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If Hawaii is your idea of a dream vacation, then Maui ought to be the realization of that dream. For Maui, of all the Hawaiian islands, is the most magical, the most alluring, the most exciting. It has the best beaches, best golf courses, best windsurfing, best weather, and the sweetest pineapples you’ll ever taste, Maui Gold!

And on Maui, besides soaking up the sun and sipping a mai tai as the sun sets, what else should one see and do? Well, here’s the island’s ‘Top 10′, do-not-miss list.

1. Haleakala

Haleakala is a place almost of pilgrimage. The dormant volcano looms large on the island, more or less at the center of it, and at 10,023 feet, its summit is the highest point on Maui. Besides a visit to the informative Haleakala National Park Visitor Center, you can hike or go on horseback down into the 3,000-foot-deep Haleakala crater. You can also explore ancient lava flows and see silverswords here, which are rare, silvery flower stalks indigenous to the area. But for a spiritual journey, try to go there early and catch the sunrise. There’s a park entrance fee of $10 per vehicle, or $5 each for hikers and bikers.

2. Road to Hana

The ‘Road to Hana’ is singularly the most scenic drive in the Hawaiian islands. It begins just south of Kahului and madly winds down the southeast coast of Maui, some 55 miles, twisting and turning around no fewer than 617 bends! and crossing over 56 tiny, mostly one-lane bridges. The scenery enroute is stunning, with lush vegetation and sweeping views of the ocean at every turn, and scores of swimming holes beneath waterfalls, ideal for a picnic and a splash or two. The principal attractions along the Hana Road are the Keanae Peninsula, a serene patch of green with an overlook with panoramic views; the Keanae Arboretum which incorporates an authentic representation of a Hawaiian rain forest; the 126-acre, tropical Kahanu Botanical Gardens; and the charming, laid-back town of Hana itself, where the centerpiece is the Hotel Hana-Maui.

3. Lahaina

Lahaina, situated on the West Maui coast, is an historic town. It was once the capital of Hawaii, and later on a bustling whaling town. Today, it is the liveliest, most colorful place on the island, filled with restaurants, smoothie bars, souvenir shops, art galleries, and even high-end boutiques; but which, if one is not careful, could easily become that proverbial ‘tourist trap’. Still, there’s a lot to see and do here: chief attractions include the Whaling Museum, Brig Carthignian, Jodo Mission, the 19th-century waterfront Pioneer Inn, and the jaw-dropping Banyan Tree which was planted here in 1873 and now occupies an acre of land, with a branch spread of 50 yards, supported by myriad aerial roots and 12 major trunks!

4. Ka’anapali

Ka’anapali is Maui’s best-known beach resort. Apart from the ‘Who’s-Who’ of resort hotels lining its shore, the white-sand Ka’anapali Beach offers some of the best swimming and snorkeling conditions on the island. But its notoriety has inevitably also made it one of the most visited and therefore most crowded beaches on Maui. There is also a touristy train, the ‘Sugarcane Train’, which runs between Lahaina and Ka’anapali, offering good views of the area. Another attraction here, just north of Ka’anapali, is Kapalua, with a lovely beach and even lovelier sunsets.

5. Iao Needle

Iao Needle: This is quite possibly the most photographed landmark on the island. Located in the Iao Valley State Park, in a lush valley in the West Maui mountains, the moss-covered stone spire rises 1,200 feet vertically from the valley floor. There are several trails and planks to walk around, with abundant tropical flora and excellent photo opportunities. The state park is accessible from the twin, principal Maui towns of Kahului and Wailuku.

6. Paia

The most colorful coastal town in East Maui, and a former hippie habitat, Paia is a surprising little jumble of eateries and boutiques, and the defacto northern terminus of the Road to Hana. But its chief interest lies in its beach park just outside town, Ho’okipa Beach, the premier windsurfing spot in the islands, where you can watch world-class windsurfers hone their skills and perform in championship events. The town is approximately 6 miles east of Kahului.

7. Makawao

Makawao is one of those gems that most visitors to the island miss. It is a principal town in Maui’s Upcountry (Mount Haleakala’s slopes), where in an Old West setting of false-front wood-frame buildings, yoga centers and herbalists are juxtaposed with the ‘paniolo’ (Hawaiian cowboy) culture, offering a unique contrast between two distinctly different worlds. The town is also the locale of the biggest rodeo in the Hawaiian islands, held on the 4th of July. The town is situated 16 miles southeast of Kahului.

8. Wailea Beach Resort

Wailea Beach, situated on the southwest coast of Maui, just south of Kihei, is one of those manicured white-sand beaches, where they rake the sand and arrange beach chairs in neat little rows. But make no mistake, this is a public beach, one of the best on the island, and hugely enjoyable. It is lined with Maui’s premier resort hotels – Marriott, Renaissance, Four Seasons, Fairmont and Grand Wailea – which offer some of the best luaus and hula shows on Maui. Sunsets off the coast of Wailea are fabulous.

9. Makena Beach

Makena Beach, also on the southwest coast of Maui, just south of Wailea, lies in sharp contrast to the latter, undeveloped, pristine, less visited. This is also a highly enjoyable beach, particularly if you like being far from the madding crowd.

10. Molokini

If you’re crazy about snorkeling, you cannot afford to miss Molokini. It’s a partially-submerged, crescent-shaped crater, rising 150 feet from the ocean, just off the southwest coast of Maui. Now a protected marine preserve and seabird sanctuary, it offers some of the best snorkeling and diving conditions in the Maui area. There are charter boats and snorkeling excursions departing for Molokini from the Ma’alaea (just north of Kihei) and Lahaina harbors several times a day. Cost ranges from $70 to $170.

Baljeet Sangwan is a globetrotter, travel editor and travel writer who has published 12 travel guidebooks. He is a contributor to the Maui, Hawaii travel guide, as well as the Oahu, Hawaii travel guide.

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Windward Oahu: Kailua, Lanikai, Waimanalo and Makapu’u Beach

Two of the most beautiful beaches in the world are located on the east coast of Oahu. Kailua and Lanikai Beach were both rated as top beaches in the world by Steven Leatherman, an expert on sand and oceans. Kailua Beach is two miles of white sand. Lanikai Beach, which is located adjacent to Kailua Beach, has two offshore islands, the Mokes (Mokulua Islands) nearby. Lanikai Beach is a popular spot for sunrise wedding ceremonies as it is one of the best places on the island to watch the sunrise.

Waimanalo is another breathtaking long white sand beach that is surrounded by the magnificent Ko’olau mountains. Makapu’u Beach offers a view of Rabbit Island and has an area with lava rocks. This is a small beach and can be crowded on weekends and when surf’s up.

North Shore: Pounders, Ke Iki, Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay

The North Shore of Oahu has lots of beautiful beaches to hold your wedding. However, the North Shore can be very crowded in the winter and when there is high surf. It is also dangerous to be very close to the water during a swell. Ke Iki Beach can be difficult to find, but once you do, you will love it. It is a big beach with large lava rocks, tide-pools and offers an amazing view of the sunset. Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay have several well-known surfing spots and can be crowded on weekends. Pounders, named after it’s powerful shorebreak, is located in Laie and is another great location for a wedding.

Waianae Coast: Makaha and Pokai Beach Parks and Makua Beach

Waianae Coast is the place to be if you want a truly local experience. It is the antithesis of Waikiki. The crime rate is higher in this area, so don’t leave valuables in your car. The Waianae beaches are secluded and the view is amazing.

Final note: Beach weddings on Oahu now require a permit. Your officiant or wedding coordinator can get this permit for you. Chairs or wedding arches are no longer permitted on the beach. If you are expecting more than a few dozen guests for your wedding, it is best to hold the ceremony at an oceanfront private residence or hotel.

Shiyana Thenabadu
Oahu Wedding Photo
http://www.oahuweddingphoto.com
You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included with link to http://www.oahuweddingphoto.com

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For More about Oahu checkout these blogs from Professor Beach:

Hawaii – Oahu – Haleiwa Blog

Hawaii – Oahu – Sunset Beach Blog

Hawaii – Oahu – Waimea Bay Blog

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Hailed as the top honeymoon destination in the United States and certainly one of the best places in the world, Hawaii possesses these unique qualities:

A Prelude to Paradise – Located more than 2 thousand miles away from the U.S. Mainland and the rest of the world, Hawaii is an isolated group of islands set to give everyone, a taste of paradise. Hawaii sets itself away from other places around the world because of its endless shorelines, white sand beaches, velvet waters, magnificent sunset, spectacular underwater scenery, and a perfect weather condition. There is no other place in the world that can give you a taste of paradise than Hawaii.

Warm accommodation – From your arrival up to your last step off the island, you can feel the warmth of the place. There are several hotels that are rated the best in the world, which promise to provide you with the best accommodation throughout your stay in Hawaii. Hotels and resorts are complete with all the luxurious amenities you can get.

Everything: World-Class – World-class hotels; world-class resorts, world-class beaches; world-class underwater world; world-class food; world-class services. Simply there is no other world to describe how Hawaii can be so perfect.

Great Food – World-class restaurants offer wide array of foods. Gourmet foods are served with elegance. And since there is an abundant supply of seafoods in the island, each Hawaii restaurant serves the freshest fishes and seafoods right on your table. Tropical fruits like pineapples and mangoes, which become the symbol of Hawaii, grow in the islands.

Perfect Weather – The perfect location of the State of Hawaii gave it the advantage to acquire a perfect weather condition suitable for tropical activities. The perfect weather condition gives everyone the best outdoor and water sports experience.

Top-notched resorts and hotels – Kapalua Bay Hotel & Ocean Villas, Princeville Resort, Royal Hawaiian, Sheraton Kauai Resort, Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, Sheraton Maui Resort Sheraton Moana Surfrider, Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, W Honolulu-Diamond Head, Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Hotel Hana, Four Seasons Resort Maui, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Fairmont Kea Lani, Princeville Resort, Kahala Hotel & Resort, Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa, and Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort. The names speak for themselves.

Nature at its best – Hawaii would not be very popular if not for its magnificent nature. Starting off with the underwater sceneries. Hawaii has several world-class diving spots revealing the world underneath the waters. The islands posses unspoiled forest considering that there are great migrations of people throughout the years.

Low Jeremy has been a hobbyist writer for a number of years now. During this free time, he contributes informative articles on various topics like health, electronics and product reviews for websites. Visit his latest contribution over at http://www.queencomfortersets.org where he reviewed different types of queen comforter sets and other accompanying bedding accessories.

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We now add to our list of great places to go boarding in Hawaii.

1. Pounders-Oahu: This place is good spot not just for boarding, but also for sponging and bodysurfing. The breaks at Pounders is usually really big and strong, a lot of shorebreaks, it has a nice Hawaiian curl to it. Summertime is usually the best time to go skimboarding at Pounders. The waves in winter usually get too big for anything, so plan your vacations accordingly. Usually there’s some college kids hanging around this beach but not too much of a crowd. Also, the sand tends to get extremely soft (like quicksand) in some spots, so look out.

2. Poipu-Oahu: This place has been known to be outstanding for skimboarding. The shorebreak here is great and sometimes there’s barrels. The only downside to this beach is when you get out so far you hit rocks on the right side of the beach. Sometimes in the afternoon it can get a little crowded, other than that it’s a great beach.

3. Hanalei Bay-Kauai: The waves here can get pretty big which make it great to board on, especially in the winter. There isn’t much of a crowd at this beach. Also there aren’t any rocks at this beach which every skimboarder loves. Rocks and skimboards don’t mix well.

If you ever get the chance make sure that you head over to Hawaii for great people, food, surfing and of course all types of boarding.

Thanks,

Jason Fackrell

http://www.skimboardpros.com

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What is Skimboarding? Click here to find out!

For More about Oahu – click here then click on one of the links.

For More about Kauai – click here then click on one of the links.

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Oahu is encircled like a lei with more scenic miles of sandy beaches than any of the Hawaiian Islands. The island also abounds with water sports, many of which support ecotourism and are inexpensive or free. Yet most tourists spend their entire vacations at Waikiki. And they never know what they are missing.

Some of the best beaches in Hawaii and the United States are found on Oahu. You may have seen some of them on the Travel Channel. At least two of them, Lanikai and Kailua Bay, have earned number one position on Dr. Beach’s list.

Even on a tight budget, you can kayak, snorkel, swim, body board, take a surf lesson, go on a sailing dolphin swim cruise, paddle on a body board to a deserted off shore island, and still have money left for other eco activities. Amazing sunsets on the North Shore and the Leeward side are free of charge, as are front row seats to world class surfing championships.

And with shore waters surrounding the island no colder than most indoors swimming pools, there’s no need to rent a wet suit. Those with disabilities can use, free of charge, one of the many Landeez All-Terrain Wheelchairs provided by the Honolulu Department of Parks.

Before heading off for your fun in the sun, consider a few words of caution. Only enter the waters where there are lifeguards and no signs warning of strong currents or other dangers. Check with the lifeguard about ocean conditions. The City and County of Honolulu has a map of lifeguarded beaches that can be printed from their Website at Hawaii Ocean Safety

Here, you will also find beach safety tips provided by Hawaii lifeguard, such as warnings about climbing around on the rocks near the surf. You should always stay off rocks that are close enough to the water for waves to crash on them and/or that are slippery. And to avoid a painful sun burn, always remember to apply waterproof sunscreen. The cooling trade winds make you feel that you are getting less of those intense tropical sun rays than you are.

Stay safe and go home with lots of happy memories. As always, pay attention to signs and check with lifeguards if you have any questions.

The above article was excerpted from THE HAWAII ECO BUDGET VACATION GUIDE TO OAHU. For details on Oahu’s best beaches and ocean activities, and to learn how to vacation on Oahu for $60 a day, including everything except airfare, surf over to http://www.CoconutRoads.com/HawaiiBudgetVacation.html

Aloha!

Cindy Blankenship is a Hawaii based travel writer and award-winning journalist.

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This article is designed to help you choose which Hawaiian islands to visit if you have a particular activity in mind. Granted, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that all the 6 major islands of Hawaii have all of these activities in one shape or form. We have used a mixture of popular opinion and our own personal research and experiences for compiling these lists. An “(s)” indicates it may only be available during certain seasons. Remember to always check conditions & availability, especially for water activities.

Best Nightlife

1. Oahu – Waikiki

2. Maui – Lahaina

3. Big Island – Kailua Kona

Best Hiking

1. Kauai – Na Pali Coast (s)

2. Kauai – Waimea Canyon

3. Big Island – Mt. Kilauea

Best Surfing (Advanced) (s)

1. Oahu – North Shore

2. Kauai – Hanalei Bay

3. Maui – Honolua Bay

Best Surfing (Beginner) (s)

1. Oahu – Waikiki

2. Kauai – Kalapaki Beach

3. Maui – Launiupoko Park

Best Scuba Diving

1. Maui – Molokini

2. Maui or Lanai – Lanai Coast

3. Big Island – West Coast

Best Windsurfing / Kite Surfing (s)

1. Maui – Hookipa Beach Park (advanced)

2. Maui – Kanaha Beach (beginner)

3. Oahu – Kailua Beach

Best Snorkeling

1. Oahu – Haunama Bay

2. Maui – Kaanapali (Black Rock)

3. Kauai – Lydgate Beach & Tunnels

Best Shopping

1. Oahu – Aloha Market & Waikiki

2. Maui – Lahaina

3. Big Island – Kailua Kona

Best Nude Sunbathing

1. Maui – Little Beach in Makena

2. Big Island – many locations

3. Kauai – Secret Beach in Kilauea

Best Exotic Beaches

1. Maui – Red Sand Beach (Hana)

2. Big Island – Punaluu Black Sand Beach

3. Big Island – Mahana Green Sand (s)

Best Nature Experiences

1. Kauai – Na Pali Coast

2. Big Island – Kilauea Volcano

3. Maui or Lanai – whale watching (s)

For even more “Best of Hawaii” lists, visit ==>http://www.gladtravel.com/HI-info/bestofhawaii.aspx

Anitra Pickett is CEO of GLAD Travel. Gladtravel.com (http://www.gladtravel.com) is an advanced online search and booking engine for accommodation in the Hawaiian Islands. The website features 1000+ budget lodging options, all for $99 or less per night. GLAD Travel encourages authentic, adventurous, and responsible travel for the independent and budget-oriented traveler.

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