by admin | Aug 5, 2014 | surf instructors

Questions and Answers

Hawaii Hints for a newbie?So I’m going to Hawaii for the first time (with my gf) and Im looking for some advice/tips in some things to do. We’re going to be in Waikiki and are looking to do the typical tourist things – dinner cruises, snorkeling, etc. Looking for what you did, who with, and what you thought. Thanks!!!

How about some tips on dinner cruises? Helicopter tours?

 

 ALOHA SAM~~ First- timers huh…you both will have a blast…You don’t say how long you will be staying, but here are a few suggestions. Try to stay 8-10 days at least….otherwise you will feel to rushed and not be able to relax and enjoy yourself the way you should in Hawai’i.

I took my 3 kids last Summer…ages 12,14 and 17. We stayed on Oahu for 10 days at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach Hotel…we all enjoy surfing so we surfed 6 out of the 10 days (if you are not a surfer and need lessons Call Oahu surfing experience ,they are the best Surf-Instructor in the Islands) 808 4977109…we had ALOT of Beach and Pool time, but we did take time out for Visiting the Arizona Memorial (we do this EVERY time we come to Hawai’i out of Respect),we shopped up and down Kalakaua Ave as well as at The Ala Moana Shopping Mall (largest out-door mall in the World) we also rented a car for 2 days and cruised over to North Shore…(do this) this is where Pipeline and the triple crown of surfing are …especially during the Winter. (Even if the north shore is big there are really good small wave go to spots if you have the right guide ), check out Hanauma Bay (where Elvis’ movie “Blue Hawaii” was filmed) I do all these things with my kids but you and your girl will love it as well…

Now I will Post my Tried and True list of things to do on Oahu…

Need advice on visiting Maui, Hawaii?I have never been to Hawaii before and would like to take a trip to Hawaii with my wife for the first time early part of next year (may be during February or March). I am looking for some advice from experienced travelers to Hawaii on how to best approach this trip.I have the following questions:

Which Island do you recommend for first timers?(2) How many days trip would be enough in Maui to see and enjoy the island? 2 days or 3 days or 4 days? I can only go for a Max of 4 days.(3) Is Car Rental needed? In other words, to go to beaches and other places, would it be needed to rent car from airport before coming? OR can you get by with other transportation means?(4) Since there are hotels on different sides of the island, which side has the best beaches and which side has the best views? North, South, East or West?(5) I read about Scuba diving in Hawaii is famous. I have never done it before and would like to try it. Will they provide you training over there? OR Do they allow only people who have experienced scuba divers to experience it? I am okay in swimming. Do you have to be a good swimmer to experience scuba diving? Is swimming knowledge required at all to do Scuba diving?(6) Any other gotchas you recommend based on your travel experience?

Posted by Yahoo_User1

[display_name id=”1″]I go to Hawaii about once a year- it’s a family favorite. You’ll have so much fun!A lot of people like Maui, and it might be ok for your first time, but personally, I love Oahu. That’s where you have Waikiki Beach and, my favorite place in Hawaii, the North Shore. Waikiki Beach is very touristy but very fun. And depending on when you’re planning on going it might not be too crowded. Try to go when schools aren’t on vacation. The beaches are beautiful there. My favorite hotel there is the Moana Surfrider . It’s a beautiful hotel and has been around since 1901. It is now a Westin but is also a part of the Starwood Luxury Collection. If you do stay there, be sure to request a room in the old Banyon wing.Also on Oahu is the North Shore which is a fairly rural part of Hawaii. It is famous as a surf spot and is also a great place to look for Sea Turtles. The only hotel up in that area is the Turtle Bay resort. It’s a fabulous hotel also. However, another option is to rent one of the houses on the North Shore for however long you want. Or if you’re staying in Waikiki, you can always go up for the day. If you’re there, be sure to get shave ice at one of the shops in the downtown area. Matsumoto’s is the most famous but Aoki’s is equally good (if not better) and usually has less of a line. Also, stop and get a pie at Ted’s Bakery- a local place that is delicious,oh yeah, when you are up there get a surf lesson with Tamayo and Oahu Surfing Experience.They are awesome.Oahu is also rich in Hawaiian culture. You can visit the Iolani Palace (the only royal palace in the United States), Pearl Harbor, and the Polynesian Cultural Center.I would say that you definitely want to do 4 days no matter which island you go to. Otherwise, it’s just too short and you won’t have enough time to relax and really feel an island pace of life- when they say they run on island time, they mean it (but it’s my favorite part about visiting)!Also, you should definitely rent a car. No matter what island you’re on, you’ll want to visit other areas besides where you’re staying and a taxi will get expensive. There isn’t very much alternative transportation although Oahu has a public us system.I don’t know about best beaches on Maui, but most of Oahu beaches have city and county lifeguards posted at them don’t rely on them and always use your common sense but you can ask them where the best swimming beaches are.

The first time I scuba dived was in Hawaii and it really is wonderful. With most programs you have to be trained and training can be as little as a couple days but it would take up a lot of your time (although if that’s something that you and your wife are interested in it could be a really fun base of the trip). The first time that I did it, it was in the pool at the Turtle Bay Resort and then the instructor took us out to the ocean the next day . So you might be able to find a place. You definitely need swimming knowledge but you don’t have to be an olympic athlete. However, you should be comfortable swimming in an ocean.

Another tip: the fruit stands on the side of the road are fabulous! The best is the pineapple that has the red powder on it. My mouth is watering thinking about it. And the fresh coconut…

Also, for souvenirs, I would suggest the flea market. They have a great one at the stadium in Oahu and I recall going to others on the other islands. You will find what you see at the souvenir shops (usually for cheaper) and then more stuff as well (knockoff bags, hand carved Tikis, handmade jewlery…). Also, the ABC stores are great places for “typical” souvenirs.

Sorry this is so long but hopefully it will help.

 We at OahuSurfingExperience teach the most quality surfing lessons that surfing has to offer. If your a lady or a little girl and surfing doesn’t necessarily captivate you; we also offer a unique and exclusive mermaid model shoot that will absolutely intrigue the ladies and as well, give them memories that will last a life time. Keep in mind however, we absolutely are surfers at heart. So if we are not running a surf lesson or conducting a mermaid photo shoot,we more then likely will be out in the surf, tapping in to some valuable, “me time”. Because of this very reason, we strongly suggest that you book in advance with us, but it will be absolutely worth your commitment. Book now for your one of a kind opportunity and you will guaranteed walk away with skills and ocean safety knowledge that will last you a life time. Even when the waves are big we know of safe places to go.

808 497 7109 Email Oahusurfingexperience@aol.com