Hawaii Vacation Connection

If you're traveling to Hawaii in the near future and don't know what know what foods you must try.......... you're in luck!! On today's podcast I go over my top 10 foods you should try on your Hawaii vacation.  From Loco Moco to Malasada's I cover all the favorite Hawaiian foods that can be found on any one of the Hawaiian Islands. Some I'm sure you've heard about and others you may be reluctant to sample but either way,  I'm sure you'll be hungry for Hawaii even more after the show. I share some of my favorites,  but there is so much more to savor and taste when you come here, so this is just the begining! Hawaii has an eclectic mix of flavors which you're sure to enjoy!  What's interesting about the food from Hawaii is that a lot of them are fusions from other countries.  Each culture brings it's own flavors and tastes. While they may not be native to Hawaii,  they are certainly part of the culture and the food experience if you're going to be visiting here.  If you are reluctant to try them don't be! Put your food bias aside and try some new favor. If I missed a food that your curious about please share it with me here and also visit our website Hawaii Aloha Travel  for more information about Hawaii and also it's food and fun.

Ever since Mark Twain’s famous journey to Hawaii in 1866 as a correspondent for the Sacramento Union, the Kilauea lava flow has been attracting visitors from around the world. And for good reason. This is Mother Nature at her rawest and Madam Pele made visible in all of her fiery glory. There are few earthly spectacles as compelling as a volcanic eruption. It is creation and destruction at once. Under certain conditions, lava pours dramatically into the churning surf at land’s end. Or lights up the night sky over the Halemaumau Crater. There are a few ways to see the lava, depending on current conditions of the flow that began way back in 1983. And a trip to the Hawaii Volcanoes Observatory and Halemaumau Crater will take you through vast fields of young lava, a desert of forbidding new rock. The first thing to know about viewing the lava is that conditions are changing constantly. You really have to contact the National Volcanoes Observatory to find out what’s the status with the Crater Rim Drive, the Chain of Craters Road and the nearby hiking trails. Right now, parts of some roads are closed and others are open to foot traffic only. Their observatory’s website is updated daily with changes in conditions, road and hiking restrictions, and sulfur dioxide levels. There are lava lakes at the Pu’u O’o Crater and at the Halemaumau Crater. It’s important to know that viewing the Kilauea lava flow takes planning. It’s not as though you can drive right up, take out your camera and film slowly creeping lava. To plan your trip to see the lava on the Big Island, there are a few agencies to check with first for current conditions. The US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website is the best place to start, but you’ll want to check with the Kilauea Visitors Center when making the trip to Volcanoes National Park. They’re open daily from 9am – 5pm, and there are park rangers on hand to answer questions and let know anything you need to view the lava. And of course we can help you get there.

Ever since Mark Twain’s famous journey to Hawaii in 1866 as a correspondent for the Sacramento Union, the Kilauea lava flow has been attracting visitors from around the world. And for good reason. This is Mother Nature at her rawest and Madam Pele made visible in all of her fiery glory. There are few earthly spectacles as compelling as a volcanic eruption. It is creation and destruction at once. Under certain conditions, lava pours dramatically into the churning surf at land’s end. Or lights up the night sky over the Halemaumau Crater. There are a few ways to see the lava, depending on current conditions of the flow that began way back in 1983. And a trip to the Hawaii Volcanoes Observatory and Halemaumau Crater will take you through vast fields of young lava, a desert of forbidding new rock. The first thing to know about viewing the lava is that conditions are changing constantly. You really have to contact the National Volcanoes Observatory to find out what’s the status with the Crater Rim Drive, the Chain of Craters Road and the nearby hiking trails. Right now, parts of some roads are closed and others are open to foot traffic only. Their observatory’s website is updated daily with changes in conditions, road and hiking restrictions, and sulfur dioxide levels. There are lava lakes at the Pu’u O’o Crater and at the Halemaumau Crater. It’s important to know that viewing the Kilauea lava flow takes planning. It’s not as though you can drive right up, take out your camera and film slowly creeping lava. To plan your trip to see the lava on the Big Island, there are a few agencies to check with first for current conditions. The US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website is the best place to start, but you’ll want to check with the Kilauea Visitors Center when making the trip to Volcanoes National Park. They’re open daily from 9am – 5pm, and there are park rangers on hand to answer questions and let know anything you need to view the lava. And of course we can help you get there.

It’s not all about luaus and hula when it comes to entertainment in Hawaii. There’s a long list of staged productions on Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kauai that feature song and dance, comedy, acrobatics, and magic; all of the kinds of things you’d expect in a Las Vegas showroom. Of course, themes of […]

It’s not all about luaus and hula when it comes to entertainment in Hawaii. There’s a long list of staged productions on Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kauai that feature song and dance, comedy, acrobatics, and magic; all of the kinds of things you’d expect in a Las Vegas showroom. Of course, themes of Hawaiiana are going to feature in just about any staged production catering to Hawaii visitors. But the level of sophistication and worldliness in a lot of Hawaii’s showrooms far exceed the limits of the grass skirts and palm trees trope. So beyond the dozens of industrially catered, plastic leis luaus that are common all over the state, there are some very popular Las Vegas and Broadway type shows visitors can choose from to enjoy big production entertainment. All of these venues have spent millions on their showrooms, lighting and sound, and everything else that goes into blockbuster live entertainment. This is Hawaii, so elements of Hawaii’s history and culture are going to color any major showroom production, but there are some really great options right here that would deliver world-class entertainment in any showroom anywhere.  

If you think Hawaii hotels rates are high, think again, because we're actually CHEAPER when you're talking about how they compare to other similar destinations. l will  concede that room rates in Hawaii are about double the national average, but there is at least one simple explanation for that disparity. There are a whole lot more crummy hotels on the mainland without the exacting standards of the many branded hotels we enjoy here in Hawaii. I mean, you just can’t compare a Best Western in Wichita to the Royal Hawaiian. The sheer number of lesser properties on the mainland drives that national room rate average way down. As with any industry, it’s all about supply and demand. In Hawaii, that translates into hotel occupancy numbers. In Hawaii in December, hotel occupancy was just over 70%. That number is up 4.7% over the same period a year before, and that’s encouraging, but hotels get nervous when occupancy dips below 80%. So a 70% occupancy rate means that most hotels will offer limited-time discounted rooms to increase occupancy. An empty room loses money. Listen to today's show to hear here more and learn how you can save on Hawaii Hotels your next Hawaii Vacation.

If you think Hawaii hotels rates are high, think again, because we're actually CHEAPER when you're talking about how they compare to other similar destinations. l will  concede that room rates in Hawaii are about double the national average, but there is at least one simple explanation for that disparity. There are a whole lot more crummy hotels on the mainland without the exacting standards of the many branded hotels we enjoy here in Hawaii. I mean, you just can’t compare a Best Western in Wichita to the Royal Hawaiian. The sheer number of lesser properties on the mainland drives that national room rate average way down. As with any industry, it’s all about supply and demand. In Hawaii, that translates into hotel occupancy numbers. In Hawaii in December, hotel occupancy was just over 70%. That number is up 4.7% over the same period a year before, and that’s encouraging, but hotels get nervous when occupancy dips below 80%. So a 70% occupancy rate means that most hotels will offer limited-time discounted rooms to increase occupancy. An empty room loses money. Listen to today's show to hear here more and learn how you can save on Hawaii Hotels your next Hawaii Vacation.

Well, 2014 is winding down and we thought we’d take a look at some of the big news stories in Hawaii travel and tourism that happened this year. It was an interesting year to say the least, particularly in Hawaii’s tourism industry. There was a lot that happened that is good news for Hawaii visitors and for Hawaii’s visitor industry businesses. Not all of it can be good, of course, but residents and visitors alike continue to make tourism the most important civilian industry in the state. We’ll stay on top of it here, and keep you informed about what you need to know for a Hawaii vacation. Best wishes for the new year, and Hauoli Makahiki Hou!

Well, 2014 is winding down and we thought we’d take a look at some of the big news stories in Hawaii travel and tourism that happened this year. It was an interesting year to say the least, particularly in Hawaii’s tourism industry. There was a lot that happened that is good news for Hawaii visitors and […]

We’re talking about Chinatown today, a part of Honolulu that has really come into its own as a hotbed of the arts and innovative, modern dining. But even as these new influences continue to grow and flourish in Chinatown, it still retains is cultural character. The fresh fish, meat, and fruit and produce markets and […]

We’re talking about Chinatown today, a part of Honolulu that has really come into its own as a hotbed of the arts and innovative, modern dining. But even as these new influences continue to grow and flourish in Chinatown, it still retains is cultural character. The fresh fish, meat, and fruit and produce markets and stands are still there, and so are the people who shop at them. The herb shops continue to operate for a fairly large population of ethnic Chinese, and most new businesses in the area open their doors with a traditional Chinese lion dance. The Chinese Cultural Center remains a vital part of the community. No matter how many new, hip restaurants, nightclubs, and galleries pop up, Chinatown on Oahu will always be Chinatown. Chinatown really has cleaned up its act over the years. It’s seamy underbelly is still there, though, and we hear about gambling raids in the area, about assaults, about drug dealing and problems with the homeless. I don’t think you can ever really eliminate all of the negatives in Chinatown, but a new generation of young entrepreneurs, restauranteurs, and artists helping to make it a family destination as well as a hub of nightlife and live music. So if you’re on Oahu, make a visit to Chinatown. Support the businesses that have transformed what was once Honolulu’s “skid row” into a vital center for dining and the arts.

Well, the holiday season is upon us, folks! And their arrival signals another seasonal spike in visitor arrivals to Hawaii. Visitor arrivals continue to grow, and a gloomy weather forecast for North America, Hawaii’s largest source market, could see a significant spike in arrivals as temperatures on the mainland plummet. The flood of visitors means that there will be plenty of great deals on hotels, activities, dining, and entertainment across the state. For anyone considering a Hawaii vacation, for the family, a romantic getaway, or business, this is one of the best times of the year to book. Give Hawaii Aloha Travel a call at 1 (800) 843-8771 to find out more about what is being offered- you’ll definitely be glad you did! And as those Hawaii-bound planes begin to fill up in winter, you might be wondering what you can expect during your flight. Some international carriers provide free in-flight meals, but most don’t. Hawaii residents traveling abroad make a habit of “packing a lunch” for their flights. It’s a good idea to do the same, because six dollars for a dry ham-and-cheese seems extortionate. Any flight to Hawaii is a long one, at least 4-and-a-half to 5 hours from the West Coast, and considerably longer from more distant, international origins. A flight from Australia to Hawaii can take more than 12 hours. It’s at least 10 hours from Newark, New Jersey. A Chicago-Hawaii flight is typically 8-plus hours. That’s a long flight! Especially if you have to deal with combative “seat defenders” that keep you from that precious few inches allowed for reclining or a colicky infant bent on making your flight miserable. But there’s something different about a long flight to Hawaii than long flights anywhere else in the world. The reason is simple. You’re flying to Hawaii! There’s a real sense of anticipation and excitement aboard a flight to Hawaii. Whether it’s a young couple on their honeymoon in the row ahead of you, the family of five from the Midwest, or the local family returning from a visit with family in Las Vegas, you’re not likely to encounter anyone who is unhappy about coming to Hawaii. You can also expect that excitement to spark conversations between complete strangers. I can’t count the times I’ve taken a Hawaii flight and ended up talking to a fellow passenger about their reason for taking it. Tourists, residents, transplants…Everyone is happy to be coming to Hawaii, and that shared feeling often results in friendships whether they last only as long as the flight, or for years after. Keep in mind that this is no guarantee that your inbound Hawaii flight will be free of common air travel pratfalls, of course. But those things are just somehow more bearable when you know you’ll be landing in paradise. NEWS STORIES VANS TRIPLE CROWN OF SURFING GETS UNDERWAY They call it “The Circus.” The Vans Triple Crown is one of professional surfing’s most coveted prizes, second only to the World Title in prestige. Hundreds of professional surfers, as well as many more visiting surfers from all over the planet converging on the Oahu’s “Seven Mile Miracle” on the North Shore. The Triple Crown began earlier this week with the start of the Reef Hawaiian Pro. The Triple Crown is comprised of three contests, taking place at Haleiwa’s Alii Beach Park, Sunset Beach, and culminating dramatically at the Banzai Pipeline. The Triple Crown is an unforgettable experience for competitors and spectators alike. The hunt for the World Title comes down to the Pipeline contest, and professional surfing’s top three competitors, including 11-time world champ Kelly Slater, are in the hunt, making for possibly the most exciting event in professional surfing history. Beyond that, dozens of other surfers will be vying to keep their professional hopes alive. And North Shore prodigy John John Florence is a favorite to win the Triple Crown, although he pulled out of the Reef Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa with a blown hammie.

Well, the holiday season is upon us, folks! And their arrival signals another seasonal spike in visitor arrivals to Hawaii. Visitor arrivals continue to grow, and a gloomy weather forecast for North America, Hawaii’s largest source market, could see a significant spike in arrivals as temperatures on the mainland plummet. The flood of visitors means that there will be plenty of great deals on hotels, activities, dining, and entertainment across the state. For anyone considering a Hawaii vacation, for the family, a romantic getaway, or business, this is one of the best times of the year to book. Give Hawaii Aloha Travel a call at 1 (800) 843-8771 to find out more about what is being offered- you’ll definitely be glad you did! And as those Hawaii-bound planes begin to fill up in winter, you might be wondering what you can expect during your flight. Some international carriers provide free in-flight meals, but most don’t. Hawaii residents traveling abroad make a habit of “packing a lunch” for their flights. It’s a good idea to do the same, because six dollars for a dry ham-and-cheese seems extortionate. Any flight to Hawaii is a long one, at least 4-and-a-half to 5 hours from the West Coast, and considerably longer from more distant, international origins. A flight from Australia to Hawaii can take more than 12 hours. It’s at least 10 hours from Newark, New Jersey. A Chicago-Hawaii flight is typically 8-plus hours. That’s a long flight! Especially if you have to deal with combative “seat defenders” that keep you from that precious few inches allowed for reclining or a colicky infant bent on making your flight miserable. But there’s something different about a long flight to Hawaii than long flights anywhere else in the world. The reason is simple. You’re flying to Hawaii! There’s a real sense of anticipation and excitement aboard a flight to Hawaii. Whether it’s a young couple on their honeymoon in the row ahead of you, the family of five from the Midwest, or the local family returning from a visit with family in Las Vegas, you’re not likely to encounter anyone who is unhappy about coming to Hawaii. You can also expect that excitement to spark conversations between complete strangers. I can’t count the times I’ve taken a Hawaii flight and ended up talking to a fellow passenger about their reason for taking it. Tourists, residents, transplants…Everyone is happy to be coming to Hawaii, and that shared feeling often results in friendships whether they last only as long as the flight, or for years after. Keep in mind that this is no guarantee that your inbound Hawaii flight will be free of common air travel pratfalls, of course. But those things are just somehow more bearable when you know you’ll be landing in paradise. NEWS STORIES VANS TRIPLE CROWN OF SURFING GETS UNDERWAY They call it “The Circus.” The Vans Triple Crown is one of professional surfing’s most coveted prizes, second only to the World Title in prestige. Hundreds of professional surfers, as well as many more visiting surfers from all over the planet converging on the Oahu’s “Seven Mile Miracle” on the North Shore. The Triple Crown began earlier this week with the start of the Reef Hawaiian Pro. The Triple Crown is comprised of three contests, taking place at Haleiwa’s Alii Beach Park, Sunset Beach, and culminating dramatically at the Banzai Pipeline. The Triple Crown is an unforgettable experience for competitors and spectators alike. The hunt for the World Title comes down to the Pipeline contest, and professional surfing’s top three competitors, including 11-time world champ Kelly Slater, are in the hunt, making for possibly the most exciting event in professional surfing history. Beyond that, dozens of other surfers will be vying to keep their professional hopes alive. And North Shore prodigy John John Florence is a favorite to win the Triple Crown,

On October 10th, Maui resident Kathleen Soule filed a class action lawsuit against Priceline and Marriott Resorts. Kathleen is suing because she believes she was faced with unfair and unreasonable assessment and collection of 'Hawaii resort fees.' On August 9, 2011, Kathleen used Priceline.com to book a reservation at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa for August 12,2011. The room rate was listed at $110 per night on Priceline. Before finalizing the transaction, Priceline quoted a total room cost of $133.49, which included the room rate, taxes and fees of $23.49. However, when Kathleen checked out of her room after staying at the Wailea, she was charged a $30 resort fee per night. The suit alleges that the mandatory resort fee was known by Priceline, but was not included in Priceline’s ‘total room cost’ that she paid upfront. We’ve all been faced with this at one time or another, but Kathleen is making  news because she’s actually made a stance against it. Today I give you my take on the whole situation and give you some advise about how to get the most of the the resort fees that you'll to pay weather you like it or not.

On October 10th, Maui resident Kathleen Soule filed a class action lawsuit against Priceline and Marriott Resorts. Kathleen is suing because she believes she was faced with unfair and unreasonable assessment and collection of 'Hawaii resort fees.' On August 9, 2011, Kathleen used Priceline.com to book a reservation at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa for August 12,2011. The room rate was listed at $110 per night on Priceline. Before finalizing the transaction, Priceline quoted a total room cost of $133.49, which included the room rate, taxes and fees of $23.49. However, when Kathleen checked out of her room after staying at the Wailea, she was charged a $30 resort fee per night. The suit alleges that the mandatory resort fee was known by Priceline, but was not included in Priceline’s ‘total room cost’ that she paid upfront. We’ve all been faced with this at one time or another, but Kathleen is making  news because she’s actually made a stance against it. Today I give you my take on the whole situation and give you some advise about how to get the most of the the resort fees that you'll to pay weather you like it or not.