Brave preschoolers feed the Lion to thank it for scaring away bad luck. The red envelopes traditionally contain payment (lay see) to the Lion Dance team for their performance. This encounter was on the UH campus for very young scholars and I think they may have made some of the red envelopes as a craft project. Adults also lined up to feed the Lion. Some were brave enough to tease it and make it jump up high to catch the offering. The Lion crept down very low on its knees or stomach for the tiny tots to reach its mouth.
In parades, the Lion Dance is often accompanied by fireworks and loud music – all part of the effort to scare away evil spirits so good luck can follow. This Lion did have the traditional drum, gong and symbol to provide music, but they were situated away from the children so not to scare them. Nonetheless, several youngsters watched the entire dance with their hands over their ears.
The Lion Dance is quite acrobatic with choreographed movements. Some vary and others are traditional. A fun one is that the Lion shakes its head after eating the red envelopes, as though it is happy with the meal. In this case, the Lion dancers appeared to be teen-aged young men who took turns dancing as the Lion or playing the instruments. They were very gentle with the young children and teasing with the adults.
The Lion Dance is sometimes confused with the Dragon Dance. Dragons are held aloft on sticks with supporting dancers/runners fully visible below. Lion dancers are concealed inside the costume. I’ve never been this close to one before, so I don’t know if this is unique, but this Lion had a little tail (like a lamb) that it shook to make the children laugh.
There were no fireworks for this Lion Dance but they are beginning to explode in Hawaii neighborhoods. Saturday is the eve of the lunar near year, which is coming in with a bang!
Here is yet another sign that Hawaii’s tourism economy is on the rebound. Hawaiian Airlines announced that they will begin daily Oakland - Maui and San Diego-Maui flights on June 17. To celebrate the launch of these these new daily flights the airline announced some introductory fares will be offered for a limited time. Round-trip summer airfares are starting at $428 which is a huge savings from normal fare levels during the peak travel season and they can be purchased through February 19, 2010. Introductory rates are good for travel from June 17 through September 6 between Maui and Oakland and from June 17 through August 24 between Maui and San Diego.
The new flight between Oakland and Maui is a first for Hawaiian. Starting June 17, Flight #23 will depart Oakland daily at 12:20 p.m. and arrive on Maui at 2:20 p.m. Return Flight #24 will depart Maui daily at 9:35 p.m. and arrive in Oakland the following morning at 5:30 a.m. Also on June 17, Hawaiian will begin service between San Diego and Maui for the first time since summer 2008. Flight #37 will depart San Diego daily at 10:35 a.m. and arrive on Maui at 1:05 p.m. Return Flight #38 will depart Maui at 10:30 p.m. and arrive in San Diego at 6:35 a.m. the following morning.
Hawaiian Airlines was founded in 1921 and today serves 20 domestic and international destinations in the Pacific region. The airline carries an average of 6 million passengers a year and has transported more than 145 million passengers in its 79 year history. Hawaiian Airlines has announced that they turned a profit of $116.7 million in 2009.
For more information on these introductory fares or two book them just give us a call here at Hawaii-Aloha.Com at 1-800-843-8771
Great news from this very popular property in Kapa’a, Kauai. The pool bar is now open for light snacks and beverages daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The new oceanfront restaurant, The Oasis at Waipouli, is now open for lunch and dinner. The activity center will help guests with island orientations, activities and wedding coordination. And the resort has gone “keyless.” Each unit has code-activated electronic locks, so guests don’t have to worry about losing their keys or acquiring keys for everyone in their party.
Tip: This property continues to have record occupancies. So book as far in advance as possible to secure the category of their choice.
This modern resort condominium on Kauai’s eastern shore offers tastefully furnished one and two bedroom units. Located in Kapaa, the resort is situated along the edges of spectacular sandy beaches ideal for sunbathing, surfing and snorkeling. The Waipouli Resort is nestled between the sea and mountains and is across the street from the Kauai Village Shopping Center, home to great restaurants, shops and galleries. A long, river pool that meanders over two acres with fun water slides and four poolside cabanas offers a wide array of beach services. Also on property is an Aveda Lifestyle Salon and Spa salon.
One and two-bedroom condominiums at the resort are accented with warm Indonesian woods and cool Peruvian stone flooring. Open-air lanais offer either ocean or garden and mountain views. All units feature full kitchens with microwave ovens, refrigerators, ovens, stoves, coffeemakers, cookware and dishes. Full-size stacked washer and dryer combos are available in all condos. Cable television and complimentary wireless Internet are provided. Concierge services are provided at the 24-hour front desk. Pets are not allowed at the property. Be sure to ask your agent if resort fees apply.
A few days ago we had the opportunity to take a look at the newly renovated ohana Waikiki Malia. The property is part of the Outrigger -Ohana chain of hotels located in Hawaii and underwent a 6.6 million Dollar transformation. The first thing we noticed when we entered the property was the renovated reception/lobby area. While small in actual size, they did a lot with the space. There are nice sitting areas on both sides of the reception area and with the wood toned accents, the feel very sophisticated. There is a beautiful pineapple shaped chandelier and the upholstered furniture has bright colors and textures. There’s an activity desk and also a small courtyard just outside the lobby which looks like a nice place to relax. There is no pool on the premises.
You’ll only find standard and partial ocean view rooms at this property. The standard rooms have a view of the city and the partial oceanview rooms on the high floors have pretty good views, both categories have very small lanai’s with no outdoor furniture for seating. All of the rooms in the Malia Tower have been completely renovated and feature firm new Serta Beds. I thought the decor was really tastefully done and not too over-the-top Hawaiana.
Influenced by tropical flora and foliage from Hawaii, the bedspreads and drapes are perfectly coordinated with nice green earth tones. Complemented by custom headboards which are made of cherry tone woods and granite countertops finish off a really classic Hawaii look to the rooms. Connecting rooms are available which are great for families and also create a larger feeling space when the door is opened between the two rooms. Rooms also feature LCD televisions, high-speed Internet access for free, refrigerator, safe and brand-new central air-conditioning systems.
Centrally located right on Kuhio Avenue The Ohana Waikiki Malia just a short walk to the beach and the new Waikiki Beach walk which features over 40 merchants and award winning restaurants. There is also the popular family friendly IHOP restaurant at the hotel where guests can receive the discount just for presenting their room key. Parking is available for $18.00 per night.
We’ve just added this to our collection of hotels and prices start at about $89 per night. Give us a call at 1-800-843-8771 for more information or to book this property.
Posted by: Bruce Fisher follow me on twitter @alohabruce
There’s no question that Hawaii is the golfers paradise with some of the best courses in the world spread out across the Hawaiian Islands. So it comes as no surprise that over 6000 readers of golf Magazine named nine different Hawaii golf resorts to be in the magazines 2010 Premier list. The rating which began in 1988 is the oldest and most authoritative rating of the games finest properties.
The magazine categorizes properties with platinum being highest honor followed by gold and silver medalists. Coming in at 10th place the magazine chose the Four Seasons Resort Hualala for the coveted "platinum recognition" because of the amazing bungalows on the property which enjoy panoramic Pacific views and unique spa treatments. Eight other courses received the gold status which include the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, the St. Regis Princeville on Kauai, the Grand Wailea, the Fairmont orchid on the big Island and four season resorts in Wailea and Lanai.
The favorite for Golf Magazine readers for the second year in a row was the American club located in Kohler Wisconsin
Posted by: Bruce Fisher follow me on twitter @alohabruce
Chinatown is celebrating the lunar new year in a big way in Honolulu! A month of activities including street parties, open houses, cultural activities and a huge parade leads up to February 14 when the Year of the Tiger begins. Often called the Chinese New Year, it is also celebrated in other Southeast Asian countries. Merchants in Chinatown include those of Vietnamese, Laotian, Thai, Filipino and Korean descent, as well as Hawaiian and Caucasian. Chinatown is a 15-block area of Honolulu that includes art galleries, museums, and studios as well as retail stores and groceries.
Popular activities are held year-round, including the monthly First Friday event when galleries and studios stay open for evening browsing. In the month preceding the new year, however, Chinatown pulls out all the stops. Although the exact date of the lunar new year changes each year, the Hawaii celebrations are usually held in late January and early February.
The lunar calendar is made up of months that form cycles. A full cycle takes 60 years and includes 12-year simple cycles. In those smaller cycles, 12 animals are assigned to the years. The Year of the Ox is now ending as the Year of the Tiger begins. In Chinese astrology, your horoscope is determined by the year you were born. The animal of your birth year is said to live in your heart.
Many customs are associated with the lunar new year. One involves giving money in red envelops along with a wish for a prosperous new year. Red new year’s greeting cards are sold in local stores and supermarkets. My favorite is the practice of cleaning the house thoroughly to sweep out all the bad luck from the previous year. I recently learned that many people then do not clean for two weeks after the new year to avoid sweeping out the good luck that has arrived. That’s the part I like.
A new shopping Center has opened on the South Shore of Kauai. Called the "Kukui’ula Village", this shopping and dining Center gets its influence from the island’s rich history and cultural heritage. The buildings are reminiscent of the sugarcane town of old Kauai and is near Koloa Town. The construction of the center was at the heart of a lot of controversy over the years but those issues have run their course and the new retail center has come to fruition.
The Kuku’iula has more than 87,400 square feet of retail space and is estimated to be providing 250 new jobs to the Hawaii Island residents. The feeling here is quite different than what you’d find in a mainland mall but there’s no shortage of sophisticated shopping and dining venues many of which have many of the amazing views of the ocean and mountains with lots of tropical landscaping.
Merchants now open include:
Bead Delicious – The place to make great jewelry, as well as buy it.
Bikini Planet – The hottest looks in Brazilian bikinis!
Bubba Burgers – Kaua`i’s favorite burger joint…their newest location!
Bungalow 9 – “Beachy elegance” in home décor, gifts and clothing.
Dude Dogs – Steamed hot dogs with an incredible selection of toppings.
Galerie 103 – A relevant contemporary & modern art gallery.
Galerie + – Collection of small works of art and books.
James Hoyle Gallery – Original artwork with an impressionist approach.
Lappert’s Ice Cream & Coffee – Hawaii’s best ice cream, gelato, coffee & bakery items.
Kukui`ula Sales & Information – Real estate opportunities available at Kukui`ula, Kaua`i’s first club community.
Merriman’s Downstairs Café – Chef Peter Merriman’s fresh casual dining.
Merriman’s Kaua`i – Chef Peter Merriman’s, farm to table, fine dining restaurant. Reservations recommended.
Ocean Opulent Jewelry – Fine island jewelry, as well as sterling silver jewelry & gifts.
Palm Palm – High-quality handbags, unique high-end jewelry and apparel.
Quiksilver/Roxy – The island’s best surf wear for adults & children.
Scott Hanft Photography – Kaua`i images, portrait studio and gifts.
Sunglass Hut – Designer, sporty and casual sunglasses for everyone!
In addition to the great dining and retail venues, many exciting events are also planned to take place throughout the year as well as entertainment twice s a week under the Lantern Tree from 5 to 7 PM and on Saturdays cultural and Hula performances from 11 AM to 2 PM.
Posted by: Bruce Fisher follow me on twitter @alohabruce
It looks like Daniel Dae Kim of ABC LOST fame will be gainfully employed in television at least for a little while longer as CBS has confirmed that they are signing him to star in the remake of Hawaii Five -0. Lost has officially wrapped so now Kim is free to look for other roles. There was speculation a few weeks ago that the series wouldn’t even be filmed in Hawaii but all of that has been put to rest as location scouts arrived yesterday and filming is apparently going to begin in mid-March. Kim will be playing the role of Chin Ho Kelly which was originally played by Kam Fong.
Kim has set roots in and has become a full-time resident of Hawaii.He is part owner of the designer burger franchise "The Counter" in Kahala which ironically was the site of many of the Hawaii Five-0 episodes and home to a statue of Jack Lord only a few hundred yards away.
CBS says it expects the pilot to be delivered in April and to have a final decision in May with the premiere sometime in the fall. If the series is picked up picked up, production would go into full swing in the summer. It’s still uncertain who will be playing the role of McGarrett but rumors are circulating that Alex O’Loughlin is on the top of the list which makes sense since he’s been in several CBS productions most notably Moonlight, where he played private investigator and vampire Mick St. John.
Posted by Bruce Fisher follow me on twitter @alohabruce
If you’re planning a multi-island vacation chances are you’ve discovered that the only way to get around is by airplane. Unfortunately, we do not have a ferry or small ships that will take you from island to island. While you may want to get to your destination quickly, you may want to consider taking one of the smaller commuter airlines so you can see amazing views. There are a couple of commuter airlines that fly smaller planes which allow you to see Hawaii in ways that you can only do from the air. You can actually save some money because if you’re planning to do a helicopter ride or even take one of these small planes for sightseeing tour, the price can cost $200 or more.
A local commuter airline called Island Air has been doing these hops for many years. They operate 46 flights a day serving Oahu, Maui, Kona, Molokai and is the only carrier which serves the island of Lanai. The airline flies 37 seat Dash 8-100s and 8-200’s which are turboprop jet engine planes that are perfect for interisland travel and sighseeing at the same time and very reliable. The planes fly anywhere from 5000 to 12,000 feet in the air which give you great views of the islands and allow you to see valleys, coastlines, and even waterfalls. People have even reported seeing whales breach from these commuter planes.
A even smaller commuter airline called Pacific wings flies to select locations across the islands serving mostly smaller airports. They fly nine passenger Grand Caravan Cesna’s and since they’re going to remote locations Hana on Maui and Kalaupapa on Molokai the spectacular views you’ll experience are second to none. Remember these planes are really small so if you afraid of heights or have any issues with flying you may want to think twice before embarking on one of these interisland flights.
If you’re interested in taking one of these flights make sure you let your agent know and we can certainly put together a package that includes one of these smaller planes so you can have fun on your interisland hop. If you’re just on one island and you still want to take a flight for sightseeing purposes there are companies that offer trips from Oahu and Kauai.
The smaller planes sometimes cost more than the larger planes however, the experience might be one that you be sharing with your friends for a lifetime.
Posted by Bruce Fisher follow me on Twitter @alohabruce
The Maui whale Festival began over the weekend on Feburary 6th with the Run for the Whales event; a 5 km run/walk and half Marathons on the southern coast of the island. The month-long festival is a series of whale themed events produced on Maui by the Pacific Whale Foundation every February. A lot of the events are free and open to the public which is a great thing to participate in if you’re visiting Maui on your Hawaii vacation. You can learn about these magnificent creatures and also enjoy opportunities to appreciate the music and culture of Hawaii.
The Maui Whale Festival which began in 1980 is one of the longest running events held on Maui. This year marks its 30th anniversary and will be bigger and better than ever. The festival celebrates and honors thousands of humpback whales which make a long trek to Maui from the northern borders off the coast of Alaska each year while here, the whales mate, give birth and care for their young.
Other upcoming events include an inaugural Keiki ECO-day conference in February 19 which is designed to promote positive interaction between children and the environment and to promote real action on the part of kids. Later in the evening there’ll be a sustainable dinner and comedy show called laugh @ da Park starring local celebrity and award-winning comedian Augie T. For more information and reservations call 808-249-8811 ext.1. On Sunday, February 21 you can embark on a very special whale watch lead by the Pacific whale foundation president and founder Greg Kaufman. You’ll had out to see on the double deck catamaran perfect for whale watching. Early reservations are encouraged in its $49 for adults and $34 for children call 1-800-942-5311 ext. 1 for reservations.
There’s a lot more going on this year so please contact the Pacific Whale Foundation to get more information and make whale watching part of your Hawaii vacation. www.pacificwhale.org.
