Oahu Hike Takes in Windward Coast Views

by Leilani - Your Vacation Rental Specialist on April 5, 2013

Hiking Above Lanikai Beach Provides Spectacular Hawaii Vistas

Everyone knows Lanikai on Oahu for its beautiful beach but if you don’t mind a short hike you may also want to check it out. There is a hiking trail called Lanikai Pillboxes which takes you above Lanikai and provides you with beautiful views of the Mokulua Islands, Lanikai, Kailua and Waimanalo.

The hike up to the pillboxes will take you about 15-20 minutes and is somewhat steep in the very beginning but the little bit of work is worth the beauty you will see when you get up to the top.  Make sure you wear shoes with grip as walking down tends to be a little slippery.

If you are planning on visiting Oahu, Hawaiian Beach Rentals offers exceptional accommodations including many affordable and luxurious Lanikai Vacation Rentals. Browse our site or talk to a live, local agent at 800-853-0787.

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West Maui Vacation Offers Luxury and Relaxation

by Leilani - Your Vacation Rental Specialist on March 26, 2013

Hidden Hawaii treasure at the upscale Hale Napili

I’m often asked where to find a home in Maui that is on the ocean or within walking distance to it, reasonably priced, upscale and able to accommodate a large family. I tell my clients to check out the Hale Napili.

I spent a tranquil week at Hale Napili with my family this past May. It was the perfect family reunion home and provided a great location for the many different needs of everyone. With 4000 sq.ft. and two separate living areas we didn’t feel on top of each other. There are five spacious bedrooms and the house can easily accommodate 12 guests plus a couple little ones.

The back deck was a favorite for everyone especially in the mornings. We’d sip our tea and coffee while listening to the ocean with tropical birds singing in the background. Grandpa would watch the kids play in the large grassy yard, he said it was so relaxing and very private. He even fell asleep out there on a lounger.

There is a small stone path that takes you down to the community pool and a little cove where you can swim or snorkel. The pool is a nice bonus, there is a grass area to play as well as a covered area for those who want out of the sun.  Since some of us like the ocean and a few others don’t it was nice to be together and have the ocean and a pool right there.

If you are lucky like us, you may see a few turtles swimming around. Just under a mile from the house you also have the nice white sandy beach of Napili Bay. Don’t worry if you don’t want to leave the house, we didn’t either! There is a grocery store with several restaurants just a five minute walk from the house at the Naplili Plaza. Try Maui tacos, we loved the Maui Mex Bowls.

If you are planning on visiting Maui, Hawaiian Beach Rentals offers exceptional accommodations including many affordable and luxurious Maui Vacation RentalsBrowse our site or talk to a live, local agent at 800-853-0787.

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Kilauea Volcano is Highlight of Big Island Vacation

by Leilani - Your Vacation Rental Specialist on February 26, 2013

Volcanoes National Park Offers an Unforgettable Adventure

Peer into the depths of massive summit craters, walk through fields of ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs carved into the rocks, and hike through a lush jungle of tropical growth – all in Volcanoes National Park!

Sights and Attractions in Big Island’s Volcanoes National Park

When visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park make sure and stop in at the Kilauea Visitor Center located on the summit of Kilauea volcano along Crater Rim Drive. You will see interesting educational exhibits and get tips on enjoying your park visit. Close by is the Jaggar Museum with more great volcano exhibits.

A great way to explore the summit area is to take a drive along the 11-mile Crater Rim Drive which includes numerous places to stop and hike and explore the many attractions. Along this route is the famed Thurston Lava Tube where you can walk underground where lava once flowed.

Arguably the most remarkable site atop the volcano is the 2.5-mile-wide Kilauea Caldera, and within it the sheer-walled Halemaumau Crater. A lookout at the Jaggar Museum provides great views into Halemaumau.

Day hikes in the summit area allow you to explore some unique aspects of the park including hikes down into dormant craters and through lush rain forests areas. For more adventure take the 20-mile drive down Chain of Craters Road and see the ancient Hawaiian petroglyph fields.

Kilauea Volcano is the Most Active Volcano on Earth

The centerpiece of the Volcanoes National Park is Kilauea volcano, just one of six volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii. Kilauea volcano holds the title of most continuously active volcano on Earth having erupted almost non-stop since 1983. Mauna Kea volcano is the Big Island’s tallest at 13,796 feet while Mauna Loa volcano is the largest in terms of sheer volume at 18,000 cubic miles (the largest on Earth). While those volcanoes are dormant, Kilauea continues to erupt.

During the last two decades Kilauea has poured countless tons of molten lava down the flank of the volcano and into the sea. As the lava enters the ocean it breaks apart into fine grains that wash up onto the nearby black sand beaches.

Vacation Accommodations on the Big Island

If you are planning on visiting the Big Island, Hawaiian Beach Rentals offers exceptional Big Island accommodations including many affordable and luxurious Volcano rentals. Browse our site or talk to a live, local agent at 800-853-0787.

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Kapalua Resort on Maui – Hawaii Vacation Paradise

by Leilani - Your Vacation Rental Specialist on December 19, 2012

Quiet Beaches and Five Star Amenities in Kapalua

Kapalua is located approximately ten miles North of Lahaina at the foot of the lush West Maui mountains. The breathtaking Kapalua shoreline is lined with five bays (two of which are marine sanctuaries) and three white-sand beaches. The Kapalua Resort is home to the Ritz Carlton Kapalua, several award-winning restaurants, boutique shops, two renowned golf courses and a luxurious Spa.

When I am asked where families can get away from the crowds, enjoy quite beaches and still have five star amenities available to them in Maui, I answer: A perfect five star family reunion getaway can be found at the seven bedroom Kapalua Manor in the Kapalua Resort.  Read the full article →

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Hawaii Hikes – Anaehoomalu Bay Shoreline Trail

by Leilani - Your Vacation Rental Specialist on November 7, 2012

Observing Nature on the Big Island of Hawaii’s A-Bay Trail

The Waikoloa Resort area on the Big Island has all the planned comforts of a modern visitor’s destination including shopping, restaurants and cultural events, all with easy access by car or on foot.

Nearby, however, just beyond the “edges” of Waikoloa are unpaved, winding trails perfect for visitors who want to see a more natural, unplanned side of this beautiful area. Part of the longer Ala Kahakai Trail, this local trail follows the rocky coastline for miles to the south of beautiful Anaehoomalu Bay (A-Bay for short). Read the full article →

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Kauai Vacation Tips – Coconut Coast Fun for Whole Family

by Leilani - Your Vacation Rental Specialist on October 29, 2012

Kauai’s Scenic Coconut Coast

Traveling to Kauai with the extended family? Little ones, teenagers, maybe Grandma and Grandpa too?

Consider booking your accommodations on the East side of the island known as the Coconut Coast which encompasses Wailua, Waipouli and Kapaa Town on Kauai.

Coconut Coast

Coconut Coast Offers Central Location for Exploring Kauai

This side of the island offers activities for all ages in your family or group, as well as being centrally located, so that time spent driving to explore other sides of the island is easier for all.

On the Coconut Coast you will find more oceanfront condominium units than on any other area of Kauai. For many extended families on vacation, easy access to the beach, having use of a swimming pool, and being within close proximity to larger grocery stores, farmers markets, restaurants and shops are a must have! It’s even better if all are within walking distance. Read the full article →

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Best Kauai Activities – Hiking, Mini Golf and Hawaiian Music

by Leilani - Your Vacation Rental Specialist on October 26, 2012

Lighthouse at Kilauea Point

The Historic Kilauea Point Lighthouse

Kauai the oldest Island in the Hawaiian chain, and I believe it’s also the most beautiful. Yet people often think it might be too quiet for them. Well, you can dance the night away at lots of places on the planet, however if you want to unwind and truly experience Mother nature at her best you need to visit the Garden Island of Kauai.

Hiking and Walking Trails On Kauai

For hardy hikers there’s the popular Kalalau trail, a grueling 11-mile hike through the mountains of the Napali Coast. Less experienced hikers will enjoy Kauai’s 7-mile paved path alongside the ocean. Read the full article →

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Waikiki Night Life – Sunset Music on the Beach

by Leilani - Your Vacation Rental Specialist on October 24, 2012

Waikiki Sunsets

Enjoying Henry Kapono’s Sunday Show at Duke’s in Waikiki

Looking for something to do on a Sunday Night in Waikiki? One of my favorite thing to do is to go to Duke’s and listen to Henry Kapono play his beautiful Hawaiian music from 4PM to 6PM. Enjoy music right on the beach, and enjoy the exceptional food that Duke’s has to offer including the best “Poke Rolls” and delicious food.
Read the full article →

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Hawaii Ferry Ride – A Day Trip from Maui to Lanai

by Leilani - Your Vacation Rental Specialist on October 22, 2012

LanaiExploring Lanai Island – Dolphins, Tidepools and Lunch at Manele Bay!

While staying on Maui one activity I would recommend is to take the Expeditions Ferry over to the neighboring island of Lanai. The crossing is only 45 minutes and you will have the chance to explore another island! The ferry is for passengers only (or bicycles – no autos).

We arrived shortly after 10:00am. The walk from the harbor on Lanai over to Hulopoe Bay is about 10 minutes. Bring a picnic lunch, water, sunscreen, beach towels and snorkel equipment.

Wild Hawaiian spinner dolphins often swim and frequent Hulopoe Bay. The dolphins come into the bay at any given time, they play, spin into the air, and swim, giving you an opportunity to have a genuine dolphin encounter.

At the end of the Bay there are tidal pools to explore and don’t miss the hike to Sweetheart Rock south of the Bay. Also known as Puu Pehe, Sweetheart Rock is a picturesque natural landmark.

If you have time, the Four Seasons Manele Bay serves a fantastic lunch poolside. At the harbor, there are bathroom facilities and a small sundry shop for cold drinks and snacks.

The afternoon ferry will have you back in Lahaina, Maui in time for dinner. For $60 roundtrip, this is truly a unique experience you shouldn’t miss.

If you are planning on visiting Maui, Hawaiian Beach Rentals offers exceptional Maui vacation accommodations. Browse our site or talk to a live, local agent at 800-853-0787.

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Exploring Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii

by Leilani - Your Vacation Rental Specialist on October 17, 2012

Mauna KeaObservatories and Sky Watching Atop a Big Island Volcano

Question:  Where can you, on a clear night, see both the North Star and the Southern Cross, while standing in the snow, and having been at the beach the same day?

There can only be a few correct answers to that question. The only one that I can vouch for is: Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii.

How high up are you to have snow in Hawaii? Well, if you count from sea level, Mauna Kea is about 13,796 feet up, about the same as a respectable Cascade or perhaps one of the Rocky Mountains.

Mauna Kea Volcano – Earth’s Highest Mountain

But if you count from the ocean floor? Geologically, Mauna Kea is Earth’s highest mountain — 33,500 feet from it’s seafloor base to volcanic peak.  Read the full article →

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