Photo courtesy of: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa

The Tidepools Restaurant is set among koi-filled lagoons with a backdrop of waterfalls, at the luxurious Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa. The restaurant has a reputation for fresh fish, seafood specialties and rich flavored char-broiled steak and prime rib.

Tidepools Restaurant provides a distinctive open-air setting in Polynesian hale or thatched roof huts. Savor fresh Pacific Rim style cuisine gazing over the lush grounds and the azure Pacific Ocean.

A consistent winner of the prestigious Hale ‘Aina award, Tidepools draws repeat guests who rave about the fresh island fish and steak options including oven-roasted ono crusted with banana and macadamia nuts, seared opah topped with blue crab and lobster, or garlic and peppercorn rubbed prime rib.

Salads feature fresh island-greens and the desserts are luscious. Don’t miss this delightful experience.

Tidepools Restaurant
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
1571 Poipu Road,
Koloa, Hawaii, USA 96756
808-240-6456
Visit their web site

Hulopoe Beach Park on Lanai is a wondrous part of this little island. Hulupoe is located on the south east coast of Lanai and is not that far from the Manele Bay boat landing, which is just below the luxurious Manele Bay Hotel Lanai Hawaii.

The Hulopoe Beach Park has a relatively steep shoreline, making it an ideal swimming spot. This lovely beach is also carpeted in beautiful golden sand.

Body boarding and surfing are several of the popular activities, along with snorkeling. Snorkeling is especially popular, due to the high number and variety of tropical fish that live in the area’s coral filled crystal waters. Of course for those who are a bit more adventurous, off-shore diving excursions are available.

The warm Pacific waters surrounding the park are also home to a thriving marine reserve. Because of this, fishing is restricted to only a simple hook and line from the shore. Due to the presence of this marine safe house.

The Hulopoe waters are also alive with stingrays and jellyfish. Swimmers should always be aware of their surroundings and not panic if they do happen to cross paths with one of these two potentailly dangerous species.

Lanai’s Hulopoe Beach is one of the few places you can legally camp and experience a memorable night under the clear, Pacific night sky. The park itself is equipped with restrooms that have both showers and running water. In addition, there are several picnic tables and barbecue sites distributed around the park’s six camp sites.

Camping permits are issued by the Lanai Company (the owners) and many times not valid for more than seven days.

Visitors to Hulopoe Beach also have access to shaded picnic areas, barbeque sites, and falls directly at the doorstep of the The Manele Bay Hotel and the Lodge at Koele.

Hulupoe Beach is a must for vacationers of Lanie. Who can resist the allure of the soft, white sands, 70 degree waters, and the intricate tide pools that populate this scenic area.

Hulupoe is truly one of Hawaii’s best beaches.

Anara Spa is located in the luxurious Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa in tropical Kauai, Hawaii. Since 1991, the spa has pampered guests with world-class treatments that blend traditional Hawaiian customs with nature’s soothing powers.

Anara Spa’s multi-million dollar expansion and renovation added five elegant open-air hale (thatched roof bungalows), each hale features its own exclusive lava rock shower and steam grotto.

Two hale are designed specifically for couples treatments. An open-air Vichy treatment room for soothing hydrotherapy was also added along with two lava rock botanical baths, a relaxation room, and an open-air hale for fitness classes, yoga, and personal training.

Existing treatment rooms, each opening to their own private garden, were completely renovated adding native koa wood cabinetry.

The well appointed fitness center, open 24/7, was expanded by 900 square feet allowing for additional cardio and strength equipment.

At Anara Spa you can choose from an array of innovative treatments rooted in Hawaiian healing traditions for a spa experience like no other.

Anara Spa
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
1571 Poipu Road, Koloa, Hawaii, USA 96756
Tel: +1 808 742 1234

Diamond Head is Hawaii’s most famous landmark. Known in Hawaiian as Le’ahi, so named by Hi’laka, the sister of the fire god Pele, because the summit supposedly resembles the forehead (lae) of the yellowfin tuna fish (‘ahi). It wasn’t until the late 1700′s, when western traders thought they had found diamonds on the slope of the crater, that they began to call it Diamond Head.

But before you head to the Diamond Head State Monument to dig for diamonds, you should know that (to the disappointment of the western explorers and traders) the so-called diamonds were merely calcite crystals, worthless to mine.

The must-do at the Diamond Head State Monument is the short hike through old military bunkers. (Bring water and a flashlight.) The historical trail to the summit is an easy 1.4 mile hike that climbs an elevation of 560 feet and ends with sweeping views of the Honolulu area.

There are handrails, plenty of places to rest, and places of interest, so allow 1.5 to 2 hours for a leisurely round-trip hike. Also, bring a flashlight because portions of this trail go through long, dark tunnels. Amazingly, some locals and visitors jog up and down Diamond Head for exercise.

To get to the access road to the trail, follow Kalakaua Avenue to Kapiolani Park. Go north on Diamond Head Avenue to 18th Avenue.

The new Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, formerly the Hyatt Regency Kauai, is a luxurious 602-room resort recognized by the most respected travel publications as one of top tropical resorts anywhere in the world.

Located on 50 ocean front acres, the Hawaii resort on Kauai is elegant, yet casual and captures the classic, timeless beauty of the islands. Its architecture is reminiscent of Hawaii during the 1920s and ’30s, creating a romantic sense of place that evokes an emotional connection with the land and its people.

The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa is thoughtfully built into a hillside overlooking beautiful Keoneloa Bay, blending into the lush mantle of rolling green mountains, and sloping gently to the Pacific and five acres of man-made lagoons that blend with a white sand beach.

The award-winning ANARA Spa recently completed a multi-million dollar expansion and renovation. The project added five new elegant open-air hale (thatched roof bungalows). Each hale now features its own exclusive lava rock shower and steam grotto.

Each of Anara’s personalized spa services embrace elements of traditional Hawaiian healing to release your mind from stress, promote optimum health in your body, and achieve lightness in your spirit, enabling a profound sense of harmony, or lokahi.

The recently renovated guest rooms offer a spacious 600 square feet and each room includes: a private lanai, a separate seating area, elegant Hawaiian style furnishings, air conditioning and ceiling fans, double marble sinks in each bathroom and expected amenities such as remote control color TV with cable reception, in-room safe, high speed internet access, and three telephones including one portable phone.

Close to 70 percent of the rooms provide an ocean or partial ocean view. The remainders are lagoon, garden and mountain views.

Within the resort are six restaurants and lounges, including two of Kauai’s finest dining establishments—Tidepools and Dondero’s. Stevenson’s Library, a favorite gathering place for cocktails and pupus (appetizers) offers fun atmosphere and nightly entertainment.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
1571 Poipu Road,
Koloa, Hawaii, USA 96756
Visit their web site

Photo by: Dale Walsh

Bubba Gumps is a really fun place to dine. Shrimp heaven to say the least. Ocean front dining in Lahaina, Bubba Gumps is a great place to stop for lunch. The menu is moderate in price starting at $12.95 and capping at about $22.00.

Bubba Gump’s is like a box of chocolates!  You never know what the great tasting food you’re going to eat there.

Bubba Gumps is open for both lunch and dinner. The menu is the same all day, so take advantage of the ambience during the day for lunch, or and early dinner. The views are outstanding of the waterfront.

The fun at Bubba Gumps begins with the license plates on the table. The license plates (sign) flips up with one side stating “Run Forrest Run” and the other side stating “Stop Forrest Stop”.

If you want the server to stop the license plate must be showing “Stop Forrest Stop”. You will be surprised how quick they stop when you flip the sign over. The staff at Bubba Gump will also come around to the tables and quiz you on the movie Forrest Gump.

The very best thing about Bubba Gump’s is the view. Do whatever you can to sit at one of the tables that overlook the water. Then order a blue Hawaiian,  throw back some fried stuff, and enjoy the scenery.

Good food and good service. A must for dining in Lahaina, Maui.

Staying at the Halekulani on Oahu is a real treat. If you’re used to luxury or simply want luxury on your vacation, consider staying at this resort, located directly on Waikiki Beach.

The Halekulani offers an unmatched service that starts already at check-in, where you’ll be escorted right to your room to do all the formalities there. A box of chocolates and a fresh fruit platter will be waiting for you.

About 90 percent of all rooms have some sort of ocean view. All are oversized and have a spacious bath with a deep tub and separate shower and a large, furnished balcony. Of course, you’ll also have other luxurious amenities, such as a DVD player and wireless Internet access.

Many things are for free here, such as room safes, local calls, valet parking, the newspaper, cribs and entertainment. For an extra touch of luxury, you can book the Royal Suite, which comes with a personal butler, an airport limo, a baby grand piano and breakfast in the suite.

The Halekulani has 455 units spread out over 5 buildings. It includes 5 conference rooms and a business center. For guests interested in culture, the hotel supplies free tickets to some of the city’s cultural offerings, such as the Honolulu Symphony, the Honolulu Academy of Arts, the Contemporary Museum, the Bishop Museum and the Iolani Palace.

If you’re health conscious, you’ll like their fitness center and spa, which offers various body treatments drawn from Asian, Hawaiian and South Pacific healing traditions. The hotel’s food services are outstanding and everything is created there, from chocolates, pastries, ice creams to breads.

Are there any disadvantages, you ask? Well, there is small one. It’s their beach. Unfortunaltey, it’s small and partially lined by a seawall. But otherwise, it’s a relaxing place to stay and probably won’t leave a wish open.

On the nine-mile long stretch of sunny Kohala Coast, Hilton provides the ultimate luxury resort – The Hilton Waikoloa Village. There is no other hotel like it in Hawaii.

This 62-acre resort has everything: a 4-acre swimming and snorkeling lagoon, 3 freshwater swimming pools, sun-drenched beach, interactive dolphin encounter program, more than 7 million dollars in art, waterfalls, exotic gardens, trams and canal boats.

The Hilton Waikoloa is a destination in itself. Arriving guests cruise on mahogany boats along tranquil waterways to expansive guest rooms.

All rooms have lanais and whether you have a garden, mountain, golf course, full or partial ocean view, the view will be absolutely spectacular.

Guests may choose to travel through the resort by boat, by air-conditioned trams, or by strolling along walkways flanked by Polynesian and oriental artwork.

This Hawaiian playground offers virtually every activity under the sun, from snorkeling and swimming to scuba diving and nearby deep sea fishing, and some unique adventures such as the Dolphin Quest Interactive Program with bottlenose dolphins. this activity Is conducted under the expert guidance of professional staff.

Encounters with the Waikoloa dolphins, in the warm waters of their private lagoon, are a unique experience enjoyed by a few lucky guests each day and one that will stay with you forever. And there are many more Big Island experiences to be found at Hilton Waikoloa Village, where guests cruise to their rooms via mahogany boats along tranquil waterways, or aboard Swiss-made trams.

The Hilton Waikoloa Village is also home to two 18-hole championship golf courses. The Beach Course is designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. And the King’s Course by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish.

Set among the lava fields and by the adjacent Pacific Ocean, The Hilton Waikoloa courses are among the very best in all of Hawaii.

Hawaii-specific travel Web site, Best Places Hawaii, has ranked Hanauma Bay on Oahu as the No. 1 snorkeling spot. It made the top spot on its list of “10 Best Snorkeling Spots in Hawaii.”

The location rankings take in account several factors such as scenic beauty, teeming with underwater life, good for beginners, and an accessible location.

Three beaches on Oahu and Kauai made the top 10 list and two each on Maui and the Big Island.

For Hanauma Bay, the Web site writes:

“This bay is a favorite (and crowded) snorkeling spot. The waters are clear, warm, and calm. Friendly and plentiful fish swim close by. The setting is gorgeous and easy to access. Even in waist deep water, dozens of species of reef and inshore fish common to Hawaiian waters can be seen. Novice snorkelers like to stay in the safe, shallow inner bay. Those with more experience take a passage through the reef to gain access to Witch’s Brew, a turbulent cove, and other outer reef.”

The top 10 snorkel spots:

1. Hanauma Bay, Oahu

2. Makaha Beach Park, Oahu

3. Molokini Crater, Maui

4. Kealakekua Bay, Big Island

5. Ke’e Beach Park, Kauai

6. Kapalua Bay, Maui

7. Anini Beach, Kauai

8. Kapiolani Park Beach, Oahu

9. Poipu Beach, Kauai

10. Kahaluu Beach Park, Big Island

The complete list with text and photos can be found on the Best Places Hawaii Web site at:

www.bestplaceshawaii.com/tips/10_best/snorkeling.html

Photo by: Bill Curtsinger

The monk seal is an extremely endangered species. The Hawaiian Monk Seals Hawaiian name is Ilio holo kai. It means the dog who runs the sea. The monk seal is a land and water mammal. This precious animal is not only endangered it is also a native animal.

The Hawaiian Monk Seal is as precious as the whole world. The Hawaiian Monk Seal has a round head, silvery fur, black buttonhook eyes, a snout in which nostrils open up like quotation marks, a spray of cats whiskers and holes which are its ears.

The Hawaiian Monk Seal is pure black at birth and then turns gray. Later it becomes tan and brown and then to green and red. It turns green because of the algae from being in the water for such a long period of time. The different colors that the monk seal turns depends on how long it stays in the sun and in the water. It’s normal color is a tan color. Adults are dark gray to brown and light gray to yellow underneath on his belly.

When the pups are born they weigh about 35 pounds and at the end of their nursing period they weigh about 150 pounds. Female Monk Seals are usually bigger than the males.

Click here to see a video of a Hawaiian Monk Seal

The Hawaiian Monk Seal has many types of food for its diet. Some of them are different types of fish, lobsters, octopus, reef fish, eels, and other marine animals.

The Hawaiian Monk Seal lives on tiny islands and atolls northwest of Kauai. Some of the tiny islands and atolls are Nihoa island, Necker island, Pearl Reefs, Hermes Reef, Kure atoll, French Frigate Shoals, Laysan atoll, Lisianski island, Midway island, National Marine Fisheries Department and the most wonderful place in O’ahu Sea Life Park Hawaii.

The Hawaiian Monk Seal is endangered because of people and the Tiger shark. What we are doing to endanger the monk seal is Human Disturbance. Some of the human disturbances are pollution, taking all their food and getting trapped in fishing nets. Another reason is Tiger the sharks. After a Tiger shark attacks, the monk seal becomes a shark’s victim.

Another big reason why the Hawaiian Monk Seal is endangered is because of “Mobbing”. Mobbing starts when the female population started dropping and the males doubling. The males fight, even kill each other for the females. This mobbing is rather new to the Monk Seal.

We still do not know why this sudden physical violence has come over the males. The shortage of females affect the pups that are being born. If the pups are born many die quickly after at a young age from an unknown disease.

Photo by: Douglas Peebles/Corbis

In my opinion, few drives are more beautiful than the Road to Hana on Maui. It’s a curvy coastal road with views of cliffs, beaches, waterfalls, and rainforest. It’s a well paved road, but you do need to keep your wits about you when you drive it because of the many sharp curves and one-lane bridges.

Before we dive into the tips, let me be clear about what I mean about the Road to Hana. Take a look at this Google map below and notice Highway 360, also known as the Hana Highway. That’s the Road to Hana. I want to make it clear that I am not referring to the Palani Highway that brings you to Hana from the South. (Note: that rental car companies advise that you don’t drive the Palani Highway. Plus, a portion of the road is closed due to earthquake damage.)

Here are a few tips for enjoying your drive on the Road to Hana.

• Definitely plan to make a whole day of the drive there and back.
• Share the driving time with your travel companions, if possible. The drive can be stressful for one person. Consider whether you should add an additional driver onto your rental car contract as most contracts only allow one driver as a standard. Additional drivers can be added for a fee.
• Get a good Maui guidebook that will detail what to see along the way. Find one that provides references by mile markers. (I’ve used Maui Revealed in the past and found it was a good reference. Just make sure you never trespass or do any hiking or swimming that are beyond your skills. If it looks dangerous, it probably is!)
• Try to get an early start, say around 7am. You’ll avoid traffic with an early start.
• Avoid driving a long distance on this Road to Hana at night.
• If you notice a local driving behind you or a long line of cars, please be considerate and pull over to allow cars to pass as soon as you find a safe spot to do so.
• Do drive beyond Hana to the Kipahula area which about 10 miles beyond Hana. See the Oheo Gulch with the cascading pools and spend a bit of time walking around this area. Note that this area is part of Haleakala National Park. So, when you purchase entry into the park, it is valid for both entry points for 3 days from purchase.
• I like to drive all the way to Kipahula, then back to Hana and stop into the Hana Hotel for lunch on their lanai. The hotel grounds are beautiful and it makes for a nice relaxing break from all the driving.
• Don’t miss the black sand beach at Wainapanapa State Park.
• Bring sunscreen, water, snacks, and mosquito repellent (particularly if you are going to do any hikes)
• Make sure you have a full tank of gas before you start the drive. Gas stations are few and far between!
• If you think you might do any swimming, then make sure to bring beach towels.
• Always lock your car if you are going to be leaving it for a few minutes or longer.
• Don’t forget your camera with lots of film/memory and fully charged batteries.
• On your way back to your hotel, don’t miss watching the windsurfers on Hookipa beach.

Have you driven the Road to Hana?  What did you think of it?
What tips would you add?  Please share them.