Discovering Hawaii Dot Com

Fantasy Sand Castle at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Waikiki

noreply@blogger.com (DiscoveringHawaii) — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 19:01:00 +0000

Our Free Map To Oahu's Most Famous Movie Locations, Including LOST

noreply@blogger.com (DiscoveringHawaii) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:48:00 +0000

We update our FREE Hawaii movie map regularly to include a good mix of brand new movie and TV show locations, along with the popular classics and oldies, including LOST, Entourage, The Pacific (currently on HBO), Soul Surfer due out next year, Elvis' Blue Hawaii, From Here To Eternity, and a hundred more!

Click the link to take you to the discoveringhawaii website, then click on the FREE OAHU HAWAII MOVIE LOCATIONS DRIVE MAP to download a high-quality pdf.
http://www.discoveringhawaii.com

Makena: The Best Clothing Optional Beach In Hawaii

noreply@blogger.com (DiscoveringHawaii) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 23:47:00 +0000

For fun in the Maui sun, you can’t beat clothing-optional Little Makena Beach, on Maui’s sunniest, driest stretch of awesome coastline. With azure waters, colorful snorkeling at the rocky points, some excellent bodysurfing waves, fine naked bodies, and plenty of like-minded company, you may never want to leave. Weekends are crowded, but often during the week nobody is here.

A mile or so south of the Makena Prince Hotel, parking at Makena Beach’s lots fills up early, but even so, circle a few times, as many people just drop by for a quick look and leave. A lunch wagon or two will be in the area if you’d like to purchase food or drink.

Big Makena Beach (seen on the right in the aerial photo) is a world- class watery playground, but to reach Little Makena (seen on the left), you have to take the trail over the rocky point at the north end. On the other side, just a 2 minute journey, you’ll discover hidden Little Makena, a crowded compact paradise of freedom. The gay area of the beach is at the farthest end.

Although nudity is officially illegal —in direct opposition to Hawaiian culture— but the cops only bother those who venture into the brush in search of an adventure.

Makena Alanui (Road) TRAVELS SOUTH FROM THE WAILEA RESORT and skirts past distinctive Pu`u `Ola`i Crater and an unmarked and very rough and deeply rutted dirt spur road through the trees to Oneuli Beach, an unremarkable dark sand beach with no facilities. Beyond, a surprise to those who have not visited this area in a few years, is a large paved parking lot at the northern end of Big Beach. There is foot trail access to CLOTHING OPTIONAL Little Beach from here.

Little Beach is also one of the best beach-access scuba diving spots on Maui (depth: 45'/14m). Enter the water near the right/far end of the beach and swim out. Currents are not usually a problem unless, of course, seas are stormy. The underwater topography is varied and rewarding. Pick up a free --and excellent-- guide to snorkeling and scuba areas on Maui at any Maui Dive Shops location.

Big Beach, officially called Oneloa Beach, is one of Hawaii's most fabulous strands. Even at two thirds of a mile long and 100 feet wide, with transparent waters, the place is surprisingly popular, considering how out of the way it is.

There are two more parking areas for Big Beach beyond the first one. The third parking area may not be open. We have found this unpaved lot sometimes open and sometimes closed. This part (the southern end) of Big Beach draws surfers and body boarders, making for an interesting crowd and some fancy board work in the surf. Big Beach is justifiably famous and well worth a visit.

An interesting cloud condition often develops overhead at Big Beach, sometimes lasting from late morning until mid afternoon, which shades only part of Makena from the sun while everywhere else along this coast the sunshine brightly blazes down. It can be frustrating for those who want to just lie in the sun and get a tan at Big Beach, since the cloud can stubbornly just sit there for hours, blocking the sun's rays in an otherwise totally blue sky. Or for those wanting to enjoy the beach yet minimize exposure to the direct rays, it might just be the perfect option. As you reach the sand from the first parking area, look to the right to see the bluff you'll be climbing over to reach Little Makena Beach, photos below:

8 Terrific BARGAIN-PRICED Eating Places on Maui

noreply@blogger.com (DiscoveringHawaii) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 04:47:00 +0000

1. ALOHA MIXED PLATE

1285 Front St., Lahaina (behind the Lahaina Cannery Mall); (808) 661-3322

Price: $6.25 to $13.95. Features inexpensive local style plate lunches with a view worth a million bucks, especially at sunset: tiki torches, crashing waves and Hawaiian music from the luau next door.

2. SUNRISE CAFE

Sunrise Cafe, 693-A N. Front St., Lahaina (around the corner makai from Lappert's ice cream place); (808) 661-8558.

Price: $5.95 to $9.95. Tiny hole-in-the-wall. Great Eggs Benedict. Breakfast is served until 3 p.m., when the place closes for the day. The lunch menu of soups and sandwiches kicks in after 11:30 a.m. Cash only accepted.

3. PAUWELA CAFE / CLOSED

Haiku, HI 96708-5131
575-9242
Do not miss! On the way to Hana uphill from the highway.

4. CAFE DES AMIS
42 Baldwin Ave
Paia, HI 96779
579-6323
Do not miss! Average price: $8.00.

5. BA-LE FRENCH SANDWICHES & BAKERY

Ba-Le French Sandwiches & Bakery, 1221 Honoapiilani Road, Lahaina (in the Lahaina Cannery Mall); (808) 661-5566. Also, 4b: 270 Dairy Road, Kahului (in the Maui Marketplace); (808) 877-2400

Price: $7.75 to $8.25

Vietnamese/ French/Hawaiian. Yummy sandwiches are served on French-style baguettes. Pastries and croissants round out the menu. Fast service. Try the Ba-Le Corn Puffs and the Kiawe-smoked Pastrami Banh Mi Rolls.

6. FISH MARKET MAUI

3600 Lower Honoapiilani Road, Lahaina; (808) 665-9895.

This market has a take out counter with sandwiches, fish tacos and pizzas, including crab and avocado, lobster salad, poke (Hawaiian ceviche) and smoked fish. For a great fish dinner without paying a fortune, this tiny shop in a West Maui strip mall makes it simple. Convenient to Napili/Honokowai, near the West Maui Airport.

Price: $8.99 to $12.99

7. HONOLUA STORE DELI

502 Office Road, Kapalua. Phone 808-669-6128

Price: About $7.00. Located within the Kapuala Bay Resort property, Chef Romeo Arruiza, formerly of the Westin Kaanapali, offers a changing menu of lunch plates, pizzas and creative sandwiches. Stop on your way up to Mokuleia Marine Life Conservation District Beach and Honolua Bay and enjoy the food while looking at the dreamy view of Molokai across the channel, and in the surfers and snorkel boats in the bay below.

8. MAUI CULINARY ACADEMY

Maui Community College, 310 W. Kaahumanu Ave., Kahului; (808) 984-3225, open during the school season. The best affordable gourmet food on the island. Call ahead to make reservations. Located near the Kahalui Airport. Visit the website to see the menus.

Price: $5 to $8.50, more for the multi-course dinners.

Who Knew There Was Color Photography In The 1920s?

noreply@blogger.com (DiscoveringHawaii) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:50:00 +0000

Here is a color autochrome taken at the Grand Opening of Waikiki's Royal Hawaiian Hotel in 1927. Color photos this old are rare because color cost a fortune back then. We read that just ONE color glass Autochrome plate with processing cost the equivilant of $32 in today's US$.

Visit the website to see more 1920s color from Hawaii:

http://www.discoveringhawaii.com

noreply@blogger.com (DiscoveringHawaii) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 03:43:00 +0000

The First Family's Favorite Hawaii Places

noreply@blogger.com (DiscoveringHawaii) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:06:00 +0000

If you'd like to retrace some of the many steps the Prez and his family have taken while enjoying their vacations on Oahu, here's a free map to guide you. The locals always know the best spots, so you can depend on these places to please.

http://www.discoveringhawaii.com/Hawaii_Honolulu_%26_Waikiki_Oahu_Guide_to_Restaurants,_Beaches,_Hotels_%26_Sightseeing.html

Five BARGAIN Kauai Restaurants You Won't Want To Miss!

noreply@blogger.com (DiscoveringHawaii) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:45:00 +0000

1. Red Hot Mama's / Hanalei / North Shore

5-6607 Kuhio Highway, Halalei; (808) 826-7266

Price: $5 to $11.50

This petite Mexican taco hole-in-the-wall is located about a mile after the Hanalei Bridge, right before you enter Hanalei Town, next to Wainiha General Store, and features organic foods. Burritos are fat with big chunks of beef and chicken.

2. Polynesia Café/Hanalei/ North Shore

Ching Young Village Shopping Center, 5-5190 Kuhio Highway, Hanalei; (808) 826-1999

Polynesia Café, features salads, sandwiches and huge burgers,. We love the macadamia encrusted ahi. Portions are large and accompanied by steamed veggies and choice of white or brown rice.

3. Kilauea Fish Market/Kilauea/ North Shore

4270 Kilauea Lighthouse Road, Kilauea; (808) 828-6244

Price: $9.99 to $14.99

Healthier Hawaiian food: get the ahi wrap or teriyaki chicken.

4. Kilauea Bakery / North Shore

Kong Lung Center, 2484 Keneke St. at Kilauea Lighthouse Road, Kilauea; (808) 828-2020

Price: $3.05 to $11.95

Still going strong since the early 90s. Terrific baked goods and unusual offerings. The breads are wonderful.

5. Duane's Ono Char-Burger / East Shore
44350 Kuhio Highway, Anahola (midway between Lihue and Princeville, next to Whaler General Store); (808) 822-9181

Price: $4.40 to $7.25

The legendary local favorite, hands down. The burgers are great, but the surroundings are, umm, untidy, so opt for take-out.

Get Them A DiscoveringHawaii T-shirt for Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (DiscoveringHawaii) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:33:00 +0000

Here is discoveringhawaii.com's line of cool Hawaii T-shirts. This one honors Kilauea Volcano. Click the Zazzle link directly below to see all the shirts, and more at 10% off. Sign up for their newsletter and take advantage of their periodic 50%-Off sales.

zazzle.com/zekesdad*

See Laupahoehoe Before The 1946 Tsunami Destroyed It.

noreply@blogger.com (DiscoveringHawaii) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:45:00 +0000

American Airlines' Pick For BEST HAWAII GUIDEBOOK

noreply@blogger.com (DiscoveringHawaii) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 21:05:00 +0000

Our new totally redesigned award-winning Oahu guidebook is now in stores, and available online...to see a preview, click this link:
http://www.discoveringhawaii.com/Driving_%26_Discovering_Hawaii__Oahu_Book_Preview.html

With 32 additional pages of eye-popping color photos of the Honolulu area's most stunning beaches, waterfalls, hiking trails and deserted Hawaiian Islands, there is no better introduction to Hawaii's main island of Oahu, or a better, more beautiful or complete guide book.

Visit our website for a virtual encyclopedia of up-to-the-minute information and advice:

http://www.discoveringhawaii.com/

Hilo: Honoli`i Beach Park

noreply@blogger.com (DiscoveringHawaii) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:26:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (DiscoveringHawaii) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 18:01:00 +0000

Kona-side, or Hilo-side?

noreply@blogger.com (DiscoveringHawaii) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:45:00 +0000

Kona and Hilo are Apples and Oranges: two very different destinations with much to offer that is unique to their side of the island.

In short, Kona is sunny and hot, great for beach goers, and has lots of white sand beaches, terrific snorkeling, and a summer holiday atmosphere. Kona-side has many more vog (volcanic fog) days than Hilo. Kona-side excels in luxury resorts, and gourmet restaurants abound. Shopping is superior to that of Hilo.

Hilo is cooler by 5 degrees and throughout the day alternates between sunny and cloudy with plentiful rain. mostly at night. Thus, the Hilo side is lush and green and dripping with waterfalls. The Hilo side has no top-notch hotels, but hundreds of vacation rentals and B&Bs to choose from, and has wonderful food across a wide spectrum. Hilo is not a "tourist town", but there are plenty of visitors, usually of the more curious and adventurous type not dissuaded by the lack of pampering.

The Big Island has other choices as well, from the near-freezing nights during winter up in quaint-but-a-little-odd Volcano Village near the crater, to the wondrous isolation and endless vistas at Punaluu on the south and the ramshackle quaint environs of Hawi or Holualoa in the north, each nestled amidst rolling green ranchlands, with both Hawi and Holualoa adjacent to the magnificence of the string of primeval waterfall-drenched valleys that stretch from Pololu to Waipio.

Turn Back Time On Hawaii's Big Island

noreply@blogger.com (DiscoveringHawaii) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 02:16:00 +0000

Click this 100-year-old color autochrome of the lovely Hawaiian wahine, and you can view a film almost as old, of what the Hilo and Hamakua Area was like a century ago.

A Hawaii Beach So Secret, It Doesn't Have A Name

noreply@blogger.com (DiscoveringHawaii) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 02:00:00 +0000

Most people know about Oahu's amazing North Shore, the world-renowned surfing mecca, but at the westernmost end of the road (Farrington Highway) begins a wonderful level hiking trail that leads to a gorgeous golden sand beach. Park your car in the parking area but take your valuable with you: car break-ins are common. Hike west toward Kaena Point for about thirty minutes to reach Secret Beach. Don't swim here in winter, though, due to high waves and treacherous currents.

Free Map To Oahu's Movie & TV Locations

noreply@blogger.com (DiscoveringHawaii) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 01:31:00 +0000

http:www.discoveringhawaii.com

Visit our website to download a pdf and print a FREE map to Hawaii's greatest movie and TV filming locations, including Lost, 50 First Dates, Pearl Harbor, Elvis Presley's Blue Hawaii, Michael Jackson's little sister Janet's Concert from Hawaii, and many. many more.