Most recently I moved from Indianapolis where the entire city circles around and supports the Colts. On game days you can’t go anywhere without seeing the blue worn proudly by its fans! Today we are hosting a 2010 Superbowl Party which includes Blue Rice Krispie treats, blue jello jigglers and cookies in the shape of footballs are among a few of the blue accessories we have pulled together for this festive night.
If you grow tired of lounging on the beach on Oahu, grab your tennis shoes and head for a simple yet beautiful hike up Diamond Head Crater, a worldwide recognized symbol for the Hawaiian Islands. Everyone I know that has made the hike says making it to the top is 100% worth the climb! The best views of the ocean and across the island are to be had at the top.
Diamond Head has always been a defining feature of the view known to Waikiki. The volcanic cone is a United States State Monument in that part of it serves as a platform for antennas used by the U.S. government and is closed to the public. The crater’s proximity to Honolulu’s resort hotels and beaches makes the rest of it a popular destination for tourists.
A .75 mile hike leads to the edge of the crater’s rim. Signs at the beginning of the trail say that the hike takes 1.5-2 hours round-trip, and recommends that hikers bring water and flashlights. Although not difficult, most of the walk up is on unpaved trails winding over uneven rock in addition to two steep uphill climbs on stairs, each set is 75 – 99 steps up! This is a great change from Waikiki beaches and crowds. You get a chance to see untouched beauty on Oahu and truly appreciate the land you are spending your honeymoon on.
If you are traveling to Hawaii during the winter months, the North Shore of Oahu is the place you are going to want to make sure you spend a day. The spot of Ehukai Beach, commonly known as the Banzai Pipeline, is the most notable surfing spot on the North Shore. The waves can reach up to 20 feet during winter.
You will find what is called the ‘Seven Mile Miracle’ stretch of beach that begins in Haleiwa, a famous surf town, and ends in Turtle Bay. If you are lucky you will come on a day when The North Shore is host to one of the numerous surfing competitions that take on these massive waves. Grab a plate lunch from one of the many roadside stops and sit out on the beach and watch the brave souls ride these treacherous pipelines. My only requirement is that you drive to Matsumoto’s and order Shave Ice (NOT shaved ice)! I can’t put my finger on it, but this is the best shave ice you will experience on the island – and it is located here on the North Shore in Haleiwa!
If you are a beginner and are interested in trying the waves yourself there are areas on the beach where they can give surf lessons. You might not be hitting up the 20 foot waves quite yet, but soon enough you will get the swing of it! Be careful not to get in over your head, most of the main beaches do have lifeguards and if they think you aren’t prepared to handle the level of waves they will get on the loud speaker and call you in. This is for your own safety and the safety of the surfers around you – those waves can have a mind of their own sometimes.
Research costs.
Plan for a Long Trip.
Pack Lightly.
Expect to be tired.
These are the few flying laws of going to Hawaii. Start early and sign up for the travel deal websites such as Airfare Watchdog, Priceline and Travel Zoo. They will send you weekly updates and help you find the right time to book. Once you get a feel for the general prices, when you see a good deal JUMP ON IT! If you want a good price on your ticket, I would expect a layover in LA or Seattle. If you want to spend the money and not deal with the travel hassle, than you can get a direct flight (but it will cost you!). From Chicago the flight takes about 9 – 10 hours typically with an hour layover.
My favorite way to get to and from Hawaii is to fly the red eye. Leave Hawaii at 11 PM and fly overnight to your destination. This is only best if you can sleep on a plane. Expect a long trip! No one enjoys sitting on an airplane for 6+ hours (especially if you are the lucky one with the middle seat), bring books – update your iPod – or take sleeping pills! One of the three will get you through the flight. I encourage you to take advantage of the layover to stretch your legs. Walk around and get some food because the airlines no longer offer you a bite to eat more than some peanuts or pretzels on the flight.
Above all – pack light! If you are hopping islands from Oahu to Maui and Kauai, you will be going through security numerous times and the chance of something happening to your luggage only increases! What more do you need in Hawaii than a few dresses, flip flops and 2 or 3 bathing suits. Wear anything bulky such as a sweater or tennis shoes on the plane with you to save more room in the carry on. Especially on your honeymoon you won’t be thinking about the stilettos in your closet, when you are spending quality time in the sunshine.
Expect for the both of you to be tired after traveling 10+ hours. Be careful, although you will be still on a high on your honeymoon, I personally get cranky after not sleeping and having to sit in a small seat for a long period of time. Even though I don’t want to take things personally, every comment and movement is heightened – so be patient with one another. Especially focus on each other’s needs, and every now and then give your new wife/husband a kiss to make sure they are still smiling. 
Spend the month of February traveling the islands with me as I discover new and exciting adventures for the two of you in Hawaii. Good Luck and Happy Travels!!
