January 3rd, 2009

President-elect Barack Obama spent the holidays in Hawaii this year at an Oahu beach house in the well-loved area of Kailua, not far from the island’s capital of Honolulu.  Oahu is Obama’s birthplace and he spent the first fourteen years of his life on the island. It was also the home of his late grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, who raised Obama through much of his youth. Dunham passed away only two days before her grandson’s historic election.

Obama and his family were able to enjoy the beauty of Oahu’s Kailua area, a place well-known for windsurfing and white sand beaches. Only twelve miles northeast of Honolulu, the Koolau mountain range protects this quaint coastal area from the bustle of life and tourism in nearby Waikiki. Both Kailua and adjacent Lanikai have beaches that have been voted some of the most beautiful in the world.

The small-town feeling of Kailua, with a population of about 50,000 residents, seems a fitting choice for a holiday reprieve for the Obama family after a long campaign in the public eye. With the majority of Hawaiians showing their support for Obama in the presidential election, it may have been difficult for locals to give the family the privacy and space they deserved. However, most residents of this mellow enclave are used to public figures and celebrities coming to Kailua for a little anonymity in paradise. Most likely the greatest attention Obama received from the locals were a few shakas in the aloha spirit.

Historically, Kailua has been a place of the elite for centuries. Kings and queens lived on the abundant shoreline as far back as the 16th century. The area is rich in the Hawaiian legends and lore that originated the tales of the Menehune, the “little people” said to have built the fishponds of Kailua. The Kawainui marshlands and the saltwater ponds at Mokapu were rich resources for the ali’i (royalty) of Kailua and are still points of attraction today. Presently, the Kawainui Marsh has a hiking/bike path that wraps around its perimeter for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Obama mentions his own past connection with Kailua in his memoir, “Dreams From My Father”, in which he recalls a boyhood spearfishing trip there with his grandfather. Obama continues to foster his relationship to Kailua, as he reportedly rented a Kailua vacation rental for a getaway last August. Every president has his place of choice for respite from the toughest job in the world. It looks as though this Hawaiian native may choose Kailua as his place to rejuvenate and rest throughout his presidency.  Understandably so. Kailua’s beauty is some of the most picturesque in all the islands and the land there holds the history of great chiefs.

Should the nation’s newest Commander-in-Chief continue to return to Kailua for some slow-paced island time,  Hawaiians would welcome it in the traditional way - with plenty of aloha (but a wide berth of space).

January 2nd, 2009

Treating yourself to a Hawaiian vacation just may have you feeling like royalty.  As you bask in the warm rays of tropical sunshine while fragrant trade winds blow, you can see why island life seems fit for kings and queens. Renting your own island getaway, like one of the many Oahu vacation homes, can give the feel of being in your very own palace.

Hawaii’s history is rich in a long line of kings and queens that enjoyed the very finest of the abundance of the islands. In fact, the center of the monarchy was on the island of Oahu, housed at the Iolani Palace built in 1882. A National Historic Landmark, Iolani Palace was the home of King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani, and later the residence of Queen Liliokalani, Kalakaua’s successor. Today the site is open to the public for community events and tours, where you can view many rooms inside the palace as well as walk the surrounding grounds. It is also continuing to be restored and preserved while educating about Hawaii’s heritage.

In its time, the palace was sophisticated and grand, hosting large gatherings, welcoming international dignitaries and serving as the center of politics, social functions and the arts. It is a symbol of the height of Kalakaua’s rule and the prolific time for art and music.

Succeeding King Kalakaua, the reign of Queen Liliokalani’s saw a pivotal change. The historical overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1895 turned the Iolani Palace - the place that was her royal home - into a prison that held her confined to an upstairs bedroom for years.

Subsequent to the overthrow of the monarchy, the palace began to deteriorate from time and neglect. Today an active restoration project works to recover the building, preserving it and educating the public about Hawaiian history. The onsite Palace Shops carry specialty gift items and books related to Hawaiian heritage, culture and the history of the monarchy. Purchases at the shops help support preservation and education efforts.

Guided and self-guided tours are available Tuesday through Saturday. The palace is closed on Sundays and Mondays. You will have the most access to the palace rooms and receive the most information on a guided tour with a docent or by utilizing the audio tour. If you come on a Friday, you can see the Royal Hawaiian Band offering a free concert on the grounds from noon to 1 pm.

Located in the downtown Honolulu Capitol District, Iolani Palace is in close proximity to many Oahu condo rentals, making it an accessible point of interest for visitors. This landmark is rich in history and offers a perspective of Hawaii’s past that travelers to the island sometimes miss. Tour through the decadent rooms of this modern castle and transport yourself to a time when Hawaii was ruled by a King and Queen and the Western world was only just beginning to discover the beauty of these rich islands.

December 30th, 2008

This year, as Halloween was nearing, my neighbors were preparing their costumes for their long-planned trip to Maui where they would participate in Lahaina’s famous Halloween celebration. They had a friend with a Maui beach rental in the area, which they would use as a home base while they partied along Lahaina’s Front street on Halloween night. The evening’s annual tradition has given Lahaina the reputation of being the “Mardi Gras of the Pacific”, when up to 50,000 celebrants come dressed in costume. Lahaina’s Front street overflows as outer island residents and out of state visitors come to experience the nightlife of this happening seaside town.

A party of this magnitude only happens once a year and rumors have swirled that one day the Halloween festivities may come to a halt altogether. Regardless of the fate of this infamous celebration, the droves of fun-loving merrymakers are a testament to the artistic pulse that beats in this historic town.

Though some Hawaiian islands are more quiet than others, Maui and Oahu are two islands that have the most night life and cultural activities available. But even on these more populated islands, there can be vast areas that are still pretty rural and therefore, quiet. Some visitors come to Hawaii to commune with nature, slow their pace and relax. Peace and calm may be exactly what you’re looking for. But if you find yourself in the stillness of your Maui vacation home with a hankering for music, art and some great people watching, take a drive to Lahaina  where you’re likely to find the streets buzzing, year round.

A Friday night is a great time to check out Lahaina town. Their weekly event “Friday Night is Art Night in Lahaina” means the multitude of galleries that span Front street are open for a meet and greet with the artists with a showcasing of art and music.

On weekend nights simply stroll the streets and follow your ears to the various restaurants and clubs that feature live music and dancing. The well-known Hard Rock Cafe Maui is here in Lahaina, too, where good grinds, rock and roll and surf culture coalesce.

Any night of the week, various boat companies offer sunset dinner cruises that launch from Lahaina Harbor to sail the sea. These tours offer a nautical perspective of the island and fantastic views. Often these cruises offer cocktails and feature live entertainment on board.

Lahaina is a hot spot in the daytime, too. Soak in the flavor of this fun town through the shops, boutiques and fantastic restaurants. Check out one of Lahaina’s central figures, the gigantic Banyan tree that has created a shady gathering spot in the center of town. After strolling Front street, take a load off under this massive tree and watch the people strolling by. You might hear a local strumming the ukulele or find yourself talking story to an old-timer resting on a nearby bench. Listen to the waves lapping on the shore.

Keep in mind, the pace of life in Hawaii is slower. The “action” of Lahaina is nothing like Los Angeles. And though Halloween night does get a little crazy, it’s still no comparison to New Orleans.

But if a little excitement in paradise is what you’re looking for in your Maui vacation, Lahaina is a good bet.  Consider staying in one of the many Lahaina vacation rentals. You can always take a scenic drive to a more remote location if you want a little quiet nature time in the day, knowing you’ll be coming back home to some great restaurants and the hum of Front street in Lahaina town.

December 30th, 2008

For those that enjoy a good run, I can’t imagine a more beautiful place to break a sweat than along some of the world’s most renowned beaches, especially at the peak of whale watching season. The island of Maui is maximizing opportunities for a cardiovascular workout in paradise by offering four different Maui marathon races in January and February 2009. My cousin from Boston has reserved a Wailea condo rental in South Maui where he’ll participate in the Maui Oceanfront Marathon on January 25. He’s done the Boston Marathon before and would like to run it again in 2009. The Maui Oceanfront course is certified to allow him to qualify to run this year’s marathon in Boston.

The Maui Oceanfront Marathon is just one of at least four run/walk events happening on Maui this winter. I had no idea how many opportunities there were to join fellow athletes and exercise for a good cause. Whether you come specifically to participate in one of these events or just happen to be on Maui during one of these marathons, tighten your shoelaces and get ready to move. Maui goes the distance this year offering a picturesque setting for a runner’s dream.

Neways Maui Paradise Marathon
January 11, 2009 at 6 am
Start: Kalama Beach Park, Kihei
End: Kalama Beach Park, Kihei
Distance options: marathon, half marathon, 5K and kids’ races
Details:  Marathon wishes to raise awareness of Maui’s fragile eco-system and the Humpback whale.  No plastic bags used in the eco-conscious event.
This race is a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
Registration:
Online deadline - January 8
Mail in deadline - must be received by January 7
Walk in deadline - January 10 at 6 pm

Maui 15K & 5 K
January 18, 2009 at 7:20 am
Start: Papalua Beach, Napili
End: Old Lahaina Town, Lahaina
Distance options: 15K or 5 K
Details: For serious runners, this event can be used as a warm up for the Maui Oceanfront Marathon happening on January 25 in Wailea. Shuttle buses will be available to assist with transportation at this one-way race.
Registration:
Last minute registration available with procrastination fee on January 18 by 6:15 am.

Maui Oceanfront Marathon
January 25, 2009 at 5:45 am
Start: Wailea Iki Rd, Wailea
End: Kamehameha Iki Park, Lahaina
Distance options: Marathon, Half Marathon, 20 mile walk-run or 5K
This race is a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
Details: Proceeds of the race benefit local non-profits that will be providing aid stations for participants along the route. There will be shuttles from Kaanapali, Lahaina to the starting line at Wailea.
Registration:
Discounted early bird registration ends January 1, 2009.

Run for the Whales (see my post on the entire Maui Whale Watching Festival)
February 7, 2009 at 7 am
Start: Polo Beach, Wailea
End: Polo Beach, Wailea
Distance options: Half Marathon, 5K or 2K and kid’s race
Details: This Pacific Whale Foundation event benefits marine education programs for Maui’s schoolchildren. There is no parking at Polo Beach so shuttles will be running to the start line from the Wailea events parking lot on Kalai Waia St.
Registration:
Register online, by mail or by phone.

Though my cousin is a serious, competitive runner, the races listed above are available for anyone that would like to get a little exercise in the gorgeous beauty of Maui. You can customize certain stretches of the races to meet your speed. Rent a Wailea condo and you’ll find yourself in a perfect place to enjoy some of these great community festivities, celebrating health, nature and the return of the Humpback whale. What better way to get a sense of the Maui community and take in the island’s natural beauty than taking a little jaunt down the coastline of one of the most stunning places on earth?

December 30th, 2008

So you’ve booked your Hawaii accommodation and you’re ready for days and days of rest and relaxation amidst tropical flowers and golden sands. The island-style life is simple and packing for Hawaii doesn’t have to be complicated. There are a few basic items every islander needs; the rest is just extra. Here’s a list of a few ‘must haves’ that should make their way into your suitcase and answer your question of what to bring to Hawaii.

Sun Protection
It’s crucial in Hawaii’s strong tropical climate. Year round, the sun can be downright dangerous, especially to skin not used to exposure. Even those that have dark complexion should take precautions while enjoying Hawaii’s outdoors. A good rule of thumb is to avoid direct sun when it’s at its height (generally 11am - 2pm). No matter what time of day, always have sunscreen and sun protective clothing when out exploring in the daytime.

Sunscreen
Get a good waterproof variety with plenty of SPF so that you can swim or perspire and not have to reapply as often. Don’t forget that you can even get sun exposure as you’re driving.

Sun Protective Clothing
Hat - A good hat that can still stay on through the tropical tradewinds is important.  It not only shields your eyes from the sun, it protects your face and neck from exposure as well as the top of your head.
Shades - Sunglasses also are critical for protecting your eyes from UV rays, especially when your near the reflection of the water. Polarized lens offer incredible views through Hawaii’s blue sea.
Cover Up - Some kind of cover up clothing can be an excellent sun protective option if you’re enjoying the beach but need to shield yourself from sun. You can bring something from home with you or check out the multitude of beautiful Hawaiian style sarongs available on the island. They can serve as sun protection, a shawl when the air cools and can be worn wrapped around your waist by both men and women.

Sunglasses
Don’t forget, your eyes need protecion from the sun too!

Swimsuit
Actually, you’ll probably want more than one swimsuit, since you’ll be spending a lot of time at the beach. Make sure you have a good fitting swimsuit will stay on in the waves!

Shoes
You’ll see locals wearing ’slippahs’ year round. The equivalent of what may be referred to as ‘flip flops’, these shoes come off and on easily, which is important in Hawaii, as it is a Hawaiian custom to remove your shoes before entering a home. These slippers can be bought at many grocery stores in very inexpensive forms but if you’ve got your favorite pair already broken in from home, bring those. Nothing worse than getting a blister from breaking in a new pair of shoes.
Walking Shoes - The same goes for walking shoes. If you’ve got a pair that you’re comfortable in, bring them.  No need letting a new blister reduce you to limping through your vacation. There is plenty of walking to be done in Hawaii, either shopping through the city streets or hiking some remote trail. Bring shoes that support your explorations!

Camera
You’re going to want to capture some memories either through a still camera or video camera. Today’s technology makes it easy to transport a camera along on any expedition. Just don’t forget to bring your battery charger.

Surfboard
If you’re a serious surfer and are coming to catch waves, you probably don’t need to be reminded to bring your board. For those seeking to learn, there are plenty of surf schools and water activity companies that rent out boards for beginners. If you’re a casual water person don’t bother bringing gear. Many Hawaiian vacation homes will even have extra boogie boards, snorkel gear and other water toys right at your place. What you don’t find at your accommodation can easily be rented for a nominal fee.

With the list above, you can see how a person could literally come to Hawaii with a small backpack and be just fine. Though most won’t be inspired to pack quite that lightly, don’t forget that if you forget something, you can buy it once you settle in. Do be prepared to pay a little extra, though, as most everything in the islands has to be shipped over.

When you’re packing for your Hawaii vacation, you can bring as much as you want. But keep in mind that you won’t need much in the islands and it’s a lot easier to kick up your feet and take a load off when you’re traveling light. Aloha!

December 30th, 2008

So you’ve searched for Kauai rentals, got your perfect vacation home or condo reserved and are now planning the rest of your exotic vacation to the beautiful Garden Island. One thing you’ll certainly be interested in are places to eat on Kauai. Food is a staple of life and an intrinsic part of island style living.  Hawaiians love to eat and find any occasion to get together and share local ‘grinds’. Whether it be at the beach, backyard or restaurant, sharing the fruits of the plentiful supply of fresh island food is a reason to gather with family and friends and share music and smiles. So to help you plan where you’ll be eating, here are some suggested Kauai restaurants.

Though as a visitor you may not be privy to such intimate family gatherings, you can experience the next best thing at one of the many luaus available to the public. Try the family-owned luau offered at Smith’s Tropical Garden, situated on the renowned Wailua River, complete with peacocks and a fern grotto on Kauai’s East side.

North Shore: Bar Acuda
This tapas and wine bar is located in Hanalei in the Hanalei Center. The ambiance has a sophistication of a big city with patrons enjoying the low lights and eclectic wine list in ’slippahs’. The menu is inspired by the pantries of Southern France, Italy, Spain and Portugal while incorporating local island ingredients for dishes that vary daily.

East Side: Kintaro’s
This popular sushi bar and Asian restaurant recently expanded its size. Even with more seating, you may find yourself waiting for a table, as there is often a line here. The Asian decor and fish tanks offer a great environment to wait in, while you share Saki or tea with friends. Dining options include the sushi bar, a table or reservations for one of the special rooms with Tatami seating. Located in Wailua.

South Shore: Roy’s Poipu Bar & Grill
Roy’s Restaurant specializes in Hawaiian Fusion cuisine which combines the finest aspect of Hawaiian, Asian and European flavors for unique dishes served in a fine dining environment. Local art is displayed on the walls of this ambient restaurant located in Poipu at the Poipu Shopping Village. A full wine list is featured as well as fresh local fish and seafood.

West Side: Hanapepe Cafe
Hanapepe Town is an experience all of its own and this restaurant is the main food establishment of the town. It features a mostly vegetarian cuisine in a laid back atmosphere where locals artists and visitors mingle. Hanapepe is known for its multitude of art galleries and the weekly celebration of Art Night every Friday night.  The Hanapepe Cafe features live music every Friday night. Check out their great selection of baked goods, too.

The quietude of Kauai does not offer a lot of night life activity, though island restaurants do provide a great way to get out and enjoy the evening.  There are more excellent Kauai restaurants that feature a variety of menu options. When in doubt about choosing a Kauai dining location, just ask a local.

December 30th, 2008

My friend Nick is an avid fisherman with his sites set on a Kona fishing vacation. His dream was further fueled after hearing the tale of a 975 pound Marlin being reeled in this past November off the coast of the Big Island. So, baited with the lore of catching the big one, Nick has decided to come to the Big Island of Hawaii and try his luck off of Kona’s infamous coast.

He looked into rental property in Hawaii and found lots of options for Hawaii condos on the Kona side of the island. This shore is known for its sunny weather and is a favorite among vacationers. Most of the charter companies that offer fishing trips launch from Honokohau Harbor just outside of Kailua-Kona. Though the Big Island is most well-known for an abundance of marlin, fisherman can also catch mahi mahi, ahi and ono in these gorgeous tropical waters.

I’ve been encouraging Nick to book his fishing trip during the Humpback whale watching season, which falls between November and April (with the height of the season being between January and March). That way he will have a chance to watch these incredible sea mammals as they  breach and teach their young while he’s out at sea.

As Nick was imagining hooking his dream fish, he had a few questions about the local protocol for the charter companies that offer fishing expeditions. Would he be able to keep his catch? What about if he wanted to mount that giant marlin he was dreaming of? After researching a few companies he found that most followed the same mode of operation. Companies asked that fisherman speak with the boat captains about their preference for keeping their catch. Smaller, table-size fish could be kept or sometimes even shipped back home if arrangements were made in advance.  It is advised to compensate the crew if the fish were kept. As for larger Marlin, in most cases the fish is released, but it seemed that the companies each had their own philosophy and policies. Speak to them about it and be clear about the protocol in advance.

Should Nick catch that elusive Marlin and want to mount it, measurements could be taken and he’d be referred to a taxidermist that makes a fiberglass mold duplicate.

All charter companies advise taking preventive measures for those prone to getting seasick. He discovered that because of the presence of Mauna Kea, a natural wind protection is there for the Kona coast, making it one of the more smooth sails of the islands.

Most companies offer the ice, bait and tackle for the expedition, but fishermen are generally held responsible for their own food and beverages on these trips. Nick discovered that no boat allows for the presence of bananas on board. Apparently, there is an ancient Hawaiian kapu (translated as “forbidden”) against bananas on fishing trips. They are considered very unlucky and local fisherman take this very seriously, citing numerous stories of how bananas have jinxed their fishing trips. So when packing snacks, leave the bananas at home.

Gathering all of this information has only further excited Nick about solidifying his Hawaiian fishing trip. I’ve got my fingers crossed for him to reel in his dream catch in the glorious beauty of the Big Island’s azure seas.

December 30th, 2008

So you know that you want to come to Hawaii for the ultimate tropical getaway. But which island do you visit? Is it better to just stay on one or should you try to hop to each? Are they all the same?

If you’re going to invest in a Hawaii vacation, it helps to know the kind of experience you’re looking for.  What do you want to do on your trip to Hawaii? If relaxation is number one on your “to do” list, then it may be optimal to pick one island and stay there. There’s no point in exhausting yourself trying to see each island, only to return home needing a vacation from your vacation (see my post about doing nothing at Hanalei Bay). If you can’t pick just one island, perhaps choose your top two.

Here’s a brief overview of each main island and its characteristics (no, they’re not all the same) in order to help you choose the ideal spot to spend your Hawaii vacation.

Kauai
Long known as the “Garden Island” but newly dubbed “The Island of Discovery”, this is the northernmost island and the oldest. Its age offers some of the largest choices of sandy beaches. For those seeking outdoor adventures, there are many hikes (guided and not guided) and beach explorations possible here. Some of its main outdoor attractions are the Na Pali Coast, Kokee and the vast beaches of Polihale on the West side and Hanalei Bay on the North shore. There is hardly any nightlife to speak of on this quiet island, so plan to enjoy simple sunsets and intimate evenings at home. View Kauai vacation rentals.

Oahu
The most metropolitan of all the islands, Oahu is the hub of an international airport and the vibrant city of Honolulu. A true mecca of multi-cultural art and music, Oahu offers many different experiences on various shores. The infamous Waikiki is an historic beach front that is as popular as ever with locals and tourists alike.  Plenty of hotels, restaurants, surf lessons and shops. The North shore of Oahu is home to the world’s biggest surf competitions and enthusiasts gather here every winter to watch top surfers navigate these swells. View Oahu vacation rentals.

Maui
This island is naturally shaped into two sections, known as West and South Maui. It offers some of the world’s top rated beaches, with plenty of resorts, shopping and restaurants. A bit faster paced then Kauai, but without the big city of Oahu, Maui can be the perfect compromise between the two. One of the key attractions of Maui is Haleakala Crater, which stands 10,000 feet above sea level as a testament to the volcano that once spewed forth the lava that created this incredible island. The breathtaking Hana coastline is another highlight that can be seen via a narrow winding road along lush, remote cliffsides. View Maui vacation rentals.

The Big Island
Still in formation, this island is home to an active volcano that continues to pour forth the magma that makes up Hawaii. This “big island” is home to a vast variety of micro climates. One of its mountains, the dormant volcano of Mauna Kea, which summits at over 13,000 feet above sea level, is often covered in snow in the winter. If you want to see all of the diversity of the Big Island, make sure you give yourself plenty of days to traverse its massive expanse. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one point of interest worth exploring. Some areas of the park may be closed during your stay, as the volcano continues to overflow and safety is a factor. View Big Island vacation rentals.

Each of these main Hawaiian islands provide the aloha and tropical beauty you can expect from Hawaii. No matter which island you choose you are certain to have an unforgettable time. As you plan your trip, keep in mind that you can always return (in fact you’ll promise this to yourself as you leave). Wherever you find yourself, remember to slow down in the island-style pace of life, smell the flowers and enjoy the beauty of this magic place.

December 5th, 2008

If you want to give yourself the royal treatment this winter, consider renting a Maui villa and spending a week in the warm sun of Maui’s Kaanapali beach. This 3 mile expanse of sand has been rated one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It offers great sunsets and is close to the many sights and attractions of the Kaanapali area, all within walking distance.

Historically, this area of West Maui was long enjoyed by Hawaiian royalty, or ali’i. They enjoyed the open stretch of beach, clear waters and sun-filled days that this shoreline provided. Today, many resorts and hotels front this area, as well as luxury vacation rentals. A paved path meanders along the entire 3 mile stretch of beach, making it a perfect place for strolling in the daytime sun or by evening’s moonlight. There is nothing quite like stargazing in Hawaii.

One section of Kaanapali is marked by “Black Rock”, an outcropping of large lava rocks that make an excellent area for snorkeling. During winter months this spot may see ocean conditions that are unsuitable for swimming.  But this time of year also brings the beauty of the Humpback Whale to Hawaiian waters (read my post about Maui whale watching). These rare creatures seem to gravitate strongly to Maui and Black Rock can be an perfect spot to sit perched with a pair of binoculars. Look for the giant tail slaps and breaches these gigantic sea animals make at sea as they perform mating rituals and teach their young.

One of the benefits of Kaanapali is that you can enjoy all of its natural beauty while also indulging in the luxuries the area offers.This tropical oasis offers a variety of shops and restaurants right on the beach, particularly at the mid point of the meandering path that lines the coastline. After spending time on the beach soaking in the sun and surf you can visit Whalers Village Mall which is chock full of shops and Hawaiiana, as well as multiple restaurants serving an array of cuisine. Lunch or dine here and watch the sunset from this seaside vantage. The mall also provides entertainment with daily activities on lei making and hula. Evening performances by local musicians offer Japanese Taiko drums and Polynesian and Tahitian dancing.

There is a reason the Hawaiian royalty were drawn to this incredible area of Maui. Today, you can still feel the sweetness of the ‘good life’ as you enjoy all that Kaanapali has to offer. A great home base if you feel inspired to venture out for a game of golf at the Kaanapali Golf Resort or to peruse the large collection of art galleries in nearby Lahaina. The beauty of this spot is that you also can just park the rental  car and let yourself walk in paradise for a day or two, partaking in all of life’s luxuries that are readily accessible on this gorgeous coastline.

December 5th, 2008

It’s hard to believe that only a 30 minute drive from the bustle of Honolulu can bring you to the tranquility of Kailua, an area on Oahu’s windward side that seems like another island all together. This shore is known for its slower pace and is home to Lanikai Beach, a stretch of sand voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

If you’re looking for some quiet time in paradise with an island-style pace, consider staying in Kailua in a Lanikai villa. The area has plenty of sights to see. You can enjoy incredible views atop the bordering Koolau Mountain range, enjoy multi-cultural history and lounge in the beauty of the incredible Lanikai beach. And should you have a hankering for the buzz of Honolulu’s nightlife, the city is but a short drive away.

Lanikai Beach is a destination in and of itself. This white sand beach spreads out for sun and shade, revealing the distant Mokulua islands that quietly rest off this coastline of clear azure water. Remote and accessible only by public footpaths, this beach is still popular, especially on the weekends. It is also known as one of the island’s best windsurfing spots. In the right conditions you can enjoy watching top wind surfers jump and soar over the cresting waves.

An epic view of this area of the island can be seen from a lookout point at nearby Nuuanu Pali State Wayside Park. The summit is 1200 feet in elevation at the top of the Koolau mountain range. Wind gusts can be so strong from this vantage that you can lean into the wind and it will hold you up. Admission to the park is free and it is open every day from 9am to 4pm.

This windward side of the island is full of history, as it rests upon the ancient battleground that brought King Kamehameha victory and the ultimate unification of all of the islands. In a famous and fierce battle, the King’s troops pushed the Oahuans into the Nuuanu Valley, eventually driving them to the cliffs where they fell to their death. In the late 1800’s when the old Pali road was being constructed through the Koolau mountain range it is said that over 800 human skulls and other bones were unearthed at the bottom of the cliffs.

An historic site worth visiting is the Byodo-In Temple which is nestled at the foot of the Koolau mountains in Kahuluu. This sacred building is a replica of a 900 year old Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. Built in honor of the first Japanese immigrants to come to Hawaii, it houses a bronze bell weighing 7 tons, which is said to bring fortune and good luck to those who ring it.

Take in view of the beautiful Koolau mountain range and crystalline blue waters. Soak in the simple island-style pace of this quiet area. Whether you decide to sight-see or simply lounge at one the most beautiful beaches in the world, Kailua offers a quaint pocket of paradise on Oahu’s windward shore.