Hawaii could see a surge in international tourists following the signing of the first ever national travel promotion and communications program by President Obama. The act which was just signed into law on March 4 is in response to increasing concern that the United States is lagging in the global travel market. For example, in 2009 2.4 million fewer visitors from overseas came to the US as compared to 2000.
Government officials believe that the law will balance out the downward travel trend to The United States by creating a campaign to showcase the US as a premier destination and to reassure visitors that security policies are in place to protect the airports which has been a concern for many people traveling to the United States. Over the years many changes have been made to travel security policies to foreign visitors.
The signing of this act should have positive effects on Hawaii tourism. In a statement from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, this law will boost travel to the Hawaiian Islands and help the overall economy.
International visitors are a significant part of Hawai‘i’s visitor industry, accounting for almost 33 percent of Hawai‘i’s visitor arrivals and contributing $3.7 billion in expenditures. This new legislation will contribute to our efforts to attract more international visitors to the islands,” said Mike McCartney, president and CEO of HTA. “We appreciate the efforts of Hawai‘i’s Congressional Delegation for their hard work to get this bill passed,” he added.
The Travel Promotion Act is modeled after successful state-level initiatives and is funded through a matching program featuring up to $100 million in private sector contributions and a $10 fee on foreign travelers who do not pay $131 for a visa to enter the United States. The fee is collected once every two years in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security’s Electronic System for Travel Authorization. No money is provided by U.S. taxpayers.
Continental Airlines begins new flights from Los Angeles and Orange County to Maui and a flight between Orange County and Honolulu on Sunday, March 7.
"We are excited to launch more service to Hawaii," said Jim Compton, Continental’s executive vice president of marketing. "The new flights to Maui complement our existing service to Honolulu, providing our customers more travel options to Hawaii."
The new daily flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Maui’s Kahului Airport (OGG) will depart at 5:05 p.m. and arrive at 8:45 p.m. The return flight will depart Maui at 10:15 p.m. and arrive at Los Angeles at 5:45 a.m. the next day. Continental will operate the flight with a Boeing 737-800 with 160 seats. In addition, on Sunday the airline begins a second daily flight between Los Angeles and Honolulu.
The new Orange County-Maui flight will operate four times weekly, departing John Wayne Airport (SNA) at 5:40 p.m. and arriving at Maui’s Kahului Airport at 9:25 p.m. The return flight will depart Maui at 12:10 a.m. and arrive at Orange County at 7:45 a.m. Continental will utilize a 124-seat Boeing 737-700 aircraft on the new route and plans to increase the service to daily during the summer.
The new daily flight from Orange County to Honolulu will depart at 9:00 a.m. and arrive in Honolulu at 12:45 p.m. The return flight will depart Maui at 2:00 p.m. and arrive at Orange County at 9:35 p.m. Continental will utilize a 124-seat Boeing 737-700 aircraft on the new route.
Continental serves more destinations in the Pacific than any other U.S. carrier. The carrier operates daily flights to Hawaii from Los Angeles, New York, Houston and Guam, and three-times weekly flights between Hawaii and the Marshall Islands and Federated States of Micronesia. Continental also operates twice-weekly service between Honolulu and Nadi, Fiji, and between Guam and Nadi, Fiji.
Oahu
The Aston Waikiki Banyan is having a 10 Day Value sale with new low rates available in 1 Bedroom Superior City View at 104.00 per night including tax! Good thru 3/12/10 for travel 4/1-6/30/10 The Castle Ocean Resort Hotel Waikiki is now offering reduced rates in Standard, City View & City View Studio categories starting at 62.00 a night Valid 1/4-12/8/10. The posh Hotel Renew now has a NEW Run of House rate just $175 per night! Valid now thru 3/31/10.
Maui
The Ho’olei condo at Grand Wailea is now offering 7th Night Free, this promotion is valid in all the categories for only these dates: 4/17-6/12/10, 8/23-11/19/10 & 11/29-12/17/10. The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is offering their popular Romance For All Seasons package which includes; Convertible, Romantic Dinner, Robes, Amenity, Breakfast and MORE! Valid 3/5-12/16/10. Minimum 5-night stay if you book this as a package we can save you even more! The Kahana Reef condo has reduced their rates in all categories prices now starting at 114.00 per night including tax. Valid 1/4-12/19/10
Kauai Castle Makahuena at Poipu is offering a Springtacular Sale Valid 4/1-6/30/10 prices now starting at 139.00 per night for this Oceanfront resort on Kauai. The Outrigger Lae Nani has reduced their rates for this codo centrally located in Kapaa on Kauai you can now get a fully equipped condo starting at 149.00 per night for a 1 BR good 3/31/10 - 6/1/10
Big Island
You can take advantage of a 1st quarter value promotion at Kona by the Sea on the Big Island right now. They have reduced prices in all categories starting at 159.00 per night. Valid for NEW bookings thru 3/31/10 for travel 2/17-6/30/10. The exclusive Kona Village Resort is offering a Fare Deal promotion, Receive an $800 Airfare Credit & space available upgrade! Valid 4/2-07/17/10. 5-night minimum stay. Excludes Vintage Village category.
A ton of people ask me daily, "How is the trip to Hana?" My reply to them is "The Road trip to Hana or the flight to Hana?" I always advise the visitors to take what ever mode of transportation they want to head to Hana. Hana (Ha Na) is a very small town in East Maui. Random Hana Town Fact: Besides Kalaupapa on Molokai, Hana is one of the nation’s most isolated communities. The popular locations are the Waianapanapa State Cabins, Hana Bay, The 7 Sacred Pools, and so much more. The Road to Hana starts in Kahului in Central Maui and ends in Hana. Pending on weather conditions the trip from Kahului/Central Maui into Hana is about 5.5 hours. From West Maui to Hana we are looking at a 7 hour drive. From South Maui 6.5 hour drive. Make sure like I said in my Haleakala Sunrise post to get enough rest before the drive to Hana. Use extreme caution when driving to and from Hana for there are sharp turns and twists in the road and sharp drop offs on the side of the road. On the way to Hana once you pass Haiku and Pauwela, you will see some breath taking water falls, tons of beautiful Rain forests, and may even see whales out in the ocean. The drive to Hana is very nice and pleasant. You may even want to stop on the way there and pick up some souvenirs and produce from the local vendors out there. My favorite place to eat out in Hana is Tutus Snack Shop right on the beach at Hana Bay and Hasegawas General Store in the out skirts of Hana. You can also wee old Hawaiian Fish Ponds, Gardens, get a massage, hit the beach, and all together all out wonderful experience. Hana Maui is by far one of my favorite places to go and relax.
Notice to visitors with rental/loaner cars: Make sure to drive only on Hana Highway to and from Hana. Do not take the back roads to and from Hana. Rental Car companies strongly urge this and it may breach your rental contract with them in the event a breakdown does happen. It is very hard for Tow companies/Fire/Police/EMS/
Rental Car companies to get out there to respond to the back roads in break down events.
Tips That will Help you out before you take the roads to Hana:
Personal Check List:
-Make sure to get enough rest before the trek out
-Load up on drinks and snacks
-Leave stuff of High value at your hotel or condo room
-take only what you need with you (wallet, towels, coolers, back packs, etc)
Vehicle Check List:
-Test your lights out and make sure they work properly
-Test your breaks to make sure they work for you will need to break frequently
-Make sure to have a full tank of fuel before you depart
-Make sure your tires are inflated properly
Hana Bay:
-Swim at your own risk for there are no life guards on post. Maui Police Department Officers and Maui Fire FIghters do make patrols of the area and will assist in life guard duties if needed.
-Use good judgment before swimming
-Stay close to the shoreline and don’t venture out too far
-When walking to the docks do not go past the fence or try to climb over it.
Overall Hana Maui is a very relaxing place and hey you may not even want to leave at the ending of your Hana trip. That covers Hana maui in East Maui. Enjoy!
We caught Admiral Robert F. Willard sending a message to the troops via MeTv console brought in by HBO for the special screening of the new 10 part mini series. The MeTV Technology collects tributes to our troops and veterans. The Battleship Missouri will house a unit there on a permanent basis. The Pacific mini-series is based on the true stories of World War II Marines.produced by Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg and Gary Goetzman
How many different ways can water meet the land? I saw at least four types of shoreline in just a tiny section of a fairly small Hawaiian island: Kauai.
(1) The south shore of Kauai is known for resorts that face beautiful sandy beaches. Even though the resorts have areas reserved for guests, the beaches all have public access areas along the shore. There are also public parking areas so you can easily enjoy first class views without paying full fare.
(2) Just around the corner from Poipu beach is a rocky area with just a sliver of sand. Some people squeezed into the sand to sun bathe but others were swimming or snorkeling — if you plan to be in the water, a rock is as good as sand as a point of departure. The black rocks also provide a stark contrast with the blue water that is beautiful. I liked watching the waves splash on the rocks. The sound of the waves splashing is mesmerizing.
(3) Nearby, we walked out on lava beds where the waves fill small divots with water. I have watched little fish and crabs splash in and out of similar crevices on Oahu, but here we saw a herd of sea cucumbers: ancient tube-like creatures. (Actually, I don’t know what a bunch of sea cucumbers is called but herd gives you the idea.) Because they were surrounded by lava-rock, I could stand above them and watch as they moved slowly along the rocks under the water.
(4) Kukui‘ula Harbor is for small, recreational boats. It was a busy place when we visited, with boats taking turns launching from the ramp. Actually, this was all four shorelines in one: the harbor where boats could navigate had a small beach and swimming area on one side and a lava/rock outcropping on the other. AND there was a fifth - bonus - water/land interaction: the Spouting Horn. From the picnic area, we could see the water shoot up into the air when the waves hit.
This entire stretch of island can’t be more than a couple of miles, if that. I think my favorite was the rocky area where we began, but it only takes a few steps to change the view.
April 4-10: Merrie Monarch Festival. Watch and learn at one of Hawaii’s most prestigious hula competitions, featuring group and solo contests. Tickets go fast, but the festival also has free events such as live music and a parade through town. Edith Kanakaole Stadium, Hilo. (808-935-9168; www.merriemonarchfestival.org)
Oahu
April 16-22: Spring Showcase. The Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) is holding its 13th Spring Showcase, a smaller, more intimate festival than the Fall Showcase. Roughly 30 independent and international films will be shown. Tickets go on sale on April 7. Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18, Honolulu. (808-697-2463; www.hiff.org)
April 18: Honolulu AIDS Walk. Make a difference in the fight against AIDS in Hawaii with an easy 5K walk. Prizes, food, entertainment and a kids’ zone make this an ideal event for families with children. Registration is free but fundraising is encouraged. Kapiolani Park. (808-521-2437; www.honoluluaidswalk.org)
April 23-25: Spring Food and New Products Show. Clients looking for a unique shopping experience among hundreds of vendors need not look any further than this highly attended expo. Some attractions include local fare, new products and gadgets and chances to win prizes. Admission is $3 (free for children under 12). Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, Honolulu. (808-732-6037; www.pacificexpos.com)
Kauai
April 2 and 4: Slack-Key Guitar Concerts. Every Friday and Sunday afternoon, visitors can tune into to the soothing sounds of Hawaii’s slack-key music while learning about its history and legendary players. The proceeds from the shows support outreach programs for families in the area. Hanalei Community Center. (808-826-1469; www.hawaiianslackkeyguitar.com)
April 11: Kauai All-Girls Rodeo. The ladies in Hawaii are good at far more than just hula dancing and surfing. Watch cowgirls compete in fast-paced rodeo events, from barrel racing to goat tying. CJM Country Stables Arena, Koloa. (808-346-3549; www.kauaiallgirlsrodeo.com)
Maui
April 2-4: Celebration of the Arts. Held during Easter weekend, this hands-on arts festival is a unique opportunity for clients. Highlights include seminar discussions, workshops in arts and crafts, hula performances and a closing luau ceremony. The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua. (808-669-6200; www.celebrationofthearts.org)
April 24: East Maui Taro Festival. Celebrate the staple food of Hawaii at the 18th-annual presentation of this all-day festival with local music, arts, crafts and cultural demonstrations. Whether it’s sampling from more than 20 food booths or learning to pound your own poi, the Taro Festival is a highlight for visitors and locals alike. Hana Ballpark. (808-264-1553; www.tarofestival.org)
"The earth laughs in flowers" is a quote by American poet e.e. cummings. If that is so, Hawaii must be the earth’s comedy club. Not only does nearly everything here bloom, it does so in unpredictable ways and times.
I suppose a botanist could have predicted that a tree I walk by nearly every day would bust an orange floral fuzz-ball out of its knee cap but it caught ME by surprise. It’s not the first time I’ve stopped in my tracks to laugh and reach for my camera. For months when we first moved here, I walked past a perfectly lovely row of green plants that look sort of like a hedge, if a hedge had wide, flat leaves. One day, the plants all sprouted beautifully delicate, fully-formed white flowers, as though they conspired on the date.
Each type of flower seems to have its own rhythm. The temperature doesn’t change much, nor does the daily cycle of daylight and dark. Yet, the intricate Bird of Paradise flowers disappear for a time before they bloom again, just like the mysterious white-flowered hedge. It is completely unlike the mainland, where plants follow a coordinated seasonal cycle. Here, it’s as though they take turns so we are never left without fresh blooms.
Not only are the flowers taking turns to keep us company, they are competing to entertain us. I can’t begin to describe the blossoms that occasionally poke out from a bramble of thorns about half-way up a two story tree-trunk near my bus stop. That will be another story. My point for today is that if you take a Hawaii vacation, you too will see that the plants in Hawaii seem to be in a constant search for new ways to create odd flowers at odd times and I find it poetic.
If you are going to be taking a Hawaii vacation to Oahu on the weekend of March 13 and 14th you’re in for a real treat of a lifetime. The 16th Annual Honolulu Festival will be taking place in Waikiki and the best part is that it’s totally FREE. The festival will give you the opportunity to personally interact with many cultures from all over the Pacific rim. Under the banner of "Pacific Harmony" the festival’s theme is "discovery through tradition" and will be highlighted by cultural exhibits and performing groups representing Japan China, Taiwan, Korea, the Philippines, Australia, Canada, Alaska, and Hawaii. There will be a wide variety of entertainment with over 120 performers in four locations in the Waikiki area; Hawaii Convention Center, Ala Moana Center, Waikiki Beach walk and Waikiki shopping Plaza.
The Honolulu Festival began in 2000 and it’s primary objective is to provide the event to the citizens of Hawaii and to visitors at no cost to the public. The festival provides a unique opportunity for visitors and residents of Hawaii from all over the world to experience the cultural practices and traditional art forms of Japan and other Pacific Rim countries. The foundation believes that these kinds of events contributed to perpetuating the cultures, customs and traditions of Asian Pacific islanders.
This year at the Hawaii Convention Center will feature an expanded array of cultural offerings highlighting arts, crafts, exhibits and foods. You’ll find the Anime Corner featuring "Kawaii Con" members from Hawaii and, by popular demand, the return of the "Maid Cafe", a fantasy game which puts maid’s and Butler’s at your disposal. The Anime Corner will also be highlighted by the appearance of Japanese TV star Momoi Halko. You’ll also probably want to check out the special movie showings; the critically acclaimed Japanese films "Hula Girls" and "Departures" will be shown Saturday, March 13. If food is your pleasure you definitely want to check out the friendship Gala which takes place on March 13 and will feature a dozen of Hawaii’s most celebrated restaurants.
Arguably one of the best parts of the entire festival is the grand Parade down Kalakaua Avenue. This spectacular event begins at 430 PM in Waikiki and runs along Kalakaua Avenue. The parade features music and magnificent floats especially the popular Daijayama, or fire-breathing dragon.
For more information call the Festival Hotline at 808-596-3327.
Performances
10:00am - 5:00pm
Venue:Hawaii Convention Center, Ala Moana Shopping Center, Waikiki Beach Walk, Waikiki Shopping Plaza
Craft Fair
10:00am - 5:00pm
Venue:Hawaii Convention Center
Ennichi Corner
10:00am - 5:00pm
Venue:Hawaii Convention Center
Anime Corner
10:00am - 5:00pm
Venue:Hawaii Convention Center
Maui Mikoshi Unveiling Ceremony
11:00am -
Venue:Hawaii Convention Center
The Maui mikoshi contest was developed exclusively for Maui high school students. Each year there is a competition among Maui high schools to design a mikoshi for the Honolulu Festival. Mikoshi are decorative floats that are unique to specific prefectures in Japan. They are carried by troops of celebrants during their festivals. The winning Maui mikoshi is unveiled and displayed at the Hawaii Convention Center over the Festival weekend. Students of the high school selected as the overall winner visit Honolulu during the weekend of the festival and march in the Grand Parade showcasing their award winning mikoshi.
Friendship Gala
Friendship Gala 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Venue:Hawaii Convention Center
Come and enjoy the delicious dishes of Hawaii’s famous restaurants. The Friendship Gala promotes friendship, understanding and international goodwill between the people of Hawaii and other Pacific Rim countries. Attendees are offered a unique insight into the cultures of the Pacific through dance, song and regional cuisine by some of Hawaii’s most famous chefs.
Mar. 14 (Sun), 2010
Performances
Craft Fair
Ennichi Corner
Anime Corner
Grand Parade
Performances
Venue:Hawaii Convention Center, Ala Moana Shopping Center, Waikiki Beach Walk, Waikiki Shopping Plaza
10:00am - 3:00pm
Craft Fair
Venue:Hawaii Convention Center
10:00am - 3:00pm
Ennichi Corner
10:00am - 3:00pm
Venue:Hawaii Convention Center
Anime Corner
10:00am - 3:00pm
Venue:Hawaii Convention Center
Grand Parade
4:30pm - 8:00pm
Venue:Kalakaua Avenue/Waikiki
The Hawaii hotel deals just keep coming! Here are this weeks promotions but make sure you check with our agents before you book at 1-800-843-8771 for the latest promotions as we get them pretty regularly. Also be aware that all the prices we quote include tax which is 12% in Hawaii for hotel rooms.We just got word that we have a special free upgrade special running for Alamo car rental, get a Midsize for price of Economy and Full Size for price of Compact, with rates from 30 dollars a day including tax. Valid for Bookings 2/22-4/30/10 for Travel 2/21-3/31, 4/11-9/30, 10/10-11/17, 11/27-12/16/10
Oahu
The Hawaii Prince Hotel is offering a Two for One Purchase first room at special rate from $190 per night & the second room complimentary (based on double occupancy). Valid 4/1-9/30/10. Blackout dates apply. The Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa is continuing their 50th State of Aloha 5th Night at $50 and choice of $50 Spa Credit, $50 Dining Credit or $50 Activity Credit rates starting at 203.00 The Embassy Suites Hotel – Waikiki Beach Walk has new reduced Aloha Rates starting at 185 pr night! Valid now thru 3/31/10. Blackout dates apply.
Maui The Hotel Wailea Maui is offering a 3rd Night Free in their Deluxe Ocean View catagories withprices starting at 209.00 per night and FREE Daily Continental Breakfast for all guests! valid 2/3-06/22/10. The Kaanapali Beach Hotel has reduced rates in all catagories for us, Valid 4/5-6/13/10 & 8/21-12/22/10. Book as a package and save even more! Rates starting at 159.00 per night. The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is offering a Suite Escape package with a special nightly rate in Deluxe OCF with a GUARANTEED Upgrade to Ohana Suite! Valid 3/11-3/31/10 for Travel 1/11-6/30/10
Kauai The Aston Aloha Beach Hotel is offering a value rate adjustment and has reduced thier rates in all catagories. Call for pricing from 83.00 per night. Valid through 3/31/10 for travel 3/3-9/6/10 & 9/15-12/23/10. For a very limited time the Sheraton Kauai Resort is offering a Ocean Promotion with new LOW rates available starting at 223.00 per night fora Deluxe Ocean Front! Valid thru 3/3/10 for travel 3/1-3/31/10
Big Island The Keauhou Beach Resort is now offering Complimentary buffet breakfast in ALL categories! Valid 1/5/09-3/31/10. No minimum and applies to all guests in room, so if you are a family of 4 everyone gets breakfast. The Kona by the Sea now has the Aston Value 1st Quarter Promotion Reduced Rates are being offered starting at 159.00 per night Valid thru 3/31/10 for travel 2/17-6/30/10. South Kohala Management which offers several condos in the Waikaloa area is offering 5th Night Free at the Vista Waikoloa, Waikoloa Fairway Villas & Waikoloa Colony and 7th Night Free – Kolea & Hali’I Kai Valid 3/01-5/16/10. Rates starting at 269.00 per night.
