Hawaii Vacation - Hawai Traveling Water Sports in Hawaii

Hawaii Travel - Hawaii the perfect vacation spots for a magical getaway in a tropical paradise.  There are few vacation destinations that offer as many attractions as Hawaii.  The island of Oahu boasts huge cities with lots of shopping as well some cultural activities nestled amongst the North Shore surfing villages.  The island also is home to the memorial at Pearl Harbor, which is on the top of the list of must see for Oahu

There are ample opportunities for playing golf as well.  All of the islands have golf courses.  They range from world championship golf courses to quiet laid back courses that have little or no greens fees. 

But really Hawaii is all about the water sports.  The state is an island surrounded by the Pacific Ocean that is home to some of the world's best and largest waves.  In fact surfing was invented here in the islands.  Oahu and Maui are most well known for surfing, particularly the North Shore of both islands, but you can really expect to see some pretty great waves just about anywhere in Hawaii.  If you are a beginner, you should stick to the beginner friendly waves like Waikiki Beach on Oahu and Lahaina in Maui. The big waves on the North Shore of the islands should be left to the experts.

Diving and Snorkeling are another popular pastime for vacationers in Hawaii.  There are some world famous dive spots like the molokini crater located off the coast of Maui.  You can expect to see a wide variety of sea creatures here, such as, sharks, sea turtles, rays, and tons of different tropical fish.  This is a great spot for snorkeling, as well as scuba diving.  If you are anxious to try scuba, but don't think that you are quite ready; you could try a combination of the two called snuba.  This is similar to scuba in that you have an air supply; however, it's attached to the boat and it floats above you.  With scuba, however, you have to carry your air supply with you in a tank on your back.  This is a good compromise if you want to get a feel for breathing underwater, but are not quite ready to make the scuba commitment.

Maui in particular is great for windsurfing and kite boarding.  Kite boarding is similar to windsurfing or wake boarding, but throw in the fact that you need to be able to fly a kite, and the sport suddenly becomes difficult to master.

Hawaiians have been kayaking since ancient times.  If kayaking is your thing, Hawaii is the place to be.  All of the islands have something different to offer.  On Oahu, Kailua Bay is a popular kayaking spot, where you can paddle over to an uninhabited island for some respite for the very busy Waikiki Beach. On Maui Kealakekua Bay is a great place for Kayaking.  These waters are responsible for the downfall of Captain Cook.  Molokai offers some great kayaking for the more experienced paddlers.  Whatever you water sport pleasure, Hawaii is sure to please.                          

Hawaii Vacation - Hawai Traveling Road to Hana The Second Half

Hawaii Travel - The second half of the road to Hana is even more exiting than the first.  As you approach the town of Wailua, you will pass a few fruit stands offering homemade goodies and fruit. If you are hungry for a snack, this is the place to stop. 

The first stop on this second half of this journey is Our Lady of Fatima Shrine.  It is a little blue and white chapel built in the 1860's.  This church has an existing congregation, but they no longer use this chapel as the current sanctuary. 

Another site not to be missed is the Ka'eleku caverns.  You can actually go into underground caves formed by lava eruptions from ancient volcanoes.  You will probably need a four wheel drive vehicle to access this one.  The Kahanu garden is a botanical garden located on the road to Hana.  It is a National Conservation effort.   The next stop just past the botanical garden is the sacred pools.  They offer a natural water park of sorts.  The view is spectacular and unlike anything that I have ever seen. 

Near the top of the mountain, almost to Hana is Wai'anapanapa State Park.  The park is located amongst an impressive black sand beach and has two caves that you can walk through.  They actually lead to the ocean, so be careful.  I have heard that there is an opportunity here for good snorkeling, but I will never find out.  There are several signs warning would be swimmers of unusually large man of war, strong rip currents and sharks.  Hmm, maybe I'll sit this one out! 

Now get back in your car, for the next stop, Hana.  Before I mentioned that Hana is not really all that spectacular considering all the gorgeous stops along the way, however, it is worth your time to stop in this sleepy little town.  There are a couple of little café's that make for a good place to have lunch.  The beach is complete with a pier that you should at least take a quick stroll on.  Hana even has an airport.  You can either stay in Hana at one of the few lodging options, or if you are like most people it is time to head back to the resort area. 

Most people will drive back the way the came, perhaps stopping at a few of the places that they might have missed along the way.  Or, if you are amongst the brave few, you may continue onward.  This will require a four wheel drive vehicle.  You will drive along a dirt path that could be called a road, but it's extremely winding and curvy, along the top of a cliff with no guard rails to protect motorist from falling hundreds of feet into the ocean below.

There are a few signs instructing drivers to honk in order to alert oncoming traffic, because this is only a one lane road.  It is a little bit scary, but thrilling at the same time and the view is unbelievable.  This isolated road complete with ocean views on one side and cow pastures only lasts for a few miles, and then it's back to civilization. 

You can get a detailed map complete with a C.D. from your concierge or even the gas station.  The map will give specific mile marker indications, allowing even the most lost prone driver to find these breathtaking sights.

Hawaii Vacation - Hawai Traveling Road to Hana- The First Half

Hawaii Travel - Hana is a sleepy little town located in Maui on the backside of Haleakala.  Hana is a fairly quiet town with only one or two hotels.  It has a small public beach that when compared to some of the other beaches on Maui seem less than impressive.  And what sleepy town would be complete without a horse ranch.  Hana is definitely not lacking in charm.  While millions of people travel through Hana each year, few people actually stay here.  The road to Hana as the Hana highway has been dubbed is more about the journey, than the actual destination.  If you were to drive straight from Kahului to Hana the trip would take you about two hours.  But, as I said before, this trip is about the scenery.

If you were in a huge rush to get to Hana, you would be disappointed. In order to do this trip properly, you should be in no hurry and allow for an eleven or twelve hour trip. 

The first place to stop on the road to Hana is the twin falls.  They are impressive if you have never seen a waterfall, but you will see some much more spectacular views along this journey.  The Ko'olau Forest Reserve is one stop along the way that you should not skip.  You will first see Norfolk pines located on the hillside, then some vibrantly colored Eucalyptus trees (very impressive to the east coast native).  Next you will see a vast expanse of bamboo trees.  It's worth the time to visit this tropical forest.

If waterfalls are your thing, you are in luck.  There is the famous Waikamoi falls located at the bridge just before the 10 mile marker.  This waterfall is impressive to say the least.  It stretches some hundreds of feet above the bridge, and it has several different colors of moss growing alongside the falls. 

The next place to stop is the Kaumahina State Wayside Park. It has picnic tables and provides a wide ocean view.  This is the perfect place to stop for a quick romantic lunch.    For the next several miles there is a spectacular ocean view, offering ample opportunity to pull over and take pictures.  If it has recently rained, then you are in for a special treat, you will see a plethora of water falls exhibiting a rainbow of colors due to the wild vegetation.  You don't get much closer to perfection than this.   At this point you are roughly halfway to Hana.

The Ke'anea Valley marks the halfway point to Hana.  This valley is home to the Haleakala Crater, which was formed from an eruption of the Haleakala volcano.  Lava erupted from the volcano and flowed into the valley creating this giant crater.  It is a sight to see.  As you drive on from here you will see a sign that says "halfway to hana".  There is also a camp site here, so you can either make camp or explore around the first half some more, or you can drive onto Hana.

Hawaii Vacation - Hawai Traveling To Hawaiian Island of Ni'ihau

Hawaii Travel - Not all of the Hawaiian Islands have been as westernized as equally as others.  Most people would say that Oahu is by far the most commercialized of the islands and that Molokai is the least.  They are only partly right. The little known island of Ni'ihau is actually the least modernized and the least populated of the islands. Ni'ihau is located less than twenty miles from the island of Lanai.  It is a private island not open to tourism.  Thus the island has earned the name as the forbidden island.  Ni'ihau is the only island where the predominant language is still Hawaiian.  There is one school here that runs grades K-12 and the lessons are taught in Hawaiian.

English is introduced as a second language.  The entire island is owned by the Ni'ihau ranch, which is owned by the Robinson family.  The Robinsons provide food, clothing shelter, education and just about anything else their people need.  There is no widespread electricity here.  Don't expect to find cell service for your phone either. 

Ni'ihau is the smallest inhabited Hawaiian Island; it's about 70 square miles.  The economy of the island depends on farming, but that has not been very prosperous for over thirty years.  The Robinson family has looked to the government for support in exchange for allowing military drills and mock practice operations.  The Robinsons do not allow visitors on the island.  In fact if a resident marries someone from even another Hawaiian Island, they will not be invited back into the community. 

Ni'ihau is such a closed community that there really is no way to visit the island.  The Robinsons have, however allowed a small window of opportunity to peak into the island.  One is through a helicopter tour, but don't expect this one to be listed in the budget category of a tourism book.  The pilot will fly the visitors to a beach location of the island.  Here they will have the opportunity to go snorkeling, and lunch is provided.  When leaving the island, the pilot will fly over most of the uninhabited parts of the island.       

The second opportunity to see the island is to go on a Nihau Safari.  Again, don't expect this one to be cheap.  Everything needed to hunt for Polynesian boar and sheep will be provided for you.   There are also snorkeling and scuba diving tours around the island of Ni'ihau.  Most of these tours depart from Kauai and you cannot come ashore during your excursion.

There is a supply boat that runs from Lanai to Ni'ihau once a week.  The boat runs from Kaumakani, which is headquarters of the Ni'ihau ranch.  There is also a settlement of former residents that prefer to live in Lanai.   The residents of Ni'ihau are free to go to Lanai and shop and do really whatever they want.

There are about 250 residents of the island, most of whom live in Pu'uwai, which means heart in Hawaiian.  The village is on the western side of the island.  Each house is surrounded by a stone wall to keep out the neighboring wildlife.  The living here is pretty basic.  They still collect their water and they have no indoor plumbing.        

Hawaii Vacation - Hawai Traveling Island of Molokai

Hawaii Travel - The Hawaiian Islands are the perfect place for a getaway. The islands offer a wide variety of activities, such as surfing, swimming snorkeling, and land activities such as island hopping. This is a must if visiting Hawaii.  Each island is unique in its own way and has something special to offer.  The island of Molokai is known as the mysterious island.

Molokai is the least developed of all of the islands.  This is the perfect place to relax and the best chance to have an authentic Hawaiian experience.  Getting around on the island of Molokai can be difficult due to lack of modernization.  If you rent a car, it should be one with four-wheel drive.  Or perhaps you could rent a mountain bike; this would allow you get to some remote locations not available to you by car.  There are two shops on the island that rent bikes, Molokai Outdoor Activities and Molokai Bicycle.  

There are two ways to get to the island.  You can travel to Molokai by boat or by plane. The airport is small and you must fly in from a larger island such as Oahu or Maui.  The island is most easily accessible by boat.  If you can't stay for a long time, you could take a day trip from Maui.  You won't be disappointed.

The most popular beach is known as twenty mile beach.  It has a barrier reef, which makes for a great snorkeling opportunity.  The beach is located near the 20-mile marker of the main highway.   

There are two ranches on Molokai.  They make for a great horseback riding experience.  The ranches offer guided trail tours through the valley.  Another popular activity of the island of Molokai is mule riding.  You can ride mules through the valley and trails. The tours are available through a company called Molokai Mule Rides.

Hiking is a popular pastime in Molokai.  The most visited trail is the mule trail to the Kalaupapa Peninsula, which is complete with breathtaking views and awe inspiring landscaping.  The Nature Conservatory at Kamakou Preserve has unique guided tours.  These tours are only available a couple of times a month, so it's a good idea to make reservations and check with the conservatory before arriving in  Molokai  This preserve boasts almost 3000 acres of native ecosystems including a cloud forest and habitats for many endangered plants and animals.  Along the hike you will see cliffs and valleys alike. 

What Hawaiian island would be complete without a golf course?  Molokai has two. The Ironwood Hills Golf Club was originally built by Del Monte for its employees. The club is a very casual fun environment.  The Kaluakoi Golf Course is located in a resort condominium community.  This resort community has been limited by something called the Molokai plan.  The plan is an agreement between lawmakers and locals to keep the island from becoming over developed.  This plan has allowed the island and its inhabitants to keep their rural lifestyle.  In fact, fishing, hunting, and ranching are still among the islands top professions of choice.      

Hawaii Vacation - Hawai Traveling Surf in Hawaii

Hawaii Travel - Because of the swells that roll in from the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii has some great surfing spots.   These spots are scattered across hundreds of beaches all over the state of Hawaii.  You could literally spend a year surfing these beaches and never have to surf the same spot twice.
 

The biggest waves in Hawaii are located on the North Shore of the islands.  Waves during the winter are typically bigger than the waves during the rest of the year.  The island of Oahu is home to some of the world's largest waves.  The north shore of Ohau attracts some of the best surfers in the world and hosts big surfing competitions.  Waimea Bay Beach Park draws huge crowds of people there to watch the big wave riders.  It's pretty typical to drive down the main highway and see several photographers just waiting to capture the big one.
 

These waters have swells that reach to be over thirty feet.  Winter winds prevent this from being a swimming beach during these months.  The waves pound the beach with a force so hard that it can be heard for miles.  The summer months, however, bring a totally different Waimea.  The water is usually calm enough for swimmers June through September.   Sunset Beach is also another popular winter surfing destination for the same reasons as above... big waves.  Lastly, don't forget about the world famous Banzai Pipeline located at Ehukai Beach.  The pipeline attracts world famous surfers to these incredible long tube waves.  Be careful, here the water is extremely shallow and these great waves break over top of a coral reef.  This can make for treacherous wipeouts.  This is not the place for beginners. 

Wakiki beach is also another world famous surfing destination, but for much different reasons.  Wakiki has long predictable waves that are not nearly as tall or as threatening as their northern counterparts.  In fact, Wakiki is a great place for beginner surfers.  You can walk up the beach and find tons of different places to take a lesson. 

Honolua Bay on Maui is also a popular surfing spot for the experienced surfer.  There are lots of great beaches as well as surfing spots in Maui.  Lahaina is a great spot for beginners and there are a couple of different surfing schools located here.  Because of the strong winds on Maui, it is also a popular destination for wind surfing and kite surfing.  Maui even has its very own kite beach. On any given day you can drive by a see the shoreline full of kite boarders, some of whom you'd probably recognize from the magazines.  

Hanalei Bay located on the North shore of Kauai also has some great waves.  The bay itself is crescent shaped and the waves here are also going to be the biggest during the winter months.  The bay makes for some great snorkeling during the summer months.

There are also some great spots to surf and the islands of Hawaii as well as Molokai, they are just not as famous of some of these others.  Whatever island you pick you can't go wrong in Hawaii.

Hawaii Vacation - Hawai Traveling Surf Lessons on Oahu in Hawaii

Hawaii Travel - Have you ever had inkling to pick up surfing as a hobby? Or perhaps just try it once and put it on that list of yep, I've done that?  Then the island of Oahu in Hawaii is the place to do that.  Waikiki beach is the best place for beginners to learn to surf.  You may be picturing the lonely deserted beach pictured in the 1950's Gidget or Elvis movies. But, I have to tell you that Waikiki beach has changed a lot since those days.

Waikiki beach is located in Honolulu, picture a miniaturized New York City located in paradise complete with palm trees, because after all, Honolulu is a city.  The beach is narrow and very crowded, and with good reasons... the waves.  The waves are typically small and very long.  You can ride them all the way into the beach with plenty of time for beginners to get used to the feel of the wave.  There are tons of places on Waikiki to take surf lessons.  Just walk down the beach and take your pick, usually you don't have to make reservations because these are just guys on the beach teaching lessons... i.e. bring cash.  Because of the fierce competition amongst the "surfing schools" you can usually get a pretty good deal on the lessons.

If you are just learning to surf you should stay here in Waikiki.  However, it is worth a trip to the North Shore just to see how the other half lives.  It's amazing to see world famous surfers riding the waves at Waimea Bay or at the pipeline. It looks like something out of the movies.  The beaches are crowed with by standers and photographers. They watch in awe as these amazing athletes ride waves as high as thirty feet. But a warning to those daring novices... do not try to surf the waves here.  The can be treacherous.  In fact drowning is the number one accidental death in Hawaii.  This probably comes as no surprise because the entire state is surrounded by water.

Rip currents are one danger to Hawaiian visitors.  They are fast flowing currents that can drag swimmers out into deeper parts of the ocean.  If you get caught in a rip current, don't fight the current.  You should swim parallel to shore until you are out of the current, and then swim safely into shore.  Undertows are another dangerous factor while visiting Hawaii.  If you get caught in an undertow, (you will feel the wave pull you out to sea) just go with the flow of the wave until it passes.  Then you should be able to swim out of it.  Don't let the beautiful waters fool you; they can be deadly if not taken seriously.

Heed the warning, but try not to get discouraged.  There are plenty of places in Hawaii for beginners to surf.  If you do not get your fill while visiting the world famous Waikiki Beach, you may want to try one of the other islands.  All of the other islands will have some beginner friendly waves to offer.

Hawaii Vacation - Hawai Traveling Surf lessons on Maui

Hawaii Travel - It is safe to say that if anyone visiting Hawaii ever wants to learn how to surf this is the place.  There are many different places to take surf lessons while on the island of Maui.  My favorite is located in the town of Lahaina.  Lahaina is just a short drive from the Kanapali resort area that is the temporary home of many tourists like me.  I took a four hour lesson at this cute little place called goofy foot.  They came highly recommended by the concierge at the hotel, and I was not disappointed.  The surf school required that all students wear a rash guard, which is just a long sleeve neoprene shirt.

The rash guard is to protect your chest from the sand and wax on the board, not to mention the fact that it will also protect you if you happened to be pummeled by a wave into coral.  Coral is prevalent in these waters; in fact, the coral actually contributes to the making of those long beautiful waves.

The surf school provided the rash guard, as well as these goofy aqua socks that everyone had to wear... Maybe that's why they call the school goofy foot.  But seriously, it is important to wear the aqua socks because they protect your feet from the coal.  The instructor also explained that it is important to fall shallow rather than deep in order to avoid hitting the dreaded coral. 

The next required piece of paraphernalia is the board itself.  They gave me this twelve foot foam surf board that I actually had to balance on my head to carry.  That was really the hardest part of the lesson.  Once equipped with my surf gear, I was ready to hit the waves.  But my instructor stopped me in my tracks.  Did I mention that the instructor was extremely hot?  Anyway, he said that we had to practice on the beach a few times, so we did.  We lay on top of the board in the sand and pretended to paddle.  This seemed pretty stupid to me, but who was I to argue. 

By the time that we finally got in the water, I was ready.  My really hot instructor stood behind me and actually pushed me into the wave.  First I climbed up onto one knee, and then the next thing I knew I was standing.  This took a couple of minutes, but that's the good thing about these great Hawaiian waves. You have plenty of time.  The waves are long and even, giving beginners ample time to actually stand up.  Once standing, I was a force to be reckoned with.  Seriously, there was no way I could control that big board, I just held on and enjoyed the ride.

Now, I have to mention that this was not my first attempt at surfing.  I have actually tried many times on the east coast.  The waves are much shorter and less predictable.  The waves in Lahaina seemed to break at the same exact spot every time.  Throughout the remainder of my four hour lesson, I was surfing.  I felt like my very own modern day version of Gidget. 

Another great thing about the goofy foot surfing school is that they have a photographer on staff taking pictures of the lessons.  Alas, I have documented proof of my surfing skills!    It was a great experience, one that I believe to only be available on one of those long waves readily available and waiting for you in Maui.  

Hawaii Vacation - Hawai Traveling Snorkeling in Hawaii

Hawaii Travel - Hawaii is a popular destination for water sports enthusiast, obviously because the entire state is surrounded by water. Each island offers different water and weather conditions, making each island experience completely unique.  The water temperature in Hawaii varies only between about 72 to 80 degrees year round making water sports ideal the entire year long.  You will see an amazing array of sea life while snorkeling in Hawaii such as, sea turtles, manta rays, moray eels, and dolphins. 

The best thing about snorkeling is that it doesn't require a lot of effort and it's not particularly difficult.  Most snorkeling tours will provide all of the necessary equipment, including a mask and snorkel, fins and usually some sort of floatation device.  You simply put on your equipment and stick your face in the water, and prepare to be amazed by the sea life surrounding you in this paradise. 

On the island of Oahu, Hanauma Bay offers the best snorkeling.  It's located on the southern shore of the island, and it's a great place for beginners.  The water is very shallow and in most cases you would be able to stand, however, you shouldn't stand because you can damage the precious coral reef on the bottom of the ocean floor.

Maui offers several snorkeling options.  There is black rock, and Kapalua.  Another popular snorkeling site is the submerged volcanic crater called Molokini.  There are many different options for getting to this destination.  Tours leave daily from Ma'alaea and Lahaina Harbors.  These are fun tours because they usually serve lunch and have some sort of open bar.  I would recommend choosing a smaller boat because obviously it's less crowed and a little more personal.  This will also give you the best opportunity to really see the ocean life.

The best snorkeling of the island of Lana'i can be found at Hulopo'e Beach.  This is not an offshore excursion, so the water will be fairly shallow perfect for children and novice swimmers alike.  Here you will see a lava shelf that is home to some spectacular tropical fish.  The beach access is a public park complete with a picnic area, so bring your lunch and settle in for the afternoon.

Moloka'i has over thirty miles of barrier reef offering some decent snorkeling, however, not the best in Hawaii. The best place to snorkel on the island of Moloka'i is on twenty mile beach. The reef is extremely shallow and can be rough at times so you should have a back up plan for snorkeling on one of the islands.

The big island of Hawaii offers the most variety in snorkeling options.  Kahula Beach is another great spot for beginners.  It's an off beach reef so you can simply go ashore when you've had enough.  The reef however is impressive enough to please even the most seasoned of reef aficionados. Kealakekua Bay is a popular off shore excursion; this will be a half day adventure complete with lunch and of course cocktails.  So whether you are new to the snorkeling scene or you have seen it all, Hawaii will have something to offer you.

Hawaii Vacation - Hawai Traveling Scuba Diving in Hawaii

Hawaii Travel - Hawaii is the perfect vacation paradise for beach lovers and ocean lovers alike.  All of the islands offer beautiful scenery both above and below sea level.  If you ever had inkling to try scuba diving this is the place.  There are hundreds of miles of barrier reef that have equally as many different species of sea life; there are craters and ship wrecks, as well as good old fashioned reefs.   The water temperature is always perfect in Hawaii making it a great place to explore underwater. 

Oahu is a great place for beginners to learn to scuba dive.  There are a few different dive shops that offer same day certification at a competitive price.  The best thing about these quickie one day certification courses is that you learn everything you need to know for the one day dive and then you are out in the ocean exploring at sea level in just a few short hours. 

Oahu is the place to be for wreck diving.  The fish aren't as impressive as diving on a reef.  However, I think that everyone should do a wreck dive at least once.  It's impressive to the power of the ocean to sink those huge heavy ships.  It's amazing to see how the fish adapt to this alien object in their natural habitat.

On the big island, Ka'awaloa Cove offers a great opportunity for scuba diving.   The cove is located on the western side of Hawaii.  The site is accessible only by boat, but there are several companies that operate tours daily.  There are also several dive sites near Kona on the big island.  They offer a wide variety of options from beginner dives to the more challenging dives, such as night dives.  One popular night dive is around Kailua-Kona. The divers hold lights that attract plankton, which is the main food source for giant manta rays.

The plankton in turn, draw the rays.  There are many tour companies offering such night time entertainment.  Red Hill is another popular dive site near Kona.  It has lava formations that are a breathtaking sight to say the least.  The sun reflects light of the lava tubes, thus the name Red Hill. In the deeper water off the Kona coast there are over thirty dive areas accessible only by boat.  One site not to be missed is an airplane wreck near Keahole Point.

The island of Maui offers it own spectacular dive sites.  Molokini is a volcanic crater in the bottom of the pacific.  It has steep ledges and walls that create an amazing site.  This particular crater attracts such sea life as reef sharks, manta rays, sea turtles and a huge variety of tropical fish. This site should be on the top of your list when visiting Hawaii.  For a tamer and less crowded taste of scuba diving in Maui, try Black Rock or Makena State park.

The crystal clear warm waters of Hawaii are a scuba divers paradise.  You could literally stay in Hawaii for a year and not explore all of the amazing dive spots.

Hawaii Vacation - Hawai Traveling Road to Kona

The Kailua Coast is home to the world's most spectacular endurance race, the Ford Ironman world championship.  The race itself is grueling and intimidating.  An iron man race consists of  a 2.4 mile swim.  This one is in the shark infested waters of the ocean.  Next comes an intense 112 mile bike ride, and lastly the athletes will run a 26.2 mile marathon.  All must be completed in 17 hours.  Sounds impressive huh?  Well imagine that in order to even be eligible to compete in this mind boggling event, you must have not only done it before, but also finished in the top 5 of your age group.  Now that's impressive.

There is one other way to be eligible to compete in this event.  A lottery is held and 200 lucky (or unlucky depending on how you look at it) would be participants are allowed to enter the race.

One contributing factor that makes this race so difficult is the heat.  On an average day with a normal temperature of about 85 degrees the actual temperature could rise to be easily over a hundred degrees due to the lava flow of the nearby active volcano reflects off of the sun.  Dehydration is prevalent and it requires literally thousands of volunteers to put on a race like this one.  Top athletes actually arrive weeks or even months in advance in order to acclimate themselves to the dreadful temperatures.

It takes a full year of training to become prepared for such an event.  Amateur athletes must compete in several iron man events before even dreaming of qualifying for Kona.  Even then they must be the best in their game.  Recreational hobbyist need not apply.  The elite athletes that win these events sleep eat and breathe the sport of triathlon.  They compete not for the cash prize (only around a hundred thousand dollars) but for the emotional one.  I say that just finishing this race is worth more than a cash prize.

The elites, the top professional athletes that will win this race will finish around two or three o'clock.  The top age group athletes will start to pour in at around five or six o'clock and then it will start to get dark outside.  The otherwise dark and deserted run course is heavily lit for the runners.  Then the regular age group athletes will start to arrive.  Remember, these people have most likely done this before and have finished their other races at the top of their division.  At midnight the clock will strike and the race will be over.  I say cheers and a job well done to anyone who tackles this crazy endurance event in America's paradise.    

Hawaii Vacation - Hawai Traveling Maui Ocean Center

Hawaii Travel - Located on the south side of Maui is Ma'alaea Bay, home to the Maui Ocean Center.  The center is the largest tropical aquarium in not only the state of Hawaii, but in the United States altogether.  If visiting the island of Maui, this spectator spot should not be missed.  The ocean center has a huge aquarium that has water filtered into it from the Bay.  This aquarium is as real as it gets.  This tank has a tunnel that you can actually walk through.  This makes for great pictures.  You can get a picture of yourself standing face to face with a sand shark.  While walking through the tunnel, you will see sharks and rays, and tons of different types of fish.

The best thing about the tunnel is that you can see the underside of the creatures as they swim above you.  The tanks also boast a coral and tropical fish display that will amaze anyone.  The coral itself is breathtaking.  In fact this coral collection is the largest of any aquarium in the world.

Another amazing display inside the aquarium is the giant cylinder columns of jelly fish.  They are several feet wide, and you can watch the jellyfish float above you.  The sight of these creatures is both terrifying and mesmerizing at the same time. 

Next you move along through the aquarium to the sea turtles tanks.  These sea turtles have been injured at some point in their lives and their stay at the aquarium is only a temporary one. They will be reintroduced back into their natural habitat once they have recovered.  This is my favorite exhibit in the aquarium. If you happen to visit during feeding time you can actually feed the turtles.  It's great to watch these huge docile creatures chomping happily on their lunch. 

The ocean center also has an interactive display on whales, where visitors can learn about these giant mammals.  Whale watching is a big hobby in Hawaii.  There are several whale watching tours available.  Turtle bay resort located on the north shore of Oahu boasts that during the winter you can actually see whales from your balcony. 

The Maui Ocean Center is a perfect place for families to visit.  They offer a wide variety of exhibits for children that are both informative and exciting.  There is also a touch pond, where children can pick up some of the creatures and actually handle them.  They can see sea stars and sea urchins, as well as skates and rays.  Be careful when stroking rays, however, you should always stroke them from head to tail in order to avoid being stung by there tails. 

No kid friendly aquarium would be complete without food.  The ocean center offers a café where you can grab lunch.  They have light fare such as salads and sandwiches, and of course, ice cream.  Also don't miss the great picture taking opportunities that the center has to offer.  Along the backside of the aquarium there are some spectacular views of Ma'alaea Bay, and there is a dolphin statue located in the very front of the center that also makes for a great souvenir photo. 

Hawaii Vacation - Hawai Traveling Pearl Harbor

Hawai Vacation - When visiting Hawaii most people think of lush tropical trees and white sandy beaches.  After all, Hawaii is the perfect spot for relaxing and sipping fruity drinks. However, there is one somber tourist spot that should not be missed.  It is the memorial at Pearl Harbor.   

Pearl Harbor was once known only for its ample supply of pearl oysters.  No one would have ever dreamed that this harbor would become the reason that the United States entered into World War II.  Sadly today it is known only for the infamous attacks that happened December 7, 1941, when wave Japanese planes flew over an attacked an unsuspecting sleeping army.  Over 1.5 million people visit the USS Arizona memorial yearly.  Tourists of all kinds stop here to remember the lives lost on that fateful morning so long ago. 

2335 US soldiers died during the attack on Pearl Harbor.  Roughly half of those killed were aboard the USS Arizona.  The giant ship was bombed and sank in less than ten minutes trapping over a thousand men on board.  Today, the ship lies exactly where it sank and is a giant tomb.  The bodies aboard the ship were never recovered.   A memorial was erected and floats directly on top of the ship.  The ship still leaks oil into the harbor in small amounts that have been said to be black tears. 

The mood at the memorial is somber even today over sixty years after the attack.  The park does a nice job of filtering the average number of 4500 guests through the memorial daily.  Upon arrival to the memorial you are given a ticket and told when your entry to the movie theater will be. The time of year of your visit determines your wait time.  During the summer months when crowds are at their highest you may have to wait a couple of hours. But, there is plenty to occupy your time.  There is a museum that contains memorabilia such as letters from soldiers to loved ones and uniforms.  The museum also has photos of Japanese planes as well as map showing the destruction of the harbor.

 There is also a World War II submarine located at the memorial site.  The USS Bowfin Museum and Park are worth taking a stroll through.  They have kept the submarine intact and you can see pretty much how the men lived in the submarine.  You can actually walk through the submarine.  Be forewarned, this is not an activity for Closter phobic people, the ship's quarters are very tight. 

Once the wait is over the tour through the memorial runs fairly quickly.  They show a movie that lasts about twenty minutes.  It shows exactly what happened that early morning in December all those years ago, complete with video footage.  Once the movie is over you will take a short boat ride out to the actual memorial.  When the ferry arrives, you will walk all the way to the back of the memorial where there is a wall listing the names of all who died that day.   

Hawaii Vacation - Hawai Traveling Hawaiian Vacation for Golfers

Hawaii Vacations - Hawaii is a popular destination for many vacationers.  It's no wonder with its gorgeous palm trees, and white sandy beaches.  The vast array of water sports such as surfing, kayaking and snorkeling attract many vacationers yearly.  But Hawaii is also a great place for golf.  The big island of Hawaii has over 20 golf courses.  The Four seasons Hualalai Course was designed by world famous golf pro Jack Nichlaus.  The Mauna Kea Golf Course has been said to be the best on the island.  While taking a break from a round of golf, guests at this hotel can relax at one of the most gorgeous beaches on the island.

The crescent shaped bay boasts white sandy beaches and is perfect for swimming and snorkeling.   There are also a couple of noteworthy golf courses located in Hilo.  Make sure to bring an umbrella.  We play rain or shine here, as Hilo is known as the rainiest city in the world.

Lanai is known as the rich man's paradise of Hawaii.  So, it's not surprising that there are some great golfing opportunities here.  Lanai is home to not one, but two, world class championship golf courses.    The experience at Koele, which designed by Greg Norman is set amongst the backside of Hawaiian mountains, making for a challenging and unique setting.  The challenge at Manele is located at another world renowned resort and was also designed by Jack Nicklas.  It's amazing that he has time to play golf, with all that designing he's been doing.  Another place to play golf in Lanai is located in Lanai city, the Cavendish Golf Course. It is a local favorite and is open to the public. This course has 9-holes and does not have greens fee (bonus).

Maui offers as many or more places to play golf as the big island of Hawaii.  The island offers beautiful vistas that make for the perfect backdrop for golfing.  Kapalua and Wailea are the most well known places to play.  There are also some championship golf courses located in the resort area of Ka'anapali.  This resort area was once a sugar plantation, converted into a resort area by its owners. 

Lanai as well, is not lacking in golf courses.  There are nine great golf courses here.  Half were designed by either Jack Nickluas or Robert Trent Jones.  The Princeville courses have made a name for themselves as some of the most challenging golf courses in the world.  Princeville is a resort community located on the North Shore of the island.  While taking a break here, golfers can enjoy world class beaches, as well as fine dinning and exquisite shopping. 

Let's not forget about the island of Oahu.  Oahu is home to several 18-hole golf courses all located fairly close to Honolulu.  The Ala Wai Golf Course and the Ewa Villages Golf course are actually located in the Wakiki Beach Area.  Here golfers should take a break to catch a wave on famous Wakiki Beach.  Turtle Bay Beach Resort is located on the North Shore of Oahu.  It is home to 2 spectacular golf courses.  One of which, was designed by Arnold Palmer and the other by George Fazio.  The resort itself is located on a great beach complete with a reef for snorkeling. 

Hawaii Vacation - Hawai Traveling Hawaiian Souvenirs

Hawaiian Souvenirs - Oh, Hawaii the perfect vacation spot for just about anyone, and what Hawaiian vacation would be complete without souvenirs?  While vacationing you will find ample opportunity to pick up souvenirs to bring back home to your loved ones. 

Hilo Hattie's is the big souvenir store. Unlike, the name suggests there are not located strictly in Hilo. It's a big chain store that has several locations on just about all of the islands.  Hilo Hattie's is famous for all different types of souvenirs, but their crowning glory is, of course, the Hawaiian shirt.  Every tourist needs a Hawaiian shirt.  You will also find the other stapes, such as homemade chocolate covered macadamia nuts.  These are sure to please every grandma.  They also have a wide assortment of hula dancing dolls, perfect for your brother-in-law.

They have the standard dash board version, as well as the world famous hula lamp.  I was surprised by the extreme variety available in the hula lamp.  You can find cheap plastic hula lamps for as little as about thirty dollars; and the hand crafted more classy (if there is such a creation) hula lamp that can be as much as two hundred dollars.

Perhaps the goofiest souvenir, in my opinion, is a real live coconut.  You can actually ship a real coconut back home to the continental United Sates.  It usually costs about thirty bucks.  I say, save your money, I'd rather have the dash board hula dancer.  Coconuts are not the only live things that are frequently shipped from Hawaii as souvenirs.  The live lei industry is very profitable in Hawaii.  You can have a fresh flower lei sent back to grandma to go with those macadamia nuts. 

Tiki statues are another popular Hawaiian souvenir.  Hawaiian legends say than the ancients, who carried a Tiki statue with them experienced, an immediate run of good fortune.  Today, you can find these statues just about anywhere.  My favorite is the tiki statue that doubles as a bottle opener.  You can have good luck while drinking your beer.

Ukuleles are another popular Hawaiian souvenir.  These are miniature guitars that have been prevalent in Hawaii since ancient times.  Again, just like the hula lamp, you can spend anywhere from about thirty bucks and up (really up).  Some of these Ukuleles actually cost thousands of dollars.  The work ukulele actually means "jumping flea" in Hawaiian. This refers to the way the player would strum around the strings.  

There are many different souvenir shops on all of the islands from which to choose your gifts.  In addition to Hilo Hattie's, there is the old stand by the ABC store.  This isn't the type of ABC store that you think of on the mainland.  It's really just like a convenience store molded into a souvenir shop.  They are on just about every corner in Honolulu.  Another spot for cheap souvenirs is the flea market on Oahu.  It's located in the parking lot of a stadium on the northern side of Oahu.  Here you can find everything from knock off purses to hand carved tiki statues.  Whatever you are looking for, Hawaii is sure to please.       

Hawaii Vacation - Hawai Traveling Hawaiian Luau

Hawaii Travel - No Hawaiian vacation would be complete without attending a luau.  The word luau really just means a party or a celebration.  Typically in ancient Hawaiian culture luaus were given to celebrate the birth of a child or a wedding.  These days the word luau has become a household name all across the United States. When we think of a luau today, we think of those cheap plastic lays and those silly plastic tiki cups.  Oh, but a luau is so much more.  In Hawaii there are two basic types of luau.  The first type closely resembles that of the original type of luau.  This is a private gathering of friends and family for a celebration. 

The second type of luau is a commercial luau open to the public and what we tourists typically visit.  While in the state of Hawaii there will be many different luaus to choose from.  They are basically all the same, with a few different high points.  Arriving guests are greeted with a fresh flower leu.  The entertainment is usually choreographed and top notch, complete with hula dancers and fire eaters.  Sometimes the guests provide some of the entertainment themselves.  It's always fun watching grown men wear hula skirts and try to learn this complicated dance.    There are different options for food and drink as well.  I myself prefer the open bar type.  The food is usually a buffet, consisting of a roasted pig or perhaps some sort of roast beef, rice, and of course the Hawaiian staple...pineapple.

I have to mention some of the best known luaus and those with the best reputation.  While in Maui, the Old Lahaina Luau is the one not to be missed.  This is the most authentic Luau on the island.  The hula dancers are superb and the food is of the highest quality.  The other luaus available in Maui are usually done at the resorts and lack the realism of Old Lahaina.  Because of it's popularity, the Old Lahaina Luau does require reservations.  In fact, I would recommend that you make your reservations before you even leave for Hawaii.

While visiting the big island, again there are a plethora of options to choose from.  Kona seems to be a popular town for the luau.  King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel offers a Luau with a shell lei greeting, and a torch lighting ceremony.  Check with the hotel for luau days.  On the mornings of luaus spectators can watch the hotel staff bury the pig in the sand and begin roasting.

The island of Kaui offers a couple of luau's of its own.  Both the Radisson Kauai Beach Resort and the Kilohana Plantation have nice luaus complete with open bars, fire eaters and of course, hula dancers.

Whichever island or islands you choose to visit while in Hawaii, a Hawaiian luau is a must.  Whether the gorgeous hula girls are your thing (scantily clad Polynesian dancers for the ladies) or you are just there for the food, a luau is sure to please.

Hawaii Vacation - Hawai Traveling Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Vacations - Hawaii is a beautiful vacation destination.  It makes for either a quiet and mild vacation consisting of countless hours lying on a beach or wildly active vacation sure to please event the most avid thrill seekers.  What thrill seeking vacation would be complete without exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HAVO).  The national park occupies a vast array of terrain ranging from tropical beaches to the sub arctic Mauna Loa summit.   The huge park has two active volcanoes. 

Kilauea Caldera is the youngest and most active volcano on earth.  The landscaping is amazing complete with hardened lava and dozens of craters.  The park has 140 miles of hiking trails and is open to the public for camping.  The park is over 333,000 acres of land so plan to stay a while if you truly want to explore the park.  If you don't have a lot of time, you should plan to at least drive through the park.  It is worth the hour or so that it will take you to see everything.    The volcano erupts regularly, so in most cases you will get to see some sort of lava flow.  However, don't expect to see eruptions spewing into the sky like in the movies.  The flow is fluid and constant, not nearly as dramatic as Hollywood depicts.

The terrain changes so frequently due to the ever changing lava flow that it makes it difficult to follow maps, however the most up to date versions will be available at the visitor's center.  The map can be used for driving as well as hiking. The park has a hotline that tells you what is happening with the volcanoes that day and where to best view the lava flow. 

Unlike the rest of Hawaii the weather can change very quickly in the park.  The temperatures can be about 15 degrees cooler here than in Kona, so plan to dress appropriately.  The park can have blistering heat from the sun's reflection off of the lava flow.  It can be hot and steamy one minute and change to a chilly downpour of rain with little or no warning.   

If planning to visit the volcanoes you should be prepared and dress appropriately.  Wear hiking shoes or boots; bring sunscreen and lots of water.  The heat can cause dehydration quickly so be prepared with lots of fluids because this little nuisance is preventable.  Always follow the signs and stay on the trails. Fatalities do happen here at HAVO.  The most common are due to people wandering off and getting lost in the park and people getting too close to newly formed lava paths. These lava flows can collapse causing injuries, or even worse death. 

If and when the lava reaches the ocean, sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid permeate the air.  These gases are toxic.  Every one should be careful, especially pregnant women, young children and people with upper respiratory problems.  The smell of sulfur is strong in the air.  

Whether it's magnificent hiking trails you seek, or simply marking visiting a volcano off of your to do list, HAVO is sure to please.   

Hawaii Vacation - Hawai Traveling Hawaii Vacation with Kids

Hawaii Vacations - There couldn't be a more relaxing vacation spot than Hawaii.  There are lots of activities on both the land and in the water.  The landscape provides the perfect backdrop for all sorts of outdoor activities.  There will be plenty of things for the kids to do, so bring them with you. 

The whole family will love boogie boarding or body surfing on one of the great beaches in Hawaii, like world famous Waikiki Beach.  Waikiki even has a cheeseburger in paradise restaurant.  The kids will love it.  They can get any kind of toppings they want on these world famous burgers.  Don't forget the Honolulu zoo.  It is a small city zoo, but it's worth taking a tour.  The flamingo pond in the front is sure to please the kids and will offer a great photo taking opportunity.  The Waikiki Aquarium is another fun family stop.

It has a touch pond for the viewing pleasure of the kids and adults alike.  Lastly, the bishop museum is worth taking a tour.  They have demonstrations on the art of making lei's as well as hula dancing performances.  Before leaving the island take the kids to visit the world famous beaches of the North Shore.  It's worth the drive to see the very beaches where world class surfers congregate.   

When visiting Maui a sure bet is the Maui Ocean Center, home to the largest tropical fish aquarium in the United States.  The dolphin statues out front make a great background for a souvenir photo.  Don't forget to check out the whaling museum located in Lahaina.  If you are visiting during the winter months go ahead and take a whale watching tour from the Lahaina harbor.  It's sure to please. The beaches at the resort are of Ka'anapali are fun for kids as well.  Most of these resorts have awesome pools for little swimmers.  Some even have water parks within the hotel themselves. Parents should take advantage of the kids programs at these resorts for some quiet time to themselves.  

On the big island of Hawaii take a drive through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  You can see active volcanoes and possibly some lava flow from the comfort and safety of your own rental car.  Next take a ride over to Waimea and take the kids for a horseback ride through the valley.  You could do an all day excursion complete with lunch, or perhaps just pony rides for the little kids. Lastly you could go to North Kohala and try kayaking.  This is a great place for beginners.   

The island of Molokai will offer some good old fashioned rest and relaxation in an authentic Hawaiian atmosphere.  You could rent mountain bikes and explore the island together.  Be careful, however, not to go too far off the trails, because it's easy to get lost on the mostly undeveloped island.  On this island you should consider renting a house so the kids will have plenty of room to spread out.  Also there aren't too many hotel options here on Molokai.        

Hawaii Vacation - Hawai Traveling The Perfect Vacation for Families

Hawaii Vacations -  translated from the ancient Hawaiian language should mean paradise, because that's what it is.  Hawaii has a climate that varies only several degrees in temperature year round and the sun always shines.  The rainy season is in January, but it isn't so rainy that it deters visitors.  In fact, winter is one of the most popular times of year to visit Hawaii.  This is probably because it is cold and dreary just about everywhere else in the United States.  Hawaii makes for the perfect getaway for Californians because it is only about a three hour flight.  

Hawaii makes for a great family vacation because of the wide variety of activities or no activity at all. (if laying on a perfect sandy beach is your thing)  All of the islands offer a variety of family friendly activities.  Such as swimming or surfing on one of Hawaii's amazing beaches.  Wakiki is a family friendly beach located on the island of Ohau.  The waves are long and shallow offering a good family atmosphere.  Wakiki is a good place for beginners to learn to surf because the waves or not so treacherous.  Because Honolulu is a big city, you can even find fast food to satisfy those hungry youngsters.

While on Ohau, be sure not to miss the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.  This memorial is both powerful and sorrowful.  After watching a brief movie depicting the horrific attack on Pearl Harbor, visitors will take a short ferry ride out too the memorial.  The memorial actually floats on top of the sunken ship.  Once you get off the ferry, you can walk back to the wall that lists the name of every person that died that dreaded day in December.

Ohau is also home to the Wakiki Aquarium, the Honolulu zoo, and the Sea life park.  The park has a 300,000 gallon tank, where you can see sharks, rays and thousands of reef fish.  You can even swim with the dolphins here. The kid's will love the dolphins.

The island of Maui hosts the Maui Ocean Center, which is the largest tropical aquarium in the United States.  Maui is also a good place to windsurf, and has tons of different waterfalls. The resort area of Ka'anapali is located on the western coast of Maui, and is home to the island's best golf courses.  This is where you will find the large high-rise resorts.  They have plenty of pools for the kids to swim in. The beach here, however, is not quite as kid friendly as Wakiki Beach.  The rip currents can be strong and Maui is much windier that Honolulu.  The calmer beach at Kihei, might be a little more kid friendly. 

If horsebacking riding is more your style, you should visit either the North Shore of Ohau, or the big island of Hawaii or Kaua'i.  Of course, don't forget the Luau.  Luaus make for great family fun and can be found on any of the Hawaiian islands.  The fire eaters and beautiful Polynesian dancers are sure to impress kids of all ages.    Whatever your idea of family fun, Hawaii is sure to please. 

Hawaii Vacation - Hawai Traveling The Perfect Honeymoon

Hawaii Vacations - Everybody knows that the best part about getting married is the Honeymoon.  So when choosing a honeymoon destination, you should choose wisely.  You cannot go wrong with Hawaii.  It has the perfect climate, varying only a few degrees in temperature from season to season.  Even in the winter you can expect to have eighty degree temperatures.  You will have five different options to choose from when deciding which island to visit during your stay in Hawaii.  They are each equally unique and beautiful in their own way.

Because of the vast array of options you can choose to stay as long as you like and never have to experience the same thing twice.  I would recommend that you stay ten days at the very least.  There is too much to see. You want to make sure that you don't miss a thing; and in most cases you have traveled so far to get there, you might as well make the most of your journey.

Oahu is a good place to start a honeymoon.  You will have many different fine dining options, as well as some very good room service.  Honolulu will offer the most night life of any of the islands, so if you dare to venture out, this is the place to do so.  There are two historic hotels located in Honolulu, the Royal Hawaiian and the Westin Moana Surfrider.  They are both actually located on the same block.

I highly recommend the Sheraton Moana Surf rider.  The hotel is over a hundred years old, but has been kept so up to date, that you will be surrounded in total luxury.  Upon arrival you will be greeted in Hawaiian style with a fresh flower lei.  Make sure to mention when making your reservations that this is a honeymoon.  The hotel usually provides as special welcome gift for newlyweds.  The hotel staff is ready to please; expect to be pampered.  The beach itself on Waikiki is nothing spectacular, but it is still a must on list of places to visit. 

If beaches are your thing you should take a trip over to the north shore of Oahu, before leaving the island for your next destination, Maui.  Maui too will offer ample opportunity for romance.  There is nothing more romantic than sipping a mai-tai  on your balcony, while watching the sunset over the pacific. 

The road to Hana is a popular attraction for visitors.  Hana is a quiet town located on the eastern side of the island.  The road to Hana is more about the journey than the actual destination. The trip should take about ten to twelve hours, allowing for plenty of stops along the way.  The highway will take you by hundreds of breathtaking waterfalls, stunning black sand beaches, a forest reserve, and even a botanical garden.

I would recommend renting a jeep with four-wheel-drive as there are some destinations that are only accessible by four wheel drive.  These secluded beaches make for a great romantic place to stop.