Best Big Island Hiking 2

Dear Hawaii lovers,

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

p.s.

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

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

Best Hawaii Sunset Photos

Dear Best Hawaii Vacation visitors,

Our last post 'June is the month of Hawaii sunsets' and our call for your best Hawaii sunset photos triggered a nice response with beautiful Hawaii sunset photos. Without any further ado, here is our display of unique Hawaii sunset photos with information about the Hawaii location and the person who took the sunset photo:

Hawaii Sunset Photos in Kailua Kona Big Island Hawaii

These very unique Hawaii sunset photos were taken by Barbara the owner of Kona Ocean View.










Hawaii Sunset Photo Kealakekua

This sunset photo was taken by Viviane the owner of Bellevue Kona Bed and Breakfast


Hawaii Sunset Photo in North Kohala Hawaii Big Island

This sunset photo in Mahukona was taken by Bobi the owner of Kohala Coast Adventures


Hawaii Sunset Photos South Kohala Coast

These Hawaii sunset photos were taken by Kalia the owner of Hale O Pueo in Kohala Estates.






Hawaii Sunset photo Puako Beach

This photo was taken by Bruce the owner of Hale Hoaloha Puako condo



Hawaii Sunset photos Waikoloa South Kohala

These photos were taken by Andy and Diana from Hale O Malia in Waikoloa




Hawaii sunset photo Wood Valley East Coast

This photo was taken by Missie from Big Island cottage in Wood Valley

Hawaii Sunset Photo Maui

This photo was taken by Julie the owner of Ka Hale Ulu Wehi O'Maui


Hawaii Sunset Photo East Coast

This Hawaii sunset photo was taken by John the owner of Kohala Gallery

What a wonderful way to end our display of Best Hawaii Sunset Photos. Much mahalo again to everybody who submitted a Hawaii sunset photo.

We are certain that we are not the only people who love those sunset photos from Hawaii. If you are interested to use any of these photos on your Hawaii website, please, be aware that the Hawaii sunset photos are copyright material. In most cases when you ask the site owners for permission to use a certain photo, you will get it, especially when you mention your sunset photo source.

To everybody else who enjoyed the photos, let us know which of our Hawaii sunset photos gets your vote as 'My Best Hawaii Sunset Photo'. Looking forward to your comments. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

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Get a Taste of your Big Island Vacation with Big Island Photos
June is the month for sunsets in Hawaii

Tags: Best Hawaii sunset photos, sunset photos in Hawaii

June is the month for sunsets in Hawaii

Dear Best Hawaii vacation blog visitors,
Let's take a short break between posts about best Big Island hiking. Hiking Pololu Valley as our 'Best Big Island Hiking' suggestion, did gather momentum soon. So for all those passionate Hawaii island hikers, our next hiking tip for the Big Island is coming soon.

When our friend Bill Jardine, long time realtor on the Big Island, came up with another one of his wonderful articles about Hawaii, written with love and passion for the islands and writing skills I envy him for, I could not resist to publish it right NOW:

June is the month for sunsets in Hawaii

"There are sunsets every night. Actually, scientists might remind us that there are "horizon rises" every night, but I prefer the idea that the sun is going down rather than the horizon rising up, hurling me backward into the night at over 1,000 miles per hour! The thing with sunsets is that the ones with the ocean on the bottom have been glorified to the point that the other sunsets just don’t get the attention they deserve. The classic ocean sunset is indeed gorgeous but, really, kind of boring too.


Here on the Island we get plane loads of folks from the mainland who are dreaming of sitting on their very own lanai and watching the horizon gradually rise up to block the sun. Perhaps they will match the ruby red wine in their glass with the rosy western afterglow as the canopy of stars spreads far above. Before long the edge of the great Milky Way will be obvious, stretching across the heavens from upper right to lower left. Perhaps with subsequent glasses of wine they will toast the great good fortune that has guided them to this blessed place in the middle of the vast North Pacific. Indeed, it is a blessing, and we who have been able to spend our lives in all this beauty are way beyond lucky.

Ours is a very special view at sunset, because the rush toward dusk sets the mountains glowing with bright blades of gold before rendering their great flanks a warm burgundy against the gathering darkness in the eastern sky. Flocks of Warbling Silverbills fly like notes of a symphony into the shelter of the Koa trees.


We enjoy views of great, sunny pastures which are home to cattle and wild donkeys and goats who revel in the fresh trade winds that ruffle their coats and sweep away the flying insects seeking to climb aboard. In the distance are the three great mountains, Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and Hualalai, gathering cloaks of afternoon rain along their western slopes. They are intensely beautiful and seem to have personalities of their own when the sun sets over the ocean and shows its reflections on the majestic volcanoes."

As soon as I was writing Bill's article about Hawaii sunsets, I was wondering what fun it would be to collect Hawaii sunset photos from residents or Hawaii visitors. If you have one of those special Hawaii sunset, feel free to email it to us with your short description where in Hawaii you took the sunset photo. Maybe, if we get enough photos, I can publish your photos in a special "Best Hawaii Sunset Photos". I can't wait to hear from you. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations
p.s.
As a start with Hawaii sunset photos, here is my contribution.

Tags: Hawaii sunset photos, best Hawaii sunsets

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