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Tag Archive | "Events"

Maui July 4th Fireworks & Festivities 2011

Monday, June 6, 2011

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Maui July 4th Fireworks & Festivities 2011

Are you going to Maui for July 4th? Lucky you! Maui is shaping up to be a great place to celebrate Independence Day with a real bang! Here’s what we know so far about special July 4th fireworks and events: July 4th Daytime: Makawao 4th of July Parade & Rodeo – The small upcountry town of Makawao celebrates their  ranching history with their annual rodeo festival. Festivities begin at 9am and go through noon.  The parade starts at the lower end of Baldwin Avenue, follows up Makawao Avenue, then ends at Eddie Tam Center. See this Google Map of Makawao to calculate directions.  For more information and park and ride options, see this link or call 808-572-9565. July 4th Evening: July 4th Concert in the Park – This free oceanfront concert will feature Hawaiian jazz and popular music with Tarvin Makia and the Manutea Nui E Danceras and the Dejavu Band. The Maui Community Band will also perform traditional July 4th holiday favorites and original medleys. ( See this link as well as this one for more  concert details.) The concert is scheduled to begin at 5:30pm Front Street in Lahaina. After the concert, stick around for the fireworks described below. Lahaina July 4th FIREWORKS – Lahaina town is definitely the place to be for a huge fireworks display by the historic waterfront beginning at approximately 8pm. It’s free to watch the fireworks from anywhere along the Lahaina waterfront, however, you might want to consider some of these interesting options to watch the fireworks from the water. -  Trilogy is offering a special Lahaina 4th of July Fireworks Sail that includes a barbeque dinner and a good ol’ American apple pie. This two-hour sail departs from Lahaina Harbor at 6:30pm. See this link for more details. -  Pacific Whale Foundation offers a July 4th Fireworks Cruise that leaves from Maalaea Harbor at 6:30pm. The price is $62.95 for adults, but you can save 10% by booking online. Pricing for kids is discounted as well. See all the pricing and menu details here . -  Pride of Maui offers a July 4th Maui fireworks cruise, however it is currently sold out. If you’d like more information for next year, perhaps, see this link . Notes: - All these Maui July 4th 2011 event details are accurately reported at the time of publishing. - Bookmark this page and check back for potential additions. © 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 .

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Honolulu/Oahu 2011 Memorial Day Activities

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

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Honolulu/Oahu 2011 Memorial Day Activities

Old Glory flying above the USS Arizonia Memorial in Pearl Harbor If you are looking for a meaningful place to honor Memorial Day, Oahu will certainly offer you that opportunity. Here are some suggestions for what to see and do this Memorial Day, May 30, 2011. Visit Punchbowl (National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific ). Memorial Day is an especially good time to visit Punchbowl as local boy scouts decorate the graves with flags and floral leis donated by Hawaii’s public school children. At 8:30am on Memorial Day, the Mayor of Honolulu hosts a special Memorial Day Ceremony. See this link for all the ceremony details, including how to get there.  On Memorial Day, Punchbowl extends their opening hours to 7am to 7pm. Go to the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor – Visiting this memorial is certainly a worthy way to honor Memorial Day. Admission is free.  I highly recommend that you get there early in the morning as holidays are particularly popular times to visit. The Visitor Center is open from 7am to 5pm, but the timed programs to the memorial begin at 8am and run through 3pm. Be prepared for your visit by reading Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor . Tour the USS Missouri in Pearl Harbor - This retired battleship makes a great place to visit to honor the day. Visiting hours are from 8am to 5pm. See this link for ticketing details as well as my article with advice for touring the Mighty Mo . See the Pacific Aviation Museum in Pearl Harbor - This museum showcases aircraft that has been important to the US military history. The Pacific Aviation Museum is open daily from 9am to 5pm. See this link for ticket pricing details. On Memorial Day, from 10am to 2pm, you’ll have an opportunity to see the Home of the Brave Quilt Project , plus sign one that will be presented to the family of a fallen Hawaii soldier. See the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park in Pearl Harbor – The USS Bowfin was an attack vessel in WWII. The Bowfin was dubbed the Pearl Harbor Avenger. Tickets are $10 for adults and $4 for children. Open daily from 7am to 5pm. See the Lantern Floating Ceremony at Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park – This unique Memorial Day opportunity will offer a beautiful and peaceful remembrance of those who gave their lives for their country as well as memories of loved ones who have passed away. The ceremony starts at 6:30pm. It is free and open to the public. See this link for event details and directions .  Hawaii news Now will provide a live online broadcast of the Lantern Floating Ceremony. Here’s a beautiful video about the Lantern Floating Ceremony: (Email subscribers: use this link to find the embedded video .) © 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 .

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Hurricane Season In Hawaii

Monday, May 9, 2011

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Hurricane Season In Hawaii

On my article about the best time to visit Hawaii , Daniel asked if hurricane season should be avoided in Hawaii. I thought it was such a good question that deserved its own research and post. Hawaii’s hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. According to this chart , there have been no hurricanes recorded in the entire Central Pacific region in the month of June and very few in the months of October and November. August and September are

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Lei Day in Hawaii

Friday, April 29, 2011

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Lei Day in Hawaii

The first of May is a celebration of lei in Hawaiian culture. Last year, we were fortunate to join in the annual celebration at Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club on Kauai. We enjoyed seeing a lei making competition, a royal court procession, hula and cultural presentations. Kupuna Janet Kahalekomo was honored with several leis. If you visit Hawaii during Lei Day, check local papers for island events. With Lei Day falling on a Sunday this year, some annual celebrations may be observed on another day. Here’s our video from last year’s Lei Day. (Email subscribers, click here to access the Lei Day video .)

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Lei Day in Hawaii

Friday, April 29, 2011

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Lei Day in Hawaii

The first of May is a celebration of lei in Hawaiian culture. Last year, we were fortunate to join in the annual celebration at Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club on Kauai. We enjoyed seeing a lei making competition, a royal court procession, hula and cultural presentations. Kupuna Janet Kahalekomo was honored with several leis. If you visit Hawaii during Lei Day, check local papers for island events. With Lei Day falling on a Sunday this year, some annual celebrations may be observed on another day. Here’s our video from last year’s Lei Day. (Email subscribers, click here to access the Lei Day video .)

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Hawaii Vacation Deals & News: April 28, 2011

Thursday, April 28, 2011

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Hawaii Vacation Deals & News: April 28, 2011

The Peaceful Grounds of Four Seasons Lana'i at Koele We’ve got quite a newsy day today – so much so, that I’ve organized the news in sections. Et voila ~ Sweepstakes & Giveaways * Enter to win a chance to win a Oahu vacation at the Embassy Suites-Waikiki Beach Walk. Most Hawaii sweepstakes are for two, but this prize is for four and valued at $20,000. Enter here . * Win a week’s stay at one of six Outrigger Maui condos plus round-trip airfare on Hawaiian Airlines for two. Read the contest details here . Also note that you can receive a $50 e-certificate from Hawaiian Airlines by entering your HawaiianMiles number. Read those details at this link . * Win a trip for two to Oahu from Lands’ End. See all the entry details here . * Hawaiian Airlines is giving away two round-trip tickets to Hawaii in celebration of the Merrie Monarch Festival. You must enter this one by May 1, 2011. Click here for more details and to register to win . Events * Speaking of the Merrie Monarch Festival , Hawaii’s top cultural celebration, the festivities begin tonight and you can watch a live stream of the events via KFVE from this link . * The Waikiki Spam Jam is set for this Saturday, April 30th. This festival is in its ninth year celebrating Hawaii’s love affair with Spam . My friend Melissa Chang has the full scoop on what to expect from this year’s event . Deals * Lanai’s Four Seasons Lodge at Koele is offering a special deal through August. With the third night free, the rate is effectively $197 per night. See more details about this luxury deal via this link . The Lodge at Koele is one of the excellent resorts that that thoroughly enjoyed during our recent stay on Lanai. * The Sheraton Kauai is on sale for $129 per night through September 1, 2011. This rate is more than 55% off plus the deal includes buffet breakfast for two. See all the deal details here and my review . Please note that there’s a $23 resort fee and some renovations in progress. * Hilton is celebrating 50 years in Hawaii with 50 Years of Aloha Package. With this package, you’ll receive the 5th night at $50 plus spa, dining and beach rentals credits at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (Oahu) and Hilton Waikoloa Village (Big Island) locations. Read all about it here . © 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 .

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Hawaii Vacation Deals & News: April 28, 2011

Thursday, April 28, 2011

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Hawaii Vacation Deals & News: April 28, 2011

The Peaceful Grounds of Four Seasons Lana'i at Koele We’ve got quite a newsy day today – so much so, that I’ve organized the news in sections. Et voila ~ Sweepstakes & Giveaways * Enter to win a chance to win a Oahu vacation at the Embassy Suites-Waikiki Beach Walk. Most Hawaii sweepstakes are for two, but this prize is for four and valued at $20,000. Enter here . * Win a week’s stay at one of six Outrigger Maui condos plus round-trip airfare on Hawaiian Airlines for two. Read the contest details here . Also note that you can receive a $50 e-certificate from Hawaiian Airlines by entering your HawaiianMiles number. Read those details at this link . * Win a trip for two to Oahu from Lands’ End. See all the entry details here . * Hawaiian Airlines is giving away two round-trip tickets to Hawaii in celebration of the Merrie Monarch Festival. You must enter this one by May 1, 2011. Click here for more details and to register to win . Events * Speaking of the Merrie Monarch Festival , Hawaii’s top cultural celebration, the festivities begin tonight and you can watch a live stream of the events via KFVE from this link . * The Waikiki Spam Jam is set for this Saturday, April 30th. This festival is in its ninth year celebrating Hawaii’s love affair with Spam . My friend Melissa Chang has the full scoop on what to expect from this year’s event . Deals * Lanai’s Four Seasons Lodge at Koele is offering a special deal through August. With the third night free, the rate is effectively $197 per night. See more details about this luxury deal via this link . The Lodge at Koele is one of the excellent resorts that that thoroughly enjoyed during our recent stay on Lanai. * The Sheraton Kauai is on sale for $129 per night through September 1, 2011. This rate is more than 55% off plus the deal includes buffet breakfast for two. See all the deal details here and my review . Please note that there’s a $23 resort fee and some renovations in progress. * Hilton is celebrating 50 years in Hawaii with 50 Years of Aloha Package. With this package, you’ll receive the 5th night at $50 plus spa, dining and beach rentals credits at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (Oahu) and Hilton Waikoloa Village (Big Island) locations. Read all about it here . © 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 .

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Polarized Sunglasses for Your Hawaii Vacation

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

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Polarized Sunglasses for Your Hawaii Vacation

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 .

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Hawaii civil unions become law with Abercrombie signature, Honolulu asks Rush Limbaugh to apologize, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Thursday, February 24, 2011

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Hawaii civil union photo (c) 2011 All Hawaii News Final approval of a proposal to legalize civil unions is a step closer to same-sex marriage in Hawaii, supporters say. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii has become only the 7th state in the nation to recognize civil unions for same-sex couples. KHON2. A group of civil union supporters applauded wildly when Governor Neil Abercrombie signed Senate Bill 232 into law. They had gathered at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel to watch an internet feed of the bill signing. Hawaii News Now. Civil union supporters gathered at several events across town to watch and celebrate as Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed the controversial bill into law. KITV4. The bill-signing at the Hawaii governor's mansion was historic, triumphant and personal. Civil Beat. Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie has signed same-sex civil unions into law, granting gay and lesbian couples the same state rights as married partners. Associated Press. After a long, hard-fought battle, civil unions became law today in Hawaii. Hawaii Independent. Gov. Neil Abercrombie, proclaiming that diversity defines rather than divides people of the state, signed a bill into law legalizing civil unions for same-sex couples beginning next year. Hawaii Reporter. Thinking back to 1998, Renae Hamilton says she can recall the bitter and divisive campaign she went through in trying to gain marriage rights for same-sex couples through the ballot box. Star-Advertiser. Fifty supporters applauded and shouted in joy at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel after witnessing the governor, via live Internet feed, sign the landmark civil unions bill into law yesterday afternoon. Star-Advertiser. It was a busier than usual Wednesday night at Hula's Bar and Lei Stand. Hawaii News Now. Local gay rights groups are hailing the decision by President Barrack Obama to reverse a 15- year policy on the Defense of Marriage Act, what some refer to as DOMA. KITV4. A Marriage of Convenience. “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” --a complex and costly policy. Honolulu Weekly. The state Senate has delayed the confirmation vote for William Aila, Jr. to lead the state Department of Land and Natural Resources after one senator expressed concerns about whether Aila adequately disclosed his commercial fishing license and aquarium fish permit. Star-Advertiser. A Senate vote on the confirmation of William Aila as chairman for the Department of Land and Natural Resources is being delayed until next week because of concerns that he wasn't forthcoming to senators. Associated Press. Kona coffee farmers will have new weapons in the battle against the coffee berry borer beetle: two pesticides containing a fungus that has helped keep this destructive pest in check in other parts of the world. West Hawaii Today. Nine state lawmakers are traveling to the Big Island this weekend to see projects connected to environmental job creation and food and energy self-sufficiency. Associated Press. After shutting down construction on its new site two weeks ago, the Molokai Community Health Center (MCHC) will be receiving $500,000 in state funds by the end February. Molokai Dispatch. All islands remain under a flash flood watch today, as a lingering unstable weather system threatens more heavy rain and thunderstorms. Star-Advertiser. The City Council approved a resolution yesterday urging conservative radio personality Rush Limbaugh to apologize for mocking Chinese President Hu Jintao during his visit to Washington, D.C., last month to meet with President Barack Obama. Star-Advertiser. Today the price of a barrel of oil hit $100 for the first time since 2008 and there's expected to be even more pain at the pump. Hawaii News Now. Hawaiian Electric employees have once again authorized a strike. KHON2. The Honolulu’s Ethics Commission has begun gathering information about a complaint that claimed a deputy police chief arranged for officers to be paid overtime or change their schedules. He allegedly did so to allow them time to appear at a weekend open house for his son's Cub Scout troop. KITV4. A decade in the making, the 2010 U.S. Census has finally made it to Hawaii. Civil Beat. The most important county commission in 10 years narrowly escaped beginning its work without its West Hawaii members -- a full one-third of its membership -- thanks to missteps in Mayor Billy Kenoi's administration. West Hawaii Today. Get ready to dole out a little more to keep county water flowing to your home or business. West Hawaii Today. Several community members, mostly tourism and development industry professionals, attended a workshop Tuesday intended to clarify questions related to a law that could set strict parameters on the proliferation of hotels and vacation rentals on Kaua‘i. Garden Island . Representatives of the proposed Kaiwahine Village said they would consider additional parking and plan to hire union carpenters if the 120-unit affordable housing project were approved. Maui News. Life-changing isle programs face ax. Tribune-Herald. Sailors slain by Somali pirates had ties to Maui. Maui News.

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Breaking for Christmas

Monday, December 20, 2010

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Breaking for Christmas

Hawaiian gingerbread village from Four Seasons Lana'i Lodge at Koele Aloha Go Visit Hawaii Readers, Your resident blogger is going to be taking a short break for the holidays. If any big Hawaii vacation news breaks, I’ll interrupt this blogger’s break for that. I’ll also be posting occasional updates on the Go Visit Hawaii facebook page . Wishing you and yours  Mele Kalikimaka , Hawaii’s way to say Merry Christmas ! Happy Holidays! Sheila P.S. If you’re going to Oahu or Maui for Christmas, be sure and check out all the holiday happenings in these posts: Waikiki Christmas 2010 – Holiday Events & Where to Dine Maui Christmas Holiday Events 2010 © 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 .

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