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Golfing in Oahu

January 30th, 2008 by jamie a

Golfing in OahuGolf Course in Oahu Photo uploaded by jackfrench

If you’re looking to play a few rounds of golf during your Hawaiian jaunt, Aloha-Hawaii.com published a great article on the courses available in Oahu.

From the Ala Wai Golf Course in Waikiki to the Turtle Bay Resort Golf Club on the North Shore, the island offers courses with amazingly sculptured formations along with impeccable greens-keeping. If you’re up for adventure, be sure and check out one of the many courses on the island, many of which have been hosts to the PGA tour and multitudes of professional golfers.

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A Guide to Beaches in Hawaii

January 28th, 2008 by jamie a

Waikiki Beach OahuWaikiki Beach Photo Uploaded by phault

The How-To Travel Guru Jim Gullo recently posted an article entitled “Know Your Hawaii Beaches,” a guide to the conditions and environments on a number of sandy shores.

The winter brings varying conditions to all Hawaii’s beaches, and it’s important to know which ones are safe for the non-experienced beach-goers. Jim says that “North Beach, Pipeline, and other great North Shore beaches are strictly for pros right now…the exception to this is Waimea Bay Beach Park, which has a nice, protected lagoon where kids can safely splash around…”

Before jetting off to the islands, be sure to check out Jim’s article. It’s a great first-hand view for travelers to read, as well as a great resource that explains Hawaii’s beaches during the winter season.

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Birds of Oahu

January 25th, 2008 by jamie a

oahu-bird.jpgAn Albatross on Oahu Photo uploaded by rjones0856

Besides the stunning botanical wonders that surround you, Oahu also boasts an extensive population of all kinds of birds. From marine birds to urban dwellers, keep your eyes open for these amazing creatures!

You’ll most likely stumble upon an Albatross, soaring above the beach. Whether it be a Laysan, Black-Footed, or Short-Tailed, they’ll be gliding effortlessly through the air with their whistle-like voice.

If you’re traveling to Kilauea Point, you may be lucky enough to see a Red-Tailed Tropicbird, diving into the water to catch fish and squid. These birds are hard to spot, so it might be best to bring binoculars. There’s also the Masked Booby, the Red-Footed Booby, and the Brown Booby which also plunge into the water to catch their lunch.

You’ll see birds uncommon to tropical climates like the Canada Goose and Mallards, who had the same idea as you by jetting off to the islands for the winter months!

While in the country, try and spot a Nene, the state bird of Hawaii. This medium-sized goose likes to hang around golf courses, grasslands, and lowlands. Its caw is much like the Canada Goose or the ‘moo’ of a cow, surprisingly, so you’ll probably hear one before you see it.

Finally, there’s the ‘I’Iwi, a tiny bright scarlet bird with a salmon-colored curled beak. Its feathers were commonly used in featherwork and it was also sung about in many ancient chants, making the bird a legend of the islands.

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Hawaiian Valentine Celebrations

January 21st, 2008 by susan j

Hawaii weddingRomantic walk along the beach in Hawaii Photo uploaded by ewen and donabel

TheHoneymoon.com lists Hawaii as one of its top romantic destinations for 2008. For all you love birds celebrating Valentine’s Day Hawaiian-style, we’ve put together a list of things to do on the island of Oahu this February 14.

For starters, there’s a Valentine’s Day Moonlight Cruise aboard the Navatek. The Pupu Menu includes bacon-wrapped scallions, shrimp kebobs, chocolate fondue, and more. Oahu Cityguide also lists 10 Romantic Restaurants for the big day.

Another option is the Hawaiian vow renewal ceremony being offered by the Outrigger Reef and Outrigger Waikiki. This ceremony is inspired by an ancient Hawaiian custom called Ho-ao Pa’a, which binds man and woman together in a lasting union. This event is free to guests staying at the two hotels, and sign-ups begin on January 14.

Wherever your travels take you this February, we hope your Valentine’s Day is filled with love and affection!

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Free Wifi in Hawaii

January 18th, 2008 by susan j

Laptop on a beach
Computer on a beach
Photo uploaded by Scott Ableman

Call me crazy, but one of the first things I researched when the S.O. and I began planning a trip to Hawaii was places where I could find free wifi. Even being surrounded by gorgeous volcanic views and pristine sandy beaches, I knew that ten days without email or NYTimes.com would be testing the limits of my sanity. For those who are as computer-dependent as I am, I’ve put together a little primer on wifi so you can reap the benefits of my research, too.

You won’t have to look far for wifi, because Gate 13 at Honolulu Airport has free wifi. Once you leave the airport, you have several internet options in Waikiki, Honolulu, and the surrounding area. In Honolulu, the city provides free wireless internet access in several areas (find the hotspots on the city’s website). The entire Aqua Wave Hotel and Resort is also wired for internet. Just east of Honolulu in Waikiki, Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand and the Coconut Cafe offer free wifi, too. Sharks Cove Grill in Haleiwa is another internet option.

View the complete list of wireless spots in Hawaii, including hotspots in Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island, on the Free Wifi Directory.

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Oahu Weather Report for Week of 1/18

January 17th, 2008 by susan j

The weather forecast for the coming week on Oahu is looking warm and sunny. Here’s the scoop, courtesy of Weather.com:

Friday, January 18
Mostly sunny with high of 77, low of 66

Saturday, January 19
Mostly sunny with a high of 77, low of 68

Sunday, January 20
Partly cloudy with a high of 79, low of 69

Monday, January 21
Sunny with a high of 79, low of 68

Tuesday, January 22
Sunny with a high of 77, low of 69

Wednesday, January 23
Mostly sunny with a high of 77, low of 68

Thursday, January 24
Mostly sunny with a high of 77, low of 68

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Merrie Monarch Festival

January 16th, 2008 by jamie a

hula
Hula Dancers
Photo uploaded by ronardis

The week-long Merrie Monarch Hula Festival returns to the Hilo Civic Center this year from March 30 - April 5, 2008 (Hilo is on the Big Island, not Oahu, but Hawaiian Airlines offers short and very affordable flights between islands). The festival was founded 40 years ago in an effort to promote the art of hula. Named the world’s premier hula forum, this festival has led to a renaissance of Hawaiian culture.

In addition to hula performances, there will also be a wide variety of art, craft fairs, demonstrations, and a parade that exemplifies the culture of Hawaii. You can also check out the Miss Aloha Hula Competition or pop in to the three-day hula competition of both modern and ancient styles of hula. If you’d like to check out these events, they do require tickets, but the rest of the festivities are free.

This is a fantastic way to experience Hawaiian culture at its best, so be sure and make it part of your visit to the islands!

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Hawaiian Eye Hangout

January 15th, 2008 by jamie a

Hilton’s Hawaiian Village
Hilton’s Hawaiian Village

Photo uploaded by hellochris

Fellow blogger Mary Jo over at Fly Away Cafe, recently posted about checking out Hilton’s Hawaiian Village to grab a drink at their famous Shell Bar. The bar, featured in the “Hawaiian Eye” television series that ran from 1959- 1963, was a favorite hangout of the main characters.

The crime fighting detectives from Honolulu used to hang out at the bar once an episode since they had an office there and were house detectives at the Hawaiian Village Hotel. Most of the show was filmed in Los Angeles, but the Shell Bar was the basis for their fictional hangout. If you were a fan of the show, this is a must-see stop on your trip!

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Kumu Kahua Theatre

January 14th, 2008 by jamie a

To learn more about the people of Hawaii and their culture, head over to Kumu Kahua Theatre, which specializes in “Plays about life in Hawaii…Plays by Hawaii’s playwrights…Plays for Hawaii’s people.”

Their latest endeavor is an adaptation of the book Pele Ma: Legends of Pele from Kaua`i by Frederick Wichman into a play entitled Pele Ma, which will be playing January 10- February 10. The play brings the undercurrents of Hawaiian legends to life.

It plays Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. Get a true taste of the islands through folktale and theatre, through the eyes of the Hawaiian people.

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Oahu’s Chinese New Year Celebration!

January 11th, 2008 by jamie a

 

Oahu dragon
Good Luck Chinese Dragon
Photo uploaded by miszbabykiss

Home to many Chinese immigrants, Oahu’s Chinatown is a bustling hub of Asian culture. During the month of February, the Chinese New Year Celebration is in full swing with a parade, a pageant, narcissus festival, music, and delicious treats. The entire schedule can be viewed here for specific times and locations.

To kick off the celebration, the Mayor’s press conference is today, January 11, serving as the official start of the festivities. It will be held at Honolulu Hale at 10:30 am. To follow, there’s the United Chinese Coalition at the Chinatown Cultural Plaza on January 18 & 19 as well as the 25th and 26th.

On Friday, February 1, guests can attend First Friday Arts as well as an open house to Chinatown, sponsored by the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce. The Chinese New Year celebration runs from February 1-2 at the Chinatown Cultural Place culminating in a parade on February 2nd at 4 pm.

Finish off the festivities with “Night in Chinatown” after the parade, running until 10:30 pm. It’s sure to be a great time for everyone, promoting cultural understanding and celebrating Oahu’s rich Chinese heritage.

 

 

 

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