Monday, June 28, 2010

Not your usual Hawaii accommodation options

Here are four alternate Hawaii accommodations for visitors and residents to consider when booking a trip to the islands or a staycation.  Each offers a different option on a different island:  boutique hotel, charming B & B, vacation home and new resort hotel.


PAIA INN (Maui)

Located in the heart of charming Paia Town and just steps away from a 3 mile stretch of beautiful white sand beach, Paia Inn is a hip boutique hotel on the gorgeous Northshore of Maui. 

The Paia Inn is celebrating their 2nd Anniversary!!  Rates available from $189 per night.  For more information, visit www.PaiaInn.com or call 1-800-721-4000. 


MANOA VALLEY INN (Oahu)

Calling all Lost fans – although the series is pau (finished) here’s a chance to stay at Manoa Valley Inn in Honolulu where three scenes of Lost were filmed and where the film crew stayed for nearly two weeks. 

Current special going on rooms from $85 per night includes breakfast, parking, access to pool, and beautiful views. 

Visit hawaii.mydestinationinfo.com/en/manoa-valley-inn for more info.



HAWAII PARADISE SUITE (Hawaii Island)
 
Stay in Hilo, Hawaii just minutes from the beach starting at just $79 a night at Hawaii Paradise Suite

Luxury B&B Special for just $119 per night for a couple. Enjoy native Hawaiian gardens, a lovely pool with outdoor stereo system, and a full service entertainment area featuring a karaoke machine! 

Visit hawaii.mydestinationinfo.com/en/hawaii-paradise-suite for more info.



KOA KEA RESORT (Kauai)

Koa Kea Hotel & Resort debuted on April 14, 2009 following a multi-million dollar reconstruction.  

The luxury resort is situated on Poipu Beach, on the south coast of Kauai and provides guests with immediate access to one of Hawaii’s most exclusive beaches.  

The resort offers 121 spacious guestrooms and suites, all with a private lanai.  Current “Isle See You at Poipu” special offers garden view rooms for $299 per night.  

For more information, visit www.koakea.com. More on this later.




Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Top 5 reasons to vacation this summer at an Outrigger Condominium Resort in Hawai‘i


Here is a short list from Outrigger on why we should p\lan a vacation staying at one of their condos:


1
Room to get comfortable and make yourself right at home.

2
Kitchens to create yummy dishes with locally-grown produce procured from Hawaii’s bountiful farmers’ markets.

3
Washers/dryers to keep your beach garments clean.

4
Oahu. Maui. Kauai. Big Island. Great locations to explore Hawaii’s rich, tropical surroundings.

5
Scorchin’ hot deals at all resorts in the Outrigger Condominium Collection.

Sampling of their neighbor island condos:



Outrigger Hawaii Condominium Collection Best Available Rates From $119 cannot be combined with other offers. Rates are in U.S. Dollars. Subject to availability and change. Restrictions may apply. Taxes are not included.

For current deals, click here 


Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Dad’s Special day … part deux

Dad’s Special day … part deux

Nobu Waikiki announces new (under $10) happy hour cocktails and tapas menu

Nobu Waikiki, located at the Waikiki Parc Hotel and celebrated for its Peruvian-inspired delicacies is pleased to announce a new happy hour cocktail and tapas menu available in its bar and lounge. The new happy hour features Nobu signature dishes, tapas-style, each for $10 or less. Drinks specials are available Sunday through Thursday, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and Nobu-style tapas are available anytime during restaurant business hours. The new menu features the following:

SPECIALTY COCKTAILS - $8
(5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Bar and Lounge Only.)

  • Matsuhisa Martini
    Ketel One Vodka, Hokusetsu Sake, cucumber Garnish
  • Liliko’i Margarita Tequila, orange liqueur, fresh passion fruit & fresh lime juice.
  • Japanese Cucumber-White Peach Sangria Refreshing pear, peach, cucumber & wine cocktail
  • R.I.A. Fruit infused Sparkling Cocktail
  • Champagne 95 Orange brandy, crème de peche, pineapple & Champagne
  • Lychee Martini Ketel One vodka & fresh lychee juice

Select Wines by the Glass. $7
Ketel One and Ketel Citroen Drinks, $7
Heineken, Asahi and Chang, $4

NOBU-STYLE TAPAS
(Available anytime during restaurant hours. Bar and Lounge Only.)

Cold Tapas
  • Uni Mojito Shooter, $6
  • Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno, $9
  • Oysters Choice of Sauce (min 3 per order), $3
  • Whitefish Tiradito,  $9
  • Nobu Tacos-Tuna, Salmon or Crab (min 2 per order), $4
  • Salmon Poke, $8
  • Kampachi Sashimi with Agua De Chile, $7
  • Scallop Poisson Cru,  $9
  • Lobster Ceviche, $10
  • Whitefish Dry Miso, $10

Hot Tapas
  • Edamame, $4
  • Shishito Peppers, $5
  • Black Cod Butter Lettuce Cups, $8
  • Wagyu Foie Gras Gyoza (3 Per Order), $10
  • Rock Shrimp Tempura, $10
  • Scallop Jalapeno Salsa., $10
  • Steamed Clams with Pancetta, Kale and Dashi  $9
  • Koroke with Creamy Aji Amarillo, $8
  • Chicken Anticucho or Kushiyaki Skewers (2 Per Order), $8
  • Beef Anticucho or Kushiyaki Skewers, $10

DESSERT, $8
Pistachio Affogato:   Pistachio Gelato, Espresso, Praline Cremoso and Financier Crisps                               

Availability subject to change upon special events and holidays. Available only in the bar and lounge, no exceptions.

Nobu Waikiki Hours of Operation
Dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday through Saturday. The Lounge at Nobu is open from 5:00 p.m. – midnight nightly. Beachwear is prohibited. Valet is available at Waikiki Parc Hotel’s Helumoa porte-cochere.  Reservations available at (808) 237-6999


Sunday, June 13, 2010

Jurassic Falls - by Island Helicopters


Don't tell but, I’m a chicken about flying in general so I haven’t tried a helicopter tour yet ... however, I know a lot of folks that have done it and rave about them.  The great feature of taking a tour by helicopter is that you often get to see and visit places not accessible by any other means.  I guess I'm really missing out here.

On Kauai, there is a special helicopter tour that lets you experience something that landlubbers cannot plus also offers an excellent flight tour of the island.

Jurassic Falls” Waterfall Landing Tour it is the most elite tour offered by Island Helicopters.  Passengers experience the incredible beauty and force of a 400 ft. waterfall – made famous in “Jurassic Park” – which only accessible by helicopter because of its location deep in one of Kauai’s interior valleys. 

The journey begins at the Lihue Airport where you will board one of the new AStars equipped with ceiling to floor glass windows and doors and BoseX noise canceling stereo headsets. 

  • After flying over several very scenic areas, you head on to Manawaiopuna Falls, better known as “Jurassic Falls”.   
  • After landing near the base of the waterfall, your pilot guides you along an existing trail and footbridge to the front of the waterfall where you have the opportunity to take photos or just enjoy the experience.  
  • You will then be guided back to the aircraft and once you have lifted off the ground, the tour resumes with the signature tour, “Kauai Grand”, Kauai’s most personalized deluxe 50-60 minute helicopter circle island tour of Kauai.  

Note:  The waterfall landing tour is not available on Sundays and seating is limited daily, so advance reservations are required. 

Island Helicopters is very pleased to offer kamaaina a $100 discount off the regular rate of their tours (with proof of residency). 

Call toll free at 1-800-829-5999 for reservations.


Island Helicopters has been providing deluxe helicopter tours from the Kauai airport for over 30 years. 

For more information, visit http://www.islandhelicopters.com/

For more information on Kauai, visit www.kauaidiscovery.com




Thursday, June 10, 2010

Kauai Hotel and condo deals available now for summer planning

Each year, more and more people discover how wonderful the island of Kauai is.  It’s been gaining in popularity and receiving accolades from many different national sources.  For example:

  • Voted Hawaii’s Best Island by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine in the latest World’s Best Awards.
  • Poipu was ranked #3 by TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Top 10 Beach and Sun Destinations in the U.S. for 2010
  • Hanalei, the remote, two-mile crescent-shaped beach was selected No. 1 on “Dr. Beach” Stephen P. Leatherman's 2009 list of top 10 beaches. Image courtesy of Kauai Visitors Bureau.

These awards are great but it’s nothing new to ‘locals’ (and the film industry). We’ve always known how special the island was and is.  Kauai is lush, rugged, beautiful, quiet, exciting, ancient and more. Kauai is the perfect island for a tropical a getaway for anyone visiting the islands and it’s an excellent choice for a summer staycatation for kamaaina.  And speaking of a staycation, here are a handful of specials offered by Kauai hotels and condos:

50% Off Rates at Sheraton Kauai Resort (located in Poipu)
The Sheraton Kauai Resort is offering a special rate of $285, with a fifth night free when booking five nights or more, along with a special $50 daily food and activity credit, and two for one surf lessons in Hanalei Bay. This “Special 5050” discount is valid through December 25, 2010. www.Sheraton-Kauai.com

Deals and Discounts at Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas is offering a variety of special deals for guests, including up to 50% off room rates, 5th night free, $50 food or activity credit, and two-for-one price for a Hawaiian Surfing Adventure in Hanalei Bay. Special offers valid through December 31, 2010. www.WestinPrinceville.com/Hawaii.

25% Off Bookings Through Condominium Rentals Hawaii
Condominium Rentals Hawai‘i is offering a 25% discount on bookings at Wailua Bay View and Pono Kai Resort through December 20, 2010. Daily rates for Wailua Bay View begin at $122, and $108 at Pono Kai Resort. Rental car promotions are also available. www.CRHKauai.com

17 Palms Kauai – 25% Summer Discount Special
Private Kauai cottages (right) – steps from Wailua beach with home-away-from home amenities, many restaurant and shopping options in walking distance. 25% discount for reservations booked within 30 days of arrival (starting @ $112.50 reduced from $150). Details call: 888-PALMS-99 (888-725-6799) - mention KVB Special.  Visit www.17palmskauai.com

Kauai Beach Resort – 5th Night Free at the Kauai Beach Resort!
Book 4 nights at the Best Available Rate of $109 per night for a Mountain/Garden View room (pictured) and receive a 5th night free! Equates to a 20% savings per night! Offer good from June 5 to August 27.  To take advantage of this offer, visit www.kauaibeachresorthawaii.com.

Castle Kiahuna Plantation - Summer on Sale Savings
Located on the pristine white sands of Poipu beach, the Castle Kiahuna Plantation is slashing prices by 50% this summer. Enjoy a 1-bedroom garden view suite for $169 (regular price $338/night). Resort facilities include a restaurant, beach activity center, tennis and barbecues. The resort is also across Poipu Shopping Village. Experience summer at www.KiahunaPlantation.com

There are many more specials are available on the Kauai Visitors website. Check it out at www.kauaidiscovery.com.




Monday, June 7, 2010

Battle of the Paddle Hawaii Outrigger Reef on the Beach “Stands Up” in Support of Hawaii’s First Stand-up Paddle Festival

Free poolside screening of “Blue Crush” and autograph session with Gerry Lopez and Roxy Team Riders set for Saturday, June 12

Outrigger Reef on the Beach is the hotel sponsor of this year’s Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle Hawaii, presented by Quiksilver Waterman Collection. Set for June 12 and 13 at historic Duke Kahanamoku Beach at Fort DeRussy Beach Park, the Battle of the Paddle is a stand-up paddle (SUP) festival and exposition that includes a series of races and demonstrations for all ages and skill levels. For the sport’s elite paddlers, it presents the greatest championship-styled SUP race, as well as the sport’s largest cash purse of over $25,000.  Photo of Gerry Lopez by Hauswirth in Surfer magazine issue #45/9

Keeping with the weekend’s water theme, Outrigger Reef on the Beach will have a free screening of the movie “Blue Crush,” on Saturday, June 12, at 8 p.m., and the public is invited to enjoy this poolside showing under the stars. Prior to the screening, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., the public can meet Hawaii surf icon Gerry Lopez, together with several Roxy Team Riders, who will sign autographs and pose for photos.

The movie will be shown on an expansive 10 foot by 14 foot screen set up by the pool. Guests can order cocktails, pupus, and other non-alcoholic drinks at the poolside Kani Ka Pila Grille. Space is limited and seating is first come, first served. Valet parking is $5.00 for up to four hours.

During the Battle of the Paddle weekend, kamaaina can reserve a room at Outrigger Reef on the Beach starting at $139 per night, plus 50 percent off overnight valet parking. For reservations, call 1-800-OUTRIGGER. 

For more information or online reservation, visit www.outriggerreef.com. Room rates and specials cannot be combined with other offers and are subject to availability and change. Restrictions may apply. Taxes are not included.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Tempting Maui Hotel and Condo Offers

I'm told there some great airfare deals to Hawaii so why not book yourself to Maui and take advantage of one of these tempting Maui hotel and condo offers.


Lahaina Shores www.lahainashores.com

Book your 3rd night Free
Stay 2 consecutive nights in a Studio Ocean Front condominium and receive your 3rd night free.
Offer valid for new bookings for travel now - 12/31/2010. Packages are based on availability and not combinable with other promotions or special offers

Last Minute Travel Special!
Rates starting at $124 in a Studio Mountain View.
For new bookings made June 2 - June 30, 2010 for travel to 12/31/10.  Some restrictions & black out dates may apply.
           

Kaanapali Alii … Summer family savings … www.kaanapalialii.com

Kaanapali Alii offers a free Kid's Club.  Pint-sized guests will find entertainment, enrichment and new friends in a variety of uniquely Hawaiian activities.

Bring the whole family anytime from June 14 - August 20, 2010 and, at no charge, your kids will have an opportunity to try out lauhala weaving, hula lessons, lei making as well as new additions – Ukulele Lessons with Fred Torres, Alii's own Hawaiian cultural expert.  Also, the tennis pro offers Free Tennis Clinics on the private classic clay courts adjacent the new fitness center and spa. 

There are No resort fees at Kaanapali Alii.  Savings are everywhere for families at Kaanapali this summer.

Free play for kids on our golf package
Do your kids play golf or would they like to try?  Consider the Golfer's Heaven Package that includes Free Play for kids ages 7-17 when accompanied by an adult on the package.  Stay 5 nights and receive 2-rounds of unlimited same day golf at the Kaanapali Golf Resort. 


Kapalua Villaswww.outrigger.com

At the Kapalua Villas, guests luxuriate in impeccable service and world-class facilities from $229 per night.

Luxurious 1, 2 and 3 bedroom Golf Villas with remodeled kitchen and baths

22,000-acre resort area with 3 beaches, 11 restaurants, two championship golf courses, Golf academy, tennis garden, zip lines and miles of hiking trails

30,000 sq. ft. Kapalua Spa with fitness center






For more information things to see and do while on Maui, visit the Maui Visitors Bureau website at www.visitmaui.com