Tag Archive | "hawaiian"
Your Take: Why You Love Oahu
Windward Oahu is a peaceful contrast to lively Waikiki. A few weeks ago, I asked the Go Visit Hawaii facebook community why they like Oahu. As I read each comment, I must have been nodding my head in agreement. I also felt the urge to book a ticket to Oahu ASAP. That’s just a warning for you before you start reading them. From your thoughts on Oahu, I think we can all agree that there’s bunches to love about Oahu. Bunches! The community’s responses were too good not to share, so here’s a sampling: Clarice says, “My memories of Oahu span 35 years beginning with a second honeymoon on a “zero” budget. We stayed in a wonderful inn blocks from the beach for $7 a day and lived on Guava juice and plate lunches. On later trips we stayed at more upscale hotels, including Hilton Hawaiian Village but it was always the magic of the beach , the joy and hospitality of the people and diversity of the island –from surfing on the North Shore to the cultural center and rides over the Pali –that kept us coming back. Quite simply, there is no place on earth that feels as rich with happiness and spiritual awe as Oahu .” Folks who haven’t experienced Oahu yet, already love it. Steve shared this: “I love Oahu because it’s always been my and my wife’s dream to go . We always look at the travel books and online and imagine how great it is. Now we are planning to go next year for our 30th anniversary so we can experience it finally for ourselves.” Jennifer is also planning her Oahu visit next year. She says, “I can’t wait to visit Oahu next April –I’m already in love with the island – it’s blend of historical and modern , glorious beaches and pali, and warmth of spirit and sky —-April can’t come soon enough” Even our taste buds love Oahu. Janet tells us. “I love Oahu because of the North Shore waves in winter and Teds Bakery !” Waikiki lights up with romance after the sunset. Tom also reminds us of the tasty Oahu treats and more. “Great place to visit all around! Wonderful beaches, great restaurants, shrimp @ Giovannis on the North Shore, Haleiwa Shave Ice and good shopping too!” Aloha Kilikina explains that she lives in two states simultaneously. “ My heart lives on Oahu … my body just resides in Pennsylvania. I believe that Oahu is the most understated of the Hawaiian Islands. So many people will “skip” over this beautiful island when visiting. They say “Oh, it’s like a city, it’s too crowded!” And I tell them; to compare the whole island of Oahu to Waikiki and/or Honolulu is like comparing the entire state of New York to just the City. It’s not fair to do so. Oahu has it all. It has the nightlife , the shopping and people-watching of a busy beach resort area … but a quick drive to the windward coast will offer you vistas to take your breath away . Oahu offers some of the best swimmable beaches the islands have to offer . I’ve been going to Oahu for about 20 years now… and I still haven’t seen or done it all. Oahu is home to me. Teresa reminds us that life is short and that Oahu will make you fall in love. “From the time i was a child i always wanted to go to OAHU. As our 20th anniv. approached they thought i had breast cancer. After 3 months they determined it was not. So , I emptied my change bottle and booked a 8 day 7 night trip to OAHU, best trip ever taken. Fell in love twice on that trip , first fell in love with my husband all over again , then the Beautiful Paradise Island of OAHU . It felt like we had arrived home at last there!!!!!” By the way, Teresa was the randomly selected winner of the framed print giveaway . Susie describes how Oahu suits so many. “ Oahu has action, it has tranquility, it has whatever you want in a lush tropical setting . There is a feeling there hard to describe, but understood by everyone that goes there. I cried when I left after my first trip there.” I bet Susie isn’t the only person who has cried when leaving Oahu. A hike to Manoa Falls is a fun Oahu adventure. I think Nicole succinctly summed up Oahu with her comment. “ ANYONE can find something for them on Oahu . It has everything: beaches , a big city , the country , gorgeous scenery and did I mention the beaches.” I hope you enjoyed reading these thoughts on why Oahu is so lovable. If you didn’t have a chance to share your love of Oahu earlier, please comment. The more the merrier. © 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...Fat government at Honolulu Hale, gubernatorial hopefuls talk health care, Recktenwald hearing smooth, body scanner coming to Honolulu airport, …
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Honolulu's work force grew 5 percent during Mayor Mufi Hannemann's tenure, but the total spent on salaries ballooned 32 percent, according to an analysis by Civil Beat. Civil Beat. Hawaii's top Democratic gubernatorial candidates on Wednesday delved into the heavy-duty policy realm of health care, taking different approaches on how they would improve its delivery to island residents. Associated Press. Democratic candidates for governor Neil Abercrombie and Mufi Hannemann went head to head on healthcare at a forum Wednesday afternoon. KHON2. Hawaii is facing the same health care problems sweeping the rest of the United States. KITV. There were two big endorsements for Democratic gubernatorial nominee Mufi Hannemann. KITV . The Senate Judiciary Committee chairman indicated yesterday he's inclined to support chief justice nominee Mark Recktenwald, who received overwhelming praise during a hearing yesterday on his appointment to lead the state's third branch of government. Star-Advertiser Associate Justice Mark Recktenwald went before the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday to describe his judicial philosophy and explain to members of the panel why he should become Hawaii's fifth chief justice. KHON2. Candidates for public office running as nonpartisans say the system is rigged against them. Tribune-Herald. Kauai Democrats have gone to Circuit Court to try to remove a Republican state House candidate from the September primary ballot, arguing that the state GOP should not have been allowed to field the candidate as a replacement after another Republican withdrew just before the filing deadline in late July. Star-Advertiser. After 37 long years of waiting for Hawaiian homestead land, Judy Caparida still has a smile on her face. Molokai Dispatch. "When they brought us into port, they asked, 'Why did you want to enter Israel illegally," recalled Ann Wright. "We said, 'We did not want to come here. You boarded us seventy miles offshore in international waters and outside your self-declared security zone. We did not want to come to Israel. You kidnapped us and brought us here.'" Big Island Weekly. Hawaiian Airlines says its new nonstop route between Hawaii and South Korea will start Jan. 12. Associated Press. Honolulu International Airport is set to receive an all body scanner. Hawaii News Now. The Maui Planning Commission lent its support Tuesday to a two-year-old plan to expand the Hana Landfill from 29 to 74 acres and add two improvements intended to monitor and mitigate the potential pollution of the nearby ocean. Maui News. It's looking more likely Gov. Linda Lingle will run out of time before deciding whether to approve the city's planned $5.5 billion elevated commuter rail project. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii’s senior senator is imploring Governor Linda Lingle to get behind rail transit, or risk losing more than $1.5 billion in federal money. KHON2 Maui County Council Member Sol Kaho'ohalahala said Tuesday that he packed suitcases, boxes and coolers with his belongings and began moving them to Lanai when he made the decision to change his residency back to the island in July of 2008. Maui News. Puna Councilwoman Emily Naeole-Beason's attorney responded Tuesday to a criminal complaint filed against her by her estranged husband. West Hawaii Today. The Maui County Council voted 7-1 Tuesday to give initial approval to a compromise bill aimed at getting condominium owners to pay the correct property tax rate on their units. Maui News. With roughly 30 days left in his current contract, Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry said Wednesday that he wants to continue serving the county. Garden Island. The Shells Restaurant at the Sheraton Kaua‘i was sold-out as friends and parishioners of the Koloa Missionary Church filled the restaurant to wish Pastor Niles Kageyama and his wife Aileen a happy retirement, Saturday. Garden Island. If you’ve ridden your fair share of waves, then you know Duke Kahanamoku’s story: a full-blooded Hawaiian born on August 24, 1890, and raised in Waikiki, with a natural affinity for the ocean. Hawaii Reporter. Police have arrested a man authorities believe is responsible for starting the large brush fire that has closed much of Saddle Road since Sunday morning. Tribune-Herald.
Continue reading...Kealakekua Hawaii – A Song-Inspired Beauty
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Have you heard that perky song that goes “Take me back to my little grass shack in Kealakekua, Hawaii”? In case the song isn’t ringing a bell yet, take a look at this link to a YouTube video with the Joni James version of the song. Capt. Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay Have you ever wondered where is this song-inspired place called Kealakekua, Hawaii? Well, it’s a small town south of Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. See this link to a Google Map indicating Kealakekua . Kealakekua has an elevation of just over 1400 feet above sea-level (per Wikipedia ), but it is rather close to the Pacific Ocean. So, picture it as an elevated, hill-side town in the shadow of Mauna Loa. Another claim to fame for this Hawaiian town is the nearby Kealakekua Bay that’s well worth your time to visit on your Hawaii vacation. It’s a beautiful bay that’s full of history. It’s also one of the top snorkeling spots in Hawaii. See my post on planning a visit to Kealakekua Bay . © 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...Hawaiian Soda top Lei
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Hawaiian lei made from soda tops. Usually given on highschool and college graduations~
Continue reading...Hilton Waikoloa Village 3 nights with air $815
Friday, August 20, 2010
Waikoloa Travel Deals - Kids 18 and younger stay FREE Hilton Waikoloa Village - 3 nights with air from $815 pp,do Promo Code:PLWS The award-winning Hilton Waikoloa Village is nestled among swaying palms, overlooking the glistening blue waters of Waiulua Bay. This 62-acre oceanfront resort blends contemporary facilities with the warmth and grace of Hawaiian culture and is a destination within itself. Waikoloa Travel Deal Includes • Round-trip air • Accommodations • All hotel taxes Call 1-800-330-8820 to book your Waikoloa , Hawaii Vacation Package or click here for reservations . Special subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions apply. Not responsible for errors or omissions. Los Angeles (LAX) departures. Rates quoted are per person, based on double occupancy unless otherwise stated. Rates are valid for select travel, daily departures 9/27 - 12/06/10. TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820
Continue reading...Best of the Hawaiian Islands 8 nights $2289
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Hawaiian Island Escorted Tour 8 nights from $2289 pp,do Promo Code:GLWS See the famous sights of Hawaii during this incredible island getaway. Your Hawaii vacation begins with a warm aloha greeting and lei of fresh flowers. Enjoy three nights in Honolulu, where a sightseeing tour includes Pearl Harbor, Chinatown, and the royal 'Iolani Palace. Then travel to Kona on the Big Island, Hawaii’s largest island. In Kona, enjoy a tour of the Kona Coffee Living History Farm, a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and a lavish Hawaiian luau. Next, fly to Maui and enjoy spectacular natural sights such as the lush 'Iao Valley. Leisure time in Maui offers you the opportunity to take an optional tour to Haleakala National Park, site of the huge volcanic Haleakala Crater and stunning natural beauty. Call 1-800-330-8820 to book your Hawaiian Islands Escorted Tour 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...Plantations put to use, cooling Waikiki, ed board debated, early kindergarten pau, political debates continue, more Hawaii news
Monday, August 9, 2010
Dirt is flying on fallow plantation lands for the first time in 15 years, as Mayor Billy Kenoi's administration digs out old roads and prepares to lay fencing for an innovative community project. West Hawaii Today. Two years into the county's legal battle with Molokai Properties over who should manage utilities set up by the now-defunct Molokai Ranch, county officials estimate that the parties have spent well over $1 million in legal fees, which could go even higher if a settlement isn't reached before a planned October trial. Maui News. Hotel owners in Waikiki are looking at the possibility of using cold sea water to air-condition their buildings in a move that could substantially cut electricity costs and help the tourism industry market the famed resort area as a green destination. Star-Advertiser. The federal government has turned to a 130-year-old Hawaii sugar grower for help in powering the Navy and weaning the nation off a heavy reliance on fossil fuels. Associated Press. For years, the Molokai branch of the Maui Invasive Species Committee, otherwise known as MoMISC, has battled stubborn invasive species with science and technology. Molokai Dispatch. Parents, school officials, students, business leaders and even a current school board member used their Sunday morning to urge voters to replace an elected Board of Education with one appointed by Hawaii's governor. Star-Advertiser. Students, parents, and community leaders of Hawaii's Children First gathered today to urge voters to pass a ballot initiative to get rid of electing members to the Board of Education. KHON2. The state Department of Education continues its quest to obtain a federal "Race to the Top" school reform grant this week. Associated Press. A new law will end junior kindergarten in public schools in 2013 but could be the catalyst for the creation of a state-funded universal preschool program. Star-Advertiser. The fate of several Hawaii schools lies in the hands of Board of Education members. The Board will hear recommendations on Keanae Elementary, on Maui. Hawaii News Now. Leaders of a couple of environmental watchdog groups said this week that they would keep an eye on the U.S. Navy's plans to conduct military readiness training and testing in Hawaiian waters as well as off the coast of Southern California. Maui News. The dollars rolling into the two Democratic candidates for governor are big. Civil Beat. If the statewide polls are right, it’s anybody’s guess who is going to represent the Democratic Party against the top Republican challenger in the Nov. 2 general election. Garden Island. Former Honolulu Mayor and Democratic candidate for Hawai‘i governor Mufi Hannemann says he would start fixing the state’s economy on his first day in office. Garden Island. The night Bob Jacobson lost his 6th District council seat to Guy Enriques, he had a ready explanation. Tribune-Herald. Three of the four candidates for Honolulu mayor will debate before business leaders this week. Hawaii News Now. The state Department of Transportation (DOT) is holding its second round of statewide public informational meetings to discuss and solicit comments on the fiscally constrained Draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for Fiscal Years 2011-14 (+2).
Continue reading...Maui Vacation for Families: Kids Eat Free
Thursday, August 5, 2010
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...Cruising Hawaii and Renting a Car
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Cruise Ship at Nawiliwili Harbor I recently received the following question from a reader who’ll be on a cruise around the Hawaiian islands: We are planning a trip this September to the islands. We will be on a NCL cruise. Do you have any suggestions or pointers about car rentals at the various ports? Are there shuttles that provide transportation to the car rentals from the ports? Is there anything to do within walking distance of the ports? The ports are… Kahului, Hilo, Kona, and Nawiliwili Thanks in advance for any info Colleen You can rent cars at each port, though some ports have more options than others. The cruise ship ports that are near airports have the most options – those would be: Kahului, Maui with airport code OGG Hilo, Big Island with airport code ITO Nawiliwili, Kauai with airport code LIH Honolulu Harbor, Oahu with airport code HNL Other ports may not have as many options, but you can still find convenient locations for renting a car. The ports that are not in close proximity to an airport are: Lahaina, Maui – Several major rental car companies have rental car locations in Lahaina and offer free shuttle service from Lahaina harbor. Kona, Big Island – Thrifty has a rental location at the King Kamehameha Hotel at the end of the pier. Rental car shuttle buses are available at the major Hawaii ports. You might want to consider getting ahead of the crowd and hoping into a cab as I mentioned in this timesaver tip . I definitely recommend reserving a rental car well before your cruise. Rental cars can be scarce in Hawaii, as I’ve previously reported . Plus some of the ports will have a limited inventory. One rental car discounter that I’ve personally used is DiscountHawaiiCarRental.com. They have a webpage specifically dedicated for Hawaii cruise ship passengers with their negotiated rates. You can see that page here . Now that we’ve gotten the logistics of renting a car covered, let’s look at Colleen’s other question — “Is there anything to do within walking distance of the ports?” That is a very good question and the answer is that there’s not much to do at the ports except for shopping. In some locations, there’s not really even much shopping. My advice is to get out and see Hawaii’s natural beauty. I’ve written a series on posts on what to see and do with only one day on each Hawaiian island that’s useful for cruisers to adapt to their interests and available time. Do you have additional advice to help Colleen and other Hawaii cruisers with their rental car planning? © 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...Strong mayor to remain for Kauai, Maui police chief steps down after 32 years, Hawaii County rejects raising taxes for poor, disabled vets, Senate…
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Hawaii's economic recovery is likely to remain on shaky ground. KHON2. Hawaii's economic forecasters are estimating that personal income will grow more this year than previously predicted. Associated Press. How to Revitalize Hawaii’s Economy. Dozens of ideas to get the Islands back on track. Hawaii Business magazine. The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of the heroic service and sacrifices of Japanese-American servicemen during World War II. Associated Press. The Senate Judiciary Committee heard more than four hours of testimony Monday on whether Katherine Leonard should become Hawaii's next Supreme Court Chief Justice-- the first woman to do so. KITV. After several hours of hearings, the Senate Judiciary Committee chairman expressed concerns yesterday about whether appeals Judge Katherine Leonard possesses the leadership skills to be Hawaii's next chief justice. Star-Advertiser. Katherine Leonard’s nomination as chief justice of the Hawai‘i Supreme Court was lauded by a stream of supporters on Tuesday but derided by a few who contended she lacks the administrative experience to lead the state’s judicial system. Associated Press. Katherine Leonard defended her qual- ifications to serve as chief justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court before the state Senate Judiciary Committee today. KHON2. One wonders what the conversation was like around the Katherine Leonard-Ian Sandison dining room table Tuesday night in the aftermath of her long state Senate confirmation hearing at the Capitol. Civil Beat. A few observations about what the latest financial disclosure reports tell us about the political horse races. Civil Beat. More than a half-million dollars have been raised by candidates running for three seats on the Honolulu City Council, financial reports show. Civil Beat. Councilman and mayoral candidate Rod Tam, under investigation for how he spent city and campaign money on meals, drastically reduced the amount of campaign funds he’s spent on food so far this year, according to his campaign spending report filed Monday. KITV. Kaua‘i’s strong mayoral form of government won’t be changing this election. Garden Island. The city has begun negotiations to cancel a contract with the company that has failed to ship municipal trash to the mainland, leaving thousands of tons of garbage piling up at its facility in West Oahu. Star-Advertiser. A woman who pleaded guilty to stealing thousands of dollars in monthly parking fees when she was a manager for the vendors of two downtown city parking garages will not go to prison. Star-Advertiser. When masked-teenagers attempted to rob an internet gaming center in Kaneohe last Wednesday, gamers fought back. KHON2. A new service co-sponsored by the city allows Oahu residents to receive emergency disaster warnings and alerts via text messaging or e-mail. Star-Advertiser. An administration proposal to raise taxes on disabled veterans and poor property owners was roundly criticized Monday by an election year County Council before Finance Director Nancy Crawford bowed to the inevitable and withdrew it. West Hawaii Today. Although Hawaii County Council members approved Mayor Billy Kenoi's $23 million tax hike in June, they're now unwilling to grant a second property tax increase for 1 percent of that amount. Tribune-Herald. MPD’s Hirata steps down after 32 years. Maui News. A county-commissioned study of the downhill bicycle industry received rave reviews during a Maui County Council committee meeting Monday, but no one was ready to formally adopt recommendations addressing safety on state and county roadways. Maui News. I am a student of `olelo Hawaii with Kumu Manuwai Peters. With the help of Senator J. Kalani English and his wonderful staff, I recently presented Kumu Peters with a Hawaiian Senate Proclamation for Manuwai's contribution and perpetuation of the Hawaiian culture and language. Molokai Dispatch. This past week, it was reported that Mayor Hannemann is seeking union support with an appeal based on his local roots. According to a Star-Advertiser report: Honolulu Weekly.
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Monday, August 30, 2010
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