Hawaii is famous for the distinctive island flair that permeates every aspect of the culture and its products, including clothing and other textiles. Hawaiian shirts are colorful light buttoned down collared shirts that are often particularly flashy. Muumuus are loose fitting dresses of Hawaiian origin. Hawaiian quilts are a combination of traditional Hawaiian designs with fabrics and sewing techniques introduced by American missionaries. The elaborate designs evocative of the South Pacific are beautiful and make for wonderful gifts.

Hawaiian lei garlands and heirloom jewelry are also excellent examples of authentic Hawaiian-made products. Leis are garland necklaces woven or braided together from beautiful locally grown flowers, vines and fern fronds. Hawaiian heirloom jewelry takes many forms, and can include ankle bracelets, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, pendants, rings, and watches. These are usually hand-made and adorned with Hawaiian designs and motifs. Prices are determined not only by the inherent value of the precious stones or gold, but also the intricacy of the designs. Hawaiian heirloom jewelry remains a romantic and enduring symbol and memory of the Hawaiian monarch period.

Celebrated annually every August, the Made in Hawaii Festival features some 400 vendors from across every island displaying and selling Hawaiian-made goods. The festival is held at the Neal Blaisdell Center in Honolulu. The festival is more than just an opportunity for shopping, this is a celebration of culture complete with music, entertainment and cooking demonstrations.

While the beach is also fun for body boarders and surfers, it is best for swimming and snorkeling. The steep drop off of the shoreline and the surrounding reefs are home to many exotic tropical fish. Be careful to avoid stingrays and jellyfish that also make their home in these gentle waters. Dolphins are also known to frequent the deeper waters beyond the beach, and humpback whales are also a common occurrence during their winter migrations.

The beach also accommodates camping right on the sand, and is one of the few places where you are allowed to do so. Permits are issued by the Lanai Company and are valid for not more than seven days at a time. If you are looking to spend some time out under the stars, there are probably few places better suited to beach camping. Hulopoe Beach also includes a great park area complete with picnic tables and barbecue grills ideal for enjoying meals near the ocean. Restrooms and showers are also available, providing a bit of modern comfort for camping enthusiasts not eager to rough it during a relaxing vacation.

Extra Tips for Safety
Under no circumstances should you attempt to climb the nearby Sweetheart Rock. The sides are very steep and covered in jagged edges too difficult to accommodate hand or footholds.

Ideal for small groups of dedicated hikers, the many of the main hiking paths are unmarked, and offer a feeling of complete immersion in a tropical rainforest. The Arboretum also features several beautiful gardens tended by volunteers and university students. The Betty Ho Memorial Garden is filled with beautiful antique Chinese pots, and lined with her favorite bromeliads. Best viewed from the lanai of the main building, the Mapes Garden is inspired by a Japanese-styled garden, the and mixes temperate plants including delicate camellias and mondo grass alongside ornamental tropical plants.

Visitors often enjoy wandering the Herb and Spice Garden, a collection of edible plants from around the world, separated by region. Sections include a European, African and Mediterranean island of plants, Asian, New World, a path dedicated entirely to ginger, and a group featuring edible flowers. A separate garden dedicated for children is under construction.

Self-guided tours are available Monday through Friday from 9am-4pm, and Saturday from 9am-3pm. The Arboretum gate locks at 4pm, so be sure to finish any hikes well before that time. The Arboretum is closed on Sundays. Guided tours are available at 10am for $5. Reservations can be made for the guided tours in advance by calling 808.988.0461.

Lanai Dolphin Adventures operated by Maui Adventure Cruises will serve you a quick breakfast before you board their explorer super raft at Lahaina Harbor on Maui. Leaving the harbor, the boat will proceed to Lanai where you can snorkel with spinner and bottlenose dolphins at two separate dive sites. Lunch is also provided. Tours are available Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays. Check in is at 7am at Slip #11, and the boat departs at 7:30am. Expect a good 4-4.5 hours for this morning and early afternoon adventure. Reservations should be made at least 72 hours in advance of your trip. Children under the age of 5 are not permitted. Admission with online reservations for adults is $87.07 and tickets for children ages 5-12 cost $59.75

The Pacific Whale Foundation also offers a two-site snorkel trip lasting more than six hours, the highlight of which is often the sighting of energetic spinner and bottlenose dolphins. The package includes classes on basic snorkeling maneuvering and procedures, fish identification, and a junior naturalist program for children. Lunch and snacks are also provided. The Molokai & Lanai Wild Dolphin Snorkel eco-adventure can be booked online for additional savings. Admission for adults is $94.95, and $49.95 for children ages 7-12. Check in is no later than 7:45am, and the adventure departs daily at 8:30am from Ma’alaea Harbor in Maui. Contact 1.800.942.5311, ext: 1 for additional inquiries. Hours of operation are 6am-9pm for the contact/reservation service.

The size and power of the USS Missouri cannot be overstated. A testament to naval engineering, the ship was built in three years and is not only larger than the USS Arizona whose sunken memorial also resides in Pearl Harbor, but also both longer and wider than the RMS Titanic. The last US battleship to be launched and the last to be decommissioned, the Mighty Mo was a formidable ship even amongst is peers, with thicker steel armor plating and massive firepower capabilities.

The USS Missouri Battleship Memorial is open daily from 8am-5pm. It is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Tickets and shuttle transportation for the USS Missouri are available at the US Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park. “Mighty Mo” tickets are $20 for adults, and $10 for children, and include one of several tour options. A new “Battle Stations” tour is now available, lasting 90 minutes and costs an additional $25 for adults and $12 for children, ages 10-12. This new tour offers new insight and details of life at sea for officers and sailors serving aboard the USS Missouri. Tour capacity is limited and should you be interested, be sure to make reservations before you visit.

Extra Tips
For safety precautions there is a “no bags” policy for all Pearl Harbor memorials. Lockers are available nearby to store personal items. This is a popular tour, and it is a good idea to get there before the memorial opens.

The only tropical garden in the United States with a charter from the United States Congress, the collection of gardens overseen by National Tropical Botanical Garden began as an effort to establish a not-for-profit institution with the express purpose of promoting conservation of tropical plants on the Hawaiian Islands, education of the importance of native plants and natural environments, as well as research on tropical plants. Scientific research consists of both establishing an inventory of tropical plants species and discovering best practices to prevent extinction and promote conservation efforts.

Call 808.248.8912 for additional questions. Self guided and guided tours available. Guided tours for adults cost $25 per person. Self-guided tours for adults cost $10 per person. Children younger than 12 years old are free.

Admission to the Lucoral Museum is free, and suggested donations are available for guided tours, usually provided for school field trips of local students. A self-guided tour can last anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour, and might be of interest for admirers of jewelry and young enthusiastic gemologists or geologists. Families may enjoy making their own jewelry to give as presents or to keep as mementos of their stay in Hawaii. The Lucoral Museum has a bracelet-making activity where innovative jewelry designers can make one-of-kind pieces featuring semi-precious stones like amber, quartz and lapis for a $2 donation to cover the cost of materials.

The museum located on 2414 Kuhio Ave in Honolulu, and is open Monday through Friday from 9am-5:30pm. Additional questions or requests for guided tours can be made by calling 808.922.1999

The Memorial itself is free, but requires the purchase of shuttle tickets that can also be used to visit the Battleship Missouri Memorial Museum and the Pacific Aviation Museum, all located on Ford Island. There are often also survivors from the attack on Pearl Harbor present who will talk about the experience. Please remember at all times to be respectful and courteous, as this is a memorial and graveyard with great meaning to many people.

Extra Tips
As a precaution for safety, any bags that provide any kind of concealment are forbidden at the Pearl Harbor memorials and museums. Nearby lockers are available to store your belongings by the USS Bowfin Museum. Use of the lockers costs $3.

The strand is a long stretch of soft white sand, almost no rocks and even less shade, with the exception of a picnic area complete with benches and a grass lawn. There are lifeguards, phone access, restrooms, and showers. Surfers, swimmers, boogie boarders and body surfers are all sure to have a wonderful time, even when the beach is crowded. As popular as this beach is for people, it appears equally favored by fish and turtles and snorkelers looking for hot spots are recommended to put this beach on their must-see list. This beach quickly becomes a favorite of all who visit, and as such parking can be particularly difficult.

The conditions at the beach change rapidly, and within a half hour the calm water can give way to large swells and even bigger waves that can be dangerous for beginner and intermediate swimmers. Beachgoers are encouraged to obey posted warnings and the directions of lifeguards. Also beware of a rip current that can pull unwary swimmers out to the center of the bay.

Extra Tips
Waimea is famous for a large rock outcropping from which many locals enjoy cliff diving and jumping, despite being expressly forbidden by posted signs and lifeguards. For your safety, under no circumstances should you explore the sudden rush and exhilaration one experiences during a great leap and sudden plunge into the cool waters of the ocean.

The main attraction at Sea Life Park Hawaii is the rare opportunity to swim alongside and even touch dolphins under the watchful eye of experienced dolphin trainers. An experience you would likely never have in the open ocean, this is a true delight. In addition to this is a fully operating ocean park, providing dolphin and sea lion shows, a reef tank that is home to reef sharks, stingrays and tropical fish. An environment unto itself, the aquarium holds 300,000 gallons of water. Sea lion feedings and an introduction to penguins are just a few more activities that can be enjoyed.

Sea Life Hawaii park is open daily from 10:30am-5pm. Admission is $29.99 for adults and $19.99 for children ages 3-11. Admission includes access to the park and many of the shows, but the dolphin swim adventures are extra.

To reach the Dragon’s Teeth, Turn on to Office Road, located right by mile marker #30 along Highway 30. Free parking will be on your right at the corner of Office Road and Honoapiilani Road. There are no real facilities or running water to speak of, so a small picnic in your car may be your best bet. Heavy wind and salt spray from the ocean may warrant a light waterproof jacket.

Extra Tips
Make certain to wear sturdy shoes when walking across the lava fields. Although certain areas may be worn smooth by continuous erosion of salt spray and heavy winds, sharp outcroppings can be dangerous. Maintain your balance and make sure not to fall down.

There are a number of companies that offer tours of the waterfalls of Oahu.

Aloha Top Ten: www.alohatopten.com
Coordinating tours including a hiking tour of the Manoa waterfall. Book online or call 888.755.8750 for reservations or additional inquiries.

Oahu Eco Adventure Tours: www.discoverhawaiitours.com
Tour of the Likeke waterfall and a trip to the Pali Lookout. Book online or call 808.690.9050 for reservations or additional inquiries.

Oahu Nature Tours: www.oahunaturetours.com/hawaiian–waterfall-hiking
Providing a number of nature-based tours. Book online for additional discounts, or call 808.924.2473 for reservations or additional inquiries.

The USS Arizona Memorial experience begins with a twenty-three minute video describing the attack on Pearl Harbor, and then a ferry-ride to the actual Memorial that stands above the sunken battleship. Designed by famous architect Alfred Preis, the austere structure not only houses a wall listing the over one thousand servicemen who died in the explosion that sank the ship, but also provides windows showing a clear view of the USS Arizona that entombs them. The ship continues to leak oil anywhere from two to nine quarts per day, and these droplets visible from the service are called “black tears” or the “Tears of the Arizona”.

Free tour tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Be certain to get there early, as these free tickets are often dispensed and run out prior to 12pm. While waiting for your tour group to start, feel free to walk around the grounds, or visit the nearby memorials for the USS Bowfin, USS Oklahoma. Shuttle service is available as well to visit the USS Missouri Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Museum. Unlike the USS Arizona Memorial, each of these has an entrance fee, but tickets for all sites may be picked up from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center Information Desk.

National Park Guides are friendly and knowledgeable, eager to answer any questions you might have. There are often also survivors from the attack on Pearl Harbor present who will talk about the experience. Please remember at all times to be respectful and courteous, as this is a memorial and graveyard with great meaning to many people.

Extra Tips
Security precautions prohibit almost any bag. It is highly recommended that you either travel light or make use of the storage locker facilities available near the USS Bowfin. Use of the lockers costs $3.

Courses are usually open daily from 6am-6:30pm, but hours of operation are adjusted throughout the year by hours of daylight available. The resort offers full service amenities for dining as well as a pro shop and practice greens.

For the Royal Ka’anapali Course, non-resort guests can play for $235 per round, and $129 for twilight rounds after 1pm. Junior golfers age 7-17 can play the course for $75, and a 9-hole course in the afternoon will cost $75.

For the Ka’anapali Kai Course, non-resort guests can expect to pay $195 for a round of golf, and $99 for twilight rounds after 1pm. Junior golfers age 7-17 can play the course fo $55, and a 9-hole course in the afternoon will cost $55.

Club and shoe rentals are also available for both courses and are offered at the Pro Shop. Tee time reservations can be made online for both courses at www.kaanapaligolfcourses.com , or can be arranged by calling 808.454.4653. Lessons provided by golf pros are also available, with varying rates for number of participants and time spent. A standard one-hour lesson for one person is $95. Contact the Ka’anapali Golf Shop to arrange for lessons at 808.661.3691

Located 32 miles from downtown Honolulu, and 50 miles from Waikiki, Ewa Villages is a long stretch and a longer drive, but intermediate and expert players will find the trip rewarding. The municipal golf courses in Ewa Village offers an unrushed game with a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

Visitors without golf IDs (obtainable only by residents of Hawaii) can expect to pay $23 for a twilight/9-hole round, and $46 for an 18-hole round. Prices are the same regardless of weekday, weekend or holiday visits. Non-residents may call up to three days in advance for reservations, from 6:30am until closing. The course is open seven days a week, from 6am to 6pm. Although Ewa Villages doesn’t have a pro shop, the restaurant and snack bar are open from 6am to 7pm daily to accommodate that desire for a quick bite after a late round.

The municipal golf courses use an automated reservation system, and can be used by dialing 808.296.2000. Contact the Starter’s Office for Ewa Village at 808.681.0220.

The rock itself has been carved over time from wind and water erosion, its naked volcanic face slowly etched over time and separated from the nearby overlook. Archaeologists have confirmed that also there is a clearly visible structure at the top of the rock, it is not in fact a tomb that contains human remains. It is believed to have served as a shrine (heiau) dedicated to the birds that perch at the peak, constructed long ago by Hawaiian people.

Leaving the beach from the eastern end, a short hike of not more than twenty minutes should take you along the rocky cliff edges to an overlook for a better view of this magnificent natural monument. A particularly romantic backdrop at both sunrise and sunset, a picture in front of Sweetheart Rock will be the perfect memory of your stay in Lanai.

There are many companies offering catamaran sailing tours,

Maita’i Catamaran: www.leahi.com
Based in Honolulu, call 808.922.5665 for reservations or additional inquiries.

North Shore Catamaran Charters: www.sailingcat.com
Reservations can be made online, or by calling 808.351.9371.

Ko Olina Ocean Adventures: www.koolinaoceanadventures.com
Located in Kapolei, call 808.396.2068 for reservations or additional inquiries.

Royal Hawaiian Catamaran: www.royalhawaiiancatamaran.com
Based in Honolulu, call 800.966.4296 for reservations or additional inquiries.

History

Founded in 1912 with the support of Japanese immigrants, the original Jodo Mission in Lahaina was destroyed by fire in 1968. Members of the Mission decided to build an authentic Japanese-style Buddhist temple. Based on the serene beachfront property at Puunoa Point, the Lahaina Jodo Mission includes a statue of the Great Buddha, a towering pagoda, and bell tower.
 

Architecture

The Great Buddha Statue was completed in 1968 along with the Temple Bell. The Great Buddha is a 12-foot tall copper and bronze statue of the Amidha Buddha in repose. Cast by bronze workers in Kyoto, Japan, the Buddha weighs over three tons and was shipped to Lahaina in 1968 to commemorate the Centennial Celebration, celebrating the first Japanese immigrants to arrive and establish their homes in Hawaii.

The Pagoda is the most visible aspect of the Mission from afar, standing 90 feet tall from the ground to the top of the central spire. The first floor is a mausoleum, dedicated to holding the urns of deceased members of the Mission. Giving the Mission its distinctly Japanese feel, this temple tower has three levels of sloping roofs that are made of pure copper.

An essential part of most Buddhist temples, the bell tower at the Lahaina Jodo Mission is rung eleven times each evening at 8pm, each ring signifying part of a prayer for worship and the ever-present effort of proper thought, understanding, and action.

Located at 12 Ala Moana Street, the Jodo Mission Temple is a beautiful setting for peaceful thought and prayer.

Directions
To reach this sacred spot, take the H-1 westbound to H-2. Take the fifth exit at Wahiwa, and then follow Kamehameha Avenue north until you reach Whitmore Avenue. A dirt road opposite Whitemore Avenue will lead you to the stone fields.

Extra Tips
Do not move the stones or remove anything from the area. The rocks should not be walked upon or climbed over. These stone fields are sacred to the Hawaiian people and should be navigated with great care and respect.

Birds to look for at the wildlife refuge and near the lighthouse include Laysan’s albatross, frigate birds, the Hawaiian nene goose, and red-footed boobies. Binoculars are helpful to locate and identify the nesting birds without disturbing them, be sure to bring them along. The refuge/animal sanctuary is open to visitors daily from 10am-4pm, and self-guided tours are available by locating informational plaques that are located around Kilauea Point. Call 808.828.1413 with additional inquiries.

Directions:
From Anahola, follow Highway 56 and make a right turn on to Kiauea Road, located at mile marker #23. The lighthouse is located at the end of this road, and there is plenty of free parking available near the visitor center. A short hike out to the lighthouse on the peninsula provides amazing views of the northern shores of Kauai.

The Museum sponsors teaching and educational workshops for visitors and local residents. The Museum and Museum Shop is closed Mondays, but is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm, and Sunday from 12pm-4pm. The Café is also closed on Mondays, but is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11:30am-2:30pm, and Sunday from 12pm-2:30pm. To schedule reservations for museum tours, call 808.523.3362.

Admission to the Keahua Arboretum is free. For additional questions, call 800.262.1400.

A sense of peace and serenity surrounds the temple and its gardens. Visitors are encouraged to wander the grounds that include numerous spots for thoughtful meditation, some small waterfalls and a large reflective pool home to hundreds of Japanese koi carp. The grounds are also home to peacocks, black swans, and more than a few visiting ducks. The temple itself houses the Amida Buddha, a towering nine-foot tall gold-lacquered Buddha sitting in peaceful repose. Carved by master Japanese sculptor Masuzo Inui, it is believed to be the largest Japanese Buddha carved outside of Japan. The Hall is representative of the art and culture of the Fujiwara aristocracy, and is often called the Phoenix Hall because of the good luck phoenixes on each end of the roof, ready to take flight.

The Sacred Bell (called Bon-sho) contained in the Bell House was commissioned from Osaka, Japan and is a replica of the bell at the Uji Temple. Ringing it prior to entering the temple is said to bring happiness and peace, and its low and pleasing tone emanates a sense of calm and serenity.

Admission to the Byodo-In Temple is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and $1 for children. The Temple is open from 9am-5pm daily.

While not an active temple, it is an active cemetery and is still used for worship. Visitors are asked to be respectful at all times.

Extra Tips
Look familiar? The Byodo-In has been used in numerous television shows, including Hawaii Five-O, Magnum, P.I. and most recently, Lost.

The plant collection includes numerous tropical plant species native to northwestern Kauai. Rare varieties of agricultural crop plants are also cultivated as part of ethno-botanical and sustainable farming research projects. This collection includes bananas, sugar cane, sweet potatoes, and other plants cultivated not only for food consumption but also for textile production and their medicinal value.

One of the main focuses of the Limahuli Garden is the mandate of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens to research effective conservation and restoration techniques to ensure the survival of tropical plant species native to the Hawaiian Islands. Emphasizing environmental conservation and sustainable management practices, the visitor center building of the Limahuli Garden is energy independent, powered by a photovoltaic system of solar panels. Built in 1995 at the entrance of the gardens, the visitor center is a check-in point for the garden tours and also has a small gift shop.

Limahuli Garden and Preserve: 808.826.1053. Both guided and self-guided tours are available. Guided tickets for adults cost $30, and self-guided tours are $15. Children aged 10-12 cost $15 on guided tours, but are free on self-guided tours. It is requested that children under the age of 10 be excluded from guided tours.

Directions: From Hanalei, continue on Highway 560 past Ha’ena Beach and turn left at the clearly marked entrance to the Limahuli Garden and Preserve.

Molokini is a crescent-shaped volcanic crater off the coast of Maui that greatly resembles some of the coral atolls in the South Pacific. Calm waters protected from the outside ocean by a reef, visibility is often clear up to 150 feet, allowing amazing views of tropical sea life in this sheltered underwater paradise. This makes Molokini a perfect destination for scuba divers, snorkelers, and eco-tours looking to observe aquatic wildlife. The aquatic life is incredibly diverse, home to a plethora of tropical fish, but also manta rays, octopi, reef sharks, and sea turtles.

Declared a marine conservation district in 1977, Molokini had been damaged over time, beginning in World War II when the US Navy used the crater for target practice. Unexploded ordinance can still sometimes be found on the ocean floor of the crater. Later, enterprising commercial divers harvested the black coral for sale to jewelry designers.

The waters of Molokini Crater are the clearest in the early mornings, making afternoon excursions to the dive site a bargain, but not an ideal opportunity for scuba and snorkel excursions. Main departure sites for tours of Molokini are in Maui, leaving from Lahaina or Ma’alaea harbors. The distance from Lahaina is greater, but oftentimes during the winter months this can increase the likelihood of spotting whales that migrate through Hawaiian waters.

Located in downtown Honolulu, the Iolani Palace stands as a monument to the monarchy that had ruled Hawaii until its annexation by the United States government in 1893. Tours travel through the throne room, reception areas and dining rooms, as well as the private living quarters of the royal family. Beautiful examples of furniture restored or returned to the residence display the amazing opulence of these monarchs. Precious jewelry including the golden and jeweled crowns of the King and Queen are also on display.

Admission depends on a selection of guided or self-guided audio tours. Guided tours are $20 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-12. Audio tours are $13 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-12. Admission to the Galleries is $6 for adults, and $3 for children 5-12. Newborns and children ages 0-5 are free, but only allowed in the Galleries. Reservations can be made via phone at 808.522.0832.

Extra Tips
Docents who are incredibly knowledgeable about the both the palace and the Hawaiian ruling dynasty lead daily tours each morning. You would be best advised to call ahead to reserve your spot at least a day or two in advance of your visit. These tours are incredibly popular and fill up quickly. An interesting but slightly less comprehensive self-guided audio tour is also available, and usually does not require any sort of advanced reservation.

Founded in 1963, the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC), a non-profit organization, has been recognized as Hawaii’s top paid visitor attraction for more than 30 years. Set on 42 lush acres of Oahu’s North Shore, the PCC features six island villages representing Aotearoa (New Zealand), Fiji, Hawaiʻi, Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga, as well as exhibits representing Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and Marquesas. Each village shares the native culture of their islands with exhibits, hands-on activities and demonstrations. Through these windows into Polynesian culture, guests are immersed in the traditional songs, dances, games and lifestyles of Pacific islanders.

This year, the PCC is adding new “Go Native!” activities to its lineup; enticing guests to “do as natives do” and actively participate in several real-life aspects of Polynesian daily life. Guests learn practical, modern techniques to create savory Polynesian cuisine at home at the cooking demonstrations; build an umu (Samoan above-ground oven) and use it to cook traditional Samoa food such as palusami (young taro leaves cooked in seasoned coconut milk); sew a Hawaiian quilt or dye a pareu (sarong); safely scale to the top of coconut trees with the help of a harness; experience canoe racing, the official team sport of Hawaiʻi; and tap into their warrior spirit by taking aim at coconuts atop 6-foot poles.
 Guided canoe tours are offered throughout the day on a tranquil fresh water lagoon that winds through the park. The lagoon also hosts Hawaii’s only waterborne pageant, Rainbows of Paradise, which features colorful song and dance from Hawaiʻi, Tonga, Tahiti, Samoa, Fiji and Aotearoa — all performed aboard double hulled canoes.

In the evening, guests may dine like royalty at the Aliʻi Luau, heralded as Hawaii’s most authentic luau. The award-winning luau takes guests on a nostalgic trip back to the time of the aliʻi, royalty of Hawai‘i, and features traditional Hawaiian luau food and entertainment and cultural demonstrations in a beautiful tropical setting. The generous menu includes kālua puaʻa (baked pig) cooked in an imu (underground oven), poi (cooked, pounded taro), pipikaula (Hawaiian style beef jerky), haupia (coconut milk pudding) and much more.

Alternatively, guests may feast at the newly renovated Gateway restaurant, one of the largest enclosed restaurant and special events venues on Oʻahu. With seating for more than 1,000, Gateway offers two bountiful, buffet spreads. The Island Feast buffet features authentic dishes
from throughout the Pacific such as Fijian chicken curry and koko alaisa (chocolate rice pudding) along with a variety of local favorites. Those upgrading to the Prime Dining buffet will have all the options in the Island Feast plus additional dishes including crab legs, shrimp cocktail, kalbi style short ribs and prime rib. Both options are presented with Polynesian hospitality and ambiance fit for aliʻi.

The evening closes with a critically acclaimed evening show, Hā: Breath of Life. Entertaining more than a million guests since opening in 2009, the $3 million Polynesian revue takes guests on a culturally rich and emotion-filled journey through the sights, sounds and cultures of Pacific islands. Hā: Breath of Life has redefined expectations of productions in Hawai‘i by combining authenticity and cultural accuracy with a captivating tale embracing universal life themes of boyhood, young love, respect and appreciation for elders, and the importance of community and family. Showcasing more than 100 performers and state-of-the-art performance technology, original melodies, choreography and costumes, Hā: Breath of Life is a must see for kamaaina (locals) and visitors alike.

For the souvenir hunter, the Pacific Marketplace features an exciting shopping experience filled with authentic Polynesian handicrafts as well as a wide variety of souvenirs, gifts, clothing, books and music by local artisans.

Now through Dec. 31, guests can purchase the Admission and Show package to dine for free at the Gateway restaurant’s Island Feast. PCC has also made it easier to see all of what Polynesia has to offer. The “Free within Three” ticket special allows visitors to return within three days at no additional cost to experience more of the cultural presentations and tour the villages.

PCC is open Monday-Saturday and closed on Sundays. Villages are open from noon to 6 p.m., with dinner options opening at 5 p.m. and Hā: Breath of Life starting at 7:30 p.m. For more information or reservations, call toll free 1-800-367-7060, on Oʻahu call 293-3333, or visit www.Polynesia.com.

Sunset Beach maintains standard beach amenities, including lifeguard stations, restrooms and showers, as well as picnic tables. Bring your sunscreen though, the picnic tables and grassy areas are short on shade, meaning that unless you’ve brought plenty of zinc oxide you may need to bring along some beach umbrellas. Parking is free but often crowded. You may be better served parking on Ke Nui Road above the beach and then making your way down to the beach on foot.

Winter brings an immense change to the surf at Sunset Beach, and relatively calm waters give way to waves that can measure anywhere from fifteen to thirty feet in height. This has made Sunset Beach a favorite among surfers during the winter months, and one of three homes of the world famous Triple Crown Surfing Contest since 1983, along with Waimea Bay and the Ehukai Beach. Ehukai Beach is home to the Banzai Pipeline. If you’re looking to catch a glimpse of the professionals strut their stuff across some amazing waves, bring binoculars: the waves here break farther offshore.

Ho’okipa Beach is home to the Aloha Classic Pro-Am, and until recently was home to the enigmatic Red Bull King of the Air international kitesurfing competition. During the winter waves can reach 30 feet in height, an amazing opportunity for veteran surfers. Surfing is best in the morning hours before the wind really picks up in the afternoon. Afternoon is the best time to see windsurfers, as windsurfing is not allowed on the beach until after 11am.

The beach park has picnic benches and shower facilities, restrooms and two parking lots.

As lucky as many tourists already feel to be able to visit Maui and the other Hawaiian Islands, you should feel especially lucky to be able to see the ‘Iao Valley State Park. It is said that in ancient Hawaiian culture that this tropical rainforest valley was a beautiful and sacred place to be entered only by chieftains and royalty. How lucky that a simple drive can bring you to the doorstep of one of Maui’s greatest natural wonders.

There are many easy hiking trails navigating through this gorgeous tropical valley. The best viewing of the ‘Iao Needle can be observed by following the paved pathway following the streat from the parking lot. Bring insect repellant and plenty of water if you plan to spend some time in the park, as there is no drinking water available. Always remember that no matter how tempting, fresh water from pools, streams and waterfalls in the islands is never safe to drink.

Directions:
To reach this beautiful valley in central Maui, drive along Highway 32 west from Wailuku. This road becomes Highway 320 and leads directly to the foot of ‘Iao Vallety State Park.

Enjoy running the long trails, or swimming in the warm and calm water at the beach. Although perhaps not the best beach for surfing (you may need to paddle out farther than you’re used to in order to catch a wave), this calm water is ideal for stand-up paddlers, and the lifeguards on duty will make couples with young or inexperienced swimmers feel very safe. The beach and park are very family friendly, and people of all ages can be seen enjoying the park from early morning to late evening.

Tennis courts are accessible at the McCoy Pavilion, beach volleyball nets are located on the west side of the beach, and various fitness areas are set up in the center of the park. Find an open grassy spot and have a picnic! You can either bring some food purchased at one of the many restaurants found in and around the local mall across the street, or cook your own at one of the conveniently located barbeque pits in the park.

Parking can be a little bit difficult during peak hours, which include midday and sunset, as well as weekends. Alternatively, the peak hours are a great time for people watching and getting a feel for the city of Honolulu and its people.

Extra Tips
Magic Island (part of Ala Moana Beach Park) has some truly amazing views of Waikiki Beach in the foreground and Diamond Head in the background. This is a great spot to take a picture and watch the sunset!

The original statue was shipped to the islands in 1883, but never reached the shores of Hawaii and is believed to have been lost at sea when the transport ship was shipwrecked somewhere near the Falkland Islands. A second statue was quickly commissioned and sent to Hawaii. The first statue was then recovered by residents of the Falkland Islands and sent to Hawaii. Now possessing to likenesses of his majesty King Kamehameha I, the first now stands at the Ali’iolani Hale, home of the Supreme Court of Hawaii. The replica was delivered to the birthplace of the king in Kapa’au in Kohala on the Big Island of Hawaii. A third statue was commissioned upon the declaration of Statehood for the Hawaiian Islands, and was unveiled in 1969.

If you are lucky enough to be on the island of Oahu on June 11th, stop by the statue to see a celebration of King Kamehameha Day. In a stunning ceremony, the statues are adored with fresh lei garlands and traditional hula demonstrations are performed at the Honolulu City Capitol Building.

The Kaeleku Caverns offers cave tours of magnificent lava tubes on land, featuring a fantastic spelunking experience not found elsewhere in Maui. Stalagmites and stalactites can be throughout the lava tube, a geological wonder unchanged for thousands of years.

Access to and tours of the caves are primarily facilitated by a company that provides tours of the Hana Lava Tube called the Kaeleku Caverns, including daily tours from Monday through Saturday. Multiple tour options are offered, including a scenic self-guided walking tour and a “wild” adventure tour that includes a deeper and more exciting spelunking adventure. Knowledgeable cave guides conduct tours of the cavern, pointing out distinct features of the Kaeleku Cavern and how they form as part of a geological development over time. Daily schedules are subject to change, so call ahead for information, or visit www.mauicave.com.

Directions:
From Kahului, drive along the Hana Highway to mile marker #31. Make a left on Ulaino Road, and continue until you reach the sign marking the entrance to the caverns

A complex process requiring no small amount of practice to master, the joy of seeing the lush tropical island paradise from a bird’s eye-view perspective is a singular joy that creates lasting memories.

The first and premier provider of paragliding experiences in Maui, the Proflyght Paragliding School of Maui offers lessons, solo and tandem flights, maximizing the paragliding experience.

Below are a few sailing companies offering tours in Maui:

Paragon Sailing: www.sailmaui.com
Offers a variety of tours on two large sailboats around the waters of Maui. Call 808.244.2087 for additional inquiries or to book reservations.

Snorkel Bob’s: www.snorkelbob.com
A one-stop shop for a wide variety of water activities and tours, Snorkel Bob’s also works with several vendors across the islands that offer a variety whale watching tours throughout the islands. Call 808.735.7944 for reservations or additional inquiries.

Sailing Maui: www.sailingmaui.com
Offering two sailing catamarans with tours around the islands of Maui. Call 808.667.5980 to book reservations or make additional inquiries.

Trilogy Excursions: www.sailtrilogy.com
Trilogy offers whale-watching expeditions around Maui as well as to the waters surrounding the island of Lanai. Call 888.225.6284 for reservations or additional inquiries.

The Wailea Golf Resort has a complete offering of amenities, with a pro shop and driving range, shower and locker facilities, as well as valet service. The nearby Blue Course features a 19th-hole called Mulligans that is the toast of the resort, with an inviting, convivial atmosphere that includes excellent food and top quality cocktails.

Reservations for tee times can be made at http://waileagolf.com or by calling 808.875.7450. Rates for the distinguished 18-hole course are $109, and reduced to $95 for twilight rounds starting after 1pm. Junior golfers age 17 or younger are eligible for a reduced green fee of $65

The Wailea Golf Club is also home to the David Leadbetter Golf Academy. More information on the famous golf instructor and the academy can be found at www.davidleadbetter.com.

There are a wide variety of coffee beans that are produced but overall favorite and most distinctive appear to be the Maui Estate Blends and the Maui Mokka. There are a number of vendors around the island who sell the locally grown coffee, but it can also be purchased directly online. TO order direct from MauiGrown Coffee Inc., go to their website at www.mauigrowncoffee.com. For additional questions or inquiries, call 808.661.2728.

Driving up the Pali Highway will lead to the Pali Lookout. More than 1,000 feet above sea level, the stone terrace that makes up the Pali Lookout looks out over Kaneohe, Kailua, the small island of Chinaman’s Hat, and neighboring Coconut Island. At such an impressive height, it seems that the whole of the island is visible.

Extra Tips
The Pali Lookout is famous for strong gusts and howling winds. Don’t wear a hat unless you are prepared to sacrifice it to the island of Oahu.

Facilities for the park include drinking water, picnic shelters, restrooms, and a scenic lookout. This is a great place to have a picnic and simply absorb the stunning views of the city, letting you relax in peace away from the frenetic pace of Honolulu. The park free to the public and is open during daylight hours, from 7am-7:45pm between April 1 and Labor Day and after Labor Day to March 31 from 7am to 6:45pm.

Multiple tour packages are available from Duck Tours, one of which is a visit for snorkeling to beautiful Hanauma Bay, also including a narrated tour around Diamond Head for a view of Honolulu from the ocean. Another option is the city tour, including a visit to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center followed by a boat tour of the USS Arizona. The Duck then enters the water, providing a guided tour of the coastal waters surrounding Diamondhead, downtown Honolulu and Waikiki.

Book your trip online at http://hawaiiducktours.com or call 808.988.3825 with any additional inquiries.

Extra Tips
Remember that due to security precautions, no bags providing and kind of concealment may be brought into Pearl Harbor or to its many World War II memorials.

Here are just a few of the man Hawaiian desserts available around the islands:

Found at almost every luau, haupia is a sweet gelatin-like dessert made from sweet coconut milk and a common dessert.

Island coconut bars involve fresh coconut chopped or shredded finely and blended with sugar, flour and baking powder, baked and then served as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream.

Lilikoi jelly is the intensely sweet clear passionfruit jelly. A little goes a long way, and many prefer to spread it very thinly across fresh bread for a delightfully simple snack. While lilikoi jelly appears distinctly Hawaiian, jellies made from any of the tropical fruits are also a wonderful treat.

Macadamia nuts are a key ingredient chocolate-covered macadamia nuts are a common favorite present that visitors bring back to the homes. Macadamia nuts are also used in a wide variety of baked goods, including cookies and sweet breads.

Shave Ice is the snow cone perfected. A powdery ice confection that is as soft as snow and covered in bright sugary fruit syrups to create a cold, sweet slushee like dessert that hits the spot on a hot day.

The Hawaii Theatre hosts a number of artistic performances, including traditional Hawaiian hula demonstrations, modern and traditional dance performances, and musical concerts. The Hawaii Theatre is also available for rent as a private venue, and is sometimes rented out for local school events and special recognition of members of the community. Ticket prices and availability depend upon the performance. For a list of upcoming events, check out the website at www.hawaiitheatre.com or call 808.528.0506.

The Lodge at Koele
Offering many trail options (western tack only) for both experienced and novice horseback riders, the Lodge at Koele is the premier destination for horseback riding in Lanai. Ideal for beginners, the Koele Trail ride lasts a little over an hour in duration, and navigates a trail around the lodge, culminating in a sweeping view of the islands that includes the lodge itself, Lanai City, but also the islands of Maui and Molokai. This trail is $65 per rider. The Paniolo Trail ride is a slightly longer and more intermediate-level excursion into the hills surrounding the lodge. This trail is $85 per person. The longest trail is the Mahana Trail, which runs $150 per person. New to horseback riding? Riding lessons can also be purchased at $60 per person with a limit of two people per lesson. Trail rides at sunset, romantic couple rides and private trail rides are also available.

Children must be at least nine years old and at least 4’6” in order to take the beginner-level Koele Trail Ride. A minimum age of 12 is set for all other trails. Maximum weight for all potential riders is 225 lbs, and all riders must be able to mount and dismount horses without assistance.

Reservations and additional inquiries can be made at 808.565.7300.

A large sea wall prevents large waves from really hitting this particular beach, and so the main beach is great for beginner to intermediate swimmers in the summer. The relatively gentle waves are also a favorite of stand-up paddle boarders. This beach park is also great for those not inclined to jump in the water. With two volleyball courts and two full-length basketball courts, Haleiwa offers enjoyment for those with a more competitive, spirited nature. The little harbor inlet nearby offers jet-ski rentals, and the beach opposite is a world-famous surf competition location.

Haleiwa Ali’i Beach hosts a number of surf competitions including the American Surfing Professionals (ASP) Women’s Events in the Triple Crown. While summer waves are relatively gentle, the waves in winter on the North Shore are a completely different story. Although averaging from five to ten feet here in Haleiwa, swells have been known to reach over thirty feet in height! This is a major destination for surfers or for those who love to watch skilled wave riders tackle some of the island’s biggest waves. If you happen to be staying in Hawaii during one of these competitions, it is an amazing experience to observe and highly recommended.

The great elevation makes the summit a bit chilly, ranging in temperature from 40-60 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. The thin, dry air can cause dehydration, and hiking along the trails at this elevation is more difficult than similar paths at lower elevations. If you make your way up the side of the volcano, make certain to bring plenty of water and rest as necessary. There are no lodging facilities or food option in the park, so be sure to bring your own food. Take care to take your trash with you or to dispose of it in trashcans where they can be found at lower elevations.

Because of the lack of wind, its elevation and the lack of nearby air pollution, the summit is a sought-after location for ground-based telescopes, which conduct astrological research. Geological estimates for a long time estimated that the last eruption of Mt. Haleakala was around 1790, but recent advanced dating techniques suggest that the last eruption might have occurred up to 100 years earlier in the 17th century.

Regardless of your activity level or desire to hike around this gorgeous dormant volcano, it’s magnificent natural wonder is apparent and visible to all. Watching over Maui, the Volcano and National Park are part of the natural beauty of the island.

Fresh pineapple is a treat unto itself. Better tasting than anywhere else on earth, these locally grown gold and white pineapples are a delicious sweet and complex taste.

Puka Dogs are not ordinary hot dogs. A bun-sized loaf of bread is cored and then toasted. The customer then selects any number of a long list of exotic relishes and sauces that are next poured into the toasted bun. These are not your regular condiments. Relishes and sauces include: garlic lemon sauce, guava mustard, mango relish, pineapple relish, and spicy jalapeno sauce. Finally a polish sausage is inserted into the hollow core of the bun.

Shave Ice is the snow cone perfected. A powdery ice confection that is as soft as snow and covered in bright sugary fruit syrups to create a cold, sweet slushee-like dessert that hits the spot on a hot day.

Spam musubi is served in large bricks and is shaped like a sushi roll but instead of fish incorporates the canned meat Spam onto a molded rice roll and often wrapped in seaweed.

Although winter is famous for bringing huge swells to the North Shore that are much too big and fast for a neophyte, surf lessons are offered year-round by utilizing a wide variety of beaches, including protected coves that minimize the large ocean swells. Most first-time surfers will be able to stand up on their first lesson. Learning to read the ocean and how to pursue great waves and maneuver them with skill takes time, and the surf instructors recommend a minimum of three lessons to build a solid foundation for wave riding.

To make reservations for individual or group lessons, to ask questions or inquire about surf schools, call 808.637.2977 or visit the website www.northshoresurfgirls.com or send an email to lessons@northshoresurfgirls.com.

This surf school doesn’t have formal offices, but is informally based in Haleiwa Town.

Extra Tips
In addition to your swimsuit, always remember to bring towels, sunblock and plenty of water to drink.

Veteran members of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars are often on hand to provide guided tours free to the public. There is a prominent statue of Columbia, and the walls that make up this monument are carved with the names of over 28,000 Americans. In addition to the 25,000 who are buried and marked with simple stone slabs, the 28,000 American names are listed because the body of the soldier has not been recovered.

Directions
The cemetery is located at 2177 Puowaina Drive, and can be reached from Waikiki by car along a route beginning at Ala Wai Boulevard. From Ala Wai, a right turn on Kalakaua Avenue followed by a right on Beretania and a second right onto Alakea. Aleakea will give way to Queen Emma Road and will pass under the H-1, where it then turns in to Lusitana. Another right turn will bring you on to San Antonio, and a subsequent left turn on Puowaina, which leads to the cemetery. Signs posted along the way will help guide you to this somber and touching tribute to American military servicement who died protecting America and its allies.

Extra Tips
Please be respectful at all times, as this is a cemetery that is frequented by veterans and loved ones paying service to their families. A particularly moving 21-gun salute performed by howitzers honors the fallen heroes at ceremonies held in their honor.

The premier archeological attraction within Waimea Valley is the Hale O Lono, a shrine (heiau) dedicated to Lono, the Hawaiian god who oversaw agriculture, fertility, peace and music. There are also small fishing shrines and remnants of agricultural influence, including terraced ponds and gardens and irrigation ditches. Please remain respectful of this area at all times.

The area is also a thriving botanical garden, featuring both native and non-native plants that have been introduced to Hawaii over several millennia. Of particular note in this valley are the hibiscus garden and the native fern gardens that are both beautifully cultivated and maintained.

Waimea valley is open seven days a week from 9am-5pm, closed only for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Admission to the park is $13 for adults, $6 for seniors and children ages 4012. Additional discounts are provided to local residents. Guided tours are also available for an additional fee, offering informative hikes and introduction to both native and non-native plants seen throughout the valley, archaeological sites and some of the best views in Waimea Valley. Check in is promptly conducted at 8:45, and tours depart at 9am from the ticket booth. For additional inquiries, contact the helpful park staff at 808.638.7766.

Directions:
Waimea Valley is located oat 59-864 on the Kamehameha Highway across from Waimea Bay on Oahu’s North Shore.

Extra Tips
Whenever you are planning day hikes in Hawaii, it is always a good idea to bring water, insect repellant and sunscreen.

Guided tours are available, and include access to the Chamberlain House, a home and storeroom used by many missionaries, the Coral House, home to the first printing press operation to be built in the Hawaiian Islands, and the Frame house, which served as a home to many of the island’s most famous missionaries. There are more than 30,000 artifacts from this time period in exhibition rooms among the three buildings, lovingly cared for and curated by the Hawaiian Mission Children’s Society. Guided tours are conducted daily at 11am, 1pm and 2:45pm.

Dune Buggy Adventures: www.dbahawaii.com
Located in Honululu. Make reservations online or call 808.371.6578.

There are multiple waterfalls waterfalls visible from this hike, and each would be a wonderful conclusion the to hike. Makahiku Falls is visible from a trail overlook, with water cascading over the sheer side of the rock, dropping 180 feet to a pool below. Steep walls and perilous footing coupled with the potential for flash floods should prevent hikers from getting too close.

The trail continues alongside the stream, and hikers will pass over bridges and through huge banyan trees. There are more small waterfalls visible along the journey, many of which are excellent photo opportunities. Continuing on through a bamboo forest, visitors will imagine themselves wandering the dense bamboo forests of East Asia with towering trees so crowded, so tall and straight, that the foliage creates a canopy that the sunlight struggles to penetrate. After crossing the stream, you will reach the base of Waimoku Falls.

Waimoku Falls is humongous waterfall that falls some 400 to a pool at the bottom. You can approach the falls, but watch out for falling rocks dislodged at the top of the waterfall that could break loose and hurt visitors standing below, and be cautious of your footing and avoid slippery rocks. The height and natural majesty of the waterfall ensure that no matter your physical distance, any picture taken of Waimoku Falls will capture a beautiful Maui Island memory.

These calm waters make Kapalua Beach one of the very best beaches for swimming, providing a safe experience that is friendly to novice swimmers and experienced veterans alike. Snorkelers, always eager to see tropical fish and looking for yet another sea creature to cross off their mental list will enjoy exploring the right side of the beach, filled with exotic fish and strangely beautiful orange sea urchins.

Not content to allow humans to enjoy sunbathing on the white sandy beach all alone, Kapalua Beach is also a favorite destination for the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals. While it is permissible to take their pictures, it is unwise to disturb these 400-600 pound seals that can become aggressive when harassed.

There are a staggering number of tours available at the Kualoa Ranch, and they have something for everyone. Horseback riding tours bring experienced Hawaiian cowboys for guided trail rides. ATV adventures allow you to tear it up and get good and dirty riding the all terrain vehicles on two different tours. Movie-buffs will enjoy a tour focusing on the movies locations that have been filmed in Kualoa, while garden enthusiasts will be excited to tour the dense rainforest trail via an old Swiss transport truck. Kayaking out to the Secret Island Beach, and tours of the ocean waters are available by catamaran. There are also tours focusing on the history of Hawaii and Kualoa, as well as hula lessons for both adults and kids. There is no way to get everything done in just one day, and this is just one of the many reasons Kualoa remains a favorite destination for visitors returning to Oahu.

Call 800.231.7321 for reservations, or book tour packages online by visiting www.kualoa.com.

To reach the Pi’ilanihale Heiau, take the Hana Highway (#360) east towards the town of Hana, and proceed to the Kahanu Gardens, one of the several gardens in the National Tropical Botanical Garden family. A self-guided tour will lead you to the edge of the forest, and the location of the massive heiau. Visitors are forbidden from climbing or approaching the archaeological wonder, but its massive size can be admired from afar. You can take pictures of the heiau, and wander the gardens to see the beautiful coastal views and rare tropical plants native to the islands of the South Pacific.

Exercise caution, as ocean swells and winds will make navigation difficult. Choppy waves reduce speed and require you to expend energy overcoming them rather than moving forward in your desired direction. Exploring calm areas is your best bet, and be aware of surf and weather conditions. If you are renting a kayak and not joining a tour package, you can take your kayak to many beaches around Kauai an enjoyable and memorable water sport experience.

Companies offering kayak rentals and tours include:

Ali’I Kayaks: www.aliikayaks.com
Tours of the Wailua River starting at $40 per person. Call 808.241.7700 for reservations.

Kayak Kauai: www.kayakkauai.com
Offering kayak lessons and tours at a variety of locations throughout Kauai. Prices start at $85 per personCall 808.826.9844 for reservations.

Kayak Wailua: www.kayakwailua.com
Tours of the Wailua River. Book online or call 808.822.3388 for reservations.

Na Pali Kayak: www.napalikayak.com
Multiple tour options exploring the northern coast of Kauai. Call 808.826.6900 for reservations.

Wailua River Guides: www.wailuariverguides.com
Tours along the Wailua River cost $40 per person. Book online or call 877.246.2544.

Christmas is a very special season at the Honolulu Hale, and the building and grounds are adorned with festive decorations including merry-looking oversized cartoon characters, making it a great place to visit for families with young children looking to take photos of their tropical Hawaiian Christmas vacation. Accessible by bus or a quick taxi ride, the Honolulu Hale is also quite close to Honolulu’s Chinatown.

Parking is only available alongside the street, and a paved two-mile trail leads from this parking are down to the lighthouse. The trail can be quite steep in some areas, and the general lack of shade in the afternoon means that any late day hikers should bring plenty of water.The view from the lighthouse tremendous, and under clear conditions you will be able to see the island of Molokai in the distance. The magnificent vistas are an excellent location from which to observe migrating Noth Pacific Humback Whales, who are migratory and return to the islands around Hawaii during the winter months.

Directions: From Waikiki, take Kalakaua Avenue past the Honolulu Zoo and Kapiolani Park. Turn right on to Diamond Head Road, and follow the signs on your left directing you towards Kalanianaole Highway (Highway 72). Continue on past the Hawaii Kai Golf Course, and in less than a mile you will come to a gated area that blocks the entrance and marks the trailhead.

Most popular amongst tourists, you will find beachgoers of all ages and interests frolicking in the water or lounging about on the sand, soaking up the warm island sun. Most of Hawaii’s beaches offer a plethora of exciting activities, and Waikiki Beach is a great introduction. Most popular is swimming and surfing, body and boogie-boarding. If you’re looking for snorkeling, you might be better served finding a more secluded beach with greater opportunities for observing and interacting with sea life. If you’re not looking to stray from the Waikiki area, the best snorkeling conditions are at the end of Queen’s Beach and offshore/outside the Waikiki Aquarium (although the inside offers a far better view if you don’t mind looking through the glass of the exhibits). There are also numerous stretches of small parks and pavilions that line the beach, with plenty of space for all sorts of outdoor activities or no activity at all.

Extra Tips
From Northwest to Southeast, Waikiki Beach includes Kahanamoku Beach, Fort DeRussy Beach, Gray’s Beach, the Royal-Moana Beach, the Waikiki Beach Center, Kuhio Beach, Queen’s Beach, Kapiolani Beach Park, Sans Souci Beach, and the Outrigger Canoe Club Beach. We’ll go over each of these beaches in their own right to help you find the best spot for you.

The Museum is open daily from 9am-5pm, and like all Pearl Harbor historical sites, is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. General admission for adults is $20, $10 for children ages 4-12. Time can also be purchased for combat flight simulators, with $10 covering a flight briefing and 30 minute flight simulation.

There are several options for tours depending on the depth and detail you desire. A self-guided tour of Hangar 37 featuring more than eight aircrafts in a WWII-era hangar, historical video, as well as the award-winning Pearl Harbor documentary, “East Wind, Rain” as well as access to the museum store and café. Admission for adults is $15, $8 for children 4-12. Admission to Hangars 37 and 79 includes access to over twenty-five aircraft, MiG Alley and the videos, museum store and café access listed above. Admission for adults is $20, and $10 for children ages 4-12. For true fans of military aviation, the Aviator’s Tour includes a docent-guided tour of Hangar 37 and 79 as well as the Lieutenant Ted Shealey Restoration Shop, where the military aircraft showcased in the museum are serviced.

Extra Tips
Security precautions at the Pearl Harbor historical sites prohibit almost any bag to be brought into the memorials. It is highly recommended that you either travel light or make use of the storage locker facilities available near the USS Bowfin. Use of the lockers costs $3.

Without a real formal parking lot area, Laniakea Beach can appear to be a little bit hard to find. The easiest way is to drive from Haleiwa Town towards Waimea. Roughly two miles from town you will see a huge group of cars parked along the road. Although this beach is also popular with surfers, the majority of the visitors are here to see the sea turtles. There are no bathrooms or other facilities at Laniakea Beach, and no real options for food within walking distance. After seeing the turtles here, you will be ready to meet up with them in their own element out on the water in other beaches, knowing you have already secured some great pictures.

Extra Tips
Listed as a threatened species, the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles are protected by U.S. and Hawaiian State law. For the safety of these gentle reptiles , please refrain from chasing, crowding, feeding, or otherwise bother the animals.

There are a large number of companies based in Maui offering ocean rafting tours of the island in addition to the more standard tours by larger boat operators

Adventure Maui: www.adventuremaui.com
Offering multiple tours book online or call 877.678.7333.

Blue Water Rafting: www.bluewaterrafting.com
Offering multiple tours around Maui, book online or call 808.879.7238.

Island Star Excursions: www.islandstarexcursions.com
Offering multiple tour option in non-standard watercraft, leaving from Maui and Lanai. Call 888.667.7238 for reservations.

The trade winds that affect so many long drives have little or no effect on the heat, and unless the sky is overcast expect a long, hot day. Be certain to bring plenty of extra water bottles. While some inexperienced golfers may end the days with towels red from dirt and dust from Hawaii’s red soil, experienced pros should have an easy time on the fairways.

Visitors without golf IDs (obtainable only by residents of Hawaii) can expect to pay $23 for a twilight/9-hole round, and $46 for an 18-hole round. Prices are the same regardless of weekday, weekend or holiday visits. Non-residents may call up to three days in advance for reservations, from 6:30am until closing. The course is open seven days a week, from 6am to 6pm. The Starter’s Office can be reached at 808.675.6052. Although lacking a pro shop, the Ted Makalena course does have a restaurant and snack bar, open from 6am to 7pm daily to accommodate that desire for a quick bite after a late round.

Unlike the leeward beaches of Waikiki, Kailua is located on the windward side of the island of Oahu. While this doesn’t absolutely guarantee consistent wind year round, if you’re a windsurfer Kailua is definitely your best bet and a magnet for anyone excited about the sport. Sports enthusiasts may also consider kayaking or boogie boarding, and there are several rental options for kayakers. Individual or group kayak trips to nearby Flat Island and bird sanctuary areas are definitely recommended. If the wind makes the water too choppy, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the beach. Bathroom and shower facilities are most conveniently located, and the green, grassy areas are mostly covered in a gentle shade by towering ironwood trees.

Extra Tips for Safety
Kailua Beach can be popular for Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish too. While most common a week or so after a full moon, these stinging jellyfish can generally be avoided fairly easily. Observe posted signs and obey all directions from lifeguards.

Visitors are allowed to hike through the national park, and can camp on the grounds provided they have obtained a permit.

There are a wide variety of activities to participate in upon your arrive at this beautiful state park. In addition to camping and hiking, there are ranger guided tours offered twice weekly through the park grounds.

The park is open year round except during closures in the event of severe storms. For additional information, call the park at 808.572.4400. The Haleakala Visitor Center is open 5:30am-3pm, and the Kipahulu Visitor Center, located at sea level, is open from 9am-5pm.

The relatively flat, almost lawn-like course is a good exercise for beginners, although anyone self-conscious about their swing should prepare themselves in advance for the inevitable audience that comes along with such a busy course. The first half of the course is relatively easy, the second half slightly more difficult, and the course seems ideal for golfers with a good fade shot. The grounds are well maintained for the heavy traffic it endures, and the location and price make Ala Wai’s golf course a great way to spend a morning or an afternoon. Popular with locals as well as tourists looking to spend some time enjoying an easy round of golf, do not be surprised if this feels like a residents-only hot spot.

Visitors without golf IDs (obtainable only by residents of Hawaii) can expect to pay $23 for a twilight/9-hole round, and $46 that for an 18-hole round. Prices are the same regardless of weekday, weekend or holiday visits. Non-residents may call up to three days in advance for reservations, from 6:30am until closing. The municipal golf courses use an automated reservation system, and can be used by dialing 808.296.2000

One of the quintessential Hawaiian experiences, many visitors will consider their attendance at a luau celebration as a highlight of their trip. A luau is a Hawaiian feast, typically incorporating traditionally cooked Hawaiian food and entertainment including Hawaiian music and hula, a rhythmic dance developed and perfected by Polynesian and Hawaiian cultures native to the islands of the South Pacific.

Performing for more than 20 years, Paradise Cove is widely considered to be one of the largest and most respected shows in Oahu. Paradise Cove luaus are performed on the banks of a secluded beach at the Ko Olina Golf Course & Resort in Kapolei. Offering pick up and drop off service to Waikiki hotels, Paradise Cove leaves you with no excuse to skip out on this magnificent celebration.

Guests are welcomed to the luau in the later afternoon near sunset, where hosts welcome and begin to educate and entertain with traditional Hawaiian storytelling, games of athletic feats and skill, all the while listening to live Hawaiian music. The main event consists of the luau feast and a Polynesian dinner show, featuring the famous Hukilau Hula. After the show, guests plied with delicious food and lulled by the rhythms of dancing and drums are returned to their Waikiki hotels.

Paradise Cove offers several different luau packages. Reservations can be made online at www.paradisecovehawaii.com or by calling 800.775.2683.

Birds to look for at the wilflife refuge include Laysan’s albatross, frigate birds, the Hawaiian nene goose, and red-footed boobies. Binoculars are helpful to locate and identify the nesting birds without disturbing them, be sure to bring them along. The refuge/animal sanctuary is open to visitors daily from 10am-4pm and closed on federal holidays. Self-guided tours are available by locating informational plaques that are located around Kilauea Point. Admission to the Refuge is $3 and free for children. Call 808.828.1413 with additional inquiries.

Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge is also very close to the historic landmark Kilauea Lighthouse, constructed in 1913 to guide ships sailing the South Pacific.

The Plantation and Gardens are named for U.S. Senator Hiram Fong (1906-2004) who served in the Senate from 1959 to 1977. The first Asian American to join the Senate, Fong is also notable for being the only Republican to represent Hawaii in the U.S. Senate. Senator Fong purchased the land in 1950 and opened it to the public in 1988.

The gardens are open from 10am-2pm daily, and are closed Christmas and New Year’s Day. Guided tours are conducted at 10:30am and 1pm daily, and the charge is $14.50 for adults and $9 for children. L

A special treat offered at Senator Fong’s Plantation and Gardens is instruction in the art of the Hawaiian lei. A beautiful flowered necklace, the lei is synonymous with the aloha spirit of Hawaii. Leis are made up of foliage found throughout the magnificent garden, and can include flowers made of bougainvillea, orchids, plumeria, and fronds of Hawaiian ferns. Lei making activities cost $6.50 Additional gifts and mementos are available in the gift shop. Snacks and drinks are also available for purchase.

Advanced reservations are required for a spot on a long, meandering two-hour tour through the buildings and gardens of Grove Farm. Operated by local Kauai residents, tours are conducted in small, intimate groups and are offered on Mondays, Wednesday and Thursdays, excluding holidays and rainy days. A highlight of this charming tour is the sampling of Grove Farm’s homemade turbinado sugar cookies and mint tea. Tours are conducted at 10am and 1pm. There is a requested donation of $10 for participation in the tour. Call 808.245.3202 to make reservations.

Directions:
The Grove Farm homestead easily accessible, located at 4050 Nawiliwili Road (Highway 58) in Lihue, Kauai.

The trail starts towards the rear of the Lodge at Koele, where you might be well advised to check in with the concierge service for maps and updates on expected weather and the status of the trail. If you insist upon navigating the path yourself, simply follow the posted signs and continue uphill beyond Norfolk Pines. Take a short breather at a conveniently placed bench on the hilltop, featuring a plaque of Rudyard Kipling’s famous poem If. Cleverly placed, this hike and the serene wonder of the natural beauty of this island highlight the poem’s themes of self-reliance and the wonders of a confident spirit. With your second wind, continue around the right side of the fence and hike on towards the power lines. Continuing on along the trail will bring you through a small grove of guava trees just before reaching a dirt service road. Turning left, you’ll hop on the Munro Trial before making a right. This will bring you to Kukui Gulch, another great spot for refreshment and some photographs. Continuing along the trail will for you to bear right towards Koloiki Ridge, which is the climax of the height and provide ridge-top views of Maunalei Gulch in Lanai, and the neighboring islands of Molokai and Maui.

Extra Tips for Safety
Bring hiking shoes, as your sandals and flip-flops will prove no match for the uneven path and muddy and/or rocky stretches of this trail. A light waterproof jacket is often a good idea on any hike in Hawaii, as changes in elevation combined with constant trade winds can bring a chill, or a quick change in the weather.

The Kealia Pond fluctuates dramatically according to the season. This is readily understandable when you learn that the word Kealia in the Hawaiian language means “salt encrusted place”, describing the receding water levels in spring and summer that reduce the normally large pond to a small, brackish pool. This can lead to significant drops in the fish population. The water levels are refreshed with heavy rains in winter, which increases the levels of fresh water in the pond and once again.

The park is open daily from 6am-7pm and is patrolled by a private security force. To reach Kealia Pond, exit Highway 311 at mile marker #6.

The beauty of the Wailua Valley has drawn attention from Hollywood on multiple occasions, and the Wailua River has been shot as a scenery backdrop for films such as Blue Hawaii and Islands in the Stream. Opaekaa Falls was featured in Blue Hawaii and The Wackiest Ship in the Army. Wailua Falls was featured in the opening sequence of the television sensation Fantasy Island. Visitors may enjoy tracking down and identifying the exact locations from these favorite films of the silver screen.

The Wailua River can be toured by riding on an old-fashioned flat riverboat, or by kayak. The Wailua River mouth leads to Pacific Ocean by the Lydgate Beach Park. There is no shortage of amazing adventures to be had and sights to behold in Wailua Valley State Park.

La’ie is also home to the Polynesian Cultural Center. The Center is a 42-acre village with replicas of eight island cultures from across the vast expanse of the South Pacific. The villages represent the communities and cultures of the Fiji, Hawaiian, New Zealand, Samoan, Tahitian and Tongan islands. In addition to these island recreations, there are several learning exhibits as well as tours of the nearby Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Admission to the cultural center is $7 for adults ages 18 and above, $5 for children ages 6-17. An active duty discount for members of the US military reduces admission to $3. Every second Saturday of the month admission is free and open to the public.

For a calendar of upcoming events, as well as any additional information you possible desire, call 808.945.7633 or visit the organization’s website at http://www.jcch.com.

Image: Nutdanai Apikhomboonwaroot / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image: worradmu / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

An offshore reef breaks the larger ocean waves, creating a gentle almost lake-like break of waves along the shoreline. This is what makes the water so clear and the water so good for easy swimming for almost all ages and levels of ability. While not ideal for surfing or bodysurfing because of the calm water, it is also great for stand-up paddleboard surfing.

Another highlight of this amazing beach is the opportunity for canoeing and kayaking out to the two Mokulua islets that lie less than a mile offshore of this spectacular beach. Commonly called “the Moks”, these small islets are seabird sanctuaries protected by the state of Hawaii. Humans are only permitted to visit the beaches of these islets, and access to the interior is prohibited by law. Keep an eye out for dolphins and whales, which are also often seen in the distance from the islets.

Extra Tips for Safety
Keep an eye out for Portuguese Man-of-War jellyfish and stinging limu (a seaweed which, when coming in contact with skin causes poison ivy or poison oak- like symptoms, including blistering rashes), which can be most often found in these ocean waters from June to September months. Be aware of ocean conditions and stay safe, as there are no lifeguards on duty at the beach.

Image: worradmu / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Non-resident green fees including carts are $130 for full-course play, $80 if scheduled after noon. 9-hole play after 11am will cost $60. A full course and transportation package is also available for $140, with an added $15 for rental clubs (optional). Kama’aina (local) discounts require proof of residency.

Please make certain to check the course website http://coralcreekgolfhawaii.com/
for updated fee and schedule information. Reservations may be made up to sixty days in advance either online or by calling 808.441.4653.

The Foster Botanical Garden’s roots are older than many of the exotic trees and plants that grow there. Started in 1853, Hawaiian Queen Kalama leased a small patch of land to Dr. William Hillebrand, a German doctor who also held the distinction of being one of the founding members of the Hawaiian Medical Association. His keen interest in tropical plants led to his developing a particular expertise in Hawaiian flora, and upon his return to Germany he was also considered a great botanist. The land was later sold to Thomas and Mary Foster, who would bequeath the botanical garden to the city of Honolulu in 1930. The Foster Botanical Garden opened its doors to the public in 1931, and has since been added to Hawaii’s Register of Historic Places.

Walking along this garden and arboretum that spans over fourteen acres of lush, tropical trees and other plants including a garden of primitive cycads, a garden displaying hybrid orchids, a butterfly-friendly garden, and a palm garden. There is also an “economic garden” that houses herbs and other plants that people use for food, textiles, dyes, and medicinal properties.

Image: worradmu / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The Foster Botanical Garden is open 9am-4pm daily, and is closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Guided Tours are offered Monday through Saturday at 1pm and by special appointment. Admission is $5 for adults, and $1 for children ages 6-12. Contact information is 808.522.7066.

Photo(c)Tomo.Yun (www.yunphoto.net/en/)
Kapiolani Park draws visitors for its beautiful expanse of greeny and grassy lawns as well as its sports facilities open to the public. The park has an archery range, basketball courts, soccer fields, tennis courts, and is home to the Honolulu Cricket Club, the only one of its kind in the Hawaiian Islands and the oldest sporting club in the Pacific. Runners interested in a casual job will find themselves in close quarters with serious competitors training for the Honolulu Marathon, which finishes at the west end of park. The two-mile path is an excellent short course for a refreshing bit of exercise. Visitors looking for a more sedate experience may enjoy having a picnic on the lawn, or taking a look at the Sunday Arts Show or one of the many events showcasing at the park throughout the year.

Extra Tips
With all there is to see and do here, parking is often at a premium. It is often recommended to use public transport, as parking for the park doubles as parking for Kuhio Beach as well as many other attractions in the area.

Image: worradmu / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Four Seasons Hotel, Manele Bay and The Lodge at Koele
Providing a wide array of wedding ceremony options, the wedding planners at the Four Seasons Hotels in Lanai provide professional consultation matched with luxury accommodations and magnificent venues for weddings and celebrations of vow renewals. To begin planning your special day, contact wedding specialists via email through the Four Seasons Hotel website. Four Seasons Hotels work exclusively with approved wedding planners and do not coordinate with outside wedding planning/consultant services.

www.lanaiweddings.com
Recommending a ceremony at either Hulopoe or Palihua Beach, Rev. Michael Gannon offers several wedding ceremony packages and coordinates with selected florists, musicians, photographers and videographers to make your wedding a celebration of your love. Reverend Gannon can be emailed at mgannon@aloha.net, or via phone at 808.559.9600.

www.hawaiianromance.com
Spanning over twenty years of planning weddings as well as professional events, David and Stephanie Hessemer have a variety of wedding packages available on several Hawaiian Islands. Contact these planners via their website or at 1.800.377.9745.

This little beach is almost a bay unto itself, and the waves are not large enough for experienced surfers to trifle with, leaving the water free for use by divers, body surfers, snorkelers, and swimmers. The soft sand that collects in the middle of the beach provides the best entry point into the water, and the best place to aim when riding waves to shore. Although there is no lifeguard on duty, the beach is friendly and gently enough that you will not feel like the extra attention is needed.

Facilities are fairly comprehensive, including picnic facilities and restrooms. There isn’t a beach parking lot, so you will need to park along Haneoo Road and take the stairs down to the beach.

Visible from the beach is ‘Alau Island, with large vertical sea cliffs and rock faces resembling miniature mountains. A few coconut trees sway in the trade winds at the top of these tiny mountains, and somehow you will find it immensely relaxing to sit on the shore of Hamoa Beach and imagine yourself on the beach of Alau, creating a double-island getaway.

Image: worradmu / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Spanning 29 acres, the amusement park offers 25 rides and attractions. Family-friendly and a magnet for adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers, the park has something for everyone. The popular children’s area has a veritable water-based playground, offering water cannons and mini slides.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.wetnwildhawaii.com. Contact Wet N’ Wild Hawaii at 808.674.9283. Hours of operation are

Image: worradmu / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The Lanai Ferry website, www.go-lanai.com features ferry schedules, updated route information, as well as assistance in booking vehicle rentals on the island of Lanai. Call 800.695.2624 for reservations and additional information.

Interested in celebrating Hawaiian culture in the evening on the beautiful beaches of Waikiki? Kuhio Beach offers a torch lighting ceremony and hula dance performances several nights a week (depending on the weather) at the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound. Performances take place at sunset, typically between 6pm-7pm. For more information regarding the torch lighting and hula dance performances, contact 808.843.8002.

Image: worradmu / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

This natural amphitheater is an ideal natural acoustic venue, and you will be pleasantly surprised to find musicians play traditional Hawaiian Music, and absolutely love the sounds of the instruments as you hear them echo across the lava cave. The place is a great spot for photographers, as the romantic environment provides gorgeous views of the Wailua River, the riverbank and the formidable Mt. Waialeale, its peaks often shrouded by soft, white clouds.

If you fall in love with the beautiful atmosphere of Fern Grotto, remember that this exotic venue is a popular destination for wedding ceremonies!

The Koke’e Natural History Museum is an important resource that is open from 10am-4pm to greet and assist visitors to the park. The museum is open year-long including holidays. A suggested donation of $1 per person is requested, and funds are put directly back into the museum. The museum does receive state funding for its operation, and maintains several exhibits about the natural history of Kauai, including features focusing on plant life and meteorological conditions. Staff and volunteers at the museum have an extensive knowledge of the area, and are an invaluable resource in picking trails to hike and informing visitors of current and anticipated weather conditions. The Koke’e Museum Shop has an extensive selection of books on Hawaii as well as traditional arts and crafts.

There are two areas in Koke’e where you can make camp, at the head of the Kanaloahuluhulu meadow and close by the Kawaikoi Stream. Reservations and camping permits can be madeby contacting the Hawaii State Parks Commission at 808.274.3444.

Extra Tips
The best time to visit the park for sightseeing at the Kalalau Valley Overlook is early morning, where the sky can be clear until fog and clouds move from inland out towards the ocean. If clouds are amassing over the ocean, the valley is likely to be obscured for a longer period of time. At an elevation of 4,000 feet, it can get a bit chilly, especially when the wind picks up. A jacket and long pants essential for any long stay in the Park.

Image: worradmu / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Low tides recede enough for major parties to be thrown on the sandbars, supporting volleyball games, barbeques and large groups of people. If you are looking to share in the celebration of a beach party that feels like it’s being held mid-ocean, be certain to be careful and avoid leaving behind any trash when the tide rises and reclaims the sandy expanses.

The Mokapu Peninsula is home to facilities for the U.S. Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and the bay itself is a destination for marine scientists who study the area, particularly the hammerhead sharks who use the shallow waters of the bay as a breeding ground. Thousands of hammerhead sharks are born here every year, and are not particularly aggressive or dangerous. Many eager snorkelers take the opportunity to swim among them as they navigate the gentle waters in and around the reef.

Image: worradmu / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The Honolulu Zoo is open seven days a week, from 9am-4:30pm, and is closed only for Christmas Day. General admission for adults (aged 13 and older) is $12, while children ages 4-12 is $3. Children and newborns under age three receive free admission. Kama’aina discounts for residents with local Hawaii identification lowers admission entrance fee to $6.

Image: worradmu / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Extra Tips
Looking to save a bit of money and still enjoying all that the zoo has to offer? Unlike many similar attractions, the Honolulu Zoo allows you to bring coolers and outside food on to zoo grounds. Enjoy a homemade picnic or some food from one of many nearby vendors in the ample shade of the park. Take special care to dispose of any and all trash to avoid sharing food and packaging with the animals!

You can rent a car and travel the Road to Hana yourself, and a long scenic drive with friends or family is a great way to get a personal sense of the island. There are also a number of guided tours that allow you to focus on tropical forests and waterfalls along the road without having to focus on your car and the drive itself.

Adventure Maui: www.adventuremaui.com
Tour of the Road to Hana including views of many waterfalls visible from the road. Reservations can be made online or by calling 808.876.7777.

Road to Hana Tour: www.roadtohana.com
Offering pick-up and drop-off service from Hotels in Maui, this day long tour is priced at $99.99, including a lunch. Reservations can be made online or by calling 808.690.9055.

Extra Tips
Waterfalls are beautiful to behold, but can be dangerous to navigate. If you are approaching the base of any waterfall, make certain to watch for falling rocks and keep your balance on slippery wet rocks. If you’re hiking into the interior, make certain to bring bug repellent and sunscreen. The water is never safe to drink, so make sure to bring plenty of bottled water. Last but certainly not least, make sure to bring your camera!

This shore battery was designed to provide coastal defense for Oahu, but most of the guns were retired from active service early in 1950. Fort DeRussy is also home to Hale Koa (which means house of the warrior), a hotel reserved for active and retired members of the U.S. uniformed services. The U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii is housed inside Battery Randolph, one of the decommissioned fortified coastal defenses. Originally constructed in 1911, the battery was equipped with fourteen-inch guns that protected Honolulu Harbor from attack. The U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii contains several armor pieces used in World War II, many of which are displayed right outside the museum. The exhibits focus on the history of US Army warfare in the Pacific Hemisphere, which include displays and artifacts from World War II, as well as the Korean and Vietnam War.

Extra Tips
The US Army Museum of Hawaii is free to the public, but there is paid parking outside. The gorgeous open park area is a great place for a family picnic or a quiet afternoon stroll through the well-manicured lawns that surround For DeRussy.

Fort DeRussy also extends down to the beach, providing the widest stretch of the Waikiki Beach. The water is a bit colder and often less crowded than much of the rest of the Waikiki Beach experience.

Summer brings the best visibility and the amazing wildlife will make you wish you owned a sophisticated underwater camera. The beauty of this area cannot be overstated. You will feel like Jacques Cousteau, exploring the reefs and finding amazing discoveries as you tour the bay. Winter water is murky near the sore, but improves as you go out of the bay towards the outer open ocean. Water conditions can fluctuate depending on the currents and the season, so be careful when swimming or snorkeling.

Popular kayaking destinations in Oahu include Kailua Bay, Kane’ohe Bay and many of Oahu’s North Shore beaches in the summer months.

Companies offering kayak rentals and tours include:

Inquiries regarding visits to the estate or about Kauai Coffee Company harvesting methods and practices can be directed to info@kauaicoffee.com

Directions:
The Kauai Coffee Company grounds are located just off of Highway 50 on the southern side of the island, 17 miles from Lihue airport and just a few miles from the popular Poipu community.

The Waikiki Aquarium is open daily from 9am-4:30pm, and is only closed on Honolulu Marathon Day (December 11) and Christmas Day. Admission to the aquarium is $9 for adults, $4 for youth ages 13-17, and $2 for children 5-12. Locals, military servicemen, students, and seniors can enter the aquarium at a reduced price of $6. The aquarium is located alongside is Kalakaua Ave., but is within walking distance of most Waikiki hotels.

In collaboration with King Kalakaua, Prussian leader of the band Heinrich Berger, himself an officer of the imperial German army, composed the song Hawai’I Pono’i that remains the national anthem of Hawaii. This song remains the state song of Hawaii. It is also believed that the band are the authors of the world-famous “Aloha ‘Oe”, the beautiful lilting song that reminds visitors of the “Aloha Spirit” of Hawaii, the word Aloha at once warmly welcoming and fondly saying goodbye.

This band of 40 full-time musicians performs every Friday at 12pm on the grassy lawn of the historic Iolani Palace in the Historic Buildings neighborhood of Downtown Honolulu and again on Sundays at 2pm at the Kapiolani Park Bandstand in Waikiki. Always a stirring performance, it is a pleasure to listen to this talented band in their resplendent white uniforms and is highly recommended as a distinct Honolulu experience.

A number of movies used either the broad, open valleys of Kualoa or the dense rainforests of its interior. Movies featuring Kualoa include 50 First Dates, Godzilla, Jurassic Park, Pearl Harbor, Tears of the Sun, and Windtalkers. A favorite landscape for television shows, Kualoa has also been used for the international television hit Lost, both Hawaii Five-O productions, and Magnum P.I.

Ehukai Beach was utilized to accurately portray Pipeline, a surfing mecca featured in the movie Blue Crush.

Hanauma Bay was used to film Blue Hawaii, also set in Hanauma Bay. Donovan’s Reef was also filmed in Hanauma.

Honolulu was featured in movies, but is probably most famous for scenes from Hawaii Five-O, Lost and the movie Pearl Harbor.

Whether your interest includes just visiting these filming locations, or extends to amateur scene recreations and video homages, finding movie and television locations set in or filmed in Oahu is a great way to connect the movies theaters and the silver screen to a rugged and tropical island getaway. There are more than a few tours focusing on bringing fans of film and television to these movie locations.

Extra Tips
Banana boat rides are primarily offered by the Hawaii Water Sports Center company and is located on the lower level of the Koko Marina Center. Reservations can be made for group banana boat rides at 808.395.3773 or can be made online at http://www.hawaiiwatersportscenter.com/

There are many companies in Oahu offering interaction with both dolphins and whales. Below are a few of the many available options:

Dolphin Quest Oahu: www.dolphinquest.com
Spend time with dolphin trainers and share an intimate experience with friendly dolphins in the Kahala shallow water lagoon. Call 808.739.8919 for reservations or additional inquiries.

Pacific Whale Foundation: www.pacificwhalefoundation.com
In addition to tours of the Molokini Crater, the Pacific Whale Foundation organizes snorkeling trips around the Hawaiian Islands featuring dolphin and whale watching sightseeing trips. Call 808.249.8811 for reservations or additional inquiries.

Sea Life Park Hawaii: www.sealifeparkhawaii.com
Spend time with dolphins and dolphin trainers in this close encounter. Multiple adventure packages offered. Call 808.259.2500 for reservations or additional inquiries.

Snorkel Bob’s: www.snorkelbob.com
A one-stop shop for purchase or rental of snorkeling gear, Snorkel Bob’s also works with several vendors across the islands that offer a variety of ocean tours that seek out dolphins and whales. Call 808.735.7944 for reservations or additional inquiries.

Aqua Postcard And My Waikiki Surf to Turf Day

Diamond Head Hike

A souvenir that’s coming home with me is the Aqua hotel postcard from my room. It captures the timeless feel of Waikiki and will look nice framed on my wall. Looking at the iconic drawing of Diamond Head and an outrigger canoe, I feel inspired to experience both family friendly activities on my surf to turf adventure.

My surf activity begins when I add my name to the outrigger standby list. It’s the least expensive way to enjoy this ride. While waiting I relax under a palm tree and gaze out to the surf where I’ll soon be. After an hour my name is called and I’m receiving paddling instructions from our captain.

Now the teamwork starts. We move the outrigger to shallow water and take turns climbing in. It’s not a graceful move and the canoe feels unfamiliar at first. At the same time I’m excited about what’s ahead.

As we paddle away from shore I remember how the waves take on a larger dimension close up. I’m part of the ocean now and feel its movement around me.

Outrigger Tradition: When the canoes are on dry land, the nose of the canoe points to the water. The early Hawaiians did this out of respect for the canoe and its spirit.

On today’s ride our guide expertly positions the canoe and waits for the best wave. At his call I paddle with all the strength I can muster. The wave I’m about to catch feels exhilarating. This is what surfing is like. I almost forget to paddle and look behind me as the wave lifts the outrigger towards the sky.

The awkwardness I felt when we left the shore is now gone. My adrenaline is on overdrive as I fly across the surface of the ocean getting wet from its spray.

As we start to slow down I see Diamond Head, which will be my turf adventure, waiting to be hiked. After returning to shore it’s just a short drive to Honolulu’s top rated attraction according to TripAdvisor.

Diamond Head Hike Overview: This family friendly hike is something not to be missed. A recent trail renovation has spruced things up and improved surfaces which had previously eroded. Kids are going to love the two tunnels and the old fire control station at the top. On my 1.6 mile hike I saw incredible views that stretched for miles. My lower body got its daily workout on four staircases and 279 steps. I tried running laps once but my legs felt like rubber. This bargain activity set me back only $5 for the entire carload.

The start of the trail feels like an easy walk along a concrete path next to plants that have adapted well to the hot, dry conditions. I soon reach the dirt trail and start my skyward hike to the 761 foot summit. This is where the workout begins. After a series of switchbacks I come to the first lookout. A good place to rest before the first staircase and tunnel.

Historical Note: Diamond Head is called Le`ahi by Hawaiians. Navigational fires were lit on the summit to guide canoes traveling along the shoreline. Their temple or “heiau” built at the top was dedicated to the god of wind.

The more I hike the more I feel energy around me from long ago. The wind that Le`ahi is known for greets me as I climb out of a small opening near the top and into the sun. I have one flight of stairs remaining to reach the summit.

My efforts are rewarded with the 360 degree panoramic view stretching from Koko Head to Wai`anae. I’m soon heading down which is a lot easier than going up. It’s been an afternoon to remember without much cash leaving my wallet. As I reach my car and drive away, I’m thinking a massage at Aqua Spa would be a good thing right now.

Tips on Outrigger Canoe Rides:

• Premium on-line advanced reservations with photo package average $75 for two. If you are flexible and have time to wait, the price is reduced to $15 per person for those standing by.
• No experience necessary. My group was all ages, shapes and sizes. You’ll have experienced paddlers with you to help. If you like their service, a tip at the end is a nice gesture.
• Rides are available between 9am and 3:30pm at various Waikiki beach locations. Expect to catch two waves and be out for about 30 minutes.
• Stretch and warm-up first. Your shoulders are going to be worked out.
• Flipping over in a canoe is unusual at Waikiki. But just in case, it’s a good idea to feel comfortable in deep water and know how to swim before trying this activity.

Tips for Diamond Head Hike:

• Wear a hat, sunscreen and tennis shoes. This is not the time for “slippahs,” or flip-flops. I did see some women in high heels which I don’t recommend.
• Bring water. You won’t find any services at the summit. And don’t forget your camera. It’s a good way to meet people when you exchange picture taking.
• Diamond Head opens at 6am and closes at 6pm. Last hike at 4:30pm. The best times to hike are early or later in the day. Crowds are fewer and there’s more shade on the trail.
• Admission is $5 per car or $1 per person if you arrive by The Bus.
• If you’re not sure this is the hike for you, just drive as far as the toll booth inside the crater and look up to the top to see if it feels within your reach. It’s a good idea to be in reasonable shape for this moderate hike.

Written by Rob Kvidt, Techspokes, Inc.

Kaimuki View

I’d been near the Kaimuki neighborhood many times without knowing it. Maybe you have too. If you’ve ever stopped at Leonard’s Bakery for malasadas and turned back towards Waikiki, you missed a neighborhood jewel just five minutes away.

Next time after leaving Leonard’s, just follow Kapahulu under the H1, and continue up Waialae to 8th Avenue. That’s where the Kaimuki business district begins.

Kaimuki reminds me of the old Hawaii in my dreams with its plantation style homes. It’s familiar, even legendary to locals and often overlooked by visitors.

If you go you’ll find a multifarious mix of older businesses and sheik contemporary stores and eateries. The surroundings retain a historical charm waiting to be discovered.

Looking up to the heights you’ll see homes stretching as far as the eye can see. The legend is that Menehunes built their ti root ovens here in the hillsides giving Kaimuki its name.

Before leaving my car, I turn left up Sierra Drive and make my way to the top. I soon understand why King Kamehameha used Kaimuki as his lookout to watch approaching enemies from the ocean. Another monarch, King Kalakaua, used Kaimuki for peaceful purposes with his ostrich farm.

It’s a spectacular view over Waikiki and I like the unique perspective of Diamond Head. Up here you may even spot your Aqua hotel in the distance. If you see rainbows over the Pacific, think of famed entertainer Israel Kamakawiwo`ole “IZ,” who was raised here in Kaimuki.

At the end of the road is Lanipo trailhead. It’s a strenuous 7 mile ridge hike rated one of Oahu’s best. You can split the hike in half and go as far as “two summits.” Right now I have a burning desire to shop and eat. My wheels are soon turned downhill.

Kaimuki is Best Explored on Foot

The storefronts don’t do justice to the unique finds inside. Within a five block area I can shop at an egg store, purchase every type of Hawaiian fabric, have my shoes fixed, take a yoga class, make art, buy crack seed in jars, find every bead on the planet, watch a foreign film, select some vegetables at an outdoor produce stand, look for imported clothing and design, find discounts at a second hand store and discover any sheet of music I want. That’s just the tip of the Kaimuki experience.

And if you’re looking for a discount on manicures and pedicures you’ve come to the right place; $20 for one and $30 for both at several locations. The most popular was Smiley Nails where patrons received massages while getting their nails done.

After a shopping workout it’s time to eat.

It’s not surprising that Kaimuki’s name stands for something food related considering all the dining options available. You’ll find bakeries and coffee bars, noodle shops to fine dining. The food and styles are simply as diverse as the owners and their patrons.

I decide on lunch at Town followed by Café Laufer for coffee and exquisite desserts simply too difficult to pass up. Next time I plan to try a completely different set of restaurants. There are so many choices that it will take many return visits before I run out.

A Sample of Landmark Businesses in Kaimuki

• 

  Kaimuki Crack Seed Store

  Queen Theater has sat at the top of Waialae Avenue for 75 years. It’s been closed for the past 20 years and is on the list of national historic theaters. There is a grass roots effort underway to restore it as one of the few freestanding theaters remaining in Honolulu.

• Kaimuki Dry Goods is the ultimate source of Hawaiian fabric, has been in business for nearly 80 years and is still thriving. I purchased a remnant for $6 and later reupholstered my dinette chairs in 30 minutes using a staple gun.
• Harry’s Music Store has been a favorite since the 1940′s and offers a wide selection of sheet music and recordings. Hawaii’s maestros have used its back rooms for lessons over the years.
• Crack Seed Store has glass jars filled with these Hawaii unique sweet salty delights. Ask for a sample to try.

Kaimuki Tips

• Paid lot and metered parking available or you may score something free on a side street.
• Bus Riders can take route 303 from Waikiki.
• Most stores are located between 8th and 13th Avenues.
• Explore side streets for hidden finds.
• Best shopping days are Monday through Saturday.
• Kids will have fun at the neighborhood park.

Written by Rob Kvidt, Techspokes, Inc. Exclusive rights given to Aqua Hotels and Resorts for publication including use of photography. No public attribution required.

Honolulu’s Incredible, Edible Saturday Farmers Market

KCC Farmers Market

I wake up early on Saturday morning when staying in Waikiki. There’s a weekly event happening that pulls me away from my Aqua Hotel to the slopes of Diamond Head and Kapiolani Community College (KCC).

This magnetic force that attracts me and 7,000 other foodies from across Honolulu is the premier KCC Saturday Farmers Market.

It’s just a short distance from any Aqua Hotel in Waikiki. To get there I drive down the
the Waikiki strip past the zoo and turn left up Monsarrat. As Diamond Head draws closer I conjure up images in my mind of fresh food, local talk and the best products of the islands.

The KCC Saturday Farmers Market is the first in Hawaii to require that all food and products be locally grown and made. This means I’ll talk story directly with the people responsible for what I’m eating.

Making my way into the parking lot I see the familiar tops of small multi-colored cabanas. Beneath each one is something waiting to be sampled. Walking towards them the music becomes louder. This week I hear the sound of steel drums playing and pick up the aroma of fresh bread and breakfast foods being prepared. You can eat here too so arrive hungry.

There’s a weekly tip sheet at the entrance that I snag. It lists today’s vendors, entertainers and specials. After scanning the list I make my first purchase, a cup of Hawaiian grown coffee to drink and then a fresh baked scone that melts in my mouth.

With 65 vendors and so many options, I need a strategy for spending

KCC Farmers Market

I decide to walk through the market first before making any purchase. My tip sheet comes in handy to remember my favorite vendors. A bountiful harvest of traditional fruits, vegetables and flowers make up half of what I see. The rest sell fish, beef, baked goods, hand made pastas, tropical jams, honey and unique snacks.

There’s also food to be eaten on the spot. The barbecued abalone fresh from the shell is going quickly. Locally made Ono Pops looks refreshing and barbecued corn on the cob is popular. Omelets and sweet bread french toast round out some of my choices.

The flower vendors offer great deals on $4 orchid plants. I purchase an anthurium bouquet for $3 to enjoy back at my Aqua Hotel and to take home with me.

My goal is feeding two for dinner on a $20 budget

I buy a half pound of smoked local ahi for $10 and then spend $3 on a bag of Nalo Farms’ sensational organic greens to make a seafood salad feast. There’s fresh baked olive bread for $2 that looks good. I have $5 left in pocket for vegetables and return to my favorite vendors for baby pear tomatoes, a cucumber, radishes, green beans and an avocado.

Before making my way back to the car, I step away from the crowds and sit on a grassy mound admiring the view. I’m struck by the kaleidoscope of ages and cultures I see and the languages I hear. We’re tossed together like a giant salad of colors and flavorful tastes. The KCC Saturday Farmers Market is truly Hawaii’s moveable feast.

My healthy sesame citrus salad dressing you can make

Like all Aqua Hotels my room has a refrigerator. I store my market purchases there until dinner. Without any special tools or ingredients, I’m making a delicious salad dressing to go with my seafood salad. There were no citrus fruits at today’s market (out of season) so I picked up a piece of fruit at a local convenience store. Also a bag of peanuts and sesame oil.

Ingredients: 2 tsp. toasted sesame oil, 1/4 cup squeezed orange, tangerine or lime, and a handful of roasted peanuts.

Directions: Mix sesame oil with fruit juice. Splash on salad greens and top with peanuts.

If you purchase flowers at the market, anthuriums are easy to take home.

Most flowers can be brought back to the U.S. Mainland with the exception of gardenia, jade vine, and Mauna Loa.

Tip on packing anthuriums. Protect the heads by placing them in an empty plastic container from the grocery store. Make a hole in the side and let the stems hang outside the container.

Suggestions for Making the Most of the Saturday Farmers Market.

• Follow on Twitter @HNLFarmers for market updates and specials.
• Have small bills handy for fast transactions.
• Pick up a Tip Sheet, available at the entrance, or on-line http://hfbf.org/markets
• Bring a collapsible cooler bag to protect purchases.
• Arrive early for best parking and selection.
• Remember sunscreen and wear a hat.

Location and Hours:

Saturday mornings from 7:30am to 11:00am at Kapiolani Community College, across from the entrance to Diamond Head. For additional information call 808-848-2074 or go on-line http://hfbf.org. Free parking or come by The Bus (#3, 22, 58).
If you’ve been to the KCC Saturday Farmers Market, what’s your favorite thing to buy and your best recommendation?

The church was an important place for both King Kamehameha III and his son King Kamehameha IV. It is said that while in Kawaiaha’o Church, King Kamehameha spoke the Hawaiian words Ua mau ke ea o ka ‘aina I ka pono, which translates into English as “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.” This would later become the official state motto of Hawaii. Kamehameha IV would have his coronation and his wedding at the church, and according to his wishes was entombed there after is death.

Located at the corner of King St. and Punchbowl, the Kawaiaha’o Church is grouped with the Iolani Palace and Historic Buildings.

Written by Techspokes, Inc.

Kapiolani Park

I checked into a great room at my Aqua hotel and checked out their stylish new beach towels. Introduced early this year, the towel is plush, bold and a definite winner on the Waikiki beach scene. It’s all part of a new “beach boutique” concept being rolled out by Aqua that will next feature sand chairs. Today I’m taking my custom designed towel on a test spin with camera.

First Stop: Honolulu Zoo

The Aqua Towel at the Honolulu Zoo

This is a fun place to enjoy a picnic with family. Coolers and outside food are welcome on Zoo grounds. Or you can purchase snacks from popular vendors inside. The expansive lawns offer plenty of room to spread out. The kids enjoyed climbing on a play giraffe and covering it with their Aqua towel.

After lunch we explored the Zoo’s 42 acres and tried to see all of the 1,200 animals. There’s an emphasis here on Pacific Tropical ecosystems. I also liked the African Savannah. A separate keiki zoo offered a fish tank for young and old to enjoy. I took the plunge and crawled into its center then stood in the middle watching the fish swim by. Very cool.

During the summer there are special programs here on Wednesday evenings. They feature musical entertainment and the $3 admission is a deal.

Zoo Facts

• President Obama and his family visited the Zoo the last time they came to Hawaii.
• The Zoo is located at the corner of Kapahulu Avenue and Kalakaua Avenue.
• Free parking can be found at the Waikiki Shell or on Kapahulu. $1 hourly metered parking is available at the Zoo.
• Admission is $12 for 13 and over, and $3 ages 4-12.
• The Zoo is open daily from 9am to 4pm

Second Stop: Two Anchor Beaches of Waikiki

Sans Souci Beach

Both ends of the Waikiki strip have top notch beaches to enjoy. Sans Souci is closest to the Zoo and Aloha Moana Beach Park is at the opposite end of town.

Sans Souci offers great swimming and sunning and is popular with locals. Expect to see picnics and barbecues on weekends. There’s a marker off shore you can swim to if you’re experienced. It features a mostly sandy bottom with few rocks.

Ala Moana Beach Park is huge at 100 acres. I decided to place my Aqua towel here. There’s plenty of free parking (except on popular weekends) at this local favorite.

Ala Moana Beach Park

Located directly across from the shopping center of the same name, here’s another spot that’s fantastic for picnics, barbecues and just plain fun. There’s a reef that protects the beach, so the water is calm and attracts many swimmers and families. I also liked the new water lane that separated the stand-up surfers.

This broad gold-sand beach is over a half-mile long. It was man-made in the 1950’s when excess sand was dumped here. There are lots of tree shaded grassy areas behind the beach, so you can take your pick of sun or shade. After a swim, make sure you walk around Magic Island for beautiful views of Waikiki.

This is also a great place to watch fireworks on Friday nights or see wedding photos being taken every day of the week.

Did you Know?

• Ala Moana is busy on weekends, so come on weekdays or expect to have a lot of good natured company.

• Amenities include lifeguards, showers, restrooms, phones, tennis courts, picnic tables, food concessions and a music pavilion.

Third Stop: Yoga overlooking one of America’s Best

Yoga in Waikiki

My two beaches didn’t make it on the Dr. Beach best of 2011 list. Another Waikiki beach was ranked third in the USA. It’s Kahanamoku which is located between the Ala Wai small boat harbor and catamaran pier. Another popular choice for families and children.

As it turns out, my Aqua hotel lanai has a distant view of Kahanamoku beach. It inspires me to strike my best tree posture at the end of my day.

Where will you take your Aqua beach towel?

I gave you three of my best ideas. Now I want to hear from you. Share with me your favorite Aqua beach towel day on your Hawaii vacation.

There are a large number of tour providers who will bus tourists in from Waikiki to Hanauma Bay for tours of the area, returning them back to Waikiki in the evening. The bay is open from 6am-6pm daily, but is closed on Tuesdays. Admission to the park is $7.50 per person and $1 for car parking. Entrance to the bay requires the viewing of a ten-minute video on conservation and preservation in Hanauma Bay.

Extra Tips
The entire Preserve prohibits smoking as well as feeding the fish. While this was definitely a great way in induce a swarm of fishes, it created aggressive behavior in the fish and led to population imbalances between aggressive and more passive fish.

In addition to the beach, the park area offers the potential for visitors to engage in a wide variety of activities. A large playground is fun for kids, while a large grassy area is great for picnics and flying kites. This grass area is circled by a pedestrian and bike path. There are plenty of trees planted to provide shade for folks eager to get out of the sun. Facilities include restrooms, showers and the aforementioned lifeguard tower.

Directions:
To reach Lydgate Beach Park, take Highway 56 towards Wailua. Take a right turn on to Leho Drive at mile marker #5 and then the second right will lead you right to the beach parking lot.

This is a great place to explore, but doesn’t have great beach access for many of the water sports people come to practice and enjoy when they come to visit Maui. Strong winds and intemperate waters can make things difficult, but if you’re an experienced swimmer you might have a rare opportunity to see dolphins swim through the bay.

La Perouse Bay is famous for a moderate-sized pod of dolphins that patrol the shallow waters fairly regularly in the morning hours around 7am, swimming towards Big Beach and reaching there sometime during the mid morning. While a frequent occurrence, these dolphins are not paid employees and don’t clock in with the tourism board, so they’re not guaranteed. If you decide to try and swim in the vicinity of the dolphins, keep a respectful distance. It is against the law to chase or harass them in any way.

The US Bowfin itself is visible from Bowfin Park, a memorial honoring the 52 American submarines and more than 3,500 submariners serving aboard them that were lost or perished during World War II.

Admission and tours of the USS Bowfin cost $10 for adults, $4 for children ages 4-12. Discounted tickets available for military servicemen, senior citizens and residents with local I.D. cost $7. Admission to the museum only, excluding the submarine tour cost $5 for adults, and $3 for children. For your safety, children under the age of 4 are not permitted on the submarine, but are welcome to visit the museum and theatre free of charge.

The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum is open daily from 7am- 5pm. Last admission to the submarine is at 4:30pm. The Museum is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Extra Tips
While the USS Bowfin and Museum exhibits are indeed an amazing collection of submarine technology, please always be aware that this site is also a memorial. Please be respectful at all times.

Free to the pubic, the park is open during daylight hours. The park is located just off Interstate H-201 and is near the Tripler Army Medical Center.

The Science Adventure Center is especially kid-friendly, and filled with many interactive exhibits including a remote-controlled submersible and the simulation of an exploding volcano. In face, the centerpiece of the building is a walk-in “volcano” where visitors can examine the different kinds of lava rocks found all around the islands. Most of the exhibits focus on the biodiversity of the Hawaiian Islands, oceanography of the Pacific, and volcanology of the islands.

The museum is open every day with the exception of Tuesdays and Christmas Day, 9am-5pm. General Admission for Adults is $17.95, seniors 65+ and children ages 4-12 are $14.95. Parking is available on the premises.

Chinatown is also home to an art walk and festival held monthly on the first Friday of every month, aptly called First Fridays. Museums, galleries and art studios are open to the public, and the festival includes live music and street entertainment. Self-guided tours are assisted by maps available at all participating locations. For additional information on First Fridays, call 808.521.2903.

Refusing to close down after sunset, Chinatown is a great place to experience Honolulu’s famous nightlife. Filled with great restaurants and bars, the area is often crowded after dark with people looking to enjoy the evening.

Extra Tips
Chinatown is a great place to pick up beautiful lei garlands that are ordinarily much more expensive elsewhere.

Leleiwi Overlook
Located inside Haleakala National Park, the elevation of this point is 8,800 feet. Cross the road on foot and take the short trail to the overlook for a panoramic view of the vast crater of Haleakala. You’ll notice that the view from here is incredibly barren, resembling the moon in many ways. In fact, NASA has used this area for just that purpose. The astronauts that landed on the moon trained at Haleakala National Park. This crater is so massive that the entire island of Manhattan could fit inside its rim.

Pipiwai Trail
The Pipiwai Trail rises above the Ohe`o Gulch, itself a beautiful destination and home to the Seven Sacred Pools. This is one of the best hikes on Maui. Pipiwai Trail is 4 miles long roundtrip. There are several great waterfalls along the route with the final destination fall being Waimoku Falls, falling 400-feet down a sheer lava rock wall.

Kualoa Ranch is a humongous working cattle ranch that provides a huge number of activities including ATV tours, horseback rides and hiking trails.

Sunset Beach a favorite among surfers during the winter months, and one of three homes of the world famous Triple Crown Surfing Contest since 1983, along with Waimea Bay and the Ehukai Beach. Ehukai Beach is home to the Banzai Pipeline. If you’re looking to catch a glimpse of the professionals strut their stuff across some amazing waves, bring binoculars: the waves here break farther offshore.

Waimea has it all, and is an amazing beach to visit year round. If you’re lucky enough to visit Hawaii in the summer, the Waimea Bay Beach Park is an ideal calm and placid spot with white sandy beaches, perfect for picnics and amateur snorkeling and swimming. If you find yourself fortunate enough to see this same beach in winter, you will stand awestruck at walls of surf towering twenty to forty feet high, conquered by only the most courageous and intrepid surfers. No matter the season, this famous beach is a must-see destination.

Before major security revisions made him reassess his golf course selections, the President is known to have played at the Olomana Golf Links Course as well as the Luana Hills Country Club. The President now plays at the Mid Pacific golf course, located on a secured Marine Base on the island of Oahu.

Watch windsurfers ride the waves at Ho’okipa Beach. Just past the small town of Paia is the most famous windsurfing beach in the world. Not for the faint of heart, this beach has large swells and heavy winds that create ideal conditions for veteran surfers and windsurfers, but will overpower novices. Parking and restrooms are available.

Kahanu Gardens are an almost 300-acre garden belonging to the National Tropical Botanical Garden and is also home to Hawaii’s largest remaining heiau shrine, spanning the length of two football fields and made entirely from lava rock. The entrance is located by Kalahu Point, which is just off the Ulaino Road which intersects with the Hana Highway.

Baldwin Beach Park is another great beach at which to stop, with beach shape and sand slopes that make it an ideal destination for body surfers. The beach park is a great place for a picnic lunch, complete with grassy expanses and facilities that have fresh water and restrooms.

Wai’anapanapa State Park features the most beautiful black sand beach in Maui, as well as some lava tube caves containing freshwater pools large enough to swim in. To visit this state park turn after mile marker#32 on to Honokalani Road where there is parking for the state park.

Extra Tips
Make sure to bring sunscreen if you’re driving with the top down. The fresh, fragrant island air and the gentle wind might help you forget, but a sunburn will never stop reminding you later.

There are now downloadable applications for smartphones that include mile-by-mile tours of the Hana Highway. These are great to play as you drive, preventing the need to pull over and read a map or a brochure.

There are a variety of vendors that prepare and sell freshly made food alongside the road of many of the turn-off points of the Highway. Keep an eye out if you find yourself a bit peckish.

Last but not least, if you’re worried about keeping your eyes on the road with so many beautiful distractions, consider one of the many tour companies that provide

Visitors without golf IDs (obtainable only by residents of Hawaii) can expect to pay $23 for a twilight/9-hole round, and $46 for an 18-hole round. Prices are the same regardless of weekday, weekend or holiday visits. Non-residents may call up to three days in advance for reservations, from 6:30am until closing. The course is open seven days a week, from 6am to 6pm. The Starter’s Office can be reached at 808.266.7612. Complete with a pro shop open daily from 7am-5pm, the Pali golf course the restaurant and snack bar are open from 6am to 6pm daily to accommodate that desire for a quick bite after a late round.

The municipal golf courses use an automated reservation system, and can be used by dialing 808.296.2000.

Current options in Oahu list five multilingual tour guides offering 24 tours of Oahu, ranging form military history tours to hidden waterfall hikes and trips to the best secluded beaches by land or by boat. If you take and enjoy a private island tour, consider becoming a tour provider in your own hometown.

Segway of Hawaii: www.segwayofhawaii.com
Based in Honolulu. Call 808.941.3151 for reservations.

Segway of Hawaii-Kailua: www.segwayofhawaii-kailua.com
Based in Kailua. Call 808.262.5511 for reservations.

Segventure: www.segventure.com
Based in Honolulu. Call 808.341.6537

The Wailea Golf Resort has a complete offering of amenities, with a pro shop and driving range, shower and locker facilities, as well as valet service. The Blue Course features a 19th-hole called Mulligans that is the toast of the resort, with an inviting, convivial atmosphere that includes excellent food and top quality cocktails.

Image: worradmu / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Reservations for tee times can be made at http://waileagolf.com or by calling 808.875.7450. Rates for the distinguished 18-hole course are $109, and reduced to $95 for twilight rounds starting after 1pm. Junior golfers age 17 or younger are eligible for a reduced green fee of $65.

The Wailea Golf Club is also home to the David Leadbetter Golf Academy. More information on the famous golf instructor and the academy can be found at www.davidleadbetter.com.

Visitors without golf IDs (obtainable only by residents of Hawaii) can expect to pay $23 for a twilight/9-hole round, and $46 for an 18-hole round. Prices are the same regardless of weekday, weekend or holiday visits. Non-residents may call up to three days in advance for reservations, from 6:30am until closing. The course is open daily from 6am-6pm. The municipal golf courses use an automated reservation system, and can be used by dialing 808.296.2000

Extra Tips
Unlike many other golf courses, parking is rarely a concern at West Loch, even on weekends.

Visitors without golf IDs (obtainable only by residents of Hawaii) can expect to pay $23 for a twilight/9-hole round. Prices are the same regardless of weekday, weekend or holiday visits. Non-residents may call up to three days in advance for reservations, from 6:30am until closing. The course is open daily from 7am-5pm. The municipal golf courses use an automated reservation system, and can be used by dialing 808.296.2000. The Kahuku Starter’s Office can be reached at 808.293.5842.

Non-resort guest golf rates are $179 for adults with reduced rates for play later in the afternoon. After 12pm, rates are $119, and $99 for twilight play after 2pm. Junior golfers up to the age of 17 can play the course for $75. Tee times can be reserved online at www.makenagolf.com, or by calling 808.891.4000.

Extra Tips
Unlike many other golf courses, parking is rarely a concern at the Waiehu Municipal Golf Course, even on weekends.

Reservations for tee times can be made at http://waileagolf.com or by calling 808.875.7450. Rates for the distinguished 18-hole course are $109, and reduced to $95 for twilight rounds starting after 1pm. Junior golfers age 17 or younger are eligible for a reduced green fee of $65.

Golf rates for visitors are $95 for a round of 18-holes, $75 for twilight rounds, junior walking rounds after 3pm are $10. There are also reduced rates for residents. Equipment including clubs and shoes can also be rented for a modest fee. The course is open from 6am-6pm. Tee time reservations can be made online at www.kahiligolf.com or by calling the golf shop at 808.242.4653.

Directions
Driving from Waikiki, take the H1 highway west to the H2 highway north. Take the Wahiawa exit (exit number 5), and pass through Wahiawa straight on to the Kamehameha Highway. Turn left at Haleiwa. Take a right to enter the North Shore Marketplace. The North Shore Surf and Cultural Museum is located in the back left area of the shopping center. Parking is plentiful in the marketplace parking lot. Admission to the surf museum is free, and the museum is open most afternoons. Contact the museum for any additional questions at 808.637.8888.

For additional inquiries or to set up an appointment with one of the marine biologists, call 808.667.6706 or send an email to theoceanproject@mac.com

Dive charters departing from Maui are also very likely to also visit dive spots off the wild coasts of Lanai and Molokai Islands. The heavy competition between vendors and companies offering dive tours creates lower prices than some of the other five markets in the islands, and a higher quality of service. Most boats will be departing from Lahaina Harbor.

Below are several companies offering scuba diving lessons and tours:

Lahaina Divers: www.lahainadivers.com
Offers tanks and scuba/snorkel tours. Book online or call l 808.667.7496 for reservations.

Maui Dreams Dive Company: www.mauidreamsdiveco.com
Offers a variety of guided dives and scuba gear rental. Book online or call 808.874.5332 for reservations

Maui Scuba Diving: www.mauiscuba.com
Offers a variety of dive adventures. Book online or call 808.879.3584 for reservations.

Companies offering kayak rentals and tours include:

Maui Kayaks: www.mauikayaks.com
Offers multiple kayak and combined kayak and snorkeling packages. Call 808.874.4000 for reservations.

Big Kahuna Surf-Kayaks: www.bigkahunaadventures.com
Kayak rentals starting at $40 for a single day or $240 for a week. Located in Kihei, call 877.747.2875 for reservations.

Maui Eco Tours: www.mauiecotours.com
Located in Kapalua, Maui Eco Tours offer several kayak adventures starting at $69. Make reservations online or call 808.891.2223.

Island Paddler Hawaii: www.islandpaddlerhawaii.com
Two locations, call 808.737.4854 for Honolulu shop, or 808.262.4866 for Kailua shop.

Outrigger Connection Hawaii: www.outriggerconnection.com
Call 808.261.8424 for reservations or additional inquiries.

Although not a venue for rentals or tours, the Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA) organizes regatta and long distance races of competitive canoe clubs. Inquiries regarding upcoming races can me sent to info@ohcra.com

There are numerous companies offering lessons, certification and guided tour dives around the water of Oahu. At smaller beaches and towns there is likely to be a vendor offering to rent scuba gear.

Aloha Scuba: www.alohascubadivers.com
Located in Wahiawa, offering lessons and guided tours. Call 808.622.3483 for reservations.

Ocean Concepts Scuba: www.oceansconcepts.com
Located in Honoulu, offering lessons, assistance in certfication and dive tours. Call 808.422.5990 for reservations.

Waikiki Dive Center: www.waikikidiving.com
Based in Honolulu, the dive center offers multiple guided tours for beginners. Call 808.922.2121 for reservations.

For more information including reservations as well as pictures of the horses, check online at www.ironwoodranch.com, or call 808.669.4991 with additional inquiries.

Trilogy Ocean Sports Lanai
The only full service dive operating on Lanai, Trilogy offers snorkel expeditions from the Manele Bay Small Boat Harbor. With a dedicated snorkel spot in a cove located on the southwest corner of Lanai, calm water is a constant and visibility extends beyond 100 feet. Charter schedules operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, from 8:30am-12pm on weekdays and 9:30am-1pm on weekends. Call 808.874.5649 for inquiries and reservations.

Tom’s Barefoot Tours
The warm ocean waters of Maui and Lanai are available for exploration with coordination by Tom’s Barefoot Tours. There is an incredible variety of packages to choose from, all catalogued on the website by island location and price, which vary from $46.66 to $697.90). The website is:
http://www.tombarefoot.com/hawaiian_islands/snorkeling_tours.html Additional inquiries or reservations can be made online or by contacting 800.799.6305.

Hawaii Water Sports Center: www.hawaiiwatersportscenter.com
Offers a wide variety of water sport activities including wakeboarding. Book reservations online, or contact 808.395.3773 for additional inquiries.

Sea Breeze Water Sports: www.seabreezewatersports.com
Offers a wide variety of water sport activities. Book reservations online, or call 808.396.0100 for additional inquiries.

Tom’s Barefoot Tours: www.tombarefoot.com
Offers a wide variety of equpment rental, and a portal for may vendors who organize water sport activities. Book online or contact 800.779.6305 for additional inquiries.

Kilohana Plantation is also home to the 22 Degree North restaurant, a farm-to-table operation that is open for lunch from 11am-2:30pm and again for dinner from 5:30-9pm. The bar area is open for drinks and appetizers from 11am-9pm.

Call 808.245.5608 for more information regarding prices of tours and other inquiries.

USS Arizona Memorial: Free admission, obtained by visiting the Visitor Center and distributed at a first come-first served basis.
USS Oklahoma Memorial: Free admission, requires shuttle ticket.
USS Bowfin Museum & Park: Tickets available for purchase the USS Bowfin ticket window.
USS Missouri Memorial: Tickets available for purchase the USS Bowfin ticket window.
Pacific Aviation Museum: Tickets available for purchase the USS Bowfin ticket window.

Pearl Harbor historic sites are closed for the observance of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Extra Tips
Security precautions prohibit almost any bag. It is highly recommended that you either travel light or make use of the storage locker facilities available near the USS Bowfin. Use of the lockers costs $3.

Little Beach’s eclectic community largely began when a large group of hippies began to settle in the area in 1969, growing in size to a peak of some 300-400 people before being forcibly evicted in 1972. The community has never really changed however, and a laid-back hippie sensibility is common here.

Depending on surf conditions, Little Beach can be a good spot for boogie boarding and surfing if you can either embrace or ignore the nudity. Waves can break all along the beach, but the best surf is a left-hand wave off the rocks to the left of the beach.

Sunday evenings include a unique celebration on Little Beach, beginning with a cheer for the sunset in the hopes of catching the elusive green flash and after dark incorporates chanting and a drum circle. When sky gets really dark, residents with a love of fire and a flair for the dramatic have taken to creating complex fire dance routines incorporating not just fire batons, but odd contraptions and costumes incorporating live fire into their display.

Alan Wong’s Restaurant, Roy’s Waikiki and Chef Mavro Restaurant are world-class restaurants consistently awarded top marks for their flavorful dishes favored by locals and visitors alike.

Alan Wong’s Restaurant: 1857 South King St., 3rd Floor Honolulu, HI. Call 808.949.2526 for reservations.

Roy’s Waikiki: 226 Lewers St. Honolulu, HI. Call 808.923.7697 for reservations.

Chef Mavro Restaurant: 1969 South King St., Honolulu, HI. Call 808.944.4714 for reservations.

Indigo Restaurant has been made famous as a celebrity destination.

Indigo Restaurant: 1121 Nuuanu Ave., Honolulu, HI. Call 808.521.2900 for reservations.

Featured on the Travel Channel as a top food pick by host Alan Richman, Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck is a North Shore favorite.

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck: 56-505 Kamehameha Hwy., Kahuku, HI and also 66-472 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI. No reservations required.

Standard attire is expected of both gentleman and ladies. Collared shirts and slacks or shorts reaching knee length are acceptable, while jeans are not considered appropriate attire. Metal-spikes are prohibited on this course.

Efforts by the Daughters of Hawaii Preservation Society prevented the proposed demolition of the Palace in 1913. Renovated to its original glory and maintained by the Society as a museum, the Palace remains as a tribute and memorial to the Hawaiian monarchs who ruled over the islands of Hawaii before its accession as a territory of the United States. Available to the public, tours of the Palace are $6 for adults $4 for seniors and $1 for children under the age of 15. Open daily from 9am-4pm. For additional inquiries, contact 808.595.3167

The Maui Classical Music Festival starts at the beginning of May every year, and has brought modern classical masters together at the Kapalua Resort for the last 30 years to select a musical program from Baroque period works to modern Twentieth Century Classical works and perform them in front of audiences. Check online at www.mauiclassicalmusicfestival.com for more information on the upcoming festival and to purchase tickets

MauiFEST Hawaii is an effort that in began in 2003 to help raise money for communities in need around Maui, and has sponsored or helped to sponsor musical festivals featuring local entertainment, often highlighting Hawaii’s lost culture. For questions regarding upcoming events, call 808.573.5530.

Offering a wide variety of music, the Maui Invitational Music Festival in Lahaina on the 4th of July every year is a popular destination for visitors wishing to hear music in a family-oriented venue while celebrating Independence Day.

In addition to these events, there are numerous small venues that hold concert series and small-scale music festivals

There are many who consider the Waikiki Trolley expensive, with a seven-day pass costing $7 per day, but it beats cab prices and car rentals. Depending on the length of your stay it might be a good way to get around town.

Less of a hike and more of a pleasant, leisurely stroll, Pele’s Chair is a great destination for the whole family. Leaving the paved road, the trailhead affords two paths to the famous lava formation. The first is slightly cooler and travels along a lower elevation, the second at a higher level. If you’re looking for a little variety, take one path up to Pele’s Chair and return via the second, as both are equally easy routes.

This famous lava formation draws its name from the resemblance it has to a throne, or chair that overlooks the ocean towards the other islands. In the native Hawaiian religion, Pele is the goddess of dance, fire, lightning, and volcanoes and remains an iconic figure in Hawaiian culture. Pele’s Chair is believed to be a coastal precipice from which the goddess last stood on Oahu before moving on to transform the other islands with her volcanic energy. Many visitors report feeling an eerie spiritual energy emanating from this formation, and sometimes you will find offerings left at the base of the lava formation, or even the rare soul meditating on the formation itself.

The hike to Pele’s Chair is short and easy, but it’s also very hot without any shade. If you aren’t lucky enough to enjoy a cool breeze, you’ll want to bring water or a shade umbrella if you’re going to stay and soak in the amazing view or linger longer and enjoy a picnic. The warm days often inspire many a visitor to venture towards the beach. While a popular destination, this beach somehow still feels secluded and the waters here are often great for snorkeling. Another amazing spot nearby is the natural ocean still-water swimming pool, created by a combination of natural rock breaks and a coral reef. Combine this natural volcanic must-see attraction with an afternoon at the beach for an amazing afternoon in Oahu!

You saved. You planned. You packed. And now it’s time to jet off on your Hawaiian vacation adventure. Congratulations! You’re officially in for the time of your life. But in the event that you haven’t planned out your entire trip down to the hour just yet (or have limited time to spend on each of our unique islands), we have a few suggestions on how to spend 36 amazing hours on the beautiful island of Molokai.
Molokai
FRIDAY

8:00 a.m.

1) At only 38 miles long and 10 miles wide, Molokai is one of the smaller islands in the center of the Hawaiian island chain. What is the best way to view this island’s beauty in its entirety? Why, by mule, of course! Kalaupapa Mule Tour offers one-of-a-kind tours to Kalaupapa National Historical Park – allowing you to be a “mule skinner” for a day! Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing and close-toed shoes, pack a bottle of water and a handful of snacks and get ready for a full day of natural wonder and beauty. Space is very limited, so reservations are required (book at least two weeks in advance, closed on Sundays). ($199 per person for guided mule tour; $69 per person for hiking tour; 800-567-7550; 808-567-0802; http://muleride.com)

3:00 p.m.

2) One of the best places in the world for whale watching is the island of Molokai. From December to April every year, an estimated 10,000 – 12,000 whales migrate to Hawaii and give birth to their young – and 75% of those whales can be seen off the coast of Molokai. Whale Watch Molokai offers fantastic boat tours to view these spectacular creatures up close. At just $69 for adults, $45 for children (ages 6 – 12; under 6 is free), you can’t pass up the chance to witness these fascinating creatures at play – and the tour team guarantees whale sightings or your next tour is free! (808-553-5926; http://whalewatchmolokai.com)

6:00 p.m.

3) Head to the Aloha Friday Sunset Celebration at Hula Shores inside Aqua Hotel Molokai for the best nightlife on Molokai. Na Kupuna, Hawaiian for “the elders” entertain guests through music, hula and stories passed down through generations. Enjoy Hawaiian regional cuisine while listening to the live music that plays on through the evening. You won’t want to leave! (808-553-5347; http://www.hotelmolokai.com)

SATURDAY

8:00 a.m

4) Visit the Kaunakakai Farmers Market in “downtown” Kaunakakai. Local artisans, farmers and crafters display a plethora of goods. Walk across the street to Kanemitsu Bakery for a light breakfast (and to locate the store so you’re ready for tonight’s late-night visit!).

11:00 a.m.

5) Start your Saturday off with a morning espresso tour at the Coffees of Hawaii Molokai Coffee Plantation (Hawaii is the only U.S. state to grow coffee). A plantation guide will take you and your party on a walking tour of the 500 acre plantation, offering a step-by-step tour of their sorting facility and processing procedures. And don’t forget to revive yourself at their coffee bar – they’ll provide sandwiches and snacks along the way! $20.00 for adults (http://www.coffeesofhawaii.com/plantations/molokai).

4:30 p.m.

6) Your outdoor excursions aren’t done yet! You must visit the 13^th century Hawaiian Fishponds, one of the Hawaiians’ greatest engineering innovations to this date. Most of the fishponds were built 700-800 years ago from lava boulders and coral that would keep fish inside while allowing the seawater to ebb in and out. The best and most beautiful examples of this ingenious fishing system can be found off the south and southeastern shores of Molokai, where more than 60 fishponds were once in use.

8:00 p.m.

7) A must-eat on the island is the Molokai Pizza Café in Kaunakakai. A wonderful gathering place for friends and family, the café – an island staple – is a local favorite. The best-selling pies are the Molokai (pepperoni and cheese), the Big Island (pepperoni, ham, mushroom, Italian sausage, bacon and vegetables) and the Molokini (plain cheese). If pizza isn’t your thing, feel free to dive into the very popular barbecue baby back rib plate, gourmet hamburgers or fresh fish dinners. (808-553-3288; located in Kahua Center on the old Wharf Road)

10:00p.m.

8) Return to Kanemitsu Bakery! This 80 year old bakery is famous for its hot bread served from the back door of the building late on Saturday night. Around 10 p.m. residents and visitors make their way down the dimly lit alleyway for a Molokai tradition: fresh hot loaves of bread filled with jelly, cream cheese, butter, cinnamon or sugar. Talk story with the residents who will tell you tales of their first memories of visiting the back door of the bakery, back when they were 7 years old and the loaves cost $.50. (79 Ala Malama Avenue, Kaunakakai; 808-553-5855)

10:15 p.m.

9) Return to Aqua Hotel Molokai for the best nightlife on Molokai. Torches flickering under palm trees and tiny fairy lights lining the dining room and neighboring pool area set the stage for some of the most pleasing ambiance on the island. Cheers! (808-553-5347; http://www.hotelmolokai.com)

SUNDAY

9:00 a.m.

10) Molokai has some to some of the most beautiful natural wonder the Hawaiian islands has to offer. Visit the tallest sea cliffs in the world – ranging from 3,600 to 3,900 feet – on the northern coast of the island. The rugged coastline is inaccessible by land, but during the summer months and in good weather (calmer waves), you can charter a boat tour to see these unique beauties.

12:00 p.m.

11) Visit the Kalapaupa Lookout for stunning vistas of Kalaupapa peninsula. Take a short 5 minute walk to landmark Phallic Rock (Kaule o Nanahoa). For generations women have come to this site to pray for fertility.  (Take Highway 470 north from Highway 460; follow to the end of the road, then follow signs to overlook)

IF YOU GO

Stay at Aqua Hotel Molokai, a Kaunakakai landmark located on Kamilola Beach, during your stay on Molokai. South Seas-style bungalows just steps to the water will elevate your vacation to that next level. (866-971-2782; http://www.aquaresorts.com)

The party only happens once a year, but if you’re one of the lucky few to be ringing in the New Year in Hawaii this year, you’ll have countless celebration options – from fireworks to outrageous bashes, Hawaii has it all!

Below are a handful of the top New Year’s Eve events in Hawaii this year. How will you be celebrating 2011 …?

FIREWORKS

On the island of Oahu, there are fireworks at midnight every year in front of the Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki Beach, at the Aloha Tower Marketplace in downtown Honolulu and at the Ihilani Resort and Spa in West Oahu. There is also a 7:00 p.m. display at the Wet ‘n’ Wild water park in Kapolei.

On Maui, there is a midnight fireworks display at the Grand Wailea Resort in South Maui.

On the island of Kauai, there is an evening fireworks display at Poipu Beach between about 10:00 p.m. and midnight.

Arrive early to score the best seats!

PARTIES

Thirtyninehotel’s Smell the Glove New Year’s Eve party boats disco, techno and house music by DJ Mark Chittom from New York, DJ Timo and Grady Gillan. Complimentary pupu is available for early comers; a balloon drop and free champagne awaits guests at midnight. Book in advance ($15) at http://thirtyninehotel.com.

Apartment3 is offering free makeovers beginning at 9:00 p.m. and happy hour prices until 8:00 p.m. Guests are free before 9:00 p.m. VIP packages are available. For more information, visit http://www.apartmentthree.com.

Firewater Events is throwing Honolulu’s only New Year’s Eve yacht party this year and promises three levels of entertainment. The yacht features unparalleled views of the fireworks at midnight! Book in advance ($45) at http://firewaterevents.com.

Hawaii’s only Latino New Year’s Eve party is being thrown at Café Che Pasta in downtown Honolulu. Ring in the New Year by dancing to merengue, bachata, mambo and salsa music. Guests will also enjoy free champagne and food from the restaurant’s tamale bar. Cover is $10. For more information, visit  http://chepastacafe.com.

Roadrunner and Bud Light are throwing a huge block party at Aloha Tower with seven stages, 30 DJs and bands and, of course, a midnight fireworks show. General admission is $15; a $50 VIP ticket includes a premium view of the fireworks, tapas and pupu, open Stella and Bud Light bar until 11:00 p.m. and a complimentary champagne toast. Purchase tickets at all T & C Surf locations, military outlets, Hungry Ear, UH Campus Center, All Local Motion Outlets or call (855)-2-FLAVOR.

Happy New Year!

Image Courtesy HawaiiLifeofLuxury.com

It’s inevitable. Your little one gets asked what he or she wants most for Christmas by the big man himself and out of his or her mouth come the words every parents fears most … “Santa, I’d love a kitten for Christmas!”

Thankfully, 9^th Life Hawaii, Maui’s only no-kill Cat Rescue and Sanctuary has the answer! Having already rescued more than 100 orphan kittens – some as little as three ounces – 9^th Life Hawaii has many an adorable kitty just waiting and ready for a new home.

All kittens at 9^th Life Hawaii have been hand raised and are extremely affectionate. Kittens of all sizes, colors and hair length – some even with blue eyes – are available for adoption.

9^th Life Hawaii is situated on two acres in a secluded area of Maui. The facility is fenced with cat fencing that allows many of their kitties to roam safely around the grounds.  Completely operated by donations and headed by volunteers, 9^th Life Hawaii has the “purr”fect feline companion awaiting your precious little one this holiday season!

For an adoption appointment, call 573-3365 or visit http://9thlifehawaii.org.

Image Courtesy DailyCuteness.com

Craving something a little different to eat for dinner this holiday season? Why not indulge your taste buds in a traditional Mexican delight, the taco, at Pablo’s Cantina in Honolulu?

Every Tuesday, Pablo’s Cantina features a Taco Tuesday promotion where from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., a taco bar is set up on its open lanai. Guests can purchase $1 ground beef or shredded chicken tacos or $2 marinated pork or carnitas tacos.

Pablo’s Cantina opened earlier this fall in the Old Compadre’s Bar and Grill space at Ward Centre. If you haven’t had the chance to pay Pablo a visit just yet, now is your chance!

Pitchers of margaritas ($13) are always flowing and the Coronas ($3) are always available. DJ Billy G is also on-hand to spin Top 40 and classic 1980’s tunes, so the entire evening will be one big party … that doesn’t break the bank!

Have you enjoyed Taco Tuesdays yet? What did you think? Let us know!

Image Courtesy HonoluluMagazine.com

Throughout history, this specific astrological event has constantly wowed and worried stargazers. In 1453, it fulfilled a prophecy that saw the fall of Constantinople, the capture of the capital of the Byzantine Empire, during a two-month siege. In 1504, Christopher Columbus pointed to the event in a successful effort to intimidate the natives of Jamaica into providing provisions for him and his men. What monumental event is it that we speak of …? Why, a lunar eclipse, of course!

Unlike a solar eclipse, which can only be viewed from a small area of the globe, a lunar eclipse can be viewed from anywhere on the night side of the planet and occurs when the moon passes behind the Earth so that the Earth blocks the sun’s rays from striking the moon.

The next lunar eclipse is scheduled to occur tonight, Monday, December 20, and Haleakala Nation Park in Maui is hosting a free lunar eclipse and star-watching event to commemorate the occasion.

The gathering will take place at the nearly 10,000 feet elevation at the Haleakala Visitor Center on the rim of the park’s crater. Scheduled programming will include Hawaiian story telling, clear star views and moon lore.

If you plan to attend – and we think you should! – be sure to bring a flashlight, binoculars and warm clothes.

The event is free, but there is a $10 parking fee. Space is limited, so arrive early!

Happy moon gazing!

Image Courtesy Flickr.com

The quiet little plantation village of Hakalau is well known among Hawaiians for its fishing, beautiful parks and its national wildlife refuge. But once a year, the town opens its doors wide to invite locals and guests alike to take place in an annual tradition that helps ring on the new year with a pounding, er, bang.

The 13^th Annual Traditional Mochi (rice cake) Pounding for the New Year takes place on Monday, December 27 from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Akiko’s Buddhist Bed and Breakfast.

Good luck rice cakes are pounded and made using traditional, old-fashioned methods. Guests can take their turns pounding the glutinous sticky rice for good luck in the New Year.

The event includes a hearty lunch, fantastic local entertainment, fortune telling, Japanese calligraphy and more. Admission is $5.

For more information, visit http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/akiko/calendar.htm.

Happy pounding!

Image Courtesy Alternative-Hawaii.com

The holidays are about many things – family, friends, but most importantly, tradition dating back centuries. For one historic town in Kauai, tradition plays an important role in its annual holiday festivities.

On Saturday, December 18, the town of Waimea will celebrate its 17^th annual Waimea Lighted Christmas Parade. Waimea has been hosting holiday events since 1786 when British Caption George Dixon anchored off the coast and ordered a Christmas dinner and a bowl of punch be prepared to honor the occasion. Today, that tradition has turned into something with a little more sparkle.

The parade, held since 1944, begins at Waimea Canyon Park and goes down Kaumaulii Highway to Ala Wai Road before heading back west to end at Hofgaard Park at the center of town. Patrons are invited to arrive as early as 3:00 p.m. to browse Waimea’s shops, enjoy a leisurely dinner and watch the parade, which begins at dusk. After the parade, live festivities will take place in the park with free music, free beverages, baked good and treats.

Organizers suggest finding your spot for parade viewing by 4:00 p.m. in order to secure the best locations. Parking is a tad less congested on the Kekaha side of town, so arrive early and get ready to be merry!

For more information, visit http://www.wkbpa.org/christmas.html.

Image Courtesy BigIslandChronicle.com

Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker has become such an iconic holiday treasure that it’s no surprise that a handful of variations and, well, knock offs have taken shape in recent years. For those looking for an alternative to the epic ballet, look no further than the historic Aloha Theatre this December as “The Little Sisters of Hoboken” take to the stage in the outrageous satiric musical Nuncrakers.

Set in real time, the stage of the Aloha Theatre in Kainaliu is transformed into the basement of the Mount Saint Helen’s Convent for the production. The basement also doubles as a Cable Access Studio with two cameras and monitors giving the  audience a glimpse into what appears to be an actual production produced live and sent out into the ether for all to enjoy.

Expect joyful singing, inspired dancing and uproarious laughter from the endearing Reverend Mother, Sister Mary Huber, Sister Robert Anne and Sister Mary Paul a.k.a. Amnesia.  The musical features such hilarious songs as Twelve Days Prior to Christmas, Santa Ain’t Comin’ to Our House, We Three Kings of Orient Are Us and It’s Better to Give than to Receive.

Nuncrackers runs Friday and Saturday, December 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors, students and children.

For tickets and more information, call (808) 322-9924 or visit https://www.ticketturtle.com/index.php?show=12460.

Get ready to laugh!

Image Courtesy Tams-witmark.com

It’s that magical time of year once again! There’s a certain cheer in the air, the sound of jingle bells can be heard faintly in the distance, and the Honolulu City Lights once again shine proudly for all to enjoy.

The Honolulu Hale (for jolly ol’ visitors to our islands, “Hale” rhymes with “holly”) and grounds are once again host to the spectacular holiday decorations that twinkle nightly. Throughout December, a handful of special events and treats are in store for visitors to the Honolulu Hale.

On December 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18 from 4:30 – 8:30 p.m., ING DIRECT’s Café Cruiser will serve free hot chocolate to guests by the flagpole in front of the Fasi Municipal Building on King Street.

On December 11 and 18 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., Kraft Foods in Hawaii will present free photos with Santa Claus at the Gingerbread House in the Honolulu Hale Courtyard. Be sure to bring along your inner child, as well, because clowns, balloons, glitter tattoos and face painting will be available to all guests!

The Honolulu Hale is located at 530 South King Street in Honolulu. For more information, call (808) 523-4674.

Happy Honolulu Hale holidays!

Image Courtesy HonoluluCityLights.org.

Few Hawaiian exports have made such a mark on the rest of the world as hula dancing. There are many styles of hula, but the dance is most commonly divided into two broad categories: ancient hula – called “kahiko” – that is accompanied by chant and traditional instruments and “auana,” which evolved in the 19^th and 20^th centuries under Western influence and is accompanied by such musical instruments as the guitar, the ukulele and the double bass.

The Maui Arts & Cultural Center is proudly displaying “Ho’oulu: The Inspiration of Hula” exhibit now through December 23 in the Shaefer International Gallery. The families of hula icons Emma Farden Sharpe, Nina Boyd Maxwell and Leiana Long Woodside have generously loaned costumes, adornments and implements of hula to the exhibit.

Included in the exhibit are beautiful black and white portraits of these iconic women and others as photographed by Shuzo Uemoto; award-winning paintings that feature such luminaries as ‘Iolani Luahine, Rosalie Lokalia Montgomery, Mark Kawena Pukui and Edith Kanaka’ole; and many other distinctive heirlooms.

As part of the exhibition, a free Storytelling Festival will take place on Saturday, December 11 that features renowned hula families of Maui sharing their stories and insights into life and hula.

The Schaefer International Gallery at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.mauiarts.org.

Image Courtesy of MauiArts.org.

Dorothy said it best to her band of misfit friends when she said, “there’s no place like home.” And on Monday, December 6, the second annual Holiday Home Tour will take place in West Maui from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Participants will be able to tour six Upcountry homes, including behind-the-scenes peeks at Hali’imaile General Store chef Bev Gannon’s personal kitchen and artist George Allen’s studio and gallery.

The day’s events will also feature a silent auction that offers hotel stays, luau sunset sails and restaurant certificates. Ticket holders will be entered to win door prizes, as well, that were donated by local merchants and businesses. Iced tea and cookies courtesy of Big Island Candles will be served alone the home tour route.

Tickets purchased in advance are $25.  In West Maui, tickets are available by calling Kapalua Realty at 665-5454 or Take Home Maui in Lahaina at 661-8067. Kihei residents can call 879-9964, and Upcountry residents can call 572-0671.

Tickets also will be available for $30 on the day of the tour at Hali’imaile General Store. Proceeds from the event will benefit Planned Parenthood’s educational outreach programs on Maui.

Image Courtesy LuxuryVillasMaui.com.

“Mele Kalikimaka” is the thing to say on a bright Kona Christmas day! December might be just around the corner, but Christmas has already arrived in Kona with the culinary gala of the holiday season: Christmas at Kona Village, Dining with the Chefs on Saturday, December 4.

The 22^nd annual fundraiser, which benefits culinary students, is presented by the American Culinary Federation Kona Kohala Chefs Association. The event takes place from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Kona Village Resort.

Attendees will be wowed by delicious cuisine prepared by the island’s top chefs, as well as a handcrafted gingerbread display, 100 percent Kona coffee, ales and fine wines. The Bill Noble Trio are also scheduled to perform during the evening’s festivities.

A live auction will offer guests the chance to bid on exclusive private dinners and culinary activities catered by local chefs – from a chef’s table for eight at Mi’s Italian Bistro to a dinner for six in your home prepared by Chef Peter Abarcar, Jr., or a festive chocolate extravaganza for 25 at an exclusive residence.

Proceeds from the auction benefit scholarship assistance to student culinarians at Hawaii Community College, high schools and to qualifying American Culinary Federation members for continuing education. Event participants include Hawaii’s top resorts and restaurants: Mauna Kea Beach Resort, Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows, Daniel Thiebaut’s, Sansei’s Waikoloa, Monettes, Kona Village Resort, Royal Kona Resort, Kona Brewery and the new Humpy’s Big Island Ale House to name a few.

Attendance is limited to 500, so get your tickets now while you still can! Individual admission is $75 per person; a reserved table for 10 is $1,000.

For tickets and more information, call 329-2522 or visit www.konakohalachefs.org.

Image Courtesy Hawaii247.com

No other fashion designer has infiltrated the retail space as rapidly and widespread as Ed Hardy these past few years, but the man arguably more famous for his t-shirts than his tattoo art is offering Honolulu visitors and locals a rare glimpse into the more artistic side of his creations with an artwork display at the Robyn Buntin gallery through Saturday, November 27.

Aptly titled “Beyond Fashion: The Personal Art of Ed Hardy,” the exhibit features Lucite paintings, sketches and cobalt underglazed porcelain pieces from the designer – who calls Hawaii home for part of the year.

… and don’t worry, characteristic images of fearsome tigers, angry devils and surfing mice are abound in the exhibit. It’s rock star art to the max!

The Robyn Buntin gallery is located at 848 S. Beretania St. and is open Monday – Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

For more information, visit http://www.robynbuntin.com or call 523-5913.

Image Courtesy HonoluluWeekly.com

The turkey has been stuffed, the potatoes have been mashed and the cranberries have been sauced … or have they? Thanksgiving is just days away, and whether you’re visiting our fair state for the holidays or just not fully prepped and ready to slave away in the kitchen, a delicious holiday feast can still be on your menu.

Check out these valuable food options in Honolulu that can save you time, energy, even money while still leaving you full of delicious food (and thanks!).

• Hoku’s inside the Kahala Hotel is hosting a Thanksgiving brunch buffet ($70 for adults, $52 for children) that features made-to-order sushi, seafood and eggs benedict. Or, if a dinner is what you crave, try their five-course prix fixe menu ($70 per person) that includes pumpkin spice foie gras, kabocha bisque and herb-roasted turkey. Call 739-8760 for reservations.
• Turtle Bay’s Palm Terrace on the North Shore features a Thanksgiving buffet ($46 for adults, $23 for children) with such dishes as lobster bisque, shrimp, sushi, Hawaiian-crusted prime rib, turkey and pecan-crusted tofu. Call 293-6000 for reservations.
• The historic and grand Royal Hawaiian Monarch Room is offering a Thanksgiving dinner buffet ($88 for adults, $55 for children) that includes such offerings as gourmet prosciutto, Szechuan slipper lobster stew with shiitake mushrooms and flambéed apple bananas. Call 921-4600 for reservations – they’re going quickly!
• The Hale Aina Award-winning Azure Restaurant is offering a four-course Thanksgiving day dinner ($60 per person) that includes traditional favorites as well as Hawaiian accents – like roasted turkey with Hawaiian pipikaula stuffing. Call 921-4600 for reservations.
• The Pikake Terrace inside the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani offers a perfect setting for a Thanksgiving Day buffet dining experience ($36.50 for adults, $12.50 for children), with traditional dishes like carved turkey and apple-chestnut stuffing. And don’t forget to check out Santa’s German Gingerbread Village while you’re there (unveiled on November 24). Call 921-4600 for reservations.

… remember to act fast as advance reservations are generally required and nearly full!

Image Courtesy HonoluluMagazine.com

Big waves are about to hit the big screen as the North Shore Surf Film Festival hits Oahu early next month. From December 3 – 5, the Mokuleia Polo Field will be host to three days of festivities, including premieres of feature and short films, island food and drink, and live music on Sunday night with Titus Kinimaka and the Kauai Boys.

The North Shore Surf Film Festival kicks off at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 3 with a special VIP reception for invited guests. On Saturday and Sunday, gates open at 3:30 p.m. with exciting polo exhibitions featuring professional surfer Jaime Sterling. Two feature surf films and a selection of shorts – many major award winners and Hawaii premieres – will be shown each evening, as well.

Films to be screened include “Scratching the Surface” starring Julian Wilson and “Best Surf Film” winner at the California Surf Festival; “Sea of Darkness,” the most talked about surf film of the year, which details the story of Maui’s Mike Boyum and the start of the first surf camp; and “Fly in the Champagne,” an award winning film that showcases the rivalry, deep respect and friendship of Andy Irons and Kelly Slater.

Funds raised at the festival benefit Mauli Ola Foundation, North Show Lifeguard Association, Rell Sunn Brozne Memorial and Hawaii-Polo, Makuleia.

Tickets for the festival are $20 for each evening; all access VIP passes for all three nights (including food, drinks, preferred seating and parking) are $150. Mokuleia Polo Fields are located at is 68-411 Farrington Hwy, Waialua, Ha 96791 (www.hawaii-polo.org).

Tickets are on sale at HIC (Hawaiian Island Creations) Surf Haleiwa 66-224 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712 and Waikiki HIC, 298 Beachwalk Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 or call (808) 923-0442.

Surfs up!

Image Courtesy SurferToday.com

It’s often said that laughter is the best medicine, but Sounding Joy Music Therapy might argue that the harmonic tones of beautiful music might just have the same cathartic effects.

On Thursday, November 18, Sounding Joy Music Therapy will kick off a series of three free piano benefit concerts in Hawaii aimed to raise awareness of the benefits of music therapy. The first piano recital – featuring world-renowned classical pianist Donna Stoering – will take place from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Maui Music Conservatory in Kahului, Maui. A second concert will be held on November 19 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the East-West Cultural Center in Hilo, and the final benefit will be held at the Central Union Church in Honolulu from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 20.

Donna Stoering has been wowing audiences since the age of five with her skills as a pianist. She is Artist in Residence to Oxford University; host and presenter of countless television programs about music in numerous countries worldwide; the youngest judge of international music competitions in Russia, Italy, Canada and the United Kingdom; and is the creator and producer of music programs now shown on the BBC, among other networks.

Stoering is also the founder of Listen for Life (www.listenforlife.org), a global family of music listeners and performers working together to restore music as a unifying force and channel of communication worldwide.

For more information, visit http://soundingjoymt.org.

… now that’s music to our ears!

Image Courtesy AlohaUpate.com

Dorothy and her three storybook pals might have been afraid of them, but there’s nothing ferocious or fearful about the bears invading Waikiki – teddy bears, to be exact. Teddy Bear World Hawaii, a two-story, 17,000 square-foot bear-themed museum, opened this week at the former Waikiki Planet Hollywood location on Kalakaua Avenue.

The museum is broken down into sections for your visual enjoyment. Some of these sections include:

• The 8 Wonders of America features 11 dioramas of animatronic bears depicting such landmarks as Mount Rushmore, the Rocky Mountains and even New York City.
• Dinosaur Park showcases realistic, moving dinosaurs interacting with teddy bears.
• Save the Planet combines facts about endangered bear species with eye-popping scenes of at-risk bears in action.

The museum begins with an exhibit telling tale of the teddy bear’s namesake, Theodore Roosevelet, and continues with features of historical events, such as the teddy bear created for the families of those lost on the Titanic. The museum also features an exhibit of antique bears, ranging from a 1905 mohair bear to more recent bears like Teddy Ruxpin and Care Bears.

And don’t forget to check out the oversized bear section and snap photos with sumo bear, surfer bear, Elvis bear and even Obama bear!

Teddy Bear World Hawaii is located at 2155 Kalakaua Avenue and open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Admission is $15 for adults, $11 for children and seniors; children four and younger are free. For more information, visit http://www.teddybearworldhawaii.com.

Image Courtesy HonoluluPulse.com

Did you know that Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. to produce its own coffee? And what better way to celebrate our unique homegrown flavor than with our state’s oldest food festival – the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival?

Now through November 14, the 40^th Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is set to celebrate Kona’s 182-year coffee heritage with more than 50 events that promise something for everyone. Festival signature events include a Coffee & Art Stroll, Cupping Competition, Farm & Mill Tours, International Lantern Parade and exploring Kona coffee country’s cafes, retail stores and community with a self-guided driving tour brochure.

For more information, visit http://www.konacoffeefest.com or call (808) 326-7820.

Drink up!

For most people, the holidays are a time for family togetherness and celebration. Whether you’re visiting Hawaii this holiday season or live on our fair islands year-round, there’s something for everyone this fall that are bound to get even the grumpiest of Scrooges in the holiday spirit.

First up this fall, it’s time to get creative with your kids for a chance to win $100 in the Star Advertiser’s ornament contest! The annual contest sees the staff of the newspaper selecting daily finalists to be printed in the paper beginning November 26. On Christmas Day, the Advertiser will run all 29 finalists and announce the winner.

The contest is open to kids up to age 12. Entries must be two-dimensional, between five and eight inches wide and must be submitted by mail along with a printed entry form. For more information about the contest, visit http://www.staradvertiser.com.

If you and your kids are keen on keeping your ornament creations, then why not create your own at Island Glassworks of Kailua. This month, Island Glassworks will offer a special, one-hour Christmas Ornament Workshop that will teach not only the basics of shop safety, but also an introduction to the tools and techniques of furnace work and glass blowing – and students will leave with their very own handcrafted Christmas ornament!

The fee for the course is $25 per student, with four to eight students per hour on Saturdays between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. For more information, e-mail info@islandglassworks.com.

Happy Holidays!

Image Courtesy AllThingsChristmas.com

Everyone who vacations in Hawaii has his or her own reasons for doing so. Perhaps a little rest and relaxation is just what the doctor ordered to cure the cubicle blues. Or maybe a family reunion in the sun and surf is on the cards. Still, some just drop in for that first (or perhaps second, third, fourth …) chance to play 18 rounds on our world-famous, breathtakingly-beautiful golf courses. Without a doubt, Hawaii features some of the best golf greens on the planet.

If you’re searching for some killer sand traps, look no further than these fantastic offerings on Kauai:

1. Princeville Prince Golf

This par 72, 18-hold adventure on Kauai is arguably one of the best courses in the world. In fact, Golf Digest named jewel-rated beauty Hawaii’s top track! The Prince Course opens with a knee-knocking 448-yard par 4 that slides downhill to the right to a green guarded by a serene, but dangerous water hazard. There’s no better way to kick start your adrenaline than with an opening shot at the Prince Course! (http://www.princeville.com; 800-826-1105)

2. Makai Golf Club at the St. Regis Princeville

Just a few short miles from the Prince Course, the Makai Golf Club enjoyed a recent makeover of its 27 spectacular holes. With smaller greens, revamped bunkers and a newly expanded practice facility, the 7,204-yard Makai 18 was once host to the PGA Tour’s Kemper Open and is highlighted by a par-3 signature seventh that feels like you’re standing on top of the world. (http://www.makaigolf.com; 808-826-1912)

3. Kauai Lagoons Golf Club

Once simply regarded as a spectacle with its live exotic animals on manmade islands, five-star restaurants and high-end shopping, Kauai Lagoons Golf Club has since become a can’t-miss course. The 36 holds of Kauai Lagoons have it all – beauty, challenge and convenience, given it’s but a mere few minutes by shuttle from the island’s international airport. The course’s signature hole is number 16, a short par 4 that runs along – and high above – the magnificent Pacific. (http://www.kauailagoonsgolf.com; 800-634-6400)

4. Poipu Bay Gold Course

With palm trees galore and remnants of ancient heiaus (places of worship) as a backdrop, this par 72 course at the southern point of the island is not one to be missed. You may have even seen the course in action before, as the PGA’s Grand Slam of Golf was played at Poipu Bay from 1994 to 2006. Holes 15, 16 and 17 hug the ocean in a breathtaking fashion, but watch out for those trade winds! Rumor has it even Tiger Woods had trouble navigating the 7,123-yard challenge. (http://www.poipubaygolf.com; 800-858-6300)

5. Puakea Gold Course

This 6,954-yard, par 72 course has another claim to fame other than just great golfing – not too long ago, dinosaurs roamed the hills and wreaked havoc across the mountains overlooking Puakea! Granted, we’re just talking about scenes filmed for Jurassic Park, but the views of this course are stunning nonetheless. The final eight are among the most splendid and serene on Kauai, in fact. But don’t take our word for it, book a tee time and find out for yourself! (http://www.puakeagolf.com; 866-773-5554)

Fore!

Image Courtesy HeliGolfHawaii.com

Now that Halloween has come and gone, candy and sweets might very well be the last things on our minds. For visitors to Maui, however, award-winning chocolate is being added to the must-taste menu this month.

Sweet Paradise Chocolatier, an artisan chocolate company originally located on Hawaii’s Big Island, is moving its production kitchen to the Lahaina Design Center in West Maui.

The new space – due to open this month – will be an open concept kitchen where customers can order a handmade hot chocolate or 100 percent Hawaiian drip of French press coffee, then sit and enjoy the sights and smells of artisan chocolates being made. Guests can also purchase a guided tasting flight of world origin chocolates, including Hawaiian-grown chocolate, or take home boxes of freshly-made chocolates direct from the kitchen showcase.

Melanie Boudar, owner of Sweet Paradise Chocolatier, creates more than 40 unique and tropical flavor truffles and confections in her shop. Special colors, textures and flavors include Coconut Curry, Lilikoi Silk, Mango Mojito, Cappuccino Tiramisu Lime in the Coconut, Lemon Basil with Pink Peppercorn and Wasabi Ginger Sesame.

For more information about this world-class, award-winning Hawaiian chocolates, visit http://www.sweetparadisechocolate.com.

Image Courtesy SweetParadiseChocolate.com.

Long before the holiday hustle and bustle begins to stress out and wear down even the most zen of patrons, Maui locals and guests can laugh out loud and preempt a bit of that impending tension with the hilarious comedic stylings of Brett Ernst.

Famed comedian Brett Ernst will take the stage on Thursday, November 7 at the intimate McCoy Studio Theater as part of the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s new stand-up comedy series.

Brett Ernst is best known for his specials on Comedy Central, BET Network’s “One Mic Stand” and Showtime’s “Comedy Without Borders.” He has headline comedy clubs throughout American and has earned the prestigious honor of marquee status on famed the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. Ernst will also soon be hosting a new television series for the Oxygen network entitled “Love Games; Bad Girls Need Love, Too.”

Tickets to the event are $25 and $45 for VIP seating with post-show meet and greet (plus applicable fees). The Maui Arts & Cultural Center is located in Kahului, Maui.

For tickets and more information, visit https://www.mauiarts.org/tickets.

Happy laughing!

Image Courtesy MauiArts.org

We here in Hawaii like to believe that our islands offer something for everyone – the sporting enthusiast, the adventure-seeker and the kid-at-heart. But our islands are so much more than just the perfect vacation destination; Hawaiian cuisine offers those with an eye – and appetite – for good taste (quite literally!) yet another reasons to visit. And with the introduction of two new fantastic vegan restaurants in Honolulu, our islands truly do have something for, well, everyone!

The first vegan eatery to plant its roots in Honolulu is Peace Café, which opened in May. Comfortable and cozy, Peace Café serves sandwich options like tempeh glazed with teriyaki sauce or miso-tahini spinach and tofu. Lunch boxes can include a Moroccan stew with chickpeas and whole wheat couscous, tofu on rice and steamed vegetables. And don’t forget dessert! Peace Café serves up a variety of baked goods including kianko (soybean flour) cookies, bread pudding, Mexican chocolate tart and apple cinnamon mochi cake.

“Honolulu is ready for vegan,” says Neil Phan, co-owner of Loving Hut, one of two new vegan restaurants in Honolulu. Loving Hut has 120 eateries internationally and moved his establishment to Hawaii after noticing a trend towards environmental awareness and health consciousness.  Loving Hut hopes to “express compassion, sustai