 |
 |
Vacation in Hawaii - See world-class surfing, play on the famous Waikiki Beach,
Visit Pearl Harbor, Sunset Beach and much more.
|
|
Hawaii is famous for her winter waves and there is no other place in the world like the North Shore of Oahu,
Hawaii. Surfers from all parts of the world gather in Hawaii each year to ride the BIG waves at Sunset Beach,
Pipeline and Waimea. Spectators, photographers and locals alike swarm the beaches during the winter
swells that Mother Nature brings to Hawaii each year, just to get a glimpse of the magnificent waves found
no where else in the world. When the waves are really rolling they can reach heights of 20 to 30
feet, providing the challenge that Professional surfers seem to live for, the BIG waves.
But that's not all, be sure to visit Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona and Honolulu, the only major city in Hawaii.
Oahu is the main island and Honolulu International Airport is where most inbound flights arrive.
When people think of Hawaii, it is often Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor and Sunset beach that
come to mind.
|
|
Waikiki Beach
As seen in the photo below, taken by local photographer Jenny W. of Honolulu,
Hawaii, Waikiki Beach is one of the nicest beaches in all of Hawaii. The backdrop to Waikiki is
scenic Diamond Head, the mountain on the left in the photograph. Diamond Head
is so dominant that the Islander's refer to head east as, "go Diamond Head". Tour Oahu.
|
|
Once Hawaii's only visitors' destination
Waikiki is now among the top places to visit in the entire world. Waikiki doesn't get the
waves that the North Shore does but that's okay, because there is plenty to do in Waikiki.
Whether you soak up the sun, take a walk on her white sandy beach, go shopping, or indulge in
the fine food and spirits, there is always something going on in Waikiki.
|
Places Of Interest:
|
| |
Waikiki Beach, Hawaii - Photo by Jenny W. Local
photographer and web designer
Honolulu, Hawaii
|
| |
Oahu Highlights:
|
|
Surfing in Hawaii is a way of life.
Surf's Up - Locals on their way to another day at the beach.
Don't expect many shops to be open on the North Shore of Oahu
during the winter, if there's a swell in. "Life is a beach" in Hawaii. Photo by Ann J.
|
|
| |
Pool at Ko Olina, Honolulu Hawaii
Honolulu attracts many visitors each year and for good reason.
Considered by many travelers to be the ultimate playground in the
pacific, Honolulu has something for everyone. Photo by Jenny W.
|
|
|
|
Very few people visit Hawaii without running their feet through the golden sand
beaches along Waikiki. There's surf, sand, scenery and shops galore.
Hotels, restaurants and nightclubs line the strip for more enjoyment. If you
like the action of nightlife then you will like Waikiki. What better way to spend a day or
evening mingling with folks from different parts of the world, than in Waikiki? Whether you
like to relax, soak up the sun, partake in the many activities or enjoy the action, this strand of
land has something for everyone, including world-class resorts. Must see Waikiki.
|
|
A bit of history lies atop the Koolau Mountain Range
on the southeast side of the island. It was here in 1795 at
Nu'uanu Pali Lookout that King Kamehameha and his warriors
battled in victory with opposing Hawaiian warriors of O'hau for
control over the island, which ultimately led to unification of the Hawaiian
Islands. An estimated 800 Hawaiian Warriors jumped from these cliffs
to their death, rather than surrender to King Kamehameha and his warriors.
From Nu'uanu Pali Lookout you can see Kaneohe Bay, Kailua and all the
way up the Windward coast. If you make the drive, be prepared for
very windy conditions along the cliffs.
|
|
Surfing has been around since the beginning of time and is one of
the fastest growing spectator sports in the world. When the Big
waves land on the North Shore of Oahu, spectators flock in groves just to
get a glimpse of Mother Nature at work. Pipeline is known for Big - Big waves
that seem to break almost on shore. This is the perfect place for spectators and
photographers, because one can almost feel like you're in the lineup. No need to surf
to feel the pound.
|
|
Moving on to the world famous Waimea Bay, this IS the real deal, not the
longest wave, THE biggest. Waimea generates the largest surfing
waves on the North Shore 25-30 feet and the veterans don't consider Waimea
to be in her own until she pumps out the 20 footers. When it starts breaking the
pro's hit Waimea like no tomorrow and this is when you'll see the big wave
legends in the water. Like all of the North Shore, Waimea doesn't even think about breaking
till winter, so if you're here in the summer you won't see any waves, you'll want to come back in winter.
In wintertime, Waimea is home for the famous Eddie Aikau Big wave classic.
|
|
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean along the southeast shore of Oahu is
Diamond Head Crater, the most famous volcanic crater in the world. Originally
named Laeahi meaning "brow of the tuna" by
the ancient Hawaiians, the crater was later given it's name
in the 1800's by British sailors who from a distance and at first sight,
mistakenly thought the calcite crystals in the lava rock were diamonds.
Diamond Head Crater is 3,520 feet in diameter with a summit height
of 760 feet and has been extinct for about 150,000 years.
|
|
Honolulu is the only major city in Hawaii. Honolulu has been the capital of
Hawaii since 1945, has a population of nearly 400,000 and is the state's center of
business, culture and politics. Honolulu Harbor and Honolulu International Airport are
the two busiest gateways. Hawaii has highest concentration of historic buildings located in downtown
Honolulu. While in Honolulu visit Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States. Admission
to Iolani Palace is $15 per adult. Children (5-12) $5 and children under 5 not admitted. Also a MUST SEE is the
Hawaii State Art Museum. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Closed Sunday, Monday,
and all state and federal holidays. Admission to the museum is free.
|
| |
|
If you like Big Waves then you will like Sunset Beach. No need to get wet to enjoy.
During the winter months, typically January through March waves rock this side of
the island and watching the waves pound off shore is enough to get the adrenaline
going for most. Get your camera ready, put your flip-flops on and head for Sunset,
because this is where the action is. Watch the Pro's ride this big right that breaks
off the reef and barrels inside. On a good day, like 15ft plus it is not uncommon to
see some of the Top professional's in the world dropping in at Sunset. We do
NOT recommend surfing.
|
|
While you're in Hawaii be sure to visit Pearl Harbor. The events of December 7, 1941
are forever etched in history and signify the beginning and the end of World War II.
Managed by the National Park Service (NPS), the USS Arizona Memorial (USAR)
is built over the remains of the sunken battleship USS Arizona, the final resting place
for many of the crewmen who were surprised on December 7, 1941 when Japanese Naval Forces
invaded Pearl Harbor. The Memorial is accessible only by the NPS tour from the visitor center.
Tours are free; begin about every 15 minutes from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, on a first-come, first-served basis.
|
|
Hanauma Bay is one of the most frequented places on the island.
The shallow turquoise waters and nice beach are ideal for swimming,
snorkeling and sunbathing. The coral reefs are full of marine life, which
adds to the attraction. This is some of the best snorkeling so close to
shore anywhere in the islands. It is best to go early morning mid-week
to beat the big crowds. If you like snorkeling, check out Hanauma Bay.
Admission is $5 per person and $1 per car parking fee.
|
|
This is one of the top attractions on the islands. If you are interested in
learning about the culture of Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, The Marquesas
and New Zealand, then you should like this attraction. On display, are seven
unique authentic villages representing the cultures, in dance, song, lifestyle,
costumes and architecture. Explore the villages as you walk through the center or by
using the waterways that meander through the grounds. In addition to enjoying and
sharing in this learning experience, the Polynesian Cultural Center also features
Hawaii’s most authentic traditional Luau. Open daily 10am to 4pm.
|
|
This is Hawaii's only marine park. Here you can interact with
dolphins, if the dolphins are in a good mood and they do
have moods, you may even get to swim with them. During your
visit at the park, you'll earn about the anatomy, physiology and
training of these dolphins. Due to the nature of this attraction, the
park does not guarantee interaction with the dolphins. Please check
with the park for admission prices, because there are no refunds.
You should be okay, because dolphins generally like interaction with visitors.
|
|
Located in the Waimea Valley on Oahu's north shore, Waimea Falls Park
is a culmination of Arboretum and Botanical Gardens with the emphasis on
rare and endangered tropical plant species. The Arboretum boasts the finest
collection of gingers and heliconias found anywhere in the world. Named for
the 45-foot waterfall, Waimea Falls Park has over 30 different botanical collections.
The park encompasses approximately 1,800 acres of which 150 acres are open to
the public. Traditional hula dancing, Hawaiian games and professional cliff diving
demonstrations are held during the day. Waimea Falls Park is open daily from 10am to 5:30pm.
The park does charge an admission fee for both adults and children.
|
|
|
|
If you would like to travel to
Hawaii and you have special
travel needs, please feel free
to call us on our toll-free line at,
1-866-324-9244.
| |
Information |
Customer Support |
Terms of Service
Frequently Asked Questions |
Contact Us Anytime
|
Preview our library of Hawaii Travel
Tours, complete with over 65 full screen scenic
panoramas. Find places to go or things to do on your trip
that are fun for everyone. Click here.
| |
Copyright © 2004 
HawaiiHolidays.com
CST 2074168-50 Your Online Source..
For More Information To Plan Your Vacation
|
|
|
|
