Auqa Waikiki Wave Reviewed
In addition to my posts here, I contribute to a mainstream blog called Hawaiirama on a regular basis. There you’ll find my "official" reviews of hotels in Hawaii.
You can find my latest one on the Aqua Waikiki Wave by clicking over to www.hawaiirama.com
Add comment February 29th, 2008
Yesterday I stopped by the Diamond Head lighthouse to enjoy the view. Through the haze, I could make out the splashes of several whales in the distance. Standing among a group of enthusiastic first time tourists, I also found myself enjoying the whale sighting. It got me wondering about our large, gentle winter residents and why us humans find them so fascinating.
Approximately 10,000 Humpback whales visit Hawaii each year between the months of November – May with February being the peak month. The annual migration begins early fall from the Gulf of Alaska. The whales select one of three “winter whale vacation hot spots” the coast of Baja in Mexico, islands off the south east coast of Japan and the largest group (nearly 60%) coming to cruise Hawaii. The whales travel nearly 3,500 miles from their feeding grounds in Alaska, taking about 4-8 weeks round-trip. While the majority of the whales end up in the waters off Maui, they can be seen from many of the Hawaiian Islands – including Oahu.
So why do these whales come winter in Hawaii? For the same reasons as all tourists - great weather (warm waters create a suitable environment for newborn calves), beautiful ocean (protective shallower waters within the deep Pacific), lack of stress (no deadly Orca whales in Hawaii), and to drink a tasty Mai Tai!
It is an amazing once in a lifetime experience to observe the Humpback. I recommend you come see these amazing creatures for yourself and you will understand why ancient Hawaiians believed the whale to be the god of animals in the ocean. (Posted by CM & photo Pacific Whale Foundation)
Add comment February 29th, 2008
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One of my favorite Hawaii spots is the view from atop the Ka Iwi Ridge behind Lanikai. The short, steep hike to the “pill boxes” offers breathtaking views of the Mokulua Islands and Koolua Mountains. After a recent visit, I started to wonder about the history of these little mysterious boxes in the sky.
While it is unclear how many were actually constructed, we do know that both the Lanikai and Diamond Head pillboxes were part of the island’s defensive system. The Lanikai site, appears to have been an observation post, was likely built during the autumn of 1941, when Army engineers quickly strengthen defenses on the Windward side of the island. Eventually they were stripped out and left abandoned by the military.
There are numerous personal blogs created by tourists and residents with images dedicated to the pillboxes. A group of Waimanalo teens adopted the Lanikai area, collecting trash and painting the pillbox graffiti. A popular spot for wedding proposals and most touching was a man who had his ashes scattered at one of the pillboxes. Considering Lanikai translates to “heavenly sea” I can’t think of a better final resting place. (Posted by CM images CM & Waymaking)
Add comment February 28th, 2008
The beautiful Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is located across the street from Waikiki Beach and is within walking distance of Kapiolani Park, the zoo and aquarium. It’s an expansive property taking up over 5 acres on Diamondhead side of Waikiki, it has 2 towers with 1300 guest rooms, so its great for large groups or family reunions. This is a full service property with everything you need to make you vacation memorable.
Add comment February 27th, 2008
We have all been there, the last minutes craziness before you leave on a trip. It doesn’t matter; vacation or business the day of a trip is always filled with last minute rushing around.
So imagine the surprise when a Florida woman returned from dropping her husband off at the airport and could not locate her cat Gracie. The last time she saw her four-legged friend was before they left for the airport. Hours after she tore the house apart looking for the cat, she received a phone call. It was from a stranger in Texas.
The stranger had accidentally picked up her husband’s suitcase. When he got back to his hotel room, the feline jumped out! Gracie the cat made the 1,300-mile trip home on an $80 plane ticket.
It makes you wonder how the cat made it through all the airport security? But what I really want to know - did the kitty get frequent flier miles? (Posted & Photo by CM)
Add comment February 27th, 2008
Latest Hawaii Vacation News. Local news, 5 day weather forecast, celebrity news. Each week we take a look at a spot in Hawaii you may want to visit during your, this week we feature Mokulua Islands.
Each week we take a look at a spot in Hawaii you may want to visit during your vacation. Today we share with you Mokulua Islands on Windward Side of Oahu. Your journey to this special spot begins at Lanai Kai Beach, rated one of the top beaches in the world.
Add comment February 26th, 2008
Genoa Keawe was a true cultural treasure.
Known as “Aunty” she was one of the top female Hawaiian falsetto singers. A recipient of numerous awards and grandmother to 40 grand children, she was much more than just a singer. Keawe was a beloved Hawaii icon living and representing aloha.
Learning the Hawaiian language, from her mother in-law Keawe was quoted in the Star Bulletin, that it helped her better understand the nuances of the Hawaiian songs she sang and later became famous for. Keawe was a mentor and inspiration to many younger musicians and performers. She always shared her time encouraging the next generation to respect and learn the Hawaiian language. Keawe’s generous spirit will live on through her music and the many performers that she inspired to carry on her entertaining traditions. (posted by CM - image Star Bulletin)
1 comment February 26th, 2008
Has travel “gone to the dogs”? Apparently it has with more than 29 million US residents stating they have traveled with pets in the past three years, according to the Travel Industry Association of America.
It appears “pet travel” is a new growing market, as more people want to include their pet in vacation plans. How will this trend affect travel? Well don’t get your tail twisted, it is unlikely that Fido or Garfield will be sipping Champagne next to you in first class.
However with the high demand for pet travel arrangements, don’t be surprised if you see Snoopy at the bar. Some upscale hotels are offering dog-walking concierges, pet spa services and even holding doggie cocktail parties. In the yachting world I have seen millionaire pooches eat off china plates with food prepared by a chef.
On the internet I found numerous sites on pet travel. Listing where to get Spot’s immigration papers to how you can send Fluffy solo to over 150 airports worldwide. Not to mention pet time-shares, the European Doggie Toilet and my personal favorite, the Pet Travel Boutique. Where you can find items your pet needs to feel stylish and comfy while traveling.
While it is a little more complicated here in Hawaii due to stricter animal quarantine regulations, it is possible for people coming to Hawaii on extended stays to bring their furry friends. Several Oahu hotels are already pouncing on the pet trend. The Aqua Renew in Waikiki is happy to host your pet, as is the swanky Kahala Hotel and Resort offering in-room pet amenities. My conclusion - it truly is a dog’s life! (posted by CM)
Add comment February 25th, 2008
No stranger to island life, it looks like laid back Jimmy Buffett will be cruising back to Hawaii. His new restaurant “Jimmy Buffett’s at the Beachcomber” will soon occupy a spot on Kalakaua Avenue. In a partnership with Outrigger Enterprises, this is the first Hawaiian business venture for the singer.
“From the first time I surfed a wave in Waikiki, I began to figure out I could spend more time in Hawaii. I have written many songs and stories inspired by my time here, I can’t wait to see what the future holds,” stated Buffett in the Honolulu Advertiser.
The $15 million restaurant will take up more than 21,000 square feet in an area that was home to the late Don Ho’s musical performances. The deal is part of a larger $21 million renovation of the Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel.
Aside from his music career, Buffett is a best selling writer and is involved in several restaurant ventures named after his two most popular songs, “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and “Margaritaville”. Currently with restaurants open in New Orleans, Orlando, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, Mexico and the Caribbean, Buffett has plans to launch Panama City Beach, Mohegan Sun and Waikiki later this fall. It is so ironic that the man made famous from such songs as “License to Chill” and “Its 5 O’clock Somewhere”, is busy running his diverse business empire. (posted by CM)
Add comment February 22nd, 2008
The Indiana Jones movie franchise comes back to Hawaii for it’s 4th installment the “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”. As Indy fans will recall, Hawaii has been a location in past films such as 1980’s “Raiders of the Lost Ark” partly shot at Kualoa Ranch on Oahu. This time they selected Hilo on the Big Island. Shooting took place at several Big Island spots, including a waterfall near the coast and a secluded piece of Shipman Estate property near Keaau.
After extensive shooting in New Mexico and Connecticut they came back to Hawaii, shooting twenty percent of the film for three weeks on private property, keeping production secretive. Hawaii stands in for the jungles of Peru. “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” is the biggest film shot in Hawaii since “Waterworld” and was estimated to generate $22 to $45 million in the local economy. Another set of Spielberg films shot here in Hawaii, was the “Jurassic Park," trilogy. The “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” is slated to open May 22nd across 4,000 theaters in the United States. Our popular hero will be dubbed into 25 languages as he continues to charm audiences worldwide attired in his famous hat, whip and sarcastic attitude as he fights the bad guys. (Posted by CM - image Dreamworks)
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Add comment February 21st, 2008
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