Thursday, August 31, 2006

A Taste at Kapolei on September 23

A Taste at Kapolei A Taste at Kapolei is an evening of food, wine, music, and fireworks that is also a benefit to raise money for scholarships for leeward Oahu youth. Live entertainment will be provided by Henry Kapono and the $70 admission fee for adults includes food and wine tasting, other beverages, live entertainment, and a fireworks display. The event will take place at Lagoon 4 at the Ko Olina Resort on the southwest side of Oahu. For more information contact 808-674-2500.

Premier of the Documentary "First Battle"

PBC Documentary First Battle The premier of the PBS film "First Battle: The Battle for Equality in War-Time Hawaii" will take place at the Hawaii Theatre in Honolulu on Tuesday, September 5, 2006. The film is a one-hour PBS documentary about the little-known battle waged by Japanese-Americans in Hawaii in the early years of World War II. It is the story of a group of individuals who struggled with the U.S. government to prevent mass internment of Hawaii's Japanese-Americans and secure their right to bear arms while fighting for the United States.

Chang's China Bistro is Coming to Hawaii

P.F. Chang's China Bistro P.F. Chang's China Bistro will open its first location in Hawaii on September 12, 2006. It will be located on the ground floor of the luxurious Hokua Condominiums on Ala Moana Boulevard in Honolulu. The restaurant chain is planning to open at more locations in Hawaii, including a 375-seat restaurant on the second floor of the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center in Waikiki. P.F.Chang's China Bistro features the food and cooking style of the Chinese province of Sichuan and its capital city of Chengdu.

Cops-On-Top: Hawaii Special Olympics Fundraiser

Cop on Top for the Special Olympics Every Labor Day weekend, law enforcement officers from all over Hawaii sit on the rooftops of Safety Grocery Stores to raise money for the Hawaii Special Olympics. Last year's event raised $271,000 and they are hoping to raise $275,000 in 2006. Special Olympics is an international program founded in 1962 help people with intellectual disabilities develop self-confidence and social skills through sports training and competition. This year's Hawaii Special Olympic Games were held at the University of Hawaii May 26-28, 2006. For more information about this weekend's fundraiser and a list of participating Safeway Stores see:
  • Cops-On-Top Press Release (PDF)
  • Maui Police Scale Safeway for Special Olympics
  • Hawaii Special Olympics - Official Web Site

  • A Party Weekend on Oahu for Hirsute Gay Men

    This annual Oahu event for gay men who appreciate facial and body hair will take place September 1-4. The event is produced by the Aloha Bears organization and its name - LeiBear Day Luau - is a takeoff on "Labor Day". Activities will include a Friday night party at Hula's Bar in Waikiki, a beach party at the windward Kualoa Ranch on Saturday, a cruise, a Hummer limousine pub crawl, and an all-night party on Sunday, and a Labor Day picnic at Queen's Surf Beach in Waikiki on Monday. Participants can register for the entire weekend or sign up for only specific events.

    A Music and Community Festival in Kaneohe

    The 2006 Windward Hoolaulea will take place at Windward Community College in Kaneohe on Saturday, September 16, 2006 from 9 am to 9 pm. The event will include continuous live music by some of Hawaii's top performers, crafts, food booths, a book sale, and activities for kids. Some of the entertainers appearing at the event are Melveen Leed, Holunape, Vaihi, Kapena, and Eddie Kamae. Admission is free.

    Shutting Down Illegal Vacation Homes in Kailua

    A Hawaii state judge has ordered a woman to stop using her Lanikai home as a bed and breakfast rental, and if she does not comply she will be fined $1000 per day and could possibly have a lien put on her house. This ruling is the end of a long conflict between this woman and a neighbor who shared a driveway with the B&B home. Because of this lawsuit, many of the approximately 90 illegal bed and breakfast rentals and vacation homes in Kailua and Lanikai have stopped operating and several of them are up for sale. Vacation home rentals have never been popular with Oahu's local residents, who want to prevent the tourism industry from developing the entire island of Oahu.

    Wednesday, August 30, 2006

    Aloha Festival Events This Week

  • Sep 2: Royal Court Pikai and Hookupu (Big Island)
  • Sep 2: Ms. Aloha Nui Pageant (Big Island)
  • Sep 3: Kawaiahao Church Sunday Service (Oahu)
  • Sep 3: Kahua Chapel Sunday Service (Big Island)
  • Sep 7: Iolani Palace Opening Ceremony (Oahu)
  • Sep 7: Opening Ceremony and Luau (Kauai)

  • Fly from California to Hawaii for $99

    Members of Aloha Airlines' free frequent flyer program can fly to Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island from Oakland or Orange County for $99 each way. The fares are part of a Labor Day special and they are good for travel between Friday, September 1 and Thursday September 7, 2006. For more information see Aloha Airlines Labor Day Sale.

    Five Dirty Secrets of Airfares

    CNN and Money Magazine published an interesting article today with tips for getting the best airfare. Some of the topics covered in the article: Your computer might be stopping you from getting the best fare, low cost carriers don't always have the best fares, and be sure you are comparing apples and apples when you compare airfares (for example, you might end up paying more in taxes and fees then you do for the fare itself). [Read Full Article at CNN]

    Swim From Lanai to Maui This Weekend

    Maui Channel Swim The 2006 Maui Channel Swim is a race from Lanai Island to Maui Island, and it will take place on Saturday, September 2. The event is a relay race with six swimmers per team. First, each swimmer will swim 30 minutes, and then each swimmer will do a 10 minute leg until they cross the finish line at Kaanapali Beach on the island of Maui. Boats will accompany the teams to navigate, provide nourishment, and watch for sharks. The distance from Lanai to Maui is approximately 9 miles and swimmers are expected to finish in 3 to 7 hours, depending on the ocean conditions that day. I heard a rumor that former Baywatch babe Alexandra Paul will participate in 2006!

    Tuesday, August 29, 2006

    Photos of an Active Volcano in Hawaii

    Pahoehoe Lava Flow Pictures of volcanic activity in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii in August of 2006. Includes photos of red-hot flowing pahoehoe lava, molten lava pouring into the sea, and a photo of a shelf of land breaking off into the sea. In some of these pictures you can see the remains of housing developments that have been completely obliterated by lava flows. To see all of these photos, select the first one and then keep selecting "next photo" until you are returned to the main index.
  • Photos of a Big Island Volcano: August 2006
  • More About Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

  • Island Air Connects Two Maui Airports

    ? On September 5, Island Air will add a daily direct flight from the Kapalua Airport in West Maui to the larger Kahului Airport in Central Maui. The flight will leave Kapalua at 11:15 am and will arrive in Kahului at 11:30 am. From Island Air Chief Operating Officer Les Murashige: "This non-stop route will make travel easier for West Maui residents and visitors traveling to an onward destination from Kahului, by allowing them to bypass the more crowded security lines at Kahului Airport, and freeing them from worries about traffic congestion on the heavily traveled road to Kahului".

    Okinawan Festival This Weekend in Waikiki

    Hawaii Okinawan Festival The 2006 Hawaii Okinawan Festival will take place in Kapiolani Park this weekend, from 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday, September 2 and Sunday, September 3. The event will feature cultural displays, Okinawan food booths, craft shops, children's games, and live performances by famous singers, dancers, and musicians from Okinawa. Kapiolani Park is located on the Diamond Head end of Waikiki on the island of Oahu.

    Sunday, August 27, 2006

    USS Missouri Battleship Tour in Pearl Harbor

    USS Missouri The USS Missouri Battleship is most famous as the site of the 1945 Japanese surrender that ended World War II, but the ship remained in service until the Persian Gulf War. Today the USS Missouri is docked in Honolulu's Pearl Harbor and daily tours of the ship are available to the public. Most Hawaii visitors combine this tour with visits to the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Bowfin Submarine. The three attractions are located right next to each other on the shore of Pearl Harbor, near the Aloha Stadium.
  • USS Missouri Being Towed Into Pearl Harbor
  • Public Tours of the USS Missouri Battleship
  • Kamakazi Pilot Diving Into the USS Missouri
  • Japanese Surrendering on the USS Missouri
  • USS Missouri Photo Gallery

  • Saturday, August 26, 2006

    PBS Antiques Roadshow is Filming in Hawaii

    The PBS television program Antiques Roadshow filmed an episode at the Kamaka Ukulele Shop this week, and today they are filming at the Hawaii Convention Center. More then 6000 people are expected to bring their family heirlooms and other personal belongings to be evaluated by the program's experts. Three episodes of the program are being filmed in Hawaii and they will probably be broadcast between January and June of 2007.

    Alaska Airlines Might Start Flying to Hawaii

    Alaska Airlines is trying to get Federal Aviation Administration approval to fly long distances over water, so they can fly a more direct route to Cancun, one of their current destinations. There is speculation they are also hoping to start flying to Hawaii and Central America. Alaska is trying to get an "Extended Twin Engine Operations" certification that will allow them to be up to three hours away from an airport while they are flying over water. They expect to have their certification by the first quarter of 2007.

    MTV is Filming Two New Reality Shows on Maui

    MTV has announced they will air two new reality shows in 2007 that are being filmed now on Maui. One of the new programs is called "Living Lahaina" and it features a group of surfing instructors based at the Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy in Lahaina. Their adventures will be filmed all over the island of Maui and a few scenes will be filmed on other islands. The cast and crew will be a mix of local Hawaii residents and non-islanders. The second program is called "Island Fever", and it will feature the tourism and local culture of Maui. Eight thirty-minute programs are being filmed of each show.

    Tuesday, August 22, 2006

    New Bishop Museum Surfing Photos Book

    Bishop Museum Surfing Photos Book The Bishop Museum in Honolulu has announced the release their new book, "Surfing: Images from Bishop Museum Archives". The book features never-before-published photos of Duke Kahanamoku surfing in Waikiki Beach, and images of other surfers at the Banzai Pipeline, Waimea Bay, and other famous Hawaii surfing spots. The book can be purchased at the Bishop Museum's Shop Pacifica and at other bookstores throughout Hawaii. It can also be ordered through one of your local bookstores, using the ISBN number. Note that members of the Bishop Museum receive a 20% discount on all Bishop Museum Press books when they are purchased at the museum bookshop. For more information about becoming a member and supporter of the Bishop Museum see Bishop Museum Memberships.

    Kuhio Beach Longboard Contest This Weekend

    Corona Hawaiian Longboard Surfing OpenMale and female surfers from around the world will compete August 23-26 in the Corona Hawaiian Open, the last event of three competitions in the 2006 United States Professional Longboard Surfing Championships. The event will take place at Kuhio Beach in Waikiki, and it will be part of the Fifth Annual Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest celebration. The final events for both men and women will take place on Saturday, August 26, from 1:20 to 3:30 pm. For more information contact Long Board Magazine at 949-366-8282.

    Hurricane Ioke Should Not Affect Hawaii

    A tropical storm developing south of Hawaii has been upgraded to a hurricane, and named Hurricane Ioke. Winds are expected to reach 115 miles per hour, but meterologists do not expect it to affect the weather in Hawaii, because it should pass approximately 800 miles south of Honolulu. The hurricane is expected to affect Johnston Island, which lies about 700 miles southwest of Honolulu. For updates and more information, visit the Web site of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

    USS Hawaii Will Be Based in Pearl Harbor

    USS Hawaii Submarine It has been confirmed by the U.S. Navy that the "USS Hawaii" Virginia-class nuclear submarine will be based in Pearl Harbor after it is commissioned next year. The submarine will operate in shallow coastal waters and it will collect intelligence, transport SEALs, and it will be capable of striking targets hundreds of miles inland. See also:
  • Navy Names Nuclear Submarine USS Hawaii
  • Two Vessels Have Been Named the USS Hawaii

  • Monday, August 21, 2006

    History of the Honolulu Mounted Police

    Honolulu Mounted Police The Honolulu Police Department created its first mounted police unit in 1895. That unit had 24 officers and it remained in service until 1930. For the next 70 years, Honolulu police officers would often ride in local parades, but they were not allowed to wear police uniforms in those parades until 1998. In January of 2002, the Honolulu Police Department created a new mounted police unit at a ceremony during which six horses were officially sworn in as police officers. In 2006 there was some talk about disbanding the unit because of the costs, but mounted police are very popular with the Hawaii public, so the officers are hoping to receive enough private donations to keep the unit going.
  • 2006 Aug 21: Honolulu's Police Posse is Popular
  • 2006 Jul 02: Mounted Unit to Stay In the Saddle
  • Official Web Site: Honolulu Mounted Police


  • Saturday, August 19, 2006

    Two Opposing Views of Hawaiian Statehood

    Hawaii Admissions Day 2006 From the Honolulu Star Bulletin Newspaper: "A group marking Hawaii's statehood anniversary yesterday was confronted by protesters who said the grounds of Iolani Palace were the wrong place for the celebration, because it was the scene of a crime (the crime being the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom). Clashing views of Hawaii history were evident as about 50 native Hawaiians and supporters with a public address system shouted at a similar number of American flag-waving Statehood Day celebrants trying to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner". [Read Full Article]

    Friday, August 18, 2006

    Today is Hawaii Admissions Day

    On August 21, 1959, Hawii State Flag United States president Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a proclamation declaring Hawaii to be the 50th state in the Union. That event is recognized every year by a Hawaii state holiday on the third Friday in August. In 2006 Hawaii Admissions Day falls on Friday, August 18. Schools, and state, county, and city government offices are closed on Admissions Day, but visitor attractions, shops, and city recreation centers remain open.

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    Free Children's Hula Performances on Maui

    Maui Children's Hula Performance Every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, at 1:00 pm, visitors to the island of Maui can watch a free children's hula performance at the Lahaina Cannery Mall. The mall is located on the west coast of Maui, between the old whaling town of Lahaina and the Kaanapali resort area. It was built in 1987 and it features more then 50 shops and restaurants.


    Expect Fewer Waikiki Street Closures in 2007

    The Honolulu city Council has approved limiting Waikiki street closures for parades and other special events to 39 per year. The limit became necessary because almost 60 Waikiki street closure permits were issued in 2005 and 2006, and the closures are becoming very expensive for the city and disruptive to visitors and residents. Waikiki street closures will be limited to 14 legacy events, 15 closures for other parades, protests, city events, and athletic events, and 10 mayoral exemptions. Legacy events are those which have been held in Waikiki for 15 years or more, such as the Honolulu Marathon, the King Kamehameha Day Parade, and the Aloha Festival Floral Parade.

    Wednesday, August 16, 2006

    Honolulu Marathon Doubles Prize Money

    Honolulu Marathon The organizers of the Honolulu Marathon have more then doubled the total prize money for the event, by increasing it from $65,000 to $150,000. Last year the male and female winners each received $15,000 and in 2006 they will each receive $40,000. The 34th annual Honolulu Marathon will take place on December 10, 2006. The headliners at the December 8th pre-race luau and concert will be world famous young ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro and rock musician Gavin DeGraw, Concert tickets are only available to marathon runners.
  • Oahu Marathons and Triathlons
  • Marathons on Other Islands

  • New JetStar Flights Between Hawaii and Australia

    JetStar, the discount subsidiary of Quantas Airways, has received approval from the United States Department of Transportation to fly between Hawaii and Australia, with three flights a week from Sydney and two flights a week from Melbourne. Other airlines that fly between Australia and Hawaii include Air Canada and Hawaiian Airlines.

    Tuesday, August 15, 2006

    Kona Original Play Festival

    ?The 13th annual Kona Original Play Festival will take place at the historic Aloha Theatre in Kainaliu on the west coast of the Big island of Hawaii. The event will feature staged readings of six new plays written especially for the festival. Performances are scheduled for August 17-20 and tickets will only cost $5 because the organizers want everyone to be able to attend. For a full local-style experience, plan to have dinner before the event at the adjacent home-style Aloha Angel Cafe. For more information call 808-322-2122.

    New Biography of Israel Kamakawiwoole

    IZ: Voice of the People This new biography of award winning Hawaiian singer and musician Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoole is entitled IZ: Voice of the People, and it was written by Rick Carroll with contributions from IZ's wife, Marlene Kamakawiwoole. The book is filled with photographs of IZ and it explores all sides - good and bad - of this beloved Hawaiian artist, who died in 1997 at age 38. Most of you have probably heard IZ sing, even if you don't realize it. His beautiful version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" has been featured in television commercials all over the world.
  • New Biography of Israel Kamakawiwoole
  • Solo Recordings of Israel Kamakawiwoole
  • Videos Featuring Israel Kamakawiwoole

  • Monday, August 14, 2006

    Duke Kahanamoku Waikiki Oceanfest

    Duke Kahanamoku Statue Lei Draping Ceremony Olympic swimmer and champion surfer Duke Kahanamoku was born August 24, 1890, and his birthday is celebrated every year at an event in Waikiki that includes many watersports competitions and a celebration of Duke's life. The 2006 Waikiki Oceanfest will take place August 19-27 and it will feature an outrigger canoe race, a paddleboard race, several surfing competitions, a volleyball tournament, a swimming race, and a surf polo tournament. On August 26 there will be a lei parade in Waikiki, a lei draping ceremony at the Duke Kahanamoku statue, and a luau open to the public at the Waikiki Aquarium.

    Hilton Takes Over Two Waikiki Hotels

    Two Waikiki hotels have recently signed agreements with the Hilton Hotels Corporation to manage their properties. The Radisson Waikiki Prince Kuhio Hotel will become the Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio in December of 2006. The new Wyland Waikiki Hotel will soon be the Doubletree Wyland Waikiki. The Wyland Hotel was formerly known as the Ohana Waikiki Surf. Artist Robert Wyland and his partners invested approximately $10 million in upgrading that hotel in 2005 and 2006 before it was sold to Hilton this summer.

    Saturday, August 12, 2006

    The 2006-2007 Oahu Theater Season

    Performance schedules for dramatic plays, comedies, and musicals at six of Oahu's theaters during the 2006/2007 season. Four of these Oahu theaters feature popular broadway style plays and musicals. The Honolulu Theater for Youth features performances for children, and the Kumu Kahua Theatre features dramas and comedies about life in Hawaii that were written by Hawaiian playwrights.
  • 2006-2007 Oahu Theater Season

  • Friday, August 11, 2006

    Hawaii's Airports React to Terrorist Plot

    Honolulu Airport The terrorist attack thwarted by U.K. officials this week is causing long lines at Hawaii's Airports. Passengers on inter-island flights are being advised to arrive at the airport 1.5 hours early and overseas passengers are advised to arrive 3 hours early. No liquid or gel items will be allowed in carry-on bags, so be sure to pack the following and similar items in your check-in bag: water, sunscreen, shampoo, toothpaste, hair gel, contact lens solution, creams, and lotions.
  • Honolulu Star Bulletin Article
  • Honolulu Advertiser Article

  • Tuesday, August 08, 2006

    Free Tours of the Lyon Aboretum

    left The Lyon Aboretum in Honolulu's Manoa Valley recently resumed offering guided tours after being shut down in August of 2004 because of safety concerns due to deteriorated buildings and pathways. The aboretum underwent a $3 million restoration and it opened to the public again in January of 2005. Free guided tours are now offered from 10:00 to 11:30 Monday through Friday for a maximum of 12 persons. Weekend tours are expected to resume in the Fall of 2006. For more information contact 808-988-0461.

    Rainbow Trout Season Opens on Kauai

    Rainbow Trout The rainbow trout fishing season opened on August 5 at the Puu Lua Reserver and the ditch systems in Kokee Park on the island of Kauai. Anglers must have Hawaii state fishing licenses, and they may fish from 5:30 am to 6:45 pm August 5-20 and weekends and holidays only August 21 through September 30, 2006. Four wheel drive vehicles are recommended for driving into the fishing areas. Kokee is the only place in Hawaii where rainbow trout can be caught. For more information contact the Lihue Aquatic Resources Office of the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources at 808-274-3344. See also: How to Obtain a Hawaii Fishing License

    Monday, August 07, 2006

    U.S. Windsurfing Nationals - This Week on Maui

    2006 US Windsurfing Nationals on Majui The 2006 United States Windsurfing National Championships are taking place August 7-11 at Kanaha Beach Park near Kahului on the island of Maui. Maui is one of the most recognized windsurfing venues in the world, but this is the first time the US Nationals have been held there in eight years. Categories will include slalom, course racing, and long distance and there will be men's, women's, and junior events.
  • Photo of Maui's Kanaha Beach Park
  • More About Windsurfing in Hawaii


  • War and Veterans Memorials on Oahu

    Oahu Military Memorials Photos and information about Oahu War Memorials and other Oahu military memorials, including the USS Arizona Memorial, the National Cemetary of the Pacific, the Hawaii State Veterans Memorial, the Hawaii Korean and Vietnam War Memorial, and a war memorial in Haleiwa Beach Park - pictured on the right - dedicated to individuals from Waialua and Kahuku who died serving their country.

    Fort DeRussy Park in Waikiki

    Fort DeRussy park The official name of Fort DeRussy Park is Fort DeRussy Armed Forces Recreation Center, and it is located on the west end of Waikiki Beach, between the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort and the Outrigger Waikiki Shore Hotel. When the fort was built in 1904 it was known as the Kalia Military Reservation. Its name was changed to Fort DeRussy in 1909. The fort was closed in 1949 but one of the original bunkers is now the home of the Hawaii Army Museum. The military-only Hale Koa Hotel is also located within the park. The above Outrigger Resorts photo of Fort DeRussy Park was taken from one of the rooms at the Luana Condominium Hotel.

    Sunday, August 06, 2006

    Southern California Ukulele Festival

    ? The fifth annual Southern California Ukulele Festival will take place October 7, 2006 in the city of Cerritos. The event will feature five hours of workshops in seven categories, all-day live entertainment, food booths, vendor booths, and a luau and concert in the evening. See also Other Ukulele Festivals in Hawaii and on the mainland.

    Friday, August 04, 2006

    Summer Specials at Two Oahu Luxury Hotels

    Royal Hawaiian Hotel Waikiki's fabulous Royal Hawaiian Hotel, known as the "Pink Palace of the Pacific", is offering a summer's end special. Their garden view rooms are on sale for $199 per night, and their oceanfront tower rooms - normally $485 per night - are on sale for $295. The luxurious Turtle Bay Resort on the remote north shore of Oahu is also offering an end-of-summer special, with room rates of $219 per night for an oceanfront premium room and $239 for an oceanfront deluxe room.


    2006 Made in Hawaii Festival

    Made in Hawaii Festival The 2006 Made in Hawaii Festival will take place August 18-20 in the Exhibition Hall at the Neil Blaisdell Center in Honolulu. The 3-day indoor festival is produced by the Hawaii Food Industry Association and it will feature booths selling a wide variety of products produced in Hawaii, including food, books, gifts, clothing, plants, art, crafts, and other items. Award winning Hawaiian music singers, musicians and comedians will perform live throughout the day and there will be cooking demonstrations by some of Hawaii's top chefs. More then 35,000 Hawaii visitors, residents, and buyers from around the world are expected to attend.

    A Chunk of the Big Island Fell Into the Sea

    Big Island Coast Collapsed Last Sunday, at approximately 12:50 pm, a five to ten acre chunk of the Big Island coast collapsed into the sea. There was no warning before the collapse, so if anyone had been standing on the cliff, they would not have been able to escape. In a larger November 2005 incident, 44 acres of the Big Island coastline collapsed into the into the sea. When you are observing volcanic areas in Hawaii pay attention to all signs, roped off areas, and verbal warnings, because they can save your life.

    Hawaiian Airlines Switched Terminals in Phoenix

    Hawaiian Airlines has moved from the International Terminal to Terminal 3 at the Phoenix International Airport in Arizona. Hawaiian has been flying out of the Phoenix Airport since October of 2002. There is a flight from Phoenix to Honolulu every morning at 8:45 am and the daily flight from Honolulu arrives in Phoenix at 11:45 pm.

    Thursday, August 03, 2006

    Heiau Older Then Originally Believed

    Loaloa Heiau on Maui According to an article in the August 2006 issue of Current Anthropology entitled "The Origins of Monumental Architecture in Ancient Hawaii", radiocarbon testing has challenged our understanding of ancient Hawaiian social complexity. Changes in temple architecture over time a reveal a shift from ancestral to sacrificial worship. For more information see the article "Heiau Older Then Originally Believed". Photo Credit: Michael Kolb

    Tuesday, August 01, 2006

    Delta Offers Low Summer Fares to Hawaii

    Delta is reducing their airfares from the continental U.S. to Hawaii for travelers who book their trips by August 21 and travel by September 30, 2006. One-way fares are $239 to $269 from Utah and several east coast and midwest United States cities. For more information see the Delta Airlines Announcement.

    Waikiki Parc Hotel Will Become More Upscale

    Waikiki Parc Hotel The 17 year old, 300 room, Waikiki Parc Hotel is located across the street from the five star Halekulani Hotel and both are managed by the same company. The Waikiki Parc has always been marketed as a more affordable alternative to the Halekulani, but now the Parc is undergoing renovations aimed at attracting a more upscale client. New interiors will feature ebony hardwood, illuminated glass walls, undulating acrylic panels, and works of art. The 7500 square foot lobby is being gutted to create space for a luxurious new Nobu Japanese Restaurant that will feature tropical plants, lava rock, running water, and bamboo. The Waikiki Parc's renovations are in line with the Hawaii visitor industry's desire to attract luxury travelers with more money to spend.

    August 2006 Aloha Festival Events

    2006 Aloha Festival events in August include royal court presentations on Oahu, Kauai, Lanai and the Big Island, a Hawaiian cowboy exhibit on Lanai, hula performances and craft demonstrations on the Big Island, a traditional Hawaiian church ceremony on Kauai, and royal court appearances and other celebrations on Oahu. Aloha Festival events on Maui and Molokai are not scheduled to begin until September. [August Aloha Festival Events]

    Proposed Law Would Limit Waikiki Street Closures

    In 2005 there were 50 parades, sporting events, and street festivals that closed the streets of Waikiki for at least a few hours. Street closures can be expensive and disruptive, therefore the Honolulu City Council has proposed a bill that would limit the number of Waikiki street closures to 38 per year. An alternative proposal would limit closures to 48 per year, which would be an average of nearly one closure per week. Legacy events which have occurred for fifteen consecutive years would automatically receive a street closure permit, as long as they meet all requirements. Legacy events include the Aloha Festivals Parade and Hoolaulea, the Kamehameha Day Celebration, the Pan-Pacific Festival and Hoolaulea, the Waikiki Holiday Parade, the Tinman Triathlon, the Honolulu Century Ride, and the Honolulu Marathon.