The trend in traveling with pets continues to get even more popular over the years. According to a recent survey, about 60 percent of travelers opt to bring their furry, four legged friends with them. Some go monthly while more than half of these jet-set pets take a vacation every year. (Wow, that’s more than most of us working humans!)
Ready to fly the friendly skies to Hawai‘i.
PetRelocation.com, an international pet travel and pet transportation provider, surveyed about 10,000 pet owners worldwide. More said they’ve been bringing pets because of a noticeable improvement in the accommodations offered by airlines and hotels. Some hotels offer dog-walking concierges, pet spas and even doggie toilets! But before travelers even think about booking their flights, they must first go through a tedious process, which includes following a long list of rules and regulations.
A few years ago, we wrote about what’s required when bringing a pet to Hawai‘i. It may take a bit of planning, but giving Fido his Hawaiian dream vacation is definitely possible. This post offers tips on the next step in making your trip –What are the best hotels for pets?
Hawai‘i Aloha Travel (HAT) is always ready to accommodate you and your pet. Here are some suggestions for hotels in Hawai‘i that offer friendly services for Fido:
Traveling inter-island with pets can be a bit easier. There’s no paperwork involved; the only requirement would be to reserve your pet a seat on the plane. Some airlines only allow up to five pets per flight. We took our Chiweenie pup from O‘ahu to Kaua‘i one weekend and had a pleasant experience. It could have been because of his triple park sessions earlier that day, which tired the little bugger out in time for the flight. He slept soundly in his carrier under the seat in front of us. Usually, only flights between islands or flights from Hawai‘i to the mainland allow pets to ride in the cabin area. However, they must be less than 50 pounds, but each airline varies.
It’s always best to do your homework before traveling with a pet. And once that’s done, you and Fido will be frolicking along white, sandy beaches in no time! Now that’s a tail-wagging good time!
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.
Ala Moana Center (AMC) is in its fifth year of a spring fling of activities centered around style, beauty, health and lots of entertainment in between. After all, AMC is the world’s largest outdoor shopping center, so there is a lot of ground to cover from high-end retail, to handmade sushi, to bandaids and sunscreen. Each year, they spend a week promoting the best shopping possibilities and can be counted on for promotions, giveaways and special sales.
This year's Shop A Le‘a featured a television fashionist from "Project Runway" – Michael Costello.
Fans of Bravo's Project Runway will immediately recognize the names Andy South and Michael Costello, both of whom participated in this year's event. For those who don't – Andy was a local designer, prior to his fame, and guest designer here at last year’s event. Michael is a participant in the "All Stars" series and featured the latest fashion trends that can be found around the mall. Although it would have been neat to see some of Michael’s own designs in the show, the crowd still gave an enthusiastic response nonetheless.
He spent his time on stage chatting with hostess Robyn Gee about the show and reviewing what’s hot in fashion. I enjoyed watching him analyze the ensembles on mannequins and describe fashion trends. Here's what we learned:
He joked that a "gay best friend" is the best shopping partner to have for advice in the dressing room.
Michael discussing colors and accessories on stage.
The little sequined or metallic handbag is very in and can be carried anywhere. Orange is still a strong color for spring that will stay, and he loves chartreuse with red, bright blue with lime and berry with nude.
The looks on the last two mannequins are perfect for here in Hawai‘i, with flowy fabrics and variable hem lengths. I’ve seen this look all over the mall at all cost points. They would be perfect for your Hawai‘i vacation as well as back home. Because our weather is so perfect year round, a vacationer has a "second chance" to wear their favorite summer fashions when they come here and pick up some new ones. Next year if you're in town for the next Shop A Le‘a event, then stop by for a joyful celebration of shopping bliss!
(Clockwise starting top left) Special "Pig" design featured at event. Me with the hostess Robyn Gee. Fashion and drinks at the media event.
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.
"…No work 'til Monday. Doo be doo, doo doo be, doo be doo be doo!"
There's no denying this song has a nice ring to it. Made popular by Hawai‘i singer Kimo Kahoano in the early '80s, the tune is cheery and upbeat, and for good reason – it celebrates the end of a long work week! Whether we hear it on the morning drive or hum it over that routine cup of coffee, the song has become the state's unofficial anthem every Aloha Friday.
Rainbows mean it's going to be a GREAT day!
Thankfully, Kimo beat Rebecca Black to it because having her take on Friday revelry would be the unfortunate end to an era (before it even began!). Aloha Friday's a sigh of relief for workers; the weight of the week is lifted from their shoulders, adding a noticeable hop in each step closer to the usually dreaded 9-to-5. Sometimes, they "dress down," out of the usual suit get-up. The office is a little more chipper; the boss is laid-back (sometimes) and eight hours later, you're having pau hana drinks 'till the wee hours of the weekend.
The aloha shirt played a big role in the start of Aloha Friday. In 1965, a group of Hawaiian fashionistas lobbied at the State Capitol for male employees to wear aloha shirts on the last day of the work week in order to embrace the culture. A year later, Aloha Friday was in full swing. Younger generations took to the casual style and gladly did away with the suit-and-tie combo favored by generations before them. By the 70s, aloha wear had become the work norm for any day of the week.
As Aloha Friday grew in popularity here, mainland businessmen started to take notice, too. Eventually, the custom carried overseas and evolved into "Casual Fridays." Whatever the term, it's now a way for the world to kick off the weekend a little early.
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.
Talk about a memorable first date. We zipped right passed first and second base and took on third base like champs. I guess you could say it turned out to be an "orgasmic" experience…at Bubbie's Homemade Ice Cream & Desserts, that is! Bubbie's is known notoriously for having the raunchiest dessert names on the planet, and it's where my boyfriend and I shared a "Multiple Orgasm" that night. A slice of ice cream cake that consists of sinfully decadent sweets: a multi-layered tiramisu and ice cream cake slice on an Oreo cookie crust. Oh em gee…a guaranteed mind-blowing, mouth-tastic experience.
An innocent-looking sign welcomes customers to some of Hawai‘i's most promiscuous desserts.
Bubbie's has two locations on O‘ahu; the oldest sits on the corner of University Avenue and boasts three sugary decades in business. The second spot is tucked away in the Koko Marina Shopping Center, minutes from Hanauma Bay. Together, they have served thousands of scoops of happiness to cool off an always sunny Hawai‘i.
When you step foot in either ice cream parlor, the first thing you'll notice is the chalk-scribed list of desserts; a seemingly never-ending list with seemingly provocative names. "More Than a Mouthful," "Knock Me Up on the Blower" or "Come Here Little Girl" get mixed reactions from first-time customers waiting ever-so-innocently in line. But upon closer inspection of such saccharine sweets, it all makes sense. "More Than a Mouthful…" more like a mouthful of peanut butter and fudge that's got your lips smacking for more. And just when you were thinking, what kind of pedophiliac name is that? You realize that "Come Here Little Girl" gets its name for its Girl Scout cookie and Bailey's Irish ice cream combo.
One dessert item that remains to be the most conservative of the bunch is the mochi ice cream. Its round, ball-like shape fits perfectly in the palm of your hands and could easily pick up a naughty nickname or two. But for now, it's just being called mochi ice cream and has already gained worldwide fame for its unique blend of ice cream delicately wrapped with a sweetened rice flour. Oprah gave the "O" K when she featured Bubbie's mochi ice cream in her "O" magazine several years ago, calling it "light, fresh, pretty."
(Top) Mochi ice cream and a slice of Multiple Orgasm, please! Must be well-worth it if Oprah approves, right?
Pretty amazing, I'd say. Chocolate mint, chocolate peanut butter and chocolate expresso mochi ice cream make for a very reliable chocolate trio, while those looking for something to appease the fruity taste buds can try blueberry, guava or mango mochi ice cream. With more than 20 flavors to choose from, you have to find something you like here. My all-time favorite? Chocolate peanut butter. I dieeee.
Bubbie's has become as much a staple in Hawai‘i as ice cream has in some people's diets. You can order mochi ice cream at various restaurants around Hawai‘i as well as from their website. Indulge. Lust. Be sinfully seductive with Bubbie.
BUBBIE'S ICE CREAM & DESSERTS
(1) Across Varsity Theater on Coyne St. / 1010 University Ave., Honolulu, HI 96826 (Map) / Opens Mon-Th 12pm-12am, Fri-Sat 12pm-1am, Sun 12pm-1130am
(2) Koko Marina Shopping Center / 7192 Kalaniana‘ole Hwy, D103, Honolulu, HI 96825 (Map) / Opens Sun-Th 10am-11pm, Fri-Sat 10am-12am
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.
Sandy Beach is known for its unmercifully pounding shore break and powerful rip currents. But at the same time, it's also one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Its crystal waters and glistening shoreline look almost untouched in the early morning and evening hours. By mid-day, the beach is booming with babes in bikinis.
Gorgeous view of Sandy's at sunset. Koko Head in the background.
Experienced surfers, bodysurfers and bodyboarders find some of the best surf here. They kick around in the shore break or crowd the line up at The Point, which breaks over a reefy patch. Sections of the reef are so shallow, that regulars jokingly refer to it as "sashimi rock," relating to the way Japanese prepare raw fish. You'll see bodyboarders and bodysurfers pull into hollow barrels, and because most waves are close-outs, it's likely they won't make it out. Instead, they get slammed into the sand. The shore break often extends its reach to shore, sweeping beach-goers off their feet and into the impact zone, unwillingly.
Not to say that visitors shouldn't go to Sandy's, but rather, they should take precaution as to not be fooled by its beauty. On calm days, check with lifeguards if the conditions are safe enough for swimming; otherwise, they will point you in the direction of family-friendly beaches 10 minutes away.
Moss-covered gems unearth themselves at low tide. Look for the kiddie tide pools in this area.
If you choose to spend the day at Sandy's when the water's rough, then consider picnicking at the grassy beach park across from the beach. There are a few shaded tables and a breezy field, where you'll most likely see people flying huge, elaborate kites. At low tide, children love to play in the shallow tide pools on the lefthand side of the beach, which is far from the slamming shore break. It's also the best time to look for beach glass and shells. Or, just enjoy the sun and free entertainment of bodyboarders and bodysurfers showing off their skills.
As you wander the beach, it's likely you'll meet up with one of Sandy's many guardians – the Hawaiian monk seal. They're known to bask in the sun for several days at a time here, which is why volunteers post signs and fences to protect the endangered animals. Spectators are welcomed to take pictures, but please do so quietly and be careful not to overstep the boundaries, or you'll wake it from its peaceful slumber.
Photo Credit: Kelci Renshaw
SANDY'S BEACH PARK / 8808 Kalaniana‘ole Hwy., Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96806 (Map) / Lifeguard, restrooms, showers, phones, picnic areas / Free 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.
Is media mogul Oprah Winfrey really planning on making Hawai‘i her home? That's what several websites have been saying. Oprah joked about starting an organic farm on Maui if her Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) doesn't do well.
Oprah gets a similarly stunning view of upcountry Maui and even a few roaming horse of her own.
She already owns hundreds of acres of land on the Valley Isle in Kula and Hana. In fact, the 1,000-acre Upcountry Kula property boasts a small, exclusive 12-room bed and breakfast in what used to be a tiny gray ranch. She transformed it into a multi-million-dollar farmhouse and used the rolling hills and galloping horses as inspiration for the interior design. Not to mention the custom-made furniture pieces Oprah and her personal designer incorporated into the home's feng shui; like, say, curtains embroidered in India…that were made specifically for the living room! I'll have to admit I'm a little jealous, just a little.
And as if that's not extravagant enough, the former actor who became famous for her Oprah Winfrey Show had a four-mile road constructed to go directly to her Kula home. Some of the locals aren't too thrilled about it, especially since they've been waiting for a road like this for years to help alleviate traffic in Central Maui and now can't even use it. Turns out, it's a private roadway that will not be open to the public.
I'm guessing that if you had a $2.7 billion value to your name, like Forbes says Oprah has, then you can do whatever you please. I wouldn't be surprised if she named a couple of buildings on Maui after herself or maybe even a theme park. Can you tell I'm a bit jealous? Heck, she can go from being one of the most famous talk show hosts in history to an organic farmer on Maui if she wants. Well, maybe she won't be doing the farming, but she sure will be simplifying her life tenfold by just living the laid-back lifestyle of Maui. We'll see what her next big career move will be; for now, we can only keep watch on her house on the hill.
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.
Kick up some dirt when you're in the islands by taking a mountain bike ride through Ka‘a‘awa Valley. It's one of many biking tours offered in Hawai‘i; this one explores a single valley on the windward side of O‘ahu. I haven't done it personally, but some of my visiting friends have and had nothing but great things to say about it. In fact, they said it's one of the best ways to experience the beauty of an island.
Take in all that the windward side has to offer.
The six-hour tour covers about six to 10 miles of tropical riding with easy-to-ride dirt roads and optional single-track and double-track trails for the more advanced. They welcome beginners but do warn that some mountain biking experience is required. My friends said they were able to walk up their bikes on the inclined sections of the trail, while the others waited ahead and took a water break.
There's a lot hidden within the 1,000-acre valley. Freshwater streams meander throughout the lush green lands while vast cliffs stretch upward to touch the clouds. One of the most exciting parts of the ride, according to my friends, included a narrated tour of various movie sites along the way. Godzilla and Jurassic Park dinosaurs once roamed the valley; today, only a faint roar can be heard when the trade winds are strong enough.
The tour also stops at a kauhale (small village) to learn about ancient Hawaiian lifestyle, where you get to sit in a replica of a grass hale. After splashing around in the stream, the biking tour continues to an old WWII military bunker that has been converted into a movie museum and plays footage shot in the valley during that time.
The tour does an excellent job in catering to tourists by providing free roundtrip transportation from their hotels in Waikīkī or Kahala.A deli-style lunch is provided, as well as cold drinks and trail mix. And while the price may look more intimidating than the mountainous trails, I've been reassured that it's well worth the extra bucks. My friends said they would have never had the chance to see these places if it weren't for the tour and highly recommend it to those looking to get active in the islands.
KA‘A‘AWA BIKING TOUR / 6-10 mile ride; 6 hours total with 2-3 hours of riding / Hotel pickup or meet at Kualoa Ranch Visitors Center 49-560 Kamehameha Hwy., Ka‘a‘awa, HI 96730 (Map) / www.allhawaiitours.com / $124.99 adults; $79.99 children (13 and under)
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.
If you're considering practicing your golf swing when you visit Hawai‘i, then you've come to the right place. Tiger Woods or not, there are courses to satisfy a wide range of swing and skill level, and at Bay View Golf Park in Kāne‘ohe, golfers can practice everything from a mini golf putt to a hard-hitting whoosher for that ever-hopeful hole-in-one. They even have a zipline that goes from one end of the park to the other.
One, two, three! Swing that ball to the tree!
Growing up nearby, I've played both mini putt courses numerous times, and just recently, spent a gloomy Saturday night hitting balls at the driving range. Pretty fun! Of course, there's an 18-hole course, which avid golfers, like my dad, say is good for working on your short game. I can't say I've golfed on an actual course before, other than a Wii golf course, so tips or feedback from readers on this particular course or others in the islands would be greatly appreciated.
VIDEO: Fore! Mastering golf swings at Bay View Golf Course.
The mini golf courses include the Pāli and Likelike, both named after two O‘ahu highways and tunnels between the windward and town sides. I personally enjoy the Pāli course because it's a bit more scenic in that golfers go through a waterfall cave, then into a raised gazebo-type structure, where the hole sits at the same level of about 10 feet. As kids, we loved racing the golfball down the winding slope to the hole at the very bottom. The Likelike course is a bit more challenging but not as "eventful" in that most of it is flat and lacks cool landscape features. Depending on how many golfers you have in the game, it usually takes at least an hour to finish.
Now to the driving range. Unlike most, this one is two stories tall. If you're using a driver (which hits the ball up and out), then you must hit from the first floor. Golfers aim in the direction of a neighborhood and an elementary school, and although blocked by a 60-foot net, accidents do happen. The employee told us that someone hit a ball into a kitchen window before, so that's why they prohibit golfers from using drivers on the second floor. Somehow, my brother sent the ball flying up and into the roof, which came bouncing down next to us! Needless-to-say, that kept us on our toes the whole night, shifting our weight from left to right as we lined up the club with the resting ball and aimed right toward the midway target.
Never a dull moment at the driving range.
Sometimes it's nice to get away from the hectic city life in Waikīkī and Honolulu. Explore Kailua and Kāne‘ohe on the windward side of O‘ahu for a much more laid-back vibe, and because of this atmosphere, don't expect to find crowds at the golf course. We went on a weekend night and luckily, didn't have to wait in lines. We got there, bought a couple of baskets of golf balls and went on our merry way.
BAY VIEW GOLF PARK / 45-285 Kāne‘ohe Bay Dr., Kāne‘ohe, HI 96744 (Map) / Mini-Putt Opens: Mon-Fri 3pm-10pm; Weekends, holidays 9am-10pm / Zipline Opens: Sun/Wed/Thurs 10am-6pm, Fri/Sat 10am-9pm / 808-247-6464 / www.bayviewminiputt.com
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.
Over the years, the traffic jams near Laniakea Beach on O‘ahu's North Shore have become just as persistent as the green sea turtles finding refuge in its sandy cove. The stretch of Kamehameha Highway the only way in and out of the North Shore and gets infamously backed up from people crossing to see the turtles and those driving past to check the surf.
The beginning of the backlog on Kamehameha Highway, about 2 miles from Laniakea Beach.
This winter, we've been surfing North Shore almost every weekend, experiencing this bumper-to-bumper traffic first-hand. It wasn't uncommon for the line of cars headed toward Laniakea from Hale‘iwa to extend a few miles back, past the town's famous welcome sign. We'd chug along for nearly 20 minutes, joking that it would be faster for us to get out and walk and watching commuters on bikes whiz right past. Unfortunately, cars going the opposite direction get no reprieve and become tangled in the same traffic mess as well.
It is becoming more apparent that as the popularity of Laniakea increases, as a surf spot and a turtle vista, so will the traffic logjam. Longtime residents agree that this is the worst it has ever been, and every time we drive this way, I shout (sometimes out the car window), "THEY NEED A TRAFFIC LIGHT!!!"
Apparently, someone heard me. I came across a recent news story mentioning an advisory group that will consider options to alleviate the traffic at Laniakea. A traffic alternative study will also be conducted to review the possibility of having a bypass, overpass, underpass, crosswalks and traffic lights.
Hawaiian green sea turtles are the main attraction at Laniakea Beach, bringing in hoards of people everyday.
Because these solutions won't take affect until several years from now, we can only look to short-term solutions in the meantime. Visitors anxious to check out the turtles at Laniakea should be extra careful when crossing the street and do so in groups, rather than individually. Drivers should also be on guard for pedestrians in this area. If they're more eager to see the waves than the turtles, then it's best to pull over.
LANIAKEA BEACH / 61-676 Kamehameha Hwy., Hale‘iwa, HI 96712 (Map)
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.
Fried rice has become a staple in Hawai‘i cuisine, as evident in almost every local household and by menus across a savory spectrum of edible eats. But no matter where you go, no fried rice tastes the same. That's because there are dozens of variations, each with an ethnic twist, so it's often a never-ending journey to find a favorite.
Some, like Sanoya's, spice up fried rice with kim chee and garnish it with furikake.
Before I get into the different kinds you'll likely come across in Hawai‘i, I should probably first describe the basic formula of this popular Asian dish. Using a wok, fried rice is made with finely chopped vegetables, meats, egg and, of course, rice. The choice of meat and sauce are what really define the fried rice and give it its personality.
Japanese-style fried rice uses a teriyaki sauce, while the Korean kind adds a kick with kim chee.Hawaiian fried rice, on the other hand, includes a realm of local flavors – from laulau to Portuguese sausage to spam. As for the egg, some chop it up while others scramble it before laying it over the rice. You'll soon discover that there is no right way to whipping up this rice dish. Some might joke that it's simply rice mixed with whatever leftover ingredients are laying around. A zero-waste Hawai‘i!
To me, the best fried rice never skimps on ingredients. You should be able to shovel through a fully-loaded plate of goodies rather than prod it in search of something that looks like meat or eggs. My taste buds usually yearn for the sweeter version of fried rice, particularly the one from Times Coffee Shop in Kailua (!!). But sometimes I crave something spicier. Sanoya Ramen, 10 minutes from Waikīkī, has the best kim chee fried rice I've tasted. They're not only generous with their portion size but with the goodies inside as well.
Here's my top pick of places to begin your quest for the best fried rice in Hawai‘i:
TIMES COFFEE SHOP /153 Hamakua Dr., #A, Kailua, HI 96734 (Map) / 808-262-0300 / Sweet teriyaki or salty fried rice options (with spam and char siu)
SANOYA RAMEN / 1785 S. King St., #4, Honolulu, HI 96826 (Map) / 808-947-6065 / Kim chee fried rice (with spam, char siu and fish cake)
SIDE STREET INN / 614 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815 (Map) / 808-739-3939 / Chinese-style fried rice (with vegetables and char siu)
BIG CITY DINER/ 1060 Auahi St., #4, Honolulu, HI 96814 (Map) / 808-591-8891 / Kim chee fried rice (with vegetables and spam)
KAKA‘AKO KITCHEN / 1200 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96814 (Map) / 808-596-7488 / Chinese-style fried rice (with Chinese vegetables and char siu)
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.