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Family Reunion

3 Activities in Oahu, Hawaii Everyone Will Enjoy

There is so many activities for everyone in Oahu, Hawaii. Waikiki Beach is just one.

There are so many things to wonderful things to do while you are in Oahu, Hawaii. There is the hopping area of Waikiki with shopping, dining, nightlife and of course the beach. You could spend your whole vacation right in this area. Or you could venture out and experience even more. But, what if you are with a whole group of people of all different ages. What are some good activities around the island of Oahu, Hawaii that everyone in your group of family or friends will enjoy? Read on and find out!

Polynesian Cultural Center

The Polynesian Cultural Center draws guest in and immerses them in the different cultures of the Polynesian Islands. You can wander through the villages of Hawaii, Aotearoa, Tahiti, Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga. While you explore each village you can learn more about the culture through stories, hands-on workshops, dance, music, games and food.

Throughout the day you can learn a native dance, how to weave with leaves, or throw a spear. For those in your group who don’t want to be as active they can enjoy a listening to a talk about the history of the country, attend a marriage ceremony, watch a cooking demonstration, or sit and enjoy in the beautiful atmosphere. The whole area is very stroller and wheelchair friendly.

At night the Polynesian Cultural Center comes alive even more. The Ali’i Luau Buffet is a fun way to eat and enjoy a show. At the buffet, you will fill up on authentic Polynesian favorites. Then you will enjoy the family-friendly luau show. The audience participation brings some extra fun.

After this show, you can choose to attend the amazing Ha Breath of Life Show. It is truly an experience to behold with beautiful dancing, and music, exciting special effects, and heart-stopping, blazing, twirling fireknives.

Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve

Kualoa Ranch is on the east side of the island of Oahu in a gorgeous tropical setting. The ranch is high up on the hillside with breathtaking views of the island and ocean. They strive to protect and enhance the land while providing recreational activities for guests. The tours provide Kualoa Ranch the opportunity to keep the land undeveloped for future generations.

Kualoa Ranch was the setting of parts of Jurassic Park and Jurassic World and of course, they have a tour to show you all the fun spots. They also have a tour of other famous Hollywood movie sights. They provide so many different ways to show you their beautiful land–jeep, ATV, horseback, electric mountain bike, bus, or zipline. And, if you don’t want to go on a tour then you can just have a delicious homecooked Hawaiian meal at Auntie Pat’s Cafe.

What makes Kualoa Ranch great for families is the wide variety of activities. Since they have so many different ways to tour there is something that will work for everyone. If you have family that are too young or don’t want all the bumping and jarring of the jeep or ATV tours they provide a nice bus option. Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Preserve is an excellent day trip activity for everyone to enjoy while you are vacationing in Oahu, Hawaii.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial and Historic Sites

Pearl Harbor National Memorial is one of the must-do Oahu activities. Through the USS Arizona Memorial and other historic sites you will get a fuller picture of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the military forces in the Pacific during WWII.

At the USS Arizona Memorial, you have the chance to remember those who lost their lives on that fateful day, December 7, 1941. For kids, there is a Junior Ranger program to help kids understand the significance of this memorial. There is also a movie and exhibits to enjoy.

Other Pearl Harbor Historic Sites

In the area, but not run by the National Parks Service are some other historical sites that are very interesting. Tickets and transportation can be arranged at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

  • Battleship Missouri Memorial–The USS Missouri was the last battleship commissioned by the United States. The Japanese signed their surrender onboard, ending WWII. They have tours or you can go at your own pace.
  • USS Bowfin Submarine Museum–The USS Bowfin launched one year after the attack and was nicknamed the Pearl Harbor Avenger. She is permanently homeported at Pearl Harbor and guests can take a tour through the submarine.
  • Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum–This museum is housed in two hangars and the Ford Island Control Tower. The exhibits focus not only on the events of Pearl Harbor but also on the entire war in the Pacific. You will see a lot of aircraft used throughout the war, some even still have battle scars.

If you are traveling with very young children you can use a stroller in many places. The USS Missouri is stroller and wheelchair accessible. The USS Bowfin doesn’t allow children under 4 on the submarine, but they can enjoy the grounds while waiting for other family members to finish the tour (supervised of course).

If you have family members who aren’t as mobile there can be quite a bit of walking. They might want to stick to the USS Arizona and the hangar at the Aviation Museum with the exhibits (the hangar with more planes is fantastic but is pretty large). The USS Bowfin isn’t very large but the space is pretty cramped and the stairs are very steep. On the USS Missouri, they don’t have to visit every part. Just being on the battleship and seeing the scale is pretty awesome. There are elevators to some of the decks for wheelchair access.

There are so many different activities to choose while in Oahu, Hawaii. But these are such great ones that will appeal to just about everyone in your group of family or friends. You’re gonna love them!

Got questions about these or other Oahu activities? Contact me and let me get you some answers!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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Destination Highlights

Maui, Hawaii: The Perfect Place to Get Away from Crowds

Taking a drive down the lush Maui, Hawaii coastline is great for getting away from the crowds.

Many travelers want to find places to vacation where they can get away. They search to discover locations to be by themselves enjoying the fresh air, the nature around them, and fewer other people. Maui, Hawaii is just the vacation location for getting away from the rigors of everyday life, and crowds and into relaxation, and adventure.

Are you looking for a vacation that gives you and your family a chance to reconnect with out being surrounded by other people? Maui, Hawaii might be just the place for you to get away from the crowds! Take a look at the following places to get out and explore!

See this pagefor current travel requirements to Hawaii.

Ioa Valley State Park

Ioa Valley State Park is located in central Maui, west of Wailuku. One highlight of this park is the iconic Ioa Needle, a 1200-foot green-mantled rock outcropping. It overlooks Ioa Stream and is a great place to hike.

From the parking lot, there is a paved path to view the Ioa Needle and beautiful views of the valley. There is also a rainforest walk and interactive exhibits at the Hawaii Nature Center for families to enjoy. Since the needle often clouds up during the day it is best to get there early for good viewing. Check out this page for hiking safety information in Maui.

The Ioa Valley also has historical significance as the location that Kamehameah defeated Maui’s forces, changing Hawaiian history, in a fierce battle in 1790. This state park is a great place to explore this bit of Hawaiian culture.

Horseback Riding in the Upcountry

Upcountry Maui is Hawaiian cowboy country. Since the late 1800s, Hawaiian cowboys, or paniolo, have been wrangling cattle in the open fields on horseback. Now, ranches are giving families the opportunity to take a horseback-riding excursion and explore the mid-slopes of Haleakala. Many offer private horseback excursions for just your family or group.

If you happen to be in Maui on the 4th of July you might want to check out the Makawao Rodeo, Hawaii’s largest paniolo competition. There will be a parade and traditional rodeo events such as barrel racing, calf roping, and bronco riding with, of course, Hawaiian character tossed in. Note: The rodeo is probably not the best place to feel secluded but, for those willing to be in a crowd, it is sure to be festive and fun.

While in the Upcountry, you might want to stop in Makawao. This charming town is known for its cream puffs at the T. Komoda Store and the art scene. In fact, Makawao was once considered one of the top 25 arts destinations in the United States. You will be amazed by glassblowers, wood sculptors, and painters as you wander through the unique shops, boutiques, and art galleries.

The Road to Hana

While the road to Hana might be filled with cars there are plenty of places to get out and explore where you will feel like you have it all to yourself. This is a fantastic adventure in Maui, Hawaii to get away from the crowds! All along the road, there are pullouts that have trails you can explore. Some are more traveled than others. A few will have larger parking lots.

A few good stops are:

  • Waikamoi Ridge Trail–mile 9.5
  • The Garden of Eden Arboretum–mile 10 ($)
  • Kaumahina State Wayside Park–mile 12
  • Honomanu Bay Lookout–mile 14
  • Keanae–mile 17
  • Waiʻānapanapa State Park–mile 32.

Driving the road to Hana is an ALL Day trip. It takes about 3 hours to get to Hana if you don’t stop. so you will want to leave very early in the morning if you want to do this as a day trip. Also, don’t try and see everything in one trip. Pick a couple of stops and save the rest for another trip. (What a great reason to vacation in Maui again!). Staying overnight in Hana is highly recommended. This little town is so peaceful and rejuvenating and there is so much to see in this area that an overnight stay is a lovely addition to your vacation.

Haleakala National Park

When most people think of Haleakala National Park they think of the crater 10,000 ft above sea level. While the actual crater is fascinating you won’t feel like you have the whole place to yourself, ever. But, there are many trails around the crater and off the road up to the crater that are much less traveled. Safety note: Haleakala is at very high elevation. The temperature is much lower than the coast (easily 20-30 degrees cooler) and there is less oxygen. It is very easy to suffer from high-altitude sickness if you exert yourself too much.

There is another side to Haleakala National Park that is much less traveled. The Kipahulu section which is just past the town of Hana. This side has very different landscape than what you will find up to and at the crater. This area is lush and green with bamboo forests, waterfalls, and bubbling streams. The Pipiwai Trail to the 400 ft Waimoku Falls is a great hike into this area.

Haleakala National Park cannot be mentioned without talking about the spectacular sunrises and sunsets. They are glorious from the top, near the crater parking lot. Watching the sun come up or go down is not people-free but you will be so glad you went. Some consider the sunrise to be the most spectacular on earth. Important: You must make a reservation online up to 7 days prior to park and see the sunrise.

Nakalele Point and Blowhole

If you continue to drive northwest past Ka’anapali and Kapalua to about mile marker 38.5 you will find the turnout for the Nakalele Blowhole and heart rocks. Head down the hill about 200 feet to the rocks jutting out into the ocean and you will come to the blowhole. You can’t miss it. You can actually see it from the top but it is much more impressive from below. The geyser of water shooting up in the air (sometimes 100 ft) is caused by the ocean flowing under and forcing water through a large hole in the rocks.

Wear good shoes for this activity. The trail on the way down is coated with dirt and loose rocks and the rocks on the bottom are slippery. Also, be careful getting too close to the edge of the rocks. You might find yourself at best, quite wet, and at worst, a painful tossing onto the rocks.

Down on the rocks a little bit away from the blowhole there is a spot in the rocks where the whole makes an almost perfect heart shape. It is a fun find and photo op.

You will have company on this adventure but because it’s a bit of a drive there are not usually huge crowds.

The island of Maui is such a wonderful vacation destination, so full of beauty, Hawaiian culture, many things to do and see, and a great place to relax. Maui, Hawaii is definitely a great place for getting away from the crowds and enjoying what’s important in life!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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Hawaii

Hawaii: A Vacation Destination for 2021 and Beyond

Hawaii is a great vacation destination for 2021 and beyond to enjoy beautiful beaches.
Kihei, Maui

As we are stuck home longer and longer the desire to travel gets stronger and stronger. What can alleviate this inner struggle? Having a vacation to look forward to! That future vacation doesn’t have to be next month or 6 months from now to get you out of your funk. That is just too soon for some of you. Even a trip planned a year or 18 months from now can give you the energy you need to keep on going. But, where is a good place to go? Hawaii is a great vacation destination if you are wanting to travel in 2021 or in the future.

What makes Hawaii a great vacation destination?

All of the reasons to follow show why Hawaii is a fantastic vacation option anytime. I will also be including information to help you decide if it might be a place you want to go in 2021.

#1 Ease of travel

First thing, Hawaii is a US destination so no passport is needed. Woohoo! Such a simple way to travel to the tropics! There are many flights from all over the US to Hawaii. Plus, there are even flights directly to the smaller islands, no need to always stop in Honolulu.

As for our current situation (that will probably continue for much of 2021), it is one of the easier destinations to visit. Notice I said easier not easy. There are still some hoops you will have to jump through before you can head to the beach but Hawaii is definitely easier than traveling international.

To visit Hawaii (Kauai is the more restrictive and so the following info doesn’t apply to visiting Kauai) you will need to:

  1. get a negative Covid test 72 hours before arrival from an approved testing location
  2. fill out the Safe Travels Form 24 hour before arrival
  3. upload negative Covid test before arrival.

All steps must be completed accurately or you will be required to quarantine for 10 days.

#2 Room to spread out

Bamboo Forest on Maui

Even though they are islands there is still plenty of room to spread out on each one. There are many wonderful trails to hike, numerous different options to fish, snorkel, dive, and leisure cruise, vast beaches to soak up the sun, and beautiful roads to drive along the coast and through the forests.

All of the different activities available make it easy to distance your family from others. Another excellent reason why Hawaii could be a great vacation destination for your family in 2021 or after.

#3 Magnificent Beaches

Ko’Olina, Oahu Beach at sunset

The beaches in Hawaii are stunning with their soft sand, beautiful blue waters, and lush surroundings. You will find busier beaches closer to the populated areas and the hotel zones. And, if you are willing to drive a bit there are some gorgeous more secluded options that have less amenities but an even more tropical feel.

Heading to and from the beach you will need to be wearing a mask. Once situated, if you are an adequate distance from other families you will be able to remove your mask. The key thing to remember while at the beach is to remain a good distance from others while in the sand and in the water.

#4 Vast array of resort options

There are many resort options dotting the islands from ultra-luxurious to more moderate. You have a range of choices depending on what suits your family’s needs. Do you want to be right on the beach or are you willing to travel? Must have a sprawling pool area? Are onsite restaurants a necessity? Would you prefer to be secluded or right in the midst of the action?

During this time most resorts will require masks while on the property, especially inside. Pool areas may or may not require masks once sitting. This is something to consider right now picking out a resort.

#5 The Culture of Hawaii

The warm, welcoming, peaceful feeling is one of the biggest draws to the Hawaiian islands. During your visit you will encounter an attitude of caring, for one another and the environment. There are many different places you can go to learn more about the heritage, history, and culture of the Hawaiian people on every island. The Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu, Haleakala State Park on Maui, and Hulihee Palace on the Big Island are just a few possibilities.

Attending one of the many Luaus is a fun way to enjoy the food, music, dancing, and stories of the islands. Right now, you will definitely want to get reservations ahead of time since they are less frequent and have lower capacity.

During the last year the people of Hawaii have seen a great restoration of their islands. There is some hesitation for throngs of visitors to decend. As you visit, please be mindful of taking care of and respecting the beautiful land you are enjoying.

#6 Weather

Hawaii has wonderful weather almost year-round without a whole lot of fluctuation in temperature. There are two seasons on the islands, summer (May-October) and winter (November-April). Summer temperatures average in the mid 80s and winter temperatures average in the mid 70s. January and February are the coldest months. Summer waves are generally gentler than winter waves. But the wave strength can vary at different parts of the island.

Each island has a rainier side and a drier side. Keep that in mind when choosing where to stay. Rain is often localized to one part of the island so it is very easy to go to another part for some sunshine.

Due to being volcanic islands, there are mountainous areas. Higher elevations are definitely cooler than by the ocean. For example, If you plan to go up to Haleakala in Maui it can be quite cold (up to 30 degrees colder) and a coat will be very appreciated.

Great weather, beautiful landscape, tropical ocean breezes, and luscious sand, are just a few reasons why Hawaii could be the perfect vacation for your family in 2021 or sometime in the future.

If you have questions or would like to start planning your Hawaiian vacation, please contact me! Let’s make your vacation one to remember forever!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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