Tag Archive | "flickr"
Big Changes Coming for USS Arizona Memorial Ticketing
Coming soon, visitors will be able to book USS Arizona Memorial tickets in advance. This change could significantly reduce visitor wait times and help you make the most of your Oahu vacation time. Tickets will still be available on a first come, first served basis for walk-in visitors. In this KHON report , Eileen Martinez, Chief of Interpretation for the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, says that 50% of tickets will be available for walk-in visitors. Though tickets will continue to be free to all visitors, a fee of $1.50 per ticket
Continue reading...Taking a Historical Sunset Cruise on the Kona Coast with Body Glove Hawaii
Monday, January 30, 2012
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...Chairadise Found at Hilton Waikoloa Village
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Though we’re right smack dab in the middle of Winter, let’s take a seat in this sunny chairadise at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii’s Big Island. Who’s the lucky person you’d have sitting beside of you? 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...Free Coffee Farm Tour & Tasting at Kauai Coffee Company
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Though the Big Island grows Hawaii’s most renown Kona coffee, Kauai is actually the home to the largest coffee farm in all of Hawaii and the US. Kauai produces approximately 60% of Hawaii’s total coffee crop. Kauai Coffee Company on the southern side of Kauai grows more than 4 million coffee trees over 3,100 acres. From my visit at Kauai Coffee Company, I had to ask what the difference between Kona coffee and Kauai coffee. I was told that Kauai coffee tends to have more fruit notes and slightly less acidity. The company representative then gave me a wine comparison that further explained the difference – Kona coffee is like a Cabernet while Kauai coffee is more like a Merlot or Pinot Noir. At Kauai Coffee Company, you can take a self-guided tour , see harvesting and roasting equipment and, best of all, enjoy tasting the varieties that Kauai Coffee Company produces and roasts. Visiting and tasting is completely free . Though, if you are like us, after tasting some of the samples you’ll want to purchase Kauai-grown coffee to take back home. Located in Kalaheo, Kauai Coffee Company is open every day from 9am to 5pm. (From June 1 – August 31 opening hours are extended to 5:30pm.) For directions, see this map . I recommend a short stop into Kauai Coffee Company and have listed it as one of the best free activities on Kauai . Have you tried Kauai coffee or visited Kauai Coffee Company? © 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 Discounts & News: January 18, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Bird of Paradise in Oahu at Punchbowl * Hawaiian Airlines announced that they’re creating a Maui Hub that will offer improved connections between The Valley Isle and other points within the Hawaiian Islands as well as flights to and from the West Coast. It will be interesting to see how this improves inter-island travel as this hub is implemented. * The Polynesian Cultural Center is offering a 10% discount by booking early. For a limited time, visitors who book their reservations ten days out or more will receive a 10% discount off their experience. The “10 Outside 10” special applies to all of PCC’s rich cultural offerings, including their excellent evening show HA: Breath of Life . You can receive this discount via booking directly online. * On facebook I posted about a new jet pack water adventure in Oahu that looks like something out of a Jetsons carton. That post about Jetlev seemed to interest a lot of folks. There’s currently a limited time Groupon for this adventure that knocks 50% off the cost to $199. To access this Groupon navigate to Honolulu from here . Jetlev * Another recent facebook posting that garnered quite a bit of interest was this video about scientist discovering humpback whales and dolphins playing together in Hawaii. The video provides photos capturing the playful behavior along with captions of the scientists’ observations. © 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...Review: Courtyard King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel on Hawaii’s Big Island
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The Courtyard King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua-Kona is set in a location fit for a king, literally. King Kamehameha the Great established one of his royal residences here. As you survey the site, you can see how these grounds would have been chosen with a naturally protected bay. Remains and reconstruction of this royal residence and heiau provide reminders of the site’s importance. (Read more about the history of the Courtyard King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel.) Courtyard King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel celebrates this place’s history with artifacts on display in the main corridor. There, they also have a large collection of museum-quality paintings by Herb Kane that depict historic moments and battles in Hawaii. Additionally, their onsite luau reenacts a royal court procession that may have taken place in this very spot. Location The Courtyard King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel is located in the northern end of the town of Kailua-Kona. The hotel overlooks lovely Kailua Bay. It’s near enough to all the lively action of Kona, but also not smack dab in the middle of it where parking becomes more of a challenge. Navigating in and out of the hotel’s parking lot to other parts of the island is very easy. That naturally protected bay that once helped sustain King Kamehameha and his people, now provides an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, stand up paddle boarding, and more. Kona Boys’ watersports hut is right on site to rent gear and provide lessons. The hotel is set on the only sandy beach in Kailua-Kona , that’s enjoyed by both visitors and locals. Rooms The rooms have been recently renovated and impressed us from the start. Though only a 3-star resort, we had a spacious oceanview king room that was nicer than some 4 and 5-star rooms we’ve had in Hawaii. The newly renovated rooms are confortable and well appointed with a large flat-screen TV, sitting area and room to spread out.
Continue reading...Off the Road to Hana: Alau Island
Monday, January 16, 2012
Near Hana, you’ll find an island that will probably peak your curiosity – Alua Island. This island seems to appear out of nowhere, but what surprises me most is that there’s palm trees growing on top. For years, I had wondered how those palm trees were established. I finally got my question answered as I was on a horseback ride included in my stay at Travaasa Hana . Lifelong Hana resident Jolynn from Hana Ranch told us that her grandfather and his friends swam out to Alau Island and planted the coconut trees decades ago. Alau Island is located several hundred yards off the Maui coast just beyond the central part of the town of Hana. To get a great view of Alau Island, turn off of Hana Highway (also known as the Road to Hana ) on to Haneoo Road which will loop back around to the Hana Highway. See this Google Map for a detailed view . © 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...Off the Road to Hana: Alau Island
Monday, January 16, 2012
Near Hana, you’ll find an island that will probably peak your curiosity – Alua Island. This island seems to appear out of nowhere, but what surprises me most is that there’s palm trees growing on top. For years, I had wondered how those palm trees were established. I finally got my question answered as I was on a horseback ride included in my stay at Travaasa Hana . Lifelong Hana resident Jolynn from Hana Ranch told us that her grandfather and his friends swam out to Alau Island and planted the coconut trees decades ago. Alau Island is located several hundred yards off the Maui coast just beyond the central part of the town of Hana. To get a great view of Alau Island, turn off of Hana Highway (also known as the Road to Hana ) on to Haneoo Road which will loop back around to the Hana Highway. See this Google Map for a detailed view . © 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...Horseback Riding in Waipio Valley with Na’alapa Stables
Thursday, January 12, 2012
A view Waipio Valley at the start of our decent I have to admit that I looked forward to the van ride down into Waipio Valley almost as much as the horseback ride. As we began our 25% grade (the equivalent of a 45 degree angle) decent, my heart started racing a bit. We were advised to open the van doors and not fasten our seat belts in case the van tumbled off the road, we’d be able to get out of the vehicle quicker. Gulp! My second-row view of this steep, winding road from the van window. Though thrilling, our van ride was uneventful, thankfully. Once we arrived at Na’alapa Stables, the heart rate returned to normal. The slow and steady pace on horseback provided just the right speed to soak in Waipio’s verdantly green valley. As I guided my horse on the dirt road and through several streams, I was able to admire the fertile farms and canopy of trees. I could visualize how this valley had once sustained thousands of Hawaiians centuries ago. Waipio Valley Taro Farm While in the valley, I could finally see the many pencil-thin waterfalls flowing down the valley walls. I had heard about them, but had never been able to see them from the lookouts above the valley. The most impressive waterfall seemed to be perfectly positioned in the middle of the valley and its height is at nearly 1300 feet. This Waipio Valley waterfall stretches nearly 1,300 feet. One of the most surprising things I saw in the valley was an abundance of wild horses. Though wild, they may have been wearing watches as they seemed to know the feeding time for the horses of Na’alapa Stables. They showed up to steal some nibbles promptly at lunch time. After thanking our horses for the gentle ride, we hopped back into the van for the vertical ride up out of the valley. That was one last adventure that completed the tour. We saw a few hikers that made the trek down and painfully steep climb back to the top. I feel like we got to see a lot more of the valley via horseback than if we’d hiked it. Certainly, this horseback riding tour is more time efficient than hiking it. We both enjoyed this slow paced view of Waipio Valley and definitely recommend this adventure as a great Hawaii vacation activity. What to know when you go: - Na’alapa Stables offers a morning and afternoon ride Monday – Saturday. We took the morning ride, which we liked, but I hear the afternoon ride is nice as well. - The nice staff will match your riding experience and skills with the horse. - Definitely pay attention to the instructions. The staff know the horses and their tendencies. Listen to their instructions that will keep you out of trouble. - The price is $88.54 which includes tax, but not gratuity. This tour is well priced for a 2.5 hour adventure! (There’s a shuttle-only service that’s $50 alone.) - Wear long pants and shoes with a covered toe that you wouldn’t mind getting wet. (I wore these shoes .) We crossed several streams. - I recommend bringing mosquito repellant to be on the safe side. Mosquitos love my blood, so I wore it and didn’t get bitten. Andy didn’t wear any repellant and didn’t get a single bite. - You might want to bring a bottle of water. - You can see all the photos we took from our Waipio Valley horseback riding adventure. Please bear in mind that it’s difficult to take a photo one-handed on a moving horse. - For more information and directions, see the Na’alapa Stables website . Mahalo to Na’alapa Stabels for sponsoring our tour. 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...Hawaii Prize Pack Giveaway
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
It’s high time for another giveaway here on Go Visit Hawaii. This Hawaii prize pack includes: a 2012 Hawaii calendar set of 10 postcards of vintage Hawaii travel posters a luggage tag with a vintage Hawaii scene mints in a tin designed like a Hawaii license plate To enter for a chance to win this prize pack, please comment here on this blog post your answer to this question: Is a trip to Hawaii in 2012 in your plans? You must enter you comment by January 14, 2012. © 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...
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Wednesday, February 1, 2012
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