Hawaii has been, and always will be tops on my list, so it was nice to see Hawaii nab two prime spots in the “2008 Travelers’ Choice for US Destinations.” Perhaps I am too biased since I do live here – but come on…Hawaii is pretty great. I sort of feel bad for the other states, I mean how can they possibly compete against Hawaii’s beaches, beautiful sunsets and sights not to mention the Mai Tais and aloha spirit.
I was happy to see one of my favorite places making the list. Number 4, sunny Poipu on the island of Kauai. This is a great spot with a relaxed vibe yet it still manages to offer something for everyone. It has fabulous hotels, bars and as I learned from my friend Jody, a great surf break right off the beach in front of the hotels.
Ninth on the list was Lahaina on Maui. Again no surprise, since it is always a hit with travelers to the AlohaState. Lahaina’s rich whaling history and whale excursions combined with its’ culinary options, golf and shopping makes it also a terrific location for families or honeymoon couples.
That is the magical thing about Hawaii, it doesn’t matter if you are a family with kids, a large group, active, elderly or a couple looking to spark romance – Hawaii has something for everyone. This must be why people keep coming back to the islands year after year. (Posted by CM & Images Web).
I was reading in the paper and came across an article - “Haleiwa to be rebuilt.” The article headline made me sad. I know change is necessary to evolution, but for some reason I found this news distressing.
When I first visited Oahu I stayed on the NorthShore for two weeks and loved the charm of Haleiwa. So I was very interested when I learned that Kamehameha Schools has plans for Oahu’s famous rural NorthShore.
Part of the plan includes redeveloping the landmark Matsumoto Shave Ice building and adding 50,000 to 100,000 square feet of new commercial space in historic Haleiwa town. So what exactly does “redeveloping the landmark Matsumoto” mean exactly? How could you change the Mecca of shave ice?
According to the article in the Advertiser, the plan is to “revitalize the rural community.” These plans come after two years of community meetings where the developers incorporated suggestions by area residents. The good news is that the trust’s main goal is to keep the NorthShore’s rural character intact. As it stands now, the proposed development includes both affordable housing units, as well as market-priced homes. It will also incorporate a plantation-style “TownCenter” for new businesses, retail shops, a grocery and drug store as well as office space at the Matsumoto site, totaling 50,000 to 100,000 square feet.
The residential projects are expected to be completed in five to 10 years, with the overall plan targeted within the next 15 to 20 years. Let’s hope they also have a plan for all the traffic. (Posted by CM & Images HNA).
Now I don’t play golf, but living in Hawaii it is hard to ignore. It is a popular pastime and some of the world’s premier golf courses and tournaments are held here on our islands of Oahu, Maui and Kauai and the BigIsland.
So when I heard that May is “PGA’s Free Lesson Month” it got my attention. It could be a good excuse to finally get one of those cute golf outfits! One of the sport’s biggest criticism is the high expense, so the PGA‘s “Play Golf America Program” is offering free introductory lessons for beginners, tips to casual players and the opportunity for avid golfers to fine-tune a specific area.
On Kauai, Princeville’s 18-hole Prince course and 27-hole Makai course will offer free golf lessons in May. Resort pros will provide personalized 10-minute lessons any day, with reservations. On the North Shore of Oahu, head to TurtleBay, the back drop for the new movie comedy “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and get started! For full details contact each hotel direct. (Posted by CM & Google).
If you are looking for a great family friendly event this weekend – head to the “I Love Kailua” Town Party, on Sunday April 27th. This annual community event on Oahu is in its 16th year and is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Started by the Lani-Kailua Outdoor Circle, this group has been devoted to keeping Kailua clean, green and beautiful. They will even be offering a "bicycle valet service." So it makes sense that this event is held close to Earth Day and features some of the areas best farmers market produce, flowers and local products. The event proceeds go back into beautification projects for the Kailua community.
This is truly a “non-tourist” experience where you can mix with local residents that live on the Windward side and all over Oahu. It is a huge, fun block party where you can see your neighbors, old friends and bring the dog. There is something for everyone, music, food, hula, local arts, native Hawaiian plants and orchids.
The cost is $3 for adults, children 12 and under are free. Buttons for entry are sold at 30 local establishments in Kailua. The buttons are always very cute and people collect them year after year. And even better the buttons will get you a discount when presented at participating stores. (Posted by CM – images SOET & Star Bulletin)
The folks at NPR really wanted to spin the Hawaii market negatively, but I wouldn’t let them. if you read the paragraph below you would think Hawaii is out of your price range, but it’s not!! Hawaii is a real value right now as the hotels start to offer great deals!! I was on the NPR show Day by Day click here to listen to what ii had to say about this issue.
NPR - Day by Day - If you’re dreaming of a spring vacation on the sandy beaches of Hawaii, think again. Rising fuel costs are making that sort of vacation a lot more expensive. And travel agents are seeing a slowdown in vacation bookings. Madeleine Brand speaks with Bruce Fisher, owner of the Hawaii Aloha Travel Company in Honolulu.
Oh the irony, I just blogged about Hawaii’s fine restaurants being cited in “Food & Wine” magazine and today all I can think about is a burger. Let me clarify, as I really love good food and here in Hawaii we have so many amazing options – Pacific-Rim, authentic Chinese, Japanese and Regional Cuisine – but sometimes you just want a burger.
I often get asked by family and friends on the mainland, “so what do people eat in Hawaii?” And yes the 808-state does consume more rice, sushi, pork hash, SPAM and Asian inspired foods then people living in Nebraska. But we also eat all sorts of other stuff too like hamburgers! So imagine my glee when I learned that “The Shack” will be opening a new store in Waikiki.
“The Shack” is a fun neighborhood style sports bar and restaurant with four locations on Oahu – Mililani, Kailua, Hawaii Kai and now Waikiki and also one on Kauai in Kapa’a. While not everyone may know your name, these relaxed establishments are similar to “Cheers” in that they attract a wide range of local residents. The food is inexpensive, the service is good, informal and if you want bar food – this is the place. The Hawaii Kai store has great views of Koko Head and you can sit outside by the water.
The new location will be in the WaikikiTradeCenter on Kuhio Avenue, where “Legends Seafood” currently stands. At 9,000 square feet, this will be the largest of the “shacks” and is slated to open this July. If I have offended any vegetarians or vegans, I am truly sorry. What can I say – sometimes you just want a burger. And yes, you can order that burger with pineapple on top. (Posted by CM -images web).
Hawaii Airport Officials say the closures of Aloha Airlines and ATA are so far not affecting expansion plans. April arrivals by air to Hawaii to date have topped 300-thousand but that’s down 13% from this point last year. The Norwegian Cruise Line ship Pride of Aloha made a mercy mission to help rescue a puppy marooned on Fanning Island. weather and Hawaii Celebrity News
Let’s face it – most people first think of Hawaii’s great beaches, surf and Waikiki when they think of the AlohaState. Yet we have been consistently recognized for having some amazing cuisine.
Recently, gourmet bible, Food & Wine cited eight local restaurants for their outstanding culinary delights. This year’s picks are all returnees to the list. “Alan Wong’s” and “Chef Mavro” on King Street and “Vino” at Restaurant Row make it a three-peat - recognized for the 3rd year in a row. The establishments are noted as “classics” on the list, offering amazing service and a vast wine list to satisfy any wine connoisseur.
Two other notables are “Kaiwa” and “Matsugen” located on the new hip and happening Waikiki Beach Walk. Cited in part for it’s’ location, “Kaiwa” was named one of the “World’s 10 Best Restaurants with a View” this year. Now that is impressive, anyway you slice it.
So as an amateur “foodie” myself, I am eager to check out these noted culinary delights. It makes me happy to see Hawaii recognized in this prestigious arena - as a culinary Mecca covering all genres from SPAM to 5-Star food. (Posted by CM – image Food & Wine )
Talk to any music lover here in Hawaii and you will hear the same thing, “are you going to the Kokua Festival this weekend?” Unless you have been living on Mars, everyone knows that the Kokua Festival is the hottest music ticket in town…if you can get one! This year the tickets sold out in ten minutes.
Top selling musician Jack Johnson, dedicated to environmental awareness and sustainability, created the Kokua Festival back in 2003 to help raise awareness for his NorthShore based “Kokua Hawaii Foundation”. The concert, this weekend April 19-20th features an eclectic blend of musicians such as Dave Matthews, local favorites like songstress Paula Fuga and ska and reggae band, Go Jimmy Go.
My friend Sally Anne is lucky enough to attend both days of the festival. I asked her how she got these highly prized tickets - beach clean ups she replied. In keeping with his commitment to the environment, Johnson gave tickets to volunteers participating in his beach clean ups. One was held on the SouthShore with over 450 people and the other was on the NorthShore with 400 volunteers. So in this case it is true – a good deed is rewarded. (Posted by CM – images Jack Johnson website).
Today marks the one year anniversary of the death of much beloved Hawaii icon – singer and entertainer Don Ho. Ho passed away after a well documented battle with heart disease. Ho dazzled audiences performing for over 40 years entertaining in Waikiki and all over the world.
Made world famous in 1966 with a fun song about champagne, Ho’s “Tiny Bubbles” continues to still be a well known favorite. Another tune linked to Ho was his hit “Pearly Shells” which he performed at his Waikiki showroom known as “Hoku Hale” at the Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. The location now is under construction and being transformed into Jimmy Buffet’s new restaurant slated to open this November. Also sadly, Ho’s AlohaTower restaurant “Don Ho’s Island Grill” will be closing its doors the end of 2008.
There will be a free “Don Ho Tribute” Tuesday April 15th at Ala Moana’s Center Stage 6pm. The concert will showcase some great local performers like Wally Vincent, Dino Guzman and Joey V.
Along with Ho, we tragically lost several other great Hawaiian entertainers over the past months with the passing of Aunty Genoa Keawe, Aunty Nona Beamer and most recently Nani Lee Meadow. While this may seem like the end of an era, Ho’s musical legacy and lifetime of aloha will continue to live on. There are plans to construct a bronze statue of Ho in Waikiki at a small park on the corner of Kalakaua and Beach Walk. (Posted by CM – images Wikapedia)
Hawaii
Ninth on the list was Lahaina on 
I was reading in the paper and came across an article - “Haleiwa to be rebuilt.” The article headline made me sad. I know change is necessary to evolution, but for some reason I found this news distressing. 
According to the article in the Advertiser, the plan is to “revitalize the rural community.” These plans come after two years of community meetings where the developers incorporated suggestions by area residents. The good news is that the trust’s main goal is to keep the 
Now I don’t play golf, but living in 
On 
If you are looking for a great family friendly event this weekend – head to the “I Love Kailua” Town Party, on Sunday April 27th. This annual community event on Oahu is in its 16th year and is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
The folks at NPR really wanted to spin the Hawaii market negatively, but I wouldn’t let them. if you read the paragraph below you would think Hawaii is out of your price range, but it’s not!! Hawaii is a real value right now as the hotels start to offer great deals!! I was on the NPR show Day by Day click here to listen to what ii had to say about this issue.
Oh the irony, I just blogged about 
“The Shack” is a fun neighborhood style sports bar and restaurant with four locations on Oahu – Mililani, 
Let’s face it – most people first think of 
Talk to any music lover here in 
My friend Sally Anne is lucky enough to attend both days of the festival. I asked her how she got these highly prized tickets - beach clean ups she replied. In keeping with his commitment to the environment, Johnson gave tickets to volunteers participating in his beach clean ups. One was held on the 
Today marks the one year anniversary of the death of much beloved 
There will be a free “Don Ho Tribute” Tuesday April 15th at Ala Moana’s Center Stage 6pm. The concert will showcase some great local performers like Wally Vincent, Dino Guzman and Joey V.