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Review: Courtyard King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel on Hawaii’s Big Island
The Courtyard King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua-Kona is set in a location fit for a king, literally. King Kamehameha the Great established one of his royal residences here. As you survey the site, you can see how these grounds would have been chosen with a naturally protected bay. Remains and reconstruction of this royal residence and heiau provide reminders of the site’s importance. (Read more about the history of the Courtyard King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel.) Courtyard King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel celebrates this place’s history with artifacts on display in the main corridor. There, they also have a large collection of museum-quality paintings by Herb Kane that depict historic moments and battles in Hawaii. Additionally, their onsite luau reenacts a royal court procession that may have taken place in this very spot. Location The Courtyard King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel is located in the northern end of the town of Kailua-Kona. The hotel overlooks lovely Kailua Bay. It’s near enough to all the lively action of Kona, but also not smack dab in the middle of it where parking becomes more of a challenge. Navigating in and out of the hotel’s parking lot to other parts of the island is very easy. That naturally protected bay that once helped sustain King Kamehameha and his people, now provides an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, stand up paddle boarding, and more. Kona Boys’ watersports hut is right on site to rent gear and provide lessons. The hotel is set on the only sandy beach in Kailua-Kona , that’s enjoyed by both visitors and locals. Rooms The rooms have been recently renovated and impressed us from the start. Though only a 3-star resort, we had a spacious oceanview king room that was nicer than some 4 and 5-star rooms we’ve had in Hawaii. The newly renovated rooms are confortable and well appointed with a large flat-screen TV, sitting area and room to spread out.
Continue reading...Horseback Riding in Waipio Valley with Na’alapa Stables
Thursday, January 12, 2012
A view Waipio Valley at the start of our decent I have to admit that I looked forward to the van ride down into Waipio Valley almost as much as the horseback ride. As we began our 25% grade (the equivalent of a 45 degree angle) decent, my heart started racing a bit. We were advised to open the van doors and not fasten our seat belts in case the van tumbled off the road, we’d be able to get out of the vehicle quicker. Gulp! My second-row view of this steep, winding road from the van window. Though thrilling, our van ride was uneventful, thankfully. Once we arrived at Na’alapa Stables, the heart rate returned to normal. The slow and steady pace on horseback provided just the right speed to soak in Waipio’s verdantly green valley. As I guided my horse on the dirt road and through several streams, I was able to admire the fertile farms and canopy of trees. I could visualize how this valley had once sustained thousands of Hawaiians centuries ago. Waipio Valley Taro Farm While in the valley, I could finally see the many pencil-thin waterfalls flowing down the valley walls. I had heard about them, but had never been able to see them from the lookouts above the valley. The most impressive waterfall seemed to be perfectly positioned in the middle of the valley and its height is at nearly 1300 feet. This Waipio Valley waterfall stretches nearly 1,300 feet. One of the most surprising things I saw in the valley was an abundance of wild horses. Though wild, they may have been wearing watches as they seemed to know the feeding time for the horses of Na’alapa Stables. They showed up to steal some nibbles promptly at lunch time. After thanking our horses for the gentle ride, we hopped back into the van for the vertical ride up out of the valley. That was one last adventure that completed the tour. We saw a few hikers that made the trek down and painfully steep climb back to the top. I feel like we got to see a lot more of the valley via horseback than if we’d hiked it. Certainly, this horseback riding tour is more time efficient than hiking it. We both enjoyed this slow paced view of Waipio Valley and definitely recommend this adventure as a great Hawaii vacation activity. What to know when you go: - Na’alapa Stables offers a morning and afternoon ride Monday – Saturday. We took the morning ride, which we liked, but I hear the afternoon ride is nice as well. - The nice staff will match your riding experience and skills with the horse. - Definitely pay attention to the instructions. The staff know the horses and their tendencies. Listen to their instructions that will keep you out of trouble. - The price is $88.54 which includes tax, but not gratuity. This tour is well priced for a 2.5 hour adventure! (There’s a shuttle-only service that’s $50 alone.) - Wear long pants and shoes with a covered toe that you wouldn’t mind getting wet. (I wore these shoes .) We crossed several streams. - I recommend bringing mosquito repellant to be on the safe side. Mosquitos love my blood, so I wore it and didn’t get bitten. Andy didn’t wear any repellant and didn’t get a single bite. - You might want to bring a bottle of water. - You can see all the photos we took from our Waipio Valley horseback riding adventure. Please bear in mind that it’s difficult to take a photo one-handed on a moving horse. - For more information and directions, see the Na’alapa Stables website . Mahalo to Na’alapa Stabels for sponsoring our tour. 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...Waikiki Beach Vacation W Air $1398
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Hawaii Travel Deals
Continue reading...What’s it like to drive the road to Hana?
Monday, January 9, 2012
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to drive the road to Hana , this video by GoHawaiiTV will give you an idea. The video shows the coast, the incredibly curvaceous road, fruit stands, a bamboo forest on the Pipiwai Trail , gardens and waterfalls. (Email subscribers: click here to access the video .) 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...Hawaii senators propose $500M stimulus plan, Native Hawaiians taking federal recogition into their own hands, teachers, governor strike deal, REAL ID…
Monday, January 9, 2012
Hawaiian protest (c) 2012 All Hawaii News Frustrated with a 10-year congressional fight to obtain federal recognition and form a nation-within-a-nation government, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs has decided to follow a path that has led several American Indian tribes to success. Civil Beat. State senators, looking to stimulate job creation and help lift the construction industry out of the doldrums, want to aggressively pursue as much as $500 million in bond-financed construction projects at public schools, hospitals and state buildings. Star-Advertiser. Now that the Hawaii Supreme Court has sent the state Reapportionment Commission back to the drawing board, former state Sen. Lorraine Inouye is positioning herself to run for what is likely to become the island's fourth Senate seat. West Hawaii Today. Hawaii's congressional candidates want your money, but most of them won't tell you exactly when and where they're asking for it. Civil Beat. In less than two months, all Hawaii residents who are applying for or renewing a driver's license must bring documents that establish their legal presence in the state. Tribune-Herald. The 2010 census showed Filipinos have overtaken Japanese as the second largest ethnic group in Hawai’i, behind Caucasians. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii's tourism officials are supporting federal legislation that could increase the number of Chinese and Canadian visitors to the U.S. Hawaii News Now. The State of Hawaii and the Hawaii State Teachers Association have reached a tentative agreement Friday, ending a dispute that threatened federal funding for Hawaii's schools and spurred legal action from the teacher's union. KITV4. Lynn Heirakuji has stepped in as the vice-chair of the Hawaii Interagency Council on Homelessness, filling a seat vacated on Friday by Marc Alexander the former state coordinator on the homeless. Pacific Business News. Hawaiian monk seal deaths are coming as the federal government steps up its efforts to protect the seals, leading to simmering resentment among some fishermen who fear new regulations will trample upon their right to fish. Associated Press. Some positive economic numbers from the state's largest bank show an overall increase in business spending from last year. KITV4. State roundup for January 9. Associated Press. Oahu In a curious postscript to a high-profile city contracting dispute, state records show that two of the three companies vying for a contract to produce rail cars for the Honolulu rail project responded to a request for proposals before the companies were licensed as Hawaii contractors. Star-Advertiser. A handful of teachers in Hawaii are using a new service that allows them to blast a text message to parents, who can then text back. Star-Advertiser. Occupy Honolulu Asked Mayor for Immunity From Sidewalk Belongings Ban. Civil Beat. A University of Hawaii research vessel that called for Coast Guard assistance when it began taking on water some 60 miles off Oahu returned safely to port Saturday. Hawaii News Now. More than 6,000 farmers and ranchers from across the nation are in Honolulu for the annual American Farm Bureau Federation meeting at the Hawaii Convention Center. KHON2. Hawaii Some Kohala residents attempted to light a fire under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to request funding and implement an action plan that solves the silt and sedimentation problems inside Pelekane Bay. West Hawaii Today. Hawaii Electric Light Co. said Friday that it hopes to add up to 50 megawatts of geothermal energy on the Big Island. Pacific Business News. Improper chemical storage has caused safety and health threats at Big Island schools, say local hazardous waste experts seeking to increase awareness of the dangers. Tribune-Herald. Maui Ocean safety advocates are renewing calls for the state to replace missing swim-zone buoys off Kaanapali, saying the recent death of a man at Canoe Beach shows the increasing danger of collisions between boats and swimmers. Maui News. A Hana-based spiritual center could expand to receive overnight guests, under a proposal that received the support of the Maui County Council's Land Use Committee on Wednesday. Maui News. Supporters were ecstatic last Thursday when the Maui County Council members voted unanimously to ban alcohol at Kalama Park and Cove Park in Kihei. Maui Now. Kauai Veteran Kaua‘i broadcast journalist William Gordon “Bill” Dahle, who was called “the Walter Cronkite of radio news” on the island, died at his home in Kalaheo Saturday. Garden Island.
Continue reading...New quarter to feature volcano, Hawaii’s homeless chief resigns amid allegations, revenue forecast lowered, Honolulu Council seeks water authority,…
Friday, January 6, 2012
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
Continue reading...Hawaii reapportionment unconstitutional, state awaits revenue forecast, people killing monk seals, teachers union dispute jeopardizing $75M grant,…
Thursday, January 5, 2012
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
Continue reading...Fun Ocean Adventures with Kona Boys
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...Things To Do – Kauai
Thursday, December 29, 2011
The island of Kauai is the oldest in the Hawaiian
Continue reading...Gov. Abercrombie too dizzy to greet Obama, blocks of Waikiki set for demolition, Hawaii pension plan overtaxed by OT, Hawaii County councilman leaves…
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Humpback whale NOAA courtesy photo Humpback whale aficionados have an opportunity to help scientists keep tabs on a growing population in the nation's primary mating and calving grounds. West Hawaii Today. President Barack Obama and his family spent a warm and sunny Tuesday afternoon at one of the most popular snorkeling spots on Oahu, where they released four green sea turtles into the water. Associated Press. Some Americans are bothered by President Barack Obama's decision to take a million-dollar vacation to Hawaii during these tough economic times. Hawaii News Now. Gov. Neil Abercrombie suffered from dizziness on Friday, preventing him from greeting President Barack Obama when he arrived in Honolulu. KITV4. Abercrombie's First Year, According To Abercrombie. Civil Beat. Some 100 Hawaii clergy and other potential officiants have learned how to obtain online licenses to perform civil unions beginning just after midnight Sunday, offering a hint of the potential scope of civil unions in the islands. Star-Advertiser. Shortly after the stroke of midnight on New Year's Day, Gary Bradley and Paul Perry will be among the first couples in the state to enter into civil unions as soon as a Hawaii law goes into effect. Tribune-Herald. Trustees of Hawaii's public pension system are finalizing proposed legislation aimed at preventing employees from "spiking" their pay to dramatically boost retirement benefits. Civil Beat. Hawai`i’s Filipino Cultural Center is the largest of its kind outside of the Philippines. Filcom is organizing statewide donations through three banks in Hawai`i to help provide disaster relief to typhoon survivors. Hawaii Public Radio. The Professional and Vocational Licensing Branch will hold extended hours on Dec. 29 and Dec. 30 to accommodate those needing to renew their licenses before the end of the year. KHON2. State roundup for Dec. 28. Associated Press. Oahu The International Market Place, Waikiki Town Center and the Miramar at Waikiki Hotel will be demolished and redeveloped into a new three-level retail, dining and entertainment center beginning in 2013 — a long-awaited project expected to cost up to $300 million and revitalize an aging but iconic six-acre block in Hawaii’s main tourist hub. Pacific Business News. A highly restrictive fireworks law has put a damper on the first New Year's Eve -- traditionally Hawaii's biggest annual fireworks celebration -- under the new city ordinance, say fireworks shoppers. Star-Advertiser. The closure of two Oahu hospitals is having a ripple effect on the medical community. KITV4. City Not Rushing To Implement "Sidewalk Law". KITV4. Hawaii A "rare treasure" of Hawaii island property containing spring-fed pools connected to Kiholo Bay in North Kona has been donated to The Nature Conservancy by the son of hairstyling company founder Paul Mitchell. Star-Advertiser. The heir to a hairstyling and hair-care products dynasty has donated seven acres of land on the North Kona Coast to The Nature Conservancy. Tribune-Herald. A Hawaii resident best known for manufacturing hair care products has donated seven acres of land on the North Kona Coast to the Nature Conservancy. KHON2. Hawaii County Council meetings will not be held at the West Hawaii Civic Center until contractors make long-overdue fixes, Council Chairman Dominic Yagong said Tuesday. West Hawaii Today. North Kona Councilman Angel Pilago headed home Tuesday, after spending two days hospitalized on Oahu. West Hawaii Today. The state is considering appealing a Big Island judge’s recent decision to allow a project in South Kohala to move forward. Civil Beat. Maui Maui residents are not holding back on spending money on fireworks for New Year's Eve. Maui News. The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has awarded more than two dozen homesteads to Native Hawaiian families. Maui News. A 45-day public comment period has started on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement filed for the proposed Kihei High School in South Maui. Maui Now. The state is proposing the construction of an enclosure fence around approximately 2,350 acres of native remnant koa forest on the Leeward side of Haleakala. Maui Now. Kauai A civil complaint against the Kaua‘i County Council brought by two of its council members was dismissed in 5th Circuit Court on Tuesday. Garden Island. The last of the “five side-men” is leaving the Kaua‘i Police Commission. Garden Island.
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Tuesday, January 17, 2012
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