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Hawaii Golf Destinations

May 7th, 2009 No comments

Contrary to popular belief around the globe, Hawaii does not only attract beach lovers but golf huggers, too. Hawaii offers more than 100 golf destinations especially in cities where you can choose more such as Honolulu, Kailua Kona, Oahu and Ewa Beach. While there are so many to select from, knowing the top sites would surely help you in having the best golf traveling vacation ever.

Named by the Golf Digest as the #1 Golf Course in Oahu, ranked 7th in Golflink.com as part of the 2008′ s “Top 100 United States Golf Courses”, rated in Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 Places You Can Play” and tagged as “The World’s Most Challenging Gold Course”, Ko’olau Golf Club presents a slope rating of 155 plus, 200-acre course, which was carved out of 1,500 acres of rainforest in 1991. Located just over the Pali Highway from Honolulu, the 20-minute drive can lead you to a spectacular view of the luscious forest, tropical green terrain, and majestic mountains of Hawaii. The 18-hole Ko’olau is a par 72 course at 7,310 yards, which features a course rating of 74.4 and a slope rating of 158 on Bahia grass. Declared by USGA (United States Golf Association) as the toughest course in the United States, Ko’olau Golf Club also offers challenging golf courses for all skill levels.

Another golf piece of Oahu is the Makaha Resort & Golf Club. Better known as “Makaha West,” this golf course has also been listed in 2002 as one of the “Places to Play” by Golf Magazine. It was also named by Honolulu Magazine as Oahu’s number one golf course. A few minutes from Honolulu, situated in the stunning Makaha Valley, surrounding Wai’anae Mountains, this resort also provides a 7,022-yard, 18-hole, 72 par championship golf course rated 73.2 by USGA. More than the course itself, guests and professionals can enjoy the classic, fresh looking valley, and the extraordinary scenery of the Pacific Ocean. Amateurs can avail of group or private golf training from PGA experts. Visitors can go for the cart access to all fairways, the driving range, and pro shop wherein you can purchase gold apparel and accessories, and rent shoes and clubs.

Golf Magazine included Hapuna Golf Course in its “Gold Medal Resorts” list in 1998. It was also ranked as the “Best Public Course” in 1995-1996 and placed 11th in 1997-1998. The USGA labeled Hapuna Golf Course as “The Course of the Future” in 1997 and rated as one of the most environmentally sensitive golf courses, not mentioning its 75th rank in Conde Nast Traveller’s “Top 100 Golf Resorts” in 2006. Over a decade ago since it opened, this 18-hole, par 72, 6,875 yards golf course, nestled 700 feet above sea level in the Big Island, has continued to deliver a “nature-filled” golf experience. It also offers a One Day Golf School program to let you enhance your skills and get acquainted with its golfing landscape.

After a review of some of Hawaii’s top golf courses, it will surely bring a dream golf experience combined with nature’s gifts. For avid golfers out there, taking a trip to Hawaii will definitely make you want for more inspiring holes.

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Places To Visit in Oahu

March 18th, 2009 No comments

Many millions of visitors each year land at Honolulu International Airport expecting a holiday of a lifetime on these islands. Immediately after landing, visitors hop in to buses or taxis sent by the hotel and zoom past downtown Honolulu to reach their pre-reserved accommodation at a Waikiki hotel. The attraction of Waikiki is nearly magnetic – the bustle of the busy streets, the long and extended beaches and the rich history of the land soon make the visitors hit the streets. Waikiki is known for its excitement, so much so in fact that many people never leave this area to explore other beautiful parts of the island. With six million visitors annually, you would expect them to want to see the island but most remain within Waikiki’s two square miles.

If you are a visitor who would like to get a taste of Oahu through the eyes of a resident, this article may be of special interest to you.

Magic Island Beach Park – This popular park is located just west of Waikiki, across the street from the Ala Moana Shopping Center. What are the points of attraction in this park? It has two beaches, a jogging path stretching up to 3 miles, tennis courts and much more. A walk around the park will expose the center of Hawaiian culture – people with large extended families gather around hibachis, spending the day together with a good food and plenty of sun. This is a great place for a barbecue and considering the beaches are never overcrowded, it makes for a fantastic sun-filled day.

The Contemporary Museum – This beautiful museum is not very large by museum standards and is situated high up on a ridge that offers spectacular vistas – it can be found on Makiki Heights drive. The exquisite exhibits in this somewhat small museum keep changing in the 5 galleries and when you have finished viewing these, you could go outdoors for a walk in to the sculpture gardens. 5 acres, includes sculptures as well as places for meditation, and can offer an unforgettable view of Honolulu.

Leong’s Cafe – A lu’au is a must-do on any trip here and along with the fantastic entertainment they can also offer great native Hawaiian food. But if you are true connoisseur of authentic Hawaiian food, then the place you ought to visit is Leong’s Cafe located at 2343 North King Street. Here they have been serving the Hawaiian population for in excess of five decades with traditional dishes enjoyed by many.

Champion Malasadas – there is a local treat that originated in portugal called Malasadas which has become so popular that they even renamed Fat Tuesday to Malasadas day. The location details, where this venerated and most popular bakery is Champion Malasadas, 1926 South Beretania Street. Anyone that enjoys donuts will like these (even though they do not have a hole) and they come with a variety of fillings or if you prefer, you can eat them without any type of filling.

Honolulu Chinatown ” Walk through the lanes of Chinatown and you start thinking where am I, and what era am I in? Everything from dim sum to fresh produce can be found here but it also has more modern treats to like the new Hip Lounge. The shops and streets are unforgettable, offering goods, which you would never find in an average American store. While you could always take a guided walking tour of the place the wisest thing to do is to go for a walk by yourself, walking leisurely and only stopping to see something, which tickles your areas of interest.

If you are interested in seeing Oahu through a locals eyes, be sure to spend some time outside of Waikiki. Stop by some or all of the spots listed above and see some of what truly makes Hawaii special.

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Your Special Vacation in Hawaii

November 10th, 2008 No comments
by Penelope SanMateo

Big Island, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lahai or Maui are all part of the perfect vacation in Hawaii. If you have the time and want to see the entire state you will be awed by the beauty each island offers.

When you visit the island of Kauai you will have the opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, better known as Waimea Canyon. Here you will see panoramic views of the more than 3000 feet deep canyon. You will see crested buttes, ragged crags, and deep valley gorges. Your camera will never stop clicking at all the beauty surrounding you.

If you visit the North Shore of Kauai you can walk amongst the beautiful green cliffs and see the cascading waterfalls plummeting into deep narrow valleys far below. Standing on the cliffs, looking over the big Pacific Ocean will give you a sense of just how beautiful the island is and how small in comparison to the ocean.

Leaving Kauai and going to Oahu you can visit Waikiki Beach and enjoy the wonders of surfing. Here you can take lessons or experience the big waves for those that are experienced surfers. King Kamehaheha lived on the island at one time.

While you are at Waikiki Beach you may want to go to the Waikiki Aquarium and see the 3rd oldest aquarium in the U.S. Here there are over 500 marine species and more than 3,000 marine specimens for you to enjoy. They even have two endangered Hawaii Monk Seals for you to learn about while at the aquarium.

Honululu offers the visitors a wide range of things to do and see from the historic buildings to the beautiful capitol building. You will see stunning monuments and stunning artwork by local and international artists.

Tour Iolani Palace and see the private living quarters of King Kalakaua and his successor, Queen Liliuokalani. You will see where they held lavish entertainments and did the diplomatic business of the kingdom. Hear bout the Queen being imprisoned in an upstairs bedroom after the overthrow of the monarchy.

Sea Life Park will offer you an alternative to Waikiki Beach. Here you will be able to see dolphins and penguins. You can also capture the views of the Pacific Ocean with its breathtaking beauty from the Koolau mountains.

Central Oahu will enable you to visit the USS Arizona and honor those who so bravely fought against the bombing of the area by the Japanese in WWII. You can also relax in the plantation area and enjoy some fresh pineapple grown on the island.

Molokai is a different scene than the other islands you will visit on your Hawaii vacation. The tallest point is a church steeple because nothing on this island is taller than a coconut tree. How unique is that in this world of high-rises soaring overhead?

Are you planning a stop in Lanai while you are on your Hawaii vacation? This quite, restful island will give you a chance to watch the whales, dolphins or just swim or snorkel to relax.

Maui is filled with what the travel magazines call the best beaches. It is an island that offers not only great beaches but also the summit of Haleakala. You can see the 60 ft tall banyan Tree or take a drive to Hana and see the Seven Sacred Pools.

The Big Island is still getting bigger with the activity of the Kilauea volcano. There are 11 different climate zones on the Big Island which generate everything from Rain Forests to deserts, black sand beaches and snow capped mountains. You will truly enjoy your time on the Big Island on your Hawaii vacation.

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The Best Reasons For Taking a Hawaii Vacation

July 24th, 2008 No comments
by Dave Joa

Due to the local culture Hawaii is a friendly and welcoming place to take a vacation. The Hawaiian Islands are the top vacation location for many people around the world. The time for you to go to Hawaii has arrived and you will not be disappointed when you get there.

It is easy to fly to Hawaii direct from most airports in many of the big cities in North America. The Hawaiian Islands will provide warm sun and blue skies and when you add this to the great beaches you can not go wrong. Leave winter behind and enjoy the year round summer sun that paradise provides.

The choice of activities and places to visit in Hawaii is vast and you will be guaranteed a great vacation whatever your age. Plenty of sun, sea, a blue sky and perfect beaches will give you the vacation of a lifetime.

Hawaii Activities for You

Hawaii is probably the most sought after vacation destination for most people. At some time in their lives they will want to ensure that they visit paradise in this Pacific island chain.

The major vacation islands of Hawaii are Maui (Valley Isle), Oahu (Honolulu and Waikiki), Kauai (Garden Isle), Molokai and the Big Island (Hawaii). You can great hotel or condo accommodation with magnificent ocean views near to great beaches and fun activities only a phone call away.

One of the most popular activities during winter from November to April is to go on whale watching trips. If you visit Hawaii during this time you must get on one of the many boats that offer this activity. You are guaranteed to see whales and you will get quite close so take a camera.

If you go whale watching early in the day you may have the fortune to also see dolphins or you can go on a special boat just to see turtles. Some operators may also take you to see some sharks as well. If you book on a sail boat for your whale trip you may end up sailing to see them if there is a bit of a breeze.

Hawaii also has some great dive locations near most islands for scuba and you can learn to dive if you are a beginner as there are many dive operators.

Alternatively you can snorkel in one of many locations, often really close to shore, that are accessible on each island. The variety of tropical fish for you to see is very impressive and turtles are often encountered. Do not miss out on this chance to experience this amazing underwater life.

Great Places to Visit on Vacation in Hawaii

Wherever you go in Hawaii you will have many things that you want to do and see. A great vacation is guaranteed and you will be able to keep as busy as you want or just relax on the beach if you prefer.

Well known locations of historical interest are Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri. There are many several good museums, ocean aquariums, zoos, tropical locations for hiking, cycle tours visits to dormant and live volcanoes.

And of course there is surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing. These are all great oceans sports and if you visit during the winter you will see the best in the world perfecting their sport on some of the biggest waves you are ever likely to see. Learn these sports during the summer when the waves are smaller or just watch in amazement.

There are natural attractions everywhere in Hawaii and together with the warm sun, blue sky and blue ocean your perfect vacation is not in doubt. If you get on to the internet and search online for the best Hawaii vacation deal you will get one step closer to the reality of an unforgettable vacation in paradise.

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