Hawaii beach vacations can never be complete without a visit to the attractive Hanauma Bay. A marine embayment formed as a result of a volcanic cone as part of the Koolau Range, Hanauma Bay is a sheltered cove that serves as both a scenic beach and nature preserve. As a Marine Life Conservation District, Hanauma Bay Beach Park is different from most other beaches by requiring visitors to abide by certain rules and regulations to protect the present wildlife. Visitors are not allowed to touch, walk on, or otherwise contact coral as well as various other forms of marine and ocean life – animals and plants. Green sea turtles, known in Hawaii as “honu,” also frequent Hanauma Bay.

Planning the perfect beach vacation is a difficult, yet possible task. It just takes time and effort to seek out the best beaches and organize activities and transportation around a busy schedule. However, any planning that goes into a beach vacation will be well worth the trouble. There is no adventure better than feeling cool oceanic waters lap up on the shore or watching dolphins frolic in the distance or hosting a sand castle building contest within the family.

If you are a high school student in grades 9-12 and you wish to play an active roll in helping to preserve Hawaii’s environment and future as a sustainable city, consider joining the 21^st Century Ahupua’a Youth Ambassadors. The ambassadors are a group of high school students from all over Oahu created under a program created by Mayor Mufi Hanneman known as the 21^st Century Ahupua’a, a program that pushes for Honolulu becoming an environmentally friendly and sustainable city that will serve as a role model for other cities to follow. By joining this program, youth will learn about numerous environmental issues related to Hawaii including alternative energy, pollution, and other environmental concerns, as well as those related to Hawaii’s water supply.

As a member of this group, ambassadors have the opportunity to take part in community service projects, as well as go on excursions to places such as the Board of Water Supply’s Halawa Shaft, Coconut Island, and much more. Members also have the unique opportunity to share their ideas and knowledge gained from activities with the mayor, as well as the community during the group’s annual Youth Summit. Becoming a member of this group will allow you to become a responsible citizen of Hawaii who will be able to guide Honolulu and the rest of Hawaii to becoming environmentally responsible.