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Off the Road to Hana at Keanae Peninsula
A short drive to Keanae Peninsula is definitely worth the diversion off the Road to Hana . The paved drive down to this peninsula leads you to the ocean’s edge for amazing views of the Hana coast. You’ll find the turn to Keanae Peninsula on the ocean ( makai ) side of the Road to Hana between mile markers 16 and 17. (It’s closest to mile marker). The turn is at a the bend of a hair pin curve, so drive slowly so you don’t miss the turn. View Larger Map I’ve been to Keanae Peninsula in both morning and afternoon sun. I think it’s particularly beautiful during afternoon sun, but stop when ever you can – especially if the weather is sunny. I’d also like to note that there’s a banana bread stand, Aunty Sandy’s , in Keanae that’s known for serving some of the best banana bread on the island. I wish I could speak from experience about how good it tastes, however it’s always been closed when I’ve been there. I guess I’ll have to keep returning in the hopes that the banana bread stand is open. Have you been to Keanae Peninsula? How was your experience. © Go Visit Hawaii – Republication of this entire post is prohibited without prior permission. Using extracts of less than 100 words are permitted with full attribution and link back to GoVisitHawaii.com .
Continue reading...Hawaiian Vanilla Farm Tour & Lunch
6. February 2012
Vanilla (orchid) growing on a hapu'u fern Vanilla has the reputation for being, well, somewhat bland, but did you know that vanilla is quite a fascinating plant? Vanilla is actually an orchid that only blooms for one day. If the orchid is to produce a vanilla bean, it must very carefully hand pollenated on that one day of blooming. I learned these interesting facts while visiting the Hawaiian Vanilla Company for lunch and a tour. Though learning about vanilla is interesting in itself, the owner Jim Reddekopp weaves a family love story into his presentation about vanilla and how he came to farm it. Jim and his wife Tracey were living on Oahu with their first two children when they decided that before they had more kids, they wanted to raise their children on a farm. Soon after, they decided to more to Hawaii Island’s verdant Hamakua Coast to start the US’s first (and I believe only) vanilla farm. Jim and Tracey now have five children that he jokes are on a work to eat program. Jim Reddekopp prepares a vanilla-infused appetizer. Jim Reddekopp does not hied his passion for his family and vanilla. The two are clearly intertwined. It was inspirational to hear how the Reddekopps grew their farm dream into a viable small business that currently employees nine people. How inspirational was it? Well, on the drive back to Waikoloa, Andy and I started daydreaming and brainstorming what sort of farm we could start in Hawaii. We enjoyed a very tasty vanilla-infused, three-course lunch as part of the Hawaiian Vanilla Experience ($39/adult and $15/child ages 4 to 12) followed by a tour of the farm. Almost every part of the lunch incorporated vanilla in creative and unusual ways. For example, the roasted potatoes were seasoned in a vanilla southwest spice. I certainly learned by tasting that vanilla is not just for desserts. Vanilla was added to each part of this savory lunch. After lunch, we took a tour of a vanilla farm “field” . There, we looked closer at the type of environment and tender loving care that vanilla farming requires. Vanilla Plant The Hawaiian Vanilla Company is located in lovely old timber building that originally housed a coffee mill in the 1920s. It’s roughly half way between Hilo and Kona. We drove there from Waikoloa Beach Resort in about an hour. It’s quite a scenic drive, too. (See this map for directions .) If you’re in this area, you might want to consider also visiting Akaka Falls , Waipio Valley lookout and if time permits, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden . Hawaiian Vanilla Company offers other tours and tastings in addition to this lunch tour we enjoyed. Tour reservations are strongly recommended. You can book by calling 1-877-771-1771. Having lunch and farm touring at Hawaiian Vanilla Company was far more than a vanilla experience. — Mahalo to the Hawaiian Vanilla Company for hosting our tour. © Go Visit Hawaii – Republication of this entire post is prohibited without prior permission. Using extracts of less than 100 words are permitted with full attribution and link back to GoVisitHawaii.com .
Continue reading...Hawaii Vacation Deals & News: February 2, 2012
2. February 2012
Pagoda at Four Seasons Resort Lana'i Lodge at Koele * Congratulations to Four Seasons Resort Lanai Lodge at Koele for making the top 10 list of US hotels by U.S. News & World Report. The Lodge secured the second highest ranking. We at Go Visit Hawaii love the Lodge at Koele as you can see from our review . Pssst! Here’s a secret – it’s one of the top luxury values in all of Hawaii. With their third night free offer , rates start at just $207 per night! * Do you have a favorite Hawaiian Island, beach, hotel, luau or activity that you think is tops? GoHawaii.About.com wants your nominations ! * By popular demand, the folks at JetLev Hawaii contacted me to let me know they’re extending the special $199 rate for a limited time. So, if you didn’t get a chance to take advantage of the JetLev Groupon we mentioned , you can call Eric at 808-393-0153 and ask for the $199 rate. * United Continental plans to launch nonstop service between Washington Dulles (IAD) and Honolulu (HNL) in June per this report . * Ala Moana Hotel near Waikiki is getting into Super Bowl 46 spirit with a special offer. After the game, the folks at Ala Moana Hotel will offer a special rate that’s the combined score. That’ll make you cheer for a defensive struggle. This special rate will be valid for stays between March 1 and April 15, 2012. Read more about this promotion at www.AlaMoanaHotel.com/46 . © Go Visit Hawaii – Republication of this entire post is prohibited without prior permission. Using extracts of less than 100 words are permitted with full attribution and link back to GoVisitHawaii.com .
Continue reading...Big Changes Coming for USS Arizona Memorial Ticketing
1. February 2012
Coming soon, visitors will be able to book USS Arizona Memorial tickets in advance. This change could significantly reduce visitor wait times and help you make the most of your Oahu vacation time. Tickets will still be available on a first come, first served basis for walk-in visitors. In this KHON report , Eileen Martinez, Chief of Interpretation for the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, says that 50% of tickets will be available for walk-in visitors. Though tickets will continue to be free to all visitors, a fee of $1.50 per ticket
Continue reading...Taking a Historical Sunset Cruise on the Kona Coast with Body Glove Hawaii
30. January 2012
Body Glove Hawaii offers a very nice historical sunset dinner cruise that we had a chance to enjoy on our recent visit to Hawaii’s Big Island. The dinner, entertainment and sunset was very good, but what I especially enjoyed was learning the history of the Kona coast and, oh boy, there’s a lot of it! Kona Coast The Body Glove vessel leaves Kailua Kona harbor then heads south, skimming the coastline while the golden sun rays make the coast glow. As we made our way down to historic Kealakekua Bay , the historian, Boyd, highlighted heiaus, village remains, and stories of struggles and misunderstandings of Captain Cook’s visits to Hawaii Island. Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay The more I learn of Hawaii’s history, the more I want to learn, which made this sunset sail right up my ally. You don’t need to be a Hawaii nerd like me to enjoy it though. I felt like Boyd shared the history in a way that both new and veteran Hawaii visitors appreciated. The boat followed the coast as far as Kealakekua Bay where we slowed down inside the bay for smoother water as passengers enjoyed the dinner buffet that included Hawaii favorites like lomi lomi salmon, barbeque beef skewers and lau lau. While we were in Kealakekua Bay, dolphins came to the boat as if to say hello. They put on a little leaping and spinning show before heading further down shore. Kona Sunset On our way back to Kailua-Kona we listened to songs played by a very talented slack key guitar player and singer. That, of course, added to the romantic setting sun followed by the waning rays of the day. By the time we arrived back in Kailua-Kona, the sky was all dark which made the lights of town reflect on the water. Kailua-Kona lights shimmering on the bay What to know when you go: – The cost of this tour is $105.02 for adults and $72. 87 for youth ages 6 to 17. – This historical tour is offered three nights per week, at the moment – Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. – The staff was very helpful. If they offer to carry your drink or food, it’s a good idea to let them help you. – One drink coupon is included in the cost of the tour. A cash bar was available with soft drinks, beer, wine and cocktails. – Bring cash for tipping (at the end) and for the cash bar. – Try to get to the buffet line soon after it opens. Andy and I waited for the rush to die down. Our timing was bad as the boat pulled out of the smooth water of the bay in into the rougher waters. – You might want to bring a jacket or sweater. After sunset, the wind did have a bit of a chill to it. – If you have medium to long hair, you might want to bring something to hold your hair back. I have medium length hair and found it difficult to eat with the coastal wind swirling my hair. – If you are going to Hawaii during whale season (January – March), there’s a good chance you’ll see humpback whales,. So keep your eyes peeled. – See all our photos from this tour. Mahalo to Body Glove Hawaii for sponsoring our tour.
Continue reading...Chairadise Found at Hilton Waikoloa Village
26. January 2012
Though we’re right smack dab in the middle of Winter, let’s take a seat in this sunny chairadise at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii’s Big Island. Who’s the lucky person you’d have sitting beside of you? We’re on facebook! Please click here to join us. © Go Visit Hawaii – Republication of this entire post is prohibited without prior permission. Using extracts of less than 100 words are permitted with full attribution and link back to GoVisitHawaii.com .
Continue reading...Chairadise Found at Hilton Waikoloa Village
26. January 2012
Though we’re right smack dab in the middle of Winter, let’s take a seat in this sunny chairadise at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii’s Big Island. Who’s the lucky person you’d have sitting beside of you? We’re on facebook! Please click here to join us. © Go Visit Hawaii – Republication of this entire post is prohibited without prior permission. Using extracts of less than 100 words are permitted with full attribution and link back to GoVisitHawaii.com .
Continue reading...Hawaii Vacation Deals & News: January 25, 2012
25. January 2012
Colorful lantana growing along Kauai's Kalalau Trail * Disney’s Aulani Resort is offering a Spring special of 6th night free and complimentary continental breakfast each day during your stay. See all the details here . * Aqua’s Kauai Beach Resort is offering rates as low as $159 including daily breakfast buffet, but you must book before January 31 and complete your stay by December 31, 2012. * Speaking of Kauai, Hawaiian Airlines has put Kauai fares on sale for travel between now and March 14 and again from April 24 through June 8, 2012. Fares from the Bay area start from $363. For this sale, you must book by January 31. * JetBlue is teaming up with Hawaiian Airlines to make connections easy. Per JetBlue’s website , “Transfer from JetBlue to Hawaiian’s service at Los Angeles (LAX). Beginning June 4th, transfer to Hawaiian’s new non-stop service to Honolulu at New York (JFK).” Read more about this partnership on Smarter Travel . * Do you want to make this Valentine’s Day extra special with your spouse? Outrigger Resorts is offering free vow renewals across resorts in all the major islands. Participating resorts are Kapalua Villas Maui, Keauhou Beach Resorts on Hawaii’s Big Island, Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation on Kauai and Outrigger Reef on the Beach in Oahu. Andy and I renewed our vows at Outrigger Reef on the Beach in 2009 and it was a lovely ceremony. * If you’ll be staying in Waikiki, check out the special farm to table prix fixe menus at and Sansei Seafood Restaurant on Wednesdays and d.k. Steak House on Thursdays. They’re great values for four-course dinners under $50. * What’s the average room rate in the state of Hawaii? According to the latest report , the rate is $199.63 which is up 7% over the same time period last year. Occupancy is also up by 2.7% overall. Hawaii’s tourism recovery appears to be well on the mend. * Have you seen the movie The Decendants ? This award-nominated movie was partly filmed in Kauai and is expected to boost tourism per TheGardenIsland.com . * Will Kauai’s historic Coco Palms Resort ever be revived ? Here’s the most recent news about Coco Palms that doesn’t sound very encouraging. * The USPS offers five new Hawaii themed postcard stamp with Aloha shirt designs . © Go Visit Hawaii – Republication of this entire post is prohibited without prior permission. Using extracts of less than 100 words are permitted with full attribution and link back to GoVisitHawaii.com .
Continue reading...Top Maui, Lanai and Molokai Festivals
24. January 2012
With some help from our friends at the Maui Visitor’s Bureau, we’re listing the top festivals and events for Maui Nui – Maui, Lanai and Molokai. As you can see, there are plenty of excellent celebrations and events throughout the year. JANUARY Hyundai Tournament of Champions PGA Tour champions from the previous year compete in this televised, season opening, golf tournament at Kapalua Resort’s stunning Plantation Course for a $5,600,000 purse. www.pgatour.com/hyundai This event is usually scheduled for the first full weekend in January after New Year’s Day. FEBRUARY Great Maui Whale Festival This celebration honoring humpback whales features special events and eco-activities all month, including The Great Whale Count, sponsored by the Pacific Whale Foundation. The Parade of Whales and Whale Day Celebration offer live entertainment, a craft fair and food booths at Kalama Park, Kīhei. www.mauiwhalefestival.org . In 2012, World Whale Day is scheduled for February 18. MARCH Haʻīkū Hoʻolaulea & Flower Festival This event celebrates rural life and benefits local youth education programs. Enjoy lei making demonstrations, a floral design contest, bake sale, arts and crafts show, farmers’ market, historical displays, games and live entertainment. In 2012, this event is slated for March 31. APRIL Celebration of the Arts This annual event pays tribute to the people, arts and traditions of Hawaiʻi, hosted by The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. Enjoy hula performances, workshops in Hawaiian cultural topics and crafts. A Hawaiian lūʻau with traditional foods, music and hula highlight Easter weekend. www.celebrationofthearts.org 2012 dates TBA. Annual East Maui Taro Festival Hāna’s annual cultural event celebrates Hawaiʻi’s traditional food staple with an all-day festival featuring live music, hula, arts and crafts, Hawaiian games and food booths, plus a taro pancake breakfast. www.tarofestival.org In 2012, this event will be held April 21.
Continue reading...Top Oahu Festivals to Plan into Your Hawaii Vacation
23. January 2012
If you’re hankering to go to Oahu, but not sure when to go, perhaps you’d like to go during one of the many excellent festivals. To help you, I’ve created this handy dandy list of Oahu festivals – which mixes in input from the nice folks at the Oahu Visitor’s Bureau, plus my opinion. Honolulu Festival
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7. February 2012
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