photo credit: Medhi

Nudist Beaches in Greece?

Author: Graham Yates wrote this article. For an independent insider’s guide to Greek island life, visit http://www.completely-crete.com/ and http://www.simply-santorini.com/.

1 – Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The most well-known and popular tourist attraction on Big Island is that of the Hawaii Volcanoes National park. This park is a must visit for you and your traveling party. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is 377 square miles of absolute beauty! It is also an attraction that is designed for individuals of all ages, which is great if you are taking a family vacation. The park can be explored by bike, foot, and car.

As for what activities you can enjoy while visiting the park, there is so much for you to enjoy. Sightseeing is a popular activity enjoyed by tourists. You can visit the Kilauea Volcano and see a road where lava once flowed over. If you ever wanted to get up-close and personal to a volcano, now is your chance.

Camping is another popular activity, but if you have already booked reservations for a Big Island vacation rental, it may not be right for you.

2 – Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park

The Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park is another popular attraction on Big Island. It is great for travelers with vacation rentals on the northern end of the island, as they may not get a chance to visit the above mentioned Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The park is known as being sacred ground. It is a great place to experience the beauty of Hawaii, while familiarizing yourself with the island’s culture and history.

As for what you can do and see while visiting the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park, each year there is a cultural festival. This festival, which is known as Na Mea Hana Lima na Kupuna celebrates the history of working Hawaiianancestors. You can also walk the royal grounds, enjoy a nice picnic, and take in the beauty of Hawaii.

As for sightseeing, an area in the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park was once home to those who broke the law and were seeking refuge. There is a large, great wall that separates this area from the above mentioned royal grounds.

3 – Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site

Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, not to be confused with the above mentioned National Historic Park, is another must visit attraction for those visiting Big Island. Here, you are provided with the perfect opportunity to explore and learn about the history of Big Island the Hawaiian ancestors who called the area home.

This Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site is home to the largest temple in Hawaii. The template plays an important role in the history of Hawaii. It once was a scared place of worship. According Hawaii’s Official Tourism Website, it is also a great location to look for humpback whales.

4 – Waipio Valley

The Waipio Valley is another must visit attraction for those looking to learn about the history and culture of Hawaii, as well as take in the beauty of the Hawaiian land. This valley is also referred to as “The Valley of the Kings.” Due to the steepness of the valley, the area can be entered into by hiking or with the use of a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Although you are able to explore a part of the area yourself, you are encouraged to take a guided tour of “The Valley of the Kings.” Tour guides are familiar with the best areas to target, such as ones where you can see tara fields and beautiful waterfalls. The valley is also home to many “hidden treasures,” including ancient burial caves.

The four above mentioned must visit Big Island Hawaii attractions are just a few of the many that you should visit. When choosing which attractions you would like to visit, you are encouraged to take the location of your Big Island vacation rental into consideration. The less time you have to spend on the road, the more likely you are to enjoy your vacation.

Author: Richard Teesdale.

Let Hawaiian Beach Rentals help you make your Hawaii travel plans. Their Big Island vacation home rentals are perfect for your next trip.

Hawaii is called The Big Island, and there is big fun to be had on a family vacation to Hawaii. Here are some not-to-be-missed Hawaiian destinations.

Waipio Valley
This state seems to have panoramic vistas around every corner, so it can be easy to miss the breath-taking views across Waipio Valley. Located along the Hamakua Coast on the northeastern coast, this is the largest of the 7 valleys on the windward side of the Kohala Mountains. This is nature at its finest, having carved, over time, this massive valley filled with amazing cliffs and spectacularly beautiful waterfalls. The road down to the valley is very steep and narrow, and driving is not encouraged (and certainly not without 4-wheel drive), but walking and hiking are great alternatives.

Akaka Falls State Park
Amid a setting of tropical foliage and flowers, just a mere 20-minute drive from Hilo, you will find the gorgeous Akaka Falls which plunges a sheer 442 feet down black volcanic rock. As a bonus you’ll also enjoy the neighboring Kahuna Falls which tumbles about 100 feet. The falls are best viewed in the morning around 8 to 10 a.m. when the sun will hit them exactly right. If you arrive too late or too early, you’ll find the falls to be in complete or partial shade which will make taking a great picture (which of course you must do( difficult. For the absolute best photographs of the falls, take your photos on a cloudy day when no sun is directly hitting anywhere on the falls.

Kaimu Black Sand Beach
There are many other black sand beaches in Hawaii, but Kaimu, a shimmering obsidian sand beach, is very picturesque and is probably the most impressive. It may also be the blackest, and if you walk along the beach you may want to wash your feet before getting back in your car to resume your trip. Bring your camera of course.

Crater Rim Drive
This is an 11-mile road that circles the edge of the Kilauea Caldera (large pit crater) in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Scenic vistas and hiking abound! If you are visiting this national park and can only do one thing, choose this scenic drive and you can’t go wrong. Depending on how many times you stop, this tour can take between one and three hours to complete. This is definitely a drive well worth making if you have the time in your itinerary.

Hiilawe Falls
Located along the Hamakua Coast, this is the most famous waterfall in Waipio Valley. It is also the tallest of all falls in the state, one of the tallest in the entire world, and plunges over 1000 feet. This waterfall shares the same cliff as the Hakalaoa Falls which is currently dry. You can see this amazing spot by helicopter, a very popular way of viewing the falls, or by hiking or riding down (4-wheel drive) to the floor of the valley. I would call this one of the do-not-miss spots of your family vacation to Hawaii!

Hilo
Located on the Hilo Bay, this charming historic city is the island’s largest city and boasts beautiful orchid gardens, quaint shops, open-air markets, parks, museums, festivals, fairs, farmer’s markets, and many more interesting places to visit. This is known as the wettest city in the US, and is always lush, green, and pretty.

Kamuela Museum
This family-owned museum and popular tourist attraction looks like someone’s home! It is a privately-owned museum and contains a delightful assortment of items collected over many years. This museum is full of Hawaiian artifacts and is well worth a visit.

Add these interesting and scenic stops to your family’s next vacation to Hawaii and don’t forget your camera for some spectacular photo memories!

Hawaii’s Big Island vacation rentals put you on the forefront of some of the Big Island’s unforgettable attractions, such as:

- Hiking through Waipio Valley, the “Valley of the Kings”

- Exploring Puukohola Heiau, the largest restored ancient Hawaiian religious temple

- Enjoying the entertainment, culture, and cuisine in Hilo and the Kona Coast

Located on the northern Hamakua Coast, the sacred Waipio Valley was the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I and an important center for political and religious life in Hawaii. Not only is “The Valley of the Kings” an important site for Hawaiian history and culture, it’s also a place of dramatic tropical beauty. This fertile valley is about one mile across and over five-miles deep, and surrounded by cliffs up to 2000-feet high. Waipio Valley was once the home for thousands of native Hawaiians.

Today, there are less than 100 residents living amongst the waterfalls, taro fields, and rivers permeating the valley. The Big Island’s tallest waterfall, Hiilawe Falls cascades down 1,300 feet in the back of Waipio. You can view the valley from the coastal Waipio Valley Overlook, or you can take a guided van tour, hike, or horseback ride to explore the hidden wonders within. Tour guides will happily share the stories and legends of this special place. The road into the valley is extremely steep so driving isn’t recommended.

Puukohola Heiau, on the northwestern Kohala Coast, is the largest heiau in Hawaii. Heiau were sacred places of worship for ancient Hawaiians, and Puukohola heiau was a site built with added historic significance. Kohala born Kamehameha the Great was advised by kahuna (priests) to build and dedicate Puukohola heiau to the war god Kukailimoku in an effort to stop civil unrest and unite the Hawaiian Islands. The heiau was constructed overlooking the Kohala coast between 1790 and 1791.

King Kamehameha ultimately fulfilled the kahuna’s prophecy when he united the Hawaiian Islands in 1810. This massive stone temple has been carefully preserved, and it is believed to be one of the last sacred structures built in the Hawaiian Islands before Western influence. Puukohola, which means “hill of the whale” in Hawaiian, is also a great place to look for migrating humpback whales.

The sunny Kona coastline stretches from Kailua-Kona to beyond Kealakekua Bay and can take more than 45 minutes to drive through from your Hawaii accommodation. Within this expansive area you’ll find everything from Kona Coffee farms to historic Hawaiian landmarks. In fact, the Kona coast was once the home of Hawaiian royalty. King Kamehameha himself spent his later years in Kailua-Kona. Significant historic places like Puuhonua o Honaunau, Hulihee Palace, and Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park let you explore Hawaii’s past first-hand. South Kona’s calm and clear waters are also perfect for snorkeling, diving, and spotting dolphins and honu (green sea turtles). For the more adventurous, take a boat tour and swim with manta rays or go deep-sea fishing for giant Pacific Blue Marlin.

On land, the cooler uplands are home to hundreds of coffee plantations where you can sample Kona’s unique, aromatic bean. On the versatile Kona coast, the adventures are as big as the island itself. Whether you are looking for the perfect Hawaii villa, condo, or beach front rental, we can help you make your Hawaiian experience truly unforgettable!

Author by Alice Lane.

You’ve dreamed about a tropical Hawaiian vacation and know a little about the islands, but you may not know exactly what makes up the Hawaiian Islands. Don’t let your lack of knowledge stop you from planning a much needed vacation getaway. You do know that some most beautiful beaches, colourful sand and unbelievable natural wonders are all waiting for discovery.

The Hawaiian Islands are a group of six islands in the Pacific Ocean that include Oahu, Molokai, Kauai, Lanai, Maui and the Big Island. While each island is diverse and beautiful, they all make for unforgettable vacation getaways. Overtime, you will want to explore each island, but since your vacation is only one week, why not start your Hawaiian vacation on the Big Island.

As the largest of the Hawaiian Islands, you will be presented with endless adventure, excitement and lodging options. Avoid the overcrowded and bland hotels and try staying in a vacation rental that meets all of your standards. By selecting a Big Island vacation rental home, condo or villa, all of your visions of the ideal getaway can be fulfilled.

If the whole family is heading out to the Big Island, why not try staying in a vacation home right on the beach in Kailua-Kona. Located on the western side of the Island, Kona is known for its pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters, abundant sunshine and famous Kona coffee. You’ll be steps from the beach where you’ll find snorkelling, boogie boarding and swimming. As a great convenience, grab beach toys, beach chairs and towels that are all provided by your vacation home rental.

Create an underwater adventure and take the family scuba diving. If you don’t know how, there are many places that can quickly get you certified and provide all the gear. Be lead by a knowledgeable guide on an exploration into the depths of the ocean to discover underwater caves, tropical fish and sting rays. This is surly to be a memorable family vacation outing.

As you drive home after a long day of excitement, your options are endless with the numerous restaurants lining the street. Or, if you’re feeling frisky, stop by a grocery store to pick up some of the local fresh seafood and take delight in preparing and cooking a delicious feast in the home’s fully stocked kitchen. With full bellies and sleepy eyes, tuck the kids into the bunk beds and pop in a DVD they select from the home’s movie library. While they start dozing off, slip away and enjoy the hot tub as you reflect on the day’s adventures.

Perhaps you’re travelling with your partner and looking for a private vacation filled with exploration. Imagine staying in a spacious vacation condo in Keauhou with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Be a short walking distance from the Keauhou Shopping Center, gift shops, galleries, museums, restaurants and world class golf resorts. Be sure to purchase a few souvenirs for yourself and friends.

Hop into the car for a short trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where you will find Kilauea, on of the world’s most active and visited volcanoes. Hike through current lava flows and be in awe at Mother Natures work. Another great day trip is visiting Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls located on the eastern side of the Big Island. Hike through lush tropical vegetation that will bring you to towering mountain cliffs with cascading water.

When visiting the Big Island you will be amazed with the lodging accommodations that are as diverse as the Hawaiian landscape. Taking it easy with no responsibilities and savouring all of Hawaii’s pleasures is most important.

Author: Emily Spin.