Tag Archive | "visit-hawaii"
Hawaiian Vanilla Farm Tour & Lunch
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...Aloha Friday Photo: Banzai Pipeline
Friday, February 3, 2012
Mahalo to Lisa Eichinger for sharing her photo of Ehukai Beach Park . This North Shore Oahu spot is where the famous Banzai Pipeline surfing spot is. For such a popular beach park, notice how pristine and peaceful this beach looks. Lisa definitely found a beautiful scene to share with us. 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...Taking a Historical Sunset Cruise on the Kona Coast with Body Glove Hawaii
Monday, January 30, 2012
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...Celebrating 2 Years of Aloha Friday Photos
Friday, January 27, 2012
Aloha Friday Photo shared by Dave on October 22, 2010 Today marks our second year of Aloha Friday Photos on Go Visit Hawaii. Can you believe it? It’s my honor and pleasure to share your Hawaii vacation photos each Friday. You capture great photos, but more than that, you also share your memories that transport us back to Hawaii with a smile. Many thanks for sharing two years worth of photos with us. Keep’em comin’! If you’ve not yet shared a photo, see how to submit yours for Aloha Friday Photos . © 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...Aloha Friday Photo: Black Sand Beach Near Hana
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...Chairadise Found at Hilton Waikoloa Village
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Though we’re right smack dab in the middle of Winter, let’s take a seat in this sunny chairadise at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii’s Big Island. Who’s the lucky person you’d have sitting beside of you? 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...Off the Road to Hana: Alau Island
Monday, January 16, 2012
Near Hana, you’ll find an island that will probably peak your curiosity – Alua Island. This island seems to appear out of nowhere, but what surprises me most is that there’s palm trees growing on top. For years, I had wondered how those palm trees were established. I finally got my question answered as I was on a horseback ride included in my stay at Travaasa Hana . Lifelong Hana resident Jolynn from Hana Ranch told us that her grandfather and his friends swam out to Alau Island and planted the coconut trees decades ago. Alau Island is located several hundred yards off the Maui coast just beyond the central part of the town of Hana. To get a great view of Alau Island, turn off of Hana Highway (also known as the Road to Hana ) on to Haneoo Road which will loop back around to the Hana Highway. See this Google Map for a detailed view . © 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...Off the Road to Hana: Alau Island
Monday, January 16, 2012
Near Hana, you’ll find an island that will probably peak your curiosity – Alua Island. This island seems to appear out of nowhere, but what surprises me most is that there’s palm trees growing on top. For years, I had wondered how those palm trees were established. I finally got my question answered as I was on a horseback ride included in my stay at Travaasa Hana . Lifelong Hana resident Jolynn from Hana Ranch told us that her grandfather and his friends swam out to Alau Island and planted the coconut trees decades ago. Alau Island is located several hundred yards off the Maui coast just beyond the central part of the town of Hana. To get a great view of Alau Island, turn off of Hana Highway (also known as the Road to Hana ) on to Haneoo Road which will loop back around to the Hana Highway. See this Google Map for a detailed view . © 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...Aloha Friday Photo: Wonderful Waikiki Sunset Sky Edition
Friday, January 13, 2012
What a beautiful sunset photo captured by Kathy Reeves after Friday night fireworks on Waikiki Beach . The colors of this sunset sky are simply amazing. I love scanning the transition of colors from purple and pink to peach Mahalo to Kathy for sharing her photo with us for Aloha Friday! © 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...Aloha Friday Photo: Wonderful Waikiki Sunset Sky Edition
Friday, January 13, 2012
What a beautiful sunset photo captured by Kathy Reeves after Friday night fireworks on Waikiki Beach . The colors of this sunset sky are simply amazing. I love scanning the transition of colors from purple and pink to peach Mahalo to Kathy for sharing her photo with us for Aloha Friday! © 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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Monday, February 6, 2012
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