November 2006 archive
On Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. Kauai lights it up with grand opening of the Festival of Lights. The festivus tropicus starts with joyous caroling by the Kauai Chorale and the Kapaa Middle School 8th Grade Choir. Santa crash lands…
When Honolulu Advertiser staff writer (and former Cherry Blossom Beauty Queen), Catherine Toth started her blog for the paper a few months ago, I anticipated gossipy pop-culture Oprah Winfrey pap. Toth writes great stories on surfing and food. Her columns…
Pros: This property is 10-minutes away from Waikiki and set on its own beach which is rarely crowded and very calm. This is the closest you'll come to a true resort on Oahu's South Shore. The service is, in general,…
The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are technically part of the Hawaiian Archipelago but might as well be on another planet. These tiny, low-lying islands are hundreds of miles from the main islands and are completely uninhabited, save for scads of critters.…
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Caveat reader. What you are about to read was the result of a comped dinner experience, Translation? I couldn't afford it but when the Halekulani offered to feed me its " Louis XIII de Remy Martin Ultimate Dinner," I simply…
You could post them on TripAdvisor and lose them forever amidst the avalanche of verbiage. Or all you locals and visitors to Hawaii could send ME your tips and reviews instead and take a crack at permanent immortality in paradise.…
If you’ve been to a wedding or other semi-formal event in Hawaii during the past nine years, chances are that you’ve seen a whole season’s worth of Cinnamon Girl dresses, and for good reason. The company’s sweet, feminine designs are…
The drive to Maha'ulepu Beach takes you through the dusty remnants of a now dormant suger cane plantation along Kauai's sunny southern shore. Go to the eastern end of Poipu Road where the pavement turns into a rutted dirt road.…
Noted surf filmmaker -- and best friend of the old-school surf pros -- Taylor Steele teamed up with hot surf photographer Dustin Humphrey for “Sipping Jetstreams.” This double-barreled effort is both a movie and a coffee-table book of the duo’s…
If you live in Hawaii, you know that feeling. Traffic jams all over Oahu? Too many office parties and neighborhood parades? Time to get out. One thing I love about Kayak is it makes it SO easy to look for…
Here's a graphic from Kayak.com tracking airfares from San Francisco to Honolulu over the past few months. As you can see, all this talk of higher airfares across the country seems to be a bit overdone, at least with regard…
After years in the making, the Pacific Aviation Museum opens its doors in two weeks. The museum will be chock full of goodies for history and World War II bufffs. If you like the National Air and Space Museum in…
I almost hate telling people about this spot. It's so perfect, and its right on Oahu. Kawela Bay is one of the last semi-secret beaches on this most populous of Hawaiian Islands. "Magnum P.I." and "Lost" have both filed scenes…
Want the low-down on some of the best eats on Oahu’s North Shore? No better sources than the world’s best surfers, who, after shredding the massive winter waves along this famed coastline stretch, surely work up the appetites to match…
It's really a tiny pocket beach between the Sheraton Waikiki and the Halekulani. I guess they call it Grey's Beach and its a nice spot. There's a beautiful shady hau tree that's nice to sit under when the homeless haven't…
Who doesn't like Vera Wang? Her designs are timeless, clean, and classy. Her color selection is subtle. The fabrics and materials she uses are sublime. I was in the Vera Wang Boutique at the plush Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki this…
What the heck is skimboarding? Basically, its akin to surfing but rather than paddle into a wave, the boarder runs towards shorebreak, slides the board out in front of himself / herself, jumps on the board as it begins…
Over the past decade, dessert wines have gone from gimmick to mainstream, complete with a big section at your local liquor store. Fruit wines, likewise, have become less than a novelty, in part due to the big success of Bonny…
In 1999 Hawaii confectionery Island Princess unveiled the Mele Kaliki Mac (as in Mele Kalikimaka, which is Merry Christamas in Hawaiian). Take a sinfully rich macadamia nut. Dip it in buttery English toffee. Cover this little nugget with milk chocolate.…
Pros: The Hilton sits on a stretch of rather nice beach, one of the widest in Waikiki. While its rarely empty, this beach tends to feel less crowded than the other primary Waikiki beaches. There is a great swimming channel…
I'm generally opposed to semi-cheesy "slideshows" of a bunch of stills slapped together with some music patched over it. But this montage (some video, mostly still) really covers Poipu, Kauai very well, and, frankly, makes me want to go…
Here’s another great place to check out post-Thanksgiving Day sales: Waikele Premium Outlets. Starting tomorrow at 7 AM (and running through 8 PM Sunday, November 26), shoppers will be able to score major deals on top of the already reduced…
As I’m sure most of you savvy shoppers are aware of, the day after Thanksgiving is the busiest shopping day of the year, and this holiday season, Hawaii shopping behemoth Ala Moana Center is taking full advantage of this fact…
Not to be outdone by Ala Moana, Pearlridge will also be opening its doors at 6 AM the day after Thanksgiving. Friday, November 24 kicks off a series of special holiday events—including live music and merchandise giveaways—beginning with Santa’s arrival…
So you’re all pau with the turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie for this year, but there’s no reason to despair. Some of the best deals of the year happen the day after Thanksgiving, especially at Ward Centers. The shopping complex…
Anyone who’s been stuck at home on a rainy day with an antsy toddler knows what a wonderful, climate-controlled, family-friendly oasis Kahala Mall is. In lieu of the shopping center’s usual Toddler Time activities, there’s a whole slate of children’s…
The Big Island got hit with an aftershock around 9 am this morning, Thanksgiving Day. We felt it over on Oahu but it was pretty much a little blip. From what I am hearing, there are no reports of additional…
I’m not a jewelry-loving kind of girl, but even I can’t resist the gorgeous simplicity of alliway’s handmade accessories. Local girl Alli Kim-Czerniak launched alliway in 2000 after she grew tired of the lack of creativity afforded by her office…
I tend to wait until the last minute to do just about everything. Which is bad for things like booking reservations for holiday meals. However, I am certain there are many folks like me out there and booking a…
The October quake struck pretty much directly off the coast of North Kohala on the Big Island. Access to Polulu Valley, a sheer amphitheater valley literally at the end of the road in North Kohala, was shut down after big…
Yet again, our friends at Hapa Hale spot an extremely cool fetish from the islands. Bathys Hawaii designs watches on Kauai and has a custom Swiss watchmaker build them to exacting specs. Kauai resident John Patterson is behind the Bathys…
This waterfall was mostly popular with locals until recently. You do have to trek across private property to get there, though that doesn't seem to stop folks. Gee, I wonder why? ;) It is a surreal spot, with a…
Craft fairs may not sound like the most promising places to find unique, high-quality gifts for your loved ones this holiday season, but the 20th Islandwide Christmas Crafts & Food Expo at the Neil S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall is not…
I try to explain, often, to visitors coming to Hawaii that, yes, the signs you see at the all the public points of interest warning you not to leave valuables in your car really are for real. They will steal…
Eco-chic designer Roberta Oaks turns cast-off clothes into cutting edge couture.It's hippy chic just the way I like it. Bright, beautiful colors and loose lines that still cut enough of silhouette to make a lovely lady look both radiant and…
I've written about Bellows Beach in past posts. It's one of our favorite in all the islands and is seriously underappreciated by the travel press. Which is actually fine -- more beach for those willing to make the drive.…
Props to my good friend Lesa Griffith, who is also a lifestyle editor at the Honolulu Advertiser, for this solid piece in NYT Travel Mag covering Oahu. A good read for anyone coming to Oahu soon. One caveat --…
We've written about the Pipiwai Trail past Hana on Maui. It's currently closed due to quake damage to century-old bridges along the Hana Highway. But here's a taste of what it looks like to whet your waterfall whistle. Related…
Once known more as a haven for society drop-outs, pakalolo planters, and hippies, the Puna District on the Big Island is becoming something of a Mecca for modernist home design (in part, due to the relative affordability of real estate…
For the most part, Hawaii hotels are booked up for the holidays. Yes, its kinda crazy out there. But should you get the urge for a post Xmas vacation with the little ones, the Kona Village Resort might be one…
Continuing with the Hawaiiram t-shirt binge, I wanted to point out this limited edition Hawaii earthquake survival t-shirt on offer from Crazy Shirts. This company has long set the standard for faux local t-shirts and put out some truly memorable…
Here are two truisms about Hawaii locals: 1) they don’t go to Waikiki unless they’re headed to a wedding, the zoo, or a gay club, and 2) they don’t buy t-shirts with “Hawaii” emblazoned on them. A notable exception to…
Attention Lily Lotus fans, the lovely, laid-back label will premiere its newest collection this coming Sunday, November 19 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Coffee Talk. You’ll be able to get your hands on local girl Laurie Momi Chee’s…
Hawaii has a dearth of boutique hotels. Most properties are run by super-mammoth companies like Starwood or Hyatt. Many indie hotels are still too big to be boutique, or they are just plain dowdy and underkept. Aqua Hotels and Resorts…
Honoluiu Star-Bulletin Weekly Eater Nadine Kam gives a big thumbs up to new Kapahulu electic eatery Uncle Bo's. My friend Bob knows the owners, which converted the spot from a past joint into an Asian Pacific pupus and casual plates…
According to the Maui County officials, a temporary replacement for the Paihi Bridge should be open by December 1, in time to allow Xmas season visitors to the Valley Isle to finish their Road to Hana journey with a dip…
Mark you Maui calendar for Dec. 2. That's the next Grand Dairy Tour at Surfing Goat Dairy in upcounty Kula. The Surfing Goat is a five-year old goat farm and cheese making operations founded by Thomas and Eva Kafsack, two…
So you read Hawaiirama. Hopefully, you like the site and its irreverent, breezy tone. Maybe you like it enough even to contribute! I am looking for solid bloggers with strong perspectives on all things Hawaii. You do need to live…
If you’re like me and you want to get a headstart on your holiday shopping (because the malls are going to be crazy this year, my friends), you’ve probably done a lot of browsing on the Internet. Shopping online is…
In the world of travel, its hard to get the truth. The major travel pubs deemphasize the negative sides of destinations and hotel/resort properties out of fear of ticking off potential advertisers. Clueless posters on Trip Advisor and Hawaii.com throw…
A trip around the Weborama with Hawaii tidbits. Sherman's Travel goes Pure Maui: Gran Wailea a budget hotel at $350 per night?(warning: PDF)Aloha, Dirt Cheap: RT from West Coast at $220 to HNLZagat's 2007 Travel Survey: Four Seasons Hualalai Best…
UPDATE: THE ENTIRE TRUMP TOWER PROJECT SOLD OUT IN A DAY. THAT'S RIGHT, ONE DAY. THIS IS NUTS! The Donald is apparently a perfect fit for Waikiki. So far, according to this article in the Honolulu Advertiser, Trump's planned 462-unit…
The Hula Grill, located on the second floor of the Outrigger Waikiki, really shouldn’t be a cool bar—at least not the type most Honolulu aficionados would enjoy. But on a Halloween evening, as Kalakaua Avenue flared with devils and pirates,…
Travel & Leisure readers love the 62-acre Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island. They've given the resort top marks among family resorts in Hawaii for several years now. Am sure the canal boats and the mini-tram used to ferry…
This helicopter-shot video is almost surreal. The spires of the Na Pali Coast and the 3,000 foot cliffs, along the western side of Kauai, look as if they were dropped in off the moon. Probably one of the most…
Mmmmm, strawberries. While everyone associates Hawaii with pineapples, papayas, and other tropicals, in the higher elevations on the Big Island and Maui, local farmers are busily growing ridiculously luscious strawberries. They are pretty hard to find in supermarkets but a…
And of course Sig's Blog is classy and understated, just like his designs. They don't post very often but each post comes with a gorgeous image of an endemic plant that holds cultural significance for Native Hawaiians and a really…
A 360-degree shot of the beach in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki. This is one of the widest beach stretches along Waikiki and its got great surfing offshore (Kaiser's), a wonderful swimming channel, and an easy…
Living in Hawaii, you learn to hate really big cars. All the parking spaces are for compacts so SUVs mean bashed paint jobs, suck-in-the-tummy egress, and tricky manuvers to fit between two of the behemoths. Hummers take this to a…
Moku Ola Hawaiian Healing Center is known for its excellent lomilomi massage and Hawaiian spa treatments. Now, the healing center has expanded its offerings to include top local artist. The current collection includes the work of nine of Islands’ most…
The folks over at Travelistic are churning out short videos that attempt to emulate the style of Web newscastlet Rocketboom and the pop culture phenom YouTube. Of course, bikinis are involved in a lot of the videos – you do…
Planning a wedding can be a logistical nightmare on many levels, from choosing a venue to picking floral arrangements. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a place that could help you with every aspect of preparing for your special…
More than once I've bagged a hotel steal online and arrived at the property to check in -- and realized that extensive, noisy and dirty renovations were underway. Hotels go out of their way to minimize these events, booking rooms…
If anyone of you out there reading hasn't hummed along to "Tiny Bubbles" at some point in you life, then, well, your probably lying! This anthem to cheap champagne entered the musical anthology of America courtesy of Don Ho, the…
So my friend Carnet Williams over at ChipIn and his crew have been busy guys. They are launching a nifty new technology that's kinda like a PayPal DonateNow button on steriods. It's a widget so anyone can cut and…
We love Jimbo's as do a lot of other folks. It used to be our favorite place to get udon and other Japanese comfort foods. I was partial to the yakiudon with shrimp. But over the past six months the…
The Basics: This retro resort is composed of 163 units spread throughout a clutch of two-story buildings with vaguely Polynesian accents tucked into a corner of Napili Bay, one the best unsung bays on Maui. The units are spread over…
Living just up the hill from Ed Kenney's restaurant Town definitely has its perks. We get down there all the time for lunch and either Ed or Dave, his partner, sticks their head out of the kitchen to say hello.…
I am a cocktail fiend. I never drink more than two at a sitting, but I do savor them. And I don't get to drink them as often as I'd like these days. But Hawaii, and Oahu in particularly,…
Cheap Hawaii: Glad Travel rolls out Hawaii booking site for cheapskates, rooms, $100 and under Cool Kona: BusinessWeek names Big Island one of 18 new places to retire. Never mind the earthquakes ;). Mudslide Done: Pali Tunnel back to normal,…
What comes to mind when you think of aloha print clothing? Loud colors? Busy patterns? Boxy aloha shirts and unflattering muumuus? While this may have been the case in the ‘60s, Hawaii’s fashion industry has come a long way since…
View from the 4th Floor of Building 6 at the Sheraton Maui in Kaanapali. Beyond the swaying palms, the island of Molokai is visible. Image via Flickr/anasofia…
Rain gauges all over Kauai are recording huge downpours and the Hanalei River and other rivers and streams will likely overflow their banks, if they are not already doing so. Definitely check with your hotel / travel agent before you…
Georgia O'Keeffe came to Hawaii in the late 1930s to escape a nasty divorce resulting from the infidelity of her husband and longtime mentor, an affair that caused O'Keeffe to have a nervous breakdown. The Dole Pineapple corporation underwrote her…
This is an excerpt from a book by Jessica Ferracane, "50 Thrifty Big Island Restaurants". Foodies trolling for blue collar grubs should dig in. And a hat tip to the folks at Watermark Publishing who agreed to the excerpts.…
It seems as if Mother Nature has a conspiracy against Hawaii tourists. Within the past year, Oahu and Kauai suffered massive sewage spills resulting from 40 days of torrential rains, an earthquake caused closures of national parks, beaches and trails…
