Take a Day Trip to Lanai and Molokai while on Maui Hawaii

So, just in case you’re sitting on a beach in Maui during your Hawaii holiday and you’re asking yourself “what to do, what to do”, why not mix it up a little bit?  The Hawaiian Islands are very close together.  That means that you can actually plan a day trip to islands like Molokai and Lanai from your location on Maui.

It’s like another holiday inside of your current holiday!  How awesome is that!

The thing to remember is that each Hawaiian Island has its own small distinctions in lifestyle, activities, cultures and even weather.  Did you know that there are 32 micro-climates within the Hawaiian Islands?

“Island Hopping” is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend your Hawaiian holiday.  You can actually plan trips to other islands that leave first thing in the morning and arrive back that same day either before or after dinner.

Why Visit Lanai?

·         The Garden of the Gods: A plateau with preternatural boulders of all shapes and sizes that have been worn down by millions of years erosion from the wind.  If you time your visit for sunset then the boulders will glow.

·         Hulopoe Beach:  This beach is located a short stroll from the Four Seasons Resort on Manele Bay.  The beach has perfectly calm waters all year round and is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and even the chance to see spinner dolphins. 

·         Kanepuu Reserve:  This is a rare, dry land forest in the heart of tropical Hawaii.  The reserve features many different types of trees, to include:  ebony, sandalwood and olive.  The reserve also houses and protects axis deer and mouflon sheep.

Why Visit Molokai?

·         Kealakekua Bay:  One of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii is right off the coast of Kealakekua Bay.  You will have to kayak out to prime snorkeling locations but it’s worth the effort because you may have a few spinner dolphins swimming right along your kayak.

·         Kaunakakai Pier:  It is the longest wharf in Hawaii.  Take a chartered boat ride and cast your line out.  Your efforts could result in a catch of marlin, mahimahi, ahi (tuna) and/or Oho!

·         Halawa Valley:  Take a trip to the historic Halawa Valley and see where legends says the some of the first Polynesian settlers first landed and set up villages.  Beautiful scenery of historic and native Hawaii.

You can see why taking a day trip from Maui to Molokai or Lanai would well worth it during Holidays in Hawaii.  Don’t limit yourself to one island when you can 2 in the same day!

SNUBA in Hawaii to Make Memories that Last a Lifetime.

There’s a whole new rage taking over the water sports community.  It’s called snuba and it is magically awesome!

In the past people on vacation in Hawaii would flock to gorgeous snorkeling and scuba spots on the Hawaiian Islands to see beautiful marine life right in front of them. 

Some of those spots include Hanauma Bay, Electric Beach and Shark’s Cove on Oahu.  Molokini Crater in Maui (gorgeous location and perhaps the best snorkeling spot in the world!).  Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island and Ke’e Beach on Kauai.  These locations are awesome  for snorkeling and scuba.

We’re talking about SNUBA, though…a cross between snorkeling and scuba.

  

What is SNUBA?

Basially, snuba is a form of surface-supplied air from a raft, kayak or small boat.  The person who is diving wears flippers, a diving mask and weights.  There is a regulator on the mask that runs to the air supply system on the vessel above via tubing.  The weights are so the person can actually submerge into the water and swim around to explore.

Snuba is super safe.  There is always a trained professional keeping an eye on all divers.  The breathing system is expertly developed by SNUBA international.  So, relax and enjoy the magic of snuba on your visit to Hawaii.

Best Places to SNUBA in Hawaii During Your Visit

·         Big Island Water Sports, Kahanuola /Honokohau Harbor on the Big Island

·         Body Glove Hawaii, Kailua-Kona on the Big Island

·         Four Seasons Resort-Manele Bay on Lanai

·         Aqua Adventures at the Molokini Crater on Maui

·         Lani Kai at the Molokini Crater on Maui

F·         Holole’a Kai at Ko’Olina on Oahu

·         Pacific Beach Hotel Oceanarium in Honolulu

Note:  Maui has A LOT of places that offer snuba.  If you’re on that Island for your holiday just ask around…there’s bound to be one nearby!

Why is Snuba So Magical?

Snorkeling is great but it has its limitations. You need to stay close to shore and can’t dive for long periods of time to “hang out” with the marine life.  Scuba is awesome, but you need to get certified, become good at it, and lug around a heavy air tank.  Snuba is the perfect mix of both of them.  You can dive in semi-deep water, and stay submerged because of the weights and the breathing system. 

It doesn’t take long to watch an educational video or receive a safety and instructional class (one hour tops!) and then you can be “doing the snuba” with tropical fish, Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), moray eels and rays.  A must do on your Hawaii holiday to create that memorable experience of a lifetime!

Hawaii Holidays Experiencing Tubing in Kauai

You may be thinking that tubing only belongs at water parks.  So, you rationalize:  Why would I visit an island paradise like Hawaii and go to a waterpark?  That’s where you making a mistake.  When you’re on holiday in Hawaii you might as well accept that each Hawaiian Island is a natural water park of wonder and amusement. 

Tubing on the island of Kauai is like traversing rugged mountains that are blanketed by lush, evergreen forest.  It’s a beautiful experience, as you get to see tropical vegetation and flora and native birds all the while floating down a cooling mountain river. 

Sounds great, right?  Now imagine that you take those scenes and capture them on video?  You’ll be experiencing the natural beauty of Hawaii and making enjoyable memories for the entire family, while at the same time building a permanent account of the event.  You can show friends and family back home or watch it over and over again years later.

Why is Natural Tubing the Perfect Hawaiian Activity?

In order to achieve natural tubing you need a few things:  elevation, flowing water and the right climate to do it year round. Oh, and large irrigation systems. The Hawaiian Islands are perfect for the activity and especially the island of Kauai

Kauai is home to old sugar plantations that are no longer active.  During the 1800’s intricate irrigation systems were built to bring natural flowing mountain water down to water the fields.  Since those irrigation channels are no longer being used they have been converted into the perfect tubing experience.

Best Place to Tube on Your Hawaiian Holiday

Kauai Backcountry Adventures

Location:  Kuhio Highway, Hanama’ulu, HI (on the Island of Kauai_

Located on 17,000 acres of the former Lihue sugar plantation in the middle of Kauai backcountry, this experience will bring you close to the Hawaiian nature scene in a near extreme way.  Besides tubing, you can also zipline down the mountain.

The zipline adventure is almost as fun as the tubing experience. While the zipline may not be appropriate for all age groups, you can guarantee that those who do fly high over the lush rainforest into the valley below will never forget it.

Don’t Worry:  Your Safety is Paramount

With both the Kauai tubing and ziplining experience, the activity moderators ensure that each person wears a safety helmet and is thoroughly briefed on the safety procedures.  There are also tour and safety guides along each part of the tubing channel.  They also send off and receive you on the zipline adventure.

Tube the mountain waters of zipline over tropical forest during your Hawaii holiday to make your visit to paradise a memory that you will cherish forever.

Captain James Cook Memorial during your Hawaiian holiday

Just over 10 miles south of Kailua Village in South Kona on the Big Island is Kealekekua Bay State Historical Park.  The entire bay is a marine conversation park that is just about the best location for snorkeling, scuba and kayaking all in one spot.  The water is crystal clear, and besides schools of tropical fish, you’ll have the opportunity to see Hawaiian green sea turtles, and maybe even some spinner dolphins.

A trip to Kealekekua Bay is a definite “must do” if you’re on the big island during your Holidays in Hawaii.  But wait!  There’s more…

Hawaii and the UK Connected through History

Kealekekua Bay holds significant historical importance that, ironically, connects Hawaii with Britain.  You see, Kealekekua Bay is where Captain James Cook first landed on the Hawaii Big Island. 

Cook was the first Briton to make contact with the Hawaiian Islands, first landing in Kauai in 1778.  The story of Cook and the Hawaiian Islands is a strange one. 

Kealekekua Bay was regarded by native Hawaiians as sacred and belonging to that of the fertility God, Lono.  It would appear that the Hawaiians attached religious significance to the landing of Cook and his crew at the Bay.  They were regarded as Gods. 

On Cook’s second visit to the island, it was evident that he and his crew were revered.  The second visit happened in the midst of a Hawaiian fertility festival dedicated to Lono.  For a month, Cook and his crew took full advantage of the way they were revered and the significance of “fertility” of the bay.  They traded metal and other goods in exchanged for sex.

However, then something went terribly wrong.  One of Cook’s crew died and the Englishmen were then known to be mortal.  The natives became restless and upset at being deceived.  They formed a mob.  Cook’s crew fired upon them but they were forced to flee.  One of the ships were damaged in the withdrawal by storms and forced to return.  The angry mob of natives did not relent and Cook’s men were soon overwhelmed.  Some escaped.  Other’s didn’t.  Among the dead was Cook.

Hawaii and the Captain James Cook Memorial Today

Today, two remnants of that near-ancient skirmish still remain.  One, a white obelisk near the shores of Kealakekua Bay symbolizes and memorializes Cook’s death.  The second, on the east side of the bay is a sacred temple dedicated to the Hawaiian fertility god, Lono.

Hawaii.  Britain.  Connected throughout history and present day by visitors.  Don’t miss out on your chance to visit and experience the bay and the Captain James Cook Memorial during your Hawaiian holiday

Learn to Play the Ukulele on Your Holiday in Hawaii

Aaah, the ukulele…that very small, “guitar-looking-fiddle” of an instrument thing.

The ukulele has that unique Hawaiian sound that so many have come to know.  There are millions of people who leave Hawaii every year with a brand new ukulele and the passion to learn how to play it.

Will you bring home a ukulele or take lesson during your holiday to Hawaii? Probably!  The sound and feel are addicting and it is the perfect keepsake from your Hawaiian holiday and a way to always remember your trip.

History of the Ukulele

First of all, the pronunciation is often butchered by tourists in Hawaii.  The correct pronunciation is oo-koo-leh-leh opposed to the mispronunciation of yoo-koo-lay-lay.

The ukulele actually originates in Portugal.  During the 18^th century, traditional lutes and guitars were made smaller for easier transportation and affordability.  These small instruments were known as machete de braca.

As Portuguese workers came to Hawaii, they brought the machete de braca with them on boats.  On board on boats were 3 wood workers who each hoped to open furniture businesses.  Since furniture didn’t appeal to the simple, native Hawaiians those businesses soon failed.  However, the Hawaiians did fall in love with the machete and the cabinet makers were soon making them in droves for the locals.

The instrument eventually became the “ukulele” in Hawaiian.  Literally translated the word means “jumping flea”.  The name probably came about because of the way the musician’s fingers jumped around the strings and instrument.  The instrument was a favorite of the Hawaiian royal family.

Where to Get Free Ukulele Lessons in Hawaii

While the instrument didn’t originate with Hawaii, the Polynesian culture quickly adopted the instrument and made the sound uniquely synonymous with Hawaiian folk music and the luau.

Many locations, particularly hotels, give FREE ukulele lessons as part of their amenities and entertainment. 

·         The Royal Hawaiian Center on Oahu

·         The Sheraton Waikiki Hotel

·         Kaanapali Beach Hotel on Maui

·         Mauna Lani Bay Hotel on the Big Island

·         Kona Seaside Hotel on the Big Island

·         Kauai Hyatt on Kauai

Those are just a few of the hotels and resorts on the Hawaiian Islands where you can get free ukulele lessons during your Hawaiian holiday.  If the particular lodging you’re staying at does not provide free lessons then be sure to ask the concierge where you can find them for a deal or free nearby.

If you do bring home a ukulele from your holiday in Hawaii then you can rest assured that your lessons don’t have to end in Hawaii.  There are many spots online that offer free ukulele lessons.