Many local families and gay adventurers love the serene ambiance that the beach has to offer, owing to the surf and sand beach that is unique to every Waikiki beach.  The soft white sand and pristine blue waters of the Pacific are the distinguishing characteristics of Kaimana Beach.  The beach owes its safety features to the offshore reef and the historic Natatorium, making it free from strong currents, including drop offs and rip currents – the perfect swimming environment even for kids of all ages.

A lot of locals come to the beach to enjoy boogie boarding and body surfing.  One of the most frequently visited areas is a premier surfing site known as Old Man’s, which can be reached by crossing the channel which leads from the beach and to the open waters of the reef.  Swimmers and kayakers are also regular visitors of this area.

If snorkelling is your kind of thing, it is highly recommended to schedule it early in the morning as this gives you less crowd to contend with.  Traversing the reefs on the left and right part of the sandy area will provide you magnificent scenery of colorful and exotic fishes such as Picasso fish, yellow tangs and butterfly fish.  The Kapua Channel also has some nice offshore reefs, although you must be careful with the occasional undercurrents.  There are also times when the channel picks them up.

Services and amenities here include shower and parking.

While here you can make a visit to the Kailua Beach Park where you will be able to enjoy a mile long swim out of the island, or go for a walk across the 5 miles of beautiful, stretching white sand.

In Kailua, bed and breakfast through Hawaii’s Hidden Hideaway, you are able to become a certified scuba diver by making use of the training offered to you via their PADI School, making for not only a fun week but also some valuable skills to take with you when you leave.

If surfing is more your thing you will love Kalama Beach Park, which is the perfect spot for your children to learn how to surf thanks to the shallow waters and very smooth, gentle waves offering 30 yard rides; surfing is a big thing here, and everyone should experience it when they visit.

If you would prefer to take a bike ride then you can always take a trip down to the Island Scene. Being new in the area wont be a problem because the Kailua Information Office is able to provide you with a map of the trails, meaning you can’t get lost. For shopping and taking a stroll while at a bed and breakfast in Kailua, there are various boutiques and galleries which are close by and will allow for a nice relaxing break from all the surfing, bicycling, hiking and golfing.

Nature lovers will also find plenty to do, including taking a trip to the Botanical Garden which charges no entrance fee and offers several free guided tours on the weekends. There really is something for everyone here in Kailua, from plenty of clubs for those who like to make the most of their nights to numerous areas to play tennis, basketball and volleyball as well as a plethora of different restaurants and eateries for those who appreciate their food.

Kailua bed and breakfast provides the perfect getaway for everyone to enjoy, allowing you and your travel companions the opportunity to experience all that Hawaii has to offer.

Anyone who loves being around water or in the water cannot visit Hawaii without stopping by Waikiki, Oahu. You will be adorned with the traditional floral wreath called a lei when you first arrive. What are some of the things you can do in Waikiki that make is so special? There are endless water activities for you to experience during your visit to this water lover’s paradise. You can hang out on the beach, surf or go snorkeling and see the great aquamarine life that inhabits the ocean. Here are some recommendations of things you can do when you visit this amazing place.

How about visiting Waikiki beach? Each year multitudes of tourists scramble to spend time on Waikiki beach. This world famous beach is known for its breathtaking ocean view and crystal white sand. The warm weather and tropical climate have contributed to this beach being a year round hot spot. Waikiki Beach also has an outdoor movie series and a “Brunch on the Beach,” feast that’s held every summer.

How about surfing? Waikiki is considered by many to be the original birthplace of present day surfing. Duke Kahanamoku was a native of Waikiki that brought surfing back into the forefront of popular culture. He turned Surfing which was an ancient tradition into a worldwide sport. His influence earned him the nickname of “The Duke” which stayed with him for the rest of his surfing career. He is also idolized by many surfing enthusiasts and a statue was erected in Waikiki to honor his legacy. In fact, Waikiki is now recognized as the global headquarters for surfing professionals. Several global surfing competitions are hosted in Waikiki as a result of this honor.

What about spending time at the world famous Aquarium? You will have a chance to visit a true landmark when you stop by the world renowned Waikiki aquarium. This is one of the first aquariums to ever be established in United States history. Famous Author, Jules Verne’s book, 20,000 Leagues Under the sea is said to have originated during his visit to this aquarium.

What about visiting Diamond Head Volcano or Kapiolani Park? This tall volcano is truly an amazing sight to see. It towers over all the other monuments and provides a stunning view of the Waikiki’s natural beauty. You can also spend time walking natural trails and observing gorgeous green trees at Kapiolani Park which encompasses parts of the volcano.

There are many vacation rentals in this area including Waikiki banyan vacation rentals on Kuhio. Another consideration is to buy one of many waikiki condos for sale to use for your vacation when you come to Hawaii.

Are there any other activities you can enjoy in Waikiki? There are several restaurants, resorts and shopping malls located in Waikiki. You can choose from a variety of traditional Hawaiian cuisines in addition to tasting other foods from around the globe. You can also walk along the shores or sandy beach and eat like a king at one of the traditional pig roasts. You can also travel along Kaluana Avenue to see the Wizard Stones that are thought to be inhabited by four Tahitian Priests. During the summer you can see daily hula shows at Kuhio Beach Hula Mound. There are so many other shows and activities you can enjoy and most of these activities are within walking distance.

One of the beauties of visiting Hawaii is being able to live like the locals do. The unique culture of the islands is unlike that of any other place in the world. As a melting pot of literally hundreds of different cultures, the unique language, cuisine, and lifestyle of local residents in Hawaii can be an interesting opportunity for visitors to immerse into a way of life so different and so special. One of the joys of living in a Hawaii vacation rental home is the unparalleled chance to understand and live within the local atmosphere. While visitors in Waikiki hotels are subjected to the touristy side of Hawaii, renting a home in Hawaii provides a much more authentic experience.

A look at different foods can tell a lot about the culture. One of the locals’ favorites is spam musubi. A tradition taken from traditional Japanese cooking, span musubi are created from a ball of rice and piece of luncheon meat, wrapped with nori, or seaweed. While many people from outside of Hawaii may frown upon the prospect of eating canned spam, many local residents will gobble down several spam musubis without flinching. Having a taste of these delectable delights is certainly a must for visitors to Hawaii.

The world famous Honolulu Marathon is the sixth largest of its kind and takes place every year in December.  Winding its way through Honolulu, and past many Oahu condos for sale in eastern Oahu, the course is not only a highly-competitive race but also a scenic view through the sunny part of Oahu.  The course starts near Ala Moana Beach Park and winds through downtown Honolulu before looping through Waikiki, around Diamond Head, and out towards Hawaii Kai on the H1 freeway.  Once in Hawaii Kai, the course takes a U-turn to return to Waikiki at the storied Kapiolani Park finish line.  A number of different tents await finishers at the park, offering massages, food, and entertainment to congratulate those who make it through the course.  The relative difficulty of the course precludes participants from setting record times relative to other marathons worldwide.

Since the race began in 1973, the marathon has steadily grown to become one of the premier races in the world.  In 2008, over 24,000 people participated in the contest. Unique to the Honolulu Marathon is the high number of international contestants that travel to Hawaii for the sole purpose of participating.  Japan, where there are very few marathons, is the largest country represented and in 2008 accounted for almost 62% of the field.  Due to large corporate sponsorship, the winner of the contest is awarded a large sum of money.

The 30-story hotel opened in 1964 and claimed that it was Oahu’s first luxury high-rise hotel with sweeping views of the Honolulu skyline and beautiful Waikiki beaches. The Y-shaped hotel gained its fame in the late 60’s when the popular cop show “Hawaii Five-O” filmed there for an opening sequence. Unfortunately, the Ilikai Hotel was forced to close its doors just after midnight on Thursday, July 9, ousting guests from the hotel after employes were given only 24 hours notice to empty out the hotel. Due to increasing operating losses, the hotel was closed by its new owner, iStar Financial Inc., which obtained the hotel for $51 million after the hotel was foreclosed in May. It is still uncertain what the company plans to do with the hotel now the it is closed.

Unfortunately, the Ilikai Hotel isn’t the only hotel that has suffered financially. Due to the current economic recession and rising fuel prices, Hawaii tourism has suffered greatly, with hotel occupancy rates declining rapidly. However, this gives many hotels reason to offer many great discount rates and vacation packages in order to help attract tourists back to Hawaii. With many recent renovations and developments in Waikiki, tourists will still be able to find paradise but with discounted rates.

また家具、電話、テレビ、キッチン、食器類など生活に必要な環境が整っていますので、チェックイン後すぐに「ハワイで暮らすように」滞在をすることができます。スケジュールが完全に決められたお仕着せのツアーでの滞在とは異なる、「好きな時間に自由に振舞い、暮らすように」自分のペースでゆったりとハワイに滞在してみませんか？

Oahu is fast becoming a favorite holiday destination for families because of the wide options that it offers. From cultural activities to adventurous sports, your visit to Oahu will be unique. From exploring the natural beauty of this tropical island to learning about its history, Oahu gives you a vacation where you have diverse experiences.

                   Built in 1849, the Queen Emma Summer Palace in the Nu’uanu Valley was once the country house of King Kamehameha IV & his queen. Tourists visit this palace today to take a look at their personal artifacts. The North Shore Surf & Cultural Museum guides you to a history of surfing. The Mission Houses Museum including the Frame House, the New England-style saltbox houses take you through a tour of history. You can also see the replica of the Ramage hand press that was used to print the first Hawaiian laws, newspapers, bibles, school texts & other things. Echoing the grandeur of the Hawaiian royalty, the Iolani Palace is the only of its kind existing in the United States. The different exhibitions & art programs at the Honolulu Academy of Arts is amazing. Established in 1967, the Hawaii State Art Museum is one of the few museums sponsored by the state. It houses some of the best collections by the Hawaiian artists. The Hawaii Plantation Village transports you to the historic period of Hawaii when the first sugar plantation transformed the life, culture & economy of Hawaii forever. Hawaii Maritime Centre, Bishop Museum & the Hawaiian Arts & Cultural Center are other places that can guide through the rich history of Hawaii.

                       Several sightseeing tours & cruises such as Duck Tours, Discover Hidden Hawaii Tours, Navatek Sunset Dinner Cruise, Star of Honolulu Hawaiian Cultural Cruise, the Mauka Makai Excursions Inc., Martin & MacArthur Factory Tour & the KoAloha Ukulele Factory Tour are developed to help tourists explore the island. Other activities include the Atlantis Submarine Adventures, a trip to the Battleship Missouri Memorial, Honolulu Zoo & a plethora of other specialty tours to adventure parks & pineapple plantations give you a clear knowledge of this Hawaiian Island.  ]]> http://www.oahu-guide.net/2008/08/31/oahu-the-worlds-hottest-tourist-spot/feed/ 0 http://www.oahu-guide.net/2008/08/31/deep-sea-fishing/ http://www.oahu-guide.net/2008/08/31/deep-sea-fishing/#comments Sun, 31 Aug 2008 22:08:37 +0000 admin http://oahu-guide.net/?p=32

DIVING ON OAHU

The island of Oahu offers diverse opportunities for diving. Whether it be shore dives or boat dives, the turquoise waters of the Hawaiian Islands offer some of the best spots for diving. The rich marine life comprising of reef fish, coral beds, starfish, turtles, octopuses, lobsters are a treat to the eyes of any diver. In fact, Oahu is the only island in Hawaii that offer opportunity for wreck diving. Over 650 species of reef fish, 38 types of moray eels, and 9 different species of the anglerfish, apart from the numerous varieties of scorpion fish, shrimps, flat worms, nudibranchs & giant sea turtles will mesmerize everybody into the waters of Oahu.

                   There are some fine diving spots in Oahu. In fact, several dive shops have been strategically set up to cater to the different needs of the divers. The southern side boasts of a number of well-known diving sites, like the Corsair wreck. It was in 1946, the pilot of Corsair who was on a training mission, ran out of fuel & landed the plane on the shores of Hawaii Kai. It is known that rare species of crocodiles, garden eels, horned helmet conch shells, apart from the large pelagic fish like jacks & stingrays. The Mahi shipwreck on the western shore of Oahu is another interesting diving spot. It was here that the U.S. Navy vessel sunk as an artificial reef in 1982. Located just a mile away from the Waianae Boat Harbor, the Mahi wreck dive attracts eagle rays around them. Situated 500 yards off the Mokapu Point, the Moku Manu diving spot attract many divers for its rich aquatic life. It includes eels, turtles, reef fish & lobsters. Shark’s Cove is a fantastic diving spot in the northern shore. A plethora of reef fishes with caves, lava tubes & ledges make Mokapu point an ideal place for scuba training.

                    It is pertinent to remember that there are many training schools, where you can brush your skills. The numerous dive shops are also equipped with trained professionals to help visitors.  ]]> http://www.oahu-guide.net/2008/08/31/deep-sea-fishing/feed/ 0 http://www.oahu-guide.net/2008/08/31/surfing-on-oahu/ http://www.oahu-guide.net/2008/08/31/surfing-on-oahu/#comments Sun, 31 Aug 2008 22:07:24 +0000 admin http://oahu-guide.net/?p=29

Oahu attracts many tourists on account of the fact that the Pacific Ocean surrounding this tropical island serves as an ideal surfing destination. Oahu has brought about many changes into this adventurous water sport by introducing many new styles. The long boards, short boards, paddleboards, wake riding boards, boogie boards, wind surfing, kite surfing, body surfing, surfing spas & various lessons on surfing aim to serve one sole purpose. That is having lots of fun in water. Visitors from all over the world travel to Oahu to nurture their surfing experiences. During the winters, waves rise up to a height of even 40ft along Oahu’s north shore. A courageous few ride those mammoth waves become a part of this natural phenomenon.

                         The focus shifts to the south shore in the summer season. While the shores close to Waikiki & Honolulu have many breaks & is therefore more accessible by the beginners. Waikiki attracts more novice surfers on account of the fact that there are many hostels so that they learn in a group while sharing each other’s experiences. The windward shore of Oahu is more renowned for the opportunities of different types of surfing like kite surfing, wind surfing & wake boarding.

                           In wind surfing, a sail is attached to a surfboard, whereupon the wind is used as the motor & the sail determines the direction to which he or she moves. Wake boarding is another way of enjoying yourselves. It is a mix of water skiing & snow boarding, where the whitecaps formed on the upper surface of the water by the wind. These caps act as water parks. Kite surfing, a fusion of wake boarding & wind surfing, is the latest rage among all surfers.

                           Historically surfing originated in the Hawaiian Islands & it was a symbol of their status & power. The royalty & the elite class used a superior quality board & certain other materials that distinguished them from the common people. This sport was immortalized by Duke Kahanamoku. However, it is pertinent to note that there are certain etiquettes & styles that are to be maintained