Waikīkī has long been the epicenter of Hawai‘i's tourism and one of the most sought out destinations in the islands, thanks to pictures, postcards and Hollywood. But it's also one of the most expensive places here that purposefully bumps up its prices in the hopes that beautiful beaches and baby blue skies might offer some distraction.
A dreamy Waikīkī, with tons of free fun to be had.
That doesn't mean you can't enjoy this unique part of O‘ahu. In fact, you well should. There's no place like it in the world. Just do it in a more creative way, especially if you find yourself pinching pennies. In addition to enjoying a cost-free day at the world famous Waikīkī Beach, be sure to check out a few other freebies while youʻre there:
WAIKīKī HULA SHOW
Hula is one of the most beautiful ways to carry on the Native Hawaiian culture. The graceful movements tell stories of their own, inspired by Hawaiian chant or song. Most hotels, shopping malls or restaurants offer free shows for visitors and locals to enjoy. There's one in particular that happens every Tuesday to Saturday (weather permitting) at the Kūhio Beach Hula Mound, near the Duke statue. From 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Waikīkī Hula Show features Hawai‘i's best hula halāu (dance group) and musicians.
ENJOY LIVE HAWAIIAN MUSIC
There's always some kind of live melodious music to be had in Waikīkī. The Royal Hawaiian Center went through some major renovations, which included a new-and-improved outdoor stage that always has company. Local musicians, singers and dancers perform near the grove of royal palms for everyone to enjoy on almost any given night. Check out the center's site (www.royalhawaiiancenter.com) for scheduled performances as well as free hula, ukulele, lomi massage lessons (Hey! Here's another freebie).
STREET PERFORMERS
Silver Men, Basketball Man, Balloon Girl, Beat-Boxing Guy. These are just a few of the many unique acts that bring even more life to those warm Waikīkī nights. Along Kalākaua Avenue, street performers draw huge crowds to their sidewalk stage and have been doing so for years.
Almost everyday at sunset, dozens of people line Waikīkī Beach with cameras in hand, snapping away at the pink and golden hues that illuminate the skies (Hey! This is another free thing to do in Waikīkī). But once or twice a month, another kind of show takes place on those same sandy shores and during the same time. This one's on a 30-foot screen, where free, family-friendly movies are shown. Sunset on the Beach, as the name suggests, starts at sunset. It's hosted by the city, and there's usually free entertainment and tons of food booths. Families lounge on beach chairs and towels as they enjoy the show and relax under the stars. It happens at Queen's Beach, across from the Honolulu Zoo. Check the eventʻs site (www.sunsetonthebeach.net) for updated movie schedules.
Every Friday night at about 7:15 p.m., the Waikīkī skies light up with fireworks. The show happens for about five to seven minutes, on the Hilton Hawaiian Village (HHV) side of the beach. Get the best seats anywhere on Magic Island, near the HHV's manmade lagoon or at the Ilikai. It's always fun to enjoy an evening picnic before or during the show, with beach mats and chairs ready to go!
PICNIC AT MAGIC ISLAND/ALA MOANA BEACH PARK
The 76-acre park has lots of room to roam. Grassy patches and sandy, white shores make for comfy resting spots. There are also picnic tables and benches set up throughout the park, including a few at a beachfront pavilion. Designated grilling areas make it easy when it comes to frying up burgers and hot dogs. And once you've digested all that ‘ono (delicious) food, work off those calories by taking a stroll around the paved bike/walking path or hitting some balls on the tennis and volleyball courts.
VISIT U.S. ARMY MUSEUM OF HAWAII
Located on the grounds of Hale Koa Hotel and the Fort DeRussy Recreation Center in Waikīkī, the museum houses the history of Hawai‘i's military. Photograph collages and sound effects re-create parts of history and allow visitors to feel as if they're actually in the Gulf War or in the War in Iraq, for instance. Admission is free, but the museum happily accepts donations.
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.
Hawai‘i nightlife has got a new addiction which has nighttime revelers coming back for more. The Addiction Nightclub, located in The Modern Honolulu in Waikīkī, is the most recent addition to O‘ahu's post-sunset scene.
It made its grand debut earlier this month, complete with 40,000 luminous lights to bust a move under and VIP tables to lounge at while listening to some of the best DJ's from near and afar. DJ's from Los Angeles and Las Vegas played alongside Hawai‘i's own Nocturnal Sound Krew. DJ Spider and Sid Vicious also brought the dance floor to life this month and will hopefully be making a reappearance in the near future.
Lights, lights, lights! Addiction brightens up Hawai‘i's nightlife.
So far, so good for the new nightclub, which replaced what was formerly the Crazybox. Many have given the Addiction two thumbs up, with one person online saying it's "without a doubt the best nightclub/music/DJs in Waikiki." In addition to some of the minor tweaks – wall images and digital video frames – the biggest change is the seating. Addiction did away with the bleacher seating that Crazybox had and instead put more intimate and private booths to provide "high-end service" to customers. High-end means an "upscale casual dress code" is strictly enforced, so no shorts, slippers or hats allowed.
Because the club usually gets pretty packed by midnight, it's best to make a reservation beforehand by emailing the nightclub (see info below). If you're a hotel guest, then check with the front desk about putting your name on the guest list for complimentary access. Otherwise, guests should stand in line and expect to pay $20 at the door (ladies pay $10).
Spacious seating areas add to the "high-class" vibe in the nightclub.
On Sundays, the Addiction Nightclub also becomes the Addiction BeachClub on The Modern Honolulu's sunset pool deck. It's opened in the afternoon from noon to 4 p.m., with no cover charge.
New Year's Eve is your chance to check out what everyone's been raving about. The Addiction is having a "Modern Experience" party at various spots in the Modern Honolulu, which includes New York DJs Roctakon and L.A. DJ Lucky Lou. It happens Saturday, from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. If you get the VIP pass, then check out the day-after party at the hotel's pool deck on Jan. 1. Tickets sold at www.groovetickets.com.
Photo Credit: Addiction Nightclub
ADDICTION NIGHCLUB / 1775 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96815 (Map) / Opens Thurs-Sat, 10:30pm-3am / www.AddictionNightclub.com / Upscale casual dress / For reservations, e-mail reservations@AddictionNightclub.com / Street or hotel parking; Near bus route
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.
This year, we spent Christmas with Todd and Anna, our friends who live in Hawai‘i Kai.
Anna is from Spain. Her parents live in Spain and are here for the holidays. There were quite a few of their Spanish friends at the party as well. It was fun and festive, with the different dialects conversing throughout their marine-front home. And I must say, I was impressed with the toddlers, as they, too, were bilingual.
Visitors often bring traditions from their home to Hawai‘i, like this special Christmas celebration from Spain.
Looking at their beautiful Christmas tree, I noticed a little wooden log with a face, four wooden legs and a blanket draped over him. "What was that?" I asked.
Tio de Nadal is a Catalan character that’s also known as “Caga Tio,” or “Pooping Log.” Starting with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8, Catalan families host a tio, which is a small hollow log propped up on two legs with a smiling face painted on one end. Each night the family gives the log a few morsels of food to “eat” and a blanket so it will “stay warm” throughout the evening.
On Christmas (or Christmas Eve), the family then orders the hollow log to “defecate” small gifts. Family members sing songs and hit the log with sticks in order to speed its “digestion,” and the log gradually drops gifts for everyone.
A Spanish tradition in Hawai‘i. The Caga Tio "poops out" gifts on Christmas (or the Eve).
This was both unique and exciting and definitely a first for me. This experience showed me just how diverse Hawai‘i may be; after all, we are the melting pot of the Pacific. It's an example of how visitors that come to the islands bring their own unique traditions, which could possibly catch on in Hawai‘i and add more flavors to the mix.
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.
Hyatt Place Waikīkī Beach will be the first property of the Hyatt Place brand to be introduced to the Hawai‘i market. It's located at the quieter end of Waikīkī, closer to Diamond Head, and only two blocks from the ocean. This is the neighborhood I lived in when I first moved here. I did not mind being away from the beach (nor paying for it) because of the amazing view I had from my room, which will be the same view guests will have here. In fact, the remodel included additional cutout windows in the rooms facing the ocean, so visitors can always check the surf. Diamond Head and City views are also available.
The Hyatt Place doesn't fool around when it comes to spacious living areas.
As of now, only one tower has been completed in the remodeling (located at the same place as the defunct Ocean Resort). The second, larger tower, is scheduled to open this spring.
I took a tour of the facility and found that it completely fit the Hyatt's theme of contemporary, high-tech and family-friendly. The open-air lobby and décor that is traditionally Hawaiian also added to the theme. The hotel's public spaces include lots of comfy sitting areas, a large casual dining area, an office space complete with wired computers for complimentary guest use and lots of large screen TVs on the wall to watch.
Right around the corner from the attractive check-in counter is the hotel’s own coffee bar, where Starbucks brand is served at all hours. And for guest convenience, the Hyatt Place offers a ‘Grab and Go’ counter for carry-out snacks and sandwiches. The hotel does not have a restaurant but has a kitchen that prepares this food as well as the free complimentary breakfast on the pool (small but warm) deck, or a for-fee morning meal ordered in advance. Want something later? No problem. The kitchen is available for orders 24/7.
The Ocean Resort gets a facelift to what it is today – the Hyatt Place Waikīkī Beach.
I love the rooms in this tower! They are so spacious, as big or bigger than the high-price hotels. The décor is sleek and modern and contains the famously comfortable Hyatt beds. After a day in the sun, you’ll sleep well, for sure. The bathrooms are a tad small but very functional and feature a bidet. That’s a spoiler. And in this tower, there are only 11 rooms per floor. I like that because it reduces the traffic by your room and the number of doors that can swing shut in the night. Actually, the doors already seemed quiet. I did not see the second tower, which has more rooms and is designed with greater density.
The hotel's manager, Bonnie Kiyabu, has a long history with Hyatt in Hawai‘i, so she knows all about island-life and can guarantee a true Hyatt experience. While I talked with her in a nook of the lobby, I feIt as though I was sitting in her personal living room, and she was my hostess. This feeling of ‘home’ is key to what the hotel has successfully accomplished. And I was taken with the fact that the staff of the original property was retained. They were involved with the rebranding and have worked hard to advance the great service and attention that you can expect during your stay.
VIDEO: Hyatt Place rooms explained, with Tahitian fire dancing to end the night.
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.
Honolulu zoo director Manuel Mollinedo swears their elephants lost some weight since moving to a new exhibit about a month ago. The spacious new home on the Diamond Head side of the zoo is about 1.5 acres and nine times larger than their previous zoo dwelling, offering more room for some Elephant Exercise.
Manuel shares his favorite elephant stories during closing time at the zoo.
While caretakers insist Mari and Vaigai weigh the same as they always did, LMFAO's popular hip hop song comes to mind:
"Girl look at the body…Work out."
And Mari and Vaigai have been doing just that, with two 55,000-gallon pools to tread in and lots of mock African Savanna terrain to roam. You'd think they'd been pumping iron with how their inner leg muscles and triumphant trunks are looking trim and toned. Maybe they don't actually pump iron, but they do suck up lots of dirt and grass from the ground – which is then pumped forcefully onto their backs with the help of their trunks.
The girls get an authentic Indian welcome, chalk drawings and all. As shown, they cut the "maile" in their honor.
The two female beauties from India immediately took to their sweet new pad – Mari deep in dirt and Vaigai deep in the refreshing pool on their first day. It's a luxurious style of living that cost the city $12 million to put together; an investment Manuel said will serve the zoo for years to come. Also included, a 7,260-square-foot holding pen that provides ample room for emergency and after-hour care.
Mari, born in 1975, and Vaigai, born in 1985, were gifted to the zoo by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi through the efforts of David and Sheila Watumull.
"I hate to anthropomorphize animals, but to me, it just appears that they're much happier with this new environment," Manuel said, shrugging his shoulders with a faint smile.
VIDEO: Manuel talks elephants and about some of the many zoo improvements.
I got to spend a few hours with Manuel during a private tour of the zoo, and I can honestly say, he's got a passion for his establishment stronger than the elephants have for rolling in dirt after a nice bath, a favorite way of teasing their caretakers. It's like Manuel has a connection of sorts with the animals, referring to them as if they were old-time buddies. As the setting sun cast shadows over the zoo and the animals trickled off to bed, Manuel charged full force through each exhibit, telling me everything about a leamer's eating habits to the near extinction of a rare crocodile called the gharial. He was like a walking A-Z animal encyclopedia.
Since Manuel stepped in as director a year ago, the Honolulu Zoo has seen vast improvements. Most were in the works before Manuel's arrival but finally came to fruitrition under his direction. A new and improved entrance area and gift shop welcome visitors while the colorful maps and signage throughout help zoo-goers to easily navigate from one continental terrain to another. He has big dreams, too, with plans to breed a few of their animals and to bring in additional ones – like Malaysian tapirs, which may take over the elephants' old dwelling.
Peacocks and crocodiles kept us company on our afternoon stroll through the zoo.
As we rounded the corner of the giraffe and zebra exhibit, I had to ask him straight out what had been bugging me the whole time, "Are you guys ever bringing back the giraffe viewing tower?" Trying not to sound too whiny.
He stopped in his tracks and chuckled, "That was a while ago! You don't look old enough to remember that."
But I assured him. I remembered, alright! I went on to tell him just how sad I was as a kid when I found out they removed the tower, where one could see eye-to-eye with the giraffes. That, and the concrete hippo statues I climbed on, were the main reasons I dragged my parents to the zoo many a weekend. I squealed with childish excitement every time the giraffe's long black tongue spiraled toward me before finally plucking the leaves out of my hand. I just loved it.
Manuel listened intently, nodding. "Here, let me show you." And he took me to the exact spot they planned to one day install a platform feeding area. "I'll be sure to call you when it's done."
That couldn't have been a nicer way to end my tour of the zoo. First those adorable elephants, followed by a promise to my personal request from Mr. Zoo, himself.
Photo Credit (second photo): City & County of Honolulu
HONOLULU ZOO / 151 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815 (Map) / Open 9am-430pm daily, closed Christmas Day / 808-971-7171 / www.honoluluzoo.org / See site for admission fees / Metered parking available; Near bus route
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.
It started with question posted to a Hawai‘i online forum: "What do you want for Christmas?"
Forum participants chimed in with the usual requests for Santa: a laptop computer; kitchen appliances; underwear; world peace. But "AuntiePupule," better known as Lynn Vasquez of a public housing facility in Honolulu, responded that she'd like the children at the facility to have a pair of rubber slippers, so they'll never have to go barefoot.
Feet find comfort this Christmas and throughout the year. Think about donating the pair you got for your Hawai‘i trip before going back home.
Her request to the North Pole six years ago had been answered. However, it came from a little closer to home, gifted to her and the children of the Mayor Wright Housing in the form of what they called "The Slippah Project." Online readers from near and as far away as Arizona, Oregon and California donated the rubber footwear without expecting a thing in return.
Today, the project has turned into a nonprofit known as The Slippah Foundation. "Auntie" and co-founder Blaine Fergerstrom expanded their efforts to other public housing and homeless shelters on the Leeward Coast and throughout the island of O‘ahu. The pair even sent slippers toKaua‘i, Maui and the Big Island.
'"Auntie'" brings in a sled of slippers for those in need of some footwear.
Many times visitors who come to Hawai‘i buy slippers for the sole purpose of their tropical trip. Once they're back home, the flip flops get put aside, far from Hawaiian sunshine and in the depths of household closets. What's worse is that I've actually walked through Waikīkī and noticed that – along with the barely-used beach mats and towels – slippers get tossed almost as frequently as the ABC bags I see in the trash.
Reduce, reuse and recycle, right? Next time you're on your way out of the islands, consider sharing that comfy pair of slippers that have been so nice to you during your trip with someone who may need them longer than all your Hawai‘i vacays combined. Please have some heart and "sole" by spreading joy to families during this season of giving. Māhalo and from the Hawaii Aloha Travel ‘ohana, Mele Kalikimaka!
Photo Credit (second photo): The Slippah Foundation
THE SLIPPAH FOUNDATION / Donate gently-used slippers, clothing, toys and canned goods / www.slippah.org / 808-847-2221
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.
Tucked away on a Kapahulu Avenue corner, just outside the bustle of Waikīkī is an eclectic shop that's part island, part vintage and part East meets West. Peggy of Peggy's Picks finds treasures on her travels abroad and locally through estate sales. You never know what unique items you'll discover while browsing the shop. Some are small enough to fit into visitors' pockets and suitcases, while others are big enough to fill your living room. Locals often find both antique and modern Bali furnishings, such as screens and cabinets. I was taken with a small apothecary console – a dozen tiny drawers for organizing. The selection of hand-carved wooden pieces is nice and includes gift items such as bowls and serving ware.
Put on a happy face, and while you're at it, add some Aloha to your attire.
Collect tikis, frogs, cats or horses? You'll find these wooden figures and miniatures along with many more creatures both real and mythological. As a photographer, I've found many fantastic props from wooden bowls to giant reproduction seashells to use in my portraits.
Peggy's also has a small but varied assortment of vintage aloha shirts and vintage women's clothing at affordable prices. You'll also find new textiles and accessories such as pareaus, sandals, lightweight scarves and hair ornaments. The jewelry counter has a varied selection of rings, pendants and earrings. Local artists are represented with matted fine art prints available for purchase.
Items are very reasonably priced, and unlike most tourist shopping areas, there's no pressure to buy; just friendly faces willing to assist you. The shop is small and can be described as cluttered – every square inch is taken up while some of the area used for display. Don't be afraid to peek behind items and into shelves or to kneel down for a closer look at stuff on the ground. Remember, the containers are for sale too! The longer you look, the more you'll find to take home.
Look high and low. There are treasures hidden in every nook and cranny.
If you want a truly original gift or souvenir to take home from your Hawai‘i vacation, then stop by Peggy's Picks at the address below. Parking is very limited, with just two spaces available and minimal street parking. They've got some cool Christmas-themed stuff, too, like island-style and vintage ornaments. One of our family's favorites is a scale-model angels' horn that my kids enjoy holding for their holiday portraits!
It's not too late to tack on that last holiday ornament to your Christmas tree. Or stock up for next year!
PEGGY'S PICKS / 732 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816 (Map) / Open 11am-7pm, Monday-Saturday / 808-737-3297 / Limited parking; Near bus route
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.
Nothing screams a successful Hawai‘i getaway than a glowing golden tan. That's the color to be had after those care-free days basking in the Hawaiian sun or surfing in Waikīkī. Basically wearing nothing but your beach attire 24/7.
Sunscreen makes us smile. Protect yourself whenever you're out and about.
And because Hawai‘i requires very minimal epidermal coverage, it's important to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays. I've seen some pretty bad sunburns from lobster-red to even blistering, and trust me, you don't wanna go there! There's a few things you should know next time you lather on that lotion for the ocean, starting with new sunscreen regulations.
Just recently, the federal Food and Drug Administration ordered sunscreen manufacturers to revise product labels. Here are two things your tube of screen should now read:
1) SPF 30 – SPF measures a sunscreen's capability to prevent burns. SPF 30, period. If it's less than that, then don't bother buying it unless you want to show a shade closer to Kool Aid.
2) UVB and UVA – Sunburns are caused by ultraviolet B (UVB) light, but now we know that ultraviolet A (UVA) is the one that causes aging and contributes to skin cancer. Get a sunscreen that says "broad spectrum" and contains zinc oxide or avobenzone to protect against UVA.
3) Sweatproof/Waterproof – There's no such thing as a waterproof sunscreen. The best you'll get is water-resistant. Regardless, you should reapply every couple of hours.
There's a lot you should know when buying the next bottle of screen.
You could also consider sun-protective clothing products that actually look like real clothing. A local O‘ahu-based company called Planet Sun Hawaii (www.planetsunhawaii.com) sells special hats, shirts and umbrellas, as well as its own line of sunscreen.
Now the next time you're in the islands, don't only bask in the sun but in the information you just received. Sending lots of Hawaiian sunshine your way!
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.
The world's most famous bounty hunter, Duane "Dog" Chapman, and his posse mean business. We're not just talking about their rough and tough ways in tracking down fugitives. We're talking about an actual business.
The dog house comes to Hawai‘i Kai, except without the furry fidos.
Dog and his wife Beth opened a logo merchandise retail store in Hawai‘i Kai recently, selling clothing, photos, books and DVDs. Customers can even learn a few "Dogisms" printed on shirts like, "At the end of the criminal rainbow, there is no pot of gold." Named "Da Kine Dog House," the store is close to Dog and his wife's Portlock home at the Koko Marina Shopping Center and welcomed by neighboring merchants. Or as one merchant joked, it's fine as long as he doesn't bring any criminals there.
This is actually their second retail store, replacing a gift shop they had in Downtown Honolulu near their bail bond office. The store's opening last month drew dozens of fans to the shop, where Dog and his wife signed autographs. Because of their busy filming schedule, fans were delighted to get a rare public glimpse of the reality television stars.
Dog and his wife have become one of Hollywood's toughest couples.
The eighth season of their show premieres on A&E Network Jan. 4, when the Chapman posse return to give fans more action-packed hunts in the islands and on the U.S. mainland. In his 27-year career, Dog's made 6,000 captures. This season's opening episode will be a hunt for a guy who got caught carrying almost a pound of methamphetamine.
Dog has become a modern-day hero for many, especially after he, himself, served time behind bars and made a full 180 to the right side of the law. He not only captures fugitives but encourages them to turn their lives around like he did. His list of fugitives included high-profile rapist Andrew Luster, Atlanta child murderer Wayne Williams and notorious Kona burglar Bryan Blair to name a few.
Dogisms printed on T-shirts suggest a few things to consider.
Dog not only identifies himself as a reality star, business owner and bounty hunter – but also as an author. His television series inspired him to write an autobiographical book in 2007 called You Can Run But You Can't Hide and then two years later, a book called Where Mercy is Shown, Mercy is Given. He writes about his family background, Texas imprisonment and his philosophy of giving second chances. Check out the Hawai‘i Aloha Travel podcast discussing Dog's most recent novel.
Photo Credit: Yaling and Bruce Fisher (Store); Scott Gries, AETV (Dog and Beth)
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.
And with it being that time of year again, Christmas in the islands gets decorated with Secret Service agents, street barricades and the U.S. coast guard. It means the Obamas have started their Annual Hawaiian Christmas Getaway. Well, almost started, that is.
Obama after some much needed time on the golf course during his last Hawai‘i vacation.
First Lady Michelle Obama, their two daughters and (one lucky) dog Bo, arrived Saturday to the five-bedroom Kailua rental home. All that's missing is the Prez, but before he can swap his three-piece suit for a pair of board shorts and slippers, he's got to resolve the payroll tax cut and to push for a short-term spending bill in Washington. You know, President stuff.
Local media say Obama should not be here before Tuesday (yesterday). And while we continue to twiddle our thumbs (some of us choosing to instead use another particular middle digit when it comes to all the traffic that'll be created and the $1.5 million tab tax payers have to pay for the family's trip), I thought it'd be funny to share some photos from a parody site I found. It's called "Not the White House" (whitehouse.gov1.info), which tries to answer the question: "What would whitehouse.gov look like if you take the 'openness and transparency' promise to its extreme?"
Looks real, right? Not sure if he'd choose a maitai as a Hawaiian thirst-quencher, though. Perhaps the Snowbama shave ice will do.
At first glance, one could easily mistake the site for an official government one, down to the color scheme and page design. And even after more careful browsing, the reader may still be scratching his head in confusion. The site's got some detailed articles and includes realistic-looking photos of the President. Photoshop, yes. But done quite well that you'd really have to look closely to figure it out.
There's stuff like APEC Hawai‘i 2011 Costume Vote (how bout these costumes?) and White House Happy Hours with a pic of Obama cheersing to the (freakin') weekend. A section dedicated to the presidential family's Hawai‘i Christmas vacay has got to be the most cray-cray on the site. And with permission from the "webmaster" (who never told me his/her name or location), I'll leave you with these photos to ponder while you wait patiently for your next Obama sighting and hear all the reports by media ragging on how expensive the expected 17-day trip turned out to be this year.
But whatever the cost, the First Family deserves a nice stay in the islands. See ya soon, Mr. Prez!
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.
Published by Bruce Fisher
