Vacations
offers a wide choice of fully-serviced or condo hotels as part of
a package deal. But for something a little different check out the wide range of Bed and Breakfasts and holiday rentals, from beach cottages to private estates, listed on Hawaii’s tourism website –
gohawaii.com
4. CHOSE YOUR ADVENTURE The biggest choice of adventure activities is on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island, though there are some operators on the smaller islands as well. Snorkelling is one of the most popular pastimes, with a plethora of companies offering rentals and guided trips, though snorkelling off the beach can be just as rewarding. On Maui check out Honula Bay or Ahihi Kinau for their rich diversity of marine life, or Maluaka Beach at Turtle Town (guess what that’s famous for). Molokini
offers some of the clearest waters in the islands and is a short boat- ride from Maui. Charter boats operate out of Ma‘alaea Harbor, Lahaina, and Kihei, while many tours take in more than one snorkelling spot. The Big Island and Oahu also offers a choice of excellent snorkelling beaches, though rank beginners may want to practice gaining speed before heading for Oahu’s Sharks Bay. If you’re feeling especially energetic, several companies combine snorkelling and kayaking.
For something a little more adventurous there are other ways to enjoy underwater Hawaii. Many of the scuba diving operators offer introductory dives for beginners, usually consisting of some swimming-pool instruction followed by a guided shore-dive. For more serious divers Hawaii is also the perfect place to take a 3-day certification course. To commune with the underwater wildlife without having to practice breathing exercises, try a trip on one of the
“Atlantis” submarines operating out of Oahu, Maui and the Big Island.
If being on rather than under the water is your thing, there are ample opportunities to try surfing, kayaking, or stand-up paddling, which is kind of a cross between the two. Companies on most islands offer lessons, though Maui’s “Goofy Foot Surf School” has the perfect name to enhance the merriment of onlookers and deepen the humiliation of the first-time surfer. For a gentler cruise, Maui, Oahu and the Big Island all feature sailing trips (some combined with snorkelling) on a variety of wind-powered craft – and Hawaii is not normally short of wind. Humpback whale watching tours are also available from December to mid-May.
Oahu is home to several sport-fishing companies offering shared or private charters for a chance to pit your wits against Marlin, Mahimahi and Tuna. If they’re not exotic enough for you, you can take a glass-bottomed boat to commune with Manta Ray, swim with Dolphins, or even climb into a cage and get lowered into shark-infested waters for some face time with Jaws. If you’d rather do battle than merely observe, Oahu’s Sashimi Fishing Tours (love the name guys) offer a night-time shark hunt. Winner gets breakfast.
Back on dry land, Oahu has several horseback riding outfits with a choice of ranch trail or beach rides, and a couple of ATV-tour companies for those who prefer machines to mammals. Pedalists
8 | YLW CONNECTION
Jeffrey Walthall |
Dreamstime.com
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