Body Glove Hawaii offers a very nice historical sunset dinner cruise that we had a chance to enjoy on our recent visit to Hawaii’s Big Island. The dinner, entertainment and sunset was very good, but what I especially enjoyed was learning the history of the Kona coast and, oh boy, there’s a lot of it! Kona Coast The Body Glove vessel leaves Kailua Kona harbor then heads south, skimming the coastline while the golden sun rays make the coast glow. As we made our way down to historic Kealakekua Bay , the historian, Boyd, highlighted heiaus, village remains, and stories of struggles and misunderstandings of Captain Cook’s visits to Hawaii Island. Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay The more I learn of Hawaii’s history, the more I want to learn, which made this sunset sail right up my ally. You don’t need to be a Hawaii nerd like me to enjoy it though. I felt like Boyd shared the history in a way that both new and veteran Hawaii visitors appreciated. The boat followed the coast as far as Kealakekua Bay where we slowed down inside the bay for smoother water as passengers enjoyed the dinner buffet that included Hawaii favorites like lomi lomi salmon, barbeque beef skewers and lau lau. While we were in Kealakekua Bay, dolphins came to the boat as if to say hello. They put on a little leaping and spinning show before heading further down shore. Kona Sunset On our way back to Kailua-Kona we listened to songs played by a very talented slack key guitar player and singer. That, of course, added to the romantic setting sun followed by the waning rays of the day. By the time we arrived back in Kailua-Kona, the sky was all dark which made the lights of town reflect on the water. Kailua-Kona lights shimmering on the bay What to know when you go: - The cost of this tour is $105.02 for adults and $72. 87 for youth ages 6 to 17. - This historical tour is offered three nights per week, at the moment – Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. - The staff was very helpful. If they offer to carry your drink or food, it’s a good idea to let them help you. - One drink coupon is included in the cost of the tour. A cash bar was available with soft drinks, beer, wine and cocktails. - Bring cash for tipping (at the end) and for the cash bar. - Try to get to the buffet line soon after it opens. Andy and I waited for the rush to die down. Our timing was bad as the boat pulled out of the smooth water of the bay in into the rougher waters. - You might want to bring a jacket or sweater. After sunset, the wind did have a bit of a chill to it. - If you have medium to long hair, you might want to bring something to hold your hair back. I have medium length hair and found it difficult to eat with the coastal wind swirling my hair. - If you are going to Hawaii during whale season (January – March), there’s a good chance you’ll see humpback whales,. So keep your eyes peeled. - See all our photos from this tour. Mahalo to Body Glove Hawaii for sponsoring our tour.
Continue reading...Friday, January 20, 2012
Kris from Illinois sent in today’s Aloha Friday Photo. Kris took this photo while he was at the Maui Photo Festival last August. More specifically, he was on a photo session in a doors-off helicopter tour. This photo gives a great aerial view of Kaanapali Beach – Kris’ favorite beach . Does this photo make you want to swoop into a soft landing on that sandy beach like it does to me? Kris is a talented photographer who loves to share his Maui photos at Daily Maui Photo . You should check it out. Mahalo to Kris for sharing his aerial Kaanapali Beach photo! We’re on facebook! Please click here to join 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...Monday, January 16, 2012
Cruising in Hawaii (c) 2012 All Hawaii News More people are setting sail for Hawaii. More than 104,000 travelers arrived in the islands on cruise ships -- mostly from the West Coast -- in the first 11 months of last year, according to the most recent data available. That's a 14.5 percent increase from the same period in 2010. Associated Press. 2012 Who's Who Legislative Guide. Star-Advertiser. Expediting Hawaii's excruciatingly slow economic recovery will be a top priority for East Hawaii's all-Democratic legislative delegation, which returns to work on Wednesday. Tribune-Herald. When asked what their priorities are for the legislative session starting Wednesday, Maui's three state senators had some different projects in mind but agreed that job creation will likely dominate their time. Maui News. After their salaries are restored to 2009 levels in July 2013, Hawaii teachers would get a raise every year that they receive at least an "effective" performance rating, under a tentative contract with the state. Civil Beat. Attorneys and advocates, academics and activists alike gathered Saturday to honor the life and legacy of University of Hawaii law professor Jon Van Dyke. Star-Advertiser. Honolulu Thirty new American citizens will be sworn in by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in Honolulu on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Associated Press. As part of today's Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will welcome 30 new U.S. citizens. Star-Advertiser. City government offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a federal and state holiday. KITV4. A developer plans to spend more than $7 million to build nine big T-shaped breakwaters off Iroquois Point beach to protect a rental community, stop erosion and replenish sand fronting former Navy housing near the mouth of Pearl Harbor. Star-Advertiser. A Wahiawa senior center remains in violation of federal grants rules, according to a Jan. 12 letter to Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Civil Beat. State Rep. Jo Jordan plans to return to an oft-flooded section of Puhawai Road in Waianae this morning with more than 60 volunteers to cut back branches and clear debris from an area that will undergo millions of dollars of flood-prevention work over the next several years. Star-Advertiser. They call themselves the mangrove manglers.
Continue reading...Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Hawaii Cruisetours Promo Code:KTVNL Call 1.800.330.8820 or click here to have a Hawaii Travel Specialist contact you booking this Hawaiian Island Cruise . TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820
Continue reading...Tuesday, January 3, 2012
When it comes to ocean fun in the Kailua-Kona or Kealakakua areas, Kona Boys has you covered. They’re truly ocean sport experts with a passion for caring for the environment. On our recent trip to the Big Island, we got to experience ocean kayaking, snorkeling, and stand up paddle boarding with the Kona Boys from their station at Courtyard King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua-Kona. Kona Boy, Eric, got us gliding out on the water of Kailua Bay in a double kayak. We marveled at the gorgeous shades of blue water and coral gardens below. When we could pull our eyes away from the water, Eric shared history about Kailua-Kona and the historic landmarks we could see from the bay. Though Kailua-Kona is often bustling with tourist activity, seeing the town from Kailua Bay was very peaceful. Eric recommends early morning kayaking in Kailua Bay for smooth water and a great chance of seeing dolphins. After enjoying a relaxed lunch on the sandy beach at the Courtyard King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, we picked up some snorkel gear from the Kona Boys. We were both extremely impressed with the quality of snorkeling here. We barely had to swim 20 feet from the shore before seeing lots of tropical fish. The snorkeling was so good that Andy was able to capture some of the best ocean snorkeling photos we’ve captured over our many snorkeling adventures. To complete our ocean adventures with Kona Boys, I gave stand up paddle boarding another try. The protected cove within a bay at the Courtyard King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel provided really smooth water for learning stand up paddle boarding. It was so smooth, I didn’t even fall off. That’s me on a stand up paddle board in the photo on the right. Whether you’re looking to rent snorkel gear, paddle boards, beach chairs and/or kayaks in the Kona area, the Kona Boys can definitely help you out. They also offer informative private kayak and outrigger tours. See this photo of their services for pricing information. Also check out their website . See all our photos from our ocean play with the Kona Boys. Mahalo to the Kona Boys for sponsoring the ocean rentals for our day of fun. © 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, December 29, 2011
President Obama and entourage in Hawaii As Republicans who want to be president slog through chilly Iowa in the run-up to next week’s caucuses, the man who is president moves from one enviable sun-splashed outing to the next. Tribune . President Barack Obama spent Day 6 of his Windward Oahu holiday at a different golf course, but with familiar playing partners. Star-Advertiser. President Barack Obama and wife Michelle headed to one of their favorite Oahu restaurants for a date Wednesday night. Hawaii News Now. The cost of the First Family's holiday vacation in Hawaii continues to cause controversy. Hawaii News Now. Starting early next year, substitute teachers who do not have college degrees will no longer be allowed to work in Hawaii's public schools, a move that education officials said is aimed at complying with federal requirements. KITV4. Waikiki residents Gary Bradley and Paul Perry are among the scores of same-sex couples who are preparing to say "I do" under the state’s new civil unions law. KITV4. A third monk seal was found dead on Molokai Wednesday and officials at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are working to determine the cause of death. Civil Beat. A merger of the two divisions that manage state water and land resources is on the horizon, a Department of Land and Natural Resources official says. West Hawaii Today. The graying of the so-called baby boomer generation will soon trigger a tsunami-like demand for long-term care services that the state and its residents are not prepared for. Tribune-Herald. Hawai‘i is ranked No. 1 in the United States for investment in energy savings performance contracting (ESPC) for public buildings per capita, according to a ranking published by the Energy Services Coalition, a national nonprofit network working at the state and local level to increase energy efficiency through building upgrades. Hawaii Reporter. Last week, the U.S. Department of Education warned that Hawaii’s $75 million in Race to the Top educational funding was in jeopardy. Hawaii Independent. State roundup for Dec. 29. Associated Press. Oahu Veteran journalist and journalism educator John Heckathorn died Wednesday morning at Straub Clinic & Hospital after suffering a heart attack Christmas morning at his home in Kalama Valley. He was 65. Star-Advertiser. Former Honolulu Magazine editor, John Heckathorn, died on Wednesday morning after suffering a heart attack on Christmas. Hawaii News Now. Respected journalist and teacher John Heckathorn died this morning after suffering a heart attack on Christmas Day. KHON2. Hawaii Medical Center's Ewa hospital closed on Wednesday after transferring the last of its patients to its Liliha facility. Star-Advertiser. The massive sea-based X-Band Radar left Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Wednesday morning, but Navy officials would not disclose where it was headed. Pacific Business News. Hawaii Hilo marijuana minister Roger Christie has been held for 17 months without bail in the Honolulu Federal Detention Center. Civil Beat. Pahoa's Sacred Heart Church is teaming up with an internationally trained sculptor to create a one-of-a-kind statue of St. Damien DeVeuster to commemorate his Puna missionary work. Tribune-Herald . The Kailua-Kona Public Library will soon see its electric bill drop. West Hawaii Today. Maui Hale Makua Health Services is finalizing an application to the state Department of Health to turn a wing of its Wailuku facility into an adult residential care home. Maui News. Upwards of 30 protesters held signs along Dairy Road in Kahului today over a three hour period, in a demonstration against a nearby tenant for the sale of reef fish. Maui Now. Kauai The Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative board has yet to discuss how it will address the impending vacancy to be created in January by the departure of director Ben Sullivan. Garden Island. A new Professional Readiness Employment Program (PREP) Academy aims to help job seekers, particularly Native Hawaiians, with creative tools to improve their ability to find and keep good jobs. Garden Island.
Continue reading...Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Molokai blockade courtesy photo Molokai protesters and the operator of American Safari Cruises have agreed to a truce that will allow the tour boat company to resume its weekly visits to Molokai next month. Star-Advertiser. American Safari Cruises announced Tuesday that an agreement has been reached between the company, state and federal authorities and local groups so that the Safari Explorer will return to Molokai in January. Star-Advertiser. American Safari Cruises plans to resume regularly scheduled visits to Molokai on January 21, 2011. Maui Now. U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan Tuesday awarded $10.7 million to renew funding to Hawaii homeless programs. KHON2. Two-thirds of Hawaii public school teachers who responded to a recent union poll said they hold one or more outside jobs, and 41 percent of those earning supplemental incomes said they started working another job in the last one to three years. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii legislators are planning a complete overhaul of the state’s charter school system in the wake of “glaring concerns” about lack of accountability and even possible fraud at some schools. Hawaii Reporter. Inouye Still Brings Home The Bacon. Half a billion dollars going to military, APEC costs, East-West Center. Civil Beat. Norm Chow is poised to become the next University of Hawaii head football coach -- 16 years, two Heisman Trophy winners and two national titles after losing his first bid for the position. Star-Advertiser. Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s version of the Supplemental Budget for Fiscal Year 2013, submitted yesterday, requires an additional $35 million in general funds—overall changes included an increase of $119.9 million in spending in some areas and $85.9 million in savings in others. Hawaii Independent. The Keck Observatory was involved in what its director called a historic moment recently, helping confirm the discovery of two Earth-sized planets.
Continue reading...Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Lava entering the ocean, December 2011. Photo courtesy of the USGS. The ever changing lava activity on Hawaii’s Big Island creates news options for lava viewing. As reported last week , lava is flowing down the pali (hill) to the ocean. I want to provide an update of the various ways you can view this exciting lava activity. USGS lava flow map issued December 2011. Click on the image for a larger view. By Land You have two separate areas for lava viewing by land: - With lava flowing into the ocean just within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the park has created a beacon trail from the end of the Chain of Craters Road. This 9.7 mile round-trip hike is described as extreme due to the exceptionally uneven terrain over old lava flows. Visit this page to learn more about this hike. Note that you must pay a Hawaii Volcanoes National Park entrance fee of $10 per car. - Perhaps an easier way to view the lava activity is from the Hawaii County lava viewing area in Kalapana. This viewing area is free and open daily from 2pm to 10pm, with the last car entry at 8pm. You can access this area by driving to the end of Highway 130. Currently, from this viewing point, you can see lava flowing down the hill to the plain. Lava is visible within a short (less than one mile) hike. You can also see the plume produced from lava flowing into the ocean, though I don’t believe you can actually see lava entering the ocean. For more information call the lava viewing hotline number is 808-961-8093. For these land, please also see my tips for viewing the Big Island lava flow . By Air With the lava flow being so widespread at the moment, a helicopter tour provides a spectacular view. Most helicopter tours of the volcano depart from Hilo. If you’re staying on the Kona side of the Big Island, you can find helicopter tours of the volcano that depart from the west side – Blue Hawaiian is one that I know offers this service. Taking a helicopter tour is the quickest way to see the lava flow, though quite expensive at cost of nearly $400 or more per person. Lava pouring into the ocean. By Sea When lava is flowing into the ocean, the folks at Lava Ocean Adventures offer boat tours to get an up close view of the ocean entry without an exhausting hike. If you are prone to seasickness, you might want to skip this option as this tour can be quite a rocky ride. — With any option you choose for viewing the current Big Island lava activity, you’ll definitely have a thrilling experience.
Continue reading...Friday, December 16, 2011
Christmas in Maui will be filled with lots of aloha this year – with hula, Hawaiian music and delicious dining. Even Santa is scheduled to spend a good bit of time on Maui after he arrives by outrigger canoe. Here’s what’s on slate for 2011: MAUI CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES, SANTA ARRIVAL & DINING SANTA ARRIVES AT MALUAKA BEACH, MAKENA Saturday, December 24, 2011 Every year Santa comes to Makena, right before his biggest night of year. Join us on Maluaka Beach to welcome Santa to Makena. 10 a.m. Free Phone: (808) 874-1111 or visit www.makenaresortmaui.com SANTA ARRIVES AT THE FAIRMONT KEA LANI MAUI Saturday, December 24, 2011 Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves arrive Polo Beach via outrigger canoe to spread holiday cheer in South Maui. Bring your cameras for photos with Santa. 12 p.m. Free and open to Maui residents and hotel guests. Phone: (808) 875-2290, or email concierge.kealani@fairmont.com SANTA’S WORKSHOP AT HYATT REGENCY MAUI Saturday, December 24, 2011 Join Santa and his Elves for a special holiday event. Participate in holiday arts and crafts, games, prize giveaways and take pictures with Santa, while feasting on holiday cookies and punch. Personal cameras are welcome. 1 – 3 p.m. at Hyatt Regency Maui’s Umalu tent. Reservations not required. Phone: (808) 661-1234 SANTA WATCH AT HYATT REGENCY MAUI Saturday, December 24, 2011 The famed Tour of the Stars program will be featuring a “Santa Watch.” Astronomers will search the skies for jolly old Saint Nick. Shows at 8 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. Phone: (808) 661-1234 CHRISTMAS EVE BUFFET AT MAKENA BEACH & GOLF RESORT Saturday, December 24, 2011 Everyone knows that the Holidays mean lots of great food. The Christmas Evening Buffet starts with a spread that features traditional holiday favorites like sage and thyme basted roasted whole tom turkey served with traditional giblet gravy, cranberry relish and cornbread stuffing or try the spit roasted rosemary pommery leg of lamb. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets while feasting on this hearty holiday meal. 5:30 – 9 p.m. in Molokini Bar & Grille $60.00 per person, $45.00 per child (age 9-12), $30.00 per child (age 5-8) Rates exclusive of tax and gratuity For reservations or for more information call (808) 875-5888, email reservations@makenaresortmaui.com , or visit www.makenaresortmaui.com CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER BUFFET AT SHERATON MAUI RESORT & SPA Saturday, December 24, 2011 Share a view of Black Rock, reconnect with family and friends, and sink your teeth into an assortment of delicious options including bamboo shoot salad, Black Rock oysters and salt crusted baron of beef. 4 – 9 p.m. $63.00 per adult, $31.00 per child (age 6-12) Phone: (808) 921-4600 CHRISTMAS EVE AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA Saturday, December 24, 2011 A picture is worth a thousand words – so children of all ages are invited to stop by the Lobby to be photographed with Santa Claus! Guests will also enjoy festive entertainment including Hawaiian music, traditional hula dancing and a melodic trio. Photos from 4 – 8 p.m. Images available for purchase on-site or online. Entertainment from 4 – 11 p.m. Phone: (808) 669-6200 CHRISTMAS EVE DINNERS AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA Saturday, December 24, 2011 Savor the season with culinary delights at The Banyan Tree offering an a la carte menu, and The Terrace offering a pre-fixed menu of Mauka Makai (Surf & Turf). 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., with ambient entertainment $60.00 per person. Keiki menu free for children12 years and younger at the Terrace Restaurant, with each paying adult. Reservations recommended Phone: (808) 669-6200 CHRISTMAS EVE CHURCH SERVICES - Hope Chapel in Kihei – three separate services with 8pm candlelight service. See this link for details. - Calvary Chapel South Maui in Kihei – Christmas Eve service at 7pm. See this link for details. - Contact your concierge for more information on church services near your resort.
Continue reading...Sunday, December 11, 2011
Per YouTuber VolcanoDiscoveryHI , lava began entering the ocean on Friday, December 9 at 6:15pm and he was there to capture it with this video. (Email subscribers: click here to access the video . ) With lava flowing down the pali (hill) in rivers and lava entering the ocean, it’s an exciting time to be on Hawaii’s Big Island! If you’re going, make sure you check out my advice for viewing the Big Island lava flow . I also recommend you arrange a helicopter tour to the full perspective of how widespread the lava activity is. Lava rolling in to the ocean in the Kalapana area in March 2008.
Continue reading...
Monday, January 30, 2012
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