"Like the wise old Chinese, I swim only when the sea welcomes me." -Jimmy Choo

If you're going to Hawaii, hopefully, you'll find that the sea welcomes you because there are so many great activities that you must try in Hawaii. The ocean is warm throughout the year, so it's the perfect time to get in the water.

Not the type of person to don a suit and jump right in? There are still ways that you can enjoy the ocean.

Here are some of the best ocean activities in Hawaii:

Snorkeling.

Snorkeling is an easy way to "get your feet wet". It's easy enough that anyone can do it and it's a great way to get in touch with some of the local wildlife. One of the best places to go snorkeling is Hanauma Bay. It's a wildlife preserve and the staff takes great care to ensure that the volcanic crater retains its beauty. If you want to get away from the hoardes of tourists, check out Lanikai Beach, close to Kailua. On a weekday, you may be able to have the whole beach to yourself.

Surfing.

If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, you may want to give surfing a try. The waves around Waikiki Beach are usually tame, which makes it easy for beginners to catch their first wave. Beware of the North Shore waves during the wintertime. They can easily reach 9 feet or more. It's best to leave those for the professionals.

Swimming.

Maybe you were looking for a bit more relaxation. If that's the case, there's no reason you shouldn't spend your time in Hawaii lounging by the beach and taking the occasional dip.

Kayaking.

Kayaking is another popular ocean activity, especially for those that want a good workout. If you're comfortable doing this on your own, you can simply rent a boat. However, many people prefer to go along with an eco-tour guide who can help to explain the things that ou see.

Boat Ride.

For people that don't want to get wet, there are a number of different types of boat rides you can take. The Screamer is a fast ride on a speed boat for those that enjoy big thrills. Keep things a bit calmer by going on one of the popular sunset dinner cruises. These allow you to comfortably view Hawaii's beauty while enjoying a delicious meal. If you're lucky enough to be in Hawaii December through March, you may even get to see whales and dolphins.

Whatever you do on your tip to Hawaii, it's sure to be memorable when you design your trip around your personal interests. The ocean is calling.

Where to Eat Around Honolulu

While the food on cruise ships is always first class, it's always nice to get off for awhile and experience some of the local cuisine. There's no place better to do this than on the beautiful island of Oahu.

There are many restaurants that are easily accessible from the Honolulu port. You can simply take the bus, a trolley, or a short cab ride to wherever you want to go.

From the cruise ship, you'll be within walking distance of the Aloha Tower Marketplace. This is a small shopping center with several restaurants. They offer some fast-food options as well as sit down restaurants. The Bikini Cantina has Tex-Mex inspired food, while Chai's Island Bistro serves up Thai and Pacific Rim food as Hawaiian musicians entertain. Makino Chaya is a buffet-style restaurant that serves Asian Cuisine. Of course, you can always stop by Hooters for their "hot wings".

If you prefer some of the "tried and true" chain restaurants, take a 5 minute bus ride to the Ala Moana shopping center. Besides a large food court with over 20 choices, you can also stop by the California Pizza Kitchen of Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. This is also a good choice if you're in the mood for Japanese. Check out the talented chefs at Tanaka of Tokyo or make your own teishoku at the Kyoto Osho.

You can find even more fine dining choices if you take a cab ride to nearby Waikiki. Hy's Steak House is an upscale restaurant which features tuxedoed waiters serving the fine cuisine. The buffet at the Pacific Beach Hotel is fun because everyone gets a good view of their large aquarium, home to several native species. Finally, the Hula Grill is another great choice, with their local seafood varieties and views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head.

No matter what your tastes, you're sure to find something that you like on Oahu.

If you're looking for a pre-arranged "Airport Car Package" to pick you up from the airport, then Charley's Taxis offer various options.

They can arrange on-time pickup waiting for you at the baggage claim area for either domestic or international flights, greeting you with a traditional fragrant flower lei ... Depending on the size of your party, you can choose from an executive sedan, minivan or premium limousine. You will need to book in advance if you need a motorcoach or minibus.

You can order this service online at Charley's Taxi.

Another option would be to use the services of Royal Hawaiian Taxi company - click here for their current price list.

... a quick search of Google will reveal many local taxi companies. However, I also believe that if you're visiting Honolulu, you should really try the local bus company. According to one site I found:-

"A much better solution than renting a car is to take advantage of the city's public transit system. Oahu Transit Services or "TheBUS" has been organized with the needs of residents and particularly the visitor in mind making it easy and stress-free to get to and from the Waikiki area to all popular points on the island. The all air-conditioned fleet is easy to find and use. It offers the visitor a taste of what it's like to live on Oahu."