The Hawaii Traveler

Although snorkeling is a subjective experience, pretty much everyone agrees that it’s one of the best ways to spend time in Hawai’i.  It’s fun, it’s interesting, it takes little preparation, and it’s cheap.  Whether you decide to boat to a snorkeling destination or just walk into the water, your chances of catching some of the most beautiful scenery ever are excellent.  To increase your chances of having a great experience, also check out Best Places Hawaii’s 10 best places to snorkel.
It doesn’t appear at the 10 best list, probably because it’s relatively inaccessible, but if you get a chance …read more

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Hawaiian Spotted Puffefish
Although Hawai’i is not a world destination for diving, as are other ocean destinations, such as Cozumel and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, there is still great diving to be had.  Although I’ve only personally experienced a few dive expeditions in Hawai’i, they’ve been  memorable ones.You might be able to spot all kinds of sea life at Mexico’s Palancar Reef, from giant parrot fish to lobsters, but you aren’t as likely to see the number of monk seals and other rare and endangered creatures that you will off the coast of Kaua’i and Ni’ihau.
Bubbles Below is one of …read more

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Photo by: Bakke-Svensson/Ironman
Every year in Kona, Hawai’i, the Ironman triathlon world championship basically takes over the city.  This year, on October 11, 2008, over a thousand athletes run, bike, and swim the grueling course that has made Ironman–and Kona–famous.While I don’t know many triathletes (they always seem to be training instead of combing the beach for that perfect shell), my favorite Ironman story is about Major Bill Connor, who won a lottery spot in this year’s triathlon, and is training for it in Iraq.   Now THAT’S multi-tasking.  Way to go, Bill, we’re rooting for you.

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Could you tell I’m a fan of the movie The Big Lebowski? Maybe you are too, but in any s to beach time and bars.

Hawaii TV Bowling features tournament play. A member of the Oahu Bowling Association. You’ll find them in Kaneohe. Phone/Fax: (808) 239-5415.
Here’s a directory of bowling centers in Hawaii.  Call to make sure that centers are open. An alarming number of centers have closed in recent months.
Aiea Bowl mixes up the wholesomeness of bowling with drinks, DJ-mixed music, and cosmic lighting.
In the news: A city councilwoman, after noticing the dwindling numbers of bowling alleys on Oahu, …read more

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Q: Can one wear white after Labor Day in Hawai’i?
The short answer is: Who cares?
While I’m not sure whether or not that’s still a rule that’s even still applicable to today’s wardrobe, the longer answer is: Even if it were a hard-and-fast fashion rule, nobody will care what you’re wearing.  And also: Don’t wear it if you want to bring it home as white and bright as when you brought it.  The red and black sands, as well as the reddish mud and dirt that seems to cover most surfaces on the islands, are bound to stain your nice, bright …read more

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It’s not a new sport, in fact, it’s an ancient one, but stand up paddle surfing is just now getting the long-standing attention it deserves, no pun intended. Paddle surfing is the act of standing on an oversized surfboard, and moving and navigating through the waters using a canoe paddle.
The recent resurgence of stand-up paddle surfing is in part due to the celebrity status it’s received by the likes of Archie Kalepa, who paddled the channel between Moloka’i and O’ahu, and Laird Hamilton, who took on the infamous Jaws on a stand up paddle board. Is it just for …read more

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This week, and in some cases until the end of the month of July, Play Golf America and the National Golf Course Owners Association are giving girls the chance to golf at six Kaua’i courses for free, when accompanied by a paying adult.
The initiative is part of “Take Your Daughter to the Course Week,” and includes free play, and in some cases, free clinics and instruction with a PGA pro.  Take Your Daughter to the Course is happening at the following locations:

Princeville’s Makai Course and Prince Course
Kaua’i Lagoons Golf Club 
Kiahuna Golf Club
Puakea Golf Course
Poipu Bay Golf Course

Fore!

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On Makapu’u Beach, not too far from Waikiki on the island of O’ahu, is the theme park and attraction Sea Life Park. It’s a marine-oriented center that’s not as huge as some of the parks you know from back home, but that is still a nice attraction/distraction for those who want to get more up-close and personal with some of Hawaii’s sea creatures without having to go on an expensive or involved expedition. Educational, exciting, and fun, you’ll get your education and interaction on, in an environment with all the convenient amenities and facilities.Now that the park is under …read more

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If you’re new to snorkeling, you’ll no doubt be amazed and impressed with the sights you’ll see off the Hawai’i coast.First: Hit a place such as Snorkel Bob’s for equipment, maps, and a fish card, for identifying the scaly creatures that await. (Or just look and appreciate.) Wear your rash guard for protecting your back from the rays while you’re looking below. It’s easy to sunburn unnoticed, since the water can keep you feeling cool, even when you’re burning up.
You might be interested to know that more than 20 percent of Hawaiian reef fishes are found nowhere else in …read more

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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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