Hawaii Vacation Connection

[quote_left]I bet I know what you’re really thinking: Hawaii is so expensive![/quote_left] While the that may be true, I’m gonna make the argument today why Hawaii overall as a destination is well worth it. I know there’s been a lot of news lately about the price tag of a vacation here but when you think […]

While the that may be true, I'm gonna make the argument today why Hawaii overall as a destination is well worth it. I know there's been a lot of news lately about the price tag of a vacation here but when you think about all the benefits compared to other exotic destinations worldwide it's not as bad as it first may seem. Along with the perfect pristine weather and the variety of activities, festivals, events and international flavor there's no better place on earth for a true guaranteed perfect vacation. Also on today's show I cover some of the latest news and information about the tourism industry in Hawaii and get off on a tagent about macadamia nut pancakes and why they should be a must on your list of things to eat when you come to Hawaii. Did you know that we have a free trip to Hawaii contest running now? Yes, it's for real and you could be the winner. Just click here to find out all the details and of course good luck!

Today it’s all about Plate Lunches in Hawaii, something you just have to try on your Hawaii Vacation! Food seems to always be a focal point during vacations. Whether that’s because it doubles as a social time with friends and family or because vacations represent freedom from a normal schedule (like that low carb diet […]

Today it's all about Plate Lunches in Hawaii, something you just have to try on your Hawaii Vacation! Food seems to always be a focal point during vacations. Whether that's because it doubles as a social time with friends and family or because vacations represent freedom from a normal schedule (like that low carb diet or a no alcohol stint), food, meals and eating are a big part of a vacation. And we like it that way! One of the meals that visitors are always eager to experience is the local favorite: plate lunch. Fresh fish, sticky rice and mac salad perfectly portioned within the classic white Styrofoam take-out container. This type of meal is comfort food at its finest for us Islanders, and it's no surprise that tourists want to sample the flavors as soon as they arrive. There is a variety of different plate lunches however, so if you have something in mind that you feel epitomizes a Hawaii plate lunch, be sure to seek this version out instead of settling on whatever the closest lunch shack serves. I guarantee it'll be worth it!

For all you parents out there, I’m sure that taking the kids on a family vacation is fun, entertaining and memorable. Many couples plan yearly family vacations to reconnect, spend quality time together or introduce their kids to new and exciting places. It’s a great time to relax and just enjoy each other’s company, without […]

For all you parents out there, I'm sure that taking the kids on a family vacation is fun, entertaining and memorable. Many couples plan yearly family vacations to reconnect, spend quality time together or introduce their kids to new and exciting places. It's a great time to relax and just enjoy each other's company, without the stressors and strains of school, homework, extracurricular activities, work, preparing meals, etc. What better way to enjoy your child's company than to remove the strain of a day-to-day routine? That being said, have you considered a vacation for just you and the honey? How long has it been since you took time away from the kids and treated just you and your partner to a romantic holiday? A kids-free getaway might be just the type of re energizing trip you need. Plus it might help you and your sweetheart get ‘back to the basics,’ and revisit life before the children came along. Why not plan a vacation around your wedding anniversary, Valentine's Day or some other holiday? You can create a very romantic experience here in Hawaii!

Did you know that if you make a request from a Hawaii Hotel it's not always a sure thing that your request will be met? On today's show I cover all the in's and out's of how to make requests and how travel agents can give you a little bit of an edge in that department.  We have great relationships with all the hotels and front desk staff, and while we can't guaranteed any request, we can be very sure your wishes are being conveyed to the right person.  From bedding to amenities, making hotel requests should be part of your overall vacation planning. Here's some Hawaii Vacation news also covered on the show today. Hawaiian Airlines Passenger Traffic Up from Last year Hawaiian Airlines' passenger traffic rose 4.1 percent in January from the year-earlier period as the state's largest carrier added more flights. The airline transported 824,824 passengers last month compared with 792,009 a year ago. Its load factor, or the percentage of seats filled, rose 1.2 percentage points to 81.7 percent from 80.5 percent. Revenue passenger miles, or one paying passenger transported one mile, increased 6.9 percent to 1.15 million from 1.07 million. Available seat miles, or one seat transported one mile, rose 5.3 percent to 1.40 million from 1.33 million. Waikiki's Newest Luxury Accommodations The 2,900-square-foot penthouse suite at the Aston Waikiki Beachside Hotel is the newest addition to luxe vacationing in Hawaii. the penthouse occupies the entire 11th floor of the Aston Waikiki Beachside, and according to Shari Chang, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Aston Hotels & Resorts, the layout now encompasses an area that once housed eight separate rooms. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a large outdoor lanai, it's easy to see the unit's unmistakable highlight: unobstructed, sweeping views of Waikiki Beach and the Pacific. The suite also has a gourmet kitchen featuring state-of-the-art appliances and granite countertops along with three bedrooms, including a master bedroom suite with his-and-her bathrooms and a Jacuzzi tub. Maui's Residences of Kapalua Bay Gets a Rebrand Montage Hotels & Resorts took over management of the Residences at Kapalua Bay on Maui's west coast last August, and work is now winding down on a multimillion-dollar renovation to the property. The company plans to reposition the property into a full-service, luxury resort. ‘It's really for that client who wants something quieter and a little more authentic,’ said Janet White, Montage's corporate director of leisure sales. ‘It's not like other parts of the island where you see wall-to-wall-to-wall condos and hotels, [and] there is a lot of value because the units are so large.’ Each of the property's two-, three- and four-bedroom suites face photogenic Kapalua Bay and include a large lanai, five-fixture bathrooms, gourmet kitchens and washers and dryers. Whale-Watching on Maui Tis the season for spectacular whale-watching, and Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa on Kaanapali Beach has created the Whale Watching Experience package, valid through peak viewing season. Priced from $579 per night, double, the cost covers oceanfront accommodations, two nonalcoholic beverages daily via in-room dining, two tickets for a whale-watching catamaran trip, one pair of souvenir binoculars and an invitation to the weekly ‘A Whale's Tale’ chat with a Maui Ocean Center marine naturalist. The package is valid through March 31. Kauai's Coco Palms Investors to Choose a Hotel Operator The Honolulu investment group that has plans to restore the iconic Coco Palms Resort on Kauai to its original glory plans to select a “nationwide” hotel operator in two weeks, and start demolition and construction on the site as early as the third quarter of this year. Coco Palms Hui,

Did you know that if you make a request from a Hawaii Hotel it's not always a sure thing that your request will be met? On today's show I cover all the in's and out's of how to make requests and how travel agents can give you a little bit of an edge in that department.  We have great relationships with all the hotels and front desk staff, and while we can't guaranteed any request, we can be very sure your wishes are being conveyed to the right person.  From bedding to amenities, making hotel requests should be part of your overall vacation planning. Here's some Hawaii Vacation news also covered on the show today. Hawaiian Airlines Passenger Traffic Up from Last year Hawaiian Airlines' passenger traffic rose 4.1 percent in January from the year-earlier period as the state's largest carrier added more flights. The airline transported 824,824 passengers last month compared with 792,009 a year ago. Its load factor, or the percentage of seats filled, rose 1.2 percentage points to 81.7 percent from 80.5 percent. Revenue passenger miles, or one paying passenger transported one mile, increased 6.9 percent to 1.15 million from 1.07 million. Available seat miles, or one seat transported one mile, rose 5.3 percent to 1.40 million from 1.33 million. Waikiki's Newest Luxury Accommodations The 2,900-square-foot penthouse suite at the Aston Waikiki Beachside Hotel is the newest addition to luxe vacationing in Hawaii. the penthouse occupies the entire 11th floor of the Aston Waikiki Beachside, and according to Shari Chang, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Aston Hotels & Resorts, the layout now encompasses an area that once housed eight separate rooms. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a large outdoor lanai, it's easy to see the unit's unmistakable highlight: unobstructed, sweeping views of Waikiki Beach and the Pacific. The suite also has a gourmet kitchen featuring state-of-the-art appliances and granite countertops along with three bedrooms, including a master bedroom suite with his-and-her bathrooms and a Jacuzzi tub. Maui's Residences of Kapalua Bay Gets a Rebrand Montage Hotels & Resorts took over management of the Residences at Kapalua Bay on Maui's west coast last August, and work is now winding down on a multimillion-dollar renovation to the property. The company plans to reposition the property into a full-service, luxury resort. ‘It's really for that client who wants something quieter and a little more authentic,’ said Janet White, Montage's corporate director of leisure sales. ‘It's not like other parts of the island where you see wall-to-wall-to-wall condos and hotels, [and] there is a lot of value because the units are so large.’ Each of the property's two-, three- and four-bedroom suites face photogenic Kapalua Bay and include a large lanai, five-fixture bathrooms, gourmet kitchens and washers and dryers. Whale-Watching on Maui Tis the season for spectacular whale-watching, and Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa on Kaanapali Beach has created the Whale Watching Experience package, valid through peak viewing season. Priced from $579 per night, double, the cost covers oceanfront accommodations, two nonalcoholic beverages daily via in-room dining, two tickets for a whale-watching catamaran trip, one pair of souvenir binoculars and an invitation to the weekly ‘A Whale's Tale’ chat with a Maui Ocean Center marine naturalist. The package is valid through March 31. Kauai's Coco Palms Investors to Choose a Hotel Operator The Honolulu investment group that has plans to restore the iconic Coco Palms Resort on Kauai to its original glory plans to select a “nationwide” hotel operator in two weeks, and start demolition and construction on the site as early as the third quarter of this year. Coco Palms Hui, which is led by investors Chad Waters and Tyler Greene, gave a general update on the project to the Kapaa Business Association on Thursday.

The recent swells hitting Hawaii’s north and west facing shores have brought a few topics to the public’s attention. Possibly the most important one is the right for the public to access Hawaii’s beaches, yet the battle continues over homeowner’s beachfront property lines. The fight seems to be never ending, as it rears its head […]

The recent swells hitting Hawaii's north and west facing shores have brought a few topics to the public's attention. Possibly the most important one is the right for the public to access Hawaii's beaches, yet the battle continues over homeowner's beachfront property lines. The fight seems to be never ending, as it rears its head every few years or so since beach erosion is a very real problem for Hawaii homeowners. And with giant swells adding to coastal erosion, the lines between private property and public beaches continue to blur. How does this relate to someone vacationing in Hawaii you might ask? Two reasons. One is it determines how much beach you have to enjoy. And two is it determines the access points you have to these beaches. Many new resort, commercial and residential development is cutting off access to the beaches simply because they're building on what's left of the beaches. And denying public access can actually be legal in some circumstances, such as if it is occurring on private lands without a specific and dedicated public access easement. Though the laws related to public right of access are clear, not all access is public.

We have a great show for you today, our main topic; 5 Mistakes people make when planning a Hawaii Vacation. I often give advice on planning and what to do in the islands so today I thought I’d focus on some of the things you can do to insure you have a great trip here […]

We have a great show for you today, our main topic; 5 Mistakes people make when planning a Hawaii Vacation. I often give advice on planning and what to do in the islands so today I thought I'd focus on some of the things you can do to insure you have a great trip here in the islands. The weather over the last few days has been strange. One day we'll have nice trade winds and the next day it's still as can be, making for very HOT sticky weather conditions. Not sure when this weather pattern will let up, but the trades have defiantly been a lot less this year over previous years. I'll also bring you up to date on some news from Hawaii. First off, the waves on the North shore are going off!! We're expecting waves of more than 25 feet over the next few days which will undoubtedly draws thousands of people to the North Shore. Also we'll tell you about a unfortunate situation in Waikiki, panhandling and why some are concerned. Additionally, We have some news about where the Presidential library will be once president Obama's term is concluded, apparently Honolulu has competition. Finally we'll round out the news with a Story about something Rock n Roll fans will love, especially fans of Kiss. I sure would love to hear from you guys, if you have a question or comment, please leave it here or email me at bruce@hawaii-aloha.com

Our main topic today is a spooky one. Well, if you're superstitious I guess, because I think the topic is more about respect and less about a curse. Anyways, we'll tell you all about the lava rock curse that has plagued Hawaii vacationers for years, starting from the very beginning. Get ready for a great podcast! Did you hear about the hailstorm in Hawaii Kai on Oahu? How about the incredibly low temperatures (58 degrees!) on Kauai? We've recently had some interesting winter weather in Hawaii, but don't let it keep you away from these tropics! January and February are beautiful months to visit Hawaii, especially because whale watching is at an all-time high. Today we have a variety of news topics for you. From updates on Bravo channel's Top Chef Finale to the reduced infrastructure land deal that is being decided between the state and Turtle Bay developers. Travelers will also be happy to hear that Governor Abercrombie released $74 million for upgrades to airports around the state. October 2013 set a new revenue record for Hawaii and aloha state hotels are receiving praise from Conde Nast Traveler's annual readers' choice survey. Lastly, there's a new shop opening on Maui, and your hint is: who is the title sponsor of the Triple Crown of Surfing?

Our main topic today is a spooky one. Well, if you're superstitious I guess, because I think the topic is more about respect and less about a curse. Anyways, we'll tell you all about the lava rock curse that has plagued Hawaii vacationers for years, starting from the very beginning. Get ready for a great podcast! Did you hear about the hailstorm in Hawaii Kai on Oahu? How about the incredibly low temperatures (58 degrees!) on Kauai? We've recently had some interesting winter weather in Hawaii, but don't let it keep you away from these tropics! January and February are beautiful months to visit Hawaii, especially because whale watching is at an all-time high. Today we have a variety of news topics for you. From updates on Bravo channel's Top Chef Finale to the reduced infrastructure land deal that is being decided between the state and Turtle Bay developers. Travelers will also be happy to hear that Governor Abercrombie released $74 million for upgrades to airports around the state. October 2013 set a new revenue record for Hawaii and aloha state hotels are receiving praise from Conde Nast Traveler's annual readers' choice survey. Lastly, there's a new shop opening on Maui, and your hint is: who is the title sponsor of the Triple Crown of Surfing?

Aloha and welcome to the first podcast of 2014. There’s nothing better than starting off the year with good weather in Hawaii, and the Islands were blessed with sunny warm weather to kick off the New Year. Our main topic of the day is on the New Year and how we can help make a […]