Tag Archive | "pineapple"
Fields of Hawaii – Pineapples Fields
When you think of icons of Hawaii, beaches, palm trees, volcanoes and pineapples come to mind, don’t they? Though Hawaii’s pineapple industry is on a decline, you’ll still find that juicy golden goodness growing on Hawaii’s rich volcanic soil. (See these pineapple tidbits for interesting facts on growing pineapples.) We took this photo of a pineapple field in central Oahu . I’ll close this pineapple post with a photo of pineapple plants. Aren’t these spiky plants funny looking? © 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 Update: Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay
Monday, April 12, 2010
I wanted to provide an new review on the Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay . We first stayed at this resort back in 2007 and though there were some hiccups, we really looked forward to returning again someday. (You can read my first review here .) We very much enjoyed our more recent stay over the New Year’s Holiday. Since we’ve been home, we’ve lost count of the number of times that we’ve daydreamed about being back at the Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay. In fact, we’re still aiming to get back there again this year. So, why did we look forward to returning? This resort is absolutely gorgeous and we’re in love with Lanai ! We’ve been all over Hawaii, and we’d have to rank this resort in the top 5 resorts in Hawaii. This resort offers a beautiful ocean side setting. As I mentioned in my first review, “The resort’s location on Lanai’s remote, south shore makes the resort very special. It feels secluded and swank. The resort is perched on a bit of a cliff over looking the marine preserve of Hulopoe Bay where pods of spinner dolphins frequently visit and one of Lanai’s more famous landmarks, Puupehe (sweetheart rock) . The scenery will not disappoint.” We were still impressed with the generous size of the rooms and all the special little amenities the resort offers. You don’t even need to bring sunscreen because they provide it for you. One of our favorite amenities is that when you go to the beach, the staff set up beach chairs, umbrella and table for you. After you’re settled in and enjoying the sounds of the ocean, they deliver fresh cut slices of pineapple, Evian spritzes, chilled towels, and ice water. How’s that for service? On our recent visit, we had a bit more time to explore the resort’s services. The spa was outstanding. Andy and I enjoyed an ocean side, sunset couples massage that still makes me swoon when I think about it. I still rank Grand Wailea’s spa (on Maui) number one in all of Hawaii, but this Four Seasons Spa at Manele Bay is easily number two. We loved using the fitness room. To give you an idea of how much we liked it – Andy and I don’t normally work out in resort fitness centers when we’re on vacation. From this fitness room, you have a fantastic view of the Hulopoe Bay that makes you want to add minutes to your elliptical or treadmill workout while you sip on the free energy drinks and dab your brow with a chilled towel. We noticed a big improvement in the friendliness of the staff and the service levels compared to our last visit. To be fair, during our first visit, Four Seasons had just taken over management of this property and I think the kinks were still being worked out. We have absolutely no complaints this time. Everyone was so friendly and where possible tried to remember our names. Tips, tricks, and what to know when you go: I’m going to let you in on a secret – you will not find a better luxury value in Hawaii. Period. There’s currently a promotion to stay in a Superior room for $295 per night. Even if you can’t take advantage of that deal, they often offer a fourth-night free deal. You don’t have to pay a resort fee here. Yippee! You really don’t need to bring much to this resort. Normally, Andy and I travel with enough sunscreen to get us through our first few days. We didn’t need to do that as the resort provides sunscreen. The resort even provides a nice beach tote to use during your stay. I should also mention that the toiletries are L’Occitane brand. Me likey! Resort guests have access to the spa’s steam room and sauna that are quite nice. So, take advantage of that. Kids and teens programs are free here. At other Hawaii resorts, you’d pay upwards of $75 a day per child for the resort kids’ club. See my article, Four Seasons Resorts Lanai Makes Family Escapes Easier . You don’t need to rent a car on Lanai. A shuttle service is provided to and from the airport and into Lanai City. When you go to Lanai City or over to Koele, bring a light sweater or jacket. The higher elevation there can be chilly in comparison to Manele. The resort regularly brings in local artists. We had the pleasure of meeting Mike Carroll and fell in love with his art. In fact, we bought this piece and had it shipped home. The short hike over to see Puupehe (Sweetheart Rock) is well worth doing. Consider catching sunset there with a picnic. Do you have an American Express Platinum Card? If so, book your stay with that card (through American Express travel services) and you’ll get free breakfast for two daily, plus one free lunch and a room upgrade based on availability. New Years Eve is a great time to visit. The resort puts on a wonderful fireworks show. One of the best restaurant views in all of Hawaii is the Clubhouse Restaurant at The Challenge Golf Course. Don’t miss it. As a matter of transparency and disclosure, we paid for our stay at this resort, however, the spa treatment was provided by the resort free of charge. © 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...Maui Coupons and Discounts
Monday, March 22, 2010
In our discussion on the Hawaii Entertainment Coupon Book – Worth the price? a reader asked if the Entertainment Book has many coupons for Maui. While the book has a few coupons for Maui, it’s not really going to bring nearly as much value as it would if you were using the book while visiting Oahu. While the Hawaii Entertainment Book may not be of much help for Maui, there are still some other helpful sources and strategies to help you save money while you’re on your Maui vacation. Bank of Hawaii Coupons This site lists coupons for dining and entertainment in Maui. Best of Maui from Maui News From this link , you can access an online version of the 2009 awards for the best restaurants in Maui. Take note of the ads as you’ll find some coupons as well as restaurant specials, happy hours, and other discounts. I’d also add that it’s worthwhile to pick up a copy of the Maui News when you are on the island and look for their current ads and coupons. eCouponsHawaii.com This site lists coupons for Maui activities and dining . At the moment, there aren’t any earth-shattering coupons, but the site is updated as offers come and go. Other Money Saving Strategies - Some very good restaurants offer discounts if you are seated either early or late. For example Pineapple Grill in Kapalua offers an excellent 3-course dinner (Sunset Dinner Special) for $32 per person plus tax and tip if you are seated before 6pm. Sansei in Kapalua and Kihei usually offer special discounts if you are seated either before 5:30pm and then again for late-nite seating. Leilani’s at Whaler’s Village in Kaanapali offers an early dinner special between 5pm and 6pm with $15.50 entrees. - Most activity companies offer a discount if you book online. - With the current economy, I’ve noticed that many spas are offering some sort of daily special. So, check in with the spas for their current deals when you are on the island. - There’s plenty of attractions that are either free or very low cost. See my article Maui’s Top 7 Free or Nearly Free Things to Do and See . Do you know of other Maui coupon sites? What other strategies have you used to save money when you’re on vacation on Maui? © 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...Binary star system identified, leaf blower ban mulled, gubernatorial race heats up, more Hawaii news
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
The W.M. Keck Observatory on Mauna Kea helped astronomers identify the smallest two-star (binary) system so far, officials said. Lacking support for a statewide ban on fireworks, state lawmakers may give counties the option of deciding the issue. Education officials say $70 million in budget cuts to the state Department of Education will result in an increase in class size and a reduction in school bus service. Mayor Mufi Hannemann's likely bid to become governor picked up some early neighbor island support with yesterday's endorsement by the ILWU, but his Democratic opponent, former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, is urging Hannemann to stay put. The Honolulu Police Department suspended yesterday a pilot program that put the names and mug shots of drunken-driving suspects on a Web page once a week. Critics call it mind-blowing. Cranking up a gas powered leaf blower could cost you more than irked neighbors. Chevron has revealed more about their downsizing plans and we've had a couple of interesting developments Tuesday. A new study by the Web site "The Daily Beast" ranked the state 40th for future employment. Puna Councilwoman Emily Naeole-Beason has introduced a bill that would make it illegal to smoke in any motor vehicle occupied by someone under the age of 18. Not that long ago, county officials thought they'd be trucking Hilo's garbage across the county to West Hawaii by now. Even as Council Member Gladys Baisa was renting a home in Kula for the past three years, she continued to have her name listed on a homeowner exemption claim for a home she owned with her husband in Makawao. Maui Land and Pineapple Co. has reported a net loss of $123.3 million for last year. A long-serving member of the Kaua‘i Police Commission spent his final meeting criticizing a proposed state law that would give the individual counties more authority to decide how police chiefs are hired and fired, warning that additional mayoral control could turn the county’s top cop into a “dangerous political football.”
Continue reading...Lingle talks transit in Washington, Hannemann preps for state of the city, lawmakers looking for money, cetacean rehab facility opening in Hilo,…
Monday, February 22, 2010
Sunday Governor Linda Lingle met with the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to talk about Honolulu's rail project. President Barack Obama prodded states today to raise their school standards by using his best leverage: money. Sick and injured whales and dolphins will have a place to go after the Feb. 26 opening of the Hawai'i Cetacean Rehabilitation Facility in Hilo. Expect Mayor Mufi Hannemann to offer a "five-year report card" of his administration when he gives his sixth, and possibly last, state of the city address tonight on the grounds of the Frank F. Fasi Civic Center. Gambling, civil unions, banning fireworks and raiding the city's transit fund to balance the state budget all appear to be losing support at the Legislature. Perhaps it is the fiscal crisis facing the state, but it is more apparent this year that there is a lot of ignorance about just what makes the economy run. As the state's agriculture industry goes through some sour times, a relatively new crop is hoping to sweeten things up. Sugar and pineapple were once the staple crops of Hawaii's plantation era, but with these industries practically extinct, Hawaii's ag lands are now returning to a new era of small farms. As incidents of domestic violence rise statewide, East Hawaii has seen an increasing number of temporary restraining orders filed against individuals. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is scheduled to begin a week-long monitoring project at the old Kailua-Kona landfill March 8, sampling the air for toxic gases. Mayor Charmaine Tavares said she made an effort to cut back on out-of-state travel in 2009 because of the county's tight budget. Maui County Council members spent a total of $116,090 on travel last year, including trips to lobby the Legislature in Honolulu, meetings with council members from other counties and conferences on the Mainland. Congresswoman Mazie Hirono got a first-hand look at one of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act programs in action Saturday
Continue reading...You’ll Have a Blast at Lanai Pines Sporting Clays!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Lanai Pines Sporting Clays There are two ways to de-stress when on Lanai. Option A is to head to the beach at the Four Seasons Manele Bay and relax in the sun with some cold pineapple, ice water, and Evian spritzes. Option B is to pick up a 20 gauge shotgun and blast clay pigeons into a hundred tiny pieces! If you’re in the mood for Option B, then head to the Four Seasons The Lodge at Koele and ask them to sign you up for some fun at Lanai Pines Sporting Clays. When you get there–via the 5 minute complimentary shuttle ride–you’ll find options for pros, beginners, and everywhere in between. In fact, in case shotguns are a little too much for you, you can opt for some air rifle target practice or perhaps some archery! Beginner Friendly Sheila and I had the opportunity to take the 45 minute beginner’s lesson. Accompanied by a certified instructor we got to shoot off about 25 rounds each–enough to get the feel for sporting clays. While I’d had the chance to shoot some clays in the past, I am by no means an expert. Our instructor taught us how to “follow” the flying clay and squeeze the trigger when it reached its highest point–apparently the easiest way to miss the clay is to try and aim at it. Who knew! Sharp shooting Sheila Sheila had never fired a BB gun before, let alone a shotgun, so I knew this was going to be interesting. Surprising both herself and me, she was somewhat of a natural. On her first station, she easily picked off half of the sporting clays with her 28 gauge–female friendly–shotgun. I made a mental note to never upset her again! The 14-station course provides you with a lot of variety and flying patterns for the clays–there are even clays that mimic bouncing rabbits. Those were fun, but I think Sheila still had memories of Peter Rabbit, so she couldn’t bring herself to hit any of the rabbit targets. Well, that’s her story and she’s sticking with it! If the sporting clays aren’t enough of a challenge for you, Lanai Pines also offers a skeet field, wobble traps, and a compact sporting range. If you’re a regular shooter, you’ll know what I’m talking about. For the rest of us, Lanai Pines Sporting Clays is definitely a fun outing. The staff are superb and you’ll likely hit your first target in no time. And don’t worry, if you still need de-stress some more, the beach and Evian spritzes will still be waiting for you down at Manele! What to Know When You Go * Lanai Pine Sporting Clays is open daily from 9am to 4:30pm * There’s a free shuttle from the Four Seasons The Lodge at Koele. Check in with reception about 10 minutes before your scheduled time. * It’s a little cool up at Lanai Pines, so consider long pants and maybe a sweater. * Wear a hat or visor to keep the wind from blowing your hair in front of your eyes. * Lanai Pines will provide you with the shotgun, shells, protective vest, glasses, and ear plugs. * Shooting any kind of gun comes with risk, so you’ll need to sign a waiver before they let you out on the range. * The introductory lesson last approximately 45 minutes and you’ll pay around $50 per person (which includes the shells). You’ll end up shooting at 4 of the 14 stations. * Lanai Pines also offers advanced lessons and you can, of course, simply go and shoot on your own. * They have a contest running to win a crystal pineapple if you shoot enough air rifle or archery targets. * Been drinking, have a shoulder injury, or are a convicted felon? They won’t let you shoot. * View photos from our sporting clays lesson. * Any questions? You can call them at 1-800-321-4666 © 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...State seeks to tax cash sales and the bag you take it home in, home sales up a bit, cell phone driving bans ineffective, federal money coming for…
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Special state agents are scrutinizing businesses' cash sales in hopes of taxing some of the $2 billion in unreported transactions estimated to occur in Hawaii every year. Hawaii state lawmakers are considering a proposal that would force customers to pay more at the grocery store. Hawaii parents want school furloughs to end right now, but two state Senate committees are looking to the future to make sure Hawaii's public school children are never again robbed of any classroom time. O'ahu's housing market started the year on a positive note, as the median price of previously owned single-family homes sold in January jumped 10.8 percent to $597,500 from $539,500 a year earlier. Former U.S. Attorney Ed Kubo's chances of being confirmed by the state Senate as a Circuit Court judge improved yesterday when an influential senator who had opposed Kubo said he would likely vote for his confirmation. The Federal Transit Administration has included funding for the Honolulu rail system in President Barack Obama's fiscal 2011 budget, in anticipation of the rail plan's clearing environmental review A high surf advisory is in effect for north and west facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai and north facing shores of Maui. Blocked wells have left Puna Geothermal Ventures falling behind on its contract with Hawaii Electric Light Co., plant manager Mike Kaleikini said Monday. Maui Land and Pineapple Co. will cease paying for life insurance and medical coverage for all its noncontractual retirees. While the Kauai County Council continues to tweak a proposed ban on handheld electronics for Kaua‘i drivers, a leading institute on highway safety reported last week that similar laws across the country have not resulted in a lower incidence of traffic accidents.
Continue reading...Good time for renters, buyers, GOP on the way, Lingle’s last State of the State, more Hawaii news
Monday, January 25, 2010
After riding out the housing boom, when rents skyrocketed, Hawai'i renters are finally seeing things turn in their favor. Sales of previously occupied homes took the largest monthly drop in more than 40 years last month, sinking more dramatically than expected after lawmakers gave buyers additional time to use a tax credit. Gov. Linda Lingle gives her final State of the State speech today, one of her last chances to try to shape public policy before her time as Hawai'i's chief executive fades into history. A Democratic bastion for five decades and President Barack Obama's birthplace, Hawaii would seem a curious place for the Republican National Committee to hold its winter meeting. A lawmaker says he has an idea to restore some Furlough Fridays beginning this week. It's another step forward in Hawaii's initiative to reduce its imported energy from 90% to 30% within 20 years. A massive wind farm proposed for Lanai has been anticipated as a major potential source of green power for Honolulu, but it remains a controversial project on the Pineapple Isle. The Hawaii County Council talked drugs and money Friday, but decided to lobby the state Legislature only for the latter. Jim Donahue doesn't know how many dogs he and his business, Lucky D Kennels, have been able to save through a dog fostering program. The Important Agricultural Lands advisory committee kicked off its inaugural meeting Thursday at the Lihu‘e Civic Center.
Continue reading...Hawaii Pineapple Tidbits
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The pineapple plant is quite unique. The first time I saw a pineapple plant I had to do a double take. On a recent visit to the Dole Plantation on Oahu, I jotted down several interesting points about growing pineapples in Hawaii. Here’s what I learned: It take a pineapple plant 20 months to produce the first fruit. After the first fruit is produced and cut, the plant will produce another 2 crops over approximately three years. The crown (the green spiky top of the pineapple) is planted to produce a pineapple plant. All pineapples are planted and harvested by hand. In an acre, you can grow approximately 28,000 pineapples plants. Pineapples grow so well in Hawaii because the soil is rich in iron. (That’s also what the soil in most parts of Hawaii is red. The red color is produced by decomposed volcanic ash resulting in oxidized iron in the soil. See more photos of pineapple fields and plants from Hawaii with this link to my collection . Dear Go Visit Hawaii Subscribers: I want to let you know that during the month of January, I will not be able to post as frequently as normal. I’ll be taking a break and doing some research. © 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...The ‘Earmark Guy,’ searching for pineapples, blending Kona coffee and grappling with the budget
Monday, November 9, 2009
Inouye's earmarks go to his donors Hawaii companies that would benefit from earmarks sponsored by U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye that are in the Senate version of the fiscal year 2010 defense appropriations measure. The firms' workers have contributed to Inouye's campaign committees since 1997. A $76 million budget deficit, a standoff between the University of Hawaii's administration and its faculty union, and fears of massive cuts to programs, departments and schools have longtime professors calling the situation at UH the worst money and morale crisis they have known. Planned increases in park and boating fees are being opposed by many Hawaii residents who have spoken at public hearings held across the state. A Hilo contractor is alleging that the state's biggest Burger King franchisee is delinquent in payment of construction costs for the new Hilo restaurant -- and the remainder owed is a whopper. Hawaii County's 2 percent land fund would be downsized to 0.5 percent as part of a county Charter Commission proposal, but it could become part of the county's charter, protecting it from raids by the administration. Maui County finance officials are stepping up efforts to collect delinquent taxes, reclassifying some nonfarmers who claim agricultural tax assessments, and taking other steps that could add to the county’s revenues ahead of what’s expected to be a tight year in 2010. Mr. Pineapple - aka Jimmy Hutaff - needs 350 delicious Maui pineapples a day, and when Maui Pine closes down later this year, he doesn't know where he will get them. Expanding the county Black Pot Park in Hanalei remains the primary objective for the Kaua‘i Public Land Trust, said Jennifer Luck, KPLT executive director. As the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival celebrates its 39th year this week, a controversy that started two decades ago about what defines Kona coffee is brewing anew.
Continue reading...
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Tuesday, June 1, 2010
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