SOUTHLAKE, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aug. 10, 2006–From Kauai’s soaring sea cliffs to the Big Island’s lava-baked landscape, each island offers a myriad of experiences in Hawaii making it hard to choose only one. One in four travelers opts to explore more than one island, according to Travelocity’s data. It also shows that the majority of folks visit Oahu and Maui most often. But with such diversity comprising Hawaii, Travelocity set out to clarify why travelers might want to select a particular Hawaiian haven.
Travelocity’s editors have Hawaii’s big season in mind with this latest destination information, as it’s not too early to start planning with winter peak season around the corner. So as the summer season starts to quiet, maybe you want to take a quiet fall vacation on the beaches. The famous Hana Maui black sands may beckon some while others will be swept-up by the thought of the surf in the North Shore. Read on to learn more:
Oahu: The Gathering Place: It’s hard to pin down Hawaii’s most populous island, where a short drive can take you from the plumeria-scented metropolis of Honolulu to the big-wave beaches of the North Shore. Jam-packed with diversions, from golf courses to nightclubs to the world’s largest outdoor shopping center, Oahu is ideal if you want your tropical retreat laced with life in the fast lane. Highlights include:
-- Hanauma Bay: This calm, crescent-shaped bay on the
southeastern tip of Oahu can get crowded, but the dozens of
species of tropical fish don't seem to mind -- and where there
are fish, there are satisfied snorkelers and scuba divers. The
bay is open every day except Tuesdays. Go early to avoid the
crowds (and get a parking spot).
-- Pearl Harbor: It's hard to imagine one of the greatest turning
points in American history taking place on this peaceful
island in the middle of the Pacific, but a visit to the USS
Arizona Memorial puts the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor
into dramatic perspective. A visit to this site is a
must -- just be sure to get there early to avoid long lines.
-- The North Shore: Waikiki Beach suddenly feels very far behind
as you cut through the pineapple plantations on Kamehameha
Highway towards the North Shore. Stop in the town of Haleiwa
for a shaved ice, then continue up the coast to the world's
most famous big-wave beaches: Waimea Bay, Banzai Pipeline, and
Sunset Beach.
Maui: The Valley Isle: Funky towns, fields of sugarcane, volcanic beaches, and bumpy roads through misty rainforests make Maui a bona fide jack of all trades. Everyone from world-class windsurfers to septuagenarian whale watchers loves the Valley Isle — and that makes for a great mix of company over a round of Mai Tais as the sun goes down over Lahaina Town. Highlights include:
-- Haleakala Crater: At more than 10,000 feet above sea level,
this enormous dormant crater lays claim to one of the most
legendary sunrises on Earth. It's worth the 3 a.m. wake-up
call to make it to the top for dawn. If you're still feeling
groggy after sunrise, get your adrenaline pumping on a bike
tour from the top of the crater and down to sea level.
-- The Road to Hana: This 50-mile stretch of topsy-turvy road
gives credo to the old saying that it's not the destination,
but getting there that counts. Top off your gas tank, fasten
your seatbelt, and set off for an eye-popping adventure along
Maui's verdant northeastern coast.
-- Whale watching: From the shore or by sea, there's nothing
quite like seeing the humpback whales on their annual
migration to the waters off the coast of Maui. Visit during
the winter or early spring (January to April) for the best
viewing opportunities.
Kauai: The Garden Isle: There’s a spot on Kauai that gets an average of 444 inches of rain each year — but don’t let that stop you from packing your swimsuit and sunscreen. Kauai’s lush foliage gives way to golden sands on the north and south shores. Just don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to leave the beach behind and discover the Garden Isle’s wild side — by foot, kayak, or even helicopter. Highlights include:
-- Kayaking the Na Pali Coast: During the summer, when the
conditions are just right, adventurous visitors glide past the
emerald cliffs of the Na Pali Coast in sea kayaks. Tours are
strenuous, and last a full day. But if you know how to swim,
and you're physically fit, it's the experience of a lifetime.
-- Hanalei Bay: Even with Hawaii's overload of picture-perfect
beaches, this one stands out. On Kauai's north coast, the long
stretch of Hanalei Bay is calm and inviting for swimmers,
snorkelers, and divers in the summer, and seductive for
surfers in the winter.
-- Waimea Canyon: If the Grand Canyon had a mini-me, this would
be it. At one mile wide, 10 miles long, and 3,500 feet deep,
Waimea Canyon is one of the greatest natural wonders of the
Pacific. Hike in for a close-up view, or see it by helicopter.
The Island of Hawaii: The Big Island: Nature’s been a bit reckless on the Big Island, giving it a dash of just about everything under the sun: towering cliffs to the north, smoldering volcano vents to the south, misty jungles to the east, and lava-baked deserts to the west. If you’re coming for a tropical escape, then much of the Big Island might leave you high and dry. But if you’re the type to find beauty in a variety of climates and terrains, the Big Island may be for you. Highlights include:
-- Kohala Coast: This perennially sunny stretch on the northwest
shore is dotted with some of the island's top accommodations,
including the legendary Mauna Kea Resort, built by Laurance
Rockefeller back in 1965. Even if you're not a guest at the
Mauna Kea, stop by to see the tasteful Pacific and Asian art
collection or test your skill on the Robert Trent Jones, Sr.
golf course -- home to the most famous Par 3 in the Pacific.
-- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: If you feel like the Big
Island is growing on you, you're right in more sense than one.
Due to volcanic activity the island is growing in land mass
every year -- and you can be an eye witness to the geographic
expansion on a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
-- Parker Ranch: One of the largest working cattle ranches in the
United States, Parker Ranch gives new meaning to the phrase,
"way out West." Throw on a pair of boots and explore the
175,000-acre ranch by horseback, wagon ride, or ATV.
Travelocity editor-at-large Amy Ziff also notes that some of the best deals to Hawaii can be found for the fall. Sample deals are available at www.travelocity.com/aloha.
About Travelocity
Travelocity is committed to being the traveler’s champion — before, during and after the trip, and guarantees everything about a customer’s booking will be right. If it’s not, Travelocity will work with its partners to make it right, right away. This customer-driven focus, backed by live 24/7 phone support, great prices and powerful shopping technology has made Travelocity the fifth largest travel agency in the U.S. — booking $7.4 billion in travel worldwide in 2005. Based in Southlake, Texas, Travelocity also owns and operates Travelocity Business(SM) and GetThere for corporate travelers, lastminute.com, a leader in European online travel and ZUJI, a leader in Asia-Pacific online travel. Travelocity is owned by Sabre Holdings Corporation (NYSE: TSG), a world leader in travel commerce.
CONTACT: Vollmer Public Relations for Travelocity
Amanda Borichevsky, 972-488-4790
amanda@vollmerpr.com
or
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SOURCE: Travelocity
