99 Things to Do on O'ahu - Part 2

Hawaii is truly "Paradise" and I visited it again last summer. It had been 40 years since my first trip there so I was long overdue. Needless to say, lots of changes - Lahaina (on Maui) has far more than a Banyan tree.

Here are five more specific ideas on what to do on O'ahu...

# 6 - Snorkeling - Hanaumu Bay Nature Park is O'ahu's most popular place to snorkel. This is a sunken volcanic crater with 2000 feet of sand and open to the ocean on one side, creating a secure cove that's great for the novice scuba diver or snorkeling. There is a large rich coral reef and the water is teeming with marine life, including silvery needlefish, striped Manini and opalescent Parrotfish. You'll also find great hiking trails with fantastic views of the bay. Call 808-396-4229 for details about current fees, times, and conditions. This park is usually closed by Tuesdays. Consider Kailua Beach Park near Honolulu, or Shark's Cove on the north side of the island on Tuesdays. (And, no sharks have ever been sighted at Shark's Cove.) Also on the North Shore, Kuilimi Cove, at Turtle Bay. Remember to snorkel with a buddy, never alone.

# 7 - Be a Beach Bum for a Day - At Kailua Beach, just over the mountain from Waikiki, you'll find a terrific, long beach with waves that are normally gentle and safe. Here you might try snorkeling also, and kayaking, boogie boarding, surfing, wind and kitesurfing in addition to just swimming or sunning on the sand. And, shopping too! The Kalapawai Market was started in the early 1930's and offers anything you could want or need for a day at the beach. A great cup of Java, gourmet takeout, wines or sodas, and rental services for kayaking in addition to lessons for various water sports. Also in the area, is the popular Lanikai Beach. Many locals say this is the best beach for swimming on the island. You might paddle a short ways to the Mokulua Islands which is a bird santuary situated on two teeny islands with a small beach. Large sea turtles will accompany you on your trip through these calm waters.

# 8 - Swim With the Dolphins - but only where it's legal. Dolphin Quest is a marine research and education program based at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii Hotel in Waikiki. In their lagoon you might see a few Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins playing "dolphin volleyball." The marine staff train the dolphins them to interact with people and offer programs for both adults and children. (Visit dolphinquest.org for details.) Sea Life Park also features interactive play with dolphins. They're located about 15 miles outside of Waikiki but several companies can arrange tours which will pick you up and take you back to your hotel. You'll also see penguins, stingrays, and sea lions at this park. (Check out sealifeparkhawaii.com for more information.)

# 9 - Sail a Catamaran - View Oahu from the water - on a sunset cruise or a mid-day sail. Or, you can take a dinner cruise and enjoy dining while going from bright sunlight to a beautiful sunset to a dark sea with the sparkling jewels of Waikiki in the distance. The docks at Aloha Tower are the home of many boat rental and cruise companies, including the biggest Polynesian catamaran in the world. Other catamaran companies are based at the docks at Kewalo Basin and if you're going tot he North Shore you will also find other companies there. The various companies offer differing itineraries and some feature swimming with sea turtles.

# 10 - Hang 10! You gotta go surfin' if you are going to be in Hawaii. And, Waikiki is a great choice for a beginner. Waikiki's famed "Beach Boys" are licensed lifeguards and offer lessons; in fact, you'll find lessons all around the island (and all of the outer islands aw well.) For you pros, Makaha on the northwest coast is well known for its towering waves. The "Seven Mile Miracle" on the North Coast includes many of the world biggest surf spots such as Chun's Reef and Rocky Point and others.

And, there are at least 89 more things to do on Oahu...look for another article with these suggestions coming soon.

Aloha!