The Hawaii Traveler

Oh the island of Oahu is a place popular with locals and tourists alike, called Magic Island. You won’t David Copperfield groping a supermodel there, nor will you find a supermodel trying to grope Chris Angel.  What you will find is a park situated on a scenic peninsula near Ala Moana Beach Park
What’s There: Concerts, Fourth of July fireworks, theatrical performances, family gatherings, picnics, swimming, and the like. There is no overnight camping allowed.
Getting There: 1201 Ala Moana Bouldevard, between the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor and Ala Moana Beach. Arrive early, as parking is competitive on weekends.

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Here’s a question for you: What’s one of Waikiki Beach’s biggest problems? It’s not topless sunbathing. It’s not sharks. It’s not even the void left behind with the passing of Don Ho.Erosion of Waikiki Beach is one of the biggest problems facing the No. 1 tourist destination in the islands, such a problem that there’s no beach at the Sheraton except during times of extremely low tide. But the Sheraton Waikiki has a plan.
The Sheraton Waikiki will proceed with plans to restore a stretch of beach fronting its property and install groins in the water …read more

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Best beach for keeping up with the Joneses (whoever they are) and maintaining your hip, in-the-know image: (That’s a no-brainer) Waikiki Beach on Oahu.
Best hike across what looks like a moonscape before finding yourself on a deserted black and white beach with a terrific array of tidepools:   Kiholo Bay  on the Northwest side of the Big Island.
Best beach for swimming with turtles and the occasional school of spinner dolphins: Tunnels Beach on Kauai.
Best giant-sized bathtub: Queen’s Bath on Kauai. (Pictured)
Best beach that requires four-wheeling first:  Mo’omomi Beach on Molokai. (Visit during the summer months for best results.)
Best beach that’s totally …read more

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Mary Jo over at Flyaway Cafe and The Seattle Traveler posted recently a bit about “nakations,” or, vacations one can enjoy in the nude.
Although Hawai’i isn’t known for its nude beaches, the thing that is most likely to designate one beach or another as such is its inaccessibility.
Red Sand Beach in Hana, or Kaihalulu Beach, is most definitely clothing optional–if it isn’t, all the naked people I’ve seen there never got the memo.  It’s a stunning beach, with red sand and sparkling blue waters. The contrast is more of a draw than the other bodies there, in my opinion. It’s …read more

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You’ve no doubt seen bumper stickers and other materials with some version of the line art figure above. Called “honu” by Hawaiians and the Hawaii-friendly, it’s a representation of the green sea turtle, an endangered species you’re bound to see while snorkeling in Kaua’i.
Hawaii is the Endangered Species Capital of the World. With 100s of plants and animals listed as Endangered or Threatened, there are more endangered species per square mile on these islands than any other place on the planet. Arguably one of the best places to glimpse one of these endangered creatures is at Tunnels …read more

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Glass Beach in Kaua’i has strong currents, dangerous shorebreak, high surf, a sudden drop-off, sharp coral, and slippery rocks. It’s near a trash dump, and is hard to find. The view is industrial, and pretty bleak. Why would you want to go there? Maybe you would, maybe you wouldn’t, depending on how much you’re interested in sea glass. Think back to the name, Glass Beach. Catch my drift?Glass Beach is home to one of the rare natural sources of sea glass; the Hawaiian variety being more desirable …read more

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Don’t let the name fool you; TNT has nothing to do with blowing anything up, unless you consider that Travel ‘N Tourism News Hawaii is a great way to –KABLAM!–expand your knowledge of Hawai’i travel. With features such as Ask the Big Kahuna, Best (Hidden) Places, local tips, and a calendar categorized by island, you’re sure to have a blast during your trip.
Photo by Flickr–Creative Commons, by Syriloth

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We missed the boat the last time we stayed in Kona, on the Big Island. Literally. We were living it up in the Waikoloa Beach area, just yards from the Hilton Waikoloa Village, where there are over 60 acres of Kohala Coast made just for families like ours.The boat we missed is a little mahogany canoe that transports guests along on-resort canals, to more kid-friendly activities than you can shake a rainstick at.
Camp Menehune is the Hilton’s own day and night camps for little ones aged 5-12; for guests of the Hilton, or non-guests, as availability allows.
Dolphin Quest …read more

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If you find yourself in shallow water, or in close quarters with them, calmly and surely swim away. I’m nor talking about the berracuda, I’m talking about the Pacific’s prickliest pears, the “wana,” as they’re called. Commonly found on the ocean floor, rocks, and reefs, these sea urchins with needle-thin, sharp spines release a toxin after puncturing the skin, which is one reason why encountering them can be such a pain.
Using heat to treat sea urchin stings and punctures is controversial. And no, those old stories about peeing on an ocean sting are simply attempts at…something other …read more

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The view of Waikiki from Diamond Head.
Photo by Flickr–treber1

The Waikiki area is no stranger to the cultural experience, and now, culture takes to the beach. Actually, to the Outrigger. The Outrigger Reef on the Beach, actually.
For a limited time, The Outrigger Reef on the Beach has unveiled two special museum exhibits featuring Pacific island cultural arts and Hawaiian missionary artifacts in its lobby. Both exhibits are free and open to the public.
Why?
Just as the particular pattern on a plaid kilt identified the Scottman’s clan, Polynesian masks, sculpture, tattoos, pottery and weaving designs all help identify one’s heritage. …read more

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