Hawaii Travel

Few people have not dreamed of vacationing on a tropical island and surely Hawaii is on the top of everyone’s list of great vacation getaways! Timeshare vacation ownership gives you the opportunity to own vacation real estate that will allow your family to enjoy all the great Hawaiian vacation destinations that you might not otherwise have the opportunity to visit!

A lifetime of vacations awaits the owner of a vacation timeshare in Hawaii with all the unusual and diverse islands and activities of Hawaii. Honolulu on the island of Oahu is probably best known as the heart of Hawaii, but there is so much more to the islands. With a vacation timeshare you can explore all the islands of Hawaii. On Maui, be sure to visit Hana which has the largest rainforest in the United States, try hiking in the Haleakala National Park, don’t miss the historic old whaling town of Lahaina and during the winter months enjoy whale watching. Kauai enjoys a very diverse climate from the wettest spot on earth to a desert and the beautiful white sand tranquility of Hanalei Bay. Championship golf is available on all the islands and some of the best surfing in the world is in Hawaii. No matter what time of year you plan your timeshare vacation in Hawaii you’ll find plenty of activities to enjoy with the whole family. You can find world renowned restaurants on any of the islands along with great local food! But it really is the great climate and friendly people that bring visitors back to Hawaii again and again.

When you buy a vacation timeshare in Hawaii you are buying a lifetime of vacations for you and your family. There are timeshares available at luxurious name brand resorts like Marriott, Hilton and Starwood with golf courses and restaurants or in community type resorts with activities for the kids. You can own a piece of Hawaii with a vacation timeshare. There is no way to place a dollar value on the time you spend vacationing with your family and loved ones, not to mention the fun!

Timeshare ownership will give you the option of exchanging it and vacationing at thousands of resorts worldwide by joining an exchange network, such as RCI or Interval International.

Timeshare resales are the best way to save money on your vacationing – often times saving you from 50-75% off developer prices. Ownership of a vacation timeshare ensures you will enjoy vacationing for a lifetime and not just be collecting rent receipts. As an owner of a timeshare you enjoy all the benefits of real estate ownership – you own a deeded piece of property which you can will to your beneficiaries or sell.

There are many exotic, romantic spots in Hawaii to spend a honeymoon. Each of Hawaii’s islands boasts of many resorts, hotels and restaurants, and many are perennial favorites of honeymooners from all over the world. These resorts offer romance, and everlasting perfect weather. They come in a range of styles and price ranges to suit any taste; they are the perfect way to complement your honeymoon in Hawaii.

On the Island of Maui, there are resort facilities that offer luxurious accommodations and surroundings. There is lots to do including helicopter tours, golfing and just about every water sport imaginable, in addition to the shopping and dining experiences. As you can see, there is something for everyone on Maui.

Maui’s Kapulua Bay has been voted one of the nation’s best beaches and there are beautiful places to hike including the rainforest. At night, the place to enjoy nightlife is any of the nightclubs on South Kihei Road. On the Big Island of Hawaii, the awe-inspiring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must see.

Depending on your tastes, you can choose from a variety of Hawaiian honeymoon travel specials to fit nearly any budget. You may prefer a cozy cottage for two on the Garden Island of Kauai or a romantic high-country manor on mystical Lanai, rather than a stay in a major hotel. Whether you want to surf, shop, cycle, lie around on the beach, play championship golf or enjoy a secluded snuggle with your sweetie, Hawaii has the perfect island for you.

Tee Off in Paradise at a Hawaii Golf Course

When it comes to beauty and excitement there are few things that can match the thrill of playing a round of golf on one of Hawaii’s finest golf courses. Each of the layouts is different and will provide you with a uniquely memorable experience. The mild climate, sunny days and cooling ocean breezes help make your golf experience in Hawaii an unforgettable trip to Paradise.

Overhead you have the cloudless blue sky and as you look in every other direction you are treated to spectacular vistas that include the turquoise waters of the Pacific, towering volcanoes and lush rainforests. No matter where you choose to play your 18 holes you are certain to discover special features that catch your attention and interest. The sport of golfing is elevated to new heights in Hawaii and these dazzling adventures are waiting for you now on the island of your choice.

You can plan a golfing vacation in Hawaii and be assured of a new course and challenge every day. Each course creates a unique experience that is certain to become one of your fondest “getaway” memories. A little investigation of Hawaii’s golf courses will allow you to tailor your golf dates and locations to suit your taste and playing style. There are courses for everyone from novice to pro, and you can even sign up for lessons if you need to brush up on your technique. It can be rather tiresome to ship sports equipment to Hawaii, but you can just leave your clubs at home and rent everything that you need at the pro shops.

The highest rated golf course on the island of Oahu is the Makaha West, which is part of the Makaha Resort and Golf Club. This site was first opened 40 years ago and today it is still recognized as one of the top golf experiences in Hawaii. The challenges of the course are second only to the breathtaking scenery and views. Even “Golf Digest” has given the Makaha West a respectful nod by listed them among their “Places to Play” in 2002.

For a chance to play at the links that have been host to the PGA Grand Slam events you need to head to the island of Kauai. This is the home of the legendary Poipu Bay golf course and is one of Robert Trent Jones finest designs. The ocean winds are refreshing but they also contribute to making this location one that will test your skills to their utmost level. The USGA considers this hillside location to be one of the most environmentally sensitive courses in the world. With a previous accolade from “Golf Digest” for being one of the Best Public Courses in the Aloha State Poipu Bay all available playing times are often booked days in advance.

The Wailea Golf Resort on the island of Maui is another favorite Hawaiian destination for golfers. There are ocean views that can be enjoyed every time you approach the tee. Families appreciate the friendly atmosphere and relaxing surroundings of this world class resort. Private lessons, scratch tournaments, rental equipment and a top rated golf school make this a perfect place for golfing enthusiasts. But even the non-golfers in your group will have plenty of activities that are guaranteed to keep them busy and happy. Among the amenities are 5 beaches, world class spas, designer boutiques and on site restaurants for all guests at the Wailea to enjoy.

A trip to Hawaii is one that you will definitely never forget. Its natural beauty is unmatched anywhere else in the world. It has beautiful scenery, culture, and people. If you’ve never been to Hawaii, make it a priority to get there as soon as possible. There are many features that make Hawaii a unique destination.

Probably the most famous feature of the Hawaiian Islands is the numerous volcanoes that found there. Volcanoes are what caused the formation of the islands in the first place and they are a big part of what makes them special today. Kilauea is by far the most active of all the volcanoes. It has basically been erupting a little bit every day for the better part of twenty years. Watching the lava hit the ocean is an interesting experience in itself. The two extreme temperatures meeting cause steam to rise up high above the water. The rapid cooling of the lava forms rocks and they break into many pieces. This is something you’ll definitely want to check out while in Hawaii.

The volcanoes also contribute to another well-known feature of Hawaii. The black sand beaches that cover the big island are a one-of-a-kind sight. Many destinations brag about their white sandy beaches, but Hawaii has the exact opposite. It is something that you must see to believe.

Other beautiful sights in Hawaii are the amazing waterfalls. Akaka Falls is a state park that you can observe a 442-foot high waterfall. The water cascading over the falls presents a relaxing atmosphere. You can view the falls from multiple places inside the park.

Hawaii also offers world-class accommodations for every traveler. On the island of Oahu, there are over 30,000 hotel rooms. This obviously presents you with a multitude of choices. You can choose between resorts, bed and breakfasts, or a private villa.

There really isn’t a bad time of year to plan your trip either. The weather is virtually perfect year-round. In the winter it is a little cooler, but it can still be 80 degrees. During the summer, it may get up in the high 80’s and low 90’s. However, the ocean breeze keeps it comfortable on most days.

When you’re ready to travel to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands, get ready to have fun. You’ll want to go back again and again. Be sure to find a place that fits your needs and is within your price range.

Once you decide to vacation in Hawaii, you may have to choose which one of the many islands to stay on. The Big Island is the youngest of all the islands in Hawaii. Kilauea Volcano is still active, increasing the land mass of this island.

The Big Island offers many different environments for vacationers to experience. Lush tropical rain forests ring the edges of snow capped mountains while the Kau Desert in Volcano National Park remains due to the northeast trade winds the keep this desert lifeless. The black sand beach of Punalu’u is one of the rarest natural wonders and a must see for any traveler.

Waipio Valley, nestled along the northeastern coast is referred to as the “Valley of Kings” by the locals. Modern highways span most of this area providing visitors with the ability to tour the area at a leisurely pace. Hiking trails and horseback riding trails are interspersed along the one mile long, five mile wide area. Waterfalls that appear to begin in the clouds plunge into pools of still water where visitors can stop and appreciate the pristine beauty of these natural wonders.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park features accommodations within the park. Many visitors find there are too many things to see and do in just one day. Three volcanoes, two of which are visible the third is under the ocean provide you with a glimpse into the power of nature.

Mauna Loa is considered the dormant volcano, last erupting in 1984.

Kilauea is still active! Molten lava churns and smoke rises much to the awe and delight of those who dare to visit.

Loihi continues to build itself deep under the ocean and may add a ninth island to Hawaii in another 250,000 years.

The park spreads over 330,000 acres in the southeast section of the Big Island. Driving tours, guided hiking trails, special programs such as films and ranger talks along helicopter tours are just a few of the many activities you will find available. Adventurous guest can even walk through a lava tube as it winds its way into the tropical rainforest.

Pristine beaches draw many visitors to Hawaii. The white sands of Samuel Spencer Beach Park make it one of the most frequented destinations on the Big Island. During peak travel periods it is quite crowded. Protected by a barrier reef the calm waters invite you to snorkel, scuba dive and float in the clear, refreshing water.

Within walking distance of this area you can experience the Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site. This area provides visitors with a look into the past of the original inhabitants. This village built in the 1790′s by King Kanehameha I includes a temple. Many believe this temple was the last one built before western influence altered the Hawaiian culture.

Coffee connoisseurs will want to include a visit to the many coffee plantations on the Big Island. Located in the uplands of Kailua-Kona and Holualoa you will find over 600 coffee growers. Guided tours through the orchards include the history and meticulous processes that produces one of the most popular beverages on the planet.

Sometimes called the Kona Coast this is the only place in the world that is capable of growing Kona beans. A pound of 100% Kona beans will cost upwards of $27. Visitors however are treated to free samples of this aromatic beverage.

The diversity of the Hawaiian landscape, modern accommodations and nightly entertainment… who could resist a vacation on the Big Island?

The Hawaiian Islands offer several geographic elements that make it a picturesque location. One of the most enduring and notable features of the Hawaiian Islands are the chain of volcanoes that are present throughout the Island chain. On Hawaii volcano tours you will learn that, these volcanoes have been forged over 70 million years of geological activity and development. More than what the eye can see, these volcanoes begin far under the surface of the ocean, beginning on the ocean floor. In fact many volcanoes that are a part of the island chain have never surfaced above sea level. Each of the islands of Hawaii developed after countless eruptions eventually building the islands that are currently seen.

Hawaii, is the largest and most southeastern island of a chain of islands that begins far in the pacific. Hawaii is comprised of five volcanoes. The names of three of these volcanoes are Kilauea, Mauna Loa, and Hualalai which have all erupted in the past 200 years. The youngest volcano of the Hawaiian Volcanic Chain is Lo’ihi. This volcano is still about 1,000 meters beneath the surface of the ocean but the tip is clearly seen peaking above the ocean.

In the eastern part of Maui lies the volcano Haleakala. This is the only other Hawaiian volcano to have erupted since the late 1700′s. Hawaiian volcano tours are a way for those visiting the islands a chance to experience these geographic marvels. Even though thermo technology and seismic tracking are available for those who study the activity of the volcanoes it is not currently known exactly when the next eruption will occur in the chain of volcanoes.

I will never forget the smell of plumerias after going to the Big Island! As soon as you get off the plane, you are engulfed by the lovely smell. The warm rays caressed my face while the gentle trade winds blew. At that moment I knew I had found paradise.

My mom is originally from Oahu, but moved to the Big Island in 1996. I have been visiting her regularly for the passed thirteen years. In that time I have learned a lot about the Big Island. I know where to look for lava, where to look for black sand beaches, where to find turtles, and how to find magical green sand. In this article I will be outlining the best features that the Big Island has to offer.

Getting There
The best way to travel to the Big Island is by plane. There are people who sail, cruise and even swim to the Big Island, but I recommend arriving by plane either to Hilo or Kona. There are a few airlines that I recommend when flying to Hawaii and two, in particular, I would stay away from at all costs. Hawaiian Airlines was established in 1929 and is the longest running airline that flies to and from Hawaii. They rely on their flight history, reputation, and loyal customers to stay in business. Hawaiian Airlines is generally on time and they provide sufficient customer service. Alaska Airlines has always treated me very well. They fly directly to Kona and Hilo from a number of cities on the west coast of the U.S., have noticeably more leg room, and best of all they provide a complimentary glass of wine, beer, or Mai Tai before landing, something that has become rare in domestic flights. If you are flying from Australia or New Zealand, Quantas and Air New Zealand are both reputable. If you are on a tight budget, look into Jetstar. Keep in mind that Jetstar is a pay as you go airline. The flights are very cheap because anything extra you have to pay for (i.e. blanket, soft drinks, head phones, pillows, food, and basically anything but the lavatory.) If you cannot fly directly to Hilo or Kona, then you will most likely fly into Honolulu and must transfer to an inter-island flight. When getting off your plane you will have to follow signs to the inter-island terminal (Use the wiki wiki bus! It will save you from a twenty minute walk in 80% humidity which you will not be used to yet.) The airline that I recommend for inter-island travel is Mokulele. They have impeccable customer service, their flights are always on time, and they still provide complimentary juice on the short flights.

IMPORTANT: When you book your initial flight, make sure you never fly United. For inter-island flights, never fly Aloha Air. These two companies have given me the most trouble out of any airline that I have flown in the entire world. The customer service is atrocious, the flights are regularly late or canceled, and both charge for checked bags. DON’T FLY THESE TWO AIRLINES!

Accommodation
There are plenty of hotels stay at around Kona and Hilo, but I recommend looking up homestays and vacation rentals online. These are usually private listings from locals who want to rent out their home for certain parts of the year. They tend to cost less than hotels and you can save by cooking at home. If you are backpacking, there are hostels in Hilo, Kona and Volcano. The Holo Holo Inn is the best for your money in Volcano. Dorm beds start at $17. Anyway, lets get to what there is to see on the Big Island!

Volcano National Park
Volcano National Park is located 30 miles west of Hilo on Highway 11. This is one of few places in the world you can see an erupting volcano. In 1983 Kilauea Volcano started erupting and has not stopped since. That is 16 years of continuous lava flow! In the park you can see a more recent surge at Halemaumau crater. Plumes of sulfur smoke rise up to 1000 feet in the air and the glow of lava can be seen from the famous Jagger Museum. Visitors can also drive down the Chain Of Craters, through historic lava from previous eruptions, down to where the lava meets the ocean. On the way visitors can walk through the Thurston Lava Tube, a 100m tunnel left behind by lava traveling under ground. Note: Sometimes the lava flow changes direction, creating an extremely long hike to see the flow into the ocean from the park. If this is the case, then ask a park ranger for direction to the Kalapana flow which is back down the road toward Hilo.

Punalu’u
30 miles further down the road from Volcano National Park is a black sand beach called Punalu’u (there are signs that lead you off the highway 1 mile). I absolutely love this beach! I don’t really recommend it for swimming or snorkeling, it’s just beautiful. When you get there, park your car take your shoes off and walk to the other end of the beach. Bring your slippers (sandals or flip flops) as the black sand can get very hot depending on the time of day. On your right you will see local kids playing in the water and waves breaking on the reef. To your left, there is a small merchant stand that sells water, snacks and souvenirs. Make sure to walk all the way to the end of the beach! This is where the Honu (turtles) rest. Note: They are more likely to be there in the morning hours. If you feel like taking a dip, watch out for rocks as the beach is not all sand in the water. If you have young children, keep an eye on them for there is a moderate undertow. To rinse off when you are done there is fresh water spring at the far end of the beach. The water is cold!

South Point
Continuing on toward South Point, you will pass a little town called Na’alehu. You have to stop at two places here. First is the Punalu’u Bakery. They have amazing pastries, including Malasadas, a traditional Hawaiian doughnut that is to die for. Across the street (near the field, public toilets and basketball court) is the Na’alehu Lunch Shop. They have ono grinds (good food), especially the fish burger if it is available. After you have filled up on lunch continue around 5 miles down the highway and turn off at the sign that marks South Point (12 miles off highway). Drive down about 12 miles and take an unmarked right turn as soon as the road flattens out and follow that to the end. This is the furthest point south in the U.S. It really is a magical place there. To be standing at the edge of America and literally be able to jump off it. I do when I go there. It’s about a 30ft. jump into the ocean. It looks somewhat shallow, but I assure you its not. Probably about 30 feet deep. I don’t recommend doing this unless there are other people jumping as the ladder up is very old and may no longer be functional when you get there. After you get your thrills from cliff jumping return to the road you turned off and take a right. Between one and two miles down the road is another pull out (unmarked as well – get used to this) where you can park. This is the entrance to the trail that leads to the magical green sand beach. If you have a four wheel drive, you can continue driving. If not, this is the end of the road for the car and you must walk. Continue toward the ocean. Right as you get to the shore, turn left onto a very, very rough road. Continue on here for about two miles until you arrive at the top of a very steep embankment. Park here and walk down to the beach. Note: For the walkers, make sure to bring lots of sunscreen, water, and sunglasses. This beach is great to swim and snorkel at. Enjoy!

Kailua-Kona
On the way to Kona you will see plenty of lava. There are few places worth seeing on the way. At Kealakekua Bay, there is a monument for Captain Cook. This is the location where the Hawaiians decided Captain Cook was not welcome and they murdered him. I highly recommend renting Kayaks and paddling across this bay. On the far side, where the monument is located, the snorkeling is extraordinary! If you are lucky, the Nia (dolphins) will be playing in the bay and you will get to see them show off!

Another great snorkeling spot before you get to Kona is Honaunau National Park. There is a fee to get into this park so have cash with you.

Kailua-Kona is the tourist town on the Big Island. If you are after night life, this is the town you will want to go to. Actually, it would be Honolulu, but because that is on another island, Kona will do. This is a good place to stop and eat, go shopping, use the bathroom, etc. I would park a few streets up Alii Dr., then walk there as parking is hard to come by without paying.

Hapuna State Park
Hapuna State Park is a beautiful white sand beach that is located about 30 miles north of Kona. If you and the family want a nice beach to spend the day at, this would be it. The only downside would be the crowds. It is a tourist beach and is often very crowded (for the Big Island). Bring sun screen and water. There are rentals shops that rent boogie boards, towels, and snorkel gear. This place is not very good for boogie boarding or snorkeling so I don’t recommend renting here. The snorkeling will seem dull compared to Honaunau and Kealakekua Bay.

Waipio Valley
I saved Waipio Valley for last. This place is amazing! From Hapuna State Park, it is about a thirty minute drive to Waipio through the town of Waimea and Honoka’a. Most people don’t get to see what Waipio Valley has to offer because two-wheel drive vehicles are forbidden to drive down the road. It is about a two mile walk which is not so bad, but the walk out is tiring to say the least. As you approach the bottom of the hill on your way in, turn right and continue until you hit the ocean. Waipio is the sight where the 1995 film Waterworld ended. The valley itself has steep cliffs carved out by millions of years of erosion. In the back of the valley a waterfall plummets toward the Taro fields. The river meanders through the valley running directly into the ocean. The black sand beach is about a mile and has horses grazing up and down the beach. Most of the land in the valley is private and due to the geography of the land, the horses can roam freely. You should not feed the horses! And be careful because they are known to buck. Waipio is known to be a great camping and surfing spot as well.

There is more to be seen on the Big Island than what I described. These are just some of the highlights on the Big Island. One of my favorite things to do is explore the island. I encourage anyone spending time there to explore and see what the island reveals to you. You will be amazed at what you will find. Safe Travels.

One of the most frequented questions on my blog is if you need a passport to visit Hawaii. If you are a U.S. citizen the answer is no. Hawaii is the 50th U.S. state so there is no need for a passport. It is no different than from going from say, Nevada to California except the long flight of course.

Flying to Hawaii can be a very long trip if you haven’t planned right for it, especially if you have kids along. Flight times vary from around 6 hours from Los Angeles or San Francisco, 8 hours from Salt Lake City and around 12 hours from New York and as long as 17.5 hours from the UK.

To keep your kids busy bring along some books or a portable DVD player and a couple DVD’s to help keep them occupied. Make sure the DVD player is fully charged or has new batteries so it will last long enough for the flight. Don’t forget the headphones! People in the neighboring seats don’t want to hear the Barney song all through the flight. Most flights should have an in-flight movie to watch as well.

If you are bringing an infant be sure your car seat has the FAA approval sticker on it somewhere or you won’t be able to use it. Have an ample supply of diapers, wipes and powdered formula as well. A few dry snacks are also a good idea especially if your kids are picky eaters, they might not like the food served on the plane so bring something you know they will eat. You can bring fruits and vegetables on the plane and eat them there, but you cannot take them off the plane in Hawaii. Also be prepared to fill out the Agricultural form in flight so keep a pen handy.

I usually fly the red eye out of Las Vegas at 2 am so it is dark and much easier to sleep through the six to seven hour flight. The flights can get a little chilly since you are sitting in an air conditioned place for so long so bring a light jacket, you are likely to need one sometime during your Hawaii trip anyway, keep it handy in your carry-on.

The flight is a good time to reread any Activity brochures you may have picked up or to go over your itinerary to make sure you time is wisely spent, or just sit back and relax and prepare yourself for the slower lifestyle of Hawaii, after all you are going to Hawaii!

You’re traveling to Oahu and want to make the best of your trip. There are so many things to do in Oahu and so many attractions to choose from. You want to visit the beaches, see the attractions, and relax. One activity not to be missed is stand up paddling. It’s perfect for individuals and families of all ages and abilities and combines relaxing at the beach with fun on the water. It’s definitely one of the best things to do on Oahu. 

Beginner stand up paddle lessons are done on smooth calm water far from the waves. It’s a relaxing activity and an outstanding core workout, a great way to burn off all the food from the luau the night before. With the right instruction and the right equipment, anyone can learn to stand up paddle on their very first lesson. The North Shore is a great place to learn. Be sure to learn from a reputable company with experienced instructors. Rainbow Watersports Adventures is the first 100% stand up paddle school on the North Shore. Check with them for openings first. 

If you’ve never heard of stand up paddling, do an internet search about the sport. for photos and articles. You can also visit an online publication such as Stand Up Paddle Surfing Magazine. 

Also, while you’re visiting the islands, be sure to go snorkeling at Sharks Cove which is also on the North Shore. It’s not named sharks cove for sharks in the water. From an arial view, the cove sort of resembles the mouth of a shark. It’s a beautiful location and the wildlife is abundant and protected. You can rent snorkel gear nearby or bring your own. 

Don’t miss stopping in for a swim at Waiamea Bay.  This bay is fun for the family in an absolutely gorgeous location year round and the bus stops right at the entrance. 

After your paddling, swimming, and snorkeling be sure to get some food at one of the restaurants close to all of these attractions on the North Shore of Oahu. 

Have fun on your trip.