Tag Archive | "tips & tricks"
Flying to Hawaii – How to Choose the Right Airport
So you’ve picked the Hawaiian island that’s perfect for you and now you must determine the logistics of getting there. Every first time visitor has faced the head scratching challenge of finding the right airport to begin their Hawaii vacation. I want to help you understand how to navigate with ease in Hawaii. As you may have been researching airport options in the Hawaiian Islands, you may have noticed that some islands have multiple airports. Though some islands may have a small regional airport that appears to be more convenient on paper, I recommend you opt to fly into the major airport of each island and here’s why: There’s many more flights and airlines servicing the major airports providing you more options to suit your time schedule. Larger planes fly into the major island airports, with the exceptions of Lanai and Molokai. That means that you are less likely to fly on a propeller-type aircraft. There’s significantly more car rental companies and rental car inventories at the major airports. The major airports are all within an easy driving distance (less than an hour) from all the major resort hotel areas. Let’s take an island by island look at the major airports and special flight considerations. OAHU Oahu’s major airport is in Honolulu with the airport code of HNL . It’s by far Hawaii’s largest airport and hub. Most transpacific flights fly into Oahu. As you research flights from your home airport, you’ll likely discover that almost all your options require you to fly into Oahu first. From Oahu’s HNL, you can easily connect to any other island in Hawaii. MAUI Maui’s major airport is in Kahului with the airport code of OGG. There are a limited number of flights from the US Mainland that fly directly into OGG, but most visitors connect in Oahu’s Honolulu (HNL) airport. The only exception where you might want to consider flying into another Maui airport is if you plan on making secluded Hana (HNM) your Maui vacation base. KAUAI Kauai’s major airport is centrally located in East Kauai in Lihue with the airport code of LIH. There are a very limited number of flights from the US Mainland that fly directly to Kauai, but most visitors connect in Oahu’s Honolulu (HNL) airport. BIG ISLAND (West Kona Side) Most folks coming to the Big Island for a vacation tend to stay on the west side of Hawaii’s Big Island in Kailua-Kona, Keauhou, and the Kohala Coast. The major airport on this side of the island is north of Kona in Keahole with the code of KOA. Just like Maui and Kauai, there are a limited number of flights that arrive directly into Kona (KOA) from the mainland, but connecting in Oahu’s Honolulu (HNL) airport is easily done. BIG ISLAND (East Hilo Side) Though the west side of Hawaii’s Big Island is home to the beautiful beach resort hotels, the east side does have its attractions, namely Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the active volcano, Kilauea.For first time Big Island visitors with a week or more vacation, I recommend you fly into the east side airport of Hilo with the code of ITO to begin your vacation exploring the volcano wonders. Then drive over to the West side for your beach vacation. See more on where to stay on Hawaii’s Big Island . Just like Maui and Kauai, there are a limited number of flights that arrive directly into Hilo (ITO) from the mainland, but connecting in Oahu’s Honolulu (HNL) airport is easily done. LANAI Lanai’s major airport is near Lanai City with the airport code of LNY. To fly into Lanai, you must connect in Oahu’s Honolulu (HNL) airport. MOLOKAI Molokai’s major airport is Kaunakakai in with the airport code of MKK. To fly to Molokai, you must connect in Oahu’s Honolulu (HNL) airport. If you are visiting Kalaupapa National Historic Park, you will need to fly into Kalaupapa Airport with the code of LUP. — I hope you’ve found this guide to flying into Hawaii to be useful. If your Hawaii vacation includes visits to more than one island, please review my guide to inter-island travel in Hawaii .
Continue reading...Don’t Go To Hawaii Without: Shoes You Don’t Mind Getting Wet & Muddy
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
I see so many people on Hawaii’s trails and adventures wearing new-looking, white sneakers. I just don’t have the heart to tell them that their shoes will never look the same. They’re blissfully unaware that they’re going to have to stamp through unavoidable mud or cross the trail in a stream. To hike to waterfalls and traipse through a rainforest, you really need to be wearing shoes that you won’t mind getting wet and dirty. Ideally, you should bring hiking shoes or sandals that are designed for quick drying . I always bring my water sandals to Hawaii . They’re perfect for Hawaii adventures. They work really well for hiking, biking and kayaking. Several activities like ATV riding, zipling, and horseback riding require you to wear closed toe shoes and these water sandals fit the bill. If you don’t have quick-drying water sandals, I recommend you bring your old, beat up sneakers on your Hawaii vacation. On my first trip to Kauai, I brought an old pair of sneakers knowing I would be hiking the Kalalau Trail . I knew the trail would be muddy, but I had no idea I’d have to cross some streams. At the end of the hike, I had to throw those old sneakers away. Land’s End and REI are good online sources for hiking sandals. I purchased mine from my local REI on sale for about $40. They’ve been well worth the investment. © 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...Don’t Go To Hawaii Without: Rash Guard Top
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Andy has been wearing his rash guard top in Hawaii for a few years now. I only found mine earlier this year. I won’t go to Hawaii without one now. What makes rash guard tops so valuable? The built in sun protection is the main reason I recommend a rash guard top. Whether we’re kayaking, snorkeling, or just spending a day at the beach, these tops offer exceptional sun protection – usually the equivalent of SPF 50. We don’t have to keep slathering on sticky sunscreen, making sure we’re not missing a spot. Studies have shown that sunscreens can be damaging to coral. With a rash guard top, that’s less sunscreen required and less damage to the coral. Surfers wear rash guard tops to protect their skin from scraping lava rocks and sand if they fall. So, when we wear our rash guard tops we feel like we look like a super cool surfer – well, sort of. Where to buy rash guard tops? Since rash guard tops are not commonly sold in department and discount stores, there probably not super easy to find in your neighborhood. I have found several good sources after searching for my top. - Seasonally, LandsEnd.com offers a nice selection of rash guards for everyone in the family. My top is from Lands End. Go to Landsend.com and search for “rash guard” in their search box to see what they have available. - REI - Surf shops in Hawaii. Andy got his rash guard a Honolua Surf Co. shop in Hawaii. — Do you have a rash guard top? How do you like it? Where did you find your top? © 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...Seeing What a Difference Polarized Sunglasses Make
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
I highly recommend you have polarized sunglasses for your Hawaii vacation . I like to say that seeing Hawaii through polarized sunglasses is like seeing Hawaii in high definition. To illustrate what a difference polarized glasses make, I want to show you a couple of photos that were taken from basically the same spot with iPhones. Andy took the first photo by holding his polarized sunglasses over the lens of his iPhone. I took this next photo within feet of same spot with my iPhone. The only difference was I didn’t hold my polarized sunglasses over my lens. Well, there was that difference and the fact that I didn’t have my horizon straight, but you know what I mean. They’re both good photos, but as you can see with the polarized version, the colors are much more vibrant. You can also see more of what’s in the water. Do you use polarized sunglasses on your Hawaii vacations? © 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...Not Your Usual Hawaii Sunset Photo Tip
Thursday, September 15, 2011
As visitors to Hawaii, we tend to be so enamored with watching the sun sink into the ocean that we don’t notice what else is happening. Instead of facing the sun the entire time, and practically blinding yourself in the process, turn around to see what the sun is lighting . Oh the vibrant, golden glow you will find! Sunset is one of the best times to capture west-facing photos of landscapes. In an interview with my uber talented portrait photographer friend, Natalie Norton , she explains that the natural light is softer at sunset. Natalie says, “The sun also has warmer tones at those times as well. Nothing will help your images say “paradise” like a naturel filter of warm yellows and soft pinks .” Let’s take a look at some examples of some photos we’ve shot at sunset. First, here’s a photo of Kapalua Beach that I took with my iPhone from Merriman’s Kapalua. While everyone else was focused on the sun, I looked around to see the golden glow of the beach. On a visit to Oahu, Andy and I had a nice little Waikiki Beach picnic at sunset . We glanced back from the sun to see Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach lit up with a warm radiance as shown in the next photo. Sunset is not only a good time to capture the illuminated west-facing landscape shot, it’s also a super opportunity to shoot a flattering photo of your travel companions. Natalie explains that, “[The sun is] coming down at an angle so you won’t get the dark shadows under your eyes and nose typical of shooting mid-day.” No unflattering shadows? Um, yes please! After capturing that shot with the sun in the background, you and your travel pals should turn to get that flattering shot with a sun-kissed glow. For more Hawaii vacation photography tips, see: Andy’s Photography Tips: The Perfect Hawaii Sunset Picture Advice For Taking Incredible Vacation Photos From A Hawaii Photographer Advice On Choosing A Wedding And Family Portrait Photographer in Hawaii Vacation Photo Advice from Oahu Photographer Joe Philipson © 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...Staying Safe On Your Hawaii Vacation
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Overall, Hawaii is a safe vacation destination. As we discussed in the 8 Myths of Hawaii Five-O article, Hawaii’s crime rate is low. You don’t have to worry about stumbling upon scary snakes in Hawaii , including poisonous snakes. The most vicious critter you might encounter is a mosquito. That’s my kind of destination! With all that said, you do need to take care and avoid certain situations on your Hawaii vacation. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the more common safety hazards that tourists might encounter. OCEAN SAFETY Hawaii’s beautiful blue ocean waters can sometimes appear to be deceivingly safe. I highly recommend that you check Hawaii Beach Safety website before you plan your swimming and snorkeling activities . This excellent site provides real-time beach alerts, list of recommended beaches and a list of beaches with lifeguards. Some other ocean safety tips and ditties to keep in mind: Never turn your back to the ocean . When you are swimming or even waking by the shoreline, you never know when a strong wave might sneak up on you. So it’s best to be watching the ocean and aware. Actually, this very sad news of a missing tourist at Nakalele Blow Hole on Maui prompted me to write this entire post. He had his back to the ocean when he was knocked by a large wave. If in doubt, don’t go out . If you aren’t sure of the conditions, please don’t go out. Check for posted safety signs . Avoid swimming at night, dawn and dusk . Why then? Well, that’s when sharks tend to be the most aggressive and active. On Oahu, Box jellyfish usually arrive to the near shore approximately 7 to 11 days after the full moon of each month. For Oahu, check this Box jellyfish arrival prediction calendar .
Continue reading...Polarized Sunglasses for Your Hawaii Vacation
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
From my recent visit to Lana’i, I was reminded of how much better polarized sunglasses are for touring Hawaii. So, I wanted to republish this blast from the past post – Hawaii in High Definition with Polarized Sunglasses . —- If you don’t already have a pair of polarized sunglasses, do yourself a favor and get some to bring on your Hawaii vacation. They really do make a difference. You know the phrase, “Sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know”? Well that was the case with me until I had a chance to try polarized sunglasses for myself. Andy had a pair of polarized glasses and I noticed that sometimes he’d make comments about things he could see, but I couldn’t. Then Andy would let me try on his polarized glasses and I could see what he was seeing. Wow, what a difference! Polarized sunglasses are perfect for Hawaii because they cut down on the glare of the sun on the ocean and sand. When the glare is removed, you are able to see a greater depth of colors. Sometimes, polarized sunglasses help you see into the water, making coral and fish visible. Another advantage of polarized sunglasses is that it prevents your eyes from getting fatigued. When you’re out driving and sightseeing, not only are you able to see more without glare, your eyes aren’t getting tired. They’ll make a big difference when you go out on boating tours, too. So, where do you purchase polarized sunglasses and how much do they cost? I’ve noticed that polarized sunglasses have become more widely available – even within the last year. I’ve found them at discount stores like Walmart and Target for under $20. I purchased mine from my local REI store on sale for less than $30. Designer glasses are more widely available in men’s styles. I’ve shopped for ladies designer glasses and the selection is very slim. When you are shopping for polarized glasses look for a sticker or tag that says they’re polarized. If it’s daytime when you are shopping, test glasses by looking though a window or around any surface that might reflect a glare. Have you tried polarized sunglasses? Are you a fan of them, too? Find more tips on what to bring for your Hawaii vacation . © 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...Polarized Sunglasses for Your Hawaii Vacation
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
From my recent visit to Lana’i, I was reminded of how much better polarized sunglasses are for touring Hawaii. So, I wanted to republish this blast from the past post – Hawaii in High Definition with Polarized Sunglasses . —- If you don’t already have a pair of polarized sunglasses, do yourself a favor and get some to bring on your Hawaii vacation. They really do make a difference. You know the phrase, “Sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know”? Well that was the case with me until I had a chance to try polarized sunglasses for myself. Andy had a pair of polarized glasses and I noticed that sometimes he’d make comments about things he could see, but I couldn’t. Then Andy would let me try on his polarized glasses and I could see what he was seeing. Wow, what a difference! Polarized sunglasses are perfect for Hawaii because they cut down on the glare of the sun on the ocean and sand. When the glare is removed, you are able to see a greater depth of colors. Sometimes, polarized sunglasses help you see into the water, making coral and fish visible. Another advantage of polarized sunglasses is that it prevents your eyes from getting fatigued. When you’re out driving and sightseeing, not only are you able to see more without glare, your eyes aren’t getting tired. They’ll make a big difference when you go out on boating tours, too. So, where do you purchase polarized sunglasses and how much do they cost? I’ve noticed that polarized sunglasses have become more widely available – even within the last year. I’ve found them at discount stores like Walmart and Target for under $20. I purchased mine from my local REI store on sale for less than $30. Designer glasses are more widely available in men’s styles. I’ve shopped for ladies designer glasses and the selection is very slim. When you are shopping for polarized glasses look for a sticker or tag that says they’re polarized. If it’s daytime when you are shopping, test glasses by looking though a window or around any surface that might reflect a glare. Have you tried polarized sunglasses? Are you a fan of them, too? Find more tips on what to bring for your Hawaii vacation . © 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...Gift Ideas for the Hawaii Lover on Your List
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Is there someone on your holiday gift list that loves Hawaii? Well, I have the perfect gift list for you. Whether you choose ‘ono food gift or something artistic, you’ll be certain to win brownie points with many mahalos. Hawaiian Happy Cakes –
Continue reading...A Buffet of Affordable Breakfast Options in Hawaii
Monday, August 9, 2010
Portuguese sausage, egg, cheese, lettuce and tomato breakfast sandwich plus a slice of fresh pineapple for $5.25 from Kauai's Kalapaki Beach Hut Dining at resort breakfast buffets every morning of your Hawaii vacation can quickly become a hidden cost that steals your vacation budget. Most breakfast buffets in Hawaii range from $15 to $35 per person. From my observation, the average breakfast buffet costs around $25 per person. A couple traveling to Hawaii for a week can easily spend $350 on breakfast buffets. To put that in perspective, that’s probably more that what a couple would spend on their grocery bill for an entire month at home. When it comes to buffets, there’s common mentality that you need to get your money’s worth. Well, at $25 per person, that’s a heck of a lot of breakfast calories. Returning from vacation with a larger waistline isn’t the kind of souvenir most of us want to bring home. It’s a treat to splurge on the breakfast buffet one or two days of your trip – you are on vacation, after all. Maybe you’d like to save some money to spend on a tour or a meaningful souvenir. If you’d like to save a bit of cash and calories on your breakfast in Hawaii,consider these more affordable alternatives: - Many resorts have a coffee shop on-site that also sells fruit cups, yogurt and pastries. Check to see if your resort does. - Ask if the hotel restaurant serves an ala carte breakfast menu. By ordering from the a la carte menu, you can have a nutritious and filling breakfast for a fraction of the buffet cost. - Pick up some breakfast items at the grocery store. Most resort rooms have a mini refrigerator where you can store juice, fruit, etc. - Bring granola and breakfast bars from home. - Find a restaurant that’s a favorite for locals.They know where to find the best restaurants at the best prices. Plus, you get a little insight into the local culture. (See eat where the locals eat .) - Look for hotel deals offer free daily breakfast. That sort of deal has been fairly common recently. These are strategies we’ve used to save money on breakfasts in Hawaii. What strategies have you used? © 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...
- Pepsi Blue Hawaii - Lunch with CheapyD
- Condition Black: Surfers Take On Huge Hawaii Waves
- BOOM Hawaii Ep 3.07 4Play - Dallas Singer
- Fakateretere "Nonosina Hawaii- The Fellas"
- SOLOW - BUCKFEST! Hawaii
- Hawaii Parkour Mascot
- Hi from Hawaii
- Sarah Geronimo's TNO Concert with Mark Bautista - Kailan (Honolulu Hawaii) HQ
- Sometimes Britney Spears Live In Hawaii
- Acoustic guitar impro solo Hawaii 78
- paytonh: WOW, You are AMAZING. I LOVE IT. Hawaii Roots?...
- Allinmyworld: girl you have the voice of an angel...
- MAUizFiNEST808: L0VE iT!!! CHHHEEE...
- angeeeeeh: Anuhea! i hope u look at your old vids, cos its me...
- iloveae86: i love you...
© 2010 Hula Planet:What To Do In Hawaii. Powered by Wordpress.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
0 Comments