A Look at Beautiful Hawaii From Author Joyce Hauolila Carter April 12, 2010
Posted by J.Carter in : General, Hawaii timeshare, News & Events, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel , trackbackAloha everyone! I’m writing to you from my second home—Maui—where I’m staying for the month of April for the first time in four years. I have been unable to travel for that length of time, and at last I have returned in body as well as in spirit.
CHECK IN with JOYCE in May to learn more about the islands of Moloka‘i and Lana’i.
Scenic Vistas and Things to See
Diamond Head has become the most recognizable symbol of Hawai‘i, named so because some sailors spied glittering crystals there that they thought were diamonds. This volcanic crater is only a few miles outside of Honolulu, but a hike along the crater’s rim will bring you close to nature and a breath-taking view of Waikiki and Honolulu.
Most first-time visitors don’t realize that a few miles out of the city and just over the Ko‘olau Mountains (extinct volcano), which the Hawaiians call “over the Pali, is the quiet Windward Coast of O‘ohu and the small towns of Kanaohe and Kailua and their beautiful white-sand beaches. When you reach the summit, stop to view the valley from The Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout for a thrill. Then drive down to the shore and enjoy the pace and feel of the Hawai‘i of fifty years ago.
Even if you’re not a surfing aficionado, a trip to the North Shore and The Bonzai Pipeline and Waimea Bay is thrilling. During winter, the waves are tremendous and many competitions are held, but even in spring and fall, spending a day watching fantastic athletes, skilled amateurs and pros, conquer the waves.
Interesting Pastimes
The Expensive:
Whale watches, submarine rides, evening cruises, snorkeling and scuba diving boat and fishing trips can be booked through hotels and activity kiosks on the streets. The company you choose for these activities determines whether they are expensive or economical. Do your homework and choose accordingly. Helicopter rides are available and expensive, but they are definitely worth the money.
The Economical:
Horseback riding Horseback riding, tennis courts, and golf courses are everywhere. The place determines the price.
Free!
First, get in your rental car and drive! I say the same thing for every island because this is the ay to get to know it. After all, how can you get lost on an island??? And if you do need help, what better way is there than to stop and ask a local for directions. Show a little bit of interest in what’s Hawaiian, and you’ll make a friend.
Put on your walking shoes and take a hike. Trails abound, but don’t take off on your own without a map and proper equipment, especially in the rainforest. A sudden downpour can cause flooding on the mountain slopes. More than one unsuspecting tourist has been washed out to sea.
Stop at a beach and enjoy a picnic lunch, but however calm the water looks, never swim alone. In fact, don’t swim at all unless someone knowledgeable has recommended the site as safe for swimming. YOU ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN, and currents are tricky. Always respect the ocean.
Shopping and Dining
In a city the size of Honolulu, all you have to do is spit to hit a restaurant or place to shop, so I won’t even attempt to make recommendations. Dining is a matter of personal choice. Hotels offer wonderful fare, but sometimes at outrageous prices. One of the greatest advantages of a place like Hawai‘i is its diverse numbers of cultures placed in a small area. All kinds of cooking are available for all kinds of tastes. If you want an adventure in dining, drive over the Pali or to the north shore and check out a little Mom & Pop type restaurant. Ask for their recommendation or to explain their best dish. Don’t hesitate to make this visit one for an adventure in dining. I enjoy for chicken or pork katsu or Kal Bi steak. If you’re REALLY adventurous, ask for a Hawaiian plate.
Lu‘au
All the hotels have lu’ua ceremonies. They are exciting and exotic, and I recommend that you attend one. Most offer Hawaiian and”American” food. Take a chance and try kalau pig, lomi lomi salmon, chicken and long rice, Hawaiian stew, sticky rice, Hawaiian potato salad, poi, and a mai tai with haupia pudding for dessert. The entertainment is authentic but often lu‘aus feature more South Pacific dance than Hawaiian hula. On O’ahu, it’s a little harder to find a church or school lu’au where local folk put on a beautiful spread of food and hula schools, ukulele bands, and local vocalists and instrumentalist perform. Strike up a conversation with someone local and ask where you can go. If you find such a place and you’re very, very lucky, at the end of the day the aunties and uncles (older generations) will throw away their canes and hula like nobody else can. And when they invite you up to join them, DO IT!
CHECK the BUY A TIMESHARE ARCHIVE BLOGS for information about Joyce’s books on her Hawaiian spirituality experiences: “IN THE PRESENCE OF ANGELS” and “THERE IS NO VEIL.”
CONTACT the AUTHOR at: Info@angelbook.net, placing the words “book information” in the subject line.
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