Ways to Save While in Hawaii

As I mentioned in a previous blog finding travel deals to Hawaii is a challenge. But it’s not nearly as difficult as finding bargains while you are in the Aloha State, which is why the following deals are so noteworthy. From now through the end of the year (December 31, 2008) you can take advantage of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa’s new Golf & Spa Escape Package. The luxurious beachfront resort sits in the heart of Waikiki (on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu) and is within walking distance of first-rate shops, restaurants, and other popular Honolulu attractions. … Continue reading

Tickets to Paradise on the Rise

I have got to stop looking at airline rates to Hawaii. Doing so just depresses me. But I just can’t seem to help myself. I’ve subscribed to several travel sites that automatically send me updates on ticket prices for the dates that I am planning to travel home… and the news is not good. With record-breaking fuel prices and the recent demise of several carriers servicing the islands things are not looking sunny for my trip to the “Aloha State.” What’s more, from now until at least September, airlines have scheduled 14% fewer seats than last year between the mainland … Continue reading

Getting Married in Hawaii

I got married in Hawaii because it was where I was born and raised so my wedding planning was a bit different than a bride who plans to use the island paradise as the site for a destination wedding. Still, money is a factor no matter when, where or why you are getting hitched in Hawaii, which is why I thought this next travel deal was worth mentioning. It is called the Bliss Wedding Celebration and is being offered by the Lodge at Molokai Ranch. Prince Kapuaiwa, the future King Kamehameha V, founded the historic property more than a century … Continue reading

Island Hopping in Hawaii

Mother Nature has not entered 2008 peacefully. As I write this my aunt and uncle in Lake Tahoe, California are dealing with blizzard-like conditions. Meanwhile, in Miami, Florida residents there are dealing with record low temperatures the likes of which they haven’t seen in more than five years. And here in the Midwest portion of the United States we are under severe fog alerts. (The fog is so thick here I can’t see the end of the driveway.) With all this inclement weather who wouldn’t want to escape to the always balmy and beautiful Hawaii? If the rotten weather has … Continue reading

New Year’s Deals in Paradise

There’s nothing like ushering in a new year amidst the cobalt-blue waters of the Pacific. And if you are lucky enough to welcome 2008 along the sun-kissed shores of the Hawaiian Islands you’ll have another reason to celebrate—various attractions and resorts around the state are offering money-saving package deals. OAHU If you are looking for an unforgettable place to bid adieu to 2007 consider booking a seat on the Star of Honolulu, which sets sail New Year’s Eve for a celebration at sea. The New Year’s Eve cruise provides spectacular views of the fireworks at Aloha Tower Marketplace and along … Continue reading

Cruising the Pacific on a Ribcraft and a Scrapbooker’s Hawaiian Paradise

Never been on a Ribcraft? Never heard of a Ribcraft? Then head to the Big Island of Hawaii and find out what the locals and tourists are raving about. The Ribcraft or Rigid Inflatable Boat is all the rage in the Islands right now. In fact, the Kona Village Resort just hired a company to custom make one of the 27-foot vessels specifically for their guests. The boat includes seating for about 20 and currently provides access to nearly two dozen nearby dive sites, offshore snorkeling excursions, sunset cruises and seasonal humpback whale watching treks. The Ribcraft is equipped with … Continue reading

Old Fashioned Hawaiian Holiday

I know we haven’t even eaten our way through Thanksgiving yet, but it’s no secret most people already have their holiday travel plans set in stone. If you are one of the lucky ones who plan to spend the holidays in paradise you may to add the following traditional Hawaiian Christmas event to your to-do list. This year on the Big Island of Hawaii the H.N. Greenwell Store is set to revive some local holiday customs during a series of special events called “An English Christmas in the Hawaiian Kingdom.” Henry Nicholas (H.N.) built the 1,000-square-foot structure located in Kealakekua … Continue reading

More Hot Hawaiian Travel Deals

It’s the tropical resort where ABC’s first “Bachelor” wooed one of his “potential wives.” Things didn’t work out for bachelor Alex (it didn’t help that he spent much of his time in paradise battling a stomach virus), but the romantic setting at the Kona Village Resort (located in Kona, Hawaii on the western portion of the Big Island) could do wonders for your love life. What’s more, for a limited time the opportunity to rekindle a romance or help fan the flames of a new one is being offered at an affordable rate. From now until December 21, 2007 the … Continue reading

Hawaii’s Glass-Bottom Boat Tours

Hawaii is known for having some of the best conditions for snorkeling, SCUBA diving and snuba diving. Near my home on the Big Island of Hawaii the waters are crystal clear and the skies are almost always cloud-free. When the conditions are excellent, underwater visibility can reach 120 feet, which, of course, provides unprecedented viewing of coral reefs that teem with bright tropical fish and other colorful marine life. In previous blogs I mentioned how you can take advantage of the many professional snorkeling tours the island has to offer, but what if you would love to look at fish, … Continue reading

Visiting Hawaii—Where To Go

I was born and raised in Hawaii, but moved to the “mainland” shortly after graduating from high school. I moved back to Honolulu for a brief period in the late 90s, but eventually moved back to the Midwest to accept a new job position, and have remained here ever since. Regardless of where I move or how long I have been gone, Hawaii is always HOME, and I try to get back as much as possible. I just returned from Oahu five days ago and am so homesick (especially since I left 80 degrees temps—it’s 5 degrees in the city … Continue reading