Search Results for: blog americas best beach

Is Your Dog a Beach Bum?

My dogs Moose and Lally have never been to the beach. I don’t trust Moose to romp off-leash in an unfenced area; Lally is not a fan of water as it is. My old dog Miko was another story. He loved the beach, and would chase waves as they ebbed and flowed — as long as he didn’t get his feet wet. It was adorable! If your dog loves the beach — and especially the water — you may have some extra grooming on your hands. If your pup stays dry, sand can more or less be brushed off the … Continue reading →

Ocean Front Hotel Seeks New Beach

If you book a reservation at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel and Resort on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu you won’t have a problem getting an ocean-view room, but don’t expect to see much more than water. The Sheraton has no beach. For years waves from the Pacific have been eating away at the sand, but appears now hotel managers are looking to change that. Hotel exectuives just announced they plans to extend T-shaped rock barriers into the water and pump the shoreline full of sand. Doing so would add about 38,000 square feet to the beach at the rear of … Continue reading →

Waikiki Beach Makeover

It’s an event that hasn’t taken place in more than three decades, but now it is just days away from starting—Hawaii’s famed Waikiki beach is getting a makeover- of sorts. It’s really more of an expansion than an actual makeover, but when the project is complete you will be able to spread out on the powder white sand without worrying about elbowing the visitors tanning themselves next to you. According to state Department of Land and Natural Resource, the sand replenishment project should take a month to complete—just in time for the influx of holiday travelers. Project organizers plan to … Continue reading →

Turtle Beach

Recently, I shared with you my 2-year-old daughter’s unusual fascination with all things scaly and skeletal. (Basically, she loves fish, turtles, dinosaurs, and various other reptiles.) With that in mind, I have been researching places that we can visit in order for her to see her favorite “friends” up close and personal. Next month, we will be traveling to Chicago to visit SUE at the Field Museum (she has already visited the Shedd Aquarium) and in a few months we are off to Hawaii where I will take her to Sea Life Park and “Turtle Beach.” What’s that you say, … Continue reading →

Visiting Chicago’s “Concrete Beach”

I grew up in Hawaii, in a home just down the street from a popular black sand beach. As a child I don’t remember spending much time playing in our backyard, rather we (I have three brothers) spent our days building castles, forts and other sculptures with a mixture of powder soft sand and water from the Pacific Ocean. As a teen I left it all behind to attend college in the Midwest and to this day I can recall my horror when a roommate asked if I would like to spend the day with her at “Concrete Beach.” “Concrete … Continue reading →

Sun and Fun

This shot was taken minutes before my daughter’s first boogie board lesson at Hapuna Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii. It was a huge milestone for her and duly documented to display in her scrapbook. In fact, the photo joined seven others to create a double page layout showcasing her first experience riding waves. I even included a shot from this adventure to illustrate how much she had grown from the little girl, who preferred to stand on the sand and have her rubber duck body surf in to the shore, to the second grader who shredded the day … Continue reading →

Bargains to Paradise

I am always on the lookout for cheap airfare to Hawaii. I’ve lost count of the number of websites that send me email alerts announcing fare sales to my childhood home, especially this time of year. The end of summer/beginning of fall is primetime for deals to paradise. One deal in particular recently caught my eye, as it seemed almost too good to be true. Fortunately, it is 100 percent authentic. Take a look: Right now Apple Vacations is offering round-trip airfare on Delta Airlines from L.A. to Honolulu; six nights at the Maile Sky Court hotel; a complimentary upgrade … Continue reading →

Travelers Fired Up Over California Smoking Ban

I grew up on the Big Island of Hawaii, where smoking is banned in all public recreational areas, such as parks and beaches. To me, the decision to snuff out smokers in these pristine areas of paradise is a no brainer. Still, the vote to ban smoking from some of tbe island’s most prized real estate didn’t take place until 2008. Hard to believe, right? After all, when you think of parks and beaches, don’t the words “fresh air” immediately come to mind? If I am hiking to Akaka Falls or tanning myself at Hapuna Beach I sure don’t want … Continue reading →

Summer Travel Deals in Paradise

Lodgings across the 50th State are offering spectacular summer savings to try to compensate for the sky-high cost of airfare to Hawaii. The following properties located on two of Hawaii’s most beautiful islands are currently offering special package deals to entice you to make the trip to the “Land of Aloha.” Take a look: MAUI The Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono, Maui is offering a special $150 rate through fall on all of its “green” rooms. The environmentally friendly lodging features water heated 100 percent by solar power; on-demand gas in the main Inn and rooms fitted with CFL (compact … Continue reading →

Hot Hawaiian Travel Deals: Luaus and Love

It’s been a while, but it appears the traditional Hawaiian luau is headed back to Waikiki Beach. The Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa located near downtown Honolulu on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu recently announced that it is resurrecting the traditional local feast on the shores of the world’s most famous beach. The “Waikiki Lu’au on the Lagoon” is being offered twice weekly, on Sundays and Wednesdays. It includes a lei greeting, traditional luau meal and a Polynesian entertainment extravaganza. Beginning just before sunset guests will be greeted with live Hawaiian music and a flower lei on the … Continue reading →