But really Hawaii is all about the water sports. The state is an island surrounded by the Pacific Ocean that is home to some of the world's best and largest waves. In fact surfing was invented here in the islands. Oahu and Maui are most well known for surfing, particularly the North Shore of both islands, but you can really expect to see some pretty great waves just about anywhere in Hawaii. If you are a beginner, you should stick to the beginner friendly waves like Waikiki Beach on Oahu and Lahaina in Maui. The big waves on the North Shore of the islands should be left to the experts.
Hawaiians have been kayaking since ancient times. If kayaking is your thing, Hawaii is the place to be. All of the islands have something different to offer. On Oahu, Kailua Bay is a popular kayaking spot, where you can paddle over to an uninhabited island for some respite for the very busy Waikiki Beach. On Maui Kealakekua Bay is a great place for Kayaking. These waters are responsible for the downfall of Captain Cook. Molokai offers some great kayaking for the more experienced paddlers. Whatever you water sport pleasure, Hawaii is sure to please.
Surfing in beautiful Hawaii
Because of the swells that roll in from the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii has some great surfing spots. These spots are scattered across hundreds of beaches all over the state of Hawaii. You could literally spend a year surfing these beaches and never have to surf the same spot twice.
Honolua Bay on Maui is also a popular surfing spot for the experienced surfer. There are lots of great beaches as well as surfing spots in Maui. Lahaina is a great spot for beginners and there are a couple of different surfing schools located here. Because of the strong winds on Maui, it is also a popular destination for wind surfing and kite surfing. Maui even has its very own kite beach. On any given day you can drive by a see the shoreline full of kite boarders, some of whom you'd probably recognize from the magazines.
The perfect vacation for families
While on Ohau, be sure not to miss the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. This memorial is both powerful and sorrowful. After watching a brief movie depicting the horrific attack on Pearl Harbor, visitors will take a short ferry ride out too the memorial. The memorial actually floats on top of the sunken ship. Once you get off the ferry, you can walk back to the wall that lists the name of every person that died that dreaded day in December.
The island of Maui hosts the Maui Ocean Center, which is the largest tropical aquarium in the United States. Maui is also a good place to windsurf, and has tons of different waterfalls. The resort area of Ka'anapali is located on the western coast of Maui, and is home to the island's best golf courses. This is where you will find the large high-rise resorts. They have plenty of pools for the kids to swim in. The beach here, however, is not quite as kid friendly as Wakiki Beach. The rip currents can be strong and Maui is much windier that Honolulu. The calmer beach at Kihei, might be a little more kid friendly.
Vacation with kids
The bishop museum is worth taking a tour. They have demonstrations on the art of making lei's as well as hula dancing performances. Before leaving the island take the kids to visit the world famous beaches of the North Shore. It's worth the drive to see the very beaches where world class surfers congregate.
The island of Molokai will offer some good old fashioned rest and relaxation in an authentic Hawaiian atmosphere as well. You could rent mountain bikes and explore the island together. Be careful, however, not to go too far off the trails, because it's easy to get lost on the mostly undeveloped island. On this island you should consider renting a house so the kids will have plenty of room to spread out. Also there aren't too many hotel options here on Molokai.