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

Celebrities dance hula in Hawaii

Dear Best Hawaii Vacation blog visitors,
Well, hope our today's blog title made you all curious which celebrities danced the hula in Hawaii. I came across this hula dance off between Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Aniston on AMauiBlog fun post about 3000 people applying for a job as extras for the new movie 'Just Go With It' starring Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston and Nicole Kidman. I like the actors and I love hula.

Too bad that I was not there but I liked the ET interview with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston and all the snippets from the hula 'competition' between Jennifer Aniston and Nicole Kidman. I read on other blogs that Nicole Kidman won this hula dance off...

One thing is for certain, celebrities love Hawaii just as we all do whether they are on vacation there or are shooting a new movie. Hope the new movie 'Just go with it' will be as much fun as watching the the hula dance off with Jennifer Aniston and Nicole Kidman. Maui visitors with upcoming Hawaii vacation might get a chance to see more of our famous celebrities. Good luck. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Tags: Celebrities in Hawaii, Jennifer Aniston and Nicole Kidman dance hula in Hawaii, Maui new movie set

2010 Summer vacation rentals in Hawaii for the budget traveler

Dear Hawaii travelers,

Did our recent post about 'Finding employment in Hawaii' make you wonder whether you should try your luck finding a job and check things out on your next Hawaii summer vacation? Not a bad idea, if you can make a short notice decision for a Hawaii summer trip. I noticed quite a number of nice Hawaii vacation rentals are still available for early summer in June and later summer August.

Generally, June is a great month for summer vacation in Hawaii, also for those families who travel with kids to Hawaii. If you can choose, decide for June and save money on accommodation, air fare and car rental. Even with taking the economic slowdown into consideration, one of the biggest travel month to Hawaii was and is July, when kids have their summer vacation.

Here is my observation regards 2010 Hawaii summer vacation. Amazingly, most quality Hawaii vacation rentals are booked for most of July but listen to this: The same wonderful rentals are still wide open for August. So if you are flexible budget traveler, forget about a Hawaii summer vacation in July and shift your full attention to getting the best deals for Hawaii accommodations for AUGUST!

2010 Summer vacation rentals in Hawaii for the Budget Traveler

Sunny Side Waimea Cottage from $95/nt.

Save lots of money on your nightly Hawaii lodging rate for going out to dinner or do a whale watch tour when you stay at this fully equipped (full kitchen), private location with short 10-minute drive to Mauna Kea beach, which has currently still vacancies for June and July at $95/nt. with 7-night booking. Sunny Side Waimea Cottage Kohala Coast Vacation Rental Cottage Near Best Beaches

Mauna Kea Views 1Bd/1Ba vacation Apartment from $110/nt.

This Waimea vacation rental w/kitchen is a private, peaceful vacation apartment overlooking an expansive valley and spectacular Mauna Kea Mountain on the Big Island Waimea Apartment with Mauna Kea Views It's a short 5-minute drive to Waimea for shopping. Kohala Coast Beaches and Big Island adventures like Waipio Valley or Mauna Kea Summit are in easy reach. Inquire with your travel dates for July - August 2010!

Waikoloa Golf Condo SUMMER Special at $100/nt. (1 -2 pers.)

Waikoloa Golf Condo with full kitchen enjoys expansive ocean and mountain views is located directly on the beautiful Waikoloa Village Golf Course on the Big Island. It has expansive ocean and beautiful sunset views. Beautiful Anaeho'omalu Beach is a short 10-min. drive away. The Golf Condo offers a great SUMMER Special at $ 100/nt. for 2010. Not to forget the amazing golf rate discount guests at that condo will enjoy for golfing at Waikoloa Golf Course.

Puako Beach Apartment across from ocean from $115/nt.

If it's just the two of you and you love to stay close to the beach, this Puako Apartment is right across from Beach 1Bd/1Ba Puako Vacation Apartment Best Deal Puako Beach $115/nt.! It is currently still available for 6/7 - 6/30, a few vacancies in July and lots of travel dates available for August. A spacious lanai allows for enjoying your meals outdoors in a tropical setting. Puako is one of the most desired areas on the Kohala Coast. You can access the ocean right there in Puako or pack your beach stuff into the car and take a short 5-minute drive to Puako Beach 69 or Wailea Bay.

Puako vacation condo 3Bd/2 Ba from $145/nt. (2-4 pers., sleeps 6)+ tax
SUPER Bargain June + September $110/nt. (2 - 4 pers.)

Puako, a tiny oceanfront village on the Kona side of Hawaii's Big Island, north of Kona on the Kohala Coast, is where you find this 3Bd/2Ba Puako condo. It has three bedrooms with a king size, a queen size, and two twin beds. There are two full baths and a fully equipped kitchen. Condo amenities include beach gear, including chairs, coolers, towels, snorkels and masks are included. There is a gas grill on the private lanai. Two televisions, a VCR, cable, and a stereo make this your home away from home. There is Internet access for your laptop computer as well. Stay with your family in Puako across from the beach at a price you can afford. The 3Bd Puako condo has great summer vacancies: 6/9 - 6/19, 9/5 - 10/1 SUPER Bargain applies
6/28 - 7/9, 7/25 - 9/2/10 Book Today!


South Kona Vacation Suites from $115/nt. + Cottage from $150/nt.

Kona Vacation Rentals Suites offer a unique location overlooking historical Kealakekua Bay. This property has breathtaking Pacific Ocean views and an expansive panoramic South Kona coastline view. These two private Kona vacation suites are fully equipped, spacious accommodations with private entrances. The individual cottage with its private lanai is blessed with lots of amenities, views and privacy. It's perfect as a honeymoon cottage in Hawaii. This property lies on a lush, five-acre coffee farm complete with coffee, avocado, papaya and banana trees. Inquiry for your SUMMER vacation. Kealakekua Bay's marine-life preserve offers the best snorkel spot on the Big Island and farther South, Honaunau with 'City of Refuge' National Historic Park invite Big Island vacationers for a visit.

Kona Vacation Condo 2Bd/2Ba with Swimming Pool from $120/nt.

White Sands Estates Triplex on a bluff above Alii Drive with an amazing view of the ocean. Located between Kona's most popular beach, Magic Sands and Kahaluu. This two-bedroom, two-bath condo features sun decks, pool and an incredible panoramic ocean front view from the lanai, splash pool and living areas. Kona Ocean View condo with Pool + Short walk to beach has SUMMER vacancies from 6/1 - 6/11, 7/8 - 21 + August. Best Kona condo rate for location + amenities!

Kohala Coast vacation rental 1Bd/1Ba Ocean Views from $150/nt.

This Kohala Coast vacation rental is situated 400' above the Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii, offering expansive, unobstructed views of the ocean, coastline, and nearby Hualalai Volcano. Awesome sunsets and balmy ocean breezes are the norm here. A short 5- 10 minute drive gets you to the best Big Island beaches: Spencer, Mauna Kea + Hapuna Beach. Best rate for Kohala Coast Estates premier location and top amenities. Rare vacancies 6/20 - 25, 7/17 - 31 + August!

Kohala Estates 2Bd/2Ba Vacation Home from $150/nt. (dbl.) - Super Bargain!

2 Bd/2 Ba Kohala Coast vacation home at Kohala Estate with 180° ocean view offers a huge 40% discount till June 15, 2010 at $150/nt. (dbl.) + after 7/15. Experience Hawaii at its best. Enjoy the Aloha at this tropically decorated two bedroom, two bathroom Kohala Coast vacation home, minutes from best white sands beaches like Spencer, Mauna Kea and Hapuna Beach, world-class golf and five star resorts.

Choose from these and more affordable Hawaii vacation rentals near best beaches on the sunny Kona Kohala Coast of the Big Island for your Hawaii summer vacation!

Let us know which Hawaii vacation rental was matching your budget and expectations for your 2010 Hawaii Summer vacation. Please, share your summer vacation experience with our Best Hawaii blog visitors. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations
p.s.
I visited our blogger friends at 'Beat of Hawaii' yesterday. Their post 'Hawaii to/from Alaska $189 each way' is great news for all of you planning. WA and CA residents can't wait to see air fare specials for their summer Hawaii vacation!

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Tags: 2010 Hawaii Summer vacation, Hawaii summer deals, Hawaii summer vacation for budget traveler

Finding Employment on Hawaii

Dear Best Hawaii vacation lovers,
Hawaii has been and still is the dream of tons of people on the Mainland, more so the ones going through the rough winters like the Canadians. No wonder that the 'snowbirds' from Canada and the Pacific Northwest show up each winter in Hawaii for the simple reason that they want to see some sun!!!

And each time the snowbirds are here in Hawaii, they are wondering what it would be like to live in Hawaii for good. For the majority of people, the biggest question to contemplate is finding a job in Hawaii. Employment in Hawaii is the basis to sustain your and your family's life, whether being on the Mainland or in Hawaii.

Finding a job in Hawaii, provided you have to work in Hawaii because you are not independently wealthy does not come easy. If you were extremely lucky as a college teacher, you might get a job at the University of Hawaii. I would not count on that. Those who have a good teaching position there or at a nice private school like HPA Hawaii Preparatory Academy or Parker School on the Big Island, don't move too often.

A better chance is getting your substitute teacher's license and be available for 'subbing' at the public schools. It's surprising how many people from the Mainland, even with much more qualified jobs such as lawyers, are going this route in the beginning. It's like about $110/day but this income is not guaranteed because your name will be rotated on a list.

If you really want to live in Hawaii for a longer period, you might want to look into employment at the hotels where jobs become available on a more frequent basis. You might get turned down as 'overqualified' but it's a chance to get a job in Hawaii. Lots of people sacrifice well-paid jobs from the Mainland in order to live in Paradise. However, don't move to Hawaii with all your stuff and kids before you secured your employment in Hawaii. Be aware that hotel jobs in Hawaii depend on the tourism industry. No Hawaii visitors, no jobs!

Quite a number of people who move to the islands get their Hawaii real estate license. Hawaii will always stay a dream destination for vacation or retirees! The more hands-on people get their license as an LMT, licensed massage therapist in the state of Hawaii. It implies to spend quite a bit of money for attending one of the Hawaii massage schools for getting trained, doing many hours of supervised free massages before being allowed to the Hawaii state exam for LMTs.

As said above, the tourist industry is where your biggest chances are finding a job on any Hawaii island. The best chances for finding employment in Hawaii is Honolulu in on Oahu. It's also the only Hawaiian island where you can get around with public transportation at affordable prices and can easily share the cost of a rental apartment with a room mate. We would love to hear from those who are willing to share their experience about finding employment in Hawaii. Mahalo and aloha, Pua

Moving to Hawaii Big Island

p.s.

Hope you did not miss our post about the biggest Hawaii event.

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Tags: Employment in Hawaii, Hawaii jobs, Finding jobs in Hawaii, Best Hawaii island to find a job

Biggest Hula Event in Hawaii coming up

Dear Hawaii hula lovers,

Hawaiian hula is the beautiful way for Hawaii people to express their feelings, emotions and events through the ancient and modern form of hula dance and chant. Easter is the time when hula dancers and hula lovers from the Hawaiian Islands, the Mainland and from around the world meet for the biggest Hawaii hula festival, the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival in Hilo on Hawaii Big Island during the week 4/4 - 4/10/10.

When preparing this article, I visited the Merrie Monarch Festival website, as I was curious to see which Hawaiian hula halau (groups) and individual hula dancers will be in Hilo for the 47th Merrie Monarch Hawaii Hula Festival. I loved the Hula backstage videos! Get an idea with how intense the last preparations for the biggest Hula Festival are with watching videotaped last rehearsals!

To get our hula lovers and fans, I chose for today's 'Biggest Hula Festival' post two youtube videos from last year's Merry Monarch Hula Festival. These hula performances don't show last year's hula festival winners and they are not perfect but they show thecommitment, dedication and personal involvement of each hula dancer and their close connection with the audience who get mesmerized by the ancient dances and the powerful rhythm of chants and the Hawaiian gourd drums (Ipu, Ipu Heke and Ipu Hula). Feel the unique atmosphere of the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival TODAY!

2009 Merrie Monarch Hula Festival - Ho'ike - Halau O Kekuhi



Halau o Kekuhi men performed Auana hula at the Merrie Monarch 2009 Ho'ike in Hilo, Hawaii



Sorry guys if you got all excited and maybe plan a last minute visit to Hilo Hawaii for the hula festival, Hilo vacation rentals and Hilo hotels are sold out. The tickets for the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival are sold out too, just like in the years before. I don't know what your chances are and how long the lines will be for the Wednesday night hula performances but I can assure you when you are on Hawaii vacation during the hula festival, Hawaii TV stations are proud to show you the best of Hawaii's hula. So enjoy it then or buy a DVD of the biggest Hula Event in Hawaii later. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

p.s.

Don't miss our recent post 'How to find peace on Hawaii vacation'.

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Tags: Biggest Hawaii hula event, Merrie Monarch hula festival, Hawaii youtube videos

How to find Peace on Hawaii vacation?

Dear Hawaii vacation lovers,

When dealing with Best Hawaii vacation, we occasionally encounter Hawaii visitors asking us where the non-touristy places in Hawaii are. They tell us they are looking for hidden beaches or Hawaii vacation rentals away from the tourists and the big crowds. Just a few thoughts from us regards non touristy places in Hawaii.

How to find peace on Hawaii vacation?

Hawaii has changed a lot, even more so within the last 10 - 15 year. I love to listen to the stories my husband tells me about the Big Island when he came there over 35 years ago: there was only one highway on the island, there was only one 5-star hotel, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel built by Rockefeller in 1965, most of those white sand beaches on the Kohala Coast were still hard to reach and imagine, there was not one traffic light between Hilo and Kona!

As you know this has all changed big time. Once the beauty and warm climate of the Hawaiian islands were discovered, naturally everybody wanted and wants to experience it! Resorts and golf courses got 'dug out' of the lava fields, palm trees planted and ocean front 5-star hotels with access beach access built. Hawaii's infrastructure is still lagging a bit behind those latest townhouses and condominium subdivisions developed during the Hawaii building boom during 2000 - 2005.

I always have a hard time to accept all the changes at one of the most beautiful resorts, Mauna Lani Beach Resort, when visiting there. Hotels like 'Mauna Lani Beach Hotel & Bungalows' and 'Fairmont Orchid at Mauna Lani' are not easy to spot anymore with all the new condominium and townhouse structures developed around them. I appreciate that Big Island builders at least stayed away from those high rise condo buildings as visitors can find in Honolulu. Well, as Keoki says 'The only constant in life is change!'. This is not any different for the Hawaiian Islands. One cannot go back in time.

Here is the good news. There are still a few secret beaches which are not well known to tourists but mostly it's the ones which are hard to get to. The majority of Hawaii visitors prefer a short walk to the beach from parking lot. So these hard to access beaches and coves still provide the non-touristy visitors with peace, tranquility and serenity they are looking for on their Hawaii visit. Please, be aware that you might not be by yourselves on weekends when Hawaiians love to go camping on those beaches.

Quite a number of locals, Hawaiians and Haoles (white people), do still camp on the beach, play their ukuleles and BBQ. These people know each other well and don't advertise their 'beach party'. You definitely need to know somebody in order to be part of it.

Unfortunately, non-touristy Hawaii visitors' wishes of rain forest and waterfalls being close to white sand beaches do not match how 'Mother Nature' developed the islands. It's either or. There are spectacular waterfalls in Hawaii but a lot of the times it will take you long walks (or a long kayak tour like on Kauai) to reach those but already the walk, hike or kayaking is an experience by itself. Try it and you will love it!

If you really want to spend your Hawaii vacation away from people and resorts, try Upcountry Maui or Upcountry Big Island. It's beautiful ranch land with rolling hills, cows and horses. You may find a private cottage overlooking the mountains and the coastal regions. There is always Molokai being the least developed island in regards to tourists and resorts but this also means it's a little harder to get to and a simpler life with less shopping available.


Hoping this gives the non-touristy visitor, who is in search for peace and tranquility on Hawaii vacation, a better understanding of the Hawaiian Islands TODAY. Have a peaceful Hawaii vacation! Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

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Best Hawaii Vacation Rentals Spring 2010

A Komo Mai and Welcome back to our Hawaii Blog,

Best Hawaii Vacation Blog's editors, Pua and Keoki, are happy to see that our post 'Is it a good time to travel to Hawaii NOW?' attracted a number of Hawaii hosts to share their comments about the many advantages of travel to Hawaii this spring. Today's post will provide vacation rental recommendations for 'Best Hawaii vacation rentals Spring 2010'. We've put together a list of fully equipped, yet affordable Hawaii vacation cottages, condos and suites near best beaches on the sunny Kona Kohala Coast of the Big Island.

Choose from our Best Hawaii Vacation rentals for your Hawaii spring vacation!

Sunny Side Waimea Cottage from $95/nt.

Save lots of money on your nightly rate for going out to dinner or do a whale watch tour when you stay at this fully equipped (full kitchen), private location with short 10-minute drive to Mauna Kea beach, which is currently still available from April 8 - May at $95/nt. with 7-night booking. Sunny Side Waimea Kohala Coast Vacation Rental Cottage Near Best Beaches

Mauna Kea Views 1Bd/1Ba vacation Apartment from $110/nt.

This Waimea vacation rental w/kitchen is a private, peaceful vacation apartment overlooking an expansive valley and captivating, well-known mountain of Mauna Kea on the Big Island Waimea Apartment with Mauna Kea Views It's a short 5-minute drive to Waimea for shopping. Kohala Coast Beaches and Big Island adventures like Waipio Valley or Mauna Kea Summit are in easy to reach. Inquire with your travel dates for April or May 2010!

Waikoloa Golf Condo with full kitchen enjoys expansive ocean and mountain views is located directly on the beautiful Waikoloa Village Golf Course on the Big Island. It has expansive ocean and beautiful sunset views. Beautiful Anaeho'omalu Beach is a short 10-min. drive away. The Golf Condo offers a great Spring Special at $ 100/nt. for April + May.

Puako Beach Apartment across from ocean from $115/nt.

It's just the two of you and you love to stay close to the beach, this Puako Apartment is right across from Beach 1Bd/1Ba Puako Vacation Apartment Best Deal Puako Beach $115/nt.! It is currently still available for 4/13 - 4/19 + 4/27 - May. A spacious lanai allows for enjoying your meals outdoors in a tropical setting. Puako is one of the most desired areas on the Kohala Coast. You can access the ocean right there in Puako or pack your beach stuff into the car and take a short 5-minute drive to Puako Beach 69 or Wailea Bay.

South Kona Vacation Suites from $115/nt. + Cottage from $150/nt.

Kona Vacation Rentals Suites offer a unique location overlooking historical Kealakekua Bay. This property has breathtaking Pacific Ocean views and an expansive panoramic South Kona coastline view. These two private Kona vacation suites are fully equipped, spacious accommodations with private entrances. The individual cottage with its private lanai is blessed with lots of amenities, views and privacy. It's perfect as a honeymoon cottage in Hawaii. This property lies on a lush, five-acre coffee farm complete with coffee, avocado, papaya and banana trees. Inquiry for your Spring vacation.


Kona Vacation Condo 2Bd/2Ba from $120/nt.

White Sands Estates Triplex on a bluff above Alii Drive with an amazing view of the ocean. Located between Kona's most popular beach, Magic Sands and Kahaluu. This two-bedroom, two-bath condo features sun decks, pool and an incredible panoramic ocean front view from the lanai, splash pool and living areas. Kona Ocean View condo with Pool + Short walk to beach has Spring vacancies from 4/12 - May. Best Kona condo rate for location + amenities!

Kohala Coast vacation rental 1Bd/1Ba Ocean Views from $150/nt.

This Kohala Coast vacation rental is situated 400' above the Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii, offering expansive,unobstructed views of the ocean, coastline, and nearby Hualalai Volcano. Awesome sunsets and balmy ocean breezes are the norm here. Best rate for Kohala Coast Estates premier location and top amenities. Rare vacancy 4/22 - 4/30 + May!

Kohala Estates Private Vacation Home from $175/nt. (dbl.)

2 Bd/2 Ba Kohala Coast vacation home at Kohala Estate with 180° ocean view offers a a 30% discount for Spring 2010 April + May at $175/nt. (dbl.). Experience Hawaii at its best. Enjoy the Aloha at this tropically decorated two bedroom, two bathroom Kohala Coast vacation home, minutes from best white sands beaches like Spencer, Mauna Kea and Hapuna Beach, world-class golf and five star resorts.


We hope you found the Hawaii vacation rental matching your budget and expectations for your 2010 Hawaii Spring vacation. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Tags: Hawaii Spring Specials 2010, Best of Hawaii, Affordable Hawaii, Best Hawaii Vacation Rentals