Hawaii, still the best place to vacation!
<h1>Hawaii, still the best place to vacation!</h1> <p align=right>by Pam Campbell</p> <div align=justify>I was born and raised on Oahu and by the time I graduated, like a lot of folks from the islands, I just had to get off the island and experience the “mainland”. I am 43, married with 2 children and living in San Diego, the next best place to live. My husband and I moved here in 1994, but I find that I miss the islands, especially since my family is still there and we frequently visit at least 1 to 2 times a year. Visiting takes care of that urge to have to move back and we can have fun and appreciate it each and every time.<br /> <br /> If you’ve ever been there, or you haven’t been there yet, there is so much to do but you have to remember to get out of Waikiki! So, I’d like to share information to experience the island and not be a typical tourist.<br /> <br /> First of all, the weather to me, is perfect all times of the year. If you visit in the rainy season, you will find that the rain is warm with a refreshing smell that is hard to described. If your visit is during the hot months, it is quite humid, but how nice is it to stay in shorts and your bathing suit all day long! So, pack light and leave room in your suitcase for all the fun souvenirs you will want to bring back with you.<br /> <br /> If there is one thing you have to do on your trip, I highly recommend that you take a day trip and visit to the famous Lanikai Beach, in Kailua. Kailua is where I grew up and it has the best beach (secluded) as well as the greatest Real Estate in Hawaii. It is on the east side of the island. Ask for directions and anyone can tell you how to get there. <br /> <br /> Lanikai is a big one way loop. Driving into Lanikai, you will find the well known, Buzz’s Steakhouse with great margaritas and maitais. Dining there, you may just see an actor or two dining next to you as many famous actors own homes in this area. Keep driving on and you will hit Lanikai Boat ramp. Park and enjoy hanging out at the beach and swim to Flat Island. Keep driving through Lanikai and you will see all the million dollar homes (that I will someday own) and the loop will swing you around again.<br /> <br /> When you enter or leave Lanikai, there will be a little shopping center that you must stop into. You will find K & L drive-in. If you know Hawaii, it is known for their yummy food and here you will find a variety of plate lunch choices. My favorite is the Garlic Chicken with rice and macaroni salad. And, save room for some yummy shaved ice! You will find it right next door, at Island Snow – get it with ice cream. <br /> <br /> If you decide to drive around the island, definitely hit the North Shore, Haleiwa. That is where you will find the surfers, if it is the right season. There on the North Shore, you will find the famous, Matsumoto’s shaved ice - popular for their snow cones. There is always a line, but it goes quick and worth the wait. Waimea Beach is around the corner from there as well. Beautiful beach, huge, perfect surf if it is in season, or super glassy and flat to swim, if not. <br /> <br /> And, if you stay in Waikiki, enjoy the beach. Rent the long boards and take a surf lesson. We did that last year with the kids and had a blast! <br /> <br /> Last, take advantage of the beautiful flower leis. Buy a lei from one of the lei stands. Get something different and fragrant. A Tuberose, Pikaki or Puakinikini are very fragrant and beautiful. Just don’t buy a plumeria! Some people before leaving the island will throw their lei in the ocean as a promise to the island that they will return or just wear it back home with you. <br /> <br /> Take a moment to ask a local resident questions about the island. They would love to tell you about their home. <br /> <br /> I hope that my information will help to make your trip a little more fun or at least get you excited about visiting the islands. All islands are unique and have their own special touch. Email me if you’d like. I always love to talk about my home. <br /> <br /> Aloha! <br /> Pam Campbell</div> <p align=center>Article source: <a href="http://www.ArticlePros.com/travel_and_leisure/tropical_destinations/article-83171.html">ArticlePros.com</a></p> <table align=center width=550 cellspacing=1 bgcolor=silver cellpadding=5> <tr bgcolor=antiquewhite> <td> <p align=center><b>About the author</b></p> <p align=justify><br /> Pam Campbell is a San Diego based Mortgage Loan Originator, married and a mother of 2 and loves Real Estate strategy. She is a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist for both Residential and Commercial Real Estate. Visit her website for details: www.CaliforniaMortgagePro.com</p> <p align=left><a href="www.CaliforniaMortgagePro.com" target="_blank" title="will open in new window" class=blue>www.CaliforniaMortgagePro.com</a></p> <p align=center><input type=button class=asubm value="Other articles by Pam Campbell" onclick="document.location='http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?Pam Campbell'" style="height:20px;cursor:hand"></p> </td> </tr> </table>
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