6 of the World's Best Places to Do Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Stand up paddleboarding, also known as SUP, has taken the watersports world by storm. It has attracted a lot of people not just because of the workout you get from it but also because of the enjoyment of the sport. It is just like surfing but without the waves and like kayaking while standing up. Plus, it doesn’t feel like working out at all.

Paddleboarding is best done on calm and flat water, especially if you’re still learning the sport. But if you’ve already taken lessons and can manage paddleboarding by yourself, then just paddleboard your way towards these great places around the world.

Oahu, Hawaii. Hawaii is known for waves that are ideal for surfing. It’s also a place that is worth visiting if you’re into paddleboarding. There is a flat water area at Puaena Point at Hale’iwa Beach Park for those who are still learning the sport. The waves are also a lot calmer, especially during the summer time. You can do stand-up surfing as well as SUP yoga and it’s easy to get lessons and paddling gear.

California. When paddleboarding in California, go to Santa Cruz or at Lake Tahoe. The Santa Cruz wharf is great for beginners. You do have to expect to share the space with surfers, however. The harbor is also a good place to learn the sport. Lake Tahoe offers crystal clear waters and a breathtaking view of nature. You can paddleboard on the North Shore’s calm waters. Beginners can enjoy the flat water and light winds by paddling in the morning or early in the evening.

Bali, Indonesia. You don’t need to choose a season to travel to Bali since you can paddleboard all year-round. The Medewi and Balian beaches in the north offer calmer waters and are less crowded. There’s plenty to do while you’re here aside from paddleboarding. You can go hiking, climbing, trekking, and even diving. It’s a nature lover’s paradise.

The Turks and Caicos Islands. There’s nothing like the turquoise waters of these islands. The Turks and Caicos Islands have crystal clear waters with reefs that are teeming with life. Take advantage of the island’s trade winds and practice downwind paddling or flat-water paddling and head to the mangrove swamps. There are paddleboard tours being offered that allow you to tour the islands just by being on your paddleboard. Plus, paddle in the open shallow waters and enjoy watching the fish, sharks, and stingrays as you paddle along. Head to the clear and calm waters of Grace Bay or go to Big Blue Unlimited for a paddleboard tour.

Perth, Australia. Being surrounded by waters, there’s no doubt Australia is included in the best places to paddleboard. Get your gear ready and proceed to Perth, Australia. Swan River’s flat waters are a great spot for beginners. You can also enjoy the shores, gentle waves, and the relaxing paddle boarding experience of Cottesloe Beach.

Mexico. Mexico has great places for paddleboarding whether you’re on the Pacific Ocean side or on the Gulf of Mexico. Sayulita, Cancun, and Punta Mita are some examples. There’s a big community of paddleboarders in Sayulita and you could go and catch SUP retreats hosted by many SUP professionals. And of course, there’s no shortage of lessons, guides, and gear rentals in the area.

USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor

The USS Arizona Memorial is the final resting place for the 1,177 crewmen who lost their lives on December 7th, 1941 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The USS Arizona was the most damaged ship in Battleship Row on that fateful day. For GPS Users: 1 Arizona Memorial Place in Honolulu, Hawaii 96818.

The memorial site is open year-round but closed on Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. This is a totally 100% free attraction for you to visit in Honolulu. Admission is free and special event tickets are FREE but given out on a first come, first served basis.

One area of this memorial site that gets a lot of attention by visitors in the USS Arizona Memorial Wall. This special wall lists the names of all of the crewmen who lost their lives on that fateful day in December of 1941. It's very humbling to stand in front of that wall and read off the names of those who perished.

The 184-foot-long Memorial structure spanning the mid-portion of the sunken battleship consists of three main sections: the entry and assembly rooms; a central area designed for ceremonies and general observation; and the shrine room (shown in the photo above) with the names on the memorial wall.

There is a lot to see and take in when visiting this memorial site and I do suggest that you allow at least 2 hours if you fully want to experience it. There are interpretive programs, a short documentary film and tours available...all are free to visitors. After you are done at the visitor's center you will board a Navy Shuttle Boat which will take you out to the actual memorial itself.

You can learn more about Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial by visiting their site online. You will find a complete schedule of events, hours of operation and a brief history of the memorial site. This is definitely one place you need to see when visiting Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

Note: You can click on any image in this travel blog post feature. It will automatically open up into a slide show so that all images can be viewed in a larger size. Nice way to see close-up details.

Kauai in Hawaii - A Beautiful Travel Destination

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Great Vacation Retreats. All opinions are 100% mine.

Back when I was in my early 20's I had the pleasure to visit the island of Kauai in Hawaii and now that I am married I would like to visit again since my husband has never had the pleasure of visiting any of the beautiful islands of Hawaii.

Now that we are talking about taking a 2 week trip to Hawaii we have been looking into the beautiful Puu Poa Condos which sit up on a cliff overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean. If you are going to travel, you my as well do it in style and stay in an affordable luxurious condo!

One of the things that attracts me to the island of Kauai is the beautiful scenery but that is not all that attracts me to it. This island has very friendly locals and tons of land, water and air activities for you and your family to enjoy. One of these days I would love to take a helicopter tour around Kauai as I think that would be totally enjoyable and I know my husband would love that too!

Since my husband loves to play golf you can find numerous golf courses on Kauai that are challenging and the scenery surrounding these golf courses is just amazing! After a few rounds of golf you can wine and dine in the country club and do a little relaxing.

There are Great Vacation Retreats on the beautiful island of Kauai so I hope the next time you are planning a trip to Hawaii that you will consider visiting Kauai as I think you will absolutely love it there.

Oahu Resort Reviews: The Kahala Hotel and Resort in Hawaii

Oahu Resort Reviews: The Kahala Hotel and Resort
By Patrick Remington

When looking for Oahu resorts for Hawaiian vacations, you could do worse than The Kahala Hotel and Resort. This hotel offers premium amenities and excellent service. It is also a better deal than similar Oahu resorts.

About The Kahala Hotel and Resort

Located just ten minutes from the incredible center for shopping entertainment of Waikiki, The Kahala Hotel and Resort is a reigning luxury resort. It is a favorite resort among international royalty, presidents, and celebrities on Hawaii vacations, so you know it must be a special place.

The Kahala Hotel and Resort is right on the beach, so you can enjoy Hawaii's famous warm ocean waters and cooling breezes. It is only one mile from the Kahala Mall, 20 minutes drive to the airport, and seven miles to the Ala Moana Center.

Things to Do in Oahu

There are many things to do in Oahu, starting with The Kahala Hotel and Resort's outdoor pool. This pool has a swim-up bar and Beach Butler service, a children's section, and a Jacuzzi.

If you would prefer to swim in the Pacific Ocean, that is quite enjoyable, too. There are a myriad of water sports available, including complimentary snorkeling. For an additional fee guests can try surfing, Jet Skis, or paddle boats, and fishing is always a great way to unwind.

Speaking of unwinding, the Ala Wai, Koolau, Hawaii Kai, and Hawaii Prince golf courses are all close to this Oahu resort and very relaxing. Each is a professional, 18-hole course set against the back-drop of the Oahu landscape.

Additionally, guests can enjoy horseback riding, tennis, massages, mani/pedis, and facials.

Dining Options

There are five restaurants to choose between at The Kahala Hotel and Resort. The Veranda is adjacent to the lobby and offers afternoon tea, snacks, and evening cocktails. Tokyo Tokyo, serves, well, Japanese cuisine, obviously, with an open Sushi bar to boot. Hoku's Restaurant is award-winning, offering Oahu's most innovative dining options while guests can enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific. Plumeria Beach House is an open air cafe with buffets for all three meals. Finally, Seaside Grill serves sandwiches, seafood, salads, and tropical fruity drinks at beach side tables.

More Amenities at The Kahala Hotel and Resort

The Keiki Club is a children's program that will babysit the little ones while parents escape for a relaxing day at the spa. At the Keiki club, they will have fun with hula dancing, lei making, kite flying, beach activities, fish prints, leaf prints, scavenger hunts, shell art, puppet making and more.

Patrick Remington is a freelance writer who's got a lot of info on travel destinations and all inclusive vacation packages.