What To Do in Waikiki, Hawaii's Trendiest Haunt

Mark Twain once called Hawaii "the loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean". There aren't many people that would disagree: Hawaii's distinct natural beauty has been memorably captured in many a film, from 'South Pacific' to Disney's 'Lilo and Stitch'. What's more, tourists in Hawaii have long found much to admire in the island, and this is nowhere more evident than in Waikiki - Honolulu's most popular tourist neighborhood.

Waikiki Beach - one of the best known beaches in the world - was firmly placed on the cultural map when it became popular with surfing enthusiasts from all corners of the globe since the 1950s. However, Waikiki has been a fashionable retreat for much longer than this and was very popular with Hawaiian royalty during the 1800s. Today, Waikiki Beach is the trendiest place to be seen in Hawaii and, though much of its natural beauty has been commercialized, its sandy shores are the ideal place to spend your Hawaiian vacation.

Contrary to popular opinion, there's more to do in Waikiki than simply while away the hours taking in the sunshine. If you're an enthusiastic hiker, for instance, don't miss Diamond Head State Monument, the crater of an extinct volcano. Even those who aren't experienced walkers are sure to enjoy the 45-minute hike up to the 761-foot summit, from which you'll be treated to an unrivalled 360-degree view of O'ahu island. For a stress-free climb, make sure you wear a sturdy pair of shoes and take a bottle of sunscreen with you for continual application.

What's more, if you'd like to take in some of Waikiki's more historical sights, head down to Saint Augustine Church, a magnificent building that really stands out amidst Waikiki's legion of skyscrapers. Built In 1854 by original settlers in Hawaii, Saint Augustine Church is sure to dazzle visitors with its awe-inspiring stained glass windows and tiered ceiling ornament.

Of course, if you're traveling with your family, Waikiki is also home to wholesome attractions that are sure to please kids and adults alike. The Waikiki Aquarium, for instance, is just a few minutes walk from Waikiki Beach and offers the chance to see over 400 different underwater species, including sharks and sea turtles. And if land animals are more to your liking, the Honolulu Zoo is sure to please. This 42-acre zoo in Waikiki houses rare wildlife in fertile park surroundings; expect to see llamas and Galapagos tortoises amongst other animals.

With so much to do in Waikiki, it goes without saying that there are a great deal of hotels and guest suites that vacationers can choose from in the area. And, of all the hotels in Hawaii, the hotels in Waikiki are the largest and most diverse in their offerings. So whether you're on a romantic trip for two or you've got kids with you on your Hawaiian vacation, Waikiki is sure to offer you memories to treasure for a lifetime.

Living in Hawaii

Most people say that Hawaii is the most expensive US state. Irrespective of your opinion on this issue, there are certain facts you need to know about living in Hawaii. There are thousands of people who plan to relocate /move to Hawaii each year. If you plan to move to Hawaii, you most likely have lots of questions and want to have them tackled before you in reality move to the islands.

The first factor that you should consider when planning to live in Hawaii is the island you choose to live in. Life on the different islands varies, as well as the cost of living, salaries and job opportunities. Oahu is the busiest island in Hawaii. The other Islands of Maui, Kauai and the Big Island are less populated islands. In fact, living in these islands make you feel like you are in paradise. They are quite far from civilization and the city noise.

Housing Cost

Renting or buying a place in Hawaii is generally more expensive than on the mainland. Renting a studio on Oahu costs between the regions of $800 to $1300 per month. Of course this depends on the location where the studio is located. If you plan to rent an apartment or a house, expect to fork out around $1500 per month. This price applies to a two-bedroom apartment upwards. This again depends on the location. In fact, Waikiki is even more expensive. A one-bedroom apartment costs approximately $1,600 per month.

Cost of Food

It 'important to note that up to 90 percent of Hawaii food is imported. However, it is still possible to buy food at relatively low prices of retail chains like Wal Mart, Costco and Sam's Club There are also special sales in supermarkets normal. If you really do not think the case, then its advisable to buy what is not for sale what you want a stomach ache. Its even more expensive while dining al fresco. Breakfast costs between $ 5 to $ 8 while lunch goesfor $6 to $12 and dinner costs about $12 to $30 and more.

Although I have not talked about Hawaii real estate and the universities in Hawaii, its important that you take note of these when moving to Hawaii.

Hawaii in the Winter

If you are thinking about planning a trip to Hawaii, you may be wondering the best time of year to visit Hawaii. Well, anytime really. Hawaii really doesn't have an off season. The winter months of January and February seem to be the rainiest, but it's not the same kind of winter you would have in other parts of the United States. In fact the winter months may actually draw crowds during those so called rainy months. One reason is that the waves on the northern shores of the islands are much bigger during the winter. The North Shore of Ohau in particular is famous for those huge waves, sometimes coming in as high as thirty feet. These are some of the largest waves in the world.

On any given day on the North shore, you can expect to see world championship surfers, particularly at Waimiea Bay. The Banzi pipeline is another popular surfing spot for these amazing athletes. The pipeline is famous for its long tubes. But, don't be fooled by the lure of this gorgeous wave, the water underneath is shallow and full of coral reef. The waves at these famous hot spots are not for beginners. If you are just learning to surf, you should stick to the shallow waves at Wakiki Beach in Honolulu.

Another reason for the high number of winter tourists is whale watching. Whale watching season is generally from January to May. Whale watching is a popular activity during the winter months on the island of Maui. You can expect to see many different species of whales, including the humpback whale. They are typically found along the western shore of Maui. Ma'alaea Bay in particular is a great spot to catch a glimpse of the mother and baby whales. The shallow waters of the bay offer protection from possible shark attacks. You can see the whales, by simply taking a stroll along the beach. There are also many tour companies offering day trips to popular whale watching destinations. The island of Lanai also offers some whale Opportunity to observe, bank up and down.

The humpback whale is the fifth family of mammals. The humpback whale is on the endangered species list primarily because hunting of these animals in previous years. At a time hunting humpbacks was considered a great sport and almost forced the species to extinction. Humpback whales reach lengths of 45 feet and can weigh up to 45 tons.

Another reason that Hawaii is a popular holiday destinationduring the winter months is plain geography. Because the winter months are so cold and dreary during these months back on the mainland, visitors flock to Hawaii for a much needed respite. What better way to escape a February snow storm than to sit on a tropical beach in paradise and sip on Mai tais. Whatever your reason for visiting Hawaii, all of the islands are waiting and are sure to please even the most frostbitten winter visitor.

Interesting Things About Hawaii

Isolated Paradise

Even though Hawaii is part of the United States, the state certainly isn't anywhere nearby. In fact, Hawaii really isn't near anyone else. The islands are considered the most isolated population center on the planet. Here are some statistics to show just how remote this paradise is:

o Nearly 2,400 miles from California
o Almost 3,900 miles from Japan
o About 4,900 miles from China
o More than 5,200 miles from the Philippines

In the case of this island paradise, isolation won't make you feel cut off from the rest of the world, however. You can find all of the same luxuries but without as much traffic, smog, noise, and pollution.

Land of Two Languages (and More)

The United States may not have an official language, but Hawaii has two according to its Constitution. According to the governing document, both English and Hawaiian are recognized languages in the state and all government business must also be conducted in Hawaiian. Hawaiian originated from a type of Polynesian language that was brought to the islands by the original inhabitants. Today, many people who were born into the Hawaiian culture speak pidgin which is a combination of the two languages with some parts of others thrown in. While Hawaiian and English are the two official languages, you'll find others spoken on the islands as well. Nearly 5 percent of the population speaks Japanese and another almost 2% speak Chinese.

Unique Time Zone

When you travel throughout the United States by car, bus, train, or plane, you're likely to cross into some different time zones. Of course, the difference isn't much - an hour one way or another. However, if you're flying to Hawaii that's going to be an entirely different story because the state has its own time zone.

Known as Hawaiian Standard Time, the whole state is always 2 hours behind Pacific time and a full five hours behind Eastern time. That means when the alarm goes off at 5 in the morning in New York the midnight party is just getting started in Hawaii.

Tasty Exported Treats

Hawaii is home to some of the country's most unique agricultural products. Considering its unique environment, this should be of no surprise. Most visitors to the island aren't surprised that two of the biggest crops are pineapple and sugar cane. In fact, nearly one third of all money earned from exported agricultural products comes from pineapple. However, one of the popular crops does surprise some tourists. That crop is coffee. Hawaii is the only U. S. state where coffee can be and is grown.

Walk on Magma

The Hawaiian Islands didn't just pop up one day in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. They were formed thanks to volcanic activity. About 70 million years ago, that part of the ocean was known as a hot spot meaning it was a point of intense and recurring volcanic activity. As one of the earth's plates moved over the volcanic area, the islands were formed from the magma which emerged and dried into igneous rock which became the foundation for all of the islands.

Many Places to See

While Hawaii is sometimes thought of as a single destination, it actually consists of eight main islands: Hawaii (the Big Island), Maui, Kaho'olawe, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai, and Ni'ihau. While all eight of these islands provide picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean, they aren't all going to give you quite the same experience. Kaho'olawe, for example, is the only one which is uninhabited. Maui, on the other hand, is the hot tourist destination for North American travelers while Oahu is the choice for Asian vacationers. That means both islands are going to have all the tourist trappings you'll either love or hate. If you want something different during your visit, Molokai may be a good choice. As one of the least developed islands and one with a higher percentage of native Hawaiian residents, visiting the island can make you feel transported back in time.

Experience a New Culture

Even through Hawaii is part of the United States, the state's isolation and unique cultural history has set it apart from the rest of the country in many ways. In fact, going to Hawaii can feel almost as foreign as going to an entirely different place, except you can still speak English and don't have to worry about the exchange rate for the dollar.

While you're on the island, you may get a chance to experience some of the cultural differences. Many of these, such as the luau, are demonstrated for tourists. Other traditions, like driving slower, will be things you'll experience yourself and will have to become accustomed to while on the islands.

Home to the Only Royal Residence in the United States

For those unfamiliar with the history of Hawaii, the presence of a royal palace may be a bit of a surprise. But before the state became part of the country, it was run as a monarchy and the Iolani Palace in Honolulu about ten minutes from Waikiki. This palace was built by Hawaii's final king, David Kalakaua. The total construction cost was $360,000 when it was finished in 1882. Even more interesting was that the palace was more advanced than the U. S. White House at the time. The palace had telephones and electric lights which wouldn't be true of the White House for a little while still. Self-guided and guided tours of the residence are available and well worth the time.

Leave the Black Sand

On some of the Hawaiian beaches, you'll find black sand. While it may be tempting to take some with you as a souvenir, the island's mythology would strongly warn against such actions. That's because taking the sand is said to anger Pele, the goddess of the volcanoes. She's definitely not someone you would want to have on your bad side.

If you are worried about Pele, you may also want to be on the lookout for the ghostly Night Marchers who are said to roam in some parts of the island.

Hawaii Real Estate

Imagine having a home of your own, located in a place where the sun does not tire from shining all year long. You can do anything any time of the year, and you do not have to worry about buying yourself a set of wardrobe for the summer months and another set for the cold months.

Hawaii is found in an archipelago off the North Pacific Ocean end. Because of its location, this state has been the ultimate building block that makes up tropical dreams. From the fresh breeze to the beckoning ocean to the warm sand and sun, this place exudes a paradise-like environment. That is why it is not very surprising to find out that Hawaii is a place where the real estate business is blooming.

If you are interested in looking at and planning on a piece of Hawaiian real estate, it would be a wise move for you to get more information first about the whole way of life in that state. Since the whole state is made of islands, there are locations where there are much different activities from the rest of the state. By knowing about the different locales, you can know which part of Hawaii you want to have your fancy little tropical home.

The Internet holds a wide collection of information on Hawaii. With regard to companies who are into Hawaii real estate business, the easiest source of information would also be the World Wide Web. Most of these companies also provide people with assistance regarding the deals on acquiring a Hawaiian property. Most companies whose businesses are into Hawaiian real estate provide a list of all the properties available. They also provide information regarding the location of the real estate as well as its type.

Hawaii Dream

The beautiful weather of Hawaii keeps visitors busy. Nobody is thinking about the cold weather back home and they are free to enjoy every minute of every activity that Hawaii has to offer. The NFL Pro Bowl is a staple February event in Hawaii. The Pro Bowl is held there every year prior to the SuperBowl. This is your chance to watch the AFC take on the NFC and see some of the leagues best players working together on the same teams. Pro Bowl coaches, the players themselves and the fans vote for players. Each group's ballots count for one third of the votes. There are also replacements voted should a selected player be unable to play due to injuries. Before 1995, only the coaches were allowed to vote for Pro Bowl selections.

The Run for the Whales is a 5K and 10K Fun Run held in Makena and Wailea. The race is for families and children to participate in. The proceeds from the race go to benefit the Pacific Whale Foundation. The Annual Hilo Chinese New Year Festival in February is a case where Kalakaua Park is transformed into a mini-Chinatown. Asian products and food tends to fill the park with the sounds and smells from China. There are blessings lion dancers and guests for companies that make their way into the park and the festival opens with fireworks. There are also several shows, exhibitions and special guests, who had a point of influence for China's culture and people>Hawaii.

Cultural Demonstration Programs are held at the Puukohola Heiau National Historic. The demonstrations include Hawaiian crafts and other programs throughout the month. There are also footpaths, guided and self-guided tours, exhibits, interpretive talks and bird watching. The Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival is an annual event that features the blooming of the cherry trees and the Japanese tradition of viewing them called hanami. There are several activities including performers from Japan, demonstrations of bonsai, origami, sumie, calligraphy and tea ceremonies. There is also a large craft fair and mochi pounding at the Parker Ranch Center. Activities for the event spread from Church Row Park to the Parker Ranch Historic Homes on Momalahoa Highway 90. The Annual Waimea Town Celebration Ukulele Contest features some of the best amateur strummers. This event takes place on the main stage at the Waimea Town Celebration.

Captain Cook, Europeans and Hawaii

In the late 1700's the Hawaiian chiefs were fighting amongst themselves for power. And after a few bloody battles, the inhabited islands were put under the rule of one chief, Kamehameha. He ruled till the year 1872.

The King died without naming an heir thus the next king was King Lunalilo. After his death Governance was passed over these islands by the Europeans.

In the year 1887, a group of Europeans and Americans, cheated the then King, Kalakaua to sign an agreement. This agreement took away all power and authority from the King and rights were taken away from the people. The throne was then given to the King's sister Lili'uoklani who ruled till 1893.

With the arrival of Captain Cook in 1778, the islands of Hawaii first met the Europeans. It was Captain Cook who first drew and plotted the geographical co-ordinates of the islands. This was done basically so that they could come to the islands again and new exactly how to get there.

There are people who claim that there were visitors from Europe who came to the islands even before Cook. But there is no solid proof, hence the story of Captain Cook is considered as the story regarding the arrival of the Europeans.

It is a sad fact that in his life time Cook could visit these islands only twice; during his second visit he got killed. He got killed by a Hawaiian Chief's supporter who couldn't stand his Chief's humiliation.

Later, because the Hawaiian Islands and its beauty were mentioned in so many books and publications, Hawaii started growing in popularity among the Europeans and more and more visitors started coming. With the visitors came diseases in the islands. And because of these diseases the population of the people in Hawaii fell rapidly. The influence of the British can be seen in the flag of Hawaii too.

In around 1820, the first missionaries came from America and converted the entire population into protestant Christians.

More information and articles at: Travel to Hawaian Islands and Travel to Kauai