November 25th, 2008

My parents are enjoying an Oahu vacation next week and they have decided to enjoy two different aspects of this diverse island. Being that my mom is a great sports fan, she really wants to be able to watch the world’s best surfers in action. My folks will be on the island during the Vans Triple Crown surf competition, so she insisted that they rent an oahu beach house on the North shore and take in the action.

My father agreed to a dose of surf culture as long as he could get a bit of the urban culture and nightlife that Honolulu provides. Dad loves the buzz of the big city and appreciates multi-cultural art and food, something that Honolulu’s Chinatown district is known for. In order to get the best of both worlds, they agreed to split their time on Oahu between the North shore during the surf competition days and then move on to rent a Honolulu condo for their time in the city.

They’ll be heading to the North Shore first, arriving just in time to catch the Reef Hawaiian Beach Pro competition at Haleiwa’s Alii Beach park on the 23 of November. There are events for both men and women. I reminded my mom to get there early and prepare for traffic, as the big waves bring spectators from around the world. Equipped with a beach blanket and some good binoculars, mom and dad can watch skilled watermen and women dance down the face of incredible waves. They’ll also have a chance on the 24th to check out the Men’s O’Neil World Cup competition at Sunset Beach, as well as the women’s Roxy Pro.

After spending Thanksgiving in Haleiwa, they’ll be just in time for the weekend in Honolulu, where they can take in sights of a different kind. My dad is especially looking forward to perusing the streets of Chinatown, which spans several city blocks and borders Honolulu’s financial district. Well known for its eclectic blend of cultures, this area is a hub of exotic foods and smells. There are authentic Chinese restaurants as well as antique shops and temples.

Both of my parents appreciate the fun of some nightlife, too. After the sun goes down, Chinatown offers the flavor of a big city with its bars and night clubs. A great example of this is First Friday art night which takes place on the first Friday of every month. This peak time in Chinatown brings a buzz to the streets, keeps the art galleries open late and the restaurants and bars are filled. Unfortunately, my parents won’t be in Honolulu for this monthly event, but they will still get to experience Chinatown’s ambiance of cultural and artistic expression.

I’m thrilled my parents were able to make a happy compromise to enjoy two different parts of Oahu on their vacation; the world’s greatest surfers at the renowned breaks of the North shore and unique culture and nightlife in Honolulu’s Chinatown.

October 27th, 2008

As winter nears, big wave surfers are anxiously anticipating the first huge swells that break on Oahu’s North Shore. Watching these massive waves curl in the beautiful Hawaii sun is a breathtaking experience. Having the opportunity to see the world’s top surfers navigate these giant waves is awe-inspiring.

If you’re thinking about a winter-time getaway to Hawaii, rent a house in Oahu and watch the spectacle that takes place once a year.  Spend the day, beach side, and watch some world-class athletes at their peak performance.

Three of Oahu’s most well-known North shore breaks are Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach and Banzai Pipeline (Ehukai Beach).  Winter sees 20 to 30 foot waves (sometimes larger) at these spots.  They are major points of attraction year round, but between November and February (often later) only the most adept of surfers are actually in the water.

You can see the action on any day with a good swell, though you’ll really catch the buzz of stoke in the air and get plenty of people watching if you’re in town during a surfing competition.  The world-famous Vans Triple Crown of Surfing competition takes place on Oahu’s North Shore every year.  Waimea Bay is the site for the Quicksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Memorial contest and Rip Curl’s Pro Pipeline Masters competition happens at the Pipeline break.  Heads up - be prepared for some traffic during these exciting competition times.

Though there are different kinds of accommodations on the island, vacation homes on Oahu may be your best bet, especially if you want to steep yourself in the lifestyle of the locals.  Check out North Shore vacation rentals, which can offer the feeling of your own place and provide a home base that’s close to the big wave action.

The North Shore’s hub is Haleiwa, a quaint surf village full of plantation-era architecture and shops.  Artists, surfers, locals and visitors all mingle in this small town.  Grab a bite to eat at one of the funky restaurants, try a shave ice and peruse the unique shops.

If you’re looking for inspiration and a bit of background about the historic North Shore’s role in the sport of big wave surfing, check out Stacy Peralta’s documentary “Riding Giants“.  It not only shows old footage of the original big wave surfers at these North Shore breaks, it also shows how surfers like Laird Hamilton have evolved the sport to include tow in surfing.  Exploring these North Shore surf spots in the wintertime will most likely find you walking among the world’s surfing legends and experiencing history in the making.

October 22nd, 2008

When thinking of Waikiki Beach, most think of shopping, nightlife, restaurants and beaches full of visitors and locals surfing waves and catching rays. This historic area, definitely has all of this. But for music lovers, this bustling seaside section of Honolulu also offers an incredible outdoor music venue, located just beyond the fast pace of Waikiki’s main streets. On your next trip to Waikiki, I’d highly recommend timing your excursion to coincide with one of the many great concerts held at The Waikiki Shell.

An evening concert at this outdoor venue (often referred to as “The Shell”) can be a perfect way to end a full day of fun in Waikiki. You can begin to unwind by strolling to the concert along the tree-lined road that leads to the serene expanse of Kapiolani Park. It’s quieter in this area; a green little oasis resting near the base of majestic Diamond Head crater. Within Kapiolani Park is the shell-shaped amphitheater known for great acoustics and fantastic shows. The space provides seating for 2,400 with a huge lawn area offering room for an additional 6,000 music fans to stretch out comfortably.

The last show I saw at this seaside venue was the infamous Kokua Festival, a benefit concert for the Kokua Hawaii Foundation, founded by Oahu’s own Jack Johnson. The concert featured Dave Matthews, Tim Reynolds, Mason Jennings, Paula Fuga, Go Jimmy Go and of course, Jack Johnson and his band. My friends and I found a great space on the lawn, opened up a blanket and watched the sunset-colored sky turn to twilight as Paula Fuga played the Hawaiian nose flute. As night fell and the moon rose, Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds took to the stage. We lay on our backs and gazed at the stars while the ethereal sounds of their guitars washed over us with the ocean breeze. We could all feel the aloha and happiness of the 10,000 people gathered together for a great night of music. The musicians inspired the audience and the gorgeous Hawaiian setting clearly inspired the musicians. It was a perfect recipe for an incredible show.

When the concert was over we continued celebrating by taking the short walk back toward the nightlife of Waikiki. Various clubs, bars and restaurants were open late. We were glad to find a restaurant that was serving after 11pm and ate heartily.

Numerous Oahu condos are available for rent in the Waikiki area. We opted to rent a condo in the vicinity so that we’d have a short trip back to our abode at night’s end. However, for visitors that want to stay in less congested areas Oahu vacation rentals and condos are available throughout the island. From Waikiki you can take a cab or hop in your rental car if you’re staying outside of the area.

No matter where you stay on Oahu, Waikiki is a unique place that is definitely worth exploring. With plenty of sights to grab your attention, don’t forget to walk a bit beyond the beaten path to check out the view of Diamond Head and stroll Kapiolani Park. Search local concert listings before you go for a chance to have a musical “Shell” experience, Hawaiian-style.

November 30th, 2007

Oahu is the home of world-famous Waikiki, one of the most famous beaches in the world. During the summer, Oahu is the ultimate oasis for basking on the beach, swimming, snorkeling with tropical fish and enjoying a all types of waterfront activities in a calm, tropical atmosphere. When the winter comes, the transformation occurs and surfers start to book Oahu travel to visit the north shore, where world-class surfing enthusiasts go to ride some of the largest waves on the globe. If you long to hit the waves of Hawaii, take a winter vacation in alluring Oahu and join the champion surfers who are waiting for the big one. You won’t have to wait long because the winter waves in north shore Oahu are majestic and reach incredible heights over twenty feet. Just an hour or so from Waikiki, the pounding surf of north shore Oahu is a total paradise for experienced surfers looking to take the sport to the next level. While you are there, you have to stop at Bonzai Pipeline where seasoned surfers make their way through the middle of a wave - you may even decide to try it out yourself! Forget your daily routine, get away from the cold days of winter and grab your board for some incredible adventures on the waves of Oahu.

October 31st, 2007

There is no other place like it in Hawaii. Oahu has many of the major attractions that bring people to the islands. For one, if you want your Oahu travel experience to be full of fast paced action filled days and nights, Honolulu has it all. It’s like any big city in that you have excellent restaurants, great night life, hotels and wonderful shopping. You can enjoy the beach and the people at Waikiki and even travel out of the city during the day to catch some of the other sites. The North Shore is famous for its winter surfing. It’s some of the best in the world and attracts surfing aficionados for all over the globe. If you’re a World War II buff, just patriotic or curious, Pearl Harbor is one of the most visited sites on Oahu.

If you want to be in nature, you can go on a Diamond Head adventure tour or take a trip in the Koolau Mountains to waterfalls amidst the lush rain forest. You can go snorkeling or scuba diving on some of the reefs around the island. There are four wheel tours taking you off the beaten path or you can rent a kayak and explore the coastline under your own power. One way to get your bearings is to take a scenic coast tour and go around the island getting an idea of places to come back to see later. Whatever your desires, you’re sure to find them on Oahu. From nature to night life it’s all there. Let Hawaiian Beach Rentals help you get the perfect accommodation for you and your party. They can also help you book a flight round trip as well as any inter island hops you may want to make. They are there to make your vacation as memorable and hassle free as possible.

October 2nd, 2007

Are you an underwater explorer and does the powerful beauty of sharks amaze you? Alluring Oahu, with its sandy beaches and tropical breezes, is famous for shark activity. You can take a shark adventure without even risking a limb on submarine tours Oahu. While you are seated safely behind the submarine glass, sharks are swimming all around you for an amazing, memorable experience. Just imagine huge sharks in action right up close while you stay dry and unharmed. Since Oahu is also the home of Pearl Harbor, you can also take a submarine tour to this historic site and see it from a unique underwater perspective. Whether you decide to swim with the sharks or take an educational tour of world famous Pearl Harbor, Oahu is the ideal place for an exciting submarine excursion. Take a small submarine for a short, affordable tour or a larger submarine that offers cocktails and buffet for your total enjoyment. Our local travel professionals will help you coordinate every detail of your dream Oahu vacation so you can have great accommodations, comfortable travel arrangements and unforgettable submarine plans of a lifetime. Hawaiian paradise and underwater adventure await you during your trip to alluring Oahu.

October 2nd, 2007

Imagine yourself sailing peacefully over the sparkling ocean where you can see for miles around you with incredible details. The quiet air at about 300 to 800 feet over the Oahu ocean makes you almost forget that a boat is towing you along as you float above heavenly Hawaii. Para sailing in Pacific paradise over the sun-drenched seas with the shoreline passing along beneath you is an unforgettable feeling you will savor forever. When you go para sailing Oahu Hawaii you leave all the cares of life behind as you fly without wings over the world below, seeing each scenic vista in a whole new way. You will never to come down once you try para sailing over the ocean in Oahu and you will long to return every year to do it once more time. To plan your para sailing excursion to Oahu, let our local travel professionals take care of every detail so you don’t have to. Our travel experts will secure your comfortable accommodations, book travel arrangements, have a rental car awaiting your arrival and schedule an exciting para sailing trip over the alluring Oahu ocean. Leave your cares behind and sour over the awesome ocean vistas of Oahu.

October 2nd, 2007

To make the most of your time on the lovely island of Oahu, one day tours give you the chance to see a variety of majestic mountains, beautiful beaches and fabulous fauna without wasting a minute. There are several different one days tours from Oahu to enjoyable, scenic destinations such as Big Island Hawaii, Maui and Kauai. One of the most popular one day Oahu tours is the trip to Big Island Hawaii to appreciate find dining, cultural centers or a world class luau. Another awesome one day tour from Oahu takes you to Maui where you can bask on world class beaches all day and experience great nightlife when the sun goes down. During a one day tour to Kauai, you can hike the scenic mountains and view ancient ruins. There are even one day tours from Oahu to small islands such as Nihoa, Moloka’i and Necker where you can really get a sense of tropical life in island paradise. Appreciate a memorable lifetime experience in Hawaii at a price you can handle during a one day tour from Oahu. Our travel experts can find you outstanding Oahu accommodations, book your travel and plan an unforgettable tour of your choosing for complete pleasure in Pacific paradise in the few days you have.

October 2nd, 2007

Is your ideal vacation golfing along the gorgeous shores of Hawaii? Do you dream of grabbing your clubs and experiencing world class golf in one of the most beautiful islands in the world? Alluring Oahu has five golf courses that hosted PGA, LPGA and Champions Tour events and four of them are open for the public to play so get ready. Comfortable Oahu vacation rentals offer a home away from home in Hawaii near some of the best golf courses in the world. Spend a day swinging your clubs under the sun on impeccable greens and return to relax in a cozy Oahu vacation rental. Wake up and enjoy the privacy of a rental house in Oahu where you can walk around in your underwear and never have to hear screaming children running down the halls. Planning the perfect golf trip to Hawaii takes time, which you are always short on, so why not let our local travel professionals plan every detail of your vacation. Our travel experts will secure great lodging, make first class travel arrangements and make sure you know where the golf courses are. When our travel pros plan your vacation, you have plenty of time and energy to be a golf pro along the shores of beautiful Oahu.

October 2nd, 2007

There are all types of tours you can take through Oahu to experience a variety of natural, beautiful island elements such as lush fauna, sandy beaches, majestic peaks and sparkling seas. The Oahu tour transportation you choose will determine the incredible view you experience in Pacific paradise. An Oahu transportation tour can be taken on a ferry or boat if you have a seafaring nature. For landlubbers, there are a variety of Oahu tour options that take you to remote tropical land areas such as riding mopeds or motorcycles, mountain biking, riding the trolley, taking a guided tour bus or van and renting a car to drive along on your own. If you prefer an air adventure with a picturesque view overlooking it all, an Oahu helicopter tour is an unforgettable experience with incredible photo opportunities. Regardless of which type of Oahu transportation tour you prefer, our local travel professionals will help you book an extraordinary excursion that exceeds your expectations. Besides scheduling a terrific tour of Oahu, our travel experts can also secure outstanding accommodations and book your travel arrangements for a great Hawaiian vacation without having to work at it.

October 2nd, 2007

Oahu, home of world famous Honolulu and Waikiki, is known as the gathering place of Hawaii. With so much to see, there are tours to suit everyone on land, water and air. Whether your preference is a boat, road trip or helicopter, you can choose to get a unique view of the of the most beautiful places in the world. During land tours, you can go to remote tropical Oahu locations by hiking, mountain biking or riding a moped for memorable adventures in lush areas. When you take a tour by water you can appreciate the breathtaking views as you go further out the sparkling sapphire sea. For a bird’s eye view that invites photographs, a helicopter tour of Oahu is an unforgettable experience filled with scenic sensations. Oahu tours take you over sandy beaches, past coral reefs, through majestic mountains, past volcanoes and through lush green fauna with picturesque ocean vistas all the way. Whether you prefer land, water or air, our local travel professionals will secure Oahu accommodations with Aloha, make first class travel arrangements and schedule the tour of your dreams for the incredible Oahu vacation of a lifetime.

September 29th, 2007

Have you already visited heavenly Hawaii several times because you find the pleasures of Pacific paradise absolutely irresistible? You are in good company because famous celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Randy Travis, Ben Stiller and Roseanne Barr and all have homes in beautiful, welcoming Hawaii. Whether you want a second vacation home or you decide you want to stay forever, Oahu real estate offers unlimited options. The value of Oahu real estate was made obvious when business mogul Donald Trump decided to build a hotel-condo venture in world famous Waikiki. While the Trump building won’t be completed until 2009, seven hundred million dollars worth of this real estate has already been sold. Tenants include several NBA stars, golf pros and Ivanka, Donald’s daughter. With so many famous people deciding to make a home or a home away from home in Hawaii, it is the ideal time to consider your own place in Pacific paradise. Websites such as ours give you the opportunity to view available homes online, taking virtual tours and checking off your preferences along the way. You can even decide to rent a home prior to trying to purchase it in certain situations. Our local travel professionals will help you locate prime Oahu real estate and make all the necessary travel arrangements and appointments for you to come to Hawaii and choose your ideal cozy island home.

September 29th, 2007

Finally you are able to plan that dream family vacation to beautiful Hawaii, a destination you have been dreaming of for year. Instead of figuring out what you want to do when you get there, save every precious moment by planning your family adventures on an Oahu map. By getting a detailed map of Oahu, you can plot your course of action when you get to the islands. There are 20 private golf courses and 5 municipal courses in Oahu to please the most avid golfer. To add to the opportunities for adventure, there are 69 beaches, 23 state parks, 286 county parks and various visitor attractions. Some of the most famous educational tourist sites include the Polynesian Cultural Center, Pearl Harbor, the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial and the Honolulu Zoo. With so many options for day tripping with the family, it is a smart move to figure out where you want to go on an Oahu map. When you visit our website to secure outstanding accommodations at a great price, check out the great maps of Oahu that you can print out right away. With just a few clicks of your mouse, you can have an Oahu map in hand, find comfortable accommodations and book travel arrangements through out local travel professionals. Make your Hawaiian family vacation as simple and easy as possible by using our colorful website and local travel experts as valuable resources.

September 29th, 2007

Soar above it all when you take a helicopter tour of scenic Oahu. Rise above the City of Honolulu, Waikiki, white sandy beaches, sapphire seas and majestic mountains as the helicopter flies higher and higher. The incredible vistas above alluring Oahu will absolutely amaze you during a helicopter tour of the picturesque Hawaiian islands. During Oahu heli tours you will be surrounded with visuals that you will remember fondly for the rest of your life. Vivid coral reefs, the extinct volcano at Diamond Head and lush tropical rains forests will appear as you rise into the sky on an Oahu helicopter tour. There are also educational views of Battleship Row, Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial, giving you an unsurpassed opportunity to see everything on the island in only a couple of hours. Your tour pilot will narrate the tour so you can appreciate all the famous sites and gain some knowledge about various destinations in Oahu. Plan a memorable, enjoyable trip to Oahu and make a helicopter tour the highlight of your vacation. Our local travel professionals will help you secure comfortable lodging, make travel arrangements and plan the Oahu helicopter tour of a lifetime, taking all the guesswork out planning your trip to Pacific paradise.

September 29th, 2007

Alluring Oahu is known as the gathering place of Hawaii and every year over 4.5 million savvy travelers take a break in this gorgeous destination. Home of the City of Honolulu, there are numerous attractions, adventures, cultural events and natural occurrences to appreciate in incredible Oahu. Besides enjoying the cultural diversity and excitement of Honolulu and Waikiki, consider exploring the natural wonders of Oahu. Nature tours Oahu offer private, guided excursions to observe the unique wildlife that exists in Pacific paradise. Have the rare opportunity to view water birds, seabirds and the unique honeycreepers during a nature tour of Oahu. You can read one of the many books and magazine articles written by Michael Walther of Oahu Nature Tours to find out more about the unusual native birds and fauna found in beautiful Oahu before your vacation. Majestic mountains and miles of sandy beaches create conditions that house a variety of interesting wildlife species you will not view anywhere else. Our local travel professionals will secure outstanding accommodations in Oahu and help you plan memorable nature tours while you relax in picturesque, heavenly Hawaii. Leaving the vacation planning in our capable hands so you all you need to do is grab your camera and walking shoes for the fascinating nature tour of your life.

September 29th, 2007

With white sandy beaches, warm inviting temperatures and sapphire seas, the alluring shores of Oahu attract over 4.5 tourists every year. The famous city of Honolulu and Waikiki are in Oahu, making it known as the gathering place in the Hawaiian islands. If you are staying near Waikiki, there are many attractions and outdoor experiences within walking distance. With the available buses, a rental car may not even be necessary during a trip to Waikiki. In fact, moped rental Oahu options are a great way to explore the island without needing a car or taking a bus. The adventure and pleasure of riding a moped through Pacific paradise will make your Oahu vacation memorable and more affordable than you thought. You just need to be 18 years old or older and have a valid driver’s license to rent a moped, which can even be parked on the sidewalk. Wear sunscreen during the day to avoid getting sunburn and have a light jacket ready to put on at night and you are ready to zip around discovering Waikiki and Honululu. To find the most affordable options possible, let our local travel experts assist in planning your dream Hawaiian vacation. Because the majority of our travel professionals live and work in Hawaii, they have access to the best deals on outstanding accommodations and can even book affordable travel arrangements and secure a moped rental for your arrivals. Even if you are on a budget, there are many ways to have fun in Oahu at a price you can afford.

September 28th, 2007

Rain, rain, go away come again another day! Even now, as a grown up that song resonates with you as you look outside and are feeling tired of dreary, foul weather. If you are sick of the yucky and funkiness of rainy weather, go where the sun always shines, Oahu, Hawaii. Beautiful Oahu can make all your travel dreams some true. You may be thinking that it sounds expensive to go to Hawaii but you are going to be surprised. Oahu travel deals are all over the Internet all year round. All you have to do is search. You can get amazing rates on airfare, car rentals, and accommodations. Get there in style, travel in comfort, and relax in ease. You can easily chase away foul weather blues by surfing, strolling or laying on the beach, hiking cliffs, or kayaking. The activities are endless. Travel to Oahu is as easily as clicking a few times on the web.

September 27th, 2007

Nightlife in Hawaii offers an exclusive evening of dining and entertainment. It’s all included in the Hawaii Magic Dinner Show at the Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber showroom. Upon entering you’ll be greeted in the traditional Hawaiian manner of receiving kukui nut lei. Once seated in your preferred seating area, dinner will be genially served with succulent dishes from the islands. For your dining pleasure you will enjoy pre-show entertainment. Then sit back and watch as the night unfolds with an amazing magician, John Hirokawa, winner of the International Magician’s Society Merlin Award. He will thrill you with fantastic levitations, mysterious disappearances and other mystifying illusions. Incorporating Polynesian elegance in the supporting cast of dancers you’ll be dazzled the whole evening. He also incorporates lasers, pyrotechnics and other special effects for your enjoyment. Along with the magic of the night, a fire dancer will demonstrate his amazing ability and agility during his fiery show. If you are interested in getting tickets to this show or any other show in the islands, please go to HawaiianBeachRentals.com and let the travel coordinators help you. Many of them live and work in the islands and know of all sorts of entertainment and activities for you and your travel partners in which to participate. One show you may want to check out is in Lahainais on Maui. Ulalena is at the Maui Myth and Magic Theater and is an epic musical that creatively explores the cultures, tradictions and mythical history of the Hawaiian islands. Ulalena is an enchanting blend of music, dance, costumes and lighting.

September 26th, 2007

Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay was number two on National Geographic’s and ABC Good Morning America’s Top Ten Trips with a Splash. This is a must do activity while on Oahu. One of the best and easiest ways to do this activity is to use Hawaii Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Tours as your guide. Hanauma Bay is only ten miles east of Waikiki and is one of the most popular spots for visitors to Honolulu. By using Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Tours you will not have to wait in line, you will be provided with your own equipment, and you will be in the hands of skilled professionals. They can provide you everything you need for snorkeling, snuba and scuba diving. Not only will you experience the Bay while in the water, you’ll have your expert tour guides sharing the history and describing the fish and coral you will be seeing. They also know the reef well and know where to go to find certain animals and coral. This extinct volcanic crater is frequented by spotted eagle rays, sea turtles and more than 450 species of fish, including the Hawaii state fish, the Humuhumunukunukuapua’a. To help you book a tour to Hanauma Bay, go to HawaiianBeachRentals.com where the travel experts will be glad to help you. Oh yeah, Hanauma Bay was named the best beach in the United States in the 14th annual rankings of Americam beaches from Stephen Leatherman, the Florida environmental scientist known as “Dr. Beach”. You don’t want to miss this one, book it early as it fills up fast.

September 7th, 2007

Wow, Waimea beach Oahu is an interesting and beautiful area. Located in the north northwest part of Oahu, you may need a car rental to get there. Why are people attracted to this area? It has some of the most amazing surf in the world. In the summer the area is safe for swimming but in the winter months, the waves can reach to thirty feet. What an absolute thrill to see and experience. Warnings are usually posted when it is too dangerous to swim. Also, nearby you could venture to explore the Waimea Valley Park. This amazing place was thought to possess healing powers by ancient Hawaiians. The spectacular waterfalls are tempting to swim up to. The water has a reddish tint due to the iron oxide of the volcanic rock. You can catch a show of professional cliff divers to wow you. Waimea has a great deal to offer the adventurous wonder. It is one of many reasons why people love Oahu.

May 5th, 2007

The people of Kailua pride themselves on being a strong and active community. In fact, even a visitor to the area feels a sense of ownership there. You would think that the locals must be so sick of tourists but people are friendly and welcoming. You end up thinking to yourself, ‘yeah, I could live here’. The area is calm and peaceful and of course, has gorgeous beaches and crystal-clear waters to swim in. There is a community park that leads to where the public beach resides. There are picnic benches, areas to play volleyball, and trails for walking or running or ride a bike on.

Though not too far from shops and all the sweet little places to grab a bite, you get a sense of being outside of the rush of daily life. You feel energized yet not overwhelmed. It is relaxing being in the small town atmosphere. Though there is plenty to do and see in Kailua and nearby, you feel secluded from the buzz of big towns and tourism. In Kailua you feel at home.

May 5th, 2007

The thrill of surfing is one that entices many. Some say it is only for adrenaline junkies or people who dig extreme sports. It is simply not so. Surfing is appealing to the water bug, the nature lover, and the vacationer. Many people that grow up near and around the ocean cannot resist the curiosity of knowing the waves. And those that are done are also hypnotized by their mystery. Surfing is not really the dare devil sport it was once thought to be. With the proper safety precautions, anyone at most any age can learn to surf. There exists every type of wave for every level of surfer on the gorgeous islands of Hawaii.

Hawaii is known for having a great number of fantastic surfing spots for the novice and for the professional. The area in Hawaii most famous for surfing is the North Shore on Oahu. There you can find huge waves that the best surfers in the world love to ride on. There are just as many people out of the water looking on as there are in the water, attempting to ride the waves. In near by Turtle Bay there are some gentler waves to tackle. The popular surf school located there is guaranteed to help you learn. They offer different types of lessons where you receive instruction privately or in a group. There are even lessons for children. If you are into the experience of surfing, Turtle Bay is a great place to stay.

May 3rd, 2007

When one is speaking of the North Shore in Hawaii, it is commonly know that the north shore of the island of Oahu is being referred to. Do a web search for ‘North Shore‘ and the north shore of Oahu is what you’ll get. The north shore has so much happening that it is a destination spot all by itself. Anything from great golfing to shark tours are at the tourist’s disposal. However, it is special and loved by professionals all around the world. Surfing professionals, that is.

Though surfing in Hawaii itself has a long history dating back to Polynesian Chiefs that road the roaring waves, in the early 1950’s the famous Greg Noll and company brought great attention to the region and now surfers all over the world come to conquer and immerse themselves in these truly awesome waves. Thousands of surfers come to explore the waves here every year while a couple million come to watch and marvel.

May 3rd, 2007

Lanikai has a great deal of beauty and water attractions to offer. You can find wind and kite surfing, swimming, and kayaking to name a few. However, Lanikai is more than just gorgeous beaches, soft sand, and crystal blue waters. You can also experience a little history, cultural and some great ocean views from above. There is an area where you can still see shrines built to the fish gods that native Hawaiians built long ago near the ‘hilltop house’ and at Waimanalo part of Lanikai.

You can also enjoy strolls or picnics at the community park. Many people both tourists and locals enjoy the park today largely due to the efforts of the Lanikai association. They purchased the land in the late 1940’s and early 50’s. They held luaus and eventually a group of performers to help raise funds for the mortgage payments. They can also be thanked for a bikeway through the community that help expand the numerous fun in the sun activities available in this precious area of Oahu. Lanikai should definitely make you list of areas to explore.

May 3rd, 2007

You may have never heard of Kaneohe Bay before now. It is located on the windward (northeast) side of Oahu of the Hawaiian Islands. It is only about 20 minutes from the capital, Honolulu, but has some treasures waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. The most sought after treasures that it possesses is that of peace and quiet. It is very conveniently located near the hot spots of Waikiki and Honolulu so that when you need a little nightlife or adventure, they are at your disposal. However, tranquility is just a short drive away from all that. The accessibility of both types of vacationing makes Kaneohe bay an ideal R and R vacation spot.

Also, the bay is protected by coral reefs. They are impressive enough to appeal to any diving or snorkeling enthusiast. And of course there are beaches and sunshine to soak up and enjoy. The bay offers fantastic views and the tranquility and serenity that a vacationing soul thirsts for. Making Kaneohe Bay your vacation oasis while visiting Oahu is guaranteed to send you home a rejuvenated and replenished person.

May 3rd, 2007

What is the name of one of the most famous beaches in the world? Waikiki beach, of course! Everybody has heard of fun in the sun on Waikiki beach. What makes this beach the happening place to be? To start with it is very centrally located and due to this convenience there are many hotels on Waikiki Beach to choose from. Hotels can range from big to small from economical to straight lavish lifestyle. Paradise can be enjoyed at great lengths from these hot hotels. Another reason Waikiki is the place to be is that many cultural and historical sites are easily accessed from here. The beach itself is beautiful. There are several spots to sign up for surf instruction because the waves are ideal for novices and those that may be a little rusty.

As populated as it is, it still retains so much charm. Along the beach in the evenings there are shows and displays of Hawaiian culture that are largely available for viewing at no cost and there are restaurants to suit all budgets. All of these reasons and more make Waikiki beach is the ideal place to set up shop when visiting Oahu.