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Archive for 2012

Favorite Island Signs May 02

Signs are used throughout the world to advertise, bring attention to something or to alert to possible danger. These are some of my favorites that I have seen as I travel throughout  the  Hawaiian Islands. Something to be said  for keeping it short and sweet, colorful and attention grabbing.

Watch out for falling Coconuts at the Ali'i Fishpond on Molokai

Kauai Marriott Weather Station

 

Original Donkey Ball store on the Hawai'i The Big Island - incredible chocolate and more

 

 

Molokai  – Ali’i Fishpond - the Ka Honua Momona Organization is working to restore this historical fishpond, more information to follow in a future blog post

Hawai’i    The Big Island – Donkey Ball Factory – located at 79-7411 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kainaliu ,Hi 96750 – 8 miles south of Kona  – Same factory & store location for over 12 years ! Donkey Balls made-in-house  using only Guittard Chocolate -Handcrafted gourmet chocolates, Kona Coffee and Gifts !

Kauai -  the weather station  at the Kauai Marriott, more accurate  than  other weather reports for sure, it has always been correct during my visits to the resort.

Do you have  some personal favorites of your own ?

For more information  contact me:   Phone   828-256-1530  / Email   linda@honeymoonsinc.com  /  Facebook  www.facebook.com/linda.dancer

 

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Waikiki has a new vibe ! Apr 13

The island of OAHU is know  as The Gathering Place. The beautiful beaches and excitement of Waikiki have long been the reason visitors come to OAHU, but never has it been more true than the Waikiki of today.  Waikiki has always been known for world class hotels, scenery, exciting  nightlife, shopping and dining , but with the  replinishing of sand to Waikiki Beach nearing completion, Queen Emma’s Palm Grove restored and the Waikiki Beachwalk  there are more reasons than ever to spend more time on Oahu and enjoy all that  Waikiki has to offer. For those that love the Waikiki of yesteryear ,have no fear the iconic images of Diamond Head , Top of Waikiki and the famous Waikiki Beach Skyline are still here as well.

Queen Emma’s Palm Grove beckons you to gather with live Hawaiian Music Concerts : Once the home of Royalty, as history is told a favorite spot of  Queen Emma Kaleleonalani ,wife of King Kamehameha IV , you can feel the spirit of aloha here for sure, be sure and check out the beautiful bronze statue of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the great grand-daughter of King Kamehameha ,whose legacy is the education of children of Hawaiian decent through the Kamehameha Schools which benefit from the profits of the Royal Hawaiian Center. 

The Royal Palm Grove is located between The Royal Hawaiian Hotel and Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center on Kalakaua Ave.  For more information on the Royal Hawaiian Center  http://www.royalhawaiiancenter.com

 

Free concerts

Serenity in the middle of Waikiki , grab a MIXED PLATE and enjoy the beauty

Serenity found in the middle of Waikiki

A beautiful place to take in local cultural experiences

New additions to the Waikiki Dining and Nightlife Scene :

Morimoto Waikiki

RUM Fire at Sheraton Waikiki

  • Rumfire www.rumfirewaikiki.com
  • Featuring Pacific Rim of Fire menu – blending Global influences with Hawaiian Focus.
  • Philosophy of Rumfire Waikiki is that food should be shared , it is this blending of conversation and social comfort food  that ignites RumFire Waikiki the best place to live liquid aloha
  • Located at the Sheraton Waikiki.

Waikiki Beachwalk :

Outdoor entertainment plaza,Shop for Hawaiian apparel and more than a dozen restaurants .

For more info   www.waikikibeachwalk.com 

Eight acres of shopping,dining and entertainment

Eight acres of shopping,dining and entertainment

Beautiful attention to details such as fresh flowers and palm trees

At the corner of Don Ho and Lewers St - a great place to begin your day

Iconic Images can still be found as well:

Diamond Head

Skyline of Waikiki Beach

Top of Waikiki , revolving restaurant

So if you are ready to catch the new Vibe in Waikiki or just to get familiar with some of the Iconic images of yesteryear, contact me so we can get busy and plan your trip to  OAHU - Give me a call  Toll Free 1-888-811-1888  ext 331 , Direct Line 828-256-1520 or email me linda@honeymoonsinc.com

Be sure and also LIKE my facebook page to see more images of OAHU and the other islands www.facebook.com/linda.dancer.

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Another Best for MAUI Mar 26

Ingenious way to encourage recycling

Ka'ohu Farms invites you to recycle

 

 

Surfboard Fence

Best Recycling Project :

Just ask anyone who has ever visited  Maui and they will tell you why it is little wonder that Maui has been voted the  “Best Island”  by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler for seventeen years in a row.  No one could argue that there are  beautiful beaches and incredible natural scenery, but on my recent  drive along   HWY  36 – the famous Road to Hana, I think  I have discovered a new category and reason  why  Maui is the best . The best on going recycling project.

The Road to Hana is a Fifty-two mile two lane road with over 200 hairpin turns crossing over more than  fifty bridges - Removed from the rest of Maui  but so worth the drive – I suggest you allow a full day to make this trip  so you do not miss any of the special stops along the way such as a photo op  at  Ka’ohu Farms on Kaupakalua Road -one of Maui’s most famous landmarks . I have heard that images of this whimsical surfboard fence hang on the walls of  art galleries and have been featured over the years on the pages of many magazines.  He has also been featured in  The Maui News , in an article by  Lehia Apana Staff Writer , www.themauinews.com , I have posted this full article on my facebook page for your enjoyment.

Ka’ohu Farms  is the passion of  Haiku resident   Donald “DJ” Dettloff , we all just get to enjoy the fruits of his labor.I am so glad  he cared enough to give other peoples  junk surfboards new life in such a unique way.

Do yourself a favor and get out and explore the islands you never know what you will find when you dare to get off the beaten path-  if you need some assistance planning your trip – Just email  me   linda@honeymoonsinc.com    and we will get started planning your unique trip to Maui . Read the full article on the Maui Surfboard Fence on my facebook page www.facebook.com/linda.dancer

 

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Relaxation found in activity Mar 09

Many people find relaxation through trying new activities – The Hawaiian Islands  offer so  much more to visitors than just beautiful resorts with incredible pools, amenities and beaches. To truly unlock the magic of all that is Hawaii you have to get out and explore. Regardless of your interest or physical abililities, Hawaii has something special for you. The best way to discover local culture, natural beauty and Hawaiian traditions  is to take advantage of the safety and security found in Hawaii and try something new.  Aloha Spirit  is found on all six islands and each unique island offers many opportunities for you to find your relaxation through trying a variety of activities.

Some of my favorites are :

Watersports such as scuba , ocean kayaks and  stand up paddle boarding:

Snuba - Combination of snorkeling and scuba

Stand up paddle boarding

Ocean Kayaks

 

Eco- Adventures  such as  horseback riding ,  hiking through rainforest and  zip lines are just a few of the options available in Hawaii 

Horseback riding on Kauai

Zipline on Maui with Kapalua Adventures

Hiking through the Rainforest on Oahu

 

Explore by  Rental Car   or  organized tour  , bicycle   or  from the air: 

Valley Isle Excursions - Road to Hana Tour

Seaplane Tours over Oahu

Oahu Bike Downhill with Bike Hawaii

 

Valley Isle Excursions - a wonderful way to  explore the road to Hana  www.tourmaui.com  , enjoy this breathtaking drive through 52 miles,617 curves and 56 one lane bridges

Bike Hawaii – Rainforest to the Reef -    Explore  Oahu  with this team of  professional nature guides   at  www.bikehawaii.com  – explore remote areas of  Oahu that most visitors never see.

Princeville Ranch Stables – Ride through beautiful pastures, hike through the rainforest  to a  private  waterfall and if you are brave enough take a dip in the simming hole below   www.princevilleranch.com

Kapalua Adventures  - operating over two miles of ziplines and  a  360 foot  suspension bridge  – truly a one of a kind experience   www.gozipmaui.com

Island Seaplane Tours  - Helicopter tours  are great , but this is such a unique experience  – bird’s eye view of Diamond Head, Waikiki and Pearl Harbor  www.islandseaplane.com

Kayak  and stand up paddle boarding  lessons are just two of the many activities  that  Kayak Kauai  can assist you with on Kauai  www.kayakkauai.com

For assistance for booking these tours or any of the countless ofther activites in Hawaii  email  me  linda@honeymoonsinc.com   or give me a call 1-888-811-1888 ext 331.

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Relaxation Found Feb 24

RELAXATION

Webster’s dictionary  defines relaxation as the act of relaxing of the body or mind; or the condition of being relaxed. Everyone has their own definiton of exactly what relaxation means to them, and exactly what it takes for them  to be relaxed. Many people need to be completely unplugged from their daily enviroment of  the office, cell phones, lap tops and other electronic devices that although they make our lives easier, in a way they also hold us hostage . I know for me, I fall into that category and  the following help me to find  rest, relaxation and peace when I go on vacation .

Incredible  Resort Pools

Hawaii is know for many things, definitely  incredible resort pools  should be on that list . Among my favorites are the  Four Seasons Wailea ,  Ritz-Carolton Kapalua  and  Fairmont Kea Lani

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Four Seasons Pool

Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui

Beautiful  Beaches   

Beautiful beaches can be found throughout  the Hawaii Islands. Three of my favorites  are beautiful white sand beaches but throughout the islands you will also find  shades of black and golden sand due to volcanic activity.

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka'upulehu

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Hammocks

Hammocks beg you to unplug  and let go  for  a while, to enjoy the peaceful breeze, the sound of the wind in the palm trees, the smell of tropical flowers wafting throught the air. Close your eyes for a few moments and be carried away.

Hilton Waikoloa Village

The Modern Honolulu

The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows

What is your idea of relaxation ?

Can you see yourself laying by one of these resort pools , on one of these beautiful beaches  or stealing a few private moments in one of these hammocks ?

Contact me to help you find relaxation  Email :   linda@honeymoonsinc.com  or by phone   828-256-1520

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Hawaiian Vanilla Company Feb 07

Everytime I return to Hawaii, I am continually amazed by the new opportunities to explore a new farm to table experience . My most recent opportunity was on the Big Island of Hawaii at the Hawaii Vanilla Company.

From the moment  you drive up to the cozy yellow cottage which serves as the restaurant and gift shop , you know you have arrived at somewhere special.  A hand written message of aloha welcomes you and beckons you to come on in .

Vanilla Production  This family ran farm is owned by Jim and Tracy Reddekopp . Jim and his family grow the only commercial vanilla in the United States . From growing the Orchids that produce the vanilla , to producing a wide range of products that are sold in the gift shop , an incredible restaurant , afternoon tea , a farm tour and lunch experience , there are so many opportunities at Hawaiian VanillaCompany . 

"  A true family affair "

Located on the lower slopes of Mauna Kea , the growing conditions  are perfect for growing the Vanilla Orchid, and they have found many wonderful opportunities to include vanilla  in cooking ingredients, teas,  body lotions, soaps and other products.

"in the gift shop "

Unique Hawaii Weddings

In addition , Jim and Tracy now offer  the opportunity to have a small intimate  wedding ceremony  on the knoll overlooking the farm and the Pacific Ocean . A delightful farm fresh reception for up to 30 guest  can then be held at the Vanilla Kitchen , so for the   “Foodie”  bride and groom looking for something special for their wedding ceremony , Hawaiian Vanilla Company would be a perfect match .

566475907_jpfeb-l

If you have already planned to have your wedding somewhere else on the island, then consider Hawaiian Vanilla Company for your reception location ,regardless Jim and Tracy Reddekopp with exceed your expectations and look forward to hearing from you.

"Reception setup"

For more wedding information contact Tracy Reddekopp  (808) 776-1771 or email  at vanillakeikimama@aol.com

 

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Experience Kaua’i Sportfishing with Lahela Sportfishing Jan 25

Cruise Kauai’s magnificent coastline with Lahela Ocean Adventures and enjoy the thrill of catching large ahi, ono, aku or even pacific blue marlin.

 

Lahela Sportfishing has the only Coast Guard Certified Sport fishing game boat on Kaua’i that can legally carry up to 12 passengers on private charters.

What does it mean to be Coast Guard certified?
Lahela Ocean Adventures satisfies mandatory Coast Guard requirements each year. This
means that the Lahela is thoroughly inspected annually to ensure that all its safety gear is current, all wiring is in place, all switches are operable, and there are no fire hazards (the engine is cleaned and there’s no oil in the bilge). In short, the Coast Guard double checks that everything is in perfect working order to ensure your safety. In addition, they also require the crew members to execute “man overboard” and fire drills. And finally, every year the boat is hauled out of the water for complete inspection inside and out.

Size of boat: Lahela is a 34ft X 12.5ft wide Sportfishing Game Boat.

Amenities include a full walk in rest room with running water. Refrigerator and stereo system. Covered Fly bridge with seating.

Location: Lahela Ocean Adventures is located in slip 109 at Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor on Kauai, Hawaii.

Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor is located in Lihue 2 miles SE of Lihu`e Airport at the corner of Waapa and Niumalu Roads.

What we fish for: Blue Marlin, Stripe marlin, pacific short nose spear fish, Yellow Fin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Ono, Skip Jack/Aku, Rainbow runner, Amber Jack/Kahala, GT a.k.a Ulua, Shark and a host of other bottom dwellers.

Fishing gear: The Lahela is tournament rigged with a 130 lb class fighting chair. Shimano tiagra reels rated for 20 lb to 130 lb. test line. Complete sets of stand up tackle for 12 lb. up to 50 lb. class line along with stand up belts and harness.

Included with all our tours: Bottled water and non alcoholic soft drinks. A basic sandwich lunch can be provided at an additional cost on all of our 6 and 8 hr tours including shared trips. Requests for a lunch need to be made at time of booking.

Check-in time: May – September 5:30 a.m. October-April 6:30 a.m. Afternoon departures are scheduled between 12:00 P.M. and 2:00 P.M.

1. Catch policy: Customers are welcome to keep their catch. As part of the services that we offer we can help customers arrange to have up to 70 lbs of their catch processed, packaged and shipped any where FedEx ships 2 day with in the United States. Customer pays all the shipping, packaging and processing costs. If you are interested in shipping your catch we recommend you check with your local FedEx office to see what the shipping rates are from Lihue Hawai’i (96766) to your address ahead of time. If not you can always enjoy your catch while staying on Kaua’i. (Please note there is no flash freezing or commercial vacuum sealing available on Kaua’i.)

We offer Private 4-Hour, 6-Hour and 8 hour charters for up to 12 passengers any day of the week (Monday thru Sunday).

On our shared charters each angler is assigned one (1) rod for the day, 5 anglers (5) rods. If a shared customer wishes to fish more then (1) rod have them inquire at time of check-in for availability.
On our private charters and depending on what the customer wishes to fish for we can fish maximum of six (6) rods.

Captains and crew: Captain Scott Akana grew up on Kauai and has been fishing here for over 40 years. He was a commercial fisherman before becoming a charter captain. His local knowledge of fishing in the Hawaiian Islands makes this company one of the top charter operations on Kauai. There are over 16 sport fishing companies here on Kaua’i, and Captain Scott is currently the only Native Hawaiian owner operator running fishing charters here on kaua’i.

For more than 20 years Captain Howard Singer has been sport fishing between Maui and Kauai. If you’re a novice angler, he takes his time to teach you the art of deep sea fishing, not to mention, he’ll talk story filling you in on Hawaii’s fascinating culture and customs. We pride ourselves on a very high level of quality in our tours.

Co Captain Bubby Saiki was born and raised on Kaua’I. Bubby comes from a fishing family and has worked for four other charter companies on Kaua’I before settling in full time in 2010 with Lahela Sportfishing.

Cancellation policy: Should we cancel a trip due to bad weather, our customer won’t be charged any cancellation fees. Should our customer cancel their trip less than 14-days before departure (or fail to show up for their trip), then the cost of the customers charter is non-refundable at that time.

Learn more at Lahela Ocean Adventures website or contact me to add this exciting experience to your dream Hawaii getaway! linda@honeymoonsinc.com!

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