Hawaii
Welcome to Hawaii and its sunsets, from each morning sunrise until the sea swallows the sun at night.
Delight in the fragrant leis, rainbows at sunset, miles of sandy beaches, as the early Polynesians did. Envelope yourself in the "Aloha" spirit and watch a beautiful sunset as you stroll the beach. There are two things you will not see in Hawaii, billboards and out of state license plates.
Delight in the fragrant leis, rainbows at sunset, miles of sandy beaches, as the early Polynesians did. Envelope yourself in the "Aloha" spirit and watch a beautiful sunset as you stroll the beach. There are two things you will not see in Hawaii, billboards and out of state license plates.
Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, on the island of Oahu
The famous sun-blessed sands of Waikiki Beach is 1.5 miles from one end to the other. There is often day and evening entertainment on the beach and enjoy the restaurants and beach bars. Directly behind the Duke Kahanamoka statue, look for the Waikiki Beach Boys and experience the thrill of surfing. Duke Kahanamoka is the legenday "Ambassador of Aloha", Hawaii's first Olympian. Duke continued his celebrated Olympian career for 21 years. By the statue, for only $15.00, I rode the 6 man Surfrider Canoe going out 3 times and riding the surf back in . Catching a wave into chest-high waves, that's uniquely Hawaiian. It's the way Hawaiians traveled centuries ago. The wind was strong that day and the surf was wild. The big Kahuna who steered the canoe would wait each time for the bigger surf. Then, h e would yell "Paddle harder, deeper and change sides". The surf would lift us up, and away we would ride with the surf. The picture is my canoe coming into shore. In my wildest dreams, I never thought I could ride the surf like the Hawaiians in Hawaii Five-0. The Hawaiians call this island Oahu, "The Gathering Place". There seems no limits to the energy of Oahu, a fusion of city and country, American and Polynesian, modern and historic. Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, has cosmopolitan streets with a unique vibrant blend of museums, historic landmarks and dining optipns. Visit Honolulu's most honored landmark, 'Iolani Palace. Directly across from the palace, King Kamehameha I is immortalized in bronze. Visit Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial, a poignant and haunting reminder of December 7, 1941. On the north side of the island is North Beach for surfing where the surf may be stronger. The Polynesian Culural Center brings to life the traditions and history of the Polynesians and finishes up with Hawaii's largest and most authentic luau. The best view of Waikiki is from Diamond Head State Monument from start to finish, lest than a mile. But from the top, the view is indescribable, so much ocean. Five Iconic Bars in Waikiki Tropics - at the Hilton Hawaiin Village, home of Hawaii Five-o, seaside bistro, Blue Hawaii cocktail Barefoot Bar - at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach, Dig Me Daiquiri cocktail Beach Bar - at the Westin Moana Surfrider Hotel, since the early 50's, Moana Coconut cocktail Mai Tai Bar - at the landmark pink Royal Hawaiian Resort, original Mai Tai cocktail House Without A Key - at the Halekulani Hotel, immortalized in a 1925 Charlie Chan novel, signature Mai Tai One of our favorite hotel is the Moana Surfrider in the heart of Waikiki Beach. They call it the first lady of Waikiki. It was built in 1901, and now has a newer Ocean-front tower, but I prefer the historic courtyard facing rooms that have squeaky wooden floors. The front porch still has large rocking chairs. As you walk through the hotel lobby you step back into yesteryear. You can feel the history, it takes your breath away! It's a Westin Resort and Spa with 794 rooms, 2 restaurants, a freshwater pool, a spa, boutique stores and a outside courtyard cocktail lounge with live music over looking the ocean. It has a Indian Banyan Tree planted in 1904 and now stand 75' tall. |
Welcome to Maui, the magic island of Hawaii.
The beaches and warm turquoise waters on Maui are blessed with radiant sunshine and the most beautiful sunsets in the world. One evening we enjoyed the Royal Lahaina Luau, with the "Myths of Maui " show and the traditionally cooked pig. From the moment you enter you feel like royalty.
Drive the ever famous "Road to Hana", highway #36. It begins in Kahului and continues for 53 miles on a two lane road with over 200 hairpin turns, crossing more than 50 one lane bridges. I think the drive up to the hill country, Haleakala Highway #37 along the slopes of Haleakala, is even better. There's a lavendar farm and a winery for wine tasting, which is a terrific place for lunch.
The beaches and warm turquoise waters on Maui are blessed with radiant sunshine and the most beautiful sunsets in the world. One evening we enjoyed the Royal Lahaina Luau, with the "Myths of Maui " show and the traditionally cooked pig. From the moment you enter you feel like royalty.
Drive the ever famous "Road to Hana", highway #36. It begins in Kahului and continues for 53 miles on a two lane road with over 200 hairpin turns, crossing more than 50 one lane bridges. I think the drive up to the hill country, Haleakala Highway #37 along the slopes of Haleakala, is even better. There's a lavendar farm and a winery for wine tasting, which is a terrific place for lunch.
Blue Hawaii helicopters
When I was on the "Big Island", I flew on the Blue Hawaii Helicopter on a 2 hour journey over the island. I choose the ASTAR helicopter that left from Waikoloa Heliport. For me it was a great expericence and I enjoyed seeing the island from the air, with its' very smooth ride. One lady was worried about the flight, but later she kept saying to the pilot "Go faster". There are 13 geological environments on earth, the "Big Island" has 11 and we flew over most of them. The famous Kilauea Volcano, which has been continuously erupting since 1983 is now quiet with the hot lava flowing in tubes. Right now the lava is not flowing into the sea. But, it was great to fly over the volcano to see and smell the red lava on the ground. We then flew by the city of Hilo and up the Hamakna Coast. The farther up we flew the larger the cliffs became. Then, we flew into the valleys with walls of rock on each side. We saw many beautiful waterfalls cascading into the rainforest below. John, our experienced pilot's narration provided a rich history and knowledge of this island. There were 4 cameras on the outside of the helicopter and 1 inside. When we landed I purchased a $25.00 DVD of my filght, that I loved showing to my grandchildren. |
Contact us and we can plan and book a beautiful vacation in Hawaii going to the islands you would like to visit. We have lovely hotels and resorts on all of the islands. Flying Hawaiian Air you feel you're in Hawaii when you step on the plane. A bound itinerary of your accommodations, cars, flights and information on each island comes with your vacation adventure.