Flying over the Hawaiian Islands
Flying over the Hawaiian Islands is very unique experience, especially if you fly from Oahu to the Big Island. Then you can see three or four islands within the span of 30 minutes. First you will see the beautiful coastline of south and east Oahu, the famous beaches Ala Moana, Waikiki Beach, Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach and others. Then you will get the chance to fly over Molokai and see the long white sand beach Papohaku Beach, Molokai sea... [Read more]
So it is your first Hawaii vacation? And you are trying to decide which Hawaiian island to visit?
Which Hawaiian island should I visit? This is a question I get asked very frequently from friends, acquaintances and people visiting my website. And my answer always begins with “depends what you want to do and see.” The activities and things to do and see, the scenery and even the climate is different on each island. In other words, each island is quite unique. Visiting Oahu The majority of Hawaii travelers visit Oahu and particularly... [Read more]
Waikiki Attractions
Waikiki is the most popular tourist area in Hawaii and therefore the most crowded. But if you don’t mind crowds, there are quite a few interesting things to do. Waikiki Beach is divided into several beach areas (Kuhio Beach, Queen’s Beach, Sans Souci Beach and Kaimana Beach). Some areas along Waikiki Beach offer good swimming conditions, while others are more suitable for snorkeling, bodyboarding and surfing. There are also three... [Read more]
Magic Island, Oahu
Magic Island is a popular beach park in Honolulu. It is actually a man-made peninsula (not an island) and a great place for picnics, swimming, jogging and relaxing. At the end of the peninsula is a small sandy beach, also known as Magic Island beach. It has a rock barrier, which protects the beach from incoming waves and currents. However, when the surf is up, the waves often times reach over the rock walls, so stay away from this area and... [Read more]
Waimea Canyon Drive
Before driving to Waimea Canyon I was wondering how the road and driving conditions are, as well as the weather. If you also have similar questions, I hope that you will find the answers on this page. I took some videos and photos of the road, so you can get an idea. There are two roads you can take to Waimea Canyon – Waimea Canyon Drive (which starts in Waimea) and Kokee Road (which begins in Kekaha). Waimea Canyon Drive merges into... [Read more]
Oahu South Shore Beach and Sightseeing Self-Guided Tour
Here is an affordable way to explore some of the most scenic locations on Oahu – rent a car and drive along the island’s southeastern shore. This part of the island is truly amazing because of the unique scenery, beaches and lookout points, many of which are located at sea cliffs. A short drive from Waikiki and your breath will already be taken away as you stop at Kuilei Cliffs where you will see a pristine cliffy vista of blue... [Read more]
Triple Seven (777) Yacht in Honolulu Harbor Today
Today, one of the most luxurious motor yachts in the world was anchored at Aloha Tower in Honolulu Harbor, where she attracted a number of curious onlookers and photographers. The yacht was sparkling clean from the outside and looked like it just came out of the factory. It didn’t have a single salty or dirty spot on it. It was glittering in the sunshine. For those of you who are curious about the yacht and who owns it, here is some... [Read more]
Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon at Hilton Hawaiian Village, Waikiki Beach
Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon is a popular beach attraction located on Waikiki Beach, and it is part of the Hilton Hawaiian Village grounds. The lagoon was closed for renovation in 2006 and reopened in December 2007. The renovation cost was about $15 million! The lagoon is is a great place to relax. The water is warm, calm and azure blue, surrounded by fine white sand and a grassy area. The Hilton lagoon has a scenic view to Diamond Head, the popular... [Read more]
Kewalo Basin Park, Honolulu
Even though the Kewalo Basin Park is conveniently located right next to Ala Moana Beach Park (west of it), it is still largely undiscovered and never crowded. The oceanfront park has many shady trees, grassy areas ideal for a picnic and great views to the entire length of Ala Moana Park, Magic Island and Diamond Head. There is no beach here, only rocks, but there is a nice promenade right on the ocean’s edge. The park also serves as an... [Read more]
Lahaina Beaches
Lahaina on Maui is a popular tourist destination. The small town in a way resembles Europe with its cute little cafés, restaurants, small boutique shops and colorful buildings, situated along its main street called Front Street. The town has a couple of small beaches located along Front Street, one of which is located right in front of the Lahaina Shores resort and the other one is about half a mile south of it. The beach near the... [Read more]
Kahakuloa Bay and Village, West Maui
Coconut Island, Oahu
Coconut Island, also known as Moku o Lo‘e, is located on Oahu’s windward (east) coast. This little offshore island is the location where part of the popular TV series Gilligan’s Island was filmed. It’s the island that you see during the opening theme of the second and third season of the series. The Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) has a research base on Coconut Island. Students and scientists from around the world come... [Read more]
Akaka Falls State Park, Honomu
The Akaka Falls State Park on the Big Island’s northeastern Hamakua Coast is home to two of the island’s most popular waterfalls – Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. A beautiful 0.4-mile loop trail leads through the park, through a lush rainforest filled with bamboo groves, tropical flowers and ferns to the two waterfalls. First up on this short hike will be the 100-foot Kahuna Falls, which will already make you curious to see the much... [Read more]
Kaneohe Bay Sandbar, Oahu
The Kaneohe Sandbar, also known as Ahu o Laka, is a popular picnicking spot among local Oahu residents, particularly among those who have a boat or access to a boat or kayak. It’s the only sandbar of this kind in Hawaii. The sandbar is located in Kaneohe Bay. During low tide, it emerges and forms a shallow and temporary land. During high tide, the water is about hip-deep and deeper towards the edges of the sandbar. There is a steep drop-off... [Read more]
Downtown Honolulu
Downtown Honolulu is a busy business center. Many Hawaii business offices are located here. Downtown Honolulu is busy during the week and calm on the weekend, when almost all businesses and public restaurants are closed. The downtown area is definitely worth a visit. You can see many architectural buildings here, nestled in pretty tropical landscaping. Take a stroll in the Bishop Square, then walk by the historic Iolani Palace and the Hawaii... [Read more]
Hikiau Heiau (Hawaiian temple)
Hikiau Heiau, located at the east side of Kealakekua Bay and overlooking the Captain Cook Monument across the bay, is an important Hawaiian temple site. The heiau was dedicated to the Hawaiian god Lono. When Capt. Cook came to the Big Island of Hawaii in 1778, ceremonies were held here. The heiau was restored in 1917. As with all Hawaiian heiaus, show your respect by not climbing on or removing any stones. ... [Read more]
Honolulu Christmas: Honolulu City Lights
Christmas in Honolulu is green and tropical and many light decorations can be seen in the city and the rest of the island. Every year, Honolulu Hale, located in downtown Honolulu, hosts an event called Honolulu City Lights where you can see Hawaiian style Christmas decoration. The admission is free, and it is worth a visit, especially at night when all the lights are lit. Here are some photos I took of the Honolulu City Lights display. ... [Read more]
Kamehameha Iki Park, Lahaina
Dole Park, Lanai City
Dole Park in Lanai City: Read More →
Oheo Stables
This is a tour for the culture and history buffs. Oheo Stables combines its horseback rides with visits to some of Maui’s best historical sites and interesting narrations of local nature and history. It’s like two Maui activities in one-a nature ride and an educational trip that takes you back in time. the guides are very knowledgeable and friendly, and the rides are tailored to suit riders of all ages and skill levels. The Historical... [Read more]
