Tag Archive | "family"
Maui Vacation for Families: Kids Eat Free
Maui Family Vacation The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua 6 nights from $1035 pp,do Promo Code:GGWS Let us orchestrate a dreamy Hawaiian getaway this fall. Six-night stays at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua include a midsize rental car, lei greeting and free meals for children age 12 and under. Available through October 31, 2010. Call 1-800-330-8820 to book your Maui Family Vacation or click here for reservations . Special subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions apply. Not responsible for errors or omissions. TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820
Continue reading...DOG THE BOUNTY HUNTER. A FAMILY FEUD. PART 3.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT BECOMING A BOUNTY HUNTER, VISIT: budurl.com IF YOU’RE A FAN OF DOG GO TO: www.bountyhunterblog.net to see more.. This is the last part of this exciting episode from series 1.
Continue reading...Swimming With Dolphins On Oahu – Educational & Fun For All Ages
Monday, July 12, 2010
Here’s an updated blast from the past post, Oahu Dolphin Quest Review , originally published July, 2007. I made a new friend in Oahu and his name is Kolohe. He’s a happy and playful, 12 year old, 392 lb dolphin. I met Kolohe at the Oahu Dolphin Quest that is located at the Kahala Resort . I got to give Kolohe hand signals, pet him, feed him and watch him swim underwater. I even got to give him a kiss on the chin. (One of us had fishy breath, but I’m not saying who. ) Dolphin Quest offers programs for all ages. Andy and I did the “adult dolphin encounter”, for ages 10 and older. (Since when is an 10 year old considered an adult?) The program begins by donning a life vest and then sitting on stairs in the lagoon water. The dolphin trainer eases you into meeting the dolphin and instructs you where to touch the dolphin and places to avoid. Later in the program, we got into deeper water and put on masks so that we could watch Kolohe swim under water. There were five people in total in my group and we each had ample opportunities to interact with Kolohe and have photos taken with him. I had expected a free for all with dolphins swimming around me, but the program was all very well planned and organized. It was a great mix of learning and fun. If you have the room in your budget, I recommend trying the Dolphin Quest. Things to know before you go. The prices are steep! We paid $210 each plus tax for a 25 minute dolphin encounter. (Ouch!) Since we tried this particular program, it’s been updated to a price of $205 plus tax for a 30 minute encounter. Though the prices are high, one plus side is Dolphin Quest has donated over $2 million towards conservation, research, and education. So, I guess there is some solace in knowing that part of your fee goes towards something good. It is also a once in a lifetime experience. Now that I’ve had the chance to meet and swim with a dolphin, I have no need to ever do it again. You can’t bring your own camera. There is a photographer there to capture photos of you and the dolphin. The least expensive photo package is three photos for $41.88 including tax. Alternatively, if someone from your family is not participating in the program, they are welcome to stand on the side and take photos. If you know you want to participate in one of the Dolphin Quest programs, you should try to book the program two to three weeks in advance to get the date and program you want. I only booked a week ahead of time and didn’t get the exact date that I originally wanted. The busy seasons at the Dolphin Quest are basically when children are out of school. If you aren’t staying at the Kahala Resort on Oahu, then allow extra time to drive there. We drove from the North Shore and got stuck in a traffic jam, luckily we had planned plenty of time. You don’t have to know how to swim in order to participate. The program supplies life vests. Bring your own towel. Dolphin Quest does have another site in Hawaii located at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii’s Big Island. © 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...July 4th Fireworks in Kauai
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
If you’ll be visiting beautiful Kauai this July 4th, you’ll find a couple of excellent, family-friendly Independence Day celebrations. Best of all, both celebrations include great fireworks displays! 21st Annual Concert in the Sky –
Continue reading...Oahu’s July 4th Fireworks and Events 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
If you’re making plans to visit Oahu this July 4th, you’ll some excellent ways to celebrate Independence Day with a bang. All the events are family-friendly and free. Whether you’re staying in Waikiki, Honolulu, North Shore or anywhere else on beautiful Oahu, you’ll find a July 4th celebration that’s convenient and fun. After hours of research, I’ve created this list of Oahu’s top July 4th events for 2010: Saturday, July 3rd – Fireworks Display at Aloha Tower One of the Oahu’s bigger July 4th events actually occurs on the 3rd at Aloha Tower Marketplace in Honolulu. This local favorite has traditionally presented an impressive fireworks display. The fireworks show is set to go off from a barge in Honolulu Harbor between Sand Island and the Aloha Tower Marketplace around 8:00pm, but other festivities including food, fun and live music starts at 3pm. (See this Google Map .) As for getting there to watch the fireworks from Aloha Tower Marketplace parking will be difficult to find. If you decide to drive there, you may want to arrive early to check out other festivities including food, fun and live music starting at 3pm. See this link for Aloha Tower Marketplace parking options. If you are coming from Waikiki, you might want to consider taking TheBus or the Red Line Trolley to prevent parking and traffic headaches. The address for Aloha Tower Marketplace is 1 Aloha Tower Drive, Honolulu, HI. For more information: See their website or call 808.528.5700. Sunday, July 4th – Ala Moana Center 4th of July Spectacular Ala Moana Center puts on a huge Independence Day celebration that’s been popular with locals and visitors. Their fireworks extravaganza is among the best in the country. Fireworks begin at 8:30pm, but there’s plenty of excellent entertainment starting at noon. See this link for the entertainment line up and a shopping discount. You can watch the fireworks from around the center, at Magic Island (Aina Moana Beach Park), and at Ala Moana Beach Park. See this Google Map to visualize the area. To get there from Waikiki, you can drive, take TheBus or the Ala Moana shopping shuttle. See this link for more information on public transportation options. Also, note if you have Trolley tickets, you can take either the Pink or Red Trolley Lines. If your up for a good walk and have comfortable walking shoes, then consider walking from Waikiki to Ala Moana Beach Park. You won’t have to worry about traffic and finding a parking space. The closer you’re staying to the western end of Waikiki, the shorter the walk. Ala Moana Center is located at 1450 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu. Their phone number is 808.955.9517. Sunday, July 4th – Schofield Barracks 4th of July Spectacular Hawaii’s largest Army post in Central Oahu will have an Independence Day celebration including games, rides, crafts and live music. They will host a free fireworks display at 8:30pm. For more information on this day long celebration see this flyer . Sunday, July 4th – Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration & Fireworks at Turtle Bay Resort If you are staying in or around Oahu’s North Shore, the celebration and fireworks show at Turtle Bay Resort will be you’re most convenient event. The fireworks show starts “at dark” (around 8pm), but there’s display booths and games for the kids starting at 5:30pm. Admission and parking is free. Turtle Bay Resort is located on Oahu’s North Shore at 57-091 Kamehameha Highway in Kahuku, HI. For more information see this link or call Turtle Bay Resort toll free at 866.827.5327. Sunday, July 4th – Maunalua Bay Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Show Starting at 1pm, this family-friendly event includes entertainment, food booths, and a fireworks show at 8:00pm. Maunalua Bay is located between Diamond Head and Koko Head on the southeast side of Oahu. For more information see the event’s website . To get there from Waikiki, you’ll need to take TheBus or drive. Be sure and check the event’s website for parking advice. Sunday, July 4th – Kailua Fireworks Plans are in place for a July 4th celebration and evening fireworks show at the East Oahu town of Kailua. See this link for more information. Sunday, July 4th – First Annual Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival at Waikiki Beach Walk Okay, so this isn’t a July 4th celebration per se, but it’s a celebration being held on July 4th, and it’s free. You’ll be able to listen to some exceptionally talented Hawaiian steel guitarists from 2pm until 6pm. Afterwards, you’ll still be able to catch one of the evening fireworks shows. This festival will be held at the Plaza Stage of the Waikiki Beach Walk . Sunday, July 4th – Military’s July 4th Fireworks Spectacular This event is specifically for all military affiliated personnel including active duty, reserve, retirees, DoD, family members and sponsored guests. It’s a day-long Independence Day celebration with games, food, concerts and fireworks at Ward Field, Naval Station Pearl Harbor. For more information on this event, see this link. ——- After reviewing this list, I’m sure you’ll agree, Oahu is definitely going to be a great place to celebrate July 4th this year! I wish you a very happy and safe Independence Day! © 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...Just sayin’ — Media map points to dwindling coverage
Sunday, May 30, 2010
In this brave new world of media mergers, sales and downsizes, you certainly don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows. But in the latest game of media musical chairs, it doesn’t hurt to have a map. While I tried to take a light approach, I’m offering this column with the utmost aloha, empathy and compassion for my inkstained brethren at the Honolulu Advertiser , the latest casualty of the New Age of Journalism and the legacy media corporate lust for obscene profits. Friday is the last day on the job for many of those journalists, while a few will be lucky enough to take a job for less pay at the Honolulu Star-Bulletin in the newly christened Star-Advertiser . Believe me, I’ve been there. In my three decades of living by the pen, I’ve been downsized, rightsized, outsized and offered the Morton’s Fork of an out-of-state transfer or a new job description. I want the latest casualties to know that yes, it hurts. You pour your all into this vocation, sacrifice a social life, a family life and better paying gigs on the PR side of the street. Your termination probably has absolutely nothing to do with your ability, your drive or your journalistic worth. But I am here to tell you there is life – and it can be a good life – afterward. Some of it is our own fault. We became victims of our own complacency. We thought just because we read and reread our bylined stories and watched and rewatched our video clips start to finish, everyone else did too. We paid too close attention to the handful of followers applying the high gloss of praise, and not enough attention to the thundering quiet from the rest. Enter the new media and bloggers – those pamphleteers of the New Age of Journalism. It’s an exciting era we have entered. The Internet and personal Web sites are components of the greatest revolution in journalism since the invention of the printing press. Like the printing press, the Internet has opened publishing to a whole new class of hoi polloi. I’m glad it’s happening in my lifetime. These New Age pamphleteers have a lot in common with their 18th century counterparts. Many are quick to opine, quick to set aside a few inconvenient facts while making their points. Some are even quick to accept free trips and gifts in return for glowing reviews. Nothing new about any of that. Lest bloggers get too enamored of their own steadily rising numbers on the stat counters, here’s a cautionary tale about pamphleteers. Thomas Paine may have been the most famous of the lot, yet only six people attended his funeral. Some to mourn and some to make sure he was truly dead. And then there’s Honolulu Civil Beat . It exists, says Editor John Temple, to "ask the important questions citizens might have in the face of the complex issues facing our community." In its first month, the new site has demonstrated it can do that. But it remains, as pointed out by blogger Larry Geller , a gated community with a rather stiff ($19.99 monthly) paywall. The new venture has hired a few bright young and not-so-young reporters and their output is promising. But it still has a way to go breaking out of its annoying insularity, with employees primarily retweeting and hash-tagging only each other, seemingly afraid to credit other sources that break the news they dutifully tweet at their first opportunity. Can it survive? Can any of us survive this shakeup of the status quo? Will the pendulum soon swing, once the public realizes the watchdogs have been silenced and government is running amok? Stay tuned. Meanwhile, here’s your map. And, it’s already obsolete. But isn’t that the whole point? Just sayin’
Continue reading...Sending Postcards from a Volcano
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Did you know that it’s possible to send mail from a volcano? It’s true. On Hawaii’s Big Island, there’s a village called Volcano and it’s located along the caldera of Kilauea Volcano just a mile or so from the entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. One fun vacation idea is to send a letter or postcard from the Volcano Post Office to your friends and family. I know this may sound odd, but I’ve even mailed myself a postcard from Volcano as a souvenir. Stop in during the post office business hours and politely ask the staff to hand cancel your letter or postcard with the Volcano stamp. Your friends and family will be impressed to receive your thoughtful post from a volcano. See this link for this post office’s business hours. Volcano Post Office is located at 19-4030 Old Volcano Highway, Volcano, HI. View Larger Map © 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...Saying Mahalo To Our Advertisers
Saturday, May 15, 2010
I’d like to take a moment to thank our Go Visit Hawaii advertisers who help make it possible for me to continue to provide you with free independent and unbiased advice. As you are making your Hawaii vacation plans, if you have needs that match any of our advertisers services, please show your support by visiting their site. Marriott Resorts Hawaii *new* – I have stayed in three of Hawaii’s Marriott resorts and dined at almost all of them. I have had excellent experiences and would jump at the opportunity to stay at any of them. Ohana Beach Rentals Hawaii *new* – A lot of vacation rental sites are difficult to navigate, but navigation is easy peasy at Ohana Beach Rentals Hawaii . I’ve been looking around at some of the vacation properties they offer on Oahu and daydreaming at about every rental I see. Trilogy *new* – Trilogy offers some excellent snorkel, diving and sailing excursions from Maui. We have gone out with them twice to Molokini to snorkel and thought that their service was fantastic. Summit Pacific Car Rentals *new* – I like the way Summit Pacific Car Rentals displays all their rates. Hawaiian Beach Rentals *new* – Another easy to sort vacation rental site is Hawaiian Beach Rentals . They offer high-end rental properties on Oahu, Kauai, Maui and the Big Island. Safari Helicopters Hawaii *new* – On this recent trip to Kauai, Andy and I toured the Garden Isle with Safari Helicopters . We had a fantastic tour and with their excellent safety record, we felt very secure. This family owned company offers helicopter tours on both Kauai and the Big Island. Hotel Lanai – This small inn is as cute as a button and is a very affordable option for visiting luxurious Lanai. Hotel Lanai located in the heart of Lanai in Lanai City. They also have an excellent restaurant with a menu designed by one of my favorite Hawaii chefs, Beverly Gannon. Hawaii Tours – Hawaii Tours provides a number of well-priced tours across all islands. They even offer some great island hopping day trips that take all the hassle out of the planning and logistics. For example, they offer day trips to Oahu to see Pearl Harbor and other island highlights. They also offer day trips over to the Big Island to see Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Discount Hawaii Car Rental – Many readers have commented that they’ve gotten the lowest rates from Discount Hawaii Car Rental . Polynesian Cultural Center – Years before the Polynesian Cultural Center began advertising with Go Visit Hawaii, I became a fan. In fact, I wrote this review – Polynesian Cultural Center – A Hawaii Must Do! — in June 2007. Personally I can’t wait to see their new evening show, Ha – Breath of Life. By all accounts I’ve heard and read, the new show is exceptional. P.S. None of these advertisers have specifically paid for this post. I’m just delighted to share these great companies with you. And, as always you can trust that my advice is going to be independent and unbiased as I strictly separate editorial content from advertising. © 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...Most favor federal recognition for Native Hawaiians, man builds Styrofoam house, Chinese language amusingly difficult for English-speakers as more…
Monday, May 3, 2010
Hawai'i residents still favor federal recognition of Native Hawaiians by a 2-to-1 margin, the latest Advertiser Hawai'i Poll numbers show. We're hearing directly from Governor Linda Lingle for the first time since she returned from a four-day trip to the Mainland. Poorly maintained roads cost Hawai'i drivers an average of $503 a year as they shell out extra money for tire repairs and damaged shock absorbers. Federal stimulus spending saved or created 2,566 jobs in Hawai'i during the first three months of this year, which is down from the 3,019 jobs attributed to the program during the last three months of 2009. A Hawaii News Now-Honolulu Advertiser poll shows that Republican candidate Charles Djou has a big lead in the special election for Congress. Across the country veteran politicians are facing serious competition generated by a tide of voter anger, even from within their own party. Two social service organizations are giving food to an increasing number of people -- some of whom used to donate food themselves -- a reflection of the sour economy. Tourism industry eager for Chinese For English speakers with subpar Chinese skills, daily life in China offers a confounding array of choices. At banks, there are machines for "cash withdrawing" and "cash recycling." The menus of local restaurants might present such delectables as "fried enema," "monolithic tree mushroom stem squid" and a mysterious thirst-quencher known as "The Jew's Ear Juice." Families Threaten Lawsuit Over Care For Autistic Children Hawaii Family Builds Styrofoam Home A proposed $286 million Hilo development promising shopping, housing and medical services has received the Windward Planning Commission's endorsement and is now heading to the County Council for consideration. West Hawaii residents got a glimpse of several master plan alternatives for the Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park at a community meeting Saturday in Kealakekua. While the question of whether civil unions will be legal in Hawaii rests with Gov. Linda Lingle, Maui County lawmakers cheered its passage in the state House of Representatives last week. An agreement signed last week between Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and a private developer conveyed 138 acres of ocean-front property to the county, which prompted some community members to question what was given up in exchange for the land. Boys’ Day, falling on the fifth day of the fifth month, is steeped in Japanese tradition and came to Hawai‘i with the immigrants brought to the Islands to work on the plantations.
Continue reading...Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort 3 Nights $983
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Hawaii Family Vacations -Maui The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas Kids 17 & younger stay FREE. 3 Nights $983 pp,do Promo Code:PLWS For more information about your Hawaii Travel plans, please contact Travelwizard.com at 1-800-330-8820 or enquire here . Special subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions apply. Not responsible for errors or omissions. TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820
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Thursday, August 5, 2010
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