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Oahu’s Haleiwa Town is Gateway to North Shore

Winter is Coming and So Are The Waves

Oahu’s North Shore is abuzz in the winter because that is when the big waves come and surfers from all over the world converge upon this stretch of island paradise.

The main town to visit when you go to Oahu’s North Shore is historic Haleiwa (House of the Iwa Bird).

Haleiwa once served as a summer vacation area for wealthy visitors but today is an eclectic mix of local residents, tourists, and of course the surfers who come in all manner of characters – from elder legends to young groms ready to prove themselves in the Oahu’s giant winter waves.

A wonderful way to get aquainted with Haleiwa is to simply park at one end of the lovely little town and meader through the many shops and take in the history of this unique area.

Don’t forget to walk onto the Anahulu River Bridge and watch the stream flow as you reminisce about the rich history of this area.

Central and Upcountry Maui Full of Adventure

From Wailuku to Kula, Maui Delights Visitors

Central Maui is the region near the isthmus of land that separates the western and eastern parts of the island. The main towns of central Maui include Wailuku, the county seat, and Kahului, which borders Kahului Harbor.

Many ocean ships and barges visit Kahului Harbor, which is Maui’s main port and only deep-draft harbor.

Located just above Kahului Harbor is the world-class Maui Arts & Cultural Center (808-242-2787) which includes the 1,200-seat Castle Theater as well as the A & B Amphitheater and a fantastic art gallery.

Also in Kahului is the Kaahumanu Shopping Center which is the largest mall on the island.

Wailuku has many interesting sights to see, and a walking tour through the Wailuku Historic District on Kaahumanu Avenue provides a glimpse into the region’s past including many historic buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Top 10 Attractions of Waikiki

The wonders of Waikiki are seemingly never-ending, from wonderful restaurants to hopping night life and great shows – and don’t forget the beautiful beaches.

Top 10 highlights of visiting Waikiki

Damien Museum (808-923-2690; 130 Ohua Avenue)
Honoring the selfless service of Father Damien (Joseph Damien DeVeuster), the Damien Museum features photographs, artifacts, videos and even some of Damien’s personal effects.

Father Damien volunteered to help victim’s of leprosy, or Hansen’s Disease, in 1873 and traveled to the Kalaupapa Peninsula to offer his service. He die there 16 years later after succumbing to the disease. He is now referred to as the “Martyr of Molokai” and has been formally recognized as a Saint Damien by the Vatican.

Kapiolani Beach Park and Diamond Head
The huge grass lawns of Kapiolani Park are populated by picnickers, soccer players, frisbee players, sun worshippers, and athletes of all sorts. Fronting this wonderful expanse of grass and coconut palm trees is a great bodyboarding area and a popular surfing spot offshore called Publics.

Nearby is the Queen’s Surf Pavilion where there are showers and restrooms as well as food available at the Beach House.

Top 10 Spas On Oahu Offer Fitness and Pampering

Oahu Spas

Treatments To Relax and Rejuvenate

Whether you are on vacation in the Hawaii’s island paradise, or a local resident who needs a break from the hustle and bustle and life, you can get some quality “me time” by visiting an Oahu spa.

There are lots of options, from a good workout in a gym or fitness center to a complete pampering with treatments designed to restore your health and wellness.

Treatment options at Oahu spas include botanical baths with aromatherapy, herbs, seaweeds, herbal scrubs using sea salts and native clays, herbal wraps, massages of all types, facials, manicures and pedicures, and even professional make up applications.

8 Tips For Visiting The Hawaiian Islands

Planning A Visit To The Island Paradise

Visiting the Hawaiian Islands is good all year around, with wonderful beaches, mountain hikes, warm weather and plenty of sun. Of course it does rain in Hawaii, which is why everything is so green.

#1 – Understanding Hawaii’s Seasons/Climate
Rain is more common in Hawaii from October to January, and it is slightly warmer in summer than it is during the winter. Temperatures at sea level are generally in the high seventies or low eighties during the days, but nights can be much cooler, particularly during the winter when it sometimes dips into the sixties, and rarely into the fifties.

#2 – Waves – Interested In Surfing
Expert surfers enjoy the northern shores during the winters when the waves may get extremely large. Southern swells delight surfers during the summer months.

#3 – Save Money During The Slow Season
The slower months for tourists visiting Hawaii are May and June and also September and October. If you are trying to get lower air fares and accommodations, these months may offer you a better chance for discounts.

#4 – What To Wear
Clothing requirements in Hawaii are minimal. Most people wear shorts and a t-shirt, or even just a swimsuit.  Surfing boarshorts are common on boys and men.

Evening wear is casual, with aloha shirts being the garment of choice for men. Women often wear a light dress to stay cool and enjoy the tradewind breezes. A few of Hawaii’s nicer restaurants may require men to wear jackets.

In the evenings you may want a sweatshirt or a nice jacket, but during the summer this probably won’t be necessary.