One of the nicest and easily accessible beaches for good snorkeling is Kahalu’u Beach Park just to the south of the town of Kailua-Kona on Alii Drive to the north of the Outrigger Keahou Beach Resort. The beach is
Kahalu'u Beach Park
sheltered by a Menehune Breakwater further out which makes the beach generally on the quiet side and good for swimming. Sea turtles like to bask in the warm suns here on the rocky side of the bay. If you see them, please just look and do not touch them as it is illegal. The area is fed by cold spring waters which can make the water somewhat cloudy near shore but further out, the water becomes clearer and the fish more abundant. Watch out for rip tides in this area during rough seas when the sea is coming in over the breakwater. There are vendors renting snorkeling gear and refreshments as well as changing facilities.
As one of the most beautiful locations on earth, Kauai has served as the backdrop for somewhere around 100 movies since the first movie, White Heat, was shot here in 1933. Some of the more famous movies which have Kauai as a backdrop include: Elvis’ Blue Hawaii, South Pacific, the pilot episode of Gilligan’s Island, the 1977 version of King Kong, the 1977 version of Fantasy Island, Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Thorn Birds, Waterworld, Honeymoon in Vegas, Jurassic Park, Six Days and Seven Nights, Uncommon Valor, Dragonfly, Lilo and Stitch, Treasure Hunt, and the recently released movie, Avatar. You can find tours of the most famous movie sites from Hawaii Movie Tours where the 5 hour movie site tour (including lunch) begins at in the morning for a cost of $89 per adult and $79 for children under 12. The tour host also provides hotel pick-up and delivery service for guests. Call the tour company for reservations and hotel pick-up times.
Green sea turtles are native to Hawaii and can often be seen swimming or basking in the shallow waters close to the shoreline in Hawaii. Sea turtles enjoy feeding on the algae that grows on the rocks near the coastline. While the giant sea turtles are wonderful to watch, please keep your distance. It is illegal in Hawaii to disturb them or touch them in any way and you can receive a fine if you violate this law.
If you are looking for some family fun and plan to vacation on the island of Maui, be sure to take in the Kupanaha Magic Show and Dinner Theater at the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel. Enjoy magical illusion intertwined with Hawaiian legends performed with a generous helping of hula and chants. Enjoy a three course dinner topped off by a delicious Pina Colada cheesecake dessert. Enjoy the Kanoeau Dance Academy as they join in the fun and mystical illusions. Check in time for the event begins at 4:30 and finishes at 7:30 P.M. Tuesday through Saturday evenings. Adult tickets for dinner and the show are $79. Prices for students between 13-20 are $55.00 and children between ages 6-12 $38.99. Children 5 and under are free.
