douglas peebles

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.

Paradise Islands

Hawaii offers many ways to relax and have fun

tor johnson

By Jennifer Schaefer

m watching the smooth, gentle waves roll in toward Waik k 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 Waik k Beach Services, which was founded in
1955 and staffed at that time by the legendary Waik k 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.

Alaska Airlines Magazine

january 2012

61

(bottom) mixa co. ltd. / getty images; (top) a. witte / c. mahaney / getty images

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 seconds, but I feel as proud as if Id just gotten
tubed at the Banzai Pipelinethe famed
North Shore surf break named for its massive, 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 tropical
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.
Kauai is known for its cascading
waterfalls, such as Wailua Falls,
featured in the opening credits
of Fantasy Island.

Alaska Airlines Magazine

january 2012

Beautiful Beaches
Waikk Beachpart of the bustling southshore Honolulu neighborhood of the same
namemay be Hawaiis most famous
beach, visited by around 4 million people
a year, but this scenic, nearly two-milelong stretch of sand is just one of many
renowned 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

A snorkeler swims alongside lemon

butterflyfish. Numerous fish, such as these,
are found only in the Hawaiian Islands.

the west shore, and Wailea and Khei 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 natural 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 jetblack shore. On the northwest Kohala
Coast, Hapuna Beach is one of 12 Hawaiian 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
63

michael nolan / aurora photos

A humpback whale breaches in the Auau Channel

separating Maui, Lanai and Molokai.

caution when visiting Hawaiis beaches.

Frequently updated information about
Hawaii beach safety is available at http://
oceansafety.soest.hawaii.edu.

Great Snorkeling
Home to hundreds of species of brightly
hued tropical fish, Hawaiis warm, clear
waters are a paradise for snorkelers.

64

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, parrotfish 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 during the calm summer months.
On Maui, snorkeling is a popular pastime at Kaanapali Beach and most other
resort 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

january 2012

Alaska Airlines Magazine

Spectacular Surfing
Hawaii is considered the birthplace of
modern surfing, a sport once reserved for
alii (Hawaiian royalty). In the 20th century, Duke Kahanamoku (18901968),
an Olympic gold-medal swimmer,
helped spread surfings popularity to
the mainland.
A statue of Duke welcomes visitors to
WaikkOahus 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

aidan bradley, courtesy: kapalua golf

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 graceful, gliding manta rays.

Mauis acclaimed Plantation Course at Kapaluaset on

a rolling hillside with expansive ocean viewshosts the
Hyundai Tournament of Champions, January 69.

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

AH 78-209-11.Alaska Arlns (Jan12):Layout 1

12/1/11

11:39 AM

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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 beginners 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

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
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Alaska Airlines Magazine

Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel

january 2012

Aston Waikiki Sunset

Aston Waikiki Circle Hotel

65

Wonderful
Whale-watching
Each 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 surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands was
designated a Humpback Whale National
Marine Sanctuary. Maui is one of the best
places to see the humpbacks during whalewatching season, which typically occurs
from late November to May. The Pacific

66

ric noyle, courtesy:

u.s. postal service

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.

Seventy-Five Years of Aloha

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the aloha shirtthe comfortable and usually colorfully patterned, short-sleeve shirt that is famous the world over as a symbol of the Hawaiian
Islands. 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 portrays the bird of paradise flower; one captures the likeness of the Klauea volcano; and one
depicts fossil fish, shells and sea stars. The stamps will be available this year. J.S.

Whale Foundation and other outfitters run

daily tours during this time, many departing 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 excellent place to see humpbacks, especially
from the beaches along the Kona and
North Kohala coasts. Several Kailua-Kona

based companies provide tours.

Some of the best places to view the
whales on Oahu are Hanauma Bay, Diamond 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 and

Historical Sites
The Hawaiian Islands are home to seven

january 2012

Alaska Airlines Magazine

Oahu

550 Ward Avenue

Corner of Ward & Waimanu
(808) 596-7333
560 North Nimitz Hwy
Gentry Pacific Design Center
www.hawaiianrugs.com (808) 524-7769

68

Maui

Kona

259 East Wakea Ave

Kahului
(808) 877-7200

74-5599 Luhia Street

Kona Industrial Park
(808) 329-6500

areas operated by the National Park Service, 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, Klauea, and the worlds
most massive volcano, Mauna Loa. The
parks otherworldly volcanic landscapes
and Thomas A. Jaggar Museum, near the
Klauea Overlook, offer insights into the
geological processes that formed the
Hawaiian Islands. At times, lava from
Klauea 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 always
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 summit 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-mileroundtrip Ppwai Trail, leading to the
400-foot Waimoku Falls.
On Oahu, the World War II Valor in the
Pacific National Monument, west of Honolulu, 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 Arizona Memorial, built perpendicularly above the sunken battleship.
Tickets and transportation to this and
other Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, including the Battleship Missouri Memorial, can
be arranged at the Pearl Harbor Visitor
Center, renovated in 2010.
Hawaiis other federally protected
areas include Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Molokai and, on the Island of
Hawaii, Kaloko-Honokohau National
january 2012

Alaska Airlines Magazine

Historical Park, Puukohola Heiau National

Historic Site and Puuhonua o Honaunau
National Historical Park, where tall,
ancient wooden figures called kii stand
guard over a sacred heiau (temple) overlooking the sea.

Excellent Hiking
In addition to the multitude of hiking
trails within Hawaiis national parks,
great trailssuitable for hikers of various
abilitiescan be found throughout the
Aloha State.
Oahus signature hike is the 1.6-mileround-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
Waikk 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 northern Hamakua Coast teach visitors about
this historic place where King Kamehameha I was raised and thousands of
native Hawaiians once lived. Horseback
and wagon tours are also available.

World-class Golf
The 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
Alaska Airlines Magazine

january 2012

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69

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douglas peebles

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, visitors 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, 6,388yard 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

Hikers in Hawaii Volcanoes

National Park view a lava
flow from Klauea.

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,

More Ways to Have Fun in the Hawaiian Islands

Ala 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 heirlooms and other items on view.
The H
ana Highway. This approximately 55-mile stretch of road, connecting Kahului on Mauis
north shore with the town of H
ana 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.

For More Information Call

808-535-6500 or 800-233-8912
or online at www.HiloHattie.com
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70

Lanai and Molokai. Part of Maui County, these two gorgeous Hawaiian Islands are easily accessible 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 outfitters provide equipment and tours highlighting scenic spots, such as the 80-foot Wailua Falls and
the Fern Grotto.
The N
apali 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 the paniolo (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 location of the Mauna Kea Observatoriesan independent collection of astronomical-research facilities, 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.

january 2012

Alaska Airlines Magazine

7th Heaven*
receive 2 nights free
when you stay 7 nights
and kids eat free!
Valid from January 6 thru January 27, 2012
April 14 thru June 15, 2012

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, following
a $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 challenges novices and pros with two championship 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 Championshipthe kickoff to the 2012 Champions
TourJanuary 1822.
Tickets to the Mitsubishi Electric
Championship, as well as to the Tournament of Champions and Sony Open, are
available; for details, visit www.pga.com
Airlines Magazine
orAlaska
contact
the resorts.
N200-2867
AlaskaAir-NapiliKai
1/6 pg (2.3125 x 4.8125)
4 Color Ad

WPreferred
hile each Hawaiian Island offers unique
File Format:
PDF-X 1/a and activities, all are alluring
features
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.

800.367.5030 | www.napilikai.com
Maui, Hawaii
*Cannot be combined with other specials
offers. Valid on new reservations only.
Other restrictions may apply.

72

getting there
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.

january 2012

Alaska Airlines Magazine