Search Results for: blog visiting the island of lanai

Island Hopping in Hawaii

Mother Nature has not entered 2008 peacefully. As I write this my aunt and uncle in Lake Tahoe, California are dealing with blizzard-like conditions. Meanwhile, in Miami, Florida residents there are dealing with record low temperatures the likes of which they haven’t seen in more than five years. And here in the Midwest portion of the United States we are under severe fog alerts. (The fog is so thick here I can’t see the end of the driveway.) With all this inclement weather who wouldn’t want to escape to the always balmy and beautiful Hawaii? If the rotten weather has … Continue reading →

Travel Tidbits—Vehicle Safety Programs for Seniors and a Whale of a Good Time on the Big Island

It’s the program many parents want their parents to attend… and for good reason. The national CarFit program, sponsored by the American Automobile Association (AAA), is designed to reduce the risk of accidents among older drivers (age 65 and up)… and it’s coming to a city near you. During 2008 trained professionals will be visiting all 50 states to evaluate the “fit” of the driver to the vehicle. The program assesses features such as safety belt use, head restraint setting, position of driver to air bags, mirror adjustment and line of sight, and operation of vehicle controls. The service is … Continue reading →

A “Funny” Handbook To The Hawaiian Islands

Perhaps the title of this blog is not as fitting as it seemed a minute ago when I was tapping it out on this page. It may not be perfect, but it is accurate. It’s also a rare event that I would write a blog promoting a handbook about my home state. But this one happens to be peppered quite a number of funny tales that I had to do it (hence the title of my blog). Author Michael Perkins has penned a book called “Surviving Paradise: True Life and Death Stories of Hawaii’s Hidden Dangers.” You’d be hard pressed … Continue reading →

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 →

Visiting Hawaii’s White Mountain

If you fly into Hilo airport (located on the Big Island of Hawaii) on a clear day the first sight that will greet you as you drive out of the parking lot is a massive dormant volcano that towers nearly 14,000-feet above sea level (from its base on the ocean floor it rises 32,000 feet). Its Hawaiian name is Mauna Kea or White Mountain. It got its name nearly 2,000 years ago from the natives who saw snow blanket its barren slopes. These days Mauna Kea is more than just a scenic backdrop to sleepy Hilo town; it is a … Continue reading →

Spring Break Snapshots

I can’t get Pink’s “Raise Your Glass” out of my head. Only, when I think of my upcoming spring break photo shoot in Chicago, I contemplate changing “glass” to “camera” and using it as my theme song. I’m just a few weeks away from job shadowing a portrait photographer in one of the most photographed metropolises in world. I can’t wait. I love Chicago and getting the chance to shoot outdoors in the Windy City with one of my favorite pro photographers is an opportunity of a lifetime. Of course, Chicago is not the only place in the world that … 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 →

Ways to Save While in Hawaii

As I mentioned in a previous blog finding travel deals to Hawaii is a challenge. But it’s not nearly as difficult as finding bargains while you are in the Aloha State, which is why the following deals are so noteworthy. From now through the end of the year (December 31, 2008) you can take advantage of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa’s new Golf & Spa Escape Package. The luxurious beachfront resort sits in the heart of Waikiki (on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu) and is within walking distance of first-rate shops, restaurants, and other popular Honolulu attractions. … Continue reading →

Cool Cruise Deals to Paradise

Regular readers of this blog know that I track travel deals to Hawaii very carefully. And with the recent demise of Aloha Airlines and the skyrocketing price of fuel, bargains to paradise are relatively non-existent. So when I was notified of this next cruise deal to the Pearls of the Pacific my jaw dropped. Some of the Aloha State sailings reflect savings of nearly 50%. Take a look: NORWEGIAN This early-bird special offered by Orbitz is a real steal. It takes place aboard Norwegian’s Pride of America and sets sail in December 2009. The seven-night voyage departs round trip from … Continue reading →

Celebrating the Fourth in Hawaii

Despite what you might think we do celebrate with fireworks, BBQ’s, and parades just like the rest of the country. Spending Independence Day in the 50th state is a dream come true for most folks, and as someone who was born and raised there I must admit there are quiet a few tourists that time their Hawaiian vacations to coincide with Fourth of July celebrations… and rarely are they disappointed with their decision to do so. This year Waikoloa Beach Resort is once again hosting the Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race. The annual Fourth of July festival has been going … Continue reading →