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.
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, https://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