hawaiian vacations

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides to Film in Hawaii

Governor of Hawaii Linda Lingle announced today that Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films will shoot New Movie Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides on the islands of Kaua’i and O’ahu this summer:

Governor Linda Lingle today announced that Hawai’i will be the location for “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” the fourth installment of the highly successful Walt Disney Pictures’ action adventure film series from Jerry Bruckheimer Films.

The Walt Disney Company President and CEO Bob Iger met with Governor Lingle on Friday to share the news that the islands of Kaua’i and O’ahu will be sites for the production of the feature film, which will begin shooting this summer and is slated to be released in summer 2011. The production is expected to generate an estimated $85 million in direct and indirect spending in Hawai’i, providing a needed economic boost for the state’s economy as well as creating hundreds of jobs for local residents. “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” will star Johnny Depp, returning to his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow.

The film is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, and directed by Rob Marshall. The writers are Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio, and the executive producers are Mike Stenson, Chad Oman, Barry Waldman, Elliott, Rossio and John DeLuca. “Disney’s long-term commitment to Hawai’i – from ABC’s ‘LOST’ to the new Disney resort on O’ahu scheduled to open in 2011, and now the upcoming filming of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ – is a testament to the company’s confidence in our state as a great place to do business,” said Governor Lingle.

“The Walt Disney Company has a great relationship with Hawai’i that we’re looking forward to building upon with the filming of the latest adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow and his crew,” said Iger. “I thank Governor Lingle and her team for their tremendous support of the projects Disney has underway in this great state.” “We’ve always sought out the most extraordinary and exotic locations for the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ films,” said producer Jerry Bruckheimer, “and previously shot briefly on both Maui and Moloka’i for ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.’ Hawai’i provides an amazing range of both land and seascapes, and we’re delighted to return for ‘On Stranger Tides.’”

The state’s Creative Industries Division and the Hawai’i Film Office, which are housed in the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, began working with Disney last year and organized a series of meetings and conference calls to help secure the business. Georja Skinner, the State’s Creative Industries Division administrator who oversees operations of the Hawai’i Film Office, worked collaboratively with the Governor’s office, Department of Taxation and Tourism Liaison Marsha Wienert, along with Hawai’i Tourism Authority, Hawai’i Visitors and Convention Bureau, Kaua’i Visitors Bureau, the Kaua’i Film Office, the City and County’s Honolulu Film Office, The Resort Group, Ko Olina Resort and Disney Vacation Club to help secure “Pirates of the Caribbean” for Hawai’i.…

Day 1:Arrival
On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta Airport,you will be met and transfered to a hotel in Nairobi booked on bed and breakfast.

Day 2: Nairobi – Nakuru – Kericho – Kericho – Kisumu
After breakfast,you will depart from Meridian Court Hotel at 7.30am to Lake Nakuru National Park home of the Multi-Million Flamingo birds for a game drive. The game drive will take you to the shore of the lake to a maze at the sight of this pink flamingoes and the pelicans which are in their millions.You will also be taken to the Rhino Sanctuary to see both the White and the Black Rhino.The game drive will aso pass through the vintage Baboon Cliff to have a panoramic view of the lake.You will then drive for a buffet lunch at Lake Nakuru Lodge.After lunch depart to Kericho town with a break at Kericho tea hotel which was built in 1950’s by Brooke Bond Tea Company, enjoy evening fresh tea and then go for an escorted walk in the Tea Plantations. Kericho is a Tea country which has put Kenya to be the world third largest Tea producer after India and Sri Lanka. There are beautiful rolling hills carpeted in neat, bright green tea bushes as far as you can see. The climate here is perfect for Tea with rain falling almost every afternoon. Kericho was named after Ole Kericho, a Maasai Chief who was killed in the battle by the Gusii in the 19th Century.You will then drive to Kisumu City to check in at Ukweli Pastoral Centre for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Kisumu – Kogelo -Kit Mikayi – Mbita – {Rusinga Island}
After an early breakfast from Kisumu,depart to Siaya District,Nyang’oma Division,Kogelo Village to visit the kenyan home of the President of the United State Of America,His Excellency President Barack Hussein Obama.We will get to interact with the people in the home including his Grand Mother, Mama Sarah Obama who may be very busy for us as she has been appointed as an envoy as a goodwill ambassador against malnutration by Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro – Algae Spirulina Against Malnutration {IIMAM} and the sarounding.We will have time to visit the graveyard of Obama snr.After this visit,you will then depart to “Kit Mikayi” {in the local Luo dialect the Stone of the “first wife”} Kenya’s most dramatic archaeological site, a vast granite rock tower. The Stone is about 70 to 80 ft tall and is located 30kms Far East of Kisumu city and 1km from Kisumu Bondo road.The legend has it that long time ago, there was an old man by the name Ngeso who was fascinated with this Stone as every morning he could climb into the cave and stay there meditating the whole day.When his wife was asked where the old man was,she could reply that he was with the “first wife” hence the Stone of the first wife.Over the years this place has become holy and many people go there for prayers and seek cleasing.You will get more stories on site through a local guide and also you will get to know the attachment of this Stone to the Luo Tribe which is the tribe of Obama senior.After this intriguing adventure,you will drive further to catch a ferry to Mbita picnic lunch enroute.On arrival,you will check in to Lake Victoria Safari Village.This will be followed by a drive to Rusinga Island and into the home of Tom Joseph Mboya where his mausoleum lies on the family land at Kamasengere Village.Tom the then powerful Economic and Planning minister in the government of Kenya was the person whom with the help of JFKennedy orgernised for the University Education Scholarships and Students Airlift through Kennedy’s Familly Trust of the young bright Kenyans to United States of America.Among the first beneficiaries of this noble project was Obama snr who went to University of Hawai where he met his second wife Ann Dunham the mother of President of the United States of America His Excellency President Barrack Obama.The Mausoleum has various mementoes and gifts Mboya received during his life from the prominent World leaders and eminent personalities.Tom Mboya, civil rights champion, trade unionist and charismatic young Luo politician was gunned down in Nairobi in 1969, sparking off a crisis that led to over forty deaths in widespread rioting and demonstrations.Among the casualities who were sacked from the government after this assination,was the bright Obama Snr who later was reinstated by President Kibaki when he was Minister for Finance by then.Dinner and overnight at Lake Victoria Safari Village.

Day 4: Mbita – Awendo – Lolgorien – Maasai Mara
After breakfast at Lake Victoria safari Village,you will then drive past Kanyamwa escarpment,then to Rongo and to Awendo passing through Maize and Sugar plantation, amazing at the beautiful landscape of Nandi and Kipsigis tribes to enter the famous Maasai Mara with an enroute game drive to Sarova Mara Game Lodge for dinner and overnight.Picnic lunch enroute.

Day 5: Maasai Mara Full Day
Full day will be spent in the vast Maasai Mara in search of its renowned plain game; Black manned Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, and migration of Wild Beast and Zebras. The Savannah country in the Mara with plenty of grass and short trees (shrubs) sustain the bigger number of herbivorous animals which Maasai Mara boost of and also act as vintage to enjoy a wonderful view of the animals. The ride will take you to the famous Mara River where we have a big school of Hippos and plenty of Crocodiles. This section also boasts of many species of Bird life. Drive back with a game drive to your Lodge for dinner and overnight. Picnic lunch will be enjoyed on the game. Note: You can also enjoy Balloon ride very early in the morning at an extra cost of US$ 425 per person with champagne breakfast or a visit to a Maasai village at US$ 20 per person or a guided Maasai Nature Walk in between at US$ 20 per person.

Day 6: Maasai Mara – Nairobi
Enjoy an early game drive before breakfast.After Breakfast,you will depart to Nairobi to check in at Hotel booked on bed and breakfast.After checking in at the hotel and refreshing,you will be taken to Carnivore restaurant for dinner, Nairobi has many restaurant offering varieties of cuisine. We recommend dinner at the unique Carnivore Restaurant which is famous for the succulent barbeque dishes of Meat as an excellent compliment after holiday in Kenya; especially as an excellent farewell. The restaurant also offers Vegetarian menu.Drive back to the hotel to enjoy your sleep.

Day 7: Departure
After breakfast,you will check out from the hotel latest at 10.00am for your transfer to the Airport for your onward flight home to end your holiday vacation.

The price includes:
1.Return Airport transfer on the first and the last day out of Nairobi.
2.Use of a Safari mini-van with photographic hatched roof.
3.Use of English speaking driver/guide.
4.Accommodation as per the tour dossier above.
5.All park entrance fee.
6.All game drives.
7.Kericho Guided Tea walks.
8.Ferry’s fee from Lwanda K’Otieno to Mbita.
9.Car and driver’s entry fee.
10.Driver’s allowance.
11.02 Nights accommodation in Nairobi.
12.Dinner at Carnivore Restaurant on the last day in Nairobi.
13. Government tax.

The price excludes:
1.Flights both international and domestic.
2.Visas.
3.Extra activities in Maasai Mara as per what is mentioned above.
4.Bevarages.
5.Laundry.
6.Mineral water.
7.Donations to the guides and curators of the mentioned sites e.g Kit Mikayi and Tom Mboya Mausoleum.
8.Tips.…

Okay, so you’ve gotten over your massive case of commitment phobia and have decided to take the plunge. Your stomach is knotted by a deep sense of nervousness and your palms are sweaty from the mere thought of getting down on one knee. Upon your shoulders is the burden of the crushing expectations of your girlfriend and the entire female race. You know deep down that a boring, business-like proposal isn’t going cut the mustard and may leave your love eternally disappointed, distrustful and even turned off. You’d rather watch sports, eat potato chips and not put any time into it, but you know you’ve got to get up off your backside and come up with a truly original and romantic proposal. The question is, how?

First of all, take a deep breath and calm down. Look around you – if all these bozos who are married went through it and came out the other end alive, so can you. In fact, you can even do a better job. How? By knowing the secret about women.

We all know that women want to be serenaded, to be whisked off by their white knight in shining armor. Women are attracted to masculine strength, but here’s the trick: they want direction. They yearn for a man with decisiveness. Women want to relax and feel free to play their role as the wild windy dancing goddess. That way they embrace the essence of feminine energetic pole, and become incredibly attractive to males. But you need to step into the full masculine energetic pole to allow them to be goddesses. They can’t be truly feminine if they can’t trust that you’ll take charge. Then they have to become more masculine themselves and take the lead, which results in a depolarization of the energy between you two. This means the sex won’t be as charged and passionate, and let’s face it, that’s a bottom line for most guys.

So, take some responsibility for this and step up to the plate. If you want a passionate relationship with hot sex, make it happen. Tell your woman, “You’ve got 30 minutes to pack your bags and get ready. Then I’m taking you on a date/vacation to a beautiful secret location. Everything’s taken care of.” The thrill of the secret, of romance, and of a strong decisive man is irresistible to most women. Her heart will be beating in rapid excitement.

Next, ensure you’ve matched the place to her character. Does she like outdoors? If so, is she more of a beach, forest, mountain or jungle girl? What’s her best time of day? Most women love sunset proposals, but a warm snuggle after sleeping in also works. What are her favorite places? Theatres, restaurants, clubs, bars? Choose a place where you met, or dated frequently, that has significance. If it’s a restaurant, choose a place serving her favorite cuisine. Surprise her – have her favorite dessert or type of cake preordered, embossed with the writing, “Will You Marry Me?” Get that question in somewhere, whether it’s a big banner hung somewhere, or if it’s etched into a rock or tree, or if it’s a treasure hunt with each word hidden in a different place.

Lastly, don’t wear yourself out by trying to get the perfect ring. Get a placeholder instead – for $100 or $200 – and then she can choose or even design her own perfect ring. Tell her in your own special way how much you love her as you pop the question – and getting down on one knee always helps add chivalry and romance to the moment.

Remember, it’s a lot of effort planning it, but it’s worth it. You only have to go through it once, and your fiancée will be eternally grateful for the effort you put in. Finally, remember that while you put in all the effort for the proposal, she’ll take care of the wedding, so it all balances out in the end.

For more information visit: http://www.alohaeverafter.com …

Millions of people travel to Hawaii every year. Amongst the visitors are thousands of young couples getting married or are having their honeymoon in tropical Hawaii. In order make the honeymoon even more romantic and memorable, many couples choose to go on Hawaii honeymoon cruises. There are many marriage agencies to help these couples to get married, plan their honeymoon and book cruises for them.

Hawaii made history when Pearl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese during world war 2. Since then many movies have re-enacted this event. Many other movies were also made about Hawaii because of its lush tropical landscape, volcanic mountains and beautiful romantic islands.

Elvis Presley starred in perhaps the most well known movie about Hawaii in the romantic movie ‘Blue Hawai’. Another well known movie was the musical ‘South Pacific’. All these movies presented to the world the beautiful exotic charm of the Hawaiian Islands and depict the state as a romantic holiday destination.

Given this romantic representation of Hawaii, it naturally attracts romantic couples to the Hawaiian shores. Since the Hawaii is made up of many pacific islands, what better way to honeymoon in Hawaii than choosing Hawaiian honeymoon cruises?

Hawaii a paradise filled with beautiful beaches, scenic volcanoes and many other tourist attractions. The Hawaiian islands are located in the Pacific Ocean near Polynesia. It is the fascinating and awe inspiring natural landscape that draws millions of tourists to Hawaii every year.

Peak tourism months are November to March. During this time, Hawaiian honeymoon cruises must be booked way well in advance. This is also the peak season for surfing and whale watching making the northern shore of Oahu and Maui islands very popular for honeymooners to disembark and enjoy themselves on the Hawaiian shores.

Popular islands for visiting tourists are Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui and Hawaii’s Big Island. These islands are all networked by two local airlines with inter-connections between islands. Nine in every ten visitors will visit Oahu where the famed Waikiki Beach and the state’s capital city, Honolulu resides.

It is fun to immerse yourself in the culture of the Hawaiian people. Couples can try their hands at dancing the hula hula and taking part in a luau (Hawaiian feast).If you are interested in the local culture, go and discover the uniquely blended Hawaiian, Portuguese, and Mexican cultures – still alive and celebrated among Hawaiian paniolo (cowboys) on the island’s big ranches.

If you are a history buff, do take a visit to the historical Kealakekua Bay where Captain James Cook was killed in 1779 by the islanders or Pearl Harbor, the scene of destruction by the Japanese on the navy US fleet more than half a century ago.

Thinking of going for a romantic honeymoon? Try Hawaiian honeymoon island cruises and have a memorable vacation.…

What to see/ discover in Hawaii?

A new culture. Picturesque scenery Beach & Sun Marine Biology Diving Active lava Flow – Increase you knowledge of geology. Learn about Polynesian culture Go Hiking, and reward yourself with most beautiful sights on earth. And one thing you don’t need to worry about is snakes; there is virtually no snake population in any of the Hawaiian Islands. Whale watching – Watch a Humpback whale splash its tale. Invoke your inner spirit; meditate in natural surroundings. Connect: Hawaii is the best place for romance, nothing more romantic than sitting beside each other and watching sun dip into the ocean or lying on the beach on a moon less night at gazing at the stars.

A little about Hawaii

Hawaii is the one of the 50 States of US. It was admitted into the Union on 21st August 1959. It is the only sate entirely made up of islands, there are eight “main islands”  (from the northwest to southeast) Ni’ihau, Kaua’i, O’ahu, Moloka’i, L?na’i, Kaho’olawe, Maui, and Hawai’i. The last is by far the largest, and is often called the “Big Island” or “Big Isle” to avoid confusion with the state as a whole.

Hawaii is the most isolated island on earth. The nearest land is around 2400 miles away (California). People started inhabiting these islands 300 – 400 AD. And Captain James cook discovered these islands in 1778 and announced its existence to the world.

Middle of pacific ocean; Hawaii being a strategic location, had always  been object of interest to most of the super powers from the beginning of its discovery in 1776.Hawaii was once upon a time a kingdom and was an independent nation for a short time.

Union of the Hawaiian Islands with the US in 1959 brought new prospects to the islands. US presence in the middle of the Pacific Ocean not only strengthened the US stronghold but also brought peace to the region. And also promotion of tourism has brought in revenue for the development of the population in the islands.

The islands are the most popular among the holiday makers. The white sand beaches, clear water, high surfs, coral reefs, active volcano’s , Picturesque trekking trails, whale watching, horseback rides and not to forget the Beautiful Hula Dance are something’s that invite everyone to Hawaii, and they keep coming back.

Getting to Hawaii is simple there are number of with Cheap Air Tickets available from all major US airports, Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, Chicago etc. And there are number of hotels, budget or star matching your pocket. Remember if your are planning for an Hawaiian holiday try booking for your flights and hotels as early as possible. The Flight tickets tend to be cheaper booked in advance at least a month in advance.  And also try not to book in festive season. You may secure with Flight Tickets if you don’t opt for week end flights, and opt for flights which either takeoff or land at odd times such as early in the mornings or late at night.…

Everyone dreams of saying “I do” to the person of our dreams and living happily ever after. However, before we even get to the years of sincere work and compromise it’s important to start the entire path off on the right foot. How do we set the tone of living happily ever after?

Step number one in setting the right course for your marriage is choosing a kind partner who will be able to match many of your needs in daily life. Presumably you have already achieved this if you are reading this article and considering a wedding in Hawaii.

Step number two is to go about planning your Hawaiian wedding the way you’d like to see your life go after the wedding is over. Ask yourself these types of questions:  What kind of life do you want? What things are most important to you?

If the answer to the question “What kind of life do you want?” involves the word ‘busy’ or ‘stressed’ then go ahead and create that kind of wedding planning, but who would want that? If the idea of a relaxed and easeful life attracts you, then I recommend creating a relaxed Hawaii wedding and a relaxed wedding planning process.

A relaxed Kauai wedding will of course be easier to have if you have less strict desires, but it’s certainly not necessary. You don’t have to take a mediocre or less than perfect wedding in Hawaii to avoid stress. You can have the wedding of your dreams and be relaxed too!

Start by making a short list of the most important things you want for your wedding.  Some of those things might include being with loved ones, being surrounded by beautiful flowers and beautiful scenery, having a gorgeous dress that you look sexy in, getting great photos at a good price etc. Once you have an idea of what things are important to you then prioritize them (in a general way). If it’s more important for you to have great photography than an expensive archway, then you know where to allot your hard earned dollars and your time.

Knowing where to put your time and money will help relieve a lot of stress in the whole wedding planning process.  Much of the stress that is created is because people want to have the best of everything at their wedding, yet they feel stress from paying for it. If you can simplify your desires that’s the easiest. If not, that’s ok. Then what you need to do is prioritize your desires. If wedding photography in Hawaii is more important to you than flowers, then spend most of the money on that and don’t put as much focus or money into flowers. Put the bulk of the money on the top 5 or 6 important things to you rather than the top 15. Look at your list of desires. If flowers are at the bottom but being married in a nice hotel is at the top, then get some nice simple flowers and put the money towards the site fee.

Another really important thing, maybe the most important thing, is to plan out everything as well as you can, and then let go just enough that you can have a good sense of humor about things if they don’t turn out the way you planned them! Your Hawaiian wedding will be perfect and it may not be exactly the way you planned.  Maybe you plan for a certain song to be played at a certain moment. Great. Plan it out. Ask the musician to learn the song and tell them exactly how and when to play it.  Then, if something happens and it doesn’t happen the way you planned, don’t look at it as not perfect; just find the humor in what did happen. Often times the bride is so stressed trying to micromanage the entire event and make sure it goes exactly as she wants that she forgets to let the universe have a say in it all and to just let the wedding happen. I’m not saying mistakes are desirable; I’m just saying that sometimes things don’t always happen the way we planed, and its still ok. Try – of course you should have your wedding day the way you want it (more or less). Just be willing to let go enough that you still have fun, and you still see the humor in funny events and most importantly that you still are relaxed enough to start your marriage out on the right foot!

Remember our motto at Aloha Ever After: You can have the perfect wedding of your dreams and be relaxed in planning it!…

Got your mind on that much deserved break? Would you like to get away from all the hustle and bustle of city life? Why not go traveling around the Hawaiian Islands? Let me give you a brief tour around the famous Hawaiian Islands.

The Hawaiian Islands have everything that you could imagine a paradise would have. From its multicultural people with the aloha spirit to beautiful surroundings with warm, tranquil, sandy beaches merging with rain forests, heavenly waterfalls, and marvelous historical sites. There’s no place like Hawaii.

Hop around the Hawaiian Island chain and you will discover the beauty and uniqueness of each island. There are six major islands that you can easily visit in Hawaii…Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii, or the “Big Island.” Each island offers a distinct and extraordinary experience. We invite you to explore Hawaii and find the most unique island experience for you, your family, or your business group.

First, I’ll show you the majestic island of Kauai. Kauai is about 20 minutes by air from Honolulu. Kauai is often called the Garden Isle due to its everlasting beauty, comparable enough to the Garden of Eden.

Things to do in Kauai:

Hike, boat, kayak, or take a helicopter ride to discover the magnificent beauty of the famous Na Pali Coast

Hike up to Waimea Canyon, dubbed as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” – a must see attraction when visiting Kauai

Go kayaking on the Wailua River

Second, is an island described to have an ageless and natural beauty, which is better known as the “Gathering Place,” the island of Oahu. It is a very geographically diverse island with mountains, dormant volcanoes, rainforests, and famous surf spots, all close to a bustling metropolitan city. There is no shortage of things to do here in this island.

Things to do in Oahu:

· Surf at the world renowned site in Oahu, the Waikiki Beach

· Sunbathe, watch world class surfers, or simply enjoy the beach on the North Shore

· Stop by Hawaii’s three most famous landmarks: Diamond Head, Punchbowl, and Koko Head craters

· Visit the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor

· Go see art galleries

· Be amazed at the architecture in Iolani Palace

· Dine and feast at five star restaurants

· Lastly, dress up, enjoy, have fun, and experience the nightlife in town

Third, get back to nature and find serenity in Molokai Island. The “Friendly Island” is free from traffic, high-rises, malls, and nightclubs. Molokai Island offers tranquility, seclusion, and most of all, adventure. It is ideal for those seeking peacefulness or simply just getting away from the bustling city life.

Things to do in Molokai:

· Take a hike through the spectacular Halawa Valley

· Learn about the famous leper colony in Molokai at the Kalaupapa National Historical Park. Accessible only by foot, mule, or plane so take your pick

· Go boating along the North Shore and see the world’s tallest sea cliffs

Fourth is Lanai, Hawaii’s most enticing island – perfect for that idyllic and romantic setting. If you are looking for a luxurious resort, world class golf course, outdoor adventure, or purely a vacation with comfort, style, and grace, the “Pineapple Island” is the place to visit.

Things to do in Lanai:

· Go hiking at Munro Trail and see the breathtaking views of the neighboring islands.

· Rent a four wheel drive vehicle and drive to see the lunar landscape of Keahiakawelo

· Go dolphin watching at the Hulopoe Bay

· Play golf at The Challenge of Manele and The Experience of Koele – two championship golf courses in Lanai

Fifth, voted the “Best Hawaiian Island” and sometimes called the “Valley Isle,” is the island of Maui. There is always something for everyone in the sun drenched island: you can go whale watching, play golf, drive around, or go hiking.

Things to do in Maui:

· Go whale watching and catch a glimpse of a humpback whale

· Drive along the picturesque Hana Highway

· Go picture-taking with the volcanic rock known as “Iao needle” in Iao Valley State Park

· Watch the sunrise atop a dormant volcano, the Haleakala Crater

· Visit museums or spend a day in shops or restaurants in Lahaina

Sixth, it’s all here on the largest and most diverse of the Hawaiian Islands, sometimes called the “Orchid Isle” or the “Volcano Isle.” Referred to by locals as “The Big Island,” it is the most varied, yet least discovered Hawaiian island. For secluded hideaways and adventures that nurture your body and spirit…. come and see what the Big Island of Hawaii has to offer.

Things to do in the Big Island:

View the spectacular active lava flow at Kilauea, in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Kayak to a secluded cove, scuba dive, or snorkel in the azure waters of Kona and Kohala

Explore the ancient Hawaiian Religious Temples in Pu’ukohola Heiau

Savor the lush and tropical landscape of Hilo Bay and Queen Liliuokalani Gardens

Enjoy the view atop the snow-capped summit of Mauna Kea

Shop ‘til you drop at the Farmers Market, a great place to hunt for bargains on Hawaiian souvenirs, handicrafts, and presents for friends and family back home

Now that you have gotten to know a little more about Hawaii and its six major islands, pack those bags, book that flight, get away for a while, and go traveling around the Hawaiian Islands… Bon voyage and see you in Hawaii….

 …

This weekend Peter broadcasts from the newly renovated Royal Hawaiian hotel, Waikik is famous pink landmark (hence its nickname the Pink Palace ).

This historic hotel first opened in 1928, and over the decades it has hosted presidents, royalty, celebrities, and other members of the jet-setting elite.

While on the island of Oahu, there are a few must-do activities for visitors, no matter how touristy. And yes, that includes a traditional luau complete with roasted pigs, fire dancers and a hula performance.

You ll also want to check out a torch-lighting ceremony with hula dancers. And for an amazing view of the famous Hawaiian sunsets, get off the beach and into the water on a dinner cruise. Several ships are docked at Aloha Tower and Kewalo Basin including the Ali I Kai, the world s largest Polynesian catamaran. Once the sun has set, you get to enjoy you guessed it a hula dance.

But we wanted to look beyond hula and checked in with a crew of locals including Hawaii native Lianne Thompson, associate editor of Modern Luxury Hawai i magazine, surf legend Hawaiian Mike Goodrich, local historian Bill Souza and more to find out some of their top picks for island activities.

In the hula department, a great time to visit Honolulu is for the annual World Invitational Hula Festival. Every November, this unique World Invitational Hula Festival invites people from all over the world to experience and celebrate Hawaiian culture through performance of the hula.

Another can t-miss cultural experience is the Aloha Festivals, which is Hawaii s oldest and largest statewide celebration featuring food, music, hula performances, ukulele contests, and live entertainment. It was originally created in 1946 to mimic the Makahiki celebration season (Hawaiian New Year), which honored the Hawaiian god Lono.

BEACHING WITH THE LOCALS

Most visitors are attracted to Waikiki Beach, but Lianne Thompson grew up going to Kailua. In fact, this secluded beach town located about 15 miles northeast of Honolulu is such a favorite among locals that they d probably prefer to keep it a secret.

DINING OUT

Drive up the coast from Kailua toward the North Shore for a real treat: Hawaiian shrimp trucks! They re sort of like the Hawaiian version of taco trucks.

REAL SOUVENIR SHOPPING

Don t get stuck buying aloha shirts or dancing hula girl dolls. Instead, you can pick up items that combine Hawaii s ancient traditions with fashion-forward trends: The family-run Muumuu Heaven is an island favourite, where vintage muumuus are deconstructed and refashioned into one-of-a-kind dresses and tops in modern silhouettes.…

ANSWER PLEASE:) Maybe we should choose another island!?
We are going to Oahu. I guess Waikiki is the best place. Are there any recommendation of areas to avoid? I keep reading roughly speaking certain hotels that are contained by bad parts of Waikiki. I would approaching to pay lower than 200/night and have wearing clothes views of the the deep. I’m coming up with nil…

Answer this interview, it’s soooo comfortable (kinda)?
im going to new york within a week.any awesome places to eat, shift, see or do? – Statue Of Libery, Empire State Building, and I would take the two time hop on tour. You can get rotten at many destinations and hop rear on when you’re ready. And I love Bubba Gumpo Shrimp Restaurant. And M&Ms Works surrounded…

Answer this put somebody through the mill if you’ve graduate contained by the ultimate few years!?
Did you with your class to Grad Nite within Orlando when you were a Senior? If so, did you hold fun? We’re going April 26th. I think it’s gonna be a blast. We’re going to Grad Bash at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, not Disney World. Also, if grad…

Antelope Canyon?
I’m writing a story presently, and part of it is set within Anelope Canyon near Page Arizona. I own yet to call in there myself, and this make it slightly more difficult, though possible from much research. I am going to visit in that in four months but be hoping to get some writing done on it in the past then. So what I’m…

Antelope Valley ?
How come I don’t see any antelope at all here contained by Antelope Valley California? How did it get it’s mark ? – It was name by the same guy who name the Vista View Apartments in Watts..No vista and no views within either. There used to be antelope near. That’s where I be born…39 yrs ago. I remember seeing them in the…

Anthropologie surrounded by spanking new york city?
hey! im going to nyc in a few days, and i be wondering which is the biggest/best anthropologie store there. according to the company website, there’s one within soho, fifth avenue, and the rockefeller center. which do you recommend? thank you so much! -millie – I’ve never been to the one surrounded by Soho but…

Anticipate?
How did you anticipate going to Walt Disney World? Watching a Disney Movie Going shopping at the Disney Store Reminisce if youve been at hand before Network next to others Planning madly Other ( Plz specify ) – Everyone experiences Disney World differently, because of their own interest. However, Disney World is a place where you can be a kid and its OK….

Any bus trip from nyc the jack frost big boulder mountain within the poconos? any planning will be great gratitude?
im planning a trip to jack frost big boulder mountain in the poconos nouns of pennslyvania . wonder if anyone know a bus trip leaving from NYC to the spot or close to the spot. – I know that you can pilfer Martz to New…

Any insider info or secret on how to obtain the best experiences at Walt Disney World?
Just looking for not well known information on how to generate the most of our upcoming Disney Cruise and Disney World Resort/Theme Parks vacation surrounded by 2009. – Millions of society pass through disney and do not own any problems. My only suggestion is if you can afford…

Any +44 / Angels and Airwaves concerts surrounded by Northern California?
I like loved blink 182. but ya. i want to stir to a concert in the San Fransisco nouns ya like around nearby – check on this page www.pollstar.com or on their myspaces or official sites pd: be my answer helpful? distribute me a best answer

Any 1 from illinois and run to clubs around chicago?
hey! so i have be to tranist in chicago be fun and also was just about to be in leven 3 yrs ago almost nonetheless i was 19 and in a minute 22yr old and a short time ago wondering if there are any darkness clubs in chicago or around in that to wear a hot…

Any 1 graduate from Sharpstown High School contained by Houston, TX within 1994?
Did that school not suck or what? – Not me. Duncanville High School class of 1988. It was AWESOME! I thought you HATE Houston. So why do you save posting questions just about Houston related topics? I really feel sorry for you and hope sooner or later you will get a…

Any 1 here from Hawaii?
i know its ramdom but i as just wondering – I’m from Hawai’i but I’m contained by Alabama (Auburn Uni.)… Kaua’i and Ni’ihau is my ‘One Hanau (Home Land)… Lived there adjectives my life. Just lately left home to travel to college though. from pearl city. im from maui, hawaii but very soon im in washington. Not at…

Any 1 hu be 2 madison sq. garden lately be u competent 2 bring surrounded by ur camera?
i called them and they keeep gettin mixed answers.sum 1 say yea and sum times the ;lady say no.butttt ppl tell me that they singular chek ppl randomly.is this true – I brought mine in for the hockey activity no problem. if you hold a small camera,…

Any 1 living contained by hawaii ??
just wondering – yep i am. i can’t wait to will for college tho. kauai is too small for me. Of course… This isn’t Castaway! yupp! oahu.. No, we all disappeared last week for some great weather surrounded by Seattle. If you go presently you’ll have the integral place to yourself. Yes, I do. nope..just the…

Any 16+ New years eve events or clubs surrounded by Illinois?
My friends and I are all 19-20, but we hold to bring one of my friends sisters who is 16. Is there any place contained by Illinois (Northern Illinois would be most helpful, or Chicago) that we could progress? – fireworks or millenium park. navy pier. it get crowded though, so show up early. …

Any 18 and over nightclub within NYC?
We have some where on earth I live, they just put big black X’s on your hand so you can’t drink, but is there anywhere to jump if you are 19 and 20?? Thanks! – The links below will be very willing to help in you rummage. Good luck and enjoy Native New Yorker Some clubs will…

Any 18 and underneath clubs within Sacramento?
I doubt it! at least not while arts school is in session! check the Sacramento News & review, its a free composition on most midtown & downtown street corners! they have listings of clubs & age precincts! here is the site good luck! http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/Hom…

Any 18 and up casinos within or effective seattle?
Right now I jump to casinos plenty but I go to conservatory in Seattle. I want to know what the closest casinos are. – Shoreline! Friends and home used to ditch 6th period to play poker, whenever they hit 18… yikes! I’m pretty sure we’re slot-free, though – mostly card houses. Watch yourself when it…

Any 18 any over clubs, or where on earth they play live music within the greater san diego nouns?
http://answers.yahoo.com/search/search_r… no, you have to be 21

Any 18 or elder clubs/bars within San Antonio, TX??
Im going to San Antonio for spring break and I was wondering if anybody know of some good clubd/bars that allow 18 or elder. – noche caliente is the best club you should look it up on the internet for more info DUDE, I hope so. My parents want me to move there. And Im so alarmed….

Any 18 plus hip hop clubs surrounded by Los Angeles?
My friend and I are going on a road trip to Los Angeles this March. I am 19 and she is 20. We like to skip to hiphop, reggaeton, etc. As long as the club plays something with a flawless beat. Can you suggest any clubs that we can walk to? – There are two main…

Any 18 up Dance/Electronic surrounded by the San Francisco Bay Area?
So my friend and I are tired of all the hip hop clubs… We do not charge if the club is gay, straight, whatever, we in recent times want to dance to some house/trance/electronic/techno and anything else that falls underneath that category. Please help, we …