Tag Archives: Maui

More Fun Spring Festivals for Families

Ready for a spring fling? With the economy in the dumpster most families have a tight grip on their budgets. However, this doesn’t mean you have to skip out on a much-needed spring break. Rather than jet off to an overpriced resort, consider sticking closer to home and visiting one of the dozens of unique spring festivals being offered from coast-to-coast, most of which are free or exceedingly affordable: WASHINGTON Who says you have to fly thousands of miles to view flowering tulips this spring? Instead of jetting off to the Netherlands, consider traveling to Skagit Valley, Washington. Located between … Continue reading →

More Ways to Save in Hawaii

Now that you know how to save money on your flight to Hawaii, here are some deals that you can snag once you arrive in the Aloha State: If you have always dreamed of visiting the Hawaiian Island of Maui consider taking advantage of the Kapalua Villas’ “staycation.” The package deal is priced at $999 for two adults and includes the following: Roundtrip travel from Honolulu to Maui onboard Hawaii’s new Superferry (you’ll get passage for two adults and one vehicle), 2-nights accommodations at the Kapalua Villas, plus a complimentary choice of activity for each guest—-choose from a golf lesson … 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 →

Last Minute Travel Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

Forget about the sirloin steak dinner and singing greeting card. Ditch your desire to shower her with coffee mugs and candy. According to a recent online poll, what most moms want this Mother’s Day is a relaxing trip to a far off destination (supposedly far, far away from that sink full of dirty dishes and the piles of soiled laundry overflowing from the bathroom hamper). Personally, I would settle for a day off from kitchen duties. So the verdict is in: moms the world over are looking for adventure on the high seas, excitement in the air, and fun in … Continue reading →

“Maui No Kai Oi”

In Hawaiian “Maui No Kai Oi” means Maui is No. 1 or “the best.” But these days the popular saying is being used more in relation to the island’s gas prices than its breathtaking views from sugary white sand beaches. Living in paradise comes with a price and my family members (some of who live on the Valley Isle) can tell you that traveling around the Hawaiian Island of Maui is costing them a fortune. According to AAA, Maui is now home to the most expensive gas prices in the nation. A gallon of regular unleaded there has hit the … Continue reading →

Hawaii’s Value Season

I recently received a question from a reader who asked: “When is the cheapest time to visit Hawaii?” I was born and raised in the 50th State and have spent the last 20 years flying back and forth from the “mainland” to my family’s home on the Big Island and I can honestly say the most affordable month to travel to Hawaii is May. With September, April, October, and February following in that order. May is when the airlines and many hotels and resorts in Hawaii roll out their best deals. I once got a roundtrip non-stop flight from Minneapolis … Continue reading →

Girls-Only Getaway to Paradise

The day I gave birth to my daughter was the day I bid farewell to girls-only vacations. (Unless, of course, you count our mother-daughter trips to visit grandma and grandpa in Hawaii as girls-only getaways.) At this point in my life I can’t imagine jetting off to a tropical locale (not even my hometown of Hilo) with a group of gal pals for some much needed R&R. Still, I must admit, the travel packages designed for women-only, which are constantly being advertised on the Travel Channel are enticing. The one I found most appealing is being offered by Maui’s upscale … Continue reading →

Affordable Accommodations in Hawaii

It might sound hard to believe considering a mere ticket to paradise can often cause serious damage to your credit score, but there are ways to save on lodging expenses when visiting the Aloha State. Okay, so it might not be as cheap as staying with your parents in their oceanfront home, but the following options are worth checking out: OAHU Home to Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, and the world famous North Shore, Oahu is quintessential Hawaii and the most populated (See: crowded) of all the Hawaiian Islands. To save money stay away from pricey Waikiki and head to the Manoa … Continue reading →

Maui Wowie Travel Deals

I grew up in Hawaii, but even I still have yet to visit all of the Valley Isle’s world-class attractions. Maui may not be the largest island in the state, but it certainly has a lot to offer. If you have always dreamed of taking a tropical vacation in paradise, but didn’t have the means to fund a trip, now might be your lucky break. The Kapalua Villas just unveiled six new travel packages for those planning to visit Maui between April 1 and December 19th. Each specially-themed package offers savings of at least 40% off rack rates. Take a … Continue reading →

Hot Hawaiian Happenings

If the latest round of winter weather has inspired you to book a ticket to Hawaii then you are in luck. The state is gearing up to host a bevy of family friendly events from the Pro Bowl to a massive underwater celebration. Now is also a great time to take advantage of some spectacular deals featuring some of Hawaii’s greatest natural resources. The first deal is a Tri-Park pass that allows visitors to explore the natural wonders on the Big Island of Hawaii and Maui. For $25 your pass will get you into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (which is … Continue reading →