Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce has been writing and producing the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast and the Hawaii Vacation Blog which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. His postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible. The tone is anecdotal, breezy, and devoid of any commercialism.
Add comment May 21st, 2012
When you come to Hawaii, it’s good to step out of your comfort zone and try new things
We asked our Facebook followers to give us some insight about how they’ve stepped out of their comfort zone while vacationing in Hawaii, and we received some great feedback. While some folks have faced their fears with zip lining and parasailing, others have branched out and tried local foods like poi and loco mocos. Some still have aspirations and dreams of how they plan to go beyond their limits with water sports, dolphin swims, or surfing. A trip to Hawaii can be as adventurous or as relaxing as you’d like, but today let’s focus on the thrill-seeking aspect of travel.
Thrills don’t always necessarily mean a physical adventure. Stepping out of your comfort zone can mean anything from trying a different type of food or clothing style, to branching beyond normal music preferences. And what better time to try these new things than when you’re on vacation? Especially when vacationing in a place like Hawaii, where customs and traditions remain rich and alive in the everyday culture. Plus Hawaii’s natural landscapes allow a multitude of adventures for the everyday vacationer, from small exploits like hiking to bigger (scary) journeys like shark cage diving. You’re in a playground while visiting Hawaii, so take advantage of it and return home with at the very least, a killer story.
A few of our Facebook commentators mentioned they tried poi. This is a traditional food that Polynesians, Hawaiians, and many other locals still eat today, but is an ancient staple that was considered a sacred part of daily Hawaiian life. Made from taro that has been mashed and pounded into a viscous liquid, many visitors get the chance to try poi at luaus, but you can find it at most grocery stores island-wide. I think you either love or hate poi, and personally, I could do without. But at least I’ve tried it! And it’s a good feeling knowing I’ve branched out and tried a type of food that is completely outside of my norm.
Water activities are a huge hurdle for many visitors to Hawaii. A few weeks back we talked about how limiting (or not) Hawaii is if you don’t know how to swim. But this week we’re saying, get out there and create some experiences, water related or not! Hawaii is an ideal place for ocean sports such as surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, SUPing, and more. It is a much more agreeable place to jump in the water than any other location in the Continental US, because the water is warm and refreshing and the sun dries you off in minutes. Plus the colors are so tempting it would drive you mad if you didn’t at least wade in the tropical shallows. It is a great place to test your limitations and see how brave you really are. There is something about Hawaii that brings out the adventure seeker in many people, even if it is just tasting a different food or attempting a different sport. I know I can say this is true for myself while living here in Hawaii.
When you step outside of your comfort zone, most times you receive the reward of personal achievement and powerful accomplishment. This feeling is truly something we should experience every… month… or so. Branching out and trying something different gives us fulfillment beyond what we experience on a day-to-day level. And fulfillment is something everyone seeks; it’s what we question about our lives or struggle with every day. Humans constantly strive for fulfillment in their lives. So this being said, why not branch out and try something new or different? Even if it is something like tasting sashimi for the first time, swimming into the deeper parts of the ocean, or renting a mo-ped instead of a car, these are the fun experiences that ultimately build our character and give us satisfaction. These feelings also ultimately become deliciously addictive, so explore away and find yourself in an experience you never thought probable. Don’t lose your nerve, because my guess is, your new experience will always be worth it.
Hawaii Vacation News
Alaska Airlines Adds Seasonal Flights to Kauai from Portland, OR
To jump-start this holiday season, Alaska Airlines is adding four additional flights to Kauai from Portland, Oregon starting November 5th. This addition to their flights is a precursor to the higher demands for trips to Hawaii, generating $12.7 million in visitor spending and $1.4 million in tax revenue in the state of Hawaii, a calculation made by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Alaska Airlines will now be operating 26 flights to Hawaii from Portland, including non-stop flights to Honolulu, Maui, and Kona.
President and CEO of the Hawaiian Tourism Authority (HTA) Mike McCartney states that the seasonal increase of direct flights to Kauai is great news for the tourism economy. With this new boost in visitor spending and tax revenue, Hawaii will be off to a good start for the holiday rush of vacationers. "The four weekly flights is an indication of the continued demand for travel to the Hawaiian Islands and will help to distribute the benefits of tourism across our state,” continues McCartney.
Alaska Airlines flights from Portland to Kauai during the month of December are currently ranging anywhere from $497 per person one-way to $669 per person one-way and beyond. So despite the increase of flight options, prices are not dropping any lower than roughly $900 per person roundtrip for a Christmas vacation in the Hawaiian tropics. Even on sites like Priceline and Travelocity, flights are steadily increasing by the day. So if you’re looking into planning your winter trip to the islands, we highly recommend looking into Hawaii Aloha Travel for great rates and low prices on both airfare and hotel accommodations.
Quiet Garden Isle Gets Busier with Increased Tourism
Although Kauai used to be one of the world’s best-kept secrets for vacationing and travel, the cat is outta the bag now, which is great news for tourists. With over one million visitors in 2011, tourism on Kauai increased by 6.3% with visitor spending jumping 18.3% to $1.3 billion. Although this may be due to the island’s desirable landscapes, quiet towns, and relaxing lifestyle, a bigger contributing factor may be its increase in hotel and resort occupancy.
With renovations to the Sheraton Kauai and the Grand Hyatt Kauai in Poipu, St. Regis Princeville’s opening on the north shore, and new resorts such as Koa Kea and Koloa Landing Wyndham Grand Resort popping up, Kauai has greater hotel accommodations than ever before. It’s no wonder why Kauai edged both Oahu and Maui on visitor spending and arrivals growth in 2011. "We’ve turned a corner, and I really do think things are moving in the right direction," said Sue Kanoho, executive director for the Kauai Visitors Bureau.
The economic recession that arguably began in 2007 forced Hawaii tourism and ultimately the state’s budget to take a major hit. 2011 has been the first big swing of upward motion for state recovery, with Kauai coming back faster than the other islands due to its newer inventory. Joseph Toy, Hospitality Advisors’ president and CEO believes the new renovations and hotel developments are the factors. Which means, 2012 will be Kauai’s debut for the best business to date!
The Kauai Visitors Bureau also gives credit to Hollywood as a contributor to more tourism. Feature films like Pirates of the Caribbean, The Descendants, and Soul Surfer, as well as older flicks like Jurassic Park, South Pacific, and Tropic Thunder have continuously brought visitors to the soil of Kauai. Sue Kanoho, mentioned above, states that 20% of those surveyed under age of 50 said movies influenced their decision to visit Kauai in 2011.
Record Visitor Arrivals and Spending in 2012
The state of Hawaii has broken its record visitor arrivals and spending estimates, from $12.62 billion in 2007 and an arrivals high of $7.52 million in 2006. After The Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) revised the 2012 statistics on May 9th, it has been released that Hawaii expects 7.7 million visitor arrivals and $13.9 billion expenditures.
These numbers were first forecasted in January 2012, but after the May revision, statistics have increased by 6.5% (for visitor arrivals) and 9% (for spending). "We are happy that the momentum for our tourism economy remains strong. At this point, we are happy with the pace and we are exceeding our targets," said Mike McCartney, HTA president and CEO. The good news too, is that this tourism is spread amongst all Hawaii’s islands, not just Oahu, which has been typical in the previous years. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, travelers spent $12.58 billion within Hawaii in 2011, an increase of 15.6% year over year, not to mention the second-largest amount in Hawaii’s history.
Some other interesting increases:
- The number of visitors traveling to Hawaii for meetings, conventions and other incentives jumped 25% from January 2011, while average daily spending per person rose nearly $10, now up to $192 a day.
- Arrivals from the U.S. West were up 3.3%
- Arrivals from the U.S. East climbed 4.1%.
- Travelers from Japan increased 3.9%
- Canadian visitors rose by 9%.
- Cruise arrivals surge 22.7% in January 2012 to 13,764 visitors.
Weekly Activities for 5/17/2012
MAMo Maoli Arts Month- Native Hawaiian artists and cultural practitioners come together during the month of May for their 7th annual celebration of the Native Hawaiian arts community. Upcoming events include the 7th Annual Native Hawaiian Arts Market this Saturday and Sunday at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, from 9:00am till 5:00pm and the MAMo Eats the Streets on Friday, May 25th from 4:00pm till 9:00pm at 555 South Street in Honolulu. Come check out the Hawaiian culture through their vibrant art community and join in on some local fun.
Lantern Floating Hawaii- Come celebrate Memorial Day Hawaii style at Magic Island in Waikiki by setting a candle-lit lantern afloat in the tropical waters. This ceremony has had locals and visitors alike coming year after year to commemorate our American soldiers who have died during war. This year they’re expecting 40,000 to gather around the island, with the program beginning at 6:00pm and lasting 90 minutes. Musical performances, speeches, and chants will provide entertainment, while the Hawaii Convention Center will offer free shuttle services and free parking to all attendees. And in case you’re wondering, all lanterns are collected at the end of the ceremony and saved again for the next year.
Honolulu Farmers Market- If you’re looking for a late afternoon activity (and you’re sick of hearing the word “happy hour”) than check out the Honolulu Farmers Market at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center on Ward Avenue and Kapiolani Blvd. They are open every Wednesday from 4:00pm till 7:00pm and offer shoppers and visitors an array of fresh fruits, vegetables, floral bouquets, crafts, handmade goodies, and more.
Waikiki Artfest- Saturday and Sunday, May 19th and 20th, the Handcrafters and Artisan Alliance is sponsoring the Waikiki Artfest. Come browse through fine arts and crafts booths, taste great local foods, and watch live entertainment at the Kapiolani Park. Admission is free, so make sure to check this event out and support the local artists of Oahu.
Big Island Film Festival- This weekend, come stop by The Shops at Mauna Lani or The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii on the Big Island to watch movies screened in the warm outdoors. Beginning on Thursday, May 24th and lasting until Monday, May 28th, filmmakers, family, and friends gather together to watch some of the most artistic independent films of the year. The festival also has Ohana (family) films, which are free to the public. For more information, or a complete program with dates and times, visit their website at bigislandfilmfestival.com
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce has been writing and producing the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast and the Hawaii Vacation Blog which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. His postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible. The tone is anecdotal, breezy, and devoid of any commercialism.
Add comment May 17th, 2012
We posed the question on our Facebook page, “For the gals Bikini or One piece?? For guys Speedo or Board shorts?” and received some interesting, if not enlightening responses.
Many of the women responded with comments about wearing one-pieces and board shorts due to body image issues. I have a few things to say about this. First, one-pieces have made a major comeback in the fashion industry, and are currently not (anywhere near) what they used to be. One-pieces today don’t have to be that regular old Hawaiian flower print from a decade back, they can actually be sexy, strappy, and printed with unique fabrics. If women are having issues about their body in a bikini, no worries, because one-pieces, now more commonly referred to as monokinis, as just as hot! Plus, in many cases, a one-piece bathing suit is more practical for water sports such as surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, and anything else that requires some physical activity. But don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of wahines out there rocking the teeny bikini while shredding waves so don’t be fooled. But wearing what you’re comfortable with is what it comes down to.
Second, body issues are something everyone deals with. Seriously. Even the most fit looking man or woman may have qualms with the shape of their hips, size of their booty, or lack of tone in their arms. Whatever issue you have, rest assured that the person sitting next to you has something of equal embarrassment. And here’s a tip on feeling good during your vacation: often times, people’s insecurities only crop up around people they know, such as family members or friends. When you’re on vacation, you can walk down the street, shop at the local grocery store, or lay out on the beach without worrying you might bump into someone you know. You become anonymous (except to those you are traveling with, unless you decide to forget them too!) when on vacation, so you might as well leave your worries at your doorstep on the mainland. And when you get to your Hawaiian destination, you will also be comforted by the fact that many women (and men) wear swimsuits that you think are inappropriate for their body type, which usually makes you feel better about your own situation. But just as soon as this judgment passes, so too will your insecurities. Let loose, you’re in Hawaii!
Things to do in Hawaii for the Week of May 10th
An Evening of Hula and Music on Big Island- Next week, on Wednesday May 16th, you can enjoy a special Hawaiian cultural presentation from local performers. These dancers and musicians wish to share their love for art and tradition with their talents, so come share in the aloha at this free event. Located at the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. Event begins at 7:00pm and lasts until 8:00pm. Admission is free.
Live Music at Sunset, Hard Rock Café in Waikiki – This Friday, May 11th, and every Friday after, come enjoy live acoustic rock sessions at the popular spot for mingling, social drinking, and kicking off the weekend with some fun, at the Hard Rock Café. Music begins at 5:00pm and goes until 7:00pm, with happy hour specials like $4 beers, $5 well drinks, and $6 glasses of wine. Free cover. This is a great place to start your Friday evening, along Beach Walk Avenue in Waikiki.
Art at the Zoo Fence in Waikiki – Head down to the grassy area just outside the Waikiki Zoo fence lines and check out some of Hawaii’s most talented artists. An array of styles and mediums, these artists give personal introductions to their works, as well as a chance for guests to purchase their pieces. It’s a great activity to walk up on if you’re in the Waikiki area, so come visit the artists and get your fill of fine art. The exhibit is every Saturday and Sunday during the month of May, starting at 9:00am and lasting until 4:00pm. The walk through is free. Located at Kalakaua Ave. & Monsaratt Avenue in Waikiki.
Seabury Hall Craft Fair in Maui’s Upcountry – Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend at the Seabury Hall Craft Fair in Maui. Always on the Saturday before Mother’s Day, this craft fair showcases over 100 local artisans, with entertainment ranging from live music to great food to a silent auction. Come celebrate spring and mothers worldwide at this friendly festival. Event begins at 9:00am and lasts until 5:00pm at the Seabury Hall, located at 480 Olinda Road in Makawao, Maui.
Hawaii Vacation News
High Ranks for Hawaii From TripAdvisor
A few weeks ago we had a discussion on TripAdvisor and its reliability. Despite what some may say about the customer based review company, TripAdvisor is undeniably one of the top leading travel guides and research websites in the country. And they just released their Travelers Choice Poll for 2012.
Out of the top 25 U.S. travel destinations, Honolulu came in at 5th place, and made 20th for top world destinations. Two more of Hawaii’s own finished within the top 25 U.S. travel destination rankings as well, with Lahaina, Maui coming in at 21st place and Kailua-Kona on the Big Island coming in at 25th place. Award winners were decided based on millions of traveler reviews from TripAdvisor, with destination popularity based on TripAdvisor user’s favorites and highest rated locations around the United States and the world.
So if you’ve been debating about whether to plan your next tropical vacation to Mexico or Hawaii, make your decision based on popularity, because we all know the reviews don’t lie! But interestingly enough, the number 1voted top U.S. city to travel to was New York, so apparently travelers prefer a smoggy city over the relaxing tropics… just kidding. New York is amazing. But regardless, Hawaii is one of the best places to plan your next (relaxing) vacation to, so come visit us in the tropics!
Hawaiian Airlines Increase Inter-Island Flights
Good news for those looking to island hop this summer. Round trip inter-island flights from Maui are increasing by 25%, with daily non-stop flights between Maui and Los Angeles to resume this summer as well. Hawaiian Airlines have increased by three new gates at the Kahului Airport in Maui, and, earlier this year, added three new Boeing 717-200 aircraft carriers to it’s fleet. If you’re looking to take holiday this summer in Maui, roundtrip flights from California to the island will be seeing the biggest increase. Flights from Oakland will commence daily, and flights from San Jose will be offered five days a week. Early flights out will allow for earlier flights in, meaning that inter-island hops from Maui are made easier for passengers. Maui may just be your new main hub for flying to Hawaii, so check out our prices on deals to Lahaina!
Quick News Tip:
Hawaiian Airlines has a new baggage policy for inter-island hops. You may be charged an additional check through baggage fee if you’ve booked flights on two separate tickets. (Meaning a ticket purchased for the flight from the mainland to Oahu and a separate ticket purchased for the flight from Oahu to your final Hawaii destination). Hawaiian Airlines released this comment, “…we can no longer afford to accommodate through-checked baggage as a courtesy to our guests unless the travel is on a single ticket.” This new change will take effect on June 1, 2012. Bummer.
Disney Cruise Line Now Offers Hawaii Port of Call
Cruise to Hawaii- Disney style! With Disney Cruise Line’s newest port of call in Hawaii, you can now take a 14-day adventure around the archipelago to the islands of Big Island, Maui, Kauai, and Oahu. May 7th, 2012 marked the first docking of the Disney Wonder in the Honolulu port, which left from Los Angeles fourteen days prior.
For those who think the Disney cruise is only for kids and young families, rest assured that actually 20% of the cruise line’s guests don’t even bring their kids! But if you are planning it as a family-time vacation, Disney does a great job keeping the little ones entertained and thoroughly pleased. So adults get just as much relaxation and fun as the kids do. At every port of call, travelers get to explore the individual islands for a full day, making the cruise a desirable way to see the breadth of Hawaii.
You can look into future Disney cruises on their website, http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/, but unfortunately, there is currently only one more cruise date booked to Hawaii for 2012, which is in October. The initial one began as a trial to test the popularity of the cruise, but with it seemingly being a success, you can plan to see a broader array of cruise options to Hawaii soon
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce has been writing and producing the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast and the Hawaii Vacation Blog which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. His postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible. The tone is anecdotal, breezy, and devoid of any commercialism.
Add comment May 10th, 2012
If You Didn’t Know How To Swim, Would That Stop You From Coming To Hawaii?
Okay, so this is definitely a validated question. After all, Hawaii’s islands are surrounded entirely by water. But to decide not to travel to Hawaii because you can’t swim is assuming Hawaii is only for water enthusiasts. Coming from the islands we can say that there is more (much, much more) to do in Hawaii than just swim in the warm waters. It is true, however, that many vacationers choose Hawaii for this exact reason; to float in the ocean in nothing but a bikini, get some surf action in, or snorkel, but for them to say this is all they did on their entire 7-night stay would be an exaggeration. Plus, the water logged wrinkly skin would just get too ugly, not to mention swimming at night is a bit scary too.
But seriously, Hawaii offers its visitors and residents a plethora of land activities. Hiking, sightseeing, driving tours, museums and parks, shopping, zoos and aquariums, botanical gardens and waterfalls, volcanoes, beaches (just the sand part), the new zip line activity, biking, strolling, seriously the list could be endless. Hawaii is so much more than just it’s ocean activity parts, so have no fear visiting Hawaii, even if you can’t swim.
Two experiences I want to share that relate to this:
A friend visited from the mainland and made it known that he couldn’t swim, nor wanted to attempt to learn. Most comfortable swimmers’ response is, “Come on! It’s easy! I can teach you!” While for this person it seems ridiculously easy to teach someone to swim, the non-swimmer is truly frightened and most likely anxious about their near future experience in the water. Not knowing how to swim is a scary thing, which is why most people learn at a young age.
Anyways, I didn’t let his “don’t know how to swim” thing get in the way of taking him to some of Oahu’s most breathtaking beaches, because honestly, whether or not you can swim, you still can appreciate a beautiful beach when you see it. I took him to Lani Kai on the east side of Oahu, which is, for those who don’t know, a white sand beach with very temperate, enticing turquoise waters. And wouldn’t you know it, he decided to wade in the waters!
It made it easier for him to conquer his ocean fears by #1, me not pushing him to swim or making it seem like a big deal that he couldn’t, and #2, taking him to a place that was calm and tranquil enough for him to debate swimming. And when he allowed his bravery to override his fear, he found out he could comfortably wade in the shallows with his feet safely on the sandy bottom the whole time. So for those who don’t know how to swim, there is always a calm ocean pond or beach for you to test your skills and gain confidence in.
My second relevant story is when I was on a tour boat for shark diving. It was a small, intimate tour and I assumed everyone who was on the boat would be getting into the water to swim with sharks. Plus, it’s a somewhat pricey tour, so you would think anyone willing to pay the price would want to go for the whole experience. As we were all gearing up to jump in the shark cage and deciding who was going first, the captain looked at one woman and said, “Which group would you like to be in?” And she responded, quite emphatically, “Oh no, I’m not getting in!”
I thought to myself, now that’s strange. She pays for the tour but doesn’t actually do the tour. But then my second thought was, well who says the shark cage tour is all about seeing the sharks? Okay, majority of people would say it is, but if you think about it, it’s kind of like that old saying, “the journey is the reward”. The final destination or “reward” doesn’t exist without the journey, so who is to say what is more important to one person or the next? For this woman, the experience of watching her family members enjoy the tour was well worth the money, which is totally fine. And for those who struggle about visiting Hawaii if they can’t swim, you have to think about the rest of the adventure, not just this small part of it.
When the question, “If you didn’t know how to swim, would that stop you from going to Hawaii” was asked on our Facebook page, many people responded with blatant comments such as “learn before you go!” or “just float in the water” or “strap on some water wings” but the truth is, if you can’t swim and you go in the ocean, you’re putting yourself in grave danger. But like many others commented more sincerely, there is so much more to do in Hawaii than merely swim! So don’t let this small part of life stop you from enjoying a tropical vacation, because the experience of the journey is much greater than the final destination or “reward” anyways!
Mele Mei Month Long Celebration of Activities
Come join in Hawaiian music and hula events with the month-long Mele Mei celebration featured in and throughout Waikiki, Oahu. Events take place at various hotels, venues, and beaches and if you’re traveling to the island during this month, than this is something you will definitely not want to miss. Mele Mei kicked off last weekend with a variety of local music and cultural activities and events and will continue to be celebrated throughout the month of May.
This past weekend, Hawaiian Grammy winner Na Hoku Hanohano performed at an outdoor concert hosted by the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Local performers sang and danced the evening away, with all proceeds benefiting Charity Walk Hawaii, and with a successful turn out of tourists and locals alike.
Ukulele performer and prodigy, Jake Shimabukuro lead the “Go For The Record: Hana Hou!” event that aimed to break the record for “World’s Largest Ukulele Ensemble”. The amount of ukulele players needed to claim this title was 1,547 members, but Jake’s group came up just shy of this. However, the event was a spectacle and a treat for those involved.
May 1st was Hawaii’s famous “May Day”, which is the celebration of spring, Hawaiian style. Mele Mei celebrated this holiday with “Lei Of Stars: Outdoor Concert” at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel that lasted from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. With performances by Olomana, Eddie Kamae, Alan Akaka & The Islanders, Ron Loo, and Kumu Hula Michael Pili Pang, the event included a sit down dinner and live entertainment. The Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame is located within the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Honolulu, and was founded in 1994 as a non-profit educational corporation.
Coming up on Friday, May 4th, there will be a free event from 6:30pm-8:30pm at “Luxury Row”, located at 2100 Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki. This event features the executive director of Legends of Steel Guitar, Ku?uipo Kumukahi. On the website, Ku’uipo writes, “The Legends of Steel is a living tribute to the founders and innovators of steel guitar, as stewards of Hawaiian Music highlighted by the mastery of these amazing innovators we are humbled to share their stories and honor their contributions to the proud tradition of Hawaiian Music”.
Saturday, May 5th not only celebrates Cinco de Mayo, but also the Lifetime Achievement Banquet Luncheon at the Ala Moana Hotel in Waikiki. Doors open at 10:00am and is followed with a no-host cocktail reception, lunch, and the awards program. General admission tickets begin at $100 and are available at http://www.nahokumusicfestival.com/eventinfo.htm.
The Legends of Steel luncheon will happen on Sunday, May 6th at the Pacific Beach Hotel in Waikiki from 10:00am until 2:00pm. This event honors the Hawaiian music styles and influence of the steel guitar, with over a dozen performers as live entertainment. Tickets are $70 and can be purchased by calling (808) 388-0559 or by emailing maikiaiufoundation@gmail.com. Make sure to bring your instrument, because an impromptu jam session is to follow the concert.
The Hawaii Book and Music Festival will happen this weekend as well, on both Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am to 5:00pm at the Civic Grounds at Honolulu Hale in Historic Downtown Honolulu. Admission and parking is free, so be sure to check out this celebration of story and song!
For more events and information about the Mele Mei month long celebrations, visit the Mele Mei homepage at http://www.melemei.com/about.html.
Firework Fridays, All Year Round in Waikiki
The Hilton Hawaiian Village celebrates the simple reason of being in Hawaii with a firework show presented year round for anyone and everyone. Every Friday night beginning at 7:45pm, the Hilton puts on a display of beautiful fireworks that streak through the night sky, lasting for approximately 10 minutes. The show is at Waikiki Beach, but can be seen throughout the surrounding areas as well.
Many folks recommend watching them from the concrete pier in front of the Outrigger hotel on the beach. Here you will have an ideal view of the show with your back to the hotels and high rises along Waikiki beach. Others have suggested watching the fireworks from Magic Island, because its wide, open expansiveness and park-like setting make it an ideal place for viewing.
Wherever you choose to watch the display from, we recommend a blanket and maybe a picnic basket. Or, for a romantic evening, pack some desserts and a bottle of wine and snuggle up on the warm sands of Waikiki. What better way to celebrate the joy of being in the tropics than watching sparks fly between you.
Waikiki Aquarium Summer Schedule
For the next six weeks, the Waikiki Aquarium will celebrate summer with an array of events for visitors, families, and locals alike. If you love the ocean and its inhabitants, and always wanted to help at an aquarium, Saturday, May 5th is your chance to get involved. Volunteer Training is from 9:00am-12:00pm, and covers training on the natural history of Hawaii, the outdoor reef exhibit, the marine environment and more. Registration is required, so if you’re interested, you can reserve your spot at http://www.waquarium.org/edge-of-the-reef-eor-interpret.html.
Monday, May 14th come feed wild animals at the Edge of the Reef exhibit. From 4:30pm to 6:30pm, you will discover how ocean animals capture food and have adapted to the habitat they live in. Have you ever seen an octopus open a jar to get food? See this interesting event at the Waikiki Aquarium, and learn how the Aquarium feeds the rest of its underwater members. You also get to watch the exclusive after-hours feeding time! Registration is required, with tickets priced at $20 per adult and $15 per child, or with membership, $16 per adult and $12 per child.
Celebrate Summer By The Sea during the month of June at the Aquarium and spend a week of summer with snorkeling, swimming, and exploring the Pacific coast from Waikiki to Diamond Head. Members get to learn about exhibits, the animals, and feeding habits while they take behind-the-scene tours and exclusive visits around the Aquarium. Registration began on April 2nd, so hurry to reserve a spot for your child(ren) of ages 8-12.
A few more activities that will be held during the summer months at the Waikiki Aquarium include World Oceans Day on Friday, June 8th from 9:00am-11:00am, Aquarium After Dark on Tuesday, June 12th from 7:00pm-9:00pm, and Beginning Fish Watching on Wednesday, June 13th from 3:00pm to 3:45pm. Registration is required for the latter two events, so check out this site to get involved: http://www.waquarium.org/community-programs.html#register.
11th Annual Kauai Polynesian Festival May 2012
From Thursday May 24th through Sunday, May 27th, Kauai’s Vidinha Stadium in Lihue presents the 2012 Kauai Polynesian Festival. A colorful presentation of culture through dance competitions, art and crafts, food, workshops, and other entertainment and events are held for four days straight in May with times ranging from 9:00am to 10:30pm. This is an outdoor event, located at the soccer field known as Vidinha Stadium in Kauai’s largest town of Lihue on the southeast side. The Kamanawa Foundation celebrates their 11th annual festival with newly added events, activities, and live entertainment to exceed expectations from last year’s festival.
Guests can participate in art and crafts, demonstration workshops, dancing and drumming, and many other hands on cultural activities. Various live entertainment groups grace center stage throughout the weekend, varying from a Hawaiian Contemporary group of musical performers to Tahitian dance competitions to the newly added, “You Tink You Get Talent” for singers, dancers, and musicians of all ages.
The weekend pass costs $25 per person, or single day admission is $10 per person, with children under the age of 5 attending for free. Tickets are available for purchase at the door, online at http://www.kauaipolynesianfestival.org/tickets/, over the phone at (808) 335-6466, or at the following locations: Scotty’s Music – Kalaheo, Progressive Expressions – Koloa, Deli & Bread Connection – Lihue, Larry’s Music Center – Kapaa, Hula Girl Restaurant – Kapaa, Eggberts – Kapaa, Hanalei Surf Co., Western Motors – Hanapepe, Aloha Rainbow Screening – Waimea.
For a complete list of times and events, visit the website at http://www.kauaipolynesianfestival.org/kauaipolynesianfestival.html#cost.
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce has been writing and producing the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast and the Hawaii Vacation Blog which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. His postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible. The tone is anecdotal, breezy, and devoid of any commercialism.
Add comment May 3rd, 2012
Kauai’s Top Beaches
Kauai, the oldest island within Hawaii’s chain, is known for its relaxed, quiet, and relatively unpopulated beaches. Fifty miles of white sand adorn this garden isle, giving visitors a wide variety to choose from. But with so many options, and so little time, how do you pick or even prioritize which beach to spend your day at?
We recommend beginning by narrowing down the activities and your preferences for your beach day. Are you hoping to snorkel? Do you wish to bring the kids? Are you looking for calm waters, public restrooms, or generous shade? Are you renting body boards or surfboards? All these tidbits play a role in choosing the ideal beach for the day.
That being said, I have narrowed down some of Kauai’s top beaches for visitors. Whether you’re hoping to be active in the water or simply relax on a lounge chair, you are sure to find a beach in this review that suits your interests.
Polihale is Kauai’s most western beach accessible to people. It spans approximately seven miles and is known for its hot climate, white sand, and expansive views of the Pacific. Ocean conditions are unpredictable and swimming is usually not recommended here. However, there is a portion of water along the beach called Queen’s Pond that is sheltered by a circular reef pattern, enclosing a large portion of the water for safe swimming. This is a great spot for beach combing, lounging, exploring, and is one of Kauai’s largest, most stunning spans of sand.
Lawaii Road beach may be one of my favorite spots for snorkeling on the island. It is located on the south side in Poipu, next to the Beach House Restaurant. Although the beach is not ideal for lying out, the waters and reefs are ideal for viewing an array of vibrant underwater life. Here you can spot everything from sea turtles to manta rays to needle fish to the iconic humuhumunukunukuapuaa. Angelfish are also plentiful here, as well as urchin, eels, and tons of other species of colorful fish.
If you’re looking to do some surfing, body boarding, or just play in the shore break, Kealia beach on the east side and Shipwrecks on the south side are excellent destinations. Be cautious of unsafe ocean conditions however, because where good surf lies, often times, danger lurks too, many times in the form of strong currents, rocky bottoms, and powerful waves. Both beaches have large stretches of sand for sunning and walking, and both have public restrooms. Kealia has a lifeguard on duty and a generous parking lot that stretches from end to end. Although Shipwrecks has a smaller parking lot, it may be more worthwhile because of its attractions (cliff jumping, the Grand Hyatt Resort, professional surfers and body boarders, whale watching, and more).
The north shore has some of the island’s most unbelievably beautiful beaches that are secluded and set in tropical rainforests. Tunnels beach is great for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, and gets its name from the underwater tunnels that have formed in the reef, making it a poplar place for snorkelers to frequent. Ke’e Beach is great for all these reasons as well and is located at the farthest northern point accessible by car. Hanalei beach is a great place for kids because of its calm waters, picnic areas, and cement pier that is safe to jump from.
I have only mentioned seven beaches in this review, but if none seem to entice you, you have approximately 40 miles left to explore!
Haleiwa Farmers Market to Close, Switch Its Location
After being in business for three years and providing livelihood for dozens of local farmers, entrepreneurs, and customers, the state Department of Transportation has ordered the Haleiwa Farmers Market to close its current location and reposition. Open every Sunday from 9am-1pm and with over forty vendors participating, the market has been told to relocate to another part of Haleiwa due to prohibitions.
The strip of road that the market posts on is the old Kamehameha Highway, which has not been used since 1993. However, technically still considered a road by the Department Of Transportation, it fell under Section 264-101, which states, “Vending from highways is prohibited.” Because the land has been deemed for agricultural use and is state owned, it puts the state in a vulnerable position of liability. Instead of waiting for an accident to happen, Department of Transportation is taking preventative measures to ensure the state cannot be sued if anything were to happen on the property.
David Louie, the State Attorney General, states, ““The first thing we have to do is ensure people’s safety. We will not wait for an accident to happen before taking action to protect the public. We must respect the law.”
Although a petition has been in circulation for weeks, it was not enough to stop the move. The market has been permitted to run for three more Sundays, and by May 13th, will be closed at this particular Haleiwa location for good. There has been talk that it will be moved to Liliuokalani Protestant Church in Haleiwa, but nothing conclusive has been decided. There has been much controversy and resistance against the change, with the owners and operators strongly against it. However, ultimately, the state makes the decision, and this decision is final.
For those frequenting the Haleiwa Farmers Market, or simply interested, you can stay updated on current news at haleiwafarmersmarket.com through their blog or Facebook page. The owners and operators, Pamela Boyer and Annie Suite, have succeeded in making their markets green and completely local. They do not allow anything outside of Hawaii to be sold, making it a truly local marketplace. You can find fresh baked goods, hand crafted jewelry, potted plants, beauty products, clothing, cooking goodies, artwork, produce, fruits, and much more at this market, so make sure to stop by and support your local farmers.
Construction Begins for Honolulu’s Rail Line
Many votes actually approved the rail line because it was proposed in such a way that makes sense to the average Honolulu citizen. However, those who voted won’t necessarily be the ones riding the rail line as a commuting method. Another controversy raised is the skyline and how it will be affected. Although many people wonder, “Well isn’t Honolulu already ridden with high rises and multi-story apartment complexes anyways?” the parts outside of Honolulu are all relatively low lying.
Michael Martine, a blogger on bettering Hawaii writes, “It will shift residential communities into urban clusters around rail stations (transit-oriented development), creating pedestrian neighborhoods and reducing the need for cars within the community. It will impact any homes or offices at train level, in terms of noise, privacy, view, pedestrian traffic, and available street parking. It will require higher taxes to maintain (the 0.5% surcharge is set to expire in 2022)”.
The entire rail line project is expected to finish in 2019, with a few sections to open in late 2015 or early 2016. Still being challenged in federal court however, politicians are using their pro or con stance on the project as a bargaining chip. Ben Cayetano, former governor, is running for Mayor on the campaign assurance that he would terminate the project if elected. With a strong group of followers, this may be the only chance Honolulu has for keeping its skylines clear.
Personally I am undecided on the project. I think Honolulu’s traffic problem needs to be addressed, and it takes drastic measures to fix something this far gone. I do agree however, that the rail line will change Honolulu and raise taxes. So how far are we willing to go to make it worth it? And at what point does it become beyond worth it? What are your thoughts?
Oahu’s Ban on Plastic Bags
July 2015 will mark the ban on plastic bags in Honolulu’s convenience stores, restaurants, and super markets. Council has approved the ban of non-biodegradable bags being distributed in the retail industry in a 7-1 vote. Many other cities have already approved this ban, making reusable grocery bags and recyclable paper bags the only option for lugging around goods. Unlike some places that have a fee for using plastic bags, this is a flat out ban. They are no longer allowed and stores can be fined for providing them.
The plastic bags that are exempt from the ban are: produce bags, meat and nuts bags, dry cleaning bags, garbage bags, yard waste bags, and the plastic bags that our newspapers come in.
Mayor Peter Carlisle still has yet to sign the bill, but has released this statement: "I always believed that as long as people litter their plastic bags, something needs to be done. Right now, properly discarded plastic bags are incinerated for energy at H-Power. I want to acknowledge the City Council for wrestling with this issue and attempting to resolve the concerns of retailers, consumers and all Oahu citizens who care for the environment. I plan to review this final draft of Bill 10 and accept public input before I make a decision."
Many are ecstatic about this ban, because it helps our environment, the ocean, animals, and cuts down on toxins and litter. The only poor thing about this ban is the inconvenience it may pose on consumers, a small price to pay for the large contribution we will be making as a whole.
Council has given consumers three years to get used to the idea, as well as allow stores to transition to reusable and recyclable bags and purge all plastic bag inventories. Ernie Martin, Honolulu City Council Chairman states, “I’m confident when we reach 2015 we will have progressed to a point where the cost of a biodegradable plastic bags will be no different from the price of bags that are given out now".
The ban on plastic bags is a step towards a greener future, which I fully support. Although it may take a little getting used to, this is definitely worth the slight discomfort for consumers. Our environment, ocean, and ultimate well being is always worth it.
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce has been writing and producing the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast and the Hawaii Vacation Blog which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. His postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible. The tone is anecdotal, breezy, and devoid of any commercialism.
Add comment April 29th, 2012
{EAV:6b20325f5091da28} Island Hopping/Multi Island Packages
When planning a trip to Hawaii, the lure of visiting multiple islands is hard to ignore. Each island in Hawaii is unique, with distinct attractions, activities, and points of interest worth visiting. However, when vacations are limited to time frames, it’s difficult to narrow down your vacation priorities. So how can you best utilize your time if you indeed choose to island hop?
We recommend a minimum of three days per island. If your vacation is a 10-day trip, you can feasibly jump to three different islands, spending three full days on each. Keep in mind however, that any day of traveling may set you back, as airports and flying tend to be exhausting, even if the flight IS only 20 minutes. That being said, if you can plan your hops either in the morning or the evening, this will give you a full afternoon to squeeze in everything you can on each island, even IF it is a travel day
Chose your islands based on how you wish your vacation to play out. If you’re looking for a full 10 days of relaxation, we recommend picking the quieter islands or the quieter spots on a particular island. For example, if you want to visit Oahu, but are not looking to experience the Waikiki-ness of it all, try vacationing on the north shore (Haleiwa) or the east side (Kailua or Hawaii Kai). These areas tend to offer more solitude and a laid back island lifestyle, as opposed to the busier parts of Honolulu. Kauai, Lanai, and Molokai are the other three islands that are best known for their simplicity and ultimate relaxation vibes.
If you wish to mix up your vacation, we recommend visiting Oahu and Maui, or Oahu and Kauai, as these three islands offer a plethora of activities, nightlife, and sightseeing, but also tranquil beach spots and lazy afternoons in small, quiet towns. If you’re looking to book a Hawaiian vacation for a bachelor party, birthday, or some other fun event, we recommend hitting the hot spots of Hawaii, which include Waikiki, Lahaina, and Kona (Oahu, Maui, and Big Island).
Another great way to explore the chain of islands is to do so by cruise ship. Although a large portion of the cruise experience is through being on the ship itself, most cruise lines give visitors a full day to traverse the various islands during their trip. Cruises typically dock at three Hawaiian ports during their 7-15 day excursion, depending on which vacation you choose. Hawaii Aloha Travel’s website has extensive information on six different cruise lines and what vacations they offer. Check out http://www.hawaii-aloha.com/html/hawaii-cruises.html to find out more about experiencing Hawaii via luxurious ship.
Island hopping is a great way to experience the breadth of the islands, especially if you have adequate time carved out. For those who wish to focus their vacation in one location, we think this is great too. Remember, each island offers an abundance of things to see and do, so don’t feel like you’re missing out if you stay on only one island. Trust us, you won’t be bored. Plus, it is even more reason to start planning your next vacation to the islands you missed!
Sheraton Kauai Finishes Renovation
After 15 months of construction, the Sheraton Kauai, located in Poipu, has finally completed its $16 million renovation. Not only is this good news for travelers, but for locals too. The renovation has opened up 25 new job positions, with server, host, and bartending positions still available. SO for all you Kauai locals out there, jump on board and become part of Poipu’s newest renovated resort. The renovation included a revamp of the lobby entrance, complete with new conversation areas and fire pits. They have also added a new water park, “Poipu’s Playground”, the new Rum Fire restaurant, Kauai’s only waterfront meeting areas, and unique architectural touches. The ante has been upped by surrounding resorts that have cropped up all over Kauai’s south side, which makes Sheraton Kauai on top of the game. With completion in March 2012, the Sheraton Kauai is now ready to welcome guests with open doors. Book your stay at Poipu’s newest renovated resort and enjoy the warm golden beaches along the south side of the Garden Isle.
Potential Hotel on Top of Hawaii Convention Center
The Hawaii Convention Center, located in the heart of Honolulu on Oahu, is potentially facing some drastic changes. Lawmakers are questioning whether the 1,100,000 square foot building can accommodate a hotel on top of its highest floor. Lawmakers are asking the Hawaii Tourism Authority “to study the feasibility of developing a hotel, training hotel, or other commercial retail facility, as determined by the board of directors of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, above the Hawaii Convention Center facility. The questions raised in taking on a project like this are formed not only as concerns, but also as hopeful ideas for potential growth. The HTA has been tasked with studying the site and its logistics, traffic and infrastructure demands that could potentially be associated with the hotel. They are also required to research the design, construction, funding, and potential interest from private developers for the possibility of this project.
Opened in 1998, the Hawaii Convention Center was designed and constructed by a team led by Don Goo with WATG (formerly known as Wimberly, Allison, Tong & Goo). A $350 million development, the Hawaii Convention Center is the largest exhibition center of its kind in the entire state of Hawaii.
The big question at hand is: even if the Hawaii Convention Center can indeed support a hotel on top of it, should we even try? HTA is anticipating costs that are well beyond what they are budgeted for by the state. The types of costs include contracting of traffic experts, development consultants, and financial advisors.
The purpose of the project exploration, however, would be to continue investment in the Hawaii Convention Center in order to “ensure the state’s viability and growth as a meetings, conventions and incentive destination”, states HTA President and CEO Mike McCartney.
Personally I think that the Hawaii Convention Center exists successfully on its own, so why change an already good thing? There are hundreds of accommodation choices for visitors to chose from, so why propel this magnitude of an endeavor when it’s clearly unnecessary? Plus the traffic that this type of project would create would be devastating for commuters, not to mention other locals and tourists. But on the other hand, tourism IS Hawaii’s largest industry, so I understand why developers would push for more options; its equals more money for them!
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce has been writing and producing the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast and the Hawaii Vacation Blog which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. His postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible. The tone is anecdotal, breezy, and devoid of any commercialism.
Add comment April 20th, 2012
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