The recent incidents involved a 10-foot tiger shark attacking a surfer just four days after a standup paddle boarder was attacked in the same bay. Both cases resulted in boards with bite marks. Fortunately there
were no injuries to the people involved and they were able to get back to shore unharmed.

When the standup paddler was attacked she was knocked to the left of the board while her 3-year-old grandson was knocked to the right of the board. The woman recounted landing on the shark and kicking at it before paddling her grandson back to shore.

Just days later a surfer recounted how her board lurched forward and then was pulled underwater. The shark left a large bite mark in the surfboard. Experts concluded that the bite came from a tiger shark about ten feet long. These were the first two recorded shark attacks in Holualoa Bay.

Shark Attacks Relatively Rare in Hawaiian Waters

Despite the recent incidents, the fact is that shark attacks are relatively rare in Hawaiian waters. More than seven million visitors come to Hawaii each year and most enjoy the beautiful beaches, yet total attacks in one year are typically between one and eight with fatalities being even more rare.

Historically the number of shark attacks has not been increasing even though the number of visitors has been increasing. Since 1882 there have been more than 115 total unprovoked shark attacks in Hawaiian
waters with eleven fatalities. Based on these numbers, a much more dangerous risk in Hawaiian waters is drowning – about sixty drownings occur in Hawaii each year.

Why Do Sharks Attack Humans?

Of the forty species of sharks known to inhabit Hawaiian waters, eight species are seen near shore including Tiger Sharks. Humans are not the intended prey of any of these sharks though it is possible the sharks may mistake humans for their natural prey, particularly in murky water. Areas frequented by fishing boats may also attract sharks, especially when there are fish remains and blood in the water.

The State of Hawaii Shark Task Force has issued a series of recommendations to reduce the risk of a shark attack, including: Never swim alone; swim in guarded areas; don’t wear highly contrasting colors or bright jewelry; avoid excessive splashing; be alert if fish and turtles are fleeing an area; remove speared fish from the water; and avoid swimming at dusk, in murky water, when bleeding and when sharks are known to be present.

The Inspirational Story of Bethany Hamilton

Perhaps Hawaii’s most infamous shark attack on a surfer took place on October 31, 2003 on Kauai’s north shore when then 13-year-old Beth- any Hamilton lost her left arm to a tiger shark estimated at 14 feet in length.

Hamilton wrote about the shark attack in her 2004 book Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family and Fighting to Get Back on the Board. Overcoming the setback, in 2005 Bethany took first place, the National Surfing Championships of the National Scholastic Surfing Association.

Bethany has also appeared on major television shows including Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Inside Edition and Good Morning America to talk about her inspirational story which is also told in the feature film Heart of a Soul Surfer released in April, 2011 and starring Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid, Craig T. Nelson and Carrie Underwood.

With the world recession it is even more of an advantage to hit Hawaii with the cuts on tourism charges right now. Don’t wait any longer- call to reserve a flight to Hawaii and a hotel room near the beach. Hawaii is home to some of the world’s best beaches, like North Shore, Honolulu and Waikiki.

Many different types of property are available near these beautiful beaches. These rentals are not expensive, and the earlier you book, the cheaper they are. There are many available rentals all around the great beaches in Hawaii.

If you want to see the beautiful beaches of Hawaii the Oahu Beachfront Paradise Rental
and the Tropical Beachfront Rental are the places to be. You can relax, enjoy tropical fruits and drinks, receive excellent services, and just have fun with your friends and family.

There are many beautiful condos and resorts to be checked out at each of these prolific and attractive beaches. Vacation rentals are available in cheap and if you book ahead, all the more better. You will find a wide range of vacation rental home spread all across the wonderful beaches and shorelines of the different islands of Hawaii.

Under the name of Hawaii travel packages you can purchase a holiday on any of the six main islands of the archipelago, Molokai, Hawaii, Oahu, Lanai, Kauai and Maui. Each of them has distinct complex features that make them impossible to exhaust in terms of attractions this is actually the reason why people choose other Hawaii travel packages for next vacations. Besides great tourist services, warm waters and sandy beaches, Hawaii gives one a first hand experience of what active volcanoes are like in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This may be the closest experience to red-hot lava in a lifetime, as you may never get the chance to repeat the experience.

If you think that the Hawaii from Hollywood films is just a beautiful or embellished story, you couldn’t be more wrong. Some people even say this is paradise on earth, then, on a sun-drenched group of islands in the middle of the Pacific ocean, you could be living a dream. Don’t expect Hawaii travel packages to come cheap, but there is a trick about when to plan your vacation so as to save some hundreds of dollars. Peak seasons like the winter holidays are sometimes out of reach as you will most likely find very high prices for the services.

Another idea is not to pick the time of the year when the ocean swell is most favorable for surfing, otherwise you will also find the resorts pretty crowded. If you’ve found a reliable travel agency you will get advice in the direction of purchasing the most for your dollars. All Hawaii services are next to perfect, and sometimes it is more rewarding to pay for a holiday in a retreated corner than to get where the luxury strikes the eye. Moreover, anything too fanciful could also prove beyond your capacity to pay.

For a start you should pack your travel items and clothes according to the research you have done to ensure that you won’t need to make any un-needed purchases when you get to your luxury travel packages destination. On a recent trip we didn’t know that the restaurant only allowed men to wear long pants to dinner in the hotel restaurant; we only discovered this when my husband arrived with only shorts in his suitcase! A little planning would have saved us having to buy an expensive pair of pants just so he could eat the meals we had already paid for!

Make sure that items such as shoes have been worn in before you go on holiday. There is nothing worse than blisters to ruin your vacation and make you miserable.

It is better to be comfortable than to look the part. If you decide to only pack your designer label clothes you might find that you are spending money on cheaper more comfortable clothes when you reach your resort. Don’t forget sun tan lotion can ruin clothes so leave your best clothes at home and put some older more comfortable items in your case.

Use common sense when packing and take into account the climate of the places you are visiting but still allow for changes in the weather by taking additional clothing so you can stay warm and comfortable at all times. Throw in a light sweater and a pair of long pants or jeans and you’ll be ready for any eventuality.

Many people go on holiday fully intending to make shopping a part of the experience but as with shops anywhere, and even in your own locality, you know that there can be some big variances in prices and you will only be able to get the bargains you are after by talking to people prior to your holiday. Make sure you know the locations of the discount shopping malls before you travel.

If you don’t know anyone who has been to the destinations that you are going then use the Internet and visit travel websites to find the information. It can save you a bundle of cash that can be spent elsewhere or saved for another trip.

When you get to your luxurious vacation destination, talk to people and in particular other travelers as quite often people will visit the same holiday spots many times and get to know the best places to go. That sort of information is invaluable and is a good way to save money provided you get advice from more than one person confirming what you hear.

Find out more about luxury travel packages research. For the info about vacation home – visit this blog.

As previously stated, you should check the weather before leaving for your Hawaii trip. One of the many reasons why you should do so is for packing. When you have a good idea as to what the weather will be like, you can more accurately and properly pack for your trip. Different weather forecasts call for different clothing pieces and supplies. For example, if the weather is calling for rain, be sure to bring a raincoat with you. If the weather is calling for hot, sunny weather, sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended.

Monitoring the Hawaii weather in the days leading up to your trip can also reduce the amount of luggage that you have. This is nice, as it can help to reduce your travel expenses. Many airlines are now changing an extra fee for second bag of checked luggage. Since the weather can change, it is best to always be prepared, but within reason. You may want to bring a sweatshirt or light jacket with you, but if the predictions are warm and sunny weather, you don’t have to pack your suitcase full of warm clothes.

In keeping with packing for your trip, monitoring the weather forecast for your Hawaii vacation can also reduce extra expenses when you arrive on the island. For example, if you didn’t know the weather forecast called for rain, you may need to buy an umbrella or a raincoat. The same truth applies for warm weather with sunscreen, sunhats, and sunglasses. Remember that merchandise is typically more expensive in popular vacation destinations, like Hawaii. So, it is best to be well informed, well prepared, and well packed.

The Hawaii weather may also have an impact on your intended vacation activities. For example, a day calling for rain could temporarily put-off that day of hiking that you had planned. If that is the case, it is best to have a backup plan. What other activities or attractions are there that you could participate in or visit? Familiarizing yourself with your options will only take a few minutes of your time.

As for how you can check the Hawaii weather forecast for your travel dates, you can do so by visiting the online websites of Hawaii new stations. Most have the extended weather forecast on listed on their websites, which can easily be found with a standard internet search. Nationally known and operated websites, such as the WeatherChannel.com, will provide you with the same information. With these websites, just enter in your Hawaii vacation destination and you should get the information you need.

As an important reminder, a weather forecast can change at any given moment. That is why it is also advised that you recheck the anticipated weather forecast before you leave for the airport. This will allow you to make any last minute adjustments in your packing or vacation activities if needed. Knowing what to expect on your Hawaii vacation, especially where the weather is concerned, can do wonders for your trip and your satisfaction.

The most important thing for you to pack is a form of identification. In fact, you should never leave home without a form of identification. If you have a state issued driver’s license that should do. If not, a picture identification card is recommended. This can be a recent work identification card, college identification card, or a picture card issued by your state. Even though a passport is not required to travel to Hawaii, if you are coming from the United States, a form of identification is a must.

All important health and medical related information should be packed as well. For starters, make sure you bring all health insurance cards with you. This is important, as it can be frustrating stuck in an unknown emergency room with your important documents thousands of miles away.

In addition to health insurance cards, there are other medical and health bases that you should also have covered. What about prescriptions? Do you take daily medication? If so, it may be a wise idea to create a backup plan with your doctor in the event of an emergency. Would they be available to call or fax in a prescription for you should you misplace your medication? Would they be willing to write an extra small prescription, in the event you lose your medication on your trip? Some physicians will do, but the medication will likely only be enough to get you through your trip.

Are you planning to make reservations for a Hawaii car rental or have you already done so? If so, what is required of you? As previously stated, you should bring your driver’s license with you. Most Hawaii car rental companies require proof that you are able to legally drive in the United States. Proof of car insurance may also be required or at least recommended.

Of course, it is important to pack clothes for your trip. When doing so, be sure to check the weather forecast for your Hawaii destination. This allows you to pack accordingly. When packing your clothes, it is important to keep fees in mind. There are many airlines that now charge an additional fee for a second bag of checked luggage. If you gain access to a washer or dryer, it may be best to pack light and quickly wash your clothes. Be sure to bring a light jacket, you will most likely need at some point during your vacation.

In addition to clothing, it is also important to pack items and supplies that are used for recreational activities. Hawaii is known for is great beach activities. These activities include sunbathing, swimming, boating, fishing, surfing, and snorkeling. If you plan to participate in these activities, you will need to bring a swimsuit and a beach towel with you. Even if you opt for land based activities, like hiking, camping, or horseback riding, comfortable clothes and sneakers are recommended.

It is also important to pack a small amount of toiletries. To save you time, as well as reduce problems at airport security checkpoints, travel size toiletries are recommended. Most department stores sell these convenient travel sizes. Deodorant, shampoo, soap, and toothpaste is recommended. Although your hotel or vacation resort may provide you with some small toiletries, there are no guarantees. And, these items are often expensive to purchase in popular vacation destinations.

The above mentioned items are all must haves that you should bring with you on your next trip to Hawaii. To help ensure you are fully prepared for your trip, you should create a luggage checklist for yourself. Check off each item as you pack it and you should arrive at your destination with everything you need.

The island activities around Oahu range from surfing lessons and canoeing to swimming with the dolphins and scuba diving. No matter what you or your family like to do on vacation, you can find something for everyone on Oahu island.

Adventure
Those that like adventure can choose from a wide variety of water sports and land activities on Oahu. If you would like to spend your vacation in or near the water, you should try surfing, scuba diving, or windsurfing. The land activities here include hiking through rain forests, biking along the mountain ranges, even parachuting.

If you happen to be staying on Waikiki Beach, there are many shops that rent outrigger canoes, surf boards, and other gear on the beach. You can even go to the Kapiolani Park for tennis, archery, and even jogging.

Romance
Romantic vacations on Oahu Island range from renewing your wedding vows to luxurious beach service at one of the several hotels. If you’ve never tasted pink beer or champagne, Mai Tai Bar is the place you should check out.

If you would rather stay in a more secluded area, Kahala Mandarin Oriental is 10 minutes away from Waikiki Beach and offers a long sandy beach, great service, and swimming with the dolphins – which is something everyone is sure to enjoy.

Family beach vacations
Oahu is a destination that offers many different activities for the entire family. You can choose from children programs at Waikiki Beach hotels, hands on programs, and a variety of water sports. The Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium, and the See Life Park of Hawaii are just a few of the attractions the whole family can enjoy together.

The Waikiki Beach is shallow and water is calm almost year round, especially in the winter months when the surf stays under three feet. There are certain parts of the beach that have a life guard on duty watching over swimmers and surfers.

Culture
If you are interested in Hawaiian culture on your beach vacation, Oahu Island offers a selection of museums, historical attractions, and several exhibits. With several villages and culture exhibits, you can learn anything you desire about the culture of Hawaii.

When the time comes for your beach vacation, the island of Oahu is a dream come true. The entire family will love it here, with the island also being perfect for just a lovers vacation. If you’ve never had the pleasure of going to Hawaii – there is no better time than now.