Travel Hawaii

The Lei is one of the first and oldest greetings in Hawaii ; synonymous with Aloha. It welcomes you to the Hawaiian Islands. The art of lei making could be lost if not for the enthusiastic younger generation. During Boat Days in the 1900’s, the lei would be given to welcome visitors to the Hawaiian Islands. The departing visitors would throw the lei into the sea in hopes of returning to the islands. The lei represents the warmest of Aloha to start and finish your vacation in paradise. Aloha is a sacred and powerful word expressing greetings, farewells, love, and a way of life, all in one word. The lei embraces this Aloha and passes this warm spirit on to each recipient. Thus, just having the Lei around your neck seems to convey soothing peaceful feeling. It is a great way to start to unwind and slip into a state of relaxation.
Relaxing in Hawaii is something you don’t have to learn, it comes to you all on its own. The locals call it Island time. The best way to start this Island time experience is to head for the beach, dig your toes in the sand, wade into the ocean, or just kick back in your beach chair and wait for it to arrive. Beaches are the best thing about tropical islands and they take thousands of years to become beaches. The Big Island is newer and, therefore, has fewer beaches.  However, the Big Island’s beaches are pristine!  All the beaches on the Orchid Island seem to have that perfect tropical look as you walk out of the palms onto the white sands.

Waikiki Beach located on the Island of Oahu, is perhaps the world’s most famous beach. It offers the perfect climate for one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations. The temperature of the ocean varies from a summertime high of approximately 82°F, to a low of about 76°F during the coolest winter months. The two mile stretch of white sand coast is fronted by hotels and restaurants.The area is excellent for swimming, surfing, boogie boarding, catamaran and outrigger canoe rides. When visiting Waikiki don’t miss an amazing Hawaiian evening with the Wakiki Starlight Luau at the Hilton Hawaiian Village! You can also experience a traditional gourmet Hawaiian feast fit for royalty at the Royal Hawaiian Luau.Enjoy the excitement of Waikiki’s world class hotels, dining and shopping. Take the time to explore historic Honolulu’s royal palaces, museums, and art galleries. Drive to the legendary North Shore and see the rustic surfing towns, local crafts, and famous beaches such as Banzai Pipeline. A great camera stop to photo some of the worlds best surfers. Oahu has a lot to offer and may be just the relaxing island paradise you have been looking for.
Kauai, known also as the “Garden Isle”,it lies 105 miles across the Kauai Channel, northwest of Oahu. It has numerous offerings for its sightseeing visitors such as rainforest, striking waterfalls and The Grand Canyon of the Pacific, “ Waimea Canyon. Waimea is one of the most scenic canyons in the world. It is 3,000 feet deep, formed by the Waimea River and the extreme rainfall running off of Mount Waialeale Mount Waialeale is known as the wettest place on earth and averaged more then 462 inches of rain a year. To add more to your sightseeing pleasure many of Kauai’s white sand beaches have been backdrops for the film industry such as the beaches of Hanalei. They have been famous for years by the filming of South Pacific. However, if your not making a movie you will find beaches with something for every beachcomber. Beaches for walking, sailing, surfing, sunbathing, fishing, picnicking, hiking, snorkeling, swimming, or just kicking back to relax and people-watch
Maui is known for its pristine beaches, natural scenic beauty and premier hotels. So where do you start your sightseeing journey? How about at the ”House of the Sun.”
A perfect Maui day can start with breathtaking views from Haleakala Crater, watching the sunrise at 10,000 feet. The views from the House of the Sun are sensational but be prepared, the early morning will be chilly.
After the sun is up and you feel warm enough, take the time to explore the park’s unusual plant species. Few plants can live this high up in paradise but you will find a rare plant only found here, the Haleakala Silversword.
If your day in paradise needs a little more action, go down to the sea to meet other visitors. The whales visit Maui every year from November through May to mate and give birth in the warm Hawaiian waters. Maui waters are considered the best in the world for Humpback watching. February is peak Humpback watching time.  If you are visiting Maui during the season, try one of the whale watching tours.  It will be an exciting learning experience. As an added bonus you can join in the Whale Festival.  It is a great celebration not to be missed.
For more exploration of the Island start with the Road to Hana.
Hana is an isolated, undeveloped tropical paradise on the eastern end of Maui. Your drive to Hana will take you along scenic rugged cliffs and shoreline with picturesque views. Plan to make stops along the way. There are a number of waterfalls cascading down into tropical pools to photograph. The drive to Hana can be demanding but exciting so you will need a place to talk about it and reward yourself. A good way is to have lunch in luxury at the Hana Hotel. If you are planning to stay for the night, the ocean view from the sea ranch cottages is superb.
For more sightseeing visit the wonderful historic town of Lahaina, the crown jewel of Maui.The beaches of Maui are first on the list but Lahaina is the second most visited place on Maui. This charming historic whaling village has many of the old buildings still standing.  They are now boutique shops and restaurants.  Some are located on Front Street. Lahaina’s Front Street is located right on the western beaches of Maui.  So you will have some exciting views when you are shopping or dining!
If you need to get away from the beach scene, Maui has some world renowned golf courses to play.
Be careful relaxing in Hawaii’s endless summer could become very addictive!
Mahalo