Dr. Beach’s list of top ten beaches in America for 2012 has been released, and we are proud to announce that three Hawaii beaches made the list! As “America’s foremost beach expert”, Professor Stephen P. Leatherman ranks his beaches based on environmental quality and safety for swimmers. Taking a dip and spending the day on the playful shores of Hawaii beaches sounds like the funnest prescription I’ve ever heard of!

Dr. Beach’s top ten beaches of beaches in America for 2012:

1. Coronado Beach, San Diego, California
2. Kahanamoku Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
3. Main Beach, East Hampton, New York
4. St. George Island State Park, Florida
5. Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii
6. Coast Guard Beach, Massachusetts
7. Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii
8. Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Florida
9. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina
10. Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, North Carolina

If you’re looking to visit these beaches then we have just what the doctor ordered! We visit all three of these beautiful Hawaii beaches on our tours and love sharing them with our visitors. Here is a look at the tours we offer which visit the favorites on Dr. Beach’s top ten beaches list.

Kahanamoku Beach

Located just outside the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki, Kahanamoku Beach one of the best places to soak up the Hawaiian sun. Protected by reefs which make for great surfing, there is a second underwater barrier protecting it which heavily diminishes the oceanic currents making it the most keiki friendly beach in Waikiki.

The calm cool waters and amenities of Kahanamoku Beach in Waikiki.

Being so close to the hotels of Waikiki, Kahanamoku Beach has many amenities to offer like food, restrooms, water sports, and umbrella rentals. Join us and see Kahanamoku Beach on a spectacular guided Segway tour through Waikiki. Segway tours ride through Waikiki and visit Diamond Head, Magic Island, and historic Honolulu sites.

Starting off a super Segway tour at Kahanamoku Beach.

Kahanamoku Beach is also the best place in Waikiki to watch the Friday night fireworks which start at 7:45 pm.

Hamoa Beach

It is only fitting that one of the most beautiful beaches in America would be found on one of the most beautiful drives in America. Located off the Hana Highway, the shimmering white sands and crystal clear waters of Hamoa Beach is surrounded by coconut palms and lush rainforest to make one of the most picture perfect scenes in all of Maui.

Maui's beautiful Hamoa Beach just of the road to Hana.

We specialize in road to Hana tours. Our friendly guides are experienced drivers who expertly navigate the 600+ curves and 50+ single-lane bridges along the coastal road to Hana. They also know where the best places to stop, like Hamoa Beach, and all about them. Join us today for one of the most scenic drives in America!

Waimanalo Beach Park

Nestled amongst the rocky cliffs of Oahu’s southeast shores lies the serene and idyllic Waimanalo Beach Park. Stretching from Lanikai Point to Makapu’u Point, the soft sands of Waimanalo Bay have always been a local favorite, and Waimanalo Beach is right in the center.

Protected from waves by an outer reef, the area is great for snorkeling, kayaking, and for little ones to play in the water. Steep mountains resting near shore make for great scenery and have been a hotspot for hang gliding and parasailing for the last 30 years.

A view of Waimanalo Beach Park in the Heart of Waimanalo Bay.

The turquoise waters, offshore islands, and white sands make for such beauty, much of the 1980′s television series Magnum P.I. was filmed there. In fact, the estate where Magnum lived in the show is beachfront right on Waimanalo Beach!

Join us on a visit to the stunning Waimanalo Beach on wonderful tour filled with Oahu’s best sites or an exciting and delicious luau!

The steep cliffs of the Ko'olau mountains overlooking Waimanalo Beach.

We would like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Beach for adding Hawaii to his list of top ten beaches, and you can see why! Hawaii’s beaches are so beautiful they rank on many lists of top ten beaches. Check out this recent post and see how Hawaii ranks in TripAdvisor’s “Traveler’s Choice 2012″ awards.

Thank you for reading,

Aloha!

The sun in Hawaii is hot. But that’s one of the reasons millions of people visit Hawaii each year. Many of vacationers also leave with the same souvenir: A Hawaiian sunburn.  Besides, if you get too burnt and peel, you wont have that tan you were wanting!

Here are a few tips on how to avoid a sunburn or make the one you already have feel better.

Preventing Hawaiian Sunburn

• Wear Sunscreen: The best way to protect yourself from a Hawaiian sunburn is to wear sunscreen. One thing many vacationers want is to get a tan while visiting Hawaii, and wearing sunscreen will not prevent that from happening. Overexposure to the sun will cause a pain and discomfort during your stay, which is something no traveler wants, so wear sunscreen starting on day one! If you can, purchase sunscreen at home and pack it in your checked luggage, because it is considered a liquid and is not allowed in carry-on bags.

Just one of the many types of sunscreen which will prevent a Hawaiian sunburn.

• Protect your face and neck with a hat: Part of sightseeing is walking around and exploring the amazing sites Hawaii has to offer. Even though you may not be at the beach you can still get a Hawaiian sunburn. Your face and neck are almost constantly exposed unless you’re in the shade or wearing a hat. The great thing about wearing a hat is many convenience stores like ABC stores sell a wide selection of hats that will make you feel likeyou’re on vacation. I like to pretend like I’m on vacation when I wear mine on a sunny day, and I live here!
  

  Just one of the many types of hats which will protect your face from the sun. Photo: Kristoffer M.C. on Flickr

Recovering from Hawaiian Sunburn

• Recover faster and sooth the pain with Aloe:If you wind up getting sunburned, Aloe Vera gel is just about the only thing which will ease the pain. The most effective type looks like a green gel with bubbles trapped in it. There are other types which work well, but in all my sunburn experience I have found this stuff works the best. It feels cool and refreshing and can dub as a massage oil when you get your loved one to apply it to your back. It’s like win-win!
  

  Aloe gel looks just like this inside of the bottle. Photo: Matt Biddulph on Flickr.

I hope these tips help you prevent the painful effects of a Hawaiian sunburn, or help you recover from the one you already have. For more travel tips, check out our Hawaii Travel Blog. Filled with insight to the best parts of Hawaii and great ideas on how to make you vacation more fulfilling, its a great travel resource. We also have an extensive travel guide and its free!

Thank you for reading and enjoy your vacation,

Aloha!

Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, or Honu, are one of the many majestic creatures who inhabit our islands. They are often seen resting on the beach or in the water while snorkeling, these gentle animals are friendly, but it’s better to not force an encounter with them.

Found throughout the Pacific, the most common place to see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles on Oahu is at Laniakea Beach on the North Shore. The beach has even been nicknamed “turtle beach.” While viewing the turtles is okay and can be a once in a lifetime experience, it is better for the turtles well being if you do not approach them. Often, there are volunteers at Laniakea Beach who are adamant about this courtesy to the turtles.

An example of getting too close to Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles

Listed as an endangered species since 1982, an adult Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle has only two natural predators; sharks and humans. Poachers hunt them for their shells, and well, sharks hunt them for food. Humans can also indirectly have a negative effect on them by littering bags and plastic rings which hold 6-packs of soda cans. Turtles will mistakenly eat the bags thinking they are jellyfish, which are the main staple of their diet, and will have a false sensation of fullness and cease to hunt for food.

It’s very sad, they don’t even realize they are starving. Keeping our beaches clean is not just to avoid an eyesore, it protects the animals who call our beaches home.

An even more rare animal that can be found on Hawaii’s beaches is the Hawaiian Monk Seal. These beautiful creatures are even more endangered, and should definitely be respected by giving them at least 50 feet of space.

The highly adorable, yet endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal

While a close encounter with these animals may seem harmless, humans are much bigger and can have a traumatic effect on them. Animals are curious by nature so if you are approached by one, take it as a beautiful moment and consider yourself lucky because they are choosing to say “hi” to you.

While many people are aware of these ideals, there are individuals who may not realize it when overstepping their boundaries. Because these animals are endangered species, harassing them can be punishable with a fine. Do not worry though, if you are respectful of them and snap photos from a courteous distance, you will get a great picture and have a wonderful vacation story to share with friends and family.

Just like everything fragile and beautiful, a little respect goes a long way.

Thank you for reading,

Aloha!

The story of the USS Missouri battleship remains true to heart in the new international blockbuster Battleship. Released this past weekend in the United States, the movie is not necessarily a tribute dedicated to the ship, but definitely pays homage to the Missouri’s history and legacy.

Cast members of blockbuster movie: Battleship

The USS Missouri in Battleship

In the movie, the Pacific fleet is destroyed by aliens and survivors regroup at Pearl Harbor to reactivate the last remaining battleship (USS Missouri) and head into battle. This plot element actually happened in 1984 when the ship was recommissioned and outfitted for modern naval warfare.

The film stars Rhianna, Liam Neeson, Taylor Kitsch, Brooklyn Decker, Alexander Skarsgard, and was directed by Peter Berg. The movie was filmed mostly in Hawaii on Oahu and Maui, and had a budget of $200 million. Based upon the classic board game, Battleship has some common similarities, and brings new elements to the movie.

With aid from veteran sailors to get the battleship ready for action, the USS Missouri winds up on the forefront of the action, attacking the alien forces head on. In the movie’s production, many of the action sequences were filmed aboard the USS Missouri battleship and featured actual U.S. Navy sailors, as well as actors. In 2010 the USS Missouri battleship took a “field trip” and went out to sea for the day for filming.

Other features of the USS Missouri battleship

This is not the first time the USS Missouri battleship has been featured in film. In 1989, Cher filmed her smash music video “If I Could Turn Back Time” aboard the USS Missouri. Then in 1992, the action movie “Under Siege” starring Steven Segal and Tommy Lee Jones also featured the USS Missouri battleship. Filming and production took place aboard the decommissioned USS Alabama for this movie as well.

The USS Missouri’s celebrated history

The USS Missouri battleship is possibly the most celebrated vessel in the history of the U.S. Navy. Commissioned in 1944, she dominated the Pacific theater during World War II, fighting in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Her massive guns shelled Japanese bases, and the signing of Japan’s formal surrender took place on her deck on September, 2 1945 in Tokyo Bay.

She then went on to fight in the Korean War, and was the first battleship to enter Korean waters to provide tactical support for aircraft carriers. The USS Missouri battleship did two tours of duty in Korea before being relieved as flagship of the fleet. After her service in the Korean War, she was decommissioned in 1955.

The mighty guns of the USS Missouri firing during the Korean War.

The USS Missouri called the Naval Reserve Fleet in Bremerton, Washington home for nearly 30 years before being called back into action. She was recommissioned in 1984 under the Reagan Administration’s “600 Ship” naval initiative to match the might of the Soviet Union’s navy.

She underwent modernization and was outfitted with missiles, sophisticated radar and communications, and given electronic warfare capabilities. With these new armaments, the USS Missouri headed to the Persian Gulf and protected both American and Kuwaiti ships in 1991.

Serving in three wars earned her 11 battle stars, the nickname “Mighty Mo” and the reputation as America’s toughest naval vessel.

USS Missouri battleship firing in the Persian Gulf, 1991.

Want to have a real life Battleship experience?

The USS Missouri battleship was one of the most formative instruments in U.S. military history, and she is waiting for you to visit! Now a museum ship at World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument in Oahu’s Pearl Harbor, tours of the USS Missouri battleship run daily. One of the many popular attractions located at Pearl Harbor, you can have an incredible experience exploring the decks and learning about what it takes to put the might in “Mighty Mo.”

Tour the decks of "Mighty Mo"

With a history as exciting as this, who wouldn’t want to visit the USS Missouri battleship! The museums and memorials of Pearl Harbor is Oahu’s most visited attraction. In one day you can experience the war from beginning to end by visiting the USS Arizona Memorial where the surprise Japanese attack thrust America into World War II, and stand aboard the USS Missouri where the Japanese formally surrendered.

Taking a tour of the USS Missouri is fun for the whole family and a great way to create lasting memories on your vacation!

Thank you for reading, Aloha!

 

Two airlines will be adding flights to Hawaii, making it more convenient than ever to plan the Hawaiian vacation you’ve been dreaming of! Mokulele Airlines will begin service to Kapalua Airport on Maui this summer, and Alaska Airlines will start service to Lihue airport on Kauai for the winter season.

Alaska Airlines adds flights to Hawaii

Beginning November 5, 2012 Alaska Airlines will be adding four flights a week between Portland, Oregon and Lihue, Kauai. This will be the first season Alaska Airlines will fly to Lihue, and they have quite an offer. Here is a look at the details:

• Introductory rates starting at $199 each way.
• Tickets must be purchased by May 24, 2012.
• Flights for these tickets run from Portland to Kauai November 5 – December 12, and Kauai to Portland November 6 – December 24.

Alaska Airlines flying to Lihue, Kauai this holiday season. Photo: skinnylawyer on Flickr.

Currently Alaska Airlines has flights to Hawaii landing in Honolulu on Oahu, Kahului on Maui, and Kona on the Big Island. If you’re planning a Hawaiian vacation to escape the cold this winter, this offer could be for you!

Mokulele Airlines flying to Kapalua, Maui

Local carrier Mokulele Airlines will begin summertime air service to from Honolulu to Kapalua airport in west Maui beginning July 1. Most flights to Maui land in the centrally located Kahului, and are usually accompanied by renting a car to get to your hotel. Flying into the Kapalua Airport will make traveling to Maui and not renting a car much more feasible.

While renting a car allows you to explore the island on your own, sometimes they can be quite pricey. There are plenty of activities offered by hotels, and concierges are activity experts who are always willing to help you plan something fun, no matter what your budget or transportation options are.

Mokulele Airlines will fly to Kapalua, Maui starting July 1. Photo: Simon_sees on Flickr.

A great thing to do if you’re not renting a car is take a tour on Maui. The Hana Highway is one of the most beautiful drives this country has to offer. Over 60 miles of scenic coastline, black sand beaches, lush rainforests, and pristine waterfalls make this journey a definite must-do for Maui. Taking a tour of the road to Hana will have you stopping at all the right places, and create lasting vacation memories.

If you’re flying from Oahu to Maui and not renting a car, this flight is perfect for you!

Planning a trip to Hawaii?

If you’re planning your flights to Hawaii, here are a few travel tips to get you ready for a Hawaiian vacation:

• Book your flights to Hawaii as early as possible for the lowest prices on airfare and best available seats.
• Make a list of your “must-do’s” and “should-do’s.” Here are a few tips on how to turn “to do” into “to done.”
• Check out social media sites for the places you know you will be going to. Many hotels and travel companies actively post updates and travel tips which could enhance your vacation to Hawaii.
• Start saving money by cutting out extras. Expensive dinners, movies, alcohol, soda, store bought coffee, etc.
• Look up what to pack for a trip to Hawaii. Here is a recent blog entitled “The Only Hawaii Packing List You Need.”
• Check out travel guides to learn more about the places you want to visit.  Here is our travel guide, and its free!

Hopefully these new options and the listed travel tips make planning your vacation easier.

Thank you for reading, and Aloha!