With ocean temps that average about 70-80 degrees, Hawaii caters to those who crave water expeditions. However, not all of the cities within the water-drenched state of Hawaii rank supreme when it comes to water sports. Each pineapple-packed, palm-tree laden town has its specialty. For water sport adventure seekers looking for the ultimate way to take a dive into the crashing waves of Hawaii, look no further than this guide on where and how to hit the big island's waters.
Surf Big Waves in Oahu
Surfing pros head to Oahu's North Shore between November and March to ride towering waves that have made it a haven for surfing competitions. The infamous Banzai Pipeline is one of the more popular places to surf, with surfers attempting to cascade down and balance underneath, monstrous pipe-shaped waves. Inexperienced surfers may want to watch from the shores, however, as the breaks on these waves are strong, steep, have been known to take down or even kill the most experienced surfers.
Beginning surfers inspired by the surfers on the North Shore can get a dose of the surf at Waikiki Beach in the summer time, when waters are fairly tame. Those who would rather boogie board and body surf can test their skills in the treacherous waters of Sandy Beach, or enjoy the calm waves of Waikiki.
Scuba in Maui and Lanai, Snuba in Hanauma Bay
Take a dive or a snorkel under the blue waters of Molokini, an island located off of the Southwestern coast of Maui. Away from the island's coral reefs, barracuda, tiger sharks and humpback whales have been spotted. As divers drop down in the ocean, they'll also notice massive boulders coated with coral, colorful fish and slithering octopus.
While Molokini's waters are packed with wildlife, they are no match for Lanai's vivid underwater sights. Divers who get the chance to watch slithers of light peeking through lava domes underwater, as well as swim under the archways and over lava tubes that have formed here, consider Lanai to be the pinnacle of diving spots in Hawaii. This Maui island features over 25 dive sites and stunning coral formations that house hundreds of tropical fish.
For those who can't choose between scuba diving and snorkeling, they can snuba in Hanauma Bay. Snuba divers use a 20-foot air line that connects to a scuba tank to breath under water. It is a diving technique that merges scuba diving and snorkeling and is made for shallow water exploration. The waters in Hanauma Bay are crystal-blue and packed with marine sea life, like green sea turtles, moray eels, sea urchins and butterfly fish.
Hit the Black and White Sandy Beaches of Hawaii
Dubbed as one of the world's best beaches by the Travel Channel, Poipu Beach is one not-to-miss shore when visiting Hawaii. Beachgoers can snorkel, surf, dive, kayak, windsurf, kite board and go deep sea fishing here. Or, hit the waves for a quick-cool down after strolling the island's warm shores. Poipu Beach is located on Kauai's southern coastline and is known for its white, sand beaches, diverse water sports, and unique coral reef formations.
Hawaii beachgoers looking to put a spin on a typical day at the beach head to Punalu'u Beach Park. This black-sand beach is home to dozens of sea turtles that rest on its shores or swim beneath the waves, and is perfect for guests who want to stray from the beaten path and explore this beach's shores. This hidden gem can be found on the Big Island of Hawaii..
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Discover Russia
Inside of the idyllic lairs of Moscow, the largest number of billionaires in the world reside. Moscow’s socialites and heirs to massive fortunes hit the city’s hottest clubs at nightfall, wining and dining behind secret-password guarded doors. But for sightseers who lust for the traditional and historical sights of this Russian mecca, the Moscow night scene can wait. The architectural icons that line the streets and artistic sculptures that sit along its sidewalks are sights not to be missed. Moscow is rich with cultural history, and is a bustling city ready to be explored by the sophisticated globetrotter.
Take a trip to the eerie throws of Lenin Mausoleum located in Red Square. The tomb of Vladimir Lenin and his embalmed body have been on public display here since 1924, the year that he died. Lenin, the founder of the Soviet Revolution, was known as a Russian revolutionary and was named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century. Lenin’s influence was the reason behind the pyramid-shaped monument that houses his remains, a reminder of his legacy. He is considered to be the mastermind behind the Bolshevik take-over of power in Russia in the early 1920s.
Outside of the Mausoleum, famed Red Square awaits. It is the oldest and most historical square in Moscow and is home to world-renowned landmarks like the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral and the State Historical Museum. St. Basil’s Cathedral is so picturesque that it is a popular sight on Russian postcards. This swirly, bright colored structure was built in the 16th Century and features eight onion-dome shaped chapels that hover around a central pointed structure. It is made out of stone, brick and stucco and is a symbol of Ivan the Terrible’s annexation of Russia to Kazan and Astrakhan in the mid 1500s.
The Kremlin has an appearance of a city standing on its own. Overlooking the Red Square to the east, and the Moskva River on its southern side, it is home to grandiose palaces, gold-domed cathedrals, and the Kremlin Wall which acts as a fortress to the area, guarding the residence of the President of Russia which also sits behind its walls. Glitzy and renowned for the architectural genius of its buildings, the Kremlin is one Russian landmark that every tourist should experience.
Across the Black Sea, the beachy resort town of Yalta, Ukraine is steeped with relaxation and specializes in decadent wines. With a variety of vineyards and orchards throughout the city, experiencing a wine tour through Yalta is one of the best ways to take in the city’s sights. The first stop on a Yalta wine tour should be the Massandra Palace, home to Yalta’s most famous winery. Founded in the late 1800’s, this winery was designed to cater to the wine preferences of Russian Emperor Nicholas II and his court, who expected only the highest-quality, sweet-tasting wines to touch their lips. The winery’s vaults now boast the biggest wine collection in the world, with some of its bottles aged over 200 years hidden in tunnels deep within the Crimean Mountains.
After sipping on the wines of the area, brush up on the history of the plays of renowned playwright, Anton Chekhov at Chekhov’s House. The Russian writer penned the famed plays “The Cherry Garden,” and “The Three Sisters” in this house, which was turned into a museum in the late 1920s..
Take a trip to the eerie throws of Lenin Mausoleum located in Red Square. The tomb of Vladimir Lenin and his embalmed body have been on public display here since 1924, the year that he died. Lenin, the founder of the Soviet Revolution, was known as a Russian revolutionary and was named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century. Lenin’s influence was the reason behind the pyramid-shaped monument that houses his remains, a reminder of his legacy. He is considered to be the mastermind behind the Bolshevik take-over of power in Russia in the early 1920s.
Outside of the Mausoleum, famed Red Square awaits. It is the oldest and most historical square in Moscow and is home to world-renowned landmarks like the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral and the State Historical Museum. St. Basil’s Cathedral is so picturesque that it is a popular sight on Russian postcards. This swirly, bright colored structure was built in the 16th Century and features eight onion-dome shaped chapels that hover around a central pointed structure. It is made out of stone, brick and stucco and is a symbol of Ivan the Terrible’s annexation of Russia to Kazan and Astrakhan in the mid 1500s.
The Kremlin has an appearance of a city standing on its own. Overlooking the Red Square to the east, and the Moskva River on its southern side, it is home to grandiose palaces, gold-domed cathedrals, and the Kremlin Wall which acts as a fortress to the area, guarding the residence of the President of Russia which also sits behind its walls. Glitzy and renowned for the architectural genius of its buildings, the Kremlin is one Russian landmark that every tourist should experience.
Across the Black Sea, the beachy resort town of Yalta, Ukraine is steeped with relaxation and specializes in decadent wines. With a variety of vineyards and orchards throughout the city, experiencing a wine tour through Yalta is one of the best ways to take in the city’s sights. The first stop on a Yalta wine tour should be the Massandra Palace, home to Yalta’s most famous winery. Founded in the late 1800’s, this winery was designed to cater to the wine preferences of Russian Emperor Nicholas II and his court, who expected only the highest-quality, sweet-tasting wines to touch their lips. The winery’s vaults now boast the biggest wine collection in the world, with some of its bottles aged over 200 years hidden in tunnels deep within the Crimean Mountains.
After sipping on the wines of the area, brush up on the history of the plays of renowned playwright, Anton Chekhov at Chekhov’s House. The Russian writer penned the famed plays “The Cherry Garden,” and “The Three Sisters” in this house, which was turned into a museum in the late 1920s..
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Discover Bora Bora
Bora Bora is legendary for clear turquoise seas and its wide variety of marine life. If you love watersports, no destination is more fitting. From swimming to snorkeling to SCUBA-diving, you can do it all in Bora Bora.
Start your H2O adventure on a SCUBA trip to the best diving sites in Bora Bora at TOP Dive. Famous sites include Tapu, where you’ll encounter native black tips and lemon sharks. You can also explore the twist and turns of underwater caves at Apo or float by incandescent schools of fish in the “natural swimming pool” of the Bora Bora lagoon. Feel daring? Dive deep into the ocean and come face-to-face with moray eels, sharks, and barracudas.
If it’s the giant Manta Rays that you want to see, then stay at the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa. This luxury resort offers grand suites and premium overwater bungalows, which feature glass table tops opening up a direct view of the lagoon below. The resort also houses the Blue Nui Dive Center. Open year-round, the dive center hosts fun dive lessons for beginners. If you’re experienced on the other hand, try a night dive with a group of friends. After your late night dip, relax in the center’s cushy bungalow while and get a close look at the underwater shots of the island.
Want an all-encompassing tour of the famous Bora Bora lagoon? Bora Bora Discovery takes you on a 6-hour wet-and-wild expedition. Snorkel while touching the rays, feed the circling sharks, or simply swim around in the tropical sea. At lunch time, dine in the shallow waters to enjoy an authentic Tahitian Maa.
After a day in the surf, mellow out on a private island, known as a Motu in the Polynesian language. If you’re particular, Moana Adventure Tours will customize the ultimate excursion for you. From low key to high energy, Moana Adventure Tours will design a customized trip for you and your party. Take a glass-bottom boat trip, or soak up the sun while lying on a private Motu. And if spontaneity is your middle name, they’ll even set up trips at the spur of the moment.
Looking for some serious speed on the water? Well, look no further than the locals at Miki Miki Jet Ski. They specialize in getting your heart racing with personal water craft tours around the island. Or grab a champagne flute and hop on board a jet boat for a thrilling 2 ½ hour ride with Moana Jet Boat. Join French waterskiing champion Karen Bonnevie for wakeboarding and waterskiing at Lagoonaski, the only place on the island offering a waterskiing experience. Climb onto a Malibu 310 boat with Karen, and get ready to race across the waves. No experience? No problem! Private and group lessons are available.
Take a dip in the glassy waters of the Bora Bora lagoon. Dive deep into the ocean. Or freestyle on your jet ski. Whatever your pleasure, Bora Bora is the vacation destination anyone who loves luxury and adventure.
Start your H2O adventure on a SCUBA trip to the best diving sites in Bora Bora at TOP Dive. Famous sites include Tapu, where you’ll encounter native black tips and lemon sharks. You can also explore the twist and turns of underwater caves at Apo or float by incandescent schools of fish in the “natural swimming pool” of the Bora Bora lagoon. Feel daring? Dive deep into the ocean and come face-to-face with moray eels, sharks, and barracudas.
If it’s the giant Manta Rays that you want to see, then stay at the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa. This luxury resort offers grand suites and premium overwater bungalows, which feature glass table tops opening up a direct view of the lagoon below. The resort also houses the Blue Nui Dive Center. Open year-round, the dive center hosts fun dive lessons for beginners. If you’re experienced on the other hand, try a night dive with a group of friends. After your late night dip, relax in the center’s cushy bungalow while and get a close look at the underwater shots of the island.
Want an all-encompassing tour of the famous Bora Bora lagoon? Bora Bora Discovery takes you on a 6-hour wet-and-wild expedition. Snorkel while touching the rays, feed the circling sharks, or simply swim around in the tropical sea. At lunch time, dine in the shallow waters to enjoy an authentic Tahitian Maa.
After a day in the surf, mellow out on a private island, known as a Motu in the Polynesian language. If you’re particular, Moana Adventure Tours will customize the ultimate excursion for you. From low key to high energy, Moana Adventure Tours will design a customized trip for you and your party. Take a glass-bottom boat trip, or soak up the sun while lying on a private Motu. And if spontaneity is your middle name, they’ll even set up trips at the spur of the moment.
Looking for some serious speed on the water? Well, look no further than the locals at Miki Miki Jet Ski. They specialize in getting your heart racing with personal water craft tours around the island. Or grab a champagne flute and hop on board a jet boat for a thrilling 2 ½ hour ride with Moana Jet Boat. Join French waterskiing champion Karen Bonnevie for wakeboarding and waterskiing at Lagoonaski, the only place on the island offering a waterskiing experience. Climb onto a Malibu 310 boat with Karen, and get ready to race across the waves. No experience? No problem! Private and group lessons are available.
Take a dip in the glassy waters of the Bora Bora lagoon. Dive deep into the ocean. Or freestyle on your jet ski. Whatever your pleasure, Bora Bora is the vacation destination anyone who loves luxury and adventure.
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