Hawaii Travel Guide

Surfing

Synonymous with surf, sand and sun, Hawaii is a place where South African and Australian surf legends Shaun Tomson, Mark Richards and Wayne 'Rabbit' Bartholomew pioneered the surfing scene, turning it into the professional sport it is today.

The most well known spot to surf in Hawaii, and the place to be, is Oahu's North Shore featuring the classic point break of Waimea Bay as well as the likes of Waikiki, Off the Wall, Backdoor Pipe, Sunset Beach (known for its big wave surfing) and the notorious Pipeline, a reef break located off Ehukai Beach Park ideal for eager spectators, bikini-clad girlfriends and surf photographers due to its close proximity to the beach.

Oahu's North Shore works best during the winter months when large waves are created by winter storms in the North Pacific, a stark contrast to the clear, calm water during the summer months. Other key spots on the Hawaiian islands include a great point break at Magic Sands Point on Big Island, the reef break of Pine Trees in Kauai, and Maui's Honolua Bay.

Beginners are also catered for with small and easy rollers at places like Waikiki Beach, Chuns Reef, Cockroach Bay and Puena Point, and there are plenty of surf schools and experienced instructors available. The south coast of Kauai is also an excellent surfing spot for beginners, with reliable waves at Poipu and Kalapaki Beach.

Cruises

Cruise ships are seemingly magnetically pulled to the hugely popular tropic islands of Hawaii. Here a wonderful cocktail of cruises are available, with a distinct Aloha blend. Its all laid-back island relaxation, with the zing of island chic thrown into the mixer.

Most of these cruises begin and end in Honolulu, while making Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Kona, Hilo and the Big Island stops en route. Famous beaches, reef snorkeling, corral diving and volcano mountain trekking are all options on these islands, made famous by their serene beauty.

Cruise goers will find Honolulu equally packed with activity. Cruise ships dock near the Aloha Tower Marketplace, at piers 8 through 10. This is a fine spot for shopping and dining, although most will also want to explore the rest of the island's many attractions. Waiting taxis, an easy to use bus system and trolleys drop cruise passengers from Aloha Towers to almost all the major sites. Some of the better known are vacation Meccas.

Waikiki is the most famous beach in the world, with a busy atmosphere, luxury resorts and beautiful people. It is only one of 139 beaches that surround the paradisical island of Oahu. From Waikiki is a beautiful view of Diamond Head, a volcanic crater that is easily reachable. The Arizona Memorial Museum is accessed by a scenic and sombre boat trip that floats above the wrecks of ships sunk in the attack on Pearl Harbour.

These are only a few of hundreds of sites to be discovered by cruisers in Honolulu. Seafaring discoverers are in good company as Hawaii was discovered by Captain Cook in a journey from the South Pacific to Alaska and back, a route cruise ships emulate today.

Wedding and Honeymoon

A wedding or honeymoon in Hawaii is bound to be romantic; picture a tropical beach at sunset, hibiscus flowers scattered in the sand, an exotic luau reception... This paradise is the perfect setting from which to start a new life together. The word Alohais used in Hawaii to greet each other and to show love and care, sentiments which are extended by the friendly locals to island visitors. There are beachfront hotels, resorts and villas available to provide beautiful wedding and honeymoon venues. Year-round good weather makes Hawaii an even more desirable location. Wedding and Honeymoon things to see and doHawaii has so many things to see and do while there for a wedding or honeymoon. There are of course the stunning beaches of Oahu and Maui to spend time on, but visitors will also be impressed with the treasures of Honolulu's Chinatown or the Valley of the Temples in Kaneohe. On Maui, hike into Haleakala Crater or go horse riding on a cattle ranch. The island of Kauai has unique scenery; Mount Waialeale is possibly the wettest area on earth, while Alakai Swamp is the highest swamp in the world. Surfing, diving or taking a cruise ship around the islands are also good options for anyone with extra time on their hands. Hawaii Wedding FormalitiesTo get married in Hawaii, couples must have a marriage license from the Department of Health before the wedding for the minister to sign. Valid photo ID's and US$60 cash are required. The completed marriage license will be sent back to the Department of Health for processing. This will then be forwarded to the wedding couple.