Hanauma Bay-Best Snorkeling

I love Hanauma Bay! If your looking for good snorkeling, Hanauma Bay is a must. I have been to Hanauma over 50 times in the last two years. My family and I like to go and snorkel on the weekend, but we also take all our out of town guest here too.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of the most spectactular site on Oahu. Even if you don't swim or lik to snorkel, it is a beautiful site to see.

In 1967 the bay was declared a protected marine life conservation area and underwater park. This is THE BEST protected cove if you are new to scuba diving or snorkeling with a diverse population of marine life and a large, rich coral reef. Advanced snorkelers and divers can also enjoy the beauty of this bay as the reef extends throughout the cove into deeper water. The bay floor is actually the crater of an ancient volcano that flooded when the exterior wall collapsed and the ocean rushed in.

There is a large sandy beach perfect for sunbathing, relaxing and picnicing. Several hiking trails extend along coastline and along the ridge overlooking the bay providing breathtaking lookouts. I love to sit here for hours a get a perfect tan.

If you don't have snorkeling gear, don't worry. The gear is available for rent at the bottom of the beach. It is also a good idea to bring and cooler and small food because you can build quite a big appetite after an hour or two of snorkeling and there are no concession stand on the beach.

Don't be surprise if you find yourself swimming next to a sea turtle!

Directions:Take Kalaniana'ole Highway east from Waikiki for approximately 10 miles. Entrance to the preserve is on the right.

Useful Information:
This is a Marine Life Conservation Area: no pets allowed; no alcoholic beverages; no fishing or feeding the fish; do not remove, harass, or harm any marine life
Call 808-396-4229 for recorded message with all current fees, times, conditions
Currently OPEN from 6am - 6pm (winter - October thru March) and 6am - 7pm (summer - April thru September)
Currently OPEN every Saturday from 6am - 10pm throughout the year
Currently CLOSED every Tuesday
$1 per car parking fee - large, paved parking lot - arrive early as the lot fills quickly and lines may be long
$5 per person admission fee for 13 year old or older; Free for children under 13 years and for Hawaii residents and military stationed in Hawaii with proper ID
Visitors are required to watch an educational film about the bay, the marine life and the preserve prior to going down to the beach.
Paved walkway from entrance down to beach
Optional shuttle bus available to bring visitors up and down the hill to the beach. - currently fee is $1 per person each way. Handicap accessible.
Lifeguards
Reef and sand beach area
Picnic facilities with tables, grassy areas and shade located near the parking lot
Concession stand located near the entrance
Restrooms located at the top and bottom area
Showers
Snorkel, mask and fin rental available on the beach
Locker rental available on the beach

Cheap eats in Hawaii

If your hungry for a hamburger, a local favorite is Kau ' Aina . They are located at intersection of Auahi and Kamake'e street at Ward Center.















Today I am having the a cheese burger with avocado. I ordered a 1/3 lb. cheeseburger (with cheddar cheese) and add on a side of avocado. The cheese burger runs about $6 dollars and add an additional $1.10 for avocado.

The burger is served with lettuce, tomato, mayonaisse, grilled onions and a carrot stick at no extra charge. The burger is charbroiled to perfection and very nicely seasoned. It's moist juicy, just the way I like it.

You can add on a small order of fries for a dollar and eighty cents.

Besides burgers, Kua 'Aina serves chicken, fish and turkey sandwich. My girlfriend doesn't really care for beef, so she had the chicken sandwich and a small side salad.

Enjoy the Hawaii's local grindz!

Kua 'Aina Sandwich ShopWard Village Shops1116 Auahi StreetTelephone: 808.591.9133

Diamond Head Momument " A Must See"

Diamond Head Monument a must see. The Monument is located off Diamond Head Rd. between Makapuu and 18th Ave. on the south shore of Oahu.

The hike to the top of Diamond Head is a novice hike that any age can do. It is a 1.4 mile round trip hike that consist of two sets of upward steps which is the most difficult part of the hike.

Some people may feel the hike is not fun do to their physical condition, but many locals walk/run the trail daily or weekly for fun.

The best time to walk the trail is early morning as it can get really hot during mid day. Make sure you bring a bottle of water along for the hike. If you forget, you can purchase drinks at the bottom of the 761 foot crater before you start on the hike. Nothing is sold during or at the peak of Diamond head.

Once you have successfully made it to the top, you get a spectacular 365 degree view of Oahu. Well worth the hike. I have probably hiked over 50 times up Diamond Head for fun and taking guests in town. I thoroughly enjoy it each and every time.

The Monument opens at 6:30 AM and closes at 6:00 PM year round. It costs $1.00 to walk in or $5.00 per car. The only restroom is at the bottom and I would recommend using it before you start your hike.

Here's a pic of the view from the top of Diamond Head. A real Gem!

A must eat on Oahu - Giovanni's

If your planning a trip to hawaii and will be staying on Oahu, you definitely need to take a trip to the northshore and drop by the famous White Shrimp truck "Giovanni's ". Located in Kahuku, it's a great lunch stop on a fun tour of the North Shore and the windward coasts of Oahu. They have the best garlic butter scampi around. For $13 dollars, you get around 13 large shrimps on two large scoops of white rice loaded with garlic and butter. This is a must eat! While you are there, you can sit undernearth a large canopy with picnic style benches and have a coconut drink right out of the coconut. A great experience for locals and visitors.