Category — Hawaii
Best Surfing Spots in Hawaii
When most people think of Hawaii, they probably think of surfing, and justifiably so. The state is arguably home to the best surfing on the planet, and when the pounding surf is paired with beautiful white-sand beaches and a lush, green landscape, it is almost impossible to resist. Of all the islands, Oahu, Maui and Kauai offer the best surfing conditions, and inter-island travel gets easier all the time. The group is islands is one of the most isolated places on Earth, and that’s why we are going to use Oahu, Hawaii’s most accessible island, as our base.
Oahu gets three times as much airline traffic as any other Hawaiian island from the continental United States. Because of that, the island is easily Hawaii’s most cosmopolitan destination. And it is also the premier surfing spot in the entire world. Surfers are free to take advantage of over 100 miles of the greatest beachfront they will ever see. Of course, at the center of it all is Waikiki Beach, home to the famous North Shore. If you can make it here, at the Mecca of surfing, then you can make it anywhere.
But Oahu can be too cosmopolitan. If you are looking for a more peaceful surfing atmosphere, look no further than Maui. Hawaii’s second biggest island is easily the state’s most luxurious. Upscale resorts and private beaches allow you to surf without crowds or interference. The private environment allows you to focus on surfing without the distractions that can come with too many people. Maui also has an almost non-existent nightlife, meaning if you want to do more than surf and relax, Maui is not the place for you.
One place that might offer an even more solitary surfing environment than Maui is Kauai. Nicknamed the “Garden Island,” the place boasts everything from jagged mountains and waterfalls to lush, abundant flora and fauna. Not as popular as Oahu or Maui, Kauai offers the serenity that surfers seek. And there are all kinds of different beaches from which to take advantage of the surf. One example is the sun-drenched Poipu Beach, with the mountains in the background framing the seascape. There’s also Lumalai Beach, where you can ply your trade in utter seclusion. If you decide you need a break from the surf, there’s also great hiking along the Na Pali Coast.
The Hawaiian Islands are one of the true gems of this planet. For surfers, the islands are a particular paradise. We haven’t even touched on the rich, beautiful culture of the native people. There are a number of places you can go to take advantage of this unique place. But one thing is certain: whether you’re at cosmopolitan Oahu, luxurious Maui or serene Kauai, you are guaranteed to have a wonderful time amid the best surfing around.
August 24, 2007 2 Comments
Great Late-Summer/Fall Hawaii Deals
Visit Hawaii between August 24 and October 31! With the Hawaii Summer Special deal from Vacations For Less, you can get great rates for a number of Hawaiian destinations beginning at $565 for six nights per person. Ohana Maile Sky Court ($565/6 days), Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber ($699/6 days), and Waikiki Beach Marriot ($825/6 days) all offer special rates as a part of this deal. You can also chose from Castele Hilo Hawaian Hotel ($679/6 days), the Sheraton Keauhou Bay ($875/ 6 days) at the Hawaii Big Island or the Outrigger Aina Nalu in Maui at the rate of $679 for 6 days. The vacation packages include a round-trip flight on Delta Airlines to the Hawaiian island of your choice from the offer, 5 nights at one of the hotels mentioned above, as well as the hotel and land taxes. In addition, up to 2 children at the age of 16 and younger go for free, provided that they share a room with an adult. And if you chose to stay in Waikiki Beach Marriott, you receive free breakfast as a bonus. Note that the rates per person are based on double occupancy and that airfare charges are based on Los Angeles departures. Airport taxes and security fees are not included in the prices.
For more information, visit http://www.vacations4less.com/promohawaii1.htm
July 24, 2007 No Comments
North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii
Legend has it that when the English missionaries first got to Hawaii, they discouraged the Polynesians from surfing because they felt it was a waste of time. So it’s a little ironic now that the some of the best surfing schools in Hawaii are run by the successors of those very same missionaries. And those schools get to churn out students that get to test their skills at one of the best surf destinations on the planet: the North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii.
In the summertime, the water at the North Shore is relatively quiet, making it a great place to fish or swim. But during the winter, it is an entirely different story. When the weather gets colder, the waves get massive, and the best surfers in the world flock to the birthplace of surfing. It was here that the English first discovered the Hawaiian natives riding the waves on long, wooden boards. And it was here that modern surfing became legendary, on the back of the exploits of local boy Duke Kahanamoku in the 1920s.
The North Shore stretches, uninterrupted, for almost 20 miles, producing beautiful white, sandy beaches that you can lie on while watching the surfing. Between October and February, the beach can boast waves reaching heights of up to 20-30 feet.
One particular location is called the Banzai Pipeline, so called because of the massive tube that forms when the waves curl under their own weight. Another hot spot for surfers and onlookers is Waimea Beach.
The North Shore is also particularly convenient for the American tourist. Since Hawaii is a state, it is much easier to travel here than to travel to many of the other great surfing destinations around the world located in other countries. So, next winter, leave the snowy confines of your home and make you way to Hawaii’s North Shore, to be a part of the best surfing experience in the world.
July 16, 2007 No Comments
Hawaii’s Haleakala Park: Heaven on Earth
Seeking a destination to celebrate an anniversary, a honeymoon or even just a relaxing vacation? Finding an inexpensive destination without making any sacrifices can be difficult. Hawaii is among the more popular choices because of its beautiful beaches, tropical jungles and luxuries hotels. However there is another side of Hawaii that is not as popular but worth seeing. The Haleakala Trail on the island of Maui runs through a large crater with active volcanoes, although the last was in 1790. This majestic trail is a must-see because of its stunning panoramic views that can only be enjoyed first hand.
Waking up early in the morning is difficult for me most days, but the first time I hiked this trail waking up could not have been any easier. As we made our ascent towards the summit in the wee ours of the morning, the view was limited because of the dense fog. After some time we reached the summit and realized that we were surrounded in a sea of clouds. Other than the plateau we were standing on, no land was visible because of the density of the clouds. Slowly the sun began to rise as we were able to see a hint of light below the surface of the clouds. The sun slowly inched its way above the surface while we savored the moment. Shortly after half the sun had risen above the clouds I then realized we were actually witnessing a sunrise above the clouds. That moment was heaven on Earth and best to share with a loved one.
Along this trail there are over 30 miles of well-marked paths to explore in and around the crater. Park Rangers consider the level of this hike as moderate; it provides a bit of a challenge to novices while not exactly a stroll for the more advanced. The great expanse of this National Park also provides spacious grounds for picnics. There are also several waterfalls and natural pools for swimming, and beautiful jungles to explore. The expense for this dramatic excursion is a $10 entrance fee to enter the park. There are also various low-cost hotels within 15 miles of the park that go for as low as $111 a night, with all the usual amenities.
June 28, 2007 No Comments
Top 5 Winter Getaway Destinations
Travel and Leisure magazine’s Senior Editor, Heidi Sherman Mitchell recently suggested 5 inexpensive winter destinations for those looking to take a vacation after the hectic holiday season. The first thing you want to do is decide whether you want to go to a warm or cold spot. Then browse the internet for special deals on vacation packages. It’s peak season for areas with beaches or snow so plan your vacation early.
Mitchell’s top 5 winter destinations are:
1. Whistler, British Columbia: Whistler has become the “it” destination for winter. It’s set to host the Winter Olympics in 2010. If you love to ski, this is a great destination, because there’s great skiing as well as great non-ski activities. There are spas, great shopping, and dining. If you live on the West Coast, this is a definite must! Also, many of the locals are mostly between 20 and 34, so there’s a lot of ambient energy on the streets.
2. Lake Placid, N.Y.: A great place to visit if you live in the Northeast. The former Olympic site has a wide range of winter activities for both kids and adults. Visitors love the accessibility and family atmosphere.
3. Riviera Maya: Located on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, this area has become a popular destination for 2006. There’s so much going on there, and every range of spots for couples, families. You can find great flight deals right now, as well as some great hotel deals, because this region is trying to overcome the perception that Hurricane Wilma destroyed everything. The location is pretty much back in action and worth looking into.
4. Maui: We often think of Hawaii as a honeymooners’ location. But it’s a great vacation spot for those living on the West Coast. Maui boasts the Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach, a top-secret beach. The beaches of Maui are supposed to be some of the most glorious. If you are traveling during the winter season, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Maui’s largest visitors, the humpback whale, during their mating season.
5. Los Angeles: The city is undergoing a transformation. For example, check out the newly-redesigned Sunset Tower Hotel, as well as the new Hollywood Roosevelt, where the current Hollywood “A-listers” love to party. You can also cruise Melrose, Sunset Blvd and have access to beaches, hiking up Will Rogers Park. The city also has a lot more culture, and more money has been poured into the arts. Los Angeles also isn’t too expensive, compared to New York or San Francisco. The large amusement parks are also nearby, so it’s great for families who want to go to Disneyland, but you can also look into Hollywood or see the Guggenheim Museum.
November 19, 2006 1 Comment
Whale Watching In Maui
December is approaching and as most people are starting to unravel their winter coats from of the depths of their closets, others are choosing to escape the frigid weather and head to a more tropical environment.
Getting to Maui is a five and half hour flight from California or a six and a half hour flight from Tokyo, which makes it a very attractive vacation spot from both areas. United Airlines offers non stop flights from both Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) to Kapalua, Maui. Make sure to plan your trip in advance as November-March are peak travel months and most hotels charge a premium rate for rooms.
If you are planning a vacation to Maui between December-April, not only will you be able to work on your tan, but you might be lucky enough to see Maui’s largest visitors, the humpback whale. Every year, 2,000 humpback whales migrate from their summer feeding grounds in Alaska to the warm and sheltered waters of the Hawaiian Islands. Here the whales mate and nurse their newborn calves, as spectators awe at the size and grace of these mammals. Whale Watch Maui offers a wealth of information on whale watching in Hawaii as well as inexpensive day tours.
November 8, 2006 No Comments
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