Hula Your Way Across the Pacific to Tropical Hawaii
Hands down Hawaii is one of my most favorite places on earth. I have been going there since 1984, as I shared on Monday. In 1959, it became the United State’s 50th state to join the union. This archipelago, (chain or grouping of islands) has eight major islands that make up most of the land of Hawaii: Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Lanai, Molokai, Kauai, Kahoolawe, Niihau. I’ve been to Oahu and Maui, and can’t wait to get to the others. If you and your girlfriends are heading to this magical place, here are my suggestions.
What to Do
Oahu
- Hike Diamondhead Trail | Diamond Head Trail is one of the most rewarding Oahu landmarks, offering amazing 360-degree views when you reach the top. It may appear to be a challenging all day climb, but it only looks deceiving. The hike itself is 1.5 miles round trip, and it takes about 40 to 60 minutes to reach the 760-foot summit. There are some steep sections including narrow stairs, and the number of hikers ahead of you might slow you down, but just imagine the panoramic views you will be rewarded with once you reach the top of this Diamond Head hike.
- Check out the waves at Pipeline | Known around the world for its perfect barreling waves, you must go to the legendary Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore. The beach is rated as one of the best, and surfing the pipeline is a unique experience itself. In fact, the experience ranks high as one of the top 100 things to do before you die!
- Go to Duke's Barefoot Bar Waikiki Beach | No matter what you’re in the mood for, you and your besties will find it here. Beach bars with gorgeous Hawaiian cocktails. Dancing on the beach. Live music. And the best dessert you could ever share: Hula Pie.
Where to stay
- Tropical Waters | Everyone needs a place to lay their weary head. For travelers visiting Haleiwa, Tropical Waters is an excellent choice for rest and rejuvenation, and close to great restaurants and attractions. Tropical Waters makes it easy to enjoy the best of Make yourself at home, where the legend Duke Kahanamoku grew up swimming, surfing, canoeing and bodysurfing. In 1929, Duke rode a monster wave for 1 1/8 miles at Waikiki, likely the longest ride in modern times. You know that image in your mind of Waikiki Beach, the one with Diamond Head in the distance and outrigger canoes in a turquoise bay of warm water? It’s real and it’s here every day. Splash, body surf or surf, in the warm, turquoise water just below Hawaii’s icon, Diamond Head – just like Duke did.
Maui
What to Do
- Hike Haleakala to watch the sun rise | One of Maui’s most memorable experiences is seeing the Haleakala sunrise or sunset from almost 10,000 feet above sea level. Like anything worthwhile, it takes some planning. Here are a few tips to make the most of your Haleakala expedition.
- Find the Banyan Tree in Lahaina | Cool down in the shade under one of the largest banyan trees in the United States. Imported from India and planted in front of the Lahaina Courthouse and Lahaina Harbor on 1873, this sprawling tree along Front Street is the size of an entire city block and stands more than 60-feet high. If you need to cool down a bit, you can walk for two-thirds of an acre under the shadow of its sweeping branches. Many events and art exhibits are held beneath this popular gathering place. At Art in the Park, which takes place every second and fourth weekend of the month, browse for affordable paintings, limited edition prints and a wealth of crafts under the dangling vines and twelve major trunks of this Lahaina landmark.
Where to Stay
- Kaanapali Beach Hotel | How does open air, tropical breezes, beachfront accommodations, snorkeling, learning the ukulele, or rejuvenating at The Spa at Black Rock sound for a girls trip? This place has it all. Newly-renovated rooms and suites with views of the ocean and Maui’s sister islands Lanai and Molokai. You and you girls will make lasting memories...and probably make plans for the next year too!
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