top-image

Tag archives for hawaii

Return to Waikiki

18
Aug
posted by Mike               filed under Travel

Return to Waikiki is an event that honors Hawaii’s past in the context of modernity. The atmosphere, entertainment all came together to create an environment that properly celebrates Hawaiian history. Catered by DH Catering, music by MAKANA and put together by Sakara Blackwell’s event planning, Return to Waikiki is a show that tells of how Hawaiian music came to existence.

MAKANA is a slack key guitar player, which he is able to demonstrate during the show. Slack key guitar, according to MAKANA, is a language that is a musical innovation that served to help add depth to Hawaiian music as a whole.

Return to Waikiki is billed as a luau, but is styled after the grand luaus and entertainment of the 1940s and 50s. The event evokes the sophistication of the past and is grounded in the history of Hawaii, a vastly different experience from the tourist experience of Hawaii.

Tags: , ,
Comments (0)

Incredible Maui Attractions for All

4
Jun
posted by Mike               filed under Travel

Clocking in at 727.2 square miles of lush tropical paradise, Maui is Hawaii’s second largest island and full of fun and culturally enriching Maui attractions that will have you coming back to this beautiful island time and time again. Whether you’re feeling adventurous or just want to relax, Maui is the vacation destination that will fit all of your needs.

In West Maui, most of the attractions are centered around the town of Lahaina, near Kaanapali Beach. Lahaina is known for its shopping and its cultural sites such as Baldwin Home, the Maria Lanakila Church, Banyan Tree and the whaling ship Carthaginian. To the northern edge of Lahaina is the Lahaina Jodo Mission at Puunoa Point, which features the largest Great Buddha statue outside of Japan. A few miles to the north of Lahaina is Whalers Village, a popular open-air shopping center.

West Maui’s North Shore, north of Kaanapali, has beautiful beaches and breathtaking coastlines. Honolua Bay and Mokuleia Bay are not popular Maui attractions, but are the perfect places to snorkel or just unwind. Be sure to check out the famous Nakalele Blowhole from Honokohau’s Boulder Beach by way of hiking to Nakalele Point.

In Central Maui, you’ll find Maui’s largest town, Kahului, a commercial town with many shopping centers and complexes. Wailuku is home to many ancient churches, a museum and antique stores, and is also the gateway to one of the most beautiful destinations in Hawaii, the Iao Valley, where you can view the Iao Needle, a natural rock formation presiding over the Iao Stream.

In South Maui, the Kihei Coast features the Kealia Pond Bird Sanctuary and the Ma’alaea Bay and Beach near the town of Kihei. The world-famous Grand Wailea Resort is located in Wailea near Kihei. South of Wailea has beautiful beaches and Makena, a beautiful location with diverse geology that will amaze you.

In East Maui, you’ll find the Haleakala National Park at Kipahulu and the beautiful crater with a 10,023 foot summit. When water is flowing, the incredible Oheo Gulch Pools spring into action, cascading between 24 pools.

There are many other Maui attractions that haven’t been mentioned. Maui is a beautiful, diverse destination that will reveal new layers to you as you come back again and again.

Tags: , ,
Comments (0)

Take Part in an Authentic Hawaiian Luau

22
Apr
posted by Mike               filed under Travel

Hawaiian Luau

A trip to Hawaii isn’t complete without taking part in an authentic Hawaiian luau. A luau is a Hawaiian party where people gather together and celebrate a variety of occasions by eating, drinking and watching live entertainment. Once called a “paina” or “ahaaina,” the name “luau” originates from the Pacific Commercial Advertiser, a weekly newspaper that was circulated in Honolulu in 1856. Today the name comes from the food that is always served at a luau, the young leaves of the taro plant.

Depending what interests you, there are many types of luaus to choose from on every major Hawaiian island. Some Hawaiian luaus that are more traditional, some are more party oriented, and some have more guest participation. At every luau though, you will find the same Hawaiian customs including pre-dinner entertainment, the imu ceremony, and an after-dinner hula dancing show.

  • Pre-dinner entertainment can include pageantry portraying the royalty of the South Pacific, demonstrations of Hawaiian arts and crafts, storytelling, or games. Lei making is a popular activity, especially because they look beautiful and smell great!
  • The imu ceremony is normally held at the beginning of the Hawaiian luau and consists of removing the layers of cloth and banana leaves from the imu (an underground oven that uses hot coals, stones, and layers of banana leaves and cloth to steam food) to expose the cooked pork. The kalua pork is then removed from the imu and taken to be shredded. Other traditional food at a Hawaiian luau includes poi, poke, chicken long rice, lomilomi salmon, haupia, chicken luau, sweet potato, and kulolo.
  • Hula dancing has become a regular spectacle for after-dinner entertainment. In ancient times hula was a religious tribute to the gods, accompanied by chanting, drums and other traditional percussion instruments, but has evolved into a modern form that is famous for its grace and the sounds of ukuleles and steel guitars. Today both women and men dance the hula, although in ancient times hula was exclusively for men. Traditional men wore a loincloth, necklaces, bracelets, anklets and a lei, while women wore a wrapped skirt and were topless. Nowadays, men may wear long or short pants, skirts, or a malo and women may wear less revealing skirts or dresses.

Authentic Hawaiian luaus capture the spirit of Aloha at its best. They are so much fun and include delicious food and allows you to meet so many new and interesting people. A Hawaii vacation would be incomplete without attending at least one luau during your visit.

Tags: , ,
Comments (0)

Get to Know the Hawaii Vacation Experience.

12
Apr
posted by Mike               filed under Travel

Traditionally, Hawaii has been a coveted vacation spot. It offers a wide range of recreational activities suitable for people of all ages and levels of fitness. It’s easy to kick back and relax on the beautiful beachfront or go out on the crystal clear water for a day of water sports. Get to understand some basic Hawaii information before you begin planning your next trip there!

Hawaii is situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It’s made up of six major islands (The Big Island, Oahu, Mauia, Molokai, Kauai and Lanai). All of the islands have their own flavor and offer a different experience to the occasional tourist. You can get a taste of everything from beautiful beaches to thunderous volcanoes. On the islands, you’ll also be able to find historic sites such as plantations, palaces, old churches and memorials that will give you a brief taste of the rich history behind Hawaiian culture.

Hawaii is easy to travel to, enjoyable around the year (average temperature between 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit). There are tons of activities for the casual tourist, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming and fishing.  You can attend luaus that give you a slice of the Hawaiian life. There is a wide range of accommodations that you’ll be able to partake in from island to island. Hawaii is definitely one of the most memorable vacations I’ve ever been on so book your trip today!

Tags: , ,
Comments (0)

Visit Hanauma Bay in Hawaii

29
Mar
posted by Mike               filed under Travel

If you ever travel to Hawaii, specifically the island of Oahu, you must see the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. It’s located 10 miles east of Waikiki and formed within a volcanic cone. Now a marine ecosystem teeming with life after a plan was set out in 1990 to restore the bay after years of misuse and abuse from visitors. New visitors are required to screen a video before entering the park to learn about the intricate balance of the ecosystem inclusive of the marine life, preservation and conservation methods and general safety rules of the preserve.

Hanauma Bay is known for the abundant marine life, including sea turtles, parrotfish, sturgeon fish, living coral, trumpet fish and Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapua’a’. The bay has a wide rang of species and the clear and calm waters to enjoy them in. It’s pretty much a perfect spot for tropical snorkeling and swimming for both beginners and experienced. Start planning your trip now because accessibility is limited to help preserve the beautiful ecosystem. Hanauma Bay is a hot spot year-round so make sure you visit at least once during your stay in Hawaii.

Tags: , ,
Comments (0)

Nothing Beats a Hawaiian Cruise Vacation

15
Mar
posted by Mike               filed under Travel

There’s nothing quite like vacationing on a cruise and when your destination is Hawaii, the added experience of arriving at one of the most desirable tropical island vacation spots in the world is the best that the world has to offer. The cruise to Hawaii will take you to all of the popular islands and give you ample time on the beaches, go sightseeing and then return to the luxury accommodations aboard the cruise.

The cruise experience is something that can’t really be found elsewhere. Food is available 24 hours a day and there are movies, shows, casinos, clubs and bars strewn throughout the ship. There are pools, spas and tons of people you can meet on board. The whole family will have something to do for the whole duration of your trip and there will be no complaints. Cruises are very convenient because you don’t have to go very far to begin your trip, with easily accessible ports most likely near your hometown. And after you’re thoroughly relaxed from the cruise, you arrive in Hawaii and a whole new vacation experience presents itself. You can travel the main islands, sightseeing and shopping to your hearts content. You can laze your days away on Hawaiian beaches. You can attend luaus and eat the native cuisine. You can take helicopter trips around the volcanoes. You can go snorkeling or surfing in the clear waters.

A cruise to Hawaii is hard to beat so consider book early so you can understand the unbeatable value of a Hawaiian cruise vacation!

Tags: , ,
Comments (0)

Enjoy the Hawaii Fishing Experience!

16
Feb
posted by Mike               filed under Travel

billfish

I grew up an amateur fisherman. Every year, right around the time before school starts, I would spend the last of my lazy summer days on a rock formation at the local beach, faithfully casting my fishing line and lure into the churning dark recesses of the Atlantic Ocean, hoping that my patience would prove to be fruitful and I would be able to bring home a bountiful catch.  More times than not, I would just lose my bait. One year, though, I remember bringing home over 100 snappers (baby bluefish) from just one day of fishing.

Game fishing is a sport that requires both patience and smarts. Essentially, you’re trying to outsmart the fish that you’re after by simulating an irresistible morsel of food in a seemingly natural and safe environment. A lot of the time, you’re not even after the meat of the fish itself but the thrill of the chase, the camaraderie and relaxing atmosphere you share with fellow fishermen and the natural high you get from making a big catch. And, if you ask any fisherman, no matter how many fish he’s caught in his lifetime, he’ll always be able to wax poetic about the “one that got away”. Fishermen are always looking for bigger, more exotic fish to reel in and boast about.

Game fishing in Hawaii is unlike any other experience in the world. Hawaii fishing is considered to be some of the best fishing available. Striped marlin, blue marlin, black marlin, spearfish, billfish, sailfish, mahi-mahi, ahi tuna are just some of the fish you’ll be able to regularly catch in Hawaii. Just head to Honokohau Marina to charter a fishing boat ranging from a quarter day to a full day and get in on some of the best game fishing Hawaii has to offer! The water here is known for being very calm during fishing season, so a fishing tourist just has to lower his or her bait and be ready to reel in a catch they can brag about the rest of their lives.

Tags: , ,
Comments (1)
bottom-img