I’m quite surprised that the Big Island rates are down this low during peak summer travel season, especially since the volcano is putting on such a fiery show.

If you’ve been wanting to visit the Big Island of Hawaii, now is a fantastic time to do so. You’ll save money and escape the crowds. Just take a look at my Big Island vacation guide to get a glimpse of what to do and see on the Big Island.

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Setting this lu‘au apart from others in Hawai‘i is the breathtaking backdrop of the
lagoon, providing the perfect site for the lu‘au’s signature lagoon procession in which Hawaiian fishermen arrive aboard a canoe signaling the official start of the lu‘au. Following their arrival, the fishermen then teach guests to do the “hukilau” dance – a traditional song and dance that talks about fishermen and their catch.

The luau begins at 5:15 and includes a night of music, classic luau buffet, and Polynesian dancing. A lei greeting, mai tai and soft drink are included in the price. The cost is $95 for adults and $45 for children between the ages of 6 and 12. To purchase tickets, or for more information, call the hotel at (808) 949-4321 and ask for extension 77709. If you’ll be driving to Waikiki Beach, validated parking is available at the Hilton for $8 for self-parking, or $13 for valet.

This little island along the Maui coast really caught our eye as we drove the road to Hana.  I love the palm trees on top.  If you’re heading to Maui, I highly recommend this beautiful drive.  See my tips for driving the road to Hana.

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Where are the world’s best islands?
Three of Hawaii’s Islands are in the top 10 islands in the world. Here’s how they stacked up:

• Maui is number 3.
• Kauai is right below Maui at number 4.
• The Big Island is number 7.

How do Hawaii’s hotels compare to the top 100 hotels in the world?

• T+L really loves the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, The Lodge at Koele this year. This hotel tops all Hawaii accommodations coming in at the 15th best resort in the world. I might add that this is the least expensive Four Seasons in Hawaii. To be honest, I’m a bit surprised this resort was selected as the best in Hawaii considering it doesn’t even have a view of the ocean.
• The next resort on the list is the Four Seasons Resort Wailea on Maui at number 26.
• Yet another Four Seasons property is on the list with the Hualalai on the Big Island at number 27.
• Honolulu’s Halekulani is number 44.
• Maui’s Hotel Hana is number 68.
• At number 85 is the Fairmont Kea Lani in the Wailea area of Maui.

The magazine also lists the top 25 hotels in Hawaii, which is worth a look. Here are some of my observations:

• The sunny and luxurious area of Wailea is very popular. It seems that the declining economy isn’t daunting the most expensive place to stay in Hawaii.
• The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is listed at number 15 even though it’s been closed to repair earthquake damage since December 2006. They plan to reopen at the end of this year.
• Um, where are the other Prince resorts? I’m surprised the Hapuna Prince and the Maui Prince aren’t on the list as they have been in the top 25 in years past.
• Also noticeably missing is the Kona Village Resort on the Big Island. This resort is Hawaii’s closest version of an all inclusive resort.
• It’s nice to see that the Turtle Bay Resort made the list this year at number 22. This resort is really a gem, in my opinion.
• Multi-million dollar renovations seem to pay-off, sometimes. The Waikoloa Beach Marriott snuck on the list at number 18 after not being in last year’s top 25. On the other hand, Maui’s Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua actually dropped a spot to number 13.

Are there any Hawaii hotels in the Top 20 Spa Hotels in the world?

The answer is yes! The Grand Wailea on Maui is number 11 and it’s neighbor, the Four Seasons Maui is number 16. I have to say that the Grand Wailea Spa absolutely rocks. Oh my goodness, I loved my experience there.

So now that we’ve looked at the Travel + Leisure’s opinion of what’s best, tell me what you think. Did they get it right? Any surprises for you? Let’s hear it.

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Today, I have a real treat to share with you. I’ve recently had the honor of a Q&A session with Leah Bernstein who is the President of the top island record producer, Mountain Apple Company. In case you’re not familiar with Mountain Apple Company, here’s some impressive facts about them:

The Mountain Apple Company is involved in almost every facet of the music and entertainment industry, including publishing, producing, recording, distributing, and staging performances for scores of Island musicians and entertainers. As a record company, The Mountain Apple Company produces and markets the best-selling recorded music in the history of Hawai‘i. Its music publishing division contains the most extensive Hawaiian and Polynesian music library in the world.

Whoa! Impressive, huh?!

I’m extremely honored that Leah would be so gracious and kind to spend the time to answering questions for us about Hawaiian music. So, let’s get started!

Go Visit Hawaii: Why do you think so many people fall in love with Hawaiian music?

Leah Bernstein: When visitors arrive on our shores, they normally let out a sigh of relief, Was it just the run up to vacation that caused the sigh? Was it the long plane ride? Is it that they just need to relax and their body and mind are finally accepting of relaxation? Whatever it is, they are also listening to Hawaiian music and they immediately and subconsciously associate their relaxation with the music of Hawaii.

For locals its part of the fabric of society. Music is part of almost everything Hawaiian.

Go Visit Hawaii: What are the trends and influences of modern Hawaiian music?

Leah Bernstein: Western music often leads the way in influencing Hawaiian musicians. The renaissance that occurred in the 70’s was the direct reflection of the young musicians listening to the sounds of Rock n Roll, folk music, jazz, etc. Hawaiian music has always absorbed outside influences without compromising their own music.

Go Visit Hawaii: What types of instruments are synonymous with Hawaiian music?

Leah Bernstein: Lipu (gourds), ‘uli‘uli (rattling gourds) pahu drum, nose flute, and in modern day, ukulele, stand up bass and guitar.

Go Visit Hawaii: I’ve heard of modern, traditional, Jawaiian and exotica styles of Hawaiian music among others. Can you help us visitors understand the major styles and what distinguishes each?

Leah Bernstein: Traditional Hawaiian music is an offshoot of melody being brought to the Hawaiian people by the missionary (hymns). Ancient Hawaiian music was chant, and percussive (hence the pahu drums, ipu, ‘uli“uli etc.). Once the western mind arrived on these shores, the Hawaiians were (and continue to be) extremely receptive and adopted melody along with new instrumentation and harmony. Hawaiians discovered in the Christian churches that they had amazing voices and used them differently than they had ever used them before Westerners arrived.

Contemporary Hawaiian music has evolved from the musician incorporating new rhythms, new instruments, new sounds to their traditional mele (song).

Jawaiian music adopts reggae rhythms and has become a dance music vehicle for young people.

Exotica was developed in the 50’s or 60’s, can’t remember off the top of my head and associated with our island culture. It was thought to be a gimmick until the world responded favorably.

Go Visit Hawaii: I’ve heard that Mountain Apple Company has been credited with making IZ famous. Can you share the story behind that?

Leah Bernstein: IZ already had a huge following when he came to Mountain Apple Company from performing with the Makaha Sons of Ni‘ihau. We were able to produce an album with Israel, Facing Future that was widely received throughout the world. While we would love to take credit for Israel’s amazing success story, it was the music that resonated with the public. It’s always the music. To this day, 11 years after his death, his music is in demand for film, TV, and radio commercials, was covered on American Idol this year, played during the Times Square Ball Drop on New Years Eve, played at Tim Russert’s memorial service, etc.

Go Visit Hawaii: Most visitors to Hawaii fall in love with Hawaiian music, but don’t have any idea of how to select albums. What 5 CDs would give a visitor a broad range of Hawaiian music for their collection from classics to something more modern?

Leah Bernstein:

• Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s (IZ) Facing Future
• Brothers Cazimero Ho’ala
• HAPA Collection
• Amy Hanaiali‘i Hawaiian Tradition
• Various Honolulu Magazine, The 50 Greatest Hawai’i Music Albums Ever (not 50 songs, but a bunch from the great albums). This compilation album selects some of the greatest tunes from Honolulu Magazine’s listing of 50 Greatest Hawai’i Albums of All Time

Many, many thanks, Leah, for your time and expert insight into Hawaiian Music! I know I’ve learned a lot.

Mountain Apple Company has a free online radio station. It’s an excellent place to get to know more about island music and the artists and learn what you like. I love it! In fact, I’ve been listening to it this morning as I’ve been preparing this post.

Mahalo to Nathan who arranged the introduction with Leah!

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Has all the negative airline news and cut backs got you down?  Well, hopefully a first class upgrade kit will pick you up.  It’s time for a new reader reward giveaway.  This time, I’ll be giving away a first class upgrade kit to one lucky reader. 

This compact kit contains:

• Your own personal fresh fleece blanket
• An inflatable 12″ x 16″ travel pillow
• A fresh travel pillow cover
• An eye mask
• Ear plugs
• Flexible and compact carrying case

The contest requirements are simple.  Here’s how to enter:

1.  First you must be a subscriber to Go Visit Hawaii’s free daily updates via e-mail and/or RSS.  Only subscribers will be able to see the secret message.  If you aren’t sure how to subscribe for the free updates, see these simple steps.

2.  Look for randomly issued secret messages near the bottom of the individual article/posts.  Multiple secret messages will be issued and each message you find can result in a new entry.  The secret messages will say something along the lines of:  “Go Visit Hawaii Tip:  Time to enter the contest.  The secret message is _______.”

3.  When you see the secret message.  Use the contact form on my about Go Visit Hawaii  page to send me your name, contact information, and the secret message

4.  All entries must be received before August 15, 2008.

5.  As a thank you to the nice bloggers who may blog about this contest, they will get an entry for blogging about the contest.  Please contact me with a link to your post. 

So, watch for the secret messages and good luck!

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When vacationing in Maui, save money on aloha [Hawaiian print] shirts and dresses by shopping at Ross Dress for Less near the airport (200 E Kamehameha Ave., Kahului, 808/877-5483) We got a shirt for $12 and a dress for $15. Marc Smith, Austin, Texas

That’s a pretty good idea. There are Ross Dress for Less stores on Oahu and the Big Island, too. Here’s the listing of all the Hawaii locations. You might even want to check out your local Ross or other discount retailer like Marshalls and TJ Maxx before you go on vacation. How do you save money on your aloha wear?

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We often assume that all the logistics of our vacation will go on without a hitch.  Many times that is indeed the case.  That being said, you should spend a few minutes verifying some important details in the days leading up to your flight to paradise. Here are four things you need to do before your vacation. 

1.  Verify your flights. In an effort to reduce operating costs, airlines are cutting out flights and modifying schedules. According to Janice at Tripso, the airlines may or may not contact you to inform you of the flight cancellation.  As I cautioned in this post, you should periodically check that your flights are still scheduled. At a minimum, check your flights the day before your trip.  If your flights have been canceled, the sooner you know about it the sooner you can get an alternative plan in place.  

2.  Check with your health insurance plan for approved care facilities at your destination. In the unlikely event that you have an accident, you should know where you can go for approved medical care.  I accidentally scratched my cornea on my first trip to Maui. The accident happened on a Sunday and the call center for my health insurance was closed.  I didn’t know where to go, so I went to the most convenient spot, a Doctors on Call urgent care office in Kaanapali. 

As it turned out, according to my health plan Doctors on Call were not an approved provider.  According to the health insurance representatives, I should have gone to the emergency room at Maui Memorial Medical Center in Wailuku. I had a minor injury and in the end the insurance company made an exception to cover my costs. Since health insurance is a real pain to deal with, particularly after the fact, it’s best to know in advance their approved service providers.

3.  Call the hotel directly to verify your reservation.  Do this at least a day or two before your vacation.  Occasionally I read about lost hotel reservations on Chris Elliott’s blog. (Here’s just one example.)  If something got lost in the reservation process, it’s best that you get the issue resolved before you go rather than show up at the check-in desk with a "I’m sorry. We don’t have a record of your reservation." 

4.  Call your credit card company and let them know when and where you’ll be on vacation.  In an effort to stop credit card fraud, card companies will sometimes place a freeze on your card if it considers your activity unusual. Though the credit card company may be sophisticated enough to realize your on vacation, sometimes they’re not.  So, it’s best to pre-empt a freeze by calling the toll-free number on the back of your card and let them know when and where you’ll be on vacation. 

——————

It shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes total to complete these four tasks.  Hopefully you will find that you didn’t need them after all.  In case you do discover a blip, you are in a much better position to resolve the issues days before the trip rather than at the airport or hotel. 

Do you have any other less obvious, but important recommendations to add?  Please share them.

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These are really exciting times around Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii.  I check the Hawaii Volcano Observatory Kilauea updates and web camera images fairly regularly.  For quite a while there’s not been much going on incandescence-wise at Puu Oo, but take a look at the above image that I captured from the observatory’s web cam just this morning.

It was a year ago that Pu’u O’o was a large lava lake.  Take a look at the images captured last year.

In other Kilauea updates:

• There’s an amazing lava pond and fountain that is shooting waves of lava up to 45 feet high.  Scientists say it’s been years since they’ve seen lava fountains as impressive as this one.  The lava fountain is located 2 miles from the Kilauea summit and 6 miles from the ocean.  It is inaccessible by foot.  The best way to see lava fountains is by helicopter tour.  KGMB has a great story and video.
• The lava tube system that had been transporting lava to the ocean at Waikupanaha entry point seems to have been blocked and now there are only “dribbles” lava flowing to the ocean., per KITV No plume has been reported for a couple of days now.  The tube blockage is producing surface flows.  UPDATE:  more recent reports indicate that lava is flowing back to the ocean at a good steady rate.
• Halemaumau crater located in the Volcanoes National Park continues to produce it’s impressive plume.

It’s absolutely amazing!  Isn’t it?

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Hawaii’s tropical climate is well suited for growing banana plants and there’s a good chance you may see one when you visit Hawaii. I took the photo above near Rainbow Waterfalls on the Big Island.

The banana bloom is really unusual looking. The photo above shows a banana plant in bloom. If you look closely, you can see the bananas taking shape.

Bananas are actually herbaceous perennials and not woody plant like a tree. Here are more facts about bananas.

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When you visit Hawaii, I hope you’ll get a shaka directed towards you.  Why?  This hand signal is a kind gesture.  Much unlike the middle finger salute, you actually want to get a shaka. The shaka is used in Hawaii to express several different meanings.  Here’s some of them:

• Hello
• Goodbye
• Aloha
• Thank you
• Take Care
• Take It Easy
• I Like This Situation/Place

To make a shaka, extend your thumb and pinkie while curling in the index and middle fingers.  You can also rotate your wrist, too.

I remember when we got our first shaka in Hawaii.  We were enjoying the drive on the road to Hana.  We looked in the rearview mirror and noticed a pickup truck following behind us.  We assumed this folks in the truck were local residents and weren’t on a sight-seeing mission like us.  So, at our first opportunity, we pulled over to let the truck pass by us.  As the truck passed, the passenger gave us a shaka.  (By the way, local residents will always appreciate you pulling over to allow them to pass if you are driving slow.  You’ll find that tip and more on how to be a polite visitor in Hawaii.)

The true origin of the shaka is a bit of a mystery.  There are several stories that Wikipedia includes.  The story I was told is a slight variation of what Wikipedia lists.  I was told that the shaka was born in Laie on Oahu by a man who had lost his index and two other middle fingers in an accident.  He stood along the road in Laie waving at people and cars as they passed by.  He was encouraging them to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center.  People didn’t know that this friendly fellow had lost his fingers and they would wave back trying to repeat the hand sign.  Have you heard this story or others?

Hopefully you’ll adopt this nice hand gesture when you visit Hawaii. I love offering a sincere shaka when the situation calls for it. It’s also fun to do a shaka for photographs of places you especially enjoyed.   Do you use the shaka in Hawaii?  Do you have an interesting shaka story?  Please share it.

If you’ve been to Kauai then you’ve probably noticed all the feral chickens. They’re hard to miss. I’d imagine just about everyone who has been to Kauai has vacation photos of the waterfalls, the beaches, beautiful Waimea Canyon, and then there’s the obligatory photo of the chickens.  (Note that the photo above is from our own vacation photo collection.)

So what does Kauai have so many wild chickens?  Most people suggest that the feral chicken population can be traced back to when Hurricane Iniki hit Kauai in 1992. It’s been reported that the devastating hurricane destroyed a number of chicken farms.  Wikipedia also suggests another possible theory:

Others say that sugarcane plantation laborers in the late 1800s and early 1900s brought and raised chickens (for eating and cockfighting) and many got loose over the years and multiplied.

The reason could be a combination of the two.  Have you heard any theories on the Kauai chicken population?  Do you have a vacation photo with a free range Kauai chicken?  If you have the photo hosted online, please share the link in the comments. 

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There have been some dramatic explosions of lava meeting the ocean at the Waikupanaha entry per the HVO.  Here’s a video that’s been loaded recently of the  Waikupanaha entry.  I’d estimate it was shot on or about June 30th. 

What an exciting time to be visiting the Big Island!  If you’re going and want to see the lava flowing, please see these tips for viewing the lava flow.  For the latest on the current lava viewing area at the end of Highway 130, see this link and the HVO daily reports. 

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Before I head off for the holiday weekend, I thought I’d leave you with an old school joke that came to mind. Did you hear about the girl who ate fireworks for breakfast? Her hair came out in bangs. Happy Independence Day!

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The two-day event will feature eight halau [hula schools] from across the island presenting richly choreographed kahiko and auana hula that express the traditional values of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands.  The weekend celebration will also feature Hawaiian artisans and crafters demonstrating lei making, wood carving, weaving and other traditional skills, as well as a closing concert from Owana Salazar.

If you are going to be on Maui at the end of July, you should definitely make plans to attend this free event.  I would almost guarantee this keiki hula festival will make you smile.

Photo credit courtesy of Lahaina Cannery Mall

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Bring the whole family out to enjoy a Family Day 4th of July Celebration at Turtle Bay Resort on Friday, July 4th!

We are pleased to announce that this community event is FREE to the public!  You will be entertained throughout the day by acts including the Delima Ohana and Ka’ala Boys.  And to end the day perfectly - an  amazing fireworks display is planned for the day’s finale!

This will also be a great opportunity to support our local schools and charities who will be sharing their information and crafts at Vendor Village!

• Gates Open at 2pm at the West End Lawn - Stables Area

• Free Self Parking at West End Lawn 

• Games, Bouncers, and lots of fun for Keiki!

• Military Vehicles for Keiki and adults alike to explore! 

• Chair Massages and Paraffin Wax Hand Treatments by Spa Luana

• Various Food & Craft Vendors

• Entertainment throughout the day, including:  TOA, Augie T, Delima Ohana and Ka’ala Boys    

• Fabulous Firework Finale as soon as it gets dark!

Not going to be on the North Shore on the 4th?  Follow this link for other 2008 July 4th fireworks events across Hawaii.

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I’ve been really excited about the community that’s been building up here at Go Visit Hawaii.  I love your comments and insight. Your input really helps all of us Hawaii fanatics in planning our Hawaii vacations. 

You’ve read lots of tips from me, now it’s time to hear from you.  So, I’d like to ask you to please comment with any tips you picked up from your vacations.  Here are some questions to trigger your ideas:

- What would you say was the highlight of your vacation?  What would you tell everyone is not to be missed?

- Did you go to any places you wish you hadn’t?

- Were there any tours that you didn’t take that you wish you had taken?  Were there any tours you took that you wish you hadn’t? 

- Do you wish you’d taken the tour at a different time or day?

- Were there any places that you wish you had seen but somehow missed?

- What money saving tips did you discover?

- Did you have any mishaps that you may have been able to avoid?

- How did your flights go?  Are there any things about your flight that you would have done differently?

- Did you pack too much or too little?  What items would you not pack next time?  Is there something that you didn’t pack that you wish you did?

- Do you want to go back to Hawaii?  What’s on top of your to-do list for next time?

I’m excited to hear what you have to say, so please share your tips in the comments!  I know several of you have just returned from your vacations, so do please chime in.  Mahalo!

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Before we dive into the details, I’d like to say that I think the Hilo side of Hawaii tends to be underrated.  The Hilo side is rich in beauty and culture. The pace tends to move a bit slower around here and personally, I like it.  Another point I want to mention is that it is a bit of a challenge trying to narrow all the great sight-seeing plans to just one day.  I’ve found that the Hilo side has been particularly challenging.  So, I’m going to focus in on my top choice and then mention some other ideas for you to consider.

Okay, now for some details.  One of the most fascinating natural wonders of the Big Island would have to Kilauea Volcano.  So, with only one day on the Hilo side, I’d recommend you focus your time at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  Just rent a car and then head south on the Hawaii Belt Road, Hwy 11, to the park. The park’s website has some good suggestions of what to see if you have between one to five hours. Basically stop at all the open view points along Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road.  Make sure you don’t miss the Thurston Lava Tube.  If you love to hike and you can arrange the time, then I’d recommend you plan in a 3 hour hike of the Kilauea Iki trail.  It’s one of my favorites in Hawaii. 

Since Kilauea is an active volcano, you can never predict what you might see.  At the present time, the Halemaumau crater is spewing out a giant plume of ash and the lava is flowing in tubes to the ocean just outside the the national park.  Check the daily updates provided by the Hawaii Volcano Observatory to find out what’s going on with the volcano.  (The national park’s website also provides updates, but sometimes it seems that their updates are not reported as timely.) The day of your visit, stop in at the park’s visitor center for the latest information, closures and advisories. 

If you plan to spend your day at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, please be aware of these tips:

• You’ll have to pay a fee to access the park.  At the present time, the fee for a vehicle is $10.  Here’s a link to the fees. 
• Do stop in at the visitor’s center to pick up a park map, learn of any closures and get pointers of what to see that day.  The park rangers can be very helpful in helping you plan the most from your brief visit. 
• Make sure you know the hazards of visiting the park.  Volcanic gasses can be particularly dangerous for young children, pregnant women, and people with heart or breathing problems. If you have questions, call the park directly at (808) 985-6000.
• You’d be wise to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.
• There’s only one restaurant in the park. In the nearby town of Volcano, you’ll find more dining options.  Here’s a link to the reviews of restaurants in Volcano. 
• Bring sunscreen, a hat, water and snacks.
• If you have time on the way back to the airport or cruse ship, stop in at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory.  As you return back to Hilo on Highway 11, it will be on your right at Macadamia Road. It’s open until 5pm.
• If you can manage staying overnight and the lava is flowing at a viewable point, then do yourself a favor and see lava flowing at night.  It is simply amazing.  At the present time, there is a viewing point at the end of Highway 130.  Follow this link for more on viewing the lava flow. 

If you don’t feel that visiting the Volcanoes National Park is for you, then here are some alternative suggestions:

• This area of the Big Island has some of Hawaii’s most picturesque waterfalls.  You could make your own waterfall tour with stops at Akaka Falls, the Four Mile Scenic Drive, Rainbow Falls, Peepee Falls and Boiling Pots.  For garden buffs, the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden located along the Four Mile Scenic Drive is highly touted.  I’ve not been able to work in the time to see it yet, but I have it on my list of things to see next time I’m on the Big Island.  There is a fee required for the garden and you need to make sure you wear mosquito repellant.
• Kauai and the Big Island are my top recommendations for a helicopter tour. Depending on where the lava is flowing, a helicopter tour may give you the best daytime lava flow view. Try to get a tour first thing in the morning, then, if time permits, rent a car and head over to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or check out some of the waterfalls (mentioned above).
• Hilo is a lovely town.  You could walk along the shops and get a loco moco.  (I like the loco moco from Cafe 100)  See this post with a video and a hint of what Hilo town is like. 
• There are plenty of packaged tours that will take you to the highlights of the Hilo area.  So, if you don’t want to do the driving, you’ll have plenty of options.  Roberts of Hawaii and Polynesian Adventures are two of the bigger tour companies. 

Have you visited the Big Island?  What do you think of these recommendations of what to see in just one day on the Hilo side?  What suggestions would you add?  What would you skip?  This was one of the more difficult one day itineraries to write, so I’d love to get your input.

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