Lights, camera, action! A Hollywood extravaganza graced the beaches of Waikiki this past Sunday, as the cast and crew of NBC’s TODAY Show broadcasted live from the sand. With an array of sets, from sitting poolside to standing alongside Tahitian dancers to overlooking Diamond Head and the West Side, the backdrop for stop number 1 of 5 on The Great American Adventure was spectacular. While hosts like Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, Natalie Morales and Willie Geist awed over the scenery, fans awed over them, and I awed over the entirety of the event.
Staged with enough lights to power a neighborhood, the production behind this event was simply fantastic. Happening between 1:00am and 4:00am Hawaii time, the natural lighting was obviously pitch black, however judging by the amount of artificial luminosity, you would have thought it was broad day. Then there was the Hawaiiana décor. And I’ve got to say, NBC’s team did a terrific job representing the island in the best way possible. Really capturing the aspects of Hawaii that make it unique and enticing to visitors, TODAY Show viewers most likely got the feel that Hawaii had come right to their living rooms.
The famous Royal Hawaiian hotel partnered with NBC’s TODAY Show to highlight Oahu and Waikiki as a great travel destination. Part of the series, The Great American Adventure, Waikiki kicked things off with some culture and festivity. Over 75 people were flown to the island to aid in the production of this event, and it showed in the impressiveness of it all.
A huge mahalo to Associate Producer Megan Kopf and Social Media Coordinator Anthony Quintano, who shepherded us around to the various sets. Part of an intimate group of press only, I felt well taken care of and the night seemed to run very smooth. Everyone from NBC was so gracious and nice, which really helped make the experience that much more enjoyable. With full access to all the behind-the-scene happenings, this live broadcast was quite the creation. You can tell someone really did their homework because everything, down to the flower leis the hosts were all wearing, was very well thought out for the accurate representation of Hawaii.
At about 11:30pm, fans and guests arrived to witness the production. Standing behind metal bars, there were hundreds of people holding up signs, taking pictures, and yelling out to their favorite NBC host. The best part about it was the kindness Matt Lauer showed all these people. He took time to specifically reach out to the fans on the beach; chatting with them, posing for photos, and just enjoying the company of these Oahu residents.
Speaking of Matt Lauer, I nabbed a stand-up interview with him and Savannah Guthrie, which transpired effortlessly. Matt mentioned he was impressed by the aloha spirit so far on Oahu and that he really didn’t quite know what to expect. But when sitting down on the beach with a friend who lives onisland, he really understood the magic of the islands. “Is it like this here everyday?” He asked his friend, gesturing to the warm, blue skies and beautiful ocean. And his friend said laughing, “yes!” How lucky we are that we live here, on this island in Hawaii. Savannah made a comment about how everyone seems so happy here, and I guess no one can really complain. After all, Hawaii did get ranked as the happiest US State! But Hawaii is known for a certain hospitality that traces back to tradition, roots, and culture.
The one thing that Matt did anticipate while staying in Waikiki was calm, gentle waves. But when a fifteen-foot swell pushes through the south side, you can only describe the ocean conditions one way, gnarly. And this is exactly how Matt said they were. Doesn’t sound like he got much swimming done in Waikiki. His only “complaint” about Oahu was the traffic. “You guys have a serious traffic problem!” Matt laughed. It was so neat to see the true demeanor of this guy, despite all the negative hype he gets from the media. Matt was gracious, humble, good-natured and effortlessly polite.
Other highlights of the event included Clark Little (North Shore big wave photographer), CJ Kale and Nick Selway (the Big Island lava chasers), and activities like outrigger canoe rides and poi pounding. The collaborative efforts during this night really made for a fantastic press party. I’m so pleased with the interviews and the turnout, as I’m sure NBC is too. What better way to share Hawaii with the world than to present it in its best light; with aloha spirit, happy people, and beautiful backdrops. Well done NBC, now it’s off to your next great American adventure, Yellowstone National Park!
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
May Day is not only Lei Day in Hawai‘i but in other places around the world as well. Like Las Vegas, for instance, which comes as no surprise to most locals. Many spend their vacations in Sin City, while some end up making it their home away from home.
But Lei Day in Vegas is always just as festive as in the islands. Hundreds of visitors pack the California Hotel Casino, which has – for some reason – become a favorite among Hawai‘i locals. The hotel hosts the weekend of island-style fun – from music and dancing to Hawaiian arts and crafts.
The tasty food is what everyone’s really hanging around for. There’s usually a ton of Hawaiian food available for sampling. Laulau (pork dish wrapped in taro leaves), kalua pig and poi! Save room for dessert because the event is known for serving up fresh, homemade malasadas. Mmm…
Second best to the free food is that the event itself is free. Most people will try their luck at the craps table or slots in between sampling savory Hawaiian dishes abroad. There are, however, two special events that require ticket purchases. These include the Tahiti Taurua Nui Las Vegas Dance Competition ($20 admission) and a concert featuring Hawaiian recording artists ($20 tickets, $25 at the door).
LEI DAY IN LAS VEGAS / Weekend following May 1 at the California Hotel Casino / 702-385-1222
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
Call it the Rainbow State connection or just plain coincidence, but a recent trip to San Diego had us crossing paths with many fellow Hawaiians. It reminded us that although home might have been an ocean away, the spirit of the islands remained with us wherever we went.
Almost all of the people we met were transplants from Hawai‘i. They lived in island fashion for many years before their fate led them to California. A subtle wave of homesickness would wash over their expressions, as my mom, sister and I chimed in about life back in the islands. However, the conversations always ended with them sharing their brightest memories of Hawai‘i and the dangling hope that they would one day return.
An antique shop owner we met in La Mesa had the best stories to tell about the islands. Like my sis and I, Ramon was an avid surfer. I couldn't help but chuckle at his description of Hawai‘i surf. He called the waves at his favorite west side spot, ‘ono, which means "delicious" in Hawaiian; I've actually never heard the word used in any other context but to describe food. But, ‘ono surf…I was digging it.
He talked about the plate lunches he missed back home, the warm weather and even tossed a couple of shaka gestures into the convo. I almost felt like it was OK to turn on da pidgin but didn't. Mostly, he missed the mellow vibe of the islands.
It was almost coincidental that every time we ran into someone from Hawai‘i, we were in search of direction or advice about San Diego. For instance, our acquaintance with Ramon couldn't have been timed more perfectly. We were desperate to surf but didn't know of any good spots. He not only gave us the surf scoops on several spots near our hotel, but he let us borrow his soft racks for the remainder of our trip, too.
Before Ramon loaned us the surf racks…LOL.
In the true Hawaiian way, my family and I made sure to repay the kind gesture with a huge mahalo and some goodies from Trader Joe's. It would have been nice if we had packed island snacks to share with him, but to be totally honest, those were long gone by the end of our plane ride! Perhaps we'll cross paths with Ramon sometime soon – whether it be in San Diego or in Hawai‘i. Until then, we'll be sure to pay forward the same kindness and aloha we experienced by helping out those in need of some guidance while on a Hawai‘i vacation.
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
How do you keep in touch with loved ones when traveling?
Perhaps by sending a short-and-sweet text message or posting to their Facebook. Both would be a very "nowadays generation" thing to do. But what about the original Tweet? Those old-fashioned postcards we see from time to time. They seem to be steadily fading out of the very pictures they boast on their backsides, along with hand-written letters and colored stationary.
A few places still sell them in Hawai‘i, though, like ABC stores and other specialty shops. However, they sit in the corner of most and fulfill a purpose that's closer to wallpaper and often overshadowed by those cool souvenirs on the shelf next door. Sad but true reality for the waning life of a postcard.
I'm probably one of very few tourists who enjoy sending and receiving postcards. Whenever we travel, I look for the quirky yet scenic postcards to send to friends back home. A postcard from OZ just isn't complete without a silly little koala nor is a postcard from New York. Lady Liberty is quite the catch. Most times, though, I'll end up buying two of each if I want to keep it for my personal album. You can never have too many postcards.
There's just something special about sending a postcard. The scribble-scrabble that's your penmanship, as you rush to make the morning's 10 a.m. pick-up; the faint scent of a far-off place. Ahh, and the memories. All those memories squeezed onto just a 5-by-7 piece of card-stock paper. How great it is to be thousands of miles from home but still feel as if you're having a casual convo with a mate over coffee and cake.
What is it about postcards that keeps them from completely slipping into the black hole of old-fashions and obsoletes? Perhaps they serve as subtle reminders that we need to take a step back from technology and all those "smart" gadgets to truly appreciate the travels and experiences picked up along the way. To me, they're the only momentums sent over oceans and continents that actually live up to the "Wish Your Were Here" phrase from abroad. Postcards string together memories that will truly keep me connected, as they're travel tokens meant to last a lifetime.
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
The very first time I surfed California, a pod of dolphins and a pair of seals showed up for some surf shenanigans of their own. They splished and splashed just a few yards away from the lineup, where a handful of surfers eagerly awaited the next set. Slippery strands of kelp were strewn throughout the icy, olive-covered waters, hovering over that hairy limestone reef monster below. This was definitely not like any other surf sesh I've had back home in the islands.
Super-sunny SoCal weather pretty much summed up the day's forecast. But why were my fingers and toes still so numb? We made sure to suit up in our very own seal suits, which, in itself took some getting used to. And apparently, so did my frozen digits to the chilly Cali waters.
It was the very first ride that made me quickly forget the cold, however. A long peeling left that came right to me; a gift from the Cali surf gods that reminded me of my favorite break back home. As I navigated through a bed of slimy kelp, I looked up at the towering San Diego sea cliffs ahead and couldn't help but squeal like a little kid on a sugar-high!
My high, however, had been of a saltier mix. The nippy ocean spray brought me back to reality, as I kicked out of the wave and paddled to do it all over again. Surfing on the "mainland" wasn't all that bad. Ironically, I had not been near the warm Hawaiian waters before our springtime trip (hence, my quickly fading tan). And there we were, sliding San Diego twice in one week, plus getting our tans back!
Shakas from the other side of the Pacific!
The California surf scene closely resembled that of Hawai‘i; the ocean attire that day, not so much. But everyone in the water seemed really friendly and just stoked on being out there; kind of like the aloha spirit of the islands. This welcoming vibe is definitely what helped my sister and I to feel at home across the Pacific because no matter if by land or sea, aloha always seems to find its way beyond our Hawaiian shores.
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
There's a first for everything, and for me, it was riding in a turboprop plane (the old-school propeller planes). Much like the aircrafts for Island Air, Mokulele and now Hawaiian, the United Express we took from Los Angeles to San Diego was very compact – to say the least.
We had no idea that when we booked our flights, it would be on this toy plane; that is, until we got to the end of the tarmac. Instead of stepping right onto the plane and into our seats, we stepped off of the tarmac by way of a rickety metal staircase. The plane was several yards away…and surprisingly tiny.
As we walked across a section of the jetway and in the direction of yet another rickety staircase, I could feel the chilly morning air creep through the crevices of my coat. But my nerves is what got the best of me at that moment. The tiny opened entrance of the plane welcomed passengers to flight 809. Inside, there were probably no more than 50 seats; my head nearly touched the roof.
I'm probably making it a bigger deal than it really is, but for my family and I seated in the Exit Row, it was a little more terrifying. The flight attendant kept reminding us about our role during the flight in case of an emergency. She made sure we verbally agreed to the terms, on more than one occasion before take-off. Was there something they weren't telling us?!
My nerves jumped a little more rapidly once the engines fired up and the propellers started to spin with a boisterous roar. I could barely hear myself think; it was that loud. We were also prohibited from using any technology for the short, 30-minute flight, so I initially resorted to writing this story by hand – until I got motion sickness from the bumpy ride, LOL.
I guess you could say that these are among the minute sacrifices travelers make when on a budget. We got a darn good deal for our roundtrip flights to and from Honolulu; this layover in L.A. was part of the deal. I'd say it was very well-worth the roller coaster ride – literally and emotionally.
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
My bamboo walking stick carried greetings of Aloha through Japan.
Before Christmas, I wrote about my favorite items at the annual Made in Hawaii show. I purchased a bamboo walking stick on the spot and told the maker that I was planning a trip to Japan for the holidays. The stick would probably come with me, too. That's when he made the most wonderful suggestion. He told me to buy a permanent marker pen and have everyone I meet sign it as a remembrance of the trip. I was thrilled with the idea and immediately asked him to be the first one to sign it!
I've traveled from Hawai‘i to Japan twice and am totally in love with the country. From Hawai‘i, it is an easy nonstop international flight and can be an adjunct trip via your trip to these islands. A stay over in Hawai’i would be a good way to adjust to the time and date change of a trip to anywhere in the Pacific Rim.
Now back to my adventures. I was told that I could take my walking stick onto the plane without problems, especially since it has no metal on it. This was true, but it still went through the x-ray machine. My stick is rather tall, like a ski pole, and it fit in the upper compartment (barely). Other than me tripping myself on it and practically falling to the floor, it went through Japanese customs with no problems.
After that, they sent a customs person to personally carry it the rest of the way through. I asked her to be the first one in Japan to sign my stick, and although she didn't speak English or understand what I was saying, the lady did eventually sign it with a big smile.
Looking back, I don’t think one person who signed it spoke English. I got really good with the sign language and gestures of what I was asking, though, and this turned out to be the really fun part. As I began to collect more signatures, people would start reading what others wrote. It actually became quite entertaining.
I do remember one incident when I was on a boat cruise and asked the tour guide for a Japanese group to sign it, even though I wasn’t in his group. There was a little girl, about eight years old, in the group standing nearby. I looked down at her and saw the expression on her face. I could tell she really wanted to sign it, too, but was too polite to ask me. Of course, I asked her, and her face just lit up.
When I look at the stick now, I have little idea what it says. But it was all written with such Aloha and warmth and fun that it's become a treasure to me now.
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
Christmas in Hawai'i is liquid sunshine and glassy surf, beach barbeques and bikinis. It's the most wonderful time of the year, and one of the warmest, too, when families come together to celebrate each other's company in Paradise. These are my memories of Christmas, but like many islanders, I've always dreamed of having a white one.
This year, I got one.
As I write from Colorado, a winter wonderland of white floods the outside of my room window. We got here just in time for the snow, about a foot of fresh Christmas pow, and apparently the best storm of the season (so far). Colorado is white, and I am very happy!
I want to roll in the snow, build a shaka snowman and flutter like a snow angel. But I won't just yet because I know better. It's nighttime and nearing temps in the low 30s. Hypothermia (or a head cold) wouldn't be a nice gift to unwrap. Tomorrow will surely be a day to play.
Most Christmases, people in Hawai'i spend their day at the beach — working on their tans or riding waves all the way to shore. But in Colorado, it's all about tanning your (face) cheeks and surfing the snow. Ski, snowboard, sled, whatever it takes to ride those frozen wintry waves, where instead of a surf reports, there's snow reports. Tomorrow's forecast: a foot of fresh pow and macking! Instead of board shorts and bikinis, it's all about bundling up in beanies and fleece.
The warmth of this fireplace is a nice alternative to the warm Hawaiian sun, and the weather and people have been equally kind to the Hawaiian counterparts. That's when I realize how much these two places are alike, despite being on opposite sides of the temperature spectrums. I flipped the Christmas coin, and this year it landed on snow instead of surf. I couldn't be happier to find Aloha Abroad, no matter how frozen I may be.
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
Imagine visiting Honolulu in the 1920s and 30s, among a ship full of passengers just as eager to reach this dream destination. The vessel set sail a couple weeks prior, and still the energy levels are up. You look around to see ladies deep in conversation, kids still gripping their suitcases with excitement – when suddenly, the roaring chatter that had fueled the ship all along slowly quiets, and the sweet scent of fresh flowers tickles your nose.
Everyone's attention is instantly on what's up ahead, to what looks like a huge crowd gathered at Pier 7. You can see hula dancers swaying their hips and the source of that heavenly fragrance you smelled moments ago – Hawaiian lei hanging along the waters' edge. You lean farther over the side of the boat to get a better view of what's standing above them. It's a tall tower with a giant clock and the welcoming word of "ALOHA."
Before the time of jet planes and cheap flights, commute by boat was the only way to visit Hawai‘i. And as you can imagine, it was a big deal – especially for those on land. "Boat Days," as it was called, meant thousands of colorful streamers along the harbor and performances by the Royal Hawaiian Band; tutu (grandmothers, elder Hawaiian women) strung plumeria lei and locals cut their work days short so that they can take part in the lively festivities.
The tower – which still remains at what is now Aloha Tower Marketplace – had become a welcoming beacon for visitors. It served a practical function as a harbor control center as well, and at the time, it was the tallest structure in Hawai‘i – hovering over the incoming ships at 223 feet tall. The clock (one facing the ocean, the other facing land) was also the largest in the United States. And it's not just any 'ole clock. Completely weight driven, it keeps rhythmic time with each swing of the pendulum. Many don't know this, but for more than four decades, a clock and watchmaker from Hawai‘i (now retired) has been quietly maintaining this historic clock.
"Boat Days" eventually came to an end, with commercial airlines becoming the preferred method of commute for travelers. Skyscrapers that started to pop up throughout the downtown district at the time also contributed to the end of the harbor's glory days, overshadowing the once outstanding clock tower.
The tower is listed on both the Hawai‘i and national Registers of Historic Places.
Aloha Tower still stands as a reminder of the past but with all the attractions of the present. A variety of restaurants and shops have sprung up beneath the maritime symbol. You can also take an elevator to the top of the tower for a classic view of the city and sea. Though this landmark has a different purpose these days, the festivities around it haven't died down one bit.
ALOHA TOWER MARKETPLACE / 1 Aloha Tower Dr., Honolulu, HI 96813 (Map) / Observation Deck opens daily 930am-5pm (free) / Most shops & restaurants open 9am-9pm / 808-528-5700 / Paid parking in lots
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
Hawaiian Airline's maiden voyage to Australia's capital city took flight yesterday. The direct route from Honolulu re-opens Brisbane as a gateway to the islands and creates about 41,000 additional seats with this recent expansion.
The crew getting ready to fly to Brisbane. My high school classmate is second from the right, cool!
The inaugural flight departing Honolulu enjoyed a traditional island send-off, complete with live Hawaiian music, hula, a Hawaiian blessing and fresh flower lei upon boarding. Prior to this, Hawaiian offered nonstop daily flights between Sydney and Honolulu. This particular flight to the "Sunshine State," as Brisbane's been nicknamed, makes Hawaiian Air the only U.S. carrier to serve Australia's capital city.
Brisbane's an ideal landing spot for travelers because it has become somewhat of a central hub for onward travel throughout the country. Also, because the city's located on Australia's east coast, where there is lots to see and do. Some iconic sites and attractions include the Great Barrier Reef, world heritage listed rainforests, the iconic Outback territory and leisure destinations of Australia's Gold and Sunshine Coasts.
When we visited Australia this summer, we flew Hawaiian's direct flight to Sydney, then drove 10 hours north to the Gold Coast. We could have taken a connecting flight with a charter airline to Brisbane but decided to drive instead. Next time, I'd definitely consider taking this new nonstop route to Brisbane. We ended up not finding much to do on our long drive north, until we got to Byron (about 10 hours later), so it'd be worth the extra cost and flight time to fly directly to Brisbane. Oh well, it was all part of the learning experience!
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
Published by Bruce Fisher
