Thursday, June 29, 2006

4th of July Events on the Big Island

Big Island 4th of July events this week include aerial fireworks displays in Hilo and Kona, Independence Day parades in Kona and Volcano, the Parker Ranch July 4th Rodeo, the Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race, a Sea Turtle Independence Day celebration, and the Firecracker Open Big Game Fishing Tournament.

Hawaiian Airlines Wants to Stop Go!

Hawaiian Airlines is asking a court to prevent Go! Airlines from selling any new inter-island airfare tickets for a period of one year, because Hawaiian says the Mesa Air Group violated the terms of a confidentiality agreement signed when Hawaiian Airlines was going through bankruptcy. The court will hear arguments in this case on August 4, 2006. The details of this case are a bit complicated. For the whole story, see today's Honolulu Star Bulletin article.

Watch a Baseball Game on Oahu

Les Murkami Stadium at the University of Hawaii The Hawaii Winter Baseball League is returning after a nine year hiatus, with a 40-game season running from October 1 through November 22, 2006. For the first two years, there will be four teams, and all games will be played at two Oahu venues. Later the league plans to add teams based on Maui and the Big Island. This year the Honolulu Sharks and the Waikiki BeachBoys will be based at Les Murakami Stadium at the University of Hawaii, and the West Oahu CaneFires and the North Shore Honu will be based at Hans L'Orange Park in Waipahu. More information and tickets are available on the Hawaii Winter Baseball Web site.

Cycle With the Locals on the Big Island

Hawaii Cycling Club Ride The Hawaii Cycling Club on the Big Island invites visitors to bring their bicycles to Hawaii and join one of their weekly, monthly, or special event road cycling or mountain biking rides in Kona, Hilo and other parts of the island. You don't need to be a member to join one of their rides, but you can help support this friendly cycling club by purchasing a $25 membership anyway or buying one of their official Hawaii Cycling Club Jerseys.

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Fly from California to Hawaii for $99

Aloha Airlines is offering last minute, 4th of July weekend, $99 one-way airfares between four California airports and Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii. The $99 fares are only available July 2-4. The fares increase to $129 for travel July 5-7, and to $149 for travel July 8-9. For more information, see the Last Minute Specials section of the Aloha Airlines Web site.

Lanai Pineapple Festival: July 1

Lanai Pineapple Festival The 14th annual Lanai Pineapple Festival will take place in Dole Park, on Lanai Island, Saturday, July 1, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The event will celebrate Lanai's rich pineapple plantation and ranching history and there will be food and game booths, crafts, and live entertainment. There will also be a special late night Expeditions Ferry, to transport visitors from Lanai Harbor to Lahaina, Maui. For more information, contact 808-565-3242 or 808-559-0197.

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

International War Games Begin in Hawaii

left Eight nations are conducting a huge joint military exercise off the coast of Hawaii, in the 20th edition of a program known as the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC). The program is taking place from June 26 through July 28 and participating nations include Australia, Canada, Chile, Peru, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States. More then 40 ships, 6 submarines, 160 aircraft, and nearly 19,000 military personnel have gathered in Hawaii for the event. There has been some controversy surrounding the military receiving permission to use sonar during the event, because sonar can cause strange behavior in whales. Military personnel are aware of this problem. They have put spotters on every ship who will search for whales and order sonar turned off if any are sighted.
  • RIMPAC 2006 - Official Web Site
  • Photos of RIMPAC 2004

  • Best Oahu Snorkeling Spots

    Shark's Cove on the North Shore A guide to the Best Snorkeling Spots on Oahu, with photos and information about world famous Hanauma Bay and other places to go snorkeling on the south coast of Oahu, on the eastern windward side, and on Oahu's north shore. The picture on the left is Shark's Cove, which (in spite of the name) is a popular scuba diving and snorkeling spot between Kulalua Point and the Pupukea Tidepools on Oahu's north shore.

    Monday, June 26, 2006

    North Shore Oahu Art Studio Tours

    North Shore Studio Tours Six artists based on the north shore of Oahu have banded together and opened their studios to the public. Participating artists include sculptor J. Forest Ocean Bennett in Mokuleia, painter and sculptor Bill Braden in Sunset Beach, wood carver Jay Marr in Waialua, artist Margo Goodwill in Mokuleia, ceramic artist Jerome Heck at Pupukea, and ceramic artists Jeff and Carol Lee in Mokuleia. For more information see the Web site of the North Shore Artists Studio Tours.

    Maui Beach Named Best in America

    Fleming Beach Park Fleming Beach on the island of Maui has been named "Best Beach in America" by Stephen Leatherman of the Dr. Beach Web site. D.T. Fleming Beach Park on the west side of Maui is a popular spot for surfing, bodyboarding, swimming and picnics, although the waves can be too powerful for swimming during the winter months. Two other Hawaii beaches were included in Dr. Leatherman's 2006 Top Ten, including Hanalei Beach on Kauai and Hamoa Beach on Maui. Dr. Beach has named a Hawaii beach the best in America eleven times in the last fifteen years:
  • 1991: Kapalua Bay Beach (Maui)
  • 1993: Hapuna Beach (Big Island)
  • 1996: Lanikai Beach (Oahu)
  • 1997: Hulopoe Beach (Lanai)
  • 1998: Kailua Beach (Oahu)
  • 1999: Wailea Beach (Maui)
  • 2000: Mauna Kea Bech (Big Island)
  • 2001: Poipu Beach (Kauai)
  • 2003: Kaanapali Beach (Maui)
  • 2004: Hanauma Bay (Oahu)
  • 2006: Fraser Beach (Maui)

  • Sunday, June 25, 2006

    New Waikiki Activity Club for Kids

    right The Waikiki Sunset Condominium Resort has introduced a new summer activity program for children age 5 through 12 who are staying at any of the ResortQuest hotels in Waikiki or downtown Honolulu. The club is called the KeikiQuest Kids Club, and it will feature activities such as catamaran sails, surfing lessons, crafts, snorkeling, and hiking plus trips to local attractions such as Sea Life Park, the Waikiki Aquarium, the Bishop Museum, Makapuu Point, and the Honolulu Zoo.
  • Kids Club Article in the Honolulu Star Bulletin
  • ResortQuest Waikiki Sunset Condominiums
  • Kids Stay and Eat Free at ResortQuest

  • Hanauma Bay Photo Gallery

    Hanauma Bay Hanauma Bay is a deep cove on the south shore of Oahu, about 10 miles east of Waikiki, between Hawaii Kai and Koko Crater. There are several hiking trails on the cliffs above the cove and the 2000 foot white sand beach is one of the best spots on Oahu for snorkeling. It's best to arrive at Hanauma Bay State Underwater Park early in the day because the parking lot often fills up and only 2000 people are permitted on the beach at one time. You can view ten pictures of the park and the bay in our Hanauma Bay Photo Gallery.

    Wednesday, June 21, 2006

    2006 Kilauea Volcano Marathon

    Kilauea Volcano Marathon The 2006 Kilauea Volcano Marathon will take place on July 29, 2006. The event will include a 26.2 mile full marathon, a 10 mile run, and a 5 mile walk and run. The full marathon route crosses the lava fields of the Kau Desert and it is one of the most difficult marathon routes in the world because of its extremely rough and uneven terrain. Runners must be able to finish the full marathon route in 7.5 hours or less.

    Monday, June 19, 2006

    Barefoot Natives in Honolulu: June 22-23

    left The Barefoot Natives will be playing this Thursday and Friday, June 22 and 23, at the Hawaiian Hut Showroom in Honolulu's Ala Moana Hotel. The Barefoot Natives is a group that was recently formed by award winning Hawaiian music artist Uncle Willie K and Eric Gilliom, the brother of Amy Hanaialii Gilliom. The concerts will begin at 8:30 on both Thursday and Friday and tickets are $28 if purchased in advance or $35 on the day of the show. For more information visit the HulaTickets.com Web site or view the Concert Flyer.

    Free Sunset Concerts in Hawaii Kai

    ? The Hawaii Kai Towne Center shopping plaza on Oahu is hosting a series of free summer concerts on their Waterfront Stage. Concerts will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and attendees should arrive early for the best seating. Hawaii Kai is located on the south coast of Oahu, about eleven miles east of Waikiki. For more information about the concerts phone 808-941-0440.
  • July 8 Concert: Maunalua
  • August 5 Concert: Amy Hanaialii Gilliom
  • See also: Aerial Photo of Hawaii Kai

  • Honolulu Gay Pride Festival: June 24

    Honolulu Gay Pride Festival The 2006 Honolulu Gay Pride Parade and Festival will take place on Saturday, June 24. The parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Ala Moana Beach Park and it will proceed down Ala Moana Boulevard and Kalakaua Avenue to Kapiolani Park. The Honolulu Gay Pride Festival will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the McCoy Pavilion in Ala Moana Beach Park.

    Sunday, June 18, 2006

    Commercity Activity May Be Banned at Kailua Beach

    Kailua Beach The Kailua Neighborhood Board has recommended to the City and County of Honolulu that all commercial activity be banned at Kailua Beach Park on the windward side of Oahu. If city officials approve the ban, the only exempt commercial enterprises would be filming (with permits) and the beach snack bar. Use of kayaks, sailboards, and other equipment rented off-site would not be prohibited, but they would no longer be rented at Kailua Beach Park. If the ban is approved, prohibited activities would include, but not be limited to, rental of kayaks, sailboards, surfboards, teaching lessons, and delivery of rented equipment.
  • Honolulu Star Bulletin Article
  • KHON TV Article
  • Aerial Photo of Kailua Beach


  • New Haleiwa Sign Features Female Surfer

    Haleiwa Sign Features Female Surfer The frequently stolen sign marking the turnoff to the north shore Oahu surfing town of Haleiwa has been replace again, but this time the sign features a female surfer.
    [KHNL Article]

    Ben Affleck Might Play Magnum P.I.

    Magnum P.I. It's not confirmed yet, but Tom Selleck's Magnum P.I. role might be played by Ben Affleck in the full length feature film version of the Hawaii-based television series. Universal Pictures has hired Rawson Marshall Thurber to write the screenplay and Brian Grazer and Imagine Entertainment will produce the movie. It is currently scheduled for release in 2007. The Magnum P.I. Television Series ran from 1980-1988. The stories were centered around the adventures of private investigator Thomas Magnum, a former Navy Intelligence officer hired by wealthy author Robin Masters to provide security for his Hawaii estate. The stories also featured proper Englishman Jonathan Higgans who ran the estate, and Magnum's pals Helicopter pilot T.C. and club manager Rick. The show was as much fun to watch for the beautiful Hawaii scenery as it was for the action-adventure stories. The Robin Masters estate scenes were filmed on the windward coast of Oahu, between Makapuu Point and Waimanalo. Here are some photos of the estate, from the Thomas on Islands Web site:
  • Aerial Photos of the Robin Masters Estate
  • Ground-Based Photos of the Robin Masters Estate
  • Magnum P.I. Books and Videos

  • Saturday, June 17, 2006

    Photos of Akaka Falls State Park

    Akaka Falls State Park The main attraction at 65 acre Akaka Falls State Park on the Big Island of Hawaii is the half-mile Akaka Falls Loop Trail through a dense tropical rainforest. The trail has several scenic view points overlooking two magnificent waterfalls: the 400 foot Kahuna Falls and 442 foot Akaka Falls.

    Video of the USS Hawaii Christening Ceremony

    This morning Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle is christening the United States Navy USS Hawaii submarine at the Groten Shipyard in Connecticut. Senator Daniel Inouye will be the keynote speaker at the ceremony. The event will be broadcast live on the Web at 10:30 a.m. eastern time (7:30 a.m. Pacific time and 4:30 a.m. in Hawaii). After 3:00 p.m. eastern time, the broadcast will be available on the Web for approximately one week.
  • USS Hawaii Christening Ceremony Video


  • Friday, June 16, 2006

    Oahu Father's Day Events

    The Honolulu Advertiser has published an online Father's Day Calendar that includes events for fathers and families this weekend on the island of Oahu. Includes father child look-alike contests, Father's Day brunches with live entertainment, a polo game and barbecue, a father-daughter tea, a dinner cruise on the Star of Honolulu, and a special Father's day dinner show featuring hilarious comedian Frank Delima.

    Dolphin Days Festival: June 22-25

    Dolphin Days The 12th annual Dolphin Days Festival will take place at the Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort on the northwest Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii June 22-25, 2006. The event will include a welcome reception and silent auction benefit, free dolphin performances in the hotel's lagoon, a special Dolphin Days Luau, the Dolphin Days Grand Prix Tennis Tournament, and the Great Waikoloa Food, Wine and Music Festival.

    Grand Waikikian Timeshare Coming in 2008

    Grand Waikikian Construction was started this week on a new 38 story timeshare tower next to the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort, on the spot where the low-rise Waikikian Hotel and the Tahitian Lanai Restaurant once stood. The new timeshare tower will be called the "Grand Waikikian" and it is being built by Hilton Grand Vacations, the timeshare division of the Hilton Hotels Corporation. The new building will include more then 300 one, two, and three bedroom timeshare units and four floors of retail and office space. Other Hawaii timeshare units owned by Hilton include the Lagoon Tower and the Kalia Tower at the Hilton Hawaiian Village and Hilton Grand Vacations Club at the Waikoloa Beach Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii.

    Thursday, June 15, 2006

    New Northwest Hawaiian Islands Marine Reserve

    Northwest Hawaiian Islands Marine Reserve A 140,000 square mile area of the Hawaiian Island chain has been declared a U.S. national marine reserve and national monument called the "North-Western Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve". The reserve includes a 1400 mile long, 100 mile wide region between the largest Hawaiian Islands in the south and Midway Island in the north. The area is a nesting ground for more then 14 milion seabirds and home to more then 7000 marine and land species, more then 25% of which are found nowhere else in the world. Fishing and commercial operations will be phased out of the area over the next five years and visitors will be mostly limited to scientific researchers. There are now thirteen U.S. national marine sanctuaries and this new will be larger then all of the rest of them combined.
  • Northwest Hawaiian Islands
  • United States Marine Sanctuaries

  • Hawaii Volcanoes Cultural Festival: July 15

    Hawaii Volcanoes Cultural Festival On Saturday, July 15, 2006 there will be a Hawaiian culture festival in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii, from 10 am to 3 pm. The festival is free, and it will include opportunities to learn Hawaiian crafts such as lei making, lauhala weaving, and feathercraft plus opportunities to learn how to throw a fishnet, build a canoe, do lomi lomi massage, make a Hawaiian dry-land sled, play Hawaiian musical instruments and taste typical Hawaiian food.
  • Hawaii Volcanoes Cultural Festival
  • Other Festivals in Hawaii

  • Wednesday, June 14, 2006

    Taste of Honolulu Festival: June 23-25

    Taste of Honolulu Festival The fifteenth annual Taste of Honolulu Festival will take place on the grounds of the Honolulu Civic Center June 23-June 25, 2006. The event is a benefit for Easter Seals and participating restaurants will include Brew Moon, Canoes, Ciao Mein, The Colony, Dave and Busters, and Down to Earth. There will also be musical entertainment Friday from 5:30 to 9 pm, Saturday from noon to 9 pm, and sunday from noon to 7 pm.
  • More Festivals in Hawaii

  • Navy Names New Submarine the USS Hawaii

    USS Hawaii In April of 2006 the U.S. Navy announced the third of their Virginia-class submarines would be named the USS Hawaii. This weekend, Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle and United States Senator Daniel Inouye will attend a blessing for the submarine in Connecticut, at the shipyard where it is being constructed. The Navy named one other ship the USS Hawaii - a cruiser on which construction was begun during world war II, but never completed. The Navy also named one of their submarines after King Kamehameha the Great.
  • USS Hawaii and USS Kamehameha

  • Tuesday, June 13, 2006

    2006 Maui Film Festival: June 14-18

    right The 7th annual Maui Film Festival will take place June 14-18, 2006. Sixty-three films will be screened at several Maui movie theaters, including three that are outdoors: the Celestial Cinema, the Maui Digital SkyDome and the SandDance Theater. There will also be a four-event culinary arts celebration associated with the Maui Film Festival.
  • Hollywood Reporter Article
  • Maui Film Festival - Official Web Site
  • Other Film Festivals in Hawaii

  • Monday, June 12, 2006

    Pilialoha Gaison is Miss Hawaii 2006

    ? Congratulations to 22 year old Pilialoha Gaison of Kaneohe, Oahu for winning the title of Miss Hawaii 2006. Miss Gaison qualified to complete in the Miss Hawaii contest by winning the title of Miss Island Ilima. She describes her heritage as "mixed plate" because she is a combination of Hawaiian, Tahitian, Spanish, German, Italian, Filipino and Portugese. Pilialoha Gaison will represent Hawaii at the next Miss America Contest, the date and location of which will be announced soon.
  • Honolulu Advertiser Miss Hawaii Article
  • Honolulu Star Bulletin Miss Hawaii Article
  • Miss Hawaii Web Site
  • Miss America Web Site

  • Not Everybody in Hawaii is a Hawaiian

    When you are visiting Hawaii there are certain local customs and conventions you should know about. One of those is proper use of the word "Hawaiian" to describe a person. If a person lives in Hawaii, they are a Hawaii resident, but they are not a Hawaiian unless they have at least a small percentage of Native Hawaiian blood. You can demonstrate your sensitivity and awareness of local culture in Hawaii by not calling everybody who lives in Hawaii a Hawaiian.

    Sunday, June 11, 2006

    King Kamehameha Day Parade Photos

    Honolulu King Kamehameha Day Parade The Hotel Hawaii Blog has published 13 photos of the June 10, 2006 King Kamehameha Day Parade on Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki. Includes photos of the Hawaiian Royal Court, the King's Guards, horseback riders, marching bands, military personnel, and Mrs. Hawaii Pebblz Manamoto. [View Photos]

    Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium

    Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium There is a memorial on the eastern end of Waikiki honoring 179 men from Hawaii who died during World War I. It is called the War Memorial Natatorium and it was built as a sports facility with a 100 by 40 meter seawater swimming pool. The pool is now closed, but it was used by some of the most famous swimmers in the world, including Duke Kahanamoku, Buster Crabbe, and Johnny Weissmuller. There has been a controversy in recent years about whether to restore the entire Waikiki Natatorium or tear most of it down, preserving only the beautiful entryway arch.

    Gourmet Cooking Classes in Honolulu

    Chef George Mavrothalassitis of Honolulu will offer cooking classes at his award winning Chef Mavro restaurant in Honolulu on June 24, September 23, and November 4, 2006. Chev Mavro will demonstrate preparing an appetizer, an entree, and dessert. At the end of the class, everyone will be seated with Chef Mavro in the dining room to enjoy a three course gourmet lunch with wines selected for each course. Similar classes will be offered by Chef Rodney Uyehara of the Bistro at Century Center on August 26 and November 11, 2006. Prices are $95 to $165 per class and you can register by phoning 808-735-7788.
  • Chef Mavro Cooking Classes
  • Chef Uyehara Cooking Classes

  • Saturday, June 10, 2006

    Hawaiian Radio Fund Raiser in California

    Hawaiian Music KAPU Radio KAPU radio station 107.4 in Watsonville, Northern California plays Hawaiian music 24 hours a day, and they are having a luau and concert fundraiser on Saturday, July 15, 2006. This is a very special event because it will feature world famous and award winning Hawaiian music performers, including Brittni Paiva, John Cruz, Owana Salazar, Aaron Mahi, Martin Pahinui, George Kuo, Steven Espaniola, and the group Kohala. The $65 ticket price includes the concert, food, beer, and wine.
  • Concert and Luau Announcement
  • KAPU Radio Station Web Site
  • KAPU Radio Station Struggles

  • Honolulu Pan Pacific Festival: June 9-11

    pan Pacific Festival The 27th annual Honolulu Pan-Pacific Festival is taking place this weekend - June 9-11, 2006. The event will include a block party on Kalakaua Avenue, a hula festival at Ala Moana Center, a kite festival at Kapiolani Park, ballroom dancing at the Ala Wai Palladium, the 6th annual Hawaiian Half Marathon, and a parade from Fort DeRussy to Kapiolani Park.

    Friday, June 09, 2006

    King Kamehameha Day is June 11

    King Kamehameha The 90th annual King Kamehameha Day holiday will be on Sunday, June 11, 2006, and the associated Hawaii state holiday will be observed on Monday, June 12, 2006. Here is a schedule of 2006 King Kamehameha Day events, between June 9 and June 24, on four of the Hawaiian Islands. Visitors to Hawaii should note that many state, county, and city offices will be closed on Monday, June 12.
  • 2006 King Kamehameha Day Events
    (Photo credit: Hawaii Tourism Japan)

  • Tower Grill is Coming to Honolulu Harbor

    Fred Livingston, the owner of Don Ho's Island Grill, is opening a new restaurant in the Aloha Tower Marketplace in Honolulu. The restaurant will be called the "Tower Grill" and it will be located in the space formerly occupied by the Big Island Steak House. The new restaurant will have a Hawaiian plantation theme and interiors will be designed by the DKKY Architecture Studio. The new Tower Grill will serve both lunch and dinner and it is expected to open in September of 2006.
    [More About Dining in Hawaii]

    Aloha Airlines Gives Away 1000 Free Flights

    Aloha Airlines Aloha Airlines has announced how they will respond to the $19 airfares offered this week by Go! Airlines. Aloha will give away 1000 free tickets for inter-island flights. 500 free tickets will be given away at the Honolulu airport, and 100 will be given away at each of the Kahului, Lihue, Kona and Hilo airports. Another 100 free tickets will be given to people who enter a random drawing at a Hawaii airport.
  • Aloha Airlines Announcement

  • Thursday, June 08, 2006

    Go! Airlines Offers $19 Inter-Island Fare

    Go! Airlines is launching its new inter-island flight service tomorrow, and to celebrate their grand opening, they have taken the Hawaii inter-island air fare war to a whole new level. Go! announced today that they are dropping their already bargain basement $39 one-way inter-island fares to $19 on a few select flights. Hawaiian Airlines will match the $19 fare, but Aloha Airlines has not yet made an announcement.

    Expect to See More Movies Filmed in Hawaii

    In 2006, Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle signed a bill that increased the tax credit for filming in Hawaii from 4% to 15% on the island of Oahu and 20% on Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, and the Big Island. The Hawaii film industry welcomed that change because they feel they have lost opportunities in recent years because other states have offered better incentives to film makers then Hawaii. For more information see:
  • Hollywood Reporter Article
  • Movies Filmed or Set in Hawaii

  • Wednesday, June 07, 2006

    First Thursday Honolulu Poetry Slam

    ? Once a month there is a very popular open mike poetry reading in Honolulu called the Hawaii Slam that typically attracts more then 600 people. In addition to poets, there are often live musicians and live painters on the stage. The event takes place on the first Thursday of every month in the Hawaiian Hut Showroom on the ground level of the Ala Moana Hotel.

    Haleiwa Arts Festival: July 22-23

    2006 Haleiwa Arts Festival The 2006 Haleiwa Arts Festival will take place July 22-23 in the charming surf town of Haleiwa on the North Shore of Oahu. The festival will feature all-day music performances, art exhibitions, craft demonstrations, food booths, and opportunities to purchase artwork and clothing produced by local artists. The 2006 event will also include a progressive dinner fundraiser that will include appetizers, intermezzo, salad, entree, and dessert served at five different Haleiwa restaurants.
  • More Oahu Festivals
  • More About Haleiwa

  • Deep Sea Water is Big Business in Hawaii

    Hawaiian Deepsea Water One of Hawaii's most lucrative exports is desalinated seawater harvested from deep below the surface of the ocean in Hawaiian waters. The water is marketed as being very pure and rich in healthy minerals. Hawaiian deep sea water is popular in Japan and Korea and sales are also picking up in the United States, but this water doesn't come cheap. On the Web site of the Waikiki branch of Mahalo Hawaii Deep Sea Water, a 1.5 litre bottle of the desalinated seawater costs $3 to $6, depending on whether you buy 30 or 15 bottles. Those prices include shipping. I've been told a 1.5 liter bottle costs $4.50 in the Waikiki Store.
  • Hawaiian Bottled Drinking Water

  • Congress Will Debate Controversial Akaka Bill

    This week the United States Congress will debate Hawaii senator Daniel Akaka's controversial "Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act" that would recognize a Native Hawaiian governing body similiar to the recognition granted to Native American tribes. Supporters of the bill believe Native Hawaiians should have the same opportunity to self-govern as Native Americans. There are two main opposition groups: Those who believe the Akaka Bill would unfairly grant and deprive special privileges based on race, and those who feel nothing short of independent nation status for Hawaii would be acceptable. This week's debate and vote will determine if the bill qualifies for a full debate and vote on the Senate floor. For more information see:
  • Progress of the Akaka Bill: 2001-2006


  • New NCL Cruise Ship Has Arrived in Hawaii

    Pride of Hawaii Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) has added a third ship, the "Pride of Hawaii", to their fleet of U.S. flag carrier ships that cruise the Hawaiian Islands. The other two NCL ships are the "Pride of Aloha" and the "Pride of America". Norwegian has two other ships that offer Hawaii cruises, the "Norwegian Wind" and the "Norwegian Sun", but because those ships are foreign flag carriers, they are required to include a non-U.S. port in their cruises. NCL's two Norwegian ships include one day at the tiny and remote Fanning Island in the Republic of Kiribati in their Hawaii itineraries, which adds four days of at-sea time to those Hawaii cruises.
  • Norwegian Cruise Lines Hawaii Itineraries
  • All Cruise Ships That Stop in Hawaii

  • Tuesday, June 06, 2006

    Henry Kapono's Wild Hawaiian Concerts

    Henry Kapono's Wild Hawaiian CD Henry Kapono will be touring Hawaii in July to promote his new CD, "Wild Hawaiian". Here is Henry's four-island tour schedule:
  • July 08 - Hawaii Theater (Honolulu, Oahu)
  • July 14 - Grand Hyatt Resort (Kauai)
  • July 15 - Hilton Waikaloa Village (Big Island)
  • July 22 - Maui Arts and Cultural Center (Maui)

  • Hops and Grinds at the Willows

    The Willows On Friday, June 16 there will be a beer tasting at The Willows Restaurant in Honolulu. The event will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 pm and the theme will be "Best Beers Brewed in Hawaii". The Willows is an open air Honolulu restaurant, in a 1 acre garden, that first opened in 1944. For reservations call 808-952-9200.
  • More About Dining in Hawaii


  • Sunday, June 04, 2006

    Beginners are Welcome at Kauai Canoe Race

    right The Tahiti Fete Outrigger Canoe Race on the island of Kauai is a fundraiser for the Hanalei Canoe Club. The 21st annual event will take place on July 1, 2006 and all levels of canoe paddlers are welcome to participate. The event will be a 1/4 mile, 6-person canoe regatta and it will take place at the Hanalei Pier on the north coast of Kauai. The event organizers will provide canoes, paddles, and steersmen for the event and there will be categories for beginners, masters over age 40, and an open category for all other experienced canoe paddlers. What a great way for Hawaii visitors experience Hawaii local-style and contribute to a good cause at the same time.
  • More About Outrigger Canoeing in Hawaii

  • Saturday, June 03, 2006

    Preserve America Welcomes Chinatown Honolulu

    Chinatown Receives Preserve America Designation The Chinatown area of downtown Honolulu has been designated an official Preserve America Community Neighborhood by the United States White House Advisory Council on Historical Preservation. The Preserve America Program recognizes exceptional efforts to use cultural and natural resources to promote tourism, revitalize the community, create jobs, and educate the public.
  • Chinatown Preserve America Announcement
  • White House Preserve America Program


  • Friday, June 02, 2006

    2006 Album of the Year: "Maui" by Hapa

    Maui by Hapa The big winner at this week's Na Hoku Hanohano Awards was the album "Maui" by Barry Flanagan and Nathan Aweau of the duo Hapa. The album won awards for album of the year, contemporary album of the year, best graphics, and best engineering. Hapa partner Nathan Aweau also won awards for best male vocalist and best jazz album for two of his solo albums. For all 2006 Na Hoku Hanohano award winners see:
  • 2006 Na Hoku Hanohano Award Winners
  • All Best Album Hoku Winners: 1978-2006

  • Thursday, June 01, 2006

    Queens' Marketplace is Coming to Waikoloa

    Queens' Marketplace Construction began this week on a new shopping center called the Queens' Marketplace, at the Waikoloa Beach Resort on the northwest Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. The center will feature a large gourmet market, several restaurants, a food court, and 90,000 square feet of retail shops. In addition to shops and restaurants there will be a new Waikoloa Cultural and Performance Garden with a 4000 seat amphitheater that will host concerts, film festivals, and cultural events. The Queens' Marketplace will be located across the street from the Kings' Shops, and it is expected to open in May or June of 2007.
  • Queen's Marketplace - Official Web Site
  • More Big Island Shopping Centers

  • ResortQuest Takes Over Kauai Courtyard Marriott

    The 300 room Courtyard Marriott Kauai at Waipouli Beach Hotel recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation, and now the owner, Presidio Kauai, has transferred management of the hotel from Marriott to ResortQuest. The name of the hotel will be changed to the ResortQuest Kauai Beach at Makaiwa after the deal closes in mid-June.
  • More About Kauai Hotels
  • All Lodging in Hawaii

  • 300 Women Will Surf Waikiki This Weekend

    ? The 10th annual Rip Curl China Uemera Wahine Surfing Classic, the largest all-girl surfing competition in Hawaii, will take place June 2-4, 2006 at Kuhio Beach in Waikiki. More then 300 women and girls are expected to compete in separate categories for ages 11-13, 14-17, 18-29, 30-29, 40-49, and age 50 and up. Registration is free for the age 50+ women, who will compete in a special "Battle of Da Kapunas".

    Rent a Fabulous Maui Estate

    Poli Makai This elegant 5500 square foot, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home is on a private, six acre, oceanfront, cliffside estate about 20 minutes from the Kahului Airport on the road to Hana. The entire house can be rented for $880 a night, the main living suite for $600 a night, or you can rent a one bedroom studio apartment for $140 per night.
  • Villa Poli Makai Estate on Maui
  • Romantic Inns of Hawaii

  • Japanese Plane Crash-Landed on Niihau in 1941

    Niihau Incident Japanese fighter pilot Shigenori Nishikaichi crash-landed on the tiny and remote Hawaiian island of Niihau while he was trying to fly back to his aircraft carrier after the December 7 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Here are two books about that fascinating but little-known incident in Hawaiian and World War II history. One is a history book published in 1981 and the other is a historical novel published in April of 2006.
  • Books About the Niihau Incident