Hawaii Christmas 2011 Last Minute

Jack Frost has a tight hold of most of the Mainland in December, no wonder you are dreaming of a warm Hawaii Christmas 2011. A last minute Hawaii visit would be the way to go, you think. Last minute Hawaii vacations have happened in the past. I have seen them but its not in the sense of a last minute "Special" or "Deal". There are no Hawaii last minute Christmas deals for the budget traveler who is waiting for them.


The term "last minute" relating to Hawaii Christmas only relates to somebody making up their mind to make it to the Hawaiian islands late notice for Christmas. OK, you definitely have a chance to find a nice Hawaii vacation rental or even a Hawaii hotel over Christmas - cancellations happen all the time - but the biggest issue is getting a Hawaii plane reservation last minute. Even at the much higher holiday airfare rates, planes bound for Hawaii for Christmas are filled to the last seat. It will be like winning the lottery to make it on a plane to Hawaii.

Another challenge will be finding an available car rental on the islands. The car rental supply on the Hawaiian islands is limited. However, if you are totally committed to a Hawaiian Christmas vacation last minute then Honolulu may be your best choice, with more rental cars available and a great bus system for getting around the island.

Mele Kalikimaka from Pua and Keoki Hawaii Vacations
p.s.
Toshua from Wahine Style Girls in Hawaii wishes all our blog visitors Mele Kalikimaka.

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Tags: Hawaii Christmas, Christmas Hawaii last minute

3 Reasons for Star Watching in Hawaii in December

Do you love to watch the stars in Hawaii? Hawaii star watching has some astronomical fireworks ready for you this December. We are warmly welcoming back Gerrit, our expert on watching the stars in Hawaii who first attracted your attention when writing his guest post about how to 'Watch a meteor shower in Hawaii'. So please, keep reading Gerrit's 3 reasons for star watching, when you will be visiting Hawaii next month.

3 Reasons for Star Watching in Hawaii in December

"Stargazing is often the best excuse if you don't want to go to sleep at night, but venture out on a memorable adventure. The Big Island of Hawaii is especially well suited for stargazing adventures because of its clear and dark skies. The best optical observatories of the world are built on the Big Island for a reason. Here are 3 reasons for you to go out and stargaze at night on your Hawaii vacation. Don't forget to take some pupus (pupu: typical Hawaiian picnic snacks) and picnic blanket + pillow or beach chair to recline in.

Watch total lunar eclipse in Hawaii December 10th

Lunar eclipses are not as rare as most people think. There are 2 to 4 lunar eclipses every year, but these eclipses are not visible from every location and are not always 'total' ('total' means that the complete moon becomes eclipsed). The December 10th 2011 lunar eclipse is a total eclipse and is perfectly visible from Hawaii (as well as from most of the United States)! The total lunar eclipse of December 10th 2011 will be visible from Hawaii during the early morning hours, as the moon sets in the western sky. The eclipse duration is 51 minutes, with the moment of greatest eclipse at 04:31 Hawaiian time. Because the moon will be low on the western sky the best place to watch this event is on the west coast of the Big Island.

For more information on this lunar eclipse, watch this two minute lunar eclipse video with a great lunar eclipse song ("moon dance" by Jim Morrison)



Watch Geminids Meteor Shower in Hawaii December 14th

Meteor showers are a spectacular event to watch, with dozens of shooting stars visible each hour during their peak. Regular readers of Best Hawaii Vacation Blog probably remember the meteor shower article on the delta aquarids meteor shower of July 2011. I also recommend the lovebigisland meteor shower guide for and trivia good background information on meteor showers.

December 14th you have another chance to watch a meteor shower. This time the Geminids will light up the sky and give you a chance to make some wishes. Unfortunately, the moon is still almost full on the 14th (full moon is December 10th, during the lunar eclipse). The way around this is to avoid the moon and watch the meteor shower before the moon rises above the horizon. This happens on 21:59 on December 14th, which means that any stargazing that night is best done after sunset but before 10p.m.

December 21st: Southern Solstice - midwinter night

Last but not least there is the southern solstice. A solstice happens twice a year, and marks the time when the sun reaches the lowest (southern solstice from Hawaii) or highest (northern solstice from Hawaii) point on the sky. This also means that the shortest day and longest night in 2011 on Hawaii fall on December 21st. Solstices get really interesting on the polar circle, where the sun never rises during the solstice in wintertime, and never sets during the solstice in summertime! This won't happen on Hawaii but you can celebrate the fact that from December 21st on and for 6 months, the days will get longer again and the sun will keep getting higher on the sky (which means she will get stronger and warmer). What is a better reason for a celebration!"

Again mahalo Gerrit for this great information on star watching in Hawaii. Gerrit is an often returning visitor to the Big Island and writes for lovebigisland and the lovebigisland blog. Lovebigisland.com promotes sustainable tourism and has a special focus on astronomical events on Hawaii.

We love to hear from you and your Hawaii star watching adventures. Hope this Hawaii star watch post will trigger your curiosity for a Hawaii star watching outing this December. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Tags: Best Hawaii Events, Hawaii Star watching

Best sun glasses for Hawaii vacation

Are you wondering what the best sun glasses are for your Hawaii vacation and whether your 'old' sun glasses will still do for your 2012 Hawaii beach vacation? OK your sun glasses have nice dark shades and served you well in the past. They even have polarized lenses as health experts recommend. However, ladies here is the deal. Now and then we need to make a 'fashion statement'! So forget about the $20 - 30 polarized sun glasses from WalMart. Designer sun glasses are 'in', and you deserve them no matter whether your hubbie asks you 'Do you really need those sun glasses?' 'No, not REALLY but I want them' was my answer to Keoki.

This all happened when I came across those stylish sun glasses from Margaritaville Eyewear. I knew immediately I'd found what I wanted: state-of-the-art polarized lenses for best protection of my eyes from strong tropical Hawaiian sun combined with fancy styles of frames, shades and tinting. Now the question was not any more whether I really wanted to spend that kind of money on designer glasses but to choose from a huge variety of tropical sun glasses, sun glasses I like best for Hawaii and Hawaii vacation. The Calypso style sun glasses are MY favorite shades (photos courtesy by Margaritaville Eyewear).


Instead of my conventional brown frame sun glasses from the past, I chose the white/conch colored frame this time! Perfect tropical sun glasses for hanging out on Hawaii's white sand beaches and the right match for my new classy white cover-up I bought in Rome this summer. Too bad that I did not have those stylish sun glasses there, yet. OK no beaches or oceans in Rome but I tell you Rome's ladies are very fashion conscious and I would have fit right in with my new shades.

Anyways, I love my Margaritaville sun glasses. The stylish, light weight, tropical design is perfect for Hawaii vacations. Best tropical sun glass designs are of course a matter of personal taste but the big variety of Margaritaville shades allow everybody to find their personal best sunglasses for Hawaii vacation.Visit Hawaii in style and feel good about your fun-in-the-sun eye protection. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

p.s.

Of course, Keoki could not resist and had to try on my new fancy Calypso sun glasses. The design is not really for a guy. OK maybe Elton John but here is what Keoki said: Very stylish and sooo smooth. Wearing these shades is like giving my eyes a massage!

Tags: Best sun glasses for Hawaii vacation, Hawaii vacation with fun-in -the-sun eye protection

8 Best Maui Vacation Tips

Is Maui your favorite island for Hawaii vacation? Our '8 Best Maui vacation tips' by today's guest author Melinda is perfect for you. Melinda fell in love with Maui on her first beach vacation in Kihei. Sunny Kihei has been her Hawaii vacation destination ever since. Good reason for her to share her ideas and vacation tips with everybody who plans a Maui vacation.

8 Best Maui Vacation Tips by Melinda

"Whether you are visiting Maui for a wedding, an extended stopover on the way to Asia or just plain rest and recreation vacation, well-informed planning ensures a Maui vacation that lives up to your expectations. Based on many trips to Maui ranging in duration from several days to several months, here are my 8 Best Maui Vacation Tips:

1. When to visit Maui?

High season on Maui is Christmas through Easter. Is it the best time to visit Maui? Nope! That's just when the most people are eager to escape winter on the Mainland. What little bad weather Maui has actually clusters in the winter months. The rest of the year, Maui weather is warmer but not unpleasantly hot. Maui hotel or vacation rental rates are lowest during fall and late spring.

2. How long to stay in Maui?

You can see the whole island in four days, but to have a real Maui experience, you should stay 10 - 14 days. After the first week you'll find yourself slowing down and mellowing to a Maui rhythm, enjoying life the way it was meant to be.

3. Where to stay on Maui vacation - condo or hotel?

There are very few traditional hotels and next to no motels on Maui. Your two main choices are Maui resorts (expensive) and Maui vacation condos (generally cheaper). Many condo complexes offer nearly everything you'd want from a resort except the high prices. The least expensive Maui condo rentals are available directly from the owners. Many of those Maui vacation condos include kitchens, giving you the ultimate flexibility in being able to dine in or out. Not to forget all those FREE amenities like Internet access and tons of beach equipment

4. Maui Beach vacation

In looking through Maui condo and resort descriptions, be aware that in Maui no one owns the beach. All of Maui's wonderful white sand beaches have public access, even the most high-priced Maui resorts . If you plan to swim or snorkel a lot, you might be better advised to book one of those Maui beach condos adjacent to one of the public beaches, such as Kamaole Beach Park I, II or III. Unlike most of the resort beaches, these are manned by lifeguards seven days a week, and they're clean, with restrooms.

5. Maui vacation locations

The two main beach locations for an extended stay are West Maui (Ka'anapali and Lahaina) and South Maui (Kihei and Wailea). Of these, Kihei is the least expensive, and its beaches are just as nice as elsewhere. If you prefer a resort atmosphere, gravitate to Ka'anapali or Wailea instead.

6. Do you need to rent a car on your Maui vacation?

Most visitors to Maui rent a car, but it's possible to have a great vacation without that expense. Simply choose a Maui vacation condo at the beach, surrounded by plenty of eatery choices. Then book sightseeing tours through any one of the plentiful activity kiosks you'll see nearby, selecting operators who will pick you up at the hotel. You can visit the top of Haleakala, ride the road to Hana and take snorkeling trips this way.

7. What to pack for your Maui vacation?

Maui is relentlessly casual. It's also warm, both day and night. This means you can travel light when visiting Maui. All you need in the way of clothing are shorts and shirts, one pair of pants or one light dress, your bathing suit of course, a light jacket or sweater, sandals and sneakers. If you plan to visit the top of Haleakala, where it can be as cool as 40 degrees, bring a down vest or fleece as well. I recommend a pair of binoculars as well, for watching whales and surfers.

8. Day planning of Maui activities

Most guidebooks don't tell you that the ocean is quietest in the morning prior to about 10 a.m., and therefore that's when you should plan swimming, snorkeling and boat tours. They also don't advise you to plan to watch the nightly sunset, especially in winter, when the sky puts on a spectacular show. Afternoons are great for sitting by the pool or sightseeing.


Use a few of my personal vacation tips, or best all of them, and have the best Maui vacation of your dreams."

Much mahalo, Melinda, for your great vacation tips for our Maui visitors fitting right into our Maui vacation articles. Maui visitors, what's your best Maui vacation tip? We love to hear from everybody who has Maui in his heart. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacation

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Tags: Best Tips Maui Vacation, Maui vacation best tips

2011 Hawaii Ironman - Who will win?

Aloha Kona,

Having been to many Hawaii Ironman competitions in Kona Big Island, the 2011 Hawaii Ironman is once more a huge challenge for professional and amateur triathletes from over 50 countries who all want to be an 'Ironman' in Hawaii once in a life time by making it over the finish line after a 2.4-mile ocean swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile marathon.


Watch the Kona Ironman countdown on the Ford Ironman World Championship site including 2011 Hawaii Ironman athlete guide, 2011 lottery winners and latest news like the last professional triathletes who have qualified for the 50 available spots for male athletes and 30 for female triathletes for the 2011 Hawaii Kona Ironman. Who will win 2011?

Ever since having started our 'Best Hawaii vacation blog' in 2007, we've written many blog posts about the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon in Kona (see links to Hawaii Ironman related posts below) but never did I speculate about the Hawaii Ironman winners. I won't do it this time either. In order to be able to do my best guess who will win the 2011 Hawaii Ironman, one has to follow closely the worldwide Ironman competitions of the professional triathletes and know who is in perfect shape to win this 2011 Ironman. However, despite big name triathletes, like Chris McCormick or Craig Alexander both from Australia winning again and again the Hawaii Ironman, there is always the surprise winner like Faris Al Sultan from Germany who won the 2005 Hawaii Ironman.

So why would I want to this post about "Hawaii Ironman 2011 who will win?"! To be honest, it may have been triggered by all that hype about online speculations whether 7-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong will participate in the 2011 Hawaii Ironman. In 2010 each blog owner was riding the wave with the question 'Will Lance Armstrong win the Hawaii Ironman?' even though the first question should have been ' Will Lance be in Hawaii as a competitor for the 2011 Hawaii Ironman?'

I think a question in an interview with Armstrong last year about returning to doing triathlons, which he has started his career with, and maybe planning a Hawaii Ironman in 2011, got it all this hype going. After I read on ESPN that Lance Armstrong confirmed 3 days ago he will compete September 24 on the XTERRA course that covers a 1-mile swim, 20-mile mountain bike ride and 6-mile trail run, I thought maybe he really will show up for the Hawaii Ironman 2011. Checking Google did not give me the answer immediately but the 2011 Hawaii Ironman athlete registration list does NOT show any or THE Lance Armstrong.

Admittedly, It would have been fun watching Armstrong at the Hawaii Ironman. Well, Armstrong or not, this 2011 Hawaii Ironman with up to 2,000 competitors, ages 18-80, from 50-plus countries and all 50 states will once again get the national and international attention. Wishing all the 2011 Hawaii Ironman triathletes that they make it over the finish line by midnight to become a Hawaii Ironman. Anybody who wants to 'speculate' on the "2011 Hawaii Ironman and who will win" is warmly invited to leave his comment here. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Big Island Ironman

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Tags: 2011 Hawaii Ironman Who will win?

Best Oahu Activities Beyond Waikiki

Dear Best Hawaii vacation blog visitors,

Our recent Hawaii meteor shower guest post was well received by our blog visitors. We are certain that all of our Oahu visitors who are getting ready for their Oahu vacation and activities will love Jason's guest post 'Best Oahu Activities Beyond Waikiki'.



Jason Rushin lives with his wife, Sarah, in Honolulu's Hawaii Kai neighborhood, and is the founder of HulaCopter, a new iPhone and Android app that helps Hawaii vacationers find great discounts on Hawaii's best activities. Jason spends most of his non-work time either lying on Waimanolo Beach, attempting to surf in Waikiki, enjoying the view of Koko Head from his lanai, or training for the Honolulu Marathon. So let's see what he has to say about:



6 Best Oahu activities Beyond Waikiki



"For most visitors to Oahu, Waikiki is home base. Waikiki luaus, visits to Pearl Harbor and the spectacular North Shore, are on top of the Oahu activity list of visitors spending their Hawaii vacation between Ala Moana and Diamond Head. Given the beauty of the area, the attraction is obvious. However, best Oahu activities beyond Waikiki are just a short car or #22 bus ride away. A world of Hawaiian island beauty and fun activities is awaiting the Oahu visitor on East Oahu. Here are six popular Oahu activities beyond Waikiki which I recommend to friends, family and Oahu visitors on Hawaii vacation:



1. Hanauma Bay - Best Oahu snorkel spot



Surely one of the most beautiful natural areas in Hawaii, Hanauma Bay is a combination educational center, marine preserve, wide beach and premier snorkeling area. With over 250 species of fish accounting for 25% of Hawaii’s marine life, all protected in a calm bay, this is the can’t-miss snorkeling spot on Oahu and in the entire state of Hawaii.



2. Surfing Lessons - Learn how to surf beyond Waikiki



While Waikiki is a great place to learn how to surf, it’s crowded, has a rocky bottom, and feels very touristy. For a more “local” experience, and a boat ride, head out to Hawaii Kai’s Maunalua Bay for a fun, uncrowded, mellow beginners surfing lesson off of Portlock Point. Try Hawaiian Surf Adventure a friendly team whose #1 focus is on you having a great time (and they offer a shuttle from Waikiki)!





3. Fast-action Activities - Oahu ocean activities for speed lovers



If you’re looking for fun that’s faster than Waikiki’s waves and sailboats, try jet skis, wave runners, banana boats, and parasailing in the warm Hawaii Kai marina and calm waters of Maunalua Bay. Hawaii Water Sports Center provides all of these - and more - right from Koko Marina, and offers shuttle pick-ups in Waikiki.





4. Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail - Hiking for everybody on Oahu vacation



If you’re like me, a relaxing vacation usually means zero physical activity. If you need to stretch your legs, head out to the south-eastern tip of Oahu and walk the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail It’s a two-mile paved trail with a moderate grade to the top (elevation gain: approx 400 feet - BRING WATER), but the views are spectacular! On most days, you can see Molokai to the east, and even Maui if it’s clear. During the winter, whale spouts are almost guaranteed. Plus, on the drive over, you can stop at Halona Blowhole and Sandy and Makapu’u Beaches for some of the most incredible blue water views you’ll ever see.



5. Waimanolo Beach Park - Beach activities beyond Waikiki Beach



For what I consider the best beach in the world, plan a day at Waimanolo Beach Park. It has beautiful, wide, white sand beaches, a constant breeze, great bodyboarding, and some of the most amazing aqua waters in the world. The best part: even when it’s "crowded," it’s still not crowded!





6. Great Food - Eat and relax with famous Hawaiian Oahu sunsets



If you’re tired of Waikiki’s chains and food that you can get at home anyway, try two Hawaii icons: The original Roy’s restaurant and Kona Brewing Company.Sure, there are six Roy’s locations in Hawaii and dozens more around the country, but only one is the original! (Tip: Come for a spectacular evening view as the sun sets over Diamond Head). Kona Brewing offers a selection of great island-inspired food and amazing Hawaii-brewed beers, with seasonal selections using ingredients ranging from ginger to coconut to Kona coffee.





Bonus: 7. Save Some Money on your Oahu vacation Beyond Waikiki!



Let’s be honest: Hawaii can be expensive, especially the "tourist" areas. Oahu areas beyond Waikiki offer a less-crowded, less-expensive option to have some great fun, see some amazing sites, and enjoy more of the beautiful people of Oahu - all for a little bit less money."



Much mahalo again, Jason, for your fun post about your favorite Oahu activities. Your Oahu activity photos are wonderful and enticing for Oahu visitors to give the activities a try when on Hawaii vacation.



So, dear Best Hawaii Vacation blog visitors, what is on the top of your list of 'Best Oahu Activities Beyond Waikiki'? Your favorite Oahu activity is wanted here. We are looking forward to your comments. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Affordable Hawaii Vacations



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Tags: Vacation activities for Oahu, Best Oahu activities

How to watch a meteor shower in Hawaii

Dear Best Hawaii Vacation blog visitors,

After celebrating our 5th Hawaii Blog birthday, we are happy to share another guest post with our Hawaii visitors. Hawaii will experience a special 'fireworks' in the night skies tomorrow, Friday night. Gerrit from BigIslandHawaiianVacation shares with you his Hawaii meteor shower guide:

Best Meteor Shower of the year in Hawaii

"Friday will be your best shot this year to see shooting stars burn in the Hawaiian night sky as the Delta Aquarids meteor shower reaches it peak.

Normally the mid-August Perseid meteor shower steals the show with on average up to 60 shooting stars per hour during its peak. This year however, the full moon will outshine all but the brightest of the Perseid Meteors, which forces those of us with a long wish list to turn to another shower.

Luckily, the Delta Aquarid meteor shower is a worthy contender. It may not be as active as the Perseids, but the peak of the Delta Aquarids coincides with the new moon coming Friday (July 29th). On top of that you will also be able to see the first of the Perseid meteors as the shower slowly starts building up to its (poorly visible) peak on August 13th. The combination of these two showers with the new moon make Friday the best night of 2011 to watch a meteor shower in Hawaii. Expect to see up to 15-30 shooting stars per hour against a clear and dark sky.

What are shooting stars or meteor showers

Meteor showers happen as Earth plows through the trail of debris that is left in the wake of a comet. Because our planet moves with the incredible speed of 90,000 miles/hour, all swept up particles quickly burn up in the atmosphere as a shooting star.

What is the best time to watch the meteor shower in Hawaii

You can see shooting stars during any time at night. However, you can see by far the most meteors after midnight. This has everything to do with the rotation of the Earth. Between midnight and sunrise Earth's rotation has brought you on the leading edge of our planet, and Earth can sweep up many more meteoroids!

How to watch a meteor shower in Hawaii

Comfortable meteor watching is best done with a reclining chair or a blanket to lie down on, because you will be looking up for a long time. Bring a pillow for your neck and find an as dark spot as possible. Once installed sit back, relax, and allow 15 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the darkness. As with all Meteor showers around the globe, the best time to watch the meteor shower in Hawaii is the early hours before dawn."

Much mahalo, Gerrit, for this guest post about meteor showers in Hawaii. Big Island visitors and everbody else who is preparing for watching the meteor shower tomorrow night in Hawaii, will find great tips on 'What to pack for watching the meteor shower in Hawaii' Don't forget your wish list when you are preparing for your long night out tomorrow. Make a wish or two or three...aloha, Pua HawaiiVacations
p.s.
Don't tell us your wishes but tell us when and where you watched a meteor shower in Hawaii.

Tags: Watch a meteor shower in Hawaii, Hawaii meteor showers

Hooray today is Best Hawaii Vacation's Birthday

and the lucky winner of our 5th Best Hawaii Vacation Blog birthday celebration is...

Sherie from Maui. Congratulations, Sherie, you won Keoki's 'Hawaii Easy Stretch DVD'. Just let us know your mailing address and we will be mailing you the DVD to Maui Hawaii as soon as possible. Stretch and relax with Keoki's DVD and keep visiting our Hawaii Vacation blog.





We would like to say 'mahalo' again to everybody who had joined our Hawaii Sweepstakes for 'Best Hawaii Vacation'. Best Hawaii Vacation blog starts today another year of blogging about Hawaii vacation. Please, come back for another blog visit to see what our next post will be about. Mahalo and aloha, Pua and Keoki Hawaii Vacations

Tags: Hawaii sweepstakes winner, winner Hawaii Stretch DVD

How to Win a Hawaii Stretch DVD?

Warm aloha to
our Best Hawaii Vacation blog followers, our Hawaii twitter friends and all the other Hawaii lovers. It's the time of the year to celebrate the birthday of our Hawaii blog. Our Best Hawaii Vacation Blog will be 5 years young on July 25th. That's five exciting years of blogging about Hawaii. Top Google ranked posts and a steadily increasing number of hundreds of daily blog visitors are a nice reward for all the work of love and aloha.

Well, a blog birthday is a good reason to celebrate with all our 'Best Hawaii Vacation' blog visitors and readers. Please, join our birthday celebration by leaving a short comment on this post 'How to win a Hawaii Easy Stretch DVD'. Just tell us what comes to your mind about the three magic words 'Best Hawaii Vacation'. Easy to do just as 'Hawaii Easy Stretch Body/Mind Relaxation' with Keoki.

How can you win Keoki's Hawaii Stretch DVD?

1.
Leave a comment which includes the three words 'Best Hawaii Vacation' in a sense making sentence or two. No advertising comments eligible. US + Canada comments only.

2.
This post is open for commenting + winning the DVD till 7/24/11. Sign in with Name/URL for extra traffic to your site (don't forget http://).

3.
Keoki and I will put the entries in a bowl and draw the lucky winner of Keoki's Hawaii 'Easy Stretch DVD' (value $25). Legal way excluded.

4.
After you left us a comment, email us the name you used for your comment, so we have your email address and may contact you by email in case your are the lucky winner of the DVD.

Ok the 'How to win a Hawaii Easy Stretch DVD' is on. Let's hear your 'Best Hawaii Vacation comment. Mahalo, Keoki & Pua HawaiiVacation

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Tags: Win a Hawaii Stretch DVD, Hawaii Sweepstakes

4th of July in Hawaii

Dear Best Hawaii Vacation visitors,
Are you in Hawaii for 4th of July and wonder how to celebrate your Independence Day in Hawaii? Hawaii 4th of July events are very popular among Hawaii visitors and residents alike with parades, festivals, BBQs and 4th of July fireworks all over the Hawaiian Islands.


A Hawaii 4th of July event on the Big Island celebrates a very different and unique independence. It's the independence of the Hawaiian green sea turtle! The turtle (honu in Hawaiian) is one of the attractions when snorkeling or scuba diving in warm Pacific ocean around the Hawaiian Islands. In order to keep it that way for many years to come, everything is done to preserve the Hawaiian green sea turtle.

This is what 'Turtle Independence Day' on the Big Island is all about. Mauna Lani Bay Hotel educates theirs guests and Hawaii visitors on the Kohala Coast on their daily 'fish tour' around the premises with wonderful tropical fish ponds offering baby sharks, sting rays, huge variety of tropical fish like humuhumunukunukuapua'a and...Hawaiian green sea turtle babies which had a home in those ponds for a few years till Turtle Independence Day get released into the ocean when they are three and four years old after growing up in the Honu Ponds at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows.


At 10:30am on 4th of July, the turtles will be gathered from the Honu ponds and paraded to the beach front for release into their new home, the vast Pacific Ocean. A welcome ceremony will start the event. What a wonderful Hawaii 4th of July event celebration with live entertainment and BBQ to save our Hawaiian wild life and celebrate Independence Day at the same time. Please, tell our visitors about your 4th of July in Hawaii. Happy Independence Day! Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Tags: 4th of July in Hawaii, Independence Day events

Win a trip to Hawaii with Hawaii T-shirt design contest

Dear Hawaii lovers,
A Hawaii fairy tale wedding is not in your plans or budget for this year, but you'd still love to visit Hawaii, the Hawaii T-shirt design might be perfect for you, provided you have a creative streak in you to design a Hawaii T-shirt for Hawaiian style Kettle Potato chips. We received this Press Release yesterday and decided to publish it because your entry could win you fame or/and a Free trip to Hawaii!

"The makers of Hawaiian® Kettle Style Potato Chips take great pride in the beautiful, original artwork on all of its packaging and now want to inspire consumers to create a new generation of art. From now through August 31, 2011, adult residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia are invited to submit an original design for a Hawaiian® Kettle Style Potato Chips t-shirt. The winning design will be made into a cool Hawaiian style t-shirt that people all over the country could be wearing!

“We want people to use the unique, colorful, tropical artwork that appears on the Hawaiian® Kettle Style Potato Chips packaging as inspiration for their own design,” says Terri Barberi, Brand Development Manager in the Specialty Foods Division of Pinnacle Foods Corp., marketers of the Hawaiian® brand. “What we’re looking for is original artwork that takes a nod from the designs we’ve created to bring the laid back feel and taste of Hawaii to life."

The 'Win a trip to Hawaii T-shirt' design contest for Hawaiian Kettle Chips has officially started May 15, 2011. You can submit your idea of an original Hawaiian t-shirt design by going to HawaiianBrandSnacks and clicking on the "Hot Hawaiian® T-Shirt Design Contest" banner. Entry deadline is August 31, 2011. Have fun designing your own Hawaii T-shirt for Hawaiian Kettle chips. Good luck everybody for winning a trip to Hawaii. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Tags: Win a Free trip to Hawaii, Hawaii T-shirt design contest

3 Best Tips for Getting Married in Hawaii

Aloha everybody,
There must be a getting married wedding frenzy out there after the entire world watched Prince William and Kate Middleton tying the knot in the most ever watched wedding event. You cannot blame all those want-to-be brides getting all excited about getting married to their prince of heart and wondering about their wedding gown and best location for their wedding. A Hawaii wedding is definitely the next best thing after getting married to a prince at Westminster Abbey.

Here are our 3 best tips for getting married in Hawaii

1. Choose your favorite Hawaiian Island for getting married in Hawaii

If you are a first time Hawaii visitors and don't have a favorite Hawaiian Island yet, make yourself familiar with the basic differences between the islands including climate differences on an individual island. Our recommendations for the best location for getting married in Hawaii are the all-year-round sunny white beaches of Kihei, Maui or the Kohala Coast, Hawaii Big Island.

2. Choose the best time for getting married in Hawaii

Of course, it would be wonderful to get married on a sunny beach in Hawaii at Christmas or New Year's as we did but we lived there and did not have to travel to Hawaii at peak season. You want to make sure that not only a few of your family and friends can afford a the trip to Hawaii. Hawaii travel is best and affordable in spring or fall months. You will enjoy the same sunny weather.

3. Plan your own wedding in Hawaii or employ a Hawaii wedding planner

That's probably a decision which is not easy to make. We know of great Hawaii wedding companies - also read our former posts about getting married in Hawaii - which can make your wedding in Hawaii easy on you and your family. They offer a great variety of Hawaii wedding packages meeting your budget and expectations. The above photo is courtesy of 'Romantic Beach Weddings'. Additionally, Hawaii hotels offer considerable room discounts for wedding party celebrations guests. Have you own 'Royal wedding' in Hawaii!

And guess what, if a Hawaii wedding isn't in your plans because you'd like to share your celebration of love with all your family and friends from near and far, have a unique honeymoon in Hawaii. Hawaii honeymoon packages may include a flower lei greetings with or without limo pick-up at the airport, champagne and pupus (appetizers) at your hotel room or honeymoon beach vacation home, a massage on the beach and...whatever else you and your loved one wish for on this special occasion.

Anybody who wants to chime in on 'getting married in Hawaii' tips? Our Best Hawaii Vacation blog visitors would love to hear from you. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

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Tags: 3 Best Getting Married in Hawaii, Hawaii wedding frenzy

Hawaii Vacation for Less 2011 Spring

Dear Hawaii travelers,

It's not too late to book a Hawaii vacation for Less when looking for a budget travel to Hawaii. As most of you know by now the best time to travel to Hawaii cheap is in Spring. Hawaii spring vacation 2011 is not any different. Check our Hawaii Vacation Rental budget deals which makes a Hawaii vacation for Less available to you:

Sunny Side Waimea Cottage from $95/nt. - 2011 Spring Special 'Hawaii for Less'

This Hawaii cottage is fully equipped (full kitchen) and at a private location with short 10-minute drive to Mauna Kea beach. Stay for less money at a nice cottage and save money for restaurant visits or other Hawaii activities, like a helicopter flight over an active volcano. Spring vacancies from 5/15/11at $95/nt. with 7-night booking. Sunny Side Waimea Cottage Kohala Coast Vacation Rental Cottage Near Best Beaches

Mauna Kea Views apartment from $95/nt. - 2011 Spring Special 'Hawaii for Less'


This Big Island Waimea 1Bd/1Ba vacation rental w/kitchen is at a private, peaceful vacation apartment overlooking an expansive green valley and spectacular Mauna Kea Mountain on the Big Island Waimea Apartment with Mauna Kea Views It's a short 5-minute drive to best restaurants and shopping in Waimea. Kohala Coast Beaches and Big Island adventures like Waipio Valley or Mauna Kea Summit are easily accessible. This Hawaii vacation spring special of $95/nt. applies to a weekly stay in May or June.

Waikoloa Golf Condo (Studio) from $100 - 2011 Spring Special 'Hawaii for Less'


This Waikoloa Golf course condo makes the dream of any passionate golfer for golfing in Hawaii come come true. The Waikoloa Golf Condo with full kitchen enjoys expansive ocean and beautiful sunset views is located directly on the beautiful Waikoloa Village Golf Course on the Big Island. A discounted 18 hole golf fee of $60 (including cart) is also available at the Waikoloa Golf Course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Beautiful Anaeho'omalu Beach is a short 10-min. drive away. The Golf Condo offers a great Spring Special at $100/nt. (dbl.)

Hawaii Puako Beach Apartment from $115/nt. - Puako Special all-year round

This Puako Apartment is right across from Beach 1Bd/1Ba Puako Vacation Apartment If it's just the two of you and you love the beach, this is as good as it gets with all the Puako rentals. $115/nt. this is your best deal Puako beach! It is currently still available for 6/20 - 6/30 + July. Enjoying all your meals outdoors in a tropical setting on your spacious private lanai. Puako is one of the most desired areas on the Kohala Coast. You can access the ocean right there across from Puako Puako Beach Drive or pack your beach stuff into the car and take a short 5-minute drive to Puako Beach 69 also called Wailea Bay.

Puako Condo 3Bd/2 Ba $145/nt. (4 pers.) - 2011 Spring Special 'Hawaii for Less'


Oceanfront Puako village has become one of the most desired Big Island vacation area with immediate beach access on the sunny west coast of Hawaii's Big Island, north of Kona on the Kohala Coast. This 3Bd/2Ba Puako condo is one of the rare ocean front Big Island vacation condos at the most affordable rate. 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. Puako vacation condo Stay at most desired Puako village across from beach at a price you can afford. Sorry guys, May is booked but there are nice vacancies for June + July 2011.

Kona Ocean View 2Bd/2Ba Vacation Condo with swimming pool from $110/nt.
2011 Spring Special 'Hawaii for Less'

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 in May + June. Believe me this is the best Kona condo rate for location + amenities!

Much mahalo for checking our 'Hawaii Vacation for Less Spring 2011'. The Hawaii vacation rental owners are waiting to hear from you and make your Hawaii budget vacation a dream come true this spring.

Well, and if you have more money to spend on your Hawaii accommodation this spring, there are luxury Kohala Coast vacation homes right on Puako beach or in our gated Kohala Coast communities like Kohala Ranch or Kohala by the Sea. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacation

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Hawaii Hula Festival Videos

A Komo Mai everybody,
At Best Hawaii Vacation Blog, we are proud of sharing big Hawaii events which keep Hawaiian traditions and culture alive with all our friends who are in love with Hawaii. Hawaii vacation is not only about white sand beaches, as we all know, but also about the Hawaiian culture which we experience everywhere on the islands. Aloha spirit and hula are the biggest part.

In the past, we wrote many posts about the meaning of hula and hula festivals in Hawaii. The Merrie Monarch Hula Festival on Hawaii Big Island is coming up for its 48th anniversary this 2011 Easter. Good reason to get you in the hula festival mood with our Hawaii Hula Festival videos.

For those who have not heard about the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, here is some basic information for Big Island visitors, who are in Hawaii and would like to visit Hilo for the Hula Festival this Easter. Merrie Monarch Festival is a non-profit organization that honors the legacy left by King David Kalakaua, who inspired the perpetuation of Hawaii traditions and culture, Hawaiian language and arts.

The week-long festival features an internationally acclaimed hula competition, a huge crafts fair, an amazing Hawaiian art show, a grand parade through Hilo town and last but not least, a three-day hula competition that has received worldwide recognition. This year's 2011 Merrie Monarch Festival takes place April 24-30, 2011.

In preparation of this Hawaii Hula Festival blog I perused many hula videos on youtube including some of the older Merrie Monarch Festivals. Enjoying all thess hula videos, the chants and songs, beautiful Hawaiian style costumes and the special sounds of Hawaiian music, I came across the following video by the Polynesian Cultural Center's about hula shows at Moanikeala Festival. I was so impressed by it that I decided to post it here.

Most impressive of this Hawaii hula festival video was for me that hula is a dance of all generations from the youngest keiki to the older generation. Please, enjoy this huge variety of hula dances.



We close our Hawaii Hula Festival post with a video from the 2008 Merrie Monarch Festival presenting Halau Hula Olana, which shows the grace, the love, the beauty and the commitment of the Hawaiian wahine in their hula performance.



Let us know what you think about these Hawaii hula videos and of course your experience with the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival. Mahalo and aloha, Pua

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Hawaii Ohana Blogs

Hawaii Ohana Blogroll

Best Hawaii Vacation Blog is proud of sharing its Hawaii Ohana Blogs with our visitors. Hawaii visitors are well aware of the meaning and the importance of the word 'ohana' (in Hawaiian 'family') in the Hawaiian culture of old and NOW.


Ever since we started our 'Best Hawaii Vacation Blog' in July 2006, we emphasized the connection with kindred-spirit-minded Hawaii blogs, which are sharing their love and aloha for Hawaii, its land and its people with our Hawaii visitors.

Here is our Hawaii Blogroll reflecting an abundance of Hawaii vacation related information. Hawaii visitors, please, see for yourselves. Hawaii blog owners, who are not yet part of our 'Best Hawaii Vacation' ohana blogroll, tell us about your Hawaii blog and join our Hawaii Ohana Blogs.
You may also visit us on Twitter. Hawaii Vacation tweets are are favorites. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Hawaii Blogs and Hawaii Resources

Beat of Hawaii
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Best Hawaiian Music NOW
Conservation Hawaii
Go Hawaii
Hawaii Vacation All Islands
Hawaii Vacation Gifts
Hawaii Youtube Videos
Online Highways Hawaii
Sexy Ladies of Hawaii
The Right Blue

Hawaii Big Island Blogs

Big Island Vacation
Big Island Video News
Kona Scuba Diving
True Aloha Hawaii Blog

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Kauai Vacation Rentals

Hawaii Blogs Maui

A Maui Blog
Hawaii Maui Vacation Rentals
Kaanapali Dreamin
Maui Vacation Blog
Maui Vacation Condo Rentals
One week on Maui

Hawaii Blogs Oahu

Homespun Honolulu

Blogs Beyond Hawaii

Entertainment Blogs

Health Blogs

Best Price Hawaii Stretch Video

Life Lessons

Joe Duck

Vacation Blogs

Best Travel Websites Travel Directory
Vacation on Olympic Peninsula

Tags: Blogging Hawaii, Hawaii blogs

2011 Hawaii volcano eruption videos

The world's most active volcano is erupting again!

I remember in the late 70ies when Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano erupted. It was a very similar scenario to the msnbc.com Hawaii Volcano Eruption Video shown during the nightly show with Brian Williams and displayed on MSN.


Back thirty years ago, it was also the East Rift zone that erupted. We were able to drive our car and park along a road close-by to the lava flow. The eruption was maybe 300yards away, with a curtain of lava, very similar to the video, shooting lava over 100 feet into the air with the curtain extending far a distance of more than 200 yards. Just to stand there and watch the most active volcano on earth, spewing red hot molten lava and listening to the sound as if a jet engine is ready to take off but never does, that is deeply embedded in my mind, never to be forgotten.

Big Island visitors' numbers have considerably increased according to 'US Today Travel' due to the dramatic Hawaii volcano eruption. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park recommends Big Island volcano visitors to get maps, photos, Webcam views, and other information about Kilauea Volcano on the official Hawaii Volcano website. Currently the 'Chain of Craters' Road, East Rift Zone and the campground in Volcanoes Park are closed for visitors. Big Island visitors may get a daily update on the volcano's activity and road closures by phone at (808) 967-8862.

If you are interested in more information about our Hawaii Kilauea Volcano history and the current 2011 eruption, visit 'Big Island Video News' - best source for daily Big Island video news -, which actually just published today interesting information about the 'Man behind global Hawaiian Volcano eruption video' I guess we all, including msnbc.com, have to give him huge credit for this amazing 'Hawaii Volcano Eruption Video".

Any comments from recent Hawaii Volcanoes Park visitors are most welcome. Mahalo and aloha, Keoki and Pua Hawaii Vacation

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Tags: 2011 Hawaii Volcano Eruption Video

Which Hawaiian Beach photo do you like best?

Hawaii Beach Bums Wanted,
At least, their personal opinion about Hawaii beach photos!

When visiting the Hawaiian Islands and asking our Best Hawaii Vacation blog visitors why they prefer Hawaii for their vacation destination and NOT Mexico or California or Phoenix the majority of visitors will tell us, the answer is the Hawaiian Beaches on clear turquoise ocean waters of the Pacific Ocean. There is a never ending discussion going on among Hawaii visitors and residents which one is the best Hawaiian beach. Hawaii Beach photos it is TODAY!

After our most recent post of Best Big Island Beaches Youtube Videos, we decided to stay with the theme and asked our Hawaiian ohana from different Hawaiian Islands for their best Hawaii Beach photos. We received a very unique selection of Hawaii beach photos. We are proud of sharing our friends' Best Hawaii Beach photos'. You will find out very fast that they are very unique, beautiful but each one is very personal and reflecting the photographers relation with the Hawaiian Islands and its beaches.

Best Hawaii Beach Photos Oahu, Maui and Molokai

Special 'Mahalo' goes to Brigitte from 'Be Back Hawaii' who submitted the following Hawaii beach photos of Beaches on Oahu, Maui and Molokai.

Waimanalo Beach Photos Oahu

Napili Bay Beach Photos Maui



Molokai Papahaku Beach Photos

Best Hawaii Beach Photos Big Island Kona

Barbara from 'Kona Ocean View' took these unique photos of Big Island beaches on the Kona side of the Big Island. Enjoy photos with views of Kona Beaches.

Kukio Beach Photo Kona Big Island

Photo of famous Kahaluu Beach in Kona


Another Photo City of Refuge Snorkel Beach

Another photo City of Refuge snorkel beach

Best Hawaii Beach Photos Big Island South Point + Punaluu Beach

Each time Big Island visitors are at awe when they see the Green Sands Beach at South Point and beautiful Black sand beaches on big Island's East Coast. Missie from 'Big Island Cottage' shares some rare and unique photos of Green Sands and Black sands beaches with you.

Best Hawaii Beach Photo Kohala Coast

When taking best Hawaii beach photos on the Kohala Coast, it's mostly Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea beach photos. Barry Rose from 'Waiaka Homestead' shows a beach photo of Puako's Wailea Bay beach, also called Beach 69 among locals, which is claiming more attention among Kohala Coast Big Island visitors for its unique beauty, privacy and easy access.


Hope you enjoyed those Hawaiian beach photos just as we did. Please, let us know which of our Hawaii beach photos gets your vote as 'My Best Hawaii Beach Photo'. Looking forward to hearing from you. More personal Hawaii Beach photos are welcome. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations
p.s.
If you are interested to use any of these Hawaii beach photos on your own Hawaii website, please, be aware that these photos are copyright material. So please ask the site owners for permission to use a certain photo from our blog post,and in most cases you will get it when you refer to your Hawaii beach photo owner's site.

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Best Big Island Beaches Youtube Videos

Dear Hawaii visitors who are NOT in Hawaii this winter,
Everybody who is in Hawaii right now or will be there soon, will tell you that the white sand beaches are the best part of their Hawaii vacation. So let's give everybody a taste of the Hawaiian Islands with some great Big Island beach videos, which I found on youtube when preparing this post. Remember pictures or videos speak a thousand words.

Best Big Island Beaches



'Best Big Island Beaches' by Steve are nicely done Hawaii beach videos. The order of beaches wouldn't be my personal choice of Big Island beaches but that's all in the eye of the beholder. Actually, my personal #1 Big Island Beach, Mauna Kea Beach or Kauna'oa Beach, is not even featured in Best Big Island Beaches. My post 'Best Big Island Beach' tells you more about Mauna Kea Beach. You can get nice glimpses of Mauna Kea Beach on Kohala Coast Beaches or watch the following Mauna Kea Beach youtube video.

Views at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel



Looking forward to your comments on YOUR 'Best Big Island Beaches'. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations
p.s.
By the way, don't be too tough on Steve regards his pronunciation of the Hawaiian beach names. Admittedly, he could have asked some locals to tell him but hey he did a good job with his Best Big Island Beach videos.

Tags: Best Big Island Beaches, Big Island beach youtube videos

Cherry Blossom Festival in Hawaii

A Komo Mai 'Best Hawaii Vacation blog' visitors,
As all of you know monthly events are plentiful in Hawaii. Hawaii visitors to the Kohala Coast on the Big Island have to choose from a lot of events in the Kohala Coast event calendar for February. Admitted, February events are not the big national events like the Big Island Triathlon in Kona or the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival in Hilo. However, there are lots of local area events in Hawaii, which came to life through their residents and their different cultural background and traditions.

One of those traditions is the Cherry blossom festival in Hawaii. Honolulu's Cherry Blossom Festival has a long tradition and offers lots of events for Hawaii visitors and residents alike all the way through February and March as long as the cherry blossoms are blooming.

And yes they are blooming not just in Honolulu but also in upcountry Waimea on the Big Island. Each year an abundance of cherry tree blossoms are blooming in Church Row attracting with their beauitiful pink colors and wonderful scent. The Japanese residents of Waimea and Big Islanders from all over will come to Waimea to celebrate the blossoming of the cherry trees on Church Row Park, just east of KTA shopping center on Saturday, the 5th of Februray.

The tradition of flower viewing of cherry trees has it roots in Japanese culture, but has become a tradition across the U.S. to celebrate the unofficial arrival of spring. There is even a National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. to commemorate the gift of cherry trees from Japan in 1912.

Those planning to attend the Waimea Cherry Blossom Festival will be able to view a Japanese bon dance, taiko drumming and Cherry blossom art. Waimea also has two very extensive Farmers markets providing fruits, veggies and prepared foods for those with a hearty appetite. This year's event pays tribute to master lei and kapa maker Marie McDonald, and Milton Yamasaki.

During the 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. festival, a host of activities will take place from the Parker Ranch Historic Homes on Mamalahoa Hwy. 190 to the Hawaiian Homestead Farmer's Market on Hwy. 19. Enjoy Japanese and multi-cultural performing arts, plus demonstrations of bonsai, origami, tea ceremony and mochi pounding and a wonderful craft fair.

Hope you can make it to the Cherry Blossom in Honolulu or Waimea. If you do, let us know what you liked best at this year's Cherry Blossom Festival in Hawaii. Photos of the cherry blossom trees in Hawaii are most welcome too. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

How to Move to Hawaii with your Pets

Best wishes for the New 2011 Year to all of our Best Hawaii Vacation blog visitors! May all your dreams, like moving to Hawaii for good, come true!

The 2011 Hawaii real estate market is still a great buyer's market with great prices, far below the 2005 high, so thoughts of moving to Hawaii can become a reality instead of being a dream. A big part of 'Moving to Hawaii' plans has been and still is for many families the question 'How to move the pets to Hawaii?' Generally, moving pets to Hawaii has become so much easier in recent years with the 5-day or less program. Erick from Royal Hawaiian Movers joins us today with his guest author article about:

How to move to Hawaii with your pets

"Moving to Hawaii can be a rewarding experience, but transporting all of your belongings from the mainland to the Aloha State can leave you with a bit of a headache, especially when you have to consider all the restrictions and special sanctions that apply to certain things you might want to ship… like your pets. If you have dogs, cats or other animals that you wish to take with you when you make the move, it’s a good idea to read up on the current restrictions by the State of Hawaii that apply to shipping pets to Hawaii. Here’s some of the basic info you need to know.

Hawaii’s Animal Quarantine

Hawaii has a special animal quarantine program that was put in place in 1912 to prevent the entry of rabies into the state of Hawaii. Historically, Hawaii has always been a rabies-free state, having had no indigenous cases of the disease. In an effort to maintain this status, the state’s Department of Agriculture instituted an animal quarantine that applies to dogs, cats and all other carnivores that could potentially carry the disease.

The quarantine requires that all animals to which it applies be properly inspected and qualified before entering Hawaii. Pets can be released directly from the airport if the owner follows the required procedures before the pet’s arrival. If not, the procedures must be done before the pet may be released. It usually takes about four months to test and qualify an adult pet, as various vaccinations and inspections are needed. Qualifying a newborn kitten or puppy for Hawaii’s quarantine program can take 10 months or more.

Exceptions

If you’re moving from the continental United States to Hawaii, the quarantine applies to your pets. The only exceptions that are made are for animals that come from other rabies-free areas of the world or from places where rabies prevention and control protocols are as strict as or stricter than Hawaii’s protocols. "

Mahalo again Erick for your input on the pet quarantine program. We hope that everybody who wants to know how to move with pets to Hawaii found some valuable information in our 'Moving pets to Hawaii' post. Even though moving your pets to Hawaii has become so much easier on the pets and the pet owners, it still takes a lot of filling out the right paperwork, following the correct procedures and paying the necessary fees, when you want to take advantage of the 5-day or pick up at the airport program.

Moving to Hawaii is a huge step by itself, so maybe you want to get some help from a company who is familiar with the necessary steps to move your pets. It can't hurt to contact a pet relocation service like AKonaPet, which I found in preparation for this post.

Your comments about how you moved to Hawaii with your pets are most welcome by us and our Hawaii blog visitors. Mahalo, Pua Hawaii Vacations

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