:: Why Hawaii? ::

Climate

The Hawaiian Island Chain

The islands of the State are the eastern-most members of the Hawaiian island Chain. This Chain extends for a distance of 2,000 miles (3,218.688 km) from Kure and Midway Islands at the northwest to the Island of Hawaii at the extreme southeast end. There are six major islands in the State which occupy a narrow zone 430 miles (692.017 km) long. From west to east these are Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii. Taken together with the much smaller islands of Niihau and Kahoolawe, their total area is 6,424 square miles (10,338.425 km), about 30 percent greater than that of the state of Connecticut.

Cultural Diversity

The islands have a total population of 1.2 million, consisting of a variety of ethnicities including Caucasian, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Brazilian, Samoan, Chinese as well as Hawaiian. All these cultures and traditions combine to provide Hawaii with its rich history and cultural diversity. The Hawaiian islands are known as a cultural melting pot of food, language and customs.

Food of the Islands

Because Hawaii is a melting pot of many different culturals, the cuisine of Hawaii also mirrors that trend.  In Hawaii you will find a plethora of restaurants with roots from all over the world.  Some restaurants will have a combination of the cultures on one plate, known as Hawaiian fusion cuisine.  Hawaii is known for their fresh seafood like Kahuku farm raised prawns and homegrown produce like the Hauula tomatoes.  See a list of the seasonal produce.

Hawaii's Beaches

Hawaii has some of the best beaches in the world.  Surfing, diving, kayaking, swimming, kite surfing, sailing, or simply sunbathing are just some of the activities that can be done year round.  The water temperature for the island of Oahu averages between 75-80 degrees F (21-27 degrees C) year round.    

Surfing

Hawaii has some of the best surfing in the world.  Hawaii has two distinct surfing seasons, which are the summer and winter swells.  During the summer from about June to October, tropical storms from the south pacific send waves to the south shore of the Hawaiian islands.  During the winter from about November to March storms generated from Alaska sending massive size waves toward the north shore of the islands.  Hawaii is most famous for the waves on the North Shore of Oahu.  From Haleiwa to Sunset Beach is where the heaviest waves on the island break and it is also home to the Triple Crown Championship of Surfing, the largest competition for professional surfers in the world. The North Shore of is also home to Quiksilver's Big Wave Invitational in memory of big wave surfer and North shore lifeguard Eddie Aikau.  This contest is an invitation-only event for elite surfers of the world, held at Waimea Bay.  The contest holding period for this year is December 1, 2007 to February 29, 2008 with wave heights at minimum 20 feet Hawaiian scale (which is roughly 50% of the wave face).  This contest has only been held 6 times in 17 years.          

Hawaiian Monk Seals

On rare occasions the people of Hawaii may come across the Hawaiian monk seal resting on our beaches.  This is a special and rare occurrence.  In the past few years, the Hawaiian monk seal population has plummeted to 1,200 individuals, making it the United States' most endangered marine mammal. The oldest living seal species, it is one of only two remaining tropical seals--the Mediterranean monk seal is also critically endangered. A third tropical seal, the Caribbean monk seal, has been extinct since the 1950s.  There is a NOAA (National Marine Fisheries Service) recovery plan currently in place to help protect the seals.  If someone comes in contact with one of the seals they are urged to keep there distance to 150 feet away and contact the Hawaiian Monk Seal Sightings Hotline at (808) 292-2372.

North Pacific Humpback Whales

During November to May the majority of North Pacific Humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii, where they mate, calve, and nurse their young.  On the island of Maui off of Lahaina Harbor is the best place to see Humpback whales.  Visitors can see the whales breaching from land or can get a closer view on a boat tour.      

Mauna Kea

Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, the mountain Mauna Kea is 13,796 feet high (22,202.509 kilometers), and a popular destination for curious observers and adventurous mountaineers.  For those who wish to journey up the mountain a 4 wheel drive vehicle is necessary.  If you are planning to get out of the car, the daytime highs are 30-50 degrees F (-1 to 10 degrees C) and the night-time lows are 20-30 degrees F (-7 to -1 degrees C), so pack clothes accordingly.  On the ride up you will find the State Park and Visitor's Center.  At the summit if the snow is ideal some people ski and snowboard down the mountain.  Also at the summit you can find twelve world class telescopic observatories.      

The Na Pali Coast

Located on the Garden Isle of Kauai, the Na Pali Coast is 15 miles of rugged coastline on the northwest shore of the island.  The Na Pali coast is a remote stretch of land that is only accessible via a strenuous hike on foot or by boat.  For the adventurous hiker, the eleven-mile “Kalalau Trail” is a way to experience the Na Pali. Beginning at Ke`e Beach and ending at Kalalau Valley, this challenging but rewarding hike, earned the Sierra Club’s rating of a “9” out of “10” in degrees of difficulty.  The Kalalau trail is 11 miles long and takes approximately 2 to 3 days.  When you arrive at Kalalau Beach, it will be well worth the trek.  You will find yourself taking morning showers in a waterfall that hits the beach with billie goats drink from the pool, quite a sight.

 Hawaiian Vacation Rentals

When staying on the islands, a popular alternative to the mainstream hotels are beach front vacation rentals.  Visitors can choose from condominiums, townhomes, and houses depending on the number of guests.  Beach front houses are gaining popularity among families because they can accommodate multiple people and include full kitchens for families who prefer to cook meals.  Many vacation rentals can be found along the waterfront giving those visitors privacy and luxury of their very own beach front vacation.  Accomodations are typically rented by the day with usually a minimium of 3-5 days.  For more information on Hawaiian vacation rentals contact Rentals@OptimumWorld.com.