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