2. It’s tall…
Mauna Kea on the Big Island has a snow capped (and snowboardable) summit that scrapes 14,000 feet above sea level. Below sea level it goes down another 18,000 to the sea floor; which equals a total height of 32,000 feet. Making it the biggest mountain on earth. Mount Everest, in comparison, is a paltry 29,035 feet, and to make matters worse Everest has got 4-foot shorter in recent times due to glacial melting.

3. It’s been surfed for a long time…
They may have a strong claim to being the oldest surfing race on earth, having invented the whole deal, but the Polynesians/Hawaiians aren’t a patch on the Peruvian goat boaters that have surfed on waveski’s made of reeds since year dot. But as goat boating doesn’t really count then the Hawaiians can take the honor.

4. The Union Jack is on the flag…
Odd as it seems the Hawaiian flag has the British flag in its top left corner, much the same as the Aussie Flag. The rest of the flag consists of eight red, white or blue stripes that represent the eight main islands (Nihau, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and the Big Island of Hawaii). It goes back to the early 19th century when the Hawaiians agreed to be a protectorate of Great Britain. The UK didn’t run the show, they ran their own affairs, but we looked out for them against the Frenchies and the Americans.

5. We’ve just moved in…
The Hawaiian chain was one of the last places on earth to be colonised by mankind. Earliest evidence suggests some traces of man around 100AD, but the Polynesians didn’t properly colonise the joint until 400AD. First contact with the western world was made on January 19th, 1778 by Yorkshires finest- Captain James T Cook; he first hit land on Kauai. Now home to the Irons brothers.

6. There’s no shelf…
It’s the lack of continental shelf that gives the waves so much power on the North Shore. As the Hawaiian Islands are all volcanic islands that have grown steadily up from the sea floor there is no shelf to slow up the waves. The Big Island of Hawaii is less than 500,000 years old, cos its so new and fresh the lava reefs there are extremely sharp as they haven’t had time to erode.

7. It’s far…
The Hawaiian Island’s are the most isolated bits of land on Earth. It’s over 2400 miles to the continental USA and the other Polynesian islands in the South Pacific. 24 miles is a long way to go in a canoe. 2400 is off the scale, especially when you consider the Polynesian explorers had no idea where they were going or if there was even anywhere to go to. They must have been so glad when they finally hit Waikiki.

8. Spelling is easy…
There are only 12 letters in the Hawaiian alphabet. Cool huh? The vowels: A, E, I, O, U and the consonants: H, K, L, M, N, P, W. So that’s why so many place names, like Waimea, Haleiwa etc have such a distinctive ring to them. It also shows that few surf spots go by their local names, Banzai Pipeline is hard to make from only those letters.

9. Good java…
Hawaii is the only state in the US that produces coffee beans. Considering how much coffee the Americans drink it’s very odd. The Arabica beans grown on the Big Island that are sold as Kona coffee make for a damn fine brew. Coffee is also grown on the slopes overlooking the North Shore of Oahu between Wahiawa and Waialua …

10. Lava lava lava…
Mt. Kilauea is the most active volcano in the world and has been since 1983. Which makes the mapmakers in Hawaii angry, because every couple of weeks they have to redraw the map of the island; as it keeps getting bigger. This might not be a problem soon as a huge fissure, known officially as the Hilina Slump, and unofficially as the ‘Big Crack’ is opening up and a 4,760 cubic mile chunk of the Big Island is poised to fall off. Cue much tsunami action for Oz… At the moment it’s moving four inches a year, but has moved up to 26-feet in one day.

[posted via slidemag]

The days of Endless Summer’s idealized surf trip pre-requisites of “surfboard, wax, sun screen and passport” are long gone … having given way to multiple airport security screenings, expensive airline fees for oversized luggage, and the sudden boom of surf-related anything all over the world thanks in large part to the multi-billion dollar push from the surf industry moguls.

But have no fear, minor inconveniences will not deter determined surfers from their goal of finding surf nirvana around the globe, it just requires better planning and preparation for what may lie ahead. (There are considerable differences when surfing in warm water and cold climate locations, ranging from the type of wax you will need all the way to the rash guard or wet suit you will wear … so we’ll try to keep that factor in check as we go through the list.)

Outside of doing your usual Google research on visa requirements and entry fees for the countries you are visiting, and making sure your credit cards, passport and driver’s license are up-to-date there are some essential tips to know before embarking on a surf trip. And so, dear kindred spirit of the waves, with a few million miles under our collective surf-travel belts, we have assembled the quintessential surf trip primer for all you travelling surfers:

Surf Camp or Going on your own? This is the mother of all the check list pre-requisites; the one that determines how you will be preparing for the trip from here on in! Your goal will be to get there the easiest, the fastest, and in the most efficient method available to maximize your water time … so an all-inclusive surf camp may be the most beneficial to your budget and timeline. That being said, a surf adventure where you discover your own way and seek out your own waves provides a more rewarding experience for the globe-trotting surfer. Choose wisely so that your ultimate goal of maximum surf time is addressed properly!

Although a slightly more expensive method for surf travel, the surf camp experience traditionally will provide you with almost everything you may need. You can relax knowing things are covered – ranging from accommodations, meals, a local surf guide, transportation to and from various surf breaks (either by land or by boat), surfboards to choose from, wax, leash, repairs … and even facilities to chill or exercise, whatever you may need.

Surf camps generally cater to surfers who want to land at the airport and know that their gear is available and ready to go, just point to the break and they’re off surfing. Set in a setting where you are with other surfers and seasoned staff and surf experts to assist you, this type of surf travel relieves you from some stress. You do not have to pack much of your usual surf gear (especially your surfboards!), and the camp quiver allows you the luxury of avoiding oversized luggage fees and the paranoid fear of someone dinging your board (or worse!) during transport.

Surf Bag or Case. If you choose to bring your own board or a selection from your quiver, be sure to protect your surfboards! In the past, we have gone with surf bags padded with rash guards and towels on the inside, surfboard coffins that held 2 or more boards, and even professionally packed and shipped boards. In that same order, we (meaning us and our boards) suffered from dings and broken surfboard noses, expensive airline luggage fees, and stolen – even oddly replaced with another older - surfboard. But over the years, although the number of airlines have reduced (even removed) routes that allow surfboard travel … some seriously decent board protection has evolved (see Soma), allowing peace of mind for the insistent quiver snob!

Surf Wear. Although most surf camps provide you with all-around-use rash guards or wet suits, they do tend to be used. During our surf travels, we have found it extremely beneficial to have our own surf wear in tow. With the added benefit of wearing your favorite brand or style, SPF protection, and the security of properly fitting wet suits (one’s that are not loosely hanging off our bodies while surfing in cold water!), the packing space is minimal for two or three rash guards or wetties!

Hats and sunglasses are also a must! Whether you are sitting in the line up, at the beach, or in the jacuzzi, proper sun protection allows you to extend your surf time. There can be nothing more frustrating than travelling halfway around the globe and being sidelined from surfing by a bad sunburn!

Surf Gear & Accessories. Yes, you need to bring your first aid kit and a slew of spare or preferred surf goodies like fins and key, leashes (they are either righteously expensive or well worn!), ding repair kit (in water repair kit is better!), surf wax (remember to bring temperature relevant and eco-friendly wax!), and duct tape. We cannot stress the duct tape enough to travelling surfers … it can act as ding repair, leash repair, packing tape, laundry line, well you name it! Another surprise travel item that we found extremely useful is a lock box that we stashed room keys, cash, and credit cards in while surfing. Locked to the car, van, or boat it allowed us to surf freely and return to safely stowed dry cash and cards for the lunch stop or a quick round of drinks at the bar before heading out again.

Dry Bag. Whether it be boat trips or the unexpected downpour, your change of clothes or towel and snacks will thank you for bringing this essential piece of travel gear! Not just for surf travel anymore, a sturdy, waterproof dry bag can protect all of your electronics, surf accessories, and identification cards from the very playground you are floating around in!

Waterproof Camera and memory cards / flash drives. Much like the mythical Wendigo or Bigfoot, no one will blink twice when you wax poetic about “that double overhead left that stayed open after a late drop” if you can’t produce a decent photo. A blurry snapshot of what could be you or Bigfoot on either a knee-high or double overhead wave just cannot cut in on Facebook these days! With a plethora of inexpensive digital cameras with waterproof housings or cases in today’s market – like the Hero Pro or Olympus’ Underwater line – your surf trip will shine brightly with photos to document your journey – since most of us cannot afford to have filmmakers following us around to surf breaks!

Gift Items and Goodies. Here is the key to merry travelling and extremely useful tool for establishing good will: a gift or token of appreciation. More than a cash tip, you can extend friendship and goodwill while surf travelling with some surf-related gift items from your home land. Things like surfboard-shaped keychains or surf t-shirts for your surf guide and surf hosts may ensure that you get the better transport or boat at an earlier time to that secret local spot.

The most important thing to bring above it all is your sense of adventure and wonder! All the preparation and packing will be better complemented by a happy-go-lucky spirit … there are a of of things that will go right, and even a few that may go awry, but through it all make sure you extend that surfer spirit and smile with aloha in your heart!

…

Storms following a path like Earl’s, running roughly parallel to the coast, can threaten outcroppings like Cape Hatteras, N.C., where a mandatory evacuation was in place on Wednesday. But they can also create a brief, rare season of world-class surfing on the northern Atlantic, particularly on beaches that face south or that, like Masonboro, are protected by a jetty.

“This is like, prime time,” said Evan Barton, 17, a competitive surfer who takes high school classes on the Internet, thus allowing him to begin his surfing day at 8 a.m. Evan, with sun-bleached hair and a complexion beyond the reach of sunscreen, piloted a boatload of friends to Masonboro from nearby Wrightsville Beach.

Others played a form of hooky for grown-ups, rising early to scan Web sites like Swellinfo.com and to compare notes with fellow enthusiasts. “When they name the storm, that’s when you start planning your schedule,” said Mark Mitchell, a 59-year-old real estate developer, standing on the hot sand with a friend, Douglas Sprunt, an architecture curator, each with a board under his arm.

Austin Nichols, 30, an actor on “One Tree Hill,” which is taped in Wilmington, said he had shot a scene in the morning but had gotten off in time to get some surfing in.

“I think hurricanes should have menacing names like, ‘Hurricane Edward Scissorhands,’ ” he said. “Hurricane Earl sounds like a guy drinking a beer on a porch. That’s not scary.”

Mr. Nichols was not impressed by Earl’s somewhat erratic effect on the waves, either. By late afternoon, in fact, the beach was dotted with surfers standing in perplexed clumps, scrutinizing the water and wondering what exactly had gone wrong. The waves were “closing out,” or cresting all at once instead of in a ripple. Or they were coming too fast. Or maybe it was the tide?

“For the storm to be right here, it should be a lot better,” said Richard Edwards, 33.

But surfers know that their sport depends on an ever-changing array of variables. Evan, who had gotten in a couple of dangerous-looking moves, emerged from the water. “It’s not as good as it was this morning. It’s closing out,” he said.

But he shrugged it off. Hurricane Earl would be driving the surf for a few days to come, followed by tropical storms Fiona and Gaston. Edward Scissorhands will have to wait.

These guys surf twice a day. For them, surfing isn’t a casual hobby; it’s a way of life.

But wait a minute. This isn’t Southern California and no one here has a tan. Although surfing has become an established sport on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Canadian surfing is still a well-kept secret. So well kept, in fact, that at a recent surfing trade show in San Diego, Fernie had trouble getting people to take him seriously.

“People were constantly underestimating us because we’re from Canada,” 22-year-old Allister Fernie says. “They have no idea that we surf up here. They thought we’d come to buy surfboards to hang on the wall for decoration!”

Fernie is originally from Maple Ridge on the British Columbia mainland, but he’s a dedicated island resident now. “I love to surf and living here lets me go any time I want,” he says. “It’s a good lifestyle. In the city, you look at people and you can tell they don’t like what they’re doing. Life’s too short.”

Situated on the edge of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Tofino (population 1,300) is Canada’s surfing capital. Although there is surfing up and down the coast of the island and there are many secret spots, which shall go unnamed, the park is by far the most accessible surf destination, particularly for “kooks” (neophyte surfers).

The park’s signature attraction, Long Beach, offers six miles of blond, curvaceous shore. It’s one of a series of exquisite beaches, both long and short, with a variety of surfable breaks.

Just south of Long Beach is secluded Wreck Beach on Florencia Bay. North of Long Beach, just outside the park boundary, is Cox Bay Beach, which offers a nice left break off rocky Cox Point.

Farther up is Chesterman Beach and Rosy Bay Beach. Separated by Frank Island, they face the Pacific at different angles and “go off” at different times and under different conditions.

Surfers have been spotted in local waters since the 1960s and their numbers continue to grow. On any summer Saturday as many as three dozen people can be seen out in the water atop long boards, short boards and body boards.

Benefiting from Canada’s mildest climate, the surfing continues year-round. (Full wet suits are worn in spring, summer and fall; add booties, gloves and hood in winter.)

But even with the growing numbers of surfers, Long Beach bears little resemblance to some of the crowded conditions at surf breaks south of the border, particularly in California.

While many U.S. breaks are crowded and often suffer from insurmountable tribal “localism” (the organized shunning of all outsiders), surfing at Long Beach and environs is refreshingly friendly and laid back. On big, sunny days you might see a lineup, but people are polite and there’s always plenty of room to maneuver.

Like their brethren the world over, Vancouver Island surfers follow the swell. It’s pretty common to see wet, neoprene-clad surfers commuting between beaches in Volkswagen microbuses or beach bikes. When it’s flat at Long Beach, it might be cranking at Cox Bay. Being adaptable means you can take advantage of a good thing while it lasts.

[by Brian Payton]

1. Local style is about working together.

Everyone kokua or helps. Help is not always asked for, but rather people will volunteer. A good example is when my father died, there were people who volunteered to pay for the pig, cook the food for those that attended the funeral, make the box for my dad’s casket to be laid in the ground, etc. Others were asked and quickly agreed to help such as setting up refreshments, baking food for the people, digging my father’s grave, printing the flier (announcements), giving us thank you notes for those that attended the funeral, and all of this were done at no cost to us. Everyone came together as a community and chipped in. We all worked together. And my father’s example is not a unique one. This is what they always do.

2. There’s an intricate & intimate social dance that islanders perform together every day on and off the job. Unwritten set of rules of behavior, informally known as “local style,” is essential for anyone who has made Hawaii their home.

Basically certain etiquette needs to be followed while in Hawaii. A lot has to do with trust and being that Hawaii is a small place, this trust is pretty much set in stone, but not spoken of. In my friend’s situation, new neighbors who aren’t accostumed to the cultures and protocols of the islands had moved in next door. Rather than deal with the situation as we would, the new neighbors decided to write a letter in a threatening manner providing a date that the action that needs to be taken must be done or legal action would be taken. Was that necessary? Certainly not. The outsiders simply displayed how they had no trust in people. They crossed that imaginary line, didn’t follow protocols and the social etiquette that we are accustomed to that says out loud that they have broken those set of rules of behavior – a la Hawaiian style.

3. Understated way of social interaction is a complex mix of culture, race and history and is characterized by soft, humble, indirect communication and a respect for others’ accomplishments.

Because of the various cultures that obviously contributed these social behaviors onto our culture today, we all learned to adapt and incorporated them into our daily life. The humbleness, probably a Japanese influence as well as a Hawaiian one. Chinese have this as a part of their culture too. Maybe if people were mindful of these cultural differences, they really wouldn’t have such a hard time fitting in, getting in trouble with the locals and not be so disliked. It all comes down to adaptation, learning to adapt to the environment, the people and most importantly their culture, their ways.

4. Local style is collaborative, putting more value on the “we” and not the “I”.

Typical Haole mentality, throughout history has always been an individualistic one. Not to mention, this is very prominent with American society. It is all about the individual. The “we” thing exists in Asian cultures too, but in Hawaiian culture, since ancient days it has always been a “community” based culture. People, especially the commoners did not have much for their own personal use. Individuality is not or was not something you would really see. You have heard stories of how the people had to work the land for the chiefs. This is because it was a community based society. Individual ownership was limited to the malo, kapa, and their own name. That is why emphasis is put on the Hawaiian name because it was one of the few “individually possessed” items. Everything was about “we”. So this aspect has worked its way into today’s society.

5. Local style is not always very verbal and engaging. It isn’t all talk. Actions always speak louder than words.

I think we know this to be true. You can bullshit all you want but it won’t get you anywhere unless you can show that you can put out what you say you can do. Mainland style is all about impressions. You can lie all you want and people are impressed. It’s all bullshit talk! In Hawaii, the mentality is different. You can say you are a king but unless you can show your regalness, no one really would care.

6. Local people are up to their necks with Mainlanders telling them how they should be living their lives.

Change is one thing many people do not like, in general. In Hawaii however, it is magnified. Last thing people want is outsiders trying to tell them what they think would work best for them. They (outsiders) really would not know. Only the locals would know what would work best for themselves and future generations.

7. People with a superior attitude don’t last very long in Hawaii.

Mainlanders have that mentality that they are superior because of money, education and probably preconceived notions that locals are just inferior because of all those I mentioned. Other things that may make them think that, the mentality of locals, the speech, and basically the “local style” living or the laid back or passive character.

8. The islands have a long history of Mainland newcomers, who are lionized as people of vision and destiny, then publicly mauled for their inability to fit in. It goes all the way back to Hawaii’s first malihini, Capt. James Cook, whose divine aura wore off quickly.

Nothing irritates locals more than outsiders displaying this type of behavior. They (mainlanders) see themselves as a leader of change and find that there may be others who idolize them or seem to show some type of idolizing, probably just awe struck by their conduct or manner of doing things. Nothing more. But as always, these things do not last very long and people begin disliking them for it.

9. Should visionary leaders spend valuable time learning the lay of the island landscape when their job is to blaze new trails in the first place? Is the prevailing culture preventing the state from making significant and necessary change?

There’s always that balance. How much is too much. Most importantly, how much are they really losing if “opportunities” are not available by way of modernization or industrializing an area? It’s always good to communicate this type of information with the locals and get their input. If they feel they should try to progress by building new things, then they should have that opportunity to express that feeling because it is their life at stake. And unlike these “visionaries”, locals are not necessarily for these things for “profit” but rather for a much more comfortable living.

10. Newcomers to the islands often have difficulties fitting in, due to the fact that in Hawaii people have strong associations with family, so a lot of their activities involve family and extended family.

Mainlanders seem to be disconnected from their own large and/or extended families to begin with. So it is easy for them to just concentrate on themselves. Those that have assimilated became part of someone’s ‘ohana and I have heard some say that. That tells me that they learned to adjust to their new environment. They may or may not have had some difficulty at first but learned how to quickly adapt in order to survive in Hawaii.

11. As a rule, most locals are bicultural. That is, they know how to behave in different ways when situational pressures dictate it. Culture and cultural differences are programmed into the locals.

We all grew up with different cultures. For me personally, there was the Hawaiian culture which we all were exposed to. Then there was the Japanese people in our town whose influence was unavoidable. And in our household it was Filipino culture with a combination of the other two that I mentioned. This is normal for local people.

12. 6 degrees of separation. In Hawaii, it is more like 1 degree of separation. Be mindful of what you say to people because you’ll never know if they are related.

Everyone knows everyone. Or, they end up knowing that person’s aunty, uncle, cousin, neighbor, etc. It’s a very small place. Just a man who works in our buidling asked if I was from Oahu after finding out that I was from the islands. I told him that I was from Molokai. He said he didn’t know anyone from Molokai, and told me that he was from Kauai and I said that my uncle was from there and he asked the name. I said “VILLABRILLE” and he said, “Kenneth?” Turns out that this guy and Kenneth were classmates. That is 1 degree of separation, not 6. Recently in school a young Hawaiian man saw me with a “Justice for Hawaiians” t-shirt. He stopped me and we began talking, following the normal protocol by identifying genealogy. Although he comes from Waimea on the island of Hawai’i, his great-grandparents were from the island I am from and he began asking me if I knew who this person and that person was. How many degrees of separation? One! But multiplied so many times. He and I share the same cousins. My classmate is also his cousin. And the list goes on. So it is a very small place.

13. Hawaii is all about developing relationships. Regardless of your qualifications, people aren’t likely to work with you until they have established a relationship with you.

This goes back to culture. Emphasis is put on family and becoming a part of that family, the community is what it boils down to. This is how relationships are established, through familial connections.

14. Do not confuse slow with incompetent. Some people equate the slower pace with people as not having talent.

Nothing more than different lifestyles. Some may see New York as a much more faster pace environment than the laid back Californian environment. Californians do things differently from New Yorkers. It’s just the way that it is. Hawaii is no different. Their standards are different from other places. People need to learn to accept things as they are rather than trying to judge based on what they are accustomed to.

15. Fast-talking braggadocios may get by on the mainland, but people in Hawaii have very little tolerance for the brash and arrogant.

This goes back to the part about how local style isn’t just all talk but a lot has to do with actions. This “talk” can come across as arrogant, snobbish, high-makamaka. Locals just cannot deal with that type of bragging because it really doesn’t matter to them. Unlike here in the mainland, people thrive on those type of things. It’s basically the norm.

16. Learn to balance confidence with a healthy dose of humbleness. There’s a certain style of leadership in Hawaii – humility, coupled with results. It is the most highly respected form of leadership.

This is just basic “good character” and what gets people admired. If we look at those “successful” in Hawaii, they are the ones that exhibit both of these type, and that is confidence and humbleness. One example is Nainoa Thompson, who was a key player in revitalizing the ancient Hawaiian navigation system across distant seas. He is now one of the Kamehameha Schools Bishop Estates’ trustees. He was selected as a trustee because of his commitment to the culture, his knowledge and he is very humble about it. This I am sure why one of the reasons he is admired, because he has balanced the two.

Aloha, and welcome to Hawaii!

I was going to assemble a list of my favorite activities, and I was on the internet looking for pictures to post when I ran into this GREAT article about doing Waikiki on a cheap dime or for free! How serendipitous! And in these tough economic times, it helps to be able to vacation or stay-cation without spending much, or even better, anything at all.

Here is the list, compiled in 2008 … so be aware that some places/locations may have changed or times been modified.

FREE Stuff in Waikiki: Starting at the airport end of Waikiki (opposite of the Diamond Head end), here are a number of free attractions.

The Gilligan’s Island Harbor: Remember where the 3 Hour Tour started from at the beginning of the TV show? Well, it’s here at Ala Wai Yacht Harbor. Check out some rather large pleasure craft. It’s at the airport end of Waikiki between Hawaiian Prince and the Hilton Lagoon. Nothing special, but well worth a photo!

US Army Museum of Hawaii: Awesome displays and artifacts from both Hawaiian wars and WWII.

Waikiki Beach: Just have a swim, paddle, snorkel, body-surf, sun bake, sleep, whatever floats your boat!

Royal Hawaiian Hotel (the big pink, and recently renovated old-looking one): Free tours 2pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday.

Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center (In the Fountain Courtyard): Torch Lighting ceremony nightly from 6 to 6.15pm. 30 minute Polynesian show 6.15pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Polynesian show 10 to 11.30am Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. Hula Lessons 10am Monday, Friday. Lei-making lessons 11am Monday, Wednesday. Ukulele lessons 10am Tuesday, Thursday and 11.30am Monday, Wednesday, Friday.

Sheraton Moana Surfrider (Big white columns, looks like an old Plantation Inn) Free tours at 11am and 5pm, Monday, Wednesday, Friday. DON’T MISS GETTING YOUR PHOTO TAKEN ON THE FAMOUS ROCKING CHAIRS!

Wizard Stones of Kapaemahu: On Kalakaua, beside Police Station. They are said to contain the secrets and healing powers of four sorcerers.

Duke Kahanamoku Statue: Just Diamond Head side of the Wizard Stones. Hawaii’s most decorated athlete, who brought surfing to the world.

Hula Mound: Most nights of the week there is some form of free entertainment at the Hula Mound (200m Diamond Head side of Duke’s Statue on Kalakaua), at 6pm. Hula shows predominantly.

Oceanarium Restaurant: From the hotel lobby of the Pacific Beach Hotel you can easily see a massive aquarium that divides two restaurants (very expensive food). Divers feed the fish at noon, 1pm, 6.30pm and 8pm.

The Wall (and Groin): Built on top of a storm water outlet, this is a great little walk out to the end, to get a different view of Waikiki beach. You can watch surfers and boogie boarders at very close quarters.

Sunset at the Beach festival (EXCEPT August): Every Saturday and Sunday, except in August, the Mayor throws a beach party. Queen’s Surf Beach. Hawaiian bands perform from 4pm to sunset, then when darkness falls, a huge screen is set-up to watch a feature movie! Tables and chairs are set up. Food stalls galore, with nothing over $US6!

Free concerts (EXCEPT August) Sunday 2 to 3pm, the Royal Hawaiian Band, at the Kapiolani Park Bandstand. Friday 5.30 to 6.30pm, different Hawaiian groups each week, at the Kapiolani Park Bandstand.

Kapiolani Park and Beach Park: Gorgeous, well manicured place for relaxing. On weekends, the locals relax, swim, and grill on the barbeque.

Waikiki Historic Trail: Look out for the surfboard markers with historical information about a particular area. 23 in total, you can walk it all in one day, or just complete sections whilst visiting other nearby areas. Definitely print out the text and map from www.waikikihistorictrail.com.

Walk along Waikiki beach at sunset: Sample the outdoor Hawaiian shows at the beachfront hotels. See musicians playing at Sheraton Moana Surfrider’s Banyan Veranda, Duke’s Canoe Club or poolside performers at Sheraton Waikiki.

Kalakaua at night: Street Performers and buskers abound. Also enjoy the antics of the mentally deranged homeless (I know that’s not PC but it is free and entertaining).

ALSO … NOT FREE, but CHEAP:

Waikiki Aquarium: $US9, supposed to be quite good. A great place to identify all of the fish you will/have seen snorkeling.

Honolulu Zoo: $US6, how good is that. Just be aware that it closes at 4.30pm. Occasionally they have a jazz night after hours.

see the full article and video HERE.

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