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 repopened in December 2007. The renovation cost was about $15 million! The lagoon is is a great place beach relaxation. The water is warm, calm and azure blue, surrounded by fine white sand beach and green grassy area. The Hilton lagoon offers scenic view to Diamond Head, the popular Rainbow Tower at Hilton Hawaiian Hotel, the Hilton Harbor, and Waikiki Beach. Even if you dont stay at Hilton Hotel or other nearby hotels you are welcome to visit. There is plenty here to do - from swimming and paddling in the water,... [Read more]
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 entry/exit point for surfers to get to the surf break offshore. From here one can also view the ships that go in and out of the Kewalo Basin Harbor, which provides berthing for commercial as well as charter and excursion vessels. The only downside of Kewalo Basin... [Read more]
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 Lahaina Shores has some shade and it is also a home of the popular Feast at Lele luau. Right there is the popular oceanfront restaurant Pacific‘o as well. Both Lahaina beaches offer beautiful views to the island of Lanai. Lahaina’s beaches are not the... [Read more]
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 here to study the ocean, coral reefs and marine organisms. The island is surrounded by a large, 64-acre coral reef, which was designated as the Hawaii Marine Laboratory Refuge by the state of Hawaii. ... [Read more]
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 larger, 442-foot Akaka Falls around the corner, which plummets from a cliff down into a pool of water below. You won’t be able to reach the top of the waterfall or the bottom pool area. But it’s nice enough to view it from a distance and the pictures that... [Read more]
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 at the edge. Most boaters anchor in the shallow sand and let their boats float in the deep waters at the edge. The size of the sandbar varies depending on if it’s low or high tide. People come here to picnic, swim, snorkel, dive, play ball games, or to... [Read more]
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 State Capitol. Visit the Hawaii State Library and Honolulu Hale and much more. Below are some photos of Downtown Honolulu. Enjoy! ... [Read more]
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 →
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]
Dole Park in Lanai City: Read More →
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 Early Ride departs at 8:30 and starts at the foothills of the West Maui Mountains. The climb is a little on the steep side but very comfortable, and the views from up high are very rewarding. You’ll get to see Lahaina and its harbor, and the nearby islands... [Read more]
Ride on a real Hawaiian ranch with a family of experienced cowboys! Mendes Ranch in Wailuku, Hawaii is owned by a Portuguese family who has been exploring Maui on horseback for decades. A ride at this ranch is more than a fun Maui activity-it’s also an educational tour where guides offer interesting narratives on the island’s culture, history and natural wonders. All journeys start at the Mendes Ranch Corral, where you’ll be greeted by paniolos (cowboys) before getting fitted to your horses. From here, you’ll canter up beautiful rolling pastures, pass through a lush rainforest, and reach a high peak where you can look down into the Eki Crater. You’ll also get to see some of... [Read more]
If you’re after small, intimate tours with experienced riders, Makena Stables should be one of your top choices. Established in 1983, the business is run by a family of experienced cowboys and riders who are more than happy to take the ride with you. It only offers two rides, so you won’t have as much choice as with other Maui activities. But each one offers a unique experience unlike any other Maui activity. All rides take place on the Ulupalakua Ranch, a 20,000-acre stretch of land said to be one of the most beautiful spots on Maui. From here, you get great views of nearby attractions such as the La Perouse Bay, Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve, lave flows, and even some of the nearby islands.... [Read more]
Ironwood Ranch has been named the best place to go on horseback by Hawaii Magazine. Located in the scenic West Maui Mountains, the ranch specializes in small, intimate tours that can be personalized for you and your friends. It currently offers six tours, each one designed for a specific riding level. The easiest ride is the West Maui Journey, suitable for all types of riders and taking you through beautiful, relaxing trails in the mountains. This tour costs $90 per person for a riding time of about 1.5 hours. Another easy trail is the Sunset Ride, which allows you to catch the Maui sunset with the majestic mountains in the background. It’s a slightly longer Maui activity at two hours,... [Read more]
A*Broad Adventures is a backpack tour company with a unique twist: it caters exclusively to women. Its founders have designed adventure hikes that make women feel empowered facing the physical challenges of Maui’s landscape. Women are rewarded after this strenuous Maui activity with visits to the spa, full body massages, and other pampering perks. Most of their hikes are over two days long, so you have to be fairly fit if you want to join in. The most popular (and one of the shortest) is a two-day program which combines hiking with kayaking, horseback riding, yoga, and rafting trips. All the gear will be provided, but hikers are encouraged to bring lots of water, comfortable clothes,... [Read more]
Nature hikers of all skill levels are welcome at Maui Eco Tours. The company offers six different hiking trips, all designed to show you the best of Maui and its natural heritage. Their tour guides are all state certified and boast an in-depth knowledge of local culture and wildlife. The Waterfall Experience over the West Maui Mountains is one of the most picturesque routes. You’ll be walking along some of the world’s most pristine waterfalls, and even taking a swim in two of them. Among the best stops here are the Nakalele Blowhole, Honolua Bay, and Kahakuloa Village. A longer version is the Rainforest/Waterfall Experience, which includes a trip to a thick green jungle and bamboo forest. For... [Read more]
Maui Cave Adventures doesn’t offer the same freedom of choice as other Maui activities, but it’s far from boring. Its only hike is a self-guided tour that shows you a side of Maui that few tourists even know of. You’ll have to drive yourself around, but aside from that it’s pretty cheap—tours go for about $12 per person, and kids under 5 are free of charge. The first stop is the Hana Lava Tube, also known as the Ka`eleku Caverns. This is a series of small caves that you can explore on your own. Main features include ancient rock formations and colorful natural stones. The two main caves are less than half a mile apart, so the hike is far from strenuous. You’ll need your strength for... [Read more]
Jungle Tours Maui is probably one of the most intimate tours there are on the island. A one-man company run by Alec Hawley, it boasts 20 years of hiking experience and a passion for Maui’s natural heritage. Hawley personally leads the tours and knows all the trails for all skill levels and time frames. All tours will feature bamboo forests, waterfalls, historical sites, and lots of opportunities for Maui activities. The tours only explore the eastern side of the island, so if you’re after a West Maui Mountains hike you’ll have to find another tour. Instead of the usual Hana route, Hawley takes visitors to a less crowded but equally beautiful part of eastern Maui. This route spares you from... [Read more]
