Beatiful Hawaiian Sunsets That You Can’t Miss!
June 4th, 2010
Romantic getaways, in general, would include watching the sun rise or set from wherever you have booked your vacation. As Hawaii is one of the world’s best places for romantic getaways, it just makes sense that Hawaii Sunsets are also one of the best in the world.
Capture the Beauty in Pictures
You can only be so grateful that there are digital cameras nowadays. You can now capture Hawaii’s sunset in all its beauty in as many pictures as your memory cards will let you. Despite the thousands and thousands of pictures taken by professional and amateur photographers in Hawaii, it still remains one of the most shot scenes in the world – and each one still comes out different from the rest.
If you plan to take sunset memories from your Hawaii vacation, make sure you head to the west side of the islands well ahead of time. You don’t want to be there when the sun is already starting to set – you need more time to find the perfect view and angle for your photos and you need to set-up your camera and your tripod before the spectacle in the sky begins.
Once your camera gear is set-up, sit back for a while and enjoy what you are about to see. The intense hues of orange, yellow and red during sunsets in Hawaii will leave you open-mouthed in amusement. Those Hawaii postcards and sunset photos that you have been seeing all your life will suddenly become more real than ever – they, after all, may have not been edited in the computer!
Beautiful Anywhere, Anyhow
Sunsets are beautiful anywhere – some places just make it so much more beautiful than others. Sunsets in Hawaii, however, are the best because you can get views of tropical sunsets over the horizon, along a street lined with tropical trees, from a mountain’s peak, on top of a building, at a beach or from a deserted island. You can literally see sunsets with different views and angles for every day of your vacation.
A famous sunset spot is at the Kona Inn Restaurant in the Kona Inn Shopping Village in downtown Kailua-Kona. From there, you get a view of the Kailua Pier amidst boats and rolling waves from the wide open area of green grass and palm trees next to the sea wall. Also in Kona is the Anaehoomalu Bay, which is lined with palm trees that make for perfect subjects or backdrop to the sunset.
In Oahu, top spots where tourists go to are the beach parks of Nanakuli, Kuhio, Maili and Pokai Bay, as well as Makua Cave and Yokohama Bay. If you are in staying at the Ilikai Hotel in Waikiki, go up to the top floor and enjoy a spectacular view of the sunset against the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor. Stay a little longer after the sunset and you will see a magnificent view as Honolulu South Shore’s skyline lights up for the evening. The Kakaako Waterfront Park offers a more solitary view than others, but still gives a sight to behold.
Point is, no matter where you go in Hawaii, you are bound to see a sunset that will take your breath away. And from them on, you just know… sunsets will never be the same again.
Explore Hawaii Through Kayaking
June 2nd, 2010
Hawaii is so diverse in its natural beauty that there is always something you can do there, regardless of what you like for your vacations. You can enjoy Hawaii by swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, sky diving, trekking, biking… the list goes on. One thing that you can do in Hawaii but not in most other famous vacation destinations, however, is kayaking. Hawaii kayaking is definitely a must-try for those who have never tried kayaking before, and those who have tried it before elsewhere will surely be in for a different thrill.
Kayak for Everyone
Regardless of which island in Hawaii you are visiting, there are plenty of opportunities to go kayaking. Hawaii, as you know, has the most breathtaking waters in the world. What better way to enjoy it other than making an adventure out of moving from one spot to another other than by kayaking!
Kayaking in Hawaii is available for both beginners and experts. Having a kayak is a good way to get more out of your trip when you are going through the Pacific Ocean and some of the islands’ rivers, as well as to get to some of the secluded snorkeling spots in the island.
If you are a seasoned kayaker, go around Molokai and head out to deeper waters for a chance to see humpback whales or spinner dolphins within a few feet from you. In Oahu’s Kailua Bay, you can also enjoy exploring one of its three islands, an offshore rock, rugged sea cliffs, fantastic reef formations, and the best that marine life has to offer.
Kayaking also does not always have to be an extreme adventure. You can go kayaking if you are only looking for another way to enjoy Hawaii’s natural wonders. Paddling in waters where depth is consistent, for example, gives you a good way of relaxing and enjoying the views around you. You can also include off-shore islands in your paddling route that will surely give you a good exercise for the few hours that you are in the water.
Before Going into the Waters
When preparing your kayaking adventure, make sure you know how much physical work your body can take. While you don’t have to be physique-perfect to enjoy one, you have to know how much paddling you can do so you can plan out a route that will get you back on land within a reasonable time for your standards. If you are a first timer, you may want to get the assistance of a tour operator offering kayaking trips. It is best to get a guide to help you out, especially when stronger currents or gusting winds in some areas may make it difficult for you to paddle to your starting point or your destination.
Just like any water sport, you and your experience can only be as good as your equipment. Make sure you rent or buy your gear from reputable places. The cheapest is not always the best deal, so you have to be careful where you get them.
And of course, do not forget to bring your (underwater) camera. You never know what you get to see, and more often than not, the sights are so spectacular you will never forget them for the rest of your life – picture or no picture.
Tips to Help You Save Money on Your Hawaiian Vacation
May 31st, 2010
Going on a vacation, even in the best places in the world, does not always have to cost you an arm and a leg. As many people say, the best things in life are free. Though it will be a little bit of a stretch to expect to get a free vacation all the time, you can check out some of these tips on saving money in Hawaii and still have the best vacation ever!
Fail to plan, plan to fail
While it’s exhilarating to just go out on an adventure and be spontaneous about vacations, it is not always the best thing to do if you are working on a budget. The first thing you need to do when have a limited budget is plan the trip properly. You don’t have to plan out every single detail of your trip but at least get the basics in order, such as where you will stay and what activities you want to engage in.
International hotels and resorts are wonderful places to stay in, but that does not mean that you have to stay there to have the best experiences. Local Bed and Breakfast places, for example, can give you an even better experience as the owners or managers can give you more personalized services as well as give advices on what to do while in the area. Hawaii is a haven of beaches, waterfalls, forests and the city – you want to see as much of it as possible and the locals can lead you to the most pristine places.
To get you to some places, you will need to join tour groups. It is inevitable, so you might as well book ahead of time to take advantage of the special discounts from tour operators if you book at least two weeks in advance. For other areas where you need to take a car, you should rent one that is just the right size for you. You don’t need to drive a fancy sports car or an SUV to get around Hawaii. Plus, using a compact car gives you better mileage for your gas consumption!
The Net, the Books and the Coupons
In this time and age, you can virtually find anything and everything over the internet. Great deals on air fares, accommodations and package tours are all over the internet you will get a headache from having too much information on your fingertips. Take an aspirin and go through all of them carefully. Each of them has their pros and cons – so be patient and choose the best package for you. The one that is advertised as the cheapest may actually have hidden charges on them, and the one that is a few dollars more expensive can actually give you so much more value for your money.
Even with all the great deals you can get from the internet, do not forget that the good o’travel books are still there for a purpose. The people who put these books together do it for a living, so they are bound to give you a few great tips for your trip. Upon arrival at the airport in Hawaii, grab a couple of their tourist maps and brochures, no matter how well planned you think you are. These things do come with coupons to give you special discounts on many establishments and would have the latest update on things you can do in Hawaii that the internet is yet to catch up on.
Famous Hawaii Waterfalls
May 28th, 2010
Every time you hear “Hawaii,” you immediately think of the world’s most wonderful beaches and endless luau parties. Not many may know this, but Hawaii Waterfalls are actually also among the world’s best. There are many waterfalls in the islands, though some can be viewed only on air so you have to hire a helicopter to see them. All the same, those that you can see from land are just as beautiful and definitely worth a tour. Here are three of the more famous waterfalls in Hawaii:
Heleleikeoha Falls in Maui
The Heleleikeoha Falls, also known as Blue Angel Fall or Blue Pool, is located in the eastern side of Maui, along Ulaino Road. You can easily take a dip in the pool and enjoy the waterfalls in one side and the ocean on the other – a view so breathtaking that you just cannot take your eyes off it. The fall is usually light flowing, and when rain has not fallen for a long time, the water just trickles down the rocks.
To get to the pool, however, you have to cross some private properties despite the beach being considered public access under the Public Access Shoreline Hawaii (PASH). But of course, with all the publicity it has been getting (and along with it the human traffic and the trash that is left behind by the tourists), the owners of the private sections are not very happy, causing controversies on how to handle the tourism in the area.
Rainbow Falls in Big Island
At Hilo town on eastern Big Islands is the Rainbow Falls it is right off Waianuenue Avenue on the northwest side of Hilo. This is the most visited waterfall in the Big Island. Its water falls from 80 feet above, from a river that flows from an arch-shaped rock above a cave.
If you go early in the morning, you can catch a beautiful sunrise – as the sun goes above the mango trees, light starts trickling into the beautiful turquoise-colored pool below. Its effect to the tropical setting is just magnificent. For a better view of the falls, you can also hike down a stone path to reach a lookout point.
Hipuapua Falls in Molokai
Also in Maui, Molokai is the site for the one of the major waterfalls in the head of Halawa Valley. Called Hapuapua Falls, this waterfall boasts of a 500-feet drop and is the biggest waterfall in Hawaii. The second longest fall is the Moaula Falls, which is right next to Hapuapua Falls, at only 250-feet tall. Both falls are visible from Highway 450 if you are on the road to Halawa Valley.
The 7,240-meter (23,760 feet) hike is an intense hike. It is recommended that you go with a tourist guide if you want to do the hike, especially since the trail crosses through some private properties and the area is not very well marked.
Manoa Falls in Oahu
If you are spending a day or two at Waikiki Beach, plan a small side trip to see the Manoa Falls. Manoa Valley is easily accessible via car or city bus from Waikiki, and offers an easy hike amidst beautiful tropical bamboo and rainforest. At 150 feet high, the falls can even be bigger after a good rain, but likewise would be a little drizzle during the hot and dry season. The 2,400-meter (7,920 feet) hike takes only less than an hour from the valley up to the top of the mountain.
It is not recommended that you swim in the pool where the water falls, regardless of how inviting it looks especially on a nice day. You may also want to bring insect repellent, and wear comfortable hiking shoes as you will have to climb over some rocks along the way.
Endless Possibilities in Hawaii
As mentioned earlier, Hawaii has several waterfalls in all its islands. Check out your travel agent when planning a trip to Hawaii to make sure that you see one or two of the best waterfalls in the island where you are going. As much as you love going to the beach in Hawaii, you cannot pass on the chance of seeing some of the world’s best waterfalls – and marvel at the beauty of water both above and beyond.
Hawaii Honeymoon
May 26th, 2010Everyone have their own honeymoon dream destinations. But if you ask each one of them to list their top three choices, chances are, a Hawaii honeymoon will be on that list. Always. That’s because the things that Hawaii can offer is so diverse and exciting and oftentimes breathtaking that they are best experienced with someone, preferably your special someone who can make the most boring day something to write about in your memory book. But picture this: all the great, great things Hawaii can offer plus your better half – how can you go wrong?! So, here are some of the things we recommend you do for your honeymoon in the islands:
Hold hands and stroll along the beach
Cliché, perhaps, but there is no way you can go to Hawaii for your honeymoon and not do this. There is a long list of the world’s best beaches that are in Hawaii and regardless which island or islands you are going to, there is always to be that one perfect beach for you and your spouse. So go for a walk, take a dip in the water, enjoy some cocktails – do all of these while holding hands and the bond you will have and the new memories you will make will last you a lifetime.
Some of the favourites are Hanauma Bay in Oahu, Hapuna Beach State Park in Big Island, Hulopoe Beach in Lanai; and Lanikai Beach, Oahu.
Swim under a waterfall
Aside from the beaches, Hawaii is also home to a number of the world’s best waterfalls. Check out the Heleleikeoha Falls, also known as Blue Angel Fall or Blue Pool, in the eastern side of Maui. Take a deep in the Blue Pool where you have the water falling on you on one side and the ocean on the other. The view is unarguably one of the most amazing sights you will ever see in your life.
Watch the Sunset
Hawaii is also a favorite setting for sunset weddings – and, as the case may be, for post-wedding celebrations such as your honeymoon. With their virtually pollution-free skies, exotic forests, beautiful white sand beaches and endless clear blue waters, there is no other place that can give a more perfect sunset than Hawaii. Make sure you drive towards the western side of the islands way before the sun starts to set to give yourselves time to look for a perfect spot where you both can enjoy the magic as the sky changes its color from blue to deep orange to red just before dark. Hanalei Beach is a favourite setting for this romantic activity.
Rent a boat to Molokini
Molokini is a partially sunken volcanic crater just off the coast of Maui. It is a beautiful sanctuary for marine life. It is one of the world’s top ten diving spots. Its semi-circle shape protects the waves and ocean currents from reaching this are, hence has become a sanctuary for marine life. The reef area inside the crescent shape has clear views of up to 150 feet, housing some 250 special of bright tropical fish.
Hike and enjoy breathtaking views from above
There are many hiking trails in Hawaii. One that you should not miss with your loved one is a hike to the Diamond Head. It is a fairly easy hike of less than 3 kilometers. You would not mind the sun shining down on you an the stairs you have to climb within that one and a half hour hike especially when you reach the peak and see the impressive view of the entire west side of the island from Waikiki to Koki Head, Honolulu and the ocean.