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HAWAII TRAVEL GUIDE
Choosing The Perfect Hawaiian Beach Rental For Your Vacation
Hawaii Trip
Hawaii's Oahu, "the Gathering Place"
Kihei, Hawaii: Sunny Skies and Vacation Bliss
Maui: Hawaii's Valley Isle
Vacationing On Big Island? Your Overnight Accommodation Options
What You Can Do On A Hawaii Vacation
Why You Should Stay At A Kailua Kona Hotel
Nightlife In Hawaii Honolulu

Oahu Hawaii, the Birthplace of Surfing, Still Shreds   by Terry Reim

Hawaii, especially the island of Oahu, has long been considered the birthplace of surfing. The first written description of he'e nalu - the Hawaiian term for surfing - is described in a journal entry of Captain James King in March 1779, three months after the death of Captain James Cook, credited with first discovering the Hawaiian Islands in 1778: "Twenty or thirty of the natives, taking each a long narrow board, rounded at the ends, set out together from the shore. 

Their first object is to place themselves on the summit of the largest surge, by which they are driven along with amazing rapidity toward the shore." The Ancient Hawaiian Tradition of Surfing Surfing permeated every aspect of Hawaiian society, including social structure, myth and religion. 

Native Hawaiians surfed on long, hardwood boards lying down, sitting or standing. Hawaiians left older, more picturesque evidence of their sport in the form of petroglyphs of surfers carved into the lava rock, and chants that tell the stories of great surfing feats, some dating to 1500. As an integral part of traditional Hawaiian culture, surfing was included in the code of kapu (taboos) that regulated all social interaction in prehistoric Hawaii. 

The Kapu system maintained a society that was stratified into royal and common classes. These taboos extended into the surf zone, specifying beaches and reefs where the ali'i (chiefs) surfed, and those where the maka ai nana (commoners) were allowed. The Death of Surfing After the arrival of Christian missionaries in the 1820s, who imposed a work and puritanical ethic surfing, along with hula and other "play" activities faded from Hawaiian culture. 

With the help of converted Hawaiian Queen Ka'ahumanu (Kamehameha the Great's favorite wife), the ancient kapu system was overturned and the beaches and waves were freed to all - but there was no one left to surf them for over 150 years. The Rebirth of Surfing At the turn of the 20th century, surfing underwent a renaissance, thanks to 3 men - none of who was Hawaiian. Surfer George Freeth began amazing visitors with his surfing stunts on the waves of Oahu's Waikiki Beach. 

About the same time, the writings of author Jack London exposed the sport to an international audience. Alexander Hume Ford helped establish the Outrigger Canoe Club on Waikiki, the first modern club dedicated to the perpetuation of wave riding. 

Freeth was also brought surfing to California, when he surfed in an exhibition at Redondo Beach in 1907. Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, a Waikiki beach boy and Olympic swimming champion, was already famous as a surfer and world-record holder in the 100-meter freestyle, when he helped found the Hui Nalu Club in Waikiki. 

Duke took the sport of surfing to Australia when he was invited to surf in Sydney in 1912. By the 1960s, especially in the U.S - new materials, new technologies and new board design created a renewed swell of interest in the ancient Hawaiian sport and surfing began to move into popular culture in the U.S. establishing its own genre of music culminating in The Beach Boys, and various popular movies including Gidget and Endless Summer. It has become a multi-billion dollar worldwide industry that includes equipment, accessories, surf wear, surfing, books magazines, films, music and adventure vacations.

Oahu's Big Wave Competition The Quiksilver, Big Wave Invitational In Memory of Eddie Aikau, takes place each winter at Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Oahu. Created in 1985 to honor legendary Hawaiian waterman Eddie Aikau, this event gathers 24 of the most accomplished paddle-in big wave riders from around the world. "The Eddie," as it is also known, spans up to 3 months - waiting for ideal, 30-foot plus waves. The competition itself occurs on a single day when conditions are just perfect. Edward Ryan Aikau was a Hawaiian surfer and lifeguard, whose strength, knowledge, skill and courage have become legendary. In 1978, Eddie was lost at sea when he set off alone on his surfboard to help save fellow crewmembers aboard the foundering ship Hokule'a on her maiden, solo voyage to Tahiti. Since then, "Eddie Would Go," has become a common saying throughout the Hawaiian Islands.. Oahu is Still King of Surfing With year-round water temperatures from 70 to 80 degrees F, more than 1700 mapped surf sites, and some of the world's best waves - from gentle Waikiki rollers to the massive 40-foot body crushers of Maui's Jaws and Oahu's Northshore - Hawaii, and most especially Oahu, remains one of the best places on earth to surf, year round.

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About the Author  Terry Reim has more than 25 years' experience as an editor and writer in newspaper, magazine, trade book, textbook, and technical publishing. While Managing Editor of Horses Magazine in Carlsbad, CA for four years, and DesertUSA.com, an online travel and adventure guide to the American Southwest for three years, he authored dozens of articles as well. Terry lives in Maui, Hawaii. 
FEATURED OAHU, HAWAII VACATION RENTALS

HONOLULU VACATION RENTALS

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Aston at the Waikiki Banyan, Honolulu
A family-friendly resort in Honolulu, Hawaii, located on the Diamond Head side of Oahu, one block from Waikiki Beach and one-half mile from the Ala Wai Golf Course. Positioned in a quiet neighborhood two blocks from Waikiki beach, this resort is close to shopping and dining on Kalakaua avenue. With floor-to-ceiling windows, bold wood furniture and island décor, each of the resort's 288 condominium-style guestrooms, located in two buildings, are elegantly arranged to meet the needs of their diverse clientele. Popular among families, these suites feature breakfast bars or dining sets and kitchens with refrigerators, microwave ovens and coffeemakers. All suites feature private lanais. Vcrs, in-room safes and high-speed internet access are available for a fee.
Aston Pacific Monarch Honolulu
Just three blocks from both Waikiki and Kuhio beaches within walking distance of plenty of fine shopping, dining and nightlife.  The hotel features a rooftop pool and hot tub with unrivaled views of Honolulu, the ocean and Diamond Head. One level below the pool deck is a public area containing a refrigerator, sink, dining tables and a television fronted by plush couches. This room also provides some fabulous vistas, particularly from the windowed sauna. Other amenities include a poolside bar, laundry facilities, business and concierge services.  The rooms have island-style furniture and light colored wood highlights. All rooms offer cable television, air conditioning, a balcony, a safe and a kitchenette with a refrigerator, microwave oven and coffeemaker. One-bedroom apartments have full kitchens.
Aston Waikiki Sunset, Honolulu
Positioned two blocks from Waikiki beach, offering views of the blue waters of the Pacific and the lush green mountains of the Koolau range in Honolulu, Hawaii. The hotel is less than one mile from international market place, the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium. The volcanic crater Diamond Head is one-and-one-half miles away. This condo-style resort features an open-air lobby and island-inspired décor. The hotel's sixth-floor sundeck includes a heated outdoor pool, tennis courts, a sauna and two barbeque grills. The resort includes 314 one-bedroom and 61 two-bedroom suites with furnished lanais. Each room features kitchens with refrigerators, microwave ovens, coffeemakers, cookware and dishes.
Castle Hokele Suites Waikiki, Honolulu
This family-friendly Hawaii hotel is located in Honolulu  on the island of Oahu, 0.3 mile from International Market Place, 0.4 mile from Waikiki Beach, and 1 mile from Honolulu Zoo. Castle Hokele Suites Waikiki features an outdoor pool with sundeck. The hotel offers complimentary breakfast daily. Hokele Restaurant and Bar is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. An Internet kiosk (surcharge) with high-speed Internet access and a 24-hour front desk are available. Conveniences include laundry facilities and self parking (surcharges). Accommodations at Castle Hokele Suites Waikiki provide lanais, kitchens, and air conditioning. 
Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa, Honolulu
The beachfront Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa is set amid 22 acres of landscaped gardens, koi ponds and waterfalls in Honolulu, Hawaii. DFS Galleria stands on the resort premises. Pearl Harbor historic site is 13 miles from the hotel. An open-air lobby features tropical-style rattan furniture, stone-tiled floors and expansive windows that overlook the resort's tropical landscape. This hotel offers 22 restaurants and lounges that prepare fare ranging from innovative Pacific Rim dishes to Mediterranean cuisine. The 33,000-square-foot Mandara Spa includes a sun terrace, a mosaic-tiled infinity pool and an extensive fitness center. The Hilton's King's Jubilee is a Polynesian dance and musical revue topped off with a fireworks display.
Outrigger Luana Waikiki, Honolulu
The Outrigger Luana Waikiki stands adjacent to Fort DeRussy Park and near the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Waikiki Beach is located nearby.  The hotel lobby features an expansive framed mirror, flower arrangements and cushioned seating. A mezzanine level offers three computers. High-speed Internet access, a fax machine, and a printer are available for a fee. A secluded outdoor pool is flanked by cabanas and complimentary barbecue grills. A fitness room contains free weights, a treadmill, a step machine and a weight machine. A full-service health spa, Ville de Coco, offers treatments such as lomi lomi massage and facials.
Outrigger Regency on Beach Walk, Honolulu
Providing airy accommodations and tropical-style ambience on the Waikiki beach walk promenade, less than 1-quarter mile from Waikiki beach. The promenade boasts an outdoor entertainment plaza, 40 retailers and six restaurants. Less than one-half mile away, world-class retailers and specialty shops, including Kate Spade, Bvlgari, Fendi and Harley-Davidson, are featured at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. The Ala Wai Golf Course and the Honolulu Zoo are located one mile from the property. Boasting tiled verandas with city, mountain or ocean views, the one- and two-bedroom suites feature deep mahogany-finished furniture, nesting tables, abstract artwork and accents in soft white, cherry red and chocolate brown.
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KAILUA VACATION RENTAL VILLAS & HOMES

Pilipu Place, Kailua Beach, near Honolulu
Pilipu Place, a HISTORICAL LANDMARK sits on an acre of land 30 yards from the  soft white sand of the BEST BEACH IN HAWAII! Kailua Beach is 20 minutes from Honolulu and the Airport.  Pilipu Place is beautiful, peaceful, comfortable and furnished completely.  Can be rented as a studio, 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom house.
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LANIKAI, OAHU VACATION RENTALS

LS Villa, Vacation Rental Villa, Lanikai
Centrally located in Lanikai, this luxury home is only a three minute walk to the beach. The house has two kitchens, four bedrooms, and two and one-half baths. Marble countertops, coral walls, and a large master bath with dual showerheads bring to light this charming, spacious, Hawaiian Hale.  Enjoy the spectacular views of the Lanikai mountainside from the front lanai, or relax in the tropical serenity of the back lanai. Included are amenities such as a gas grill, snorkeling gear, and many beach accessories. A guide book and personalized service will help direct your vacation plans.  Can be rented as a 3 or 4 bedroom house. 
MAKAHA, OAHU VACATION RENTALS
Ailani Gardens Vacation Rental (Ref: 24538), B & B apartment in Waianae, USA
Located on the sunny west side of Oahu, only about 45 minutes from the airport - but a world away from the noise and insanity of Waikiki!  Vacation in one of the last unspoiled Hawaiian destinations on Oahu.  Our fully furnished 1 bedroom apartment has its own private entrance, kitchenette, a/c, linens and towels, cable TV, phone, PC with high-speed internet access and DVD player, and can accommodate up to 4 guests.  Beautifully landscaped with your own private gardens, surrounded by shady mango trees, papaya, guava and other tropical delights.  Ailani Gardens is nestled between the magnificent Wai'anae mountains and white sandy beaches and we are less than 10 minutes from swimming, world-class surf, snorkelling, boating, golf courses...
WAIKIKI VACATION RENTALS
Lanai/Balcony View Island Colony Condo, Waikiki
These beautiful penthouse condos are located on Seaside Ave in the heart of Waikiki, behind the International Marketplace and only 2 minutes to the famous Waikiki beaches.  # Fabulous Panoramic Ocean/City/Mountain Views from these corner units. Large 9'x12' Lanai with table and chairs overlooks the City/Mountains and AlaWai Golf Course.  Cable TV, VCR, Telephone, Free Local Calls, Answering Machine, Fully equipped Kitchen with Microwave, Refrigerator, Stove, Utensils, Pots and Pans, Coffee Maker, Toaster and Blender..
The Royal Hawaiian, 1 bedroom condos, Waikiki
The "Pink Palace of the Pacific" provides oceanfront luxury on Waikiki Beach. Guests enjoy spectacular ocean and garden views, a pristine stretch of white sand beach and impeccable Royal Service.  The Royal Hawaiian offers Waikiki's only beach luau, including the music and dancing of The Royal Polynesian Extravaganza. Other distinctions include one of the only two private, roped-off beaches on Waikiki; the renowned, open-air Mai Tai Bar where (legend has it) the drink was invented; a luxurious, full-service health-and-beauty spa; and afternoon high tea service on the terrace overlooking a tranquil coconut grove.    The exercise facility and children’s programs are offered at the hotel’s sister Sheraton properties. 
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