Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
One of the new sports to hit Hawaii is stand-up paddle boarding, where you balance on a
oversized surfboard and maneuver over the water with a very long paddle. Actually, it's quite
easy to do and a great workout at the same time. You feel like you're walking on water and
getting a great view of the aquatic world beneath the waves. If you are in Waikiki, call
Paddle
start at $50 for a group or $75 private.
Snorkeling
Bordered by a 2,000-foot gold-sand beach, the shallow water (10 ft. in places) of
Hanauma
Bay
★★is perfect for neophyte snorkelers. The bay is crowded—sometimes it seems there are
more people than fish—but this former volcanic crater has clear, warm, protected waters and
an abundance of friendly reef fish, including Moorish idols, scores of butterflyfish, damsel-
fish, and wrasses. Hanauma Bay has two reefs, an inner and an outer—the first for novices,
the other for experts. The inner reef is calm and shallow (less than 10 ft.); in some places, you
can just wade and put your face in the water. Go early to beat the crowds: It's packed by 10am
(and closed on Tues). There is a fee for entrance ($7.50) and for parking ($1 per vehicle).
Braver snorkelers may want to head to
Shark's Cove,
on the North Shore just off Kame-
hameha Highway, between Haleiwa and Pupukea. Sounds risky, we know, but we've never
seen any sharks in this cove, and in summer, this big, lava-edged pool is one of Oahu's best
snorkel spots. Waves splash over the natural lava grotto and cascade like waterfalls into the
pool full of tropical fish. To the right of the cove are deep-sea caves to explore.
Sportishing
Kewalo Basin, between the Honolulu International Airport and Waikiki, is the main location
for charter fishing boats on Oahu. From Waikiki, take Kalakaua Ewa (west) beyond Ala Moana
Center; Kewalo Basin is on the left, across from Ward Centre. Look for charter boats all in a
row in their slips; on lucky days, the captains display the catch of the day in the afternoon.
You can also take TheBus no. 19 or 20 (toward the airport).
The best way to book a sportfishing charter is through the experts; the best booking desk in
which not only reserves boats on Oahu, but on all islands. These fishing vessels have been in-
spected and must meet rigorous criteria to guarantee that you will have a great time. Prices
range from $812 to $932 for a full-day exclusive charter (you, plus five friends, get the entire
boat to yourself), $717 for a half-day exclusive, or from $191 for a full-day shared charter (you
share the boat with five other people).
Submarine Dives
Here's your chance to play Jules Verne and experience the underwater world from the comfort
of a submarine, which will take you on an adventure below the surface in high-tech comfort.
If swimming's not your thing, this is a great way to see Hawaii's spectacular sea life; the entire
trip is narrated as you watch tropical fish and sunken ships just outside the sub. Shuttle boats
