My Favorites in Waikiki

As a travel agent and Hawaii resident, I’m frequently asked for recommendations on great places to see and "must-dos" on Oahu.  Since the majority of hotels on the island are condensed in the small metropolitan beachfront resort area known as Waikiki, a bustling city with endless activities and constant entertainment, many travelers come to the island and never leave the city.   And although Waikiki is a gorgeous, vibrant, and unique metropolis, if you really want to experience Oahu, you need to get out of Waikiki!  Rent a car for a day or two and explore, and you’ll find that the island is so incredibly diverse and has so much to offer, from peaceful white-sand beaches to breathtaking mountain ranges and miles of pineapples fields.

I live on the windward side of the island, in a quaint beach community called Kailua, which sits on what I argue to be one of the most beautiful stretches of paradise in Hawaii.  The trip from Kailua to "Town" (Honolulu and Waikiki), is a short 30-minute drive over the mountains on the Pali Highway, however, many of us rarely leave the comforts of the windward side.  With that said, I love making the trip over the mountains to the big city, and I’ve come up with a list of some of my personal favorite places in Waikiki.

Duke’s Bar & Grill
on the beach at the Outrigger Waikiki is a classic place to start an evening.  Kamaaina (Hawaii residents) and tourists both love the fun atmosphere and nightly entertainment.

The New Waikiki Beachwalk.   This brand new section of Waikiki has several great shops, restaurants, lounges, and galleries.  My absolute favorite is the Yard House - this quaint restaurant/lounge has a huge assortment of beers and great food, especially the "pupus" (appetizers).

Waikiki Beach.  One of my favorite things to do is bring a book and snacks and lounge for a day and watch all the people passing by.  Hawaii is known for the unique blend of all sorts of people, and Waikiki Beach is probably one of the best places to people-watch in the world.

Sunset on the Beach.  On the weekends, FREE movies are shown on a 30-foot wide screen on the end of Waikiki Beach across from the Honolulu Zoo.  Before the movies, there’s live music presented by local musicians and tons of food.  Seats are already set up, or you can bring your own (or a towel) and plop there right on the sand.

Indigo.  If you’re looking for a good martini and a great atmosphere to enjoy nightly entertainment and dancing, make a visit to Indigo, located near the Hawaii Theater.  This funky, hip restaurant also boasts an excellent menu and an extensive wine and drink list as well.

Hau Tree Lanai.  This gourmet beachfront restaurant at the New Otani Hotel, on the Diamond Head end of Waikiki, was my first taste of fine dining on the island when I first moved here, and it’s been my favorite ever since.  The restaurant is romantic and classy, nestled under an enormous Hau Tree.  The view of the sunset past Waikiki is breathtaking and the food will melt in your mouth.  I get hungry just thinking about the Avocado Crab Crusted MahiMahi!!!

I hope this helps get you started on your adventures in Waikiki and urges you to come up with a list of your own special and unique places in the city.  I’d love to hear them!

Abby

Hawaii Aloha Travel
abby@hawaii-aloha.com

NCL - the “Healthy” Hawaii Cruise Ship

The endless buffets, pizza stands open all hours of the night, hours of lounging on white sand beaches sipping Mai Tais - the idea of a cruise vacation normally doesn’t seem to compliment a healthy lifestyle based around smart eating and staying in shape. 

This isn’t so with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), who has partnered with the healthy food magazine (and where I must admit I get many of my "secret" recipes), Cooking Light, to provide healthy meal option onboard the NCL ships.  Since 1999, NCL incorporates appetizer, entree, and dessert recipes provided by Cooking Light into the menus on their ships.  I was so excited when I heard this, considering that NCL is the main cruise line sailing throughout Hawaii and for me, the most familiar and the closest to home.

NCL also offers fitness rooms, tracks, and rock climbing walls, among many other amenities, on their ships so a cruise with NCL doesn’t have to completely sabatoge all of your efforts at staying healthy.

I can’t wait to try the sauteed tilapia with lemon-peppercorn sauce on my next cruise!

Which Hawaiian Island to Visit?

Are you planning a dream vacation to Hawaii but have absolutely no idea which island to choose?

Hawaii is not a single travel destination, but really six different destinations.  The six main Hawaiian islands are Oahu, Kaua’i, Maui, Moloka’i, Lana’i, and the Big Island.  Each island has its own distinct personality, attractions and appeal.  The islands are so diverse that each trip can offer a completely different experience from the last.

With so much available to see and do, a Hawaiian vacation experience can be custom tailored to fit the needs of any particular lifestyle.  By knowing what the various islands have to offer and matching this with your personal desires for your trip, you can ensure to have the vacation experience of a lifetime.

Oahu

This is the "Heart of Hawaii."  And if you’re looking for constant action, against a backdrop of beaches, sun, and fun, this is where you want to be.  And although the bustling city of Waikiki is located here, Oahu is really much, much more.  Unfortunately, however, many visitors to the island only experience Waikiki and leave thinking that this is Oahu.  In addition to Waikiki Beach, the best known stretch of sand in the world and where you can shop, eat, sun, dance, and do basically any activity you desire, the island also offers rainforests, valleys and canyons, waterfalls, coral reefs, gold-sand beaches and mountains nearly a mile high.  The windward (east) coast of the Island has, in my opinion, the most beautiful beaches and best atmosphere in the islands.  But I do live here!

Kaua’i

The "Garden Isle", also known as the "Island of Discovery", Kaua’i is the oldest of the major Hawaiian Islands.  If you’re looking for unsurpassed tropical beauty, and a really relaxed atmosphere, this is the island for you.  The Na Pali Coast on the northwestern shore is comprised of steep 3,000-foot cliffs, beautiful bays, beaches and caves that are only accessible by boat or hiking several miles.  Other areas of the island have lush valleys, taro fields, waterfalls, picturesque resort communities, heiaus (ancient Hawaiian temples), palm-tree lined beaches, and old sugar plantation towns.  On the west side of the island you can find Waimea Canyon, the 10-mile long "Grand Canyon of the Pacific.)  Kaua’i has plenty to offer in regards to activities, including golf, shopping, dining, movies and more, but it also carries a very "untouched" feel as well.

Maui

For first time visitors to the islands, I’d recommend Maui, also known as the "Magic Isle" or "Valley Isle".  Maui has it all - from dormant volcanoes to waterfalls, valleys to lush rainforests, miles of beautiful beaches and lively coral reefs, luxury resorts to moderately-priced condos.  Maui is truly the ideal tropical paradise.  The lively, little town of Lahaina is sprinkled with cute shops, gourmet restaurants, galleries, fun night spots and bars.  And from December through the end of March, visitors get quite a show as the humpback whales play off shore.  And although there are endless options for activities and fun, a secluded beach or cove is never hard to find.

Moloka’i

A trip to Moloka’i is like a step back in time.  If you’re looking for privacy, seclusion, and quiet, you’ll find it here.  The island doesn’t have any stop lights, tall buildings, or night clubs, but it’s rich in cultural history and there’s plenty of natural beauty to explore - the world’s tallest sea cliffs, Hawaii’s tallest waterfall, coral reefs, fishponds, gorgeous valleys, white-sand beaches and sand dunes.  The closest you’ll get to a city is the main town of Kaunakakai, a one-street town with a fishing wharf, gift shops and boutiques.

Lana’i

Lana’i is another option if you’re looking for privacy, seclusion, and quiet, and if cost isn’t an issue.  Lana’i only has two resorts, both luxury 5-star properties owned by Four Seasons.  If you want to spend your days playing golf on superb courses, relaxing on beautiful beaches, and pampering yourself in luxury, Lana’i is a great choice.  The island also appeals to adventure seekers, with plenty of snorkeling and diving opportunities, hunting, hiking, archery, sporting clays, horseback riding and four-wheeling.

Big Island

The Big Island is actually named "Hawai’i," but everyone calls it the "Big Island" to avoid confusion with the name of the entire chain of islands.  The Big Island is home to the only active volcano, and you can theoretically ski and surf in the same day if the conditions are right.  The island is the biggest in Hawai’i in terms of size, and contains a huge contrast of geological landscapes.  The Kohala Coast, on the northwestern side, is where you want to stay if you’re looking for beautiful beaches and perfect weather.  The many luxury resorts located here offer world-class golf courses.  Kailua-Kona and Keauhou are areas located more south on the west coast, and these areas are oceanfront on lava rock, with some of the world’s best snorkeling and deep-sea fishing.  Kailua-Kona is a cute little town.  The sleepy and rainy town of Hilo is on the windward (east) side of the island, and only 40 minutes from Volcanoes National Park, where you can hike to see lava flowing into the sea.

 

For more information on the Hawaiian Islands and to begin planning your trip to Paradise, please contact:

Abby Lapointe

Hawaii Aloha Travel

808-237-5263

abby@hawaii-aloha.com



Pro Bowl Specials!!!

 
I can honestly say that the Pro Bowl is one of my absolute favorite events here in Hawaii and I look forward to it all year!  This is must for football fans!  Check out the special packages below.  I’ll see you there!

Sunday, February 10, 2008 Party hard and cheer on your favorite players!!!


**ALL NFL PRO BOWL VACATION PACKAGES INCLUDE:

  • NFL Pro Bowl game tickets
  • Transfers to and from Aloha Stadium on game day
  • Round-trip airport to hotel transfers
  • Fresh flower lei greeting upon arrival in Hawaii
  • VIP Official NFL Pro Bowl Tailgate Party, including reserved covered seating, drinks, VIP menu, plus mingling with NFL players & cheerleaders

2008 NFL Pro Bowl MVP Package
 
Includes NFL Pro Bowl Vacation Package PLUS:

  • Four nights hotel accommodations.
  • Upper level sideline section game tickets

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . from $919 per person

2008 NFL Pro Bowl PLATINUM Package
Includes NFL Pro Bowl Vacation Package PLUS:

  • Sideline Mauka (sunny side) section game tickets - lower two levels. Makai (shady side) seats for only $10 more.
  • Official VIP Party on Saturday night at The Royal Hawaiian. Includes drinks, food and entertainment.
  • Four nights accommodations at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .from $1669 per person

2008 NFL Pro Bowl PLATINUM PLUS Package
Includes NFL Pro Bowl Vacation Package PLUS:

  • Club Seating Game Tickets.
  • Official VIP Party on Saturday night. Includes drinks, food and entertainment.
  • Welcome Kick-off Reception on Friday Night (2/8/08) with appearances from NFL Players & Cheerleaders. Includes 2 drinks per person, heavy pupus, and entertainment.
  • NFL VIP Gift Bag with promotional logo items.
  • Four nights OCEAN VIEW accommodations at the luxurious Halekulani, a 5-star resort in the heart of Waikiki

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .from $2498 per person

*Airfare not included.  Call today for rates from your city.

Abby Lapointe
Hawaii Aloha Travel
808-237-5263
abby@hawaii-aloha.com

Yacht Adventures in Hawaii

Starting in late 2008 around Christmas time, travelers to Hawaii will be able to experience the islands in a whole new way - aboard a 39-passenger, 150-foot long luxury yacht.

American Safari Cruises, the first company to attempt small-ship cruises in Hawaii in more than two decades, will launch the Safari Explorer, offering eight-day adventure cruises with flexible itineraries that allow guests to linger with whales, race with dolphins, kayak, snorkel, dive and hike, and then savor each moment in comfort and relaxation.  At night, the yacht will anchor in calm bays or historic ports.

The itineraries are one-way between Kailua-Kona on the Big Island and Kahului on Maui, visiting the small islands of Molokai and Lanai as well.  Prices start at $3,995 per person and include exclusive shore excursions, premium wine, beer, and liquor, all meals aboard the ship, kayaking and small boat exploration, airport transfers, and all taxes, port charges and fees.  Airfare must be arranged separately, as well as any pre- or post-night hotel stays on the islands.

For sail dates and reservations, please contact:

Abby Lapointe
Hawaii Aloha Travel
abby@hawaii-aloha.com
808-237-5263

The Perfect Hawaii Golf Vacation


Hawaii is a golfer’s paradise
.  And each of the 4 major islands - Oahu, Maui, Kaua’i, and Hawai’i - offer their own unique courses and experiences.  Why not experience it all?  As the official cruise line of the PGA Tour and Champions Tour, Norwegian Cruise Line offers the golf vacation of a lifetime!

On NCL’s Golf Hawai’i Program, you can play 7 courses on Hawaii’s 4 main islands in 7 days.

The program includes:

  • Access to the best courses in Hawai’i
  • On-board club valet
  • Top of the line Callaway club rentals
  • On-board golf specialist and pro shop
  • Reserved tee times
  • Optional golf tournaments
  • Individual or group lessons and pairing with other players
  • Shoe rental
Norwegian Cruise Line currently operates three cruise ships sailing throughout Hawaii: the Pride of Aloha, the Pride of America, and the Pride of Hawaii.  They all debark and embark in Honolulu.  The Pride of Aloha sails for 10- and 11-days, visiting Fanning Island, in the Republic of Kiribati, on the 11-day cruise.  Rates for an inside stateroom on this ship start as low as $549 per person.

The Pride of America departs Honolulu every Saturday for a 7-day cruise. This ship usually prices a little higher than the Pride of Aloha, however, special promotions are going on right now for certain sailings as low as $499 per person, oceanview from $699, balcony from $949, and suites from $1,899.  This ship also offers Family Suites with 2 separate rooms, which is an excellent option for families of more than 4 people traveling. 

 
The newest ship, the Pride of Hawaii departs every Monday for 7- day sails.  This ship will no longer be sailing throughout Hawaii after January, 2008, so rates for the remainder of the year have dropped significantly.  Prices for selected cruise dates are as low as $549 per person for an inside cabin, $749 for an oceanview, $1,199 for an oceanview with balcony, and $1,349 for a mini-suite.

Call today for rates for a specific ship and sail date and begin planning your dream vacation!

Abby Lapointe
Hawaii Aloha Travel
808-237-5263

Cruising in Hawaii - Recommended Shore Excursions

The Hawaiian Islands have so much to offer, and each island is a unique and magical experience of its own.  Below is a list of some of my personal favorites and recommendations for "must-do" activities on the islands.

Oahu

If you’re planning on arriving in the islands a couple days before your cruise, or if your flight leaves back home late in the evening after your cruise returns to the pier in Honolulu, the following activities are excellent ways to spend the day:

  • Pearl Harbor & Honolulu City Tour - $39/person
    • A complete tour of the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor and Honolulu’s historic places such as the Iolani Palace, the King Kamehameha Statue, Punchbowl National Cemetery and much more…
    • Departs Honolulu pier at 10:30 am.  Returns at 4:30 pm to pier, Waikiki, or airport.
  • Highlights of Oahu - $39/person
    • Take a mini circle island tour of the island, passing through Waikiki to Diamond Head Lookout, then Hanauma Bay nested in a crook of the ancient Koko Head Crater.  Continue along the cliff-side road to the Blow Hole, turning the corner at Makapu’u Point to the windward side where you’ll enjoy a beachside rest in the small country town of Waimanalo, then continuing along the towering crags of the Koolau mountain range up to the Pali Lookout (arguably the island’s most photographed vista) before the final home stretch back to Honolulu
    • Departs Honolulu pier at 9:30 am.  Returns at 1:30 pm to pier, Waikiki, or airport.
  • Polynesian Cultural Center - Ali’i Luau Package - $107/person
    • If you’ll be spending extra time on the island, a trip up north to the Polynesian Cultural Center is a must.  A minibus will pick you up at your hotel around 10:00 am and drop you off at the center, located about a 1-hour scenic drive from Waikiki, where you’ll enjoy Hawaii’s top attraction.  The package includes admission to the seven native villages which give visitors the rare chance to participate in the daily adventures of Hawaiian and other South Pacific cultures, the Long Canoe Pageant, a tram tour of the town of La’ie, an IMAX film, a lei greeting at the Ali’i Luau dinner buffet, and Preferred seating at Horizons, the world’s largest Polynesian night show.  After the show, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel around 10:00 pm.

Hilo, Big Island

Volcanoes created Hawaii, and each Hawaiian island is the peak of a volcanic mountain many tens of thousands of feet high reaching up from the bottom of the ocean floor and rising above sea level.  Even today volcanoes are changing and affecting the face of Hawaii. The Kiluaea Volcano, on the Big Island of Hawaii, has been actively erupting lava since 1983 and in the process creating hundreds of acres of new Big Island.  While in Hilo, a trip to Volcanoes National Park is a must.  This is the place to see the eruptions of Kilauea and the unique landscapes that are formed by young volcanoes. There is nowhere else in the world where a person can get this close to these powerful forces of nature relatively safely, and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park has been honored as an International Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site.

  • Circle of Fire Helicopter Tour - $209.28/person
    • A helicopter tour is the perfect way to explore the most geographically active environment on earth and witness earth in creation.  Sweep over miles of intense volcanic activity from Kilauea Volcano and travel over acres of past flows crusted with blackened lava, including the once pristine Royal Garden subdivision.  You’ll observe hot billows of steam spew forth from glowing flows of lava escaping from the Pu’u O’o and Kupainaha Vents. This fully narrated tour explains in detail the nature of Kilauea’s awesome activity.  Along the way, you’ll encounter strange black sand beaches across the shining coast. Then you’ll relish the grand panorama of the Big Island’s natural beauty as you fly across miles of unspoiled rainforest.
    • For more details, please visit the following page: http://abby.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=82
  • Volcanoes National Park - $39/person
    • It’s a beautiful drive up the slope of Mauna Loa volcano to where Kilauea Iki’s cauldron still steams.  This tour covers the Crater Rim to Halemaumau Fire Pit, Thurston Lava Tube, with full narration along the way of Hawaii’s remarkable geological history in the making.  The tour is topped off with fresh macadamias at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory.
    • Departs Hilo pier at 10:00 am.  Returns at 2:45 pm.


  • Volcanoes National Park & Rainbow Falls - $59/person
    • In additional to the tour above, explore more of the Hilo surrounds, including Akatsuka Orchid Nursery and Rainbow Falls - a tropical rainforest wonder.
    • Departs Hilo pier at 9:30 am.  Returns at 3:30 pm.

Kona, Big Island

  • Historic Kona - $39/person
    • This tour is a glimpse into Kailua-Kona’s royal history.  First, you’ll take a trip back in time to Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, an ancient Hawaiian village of refuge for kapu (forbidden law) breakers.  Beautiful Keakakekua Bay paints the scenic backdrop.  Then you’ll visit St. Benedict’s, the tiny church Belgian priests painted to be a grand cathedral.  You’ll also delight your senses when you experience history and the brew at the Kona coffee processing plant.
    • Departs Kailua-Kona pier at 9:00 am.  Returns at 1:30 pm.
  • Big Island Snuba Diving - $82/person (1.5 hours), $145/person (3 hours, 1 dive), $171/person (3 hours, 2 dives)
    • Explore the beautiful waters and underwater world of the Kona Coast on a Snuba tour.  Snuba was created for those who want to experience the wonders of breathing underwater. It is a unique, patented, shallow water dive system, bridging the gap between snorkeling and SCUBA diving.  Snuba is safer and easier than scuba diving and does not require certification. Before entering the water, you will be given a complete yet brief orientation of what you can expect on your dive. Your guide will be with you at all times. You can go a maximum of 25 feet on your Snuba dive, or you can stay at any depth you please.
    • The tour visits two sites.  If you book 1 dive, you’ll Snuba at the first site and snorkel at the second.  If you book 2 dives, you’ll Snuba at both sites.
    • Check-in at Honokohau Harbor at 12:00 pm.  Returns at 3:30 pm.

Maui

  • Haleakala Crater - $39/person
    •  Departs Kahului pier at 8:30 am.  Returns at 12:45 pm.
  • Maui Tropical Plantation & Iao Valley - $39/person
    • Departs Kahului pier at 1:00 pm.  Returns at 4:30 pm.
  • Maui Tropical Plantation, Iao Valley & Maui Ocean Center - $59/person
    • Departs Kahului pier at 1:00 pm.  Returns at 6:00 pm.

Kaua’i

  • Kaua’i ATV Mudbug Waterfall Tour - $155/driver, $135/passenger
    • The ultimate off-road experience!  The Mud Bug and Ohana Bug are two and 4 seater buggies that adults can drive.  This 4-hour adventure takes you on a journey into Kauai’s lush, tropical paradise on an easy-to-drive, semi-automatic, all-terrain vehicle.  Ride your own ATV through 22,000 acres of private dirt roads and trails, enjoying breathtaking mountain and coastline views and unspoiled tropical landscapes, as you voyage to TWO private waterfalls. Feast on gourmet sandwiches, cookies, juice, and island water. Bring your swimsuit, towel, water-friendly shoes, and your appetite (the sandwiches are huge!). Rental clothes provided and you will get muddy!
    • Tour times: 8am - 12pm, 12pm - 4pm, and 1pm - 5pm
  • Journey to Waimea Canyon - $39/person
    • Ride along the southern coast of the island and up 3,400 feet to overlook the breathtaking Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific."  Along the way you’ll pass through Old Koloa Town, dating back to 1834 and the heart of Hawaii’s first sugarcane plantation, as well as Waimea, the little town where Captain Cook first set foot in Hawaii in 1778.
    • Departs Nawiliwili pier at 8:30 am.  Returns at 1:30 pm.
  • Wailua River & Paradise Gardens - $49/person
    • Take an easy river cruise down the Wailua River to the beautiful and romantic Paradise Garden, stopping along the way to overlook the Opaekaa Falls.  Bring somebody you love because this tour will surely secure your love of the Garden Island.
    • Departs Nawiliwili pier at 8:30 am or 2:30 pm.  Returns at 12:15 pm or 6:15 pm.
  • Kaua’i Zipline Tour - $120/person (Zip Express, 3 hours), $140/person (Zip N’ Dip Expedition, 4.5 hours)
    • Located in Princeville, on the beautiful North Shore, these zipline tours are sure to be a highlight of your trip and one of the most memorable activities you’ll do.  Clip in and soar like a bird over breathtaking valleys and streams.
    • Zip Express: zip the full course on the pristine private lands of Princeville Ranch in three hours. The course is a combination of eight picturesque ziplines and a suspension bridge spanning a waterfall.  Imagine walking off the edge of a lush valley, flying over tree tops across to the other side, soaking in the mountain views along the way. This tour is all about zipping. Hiking distance is less than one mile.
    • Zip N’ Dip Expedition: an exciting adventure experience on the pristine private lands of Princeville Ranch! This tour includes everything in Zip Express and an hour at a thirty-five foot deep, hidden swimming hole, fed by a small waterfall. Here you’ll enjoy lunch, swimming, jumping, diving, and floating on inner tubes. Hiking distance is less than one mile.
    • Zip Express check-in at 2:15 pm. Returns 5:45 pm.
    • Zip N’ Dip departs several times daily, with check-in times of 7:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:30 am, and 1:15 pm.
  • Na Pali Coast Snorkel Cruise - $128.60/person (4 hours)
    • Experience the majestic Na Pali Coast on a 49’ catamaran, with a complete narration of the history of the Na Pali Coast and the ancient Hawaiian culture that lived and vanished there.  The smooth catamaran allows you to view wondrous sea caves, cascading waterfalls, uninhabited lush valleys, miles of white sand beaches and incredibly blue ocean water.  Marvel at the colorful marine life, playful dolphins and humpback whales when in season (December to April).  Dive into the most beautiful water in the islands for an hour of snorkeling and enjoy a deli lunch with fresh baked bread, ham, turkey, assorted cheeses and veggies, pasta salad, fruit and dessert.
    • Check-in 8:00 am in Waimea, southwest Kaua’i.  Return 12:30 pm.
To reserve any of these tours or for more information:
Abby Lapointe
808-237-8263
Toll-free: 1-800-843-8771 ext. 23
abby@hawaii-aloha.com

Hawaii Summer Cruise Special

If you’re looking for a little romance at sea this summer, Norwegian Cruise Line is offering an excellent promotion - Book a balcony stateroom this summer on the Pride of Aloha, the Pride of America, or the Pride of Hawaii and receive a $79 value Romance Package for FREE!

The package includes:

• Sparkling wine and strawberries in your stateroom upon embarkation
• Canapés delivered to your stateroom one evening
• Complimentary sparkling wine and cake party
• A keepsake photograph
• Romantic dinner for two in Le Bistro with a complimentary bottle of wine

Pride of Aloha - 7-day cruise departing Honolulu on Sundays
Prices starting at $644/person

Pride of America - 7-day cruise departing Honolulu on Saturdays
Prices starting at $644/person

Pride of Hawaii - 7-day cruise departing Honolulu on Mondays
Prices starting at $1364/person

THIS SPECIAL MUST BE BOOKED BY JUNE 30TH!!!

Call today for an exact price quote for a specific cruise and sail date

Abby Lapointe
Hawaii Aloha Travel
808-237-5263
abby@hawaii-aloha.com

Choosing the Perfect Hawaii Honeymoon

After vowing your eternal love to one another, your honeymoon is a time that should be cherished and remembered forever.  So why choose anything but the best?  The beautiful and magical islands of Hawaii have so much to offer to make your honeymoon perfect and I’m here in Hawaii to work with you every step of the way to ensure that your trip is unforgettable and exactly how you envision it to be.  Below I’ve listed a few of the nicest and most romantic resorts on the islands.


The Grand Hyatt Kaua’i Resort & Spa
Poipu, Kaua’i



5 nights for $1,544/person
Includes a deluxe ocean hotel room, daily breakfast, a bottle of champagne on arrival, and a convertible rental car
Step into a world of timeless elegance and luxury at the Grand Hyatt Kaua’i Resort & Spa.  This lush Kaua’i beach resort envelops you with a sense of serenity that stays with you long after you depart. Relax and rejuvinate your body and soul in one of the beautifully furnished guestrooms  – each with private lanai and stunning views. Float effortlessly along the lagoons, indulge in a reviving treatment at ANARA Spa, or simply take in the refreshing ocean breezes from the beautiful white-sand beach in sunny Poipu. Championship golf, tennis, fine dining and more make this Garden Isle retreat perfect for your next Kauai resort vacation.

The Kahala Resort & Spa
Kahala, Oahu




5 nights
for $1,550/person
Includes an oceanfront hotel room, daily breakfast, a convertible rental car, and a $200 resort credit

The Kahala Hotel & Resort is Hawaii’s reigning luxury resort, set on a secluded beach just ten minutes from the world class shopping and entertainment of Waikiki. This legendary hideaway resort in Honolulu’s plush Kahala district is a favorite with presidents, international royalty and celebrities. From the moment you arrive, you’ll know that you are truly somewhere special. The Kahala Hotel & Resort is renowned throughout the islands for the sheer opulence of its rooms and suites; for the innovation of its restaurants; and the grandeur of its facilities. The 345 beautiful rooms and sumptuous suites are a study in luxury, each generously proportioned and furnished in traditional, turn-of-the-century Hawaiian style with a modern twist.

The Hapuna Beach Prince
Kohala Coast, Hawaii


5 nights for $1,481/person
Includes an oceanfront hotel room, daily breakfast, and a convertible rental car

Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel is upbeat, breezy and dramatic. Sharing 1,839 acres of oceanfront paradise with the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel is nestled into the bluffs above the beautiful white sand of Hapuna Beach in a flowing, contemporary Hawaiian style. All 350 of its guestrooms are ocean-facing and radiate from an open-air lobby that provides sweeping views of the Kohala coastline.

These are only examples of some the many fabulous packages available.

Call today to start planning your dream honeymoon in  Paradise!

Abby Lapointe
Hawaii Aloha Travel
808-237-5263
800-843-8771 ext. 23
abby@hawaii-aloha.com
 

Dining in Kailua - the finest cuisine outside of Honolulu

If you’re coming to Oahu, to really experience the island, you’ll have to venture outside of the tourist mecca of Waikiki.  Kailua, a quaint little town over the Pali Highway and 25 minutes from Waikiki, is a well-kept secret, with beautiful beaches, quaint little shops, and cuisine as tasty as anything you’ll find in the city (and for a much better price).  Here are a few of my favorites:  

Buzz’s Steakhouse, 413 Kawaila Rd (across from Kailua Beach Park), Kailua 808-261-4661
I’m a vegetarian, so I come to Buzz’s for the salad bar only - which is the finest salad bar I’ve ever had.  I’m talking all-you-can-eat avocado, olives, veggies, fruit… it’s just spectacular.  But, with that said, Buzz’s is known for it’s amazing steak and seafood dishes, and it’s ambiance - it’s located right across from Kailua Beach Park, surrounded by tiki torches and they have their own steam machine.  Make know, however, that Buzz’s only accepts cash and credit cards, and they won’t let you in if you’re wearing "slippahs" (flip-flops).

Lucy’s Bar & Grill, 33 Aulike St, Kailua 808-230-8188
Lucy’s is definitely my favorite restaurant in Kailua, and it might actually be up there with my favorite on the entire island.  Lucy’s attracts the well-to-do business folk out for a night of the finest island cuisine as well as locals stopping in for a cocktail after work.  The foods definitely pricey for the windward side (expect to pay at least $75 for two if you’re getting dinner and drinks), but it’s worth every penny.  Only the freshest ingredients are used and the fish is always cooked to perfection.  Usually we just sit at the bar and I don’t even have to look at the menu : the Ahi Tower, a glass of Reisling, and I’m in heaven.

Pinky’s Pupu Bar & Grill, 970 Kalaheo Ave, Kailua 808-254-6255
If you’re coming to Hawaii, you’ll understand that "pupus" are appetizers, and Pinky’s is a great place to come order munchies and cocktails.  Under the same ownership as Lucy’s and Buzz’s, Pinky’s is more casual and has a sort-of "diner" feel to it.  They serve beer on tap in over-sized glasses and it’s a good place to spend a couple hours enjoy good food in a great atmosphere.  I love the dozen oyster shooters that come in shot glasses with cocktail sauce and horseradish, and the fish tacos are some of the best (and cheapest) in Kailua.

Ninja Sushi, next to Don Quiote, Kailua
Ok, Ninja Sushi isn’t a restaurant, in fact, it’s just a take-out sushi shop in the center of town, but I thought it definitely deserves an honorable mention in this review because I stop in there at least two times a week.  The woman behind the counter knows my order now when I come in.  There are several of this chain on the island, and I can’t speak for the rest of them, but I can honestly say that this is some of the most delicious sushi you’ll taste, and for a fraction of the price that you’ll find at a "real" restaurant.  I think the secret’s in the sauce and the way they make their rice.

For more suggestions for your journey to the other side of the island, please don’t hesitate to drop me an email at abby@hawaii-aloha.com.

Happy Feasting!