A Chunk of the Big Island Fell Into the Sea

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.

Heiau Older Then Originally Believed

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

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

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.