Hawaii Travel Blog

The 2008 Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards are out and Hawaii, as usual, is kind of dominating.

The awards are worldwide and cover just about every aspect of travel.  As destinations, Maui and Kauai rank first and second.  The Big Island of Hawaii is sixth; Oahu seventh, Lanai eighth.

Some categories were broken out.   Among Pacific islands, our islands scored the best overall against worldwide competitors, scoring five of the top ten (island) places.  Grades were based on activities, atmosphere/ambience, beaches, friendliness, lodging, restaurants and scenery.

In announcing the rankings, the magazine points out that the Pacific Rim claims all of North America’s top-rated resorts, noting the Four Seasons Wailea (Maui) in particular.

Such announcements are mostly for the benefit of our local travel industry and used in lure publicity, but they should help reassure you as to what you can expect as you make your vacation plan

There’s something going on here in Hawaii that may well favorably affect all communities in the U.S. and beyond.

The state and its utility companies have agreed on a plan to accelerate the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative whose thrust is to position the islands as a renewable energy model.

The agreement provides that 70 percent of the state’s power would come from clean energy sources by 2030.  The plan includes laying undersea cable, forming a power grid so that Maui, Molokai and Lanai can feed 400 megawatts of wind-produced energy to Oahu, which consumes most of the state’s energy.

Governor Linda Lingle enthusiastically touts the effort.  She calls the agreement historic and transformational, and says that it will create a secure, sustainable and clean energy future as well as a sustainable economic future.  Further, she says that it will make Hawaii a world leader and a model in energy independence.

If she’s right, you certainly haven’t heard the last of this story.

After 2 days conference, I was so so happy to be there.  Hawaii Aloha Travel is sponsor of Podcamp+wordcamp Hawaii 2008, 
There were so many great great speakers and we met so many wonderful people with many skills and different interests with Podcast and blog. 

Also, I get a new sister.  YES    Podcast and Blog is the new way to bring news out, and  network with people.  If you want to join us for 2009 Podcamp and wordcamp, let me know.  Mahalo!

If you’re going to be on Oahu on any Thursday evening and want something fun to do, you might consider taking part in the Great Honolulu Treasure Hunt.  It’s a bedazzling experience that features codex wheels, UV lights and gadgets along with elaborate codes, ciphers, and symbols that will help you discover clues, solve riddles and eventually unlock the secret of the race to reach the end location.

It happens at Aloha Tower — on the harbor in Downtown Honolulu — every Thursday night at 6:30 p.m.  The Aloha Tower Marketplace is worth visiting in itself.  It’s the only place in the nation to combine a visitor attraction, a myriad of shops, excellent restaurants, and a working commercial harbor facility - all in one place.

Reservations for the Treasure Hunt are required one day in advance. The fifty-dollar price includes some drinks and pupu!  You can make reservations at (808) 203-8963, or call Aloha Tower while you’re here.

ALL - STAR PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

Sunday, February 8, 2009 • Fans Play Hard Too!!

Valid 2/5 - 2/11/09	4 Nights
Miramar At Waikiki	$670 pp
ResortQuest Waikiki Beach Hotel	$820 pp
Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach	$938 pp
Embassy Suites Hotel - Waikiki Beach Walk	$1,026 pp
Hotel / Basic Game Package * Lei greeting & airport transfers * 4 nights hotel with daily breakfast * All-Star Game Tkts (20-30 yd. line) * Stadium transfers & game day escort
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Valid 2/5 - 2/11/09	4 Nights
Miramar At Waikiki	$765 pp
ResortQuest Waikiki Beach Hotel	$915 pp
Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach	$1,033 pp
Embassy Suites Hotel - Waikiki Beach Walk	$1,121 pp
Hotel / Upgrade Game Package * Lei greeting & airport transfers * 4 nights hotel with daily breakfast * All-Star Game Tkts (40-45 yd. line) * Stadium transfers & game day escort
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Valid 2/5 - 2/11/09	4 Nights
Miramar At Waikiki	$990 pp
ResortQuest Waikiki Beach Hotel	$1,140 pp
Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach	$1,258 pp
Embassy Suites Hotel - Waikiki Beach Walk	$1,346 pp
Hotel / Ticket & Tailgate Package * Lei greeting & airport transfers * 4 nights hotel with daily breakfast * All-Star Game Tkts (40-45 yd. line) * Stadium transfers & game day escort * Official NFL tailgate party

*** Individual Game Package: 20-30 yd line $289pp, 40-45 yd. line $384pp ***
(includes transfers/escort)

*** Official NFL Tailgate party: $225pp ***
(includes entertainment, food & drinks - must purchase by Dec. 13, 2008)

Game and Tailgate tickets are non-refundable.

Independence Day in Hawaii.  It’s as American as poi, surfing and the Humuhumukununukuapua’a.

Each year, on all the islands, we celebrate pretty much as you do at home.  We cook out, we throw horseshoes, we play softball and volleyball, we splash in the water, we hold parades and we watch fireworks.  

At the edge of the Downtown Honolulu Harbor, The Aloha Tower Marketplace will celebrate a day early – on Thursday the 3rd — with live entertainment on several stages, street entertainers, restaurant specials and a fireworks display.
 
The definitive fireworks display Friday on Oahu will erupt on Magic Island and feature a music simulcast on two Hawaii radio stations.  Anyone can pick up a free pair of 3-D fireworks viewing glasses with any purchase at Ala Moana Center starting Tuesday.  
 
On Maui, the fireworks will shoot from a barge moored off of Lahaina, preceded by a concert on the lawn of the Lahaina Public Library.
 
The Makawao Rodeo and Independence Day celebration has taken place in upcountry Maui for 50 years over the 4th of July weekend.  It includes bareback bronco riding, barrel racing, calf roping, live music and country-western dancing.  
 
The Kauai 4th of July festival is held at the Vidinha Stadium in Lihue with live entertainment, food and game booths, and a fireworks display. 
 
On the Big Island, The Parker Ranch 4th of July Rodeo is an award-winning event that includes horse races, team sorting, double mugging, dally team roping and other rodeo events.

 
Visitors enjoy Turtle Independence Day at Mauna Lani Bay.  People gather to celebrate young Hawaiian green sea turtles gaining their freedom.   The little amphibians from Sea Life Park on Oahu have been nurtured in the ponds at Mauna Lani Resort and are released into the ocean on July 4. 

You live on the East Coast, up north.  You’re on vacation in Hawaii.  What do you do when you’re ‘way out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and you get an irresistible urge for a New-York-style pizza, a Nathan’s hot dog or a Philly Cheese Steak?

If you’re on Oahu, you can satisfy that urge.  You head east from Waikiki to Antonio’s New York Pizzeria, which you’ll find across Waialae Avenue from Kahala Mall.

Antonio’s is run by two "New York" Italian guys from Connecticut, cousins Anthony Romano and Joe Tramontano, who moved to Hawaii a few years ago, opened their modest place in upscale Waialae-Kahala and started making and selling "authentic" East-coast pizzas, sandwiches, pasta and desserts such as New York cheesecake and imported (from Ferrara’s in New York) cannoli.

According to the cousins, real New York Pizza is made from a secret, handed-down-recipe dough (flour, water, yeast, sugar, salt, oil, and who-knows what else, to make a  thin-crusted, lightly sauced crust that’s crisp on the bottom with just a bit of flexibility, topped with a selection from pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, meatballs, spinach, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, tomatoes, jalapeno, sun-dried tomatoes, anchovies, ricotta, Genoa salami, grilled chicken breast, and pineapple.

Visitors from Philadelphia attest to the authenticity of the cheesesteaks (which the cousins also make with chicken) and hoagies.  There’s a large and growing local clientele, so you East-coasters must be onto something pretty good.  Antonio’s – a slice of home in Paradise.

Discover the Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio Hotel a full-service, 620-Room, deluxe hotel, featuring spectacular ocean and mountain views located in the heart of Waikiki, just steps from the beach. The Hilton Waikiki combines all the comforts of home along with the special amenities needed for those on the GO…including Wayport High-speed Internet access in all guest rooms and meeting space. Whether an intimate gathering, corporate retreat or meeting large or small, we will help you plan an event of unparalleled elegance. At the Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio, our vision is to create a place where you feel welcomed. All rooms feature the Hilton Serenity Bed, down duvet & pillows and 250 thread count linens.
	Regular Rate	Saver Rate
Hotel Standard	$269	$215
Hotel Ocean View	$304	$249
SUPER SAVER RATES include: 1 Night Accommodations for Two Valid 5/12 - 12/20/08
	WAS	NOW
Hotel Standard	$538 pp	$404 pp
Hotel Ocean View	$608 pp	$456 pp
FREE NIGHT & $75 FOOD CREDIT Package includes: 4 Nights Accommodations for Two 4th Night FREE $75 Dining Credit per room Valid 5/12 - 12/20/08
	WAS	NOW
Hotel Standard (Two Rooms)	$404 pp	$336 pp
FAMILY 2 ROOM SPECIAL plus FREE NIGHT & $75 FOOD CREDIT Package includes: Two (2) Standard Rooms 4 Nights Accommodations for Four (Two Adults & Two Kids under 18) 4th Night FREE - for 1st Room only $75 Dining Credit per room - for 1st Room only Valid 5/12 - 12/20/08 Not available to book online. Please call your travel agent for more information.

Airfare is NOT included. Competitive coach and first class airfare is available nationwide on
Alaska, Delta, Hawaiian, Northwest or United Airlines. Prices include all taxes.
Not combinable with any other special. Full payment will guarantee fare.
Subject to change without notice. Certain conditions and restrictions may apply. Travel must be
completed within time periods listed for rates shown. Prices are in U.S. dollars.

Hawai‘i vacation Speical   SHERATON WAIKIKI Sunsational Savings - 3rd Night Free • Every 3rd night free • $75 dining credit per room, per stay • City View room 3 nights from $389 per person SAVE up to $386 per couple Book now - 12/16/08 | Travel now - 12/19/08 Waikiki Premium Submarine Tour: For an underwater adventure like no other, climb aboard the Atlantis, a high-tech 64-passenger submarine with air-conditioned interior, large view ports and comfortable seating. Descend to depths of 100 ft. Price: from $119 per person, $59 per child   KAUAI MARRIOTT RESORT & BEACH CLUB Hawaiian Sand Dollars • Every 5th night free • Daily breakfast for two • Garden View room 5 nights from $729 per person SAVE up to $386 per couple Book now - 12/17/08 | Travel now - 12/22/08 Waimea Canyon Experience: Come along for spectacular sightseeing and a day filled with the beauty, legends, and sagas of Kauai. Be sure to bring your camera and join us for an experience you’ll long remember. Price: from $49 per person, $39 per child   THE FAIRMONT ORCHID, HAWAII 6th Night Free with $200 Resort Credit • Every 6th night free • $200 resort credit per room, per stay • Fairmont Garden View room 6 nights from $1,049 per person SAVE up to $415 per couple Book now - 12/14/08 | Travel now - 12/20/08 Mauna Kea Summit and Stars: At the summit you’ll stand on top of the world’s tallest mountain, which rises from the ocean floor to over 31,000 ft. After sunset we descend back down to view the majestic Hawaiian sky. Price: from $179 per person   HYATT REGENCY MAUI RESORT & SPA Give Yourself a Gift and Resort Credit • $25 resort credit per room, per stay • Special reduced room rate • $250 AmEx Gift Card per booking • Aloha Rate - Partial Ocean View room 6 nights from $1,249 per person Value added savings Book now - 5/31/08 | Travel now - 6/30/08 Discover Lanai Sunrise Sail: Snorkel, sunbathe, play beach volleyball, or explore Lanai. This adventure is both entertaining and educational. You’ll also enjoy what many say is the best BBQ in Hawaii. Price: from $199 per person, $99 per child   THE RITZ-CARLTON KAPALUA Island Paradise Promotion • Every 6th night free • $250 food & beverage credit • Deluxe room 6 nights from $1,669 per person SAVE up to $667 per couple Book now - 10/25/08 | Travel now - 10/31/08 Old Lahaina Luau: Come enjoy a fun evening of entertainment at the famous Old Lahaina Luau. Enjoy an evening of traditional Hawaiian cuisine, entertainment, music, cultural dances, and wonderful Island artifacts. Price: from $79 per person, $49 per child

WAIKIKI BEACH MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA - Oahu
Valid 4/18 - 5/31/08			5 Nights
City View			$648
Ocean View			$824
Packages include: Budget Compact Car, FREE space-available upgrade to Intermediate, accommodations, one FREE night & daily breakfast for two.
JW MARRIOTT IHILANI RESORT & SPA at Ko Olina - Oahu
Valid 4/18 - 5/31/08			5 Nights
Mountain View			$982
Ocean View			$1,102
Packages include: Budget Compact Car, FREE space-available upgrade to Intermediate, accommodations, one FREE night & daily breakfast for two.
WAILEA BEACH MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA - Maui
Valid 4/18 - 5/31/08			5 Nights
Terrace View			$984
Ocean View			$1,074
Packages include: Budget Compact Car, FREE space-available upgrade to Intermediate, accommodations, one FREE night & daily breakfast for two.
KAUAI MARRIOTT RESORT & BEACH CLUB - Kauai
Valid 4/18 - 5/31/08			5 Nights
Garden View			$762
Ocean View			$1,084
Packages include: Budget Compact Car, FREE space-available upgrade to Intermediate, accommodations, one FREE night & daily breakfast for two.
WAIKOLOA BEACH MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA - Big Island
Valid 4/18 - 5/31/08			5 Nights
Garden / Mountain View			$772
Ocean View			$878
Packages include: Budget Compact Car, FREE space-available upgrade to Intermediate, accommodations, one FREE night & daily breakfast for two.

---

Airfare is NOT included. Competitive coach and first class airfare is available nationwide on Alaska, Delta, Hawaiian, Northwest or United Airlines. Prices are per person double occupancy and include all taxes. Not combinable with any other special. Full payment will guarantee fare. Subject to change without notice. Certain conditions and restrictions may apply. Travel must be completed within time periods listed for rates shown. Prices are in U.S. dollars.