My friend Brian Ricker recently returned from a Big Island live aboard scuba diving trip on the Kona Aggressor. He’s a total diving enthusiast. He’s practically been around the world on diving trips. So I was anxious to hear what he thought about his Big Island dives. The night dive with the manta rays was the highlight of his trip. “Night diving off the Big Island is a fantastic experience. From the largest mantas to the smallest nudibranch [sea slugs], the diversity of sea life provides divers an unparalleled opportunity for adventure.”
Brian’s a great underwater photographer, so be sure and check out his photo set from his Hawaii dives. In fact, Brian provided the photo of the manta ray at the top. Brian estimates that the wing span on this particular manta ray was 15 feet. Whoa!
You’ll find several reputable diving companies near Kona who will take you out for night dives with mantas. Some even bring snorkelers, too. As you may recall, I can be a bit of a chicken when it comes to being in the water, but I may have to overcome my fear some day to see these graceful creatures at night.
If you are a diving enthusiast, then check out The Right Blue written by Bobbie and Jerry who are are expert divers. They live on the Big Island and frequently write about local marine life and diving points.
Mahalo to Brian for sharing his photos and experience with us!
Here’s a photo from my collection that recently grabbed my attention for it’s unusual colors. Though the photo is a bit out of focus, I like to describe it as semi-impressionist. 
Many people like to watch sunset while they’re on vacation in Hawaii. What most people seem to miss is that seeing the sun dip into the ocean is only half of the show and the best is yet to come. Do yourself a favor when you got to Hawaii and watch how the sky and water change colors after sunset. Just pause, relax, and enjoy it.
Today’s eclectic mix of news takes us from wheels to feathers.
The Wheel of Fortune is coming to the Big Island September 12 to 16. The show will be taped at the Hilton Waikoloa Village along the Kohala Coast. You can apply for free tickets to watch the shows that will evenutally air in November.- As you know, Alaska Airline flies to four of Hawaii’s major airports. They’ve just announced a useful tool that helps you find their lowest fares. I’d like to see the other airlines implement a tool with all the functionality that this one has.
- Kilauea continues to amaze with fountains of lava explosions. In addition, rarely seen water spouts are popping up at the lava ocean entry point Check out the videos on KGMB and KHNL. With shows like this, I’m a bit baffled as to why the Big Island visitor counts are down.
- Those of you who have been following this blog for a while know that I’m not in the habit of tooting my own horn. So, hopefully you’ll bear with me as I tell you about a new feather in my cap. I’ve recently completed course work, testing and certification by the official Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau. I am now certified as an Island Graduate for the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Hawaii’s Big Island. So, I suppose that’s actually six new feathers. It’s nice to add this official recognition along with my own personal travel experiences to bring you trusted advice.
Here’s a very nice Hawaiian Airlines fare sale. Book before July 25, 2008 for travel between now and August 15, 2008. Here are the special offer roundtrip fares:
- Portland - Maui $471
- Seattle - Maui $471
- Los Angeles - Honolulu $680
- Oakland - Honolulu $684
- Phoenix - Honolulu $569
- Portland - Honolulu $511
- Sacramento - Honolulu $712
- San Diego - Honolulu $700
- San Francisco - Honolulu $600
- San Jose - Honolulu $536
- Seattle - Honolulu $542
There’s a couple of good deals advertised for travel between August 16 to December 21, 2008. These fares must be booked before July 25th, as well.
- Oakland - Honolulu $540
- Phoenix - Honolulu $455
One of the top highlights of Lanai is Hulopoe Beach. Why is this beach so special? Let’s start with five great reasons:
1. It’s a protected marine preserve which makes it great for snorkeling.
2. Hawaiian spinner dolphins love to play in this bay. We saw many dolphins during our stay here. I’ve been told that this area is an amazing spot for watching humpback whales in season (December - April).
3. The crescent shape makes the bay very picturesque.
4. A Lanai icon, Sweetheart Rock, Puupehe is just a short hike away. See our photo and video of Puupehe
5. You’ll find fascinating tide pools along the east side of the bay. The tide pools form in the lava rock to make a natural aquarium making it a nice way to see marine life without getting wet.
Hulopoe Beach would have to rank in my top five favorite beaches of Hawaii. If you don’t want to take my word that this beach is great, then consider that Dr. Beach named Hulopoe Beach the best beach in America in 1997.
Tips for Visiting Hulopoe Beach
- If you are staying on Lanai, it’s easy to find this bay on the south coast of the island. It’s situated between the Four Seasons Resort and Manele Bay.
- A day trip to Hulopoe Beach from Maui is really easy to do. You simply take a 30 to 45 minute ferry ride to Manele Bay from either Lahaina or Maalaea Harbors. Roundtrip tickets are $50 for adults and $40 for children. Trilogy offers packaged day trips that include meals and snorkeling gear. They are the only tour company with permission to bring guests to Hulopoe Bay.
- You’ll find picnic tables, restrooms and shower facilities here.
- Note that the only nearby restaurants are at the Four Seasons. My favorite place for lunch here is the clubhouse restaurant.
- You’ll need to bring your own snorkeling gear if you are not a guest of the Lanai Four Seasons.
- This bay Lanai’s only swimmable beach and the water is typically more calm in the summer months.
- If you are in the bay when the Spinner dolphins are visiting, don’t ever chase the dolphins or attempt to touch them.
I just read the most recent Hawaii hotel occupancy and rate report and I’m surprised to see that rates on the Big Island are down 10% from this same time last year. The occupancy rate is 55.5% - down 30 percentage points from last year.
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.
If you are looking for a luau on Oahu, you have a new option. The Hilton Hawaiian has just added a luaus on Sundays and Wednesday evenings. It’s called Waikiki Luau on the Lagoon.
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.
