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2nd Annual Ukulele Festival Coming to Lanai in April
With the announcement that the Four Season’s Resorts Lanai plans to host its Second Annual Lanai Ukulele Festival , is it any wonder that I’m writing about this event, and not Sheila? I am a self-proclaimed ukulele nut, so you can imagine my joy when we arranged to cover the music event this April 13-15. It will be three awesome days of ukulele maestros playing great music, Hawaiian language workshops, and even the chance to jam with Kaliko Beamer Trapp! Andy playing the ukulele at the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele My bags have been packed for a week already and there’s still another 3 weeks til the ukulele festival starts!* That means there’s plenty of time for you to take part in this FREE event! Not booked yet, why not make your booking and get great rates as low as $299 a night! Already plan to be on another island during that time? Grab an inter-island flight (Lanai is just 20 minutes from Oahu, and you can connect from all the islands) or grab a ferry from Maui’s Lahaina and make a day trip out of it! The ukulele festival events include: Manele Bay – Friday, April 13, 2012; 6:00 – 9:00 pm. Ukulele music under the stars with special performances by Richard Ho`opi`i, Kawaika Kahiapo, Byron Yasui, CJ “Boom” Helekahi, Hula Honeys, and Benny Uyetake. Coffee Works – Saturday, April 14, 2012; 9:00 – 11:00 am. A morning of harmonious music with Benny Uyetake. Café 565 – Saturday, April 14, 2012; 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. Live music in Lanai City during lunch with CJ “Boom” Helekahi. The Lodge at Koele – Saturday, April 14, 2012; 4:00 – 8:00 pm. The Great Hall will come alive with an afternoon of award winning ukulele music. The line-up includes ukulele falsetto legend Richard Ho`opi`i, Kawika Kahiapo, Byron Yasui, CJ “Boom” Helekahi, Benny Uyetake, Hula Honeys, Lāna‘i Kapuna Ukulele Group, and Kalama School Ukulele Band. In addition to the music, there will be Hawaiian language and ukulele workshops with Kaliko Beamer Trapp. Blue Ginger Cafe – Sunday, April 15, 2012; 9:00 – 11:30 am. The day begins with a morning jam session featuring Benny Uyetake. The Lodge at Koele – Sunday, April 15, 2012; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Enjoy a relaxing Sunday morning with brunch at The Terrace and listen to music by Kawika Kahiapo. The Lodge at Koele – Sunday, April 15, 2012; 7:00 – 9:00 pm. The festival concludes with an evening jam session in Great Hall with Byron Yasui. So, pack your bags–and your ukulele if you have one–and make plans to be at the 2nd Annual Lanai Ukulele Festival. And, even if you’re not a ukulele fanatic like me, you’ll probably still agree that nothing is finer than sitting under a palm tree, sipping a cocktail, and listening to the wonderful sounds of Hawaii. See you there! * ok, so maybe my bags are not quite packed yet, but I am very excited! © 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...Luxury Stay Ritz-Carlton Kapalua in Maui
21. March 2012
Ritz-Carlton Kapalua On my very first visit to Hawaii in 2003, we stayed next door to the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua in the Kapalua Villas. Back then, villa guests were welcome to enjoy the three-tiered pool at Ritz-Carlton Kapalua. That’s when I first fell in love with this beautiful Maui resort. I guess you could say it was my first Maui hotel crush. Fast forward about 9 years later, I finally had the chance to stay at Ritz-Carlton Kapalua and it did not disappoint. Location Maui’s Ritz-Carlton is located in the Kapalua Resort in the northernmost resort on West Maui. Maybe I’m partial to this area because it was where I first stayed in Hawaii, but Kapalua is definitely one of my favorite places in Hawaii. Kapalua Beaches are gorgeous crescent-shaped beaches flanked by lava rock. D.T. Fleming Beach , located right by the Ritz-Carlton, was named America’s Best Beach by Dr. Beach in 2006. It’s a beauty! Not all beaches in Hawaii are watched by lifeguards, but D.T. Fleming beach has a lifeguard station. It’s actually not very common for a beach by a hotel to have a lifeguard station. Oneloa Beach is another beach located near the Ritz-Carlton. In the evenings we enjoyed the 5 to 10 minute walk to Oneloa Beach for wonderful sunset views. Kapalua sunset from Oneloa Bay Kapalua is close enough (15- 20 minute drive) to the action of Kaanapali and Lahaina, but far enough away to make it feel special and remote. Several of Maui’s top restaurants are located within Kapalua Resort. One of our very favorite Hawaii restaurants, Pineapple Grill, is located in Kapalua. Other great Maui restaurants in Kapalua are Sansei and Plantation House . We like the location of the Merriman’s Kapalua for pupus and sunset drinks. At the hotel, we liked The Banyan Tree restaurant and beachside restaurant, The Beach House . Can't beat this beautiful beach view under a canopy of palms at The Beach House Kapalua offers two championship golf courses. You might recognize the Plantation Course from the January Hyundai PGA Tournament, formerly known as the Mercedes-Benz Championship. Kapalua’s historic Honolua Store is a great place to grab a quick breakfast, plate lunch and picnic supplies. We always enjoy popping in to this store. Kapalua Resort offers a shuttle system to get you to resort restaurants, golf and activities. The shuttle service pulls right up to the front of Ritz-Carlton Kapalua. Rooms The spacious guest rooms at Ritz-Carlton Kapalua are exceptionally well designed. We had plenty of storage with his and her closets, plus a large chest of drawers. Our room at Ritz-Carlton Kapalua Dark hardwood floors and furniture along with the artwork with Hawaiian influences made us remember we were in Hawaii, even with the drapes closed. The travertine baths offered his and her sinks, tub, step-in shower, and double vanities with plenty of drawer and shelving storage for our toiletries. The towels were super plush. Actually, they were the most luxurious towels I’ve ever used. Bath at Ritz-Carlton Kapalua The toiletries were fantastic and perfect scents for a Hawaii hotel. The shower gel was coconut and papaya scented. The shampoo and conditioner were coconut, mango and ginger scented. I don’t bring partially used toiletries bottles home very often, but I did this time. Other nice amenities we liked were the plush bath robes, refrigerator with bottled water refreshed daily, and a nice shelf for media charging. Of course, the view from the lanai, was always an attraction. The lanai from our room at Ritz-Carlton Kapalua Housekeeping came twice per day to refresh the room and keep it very tidy. Amenities The cascading pools are certainly an attractive feature. We liked to station ourselves by the waterfall area of the adult-only pool. The sound of the water lulled us to relax. For children, there’s a separate pool just for kids. Three-tiered pool with Pacific Ocean views at Ritz-Carlton Kapalua For some spa time, I enjoyed the Waihua Spa before getting a pedicure. I especially liked the whirlpool in a lava grotto setting. We splurged on a cabana rental ($50) once during our stay. We enjoyed a wonderful view of D.T. Fleming beach with chilled water service and a freshly sliced Maui Gold Pineapple that was so delicious that it tasted like it had been soaked in sugar. Cabana for two at D.T. Fleming Beach For exercise on vacation, there’s a very nice fitness center with views of the pool and ocean. If you prefer to exercise outdoors while in Maui, there are some scenic jogging/walking trails. Tennis and top notch golf are also located within the Kapalua resort. Final Thoughts We really enjoyed our stay at Ritz-Carlton Kapalua. This luxury resort makes you feel pampered from the moment you arrive with a lei greeting. I think Ritz-Carlton Kapalua appeals to both couples and families. It’s a great resort for a honeymoon or to celebrate a special occasion. With Hawaii’s tourism economy recovering , rates have started to creep up in recent months. The best deal they’re currently offering is $519 per night with fifth night complimentary and daily breakfast buffet for two. A fee worth noting is a daily resort fee of $25. This fee covers wireless high-speed internet access, local telephone calls, toll-free telephone access, discounted golf fees and preferred tee times, Kapalua Resort shuttle services, use of the 24-hour fitness center, cultural history tours, arts and crafts, resort charging privileges at select shops and restaurants and in-room coffee. Self-parking is $10 per day. Valet parking costs $18 per day. Feel free to check out more photos on flick r from our stay. Have you stayed at Ritz-Carlton Kapalua? How was your stay? © 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...Waikiki sand project snarls, Honolulu, Hawaii mayors release staus quo election-year budgets, Senate honors ‘Descendants’ author, more solar for…
2. March 2012
Waikiki Beach sand groins (c) 2012 All Hawaii News A monthlong sand-replenishment project undertaken to widen a stretch of Waikiki Beach will be more disruptive than initially planned, officials said Thursday. Star-Advertiser. Long stretches of the usually majestic Waikiki Beach will be turned into roads for dump trucks and other heavy machines over the next few months while the City makes changes to its plans for replenishing the beach between the Duke Kahanamoku Statue and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Hawaii News Now. The state and visitor industry have to turn to an inconvenient plan “B” on the Waikiki sand project due to a sand-blowers shortcomings. KHON2. Taxpayers are on the hook for $90,000 following a whistleblower lawsuit claiming state officials failed to comply with environmental laws when issuing dozens of permits for activities at the protected Papahānaumokuākea monument. Civil Beat. The financial picture for the state’s two largest health insurers significantly improved in the fourth quarter, as premiums caught up with actual medical costs after a series of rate hikes over the past year. Star-Advertiser. Hundreds of kupuna marched at the state Capitol Thursday, fighting to keep Kupuna Care a priority. KITV4. More steps have been taken to make good on HGEA’s favored nations clause, but the state and counties don’t yet know how budgets will be affected in this fiscal year. KHON2. Good news for Hawaii’s fastest growing industry — the state has been ranked fourth for U.S. Renewable Energy Attractiveness. Pacific Business News. Members of a dissident faction of Democrats who have long opposed Hawaii House Speaker Calvin Say argue that Say is behind new political boundaries that could force some of those dissidents out of office this year. Civil Beat. Days after returning from the Academy Award in Los Angeles, Kaui Hart Hemmings was recognized by the state Senate for the success of her novel “The Descendants.” Hawaii News Now. Two weeks after emailing questions about email retention to the state’s Department of Accounting and General Services — and 10 days after our article ran — we heard back. Civil Beat. State roundup for March 2. Associated Press. Oahu Mayor Peter Carlisle’s $1.953 billion operating budget proposal for the next fiscal year would increase city government spending by $28 million compared with last year but does not increase real property tax rates or user fees. Star-Advertiser. Mayor Peter Carlisle’s operating and capital budgets for next year are nearly flat, together up just 2.3 percent from this year’s budgets. Civil Beat. Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle outlined his new spending plan on Thursday for the fiscal year that starts in July. The $1.953 billion dollar operating budget is $28 million higher than the current one. Hawaii News Now. A bill allowing food trucks and other vendors to operate on city roads and highways for up to three hours at a time advanced from the City Council Transportation Committee Thursday afternoon. Star-Advertiser. Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit CEO Daniel Grabauskas is now the highest paid city employee. Hawaii Reporter. Mary Beth Lohman, publisher of Pacific Business News
Continue reading...Spam to get ’spokescharacter,’ Oahu legislators’ gerrymandering claims halt maps, Honolulu plastic bag ban advances, Maui backs off ‘Show Me the…
1. March 2012
Honolulu Spam jammers (c) 2012 All Hawaii News Spam, one of the most popular food items in Hawaii, is getting its own “spokescharacter,” Hormel Foods Corp. said Wednesday. Pacific Business News. Charges of gerrymandering and a last-minute proposal by a dissident faction of House Democrats led the state Reapportionment Commission to delay a vote Wednesday on approving new district maps for state House and Senate seats. Star-Advertiser. Accusations of voting maps being drawn to punish a state House faction that opposes Speaker Calvin Say have caused a delay in the reapportionment process. KHON2. A group called Americans Elect this week qualified to place a presidential ticket on the Hawaii ballot, with plans to hold an online nominating convention this summer to select a balanced ticket — a presidential and vice presidential candidate from different political parties — to appear on ballots in all 50 states. Civil Beat. Some middle and high schoolers in Hawaii are getting up to six hours less of class time per week than their peers, thanks to the state’s historic lack of a minimum instructional time rule. Civil Beat. Hawaii lawmakers are advancing legislation to approve paying out a $909,000 settlement, one of several claims this year that add up to $5.8 million in state funds. Civil Beat. U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu has high hopes that “transformative” laser drilling technology could be a boon to geothermal energy developments, especially in Hawaii. Civil Beat. The University of Hawaii is still trying to get caught up on payments, including stipends, scholarships and utility bills, more than two weeks after a fire caused $1.25 million in damage to a fiscal building. Associated Press. State Health Director Loretta J. Fuddy said Wednesday that Hawaii’s No. 1 ranking in the nation for the third year in a row in the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index just proves the old adage “lucky we live Hawaii.” Maui News. State roundup for March 1. Associated Press. Oahu A Honolulu City Council committee advanced a bill Wednesday to ban the distribution of nonbiodegradable plastic bags by most Oahu retailers, despite opposition from business interests and concerns raised by the official who would be tasked with enforcing such a ban. Star-Advertiser. Honolulu Managing Director Douglas Chin Wednesday apologized for failing to notify the City Council he had suspended debt guidelines for the multibillion-dollar rail project, as the city administration came under fire for lack of transparency. Star-Advertiser. Honolulu City Council Chair Ernie Martin says Mayor Peter Carlisle’s administration has a credibility problem. KHON2. A bill that would lift development restrictions on two prime real estate lots along Ala Moana Boulevard is pending at the Hawaii State Legislature. Hawaii Reporter. Lawmakers are considering a plan to exempt two lots from a law prohibiting residental development. on the makai side of Kakaako. KITV4. The Abercrombie administration has come out in favor of the Hoopili development, but this week one of its top officials will be called as a witness by opponents of the project. Civil Beat. It was hard to tell who was having more fun in the mud — the Marines in their 26-ton amphibious assault vehicles or the endangered Hawaiian stilts reveling in the churned-up food. Star-Advertiser. A private consultant hired by the federal government to oversee Honolulu’s rail transit project is worried that passengers who ride the train — to run from Kapolei to Ala Moana Center — might find the trip to be so uncomfortable that they may not use the system. Star-Advertiser. Passengers arriving in Honolulu could face delays in the coming days, but not because of their flights. Some airport taxi drivers won’t be picking up passengers for up to three days due to a dispute over new rules. Hawaii News Now. A Honolulu police officer charged in an alleged overtime pay scam involving members of the DUI enforcement team was granted a one-year deferral after pleading guilty for his role in the case. Hawaii News Now. Hawaii Many of Hawaii County’s public buses have been driven around the island for the past month with expired state inspection stickers, but Mass Transit Administrator Tom Brown says the buses are perfectly safe. West Hawaii Today. Laupahoehoe’s new conversion charter school faces the possibility of having to fill vacancies left by the majority of the faculty at the current Department of Education school, with the start to its inaugural academic year just five months away. Tribune-Herald. Kulani Correctional Facility on Hawai’i Island was abruptly shut down more than two years ago by the Lingle administration as a cost-cutting measure. Proposals in both Houses are now making their way through the legislative process to re-open the East Hawai’i facility. Hawaii Public Radio. The county could save more than half of the almost $200,000 it spends annually on courier service if it brought the duties in-house, according to a study by the county Legislative Research Branch. West Hawaii Today. Farm to table is one of the hottest culinary trends across the country, and it hasn’t missed Hawaii, where high-end restaurants and resorts tout the local origin of their ingredients. West Hawaii Today. Small groups of people engaged in lively discussions Wednesday night in Hilo to identify transportation problems in East Hawaii. Tribune-Herald. Vog, volcanic smog, sulfur dioxide — no matter what you call it — Kilauea’s emissions are impacting Hawaii Island in a multitude of ways, Ka’u residents said Thursday. West Hawaii Today. Maui The Maui County Council’s Water Resources Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to recommend revisions to the county’s “Show Me the Water” ordinance, which has drawn the ire of developers who’ve maintained it has stifled island construction. Maui News. Armstrong Pacific has won the nearly $1.8 million contract to build the first phase of Easter Seals Hawaii’s new Maui campus in Kahului, a project expected to provide at least 50 construction jobs and boost the Valley Isle’s rebounding building industry. Maui News. The Maui Policy Committee today recommended the disapproval of two nominees–Ralph Black, and James Clemens–to the Lanai Planning Commission. Maui Now. A coalition of community groups are joining together this weekend to rally against the planned removal of four monkey pod trees along South Kihei Road. Maui Now. Kauai Solette Perry, the wife of Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry, testified before the Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday night on the authority of the mayor to suspend the police chief and then place her husband on leave. Garden Island. The ongoing crisis at the Kaua‘i Police Department meant there wasn’t a report from the police chief at the monthly Kaua‘i County Police Commission meeting last Friday. Garden Island. Kauai police use stun gun on Kapa’a High student. Hawaii News Now. The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday approved a bill that extends for an additional six months a pilot program that allows Kaua‘i Community College students to use The Kaua‘i Bus at no cost. Garden Island. Molokai Researchers recently discovered that land-based plant material found in underwater canyons supports increased abundances of bottom fish, like those off the north shore of Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.
Continue reading...The Good News and Bad News of Hawaii Hotel Rates
29. February 2012
As you might imagine, I regularly check Hawaii hotel rate and occupancy trends. What’s the current trend? For a quick summation, let’s look at recent headlines from Pacific Business News : Hawaii hotel room rates rise 7% Hawaii hotel occupancy nudges upward, room rates gain Hawaii hotels’ gross profits total $928.2M Hawaii hotel room revenue in 2011 was highest since 2007 I’m very happy to see my beloved Hawaii recovering from the tourism economy slump. I’m excited that more wonderful Hawaii residents will have jobs. This is great news for all who know and love Hawaii. The bad news is that the cost of a Hawaii vacation is definitely on the rise – to the average tune of around 7% compared to last year. I see deals now for $199 that I remember were advertised at $159 just a year or two ago. I’m having to adjust my mindset on what is and what isn’t a Hawaii hotel deal. Please allow me to digress to my former career as a nerdy engineer as we look deeper at these trends and extrapolate some assumptions. Even though rates are on an upward trend, Hawaii hotel profits are significantly less than 2006 results per this Pacific Business News graph . You can bet that tourism businesses are working hard to raise profits to 2006 levels and then above that. As Hawaii hotel occupancy increases, rates will also increase. What does this trend mean to your wallet? Well, my advice is to plan your Hawaii vacation sooner rather than later . If rates continue to climb, and it looks like they probably will, you might as well book your vacation at the lower end of the incline. Make sense? Another point worth highlighting is that many Hawaii hotels have renovated their rooms, restaurants, lobbies, and pools. They’re more luxurious than ever. I mention this point because even though you might be paying a higher hotel rate than you did two or three years ago, you’re more likely to experience a much nicer room. For money saving strategies, check out my article, Save Money on Hawaii Vacation Accommodations . Have you noticed higher Hawaii hotel rates? Will it change your vacation plans? © 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...Honolulu Mayor Carlisle outlines state of the city, Laupahoehoe teachers sue to stop charter school, attorney general launches Main Street Maui probe,…
24. February 2012
Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle and Managing Director Doug Chin courtesy photo
Continue reading...Kauai Luxury Travel Deals
17. February 2012
Kauai, Hawaii Travel Deals Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa 3 nights with air from $899
Continue reading...Hawaii to get some of Okinawa Marines, emergency money for APEC, trial for 6 Occupy Honolulu members starts today, dogs in restaurants, endangered…
8. February 2012
Pololu Valley Lookout (c) 2012 All Hawaii News The Public Land Development Corp., an agency tasked with developing public lands, has raised concerns from environmentalists and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and is under attack by lawmakers this session. Civil Beat. Hawaii’s tourism industry could be changed by a proposal discussed Tuesday that requires more strict inspections of zip lines, which allow riders strapped to a harness and a cable to glide above forest canopies. Associated Press. Companion bills seeking the regulation of zipline and canopy tours in Hawaii are scheduled to be heard by respective committees today. Maui Now. Fed up with the state’s ethics chief over advice they haven’t liked about whether they can accept certain gifts, a handful of Hawaii lawmakers recently decided to go over his head. Civil Beat. Senior Japanese officials say 4,700 U.S. Marines on Okinawa will be transferred to Guam. The remaining 3,300 would reportedly rotate among Australia, Hawaii or the Philippines. Associated Press. Three months after the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, the state is asking legislators for an emergency appropriation of nearly $3 million to help cover its costs. KITV4. The legal argument about gay marriage may be headed for the U.S. Supreme Court. Meanwhile a similar constitutionality battle continues in Hawai`i. Hawaii Public Radio. U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa Among Hawaii’s delegates, U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, D-Urban Oahu, traveled back to the Islands the most in the past year: 14 roundtrips from Washington between Jan. 1, 2011 and Jan. 23, 2012. Civil Beat. Business and labor interests are mobilizing on opposite sides of bills pending in the Legislature that would mandate paid leave for employees who are sick, victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault. Tribune-Herald. The state Health Department opposes a bill being supported by Gov. Neil Abercrombie that would allow people to bring their dogs to restaurants statewide. Hawaii News Now. As part of a push to show progress on key education reforms, the Board of Education is looking to make it board policy that the state move to a new evaluation system for teachers and principals no later than July 1, 2014. Star-Advertiser. The state Department of Education would need to allocate a certain level of funding for Hawaiian language immersion programs under a bill introduced by state Rep. Mele Carroll. Maui News. While Hawaii Electric Light Company has predicted its 2012 profits will be affected as a result of customers switching to solar panels, it does not currently have plans to increase its rates. Tribune-Herald. Dog the Bounty hunter and his wife Beth are lending their support to a bill that they say many other bounty hunters do not support. KHON2. State roundup for Feb. 8. Associated Press. Oahu Former Gov. Ben Cayetano Former Gov. Benjamin Cayetano, a Democrat in office for 28 years and now a candidate for Honolulu Mayor, had some fighting words for U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, in response to Inouye’s support for both of Cayetano’s mayoral opponents and the $5.3 billion elevated steel wheel on steel rail project, which Inouye announced yesterday received Federal Transit Administration approval to move to the next phase of construction. Hawaii Reporter. Oahu home prices got a jump on the new year, as the median sale price in January for previously owned single-family homes reached its highest level in 16 months. Star-Advertiser. Trial for Six Occupy Honolulu Members Arrested in November Set for today. Hawaii Reporter. A bill that would outlaw nearly all commercial activities on Sundays at a popular stretch of beach in Kailua faces a final vote next week after being passed unanimously Tuesday by the City Council’s Parks and Cultural Affairs Committee. KHON2. Army biologists are releasing three hundreds kahuli tree snails into the heart of Oahu’s Waianae mountains help the endangered species. Hawaii News Now. Hawaii A combination of good management and good luck have left Hawaii County with enough federal stimulus funding to pave another mile of Ane Keohokalole Highway. West Hawaii Today. The building where Hilo’s cruise ship passengers receive a welcoming ceremony and assemble before boarding land tours is being closed for the next year. Tribune-Herald. Maui Filling shelves, kids with knowledge. Maui News. Kauai The Prince Course will reopen for play on March 1 at Kauai’s Princeville at Hanalei resort under the management of Montage Golf. Pacific Business News. Kaua‘i Planning Commission member Hartwell Blake’s words may have summarized the frustration of some of his fellow commissioners when he said a transient vacation rental in an area zoned agricultural is spot zoning of a resort in the middle of a rural community. Garden Island. Teachers from Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School, King Kaumuali‘i Elementary School and Kaua‘i Technology Academy had an opportunity to become whale researchers Saturday at the Kukui‘ula Small Boat Harbor. Garden Island.
Continue reading...Review: Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort on Hawaii’s Big Island
8. February 2012
Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island is a massive resort. How big is it? The resort sprawls over 62 beautiful oceanfront acres. That’s big! Some folks describe the Hilton Waikoloa Village as Disney-esque with the tram and boat rides that transport guests throughout the resort. Though we found it fairly walkable from one end to the other. Of course the tropical landscaping and corridors of artwork and artifacts certainly provide eye candy as you move about. Location This Hilton resort is located about 30 minutes north of Kona airport in Waikoloa Beach Resort. We really love this spot on Hawaii Island and highly recommend it as a great place to stay on the Big Island . The shops, free entertainment, great restaurants and Hawaiian history are some of the reasons that Waikoloa Beach Resort is an excellent base for a Hawaii vacation. Amenities Hilton Waikoloa Village’s large area lends space for all sorts of water sports. One natural feature is the large salt water lagoon at the heart of the resort. The lagoon water is quite calm, making it a sheltered spot for kids to play. The lagoon is a great place to try kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and snorkeling. (One recommendation to share that we learned the hard way is that snorkeling visibility is best in the morning.) Water fun at the Hilton Waikoloa Village salt water lagoon On the southern end of the lagoon, you’ll find the Dolphin Learning Center where you can watch them swim and play. If you really want to get close to the dolphins you can book an experience with Dolphin Quest . We didn’t have the time to experience Dolphin Quest here, but we have enjoyed swimming with dolphins on Oahu with Dolphin Quest . There’s pools around every corner at Hilton Waikoloa Village. Some pools have waterslides and one has a lazy river attached. (Another recommendation is to make sure you get a wristband so that you can use all the pool amenities. We learned this the hard way, too. No one explained the wristband requirement or how to get one. We literally only had enough time for one chance for a run down the waterslide, but the pool attendant rudely refused to let us go down, even though we could show her our room key.) Kona Pool at the Hilton Waikoloa Village Lounge chairs were easy to find throughout the resort. We liked the fact that beach cabanas for two were available to guests at no additional charge. The cabanas are available on a first come, first served basis so if you see one open, snag it. Other nice amenities in this village are a spa, wedding chapel, tennis courts, shops, convention space and loads of restaurants including one of our Big Island favorites, Kamuela Provision Company. Rooms The rooms were spacious with a sitting area, desk space, lanai (balcony) and a walk-in closet. Some of the in-room amenities include a small refrigerator, coffee maker and tropical toiletries created by the spa. Our room in the Lagoon Tower of Hilton Waikoloa Village The bed was very comfortable and the linens seemed fresh and luxurious. I don’t know if we were unlucky with our room or not, but we felt like our room needed refurbishing. The sofa and carpet were noticeably soiled and stained. Our room was located in the Lagoon Tower with a view of the lagoon . On the way to our room we could tell that sections of the Lagoon Tower had ah-mazing ocean views. From the looks of it, parts of the Ocean Tower have excellent ocean views, too. Luau The onsite luau, Legends of the Pacific , is excellent. The food and entertainment are very high quality. Some things I look for in a luau are traditional Hawaiian foods, imu ceremony and a fire knife dancer. Legends of the Pacific definitely ticked all those boxes. We thought the luau staff was particularly friendly and helpful even though gratuity is included in the price. Legends of the Pacific offers guests the option to upgrade to Ali’i seating for $26 more. We think this option is worth doing for the relaxed table service and better seating near the stage. Fireknife Dancer at Hilton Waikoloa Village Legends of the Pacific Luau See all our photos from the Legends of the Pacific luau. Video Tour Andy captured some excellent video to tour you around the Hilton Waikoloa Village. (Email subscribers: click here to watch this Hilton Waikoloa Village video tour .) Final Bits and Pieces – We only stayed at Hilton Waikoloa Village for two nights, which really didn’t do it justice. We barely got to scape the surface of the resort amenities. – With rates starting at $199, this resort offers pretty good value for money. – I think families traveling with kids would particularly enjoy this resort. That being said, there’s enough relaxation and romance for adult guests. – For more photos, see our collection from our stay at Hilton Waikoloa Village. Mahalo to Hilton Waikoloa Village for hosting our stay. Have you stayed at Hilton Waikoloa Village? How was your stay? 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...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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- TERREMOTO IN CHILE MAGNETUDO 8.8 ! SI ASPETTA TSUNAMI ALLE HAWAII ORE 22:00 ITALIANE
- PRINCESS KAIULANI - Official US Theatrical Trailer in HD
- Ironman Triathlon
- Rebel Souljahz - The One[Shawner808]
- Jake Shimabukuro "Let's Dance"
- westboro pwnd by anonymous
- One Dolla
- Dating Service 2 by Ickest
- Colt Brennan Announces He Will Return For Senior Season
- Malosi Te'o 2005 Kahuku Highlights
- paytonh: WOW, You are AMAZING. I LOVE IT. Hawaii Roots?...
- Allinmyworld: girl you have the voice of an angel...
- MAUizFiNEST808: L0VE iT!!! CHHHEEE...
- angeeeeeh: Anuhea! i hope u look at your old vids, cos its me...
- iloveae86: i love you...
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26. March 2012
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