Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Travel of O'ahu Island: East side

East side


THINGS TO VISIT ON THE WINDWARD SIDE OF O’AHU)
Nu'uanu Pali State Wayside

1.Nu’uanu Pali Lookout (Nuuanu Pali Dr, Kaneohe, open every day 4 a.m.-8 p.m., no bus service)  

Nuʻuanu Pali is a section of the windward cliff of the Koʻolau mountain located at the head of Nuʻuanu Valley on the island of Oʻahu. It has a panoramic view of the windward coast of Oʻahu.
Nu'uanu Pali

2.Queen Emma Summer Palace (bus to Ala Moana Shopping Center, then transfer to either bus # 56 or 57) 2913 Pali Hwy, open Mon.- Saturday 9 a.m.- 4p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., entrance fee: $ 10*)

Hānaiakamalama, or Queen Emma Summer Palace, served as a retreat for Queen Emma of Hawaii from 1857 to 1885, as well as for her husband King Kamehameha IV, and their son, Prince Albert Edward.

3.Hanauma Bay (bus # 22 from Kalakaua Ave. in a front of Apple store, open Wednesday-Monday 6 a.m.- 5 p.m., entrance fee: $ 7.50 *, you can rent out free snorkeling equipment at the Seaside Hawaiian Hostel).

Hanauma is a marine embayment formed within a tuff ring and located along the southeast coast of the Island of Oʻahu in the Hawaii Kai neighborhood of East Honolulu, the best place for snorkeling).

4.Koko Head Trail (bus # 22 from Kalakaua Ave. in a front of Apple store).

The Koko Head trail has 1048 steps to a 1200 ft summit and offers stunning views of Hawaii Kai and Hanauma Bay. Make sure that you bring a sunscreen and loads of water.

5.Manao Falls (bus # 13 to Liliha, then transfer to bus # 5 at the Ala Moana Shopping Center).

Manoa Falls is a waterfall located in the Manoa Valley in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is located in the gorgeous bamboo forest-y scenery a 1.6-mile long trail. The pathway is very nice and easy to follow, and there are many signs that explain certain trees, plants and other parts of the trail.
Bring lots of water and bug spray!!! There is a waterfall at the end of the trail, so you may want to take a swimsuit too .And be aware that it is a muddy trail, so don’t overdress!


6. Sandy Beach (bus # 23 towards Sea Life Park)

Public beach with large shore breaks offering strong waves for experienced bodysurfers & onlookers.

7.Pele’ Chair (Kaiwi Shoreline Trail, bus # 23 towards Sea Life Park)

On a paved hiking path leading to Makapu'u lighthouse at Makapu'u point sits a lava rock formation known as Pele's Chair. It is said to be the place where Pele departed from O'ahu to do work on other islands. Today, visitors depart from this chair – well, actually from the log in front of it – into a crystal blue lagoon filled with tropical fish. The path continues as a short hike (1.2 miles from the bottom to top) on to Makapu'u lighthouse.

8.Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail and Makapu’u Tidepools (bus # 23 towards Sea Life Park).
Makapu'u Point State Wayside

Coastal tide pools & blowholes made from black lava, reachable by a beachfront hike.

9.Waimanalo Beach (bus to Ala Moana Shopping Center, then transfer to the bus # 57).
Waimanalo Beach

Waimanalo Beach Lookout

Waimānalo Beach is a census-designated place located in the City & County of Honolulu, in the District of Koʻolaupoko, on the island of Oʻahu in the U.S. state of Hawaiʻi. Voted the most beautiful beach in 2016.

10.Kailua Beach/ Lanikai Beach (bus to Ala Moana Shopping Center, then transfer to either bus # 56 or # 57)

Kailua Beach with clear water, fine sand & accessible facilities make this a popular spot for aquatic activities including windsurfing and kayaking.
Lanikai Beach is located in Lanikai, a community in the town of Kailua and on the windward coast of Oahu, Hawaii. The name Lanikai means "heavenly sea." This small ½ mile strip of beach is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world.

*** For water sport equipment rentals please visit either www.kailuasailboards.com, or www.windwardwatersports.com ***

11.Pillboxes Hike (across Lanikai Beach).
This short, sometimes narrow trail features 2 military bunkers & a panoramic view of Lanikai Beach.

12. Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden (bus # 55 from Ala Moana Shopping Center, open every day 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.).

The Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden is a botanical garden located at 45-680 Luluku Road, Kāne'ohe, Oahu, Hawaii. It is part of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens, and is open daily, without charge, except for Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

13.Byodo-In Temple (47-200 Kahekili Hwy, bus # E, 2,13 or 42  towards Downtown Honolulu, then transfer at Hui IWA St + Kahekili Hwy to bus # 65) 

It is a non-denominational temple located on the island of O'ahu in Hawai'i at the Valley of the Temples. It was dedicated in August 1968 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawai’i.

14.Kualoa Ranch (49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, bus # 55 from Ala Moana Shopping Center, open every day 7 a.m.- 6 p.m.)

Kualoa is a 4000-acre private nature reserve and working cattle ranch, as well as a popular tourist attraction and filming location (including Jurassic Park filming location) on the windward coast of Oahu in Hawaii. For booking tours please visit www.kualoa.com.

* All prices are the subject to change.

Travel Guide of O'ahu Island: West side

LEEWARD (WEST) COAST

Places you must visit:

Kahe Beach Park (also called “Electric Beach”, 92-301 Farrington Hwy, bus # E Country Express and transfer at Farrington Hwy + Leoku St to bus # 40)
Warm water from a nearby power plant draws sea life & snorkelers to this narrow public beach. You may spot dolphins early in the morning, so be there by 6 a.m. :)

Marmaids Secret Cave (bus # E Country Express and transfer at Farrington Hwy + Leoku St to bus # 40)

If one of your childhood dreams were to be a mermaid or be lucky enough to witness such fabled creature plunge gracefully into cerulean waters, then by no means should you miss exploring the Mermaid cave in Hawaii. Whether shrouded in mystery or simply favored for its breathtaking yet somewhat dangerous cave formation, this hidden destination has earned a spot on the bucket list of explorers. A lot of locals and tourists have already visited the sea cave and reveled in its “underwater” glory, however, it is still considered to be an off-the-map treasure, keeping human contact and unnatural developments at the minimum. Good snorkeling with turtles, Manta rays, and occasional dolphins. 

Mākaha Beach Park (bus # 19 or # E Country Express to N Beretania St. + Opp Smith St., then transfer to bus # C).
Makaha Beach Park

Mākaha Beach Park is a white sand beach, famous for surfing during winter swells, and hosts the annual Buffalo’s Longboard Contest. Scuba divers also enjoy Mākaha Caverns offshore. It is great for expert surfing, sunbathing, beach walks, swimming and bodyboarding in summer and when the waves are small.

Kaena Point State Park (Ka‘Ena Point, Mokuleia, no bus service)

State park, bird sanctuary and hike at the western tip of Oahu on the western tip of Oahu is Kaena Point. This dramatic lava shoreline is said to be the place where the souls of ancient Hawaiians would jump off into the spirit world and meet the souls of their ancestors. With scenic views of the Waianae coast to the south, Mokuleia to the north, and the vast Pacific, it's easy to see why this point was deemed so sacred. The only way to get to Kaena Point is by hiking. There are two trailheads: From the north side, or Mokuleia side, drive to the very end of Farrington Highway and park at the trailhead. This is a long and notoriously hot hike, so bring plenty of sunscreen and water. Hazardous conditions make any water activities extremely dangerous and are highly discouraged. From the south side, or Leeward Coast side, the trail starts at the end of the road past Yokohama Beach and its three “dips,” or breaks. This west side Oahu icon offers white sand beaches, diving and the possible sight of dolphins.

Paradise Cove (92-1089 Alii Nui Drive, Kapolei open every day 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.). 

A traditional Hawaiian luau experience and memorable adventures, to have been voted Hawaii's Best Luau. For booking the tickets, please visit www.paradisecove.com.


Friday, October 20, 2017

Travel Guide of O'ahu Island: South Shore




Aloha...today I would like to share with you the best tips of the O'ahu Island ...the South Shore...I hope that they will come useful for you :) Enjoy this beautiful Island that I have a privilege to call my home! 


WAIKIKI 



Located on the south shore of Honolulu, the world-famous neighborhood of Waikiki (Known in Hawaiian as "spouting waters) was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty. Waikiki is most famous for its beaches Leahi (Diamond Head) and the calm waters of Waikiki are perfect for a surfing lesson. In fact, legendary Hawaiian waterman Duke Kahanamoku grew up surfing the waves of Waikiki. This Olympic gold medalist in swimming actually taught visitors how to surf at the turn of the century and was later known as “The father of modern surfing.” Today, the Waikiki Beach Boys perpetuate Duke’s legacy by teaching visitors how to surf and canoe and the Duke Kahanamoku Statue has become an iconic symbol of Waikiki.

                                               ACTIVITIES:

Surf classes/Beach accessories rental:
Beach Boys Waikiki Beach 6a.m.-5p.m.





Paddle boards rental/Beach accessories rental:
Koa Beach Services at Fort DeRussy Beach 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Surfboards rental at Seaside Hawaiian Hostel: $ 15.00* 8a.m.-6 p.m.


Hawaiian Parasail 
1651 Ala Moana Blvd., open Mon.-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., for booking call: (808) 591-1280

Snorkelling
Queen Surf Beach (20 minutes’ walk from the Hostel), 

Beach Volleyball
Fort DeRussy Beach Park 8 a.m.-10 p.m. (20 minutes’ walk from the hostel)
                                
                         TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN WAIKIKI:

Diamond Head Hike open every day from 6 a.m. till 6 p.m. (4.30 p.m. the last entrance of the day) $ 1.00* entrance fee, bus # 2 or # 23 on Kuhio Ave. in front of American Savings Bank

Honolulu Zoo ( est.1877) open every day 9 a.m.-4.30 p.m. $ 14* entrance fee

Waikiki Aquarium (est.1907). open every day 9a.m.-5 p.m. $12.00* entrance fee

Waikiki Historical Trail can be found all along Kalakaua and Kuhio Avenues and at gathering places like the Royal Hawaiian Center and the Waikiki Beach Walk. Please, download free trail map from www.waikikihistorictrail.org
                                        
                                           FREE ENTERTAINMENT:

Waikiki Beach Hula Show and Torchlighting (by the Duke Kahanamoku statue): Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 6 p.m.-7 p.m. (winter time), 6.30 p.m.-7.30 p.m. (summer time)

Hula Show at Ala Moana Center performed daily next to the Food Court 1 p.m.-2 p.m.

Hawaiian Culture Performances held daily at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center 6p.m.-7p.m

Hula Dance, Lei making and Lomi Lomi massage classes at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center held daily. For the current schedule please visit: www.royalhawaiiancenter.com, or check out the TV screens located at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center.

Ukulele Lessons at The Ukulele Store Waikiki Beach Walk – Second floor next to Kaiwa Restaurant 226 Lewers Street, Suite #218 held every day 10:30 a.m. & 4:30 p.m.

Fireworks at Hilton Hawaiian Village every Friday at 7.45 p.m.

                                                NIGHTLIFE:
Monday through Sunday:
Arnolds (Dive Bar) 339 Saratoga Road,10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Kelly O’Neil (Irish Bar) with live music 311 Lewers St., 11a.m - 4 a.m.
Amnesia 2256 Kuhio Ave. 2nd floor (Bar games, happy hours drinks, bar food, nightclub),12 p.m.- 2 a.m.
Monday:
LULU’S (across Honolulu Zoo),10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Industrial Night, Drinks Half Off! Cover charge: $ 10.00*, NO BEACHWEAR
Tuesday:
Moose McGillycuddy’s ,310 Lewers St.
DOLLAR DRINKS, Cover charge: $ 10.00*, NO BEACHWEAR
Wednesday:
Playbar (18+ club) 2310 Kuhio Ave.,9 p.m.- 2 a.m.
DOLLAR DRINKS, Cover charge: $ 10.00*, NO BEACHWEAR
Friday and Saturday:
Rum Fire at the Sheraton Hotel ,10 p.m.-1 a.m.
Cover charge: $ 10.00* cover charge, NO BEACHWEAR
Addition Nightclub (18+ club )1775 Ala Moana Blvd.,10 p.m.-3 a.m.
Cover charge: $ 10.00*, NO BEACHWEAR
Sunday:
Duke’s Live Hawaiian Music, 2335 Kalakaua Ave., free admission 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
****Please note that every 1st Friday of the month CHINATOWN is the place to be with many bars, nightclubs opened till late***
                                                     

                                                                          WHERE TO EAT:     

Marukame Japanese Udon (under $ 10.00, Japanese restaurant specializing in noodle soup) 2310 Kuhio Ave., open every day 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

Duke’s Bar and Restaurant (beachfront location, surf ’n’turf, tiki vibe & umbrella drinks)2335 Kalakaua Ave., open every day 7 a.m.-12 a.m.

Cheesecake Factory (American style chain restaurant) 2301 Kalakaua Ave., open every day 11 a.m.-12 a.m.

Yard House 226 Lewers St., open everyday11 a.m.-1.30 a.m. (High-end sports-bar chain with a huge menu of New American fare & extensive list of draft beer, Happy hour drinks available Mon.-Friday 2 p.m.-5.30 p.m.).

Tiki’s Grill and Bar 2570 Kalakaua Ave., open every day 7 a.m.-12 a.m. (Oceanside spot, Hawaiian fare, cocktails and live music, Happy Hour 3 p.m.-6 p.m.).

Heavenly 342 Seaside Ave., open every day 6.30 a.m.-11 p.m. (Hawaiian fare made with local, organic ingredients in health-centric cafe with airy island decor).

Teddy’s Bigger Burgers 134 Kapahulu Ave. (across the Honolulu Zoo), open every day 9 a.m.-12 a.m. (Colorful Hawaiian-based burger place plus fries & shakes).

Ono Hawaiian FOODS 726 Kapahulu Ave., open Mon.-Saturday 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. (family-owned eatery draws locals with a menu of traditional Hawaiian plates). Bus # 13 towards UH Manoa

Rainbow Drive Inn 3308 Kanaina Ave., open every day 7 a.m.-9 p.m. (Hawaiian plate lunches) Bus # 13 towards UH Manoa  
Leonard’s Bakery 933 Kaapahulu Ave. open every day 5.30 a.m.- 11 p.m., bus # 13 towards UH Manoa ( Local fixture since 1952 for Masaladas ).Bus # 13 towards UH Manoa

                                                       SHOPPING:

ABC stores around Waikiki open every day 7: 30 a.m-12 a.m.

Food Pantry on Kuhio Ave. open every day 7 a.m.-12 a.m.

Walmart opened 24/7 bus # 13 towards Liliha

Safeway opened 24/7 bus # 13 towards UH Manoa

Kalakaua Ave. shops open every day 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

Ala Moana Shopping Center open every day 9 a.m.-9p.m. any bus apart from bus # 2

International Market Place open every day 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Duty Free Galleria on Royal Hawaiian Ave. (Money exchange on the first floor) open every day 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

Waikele Premium Outlets (bus # E from the Kuhio Ave./Seaside Ave. bus stop, aprox. 1-hour ride, open Mon.- Saturday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.)

* all prices are the subject to change
       
                   HONOLULU DOWNTOWN
Bus # 2,13,19,20,42 from the Kuhio Ave./Seaside Ave. bus stop
                     
 Must See Landmarks
Experience these 10 must see Honolulu landmarks yourself on our suggested 2.3-mile Honolulu walking route. 
1) Aloha Tower (155 Ala Moana Blvd, open every day 9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
A tour of downtown might begin at the Aloha Tower Marketplace, a harbor side complex of shops and restaurants surrounding historic Aloha Tower. When it was erected in 1926 to welcome passenger ships arriving at Honolulu Harbor, this 10-story tower was the tallest building in the state.
2) Hawaii Maritime Center (707 Alakea St.)
Next door is the Hawaii Maritime Center, which traces Hawaii’s colorful ocean history from the ancient Polynesian voyagers and rowdy whalers to the luxury liners of the 1920s and ’30s.
3) Chinatown 
Walk mauka (towards the mountain) and west, and you’ll come to Chinatown bustling area filled with ethnic eateries, lei stands, fresh produce vendors, herbal shops and more. The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii offers weekly guided walking tours of Chinatown.
Tip: Make a quick stop at the Aloha Market for fresh local produce.
4) Iolani Palace: (on the corner Of King St. & Richard St.  Open hours: Monday – Saturday from 9 am – 4 pm). Entrance fee: Self tour – $14.75*, Guided tour – $21.75*
Heading east on King Street, walk through the main business district until you reach Iolani Palace, the only royal palace standing on American soil. The palace served as the royal residence for Hawaii’s last two monarchs, King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani. Guided tours are available here five days a week.

5) State Capitol Building (415 S. Beretania St.)
Behind the palace is the State Capitol Building, where the governor and state legislature fight their political battles. The building opened in 1969 and remains a unique work of architecture. The cone-shaped chambers symbolize Hawaii’s volcanoes, and the building columns are reminiscent of palm trees. The large pool of water surrounding the building symbolizes the fact that Hawaii is the only island state in the U.S.

6) King Kamehameha Statue (447 S King St.)
Across the street from Iolani Palace is the Kamehameha statue, which fronts Honolulu’s old judicial building. The bronze statue stands eight feet and six inches high (not including the 10-foot-high base). Every June 11 on King Kamehameha Day, the statue is adorned with beautiful floral leis, some as long as 18 feet in length.

7) Mission Houses Museum (553 S King St., open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Cross Punchbowl Street to find the Mission Houses Museum, where the first American Protestant missionaries established their headquarters in 1820. The structures you see here include the oldest surviving Western-style buildings in the state. They house a treasure trove of original artifacts, including furniture, books, quilts and other household items that once belonged to missionary families.
8) Hawaii State Art Museum (250 South Hotel St, Second Floor, open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.) Free admission
The No. 1 Capitol District Building, on the site of the former Armed Services YMCA Building, now houses the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum and the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.

9) Bishops Museum (1525 Bernice St., open every day 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) Entrance fee: $ 22.95*
The Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, designated the Hawaiʻi State Museum of Natural and Cultural History, is a museum of history and science located in the historic Kalihi district of Honolulu on the Hawaiian island of O'ahu.

10) Liliuokalani Botanical Garden (123 N Kuakini St., open every day 7 a.m.- 5 p.m.)
The Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden is a city park and young botanical garden located on North Kuakini Street, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. It is one of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens, and open daily without charge.
***It is recommended to try the best Hawaiian restaurant on the way to Downtown***
Highway Inn
680 Ala Moana Blvd. bus # 19 or # 20 towards Honolulu Airport , open Mon.-Saturday  8.30 a.m.-8.30 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-2.30 p.m.( All-day menu of traditional Hawaiian fare).

*All prices are the subject to change

PEARL HARBOR

Direct bus # 20 or # 42 from the Kuhio Ave./Seaside Ave., approx. 1 hour 15 minutes bus ride. Open every day apart from National Holidays from 7 a.m. till 5 p.m.

TICKETS:
  1. There are over 2,000 walk-in tickests daily and they are given on a first come, first served basis (* it is recommended to arrive by 7: 30 a.m. at Pearl Harbor  Visitor’s Center to get walk-ins tickets).
  2. Book tickets 24 hours in advance at www.recreation.gov and search for „Pearl Harbor Historic Sites USS Arizona ( *you must arrive at the Visitor Center one hour prior to your ticketed time).
* Please note that if it is too windy ferries to the memorial are cancelled.

OTHER SITES AT PEARL HARBOR ( each of these sites has a separate admission price, but there is a bundle deal. Please visit www.peralharborhistoricsites.org for more information.

*USS Missouri: site of the Japanese surrender in 1945
*USS Bowfin: Submarine museum with 4,000 submarine-related artifacts

*Pacific Aviation Museum : Museum dedicated to the history of aviation

Sunday, May 1, 2016

Kulia i ka Nu'u...Kapi'olani Community College





Campus map





"Kulia i ka Nu'u" in Hawaiian language means "Strive for the Highest", and it is the strong message of the Queen Kapi'olani Community College, especially for me, personally,  as it reminds me to be a better person everyday, to learn new things everyday and to go for a personal success.
Today, I would like to introduce you to the beautiful campus of Kapi'olani Community College, which is situated across the Diamond Head Volcano Crater. I ended up to start my education here for the purpose of learning the Polynesian Hospitality…the best one in the world, in my opinion. Through my two and a half years of studying here, I learned many good lessons in the class and outside the class. What it makes a special place here in Hawai'i  are beautiful gardens and  amazing views of the ocean and Diamond Head .
If you decide to visit this scenic campus, please come and dine in one of the two restaurants that are run by culinary and hospitality students, such as Ka'Ikena restaurant.  They prepare delicious sustainable food, bake amazing desserts and provide the highest service that you can encounter in the restaurant. I know that is true, as I was working in these restaurants during my class last semester. This is truly the place to be….


Great Lawn

KCC's Garden

KCC's Garden

KCC's Garden
KCC's Garden

KCC's Garden

Ocen view