Beach Vacations For Winter

During the winter months, finding a beach vacation spot can be a little difficult. It doesn't have to be, which is where this article will really come in handy. Below, you'll find some resorts that offer a unique twist to your winter beach vacation.

1. Molokai Ranch and Lodge

On a white sand shore on the tiny Hawaiian island of Molokai, guests will stay in comfortable yet unique tents. Each double unit canvas bungalow sits on wooden platforms, offers queen size beds in one unit, twin beds in the other, solar powered lights, and a private bathroom with hot water showers.

The Molokai Ranch and Lodge offers over 54,000 acres, including seaside cliffs with very lush valleys. The outdoor activities here include sea kayaking, cultural hikes, mountain biking, and horseback rides. For the kids, the lodge offers nature walks, horse stables, tidal pools and Hawaiian arts and crafts.

2. Grand Wailea Resort and Spa of Hawaii

Long ago, a big swimming pool was enough to make guests happy. Now days, resorts compete in water activities such as lagoons, waterfalls, water slides, and even lazy rivers.

The Grand Wailea Resort offers several attractions, such as the 4,580 square foot Hibiscus pool, and the 25,700 square foot Canyon Activity pool which is great for families.

3. Atlantis Resort of the Bahamas

In the amazing water fun department is the unique Atlantis Resort and Spa on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Along with the beach, the Atlantis has eleven swimming pools, Mayan Temple water slides, and lazy river rides. The Atlantis also boasts an amazing marine habitat, with exhibit lagoons that house more than 50,000 sea animals.

4. Club Med Punta Cana

Over the last several years, the Dominion Republic has been working very hard to establish itself as a destination for families, with many all inclusives being built. This location has all the perks of a tropical resort plus stand out features that include kids programs, and other attractions that make Club Med Punta Cana one of the most unique beach vacation spots in the entire world.

5. Virgin Islands

The US Virgin Islands National Park is a very unique vacation spot with white sandy beaches, and lodging in comfortable tent cottages. As with the Molokai Ranch, guest cottages are built on platforms and designed to be both attractive and comfortable. Each one has a sleeping area, bed linen, towels, kitchen utensils, stove, ice cooler, and even a private deck.

Water sports for the area include kayaking, wind surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. There is also an outdoor restaurant and a food store for those who want to cook from the privacy of their own room.

Beach Vacations For Winter

During the winter months, finding a beach vacation spot can be a little difficult. It doesn't have to be, which is where this article will really come in handy. Below, you'll find some resorts that offer a unique twist to your winter beach vacation.

1. Molokai Ranch and Lodge

On a white sand shore on the tiny Hawaiian island of Molokai, guests will stay in comfortable yet unique tents. Each double unit canvas bungalow sits on wooden platforms, offers queen size beds in one unit, twin beds in the other, solar powered lights, and a private bathroom with hot water showers.

The Molokai Ranch and Lodge offers over 54,000 acres, including seaside cliffs with very lush valleys. The outdoor activities here include sea kayaking, cultural hikes, mountain biking, and horseback rides. For the kids, the lodge offers nature walks, horse stables, tidal pools and Hawaiian arts and crafts.

2. Grand Wailea Resort and Spa of Hawaii

Long ago, a big swimming pool was enough to make guests happy. Now days, resorts compete in water activities such as lagoons, waterfalls, water slides, and even lazy rivers.

The Grand Wailea Resort offers several attractions, such as the 4,580 square foot Hibiscus pool, and the 25,700 square foot Canyon Activity pool which is great for families.

3. Atlantis Resort of the Bahamas

In the amazing water fun department is the unique Atlantis Resort and Spa on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Along with the beach, the Atlantis has eleven swimming pools, Mayan Temple water slides, and lazy river rides. The Atlantis also boasts an amazing marine habitat, with exhibit lagoons that house more than 50,000 sea animals.

4. Club Med Punta Cana

Over the last several years, the Dominion Republic has been working very hard to establish itself as a destination for families, with many all inclusives being built. This location has all the perks of a tropical resort plus stand out features that include kids programs, and other attractions that make Club Med Punta Cana one of the most unique beach vacation spots in the entire world.

5. Virgin Islands

The US Virgin Islands National Park is a very unique vacation spot with white sandy beaches, and lodging in comfortable tent cottages. As with the Molokai Ranch, guest cottages are built on platforms and designed to be both attractive and comfortable. Each one has a sleeping area, bed linen, towels, kitchen utensils, stove, ice cooler, and even a private deck.

Water sports for the area include kayaking, wind surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. There is also an outdoor restaurant and a food store for those who want to cook from the privacy of their own room.

Ocracoke Island Vacation

Accessible by only ferry, private boat, or by air, Ocracoke Island seems to make time stand still on it's 16 mile island. What really makes this island

special is that over three quarters of it is protected Cape Hatteras National Seashore property.

Within Ocracoke Island North Carolina, there are many different houses, schools, parks, and numerous boat ramps and places for beach access. The community

is very friendly here, making it a perfect beach vacation spot for the entire family.

For everything practical and not so practical you'll need while your away from home, you can find it here on Ocracoke Island. From beach chairs and boards to manicures and massages, and rental cars to finding a caterer - you can find everything you need to make your beach vacation a dream come true.

For nearly 12 continuous miles, the dunes and marsh lands of the island are untouched, providing a home for birds, deer, muskrats, rabbits, and other wild

animals. The several beaches on the island are some of the last pristine beaches left in America. Fishermen and anglers are allowed to drive on the beach, with surf fishing being truly great here.

If you visit Ocracoke Island in the summer, you'll find that there is always something to do. The island has a happening nightlife as well, which is perfect for those who want more than just the beach on their vacation.

If you live close to North Carolina, Ocracoke Island is possibly closer than you may realize. Those of you who have been looking for the perfect beach vacation can find it here. All you have to do is book a hotel then let the good times roll.

Hilton Head Island Beaches: Top Spots for Sand & Surf on Your Vacation

Hilton Head beaches are right up there with golf and tennis as the crowning glory of our South Carolina vacation destination. The island’s beaches hug our island like a sandy white halo. Over 12 miles of fine white sand stretch out over several beaches.

Hilton Head Oceanfront Beach Picks? Here are the Top Spots

These public beaches have easy parking, plus facilities like restrooms, showers and more.

Coligny Beach: 

Visit just one Hilton Head beach? This is the place. Coligny is the most popular. It’s an active family beach and it’s almost required for a Hilton Head Island beach vacation.

Coligny Beach is located off Coligny Circle at the end of Pope Ave on Hilton Head’s south-end. Coligny is a lively beach – but it’s not at all private. Here you’ll see a mix of locals and visitors take advantage of the wide open sand and amenities.

Folly Field Beach:

Folly Field Beach offers a bit quieter than you would get from our number one beach pick, Coligny Beach on Hilton Head.

One nice thing about Folly Field beach is that it is a very short walk from where you park, to where the beach is.

Folly Field Beach is located mid-island at a major mid-island intersection of Highway 278 & Folly Field Road.

Driessen Beach: 

Our list of Hilton Head Island beaches ranks Driessen Beach as the third best, but put it on top of your list if your kids want a cool playground area.

This Hilton Head beach is located mid-island and has lots of parking – second only to Coligny - but the boardwalk goes on forever.

Driessen Beach is located mid-island off of Highway 278 at the end of Bradley Beach Road.

Alder Lane Beach:

Alder Lane Beach is a nice find for a Hilton Head Island Beach vacation. It manages to be close to the action without being in the middle of it.

Just south of Coligny Beach, Alder Lane Beach is a nice alternative to the sometimes hectic pace that you’ll find during the season at Coligny.

Alder Lane Beach is Coligny’s “little brother" with less of a crowd, a simple walkway, restrooms and vending machines.

To get to Alder Lane Beach head down Pope Ave. to Coligny Circle, go past Coligny Beach and exit onto South Forest Beach Road…

Limited Access Beach Spots for Vacationers:

Following are public beaches that allow only private access. Parking and easy entrance is “an issue" for visitors not staying on the property: Plantation Beaches and hotel beaches which offer only private and Islanders Beach Park which is one of Hilton Head's newest and residents only beach location.

Hilton Head beaches offer a lot more than most people think. Your oceanside visit can be a simple family outing or a fun trip for a couple. Dive into more vacation tips and details at our Hilton Head vacations information website linked just below ... We have unbiased info on hotels, villas, golf, restaurants, activities and more to make your trip better to Hilton Head better.

Family Vacation in Alabama – Make it fun-filled

A family vacation is more than just a vacation; it helps tighten the bonding among the family members. Everybody should go for a family vacation at least once in a year. Vacations refresh your mind and soul; it breaks the monotony of mechanical urban lifestyle.

Why don’t you head to Alabama this year? Alabama is a state full with family fun, amusement and entertainment packages. From ocean to the mountain peaks, Alabama has a small slice of everything. It is said that the state never disappoints anybody.

The state offers varieties of activities for travelers of all ages and likings. Many people fail to realize the wide range of attractions Alabama offers. To know Alabama and its culture, you have to come here. Rest assured, the state will not let you down.

Eastern Alabama is home to the mountains. If camping and hiking are some your hobbies you should look for Alabama vacation rentals in and around Eastern Alabama. Spectacular views and mesmerizing landscape are the main attractions here. Hiking, camping are the main activities. Whether you come here during fall, winter or spring – Alabama will offer you an unforgettable vacation time.

Southern Alabama is home to some popular beaches. The southern part of the state touches the gulf coast. Beach activities and fun are the main attractions here. Build sand castles, enjoy the waves and participate in beach sports. You will find many miniature golf courses near the beach; plenty of restaurants and shops will make your beach escape more attractive and enjoyable.

Alabama is home to many vibrant and colorful cities; many cultural events and festivals are held here through out the year. You can consult the event or festival calendar of the state and visit the cities during a specific cultural event or festival.

Birmingham hosts an array of cultural programs every year; these events will make your family vacation more exciting. Historical museums are worth visiting; a trip to museums is always exciting for kids and adults. The famous Butterfly Exhibit is something your children would definitely enjoy; it is a huge collection of butterflies; it is an out-of-the-world experience to walk among hundreds of butterflies.

Simply put, there are so many things to do in Alabama that it is difficult to cover them all in one trip! You will always want to come back here again and again. However, a thoughtful plan can help you make best use of your time and money.

Enjoying Rhodes Holidays on the Prasonisi Beach

During the summer vacations in Greece, Rhodes is known to be the best destination. This place is visited by loads of tourists during the summer time. Offering unique and exclusive activities, this place is entirely perfect for the summer vacations. You can simply get every facility during the summer vacation on the Rhodes.
The greatest attribute of Rhodes holidays is that whatever your age group is, you will get everything to have fun and enjoyment. This place is blessed with the outstanding beaches. You can enjoy sunbathe and crystal clear water of these spectacular beaches.

During Rhodes Holidays one can also take part in different kinds of water sports. Windsurfing, kite surfing, water surfing are the best Rhodes holidays ideas one can get. Some of the famous beaches are located in Rhodes like the Afandou Beach, Faliraki Beach, Glystra Beach, Elli Beach, Ixia Beach and Prasonisi Beach.

Prasonisi Beach:

Prasonisi Beach is one of the famous beaches for Rhodes Holidays. It is located in the south of Rhodes Island. It is positioned on the sandy strip joining the Prasonisi Island with Rhodes Town. Reaching this beach is not difficult and you can go there with car without problems. Tourists usually walk to the beach or sail or surf to the Prasonisi Beach.

Prasonisi Beach is all natural beauty. The crystal clear water and soft white sands make the beach look like a paradise on earth. There are few shops, resorts and accommodation arrangements in the east of the beach. Many tourists during their Rhodes Holidays like staying on Prasonisi Beach for a day or two.

Windsurfing On Prasonisi Beach:

Prasonisi Beach is also a great place for different water sports. The constant wind and pleasant weather make it a surfer’s paradise. The season for surfing and different water activities start from May till October. The beach is also suitable for offshore and onshore sailing.

In the months of July and August, the beach is perfect for water surfing and windsurfing. There are some small schools and surfing equipment hire companies that provide training and equipment for all water sports here.

There are strong waves on the west side while calmer waves on the east of the Prasonisi Beach. The beginners and learners are therefore advised to surf on the eastern part of the beach. The western side because of its world class waves is used by Olympic players to practice their surfing skills. Many surfing competitions are also hosted at Prasonisi Beach during different times of the year.

What else you can enjoy there:

There are lots of other exciting activities during the summer on the Prasonisi Beach. Such as,

• Top class hotels with peaceful environment and without the rush of so many people.
• Many hotels present unique and tempting Greek food during the summer vacations.
• You can get a tan under the sun. Moreover biking and walk are the best activities for those who want fun separately.
• In the night time, fire is set and musician play music with the help of different musical instruments. Greek dances are also performed specially for the tourists.

Although Prasonisi Beach is not filled with bars, clubs, and shopping plazas but still it offers so much to help you fully enjoy your Rhodes holidays there.

What Do I Do on the Big Island? Loll on West Hawaii's Sun-Drenched Beaches!

Beaches of West Hawaii
As it rains, sleets and snows from now until next May, imagine yourself, lying under cerulean blue skies bathed in healing sunlight on a warm golden sand beach, playing in bath-water temperature water and snorkeling among brightly-colored, tropical fish and placid, but amazing sea turtles. Sound too good to be true? In West Hawaii, this soothing day dream is our day-to-day reality. Lying in the rain shadow of two enormous volcanoes reaching from sea level to almost 14,000 feet in the sky, the weather year round on the west coasts of the Big Island are universally gorgeous, reliably warm, indescribably delicious. Our beaches range from wide, mile-long golden swaths of sands bounded by turquoise waters on one side and stands of palms and mangroves on the other to wee, tiny patches of white sand plunked down in the middle of town where everybody gathers to cool off in the afternoon and gaze at West Hawaii's unbelievable sunsets. Let's take a quick tour of just a sampling of the unbelievably fabulous, romantic, relaxing, beautiful beaches of West Hawaii. Our trip starts on the north end of the Kohala Coast and proceeds south to the southern end of the Kona Coast.
Hapuna Beach
Always rated in the Top 10 of American beaches, Hapuna Beach is the premiere beach destination on the Island of Hawai'i. Long, wide and phenomenally sandy, it has everything one dreams of in a Hawai'ian beach: abundant sun, surf, clean, clear and quiet snorkeling water, shade and well-maintained facilities. There are lifeguards, several pavilions, barbecues, picnic tables, restrooms, showers and a small café. The center of the beach lend themselves well to wave play and boogey boarding, the north and south coves are quieter, fostering snorkeling or gentle floating.
Waialea Beach (Beach 69)
A perfect crescent of golden sand backed by abundant shade at the edge of the beach makes this an ideal, though little known, family beach. After about 10 in the morning and on windy days the water in the bay is a tad murkier than ideal for snorkeling, but most of the visitors to this beach don't seem to mind. A chain of tiny islands and pinnacles leads northward to crystalline water and a long coral reef for some of the most outrageous snorkeling and shore diving anywhere in the state. A trail over the north headland leads to a secluded (often clothing optional) cove and then onward to Hapuna Beach. Although most of the shore is relatively free of currents, only experienced snorkelers who are strong swimmers will want to snorkel around the north end of Waialea, past the cove and the reef, past the sea arch and on to Hapuna--a long, but rewarding swim with some of the most incredible underwater vistas available to the snorkeler in the world. Take the Puako Road exit from the highway and turn north toward Hapuna. Near Pole 71, an obvious newly paved road and parking lot indicate the start of the short trail to the beach. Restrooms, picnic tables, water and showers round out the facilities.
Anaeho'omalu Bay
The most photographed sunset view on the Island of Hawai'i, Anaeho'omalu Bay is the icon of what most visitors envision Hawai'i to be like before they get here...swaying palm trees, a clean beach fronting warm, safe, swimmable ocean and hordes of eager beach boys bearing large, tropical drinks with comical names like "Malahini Wahine Wahoo". Here at the bay, one may rent snorkel or surfing gear, sign-up for sailing trips, snorkel tours, windsurfing lessons or scuba dives, order food and drinks, or just lounge pleasantly in the niumalu (shade of the coconut palms). Named for the ancient fishponds behind the beach from the words anae ("mullet") and ho'malu ("to protect"), Anaeho'omalu Bay is known as "A"-Bay by locals. In addition to swimming, snorkeling, diving, windsurfing and just plain hanging-out, the area around A-Bay is also rich with archaeological sites, including section of the Ala Ali'i (King's Trail), fish ponds, heiau and petroglyphs. Walking the trail south from A-Bay to Kapalaoa Beach will take one along not only vistas of incomparable beauty and wildness, but also reveal numerous rarely-visited petroglyphs. There is good snorkeling along the farthest south pocket of sand on Kapalaoa Beach. One can follow this tail several miles all the way south to Pueo Bay and Ke-awa-iki Beach along lava flows and shoreline, but it is a long, hot hike with no water for drinking available. Walking north along the trail (shoes required) over sand, lava and coral, to the Hilton Waikoloa Resort is an unforgettable sunset stroll, and a good introduction to the wild beauty of the Kohala Coast. There are numerous tidepools, a couple with resident Honu, Hawai'ian Green Sea Turtles. Follow the Mauna Lani Resort road to the left turn clearly marked Anaeho'omalu Bay, turn and proceed to the end of the road. Facilities and services are available at A-Bay and on the Resort Grounds.
Kiholo Bay Area
Snorkeling, country music history ancient fish ponds and medical science...what more could anyone ask for? This remarkable, beautiful and sadly popular area is accessed in two ways; first, by a gravel road going oceanward from the highway immediately south of the Overlook pullout at mile 82. This road is only open from 8 am. to 6 pm., but accesses the south end of the bay, a pebbly beach terminated in austere a'a flows to the south. The round house on the beach was built by country and western singer Loretta Lynn, but was condemned and taken by the State when it created the beach park. Swimming and boogie boarding here are excellent in low to moderate surf, but beware of current and surginess; if the surf is high, do not go in. A trail south below the big mansion on the headland leads about three quarters of a mile to a tiny black sand beach with an amazing coral garden. This little beach is my favorite snorkeling secret on the island. A 4WD road/trail continues north along the black pebble beach and cliffs to Kiholo Bay proper. This part of the Kiholo Area can also be accessed via a newly rebuilt dirt road that leaves the parking lot immediately south of mile marker 81. Along the 4WD trail, on the mauka side, is a freshwater spring and pond in a lava tube (Keanalele Waterhole), a great place to rinse off after swimming or hiking along the beach. Please rinse off excess suncream in the ocean before enjoying this refreshing pool. Also along this portion of the beach are a number of mansions, most notably the Bali House (oh, you'll know it when you see it) and the home of Earl Bakken, the billionaire inventor of the pace maker. Believe the no trespassing signs you see here. Full of turtles, beautiful to swim and a wonderful place to learn to surf, Kiholo Bay proper has it all. In addition, the sweat required to reach it has the added bonus of weeding out the undesirables. Just north of Kiholo Bay is a beautiful, turquoise brackish lagoon, all that remains of a 2-mile long fishpond erected by Kamehameha the Great around 1810, which was destroyed by the Mauna Kea lava flow of 1859.
Kua Bay
The site of Kona's newest beach park, this is a lovely white sand beach. Although there is no shade to speak of, the swimming and boogie boarding in the crystalline waters is primo. Strong currents and large waves call for respect, here; if the surf is up, don't go in. Also, sometimes in winter the surf removes the sand to offshore, leaving a rocky shelf that is less fun to frolic on than the sandy beach. Behind the beach on the north end is a small, inviting fresh-water pool. Don't be seduced into rinsing off here-it is bottomed by foul-smelling quicksand and is extremely nasty if you jump in. There are sacred, native Hawai'ian sites and ruins to the north of the beach; please do not disturb them. A short hike brings one to the summit of Pu'u Ku'ili, the 342-foot high cinder cone immediately south of the access road. Pu'u Ku'ili provides a romantic spot to watch sunsets and whales, boasting a majestic view of the Kohala coastline. As of this writing, mountain biking along the trail up Pu'u Ku'ili is tolerated by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. The ride up is short but sweaty, but the blast down is well worth the effort. However, one must be careful to stay on the trail and be wary of tearing up the fragile plants; the erosion which inevitably follows such abuse will quickly ruin this wonderful little pu'u. Because of the actions of some inconsiderate, ignorant and careless mountain bikers and off-road motorbikers, access to riding this cinder cone may shortly be curtailed-so please be mindful of this when riding the trails. Access to Kua Bay is via a newly paved road recently opened to the public. Park facilities include parking, picnic tables, restrooms and water. Wild goats are frequently seen in this area.
Makalawena Beach
One of the last, large, wilderness beaches in Polynesia, frankly, Makalawena is the finest swimming and snorkeling beach on the island and the most beautiful beach setting, to boot. This is the amazing beach you flew over just before you landed at Kona International Airport. This beach sports a series of coves, refreshing shade, big sand dunes and a nice freshwater pond to rinse-off in. This beach is reached either by traveling the (extremely) 4WD road that takes-off the highway from between mile markers 88 and 89, or by hiking about 15-20 minutes along an easy trail from Kekaha Kai State Park. The trail goes over rough pahoehoe and a'a and through keawe breaks, so shoes are required. This land fronting the beach is owned by Bishop Estate/Kamehameha Schools and is slated to be turned into a development of condos and resorts; vigilance and protest on the part of locals and visitors are the only ways we can keep this last, wild Kona beach wild.
Kekaha Kai State Park
There is a superbly wonderful set of beaches plunked down in one of Hawai'i Island's gem parks, Kekahakai State Beach Park; the northernmost and loveliest beach is named Mahai'ula and the smaller, more southerly, less fine one is named Ka'elehuluhulu Beach. The water is fine for swimming and boogie boarding but may be a little murky for ideal snorkeling. There are numerous small springs along the entire beach making the near-shore water a little cold. The mansion of the original owners, The Magoons, can still be seen on the northern edge of the beach. Tours of the mansion have become scarce to sporadic in recent years; if you are interested, contact the Kona Historical Society. Turn makai at the State Park sign, between mile markers 90 and 91; the road is nasty when dry to impassable when wet. Facilities include public restrooms and picnic tables, but no drinking water.
Honl's Beach
This small beach on the outskirts of Old Kailua Town is a favorite spot for surfers and boogie boarders, but also has very nice snorkeling and is an excellent place to view the sunset and picnic. Remember when going into the water here, there is a fairly strong current to the north, so stay in the shallow reef area close to the beach. Parking is located on both sides of Ali'i Drive, but can be tight here in times of good surf, and crossing Ali'i Drive can be harrowing and dangerous at certain times of the day. A new bathroom with running water has recently been constructed on the mauka (mountain) side of the road.
Kahalu'u Beach
Loll in sand and sun under swaying palms, watch humpback whales dance in an exotic Kona sunset, snorkel among rainbow-colored fish on a protected reef or ride surf where the Kings of Hawai'i defined the sport a thousand years ago! Kahalu'u is the choice destination of Kona Coast County Beach Parks. Kahalu'u is the most popular snorkeling beach on the Island of Hawai'i with good reason; protected from the open ocean by a seawall, the reef is also protected against commercial aquarium fishing. The snorkeling is in calm, shallow water; there is an abundance of fish of an enormous variety...perhaps the best display on the island. Dozens of Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles call this bay home, eating the limu and thrilling the snorkelers. Numerous freshwater springs and shallow water bathers make the near-shore snorkeling unpleasantly cloudy, but about 100 feet offshore the water turns crystal clear and the display of coral and brightly-colored fish is nothing short of amazing. Outside the seawall is an excellent surf break that is for intermediate or better surfers and boogie boarders. There is a fair current north out of the bay and along the coast...swimmers caught in this current should relax and swim with the current, angling towards land. Most days there is a food wagon selling sandwiches, burgers, shave ice and cold drinks at reasonable prices and a vendor renting snorkeling gear and boogie boards.
Two-Step Beach/Honaunau Bay
Some of the finest, protected snorkeling and shore-diving on the Island is located at Two-Step Beach, adjacent to the Place of Refuge National Historic Park. A wonderland of turtles, coral and fish, with frequent morning visits by dolphins, this snorkeling experience shouldn't be missed. No swimming is allowed within the Park, as a measure of respect of the sacredness of the Refuge site; however, Two-Step Beach offers a convenient place to enter Honaunau Bay. One can enter the bay either by simply walking down the boat ramp, or by stepping off the short cliff into the water. Two-Step beach gets its name from this short hop. Near the center edge of the lava beach there are two ledges that serve as steps down into the ocean. At low tide, it's a simple matter of stepping down these steps, "1-2-OCEAN!" At higher tide, one simply leans off the lower edge and in. Getting out, one simply approaches the steps, puts ones hands palms down and waits for an incoming wave to float you up and onto the bottom step--the process is more intuitive and physically easier than it sounds. Resist the temptation to put fingers into small holes and pockets in the rocks to haul yourself out-these are frequently filled with spiny sea urchins. Always lay your hands on the rocks palms down, don't use fingers. The best snorkeling is along the cliff edges and the shallows. Remember that you cannot get out of the water within the confines of the Park. Remember not to harass or approach dolphin or sea turtles; they are federally protected species.
Ho'okena Beach County Park Brilliant snorkeling, decent boogie boarding, passable shell collecting and wonderful camping-it's a wonder Ho'okena Beach is not more popular with visitors. Nestled alongside the ruins of Ho'okena Village, this beach is a wonderful place to spend a morning or a weekend. Frequented by dolphin, stuffed full of pelagic and reef fish and turtles and boasting crystal clear, warm and calm waters, Ho'okena is a must-see beach for avid snorkelers and divers as well as sea kayakers. Hiking south over the hills and through cow fields brings one to numerous small, sandy pocket beaches where ocean current conditions make shell collecting possible. Hiking north, one finds the remnants of once-thriving Ho'okena Village, once the main rival to Kailua for steamer traffic, but now all but lost to the ravages of tsunami, earthquake and the passing of time. During the winter months, female Humpback whales and their babies frequent the waters off this bay. Wonderful beach camping, new showers and restrooms, picnic tables and abundant fresh water make this county park a gem. Camping by permit only on a first come-first served basis.
Honomalino Bay
A true gem of West Hawai'i and rarely crowded, Honomalino Bay is reached by a 20 minute hike from the south end of Miloli'i Beach County Park. The hike starts between the bathrooms and a yellow church and is always along the right fork of the trail, in and out of the surf line, to avoid private property. Snorkeling is very interesting on the north side in the rocks, when the surf is low. The water, though very clear, is sometimes quite cold due to spring discharge in the sand on the beach.
So...now that you are armed with all this information and you've had the best mid-winter, beach day-dream you've had in years, I just have to ask...what are you doing sitting there in your cold, wet, winter misery for? C'mon over to West Hawaii and soak up your fair share of the rays!