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Sunday, January 28, 2007

Flight Specials to Hawaii, Maui and Kauai

Dear Hawaii travelers,
As we just came across some great winter airfare specials from both Hawaiian and Aloha Airlines, we decided to share those with you right away:

Hawaiian Airline Winter Specials

Here are some round trip fares from the Mainland to Honolulu (now – March 14, 2007)
San Francisco SFO – Honolulu - $258
Los Angeles (LAX) – Honolulu - $290
Sacramento (SMF) – Honolulu - $318
Seattle (SEA) – Honolulu - $320
Portland (PDX) – Honolulu - $340

Direct flights from the Mainland into Maui are mostly somewhat more expensive:
San Diego (SAN) – Maui - $340
Portland (PDX) – Maui - $389
Seattle (SEA) - Maui - $420

As Hawaii currently offers a great Interisland special at $29, you might be better of to fly into Honololu and then take an Interisland flight when Maui is your final destination.

Don’t miss their small print when Spring Fares may be unavailable!
Read the
complete list for Hawaiian Airline Winter Specials.

Aloha Air line Mid-Winter Specials

Aloha Airlines offers Special rates for January starting as low as $99 one way for Orange County – Honolulu, Maui or Kona.
The airfare rates are slightly higher for February starting at $119 one way for Orange County o Honolulu, Maui and Kona but have to be purchased by January 31

Read the complete list of
mid winter airfare specials by Aloha Airlines.

Last but not least on our list for Hawaii flight specials, United Airlines has some nice offers for vacation packages


p.s.
Don't miss our Hot Clicks Hawaii Big Island. Out today's post girl for Hawaii Airfare Specials from Wahinestyle.com is Kai Tera. Tell us what you think. Mahalo for your comment.

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Do I need to rent a car for my Hawaii Vacation?

Do I need to rent a car for my Hawaii vacation?

OK guys the positive feedback on your Maui vacation was overwhelming (see comments of this post!). We are still waiting for the lovers of the Big Island and Kauai to take their turn. Discussion is still open. We know you are out there. We love to hear from you about your past or future favorite
Hawaii vacation destination.

Hey life goes on and so does this blog. As you know from our blog title, we do favor the Kohala Coast on the Big Island (being a little prejudiced cannot hurt). Let’s pick up one of the most often asked questions from travelers who visit the Big Island for the first time besides “Where are the beaches?”…”Do I need to rent a car for my Hawaii vacation?” or “Is there any public transportation on the Big Island?”

Well, if you want to see the Big Island…the hot lava spitting volcano, walk through the snow of Mauna Kea summit while star gazing, hike through spectacular Waipio and Pololu Valley… and not just lie on a beach, yes, yes, yes you have to rent a car. There is now way around it. Even if you are not much of an explorer, you want to have a means of transportation, as there is no public transportation in the Big Island.
Check our Big Island car rentals links for best rates.

There are free shuttles between Kohala Coast resorts, hotels and their spas or golf courses, which are provided by the hotels for theirs guests for convenience. The hotel shuttle service between Kona International Airport and the Kohala Coast hotels has to be paid for (still somewhat cheaper than taking a taxi). The available ‘Hele On’ bus covers the Island to some extend (you can request schedule 808-961-8744), but this bus service is more or less used by residents to make it from point A to point B. It’s definitely not a public transportation for tourists. Bottom line, there is no public transportation on the Big Island. Well, we don’t want to leave you in a lurch here. So, let’s get
The island with the best-developed public transportation of all the Hawaiian Islands is on Oahu.
Oahu's public transportation system has a nice website with detailed information on bus routes and schedules, fares and passes. The website even includes popular tourist attractions along the routes.
Maui now has a more limited public transportation system. The
Maui County's Bus website has a complete schedule of routes and times of operation. Depending on where you are staying on Maui, what you want to do on your Maui vacation and how much you want to see of the island, the bus might just be a sufficient means of transportation.

The
Kaua'i Bus operates a Public (Fixed Route) bus service and a Paratransit (Door-to-Door) bus service from Hanalei to Kekaha daily except on Sundays. Good news. The Kauai Bus now provides service to the Airport and limited service to Koloa and Poipu.

That's it for today. Have fun exploring Hawaii, by car or bus. Any questions or comments, please, click the comment tag on any of our posts. As usual, we love to hear from you. Aloha, Pua
Vacation in Hawaii like Donald Trump - but cheap!
p.s.
Our today's post girl is Maile from WahineStyle.com. How do you like her?

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Which Hawaiian Island is your Favorite Vacation Spot?

Which Hawaiian island is your favorite vacation spot?

After our recent contemplation on the
Kohala Coast weather, we think it’s time to talk about which of the Hawaiian Islands do you like best and why. Obviously, we decided that the Kohala Coast on the Big Island is our favorite. Otherwise we would not write this Big Island vacation blog about it, would we?

However, most of the regular Hawaii travelers have their own special
Hawaiian island they prefer as their tropical getaway. Lots of you love Kauai, the garden island, as it is lush and green, Maui attracts with its surfing beaches and Oahu’s Waikiki Beach Hotels did not lose any of their tourist attraction to Hawaii travelers from around the world, especially from Japan. So, what island is your favorite and why?

We are looking forward to hearing from Hawaii travelers which island they love best for their Hawaii vacation. A hui hou (till next time).
Mahalo and aloha, Pua Kohala Coast Vacation Homes
p.s.
Thanks for taking your time to drop a comment in our Hawaii blog. Just click ‘other’ (no need to sign in with Google), which allows you to add your name and URL (if you have one) or you can even choose ‘anonymous’. Our today's blog post girl from the Kohala Coast is Melanie. How do you like her?

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Does the sun always shine on the Kohala Coast?

Does the sun always shine on the Kohala Coast?

What a question?! Of course, it does. That’s at least how we all want to portray it and what we want to believe in. Did you ever find a Hawaiian postcard, which does not show blue skies and the ever-shining sun over Hawaiian tropical images of beaches and palm trees? I did not. Yes, it is true that there are certain areas on the Big Island, which are more blessed with sunny weather
than others like the west coast with the Kona and Kohala Coast areas but… Is there never any rain on the Kohala Coast? How can Mauna Kea summit be covered with snow if there wasn’t any?

What’s your weather experience when you vacationed on the loveliest coast of the Big Island? Do you have any predictions about good and bad weather months when staying on the
Kohala Coast of Hawaii Big Island? Share your Hawaii vacation weather experience with our visitors. They’d love to hear from you with your Hawaii weather forecast and predictions.

Can’t wait to hear from you. It's easy as 1-2-3! Click comment in the bottom of this post, no sign in necessary, just click ‘other’ and leave your comment on Hawaii weather or anything else on our blog. Oh, let's not forget the new Hawaiian girl of this post. What do you think of Donna?


Mahalo and aloha, Pua
Kohala Coast Vacation Rentals

Sunday, January 7, 2007

Get a Taste of Hawaii!

Get a Taste of Hawaii now!

Hoping you read our last post about keeping Hawaiian culture and traditions alive, as this post will take it full circle. Our dear friend Sue from Missouri, who has fallen in love with the Kohala Coast of the Big Island many years ago when visiting the island for the first time and has come back 3 times ever since, likes to stay in touch with the island on an ongoing basis through our blog and website and all what is out there on the World Wide Web, told us about this great Hawaii feature of the Kohala Coast by the Savvy Traveler. Here is a short part from Hal Cannon’s and Teresa Jordan’s visit to the Kohala Coast:

“Teresa: We touch down in Kona on the Big Island. Swaying palm trees line the open-air airport and everywhere we look is deliciously green. It's hard to believe that just a few hours ago we had to dig our car out of a snowdrift to get to the airport.

Hal: A lovely Hawaiian woman places a strand of flowers around my neck and gives me a shy peck. The fusion of floral scents on this heavy air is intoxicating. We gather our luggage and proceed to the rental counter. Of course, I sucker for the manager's special and upgrade to a convertible, only 15 bucks more a day.

Teresa: We're off to the hotel.

Hal: We got a great deal booking the room in advance, $100. Again, I sucker for the manager's special for the room with a partial sea view, only $25 more. Sunken gardens, silk Hawaiian shirts, fountains, music in the air. We have arrived and if we hurry, we can make the luau.” ...

There is no better way to get a ‘Taste of Hawaii’ than following those two people on their way from their arrival at Kona International Airport, to attending a Hawaiian luau at their hotel and their further journey along the Kohala Coast to beautiful Pololu Valley. Most important, before you start reading ‘The Beginning of the Road’, click the link to ‘Listen with RealAudio’, which will immediately immerse you in the magic of Hawaii Big Island with Hawaiian music and chants and more.

Enjoy getting your 'Taste of Hawaii' now! Your comments on our blog, this post and our beautiful post girl Lovia are most appreciated.

Mahalo and aloha, Pua Kohala Coast Vacation Guide

Patio Furniture

A patio is a pleasant indoor and outdoor space that can be used for dining and entertaining or relaxing. The aim of a patio is to bring the outdoors in. A patio is an extension of the rooms inside of your home, and it should be furnished accordingly. The look should be a coordinated effort involving the furniture you choose and the general décor that surrounds it.

There are different types of patio furniture to choose from including cast aluminum, wrought iron, wood and resin. Cast aluminum is the most popular choice because it is lightweight and sturdy. It stands up well against wind and rain and it does not rust. Popular cast aluminum sets include the classic table and chairs. Most are rustproof and coated with a weather resistant finish that will last for years. A set cost any where from $150 up.

Wrought iron sets are beautiful but tend to rust. If you plan on decorating with wrought iron, make sure that is has a rust resistant coated finish and it will last for years. One nice feature of wrought iron, it never goes out of style. Popular furniture includes a wrought iron table and chairs. The chairs can be cushioned or not. The most popular finishes are white, green or black.

Wooden patio furniture is naturally beautiful and makes any patio looks like a place to be enjoyed. There are wooden armchairs, gliders, and benches, as well as lounge chairs and tree benches. There are many different types of wood to choose from including Alder, which is a fine-grained hardwood that is similar to cherry or birch. Alder patio pieces are great because they are classy unfinished, or you can paint them to enliven any patio. Northern white cedar is durable and resistant to insect damage, decay and weather. It has a wonderful clean smell that acts as an insect repellent. Over the years, it takes on a weathered gray look. Also worth mentioning is cypress – a durable wood that resists decay. It is yellowish-red in color and is beautiful unfinished but can also be painted.

About the author:

Patio Furniture provides detailed information on Patio Furniture, Deck Patio Furniture, Teak Patio Furniture, Wrought Iron Patio Furniture and more. Patio Furniture is affiliated with Outdoor Furniture Covers.

More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com

Thursday, January 4, 2007

New Kohala Coast Blog Discovered

Keeping Hawaii Culture Alive

Hope you had a closer look at our itinerary suggestions for your Kohala Coast vacation and we will hear from you with your questions, when still planning your vacation, and comments, after visiting the Kohala Coast.

Today just a short message about a new Hawaii blog which we found worthwhile sharing with you. We recently came across this new Kohala Coast blog spreading the word about
ancient Hawaiian culture & traditions using modern technology of blogging. Here is a short passage from the blog about its purpose:

"Aloha, welcome to Kahiko (ancient) Connection, an experiment in sharing the thought of Danny "Kaniela" Akaka through 21st Century technology. In this content-rich virtual hālau (meeting house) we hope you'll find interesting food for thought to chew over and enjoy.Kaniela is dedicated to living and perpetuating the value and traditions of Hawai'i so they work with the 21st Century. This site contains some of his mea 'ai mama (food to chew on) -- the kind he'd tell you if you "talk story" with him -- a Kahiko Connection."

The
Kahiko Connection includes the schedule for Twilight at Kalahuipua'a at Eva Parker cottage, Mauna Lani Bay Hotel, which is open to Mauna Lani guests, Kohala Coast visitors and residents. This once-a-month Hawaiian kind gathering is very casual. So bring your own folding chairs or beach towel and picknick for an evening under the stars by the ocean. Have fun with Hawaiian stories, hula and music! You will also meet Danny Akaka in person at the gathering.

We also liked the part in the blog that visitors can
learn a little Hawaiian with its correct pronunciation. Got to start somewhere when preparing your trip to the islands.

That's all for today. Aloha, Pua
Your Kohala Coast Guide

Wednesday, January 3, 2007

7 days on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island

or Can we really see the entire island within a week's stay?

As you can see we are serious with following-up on your new year's resolution regards visiting Hawaii's Kohala Coast this fabulous year of 2007. This post is written by Keoki who has lived on the Kohala Coast for 30 years.

A Kohala Coast Vacation Itinerary

Day 1
This is not the day you landed on the Big Island, that was yesterday and time was probably spent getting your luggage and rental car and finding the way to your
Kohala coast vacation rental or hotel room and getting settled in. Today is the day you should take time to breathe in some of what it means to be in Hawaii and how it feels to be in a Hawaiian state of mind. There are number of ways to achieve that state, the fastest and most pleasurable is having a massage to ease away those mainland tensions, next best way is to go lie on some of the best beaches in the state, those being the Mauna Kea beach and Hapuna Beach. Take the time to walk the beach and listen to the surf, you’ll soon find yourself in a Hawaiian state of mind. Hawaii is very special place and to experience the unique beauty is enhanced by taking this first day to relax and get in the mood.

Curious what Keoki recommends for the next 6 days of your Kohala Coast visit, read his entire
7-day Kohala Coast vacation itinerary and let us know what you think. A hui hou. (Till next time). Aloha, Pua
p.s.
How do you like our today's post girl Toshua from
Wahinestyle.com? Please, write us a short comment.

Interior Design - Redecorating Bathrooms For Less!

Have you always wanted to renovate or redecorate your bathroom but never had enough money to do so? The good news is, you don't have to tear the whole place down just to have a more functional and interesting bathroom! Just adding a little something here and there or replacing some minor items may do the trick.

Here are some helpful tips, which may provide you with the right ideas for a budget-friendly bathroom make-over.

. Draw attention by creating a bold statement! An attention-grabbing sink may very well provide a focal point to pique anyone's interest. You may want to install an unusual shaped sink, a pedestal sink or any other sink, which strikes your fancy. Be daring enough!

. Add energy. Breathing life into your bathroom may just call for installing several pieces of colorful and interesting tile in strategic areas such as behind the sink area or the bathtub. You can also hang decorative pictures on blank walls to stir up added interest. These small things may provide an instant makeover and add interest in any outdated and otherwise boring bathroom!

. The "light issue". Make sure that there is enough light in your bathroom. Provide sufficient illumination over the sink area for tasks such as applying make-up or shaving andr you can also install a dimmer switch to be able to set the appropriate mood for every occasion imaginable.

. Providing relaxation is one of the main functions of a good bathroom. Music soothes the soul and helps loosen up your aching muscles. Why not install a small stereo so that you can leisurely unwind after a long day's work? Or stock up on reading materials and relax by sinking in your tub and reading the time away!

. Update your look by installing new fixtures. Have your hardware, faucets and bathroom accessories seen better days? Now is the time to replace them with sleek and stylish new models! Or you may opt to install neutral fixtures so that you can play around with smartening up your bathroom with other accessories. Visit your favorite hardware stores and see the multitude of styles (and price range) available.

. Accessorize! There are a lot of bathroom accessories you can use to spruce up your bathroom. Consider buying toothbrush holders, soap dishes and tissue covers that match or complement your overall bathroom décor. Putting vases filled with blooms and installing decorative hooks may also be a good idea. Even replacing dull cabinet door handles and drawer pulls with trendier ones can do the trick!

. Warm it up! The cold winter months may be made more comfortable by installing a heated toilet seat, replacing an old plastic shower curtain with one made of cloth and placing a luxuriously thick cotton or chenille bathroom mat over the cold bathroom floor. However, if you are considering replacing your bathroom floor, you may want to try vinyl or laminate flooring in faux wood, slate or marble. They are definitely more budget-friendly and not as cold as tile, slate or marble.

. Always remember that the bathroom is the ultimate comfort zone. So be sure to have lots and lots of lush bath towels available. Take it a step further and use it to add color to your bathroom by stocking towels in a variety of color that complement your bathroom décor. Also be sure to have absorbent cotton robes and slippers available at all times.

. Pamper yourself silly. Don't forget to stock up your bathroom with your favorite moisturizing soaps, bubble bath, sea salts, fragrant body oils and other luxurious bath products. Sink in, relax and enjoy!

About the author:

Article Source: Interior Design Guide

More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com

Tuesday, January 2, 2007

Creating the Perfect Look with Wrought Iron Furniture

For quite some time now, wrought iron has been used for numerous home décor accessories. It has more than stood the test of time. Today, as a result of skilled craftsmen and the metal's amazing malleable properties, we have wrought iron furniture. With its fine design, elegant look, and low maintenance requirement, wrought iron furniture is very popular.

There is a wide variety of wrought iron furniture available. The following list gives you an idea of the variety of wrought iron furniture types available.

Types of wrought iron furniture:

· Garden furniture: Wrought iron garden furniture can include a garden table and chairs. The top surface of a garden table is generally covered with glass. You may add cushions to your garden chairs for more comfortable seating. Also, the use of an armed chair or unarmed chair is a matter of choice and convenience. Other garden furniture can include a garden bench or a garden swing.

· Indoor furniture: Indoor furniture includes home furnishing items used inside your house. For a drawing room, you may select occult tables, etageres, easels or hall trees. A wrought iron dining table set can well adorn your dining room. Your living room can be decorated with cabinets, living room tables, media centers, occasional chairs, occasional tables, shelves, desks, rocker chairs, spring chairs all made from wrought iron. This metal offers single beds and double beds with rich artistic work as your bedroom furniture. A bakers rack, tea cart, bistro table, kitchen island, and bar stools can all be nice wrought iron additions to your kitchen.

· Patio furniture: To furnish your patio and interior courtyard, you can arrange a patio set, dining table set, patio bench, patio occasional tables and patio chairs.

Wrought iron home décor items can certainly add an artistic touch through furniture. Available in various designs, shapes and styles, wrought iron furniture offers you a large variety of choices. Wrought iron makes the rich and graceful look you have always desired within reach. So, start preparing to redecorate your home with the help of wrought iron furniture.

About the author:

Learn more about home decorating with wrought iron. Find free home decorating tips and information at http://www.wrought-iron-depot.com

More Articles visit: http://home-interior.blogspot.com

Monday, January 1, 2007

Happy New Year from The Kohala Coast

Happy New Year from the Kohala Coast

Hope all of you had wonderful holidays and a great New Year’s celebration. Already thought about your new year’s resolution? What about making the so long overdue and longed for trip to Hawaii your 2007 New Year’s resolution?!

When you followed our blog for some time, you know that it’s all about falling in love with the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. You don’t need to have the big bucks for a 5-star Kohala Coast Hotel – OK admitted it would be nice but it is not an urgent necessity – in order to be able to enjoy the beautiful Kohala Coast beaches and resorts. Vacation cottages & homes: nicely appointed, private, fully equipped with short drives to the best Big Island beaches are available by Kohala Coast hosts.

Plan your Kohala Coast vacation for the right time of the year and it will be affordable for you. Once again, be aware that January till March are high season months on all the Hawaiian Islands, including the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. However, April, May and June offer the same beautiful weather, as the Kohala Coast has sunshine all year round (most of the time, no way to guaranty the weather though for any month of the year). Those wonderful spring months when it can be still rainy and cold at your Mainland home, are not only the perfect time for vacation rental discounts but also for Big Island car rentals and airfares to Hawaii.

Got interested? Come visit the Kohala Coast Vacation Rental Guide. Make your Kohala Coast vacation come true in 2007.

Don't miss our Kohala Coast Rental Vacancies for January for Last Minute travel to Hawaii. Aloha, Pua
p.s.
Here is our New Year's resolution for our Kohala Coast blog...with each post, we will include a photo of a beautiful 'wahine' (in Hawaiian 'girl') from the Kohala Coast. You can find more photos at Wahine Style.