Hawaii basically has one season all year long – summer. With summer comes sunshine and full days spent at the beach. And if we’re being honest, there are a few issues that come the beach that we could gladly do without: getting sand everywhere, dropping your phone in the water, and losing your keys in the sand are just a few. Below are thirteen beach gadgets that are sure to keep your beach days cool, calm and collected.
CGEAR SAND-FREE TOTE
First on our list is CGear’s Sand-Free Tote. This tote is a total pro at keeping your things in and letting the sand out through the bottom and sides. At just $28 on Amazon, this purchase really is a no-brainer.
ITZY RITZY WET BAG
Next up is the leakproof wet bag from Itzy Ritzy. Sitting in a wet suit on the way home from the beach is equally as bothersome as having no place to put your soaking suit after taking it off. With sealed seams and a lead-free zipper, carrying your wet suit home is made simple with this $14 wet bag.
JOTO WATERPROOF CASE
This JOTO waterproof case prevents water damage to your phone while allowing you to maintain full touch screen functionality. This Amazon best seller fits most phones up to 6 inches diagonally and can be yours for just $7.99.
HYDROFLASK 32OZ WATER BOTTLE
Hydroflask water bottles keep your icy drinks cold for up to 24 hours, perfect for a sweltering day in and out of the water. Trust us when we say this water bottle is worth the splurge of $44.95!
SPORT-BRELLA UMBRELLA
One of our biggest beach-peeves is when our beach umbrella topples over on us after twenty minutes of anchoring it into the sand. Enter Sport-Brella Umbrella, $48 on Amazon. This genius invention is one part umbrella, one part tent and one part canopy, anchored to the ground in six different points and stands 8-feet around for maximum coverage.
We hope this little list of gadgets make your next beach day a greater success. Remember that not all beach days should be spent on the shore. Give us a call to book your next underwater adventure, complete with snorkel gear and transportation to Oahu’s premier snorkeling location, Hanauma Bay!
Here at Hanauma Bay Snorkel Adventures we are complete snorkel enthusiast, snorkel nerds really. And it’s easy for us to assume that you all love snorkeling as much as we do. But if we’re totally honest, most of the world hasn’t even give two thoughts to giving snorkeling a try. If you’re on the fence on whether you’d even want to try snorkeling, let these six reasons convince you that snorkeling is always a good idea. Who knows – by the time you’re done reading the post, you may have your bags packed and your snorkel face on.
IT’S AN UNDERWATER EXPERIENCE
Ever wondered what it feels like to be underwater? Let us tell you – it feels as if you were flying. Sure, we’ve never flown before, but, being underwater has you feeling as weightless as weightless gets. Once you’ve mastered your breathing and your buoyancy control, you will feel as if your body is levitating.
THE CORAL REEFS ARE BREATHTAKING
Brain-like coral, mushroom coral, noodle coral, fan coral, the list goes on and on. Coral reefs are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, housing thousands of marine species! Be prepared to be amazed by the many shapes, colors and textures of coral reefs.
ALL THE FISH
At Hanauma Bay alone you are guaranteed to see more than one hundred different fish species. Some travel in schools and others alone. You will be familiar to some fish while others will complete take you by surprise.
IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH
Yes, snorkeling is a lot of fun, but it also helps to improve breathing patterns and serves as a decent cardio exercise.
NO EXPENSIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
At the very minimum, a face mask and a snorkel are the only two pieces of gear required to adventure underwater. We recommend fins if you plan to snorkel in an area where the currents are strong.
CONNECT WITH NATURE
By the end of your snorkeling adventure, you will have realized how beautiful and peaceful the ocean truly is. We’re convinced that you will fall in love with the ocean and leave with a better understanding of why it’s so important that we take care of it.
There you have it – six reasons to give snorkeling a try. Here at Hanauma Bay Snorkel Adventures, we offer transportation and gear rentals to make your experience that more enjoyable! May the new year bring you a new hobby – SNORKELING! Mele Kalikimaka and Hau`oli Makahiki Hou, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Its calm, blue water, white sands and cocktail of sea life make Hanauma Bay the prime Oahu spot for snorkeling. Although you can expect to see about 110 varied species on your underwater excursion, below are four fish that are guaranteed to make an appearance.
The Kikakapu, known as the Threadfin Butterflyfish, is first on our list. With a black and white body and bright yellow fins, it’s hard to miss in the ocean’s light blue backdrop. Most Kikakapu run about 9 inches long and are seen in ocean depths that run from 1 to 115 feet.
The Na`ena`e comes in a close second. The Na`ena`e, or Orangeband Surgeonfish, is an oval-shaped and brightly colored fish that tends to linger near tropical reefs like our very own Hanauma. These surgeonfish reach lengths from 6 inches to 15.
Kihikihi or Moorish Idol is another brightly colored fish that you are sure to spot. The distinctive appearance, similar to that of an angel fish, has a protruding snout and small fins. Kihikihi prefer shallow waters and flat reefs.
Lastly we have the Ta`ape, otherwise known as the Blueline Snapper. The color of this fish is its most diagnostic feature. Especially when spotted in the ocean, the back and sides of the fish are a bright, almost fluorescent, yellow. They tend to travel in large schools and in shallow waters.
The list of underwater life you are sure to see at Hanauma Bay goes on and on. It’s just another reason why we have the best job in the world. We get to help people discover and experience the beauty that lies under the sea. Give us a call to book your excursion, complete with gear and transportation today!
Snorkeling is a sure way for travelers to experience the best of all worlds. The relaxing hobby offers beautiful, vibrant seascapes without the costly gear and training that scuba diving requires. Naturally, we are huge snorkel enthusiasts and want to ensure everyone’s snorkeling experience goes as smooth as possible. Below are six tips we find are helpful to both beginner and advanced snorkelers.
- Lather up: Sunburns can be very damaging to our bodies and deliver both immediate and long-term effects. We recommend applying an SPF 30+ before starting your underwater adventure.
- Floating around:If you don’t have the stamina to stay in the water for a long time, consider using a float jacket. They’re also very helpful in snorkeling spots where currents can be swift.
- Hydrate:Most snorkeling adventures take route in places where the sun is strong and dehydration is common. Even if you’re immersed in water, its salt content will drain your skin of its moisture. Be sure to bring a water bottle on your excursion.
- Keep your distance: Give marine life their space, remember you are in their home. Maintain a safe distance from both the animals and the coral reef and do not touch.
- Steamy moments: Snorkeling masks fog up because there is (usually) more heat on the inside of the mask as compared to the outside. To prevent some degree of fogginess, rub saliva onto the inside of your mask before rinsing and proceed to positioning it on your face.
- Don’t be touchy:Resist the temptation to pocket a pretty souvenir shell or seemingly dead sea star—it’s not ecologically sound, and it could even be illegal.
We hope these tips help to create a more memorable snorkeling excursion. Here at Hanauma Bay Snorkel we’re advocates for experiencing the underwater world at least once in your life. Be sure to give us a call or schedule a reservation right here on the website to book an adventure with us!
Hawaii is unlike any place in the world. Visitors and locals alike can agree that its culture, lush beauty, and warm beaches keep people coming back for more. Some say that the only thing that keeps them from experiencing the beauty of Hawaii is the potential heavy dent in their wallets. We’re here to let all you naysayers know that with smart research and some local perspective, a Hawaiian vacation is well within your reach. Below are three things to consider when planning to explore the island on a budget.
TRANSPORTATION
Renting a car takes a hefty toll on your vacay budget, and, naturally, the longer the vacation, the higher the cost. Luckily, Oahu’s public transportation stands with the very best in the nation. From Honolulu to Waikiki, North Shore to Kaneohe town, The Bus offers rides to some of the most popular attractions on the island. For those that prefer to let someone else do the driving, adult rides are $2.50 (17+ years), youth are $1.25 (6-17 years) and children ages 0-5 years are free. Paying customers are allowed a transfer, potentially taking them to and from a destination. The best part about riding the bus is that rather than having to keep your eyes on the road, you can instead enjoy the beautiful scenery of the paradise we call Oahu! Keep in mind, if snorkeling at Hanauma Bay is on your agenda we offer transportation (and a full set of gear) to our visiting customers staying in Waikiki.
ACTIVITIES
Oahu is a hot spot for free activities, including beaches and hikes. We’re in paradise after all! Yet the hikes and private beaches that do require payment (Hanauma Bay $7.50/person and Diamond Head Hike $1/person) are a minuscule price to pay for the indescribable views you are guaranteed to see. The free beaches include Waimea, Sharks Cove, Lanikai, Kahana, Kakelas – the list truly goes on and on. Free hikes take into account Maunawili, which ends with a 40-ft waterfall, Makapuu Lighthouse trail also known for its whale watching perks, and the Hanauma Bay Trail. It’s safe to say the island isn’t short on things to do and places to explore.
PEOPLE
The local people of Hawaii are some of the most generous you will ever come to meet and know. It doesn’t hurt to make a friend here on the island. You’ll be presently surprised to find that sharing the aloha spirit will get you that same spirit ten-fold in return. Some locals may recommend a hidden beach, a hiking hint or maybe even lend you their surfing equipment.
The magic of Oahu will be made even more magical when you’re not worried about the toll your wallet will take at the end of your vacation. Be smart about your trip, do your research and ask around, get the most bang for your buck, your family and your bank account will thank you later!
It’s no secret that the ocean is one of our favorite places to be. The water, and everything in it, has a calming effect that allows us to reboot our minds. Many people will take a visit to the beach to escape, relax and surround themselves in a heaven on earth.
Wallace Nichols, a marine biologist and NY Times Best Selling author who has devoted his adult life to studying the ocean and its effects on our brain, says, “we all naturally have a ‘blue mind’ which is a mildly meditative state characterized by calm, peacefulness, unity, and a sense of general happiness and satisfaction with life in the moment.”
Below are three ways Dr. Nichols says the ocean helps our brains.
- THE OCEAN IS MEDITATIVE
The sight and sounds of the ocean is easy for our brains to process. The ocean’s calming effects make it simple for our minds to go into a state of meditation. Ever notice how time seems almost irrelevant when you sit and watch the ocean? Now you know why.
When your brain switches into a different state of awareness, stress levels tend to lower, mental clarity improves, there is relief from mild anxiety and your mood often perks up. The next time you’re having a hard time relaxing your mind, get near or in the ocean.
- THE OCEAN INSPIRES CREATIVITY
As your mind relaxes and your stress levels lower, your brain can make new neural connections. With new connections, come new perspectives. And with new perspectives, come moments of inspiration and creativity. In the most literal sense, the ocean grows your brain.
- EXERCISE BY THE OCEAN IS BENEFICIAL
While exercise has proven to reduce stress, it also rejuvenates our bodies and reinvigorates our minds. Dr. Wallace Nichols says being near or in the ocean during exercise sets up a better environment for your brain than being inside a loud, congested gym. The more relaxed your workout, the better boost your mind receives.
We love the ocean and can’t imagine our lives without it. We hope that all of you can experience it at least once in your lifetime. Here at Hanauma Bay Snorkel Adventures we offer a chance of getting deep, down and personal with the water. Give us a call or book a snorkeling session right here on the website – we promise you won’t regret it.
It is no secret that O’ahu is home to hundreds of scenic hiking trails. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy trek or a long and strenuous jaunt, O’ahu delivers. No matter where it’s at, when you go or what the weather may forecast, there are a handful of items you will need for any hike. All of the following can effortlessly fit into a light back pack.
SHOES. Closed toe, tight fitting, comfortable shoes with a solid grip are a must. Depending on your hike of choice and your experience, you may consider wearing anything from regular tennis shoes to waterproof boots. A good pair of shoes will help to reduce the risk of falling.
WATER. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate – we need water to survive. Heat exhaustion/stroke are almost directly related to the body’s lack of water. The last thing you want to do is pass out on the top of a mountain. We cannot stress this enough – sure, dehydration may just cause a little dizziness, but it can also cause death.
SUNSCREEN AND REPELLENT. It’s debatable that the two most annoying things in the world are mosquito bites and sunburns. We’d have to agree. The state of Hawai’i is home to lots of sun and a spectrum of bugs. Don’t mess around, keep your skin protected.
TRAVEL SIZE FIRST AID KIT/WHISTLE/LIGHT. We hope you will never need any of these things while hiking in Hawai’i, but it is better to be safe than sorry. All three of these items are inexpensive and easy to squeeze in a back pack.
SNACKS. Snacks serve a few different purposes. Food in general offers an extra boost of energy, and on a hike, this is key. You can bring as little or as much as you want, but I think we can all agree that it’s hard to enjoy a scenic view after a long, hot hike when your stomach is growling. Throw a few energy bars in your back pack and call it good.
What better way to end a hike than with a dip in the ocean? That’s where we come in. Call us today to book a snorkeling session – we can help you experience all that Hawai’i has to offer both in and out of the water. Aloha!
Hanauma Bay Snorkel Ohana