Hawaii-Aloha.com is designed to help vacationers to Hawaii learn as much as possible about this island destination. We review hotels, keep you posted as to current package opportunities, give you insight into various attractions and events, suggest activities, provide local news that might interest visitors, and – of course – help you plan and book all aspects of your vacation.
We do recognize that many of you come to Hawaii on business rather than pleasure, and that most business here is conducted in and from Honolulu.
American City Business Journals Inc. is the nation’s largest publisher of metropolitan business newspapers. It’s published locally in 41 metropolitan markets nationwide, including Honolulu.
“Biz Journals” rates the attractions, restaurants and cocktail venues in each of those markets, skewed to business travelers rather than vacationers. The ratings are objective (i.e., not influenced by advertisers), and we generally concur with them.
For your reference:
Honolulu Attractions: 1. USS Arizona Memorial 2. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve 3. Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum 4. Waikiki Beach 5. Honolulu Academy of Arts
Honolulu Restaurants: 1. Alan Wong’s Restaurant on King Street 2. Orchids, Halekulani 3. Beachhouse, Westin Moana Surfrider 4. Keo’s Thai Cuisine, Waikiki 5. Kincaid’s Fish, Chop and Steakhouse, Ward Center
Honolulu Cocktail Venues:
1. Duke’s Waikiki On the Sand at the Outrigger Waikiki 2. Murphy’s Bar & Grill 3. RumFire, Sheraton Waikiki 4. Indigo Eurasian Cuisine 5. Ryan’s Grill at Ward Center
Consider the foregoing if your island schedule is crammed and you’d like to catch as much of what you might enjoy as possible. And of course, feel free to pick an agent from our Web site home page (Hawaii-aloha.com) or call 1-800-843-8771. We’ll gladly characterize the listed places for you or suggest alternatives.
Imagine living in a lovely home, a showcase, that contains one “junk” room. The junk room’s window faces a grimy brick wall, and it’s full of tools, auto supplies, painting materials and other stuff. And what if that room were the first room your guests would see upon entering?
That’s been the case with Honolulu for years. Most Hawaii visitors arrive at Honolulu International Airport, just four miles west of Honolulu, and most of those are taken to Waikiki via Nimitz Highway, Route 92.
The problem is that Nimitz Highway has been … well, ugly. It runs right through the city’s heaviest industrial areas, going past the Pearl Harbor Naval Base and Hickam Air Force Base gates, under the Airport Viaduct and serving as the primary truck route into the city and Waikiki, alongside warehouses and commercial piers.
Vacationers, after taking in the splendor of the islands via movies, TV, brochures and the Internet, get their blood rushing as they view the promising approach through their plane windows, then have had to encounter the island’s junk room on their way to their accommodations.
That’s in the process of changing. The route is being beautified. 64 coconut palm trees are being planted in the median on Nimitz at a cost of 408-thousand dollars. Even resident taxpayers who have opposed spending the money now agree the money is well-spent (and it’s from last year’s budget).
So when you arrive on your Hawaii vacation, we residents can be a little more comfortable with your first impression of our home.
It seems Hawaii-Aloha.com will be getting some heavyweight clout as we pursue our mission to make you aware of the terrific deals you can take advantage of on your Hawaii vacation.
The state has announced a $4.5 million winter promotional campaign to help lure you to our islands for the remainder of the year. Add that to the more than $12.5 million in emergency funding that has been devoted by the state and businesses to combat a slump in tourism, and you’ll be hearing and reading a lot more about how a Hawaii vacation can be more reasonable now than it was last year – the economy not withstanding.
The key component in the promotion is Hawaii’s VALUE as a destination, which is intended to dispel the perception that the Islands have become too expensive.
Hawaii actually has become more affordable for many, possibly for the first time in years. Despite rising airfares, a Hawaiian vacation package costs less this year by hundreds of dollars compared with last year. Some hotels are offering complimentary extra nights or breakfasts, and more businesses are offering two-for-one deals on activities.
The new winter campaign will depict humpback whales, hula dancers and breathtaking scenery in newspaper travel sections, and targeted search and banner ads will appear on several Web sites. In addition, a major public relations effort is in the works to generate travel stories, photos and blogs about the sights, sounds, flavors and activities of the Islands.
Aside from the turmoil in the economy this year, Hawaii has had to deal with the sudden shutdown of Aloha and ATA airlines, two major carriers serving the Islands from the West Coast. The state also lost two cruise ships.
This new campaign is an effort to remind you that Hawaii offers plenty of value as you consider the cost of your vacation.
Of course, Hawaii-Aloha.com has been informing you about that value all along. Our agents are tuned into all the offers, deals and incentives available, and you can tap in by selecting one from our home page or calling 1-800-8771. Posted by Jim Winnpenny
Back in the summer we ran a story about the demise of the “Falls of Clyde,” the only surviving iron-hulled, four-masted full-rigged ship, and the only surviving sail-driven oil tanker in the world. It was donated to Hawaii’s Bishop Museum and opened to the public in 1968; declared a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1989. It’s been a museum, moored at Pier 7 in Honolulu Harbor as part of the Hawaii Maritime Center.
We reported that Unless a buyer were to step up with the millions of dollars needed to save it, the ship would be sunk in September – on purpose – 15 miles off Honolulu Harbor. We jokingly suggested that you might consider kicking in for the cause.
Well, the Falls of Clyde has been rescued!
Bishop Museum is giving the 130-year-old ship to a community group that plans to restore it as an educational facility and tourist destination. The Friends of the Falls of Clyde will try to raise about $2 million for initial repairs to the ship as well as a study on all the work needed to restore the vessel so it can be reopened to the public. An earlier assessment had put the price tag at up to $32 million.
In addition to raising funds, the group is looking for volunteers and in-kind support. The Falls of Clyde will stay at Honolulu Harbor for a month or more before being towed to dry dock. It apparently is strong enough to be towed after repairs Bishop Museum made to it to prepare it for scuttling.
It may take years, but Hawaii vacationers will once again be able to visit a unique historical attraction and educational center.
For months now we’ve been hearing about all the new fees airlines are imposing on us to help defray their operating costs – baggage charges, snack charges, pillow charges, on-line reservation charges …
It’s somehow refreshing to learn that Hawaiian Airlines – and a few other carriers – are doing some things on their own to cut costs. Hawaii largest carrier is power washing its jet engines more frequently, and that reduces the cruising speed on its long-haul flights. Now the airline is towing its planes to the airport runways instead of using the jet engines. Those fuel conservation efforts are expected to save about $4 million this year. Fuel has replaced labor as the industry’s number-one cost driver; the price for a gallon of jet fuel has nearly tripled since 2005. Last year, Hawaiian spent about $300 million on fuel, which was an increase of nearly $50 million, or 21 percent, from 2006’s $240 million.
The airline also announced that it plans to invest $10 million to purchase eight winglets – finlike attachments — for its long-haul aircraft. That will save more than two million gallons of jet fuel each year and pay for themselves in four years.
While there’s no end in sight for the rising cost of air travel, the airlines’ conservation efforts are a welcome alternative to the airlines’ traditional way of dealing with those costs: Raising their ticket prices and tacking on new fees for services that used to come with the price of your ticket.
You know coming in that Hawaii is loaded with amazing tropical scenery and unique natural attractions. There are lots of ways to see it all: tour buses, rental cars, inter-island cruises, helicopter rides or hiking, for example.
But if you like to ride a bike, that just might be your answer. In a single bicycle tour, you could explore historic village ruins, investigate a missionary church and watch small-town children fly exotic kites in the tradewinds. You can pedal for miles along scenic, unpopulated coastlines, and maybe stop to sample Hawaiian wine and even spend the night at a beachside campsite.
The slower pace of a bicycle compliments the pace and laid-back lifestyle typical of Hawaii. Instead of being another frantic mainlander speeding to cram sights into a short vacation, you can linger over each view or spectacle that intrigues you. You may be surprised by offerings of advice, help, cold drinks, or directions to a secret local spot by local residents.
Hidden delights are everywhere, and you don’t have to pedal marathon distances before you come across an opportunity to hike, kayak, snorkel, or just relax on the beach. Even if you aren’t a cycling enthusiast, but just someone who’d like to challenge yourself, enjoy Hawaii’s air and waters, and go to bed pleasantly weary from the day’s adventures, you’ll be more than satisfied.
While Hawaii is a great cycling destination, the sport has yet to sweep through the islands. Be aware that facilities like repair shops and the lack of alternative means of transportation make for a pretty weak support network. Many roads are in poor condition. But even with those disadvantages, Hawaii can come surprisingly close to the ideal.
There are bicycle tour companies on all of the major islands. They will provide you with route maps and suggested stops. Most of the companies also offer tour guides, helmets, support vehicles, repair services, meals and accommodations, but the whole gamut can cost as much as $2,500, not including your airfare. Of course, if you come with your own bike and go it on your own …
Pick an agent from our Web site home page (hawaii-aloha.com) or call 1-800-843-8771. We’ll help you set up your Hawaii cycling vacation.
When you visit a new place for your vacation, it’s a little like your first day at a new school or moving to another part of the country. You know that millions have been there before you, but you still don’t want to do anything to embarrass yourself.
Here are some things you might keep in mind for your visit: Visiting a Private Home Take a small gift – a dessert, for instance – and take off your shoes before going inside. (Your host may urge you not to bother.) If you know ahead of time that you will visit a private home, take an offering from where you live – sourdough bread from the Bay area, scrapple from Philadelphia, beef from the Midwest, etc.
In Your Rental Car Hawaii drivers are usually easy-going and courteous. Use of your car horn is unnecessary, except to warn of an imminent accident. If you’re used to driving in a large U.S. city, that can be almost unnerving. And there’s very little of the “Me first!” drill. You will almost never have to cut someone off to get into a lane; just use your turn signal and you’ll be let in. When you’re let in, wave a thanks to the other driver. (Locally we use the “shaka” sign, which you’ll pick up as soon as you arrive.) Dining Most locals use chopsticks comfortably, but you need not have acquired the knack to feel at ease in a restaurant of any kind. Some Asian restaurants place only chopsticks at their place settings but will gladly provide conventional utensils upon request. Otherwise, you aren’t likely to encounter anything you wouldn’t expect to find at any other destination. Everywhere Remember that we don’t use east, west, north and south much. When giving directions, we’ll usually send you toward a landmark. “Mauka” says toward the mountains; “makai” means toward the sea, and they, of course, work on all the islands.
Pick up your trash, and don’t mess with our sea turtles, monk seals or coral reefs.
When visiting the Big Island, it is important to not take any black sand, as it is said that doing so angers the Hawaiian goddess Pele.
If there is a custom in your home area, tell us about it. We’re eager to hear about it, and it might even take hold here in the islands. Zillions of customs from around the world now are commonplace in the islands and respected by everybody.
That’s about it. Very little to worry about. Relax and enjoy your vacation.
If you’re staying in Waikiki and don’t want to travel too far away, a nice alternative is a visit to Ala Moana Beach Park. Within walking distance or short drive from most of the hotels, this is a great place to enjoy the beach and also mingle with locals.
The park itself is kind of like the "Central Park" of Hawaii. This is were a lot of locals gather and also the site of many family activities and gatherings throughout the year. It’s adjacent to the very popular Magic Island and the entire area encompasses over 76 acres. On just about any given weekend you’ll find something happening, from fireworks displays to outdoor concerts and events.
While the beach there is relatively safe for swimming, caution should be taken in certain areas. There can be swift tidal changes and strong undercurrents so make sure that you adhere to any signage posted by the lifeguards which are on duty. Most days the water is calm and it’s protected by an outer reef. The beach was actually man-made by accident when a dredging company back in the 1950s dumped the sand here.
You can make a real great day of it by going to Ala Moana Beach Park and then heading over to the famous Ala Moana Center, the largest shopping center in Hawaii where you’ll find everything you can imagine from a shopping perspective. All of the major stores are there as well as restaurants and a food court.
Considering all that Hawaii has to offer, tours of Kalaupapa National Historical Park on the island of Molokai seem a little … well, gloomy. Now more than twenty-five years old, the park is dedicated to preserving the memories and experiences of the past.
The park’s mission is to provide a well-maintained community to ensure that the present resident patients of the Kalaupapa Settlement may live out their lives there. The park also supports the education of present and future generations concerning Hansen’s disease or leprosy, a disease shrouded in fear and ignorance for centuries.
Suddenly, visitor interest in Kalaupapa, on the northern edge of the island, is surging. And it will likely continue to increase when the Vatican proclaims Father Damien — the 19th century priest who cared for the Hansen’s disease patients — a saint, most likely late next year. (Hansen’s disease has been curable since the development of sulfone drugs in the 1940s, and people treated with drugs aren’t contagious.)
Two dozen patients still live at the settlement, and they are anxious to celebrate Kalaupapa’s most famous resident. They would welcome pilgrims at Damien’s church and grave.
On the other hand, they are wary of hordes of tourists interrupting the settlement’s serenity and desecrating the land.
Kalaupapa’s attraction for tourists comes from the story behind the Vatican’s recognition of a miracle attributed to Damien, who died in 1889 after contracting Hansen’s disease himself. An 80-year-old Catholic woman from Oahu visited Kalaupapa a decade ago and prayed at Damien’s grave after learning she had terminal cancer. In less than a year, the cancer had vanished.
This summer, Pope Benedict XVI ruled that Damien had intervened since there was no scientific explanation for her recovery.
Visitors are limited to 100 per day, and Kalaupapa can be reached only by light aircraft, mule ride or a hike of an hour or two.
If you’d like to learn more, ask one of the agents at our Web site Hawaii-aloha.com or call 1-800-843-8771.
Okay, here’s an idea for a way to spend a pleasant vacation day on the Big Island of Hawaii. You get up bright and early and take a swim in the ocean – say, two and a half miles. When you get out of the water, jump on a bike and pedal for a hundred miles or so. Then leave your bike and run as fast as you can over 25 miles of volcanic terrain.
Sound ridiculous? Well, believe it or not, 1,700 hardy souls will be doing just that on October 11th, and they had to scramble for the opportunity either through a lottery or by winning a spot at one of the qualifying events held around the world.
It’s the Ironman World Championship, held in and from Kona each year at this time. For triathletes, there is no bigger day in the sport than the Ford Ironman World Championship. It is the race that brought the sport of age, and it continues to be the defining race for any avid triathlete.
While there are thousands of triathlons around the world, this is the one that defines the sport. It all began at an Awards Ceremony for a relay running race in Honolulu in 1977. A group of local athletes discussed the idea of an endurance triathlon – consisting of three major events that already existed on Oahu. It was suggested that the sports be combined to create a single-day event and that whoever finishes first should be called the Ironman." The Ironman has since become triathlon’s Super Bowl, Wimbledon, World Series, World Cup, and Tour de France all rolled into one. What makes this event so unique is that "average" people get to compete alongside the best in the world.
Just finishing an Ironman race is often the highlight of many triathletes’ careers. Athletes with disabilities now compete in the event in the physically challenged category, and they are required to meet the same cutoff times as able-bodied competitors.
5,000 volunteers help to put the event together, and the path to the finish is lined with more that 10,000 spectators. It’s a magnificent spectacle for visitors, participants and even Big-Island residents. If you’re going to be in Hawaii during mid-October and would like to be in on the excitement, pick an agent from our Web site home page (hawaii-aloha.com), or call 1-800-843-8117.
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