Aloha to Aulani, Disney’s Newest Vacation Resort
Who says Mickey Mouse ears and Hawaiian leis don’t mix? Disney vacation experts are banking that they do as Disney Vacation Club has begun selling interests, as well as accepting reservations, at their highly anticipated destination resort in Hawaii, under its official name, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawaii.
Disney selected the name Aulani in a celebration the rich history and tradition of the Hawaiian culture. Translated, Aulani means “the place that speaks...
August 2nd, 2010 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Disney Resorts, Disney Vacation Club, Family Friendly, featuredarticle, Hawaii
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
... this year from November 5-14, 2010. It honors the multi-ethnic heritage of the pioneers, farmers and artisans of the brew on the Big Island of Hawaii.
The first coffee was planted in Kona (map) by missionary Samuel Ruggles in 1828 or 1829. These first arabica trees were taken from cuttings planted on Oahu a few years earlier. Today many Kona farmers can lay claim to being fifth generation coffee farmers.
Some of the 50 different events at this annual coffee harvest festival are the coffee cupping...
July 30th, 2010 | Susan McKee | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: coffee, featuredarticle, festival, food, Hawaii
MauiGrown: 100% Estate-Grown Coffee
Driving north on the coastal route on the island of Maui in Hawaii, I saw a sign for the Ka’anapali Coffee Farms Estate (map), so I turned up the West Maui Mountains to take a closer look at this diversified agricultural project.
About 500 acres of a 6,000 sugar cane plantation once owned by Pioneer Mill sugar company had been converted from cane to coffee in the late 1980s. Experimenting with 28 varieties of Arabica beans to see which was best suited for the elevation, soil and climate, four were...
June 30th, 2010 | Susan McKee | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: drink, featuredarticle, food, Hawaii, tour
Dole Pineapple Plantation
Although most of America’s fresh pineapples are no longer grown in Hawaii, visitors can stop by the Dole Pineapple Plantation (map) at 64-1550 Kamehameha Highway in Wahiawa on the island of Oahu to see what it was like before cultivation moved to Southeast Asia.
Didn’t you know? The U.S. isn’t even in the top-ten producers worldwide anymore! Thailand, Philippines, Brazil and China are the main pineapple producers in the world supplying nearly 50 % of the total output, according...
June 19th, 2010 | Susan McKee | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: featuredarticle, food, Hawaii, tour
Kona Village The Authentically Green Resort
... for “green” accommodations. There are some, however, that have always been committed to the environment and an example of that is Hawaii’s Kona Village Resort.
Kona Village’s pride and respect for the ‘aina (land) and Ka’upulehu (the area) is apparent in their efforts to care for the ancient Hawaiian fish ponds and 3.2 acre petroglyph field which has been recognized by the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau in their “Keep it Hawaii” annual awards.
For...
April 28th, 2010 | Jeanne Dupuis | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Hawaii, hotels, Kona, resorts
What’s new on Oahu: Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk
The island of Oahu, known as the Heart of Hawaii, sets the rhythm of the islands. Its fabulous hotels and resorts play host to people of all ages and budgets. Oahu’s hotels are constantly updating and adding an array of activities and packages that are sure to make any trip to Oahu unforgettable. leads by example with new improvements, changes and additions on an ongoing basis. In these last few days of February, I will provide you with the latest updates and attractions here on this happening...
February 23rd, 2010 | byun | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: featuredarticle, Hawaii, honolulu, hotel, Oahu, trump hotel, Waikiki
Luxury Vacation Rentals on Maui
... per night.
Tropical Villa Vacations, established in 1995, represents an extraordinary selection of luxury beachfront homes, villas, and estates in Hawaii. It was the first agency in the Hawaii vacation rental industry to provide complimentary in-house “hotel-style” concierge services, customized to the individual needs and expectations of each guest.
For more details and photos of Tropical Villa Vacations’ luxury homes and villas, visit www.TropicalVillaVacations.com or contact...
February 18th, 2010 | byun | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: accommodations, featuredarticle, Hawaii, Kihei, makena surf, Maui, tropical villa vacations, vacation home rentals, villas
A 3-day Hawaiian vacation for just $399!
Pleasant Holidays, a local travel agency, is offering an unbeatable package this spring! Enjoy a three-night vacation in paradise (a.k.a. Hawaii) for just $399 per person. Roundtrip tickets easily cost $399, but this travel package includes airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco AS WELL AS a three-night stay at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani in Waikiki AND a three-day Hertz car rental.
Located in the heart of Waikiki and set on the former estate of Hawaii’s last and most beloved princess...
February 16th, 2010 | byun | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: featuredarticle, Hawaii, hertz, honolulu, package, pleasant holidays, sheraton princess kaiulani, travel deal, vacation, Waikiki
Hanauma Bay closed for second day due to box jellyfish
... count earlier this morning. Yesterday, lifeguards counted about 40 jellyfish within an hour and this morning they counted 100. Many visitors to Hawaii — and even some locals — are not aware that the islands experience jellyfish warnings on a monthly basis, about 7-10 days after a full moon and that this can be a dangerous health hazard to beachgoers.
The jellyfish that like to visit southern and eastern shores of the islands are called box jellyfish, and they are often too small to spot...
February 8th, 2010 | byun | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: box jellyfish, featuredarticle, hanauma bay, Hawaii, honolulu, jellyfish, Oahu
The Punahou Carnival
... folks find they need to get away from the main carnival action, they set out for Dole Hall, mauka of the main carnival grounds, where the Hawaiian plate provides a perfect place for ono (delicious) local food and fantastic local music.
2010’s musical line-up is as follows:
Friday, February 5, 2010
Noon Punahou Jazz Band
1:00 Royal Hawaiian Band
2:00 Papakolea
3:00 TBD
4:00 Gail Mack/Gordon Kim of George Street
5:00 Puna Rock
6:00 TBD
7:00 Manoa DNA
8:00 PPRB 9:00 Mark Goto
Saturday, February 6,...
February 5th, 2010 | byun | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Barack Obama, carnival, entertainment, featuredarticle, Hawaii, honolulu, malasada, mango chutney, nightlife, Obama, punahou school, rides
Hawaiian Airlines is giving away a Hawaiian Getaway
Hawaiian Airlines is the longest-running and most reliable local airline in the islands. It has consistently ranked among the nation’s best airline companies, and ticket prices are always affordable and usually the cheapest around. Right now, flights from Honolulu to the mainland start at just $360 RT! It’s a great time to visit the islands right now — not only because the weather is fantastic, but also because, for a very limited time, Hawaiian Airlines is offering a great...
February 3rd, 2010 | byun | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: flights, giveaway, Hawaii, hawaiian airlines, holiday, honolulu, mainland
What to do on a rainy day in Honolulu
... and the Movie Museum plays 1-2 films throughout the day.
MUSEUMS: Honolulu has some fabulous museums. From art at the Honolulu Academy of Arts to Hawaiian culture and science at the Bishop Museum, you’ll be sure to end your day smarter than it started.
Keep in mind that Hawaii is called both “The State of Aloha” and “The Rainbow State.” After the rain comes a gorgeous bow of colors, and at the end of that rainbow are some delightful and worthwhile experiences.
Photo...
January 31st, 2010 | byun | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: activities, Hawaii, honolulu, movies, museums, rain, Shopping
Enjoy a Chic Retreat at the Waikiki Parc Hotel
... winter experience.
The Waikiki Parc Hotel is inviting travelers to enjoy a chic retreat. Celebrate the guilt-free indulgences that only Waikiki, Hawaii’s premiere travel destination, can offer. From shady palm trees, shopping, time at the spa to local dining, vibrant nightlife, and VIP surf lessons, the Parc has every luxury and amenity necessary for a completely pampered tropical vacation.
This February, a stay at the Parc includes daily breakfast for two, a special ‘Cheers Arrival’...
January 31st, 2010 | byun | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: chic retreat, featuredarticle, Hawaii, hotel, lotus, lotus experience, retreat, spa, Waikiki, waikiki parc hotel
Native Hawaiian Plant Sale on Maui
... organization is dedicated to bringing awareness of native plant species to residents and tourists alike, and this Satruday it is hosting a Native Hawaiian Plant Sale that shouldn’t be missed.
Some of the native plants on sale will be taro, banana, fern, hibiscus, palm, and shade trees. Native growers that are selling these local plants are Ho’olawa Farms, Upcountry Natives, and Maui Eko Compost. Free expert advice on maintaining local plants and upkeep on landscaping will be provided. ...
January 28th, 2010 | byun | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: featuredarticle, Hawaii, hawaiian plants, Maui, maui nui botanical gardens, plants, sale
In Between: Honolulu’s Best Kept Secret
... operators across the industry from venues large and small. The judging panel consists of 20 industry leaders, journalists and consultants.
While Hawaii made it into just one category, it was a surprising one. In-Between, a little known gay-friendly bar in Waikiki, is up for “Small Wonder Bar of the Year,” in contention with three other bars on the mainland. Having lived here for almost 20 years, this was the first time I heard of In-Between, but when I did some more research on...
January 26th, 2010 | byun | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: bar, featuredarticle, gay friendly, Hawaii, honolulu, in-between, nightlife, Waikiki
The Hawaiian Holiday Giveaway
For two straight weeks, from January 19 – February 2, Hawaiian Airlines is picking a lucky sweepstakes winner every day for roundtrip interisland flight for everyone on a transpacific booking.
There are two ways to enter:
ONLINE –
Visit Hawaiian Airline’s Winner-a-Day Giveaway page.
Book a transpacific ticket online between January 19 – February 2, 2010 for travel between January 19, 2010 – December 31, 2010.
Enter your Hawaiian Miles Number, Confirmation Code, and email address...
January 21st, 2010 | byun | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Fly, Hawaii, hawaiian airlines, honolulu, travel
Maui wins praise from Travel Weekly and AAA
“The Magic Isles,” otherwise known as Maui and Lanai, have consistently ranked among Hawaii’s most visited and idyllic islands. Often considered the best island for tourists year after year by national travel publications, Maui has recently been visited by high-profile celebrities such as Bill Cosby, Sheryl Crow, and Elton John. First time visitors and seasoned travelers alike can enjoy the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure on Hawaii’s environmentally diverse...
January 19th, 2010 | byun | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: AAA, Hawaii, Lanai, Maui, News, travel weekly
Save over 50% on Starwood’s Sweet Suite Deal
... enough of a gift, Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Hawai‘i is offering an even a sweeter incentive for visitors. The Starwood brand and fleet of Hawaiian resorts and hotels is offering an unbeatable Suite Endless Escape bonus promotion to already attractive room rates. For an additional $99 a night on an Endless Escape Ocean Front category room rate, Starwood will provide an upgrade to a suite to enhance your stay at any one of its eleven resorts throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
Here’s...
January 15th, 2010 | byun | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: accommodation, Big Island, Hawaii, hotel, Kauai, Maui, Oahu, resort, starwood, suite
Take advantage of $5 Meal Deals
Photo courtesy of Hawaii (Flickr)
The Ward area between Waikiki and Downtown is one of the more happening places in town, and this and next month Ward businesses are offering great $5 Meal Deals. This is a great opportunity to make a day of it and catch a movie before or after your meal at the 16-screen Ward Theatre.
Amazingly, all of personal favorites in Ward (Kaka’ako Kitchen, Satura Cakes, Wedding Cafe, and Wraps and Rolls) are offering some kind of special $5 meal, which goes to show...
January 14th, 2010 | byun | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: cheap, deal, dining, food, Hawaii, honolulu, restaurant, ward
Whale Watching in Hawaii
Photo courtesy of gumption (Flickr)
‘Tis the season for whale watching in the Hawaiian islands! Every winter humpback whales make the treacherous journey from Alaska to the warm waters surrounding Hawaii and are usually spotted off the coast between the months of January and April. It’s one of the most popular activities around the islands, and several tours are offering special rates for whale watchers this season.
The Star of Honolulu, Starlet, and Spirit of Lahaina are featuring...
January 11th, 2010 | byun | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: featuredarticle, Hawaii, spirit of lahaina, star of honolulu, whale-watching
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