Tweet 'Experience the Real Hawaii' Big Island video

Dear Best Hawaii blog visitors,
Our Hawaii twitter ohana is growing. When I came across this well done video about the Big Island National Parks and heiaus, I promised @PuukoholaNPS to share it with our Best Hawaii Blog visitors.

Of course, I also went ahead and shared a tweet with all my Hawaii Twitter friends:

Via @PuukoholaNPS Have you seen "The Real Hawaii"? http://ht.ly/2DL0o Great Big Island video Hawaii culture #HawaiiTravel #HawaiiCulture

Hope many of our Big Island visitors will find this video and see it as an invitation to our many Big Island National Parks. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacation

Big Island Vacation Related Posts

10 Best Hawaii Vacation Tips
Best Big Island Hiking 2
A Guide to your Big Island vacation

Tags: Big Island National Parks, Big Island vacation, Heiaus Big Island

Best Big Island Hiking 2

Dear Hawaii lovers,

Good news for our recent 'Best Hawaii sunset photos'. Hawaii vacation home owners loved to share their very own sunset photos, unique in each way as you can see, and Hawaii visitors enjoyed viewing them. What is a Hawaii vacation without a sunset photo!

We are ready to 'hele on' with more Best Big Island hiking, as promised on our post 'Best Big Island Hiking1', which showed you photos of Pololu Valley and talked about hiking Pololu Valley. Here is the sequel 'Best Big Island Hiking 2', which will tell you a lot about Waipio Valley hikes. This order is not according to its relevance. It's just that we had to start with one Valley. Believe me both our Big Island Valleys, Pololu and Waipio Valley, are of unique beauty and are a Big Island hikers' delight.


Waipio Valley located on the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island of Hawai'i, is the largest and southernmost of the seven valleys on the windward side of the Kohala Mountains. Waipi'o is a mile wide at the coast and almost six miles deep. At the coast there is a beautiful black sand beach. On either side of the valley are cliffs reaching almost 2000 feet affording views of cascading waterfalls during the rainy season.

How can Big Island visitors explore Waipio Valley? the easiest way is driving your car on Hwy 19 to Honokaa where life seems to have stood still with all the the small retail stores along Main Street. After your Honokaa town tour, follow the signs to Waipio Valley which you can't miss as Waipio Valley Lookout is at the end of the road. Fun part is even if you come on a cloudy day, as we did when I took these photos last year, you will always be able to snap some great photos of Waipio Valley from the Lookout with the steep coastal cliffs as a backdrop.

Provided you are in good shape, you can walk down into the valley but remember you have always to make it back up and it's steep. Only 4x4 can make it down into Waipio Valley. The valley will reward you with some amazing views and adventures. Waipio Valley is also a favorite spot for local surfers who love to ride the tough surf there. The higher, the better! That's when the TV reporter says 'Don't try this at home!'. Better stick with the horseback riding or Wagon tours. Most of them pick you up at Waipio Valley Lookout, take you into the valley and start the adventure there.

Our favorite Waipio Valley hike has always been White Rd hike in the past. A hike which starts at some cattle meadows with stunning views of snow-covered Mauna Kea summit in winter and leads through singing bamboo, 'jungly' forest with wild colorful impatients, bottle brush trees and lots of ferns along the trails. After a modest hike of about 45 minutes, the scenery suddenly opens and you can just stand there in awe and utter 'Wow'. You will be standing on a small narrow trail of the valley rim, high above the valley, allowing magnificent views of the ocean and the waterfalls across the valley. Hikers' boots recommended when going further!

Unfortunately, White Rd hike, which has always been a special recommendation in Big Island hiking books, is now only available through HawaiianWalkways hiking tours, which made arrangements with the land owner. We don't know what exactly happened but the owner of the private land does not allow the general public to use this trail anymore. If you are not a lover of guided hiking tours, you may still access Waipio Valley rim from a different route starting in Waimea. Waimea residents, who love to hike, will tell you.

That's it for today with Big Island hiking Waipio Valley. What's your best Big Island hiking experience? Let us know. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

p.s.

Please, also visit our 'July Carnival of Aloha' which is hosted by Evelyn from 'Homespun Honolulu' and brings together our Hawaii blog ohana.

Tags: Big Island vacation, Best Big Island hiking, hiking in Hawaii

Best Big Island Hiking 1

After telling our Maui visitors about chances of seeing famous celebrities in Hawaii sooner or later on their Maui vacation, maybe even watching them dancing a hula, let's return to the real Hawaii adventures. Admittedly, celebrities in Hawaii is not everybody's cup of tea.

In the history of our 'Best Hawaii Vacation blog', we have talked a lot about the exciting adventures visitors to Hawaii Big Island can expect on their Hawaii vacation. If you are getting ready for your Big Island vacation, please, visit our Big Island vacation articles. Actually, our today's post fits right into the Big Island adventure theme: Best Big Island Hiking 1. We called it #1: Hiking Pololu Valley, meaning more Big Island Hiking will follow!

The Big Island visitor will find Pololu Valley in the very northern tip of the Big Island. Best to get an idea of the remote location of Pololu Valley is with our Big Island map. When driving north from Kawaihae on the S. Kohala Coast on the coastal Hwy 270, calculate some extra time for stops at Lapakai and Mahukona State Parks. You can even get some serious snorkeling in right then and there. On your way to Hawi, the traditional biking route of the Big Island Ironman Triathlon, enjoy the magnificent coastal views and learn to appreciate what tough challenges the triathletes face on their way.

Arriving in Hawi and Kapaau takes you back to the days of old Hawaii. Hawi is a sleepy little town is filled with art galleries, shops and a few restaurants whereas Kapaau is celebrated for being the birthplace of King Kamehameha I. After strolling through those two towns, it's time to head further on the road to your final destination: Pololu Valley.

Be aware that the road to Pololu Valley Lookout is very narrow and most of the time the parking spaces close to the lookout are taken. When you see a good spot to park your car ahead, be smart and do so. On your walk to the viewing area, you will enjoy some special views as well. Of course, you will hear the biggest aahs and oohs when standing on the viewing platform overlooking breathtaking Pololu Valley. It's one of those moments and views on your Hawaii vacation on the Big Island you won't ever forget!

Hiking down into the Pololu Valley is steep but it goes in serpentines, it's moderate and feasible for most everybody. After about 30minutes continuous downhill - remember you have got to make it back up - the reward will be the sounds and views of thunderous waves crashing on a black sand beach. Please, take the sign no swimming serious.

In addition to this very special Pololu Valley hiking adventure, there is another hike starting at one of the gates near the Pololu Vally lookout. This hike leads an a trail to a secret waterfall and is considered one of the best Big Island hikes. Please, don't climb over the gate. You need a special hiking permit for this trail. But if you want to add this special Pololu Valley Hike to your Big Island hiking adventures, check with one of our hiking companies like HawaiianWalkways or Forest and Trails and ask them for this hike.

We can't wait to hear from Big Island hikers about their Pololu Valley hike and what they like best on their hike. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Tags: Big Island hiking, hike Big Island, best Big Island hiking, hiking in Hawaii

Planning a Hawaii vacation 2010?

Here is an idea from Best Hawaii Vacation blog for 'Which Hawaiian Island to visit in 2010' and 'What to do in Hawaii on vacation in 2010?' If you want to add some additional excitement to your Hawaii vacation 2010, please, keep reading.

Hawaii Big Island has been named the island of adventures by Hawaii travelers for a long time. Viewing a live volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or stargazing through telescopes on top of the highest mountain on earth (measured from bottom of the sea) Mauna Kea Summit, not to forget those daredevils who ski the mountain in winter, helped the Big Island winning this attribute of 'adventure island'.

I've always called the Big Island, the Hawaiian Island of Superlatives. Why not plan your 2010 Hawaii vacation for October on the Big Island and add one more of those Superlatives to your Hawaii vacation next year? Kona Hawaii Big Island will host the next Ironman Triathlon World Championship on Saturday October 9, 2010. Believe me the Hawaii Ironman in Kona meets the criteria for biggest and best Hawaii event. This is your chance to be part of the biggest spectacle in Hawaii. Not sure what to expect, watch this Hawaii youtube video of the 2009 Hawaii Ironman.

So, when sitting down with family or friends over the holiday planning your Hawaii vacation 2010, share with them this exciting video. BTW, this is not a paid advertising. I just like the video!

Mele Kalikimaka - Merry Christmas to all our Best Hawaii Vacation blog visitors. We hope you will stay with us through another exciting year of Hawaii vacations 2010. Aloha, Pua Affordable Hawaii Vacations

Tags: Hawaii vaction 2010, Big Island vacation, Best Hawaii event, Kona Ironman Triathlon

A Guide to your Big Island Vacation that will work for you

Aloha Hawaii visitors,

What's on today's 'menu' of Best Hawaii Vacation blog today? It's 'A Guide to your Big Island which will work for you'. Please, keep reading if you own a Big Island vacation rental or if you plan a Big Island vacation sooner or later.

Most of our visitors are aware that besides our weekly Hawaii vacation blog posts, which include vacation articles about all the Hawaiian Islands: Big Island, Kauai, Maui, Oahu and Molokai, we constantly update and improve our Hawaii vacation sites Big Island Vacation Guide and Kohala Coast Vacation Guide. Having called the Kohala Coast on the Big Island our home and having been Hawaii vacation rental hosts for many years before retiring from the business in 2006, that's the Hawaii we know best.

Our Big Island Vacation Guide with exclusive information about the Kohala Coast and beautiful Kohala Coast and Big Island photos, which we and Hawaii visitors took over the years, was getting Google's and thus Hawaii visitors' attention right from the beginning in 2004.

Some time after having created our Big Island Kohala Coast Vacation Guide, we noticed that we cannot pack all the Big Island vacation info onto that site. Exploring the Big Island on vacation, in cyberspace or in reality, is a huge project. Big Island visitors can get easily overwhelmed and lose track of focus. The biggest issue for any Hawaii visitor is to find the right home base on the Big Island from where they want to start their daily explorations. We consider our Big Island Vacation Guide with islandwide Big Island vacation rentals a guide which will work for you, Big Island visitors and for Big Island rental owners!

To tell you the truth there are lots of Big Island vacation sites and blogs out on the WWW. Naturally, our amateur, homemade Big Island Vacation Guide was facing strong competition especially from such big corporations like Homeaway, Alwaysonvacation, Vamoose, just to name a few. As former vacation rental hosts it was kind of sad to watch Homeaway buying out all the old well established rental directories like greatrentals, cyberrentals and even vrbo and thus being able to dictate the highest vacation rental listing prices rental owners have ever seen. Unfortunately, the high annual listing price does not guarantee Big Island rental owners that their Big Island rental gets found among the hundreds of listings and gets booked.

What makes our Big Island Vacation Guide unique?

1. Only affordable Big Island rentals, below $200/nt., get listed.

2. Only individually owned Big Island rentals get listed.

3. Big Island map shows location of vacation rental.

4. Guide displays lots of Big Island vacation info:

Activities, Car Rental, Events, Weather

Best Big Island Vacation Guide Feature for Big Island Visitors

- See all available Big Island rental locations at one glance.

- Click your preferred Big Island locations.

- See nightly rental rates at one glance.

- Only affordable Big Island rentals are listed.

- No wasting your time by visiting hundreds of rental pages!

Best Big Island Vacation Guide Feature for Big Island Owners

- Your listing is absolutely FREE. No limited time offer.

- No fine print restrictions.

- Link back to HawaiiAffordable + get a free link to your site.

So, visit Pua's and Keoki's Big Island Vacation Guide and let us know what you think of our unique Guide to your Big island vacation. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Tags: Big Island Guide, Affordable Big Island vacation, Big Island vacation rentals

Big Island Places to Visit - City of Refuge

It's time to island hop back to the Big Island after we spend some time on Maui dealing with the current abundance of Kihei condo short sales and the question 'Is it a good time to buy a Maui condo?' Maui condos are also getting some special attention this fall because condo vacation rental rates are lower than ever for the 2009 fall season. One reason for us to share with our Best Hawaii vacation blog visitors Best Fall Airfares from Seattle to Maui. After Labor Day, flight tickets are outrageously low. It's time for a Maui Beach vacation in Kihei!

If you are not a beach bum but prefer adventure, the Big Island is right for you as we pointed out in many previous posts such as 'Which Hawaiian island is your favorite island?' My favorite saying about a Big Island vacation is this Hawaiian island offers 'adventure beyond the ordinary'! Where else can you see a live volcano or go ski in the morning on a snow covered mountain and swim in the warm waters of the Pacific in the afternoon. Those who plan their Big Island vacation now, might want to peruse our previous Big Island vacation articles.


Here is another of those special Big Island adventures, which actually allows you to combine learning more about ancient Hawaiian traditions and culture with having the best Hawaii snorkel experience. It's a visit to the City of Refuge or Pu'uhonua o Honaunau, National Historic Park. The park is located on the southern Kona Coast. Take Hwy 11 to Hwy 160 and continue downhill 4 miles to the entrance of the park.


The visitors Center is open 8am - 5:30pm. A self guiding tour takes you through the grounds: The Royal Grounds and the Place of Refuge. With Honaunau Bay offering an easy canoe landing place + the availability of drinking water, it was the perfect place for the ali'i (Roayals) to build one of their major residences there. The Royal grounds were separated from the pu'uhonua, place of refuge, by a massive stone wall built about 1550 - 10 feet high + 17 feet thick! - and still standing today. Can you believe that?!


So, what's the story behind the City of Refuge? In ancient Hawaiian life, activities were regulated by 'Kapu'. If a 'kapu' was broking, Hawaiians feared that their gods would get mad at them with an earth quake, volcano eruption or tidal wave. To 'prevent' that they tried everything to catch the kapu breaker. A kapu breaker was sentenced to death, unless he/she managed to reach pu'uhonua, which meant absolution by a priest and a safe return home. Tough times, I'd say.


See for yourselves how ancient Hawaiian ali'i lived. When you walk those ancient sacred Hawaiian grounds, you might get transported into the past and feel the spirit of old Hawaii. We did not feel any goose bumps as some visitors report when visiting ancient heiaus in Hawaii. Get back into the presence by swimming and snorkeling in the ocean waters of Honaunau Bay. Don't forget your snorkel gear, as Honaunau Bay is one of the best snorkel spots on the Big Island. It is also a great place to see the Hawaiian green sea turtles.


You want to share your personal City of Refuge experience, we'd love to hear from you. Have a wonderful time on your Big island vacation. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Tags: Best Places Hawaii, Big Island vacation, Best Things to do on Big Island

Kona Hotel or Kona Condo which one is Best for Hawaii Ironman Accommodation

Warm aloha to all of our Best Hawaii vacation blog visitors,

and especially to those who still want to visit the Big Island in October for the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon World Championship but were not able yet to find that affordable and special Ironman rate offer. If that is you, please, continue reading. Our today's blog post might have just the best place with top amenities at top location for the best rate I could find online.

Inquiries for Kona accommodations, vacation rentals such as Kona condos come in quite frequently in our Kohala Coast Vacation Guide, where we also list Kona vacation rentals, homes and condos. The Kohala Coast is a great option when visiting the Big Island for the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon event.

However, for active triathletes competing in the Kona Ironman we always recommend lodging in Kona. If you are still searching for a place to stay in Kona for the Ironman 2009, we recommend to read one of our most recent posts 2009 Hawaii Ironman Visitors Information.

Now, coming back to our blog title question Kona hotel or Kona condo which one is best for your Ironman visit?', that does not take much thinking. First of all, Kona hotels are currently filling up fast and with no amenities like a fully equipped kitchen they are not as much desired as a vacation condo. OK admitted Kona hosts raise their condo or rental rates significantly for the Ironman week but still most everybody comes out ahead with renting a Kona condo versus a Kona hotel room.

Against all odds, our friend Joe decided to make our Best Hawaii Vacation blog visitors the following special offer for his Luxury 2Br/2Ba Kona condo at Mauna Loa Resorts for the Kona Ironman Week: $1650/wk (sleeps 6)! Believe me this is a rare find. That's why we agreed to publish it on our blog:

Week October 4 - October 11, 2009 Ironman week race starts Oct 10, 2 bedroom luxury condo at Mauna Loa Resort completely furnished incl bedding, dishes cooking utensils etc, near all events in downtown Kona Rate $1650 for the week. Call Joe at 703-269-7014!


Mauna Loa Resort is a quiet oasis and a beautiful place for a wonderful Hawaii vacation. This Mauna Loa 2-bedroom deluxe condo offers fully-equipped kitchen, washer/dryer, dining room, bedrooms with plenty of closet and storage space, living rooms with pull-out sofas, and large lanai with tropical views. Remember: better than a Kona hotel! Mauna Loa Village features 8 swimming pools, hot tubs and plenty of tennis courts. BTW, you're just two blocks away from convenient Keauhou Shopping Village: grocery store, shops, restaurants and multi-screen movie theater.



If you are not one of those crazy triathletes who have to immediately take each minute to prepare for their biggest performance in a lifetime, this wonderful Kona condo allows you to enjoy many outdoor activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, bike riding, walking, hiking, and more. When searching for Kona condo specials for the Ironman, I found a 2Br/2Ba at the same resort for $5000/wk. If you don't believe me, Google has the answer!

If you do believe me, call Joe and make your Kona condo Ironman reservation at a premier Kona location for the best price in the Kona Alii Drive area. What's your experience with Kona vacation rental hosts for this 2009 Hawaii Ironman? We'd love to hear from you. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Hawaii Ironman Triathlon Related Articles

2009 Hawaii Kona Ironman Visitors Information

Kona Ironman ccommodations 2008
Visit Hawaii 2007 Hawaii Ironman in Kona
Hawaii Ironman Triathlon Kailua Kona 2006

Watch 2006 Ironman Kona videos

Tags: Kona Ironman, best price Kona condo, Ironman special, Hawaii Ironman

2009 Hawaii Kona Ironman visitors information

Aloha Best Hawaii vacation blog visitors,

What's on our mind today? Let's talk Hawaii Ironman and here is why. It's a short 3 months to Hawaii's biggest event: the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon Ford World Championship. The 2009 Hawaii Ironman takes place on Saturday October 10th in Kailua Kona. Kona attracts for the Big Island Ironman event thousands of visitors and athletes from all over the world. Last year's 2008 Ironman Triathlon recorded 1731 athletes at the start. What's new for this 2009 Kona Ironman?

2009 Hawaii Kona Ironman Visitors Information

1. Book your Kona accommodation early

Remember our most recent blog post about 'Will Hawaii foreclosures help your dream of living in Hawaii?' We mentioned there that one Hawaii town is hit especially hard by foreclosures. The town is Kona. The foreclosures of many Kona condos which were used in the past as vacation rentals will limit the availability of Ironman accommodations. Kona condos, especially those in Alii Dr, are in high demand because they are self-catering and offer the best training conditions for the triathletes participating in the Ironman. Visitors love this location as well because it's in walking distance to the Kona Pier, the start and finish of the Ironman.

2. Early bird Kona Ironman specials?

Your best chance of finding an 'early bird' special for your stay in Kona for this year's 2009 Hawaii Triathlon World Championship is when you book NOW. Generally, Kona vacation rental hosts charge double the rates for the Ironman week. If you are early enough with your inquiry, Kona hosts might be still willing to cut you a special deal. If you don't mind a little bit driving from Kona Captain Cook Kealakekua area to downtown Kona, your chances for an affordable vacation rental are even better.

3. Share a Kona vacation home with friends or family

This way your Kona visit won't stretch your budget beyond your limits. In addition, you can stay at a more luxury Kona home - maybe with a pool and jacuzzi - which you can afford by sharing the rental fees. You are hanging out with your friends anyway, so why not stay at one place?! The Kona Ironman is a huge social event. Feel the excitement of the cheering crowds and become part of it.

4. Plan your Big Island activities

The Big Island offers some of the biggest Hawaii attractions, many beyond the ordinary. Don't leave the Island of Hawaii without having visited our live volcano in Hawaii Volcano National Park or snow-covered Mauna Kea Summit for a spectacular stargazing night. These are once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Make your plans for exploring the Big Island ahead of your arrival in Kona Hawaii. Your Kona vacation week is over in a wink of an eye. So get the most out of your Kona Ironman visit.

If you have visited the Hawaii Kona Ironman in the past or have anything to share with our blog visitors about Kona or the Ironman, please, leave a comment right here. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Hawaii Kona Ironman Related Articles

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Tags: 2009 Hawaii Ironman, Kona vacation, Best Hawaii Event, Hawaii

Big Island Triathlon is coming up

Dear Hawaii lovers,
Best Hawaii Vacation blog is still waiting for sharing your 'Favorite Hawaiian Flower' with our blog visitors. We know there are too many beautiful tropical flowers to choose from. Which one do you like best?

What's our today's blog title 'Big Island Triathlon coming up' all about? Everybody knows that the Big Island is not only famous all over the world for its active volcano but also for hosting one of the most attractive and popular Hawaii events, the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon in Kona in October.

In March each year, there is another Big Island Triathlon happening on the Kohala Coast, which you might hear about for the first time. The Lavaman Ironman is kind of a spin-off of the real Ironman Triathlon in October.

Well, when you are currently still on your Hawaii vacation on the Big Island, you have a chance to watch the 12th Annual Lavaman Triathlon on Sunday March 29, 2009. The Lavaman Triathlon consists of 1.5k swim, 40k bike and 10k run. Not much compared to 2.4-mile ocean swim, 112-mile bike race and 26.2-mile run of the real Ironman competition.

I remember we both participated in a 10k run many years ago and were quite wasted afterwards, despite the colder upcountry climate. What are the Lavaman Ironman participants up against? Definitely, the heat in the coastal areas of the Kohala Coast and the wind, which can be strong and gusty when biking Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy. Plus ,one never knows about the ocean conditions. At this time of the year, the Pacific ocean can be quite choppy and challenginging for the swimmers.

Mastering this 'Mini' Big Island Triathlon makes the competitors a Lavaman and can be a first step in the direction for preparing for the ultimate goal for triathletes, a spot on the Ford Ironman Triathlon Worldchampionship in Hawaii. Come and see for yourself what it takes to be a Lavaman Triathlete.

Here are a few tips for Big Island visitors of the 12th Lavaman Triathlon this Sunday:

-Most of the Lavaman events take place at Waikoloa Beach Resort.

-There will be plenty of parking at the Queen's MarketPlace and the Kings' Shops.

-Watch for bikers when driving Hwy 19 between 7:30 - 11.30am.

-Bikers will go from Waikoloa Beach resort to Turnaround at mile marker 88, near Hualalai Resort.

-Hilton Waikoloa Village is the official hotel for the Triathlon Waikoloa.

-Find information on special triathlon rates at Hilton Waikoloa.

Visit the LavamanTriathlon site for more information on race details and events or call 808-329-9718. Have fun at the Waikoloa Beach Resort. No worries about food. The Queens Marketplace and Kings Shops have plenty of restaurants, from affordable to pricey, for satisfying your stomach. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

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Tags: Big Island Ironman Lavaman, Lavaman Big Island, Big Island vacation, Hawaii events

Visit Hilton Waikoloa Village Hotel

Dear Best Hawaii vacation blog visitors,
Remember our last post about the whales still hanging out around the Hawaiian Islands? We had such a wonderful time watching their playful games in the Pacific Ocean. This was a Humpback whale extravaganza during the later part of the 2009 whale season. Well, maybe that was really their last hooray, before leaving for Alaska because ever since Sunday we have not spotted the whales anymore. It's really odd to look at the peaceful ocean waters without seeing blowing spouts and swimming whales. We already miss the whales!


When the whales had left, Keoki and I decided it's time for our annual visit to the Hilton Waikoloa Village at Waikoloa Beach Resort on the South Kohala Coast. We got a big surprise when trying to park our car for our visit to the Hilton Waikoloa, normally one of our favorite hotels to visit with family and friends for a fun day on the coast. If you want to spend your entire Kohala Coast vacation at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, make sure that you don't mind crowds and a disneyland atmosphere.


When you love a peaceful stay in Hawaii, away from other tourists and resort living, then the Hilton is probably not for you but if you spend a family vacation near the Hilton Waikoloa, this Hawaii resort is a great place to visit and hang out for a day. A slow boat trip (choose a boat with a roof for protection from strong sun) or slow walk through the exquisite tropical setting and a nice lunch right at the dolphin lagoon, are among our favorites.


We wrote about how much fun a visit at the Hilton Waikoloa can be, adults and children. When we did that, we also told you about the Hilton resort fee. You can't imagine our disappointment when we noticed with our visit to the Hilton Waikoloa Village that extra resort fees had nearly doubled from 2 years ago. Scroll down in this post for 2009 Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort fees.

Well, we swallowed hard, paid the $15 self-parking fee and did our walk through the lobby to just have a good time. Here is what we noticed was different to the past years. Normally, the lobby hustled and bustled with visitors, not only with hotel guests but lots of Big Island visitors. A visit to the Hilton Waikoloa was always a special attraction for Big island visitors. We always assumed that the Hilton appreciated the extra business from all the outside visitors: visitors to Waikoloa Hilton Spa, shops for Hawaiian clothes, galleries and restaurants.


Looks like the new Hilton resort fees are not a big incentive for guests or Big Island visitors to visit this wonderful Hawaii resort. On the opposite, those new fees must turn off quite a number of visitors. We noticed that the hotel was extremely quiet, resort boats and trains for transporting people between towers were empty, despite personnel assuring us that the hotel 'was' booked 92% due to a huge convention taking place.


When talking to the front desk, we heard some good news that visitors can still book a day-room at the Hilton for $160/nt., from 11am - 7pm, which is a nice thing to do, when two or even three families can share the costs and the kids can use all the different water slides. Believe me. They love it and it's worthwhile the day room money + the parking fee!


We were hanging out at the dolphin lagoon for quite some time. It's so much fun to watch those playful, friendly creatures. It's hard though to snap a nice photo of the dolphins. I was always a little too late. Anyways, one family, couple with two children, must have signed up for the dolphin quest program. We watched their entire program and asked one of the attendants what the cheapest program runs these days: 20min. with the dolphins is $205/per person. Yes, 1 minute $10! I was wondering whether these parents had to pay the full price for their kids.

If you want to spend a vacation at the Hilton Waikoloa on the Big Island, you may expect the following fees and deposits are charged by the property upon service, check-in, or check-out:Valet parking: $21 per 24-hour period, Self parking: $15 per 24-hour period, Aloha Fun Pass: $26 per day.

Now let's see what you get for your Aloha Fun Pass: In-room coffee Daily use of fitness center for two guests One hour daily use of tennis court Daily use of seaside putting course for two guests Self-parking Remember the good old days when parking at a hotel in Hawaii where you stayed as a guest was free? The hotel appreciated that you decided to spend your vacation there. And they even had free coffee at your room available. Nice gesture!

The Aloha Fun Pass for $26 per day sounds like a good deal from the Hawaii Hilton Waikoloa Village for guests who love to work out daily at the fitness center or want to play frequently tennis. I don't know about the majority of guests who don't do either but definitely need the parking! Don't assume there is alternative parking nearby. There is none! There are only gated vacation rental condo resorts closeby. It looks like when Hawaii Hilton guests want to save money, they are better off not to buy the Aloha Fun Pass, when they look closer at this resort deal fee, as they save daily $11 when they pay for their car parking individually the $15/day.

To tell you the truth I don't even know whether guests can turn down the Aloha Fun Pass at check-in. When I called guest service and asked what I need to spend at the resort to validate my parking fee, it was $50/per person at a restaurant! Well, the Waikoloa Marriott at least acknowledges any restaurant, banquet and luau visits and reduces their parking to $5! Good idea to keep your guests happy!


Bottom line of our post: We still love to visit the Hawaii Hilton but would like to see the hotel opening up again to outside visitors and residents by a policy which considers the budget of regular Big Island visitor and asking feasible fees. If hotels like the Hilton ignore customers needs and wishes, Hawaii tourism will be challenged. What's your recent experience with the Hawaii resort fees in 2009. Wouldn't it be nice to hear that hotels will waive those, at least for 2009. Mahalo for your comments. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

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Tags: Hilton Waikoloa Village, Hawaii Hilton, Hawaii Resort fees, Aloha Fun Pass

Mauna Kea Summit Adventure

Well, here we go again. We hope we got the attention of Big Island visitors, who are in search of adventure on their Big Island vacation, with yesterday's post 'Mauna Kea Volcano'. A visit to Mauna Kea Summit for Stargazing or Sunset or Sunrise is definitely a 'must' for Big Island adventure 'hunters'. If we intrigued your curiosity with Keoki's beginning of his story of 'Mauna Kea Summit Adventure', a different kind that is, please, keep reading about his exciting activity on the White Mountain:

"Of course when living in Hawai'i, who owns winter clothing?! You can't go play in the snow in flip-flops, so you make do with what you have. I had an old pair of rubber boots, a few layers of socks, a couple layers of pants, t-shirts and layered sweat shirts, and I was ready to go. Some friends had a 4-wheel drive land rover, so four of us packed up some beer and snacks and of course, boogie boards. Boogie boards aren't just for surfing the ocean waves, as you will find out soon.

The road to the top is kept clear except in heavy storms which can blow in at a moments notice. We went up during the week - not much traffic except the obversatory workers and a few other fools like us. There must have been 3-4 feet of snow at the top on the day we were there.

Mauna Kea at its summit is over 14,000ft. which makes breathing difficult during any exercise. Of course, you can stand around doing nothing but that's no fun. The best place to 'snow surf' Mauna Kea summit is this bowl just below the summit. There is a run of 300 yards or so and you end at the bottom near the road. You gotta watch out for boulders sticking out of the snow though. On our fist run we tried walking back up to the top and soon found ourselves light headed and in danger of altitude sickness. The boggie boards worked great and we didn't want to give it up after the long drive to the top.

We decided to take turns driving, picking up the guys at the bottom and shuttling them back to the top. The sun was blazing the whole time, so we kept pretty warm. However for guys used to living in the tropic warmth after a couple hours and the cold crept into our bones and it was time to, as they say in Hawai'i, to hele on.

One thing nice about snow surfing in Hawai'i: When you are done, an hour later you can be ocean surfing on a white sand beach, which we did."

During the winter months in Hawaii, one won't only find teenagers sliding down snowy stretches of Mauna Kea summit on boogie boards or inner tubes, but skiers give it a try too. You got to be well conditioned, experienced and know the terrain though when skiing downhill on Mauna Kea. However, watching these daredevils is an experience Big Island visitors will remember for years to come when telling friends about their Big Island vacation. What's your favorite story about your visit to Mauna Kea summit and obersatories? Mahalo, Pua Hawaii Vacations

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Tags: Mauna Kea, Mauna Kea Summit, Mauna Kea Observatories, visit Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea Volcano

Aloha to all our Big Island visitors,

Did you find a nice Kohala Coast or Kona Vacation Rental accommodating your family for your upcoming Spring Vacation on the Big Island? We surely hope so. The Kohala Coast is not only blessed with the Big Island's best white sand beaches, it's furthermore an ideal location for starting Big Island adventures.


Snow-covered Mauna Kea (White Mountain) Volcano cannot escape any visitor's attention during their winter or spring vacation. Learn more about visiting Mauna Kea Volcano - driving to the summit, Mauna Kea Visitors' Center, Mauna Kea Stargazing programs, weather and more - on our Kohala Coast website. How better can you get an idea how things are high up on the mountain on top of the world than with a somebody's own experience! Here is Keoki's personal encounter with his Mauna Kea summit adventure:

"I don't remember what year it was, sometime in the mideighties, as I recall. I was living in Honoka'a, then a small sugar cane town on the east coast of the Big Island of Hawai'i. Life was good, nice slow pace and I had just begun giving massages so my work was very rewarding for the first time in my life. Anyway, on to the title of this post "Mauna Kea Volcano" and to be continued as "Mauna Kea Summit Adventure".

By this time I had lived on the Big Island for 5 or 6 years, I guess. You know when you live on an island the size of Hawai'i with a mountain or volcano as huge as Mauna Kea or its sister volcano Mauna Loa you kinda go about your life, working and playing around its base not paying much attention it the mountain peak itself. But come winter, yah we have a winter season in Hawai'i, especially the Big Island with its high peaks everything changes.

In winter, usually starting in December the mountain takes on a blanket of white that absolutely glistens in the warm Hawai'ian sun. Now there is no way you can live at the base of that diamond and not notice it. Your eyes are drawn to it whenever the clouds part and it calls to you, come play in the tropical snow!"

You want to know more about Mauna Kea Volcano and how Keoki's Mauna Kea Summit adventure went, Big Island visitors want to read our post tomorrow. A hui hou. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Tags: Mauna Kea Volcano, Big Island vacation, Best of Hawaii, Mauna Kea Summit Adventure

Hilo or Kona?

Aloha Hawaii travelers,

With Hawaiian island hopping being in the affordable range again, a visit to the Big Island's live volcano on your Hawaii vacation becomes of interest again. When we answer questions in Yahoo Answers Hawaii, we frequently come across the question where to stay on the Big Island. Here is what Big Island travelers should know about Hilo or Kona vacation.

Hilo or Kona, which location is the best for a Big Island vacation?

Yes, all the people who told you that Kona is on the dry side, West Coast of the Big Island, and Hilo is on the wetter, rainier East Coast, are definitely right. For this obvious reason Kona has more ocean front hotels and therefore is much more touristy than Hilo and Hilo area.. But isn't that what you have come for...sunny and dry weather in order to escape the rain from the Mainland!

What to expect at a Kona vacation?

You can expect extremely sunny and dry weather in Kona, even during the wetter winter season. Kona attracts thousands of visitors a year because of such outstanding events like the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon in October or the Bill Fish Tournament in August. If you don't like crowds, make sure to stay away from those events but most visitors plan attending those attractive events on their Kona vacation. Make sure to plan your Kona vacation early. Kona has white sands beaches but they are smaller than best Big Island's Hapuna and Mauna Kea beach north of Kona, on the Kohala Coast. Kealakekua Bay, south of Kona, guarantees best snorkeling and scuba diving on the Big Island. With plenty of hotels, restaurants and discos, we recommend a Kona vacation for younger people who also look for some night life on their Hawaii vacation.

What to expect at a Hilo vacation?

Hilo weather is most of the times humid and warm and rainy. You will see quite a number of residents with umbrellas, either as a protection from the rain or the sun. Hilo area features some lovely beaches. However, be aware they are the black sands beaches, which is definitely one of the biggest differences to Kona with its white sand beaches. Favorite sights to visit when staying in Hilo are: Rainbow Waterfalls, Akaka Waterfalls (a few miles out of Hilo), Hilo Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden Hilo and Hilo Zoo. Don't miss the biggest Farmer's market of the Big Island Hilo Farmer's market with the freshest tropical fruits, tropical flowers and vegetables at very affordable prices plus Hawaiian gifts and crafts. Best days are Wednesday and Saturdays. A few stands are always open during the rest of the week.


Here are a few recommendation. Unless you really love the tropical rain forest and prefer black sand beach - there are no white sand beaches on the East coast - which are typical features of Hilo and area, decide for a West coast vacation!
1.
No need to stay in touristy Kona, which can be at times quite 'voggy' (looks like fog but are fumes from our active volcano). Stay north of Kona, on the sunny Kohala Coast. Admittedly, the Kohala Coast resorts are quite expensive but there are quite a number of vacation rentals close to the best white sand beaches, Hapuna and Mauna Kea Beach!
2.
The Kohala Coast has great snorkel spots in Puako. If you want to explore Kealakekua Bay, our best Big Island snorkel area, it's a short 30min drive to Honokahau Harbor where all the Kona snorkel ships take off.
3.
When staying on the Kohala Coast, you can do a day trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Take the route via Waimea and Hilo (or even stay 2 nights in Hilo area), which is longer but straighter than the very curvy Kona one and passes all the best Big Island sights like Waipio Valley.

4.
After your long adventurous day to the Park, stay a night or two in Volcano. There are wonderful Volcano places near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with jacuzzi where you can rest and recuperate from a day of Big Island adventure.
5.
Enjoy the movie at the Visitor's Center, the Thurston Lava Tubes and of course, the fireworks of Madame Pele...hot lava flowing into the ocean and shooting up into the skies. Wow!

After all those exciting adventures, you will be happy when you are back lying on the warm sunny Hapuna beach. Have a wonderful Big Island vacation in Kona, Hilo and the Kohala Coast. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacation Kona and Hawaii Vacation Hilo

Tags: Hawaii, Hawaii vacation, Big Island vacation, Hilo, Kona

Hawaii Volcano Videos 2008

I guess today's post about the dramatic lava flow in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park 2008 is overdue. We wrote a number of articles about a visit to Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island, like 'When is the best time time to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park'? Basically, we told Big Island visitors then that there is no guaranty to see red lava flow, as the conditions always change. So believe me in the past there have been a number of disappointed visitors who were just not lucky to see real lava. OK Kilauea Visitor Center offers visitor information and exhibits, including films and videos throughout the day. And steam vents and the Thurston Lava Tubes are exciting to some point but what about the real thing? Red glowing hot lava...


Well, most Big Island visitors know by now that things are different this year at the park. Anybody who plans a visit to the volcano can be sure that Madame Pele, the Goddess of the Volcano, will put on a fascinating show of her powers. This is a short update for our Big Island visitors who are planning a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in these fall months of 2008.

The number of visitors to the Park has increased over the past few months significantly ever since the eruption in Halemaumau crater on March 11th, the first eruption at that location since 1982. The colors of the plume are constantly changing from white to gray and even pink. At night, the dramatic glow from the vent keeps visitors at awe. There are not many places on earth where visitors can watch safely an active volcano.

Visit our site for more information about lava flow update and viewing areas at Hawaii Volcanoes Park. In addition, you want to visit the County of Hawaii Kilauea Eruption Update Website plus in the FAQ you might just find the answer to your question about visiting the Park and Kilauea Volcano. Check our Big Island map for Park location and more.

It was really fun to put this post together for all our Hawaii visitors and especially those who do some Hawaii Island hopping over from Oahu, Maui or Kauai. I tried to not only find the most spectacular Hawaii volcano video but also those videos which provide Big Island visitors with some scientific information behind this amazing display by mother nature. I arranged the videos in a somewhat time order.

So enjoy and have fun with our Hawaii Volcano videos. Share your 2008 visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with our Best Hawaii Vacation blog visitors. You did not never visit the Big Island? The 2008 year is not over yet. Volcano vacation rental hosts welcome you with special rates for November in Volcano. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Hawaii Volcano Video April 2008 by Written directed and produced by Donald B. MacGowan; Narrated by Frank Burgess; Original Musical Score by Donald B. MacGowan.



Hawaii Volcano Video by KITV March 25, 2008. Scientists on the Big Island are stunned by the mile high plume of ash that is erupting from the Halema'uma'u caldera of the Kilauea Volcano



Hawaii Vocano Video by SkyNews from July 10th 2008

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Tags: Hawaii, Hawaii Volcano, Lava Flow, Big Island, Volcano Park

Big Island or Maui Vacation

Our All-inclusive Hawaii vacation post got quite some attention from Best Hawaii Vacation visitors. It's great to see and hear when Hawaii visitors find our articles helpful for making the right decisions for their Hawaii vacation. Today, we contemplate the question 'Big Island or Maui Vacation?' Which one is best for you.

Most everybody who visits Hawaii for the first time is getting overwhelmed and confused, yes confused too, by figuring out which Hawaiian island they should visit first. We assume that you are already a step ahead by limiting your choices to 2 Hawaiian islands, Big Island or Maui. That makes things a little bit easier.

Here is what I recommend you to do for making your final decision which one it's gonna be, Big Island or Maui vacation. Think about and determine what it is you expect from this 'first' Hawaii vacation!

When asking Hawaii traveler friends for their favorite island, you will hear all kinds of different answers and reasons. It's good to hear those but it does not help you solve your problem, unless they love exactly the same things you do. So 'word-of-mouth' is not necessarily working in your situation. Here are my recommendations for deciding which island to visit:

Book your Maui vacation when/if

1. your are a surfer - Maui is a surfer's paradise
2. love white sand beaches
3. are young + like nightlife + don't mind crowds
4. prefer ocean view rental and don't mind a condo

Book your Big Island vacation when/if

1. you love adventure - 'live' volcano, snow in Hawaii on Mauna Kea
2. love laid back Hawaii with quiet beaches: white or black
3. like a peaceful Hawaii vacation
4. love healing vacations: spas, alternative healing

Be aware that I am totally generalizing. Best you complete my lists with finding pros and cons which apply exclusively to you. Plus: read, read, read about those two islands! You may do that right here on our Hawaii blog: Maui Vacation articles or Big Island vacation stories. Scroll down on right side bar and you will find photos, best things to do and so much more.

Hope this gets you on the right track. Have fun contemplating your options for your next Hawaii visit. Have a great Hawaii vacation on Maui or the Big Island. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations
p.s.
It's again sexy Amber from WahineStyle, who makes reading our Hawaii vacation post easy and entertaining. If you like the beautiful Hawaiian girls from Wahine Style, ask Kawika about his new 2009 calendar which I think is soon ready to be shipped.

Tags: Hawaii, Big Island, Maui, Maui Vacation, Hawaii vacation, Hawaiian girls

Best Big Island Luau

When visiting Hawaii on vacation, attending a Hawaiian luau is kind of a must, at least when you are visiting the islands for the first time. From our many years as hosts in the Hawaii vacation rental business, we know that not everybody likes the luau food or even the show. Some visitors consider the luaus extremely 'touristy' plus it takes a lot of money out of your vacation budget. We have been to many luaus and many luau shows in Hawaii, mostly on the Big Island or Kauai where we spend several vacations and must admit we always had a great time.

We wrote about Best Hawaii luau show before, however, when we were asked by Big Island visitors who are planning their Big Island vacation for October this year, what we think is the best luau on the Big Island, we thought it's time to update the Big Island luau information on our website and share with our Best Hawaii vacation blog visitors what we think is the Best Big Island luau.

Well, when we updated all the prices for Big Island luau shows - we had to call quite a number of the Big Island hotels which offer regular luaus to their guests and tourists in general - we were quite shocked how the prices had climbed within the last few years. So, for those who are on a budget travel to Hawaii, the most expensive luau ticket might not be the best decision. Finding the nice medium seems to be key in our search for the best Big Island luau: decent Hawaiian luau food combined with a quality fun show of Hawaiian or Polynesian character.

Generally, Big Island visitors will find out that luaus on the Kohala Coast are more pricey than in Kona Hotels. In the past, many Kohala Coast tourists would just do the short trip to Kona. Nowadays, you have to figure your gas prices for that 'short' trip into the equation. Maybe you'd better stay where you are and book a luau on the Kohala Coast, at least when you are just a couple. For a family with teenagers, you might be better of to book the Kona luau, where the tickets for adults are generally much lower and children receive quite a discount.

Kona luaus

Let's start with the Kona luaus. On top of the list of Big Island luaus is the King Kamehameha Island Breeze Luau, which is very popular among Big Island visitors with its best Big Island luau price and top beach location:

King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel Luau

The Island Breeze Luau is the most popular Hawaiian lu'au and show on the Big Island. A Hawaiian buffet combined with dramatic Hawaiian and Polynesian entertainment provide guests with an unforgettable evening under the stars by the ocean from 5pm - 8:30pm. At each luau the Hawaiian Royal Court arrives by canoe.
Sun, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri $65/adult, $29/child under 12.

Tel. (808) 326-4969 or toll free 800-267-2111

Royal Kona Resort Luau

The Royal Kona Resort invites guests and visitors every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the oceanfront Coconut Grove for an evening of traditional Hawaiian celebrations. Royal Kona Resort presents Polynesian Luau by award-winning Tihati Productions dancers, musicians & fire artists. Luau includes shell lei welcoming and photo opportunities, Open Bar with standard cocktails, mai tais, beer, wine, soda & fruit punch, Traditional Imu Presentation and Hawaiian Luau Buffet with traditional island food. Great location right next to the water.
Mon Wed Fri. $75/adult. $25 for children under 11.

Tel. 808-329-3111

Kona Village Resort Luau

Each Wednesday and Friday evening, Kona Village celebrates the culture and heritage of our island home with its longest-running luau, which includes a sumptuous buffet with kalua pig, lomi lomi salmon, fresh island fish, tasty chicken and tropical fruits. Experience Hawai‘i's sacred traditions and history, passed down through the generations, as revealed in hula and chant in Kona Village Hawaiian luau show. Located at fish ponds. There are discounts for children younger than 13. This is one of the most expensive luaus on the Big Island but well worth the price!
Wednesday + Fridays: $86/adult and children 13 and older

Tel. 808-325-5555

Kohala Coast Luaus

Kohala Coast luaus have had a great tradition and are very popular among Big Island visitors staying at the fancy Kohala Coast hotels. Let's start with our personal favorite, the Marriott luau. Shell lei greeting welcomes guests. The fast paced Polynesian show soon gets everybody in its aura.

Marriott Waikoloa Beach Resort Luau

This Polynesian kind luau at sunset over beautiful Anaeho'omalu Bay offers great Polynesian entertainment including music, traditional dances of the South Pacific and a wide selection of Hawaiian food. Located adjacent to the fishponds at A-Bay beach.
Wednesdays & Sundays: $80/adult.

Tel. 808-886-6789

Hilton Waikoloa Village Luau

Hilton greets its luau guests with exotic Polynesian dances, music of the Pacific Rim, highlighted by a Big Island Luau Buffet: kalua pig, roasted chicken, short ribs, a variety of tropical fruits, salads, fresh island fish and island-style desserts. Hilton luau starts at 5:30 p.m. The imu presentation is at 6 p.m. and is followed by buffet-style dining. The Legends of the Pacific show begins at 7:15 p.m. Discounts for seniors, teenagers and children, kids under 5 are free.
Tuesdays and Fridays: $85/adult.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Luau

The hotel and golf course are currently still closed for renovation. All the return guests to the Big Island's most favorite beach and hotel, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, will have to wait a little longer. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Grand Opening, which was planned for middle of December 2008, was recently announced for Spring 2009. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel luau is more a traditional kind Hawaiian style luau.

If you have been to any of the above Big Island luaus, let us know what you think which one is the Best Big Island luau and why. We'd love to hear from you. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

p.s.

For best luau locations, visit our Big Island map.

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Tags: Hawaii, vacation, Big Island luau, best luau