Vanilla (orchid) growing on a hapu'u fern Vanilla has the reputation for being, well, somewhat bland, but did you know that vanilla is quite a fascinating plant? Vanilla is actually an orchid that only blooms for one day. If the orchid is to produce a vanilla bean, it must very carefully hand pollenated on that one day of blooming. I learned these interesting facts while visiting the Hawaiian Vanilla Company for lunch and a tour. Though learning about vanilla is interesting in itself, the owner Jim Reddekopp weaves a family love story into his presentation about vanilla and how he came to farm it. Jim and his wife Tracey were living on Oahu with their first two children when they decided that before they had more kids, they wanted to raise their children on a farm. Soon after, they decided to more to Hawaii Island’s verdant Hamakua Coast to start the US’s first (and I believe only) vanilla farm. Jim and Tracey now have five children that he jokes are on a work to eat program. Jim Reddekopp prepares a vanilla-infused appetizer. Jim Reddekopp does not hied his passion for his family and vanilla. The two are clearly intertwined. It was inspirational to hear how the Reddekopps grew their farm dream into a viable small business that currently employees nine people. How inspirational was it? Well, on the drive back to Waikoloa, Andy and I started daydreaming and brainstorming what sort of farm we could start in Hawaii. We enjoyed a very tasty vanilla-infused, three-course lunch as part of the Hawaiian Vanilla Experience ($39/adult and $15/child ages 4 to 12) followed by a tour of the farm. Almost every part of the lunch incorporated vanilla in creative and unusual ways. For example, the roasted potatoes were seasoned in a vanilla southwest spice. I certainly learned by tasting that vanilla is not just for desserts. Vanilla was added to each part of this savory lunch. After lunch, we took a tour of a vanilla farm “field” . There, we looked closer at the type of environment and tender loving care that vanilla farming requires. Vanilla Plant The Hawaiian Vanilla Company is located in lovely old timber building that originally housed a coffee mill in the 1920s. It’s roughly half way between Hilo and Kona. We drove there from Waikoloa Beach Resort in about an hour. It’s quite a scenic drive, too. (See this map for directions .) If you’re in this area, you might want to consider also visiting Akaka Falls , Waipio Valley lookout and if time permits, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden . Hawaiian Vanilla Company offers other tours and tastings in addition to this lunch tour we enjoyed. Tour reservations are strongly recommended. You can book by calling 1-877-771-1771. Having lunch and farm touring at Hawaiian Vanilla Company was far more than a vanilla experience. — Mahalo to the Hawaiian Vanilla Company for hosting our tour. © 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...Thursday, February 2, 2012
Pagoda at Four Seasons Resort Lana'i Lodge at Koele * Congratulations to Four Seasons Resort Lanai Lodge at Koele for making the top 10 list of US hotels by U.S. News & World Report. The Lodge secured the second highest ranking. We at Go Visit Hawaii love the Lodge at Koele as you can see from our review . Pssst! Here’s a secret – it’s one of the top luxury values in all of Hawaii. With their third night free offer , rates start at just $207 per night! * Do you have a favorite Hawaiian Island, beach, hotel, luau or activity that you think is tops? GoHawaii.About.com wants your nominations ! * By popular demand, the folks at JetLev Hawaii contacted me to let me know they’re extending the special $199 rate for a limited time. So, if you didn’t get a chance to take advantage of the JetLev Groupon we mentioned , you can call Eric at 808-393-0153 and ask for the $199 rate. * United Continental plans to launch nonstop service between Washington Dulles (IAD) and Honolulu (HNL) in June per this report . * Ala Moana Hotel near Waikiki is getting into Super Bowl 46 spirit with a special offer. After the game, the folks at Ala Moana Hotel will offer a special rate that’s the combined score. That’ll make you cheer for a defensive struggle. This special rate will be valid for stays between March 1 and April 15, 2012. Read more about this promotion at www.AlaMoanaHotel.com/46 . © 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...Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Hawaii Honeymoon Ideas - Maui Honua Kai Resort, Kaanapali 5 Nights From $4,955 pp,do Travel by Feb 18, 2012 Promo Code: JVNL This Maui honeymoon package includes five nights in a three bedroom Oceanfront Alii Suite, a $200 nightly resort credit and an Avis intermediate car when booking with Travelwizard.com. Call 1.800.330.8820 or click here to have a Hawaii Travel Specialist contact you about booking this Hawaii honeymoon to the island of Maui. TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820
Continue reading...Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Hawaii Honeymoon Ideas - Maui Honua Kai Resort, Kaanapali 5 Nights From $4,955 pp,do Travel by Feb 18, 2012 Promo Code: JVNL This Maui honeymoon package includes five nights in a three bedroom Oceanfront Alii Suite, a $200 nightly resort credit and an Avis intermediate car when booking with Travelwizard.com. Call 1.800.330.8820 or click here to have a Hawaii Travel Specialist contact you about booking this Hawaii honeymoon to the island of Maui. TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820
Continue reading...Friday, January 27, 2012
Hawaii Travel Deals - Oahu The Kahala Hotel & Resort Promo Code:VNL Call 1.800.330.8820 or click here to have a Hawaii Travel Specialist contact you about booking this Oahu, Hawaii vacation . TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820
Continue reading...Friday, January 27, 2012
Hawaii Travel Deals - Oahu The Kahala Hotel & Resort Promo Code:VNL Call 1.800.330.8820 or click here to have a Hawaii Travel Specialist contact you about booking this Oahu, Hawaii vacation . TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820
Continue reading...Friday, January 27, 2012
Today’s Aloha Friday Photo comes to us from Kathy Riffey of Baltimore, Maryland. She took this photo near Hana on Maui. The detail of this scene really captures my attention. There’s the swirling ocean waves pounding against the eroded lava rocks. Though the black sand beach is small, it’s such a deep shade of charcoal. Another attention grabber is the tenacious shrubs and plants that thrive in the craggy cliffs. This photo shows just one of the many amazing views from the Road to Hana . Mahalo to Kathy Riffey for sharing her Maui vacation photo with 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...Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Hawaii Island Hotel Deals - Kohala Coast Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Promo Code: VNL Call 1.800.330.8820 or click here to have a Hawaii Travel Specialist contact you about booking this Hawaii Island luxury hotel . TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820
Continue reading...Friday, January 20, 2012
Hawaii Travel Deals Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa3 nights with air from $2,789 pp,doPromo Code: PLWS Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is a family vacation destination with a touch of Disney magic where everyone can enjoy amazing adventures. Adults, teens and kids each have their own special acticities on this resort plus there's ample family fun, too. Spend the day playing in one of the best pools in Hawaii.Walk down to the beach for a day of sunbathing. Explore the island of Oahu with guided tours and activities. At night you will enjoy delicious dining and super entertainment. This HAwaii family vacation package includes Roundtrip air from SFO, Accommodations in a Two-Bedroom ‘Ahu ‘Ula Suite, All hotel taxes and kids stay FREE. Call for pricing from your home airport. Call 1.800.330.8820 or click here to have a Hawaii Travel Specialist contact you about booking this Oahu family vacation. TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820
Continue reading...Thursday, January 19, 2012
Hawaii Hotel Deals - The Big Island The Fairmont Orchid Hotel Promo Code: VNL Call 1.800.330.8820 or click here to have a Hawaii Travel Specialist contact you about booking this Big Island luxury hotel. TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820
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Monday, February 6, 2012
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