Hawaii Vacation Blog

So you've planned your Hawai vacation, paid for your trip, did all your homework and are ready to go to paradise. But are you REALLY sure you're ready? Here are a few reminders before you walk out the door and on the plane to paradise.

Make sure you have all of your travel documents in order. In most cases you should receive them 35 days before you leave, look at them carefully and make sure things like your name the flight numbers, and your hotel reservations are correct. If there are any changes to be made please let your travel agent know right away. Pay close attention to your record locator this is usually six characters made up of numbers and letters. This is a universal locator called a PNR (passenger name record) which is used to identify this reservation in any global distribution system (GDS) which is used universally across the Internet and airline reservation systems to find apssengers and update ther records. In addition to PNR, you will be assigned e-ticket numbers which corresponds to each person traveling. In other words, you'll have one global record locator and then individual ticket numbers for each of the people traveling in your party.

You as a consumer are responsible for calling the airlines within 24 hours of traveling. There's really no exception to this rule and if you miss your plane, or your flight has been changed it's really up to you to get that information and is not the airline or you are travel agents responsibility to give you this information. Keep in mind that a good travel agent will always be notified and always notify you if there's any changes however, when a change occurs within 24 hours of travel, there is no way for a travel agent to be aware of a last minute change. This is why it's very important for you call 24 hours before you leave for the airport and then right before you go out the door. We also recommend that you do not print out boarding passes before you go to the airport because if something happens on your way to the airport and you don't make it you can still call the airlines and let them know. As soon as you print out those boarding passes the airline thinks you're checked in so can be a real problem if anything happens in route to the airport after you've printed out those boarding passes. recommend getting to the airport three hours before the plane departs. If you arrive just 40 minutes before the plainly as it's not enough time to board and you will probably end up not making your flight.

Make sure you look in your wallet and physically look at your drivers license before you leave, your identification, credit cards, and any important documentation that you have. Many people forget to do this and leave behind their drivers license and as a result can't board the plane and then a disaster occurs. Also remember to have all of your important cell phone numbers programmed into your cell phone.

You've done all your preparation and prepared a long time for your trip to Hawaii please make sure you don't make the mistake of forgetting these important last-minute tips.

Don't be too overambitious with the activities you choose, understand that you can't do everything. You should try to have a nice balance between relaxing and enjoying some of the activities that we have on the islands.

The best way to plan for Hawaii activities is to first make a list of all the things you want to do. Write down everything you can think of like snorkeling, golfing, deep sea fishing, hiking etc. Obviously you won't be able to do all these things, this is just a way to brainstorm everything that you can think of that you want to do. The next thing you want to do is make a list of the things that you must do for example: you know you want to go to a luau or Pearl Harbor. Once you have these two lists you can then narrowed down to a smaller list which incorporates both things you want to do and things that you might want.

Make sure that you pick age-appropriate activities. For example if you're older some of the Eco-tours may be a little too strenuous. Even a moderate hike will take all day in some cases so be careful not to choose something that would be too much for you to do. And likewise if you have youngsters make sure that they can actually do the activity that you're engaging in. For example, some snorkeling adventures and zip line activities have a minimum age requirement.

if you follow these simple rules and play correctly you'll have a great time in the beautiful Hawaiian Islands.

While the Pride of Hawaii may be leaving Hawaiian waters, one should not take that to mean NCL’s Hawaii cruise initiative is in trouble. On the contrary, The Pride of America and the Pride of Aloha have always been a success and will continue to operate offering 7,10 and 11 day itineraries. As a Hawaii based travel agent, I can tell you that the introduction of the Hawaii cruise itineraries has been a welcome and needed alternative for travelers coming to Hawaii. As a result of NCL’s initiative, Hawaii has become a very popular cruise destination not only for NCL, but for other cruise lines as well. With these other ships coming into the marketplace to get a piece of the pie, it only made sense for NCL to take the Pride out of the mix for now and bring it back when demand allows.

The Hawaii Cruise ship itineraries make it possible for people from all over the world to see the islands like never before, offering overnights on both Maui and Kauai. Additionally they, fulfill an important need in the marketplace by giving consumers a all-inclusive experience in Hawaii in only seven days, at a great price. Perfect for both families and honeymooners alike.

NCL showed a lot of profitability with both the Pride of Aloha and Pride of America before the Pride of Hawaii ever came here to Hawaii. These 2 ships have the most experienced American crew members who have been here in the Hawaiian Islands many years now. They know what they’re doing and offer excellent customer service. Many people have told me they prefer the American crew to foreign crews because they have great personalities, they’re American and likewise can communicate with cruisers more effectively.

Cruises in Hawaii have now become part of the tourism landscape in Hawaii and will remain so for many years to come. If you get the chance to come to Hawaii don’t hesitate to book a NCL cruise to Hawaii, you’ll be very happy that you did.

The Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau (HVCB) has embarked on a multi-year marketing campaign to promote the state's most recognized resort, Waikiki, which is seeing more than $1 billion in renovations. Let by Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann and under the theme "Waikiki-Share the Experience," a contingent of 30 Hawaii representatives are in New York City this week to promote Waikiki's renewal to travel trade professionals, wholesalers and the media.

"Waikiki has always been a favorite place for our residents and visitors, but today this world-recognized destination is more inviting and spectacular than ever -- and it's only going to get better," said Mayor Hannemann. "The level of investment and quality of improvements by both government and private industry has reinvigorated Waikiki's luster and reinforced its standing in the upper echelon of destinations worldwide. If anyone hasn't been to Waikiki recently, it's time to come back."

The Waikiki marketing effort is balancing the destination's heritage with the renewal fueled by multitude of private and public refurbishments. Special emphasis is being given to highlighting the four brand pillars of Waikiki that appeal to travelers' interests: activities, cuisine, entertainment and fashion. This Thursday, April 19, HVCB is hosting a reception at Conde Nast magazine headquarters for travel trade professionals representing wholesalers, national travel agencies, airlines, meetings and incentive planners, and travel media. The reception will feature musical entertainment by Jake Shimabukuro, 3 Scoops of Aloha, and Waikiki Nei, the new Cirque du Soleil-style show being introduced at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. Cultural advisor Ramsey Taum will make a presentation about Waikiki's historical and cultural significance to the native Hawaiian people. Chef Alan Wong is preparing local-style appetizers for attendees, while Ala Moana Center, Louis Vuitton, Mana Hawaii, Tori Richards and Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center are showcasing Waikiki's contemporary fashions.

In addition, HVCB and its industry partners are participating in numerous industry briefings with New York travel editors and journalists throughout the week to promote the core message of the Waikiki travel experience. John Monahan, HVCB president and CEO, praised Mayor Hannemann and the bureau's industry partners for rising to the call of promoting the new Waikiki. "Waikiki has a vibrant, energetic look and feel, and the industry-wide improvements are creating a heightened sense of excitement for one of the world's truly iconic destinations," Monahan said.

On April 24, HVCB and its industry partners will host a similar reception to promote Waikiki for key travel trade professionals and media in Southern California at the Peninsula Beverly Hills. Monahan added that Waikiki's renewal is also the central theme for the upcoming Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) Western Chapter conference being held in Waikiki this June. A series of travel trade and consumer marketing promotions will be implemented through next winter.

Joining Mayor Hannemann and HVCB in the New York City travel trade and media blitz are marketing representatives from Oahu Visitors Bureau, Outrigger Enterprises, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Hawaii, Halekulani Corporation, Royal Hawaii Shopping Center, Ala Moana Center, Alan Wong's Restaurant, The Lomi Shop Va'a, Freeset Creative Technology, Cultural Advisor Ramsey Taum, Jake Shimabukuro and 3 Scoops of Aloha.

HONOLULU - For years, visitors who wanted to bring their pets to Hawaii faced a four-month quarantine for the animals - and they had to pay for it.

But the rules changed in 2003, making it easier to avoid quarantine as long as other requirements are met to ensure that the animals are free of rabies.

As a result, arrivals of cats and dogs to the islands are up over 30 percent in three years, and hotels are responding to the trend by offering amenities for traveling pets.
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The hotel services, most of which are geared to dog-owners, are great for visitors from out of state, but they also benefit locals who want to vacation with their dogs in Hawaii, or who want to take their pets back and forth to the mainland.

Elizabeth Taylor and Cameron Diaz are two of the higher-profile pet-owners who've taken advantage of doggie services at The Kahala, one of Oahu's most luxurious hotels. But Larry and Valerie Wilson, who live in Hawaii, also got to experience the pet program on a recent stay at The Kahala when their pet bichon frise, Kea, was greeted by name by the bellman. The fluffy white dog was then escorted to his room, where fresh-baked peanut butter biscuits with "Kea" inscribed on top awaited.

"It's always been a hassle when we want a nice weekend away, and need to find a doggie-sitter," said Valerie Wilson, a government worker from Aiea. "He's like our child and we always want to bring him."

Nearly 9,000 dogs and cats arrived in Hawaii last fiscal year, up from about 7,650 in 2005 and just over 6,800 in 2004, according to the state Department of Agriculture. Already more than 5,600 have come to the islands in the first seven months of this fiscal year, while just 311 went through the 120-day quarantine.

But even the new rules involve expensive, complicated preparations that require pet-owners to plan months in advance of their trips.

Animals entering the state must have two rabies vaccinations at least three months apart; an implanted microchip (for identification); and a rabies blood test performed at least 120 days before arrival in Hawaii. The blood sample must be sent to a lab at Kansas State University for testing (or for military personnel moving to Hawaii, to a Department of Defense lab in Texas).

ANIMAL QUARANTINE INFORMATION: For information about bringing pets into Hawaii, visit http://www.hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/info.
The fee for direct release at the airport is $165 if all paperwork is sent in advance of arrival. The charge for the four-month quarantine is $1,080.

It's pet owners who make a sudden move to the islands or who fail to research the requirements whose animals end up in quarantine for the 120 days, said Dr. Isaac Maeda, a veterinarian and manager of the animal quarantine station. Quarantine for animals began in 1912 when rabies became endemic in California.

The Kahala resort manager, Tim Lee, started the dog program there last year after helping launch a similar pet-pampering program at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles, where celebrities regularly brought their purse-sized pups.

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"Even the dogs want to be pampered," said Lee. "It's all a matter of service."

The Kahala, 10 minutes outside Waikiki in one of the richest neighborhoods on Oahu, charges $150 per pet. The hotel also offers dog-walking, pet pillows alongside guest beds, and a card that guests can use to teach their dogs commands in Hawaiian. "Noho," for example, is sit. The Sheraton Princess Kaiulani in Waikiki and Four Seasons Resort Maui also allow small pets as extra amenities to attract visitors to their upscale hotels. Several bed and breakfasts, vacation homes and Harbor Shores Apartment Hotel in Aiea welcome pets.

At W Honolulu in Diamond Head, cats and dogs under 40 pounds are welcome. Owners pay an extra $25 a day at the W plus a $100 cleaning fee at the end of their visit.

Upon arrival, they get special water bowls, pet-size beds and goodie bags packed with a rawhide treat or chew toy.

"It makes the experience for pets just like it is for humans," said general manager Lyle Takeuchi.

The oldest of the major Hawaiian Islands, Kaua'i is best known for its nickname of "The Garden Isle". It's a title that's well deserved when you consider the island's abundant tropical foliage, year round sunshine, emerald green cliffs and legendary rainbows. It's easy to see why Kaua`i offers its visitors a virtual garden of delights. Two popular attractions for garden lovers are the National Tropical Botanical Garden in Lawa`i, and Smith's Tropical Paradise on the banks of the Wailua River.

Since only about ten percent of Kaua`i's amazing scenery can be seen from the road, exploring the island on foot, or from the sea or air, can be extremely rewarding. No trip to Kaua`i would be complete without viewing the spectacular Na Pali cliffs rising a majestic 3,000 feet from the island's North Shore. Hikers can get an awe-inspiring view of the cliffs by traveling part, or all of the challenging 10.8 mile Kalalau Trail. For a more relaxing tour of the area, visitors can book a charter on a Zodiac raft or catamaran. Another popular way to experience Kaua`i's incomparable beauty is by taking a "flightseeing" helicopter tour. It's an excellent way to take in some of the island's breathtaking scenery that would otherwise be inaccessible. Once visitors get an overview of this paradise, they're not surprised to discover that it has been the setting for many major motion pictures such as South Pacific, Jurassic Park and Raiders of the Lost Ark. In fact, guided tours are available to many of the sites where movies have been filmed.

Another unique experience for visitors to Kaua`i is a trip to the magnificent Waimea Canyon, dubbed 'The Grand Canyon of the Pacific" by Mark Twain. This multicolored natural wonder - the only canyon of its kind in the Hawaiian Islands - stretches for twelve miles and is 3,500 feet deep and one mile wide. Visitors can get an excellent view by car from the canyon's lookout points, or for a more "up close and personal" look, they can arrange to hike into the canyon or ride in on bike or horseback.

While Kaua`i has long been known as 'The Garden Isle," it also has another very fitting name - "The Isle of Discovery." The island's seven distinct micro climates create an astonishing variety of scenery to explore, ranging from desert-like conditions to cool mountain forests. With its 43 white sand beaches, Kauai has more beach-per-mile of coastline than any other Hawaiian island. Best of all, most of Kaua`i's attractions can be "discovered" within a two hour drive from anywhere on the island - a real benefit for visitors who are short on time

While Hawaii is one of the safest destinations in the World, there is still crime and visitors need to protect themselves ambassadors of Aloha Yaling and Bruce go over thing you need to remember to avoid crime when visiting the islands. They also discuss packages submitted by pod cast listeners and HAT users.

Staying Safe during your Hawaii Vacation