THE MONARCHY IN HAWAI‘I: A PROUD LEGACY REMEMBERED
Author: Jeff Wilmot
Kamehameha the Great (born c. 1758, died 1819) set out from the Big Island in the last decade of the 18th century to conquer his neighbors. Kauai was the sole holdout and as some on the Garden Isle will proudly tell you, Kamehameha never succeeded in defeating the Kaua‘i chiefs. Nevertheless, Kaua‘i ceded power to Hawaii's powerful first king in 1810 and the Hawaiian Islands were joined.Kamehameha's son, Liholiho (1797-1819) succeeded him to become Kamehameha II.
His late father's favorite wife, Queen Ka‘ahumanu, however, wielded the real power. A feminist of sorts, the Queen systematically broke the age-old kapu (taboos) that restricted women's power in Hawaiian society.Around the same time, Kaahumanu was encouraging the end of the kapu system, the first wave of congregational missionaries arrived in Hawai‘i. The convergence of these forces set off another round of change with great effect.The next three monarchs were also crowned in the Kamehameha line: III (Kauikeaouli), IV (Alexander Liholiho) and V (Lot Kamehameha). Upon Lot’s death, William Lunalilo took the throne for one year.
In 1874, David Kalakaua was elected king under Hawaii's constitution. A champion of Hawaiian culture, Kalakaua was known as the "Merrie Monarch" because of his penchant for enjoying the good life. Among his accomplishments, Kalakaua built the grand Iolani Palace in Honolulu and revived the art of hula.
While Kalakaua was Hawaii's last king, his sister, Queen Liliuokalani, has the distinction of being Hawaii's last monarch. In a futile attempt to revert to an earlier Constitution and restore power to the monarchy, Liliuokalani was forced to step down during a coup by American businessmen. Thus, the Republic of Hawai‘i was born on July 4, 1894. Four years later, Hawai‘i became a territory of the United States.Today, Kamehameha is the name of a highway on Oahu, and Kalakaua is the name of the main thoroughfare in Waikiki.
Kaahumanu is the name of a shopping center in Maui. Still, Hawaii’s culture and heritage are revered by many in the Islands. The diverse populations that have made Hawai‘i their home in the last 100 years have adopted and embraced the Hawaiian spirit of aloha. You'll always be welcome in Hawaii.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
SURFING OAHU'S NORTH SHORE CATCH A WINTER WAVE
SURFING OAHU'S NORTH SHORE CATCH A WINTER WAVE
Author: Lance Tominaga
Each winter, O‘ahu’s rugged North Shore serves up some of the largest and imposing ocean waves on the planet. Giant, storm-generated swells make their long trek across the northern Pacific to batter reef breaks and the area’s shoreline. For many Island residents, this means only one thing: Surf’s up!The exact origin of surfing is unknown, but most historians believe that the Polynesians were already well versed in the sport by the time they migrated to the Hawaiian Islands some 2,000 years ago. Early Hawaiians called surfing "he‘e nalu," which literally translates to "wave sliding."
During this time, only high-ranking ali‘i had access to the best surf spots. King Kamehameha himself was said to be an avid and skilled surfer.Surfing really took off in the early 1900s. Riding boards made mostly from hewn redwood and balsa wood, early surfers risked their lives to take on these giant waves.Today, thanks to a number of modern innovations and inventions, the surfing population on the North Shore has exploded. Wave riders and spectators from around the world gather here from November to February, hoping catch that perfect wave.
Winter wave heights can get as high 20 feet, with faces up to 50 feet! This extreme surf is for experts only, and even then conditions are considered highly dangerous. World-renowned surf contests are held here from early November to late December. The Van's Triple Crown of Surfing, which includes the Van's Hawaiian Pro at Ali'i Beach Park in Hale'iwa; the Rip Curl Cup at Sunset Beach; and the XBox Gerry Lopez Pipeline Masters, brings together the world’s best professional surfers.
The Quiksilver Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, held at Waimea Bay, also takes place each winter. Although winter on the North Shore may not be the best time and place to learn how to surf, the summer months provide safer, saner conditions.Ask any surfer, and he (or she) will tell you that surfing is an exhilarating thrill, a natural high. "
I love the sensation of riding a wave and the feeling I have when I’m out on the ocean," says Hans Hedemann, a former pro surfer-turned-surfing instructor. "It’s also a challenge because every wave is different, and it’s up to me to make the most of each wave."
Author: Lance Tominaga
Each winter, O‘ahu’s rugged North Shore serves up some of the largest and imposing ocean waves on the planet. Giant, storm-generated swells make their long trek across the northern Pacific to batter reef breaks and the area’s shoreline. For many Island residents, this means only one thing: Surf’s up!The exact origin of surfing is unknown, but most historians believe that the Polynesians were already well versed in the sport by the time they migrated to the Hawaiian Islands some 2,000 years ago. Early Hawaiians called surfing "he‘e nalu," which literally translates to "wave sliding."
During this time, only high-ranking ali‘i had access to the best surf spots. King Kamehameha himself was said to be an avid and skilled surfer.Surfing really took off in the early 1900s. Riding boards made mostly from hewn redwood and balsa wood, early surfers risked their lives to take on these giant waves.Today, thanks to a number of modern innovations and inventions, the surfing population on the North Shore has exploded. Wave riders and spectators from around the world gather here from November to February, hoping catch that perfect wave.
Winter wave heights can get as high 20 feet, with faces up to 50 feet! This extreme surf is for experts only, and even then conditions are considered highly dangerous. World-renowned surf contests are held here from early November to late December. The Van's Triple Crown of Surfing, which includes the Van's Hawaiian Pro at Ali'i Beach Park in Hale'iwa; the Rip Curl Cup at Sunset Beach; and the XBox Gerry Lopez Pipeline Masters, brings together the world’s best professional surfers.
The Quiksilver Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, held at Waimea Bay, also takes place each winter. Although winter on the North Shore may not be the best time and place to learn how to surf, the summer months provide safer, saner conditions.Ask any surfer, and he (or she) will tell you that surfing is an exhilarating thrill, a natural high. "
I love the sensation of riding a wave and the feeling I have when I’m out on the ocean," says Hans Hedemann, a former pro surfer-turned-surfing instructor. "It’s also a challenge because every wave is different, and it’s up to me to make the most of each wave."
SCUBA DIVING IN HAWAI‘I
SCUBA DIVING IN HAWAI‘I: EXPLORING HAWAII’S UNDERSEA WORLD
Author: AFH
Scuba diving in Hawaii's choicest locations is an unrivaled experience. Bathed in the tepid crystalline depths of the azure Pacific, tethered by bubbles and brushed by rainbow colored fish, scuba divers enter a fantasy world of brilliance and wonder. Each of Hawai'i's eight main islands have outstanding dive spots with an array of unique marine animals, colorful corals and bizarre lava formations. Most diving occurs on the calmer, leeward coasts of all the islands, where visibility often exceeds 100 feet. Dive shops abound with gear rentals, dive trips, lessons and certification.
Five types of underwater habitats—coral reefs, lava tubes, caves and caverns, sandy bottoms, drop-offs and basalt boulders—create Hawaii's underwater terrain.Boat diving is one of the easiest ways to experience Hawai'i's underwater wilderness. Diving from the shoreline is dictated by ocean conditions, and is not recommended in high surf. Kaua'i and Ni'ihau: Kaua'i boasts 10 prime dive spots located on both the north and south shores of the island. From the Ha'ena area of the north shore, in summer months when the ocean is calm, Ke'e Lagoon, Tunnels Reef and Cannons offer shore diving in depths ranging from 12 to 65 feet.
South shore spots on Kaua'i offer intermediate to advanced boat dives including Sheraton Caverns, Brennecke's Drop-off and Oasis reef. A special attraction for advanced divers is the challenge of diving Ni'ihau, where monk seals, schools of dolphins and clouds of seabirds swarm above and below the crystalline sea. Hawai'i (The Big Island): Dive spots on the Big Island occur only along the leeward, Kona and Kohala coastlines. Cavern Point, Place of Refuge, Kailua Pier, Pine Trees and Red Hill are some of the favorites. Kona and Kohala coast dive spots range from novice to advanced with depth ranges of 10 to 130 feet. Maui, Lana'i, Moloka'i and Molokini Crater:
These islands are teeming with excellent dive sites. From the island of Maui, most dive spots are located on the western shore, and include Honolua Bay, Olowalu and Five Caves. A short boat ride to Molokini Crater, meanwhile, reveals four additional dive sites that occur along the rim of this ancient, sunken volcano. Highlights include black corals and schools of tame fish in depths of 10 to 130 feet. Lana'i has six popular dive sites on its south coast. All Lana'i dives are by boat. Moloka'i dives center around Mokuho'oniki Rock at the east end of the island.
Oahu: Waimea Bay, the Wai'anae coastline and Maunalua Bay offer popular dive attractions on O‘ahu. Hanauma Bay offers one of the island’s most breathtaking panoramas along with advanced, intermediate and novice dive sites accessible from shore.
Author: AFH
Scuba diving in Hawaii's choicest locations is an unrivaled experience. Bathed in the tepid crystalline depths of the azure Pacific, tethered by bubbles and brushed by rainbow colored fish, scuba divers enter a fantasy world of brilliance and wonder. Each of Hawai'i's eight main islands have outstanding dive spots with an array of unique marine animals, colorful corals and bizarre lava formations. Most diving occurs on the calmer, leeward coasts of all the islands, where visibility often exceeds 100 feet. Dive shops abound with gear rentals, dive trips, lessons and certification.
Five types of underwater habitats—coral reefs, lava tubes, caves and caverns, sandy bottoms, drop-offs and basalt boulders—create Hawaii's underwater terrain.Boat diving is one of the easiest ways to experience Hawai'i's underwater wilderness. Diving from the shoreline is dictated by ocean conditions, and is not recommended in high surf. Kaua'i and Ni'ihau: Kaua'i boasts 10 prime dive spots located on both the north and south shores of the island. From the Ha'ena area of the north shore, in summer months when the ocean is calm, Ke'e Lagoon, Tunnels Reef and Cannons offer shore diving in depths ranging from 12 to 65 feet.
South shore spots on Kaua'i offer intermediate to advanced boat dives including Sheraton Caverns, Brennecke's Drop-off and Oasis reef. A special attraction for advanced divers is the challenge of diving Ni'ihau, where monk seals, schools of dolphins and clouds of seabirds swarm above and below the crystalline sea. Hawai'i (The Big Island): Dive spots on the Big Island occur only along the leeward, Kona and Kohala coastlines. Cavern Point, Place of Refuge, Kailua Pier, Pine Trees and Red Hill are some of the favorites. Kona and Kohala coast dive spots range from novice to advanced with depth ranges of 10 to 130 feet. Maui, Lana'i, Moloka'i and Molokini Crater:
These islands are teeming with excellent dive sites. From the island of Maui, most dive spots are located on the western shore, and include Honolua Bay, Olowalu and Five Caves. A short boat ride to Molokini Crater, meanwhile, reveals four additional dive sites that occur along the rim of this ancient, sunken volcano. Highlights include black corals and schools of tame fish in depths of 10 to 130 feet. Lana'i has six popular dive sites on its south coast. All Lana'i dives are by boat. Moloka'i dives center around Mokuho'oniki Rock at the east end of the island.
Oahu: Waimea Bay, the Wai'anae coastline and Maunalua Bay offer popular dive attractions on O‘ahu. Hanauma Bay offers one of the island’s most breathtaking panoramas along with advanced, intermediate and novice dive sites accessible from shore.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
SNORKELING IN HAWAII
SNORKELING IN HAWAII
If you think a land or aerial tour of Hawaii provides spectacular scenery, try taking in the views just below the ocean’s surface. Glide effortlessly along the gentle currents and see brilliantly colored fish, green sea turtles, exotic coral reef beds and more of Hawaii’s undersea life.There’s a whole new world under the ocean’s surface.Snorkeling is one of the most popular outdoor adventures in the Aloha State. And the good news is, there are great snorkeling spots on every island. The most popular snorkeling destination in the state is probably Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve on Oahu. Situated on the island’s southeast coast, Hanauma Bay is sheltered from strong currents and waves, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling. This isn’t exactly one of Hawaii’s best-kept secrets, however. About 3,000 visitors flock to the bay every day.
Other good snorkeling spots on Oahu include Queen’s Beach in Waikiki and Shark’s Cove on the North Shore. Shark’s Cove is a lava-edged pool filled with rainbow-colored tropical fish.Another famous snorkeling destination is Molokini islet, a volcanic cinder cone located about three miles off the shores of Maui. Molokini has crystal-clear waters (visibility usually exceeds a hundred feet) and abundant sea life: tropical fish, rays, eels and more. Molokini has been designated a Marine Life Conservation District Seabird Sanctuary.Other recommended snorkeling adventures on Maui can be found at Kapalua Bay, Honolua Beach and the legendary Black Rock in Kaanapali.The island of Lanai is renowned as one of the world’s premier snorkeling destinations. Head to Hulopoe Beach, where the best snorkeling is between the beach’s eastern point and the center of the bay (where the reef is most developed).
The Big Island offers a number of snorkeling spots. The best of them all might be Kealakekua Bay, a protected marine sanctuary filled with ocean life. Kealakekua Bay is accessible via boat charters.The island of Kauai also has a nice array of snorkeling opportunities. Favorite spots include Poipu Beach Park on the island’s south shore and Anini Beach on the north shore.
Snorkeling Tips:
Always snorkel in areas where there are other swimmers and snorkelers. Don’t snorkel near surfers. Avoid the water if it is murky, choppy or rough. Look up out of the water periodically to keep your bearing. Do not feed the fish (it clouds the water and can make the fish sick). It is against the law to harass or touch a green sea turtle or monk seal; both are protected by the Endangered Species Act.
If you think a land or aerial tour of Hawaii provides spectacular scenery, try taking in the views just below the ocean’s surface. Glide effortlessly along the gentle currents and see brilliantly colored fish, green sea turtles, exotic coral reef beds and more of Hawaii’s undersea life.There’s a whole new world under the ocean’s surface.Snorkeling is one of the most popular outdoor adventures in the Aloha State. And the good news is, there are great snorkeling spots on every island. The most popular snorkeling destination in the state is probably Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve on Oahu. Situated on the island’s southeast coast, Hanauma Bay is sheltered from strong currents and waves, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling. This isn’t exactly one of Hawaii’s best-kept secrets, however. About 3,000 visitors flock to the bay every day.
Other good snorkeling spots on Oahu include Queen’s Beach in Waikiki and Shark’s Cove on the North Shore. Shark’s Cove is a lava-edged pool filled with rainbow-colored tropical fish.Another famous snorkeling destination is Molokini islet, a volcanic cinder cone located about three miles off the shores of Maui. Molokini has crystal-clear waters (visibility usually exceeds a hundred feet) and abundant sea life: tropical fish, rays, eels and more. Molokini has been designated a Marine Life Conservation District Seabird Sanctuary.Other recommended snorkeling adventures on Maui can be found at Kapalua Bay, Honolua Beach and the legendary Black Rock in Kaanapali.The island of Lanai is renowned as one of the world’s premier snorkeling destinations. Head to Hulopoe Beach, where the best snorkeling is between the beach’s eastern point and the center of the bay (where the reef is most developed).
The Big Island offers a number of snorkeling spots. The best of them all might be Kealakekua Bay, a protected marine sanctuary filled with ocean life. Kealakekua Bay is accessible via boat charters.The island of Kauai also has a nice array of snorkeling opportunities. Favorite spots include Poipu Beach Park on the island’s south shore and Anini Beach on the north shore.
Snorkeling Tips:
Always snorkel in areas where there are other swimmers and snorkelers. Don’t snorkel near surfers. Avoid the water if it is murky, choppy or rough. Look up out of the water periodically to keep your bearing. Do not feed the fish (it clouds the water and can make the fish sick). It is against the law to harass or touch a green sea turtle or monk seal; both are protected by the Endangered Species Act.
Monday, December 17, 2007
GREAT KEY WORDS
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Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, airlines, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Divemaster scuba, Enriched Air, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Kona, Maui, scuba certification, other specialty certifications, NAUI, NOAA, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, Whalens Hotel/Resort, How to scuba dive, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving
Hawaii scuba diving
Hawaii scuba diving offers a great variety of beautiful tropical fish and some lovely coral formations throughout the island chain. Scuba diving in Hawaii , on Maui or Kauai for example is a great way to enjoy the marine life of the islands. Scuba diving resorts, operators, dive shops and dive boats are available throughout Hawaii . Enjoy the warm water dives while seeing large green sea turtles, sharks and hundreds of vibrantly colored fish.
Check out the listings below and in the Scubaduba Directory and discover the best that scuba diving Hawaii can offer.
Check out the listings below and in the Scubaduba Directory and discover the best that scuba diving Hawaii can offer.
Hawaiian Coast
The Hawaiian Coast features many diverse dive environments including lava tubes, caves, and arches. It is often worthwhile to go into caverns and lava tubes to see if there are any interesting critters hiding there. We can find sleeping sharks, nudibranchs, and other noctural animals there.
Come join us for a wonderful experience.
At Hawaii Reef Divers, the crew takes all the work out of diving. We set up your gear while you are checking in on the dock. When it's time to dive we make entering the water extremely simple and safe. A crewmember will carry your gear to the stern while you wait, seated, on one of two metal benches. All that's left is for you to strap on your tank and stride into the clear, calm waters. After your first dive enjoy fresh island fruit and a cool drink while the crew switches your gear over to a fresh tank. After your second dive your gear is rinsed for you as we motor back to the harbor. Our dives are guided by knowledgeable instructors who brief you on what to expect to see before you enter the water. Encounters with dolphin, turtles, and manta rays are common in the placid Hawaiian waters and other visitors make special appearances to assure that every dive can turn into something extraordinary and interesting to say.
Come join us for a wonderful experience.
At Hawaii Reef Divers, the crew takes all the work out of diving. We set up your gear while you are checking in on the dock. When it's time to dive we make entering the water extremely simple and safe. A crewmember will carry your gear to the stern while you wait, seated, on one of two metal benches. All that's left is for you to strap on your tank and stride into the clear, calm waters. After your first dive enjoy fresh island fruit and a cool drink while the crew switches your gear over to a fresh tank. After your second dive your gear is rinsed for you as we motor back to the harbor. Our dives are guided by knowledgeable instructors who brief you on what to expect to see before you enter the water. Encounters with dolphin, turtles, and manta rays are common in the placid Hawaiian waters and other visitors make special appearances to assure that every dive can turn into something extraordinary and interesting to say.
WELCOME FROM HAWAII
Hawaii Reef Divers is locally owned and operated. From the moment you step into the shop or prepare to board our quest of offering the best programs , you become part of our "ohana" or family. The "HRD vision", is a (QOD®)quality of diving™ mission statement, custom built and relates to our mode of thinking and training. Our teachers and instructors are extremely seaworthy, reliable, and have a wealth of knowledge and experience. Hawaii Reef Divers being divers themselves, they saw the need for a more personalized diving experience in the rare treasures of the world. Instead of focusing on quantity, they chose to focus on quality of training, skill of the diver, establishing life-long friendships and for members and students we visit one of over 71 pristine dive sites that make the Hawaii coast such a great place to dive.
Our equipment and gear are state of the art offering tools and resources such as: GPS, life jackets, 2 life rafts, fire extinguishers, USCG approved medical kits, DAN oxygen unit, cell phones, medical supplies and unlike many of the competitors our fleet is coast guard inspected and approved. On a typical charter, you are one of 10 to 12 divers sharing our training. We do not pack our classes, we offer one on one training and small groups to meet the special needs of each individual.
There is lots of room for divers to "stretch out" and grow through one of many programs such as: navigation, underwater photo, snorkel and fins, skin diving, picking your nose, wreck diving, rescue classes, CPR/FIRST AID and lots of different classes such as beginning to expert level training.
Our equipment and gear are state of the art offering tools and resources such as: GPS, life jackets, 2 life rafts, fire extinguishers, USCG approved medical kits, DAN oxygen unit, cell phones, medical supplies and unlike many of the competitors our fleet is coast guard inspected and approved. On a typical charter, you are one of 10 to 12 divers sharing our training. We do not pack our classes, we offer one on one training and small groups to meet the special needs of each individual.
There is lots of room for divers to "stretch out" and grow through one of many programs such as: navigation, underwater photo, snorkel and fins, skin diving, picking your nose, wreck diving, rescue classes, CPR/FIRST AID and lots of different classes such as beginning to expert level training.
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