Lanai is known as the Pineapple Island because it was purchased by James Dole in 1922; he developed most of the island into a pineapple plantation.  Mr. Dole built a small settlement near the beach to house plantation workers and established businesses to support residents’ needs.  He also built a large lodge in this settlement to provide a place to live for the executives who oversaw plantation operations.

This settlement became Lanai City, with its restaurants and shops forming a rustic town square surrounding Dole Park.  After the island was purchased by a large corporation and the pineapple trade was phased out, the lodge became a hotel—the only one on the island until 1990.

There are two large resorts on Lanai, one on the beach and another tucked away in the inland mountains.  Both resorts feature championship-class golf courses.

While most people associate a Hawaiian vacation with beaches, scuba, snorkeling, and other ocean sports, there is no resisting the beauty and activities offered inland as well.  The Pineapple Isle offers the best of both worlds.

Horseback Riding

You can explore the beauty of the inland mountains on horseback through upland trails that include beautiful vistas of neighboring islands.  The horses are gentle and a wide variety of trail rides are offered based on your riding experience.  The stables also have horse-drawn carriages for island tours if horseback riding is not your style.

4 x 4 Rentals

Since only 30 miles of Lanai’s roads are paved, many of the island’s landmarks and sites are located off dirt roads only accessible by four-wheel drive.  The northern tip of the island is home to the Garden of the Gods (Keahiakawelo), a rock garden reminiscent of a lunar landscape.  Here you will find spectacular rock towers and beautiful formations caused by erosion.

Sporting Clays

Sportsmen can enjoy one the most challenging sporting clay sites in the world overlooking awesome views of the island’s beauty.  Beginners receive a lesson in the sport and gun safety by a certified instructor.

Archery Range

The archery range provides safety gear and equipment for all sizes and strengths.  Professional instructors are on hand to make the experience the best it can be.

Air Rifle Gallery

The air rifle gallery includes a wide range of targets, including bells, bulls-eyes and spinners. Shooters can take advantage of an optional laser sighting if desired; more experienced shooters can challenge themselves by not using the laser sight.

All the traditional beach activities are available as well.  The southern coast is home to Hulopoe Bay, with a dazzling expanse of white sand and sparkling water.  A short way up the beach is Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock), a land formation steeped in Hawaiian legend.

With two worlds to explore on Lanai, you will fall in love with the Pineapple Isle.

If you want to visit a place where the spirit of Aloha is alive and well, take a trip to Mauna Lani on the Big Island of Hawaii. Kalahuipua’a, as Mauna Lani was once known, was a place for royalty to take a retreat and as a place of worship for the elders of the area. Mauna Lani has the white sand beaches that Hawaii is known for as well as interesting places to visit that take you back into the cultural traditions of the past.

The efforts to preserve the ancient beauty of Mauna Lani are apparent. One of the most famous places in Mauna Lani is the Kalahuipua’a Fishponds and they are very much today as they were in the ancient days of the Hawaiian kings. Dating back to 250 BC, these seven fish ponds were used to raise fish and shrimp exclusively for the royalty residing in Mauna Lani. Restoration and preservation efforts have the ponds wells stocked and many of the same type plants that grew in ancient times surround them.

If you are looking for a romantic place for a wedding in Mauna Lani, the cottage of Eva Parker Woods is nearby the ancient fishponds. The cottage was a favorite place of the owner Francis Brown, a revered man of royal Hawaiian ancestry and his girlfriend, a well known hula dancer named Winona Love. Many activities are scheduled at the cottage with the most popular being a monthly gathering at twilight featuring storytelling, music, and exposure to the Hawaiian culture.

If you need a little rest and relaxation the Hawaiian way, take a trip to the spa in Mauna Lani. This award winning Hawaiian healing spa is spacious inside and out. A trip to the Mauna Lani spa provides you the opportunity for a unique experience where heated stones and a talented masseuse take your spirit to another realm. A naturally heated lava-rock sauna is a great place to refresh and renew yourself while indulging in the amenities that the spa offers.

Mauna Lani’s gentle breezes and warm climate make any outdoor activity more enjoyable. If playing a round of golf is in your vacation plans, Mauna Lani has two championship golf courses. If you had rather shop than play golf; check out the Shops at Mauna Lani. From brand name clothing to locally crafted items, you can find what you want in the open air shopping center. For the kids and the kids at heart the Shops at Mauna Lani also have the areas only 4-D movie ride. After all the shopping is done, there are many places to eat from casual to fine dining at the Shops of Mauna Lani.

Mauna Lani has much to offer so you may want to say a few days in this area. There are many vacation rentals close by that will give you the opportunity to rest and relax so you can enjoy your visit to the big island of Hawaii.

Possibly Kapalua’s best asset is its seemingly endless supply of recreational activities for vacationers looking to enjoy any number of activities.

For golf enthusiasts, the area boasts two competitive and beautiful courses in the Plantation Course and the Bay Course. Both of these courses hold professional tournaments every year, with the PGA Tour SBS Championship held at the Plantation Course and the Bay Course hosting the Kapalua LPGA Classic. The Bay Course has the significance of having been partly designed by the great golfer Arnold Palmer. The Plantation Course is made up of a series of incredibly unique holes that are fun and interesting for golfers of any levels. Be careful, however, not to let the great golf keep you from admiring the spectacular view of the Lanai and Molokai Islands.

Away from the golfing greens there are beautiful beaches for sport and leisure activities. The Kapalua Beach is home to many different species and colors of fish and is known for its clear water that is great for snorkeling. Nearby D.T. Fleming Beach Park is a little difficult to find but has fantastic waves for boogie boarding. It is also rarely crowded so that there is plenty of space for visitors to find a place to lounge. Kids will have a great time splashing around in the strong but enjoyable current.

The Jean Michele Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment Program is an awesome educational program that teaches visitors of all ages more about the world around them. Options include nature walks that teach about the native birdlife and snorkeling adventures guided by a biologist who is an expert on the ecosystems the waters in the area. This is great way to explore the island with people who know more about the wildlife in the area than anyone. A definite must for anyone interested in nature or hoping to teach their children valuable knowledge even while on vacation.

For adventurers seeking a thrill, kayaking courses start out one the beach at Kapalua Bay and wind through Haea Point and Namalua Bay, eventually arriving at Honolua Bay, the final destination. Parasailing will send tourists high in the sky for a great vantage point to take in all of the beauty of the beach. There is also a double zip that spans almost two miles of the West Maui Mountains which pairs of people can ride together and share in taking in the magnificent landscape.

The Sports Club Kahana offers a wide variety of fitness machines and classes for visitors seeking to stay in shape even while on vacation. Gym goers can learn martial arts, stretch out in yoga classes, or relax in the infrared saunas. The spa and massage options are a great deal as well.

Perhaps the most difficult part of finding quality recreational activities in Kapalua is trying to decide which to fit into the course of a visit. Few other vacation destinations offer such a wide variety of activities for groups with people of any age. It’s places like this that make me wish I didn’t have to sleep every night.

If you are tired of the fast pace of the city take a trip to Kailua Kona, Hawaii. Also known as Kailua Village, Kailua Kona is only around fifteen minutes away from the Kona International Airport. Life slows down when you get there and you can picture in your mind what it was like in the days when it was a retreat for the royalty of Hawaii.

Home of the Iron Man Triathlon World Championship

The town of Kailua Kona is best known as the home of the Iron Man Triathlon. This World Championship Triathlon begins at the Kailua Pier with a swim of 2.4 miles and is watched by people from all over the world. The Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament is another popular event held in Kailua Kona. The pristine waters of the Bay are the perfect backdrop for any activity and make the area popular for swimming and snorkeling.

Watch the Sunset on Ali’i Drive

Take a drive down Ali’i Drive an oceanfront street downtown that begins at the Kailua Pier and winds its way south all the way to Keauhou Bay. Park your car and walk down the seaside lane by the many colorful sidewalk cafes, art galleries, and unique souvenir shops. Take a walk along the lava rock sea wall and be sure to stay until sunset where you can see a brilliant sky against the clear blue water. It is a great place to relax as you get a bite to eat at one of the great open air restaurants on Ali’i Drive.

Kailua Kona History and Culture

If you are fascinated with the history and culture of the Hawaiian Kings and other members of royalty there is much to see close to Ali’I Drive. The thatched temple where King Kamehameha watched over the Bay is located at the edge of Kamakahonu Beach. These grass buildings enclosed by a stone wall is considered to be a holy site.

Also on Ali’i Drive is Hulihe’e Palace, which was a vacation home for members of Hawaiian royalty that is now a museum with finely crafted furniture and interesting artifacts from that time. Another interesting place to visit is the Mokuaikaua Church. This church was founded in 1820 and is the oldest Christian Church in the Hawaiian Islands.

Though Kailua Kona takes life easy, don’t be fooled, there is plenty to see and do while you are visiting. Life just moves with the spirit of the islands, a place where the people say Aloha to you and the children wave and smile. Don’t be surprised if you are invited to a luau and be sure to take the island folk up on it if you are treated to this Polynesian feast.

If you are looking for skyscrapers and tall hotels, you will be disappointed with Kailua Kona. The skyline is clear so you can enjoy the beautiful view of the coastline as the sun rises and sets. The beaches are sparsely populated so you can feel like you are on your own little island paradise.

There is really no end to the excitement you can find on Big Island Hawaii. From the best surfing in the world to the most extravagantly beautiful golf courses you really will have a hard time leaving this island once your vacation is over.

World’s Best Golf Courses

Do your best to concentrate on your swing as opposed to the incredible beauty you are surrounded by. It will not be an easy task. But if you think you can manage to block out the sedating crash of the waves just beyond the bunker, or the clear blue water of the bay than go ahead and take your shot. It may indeed take you a few badly shot holes to get used to the wealth of beauty available here and begin to focus on your game. And once you do, and if you are an avid golfer, you will realize that this may be the game of your life.

The “Golf Capital of Hawaii” is what Big Island has to offer their visitors as some of the best known courses lay right here on this serene paradise. Play the Jack Nicklaus designed Hualalai Golf Course along the Kolhala Coast or wend on down to the Robert Trent Jones Sr courses at Mauna Kea. If that is not enough for the golf lover in you than you may also visit the Ocean Course and Alii Mountain Course.

Surfing Big Island – The Sport of Kings

You will not find another place on earth where the surfing is this incredible. Not to mention that surfing in crystal clear water is a new experience for a lot of surfers entirely. If you do not surf than just watching this incredible sport from the shore will be a delightful experience as well.

With many of the beaches on Hawaii only recommended for very experienced surfers, the draw of the big kahuna wave rest firmly on this island paradise. However there are some great spots ideal for the beginner surfer as well. It is fair to say that Big Island Hawaii has the surfer of any and all experience levels covered.

With experienced instructors nearby to help first timers to the areas with safe breaks, these beginner lessons can last up to two hours, but give you the experience you need to surf with your family or partner. So come and experience for yourself and your vacation how it feels to surf the sport of kings.

Many Activities to Enjoy on Big Island

Even if you came with nothing in mind for Big Islands golf courses or to enjoy the sport of kings, than you will be pleased with all that this lovely island paradise has to offer. From swimming with the manta rays or watching the lava reach the sea this island offers many romantic getaways for the newly married or romantic couple in all of us. Do not forget to see the black sand beaches and the other many natural wonders that Big Island Hawaii has in abundance.

Kauai Hawaii features many aspects that will be pleasing to a large variety of travelers. This lush garden paradise can cater to the young and romantic or a family of well traveled hikers looking to add to their collection of breathtaking scenery visited. You will not want to leave your camera behind while traversing any of the natural beauty that is the garden island of Kauai Hawaii. Kauai offers over 63 readily accessible beaches along with 90 miles of pristine white sandy shorelines. Many different aspects of this island draw travelers from near and far.

Kauai Hawaii Activities
•    Mountain Biking in the Waimea Canyon offers a unique look at this tropical islands flora and fauna as well as an up-close and personal look at all of the natural beauty that this island has to offer.
•    Hopping a helicopter to hover over the craggy cliffs and awe inspiring waterfalls of the Napali Coast is a temptation hard to dismiss. A short copter launch is all it will take to have you quickly appreciating this unusual and unique view of this lovely garden island.
•    Picnicking on Poipu Beach’s Green Lawn and then wading into its pristine and sandy tide-pools can offer the romantic experience you and your loved one may have been searching for.
•    Surf or Swim the famous Hanalei Bay solo for a peaceful experience or with family and friends to help build some incredible and scenic memories.
•    Kipu Falls Zipline Adventures allow you to take on a half day or full day of zip line adventures that include hiking, swimming and zip lining to several close by and private destinations.
•    Smiths Tropical Paradise Luau is absolutely one of the most beautiful luaus in this lush tropical garden setting perched along the Wailua River. This luau allows you to feast heartily on their buffet while enjoying an incredible international pageant.
•    Kauai Air Tour sponsors powered hang gliding tours over the island of Kauai that offers a beautiful overhead view of this well known Garden Isle.
Some of Kauai’s destinations are more famous than others but often the less famous and more quaintly private is preferred. Kauai caters to both taste in vacation resort areas and has several locations around the island for preferred traveling.

Na Pali Coast
The Na Pali coast is located on the North Shore of Kauai. The expansive Napali coast ranges fifteen miles over this rugged craggy coastline. The paths available allow a visitor to traverse over this breathtaking land among velvety green cliffs that can seemingly tower into the sky along with tall cascading waterfalls that plunge deep into Na Pali’s narrow valleys.

Waimea Canyon
Waimea Canyon is located on the west side of the island of Kauai Hawaii and is home to a thirty five hundred foot deep canyon that provides some truly incredible panoramas and otherwise breathtaking views of the mountainsides, valleys and significant peaks. This landmark is a must see for visitors traveling this area for the first time.

You can expect the feel of untouched land while remaining in touch with the modern world via high speed internet access as well as crystal clear mobile communications. On Kauai Hawaii lies an island paradise just waiting to show you all that it has to offer.

This bit of paradise so full of unspoiled and natural beauty can truly be a little bit of heaven for those who thoroughly enjoy spending their vacation time viewing all that nature in its best has to offer. With ultra rare tropical flowers and many miles of pristine white sandy beaches the island of Kauai Hawaii can be the perfect vacation spot for newlywed couples who enjoy the outdoors to vacationing families who desire to give their loved ones breathtaking memories for a lifetime.

Nature Lovers Paradise in Kauai

The South Shore or Poipu, is absolutely the most famous part of the island as a land that is rich in posh resorts and beautiful white sandy beaches cover the area. Much of the islands shopping, dining and accommodations can be found on the South Shore of Kauai Hawaii. Poipu Beach offers swimming in calm and crystal clear waters as well as some snorkeling near interesting points in the area.

On the North Shore is Hanalei Bay and Hanalei Town. The ultimate in perfect romantic getaways, Hanalei Bay may be the perfect destination for you and your loved one. Framed by a wide and long half moon of pristine sandy beach, this shoreline offers beautiful scenery as well as shorelines calm enough for peaceful swim. Hanalei Town is an area of quiet and rural communities. This town of cozy and quaint cottages only adds to the tranquility of Kauai Hawaii and its overall atmosphere of a tiny island paradise.

The Na Pali coast is the perfect destination for anyone who loves a great hike. With craggy 4,000 foot cliffs that overlook the great blue Pacific ocean along with a string of caves, lava tubes as well as pristine white beaches this area of Kauai Hawaii is a must see. However, most of the Na Pali area is inaccessible by any means but helicopter. Be sure to take your camera on this trip to capture these truly breathtaking views.

What Makes Kauai Hawaii Different?

Kauai offers the ultimate in relaxing and soothing atmospheres that are truly unforgettable. An intimate getaway or the perfect honeymoon spot are available here on land relatively untouched for the last one thousand years.

Breathtaking Natural Beauty

Many famous movies have been filmed on this island as when Hollywood directors look for their own personal Eden for filmmaking, Kauai hits the top of the list again and again. This land is free of high rise structures and the law requires no building to be taller than a coconut palm. This beautiful land is surrounded by spectacularly tall waterfalls, rare and exotic foliage and small rural towns.

For Love of the Great Outdoors

Kauai Hawaii is the best choice in Hawaiian Islands if you want to venture into the great outdoors to see what this tropical haven has to offer. Helicopter rides above some of the most gorgeous natural landscaping on earth and kayaking along the lovely Na Pali Coast will give you memories that will last you an lifetime.

There is much more to see and do in Kauai Hawaii so planning your trip ahead of time may save you a lot of time and confusion once you land on the island. With so many outdoor activities you will want the assistance of a great site like the Kauai Visitors Bureau can you get started in the right direction.

Honolulu offers the best of Hawaii- from stunning beaches to historical museums and a glitzy nightlife. If you are short of time but still want to experience at lest a bit of everything that Hawaii has to offer, then Honolulu is the place you should head to!

Since Honolulu is the capital as well as the most favored entry point for Hawaii, most people assume that finding a quiet beach in the island would be difficult. The fact is that if you know the right places, you can find just the right beach to suit your mood.

The Waikiki beach is one of the most popular tourist spots in Honolulu and is predictably crowded and colorful. The Ala Moana Park, has a quiet sandy beach usually visited by families, the Hanauma Bay set in the crater of an extinct volcano is another quiet but gorgeous beach. The Hanauma Bay in fact is quite well known for its marine life as well and is therefore a popular snorkeling and scuba diving spot. If you are in the mood for surfing, however, you should head to the nearby Makapu’u beach.

Apart from beaches, Honolulu also boasts of several historical places, the following being the most recommended-

• Pearl Harbor (Western Honolulu) – Every American is familiar with the history of Pearl Harbor. The harbor still functions as a navy base and is home to several memorials built in the honor of those who fell to the Japanese strikes in 1941 that changed the course of World War II. The most famous of these memorials is the one built over the sunken hull of the USS Arizona battleship.

• The USS Bowfin- Located right next to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is the USS Bowfin- a World War II submarine that is open to visitors.

• Pacific Aviation Museum (Ford Island)-Situated in the middle of the harbor is the Pacific Aviation Museum that houses several World War II air planes.

• The Bishop Museum (Western Honolulu) – The museum houses an excellent collection of Hawaiian artifacts and is also home to a planetarium and natural history hall.

• Iolani Palace- The stunning palace was the official residence of the last two monarchs of the islands of Hawaii.

While these beaches and museum are not to be missed don’t forget to include the following scenic spots in your Honolulu itinerary-

• The Diamond Head- The ancient volcanic crater offers breathtaking views of the city.

• Nu’uana Pali Lookout- The scenic lookout point located between two high cliffs provides a stunning view of Windward Oahu.

• Halona Blowhole- The blowhole is an underwater cave with a hole in the top from where the ocean water blasts out. The best viewing point for the Halona Blowhole is the parking area overlooking it.

Once you are done with sun bathing, surfing, swimming and sigh seeing, make sure you take out sometime to experience Honolulu’s many shopping and eating delights.

As far as accommodation goes staying in one the several comfortable yet affordable Honolulu Vacation Rentals would be a good idea.

If you want to explore the eastern parts or Hawaii, Hilo (Big Island) would prove to be the best starting point. The easiest and fastest way to reach Hilo is through one of the inter-island airlines. Alternately, you may take a leisurely cruise to the island, if you have the time and inclination for it.
Hilo is blessed with both natural beauty and historical sites, so you can take your pick while planning your itinerary. Most people who have visited the stunning tourist destination recommend the following spots-

• The Rainbow falls- The best time to visit these gorgeous falls is in the morning. True to their name you can see the beautiful rainbow colored mist formed by its cascading white waters.
• The Naha Stone- The stone has a very fascinating tale surrounding it. According to ancient Hawaiian legend only a man who could move the 5,000 pound stone would be the one to unite the islands of Hawaii. The great Kamehameha moved and even lifted the stone when he was merely 14 and then went on to fulfill the prophecy.
• Lili’uokalani Gardens (Banyan Drive)- The stunning Japanese garden was built in the early 20th century in honor of the Japanese immigrant who developed the old Waikea sugar plantation and was named after the Hawaii’s then reigning Queen.
• Four Mile- This is a large salt water swimming pool created by a natural reef and is perfect for a day out with family and friends.
• The Pacific Tsunami Museum- Here you can learn all about the lethal waves that have destroyed Hilo several times.
• The Chase Gallery- If you are keen on exploring the local art scene, you will definitely enjoy a visit to the Chase gallery.
• Apart from its tourist attractions, Hilo is also famous for its locally made ice-cream. It is easily available in the downtown area, so make sure you try some.

As far as accommodation goes, looking for Hilo Vacation Rentals that suit your requirements and budget would be a good idea.