Hawaii Vacation Travel Blog

Waikiki Weekend Getaway - Hyatt Regency Waikiki

This past weekend, I decided to stay a few days in Waikiki to enjoy the "Sunset on the Beach" event as well as the "Parade of Champions" that were happening back to back on Saturday and Sunday.  We wanted to stay at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki.  This property is located in the heart of Waikiki at 2424 Kalakaua Avenue.  The hotel is directly across the street from the famous Waikiki Beach and in walking distance of everything.  The location is so great and makes you feel very centralized. 

The property boosts wonderful restaurants and great amenities. Ciao Mein & The Colony are two award-wining restaurants located right inside the property, which both offer a delicious menus.  The Hyatt Regency Waikiki also offers a Stayfit fitness center, the Ho’ola spa, a freshwater swimming pool that overlooks Waikiki as well as a pool bar which has local entertainment nightly.

My experience on the day of check-in was as expected.  I arrived at registration around 4:30pm with my son and they greeted me with a warm smile, very courteous and everything was quick and simple. I was on my way to my room and I felt a sigh of relief that I could just lay my weekend bags down and get my children situated and stable before going out that evening to sightsee through Waikiki and hopefully catch a movie on the beach.  My children were so very excited, I was lucky enough to get an upgrade to a partial oceanview room on the 32nd floor facing the ever majestic Diamond Head.  The view was just spectacular.  We had requested two double beds, which worked out perfect for my family but I did opt to get  a rollaway just to be sure everyone was comfortable.  There is also a small little refridgerator that is a bit shallow on the inside and really is more for just drinks and small little packages.  The inside of the refridgerator was not very cold but kept our bottled water cold.  The T.V. was great, a big flat screen, my eldest son got a kick out of it and wanted to just stay indoors to watch t.v. if he wasn’t swimming(kids!).   One thing I did notice was that the bathroom was a bit small but nothing I couldn’t overcome, granted the size of the rooms at the Hyatt are so roomy, I didn’t mind at all.  These are just a little things I noticed since I have children and immediately noticed this when bathing them.                                 

On a slight negative note, I am a very light sleeper and there was a gap of about 1 inch or so at the bottom of our door.  I could hear everything outside in the hallway, doors slamming closed, people going in and out, people talking.  So I was a bit unnerved and didn’t get much sleep that night, I later put a pillow at the bottom of the door to stop the light from shining into the room and to buffer the noise.  The rest of my family however slept just fine and it didn’t bother them at all.  I never complained about it, because I think they have that gap under the door to stuff mail, or notes under the door for visitors.  So both nights I put a pillow against the door to buffer the noise and light.

Even with that little issue, I enjoyed my stay at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki and would definitely go back again.  In fact I am planning on staying there again. 

If you have any questions or would like to plan your next vacation or honeymoon to Hawaii, please feel free contact me at tisha@hawaii-aloha.com or you may call me at 1-800-843-8771 x41.

Mahalo for reading my blog, I hope you enjoyed it!! I will have more topics coming soon.

Hawaii Hotels - Daily Resort Fees or Hidden Resort Fees?

When planning your Hawaii Vacation there a lot of things to think about for instance; your budget, what island you’d like to visit, and what type of  Hotel Accommodations would fit your needs among many other factors. 

You may ask yourself, well what is a Daily Resort Fee? There are quite a few properties in Hawaii that charge this fee and sometimes unbenounced to you, you are only made aware of them when you check-out of the hotel.  You will find a few 4 Star, 5 Star and 6 Star Hotel Accommodations in Hawaii have this fee.  These fees, depending on the property, may include a morning cup of joe, free internet, free local calls, discounted parking fees, use of there gym, pools, etc. 

A good Travel Agent  will always be upfront and advise you of these additional costs so that you can take them into consideration when budgeting. Besides asking your Travel Agent, you can also call the property.

If you would like more information on this subject or ready to plan your next great Hawaii vacation you can call me, TISHA your personal Hawaii Travel Specialist at 1-800-843-8771 x41 or email me at tisha@hawaii-aloha.com.  Mahalo!!!

I recently had someone ask me how does travel insurance work for Hawaii Vacations and would I reccomend it?

The simple answer to that is, I would highly reccomend travel insurance and I always offer it to all my customers.  It can, in the event of an unforseen circumstance, medical illness, death in the family etc, help you to save hundreds to thousands of dollars.  With that being said, most travel companies offer insurance but not all of them work the same. 

Some of them you’re able to cancel for any reason, some only medical reasons.   Some offer where you’re able to make changes to your itinerary pre-departure and post-departure.  All in all, it is wise to take insurance into consideration when planning a trip.  At the time of your reservation you may be hesitant to add it on because it’ll bring the cost of your trip higher, but if you think about it, you may pay more out of pocket if you had to cancel or change something and you don’t have insurance.  Always make sure you understand how your insurance works ahead of time, in the event you need to use it.  Also, if you not take the insurance be advised that without the insurance there are ALWAYS, ALWAYS cancellation fees to be considered, whether its an airline fee, hotel fee and a cancellation fee in addition to it as well.  Frequent Hawaii  travellers are well aware of these fees associated with traveling and canceling so most of them will normally get the added the insurance to there package.  Whether you book your trip through an agency, online or directly, there is always a fee if you should decide to cancel, or change your itinerary and don’t have any travel protection. So be aware of your insurance and/or terms and conditions.

I am reachable by phone and email if you should need any travel help with your Hawaii Vacation.

Tisha, Hawaii Travel Specialist,

1-800-843-8771 x41

tisha@hawaii-aloha.com

  Check out this video about  our waivers

Aloha Christmas in Hawaii Travelers,

If you’re looking to come in from the "cold" during christmas, there is still availability of hotels on each island.  You must, however,  act quickly to lock in your price and space availability.  Do keep in mind, traveling during Christmas will take a "bite" out of your pocket so be prepared to the pay the price for paradise during this time.  However, be hopeful, that there is a good deal out there just waiting to be found.  Here is an example of what I booked for a client yesterday and I think this was definitely a great deal. 

Travel Dates:    December 24 - December 31, 2007

Number of persons:  2 Adults

Roundtrip Airfare from New York (JFK) - Kauai, Hawaii (LIH)

Hotel Stay:  Sheraton Kauai, Gardenview Room

Car Rental:  Economy Car

TOTAL PACKAGE PRICE JUST UNDER $3200.

Here is a "peek" of the property and air itinerary:

Departing	Arriving	Details
New York - JFK (JFK), NY 06:40 AM  Mon, Dec 24	Phoenix (PHX), AZ 10:15 AM  Mon, Dec 24	Non-Stop Coach
Phoenix (PHX), AZ 11:40 AM  Mon, Dec 24	Lihue Kauai (LIH), HI 03:46 PM  Mon, Dec 24	Non-Stop Coach
Departing	Arriving	Details
Lihue Kauai (LIH), HI 11:40 PM  Mon, Dec 31	Phoenix (PHX), AZ 08:37 AM  Tue, Jan 01	Non-Stop Coach
Phoenix (PHX), AZ 09:53 AM  Tue, Jan 01	New York - JFK (JFK), NY 04:52 PM  Tue, Jan 01	Non-Stop Coach

There is still time to book a good deal.  Please feel free to give me a call 1-800-843-8771 ext# 41 for a price quote today!!

Mahalo for reading!!

Tisha, Hawaii Travel Specialist, www.hawaii-aloha.com

Admission to some of the best shows you’ll see here on O’ahu cost little more than a tank of gas and some time to spare.

Most start and stay on our Southern Shores as Waikiki remains one of our top destinations. With some timing, you could find yourself watching a classic or current motion picture beach-side with the sand under your feet and the sky as your ceiling. Kapi’olani Park on the weekends tend to host a bevy of cultural and local events that show off the splendor of island life. Those up for a leisurely hike would benefit from a walk up to the tip of Diamond Head Crater. The view there is wonderful. Another scenic point just outside of Waikiki can be found at Tantalus Park. From that vantage point, one can view the Diamond Head on your left and gaze at our modern landscape going West.

On the East side, Halona Blow Hole is a natural marvel. My kids were in awe of a man’s ability to command his 20+ foot long kite as it danced over the field fronting Sandy Beach.Makapu’u Beach shorebreaks were glassy as bodyboarders and bodysurfers rode and tumbled through barrels only to rise and swim out for another set. Across the street to the rear exit to Sea Life Park is the entrance to a small tide pool. What it lacks in shade it makes up for in scenery as it faces Manana or "Rabbit" Island with a pier to in the distance. It’s a bit of back tracking, but seeing our beautiful Windward side from the Pali Lookout is NOT to be missed. The Ko’olau Mountains travel with you North and much of Waimanalo, Kailua and Kaneohe remains lush and green.

Through Kahalu’u, we head North to see the highway succumbing to the shorelines from Ka’a'awa to Hau’ula. All these small towns give you a warm country feel. Polynesian Cultural Center rests in La’ie and it’s night show is terrific. We’ve stopped at a few shrimp trucks over the years traveling between Kahuku and Haleiwa and we’ve heard a lot about Macky’s as being the best. Next go-round, we’ll be sure to taste for ourselves and share in that experience. I recommend you take some time to check out the country produce and try some shave ice. When in Sunset, stop at Ted’s Bakery. The chocolate and haupia pie is to die for. The butter rolls are a little bigger than an average man’s fist. Haleiwa is a pretty busy town. Matsumoto’s Shave Ice is a local fave and most would say a must-have while in the islands. I stopped in Central O’ahu for a pineapple whip at the Dole Plantation.

Through Wahiawa, we drive past Mililani and Waipio to the Western shores. Out West, we have the only remaining railroad ride. Hawaiian Railways takes you from our Ewa plains to Ko ‘Olina and back. The ride is about 90min. You’ll find some nice white sandy beaches in Kalaeloa (formerly Barber’s Point). Just past Kapolei and a stones throw beyond Honokai Hale is Ko ‘Olina. There you’ll find some lovely manmade coves similar to the one you’d see at Ala Moana Beach Park.

Whether North, South, East or West it’s obvious that much of O’ahu’s beauty is yours to experience. In a future blog, I’ll share more about local eateries.

TISHA@HAWAII-ALOHA.COM

1-800-843-8771 ext.41

One of the most common questions I receive is "can I get an all inclusive vacation?" For some of you, that may mean you’d like an all inclusive resort or an all inclusive vacation package.  After reading this sentence, you’re probably asking yourself, is there a difference?  Well, I’d like to take moment to explain in detail the differences. 

• There are "All-Inclusive Escorted Tour Packages".  What this means is that you are on a guided escorted tour, that will usually include roundtrip airfare (optional at times), all ground transportation, hotel, meals(not all the time 3 meals a day, depending on what your itinerary is for the day and activities.  Here at Hawaii-Aloha.com we offer two different escorted tours, see them below:
  • Tauck Tours "BEST OF HAWAII"  12 day, four Island escorted tour.  This tour has accomodations at 5 star hotels in Hawaii.
  • Perillo Tours offers two escorted Hawaii tours. 
    • 12 Day, Four island escorted tour.  This tour also has 4 and 5 star accomodations but different hotels from the Tauck tours as well as slightly different daily itineraries.
    • 9 Day, Three island escorted tour.
• If you’re looking for an "All-inclusive Resort", well that really means that the resort provides your three meals a day plus your hotel stay.  There is only one resort here that is considered an "All-Inclusive Resort", That resort is called the Kona Village Resort.
• The last option if either of the above options don’t suit your needs or budget, there are 7-day Hawaiian Cruises.  They cruise around the island chain and include all your meals. 

If none of these options are what you’re looking for or maybe it does not fit your budget, I can definitely customize a package for you that includes airfare, hotel and transportation. If you have any questions feel free to contact me via email at tisha@hawaii-aloha.com.

If you are reading this, you’re probably one of the many people who have been surfing the internet for a low priced Hawaiian vacation package.  And for most of you, you’ve already spent countless hours going from website to website.  Next, your pricing airfare, hotels then car rentals, jotting down all that information. You feverishly move in between the three to four, heck maybe even five browsers that you have minimized on your task bar, going back and forth, trying to find a good deal.  You refresh your screen, but now you have to do the whole process over again. UGH! Please,don’t get me wrong, it’s a great idea to shop, but after awhile, you’re eyes can get crossed and fingers cramped from all that research; click here, select here, reprice, add-a-destination, change a flight, change car category.  I must admit, when I do my research of what’s out there, I get frustrated as well and I’m a travel agent. This is no joke people!

Okay, now lets say after all those hours of research you’ve found a package you like based on the price or hotel pictures that you’ve seen. Some of you may not know what the property is like and wonder to yourself hmmm "is it a roach motel, is it what I’m looking for?"  Well, you could call an 800 number to reach an agent sitting in a call center cubicle located somewhere in the continental U.S. only to be serviced by someone who has never been to Hawaii.  But, first try getting through the lines and the long hold times. Or you can rely on websites that travelers give there unbiased opinions of specific properties that they’ve stayed at during there vacation. At times you’ll find yourself puzzled because someone will rank that property as being "excellent, beautiful" and some will rank that very same property as "horrible, will never stay here again!" 

Now with all this being said, it brings me to my point.  We are the Hawaii specialists, we are located here in Hawaii.  We offer you helpful and knowledgeable advice on everything Hawaii; from properites, activities, to events etc.  When you work with an agent, that is your personal travel agent and we each can be reached directly, no long wait times.  With us, we can take whatever research you’ve done so far and do the rest for you, it’ll save you time and money. By booking with us, you’d definitely avoid the scenario above, because like we say  we’re the "Hawaii Specialists". 

As a Hawaii-Aloha.com agent, I love what I do and will always, always work hard to earn your business and get you the lowest price possible.  So don’t hesitate to call or email me if you’re looking for a vacation package for two people or 40 people, I can help you!!

 Thanks for reading my blog!!

Tisha

Hawaii Aloha Travel

6800 Kalanianaole Hwy #127

Honolulu, Hawaii  96825

1-800-843-8771 x41

Directline: 1-808-237-5281

Email: tisha@hawaii-aloha.com

www.hawaii-aloha.com

ASK ME ABOUT THE HAWAII-ALOHA.COM ADVANTAGE:

·          We’re in Hawaii, providing valuable and exceptional customer service with expert knowledge.

·          You pay when YOU want, with a deposit as low as $50 per person your reservation is booked.

·          We offer travel protection, insurance that allows you to cancel your plans up to 1 day before your trip.

·          We have wholesale buying power, by blocking thousands of airline tickets, hotel/condo properties and cars.

For all you football fans, as you know the Pro Bowl will held on Februrary 10, 2007 at the Aloha Stadium here on Oahu.  Looking for travel packages that include special Pro Bowl amenities.  Please give me a call or email me for pricing at 1-800-843-8771 direct extension x41 or you may email me at tisha@hawaii-aloha.com.

NFL Pro Bowl "MVP" Package

For travel from 02/08/07 to 02/28/07
Roundtrip Airfare (nationwide departures) to Honolulu
* Roundtrip airport transfers to your hotel
* Roundtrip Airfare (nationwide departures) to Honolulu
* Roundtrip airport transfers to your hotel
* NFL Pro Bowl game tickets located in the sideline section (upper two
levels of Aloha Stadium)
* Roundtrip transfers from Waikiki to Aloha Stadium on gameday (2/10/07)
* Official VIP NFL Pro Bowl Tailgate Party featuring NFL Players and
Cheerleaders. Includes reserved covered seating, drinks and VIP menu.
* Four nights hotel accommodations (extensions allowed)
* Pleasant Holidays Tote Bag
* Breakfast Orientation
* Fresh flower lei greeting upon arrival of your mainland flight.

NFL Pro Bowl Platinum: Shaded

 For travel from 02/08/07 to 02/28/07
Travel 2/9/06 - 2/13/06

Includes the following:

* Roundtrip Airfare (nationwide departures) to Honolulu
* Roundtrip airport transfers to your hotel
* NFL Pro Bowl game tickets located in the sideline section (lower two
levels) in the Makai (Shaded) side of the stadium.
* Official NFL Pro Bowl Friday Night VIP Party.
Drinks, food, and entertainments are included.
* Official NFL VIP Tailgate party featuring NFL Players and cheerleaders.
Reserved covered seating, drinks, food, and entertainment are included.
* Roundtrip transfers on game day from Waikiki to Aloha Stadium
* Four nights hotel accommodations at Hyatt Regency Waikiki
* Pleasant Holidays Tote Bag
* Breakfast Orientation
* Fresh flower lei greeting upon arrival of your mainland flight

NFL Pro Bowl Platinum: Sunny

 For travel from 02/08/07 to 02/28/07
Travel 2/08/07 - 2/12/07

Includes the following:
* Roundtrip Airfare (nationwide departures) to Honolulu
* Roundtrip airport transfers to your hotel
* NFL Pro Bowl game tickets located in the sideline section (lower two
levels) in the Mauka (SUNNY) side of Aloha Stadium.
* Official NFL Pro Bowl Friday Night VIP Party featuring NFL Personalities.
Drinks, food, and entertainments are included.
* Official NFL VIP Tailgate party featuring NFL Players and cheerleaders.
Reserved covered seating, drinks, food, and entertainment are included.
* Roundtrip transfers on game day from Waikiki to Aloha Stadium
* Four nights hotel accommodations at Hyatt Regency Waikiki
* Fresh flower lei greeting upon arrival of mainland flight

Recently, I was at a dilemna myself planning a trip for my family.  My dilemna was that I now have a family five and now need to possibly look at alternative options when searching for hotel accomodations. The  maximum persons allowed to one hotel room is usually four persons.  With that being said, for the families out there looking for a hotel not a condominium with enough space and comfort to accmodate your family at a reasonable price than a 1 bedroom suite, well here’s a great option.

I recently toured the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa and was pleasantly surprised when I stepped into what they call the Family Room.  It was very spacious at 665 s.q. of room and accomodates up to six people, four of them being adults.  There is sitting area, 2 double beds and 2 twin beds and a large bathroom.  These Family rooms are located in there Kealohilani Towers and have partial oceanviews. Here is a picture and diagram of the room.

Kealohilani Towers (Family Room)

Diagram of Family Room:

 This property is great! It is centrally located, has many restaurants to choose in and out of the resort, there is a small sundry store in each tower and a Seattle’s Best Coffee in each tower for your convienience.  There is also a coin laundry room only accessible only by guests through your key card. They have a spa and fitness room right on the property.  If you chose this property you would’nt be dissapointed . 

If you’d like to get a quote for your family at this resort, please email me at tisha@hawaii-aloha.com and I will be happy to help you!!

For you marathon runners here are a few helpful reminders for those of you, who will be here for the event. 

START: 5 AM on Sunday, December 10, 2006. To ensure an orderly start, please proceed onto Ala Moana Boulevard beneath the banners indicating your estimated finish time. Water is available at the Start.

TRANSPORTATION: Free BUS SERVICE to the starting line will depart from the Honolulu Zoo parking lot on Kapahulu Avenue beginning at 2 AM on Race Day. The last bus will leave at 4 AM. Board early and do not wait for the last bus as there may not be room. Non-runners will be transported on a space-available basis. A few buses will return to Kapiolani Park after the start.

LIVE RADIO BROADCAST: TBA.

PARKING: Vehicle access to Ala Moana Beach Park and Kapiolani Park will be strictly enforced. Only vehicles that have authorized access by the Honolulu Marathon and display the proper vehicle permit will be allowed access.

No parking will be allowed in or near Kapiolani Park or the parking lot after 7 PM on Saturday, December 9. Vehicles parked in those areas will be ticketed and towed. Parking at the starting line is prohibited. Check the Traffic Alert for more information.

RESTROOMS: Portable facilities will be in abundance. Please treat the areas with respect.

IMPORTANT NOTE: There will be no Clothing Check-In at the START Area on Race Day. Any clothing left or discarded at the start area will be donated to charity.

IMPORTANT: All information published on this website is subject to change without notice.

For more information go to the official website for the Honolulu Marathon.

http://www.honolulumarathon.org/Home_Page.htm