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

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Hawaii Hula Dancers

It's Monday and our Hawaii photo is getting posted. It's a photo of Hawaiian hula dancers, which Jennifer selected for this Hawaii photo. Aren't we all mesmerized when watching a Hawaii hula performed by one of the graceful Hawaii hula dancers or hula halau (groups), whether you watch them at your Hawaii hotel or at a Hawaiian luau? Hula is a big part of Hawaii heritage and tradition. Hawaii visitors cannot resist the attraction of an ancient hula accompanied by Hawaiian music. The hula belongs to your Hawaii vacation like the palm trees and the white sand beaches. You might want to read more about 'Learn how to hula'.

Hawaii photographer Jennifer Crites took the above photo of Hawaii hula dancers at Waikiki Beach, between Queen's Beach and the Hilton Hawaiian Village, at a very special event during the Aloha Festival in September last year. In 1996, hula dancers from Hawaii had set a new Guinness Book record for the 'Largest Hula Dance' with 3,500 dancers participating. Unfortunately, the record had dropped from the Guinness Book.

The hula dancer photo shows you the attempt to set up a new record for the longest hula dancers line. In celebration of the 55th Waikiki Ho'olaule'a, Aloha Festivals will be breaking its Guinness Book of World Records by lining up 5,500 hula dancers in 2007, dancing to Andy Cummings "Waikiki" and Kimo Alama Keaulana's "Aloha Week Hula". On my search for more information on this longest hula dancer line, I came across some more beautiful photos on the longest hula line on Waikiki Beach. I love the photos of the keiki hula dancers! Honolulu Starbulletin reports about this exciting event or read more on GoHawaii visitors site.

Maybe Jennifer can tell us whether the attempted record was successful and our Hawaii longest hula dancer line is back in the Guinness Book of Records? Stay in touch with Best Hawaii Vacation Blog to hear Jennifer's answer. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations Hula Festival
p.s.
Have to share this with our Hawaii blog visitors - my favorite hula halau group is Sonny Ching hula halau! Do you have a certain hula halau in Hawaii you love best?


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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

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Hawaii Wedding

Monday 'Hawaii Photo of the week' is here. What about this great Hawaii wedding photo by Jennifer Crites, Best Hawaii Vacation blog's favorite Hawaii photographer for showing you Hawaii with photos. Jennifer is a also a well-known Hawaii travel writer, whose publications appeared in many Hawaii publications and international travel magazines. We are so happy to have her on board of our Hawaii blog for taking care of the Hawaii photo assignments. So let's introduce Jennifer and her Hawaii photography a bit more today.


Your wedding will be the most special day of your life. When it’s over, once you’ve walked down the aisle - or better walked down the path to the beach, as Keoki and I did - in your special wedding dress and beautiful flower leis, thrown your bouquet, and celebrated with family and friends who may have traveled long distances all the way to Hawaii to be with you, you’ll want your precious memories of that day to be preserved in professional photographs.

That’s when you’ll appreciate Jennifer’s photographic artistry and 20-plus years of experience photographing weddings in Hawaii. She knows the prettiest wedding locations in Hawaii, how to choose the most flattering light and the best ways to capture all the romance and excitement of your Hawaii wedding just as she’s done for hundreds of couples. She can also help you find Hawaiian flower lei arrangements, music, a minister and all the other wedding essentials. With Jennifer's expertise, you'll be able to share the unique experience and memories of your Hawaii wedding with family and friends. Memories are illusive. Bring them back to life in years to come with Jennifer's special wedding photos.

Hawaii is truly the most enchanted setting for your wedding day. The variety of beautiful locations is as endless as the beauty of the Hawaiian islands...from hidden waterfalls, to secluded tropical gardens or white sand beach sunsets. Paradise surrounds you as you exchange your vows amidst a tropical setting.


We won't ever forget the moment when our minister made our family and friends form a circle with us in the middle. After we did our vows - honestly they were not even prepared - everybody joined with all the good wishes they had for us and our ever-growing love. The sun was setting on the beach and the trade winds picked up a little more. It was a mesmerizing moment, we all got caught in. It must have done its magic. We just celebrated our 16th anniversary of love!


Here are a few Hawaii wedding links we came across with our search for Hawaii weddings: Maui wedding with nice photos You can find lots of information for your Maui wedding on the site of Maui Wedding Association from wedding coordinators to catering services, photography, music, wedding flower arrangements and more. Sweet Hawaii Wedding offers unique ceremony arrangements for Oahu. Kauai Wedding Pro is a great directory for Kauai wedding needs from musicians to florists, photographers, wedding cakes etc.


Hope this helps you get started planning your Hawaii wedding. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations
p.s.
Not to forget, Hawaii Wedding photo by Jennifer Crites shows a wedding ceremony at Waimea Falls on Oahu.


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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.


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Tags: Christmas in Hawaii, Hawaii, vacation, Hawaii Christmas 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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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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