February 8, 2008

Sun tan lotion, check! Sandals, check! Swim Suit, check! Now that you are all packed up, you think you are ready to go, right? Wrong. You don’t need a dictionary, but at least you should add to your check list things like how to order a meal in Hawaii, go for a hike, or visit a historic place.

So, as you head west for the AGM in Hawaii, it is vital you know some key words (to impress) and unique places to visit to make this trip memorable.

While you are in paradise, (prior practicing on the plane – of course) be aware of the following words and what they mean. Here is the list:

Aloha – Hello, Goodbye, Love and affection
Mahalo – Thank you
Holo holo – Drive around
Wiki Wiki – Quick
Kau kau – Food
Luau – Hawaiian feast featuring traditional foods and entertainment
Poi – Hawaiian dish of a taro root pounded into a paste
Poke – Raw fish mix
Shaka – Friendship sign with hand
Mauka – Toward the mountains
Makai – Toward the ocean
Ewa – Away from Waikiki from downtown Honolulu
Ala moana – Toward Waikiki
Kala – Money
Lua – Restroom
Wahine – Woman
Kane – Man

But there is more, after you traveled either a hundred or a thousand miles to attend the AGM, you can finally feel the warm breeze against your face as your feet touch the loose sand of the beaches of Hawaii. Then, you can visit one or as many places (below) as you’d like. Have a safe trip!

Things to Do or See

Big Island
Lava flow
Black sand beach
City of refuge
Hawaii Volcano National Parks*
Hilo flume riding
Volcano house
Thurston lava tube
Akaka falls
Mauna Kea Observatory

Oahu

Pearl Harbor
USS Missouri
Hike Diamond Head Crater*
Waikiki beach
North Shore wave watching
Bishop Museum
Whale watching
Visit Waipo soccer complex

Maui

Visit Haleakala
Walk around Lahaina
Kula for protea and lavender farm
Hana
Hookipa beach* and big wave
Makawao

Kauai

Spouting Horn*
ATV/Zip lining
Hike Kalalau valley
Wailua river boats


*Big Island

-       Hawaii Volcano National Parks

This 377 square mile park on Hawaii’s Big Island is a living museum where visitors can witness the power of Hawaii’s volcanoes in surprisingly intimate ways. You’ll feel great mana, or spiritual power, here as you hike along rocky trails and desolate deserts that in time will flourish and thrive with new life.

*Oahu

-       Hike Diamond Head Crater

Located on the South-east Coast of O’ahu at the end of Waikiki overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the crater is 3,520 feet in diameter with a 760-foot summit. There are two sets of stairs, one with 99 steps and the other, 76 steps. There is also a 225-foot unlit tunnel. The hike is classified as easy to moderate in exertion but is certainly worth the breathtaking, unparalleled view of the entire west side of the island, from Waikiki to Koki Head.

*Maui

-       Hookipa Beach

This beach is known as possibly the best place in the world for windsurfing. It is the site of two major world-class competitions. Due to the strong surf, windsurfing at this beach should be limited to the experts. However, the beach has an 1/8 mile coral reef that makes a pond-like area perfect for taking a dip in the early morning or when the ocean in calmer.

*Kauai

-       Spouting Horn

On Kauai’s south shore is the spectacular Spouting Horn. The Poipu surf channels into a natural lava tube here and releases a spout of water up to 50 feet high. You’ll also hear a hiss and an eerie groan that is explained through Hawaiian legend.