Traveling Hawaii

Hawaii 

Hawai is rated one of the most popular vacation destination for American travelers by Ask Doc Travel.

 This destination is also popular with American Express Vacations. But why? What makes this destination so wonderful?

 For those of us who have traveled to Hawaii, there are so many reasons to visit that we become muddled, answering only “What do you mean what’s so great about Hawaii?” Well, here is some things to keep in mind when you speak of the many wonders which make Hawaii such a popular destination.

Hawaii is comprised of eight islands. These islands are natural wonders that were created in the middle of the ocean by underwater volcanoes. As the magma from these volcanoes cooled, they hardened into rocks. These rock formations became the Hawaiian Islands. The volcanic phenomenon created Hawaii’s famous black sand beaches and the rich soil from which springs the islands lush vegetation. These main islands are Niihau, Kauai , Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and Hawaii. 

The island Hawaii is the largest, and is sometimes called the "Big Island" or "Big Isle". This phenomenon created Hawaii’s famous black sand beaches and the rich soil from which springs the islands lush vegetation. The climate of Hawaii is one more reason why these islands remain a popular vacation destination. 

The weather is more moderate than typical tropical areas because of the cooling effect of the surrounding ocean. In layman's terms, this means that temperatures and humidity tend to be less extreme than places such as the Caribbean or Mexico. 

In the tourist high season, summer, the high temperatures reaching the upper 80s °F, rarely going into the 90s°F . During the tourist low season of winter, temperatures at the lowest elevation average in the mid-60s. One more reason that Hawaii is preferred is because hurricanes are a rare occurrence compared to Mexico and the Caribbean. 

Waikiki beach.

When you here someone mention Hawaii, you most likely think of Waikiki beach.

  This is perhaps one of the most popular places in Hawaii.  Waikiki beach is a beautiful beach that stretches approximately 2 miles long with its coast lined by hotels and businesses geared towards attracting the tourists and lets not forget the very beautiful Kapiolani Park that is also located along the beach of Waikiki. 

Waikiki Beach is a popular spot for all of thos who love to snorkel, swim, surf and even go canoing. The beach can be a very crowed place to be but with all the different things to do and explore you will be sure to have a great time.  You can go to the areas near the Diamond Head or go to Kapiolani Park, if you are looking for expansive picnic and recreational areas.  

Oahu

North, South, East and West don't have a lot of meaning on the island of Oahu

Sure, there are some references to these points-of-the-compass: The North Shore is famous for its big wave surf and West Oahu is booming with development, but you're much more likely to hear the term Windward Oahu than you are East Oahu and we haven't even begun discussing the local terms for direction of mauka, makai, ewa and Diamond Head.

Consider for a moment the geography of Oahu--it's an island, surrounded by water (obviously) that rises from sea level around its coast line to a series of mountain ridges in its middle. Diamond Head is a prominent coastal landmark located on the Southern-most point of the island. These features are what are used for directions and navigation by those of us who grew up on the island of Oahu. No looking for moss on the side of the tree. No sun rises in the East and Sets in the West nonsense. Directions are simple and direct. You can go Mauka (towards the mountains) or Makai (towards the sea).

 You can go Diamond Head (towards Diamond Head crater) or Ewa (away from Diamond Head crater.)  Let's have you standing in Diamond Head Crater on Southern Oahu and facing North. Makai is now to the South, Mauka is to the North, you're in Diamond Head and Ewa is to the Northwest. With a little practice and you will be able to get around like you lived on Oahu all your life.  If you were to drive around the island in a clockwise direction makai would always be on your left but at varying times would be to the North, South, East and West. Similarly, mauka would always be on your right and at varying times would be to the North, South, East and West. UPS!