Travelers booking cheap vacation deals in Hawaii during the spring can soak in the rich island culture at the annual Merrie Monarch Festival, a week-long celebration from April 8-14, 2012. The spectacle first spread joy to Hawaiians in 1964, and preserved and promoted the art of hula and the native heritage through education every year since. Individuals of all ages are invited to share their knowledge of the art of ancient and modern hula.

Consisting of art exhibits, craft fairs, demonstrations, performances and a parade, the festival leaves little room for idle time among its anxious guests. The most anticipated event of the entire festival is the three-day hula competition, a celebration that honors the island’s history and culture to future Hawaiian generations.

The preparation for the Hawaiian dance festival is much longer than the seven-day period of celebration. Hula studios and instructors in Hawaii and on the U.S. mainland hold seminars and workshops year-round to teach the art of hula, native chants, Hawaiian clothing, the language and overall history of the people.

The festival dedicates its celebration each year to King David Kalakaua, who claimed the Hawaiian Kingdom throne in 1874 until his death in 1891. Known as the Merrie Monarch, the ruler cherished the arts and restored cultural traditions during his reign. Thousands of participants join in the hula celebration each year and those who book vacation rentals on Hilo in Hawaii can learn from new and old generations of Hawaii’s rich history of music and dance.

The Panaewa Rain Forest Zoo is located in Hilo, Hawaii, and is the residence of the white Bengal tiger, Namaste. The blue-eyed, massive feline brings tourists and island residents to the park regularly, and is a must-see when visitors book vacation rentals at Hawaii’s Big Island.

Namaste, which is a Sanskrit word that loosely translates to “aloha” and also a common greeting in Hindu culture, was donated to the rainforest zoo by a Las Vegas magician named Dirk Arthur. Those who visit Panaewa Zoo can stop by Namaste’s enclosed habitat and watch his daily feeding at 3:30.

While the future for tigers in their natural habitats is at risk – with three of the original eight races now extinct – the Indian, or Bengal, tiger is the best situated of the races, with 3,000-5,000 still surviving in the world. Overall, the condition of tigers is a declining one, as they are considered an endangered species.

A variety of other rainforest and endangered Hawaiian animals populate the zoo, including spider monkeys, lemurs, the Hawaiian state bird – the nene geese – and over 80 other species. The zoo covers 12 acres and is open daily to visiting animal lovers and vacationers with timeshare rentals on the islands of Hawaii.

If you’re looking to spend a vacation in one of the many timeshare rentals in the Aloha State, you may want to first read up on the best spots to relax on the fine golden sand of Hawaii’s beaches.

Makena Beach, also known as “Big Beach,” is a protected beach in Maui that is a favorite of locals and exploratory tourists. Located just two miles from Sea Village Resort, the 3,000-foot long and 100-foot wide stretch of sparkling sand is away from the bustling development of central Maui, making it one of the least crowded beaches in the area.

This stunning stretch of coastline has great waves for body surfing, according to Frommer’s travel guide, and is repeatedly rated one of the most beautiful and beloved beaches of Maui.

Continue north along Makena Beach, hike over the lava outcropping of the tip of Pu’u Ola’i and you will have made your way to Little Beach. One thing to keep in mind when visiting this tiny secluded stretch of sand is it is the only beach in Maui where clothing is optional, although public nudity is technically illegal in Hawaii.

If you plan to book your stay at Sea Village Resort or other nearby vacation rentals, don’t miss out on the exquisite beauty of Maui’s prized beaches.

Book your Hawaiian Vacation rental and experience the best Hawaii Beaches

For a nightly rental stay in Oahu, your perfect day excursion can be at Kualoa Ranch, jam-packed with excitement and fun that the whole family can remember fondly. Kualoa Ranch, a nearly 200-year old, 4,000-acre cattle ranch, is one of the island’s most prominent tourist attractions. Films such as Jurassic Park, Pearl Harbor, 50 First Dates and TV shows such as Lost have been shot at the location.

In its early years, ancient Hawaiians considered Kualoa Ranch one of the most sacred places on Oahu island. Royal families used the land as a training ground for instruction in the arts of war, history and social traditions. The current owners of the land aim to respect and honor it in the same manner as the ancient royalty of the island.

Upon arriving at the ranch, families can choose from a selection of activities to partake in throughout the day, including ATV adventures, boat rides, beach tours, jungle journeys and guides to movie sites.

A lunch buffet breaks up the event-filled day, and tourists can enjoy their meals on the comfortable porch of the ranch house before finishing up their schedule of tours.

There are plenty of things to do in Hawaii. Plan your Hawaiian vacation rental and experience the best Hawaii beaches.

Travelers staying in a Honolulu vacation rental can attend the Honolulu Festival, a celebration of Hawaiian culture set to be held from March 11-13, 2011.

The annual event teaches locals and visitors about Hawaii’s diversity and the state’s links to the Pacific Rim region. One of the festival’s most popular attractions is its series of dance performances and art demonstrations. Artisans and dancers from Japan, Australia, Tahiti, the Philippines, Taiwan, Korea, Hawaii and the rest of the United States attend the celebration to share their traditional culture.

On Saturday and Sunday, visitors to the festivals can also learn about ancient and modern Japanese culture at a pair of exhibits. The Ennichi Corner teaches guests about the Japanese holy day marked by visits to shrines, while the Anime Corner allows travelers to see the country’s trademark animation style.

The festival concludes with the Grand Parade, which draws thousands of onlookers to Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki. Following the parade, celebrants head to Waikiki Beach, where the festival stages a spectacular fireworks show.

Find great deals on Hawaiian vacation packages today!

This spring and summer, travelers looking to have some fun in the sun should book a Hawaii vacation rental and spend some quality time relaxing in the Aloha State.

Because of its location in the tropics, Hawaii usually has temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. Spring and summer mark the beginning of the dry season, however, leading to less rain, milder winds and calmer seas – a combination that makes for better swimming, snorkeling and diving.

The slightly drier weather makes spring and summer an ideal time for outdoor activities, whether that means relaxing on the beach or going hiking on one of Hawaii’s many picturesque jungle trails. Other popular outdoor activities that pick up in the summer months include mountain biking and camping.

One of the state’s signature attractions is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The park, which was deemed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, includes two of the most active volcanoes on the planet, and visitors are able to see glowing lava flows up close as they learn about the geological processes that formed the Hawaiian Islands.

When looking for some warm sun and sand, think about a Hawaiian Vacation

Snorkel Gear

Selecting proper fitting and quality snorkel gear will make all the difference in creating an epic snorkeling adventure.

• A Proper Fit: visit one of Kauai’s many dive or surf shops and buy/rent gear which fits properly A Good
• A Good Seal: select a mask which seals to your face even without the strap. Vaseline can help minimize mustache leaks (rub around the seal where the mask contacts your mustache)
• Glasses or Contacts: request a mask with corrective lenses
• Keep Warm: if you chill easily a wetsuit top (wind shirt) can keep you warm
• Get Rid of Fog: soap keeps the fog factor down for maximum visibility. Wash the inside glass of your mask with soap and rinse thoroughly.

Find the Right Location

When and where you snorkel will make a major difference. Preferably, you are looking for calm waters without waves that are protected by reefs. These tropical reefs and corals are where the colorful fish live, so that’s where you’ll want to go. Always check for current ocean conditions before entering the water.

Technique: Just Relax

Proper technique will make you a better snorkeler. If you’re a beginner, you may want to seek instructions from a land based or boat based snorkeling tour. Often times, these companies will provide the snorkeling gear for you.

• Just Float:  you will surely find that your body wants to float on the surface, start in shallow water and get used to floating while breathing through the snorkel.
• Gentle Motion: simply float and kick gently to move around, waving your arms in the water can startle the fish.
• Snorkels Clear: if your snorkel fills with water, don’t worry. Just clear if with a strong blast of air. Practice  in shallow water.

Glass Beach: One of the most unique beaches in all of Hawaii. The entire far side of the beach is filled with smooth, polished pieces of glass.

Ha’ean Beach: The swimming here is very hazardous as there is no reef to slow down the wave action. There is also a deep drop off just offshore.

Hanakapi’ai Beach: This beach is 2-miles down the popular Kalalau Trail. All beaches along the Na Pali Coast are treacherous and swimming in not adviseable any time of the year.

Hanalei Bay Beach: The entire Hanalei Bay is ringed with a white sand beach. The surrounding mountains embrace this bay and, in the early morning when the ocean is like glass, it mirrors the beauty of the cliffs.

Po’ipu Beach: Po’ipu is the major beach on the South Shore. Swimming here is almost always safe especially on the left side of the beach. A small strip of sand divides this section of the beach from the rest.

Polihale State Beach Park: The last beach on the road, this is Kauai’s westernmost point. It is an extension of Barking Sands Beach making it Hawaii’s longest beach with 17 miles of sparking white sand!

Pu’u Poa Beach: This great, white sand beach is located in front of the Princeville Hotel. Swimming is seasonal – best during the summer when the surf is usually calm.

Salt Pond Beach Park: This is the only natural salt pond in the state still used today by descendents of ancient Hawaiians to make sea salt. Do not enter the salt-making area without permission.

Shipwreck Beach: This beach was named for an old, wooden shipwreck that has long since disappeared. The hill is a lithified sand dune called Makawehi Point and is a popular fishing site.

Kauai: A Historical Perspective

Kauai’s heritage is one of fascinating folklore steeped in rich history. Blazing flames erupted deep in the heart of the Pacific Ocean and ravaged high above to create many atolls (fringing coral reef) and islands. One of these islands that formed was named Kauai. It is believed that from destruction comes serenity and beauty, and Kaui’s birth is a true example.

Kauai’s first settlers appeared in approximately the fifth century A.D. to be among the privileged few to set eyes on the earliest of the Hawaiian islands in its most genuine form. The adventurous settlers brought basic food items, among them taro, which is used to make poi and is today considered a highlight at Hawaiian luaus.

Centuries passed before Captain James Cook found Kauai on his voyage to Alaska. He first landed in Waimea and even visited the private island, Niihau, which is part of Kauai County. Kauai  was also the only island not conquered by force by King Kamehameha I, who conquered all the other Hawaiian islands.

Wyndham Bali Hai Resort in Kauai, Princeville

Why Kauai?

Living the (tropical) American Dream Aloha! This is such a warm and welcoming word that inspires honeymooners, families and singles to plan a trip to the beautiful state of Hawaii. You can combine the island dream — palm trees swaying in balmy breezes, fresh fish and macadamias galore, sandy beaches ending in bright blue seas — with American exclusivity.

Yet with so many options, how do you choose the perfect Hawaiian adventure? With consideration to all Hawaiian destinations, Kauai has been coined as the America’s Pacific paradise.  Kauai continues to offer the most affordable vacation for those who want to experience the beauty of Hawaii but not the empty pocket syndrome at the end of their stay. With the current state of the American economy, this is without a doubt the best reason to plan a trip to Kauai.  And memories can be made and shared without breaking the bank.

Below are a few fun facts about Kauai and what it offers the experienced and novice traveler. Mahalo!

Facts of Life in Kauai

• Population of main town, Lihu’e: 5,674
• Travel from U.S. mainland: Non-stop flights available; about six hours from LAX
• Closest hospital: Lihu’e
• Languages: English
• Ease of immigration: Couldn’t be easier.
• Website: kauaidiscovery.com
• Population of Island: 63,000