Pearl Harbor in Honolulu

It's Monday and our new Hawaii photo is posted. As you may recognize immediately, Jennifer selected a very famous photo from her Hawaii stock photography, well known not only to Oahu visitors, but closely connected to the American history: It's a Pearl Harbor memorial photo of the USS Arizona memorial! A few weeks ago, Joanne from California wrote a guest post about their Oahu vacation, the things they did on Oahu and the sights she and her husband had visited.
She told us that they spent nearly an entire day at Pearl Habor Memorial. Like everybody else who visited the Pearl Harbor memorial on Oahu, she believes anyone traveling to Hawaii should not miss this historic memorial.



There is no denying that this will be a very emotional and moving visit. It brings back the history of World War II, when Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941. The USS Arizona Memorial was dedicated on Memorial Day 1962 to commemorate the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 and the men who died defending it.


Each year, the USS Arizona Memorial welcomes more than 1.4 million visitors from around the world. The Memorial Park has brochures written in 23 different languages, as well as an audio programs. The USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center is located adjacent to Kamehameha Highway, near the Aloha Stadium, between Ford Island Bridge and Pearl Harbor's Makalapa Gate. To reach the USS Arizona Memorial from Waikiki, take the H-1 Freeway to the Airport Viaduct.

The Visitor Center is the first stop for visitors planning to tour the Memorial. Located within the Center are: two theaters, a museum, a bookstore, restrooms, limited snack bar, public telephones, and exhibits outlining the Pearl Harbor attack. When guests enter the Visitor Center, they are asked to line up for a numbered ticket, which provides free admission to the Memorial tour. While waiting for the program to begin, visitors may tour the Visitor Center and its exhibits.

When your ticket number is called, visitors are asked to assemble at the theater entrance in preparation for the tour to begin. The guided tour of the USS Arizona Memorial includes a 23-minute documentary film of the attack on Pearl Harbor, a short boat trip and a self-guided exploration of the Memorial. The Visitor Center is open 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving, December 25 and New Years Day. Tours are every 15 minutes, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Admission is free! Read more on the history.


A few Tips for your visit to Pearl Harbor


Be there first thing in the morning, at least an hour before they open, to avoid the long lines.

Going with a tour bus might help you manage your schedule efficiently.


Be careful when booking a Pearl Harbor tour online, so you don't end up with much more expenses than necessary.


You can spend hours in the museum just reading and learning. Be prepared for a long day.


Pearl Harbor Links


Arizona Memorial Museum Association in Honolulu, Hawaii. Four historical sites in the Pacific Region
Pearl Harbor Memorial in Honolulu
View a short video introduction about the Pearl Harbor Attack.
We'd love to hear from all our Hawaii vacation blog visitors whith their experience at Pearl Harbor Memorial tour in Honolulu. If you have an special tips, please, share.
Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations
p.s.
You can't find on our blog what you were looking for about your next Hawaii Vacation, please, read about Hawaii Blog Search.

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Biggest Waves in Hawaii

Aloha Hawaii lovers,
Let's get right into our Hawaii Monday Photo of the week by well-known Hawaii photographer's Jennifer Crites. Hope we can attract your attention with this big shot of a huge wave on Oahu's North Shore surfer's paradise. Facing a wave of that size is even for pro Hawaiian surfers a challenge. Having watched Hawaiian surfers on the Big Island during the winter months for many years, each time time I was mesmerized. Big Island surf does not really have the pipelines like North Shore of Oahu. So, each time when I saw a surfer crushed by the big wave at the end of the ride, I seriously doubted he'd come ever up again. Big relief when he did!


Here is what Jennifer, who also a popular Hawaii travel writer, has to say about this photo: "Showing one of the amazing shore-break waves at Waimea Bay during winter's high surf, when all the surf contests are held on the North Shore. Every year, top surfers hope the waves at Waimea will be big enough (must be at least 20-foot waves) and rideable enough to hold the Eddie Aikau Big-Wave surf contest.
It hasn't happened for awhile. I'm not sure when the last one was. The waves have been almost big enough but not quite, but if the wave size cooperates, the contest will be on with perhaps only hours notice to competitors. Eddie Aikau was an expert big-wave surfer, lifeguard at Waimea Bay, and crew member aboard an early voyage of the famous Polynesian Voyaging Canoe Hokule'a. When the canoe ran into trouble and capsized, Eddie paddled off on his surfboard to get help. The crew was rescued, but Eddie was never found. We honor Eddie with this giant of a surf contest because he risked his life for his crew members. We say in Hawaii, "Eddie Would Go," meaning he wouldn't hesitate to face danger to protect those he cared about."
Honolulu star bulletin wrote a great article about Eddie Aikau 'Twenty years ago this month, big-wave surfer and lifeguardEddie Aikau lost his life in a brave effort to save crew members of the capsized Hokule'a.' Here is more about the Big Wave on North Shore, also showing interested surfers or visitors the current height of North Shore Oahu waves! Check it out.
Well, next to the question 'Where are the best beaches in Hawaii?', another favorite question is - of course, especially asked by passionate surfers 'When is the time for the high waves in Hawaii?'. The time is here and now. The winter months are the months for the biggest waves and often most dangerous surf. It's very interesting for Hawaii residents to see how small beaches suddenly totally disappear like they have never been there. But believe me they all will be coming back into existence when the winter surf calms down in spring. Even the big popular beaches change their appearance during high and rough winter surf - the sandy part gets much narrower and tide pools and big rocks, normally out on the sand, will disappear. To cut a long story short, winter surf is different.

Here are 5 best ocean safety tips for your Hawaii vacation during winter months:

1. Biggest rule: Pay respect to the ocean!
2. Make sure to go to a beach with a lifeguard. Look for a calm beach when traveling with kids.
3. Don't stand on rocks which can be reached by water because of the risk of a sudden wave.
4. Never turn your back to the ocean and always follow Ocean Safety signs.
5. If signs are up for jelly fish Portuguese man-of-war, don't ignore them.

Have fun, but don't take chances. With that being said, enjoy this youtube video Pipeline, North Shore, Oahu, from February 2007. As usual, we'd love to hear from you about your encounters with big waves in Hawaii. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Surfing in Hawaii Articles
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5 Myths about Hawaii
Surfing in Hawaii
Hawaii Weather


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Oahu Vacation Trip Report 1

Dear Best Hawaii Vacation Blog visitors,

We are so happy to be able to post another Hawaii Vacation Trip Report from one of our blog visitors who recently visited Oahu on their Hawaii Vacation.

Here is what Joanne and Art Sala of Marina del Rey California have to say. We are sure you will also appreciate their Oahu vacation photos!






"We urge visitors to see ALL of Oahu. While Waikiki beach always has nice sunny weather and plenty of amenities, we prefer to get away from the crowds, chain retail stores and big box hotels. Our recent vacation included a one-week stay at a studio cottage in Kailua which we found on the VRBO website. Kailua has a beautiful beach and excellent restaurants.


We highly recommend Baci Bistro. Worth the drive to eat at this fine Italian restaurant where fresh local fish and organic produce is always on the menu. Another great spot to stay and get away from the crowds is Hawaii Kai, close to world-famous Hanauma Bay for snorkeling and lots of beautiful sunny beaches nearby including Sandy Beach Park.



Of course, the absolute must visit attraction of Oahu is Pearl Harbor. Every American should see the USS Arizona Memorial and accompanying museums at least once in their lifetime. I was so moved by the experience. Plan to spend an entire day there. Much to see including the USS Bowfin Submarine, the Battleship Missouri and the Pacific Aviation Museum. Loved this experience, but perhaps mine was colored by the fact that my father volunteered to join the Navy after Pearl Harbor was bombed on December 7th 1941. My father is 84 and still talks about his days as a WWII airplane mechanic who lived aboard a Liberty Ship which patrolled the waters around the New Hebrides island chain.



No trip to Oahu would be complete without a hike to the top of Diamond Head. This is a well-traveled, popular attraction and if you can put one foot in the front of the other, you can and should do it. It's about a 45-minute walk up and 20 minutes back down. The day we went we were amazed to see so many travelers of all ages and sizes making the climb--some in high heels or flip flops! I think I was more amazed by the assortment of questionable footwear than I was the people.


My advice: No hiking boots necessary, just a good pair of supportive tennis shoes with good traction on the soles will serve you well. Please leave the flip flops and high heels back at the hotel! Word of warning: there are two funky narrow staircases to climb near the top, plus a spiral staircase. If you're horribly claustrophobic or seriously fear heights, this hike may not be for you. Views from the top are phenomenal. Well worth the effort and it's a nice workout before a hearty Hawaiian lunch back in nearby Waikiki.



Last but not least, we were lucky enough to be in Oahu during the winter. Waves on the North Shore were pounding around 8 to 12 feet when we visited the beaches on that side of the island. Saw lots of experienced surfers riding monster waves. The day we left town the surf at Waimea Bay was reported to be a whopping 18 to 22 feet! If only we could've seen that.



There's always next visit to Hawaii!"

Much mahalo again, Joanne and Art, for sharing your Oahu vacation with our blog visitors. We can't wait to hear more from you about your next visit to Hawaii - curious where that will be! Enjoy the islands, just as Joanne and Art did and do. There is no place like Hawaii. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Hawaii Trip Reports

Big Island Vacation Trip Report 1
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Tags: Best Oahu Vacation, Have fun on your Oahu Vacation

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Christmas Vacation In Hawaii

Hooray it's Monday and time to post the 'Hawaii photo of the Week' on our Best Hawaii vacation blog. Our bonus photo post with the 'Maui golf photo' last Friday found the immediate attention by the search engines and by Hawaii visitors who come to the islands more or less for golfing our world-championship golf courses. Are you ready for more? Let's get into the Christmas mood!


Can you imagine it's just one week till Christmas. No way that we'd miss Hawaii Christmas in our 'Hawaii photo of the week'. For all those, who have never been to Hawaii for Christmas, get prepared that this will be the most special Christmas you've ever had. Hawaii photographer Jennifer Crites found some typical Hawaii Christmas photos in her huge files of Hawaii stock photos.


We decided Christmas vacation in Hawaii is so special and deserves more than one photo. The above photo shows Santa with a big crowd of Keikis (Hawaiian for children) with Christmas leis and hula outfits. In the next photo the keikis gather around Santa, who has just arrived by canoe. It's a big spectacle on all the Hawaiian islands when Santa arrives by canoe. Remember there are not too many chimneys in Hawaii. You will find plenty warm weather in Hawaii for your Christmas vacation (the rain spell from beginning of December is over).
Now, we are back on schedule, stay curious for our next Monday Hawaii photo of the week. It will be a photo of one of those special places on earth, which make you hold your breath because of its rare beauty. Your memory (or camera) will store it for times to come. Maybe we should do a guessing contest - well, you won't guess. Just come back to Best Hawaii Vacation Blog. We'd love to see you here!

Mele Kalikimaka and Merry Christmas to all of you. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations Vacancies January 2008
p.s.
Sorry guys but to get to Hawaii on a LAST MINUTE Christmas vacation is like doing a magic trick. That is the time when not only Hawaii Resorts and Hotels are booked at a 100% occupancy but also Hawaii vacation rentals are hard to get. Not to mention Hawaii air fares and car rentals being way out of reach with exorbitant rates. Want to visit Hawaii for a Christmas vacation, plan now for the 2008 holidays! The following link will take to a Hawaii site with beautiful images and music for a Merry Christmas in Hawaii.


Christmas Vacation on Kohala Coast
Best Hawaii Vacation Tips for Christmas
Hawaii Photos from Best Hawaii Vacation


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Walk Waikiki Beach on your Hawaii Vacation

It's time again to post the Monday Hawaii photo of the week. We, Jennifer Crites, the famous Hawaii photographer and travel writer and I, Pua, the Best Hawaii Vacation blog writer, never thought it would be so much fun to post Hawaii photos. First of all, Jennifer's Hawaii stock photos offer so many choices, so it's not easy to make the decision. When the decision is made for the Hawaii photo of the week, it's up to me to write an enticing blog post with it. Ok, here we go.


Everybody knows Waikiki beach, Waikiki Beach Hotels and maybe you even read my post about the Waikiki Trump Tower, which was an interesting story about Donald's real estate investment in Hawaii but who knows about the Waikiki Aquarium? This is an amazing place to see the abundance of tropical fish and ocean life in Hawaii without the hassle of renting snorkel equipment and perfect for all those who are scared of diving, snorkeling or scuba diving the Pacific Ocean.

This photo was taken by Jennifer at the Waikiki Aquarium , where you can see sharks, stingrays, turtles, sea urchins, chambered nautilus, octopi and all kinds of tropical fish in one place. The giant clam weighs more than 120 pounds and is 20 years old. And there are 3 blue tangs (Dori, in the movie 'Finding Nemo'). Waikiki Aquarium is located in Queen Kapiolani Park on southern shore of Oahu. This is one of the many fun things to do when on a Hawaii vacation at a Waikiki Hotel. We should not forget to mention Sea Life Park on Oahu, which is entertainment and education for the entire family.


When visiting Waikiki, Waikiki beach aquarium is not the only aquarium around. We saw many smaller ones when we walked along Waikiki Beach on Kalakaua for checking out the many restaurants and famous shops. Actually, we even were lucky with our Waikiki Beach Hotel which had a huge aquarium extending over two floors. When we had dinner, we could enjoy the tropical underwater world when waiting for our meals getting prepared. As far as I remember, it was the Waikiki Beach Tower Hotels.


As Waikiki beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world, your should also know that it means "Spouting Water" in Hawaiian. The two mile stretch of white sand coast is fronted by Waikiki hotels and tourist facilities. Waikiki Beach is excellent for swimming and sun bathing. Tourists can watch Hawaiians surfing and boogie boarding. When you try it yourself, watch the ocean conditions and read the ocean warning signs. And don't forget to visit Waikiki Beach Aquarium when you are once there. Have fun in Waikiki! Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations
p.s.
Last Minute Hawaii Vacation in Kona - Kona Vacation Home with Ocean View and Pool at bargain price.


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Visit Hanauma Beach on your Oahu Vacation


Tags: Waikiki, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu

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Visit Hanauma Bay Beach on your Oahu Vacation

It's Monday but this is a special Monday. Today, we start our new exciting blog project of introducing Hawaii to our Best Hawaii Vacation blog visitors with a 'Hawaii photo of the week'. So get ready for seeing many more beautiful Hawaii photos taken by renowned Hawaii stock photographer Jennifer Crites.


Get to know Hawaii, the number # vacation destination (read our Thanksgiving in Hawaii post), through spectacular, fascinating photos of the unique Hawaii scenery of tropical waterfalls and beaches, lush green rain forests and rare tropical flowers, snow-capped mountains or the hot lava flow of a live volcano and all the other powerful images of Hawaii. Here is our first Hawaii photo of the week. This photo was cover photo of Hawaii Magazine in in December 2006:


Who has not heard of Hanauma Bay when visiting Oahu on vacation? This large curved bay attracts many Oahu visitors each year. Hanauma Bay is well protected from huge ocean waves, which allows snorkelers and divers to watch marine and coral reef life under safe conditions. The beach is also perfect for sunbathing, relaxing and picnicing. There are even hiking trails which lead to great lookouts from where you can have breathtaking views.


Hanauma Bay was declared a protected marine life conservation area and underwater park in 1967, in order to protect and preserve the Bay and its spectatucal natural resources. This is why Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is not just the regular beach one of the most spectacular natural resources in Hawaii. With the measuments taken by the State of Hawaii, Hanauma Bay has become the first Marine Life Conservation District in the State.


So, when visiting Hanauma Beach, be aware, that there are certain rules to maintain this Marine Life Conservation Area like: no pets allowed; no alcoholic beverages; no fishing or feeding the fish; do not remove, harass, or harm any marine life. We recommend to visit Hawaii Web for more detailed information, fees, opening hours for your beach visit to Hanauma Bay.
Directions to Hanauma Bay Beach:


Take Kalaniana'ole Highway east from Waikiki for approximately 10 miles. Entrance to the preserve is on the right.


Enjoy Hanauma Bay beach on your Oahu vacation in Hawaii. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations


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Alaska Airlines New Service to Hawaii

This post is sponsored by Hawaii Affordable Vacation Rentals

Dear Hawaii travelers,
Great news for Hawaii visitors from Seattle. Alaska Airlines Hawaii vacations recently announced its new service to Honolulu on the Island of Oahu and Lihu'e on the Island of Kauai. Alaska Airlines will offer daily year-round nonstop flights between Seattle and Honolulu, and between Seattle and Lihu'e on the island of Kauai. Alaska will also launch seasonal service between Anchorage and Honolulu. Go here for Alaska Airlines Promo

Seattle-Honolulu starts October 12th;
Seattle-Lihu'e begins October 28th;
Anchorage-Honolulu starts December 9th.
All flights operate daily with Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Hawaii Fares
Look for fares as low as $162* each way, from Seattle to Honolulu, and $202* each way, from Seattle to Lihu'e. Book today. Use Alaska Airlines Promo code for your flight reservation to Honolulu or Kauai.

Based on travel Monday through Thursday. Seats are limited. Check alaskaair.com for availability and restrictions. Have a great Hawaii vacation. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacation Rental Specials
Tags: Hawaii flight specials, Honolulu

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How to have a great Oahu Vacation and Save Money!

Dear Hawaii visitors,
We are still dealing with the question all Hawaii vacationers ask themselves and the locals which Hawaiian island is the best for their Hawaii vacation vacation! After telling you about best places to stay on your Kauai condo vacation and family Maui vacation rental ideas for your Maui vacation plus how to get FREE vacation brochures for Hawaii, we are talking Oahu Vacation today.


Honolulu International Airport is still the gateway to the Hawaiian Islands, even though more and more Airlines fly direct into Kona International Airport on Hawaii Big Island, Maui's Kahului Airport or Lihue Airport on Kauai. Amazingly 9 out of 10 visitors to Hawaii stop on Oahu for a visit to Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. Waikiki has not lost its magic attraction to Hawaii visitors from Japan and the Mainland. And why not stay there for a short Oahu vacation?


Waikiki Beach Hotels offer rates from luxury to affordable. Here are a few advantages for staying at a Waikiki hotel: Hotel shuttles or the public Honolulu bus service take you right to your Waikiki Hotel. If you stay at Waikiki, no car rental is necessary! For touring Honolulu, Honolulu's bus service is excellent and affordable! We took the shuttle from Honolulu Airport to our Waikiki hotel as they told us it's faster than the bus. Well, big mistake as our hotel was the last one in the line of Waikiki Hotels.

Waikiki beach is a nice white sand beach but it can be very crowded. However, Waikiki fancy shops, fine dining restaurants and nightlife attract lots of tourists. For budget shopping, we recommend to take the bus to Ala Moana Shopping Mall. Same applies to restaurants. If you look for affordable lunches and dinners, just walk down a few streets from Waikiki. There are also plenty of condos Hawaii Oahu vacation rental options, if you want to have your own vacation rental place with kitchen.


Oahu vacation is not just Waikiki. Believe us or not but there are miles of white-sand beaches and slow country living with rainbows and waterfalls, tropical flowers and sunsets just 1hr-drive out of Honolulu. Ride the big waves on the North Shore, snorkel a crystal clear lagoon, kayak or sail or just sunbathe on an empty beach. Oahu weather is very moderate with average 82 F and light trade wind breeze blowing. For your best Hawaii vacation, find vacation rental homes in Kailua Oahu Hawaii, Hawaii Oahu rental vacation Waimea or Kailua Oahu Hawaii private home.


When arriving at Honolulu Airport for your Oahu vacation, pick up vacation brochures for Hawaii right there. If you want to be better prepared for your best Hawaii vacation, plan your Oahu Vacation with the free vacation brochure for Hawaii Oahu from the Oahu Visitors Bureau or call 1-877-525-6248 (OAHU). This free Hawaii vacation planner is full of information on accommodations, activities, restaurants, car rentals, island maps and more. You can also buy the book 'Oahu Revealed - The ultimate Guide to Honolulu, Waikiki & Beyond' as a companion for your Oahu travel.


You want to know what the weather is like right now in Honolulu Oahu, check current Honolulu weather and forecast



Please, bookmark this Oahu Vacation page. We will include links on "How to have a great Oahu vacation & Save Money". We, Pua and Keoki at Best Hawaii Vacation Blog, are looking forward to hearing from you with your Hawaii experience or questions on Oahu vacation. Aloha Pua Hawaii Vacation Guide


Oahu Vacation Links
Hawaii Beach safety tips for Oahu Beaches


Tags: Best of Hawaii, Waikiki, Honolulu, Kona, Hawaii vacation

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