This weekend’s plans include meeting a Beat of Hawaii reader visiting from New Mexico (details to follow), a possible neighborhood luau (my cousin down the street shot a pig), swimming at Hanalei (and the Hanalei Canoe Club’s Tahiti Fete on Saturday), then taking in the Hapa concert before the 20th annual fireworks show in Lihue.

Did you know that we’ve already published nearly 500 articles on Beat of Hawaii?  Here are some that I’d forgotten about and just found, and that you may never have seen before:

1.   10 Unlikely Things You Should Pack.

2.   A View From Inside American Airlines.

3.   Guide To Hawaii’s Fantastic Summer Fruits.

4.   12 Must-See Websites Before Starting Your Hawaii Vacation.

5.   Mosquitoes in Hawaii:  Four Must Do’s.

6.   10 Reasons We Love Hawaii.

7.   Learn Stand-Up Paddle Surfing in Hawaii.

8.   Hiking Diamond Head Crater.

9.   Fitting In Hawaii: 7 Things To Do.

10.  Bringing Pineapples To The Mainland.

• Our Guide to Hanalei Bay Beach
• Head On-line To Get The Best Airfare Deals
• Neighbor Island Luxury Hotel Deals

Google’s new City Tours believes that this should be on your Kauai itinerary.  I stopped today to take a photo.  Somehow I missed the fact that framing is the new hot spot in Kauai tourism.  Also mentioned is a visit to the Kauai Children’s Discovery Museum.  You can visit the building, but the kids will be disappointed that the museum is no longer in business.

According to Google Labs, “City Tours helps you identify points of interest and plan multi-day trips to most major cities. You just specify the location of your hotel and the length of your trip and City Tours will map out an itinerary for you.”

Fresh from Google laboratories and hot on the heels of Microsoft’s Bing Travel, Google’s foray into the $90 Billion world of travel suggests tours for your destinations.  It offers 3 day itineraries with approximately 10 locations per day. You can customize schedules to more or less than three days, and add or delete items, which sometimes works.  Activities are grouped by distance and and walking times.  Imagine walking from Kapaa to Lihue on the Highway?  Well that suggestion just doesn’t fly.

After checking Kauai locations I moved on to Honolulu, thinking things might go better.  One day they suggested going to five museums.  That involved far too much driving, crisscrossing in heavy traffic. They never bothered to mention Waikiki Beach or hiking Diamond Head among other stops.

While the idea of City Tours sounds good, I suggest caution for now when using this tool to plan a Hawaii vacation.  They still have some serious kinks to work out in the application.

At the same time, there’s still much potential likely to be developed with City Tours.  Still lacking are integration with driving routes, public transportation, events listings, and travel itineraries that go beyond one city/location.  On the other hand, I give Google credit for letting us have a look at this interesting, yet obviously still in development project.

If you use Google City Tours, let me know what you think.

• Bing Travel: A Mixed Bag
• Westin Princeville $189; Kauai Sheraton $169
• Hilo Hattie: A Last Chance At Life

Denver $156 each way

• US Airways
• $387 round trip (all-inclusive)
• Early September through January
• 14 day advance purchase
• Minimum/maximum days 3/60
• Monday through Wednesday travel
• Limited availability at this point

Houston $162 each way

• United Airlines
• $388 round trip (all-inclusive)
• Late August through early December
• Good availability

Phoenix $158 each way

• United Airlines
• $377 round trip (all-inclusive)
• Late July through early December
• 14 day advance purchase
• Good availability

Use the flexible date search of your choice to help find these prices.  Then book through a meta-search or airline website.

• Minnesota, Texas Or Utah To Hawaii: $100 Each Way
• LAX to HNL $99 Late Summer/Fall Including Thanksgiving
• LA to Maui $140 Each Way

The first article: From the New York Times.  A couple purchased trip insurance through their cruise ship company.  When a medical condition forced them to cancel, they could not collect a cash refund.

My take:  Never buy insurance from a tour company, airline or cruise ship at the time of booking.  Shop around for the best insurance for your specific needs and the best deal using my tips at the end of this article.

The second article: From yesterday’s Garden Island newspaper.  A local vacation rental company skipped town and left people stranded.

My take:  Trip insurance does not cover situations where a hotel or vacation rental does not accommodate you.  For protection, I suggest always using a credit card so you can get a refund if you find yourself in this situation.

Do I need trip insurance for my Hawaii vacation?

Yes, if you are using a cruise ship or tour company.  Also, if you cannot reschedule your airline ticket within a year of purchase, you may want trip insurance coverage.

No, when the non-refundable, insurable costs associated with a planned trip are less than the cost of trip insurance.

Do I need trip insurance for international vacations?

Yes, in almost all instances, your health insurance will not provide coverage in countries outside of North America.

Travel Insurance Tips for those who need to purchase:

1.  Do not buy on a whim, no matter what.  If you are going to get trip insurance, you need to do your homework in order to avoid throwing away your money or worse.

2.  Use on-line sites like Insure My Trip which offer comparisons between companies and policies.  Check the A.M. best rating of carriers.

3.  Each policy has specific limits as to how soon it needs to be purchased in order to provide full coverage.  Start shopping for insurance within a few days of making your first trip reservation.

4.  Read every word of all clauses that are the basis for you’re need to buy insurance.  Do not rely on statements made by insurance agency representatives.  As with all types of insurance, don’t assume buying insurance means that you’re covered.

5.  I wrote four articles on travel insurance that contain 28 coverage areas plus more helpful things to consider before buying:

Trip insurance introduction.

Medical, dental, and hospitalization coveages and more.

The companies, ratings, free policy review, and pre-existing conditions.

Specialty policies, death and other coverages.

• More Free Hawaii Vacation Contests
• Living Well At 30,000 Feet
• Denver, Houston, Phoenix Airfares Reduced

There are many great beaches in the USA.  We’re proud that our Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s North Shore was named the best in 2009.  With its sparkling blue water and spectacular mountain backdrop, its one of the most beautiful places on Kauai.

Hanalei Bay has four contiguous beaches that cover several miles.  How do you select the right beach for you?  Here’s our Summer guide for getting the most from your visit.

1. Park near the pier at the end of the road.

Most people congregate in the middle section, and park at Hanalei Pavilion.  We drive to the end of the road towards the river and park at the pier.

A lot of locals hang out here at Black Pot Beach.  This is also a good place to picnic and for the kids to have fun when they get tired of the beach.  I normally don’t swim at Black Pot because it’s borders the Hanalei river and the water is usually murky.  If you want to camp overnight, you can do so here Friday and Saturday only (permit required).

2. Park your towel to the left of the pier.

Between the pier and the first lifeguard station it’s usually less crowded.  As you look down the stretch of white sand you’ll see many people gathered close to the middle (pavilion).  No need to be one of them.  Enjoy your space and put down your towel.  If you’re a swimmer, this section is our favorite place in summer with its normally flat surf and great visibility.  Some afternoons this area gets busier with canoe teams practicing.

3. Surf picks up between the pier and the second lifeguard station.

If you want to swim over a mile like we do, you’ll see the surf pick up between these two points and it can get shallow quickly.  We normally keep swimming to the second lifeguard station, get out and shower, and then walk or swim back.

4. Best photo op is definitely at the pier.

I’ve tried taking photos at all four beaches and prefer the view from the pier hands down.  It’s the mountain backdrop that makes this location the best.  You’ll also get a chance to see kids (and adults) jump from the pier into the water.

5. Picnic tables, BBQ’s and restrooms at Wai’oli Beach (known here as Pine Trees) score high with us.

This is close to the lifeguard station and is normally quieter than Black Pot beach.  Even though you don’t have a mountain view, it’s still spectacular looking out to the ocean.

6. Snorkel at Waikoko Beach.

Located on the highway between mile markers 4 and 5, this area is great for snorkeling when clam.  It has a protected reef and is shallow.  When we go we skip all of the apparatus and just use a snorkel in mouth and goggles over eyes.

7. Brace yourself for the restrooms.

Unfortunately, the best beach in the USA has the worst restrooms you’ll find, especially those at Black Pot.  I took a picture but can’t publish it.  Yes, it’s really that bad.

Finally,

If you have anything to share about Hanalei Bay Beach, please add your comments to our post.  I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again.  If you see us swimming at Hanalei be sure to yell, Beat of Hawaii!  We’ll be glad to meet you.

(Photos taken by Beat of Hawaii, June 2009).

• Highlights For July 4th Include 10 Found Articles
• Living Well At 30,000 Feet
• Outrigger Keauhou Kona Ocean View $130 Including Breakfast

Looking forward to the next great Hawaii deals (oh yeah, there will be more), I hope you’ll get them timely by subscribing in email or RSS, or via Twitter.

More eye-popping deals from United Airlines.  With these deals they’re again dipping into Delta and Continental’s home turf.  The last time virtually the same Newark deal was available (one year ago), it only lasted a day.  So if you’re reading this and want it, book it now.

As an aside, we bought tickets to New York last year for about the same price, and will be hard pressed not to pull the trigger tonight. 

• United Airlines.
• Newark:  $255 round trip (all-inclusive).
• Atlanta $276 round trip (all-inclusive).
• Sunday through Friday travel.
• Minimum/maximum stay:  3/60 days.
• Availability on both of these is good through Spring 2010, except holidays.
• Act fast as I don’t t expect these to be available very long.
• Try using FareCompare to find available dates, currently starting on August 25.  You can also use UAL and Kayak websites.

• Minnesota, Texas Or Utah To Hawaii: $100 Each Way
• Denver, Houston, Phoenix Airfares Reduced
• LAX to HNL $99 Late Summer/Fall Including Thanksgiving

These are markets where I don’t expect to see deals this good.  United is again dipping into its competitors’ home turf to bring you these great fares.

Houston to Honolulu $97 each way ($253 round trip, all-inclusive)

Minneapolis to Honolulu $106 each way ($276 round trip, all-inclusive)

SLC to Honolulu $106 each way ($276 round trip, all-inclusive)

DFW to Honolulu $106 each way ($276 round trip, all-inclusive)

• United Airlines
• Sunday through Friday travel.
• Minimum/maximum stay:  3/60 days.
• Availability is spotty but fair through Spring 2010, except Houston, which at this time is only available through early December.
• Act fast as I don’t t expect these to be available very long.
• Try using Kayak to find available dates.

• Newark to Honolulu $95, Atlanta to Honolulu $105 Each-Way
• Denver, Houston, Phoenix Airfares Reduced
• LAX to HNL $99 Late Summer/Fall Including Thanksgiving

The Lodge at Koele, Lanai $197/night

This is the deal of deals.  You’d normally pay multiples of $200/night to stay at this hotel on Lanai.  I can’t say enough good things about it.  Please go and let us know your thoughts. This is a third night free offer which works out to $197 per night.

• Garden room
• Three night minimum through December 18
• Amenities included:  lei greeting, twice daily maid service, L’Occitane bath products, morning coffee/tea service.

Fairmont Orchid Hotel (Kohala Coast), Big Island $199/night

Lush grounds, European/Hawaiian elegance following a recent $15 million renovation.  This rate represents 55% off normal rates.

• Garden View (partial ocean view $249)
• Book by June 30 for stays through December 25
• Some (not many) blackout dates

Ritz-Carlton (Kapalua), Maui $299/night less $100 stay credit

This 463 room Maui icon has just gone through a $180 Million renovation.

• Daily breakfast buffet for two
• $100 per stay food/beverage/spa credit
• Free upgrade on availability
• Through December 19

Outrigger Waipouli Beach (Kauai) $179/night

This is a fantastic price for this newly built quality condo complex in Kapaa.  Owners paid at fortune for these units just a couple of years ago.  Sadly, their loss is your gain.

• One-bedroom partial mountain view
• Three night minimum
• Book by June 30 for stays through December 31

• Outrigger Keauhou Kona Ocean View $130 Including Breakfast
• More Free Hawaii Vacation Contests
• Westin Princeville $189; Kauai Sheraton $169

First, the good news:  Three carriers will offer non-stop service to Hawaii from the East Coast.

• Atlanta to Honolulu (Delta 747-400)
• Charlotte to Honolulu (US Airways 767-300)
• Newark to Honolulu (Continental 767-400)

Next, the bad news:  Why this may not work.

1.  Is there enough interest in Hawaii, anywhere in the vicinity of Charlotte, to support a daily 200+ seat flight?  I don’t think so.  US Airways will need to rely heavily on getting Hawaii-bound travelers into their Charlotte hub.

2.  Their 767 aircraft is an internationally-configured plane that is not needed for Europe in the winter.  It has the capability of coming to Hawaii non-stop, while a smaller and in many ways more versatile 757 does not.

3.  Heavy discounting will also be required to fill the seats for a number of reasons:

• US Airways has enough trouble filling its smaller 757 planes which have been plying the skies from Phoenix to Hawaii.  As a result, they have consistently been among the most discounted west coast to Hawaii services.  They also rely on backtracking people into Phoenix, primarily from California, in order to pack the plane.  Charlotte will be a similar model, only likely much worse.
• Transit times to Hawaii (in comparison with much shorter flights to Mexico and the Caribbean) have always been an issue in attracting east coast originating passengers.
• Delta has the same issues with their (even larger) 747 out of Atlanta.  Since they started flying, we’ve seen some of the lowest Atlanta to Honolulu fares I can remember.
• Continental has been in the midst of near constant fare battles on its Newark-Honolulu route for almost a year.
• US Air, known for perhaps some of the worst service in the sky, will not be a comfortable place to spend nearly 10 hours.

Therefore, look for some great deals.

They haven’t been announced yet, but don’t worry, they will come.

If you plan to use this new service with US Air, I suggest that you do so sooner rather than later. If fuel prices are reasonable, it is a gamble that may or may not work.  If fuel cost continues to escalate, don’t expect the service to be long-lived.

• Atlanta to Honolulu $210 each way
• Denver, Houston, Phoenix Airfares Reduced
• News: Airlines Want To End Sales, Best/Worst Airline Comfort, And More

Our friend and local golf expert, Luke Shanahan, has deals at Kauai Lagoons and Poipu’s Kiahuna to tell you about plus a new golf tip.

Kiahuna Overview:

A classic, think-your-way-around Robert Trent Jones, Jr. course with great ocean views. You definitely don’t need to be a bomber to play well here. In fact, going for it every time can get you in big trouble at Kiahuna. The real fun begins on the (sometimes wildly) undulating greens, which, every time I’ve played Kiahuna, have been in impeccable condition.

Kiahuna Deal:

$95 for your first round with cart, and then pay just $65 each subsequent round for your entire vacation!

$50 for club rentals on your first round, but then pay just $30 each subsequent round for your entire stay.

Every time you rent, Kiahuna will throw in 2 sleeves of Callaway Diablo balls.  You’ll need them.  Some of those fairways are pretty challenging! But hey, that’s Robert Trent Jones for you.

Call Matt Torry, PGA Head Professional, Kiahuna Golf Club, (808) 742-9595, and mention Beat of Hawaii.

Kauai Lagoons Overview:

They’ve been doing a lot of renovating over at Lagoons, so right now they’ve combined holes from their Mokihana course and the Jack Nicklaus designed Kiele course. The great news is that they’ve just added the 17^th and 18^th from the Kiele course back into the mix, and both look spectacular, with verdant, soft fairways and picture-perfect greens.

The Lagoon Golf Club has been named as one of the 50 best golf resorts in Golf World’s Readers’ Choice 2009 awards, and for good reason.  I especially like the combination of the relatively forgiving Mokihana holes with the unique and challenging holes on Kiele. You will have a good time, I promise.

Kauai Lagoons Deal:

After 1:00 p.m. any visitor can play for $89!!!

That gets you 18 holes of golf, shared cart with GPS, and use of the practice facility. If you’re visiting Kauai from the mainland, that’s a heck of a deal.

To make it even better, bring a buddy because this afternoon special comes with a 2-for-1 deal on the club rental. $55 gets both you and your companion a nice set of rental clubs to take on the best of what Jack Nicklaus can throw at you.

One more thing: You have to ask for the “1:00 Visitor Special” to get these special rates, so don’t forget!  And, of course, tell them that you found out about the special from Beat of Hawaii.

Coupons for this special can be found at many of the concierge desks around the island, or you can simply call Lagoons directly at 1-800-634-6400.

Luke’s Golf Tip:

Island Greens like the 18^th at Kiele (shown here) can be intimidating. Will we reach the island? Will we hold the green? With these knee-knocker tee shots, we’re often so anxious to see the result of our shots that we look up prior to impact, standing up out of the shot-or drifting through the ball-guaranteeing a miss-hit, most often a pull or a slice. Committing to these most challenging targets means watching the ground for a split second after the ball is on its way. The thought is: Watch the divot first, and then you get to watch the ball’s flight as it heads straight toward the center of the green.

Want to know how to “stay with” every shot until your finish? Schedule a short lesson with Rich Fite, one of the pros over at lagoons. He’s one of the best golf instructors on the island.

More about our guest author, Luke Shanahan

When he’s not golfing, Luke is co-author of a new book Deep Nutrition, and the drcate.com alternative health and nutrition website.

• Head On-line To Get The Best Airfare Deals
• Newark to Honolulu $95, Atlanta to Honolulu $105 Each-Way
• Minnesota, Texas Or Utah To Hawaii: $100 Each Way