Vacation spot: December 2008

Friday, December 26, 2008

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel open

Aloha Hawaii visitors and friends,

We'd like to thank all of you who emailed us their 'Mele Kalikimaka' greetings just as our dear friend Bill had done or even mailed us snail mail cards. It's wonderful to know to have so many friends in Hawaii and around the world. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas in Hawaii or wherever you celebrated the Christmas holidays.

Today, we'd like to share some top news for Hawaii, Big Island and Kohala Coast lovers. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, the oldest and most prestigious Hawaii hotel, located on the Big Island's best beach, is finally back in business. The 43-old hotel, which was constructed by Laurance S. Rockefeller in 1965, gained reputation and attraction among celebrities and high-end clientele as one of the world's best hotels due to its premier location on picture perfect, crescent shaped white sand beach on Kaunaoa Bay. Well, Mr. Rockefeller knew why he built the first Big Island hotel right there.

When we reported on December 6th, 2006 that the hotel administration made the decision to close Mauna Kea Beach hotel for repairs and renovations after the earthquake, it was anticipated but yet unexpected news for Mauna Kea Beach Hotel visitors and hotel employees alike. Over the last two years, everybody who loves world famous Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, followed the process of the remodeling. I myself was most surprised about the decision to totally redo the famous Mauna Kea golf course. When you read more about the reasons for remodeling the golf course, it makes totally sense.

Well, Mauna Kea's soft opening happened on Saturday 12/20/08. I was so happy to hear that 365 of the former employees got rehired, after working at other hotels and even different jobs. We can't wait to shake hands and welcome those friends back. Naturally, a celebration in Hawaii comes with music, hula, speeches and blessings. Blessings were done by Kahu Danny Akaka Jr. and the Rev. Dr. Henry K. Boshard. After an extensive $150 million renovation and redesign, Mauna Kea Beach hotel is beautiful has ever.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has a big 'ohana' of return guests, who have come as kids with their parents and do now the same with their children. Whether they will be still able to continue this wonderful Hawaii vacation tradition, depends on having the money it takes to spend a vacation at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. With all the fancy upgrades on room amenities, room rates are going up too.

When asking for a hot deal rate quote for Keoki's birthday in March, the cheapest was Mountain view at $375/nt. on floors 5 - 8 and cheapest Oceanview Room at Beachfront Plumeria Beach Club on floors 1-4 was $625/nt. There was a Mountain View Package Deal for Room and Car for $450, which seems to be 'affordable' for Mauna Kea standards.

Well, don't let those rates 'impress' you too much. Rent a nice fully equipped Kohala Coast vacation rental with a short drive to Mauna Kea. Show up around 9am for your free Mauna Kea Beach pass at the gate entrance (number of beach passes is limited according to parking space!) and enjoy famous Mauna Kea beach just as all these VIP guests. Mauna Kea beach is public as any beach in Hawaii is. And the ocean and the ocean critters are available to anybody who wants to swim or snorkel in aquamarine, warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. Share your Mauna Kea beach visit with our blog visitors. Mahalo, Pua Hawaii Vacations

p.s.

For more information about Mauna Kea Beach hotel's soft opening, read West Hawaii Today article. See location of Mauna Kea Beach hotel on our Kohala Coast Map and Kohala Coast on our Big Island map.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Mele Kalikimaka

Dear Best Hawaii Vacation blog visitors,
The 2008 Christmas is looking around the corner and we were wondering what we will do for Christmas at our blog. Well, the question was answered by receiving our annual year end reflections letter on life in Hawaii and life in general from one of our long time Big Island friends, Bill Jardine. Bill has been in real estate business in Hawaii for decades. He even shared his expansive knowledge in Hawaii real estate with our Hawaii blog visitors with two guest posts Hawaii Real Estate Market 2008 and Will falling Prices in Hawaii Real Estate attract new home buyers?

Bill is not only an excellent Hawaii realtor but we both sincerely admire his writing skills. So, here are Bill's Mele Kalikimaka greetings to us, to his friends and to all of you:

Mele Kalikimaka Christmas from Bill

"On the way into Kona this morning I was fighting waves of radio static by hip-hopping from station to station as heavy clouds drifted quietly toward the coast. The sea seemed to shimmer in the early light, as though it were waiting for a storm yet trying to enjoy the last of the sunlit eastern sky. It was one of those powerful scenes that we chance upon from time to time with our minds otherwise clouded with errands, regrets and hopes for the day ahead. This time I pushed the off-button on the radio, pulled over, rolled down the windows and let the cool morning air move through the cab of my old truck. Within seconds the cab filled with the sweet voice of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, making the hair on my arms stand up. I guess I had pushed the wrong button and one of our Christmas cd’s came on! In that moment of disorientation I was struck by how incredibly lucky we are to have this blessed place be such an essential part of our lives.

...All the while the ocean stretches like a sleeping lover, perhaps feeling the deep sighs of the Humpback whales as they complete their long journey out of the arctic to roll and sing in the sapphire blue coastal waters shimmering under those gathering clouds. It is just fantastic to be here, to be healthy, and to be loved. This year Cathie, the kids and I are wishing you a part of all this. We want even the smallest gleam of the beauty of the Big Island to waken in your heart. We want even the slightest touch of Pele’s passionate fingers to light your cheeks and burn in your eyes. We hope the embrace of this Island paradise will refresh your soul and lead you to an embrace of your own, wherever you are.

There is just one thing that you cannot be forced to do, no matter how hard others may try to make you. You cannot be forced to love. That is because love is the essential element between you and your Creator, who loves you … just the way He made you. This Christmas we are wishing you love in every form, and may a joyful peace surround you and yours. Mele Kalikimaka, William N Jardine (R), Big Island Buyers Brokers"

We couldn't express our wishes to all of you better than this. Love and peace to all of you from Best Hawaii Vacations blog. Merry Christmas and Mele Kalikimaka, Pua and Keoki Hawaii Vacations

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Cheap Interisland Flights

Flight alert for all Hawaii travelers on interisland flights!

Amazing how flight prices can change around within a few months! In our July post about Big Island and Kauai we recommended to Hawaii travelers between the islands, either to stay away from extra interisland flights or even use the superferry if available for the island of your choice.

On our recent Hawaiian Island Hopping blog post from December 8th we told Hawaiian visitors:
"Here is the good news. Island hopping has become affordable again. Mokulele Airlines offers some decent flight rates and Hawaiian Airlines - their recent rates were beyond reasonable - just followed suit and lowered their interisland rates to $61 one-way between Honolulu and all major Hawaiian airports. New Interisland rates started 11/19/2008."

I assumed that's the best Hawaiian air lines can come up with for a while but as competition between the major airlines for Hawaiian Interisland flights, Hawaiian, IflyGo and Mokulele Airlines intensified, interisland fares came down another notch. If you book and interisland flight to Kona Big Island or Lihue Kauai by tomorrow, one-way fare is only $39 for travel through Dec. 31 and $48 through January 31. Check for individual restrictions with each air line.

Believe us Hawaii visitors and Hawaii residents alike cannot be happier about these cheap Interisland flights. Lowering the flight rates came at the perfect time - for the holiday season. It's the cheapest interisland flights we have seen in years. Hope it will stay that way to give our Hawaii Tourism industry another boost. Catch a flight to Kona now. Enjoy your interisland flight. Aloha, Pua Hawaii vacations

Monday, December 15, 2008

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.

Kona Vacation, Hawaii cruiseship in Kona

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

Monday, December 8, 2008

Hawaiian Island Hopping

Aloha everybody,

As you might remember, from time to time we answer questions about travel to Hawaii on Yahoo answers, especially when we feel a Hawaii traveler is looking desperately for knowledgeable assistance and not just the blabla answers which often happen in online forums. So our most recent participation was about somebody's question about island Hawaii hopping.

The answers how to do island hopping when on Hawaii vacation were basically the following: 1. island hopping in Hawaii is only feasible through becoming a Hawaiian Airline employee, 2. booking a Hawaiian cruise or 3. just don't do island hopping and stay on Kauai for your vacation.

We did not want to leave this person or other Hawaii travelers in a lurch, especially since many visitors to the Hawaiian Islands consider 'hopping' to the Big Island for a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to watch a live volcano. Here is what we recommended for Hawaiian island hopping:

"Here is the good news. Island hopping has become affordable again. Mokulele Airlines offers some decent flight rates and Hawaiian Airlines - their recent rates were beyond reasonable - just followed suit and lowered their interisland rates to $61 one-way between Honolulu and all major Hawaiian airports. New Interisland rates started 11/19/2008.

However, don't now get carried away and try to island 'hop' 3 or 4 islands. I always recommend to start with two and visit the other two on your next vacation. After that, you will have fallen in love with one of the islands and return to that one on future Hawaii visits.

As a lot of flight specials are currently offered for flying from the Mainland to Honolulu, why not take advantage of those special deals and stay for 3 - 4 days in Honolulu. Visit famous Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Hamauma Bay Beach, Pearl Harbor and watch surfers tackling the crazy winter surf on north Shore. You might even be able to get around without having to rent a car, as Honolulu has a very well developed public bus transportation service at an affordable price.

Sunset at Mauna Kea Beach. Kohala Coast, Hawaii Bog Island

Then take off to the Big Island for a 4-day visit. Stay north of Kona on the sunny Kohala Coast where the best white sand beaches, Hapuna and Mauna Kea beach are. Relax and enjoy. Then take time for adventure. Plan carefully so it does not become a chore: Mauna Kea summit stargazing, visit to Waipio Valley on your way to Volcano, stop at Akaka Waterfalls, get a glimpse of Hilo and make it to your final destination, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Ever since January 2008, our live volcano Kilauea has been more active than ever and Big Island visitors cannot get enough of the spectacle. Bring video camera, camera and appropriate clothing - for Park at over 3000ft elevation warm clothing, for sea level firm shoes and lighter clothing - and don't forget lots of water and sunscreen.

How does that sound for your Hawaii island hopping plans? Hope this sounds like a good idea to you. Have fun in Hawaii. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

p.s.

Last but not least, Volcano vacation rental owners offer you great discounts when visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park beginning December, before the high season starts.

Hawaiian Island Hopping Related Articles