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The Hawaii Travel Newsletter Blog features articles, photos, tips, and special features about all of the Hawaiian Islands and general information about visiting Hawaii.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Alaska Airlines Adds Flights to Hawaii
Today Alaska Airlines announced their plan to add year-round flights between Seattle and Oahu and Seattle and Kauai in October of 2007. They also plan to add seasonal flights between Anchorage Alaska and Honolulu in December of 2007. Introductory one-way fares between $110 and $160 are available now on the Alaska Airlines Web site. For more information see Alaska Airlines Adds Service to Hawaii
Alaska Airlines Adds Flights to Hawaii
Today Alaska Airlines announced their plan to add year-round flights between Seattle and Oahu and Seattle and Kauai in October of 2007. They also plan to add seasonal flights between Anchorage Alaska and Honolulu in December of 2007. Introductory one-way fares between $110 and $160 are available now on the Alaska Airlines Web site. For more information see Alaska Airlines Adds Service to Hawaii
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Sunday, May 27, 2007
Memorial Day Weekend Events in Hawaii
Memorial Day Weekend 2007 events in Hawaii include separate ceremonies hosted by the Governor of Hawaii and the Mayor of Honolulu, a "Rolling Thunder" motorcycle club ceremony, a floating of lanterns in Ala Moana Park and many more events honoring those who died or became missing in action while performing military service.
Memorial Day Weekend Events in Hawaii
Memorial Day Weekend events in Hawaii will include separate ceremonies hosted by the Governor of Hawaii and the Mayor of Honolulu, a "Rolling Thunder" motorcycle club ceremony, a floating of lanterns in Ala Moana Park and many more events honoring those who died or became missing in action while performing military service.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Photos of Hiking Inside a Volcanic Crater
The Haleakala Volcano Photo Gallery features pictures of hiking trails inside Haleakala National Park plus photos of cycling down the mountain, the exotic silversword plant, the Science City observatories at Haleakala's summit, and other pictures of the upper and coastal areas of Haleakala National Park on the island of Maui.
Photos of Hiking Inside a Volcanic Crater
The Haleakala Volcano Photo Gallery features pictures of hiking trails inside Haleakala National Park plus photos of cycling down the mountain, the exotic silversword plant, the Science City observatories at Haleakala's summit, and other pictures of the upper and coastal areas of Haleakala National Park on the island of Maui.Visit Maui's Historic Iao Valley State Park
The geological formation pictured on the left is the Iao Needle, a dramatic lava rock projection at the end of a ridge inside Iao Valley State Park on the west side of the island of Maui. There is a short trail in the park that leads to a windy overlook where visitors can get good views the Iao Needle. The best views are usually in the morning because the formation is often hidden behind clouds. Other attractions in Iao Valley State Park include the Iao Valley itself and the multi-ethnic Kepaniwai Park Heritage Gardens.
Visit Maui's Historic Iao Valley State Park
The geological formation pictured on the left is the Iao Needle, a dramatic lava rock projection at the end of a ridge inside Iao Valley State Park on the west side of the island of Maui. There is a short trail in the park that leads to a windy overlook where visitors can get good views the Iao Needle. The best views are usually in the morning because the formation is often hidden behind clouds. Other attractions in Iao Valley State Park include the Iao Valley itself and the multi-ethnic Kepaniwai Park Heritage Gardens. 
Friday, May 18, 2007
Dining in the Pink Palace of the Pacific
The dining room in the historic, bright pink, Moroccan style, Royal Hawaiian Hotel is called the Surf Room Restaurant. It has an outdoor patio area covered with distinctive pink and white striped tenting (pictured on the right) and a more formal indoor area with teak pillars, pink tablecloths, and rattan furniture. Breakfast lunch and dinner are served in the Surf Room, and there are also special meals such as Sunday brunch, a Friday seafood buffet, and holiday dinners. Most of the tables in the Surf Room have beautiful views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head Crater.
Dining in the Pink Palace of the Pacific
The dining room in the historic, bright pink, Moroccan style, Royal Hawaiian Hotel is called the Surf Room Restaurant. It has an outdoor patio area covered with distinctive pink and white striped tenting and a more formal indoor area with teak pillars, pink tablecloths, and rattan furniture. Breakfast lunch and dinner are served in the Surf Room, and there are also special meals such as Sunday brunch, a Friday seafood buffet, and holiday dinners. Most of the tables in the Surf Room have beautiful views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head Crater.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Nominees for the 2007 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards
This week the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts announced the nominees for the 2007 Na Hoku Hanohano Music Awards. Two new categories have been added this year including Best Music Video DVD and Best R&B or Hip Hop Album. Albums by three artists received a total of seven nominations each. Those artists are Amy Hanaialii Gilliom, Na Palapalai, and Kealii Reichel. The 30th annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards Ceremony will take place on June 20, 2007 at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu. The theme of this year's event is Alohihohi Ka Lei Hoku - Celebrating 30 Years: The Stars of Distinction.
Photos of the New Wyland Waikiki Hotel
The much anticipated Wyland Waikiki Hotel has finally opened after several delays and changes in ownership. Artist Robert Wyland purchased the former Waikiki Surf Hotel in 2005 with the intention of upgrading it from a budget family hotel to an upscale boutique hotel featuring his artwork. At one point it was expected the hotel would be operated by Hilton under its Doubletree brand but last month the management contract was awarded to Outrigger. The multi-million dollar renovations were completed and the hotel finally opened in April of 2007. Special rates are being offered to the first hotel guests that include a reduced room rate and breakfast at the International House of Pancakes Restaurant across the street from the hotel.Photos of the New Wyland Waikiki Hotel
The much anticipated Wyland Waikiki Hotel has finally opened after several delays and changes in ownership. Artist Robert Wyland purchased the former Waikiki Surf Hotel in 2005 with the intention of upgrading it from a budget family hotel to an upscale boutique hotel featuring his artwork. At one point it was expected the hotel would be operated by Hilton under its Doubletree brand but last month the management contract was awarded to Outrigger. The multi-million dollar renovations were completed and the hotel finally opened in April of 2007. Special rates are being offered to the first hotel guests that include a reduced room rate and breakfast at the International House of Pancakes Restaurant across the street from the hotel.Wednesday, May 16, 2007
A State-of-the-Art Astronomy Center in Hilo
The beautiful Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii is located on a hillside above the town of Hilo on the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii. Exhibits in the center tell the story of the Maunakea Volcano as it relates to astronomy and Hawaiian culture. The $28 million, 40,000 square foot center opened in February of 2006 and it is located on the nine acre campus of the University of Hawaii at Hilo. It has an exhibit hall, planetarium shows, a cafe, a gift shop, and rooms where special events can be held.A State-of-the-Art Astronomy Center in Hilo
The beautiful Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii is located on a hillside above the town of Hilo on the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii. Exhibits in the center tell the story of the Maunakea Volcano as it relates to astronomy and Hawaiian culture. The $28 million, 40,000 square foot center opened in February of 2006 and it is located on the nine acre campus of the University of Hawaii at Hilo. It has an exhibit hall, planetarium shows, a cafe, a gift shop, and rooms where special events can be held.Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Waikiki Shell Might Be Renamed for Don Ho
This week the Honolulu City Council will vote on a resolution to rename the outdoor amphitheater in Kapiolani Park the "Don Ho Waikiki Shell". Honolulu city facilities may be named after individuals who have had a significant association with the facility, who have achieved national recognition, or who have been honored for military service. Don Ho died on April 14, 2007 at the age of 76. He was an internationally famous professional entertainer for 43 years and he served in the United States Air Force so he meets all three criteria. The vote will take place on Thursday, May 17, 2007.
Waikiki Shell Might Be Renamed for Don Ho
This week the Honolulu City Council will vote on a resolution to rename the Waikiki Shell outdoor amphitheater in Kapiolani Park the "Don Ho Waikiki Shell". Honolulu city facilities may be named after individuals who have had a significant association with the facility, who have achieved national recognition, or who have been honored for military service. Don Ho died on April 14, 2007 at the age of 76. He was an internationally famous professional entertainer for 43 years and he served in the United States Air Force so he meets all three criteria. The vote will take place on Thursday, May 17, 2007.Kauai Wildlife Refuge May Be Doubled in Size
This week the United States Fish and Wildlife Service is holding a public meeting to discuss the possibility of adding 55, 179, or 202 acres to the already 203 acre Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge on the north coast of Kauai. The U.S. Congress approved expanding the refuge in 2004 but there has been some resistance by locals who fear access to beaches and other recreational areas in the refuge will be restricted. A decision is expected to be made in July of 2007.Sunday, May 13, 2007
Oahu Water Park Adds Miniature Golf Course
The Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park in West Oahu will open its new $1 million, 18 hole, miniature golf course on May 26, 2007, just in time attfor Memorial Day Weekend. The new golf course is called Island Adventure Golf and it has four areas connected by waterways. Each of those areas represents a different Hawaii environment, including the beach, the reef, a tropical valley, and a volcano. This new golf course is part of Hawaiian Waters' plan to offer more attractions and events for teenagers and adults over the next few years.Oahu Water Park Adds Miniature Golf Course
The Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park in West Oahu will open its new $1 million, 18 hole, miniature golf course on May 26, 2007, just in time for Memorial Day Weekend. The new golf course is called Island Adventure Golf and it has four areas connected by waterways. Each of those areas represents a different Hawaii environment, including the beach, the reef, a tropical valley, and a volcano. This new golf course is part of Hawaiian Waters' plan to offer more attractions and events for teenagers and adults over the next few years. Update on the New Hawaii Quarter Coin
On April 23, 2007 Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle selected the final design for the new Hawaii quarter coin. That coin will be minted for ten weeks beginning in November of 2008. The Hawaii quarter is the last coin to be minted in the United States Treasury Department's "50 States Commemorative Coins" program. Five new quarter coins have been released each year since the program began in 1999 and each has a theme based on one of the fifty states. The Hawaii quarter is the last coin in the series.Update on the New Hawaii Quarter Coin
On April 23, 2007 Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle selected the final design for the new Hawaii quarter coin. That coin will be minted for ten weeks beginning in November of 2008. The Hawaii quarter is the last coin to be minted in the United States Treasury Department's "50 States Commemorative Coins" program. Five new quarter coins have been released each year since the program began in 1999 and each has a theme based on one of the fifty states. The Hawaii quarter is the last coin in the series.Friday, May 11, 2007
Box Jellyfish Closed Hanauma Bay Today
One of Hawaii's most popular snorkeling destinations is Hanauma Bay Underwater Nature Preserve on the south shore of the island of Oahu. Today that beach was closed to swimmers and snorkelers because of a large influx of stinging box jellyfish. Waikiki Beach was also strewn with more then 600 jellyfish this morning. Box jellyfish can be a hazard on Hawaii's beaches but their appearance is very predictable. They can be expected once a month, eight to twelve days after the full moon.Box Jellyfish Closed Hanauma Bay Today
One of Hawaii's most popular snorkeling destinations is Hanauma Bay Underwater Nature Preserve on the south shore of the island of Oahu. Today that beach was closed to swimmers and snorkelers because of a large influx of stinging box jellyfish. Waikiki Beach was also strewn with more then 600 jellyfish this morning. Box jellyfish can be a hazard on Hawaii's beaches but their appearance is very predictable. They can be expected once a month, eight to twelve days after the full moon.Thursday, May 10, 2007
Barbecue Your Own Steak in Waikiki
Diners at the beachfront Shore Bird Restaurant in Waikiki receive their entrees raw and they are invited to cook their own meal on the restaurant's giant community grill. Children and many adults love barbecuing their own dinner but if that is not your thing you can have your dinner prepared for you. The Shore Bird Restaurant and Beach Bar is located on the lobby level of the Outrigger Reef on the Beach Hotel. The best time to eat there is before the sun goes down when the restaurant has beautiful views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head Crater.Barbecue Your Own Steak in Waikiki
Diners at the beachfront Shore Bird Restaurant in Waikiki receive their entrees raw and they are invited to cook their own meal on the restaurant's giant community grill. Children and many adults love barbecuing their own dinner but if that is not your thing you can have your dinner prepared for you. The Shore Bird Restaurant and Beach Bar is located on the lobby level of the Outrigger Reef on the Beach Hotel. The best time to eat there is before the sun goes down when the restaurant has beautiful views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head Crater.Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Celebrating Mother's Day in Hawaii
Special 2007 Mother's Day Events in Hawaii include Hawaiian music breakfast, brunch, and dinner concerts on two different islands, a historic walking tour of the Manoa Valley, two orchid shows, a brunch cruise and a dinner cruise in Honolulu Harbor, and special Mother's Day brunches, lunches, and dinners at many top restaurants and resorts on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big island of Hawaii. (photo credit: Sri Maiava Rusden)
Celebrating Mother's Day in Hawaii
Special 2007 Mother's Day Events in Hawaii include Hawaiian music breakfast, brunch, and dinner concerts on two different islands, a historic walking tour of the Manoa Valley, two orchid shows, a brunch cruise and a dinner cruise in Honolulu Harbor, and special Mother's Day brunches, lunches, and dinners at many top restaurants and resorts on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big island of Hawaii. (photo credit: Sri Maiava Rusden)63 Year Old Woman Attacked by Shark on Maui
College professor Peller Marion from San Rafael California felt something grab her leg when she was snorkeling in 10 to 15 feet of water off of Keawakapu Beach near Kehei on the island of Maui May 7, 2007. It took her about 5 minutes to swim 100 yards back to shore where she found she had a deep gash in her foot, another wound in her leg, and several fractures. An hour earlier a surfer about 1.5 miles away reported his board had been bumped by what appeared to be a large tiger shark, prompting the county to close Kamaole II Beach. After the woman was bitten the beach closure was expanded to a four mile stretch of coast.
Facts About Sharks in Hawaii
How to Avoid Getting Bitten by a Shark
Hawaii Shark Incidents Involving Humans
63 Year Old Woman Attacked by Shark on Maui
College professor Peller Marion from San Rafael California felt something grab her leg when she was snorkeling in 10 to 15 feet of water off of Keawakapu Beach near Kehei on the island of Maui May 7, 2007. It took her about 5 minutes to swim 100 yards back to shore where she found she had a deep gash in her foot, another wound in her leg, and several fractures. An hour earlier a surfer about 1.5 miles away reported his board had been bumped by what appeared to be a large tiger shark, prompting the county to close Kamaole II Beach. After the woman was bitten the beach closure was expanded to a four mile stretch of coast.
Facts About Sharks in Hawaii
How to Avoid Getting Bitten by a Shark
Hawaii Shark Incidents Involving Humans
Monday, May 07, 2007
May 2007 Update on the Hawaii Superferry
The new Hawaii Superferry is still expected to begin providing inter-island transportation between Oahu, Maui, and Kauai in July of 2007. For more information about tickets, schedules, and when the first vessel will arrive in Hawaii see:May 2007 Update on the Hawaii Superferry
The new Hawaii Superferry is still expected to begin providing inter-island transportation between Oahu, Maui, and Kauai in July of 2007. For more information about tickets, schedules, and when the first vessel will arrive in Hawaii see:The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is for Everyone
The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail on the southeast coast of Oahu is an easy trail that can be enjoyed by all levels of hikers. The trail is a little more then a mile in each direction and while it is steep in some places, it is fully paved, making it a relatively easy hike. There are magnificent views of windward Oahu and two offshore islands from the observation deck at the top of the trail. On a clear day you can see the island of Molokai off in the distance and during the winter season you will often see whales passing by.
The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is for Everyone
The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail on the southeast coast of Oahu is an easy trail that can be enjoyed by all levels of hikers. The trail is a little more then a mile in each direction and while it is steep in some places, it is fully paved, making it a relatively easy hike. There are magnificent views of windward Oahu and two offshore islands from the observation deck at the top of the trail. On a clear day you can see the island of Molokai off in the distance and during the winter season you will often see whales passing by.Sunday, May 06, 2007
Learn About Pineapple at the Dole Plantation
The Dole Pineapple Plantation in Central Oahu opened in 1950 as a fruit stand next to a pineapple field. It has been open to the public as a visitor attraction since 1989. Things to see and do at the Dole Plantation include a diesel train ride through the plantation grounds, a narrated walking tour, a giant, pineapple shaped, walk-through maze, a pineapple garden, a large gift shop, and a cafe.Learn About Pineapple at the Dole Plantation
The Dole Pineapple Plantation in Central Oahu opened in 1950 as a fruit stand next to a pineapple field. It has been open to the public as a visitor attraction since 1989. Things to see and do at the Dole Plantation include a diesel train ride through the plantation grounds, a narrated walking tour, a giant, pineapple shaped, walk-through maze, a pineapple garden, a large gift shop, and a cafe.Saturday, May 05, 2007
Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in Hawaii
May 5th is a Mexican holiday called Cinco de Mayo which marks the victory of Mexico's army over French invaders at the Battle of Puebla in 1861. There will be several including a block party in downtown Honolulu, a festival at the Aloha Tower Marketplace, a unique adventure game and pub crawl presented by Ravenchase Adventures, and a swimming competition and Mexican fiesta on the Big island of Hawaii. Often people celebrate Cinco de Mayo by dining on mexican food and drinking margueritas and there are many opportunities for this in Hawaii including quite a few Mexican Restaurants on the Island of Oahu.
Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in Hawaii
May 5th is a Mexican holiday called Cinco de Mayo which marks the victory of Mexico's army over French invaders at the Battle of Puebla in 1861. There will be several Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in Hawaii including a block party in downtown Honolulu, a festival at the Aloha Tower Marketplace, a unique adventure game and pub crawl presented by Ravenchase Adventures, and a swimming competition and Mexican fiesta on the Big island of Hawaii. Often people celebrate Cinco de Mayo by dining on mexican food and drinking margueritas and there are many opportunities for this in Hawaii including quite a few Mexican Restaurants on the Island of Oahu.It's Chili in Hawaii!
It's Chili In Hawaii is a wonderful and friendly little shop on South King Street in the Moiliili district of Honolulu featuring made-in-Hawaii hot sauces, cooking sauces, salad dressings, candies, cookies, chips, sea salt, jams, and jellies. You can try many items out before you buy at the Chili in Hawaii Hot Sauce Tasting Bar.
It's Chili in Hawaii
It's Chili In Hawaii is a wonderful and friendly little shop on South King Street in the Moiliili district of Honolulu featuring made-in-Hawaii hot sauces, cooking sauces, salad dressings, candies, cookies, chips, sea salt, jams, and jellies. You can try many items out before you buy at the Chili in Hawaii Hot Sauce Tasting Bar. How to Make a Fresh Flower Hawaiian Lei
A lei is a garland of flowers or other natural materials that is worn around the neck to celebrate graduations, weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions. It is also traditional to present a lei and a kiss to a person who is arriving in Hawaii or leaving. Here are step-by-step instructions for making your own single strand, fresh flower Hawaiian lei. Includes a list of required materials and detailed lei making instructions.How to Make a Fresh Flower Hawaiian Lei
A lei is a garland of flowers or other natural materials that is worn around the neck to celebrate graduations, weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions. It is also traditional to present a lei and a kiss to a person who is arriving in Hawaii or leaving. Here are step-by-step instructions for making your own single strand, fresh flower Hawaiian lei. Includes a list of required materials and detailed lei making instructions.Thursday, May 03, 2007
The Pride of Hawaii is Being Renamed
The Norwegian Cruise Line's luxurious "Pride of Hawaii" cruise ship will be renamed the "Norwegian Jade" and it will get a casino and a new paint job before it moves to Europe to join the "Norwegian Gem" and "Norwegian Jewel". If the Hawaii cruise market becomes stronger in the future the ship might be relocated back to Hawaii to rejoin the "Pride of Aloha" and the "Pride of America". Norwegian Cruise Lines is the only company offering multiple-day cruises that only stop in the Hawaiian Islands. All other cruise lines must stop in a foreign port before or after docking in Hawaii. That is the reason cruises from the west coast of the United States usually stop in Canada or Mexico before or after visiting Hawaii.The Pride of Hawaii is Being Renamed
The Norwegian Cruise Line's luxurious "Pride of Hawaii" cruise ship will be renamed the "Norwegian Jade" and it will get a casino and a new paint job before it moves to Europe to join the "Norwegian Gem" and "Norwegian Jewel". If the Hawaii cruise market becomes stronger in the future the ship might be relocated back to Hawaii to rejoin the "Pride of Aloha" and the "Pride of America". Norwegian Cruise Lines is the only company offering multiple-day cruises that only stop in the Hawaiian Islands. All other cruise lines must stop in a foreign port before or after docking in Hawaii. That is the reason cruises from the west coast of the United States usually stop in Canada or Mexico before or after visiting Hawaii.Schedule and Parking for Don Ho Memorial
The city of Honolulu has arranged a shuttle service to transport people from Kapiolani Community College on Saturday, May 5, 2007 for the Don Ho Memorial Service at Queen's Surf Beach in Waikiki. From 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. 30 to 50 canoes will participate in a ceremony to scatter Don Ho's ashes in front of the historic Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. there will be VIP speakers and performances by some of Hawaii's top musicians and performers At Queen's Surf Beach. Don Ho's daughter Hoku Ho will finish the evening by singing one of his most famous songs, "I'll Remember You". Two Honolulu TV stations - KGMB and KHNL - will broadcast parts of the service live.
Schedule and Parking for Don Ho Memorial
The city of Honolulu has arranged a shuttle service to transport people from Kapiolani Community College on Saturday, May 5, 2007 for the Don Ho Memorial Service at Queen's Surf Beach in Waikiki. From 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. 30 to 50 canoes will participate in a ceremony to scatter Don Ho's ashes in front of the historic Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. there will be VIP speakers and performances by some of Hawaii's top musicians and performers At Queen's Surf Beach. Don Ho's daughter Hoku Ho will finish the evening by singing one of his most famous songs, "I'll Remember You". Two Honolulu TV stations - KGMB and KHNL - will broadcast parts of the service live. For a schedule of speakers and performers see the May 3 Honolulu Advertiser article "Shuttle Readied for Ho Event".
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Magic Island is Perfect for Families
The Aina Moana area of Ala Moana Beach Park is commonly known as Magic Island and it is located on the island of Oahu between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu just west of the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor. It is a 30 acre park on a peninsula of land with two white sandy beaches, a protected swimming lagoon, wide grassy areas, picnic tables, trails for cycling and inline skating, a rocky breakwater, and beautiful views of Waikiki and Honolulu.Magic Island is Perfect for Families
The Aina Moana area of Ala Moana Beach Park is commonly known as Magic Island and it is located on the island of Oahu between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu just west of the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor. It is a 30 acre park on a peninsula of land with two white sandy beaches, a protected swimming lagoon, wide grassy areas, picnic tables, trails for cycling and inline skating, a rocky breakwater, and beautiful views of Waikiki and Honolulu.
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