Celebrate New Year's Eve in Hawaii

Where to celebrate New Year's Eve in Hawaii. Includes fireworks displays, concerts, gourmet dinners, hotel celebrations, and nightclub parties on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kaui, and the Big Island of Hawaii.

Celebrate New Year's Eve in Hawaii

Where to celebrate New Year's Eve in Hawaii. Includes fireworks displays, concerts, gourmet dinners, hotel celebrations, and nightclub parties on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kaui, and the Big Island of Hawaii

Go, Aloha, and Hawaiian Offer Discount Airfares

This week Go Airlines announced $29 one-way inter-island airfares for travel on December 24 and 25. Hawaiian Airlines is offering fares as low as $119 each way for travel between several U.S. west coast cities and Honolulu. Aloha Airlines is offering one-way tickets as low as $140 for travel between several U.S. west coast cities and Honolulu.

Go, Aloha, and Hawaiian Offer Discount Airfares

This week Go Airlines announced $29 one-way inter-island airfares for travel on December 24 and 25. Hawaiian Airlines is offering fares as low as $119 each way for travel between several U.S. west coast cities and Honolulu. Aloha Airlines is offering one-way tickets as low as $140 for travel between several U.S. west coast cities and Honolulu.

California Pizza Kitchen Opens in Waikiki

This week the California Pizza Kitchen opened its fourth restaurant in Hawaii, in the "Center at Waikiki" building on Kalakaua Avenue, next to the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. The restaurant is 7000 square feet in size and it can seat 230 diners. The other three CPK restaurants in Hawaii are all located on Oahu, in the Ala Moana Shopping Center, the Kahala Mall, and Pearlridge Shopping Center.

California Pizza Kitchen Opens in Waikiki

This week the California Pizza Kitchen opened its fourth restaurant in Hawaii, in the "Center at Waikiki" building on Kalakaua Avenue, next to the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. The restaurant is 7000 square feet in size and it can seat 230 diners. The other three CPK restaurants in Hawaii are all located on Oahu, in the Ala Moana Shopping Center, the Kahala Mall, and Pearlridge Shopping Center.

Island Air Enters Fare War with $12 Tickets

Island Air, the third largest inter-island airline in Hawaii, recently announced plans to lay off 65 employees as part of their effort to downsize and remain competitive during the inter-island price wars that have been rampant since Go! Airlines entered the market. Now Island Air is offering a $12 return trip airfare for tickets sold during the 12 days before Christmas, for travel through March 15. Tickets must be purchased online. For more information visit the

Island Air Enters Fare War with $12 Tickets

Island Air, the third largest inter-island airline in Hawaii, recently announced plans to lay off 65 employees as part of their effort to downsize and remain competitive during the inter-island price wars that have been rampant since Go! Airlines entered the market. Now Island Air is offering a $12 return trip airfare for tickets sold during the 12 days before Christmas, for travel through March 15. Tickets must be purchased online. For more information visit the Island Air Web site.

Earthquake Closes Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

The luxurious Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii was closed December 1, 2006 for an indefinite period of time, due to damage caused by a Kohala Coast earthquake on October 15, 2006.

Earthquake Closes Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

The luxurious Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii was closed December 1, 2006 for an indefinite period of time, due to damage caused by a Kohala Coast earthquake on October 15, 2006.

Hotel Closure Official Announcement

What I Felt During the Earthquake

2007 Hawaiian Music Grammy Award - Nominations

This week, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences announced the five recordings nominated for the 2007 Grammy award for best Hawaiian music album. Three of the five nominations were for slack key guitar albums. The other two nominees were "Generation Hawaii" by Amy Hanaialii Gilliom and "The Wild Hawaiian" by Henry Kapono. The 49th annual grammy awards will be given out at a ceremony on February 11, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.

2007 Hawaiian Music Grammy Awards

2006 Hawaiian Music Grammy Awards

2005 Hawaiian Music Grammy Awards (1st year)

2007 Hawaiian Music Grammy Award - Nominations

This week, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences announced the five recordings nominated for the 2007 Grammy award for best Hawaiian music album. Three of the five nominations were for slack key guitar albums. The other two nominees were "Generation Hawaii" by Amy Hanaialii Gilliom and "The Wild Hawaiian" by Henry Kapono. The 49th annual grammy awards will be given out at a ceremony on February 11, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.

2007 Hawaiian Music Grammy Awards

2006 Hawaiian Music Grammy Awards

2005 Hawaiian Music Grammy Awards (1st year)

2006 Honolulu Marathon is the 34th Annual Event

The 34th annual Honolulu Marathon will take place on Sunday, December 10, with a course that begins at Ala Moana Beach Park and ends at Kapiolani Park. Special events for race participants include a marathon expo at the Hawaii Convention Center December 6-9, souvenir sales and clothing check-in at Kapiolani Park December 8-9, a Gavin DeGraw and Jake Shimabukuro concert and Luau at the Waikiki Shell on December 8, and race day concerts in Kapiolani Park. For more information see Honolulu Marathon and
Running Marathons in Hawaii.

2006 Honolulu Marathon is December 10

The 34th annual Honolulu Marathon will take place on Sunday, December 10, with a course that begins at Ala Moana Beach Park and ends at Kapiolani Park. Special events for race participants include a marathon expo at the Hawaii Convention Center December 6-9, souvenir sales and clothing check-in at Kapiolani Park December 8-9, a Gavin DeGraw and Jake Shimabukuro concert and Luau at the Waikiki Shell on December 8, and race day concerts in Kapiolani Park. For more information, see the Honolulu Marathon Web site.

Where to Buy a Christmas Tree in Hawaii

The Helemano Christmas Tree Farm in Wahiawa, Central Oahu, specializes in beautiful Norfolk pine trees and they have thousands available for Christmas 2006. Norfolk pines originated on Norfolk Island in the South Pacific, and they have been a popular choice for Christmas trees in Hawaii for many years. In addition to having a unique layered appearance, the needles of Norfolk pine trees do not fall off, and the trees will last up to 3 months when placed in water. Most of the Christmas trees at Helemano Farms are 6 to 12 feet tall, but they also haver taller and shorter trees for people who prefer them. Visitors to the farm stroll through the orchard, select the tree they want, and Helemano Farms staff cut it down on the spot. The trees are cut carefully, so each stump can grow another tree. For more information call the tree farm directly at 808-622-4287.

Where to Buy a Christmas Tree in Hawaii

A Christmas Tree Farm on Oahu

The Helmano Christmas Tree Farm in Wahiawa, Central Oahu, specializes in beautiful Norfolk pine trees and they have thousands available for Christmas 2006. Norfolk pines originated on Norfolk Island in the South Pacific, and they have been a popular choice for Christmas trees in Hawaii for many years. In addition to having a unique layered appearance, the needles of Norfolk pine trees do not fall off, and the trees will last up to 3 months when placed in water. Most of the Christmas trees at Helemano Farms are 6 to 12 feet tall, but they also haver taller and shorter trees for people who prefer them. Visitors to the farm stroll through the orchard, select the tree they want, and Helemano Farms staff cut it down on the spot. The trees are cut carefully, so each stump can grow another tree. For more information call the tree farm directly at 808-622-4287.

Helemano Farms Christmas Tree Farm

Honolulu Advertiser Article

Honolulu Star Bulletin Article

Hawaiian Christmas Books

A collection of Hawaiian Christmas books including a cookbook with holiday gift-giving Hawaiian style recipes, pidgin and Hawaiian versions of "The Night Before Christmas" and "The Twelve Days of Christmas", a holiday coloring book, a book and CD gift pack, and several children's books about Christmas in Hawaii.

Hawaiian Christmas Books

A collection of Hawaiian Christmas books including a cookbook with holiday gift-giving Hawaiian style recipes, pidgin and Hawaiian versions of "The Night Before Christmas" and "The Twelve Days of Christmas", a holiday coloring book, a book and CD gift pack, and several children's books about Christmas in Hawaii.

Is Your Hawaii Vacation Rental Legal?

Neighborhood vacation home rentals and bed and breakfast accommodations are notoriously unpopular with Hawaii's property owners and residents. Most locals in Hawaii want to protect their neighborhoods from tourism development and restrict visitor accommodations to certain areas, in order to preserve the unique culture and lifestyle of Hawaii. There are many unlicensed accommodations in Hawaii, and it is a source of conflict between the owners of those accommodations and local communities. A group of concerned citizens on Oahu have created an organization called the BnB Coalition, a group focused on encouraging Hawaii visitors to stay only at hotels and legally licensed vacation rentals and B&B establishments. The organization's Web site includes tips for identifying illegal accommodations, tricks booking agents often use to convince you there is no legal issue, what the government of Hawaii says about illegal accommodations, and other information.

Is Your Hawaii Vacation Rental Legal?

Neighborhood vacation home rentals and bed and breakfast accommodations are notoriously unpopular with Hawaii's property owners and residents. Most locals in Hawaii want to protect their neighborhoods from tourism development and restrict visitor accommodations to certain areas, in order to preserve the unique culture and lifestyle of Hawaii. There are many unlicensed accommodations in Hawaii, and it is a source of conflict between the owners of those accommodations and local communities. A group of concerned citizens on Oahu have created an organization called the BnB Coalition, a group focused on encouraging Hawaii visitors to stay only at hotels and legally licensed vacation rentals and B&B establishments. The organization's Web site includes tips for identifying illegal accommodations, tricks booking agents often use to convince you there is no legal issue, what the government of Hawaii says about illegal accommodations, and other information.

Billy Joel is Coming to Hawaii in December of 2006

Grammy award winning singer and pianist Billy Joel will perform live in Hawaii this month, for the first time in 20 years. Performances will be December 16 at the Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu (877-750-7500) and December 18 at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center (808-242-7469).

Billy Joel is Coming to Hawaii in December

Grammy award winning singer and pianist Billy Joel will perform live in Hawaii this month, for the first time in 20 years. Performances will be December 16 at the Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu (877-750-7500) and December 18 at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center (808-242-7469).

Hawaiian Christmas Music CDs

A collection of Hawaiian Christmas music recordings by many of the most popular singers and musicians in Hawaii. Includes recordings by Genoa Keawe, Melveen Leed, Hapa, Na Leo Pilimehana, the Brothers Cazimero, Don Ho, Loyal Gardner, Keola Beamer, Barney Isaacs, Glenn Medeiros, George Kuo, Ledward Kaapana, Willie K, Theresa Bright, the Makaha Sons, Martin Pahinui, Arthur Lyman, the Honolulu Boys Choir, the Honolulu Madrigal Quartet, and and many others.

Hawaiian Christmas Music CDs

A collection of Hawaiian Christmas music recordings by many of the most popular singers and musicians in Hawaii. Includes recordings by Genoa Keawe, Melveen Leed, Hapa, Na Leo Pilimehana, the Brothers Cazimero, Don Ho, Loyal Gardner, Keola Beamer, Barney Isaacs, Glenn Medeiros, George Kuo, Ledward Kaapana, Willie K, Theresa Bright, the Makaha Sons, Martin Pahinui, Arthur Lyman, the Honolulu Boys Choir, the Honolulu Madrigal Quartet, and and many others.

Hawaiian Christmas Music Recordings

Hawaiian Christmas Supplies

Celebrating Christmas in Hawaii

Pacific Aviation Museum in Hawaii Opened December 7, 2006

The first phase of the Pacific Aviation Museum on Ford Island in Pearl Harbor will open to the public on December 7, 2006. The museum is located in Hanger 37, near Ford Island's distinctive red and white striped air traffic control tower. The general public is invited to the museum's opening ceremonies to watch a performance by the Pacific Fleet Band and hear VIP guest speakers, including test pilot Chuck Yeager, astronaut Wally Schirra, Retired Admiral Ronald J. Hays, and Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, Admiral Gary Roughead. The above photo of the museum building was taken on December 7, 1941 during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

Pacific Aviation Museum Opens December 7

The first phase of the Pacific Aviation Museum on Ford Island in Pearl Harbor will open to the public on December 7, 2006. The museum is located in Hanger 37, near Ford Island's distinctive red and white striped air traffic control tower. The general public is invited to the museum's opening ceremonies to watch a performance by the Pacific Fleet Band and hear VIP guest speakers, including test pilot Chuck Yeager, astronaut Wally Schirra, Retired Admiral Ronald J. Hays, and Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, Admiral Gary Roughead. The above photo of the museum building was taken on December 7, 1941 during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

Del Monte Pineapple Shut Down Hawaii Operations in 2006

From the Honolulu Advertiser: "Del Monte Fresh Produce abruptly ended its century-old pineapple operations in Hawaii on Friday, November 18, two years earlier than originally planned. Del Monte's surprise announcement caught employees and state officials unprepared since the company had said just nine months ago that it would continue production until the end of 2008." [Read Full Article]

Del Monte Pineapple Abruptly Leaves Hawaiii

From the Honolulu Advertiser: "Del Monte Fresh Produce abruptly ended its century-old pineapple operations in Hawaii on Friday, November 18, two years earlier than originally planned. Del Monte's surprise announcement caught employees and state officials unprepared since the company had said just nine months ago that it would continue production until the end of 2008."

February 2006 Del Monte Announcement

November 2006 Del Monte Announcement

2007 Hawaii Wall Calendars

These 2007 Hawaii Wall Calendars would make wonderful gifts for Hawaii visitors, residents, and fans. This page also includes several 2007 wall calendars with beach, tropical island, waterfall, wave, and water sports themes.

2007 Hawaii Wall Calendars

These 2007 Hawaii Wall Calendars would make wonderful gifts for Hawaii visitors, residents, and fans. This page also includes several 2007 wall calendars with beach, tropical island, waterfall, wave, and water sports themes.

How to Make Lomilomi Salmon

Lomilomi salmon is an appetizer that appears on the menu of nearly every Hawaiian luau. It's a mixture of salted salmon, fresh tomatoes, and fresh onions and it is often served on a bed of crushed ice to keep it fresh tasting and chilled. The preparation method used to make lomilomi salmon was introduced to Hawaii by early western sailors, who included salted fish in their on-board food provisions.

Lomilomi Salmon Recipe

More Hawaiian Food Recipes

Smoking in Public Places Banned in Hawaii in 2006

As of today - November 16, 2006 - Hawaii residents and visitors will no longer be exposed to second hand tobacco smoke in public places. Hawaii's new law bans smoking in all enclosed or partially enclosed public places, places of employment, government vehicles, and airports from cabin to curb. Some of the places included in the ban are bars, restaurants, hotels, clubs, theaters, government facilities,and stadiums, both indoors and outdoors. Smoking is also banned within twenty feet of doorways and windows of buildings included in the ban. Exceptions: smoking will be permitted in fully open-air workplaces such as parks, beaches, and outdoor construction sites, and hotels may designate up to 20% of their rooms for smokers if the rooms are clustered on the same floor and the smoke cannot enter other rooms.

Introduction to Hawaii's Smoke Free Law

Preparing for a Smoke Free Hawaii

Coalition for a Tobacco Free Hawaii

Smoking in Public Places Now Banned in Hawaii

As of today - November 16, 2006 - Hawaii residents and visitors will no longer be exposed to second hand tobacco smoke in public places. Hawaii's new law bans smoking in all enclosed or partially enclosed public places, places of employment, government vehicles, and airports from cabin to curb. Some of the places included in the ban are bars, restaurants, hotels, clubs, theaters, government facilities,and stadiums, both indoors and outdoors. Smoking is also banned within twenty feet of doorways and windows of buildings included in the ban. Exceptions: smoking will be permitted in fully open-air workplaces such as parks, beaches, and outdoor construction sites, and hotels may designate up to 20% of their rooms for smokers if the rooms are clustered on the same floor and the smoke cannot enter other rooms.

Introduction to Hawaii's Smoke Free Law

Preparing for a Smoke Free Hawaii

Coalition for a Tobacco Free Hawaii

Kauai Slack Key Guitar Festival: Nov 19

The Kauai Slack Key Guitar Festival will take place on Sunday, November 19, 2006 at the Hilton Kauai Beach Resort in Lihue. Featured performers will include Brother Noland, Dennis Kamakahi, David Kamakahi, Jeff Peterson, Paul Togioka, Cindy Combs, and others. The concert will be from noon to 6:00 pm and admission is free.

2006 Bull Riding Event at Blaisdell Center

The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) 2006 Hawaii All Star Bull Riding Challenge will take place November 17-18, 2006 at Blaisdell Center in Honolulu. The event will feature the top 15 riders in the Professional Bull Riders Association competing for a total of $80,000 in prize money.

Bull Riding This Weekend at Blaisdell Center

The Professional Bull Riders Hawaii All Star Challenge will take place November 17-18, 2006 at Blaisdell Center in Honolulu. The event will feature the top 15 riders in the Professional Bull Riders Association competing for a total of $80,000 in prize money.

2006 Kauai Slack Key Guitar Festival

The 2006 Kauai Slack Key Guitar Festival will take place on Sunday, November 19, 2006 at the Hilton Kauai Beach Resort in Lihue. Featured performers will include Brother Noland, Dennis Kamakahi, David Kamakahi, Jeff Peterson, Paul Togioka, Cindy Combs, and others. The concert will be from noon to 6:00 pm and admission is free.

Hawaii Events in 2007

Our 2007 Hawaii Event Calendar includes many different types of events on all of the Hawaiian Islands. If a 2007 date for an annual event has not yet been established, we have listed the event under the expected month using "Date TBA" (date to be announced). If you know about any 2007 Hawaii events that are not included on this calendar, please send a message to the email address on our contacts page.

2007 Hawaii Triathlon Camp

Spend five days training on the Hawaii Ironman World Championship course, from January 28 through February 2, 2007 at the Hawaii Triathlon Camp on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. The camp is suitable for athletes with all levels of ability, from the beginner on a fitness holiday to the serious athlete who wants hard core training. Camp bicycle rides will be 10 to 112 miles long, the runs will be 3 to 26 miles, and the swimming distances will be 1000 meters to 2.4 miles. The distances will vary according to each athlete's ability. Significant discounts are available to participants who register in November and December.

2007 Hawaii Triathlon Camp

Spend five days training on the Hawaii Ironman World Championship course, from January 28 through February 2, 2007 at the Hawaii Triathlon Camp on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. The camp is suitable for athletes with all levels of ability, from the beginner on a fitness holiday to the serious athlete who wants hard core training. Camp bicycle rides will be 10 to 112 miles long, the runs will be 3 to 26 miles, and the swimming distances will be 1000 meters to 2.4 miles. The distances will vary according to each athlete's ability. Significant discounts are available to participants who register in November and December.

2006 World Hula Festival at the Waikiki Shell

The 15th annual World Invitational Hula Festival is taking place at the Waikiki Shell in Kapiolani Park this weekend, November 9-11, 2006. Dancers from from Japan, Guam, the Philippines, Spain, Washington State, and Hawaii are competing, beginning at 4:30 pm, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Tickets are $5 to $25 and both lawn and chair seating are available.

Waikiki Shell Hula Festival This Weekend

The 15th annual World Invitational Hula Festival is taking place at the Waikiki Shell in Kapiolani Park this weekend, November 9-11, 2006. Dancers from from Japan, Guam, the Philippines, Spain, Washington State, and Hawaii are competing, beginning at 4:30 pm, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Tickets are $5 to $25 and both lawn and chair seating are available.

Congratulations Miss Chinatown Hawaii 2007

Congratulations to 25 year old Sonja Tam, who was crowned Miss Chinatown Hawaii during a pageant at the historic Hawaii Theatre Center in Honolulu on November 8, 2006. Miss Tam received a $12,000 scholarship, she will take a goodwill tour of China, and she will represent Hawaii at the February 2007 Miss Chinatown USA pageant in San Francisco. Congratulations also to Marie Soon and Rachel Mark, who were crowned first princess and second princess respectively.

Congratulations Miss Chinatown Hawaii 2007

Congratulations to 25 year old Sonja Tam, who was crowned Miss Chinatown Hawaii during a pageant at the historic Hawaii Theatre Center in Honolulu on November 8, 2006. Miss Tam received a $12,000 scholarship, she will take a goodwill tour of China, and she will represent Hawaii at the February 2007 Miss Chinatown USA pageant in San Francisco. Congratulations also to Marie Soon and Rachel Mark, who were crowned first princess and second princess respectively.

CelebrateThanksgiving 2006 in Hawaii

Information about celebrating Thanksgiving in Hawaii, including restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner, where to buy a fully cooked take-out Thanksgiving dinner, recipes for a Hawaii style Thanksgiving, and Thanksgiving week events in Hawaii.

Thanksgiving on Oahu

Thanksgiving on Maui

Thanksgiving on the Big Island

Thanksgiving on Kauai

Recipes for a Hawaiian Style Thankgiving Dinner
OTHER HOLIDAYS:

Christmas in Hawaii

New Year's Eve in Hawaii

CelebrateThanksgiving in Hawaii

Information about celebrating Thanksgiving in Hawaii, including restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner, where to buy a fully cooked take-out Thanksgiving dinner, recipes for a Hawaii style Thanksgiving, and Thanksgiving week events in Hawaii.

Thanksgiving on Oahu

Thanksgiving on Maui

Thanksgiving on the Big Island

Thanksgiving on Kauai

Recipes for Hawaii Style Thankgiving
OTHER HOLIDAYS:

Christmas in Hawaii

New Year's Eve in Hawaii

2006 Big Island Festival: November 17-19

The 5th annual Big Island Festival will take place November 17-19, 2006 at the huge Hilton Waikoloa Village resort on the northwest coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. The festival will feature a "Best of the Big Island" celebration with live entertainment and local products, a paniolo barbeque, a tour and luncheon at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii, and gourmet food and wine tastings and demonstrations throughout the weekend.

Other Events on the Big Island

Big Island Festival: November 17-19

The 5th annual Big Island Festival will take place November 17-19, 2006 at the huge Hilton Waikoloa Village resort on the northwest coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. The festival will feature a "Best of the Big Island" celebration with live entertainment and local products, a paniolo barbeque, a tour and luncheon at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii, and gourmet food and wine tastings and demonstrations throughout the weekend.

Big Island Festival - Official Web Site

Other Events on the Big Island

Aqua Bamboo Spa Hotel in Waikiki

The things I like most about the Aqua Bamboo Spa Hotel on Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki are its central location two blocks from the beach, its tastefully decorated rooms, its moderate prices, its spa on the hotel grounds, and most of all, its lovely and secluded swimming pool and patio area.

Introduction to the Aqua Bamboo Hotel

Photos of the Aqua Bamboo Hotel

2006 Aloha Windsurfing Classic on Maui

The Aloha Classic Wave Championships was created in 1984 and it is the
final event of the pro Windsurfing World Tour. This year's event is taking place November 6-17, 2006 at Hookipa Beach Park on the island of
Maui.

More About Windsurfing on Maui

Windsurfing on Other Islands

Annie is Coming to Kauai in 2006

The Hawaii Children's Theater of Kauai is bringing the musical Annie to the Kauai Memorial Conventional Hall in Lihue for nine performances, November 10-12, November 17-19, and November 24-26. Before the opening night performance there will be a special fund-raising show by the Kauai Community Players called "Annie's Big Apple Bash". Tickets to the fund raiser will include a pre-show deli dinner with beer wine and entertainment, premium reserved seating for the opening night of Annie, backstage tour, and a chance to win a cameo appearance in the opening night production of Annie.

More About The Arts on Kauai

Celebrate the Holidays in Hawaii

- Thanksgiving in Hawaii
- Christmas in Hawaii
- New Year's Eve in Hawaii
- Other Holidays in Hawaii

Visit Hawaii and Support Breast Cancer Research

Two Waikiki hotels are supporting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation of Hawaii by making donations, offering reduced rates, and giving out special gift packages. The Hilton Hawaiian Village is offering a black and pink tote bag filled with a stainless steel thermos, a label pin, a bracelet, and Mandara Spa oatmeal soap and bath salts. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel is offering a free spa treatment for each person, a $100 dining credit, and a gift basket.

Komen Breast Cancer Foundation of Hawaii

North Shore Oahu Seafood Festival

The annual Turtle Bay Resort Seafood Festival will take place November 17-28, 2006 at the Turtle Bay Resort on the north shore of Oahu. The event will feature a "Taste of the North Shore Shrimp Trucks" shrimp tasting event on Friday evening, November 17 and the annual "Sam Choy Poke Contest" on the evening of November 18. Poke is a dish made of raw fish seasoned in different ways that is very popular in Hawaii. If you have a great poke recipe you should enter the contest yourself! For more information see:

About the North Shore Shrimp Trucks

Typical Poke Recipe

Crazy Shirts Hawaii Earthquake T-Shirt

Crazy Shirts of Hawaii has created an "I survived the Quakes" T-shirt and they are selling them on the Web and at Crazy shirts retail stores for $23 each. A portion of the proceeds of all shirt sales will be donated to local Hawaii charities to support the recovery of those whose homes and lives were affected by the October 15, 2006 earthquake that was centered off the west coast of the Big Island.

What I Felt During the Earthquake

Free Amenities at Ohana Waikiki Hotels

All Ohana Hotels in Waikiki are now offering an amenities package that includes free transportation on the Waikiki Trolley, a pager for early check-in guests, free in-room coffee and tea, a free local newspaper every day, free Internet access in lobbies and some hotel rooms, and a free in-room safe. Ohana Hotels are the moderately priced and family oriented hotels in the Outrigger Resorts chain. For more information see:

Ohana Hotels Announcement

Ohana Hotels in Waikiki

Visit Hawaii and Support Breast Cancer Research

Two Waikiki hotels are supporting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation of Hawaii by offering reduced rates and special gift packages. The Hilton Hawaiian Village is offering a black and pink tote bag filled with a stainless steel thermos, a label pin, a bracelet, and Mandara Spa oatmeal soap and bath salts. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel is offering a free spa treatment for each person, a $100 dining credit, and a gift basket.

Rolling Stones Cancel Aloha Stadium Concert

This week the Rolling Stones announced they are cancelling their November 22 concert at the Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, and are collapsing their fall schedule, because lead singer Mick Jagger is having problems with his voice. The Aloha Stadium performance would have been the first Rolling Stones concert in Hawaii since 1998.

Castle Takes Over Hokele Suites Boutique Hotel

On October 1, 2006, Castle Resorts and Hotels took over management of the Hokele Suites Hotel, a condominium hotel located on a side street in Waikiki, near the DFS Galleria. A $45 million renovation is turning the two-star budget hotel into a three star boutique hotel. Accommodations at Hokele Suites Waikiki include studio apartments and one and two bedroom condominium units. When you book this hotel, be sure to check their Internet specials, which are less then half of their published room rates.

Photo of the Hokele Suites Hotel

Photo of the Hotel Swimming Pool

Take a Ride on the New Honolulu Screamer

The Honolulu Screamer is a new ocean thrill ride that was launched at the Kewalo Basin in Honolulu this week. The Screamer is a 49 passenger speed boat with a 1420 horsepower turbo charged engine. Passengers take a 30 to 45 minute round-trip ride to Diamond Head Crater, weaving and spinning at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. The Honolulu Screamer was a long-time dream of Greg Longnecker, which was finally fulfilled after spending $1 million and two years to have the boat built in New Jersey. The Honolulu Screamer was transported by land to Long Beach California, and then by ship to Honolulu. Tickets for the new ride are $30 to $50, which includes transportation from Waikiki. Initially there will be two trips per day, but departures are expected to eventually increase to once per hour. For reservations and more information, call 808-597-8669.

2006 Hawaii Book Award Winners

Every October, the Hawaii Book Publishers Association recognizes the best books published during the previous year by issuing Ka Palapala Pookela Awards in several different book categories. In 2006, 134 nominations were received and the winners were selected by the Hawaii Book Academy, a group of booksellers, educators, publishers, and media professionals.

2006 Hawaii Book Award Winners

Hawaii Books by Topic

Hawaii Books A to Z

Polo Inn is Changing Its Name to Hotel Equus

The 70 room Hawaii Polo Inn in Honolulu is now being managed by Aqua Hotels and Resorts. The hotel is undergoing a $2 million renovation and when the work is completed in December of 2006, it will re-open and be re-named the "Hotel Equus". The Polo Inn has always been a good option for Waikiki budget travelers, and while their rack rates will no longer be less then $100, it will be possible to book their basic room for about $105 per night, including a continental breakfast. The Polo Inn is located on the stretch of Ala Moana Boulevard between Waikiki and the Ala Moana Shopping Center.

Old Hotel Web site at HawaiiPolo.com

New Hotel Web site at AquaResorts.com

"Don't Fly Go" is GONE

A few weeks ago I mentioned a new Web site that was started by employees of Aloha Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines to protest some of the practices of the newest inter-island airline in Hawaii, Go! Airlines, which is an affiliate of the Mesa Air Group. Well... now all of the anti-Go content on the DontFlyGo.com Web site has been removed and replace with this message: "This website is in the process of being sold. Once it is sold, HERO will no longer be responsible for its content". The content is gone, but there is still a mailing address on that site and also a link people can use to make a donation to the "Don't Fly Go" group via PayPal. Veeeeeery interesting...

Pastel Artists of Hawaii Exhibition

The 3rd annual Pastel Artists of Hawaii Exhibition will take place October 30 through November 24, 2006 in the lobby of the Pauahi Tower at 1001 Bishop Street in Downtown Honolulu. The Pastel Artists of Hawaii is a non-profit society founded in 2001 to advance the appreciation of soft pastels as a serious medium and to promote Hawaii's finest pastel artists. The pastel on the left is "The Chanter" by Kathleen Yokouchi, the Best-in-Show winner at the 2005 exhibition.

Xterra World Championships on Maui

The 11th annual Nissan Xterra World Championships is an extreme multi-sport competition that will take place Sunday, October 29, 2006 on the island of Maui. The event includes a 1.5 kilometer roughwater swim, a 30 kilometer mountain bike ride on the slopes of Haleakala, and an 11 kilometer off-road trail run. This is the final event in the Xterra World Tour, which includes competitions in Brazil, Saipan, Germany, New Zealand, Mexico, France, Denmark, United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Spain, Italy, South Africa, Japan and the United States. The Maui course is considered the most difficult of all the venues. 500 competitors from more then 20 countries will compete for a $130,000 prize package. The event will be filmed for a CBS TV Sports Spectacular that will air on February 3, 2006, the Saturday before the SuperBowl.

Downtown Decadence Tonight in Honolulu

Downtown Decadence is a fundraiser for the Oahu YWCA, and it will take place tonight - October 26, 2006 - at the Laniakea YWCA. Tickets cost $60 which includes three drinks from the martini bar, appetizers from Indigo and the Cafe Laniakea, live music, a silent auction, and access to pampering services such as massage, mini-manicures, and make-overs. For more information see the Downtown Decadence 2006 Web site.

Oahu North Shore Expansion Plan Includes 5 Hotels

The owners of the Turtle Bay Resort on the north shore of Oahu plan to build five new hotels and additional condos and timeshare units that will add 3500 hotel rooms and residential units to the north shore. Some Hawaii residents and visitors are concerned about the impact that project will have on north shore traffic, which is already a big problem. Those visitors and residents would also like to retain the rural quality of the north shore, and have tourism development on Oahu limited to Waikiki and Ko Olina. The developer says the project will bring jobs to the area and they also say they will look for creative and innovative solutions to address the community's concerns. Here is more information:
TURTLE BAY EXPANSION GETS TENTATIVE APPROVAL:

Honolulu Advertiser Article

Honolulu Star Bulletin Article
ANTI-DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS:

Defend Oahu Coalition

Keep the North Shore Country

Historic Tea Room in the Manoa Valley

The Waioli Tea Room is a charming historic restaurant in a lush tropical setting in Honolulu's Manoa Valley. It is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch, and traditional afternoon tea can be arranged with 24 hours advance notice. The menu includes items such as salads, sandwiches, egg dishes, teas, coffee drinks, fancy non-alcoholic fruit drinks, and delicious desserts. The Waioli Tea Room is on the United States National Register of Historic Places.

More About the Waioli Tea Room

Photos of the Waioli Tea Room

The Waioli Chapel

Where to Have Afternoon Tea on Oahu

Hawaiian Waters Salute to the Military

The 8th annual Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park "Salute to the Military" will take place the Friday before Veterans' Day, November 10, 2006, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. On that date, admission will be free for all active duty military, reservists, national guard personnel, and retirees with valid military IDs. Dependents of military personnel, and up to four of their friends, can get in for half price by showing current military dependent IDs. Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park is a 25 acre water park in Kapolei with water slides, a wave pool, a river rafting pool, and other attractions. It is located about 30 to 45 minutes west of Waikiki.

Hawaii Film Festival is Taking Place Now

The 26th annual Louis Vuitton Hawaii International Film Festival is taking place now on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, and the Big Island of Hawaii. Films will be shown through October 29. More then 250 movies are being screened this year and here are schedules with film titles, dates, and locations:

Oahu Film Screenings

Neighbor Island Film Screenings

News From the Kapalua Resort on Maui

The new Honolua Village Center at northwest Maui's Kapalua Resort opened on October 18, 2006. Shops so far include Kapalua Collections, La Perle Jewelers, Kapalua Realty, and the Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar. And more news from the Kapalua Resort: Advanced tickets for the Mercedes-Benz Golf Championship at the Kapalua Plantation Golf Course are on sale until December 25, at which time ticket prices will increase. Advance tickets to the entire event are available for $55. After December 25, those tickets will cost $80. The Mercedes-Benz Championship will take place January 1-7, 2007.

Congratulations to Ironman Top Finishers!

Congratulations to first place finishers at the 2006 Ironman Triathlon World Championships in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii on Saturday, October 21. The first place male finisher was Normann Stadler of Germany and the first place female finisher was Michellie Jones of the United States. Congratulations also to 76 year old Cathlic nun Madonna Buder, the final finisher in the 2006 race and the oldest woman to ever compete in the Kona Ironman Triathlon.

Top 10 Finishers + Photos

Aquariums on the Island of Oahu

There are several aquariums on the island of Oahu including the University of Hawaii's Waikiki Aquarium, the walk-through aquarium at the Duty Free Shop Galleria, the 280,000 gallon Oceanarium at the Pacific Beach Hotel, and the Hawaiian Reef Aquarium at Sea Life Park, where visitors can wear underwater breathing apparatus and walk on the bottom of the tank. For photos and more information see: Oahu Aquariums.

2006 Honolulu Advertiser Restaurant Awards

Every year the Honolulu Advertiser issues Ilima Awards for the best restaurants in Hawaii. The awards are given to all types of restaurants and cafes in many different price categories. Most of the award winning restaurants are on the island of Oahu, but the last six are located on Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island of Hawaii. Here are the Honolulu Advertiser's 2006 Ilima Restaurant Award winners: 2006 Ilima Award Winners

Did You Feel the October 15th Hawaii Earthquake?

I was reading a book in my ocean view room at the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel in Waikiki when the earthquake rattled me to attention at 7:07 a.m. on Sunday, October 15, 2006. What I felt were two separate and rather long lasting gentle bumping motions accompanied by what sounded like a roll of thunder. There was not much damage on the island of Oahu, but I was very sorry to learn the historic Manoa Valley Inn, where I had stayed earlier in the week, suffered some serious damage, including a collapsed chimney. Waikiki is about 150 miles from the center of the quake, which was on the west coast of the Big island. My sister, who lives in Kailua-Kona, felt a much more powerful shake then I did, followed by dozens of scary aftershocks. The earthquake was measured at 6.7 on the Richter scale, and while it caused no deaths, it did cause some damage on the Big Island. Most of the Big Island hotels were not damaged, but I have heard that are few are temporarily closed, so if you are planning a trip to the Big Island soon, contact your hotel to confirm its status. If you felt the earthquake yourself, tell us what it was like:

Our Forum Discussion: Did You Feel the Earthquake?

USGS Web Form: Send Earthquake Report to USGS

Aloha Festivals Falsetto Contest

I will be in Honolulu this week, attending the Aloha Festivals Hawaiian Falsetto Singing Contest in the Monarch Room of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki on the island of Oahu. The contest will take place Friday, October 13, at 7:00 p.m. Hawaii's top amateur falsetto singers will compete for a Hula Records recording contract and other prizes. In addition to the contest, Grammy nominated Raiatea Helm will perform, and Benny Kalama, John Piilani Watkins, Kahauanu Lake, and Dennis Pavao will be inducted into the Falsetto Hall of Fame. This will be a great event! Tickets are $40 for general seating and $55 for premium seating. For more information see:

Royal Hawaiian Contest Information

Aloha Festivals Contest Information

Hawaii Hispanic Heritage Festival

The Hawaii Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Centro Hispano de Hawaii will present the 13th annual Hawaii Hispanic Heritage Festival on Saturday, October 14, 2006 at Kapiolani Park in Honolulu, on the island of Oahu. The event will include dancers, marimba bands, dance bands, and other live entertainment. There will also be a special performance by salsa dance team Judah and Sunshine Oscher, who will represent Hawaii at the World Salsa Championships in Las Vegas in December of 2006.

A to Z Guide to Kauai Island

An alphabetical guide to all of the information on this Web site about the island of Kauai, including lodging, dining, activities, attractions, events, photos, maps, transportation, arts, culture, natural wonders and more. Kauai is the oldest, wettest, most northern, and one of the most rural of the six largest Hawaiian Islands.

A to Z Guide to Kauai

Kauai Travel Planner

Effort to Shut Down Go! Airlines Failed

A United States bankruptcy court has denied Hawaiian Airlines' request for a preliminary injuction that would have shut down inter-island Go! Airlines for one year. Hawaiian Airlines says that when Go! owner Mesa Airlines considered buying Hawaiian, they obtained company proprietary data which was later used to launch rival Go! Airlines. The ruling by bankruptcy judge Robert Faris read "The evidence raises real doubts about the propriety of Mesa's conduct, but Hawaiian did not meet the stringent standard for a preliminary injunction.". In related news, Go! Airlines partnered earlier this month with Pleasant Holidays, a leading provider of Hawaii tours, in order to offer vacation packages on the Go! Airlines Web site.
RELATED RESOURCES:

Inter-Island Airlines in Hawaii

Airlines That Fly to Hawaii

Airports in Hawaii

Where to Celebrate Halloween in Hawaii

The old whaling town of Lahaina on the island of Maui has one of the largest Halloween street celebrations in the world, with typically more then 30,000 participants. For information about that event and other Halloween celebrations on the islands of Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and the Big island of Hawaii see Halloween Events in Hawaii. That page includes information about haunted houses, street festivals, costume contests, group trick-or-treating, and other Halloween events on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island of Hawaii.

Oahu Shark Viewing Tours

Two companies offer shark viewing tours out of Haliewa Harbor on the north shore of Oahu. The tour operators take clients more then three miles off shore, and a shark viewing cage is lowered into the water. Sharks as close as five to fifteen feet away can be safely viewed from inside the cage. Shark tours are very exciting, but they are also controversial. Some local residents feel the tours are causing an increase in shark activity in Hawaiian coastal waters because the tour operators feed the sharks to attract them.

Shark Tour Operators on Oahu

Hawaii Shark Tour Controversy

Facts About Sharks in Hawaii

Aloha Festival Moves to Maui This Week

This week there will be Aloha Festival events on the west side of Maui, in the Lahaina and Kaanapali areas, and also on the east side of Maui, in the town of Hana. There will be Hawaiian culture festivals, street celebrations, sporting events, a talent show, live Hawaiian music, and other entertainment. For more information see the Aloha Festivals Maui Event Calendar.

New Embassy Suites Hotel in Waikiki

The former Ohana Waikiki Village and Ohana Waikiki Tower hotels are being renovated and turned into the new Embassy Suites Waikiki Hotel. The hotel is located on the Waikiki Beach Walk, and accommodations will include one and two bedroom suites. The units will not have kitchens, but they will have refrigerators, microwave ovens, and coffee makers, and a full breakfast will be included in the rate. Amenities on the grounds include a swimming pool and four restaurants. Room rates begin at $400 per night, and sometimes special rates will be available. The Embassy Suites Hotel is expected to open for business on January 5, 2007.

Southern California Ukulele Festival: Oct 7

The 5th annual Southern California Ukulele Festival will take place on Saturday, October 7 at Cerritos Park in the city of Cerritos. There will be ukulele concerts and workshops from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and a luau and concert from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.

New Lagoon Beach Proposed for Waikiki

The Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources is looking into the possibility of creating a new lagoon and beach area next to the War Memorial Natatorium and in front of the Waikiki Aquarium. The lagoon would be similar to one of the Ko Olina Lagoons in West Oahu, and would be approximately 200 feet by 150 feet in size, with an offshore breakwater. Right now this is only an idea that is being explored. Another possibility being considered is creating two smaller lagoon beaches. For more information see the October 3, 2006 Honolulu Advertiser Article

Hawaii Magazine Has Been Sold

PacificBasin Communications, the owner of resident-targeted Honolulu Magazine has purchased visitor-targeted Hawaii Magazine from BowTie Incorporated in Irvine, California. John Heckathorn, who was the editor of Honolulu Magazine from 1993 to 1995, will be the new editor of Hawaii Magazine. Hawaii Magazine has a circulation of approximately 75,000 and it is published every two months. In addition to Honolulu Magazine, PacificBasin Communications also publishes Hawaii Business Magazine, and Hawaii Home and Remodeling Magazine.

Hawaii Winter Baseball Begins

Sunday, October 1 was opening day for the revived Hawaii Winter Baseball League. The first game of the season was between the North Shore Hono and West Oahu Canefire Teams. The Hawaii Winter Baseball League was founded in 1993, with teams from Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island of Hawaii. The league was active until 1997, when it shut down for financial reasons, but it is back again in 2006. The league now only has teams from Oahu to cut down on team travel costs and to make things easier for baseball talent scouts visiting Hawaii. The 2006 season will include 40 games, played from October 1 through November 22. Games will be played at Hans L'Orange Field in Waipahu or at Les Murakami Stadium at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu. The 2006 teams include the Waikiki Beachboys, the West Oahu CaneFires, the North Shore Honu, and the Honolulu Sharks.

Van's Triple Crown of Surfing 2006

Van's Triple Crown of Surfing is a three-event surfing championship for world class professional surfers that takes place every year in Hawaii. The next Triple Crown event will take place November 12 through December 20, 2006. The women's final will take place at Honolua Bay on Maui, but all of the other competitions for men and women will take place on the north shore of Oahu, at Alii Beach, Sunset Beach, and the Banzai Pipeline.

Exploring Oahu's North Shore

Excerpt from an article in the Asbury Park Press: The true stars of Oahu's famed North Shore aren't the actors in ABC TV's "Lost" or top-selling musician Jack Johnson. They're the monster waves that roll in every winter. But the rest of the year, when the 30-foot surf and the crowds are long gone, the North Shore returns to its usual laid-back, country lifestyle. It's perfect for swimming, golfing, hiking, snorkeling or a lazy day at the beach with family. The remote coastline stretches for more than 20 miles and seems a world away from the high-rise jungle in Honolulu.... [Read Full Article]

Average Price of a Hawaii Hotel Room is $199

According to Hospitality Advisors in Honolulu, the average cost of a hotel room in Hawaii was $199 in August of 2006. Hawaii's hotel occupancy rates averaged 84% in August, which was second only to Seattle and New York City in the United States. The average hotel room rates on the different islands in August were Oahu $165, Big Island $200, Kauai $202, and Maui $266. Wailea Maui is the most expensive region in Hawaii, with an average hotel room rate of $430. Budget travelers should not be too concerned however, because there are still lower cost hotel rooms available in Hawaii, even though they are not as plentiful as they once were. For information about Hawaii accommodations in every price range see:

Luxury Hotels

Romantic Hotels

Condominiums

Chain Hotels

Vacation Homes

Budget Hotels

Hostels

Camping

Kauai Concert Association Calendar

The Kauai Concert Association produces an annual concert series featuring many different types of music and dancing, including classical, jazz, world music, and more. Performances take place at the Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center in Lihue. Upcoming performers include Jeffrey Swan, the Ying Quartet, Chanticleer, the Campbell Brothers, the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, the Poulenc Trio, Jacqui Naylor, and the Trio Con Brio Copenhagen. For more information see the Kauai Concert Association 2006/2007 Calendar.

Kealia Pond Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk

The 700 acre Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge on the southeast coast of Maui was established in 1992 as a home for shorebirds, migratory ducks, and endangered native water birds. A pedestrian boardwalk through the refuge was completed in 2005 but it never officially opened to the public because cracks appeared in the planks shortly after the walkway was installed. This week work began on repairing the boardwalk and officials hope it will be formally opened to the public in 2007.

New Resort Area Coming to South Big Island

Developer Sea Mountain Five plans to spend almost $600 million over the next ten years to build a 434-acre resort in Punaluu, near the south tip of the Big Island of Hawaii. Plans include a 70-room eco-resort in a partnership with environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau and a 200-room luxury hotel. The development will also include single and multiple family homes, renovation of the existing golf course, retail and commercial developments, and a marine conservation and cultural center. The Sea Mountain Resort was first planned in the 1970's, but only the golf course and a few condominiums were built at that time.

Sea Mountain Talks Resurrected

Cousteau Signs On to Big Island Development

Cousteau's Involvement Does Not Appease Activists

Sea Mountain Beach and Golf Resort

Lydgate Beach Park is Perfect for Families

Lydgate Beach Park on the Island of Kauai is a great spot for family outings because of its two lava rock protected swimming areas and its close proximity to the Kamalani Playground. The beach is a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling. Attractions and facilities include a large sandy beach, grassy areas, shade trees, lifeguards, picnic tables, restrooms, and showers. [View Larger Photo]

Go Airline Offers $19 Inter-Island Fare

Go Airlines has introduced a $19 one-way fare for inter-island tickets purchased between September 22 and September 30, 2006. The special fare applies to tickets from Honolulu to Lihue, Kahului, Kona, and Hilo, but it does not apply to tickets for travel during the peak holiday periods surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas. Rivals Aloha Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have critized Go Airlines for offering unrealistically low fares, but even so, they have both matched Go's $19 fare. Go Airlines is calling their new fares "HERO Fares" which is apparently an inside joke at the expense of the new organization known as Hawaii Airline Employees Repelling Ornstein, which was formed by employees of Go's competitors to challenge statements made by the Mesa Air Group's Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Ornstein. Mesa is the parent company of Go Airlines.

Helicopter Tours of Hawaii

Helicopter tours are a popular visitor activity in Hawaii because they are a great way to view and photograph many of Hawaii's most spectacular landscapes and attractions in a short time. If you decide to take a helicopter tour during your Hawaii vacation, be sure to research the safety record of the company you select. Here is a guide to helicopter tour companies on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai, Niihau, and the Big island of Hawaii plus articles discussing safety and environmental issues related to Hawaii helicopter tours.

Directory: Helicopter Tour Operators in Hawaii

New York Times: Helicopters Over Hawaii

Sierra Club: Helicopoter Tourism Over Hawaii

Hawaii Has a Very Low Unemployment Rate

Hawaii's unemployment rate of 2.8 percent is the lowest in the United States. Hawaii is the only state with an unemployment rate lower then 3%. The next lowest rates are South Dakota, Virginia, and Utah, all with 3.2 percent. The national unemployment rate in the United States is 4.7 percent.

2007 Mercedes-Benz Golf Championship

Tickets are on sale now for the Mercedes-Benz Championship Golf Tournament, January 1-7, 2007 at the Kapalua Resort on the island of Maui. The Mercedes-Benz Championship is the opening event of the PGA tour, and it has been played at the Plantation Golf Course at the Kapalua Resort since 1999, when it moved to Hawaii after being held at the La Costa Resort in Southern California for 30 years..

The Rolling Stones Are Coming to Hawaii

Today the Rolling Stones confirmed they will perform a concert in Honolulu's Aloha Stadium on November 22, 2006. The Rolling Stones have performed in Hawaii three times in the past, in 1966, 1973, and 1998. Tickets for the 2006 concert will cost $60-$160 and they will go on sale at 10:00 a.m. on September 30 at the Blaisdell box office and Ticketmaster.

Bird Watching Tours of Hawaii

Information about the guided bird watching tours organized by Hawaii Forest and Trail and Oahu Nature Tours. Also includes information about the best bird watching spots in Hawaii, including the Waimea Valley Audubon Center, the Kawai Nui Marsh, the Aalakai Swamp, and wildlife sanctuaries and preserves on several different Hawaiian Islands.

Go Airline Rivals Form Anti-Go Organization

A group of airline employees working for Hawaiian Airlines, Aloha Airlines, and Island Air have formed an organization to rebut statements made by inter-island airline and rival Go! Airlines. The group has named itself "Hawaii's Airline Employees Repelling Ornstein". Jonathan Ornstein is the Chief Executive Officer of the Mesa Air Group, Go's parent company. For more information see the new organization's Web site at DontFlyGo.com and Go's response to the formation of the new group.

A Portuguese Cultural Festival in Honolulu

The Hawaii Council on Portuguese Heritage is organizing a Portuguese Festa that will take place October 7-8, 2006 at the McCoy Pavilion in Honolulu's Ala Moana Park from 10 am to 5 pm. The event will feature traditional Portuguese foods such as malasadas, bean soup, linguica, and sweet bread, plus craft and cooking demonstrations, cultural displays, video presentations, geneology resources, and local artists and vendors. Admission will be $3 for adults and free for children. For more information phone 808-845-1616. For more about the Portuguese heritage of Hawaii see the Islander Magazine article "The Pokiki: Portuguese Traditions".

Maui Prince Hotel is Up for Sale

The owner of Prince Resorts Hawaii is planning to sell their 1800 acre Makena Resort in South Maui, which includes the 310-room Maui Prince Hotel, the Makena Golf Course, and surrounding land that is zoned for a resort development.

History of the Makena Area

South Maui Coast Development Pressure

Honolulu Star Bulletin Article About the Sale

Maui Prince Hotel - Official Web Site

Hilton Waikoloa Village Concert Series

The Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii is offering low local rates to visitors attending their Pat Benetar concert on October 1, 2006. The concert will also feature Neil Giraldo and Berlin. The $220 package includes a hotel room on October 1 and two general admission tickets to the concert. Other performers lined up for the series include the Doobie Brothers on November 11, Dwight Yoakam on November 18, and Cheap Trick on New Year's Eve. For more information see:

King Michel Concert Series

Hilton Waikiloa Village

Kapahulu Cafe Replaces the Hale Noa

A new restaurant and evening local hangout called the Kapahulu Cafe has opened at the location of the former Hale Noa, a popular cafe which closed in April of 2006. The new cafe is located at 766 Kapahulu Avenue in Honolulu and it is open from 6:00 pm to Midnight, Wednesday through Saturday. It features a small stage with live entertainment and a menu with items such as quesadillas, pastas, salads, and sandwiches.

Honolulu Star Bulletin About the Cafe

Kapahulu Cafe - Official Web Site

Dog the Bounty Hunter Arrested in Hawaii

"Dog the Bounty Hunter" is a reality television series featuring the adventures and misadventures of Hawaii-based bounty hunter Duane Chapman. Chapman was arrested in connection with his highly publicized 2003 capture of Max Factor cosmetics heir Andrew Luster, who fled to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico after skipping out on a $1 million bail. United States marshalls arrested Duane "Dog" Chapman at his Hawaii home this week because bounty hunting is not legal in Mexico.

Dog Collared for Jumping Bail in Mexico (CNN)

Dog Freed on Bail (Honolulu Advertiser)

Step Back to Old Hawaii on Lanai

This article by Harry Shattuck was published in the Houston Chronicle Newspaper on September 10, 2006: "A notice in the monthly Lanai Times Newspaper shook the very fabric of society on Lanai, an island of 3,000 residents. A new law prohibits leaving car keys in the ignition at the Lanai Airport...." [Read Full Article]

Photos of Tiny Lanai Island

The island of Lanai is located about 9 miles south of Molokai and 9 miles southwest of Maui and it is approximately 18 miles long and 13 miles wide. Lanai has almost 50 miles of coastline, but very few paved roads. At one time Lanai was known as the "pineapple isle" but since very little pineapple is grown there now, it is known these days as the "secluded isle". Lanai has two very expensive luxury resorts, one on the coast and one in the hills, and one less expensive - but charming - hotel in Lanai City. [Lanai Photo Gallery]

Photos of the Northwest Hawaiian Islands

The area northwest of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island of Hawaii has many tiny islands, atolls, reefs, and shoals over a distance of more then 1000 miles. Here are photos of some of those islands: Kure - Midway - Pearl/Hermes - Lisianski - Lyasan - Gardner - Tern - Necker - Nihoa

Honolulu September 11th Memorial

There is an eternal flame memorial in front of Honolulu City Hall that was erected in memory of those who died or put themselves in harm's way during the World Trade Center tragedy on September 11, 2001. Last night Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann led a "Walk of Remembrance" in downtown Honolulu to observe the fifth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attack. [View Larger Photo]

Kanaha Beach Park on Maui

Kanaha Beach Park on the north coast of Maui has a broad white sand beach bordered by trees, with beautiful views of the ocean, the West Maui Mountains, and the Iao Valley. Kanaha Beach is a popular spot for windsurfing, kite surfing, swimming, camping, picnics, canoeing, and volleyball games.
[View Larger Photo]

Four Photos of Lava Trees

Lava Tree State Monument is a forest of lava trees located about three miles southeast of Pahoa Town on the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii. The strange volcanic features in the park are the result of a lava flow that swept through a forest of trees. Here is a picture of one of the trees at Lava Tree State Monument plus three pictures of lava trees being formed by volcanic activity: [Lava Tree Photos]

Guys Are Invited to Girl Fest Hawaii

Girl Fest Hawaii is an annual week-long event in Honolulu focused on changing peer culture to prevent violence against women and girls through education, entertainment, and positive representations of women. Girl Fest Hawaii 2006 is taking place this week - September 8 through 17 - and it includes music performances, comedy acts, parties, workshops, poetry readings, art gallery displays, and a film festival. Men are invited and encouraged to participate in all activities.

GirlFest 2006 - Honolulu Advertiser Article

Girl Fest Hawaii - Official Web Site

Punaluu Black Sand Beach

Punaluu Beach is a black sand beach on the south coast of the Big Island that is made up of volcanic glass and rock that has been pounded by the wind and sea into black sand. There is a beach park at Punaluu with a grassy campground, picnic tables, restrooms, and a parking lot. There is also a condominium complex nearby with a swimming pool and a golf course. A reminder to Punaluu Beach visitors: It is not permitted to remove any of the black sand from the beach and people must stay at least fifteen feet away from the sea turtles that often appear on the beach at Punaluu. [View Larger Photo]