Going2Oahu Hawaii Travel Blog

Book Review: Malama by DeeDee Baber

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:13:00 GMT

Want to restore your aloha and read a wonderful book about the island and our culture? I just read Malama (DeeDee Bader) online and loved it!

It's a story about a woman who was suffering through the ups and downs of life who discovers that there is more in life than just the passing of the years.

She visits Hawaii for whale watching but she falls in love with the Aloha Spirit of the Islands. Then, a close encounter with a dolphin changes her life and she has an experience that allows her to get in contact with the Humpback whales of Hawaii. Together, they find ways to disrupt the activities of island whalers and to persuade these tough and hardened men to stop the killing.

From the website, "They fight without arms, always in danger themselves, but the higher vibration of thought and the love and caring they communicate, are weapons of much greater impact than any man-made tool."

You can learn more about Malana by DeeDee Bader and even read it online on the Malana Website.

Where Will You Travel Next?

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:50:00 GMT

Where will you be traveling next? Are you planing your next excursion, maybe over the Thanksgiving or Christmas holidays?

I have a blogging friend who just recently launched an online booking website for Accommodations in Tel Aviv. While I usually blog about Hawaii, my friend says that a visit to the cultural capital of Israel is an absolute must, and that a Vacation in Tel Aviv will make me forget all about my little island in the Pacific.

His pictures are gorgeous and his descriptions of cultural landmarks sound amazing. Maybe I'll take him up on it...

Have you ever been?

Jellyfish Hit Waikiki Again (and Again, and Again)

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:22:00 GMT

Our monthly visit of box jellyfish was extra bad yesterday.

According to the papers, more than 2,000 box jellyfish washed up on Waikiki and Ala Moana beaches. While lifeguards posted the familiar beware of jellyfish warning signs at Waikiki Beach and Ala Moana Beach Park, they still ended up treating a couple hundred people for stings.

So what's the deal?

Well... 9 to 10 days after a full moon, box jellyfish routinely swarm to our leeward shores (Waikiki Beach, Ala Moana Beach Park, Hanauma Bay, and the Wai`anae Coast). This phenomena has existed since the dawn of time and it's something the islanders are very used to.

So, here's my advice for what it's worth,

Don't touch this animal, especially its tentacles - even when it's beached and dead.

Nuff said :)

Aloha ~

Hawaii Parades on Oahu - The Waikiki Holiday Parade 2009

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:34:00 GMT

Waikiki Holiday Parade 2009

If you're on the Island over Thanksgiving, you'll want to attend out the Waikiki Holiday Parade which is held every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving. It's always a real treat to see the local high school bands participating - they fund raise for months in order to make the "trip of a lifetime" to Hawaii for this great parade. Can you even imagine?

Since 1998, the Waikiki Holiday Parade has honored Pearl Harbor Survivors and commemorated the anniversary of the attacks. Lots of mainland bands are coming this year, and dozens of bands are excitedly planning their trip for the 70th Anniversary of the Pearl Habor attacks in 2011.

Thousands of spectators will line the streets, residents and visitors alike gathering to watch the grand parade which hosts local marching bands, Pearl Harbor Survivors, service bands, military units, local officials, dignitaries and entertainers. The parade begins at Fort DeRussy and ends at Kapiolani Park. The scenic parade route travels approximately 1.5 miles through Waikiki along the oceanfront of torch-lit Kalakaua Avenue.

Mark your calendars for November 27, 2009! Trust me, you won't find a warmer welcome in any other destination.

Thanks to marching.com, here's a list of mainland bands who have participated in the Waikiki Holiday Parade:

Evans High School, Evans, Georgia
Lakota East High School, Cincinnati, Ohio
John Overton High School, Nashville, Tennessee
Blue Springs High School, Blue Springs, MO
Pope High School, Marietta, Georgia
Liberty High School, Clarksburg, West Virginia
Salem High School, Conyers, Georgia
Science Hill High School, Johnson City, Tennessee
Liberty High School Grenadier Band, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Chisago Lakes High School, Lindstrom, MN
Denver City-Wide Marching Band, Denver, Colorado
East Coweta High School, Sharpsburg, Georgia
Glynn Academy, Brunswick, Georgia
Greenbrier High School, Lewisburg, West Virginia
Greeneville High School, Greeneville, Tennessee
Jonesboro High School, Jonesboro, Arkansas
Kennewick High School, Kennewick, Washington
East Lincoln High School, Denver, North Carolina
Freedom High School, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Lakota West High School, West Chester, Ohio
La Quinta High School, Westminster, CA
Barry Goldwater High School, Phoenix, AZ
Monticello High School, Monticello, MN
Northern State University, Aberdeen, SD
Overland High School, Aurora, CO
Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, Georgia
Sapulpa High School, Sapulpa, Oklahoma
Slinger High School, Slinger, WI
Tahlequah High School, Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Virgil Grissom High School, Huntsville, Alabama
Walton High School, Marietta, Georgia
West Memphis High School, West Memphis, AR
Westerville North High School, Westerville, Ohio
All-State High School Marching Band, Wyoming

Bodysurfing and Swimming at Sandy's Beach

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:12:00 GMT

Yesterday, I went to Sandy's Beach which is one of my favorite beaches here on the island.

Now those of you that live here know know this as "the beach where your cousin dies.” Our guests to the island however, may never get to experience why we call it that... unless they came yesterday that is.

See.. Sandy’s is this fun little beach on the southeast side of Oahu. The surf is usually real calm and serene here and the swimmers come out in droves to experience a little paradise. But... when the surf is up (like it was yesterday), this beach can be one of the most treacherous on the island.

Because of the shorebreak and accompanying rip tide currents, swimmers discover that the waves here have no equal on Oahu. And when the surf is up, the onshore waves are treacherous. So what happens when the waves get like this? My dummy friends ride the 15-foot waves just a few feet from the shore and the next thing I see are the red and white helicopters flying in.

Despite the sometimes dangerous conditions, Sandy’s is fun and it's one of the most beautiful coastlines in Hawaii. Just use some common sense and lots of caution when entering the water.

Aloha ~

How to Save 50% on Airfare to Hawaii

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:10:00 GMT

Save on Airfare Secrets

After working for 16 years in the airline industry, Tony Morrison was unexpectedly fired and left hunting for a job. Pondering on his predicament, he decided that his "insider" experience could be super valuable to the traveling public. With revenge on his mind, he penned a book called My Airfare Secrets: Fired Travel Agent Reveals How To Get Dirt Cheap Airline Tickets! Catchy title for sure, and this has to be the best research on finding cheap airfare that I have ever seen.

The ebook is full of valuable tips, tricks, and secrets divided into four sections starting with "Basic Tricks" and ending with "Top Secret Tricks." This is first rate information that most people are unaware of. Some of the tips given in the first part of the book are better known, but the stuff in the last three sections is solid gold - stuff I did not know and the airline tickets savings can be a VERY pleasant surprise.

Here's a quick overview of some of the things you will learn. Your timing when buying airfares can make a big difference when it comes to finding discount airline tickets. There are deals to be had everyday if you know when they occur, what questions to ask, and where to find them.Finally, there are some specific legal tricks for searching deals and saving money.

Since traveling by air is so expensive, I thought I'd share my find on the blog so that others might benefit. You can find and purchase the ebook directly from the author on the Tony Morrison website. Even if you only fly once a year, you will save more then enough money to cover your investment in Tony's ebook if you follow his advice.

Aloha ~

Ali

Looks Like Rain... Hurricane Felicia is Threatening Oahu

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 02:47:00 GMT

Looks like rain...

Felicia was originally a pretty powerful Category 4 hurricane but it's now a “rapidly weakening” tropical storm. Weakened maybe, but she still is coming with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph.

The National Hurricane Center is warning Hawaii residents to get ready for some serious rain, high surf and extremely strong winds. The tropical storm watch is in effect for the Big Island and Maui County, but us residents of Oahu along with our neighbors on Kauai and Niihau are being advised to closely monitor Felicia’s progress too.

When is she coming? On its current track, Felicia is expected to be approaching the islands late Monday as a “low end” tropical storm or a tropical depression. Whoa!

Aloha ~

Ali

What Is Your Ideal Hotel Stay?

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 02:09:00 GMT

My Summer vacation will soon come to an end, and I'm planning my final excursion of the season. I love living in Aloha, but I do enjoy getting away and seeing new scenery.

What is it that you like best in a hotel stay? Is it comfortable amenities or proximity to tourist attractions? Is it beautiful surroundings like the scenery you see in the picture below?

When I travel, I long for a country side villa with nature perfect scenery, lots of greenery, and very near water... Such time in God's beauty is part of my family’s regular summer ritual. It's a time for us all to hit the “reset” switch, escape the deadlines (and BlackBerrys) and just unwind. We spend time having family experiences which offer us lessons on inner peace and life’s meaning — it's cheap and effective therapy without the couch. The most important element for me however is the hotel environment. I need a relaxing hotel where I can enjoy the privacy and quality time with my family.

Wondering if you have heard of Swiss Hotels? If you research Swiss Hotels, you'll be able to choose from so many beautiful accommodations - some of the finest in the world. Their Romantic Hotel is for couples who want solitude, time alone together, and lakeside water activities. This Swiss Hotel at Sass da Grüm offers a peaceful location that is surrounded by lush forests and rolling meadows. The property is exquisite, resting high on a hill high above the Lago Maggiore. It's absolutely magnificent and it is the epitome of what "typically Swiss" means to me.

If you want to escape in complete luxury, visit the website and start dreaming big!

Ancient Hawaii Proverbs

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 02:29:00 GMT

From Hawaii public schools, here are some Hawaiian proverbs which have been preserved and handed down from generation to generation through Hawaii's oral tradition. The sayings were gathered by Mary Kawena Pukui and can be found in 'Olelo No'eau , Bishop Museum Press.

E ho'a'o no i pau kuhihewa.
Translation: Try it to end the panic.

Explanation: Often we stress out just worrying about doing a difficult job. This proverb advises as an American saying puts it, "Just do it!"

Hahai no ka ua i ka ulula'au.
Translation: The rain follows after the forest.

Explanation: Destroy the forest, the rains will cease to fall, and the land will become a desert. If only our scientists knew this when the ancient Hawaiians did.

O ka makapo wale no ka mea hapapa i ka pouli.
Translation: Only the blind gropes in the darkness.

Explanation: If you have no direction in life, you'll get nowhere or another way to put it is, "If you're going nowhere, you're guarenteed to get there."

I mohala no ka lehua i ke ke'ekehi 'ia e ka ua.
Translation: The Lehua blossom unfolds when the rains tread on it.

Explanation: People respond better to gentle words than to scoldings.

Pupukahi i holomua.
Translation: Unite to move forward.

Explanation: By working together we make progress. This saying would be especially applicable to the Hawaiians on their canoes where each paddler would have to pull the paddles together on command in order to make the canoe move forward quickly forward.

E lauhoe mai na wa'a; i ke ka, i ka hoe; i ka hoe, i ke ka; pae aku i ka 'aina.
Translation: Paddle together, bail, paddle; paddle, bail; paddle towards the land.

Explanation: If everybody works together the work will be done quickly. On interisland trips, the two most important tools besides the sail were the paddles and the bailer. In heavy seas, the water would wash over the boat and so one or more natives would be constant bailing. Others would be paddling together on command to reach their destination in the shortest time.

I ka 'olelo no ke ola, i ka 'olelo no ka make.
Translation: In speech is life, in speech is death.

Explanation: In ancient Hawai'i, a kahuna 'ana'ana could pray someone to death or counter another's death prayer. The saying tells the Hawaiians that words can either be a source for healing or destroying and so we need to be careful with our words.

He puko'a kani 'aina.
Translation: A coral reef (hardens/strengthens/sounds out) into land.

Explanation: In their travels around the Pacific, the Hawaiians would pass by many coralheads which the the navigators would mark in their memories and pass on their apprentices. Eventually they would notice these small coralheads would grow into a full islands and so comes the advice that we can't expect to be full-blown successes right away, often we start small and over time, like a coralhead, we will mature and be successful.

He lawai'a no ke kai papa'u, he pokole ke aho; he lawai'a no ke kai hohonu he loa ke aho.
Translation: A fisherman of shallow seas uses only a short line; a fisherman of the deep sea uses a long line.

Explanation: You will reach only as far as you aim and prepare yourself to reach.

A'ohe hana nui ka alu'ia.
Translation: No task is too big when done together.

Explanation: United we stand, divided we fall.

Lawe i ka ma'alea a ku'ono'ono.
Translation: Acquire skill and make it deep.

Explanation: If you want to become really good at anything, you've got to study hard and practice long until it gets deep and becomes a part of you.

Kulia i ka nu'u
Translation: Strive for the summit.

Explanation: Strive for the very top of the mountain, strive for excellence. This was the motto of Hawaii's Queen Kapi'olani who did so much for her people.

Onipa'a
Translation: (Be) steadfast.

Explanation: Take your stand and be steadfast in doing what is right no matter what others say. This was the motto of Queen Liliuokalani who was overthrown by the Americans in 1893. Since 1993, the centennial commemoration of that event, Onipa'a has become a rallying cry for Hawaiians seeking redress and Hawaiian sovereignty.

'Ike aku, 'ike mai, kokua aku kokua mai; pela iho la ka nohana 'ohana.
Translation: Recognize others, be recognized, help others, be helped; such is a family relationship.

Explanation: Many native Hawaiians live with their extended family and family is the most important part of life for them. This saying teaches why they should put family first...In the Ohana or family, you know others and they know you, you help others and know you will be helped if there is anything you need.

Maka'ala ke kanaka kahea manu.
Translation: A man who calls birds should always be alert.

Explanation: The Hawaiian alii (chiefs) wore beautiful capes and headdresses crafted by weaving in thousands of tiny feathers. The Kanaka kahea manu, the bird-catcher, would imitate bird-calls to attract the birds to catch them, pluck out a small number of tiny feathers and let them go. Once he had called the birds, he had to stay alert and be prepared to catch them quickly when they came near. The saying advises one who wishes to succeed to be alert to any opportunity that should arise.

Aloha ~

Ali

Honolulu’s Chinatown is an Absolute Must See

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Sat, 30 May 2009 03:02:41 GMT

I just got back from lunch in Chinatown so I thought I’d blog about it!

I think that Chinatown is one of Oahu's most exciting and mysterious neighborhoods. It’s a popular gathering place for kama’aina and for visitors located in downtown Honolulu. As a gateway to our Island of Oahu for many immigrants, Chinatown is a very colorful and eclectic blend of Southeast Asian cultures.

In 1852, Chinese immigrant laborers arrived in Hawaii to work on the emerging sugar cane plantations. After completing their labor contracts, many of the immigrants relocated to the Chinatown area of Honolulu and entered the business world. With its exotic mix of Asian culture and people, Chinatown at first gained a prety disreputable image as it was known for its saloons, debauchery, drugs and dens of ill repute.

Today, Chinatown’s former reputation has been toned down considerably. It’s now a lively and colorful community to explore – you should check it out!

Aloha ~

Ali

Going2Oahu Travel Blog Is Approaching it's Third Birthday!

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Tue, 05 May 2009 22:22:00 GMT

The going2oahu Travel Blog is nearly 3 years old so I guess I'm now what you would call a veteran blogger.

When I first started blogging, I used a generic blogging platform to publish my writings and I didn't get very many readers. Things kinda' took off when I decided to purchase a domain from a webhosting provider. That decision became the start of something BIG - the Going2Oahu Travel Blog that you are enjoying right now!

I relied mostly on individual websites for reviews since the Internet was the best resource in finding a provider that would meet my expectations. I went with a godaddy back then, but the provider I'm starting to follow now is called webhostinggeeks.com.

Their website allows me to check the top 10 webhosting providers and read customer reviews for each site - useful for making an informed decision for whatever product I want - very cool.

If you are planning to buy your own domain or start on an entirely new blog or website, I would suggest you start your search by visiting webhostinggeeks.com.

Aloha ~

Ali

No, There are No Snakes in Hawaii

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 05:42:00 GMT

So the song goes...

I don't like spiders and snakes
And that ain't what it takes to love me
You fool, you fool
I don't like spiders and snakes
And that ain't what it takes to love me
Like I wanna be loved by you

No, there are no snakes in Hawaii - none, nada, zip, zilch, period!

Well wait... technically, there are snakes in Hawaii but it's not really out of line to claim there are none. Hawaii does have one native snake species, the island blind snake, (or as I like to say ramphotyphlops braminus). They're usually mistaken for a worm though and are definitely not any kind of a major threat.

See, Hawaii has invested millions of dollars into fighting invasive species, including snakes which could cause havoc in the islands. Still, some snakes make it through the state's snake defense systems (SDS) - speople smuggling snakes into Hawaii as exotic pets for example. Not good at all.

Fortunately, no snake species has been able to gain a presence here. If you spot a snake in Hawaii, call 911 or 586-PEST (7378) right away. And if you brought one in, it may be surrendered without consequence under the state's amnesty program.

Aloha ~

Ali

Malena's Graduation Invitations

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 05:37:00 GMT

My best friend Malena is finishing up her student teaching block and will soon be graduating from Ohio State!

Now Mal-mal (Malena) and I have been best buds since 5th grade and have done absolutely EVERYTHING together. I have tons of favorite memories... like the time we went paintballing at Hawaii All-Stars, the night she got her first kiss at Kapiolani, our weird and scary sleepover at Ala Moana Beach Park, and the time she bailed from the Oahu Ghost Tour because she had to pee! Haha – we have had some really good times.

Malena has always wanted to be an art teacher and I'm so proud of her accomplishing her dream. I love you little Mal-mal and I can’t wait to see you again!

My makuahine and I taking on the task of creating Malena's graduation invitations and we want them to be super special. We’ve used VistaPrint for this type of project before because we like how you can customize everything (art work, photographs, fonts, paper stock, etc.). We also like how you can proof everything online before placing your order with them.

Pretty slick, but we’re having some difficulty on the creative side so I’m hoping my readers can help out with some suggestions. Here’s what we’re looking at:

Since we’re having Malena’s graduation party at the family home in Waipahu, we’ll need to include specific directions to the residence. The directions are rather long, but we don’t want to take up a great deal of announcement space to include them. Is it appropriate to add an insert with directions?

Since Malena is an artist, we would LOVE to include one of her original creations on the front panel; however the announcement text will need to be over her artwork. Is this in bad taste to put text over her artwork?

And finally, since Malena is a native Hawaiian and a Rainbow Warrior at heart, do you have any suggestions on how we might lay out an Ohio State Buckeye logo that is complimented by a Hawaii Rainbow Warriors logo? I’d really like to do both!

I’m looking forward to reading your suggestions!

Aloha ~

Ali

Pipeline Cafe Dance Club in Downtown Honolulu

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 21:24:00 GMT

With the tourist season heating back up, I thought I'd blog about my favorite dance club on Oahu, the Pipeline Cafe.

Pipeline Cafe is a super popular 18 and over dance club in downtown Honolulu that also hosts several concerts each month. If you are looking for a large, attractive, younger type crowd (a crowd that includes ME), then Pipeline is definitely the right dance club for you. Pipeline Cafe is open Monday through Saturday but it is closed on Sundays for private parties only.

BTW, Pipeline Cafe is also the largest 18 and older night club on Oahu. Friday nights are my favorites (Foreplay Fridaze) and are hosted by 102.7.

Aloha ~

Ali

Nyce Billy and the Nightclub Scene in Honolulu

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 21:18:00 GMT

The nightclub scene in Waikiki and Honolulu is every bit as hot as the sun-drenched beaches during the day. Dance clubs are much more laid-back than those in big cities like New York; dress is casual (though sandals, tank tops, and athletic clothing are a no-no) and the best time to show up is after midnight.

Getting lots of play right now is a new singer named Nyce Billy. He's a hip hop artist that was discovered by Felippe “Yo!” Santos and immediately signed to the Everything to Gain Entertainment record label. Nyce Billy took 1st place at the Faces in the Crowds Music Showcase in 2008 and his career has really taken off.

My favorite tune is called “Pour on the Floor” and it can really pack a dance floor! His songs have terific grooves that you can’t help but dance to.

If you want to check out his songs then go to his MySpace page.

Where Do I Go to See a Concert in Honolulu?

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 21:09:00 GMT

Where do I go to see a concert in Hawaii?

With Diamond Head as it's backdrop and Waikiki Beach directly across the street, the Waikiki Shell is a super location for outdoor concerts and it's within walking distance of the Waikiki hotels!

The ampitheatre seats more than 2,400 people and the surrounding lawn area can handle another 6,000. The tropical climate of Hawaii makes the Waikiki Shell a perfect setting for a memorable afternoon or evening concert.

One of my favorite singers, Sheryl Crow, will be there on April 24th!!

Aloha ~

Ali

Would You Like to Win a Trip to Hawaii?

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:01:00 GMT

Would you like to win an all expense paid trip to Hawaii?

Do you have a cell phone?

You can win free trips, iPhones, message bundles, and all kinds of other free cool prizes by sending text messages from your cell phone to the smsnia.com website. Using the exact same method that radio stations use on their "lucky caller" contests, SMSnia.com rewards "lucky texters" with some amazing prizes and lots of fun!

You can join smsnia.com very quickly by setting up an account on their website.

Once you have completed the registration process, you'll be able to enter any of their sweepstakes offerings by sending a text message to and then replying to their confirmation text message that you agree with their terms of service.

Before you start playing, you'll need to browse the various categories and then select the sweepstakes that you want to go for (i.e. cars, home electronics, travel, computers, game consoles, household items, and many more). By clicking on the sweepstakes detail link for the sweepstakes that you choose, you'll be briefed on the three steps describing how to proceed. From there, you can start playing by writing a text message and pressing SEND.

Be the lucky person that you are, and you just might win a trip to Hawaii!

Good luck!

Aloha ~

Ali

Switching to Sprint Mobile Hawaii

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 20:54:00 GMT

My cell phone contract with AT&T Wireless is up and I'm seriously considering a switch to Sprint.

Sprint phones have come a long long way and that Blackberry 8830 is looking super sweet at $199.99 right now. They also have a nice selection of free phones to choose from so I'm a little torn on whether to go for a sweet freebie like the Sanyo Katana LX or to go ahead and take the deal on the Blackberry. All I know is that I have to choose quickly because the "1 Day Free Bonus Sale" ends at midnight today.

What would you do?

Aloha ~

Ali

Cute Dress for Mai-Tai Cocktail Party

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 20:18:00 GMT

Wow!

As you can tell by today's multiple posts, I'm now getting caught up on things and have some extra time for blogging, chatting, surfing, and SHOPPING!!

I just made a purchase online that was so amazingly good that I had to share it. Sears is having a clearance sale online and they're taking 75% - 80% of their original prices on lots of fall and winter clothing. It's usually not that big of a deal, but today I found the cutest Satin Avalon dress in fuchsia that I'm going to wear to a spring cocktail party next week. It was originally $78 and I bought it for $17.99!

The catalog description says, "this sweet dress mixes sultry satin with a deep, shiny jewel finish. The pin tucked waistline finishes the gown in a pleated style with barely-there spaghetti straps." It looks super sexy to me and my boyfriend is going to love it.

Isn't it adorable??

Here's a screen shot from the website where I bought it. You can view the dress in detail from it's description page on the Sears website. You can even move your cursor over different parts of the dress to get a detailed closeup.

Very cool!

Aloha ~

Ali

Leaving Hawaii for Carefree Living

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 18:51:00 GMT

Where do Hawaiians go for a relaxing Summer vacation you ask...?

Central Florida, of course!

Summer vacation is right around the corner and my dad just booked the timeshare for our fifteenth annual summer excursion to Kissimmee, Florida. Yes, it's our fifteenth annual, yes it's with the WHOLE family, and yes... dad still makes me leave my laptop at home.

I don't mind it a bit though because there are so many things to do there.

One of my favorite things that to do in Kissimmee is to visit the Old Town Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment Complex. Admission is completely free and it's a super fun way to spend the day. My dad is a car buff and he loves Old Town on weekends. On Friday, they feature exotic and custom cars and the following evening there's a "Saturday Nite Cruise" with all kinds of real nice classic cars.

When I want to let go of my worries and be carefree, I like go hiking and sightseeing in Kissimmee's Nature Preserves. There are several in the area but my favorite is the Lake Lizzie Nature Preserve. I can spend hours walking around, and I'm always thrilled to see the nesting bale eagles and endangered whooping cranes.

I can't wait to get out of Hawaii!!

Aloha ~

Ali