Surfing Hawaii

Known as the birthplace of surfing, it makes perfect sense that Hawaii is also home to some of the best places to catch waves in the world. These beaches, pipelines and bowls offer a range of conditions, from those are great for first timers to spots where more than one pro has been killed. Some are best in winter, others in the summer, and they’re scattered throughout the archipelago

Jaws, Maui
Jaws is the biggest and baddest surf spot in all of Hawaii. With waves that reach 120 feet, the reef break was largely inaccessible to surfers before the advent of tow-in surfing, led by Laird Hamilton.

Banzai Pipeline, Oahu
When waves break onto the shallow reef at Bonzai Beach, they form some of the gnarliest tubes anywhere in the world. Banzai Pipeline in Hawaii is world famous for its tubular wave created where the shallow water and coral shelf combine to resemble pipes, thus giving this beach its name. When the waves are steep and powerful, they break furiously on the shallow reef.  Amateurs and beginners are better off not chancing this break, the Pipeline at full strength is unforgiving, even for the pros.

By: Cody Woodson

Maui's Best Restaurants

1) Hula Grill
Hula Grill celebrates Hawaiian culture, architecture and cuisine. Relax in the ambiance reminiscent of a plantation era beach house and enjoy Chef Peter Merriman’s regional specialties prepared using traditional island cooking techniques. It rests directly on one of Maui's most famous beaches, Ka'anapali. You're on an island, looking at two more islands! It's that kind of unreal experience you can have while on Ka'anapali Beach. Both Molokai and Lanai are in view, sitting out there on the water to remind you that you're experiencing something most will only dream about. Stretching out before you is an under water paradise - just for your enjoyment, with sea turtles, breaching whales and thousands of colorful fish. And there are many ways in which to enjoy it all - windsurfing, sailing, parasailing, or snorkeling. The boardwalk offers two miles of beachfront for walking and exercise. History and culture are important elements of the visitor experience, and The Ka'anapali Historical Trail provides guests with a deeper understanding and appreciation of this special place.

2) Mama’s Fish House
If you’re looking for an unforgettable 5 star dining experience, Mama’s Fish House is a must.  Located in a beautiful coconut grove on a secluded white sand beach, this converted beach house restaurant represents the old Poynesia culture. From the Polynesian artifacts, unique local wood work, flower gardens, and original interior artwork, to the award-winning menu, Mama’s Fish House delivers the utmost bundle of Aloha spirit.  Dishes such as their “Traditional Hawaiian,” grilled Mahimahi, slow-cooked Big Island Wild Boar, Octopus Luau and Ahi Poke with baked Hana banana, Molokai sweet potato, lomi-lomi, fresh poi and Haiku Lilikoi, is just one of many that will leave you wanting to come back.

By: Karli Miheilch

Big Island of Hawaii Attractions

Hawaii Island isn’t just big, it’s still growing. The Island of Hawaii is the youngest island in the Hawaiian chain and is also by far the biggest, providing a vast canvas of environments to discover a variety of unrivaled natural wonders. This is the home of one of the world’s most active volcanoes Kilauea, the tallest sea mountain in the world at more than 33,000 feet Maunakea, and the most massive mountain in the world Maunaloa.  All but two of the world’s climate zones generate everything from lush rain forests to volcanic deserts, snow-capped mountaintops to beautiful black sand beaches.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The Park encompasses 333,000 acres from the summit of Maunaloa to the sea. You'll find 150 miles of hiking trails through volcanic craters, scalded deserts and rainforests as well as a museum, petroglyphs, a walk-in lava tube and two active volcanoes. Maunaloa, which last erupted in 1984 and Kilauea which has been erupting since January 3rd, 1983.  Kilauea currently produces 250,000-650,000 cubic yards of lava per day, enough to resurface a 20-mile-long, two-lane road daily. As of January 1994, 491 acres of new land have been created on Hawaii Island. The current eruption may last another 100 years or stop tomorrow.

Green Sand Beach - Papakolea

Known as Green Sand Beach or even Pu'u o Mahana, is well deserving of its name. The olive-like color of the sand comes from the presence of a greenish, semi-precious stone named, appropriately enough, olivine. The erosive force of the ocean washing into the base of Pu'u o Mahana cinder cone has extracted olivines out of the cinder. These are deposited on the sand, giving the sand a green tint.

Akaka Falls State Park

The stroll to reach Akaka Falls is almost as beautiful as the falls itself.  Everywhere you look you are surrounded by giant Ti plants, bird of paradise, torch ginger, bamboo, and split leaf philodendron. You will hear the dull roar of the waterfall before you see it. Just as you round a corner you will catch a glimpse of Akaka Falls free-falling 442 feet through a green-lined gorge.  

By: Cody Woodson

Lanai- Hawaii's Most Enticing Island

You won’t find a single traffic light here and that’s exactly how the people of Lanai like it. Only nine miles from Maui yet a world away, Lanai can feel like two places. The first is found in luxurious resorts where visitors can indulge in world-class amenities and championship-level golf at The Challenge at Manele and The Experience at Koele. The other is found bouncing along the island’s rugged back-roads in a 4-wheel drive exploring off the beaten path treasures like Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods) andPolihua Beach. In fact, only 30 miles of Lanai’s roads are paved.

Once called the Pineapple Island, you can still see the open fields where pineapple once grew in the plains of the Palawai Basin. And with only 30 miles of paved roads, many of Lanai’s natural attractions in North Lanai can only be reached with a 4-wheel drive on rocky, unpaved roads.

By: Karli Mihelich 

Natural Wonders of Kauai

Waimea Canyon

Located on Kauai’s West Shore, Waimea Canyon called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” is a breathtaking 3000 feet deep chasm with stunning panoramic views of crested buttes, rugged crags, and deep valley gorges. Trek the amazing hiking trails through awesome colors of red, green and beige, and experience the grand vistas of Kauai’s dramatic interior for miles. Take Waimea Canyon Drive to lookout points offering breathtaking views of the canyon or continue into the mountains and explore Kokee State Park. At the end of the road, the famous Kalalau Lookout offers a breathtaking view of Kalalau Valley opening out to the Na Pali Coast. 

Na Pali Coast

Accessible only by sea, air, or an arduous, 11-mile hike, the Na Pali Coast is one of the most spectacular places on earth.  The backdrop for movies like Jurrasic Park,  King Kong, and Raiders of the Lost Ark, it’s an absolute Kauai must-see. Explore pristine beaches, deep valleys, winding mountain trails and the 3,000-foot high sea cliffs that overlook panoramic views of the ocean and valley. Hike the 11-mile Kalalau Trail along the rugged coastline of steep green cliffs and cascading waterfalls, through five lush valleys and ancient Hawaiian ruins to Kalalau Beach

Wailua Falls

Wailua Falls is a spectacular 80-foot waterfall that plunges into the southeast shore of Kauai at the south end of the Wailua River. A 4-mile trip out of Lihue, through rolling hills and valleys surrounded by mountains, Wailua Falls is where ancient royalty dove over the falls to prove their worth. The Wailua Falls are one of Kauai’s little secrets known not only for its flowing beauty, but also ease of access. This waterfall appears on many postcards, print and media collections and was used as the opening scene for the 1970’s Television series Fantasy Island.

Polihale Beach

Once named America’s Best Beach by the Travel Channel, Poipu Beach Park is a popular beach attraction on Kauai’s South Shore. The picturesque white sand beach invites swimming, snorkeling, diving, sunbathing and watching the humpback whales (November through March.) Poipu Beach is also famous for the endangered Hawaiian Monk seals that swim in the waters of Kauai. Polihale Beach is the longest stretch of white sand beach in Hawaii. This is a favorite and beautiful beach for long walks, amazing sunsets and camping with the proper permits. Ocean conditions can be dangerous especially during winter months and high swells. Polihale is exposed to open ocean with no protective reefs and no lifeguard.

By: Cody Woodson