Bob Freer asked:


The third in our four-part series of Hawaii vacations covers the “Big Island”, as the island of Hawaii is most often referred to.

As the natives (and longtime residents) like to say, there are only two seasons on the Big Island Hawaii: “summer,” between May and October, and “winter,” from October to April. The weather varies dramatically, though,–in terms of precipitation–from west to east. Hilo, on the east, or “wet” side of Big Island, is the wettest city in the United States.

Big Island Hawaii’s “Kona” coast, (the dry west side), is the most popular destination. It offers accommodations and activities catering to the pure pursuit of FUN! Snorkeling, diving, kayaking and deep-sea fishing being the most popular.

The island is also famous for its volcanoes. Kilauea is the most active volcano in the world. At times you can Watch lava flowing across the landscape at Volcanoes National Park. On the days when the volcano is not erupting, you can explore its unique “lavascape”, with its vents spewing steam, its giant chasms and lava craters. Standing at just over 5,000 feet, Kilauea is not Big Island’s tallest volcano, but it is certainly the most active.

For an aerial view of the Big Island, be sure to check out Blue Hawaiian or Tropical Helicopters in Hilo. Dedicated pilots will whisk you away and provide loads of nformation during the flight, including a literal “over-the-top” view of Kilauea Volcano!

And, for those wanting a water experience, trek over to Kona Boy Kayaks, past the 113 mile marker on Highway 11, and get the thrill of Big Island Hawaii–in a big way! There you can rent a kayak or go on a guided trip. Paddle atop the waves, skirting awesome cliffs and waterfalls, or snorkel and swim in a calm, protected cove — your choice. Perhaps you’ll see a few spinner dolphins as you paddle across Captain Cook monument.

Speaking of dolphins, the Hilton Waikola Village on the Big Island, has a program called Dolphin Quest. There, in the lagoon, kids and teenagers, and a few adults, can have the opportunity to swim with the several Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphins. This program is nearly always full. Reservations must be made at least 60 days in advance.

You can go even further by discovering the undersea world’s creatures and their habitat by visiting Atlantis Submarines, also in Kona. And there is also world class sports fishing off the Kona coast.

This area is known as the marlin capital of the world. Big game fish, including giant blue marlin and other Pacific billfish, tuna and swordfish are abundant in the waters off the coast. Hundreds of charter fishing boats operate out of the Kailua-Kona area where you can charter a boat with friends or join one of the daily shared charters.

The highest point on the isand is Mauna Kea, at 13,796 feet above sea level. Both the neighboring Maunu Loa and Mauau Kea and have some of the clearest air in the world. As a result, more than two dozen of the world’s finest telescopes are located there. Tours of the University of Hawaii Telescope are available every weekend.

There are many beaches on the Big Island. Pauoa Beach, at the Fairmont Orchid Hotel in the Mauna Lani Resort, is infused by natural freshwater springs that move beneath the ocean’s surface. It’s located on Hawaii’s Kohala Coast, on the northwest side of the island.

One of Hawaii’s best beaches, Hapuna Beach, is a landscaped 62-acre beach park. Swimming and other water sports are best enjoyed in summer months during calm seas. Winter surf can be rough. The beach is located on the Kohala Coast on the northwest side. The Hapuna Golf Course, part of the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, extneds from the shoreline to 700 feet above sea level, offering both challenge and beauty.

Honaunau Beach, part of the historic Pu’uhonua o Honaunao National Park, offers a full range of family activities. The sanctuary name means a “place of refuge.”

A snorkeler’s delight, Kahaluu Beach Park, is located on the Big Island’s west coast. Visitors can explore a colorful variety of more than 100 types of tropical fish and marine life including sea turtles. A large coral reef both protects the lagoon and is home to these animals. A fresh water spring feeds up to 10 million gallons per day into the lagoon.

Kaunaoa Beach, also known as Mauna Kea, is bordered by a coconut grove and protected by two black-lava points. This beach sit directly in front of the Mauna Kea Hotel. The rugged surf makes Kaunaoa a bodysurfer’s and boogie boarder’s delight.

Close by, the Mauna Kea Golf Course is carved out of the volcano’s black lava, and is considered one of the top courses in the United States. The dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean and its shoreline cliffs seem to add to the challenge of the course.

The South Point on the Big Island is believed to be where the first Polynesians arrived from the Marquesas Islands or Tahiti around 500 A.D. And the island that they found has been luring visitors back for centuries. Will you be one of them?



Juanita

Article Manager asked:


Among all your vacation tour, your vacation of Hawaii will stand out in your memory because of its numerous fun filling activities and an incredible amount of beautiful scenery. One can experience wide range of natural beauty from 3000 ft. tall cliffs, Hawaii only navigable river Wailua to Oahu’s popular beaches. There is lot of natural beauty that can be experience with the Hawaii vacation rentals. Apart from natural beauty there are marvelous historical sites such as Pearl Harbour and Iolani Palace. Its art galleries are excellent sites for cultural lovers.

Hawaiian vacation rentals are the best way to spend time on the islands. Beautiful sandy beaches and crystal clear water are the major factor that tempts anybody to plan their vacation in the Hawaiian Islands. This island has much to offer as far as activities and scenic beauties are concerned. The most important thing while planning Hawaii vacations is the accommodations. One should choose a right kind of accommodations to truly experience and embrace the natural beauty of this island and its surroundings. There are various lodging options that make one feel as if the island is his personal gateway destination. The best way to experience this beauty in a personalized manner is by staying in a Hawaii vacation rental on your favourite island.

Staying in a vacation rental is much better option than staying in a hotel as in hotels one is always surrounded by large group of people wherever you go. While in vacation rental one can achieve privacy while staying inside the rental house. These vacation rentals offer all the amenities that are required for complete relaxing and making the trip enjoyable. A Hawaiian vacation appeals to people for many reasons. First of all it has many beautiful island that has its own air of enchantment and unique beauty that attracts visitors to return again and again. Different beautiful islands that captivate the heart of the visitors are Molokai, Kahoolawe, Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island. Each island is famous for its own characteristics, like Oahu is famous for having numerous family activities, making it a perfect place for the children’s first Hawaiian adventure. Maui is famous for its breathtaking waterfalls and lush rainforests. All these islands have enough Hawaii vacation rentals available and are available at a budget prices.

Most Hawaiian visitors are interested in Hawaii vacation rentals that give them a fantastic view of the beauty of the islands. Fortunately there are many options available that meet these criteria of the tourist. If one is interested in beautiful scenery one will opt for Maui vacation rental and if one is interested in staying close to active volcanoes, magnificent waterfalls, scuba diving and sport fishing than will go for Big Island vacation rental of Hawaii.



Brent

Richard Teesdale asked:


Have you recently decided that you would like to take a Big Island, Hawaii fishing trip? If you have, you are definitely not alone. While Hawaii is filled with destinations that are perfect for fishing, the Hawaiian Island of Big Island is referred to as one of the most popular.

When looking to make your Hawaii travel arrangements, for your Big Island fishing trip, you will want to start with your airline reservations. You will need to make reservations aboard a Hawaii airline. When doing so, you may want to examine online travel websites, particularly those that deal with Hawaii vacations. This enables you to eliminate much of the research and just find a flight that can get to your Big Island fishing destination.

In addition to making your Hawaii airline reservations, you will also need to make arrangements for your overnight accommodations. Although your first thought may be to book a stay at a traditional hotel or a vacation resort, you may want to take the time to examine Hawaii vacation rentals. Hawaii vacation rentals come in a number of different formats, including Hawaii villas, condos, homes, and apartment rentals. In fact, did you know that many Hawaii vacation rentals are considered beachfront rentals? Even if you are unable to book a stay at a Big Island beachfront rental, many Hawaii vacation rentals still provide you with ocean views.

Once you have officially booked your Hawaii travel plans, namely the reservations for your air travel and your overnight accommodations, you will want to shift your focus to the fishing aspect of your vacation. When planning a Big Island Hawaii fishing trip do you know that you have a number of different options, in terms of how you can fish? You do and a few of your options are briefly touched on below.

If you have a boating license or at least proof of a completed training course, you may be able to rent your own fishing boat or sail boat. This is an option that many tourists enjoy. Perhaps, the only downside to this approach is the trouble or the “red tape,” that you may have to go through. Most boat rental companies and boat owners will not just hand over the keys to their boats to anyone. With that in mind, if you are able to successfully rent a boat for your next Big Island fishing trip, you may enjoy the peace, quiet, and freedom that you have.

Another one of your options is to charter a boat. When you charter a boat, you will be passengers on the boat in question and have full use of it, but you will not be responsible for driving or navigating. Even when chartering a boat for your next Big Island fishing adventure, you have a number of different options. For example, you may be able to make reservations aboard a privately chartered fishing boat or a group chartered boat.

In keeping with chartering a fishing boat, if you are looking for peace, quiet, and relaxation, a private chartered fishing boat may be your best option. On the other hand, if you are more concerned with price, a group chartered boat may be your best option, as the rates tend to be a bit more affordable. You may also want to examine additional activities, such as snorkeling or scuba diving. Many Big Island boat chartering companies offer multiple activities aboard their vessels. This is great if you are traveling with your family or another couple, as everyone may gain access to an activity they enjoy.

Finally, it is important to examine supplies. Depending on your fishing supplies, you may be unable to bring them with you on your trip. You may need to rent instead. With that in mind, you may find that the cost of a chartered fishing boat included supplies, such as fishing poles. If not, you may want to rent fishing supplies for your whole trip and store your supplies in your Hawaii vacation rental. This will give you the opportunity to come and go fishing as you please, even if it isn’t aboard a boat.



Yolanda

Bob Freer asked:


The second in our series of Hawaii vacations, this article focuses on the island of Maui. Maui stands apart from the rest of the Hawaiian Islands. It offers adventure in paradise at every corner. If you have only a week to spend in Hawaii, this is one of the best places to be.

Accommodations are widely available on Maui, including many resorts, bed & breakfasts, cottages, inns, and condos, many of which offer spectacular view of the shores. Several world-class golf courses are also found on Maui.

For such a small island, Maui is packed with “leisurely adventures”–and at comfortable temperatures, hovering from 75 at the lowest and the low 90s at the highest. Plus, its waters are warm year-round (varying from 70 to 80 degrees).

With its outstanding beaches and multiple resorts, Maui has many activities. Helicopter tours, golfing, water sports, even submarine rides can be found on Maui.

Its landscape is incredibly diverse. It is often known as the Valley Island because of the large valley that extends between two volcanoes. On the wet, eastern side of the mountains there are acres of rainforest. On the dry,leeward side of the island,resorts and golf courses abound. And in the central valley, located between Haleakala volcano and the West mountains, sugar cane grows abundantly.

Offshore, one can see marine life found nowhere else on earth. The island reef is home to hundreds of species which makes this a paradise for divers and snorkelers. In winter, humpback whales crowd the waters off the southern coast. Maui provides some of the world’s best whale-watching activities. Thousands of Humpback whale migrate to the warm waters off the coast of this Hawaii Island between November and April each year.

Many people drive to the top of Mt Haleakala for a view of the spectacular sunrise. You can rent a car or take one of the many tours to the top. It will be cold at the 10,000 foot summit, so bundle up and bring a thermos of hot coffee or tea.

The road to Hana is considered one of the most breath-taking drives in all of the Islands. It is a slow, winding road through a lush paradise.

The island’s beaches are not only plentiful, they are varied. From the white sands of Oneloa in West Maui and Palaueau Beach in the South, to the Red Sand Beach (Kaihalulu) of Hana and the volcanic black sands of Pa’iloa Beach in Wai’anapanapa Park, Maui’s beaches offer diversity.

On the North Shore, Ho’okipa Beach Park is perhaps one of the best places in the world to wind surf, body board or kite surf.

Kapalua Beach, located on the west side of the Keanae Peninsula in South Maui, is a golden–sand beach, with a terrific view of Molokai. It is protected from big waves by both coral reefs and lava formations on both sides.

An excellent family beach, Wailea Beach is on the island’s sunny south shore.Protected by lava outcroppings it is safe for families with children. Wailea is wide and about 1,000 feet long in a crescent shape.

Palauea Beach is perfect for young children and families because it’s sheltered from the winds and the water is shallow. It’s also located south of Polo Beach in one of the least developed spots on the island.

One of Maui’s best snorkeling locations, Ulua Beach offers an excellent reef about 100 yards offshore. Ulua is between Wailea Beach to the north and Makena Beach to the south.

Oneloa Beach–Referred to by locals as “Big Beach,” Oneloa Beach in Makena State Park is more than 3,000 feet long and 100 feet wide, made up of sugar-white sands that meet a crystalline ocean. This South Maui beach is the island’s longest beach.

The islet of Molokini, just off the west shore of Maui, is one of Hawaii’s most popular spots for divers and snorkelers. Accessible only by boat, this crescent-shaped crater is a natural sanctuary and marine-life preserve. It provides an an exquisite opportunity to view tropical fish, lobsters, crab and living coral, including black coral.

Finally, if you want to explore other islands, day trips can take you to Lanai or Molokai by ferry. Ferries leave daily from the dock in Lahaina, Maui.

Whatever you do during your time on Maui, this vacation will likely inspire you to return again. In the meantime, you can cherish the memories.



Darren

Sarah Avery asked:


Are you interested in taking a trip to Hawaii? If you are, you will have a number of choices to make. One of the most important choices is that of your destination. Do you know which Hawaiian island you want to visit?

Although deciding on a vacation destination may seem like a simple choice, it isn’t always. Why? Because Hawaii is filled with so many great destinations, as well as a number of beautiful islands that make great vacation locations.

Before deciding on a Hawaii Island to visit, it is important to examine the purpose of your trip. Are you traveling to visit with friends or family members? Are you looking to relocate to Hawaii and want to scout out the area first? Are you attending a special event, such as a destination wedding? If so, you will want to stay on the same island, as this reduces your travel time and costs. Although it doesn’t mean that you can’t visit the other islands, as inter-island flights are offered for a reasonable fee.

If you have the freedom to choose which Hawaiian island you want to vacation on, it is recommended that you do a little bit of research first. This research involves examining available hotels, Hawaii vacation rentals and attractions. Typically, activities aren’t a big concern, as most of the islands allow you to enjoy the same activities, such as swimming, surfing, hiking, sailing, and kayaking.

When it comes to Hawaii vacations, Big Island is a popular choice. Due to its large size, many tourists are pleased with the large number of attractions that can be found onsite. These attractions include the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea, and the Waipio Valley.

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Hawaii. Whether it be by car, bike, or foot, you can see for yourself the impact that volcanoes have had on the land. Be sure to visit and walk through the Thurston Lava Tube. Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano and it is near Mauna Loa, which is the largest mountain in the world, according to measurements that start at the floor of the ocean.

Oahu is another island that is a popular destination for Hawaii vacations. Although anyone can enjoy the island, it is often referred to as a surfer’s paradise. This is due in part to the amazing surfing conditions that are found on the North Shore. In fact, it is home to multiple surfing competitions and it is not uncommon to spot a professional surfer practicing their trade.

In addition to the North Shore, Oahu is filled with other great attractions, many of which are perfect for individuals of all ages. Pearl Harbor is considered a must visit. You can pay your respect to fallen service men and women by visiting a number of memorial sites, including the USS Arizona Memorial. The Iolani Palace and the Diamond Head Crater are other popular attractions.

As with all of the islands, Maui is another great destination for a Hawaii vacation. There you will find the Hana Highway. A drive up and down this highway is recommended, as what you will see will amaze you. Views of beautiful plants, flowers, waterfalls, historic bridges, and the ocean are what you will find. The Iao Valley State Park, the Haleakala National Park, and the Banyan Tree are other popular attractions.

As for the island of Kauai, it is also home to a number of must visit attractions. Kauai is often referred to as the perfect destination for those looking for fun and adventure. On the island, you can kayak down the Wailua River, which is one of the few navigable rivers in all of Hawaii. An eleven-mile hike is required to gain the full experience of visiting the Napali Coast, but the time and energy required is more than worth it. The coast, however, can also be viewed by boat or by air.

The islands of Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and Big Island are by far the most popular Hawaii vacation destinations, but they are not your only options. If you are looking to explore the truly natural elements of Hawaii, the islands of Molokai and Lanai should be examined. Compared to the other islands, it appears as if they haven’t been affected by commercialization.



Ashley