Hawaii Polo party in the country

The hot discussion topic that dominated conversation as I headed out to the North Shore with AlohaBruce and Yaling was Hurricane Felicia. When I suggested that after nearly seventeen years without a serious hurricane in Hawai’i, we might be do for one, they both bristled. “Don’t say that!” they protested. At any rate, Felicia has since been downgraded to a tropical storm, a tropical depression, a tropical malaise, and, finally, a tropical ennui. As soon as we crested the hill heading down to the Mokuleia Polo Grounds, any thoughts of inclement weather fluttered away on brisk trade winds.

I had once again stumbled into day-long adventure with AlohaBruce. This time the mission was to take in the experience of the Mokuleia Polo Grounds , the strange and wonderful mix of down home barbequing, country club champagne flutes, ladies in big hats and a dozen frothing polo ponies thundering past with men swinging long mallets on their backs.

We were invited by the Equus Hotel, which had provided a fine spread of wine and tasty comestibles in a private area at midfield. Dozens of cars lined the polo pitch on both sides as a smoldering breeze brought savory smells coming from the grills on the other side. And the occasional whiff of horse manure. It was divine.

The format for the day’s competition was a handful of teams playing in a round-robin tournament, with each match lasting two six-minute “chuckers.” The easiest way to explain a chucker is to compare it to a quarter in football or basketball. I had secretly expected the matched to be tame affairs, more for show than for true competition. And I couldn’t have been more wrong. The players and their mounts chased the white wooden ball all over the pitch, which is a few hundred yards long, their horses colliding as mallets flashed. Every one of the players was out there to win, and the polo ponies were clearly every bit as intent as the riders. Those horses are magnificent beasts whose dignity is not diminished by the fact that they have no compunction about pooping in front of everyone.

And fans of the sport can be as equally passionate as the riders. One excitable lady in a big straw hat was evidently the wife of one of the riders and a rider herself. She cheered and jeered with an exuberance that could rival that of any Chicago Cubs fan in the bleachers at Wrigley Field.

As the day turned to late afternoon and the tournament ended, the mood became considerably more festive. A long time drummer friend of mine was on hand with his classic rock band (I’m constantly running into fellow musicians, even at a polo match way out in the country). There was a brisk business at Ed’s Polo Bar, and everyone was clearly feeling good. As the sun dipped behind the Waianae Mountains, we decided to head back to Honolulu.

My overall impression of the whole day was that a day at the polo fields (there’s another polo field in Waimanalo) is a brilliant was to spend an afternoon. I got the feeling that most of the people there on Sunday were there more for the atmosphere than for the spectacle of the sport. Whatever the case may be there is plenty of both at the Mokuleia Polo Grounds.
 

Posted by:  Jamie Winpenny
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Published by Bruce Fisher

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.

3 comments August 11th, 2009

Yes, You Can Find Deals on Designer Clothes in Hawaii

When you come to Hawaii probably the last thing on your mind is finding any really good deals, especially when it comes to shopping for clothes and accessories.  Sure you can imagine finding some inexpensive T-shirts or some souvenirs on sale but for the most part Hawaii isn’t considered a fashion mecca for deals on those kind of items.

Last week my in-laws from Taiwan wanted to do something almost immediately when they arrived.  They wanted to go shopping.  Not just any place, they wanted to go to the Waikele Premium Outlet stores. Apparently the bargains that they found were so terrific they couldn’t wait to get back. The big draw for them on they’re last visit was the "Coach" factory outlet. They bought several bags for their friends and family back home which cost twice as much and they would’ve had to pay it back in Taiwan.

This time it was no exception.  We hopped in the car and headed for a long ride to Waikele. And you guessed it, they made a beeline for the coach factory outlet.  In a matter of about a half an hour they came out with several shopping bags with deals that they could not believe they found. Apparently they weren’t alone this store was filled with people on the Monday afternoon all bargain hunters and most of them from either Japan or somewhere in Asia.

The deals don’t just stop there with the coach factory.  There is a wonderful Armani exchange store which we’ve been shopping at for years.  For example, I needed some new board shorts and the best price I could find at anywhere was
$38-$61, at the Armani exchange I got a pair of high quality shorts for only $29.  I know this store has great prices because I’ve also shopped at the outlet  malls in Las Vegas and don’t find the same deals that I can get here in Hawaii.
My wife who loves shoes, has found many great deals at nine West, and some nice designer dresses at Saks Fifth Ave. There is a great Tumi outlet where I found an amazing deal on a computer tote that I’ve always wanted.

If you have a rental car it’s a nice drive but there are other options including shuttles and trolleys that take you directly there from your hotel in Waikiki. It’s a long ride, but you get to see some of the scenery of Oahu on your way
there.  If you’re a shopaholic it’s perfect for you, they even have a VIP shopping club which gets you even more discounts if you’re serious about this kind of activity.

So the next time you come to Oahu you may want to think twice about the shopping thing, there is actually a great place where you can find bargains on designer clothing and accessories. For more information or to book a trip there just give
us a call or visit our website at Hawaii-Aloha.com.

Posted by: Bruce Fisher

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Published by Bruce Fisher

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.

Add comment May 12th, 2009

Enjoy the Newly Refurbished Kapiolani Park on Your Next Hawaii Vacation

As is the case is most metropolitan areas, Honolulu is trying to figure out what to do with its homeless people.  Part of the dilemma has resulted in major improvements to beautiful, 500-acre Kapiolani Park, which is located between Diamond Head and Waikiki.

Kapiolani Park was created by King Kalakaua in the 1870′s. A lot of its exceptional trees date back more than 100 years.  It encompasses the 42-acre Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Shell, Sunday Art Shows, a tennis complex, soccer fields, an archery range, and a three-mile jogger’s course that includes a portion of the Honolulu Marathon course.

Local families as well as visitors enjoy the shady picnic sites and open grassy areas.  The Royal Hawaiian Band provides free concerts every Sunday afternoon on the park’s bandstand.

Honolulu officials have launched a new effort to clean up the park, which will have the ancillary effect of evicting the homeless people who have relocated there following their having been pretty successfully removed from the beaches, Downtown Honolulu, Chinatown and the rest of Waikiki.

The four-stage park renovation is in response to a rising “level of anxiety” among both visitors and residents who have been worried about safety, sanitation and security due to the presence of homeless people.

Beach pavilions will be closed from 6:00 to 9:00 a.m. for daily cleaning.  For the next month, the ocean-front grass area in Kapiolani Park between the Waikiki Aquarium and Kapiolani Beach Center will be closed and refurbished.

Upcoming renovations will include the grass areas around the Queen’s Surf beach, the Waikiki War Memorial and the Kapiolani Bandstand.

And, beginning March 30, there will be temporary closures for the painting and repair of comfort stations and pavilions along the Beach and in Kapiolani Park.  Each closure should last about one week.

Beginning April 20 and lasting indefinitely, areas of the park mauka (toward the mountains) of Kalakaua Avenue will be closed from midnight until 5:00 a.m., including the tennis courts; and areas makai (toward the ocean) of Kalakaua Avenue will be closed from 2:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.

The police are enforcing the new program by ticketing people who do not abide by the closures and arresting them if necessary, and night sleeping in the park has been banned.

What’s happening, of course, is that the city is sweeping its homeless problem to some other location, not solving it.

But while you’re vacationing on Oahu and thinking of spending some pleasant time in a lovely park, Kapiolani Park will be at its very best for your visit.

Posted by Jim Winpenny

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Published by Bruce Fisher

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.

1 comment March 26th, 2009

Have Fun, Do Good Through Honolulu’s Twestival

You may be familiar with Twitter.  You may already be a Twitterer.  Twitter is a social networking and micro-blogging service that allows its users to send and read other users’ updates (otherwise known as “tweets”), which are text-based posts of up to 140 characters in length.

In the relatively short time the service has existed, Twitter has exploded in popularity.   Twitter users are connected through dozens of social networks and other online communities in more than 150 cities around the world.

Now, on Thursday, February 12, beginning at sunset, Twitterers in Hawaii will join all the others worldwide on the same night to raise money for a good cause.  It’s a global party for global good, yet individually and distinctly local.  (Of course, it will take place in different cities at different times, depending on time changes.)

It’s TWESTIVAL —  a fantastic evening of fun, food and entertainment.  Tickets are sold to TWESTIVAL events, but 100 percent of funds collected go to charity: water.  The event itself — with food, drinks, and music — is possible only through the work of passionate volunteers, and through the support of sponsors who see the potential of “social media for social change.”
Honolulu’s TWESTIVAL will host at least 200 guests at Oceans 808 in Restaurant Row, on Ala Moana Boulevard between Waikiki and Downtown.  The event’s going to feature great food and a lot of Hawaii’s top music performers.  Surely, TWESTIVAL will draw people beyond Twitter and “the social web.”

And consider this: Honolulu’s will be the last TWESTIVAL on earth that night, meaning you can watch online along with thousands of other TWESTIVAL supporters as the day-long event draws to a close.

If you’re going to be in Honolulu on February 12, consider joining the fun in person.  Give us a call at 1-800-843-8771, or pick an agent on our Web site .  We’re one of the event’s sponsors and will tell you anything you need to know.

Posted by Jim Winpenny
 

Official Honolulu Twestival site

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Published by Bruce Fisher

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.

Add comment February 3rd, 2009

About Hawaii’s Trade Winds

You’re probably aware that Hawaii’s wonderful weather is due to the trade winds.  In fact, "gentle trade winds" is a phrase used in virtually everything you read or hear about the islands along with "white sand beaches," "swaying palms" and "lush tropical gardens."

But what, exactly, are trade winds?  Where do they come from?  Why do they blow across Hawaii?  How come there are no trade winds in Vermont, West Virginia, Idaho, New Mexico or even California?

Here’s the best explanation we’ve been able to come up with:

A series of rotating air cells circulates air from the warmer areas near the equator toward the poles and then back again.  (Those air cells swirl around the globe at the same band of latitude both above and below the equator, missing the continental U.S. altogether.)  The warm air rises to the south of the Hawaiian islands and moves — at high levels — northward.   It drops back to sea level north of Hawaii and flows again toward the equator.  That crates winds that blow along the surface of the ocean from the northeast.  Those are what we call the trade winds.  They got their name from the early traders who sailed all over the world, became familiar with the winds and used them well for navigation and speed.

When there are no trade winds in Hawaii, we get Kona winds, which bring the vog (volcanic fog) from the Big Island to the other islands, especially Maui and Oahu.  "Kona" is Polynesian word for "leeward."  Kona winds come from the opposite direction of the trades — from the south- and west-facing leeward sides.  They can be strong and gusty, and bring warm and muggy conditions to Hawaii."

Many locals dread the Kona winds.  When they occur, mothers keep their children out of the ocean and families look to indoor activities.  If you are vacationing here, you may not notice the difference and wonder at those of us on the beaches and streets who are fanning ourselves and complaining about the humidity.

You’ll probably think we’re crazy.

Posted by Jim Winpenny

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Published by Bruce Fisher

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.

5 comments January 21st, 2009

Hawaii 2008 – Our top story picks of the year

Well, it’s time to look back on the year 2008. Here are our picks for the stories that were most significant for those of us who live in Hawaii and for those who either visited or are thinking about visiting.

Obama leads the way.  Not only was the breakthrough nature of his ascendency to the presidency the year’s biggest story nationally, it also was a super local story, as in "Local Boy Makes Good."  Tour groups are taking Oahu’s visitors to Obama landmarks — his school, his favorite fast-food joints, the house where he lived as a kid, the beach where he surfed …  We islanders tend to follow our heros closely after they leave "home" and become prominent elsewhere (World Series champion Shane Victorino, Olympic Decathlon champion Bryan Clay), so you can imagine how we might react to a local boy’s becoming PRESIDENT!

One of the big stories locally has been the question of whether to move ahead with the long-planned and long-debated $5.3 billion fixed-rail transit system on Oahu between the western or leeward side of the island to Downtown Honolulu and the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  Although the voters approved it through referendum in the past election, the issue is certain to dominate local politics throughout the coming year.  Whatever the outcome, it should have little effect on Hawaii’s visitors, especially during 2009.

Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island continues its record-breaking current eruption — 288 consecutive days as of December 31.

Pope Benedict XVI approved the nomination of Father Damien DeVeuster of Molokai to receive the Roman Catholic Church’s highest honor and Father Damien will be canonized as a saint in a Vatican ceremony in the fall of 2009.

In sports, the University of Hawaii 2007 football season ended with the Warriors earning a BCS berth against SEC power Georgia, who pretty much cleaned their clocks in a blowout win.  The 2008 Warriors finished with an even record after suffering a bad defeat by Notre Dame in the Hawaii Bowl on Christmas Eve.  Actually, they fared better than expected following the loss of June Jones, who departed to become head coach at SMU, and the graduation of Colt Brennan, a Heismann Trophy runner-up, and the team’s four leading receivers.  As noted earlier, we considered the successes of Shanne Victorino and Bryan Clay to be local sports stories.  And Sports Illustrated named Honolulu’s Punahou School’s as the nation’s top athletic program. 

As usual, a lot of top show-biz acts performed here; among them, Earth Wind & Fire, The Police, Kenny Rankin, Melissa Ethridge, Chicago and Jason Mraz.  Local performer Loretta Ables Sayre earned a Tony nomination portraying Bloody Mary in the Broadway revival of "South Pacific."

The demise of Aloha Airlines on March 31 was a hugh blow to the local psyche, the travel industry and many whose Hawaii vacation plans were sent askew.  1,900 Aloha workers lost their jobs overnight — the largest mass layoff in the state’s history.  Aloha had been operating more than 700 interisland flights per week and and more than 120 weekly fights to and from the West Coast.  On top of that, three cruise ships stopped operating in Hawaii, and the Hawaii Superferry once again faces challenges that will be resolved in the coming year.

Curiously, all that bad news has resulted in good news for everybody who is considering a Hawaii vacation.  Facing diminishing numbers in hotel occupancy and airline seat cutbacks, resorts, hotels and many attractions are rolling out deals, discounts, twofers and other offers to keep you interested.  Right now, Hawaii represents the best vacation value you’ll find anywhere in the world.

As we wish you the best New Year you can have, we at Hawaii Aloha Travel remind you that we are tuned into all the special offers available in Hawaii.  We can help you put together a sensational island vacation at the best possible price.  Just pick an agent from our Web site (hawaii-aloha.com) or call us, toll-free, at 1-800-843-8771

Posted by Jim Winpenny

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Published by Bruce Fisher

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.

Add comment December 31st, 2008

Hawaii Tops Satisfaction List

People who vacation in Hawaii almost always place “the people” really high on their lists of things they enjoyed about their visits.  They mention the prevailing aloha spirit.  They rave about the friendly service and how warm and helpful everyone is.

Apparently there’s a logical reason for that.  Those of us who live here really like it.

A study called The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index shows that Hawaii is tops in the whole country — at eighty-two percent — when it comes to having the highest number of people who are satisfied with their standard of living.  Local residents seemed to be worried about the economy getting worse … but not as concerned about it affecting their standard of living.  Surely one’s own sense of well being would be reflected in the way he or she relates to others.  We’re happy … and we want you to be happy, too.

The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index is the most recent indication of the satisfaction of Hawai`i residents. Recent reports have also reflected successful efforts by the Lingle-Aiona Administration in seeking an improved standard of living.

This is the first time the Well-Being Index results were given for states. Previously only numbers for the nation as a whole were announced.

Published by Bruce Fisher

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.

Add comment December 15th, 2008

Make Way. Hawaii Has Arrived.

When Hawaii became a state in 1959, our residents were relieved, excited, optimistic … and a little sheepish.   We still were out here in the middle of the Pacific.  Sure enough, we had been recognized as a tourist destination, but so had Tahiti and Bali.  Most of our visitors referred to the mainland as “the states” as if we were pretenders.  We were, it seemed, just “sort of” a state, not a full-fledged one.

Half a century later, presidential candidate Barack Obama’s citizenship was questioned during the campaign.  After all, his father was Kenyan; Barack had been born way out in Hawaii and had attended schools in Jakarta until sixth grade when he returned to the islands.

In spite of ourselves, we Hawaii residents (Can’t call ourselves “Hawaiians” unless Hawaiian blood is pumped by our hearts) have felt a little like second-class Americans – proud of our islands and all they offer, but not quite fitting in with the contiguous states.

It would take something special for us to get over that hump.

The West Coast went through the same process.  The “West” was part of history – the “Wild” West of pioneers, settlers, ranchers and gunfighters – but beyond the mountains lay an area the rest of the country cared little about although big cities had been established and Easterners were moving west.

In 1957, Walter O’Malley took the Dodgers from Brooklyn to Los Angeles and Horace Stoneham took the Giants from Upper Manhattan to San Francisco.

Virtually overnight, the West Coast was in the Big Leagues.  The Bay Area and Southern California were recognized nationally as key players.

Half a century later, our islands began to creep into the hierarchy of national prominence.

No, we can’t be called “Big League.”  Our professional sports remain restricted to surfing, a few pro golf tournaments and competitions such as the Iron Man Triathlon and the International Billfish Tournament.

But there have been strides.

Hawaii’s music now is being recognized and honored.  Not so long ago, a laid-back Don Ho was our voice.  Today, Israel Kamakawiwo`ole, posthumously, is leading the way, and our music is being heard and respected around the world.

Big-ticket international performers know they can fill our venues, including Aloha Stadium, with ardent and passionate fans.

Hawaii has become an international film center, hosting The Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) and gaining worldwide respect as an ideal location for myriad projects.  Long-running TV series find ways to locate here for episodes – often several episodes.

The Sony Open, the UH football team’s undefeated 2007 season, the NFL Pro Bowl and the Honolulu Marathon all have attracted top-of-the-mind attention from sports fans around the world.

Our islands are among the more appealing travel destinations globally.  Our better hotels are authentically world-class.  Our beaches and natural wonders are many and splendid.

Our cuisine has become as distinctive as New Orleans’s.  Hawaii Regional Cuisine uses our islands’ fresh produce, meat and seafood to concoct wonderfully creative and toothsome dishes, imaginatively presented.  Not only has Hawaii Regional Cuisine taken Island dining to a lofty international level, it’s also established Hawaii-grown products as being among the finest in the world.

Our physicians, scientists and teachers are amazing the world with discoveries, new techniques and, yes, cures.  Honolulu has become an international business center and technology mecca.

New York would trade its skyline for our climate.  Philadelphia would jettison its slogan if it had our aloha.  San Francisco would give up its bridge for our neighbor islands.  How many Chicagoans have ever seen a rainbow?

But until very recently it seemed that we still were reflecting a sense of being “way out here in the Pacific.”  We hadn’t had confidence in who we are and where we stand.  We continued to think we were insignificant members of the USA community.

Boy, has that ever changed!

One of our guys is going to be President of the United States.  Another one, Sen. Daniel Inouye, will hold the nation’s purse strings as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.  One of our athletes, Shane Victorino, is a key member of the world-champion Philadelphia Phillies and acknowledged as the best center fielder in his league.  Another, Bryan Clay, is the Olympic decathlon champion.

We’re making news – positive news.  We sense the rest of the world has noticed us and has acknowledged our contributions to its progress.

Suddenly, we can consider ourselves players.  We can feel proud of who we are beyond the beaches.

We’re prouder than ever to show ourselves off to you.  Hurry on down.

Posted by Jim Winpenny

Published by Bruce Fisher

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.

2 comments November 12th, 2008

A Bright Celebration Amid the Gloom for Hawaii Business

Henry Kapono performing for HAWAII-ALOHA.COM

                                 
On Saturday evening, November 8, you would have thought Hawaii Aloha Travel was celebrating a booming economy.  Refreshments flowed, appetites were satiated beyond capacity, the room rocked with spirited entertainment, camaraderie was manifest with smiles and hugs, and optimism suggested impending success.

It was HAT’s annual Appreciation Event, held in East Oahu, acknowledging the efforts of our agents and support staff who relentlessly work to find the very best packages, offers, rates and incentive deals available for Hawaii visitors.

While the rest of Hawaii’s travel practitioners were wringing their hands and gnashing their teeth in the face of declining hotel occupancy, reduced airline capacities, layoffs and cutbacks, we were appreciating a sustained clientele level and a confirmed high level of service to our clients.

No, business isn’t better for us than it was a year ago at the moment, but neither has it sunk to the depths many of our colleagues in the industry are suffering through and with it all we are up 24% over last year.

The reason for that is simple.  People and families, still seeking affordable vacation options, are turning to the Internet and discovering Hawaii-Aloha.com.

They realize our agents not only know the territory and are plugged into virtually all available distress sales, special bargains and limited opportunities, they also see that we network and provide travelers with 24-7 support unavailable through individual bargain-hunting and cherry-picking.

From initial contact via our Web site or toll-free telephone (1-800-843-8771), we stay with you and trouble shoot in the event of glitches such as cancelled flights, hotel mix-ups, unavailable or unsatisfactory rental-car arrangements – things you would find impossible to rectify by contacting the providers directly.  We all were either born and raised in Hawaii or have lived here long enough to be true experts in the market – even those of us based on the mainland.  We have the clout and the wherewithal to fix things immediately so you can experience a snag-free trip.  You will have your own agent, and he or she will be backed up by a network of Hawaii-Aloha professionals who make things happen on a daily basis – always available to you and loaded with suggestions and money-saving solutions.

So we hope the rest of the industry will forgive our self-congratulatory revelry on Saturday evening.  We feel we earned it, and we’re confident that visitors to our site such as you will have the opportunity to fulfill your vacation hopes and dreams with our help.

Published by Bruce Fisher

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.

2 comments November 11th, 2008

Looking for A Green Hawaii Vacation?

Hawaii’s hotels are combining the need to cut back on their energy costs with the worldwide drive for companies to be “green.”

People who are planning Hawaii vacations now are beginning to ask about island hotels that practice energy conservation and whether a hotel has earned the U.S. Energy Star Rating.  Guests filling out comment cards are asking questions such as why there were no recycling bins in their rooms.

For the record, the following hotels and resorts are considered green hotels by the state:

• Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
• Grand Wailea Resort
• Hale Koa Hotel
• Hawaii Prince Hotel
• Hilton Hawaiian Village
• Hilton Waikoloa Village
• Kahala Hotel & Resort
• Mauna Lani Resort
• Sheraton Kauai
• Sheraton Waikiki
• Waikiki Beach Marriott

The Hyatt Regency Waikiiki has a recycling program for cardboard, paper, bottles, and food waste, with a goal of becoming a full recycling facility by 2009.  It’s estimated that Hyatt saved about $16,540 in landfill tonnage fees  by recycling last year.

Several neighbor island hotels, including the Mauna Lani Resort, have invested in solar photovoltaic panels, but some of the problems in the way of that practice becoming widespread include finding enough roof space on buildings that were built tall, but thin; obtaining loans for the initial investment; and uncertainty about solar’s future regulation in the state.

Aqua Hotels & Resorts, which owns 12 boutique hotels, is also starting recycling programs at its properties.

The Hawaii State Department of Business and Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) is offering a green business standards checklist, and certifies and recognizes hotels as Hawaii Green Businesses.

So if you like the idea of greening even while you’re on vacation, the opportunities for your sharing in Hawaii’s visitor industry compliance are increasing.  As you plan your Hawaii visit, pick an agent from the Hawaii-Aloha Web site (hawaii-aloha.com) or call 1-800-843-8771.  We’ll plan it all for you, get you the best rates available, and make sure that the accommodations you enjoy will be environment friendly.

Published by Bruce Fisher

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.

3 comments November 3rd, 2008