Only one resort adorns Oahu’s fabled north shore and it’s Turtle Bay. Situated on it’s own point along the north coastline, Turtle Bay consists of 375 luxury guest rooms, 26 suites, 42 beach cottages and luxury ocean villas with scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by beautiful beachscapes, Turtle Bay offers guests privacy, seclusion, and the incredible sights of Oahu’s country counter parts.
In the midst of renovation, this resort is undergoing some major upgrades set to complete this October. However, the first wing of new rooms will be available to guests beginning June 2nd, boasting new interior décor, amenities, and renovations – just in time for summer. The guest room redesign includes all-new fixtures, furnishings, bedding as well as completely remodeled bathrooms with new tile, vanities, and walk-in showers. Managed by award-winning Honolulu-based architecture firm WCIT, so far the renovations have been a success. It’s easy to see if you take a peek at the property!
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
Those federal budget cuts are becoming a real kill joy. In addition to furloughs and shortened hours at major tourist attractions, like Pearl Harbor, the budget cuts also cut out Kane‘ohe's annual BayFest.
The Fourth of July event at the Marine Corps Base has been happening for more than 20 years. And every year, it attracted 25,000 people for carnival rides, fireworks and music concerts. Growing up, I remember watching Train and Fergie from Black Eyed Peas perform at BayFest. My family and I would always watch the fireworks show from the nearby vista overlooking Kane‘ohe Bay. (more…)
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
While Hawai‘i may be a top travel destination, it's also among the most expensive places in the U.S. And for the budget-conscious tourist, that can be an intimidating thought. Don't get discouraged, though; there are still lots of affordable (and free) things to do. It just takes a little bit of research and flexibility.
Here's a list to start with; how you can experience O‘ahu with under $10.
1- Hike Diamond Head /$1 admission
The 300,000-year-old crater is among the most iconic sites on the island. You can see it from almost anywhere on O‘ahu's south shore. The trail itself was used by the military, but today, hundreds of hikers from all over the world enjoy climbing to the top every day of the year. Lets be honest, though, pretty much any other hike you come across will be free, so consider those as well.
2- Slurp Up Shave Ice/ $4 to $6
You can bet that this flavored ice treat won't cost more than $10. If it does, then you're probably getting ripped off, or it's one huge cone of shave ice. Sample some on the North Shore or even closer to Waikīkī. Waiola Shave Ice has some of the softest and tastiest shave ice there is.
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
No trip to the North Shore could be complete without a stop at the Macadamia Nut Farm outlet. For the last 10 years visitors have been treated to everything Macadamia at this fun store near Kualoa Ranch on Kameameaha Hughway. Everything you can imagine and more made with Macadamia can be found here and all of the items are grown locally on Ohau.
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
Hawai‘i will get its first Bloomingdale's store in 2015, at the former Sears space in Ala Moana Shopping Center. The announcement by General Growth Properties comes just over a year after they announced Sears closing.
The new Bloomingdale's will be a welcomed addition for shoppers. Owned by Macy's, the department store is known for its designer clothes, handbags, jewelry and home furnishings for men, women and kids. Ironically, a huge multi-level Macy's store already anchors the opposite end of the mall.
I'm hoping Bloomingdale's management will incorporate some island brands into its collection. Much like Target and TJ Maxx did when they arrived in the islands. Maxxinistas said "Aloha" to homegrown items, like candy, coffee and – of course – aloha wear. Bloomingdale's could be just as appealing if they followed suit. (more…)
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
Who knew a popular Brazilian bikini store would start selling shave ice?
I had to do a double take when recently driving by the barn-red shop in Hale‘iwa. Its country store appeal blended in nicely with its retail neighbors, but the sign hanging above caught my eye. San Lorenzo Shave Ice? That's seems like a pretty big stretch from the barely-there bikinis and sheer beachwear already sold.
The shave ice isn't nearly as sexy, though. And no, there aren't bikini babes serving you that frozen treat. Although, I'd imagine that would help their reputation a bit; I noticed just a few customers enjoying their shave ice outside of San Lorenzo, while down the street, a long line snaked out of Matsumoto's Shave Ice. (more…)
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
Will moving "Hawaii Five-0" to Friday nights be putting it out to pasture?
The network announced that instead of its usual Monday air date, "Five-0" will replace "CSI: NY" on Fridays for its fourth season. This opens up a Monday time slot for the upcoming series "Hostages," starring Dylan McDermott. "Five-0" will also be airing an hour earlier than the usual 9 p.m. time.
Some fans fear the move to Fridays will kill off the show because, lets face it, not everyone stays in on a Friday night. DVR will have to be "Five-0's" savior. It will also air right before the very popular "Blue Bloods" series, which could be a good thing. Maybe viewers tuning in early for "Blue Bloods" will catch the tail end of "Five-0" and realize, hey, this is another great show.
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
Hawaiian lava sledding is as extreme a sport as it got for ancient Hawaiians. Racing headfirst downhill at speeds of 60 or 70 miles per hour sounds death-defying. But it's how ali‘i (royalty) enjoyed spending their free time, even if it meant getting a few injuries along the way.
He‘e holua, as it was called in Hawaiian, is a 2,000-year-old tradition involving a specialized sled and carefully constructed runway. Rocks and soil were piled up on the side of a hill and covered with ti leaves to make for a smoother surface. Because the track was so narrow, only one person could race at a time. The sled would usually extend out onto a plain or into the ocean at the bottom of the slide.
The sled itself took time to make. It consisted of solid wood and two narrow runners (as long as 18 feet). Matting, usually lauhala, was stretched along the cross bars. Today, you can see an 800-year-old sled on display at the Bishop Museum. Or, if you're lucky, you'll see the handful of modern-day riders practicing this ancient sport.(more…)
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
Luckily for passengers, Hawaiian Airlines is definitely NOT on Hawaiian time. The airline carrier was once again the most punctual. According to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 91-percent of Hawaiian's flights arrived on time in March.
It would have been a different story had they actually been on Hawaiian time. Dillydallying does not sound like an admirable trait in the airline industry. Airline service and flights should be prompt, and Hawaiian seems to be doing just that.
Additionally, Hawaiian Airlines tops the board for fewest flights cancelled. A rate of six out of 6,000 flights cancelled is quite impressive, with all of its recent flight route expansions. In all my years of traveling, I don't believe I have ever been on a Hawaiian flight that got cancelled.
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
There's a little European-style bakery in the quaint Mānoa community called Fendu Boulangerie. A boulangerie is a place that sells bread; fresh-baked bread made of all sorts of ingredients. Fendu, however, breaks that mold by also selling brick-oven pizzas, gourmet sandwiches and petite pastries.
But it's still the delicious aroma of baking bread that usually attracts customers to the small shop. The scent hitches a ride from the gentle trade-wind breezes that sweep through the marketplace and help broadcast the savoriness of Fendu Boulangerie.
Each day of the week, there's a different bread special. My absolute favorite would have to be the raisin and walnut bread. It's moist on the inside, crunchy on the outside and just the perfect amount of sweetness. (more…)
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
Published by Bruce Fisher
