Who: Jeff Bliven and Chris Morrison Bliven of Denver.
Where: Kapiolani Park, Honolulu, just after the 2005 Honolulu Marathon.
Best meal: Shrimp trucks on the North Shore of the island. Generous amount of shrimp, salad and rice, with fresh coconut milk and covered seating. The Oceanarium restaurant at Pacific Beach Hotel in Waikiki features an aquarium three stories high, with daily feeding of the huge rays.
Best deal: Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve 10 miles from Waikiki. For $5, see tropical fish, coral and green sea turtles, all within 100 meters of the shore. Hike to the top of Diamond Head Crater ($1 admission) for beautiful views of land and ocean. Sunrise and sunset from the beach are free!
Best time to go: Temperatures range from the high 60s to the low 80s year-round, but the best time is when the temperatures are below freezing at home. Pro surfers from around the world compete in the big winter waves on the North Shore in November and December.
Best travel tip: Get up early, which is easy to do since Hawaii is three hours earlier than Mountain Standard time, and watch the sunrise on the beach without crowds. Take a direct flight from Denver.
