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Makena Beacha long
stretch of golden sand also
known as Big Beach, on
Mauis southwestern
shoreis popular among
locals and visitors.
Opposite: A young surfer
rides a wave off
Waikk in Honolulu.DOUGLASPEEBLES
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Im watching the smooth, gentle waves roll in toward Waikk Beach, bobbing stomach-down on
my rented longboard, waiting for the perfect swell. Oahus iconic Diamond Head Crater is a
striking sight to the east, and the sun sparkles on the azure water. Im approaching the end of an
hour-long surfing lessonmy firstwith local outfitter Waikk Beach Services, which was founded in
1955 and staffed at that time by the legendary Waikk Beach Boys, who welcomed visitors to this
world-renowned Hawaiian resort area and taught them to surf.
The instructor of my small groupa young, modern-day Beach Boy named Aaronbegan our
session on the sand, teaching us to pop up from belly to feet on our boards. Once we got the hang of
this basic surfing maneuver, we paddled into the sea, toward an easy surf break around 100 yards out.
My fellow students and I took turns being launched into waves by Aaron, whose energetic push gave
us the speed and momentum to put the pop-up move into practicea move that, after a half-dozen
tumbles off my board, I feel Ive finally gotten the hang of.
Paradise IslandsHawaii offers many ways to relax and have fun
By Jennifer Schaefer
TORJOHNSON
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Now Ive graduated to attempting to
catch a wave on my own. As a lazy roller
starts to crest, I paddle hard, then push up.
Im surfing! The ride lasts all of 20 sec-
onds, but I feel as proud as if Id just gotten
tubed at the Banzai Pipelinethe famed
North Shore surf break named for its mas-sive, barrel-shaped winter waves. I cant
wait to try again.
Every time I vacation on one of the
Hawaiian Islands, I look forward to
new adventures. Learning to surf is a
perfect example. The combination of
warm sun and sea, floral-scented tropica l
breezes and a variety of recreational
activities inspires a wonderful feeling of
possibility. Whether you choose to hike
on a volcano, snorkel with manta rays, or
simply don an aloha shirt and relax with
a mai tai on the beach, here are many
ways to have fun on your next Hawaiian
getaway.
BEAUTIFUL BEACHESWaikk Beachpart of the bustling south-
shore Honolulu neighborhood of the same
namemay be Hawaiis most famous
beach, visited by around 4 million people
a year, but this scenic, nearly two-mile-
long stretch of sand is just one of manyrenowned beaches in the Aloha State.
Oahus North Shore boasts more than
seven miles of picturesque beaches
including Waimea Bay Beach, Ehukai
Beach (with views of the Banzai Pipeline)
and Sunset Beachfronting legendary
big-wave-surfing spots. On Oahus east
shore, neighboring Lanikai and Kailua
beachestwo of my favoritesoffer white
sand and calm water. A pair of mini-isles
just offshore, known as Na Mokulua(the
two islands), or The Moks, are popular
destinations for kayakers.
Mauis spectacular resort areas
including Kaanapali and Kapalua on the west shore, and Wailea and K hei on
the southwest shoreare home to some of
The Magic Isles best beaches. Mauis
southwest shore also boasts one of the
islands longest beaches, Makena Beach
(known as Big Beach), which stretches
almost two-thirds of a mile.
On Kauai, the north shores Hanalei
Bay Beach is a lovely crescent of sand along
a broad, curved bay, whose pier was a
filming location for the classic movie South
Pacific. The Garden Isles sunny south shore
is home to Poipu Beach, featuring a natu-
ral wading pool thats perfect for children,
and appearances by Hawaiian monk seals.
Visitors to the Island of Hawaiithe
youngest and largest Hawaiian Island
can sun themselves on sands in colors
ranging from white to green to black. The
most beautiful black-sand beach Ive ever
walked along is Punaluu on the south
shore, where I was lucky enough to see a
honu (green sea turtle) resting on the jet-
black shore. On the northwest Kohala
Coast, Hapuna Beach is one of 12 Hawai-
ian Islands beaches to have been awarded
the top spot in Dr. Beachs annual ranking
of the best 10 beaches in America, since
the list was introduced in 1991.
Please always heed warnings and use
Kauai is known for its cascading
waterfalls, such as Wailua Falls,
featured in the opening credits
ofFantasy Island.
A snorkeler swims alongside lemon
butterflyfish. Numerous fish, such as these,
are found only in the Hawaiian Islands.(BOTTOM)MIXACO.LTD./GETTYIMAGES;(TOP)A.WITTE/C.MAHA
NEY/GETTYIMAGES
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caution when visiting Hawaiis beaches.
Frequently updated information about
Hawaii beach safety is available at http://
oceansafety.soest.hawaii.edu.
GREAT SNORKELINGHome to hundreds of species of brightly
hued tropical fish, Hawaiis warm, clear
waters are a paradise for snorkelers.
Oahus Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve,
a Marine Life Conservation District east of
Honolulu, is one of the islands best-known
places to don a snorkel, mask and fins.
During my visit to this sunken volcanic
crater, I spent a wonderful afternoon
swimming among triggerfish, tang, parrot-
fish and many other colorful species, after
I watched a mandatory movie at the pre-
serves Marine Education Center about
protecting the bays irreplaceable coral
reefs. At Pupukea Beach on Oahus North
Shore, the two main swimming areas
Sharks Cove and Three Tablesprovide
abundant fish-viewing opportunities dur-
ing the calm summer months.
On Maui, snorkeling is a popular pas-
time at Kaanapali Beach and most otherresort beaches on the northwest coast, as
well as at resorts on the southwest coast.
Molokini, a small isle off Mauis southwest
coast, accessible via boat tours with Trilogy
and other local outfitters, offers premier
snorkeling inside a 35-foot-deep, protected
crater basin, as well as great scuba diving.
Kauais north shore attracts snorkelers
to spots such as Makua Beach (also known
as Tunnels Beach), featuring a wide reef
area, and Anini Beach, whose lagoon is
perfect for beginners. Ive found Poipu
Beach, with its sheltered cove, to be
another excellent place for protected
snorkeling on Kauai.
Top snorkeling destinations on the
A humpback whale breaches in the Auau Channel
separating Maui, Lanai and Molokai.
MICHAELNOLAN/AURORAPHOTOS
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Island of Hawaii include Leleiwi Beach
and Richardson Beach on the east shore,
Samuel Spencer Park on the Kohala Coast,
and Honaunau Bay and Kahaluu Beach on
the Kona Coast. Adventure seekers can
join nighttime snorkeling tours, departing
from the Kona and Keauhou coasts, on
which participants often encounter grace-
ful, gliding manta rays.
SPECTACULAR SURFINGHawaii is considered the birthplace of
modern surfing, a sport once reserved for
alii (Hawaiian royalty). In the 20th cen-
tury, Duke Kahanamoku (18901968),
an Olympic gold-medal swimmer,
helped spread surfings popularity to
the mainland.
A statue of Duke welcomes visitors to
Waik kOahus best-known surfing
destination. The islands North Shore, with
its epic winter waves, is the site of several
professional surf contests, including the
Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. I had an
opportunity to watch the OP Pro Hawaii
then part of the Vans Triple Crownin
Haleiwa in 2006. Afterward, the smiling
winner, the late Andy Irons, was carried up
the beach on his friends shoulders, passing
close by.
Favorite Maui surf breaks are found
at Launiupoko State Wayside Park in
Lahaina and Kapalua Bay, which are also
great places to watch the action from the
sand. Experienced surfers often ride the
impressive swells at Hookipa Beach, a
famed windsurfing destination on the
north shore.
Kauais Titus Kinimakas Hawaiian
School of Surfingrun by a longtime
professional surfer and native Kauaianis
a top-rated surf school that teaches begin-
ners to ride waves at Hanalei Pier. Another
notable spot on Kauai for novice surfers is
Poipu Beach.
On the Island of Hawaii, beginning
surfers head to Pine Trees Beach north of
Aston Pacif ic Monarch Aston Waikiki Beach Hote l Aston Waikik i Sunset Aston Waikik i Circ le Hotel
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Leaving Lasting ImpressionsSM
In Hawaii, youll forget what day it is. With Hawaiis carefree island spirit,fun happens every day of the week.
Stay in an Aston hotel or condominium
resort and experience all that Hawaii
has to offer with great locations,
island-style accommodations and
true Aston hospitality. Plus earn
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles
with every stay.
Mauis acclaimed Plantation Course at Kapaluaset ona rolling hillside with expansive ocean viewshosts the
Hyundai Tournament of Champions, January 69.AIDANBRADLEY,
COURTESY:KAPALUAGOLF
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Kona, Kahaluu Beach in Keauhou and
Banyans in Kailua-Kona.
Surf schools, lessons and rentals are
widely available throughout the islands.
Visitors can also catch waves on standup
paddleboards. Please always check the
local conditions and proceed with caution.
Hawaii surf reports are available at
www.surfline.com.
WONDERFULWHALE-WATCHINGEach year, pods of humpback whales
migrate to warm Hawaiian waters to breed,
traveling around 3,000 miles from cool
Alaskan waters. Watching one of these
majestic 40-ton creatures spout, tail-slap or
breach is an unforgettable experience.
In 1992, part of the shallow waters sur-
rounding the main Hawaiian Islands was
designated a Humpback Whale National
Marine Sanctuary. Maui is one of the best
places to see the humpbacks during whale-
watching season, which typically occurs
from late November to May. The Pacific
Whale Foundation and other outfitters run
daily tours during this time, many depart-
ing from the Lahaina and Maalaea harbors.
The whales can also be spotted from land
on Mauis west and south shores. Visitors
can learn about Mauis whaling past at the
Whalers Village Museum in Lahaina.
The Island of Hawaii is another excel-
lent place to see humpbacks, especially
from the beaches along the Kona and
North Kohala coasts. Several Kailua-Kona
Seventy-Five Years of AlohaThis year marks the 75th anniversary of the aloha shirtthe comfortable and usually color-
fully patterned, short-sleeve shirt that is famous the world over as a symbol of the HawaiianIslands. To celebrate the occasion, the U.S. Postal Service is releasing five stamps featuring
different multihued aloha shirts. Two of the shirts show surfers and their boards; one por-
trays the bird of paradise flower; one captures the likeness of the K lauea volcano; and one
depicts fossil fish, shells and sea stars. The stamps will be available this year. J.S.
based companies provide tours.
Some of the best places to view the
whales on Oahu are Hanauma Bay, Dia-
mond Head and the Makapuu Lighthouse
on the easternmost point of the island.
On Kauai, Poipu Beach and several
north-shore beaches are good viewing spots.
NATIONAL PARKS ANDHISTORICAL SITESThe Hawaiian Islands are home to seven
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areas operated by the National Park Ser-
vice, including two parks with majestic
volcanoes. One of these, 330,000-acre
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the
Island of Hawaii, is home to Earths most
active volcano, K lauea, and the worlds
most massive volcano, Mauna Loa. The
parks otherworldly volcanic landscapes
and Thomas A. Jaggar Museum, near theK lauea Overlook, offer insights into the
geological processes that formed the
Hawaiian Islands. At times, lava from
K lauea pours dramatically into the sea. As
I learned during my visit to Volcanoes
when there was molten lava visible from
the trail I was hiking on, a fascinating,
primordial sightits important to a lways
stay on marked paths and to heed park
warnings, as conditions change often.
Hawaiis other national park known for
its volcano is 30,000-acre Haleakala
National Park on Maui, named for the
dormant 10,023-foot peak. The huge sum-
mit areaon whose lunarlike terrain
NASA once trained astronautsis an
amazing place to watch the sun rise or set.
Dress warmly and plan plenty of time for
the journey, as traveling the winding road
to the summit takes a while.
A second district of the park, Kipahulu,
on Mauis eastern end, is a place of lush
natural beauty, whose verdant foliage is
punctuated with tranquil waterfalls,
streams and pools. A popular activity
within this area is hiking the four-mile-
roundtrip Ppwai Trail, leading to the
400-foot Waimoku Falls.
On Oahu, the World War II Valor in the
Pacific National Monument, west of Hono-
lulu, is a touching tribute to the many lives
lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
More than 1.5 million people a year visit
the USS ArizonaMemorial, built perpen-
dicularly above the sunken battleship.
Tickets and transportation to this and
other Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, includ-
ing the BattleshipMissouriMemorial, can
be arranged at the Pearl Harbor Visitor
Center, renovated in 2010.
Hawaiis other federally protected
areas include Kalaupapa National Histori-
cal Park on Molokai and, on the Island of
Hawaii, Kaloko-Honokohau National
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Historical Park, Puukohola Heiau National
Historic Site and Puuhonua o Honaunau
National Historical Park, where tall,
ancient wooden figures called kiistand
guard over a sacred heiau(temple) over-
looking the sea.
EXCELLENT HIKING
In addition to the multitude of hikingtrails within Hawaiis national parks,
great trailssuitable for hikers of various
abilitiescan be found throughout the
Aloha State.
Oahus signature hike is the 1.6-mile-
round-trip route at Diamond Head State
Monument, which climbs the monuments
namesake 760-foot volcanic crater. The
trail up Diamond Head includes two sets
of stairs and is moderately challenging
but I found the panoramic views of
Waik k and Oahus south shore well
worth the effort. In the North Shores
Waimea Valley, the daily Waimea Valley
Family Hike Series gives visitors 7 and
older a chance to explore one of Oahus
last partially intact ahupuaa(ancient land
divisions).
An easy, scenic hike in central Maui is
the 0.6-mile paved trail leading to the Iao
Needlea 1,200-foot-tall natural rock
formation considered a sacred site by
ancient Hawaiians.
On Kauai, Waimea Canyonoften
referred to as The Grand Canyon of the
Pacificoffers dozens of trails showcasing
rich scenery. Many additional trails are
located in neighboring Kokee State Park.
Guided hikes into the Island of
Hawaiis Waipio Valleyknown as
The Valley of the Kingson the north-
ern Hamakua Coast teach visitors about
this historic place where King Kame-
hameha I was raised and thousands of
native Hawaiians once lived. Horseback
and wagon tours are also available.
WORLD-CLASS GOLFThe Hawaiian Islands beckon golfers with
more than 70 excellent courses. These
include west Mauis acclaimed Plantation
Course at Kapalua, home of the Hyundai
Tournament of Champions, taking place
January 69 this year. The par-73, 7,411-yard
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More Ways to Have Fun in the Hawaiian IslandsAla Moana Center.Open since 1959, Honolulus Ala Moana Center is one of the largest open-air
shopping centers in the world, with nearly 300 stores selling items ranging from high-end clothing
to island-made goods.
The Bishop Museum.Founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop in honor of his late wife, Princess
Bernice Pauahi Bishopthe last descendant of the Kamehameha familythe Bishop Museum on
Oahu is the largest museum in the state, with hundreds of Hawaiian artifacts, royal family heir -
looms and other items on view.
The Hana Highway.This approximately 55-mile stretch of road, connecting Kahului on Mauis
north shore with the town of Hana on the east shore, winds past lush foliage and lovely waterfalls.No Ka Oi Adventures and other outfitters provide transportation and tours.
Maui Ocean Center.Visitors to this marine park in Wailuku get an up-close look at a wide variety
of Hawaii marine life, including sharks, rays and green sea turtles. The aquariums live coral
displays are the largest in the United States.
Lanai and Molokai. Part of Maui County, these two gorgeous Hawaiian Islands are easily acces-
sible via daily ferry service from Lahaina Harbor and via various tour companies.
The Wailua River.One of Hawaiis only navigable rivers, Kauais Wailua River meanders through
gorgeous tropical scenery, and is a popular spot for kayakers. Kayak Wailua and other local outfit-
ters provide equipment and tours highlighting scenic spots, such as the 80-foot Wailua Falls and
the Fern Grotto.
The Napali Coast.Kauais magnificent north-shore
pali(cliffs) can be admired from helicopter,motorboat or kayak on a variety of excursions. The 11-mile Kalalau Trail brings experienced hikers
to remote Kalalau Beach, at the base of the cliffs (permits are required).
Parker Ranch.At Parker Ranchlocated in Kamuela on the Island of Hawaii, and one of the
oldest and largest cattle ranches in the nationvisitors can tour a working ranch, learn about the
history of thepaniolo(Hawaiian cowboy), ride horses and more.
Stargazing.The Island of Hawaii offers several opportunities to look at and learn about the stars.
In Hilo, the Imiloa Astronomy Center features exhibits and shows focusing on astronomy and
how it relates to Hawaiian culture and history. The 13,796-foot summit of Mauna Kea is the loca-
tion of the Mauna Kea Observatoriesan independent collection of astronomical-research facili-
ties, featuring 13 massive telescopes. The Visitor Information Station at the 9,200-foot level
provides information about the mountain, Hawaiian culture and natural history. J.S .
Plantation Course is set on a rolling hillside,
with expansive views of the neighboring
islands of Molokai and Lanai. It is open to
the public, and after the tournament, visi-
tors can play the course and compare their
games to those of the pros. Nearby, the
Kaanapali Golf Resort offers two notable
coursesthe par-71, 6,700-yard Royal
Kaanapali Course and the par-70, 6,388-yard Kaanapali Kai Coursewhile in south
Maui, the Wailea Golf Club wins accolades
for its championship Gold, Emerald and
Blue courses.
A second PGA Tour tournament, the
Sony Open, will be played at the private
Waialae Country Club in Honolulu,
January 1215. Also on Oahu, the Ted
Robinsondesigned Ko Olina Golf Club
(located in the same west-shore resort area
as Disneys new Aulani property) has
exceptional water features, multitiered
greens and expansive landing areas. Turtle
Bay Resort, on the islands North Shore,
attracts golfers with its award-winning
Arnold Palmer and George Fazio courses,
which provide a variety of stunning vistas,
Hikers in Hawaii Volcanoes
National Park view a lava
flow from K lauea.
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10/1072 ALASKA AIRLINES MAGAZINEJANU ARY 2012
Alaska Airlines offers daily service
to Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the
Island of Hawaii. To book an Alaska
Airlines Vacations package to Hawaii, go
to alaskaair.com or call 800-468-2248.
getting there
from ironwood forest to sparkling ocean.
The reason for Kauais nickname,
The Garden Isle, is readily apparent
at lush, immaculate courses such as
Poipu Bay Golf Course. On the north
shore, Princeville at Hanalei is home to
the recently renovated Makai Course, as
well as the Prince Golf Course, which is
scheduled to reopen on March 1, followinga $5 million renovation overseen by the
original architect, Robert Trent Jones Jr.
The Island of Hawaiis Kohala Coast
boasts one of the states finest courses:
the Mauna Kea Golf Course, designed
by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in the early
1960s and since updated. Also on the
Kohala Coast, Mauna Lani Resort chal-
lenges novices and pros with two champion-
ship courses: the North Course, featuring
rolling terrain and kiawe(mesquite) forests
whose trees often come into play, and the
South Course, home to No. 15, one of the
most photographed oceanfront holes in the
world. The Hualalai Golf Course at the
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic
Kaupulehu, on the Kona-Kohala Coast, will
host the Mitsubishi Electric Champion-
shipthe kickoff to the 2012 Champions
TourJanuary 1822.
Tickets to the Mitsubishi Electric
Championship, as well as to the Tourna-
ment of Champions and Sony Open, are
available; for details, visit www.pga.com
or contact the resorts.
WHILEEACHHAWAIIANISLANDoffers unique
features and activities, all are alluring
tropical retreats where relaxation is the
order of the day, adventure awaits around
every corner, and there are always new
possibilities to explore.
Jennifer Schaefer is an associate editor of
Alaska Airlines Magazine.
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