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Just over a year ago my husband and I came to this beautiful island of gardens and rainbows. Captivated right away as the island cradled us in warm tropical breezes; the local community charmed our hectic lifestyle. They were warm and leisurely when offering helpful options for adventure, and even a construction worker at the post office “talked story” with us for 45 minutes! The enormity of the beauty that surrounded us verged on sensory overload. We just couldn’t keep our eyes off the titanic splendor that surrounded us from mountain to ocean, both just a head turn away.
We spent all of a week on Kaua’i and went home to pack our bags, compelled to move to the island as soon as possible. We made a second trip to Maui just to make sure Kaua’i was the right place after deciding the Big Island was a remarkable place to retire and Oahu was for young folks who enjoy the city life. Kaua’i is small town and we like small town.
I am truly blessed by the colorful people with wide smiles and generous spirit. The colossal, emerald green craggy peaks shrouded in misty clouds and graced with double rainbows, briny turquoise waters lined with over 50 miles of pristine white sand beaches, trade winds playing with Coconut Palms, lush gardens and the ever present sunshine.
I am thrilled that Kaua’i is our home, after all it just got voted by Travel and Leisure Magazine second best island in the world, behind the Galapagos. In the late 1700‘s King Kamehameha tried without success to conquer her. Pride in being “The Unconquered Island” and isolation of this remote archipelago infuse the locals with a lot character. The rugged island has steadfastly remained undeveloped -
Kauai hotels and condos are available - and mom and pop stores being the norm, as is taking time to properly say hello. If you pass someone you know, instead of rushing by, you stop. After the appropriate hug and kiss you say, “Aloha, how are you?” and listen, not just with your mind but with your heart. That’s small town aloha!
July 14th, 2010
SHERATON KAUAI RESORT HOSTS THE SUNSET HO`OLAULE`A
Kauai’s biggest block party returns as Sheraton Kauai Resort hosts the 12th Annual Sunset Ho`olaule`a, the kickoff event to the week-long Koloa Plantation Days 2010 celebration. Featuring an all-star line-up of Kaua‘i’s most talented entertainers on three stages, a large selection of ono food booths and activities for the keiki, the party, which is free and open to the public, takes off on Saturday, July 17, from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Free parking is available at Kiahuna Golf Course and Poipu Beach Park with a shuttle service running from 3:00 to 10:00 p.m. For information, call (808) 742-1661.
Sheraton Kauai Resort will showcase popular local artists with free continuous entertainment that will rotate amongst the three stages throughout the evening. The evening will feature contemporary Hawaiian music from Shilo Pa with Sean Carillo, Fat Mac and Chanel Flores. Ho`olaule`a alumni, The Blond Boys will return again to rock the stage along with local band Revival featuring Alika.
Sheraton Kauai Resort will offer delectable cuisine from some of the hotel’s dining venues including items from Shells Steak and Seafood, Naniwa Japanese Restaurant and The Point. Additional food booths will include a variety of gourmet specialties and local favorites from the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas’ Nanea restaurant, Plantation Gardens, Casablanca, Josselin’s Tapas Bar & Grill, Kauai Pasta, Kalapaki Joes, Merriman’s, Scotty’s Beachside BBQ, Sushi Bushido and Lapperts. Outside food & beverage are not permitted.
From 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., the Keiki Corner with a bounce house, face painting, shave ice and cotton candy is sure to enthrall the kids.
Ho`onani Road fronting the Sheraton Kauai will be closed from Kapili Road to the eastern end of Ho`onani Road for the celebration. A special mahalo to Aloha Church, County of Kauai, Garden Island Security, Kauai Island Tours, Kauai Police Department, Kiahuna Golf Club, Merrimans, No Ka Oi Plants and Roadway Solutions for their contributions.
Posted by Bruce Fisher follow me on twitter @alohabruce
July 8th, 2010
A colorful, festive gathering that features dance, culture, art, music, food — and it’s free! (well, you have to pay for the food) The Hawaii Korean Festival this weekend has something for everyone and every budget.
The Korean Festival is an annual event put on by the Hawaii Korean Chamber of Commerce to "share, promote, and raise awareness of the Korean culture in the community." Proceeds from the festival benefit the local community, including college scholarships.
The fun begins with Sunset on the Beach Friday evening in Waikiki. Local dance and musical groups will perform before the showing of a Korean movie. On Saturday, the action moves to Kapiolani Park and Bandstand — on the Diamond Head end of Waikiki, easy walking distance from
Hawaii hotels and on bus and trolley routes.
I’m all good with the Korean dances, taekwondo demonstrations, cooking demonstrations and cultural displays. But I have to say I’m not too sure about the kimchee eating contest. Kimchee is a Korean fermented dish made of vegetables — I’ve only tasted the cabbage version. There is a Kimchi Field Museum in Seoul that has documented 187 varieties of kimchee. Different types of kimchee are made in the north and south, as well as by season. I have no idea what type of kimchee I tasted but it was pretty spicy. The idea of eating massive amounts of such a spicy dish makes my stomach hurt just thinking about it.
It looks like a great celebration, though, and I love the many different cultures that coexist in Hawaii. The photo is from Korean folk dancers in the Saturday Kailua Parade. The parade announcer didn’t have prepared notes for them, so he shouted out "who are you?" Then, "Oh, Korean folk dancers." Like it was no big deal — every small town parade might have Korean folk dancers show up to take part. I love these islands!
July 8th, 2010
Hawaii loves parades; the floral productions that process through Waikiki or downtown Honolulu often rival the pageantry of a Rose Bowl Parade. But Hawaii is more than a string of hotels, it is a collection of communities. That is never more evident than on the July 4 weekend.
The Kailua parade is similar to many of those put on in small communities on the islands. Last year, it featured state politicians, candidates who would like to become state politicians, and local icons like cookie maven Wally Amos (the parade marshal). Some parts of the parade looked like typical small-town America: horses and riders (young and old); cheer leaders and drill teams; civic, fraternal and religious groups in full regalia. This year the parade is on Monday, so it’s called the "Independence Day" parade, rather than the "4 of July" Parade. It is scheduled to start at 10 am, but last year that was a "flexible" starting time.
Kailua is near a large military base and many sections of the military march, ride or perform in the parade. I have seen similar participation in mainland communities near bases (I lived near Ft. Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma for a time). One elderly parade viewer in front of me rose to salute every time the U.S. flag appeared, which was VERY often. Other spectators shouted and waved to members of their favorite military branch. Now, often, the calls are for “mommy” as service women take their places in the march.
But some things you just don’t see anywhere else – like the church float featuring hula performers or the enormous flatbed truck with a full Hawaiian musical group accompanying traditional dancers. If you get the opportunity to watch a local parade on any of the islands, take it. It’s a chance to get a different picture of Hawaii and the various allegiances of her many residents.
In addition to the parades, celebrations on the islands include fireworks, picnics and barbeques and fun in or on the water. In many ways, as stereotypically “American” as you can get. And yet, for some this celebration is a reminder of the kingdom they lost. I’ll tell you more about that on Sunday. For now, find a parade and don’t forget the sunscreen!
July 2nd, 2010
Each Hawaiian island packs an amazing variety of experiences into a small space. Although the exotic tropical beauty is the same, each vacation is as individual as the participants.
I am welcoming the fourth group of visitors from my immediate family in a year. The four groups all visited only Oahu, stayed one week, spent a modest amount of money — and yet they had no activities in common. The only location they shared was
Ala Moana Shopping Center, and that is probably because I meet them there for a meal or a drink as it’s convenient to my bus ride back to Kailua.
The first visitors, my sister and her husband, came as a couple. They are educators and came with a list of attractions they had heard recommended by friends. We managed to balance sightseeing with restful periods on the beach and a romantic
dinner or two. They planned one activity per day, taking advantage of tours to Pearl Harbor and Hanauma Bay that pick up from Waikiki Hotels. On their last day, we rented a car to tour the island, ending up at the airport. They returned with photos and information on many Oahu attractions for their students and clients.
My daughter and granddaughter enjoyed the ultimate budget experience and still had so much fun neither wanted to go home. They were celebrating my daughter’s recent graduation and wanted to relax. Their hotel had a swimming pool with a wonderful view of the beach, was across the street from the zoo and walking distance to the aquarium — both fun and inexpensive activities for families with children.
My nephew and his wife are a young couple who checked out the North Shore, golf courses and Waikiki night spots. Next to visit will be my mother and a friend who share an interest in history. I’m looking forward to accompanying them to historic sites in downtown Honolulu and perhaps the history/cultural trolley tour.
This is obviously a very small sample compared with the many visits coordinated by professionals such as Hawaii Aloha Travel, but it demonstrates the diverse experiences available in Hawaii. In the coming year, we’re branching out to the
other islands!
Posted by Cindy Scheopner Follow me on Twitter @Scheopner
June 25th, 2010
Trolleys are a great way to get around Waikiki. Cheaper than a taxi and less confusing than the bus, they provide a direct link between the hotel district and shopping, historic or entertainment destinations.
Several trolley lines serve the hotel district. Some are private charters for tour groups, others take shoppers directly to a single destination, such as Hilo Hattie’s. Three trolly lines serve tourists well. The pink line runs between the end of Waikiki near the zoo and Ala Moana Shopping Center. Because it snakes its way through Waikiki, you get the chance to see where many stores and hotels are located. The red line provides a tour of historic Honolulu sites, including the State Capitol, Iolani Palace and China Town. The green line will take you to the zoo, aquarium and along Queen Kapiolani Park (with a great view of Diamond Head). You can get on or off at any of the stops. And, because it is open air, you can snap photos as you roll along.
The fare is two dollars (exact change required). That is roughly the same as the bus ($2.25) and much cheaper than a taxi. (Multi-line or multi-day passes are sold.) The trolley ride is entertaining — visiting or watching fellow passengers is easy when everyone is on benches facing one another. Drivers provide commentary on the route. The drivers and assistants know where everything is in the area and are happy to give directions. It is also easier to rubber-neck when you’re not worried about missing your stop — you can’t accidentally end up somewhere else.
There is a down side. Because the trolleys are open, they are not air conditioned. Usually, that’s not much of a problem. However, trolleys get caught in the same traffic as everyone else on Oahu. When there are parades or festivals or special events (nearly every weekend), the trip can be measured in inches. When my daughter visited recently, we took the trolley to go grocery shopping at Ala Moana. The trip to the mall was a breeze, but the return ran into heavy festival traffic. We were hot and sunburned by the end. If we had returned before late-afternoon when the party got going, we would have been fine.
I still recommend the trolley as a great way to tour Honolulu. At the recent Memorial Day lantern floating at Ala Moana Beach Park, many visitors wisely came by trolley. Even if you’re stuck in traffic, you don’t have to worry about parking spaces or other vehicles — leave that to the driver as you enjoy the view.
June 12th, 2010
Very often when people think of Hawaii for a honeymoon or anniversary they rule it out because they think it’s too expensive. While it’s true that Hawaii is not the cheapest destination it’s certainly can be affordable especially this year. We have and continue to see tremendous deals on all islands with emphasis on romance.
Here are some ideas that can help you get started:
A popular resort on Oahu for romance lovers is the Turtle Bay Resort. They’re running a special romance package which includes buffet breakfast, sparkling wine and fresh strawberries on arrival. It also includes a convertible car throughout the stay which start at about $350 per night. If you want to take it a step further, the resort has breathtaking waterfront locations where you can either renew or exchange vows.
Another popular resort, located right on the shores of Waikiki Beach, is the newly renovated Outrigger Reef on the Beach. This property just completed a $110 million renovation complete with an outrigger museum. Every Tuesday and Friday they offer a complementary vow renewal ceremony conducted by a Hawaiian kahu or priest. The ceremony even includes hula and Hawaiian music and is available to guests who are staying at the Outrigger on the beach, a sister property nearby. The Reef also has excellent discounted rates which include daily breakfast.
On Maui, romance seekers can get the "You complete me Romance amenity" at the Sheraton Maui which can be added to any package or rate. The offer includes one category room upgrade, a king size bed guarantee, champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, a tropical floral arrangement and bath amenities which include his and hers Yukata robes. Couples also get a choice of either an intimate dinner under the stars, a room service breakfast or the use of a beach cabana for the day. The entire package is $800 and is all inclusive.
Over on Kauai Marriott has put together a complete package for those wishing to use the facility to get married. The package lets you choose any location on the property includes the minister, private gazebo, champagne, a deluxe bridal bouquet and boutonniere for the groom. The deal also includes wedding photography and a Hawaiian guitarist and all of the services of the Kauai Marriott wedding coordinator. The cost of the package is 3599 and rooms start at 199 per night.
The Mauna Kea Resort on the Big Island has a great wedding package located in this majestic setting. Called the "Ilima wedding package" it includes a personal wedding consultant, arranged appointment for a marriage license, clergy for the ceremony, tiki torches, a water station, white floral lei for the bride and a maile kei for the groom, a wedding cake and fresh flowers. The package also comes with professional musicians, time with a wedding photographer, a romantic dinner for two, a one hour lomi lomi couples massage, spa treatment and a deluxe oceanfront room on the wedding night. The total price for this package is $6800.
There are many more romance and Hawaii honeymoon deals that you can take advantage of if you’re planning a romantic Hawaiian experience. Almost all the major resorts can accommodate your needs however, it’s best to check with one of our agents to see what’s available. All of our agents are experts at planning packages so just give us a call at 1-800-843-8771 and any agent can help.
Posted by Bruce Fisher follow me on twitter @alohabruce
May 27th, 2010
You can meet a giraffe in Hawaii. They’re not native to the islands but the Honolulu Zoo provides an intimate introduction to it and other animals.
The zoo is at the Diamond Head end of Waikiki Beach — walking distance from most Honolulu hotels and easily accessible by bus or trolley. It is open from 9:00 - 4:30 daily. While food is available, coolers and picnics are allowed. The admission is $12 for adults over the age of 13 ($6 for locals with Hawaii ID), children from 3-12 are $3 and younger than three are free. My daughter and her child visited the zoo recently. The adult price was more than she pays on the mainland but the admission was less for a child. This makes the zoo a great bargain for families with several children and a very reasonable diversion for others.
"What we both enjoyed about the zoo is that you felt very close to the animals because of the way their environments were set up," says my daughter. She takes keiki to the zoo on the mainland frequently. Often, I lived in places without a good local zoo — the opportunity to experience animals in this setting would have been even more unique. They still enjoyed their visit to the zoo during a brief Hawaii vacation. "We went in the afternoon and there weren’t many people there, which I thought was great not only because we had missed the hottest part of the day but also because we weren’t fighting to see the animals and we didn’t feel rushed to move on." You won’t often feel rushed in Hawaii — at the zoo or other places. The pace is slower here and that allows for a greater experience.
The Honolulu Zoo welcomes around 600,000 people per year. It is the only zoo in the United States that originates from a King’s grant of royal lands to the people — King David Kalakua made lands available in 1874. The park was permanently established in 1896 and the County of Honolulu assumed administration of the city parks in 1914. The zoo’s current environmental enrichment program involves all staff members in a zoo-wide program of "effective environmental enrichment" which improves or enhances the zoo environment of animals. The animals are encouraged to investigate and interact with their surroundings — the very approach that enticed my daughter and granddaughter.
May 23rd, 2010
It may seem odd to visit an aquarium in Hawaii — after all, the ocean and its creatures are RIGHT THERE! However the Waikiki Aquarium gives you a better view and far more information than you’d get on your own. It’s easy to get to from Waikiki Beach, inexpensive, and a great option for rainy days, when you need to stay out of the sun, or while waiting for your return flight. If you’re traveling with children, it is especially good entertainment. They’ll recognize the real fish from animated movies and learn about marine biology, all for six dollars or less. (That’s the admission price — the trip through the gift shop will add more.)
The aquarium first opened in 1904 and is the third oldest aquarium in the United States. At first, it was a commercial venture but in 1912 the property was returned to the Territory of Hawaii and the University of Hawaii took over operations of the aquarium and its marine biology laboratory. A major renovation of the facility and its programs began in 1975 with a focus not just on display but also public education. One of its newest projects is the jellyfish gallery - my granddaughter’s favorite on her recent visit. My daughter liked deep sea creatures and the many kinds of coral.
The Waikiki Aquarium is located along the beach in Kapi‘olani Park. From Waikiki Beach, face Diamond Head and start walking. It’s within walking distance from most hotels, or you can take the bus (Route 2) or the Trolley (Green Line). The aquarium is open 9 - 4:30 pm daily (it closes early sometimes for concerts). The general admission price is nine dollars. For children, there are three rates: ages 13-17 are $6, 5-12 are $2 and 4 and under are free if accompanied by an adult. My daughter and grand daughter really enjoyed the free audio tour that comes with each admission.
If you have a membership to your local zoo or aquarium, you may be able to pay half price in Hawaii - check the list of reciprocal institutions on the Waikiki Aquarium website. Even without a discount, it’s a great addition to your Hawaii vacation.
Posted by Cindy Scheopner Follow me on Twitter @Scheopner
May 13th, 2010
It is possible to spend a lot of money on food on any vacation, and Hawaii is no exception, but it’s really not necessary. Even families can cut corners like locals.
The problem is there are so many wonderful places to eat in Hawaii that it is really tempting to try one after another. If you have the money and the inclination, Hawaii is a foodie paradise. But let’s pretend you’d like to limit how much you spend on food and you have children. Here are several solutions.
(1) You probably don’t take your family out to dinner in a restaurant every evening at home. On vacation, you can limit the damage to your budget by deciding which restaurant or cuisine you really want to try and building it into the itinerary. If you know you have a great dinner scheduled, it’s easier to have a light breakfast and lunch.
(2) Many Hawaii hotels offer a free breakfast or at least coffee and pastries or fruit. If yours does not, purchase breakfast food and keep it in your hotel room. If you go to the coffee shop, it’s just too easy to add a few items for the kids at a premium price. When my daughter and granddaughter visited recently, I bought the small, individual boxes of cereal for their morning munchies.
(3) Portions in Hawaii are fairly large. At lunch, split an entree with your little ones. Most places don’t mind sharing, or if they have a plate charge it’s less than another meal. Another possibility is to see if you can order off the children’s menu. Big City Diner lets adults order from the child’s menu for an extra dollar. The children’s meal sizes are about right for me.
(4) Make a trip to a grocery store one of your first stops. Although there are convenience stores near, or inside, every hotel, you pay for the convenience. (You wouldn’t spend a week’s food budget at 7-11 back home.) We took the shopping trolley to Ala Moana and stocked up at the Foodland grocery store there, getting food bars, crackers, sandwich supplies, etc. Many grocery items are more expensive in Hawaii than on the mainland so we looked for local products and sales.
Our goal was to spend money on eating out when it was a special experience, but not to over-pay for routine meals. I had my daughter keep track of expenses and she spent no more on food while in Hawaii than she would have at home.
Posted by Cindy Scheopner Follow me on Twitter @Scheopner
May 10th, 2010
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