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Tag Archive | "surf"

Case and Hirono tied in U.S. Senate poll, Hawaii libraries to get wi-fi, Legislature tinkering with civil union law, Caylee’s Law coming to Hawaii,…

Monday, January 30, 2012

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Hilo Public Library (c) 2012 All Hawaii News Wi-Fi will soon be available at libraries across the state. Star-Advertiser. Ed Case and Mazie Hirono are in a dead heat for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Daniel Akaka, according to a new Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat. The automated telephone survey of 1,358 likely voters found Case at 41 percent, Hirono at 39 percent, with 8 percent saying neither candidate and 12 percent still unsure. Hawaii may soon join dozens of other states in banning lawmakers from holding political fundraisers during the four months the Hawaii Legislature is in session under a new proposal. Civil Beat Legislative "fixes" to the civil unions law that took effect this year are working their way through the Legislature. Star-Advertiser. State lawmakers have introduced a host of bills in the new legislative session aimed at keeping pace with Hawaii's rapidly evolving energy sector, including one proposal that would force Hawaiian Electric Co. out of the power generation business and have it focus strictly on delivering electricity to customers. Star-Advertiser. Nearly one-third of Hawaii's 256 public schools will use revamped teacher evaluations next school year in a pilot program that will take into account student academic growth, amid concerns from teachers over how the new rating system eventually will be tied to their pay. Star-Advertiser. Parents and guardians who fail to report missing children could face felony charges under a bill before the Hawaii Senate. KITV4. Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Friday released more than $15.6 million for capital improvement projects statewide that are designed to improve the state’s public safety, wastewater, civil defense and communications infrastructure. Pacific Business News. The possibility of another big northwest swell has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a High Surf Warning that will take effect Monday at 6 a.m. Hawaii News Now. "Living in the Moment:" New campaign launches to market Hawaiian Islands. KHON2. State roundup for Jan. 30. Associated Press. Oahu As contract expires, many hope Pro Bowl will stay in Hawaii. KHON2 . Cayetano: Rail A Wall of Concrete Snaking Along Honolulu's Waterfront. Civil Beat. Prostitution Bust At University of Hawaii Professor's Apartment following website' sting. Hawaii Reporter. Hawaii The decision to fire four Hawaii County elections workers may soon start costing Big Island taxpayers. Tribune-Herald. The waters off the Kona Coast are teeming with life, a sign world-renowned animal expert Jeff Corwin said Sunday is hopeful and encouraging. West Hawaii Today. Maui A California developer wants to begin construction this spring on a shopping center that would be the largest outlet mall in Hawaii. Maui News. The Maui County Council General Plan Committee will conduct an informational meeting this week on the urban-growth boundaries being proposed in the draft Maui Island Plan. Maui News. The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii filed a complaint letter with the County of Maui this week citing concerns over First Amendment rights of protesters demonstrating near the Monsanto facility along the Pi’ilani Highway in Kihei. Maui Now. Kauai State Sen. Ron Kouchi, D-Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau, said the March 24 election of board members of the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative will have a “tremendous impact” on diversifying the future economic base of the island. Garden Island. Kaua‘i volunteers spotted more whales than their counterparts on Hawaii’s other islands during a weekend ocean count coordinated by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Garden Island. Molokai Department of Land and Natural Resources is holding a community meeting regarding the security perimeter at the Kauanakakai Wharf to accommodate American Safari Cruises visits to Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.

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Military beefing up in Hawaii, no drug testing of welfare recipients, three quit charter school board in protest, gambling proposed on Hawaiian lands,…

Friday, January 27, 2012

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Pohakuloa Training Area (c) 2012 All Hawaii News Hawaii's military future could include another Navy cruiser and at least 1,000 more Marines if some forces are removed from Okinawa. Star-Advertiser Sen. Daniel Inouye said on Thursday that he expects “an increase of military personnel and assets” in the Pacific, including in Hawaii. Inouye’s remarks came after Defense Secretary Leon Panetta outlined his department’s budget plan for the next five years. Civil Beat. A host of bills before the State Legislature are dedicated to women veterans this year. KHON2. Once again, Hawaii state and county government agencies spent far more money lobbying in Washington D.C. than private companies did, according to 2011 U.S. Senate lobbyist disclosure reports. Hawaii Reporter. State Rep. Mele Carroll has reintroduced a bill that would allow gaming on Hawaiian homestead lands to provide a source of funds for the Department of Hawaiian Home Land's developments and programs. Maui News. Two Maui law makers are introducing separate gaming measures in the state legislature this session. Maui Now. Spurred by a dramatic rise in computer-related crimes — including possibly affecting one of their own colleagues — lawmakers have introduced more than 30 measures in the Hawaii Legislature concerning cybercrime. Civil Beat. State lawmakers decided Thursday to leave online piracy legislation to Congress after hearing vehement opposition to a bill that called for keeping records of Hawaii users' Internet activity. Associated Press. Internet privacy advocates, web entrepreneurs and business owners turned out in droves on Thursday to denounce a bill before the Hawaii Legislature that would require Internet service providers to keep a record of every website visited by subscribers for no less than two years. Civil Beat. Hawaii won't be drug testing public assistance applicants and recipients any time soon. Associated Press. State politicians are running some old plays this week in an effort to convince the NFL that the Pro Bowl belongs in Hawaii. Pacific Business News. The Legislature is considering a statewide measure to have consumers pay for plastic and paper shopping bags. Hawaii Public Radio. Consumers Could Be Charged for Plastic and Paper Bags. Civil Beat. "Bag ban" could go state-wide & include paper. Hawaii News Now. Credit monitoring and fraud restoration services will be provided to about 98,000 University of Hawaii students, alumni, faculty, employees and others potentially affected by five data breaches that occurred from 2009 to 2011, under a settlement reached in a class-action lawsuit. Star-Advertiser. Federal data show cutting Hawaiian monk seals free from fishing nets, moving vulnerable pups away from preying sharks and other efforts to rescue the animals are significantly helping the endangered species. Associated Press. Oahu The city will agree to a new change order worth about $15 million to pay the company holding the contract to build the first segment of the rail line because of delays in the start of construction, according to officials with the Hono­lulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Star-Advertiser. Inspectors from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA ) have identified a snake killed on Wednesday near Honolulu airport as a bullsnake. Hawaii News Now. Longtime Hawaii television newsman Jack Kellner died Wednesday night in California. KITV4. Hawaii Three longtime members of the Charter School Review Panel — Chairman Carl Takamura, former Chairwoman Ruth Tschumy and Pualani Akaka — resigned Thursday to protest the state Board of Education's reversal of the panel's decisions on converting Laupahoehoe School to a charter school. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii County voters will once again get the opportunity to weigh in on a 2 percent land fund, now that Mayor Billy Kenoi has signed a bill putting it on the ballot. West Hawaii Today. Big Brother is watching — but he is supposed to be helping. West Hawaii Today. Some day, a new gym on the Hilo High School campus will give students, athletes and their fans the chance to enjoy games at home. Tribune-Herald. Oahu-based military units will convoy from Pohakuloa Training Area to Kawaihae Harbor on Saturday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. via Saddle Road, Mamalahoa Highway, Waikoloa Road, Queen Kaahumanu Highway and Akoni Pule corridor. Tribune-Herald. Maui Staffing levels at Maui's only Veterans Affairs clinic are at 50 percent, resulting in long waits for veterans who need care, officials acknowledged Tuesday. Maui News. Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa expressed enthusiasm as the state Legislative session gets underway. Maui Now. Southerly winds are expected to prevail through today, and volcanic haze, or vog, should continue to hang in the air Friday and start to clear up Saturday, National Weather Service forecaster Vic DeJesus said Wednesday. Maui News. Kauai In 2011 Kauai’s beaches and surfbreaks were mostly clean, but some were definitely not. Garden Island. In response to the growing trend of crimes perpetrated against the elderly, Kaua‘i County Prosecuting Attorney Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho will be holding several senior fraud presentations across the island. Garden Island. The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement has joined other national community advocates in an amicus (friend of the court) brief to be filed with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the Affordable Care Act. Garden Island. Molokai Department of Land and Natural Resources is holding a community meeting regarding the security perimeter at the Kauanakakai Wharf to accommodate American Safari Cruises visits to Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.

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Top Oahu Festivals to Plan into Your Hawaii Vacation

Monday, January 23, 2012

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Top Oahu Festivals to Plan into Your Hawaii Vacation

If you’re hankering to go to Oahu, but not sure when to go, perhaps you’d like to go during one of the many excellent festivals. To help you, I’ve created this handy dandy list of Oahu festivals – which mixes in input from the nice folks at the Oahu Visitor’s Bureau, plus my opinion. Honolulu Festival

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New quarter to feature volcano, Hawaii’s homeless chief resigns amid allegations, revenue forecast lowered, Honolulu Council seeks water authority,…

Friday, January 6, 2012

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Kilauea Volcano caldera (c) 2012 All Hawaii News Hawaii Volcanoes National Park's East Rift Zone will grace the face of an America the Beautiful Quarter to be released this summer. West Hawaii Today. Hawaii's homeless coordinator, Marc Alexander, has resigned effective today, less than a year on the job and just days after the state acknowledged receiving an allegation that he had a sexual relationship with a woman while he was a priest. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii's homeless coordinator resigned "to attend to personal matters" two days after he was asked to respond to allegations of sexual misconduct as a priest, according to an anti-religion activist. Civil Beat. Alexander made news in January, 2010 when he abruptly left the Catholic Church where he served as Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu to lead the effort to solve Hawaii's homeless crisis. Hawaii News Now. The state Council on Revenues on Thursday scaled back its forecast for state revenue growth this fiscal year, which will reduce an anticipated surplus and require Gov. Neil Abercrombie to adjust his budget and financial plan. Star-Advertiser. Council On Revenues Downgrades Hawaii Forecast By 3 Percent. Civil Beat. The State Council on Revenues lowered its General Fund projection yesterday … 4 full percentage points less than what was forecast in September. Hawaii Public Radio. A bill aimed at curtailing the use of the Kona coffee name by coffee blenders will soon be introduced in the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today. Gas prices are rising again after 11 consecutive weeks of declines, according to the AAA Hawaii Weekend Gas Watch. Star-Advertiser. U.S. Military in Hawaii: 'Bright Future Ahead' Civil Beat. The confluence of China's military rise, a shift in global trade to the region, a budget crunch and the end of the Iraq war underscore the importance of a U.S. military presence in Asia and the Pacific -- but have not made the future any clearer for Hawaii-based military commands and the state's sizable defense industry. Star-Advertiser. The big question on many people’s minds during The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii ’s 11th Annual Military Partnership Conference Thursday was how the United States’ focus on the Pacific would impact the Aloha State given the uncertainties with new leadership in North Korea, China’s increasing military and economic might, and impending defense cuts. Pacific Business News. The state Office of Information Practices will

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Hawaii reapportionment unconstitutional, state awaits revenue forecast, people killing monk seals, teachers union dispute jeopardizing $75M grant,…

Thursday, January 5, 2012

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Hawaii Supreme Court (c) 2012 All Hawaii News The Hawaii Supreme Court struck down the state Reapportionment Commission's plan Wednesday and ordered the panel to come up with new boundaries for state Senate and House districts based on Hawaii's permanent resident population. Star-Advertiser. The Hawaii Supreme Court needed only hours to decide that the state's reapportionment plan is unconstitutional and must be re-done. Civil Beat. The Hawaii Supreme Court has struck down as unconstitutional the state's final reapportionment plan, a decision that will likely grant the Big Island a fourth Senate seat and possibly an eighth House seat. Tribune-Herald. The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled Wednesday the state reapportionment plan is unconstitutional. West Hawaii Today. The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that the new election maps for the state of Hawaii are unconstitutional. KITV4. The Hawaii Supreme Court has ruled the recently redrawn voting district maps unconstitutional, saying the committee that made them must start over. KHON2. The Abercrombie administration and state House and Senate leaders are awaiting today's forecast from the state Council on Revenues to see if projected revenue growth holds. Star-Advertiser. State departments want to expand the budget by

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Hawaii gears up for election year, GOP changes caucus strategy, Honolulu doesn’t want lowest bidder, Hispanics account for almost 10% of population,…

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

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Gov. Neil Abercrombie (c) 2012 All Hawaii News The 2012 Hawaii election will be the first since 1974 in which Neil Abercrombie will not be a candidate for office. Civil Beat. Hawaii Republican Party changes caucuses in hopes of gaining more members. KHON2. President Barack Obama ended his 10-day winter vacation with his family Monday, departing Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam aboard Air Force One. Star-Advertiser. President Barack Obama and his family and friends left Oahu on January 2, 2012, after a 17-day, notably low key vacation. Hawaii Reporter. With an eye on the 2012 campaign, President Barack Obama wrapped up a low-key Hawaiian vacation Monday and planned to quickly get back in front of voters as he ratchets up his bid for re-election. Associated Press. Hawaii voters say the wealthy are calling the shots in Congress. Civil Beat. Nearly 1 in 10 Hawaii residents identifies as Hispanic, an increase of 38 percent over the last decade, and some observers expect the group to attract more attention this year as political campaigns heat up. Star-Advertiser . Gov. Neil Abercrombie says Hawaii is seeing a record number of visitors from China and Korea thanks to efforts by his administration over the past year. Civil Beat. As part of a push to drive down the cost of home insurance and ensure consumers aren't paying for coverage they don't need, the state has released home insurance quotes for 14 providers who volunteered the information. Star-Advertiser. The state Insurance Division released today resources intended for comparison shopping for the best property insurance rates statewide. West Hawaii Today. The National Weather Service has issued a high surf warning as giant surf is expected to hit the north and west shores of most islands late Tuesday through Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. State roundup for January 3. Associated Press. A historic Hawaiian practice has been resurrected just in time for the 176th anniversary of Queen's Emma's birth at her Summer Palace Monday morning. KHON2. Oahu The amount of empty office space on Oahu hit a nine-year high of 13 percent in 2011, and likely will rise again this year, according to a new report. Star-Advertiser. Honolulu city officials are looking to change the way they award construction contracts, so instead of being automatically awarded to the lowest bidder, construction projects would be given to companies with records of on-time performance and good workmanship. KITV4. Ben Cayetano said he wasn't doing anything except watch football today, but if he does decide to run for mayor his schedule will get a whole lot busier. Hawaii News Now. At the Hearts for Animals Wellness Center in Laie, there is no shortage of chores for JoAnn Chisholm-Dueno but after five years, she is still driven to care for the animals. KITV4. Hawaii January on the Big Island is Volcano Awareness Month. Tribune-Herald. Maui After years of work, Kaehu Bay supporters think they may be just a few months from changes that will protect the large bay and its wetlands from development and make it a nature preserve forever. Maui News. Kauai A new Web-based directory of “green employers” released by the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations includes 28 Kaua‘i businesses and nonprofit organizations. Garden Island.

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North Shore Oahu Vacation $1178

Thursday, December 22, 2011

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North Shore Oahu Vacation $1178

Hawaii Travel Deals - North Shore, Oahu3 Nights From $1178 pp,doTurtle Bay ResortPromo Code:PLWSBook your vacation to the North Shore of Oahu with Travelwizard.com and enjoy roundtrip air from BDL and 3 nights at the Turtle Bay Resort in an Oceanfront room. Call for pricing with air from your area. Valid for travel 1/9/12-3/5/12.The North Shore of Oahu is known as the 7 mile miracle due all the amazing surf breaks. World class surfers spend their winters surfing here. 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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Surf’s up! Lesbians sue Hawaii for right to marry, Big Island redistricting carves out incumbent, ambulance audit shows waste, inefficiency, Honolulu…

Friday, December 9, 2011

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Surf’s up! Lesbians sue Hawaii for right to marry, Big Island redistricting carves out incumbent, ambulance audit shows waste, inefficiency, Honolulu…

Banzai Pipeline photo courtesy Boardistan Historic surf rolled into the Banzai Pipeline for the opening day of the Billabong Pipe Masters. Hawaii News Now. The North Shore was pumping with wind-blown waves on Thursday that were big enough to stage the Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons surf contest — and to help realize the island fantasies of new Hawaii arrivals Air Force Staff Sgt. Joe Rucker and his wife, Dawn. Star-Advertiser. In a political tit for tat that foreshadows Hawaii's U.S. Senate race next year, Gov. Neil Abercrombie and his predecessor Linda Lingle are clashing over who's done the better job managing the state's finances. Civil Beat. Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Thursday that the state is back on track financially, and suggested he would share quarterly reports on state spending to make the budget process more transparent. Star-Advertiser. Two women are suing Hawaii in federal court because they want to be married and not simply have a civil union. Associated Press. Two Honolulu women are suing Gov. Neil Abercrombie and the state health director in federal court over the state's denial of same-sex marriages. Star-Advertiser. Advocates of the local food movement say increasing the amount of food grown across the islands could benefit the state in several ways, improving both the health and wealth of the state. Hawaii Public Radio. Sens. Daniel Akaka and Daniel Inouye recently found themselves on opposite sides of controversial votes on how the United States should handle the detention of terrorism suspects, including American citizens. Civil Beat. Hawai’I’s Charter School System will be undergoing a complete overhaul in 12-to-16 months. That’s the recommendation of a State Senate Task Force charged with developing more stringent laws and rules to govern local Charter Schools. Hawaii Public Radio . A state organization that oversees thousands of acres of prime agricultural land and millions in income from agricultural leases spent just a little over a week in a low-key search for a new leader. KITV4. Oahu About 150,000 Oahu homeowners, including elderly and disabled ones, would lose their property tax exemptions if the City Council adopts politically dicey recommendations made by an advisory panel aiming to bring more equity, fairness and simplicity to the tax system. Star-Advertiser. Only a handful of ambulances met response time guidelines, and emergency responders made as much as two hundred thousand dollars each a year due to overtime. KHON2. The city is trying to fire two managers who oversaw a former parking manager accused by prosecutors of stealing as much as $400,000 from city parking facilities in Honolulu and Chinatown. KITV4. State investigating claims of welfare fraud. KHON2. Assistant Chaminade University basketball coach Mike Mathey resigned today, four days after mistakenly sending a text with a racial slur to one of his players. Hawaii News Now. About 20 houseless people, advocates, and Occupy Honolulu supporters turned up to voice their opposition to City Council Bill 54 at Honolulu Hale on Wednesday. Hawaii Independent. Hawaii A last-minute change to the new County Council district map has saved Hilo Councilman Dennis Onishi from having to square off against fellow incumbent J Yoshimoto. West Hawaii Today. The cost of acquiring and improving land for the Hawaii Judiciary’s Kona court complex on the Big Island varies from $4.5 million to $10.8 million, depending on which of seven sites the state chooses, according to a final environmental impact statement published Thursday in the state’s Environmental Notice. Pacific Business News . The CEO of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs is meeting with the public today and Saturday to talk about a plan to settle a decades-old claim on revenue generated by Hawaiian monarchy lands. Tribune-Herald. The would-be developer of a South Kona project is arguing the Kona Community Plan does not apply to its proposed planned unit development. West Hawaii Today. Astronomers have identified the future mission of the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope on Mauna Kea, if they can secure funding for it. Tribune-Herald. Lava continues to flow through the Royal Gardens subdivision on Thursday. Hawaii News Now. Maui The state would purchase 65 acres in Waikapu for a major new Central Maui park complex, under a proposal being discussed Friday by the Board of Land and Natural Resources in Honolulu. Maui News. A final environmental impact statement has been released for A&B Properties' 2,550-home, 545-acre development in Central Maui. Maui News. In less than a year, the tiny Hansen's disease settlement of Kalaupapa could be the site of the ministry of not one but two Roman Catholic saints. Maui News . Kauai Initial University of Hawai‘i reports estimated that up to 20 million tons of tsunami debris from Japan could reach Hawaiian shores by early 2013, but new findings suggest it may start to arrive as early as next month. Garden Island. Princeville Ranch Adventures announces the opening of its Kids’ Adventure Center. Garden Island.

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Waikiki & Honolulu 2011/2012 New Year’s Eve Fireworks, Dinners & Events

Thursday, December 8, 2011

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Waikiki & Honolulu 2011/2012 New Year’s Eve Fireworks, Dinners & Events

Waikiki and Honolulu will be an exciting places to celebrate New Year’s Eve this year with fireworks, fine dining  and dancing! Tropical weather and being near the surf, sand and palm trees will only enhance your celebration. What a great place to bid a fond farewell to 2011 and welcome in 2012 with aloha! After many hours of emails, phone calls and searches, I’ve  compiled this list of the top things to do this New Year’s Eve. You’ll surely find something that will suit your interests.  Here’s what’s going on this December 31, 2011. New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Cruises with Fireworks Views * From multiple sources, I’ve confirmed that the night sky will light up with fireworks on Waikiki Beach at midnight. * Honolulu’s Aloha Tower Marketplace will hold their big block party again this year. They’ll have live music and DJs across seven different stages. At midnight, you’ll find the biggest fireworks show on Oahu. This event is open to guests ages 21 and older. New Year’s Eve 2012 Block Party tickets start at $20 and can be ordered online via TicketMaster or by phone at 800-745-3000. For more information, call 808-306-3079. *  Star of Honolulu offers several different cruise packages for cocktails, pupus, dinner and entertainment. See this link for their options. These cruises will offer views of the huge fireworks show from Aloha Tower Marketplace. Pricing starts at $70 per person. Note that convenient round-trip transportation from Waikiki can be added for $11 per person. * If you’re in the area on December 30, don’t miss the Friday night fireworks from the Hilton Hawaiian Village at 7:45pm. New Year’s Eve Waikiki Parties, Clubs and Concerts Want to do a little dancing on New Year’s Eve? Here’s a list of some great venues with parties going on in Waikiki Beach. Note that most of them have great views of the midnight Waikiki fireworks. * Tiki’s Grill & Bar will have live bands, DJ, drink specials for their Tiki Drop 2012 and a view of Waikiki fireworks at midnight. For more information, see this link for the festivity details. (Also check out their special prix fixe four course New Year’s Eve dinner for $59.) *  RumFire transforms into an oceanfront Times Square with a special New Year’s Eve party and view of the Waikiki Beach fireworks at midnight. Presale tickets start at $40. Tickets purchased the day of the event are $50. You must be 21 or older. See this link for more information. * Beachhouse at Moana Surfrider hosts a beachfront “Pre-Resolution Party” giving you one last chance to eat, drink and be merry before your resolutions. This party will be at the Banyan Courtyard with good views of the Waikiki fireworks at midnight. A dessert buffet, party favors, and a live band playing to 40’s music are included. A pupu menu and cash bar will be available. Tickets for the “Pre-Resolution Party” are $100 for adults and $50 for children ages 6 to 12. Ticket prices are inclusive of tax. Tickets are available on the December 31 in the Moana Surfrider lobby from noon to 6pm. (Note that pre-sale tickets will be available in the lobby from December 28 through December 30 in the lobby from noon to 8pm at a discount.) * The Royal Hawaiian , also known as the Pink Palace, hosts a New Year’s Eve Pink Party from 9pm until 12:30am. The party includes a live band with a DJ during band breaks. A pupu menu and cash bar will be available. General admission is $50 per person. Reserved tables are $100 per person. Admission includes tax. For more information and reservations, call (808) 921-4600 or email tdrc.hawaii@starwoodshotels.com * Hilton Hawaiian Village’s New Year’s Eve Celebration and Concert features the Local Divas this year. You have the option of seeing the show only or adding dinner plus the show. See this link for more information. * I’ve confirmed that there will be a special New Year’s Eve party at Addiction Nightclub and Beachclub (formerly known as the Crazybox) in The Modern Honolulu . Details coming soon. * Though not necessarily New Year’s Eve-ish, Bill Maher will be performing at the Waikiki Shell at 7:30pm. Lawn tickets start at $29.50. See this link for more information. New Year’s Eve Waikiki Dining * Romantic Hau Tree Lanai at the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel offers a New Year’s five-course prix-fixe menu for $87 per person. Located oceanfront, Hau Tree Lanai is about a 15 minute beach side stroll from the heart of Waikiki. Call 808-921-7066 for reservations or book online . * Tiki’s Grill & Bar will offer a special four course prix fixe dinner in a casual atmosphere with beach views for $59 per person. See this link for the menu. You can reserve a table at Tiki’s online . Also note that they’ll have a midnight Tiki Drop if you’d like to transition from the dining areas to the celebration. * At the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Bali Steak & Seafood presents a special four course set menu with a variety of choices available. The price is $160 at the first seating and $190 for the second seating. A children’s menu will also available for $80. (To see the adult and children menus use this link and scroll to the Bali menus.) For reservations, call 808-941-BALI (2254). * Beachhouse at Moana Surfrider offers a couple of special New Year’s Eve dinner options and seatings. The second seating option from 8:30pm to 10:30pm  is $185 per person for a five-course menu which also includes admission to their beachfront “Pre-Resolution Party” (also sold separately) that goes on until 1am. See more details and booking information here . For more information and reservations, call (808) 921-4600 or email tdrc.hawaii@starwoodshotels.com * How about a luau for New Year’s Eve? Hilton Hawaiian Village will host their Waikiki Starlight Luau on their Great Lawn for this special evening. Pricing is $98 for adults and $49 for children ages 4 to 11 years old. Lei greeting, dinner buffet, two complimentary select beverages and Polynesian show are included. Upgrade options are available. For reservations, call (808)941-5828. * Kai Market at the Sheraton Waikiki will offer a New Year’s Eve dinner buffet with two separate seatings. Adult buffet pricing ranges from $90 in the first seating to $120 in the second seating. The second seating is more expensive because it also includes entry to the countdown celebration for guests 21 and old. Buffet pricing for children ages 4 to 12 is $29. See this link for more details .  For more information and reservations, call (808) 921-4600 or email tdrc.hawaii@starwoodshotels.com * The Royal Hawaiian will host a special New Year’s Eve Pink Luau Dinner buffet in the Monarch Room from 6pm to 9pm. Entertainment including a fire knife dancer, complimentary welcome cocktail and luau buffet are included in the admission. Pricing is as follows: Adults $209; Children 5-12 years $109(Special Rates for Guests of The Royal Hawaiian and Kama’aina: Adults $189; Children 5-12 years $99). Price includes access to the New Years Eve Pink Party (see details below) that  continues the festivities until 12:30am.  For more information and reservations, call (808) 921-4600 or email tdrc.hawaii@starwoodshotels.com * The Royal Hawaiian , also known as the Pink Palace, hosts a New Year’s Eve Pink Party from 9pm until 12:30am. The party includes a live band with a DJ during band breaks. A pupu menu and cash bar will be available. General admission is $50 per person. Reserved tables are $100 per person. Admission includes tax. For more information and reservations, call (808) 921-4600 or email tdrc.hawaii@starwoodshotels.com * Azure at the Royal Hawaiian will serve a five course New Year’s Eve dinner from 5:30pm to 9pm for $175 per person. (See menu .) Pricing includes access to the New Year’s Eve Pink Part that’s described above. A children’s menu will also be available for kids ages 5 to 12 years for $40. For more information and reservations, call (808) 921-4600 or email tdrc.hawaii@starwoodshotels.com *  Rainbow Lanai at the Hilton Hawaiian Village will present a New Year’s Eve Buffet from 5pm to 9:30pm. (Use this link and scroll down to the Rainbow Lanai section to see the buffet menu.) Pricing is $59 per adult $55 and $29 for children (12 and under). For more information, call (808) 949-4321 —- As you’re making your Waikiki and Honolulu New Year’s Eve plans and reviewing this list of great things to do, please note the following: I recommend you make reservations, order tickets, etc. as soon as possible to secure the place and time you like. Unless otherwise stated, you can assume that taxes and gratuities are not included in the listed prices. All pricing, schedules and plans were accurate at the time of publishing. Most Waikiki Beach hotel-based restaurants will be open on New Year’s Eve. Check directly with the concierge of your accommodations for their special meals and events. As New Year’s Eve approaches, most likely, I’ll be adding more events, so do check back. So, pack your bags and start practicing how to say Happy New Year in Hawaii: Hau’oli Makahiki Hou ! © 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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Luxury Waikiki Beach Vacation $2107

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

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Book your five nights stay at the Royal Hawaiian Resort and enjoy a Garden Suite, 25% Savings, daily breakfast at Surf Lanai Restaurant, Avis rental car for only $2107 per person. Travel by December 24, 2011. Call for air inclusive pricing. romo Code:HWWS Call 1.800.330.8820 or click here to have an Oahu, Hawaii Travel Specialist contact you. TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820

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