Travelling and Photography

March 11, 2010

Traveling Around the Hawaiian Islands

Filed under: Exotic Locations — Tags: , , , — arkan @ 4:28 pm

 

Got your mind on that much deserved break? Would you like to get away from all the hustle and bustle of city life? Why not go traveling around the Hawaiian Islands? Let me give you a brief tour around the famous Hawaiian Islands.

 

The Hawaiian Islands have everything that you could imagine a paradise would have. From its multicultural people with the aloha spirit to beautiful surroundings with warm, tranquil, sandy beaches merging with rain forests, heavenly waterfalls, and marvelous historical sites. There’s no place like Hawaii.

 

Hop around the Hawaiian Island chain and you will discover the beauty and uniqueness of each island. There are six major islands that you can easily visit in Hawaii…Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii, or the “Big Island.” Each island offers a distinct and extraordinary experience. We invite you to explore Hawaii and find the most unique island experience for you, your family, or your business group.

 

First, I’ll show you the majestic island of Kauai. Kauai is about 20 minutes by air from Honolulu. Kauai is often called the Garden Isle due to its everlasting beauty, comparable enough to the Garden of Eden.

 

Things to do in Kauai:

 

Hike, boat, kayak, or take a helicopter ride to discover the magnificent beauty of the famous Na Pali Coast

Hike up to Waimea Canyon, dubbed as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” – a must see attraction when visiting Kauai

Go kayaking on the Wailua River

 

 

Second, is an island described to have an ageless and natural beauty, which is better known as the “Gathering Place,” the island of Oahu. It is a very geographically diverse island with mountains, dormant volcanoes, rainforests, and famous surf spots, all close to a bustling metropolitan city. There is no shortage of things to do here in this island.

 

Things to do in Oahu:

 

· Surf at the world renowned site in Oahu, the Waikiki Beach

· Sunbathe, watch world class surfers, or simply enjoy the beach on the North Shore

· Stop by Hawaii’s three most famous landmarks: Diamond Head, Punchbowl, and Koko Head craters

· Visit the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor

· Go see art galleries

· Be amazed at the architecture in Iolani Palace

· Dine and feast at five star restaurants

· Lastly, dress up, enjoy, have fun, and experience the nightlife in town

 

Third, get back to nature and find serenity in Molokai Island. The “Friendly Island” is free from traffic, high-rises, malls, and nightclubs. Molokai Island offers tranquility, seclusion, and most of all, adventure. It is ideal for those seeking peacefulness or simply just getting away from the bustling city life.

 

Things to do in Molokai:

 

· Take a hike through the spectacular Halawa Valley

· Learn about the famous leper colony in Molokai at the Kalaupapa National Historical Park. Accessible only by foot, mule, or plane so take your pick

· Go boating along the North Shore and see the world’s tallest sea cliffs

 

Fourth is Lanai, Hawaii’s most enticing island – perfect for that idyllic and romantic setting. If you are looking for a luxurious resort, world class golf course, outdoor adventure, or purely a vacation with comfort, style, and grace, the “Pineapple Island” is the place to visit.

 

Things to do in Lanai:

 

· Go hiking at Munro Trail and see the breathtaking views of the neighboring islands.

· Rent a four wheel drive vehicle and drive to see the lunar landscape of Keahiakawelo

· Go dolphin watching at the Hulopoe Bay

· Play golf at The Challenge of Manele and The Experience of Koele – two championship golf courses in Lanai

 

Fifth, voted the “Best Hawaiian Island” and sometimes called the “Valley Isle,” is the island of Maui. There is always something for everyone in the sun drenched island: you can go whale watching, play golf, drive around, or go hiking.

 

Things to do in Maui:

 

· Go whale watching and catch a glimpse of a humpback whale

· Drive along the picturesque Hana Highway

· Go picture-taking with the volcanic rock known as “Iao needle” in Iao Valley State Park

· Watch the sunrise atop a dormant volcano, the Haleakala Crater

· Visit museums or spend a day in shops or restaurants in Lahaina

 

 

Sixth, it’s all here on the largest and most diverse of the Hawaiian Islands, sometimes called the “Orchid Isle” or the “Volcano Isle.” Referred to by locals as “The Big Island,” it is the most varied, yet least discovered Hawaiian island. For secluded hideaways and adventures that nurture your body and spirit…. come and see what the Big Island of Hawaii has to offer.

 

Things to do in the Big Island:

 

View the spectacular active lava flow at Kilauea, in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Kayak to a secluded cove, scuba dive, or snorkel in the azure waters of Kona and Kohala

Explore the ancient Hawaiian Religious Temples in Pu’ukohola Heiau

Savor the lush and tropical landscape of Hilo Bay and Queen Liliuokalani Gardens

Enjoy the view atop the snow-capped summit of Mauna Kea

Shop ‘til you drop at the Farmers Market, a great place to hunt for bargains on Hawaiian souvenirs, handicrafts, and presents for friends and family back home

 

 

Now that you have gotten to know a little more about Hawaii and its six major islands, pack those bags, book that flight, get away for a while, and go traveling around the Hawaiian Islands… Bon voyage and see you in Hawaii….

 

Mitchelle Pascual has researched the many possibilities Hawaii has to offer in terms of vacationing and the destination management Hawaii companies can provide.

July 20, 2009

How to forget the recession and still have a fantastic holiday in exotic locations around the world

Filed under: Exotic Locations — Tags: , , , , , , , , — arkan @ 7:38 am

Modern day life can be extremely stressful and in this current economic climate it is even more so.  People need to get away to unwind and recharge their batteries.

The problem, of course, is can they still afford the type of holidays they are used to?  It doesn’t matter what that was, it still costs a lot of money.

Of course, travel can be lower in cost than it was a year ago.  This is partly due to the exchange rates for different countries.  By the same token, if you live in an area where the currency has weakened your costs for an overseas holiday will have increased.

The UK now gives greater value for your money than previously.  UK travel agents report bookings up significantly for this current year, both for visitors and for the Brits taking holidays at home rather than travelling abroad.

It means the UK is a more attractive destination for many people but will they get the sort of holiday they are looking for and used to?

The thing the Brits talk about the most is probably the weather.  It is so changeable there is always something to say about it.  For a very few weeks of the year you may get really lovely weather.  The problem is trying to decide in advance when that will be.  One summer August may have a heatwave, the following it could be cold enough for greatcoats.

Generally, when you go on holiday, you want the weather to be good enough to be able to relax in but not energy draining.  For example, you could expect plenty of sun and sand in the Sahara but it is not recommended as a holiday resort.  You could want snow and ice for skiing but neither of the poles are likely to provide the sort of holiday you want.

Can one still have a memorable holiday, in luxury surroundings, with all the amenities possible from golf to spas, water sports to shopping, sand, sea and cool drinks available, without it costing a fortune?

Fortunately, the answer is YES.

One travel group has been providing luxury holidays at greatly reduced prices for over 20 years.  You needed to join their network in order to participate but the savings made will cover that cost after just two or three weeks of holiday.

Originally, you could only join this group by invitation but recently this has been opened up to anybody.  It is still not generally advertised and relies on word of mouth but you no longer have to go to a presentation with high pressure techniques similar to Time Share presentations.

The cost of joining is far less than buying a Time Share and you have a choice of over 5000 locations around the world instead of just one.  With no annual fees required or maintenance costs, the savings can be spectacular.

Most of the resorts offer a full range of activities, especially for golf.  Many are close to or associated with a championship course, including some of the best in the world.

Some resorts are all inclusive so that you pay a set amount each day for all drinks, food, amenities and activities, usually excepting motor water sports.  This is excellent for controlling spending.  All others are self catering so you can plan your own holiday.

The accommodation comprises villas or apartments from one to three bedroomed.  All will have kitchen, lounge, often balcony and a dining area.  Some are with Marriotts, Sheratons and other top class hotels, as you would expect.

Prices will, of course, vary but they have a pricing policy that ensures you never pay more than $799 for a full week and many are around $298 per week.  That is, of course, per villa or apartment, not per person.  This is usually much below half the normal costs and generally below a third.

With reduced cost air travel and even cruises available, they can guarantee the whole package will ensure anybody wanting a high quality holiday anywhere around the world can now afford to have one.

Membership is for life and can be used also by family and friends to obtain the same benefits.  It can even be bequeathed to your heirs.

For some details please visit www.holidayscostless.com. 

Geoffrey Lover is retired and, like so many others, has had to change the type of holiday he has according to his reduced income. He came across this organisation recently and feels it is something that others would be interested in knowing about.

He can be contacted at geoff@geoffreylover.com or visit www.golfingsplendour.com.

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