Most people considering a visit to Hawaii know we have a lot of beaches here. Our six major islands all are completely rimmed with beaches, and all the beaches are accessible to you. You are, of course, aware of “Waikiki Beach,” the most famous of them all. It’s convenient to every Waikiki hotel. It backs up to restaurants, shops, convenience stores and cocktail lounges and it offers beach-boy services, catamaran rides and surfing lessons. All the comforts; all the clamor.
If you like the idea of sheer beauty, relaxation, a degree of privacy and a sense of discovery, try one or more of these less-traveled beaches. On the islands of Molokai and Lanai, both charming, sleepy islands, every beach fits that bill.
On Oahu:
On Oahu’s eastern shore (one of Hawaii’s most spectacular shoreline vistas), Waimanalo Beach is more than three miles long and beautiful. The park at its center offers lifeguards, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, camping sites, and parking. Farther north, the amenities diminish but the privacy and splendor increase. The beach is wide, the water a vivid blend of greens and blues, and the ocean bottom slopes gently to overhead depths across a series of shallow sandbars.
On Kauai:
Poipu Beach, on the south shore of Kauai, is lovely – and very popular. To its east, a more isolated and scenic (and harder to find) beach lies in relative obscurity. To reach this secluded treasure, follow Poipu Road past the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa until you reach the parking area for Mahaulepu Beach. From there, it’s a short walk to a beach where you’ll enjoy private splendor beyond your expectations. Be sure you have refreshments and sunblock with you; the closest conveniences are beyond walking distance. But If you’re looking for quiet and serenity in beautiful surroundings, this is the place.
On Maui:
The beach at Kapalua Bay, at the northwestern-most point on Maui, offers golden sand, postcard-worthy swaying palms, calm waters and clear-day views toward the islands of Molokai and Lanai. This “pocket” beach is tucked between two lava points and bordered by a coconut tree grove. The surf is tranquil here, perfect for the casual swimmer and families with small children.
On The Big Island:
Here’s a beach area where jumping into the surf isn’t the first priority. South Point on the Big Island of Hawaii is the southernmost point in the United States – reason enough for a visit. The drive through rural – and volcanic – Hawaii is unusual in itself, but the South Point area, where the first Polynesians are thought to have landed, is amazing. The cliff near South Point Park drops forty feet to the ocean‘s surface. The concept looks inviting, but don’t jump, even though there are ladders to return and you may see daring young people doing it. A swift current runs along the shore that could carry you straight out to sea.
And, not so secret …
The following beaches aren’t exactly “hideaways” because they’ve been discovered by our visitors and have become popular. They also are popular with those of us who live here because they simply are nice beaches away from the tourist areas.
Pokai Beach Park, in Oahu’s West Shore beach area, is well protected even during the winter months when other areas are experiencing high surf. It has a “local” ambience, with a gently sloping coral reef that makes the swimming terrific all year round. The beach area itself is sandy with welcome shady areas nearby.
Hanalei Bay Beach on the North Shore of Kauai just might be the most beautiful beach in all of Hawaii. A perfect semi-circle of white sand with a backdrop of waterfalls and mountain peaks, it boasts the pier – now used for swimming — that was featured prominently in the South Pacific film that was shot largely in the area. It’s a popular beach for serious surfers and there is a public boat ramp. The “no jumping off the pier” signs are normally ignored.
Ke`e Beach, in Ke‘e Beach Park, at the end of the road on Kauai’s North Shore between the Na Pali Coast and Limahuli Stream, is a reef lagoon and a favorite snorkeling site. The water is clear and there are zillions of colorful reef fish and turtles. Ke‘e Beach is really “tropical” looking, with surrounding ironwood trees, coconut palms guava trees.
Anaehoomalu Bay Beach is next to the Waikoloa Beach Marriott resort on the Big Island’s Kohala (west) Coast. It boasts landscaped walking paths that wind past ancient Hawaiian fishponds leading to a golden sand beach that’s backed by swaying palm trees. If you’re going to be staying at one of the posh resorts in the area, this beach is certainly worth a visit.
When you come to Hawaii, “Da Beach” definitely has to be at least part of your experience. By all means, venture away from the one in front of your hotel or the one at the end of the street. All the beaches on our islands have personalities of their own, and the more of them you try, the more you’ll enjoy.
The odds against getting a great last-minute deal on a Hawaii trip are about the same as your teenager bringing your car home on time. You’d better not depend on it.
By all means, plan in advance and use a travel agent. Agent commissions are paid by the airlines, hotels, and attractions they book for you, and what’s booked is always YOUR choice. Be sure to use a HAWAII-BASED travel agent. Hawaii Aloha Travel agents know these islands far better than do mainland or international agents whose familiarity comes from “fam” trips sponsored by packagers, properties and attractions who seek to lure your business. Most of our agents were born and raised here or have lived here for years, and were trained here. Select one from our home page or call, toll-free, 1-800-843-8771.
Most agents can find you discounts on airline tickets, but Hawaii-Aloha agents are willing to go to extremes on your behalf. They have arrangements with companies that offer reduced fares, but not to the public, and those savings are passed on to you.
The Internet today provides you with the opportunity to a lot of your own booking, but using a Hawaii Aloha agent lets you avoid the possibility of aggravation. Hawaii hotel owners know that we’re in a position to recommend or not recommend a specific hotel to travelers, and that makes us a powerful ally.
What do you do when your flight from home has been canceled and you’re stranded? Calling the airline won’t get you far. Your Hawaii Aloha agent can have you rebooked and on the next available flight, often within the hour. He or she usually will go the extra mile for you; to make medical referrals, for instance, if you get sick, or even wiring cash should you get robbed.
If you’re considering a cruise to or including Hawaii, having a Hawaii Aloha agent can be a godsend. You’ll not only get a decent price, but you can also get the right stateroom on the right ship.
Since we focus only on Hawaii, we have the resources to quickly compare prices, and we check all our prices against those offered by other travel companies to ensure you get the best value without comprising when it comes to attentive, and courteous service to you. By the way, if you have a price already, let us know up front. We’ll quickly see if we can get you a better one.
Most visitors to the island of Maui rent cars – at least part of the time. Most other modes of transportation are expensive, even though there are several options.
Upon your arrival, the trip from the airport to your lodging will cost about $60 per person, considerably more if you opt for a limo.
If your visit is still in the planning stages, consider staying on the west side. In Lahaina Town, the Lahaina Shores Beach Resort and the Pioneer Inn both offer reasonable rates and place you near plenty of things to do. In its early years, Lahaina was an ancient Hawaiian fishing village. When the tall ships began sailing to the islands, Lahaina’s natural harbor made it a popular town. Several of the buildings and the area’s history revolve around the 1800’s.
Lahaina attracts more than a million visitors each year. Resident celebrities, like you, have a choice of more than sixty restaurants. Whether they stay in the town or not, a stroll through Lahaina is a must-do item on the itinerary of almost all Maui visitors. You’ll discover hundreds of places to browse. Curio shops, boutiques, jewelry stores and galleries offer terrific gifts and mementos of your visit.
Gaze at the 110-year-old Banyan Tree in front of The Wharf Cinema Center. It’s one of the largest in the world. The Center itself has more than 50 shops and restaurants. Beyond the Banyan Tree you’ll find 505 Front Street, a nautical village of oceanfront shops and restaurants next to the Lahaina Shores Hotel.
Or Consider Kaanapali, just a couple of miles north of Lahaina. It’s a burgeoning resort area with all the trimmin’s. Accommodations are pricier there, most being major resort hotels on Kaanapali Beach: Hyatt Regency Maui, Maui Marriott (now mostly timeshares), Westin, Kaanapali Beach Hotel, Sheraton Royal Lahaina, and Maui Kaanapali Villas.
If you stay at a condominium, chances are you’ll be happy with your neighborhood and its attractions, prepare most of your own meals and “eat in,” and have relatively little need to go abroad. Maui does have a public bus system. If you’re content to sunbathe at the condo or hotel and shop at the nearby malls, the bus is an economical way to go. In most cases (the commuter lines), fares are $1.00 in each direction, or you can buy a pass for unlimited trips for $25.
If you are among those who don’t drive or simply don’t want to rent a car, here are your other options:
The free Whalers Village Shuttle runs along the Kaanapali strip stopping at all major resorts, the golf course, and the Whaler’s Village shopping complex. The Lahaina Express shuttle, also free, has various stops in Lahaina and Kaanapali. The West Maui Shopping Express runs between Lahaina and Kaanapali. Stops include the hotels in Kaanapali, the Whalers Village shopping mall in Kaanapali, and the Wharf shopping center, Hilo Hattie, and the Lahaina Cannery Mall in Lahaina. Buses run every hour or so from mid-morning until mid-evening for a fee of $1 each way.
There are about two-dozen taxi companies that offer shuttle service, as well as tours. The fares are metered by distance traveled. Around Lahaina, expect fares in the $5-$10 range.
Would you like to make a virtual visit to Hawaii before you make the real trip? Watch a movie about Hawaii that actually was shot here. There have been a lot of them, but not all of them are worth the price of the rental or your time to sit through them. Here are some flicks the critics were kind to that also reflect Hawaii’s lifestyle or history fairly accurately.
Molokai: The Story of Father Damien (1998) The film tells the story of Belgian priest Damien DeVeuster from the year before his arrival in Kalaupapa, on the island of Molokai, through his years ministering to Hansen’s Disease patients until his death at the Molokai settlement in 1889. It’s is not a happy film to watch (The suffering of those afflicted with what was then called leprosy is graphically documented), but it was well received by critics with a strong cast: Sir Derek Jacobi, Alice Krige, Kris Kristofferson, Leo McKern, Sam Neill, Peter O’Toole and David Wenham in the title role.
Picture Bride (1995) This is a warm story of a Japanese woman who travels to Hawaii to marry a man whom she has never met. She discovers that he is twice her age and turmoil surrounds her new home. Filmed on Oahu’s North Shore and the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island, it features a special appearance by acclaimed actor Toshiro Mifune.
From Here to Eternity (1953) This one won a bunch of Oscars. Set in pre-World War II Hawaii, it follows several army soldiers who are stationed on Oahu on the eve of Pearl Harbor. The film won Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Frank Sinatra), Best Supporting Actress (Donna Reed) and five other awards.
Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970) The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor is shown from both the American and Japanese perspectives and points out the mistakes made by decision makers on both sides. The film features a strong cast, including Joseph Cotton, Martin Balsam, Jason Robards and James Whitmore.
Blue Hawaii (1961) Elvis Presley plays a G.I who returns to Hawaii to enjoy life with his buddies and girlfriend, in spite of his parents’ desire to have him join the family business. Okay, it’s a guilty-pleasure period piece, but it’s good fun and features great music and beautiful Hawaiian scenery.
Lilo & Stitch (2002) From a review by Ben Falk: With its unusual Hawaiian setting … and fantastic Elvis-led musical interludes, "Lilo & Stitch" is a genuinely original offering. Touching, funny and strange, the film is a more than successful response to the power of rival studios making creative films like "Shrek" and "Ice Age".
Blue Crush (2002) Set on Oahu’ North Shore, this surf film made a star of Kate Bosworth. You get plenty of bikinis, music, romance, great cinematography and the beauty and thrills of excitement of Hawaii’s favorite sport.
Watch a couple of them and when you fall in love with the islands give us a call and book your Hawaiian Vacation 1-800-843-8771.
A discount" hotel with decidedly premium services, the Aqua Waikiki Wave Hotel has been Hawaii-Aloha.Com’s biggest-selling hotel for the first quarter of 2008 according to Hawaii Aloha Travel’s owner Bruce Fisher.
The 15-story Aqua Waikiki Wave, which sits adjacent to the famed International Marketplace, is a contemporary and elegant tribute to two of Hawaii’s icons: gold-medal Olympian and legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku, and world-renowned artist and printmaker Charles W. Bartlett. The moment guests step into the lobby, they are aware of uncommon luxury at an uncommon value.
According to Fisher, "We’ve booked 793 room nights At the Aqua Waikiki Wave so far this year – that’s a rate of six and a half a day – and we should hit 1,000 before the end of June."
Tough times for the travel industry can mean good news for you in some ways.Hotels in Hawaii are feeling a definite crunch these days, but –if you know how to find them – there are incentive deals waiting for you, and we at Hawaii-Aloha will steer you to them.
Don’t necessarily look for reduced rates.Most hotels will offer the same nightly rates you’ll see published in brochures and ads, regardless of what’s happening to the market.Hawaii Aloha Travel has access to specials for you that offer third, fourth and fifth nights FREE – at some of the finest properties in the islands.In fact, some hotels that rarely make offers like that are making them available to us now.There are upgrade specials, too … dining credits … and more available space in the lower-rate categories.
As fuel prices keep embattling airline carriers across the nation, regional carriers are passing some of those costs on to their customers. Hawaiian Airlines has announced its airfares are going up. Right after Memorial Day Weekend, Hawaiian is raising its interisland fares by ten dollars, and its domestic and international ticket prices are going to go up go up even higher.
A month or so ago, a one-way ticket to a neighbor island could be bought for as little as $39. With the increase, the lowest fare on Hawaiian will be $64 dollars.
According to a released statement, Hawaiian Airlines attributes the increase to those relentless rising fuel prices. They say the fuel they buy is 100-percent more expensive than it was a year ago, and to help offset that increased expense they must raise their fares. The airline says it has already lost more than nineteen million dollars during the first quarter of this year.
More significant for you, if you are considering a trip to Hawaii, is that Hawaiian has decided to raise its fuel surcharges for its transpacific flights, as well. Between Hawaii and the mainland, surcharges will go up $35 each way, or from $65 to $100. Beginning in June, travelers coming from or going to the mainland will also be charged $25 for a second check-in bag, and Hawaiian will begin charging a $5 fee for all reservations made by phone. Planning to extend your vacation to the South Pacific? There will also be $35 to $55 increases in fuel surcharges for Hawaiian flights from Hawaii to Sydney, Pago Pago, Manila and Tahiti. Are those increases enough to have you reconsider your plans?
The fact is, of course, the phenomena that are bringing about the rising prices apply to just about every mode of travel, wherever you live and wherever you’re going. Don’t resist the opportunity to visit Paradise. But rely on Hawaii Aloha Travel to get you here — and around the islands and beyond – as economically and as comfortably as it can be done. That’s what we do. Reach us on our toll-free number: 1-800-843-8771.
Following a $15,000 million transformation of the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center’s showroom, "Waikiki Nei" is expected to open in Waikiki early this summer.
The venue will seat 750 per show. Suspended above the seated viewers, performers will do their acrobatic routines on catawalks – an effect that requires raising the roof of the fourth-floor facility from 30 feet to 50 feet. The extension also will accommodate the performers’ rigging, moving stages, rotating columns and video displays. For Cirque du Soleil fans, this show, produced by the same people, is a spectacle in a similar vein. It is a sublime combination of artistry and imagination that features a unique rotating stage, innovative technology in both light and sound, and a nimble cast of dancers, aerial artists and musicians. It portrays the story of Waikiki – from its vivid past to its dynamic present — in a visually stunning and emotionally moving panorama. Local performers in the cast will be trained in Montreal, where they will hone and customize their acting and dancing skills. Once the show ends, half of the theater seating retracts and the space is converted into a nightclub venue with aerialists continuing their acts above the crowd. The club will have a capacity of a thousand guests. In the lobby, the "ultra lounge" will offer interactive tables, special drinks and dramatic lighting. Prices are expected to range from $50 - $70 for adults and $30 to $50 for children 11 and younger. The anticipated problem for visitors will be space. A spectacular new attraction in a place such as Waikiki will be a tough ticket. While it’s too soon to make early reservations already for Waikiki Nei, registering with Hawaii-Aloha Travel now can open the door for us to help you find special offers, combination packages and, yes, prime tickets for performances that coincide with your visit – even if that visit is still in the planning stages. Give us a call at 1-800-843-8771, or e-mail us at tickets@hawaii-aloha.com.
Hawaii tourism officials dispute AAA’s survey May 19, 2008
Hawaii is the most expensive state to vacation in, costing two adults an average of $793 a day for food and lodging alone, according to a new AAA survey.
State tourism officials said the figure was grossly inflated, arguing the more accurate estimate was about half that amount.
The auto club’s recommended daily budget for visitors to the Aloha State is triple the national average of $244 and more than double New York, the second-most expensive state at $320.
Nevada ($301) is third, followed by Florida ($289) and Massachusetts ($287) in AAA’s 2008 Annual Vacation Costs Survey. The figures do not include airfare and other costs.
Accommodations in Hawaii, at an average of $675 a night, propelled the state to the overall No. 1. The national average is $164 per night.
AAA said the lodging rates were calculated based on the most recent “published rates” for the more than 60,000 AAA approved properties. The published rates are also known as “rack rates,” or the full price of hotel or motel room.
But Hawaii tourism liaison Marsha Wienert said, daily expenditures this year for a tourist in Hawaii has averaged about $179 per person, or $358 for a couple, well below AAA’s estimate. She pointed out that many attractions, from the beaches to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, are free.
AAA spokeswoman Heather Hunter said the auto club’s estimates were “budgeting guidelines” to be used as a travel planning tool.
Hawaiian Airlines announced today, that just a few days after they started to add their insurance waiver to each of their bookings without notifying customers, they stopped the program. They claim that they didn’t get any complaints from customers but that’s kind of hard to believe. It’s also hard to believe that they could make a decision to do this prematurely, blaming it on poor execution and lack of communication. Hawaiian Airlines is a pretty nice sized bureaucracy and things don’t happen in a vacuum, especially in their online division. It’s interesting to note that their engine is supplied and developed by the same folks over at Panda Travel who owns Get2Hawaii.net, the technology company behind Hawaiian Air Online. This is a huge local travel agency who’s been closely affiliated with Hawaiian Airlines practically since the beginning of its existence. This sweetheart relationship between these two companies have led to a spin off of several affiliate sites all which are run really by the same company however, travel agents pay them a yearly fee for their booking engine. if you’re shopping around on the Internet you know what I’m talking about. There are tons of these cookie-cutter online websites for Hawaii which all have the same exact looking booking engine and the prices are all the same. None of these affiliate sites had the extra insurance automatically added so that makes me think that they knew exactly what they were doing when they started to add the insurance without allowing the customers to choose for themselves.
The situation here with Hawaiian Airlines online portal is just another reason why it’s important to use a travel agent to book Hawaii, preferable an agency here in Hawaii like us. We will protect you and make sure that you know exactly what you’re purchasing because you’re speaking to a human being who lives here and works here in Hawaii. We always make sure that our customers are aware of what they’re getting and what they’re not getting and our prices 90% of the time are cheaper than the online portals.
Most people considering a visit to Hawaii know we have a lot of beaches here. Our six major islands all are completely rimmed with beaches, and all the beaches are accessible to you. You are, of course, aware of “Waikiki Beach,” the most famous of them all. It’s convenient to every Waikiki hotel. It backs up to restaurants, shops, convenience stores and cocktail lounges and it offers beach-boy services, catamaran rides and surfing lessons. All the comforts; all the clamor. 
The odds against getting a great last-minute deal on a Hawaii trip are about the same as your teenager bringing your car home on time. You’d better not depend on it.
Most visitors to the island of Maui rent cars – at least part of the time. Most other modes of transportation are expensive, even though there are several options. 
If your visit is still in the planning stages, consider staying on the west side. In Lahaina Town, the Lahaina Shores Beach Resort and the Pioneer Inn both offer reasonable rates and place you near plenty of things to do. In its early years, Lahaina was an ancient Hawaiian fishing village. When the tall ships began sailing to the islands, Lahaina’s natural harbor made it a popular town. Several of the buildings and the area’s history revolve around the 1800’s. 
Or Consider Kaanapali, just a couple of miles north of Lahaina. It’s a burgeoning resort area with all the trimmin’s. Accommodations are pricier there, most being major resort hotels on Kaanapali Beach: Hyatt Regency Maui, Maui Marriott (now mostly timeshares), Westin, Kaanapali Beach Hotel, Sheraton Royal Lahaina, and Maui Kaanapali Villas.
Would you like to make a virtual visit to Hawaii before you make the real trip? Watch a movie about Hawaii that actually was shot here. There have been a lot of them, but not all of them are worth the price of the rental or your time to sit through them. Here are some flicks the critics were kind to that also reflect Hawaii’s lifestyle or history fairly accurately. 
Tough times for the travel industry can mean good news for you in some ways.
As fuel prices keep embattling airline carriers across the nation, regional carriers are passing some of those costs on to their customers. 
Following a $15,000 million transformation of the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center’s showroom, "Waikiki Nei" is expected to open in Waikiki early this summer. 
Hawaii tourism officials dispute AAA’s survey May 19, 2008
Hawaiian Airlines announced today, that just a few days after they started to add 