience like no other. Hawaii beach weddings
The Hawaiian Island of Niihau
September 21, 2008 by writer
Filed under islands style
Niihau is the smallest in terms of area among all the populated Hawaiian Islands. It has an area of roughly 69.5 square miles and it is on this island that a person could find Lake Halulu, which is the state’s only natural lake.
The entire island of Niihau in Hawaii was previously sold for a mere sum of $10,000. These days, one would not even be able to purchase a house for that little money. During 1863, the monarch back then called King Kamehameha IV placed Niihau up for sale for the said amount. Elizabeth Sinclair, who was a local of the nearby island of Kauai, chose to buy the island and it was said that she decided to purchase Niihau instead of other properties such as Pearl Harbor or Waikiki. At the moment, the Robinson family particularly Keith and Bruce Robinson, who are Elizabeth’s descendants, are the proud owners of this tiny Hawaiian Island. They are dedicated in preserving the island of Niihau and to also uphold the Hawaiian heritage. Nowadays, Niihau is considered as the epitome of the Hawaiian Islands and it is the sole island where Hawaiian is the primary as well as the chief language used.
The island of Niihau is also dubbed as The Mystery Island and The Forbidden Island since people who are not native Hawaiians are not permitted to visit there. This exclusive island could only be visited by kin of the Robinson family, government officials, U.S. Navy personnel, as well as invited guests. These days, there are around 250 native Hawaiian citizens living on the island of Niihau and what is fascinating is that their lifestyle has not changed throughout the years. One would not be able to find any shops or restaurants on Niihau. There are also no paved roads, no cars, no hotels, and even no electricity. Life on this island is truly simple and the only means to travel around here is either by foot or by using a bike.
The lone work available on this island is at the ranch of the Robinson family and this is where most of the locals work by raising some cattle. Of course, they also get their food from the Robinson ranch. Moreover, Niihau’s residents also produce some fruits and vegetables on their own. They also do activities such as fishing as well as hunting using spears, knives, ropes and nets. Their hunting equipment is mostly self-made and they also purchase some tools from the island of Kauai.
This island is really dry so one could not expect to see some tropical and lush landscapes just like the other islands of Hawaii. Instead of the flower leis that are typical with the other Hawaiian Islands, the people of Niihau make some amazing shell leis made from the unique shells that could only be found on the island’s beaches. Because these kinds of shells are truly rare, there are collectors who are prepared to pay a huge amount for the shell lei of Niihau. http://www.bluehawaiiweddings.com/molokai_package.html
Tourists could still have a close up view of Niihau since there are snorkeling and helicopter tours that are available. Since disembarking on any island beach is not permitted, they would only be allowed to snorkel in one of Niihau’s bays without stepping on the island’s soil.
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Take Part in the Great Hawaiian Outdoor Adventures
September 21, 2008 by writer
Filed under Hawaii activities
Hawaii is definitely celebrated for its oasis-like beaches. True to its reputation, there really is nothing that could compare to stretching out beneath the tropical Hawaiian sun and then slowly feeling as if life’s problems are floating away with every tender wave that splashes at one’s feet. But then, like all guests of the state have discovered, there are plenty more to the Hawaiian Islands than merely taking in some sun. One could actually get out and be active. Whatever suits one’s fancy, the great outdoor activities found in Hawaii are practically limitless.Hawaii oahu photographers
For travelers who love hiking, there exist some fantastic nature trails on each of the state’s islands, which include some treks for both novices and experts. On the island of Maui, the Haleakala is well-regarded as among Hawaiian Island’s premier hiking sites. A preferred hike on the island of Oahu is the close to an hour climb to the Diamond Head pinnacle, wherein guests are presented with a wide panorama of Honolulu, Waikiki, as well as the Pacific Ocean. If travelers found themselves on the Big Island, it is recommended for them to set off to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Once there, travelers could try the Kilauea Iki Trail, which is five miles long and it is a quest that one would always remember.
If tourists want to get some exercise using the bicycle, there are plenty of choices in Hawaii. One of the preferred bicycling tours in the state is the delightful downhill glide on the Haleakala’s slopes. On the island of Lanai, one could also go to the mystifying Garden of the Gods, which is a moon-like land that is sprinkled with multicolored and peculiarly eroded rocks.
Horseback riding is yet another famous outdoor pursuit in Hawaii. One would be able to get on some good riding trails on the vast Big Island. This is where visitors could get to be a cowboy or a paniolo for one day at sites like the Parker Ranch, which is among the biggest ranches across the United States, measuring around 175,000 acres.
Aside from lounging in beaches, guests could also go skiing in the Hawaiian Islands. The peak of Mauna Kea located at the Big Island is normally covered with glistening snow during late November up until April. Take note though, that only the most experienced skiers should have a go at these dangerous slopes.
Hawaii’s world famous oceans present a lot of thrilling recreational breaks. Tourists could sign up to have surfing lessons at the Waikiki Beach, where they would be able to find tranquil waves as well as shallow waters that are just right for beginners. They could also head off to Hanauma Bay to snorkel or even set out for the Cathedrals to scuba dive. Fishing is another favorite here and one could catch either a tuna or a marlin on the waters of the Big Island. Or they could go to Kauai and take pleasure in a kayaking adventure along the spectacular Napali Coast.
Other outdoor adventures in Hawaii are hunting, jogging, camping, hang-gliding, helicopter tours, skydiving, windsurfing, sailing, parasailing, and whale watching, among others. For people who are seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, there is no need to look very far for Hawaii provides plenty of incredible outdoor adventures.

