Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
No matter which vessel and type you
choose, be sure to see the Hawaiian
Islands from offshore if you can afford
it. It's easy to combine multiple activi-
ties into one cruise: Lots of snorkel
boats double as sightseeing cruises and,
in winter, whale-watching cruises. The
main harbors for visitor activities are
Kewalo Basin, Oahu; Honokohau,
Kailua-Kona, and Kawaihae on the Big
Island; Lahaina and Maaalea, Maui;
Nawiliwili and Port Allen, Kauai; and
Kaunakakai, Molokai.
BODYBOARDING (BOOGIE
BOARDING) & BODYSURFING
Bodysurfing—riding the waves with-
out a board, becoming one with the
rolling water—is a way of life in
Hawaii. Some bodysurfers just rely on
their outstretched hands (or hands at
their sides) to ride the waves; others use
hand boards (flat, paddlelike gloves).
For additional maneuverability, try a
boogie board or bodyboard (also
known as belly boards or
paipo
boards).
These 3-foot-long boards, which sup-
port the upper part of your body, are
easy to carry and very maneuverable in
the water. Both bodysurfing and body-
boarding require a pair of open-heeled
swim fins to help propel you through
the water. Both kinds of wave riding are
very popular in the islands, as the
equipment is inexpensive and easy to
carry, and both sports can be practiced
in the small, gentle waves. See the indi-
vidual island chapters for details on
where to rent boards and where to go.
CAMPING
Hawaii's year-round
balmy climate makes camping a breeze.
However, tropical campers should
always be ready for rain, especially in
Hawaii's winter wet season, but even in
the dry summer season as well. And
remember that mosquitoes are abun-
dant when the air is still; bring a good
mosquito repellent. If you're heading to
the top of Hawaii's volcanoes, you'll
need a down mummy bag. If you plan
to camp on the beach, bring a mos-
quito net and a rain poncho. Always be
prepared to deal with contaminated
water (purify it by boiling, filtration, or
using iodine tablets) and the tropical
sun (protect yourself with sunscreen, a
hat, and a long-sleeved shirt). Also be
sure to check out “Health, Insurance &
Safety,” earlier in this chapter, for hik-
ing and camping tips.
But in general, camping is ideal in
the islands. There are many estab-
lished campgrounds at beach parks,
including Kauai's Anini Beach, Oahu's
Malaekahana Beach, Maui's Waiana-
panapa Beach, and the Big Island's
Hapuna Beach. Campgrounds are also
located in the interior at Maui's
Haleakala National Park and the Big
Island's Hawaii Volcanoes National
Park, as well as at Kalalau Beach on
Kauai's Na Pali Coast and in the cool
uplands of Kokee State Park. See
“Beaches” and “For the Active Family”
in the individual island chapters for
the best places to camp. For details on
who to contact for regulations and
information on camping in any of
Hawaii's national or state parks, see
“Visitor Information,” earlier in this
chapter.
Hawaiian Trail and Mountain
Club,
P.O. Box 2238, Honolulu, HI
96804, offers an information packet
on hiking and camping throughout
Fade to Black
When planning sunset activities, be aware that Hawaii, like other places
close to the equator, has a very short (5-10 min.) twilight period after the
sun sets. After that, it's dark. If you hike out to watch the sunset, be sure
you can make it back quickly, or take a flashlight.
Tips
