by mxkauai on May 18, 2012
Oahu is one of the most visited islands, especially for first-time guests. Travelers seeking a vacation beyond the conventional sights of Oahu can discover new places to explore. Oahu is known for surfing, Pearl Harbor, a multitude of beaches, fine shopping and tons of heritage sites. Foodies will find that the regional cuisine is celebrated at both casual and upscale eateries throughout Oahu. Visitors to Oahu will find menus from acclaimed chefs, plenty of farm to table experiences and an abundance of fresh foods throughout the island.
Innovative menus, a melding of cuisines and a bounty of Oahu’s freshest and island-grown foods are served by Chefs George Mavrothalassitis, Alan Wong, Roy Yamaguchi and Sam Choy, among others. If you can swing it, plan your trip in early September to include the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, a four day food extravaganza.
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by mxkauai on April 28, 2012
Authentic, farm-to-table and original are a few phrases travelers mention when asked about their itinerary preferences. Maui is where you’ll find championship golf, world-class spas and plentiful outdoor activities on land and sea. The places to visit in between include coffee farms, farmers’ markets and other places for food and product tours.
Check out the coffee and protea farm tours at Shim Farm. You’ll find fruits and vegetables too, plus a chance to experience Chinatown in rural Kula. Lahaina Family Farms offers an opportunity to taste and sample and the farmers’ markets are filled with fresh catch, fruits, vegetables and handcrafted items to enjoy while visiting or to take home. Maui Tropical Plantation offers a tram tour of approximately 40 minutes. See everything from plumeria to papaya and coconuts to sugarcane on a guided tour in Wailuku. You can easily taste a variety of food made or grown on the island and ship some items home too. Find time to take home (back to your vacation rental), a fresh pineapple from the pineapple tour in Hali’imaile. If you’re looking for additional tours for families, check out Surfing Goat Dairy for food tours (dairy or barbecue), pick up gourmet goat cheese truffles and other items and learn about the island goats.
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by mxkauai on April 27, 2012
The culture of the Big Island, while it emanates in various ways throughout your visit, is worth a bit of focused exploration. Petroglyphs (kii pohaku) and paniolo are two of Hawaii’s treasured assets giving a glimpse of authentic experiences and island heritage. Dig into the past in a captivating setting and Big Island has a few places to see petroglyphs. History etched onto lava rock, these lasting images were among the first to capture and record Big Island life.
The Puako Petroglyph Archeological Preserve is excellent for a family adventure exploring and learning among hundreds of petroglyphs. If hundreds are not enough, try Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for 23,000 petroglyphs, which is quite an experience via a half-mile hike (guided or self-guided). Anaehoomalu Petroglyph Field and Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park are additional places to find petroglyphs.
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by mxkauai on April 26, 2012
Earth Day and “being green” are certainly important and celebrated with promotions and events each year, but in Hawaii, it’s a lifestyle. Ecotourism is exploring nature, responsibly, while improving the well-being of local people. It’s easily accomplished on Kauai, notably known as the Garden Isle. Further than improving the well-being of local people, it can enhance and enliven the spirit of all who visit.
Exploring gardens, taro fields, whale watching and hiking are excellent ecotourism activities. Teach children early about the island’s beauty and visit Na Aina Kai for the hikes, guided tours or seasonal bird tours. A clear and soft blue sky frames the waterfall, wild forest garden, orchid house, Japanese tea house, and other facets of this ecotourism experience at Na Aina Kai.Taro fields off Hwy 560 are not part of an organized tour or trail, making them all the more alluring for a visit. Grids, squares or whimsically referred as a quilt, these evergreen patches of land draw visitors, whether they’re driving by or take time to pull off the side of the road. Some travelers find that architecture speaks to them of the history and heritage of a location. Kauai’s liquid-soaked taro fields provide a glimpse of its past and its current green assets.
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by mxkauai on March 20, 2012
Scenic Views
Some of Maui’s best views take you on a scenic journey of gardens, lava rocks, jagged coastlines, red soil, waterfalls and craters. Whether you drive, hike or fly over some of these views, you’ll take time to take plenty of photos, which is important. Maui’s most treasured views will make you stop and appreciate the moment, the location and the rare beauty of everything in your line of sight, from blade of glass to ripple of water.
The road to Hana is on every must-see list in Maui guidebooks. The views are continuously incredible. Around the bend, you’ll see forest areas, cliffs, bridges, waterfalls and seemingly remote sacred spots. While you hear a good bit about the curvy paths and winding turns, on the road to Hana, you’ll find a special view of your own that will differ from just about every person you talk with and accompany that day. Travel back from Hana on the Piilani Highway (State Highway 31) between Ulupalakua and Kipahulu, for more pathways filled with scenic adventures of moss, cliffs and coastline.
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by mxkauai on March 14, 2012
After catching some scorching rays on the beach, travelers seek indoor activities for some relief in a cool, dark place. Watch a fun flick on Oahu, with a silver screen escape in some of the island’s best movie theatres. Families, kids especially, find familiarity while on vacation helps them enjoy their temporary surroundings as well as entertained.
Movie Theaters
Oahu is home to beaches, culture, surfing and a world-class array of sights to explore the Hawaiian heritage. Escape when it’s rainy, nighttime or to hide a bit from the sunburn and catch a flick at some of the most comfortable movie theaters on the island. Regal Pearl Highlands Stadium 12 in Pearl City offers the latest movies; grab lunch beforehand and then indulge in some not-so-healthy snacks for a couple hours. A supermarket is nearby so if you’re going to sneak snacks, you can buy them cheaper here. Sharkey Theater is a local place and if you’re on a budget, this theater is a good pick. They take cash only and if you’re military, there’s a discount. The movies are not the latest but it’s a good place to watch that movie you missed in the theaters by just a few weeks that may not be available on DVD just yet. Consolidated Theatres has locations in both Mililani and Aiea, so you can plan a shopping excursion at the mall. Regal Entertainment Group has locations in Kaneohe and Honolulu too. Join the Regal Crown Club if you’re not already a member for freebies and discounts at the concession stand.
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by mxkauai on March 6, 2012
Kauai’s gorgeous contrasts of land and sea often make it a top choice for first-time guests to Oahu who are seeking a secondary island visit. The visitors who already know of the Garden Isle’s scenery find that a vacation rental here serves as a sanctuary and base for adventurous excursions. Kauai gives its guests an opportunity to discover outdoor splendor, much of which is hidden. Green lands, captivating sunsets, rich red soil, native birds flying overhead and the cliffs atop bold mountain landscapes create the paths that hikers seek, with a rewarding finish in Kauai’s waterfalls.
Opaekaa Falls
A good start for gentle family hikes, Opaekaa Falls is a photo site and a place to wander a bit. You might walk around and see some chickens gathering along the side of the road on the red dirt. The 150’ overlook is a scene year-round and the falls replicate a sense of rolling shrimp (Hawaiian words: opae for shrimp and ka’a for rolling). Walk toward the lookout over the Wailea River Valley and you’ll find scenes from films, including Outbreak, Jurassic Park and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Explore the East Side of Kauai with a hike around Opaekaa Falls area, culminating in a pre-packed gourmet lunch at one of the picnic tables.
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by mxkauai on February 29, 2012
Destination weddings can be a great deal of fun, for the bridal party, wedding guests, family and friends. Beach destinations are often the top of the list of choices and while all of the Hawaiian islands are great options, many brides select Kauai. The wildly romantic scenery, the deep greens in the landscapes, tropical flowers and waterfalls throughout the island set the tone for weddings.
Kauai has always been a favorite for first-time and return guests, and is also one that many visitors choose as a second island to explore when they plan on a trip to Oahu. The four shores, easily designated by four directions, and each with its own features also makes this, the Garden Isle, a multi-faceted visit. Kauai’s areas to see by land on by car or by bicycle are only a smattering of the island’s vast hidden spots that guests should plan on exploring. Discovering those areas are genuine and rare experiences for the traveler who seeks more than a checking out a luau and a few waterfalls. The romance and adventure are visible by boat, airplane or by hiking trails.
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by mxkauai on February 28, 2012
The Hawaiian islands are known for Oahu’s North Shore, Kauai’s picturesque gardens and Maui’s golf. Big Island sometimes gets a visit from travelers returning to the islands, but not always the first time guests. Maybe it’s the overwhelming factor or because it’s the largest (and still expanding) of the islands. Lonely Planet recently recognized the Top 10 US Travel Destinations for 2012 and Big Island was among the locations considered new, interesting and possibly overlooked.
Exploration of the ecosystems, multiple national landmarks, lava formations throughout the island and plentiful waterfalls greet guests daily upon venturing outside. Gardens, Hawaiian heritage, regional cuisine and scenic hiking trails are additional items to add to the itinerary. Find time to spend a full day at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage and World Biosphere Site.
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