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Visiting Honolulu’s Chinatown

Here’s a little known fact about me: I used to live in Chinatown during my stint as a TV reporter in Honolulu. Back then that fact was nothing to brag about since most of the area was riddled with illegal gambling operations, corners filled with drug dealers and prostitutes, and major traffic problems. (I happened to find a decent, well-secured apartment on the fringes of Chinatown that afforded me incredible ocean views and a quick commute to the station.) A few months ago I had the chance to visit my old stomping grounds and was pleasantly surprised to see that … 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 →

Unwelcome Travel Experiences

Subtitle: My Flight From Hell I don’t travel long distances during the chaotic summer months. I’ve had such horrible experiences flying off-season that I don’t even chance boarding a flight during the months of June, July or August. To prove my point, let’s review my last flight to Hawaii. It was by no means a vacation. Rather, three months ago I was forced to fly 10,000 miles roundtrip to attend my beloved grandmother’s funeral. I decided to take my 6-year-old daughter along since she and my grandma shared such a sweet relationship. Unfortunately, American Airlines cancelled our direct flight to … 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 →

Simple Seafood Recipes

During our recent trip to Hawaii I realized that I don’t cook nearly as many fish dishes as I should. Seafood is loaded with beneficial nutrients and I certainly did my body some good by dining on a variety of sensational seafood dishes while in the Islands. Now that we’re back home I’ve been trying to make good on the promise I made in Hilo to prepare more fish dishes. If you too are trying to expand your family’s culinary palette, then consider the following fish recipes. The first is about as easy as it gets. The Fish in Foil … Continue reading →

Presidential Chili

Make that Presidential Hopeful Chili. Presidential hopeful Barack Obama just wrapped up a weeklong vacation to his boyhood hometown of Honolulu, Hawaii and while he was in paradise he dined on a local favorite—-Hawaiian-style chili. Not once, but twice, according to news reports. I don’t blame the U.S. Senator from Illinois. Like Obama I was born and raised in Hawaii and it’s no secret that the Islands are home to some of the best chili in the world. (And unlike here in the Midwest fast food chains don’t yank the hearty dish from its menus during the summer months.) What … 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 →

More Ways to Save in Hawaii

Now that you know how to save money on your flight to Hawaii, here are some deals that you can snag once you arrive in the Aloha State: If you have always dreamed of visiting the Hawaiian Island of Maui consider taking advantage of the Kapalua Villas’ “staycation.” The package deal is priced at $999 for two adults and includes the following: Roundtrip travel from Honolulu to Maui onboard Hawaii’s new Superferry (you’ll get passage for two adults and one vehicle), 2-nights accommodations at the Kapalua Villas, plus a complimentary choice of activity for each guest—-choose from a golf lesson … Continue reading →

Hawaii—-A Whale of a Travel Deal

Regular readers of this blog know I am constantly on the look out for travel deals to Hawaii, especially now. That’s why this following bargain is so noteworthy. As the busy summer travel season winds down and the slower fall months creep up on us I can only hope that deals like these will become more prevalent. (One can hope.) If you have been holding out for a reasonable package deal to one of the Hawaiian Island’s most incredible spots this is the deal for you. For just $1,039 per person you will receive roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles (add … Continue reading →