Go Visit Hawaii

• Fancy a trip to Kauai before the end of July?  If you can travel from Seattle and can comply with the restrictions, you can get one-way fares from $249 on Alaska Airlines.  Here’s the link for more info. 
• I wish I had over 15 days and $2500 to spare because I like the looks of this South Pacific cruise that includes Oahu, the Big Island, Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Bay of Islands and finishes at Auckland, New Zealand.
• There’s a new Hawaii vacation rental search engine, HawaiiGaga and on David’s blog, there’s a good discussion about it. Check it out and tell us what you think.
• Northwest Airlines has announced they’ll charge for checking luggage.  So, has interisland carrier, Go! Airlines.  My how things have changed! It was just a year ago that Go! was offering specials of $9 one way.  Now they’re charging $10 for checking the first piece of luggage.
• Last week, we talked about the shaka.  As you may recall, the predominant story of how the shaka began was that a Polynesian Cultural Center employee who had lost his middle fingers waved to people and this wave caught on.  A nice Polynesian Cultural Center representative emailed me to tell me a bit more.  The name of the friendly gentleman is Hamana Kaili.  You can read more about him and see his photo here. Mahalo, Maria! 

Travel + Leisure Magazine just announced the 2008 version of their World’s Best Awards per their 13th annual reader poll. As no surprise to us Hawaii lovers, the islands were well represented on the top lists. So let’s take a closer look at who won the kudos.

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.

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!

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!

I subscribe to Budget Travel magazine and I really enjoy reading the 20 readers’ tips published in each issue. In the latest (July/August) issue, a reader from Austin, Texas writes this tip:

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?

Days before our vacation, we’re usually busy getting our work done. If we have time to think of the vacation, we prefer to be researching a tour or two or selecting some restaurants for sunset dinners or just daydreaming about relaxing at the beach. 

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. 

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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.

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?

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.

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.