Only one resort adorns Oahu’s fabled north shore and it’s Turtle Bay. Situated on it’s own point along the north coastline, Turtle Bay consists of 375 luxury guest rooms, 26 suites, 42 beach cottages and luxury ocean villas with scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by beautiful beachscapes, Turtle Bay offers guests privacy, seclusion, and the incredible sights of Oahu’s country counter parts.
In the midst of renovation, this resort is undergoing some major upgrades set to complete this October. However, the first wing of new rooms will be available to guests beginning June 2nd, boasting new interior décor, amenities, and renovations – just in time for summer. The guest room redesign includes all-new fixtures, furnishings, bedding as well as completely remodeled bathrooms with new tile, vanities, and walk-in showers. Managed by award-winning Honolulu-based architecture firm WCIT, so far the renovations have been a success. It’s easy to see if you take a peek at the property!
“The guest rooms will be redesigned to have a contemporary, beach-house feel, authentic to the North Shore," said interior designer Lisa-Maria Priester of WCIT Architecture. “Typically, a Hawaiian home is light and airy, done in a neutral palette because with scenery like we have here, especially on the North Shore, the accents are the views. As with our design of the recent lobby renovation, the new guest rooms will inspire a casual, hip sophistication with subtle accents of island and Hawaiian motifs custom designed exclusively for Turtle Bay Resort."
Turtle Bay is also adding a new spa called Nalu Kinetic, a reinvented spa, fitness and wellness center. One of the new features of this retreat is a “Wave Motion” table, (only one of three in North America!) that gently rocks clients as though they are floating in water. 11,000 square feet, this wellness spa is now open for business! Experience Zumba, hot hula and yoga classes or relax in the expanded beauty salon and outdoor area, or with couples’ treatment and lounging in one of three open-air massage cabanas.
The Palm Terrace has also undergone a complete rebrand and is now the North Shore Kula Grille. Named after the kula (midland) lands where agriculture thrives, this new grille serves up fresh, seasonal produce straight from local farms, and fresh twists have been added to classic island flavors. Enjoy the signature dish of the Grilled Kauai Shrimp, served with Hawaiian chili pepper, alae (salt) marinade, hearts of palm, baby spinach, crispy shimeji mushroom, Kahuku corn, red peppers, and jasmine rice. The restaurant’s interior décor is sleek and modern, offering guests a view of the ocean and gorgeous outdoor landscaping.
Two new shopping experiences will also be added, The Oakley Store and The North Shore WaterShed. The Oakley Store offers the largest variety of technical eyewear outside of Honolulu, for both men and women. The store also offers Oakley logo surfwear and lifestyle apparel, including an exclusive resort line of t-shirts created exclusively for Turtle Bay. The WaterShed is a boutique offering a new retail experience featuring brands and products that highlight a casual active waterman(woman) lifestyle, for residents and tourists alike!
Coming soon is the restaurant named Pa’aki (formerly 21 Degrees North), highlighting Hawaii’s abundant array of fresh seafood plus a customizable menu including various cooking styles, mix-n-match dipping sauces, and side dishes. The restaurant has also undergone interior renovation featuring an ocean theme with wood accents and new furnishings.
Known for top-notch service, unique amenities and stunning natural surroundings, Turtle Bay is a truly unique resort of Hawaii. Offering the only luxury property on Oahu’s north shore, this destination is a slice of paradise within the quiet countrysides of a busting island. Escape from a busier lifestyle, slow down and take in the beauty of the islands via Turtle Bay
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.
Those federal budget cuts are becoming a real kill joy. In addition to furloughs and shortened hours at major tourist attractions, like Pearl Harbor, the budget cuts also cut out Kane‘ohe's annual BayFest.
The Fourth of July event at the Marine Corps Base has been happening for more than 20 years. And every year, it attracted 25,000 people for carnival rides, fireworks and music concerts. Growing up, I remember watching Train and Fergie from Black Eyed Peas perform at BayFest. My family and I would always watch the fireworks show from the nearby vista overlooking Kane‘ohe Bay.
This definitely comes as sad news for the community. We grew up going to BayFest; it became the summer norm for local and visiting families as well. But I understand the need to scale back on events such as this, especially in these tough economic times.
Perhaps this would be the time for corporate sponsors to step in. We could sure use their help (and funding) to keep the festival alive. Even if it was just a music concert or just a fireworks show, that'd be fine. But of course, all of that costs money; monies that we don't have. Just down the road in Kailua, an organization is also struggling to keep a fizzled-out Fourth of July tradition going. They need to raise at least $70,000 to have the famous fireworks show.
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.
While Hawai‘i may be a top travel destination, it's also among the most expensive places in the U.S. And for the budget-conscious tourist, that can be an intimidating thought. Don't get discouraged, though; there are still lots of affordable (and free) things to do. It just takes a little bit of research and flexibility.
Here's a list to start with; how you can experience O‘ahu with under $10.
1- Hike Diamond Head /$1 admission
The 300,000-year-old crater is among the most iconic sites on the island. You can see it from almost anywhere on O‘ahu's south shore. The trail itself was used by the military, but today, hundreds of hikers from all over the world enjoy climbing to the top every day of the year. Lets be honest, though, pretty much any other hike you come across will be free, so consider those as well.
2- Slurp Up Shave Ice/ $4 to $6
You can bet that this flavored ice treat won't cost more than $10. If it does, then you're probably getting ripped off, or it's one huge cone of shave ice. Sample some on the North Shore or even closer to Waikīkī. Waiola Shave Ice has some of the softest and tastiest shave ice there is.
3- Explore Dole Plantation / $5 adults, $4.25 children
Whether you go here for the pineapple ice cream or the world's largest maze, you definitely won't spend more than $10 at Dole. The plantation is a huge tourist attraction that honors a favorite tropical fruit, the pineapple, and lets visitors enjoy it for cheap.
4- Treasure Hunt at the Swap Meet/ $1 parking fee
For trinkets and treasures of the island, go to Aloha Stadium's swap meet. It happens every weekend and on Wednesdays; just be sure to get there in the morning for the best parking and best stuff. Most of the local snacks and coconut drinks will be less than $10, so make sure to get some before they run out.
5- Dive into the Waikiki Aquarium / $9 general admission; $6 military/students/seniors/Kama‘aina; $2 junior admission (5-12); FREE children under 4
There's always something fun (and usually free) going on at the aquarium. They seem to have public events every other weekend. Located just minutes from Waikīkī, the aquarium is home to unique underwater species. Kids can also get hands on with some ocean critters or get up close to the turtles.
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.
No trip to the North Shore could be complete without a stop at the Macadamia Nut Farm outlet. For the last 10 years visitors have been treated to everything Macadamia at this fun store near Kualoa Ranch on Kameameaha Hughway. Everything you can imagine and more made with Macadamia can be found here and all of the items are grown locally on Ohau.
One of my favorites is the macadamia nut Kona Coffee . The aroma from this brew fills the farm and you can get free samples to try. Other favorites I enjoy are thevarious Macadamia nut butters and chocolates which are really totally addictive!
If you have some time be sure to check out the fresh Macadamia nuts from the tree located in the back of the store. You can crack them open and sample the taste of fresh mac nuts right fomr the tree. Be careful though, when you break them open the local roosters may ge to the nuts before you do!! That happened to me (see the video).
Hours of operation are:
9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. seven days a week
49-227A Kamehameha Hwy
Ka'a'awa HI 96744
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.
Who knew a popular Brazilian bikini store would start selling shave ice?
I had to do a double take when recently driving by the barn-red shop in Hale‘iwa. Its country store appeal blended in nicely with its retail neighbors, but the sign hanging above caught my eye. San Lorenzo Shave Ice? That's seems like a pretty big stretch from the barely-there bikinis and sheer beachwear already sold.
The shave ice isn't nearly as sexy, though. And no, there aren't bikini babes serving you that frozen treat. Although, I'd imagine that would help their reputation a bit; I noticed just a few customers enjoying their shave ice outside of San Lorenzo, while down the street, a long line snaked out of Matsumoto's Shave Ice.
San Lorenzo's shave ice is tasty but double the price of Matsumoto's. I enjoyed the creative flavors, like haupia and butterscotch; however, it took a while for them to make it. The machine seemed old or just really slow; I spent at least 30 minutes there because of the two people ahead of me. But still, 30 minutes is totally unacceptable for a treat practically made of ice.
Next time, I probably will choose Matsumoto's or Aoki's (once they move to their new spot) over San Lorenzo. Maybe they should just stick to bikinis. Ladies can try on some of their suits next door to the shave ice shop, which is what I'll probably be doing if I ever head up there again. Just not for shave ice.
SAN LORENZO SHAVE ICE / 66-057 Kamehameha Hwy., Hale‘iwa, HI 96712 (Map) / Opens Mon-Sun 10am-630pm / 808-637-3200
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.
It was a case of the whodunit at the Moana Hotel, where a famous American murder mystery took place more than a century ago. Although the mystery of who killed Jane Stanford remains unsolved, it's still a fascinating part of the hotel's history that continues to be shared with guests today.
Jane co-founded Stanford University, and as the wife of former California Governor Leland Stanford, became accustomed to living a lavish life. So lavish that they frequently vacationed in the Hawaiian Islands, more specifically at the Moana Hotel.
As the first hotel in Waikīkī, the Moana's simple elegance helped the couple feel right at home among the rich and famous. It boasted 75 guest rooms, a billiard room, saloon, main parlor and library. The "First Lady of Waikīkī" was the happening spot in the islands and opened the gate to island tourism.
But one evening in 1905, all that lavishness seemed to dim, as the hotel became the scene of a crime. Jane had asked her personal secretary to fetch a bicarbonate of soda to help settle her stomach. Bertha Berner did as she was told, preparing the solution for Jane to drink.
In just a few hours, Jane experienced her body becoming more and more rigid. An author retells the account, "Her jaws clamped shut, her thighs opened widely, her feet twisted inwards, her fingers and thumbs clenched into tight fists…Finally, her respiration ceased."
Stanford died from strychnine poisoning. The room where she was murdered has since been removed and is now part of an expanded hotel lobby area. But memories of that horrible event have never quite left the hotel. It continues to loom over the Moana, as it gets buried deeper into the hotel's history with each passing year.
Source: The Mysterious Death of Jane Stanford by Robert W.P. Cutler
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 road ends at Ka‘ena, where a grassy mountainside landscape greets the boundless white sand beach below. Not many people venture this far into the North Shore of O‘ahu, which is most likely why the stretch of beach and rocky coastline is almost always empty.
Until recently, I completely forgot this place existed. We were checking out the surf near Mokule‘ia Beach Park when we decided to keep driving along Farrington Highway. After the airfield, we passed cabins and several ropes courses belonging to YMCA's Camp Erdman. I remember going to this camp as a kid, which was probably the last time I've been out there.
The road gets gradually bumpier, as the terrain becomes more barren. It eventually turns into either a mud or dirt path, depending on the weather. Up ahead, a land mine of muddy puddles told us that it must have rained overnight. A couple of cars leaving the area also left with souvenirs of mud-caked tires.
I like the peacefulness that graces Ka‘ena Point State Park at almost any time of day. Unlike the busier part of the North Shore, there's barely any traffic passing through; all you hear is the rolling ocean waves and wisps of a gentle trade-wind breeze.
On those calm summer days, the beach is great for swimming and snorkeling. Otherwise, it can get pretty rough out there. The sandy beach, however, is always wide open. You may see fishermen casting their pole from the rockier part of the shore or families chilling under their pop-up tent. The area has very little shade, so make sure to bring an umbrella and protective sun-wear.
Because Ka‘ena is one of the most isolated parts of O‘ahu, it's also one that's most prone to vehicle break-ins and theft. Be sure to remove all valuables from your car (including the trunk). The park is at the trailhead of Ka‘ena Point trail, which takes hikers to the very tip of the island where you can see both the West and North shores at the same time. Stay tuned for a post on this hike worth adventuring.
KA‘ENA POINT STATE PARK / End of Farrington Hwy. (Hwy. 930) (Map) / Amenities: Restrooms, trash cans, payphone, lifeguard / Activities: Snorkel, swim (calm, summer days)
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.
Aloha! Today we’re here at the opening of Shoreline Hotel Waikiki, the newly renovated boutique hotel located right in the hub of Hawaii. Just one block away from Oahu’s most popular beach, we’re showing you some of the highlights of this beautiful property.
Beginning last November, this multi million-dollar renovation boasts 10 new guest rooms, new management, plus a rebrand. San Francisco based Joie de Vivre Hotels now manages the Shoreline Hotel Waikiki, adding to its notoriety as the second largest operator of boutique hotels in the country.
Previously owned by United Airlines and known as Seaside Hotel in Waikiki, the property was sold in March 2012 to an unnamed buyer from Los Angeles. Now open for business, Shoreline Hotel Waikiki has just joined the Hawaii hotel market.
Renovations to the interior were inspired by 1970s architecture, with bold shapes accenting the interior. Local flora and fauna has also been planted throughout the property, giving the boutique hotel a decidedly tropical feel set in the 70s. It was designed by California-based Anthony Laurino, who has worked on other Joie de Vivre Hotels and is an expert at rebrands.
General manager of Shoreline Hotel Waikiki and Coconut Waikiki Hotel, Alvida Surpia-Jones says that the previous owners used the hotel’s top floors (with the best views) for office space. Wanting to make sure this was put back into inventory, this top floor was transitioned into eight brand new guest rooms. Two additional guest rooms were added to the floor below. Check out these views!
Alvida mentions she knows Joie de Vivre has been looking to expand and grow outside of its San Francisco roots. “Joie de Vivre Hotels is definitely growing in different states other than California, so I can see that happening in Hawaii, as well.” While the management company may look into other Hawaii properties for the future, right now they’re focusing on simply the opening of Shoreline Hotel Waikiki. And what a spot!
This hotel is sure to be a hit in Hawaii. With the right price and great deals, Shoreline Hotel Waikiki is a top-notch boutique hotel that is the perfect getaway during your Hawaiian 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.
Pineapple and ice cream are quite the combo. In fact, it’s what keeps visitors coming back to Dole Plantation in Hale‘iwa. Some admit to making the long drive out there just to get a scoop or two of the tropically creamy blend.
That’s probably because it’s the freshest ice cream around. Made with – of course – the very savory crops grown by Dole, this frozen treat can cool you off within moments of all that taste-bud mingling. It’s especially nice on those muggy rainy days.
I always prefer a cone to a cup, but both serving are equally large, which makes it well worth the $4.50 price. It’s nice to wrap up a long day on the North Shore with something cold. For us, it usually involves making the tough decision between shave ice or ice cream from Dole. Recently, Dole has been winning over our cravings. In addition, they serve pineapple whip, pineapple split and pineapple float.
I especially like that this treat is topped off with fresh pineapples. It’s like a double-whammy of tropical goodness that sends visitors frolicking off into the pineapple fields, sort of. Before exploring the plantation grounds or wandering into the pineapple maze, you’ll find visitors enthralled in the creamy pineapple delight.
Be on the lookout for Dole discount coupons, too. I’ve found some in those free island guide books that offer a two-for-one deal.
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.
From Kailua to Kaka‘ako – another Hele On Cyclovia shindig rolls on over to the south side of O‘ahu. In an effort to promote safe street transportation and healthy lifestyles, about 1.5-miles will be transformed into an open-street event for the community.
Walk, bike, jog or segway. The coast is free and clear of all motorized vehicles. In addition, there’ll be lots of activities to get people moving. A 5K run at the Waterfront Park, as well as aerobics and dance classes top the list of physical fun. Because Cyclovia focuses on biking, there’ll be bicycling education courses for kids and adults, a bike ramp, bike show, bike polo and Cycle On Runway.
Cyclovia originally started in Bogata, Colombia in the 1970s. From there, it has spread across the globe, gaining the public’s attention in different ways. Each community has their own take on the idea but all aim to get people out on the roads, where they can once again feel safe riding, walking, jogging, etc.
Hele On Kaka‘ako is among many recent efforts to spruce up the urban Honolulu district. The creative murals add color to Kaka‘ako’s once-drab warehouses and factory facilities. Future initiatives for the area include transforming the community into a bike and pedestrian-friendly area – complete with pop-up gardens, trees and seating areas. Known as a “Complete Street,” the idea would no doubt improve and beautify Kaka‘ako for locals and visitors to enjoy once again.
HELE ON KAKA‘AKO / May 10, 2013 at 10am / Kaka‘ako Waterfront Park, 102 Ohe St., Honolulu, HI 96813 (Map) / www.cycloviahawaii.org
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
