Kayaking Hawaii can be as peaceful as a solitary paddle trip along a tranquil river or as wild as a rough ocean adventure. Popular kayaking destinations can be found on Kauai, Maui and Molokai. Some of the most beautiful areas in Hawaii are extremely difficult to access via land but kayaking gives paddlers immediate access to appreciate and enjoy nature's beauty.

Kauai is the only Hawaiian island with a river suitable river for kayaking. Wailua River on the eastern side of the island is a favored destination. The right side of the river is reserved for kayaking.

Wailua River Valley was once reserved for royalty. It is still considered sacred and special by many. The river is typically gentle with little current.

Lush tropical foliage, beautiful exotic blooming flowers, ancient ruins, sacred waterfalls, old Hawaiian villages, pristine canyons and tropical rain forests are just a portion of the scenic beauty kayakers can experience.
Several tour companies operate in the region. Single, double, and triple kayaks are available for rent. The Secret Falls and Fern Grotto are popular Hawaii kayaking destinations.

There are times when access to one or more areas (such as the grotto) is restricted but there's so much more to see that kayakers aren't left with time on their hands.

Maui kayaking tours include beginner tours, Makena tours and Honolua Bay tours. Kayak surfing tours are available and at least one tour company welcomes physically challenged kayakers.

Kayaking Makena Landing gives paddlers the opportunity to see turtles, eels, octopus, reef sharks, tropical fish and
occasionally whales or dolphins.

The secluded and beautiful Pali Sea Cliff area features rugged shoreline, sharp sea cliffs and stunning coral reefs. Hawaiian green sea turtles are a highlight of kayaking Makena Bay.

Honolua Bay is a marine reserve. The coral reef teems with fish. Kayaking here does require paddling into moderately strong trade winds.

Kayaking Hawaii's Molokini Crater allows kayakers to access areas powerboats can get to. Some of the island's most spectacular sea life is said to be found here.

Molokai is best reserved for experienced kayakers. Ocean swells and rough waves make paddling too difficult and dangerous for beginners. The island's undeveloped north shore may be paddled from east to west but kayakers rarely paddle the return route. Ten mile-per-hour winds make the trip a rough one.

Kayaking Hawaii's Kona coast gives paddlers the opportunity to explore Kealakekua Bay, Keahou, Ho'okena, Honaunau and Kailua.

Kealakekua Bay is the most protected deep water bay and is designated a Marine Life Conservation District. The Bay was the home of many Hawaiian Chiefs and is where Captain Cook landed. A Captain Cook monument stands there today.
Across the bay, kayakers will find pristine reefs where over 250 species of fish have been identified. Glass kayaks can be rented in Kona, making kayaking Hawaii a truly amazing and different experience.

Keahuou Bay, birthplace of Kamehameha the great, boasts calm waters. Kayakers paddling along the south cliffs will pass sea caves. One of the sea caves can often be entered by kayak, making for a unique Hawaiian kayaking experience.

Kayaking Hawaii can be a tranquil experience or an adrenalin rush. From tropical waterfalls to rushing rapids, from sea caves to historical ruins, paddlers can choose the perfect kayak trip.

One of the best things about taking a Caribbean cruise is the fact there's really no time of year that's bad to go. With typically balmy, tropical weather any time of the year, this region is home to some of the world's most famous cruise destinations.

With a sprinkling of islands both big and small, some of the major draws of the Caribbean include Antigua, Barbados, St. Kitts, Aruba and more. Plus, there are the rich Mayan influences in the Western Caribbean, the warm tropical breezes and the storied turquoise waters.

Cruising the Caribbean is ideal year-round, but those who choose to go between June 1 and November 30 need to keep their eyes peeled to weather reports. The Caribbean is susceptible to the threats posed by Hurricane Season each year, but this in and of itself is no reason to stay clear of booking trips during this timeframe.

Cruises are especially great ways to navigate the Caribbean during the peak of Hurricane Season, since the cruise lines will do all they can to ensure the safety of their passengers and their ships if danger appears.

Hurricanes, unlike other storms, are trackable and they're relatively easy for big ships, like cruise lines, to avoid completely. With more than enough notice, cruise ships make sure their guests and their ships are well out of harm's way if something does happen.

Unlike those who fly into the Caribbean and who might get grounded if a storm's coming, cruise ship passengers can be assured their floating hotel will make a wide berth for a storm, helping those onboard avoid waylays and even being stuck in the region should a storm strike.

Although it's more than possible for a hurricane to come through the Caribbean and put a dent in vacation plans, this region is fairly safe to visit during the season. There are some things passengers should know about hurricanes and traveling during their season, however:
* Hurricane season is not the peak for Caribbean travel. Since some are scared away by storms that may never form, the prices during this time can be more than reasonable. This is great for those who want to see the islands without having to pay full price.
* Destinations can get shuffled. Since storms can and do strike from time to time, those traveling during the season may find their plans can get altered if a storm strikes, but the cruise ships and their crews will do all that's possible to ensure guests still have the time of their lives.
* If something does happen while on a cruise, it's imperative for guests to pay heed to captain's instructions. If a destination is skipped due to an impending storm, it's for the safety of passengers, not to rain on anyone's parade. Listen to instructions and follow them carefully.

Cruising the Caribbean is generally an activity that can take place year-round with great results. There are some major cost-savings advantages to going during hurricane season, but guests should be mindful of possible changes in plans and be willing to be flexible for safety's sake.

One of the best things about taking a Caribbean cruise is the fact there's really no time of year that's bad to go. With typically balmy, tropical weather any time of the year, this region is home to some of the world's most famous cruise destinations.

With a sprinkling of islands both big and small, some of the major draws of the Caribbean include Antigua, Barbados, St. Kitts, Aruba and more. Plus, there are the rich Mayan influences in the Western Caribbean, the warm tropical breezes and the storied turquoise waters.

Cruising the Caribbean is ideal year-round, but those who choose to go between June 1 and November 30 need to keep their eyes peeled to weather reports. The Caribbean is susceptible to the threats posed by Hurricane Season each year, but this in and of itself is no reason to stay clear of booking trips during this timeframe.

Cruises are especially great ways to navigate the Caribbean during the peak of Hurricane Season, since the cruise lines will do all they can to ensure the safety of their passengers and their ships if danger appears.

Hurricanes, unlike other storms, are trackable and they're relatively easy for big ships, like cruise lines, to avoid completely. With more than enough notice, cruise ships make sure their guests and their ships are well out of harm's way if something does happen.

Unlike those who fly into the Caribbean and who might get grounded if a storm's coming, cruise ship passengers can be assured their floating hotel will make a wide berth for a storm, helping those onboard avoid waylays and even being stuck in the region should a storm strike.

Although it's more than possible for a hurricane to come through the Caribbean and put a dent in vacation plans, this region is fairly safe to visit during the season. There are some things passengers should know about hurricanes and traveling during their season, however:
* Hurricane season is not the peak for Caribbean travel. Since some are scared away by storms that may never form, the prices during this time can be more than reasonable. This is great for those who want to see the islands without having to pay full price.
* Destinations can get shuffled. Since storms can and do strike from time to time, those traveling during the season may find their plans can get altered if a storm strikes, but the cruise ships and their crews will do all that's possible to ensure guests still have the time of their lives.
* If something does happen while on a cruise, it's imperative for guests to pay heed to captain's instructions. If a destination is skipped due to an impending storm, it's for the safety of passengers, not to rain on anyone's parade. Listen to instructions and follow them carefully.

Cruising the Caribbean is generally an activity that can take place year-round with great results. There are some major cost-savings advantages to going during hurricane season, but guests should be mindful of possible changes in plans and be willing to be flexible for safety's sake.

When it comes to a stereotypical Caribbean paradise, St. Kitts and Nevis fit the bill. Offering the allure of tropical rainforests and even a dormant volcano to heighten the scenery, this area is a favorite for passionate visitors of the area. The landscape alone makes the two neighboring islands stand out as slightly different in the region, but there are still plenty of major Caribbean draws here, too.

Mount Liamuiga is the volcano that stands almost dead center in St. Kitts. Like something out of a movie, this pristine landscape feature is surrounded by some of the regions most lush tropical vegetation. The image is more at home in the South Pacific, but visitors to St. Kitts will find it here, as well.

Nevis, too, is a great destination that often draws ecotourists. This type of travel, whether visitors arrive by plane or cruise ship, involves going to see ecological hotspots. Nevis and St. Kitts in all their natural glory fit the bill to a perfect T.

And while the landscape on St. Kitts and Nevis is a little more lush, a little more tropical and perhaps a little more Hollywood perfect than in other Caribbean locations, this area does share a lot of similarities with its neighbors. Found here, of course, are the pristine blue waters and white sandy beaches so famous in the region.

St. Kitts and Nevis were both part of the British holdings in the region. They were used for growing sugar and St. Kitts even became the home of a British base with the fortress building taking place at Brimstone Hill.

The island of St. Kitts is fairly tiny, but Nevis its neighbor even smaller. Kitts comes in at 68 square miles while Nevis falls in at a teeny 36. Despite their size, these two islands pack a collective punch in the tourist industry. The beaches, diving adventures, history and the 79 degree average temperatures are ideal for vacationers no matter the time of year.

Like two side by side jewels in the Caribbean, St. Kitts and Nevis are unusual in appearance, but offer everything the region is famous for and then some.

Cruise ship passengers who visit this area can expect to have the chance to take part in a wide array of activities. From fishing trips and golf to hiking, biking and diving, it's all available on these two islands. Plus, with their sizes as they are, it's not hard to see it all on St. Kitts and Nevis.

The Southern Caribbean's island draws are so impressive, songs have been made to honor them. With Aruba, Antigua and Barbados just being a few of the many island possibilities for cruise ship passengers to see, it's no wonder this portion of the Caribbean is famed for being a favorite for tourists.

While each island in the Caribbean has its own distinct and rich history and geographical draws, they all share quite a lot in common as well. The islands in the Southern Caribbean are famous for their beautiful white, sandy beaches, tropical climates and pristine waters. Offering visitors a whole host of shore activities, the Southern Caribbean is one of the most popular parts of the region for vacationers.

In addition to the tropical beaches, the island of Antigua, for example, offers visitors a whole host of other adventures. There's cricket, hiking, golfing, biking and even bird watching. Water lovers will find windsurfing, diving, snorkeling and more available, as well. Plus, there are historical destinations, shopping and dining all available.

Cruise ship passengers will find themselves privy to a number of tours if they choose to disembark on the island of Antigua. These include tours of Jumby Bay, hiking excursions, historical tours and more. Cultural experiences are also possible to explore.

The history of this particular island is rich. Visitors will get to see areas touched by the British Royal Navy, the Arawak Indians and more. Plus, there's Shirley Heights Lookout to see and Nelson's Dockyard on this island richly influenced by both British and African settlers.

Visitors to other Southern/Eastern Caribbean islands will find a host of other activities just awaiting their arrival. From rum distillery tours on Barbados to Martinique's botanical gardens, there's a paradise to see seen in the Caribbean.

Cruise ship travel to the Caribbean is perhaps one of the best ways to get a feel for the islands. By visiting several ports of call in most general trips, cruise passengers get to see and explore a little more than those who head specifically to one island or another. The trips give passengers the best of both worlds while ensuring plenty of access to off board excursions so guests can get a real flavor of the islands.

The Southern Caribbean is home to a whole host of islands, each distinct in its roots and draws, but all quintessential in their tropical styling.