While the fireworks ban might have put a damper on New Year's festivities in Hawai‘i, Hawaii Aloha Travel (HAT) still managed to end 2011 with a bang! It was a nice close to a decade of hard work, dedication and overall success – finishing stronger than before despite the rocky economy.
Always a good time with the HAT team.
The team of local travel specialists, including founders Bruce and Yaling Fisher, have become one of Hawai‘i's top experts when it comes to planning a memorable vacation to the Hawaiian Islands. They're a new breed of travel agents who understand Internet travel purchasing and understand what visitors want. The travel team has helped thousands to plan a trip here, offering sound advice from a local's perspective; agents live on O‘ahu in Honolulu, Kailua, Waikele, Ewa Beach, Waialua or on the Big Island in Kona.
Their hard work didn't go unnoticed, wrapping up 2011 with an appreciation party at the Modern Honolulu. Blue Sky Tours and Aqua Hotels sponsored the event that featured local musicians, funnyman Lanai Tabura and a few fun prizes.
Sharing some smiles, laughter at the HAT 10-year celebration.
One of their biggest accomplishments that ended the year strong included the debut of a fully redesigned HAT website. It's got a fresh new look with more than 3,000 pages of valuable Hawai‘i travel information. Navigating through the site's a breeze, with an added feature – a complete activity engine that allows visitors to book all activities recommended by HAT's in-house concierge. Chief Technology Officer Om Prakash Sharma dedicated months of tedious work to redesign the site, which is a fully-functional "work-in-progress," according to Bruce.
HAT's website gets a virtual facelift for easier perusing. Check it out when planning your next trip to Hawai‘i.
With the start of a new decade together, the HAT team continues to embrace the digital age. Bruce's weekly podcasts, the Hawaii Vacations blog and a plethora of videos are virtual go-to places for those interested in visiting Hawai‘i. The new site also makes it easier to share information via Twitter, Facebook or Google Plus. Hat has even been featured on the Travel Channel.
I had a chance to talk with Bruce recently. He says he couldn't have done it without his wife, Yaling, who has been the nuts and bolts of it all. Her drive and go-get-em attitude has helped HAT to blossom into what it is today, nearly a decade later. And as for Bruce, he's reinvented himself after coming from a background of broadcast journalism. Today, he calls himself a "Hawaii Vacation Evangelist."
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
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.
January 8th, 2012
The whales are here! And this time, they're closer than ever, as evident by the crowds of people and camera crews that flocked to Honolulu Harbor a few days ago. With whale season upon us, we were lucky enough to have a mother humpback whale and her baby hang out for a day after following a boat into the harbor. Because it's such a rare occurrence for whales to get so close to land, barriers were put up for their protection.
Humpbacks having a whale of a time in Honolulu Harbor this week.
Every year, between the months of December and March, more than half of the worlds humpback whales (or Koholā in Hawaiian) make the long migration from their fertile Alaskan feeding grounds to Hawaiʻi. Here, they give birth, mate and nurse their young in our islands' warm waters. Known as one of the world's most acrobatic whale species, the Koholā give us humans a whale of a show when they go airborne; launching their 20-ton bodies clear out of the water and falling back with a splash that one can see from miles away.
People from all over the world come to marvel at this mammoth mammal ballet, while locals stop at their favorite lookouts to see if they recognize old friends. Maui residents even refer to the area of ocean between Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi and Kahoʻolawe as “whale soup" because the ocean is thick with these gentle giants.
An Endangered Species
Sadly, people haven’t always treated humpbacks with respect. They were once hunted commercially in the North Pacific until their population depleted to about 1,500 individuals. In 1966, the International Whaling Commission prohibited the whaling of humpbacks, and these giant mammals became listed as an endangered species; on the same list as the monk seals. In 1992, Congress established the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, protecting humpback whales and their habitats in Hawai‘i.
Protecting Whale Friends
Part of the Sanctuary's efforts in protecting Hawaiʻi's Koholā is through public outreach and education. In 1996, the Sanctuary started an annual Hawaiian Humpback Whale Ocean Count to give residents and visitors the chance to take part in monitoring the whales’ population and behavior. Since the ocean count has begun, researchers have reported that Hawaiʻi's whale population has increased at an annual rate of five to seven percent!
On the last Saturday of the months January to March, volunteers can choose from one of 60 sites from which to count. These sites are located on the islands of Oʻahu, Kauaʻi and the Big Island. Kahoʻolawe also participates in the count, but public travel is prohibited. According to the Sanctuary's website, “Site leaders train volunteers on how to count the number of humpback whales and other species sighted during each 15-minute time interval beginning at 8:00 am with the last count of the day being taken from 12:00 to 12:15 pm.” Behavior such as breaches, tail and fin slaps, dives and spouts are also recorded.
Spitting Caves, a popular spot to get up close and personal with whales in Hawai‘i.
I have been volunteering with the whale count on O‘ahu for the past seven years and absolutely love it! It is a wonderful opportunity for visitors and locals alike to spend time in some of the most beautiful areas of the islands while helping one of the world's most majestic creatures. I remember going to the Spitting Caves location one morning and seeing almost a dozen Koholā jumping out of the water, so close that you could hear their splashes. A rainbow formed across the horizon as I sat down with my data sheet, in complete awe and barely being able to keep up my tally marks. I didn't want to miss a thing.
It was one of those moments that will forever be engrained in my memory; a moment that I hope my great-grandchildren will experience one day as well. And just by being there and participating in this important event, I knew that they one day would.
Photo Credit: Leigh Ishida (first photo)
WHALE COUNT / Jan. 28, Feb. 25 & Mar.31, 2012 8am-1230pm / Multiple Locations / www.sanctuaryoceancount.org / info@sanctuaryoceancount.org
Posted by Serena Kaldi Follow me on Twitter @Serena_Divina
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.
January 7th, 2012
“Take, Leave, Whatevas” – the most recent approach to encourage recycling in Hawai‘i has got a little bit of attitude. You'll be seeing handmade wire mesh baskets piggybacked on most public trashcans in O‘ahu. And accompanying signs that read, “HI-5. Take, Leave, Whatevas” get straight to the point. Take the recyclable out of the basket and use it as you wish, leave it in there or just sit back and let others do the work. This is how a local non-profit takes matters into its own hands when it comes to recycling.
Public trashcans have got a new sidekick, the HI-5 baskets.
Eating in Public (EIP) has been making and distributing these baskets for the past five years, whether the local government likes it or not. EIP did this without asking, as part of the project’s overall message to the public – If it doesn’t work, then fix it. And because the baskets are still around, perhaps officials really don’t mind. The wire baskets came about after the city and county of Honolulu’s decade-long struggle to get people to recycle. The city’s latest effort? Those blue public recycling bins that you may see around. They just don’t seem to be working, collecting more trash than cans/bottles/glass.
The town you hail from may already have a solid recycling system in place. But on O‘ahu, it’s a different story. The city has always seemed to be a little behind when it comes to this particular movement. And this simply shouldn’t be the case for an island with limited resources and space. Currently residents have monthly home pick-ups for recyclables, which is a good start but in the end, requires much more effort on the city’s part. Getting someone off the couch, away from his/her favorite TV show and outside in time for the pick-up service is a chore.
Hawai‘i does provide recycling centers throughout the islands, where anyone can exchange their soda cans for five-cents a piece. I try to be diligent in doing this, but to be honest, giving the HI-5 collectibles to someone else or not doing anything at all seem much more tempting than the $5 I’ll end up earning.
Don’t get me wrong. The city and county of Honolulu does have good intentions. The plastic bag ban in the Kaua‘i and Maui counties last year proved to be a good step. But it seems the only thing lacking is that little nudge of motivation. It takes individuals from the community, like EIP, to provide that extra push in educating and motivating the public. With the wire mesh baskets as sidekicks to the trashcans, there’s no mistaking them as garbage barrels and no more sifting through the trash for HI-5 collectibles.
Next time you’re in Hawai‘i, please be mindful of your trash and make a valiant effort to recycle what you can. Every piece counts toward making Hawai‘i even more beautiful for your many trips to come. Māhalo for your kokūa! (Thank you for your help!)
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
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.
January 6th, 2012
Sometimes our view of the beautiful mountain ranges in Hawai‘i can get a bit hazy, particularly when volcanic fog, or vog, is in town. It's a form of air pollution created when volcanic gases mix with oxygen and moisture and can best be seen when it's sunny outside.
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Voggy weather on O‘ahu's west side makes for glassy ocean rides.
Vog's very common in Hawai‘i, thanks to the active Big Island volcano – Kīlauea. Whenever it erupts, vog envelops the island in a plume of sulfuric acid and spreads to other islands when the winds turn southeasterly. Unfortunately for us air-breathers, the volcano is pretty much constantly erupting – one of the benefits of being over a magma hot spot.
O‘ahu had its share of ash-colored skies for the past couple of days. It looked like a huge grey cloud had swallowed the city with a storm in the making. Although it didn't rain, the vog did leave us feeling pretty sticky and humid in a balloon of heated air. It actually would have been nice if it did rain. That way, it could have washed away the vog.
Vog not only creates miserable living conditions but also poses several hazards to people's health and to the environment. It contains chemicals that may damage plants and cause headaches, watery eyes, breathing difficulties, sore throat or lethargy. Those with asthma should be extra cautious, as vog induces asthma attacks.
Vog in the distance adds a haze-like effect to this tropical scene in Hawai‘i.
When visiting the islands, it's important to know how to deal with vog. You may check the state Department of Health's recently launched website (www.hiso2index.info), which monitors air quality levels in several Big Island areas prone to vog. The color-coded chart makes it easy to understand the reports. If you don't have access to the internet while on vacation, then try calling the department's toll-free vog help line at 866-767-5044 for daily updates.
Also, be careful when driving on the roadways, as vog reduces visibility. If you notice the health symptoms listed above, then it's best to go inside an air-conditioned room or vehicle. Drink lots of water and refrain from doing strenuous outdoor activities.
Let's hope Madame Pele, the Hawaiian fire goddess, is nice to you next time you're in Hawai‘i. She can be quite mysterious, so we never know when the next eruption or bout of vog may be.
Photo Credit: Justin Cabral (first photo), Jeremy Dillon (second photo)
Sources: University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, www.hilo.hawaii.edu/~nat_haz/volcanoes/vog.php
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
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.
January 5th, 2012
With our calm beaches and kid-friendly attractions (like the new elephant exhibit at the Honolulu Zoo!), Hawaiʻi is the perfect family vacation getaway. Parents, however, can always use a little getaway for themselves, finding it difficult to have those much needed date nights when on vacation. Here's some good news…Sound the trumpets…Aloha Sitters is here to help!
Aloha Sitters offers hotel sitting services on O‘ahu. Kids stay inside or travel out and about the island.
Aloha Sitters is geared toward visiting families. It's an offshoot of KeikiSitters, a babysitting company that was started in 2007 by Kathy Custer. It all began when Kathy posted an ad on craigslist offering her services as a babysitter and was overwhelmed with responses by families desperate for childcare services in Hawai‘i. She then decided to begin her own childcare business. Nine months later, her website, www.keikisitters.com, was born. KeikiSitters was an outlet for sitters to advertise their services so that families could conveniently contact them.
After a few months, Kathy was contacted by a hotel desperate for sitters and was asked if KeikiSitters could begin servicing their establishment. The sitters were so good, that concierges started talking and that one hotel snowballed into nearly 100 hotels. Now, a quarter of these hotels – from the new Disney Aulani to multiple Waikīkī hotels to those branching out to vacation rentals – use Aloha Sitters almost daily. Aloha Sitters is proud to have 35 of the company’s best-of-the-best sitters on-call (myself humbly included!) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In 2011 alone, Aloha Sitters serviced 797 vacationing families!
Kathy Custer shares some Aloha with visiting families and parents needing time for that romantic beach walk.
“While on vacation, parents don’t have time to interview a new sitter," Kathy said. "They are in a foreign place and are looking for someone responsible to take care of their most precious possession. This is where we come in.”
Potential sitters go through a rigorous interview process. They are required to have a background check, at least five years of childcare experience, a children-related bachelors degree and be CPR/First-Aid certified. Kathy also looks for energetic sitters with bubbly, upbeat personalities and must be comfortable in the water since many take kids swimming in pools and the ocean. Once accepted into the company, sitters post a bio and picture on Aloha Sittersʻ website for parents to peruse.
Upon arriving to the hotel, sitters bring stimulating games, crafts and toys to keep children entertained and happy during the time they are cared for. They can also take children (with the parents' permission) on various excursions outside of the hotel. I recently babysat a three-year-old for 10 days, who I took everywhere – from the North Shore beaches to the Honolulu Zoo. I also took her to see Christmas exhibits, multiple playgrounds and more! Children will not only be lovingly and responsibly cared for but have an enriching and adventurous experience in a new place. Sometimes the kids get to see more of Hawaiʻi than their parents do!
We had fun visiting the Honolulu Zoo and seeing the Christmas wreath display.
I highly recommend Aloha Sitters, and not just because I work there! Kathy Custer runs a top-notch company that has both the children’s and parents' needs constantly in mind. She and her sitters provide a nurturing, fun-filled experience for children while giving parents time for those long romantic walks on the beach, and in turn, giving both parents and children tropical memories to last a lifetime.
ALOHA SITTERS / www.alohasitters.com / 808-861-7294 / Services available on O‘ahu 24hrs a day, 7 days a week
Photo Credit (second photo): Aloha Sitters
Posted by Serena Kaldi Follow me on Twitter @Serena_Divina
Editor's Note: This is Serena's first post as a regular contributor to the blog. You may read her bio to learn more about her!
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.
January 4th, 2012
The sweeping shots of Hawai‘i's scenic beaches and mountains are a staple of the new Hawaii Five-0 television program. But often it is a small detail that makes the setting seem authentic — like what to drink with a plate lunch.
Bottom's up! Coconut water's popular all over Hawai‘i.
In one episode, Chin Ho Kelly (Daniel Dae Kim) meets his then-fiancée for a lunch date at a picnic table outside a food truck in a park near the beach. So far, so good. Food trucks are a popular and fairly inexpensive choice for a quick lunch in many locations on O‘ahu, especially Honolulu. He orders two plate lunches (a Hawai‘i staple that includes an entree, tossed or mac salad and two scoops of rice) and two coconut waters.
Coconut water is not exclusive to Hawai‘i, but it is popular here. The small drink boxes shown on the TV show are the same ones sold at a shop near Kailua Beach. The drink is clear and almost flavorless. Do not expect it to taste like coconut. It is tastier than plain water but not carbonated like soda, or sweet like many sports drinks. The individual serving lists 60 calories but includes these claims: "All natural, more electrolytes than leading sports drinks. More potassium than two bananas. No fat, no cholesterol, low in calories."
Some combination of those ingredients also makes it a popular hang-over remedy. The morning after big holiday celebrations, I often see a coconut water display near the front entry of grocery stores. It is sold in larger cans and bottles, as well as the individual servings. Several brands are sold locally and many feature coconut water mixed with other fruit flavors, such as pineapple. Coconut water is included as a flavor in local soda and juice products. While coconuts seem to fall everywhere in Hawai‘i, the brands of coconut water I've seen come from Thailand or the Philippines. I'd love to find a local brand, as I am trying to eat local as much as possible.
Most brands of coconut water are from abroad.
I have to admit, it took me two years and two tries to enjoy coconut water, though. At first, I avoided it because I just wasn't sure what to expect – I'm not THAT fond of dry coconut but have learned that fresh coconut here is a completely different experience. The first time I tried a can of coconut water, I got one that was too large to consume easily, and it contained a sort of "pulp" that I found unappealing. Fortunately, I tried again with exactly the brand shown on Hawaii Five-0. It was cold and the perfect drink for a walk on the beach.
You may be able to find coconut water in a grocery store near you. If so, grab a can and kick back with an authentic taste of the islands while you watch a certain Monday night television show.
Posted by Cindy Scheopner Follow me on Twitter @Scheopner
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.
January 3rd, 2012
On almost any day in Hawai‘i, a spectral palette of tropical hues splash the islands with colors as vibrant as the rainbows we see stretching between valleys. Ahh, beautiful Hawai‘i nei! From the lush greens of the Ko‘olau mountains to the calming blues of the ocean, the islands shine as bright as diamonds in the Pacific.
And like most diamonds, this Pacific beauty has a few imperfections that give it a little bit of character and a little bit of edge. It's the writings on the walls that we see on buildings, on street signs and even on cars that often dull our colorful island scene. I'm talking graffiti.
Almost every city has it; some more than others. You've probably already noticed that Hawai‘i's on the minimal end of such public markings. Whatever we do see is usually repeatedly tagged throughout the islands, like this one for instance:
The Love Robot appears in Ka‘imukī and throughout parts of O‘ahu.
The Love Robot. Itʻs a robot with a heart over its right side and a drooping antenna, making this the saddest robot you'll ever see (not that we see much robots but…). I've spotted this little guy as far from town as Wahiawa but as close as Ka‘imukī. The story behind this graffiti started at a First Friday event in Chinatown, when someone put a bunch of wooden paintings along sidewalks and alleys. The accompanying message read: "You don't love me." "Yes I do, and I'm going to show you." Now whenever he shows up on trash cans, we are reminded of his devout love for the lady-bot of his electronic dreams.
Other graffiti we see throughout Hawai‘i can almost be called aerosol art. They're so elaborate it makes me wonder how they did all of that without getting caught by the cops. It must have taken some time and a lot of effort to stay hidden for that long. These people might argue that graffiti has been a style of art since ancient times; take ancient Greece and the Roman Empire, for instance. All they ever wanted back then was some self-expressive mediums.
A few Hawai‘i legends next to the H-1 Freeway on O‘ahu.
But in modern times, it continues to be an illegal act everywhere, except for a few in Hawai‘i. Some tags are getting the green light from the local community. It doesn't actually fall under the vandalism category but rather a beautification one. Non-profits like 808 Urban use spray paint and marker pens to create colorful murals that perpetuate cultural icons and such. They work with at-risk youth here and give them an opportunity to both get artsy and contribute to the community. Look for Michael Jackson on the walls of Kōkua Market near the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa or legendary singers Don Ho and Braddah Isreal Kamakawiwo‘ole on the side of the H-1 Freeway near the Wilder Avenue cut off. Both bring a unique kind of color to the tropical island canvas and hopefully more will follow.
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
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.
January 2nd, 2012
The North Shore of O‘ahu has well-awoken from its summer slumber. The winter months (November to February) are here, and that means monster waves and crowds of spectators swarming the once quieted beaches; cars zooming up and down while surfers unite in the ocean line-ups. The North Shore is alive once again.
This famous Hāle‘iwa landmark serves as a gateway to the historic community.
But amidst the craze, visitors and locals should take time to notice the more subtle details that make the North Shore so historic. To start, take the “Walking Tour of Hāle‘iwa: An Historic Village by the Sea” – which includes a stop at Aoki’s for shave ice. Enjoy every savory flavor, down to the last syrupy slurp, but don’t slurp too loudly. Listen to stories, and follow along in a brochure, about the store before it became a shave ice hub. Throughout the years, Aoki’s has housed a barbershop, sewing center and even fresh produce.
Shave ice can be nice. But be sure to surf over to Surf-n-Sea for a historic treat.
Head over to Surf-n-Sea, a surf and dive gear shop. Its walls bare a striking resemblance to the driftwood that washes up on shore, but this design probably wasn’t on purpose. The shop opened up in the 1940s as a family-run grocery store and is now one of the oldest businesses in Hāle‘iwa; hence, the store’s vintage façade. At night, it became a makeshift lighthouse for the harbor across the street. The owners lived upstairs, and before bed, they turned on a dim light to help guide boats safely to shore.
Like the seashells we find along the beach, these nuggets of history serve as another kind of souvenir to take home and to remind you of your time in the islands.
“WALKING TOUR OF HĀLE‘IWA: AN HISTORIC VILLAGE BY THE SEA” / Wednesdays (3pm) and Saturdays (930am) / North Shore Chamber of Commerce located across from the Hāle‘iwa Post Office 66-434 Kamehameha Hwy, Hāle‘iwa, HI 96712 (Map) / $10 / Free parking available; Near bus stop
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
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.
January 1st, 2012
Say it with me: Hau‘oli (HOW-oh-lee) Makahiki (MA-ka-hee-key) Hou (HO). Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou! That's how people in Hawai‘i wish each other a Happy New Year. But before we jump onto the 2012 train, there's still so much to be said about the "Old Year" of 2011. Under Cindy's care, the Hawai‘i Vacation Blog unwrapped the truth about spam musubis and gave readers the heads-up on possible Hawaii Five-0 sightings. Most recently, we spread some Aloha with those who stopped by the blog and welcomed another regular voice to the mix. Welcome, Serena!
I asked Serena and our other regular contributors to share with readers their mana‘o (insight) on what they've learned about Hawai‘i or its culture as the year comes to a quiet end. Whether it's finding your way through the jungle of an overgrown yard or finding time to rediscover the islands, my hope is that this post will encourage you to pause the remaining time we have left in 2011 and to reflect. Perhaps it's a lesson on saving money (for that long-awaited trip to Hawai‘i?) or simply, a revelation. You're hometown may not have that Hawaiian sunshine, but it does have a culture just as rich as what we've been sharing with you. One that's just waiting to be explored. Think about it. Here's to another memorable year!
PERSONALIZE - Cindy Scheopner
In 2011, we were visited by five daughters/step-daughters and two young grandsons. It was the first trip to Hawai‘i for each of them. They stayed in budget Waikīkī hotels, and each had a uniquely wonderful experience in the islands that changed them forever. So many times, people disparage Waikīkī or O‘ahu as "too touristy." Every member of our family found quiet beach time when desired or entertainment when preferred. They enjoyed sharing some experiences and hearing about others. Some came with a list of requests, others wanted only time on the beach or the waves. It was never more obvious to me that the best Hawai‘i vacation is one that meets your own personal wishes. My wish is for each of you to have your toes in the sand under a Hawai‘i sunset in the coming year!
DISCOVER - Katherine Finch
This was my year for having company – tons of it – and some of these were first-time visitors. I’ve had visitors over the years and knew my favorite places to take them. What I never expected was that some visitors have different expectations about their Hawaiian vacation, and what I love to show off might not be what they want to see. I had to learn on the fly different ways to satisfy visitors, and I saw Hawai‘i in a new way, while keeping my shoes and socks on the entire time. It was difficult to do, but I’m ready for the next time, maybe next year, when I get visitors who are not sand, sea, sun and surf oriented. Our island is truly diverse, which only helps with entertaining the diverse throngs of visitors who want to explore their own version of paradise.
PATIENCE - Marta Lane
My year in Hawai‘i has been full of many lessons, especially remembering to be grateful and cultivating patience. There is so much to be grateful for: Emerald peaks towering over every view and sparkling in sunshine or shrouded in mist. The turquoise ocean winking in the distance while beautiful flowers turn their faces toward the sun. It’s nature excelling at being itself. Here on Kaua‘i, we are isolated and tend to stick together. People lend a heartfelt hand and words of support, without having been asked. Almost everything is imported, so living here is not cheap. I’m OK with that. I have learned to live with less. The island has taught me to slow down, go with the flow and appreciate its many blessings. Photo Credit: Daniel Lane
SUSTAIN - Lisa Hoang
2011 was a big year for our family. We purchased our own home with a bit of land. Things grow quickly in Hawai‘i – especially plants you don't want! It's amazing how fast our yard goes from grass to jungle if you don't mow it for several weeks. We discovered we have avocado and tangerine trees as well as banana palms, and eating food right off the tree is amazing! One of our goals for 2012 is to build a coop and keep two hens for eggs (and pets. Our boys love chickens, and they can be very social!). Our plans for a garden didn't quite happen this year, but we're hoping to live more sustainably and introduce more native plants into our landscaping. By teaching our children how to care for this little plot of land, we hope to instill lifelong knowledge about ecosystems and proper land stewardship.
EXPLORE - Serena Kaldi
2011 was quite a stressful year for me. I moved twice, taken on multiple jobs and sustained a couple of minor but lingering injuries. On top of that, I noticed wrinkles forming on my face for the first time. Unfortunately, with all this busy-ness, I havenʻt had nearly enough time to be outside and to explore like I once did. My surfboard is gathering dust, my hiking boots shoved under the bed somewhere and lord knows where my tent is. As a passionate lover of the outdoors, itʻs a sad compromise when I drive past Diamond Head lookout, ogling at the perfect glassy surf but then have to keep going to work indoors for eight hours in a dark windowless room (OK, OK, there were windows, but you get my point). The point is, does getting older have to mean giving up things you love in order to put bread on the table? I did manage to escape a few times, however. Late night ‘a‘ama crab hunting, a backcountry Haleakala hike and a few spontaneous pull-overs at the Pali Lookout just to get outside and to breathe fresh mountain air. I guess what I learned this year is that Hawaiʻi will always be there. Underneath the frantic traffic, the long 9-5ʻs and the never-ending to-do lists is the ʻāina (land). It sustains and nourishes not just the body but also the soul. Next year, I will make more time to feel the sand between my toes and the earth in my hands. To take those first chilly plunges into the ocean and those long, muscle-screaming hikes into breathtaking cloud forests. Next year, I will make more time not only for our ʻāina but for myself as well. Hauʻoli makahiki hou!
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
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.
December 31st, 2011
It's the oh-so famous Brazilian berry that packs a punch as a modern-day superfood. Acai (ah-sigh-EE) is known for the dark purple colors it leaves on your tongue and teeth, and of course, the just as colorful health benefits for your body. Loaded with antioxidants and fibers, the tiny berry-like fruit may help with weight loss and anti-aging, research suggests. And it's even been given the thumbs up by Oprah, so it must be a good thing, right?
Acai berries can be mixed and mingled into many different tasty treats, like the acai bowl.
Now for some acai in Ha-wai-i. It's everywhere – in juices, chocolates, frozen fruit bars and most commonly in the acai cup or bowl. If you get the bowl, then you'll find even more good-for-you-stuff, like granola, honey, strawberries, bananas, blueberries and bee pollen.
I used to be obsessed with acai bowls, having one at least three times a week – after a run, a surf or for dinner. Earlier this week, I caught up with some friends over a few refreshing bowls of the purple goodness. I guess you could say this was an equivalent to a coffee date, as most spots offer comfy seating areas to add to an already chill vibe. The blend of sweet, tangy, crunchy and chewy is instantly addictive for anyone. When you're in the islands, check out some of these go-to acai in Ha-wai-i spots.
Catching up with friends is always better with a mouthful of acai.
1) Lanikai Juice / O‘ahu: Kailua, Kahala, Hale‘iwa / www.lanikaijuice.com/hawaii
Despite its name, this place has expanded to almost all sides of O‘ahu. They use 100 percent fresh juices and organic ingredients whenever possible, taking the acai bowl to a new level by adding chocolate to the mix. Lanikai Juice has been recognized by numerous publications and featured on Oprah.
2) Diamond Head Cove Health Bar / O‘ahu: Honolulu / www.diamondheadcove.com
A popular spot for surfers, runners and families that frequent the Diamond Head area. Their acai has lots of mana (power), especially in "Da 'Mana' Cove Bowl." But for an ultra native fix, try "Da Hawaiian," which is made with Waiahole Waikane kalo.
3) Blue Hawaii Lifestyle / Ala Moana Shopping Center and Downtown Honolulu / www.bluehawaiilifestyle.com
A juice bar and cafe in one, Blue Hawaii Lifestyle sells acai bowls, coffees, teas, juices and books. The acai bowls are affordable and good-sized portions, topped with a load of granola and fresh fruits.
4) Jamba Juice / Throughout Hawai‘i / www.jambajuicehawaii.com
One of Jamba's newer menu items, the acai addition comes blended in a cup, bowl or as a superfruit shot. They use real whole fruit and other natural ingredients to make your taste buds go bananas.
5) The Coconut Cup Juice Bar & Cafe / Kaua‘i: Kapa‘a / www.coconutcupjuicebar.com
On the way to Kaua‘i's many beaches, stop by for a refreshing acai bowl. They use all organic ingredients and put coconut, vanilla soymilk and papayas inside, too!
6) Jewel or Juice / O‘ahu: Kaimuki, Kailua / www.jewelorjuice.com
This hole-in-the-wall in Kaimuki has expanded to a second store in Kailua. Check out their new deluxe acai bowl with goji berries or some of their handmade jewelry.
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
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.
December 30th, 2011
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