Our Favorite Hawaii Landmarks on Oahu

Pearl Harbor is an amazing place. The aura surrounding the area from the tragic attacks, the solemn feeling you get from peering into the waters, and the way history comes alive when exploring the museums makes for an unforgettable experience. It was too hard to choose just one as a favorite, so we picked two!

The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor

The USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri battleship are our favorite places to see at Pearl Harbor. Possibly the most recognizable of all Hawaii landmarks, the USS Arizona Memorial is a very special place which evokes strong feelings when you visit.

The sense of pride you get when stepping aboard the USS Missouri is one in a million. The mighty guns, the surrender deck, and the legacy of her service in three wars is only matched by how much fun it is to explore her decks. A visit to Pearl Harbor is a great way for the whole family to have fun learning about one of the most significant days in American history.

The USS Missouri on Pearl Harbor's Ford Island

The North Shore of Oahu is the birthplace of big wave surfing. It is also home to many beautiful creatures, such as the Green Sea Turtle. These reasons are why Waimea Bay and Laniakea are our favorite North Shore Beaches.

Summertime tranquility at Waimea Bay

Waimea Bay has personalities as different as summer and winter. Wave watchers flock to see the giant swells in the winter months as they decimate the reefs and shore. In the summer, there are no waves on the North Shore. You can moor a sailboat in the middle of the bay’s tranquil and pristine waters, and not have to worry about the boat rocking. These “split personalities” of Waimea Bay, ferocious in the winter and friendly in the summer, are why we love it so much!

Laniakea, also known as Lani’s or “Turtle Beach”, is a favorite resting spot for the Green Sea Turtle. It is quite common to see a turtle soaking up the sun while taking a nap on the beach. On occasion, you can see a Hawaiian Monk Seal resting on the beach as well. This beach is one of our favorite Hawaii landmarks because it’s their favorite!

Green Sea Turtle resting on the beach at Laniakea

Our Favorite Big Island Landmarks

Mount Kilauea is the world’s most active volcano. Along with the excitement and awe of seeing the magic of Mother Nature in action, the geologic wonders like the volcanic steam vents and Thurston lava tube are a new way of connecting with nature. These amazing natural sites are accompanied by the Jaggar Museum and Observatory which overlook the Kilauea Caldera. All of these Hawaii landmarks can be seen from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The entrance to the Thurston Lava Tube

Liliuokalani Gardens in Hilo is possibly the most tranquil escape in all the islands. Beautiful landscapes, footbridges looking over koi ponds, and rustic pagodas in this Japanese garden bring you closer to serenity. These spectacular grounds were dedicated to Hawaii’s last monarch, Queen Lilioukalani and they are truly fit for a queen.

The Queen Liliuokalani Gardens in Hilo

Our Favorite Hawaii Landmarks on Maui

The island of Maui is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Lush valleys filled with tropical rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls pouring into shimmering ponds, azure waters meeting white sandy beaches all pepper Hawaii’s Valley Isle. These places are all beautiful but our favorite Hawaii landmark on Maui has to be the black sand beach at Waianapanapa.

The black sand beach at Waianapanapa

Tucked alongside the Hana Highway, Waianapanapa is a great place to stop and escape the hot Hawaiian sun. The black sand bottom gives the water the richest aquamarine color making it one of the most idyllic and inviting beaches in all of Hawaii.

Our other favorite Hawaii landmark on Maui is Wailua Falls. Weaving its way down through the slopes of Mount Haleakala, the Wailua River makes a 200 foot drop into a tropical pond while the mist infuses with the air with a fresh aquatic essence. Wailua Falls is also located along the Hana Highway, making the winding road a hotspot for Hawaii landmarks.

Wailua Falls on the Hana Highway

Our Favorite Kauai Landmark

 Waimea Canyon on Kauai’s southwest slopes is one of the most unique natural wonders these beautiful islands has to offer. Over 13 miles wide and up to 3,600 deep in some spots, this canyon was carved out by the Waimea River which is fed by Mount Waialeale, the wettest spot on earth.

The majestic Waimea Canyon of Kauai

Dubbed as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific” the Waimea Canyon is one of the most picturesque spots on Kauai. A little known thing about the Waimea region on Kauai is the deer population. The fertile land and dense vegetation combined with minimal human development make the perfect habitat for these shy creatures.

I hope you enjoyed reading about our favorite places as much as we love thinking about them! Visit our free travel guide to learn more about all the amazing Hawaii landmarks you can see on vacation.

Aloha!

Here’s a look into the fabulous Hawaii luaus happening on Oahu!

Beautiful hula dancers, just one of the many amazing parts of Hawaii luaus

Chief Sielu’s South Shore Luau

Oahu’s newest luau is truly something special. The only luau on Oahu’s rocky south shore, start your evening with a lei greeting and the sun setting behind the Ko’olau mountains. A delicious feast awaits you before the start of the show. Chief Sielu and his warriors give a stunning fireknife dance and hula dancers sway to the beat of Polynesian drums. You can even learn to do the hula!

With a dash of humor in his performance, joining the Chief at his luau will be an unforgettable experience.

The one, only, and amazing: Chief Sielu

The Magic of Polynesia at an Ali’i Luau

Enjoy the flavors of Pacific at the Polynesian Cultural Center and see their award-winning evening show!

Better yet, take a tour and arrive in the afternoon and you can visit the villages of Polynesia and see the “Rainbow of Paradise” canoe parade.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is one of Hawaii’s most popular attractions, and their award-winning show “Ha: Breath of Life” is the best part. Enjoy a fantastic feast and dine like Ali’i before settling in for Hawaii’s biggest luau performance.

"Ha: Breath of Life" Hawaii's biggest luau show at Polynesian Cultural Center

 The Beauty of Paradise Cove

A fragrant flower lei and a delicious tropical Mai Tai await your arrival at Paradise Cove. Play ancient Hawaiian games and bring in the fishing nets from the Hawaiian Hukilau before the Imu ceremony, where warriors remove the pig from the underground oven and prepare to feast!

Bringing in the Hukilau nets at Paradise Cove

The Hawaii luau at Paradise Cove is the most interactive luau experience in the islands, with fun for everyone all night long.

Hawaii’s Original: Germaine’s Luau

“Hawaii’s original luau,” Germaine’s Luau has been a longtime favorite of vacationers looking for a fantastic evening. A Hawaiian party that is “Too good to miss,” Germaine’s has been serving delicious food made from fresh and local ingredients for over 30 years!

Escape to the western shores of Oahu and enjoy one of Hawaii’s best luaus at Germaine’s.

Hawaii's Original: Germaine's Luau!

We have the best Hawaii luaus!

Hawaii Luaus are a spectacular way to spend the evening, but what do you do before the luau? Take a tour! Pairing a luau with a tour is possibly the best way to have an amazing Hawaiian experience.

Hawaii Luaus: We have the best!

Round trip Waikiki transportation ensures a safe journey for everyone, so don’t be afraid to “hang loose” with a refreshing Mai Tai, as you enjoy traditional Hawaiian dishes and watch the thrilling live performances.

Alooooooha!

Packing is dreaded by many, but mastered by few. What should you bring to Hawaii? Usually, people start writing a list of ideas of what they might need to pack for their vacation. But without extensive research, you might forget something important.

It’s never easy to pack for a trip, but this list can help.

Packing List for Hawaii (Creative Commons photo by Highways Agency)

I hope you find this packing list extremely useful—if you have any tips to add, please leave a note in the comments section, mahalo!

The Only Hawaii Packing List You Need

Before you begin, keep a master list handy by saving your entire packing list somewhere convenient. I like to use Evernote to store travel notes, it’s easy to use and accessible everywhere I go.

Also, make a list of things to do around the house before you leave. For example, call the pet sitter, place your mail on hold, and take out the trash before your trip.

Ready? Let’s get started.

What to pack in your checked luggage

Sun protection—it’s hot and sunny in Hawaii, pack a hat and sunscreen (or buy some when you arrive).

Walk comfortably—pack a good pair of shoes appropriate for what you want to do in Hawaii. If you’re going hiking, pack hiking shoes. If you’ll be walking a lot, bring athletic shoes. Almost everyone wears slippers (sandals) in Hawaii, remember to pack these as well, or buy a pair when you land in Hawaii.

Men’s clothes—t-shirts, polo shirts, shorts, one pair of long pants and one lightweight jacket is perfect. Yes, bring long pants and a light jacket, the weather can be cool in high altitudes and in the evenings.

Women’s clothes—shirts, polo shirts, lightweight tops, tanks, skirts, shorts, a pair of slacks and a jacket is ideal.

Tip: Laundry machines are abundant in Waikiki. Pack light.

Bathing suits—bring two swim suits so you can swim while the first pair is drying. Pack one in your check-in and one in your carry-on luggage. If your suitcase gets lost, you can still swim at the beach while you wait for your luggage to arrive.

Jewelry—it may be tempting to bring your most fashionable jewelry on vacation, but beware: expensive accessories requires extra careful security. I recommend bringing simple pieces of jewelry or buying affordable Hawaiian jewelry when you arrive.

Clothes to wear when dining out—Hawaii is casual and laid-back. However, if you visit a nice restaurant or the city’s nightclubs, think “business casual”. Khaki or chino pants for men and women. Men should bring a loafers and nice polo or button-down shirt, possibly with a sports jacket. Women, a dressier top or sundress with nice sandals works great with or without a light jacket.

Tip: Aloha wear is perfectly acceptable in Hawaii.

Stylin' Like a Hawaiian with Aloha Shirts

Men can wear “Hawaiian shirts” to functions and women can wear Hawaiian print dresses. Just remember that nicer patterns found at Macy’s or Nordstrom Rack are preferred, so avoid the tourist shops that offer cheap patterns for less than $10. Bailey’s Antiques and Aloha Shirts is a great place to find a quality used Hawaiian shirt on a budget.

Tip: Call your hotel in advance to see if they offer free shampoo, conditioner and soap in the room.

Ask them if they provide anything else (razors, shaving cream, iron and ironing board, hair dryer) free of charge.

Remember to leave space in your luggage for souvenirs and items you buy while shopping in Hawaii.

What to pack in your carry-on luggage or handbag

Sunglasses, it’s going to be sunny when you step off the plane.

Toiletries—toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and anything else you use on a daily basis. I like to carry these on the plane in case I want to brush my teeth during the flight.

Extra pair of socks, underwear and shirt. These are especially nice to have if you are on a long flight. Changing into clean clothes is refreshing.

Tip: Keep your important documents close by when traveling.

Place you driver’s license, insurance card, flight information and passport (if traveling internationally) in a carrying case reserved for important documents.

Medications—don’t forget to bring any important prescription medications.

Remember to Pack your Prescription Medications (photo by CarbonNYC on Flickr)

Empty refillable water bottle—you can fill this up after passing through airport security, that way you won’t have to spend $3.00 on a bottle of water.

Camera—bring whatever camera you are most comfortable with, whether it’s your iPhone, digital point-and-shoot, DSLR, or film camera. It’s important to pack a camera that you want to bring with you every day on vacation. If you pack something too heavy or bulky, you might end up leaving it in the hotel room and miss many great shots.

Tip: Always pack expensive cameras, laptops and electronics in your carry-on luggage. You should carry these with you at all times when traveling through airports.

Chargers—power up your phone and laptop the day before traveling, then be sure to pack your chargers that night. It’s easy to forget these on the morning of your flight.

Something to read—pass the the time on the plane reading a good book or magazine.

Snacks, because your airplane carrier might charge you $5 for a pack of Oreos.

Remember to pack a few snacks for the plane ride (Photo by iseethingsiseethemwithmyeyes on Flickr)

What to buy in Hawaii

• Sunscreen and aloe gel (helps soothes burns)
• Beach towel
• Beach mat
• Slippers (flip flops)
• Batteries

Specific items for activities

If you’ve booked a tour in Hawaii, plan to pack any special items required for your tour.

For example, if you are going shark cage diving on the North Shore, pack (or buy) a waterproof case for your camera.

Don’t forget

I’ve already listed these, but always double check that you have the following:

• Driver’s license
• Passport
• Flight Confirmation Number
• Cash, Credit Card, and/or Traveler’s Cheques
• Rental Car Information
• Hotel Confirmation
• Prescription medications
• Health and driver’s insurance cards

Also, now is a great time to set a password lock on your smartphone. If you lose your phone, no one will be able to access it.

Have a travel tip to add?

Please leave a comment below, thanks!

Click here for more travel tips for Hawaii.

Scouts honor the fallen at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

At 8:30 am on Memorial Day, May 28, 2012, local boy scouts will adorn over 50,000 grave sites with hand-made flower leis. The community brings together and school children and residents to show respect to the fallen heros of the Pacific Theater battles.

Punchbowl, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

Arrive early to find parking and enjoy the fresh morning breeze as you gaze out from the rim of Punchbowl overlooking the city of Honolulu for a peaceful beginning of this Memorial Day. The Royal Hawaiian Band will be filling the air with soft tones to re-enforce the solemnity of the day.

Pearl Harbor: 4-in-1 things to do on Oahu for Memorial Day

1) The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center

The visitor center at Pearl Harbor is full of World War II memorabilia, exhibits and historical sites. Walk the beautiful grounds and browse the museum, watch a short documentary of Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor and then visit the USS Arizona Memorial by shuttle boat.

Arizona Memorial from Above

The unique Memorial sets atop the USS Arizona wreckage and has inscribed within its walls the names of the 1,177 sailors lost with the ship.

Learn more about Pearl Harbor.

2) USS Battleship Missouri

‘Mighty Mo’ was the last battleship ever made by the United States and was the site of the surrender of the Empire of Japan that ended World War II. It is now a museum (admission is free for military on Memorial Day) and you can walk aboard and see the magnificence of this great war vessel.

On the Decks of the USS Missouri

3) USS Bowfin

The USS Bowfin is a submarine that was commissioned during World War II and saw war action in the Pacific, sinking enemy ships. For an admission fee (free for military on Memorial Day) you can walk through the same tight quarters that once carried US sailors all over the world in defense of the US.

USS Bowfin Submarine

4) Pacific Aviation Museum

Pacific Aviation Museum sits on Ford Island near the historic Air Traffic Control Tower. The Museum houses 30 WWII aircraft and other war-time equipment and dioramas. There will be an opportunity to sign a quilt from 10 am – 2 p.m. that will be presented to the family of a fallen Hawaiian soldier.

Visit Pearl Harbor and you’ll be immersed in the history and the sacrifices of the soldiers that have defended the land of the free and home of the brave.

Bay of lights

Starting at 6 p.m. on Memorial Day there will be a Lantern Floating Ceremony open to the public. If you get to Ala Moana park earlier in the afternoon you might be able to receive a lantern to float, otherwise you can write a remembrance to go in a lantern.

Memorial Day Lantern Floating Hawaii

About 3,000 lanterns will be released into the sea just off of magic island, the sight is very respectful and peaceful. This is a very special way to remember those we have lost.

Whether you do one or more of these things to do on oahu for Memorial Day, this Memorial Day will be full of gratitude and peace for the sacrifices of those who’ve gone before us.

When most people think of Hawaii, common things which come to mind are white sandy beaches, luaus and Mai Tais, lush rainforest, and crashing waterfalls. Volcanoes are a popular attraction, but they’re probably not the first thing that pops into your head when you say “Hawaii.”

Let’s take a look at the little things that make this place so special. At how they make Hawaii volcano tours a great way to spend a day, and enrich the Hawaiian experience you’ve been dreaming of.

The Wonders of Hawaii Volcano Tours

The Big Island is home to Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano.  Located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii volcano tours visits the only place in our country to see such geological processes in action.

The Thurston Lava Tube is a natural tunnel formed by lava that you can walk through. Eerie and winding, exploring a tunnel not built by man is truly an unforgettable feeling.

Thurston Lava Tube at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Natural volcanic steam vents are another one of the park’s geological features which will leave you in awe. Water is vaporized by the heat of subterranean lava rock and rises up to the surface. The steam billows out of fissures which line the outside of Kilauea Crater.

Carved into the lava fields on the slopes of Kilauea are ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs. Step back into the past and examine some of Hawaii’s oldest art specimens.

Ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs in the lava fields of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

At the top of Kilauea Crater is the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum and Observatory. Overlooking the simmering caldera, you can feel the heat as the trade winds carry it up and out of the crater.  As the sun begins to set, the glow of lava illuminates the night sky.

As one of the most amazing places I have ever been to, take it from me you won’t want to leave!

Puu Oo vent eruption at Kilauea Crater. Photo by exfordy on Flickr.

Hawaii Volcano Tours: Experiencing the Magic of Mother Nature

As Hawaii’s youngest island, this mystic land has an ever-changing personality which will have a long lasting effect on how you view the world in which we live.

Are you ready to see our islands being formed?

Hawaii volcano tours offers the rare chance to experience the magic of mother nature in action for an absolutely unforgettable Hawaiian vacation.

Aloha!