Tag Archive | "kona"
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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...Hawaiians win burial rights, 911 tapes released on Hawaii County councilman, Maui struggles with bag ban, Honolulu fireworks ban stalls, Chinese…
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Native Hawaiians have the right to challenge construction plans that disturb Hawaiian burial sites, the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled yesterday. Star-Advertiser. When Christopher Monahan undertook a remedial survey of archeological and cultural resources on the Army's Schofield Barracks, Kahuku Training Area and Pohakuloa Training Area, he faced some unusual challenges. Big Island Weekly. Hawaii ranks among the worst states in the nation on its response to human trafficking, according to a report released Wednesday by the Polaris Project. Civil Beat. More than 500 lawyers and judges filled the Monarchy Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa on Tuesday to hear a panel discuss trying terrorists, and the pros and cons of doing it in ordinary civilian courts or before military commissions. Maui News. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy is delivering the keynote address Thursday of the annual 9th Circuit Court Judicial Conference. Associated Press. A federal undercover investigation uncovered alleged criminal activity at two of Oahu’s North Shore shark tour companies. KITV. Police versus politician, on Wednesday night, we heard for the first time the dispatch calls on the day Hawaii County Council Member, Kelly Greenwell, got arrested. Hawaii News Now. Left with no backing from his colleagues, North Kona Councilman Kelly Greenwell on Tuesday put the brakes on his effort to end the Police Department's use of unmarked patrol cars. Tribune-Herald. The state Sheriff’s Department, under fire for poor management and more than 50,000 unserved warrants, is working to correct deficiencies that were noted in a critical state Auditor report. Hawaii Reporter. Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona released his policy agenda on jobs and the economy yesterday and said state government must reduce the financial and regulatory burdens on businesses. Star-Advertiser. The white-shirted members of Team Neil flexed their collective political muscle in a Tuesday evening rally in Hilo. Tribune-Herald. Holding a Komoda stick doughnut in a clear plastic bag, bakery worker Earl Lamadora had a request Tuesday during a public hearing to discuss the county's implementation of a new plastic bag reduction ordinance. Maui News. A crowd of about 200 gathered at Mooheau bandstand in Hilo Wednesday and marched on the federal building to protest the court’s decision to deny bail for Christie. KITV. Chinese business owner and surfer Hongbin "Robin" Wang said he was looking for waves to ride and hotels to buy during a trip this month to Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Historic Waikiki Beach could see its first new shoreline tower in decades under an overhaul of Kyo-Ya Hotels & Resort's Moana Surfrider and Princess Kaiulani properties approved unanimously by the City Council yesterday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaiian Airlines is ready to launch service to Japan and started with a new website. KHON2. The $446,939 tab for the Hawaii Tourism Authority's delegation to the 2010 Shanghai Expo in June included money for cocktail receptions, hula halau and 400 extra large aloha shirts from Hilo Hattie.
Continue reading...Hawaii losing tourism war, Kauai a stand-in for Gulf, Lingle off to China again, Kenoi hit with ethics complaint, more island news
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Beach destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean have raised prices faster than Hawaii, but Hawaii remains more expensive, creating a tug of war between product quality and price, a mainland travel executive reports. Hawaii News Now. Long-standing disrepair at one of Oahu's iconic tourist destinations is finally being addressed by the city. Star-Advertiser. More than 53,000 people on the Web have watched a music video made on Kaua‘i to highlight the Gulf oil disaster, a news release says. Garden Island. Hawaii’s senators say it's like a death in their own ‘ohana, with Senator Dan Inouye saying he has lost a brother. KHON2. Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday said she will likely travel to China in her final months of office to foster relations with tourism and government officials in the fast-developing Asian nation. Associated Press. Gov. Linda Lingle on Tuesday criticized a new federal law that will direct millions of dollars to Hawaii for Medicaid and education programs even though she and other governors sought some of the money almost six months ago. Associated Press. The future of Aloha Stadium is an issue the next administration will have to deal with. KHON2. A five-member Hawaii team made its best pitch yesterday in Washington, D.C., on why the state should get $75 million in federal Race to the Top grant money to turn around low-performing schools and make sweeping education reforms. Star-Advertiser . Five representatives from the islands traveled to Washington, D.C. this week to try to win $75 million in Race to the Top funds for Hawaii. Civil Beat. The top three candidates for mayor met for a second debate last night, hoping to show business leaders how they would improve the economic climate in Hawaii, especially in areas of mass transit, infrastructure and public-private partnerships. Star-Advertiser. At its mouth, the Waihee River was only around a foot deep Monday afternoon - but that was good news to Scott Fisher of the Maui Coastal Land Trust. Maui News. The mayor and his planning director are facing an ethics complaint, after they failed to file gift disclosures for a dinner they had last year with foreign investors in the Aina Lea development. West Hawaii Today. While Maui County Council Member Sol Kaho'ohalahala stays overnight with his family in Lahaina when he's working on Maui, he returns to Lanai on his days off, his wife testified Monday. Maui News. Acting mayor Kirk Caldwell, former city prosecutor Peter Carlisle and engineer Panos Prevedouros participated in Tuesday evening’s debate. KITV. Arrested last month following a speeding violation, North Kona Councilman Kelly Greenwell now wants patrol officers to stop being so darned sneaky. Tribune-Herald. Consul General of Israel to visit Kaua‘i Garden Island. An 80-foot antenna plan lives on. Opponents don't like the way it looks, but supporters say the Wi-Fi tower in Central Oahu is just what they need. Hawaii News Now. A comprehensive settlement has been reached to address federal Clean Water Act compliance at Honolulu's wastewater collection and treatment systems. Associated Press. Ooma Beachside Village is not for sale, a consultant for the development told a commission Monday. West Hawaii Today. The state Department of Transportation is hoping its new website will help motorists navigate traffic when thousands of University of Hawaii-Manoa and private school students go back to class this month. KITV. The West Maui Health Alliance (WMHA) is ready to refocus and work on the healthcare needs of the community. Lahaina News. The Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii’s Ohana Medical Mission (PMAH OMM) recently installed a new set of officers and board of directors for 2010-2011. Filipino Chronicle.
Continue reading...Gays filing lawsuit over civil unions, Big Island courthouses could close, Molokai newspaper opposes developer, Hawaii County targets vets, poor, for…
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Six gay couples in Hawaii are filing a lawsuit Thursday asking for the same rights as married couples, three weeks after Gov. Linda Lingle vetoed a same-sex civil unions measure. Associated Press. First the veto, now a lawsuit. Two legal rights groups want the issue of same-sex marriage to be decided not by a public vote, but by a judge. Hawaii News Now. Lambda Legal and the ACLU of Hawaii Foundation today said they will sue Gov. Linda Lingle over her July 6 veto of House Bill 444, which would have allowed Hawaii civil unions. Civil Beat. Having been together since 2005, Sean Smith and Kale Taylor are like many committed couples -- they want to make things official. Star-Advertiser. The Judiciary may shut down three of its part-time satellite courthouses on the Big Island temporarily because of a lack of sheriffs to provide security. Star-Advertiser. Double-digit increases in arrivals and spending last month have made summer hotter for Hawaii tourism, though it still lacks the sizzle it had a few years ago. Star-Advertiser. Economists hope the worst is over for Hawaii's housing slowdown. KHON2. The last of Hawaii tax refunds are being mailed this week after they had been delayed because of state government budget shortages. Associated Press. Councilman Rod Tam -- who's under criminal investigation for using city funds on meals for friends and family -- filed his nomination papers to run for Honolulu Mayor Wednesday. KITV. The state dedicated a new $2.5 million dock at Keehi Small Boat Harbor Wednesday. KHON2. The Governor says she's in no rush to sign off on the city's rail project. Wednesday, the city awarded a $5.5 million contract for the design of the West Loch, Waipahu and Leeward Community College stations along Farrington Highway. Hawaii News Now. Mililani residents joined forces at a neighborhood board meeting Wednesday night, to oppose an affordable housing project in their community. KITV. The House committees on Housing and Human Services’ joint informational briefing, held July 15, explored solutions–some more controversial than others–to the issue of chronic homelessness in the state. Honolulu Weekly. Hawaii County is looking to scoop up an additional $270,000 in property taxes by targeting 6,000 disabled veterans and poor property owners who don't currently pay the minimum $100 tax. West Hawaii Today. Hawaii County is receiving $115 million in federal economic stimulus dollars, but you wouldn't know it by the 1,150 jobs that various industries shed on the Big Island so far this year. Tribune-Herald. Wailuku resident Ken Kekona told officials how his teenage granddaughter nearly died in a crosswalk, and Kula resident Harriet Sibonga and other senior citizens pointed out dangerous places for pedestrians and motorists on Maui. Maui News. Lava is now entering the ocean in two locations in Kalapana, and a third flow may reach the ocean soon. Star-Advertiser. This past Saturday night, July 25, I stood alongside a small handful of neighbors and photographers watching Madame Pele’s molten lava consume a beautiful little home, custom-built by my neighbor Gary, complete with beautiful landscaping - tropical flowers, bananas, a little gazebo overlooking the lava fields, ancient ironwood and mango trees - all burning, falling all over the former end of Highway 137 in Kalapana. B ig Island Weekly. The names of the characters may be the same and the backdrop is still Hawaii, but that's where the similarities end between the old and new "Hawaii Five-0," the re invented CBS series that should leave audiences breathless for more. Star-Advertiser. The Honolulu Star Advertiser is saying good-bye to three longtime employees. KHON2. Although the county received $1.21 million almost two years ago to retrofit lights at four county parks — Isenberg Park, Vidinha Football Stadium, Hanapepe Stadium and Peter Rayno Park in Hanama‘ulu — the project has yet to commence, according to the County Attorney’s Office. Garden Island. Stop Molokai Ranch Windmills Petition. Molokai Dispatch.
Continue reading...PUC: Smart grid dumb idea, cable repair could take weeks, WWII munitions no danger yet, lawyers speak out on chief justice pick, more
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Hawaii regulators have rejected plans for a broad expansion of smart grid electric technology that would have been paid for by residents and bus- inesses. Asso- ciated Press. When it comes to repairing a severed fiber-optic cable 3,000 feet under the sea, it won't be as simple as calling the cable guy. Star-Advertiser. Internet, cable television and telephone service began returning to normal Tuesday afternoon for thousands of Oceanic Time Warner Cable customers after a break in an undersea fiber-optic cable disrupted service about 12 hours earlier. Maui News. A rare break in an undersea fiber-optic cable Tuesday morning, left around 400,000 people without Internet, phone and TV service, for 12 hours in some cases. Hawaii News Now. Oahu resident Ian Kurihara discovered early Tuesday morning he wasn't able to go online. KITV. A wind farm on Oahu's North Shore is receiving a big boost in federal funding. KHON2. Chemical weapons dumped off Pearl Harbor after World War II pose no threat to humans for now but are "clearly deteriorating" and should continue to be monitored, the lead scientist on the University of Hawaii project said Tuesday. Associated Press . They're safe for now. There's no threat to humans or the ocean so far. Hawaii News Now. The Hawaii Women Lawyers will be expressing their strong support of Gov. Linda Lingle's appoint- ment of appeals Judge Katherine Leonard as the next chief justice, a spokeswoman for the group said yesterday. Star-Advertiser. In a letter to the Hawaii Bar Association, attorney Eric Seitz calls Katherine Leonard "ill equipped and unqualified" to be Hawaii's next Chief Justice. Hawaii News Now. After failing at its first bid for federal Race to the Top funds, Hawaii has placed among 19 finalists with its second application for one of the coveted education grants. Civil Beat. A West Hawaii ranch owner says a local business owner who bought part of Hokukano Ranch is cutting down old-growth sandalwood in the upper reaches of the property. West Hawaii Today. Recreational off-road vehicles have damaged much of the terrain at Kaena Point. KHON2. A city contractor working on a 42-inch main that broke late last week in Pearl City accidentally severed the 30-inch backup force main near the 14th hole of the Ted Makalena Golf Course, causing a spill of about 108,000 gallons of sewage yesterday. Star-Advertiser. Officials posted signs warning of a sewage spill are being posted along the Pearl Harbor bike path and at Middle Loch. KITV. Hawaii County property taxes are leaving the state this year. But don't worry, say county administrators, the money will come back. West Hawaii Today. Hawaii's "Sunshine Law" is hampering the County Council and should be overturned, says North Kona Councilman Kelly Greenwell. Tribune-Herald. A forum on the topic of “In Search of Real Security for Kaua‘i” will include remarks by Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, D-2nd District. Garden Island. Local divers will be competing in a tournament targeting invasive fish. The "Westside Roi Reckoning" takes place Saturday off Kahe Point. Hawaii News Now.
Continue reading...Fields of Coffee
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Two words that are well-known bffs are Kona and coffee . Today’s fields of Hawaii photo is of a Kona coffee farm on the Big Island of Hawaii. When you visit, you can find plenty of free coffee farm tours and tastings. Kona Coast Coffee Farm Kona coffee is considered to be among the best coffees in the world. What makes it special? As the Kona Coffee Council says, Rocky volcano slopes nurture it. Sun-drenched mornings ripen it. Misty afternoons refresh it. Six hundred farmers meticulously handpick it. Though not as famous, you’ll also find coffee fields on Molokai, Kauai, and Oahu. Photo use from flickr by creative commons. © 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 Deals & News: July 8, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Whoa! I’ve got bunches and bunches of Hawaii travel news to share with you today. So, fasten your seatbelts and prepare for take off. * Travel+ Leisure issued their 2010 World’s Best Awards. Kauai (#2), Maui (#8), and the Big Island (#10) made the Top 10 Islands List . You may be interested in seeing the Top 25 Resorts in Hawaii . * Limber up your booking fingers and prepare to snag one of Honolulu’s Ala Moana Hotel rooms at $40/night. This low offer will be available for booking online on July 14, 2010, beginning at 4:40 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time. See this link for more details. * Another Hawaii great is celebrating their 40th birthday this year – the Kona Coffee Festival. This cultural festival takes place November 5 – 14 on the Big Island, of course. See more about the festival here . * Hawaii’s Prince properties have great a room and rental car deal. This limited time deal includes a free rental car on top of a low room rate. It’s definitely worth considering, especially if you are headed to the Big Island. Those are the best Prince properties, in my opinion. See all the details here and book before July 17, 2010. * Readers of USA Today voted Honolulu as the Best American Destination . Congrats Honolulu! * Homespun Honolulu just published a new issue of the Blog Carnival of Aloha . * Hawaii Forest & Trail is offering a new twilight volcano tour that’s perfect for a quick exploration of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and a view of the active lava flow at Kalapana. This Twilight Volcano Adventure is a 12-hour round-trip tour that departs from the Kona side of the Big Island. See more about it here . * I was contacted by the folks from the Entertainment Book telling me that Go Visit Hawaii is among a select group of publishers able to offer the 2010 Hawaii Entertainment Book for only $7.99. This deal is valid through July 14. To order the book, see this special Go Visit Hawaii affiliate link . As we have previously discussed, the Hawaii Entertainment Book can quickly pay for itself many times over if you are going to Oahu. You’ll recoup your money and save much more from the luau coupons alone.To review that discussion, see this post, Hawaii Entertainment Coupon Books – Worth the price? One catch to let you know is that the coupons in the 2010 book expire November 1, 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 .
Continue reading...Kona Village (Big Island) Luau Review
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Since we’ve been to a number of luaus all over Hawaii, we have a good comparison base to evaluate the quality of the experience. The Friday night luau at Kona Village definitely offers a top notch dinner and show. The Kona Village luau set by the private lagoons of this tranquil resort village. Kona Village has dedicated luau grounds with a covered buffet area, two stages and an excellent lighting system that brought the show to life . At this luau, there’s almost constant entertainment including a coconut opening demonstration, a fantastic imu ceremony , excellent live music, and then the Polynesian dancing on two different stages. To be honest, I don’t normally have high expectations of the food at luaus. I think I feel that way because I’m not a fan of buffets and most of the luau foods we’ve had in the past were nothing to write home about. However, we thought that the Kona Village luau food was excellent and the selection far exceed what we’ve experienced at other luaus in Hawaii. The Polynesian dancing show was presented on two stages – a large stage situated across a small lagoon and a smaller stage that was close to the audience. I think that having the show on two different stages helped to keep our interest in the performances. Like other luaus, this show takes you on a journey through the major Polynesian islands, so you get to see a variety of Polynesian dances and costumes. Fireknife Dancer Other aspects of the Kona Village luau we enjoyed: Imu Ceremony - This luau presented one of the best imu ceremonies we’ve seen. There was plenty of space around for guests to observe the unearthing of the foods. The mistress of ceremonies used a microphone to explain what was cooked, how it was cooked, how it was removed, etc. Unlike some other luaus, it was easy to hear and see the process. - At some luaus, you don’t really eat what you observed at the imu ceremony. I’m pretty certain that what we had was actually cooked that day in the imu. The kalua pork was hot and fresh. - We thought the kulua pork was some of the best we’ve had in Hawaii . For those watching what they eat, you might like the turkey that they cook in the imu. I’ve not seen imu-cooked turkey offered at any other luau. - The grand finale of the show featured an excellent fireknife dancer . Some other considerations: - Kona Village offers luaus on Wednesdays and Fridays. - If you stay at Kona Village Resort , your admissions to their luaus are complimentary. - Some luaus are set ocean side or with ocean views. The Kona Village Luau does not have ocean views. - This luau is somewhat pricy compared to other Big Island luaus . This luau cost $98 per person plus tax. Admission includes gratuity, an orchid lei crown for the ladies and one drink per person. For children, admission pricing is $67 ages 6-12 and $40 for ages 3-5. Andy snapped a bunch of photos from this luau. You can look at all four pages of them here . Have you been to the Kona Village Luau? How 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 .
Continue reading...Fields of Greens
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Beach Course at Waikoloa Beach Resort Hawaii boasts an abundance of scenic golf courses and resorts. These golf courses aren’t just some pretty faces either. They’re some of the best courses in the world. In fact, Golf Magazine recently listed nine of Hawaii’s golf resorts to it’s 2010 premier list . Those top Hawaii golf resorts are: Big Island Four Seasons Resort Hualalai near Kona on the Big Island – Platinum Winner – The highest ranking golf resort in Hawaii per the 2010 survey. Fairmont Orchid Hawaii – Gold Winner Mauna Kea Resort – Silver Winner Mauna Lani Bay Hotel – Silver Winner Waikoloa Beach Resort – Silver Winner Kauai St. Regis Princeville – Gold Winner Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club – Silver Winner Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa – Silver Winner Maui Grand Wailea, Wailea – Gold Winner Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua – Gold Winner Four Seasons Resort Wailea – Gold Winner Lanai Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay- Gold Winner Four Seasons Resort Lanai Lodge at Koele – Gold Winner Oahu J.W. Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa at Ko Olina – Silver Winner Turtle Bay Resort – Silver Winner © 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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Thursday, August 26, 2010
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