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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maui is a gorgeous island amongst the chain of the Hawaiian Islands. There are tons of activities for both families, and honeymooners looking for a quiet escape. Weather water sports or land activities are your thing, Maui is sure to please.

The town of Lahaina is an old fishing village located on the western side of the island. Here you will find a vast array of shopping and fine dining options to choose from. There is also a whaling museum located here. It’s a great place to explore the wonders of these huge mammals. Lahaina is also a great place to take surf lessons. There are a couple of different surfing schools located here. Lastly, the Old Lahaina Luau is one not to be missed. If you are interested in going to a luau at all, while on the island this is the place. It’s smaller and more authentic than those that you will find at the resort hotels.

The road to Hana is another popular journey for vacationers on the island. If you were to drive straight through on the Hana Highway, the trip would take about two hours, however, this journey is not about the destination. There are literally over a hundred places you could stop along the way. There are waterfalls galore, a rainforest reserve, black sand beaches, and more hiking trails than you can imagine. Once in the town of Hana you might want to stop for lunch or perhaps a relaxing swim on the beach. I would highly recommend renting a vehicle with 4-wheel drive because the best spot, the Ohe’o Gulch is located just past Hana. If you don’t have 4-wheel drive, you will have to go back the way you came. This road is full of one lane roads and hair pin turns; and it’s located at the top of huge cliffs that overlook the Pacific Ocean.

The Ohe’o Gulch, otherwise known as the seven sacred pools, is nothing short of spectacular. There are actually twenty four pools. They are natural pools that form from water trickling down from the ocean. The water runs over the rocks to form the pools and falls. The best part about the pools is you can take a relaxing dip in them.

Kihei is a quiet town located on the southern side of the island. Here you are more likely to find low-rise hotels and condos rather than the high-rises that are so prevalent in the resort area of Ka’anapali. This is a good place to relax on the relatively quiet beaches, or perhaps take a windsurfing or kite boarding lesson.

The Maui Ocean Center is located in Ma’alea, near the Ma’alea Bay. The ocean center is home to a giant aquarium that has a tunnel you can actually walk through. It makes for a great picture taking opportunity, as you can literally have sharks and huge manta rays swimming directly on top of you.

Ma’alea Bay offers some great whale watching opportunities, particularly during the winter months. Mother humpback whales come into the shallow waters of the bay to protect their babies from sharks that frequent the deeper waters.

Lanai is the smallest and perhaps most exclusive island in the chain of Hawaiian Islands. The beaches are just as gorgeous as the other islands and the palm trees offer the perfect backdrop for a romantic island getaway. When visiting Lanai you can get to the island either by plane or by a ferry. You can fly into Lanai from either Maui or Honolulu. There are no direct flights from the mainland so you should take some time to visit one of the other islands first. If you take a boat to Lanai, it will be from Maui and you may just get lucky enough to see some migrating whales along the way, particularly in the winter months. If you do not have a lot of time to visit Lanai, you could take a day trip from Maui.

Lanai is home to a famous dive site known as Cathedrals located near Pu’u Pele rock. The tropical fish and coral are abundant here. Hulop’e Beach is another popular destination on the island. Here you can usually see spinner dolphin and a variety of reef fish making this a great place for snorkeling. The beaches here are white sand and gorgeous. They make for a great place to relax and unwind. Shipwreck beach is a nice place to take a stroll. It’s relatively quiet; in fact you are likely to be alone on this stretch of beach. You may find remnants of sunken ships in the form of driftwood washed up along the shore here. As the name implies there are several shipwrecks located just off the shore.

The island of Lanai is also home to two championship golf courses. Manele, located at Manele Bay Hotel was actually designed by Jack Nicklaus and is set amongst a gorgeous tropical backdrop complete with palm trees and ocean cliffs. Greg Norman designed the second course which is the Experience at Koele. It has been rated the number one golf resort in the world by Conde Nast. The course lies beneath the mountains and offers spectacular views of the neighboring islands. Lanai is also home to the Cavendish Golf course that is a local nine-hole course. The course is open to the public and all are welcome. There are no greens fees here (impressive) however, donations are accepted.

Horseback riding is another popular activity on the island of Lanai. The only place to ride is at Koele. They offer a variety of different ride options including pony rides for the kids. One favorite ride is a trail ride that will take you on trails along the coast. This offers breathtaking views, and if you look closely, you may be able to se Moloka’i and Maui. This ride also includes a picnic lunch, which can make for a romantic afternoon.

One hiking destination not to be missed while in Lanai is the Koloiki Ridge Trail. The 5-mile hike begins at the Lodge at Koele and will take you up to the Munro Trail. The hike will offer some breath taking views of the valleys, as well as Moloka’i and Maui. The island of Lanai will offer a great variety of activities, or none at all if you wish. It’s the perfect island for pampering and relaxation.

On the big island of Hawaii you will find diversity in the geography ranging from beaches to volcanoes. You will find miles and miles of undeveloped land as well as bustling urban development in cities like Kailua -Kona. Hilo, which is located on the windy side of the island, gets a lot of rainfall. This contributes to the lush green landscaping of this side of the island making Hilo an interesting sight and a must see on the list of destinations.

Most people begin there journey on the big island in Kona. You should plan to take a few days to relax and enjoy the nearby beaches, or perhaps go snorkeling at Kealakekuea Bay. Next you should take some time to explore the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This is a must see on the list. The park is amazing to say the least. If you have plenty of time you can actually make camp in the park and really explore. The park has over 140 miles of hiking trails and is nothing short of spectacular. If you are short on time, you should still take a drive through the park.

There is a stretch of Highway 137 dubbed Red Road that is also worth visiting. There is a canopy of Milo and Hala trees that have intertwined to form a sort of a tunnel effect.

You should also plan to spend some time in Hilo. The lush landscaping makes for great scenery and picture taking opportunities. Hilo has been called the rainiest city in the USA, so don’t expect much in the way of beaches. But Hilo is a cute little town; nonetheless, that offers some history and culture complete with Bed and Breakfasts.

There is a quiet little town called Puako located on the Southern Kohalo Coast that is home to the fabulous tide pools. This is accessible by highway 19 near the Hapuna Beach State Park. The giant tide pools are home to some marine life including coral making this destination a must see. However, don’t plan on staying in Puako, it is such a small town that it doesn’t have any lodging and it really is off the beaten path.

Who would have thought that horseback riding would be on the list of activities for a Hawaiian vacation? Well, actually there is a huge ranch called the Dahana Ranch Roughriders in Waimea. It’s owned and operated by a native Hawaiian family and is still a working cattle ranch. The ranch raises and breeds, and trains cattle and horses. There are also some excellent cycling opportunities here in Waimea as the terrain is full of rolling hills.

Before checking out and leaving the island stop into the Pololu Valley which will offer some hiking trails. You can even take a mule ride through the valley. Lastly, you should take some more time to relax on the white sandy beaches of the big island. Or perhaps, take one last snorkeling opportunity at Kauna’oa Bay. Whatever you decide to do, I’m sure that your stay in Hawaii will amaze.

Kayaking Hawaii can be as peaceful as a solitary paddle trip along a tranquil river or as wild as a rough ocean adventure. Popular kayaking destinations can be found on Kauai, Maui and Molokai. Some of the most beautiful areas in Hawaii are extremely difficult to access via land but kayaking gives paddlers immediate access to appreciate and enjoy nature’s beauty.

Kauai is the only Hawaiian island with a river suitable river for kayaking. Wailua River on the eastern side of the island is a favored destination. The right side of the river is reserved for kayaking.

Wailua River Valley was once reserved for royalty. It is still considered sacred and special by many. The river is typically gentle with little current.

Lush tropical foliage, beautiful exotic blooming flowers, ancient ruins, sacred waterfalls, old Hawaiian villages, pristine canyons and tropical rain forests are just a portion of the scenic beauty kayakers can experience. Several tour companies operate in the region. Single, double, and triple kayaks are available for rent. The Secret Falls and Fern Grotto are popular Hawaii kayaking destinations.

There are times when access to one or more areas (such as the grotto) is restricted but there’s so much more to see that kayakers aren’t left with time on their hands.

Maui kayaking tours include beginner tours, Makena tours and Honolua Bay tours. Kayak surfing tours are available and at least one tour company welcomes physically challenged kayakers.

Kayaking Makena Landing gives paddlers the opportunity to see turtles, eels, octopus, reef sharks, tropical fish and occasionally whales or dolphins.

The secluded and beautiful Pali Sea Cliff area features rugged shoreline, sharp sea cliffs and stunning coral reefs. Hawaiian green sea turtles are a highlight of kayaking Makena Bay.

Honolua Bay is a marine reserve. The coral reef teems with fish. Kayaking here does require paddling into moderately strong trade winds.

Kayaking Hawaii’s Molokini Crater allows kayakers to access areas powerboats can get to. Some of the island’s most spectacular sea life is said to be found here.

Molokai is best reserved for experienced kayakers. Ocean swells and rough waves make paddling too difficult and dangerous for beginners. The island’s undeveloped north shore may be paddled from east to west but kayakers rarely paddle the return route. Ten mile-per-hour winds make the trip a rough one.

Kayaking Hawaii’s Kona coast gives paddlers the opportunity to explore Kealakekua Bay, Keahou, Ho’okena, Honaunau and Kailua.

Kealakekua Bay is the most protected deep water bay and is designated a Marine Life Conservation District. The Bay was the home of many Hawaiian Chiefs and is where Captain Cook landed. A Captain Cook monument stands there today. Across the bay, kayakers will find pristine reefs where over 250 species of fish have been identified. Glass kayaks can be rented in Kona, making kayaking Hawaii a truly amazing and different experience.

Keahuou Bay, birthplace of Kamehameha the great, boasts calm waters. Kayakers paddling along the south cliffs will pass sea caves. One of the sea caves can often be entered by kayak, making for a unique Hawaiian kayaking experience.

Kayaking Hawaii can be a tranquil experience or an adrenalin rush. From tropical waterfalls to rushing rapids, from sea caves to historical ruins, paddlers can choose the perfect kayak trip.

If you are thinking about planning a trip to Hawaii, you may be wondering the best time of year to visit Hawaii. Well, anytime really. Hawaii really doesn’t have an off season. The winter months of January and February seem to be the rainiest, but it’s not the same kind of winter you would have in other parts of the United States. In fact the winter months may actually draw crowds during those so called rainy months. One reason is that the waves on the northern shores of the islands are much bigger during the winter. The North Shore of Ohau in particular is famous for those huge waves, sometimes coming in as high as thirty feet. These are some of the largest waves in the world.

On any given day on the North shore, you can expect to see world championship surfers, particularly at Waimiea Bay. The Banzi pipeline is another popular surfing spot for these amazing athletes. The pipline is famous for its long tubes. But, don’t be fooled by the lure of this gorgeous wave, the water underneath is shallow and full of coral reef. The waves at these famous hot spots are not for beginners. If you are just learning to surf, you should stick to the shallow waves at Wakiki Beach in Honolulu.

Another reason for the high number of winter tourists is whale watching. Whale watching season is generally from January to May. Whale watching is a popular activity during the winter months on the island of Maui. You can expect to see many different species of whales, including the humpback whale. They are typically found along the western shore of Maui. Ma’alaea Bay in particular is a great spot to catch a glimpse of the mother and baby whales. The shallow waters of the bay offer protection from possible shark attacks. You can see the whales, by simply taking a stroll along the beach. There are also many tour companies offering day trips to popular whale watching destinations. The island of Lanai also offers some whale watching opportunities, both on and off shore.

The humpback whale is the fifth largest of the whale family of mammals. The humpback is on the endangered species list due mostly to hunting of these animals in previous years. At one time hunting humpbacks was considered a great sport and it almost forced the species into extinction. Humpback whales can reach lengths of 45 feet and can weigh as much as 45 tons.

Another reason that Hawaii is such a popular vacation destination during the winter months is plain geography. Because the winter months are so cold and dreary during these months back on the mainland, visitors flock to Hawaii for a much needed respite. What better way to escape a February snow storm than to sit on a tropical beach in paradise and sip on Mai tais. Whatever your reason for visiting Hawaii, all of the islands are waiting and are sure to please even the most frostbitten winter visitor

The beginning of a Hawaiian kingdom started in 1809 after the fall of king Kamehameha. The new king moved to Honolulu to take control of the trade that was going on. Honolulu was the perfect place because it was centrally located. In the 1830’s sugar plantations were established and Honolulu became a booming city, bars and brothels alike were opened. In 1845 Honolulu officially replaced Maui as the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Because of increasing western influence, Hawaii, and most importantly Pearl Harbor, officially became a US territory in 1898. There were several arguments, failed bills and lots of political red tape that kept Hawaii from becoming a U.S. state.

The gateway to allowing Hawaii to become an official state was tourism. Pan American Airlines flew the first passenger flights from the mainland to Hawaii in 1936. This led to mass tourism. After the Korean War and the attacks on Pearl Harbor, it became imminent to make Hawaii an official state. Hawaii was declared the 50th state on August 21, 1959.

In the 1970’s the Hawaiian culture had a resurgence of pride and heritage awareness. The ancient Hawaiian language had all but disappeared and a huge westernization had spread across the state. In the seventies the original Hawaiian language was reintroduced back into preschools and became an important part of the heritage again Thanks to the Disney movie Lilo and Stitch we all know that ohana means family. Today the language is taught at the University of Hawaii as well.

The luau is also another important part of Hawaiian culture. Luaus have been with the culture for hundreds of years. The word luau really just means a party or a celebration. This is the way that friends and family honor each other on special occasions. Today there are two types of Luaus. The first is like the original way, just a gathering of family and friends, and is the only authentic type. They are private, and unless you have local connections, it is unlikely that tourists would be invited to such an event. The second type of Luau is commercial. It’s the type that we tourists would frequent. They are heavily choreographed and can be quite entertaining. The luau usually has a buffet of some sort of roasted pig as the entrée accompanied by rice and of course pineapple. These luaus are also complete with hula dancers for the guys and Polynesian dancers for the ladies viewing pleasure. There is plenty of entertainment to go around, especially when you add an open bar to the mix.

The merry monarch festival was founded in 1971. It is a hula festival; in fact it is the largest hula festival in the world. It features thousands of dancers and honors the long time Hawaiian tradition of hula dancing. The festival takes place in March or April and draws huge crowds. It is located in Hilo on the big island of Hawaii and is a weeklong cultural event.

Have you just finished booking your Hawaii vacation? If you have, you may think that you are all set and ready to go. In reality, there is one more step that you should take. That step involves familiarizing yourself with Hawaii activities.

As for why you should take the time to examine Hawaii activities, doing so can help to improve your vacation. One reason why Hawaii is attractive to tourists is because of all that you can do and see. Hawaii has a long list of fun attractions and activities. Since you will be unlikely to do and see all that Hawaii has to offer, you should decide what is most important to you.

Despite the fact that Hawaii is known for its wide range of both land and beach activities, the beaches of Hawaii are the most popular. For that reason, you may want to enjoy a number of fun Hawaii beach activities. The good news is the options that you have, as they are virtually unlimited.

Swimming is a Hawaii activity that you may want to enjoy. Although swimming is something that can be done at home, it is different while vacationing on a Hawaiian Island. There is nothing like swimming in an amazing climate with a beautiful backdrop of scenery surrounding you. Although it is difficult to describe, you will known the feeling as soon as you step foot in the water.

If swimming is a Hawaii beach activity that you think you would enjoy, you may also want to try snorkeling. Snorkeling is a great activity for experienced swimmers, who aren’t yet ready for a scuba diving adventure. When snorkeling, you stay towards the surface, allowing you to breath from above water with the use of a snorkel tube. Scuba diving tours are also available; however, you may be required to take a small certification course before your adventure even begins.

Boating is another Hawaii beach activity that is perfect for those who want to spend their time on the beautiful waters of Hawaii. Boating is nice, as it comes in a number of different formats. Private boat charters are available if you are looking for privacy. Dinner cruises, whale watching tours, and general sightseeing tours are also popular.

In addition to traditional boating, fishing is another activity that many tourists enjoy. Although there are fishing spots through all of Hawaii, you may prefer to fish on a boat. Many find doing so to be an amazing, enjoyable, and relaxing experience. As previously stated, private boat charters are available throughout all of Hawaii.

Perhaps, the most popular beach activity of Hawaii is that of surfing. All of the Hawaiian Islands have at least a few beaches that are known for their great surfing conditions. Unfortunately, surfing is an activity that many tourists do not take part in due to fear. If you have never surfed before, you may want to schedule a lesson. There are a number of individuals and companies who offer professional, yet affordable surfing lessons. Windsurfing is great alternative.

As you can see, you have a number of different options when looking to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Hawaii to their fullest extent. As a reminder, the above mentioned Hawaii vacation activities are just a few of the many that you can enjoy. For a more detailed list, you can request free Hawaii travel guides online.

Who does not want a vacation? This is especially true if you are going to one of the most beautiful spots in the world, Maui Hawaii. But dreaming and reality is way different especially if you do not have the money to pay for the airline tickets, the accommodations, the food and even the side trips.

With the increasing costs of airfare and commodity prices, are there still cheap all inclusive packaged vacation trips to Maui Hawaii that you can avail of?

Actually there is. That is if you know where to look and how to look. With the birth of the world wide web, there are millions of sites out there that can provide you with a lot of special offers for trips abroad.

For your convenience, most offers in fact already contain everything, from the airfare to the food and the hotel accommodations. You just need to click on the destination that you want and voila! You have yourself a great travel package that you and your family can enjoy.

But wait, there’s a catch. Like all great offers, there are things that you have to compromise with in order to avail of these special all inclusive vacation trips packages especially to a place like Maui Hawaii. Here are they.

1. Season

You may be able to get a cheap all inclusive package but only if you are willing to take your family there off season. This means you have to take a vacation at a time when only few people take their vacations. This is because rates are generally cheaper at this time of the year because of the low demand for it. Nobody goes there so hotels and airlines give promos to entice people to take a vacation in their country.

This can cause major problems with your schedules, especially if you have young kids who go to school everyday. But hey, maybe you can work it out. One tip is to go to a place where the weather is different from yours or those with a different school schedule as you have. Check out the climate in Maui and their class schedule. It may coincide with yours.

2. Advance booking

Another way to get great offers and all inclusive packages is to book as early as you can. For instance, if you book a flight or avail of a package one year before, you can get as much as 30 to 40 percent off the original price. This is true for both off season and peak season rates.

This is because your money will already be in their hands and they can use it for investment purposes. For advance booking, check out travel agencies near your place or call the airlines that have trips to Maui. They often have all inclusive packages that you can avail of.

3. Special tourism rates

One of the Maui, Hawaii’s main industry is tourism. Every year hundreds of tourists visit the island’s great beaches and scenic spots. Because of this, they will most likely have government programs and projects that are geared towards developing their tourism. Look into these programs. Often, they will have special offers and packages that are designed to entice tourists to go to their place.

Some of these packages will have all inclusive vacation trip essentials that you will need when you go to Maui, Hawaii: airfare, food, accommodation, car rental, sightseeing trips etc.

The chance to vacation in Hawaii is a rare opportunity for some people. Nearly everyone daydreams about feeling the sand between their toes while sipping on a pina-colada. So, if given the chance to visit Hawaii, it’s not likely one would pass it up. With miles of sandy-white beaches and emerald-green waters, it’s a place enjoyed by people of all ages. But unlike the other 49 states of America, Hawaii isn’t just one solid mass of land that can be explored through driving; it’s a chain of islands that represent the entire state. Therefore, there’s no better way to check out this amazing land of paradise than by kayak!

There are wonderful opportunities for kayaking on nearly every island of Hawaii. No matter what part of the state you plan to visit, a kayaking adventure is available at every corner. If you are planning to be in Kauai, this is a prime location for some of the best Hawaiian kayaking adventures. You can explore the waters around Hanalei Bay and have a chance to see some breathtaking Hawaiian wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for the sight of bottle-nose dolphins and a beautiful assortment of aquatic birds. Kauai is also known for its many small rivers and streams that flow into the tropical rainforest, so take advantage of the opportunity to see some exotic animals and plants first-hand.

The east coast of Oahu is also a great spot to experience kayaking. Oahu is known to be one of the most relaxing places for a smooth-sailing kayaking trip. This area offers some of the calmest and serene waters in Hawaii, giving you the chance to take in some sightseeing while enjoying your time in the sun. Because of the many, small islands that surround Oahu’s coast, you can stop for a picnic lunch during your kayaking adventure.

Maui is an island of Hawaii that offers several kayaking options and adventures. Maui is home to Honolulu Bay marine preserve, where you can experience some excellent snorkeling or scuba diving. The waters surrounding Maui are ideal for the beginning kayaker, as conditions are usually calm and easy to paddle. However, if you are an experienced kayaker and looking for a challenge, then explore the island of Molokai. Here, the waters are known to be a bit rougher and offer quite a physical challenge. Please be advised that this area should be reserved for only the experienced kayakers.

If you’ve never been kayaking before, the good news is that you don’t need any experience in order to enjoy a kayaking trip in Hawaii. Kayaking is a wonderful activity that’s ideal for people of all ages and skill level. If you book a guided tour, you will be taken to only the places with calm and quiet waters that require little physical exertion. In fact, kayaking in Hawaii is an activity that can be enjoyed by nearly every member of your family and is an excellent way to get in your sightseeing!

Would you like to take a trip to Hawaii? If so, you may want to start making your travel plans soon. When it comes to doing so, you will find that you have a number of different options. Out of all of those options, you may find online travel websites to be the best.

As nice as it is to hear that you should book your next Hawaii vacation through an online travel website, you may be looking for more information. For instance, there are multiple travel websites for you to choose from. Which one is the best? Before choosing an online travel website to book your trip through, there are a number of points that you will first want to take into consideration.

Reliability and reputation are important when choosing an online travel website. A small or relatively unknown website may work, but do you really want to take the chance on your dream vacation? Most travelers prefer using well-known websites to plan their trips and you may wish to do the same. If you find a great deal on another travel website, like one that isn’t as well known, do the proper amount of research first. A good name likely means a good reputation and that should translate into a good vacation for you.

Professionalism is another great way to gauge the reliability and reputation of an online travel website. Of course, anyone can create a professional looking website, but you may be surprised how many people don’t take the time to do so. If anything on the website of your choice looks unprofessional or suspicious, it may be best to move on and examine your other options. As previously stated, you can easily find a number of online travel websites that will allow you to book your next Hawaii vacation.

The number of partners an online travel website works with should also have an impact on your decision. As for partners, what hotels, airlines, and car rental companies work with the travel website? These are results that will appear when you perform a search for Hawaii airlines, Hawaii hotels, and Hawaii car rentals. When you choose to do business with an online travel website who has a lot of partners, your chances of saving money increase. This is because you are provided with more options, which can better allow you to price compare.

In keeping with examining an online travel website, is the site easy to use? Booking your Hawaii vacation online should be easy, not hard, frustrating, or time consuming. Are you able to find what you need right away? When you search for Hawaii hotels is that all you are getting or are you also getting hotels for other popular vacation destinations? An easy to navigate website should make it easier for you to examine your options, as well as book your trip with less errors.

It is also advised that you find a travel website that allows you to customize. This is important as we all have different wants and needs when taking a vacation. Are you looking for the most affordable airline reservations? Are your travel dates not flexible? Are you looking for the shortest flights to Hawaii? If so, choose an online travel website that allows you to customize your searches so that your options appear in order of affordability, availability, or time.

When choosing an online travel website to book your Hawaii vacation through, your wants should also be examined. Your wants are important with your overnight accommodations. Do you want to stay at a Hawaii hotel or a private vacation rental. As popular as Hawaii vacation homes, condos, apartment rentals, and villas are, not all well-known travel websites list them. Instead, you may need to search for a website that deals specifically with private vacation rentals.

Now you know what you should look for in an online travel website. Taking the time to choose a quality, reliable, and dependable website to book your next Hawaii vacation will likely result in a better trip and less disappointment for you.

You have the travel tickets and you have the accommodation. The problem is how you will get to the hotel from the airport and how you will get to the beach from the hotel. Well, you forgot something when planning a Maui Hawaii vacation, a auto rental. Actually, you are not alone.

Most people who plan their vacations, whether in Hawaii or anywhere else in the world, always forget this small detail. Some do not even bother at all, rationalizing that the hotel can provide car service for them or that there are hundreds of cabs that can accommodate them. The problem with these two is the fact that they are limited in some ways.

Hiring a cab for example will never be as convenient as having a transportation that is all your own. If you rent an automobile, you can go whenever you want, wherever you want. You just need to start the engine. You don’t have to wait for a cab in the middle of nowhere. Hotel car service, on the other hand, can be pretty expensive, not to mention very hard to get by.

You see most people in the hotel will probably need a car service. And you have got to be at the first in line if you want to leave first. Otherwise, you have to wait for the other people to come back before you can leave or at the very least have the hotel tell you that there is no more cars available.

One down side though with having your own car while on vacation is the directions. This is especially true if this is the first time that you have visited Maui or Hawaii. And even if you have a map, nothing beats having a driver who already knows the way.

You can solve this problem by getting a car rental service that comes with a driver. Most auto car rentals will offer this because they know that tourists don’t have the patience to look at maps and follow road signs.

After all, this vacation is all about relaxing and not stressing over which way to turn to get to the beach! Having a driver is however more expensive than hiring just the car. So make sure first that you have the budget for it. When you sum it up, renting a car from an auto rental service for the duration of your vacation is cheaper than hiring the hotel’s service.

But you have to take into account the number of times that you will actually use the car rental service. If you are just going to use it once or twice, then you are better off with the hotel’s car service. If however, you plan to tour the whole state, then a car just for you is better.

If you do not plan to go at all and you just plan to stay at the beach and do water sports all day long throughout your vacation time, then don’t anymore rent a car.

You can just book a hotel that is nearer and you all have to do is walk towards the beach. This will save you a lot of expenses for taxis. Auto rental when on a vacation in Maui Hawaii or in any other place is important but it all depends on how you plan to spend your vacation.

Are you in the middle of planning a Hawaii vacation? If you are, you may be looking for tips to ensure that your vacation is just as you dreamed it would be. The good news is that are a number of steps that you can take to improve the overall satisfaction of your next trip to Hawaii.

1 – Choose Your Overnight Accommodations Wisely

While on a Hawaii vacation, you have a number of different of different places to stay. You can choose from Hawaii hotels, vacation resorts, vacation homes, condos, and so much more. You are encouraged to think long and hard about your decision before making your reservations.

Where you stay will be the base of your vacation, even if you intend to get out and explore the Hawaiian Island of your choice. For that reason, choose an attractive looking hotel or private rental, as well as one that is stocked full of great features and makes you feel comfortable.

2 – Check the Weather Before You Leave

Checking the weather before you leave for your Hawaii vacation is an important component of having a great vacation. There is nothing worse than being unprepared on a trip, especially where weather is concerned. Before you start to pack for your trip, be sure to check the anticipated weather forecast. The night before or the morning of your trip, be sure to check again for any changes.

Hawaii’s weather is important, as it can have an impact on the way that you pack your bags. You can also reduce your vacation expenses, as you aren’t left buying last minute supplies, like a raincoat. The anticipated weather forecast will also have an impact on your vacation activities.

3 – Bring Extra Spending Money

Extra spending money, even just a small amount of it, is important when traveling, especially to Hawaii. A good step to take however is to first research popular Hawaii activities and attractions. In doing so, you can get a good idea of how much money you should bring with you. Still, having extra spending money on hand is nice. You may wish to purchase souvenirs or visit a popular attraction that wasn’t on your to-do list. Carrying a small amount of extra cash or having your debit card handy can’t do you any harm.

4 – Bring the Proper Documents With You

While most vacations are able to go off without a hitch, you should always be prepared for the unexpected. For that reason, you and every member of your traveling party should bring all proper and important documents with you. These documents should include your driver’s license or another photo identification card, as well as your health insurance cards. In the event you suffer from a medical injury, it can work in your favor to have all needed documents ready and on hand, as opposed to thousands of miles away.

If you will be renting a car, be sure to bring documents proving that you are insured, as some car rental companies require them.

5 – Remember to Have Fun

Although your goal is to have fun on a Hawaii vacation, sometimes we need to be reminded of that. As hard as it can sometimes be, try to leave all of your problems at home. A family vacation or a romantic getaway to Hawaii should be fun and relaxing, it isn’t the time to be concerned with work.

Are you looking for a vacation destination for an upcoming trip? If you are, you should examine Hawaii. Hawaii vacations are popular and their popularity continues to increase. There are good reasons for that. In fact, five reasons why you should plan a Hawaii vacation are outlined below.

1 – Affordability

The cost of travel can seem quite high today, especially with the high cost of gasoline. In fact, many individuals are putting off their summer vacation plans. With that said, many travelers are surprised to learn just how affordable it is to vacation on a beautiful Hawaiian island. With a small amount of time and research, you can easily find amazing Hawaii travel deals and discounts.

As for how you can find great travel deals and discounts, examine online travel websites. They are ideal for comparing the rates of airline tickets, hotel reservations, and car rentals. When using a travel website, be sure to examine vacation packages. They are convenient to book and you are often rewarded with a small, but helpful, discount. It is also a good idea to visit the websites of Hawaii hotels and airlines directly, as some are known for offering moneysaving discounts directly to consumers.

2 – Beauty

If you have never visited Hawaii before, the beauty of the land will likely leave you breathless. In addition to vacations, did you also know that Hawaii is a great place to get married? Hawaii destination weddings are just as popular and that is due in part to the beauty of Hawaii.

The beauty of the land is great for travelers who are unable to decide on a destination, as there is so much for you to do and see. It is hard to find a destination like Hawaii where you can relax in a tropical climate, swim in the ocean, hike to see beautiful waterfalls, and explore volcanoes.

3 – Activities

As previously stated, all of the Hawaiian Islands are home to a vast array of landscaping. This opens up a world of opportunities for you and your traveling party, in terms of Hawaii activities. It is also great for families who members all have different likes and dislikes. Whether you enjoy staying on land, being on the water, or being in the air, there is so much for you to do and see while on a Hawaii vacation.

As for beach activities, swimming, boating, fishing, dinner cruises, surfing, body boarding, and scuba diving are popular. Popular land activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, and sightseeing. Hawaii can also be explored by the air and the perfect way to do is with a private Hawaii helicopter tour.

4 – Attractions

If the above mentioned Hawaii activities weren’t enough to keep you occupied on your trip, the large number of attractions in the area will. Regardless of which Hawaiian Island you choose to visit, there are so many wondering, beautiful, amazing, and historical sites for you to visit. One of the most popular Hawaii attractions is that of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is located on Big Island. Kauai, Molokai, Maui, Oahu, and Lanai all have their must see attractions as well.

5 – Travel Reasons

Perhaps, the greatest reason why you should consider taking a Hawaii vacation is because of your reasons for doing so. Although you do not need a reason to travel to Hawaii, any reason will do. Hawaii is the perfect destination for family vacations, romantic getaways, and trips with a group of friends. You will also find that many Hawaii activities and attractions are designed for individuals of all ages, which is nice if you are planning a family vacation.

As you can see, Hawaii is the perfect vacation destination. With a number of beautiful islands to choose from, a number of travel deals and discounts, and large number of Hawaii activities and attractions, what more could you ask for? What are you waiting for? Book your Hawaii trip today!

Have you just finished booking your next Oahu vacation? If you have, it is time to start examining Oahu attractions. Of course, you can do so once you arrive on the island, but there are a number of benefits to familiarizing yourself with your vacation activities before you leave for your trip.

As previously stated, there are a number of benefits to familiarizing yourself with available vacation activities and attractions before you leave for your trip. One of those benefits is creating a budget for yourself. Some Oahu attractions require the payment of a small admission fee. Determining this and other information, such as hours, ahead of time, can help to make your trip more enjoyable.

1 – Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is a National Historic Landmark. In fact, is it currently the only naval base that has been designed as one in the United States. The attack on Pearl Harbor, on December 7, 1941, forever changed America. Whether you are looking to see the site for yourself, pay tribute to those who lost their lives, or do both, this is a must see attraction for you.

While visiting Pearl Harbor, you can take a guided tour through the Battleship Mississippi Memorial, Visit the USS Okalahoma Memorial, as well as the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park.

2 – The North Shore of Oahu

Are you an avid surfer or just a fan of the sport? If you are then the North Shore of Oahu is a must visit for you. Did you know that many travel websites claim that the North Shore of Oahu is home to some of the best surfing conditions in the world? Experienced surfers flock to the shores of local beaches and you may even be able to watch professional surfers!

In addition to surfing, there is so much more that the North Shore of Oahu has to offer. Swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and other beach related activities are enjoyed by individuals of all ages.

3 – Diamond Head State Monument

The Diamond Head moment, which can be found in Waikiki, is one of Hawaii’s most well-known landmarks. According to Hawaii’s Official Tourism Site, the name came from the British who believed they found valuable diamonds in the crater. As it turns out, they were mistaken.

As popular as the Diamond Head State Monument is, this Oahu attraction isn’t right for everyone. A significant hike is required to get to the crater. This hike is perfect for those looking for adventure. The walk includes almost two hundred steps and mysterious underground tunnels.

4 – Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, located in southern Oahu, is a must visit for all swimmers. It is known as the perfect destination for snorkeling. The bay is home to colorful tropical fish, coral reefs, and clear water.

While some children and teenagers are able to snorkel, as it is a relatively easy activity for strong swimmers, caution is advised. Due to the area earning status of a nature preserve, all visitors are urged to be cautious in and around the water to help keep the area as natural and as beautiful as ever.

5 – The Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace is classified as an official residence of royalty. In fact, it is the only one of its kind in the United States. This, alone, makes the Iolani Palace a national treasure and a must visit. At one point in time, it was considered the political forefront and home of Hawaii.

The Iolani Palace is located in Honolulu. When visiting the Iolani Palace, there is so much for you to do and see. Depending on the day of your visit, you can shop the Palace shop, listen to band concerts, or take a guided tour.

The Iolani Palace, the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, the North Shore of Oahu, Pearl Harbor, and the Diamond Head State Monument are just a few of the many great attractions you should visit. For a more detailed list, consider requesting a free vacation guide.

Have you recently decided that you would like to vacation on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai? If you have, your first step should involve making all of your needed travel arrangements. Once those arrangements are complete, you should examine popular attractions on the island.

As for why you should research Kauai attractions before your trip, there are a number of benefits to doing so. One of those benefits includes time. Kauai is filled with a large number of attractions, as well as other great activities. Creating a small itinerary for your trip can help to make sure that you get to experience all that this Hawaiian Island has to offer.

One attraction that you will want to visit, when on a Kauai vacation, is that of the Waimea Canyon. The Waimea Canyon is also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Here, you will find a number of lookout spots that are a sightseers dream come true.

Not far from the Waimea Canyon is the Kokee State Park. Although often considered to be a separate attraction and destination, many travel websites combine this state park with the Waimea Canyon. Hiking trails can allow you to explore the land, as well as take amazing pictures. The Kokee Museum can teach you the history and culture behind the area you are about to explore or just finished exploring.

The Napali Coast, located on the northern end of Hawaii, is a must visit for those looking for fun and adventure. Unfortunately, the Napali Coast is only accessible by the Kalalau Trail. This trial is eleven miles long and covers rough terrain. Due to the terrain, only those in good health are encouraged to take the hike. Also, due to its length, many tourists decide to stop and camp along the way, creating a two-day adventure.

Although the Napali Coast is a hiker’s dream come true, those who wish to avoid the long journey can still enjoy and see the beauty of the land either by boat or air. Helicopter tours of the coast and guided boat tours are also available.

Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches, but Kauai, according to the Hawaii Official Tourism Site, has the only navigable rivers in Hawaii. The most popular is that of the Wailua River. Kayaking and canoeing are two popular ways to explore the river. If you are looking for a more relaxing approach to take, guided boat tours are available. The river is also home to the Fern Grotto.

Hawaii is known for their sometimes mysterious, but amazing legends. One is that of the Spouting Horn, located on the south end of Hawaii in Poipu. Here, water spouts around 50 feet high! According to Hawaii’s Official Tourism Site, the ancient Hawaiians thought the coast was protected by a giant lizard. It was believed that the water spraying up from the lava tubes is his breath.

The Kilauea Light House, is another must visit attraction for Kauai vacationers. The lighthouse is situated atop rugged coastline. It is known as the best destination to take pictures, as you are able to get unique panoramic shots. It addition to the beautiful view of the ocean, you will also see a wide array of sea birds, as the area is also home to the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge.

As you can see, there are a number of great attractions for you to visit on your next Kauai vacation. In fact, did you know the above mentioned activities are just a few of the many that you will find? Other mentionables include the Captain Cook Monument in Waimea, the Huleia National Wildlife Refuge, and the Allerton Tropical Gardens and McBryde Gardens, both located near Poipu Beach.

As previously stated, in addition to sightseeing and visiting a few of the above mentioned Kauai attractions, there are also many more Hawaiian activities for you to enjoy. These activities include boating, hiking, camping, shopping, swimming, and surfing.

Are you in the process of planning to trip to Maui Hawaii? Maui is one of Hawaii’s most popular vacation destinations. One of the reasons for that is all that you can see. Did you know that Maui is filled with amazing attractions, most of which are considered “must visits?” After a close examination, you will be more than pleased with your decision to take a Maui vacation.

Once you have made your Maui travel arrangements, you should start focusing on which Maui attractions you would like to visit. Although having options is nice, your choices can seem overwhelming. Since there is so much for you to see, you will want to create a to do list or a vacation itinerary for yourself. If you don’t, you may find yourself missing out on some of the history and beauty that Maui has to offer you.

For help with determining which Maui attractions you should visit, please continue reading on. For your convenience, five popular Mau attractions that come highly rated and recommended are outlined below.

1 – The Island of Molokini

The Island of Molokini is a crescent shaped island that is located not too far past the southern coast of Maui. Although those just looking to sightsee will enjoy the boat trip, Molokini is home to some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling that all of Hawaii has to offer.

Private and group tours are available to the island.

2 – Iao Valley State Park

The Iao Valley State park, located in central Maui, beautiful historical land. According to Hawaii’s Official Tourism Site, it was home to the great Battle of Kepaniwai, which occurred in 1790.

The biggest attraction at the Iao Valley State Park is that of the Iao Needle. The Iao Needle is a sightseers dream come true. A visit to this state park is ideal for those who enjoy hiking and learning about the history or Maui.

3 – The Banyan Tree

The Banyan Tree, located in Lahaina, is another must visit for all Maui tourists. The Banyan Tree is one largest trees of its kind in all of the United States. The Official Hawaii Tourism Site states that the tree is the size of an average city block!

If your Maui vacation is a family vacation, you should definitely take your children to see the tree, as it is something that they will likely never forget.

4 – Haleakala National Park

The Haleakala National Park is located on the eastern side of Maui. There you will find the world’s largest dormant volcano. Past tourists recommend hiking to watch the sunrise at the Haleakala Crater.

The Haleakala National Park, like many other parks in Hawaii, can be explored by foot, car, or bike. In addition to the Haleakala volcanoes, you will be able to see and explore tropical landscaping that features rare flowers and plants, beautiful streams and waterfalls.

5 – The Hana Highway

Also located on the eastern edge of Maui is the Hana Highway. Although a highway itself may not seem like a must see tourist attraction it is. It is one of the most scenic places to visit in all of Hawaii and what you will see will, literally, amazing you. On the drive, you will pass through narrow, yet beautiful bridges, see amazing waterfalls, get breathtaking views of the ocean, see amazing foliage, and so much more.

A drive along the scenic Hana Highway is enough reason alone why you should rent a car for your next Hawaii vacation.

As highlighted above, there are a number of Maui attractions that you should take the time to visit. Since the above mentioned Maui attractions are just a few of the many that you will find on the Island, you may want to do a little bit of research before your trip. With a standard internet search online, you can find detailed Maui travel guides, as well as request free printed travel guides to be delivered to your home.

Are you in the process of planning a Big Island trip? Hawaii’s Big Island is a popular vacation destination, partly due in fact to its size. Why? Because there is so much for you to do and see.

Once your Big Island travel arrangements are made, you may want to shift for your focus to what you can do and see. Creating an itinerary for your trip has a number of benefits. It is important to remember that Big Island is filled with so much for you to do and see; so much that you may not have enough time to do so. Familiarizing yourself with popular Big Island attractions before your vacation can help you make sure that you visit the mostly highly rated and recommended sites, a few of which are outlined below.

1 – Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must see for all Big Island tourists. This National Park is situated on 377 square miles of a vast array of landscaping. Whether you are interested in traveling by car, foot, or bike, there is a large part of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that you can examine.

When traveling by car, you can visit the summit of the Kilauea volcano. Chain of Craters Road is also a must visit in the park, as this is where lava once flowed over the road. With so much to do and see in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, including guided tours and themed wilderness tours, you may want to stay onsite. What better way to end your day than camping? Camping is free as long as you paid admittance into the park.

2 – Waipio Valley

Waipio Valley is also known as “The Valley of the Kings.” This Big Island attraction is a must visit if the history and culture of Hawaii is of interest to you. Here, you will be able to explore an area that was once populated with native Hawaiians. There are unlimited hidden treasures in the area, including beautiful waterfalls, rivers, and tara fields.

To learn the history of the Waipio Valley, not just see it, a guided tour is recommended. Guided tours of “The Valley of Kings,” are available by way of car, horseback, and foot.

3 – Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is often referred to as “A Garden in the Valley of the Ocean.” Due to close proximately, a visit to the gardens is advised either before or after a visit to “The Valley of the Kings.”

Guided garden tours are available for multiple trails, including the Onomea Falls and Palm Jungle Trail.

4 – Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park

If you are unable to visits the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park is a must visit for you. Situated on 180 acres of land, this National Historic Park is considered sacred ground. It was once refuge and home to those who broke the law.

When visit the Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park, you can see the black lava rock, a sacred temple, wooden statutes of Hawaiian gods, and so much more! The area is filled with beautiful fish ponds; therefore, you can enjoy a fishing adventure in addition to hiking and examining the historical background of Hawaii’s Big Island.

In addition to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park, and Waipio Valley, there are other popular and well-known attractions that you should place on your vacation itinerary. Those visiting the North Side of Big Island will want to examine Parker Ranch. Those visiting the South Side of the island should checkout the views at the Ka Lea South Point.

As you can see, there are a number of must visit attractions for your next Big Island vacation. The above mentioned attractions are just a sample of what you will find on the island. For that reason, you are encouraged to use the internet to your advantage or request free Big Island travel guides, which are relatively easy to find online.

Most of the visitors that travel to Hawaii arrive by air, this is because you can’t drive to go there and cruises take a long time. The major airlines that travels to Hawaii are: United Airlines, Air Canada, Aloha Airlines and Island Air, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Japan Airlines, Northwest Airlines and Quantas Airways. There are also limited or no ferry services between the islands, so if you plan on visiting more than one island you should consider flying to each of them.

This leaves you a lot of choices of airlines that appeal to you. Since Hawaii is a major tourist destination, you should expect international airports to be crowded and long lines in airports the whole year round.

The two major airlines that offer island hopping services are Aloha and Hawaiian Airlines. These airlines usually offer cheap tickets and tour packages that allow you to visit some or all of the major islands. You can also book your ticket with a travel agent, however, when you’re already in Hawaii, you can get airline tickets from their local 7-Eleven stores and even from ATM’s.

Aloha Airlines offer packages like the Seven-Day Island Pass. This travel package provides you unlimited air travel for seven days. This package is designed to allow visitors to go visit some or all the islands in a limited period of time. This means that during the seven-day trip, visitors who purchased this package can book any number of reservations to all the destinations offered by Aloha Airlines and its sister company, Island Air.

Here are some tips when you travel to Hawaii:

Planning your Trip

• Book early to get the best deal available. You can either call the airline or book online. • Booking early also means you can get the best seats possible. • If possible, fly on weekdays to get cheap tickets. • If you have enough frequent flier miles, use them when going to Hawaii to save you a lot of money. You can also use this for inter-island flights.

There are six major islands in Hawaii (Big Island, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Oahu, and Molokai). You should choose which island you will enjoy most visiting.

The Big Island

This island is the largest of all the Hawaiian Islands. Aside from the beautiful beaches, the big island offers a wide variety of tourist attractions:

• Onizuda Space Center • Kona Historical Society Museum • Puna Region to see lava flow into the sea from Mt. Kilauea

Oahu The state capitol and the biggest city in Hawaii is located in this island.

• Waimea Falls • Polynesian Cultural Center • Banzai Pipeline • Puu O’Mahuka Helau • Sunset Beach Park • Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park • USS Arizona Memorial • Makapuu Lighthouse

Maui

This island is also called the Valley Isle. It is divided by remnants of two volcanoes and each side has its own unique attractions. Tourist spots include:

• Haleakala Volcano • Skyline Trail • Iao Valley • Maalaea • Olowafu

Kauai

Also known as the Garden Island, this island is home to beautiful mountains, waterfalls, and tropical rainforests. Tourist spots include:

• Kee Beach State Park • Kalalau Trail • NaPali Cliffs

Lanai

This island is the least developed of the Hawaiian Islands. Visiting this island offers the purest experience in Hawaiian culture. Tourist destinations include:

• Garden of the Gods • Shipwreck Beach • Luahiwa Petroglyph Field • Manale Bay Beach • Polihua Beach

Molokai Island

Molokai is also underdeveloped like Lanai. This island also offers traditional Hawaiian culture, least crowded beaches, waterfalls, and tropical rainforests.

• Kepuhi Beach • Papohaku Beach • One Alii Beach Park

There are so many places to visit in Hawaii. It is recommended that when you do visit the islands, you should have enough time to visit some or all of the islands in the group.

Knowing this, it’s easy to vacation like a VIP in paradise and experience Hawaii the way the rich and famous do. This trip stay in a luxurious beach front home, fabulous estate or private villa when visiting the islands. You’ll never catch a VIP in a hotel mingling with the tourists, packed like sardines on Waikiki beach or waiting for elevators. They enjoy their peace, tranquility and solitude, unimpeded by the tourist throng–and you can too. Right now, depending on the number of guests in your group, you can vacation in style in Hawaii for less than a hotel stay….it’s like getting a free first class upgrade by staying in a first class Hawaii vacation rental home.

Each of the Hawaiian islands has something unique to offer. Oahu, the gathering place, is where Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu and big wave surfing are found. It is the most populous and modern of the islands and has the most nightlife. Kauai, the garden isle, is the oldest and most tropical of the islands. Its scenery is the stuff of movies and television settings. Mount Wai’ale’ale, the wettest spot on earth, Hanalei and Bali Hai are all found on Kauai. Maui, the valley isle, is famous for championship golf courses, whale watching and Haleakala Crater (inside of which all of Manhattan would fit). Lahaina, former whaling capital of the world, Hana, where Charles Lindbergh is buried, and the resort area of Kapalua are all found on Maui. Hawaii is not only the name of the state, but also the name o f the largest island. Local refer to it as the big island. It is an island of contrasts and home to big game sport fishing, black sand beaches, desolate lava fields, tropical rain forests, spectacular waterfalls and volcanoes.

But remember, Hawaii is a year round vacation paradise and the best accommodations are booked early. Pacific Islands Reservations advises you to make your reservations for all Hawaii vacation rentals and bed & breakfast accommodations at least six months in advance. Holiday dates are usually booked up to a year in advance, so plan accordingly.

One of the first things that you will want to do, when planning a Hawaii vacation, is examine vacation packages. Vacation packages are a nice way to make travel arrangements, as they are nice, easy, and convenient. Vacation packages enable you to make multiple travel arrangements, like your airline reservations and overnight accommodations reservations, all at the same time. You may even receive a discount for booking your next Hawaii trip in the form of a vacation package.

As nice as vacation packages are, they are not right for everyone. If you would prefer to stay at a Hawaii vacation home, as opposed to a traditional hotel or vacation resort, you may be unable to find a vacation package that includes the overnight accommodations of your choice. If this is the case, you may still want to make all of your travel arrangement through the same online travel website, as you still receive some of the previously mentioned convenience.

Speaking of making your travel arrangements, you will want to start with your airline reservations. This is advised as you may find varied rates. The rates that you receive for a trip to Hawaii will depend on a number of factors including time, season, or if you are traveling during a holiday. You may first want to examine Hawaii airlines and their rates with a two or three day window. While there are no guarantees, you may find it cheaper to fly to Hawaii on a Tuesday, as opposed to a Friday or a Saturday.

Next, you will want to make your overnight accommodation reservations. This is relatively easy if you are looking to book at stay at a traditional hotel or vacation resort. If you would prefer to stay at a Hawaii vacation home or another Hawaiian vacation rental, you will want to visit online travel websites that specialize in offering these types of rental properties. For the best success, you will want to examine those that deal specifically with trips to Hawaii.

What is nice about using the internet and online travel websites to make your Hawaii vacation rental reservations is that many allow you to search for rental properties based on location and price. This is great if you are on a budget. Even if you are not a budget, you may first want to decide how much money you would like to spend on a Hawaii vacation home or another Hawaiian vacation rental and then go from there. When taking this approach, be sure to remember that the less you spend on a vacation rental, the more money you can have for entrainment purposes.

Another one of the many ways that you can save money on your next trip to Hawaii is by preparing some of your own meals. Of course, you will want to dine out on occasion, but you may want to refrain from doing so everyday and for each meal, as this can get costly. If you choose to rent a Hawaii vacation rental, such as a Hawaii vacation home, you should be provided with a fully furnished kitchen. This enables you to easily prepare some of your own meals, as well as save yourself a considerable amount of money.

When it comes to finding things to do on your next Hawaii trip, you may want to examine nearby activities and attractions. Choosing things to do that are located a reasonable distance away from your Hawaii vacation rental or your Hawaii vacation resort is likely to save you money. Whether you use public transportation or choose to rent a car, eliminating unnecessary travel can not only save you money, but it can also save you time. This can help you make the most out of your next Hawaii trip.