Hawaii Travel Guide

The two (2) most popular luaus in the island of Oahu are the Germaine's Luau and the Paradise Cove Luau, and it is very hard to decide which is the better. As such, many visitors to the island of Oahu have tried in vain to determine the best luau to go to, which had led to many disappointments.

The Germaine's Luau and the Paradise Cove Luau are both great luaus and they both have been around awhile. However, both luaus are not for everyone since both luaus are different as all people are different. As such, the best way to determine the best luau is by determining the qualities of each luau and also the type of person you are or what type of mood and situation you are in for the luau period.

The Paradise Cove Luau is situated in the Koolina Resort grounds where they have spent millions of dollars to beautify the location. Furthermore, the dinner is served on a china ware, whereas, the dinner at the Germaine's Luau is served on a paper plate. To continue, the Paradise Cove Luau has additional features such as the lei making, the spear throwing, the canoe ride, the hukilau (fish net pulling), and also the shower of flowers. Nevertheless, the Germaine's Luau makes up by having the continuous shows with their hosts being very energetic. Whereas, the Paradise Cove Luau is more of a mellow tone with the regular breaks after every two (2) shows and also with their hosts being more mellow as compared to the Germaine's Luau.

The best description for the Paradise Cove Luau is 'Beautiful and Romantic' and the best description for the Germaine's Luau is 'Fun.' Hence, the best way to determine the best luau for you is by asking yourself, are you with the love of your life and you are in a very romantic mood? Or are you with your family or friends and you just want to have some fun?

S. Moon is a travel specialist offering the low prices on Germaine's Luau | Paradise Cove Luau, and where you can also find all sorts of deals for anyone traveling to Hawaii while in hopes of spending the least amount.

On the morning of Sunday, December 7, 1941, Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor in surprise, which had pushed the United States into World War II. Hence, the Japanese had awakened the Giant that had marked the history forever. Japanese losses were minimal, at 29 aircraft and five midget submarines, with 65 servicemen killed or wounded. However, two aerial attack waves, totaling 353 aircraft, launched from six Japanese aircraft carriers had wrecked two U.S. Navy battleships, one minelayer, and two destroyers beyond repair, and destroyed 188 aircraft. The personnel losses were 2,388 killed and 1,178 wounded. Damaged warships included three cruisers, a destroyer, and six battleships. Roosevelt called December 7, 1941 "... a date which will live in infamy." One of the battleships, USS Arizona, had sunk with most of the ship's 1,177 crewmen on board, which incurred the biggest loss. Henceforth, the USS Arizona Battleship has become the shrine to honor and commemorate all American servicemen killed on December 7, 1941, particularly Arizona's crew, many of whom lost their lives during the Japanese attack on the United States Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Today, with the memorial built over the USS Arizona Battleship, it is one of the most visited. The Arizona Memorial is open daily from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. interpretive programs, including a 23-minute documentary film about the attack and the boat trip to the USS Arizona Memorial begins at 8:00 am (7:45 am in the summer). The last program each day begins at 3:00 pm. The Memorial is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Arrive Early. Daily Memorial Tour tickets are available free on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each person must obtain their own ticket. All available tickets are normally gone by 11:00 am during the peak season and sometimes even earlier when it gets busier. Allow 75 minutes for the tour. This does not include the time waiting for your tour to begin.

Recommended Dress Code: Shirt and footwear are required. Swimwear is not allowed.

Bag, Camera, Stroller, and Baby Carrier Restrictions Due to increased security measures, NO purses, backpacks, fanny packs, diaper bags, camera bags, luggage, or other items which offer concealment are allowed in the Visitor Center or on the Memorial. (Please note: For safety reasons, strollers and framed baby carriers are NOT permitted on the Memorial Tour.) Valuables should not be stored in vehicles. Cargo pants pockets may at times be considered as a bag. Driving Direction You may visit by private vehicle (there are ample free parking) or public transportation. Visitors are strongly encouraged either to leave prohibited items at their lodging or lock them in their car trunk before arriving at the Pearl Harbor.

Theft of items from rental vehicles are common in Hawaii. From Waikiki: Take H-1 West. Continue past the Honolulu Airport. Take the Stadium/Arizona memorial Exit 15A. Proceed to your far left lane and make a left turn at the fourth traffic light. Follow the green and white visitor signs to the Memorial.

Waikiki Car Rentals Waikiki is about 1½ miles of hotels, shops and restaurants, which renting a car would be very frustrating due to the parking limitations. What few street parking there are is normally always filled and the paid parking, which is very expensive in Waikiki, is based on first come first served basis and they can also be filled when the Waikiki is busy. As such, parking is not a recommended option if you will be staying in Waikiki. It's a lot better to be walking or using the public transportation service or the taxi.

It is a different story if you want to visit the rest of the island because public transportation, even though it is very good and reliable, is also very slow. As such, renting a car in the morning and returning in the same day would be recommended, which would be enough time for a scenic drive around the island and having to park overnight in Waikiki can be avoided. Nevertheless, if you still wish to rent a car for your complete stay, make sure that your hotel will have a parking space available for you as some hotels in Waikiki do not have parking and some are very limited. Parking fees in Waikiki are very high also, which you should find out before arriving to the hotel with a car.

Neighbor Islands Car Rentals Renting a car on the neighbor islands is a must, unlike Waikiki, the only place in the neighbor island that does not require a car to move around is within your own hotel. Shuttles from airport to hotels are not easy to come by and cost as much as some car rental companies charge per day and taxies are definitely expensive considering that there is anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes drive from airport to the hotels.

Valuables in the car Fortunately we don't have a big problem with crime in Hawaii but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't be alert. Under no circumstance should you leave any valuables in the car, including hidden in the trunk or under the seat. Also be alert at all the lookouts where you normally "step out of the car for a minute to take a picture." If you arrive to your hotel before 3:00 pm or depart after 12:00 noon, you may be inclined to keep your luggage in your car until you check in either at the hotel or the airport. That is not a good idea. Most hotels will be happy to hold your luggage for a few hours before you check in or after you check out and it is a lot safer that way.

Seat Belts By State Law, all front passengers of a car must use seat belts. We recommend that seat belts be used by all passengers, front and rear.

Child Seats By State Law, all children must travel in the back seat of the car restrained by a seat belt and those under seven years of age must use a child seat at all times during the trip.

Visit Germaine's Luau on Oahu to enjoy the most outstanding Hawaiian Luau evening just like the ancient Hawaiians. Germaine's Luau is a backyard-style, family oriented type of party where family and friends gather together under the stars to relax and enjoy food, drink, and entertainment located at our private beach on the west coast of Oahu.

From the minute you arrive at Germaine's Luau, it is easy to see that you're in for an extraordinary experience. Yes, although our luau is completely on the beach, we do have some areas where the sand is more compact & with the assistance of your family, you are able to access this area. At the sound of the conch shell, the luau has begun. An impressive ceremonial event at Germaine's Luau is the opening of the imu underground oven.

Germaine's Luau Experience, an authentic luau on a secluded, private beach on West Oahu! With a buffet of delicious Hawaiian food, Polynesian dancing and entertainment, it's no wonder Germaine's Luau is one of the top-rated luaus ever! Germaine's Luau is one of the best and most authentic luaus in the Pacific.

It's the perfect place to see both the pre-show entertainment, and later Germaine's spectacular Polynesian Revue. Spectacular entertainment delivered to you at the ocean's edge, under the stars and palm trees. After dinner guests are treated to a colorful showcase of authentic song and dance from many Pacific Island nations, including Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, Samoa and New Zealand. It provides guests with a cultural tour of the South Pacific, featuring performances ranging from fierce ceremonial war dances to fondly remembered Hawaiian love ballads and a pulse pounding Samoan, Fire-Knife Dance. Enjoy the sense of belonging, where you are part of the celebration. The women and men have a chance to show off their moves, Tahitian style! Audience participation is encouraged throughout the entire evening, and you are invited to be part of the fun!. Share the passion, the culture and the love of the islands in an unforgettable evening.

Guests who are especially nimble may enjoy sitting at the traditional low luau tables fronting the stage where they can enjoy their meals seated on the woven mats, just as the ancient Hawaiians did.

One of the most important aspects of the luau is the welcoming spirit and "aloha" shared by all. The special quality of Germaine's Luau reflects the warm soul, genuine hospitality and rich culture of the Hawaiian people. The true spirit of Aloha is the defining element of the Germaine's Luau experience. The luau provides guests a first hand experience with the soul and essence of a traditional Polynesian family.

Hanauma Bay is not for beach sport. Hanauma Bay is a nature preserve dedicated to safeguarding the fragile marine life in the bay. Hanauma Bay is the first Marine Life Conservation District in the State of Hawaii.

Hanauma Bay nature preserve is about 10 miles east of Waikiki just off the main coastal road, Kalaniana'le Highway, route 72. It would take about 40 minutes to drive from Waikiki to Hanauma Bay on a normal traffic condition.

Summer Schedule: open daily from 6:00 am till 7:00 pm and closed all day on Tuesday. On the second and forth Saturdays of each month, Hanauma Bay remains open until 10:00 pm.

Winter Schedule: open daily from 6:00 am till 6:00 pm and closed all day on Tuesday. On the second Saturday of each month, Hanauma Bay remains open until 10:00 pm.

The current fees at Hanauma Bay are $1.00 per car to park and $5.00 per person to enter. The entrance fee is waved for children under 13 and for residents of Hawaii with proof of residency.

Disabled visitors are encouraged to reach the shore to enjoy the water using the special beach wheelchairs FREE of charge. Wheelchairs are available from the Beach Information Kiosk from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm all year around.

All of the facilities at the Hanauma Bay are designed to be fully accessible to the disabled guests.

All guests are required to view the safety video before being allowed to head down the bay to swim with the marine animals.

The theater has a separate screen that simultaneously shows a closed caption version.

The tram to and from the beach area has a ramp and can accommodate wheelchairs.

The tram has a fee of $1.50 each way at present.

Snorkel gears are available for rent at the beach below. Snack shop is available at the top of the Hanauma Bay. You are allowed to bring food and drinks and your own snorkel gears if you wish to save money.

About the Author: S. Moon is a travel specialist at Hanauma Bay Snorkeling, where you can find all sorts of deals for anyone traveling to Hawaii while in hopes of spending the least amount.