Hawaii Kai Towne Center is back at it with a 96825 LIVE event. Another year has come and gone, and we’re ready to celebrate with our local community — join us and start 2020 off with a bang! Another HKTC event is headed towards us and we want to be sure you all are in the know.
On Friday January 31st bring the whole ohana to take pleasure in performances by Hawaii Kai Dance Academy, Ka Hale I O Kahala Hula School, and Halau Hula Ma Ka Pu’uwai A Ka Mana’o. Group performances will be held in the middle of the marina docks at 5, 6 and 7pm.
Don’t be shy! Grab some food from one of Hawaii Kai Towne Center’s many delicious eateries, pop up a couple of chairs and unearth what makes our community so special. This live event will bring out some of the community’s most talented artist, musicians, dance and school groups. This event is also both free and family-friendly. 96825 LIVE truly brings the best of Hawaii Kai to the heart of our community, and we hope to see you there.
From nationwide brands to local businesses, Hawaii Kai Towne Center is East Oahu’s leading retail destination and community gathering place, guaranteed to have something for the whole family.
Follow Hawaii Kai Towne Center on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HawaiiKaiTowneCenter and Instagram @hawaiikaitownecenter for more event listings and updates.
We are proud to be from Hawaii Kai, and are always up for supporting our home and it’s people. Know of any upcoming community events that you’d like us to be apart of? Let us know in the comments below. Looking to explore Hawaii Kai’s underwater community? Give us a call, we’ll set you up with some transportation and snorkel gear. Hanauma Bay is calling your name!
When considering snorkeling equipment, fins are usually not the first things that come to mind; however, here at Hanauma Bay Snorkel we highly recommend having a pair when exploring Hawaii’s underwater paradise. This month on the blog we’re dishing all things fin-related — keep reading to get the 411.
BENEFITS OF FINS
In most cases, fins make snorkeling easier and safer. Fins are meant to increase locomotion, and move you faster and smoother through the water. Spend less time swimming and more time exploring. They also act as a safety advantage, especially when ocean conditions turn less favorable — fins make it possible to return to a safe place quickly.
FINDING YOUR FIT
Snorkeling fins are generally flexible and light. Whether you choose adjustable or full-foot fins, both should fit snuggly without any pinching. No matter what style you decide on, we suggest giving it a quick shake test. Slip on both fins and, in all directions, shake your foot. Your fins should feel secure but not uncomfortable. If your feet feel pinched, try sizing up. Vice versa, if your fins move around when you shake your feet, size down and try the shake test again.
TECHNIQUE
Fins work their best when your kicks engage the entire leg. You should not be chopping through the water, but rather gliding. Be sure that your hips, thighs and glutes are doing most of the work, not your knees. Your body will also feel less aches and pains post-snorkel if you engage the proper muscles.
FIN ETIQUETTE
Many snorkelers tend to forget that fins add a substantial amount of length to your legs. Be aware of where you choose to stop to take a breather, adjust your gear or talk to a snorkel buddy. Chances are if you are in an upright position above any body of coral, your fins are slapping the reef. We suggest trying to stay as horizontal as possible when taking a quick snorkel break. If you have difficulty doing this, try using a flotation device (life vest, snorkel belt, etc.). Here at Hanauma Bay Snorkel we try our best to be good stewards of the reef.
Fins are designed to propel you through the water easier and quicker. And while snorkeling may always require energy, fins ensure that you expend that energy wisely. Our snorkel packages include transportation, gear and memories to last a lifetime. Give us a call today or schedule a session at the tab above.
The holidays are right around the corner, and we could not be any more excited for them. We have a lot to be grateful for here at Hanauma Bay Snorkel. We’ve got the most beautiful work place in the world and get to help others experience the magic of the bay too. We believe that snorkeling is an activity for the entire family, enjoyable for both young and old. Below are five snorkeling tips to keep your chance of accidents at a low, and your level of enjoyment at an all time high.
BE CONFIDENT
Learn to swim before heading on your snorkel adventure. Being comfortable in the water makes all the difference when snorkeling. The idea is to spend less time worrying about staying afloat and more energy towards enjoying the underwater paradise in front of you. We also believe that there should be no shame in wearing a safety vest — a safe snorkeler is a happy snorkeler.
FIND A BUDDY
We suggest finding someone with whom to snorkel. It’s always nice to have someone near by if you ever find yourself in a water emergency. Should you have to go out alone, stay close to shore. Find something on the beach to stay near to, preferably a lifeguard tower.
STAY HYDRATED
Snorkeling under the sun will quickly drain your energy, as well as your body’s storage of water. It’s always a good idea to load up on water before heading into the ocean. We also highly suggest bringing a large bottle of water to replenish anything lost while on your excursion.
SUN PROTECTION
Nothing ruins your vacation quite like a nasty sunburn. UV rays are no joke, and unfortunately many people skip the step of sun protection. You can purchase a protective rash guard for as little as $20 on Amazon, which is well worth the price, if sunscreen is not your thing. For those of you who prefer sunscreen, might we suggest using lotions that do not contain chemicals that will harm the coral reef or marine life.
LOOK DON’T TOUCH
Last but definitely not least, respect the ocean and its inhabitants. Try to remember that we are in their home. We ask that you neither touch the reef nor the creatures. While some animals prefer their privacy, others are flat out toxic. Contact with such animals could result in an emergency trip to the hospital. We hope you remember to keep a safe distance when in the ocean.
Snorkeling is a prime family activity that can be enjoyed by all — especially during this holiday season. We hope you keep these snorkeling safety tips in mind when heading out on your underwater excursion. Let us know if we can help you get your snorkel on.
For the most part, snorkeling is a very freeing activity for the whole family. Here at Hanauma Bay Snorkel Adventures we have some simple guidelines to guarantee a great time had by all. Keep reading for our short list of the do’s and don’t’s of snorkeling.
DON’T touch the coral. It may not look like it, but coral reef is a living organism that both houses and feeds thousands of underwater creatures. As snorkel enthusiasts and defenders of the bay, we ask that you try not to stand on or kick the reef.
DO use biodegradable sunscreen. Studies have shown that sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate are harmful to the reef and can contribute to coral bleaching. In general, it’s safe to stay away from sunscreens with excess oil and harmful chemicals.
DON’T interfere with the marine life. We understand that the point of snorkeling is to observe Hawaii’s underwater paradise; however, we need to remember that observe does not mean interfere. Messing with the motion of the ocean could be hazardous to both you and the animals.
DO respect other snorkeler’s personal space. Snorkeling is a rush, it’s an opportunity to see marine life first hand; but most people do not want you grabbing their arm or pulling their leg to make sure they see the parrotfish that’s two feet away from you. Everyone snorkels at their own pace, and most people need to concentrate in order to be able to enjoy their snorkeling experience.
DON’T feed the fish. Feeding the marine life can throw off the natural flow of the bay. While sharing is usually caring, we advise otherwise when snorkeling — the fish have plenty of food.
DON’T take anything with you. Aside from the belongings you brought to the beach — all starfish, rocks, pieces of coral, fish, urchins and shells should remain where they were found.
While snorkeling is a family friendly activity, there are some DO’S AND DON’T’S that ensure an incredible experience. Here at Hanauma Bay Snorkel, we are all about making memories with the people you love. Go over these guidelines with your ohana, then head to the beach. We’ll be waiting for your call!
While summer may be at itʻs tail end, the fun in Hawaii truly never stops, and lucky for us snorkeling is a year-around activity perfect for the entire family. Some parents are quick to regard it as too advanced for keiki (children), but we’re here to prove otherwise. This month on the blog we’re dishing 3 ways children benefit from snorkeling.
- SNORKELING IS EDUCATIONAL
We’d argue that children will never receive a better lesson on marine life than taking a front row seat in the actual underwater environment. Snorkeling allows you to to observe the ocean in close range. On top of the close-up education, keiki become familiar with undersea etiquette. It’s vital for snorkelers, both adult and children, to understand that while the marine life may be within reach, one shouldn’t mess with the natural motion of the ocean. Snorkeling allows children to learn to keep their distance, and respect the ocean and its many residents. - SNORKELING IS HEALTHY
Snorkeling is great for strengthening heart muscle and increasing both blood circulation and heart rate — all factors that have proven to benefit cardiovascular health. Snorkeling has also been known to lower your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and high cholesterol. We strongly believe that encouraging outdoor, physical activity — where a child is free to observe at his or her own free will — leads to a lasting healthy lifestyle. - SNORKELING DEVELOPS STRONGER SWIMMERS
Similarly to swimming, snorkeling requires you to use your entire body. While we do suggest wearing a life vest if you feel it necessary for your safety and enjoyment —floaty or not— snorkeling demands total body strength and loads of energy. As a business who cares deeply about families, snorkeling helps to strengthen and develop the same muscles your keiki use while swimming, and we consider that a massive win! Here at Hanauma Bay Snorkel safety comes first, and we believe that strong swimmers equal safe swimmers. In addition, snorkel gear eliminates the worry of not being able to breathe, and instead forces children to redirect that same energy to increase water awareness. Your body begins asking questions that focus on becoming a better swimmer— is the weight of my body evenly distributed? Am I kicking consistently? Is my body aligned?— rather than wondering when your next breath will come.
We hope this month’s blog post has convinced you that snorkeling is an activity for the entire ohana (family). Grab your keiki and head to the ocean, snorkels included. If Hanauma Bay is on your list of family snorkeling destinations, give us a call, we’d love to help you explore Hawaii’s underwater paradise.
When Hawaii Kai puts on an event that we plan to attend, we can’t help but share it with our Hanauma Bay ‘ohana. We love our community and those that make it such a special place to live. There’s a certain kind of pride that comes with living in HK, and this month we’re here to spread a little of that aloha to you!
First things first, Farmer’s Market season is fully-fledged and we think it’d be selfish to keep Hawaii Kai Towne Center’s to ourselves. Stop by the Marina Courtyard every Wednesday and Saturday, beginning at 7:30a for some local produce and goods.
In addition to the Farmer’s Market twice a week, be sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, June 29th. Mele on the Marina returns to the HKTC stage with a bang. Bring the entire family and a few foldable chairs to this free event. The magic begins at 3pm with hula performances by Ka Pā Nani ‘O Lilinoe, followed by Hālau Kawaihoa at 4pm. The Hawaiian entertainment doesnʻt stop there — catch local boy, singer/songwriter Kalaʻe Camarillo on at 5pm and Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winner Led Kaapana at 6pm. The master slack key guitarist and Grammy award nominee, best known for his unique voice and layback local style, will close the night with a Hawaiian-style performance that will surely leave you in awe and inspired. There’s a reason he entertains all over the world!
While we consider ourselves the masters of Hanauma Bay snorkeling, Hawaii Kai Towne Center is East Oahu’s number one spot for retail and dining, and is known as the all-around community gathering place. We spend quite a bit of time there and love that Mele on the Marina allows us to shop, eat and witness a little bit of aloha all in one place! Follow Hawaii Kai Towne Center on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HawaiiKaiTowneCenter and Instagram @hawaiikaitownecenter for more event listings, special promos and updates.
Know of any other upcoming community events? Shoot us a comment below, we’re honored to call Hawaii Kai home and are always up to support local.
Sustainability has become a topic of conversation in America over the past decade. People are looking for ways in which they can take care of the planet, and we could not be more on board. Here in Hawaii, we call the concept of respecting the land mālama ʻāina. What better way to celebrate Earth Day on April 22 than by showing your aloha for the world to which billions of human beings call home.
Native Hawaiians have always considered sustainability best, and lived in ahupua’a to execute that approach. As director and founder of Hoʻokipa Network, Puanani Rogers best explains ahupuaʻa as “an ancient [Hawaiian] concept of resource use and management based on families living in a division of land that connects the mountains to the reefs and the sea.” While we don’t live by ahupuaʻa in this modern day, we still greatly benefit from the land. Mālama ʻāina means to nurture the land always so it may continuously sustain life for us now and in the future. Below are 3 ways to mālama ʻāina today!
- REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE
We can minimize our carbon footprint and care for the land by reducing the amount of waste we create. We suggest examining what you are using, and what you use it for. In other words— purchase with purpose. At all costs, try to create multi-uses for one item. Rather than buying a coffee maker and a cappuccino maker, purchase a coffee pot that gives you the option to do both. This eliminates both the amount of production as well as the amount of packing material. Instead of buying paper napkins, invest in reusable ones. Remove your name from paper mailing lists that disinterest you, or opt for a paper-free version. Avoid using “disposable” anything, because while we immediately rid such trash from our homes, it is still waste to the environment. Repurpose old mason jars to store loose items or pens. Donate old clothes to charity and check second-hand stores before purchasing new. We are believers in the recycling process, we support transforming old things into raw material to shape new items. - SUPORT LOCAL BUSINESS
Locally owned businesses usually require less transportation for goods. These shops are typically set up in a town or city center near you as opposed to requiring major development. This generally results in less city congestion, less natural habitat loss and less pollution. Studies also show that local businesses help to strengthen the economy of that same community. All in all, shopping local leads to a healthy
‘āina, and healthy ‘āina results in happy people. - TEACH THE KEIKI
If we can instill an ‘āina-based mindset into our keiki (children), that is to care for people and our planet, we can assure a happy and healthy future. Teach your children about recycling, teach them of the responsibilities we have as human beings, teach them about how our decisions affect nature. By encouraging mālama (care) towards land, ocean and air, we will strengthen the relationship between the earth and its inhabitants. It’s as simple as the Golden Rule itself— treat others the way you would want to be treated— with love and respect.
Native Hawaiians have known it all along— if we care for the land it will continuously provide. Reduce, reuse and recycle to keep your carbon footprint at a minimal. Support local business for community and economical longevity. Teach your children about the earthly responsibility we have as human beings. We hope you remember to mālama ʻāina today and everyday. We only have one planet earth, and it’s up to us to take care of it.
Itʻs not often that weʻre dishing event details on our blog, but when we do itʻs because weʻre excited for whatʻs coming. 2019 is in full effect and we want to get things off to a solid start here at Hanauma Bay Snorkel Adventures. As mentioned in this post from August 2017, “we are defenders of Hawaii, supporters of Oahu and advocates of Hawaii Kai.” Another event is coming up right here in our hometown and we want you all to be in the know!
This month the Hawaii Kai Towne Center is putting together a community spotlight called 96825 Live and we’re excited about it. On Friday January 25th bring the entire ohana to enjoy performances from Ka Hale I O Kahala Hula School and the Hawaii Kai Dance Academy. Performances will take place on the marina docks at 5 and 6:30pm.
96825 Live is an event that will bring the talent of the community into the spotlight. Be prepared to witness Hawaii Kai’s very own artists, musicians, dance groups, school groups and more. Grab some food, pop up a couple of chairs and discover what makes Hawaii Kai so special at this free and family-friendly event at the Hawaii Kai Towne Center.
From nationwide brands to local businesses, Hawaii Kai Towne Center is East Oahu’s leading retail destination and community gathering place, guaranteed to have something for the whole family.
Follow Hawaii Kai Towne Center on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HawaiiKaiTowneCenter and Instagram @hawaiikaitownecenter for more event listings and updates.
Do you know of any other events coming up in the community? Let us know in the comments below. We’re always up for supporting this beautiful place and it’s people. And for any of you wanting to explore Hanauma Bay’s underwater community, give us a call — we’re experts when it comes to snorkeling and adventuring the bay!
The coral reef plays a significant and insightful role in Hawaiian mythology. The Kumulipo, a native chant about creation that follows back to the beginning of time, eloquently states that coral was the first living thing on earth. As children of the ocean, that makes coral the first liquid incubators of life on planet earth. This month on the blog we’re talking about our gorgeous coral reefs and the part we can play in protecting these beautiful living creatures.
Coral reefs are described in many different shapes and colors. Some start as tiny plates and fingers and grow to become large extensive mounds which then become home to endless colonies of ocean life. You might compare a mound of reef as a city or hotel to fish, urchins, squid, snails, eels, etc. Without the proper shelter and food there is no marine life and without marine life, there is no us. This leads us to firmly believe that one, the only good place to stand in the ocean is on the sand. Two, take time to learn about an area before deciding to play in the ocean. If coral reef is around, be extra careful of where and how you have fun. Three, in some places feeding fish is completely illegal, and in most cases it’s a good idea to keep your food to yourself. Feeding the local marine life may disrupt the regular cycles of the reef. Four, use sunscreen that contain clean chemicals.
Most commercial sunscreens have two specific chemicals that are banned in Europe and Mexico — oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) and octinoxate. Both chemicals have become a pressing concern to the state of Hawaii. In a study conducted by the Haereticus Environmental Lab in Clifford, Virginia, oxybenzone was shown to damage the DNA of coral larvae, thus causing deformities in growth. What’s especially worrisome is that damage from such a chemical occurs at minuscule concentrations. In layman’s terms, it takes a really small amount of oxybenzone to do a whole lot of damage.
You might be asking, so what can I do to help manage the issue? A good idea would be to stay out of the sun at peak UV times between 10 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon. A better idea would be to use sunblocks that contain zinc oxid or titanium oxide rather than harmful chemicals like oxybenzone. The best idea would be to cover up when choosing to play in the ocean. It’s smartest to wear a rash guard, swim shorts and wide hat while only applying sunscreen to your face, neck, feet and hands. This reduces the use of use and risk of sunscreen pollution by almost 90 percent.
We understand that changing your sunscreen and covering up when planning a day at the beach won’t solve all of the ocean’s problems, but it is a choice that we can make and a choice that will, in the long run, benefit all of us. Some coral reefs may be tiny, but their purpose on earth is immense. Here at Hanauma Bay Snorkel, we are all about keeping our oceans and our island in tip top shape — the earth needs us now more than ever, let’s make conscious decisions to help her out.
While most people pay a visit to Oahu for the insane beaches, unmatched weather and mouthwatering food, others come to swim with sharks and zip line through lush green mountains. For all of you adrenaline-junkies who are looking for a good time in paradise, below is a list of three hair-raising adventures you can find on the island.
SWIM WITH SHARKS
How about an adventure that very few encounter while spending time in the Aloha State — swimming with sharks. IslandView, a North Shore based adventure company, will lead you to the deep blue waters off of Haleiwa to splash around with manō (sharks) — no bars, no cages, just the open ocean and you. Captain Kaiwi and his crew will be sure to show you a thrilling time.
SKYDIVE
After taking in the panoramic views of Oahu’s gorgeous terrain, let loose (literally) into the Hawaiian skies at 14,000 feet up. The Pacific Skydiving Center will safely escort you through an experience you are sure to always remember.
ZIP LINE
Take to the mountains at Kualoa Private Nature Reserve. 7 unreal tandem sections, 2 suspension bridges and 3 mini-5 minute hikes will definitely get your blood going. From start to finish, you can be prepared to take in unreal views of a true paradise on earth, stacked with lush looks at the Ko’olaus and exhilarating glimpses of the Pacific Ocean.
Here at Hanauma Bay Snorkel Adventures we are true believers in Hawaii. Explore this paradise we’re lucky enough to call home — meet the locals, enjoy the beaches, then get a little crazy with an adrenaline-pumping adventure! Should you have any questions with finding your thrill, contacts us — we’d love to help you out!