Hawaii

Hawaii is paradise on earth with incredibly positive energy. A warm ocean, green mountains dropping straight into the sea, and the relaxed rhythm of the islanders that you feel the moment you arrive. Hawaii is not the cheapest destination, but it gives the soul far more than it takes from the wallet.

Waikiki: a beach in the middle of the city

Waikiki is Hawaii’s most famous beach and the heart of Honolulu. Hotel towers stand right on the sand, and above them rises the extinct Diamond Head volcano, with one of the best views of the city and the ocean. The waves here are long and forgiving, which makes Waikiki the ideal place for your first steps on a board.

Copyrighted photographs by GJ Media Production

Surfing and the North Shore

Hawaii is the cradle of surfing. While Waikiki is kind to beginners, the North Shore of Oahu is home to some of the biggest waves in the world. In winter the ocean shows its full power and draws the best surfers, while in summer it calms down and the coast becomes quiet and inviting for a swim. Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach and the Banzai Pipeline are famous around the world, and the little town of Haleiwa tempts you with its laid-back atmosphere and local food. Driving around the island you pass white sand beaches, steep green ridges and viewpoints above the turquoise sea.

Copyrighted photographs by GJ Media Production

Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is one of the most important historic sites in the United States. The USS Arizona Memorial stands above the sunken battleship and commemorates the attack of 7 December 1941, after which the US entered the Second World War. The visit is quiet and moving, and nearby you can also see the battleship USS Missouri and the aviation museum.

Copyrighted photographs by GJ Media Production

Maui: from barren coast to green paradise

Maui is completely different from Oahu. Long sandy beaches stretch along the coast, while the west of the island surprises with a barren, dry landscape that resembles a semi-desert. On the other side a green paradise of rainforest, waterfalls and natural pools opens up. The famous Road to Hana leads there, a road with more than six hundred bends and many single-lane bridges winding above the steep coast. The drive is incredible but demanding and dangerous, so give it a whole day, drive slowly and stop only at proper pull-outs.

Copyrighted photographs by GJ Media Production

Air show

During my visit in April 2014 there was also an air show, featuring everything the US Air Force could show at the time: from giant transport aircraft to the most advanced fighter jets.