Who: Local surf instructor, and Krystal and Chase Hanson of Denver
Where: Waikiki Beach
Best meal: Nachos at Duke’s on the Beach. There is a big veranda where you can watch people sailing, surfing or rowing long boats. Occasionally it rains, so the tables closest to the beach will get wet. Lots of noise, lots of people, music and fun.
Best deal: May not be the best deal because it is a little expensive, but it is worth every penny and more because of the memories you will always have – we went into a shark cage, and the team from the boat threw meat into the water, and sharks frenzied within inches of us. It was really scary, but everyone should have that experience. We had underwater cameras and have some incredible shots. It is definitely safe, but made my heart pound. Also, there is the International Marketplace just off Waikiki Beach, and they have art, jewelry, great food and entertainment. We went there almost every day because of the food. It was great, and the prices were too.
Best time to go: We went in April. The afternoons stayed around 80 degrees, and the evenings cooled down to about 70 degrees for perfect sleeping weather. We had a little rain, but nothing can dampen your spirits with that kind of beauty.
Best travel tip: Bring good hiking shoes, because there always seems to be somewhere fun to roam, like hiking down the volcano at Diamond Head. Also, a video camera to catch all the different ways of life and amazing scenery.
