Hawaii Vacation Blog

There are eight major islands and more than 120 minor reefs and islands in the Hawaiian island chain. Cruising is a way to visit many of the main islands in a short period of time without multiple airfares or having to pack and unpack in each port. Enjoy lush tropical forests, fabulous beaches, rugged volcanic landscapes, steep mountains, carefully groomed golf courses, snorkeling, nightlife and more.

Typical costs:

* Fares for 7-day roundtrips from Honolulu run $520-$1,100 for a standard cabin; $1,000-$1,650 for one with a balcony; and $1,600-$3,000 for a suite. Airfare to Hawaii is extra.
* 10-15-night cruises departing from the western mainland (anywhere from Ensenada, Mexico to Vancouver, BC and numerous ports in-between) start around $900-$2,700 for a cabin; $1,500-$2,900 for a balcony; and $1,700-$4,700 or more for a suite.
* Some cruises of 15-31 days are available at prices ranging from $1,100-$4,500 or more.
* Hawaiian cruises are offered year round. The best weather is summer and fall, when the islands get the least amount of rain. Summer and Christmas season are the most popular and therefore at the higher end of the price range. Except for holidays, cruises are cheapest November-February.

What should be included:

* Standard stops include Honolulu on Oahu; Kona on the Island of Hawaii; Lahaina or Kahului on Maui; Kauai; Lanai; and Molokai. CruiseCritic.com lists intriguing Hawaiian port excursions.
* USA Today explains which type of travelers most enjoy seeing Hawaii from a ship.
* For wildlife enthusiasts, dolphins are usually visible from ships year-round, but migrating whales are seen in Hawaii only in the winter months.

Additional costs:

* Port taxes and other fees vary; be sure they’re included in the quoted fare.
* On-shore activities are extra, and prices vary depending widely depending on what’s involved.
* Onboard tipping adds $5-$10 daily per traveler, or an additional $70-$140 for a couple on a seven-day trip. Some cruise lines, such as Radisson Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea and Windstar, include tips in the price.
* Luxury ships generally include everything except bar tabs and port excursions, while lower-priced vessels may charge for special shows, restaurants, spa treatments or other shipboard amenities, which can double the cost of a low-priced fare.

Discounts:

* Many cruise lines offer discounts for seniors or for early bookings. If traveling with a large group of family and friends, ask about a group rate.
* Look for last minute bargains on cruises that haven’t sold out.

Episode #168 Hawaii Vacation News - Hurricane Flossie Update

Yaling and Bruce talk about the latest Hawaii Vacation news and discuss the latest on Hurricane Flossie which is threatening the Big Island. They also answer podcast hotline questions and give kudos to new customers.

Listen Now:

Links/Show Notes:

Hospitality Advisor's Report
Hurricane Flossie
Kauai's Beaches
Hawaii package finder
Yaling and Bruce's Myspace page


Have a question about Hawaii? Have a comment about our podcast? Just give us a call and say ALOHA and let us know you're out there and enjoy the show!



Call our PODCAST HOTLINE now 24/7 at 1-808-237-5255 or Toll Free at 1-800-843-8771 ext. 45

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The problem we face as agents is that we cannot expose ourselves to litigation so we have to be very careful to deal with accommodations that are licensed and insured.   Of course,  all the properties we deal with including condos are all legal and insured. Our condos are  provided to us by wholesalers, so there is even an extra layer of protection. We love the idea of alternative accommodations and if that's what you want we will always guide you in the right direction and give you advice when we're working with you to develop your vacation plan.

Show Timeline:
    * 00:19    Intro
    * 05:30    Hawaii Vacation News Starwood buys Renaissance
    * 06:40    Superferry to Launch Aug. 28th, Hurricane Fossie Update
    * 08:00    Todays Topic: Are Hawaii Vacation rentals Legal?
    * 12:20   Podcast listener Questions
    * 24.00   Show Close

Congratulations to new customers, kudos to agents.  Agent shout outs! Chris, Robert and Tara

Have a question about Hawaii? Have a comment about our podcast? Just give us a call and say ALOHA and let us know you’re out there and enjoy the show! Call our PODCAST HOTLINE now 24/7 at 1-808-237-5255 or Toll Free at 1-800-843-8771 ext. 4

Show music:
Go Jimmy Go!

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The latest results from the Consumer Internet Barometer confirms what we have known for quite sometime, especially for Hawaii; People are using the internet more for research  than to actually book their vacations. Today Bruce and Yaling discuss this trend and offer advice to consumers on how they can do their research and also save money using local travel agents in Hawaii.

 




Bruce and Yaling talk about TV bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman's book which debuted on the New York Times bestseller list in the top spot.  Chapman's "You can run but you can't hide  what" is the number one selling hardcover notification book in the country!  Way to go Dog!


Show Timeline:

    * 0:00 Intro
    * 03:00 Dog Hits #1
    * 04:26 Today's Poll results
    * 05:08 Todays Topic: Online Booking is declining
    * 18.02 Is Hawaii #1 for Honeymooners?
    * 15:45 Congrats and Kudos Agent Shout outs: Tisha and  Ashley
    * 22:04 Show close

Have a question about Hawaii? Have a comment about our podcast? Just give us a call and say ALOHA and let us know you’re out there and enjoy the show! Call our PODCAST HOTLINE now 24/7 at 1-808-237-5255 or Toll Free at 1-800-843-8771 ext. 4







Show Links:
Dog hits #1 on NY Times Best Seller List
Is Hawaii #1 for Honeymooners?