One recurring theme you will start to notice in many of these articles having to do with outdoor locations, is the suggestion to bring ample water, snacks, a good sunscreen, and a hat.   You will definitely reduce your enjoyment of  the remainder of your vacation if you get a bad sunburn, especially if it happens on day one.  It is not an exaggeration when people warn you about how close to the equator Hawaii sits and how much stronger the sunshine is and how much quicker you will burn. 

People often get sunburned after snorkeling for hours...just because you're in the water, doesn't mean you won't burn!  So, do yourself a favor,  apply and re-apply sunscreen generously and frequently.   

If you plan on doing any hiking to waterfalls and such, don't forget the mosquito repellent.  You should also be aware that many of the freshwater streams and lakes in Hawaii are contaminated with the leptosporsis bacteria, which can make you very sick.  The bacteria enters your body through either open cuts or by being ingested.  Do not feel protected if you have a water filter, as the bacteria is not blocked by most filters, so do not drink the water unless you've used a water treatment pill or drops.  A word of caution regarding young children, they DO swallow water when playing in water, so it is best to avoid taking a dip in that cool pool.

 My suggestion to you, if you plan on doing outdoor activities, is to buy an ice chest of some sort, some water and also take along an assortment of juices and/or soft drinks.  One of the greatest things we discovered was the insulated-cooler backpack!  Very handy, especially for those of you who plan on doing any hiking, but just as handy for a day at the beach.  Its also a way to be environmentally friendly, as the most common option is a styrofoam cooler and styrofoam is one of the worse things for the environment if not properly disposed of.   Speaking of environmentally friendly, please remember to pick up after yourself...regardless of any mess others before you may have left.  Mahalo.

 Remember, the more you seek to get away from the crowds and commercialized places, the fewer facilities you will find awaiting you.  So, practice the age old adage of road trips immemorial and never pass up a chance to use the restroom!  Many of the beaches mentioned offer limited or no services and conveniences (i.e. bathrooms).  Plan accordingly.

Na Pali Coast, Kauai     Waimea Canyon, Kauai     Maui Ocean Center, Maui     West Maui Drive, Maui     Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Adventures, Maui     Lahaina, Maui     The Road To Hana, Maui     Haleakala National Park, Maui     The Bishop Museum, Oahu     Getting Around Oahu     Night Blooming Cereus, Punahou School, Oahu     The Royal Hawaiian Center, Oahu     Ko Olina and the West Shore, Oahu     Iolani Palace, Oahu     Ala Moana Shopping Center, Oahu     Ala Moana Beach Park/Magic Island, Oahu     Dole Plantation, Oahu     Round Top, Panoramic View of Honolulu, Oahu     Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Oahu     Polynesian Cultural Center, Laie, Oahu     Aloha Stadium Swap Meet, Oahu     International Marketplace, Oahu     Hanauma Bay, Oahu     Kona Historical Society, Big Island     The Merrie Monarch Festival, Hilo, Big Island     Akaka Falls, Big Island     Drive Around The Big Island     Hilo, The Big Island     Pu'uhonua o Honaunau, Place of Refuge, The Big Island     Kealakekua Bay, The Big Island     Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, The Big Island     Punaluu, Black Sand Beach, The Big Island     Papalokea, Green Sand Beach, The Big Island     Ka Lae, South Point, The Big Island

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