Go Visit Hawaii

Here’s what’s interesting today:

• Prince Resorts Hawaii just announced their new winter promotion that includes daily $50 resort credit along with some good rates.
• Hawaiian Airlines is offering a $100 e-certificate to Hawaiian Miles Members who book a flight between the Mainland U.S. and Hawaii before December 12, 2008 and travel by June 4, 2009. Here’s more about this offer.
• When I mentioned the announcement of Mokulele Airlines expanding their fleet and interisland operations, I speculated that there might be an airfare war on the horizon.  Lo and behold there is an interisland airfare war for the holiday season with one-way fares as low at $45.  So, far Mokulele and go! are both offering $45 one way, while Island Air is offering $99 round-trip.  I wonder if Hawaiian will soon join in the fray.  These low fares can make island hopping more affordable. If you need island hopping ideas, see my suggestions for what to see and do with one day on each of the Hawaiian Islands.
• From this Star Bulletin article, there are two interesting tidbits.  First the revival of CBS’s Hawaii Five-O is pending at the moment. (Oh please, oh please, CBS, bring it back!)  The other good nugget from that article, is that there’s a new Elvis store at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Elvis spent quite a bit of time in Laie and the Polynesian Cultural Center, so it’s fitting that they have a store to celebrate him.

As Thanksgiving approaches, it seems like we have a cornucopia of Hawaii deals and news today.  

• United Airlines has an airfare sale to Hawaii with fares as low as $192 one-way. The sale is valid for travel before March 11, 2009 and several terms apply.  It’s worth a peek.
• Continental Airlines Vacations has a deal you might want to consider, if you’re booking a flight/hotel package up to $2,399, you can save an additional $75.  For packages between $2,400 and $3,999 you can save $150. With all higher packages, you can save $250. From my review, it looks like deals to Honolulu/Waikiki are best with some freebies, like hotel transfers, lei greeting, and a breakfast thrown in. You need to use promotion code CV8702.
• Hawaiian Airlines also has an airfare sale with round-trip fares as low as $319.
• For Southwest Airlines fans, the company says it’s in talks with other carriers for a code share for flights to Hawaii. As you may recall, they previously had a code share with ATA Airlines which shut down this past Spring.
• Orbitz revealed the top 10 destinations for Christmas 2008.  Honolulu (Oahu) and Lahaina (Maui) are both top 10 Christmas destinations this year. Honolulu moved from being the 13th most popular destination in 2007 to the fourth position this year.  Lahaina wasn’t even in the top 20 rankings last year, but is the ninth most popular destination this Christmas. Let me be the first to say that many more people are going to have a Maui Christmas this year.
• A new luxury resort, Honua Kai Resort & Spa, is due to open in January 2009 on Kaanapali’s North Beach in West Maui. They’re not advertising rates on their Web site yet, but I’d imagine they will be on the high end of the scale.  I like that fact that each room has a gourmet kitchen. Having a kitchen is not only convenient, but can save you a bundle.
• If you’d selected Air Kauai for your helicopter tour of the Garden Isle, you might want to have a backup plan.  The company stopped flying last week after their two helicopters were repossessed.  They’re in the process of filing for bankruptcy protection which would allow them to get the helicopters back while the case is being reviewed. (Source)
• KGMB has a nice video summary of yesterday’s Veterans Day ceremonies across Oahu.

Have you been checking airfare to Hawaii?  Found any knock your socks off deals like I have?  If you haven’t been checking, then what are you waiting for?  Here’s some hotel bargains to consider as you book that flight to Hawaii. 

• Get a room at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa on the sunny southwest shore of Oahu that normally sells for $439, but  is reduced down to $249.  The deal is valid for most Sunday through Thursdays through March.  Use promotion code ADP and see this link for more information.
• The Grand Wailea deal that I shared on Friday has been extended.  (Previously, the deal expired on October 31st.)  To recap, the lowest standard rate is normally $625 per night, but you can get a room for as low as $175 night when you stay for five nights and apply the resort credit towards the cost of your stay. This deal may be the biggest bargain of them all.  See more here.
• Get 40% off a one-bedroom suite plus breakfast for two plus $25 spa credit at the Aqua Bamboo through January. Learn more about this deal at $199 per night here. 
• Orbitz has the Wyland Waikiki  on sale from $119 to $129 per night.  Nice deal, right?  But wait, there’s more, if you order in the next 30 minutes, they’ll also throw in these ginsu knives. (Just checking to see if you were awake.) Actually, this deal does have some extras that sweeten the pot, like a free room upgrade and daily continental breakfast for two.  I recently stayed in this hotel and it has quite a few unique touches that make it stand out.  I’ll be sharing my review soon.  In the meantime if you book, do request a quiet room.

We all need some nice Hawaii news on this election eve, don’t we?  If you’re tired of the nasty TV political ads, you’ll be pleased to know that Go Visit Hawaii is political ad-free each and every day!

• Here’s a nice deal at the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa for $199/night for an ocean view room.  That rate is $150 off the normal rates.  One of my Maui blogging pals over at Kaanapali Dreamin is a fan of this resort.
• The Wheel of Fortune shows that were set in Waikoloa Beach Resort on the Big Island begin airing this week. I believe the shows actually begin airing on the 5th, per the show guide and will continue for the next three weeks. Note to TV executives: set a show in Hawaii and I will watch it.
• For those thinking about getting hitched in Hawaii, Maui’s Kaanapali Beach Hotel has launched some new all inclusive wedding packages that start at $950 plus tax.
• I found myself nodding in agreement several times as I read John DiScala’s air travel etiquette tips on Tripso. I hope that the lady sat in the window seat next to me between Dallas and Raleigh reads these. Apparently she doesn’t know that “and [when] some poor soul gets stuck in the middle seat, it’s common knowledge that they get both armrests. So don’t try to elbow them for space.” 

Happy Aloha Friday and Halloween! You’ll find all treats and no tricks here today.

• The much loved Mauna Kea Resort is due to re-open December 20th.  They’ve been renovating and repairing damage from the 2006 Big Island earthquake. In the meantime, they’re letting us take a virtual sneak peek into the new room designs. See for yourself here. What do you think?
• KGMB has a couple of video segments of Kapalua’s ziplining adventures on Maui. Looks fun and the scenery is great. Kapalua is one of my favorite areas of Maui.
• Hawaii’s DLNR has begun the final stage of path improvements at the popular Akaka Falls. Due to the extent of the reconstruction work, the park will closed between December 8-19  and again for two days sometime in March or April. I look forward to having access to the Kahuna Falls when the work is done in Spring 2009. 
• If you’ve been afraid to check the prices for rental vacation homes in Hawaii, you might want to set aside those fears. Wendy Perrin reports that, “Rental owners in Hawaii are offering excellent deals right now, even for those Christmas/New Year’s weeks that are normally sold-out at peak prices this late in the year.”  As you may already know, I think that staying in a vacation villa or home in Hawaii is a very savvy choice.
• Maui’s Grand Wailea is probably the most opulent resort on sunny South Maui. Fancy staying there for as low as $175 per night when their normal lowest rate is $625? See this deal for a $375/night rate, which is a good rate, but on top of that, if you stay for five nights, you receive $1000 resort credit that can be applied towards the cost of your room. So, crunch the numbers and that works out to be $175 per night.  If you are interested, you’ll need to book by today.  I’m going to give this one some serious thought myself!

Image credit

If you’re growing weary of all the political campaigning, then maybe you need a refreshing vacation campaign. The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) just launched a winter vacation campaign with the theme of Discover More Of Hawaii For Less.  Now, isn’t that a campaign we can all support?

You can find the central collection of these winter deals at GoHawaii.com/Value.  John Monahan, HVCB president and CEO, says, “The savings being offered mean the cost of a Hawaii vacation can now be less than a year ago.”  From my own observations, I’ve noticed that that the deals I’m finding now are much better than this same time a year ago. Many enticing perks like resort credits, free breakfasts, free rental car, and free night’s stay are currently being offered.  These freebies are on top of discounted rates.  Last year you might have seen one of those perks, but no more than one.  Now, I’m seeing most deals that offer at least two or three of those perks. It’s also worth noting that some of the discount offers are valid through March 2009, which is traditionally the high season.

Title quote by John Monahan, HVCB president and CEO

As you are making your sight-seeing plans for Maui, I do hope you are planning in a visit to the summit of Haleakala. Did you know that the name Haleakala means “house of the sun” in Hawaiian? Given the meaning of Haleakala, I think it’s fitting to visit the summit for sunrise or sunset. Which is better? That’s a good question and I tend to lean towards sunrise. Here are my thoughts on Haleakala for sunrise versus sunset.

Practically speaking, you’re going to be jet lagged anyway so make good use of the time and see sunrise. To some extent you will be jet lagged, particularly if you are flying from the East. From my experience, I tend to be a early riser when I visit Hawaii. The first couple of days, I tend to wake up in the wee hours of the morning. Take advantage of your jet lag on the first or second day and drive up to Haleakala for sunrise. 

On the flip side of the jet lag issue, if you want to watch sunset, you may want to wait to go to Haleakala towards the end of your stay. On the first few days I’m in Hawaii, I get sleepy early in the evening - I’m talking around 7:30 or 8:00pm. So, if sunset is around 6:30pm and I’ve got to drive two hours back to my accommodation, I’m going to be fighting to stay awake while driving in the dark down a steep and winding road. That’s not a good combination.

A bonus of getting to the summit early is that you get to stargaze before watching the sky and clouds slowly light up with vivid sunrise colors. It’s hard to put into words how amazing this experience is. I’d encourage you to be observant as you watch this natural show and you will be rewarded. Now I know you can watch this sequence in reverse if you go for sunset, however, if you are fighting jet lag and you’re getting colder by the minute as the sun’s warmth goes away, you’re less likely to persevere to a nice dark sky for stargazing.    

Sunrise is more dramatic in my opinion.  Not only are you there early watching the sky change from dark to colorful lights, but the surreal, moon-like landscape of Haleakala summit is displayed at sunrise.

I have always found that it’s easer to drive uphill than driving downhill in the dark. Has anyone else noticed that, too? I grew up in the mountains of North Carolina, so I feel like I know a thing or two about driving on steep, curvy roads.  The road to the summit of Haleakala is very steep and abundantly dotted with hairpin turns. I prefer to navigate up this tricky road in the dark before sunrise rather than down the road after sunset.

With Haleakala meaning house of the sun, I think it’s more fitting to greet the sun on its house.  Maybe I’m too much of a romantic, but I feel like watching sunrise on Haleakala has a cultural significance because of its name. 

Now that I’ve gone all goo goo gah gah over Haleakala sunrise, you may be wondering if there are any plus sides to watching sunset. Yes, there are upsides to watching sunset. For starters, you’ll find less crowds at sunset. You’ll also find that the temperature is warmer for sunset. At 10,000 feet above sea level, it does get chilly especially without the warmth of the sun.

If you’ve been trying to decide between Haleakala sunrise or sunset, I hope this article has helped you make your decision. Be sure to see all my tips for watching Haleakala sunrise.

Here’s a video about Haleakala sunrise narrated by Nan Cabatbat, Cultural Educator. In this video notice that Ms. Cabatbat says that she’s been watching sunrise at Haleakala for the past 17 years and she’s never seen the same sunrise yet. 

 
Have you seen Haleakala sunrise or sunset?  What did you think of it?

• I feel a bit like a broken record, but I need to repeat that Hawaii deals are in abundance! In fact, according to the Star Bulletin, the “Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau begins its sale of travel packages at below 2007 prices as part of a $4.5 million marketing campaign to boost travel during the U.S. economic crisis.” See their current listing of Hawaii deals.
• The Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast is offering a third night free from now through December 20th in ocean view or higher guest room categories. You can combine this package with other offers including $200 in resort credit and breakfast offer. 
• Hawaii continues to be a top destination for Expedia.com customers. Expedia is rolling out new Hawaii deals.  Might be worth a peak if you’ve not checked out their deals in a while.  
• The section of road between Kaupo and Kipahulu on the Piilani Highway has reopened. It had been closed for nearly two years due to the earthquake damage in October 2006. You might know this section of road better as the south side of the Road to Hana. Though this road is open again most of the major rental car companies forbid driving here. You should check with your rental car company before driving this section.
• There’s a hot new luau on the Big Island at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa.  It’s called Firenesia and it debuts tonight. “Full of excitement and drama, entertainers showcase the beauty of fire under the stars while guests feast on Hawaiian lu‘au favorites and contemporary fare and sip cocktails at the open bar.” For more information visit www.firenesia.com.
• Chapter 14 of the Carnival of Aloha is up with many interesting articles about Hawaii.
• Here’s a touching story that you must watch.  Veteran Michael Yuhas returns to Hawaii for the first time in 67 years after surviving the attack at Pearl Harbor. It was his wish for his 90th birthday that he would get to return to Hawaii.

Color me jealous that the West Coast gets all the best flight deals to Hawaii. If you are one of those lucky ones on the West Coast then check out the extended flight sales to Oahu and Maui.  Flights are as low as $350 plus taxes and fees.  You must book by October 10, 2008.  If you get one of these good flight deals, will you just send me a post card?

I suppose the phrase “best weather” is a subjective term. Probably most people would define it as warm and sunny.  On Maui you’re always going to be able to find wonderful warmth, though in certain places, you’re more likely to contend with a little bit of rain. In this article, we’ll identify the sunniest spots.

Now please bear with me as I discuss rain in Hawaii for a moment. My husband laughs at me because for some strange reason, rain doesn’t bother me in Hawaii.  I think it must be because the showers tend to be brief and you almost always get to see a rainbow.

From around November through about mid-March, Maui tends to have the most rainfall. So, you may be wondering, should you avoid that time for your Maui vacation.  My answer to that question is not at all!  I’ve been to Maui in January, the wettest month of all, and experienced very little rain.  A couple of reasons to visit Maui in these wetter months is that the waterfalls can be spectacular and it’s humpback whale season - two great rewards, in my opinion!

Still with all that said, where should you stay on Maui for maximum sunshine?  Your best bets would be from the towns and areas of Kihei, Kamaole, Wailea,and Makena as these areas tend to get about 15 inches per year.

Your next best options would be in Lahaina and Kaanapali which gets approximately 17 inches per year. Going further north from there and you’re more likely to find increasing rainfall amounts.  According to my Maui Trailblazer guidebook, just a 10 to 20 minutes drive north from Lahaina, the area of Kapalua averages 31 inches of rainfall. Personally, I wouldn’t avoid Kapalua, in fact, it’s my favorite place to stay on Maui. It’s worth noting that the Mercedes-Benz Championship Golf Tournament is held in Kapalua each January, so it can’t be all that rainfall laden, can it?

On the windward side of Maui, you’ll find the gorgeous little town Hana which is well worth a visit on the famous road to Hana. Along this stunning drive, you’ll see tons of lush green tropical plants and trees and waterfalls.  Um, guess what waters these green plants and feeds these waterfalls?  That’s right, rain! Hana averages approximately 83 inches of year per year.

I hope this article helps you narrow down your choices.  The good news is that you can’t make a bad decision, it’s just that you may find some places sunnier than others.