Тhе Веst Веасhеs іn Наwаіі

Frоm 30 fооt wаvеs реrfесt fоr thе аdvеnturоus surfеr tо thе quіеt аnd trаnquіl bеасhеs fоr fаmіlіеs, Наwаіі оffеrs а vаrіеtу оf bеасhеs thаt suіt еvеrуоnе's tаstеs. Аll bеасhеs іn Наwаіі аrе рublіс ассеss, mеаnіng уоu саn vіsіt аnу bеасh rеgаrdlеss оf whеrе уоu stау whіlе оn thе іslаnds. Тhеrе аrе gоldеnbrоwn, whіtе аnd blасk sаnd bеасhеs fоund іn thе trорісаl оаsіs. Турісаl Наwаііаn bеасhеs аrе wеll mаіntаіnеd, аlthоugh thе wаtеr іs nоt соnsіdеrеd "сrуstаl сlеаr" bесаusе sаnd іs kісkеd uр аnd thе wаvеsсаrrу іn соrаl bіts аnd рlаnktоn аnd оthеr осеаn dеbrіs. Vіsіt thе bеасhеs іn thе mоrnіng tо ехреrіеnсе а frаgrаnt lіght brееzе; gо іn thе аftеrnооn tо ехреrіеnсе сhорру, smаll wаvеs frоm trаdе wіnds. Неrе аrе sоmе оf thе bеst bеасhеs іn Наwаіі:

Тhе Віg Іslаnd, Наwаіі

Ноnаunаu Вау

Ѕсubа dіvеrs frоm аrоund thе wоrld vіsіt Ноnаunаu fоr іt's undеrwаtеr раrаdіsе, thе Рlасе оf Rеfugе. Тhе Κіluеаu vоlсаnо hаs еruрtеd lаvа іntо thе осеаn оvеr thе уеаr, whісh hаs hаrdеnеd іntо smооth fоrmаtіоn whісh hаs аllоwеd аn ехраnsіvе rееf оf соrаl hеаds tо grоw. Воth bеgіnnіng dіvеrs аnd ехреrt dіvеrs саn fіnd рlеаsurе аt Ноnаunаu Вау, аnd thе аrеа іs hоmе tо а lаrgе numbеr оf fіsh іnсludіng thе lоng-nоsеd buttеrflу fіsh аnd еndаngеrеd grееn sеа turtlе. Аbоut 40% оf thе fіsh lіvіng іn Ноnаunаu аrе оnlу fоund іn Ноnаunаu, аllоwіng fоr а unіquе ехреrіеnсе.

Κаunа'оа Веасh

Іf уоu'rе lооkіng fоr а рrіvаtе bеасh оf рrіstіnе sаnds, thе сrеsсеnt-shареd Κаunа 'оа Веасh іs реrfесt fоr уоu. Тhе wаtеr іs а соmfоrtаblе 78 dеgrееs. Yоu саn stау іn thе Маunа Κеа Веасh Ноtеl аdјасеnt tо Κаunа'оа Веасh аnd еnјоу thе hоtеl's luхurіоus аmеnіtіеs аs wеll аs thе рrіvаtе bеасh аrеа. Іf уоu'rе nоt stауіng аt thе hоtеl, уоu саn stіll еnјоу thіs раrtісulаr раrаdіsе, but kеер іn mіnd thе hоtеl dіstrіbutеs 25 bеасh раssеs аt а tіmе sо уоu'll nееd tо gеt thеrе bеfоrе 9аm оr wаіt untіl lаtеr іn thе аftеrnооn аnd еvеnіng whеn thе dау tіmе bеасh gоеrs аrе hеаdіng bасk fоr dіnnеr. Κаunа'оа Веасh іs lосаtеd nеаr аn $18 mіllіоn Gоld Соursе, thе Маunа Κеа Gоlf Соursе.

Κаuаі, Наwаіі

Роірu Веасh

Іf trаvеlіng tо Наwаіі wіth уоung сhіldrеn, thе Роірu Веасh оffеrs sоmе оf thе саlmеst wаtеrs оf аll Наwаііаn bеасhеs. Тhеrе аrе рrоtесtеd bауs аnd sаndу bоttоm swіmmіng аrеаs whісh аrе nеvеr mоrе thаn 3 fееt dеер. Fоr оldеr fаmіlу mеmbеrs аnd ехреrіеnсеd swіmmеrs, јust swіm оut раst thе kіddіе-аrеа tо thе rееf аrеа реrfесt fоr snоrkеlіng аnd sсubа dіvіng аdvеnturеs. Тhеrе аrе а numbеr оf соvеrеd раvіlіоns аnd рісnіс аrеаs аnd рublіс bаthrооms аnd еvеn shоwеr fасіlіtіеs оn sіght. Κеер уоur еуеs аnd саmеrаs рееlеd, аnd уоu mау sроt thе еndаngеrеd mоnk sеаl whо hарреns tо аlsо lоvе thе sеrеnіtу аnd саlm wаtеrs оf Роірu Веасh.

Наnаlеі Вау

Еnјоу thе mоuntаіns іn thе dіstаnсе оn thіs 3 mіlе lоng strеtсh оf bеасh. Наnаlеі Вау оffеrs sоmеthіng fоr bоth ехреrіеnсеd surfеrs lооkіng fоr lаrgе wаvеs аs wеll аs bеgіnnіng bеасh gоеrs оr surfеrs. Тhе rіght sіdе оf thе bау hаs lаrgе wаvеs whіlе сlоsеr tо thе ріеr thе wаvеs hаvе lоst thеіr еnеrgу. Тhе mіddlе sесtіоns оf thе bеасh wаtеrs аrе реrfесt fоr іntеrmеdіаtе lеvеl surfеrs аnd bооgіе bоаrdіng. Dеsріtе іt's wіdе rаngе оf wаvе sіzеs tо рlеаsе еvеrу bеасh gоеr, thіs bеасh іs nеvеr сrоwdеd. When on your Наwаіі holidays durіng thе summеr mоnths, thіs bеасh іs lіkе а gеntlе lаkе – реrfесt fоr swіmmіng оr раddlе bоаrdіng.

Royal Palace Hawaii

Iolani Palace: The Only Officially Recognized Royal Palace in the United States

The United States prides itself on democracy and having, at one time, thrown of the shackles of a ruling monarch. It is ironic, then, that today within one of the 50 United States there is actually a recognized royal palace. This is a part of Hawaiian history and significance that very few people recognize about Hawaii and its impact on the rest of America.

Iolani Palace is a US National Historic landmark and it is the former residence of the Hawaiian Royal Family. In fact, the last two monarchs to have ruled in Hawaii, King Kalakaua and his sister Queen Liliuokalani resided there from 1882 to 1893. Queen Liliuokalani was actually the successor to King Kalakaua and the ruler of Hawaii when it was peacefully overthrown by the United States businessmen who had a stake in the future state.

Built by the “Merrie Monarch”, King David Kalakaua, in the European style, Iolani Palace was the first residence in Hawaii with an electric light system, flush toilets, and intra-house toilets. The inside of Iolani Palace is as luxurious as you would expect in a royal palace with a koa wood staircase, ornate furniture pieces and portraits of former Hawaiian Royalty.

Once Hawaii was annexed by the United States in 1893, a provisional government was set-up and Iolani Palace served as the capitol building for many years, until 1968. When it was abandoned in fell into disrepair but after a thorough renovation in the 1970’s the palace was again opened to the public in 1978.

Iolani Palace has two interesting characteristics for visitors to Hawaii. One, Iolani Palace is available for tours so that you can experience what it was like to be Hawaiian royalty and to remind you of lost empire. Secondly, the palace is at the center of a very interesting historic area on Oahu and just walking around the area can be very enjoyable.

Besides Iolani Palace you can experience the King Kamehameha statue, the State Capitol building, Kawaihaho Church. All of these historic Hawaiian attractions are in very close proximity to each other and are a very convenient way to experience the governments of Hawaii both today and of yesterday during your Hawaiian holiday.

Tours of Iolani Palace are available in both the guided or un-guided audio tour variety. Either way, you will get a rich cultured experience of Hawaii on your holiday.

Hawaii Holidays - The Beliefs and Legends of the Big Island

While on your Hawaii holidays why not learn a bit of Big Islands traditions, beliefs and legends. Every Island you visit will have its legends and mysteries that go along with it. The Big Island of Hawaii is no different. When you take your holiday to Hawaii you should be aware of some of those legends and mysteries to further enjoy the culture that goes along with them. It will provide you a deeper understanding of the Hawaiian people and culture.

Let’s take a look at some of those special legends and beliefs. They just might serve you well and keep you out of harm’s way.

Pele Likes Gin

According to legend, Pele is a big fan of gin. In order to keep you and your family safe from the lava flow and Pele’s anger you should visit the Halem’uma Crater and offer the goddess gifts of food, flowers and gin. Another Pele belief is that if you meet a young woman long flowing hair or an older lady with long white hair then you should greet her with mighty Aloha and offer your help.

Avoid the Night Marcher’s Glare

The night marchers are ghostly apparitions of ancient Hawaiian warriors on their way to do battle. They have been spotted on every Island and are often seen in the Valleys of the Big Island. If you see the night marchers…get out of there and don’t make eye contact or you’ll be forced to march with them for all of eternity.

The Ohia Tree and the Lehua Blossom

Legend says that Pele fell deeply in love with a handsome warrior named, Ohia. She asked him to marry her but Ohia was already pledged and in love with a young woman name Lehua. Pele was outraged and turned Ohia into gnarly tree. Lehua was heartbroken and the other gods showed favor on her by turning her into a flower on the Ohia tree so that she could be with her lover forever.

The Wet and Dry side of the Big Island

Pele, the fire goddess and the demi-god, Kamapua’a (who controlled weather) struck a deal to separate the Big Island into their control after a battle. Pele took the west side making that part of the Island hot and dry while Kamapua’a took the east half making it wetter and cooler. It is a basic way that ancient Hawaiians put a reasoning to the different micro-climates of the Island.

Honolulu’s Chinatown: Where the Cultures Collide (In a Good Way…)

Chinatown in Honolulu is such an important piece of the city and the Island of Oahu that it requires its own website just so people can learn what to expect and to truly appreciate the experience. Chances are that if you’re on Oahu for your Hawaii holiday then you will be impacted by the many Asian cultures that come together on the Island.



You would be doing yourself and your holiday an injustice if you didn’t make a visit to Chinatown during your stay on Oahu.

Attractions and Activities

Holidays to Hawaii will need to consist of visiting Chinatown, with its architecture and the way it contrasts to the rest of Honolulu. While the majority of the city is modernized, high-rise office buildings and dwellings, Chinatown is comprised of single story historic architecture in the style of its Asian roots.

After dark, Chinatown comes alive with the lights, sounds and smells of what you would typically expect. There are some spots of the district that may seem unappealing and you’re best bet is to just follow your instinct. If it looks questionable then there’s no need to go there. Honolulu is a relatively peaceful city and you have no worries but it’s always best to stay safe rather than be sorry.

First Friday

On the first Friday of every month, the shops, restaurants, galleries, museums and studios are open to the public later than usual for the First Friday Festival. You will get live music, street art, entertainment, as well as bistros and pubs that will make your mouth water just by walking by.

Speaking of Chinatown Cuisine…

Chinatown offers all cuisine in the “dim sum” style. Dim sum literally means “touched by the heart”. The style of Dim Sum originated with 10th century Cantonese Society. Much of dim sum cooking is bite sized dumplings that allow the diner to relax and slowly eat to enjoy the cuisine more.

Some notable Dim Sum Style Restaurants in Chinatown, Honolulu:

• Ruby Restaurant and Bakery is one of Chinatown’s most reasonably priced menus.
• Mei Sum Dim Sum features Hong Kong Style Dim Sum
• Char Hung Sut Manapua where you have to try the pork hash!

Chinatown in Honolulu is truly a cultural experience that identifies what Hawaii is all about; a vacation paradise made perfect by the variety and Asian influence.

Understanding Flora and Fauna on your Hawaii holiday

Interesting fact for your holidays to Hawaii - It’s crazy to think about today, but, over thousands of years Hawaii’s native flora and fauna evolved and developed with no natural predators. This means that they developed with no thorns, poisons or camouflage as natural defenses.

fter their formation and onward, the Hawaiian Islands were near lifeless. Thanks to the ocean waters, winds and birds that traveled there (some 3,000 miles non-stop in the air) the Hawaiian Islands would eventually be covered in a carpet of rich, thick jaded green.



In fact, when the first settlers arrived in Hawaii there were no reptiles, bugs, amphibians or mosquitoes. Additionally, there were only two endemic mammals on the Hawaiian Islands at all, the Hawaiian Monk Seal and the Hoary Bat. Incidentally, the Hawaiian Monk Seal almost became extinct in the 19th century.

However, the climate on the Hawaiian Islands (and particularly all of the micro-climates) make it possible for many forms of fauna, flora and animals to thrive on the Hawaiian Islands.

As the flora and fauna developed and evolved they became endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, meaning you cannot find these species anywhere else in the world.

Notable Flora and Fauna of the Hawaiian Islands

The Silversword of Hawaii

The silversword is actually a member of the sunflower family and just as striking, albeit more exotic too most people. They are endemic to Hawaii, yes, but only grow on the mountains of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea on the Big Island and on Haleakala on Maui. The stalks are often several feet tall with hundreds of purple flowers. Each volcanic mountain that it grows on has its own unique type of silversword.

The Hibiscus Kokio

Known simply as kokio amongst the native Hawaiians, this plant was used as an invisibility aid. It seems that when applied to fishing nets and fishing lines, dye made from the bark of the kokio made nets and line difficult to see for fish.

Ohai



Ohai was once very common to see along Hawaiian shore lines. It is now increasingly rare to find the ohai, however it is still a favorite amongst lei makers all around the islands.

Ohia Lehua

The lehua was the first and mightiest warrior to enter battle to the ancient Hawaiians. The name for this endemic Hawaiian flower is fitting then since it is commonly the first growth visible on a barren, volcanic mountainside.

Communicating with locals on your Hawaii Holidays

Do You Want to Learn to Communicate in Hawaiian?

Fact: The Hawaiian language is not known or spoken anywhere else in the world. That means that if the Hawaiian Language were to go extinct in Hawaii…then it would be lost forever. That’s some pretty serious stuff.

The unfortunate truth is that the Hawaiian language almost went extinct. Despite the efforts of all who tried to make the Hawaiian language dwindle away into history (the US government included) there has been a rejuvenation of the teaching and learning of the Hawaiian language in the Islands recently.

History of the Hawaiian Language

It is believed that the first settlers to Hawaii arrived in the 4th century AD from Hiva in the southern Marquesas Islands. In 1778 Captain James Cook first arrived in Hawaii and in 1820 a group of missionaries from New England arrived. This would start what was almost the extinction of the Hawaiian language.

The ‘Olelo Hawai’I, or Hawaiian language was tried to put into an English alphabet form by the New Missionaries. However, they failed miserably. They couldn’t discern t from k, l from r, and b from p. So, what was honoruru became Honolulu and ranai became Lana’i.

When the missionaries were done butchering the Hawaiian language it had only 12 letters (a,e,i,o and u along with the consonants h, k, l, m, n, p and w.)



When the Hawaiian monarch was overthrown in 1893, and through the US annexation, the Hawaiian language was forbidden from being taught and proliferated in the Islands.

It was not until the 1970 when a rejuvenation of Hawaiian culture and pride was invigorated in the Islands. In 1978, the Hawaiian language was once again made the official language of the State and by 1987 the public school system was allowed to teach the language, culture and history again!

The Shaka-A Very Different Type of Hawaiian Communication

The shaka is a universal sign of “aloha” in the Hawaiian Islands. You’ve probably seen it before: the three middle fingers of the hand folded down while the thumb and pinky finger remain extended. A little shake of the hand usually goes along with it. Instead of waving in thanks, many people just throw up the shaka and shake it a bit. It’s truly a very unique Hawaiian form of language that only has the specific meaning in the Islands.



The shaka is so much more than “hey” and “howze it?”, though, just like “aloha” means so much more than “hello” and “goodbye”. There are many different stories of the origin of the shaka sign. When you’re on your Hawaii holidays, don’t forget to ask a few residents and see how many different answers you get!

Hawaii and Las Vegas Twin Centre Holidays

Live it Up in Vegas then Live it Down on Hawaii!
There must be some supernatural, vacation powers at work here! The combination of a two-stop, holiday in Vegas and then in Hawaii seem almost too convenient. On one hand you have Las Vegas, the city where anything can happen and the never shuts down. On the other hand you Hawaii. Any of the Islands offer sun, quiet and relaxation.

The Hawaiian Islands are a perfect place to recover from the fun and non-stop action of Vegas.

What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas and is FORGOTTEN in Hawaii!

This is the perfect opportunity for Hawaii and Las Vegas twin centre holidays. So, how can you make this work for you? Well, leaving the UK on your vacation puts you in a perfect situation to enjoy this MEGA HOLIDAY.

First Stop: Las Vegas
Spend the first part of your holiday in the heart of the action: Right on the world famous, Las Vegas strip! You’ll have the ability to stay at a variety hotels and casinos to get the full feeling of what a Vegas vacation should be.

• Take in shows with top performers from the US and around the world, like Siegfried and Roy
• Feeling daring? Play your favorite games in any of the casinos on the strip
• Get wild by immersing yourself in the Las Vegas nightlife
• Take in a motor race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway
• Go on a bus tour that will show you all of Vegas’ historical spots.
• Lastly, hit up Wet n’ Wild to get relief from the desert heats. (This will also get you ready for the second leg of your holiday!)

Second Stop: Hawaii
This is where you get to relax and recover from your time spent in Las Vegas. You’ll probably need it!

• Fly from Vegas to Oahu and spend time relaxing in Waikiki learning to surf or paddle board.
• Or, go directly to the Big Island, Hawaii and take a helicopter ride to see the erupting Kilauea.
• Perhaps you can fly from Vegas to Maui and do some world-class snorkeling or SNUBA at the Molokini Crater.
• How about Kauai? Nothing says “relaxation” like a drive along the Na’Pali Coast.

Vegas and Hawaii offer the best in holiday destinations for EVERY walk of life and fantasy that you may have been thinking about for a long time. The time is now! Take advantage and go on a twin center holiday and make the memories that will last a lifetime!