Hawaii Vacation Blog

September and December Hawaii vacations searches have been leading the way the last few days as people try to get in on after summer deals and look toward XMAS in the Islands. This is echoed by the calls we're getting too, but my thought is stop shopping for XMAS .....JUST BOOK IT DANO!! I have lots of horror stories about people who put off XMAS planning for their trips to Hawaii and in the end end up not getting lei'd.......... in the traditional Hawaiian sense of course!

Here are the popular Hawaii Vacation searches coming from network users:

Submitted by: Brandon Airfare $599.00 PP

Package price with HAT discount: $ 1,966.08 (including all taxes, fees)
2 Adults and 0 Children
Travel Dates: 09/04/06 through 09/08/06
Roundtrip Airfare from: Houston IAH Intercontinental to Oahu Oahu Accommodations : Waikiki Beachcomber-Oahu
Property Name: Waikiki Beachcomber-Oahu
Property Classification: Oceanview Hotel Room
Car Type: COMPACT 4/DR WITH A/C
Price: $ 150.00

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Submitted by Chris Airfare $699.00 PP

Package price with HAT discount: $ 4,223.04 (including all taxes, fees)
This Quote Includes: 2 Adults and 1 Children
Travel Dates: 12/01/06 through 12/08/06
Roundtrip Airfare from: Birmingham BHM to Oahu
Oahu Accommodations : Turtle Bay Resort-Oahu
Property Name: Turtle Bay Resort-Oahu
Property Classification: North Shore Ocean

Don't believe it if anyone tells you the Big Island lacks beaches. It actually has 80 or more, and new ones appear -- and disappear -- regularly. In 1989 a new black-sand beach, Kamoamoa, formed when molten lava shattered as it hit cold ocean waters. Kamoamoa was the largest of the black-sand beaches, more than ½ mile long and 25 yards wide, until it was closed by new lava flows in 1992. Some beaches are just a little hard to get to -- several are hidden behind elaborate hotels or down unmarked roads. For more information contact Hawaii Aloha Travel.

Note that many beaches have dangerous undertows -- rip currents and pounding shore breaks may cause serious risk anywhere, at any time. The surf tends to get rough in winter. To be safe, swim only when you see other visitors swimming in the area. Local surfers are not an indication that the area is safe. Few public beaches have lifeguards.

And they are truly spectacular. Beaches below are listed in a counterclockwise direction around the island, starting from the northern tip. For overnight permits, necessary at all parks, contact the Department of Land and Natural Resources for state parks and the Department of Parks and Recreation for county parks. For more information contact Hawaii Aloha Travel.

Here is a rundown of the best beachs on the Big Island:

Keokea Beach Park. Driving back from the end of Highway 270 at the Pololu overlook to the north, you'll see a curvy road angle off to the right. Follow it for a mile, past the cemetery with the weathered old stones, and you'll come upon the green lawns and large picnic pavilion of Keokea Beach Park. The black-boulder beach is suited for fishing in the calm summer months, but heavy surf makes this a hazardous swimming beach. Picnic tables, rest rooms, showers, drinking water, electricity, and a campsite make this a popular weekend destination for local folks. Off Hwy. 270, near Pololu overlook, PHONE: 808/961-8311.

Mahukona Beach Park. Next to the abandoned Port of Mahukona, in the Kohala District, where sugar was once shipped by rail to be loaded on boats, Mahukona Beach's old docks and buildings are a treat for photographers. Divers and snorkelers can view both marine life and remnants of shipping machinery in the clear water. Water activities are often off-limits, however, due to heavy surf. This is a pleasant picnicking spot, with rest rooms, showers, and a camping area, but no sandy beach. Off Hwy. 270, Mahukona, PHONE: 808/961-8311.

Spencer Beach Park. This spot is popular with local families because of its reef-protected, gently sloping white-sand beach, and it's safe for swimming year-round. Snorkel with the sea turtles here! Close to large shade trees are cooking and camping facilities, showers, abandoned tennis courts, and a large covered pavilion with electrical outlets. You can walk from here to the Pu'ukohola and Mailekini heiaus. Entry road off Hwy. 270, uphill from Kawaihae Harbor, PHONE: 808/961-8311.

Kauna'oa Beach at Westin Mauna Ke'a Beach Hotel. It's a toss-up whether this or neighboring Hapuna is the most beautiful beach on the island. Kauna'oa unfolds like a white crescent, and it slopes very gradually. It's a great place for snorkeling. In winter, however, the powerful waves can be dangerous. Amenities are hotel-owned. Public parking places are limited, and it's first-come, first-served. Entry through gate to Mauna Ke'a Beach Resort, off Hwy. 19.

Hapuna Beach State Park. This beach, part of a 61-acre park, forms a ½-mile crescent of glistening sand guarded by rocky points at either end. The surf can be hazardous in winter, but in summer the gradual slope of the beach can stretch as wide as 200 ft into a perfectly blue ocean -- ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and body surfing. State cabins are available, and there is a convenient snack bar. Lifeguards are not always on duty, so take care. Between Mauna Ke'a Beach and Mauna Lani resorts, off Hwy. 19, PHONE: 808/974-6200.

Holoholokai Beach Park. A rocky beach of black-lava formations and white-coral clinkers is fine for surfers and snorkelers, and a small grassy area is available to sunbathers. Bathrooms, picnic tables, and barbecue grills are nicely maintained. Just before the beach park, you can explore historic Puako Petroglyph Park: Malama Trail meanders [7//10] miles through brush and kiawe trees to an area of lava covered with the ancient etchings of Hawaiian figures and animals. Off Hwy. 19 at Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows.

'Anaeho'omalu Beach, at Outrigger Waikoloa Resort. This expansive beach on the west coast, also known as A-Bay, is perfect for swimming, windsurfing, snorkeling, and diving. Some equipment is for rent at the north end. Be sure to wander around the ancient fishponds and petroglyph fields. Follow Waikoloa Beach Dr. to Royal Waikoloan Resort, then follow signs to beach right-of-way to south. Follow Waikoloa Beach Dr. to Royal Waikoloan Resort. For more information contact Hawaii Aloha Travel.

Ki'holo Bay. The unmarked road across a vast lava field requires a 20-minute hike, so take plenty of water. Private homes are built along the oceanfront. The huge, spring-fed Luahinewai Pond anchors the south end of the bay, and the three black-pebble beaches are fine for swimming in calm weather. At the northern end, Wainanali'i Pond (a 5-acre lagoon) is a feeding site for green sea turtles. The two ponds are off-limits to swimmers. Kamehameha I had a well-stocked fishpond here that was destroyed by lava in 1859. You'll find good swimming here but no facilities. Hwy. 19, Mile Marker 81.

Kona Coast Beach Park (Kekaha Kai). In an austere setting, this sandy white beach nestles in a bay with gentle surf. It has a limited number of picnic tables shaded by coconut trees fed by bubbling fresh-water springs, but no drinking water. Portable toilets are the only additional facilities. Sign about 1 mile north of Keahole-Kona International Airport, off Hwy. 19, marks rough 1½-mile road to beach. Sign about 1 mile north of Keahole-Kona International Airport, off Hwy. 19. PHONE: 808/974-6200.

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. Part of a new 1160-acre park, two beaches, rich in archeology and good for swimming, are down the road from Honokohau Harbor. 'Alula is a slip of white sand, a short walk over lava to the left of the harbor entrance. Honokohau Beach, a ¾-mile stretch with ruins of ancient fishponds, is north of the harbor. At the north end of the beach, a historic trail leads mauka across the lava to a freshwater pool. A Hawaiian settlement up until the 19th century, the park is rapidly being developed as a cultural and historical site. For information about the park visit its headquarters, a 5- to 10-minute drive away. The park is off Highway 19, at Honokohau Harbor; or use the park access between Mile Markers 96 and 97. Park Headquarters, Kaloko New Industrial Park, 73-4786 Kanalani St., #14, PHONE: 808/329-6881, www.nps.gov. Park road gate 8 AM-3:30 PM. For more information contact Hawaii Aloha Travel.

Old Kona Airport Park. The unused runway -- great for jogging or running -- is still visible above this beach at Kailua Park, which has picnic tables, showers, bathroom facilities, tennis courts, and palm trees strung out along the shore. The beach has a sheltered, sandy inlet with tidal pools for children, but for adults it's better for snorkeling than swimming. An offshore surfing break known as Old Airport is popular with Kona surfers. North end of Kuakini Hwy., Kona, PHONE: 808/327-4958 or 808/974-6200.

Kamakahonu Beach. The "King Kam" beach is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike. This beach is conveniently tucked away between the Kailua pier and the King Kamehameha hotel right on Alii Drive. The surf is calm so this is a great beach for children. The sand is white, the trees are shady, and the snorkeling is good - especially outside on the cove. This is also a popular spot for SNUBA, dive instruction, and swimming.

Kona Magic Sands Beach. Also known as La'aloa Beach, White Sands, or Disappearing Sands Beach Park. Now you see it, now you don't. Overnight, winter waves wash away this small white-sand beach on Ali'i Drive just south of Kailua-Kona. In summer you'll know you've found it when you see the bodyboarders and surfers. A volleyball net, rest rooms, showers, a lifeguard tower, and a coconut grove create a favorite and convenient summer hangout. This beach is officially called La'aloa Bay Beach Pak. 4½ miles south of Kailua-Kona on Ali'i Dr., PHONE: 808/961-8311. For more information contact Hawaii Aloha Travel.

Kahalu'u Beach Park. This is one of the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island, with a huge variety of fishes in clear shallow waters. Swim with schools of colorful fish in these protected waters; don't forget your underwater camera! The north end of the beach is where the waves break and is best for body boarding and surfing. Check the water conditions; with ocean swells, the water can be murky. Facilities include a pavilion, rest rooms, showers, a lifeguard tower, and limited parking. A narrow path takes you directly to the Resort's Beach Bar & Grill, which serves sandwiches and plate lunches. 5½ miles south of Kailua-Kona on Ali'i Dr., PHONE: 808/961-8311.

Napo'opo'o Beach Park. The best way to enjoy this marine preserve is to take a snorkel, scuba, or glass-bottom boat tour from Keauhou Bay. A 27-ft white obelisk indicates where Captain James Cook was killed in 1779. While this six-acre beach park has a picnic pavilion, the beach consists of rocks, making access into the water difficult. Located at the edge of Kealakekua Bay.

Ho'okena Beach Park. You'll feel like an adventurer when you come upon Ho'okena, at the northern end of Kauhako Bay. When Mark Twain visited, 2,500 people populated the busy seaport village. You can still find gas lampposts dating from the early 1900s. This dark-gray coral-and-lava-sand beach offers good swimming, snorkeling, and bodysurfing. Rest rooms, showers, and picnic tables are available at the park. The access road is narrow and bumpy. It's a two-mile drive down a road bordered by remains of a stone wall off Hwy. 11, 23 miles south of Kailua-Kona. Off Hwy. 11, 23 miles south of Kailua-Kona, PHONE: 808/961-8311. For more information contact Hawaii Aloha Travel.

Green Sand (Mahana) Beach. You need good hiking shoes, or a permit and a four-wheel-drive vehicle to get to this truly green crescent, one of the most unusual and prettiest beaches on the island. The beach lies at the base of Pu'u o Mahana, a cinder cone formed during an early eruption of Mauna Loa; the greenish tint is caused by an accumulation of olivine that forms in volcanic eruptions. Swimming is dangerous in this windy, remote area, and there are no facilities. Still, in calm water close to the shore, the aquamarine surf feels great and you find yourself in a surreal grass plain landscape. Follow the trail 2 to 3 miles along the shoreline. Or obtain a four-wheel-drive permit from Hawaiian Homelands (160 Baker Ave., Hilo 96720, PHONE: 808/974-4250). They'll give you a key to the gate for a $25 deposit. 2½ miles northeast of South Point, off Hwy. 11, PHONE: 808/974-4250.

Punalu'u Beach Park. The endangered Hawaiian green sea turtle nests in the black sand of this beautiful and easily accessible beach. Fishponds are just inland. At the northern end of the beach near the boat ramp lie the ruins of a heiau and a flat sacrificial stone. This used to be a sugar and army port until the tidal wave of 1946 destroyed the buildings. Offshore rip currents are extremely dangerous, though you'll see a few local surfers riding the waves. There are rest rooms across the road. Inland is a memorial to Henry Opukaha'ia. In 1809, when he was 17, Opukaha'ia swam out to a fur-trading ship in the harbor and asked to sail as a cabin boy. When he reached New England, he entered the Foreign Mission School in Connecticut, but he died of typhoid fever in 1818. His dream of bringing Christianity to the Islands inspired the American Board of Missionaries in 1820 to send the first Protestant missionaries to Hawai'i. Hwy. 11, 27 miles south of Volcanoes National Park, PHONE: 808/961-8311. For more information contact Hawaii Aloha Travel.

Ahalanui Park. This three-acre beach park with a ½-acre pond heated by a volcanic steam opened in 1993 to replace earlier beach parks that were lost to lava flows. The pond here is good for swimming, but the nearby ocean is rough. Drinking water and a few tables are available for picnicking, and there are portable rest rooms. The park is on the Kapoho coast, southeast of Pahoa, 2½ miles south of the junction of Highways 132 and 137. Puna District, PHONE: 808/961-8311.

MacKenzie State Recreation Area. This 13-acre park shaded by ironwoods is good for picnicking. You can't swim here, but there are rest rooms. The recreation area is off Highway 137, 2 miles south of junction with Highway 132. Puna District, PHONE: 808/961-8311.

Isaac Hale Beach Park. Oceanfront park facilities include rest rooms and picnic areas. It's a good place for an afternoon nap but is dangerous for swimming. The park is off Highway 137, north of junction with Highway 132. Puna District, PHONE: 808/961-8311. For more information contact Hawaii Aloha Travel.

Leleiwi Beach Park and Richardson Ocean Park. Near Hilo, along Hilo's Keaukaha shoreline laced with bays, inlets, lagoons, and pretty parks, these two beaches are adjacent to each other. The grassy area is ideal for picnics. The beaches are rocky and dangerous for swimming, though you can dip your feet in the shallow areas. Follow Kalaniana'ole Avenue east along the water about 4 miles south of Hilo. 2349 Kalaniana'ole Ave., PHONE: 808/961-8311.

Onekahakaha Beach Park. A protected, white-sand beach makes this a favorite for Hilo families with small children. Lifeguards are on duty year-round. The park has picnic pavilions, rest rooms, and showers. Follow Kalaniana'ole Ave. east 3 miles south of Hilo, PHONE: 808/961-8311.

Reeds Bay Beach Park. Rest rooms, showers, drinking water, calm and safe swimming, and proximity to downtown Hilo are the enticements of this cove. Cold freshwater springs seep from the bottom of a nearby pond and rise in the saltwater. Banyan Dr. and Kalaniana'ole Ave., Hilo, PHONE: 808/961-8311.For more information contact Hawaii Aloha Travel.

The end of September and most of October are looking great for deals to Hawaii. HAT network searches are showing excellent discounted airfares form west coast cities as low as 360.00 to Maui. Take advantage NOW, don't wait or you will be sorry, these low prices are selling out quickly.

Here are a few samples of what network users are finding:

Submitted by Jara Deal#66158871
Package price $ 2,359.68 (including all taxes, fees)
This Quote Includes: 4 Adults and 0 Children
Travel Dates: 10/01/06 through 10/07/06
Roundtrip Airfare from: Los Angeles LAX to Hawaii - Maui, Kahului
Property Name: Aston Maui Lu-Maui
Property Classification: Standard Garden Room
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Submited by Lori: Deal# 122839573
Package price; $ 2,013.60 Airfare 420.00 PP (including all taxes, fees)
Includes: 2 Adults and 0 Children
Travel Dates: 10/10/06 through 10/18/06
Roundtrip Airfare from: Oakland OAK to Kauai
Kauai Accommodations : The Aloha Beach Resort-Kauai
Car Type: ECONOMY 4/DR WITH A/C

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Submiteed by Andy: Deal# 13370602

Package price : $ 3,638.88 Airfare 770.00 (including all taxes, fees)
2 Adults and 0 Children
Travel Dates: 09/17/06 through 09/22/06
Roundtrip Airfare from: Cleveland CLE to Maui
Maui Accommodations : Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa-Maui
Patial Ocan View

I had the chance to board the Pride of Aloha once again, I haven't seen it since it went into dry dock in May.

The mini renovation was much needed and did help to freshen up the cabins. I do not recommend this ship if you want a triple or quad, they are just too small.

The Pride of Aloha is the oldest in the fleet here in Hawaii doing he 7 day sails and its age does show, but the trade off is that the itinerary is I think better than the other ships, in that you have a little more land time.

Overall we are having great success with Pride of Aloha her crew is the most experienced of the 3 US flagged Ships in Hawaii.

Getting assigned seats is always a priority when we book trips for folks coming to Hawaii. We understand it's a long flight and want our customers to be as comfortable as possible, and for you honeymooners as close as possible.

Each airline has a different way of assigning seats, and this makes it tough for us to have a uniform policy regarding seat assignment. Additionally, in many cases, our clients are coming from the east coast of the mainland with connections so seat assignment involves more that one flight When you book with us we immediately grab the best seats we can find for you, if you have a request for seating we notate that on the record and pass that information to the airline. In some cases, especially when airfare is booked within 30 days, seats cannot be assigned until you get to the gate. This is where consumers can get very upset with us. Many consumers have a problem with this and will look to us (the travel agent) to somehow fix this issue. This is where you become your own best advocate. If seating is important to you, I recommend that you contact the airline yourself directly. Try requesting seats or changing the seats we have assigned for you. If you get an agent that can do it great!! If not, call again!! You may have to try a few times to get an agent to help you and the reality is you may not be able to change the seats at all. When that happens you must wait until you get to the airport to get your seats assigned. When a flight is nearly full, airlines sometimes deny advanced seat selections, forcing latecomers to get their assignment at the airport. That’s because airlines hold back some spots for flexibility in seating families or passengers with disabilities and only release those seats at the gate. in most cases you will get a seat, and together without a problem because most of the planes have reserve to work with on the seating.

Selecting your seat doesn’t mean you’ll actually get it. Planes are sometimes switched because of maintenance or schedule changes. With passengers able to change spots online, seats are often in flux until the aircraft doors are shut, so it can pay to check back to see if any better seats have opened up. Another reason to keep checking: some airlines allow elite frequent fliers or full-fare coach passengers to upgrade to first or business class starting five days before departure, depending on status. When they do, they often leave behind prize coach seats that you might nab. Knowing when those upgrades take place can be a key advantage in scoring a good spot. Northwest, which we book a lot to Hawaii, for example, confirms platinum elite member upgrades five days before departure; gold elite, three days before departure; and silver, 24 hours before the flight. Another tip: Airlines sometimes rotate jumbo jets used on long-haul flights through their domestic routes. When this happens, business class seats are classified as part of the coach cabin and high-ranking frequent fliers can nab one by selecting a seat in the first few rows of coach.

Luxury vacations and services for the discriminating traveler are available in abundance in Hawaii. Weather it's a personal private jet to take you island to Island or personal concierge services that can bring a Luau to your hotel room, anything and everything's possible. We have been getting a lot more calls for specialized service, especially personal chef's. Having a agent located in Hawaii who can arrange these services for you is invaluable.

Here are our picks for the most luxurious accommodations in Hawaii, broken down by island:

Oahu

All baggage bound from Hawaii to the U. S. Mainland is subject to pre-flight inspection by the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Restrictions on fruits, plants, and other items from Hawaii to the Mainland are enforced to prevent the spread of fruit flies and other hazardous plant insects and diseases. Hawaii Vacations

• If you are departing from Hawaii, all baggage must go through agricultural inspection before checking in at your airline check in counter. Your luggage must pass agricultural inspection. Be sure that any fruits or plants you take home are certified for export. Hawaii Vacations

• Non-certified fruits, vegetables, flowers or plants cannot be taken in your checked or carry-on baggage. Non-inspected agricultural items will be confiscated.

• Once you have checked in for your flight you will be required to go through a security screening process. Keep your boarding pass and picture identification card readily accessible. It is required for the security screening process. Hawaii Vacations

What happens when things don't go the way you expect during your Hawaii vacation? Yaling and Bruce discuss how to handle issues before, during, and after your trip that may come up and how to solve problems. They also discuss a last minute trip sent in by a podcast listener looking for advise.

Planning a family trip to Hawaii can be challenging. In this podcast Yaling and Bruce discuss some of the most important things to remember when planning a family trip to Hawaii. They also review a itinerary sent in by a podcast listener and discuss the ResortQuest Waikiki Banyan condo.

There are a number of ways make your flight to Hawaii more enjoyable. Here are the tips most commonly provided by the airlines:

To enhance your physical comfort:
• Chew gum, yawn, or suck on hard candies to help relieve the pressure that builds in your ears when the airplane ascends and descends. Hawaii Vacations

• Drink plenty of water while onboard the aircraft to avoid dehydration during the flight.

• Do light stretching exercises in your seat and walk through the cabin frequently (when safe to do so).

• Consult your physician if you suffer from airsickness. He or she may be able to prescribe medication for this.

• The relatively low humidity in the cabin can increase allergy or asthma symptoms. Take preventative measures as necessary.

To combat jet lag:
• Reset your watch to the destination's time as soon as you get on the plane. If it's daytime at your destination, try to stay awake during the flight. Walking around the cabin may help keep you alert. If it's nighttime, try to sleep. You may find it helpful to use earplugs and a sleeping mask to block out distractions on the plane. Hawaii Vacations

• Eat before you get on the plane so that hunger does not prevent you from sleeping during the flight. Inform the flight attendant that you will not be eating so that you are not awakened for a meal. Hawaii Vacations

• If you're using a blanket, buckle your seat belt over the blanket. That way, a flight attendant checking seat belts won’t awaken you.

• If it's daytime when you arrive but nighttime at home, don't sleep. Instead, try doing some light exercise, like walking, to help revive your body and stop it from producing sleep-inducing hormones. Hawaii Vacations

Flying during pregnancy
It is generally recommended that women not fly at all during their last six weeks of pregnancy. Some airlines require that pregnant passengers traveling within 30 days of their expected delivery date must provide a doctor's statement dated within 72 hours of departure. Pregnant women should always consult their obstetricians before traveling. Hawaii Vacations

Here are some additional tips for staying comfortable on your flight:
• Reserve an aisle seat so that you can easily access the bathroom and move about the cabin.

• Getting up and walking regularly will help combat swelling and discomfort.

• Bring a copy of your medical records and ask your doctor for a referral in case of an emergency while you are away.

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and flat shoes. Wear layers if you are prone to body-temperature fluctuations.

• Keep your seatbelt low around your hips, not around your abdomen.

• Get a small pillow from the flight attendant and place it under your lower back to avoid back strain.

• Drink plenty of water—at least one liter for every two hours in flight.

Avoiding Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when blood clots form in the veins, most typically in the legs, and then break off and pass into the lungs causing a pulmonary embolism, or to the heart. To help prevent DVT during flight, do some light exercises:

• Get up and walk around the cabin every 30 minutes or so.
• Flex your toes, ankles, and calf muscles while seated.
• If there’s room, elevate your feet a bit.

Here is the first look at the new Outrigger Beachwalk Embassy suites For arrivals beginning December 22, 2006!!

The Embassy Suites Hotel - Waikiki Beach Walk is the only all-new, all-suite, nationally branded resort in the state of Hawaii. The resort is nestled on 1.3 acres in the heart of Waikiki Beach Walk where guests can enjoy an array of restaurants, shops, boutiques and entertainment offerings. The world famous Waikiki beach is only steps away from the resort. The resort offers two towers of guest suites connected by the Grand Lanai located on the 4th floor. The Grand Lanai offers 1,965 square feet of meeting space, a sundeck, swimming pool and a pool bar with nightly entertainment. In addition to the great location, this all-suite resort offers spacious one and two bedroom suites with separate living room, wet bar, mini refrigerator, with microwave and coffee maker, two telephones and a clock radio with MP3 player. This all-suite resort offers a complimentary fully cooked-to-order breakfast daily, evening Manager’s Reception and complimentary Fitness Center, domestic local and long distance phone calls and also complimentary High-Speed Internet acceess for all guests!

Yaling and Bruce have a lot of fun with this podcast giving advise on how to research your Hawaii vacation. They talk about the Hawaii Visitors and Convention bureau and go over important websites to visit. They also offer suggestions on how to get the best information to make your choices about your trip to Hawaii. ( Note: Yalings mic was over modulating... sorry!!)

Show Links
Hawaii Visitors and convention Bureau
Wildernet (Navigate to Hawaii from home page)
Bestplaces Hawaii
Alternate Hawaii

Many folks ask for my favorite pics for activities on Kauai, so here goes!

The "Garden Island" offers fantastic scenery and lush vegetation, beautiful waterfalls, the spectacular Waimea Canyon, the "hidden" valley of Kalalau and colorful tropical plants and flowers. Other landmarks include Hanalei Bay, Wailua River, Nawiliwili Bay and Poipu Beach.

Nature: With a nickname like Garden Isle, visitors expect nothing less than incredibly rich natural splendor, and Kauai delivers! The North Shore offers the famed Na Pali Coast, Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge and Lighthouse, Makana Peak and Waikanaloa & Waikapalae Wet Caves. On the West Side resides the famed Waimea Canyon and Captain Cook's Monument. The South Shore offers the Nationa Tropic Botanical Garden, the only tropical botanical garden in the U.S. to be chartered by Congress, and the Spouting Horn, a natural water spout formed by an underwater lava tube. Fern Grotto and Wailua Falls are found at Lihue-Kalapaki as well as the Huleia National Wildlife Refuge, the thickly jungled wildlife refuge where Indiana Jones made his daring escape in the opening scenes of Raiders of the Lost Ark. To the northeast, in the region known as the Coconut Coast, visitors can find the historic Bell Stone, which when struck sharply rings out a tone once used to announce royal births across the Wailua Valley. Some of the most spectacular views are only accessible by helicopter, but are well worth the effort. These can be arranged from Lihue, Port Allen and Princeville. Hawaii Vacations

Water Adventures: Sportfishing is a popular attraction on Kauai. Marlin, ahi, ono, and aku are found in abundance off Kauai's south and east coasts. There also are charters available that will take you near the forbidden island of Niihau for giant tuna and marlin. Scuba diving is best along the southern shore where waters are calmer, visibility averages about 50 feet and sea life is abundant. Snorkeling is available along most of Kauai's coasts but most accessible in the South Shore, Lihue-Kalapaki and Coconut Coast areas. With its rugged and lush coastline, sea kayaking is another great way to experience the beauty of this island. Hawaii Vacations

Hiking: Kauai is a hiker's paradise. The Napali Coast, Waimea Canyon and the Kokee region have the most extensive network of trails. There are a also some near the Wailua River. Whether hiking or biking, Kauai offers an unparalleled sense of discovery with each waterfall, swimming hole, colorful exotic flower and breathtaking view. Hawaii Vacations

Golfing: Kauai holds 3 of the top 5 golf courses in the State of Hawaii: Poipu Bay, Kauai Lagoons and Princeville. However, all 8 of Kauai's courses offer breathtaking views and a challenging game, including 4 courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., and 2 by Jack Nicklaus. Wailua Municipal Golf Course, a par-72 layout that plays to 7,020 yards, one of America's finest public golf courses, is also located on the island. The front side begins with two holes bordering the ocean and is primarily flat with few other water hazards. Wailua, which hosted the 1996 USGA Public Links Championship, also possesses one of the most picturesque par 3s in the nation. Kiahuna Golf Club in sunny Poipu is built around remnants of a carefully preserved ancient Hawaiian village in 27 archaeological sites that pepper the landscape. Can't choose from all these great options? Then ask about the Kauai Golf Challenge, a unique promotion that allows visitors to experience one round each at the island's best golf resorts for one special price. The Kauai Lagoons, Poipu Bay Golf course and the Princeville Resort are all included in the deal. Hawaii Vacations

Surfing & Windsurfing: The best surfing in Kauai varies by time of year. On the South shore, the best times are from May to October with Kuhio Shores offering 8 prime spots for a variety of skill levels. The North Shore is best from November to April and includes the world-famous Hanalei Bay, a favorite of avid surfers. Windsurfing is good at Kalapaki Beach and Anini Beach Park, reported to have the most consistent wind. Hawaii Vacations

Hawaii has so many activities to choose from you can go blind trying looking at all the choices! In this podcast Yalng and Bruce discuss the most popular activities and offer their personal favorites for each island. They also go over a advance booking for next year from a podcast listener.

In the "Agent Spotlight" this week is Paul Bowen who joins Yaling and Bruce to discuss his career with Hawaii Aloha Travel. Paul discusses how the internet has changed the way Travel Agents book trips and offers helpful advise. They also review a advance booking sent in by a podcast listener.

Click here to Listen

Show Links
Kauai Back Country

Inter-island travel in Hawaii generates a lot of questions. We have 4 airlines and sometimes it's very tricky to plan from island to island. In this podcast Yaling and Bruce offer some tips and advise about how to fly between the islands.

The Hawaii Vacation Connection devotes Fridays to reviewing podcast listener Hawaii Vacations. It also give Yaling and Bruce a chance to sometimes announce incredible airfare deals and "dish the dirt" about about some of the hotels in Hawaii.

Last minute vacations to Hawaii are hard to accomplish but Yaling and Bruce discuss how it can be done what's involved. The reality is that sometimes we can get you here but the hotel inventory is so scarce you may have to bring a tent to sleep in!!

When deciding your wardrobe for Hawaii, plan on packing clothes that suit your lifestyle and travel plans. Start with clothes that are light, loose, and comfortable.

Daytime
• Shorts, sandals or some good walking shoes
• Short sleeve shirts or tops
• Hat and sunglasses
• Swim trunks or swimsuit for the beach

Evenings
• Casual pants and shirts for both men and women
• Dress or skirt and top for women
• Sport coat (if you plan to visit Hawaii’s finest restaurants)
• Light jacket or sweater

Special situations
You’ll need warm clothes if your trip will take you to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island, or to Maui’s Haleakala National Park. That also applies if you’ll be hiking at higher elevations or spending time on the ocean. It does get cool on occasion, particularly if you’ll be spending time up-country on one of the islands, so it’s probably smart to bring a coat or sweater if that’s where you’re headed. Consider bringing:
• Light coat or windbreaker
• Sweater or sweatshirt
• Long pants
• Hiking shoes

As each day goes by it seems that the fall Airline fares continute to get better. Northwest is offering on flights 221 and 222 for travel from now to November 13, airfare as low as 246.00 Roundtrip. Hopefully some of you will be able to take advantage of this fare. Also, United lowered their rates from most cities last week. I know many of you are in the Bay Area so hurry up and call us!!