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Top Hawaii Spas 2011
Beautiful mural at Four Seasons Lanai Resort at Manele Bay I received my nifty Conde Nast Traveler magazine over the weekend. One of the features in this June 2011 issue lists Hawaii’s top spas as selected by readers. From the article, here’s the list: 1. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Big Island: 95.4 1. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Maui: 95.4 1. Hotel Hana Maui: 95.4 4. Grand Wailea, Maui: 95.2 * 4. Halekulani, Waikiki, Oahu: 95.2 6. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, Kauai: 93.5 * (See my review of Anara Spa .) 6. Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa, Oahu: 93.5 8. Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Maui: 92.4 9. Kahala Hotel & Resort, Oahu: 92.2 10. Four Seasons Resort Lana’i at Manele Bay: 90.8 *(See my review of the spa at Manele .) 11. Turtle Bay Resort, Oahu: 90.5 * (See my review of the spa at Turtle Bay .) 12. Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Maui: 89.2 13. Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, Big Island: 88.9 14. Fairmont Orchid, Big Island: 87.4 14. JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa, Oahu: 87.4 * 16. Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, Big Island: 86.6 * 17. Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Big Island: 86.3 18. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, Maui: 85.8 19. Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui: 85.5 20. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Big Island: 84.6 The numbering sequence may appear in error at first glance, but notice that there are several ties, particularly for the top position. Hawaii does have some outstanding spas. In fact, I do think that indulging in some spa pampering is worth the splurge in Hawaii. (See my article on what’s worth the splurge on a Hawaii vacation .) I try to check out a spa almost every time I visit Hawaii. So far, I’ve been to six of these top 20 Hawaii spas. I’ve placed a star (*) by each spa that I’ve tried. I must endeavor to get to all 20 of them. Oh the hardship I must endure to provide you with the most accurate information. I’m going to Maui in August, so I think I’ll aim to check out the spa at Hotel Hana that’s currently ranked number 1 in Hawaii. I may also check out the spa at Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, that’s number 12 on the list. From looking at the list, in my opinion, I think that the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel spa should be ranked much higher. Conversely, I think that the spa at Turtle Bay Resort is perhaps rated higher than it should be on this list. If you are thinking of indulging in a spa treatment in Hawaii, you’ll appreciate these 7 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Hawaii Spa Treatment . Have you been to a spa in Hawaii? Which spa did you choose? How would you rate 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...St. Regis Princeville Resort, Kauai 5 Nights $1,730
6. June 2011
Kauai Luxury Hotel Deals, Hawaii The St. Regis Princeville Resort, Kauai 5 nights
Continue reading...Kohala Driving on Hawaii’s Big Island
31. May 2011
A scenic drive along the Kohala Coast and on the volcano’s ridge provides an amazing contrasts of climate and vegetation – from thick green jungle to dry barren hills. What’s almost mindboggling is that you can see these strikingly different climates within minutes and miles of each other. The Kohala displays one of the most compact examples of leeward and windward climes in Hawaii . View Larger Map I do hope you’ll plan some time to drive the Kohala as part of your Big Island vacation. Here’s how I recommend you take in this scenic drive: 1. Start on Highway 270 from Kawaihae driving north towards Hawi. Here you will see dry grasslands with kaiwe trees. During humpback whale season (late December through March), try to pull over where possible to whale watch. Our favorite place to whale watch is between mile markers 5 and 6, at an elevated parking lot on the makai (ocean side) of the road . The dry leeward side of the Kohala Coast 2. Continue driving on Highway 270 cutting through the thick rainforest until you reach the end of the road at Pololu Lookout . Here you can simply take in the view, but if you’re up for a bit of a short, but steep hike, follow the Pololu Trail down into the valley to the black sand beach. Pololu Valley at the end of Highway 270 3. Double back on Highway 270, back towards Hawi. I suggest a stop in the small town of Kapaau to see the King Kamehameha Statue on the mauka (mountain side) of the road. You might want to opt to stop in Hawi and pop into some of the small shops or perhaps grab a snack. King Kamehameha Statue in Kapa'au 4. In Hawi, turn onto Highway 250 towards Waimea. From here, you will travel near the very summit (over 3,000 feet above sea level) of the sleeping Kohala Volcano . The cooler air combined with the fertile grass lands makes this area ideal for the ranches along the ridges. You may want to pull over where safe to take in the views of the island. You might even see Maui. From Waimea, you can either head back to your resort towards the Hilo side or down to the Kona side. A volcanic cindercone now covered with grass and shrubs in a pasture I’m not sure how many different climates you might pass, but I’d guess maybe a half a dozen. It’s a beautiful contrast that you almost can’t believe unless you see it with your own eyes. © 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 and News: May 25, 2011
25. May 2011
Let’s see what bits of Hawaii news we find on our path today. -
Continue reading...Polarized Sunglasses for Your Hawaii Vacation
27. April 2011
From my recent visit to Lana’i, I was reminded of how much better polarized sunglasses are for touring Hawaii. So, I wanted to republish this blast from the past post – Hawaii in High Definition with Polarized Sunglasses . —- If you don’t already have a pair of polarized sunglasses, do yourself a favor and get some to bring on your Hawaii vacation. They really do make a difference. You know the phrase, “Sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know”? Well that was the case with me until I had a chance to try polarized sunglasses for myself. Andy had a pair of polarized glasses and I noticed that sometimes he’d make comments about things he could see, but I couldn’t. Then Andy would let me try on his polarized glasses and I could see what he was seeing. Wow, what a difference! Polarized sunglasses are perfect for Hawaii because they cut down on the glare of the sun on the ocean and sand. When the glare is removed, you are able to see a greater depth of colors. Sometimes, polarized sunglasses help you see into the water, making coral and fish visible. Another advantage of polarized sunglasses is that it prevents your eyes from getting fatigued. When you’re out driving and sightseeing, not only are you able to see more without glare, your eyes aren’t getting tired. They’ll make a big difference when you go out on boating tours, too. So, where do you purchase polarized sunglasses and how much do they cost? I’ve noticed that polarized sunglasses have become more widely available – even within the last year. I’ve found them at discount stores like Walmart and Target for under $20. I purchased mine from my local REI store on sale for less than $30. Designer glasses are more widely available in men’s styles. I’ve shopped for ladies designer glasses and the selection is very slim. When you are shopping for polarized glasses look for a sticker or tag that says they’re polarized. If it’s daytime when you are shopping, test glasses by looking though a window or around any surface that might reflect a glare. Have you tried polarized sunglasses? Are you a fan of them, too? Find more tips on what to bring for your Hawaii vacation . © 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...Polarized Sunglasses for Your Hawaii Vacation
27. April 2011
From my recent visit to Lana’i, I was reminded of how much better polarized sunglasses are for touring Hawaii. So, I wanted to republish this blast from the past post – Hawaii in High Definition with Polarized Sunglasses . —- If you don’t already have a pair of polarized sunglasses, do yourself a favor and get some to bring on your Hawaii vacation. They really do make a difference. You know the phrase, “Sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know”? Well that was the case with me until I had a chance to try polarized sunglasses for myself. Andy had a pair of polarized glasses and I noticed that sometimes he’d make comments about things he could see, but I couldn’t. Then Andy would let me try on his polarized glasses and I could see what he was seeing. Wow, what a difference! Polarized sunglasses are perfect for Hawaii because they cut down on the glare of the sun on the ocean and sand. When the glare is removed, you are able to see a greater depth of colors. Sometimes, polarized sunglasses help you see into the water, making coral and fish visible. Another advantage of polarized sunglasses is that it prevents your eyes from getting fatigued. When you’re out driving and sightseeing, not only are you able to see more without glare, your eyes aren’t getting tired. They’ll make a big difference when you go out on boating tours, too. So, where do you purchase polarized sunglasses and how much do they cost? I’ve noticed that polarized sunglasses have become more widely available – even within the last year. I’ve found them at discount stores like Walmart and Target for under $20. I purchased mine from my local REI store on sale for less than $30. Designer glasses are more widely available in men’s styles. I’ve shopped for ladies designer glasses and the selection is very slim. When you are shopping for polarized glasses look for a sticker or tag that says they’re polarized. If it’s daytime when you are shopping, test glasses by looking though a window or around any surface that might reflect a glare. Have you tried polarized sunglasses? Are you a fan of them, too? Find more tips on what to bring for your Hawaii vacation . © 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...Directions to Haleakala Summit for Watching Sunrise
14. April 2011
From my advice for watching Haleakala sunrise , I recommend that you map out your directions at least a day before you plan to go. Otherwise, you’ll be fumbling around for directions in the dark while you’re only half awake. That’s a recipe for getting lost in a hurry. In theory, getting to the summit of Haleakala sounds easy peasy. In my opinion, it’s not as easy as it seems. Though, we’ve been to Haleakala for sunrise multiple times, we still sometimes wonder if we’re headed in the right direction. Driving in the deep dark of the night just adds to the challenge. The last time we drove to Haleakala for sunrise, we temporarily parked at the Visitors Center. We had a brief argument discussion whether we were in the correct spot or not. I’m not going to say who was right or wrong but I asked Andy to humor me and continue drive a bit further, because I could faintly see that we hadn’t reached the summit. Well, he did and then we reached the summit. To help clear confusion. Andy created this brilliant custom Google map identifying the summit parking lot. From this map you can enter your starting point to generate your personalized directions to the summit. (Disclaimer: Please note that the summit parking lot is accurately identified, however, sometimes Google directions may not be 100% accurate.) View Haleakala Summit Parking Lot in a larger map More hints and tips to help you get to the sunrise view: – Once get onto the winding road to the summit, you need to drive as high as the road takes you. The prime sunrise viewing point is at the summit. – After you’ve found the correct parking area, you’ll need to find a short trail that leads you to the a hexagonal-shaped shelter. You can see that shelter in the satalite-view in the custom Google Map. – Use a GPS Navigation System if you have one. The audible directions are very helpful in the dark. – Review more tips on my Haleakala sunrise post, including what to bring and wear. © 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...Na Pali Coast by Land, Air & Sea
11. April 2011
Kauai’s ruggedly remote Na Pali Coast is teeming with outstanding scenery that’s practically indescribable. Jagged cliffs, waterfalls and lush valleys blend to create unforgettable views. Today, I want to share the different options of seeing the Na Pali Coast. I want to be able to give you a taste for each method to help you choose the best option for you. By Land Let’s start on land with a hike of the Kalalau Trail – a challenging 11-mile trail
Continue reading...Hawaii Vacation Deals & News: April 6, 2011
6. April 2011
Here’s the Hawaii vacation news that’s caught my eye. * Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort is offering guests a way to give to Japan relief with a three-day or longer stay. With each Lokahi Package booking, Hyatt Regency Waikiki will donate $30 to the statewide fundraising initiative, Aloha for Japan .
Continue reading...A Day Trip Island Hop To Oahu
4. April 2011
When we traveled to Maui with my parents for their first visit to Hawaii , we wanted to make sure they had an opportunity to see the history and beauty of Oahu with an day trip. They very much enjoyed that island hop to Oahu. They have mentioned that seeing Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial as well as Punchbowl were some of the highlights of their Hawaii visit. Being seasoned Hawaii travelers and inter-island “hopper-arounders”. Andy and I now know how to get around Hawaii with ease. Using our knowledge and experience, we planned a day trip itinerary to Oahu from Maui that worked extremely well. Not only was our itinerary well-planned, if we do say so ourselves, but we also saved hundreds of dollars in comparison to booking an organized tour. In addition, we got to see far more sights and have more freedom and privacy than if we’d opted for an organized day trip tour. By the way, I have nothing against organized island-hopping tours. In fact, the first time Andy and I visited Maui, we booked an organized day tour to Oahu. You pay more, but you deal with much less stress, especially if you are a first or second time visitor. In case you’re interested in planning your own independent day trip to Oahu from Maui, Kauai, Big Island, Lanai or Molokai, I wanted to share our itinerary with you. 1.
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20. June 2011
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