British-born Henry Nicholas Greenwell grew up a world away from the tropical shores of Hawaii, but his life would ultimately make a mark on the Kona coffee industry.

World-renowned Kona coffee, grown specifically in an optimal region of the Big Island of Hawaii, is considered some of the world’s finest coffee and remains a highly desirable product. At Greenwell Farms, where the production of coffee has remained in the Greenwell family for generations, 150 years of local experience has gone into making some of the best tasting coffee in the Kona region.

Tom and Jennifer Greenwell currently run the family business, and as fourth-generation coffee farmers, are extremely knowledgeable about the coffee industry. As Greenwell Farms has been passed down through the Greenwell lineage, original entrepreneur Henry Nicholas Greenwell was able to establish a promising business through buying fertile land in the Kona region.

Although he started off his business for the purpose of growing oranges, he shifted his focus onto coffee and watched his success grow. His business-savvy techniques exposed Kona coffee to the European market in the 1870s, and he achieved recognition at the World’s Fair in Vienna where he received a ‘Recognition Diploma’ from the President of the Kaiser’s Expedition.

Located at 1,500 feet above sea level, the scenic Greenwell Farms showcases not only a beautiful farm, but also overlooks glimpses of the nearby ocean. Greenwell Farms is a welcoming spot in the Kona region for daily coffee tours, where friendly guides take groups around the property to see how coffee is created from start to finish.

The complimentary tours start at the airy, outdoor gift shop, where visitors have the chance to sample tastes of Greenwell Farms’ signature coffees. Tours are available every day from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. and are a great interactive way in understanding where your morning cup of coffee comes from.

Greenwell Farms currently uses Arabica coffee trees for the production of their coffee, where the beans are handpicked and processed on site. They have an array of coffee products that highlight a variety of different flavors. Greenwell Farms Private Reserve is their most signature coffee, picked straight from their farm at the most optimal time. The Private Reserve comes from the farm’s largest beans and offers an exceptional taste. The Private Reserve is packaged in signature green bags with the Private Reserve designation on it.

A main component of the success at Greenwell Farms is 100% Kona coffee. The farm sources their coffee cherry from specific farms in North and South Kona to produce only the most exceptional coffee products. The precise labor of picking and harvesting the coffee comes from dedicated workers who truly understand the process of making coffee.

One of Greenwell Farms’ most famous coffees is Peaberry, which comes from a small bean that packs a lot of flavor. The peaberry combines an acidity with tones of fruit. Greenwell Farms also offers a variety of roasts, including the Dark City Roast and Full Body Roast. While the Dark City Roast showcases a level of sweetness without any hint of bitterness, the Full Body Roast has a medium body and is typically known as a Kona classic. An Espresso Roast is also available, as well as a smooth Medium Roast.

With the macadamia nut a popular staple all across the islands of Hawaii, Greenwell Farms has incorporated its special taste into their macadamia nut flavored coffee. It is a medium roasted coffee with a touch of macadamia nut flavor added at the end. Similarly, the chocolate macadamia nut coffee comes with the added bonus of rich chocolate that makes for an exceptional cup of coffee.

Greenwell Farms offers a unique opportunity to become part of their coffee club, where people are able to order a minimum of two pounds of a specified coffee and receive the shipment on either a two week, monthly, or every other month basis.

Aside from freshly roasted coffee, Greenwell Farms also offers a variety of souvenirs, ranging from beauty products, locally sourced gourmet food products, and apparel. A stop at Greenwell Farms is not to missed, as their daily tours provide an inside look into Kona coffee, one of the most famous staples across the island. For more information on visiting Greenwell Farms for a coffee tour, visit their homepage.

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The Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa has a unique location atop an ancient lava flow, as deep black cliffs stand as a border between the resort and the brilliantly blue Keauhou Bay.

With its proximity to historic Kailua-Kona, the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa is an ideal location to enjoy a beautiful resort vacation, while still just minutes away from the excitement of town. This 22-acre resort has breathtaking panoramic views of the oceanfront. Just miles away from Kona International Airport, this resort is an easy drive to the welcoming arms of relaxation.

Over 500 rooms and 10 suites are located in the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, and while the size of the resort is large, the personal attention to detail and extremely friendly staff make a stay at this resort seem catered to your own desires. All furnished with traditional Hawaiian accents, the guest rooms are spacious, and unobstructed oceanfront views create a sense of relaxation when stepping out onto the private balcony.

Walking around the resort, it is hard not to notice the large pools that easily lure guests in with their aqua blue water and ocean view backdrop. The Manta Ray Super Slide & Pool offers swimmers the chance to dip into the cooling water underneath a warm Hawaiian sun for energetic laps or for relaxation.

A lava tube waterslide sends people around curves and bends until reaching the pool, and a children-friendly section is made with a sand bottom for play. A natural feature that cannot be missed is the way the ocean stretches out behind the pool as if an extension of the resort, as waves crash against the stunning black lava cliffs that line the coast.

Guests do not need to leave the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa to experience mouthwatering dining. There are many different options at the resort where appetites can easily be fulfilled, from upscale restaurants to casual poolside snacks. Keauhou Coffee Co. is the perfect spot to get a taste of Kona’s famous coffee, with Mama’s 100% Kona coffee and pastries to start the day.

Nearby Sliders offers poolside sandwiches, burgers, and wraps, along with a fully stocked bar for those who spend their day lounging by the pool. Manta Ray Bar & Grill is an ideal spot to sip on tropical drinks and share traditional pupus as the sun goes down over the horizon.

Named for the local manta rays that gather along the coast, guests can also catch a glimpse of these marine animals and listen to a complimentary Manta Talks at the resort. A stunning breakfast buffet is served at Kai, and currently, the expansive restaurant serves Hawaiian-inspired cuisine for dinner.

The Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa makes it easy for guests to experience Hawaiian culture firsthand with Haleo, the Voice of Life lu’au produced by Island Breeze. Held on the resort’s property, attending Haleo is a night full of traditional Hawaiian cuisine, local dance, and music.

The Polynesian lu’au showcases the unique history of Kamehameha III and how the areas of Keauhou and the Big Island have come to be what they are today. Guests can feast on the dishes of executive sous chef Clem Kaimiola, while enjoying a night of dance just steps away from the ocean.

There are over 36,000 square feet of meeting space at Sheraton Keauhou Resort & Spa, with conference rooms and ballrooms accommodating up to 1,200 guests at a time. The resort has the largest ballroom in Kona, and with state of the art equipment and dedicated staff, the hotel is a perfect spot to host a large gathering.

With the resort’s unique location along the coast, outdoor space is easily accessible, hosting up to 1,800 guests. The Keauhou Convention Center is located just adjacent to the resort, making it a desirable spot for meetings, parties, and weddings.

For a taste of pampering, the resort offers the the Ho’ola Spa, where guests can indulge in the ultimate of holistic treatments and relaxation. A number of massages are available, including therapeutic massages, a unique lomi lomi Hawaiian massage, Shiatsu massage, and a traditional Thai massage, among many others.

Classic services, including manicures, pedicures, and facials are popular options at the Ho’ola Spa. The spa offers rejuvenating packages for those who want to experience a variety of spa treatments, as well as wedding and couple treatments.

The Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa is currently undergoing a multimillion dollar renovation throughout its large property, giving the resort a contemporary Hawaiian ambiance. Local designer Sig Zane’s modern Hawaiian design will be showcased throughout the resort in prints and patterns that take cultural aspects of the land and ocean, and bring it into the comforts of each guest room. With updated interior décor, Sig Zane’s designs is set to bring the spirit of Aloha into the grand space of the resort.

Not only will each guest room be renovated, many changes to the resort’s selection of dining options will undergo transformations. The Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa’s signature restaurant, Kai, is set to become Aina Kai, where guests can enjoy a rejuvenating breakfast with spectacular views of the bay.

Aina Kai will host larger group gatherings in the afternoons and evenings, but there will be no shortage of restaurant options for lunch and dinner. Transforming the Manta Ray Bar & Grill to Rays at the Bay will become the resort’s ultimate oceanfront restaurant, where diners can enjoy freshly prepared dishes for lunch and dinner along the stunning water views. With the resort’s optimal location, enjoying a locally sourced dinner surrounded by a tropical sunset is sure to be a show-stopping way to spend an evening.

The Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa currently offers an exciting variety of activities and is set to include many more in the next upcoming months. The Kona Surf Sports & Activities Center will be available for guests who want to participate in recreational activities in Kona and Keauhou Bay, including some of the nearby golf courses.

The resort takes pride in sharing the rich cultural history of the area and the island with an in depth cultural program. The Director of Cultural & Leisure Activities, Alak’I Ho’oluana, is set to bring guests on complimentary tours that touch upon the culture of the Big Island, as well as poolside activities that showcase the spirit of Aloha.

The multimillion dollar renovation project is currently underway, as it started in January 2012 and will be completed in June 2012. While the resort goes through its renewal, the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa is still open to guests with the spirit of Aloha. For more information on making a reservation, visit Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa.

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Taj, the highly knowledgeable and passionate tour guide for the day, tells us all to turn off our flashlights on the count of three. The group of curious visitors puts their trust in him and as he says the magic number, flashlights click off in unison to complete darkness. It’s the kind of pitch-black darkness that heightens all other senses instantly.

The trickling water underneath our feet suddenly sounds louder, the coolness on our skin somehow feels more intense. Taj lets the moment sink in for a few minutes until he tells us to turn our flashlights back on, revealing once again the Kaumana Cave, a naturally formed lava tube we all just hiked down into.

As the jagged rocks and the round tube come back into my view, I can’t help but think of how the Big Island of Hawaii is full of once in a lifetime experiences.

At the start of the day, bright and early at 10 in the morning, I stood at Hawaii Forest & Trail’s headquarters with no idea that I’d find myself in a lava tube in a matter of hours. As I headed onto the Volcano Tour: Volcano Twilight Adventure, I had no idea what to expect.

As Taj drove the van from one Kohala Coast resort to another, picking up passengers for the tour, it seemed almost impossible to be transported to the summit of a volcano within the day. But once we started our drive away from the fancy resorts, it was clear how quickly and dramatically the landscape of the Big Island could change right before our eyes.

As we drove towards the opposite side of the island, the two most prominent volcanoes in the region, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa stood majestically in view. Taj didn’t waste any time in sharing interesting facts about the volcanoes, as well as traditional Hawaiian stories that quickly made the tour a fun cultural lesson as well.

It was on this stretch of road where we stopped for lunch at Mauna Kea State Park, a great vantage point to see the rugged landscape of the island. Lunch was served at Mauna Kea State Park, where everyone munched on freshly made sandwiches, Maui potato chips, cookies, and tropical Hawaiian drinks such as guava and passion fruit juice. It was a good fueling stop that kept us going for what lied ahead.

As we made our way towards Hilo, the rainiest spot in the United States, it was clear the city was living up to its nickname. Everyone sported rain jackets as we stopped alongside an unknown road, where we then saw a cave created by hot molten rock flowing from Mauna Loa towards the ocean.

After spending some time deep within Kaumana Cave, the energy and excitement of the tour group rose as we realized just how special it was to experience it the way we just had.

The volcano tour continued into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the site of world famous Kilauea. One of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea has been in eruption since 1983 and it can still be seen today. Even with that knowledge, there is hardly any way to be prepared for seeing the sheer size and scope of this volcano in person. Watching as the summit caldera appears when the fog lifts is one memory that can never be forgotten.

The Jaggar Museum is a great spot for the group to learn more detailed facts about the eruptions of the active volcano. Taj takes everyone to some of his favorite exhibits, and gives the group some free time to enjoy the museum at their own leisure. With the caldera just outside the museum’s doors, it’s hard not to gravitate towards the natural beauty of the volcano as the day continues to clear up before our eyes.

Taj leads everyone through the World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Preserve, and takes the tour group on a 1.5 mile hike. With the climate constantly changing from dry to drizzles to full on rain, the hike through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one that shows the diversity of the region through its unique climate and rare vegetation.

Taj seems to know every single leaf and flower that appears in the landscape, which shows how passionate he is about the environment. As we all make our way back to the van, we know layers of information and Hawaiian stories and myths that made the hike much more unique.

Dinner quickly approaches and our appetites are heightened while the tour drives down the coast at sunset. A breathtaking sky opens up to warm colors of gold and tangerine and the vast ocean stretches before our eyes for miles on end. The beauty of the scenic drive almost has me forgetting that I just stood at the summit of a volcano, but I’m quickly reminded that no matter how far the van travels, the volcano is still nearby.

The tour stops for dinner at a picnic area along the ocean, and in the distance Taj points out a remarkable image, the glowing flow of lava as it slides down the side of the volcano. There’s a silence that captures us all as we suddenly understand that most of us will never have a chance to see this again.

It’s hard to pry the group away from the live lava flow, but dinner is served at nearby tables, illuminated by lanterns. A healthy meal of grilled chicken with quinoa and vegetables is available, along with bread and sweet guava bread for dessert. Hawaiian juices and tea are served. As we all finish eating our delicious dinner, Taj makes the tour a little more personal for all of us.

With just the lanterns and his laptop serving as lights, he shows us a slideshow of personal photos and videos he’s taken of the volcano, narrating stories of his adventures along the way. It’s a perfect way to end the evening, underneath a clear sky, with an active volcano erupting far off in the distance.

But the extreme clarity of the night was something no one anticipated, not even Taj. As we drove back up towards the caldera, the bright orange glow of the eruption could be seen from miles away. His excitement was one to take note of considering this type of clear condition rarely happened.

As we all thought the tour was coming to an end, it actually raised to a peak, with the eruption of the volcano grander than any one of us thought it would be. The dark blue sky shined brightly with the help of the moon and a dazzling array of stars, but the main centerpiece was the vibrantly colored volcano as it erupted in shades of orange.

The tour stopped one last time at the summit, and as we all tried desperately to capture the images on our cameras, we knew there was simply no way a single photo could do it justice.

For more information on making a reservation on Volcano Tour: Twilight Volcano Adventure, visit Hawaii Forest & Trail.

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The weather along the Kohala Coast can be unpredictable. As a rugged truck shuttles a small group of trekkers up into a dense jungle, mist appears on the windshield. The pair of guides don’t seem phased by it, as if it is just a part of their morning commute. As everyone piles out of the vehicle at the beginning of the ziplining course, the Hawaiian sun is nowhere to be seen.

It’s no surprise that the rain jackets, provided by Kohala Zipline, come in handy. As a steadier rain begins to coat the tree tops of Halawa, the enthusiasm doesn’t leave anyone’s sight as the guides begin to attach harnesses onto the ziplining course.

At Kohala Zipline, one of the most popular ziplining courses throughout the island, adventurers will bear the brunt of a few rain clouds to experience an exhilarating adventure, swinging from tree to tree. For the next three hours, it’s all about soaring through the leaves and branches in the sky, whether the rain likes it or not.

The Kohala Zipline’s Kohala Canopy Adventure is an adventure high above ground in the lush vegetation of Halawa, located in the heart of the Kohala Coast. An expertly constructed ziplining course is laid out for thrill seekers, giving them the opportunity to zipline across nine different lines that vary in length and height.

The energetic guides give everyone a lesson in appropriate ways to zipline, including braking methods, before sending the participants out there for a go. There’s no time to be scared of heights as an adrenaline rush kicks in at the moment of stepping off the first platform.

From one treetop to the next, people are able to experience the rush of excitement and feel the breeze of air as they soar over and in between plump trees. Along with the ziplines, there are also five suspension bridges and two rappel stations throughout the course. It is designed in a way to give adventurers an interactive combination of zipling, as well as hiking through the dense terrain.

While energetic guides are there to help all along the way, their expertise and positive attitudes make the ziplining course that much more fun. As the group travels through the course together, the guides point out local vegetation and if the season is right, you can sample some of the Hawaiian Island’s tropical fruits straight from the ground. As locals themselves, they know stories behind the Kohala environment and take pride in showing highlights of their surroundings to all participants.

The construction of the Kohala Ziplining course was designed with the environment as a priority, while still giving people a fun and exciting experience. Eucalyptus lumber was used as materials throughout the course, which come directly from the site. Elements such as the suspension bridges and platforms at each end of the ziplines were created from this eucalyptus lumber.

Kohala Zipline made sure to get the specific knowledge of arborists to determine the health of the trees at the beginning of construction, as well as check up on them as time goes on. The safety of all participants are an extreme priority as well. Kohala Zipline utilizes unique double lines, giving a 100% redundancy.

There are no other ziplining companies throughout the state of Hawaii to implement this type of safety feature. They are also the only operating company in Hawaii to use Whisper Lines, which reduces the amount of corrosion over time and makes for a quieter zip across the canopy. Participants also have more control over their rides, as they can control the speed and brakes of ziplining on their own. With highly trained staff and state of the art equipment, Kohala Zipline maintains an equally safe and exciting course.

After varying ziplines, suspension bridges, and a snack in between, side by side ziplines finish up the course, where a pair of zipliners are able to race each other to the finishing treetop.

Regardless of the Hawaiian rain filling up the sky, this one last exhilarating zipline is a highlight of them all, as the ride lasts longer than any of the previous ones. When your feet touch the ending treetop, a certain wave of satisfaction comes over you much like the adrenaline rush that has occurred for the past few hours, you’ve actually completed a ziplining course.

With one last rappel down from the treetop to solid ground, the rugged truck is waiting to usher you back to Kohala Zipline’s main office in town, where surely, the skies clear up to a sundrenched day. But high atop the Kohala canopies, the rain didn’t put a damper on anyone’s ziplining experience. If anything, it made it that much more memorable.

Kohala Zipline provides guests with all the necessary equipment, including safety harnesses, gloves, rain jackets, and helmets. The company only requires two things from guests, that they wear appropriate closed toe shoes and meet the weight requirements to participate in the ziplining course. For more information on reserving your spot in an upcoming Kohala Zipline’s Kohala Canopy Adventure, visit Kohala Zipline.

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Just steps away from the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, located in the Kings’ Shops, is Hawaii Island favorite, Eddie Aikau Restaurant & Surf Museum. Created for the legacy of popular big wave surfer Eddie Aikau, this Waikoloa restaurant is a hotspot for locals and visitors who want a taste of Hawaiian cuisine. As the restaurant takes a contemporary approach to preparing traditional island dishes, a meal at Eddie Aikau is easily layered with fresh flavors and local history.

Maui-born Eddie Aikau remains one of the most well-known surfers in Hawaiian culture, whose impact on the surf community still holds a strong importance. Aikau rose to fame on the islands for his mastery of surfing, as well as becoming the first lifeguard in Hawaii, specifically in Waimea Bay.

Aikau did tremendous work on the North Shore of Oahu, where under his watchful eye, not one drowning occurred. His courage was tested in 1978, when the Hokule’a, a voyaging canoe, set sail from Hawaii to Tahiti. The canoe capsized off the coast of Moloka’I, leaving Aikau and the crew in dangerous waters. Aikau paddled out on his surfboard towards Lanai to get help, but unfortunately was never seen again.

The Eddie Aikau Restaurant & Surf Museum is a tribute, not only to the legendary surfer, but also to the unique blends of tropical flavors found only in Hawaiian cuisine. Award-winning Chef Scott Lutey, also a Maui native, has created a modern menu that blends local ingredients into Asian Fusion dishes. Although centrally located in a shopping area, stepping into the restaurant calls for a casual, laid back atmosphere, the perfect place to enjoy Lutey’s cuisine.

Starting appetizers and salads are in no shortage on the menu. The Kalua pork spring rolls showcase a flavorful Hawaiian classic of Kalua pork, served with pickled cucumbers and a guava chili.

Staying true to local fruits, pairing this dish with guava takes it to the next tropical level. A watermelon salad is a refreshing way to get a great dose of greens. Served with Waimea greens and juicy watermelon, this salad continues to use local products to create delicious dishes. A creamy goat cheese is added onto the salad, along with candied macadamia nuts that give a balanced crunch.

For any food lover, it is hard, sometimes nearly impossible, to resist a good pork belly. The pork belly entrée at Eddie Aikau is surely not one that can be passed up by any means. A generous portion of succulent pork belly is presented on a plate that will make anyone’s mouth water. Served atop a bed of sweet potatoes, the creaminess of the potatoes blends well with the meat. Accompanying the pork belly is a bed of greens, along with a row of jumbo shrimp. Any appetite can be easily fulfilled after tasting this masterfully created dish.

Another entree that is not to be missed at Eddie Aikau Restaurant & Surf Museum is the ‘Ahi and Shrimp entrée. The ‘ahi tuna is sliced and presented beautifully on the plate to show how it is seared to a rare perfection. Biting into the slices of ‘ahi reveal a level of freshness that could only come from being caught locally.

Chef Lutey takes full advantage of the restaurant’s proximity to the sea and highlights the great seafood in Hawaii. Served with the ‘ahi tuna is a grouping of shrimp, prepared to perfection. Along with the seafood, this plate is served with mashed potatoes and drizzled with a ring of macadamia nut pesto.

Utilizing locally grown and sourced ingredients is a main staple behind the restaurant’s cuisine. Eddie Aikau Restaurant & Surf Museum takes pride in supporting the local community and sources their products from nearby farms, such as Wow Farm Tomatoes, Fresh Fish Asa, Hamakua Macadamia Nuts, and King Ocean Farms, among many others.

It is this sense of giving back to the community that Eddie Aikau himself continuously strived to do as a lifeguard. Aikau’s legacy continues to do exactly that with this restaurant, as it serves the community with history as well as unparalleled Hawaiian cuisine.

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For as far as your eyes can see, there is blue. There is the aqua blue of the ocean that laps against the ship and the crisp Kohala Coast sky that acts as a natural ceiling. A Hawaiian sun is gaining strength as Ocean Sports’ breakfast whale-watching cruise leaves the calm shores for the open seas.

Even though it is not quite nine in the morning yet, signs of paradise fill up the scenery as a panoramic view of the Big Island of Hawaii comes into view. The volcanoes rise up over the horizon as palm-tree-filled beaches become smaller in the distance.

As the ship’s friendly crew walk around with trays of refreshing juice, a single humpback whale suddenly breaches from underneath the ocean, its whole body jumps up into the air and makes an enormous splash back down even before you have a chance to register it in your mind. It is just another Sunday morning in Hawaii.

Ocean Sports’ Breakfast with the whales tour is an exciting way to enjoy a couple of hours out in the open waters off the Kohala Coast, where humpback whales swim naturally underneath. Departing from Anaeho’omalu Bay at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, the cruise takes camera-toting visitors on a morning breakfast ride, in search of those wonderfully large marine animals.

Guests are welcomed by a freshly prepared continental breakfast waiting on-board, including an array of pastries, yogurt, juices, and famed Kona coffee. As everyone gets their breakfast and brings it up on the deck, the anticipation heightens as the boat sets sail.

Hawaii’s location for whale-watching is one of the best, specifically from December to April of every year. As the humpback whales make their way into the areas around the coast, Ocean Sports’ trained professionals know some of the best spots for catching a glimpse of these beautiful animals.

Throughout the course of the tour, the captain and staff encourage everyone on board to be as interactive as possible. Since no one knows for sure where or when a whale will come up to the surface, everyone has their eyes glued to the water. Random excited shouts are heard throughout the two-hour ride as whales are spotted off in the distance, and the captain of the catamaran quickly steers the boat towards these whales.

For some, experiencing a whale-watching cruise is about spending a leisurely morning on a boat, hoping to get a few good photos as the whales make an appearance at the surface of the water. For others, the pure excitement and surprise of spotting whales in the distance offers a sense of adventure.

The highly knowledgeable crew on board are willing to answer any questions about the whales, and for some visitors, it is a great way to learn more about these aquatic animals. An extremely unique feature of Ocean Sports’ Breakfast with the whales tour is when the captain turns off the engine and uses hydrophones in the water, letting guests hear live audio of the whales singing to each other. These mating songs give another perspective on the lives of humpback whales, something that a picture just cannot capture.

Ocean Sports has many starting locations for their tours across the island, including Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Hilton Waikoloa Village, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, and Fairmont Orchid, among others. The Breakfast with the Whales Tour runs every day of the week from December 1-April 15.

Adults can cruise at $117 per person, while a ticket for children ages 6-12 is $58.50. For youngsters under the age of 5, admission onto the cruise is free. Aside from the Breakfast with the Whales Tour, Ocean Sports also has the option of a Whales with Cocktails Tour, with complimentary drinks on board.

Ocean Sports has an array of other water activities, including dolphin cruises, snorkel cruises, sunset sails, and scuba diving. For more information on reserving a spot on one of Ocean Sports’ activities, visit Ocean Sports, or call toll-free at 888-724-5924, ext. 103.

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If you ever find yourself waiting in line at Hawaiian Style Café, make sure you have a big appetite. Especially early on a Saturday morning, when the line outside this local Waimea eatery stretches across the strip mall’s sidewalk and spills into the jammed parking lot.

A Pacific Rim inspired breakfast at Hawaiian Style Café is the first stop on Executive Sous Chef Jayson Kanekoa’s Chef Shuttle Program, run through the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Culinary lovers can prepare their taste buds for a morning full of sampling locally grown ingredients and tropical flavors.

Credit: Kirk Aeder Photography

But no one can really prepare themselves for the size of Hawaiian Style Café’s haupia pancakes. An oversized plate of freshly made pancakes, topped with Hawaii’s popular haupia, or thick coconut syrup, arrives in the middle of the table after Chef Jayson insists that you try it. The sweetness of the tropical fruit syrup quickly sends the standard maple syrup to oblivion.

Within minutes the table is full of French toast made from Hawaiian sweet bread, homemade Portuguese smoked sausage prepared by the owner himself, salmon chowder, and the hearty Da Tit Mok, a heaping plate of hamburger, chicken, spam, rice, and egg. It’s no wonder Chef Jayson chooses Hawaiian Style Café to kick off his local culinary tour of Waimea. With the tastes and smells of Hawaiian cuisine and a restaurant packed with friendly locals, it’s easy for a visitor to quickly feel a sense of being part of this community.

On the Chef Shuttle Program, which operates on the first Saturday of every month, Chef Jayson takes pride in showing guests of the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa a glimpse into the local restaurants, farmers markets, and farms in his hometown of Waimea. Starting early in the morning, Chef Jayson drives guests on a private trip to this intimate gastronomical tour, where locally grown Hawaiian produce and ingredients take center stage.

This unique experience gives food enthusiasts a locally guided entrance into Big Island markets. After a morning of sampling foods, Chef Jayson prepares a personalized menu catered to your tastes, served at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa’s signature restaurant, Hawaii Calls Restaurant & Lounge.

“I enjoy talking story with my guests. In that way, I’ll be able to plan where I should take them because there’s something to be said about providing a unique excursion for each guest,” said Jayson Kanekoa. “I tailor each tour according to the season and the guest’s palate.”

After a short drive from Hawaiian Style Café, Chef Jayson finds a batch of buttery avocados at the outdoor Waimea Homestead Farmers Market. As he and the guests let a sample of avocado melt in their mouths, his passion and expertise begins to shape the personalized menu for dinner.

Chef Jayson and his guests sample local flavors from one market stand to another, while his creativity starts to bring a four course menu to life. Even though still full on haupia pancakes, it comes as no surprise when appetites start building up again with anticipation.

It’s not just about the locally grown ingredients that make Chef Jayson’s Chef Shuttle Program special, it’s also about the welcoming personalities met along the way. Pulling up to Wow Farms, one of the most prominent tomato farms on the island, owners Mike and Trisha Hodson greet everyone with a warm hug, before explaining in detail how their tomatoes are organically grown.

Soft spoken Flavio of JA Farms talks about his selection of greens with passion, and lets guests sample his produce straight from the ground. Just across the road, Luis Rincon pulls up to his strawberry farm and encourages everyone to pick juicy strawberries, some of the sweetest ever tasted.

While Chef Jayson is busy finding the best of the best in produce and ingredients for the evening’s dinner, it is nearly impossible to feel like a visitor when everyone is welcoming with open arms and true Hawaiian smiles.

As the Lincoln Navigator leaves Waimea and heads back towards the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, soothing Hawaiian music plays on the radio and glimpses of the ocean appear through the windows. It is that very ocean that hours later sets the backdrop of the Chef Shuttle’s showcase.

As the sun dips behind the horizon and the sky explodes with shades of pinks, the outdoor Hawaii Calls Restaurant & Lounge makes for a picturesque dining experience. A personalized menu awaits on the table at arrival, a four course dinner stretches out on the page, and colorful flowers garnish a pair of tropical mai tais.

Chef Jayson brings out the starter, which is broiled shrimp and scallops served over a spicy guacamole, alongside a bed of tango, spinach, and mustard leaves. The freshness of the shrimp and scallops is an easy reminder of Hawaii’s natural abundance in only the best seafood. Pairing the shrimp and scallops with a spicy guacamole comes initially as a surprise, but the guacamole exceeds any ever had before. The farmers market avocados creates a smoothness, while the combination of greens brings a crunch to the starter dish.

The first course is dish compromised of JA Farms greens, Wow Farms heirloom tomatoes, macadamia nut basil goat cheese, with a balsamic reduction. The colors of the Wow Farms heirloom tomatoes, bright red and a yellow green, make this dish stand out aesthetically. They taste like they were harvested that day, juicy and refreshing. A large spoon-full of the macadamia nut basil goat cheese drizzled atop the greens and tomatoes brings a creaminess to the dish.

For the entrée course, Chef Jayson brings to the table a Kulana veal scaloppini, with a poha berry jam, hamakua mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, and Moloka’i sweet potato. Bought fresh from the Waimea Homestead Farmers Market, a generous amount of the hamakua mushrooms are placed atop the veal.

The mixture of the poha berry jam and the mushrooms creates a mouthwatering sauce that pairs well with the veal. The showstopper of this course, and possibly of the whole dinner, is the Moloka’i sweet potato. Uniquely purple in color, the sweet flavor of the potato is unlike any other, and its texture is mashed into a soft velvet.

To end the exquisite dinner with a touch of sweetness, Chef Jayson prepares a dessert of farmers market mango crème brulee with an artistically designed chocolate piece. The surface of the crème brulee cracks like a sheet of glass, opening up to a richly flavored custard with diced mangos on the side. It is simply the perfect way to end an extraordinary dining experience.

Knowing where the dish’s ingredients come from, seeing them picked straight from the ground and having them prepared that same day for dinner is not something the average traveler gets to experience. Having a true farm to table meal shines a larger meaning on the importance of sourcing locally and supporting the community.

But the deeper experience in the Chef Shuttle Program is not only knowing where the food comes from, but getting to know the stories and the people that dedicate their lives to it.

For $349 a night, the Chef Shuttle Package at the Waikoloa Beach Marriot Resort & Spa includes a two night stay (Friday-Sunday) in a garden mountain view room, as well as the Chef Shuttle and dinner for two at Hawaii Calls Restaurant & Lounge. For more information on reserving your spot on the Chef Shuttle Program, contact (808) 886-6789 with the code D60, or book through Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.

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Located near the pristine shores of the Anaeho’omalu Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii is Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, the optimal destination for travelers who want to experience the tranquility of a resort vacation along with unique cultural aspects of Hawaii.

On the beautiful Kohala Coast, just 18 miles north of Kona International Airport, the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa has both ocean front access and luxurious amenities. As guests sip on complimentary pineapple infused water in the wide and airy lobby, the resort wastes no time in setting the tone for relaxation underneath a Hawaiian sun.

Built in 1981, the expansive resort has recently gone through a multimillion dollar renovation in 2008. The 555 guest rooms throughout the resort have received modern and sophisticated upgrades, using the natural designs of the beach and ocean as inspiration for the interior décor.

Marriott’s signature Revive collection is a prominent feature in all the guest rooms, with cooling linens and comfortable beds to rest after a day of soaking in the sun. The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa also has 23 contemporary suites, as well as more secluded cabanas that are perfect for families or larger parties. Each guest room comes with its own private lanai, where both an ocean front view or a garden view are set to impress.

Stepping out onto the large outdoor space of the property is where much of the resort’s activities happen. A centerpiece for the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa’s outdoor grounds is its sleek design pools. While all the pools are heated and open to enjoy 24 hours, the infinity pool is a favorite with its salt filtration.

Another nearby pool perfect for children has a sand bottom, and a water slide is open for those who want the thrill and speed of sliding into the pool. For a dose of peacefulness, sitting in the bubbling hot tub is a must. Water activities are also a main attraction at Anaeho’omalu Bay, where guests of the hotel can take a dip in the ocean or sign up for a number of adventures, including snorkeling, kayaking, boogie boarding, and windsurfing.

Dining and entertainment are in no shortage at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa neither. For those who want a quick breakfast on the go, the Kona Coffee Shoppe offers guests tasty options such as pastries, yogurt, and fruit, along with world renowned Kona coffee.

The resort’s outdoor airy restaurant, Hawaii Calls Restaurant & Lounge, is a popular spot to dine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while watching the sunbathers and swimmers at the nearby pools. Breakfast is available from 6:30am-11:00am daily, with the option of having a Hawaiian inspired buffet or ordering a la carte from the restaurant’s menu.

Good appetites can choose from a variety of sandwiches and salads for lunch, served from 11:00am-5:00pm. A melting pot of flavors is represented during dinner, served from 5:30pm-10:00pm, where the chefs of Hawaii Calls Restaurant & Lounge bring together the tastes of regional Hawaiian, Pacific Rim, and American cuisine.

As the sun disappears over the horizon into shades of pinks and lilacs, diners at the outdoor restaurant are treated to spectacular western views of a famed Hawaiian sunset, all while enjoying mouth watering dishes.

The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa continues to embrace its unique cultural heritage by showcasing the traditional food and dance of the islands in its signature luau. The Sunset Luau gathers crowds every Saturday and Wednesday at 5:00pm, where visitors can feast on a spread of Hawaiian cuisine and experience first-hand how an imu, a Hawaiian underground oven, is uncovered in a cultural ceremony.

While exciting Polynesian music and dances are enjoyed, guests can help themselves to food and tropical drinks at the luau’s open bar. Hawaiian culture takes the main stage at this popular event as the locals of the resort are able to share the importance of their culture with the guests.

For those who want to step away from the white sand shores and heated pools of the resort, neighboring shopping areas are just a stone’s throw away and give visitors plenty of options for retail therapy.

The Kings’ Shops and Queens’ Marketplace, located within walking distance of the resort, is an exceptional way to browse through both local and national retail stores. Everything from high end designer products to casual beach wear is available at these shopping destinations, along with restaurants and casual cafes.

Aside from retail therapy, spa treatments can be an excellent way to unwind. The Mandara Spa is the perfect spot for pampering. Located within the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, guests are able to treat themselves to relaxing services, including manicures and pedicures, body wraps, facials, and massages.

For those who want to stay fit while on vacation, the resort’s 24 hour fitness center is fully equipped with state of the art exercise machines. For those planning large meetings and celebrations, the resort offers 16 different meeting rooms, the largest being the Naupaka Ballroom which has over 12,000 square feet of space.

Spaces available in the resort can accommodate a party of up to 1,300 people, and can be arranged to have both indoor and outdoor space. A stay at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa comes with a balance of excitement and relaxation. The resort’s magnificent location on the Kohala Coast, along the tranquil Anaeho’omalu Bay, gives guests the opportunity to enjoy exciting water activities or simply lay out underneath the tropical sun.

With all the modern amenities and comforts of a luxurious retreat, it’s no surprise that the tropical destination of the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa makes it hard for guests to leave. With the bags packed and hotel keys checked out, it’s easy for the feeling of paradise to coat your skin as you take one last sip of pineapple infused water, gazing out at the panoramic view of calming Anaeho’omalu Bay.

Image Courtesy of  http://www.marriott.com

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An international team of astronomers has produced a map that covers a billion light-years worth of dark matter in the universe. Never before has dark matter been mapped on such a large scale.

Two members of the team, Catherine Heymans of the University of Edinburgh and Associate Professor Ludovic Van Waerbeke of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, presented their findings at the 119th meeting of American Astronomical Society, held last week.

The project took place at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Lensing Survey (CFHTLensS) in Hawaii and collected data from the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Legacy Survey. For more than five years, the team accumulated images of ten million galaxies – six billion light-years away – from four different regions in the sky during each of the seasons. Essentially peering at the universe when it was but six billions years old, they studied  how dark matter warped the light emitted by the galaxies.

The process of producing the map was completed through a method called gravitational lensing, in which bodies (e.g. galaxies, or, in this case, dark matter) are so massive that they curve space-time and distort light, making it travel in a curve, rather than in a line. By studying the distortions of the galaxies’ light, the team was able to determine the structure of the dark matter and plot its distribution.

“It is fascinating to be able to ‘see’ the dark matter using space-time distortion,” says Waerbeke at the American Astronomical society meeting. “It gives us privileged access to this mysterious mass in the Universe which cannot be observed otherwise. Knowing how dark matter is distributed is the very first step towards understanding its nature and how it fits within our current knowledge of physics.”

The universe is more or less a cosmic web of dark matter and galaxies. Dark matter is impossible to be detected by itself, making it seem invisible, though it makes its presence known through warping space-time and light. The mysterious substance makes up a whopping 23 percent of the universe, with dark energy taking up 72 percent and everything else (stars, planets, etc.) only 4 percent.

With creating such a large map of the cosmic web, astronomers and cosmologists are becoming closer to understanding the nature of dark matter and, ergo, a large portion of the universe. Dr. Heymans, a lecturer of physics and astronomy, says, “By analyzing light from the distant Universe, we can learn about what it has travelled through on its journey to reach us.

We hope that by mapping more dark matter than has been studied before, we are a step closer to understanding this material and its relationship with the galaxies in our Universe.”

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Walmart’s 2012 Acres for America program is helping conserve more than 49,000 acres of critical wildlife habitat across the United States. Acres projects connect existing lands to protect migration routes, provide access for people to enjoy the outdoors and help ensure the future of rural economies that depend on forestry, tourism and recreation.

Acres for America is a 10-year, $35 million commitment that began in 2005 between Walmart and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to purchase and preserve one acre of wildlife habitat in the U.S. for every acre of land developed by the company through 2015.  To date, Acres for America has invested in projects in 24 states, protecting more than 687,000 acres.

“It is estimated that America loses nearly three million acres of open space each year,” said Jennifer May-Brust, Walmart vice president of realty supplier management and compliance. “Our strategic partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is helping save important wildlife habitats and fits perfectly with Walmart’s larger goal to bring sustainability into the communities we serve.”

In the summer of 2011, Walmart expanded its Acres investments to include urban conservation projects inChicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C.  The six awards announced today will support projects in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, North Carolina and Tennessee.

“With these new projects, Acres for America extends into five additional states to protect vital areas for wildlife and people,” said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. “These investments will not only benefit endangered species like the Florida panther – they will also expand open space near urban areas and conserve forests and streams along the Appalachian Trail, one of our most treasured natural resources.”

The 2012 Acres for America projects:

Southern Sierra Partnership: Tehachapi Linkage, California

• While protecting more than 22,000 acres of rare blue oak habitat in the Sierra foothills, this project completes a key 50-mile ecological corridor linking the Sierra-Cascade ranges to the California Coast ranges and the lowlands of the Great Central Valley to the Mojave Desert.

Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge Expansion: Colorado

• This project protects 1,334 acres of tallgrass prairie adjacent to the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge and connects to 70,000 acres of locally protected open space, greatly expanding recreation opportunities in metropolitan Denver.

Panther Crossing Protection Project: Florida

• This 1,530-acre property protects a key migratory corridor for the endangered Florida panther, of which less than 165 exist in the wild.  It connects existing panther habitat to the south with 1.5 million acres of new habitat in the Northern Everglades, and will also benefit the American black bear, red-cockaded woodpecker, swallow-tailed kite and snail kite.

Almo Tract: Fort Benning, Georgia

• This 7,550-acre tract in Georgia’s Fall Line Sandhills is the eastern anchor of a larger 30,000-acre conservation corridor adjacent to Fort Benning. The project protects longleaf pine forest and provides important habitat for the gopher tortoise and red-cockaded woodpecker, among other species.

The Palila Protection Project: Hawaii

• On the Big Island of Hawaii, two protected parcels (4,469 acres) provide critical habitat to the palila (Loxioides bailleui), one of the rarest birds in the world, and contribute significantly to its recovery.

Appalachian Trail Habitat Protection Project: North Carolina and Tennessee

Partners: The Conservation Fund, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Blue Ridge Forever and Conservation Trust for North Carolina

• This group of seven key parcels collectively protects nearly 13,000 acres of forest and 40 miles of freshwater streams along the Appalachian Trail Corridor, which are home to the imperiled southern Appalachian brook trout, 1,000 species of plants, at least 300 species of birds and 20 species of rare and declining salamanders.

For more information on Acres for America or to apply for a grant, visit www.nfwf.org or http://walmartstores.com/sustainability.

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The Gas Company (TGC), Hawaii’s clean gas energy provider, is now producing renewable natural gas (RNG) for Hawaii. The Gas Company is transforming non-food-grade oils and fats into clean, reliable gas and biofuels at its renewable natural gas pilot plant in West Oahu.

The renewable natural gas plant is capable of processing up to one million gallons of feedstock per year, and it is designed to allow for expansion to accommodate increasing demand and feedstock supply availability. The facility was designed in association with Primoris Renewables, a leading innovator in renewable energy technology, and is located on the premises of TGC’s synthetic natural gas (SNG) manufacturing plant in Oahu’s Campbell Industrial Park.

The Hawaii Renewable Energy Development Venture, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, awarded a $1 million grant to The Gas Company to support the RNG plant demonstration. No tax credit or further taxpayer support is required for the project. ”The production of renewable natural gas is a major milestone that will allow us to provide sustainable energy from local agricultural products that were previously discarded or shipped out of state,” said TGC’s president and CEO, Jeffrey Kissel.

The Gas Company is working with companies in Hawaii to purchase locally produced, sustainable non-food-grade oils and fats for the production of renewable natural gas. Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie participated in today’s dedication of the RNG plant.

“Hawaii’s clean energy industry is becoming a test bed for clean technologies because of our rich portfolio of renewable energy sources and strong partnerships,” he said. “Our state government has put in place the most aggressive clean energy policy in the nation, and The Gas Company’s renewable natural gas pilot plant is a prime example of how Hawaii is investing in itself rather than exporting its dollars elsewhere.”

Because Hawaii relies on imported petroleum for approximately 90 percent of its energy – more than twice as much as any other state – Hawaii’s state government launched the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative in 2008, calling for 70 percent clean energy by 2030. The Gas Company is working toward producing half of its gas from renewable and sustainable sources.

The new facility transforms fats and oils in a process that uses the heat from its existing gas production facilities, surplus hydrogen, and steam to produce renewable natural gas and biofuels.

The renewable natural gas and biofuels that the RNG pilot plant produces will be incorporated into The Gas Company’s existing manufacturing and distribution operations. Renewable natural gas will displace gas produced from petroleum and will be distributed through The Gas Company’s 1,100-mile Oahu pipeline network. The cost for renewable natural gas should be the same as, or less, than gas produced from current sources without relying on taxpayer subsidy.

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The reggae group sensation, The Green, brings their Hawaiian vibes and roots inspired music into all their songs on their sophomore album, Ways & Means. After their largely successful self titled debut album won them the iTunes Reggae Album of the Year 2010, The Green signed on with Easy Star Records to create their highly anticipated second album.

Now with a fan base and popularity in the reggae music community that has swelled, The Green’s Ways & Means shows off the strenghts of the four lead vocalists and progressively modern reggae sounds.

A major component of Ways & Means is not only their hits, “Love & Affection” and “She Was the Best”, but the fact that their maturity as song writers and musicians is easily heard. The progression the band has made since their first album is an undeniable reason as to why The Green has been constantly holding top spots on iTune’s Reggae Chart, as well as Billboard’s Reggae Chart.

The layers of instrumental music showcases their technical skills, and their natural song writing talents are easily seen in the album’s lyrics. The interchanging vocals throughout the album, sung by Caleb Keolanui, JP Kennedy, Ikaika Antone, and Zion Thompson, bring a distinctive flavor, as their beautiful melodic harmonies prove that they’ll be in the music scene for the long haul.

A handful of The Green’s songs were released in the summer on an EP, including the hits “Love & Affection”, “Got Me in Love”, “Travlah”, and “She Was the Best”. “Love & Affection” masterfully combines reggae beats while making it a bit more mainstream, attracting fans with the popularity of the song.

The upbeat tempo of the song makes it an easy one to dance to and the catchy lyrics tell a love story that many can relate to. One of the band’s signature components is their ability to infuse the cultural sounds of Hawaii into their songs. The laid back groove of “She Was the Best” brings on a relaxing feel and can easily take a listener to the beaches of Hawaii without ever leaving home.

“Travlah” is a perfect example that shows how the band has been able to push the envelope since their debut album, with a memorable keyboard sound and powerful lyrics about change and growth.

The Green collaborated on one song with Jacob Hemphill from the popular reggae band, SOJA. Entitled “Come In”, this slower paced song highlights the smoothness of Caleb Keolanui’s voice, combined with Hemphill’s distinctive sound. The harmonies heard in “Come In” proves exactly why one of The Green’s strengths is in their talented lead vocalists.

Hit tracks, such as “Gotta Be” and “Love is Strong” have gained much momentum in the reggae community. Radio stations in The Green’s home state of Hawaii have had songs from Ways & Means on heavy rotation as well. Ways & Means proves to their fans, as well as critics, that they are masters at creating songs using traditional reggae sounds, along with roots inspired music and distinctively Hawaiian nuances.

The members of The Green know how to write catchy songs about love, but more importantly, they know how to join their song writing skills with their musical talents to create simply great music. Toonari Post had a chance to sit down with Zion Thompson from The Green at their recent concert in New York City. Check out the interview here.

Ways & Means Track Listing:

1.Keep On
2.Decisions
3.Gotta Be
4.Travlah
5.Ways & Means
6.Jah Love
7.Got Me In Love
8.Love & Affection
9.Good Vibration
10.Love Is Strong
11.She Was The Best
12.Transparent People
13.Come In (Feat. Jacob Hemphill of SOJA)
14.That’s The Way

Image Courtesy: Tammy Moniz

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Surfing is one of the oldest and most physically demanding sports in the world. With origins in Hawaii, surfing has grown into an internationally famous sport and has produced a large surf culture. The energizing adrenaline rush often experienced while surfing is exactly what surfers travel the world to discover.

World class surfing destinations have sprouted up in famous places, as well as overlooked parts of the world. One of the legendary surfing locations in the world is right on the islands where the sport took shape. The North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii is often considered to be one of the most dangerous, but optimal surfing locations in the surfing world.

The constant presence of unique waves ranging from 3 to 10 feet allow for surf enthusiasts to challenge themselves on large waves. The North Shore is host to the Triple Crown of Surfing, which includes the O’Neill World Cup of Surfing, Billabong Pipeline Masters and Reef Hawaiian Pro. Professional surfers from around the world convene on the North Shore every December for these events.

Located at Ehukai Beach is the world renowned Banzai Pipeline, an elusive wave that is the epitome of extreme surfing. It is known to be a very dangerous wave and only the most skillful surfers dare to challenge its waves. Experiencing the waves on the North Shore is highly recommended for advanced surfers and is often considered to be the best spot in the world for the sport.

The tropical waters of French Polynesia are also a highly desired surfing location. Teahupo’o, located in Tahiti, is an area surfers travel to in search of the perfect wave. Waves in Teahupo’o usually reach upwards of 10 feet and provide consistent conditions for the sport. It is the site of the Billabong Pro Tahiti surfing competition and constantly attracts professionals.

Teahupo’o is known for its extreme barrels and like the waves on the North Shore of Hawaii, are dangerous for even the most professional surfers. Chasing these severe waves has become a drivingforce for those who travel to Teahupo’o, often having to be towed in to these waves just to ride them.

The Central American countries of Costa Rica and Nicaragua have been steadily climbing the favorability ladder in terms of being an optimal surfing destinations. Costa Rica has many spots where surfers can enjoy the ocean, including Jaco, Tamarindo, and Hermosa. The beaches and waves are easily accessible from these coastal towns and surf schools have emerged in these areas.

There are over 700 miles of beach to choose from in Costa Rica, making it one of the most desirable surfing destinations. Nicaragua offers prime year round surfing conditions and consistently warm waters. In contrast with neighboring Costa Rica, Nicaragua offers more secluded beaches and less crowded waves.

The Popoyo Surf Lodge on Playa Guasacate is the first surf camp established in Nicaragua and continues to be a favorite. Surfers are constantly in search for increasingly difficult waves to provide an adrenaline rush. Sleepy coastal communities around the world have exploded in popularity because of their proximity and direct access to some of the most favorable surf conditions.

With waves rising well over 10 feet, areas in Hawaii, Tahiti, Central America, are just some of the world renowned surfing destinations.

 
Mana Photo / Shutterstock.com

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Imagine yourself on a strong and beautiful horse galloping up the mountains and along the beach as the sun sets, or swinging through the rainforest, swinging on canopy lines that extend over an acre.

Horseback riding and zip line excursions are just a couple of the many unforgettable things to experience when traveling to the lovely land of Costa Rica. This Central American country which sits in between the Pacific and Caribbean Ocean offers a wide range of beaches and resorts.

Less than 2 hours away from the capital city San José, is Jaco, the city is known to be a popular tourist spot. It is one of the top destinations for surfing and is even sometimes called “the Hawaii of Latin-American surfing.” Playa Jaco is nearly 3 kilometers long and faces the Pacific Ocean.

There you’ll find tourists from all over who come to enjoy the warm waters, ride its large waves and be a part of surf tournaments. This beach is the most visited in the country and was even named one of Costa Rica’s top ten beaches.

Jaco is also known for being a ‘party beach’ because of its “excellent nightlife.” Tourists will find hot casinos and clubs like The Monkey Bar, Vibrations, aka Vibraciones, Ganesha all along the strip. They can party with the Costa Rican locals (Ticos) and no matter what kind of music a person might like to dance to, they’ll find a mix of everything; Reggaeton, dance-hall reggae, electronica, hip-hop, club music, and more.

There are local buses that run throughout the city making it convenient for commuters to get around without the use of a car. Hotels like Villa Estrellamar are right there on the strip, nearby to everything but still far enough that guest can still have the desired peacefulness and relaxation without the crowds.

Among some of Costa Rica’s amazing attractions is the Arenal Volcano. The Arenal had been the country’s most active volcano until recently, but still maintains an “unavoidable presence.” There are canopy and rappelling tours surrounding the Arenal National Park as well as hot springs to soak and relax in. Tourists also get the chance to explore Costa Rica’s beautiful and diverse wildlife at places like the Carara Biological Reserve and the Manuel Antonio National Park.

Though there are many sites to see and exciting activities, Costa Rica’s delicious foods can’t be excluded. Some enjoyable dishes include empanadas, gallo pinto, and the traditional national dish casado. To top of a great meal, try their desserts such as flan or tres leches. Most choose to visit Costa Rica during its dry season between January and April, September and October tend to be the rainiest months.

It is a great place to come with friends and family whether the purpose is for weddings, yoga retreats, or other special events. With an abundant amount of restaurants guaranteed to serve good food and affordable shops, visitors can revel in a luxurious vacation even while on a budget.

Costa Rica is sure to be a worthwhile adventure.

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Last summer, I visited Hawai’i for the first time and stayed on Oahu for five weeks. I immediately felt the humidity when I stepped off the airplane at my arrival late at night. It really was the perfect weather. I did not visit the island for vacation but instead participated in a university program.

I had a great introduction to the island when my professor took my classmates and me to a buffet in Waikiki, right on the beach. I stepped out and let the warm water rush up to my legs. I had never experienced an ocean with just the right temperature and transparent blue water, making it almost look like a swimming pool. But I wasn’t at the beach for the majority of my stay in Hawai’i. I was more on field trips and volunteered at a Native Hawaiian charter school, as part of my program’s requirement.

The dormitory was not located right by the ocean, but at Manoa, where it was much more green and full of trees. Many bug bites covered my legs and arms, and I danced around too many cockroaches at night when I walked on the streets. There were more cockroaches in the valley rather than within the city. I didn’t expect that either.

I was full of thrill and curiosity. My to-do list was set up. I wanted to try different foods, go to a luau, scuba dive and snorkel, learn how to hula dance and create leis, etc. I thought that’s how I would have been “cultured”. I was very wrong.

At the time, my professor was teaching us about Native Hawai’ian culture and the effects of tourism: good for American economy but not good for the natives. I learned that the Hawaiian kingdom was forced into giving its land to the United States, yet the majority of Americans may believe that it was a nation that wanted to be “saved” and protected by other countries.

Nowadays, only a certain amount of Hawaiians reach higher education, and being on a sports scholarship was usually the student’s ticket to college. Not only that but the homeless, or “houseless,” population there is quite large, which includes families.

The fewer typical activities I did when visiting the tropical island, the more I actually felt part of Hawai’i. As part of my studies, I had to do some on-site research. Instead of learning how to hula or create leis, I learned how to make poi the traditional way from a Hawaiian history teacher. It was delicious! He picked out the taro from the school’s garden and we cleaned it. Afterwards, he demonstrated how to mash taro with big stones almost shaped like a pushpin and used a long wooden board to press and mold the poi. He wrapped the food in banana leaves when we finished.

When it comes to learning more about the differences between people in Hawai’i, I learned three new connotations for local, Hawaiin, and mainland. People who are born in Hawai’i aren’t necessarily Hawaiians. They are locals. Hawaiians are the actual natives or with native blood. Mainland visitors are from mainland United States, and people could easily tell by the way you speak even if you look like one of the locals.

I’ve asked locals of their thoughts on mainland visitors, and some told me that they can be “superficial,” “uptight,” and “snobby”. (Those stereotypes were negative, but I wasn’t too surprised because how the media probably portrays America—it’s usually about the city life and its drama.) One person told me that he was afraid to visit Los Angeles because of its crime rates too.

But I did have other chances to do some “touristy” things. When it came to food, I ate spam musubi, loco moco, and flavored shaved ice (yet all can be eaten found in Los Angeles). I went kayaking for the first time and also jumped off a cliff into the clear blue sea at Waimea Bay, located on the North Shore of Hawai’i. That was probably the most thrilling and painful experience I did there.

Many others were diving, tumbling, and jumping too. I climbed on top of the rock. I jumped in a wrong position during the first time, keeping my arms out as if they were wings. In the next two jumps, I did the pencil drop.

Upon leaving, I wish I had crossed out more on my to-do list, but I did appreciate learning some of the island’s culture and the history of its people. If you’re traveling the world to learn about culture, it’s better to also include the other side of story—from the locals and natives, not just by what you read in the news or books.

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