Hawaii
Vacations: 10 Great Adventures
by: Donna Monday
Here’s some Hawaiian
vacation activities that are sure to create
great memories for a life time.
What: Hawaii Snorkeling
Where: Ohahu – Waikiki Beach
Who: Paradise Cruises
Description: If you’d love to get up close and
personal with beautiful tropical fish, then a
snorkeling cruise is something you can’t miss.
You’ll climb onboard The Starlet and head out to
the Kewalo Reef, with the famous Diamond Head as
your backdrop. The fish have been hand fed, so
they’re plenty friendly. This is a very nice
excursion if you are a snorkeling novice. Other
activities include windsurfing, kayaking, a
floating trampoline, and a water slide. Relax on
deck while sunbathing. A BBQ lunch is included.
What: Hawaii Luau
Where: Ohahu
Who: Germaines Luau
Description: Imagine being a guest at a grand
Hawaiian luau. As you sit comfortably amongst
new friends and old, you watch the royal
procession enter with fanfare, and witness the
imu ceremony—see a roasted pig raised up from
the ground. Then you dine on traditional
Hawaiian dishes like poi and haupia, as well as,
Mainland favorites like fried chicken and tossed
salad. After your scrumptious meal you sit back
and enjoy the wonderful Polynesian entertainers
featuring dancers from Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji and
Samoa. Many consider this the best luau in all
of Hawaii.
What: Swim with the
Dolphins, Hawaii Vacations
Where: Ohahu
Who: Dolphin Excursions
Description: You’ve fantasized about it. Now
it’s time to do it. You’ll be taken out on a
boat with about twenty or so other dolphin
lovers off of Ohahu’s western shore. There
you’ll see plenty of spinner dolphins frolicking
in the early morning seas. You’ll be given
expert snorkeling instruction so that even
beginners can slip into the water and swim
amongst the sea’s friendliest inhabitants. As a
bonus, you may get to see whales, sea turtles
and other exotic sea life.
What: Experience
Polynesian Culture
Where: Ohahu
Who: Polynesian Cultural Center
Description: Learn about the rich history of
Polynesian cultural traditions at this popular
Hawaiian attraction. See live demonstrations of
carving tiki statues, dancing with fire knives,
barefoot tree climbing, and the IMAX™
presentation of: “Coral Reef Adventure”. In the
afternoon enjoy the spectacular Pageant of the
Long Canoes, a live reenactment of Polynesian
cultural history on floating platforms. Top it
all off with a Polynesian review show featuring
dancers and native drummers.
What: Horseback and ATV
Tours
Where: Ohahu
Who: Kualoa Ranch
Description: Tour the beautiful island of Ohahu
on horseback. They have three types of horseback
tours: 1) One Hour Ride: Explore the southern
half of the ranch surrounded by an 800 year-old
fishpond; 2) Two hour ride: Explore the northern
part of the ranch and see WWII bunkers,
mountains, and the Pacific Ocean; 3) Cowboy
Experience: A crash course on how to herd
cattle. ATV Tours: Explore the countryside on an
ATV.
What: Hawaii Submarine
Tour
Where: Ohahu, Maui, Kona
Who: Atlantis Submarines
Description: Explore the ocean depths and learn
about the Pacific’s beautiful and exotic sea
creatures on a U.S. Coast Guard approved
submarine tour. See tropical fish, sharks, sea
turtles, eels, shipwrecks and more up close. A
unique and educational experience the whole
family can enjoy. The subs are spacious and air
conditioned, and go down to a maximum depth of
about 125 ft.
What: Hawaii Military
History Tour
Where: Pearl Harbor and Other Sites
Who: Home of the Brave
Description: Honor the brave service of U.S.
military members in Hawaii. This tour begins at
historic Pearl Harbor. Other stops include:
Wheeler Army Airfield, Schofield Army Barracks,
Fort Shafter, Punchbowl National Memorial,
Downtown Honolulu, Home of the Brave Museum and
Gift Shop.
What: Hawaii Day Hike
Where: Honolulu, Hawaii
Who: Department of Land and Natural Resources
Description: Put on your walking shoes, grab
some water and head on over to the Department of
Land and Natural Resources. Here you can find
free hiking trail maps. Decide on what trails
you’d like to see and spend the day exploring
some of Hawaii’s most beautiful places. Some
popular destinations are: Manoa Falls Trail,
Waikiki Historic Trail, Koko Crater, Makapuu
Lighthouse, and Kaena Point.
What: Learn How to Surf
Where: Ohahu
Who: Hans Hedemann Surf School
Description: Learn to Hang 10 on Hawaii’s most
scenic beaches. Discover the techniques of
surfing in a safe environment from trained
professionals. They offer private, semi-private,
or group lessons. In a couple of hours, you’ll
be standing up on a surfboard and riding your
first wave!
What: Volcano Hiking
Excursion
Where: Honolulu, Hawaii - Diamond Head
Description: Diamond Head is a dormant volcanic
crater that is very popular with tourists.
Hiking up Diamond Head will take you about 45-60
minutes and will lead you along a changing and
challenging terrain that ends in a long, steep
set of stairs. Once you get to the top, the view
is magnificent. Keep in mind that you must be in
shape to attempt the full hike up. There are
places to rest, but no facilities. The trail can
be hot, so go very early in the morning—and
bring water. |