Hawaii in the Winter

If you are thinking about planning a trip to Hawaii, you may be wondering the best time of year to visit Hawaii.  Well, anytime really.  Hawaii really doesn’t have an off season.  The winter months of January and February seem to be the rainiest, but it’s not the same kind of winter you would have in other parts of the United States. In fact the winter months may actually draw crowds during those so called rainy months.  One reason is that the waves on the northern shores of the islands are much bigger during the winter.  The North Shore of Ohau in particular is famous for those huge waves, sometimes coming in as high as thirty feet.  These are some of the largest waves in the world.

On any given day on the North shore, you can expect to see world championship surfers, particularly at Waimea Bay.  The Banzi pipeline is another popular surfing spot for these amazing athletes.  The pipline is famous for its long tubes.  But, don’t be fooled by the lure of this gorgeous wave, the water underneath is shallow and full of coral reef.  The waves at these famous hot spots are not for beginners.  If you are just learning to surf, you should stick to the shallow waves at Wakiki Beach in Honolulu.

 Another reason for the high number of winter tourists is whale watching.  Whale watching season is generally from January to May. Whale watching is a popular activity during the winter months on the island of Maui.  You can expect to see many different species of whales, including the humpback whale.  They are typically found along the western shore of Maui.  Ma’alaea Bay in particular is a great spot to catch a glimpse of the mother and baby whales.  The shallow waters of the bay offer protection from possible shark attacks.  You can see the whales, by simply taking a stroll along the beach.  There are also many tour companies offering day trips to popular whale watching destinations.  The island of Lanai also offers some whale watching opportunities, both on and off shore.

The humpback whale is the fifth largest of the whale family of mammals. The humpback is on the endangered species list due mostly to hunting of these animals in previous years. At one time hunting humpbacks was considered a great sport and it almost forced the species into extinction.  Humpback whales can reach lengths of 45 feet and can weigh as much as 45 tons. 

Another reason that Hawaii is such a popular vacation destination during the winter months is plain geography.  Because the winter months are so cold and dreary during these months back on the mainland, visitors flock to Hawaii for a much needed respite.  What better way to escape a February snow storm than to sit on a tropical beach in paradise and sip on Mai tais.   Whatever your reason for visiting Hawaii, all of the islands are waiting and are sure to please even the most frostbitten winter visitor.

Top Beach Vacation Spots

No matter what season it may be, taking a beach
vacation is both fun and relaxing.  There are many
beaches all over the world to pick from.  You can
choose from a white sandy beach, lava rock beach,
secluded beach, or a popular beach – as the choice
is entirely up to you.

1.  Polo Beach – Hawaii
The Polo Beach of Hawaii is a sandy beach with
clear water, making it ideal for swimming and also
snorkeling.  It’s located in South Maui and fronted
by the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, which is a luxury
beach vacation resort.

2.  Seven Mile Beach – Jamaica
The Seven Mile Beach of Negril is the longest stretch
of white sand in Jamaica.  Located near Negril on
the western tip of Jamaica, this beach is truly an
awesome sight to behold.  Here, you can find your
favorite stretch of the beach and coconut palm
tree and just relax near the ocean.  You can also
stay at the Caves, which is located very close to
the beach.

3.  Atlantis Paradise – Bahamas
Here, you can experience the white sandy beaches of
the Caribbean.  Atlantis Paradise gives you long
romantic walks on the beach or the chance to play
in the water at the resort.  This paradise offers
you tropical climate with your own personal slice
of heaven – something every beach lover will truly
appreciate.

4.  Heron Island – Australia
Located on the Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island
beaches offer excellent swimming and snorkeling
with truly amazing marine life.  The tropical
island of Heron offers scuba divers over 20
different diving sites.  You can forget the stress
of everyday life here and just immerse yourself in
wonder. 

5.  Madeira – Portugal
The beach here at Reid’s Palace Hotel is quite the
rocky beach, with sharp black rocks.  You can spend
time lounging by the pool taking in the views, or
swimming in the ocean.  The weather here is
pleasant most of the time, making your beach vacation
something you’ll remember for a long time to come.

6.  Miami Beach
A great spot for movie stars and fashion models,
Miami Beach offers plenty of sandy beaches, several
restaurants, and night long parties at one of the
local nightclubs.  If you are looking for the
ideal place to stay, The Tides is a luxurious
hotel with many spectacular views.  Miami Beach
is also popular in the United States – one of the
best beach vacations out there.

Costal Cottage Rentals: Your Own, Private Summer Vacation Destination

Every year, a large number of tourists flock to coastal beaches.  In fact, you may be one of those individuals.  Vacationing at the beach is nice, but many beaches are overcrowded and limited on privacy.  Do you ever wish that you could just rent your own private coastal cottage?  Many only dream of renting a costal cottage, but that dream can easily become a reality.

Costal beaches are not a well-kept secret.  They are one the of most popular summer vacation destinations in the world.  However, costal cottage rentals can easily be considered a well-kept secret.  Many individuals and families do not even know they exist.  If this existence is known, there are many who believe the cost will exceed their vacation budget.  In many cases, this is simply not true. 

Throughout the world, including the United States and Europe, there are a number of popular vacation destinations that offer costal cottage rentals.  If you are interested in renting a costal cottage, you may be wondering how a popular vacation destination can offer you privacy.  The level of privacy you receive will all depend on where you choose to vacation. 

In the United States and much of Europe, costal cottage rentals are located near a popular vacation destination. They do not have to be right in the middle of the excitement to be considered a popular vacation “hot spot.”  You may find that number of costal cottage rentals that are within a short drive or walking distance to many public facilities and activities. These activities may include, but are not limited to, swimming on a public beach, fishing, or sightseeing. 

When selecting a location to rent a costal cottage, there are a number of important factors that you may want to consider.  One of those factors is the price of renting a cottage.  In the Untied States and much of the world, cottage rentals are available up and down the coasts. Each of these locations are likely to charge different rental fees. You will find that in most areas pricing is competitive.

In addition to the cost of a costal cottage rental, you will also want to examine who owns the cottage.  A large number of private landowners are beginning to notice the profits that they can receive from rentals.  Other costal cottage rentals are often owned by vacation resorts.  When selecting a cottage rental, it is important to ensure that you doing business with a trustworthy company or individual.

Before booking a reservation, you are encouraged to request pictures.  These pictures should come from the specific cottage that you are interested in renting.  Cottage pictures may be able to determine the exact cottage location, when compared to the coast.  They may also enable you to determine which rooms and services can be found onsite.  Determining whether or not the cottage has a kitchen, dining room, or laundry room is important, especially when preparing for your vacation.

In addition to costal cottage conditions, you way want to consider researching nearby activities.  These activities may be important if you don’t plan on spending your whole vacation at the cottage.  In many popular summer vacation destinations, you should be able to find a large number of restaurants, theme parks, ocean boat tours, and guided fishing expeditions.  The closer your cottage rental is to a popular summer vacation destination, the more access you will have to offsite activities, services, and facilities.

Once you have made the decision to rent a costal cottage and you have selected a destination, you are encouraged to schedule your reservations as soon as possible.  All around the world, costal cottage rentals are increasing in popularity.  This popularity may make it difficult or impossible for you to obtain last minute cottage rentals.  As with all other vacations, you are encouraged to plan ahead. 

Maui Beach Vacations

The island of Maui is home to some of the most amazing
beaches.  Some beaches offer swimming all year round,
while others are best for surfing or snorkeling
during certain times of the year.  Depending on
where you choose to stay, there are always some
famous beaches nearby.

West Maui beaches
If you drive along the west coast of Maui from Lahaina
to Kapalua, you’ll see many breathtaking beaches
along the coast.    Kaanapali Beach will offer
you over three miles of white sand with a variety
of watersports, including surfing, sailboating,
and even catamaran rides. On the north end of
the beach is Black Rock, which is well known for
snorkeling.

Visitors like the sandy beach at Napili Bay,
because there are no high rise buildings around,
and the bay is protected well from waves.  The
Kapalua Resort in west Maui is home to Kapalua
Beach, Oneloa Bay Beach, and the D.T. Fleming
Beach.

South Maui Beaches
The rule with Hawaii and Maui is that the further
south you travel, the less crowded the beaches
will be. 

Kihei offers you a series of beaches along the
six mile coastline, some even offering lifeguards,
restrooms, and picnic areas.  Polo Beach and
Wailea Beach offer both restrooms and equipment
rentals.  Or, if you prefer a more secluded beach,
you should visit Maluaka Beach at the Maui
Prince Hotel – where you may even encounter some
green sea turtles.

A few miles past the Maui Prince Hotel is the
Big Beach of Makena, which is one of the best
beaches on Maui.  As the name implies, the beach is
quite large, and best of all – empty.  It offers
white sand, picnic facilities, and even restrooms.

East Maui Beaches
The beaches of East Maui are unlike others in
Hawaii.  Surround by lush scenery, the beaches are
secluded, scenic, and very colorful. 

Hamoa Beach is a must visit if you plan to visit
East Maui.  As you approach the beach from the
main road, you’ll walk past colorful plants and
palm trees surrounding Hamoa Beach.  Just off Hana
Highway is Hana Bay Beach, which offers black
volcanic sand.

The Red Sand Beach is difficult to get to, you’ll
need to find a narrow path along the coast.  The
beach offers plenty of swimming and snorkeling,
and you should be the only one there – which is
great for those looking for privacy.  Even though
it is hard to get to, Red Sand Beach is truly one
of a kind.

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Family Beach Vacation Ideas

All across the world, there are several locations you can choose for your family beach vacation.  Below, you will find many different locations, and what they will offer you and your family.

Maui Beach Vacations
Throughout the West Coast of Maui, you’ll have many choices for your beach vacation.  If you plan to enjoy golf, the Kapalua Resort is a great choice, as guests will receive 30% lower golf rates than those who don’t stay at the resort.  The resort also includes the Kapalua Bay Hotel, Kapalua Villas, and the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua.

One bay over from the Kapalua Bay is the Napili Kai Beach Resort, which is a low rise family resort that offers comfortable beach front condos.  The Napili Kai also offers complimentary programs for children ages 6 – 12 from mid June to the end of August, during Easter and Christmas.  The condos are seconds away from the beach, and they include kitchens as well as laundry facilities.

If you prefer a more secluded area, the Maui Prince hotel is located in a quiet setting surrounded by two scenic golf courses and a large sandy beach that kids never seem to get enough of.

Mololai family adventures
The island of Molokai is filled with empty beaches, no traffic lights, and few tourists.  Many tourists visits only for a day or so, with some going to the island because they assumed they were going to Molokini (which is a snorkeling site near Maui).

The island of Mololai is accessible by ferry from Maui or by plane from Honolulu.  The island is ideal for those who like the outdoors with a twist of adventure.  When you visit here, you shouldn’t expect shopping or nightlife.

Florida Beach Vacations
The Breakers Hotel in sunny Palm Beach Florida has a spa, golf course, and a 1/2 mile sandy beach. There is also a seperate pool for the kids, a family entertainment center, and a kid’s program.  Families can reserve up to five adjoining rooms while children under the age of 16 can stay for free in the same room as their parents.

If you decide to take your beach vacation in Orlando, the Loews Hard Rock Hotel offers you plenty of beach and amusement rides, with a 240 foot slide and a white sandy beach.

California Beach Vacations
With several family beach vacation resorts in California, the Hotel Del Coronado is among the most famous.  The hotel offers many different facilities for families, including lessons in kayaking, surfing, tennis, and biking.

Georgia Beach Vacations
The barrier islands in Georgia offer ambiance, sandy beaches, and a laid back prospective to life as you know it.  Jekyll Island offers you miles of paved bike path with three 18 hole golf courses, which is perfect for golf enthusiasts.