3 Reasons for Star Watching in Hawaii in December

Do you love to watch the stars in Hawaii? Hawaii star watching has some astronomical fireworks ready for you this December. We are warmly welcoming back Gerrit, our expert on watching the stars in Hawaii who first attracted your attention when writing his guest post about how to 'Watch a meteor shower in Hawaii'. So please, keep reading Gerrit's 3 reasons for star watching, when you will be visiting Hawaii next month.

3 Reasons for Star Watching in Hawaii in December

"Stargazing is often the best excuse if you don't want to go to sleep at night, but venture out on a memorable adventure. The Big Island of Hawaii is especially well suited for stargazing adventures because of its clear and dark skies. The best optical observatories of the world are built on the Big Island for a reason. Here are 3 reasons for you to go out and stargaze at night on your Hawaii vacation. Don't forget to take some pupus (pupu: typical Hawaiian picnic snacks) and picnic blanket + pillow or beach chair to recline in.

Watch total lunar eclipse in Hawaii December 10th

Lunar eclipses are not as rare as most people think. There are 2 to 4 lunar eclipses every year, but these eclipses are not visible from every location and are not always 'total' ('total' means that the complete moon becomes eclipsed). The December 10th 2011 lunar eclipse is a total eclipse and is perfectly visible from Hawaii (as well as from most of the United States)! The total lunar eclipse of December 10th 2011 will be visible from Hawaii during the early morning hours, as the moon sets in the western sky. The eclipse duration is 51 minutes, with the moment of greatest eclipse at 04:31 Hawaiian time. Because the moon will be low on the western sky the best place to watch this event is on the west coast of the Big Island.

For more information on this lunar eclipse, watch this two minute lunar eclipse video with a great lunar eclipse song ("moon dance" by Jim Morrison)



Watch Geminids Meteor Shower in Hawaii December 14th

Meteor showers are a spectacular event to watch, with dozens of shooting stars visible each hour during their peak. Regular readers of Best Hawaii Vacation Blog probably remember the meteor shower article on the delta aquarids meteor shower of July 2011. I also recommend the lovebigisland meteor shower guide for and trivia good background information on meteor showers.

December 14th you have another chance to watch a meteor shower. This time the Geminids will light up the sky and give you a chance to make some wishes. Unfortunately, the moon is still almost full on the 14th (full moon is December 10th, during the lunar eclipse). The way around this is to avoid the moon and watch the meteor shower before the moon rises above the horizon. This happens on 21:59 on December 14th, which means that any stargazing that night is best done after sunset but before 10p.m.

December 21st: Southern Solstice - midwinter night

Last but not least there is the southern solstice. A solstice happens twice a year, and marks the time when the sun reaches the lowest (southern solstice from Hawaii) or highest (northern solstice from Hawaii) point on the sky. This also means that the shortest day and longest night in 2011 on Hawaii fall on December 21st. Solstices get really interesting on the polar circle, where the sun never rises during the solstice in wintertime, and never sets during the solstice in summertime! This won't happen on Hawaii but you can celebrate the fact that from December 21st on and for 6 months, the days will get longer again and the sun will keep getting higher on the sky (which means she will get stronger and warmer). What is a better reason for a celebration!"

Again mahalo Gerrit for this great information on star watching in Hawaii. Gerrit is an often returning visitor to the Big Island and writes for lovebigisland and the lovebigisland blog. Lovebigisland.com promotes sustainable tourism and has a special focus on astronomical events on Hawaii.

We love to hear from you and your Hawaii star watching adventures. Hope this Hawaii star watch post will trigger your curiosity for a Hawaii star watching outing this December. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Tags: Best Hawaii Events, Hawaii Star watching

Best sun glasses for Hawaii vacation

Are you wondering what the best sun glasses are for your Hawaii vacation and whether your 'old' sun glasses will still do for your 2012 Hawaii beach vacation? OK your sun glasses have nice dark shades and served you well in the past. They even have polarized lenses as health experts recommend. However, ladies here is the deal. Now and then we need to make a 'fashion statement'! So forget about the $20 - 30 polarized sun glasses from WalMart. Designer sun glasses are 'in', and you deserve them no matter whether your hubbie asks you 'Do you really need those sun glasses?' 'No, not REALLY but I want them' was my answer to Keoki.

This all happened when I came across those stylish sun glasses from Margaritaville Eyewear. I knew immediately I'd found what I wanted: state-of-the-art polarized lenses for best protection of my eyes from strong tropical Hawaiian sun combined with fancy styles of frames, shades and tinting. Now the question was not any more whether I really wanted to spend that kind of money on designer glasses but to choose from a huge variety of tropical sun glasses, sun glasses I like best for Hawaii and Hawaii vacation. The Calypso style sun glasses are MY favorite shades (photos courtesy by Margaritaville Eyewear).


Instead of my conventional brown frame sun glasses from the past, I chose the white/conch colored frame this time! Perfect tropical sun glasses for hanging out on Hawaii's white sand beaches and the right match for my new classy white cover-up I bought in Rome this summer. Too bad that I did not have those stylish sun glasses there, yet. OK no beaches or oceans in Rome but I tell you Rome's ladies are very fashion conscious and I would have fit right in with my new shades.

Anyways, I love my Margaritaville sun glasses. The stylish, light weight, tropical design is perfect for Hawaii vacations. Best tropical sun glass designs are of course a matter of personal taste but the big variety of Margaritaville shades allow everybody to find their personal best sunglasses for Hawaii vacation.Visit Hawaii in style and feel good about your fun-in-the-sun eye protection. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

p.s.

Of course, Keoki could not resist and had to try on my new fancy Calypso sun glasses. The design is not really for a guy. OK maybe Elton John but here is what Keoki said: Very stylish and sooo smooth. Wearing these shades is like giving my eyes a massage!

Tags: Best sun glasses for Hawaii vacation, Hawaii vacation with fun-in -the-sun eye protection

8 Best Maui Vacation Tips

Is Maui your favorite island for Hawaii vacation? Our '8 Best Maui vacation tips' by today's guest author Melinda is perfect for you. Melinda fell in love with Maui on her first beach vacation in Kihei. Sunny Kihei has been her Hawaii vacation destination ever since. Good reason for her to share her ideas and vacation tips with everybody who plans a Maui vacation.

8 Best Maui Vacation Tips by Melinda

"Whether you are visiting Maui for a wedding, an extended stopover on the way to Asia or just plain rest and recreation vacation, well-informed planning ensures a Maui vacation that lives up to your expectations. Based on many trips to Maui ranging in duration from several days to several months, here are my 8 Best Maui Vacation Tips:

1. When to visit Maui?

High season on Maui is Christmas through Easter. Is it the best time to visit Maui? Nope! That's just when the most people are eager to escape winter on the Mainland. What little bad weather Maui has actually clusters in the winter months. The rest of the year, Maui weather is warmer but not unpleasantly hot. Maui hotel or vacation rental rates are lowest during fall and late spring.

2. How long to stay in Maui?

You can see the whole island in four days, but to have a real Maui experience, you should stay 10 - 14 days. After the first week you'll find yourself slowing down and mellowing to a Maui rhythm, enjoying life the way it was meant to be.

3. Where to stay on Maui vacation - condo or hotel?

There are very few traditional hotels and next to no motels on Maui. Your two main choices are Maui resorts (expensive) and Maui vacation condos (generally cheaper). Many condo complexes offer nearly everything you'd want from a resort except the high prices. The least expensive Maui condo rentals are available directly from the owners. Many of those Maui vacation condos include kitchens, giving you the ultimate flexibility in being able to dine in or out. Not to forget all those FREE amenities like Internet access and tons of beach equipment

4. Maui Beach vacation

In looking through Maui condo and resort descriptions, be aware that in Maui no one owns the beach. All of Maui's wonderful white sand beaches have public access, even the most high-priced Maui resorts . If you plan to swim or snorkel a lot, you might be better advised to book one of those Maui beach condos adjacent to one of the public beaches, such as Kamaole Beach Park I, II or III. Unlike most of the resort beaches, these are manned by lifeguards seven days a week, and they're clean, with restrooms.

5. Maui vacation locations

The two main beach locations for an extended stay are West Maui (Ka'anapali and Lahaina) and South Maui (Kihei and Wailea). Of these, Kihei is the least expensive, and its beaches are just as nice as elsewhere. If you prefer a resort atmosphere, gravitate to Ka'anapali or Wailea instead.

6. Do you need to rent a car on your Maui vacation?

Most visitors to Maui rent a car, but it's possible to have a great vacation without that expense. Simply choose a Maui vacation condo at the beach, surrounded by plenty of eatery choices. Then book sightseeing tours through any one of the plentiful activity kiosks you'll see nearby, selecting operators who will pick you up at the hotel. You can visit the top of Haleakala, ride the road to Hana and take snorkeling trips this way.

7. What to pack for your Maui vacation?

Maui is relentlessly casual. It's also warm, both day and night. This means you can travel light when visiting Maui. All you need in the way of clothing are shorts and shirts, one pair of pants or one light dress, your bathing suit of course, a light jacket or sweater, sandals and sneakers. If you plan to visit the top of Haleakala, where it can be as cool as 40 degrees, bring a down vest or fleece as well. I recommend a pair of binoculars as well, for watching whales and surfers.

8. Day planning of Maui activities

Most guidebooks don't tell you that the ocean is quietest in the morning prior to about 10 a.m., and therefore that's when you should plan swimming, snorkeling and boat tours. They also don't advise you to plan to watch the nightly sunset, especially in winter, when the sky puts on a spectacular show. Afternoons are great for sitting by the pool or sightseeing.


Use a few of my personal vacation tips, or best all of them, and have the best Maui vacation of your dreams."

Much mahalo, Melinda, for your great vacation tips for our Maui visitors fitting right into our Maui vacation articles. Maui visitors, what's your best Maui vacation tip? We love to hear from everybody who has Maui in his heart. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacation

Best Maui Vacation Tips related articles

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Is Kihei a good place for a Maui vacation?

Tags: Best Tips Maui Vacation, Maui vacation best tips

2011 Hawaii Ironman - Who will win?

Aloha Kona,

Having been to many Hawaii Ironman competitions in Kona Big Island, the 2011 Hawaii Ironman is once more a huge challenge for professional and amateur triathletes from over 50 countries who all want to be an 'Ironman' in Hawaii once in a life time by making it over the finish line after a 2.4-mile ocean swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile marathon.


Watch the Kona Ironman countdown on the Ford Ironman World Championship site including 2011 Hawaii Ironman athlete guide, 2011 lottery winners and latest news like the last professional triathletes who have qualified for the 50 available spots for male athletes and 30 for female triathletes for the 2011 Hawaii Kona Ironman. Who will win 2011?

Ever since having started our 'Best Hawaii vacation blog' in 2007, we've written many blog posts about the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon in Kona (see links to Hawaii Ironman related posts below) but never did I speculate about the Hawaii Ironman winners. I won't do it this time either. In order to be able to do my best guess who will win the 2011 Hawaii Ironman, one has to follow closely the worldwide Ironman competitions of the professional triathletes and know who is in perfect shape to win this 2011 Ironman. However, despite big name triathletes, like Chris McCormick or Craig Alexander both from Australia winning again and again the Hawaii Ironman, there is always the surprise winner like Faris Al Sultan from Germany who won the 2005 Hawaii Ironman.

So why would I want to this post about "Hawaii Ironman 2011 who will win?"! To be honest, it may have been triggered by all that hype about online speculations whether 7-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong will participate in the 2011 Hawaii Ironman. In 2010 each blog owner was riding the wave with the question 'Will Lance Armstrong win the Hawaii Ironman?' even though the first question should have been ' Will Lance be in Hawaii as a competitor for the 2011 Hawaii Ironman?'

I think a question in an interview with Armstrong last year about returning to doing triathlons, which he has started his career with, and maybe planning a Hawaii Ironman in 2011, got it all this hype going. After I read on ESPN that Lance Armstrong confirmed 3 days ago he will compete September 24 on the XTERRA course that covers a 1-mile swim, 20-mile mountain bike ride and 6-mile trail run, I thought maybe he really will show up for the Hawaii Ironman 2011. Checking Google did not give me the answer immediately but the 2011 Hawaii Ironman athlete registration list does NOT show any or THE Lance Armstrong.

Admittedly, It would have been fun watching Armstrong at the Hawaii Ironman. Well, Armstrong or not, this 2011 Hawaii Ironman with up to 2,000 competitors, ages 18-80, from 50-plus countries and all 50 states will once again get the national and international attention. Wishing all the 2011 Hawaii Ironman triathletes that they make it over the finish line by midnight to become a Hawaii Ironman. Anybody who wants to 'speculate' on the "2011 Hawaii Ironman and who will win" is warmly invited to leave his comment here. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Big Island Ironman

Hawaii Ironman in Kona related posts

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2009 Hawaii Kona Ironman Visitors Information
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Hawaii Ironman Triathlon Kailua Kona 2006 - 'Earthquake' Ironman
Watch 2006 Ironman Kona videos Full Day's action through Ironman Live videos

Tags: 2011 Hawaii Ironman Who will win?

Best Oahu Activities Beyond Waikiki

Dear Best Hawaii vacation blog visitors,

Our recent Hawaii meteor shower guest post was well received by our blog visitors. We are certain that all of our Oahu visitors who are getting ready for their Oahu vacation and activities will love Jason's guest post 'Best Oahu Activities Beyond Waikiki'.



Jason Rushin lives with his wife, Sarah, in Honolulu's Hawaii Kai neighborhood, and is the founder of HulaCopter, a new iPhone and Android app that helps Hawaii vacationers find great discounts on Hawaii's best activities. Jason spends most of his non-work time either lying on Waimanolo Beach, attempting to surf in Waikiki, enjoying the view of Koko Head from his lanai, or training for the Honolulu Marathon. So let's see what he has to say about:



6 Best Oahu activities Beyond Waikiki



"For most visitors to Oahu, Waikiki is home base. Waikiki luaus, visits to Pearl Harbor and the spectacular North Shore, are on top of the Oahu activity list of visitors spending their Hawaii vacation between Ala Moana and Diamond Head. Given the beauty of the area, the attraction is obvious. However, best Oahu activities beyond Waikiki are just a short car or #22 bus ride away. A world of Hawaiian island beauty and fun activities is awaiting the Oahu visitor on East Oahu. Here are six popular Oahu activities beyond Waikiki which I recommend to friends, family and Oahu visitors on Hawaii vacation:



1. Hanauma Bay - Best Oahu snorkel spot



Surely one of the most beautiful natural areas in Hawaii, Hanauma Bay is a combination educational center, marine preserve, wide beach and premier snorkeling area. With over 250 species of fish accounting for 25% of Hawaii’s marine life, all protected in a calm bay, this is the can’t-miss snorkeling spot on Oahu and in the entire state of Hawaii.



2. Surfing Lessons - Learn how to surf beyond Waikiki



While Waikiki is a great place to learn how to surf, it’s crowded, has a rocky bottom, and feels very touristy. For a more “local” experience, and a boat ride, head out to Hawaii Kai’s Maunalua Bay for a fun, uncrowded, mellow beginners surfing lesson off of Portlock Point. Try Hawaiian Surf Adventure a friendly team whose #1 focus is on you having a great time (and they offer a shuttle from Waikiki)!





3. Fast-action Activities - Oahu ocean activities for speed lovers



If you’re looking for fun that’s faster than Waikiki’s waves and sailboats, try jet skis, wave runners, banana boats, and parasailing in the warm Hawaii Kai marina and calm waters of Maunalua Bay. Hawaii Water Sports Center provides all of these - and more - right from Koko Marina, and offers shuttle pick-ups in Waikiki.





4. Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail - Hiking for everybody on Oahu vacation



If you’re like me, a relaxing vacation usually means zero physical activity. If you need to stretch your legs, head out to the south-eastern tip of Oahu and walk the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail It’s a two-mile paved trail with a moderate grade to the top (elevation gain: approx 400 feet - BRING WATER), but the views are spectacular! On most days, you can see Molokai to the east, and even Maui if it’s clear. During the winter, whale spouts are almost guaranteed. Plus, on the drive over, you can stop at Halona Blowhole and Sandy and Makapu’u Beaches for some of the most incredible blue water views you’ll ever see.



5. Waimanolo Beach Park - Beach activities beyond Waikiki Beach



For what I consider the best beach in the world, plan a day at Waimanolo Beach Park. It has beautiful, wide, white sand beaches, a constant breeze, great bodyboarding, and some of the most amazing aqua waters in the world. The best part: even when it’s "crowded," it’s still not crowded!





6. Great Food - Eat and relax with famous Hawaiian Oahu sunsets



If you’re tired of Waikiki’s chains and food that you can get at home anyway, try two Hawaii icons: The original Roy’s restaurant and Kona Brewing Company.Sure, there are six Roy’s locations in Hawaii and dozens more around the country, but only one is the original! (Tip: Come for a spectacular evening view as the sun sets over Diamond Head). Kona Brewing offers a selection of great island-inspired food and amazing Hawaii-brewed beers, with seasonal selections using ingredients ranging from ginger to coconut to Kona coffee.





Bonus: 7. Save Some Money on your Oahu vacation Beyond Waikiki!



Let’s be honest: Hawaii can be expensive, especially the "tourist" areas. Oahu areas beyond Waikiki offer a less-crowded, less-expensive option to have some great fun, see some amazing sites, and enjoy more of the beautiful people of Oahu - all for a little bit less money."



Much mahalo again, Jason, for your fun post about your favorite Oahu activities. Your Oahu activity photos are wonderful and enticing for Oahu visitors to give the activities a try when on Hawaii vacation.



So, dear Best Hawaii Vacation blog visitors, what is on the top of your list of 'Best Oahu Activities Beyond Waikiki'? Your favorite Oahu activity is wanted here. We are looking forward to your comments. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Affordable Hawaii Vacations



Best Oahu Activities beyond Waikiki related posts



Pearl Harbor in Honolulu

Biggest Waves in Hawaii

Oahu Trip Report

Visit Hanauma Bay Beach

How to have a great Oahu vacation and save money?

Tags: Vacation activities for Oahu, Best Oahu activities

How to watch a meteor shower in Hawaii

Dear Best Hawaii Vacation blog visitors,

After celebrating our 5th Hawaii Blog birthday, we are happy to share another guest post with our Hawaii visitors. Hawaii will experience a special 'fireworks' in the night skies tomorrow, Friday night. Gerrit from BigIslandHawaiianVacation shares with you his Hawaii meteor shower guide:

Best Meteor Shower of the year in Hawaii

"Friday will be your best shot this year to see shooting stars burn in the Hawaiian night sky as the Delta Aquarids meteor shower reaches it peak.

Normally the mid-August Perseid meteor shower steals the show with on average up to 60 shooting stars per hour during its peak. This year however, the full moon will outshine all but the brightest of the Perseid Meteors, which forces those of us with a long wish list to turn to another shower.

Luckily, the Delta Aquarid meteor shower is a worthy contender. It may not be as active as the Perseids, but the peak of the Delta Aquarids coincides with the new moon coming Friday (July 29th). On top of that you will also be able to see the first of the Perseid meteors as the shower slowly starts building up to its (poorly visible) peak on August 13th. The combination of these two showers with the new moon make Friday the best night of 2011 to watch a meteor shower in Hawaii. Expect to see up to 15-30 shooting stars per hour against a clear and dark sky.

What are shooting stars or meteor showers

Meteor showers happen as Earth plows through the trail of debris that is left in the wake of a comet. Because our planet moves with the incredible speed of 90,000 miles/hour, all swept up particles quickly burn up in the atmosphere as a shooting star.

What is the best time to watch the meteor shower in Hawaii

You can see shooting stars during any time at night. However, you can see by far the most meteors after midnight. This has everything to do with the rotation of the Earth. Between midnight and sunrise Earth's rotation has brought you on the leading edge of our planet, and Earth can sweep up many more meteoroids!

How to watch a meteor shower in Hawaii

Comfortable meteor watching is best done with a reclining chair or a blanket to lie down on, because you will be looking up for a long time. Bring a pillow for your neck and find an as dark spot as possible. Once installed sit back, relax, and allow 15 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the darkness. As with all Meteor showers around the globe, the best time to watch the meteor shower in Hawaii is the early hours before dawn."

Much mahalo, Gerrit, for this guest post about meteor showers in Hawaii. Big Island visitors and everbody else who is preparing for watching the meteor shower tomorrow night in Hawaii, will find great tips on 'What to pack for watching the meteor shower in Hawaii' Don't forget your wish list when you are preparing for your long night out tomorrow. Make a wish or two or three...aloha, Pua HawaiiVacations
p.s.
Don't tell us your wishes but tell us when and where you watched a meteor shower in Hawaii.

Tags: Watch a meteor shower in Hawaii, Hawaii meteor showers

Hooray today is Best Hawaii Vacation's Birthday

and the lucky winner of our 5th Best Hawaii Vacation Blog birthday celebration is...

Sherie from Maui. Congratulations, Sherie, you won Keoki's 'Hawaii Easy Stretch DVD'. Just let us know your mailing address and we will be mailing you the DVD to Maui Hawaii as soon as possible. Stretch and relax with Keoki's DVD and keep visiting our Hawaii Vacation blog.





We would like to say 'mahalo' again to everybody who had joined our Hawaii Sweepstakes for 'Best Hawaii Vacation'. Best Hawaii Vacation blog starts today another year of blogging about Hawaii vacation. Please, come back for another blog visit to see what our next post will be about. Mahalo and aloha, Pua and Keoki Hawaii Vacations

Tags: Hawaii sweepstakes winner, winner Hawaii Stretch DVD