Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast - Insider Tips On A Hawaii Vacation.

Hawaii Five-0 Mania kicks into High Gear

Bruce Fisher — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 01:54:48 +0000

Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast E 409 We will be at the Hawaii Five-0 premiere next Monday Sept. 13th, streaming LIVE, covering the red carpet and the premiere episode at Sunset on the Beach in Waikiki. I have a feeling that we won’t be the only ones streaming; yesterday we were up at the Waikiki Beach Hotel and a local radio station was scouting out the Coconut Room, 22 stories above the action where the premiere will be taking place. There’s a lot of excitement and buzz in the air about the show and it’s success. Most believe this is going to be a successful series for CBS. Some of the trailers we’re seeing are full of action excellent special effects. We’ll be getting there early on Monday and will start broadcasting just as soon as we get there at about 1PM Hawaii Time. Waikiki Edition Set to open The Waikiki edition is set to open up on schedule October 1. We’re getting really excited about this new property which plans to giver guests a six star experience. We had a chance to actually see the property for the first time a few days ago but cannot share any pictures. To actually see it firsthand made quite an impact. The rooms are a lot bigger looking then I thought and the public spaces are so unique and fun! We still have some great rates for 195 per night and I and will be sharing with you more information about The Waikiki Ediiton when we are allowed to share with you. Ziplining on Maui A couple of months ago I did a podcast about ziplining in Hawaii. Over the years this has become a very popular activity. I have to admit it was something that I’ve never done before. We did some research on the various ziplining companies that are out there and made recommendations based on the research to our listeners. At that time I said I was definitely going to be doing this soon because it looks like just so much fun. Once in the past we were going to do this but chickened out but I knew that the next time I went to Maui I was definitely going to do it. Well I got my chance a couple of weeks ago when we took our trip to Maui. There are several choices on Maui to zip. Our condo was on the West Side of Maui and didn’t want to dive far so we went with Skyline Eco adventures in Kaanapali. Another option on the West side which I understand is equally as good, if not better, is in Kapalua with a company called Kapalua Adventures. The first thing that you should know about the zip lining is there’s two different types of harnesses that are used. Skyline Eco Adventures uses the old school harnesses and you must use two hands to hold on or to move while you’re zipping either to the left or the right. The other type of harnesses is a swing which looks more comfortable however, you won’t be able to do as much maneuvering as you would with the old school harness. Old School Harness Swing Harness Most of the tours run anywhere from 3 to 6 hours. The one we took a total of four hours. You meet at the tour company’s storefront and then are driven up to the site where the various zip lines are located. For us it took about a half-hour to get up to the location where we got ready to do the zip line adventure. The one we chose had eight different zip lines. They all had different difficulty and were at different heights. They give you a brief lesson on how to do the zip and then you’re on your way. The basic thing you have to remember is to lay back and relax as if you’re in an easy chair and you keep your arms straight, if you do that you’ll be able to zip successfully across the lines. What happens is that once you start zipping the person on the other end waits for you and then slows you down so that you can land. These guys are pretty good at it too and very good at estimating where you’ll be when you start to come in to the platform because they do it so many times. If you get stuck out in the middle or don’t make it across you can easily be rescued but the main thing is to remember to not panic or freak out. I thought that the zip lines actually got more difficult as we went along. Once you get the hang of it, it’s easy. I would highly recommend that you try this out if you’re coming to Hawaii. My wife ad I got addicted to it and can’t wait to do it again, we’re even considering doing it we go to Mexico next week. While I can’t say that this is the best zip line because I haven’t been on all of them yet this certainly was a great introduction to zip lining and a good one to do if you’re a first timer. If you need more information give us a call AT 1-800-843-8771 also check out the video we did of the experience.

Luxury Condos on Maui - Honua Kai Resort Review

Bruce Fisher — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:24:23 +0000

We’ve been talking a lot about Maui lately and a couple of weeks ago we had a chance to do a site at the Honua Kai Resort and Spa. The first thing that struck me about this property was just how large it is with over 643 condos and then another 75 townhomes. The second thing that struck me was just that this is not your ordinary condo, it’s a full on resort. We’re seeing more and more of this; condos becoming full on resorts with all the amenities that you expect in a hotel. They have a huge super pool with a couple of aqua lounges, slides and kids pool. Speaking of kids, they even have a kids camp where they can be entertained all day . There is a huge expansive lobby beautifully furnished with rich wood tones. The hotel lobby is also the home to the Aina market which is an organic market run by Chef James who owns the Pacific-O restaurant and also caters all of the food at the Feast of Lele. So you get the best of both worlds here; great amenities of a hotel and the connivance of these gorgeous condos. I was really impressed with these large modern condos. You can get a studio or one, two and three-bedroom units. All of them are impeccably decorated, very comfortable, the kitchens all have really high-end appliances in them, and they have awesome views from the private Lanai’s. The units are very spacious and include these Nano Doors which are doors that fold out so that it really brings the outside in. You can make this an affordable option if you’re going to be traveling with other folks. For example, a two bedroom can actually hold six people so that’s only 80 bucks a day or less if people are going to split the cost. In fact this is a great way to get more out of your Hawaii vacation. Just bring people with you and you may be able to stay in a luxury Hawaii condo for the price that it would cost you for a much lesser hotel. Of course all the units have washers and dryers, barbecue grills and everything you need to cook a meal in the unit. There’s also daily maid service and they do the dishes for you if you really want to be on a lazy Hawaii vacation.. Things to remember about renting condos on Maui: The smaller more affordable condos do not have the amenities of a hotel You get more bang for your buck if can share the cost of a Luxury 2 or 3 Bedroom Condo Condos are more private with less people Make sure the condo has made service Sometimes vbro bookings are misleading

The Royal Lahaina Hotel Review

Bruce Fisher — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 03:40:42 +0000

Yesterday we had a team meeting and were visited by Hawaii Hotels, who run the Royal Lahaina on Maui and the Royal Kona on the Big Island. Today the focus is the Royal Lahaina because we actually did a site inspection there last week so the property is very fresh in my mind. The hotel is located in the, Kaanapali area on the west side of the island on a beautiful stretch of beach. The property is really made up of three different properties, the main hotel, the cottages and a little inn called the Kaanapali Ocean Inn. There is no question that you’re in Hawaii when you enter this property. The public spaces are very Hawaiiana, reminiscent of the old days in Hawaii with lots of bamboo, rich wood tones, Tapa and Tiki Torches . There’s thatched roof shacks that double as cabanas around the pool area and the atmosphere is very circa 60s & 70s. The main hotel is my best recommendation for this property. Three years ago the property was renovated and it was tastefully done. Custom designed furnishings made of teak and koa give the rooms a bold Hawaiian feel . The beds are custom-made so that you can put your luggage underneath them easily. The rooms are very spacious and the ocean views are spectacular. The rooms we saw were very clean the bathrooms included a vanity that had the bamboo faucet, a minibar (empty), free coffee and coffee maker. Between the bedroom and the bathroom area of their louver panels which open up the room space. Tip: The best way to remember to get there if you’re driving from Kahului Airport is to take a left at the next exit after that, Kaanapali Parkway, the name of the street you make a left on is Kekaa Street. The cottages are not really cottages. Basically they are wood frame units that are on the ocean side of the property. You get one hotel room in fourplex. The rooms are small, very old but adequate. There are some larger units there which you might want to consider, which has a separate bedroom and a small kitchen. It would make sense to stay in the cottages if you are on a budget or part of the larger wedding party cost was a concern. Finally there’s the Kaanapali Ocean Inn. This is about as basic as you can get for a hotel room on Maui. You get what you pay for at this property; it’s is very rustic and in need of renovations. However they do their best with this property and if you’re on a tight budget and you are really good location you might consider staying here. One of the advantages is that you get to use all of the amenities of the hotel. If you have to stay here stay in one of the oceanfront rooms because it’s as close to the beach you can get! Keep in mind a lot of the rooms are adjacent to the luau so there might be some noise considerations.

Flying to the small Kapalua airport on Maui

Bruce Fisher — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 01:07:48 +0000

We did something we never did before which was fly into Maui to the smaller Kapalua Airport. This is the smaller of two airports that are located on Maui and it’s up on the northwest side of the island. Only the smaller planes fly there so we took Island Air which seats about 80 people in their planes. I’ve always recommended flying in the smaller planes between islands for years now because it’s a great way to get a sightseeing experience as you fly over the islands. On this hop you want to sit on the left side of the plane so it will be on your right side when you’re walking into the airplane. There’s no assigned seating so it’s best to get as close to the gate before boarding as possible so you’re one of the first people to walk on the plane. If you’re staying on the west side of the island in the Kaanapali Area is just very convenient because if you have to drive to Kaanapali from the larger Kahalui Airport it takes about 50 minutes as opposed to 10 minutes from Kapalua. Here are some tips know if you are going to fly there: Keep in mind that most planes fly Kahalui it may be just unavoidable to fly in to the smaller airport. Smaller airports usually cost a little more You can rent cars, you need to use a courtesy phone in the lobby and from the airport lobby and when you return your car it must be before 5PM. There is taxi service from the airport no concession stand, broken vending machine The 9th annual Dukes oceanfest is happning in Waikiki for the next few days if you coming in for your HAwaii Vacation. It’s Four days of ocean sports competitions begin in Waikiki, including Duke’s Legends Surf Classic, C4 Waterman/HonoluA Surf Paddleboard Championship and Stand-Up Beach Boy Paddle Surfing Championship, AccesSurf Challenged Athlete Surf Meet, Duke’s Waikiki Ocean Mile Swim, Surf Polo Tournament, and the Waterman Challenge. Duke’s OceanFest concludes with a sidewalk surfboard parade and draping of Duke Kahanamoku’s Statue with the beautiful flower lei of Hawaii. Fore more info give us a call or go to www.dukefoundation.org Tihati Productions is adding a Polynesian revue at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on the south side of Maui. The “Te Au Moana” luau celebrates the island of Maui with contemporary songs and hula. The luau show will be held at the resort every Monday, Thursday. Friday and Saturday evening starting at 4:30 p.m. Guests will witness the unearthing of the imu, or underground oven, used to steam a whole pig for the traditional luau dish of kalua pork and be offered a buffet of luau staple. The hour-long show will follow the dinner. Kamaaina rates are $75 for adults and $38 for children (6-12 years) with free admission for children under 5 years. Regular prices are $98 for adults and $53 for children (6-12 years)

Mission Houses Museum

Bruce Fisher — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 22:07:13 +0000

Hawaii Vacation Connection Episode 405 This Saturday we had a chance to check out the Mission Houses Museum. I have to admit that we have never been there before. It’s interesting to note that in talking to the folks there, that many people never get the opportunity to experience this important historical site. Its Located right downtown not too far the Kamehameaha statue and many tourists are not even aware the Museum exists. The history of this place goes back to the 1820s when the missionaries arrived in Hawaii and I don’t think anybody really ever anticipated the impact that they would have on the Hawaiian culture. Many people think that the missionaries made contributions to the islands and others have the exact opposite view. No matter which side you fall down on, or if you don’t know the history of it it’s still worthwhile experience and worth checking out. As you pass through the Museum you’ll get the story of the cultural change in the 19th century and the details of the life and the work of the missionaries. There’s so much to see there including original artifacts, clothing, furnishings and books and even household items that belonged to the missionary families themselves. There are three main structures that that make up the Museum which were built between 1820 in 1841. If you’re into architecture at all this place is a must because these buildings make up the oldest surviving Western-style buildings in Hawaii. Basically the buildings were used for the residents of several prominent missionaries. While you’re here at the mission house you have to check out the Tea Parlor it’s a really cute relaxing spot to have a nice lunch. They also have Tea times and a great menu of food items that are really reasonable prices. We had the Teriyaki chicken plate which was delicious, and they had this hibiscus raspberry tea which was so refreshing. They’re open for breakfast and lunch and have daily specials, lunch plates, sandwiches, wraps and salads. Is the perfect place to just take it all in and relax while you’re in downtown Honolulu. While sitting there you you’ll be hard pressed to believe you’re in the middle of a metropolitan city, so check it out you’ll really enjoy it there. For more information give us a call at 1-800-843-8771 or just visit them on the web www.Cafeandparlor.com

Outrigger Tradewinds Catamaran Adventure - Review

Bruce Fisher — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:01:13 +0000

We had a awesome time Monday on the Outrigger trade winds. I was invited to check it out by Nathatn Kam and Jeremiah Owyang, some good friends of mine in the social networking community and by Nancy Danials the PR director from the Outrigger. The boat is really cool, it’s a former championship racing catamaran, it’s 45 feet long and 24 feet wide, able to accommodate 49 passengers. It has custom fitted “spectra nets” for lounging, luxury mid-deck seating, 2 restrooms, bar and lifeguard certified crew. This is the first time I have actually been on this catamaran. We put a lot of folks on their Sunset Sail, which is also great included in all of our Oahu all inclusive packages. We got to the check-in point for the cruise at about 9AM behind the Outrigger reef. You should bring a towel and snorkeling gear if you have it, they provide equipment, but not fins. They also take your shoes, so just wear thongs or flip flops, I also wore a wet suit top, but that’s just me, it keeps you a little warmer in the water and protects you from the sun. The boat goes out about a 1/2 mile to a place called Turtle canyon. This is an excellent snorkeling spot and I noticed a few of these catamarans out there. We saw a lot of fish and the canyon was like a turtle car wash, because these fish actually feed off the turtles bodies. This is the closest I have ever been to turtles n the water . If you do this you defiantly want to invest in one of those waterproof cameras, because you can get some really great shots of the fish and the turtles. You can free dive the bottom of the reef if you’re a good snorkeler . We were at turtle canyon for about 45 minutes and then set sail for a mini cruise off the coast of Waikiki. We sailed almost to Diamond Head. If you have never been on one of these racing catamarans it’s a real treat, they cruise at a good clip, up to 18 knots, and with the swells, this cruise felt like a Disney e-ticket ride on the pacific. If you want to have more fun and your stomach can handle it get out on the nets at the front of the boat and yes plan to get wet !! Overall it’s a great time, I recommend it for a few hours in the morning if you’re on Oahu, the cost is 47 per person, for more info call us at 1-800-843-8771