And there's more - a rich and diverse native culture that still holds on despite the world's attention, stark and stunning landscapes, and underwater coral gardens teeming with unique wildlife. The 'Islands of Aloha' offer more fun than you can manage in a lifetime.

Best Time to Visit

Hawaiian Airlines has 4 flights a week from Sydney to Honolulu and thanks to a good schedule will have you at the beach in Waikiki by lunchtime.

Any time is a great time to visit Hawai'i, as the weather is reasonably consistent year round. However June to August is a little hotter than the rest of the year, and December to March is the time of greatest rainfall. Trade winds blow through the islands most days of the year, keeping the humidity at bay.

The northern winter is the busiest time, as sun lovers from North America, Japan and Europe try to escape the cold. Things can get a little busy in the more popular areas.

For surfers, the action hots up on O'ahu's North Shore and around the island of Maui around Christmas time and generally continues through to March and includes the Quicksilver/Eddie Aikau Memorial Big Wave Classic for waves of more than six metres.

For divers, the waters are calmest during the summer months between July and August.

Things To See & Do

O'ahu

Waikiki Beach is one of the world's great seaside meccas for sun loving holidaymakers. The 'golden mile' is a magnet for honeymooners, barefoot boys lugging surfboards, ageing hippies and locals alike. The entire beachfront actually encompasses several individual smaller beaches stretching four kilometres.

It is also home to the 'Pink Palace', the Royal Hawaiian Hotel that hosted the wild parties of the rich and ritzy of the 1930s. Everything from the rooftops to the carpets and the telephones, is coral pink.

O'ahu, and Waikiki in particular, is great for shopping, especially for fashion - the outlet mall for the bargains, the boutiques for the chic and unique. The galleries and workshops offer wonderful handcrafted works of art, including turned wood and blown glass by Hawaiian artists that make perfect souvenirs and gifts.

Nearby, Pearl Harbour, one of the world's best natural harbours, is probably best known for the devastating attack of 7 December 1941, when the Japanese brought the United States into World War II.

Among the modern naval fleet, museums and memorials commemorate the occasion - the most significant of these being the USS Arizona Memorial, housed above the sunken ship of the same name. Volunteers that work at the museum include a number of survivors of the attack, who are available to answer questions and tell their stories of the day.

On the other side of O'ahu, the famed North Shore is the hub for local and international surfing enthusiasts. Head for Hale'iwa, once a hippie hangout, today known as the surfing capital of the world. The town's one main street is now peppered with galleries, boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants.

To the west, the stark mountainous coastline of Ka'ena Point is a great spot to stop for a legendary Hawai'i sunset. Monk seals, green sea turtles and humpback whales frolic in the world's highest waves.

Waikiki may be the most famous beach on O'ahu but it's certainly not the only one. Surrounded by more than 180 kilometres of beach, O'ahu offers some beautiful and very quiet beaches. Make your way around the island and explore beaches such as Lanikai and Kailua.

Top 10 things to do on O'ahu:

Relive history at Pearl Harbour
Walk to the top of Diamond Head and enjoy spectacular views
Observe the Tiki torch lighting ceremony held nightly along Waikiki Beach
Visit the surf locations on the North Shore - Banzai pipeline and Waimea Bay
Go snorkelling at Hanauma Bay - marine park sanctuary
Learn about the Hawaiian culture at the Polynesian Cultural Centre
Try Hawaiian fast food in Chinatown - Pu pu's & Poke
Visit Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the US
Visit beautiful Lanakai beach and hire a kayak and paddle to Mokulua Islands
Shop 'til you drop at the Ala Moana Centre, Waikele outlets or local markets

Maui

The island of Maui is more sparsely populated and moves with a gentler rhythm than O'ahu. Lush green rainforest is littered with sugar cane and pineapple crops. Swimming, snorkelling, diving and world-class windsurfing and golf are some of the attractions.

In the cosy resort town of Ka'anapali, the sense of community is maintained through the regular staging of events like Na Mele O Maui ('the songs of Maui'). Pu'u Keka'a (Black Rock) soars above the main beach, where the brave leap into the ocean below, echoing the achievements of an earlier chief who sought to inspire his warriors by performing the daring feat.

The entire island of Maui is built on top of a dormant volcano that plunges five kilometres below sea level. The peak is preserved in Hakeakala National Park, home to extreme changes in terrain and environment, unique plant life and cabins so popular you have to enter a lottery to win a reservation. Visit the park early in the morning to see an unforgettable sunrise. To finish it all off you can freewheel down the mountain on a bike - exhilarating!

Maui is home to one of the most beautiful drives in the Pacific - the Hana Highway. Best described as the 'Great Ocean Road of the Pacific', this stretch of road takes you via windy roads with spectacular scenery from Kahului to the sleepy town of Hana.

Top 10 things to do on Maui:

Visit Haleakala 'House of the Sun' early in the morning to see a breathtaking sunrise
Windsurf with the experts at Ho'okipa Beach
Snorkel at Molokini marine preserve
Take a stroll through historic Lahaina town and pick up some local handicrafts
Sit on one of the beautiful beaches along the west coast and look for humpback whales (December to April)
Drive the beautiful Hana Highway - the Great Ocean Road of the Pacific
Hike through the lush Iao Valley
Visit one on Hawai'i's few wineries - Tedeschi Vineyards
Visit Kaihilulu Beach - a RED sand beach
Play one of many first class golf courses

The Big Island of Hawai'i

The largest island in the archipelago is Hawai'i Island, commonly called 'the Big Island'. The island is home to the world's most massive mountain, over nine kilometres high from its base on the sea floor - and still growing. The Big Island offers some amazing nature experiences and well-preserved historical and cultural sites.

A trip to the Big Island is not complete without a visit to Volcano National Park, home of the active Kilauea Volcano. Kilauea has been erupting since 1983 and visitors can get up close to real lava flows. The best time to see this phenomenon is at night. To best explore the park stay a night or two in Hilo, which is closer to the Volcano National Park than Kona.

Cultural highlights on the Big Island include Ancient Hawai'i's most sacred temple, and Hawai'i's oldest, largest and most sacred religious site - Mookini Heiau. Built in 480AD, the temple was used for human sacrifices and as a prayer room for kings. Another site of cultural importance is Pu'uhonua O Hanaunau National Historical Park, which preserves an earlier era when a strict set of social taboos could lead to death for crimes such as stepping on a chief's shadow.

The Big Island offers the best diving among the Hawaiian Isles and the best night dive in the world - diving with manta rays. Dive boats depart from Kona.

Top 10 things to do on the Big Island:

Snorkel with turtles at Kahalu'u Beach Park
Get up close to Kilauea's fresh lava flows in Volcano's National Park
Night dive with manta rays
Catch a marlin off the Kona Coast
Stargaze at the top of Mauna Kea
Discover paniolo (cowboy) heritage in Waimea
Flume 'Da Ditch' through the old irrigation channel at Waimea
Drink freshly brewed Kona coffee - straight from the source
Shop for antiques in Honoka'a - Hilo
Visit Captain Cooks memorial at Kealakekua Bay

Kaua'i

The oldest of the Hawaiian islands, Kaua'i is also the most beautiful. Emerald green vegetation saturates the highlands of the island that is blessed with stunning sandy beaches and surrounded by rich coral reefs.

The Napali Coast, recognisable to everyone who has seen the Jurassic Park films, is simply breathtaking. Explore the coastline by boat, kayak or helicopter.

Waimea Canyon, nicknamed the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific' by Mark Twain, offers stunning scenery. Explore this majestic sight on foot, on one of the many hiking tracks, or by four-wheel drive guided tour.

Hanalei Beach is one of the prettiest on Kaua'i - more than three kilometres point-to-point and fringed by coral. Volcanic ridges, more than a kilometre high and laced by cascading waterfalls, frame the golden sands of the beach.

Top 10 things to do on Kaua'i:

Visit impressive Waimea Canyon - the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific'
Kayak along one of Kaua'i's many navigable rivers
Take a helicopter ride along the impressive Napali Coast
Visit a number of Hollywood movie sets on a movie tour around the island
Get down and dirty in the rainforest with all terrain vehicle tours (ATV)
Sail over the tree tops on a zipline adventure
Re-live the Kauai plantation days at Old Koloa town
Visit the Hanalei Valley lookout just beyond Princeville for a bird's-eye view of the valley and taro fields
Visit the scenic 24.38-metre falls north of Lihue called Wailua Falls
Hike the trail along the 'sleeping giant' from Wailua to Kapaa

Lana'i

Lana'i, former home to numerous pineapple plantations, now offers its visitors a luxurious holiday experience off the beaten track. Actually, there are only 50 kilometres of pavement on the island, so the beaten track is easily left behind.

Four-wheel driving is popular on Lana'i, especially for intrepid travellers heading up the Munro Trail to the volcanic summit for sunset or pitching a tent under the stars at Hulopoe Beach Park.

Lana'i makes for a great daytrip from Maui. Ferries leave Lahaina Harbour five times daily and the trip to Lana'i takes approximately 45 minutes.

Top 10 things to do on Lana'i:

Stroll around Lana'i city with its handful of olde worlde general stores
Visit the spectacular lunar landscape of the 'Garden of the Gods'
Tee off at 'The Experience' at Ko'ele or 'The Challenge' at Manele golf courses
Test your skills at archery and clay pigeon shooting at the tranquil pine-wooded Lana'i Pine
Bike along the gorgeous Munro Trail
Search for petroglyphs on the slopes of the Palawai Basin
Spot the turtles at Polihua Beach
Head for a snorkel or a swim at beautiful Hulopo'e Beach
Visit the ghost town of Keomoku Village, once the site of the Maunalei Sugar Company
Rent a four-wheel drive and take off on an adventure to the misty rainforest heights of Lana'ihale

Moloka'i

Moloka'i is the least developed of the Hawaiian Isles and where you can get a sense of the old Hawai'i. There's something of a 'wild west' feel about Moloka'i, especially the main town Kaunakakai, where dusty utes line the streets of a former pineapple boom town and ancient summer residence of Hawaiian kings.

Kalaupapa, once a leprosy colony, offer its visitors magnificent scenery. For an unforgettable experience, take a mule ride down the cliff-side and view the scenic peninsula.

Easily accessible from Maui by ferry, Moloka'i makes a great daytrip. The ferry leaves Lahaina Harbour three times daily and the trip takes approximately 90 minutes.

Top 10 things to do on Moloka'i:

Hike through spectacular Halawa Valley
Visit the second largest beach in the state, Papohaku Beach - 5 kilometres in length
Be a cowboy for a day at Moloka'i Ranch
Take a mule ride down the cliff face to Kalaupapa
Mountain bike around the world's highest sea cliff
Camp along Moloka'i's windswept beaches
Absorb the atmosphere in the quaint town of Kaunakakai
Snorkel, dive, fish or kayak along a pristine 45-kilometre coral fringing reef
Visit the Kinemitsu bakery in Kaunakakai - his bread is world famous
Post a coconut home as a living postcard from Ho'olehua Post Office

Restaurants & Bars

Oahu

Chef Mavro Restaurant (1969 South King Street; phone + 1 808 944 4714) is the home of the legendary (James Beard award-winning) George Mavrothalassitis from Provence, whose pairings of fine wines with luscious cuisine are world-renowned. The pineapple-coconut ice cream is a perfect way to end an enchanted evening.

At La Mer (2199 Kalia Road; phone +1 808 923 2311), elegant and sophisticated dè¢¯r and superb service match an exquisite menu of French influences and fresh local produce. The dress code reinforces the sense of occasion, as jackets are required for gentlemen, and the open-sided views of Diamond Bay and its coconut palms rustling in the trade winds add to the sense of exotic chic.

Hoku's (5000 Kahala Avenue; phone +1 808 739 8780) boasts island ambience and romantic views with a dedication to eclectic cuisine. Everything has been thought of - the bamboo floor, the open kitchen, the Indian tandoori oven, the Szechuan woks for the stir-fried lobsters and prawns and the kiawe grill for local dishes are all on display.

For sunset cocktails, including the best mai tai's in the world, try House Without a Key at the Halekulani (2199 Kalia Road; phone +1 808 923 2311) where former Miss Hawai'i, Kanoelehua Miller, hula dances to a steel string guitar under a 100-year-old Kiawe tree.

Sunset Lanai Lounge, at the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel (2863 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu; phone +1 808 923 1555) is where Treasure Island author Robert Louis Stevenson penned poems to Princess Kaiulani. It is now a favourite of the beachgoers from nearby Diamond Head.

To get into the island groove, head for Don Ho's Island Grill (Aloha Tower Marketplace; phone +1 808 528 0807). Thursday is reggae night, on Fridays Hawaiian legends rock on up and on Saturday the floor burns up to the disco groove. Performers like Willie Nelson and David Hasselhoff have been known to turn it on for the appreciative crowd.

A unique culinary experience, synonymous with the North Shore of Oahu, is the shaved ice of Matsumoto and, to a lesser extent Aoki. Mounds of shaved ice topped with sweet colourful syrup, ice cream and adzuki beans are served up to adoring fans.

Alan Wong's (1857 South King Street; phone +1 808 949 2526) is another James Beard winner. His menu combines local produce with the best seafood from the Pacific, preparing them in a local style.

Maui

For fresh seafood done simply and well, head for Nick's Fishmarket Maui (in the Fairmont Kai Lani Hotel, 4100 Wallea Alnui; phone +1 808 879 7224). The lobster tails are recommended. This is a great spot for sunset drinks - the circular bar is arranged so you can take in the view of the ocean.

Gerard's (in the Plantation Inn, 174 Lahainaluna Road; phone +1 808 661 8939) has more than a touch of class. Elegant French food, stunning service, an award-winning wine list and, on the sound system, Edith Piaf serenading diners.

Keep an eye on the club listings to see if Hapa, Willie K. or Amy Gilliom are playing. Maui is the home of these musicians, among the finest performers of Hawaiian music today.

Kauai

Foodies find heaven at Jean-Marie Josselin's A Pacific Café Kauai (4-831 Kuhio Highway, in Kauai Shopping Village; phone +1 808 822 0013). The culinary theme here is the Pacific rim at its best - tiger sushi, wok-charred mahimahi, banana barbecue sauce and scallop ravioli are some delights making appearances on a daily changing menu.

The Beach House (5022 Lawai Road; phone +1 808 742 1424) has four knock-out attractions: great sunset views, occasional turtles bobbing around in the ocean out front, killer cocktails and the most sinfully delicious chocolate desserts you could hope for.

Getting Around

Car

Cruising the beaches and ocean highways of Hawai'i is great fun. Driving tours include picturesque coastal routes like the breathtaking Hana Highway on Maui and Kamehameha Highway tucked away beneath the soaring peaks of East Moloka'i, stretching past white churches and tropical rainforests.

Renting a car is easy if you are over 25 years of age and have an Australian or international drivers licence. (If you are under 25, check regarding restrictions and surcharges; if you are under 18, forget it). Petrol is more expensive in Hawai'i than on the United States mainland, but still cheaper than in Australia.

Bus

Buses on O'ahu are great. US$1.50 will take you from Waikiki to the shopping centre of Ala Moana, The Ward Centre and many other places.

Buses are not the best option for the rest of Hawai'i and a rental car is the best way to get around. In fact, on Moloka'i there are no buses at all, although there is a mule train!

Air

Air travel is probably necessary if you are planning on island hopping, as the only ferries are those connecting Maui with Moloka'i and Lana'i. There are airports on all the major islands; on Maui alone there are three separate airports.

Air travel is a competitive business in Hawai'i and prices bounce up and down depending on demand. There are a number of deals available - talk to a Flight Centre consultant about your options.

Airports

Honolulu International Airport is Hawai'i's transport hub.

About 16 kilometres west of Waikiki, the two terminals handle 1000 international, domestic and inter-island flights per day.

Transport from the airport includes the local bus, which takes about an hour, and shuttle buses, which take about 45 minutes and cost US$6 one way.

A taxi will take approximately 20 minutes at a cost of US$20 to $35.

Money

The official currency in Hawai'i is the United States dollar (USD). The dollar bills ($1, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100) are all the same size and colour, so check carefully before using them and when you get your change. Coins are usually referred to by their name: a penny (one cent), a nickel (5 cents), a dime (10 cents) or a quarter (25 cents).

Credit cards are widely used and often required by hotels and car rental companies.

Prices may not include local sales tax, which is currently 4.17 per cent and is added to almost everything. Accommodation attracts an additional 7.24 per cent room tax. Tipping is expected - 10 to 20 per cent for waitresses, bartenders and taxi drivers; $1 to $2 for hotel porters, depending on how heavy your bags are.

Travel Tips.

It's a good idea to always carry some coins (especially quarters) for vending machines and pay phones, and one dollar bills for tips. Buy a phone card from one of the many ABC convenience stores to reduce international call costs.

Are you dreaming of a Hawaiian Vacation?
by Silent One ...

Many people are searching for the perfect Hawaiian vacations and romantic getaways where they can save money and also enjoy those romantic getaways. What a perfect, warm, tropical paradise to rekindle the passion in your life. Hawaiian vacations and romantic getaways can be found on any of the beautiful islands.

Whether you're planning to visit one or all of the tropical islands, from the Garden island of Kuai, to the must see island of Oahu, you'll find that searching for Hawaiian vacations can easily be done on the internet. Why wait forever to soak in the sun and experience those romantic getaways that you've been dreaming about.

Exciting, relaxing and fun filled Hawaiian vacations and romantic getaways are right at your finger tips with the internet. Think of the excitement you'll find as you take a helicopter tour, or enjoy a beautiful sunset dinner cruise. Sailing, scuba diving, surfing and snorkeling are all there for you.

Three Places to Interact with Dolphins in Hawaii
by Lisa Weber

Visitors to Hawaii frequently see dolphins from shore or on a whale-watching cruise or fishing boat. Visitors sometimes happen to be in the water snorkeling or kayaking when a pod of dolphins swims by. Some visitors even seek out dolphins, either by frequenting areas where dolphins live and play, like Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island, or by taking a boat tour that frequents areas where dolphins live and play. If however, you would like to guarantee up-close dolphin interaction you can pay for the privilege at three places in Hawaii.

1. Dolphin Quest on the Big Island

Pros: Children 5 years and up can participate. Several programs to choose from. Cons: No actual 'swimming' with dolphins. The Dolphin Quest Program on the Big Island is located at the Hilton Waikoloa Village hotel. You do not have to be a guest at the hotel to participate in or watch the dolphin programs. The program includes dolphin trivia and facts, close up examination the program's captive dolphin’s body parts like teeth and tail, getting to feed the dolphins, being in the water with the dolphins, and watching them underwater with the mask. Each person also gets a few photo opportunities touching or holding a dolphin in different poses.

2. Dolphin Quest on Oahu

Pros: Extensive program for kids 5 to 12. Cons: No actual 'swimming' with dolphins. The Oahu program is located at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Although the Oahu and Big Island programs are similar in theme, there are differences. The Oahu program includes many of the same aspects as the Big Island program but here kids also have an opportunity to interact with reef fish and sea turtles. Oahu also offers a program that is half as long and a little less expensive.

3. Sea Life Park on Oahu

Pros: If your dolphin is willing, you get to hold onto his/her dorsal fin for a swim. Cons: Out of a 45 minute program, only 15 of it is in the water. Only for ages 13 and up. This program also includes the price of admission to Sea Life Park. It features a lot of in-depth dolphin facts and some close up dolphin interaction, plus 15 minutes in the water with the dolphins. Pictures are also available.

Lisa lives on the Big Island of Hawaii, in the Puna district. She hikes, bikes, swims, kayaks, and snorkels whenever possible.

Lisa Weber may be contacted at http://www.andhawaii.com/

Take a Hawaii Helicopter Tour
by Keith Thompson

A Hawaii helicopter tour is one of the most unforgettable experiences you'll have on your trip to Hawaii. An hour or two spent above some of the planet's most captivating landscape sears itself into your memory for years to come. A Hawaii helicopter tour is both safe and stupendous!

Some of the sights you'll encounter aloft on your Hawaii helicopter tour include of course Hawaii's spectacular volcanoes, Haleakala, Kilauea and the Pu'u O'o Vent. If you're lucky you'll see lava flows! Other great sights seen from above include Hana's spectacular rain forests and waterfalls, lush sugar cane and pineapple fields, pristine valleys and remote inaccessible rain forests. Relax in the comfort of your seat while you view and listen as your guide gives you all the details on state-of-the-art sound systems, allowing you to concentrate on all the beauty below! Videos are usually available to impress your friends back home, as they'd never believe this if you simply told it to them!

There are several fine Hawaii helicopter tour companies that will take reservations and offer you all the amenities you'll require. Some of these companies include Hawaii Helicopters, Maui Air, Alex Air, Pacific Wings, Volcano Air Tours, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, Sunshine Helicopters and others. Some tours are as short as 30 minutes, to as long as 3 hours, and run from $100-$500 depending of course on the tour and times you choose. Do yourself a favor and book a Hawaii helicopter tour on your next Hawaii vacation. You'll be glad you did!

Keith Thompson is the webmaster at http://www.Hawaii- Vacation-Directory.com, where you can find many resources for your Hawaii vacation Come by and see how to get your own slice of paradise!

Keith Thompson is a writer unfettered by Hollywood success, though he wouldn't mind being fettered a little. He is also the owner of www.internetmarketinghere.com, a site featuring the latest and best tools for your online biz!

Keith Thompson may be contacted at http://www.internetmarketinghere.com or keith@internetmarketinghere.com

Maui Vacations
by David Chandler

Maui has an incredible vacation landscape. People love coming to Maui because of the resort areas of Kapalua and Wailea for golf and beaches. They also like to take a drive down the Hana Highway for a romantic stay at Hotel Hana Maui.

There are three airports on Maui, Kahului Airport, Kapalua Airport, and Hana Airport, so getting there is not a problem.

Hotels

Hotel Hana-Maui does everything right to make you feel welcome, relaxed and in touch with nature. Room service was quick and efficient.

Grand Wailea Resort The hotel has one of the top beaches in the world, fabulous pools, and a great golf course with spectacular views of the ocean and Mt. Haleakala.

The Fairmont Kea Lani is a great place for honeymooners and family vacationers. Situated on 22 landscaped acres facing Polo Beach, The Fairmont Kea Lani is a luxury all-suite and villa resort.

There are also several places that you can stay in Maui, such as vacation homes, condos and more. Accommodations are never heard to find. Most reasonably prices as well.

Activities

Taking a scenic drive is one of the more popular Maui activities. The island has an abundance of scenic views, ranging from tropical plants and waterfalls on the eastern end of Maui to desert-like landscape inside the Haleakala Crater.

Maui is famous for its golf courses, which offer scenic ocean views and well-maintained fairways. Kapalua on West Maui offers three championship golf courses, including the Plantation Course where Mercedes Championships are held every year.

Numerous companies based in Lahaina on West Maui offer boat tours, such as glass-bottom boat tours, whale watching, fishing and snorkeling and scuba diving. You can usually find information about these activities through your hotel once you get to Maui. On the other hand, visit the historic town of Lahaina and sign up in person in the Lahaina Harbor.

Maui offers beautiful scenery, coastal trails, and mountain hikes. You can sign up for a guided hike through your hotel, or explore the island on your own.

For more information, visit The Maui Info Center

David Chandler

10 best activities Hawaii has to offer
by Stephanie Coburn

You can read a hundred of the “10 Best Activities Hawaii has to Offer” and find as many lists with differing information. This is not because the lists are wrong, it is simply because there are so many amazing activities to do in Hawaii that each list maker can only include their top 10 favorites, which is why there are so many differences. Here are 10 more of the best activities in Hawaii, but they are generalizations that appeal to the general population and tourists heading to the islands for vacation. So, the best thing to do is read this list and rank the activities you like most and call and make reservations before your vacation begins. Then, when you reach the islands you can look around, check out other activities, and either choose more on this list or some of your own. Remember, there are several islands that make up Hawaii and all of them have special activities. The goal is for you to have the most fun possible and enjoy your Hawaiian vacation.

Hawaii Activity #1 Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay, on the island of Oahu, boasts an amazing coral reef that is simply out of this world. There are many fish species that call Hanauma Bay and the coral reef their home, which makes for incredible snorkeling. In fact, so many people snorkel at Hanauma Bay that it often gets quite crowded. So, if you want to snorkel at Hanauma Bay you should get there early or find out which days are the slowest in order to enjoy this fabulous experience.

Hawaii Activity #2 Hawaii Volcanoes

The Volcanoes National Park on the main island of Hawaii is out of this world. When you visit this park you will encounter 330,000 acres preserved for hiking and the like, as well as Mona Lau volcano that is dormant and the active, lava flowing Kilauea volcano. You will be impressed to see the red, hot glow of lava oozing out of this volcano. Spend a few hours or even a few days in The Volcanoes National Park.

Hawaii Activity #3 Maui Drive

Take the road from the Kahului Airport all the way to Hana and you will pass over countless bridges, enjoy the beautiful landscape where you will see pineapples growing and proceed through the tropical rainforest where other amazing fruits grow in addition to eucalyptus trees. It takes several hours to make this short drive, but near the end you will be blessed with the vision of black sand beaches that are simply astonishing in their beauty. When you finally end up in Hana you can enjoy excursions to waterfalls as well as great hikes.

Hawaii Activity #4 Waimea Canyon

On the island of Kauai is the Waimea Canyon which is simply a breathtaking experience. The canyon is so large and colorful that Mark Twain dubbed it the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” You will love the adventure and scenery at Waimea Canyon so you must include this on your vacation “to do” list.

Hawaii Activity # 5 Waikiki Beach

If you are looking for a luxurious resort and a relaxing beach, then Waikiki Beach is the place for you. In fact, the majority of the resorts are located on Waikiki which was made popular in the 1800s by Hawaiian royalty who frequented the area for its beautiful beaches. This area is certainly not economical, but every type of luxury you can imagine is available to you.

Hawaii Activity #6 Kona

The Kona coast is also a great resort location and its beaches are fabulous for sun bathing and other beach activities, as well as fishing and even snorkeling. As a result, many people vacation at Kona because there are so many activities available in one place. There are also coffee plantations that produce the natural and organic Kona coffee so you could always take a tour to see how coffee is grown, processed, and ultimately packaged and sold. Whatever you decide to do, Kona has a lot of options.

Hawaii Activity # 7 Na’Pali Coast

The island of Kauai boasts the Na’Pali Coast which is one of nature’s wonders. The towering cliffs originate on the ocean’s floor and ascend from the water to create amazing gorges created by waterfalls streaming down over centuries and eroding the stone. You can hike to the Na’Pali coast, but this might take all day. There are other options like boat tours and helicopter rides that will also allow you to reach Na’Pali without so much effort if you are not in the best physical condition to walk 11 miles or don’t have that much time to spare.

Hawaii Activity #8 Iao Valley

This cloud covered valley on the island of Maui provides a historical lesson for tourists because this flourishing valley was the home to the agricultural god, Lono, and during feast week the Hawaiians all joined together in the Iao Valley to honor Lono. You will be amazed at the shape of the valley and the general feeling you have of history when you visit this amazing place on Maui.

Hawaii Activity #9 Go Whale Watching

Whale watching can be a spectacular experience so you should definitely include this in your itinerary. There are whale watching tours that can be booked from Hawaii, Kauai, Oahu, or Maui. You should book in advance, however, because these tours can get filled up quickly and don’t happen year round!

Hawaii Activity #10 Luau

When people think of Hawaii the first thing that comes to their mind is the luau. As a result, when you visit the islands you absolutely must attend a Polynesian luau to top off your vacation. You will enjoy the food, music, dance, and sites of the luau and it will be an experience that will stay with you long after your vacation ends and you return to your real life.

When you visit the islands you will not have enough time to do all the amazing activities waiting for you. However, you should pick the ones you find most interesting and save the rest for subsequent vacations. When you visit Hawaii, you are sure to be enchanted and engaged.

Stephanie Coburn is the Marketing Director for Wailua Bay View, an oceanfront kauai vacation rent . She has personally researched and experienced many of the activities and destinations graced with Hawaiian culture as described above.

Stephanie Coburn may be contacted at or stephanie.coburn@gmail.com

Hawaii Sport Fishing
by Keith Thompson

If you're coming to experience Hawaii sport fishing, you have one heck of an adventure awaiting you! Anglers from all over the world journey to these deep blues waters teeming with trophy fish. This is where you come to get the big ones. In fact the biggest fish ever caught on rod and reel was a blue marlin caught just off Oahu, weighing in at a hefty 1805 lbs.! Hawaii is so legendary among sport fishing enthusiasts that several "big-game" tournaments are held here every year, including the granddaddy of them all, the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, luring fishermen from all over the globe.

Hawaii sport fishing is the home of big-game fish. Some of the species you'll encounter here are three types of marlin; blue, black and striped. It's entirely possible to hook yourself a "grander", meaning a monster fish weighing at least 1000 lbs.! Other top game fish include Ahi (Yellowfin Tuna), Ono (Wahoo), Mahimahi (Dolphin fish), and Skipjack Tuna. All of these babies can give you a reel-spinning run for your money, and an experience you'll not soon forget! In fact the tuna are among the fiercest, most tireless fighters of the bunch! Only the striped marlin is a sometimes resident, showing up only in winter. All of the others can be found year-round. Some of the best fishing spots you'll want to try would include Kona; long regarded as the best big-game fishing in the world. Oahu's North Shore is more famous for it's surfing, but it's just under the surface here where the real action begins! Actually, there's pretty much not a bad place for Hawaii sport fishing: some are just more excellent than others!

Booking your Hawaii sport fishing adventure is easy. There are literally hundreds of charter fishing boats operating here, offering you a ton of choices. Some things to keep in mind would be to consider how long you'll want to be out. Most offer half or full day trips, but also know that of you want the best chance at hooking a big-game fish, a longer trip may be called for to give yourself time to get to the best fishing grounds and keep your line in the water awhile. No experience or fishing license is required, and should you hook a trophy fish, taxidermy can be arranged. Come and experience Hawaii sport fishing and come home with a little something for that bare wall!

Keith Thompson is the webmaster at Hawaii Vacation Directory, a top resource for your Hawaiian holiday adventure!

Keith Thompson may be contacted at http://www.internetmarketinghere.com or keith@internetmarketinghere.com

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