Today I’m sharing the first of several behind the scene videos of my time spent on the set of the Today Show. As part of their Great American Adventure series, Hawaii was the first stop in a 5 city tour around the country. I was fortunate enough to meet all the hosts to get a inside look at this amazing Live TV production.
We caught up with the executive producer of NBC’s Today Show Don Nash who, for a long time has been wanting to bring the show to Oahu. He discusses some of the challenges and preparation that goes into producing a broadcast of this nature 5000 miles from New York. No stranger to Hawaii he also gives us his impression of Hawaii as a long time visitor to the Islands.
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.
Many travelers visit Hawaii for the beaches, tropical weather, and beautiful landscapes but few come for the history. Richly steeped in long standing culture and tradition, the islands of Hawaii have maintained timelessness while still leaving room for development. The first people settled on Hawaiian soil between 400 and 900 A.D., who are believed to have sailed from the Marquesas Islands. The 1800’s brought foreigners who sailed to the Hawaiian Islands, bringing with them language, religion, and the influence of their European and American construction.
You can still witness the history of Hawaii in various ways. There are extensive museums that document the modernization of the islands, the missionaries who irrevocably changed history, and the ancient ways of the native Hawaiians. However, the history still lives on through some hotels within the islands. Today we’re going to give you a few brief narratives about the historic hotels of Hawaii, beginning with quite possibly the most famous of all, The Royal Hawaiian. (more…)
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.
If you’re coming to Hawaii for vacation, consider expanding your trip by planning a multi island package. Traveling to two different islands is the best way to get the most out of Hawaii, especially because each island offers something so totally different from the next. The only problem is, how do you choose which islands to travel to? Especially if you’ve never been to Hawaii or are unfamiliar with the neighboring islands. So what’s the best way to figure out which two islands to visit during your vacation? We’re giving you a run down on a few of the best mix n match combos of the Hawaiian chain!
For a complete change: Oahu and Big Island. Oahu is bustling with the state’s capitol, but also has some incredible counterparts on the north and east sides. Lively and crowded, Oahu offers a timeless vacation in the hub of Hawaii, while Big Island gives vacationers a unique look of the archipelago. You can see waterfalls, volcanoes, a metropolitan city, black sand beaches, white sand beaches, and quaint shopping towns by combining these two islands together. It’s great for the traveler who wants a complete switch up from one island to the next.
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.
With top notch beaches, year round warm weather, and water front resorts, it’s no wonder Hawaii is a popular destination for celebrities to frequent. And despite Hawaii’s flood of tourism that keeps the beaches busy, celebrities still choose to vacation within the islands. While they may find a slice of seclusion at their resort or private rental, they still have to brave the outside world every now and again, and it’s quite common for vacationers to catch a glimpse of a Hollywood celebrity.
While it may be tempting to rush up to an actor or singer for an autograph, keep in mind that these people deserve personal space like everyone else. And they also probably don’t enjoy being bothered when they’re trying to relax. In fact, Steven Tyler of the rock band Aerosmith found this to be such a problem, that he proposed an act that would protect celebrities’ privacy in the state of Hawaii. Owning a multimillion-dollar home on Maui, Steven Tyler says that he is constantly bombarded by onlookers and fans and actually caught paparazzi taking pictures of him and his girlfriend through the window of their private home.
Tyler fought for an act that would allow celebrities to sue others who take photos or video of their private moments, which was dubbed the Tyler Steven Act. Other celebrities like Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, and Mick Fleetwood submitted written testimony in favor of the bill. Although it made it through the Senate this past February, the future is looking bleak as key lawmakers say they won’t push it through.
Sounds like celebrities are getting pretty serious about their private time, especially in Hawaii. Is there a law like this in California? Or the Caribbean? Why would they single out Hawaii when this stuff goes on in probably every state and country these celebrities visit? Anyways, there is an upside to this topic. Because celebrities visit Hawaii on the regular, this means that you’re vacationing in the same destination as the Hollywood A Listers! So your upcoming vacation to the islands can be glamorous too.
You can find big names like Oprah Winfrey, Justin Timberlake, Owen Wilson, Cher, Paris Hilton, and Elton John hanging around their property or a private resort on Maui, which is the most popular Hawaiian Island for celebrities. But Kauai also has a list of actors that visit often too. Names like Pierce Brosnan, Drew Barrymore, and Ben Stiller travel to Kauai on the regular and you also hear about Adam Sandler, Keanu Reeves, and Paul Walker spending time on Oahu and Roseanne Barr around her macadamia nut farm on the Big Island.
So for anyone looking to have an attractive vacation in Hawaii like the celebrities do, here’s a few ways to get ya there:
Chances are if you see a magazine photo of a celebrity in Hawaii, they are either in the water or on the sand. So really take the time to soak in this type of relaxation. Plan to spend an entire day at the beach, jumping in and out of the water, beach combing, and getting some sun. You’ll definitely feel well rested after 12 hours of beach time, just make sure to apply the sunscreen liberally- you don’t want your skin looking burnt for your paparazzi photos! And that’s one thing you don’t see too often, lobster red celebrities!
Another thing you see celebrities doing in Hawaii is outdoor activities. Beach volleyball, surfing, golfing, and catamaran cruises are great ways to partake in the celebrity lifestyle. Rent a longboard and catch some waves in Waikiki like Cameron Diaz, paddle around on a SUP board like Rhianna, or play some water football like LeAnn Rimes and President Obama. Shopping is another great activity celebrities love to partake it. But just because you can’t spend like a celebrity doesn’t mean you can’t pretend! Limit yourself to window-shopping and maybe a splurge or two and you’ll love the feel of a few different designer bags swinging in your hand.
Dining and drinking is a great way to feel glamorous during your vacation. Not only is it a fun event throughout your day, but you can get dressed up for it too. This is your chance to wear that new dress you’ve saved for this vacation or that great tie you happened you pack in your suitcase. Plan at least one night out on the town for dinner, drinks, and maybe even dancing. Your vacation should be relaxing but it should also be fun! Treat yourself to this small expenditure while vacationing in Hawaii; it’ll be worth it!
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.
When you’re on vacation, a bit of live music always helps add to the ambiance of a good time. Listening to some fun cover songs at a beach side restaurant during cocktails, some mellow jazz for dinner, or even a band or DJ for a night on the town can make your Hawaii vacation exciting and adventurous. Here are a list of the top spots you can find some live music around Oahu. Unwind and enjoy the musical quality of some live beats while relaxing in the islands!
The Republik, Honolulu- A popular music hall and lounge, The Republik is notorious for its underground bands and party scene. Known as Oahu’s best concert venue, it offers a full bar, food, and standing room by the stage as well as a lounge by the bar. If you’re looking for some fresh music and a fun night, check out this swanky Honolulu spot. http://jointherepublik.com/
Gordon Biersch, Aloha Tower- This place is cool for live music because the bands will set up in a couple different locations. For mellower music, the 1 to 3 member bands will set up directly across from the inside bar, where you can find a cocktail table and enjoy one of their fine menu options. When a band sets up outside by the outdoor bar, it’s going to be a louder, more rockin’ type of performance. On some occasions they even set up a stage outdoors with tables surrounding it. It’s a fun place for dancing, drinking, and just enjoying the warm tropical air. (more…)
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.
When people come to Hawaii, they always want to bring a little aloha back with them. We’ve done a monologue on how you can bring Hawaii home with you, but we’ve never talked about how you can make your own home Hawaiian (meaning tropical). Doing small things to your hale (Hawaiian word for “house”) to create reminders of the relaxation, enjoyment, and good times you’ve had in Hawaii is a great way to stay sane during the months when you’re not here. Haha, just kidding. But it really is a great way to bring peace and tranquility into a home, not to mention some great décor ideas you can try out and share!
Here are ten easy things you can do to make your house more tropical. Hopefully they help to bring a bit of aloha to you and your family when you’re not in the islands.
Plant a tropical tree outside. The most tropical looking tree that can survive in mainland weather conditions is a banana palm. You can find the typical green ones or the beautiful ones with red stems, but both grow well in outdoor climates.
Hang a bamboo wind chime. The sound of bamboo stalks clinking together in the wind is undeniably calming. It is also very characteristic of Hawaii because so many shops, restaurants, and hotels use them as décor.
Use pareos (sarongs) as throws or bedspreads. In the morning after you’ve made your bed, try spreading out your favorite pareo over your comforter at the foot of your bed.
Keep a bar of plumeria soap at your sink. Plumerias are the scent of the islands. It’s the fragrant you smell when you first step off the plane, the trees you see lining streets, homes, and yards, and the flowers that make up most Hawaiian leis.
Grow tropical indoor houseplants. Just as an outdoor plant helps to bring Hawaii to your home, so too do indoor plants. Plus, they tend to grow better because they’re in a more controlled environment.
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.
Today I’m sharing the first of several behind the scene videos of my time spent on the set of the Today Show. As part of their Great American Adventure series, Hawaii was the first stop in a 5 city tour around the country. I was fortunate enough to meet all the hosts to get a inside look at this amazing Live TV production. 
Published by Bruce Fisher
Many travelers visit Hawaii for the beaches, tropical weather, and beautiful landscapes but few come for the history. Richly steeped in long standing culture and tradition, the islands of Hawaii have maintained timelessness while still leaving room for development. The first people settled on Hawaiian soil between 400 and 900 A.D., who are believed to have sailed from the Marquesas Islands. The 1800’s brought foreigners who sailed to the Hawaiian Islands, bringing with them language, religion, and the influence of their European and American construction.
If you’re coming to Hawaii for vacation, consider expanding your trip by planning a multi island package. Traveling to two different islands is the best way to get the most out of Hawaii, especially because each island offers something so totally different from the next. The only problem is, how do you choose which islands to travel to? Especially if you’ve never been to Hawaii or are unfamiliar with the neighboring islands. So what’s the best way to figure out which two islands to visit during your vacation? We’re giving you a run down on a few of the best mix n match combos of the Hawaiian chain!
With top notch beaches, year round warm weather, and water front resorts, it’s no wonder Hawaii is a popular destination for celebrities to frequent. And despite Hawaii’s flood of tourism that keeps the beaches busy, celebrities still choose to vacation within the islands. While they may find a slice of seclusion at their resort or private rental, they still have to brave the outside world every now and again, and it’s quite common for vacationers to catch a glimpse of a Hollywood celebrity.
When you’re on vacation, a bit of live music always helps add to the ambiance of a good time. Listening to some fun cover songs at a beach side restaurant during cocktails, some mellow jazz for dinner, or even a band or DJ for a night on the town can make your Hawaii vacation exciting and adventurous. Here are a list of the top spots you can find some live music around Oahu. Unwind and enjoy the musical quality of some live beats while relaxing in the islands!
When people come to Hawaii, they always want to bring a little aloha back with them. We’ve done a monologue on how you can bring Hawaii home with you, but we’ve never talked about how you can make your own home Hawaiian (meaning tropical). Doing small things to your hale (Hawaiian word for “house”) to create reminders of the relaxation, enjoyment, and good times you’ve had in Hawaii is a great way to stay sane during the months when you’re not here. Haha, just kidding. But it really is a great way to bring peace and tranquility into a home, not to mention some great décor ideas you can try out and share!
