You Should Be In Waikiki

The stunning azure blues and emerald greens of Oahu welcome visitors to the island and proclaim the natural beauty of this lush, luxuriant land. First-time visitors can expect to be impressed by the rolling mountain ranges that meet the crashing sea in a display of long-present tenacity, as well as the island locals who greet each visitor with a special brand of island hospitality called the "Aloha Way."

It is a magical place, and there is plenty to do on Oahu that will keep you wrapped up in its splendor. In fact, one could have a very full vacation and never leave Waikiki Beach. The famous beach boasts fine, powdery white sand and excellent surfing waves. It's a treat to watch the surfers dotting the horizon, floating on their boards as they wait for the premium wave.

The beach itself is always busy, with sunbathers staking out the shore and swimmers bobbing in the water. For those wishing to stay dry while exploring the sea, there are catamaran rides and canoe rides available for an afternoon or evening cruise. Or, for the more adventurous, there are several places along the beach that offer surfing lessons, which cost about $35 for a two-hour period.

Indeed, surfing lessons are very popular on Waikiki Beach and, according to locals, those who take lessons range in age from 12 to 80-something. The instructors claim that anyone can learn how to surf in two hours, and that women catch on to the sport especially quickly.

The first hour is a period of on-shore instruction where students practice the best technique of getting on top of the board in the proper position to ride the wave. When a level of comfort is reached, the instructor takes the students to shallow water for additional practice before tackling the giant waves that make the beach famous.

Waikiki has no shortage of places to stay, but the best are the family-owned Outrigger and Ohana hotels. These resorts offer a range of travel packages and special programs that make vacationing in Hawaii an affordable option, with rates starting as low as $69 per night. Many of Ohana's properties have a kitchenette in each room, allowing guests to make their own meals.

Each hotel is located close to beaches, shopping, dining and nightlife. There are many different properties to choose from, ranging in price from budget to luxury. While both Outrigger and Ohana are owned by the same company, the Outrigger brand indicates a full-service, more deluxe property, while the Ohana (which means "family") brand is more budget-priced for family travel.

About the Author

Laura Romano, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com Leave Your email next to the logo for FREE e travel newsletter.