Best Beaches in Hawaii

Posted on May 14th, 2008 in United States by kathrynv

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Creative Commons License credit: Jeff Kubina

Travelers go to Hawaii to enjoy the beaches there. Sure, there are plenty of other activities to engage in during your stay in Hawaii but it’s not likely that you go there without a plan to take advantage of the great opportunity available to enjoy some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Whether you want to lay out on the sand and soak up the sun rays or get out on the water and ride some of the largest waves in the ocean, there is a beach in Hawaii that will be the perfect place for making your vacation wonderful.

Top 10 romantic places to vacation

Posted on February 11th, 2008 in Travel Destinations by Rachel Sawyer

Where are the most romantic places in the world? Depends on what you’re looking for. Whether your a beach person or a city lover, a hiker or a culture vulture, one of the following destinations is sure to provide the perfect setting for romance to blossom.

It’s better in the Bahamas

Bahamas
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Romantic Places to Visit in Hawaii

Posted on February 4th, 2008 in Group Travel by kathrynv

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Hawaii used to be a romantic destination for couples. This beautiful island that we’re lucky to call a part of the United States is still a terrific place for honeymooners and others who want to enjoy a sensual time-for-two. However, Hawaii has also become a favorite destination of families, business travelers and others who aren’t looking for a romantic good time. That means that it’s harder than it used to be to find the romance in this romantic destination. From the accommodations to the attractions, here are the locations in Hawaii that will help you find all of the romance that this hot spot has hidden within: Romantic Hotels in Hawaii: You can’t find romance if you’re staying in a hotel that’s designed for the people who are doing business in the state. And you can’t find it if you’re staying in accommodations that are filled with families seeking to stay somewhere on a budget. To immerse yourself in the magic of Hawaii, you have to start by staying in hotel or spa designed for the honeymooner (even if you’re just there for a wild affair).

  • Outrigger Reef. The name doesn’t sound particularly sexy but hidden underneath is a sparkling new hotel that houses ocean-front suites of various sizes. Get a couples’ massage at the spa and grill a steak with your sweetie at the outdoor BBQ bar. Located in Waikiki, this hotel puts you close to plenty of activities as well as to the opportunity to walk along a beautiful beach.
  • The Fairmont Orchid. This isn’t just a hotel. It’s a resort that sits upon over thirty acres of lagoon-side beach property. An outdoor spa, waterfall massages, stunning rooms … If you want it, it’s here.
  • Schrader’s Windward Country Inn. This bed-and-breakfast has everything you’d want from a B&B including a beach to go with it. Spend the evenings fishing right off of the porch. Spend the night retired in a cozy romantic room for two.

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Romantic Landmarks and Attractions in Hawaii: There are many famous attractions in Hawaii. You’ll want to see only a few of them since they’re not all conducive to romance. Skip the ones that aren’t about love; you can always come back later with your family and experience them.

  • Waimea Falls. There are beautiful waterfalls here, some of which are secluded enough that you can get away and enjoy a few romantic hours with your partner. There aren’t too many places in the United States where you can see nature like this with someone you love.
  • Snorkeling in Maui. Maui is a great place for people who have never snorkeled before to get the experience. It’s a shared experience that will help make the vacation memorable for you and your partner. Try to schedule first thing in the morning or late at night to avoid most of the family crowds. Go to Kaanapali to see the black rock beaches.
  • Kaanapali Beach Walk. This is a favorite for couples who like to stroll along together. It’s lit up at night with tiki torches and is designed to create an air of both romance and comfort.
  • Kayak the Wailua River. Skip whale watching and go for kayaking instead. This river ride will up the ante on your excitement level and make your heart pitter patter for more. Stop at the Fern Grotto, a favorite wedding location inside of a fern-covered cave.
  • Luau. Many hotels offer “cultural experiences” which translates to holding a luau. They’re a little on the cheesy side but it’s a Hawaiian experience that you’ll want to make sure to have. Maybe you can learn to hula and take those hips swinging back to your room.

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Romantic Hawaiian Spots that Aren’t So Well-Known: To truly find Hawaii’s magic, you have to not only explore the famous romantic landmarks in the state but also to find the hidden gems that others aren’t aware of. That’s where the real magic is.

  • A night under the stars. Not many people know it, but you can camp on almost any beach in Hawaii if you’ve got a fishing pole and license with you. Spend a night under the stars with your sweetheart and let the simple serenity sweeo you off your feet.
  • Ke’e Beach in Kauai. There aren’t many beaches in Hawaii that aren’t bustling with activity but this is one of them. If you want a secluded space to sit by the water with your sweetie, head to this north shore beach and you’ll find it waiting for you.
  • First Friday Artwalk in Downtown Oahu. You don’t think of Hawaii as an urban mecca but it has some “city” to it. Experience the modern art of the area at a downtown art walk on the first Friday of any month. It’s popular with locals but less known by tourists.

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Romantic Restaurants in Hawaii: Your accommodations will set the stage for romance and the landmarks will help seal the deal but if you stop and grab a burger you’re letting the magic slip away. Continue the romance with every meal by indulging in some of the most romantic meals in Hawaii.

  • Bamboo Restaurant. There is a unique taste to true Hawaiian food and this restaurant captures it. Not only is the restaurant itself romantic, but the drive you’ll take to get there will seduce you as well.
  • Gerard’s Restaurant. There is hardly anything more romantic in dining than French cuisine. Unless you use traditional Hawaiian foods to put a tropical spin on French delights. And then place it on the site of a romantic bed-and-breakfast. Consider booking a night here since all that wine is going to want to make you stay there.
  • Imanas Tei. Bamboo seating, traditional sushi dishes and food made right at your table are just a few of the qualities that make this restaurant ideal for a couple wishing to experience Hawaii’s romance from start to finish.

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Romantic Views of Hawaii: There’s no doubt about it – Hawaii is beautiful. That’s a big part of why this state is such a draw for people seeking romance. But you’re not going to see all of the beauty if you’re just standing on the ground. Here are the places in Hawaii where you can see the city in a way that shows off its sweeter side:

  • Diamond Head at Sunset. This one is designed for active people who want to experience Hawaii’s nature. It’s a hike up a hill that overlooks Waikiki. There will be a decent number of people here so it’s not complete romance-for-two but watching the sunset here can be a great start to a night of Hawaiian passion.
  • Sunrise at Mount Haleakala. If you’re more of a morning person, a share sunrise might be more your thing. Don’t worry; you can drive to the top of this one to skip the hiking. It’s atop a volcano so you get a new experience and a great view.
  • Nu’uanu Pali. This state park in Oahu is a unique area with striking views of both water and land. Go on a weekday in the off season for the most likely chance of spending some time along here with your sweetheart.

There is plenty of romance filling Hawaii. You just have to know how to find it amidst the other tourist attractions that can be found in the state. Make sure that you plan for a romantic rendezvous from the hotel to the nighttime views of the state and you won’t be disappointed by the Hawaiian experience of love.

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3 hot spots for group travel

Posted on January 2nd, 2008 in Group Travel by kathrynv

Pride of Aloha cruise

It can be difficult to decide where to travel with your group. Although there are many terrific options for group travel, there are only a few places that are consistently good for all different types of groups. Here are three of those hot spots for your group to consider: