Hula Planet:What To Do In Hawaii

Obama enjoys quiet Hawaii holiday, tourism boost expected from new civil union law, coqui frogs, angry birds challenge state agencies, more news from…

Baby checks out President Obama's mouth, AP pool photo The first family kept a low profile on Oahu's Windward Coast for Christmas, attending a Christmas Day church service at the Base Chapel on Kaneohe Marine Corp Base. KITV4. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Maupai could barely contain his enthusiasm at having his four children meet his commander in chief on Christmas Day at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama spent part of Christmas greeting families at a Marine base in Hawaii. USA Today. President Obama got a Christmas Day surprise when a baby put his hand in the president's mouth. CBS News. The Obamas got to spend some time off on the East side today, enjoying what many would call, a very ordinary, special Christmas. KHON2. President Barack Obama has kept a relatively low profile since arriving to Hawaii to join his family for the holidays. Hawaii News Now. With Congress finally buckling to White House demands to extend the payroll tax cuts before the new year, President Barack Obama is officially heading “home” to Hawaii for the holidays. Hawaii Reporter. While President Obama Arrives in Hawaii Amidst Security and Fanfare, Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Slips Quietly into Big Island Resort. Hawaii Independent. When federal authorities visit in January for an extensive review to determine whether Hawaii can deliver on its Race to the Top education pledges, the state will acknowledge stumbling in key initiatives but argue the school system has seen great progress. Star-Advertiser. The Hawaii comptroller's office this year spent $25,000 to replace bird netting wrapped around the third-floor ledge of the state Capitol. Civil Beat. The coqui frogs have been growing in population in the state in recent years and are now starting to show up in larger numbers on Oahu. Associated Press. State roundup for Dec. 26. Associated Press. Oahu Tony Locricchio saw the growing homeless population living in tents on sidewalks and said we must find places for them to live with dignity. KITV4. The city and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands are planning a land swap worth an estimated $30 million to provide the city with a site for a rail maintenance facility in Waipahu. Star-Advertiser. Oahu oceanfront property owners are being given violation notices for blocking public access to beaches. KHON2. The Honolulu City Council may consider a ban on businesses offering plastic bags at checkout counters as early as February if Council Chair Ernie Martin goes through with his plans. Pacific Business News. Hawaii Fireworks are going on sale this week across the island, and the Fire Department is hoping for a soggy New Year. Tribune-Herald. New Year's celebrations and fireworks have been synonymous on Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today. In 2011, one event swept away the rest when it came time to pick the top stories of the year. West Hawaii Today. Maui Maui hotels and resorts are gearing up to host same-sex couples in Hawaii to formalize their relationships starting New Year's Day. Maui News. The state Department of Transportation is weighing options for a major overhaul of Kahului Airport's long runway, after being notified that federal funds would no longer be available to keep patching the aging tarmac. Maui News. State and federal officials announced Friday that they were investigating the deaths of two Hawaiian monk seals on the south shore of Molokai, and a prominent Molokai advocate called on Native Hawaiians to protect the species. Maui News. Kauai After purchasing a home on Kauai nearly two years ago, actor Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett-Smith recently sold their property, making a $6.5 million profit. Hawaii News Now. Santa Claus wasn’t the only one on duty this holiday. Across the island, police officers and firefighters were on the clock Sunday, along with restaurant and hotel workers, gas station employees and airport personnel. Garden Island. Many things on the islands nowadays come from China, including The Garden Island’s new managing editor, Renée Haines. Garden Island.

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Aloha Friday Photo: “Big As A House” Poinsettia Edition

Most of us on the mainland will purchase a poinsettia this time of year for the holidays. We typically care for the small plant indoors for a few months. Then, we’ll thank the plant for its display before sending it on the compost. That’s why it’s so surprising for us visitors when we see large poinsettias bushes growing outdoors in Hawaii. Around this time of year in Hawaii, you’ll see outdoor poinsettia bushes

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Abercrombie unveils $11.1 billion no-new-taxes budget, lesbian couple sues Hawaii Kai B&B, Bank of Hawaii one of best, Hawaii Supreme Court sets…

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Budget Director Kalbert Young, courtesy photo

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Four Seasons Resort Lanai Unveils Lanai Gingerbread City Today

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Hawaii Escorted Tour – Customer Feedback

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS ESCORTED TOUR REVIEW Travel Agent: Patricia Mullen, Hawaii Travel Specialists We had a great time. Everything went smoothly. Our tour director was very accomodating, and made every effort to keep everyone happy. He was so patient. He kept answering the same questions over and over again. A lesser man would have snapped! The hotels were very nice, and the locations were fantastic. We have absolutely no complaints. I've already given your number to a friend who wants to go to Hawaii over the holidays. Thanks for making our trip such a wonderful experience. Pat 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

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When is the slowest time to go to Hawaii?

We had this Whaler's Cove (Poipu, Kauai) pool in all to ourselves in April 2010. Recently, two different friends have asked me when is the slowest time to go to Hawaii. Neither friend likes crowds, so they’d like to take their first visits to Hawaii at a quiet time. I like to avoid going to Hawaii during the high seasons. That being said, I have been to Hawaii during some peak times (New Years Eve and Easter) and I had fantastic visits. Once again, I have to say that anytime is a great time to visit Hawaii. Some times are just greater than others. I’d like to mention that the slowest seasons in Hawaii also correspond to the lowest hotel rates and usually better airfare deals. With demand down, hotels and airlines lower rates to entice visitors. In my article Best times to Visit Hawaii – Weather, Price, Crowds , I provide an overview of some of the slowest times. With this article, I want to expand upon that a bit with more detail. The following months and periods of time are either low or shoulder seasons, making them great times to avoid crowds. April With weather warming up on the Mainland, the “snowbirds” aren’t in desperate need for a Winter warm up. Exceptions: the days immediately around Easter when the holiday falls in April the last week in April is a known as Golden Week in Japan with three Japanese Holidays in the same week.  To escape crowds, you’ll want to avoid Waikiki, during Golden Week as it is very popular with Japanese tourists. May With the mainland weather warming up even more, Hawaii isn’t crowded as mainlanders are content to stay at home with signs of Spring Exception: Memorial Day Weekend (around the last Monday of May) June (first week only) The reason the first week of June is quiet is that most Mainland schools are still in session. The first week is a relatively slow time before the busy summer vacation season begins. September Mainland schools have started their new year, the crowds of summer are gone. Exception: Before and around Labor Day Weekend October This entire month is a quiet time to visit. November This month is one of the quietest times of the year. Exception:  Thanksgiving weekend around the last Thursday of the month. December Like November, December is very quiet as most Mainlanders are preparing for the holidays. Up until about December 20th, you’ll practically have the islands all to yourself. After that, don’t even think about going to Hawaii is you’re hoping for a very slow time. Exceptions: Around December 20th, folks who are flocking to Hawaii to celebrate Christmas begin to arrive. The days during and around Christmas New Years Eve —- In a nutshell, Hawaii is busiest during holidays, when it’s Winter in North America, and when kids are out of school. Have you been to Hawaii during a quiet period or during a busy holiday? When did you go? What was your experience? © 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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Surf’s up! Obama wraps up Hawaii vacation, staff works in ‘Waikiki West Wing," new City Council to be sworn in today, big year for Birthers,…

The National Weather Service has issued a high-surf

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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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Maui New Year’s Eve 2009/2010

Headed to Maui for the holidays? If you’ll be there for New Year’s Eve this year, you’ll find some special events to welcome in 2010. * Pride of Maui offers a special New Year’s Eve cruise that includes desserts, open bar, live music, and midnight champagne toast to enjoy while watching fireworks. See Pride of Maui for more information. * The Pacific Whale Foundation offers a New Years Eve premium dinner cruise. Live Hawaiian style entertainment and a four-course dinner are included on this two-hour excursion. See this link for more information. * Wailea is the place to be for fireworks. Check out the fun New Year’s Eve event Under the Stars Casino Night at the Grand Wailea. The event includes live music, dessert buffet, casino games, champagne toast and fireworks. See this link for more information. In addition to those listings, you’ll find that most every resort will offer a special New Year’s Eve menu and/or party. Check directly with the concierge of your resort for their special New Year’s Eve events. While you’re in Maui, start practicing the phrase Hau’oli Makahiki Hou , which is the Hawaiian way to say Happy New Year. It’s pronounced, “how-oh-lay ma-ka-hee-key ho”. © 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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Waikiki Christmas 2009

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Going to Waikiki this Christmas?

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