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...Friday, December 16, 2011
Christmas in Maui will be filled with lots of aloha this year – with hula, Hawaiian music and delicious dining. Even Santa is scheduled to spend a good bit of time on Maui after he arrives by outrigger canoe. Here’s what’s on slate for 2011: MAUI CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES, SANTA ARRIVAL & DINING SANTA ARRIVES AT MALUAKA BEACH, MAKENA Saturday, December 24, 2011 Every year Santa comes to Makena, right before his biggest night of year. Join us on Maluaka Beach to welcome Santa to Makena. 10 a.m. Free Phone: (808) 874-1111 or visit www.makenaresortmaui.com SANTA ARRIVES AT THE FAIRMONT KEA LANI MAUI Saturday, December 24, 2011 Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves arrive Polo Beach via outrigger canoe to spread holiday cheer in South Maui. Bring your cameras for photos with Santa. 12 p.m. Free and open to Maui residents and hotel guests. Phone: (808) 875-2290, or email concierge.kealani@fairmont.com SANTA’S WORKSHOP AT HYATT REGENCY MAUI Saturday, December 24, 2011 Join Santa and his Elves for a special holiday event. Participate in holiday arts and crafts, games, prize giveaways and take pictures with Santa, while feasting on holiday cookies and punch. Personal cameras are welcome. 1 – 3 p.m. at Hyatt Regency Maui’s Umalu tent. Reservations not required. Phone: (808) 661-1234 SANTA WATCH AT HYATT REGENCY MAUI Saturday, December 24, 2011 The famed Tour of the Stars program will be featuring a “Santa Watch.” Astronomers will search the skies for jolly old Saint Nick. Shows at 8 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. Phone: (808) 661-1234 CHRISTMAS EVE BUFFET AT MAKENA BEACH & GOLF RESORT Saturday, December 24, 2011 Everyone knows that the Holidays mean lots of great food. The Christmas Evening Buffet starts with a spread that features traditional holiday favorites like sage and thyme basted roasted whole tom turkey served with traditional giblet gravy, cranberry relish and cornbread stuffing or try the spit roasted rosemary pommery leg of lamb. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets while feasting on this hearty holiday meal. 5:30 – 9 p.m. in Molokini Bar & Grille $60.00 per person, $45.00 per child (age 9-12), $30.00 per child (age 5-8) Rates exclusive of tax and gratuity For reservations or for more information call (808) 875-5888, email reservations@makenaresortmaui.com , or visit www.makenaresortmaui.com CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER BUFFET AT SHERATON MAUI RESORT & SPA Saturday, December 24, 2011 Share a view of Black Rock, reconnect with family and friends, and sink your teeth into an assortment of delicious options including bamboo shoot salad, Black Rock oysters and salt crusted baron of beef. 4 – 9 p.m. $63.00 per adult, $31.00 per child (age 6-12) Phone: (808) 921-4600 CHRISTMAS EVE AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA Saturday, December 24, 2011 A picture is worth a thousand words – so children of all ages are invited to stop by the Lobby to be photographed with Santa Claus! Guests will also enjoy festive entertainment including Hawaiian music, traditional hula dancing and a melodic trio. Photos from 4 – 8 p.m. Images available for purchase on-site or online. Entertainment from 4 – 11 p.m. Phone: (808) 669-6200 CHRISTMAS EVE DINNERS AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA Saturday, December 24, 2011 Savor the season with culinary delights at The Banyan Tree offering an a la carte menu, and The Terrace offering a pre-fixed menu of Mauka Makai (Surf & Turf). 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., with ambient entertainment $60.00 per person. Keiki menu free for children12 years and younger at the Terrace Restaurant, with each paying adult. Reservations recommended Phone: (808) 669-6200 CHRISTMAS EVE CHURCH SERVICES - Hope Chapel in Kihei – three separate services with 8pm candlelight service. See this link for details. - Calvary Chapel South Maui in Kihei – Christmas Eve service at 7pm. See this link for details. - Contact your concierge for more information on church services near your resort.
Continue reading...Thursday, December 8, 2011
Waikiki and Honolulu will be an exciting places to celebrate New Year’s Eve this year with fireworks, fine dining and dancing! Tropical weather and being near the surf, sand and palm trees will only enhance your celebration. What a great place to bid a fond farewell to 2011 and welcome in 2012 with aloha! After many hours of emails, phone calls and searches, I’ve compiled this list of the top things to do this New Year’s Eve. You’ll surely find something that will suit your interests. Here’s what’s going on this December 31, 2011. New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Cruises with Fireworks Views * From multiple sources, I’ve confirmed that the night sky will light up with fireworks on Waikiki Beach at midnight. * Honolulu’s Aloha Tower Marketplace will hold their big block party again this year. They’ll have live music and DJs across seven different stages. At midnight, you’ll find the biggest fireworks show on Oahu. This event is open to guests ages 21 and older. New Year’s Eve 2012 Block Party tickets start at $20 and can be ordered online via TicketMaster or by phone at 800-745-3000. For more information, call 808-306-3079. * Star of Honolulu offers several different cruise packages for cocktails, pupus, dinner and entertainment. See this link for their options. These cruises will offer views of the huge fireworks show from Aloha Tower Marketplace. Pricing starts at $70 per person. Note that convenient round-trip transportation from Waikiki can be added for $11 per person. * If you’re in the area on December 30, don’t miss the Friday night fireworks from the Hilton Hawaiian Village at 7:45pm. New Year’s Eve Waikiki Parties, Clubs and Concerts Want to do a little dancing on New Year’s Eve? Here’s a list of some great venues with parties going on in Waikiki Beach. Note that most of them have great views of the midnight Waikiki fireworks. * Tiki’s Grill & Bar will have live bands, DJ, drink specials for their Tiki Drop 2012 and a view of Waikiki fireworks at midnight. For more information, see this link for the festivity details. (Also check out their special prix fixe four course New Year’s Eve dinner for $59.) * RumFire transforms into an oceanfront Times Square with a special New Year’s Eve party and view of the Waikiki Beach fireworks at midnight. Presale tickets start at $40. Tickets purchased the day of the event are $50. You must be 21 or older. See this link for more information. * Beachhouse at Moana Surfrider hosts a beachfront “Pre-Resolution Party” giving you one last chance to eat, drink and be merry before your resolutions. This party will be at the Banyan Courtyard with good views of the Waikiki fireworks at midnight. A dessert buffet, party favors, and a live band playing to 40’s music are included. A pupu menu and cash bar will be available. Tickets for the “Pre-Resolution Party” are $100 for adults and $50 for children ages 6 to 12. Ticket prices are inclusive of tax. Tickets are available on the December 31 in the Moana Surfrider lobby from noon to 6pm. (Note that pre-sale tickets will be available in the lobby from December 28 through December 30 in the lobby from noon to 8pm at a discount.) * The Royal Hawaiian , also known as the Pink Palace, hosts a New Year’s Eve Pink Party from 9pm until 12:30am. The party includes a live band with a DJ during band breaks. A pupu menu and cash bar will be available. General admission is $50 per person. Reserved tables are $100 per person. Admission includes tax. For more information and reservations, call (808) 921-4600 or email tdrc.hawaii@starwoodshotels.com * Hilton Hawaiian Village’s New Year’s Eve Celebration and Concert features the Local Divas this year. You have the option of seeing the show only or adding dinner plus the show. See this link for more information. * I’ve confirmed that there will be a special New Year’s Eve party at Addiction Nightclub and Beachclub (formerly known as the Crazybox) in The Modern Honolulu . Details coming soon. * Though not necessarily New Year’s Eve-ish, Bill Maher will be performing at the Waikiki Shell at 7:30pm. Lawn tickets start at $29.50. See this link for more information. New Year’s Eve Waikiki Dining * Romantic Hau Tree Lanai at the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel offers a New Year’s five-course prix-fixe menu for $87 per person. Located oceanfront, Hau Tree Lanai is about a 15 minute beach side stroll from the heart of Waikiki. Call 808-921-7066 for reservations or book online . * Tiki’s Grill & Bar will offer a special four course prix fixe dinner in a casual atmosphere with beach views for $59 per person. See this link for the menu. You can reserve a table at Tiki’s online . Also note that they’ll have a midnight Tiki Drop if you’d like to transition from the dining areas to the celebration. * At the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Bali Steak & Seafood presents a special four course set menu with a variety of choices available. The price is $160 at the first seating and $190 for the second seating. A children’s menu will also available for $80. (To see the adult and children menus use this link and scroll to the Bali menus.) For reservations, call 808-941-BALI (2254). * Beachhouse at Moana Surfrider offers a couple of special New Year’s Eve dinner options and seatings. The second seating option from 8:30pm to 10:30pm is $185 per person for a five-course menu which also includes admission to their beachfront “Pre-Resolution Party” (also sold separately) that goes on until 1am. See more details and booking information here . For more information and reservations, call (808) 921-4600 or email tdrc.hawaii@starwoodshotels.com * How about a luau for New Year’s Eve? Hilton Hawaiian Village will host their Waikiki Starlight Luau on their Great Lawn for this special evening. Pricing is $98 for adults and $49 for children ages 4 to 11 years old. Lei greeting, dinner buffet, two complimentary select beverages and Polynesian show are included. Upgrade options are available. For reservations, call (808)941-5828. * Kai Market at the Sheraton Waikiki will offer a New Year’s Eve dinner buffet with two separate seatings. Adult buffet pricing ranges from $90 in the first seating to $120 in the second seating. The second seating is more expensive because it also includes entry to the countdown celebration for guests 21 and old. Buffet pricing for children ages 4 to 12 is $29. See this link for more details . For more information and reservations, call (808) 921-4600 or email tdrc.hawaii@starwoodshotels.com * The Royal Hawaiian will host a special New Year’s Eve Pink Luau Dinner buffet in the Monarch Room from 6pm to 9pm. Entertainment including a fire knife dancer, complimentary welcome cocktail and luau buffet are included in the admission. Pricing is as follows: Adults $209; Children 5-12 years $109(Special Rates for Guests of The Royal Hawaiian and Kama’aina: Adults $189; Children 5-12 years $99). Price includes access to the New Years Eve Pink Party (see details below) that continues the festivities until 12:30am. For more information and reservations, call (808) 921-4600 or email tdrc.hawaii@starwoodshotels.com * The Royal Hawaiian , also known as the Pink Palace, hosts a New Year’s Eve Pink Party from 9pm until 12:30am. The party includes a live band with a DJ during band breaks. A pupu menu and cash bar will be available. General admission is $50 per person. Reserved tables are $100 per person. Admission includes tax. For more information and reservations, call (808) 921-4600 or email tdrc.hawaii@starwoodshotels.com * Azure at the Royal Hawaiian will serve a five course New Year’s Eve dinner from 5:30pm to 9pm for $175 per person. (See menu .) Pricing includes access to the New Year’s Eve Pink Part that’s described above. A children’s menu will also be available for kids ages 5 to 12 years for $40. For more information and reservations, call (808) 921-4600 or email tdrc.hawaii@starwoodshotels.com * Rainbow Lanai at the Hilton Hawaiian Village will present a New Year’s Eve Buffet from 5pm to 9:30pm. (Use this link and scroll down to the Rainbow Lanai section to see the buffet menu.) Pricing is $59 per adult $55 and $29 for children (12 and under). For more information, call (808) 949-4321 —- As you’re making your Waikiki and Honolulu New Year’s Eve plans and reviewing this list of great things to do, please note the following: I recommend you make reservations, order tickets, etc. as soon as possible to secure the place and time you like. Unless otherwise stated, you can assume that taxes and gratuities are not included in the listed prices. All pricing, schedules and plans were accurate at the time of publishing. Most Waikiki Beach hotel-based restaurants will be open on New Year’s Eve. Check directly with the concierge of your accommodations for their special meals and events. As New Year’s Eve approaches, most likely, I’ll be adding more events, so do check back. So, pack your bags and start practicing how to say Happy New Year in Hawaii: Hau’oli Makahiki Hou ! © 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...Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa is a perfect destination for families and romantics alike. Right now, you can book this hotel with Travelwizard.com and enjoy substantial savings on a one bedroom oceanfront suite! The resort is situated on a world famous beach and is in a central location with unrivaled amenities that make this the ultimate Hawaiian getaway destintion. Maui's many activities, world-class restaurants, unique entertainment, and thrilling excursions will satisfy everybody. Book a Premier Suite at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa located on sunny Kaanapali Beach on the island of Maui ith Travelwizard.com and enjoy a $1000 Air Credit and a Reduced Rate! 5 nights from $1949 per person. Book by 12/12/11, Travel by 12/17/11. Mention promo code:CCVWS Call 1.800.330.8820 or click here to have a Hawaii Travel Specialist contact you. TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820
Continue reading...Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Golden Waikiki Sunset from House Without A Key Watching sunset with a refreshing tropical drink in hand is a relaxing way to end a day in Waikiki Beach. After many trips to Waikiki, we definitely have some favorite spots that we’d like to share with you. Whether you like to sip on a tropical cocktail or mocktail , we recommend these top Waikiki spots: Our favorite place is Halekulani’s House Without A Key . We love their live Hawaiian music combined with exceptionally graceful hula dancers The ocean front setting and sunset views are outstanding. A cocktail will set you back about $12 or $13 each, if I remember correctly, but the free entertainment and homemade potato chips definitely make the cost worth it . As long as your budget allows, I would say that having sunset drinks at House Without A Key is a must do on your Waikiki vacation. Entertainment begins at 5:30 so aim to arrive then or a little bit earlier to grab an outdoor seat near the band. The atmosphere is upscale here. Silhouette of Hawaiian Musicians at House Without A Key The Ocean House Restaurant at Outrigger Reef on the Beach offers a quiet ocean front spot for a relaxed, upscale atmosphere. There’s no entertainment so it’s easier to enjoy conversation along with the ocean and Diamond Head views. If you wanted to move from drinks into dinner or pupus (appetizers), the food is fairly good here too. Arrive around 5pm or shortly after for the oceanfront tables. Tropical Drinks from The Ocean House Though not technically on the beach, Tiki’s at Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel offers great ocean and sunset views from its elevated level. There’s also palm trees in the view that can add a bit more interest to your sunset photos. Tiki’s also provides live music adding to this lively and casual atmosphere. One of Andy's Award-Winning Sunset Photos Taken from Tiki's Duke’s Waikiki at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach offers entertainment and wonderful ocean front view. The atmosphere is casual and a little more lively compared to House Without A Key. So these are my four favorite places so far . How about you? Where’s the top place you like to go for a sunset drink in Waikiki? © 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...Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Enjoy seven days of cruising to the Hawaiian islands on Norwegian Cruise Line, the Hawaii cruise experts. With more than 100 hours of onshore time, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the native culture and beautiful islands, while onboard relax with world-class entertainment, award-winning meals and more. Fares FROM $1,949 per person including air. Pride of America departs October, November & December 2011. Promo Code:NCL-VNL Call 1.800.330.8820 or click here to have a Hawaii Travel Specialist contact you. TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820
Continue reading...Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Aloun Farms courtesy photo On Friday, July 15, 2011, U.S. District Court's chief Judge Susan Oki Mollway considered a number of motions filed by the U.S. Department of Justice and by attorneys for Mike and Alec Sou, the defendants in the Aloun Farms human trafficking case that is planned to go to trial on July 27. Hawaii Reporter. A vegetable stand on Hotel Street is an extension of the Chinatown supermarket that sits behind it. But it's also violating a city law that sets boundaries on storefront displays .Hawaii News Now. Work will begin on Midway Atoll next month to remove lead-based paint that dooms 10,000 Laysan albatross chicks each year to a heartbreaking and apparently painful death. Star-Advertiser. Fewer than 1,500 humpbacks were left in the North Pacific in 1966, the year international whaling was banned. Since then, their numbers have steadily climbed to an estimated 18,000. Garden Island. Today, the state Board of Education considers a recommendation from a finance committee to raise school bus fares, and other fees. KITV4 . The Senate and House Committees on Education will be holding a joint informational briefing to learn about education reform happening around the country. The committees will also hear recommendations on how to improve Hawaii’s education system. Hawaii Independent. Hawaii County's publicly funded campaign pilot program should continue next year, despite a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling finding public matching funds unconstitutional. West Hawaii Today. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser sued the Honolulu Police Department Monday, accusing police of breaking the law by refusing to release 911 dispatch tapes of a June 3 shooting spree that left a woman dead and two others wounded. Star-Advertiser. The deal between Internet service providers, including AT&T, Cablevision, Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Verizon, and entertainment industry powerhouses to combat online piracy could have a huge impact on cafes, coffee shops, lounges and other businesses that offer wireless Internet access. Pacific Business News. Alexander & Baldwin and Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative on Monday jointly announced plans for a 6-megawatt utility-scale solar farm on the South Shore. Garden Island. The final weekend of the fireworks amnesty program on Oahu resulted in a bigger haul than the previous three weekends combined. KHON2. Former Chief of Staff Eric Ryan says Honolulu City Council member Tom Berg fired him for blowing the whistle on government waste in Honolulu Hale. Civil Beat. A Japanese tea master is due to perform a traditional tea ceremony at the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor in honor of Americans who died in the attack on 1941 attack. Associated Press. At least 3 times a day … Honolulu Police initiate cases of identity theft and related fraud … and many more incidents go unreported. Hawaii Public Radio. Verizon Wireless customers on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island will be able to surf the web and share files much faster this Thursday when the company's 4G Long Term Evolution network officially launches. KITV4. Hawaii's six remaining Borders bookstores and nearly 400 others nationwide will be closed in the next several months as the 40-year-old bookseller said Monday that it will liquidate. Star-Advertiser. About 100 Hawaiian Telcom customers in the Kapalama area might have to go a week without telephone and Internet service. Star-Advertiser.
Continue reading...Friday, June 10, 2011
Beautiful Kauai will be abuzz with fun July 4th celebrations. In Kauai, you’ll find the all-American traditional ways to celebrate July 4th along with a splash of Aloha! Kauai will host a couple of excellent community events filled with local Hawaiian entertainment, food, games, and of course, fireworks. Here’s what’s going in Kauai on July 4th, 2011: 22nd Annual Concert in the Sky At the Vidinha Soccer Field in Lihue, you’ll find games, delicious food, excellent live Hawaiian entertainment and a huge fireworks show. This year’s entertainers include Na Leo, The Quake, Ivo Monroe Miller, Kimo & Kaiulani and Ori Uvira Tahitian dance troupe. Gates open a 4pm. As this annual July 4th event is a fundraiser for Kauai Hospice , a nominal ticket fee is charged. Advanced tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for keiki (children) ages 6 – 12 years; children under 5 are free. Pre-sale tickets are available until July 3rd at all Big Save Markets, Menehune Food Marts and at Kauai Hospice. On July 4th, tickets at the gate cost $15 for adults and $7 for keiki ages 6 – 12 years. Vidinha Soccer Field is located by Vidinha Stadium in Lihue. For more information call (808) 245-7277. Kekaha 4th of July Celebration The small, western Kauai town of Kekaha will be hosting their fourth annual July 4th celebration. This all-day event begins with a morning fun run/walk at 6am. If that’s a bit too early for you, then you’ll find games, local Hawaiian entertainment and keiki rides beginning at 10am. This July 4th celebration will top off with a festive fireworks display after dark. This year’s event will include Hawaiian craft booths and cultural demonstrations. Also, to honor the sugar cane history of this small town, a Kekaha plantation mini-museum will be on display. You’ll find all this Kekaha fun at H.P Faye Park – across the Kekaha Neighborhood Center. (For directions, see this Google Map .) Admission is free. For more information, see this link. © 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...Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Will you be celebrating July 4th in Oahu this year? If so, you’ll find many options for celebrating the day with games, parades, and of course, outstanding fireworks displays. Here’s what you’ll find across Oahu this July 4th:
Continue reading...Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Hawaiian Islands Cruise Deals 7 Days From $1864 pp,do Promo Code:PLWS Hawaiian Islands Cruise Includes Inside Stateroom, 100 hours of port time, onboard meals and entertainment. Call 1.800.330.8820 to book your Hawaiian Islands Cruise Vacation or click here for our travel planning form . Special subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions apply. Not responsible for errors or omissions.Valid for travel 03/26/2011 - 03/26/2011. Please call for other dates. Saturday departures. TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820
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Monday, January 30, 2012
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