Firestyle Magazine Issue 2 - Winter 2015 | Page 49

Tracy can be contacted on 01785 712332
Of course if your budget will extend a little bit more and you don’ t mind some serious long haul flights what about considering Hawaii.
The Hawaiian Islands are located in the North Pacific Ocean and its islands extend some 1500 miles. The six main islands from the oldest to the youngest are Kaua’ i, Oahu, Maui, Lana’ i, Moloka’ i, and Hawaii Island. Kaua’ i is the most green of the islands and it is also known as the Garden Isle. Oahu has the largest population of just under 1 million, Maui is the second largest island and is home to some of the best beaches. Lana’ i and Moloka’ i are two of the smaller islands known for their culture and Hawaiian roots and finally Hawaii Island is the largest of the islands and is recognised for its breathtaking volcanoes. The total population of the State of Hawaii is estimated at 1 1 / 2 million.
The climate is tropical but it experiences many different climates dependant on altitude and weather and the main port of entry to this part of the world is Honolulu International Airport.
It is famous for it’ s stunning beaches and for featuring some of the most picturesque landscapes on the planet, if its white sand beaches, red, black and green sandy beaches with clear waters is for you then you really do need to check out the islands of Hawaii.
There are many beaches that explore Hawaii’ s crystal blue waters, number 1 would be the Lanikai beach in Oahu, this is hidden in the residential neighbourhood of Kailua on the island of Oahu. Lanikai beach has been ranked in the past as the world’ s number 1 beach thanks to its white soft sand and turquoise waters and you hear both the locals and tourists populate the beach all year round, to enjoy the different water activities, swimming, snorkelling and kayaking, the wind here is also great for sailing and windsurfing, even more reasons to visit this picture postcard beach.
Another choice could be Hapuna beach on the Hawaiian Island itself, located down the volcanic coastline of the Kohala Coast. This is the largest of Hawaiian Islands white sand beaches and has been featured in the world’ s top travel magazines as one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii on numerous occasions. Visitors will always head to this spectacular oasis to sunbathe on the soft sand and it is a great spot to swim and snorkel and body board. The other top tip for this beach is wait for the sun to go down and don’ t miss one of the most stunning sunsets possibly in the world.
Another beach, another island, is Hulopoe beach on Lanai, on the southern coast of Lanai, this is a mustvisit on a trip to Hawaii, this pearl white sand beach is famous for its rich marine life, here you can see dolphins spinning around in the bay and admire the colourful tropical fish and sea life. This was once named America’ s best beach and the area is also notorious for several large volcanic rock tide pools located on the Eastern side of the bay. A mere 15 minute walk along the cliffs and you can visit and admire the famous Lanai landmark of Puu Pehe, Sweetheart Rock.
A favourite for me is the island of Maui and here you have the Kaihalulu beach, on the Eastern side of Maui Island, south of Hana Bay. This is one of the few red sand beaches in the world and its deep red black sand given by the larva cinders off Ka’ uiki, this creates a magical contrast with the blue water and its isolated location and yet is only a hike away for more experienced explorers.
So if the budget will extend to it and you are searching for that warm winter sun consider the Hawaiian Islands, you could of course break the journey with a stop in Los Angeles and there the city sprawl will enable you to do the world famous Disneyland Adventure as well as the film studios this could be a super holiday but the budget needs to extend.

Tracy can be contacted on 01785 712332

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