Popular Post
Recent Post
Showing posts with label Best Hawaii Vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Best Hawaii Vacation. Show all posts

Monday, February 7, 2011

Best Big Island Beaches Youtube Videos

Dear Hawaii visitors who are NOT in Hawaii this winter,
Everybody who is in Hawaii right now or will be there soon, will tell you that the white sand beaches are the best part of their Hawaii vacation. So let's give everybody a taste of the Hawaiian Islands with some great Big Island beach videos, which I found on youtube when preparing this post. Remember pictures or videos speak a thousand words.

Best Big Island Beaches



'Best Big Island Beaches' by Steve are nicely done Hawaii beach videos. The order of beaches wouldn't be my personal choice of Big Island beaches but that's all in the eye of the beholder. Actually, my personal #1 Big Island Beach, Mauna Kea Beach or Kauna'oa Beach, is not even featured in Best Big Island Beaches. My post 'Best Big Island Beach' tells you more about Mauna Kea Beach. You can get nice glimpses of Mauna Kea Beach on Kohala Coast Beaches or watch the following Mauna Kea Beach youtube video.

Views at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel



Looking forward to your comments on YOUR 'Best Big Island Beaches'. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations
p.s.
By the way, don't be too tough on Steve regards his pronunciation of the Hawaiian beach names. Admittedly, he could have asked some locals to tell him but hey he did a good job with his Best Big Island Beach videos.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Snowbirds are coming back to Hawaii

Dear Hawaii blog visitors,
What's up with today's blog title? At the beginning of each winter season, Hawaii residents and visitors are used to read and hear the excited statement 'The Humpback whales are coming back!'. Our article today is claiming that the 'Snowbirds are coming back!'

Oh well, everybody in Hawaii knows that 'Snowbirds in Hawaii' are not an endangered species of rare Hawaii animals but we call those visitors who come back to the warm Hawaiian Islands and the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean each winter 'Snowbirds'. All they are trying to do is escape the snow and the cold on the Mainland for at least a month or two. The very lucky ones who are retired and call a condo in Kihei Maui or a beach house in Hawaii their second home, might even spend the entire winter months in Hawaii.

Keiki hula in Hawaii for Snowbirds and everybody else
One thing is for certain, Hawaii business owners, whether owners of vacation rentals or restaurants, can't wait for the arrival of the 'Snowbirds' in Hawaii because winter season in Hawaii means big business for Hawaii tourism. Snowbirds are treated like royalties! If you are still planning a Hawaii vacation for this 2010/2011 winter season, be aware that the busiest Snowbird months in Hawaii are January and February when most of the Mainland states are in the firm grip of winter.

Snowbirds love Hawaii. For them, each time they come back to the Hawaiian Islands it's like coming home after a long absence. They reunite with other Snowbird friends, their Hawaiian friends and family from the Mainland. Hawaii's Snowbirds are definitely not on the endangered species list because each year more people fall in love with Hawaii and join the ranks of the Hawaiian Snowbirds.

If you are coming to Hawaii for the first time in winter, you might not even recognize you favorite summer beach anymore. Here is what happens. During the winter months, our Hawaii white sand beaches can lose half of its sand due to constant high tide and surf, which can make beaches more crowded than some of our visitors like. Not your cup of tea? Then travel to Hawaii in November, when the Snowbirds are not in Hawaii yet, or in April, when the Snowbirds have already left Hawaii.

Any Hawaii Snowbird story you want to share with our visitors? We'd love to hear from you. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations
p.s.
Last but not least, we would like to make you aware of a great discussion at our friends blog 'Beat of Hawaii' about 'Does the Deal fuel your Hawaii Trip'. Read Hawaii visitors' comments carefully. You might find a deal for your Hawaii trip as well.

Friday, June 11, 2010

June is the month for sunsets in Hawaii

Dear Best Hawaii vacation blog visitors,
Let's take a short break between posts about best Big Island hiking. Hiking Pololu Valley as our 'Best Big Island Hiking' suggestion, did gather momentum soon. So for all those passionate Hawaii island hikers, our next hiking tip for the Big Island is coming soon.

When our friend Bill Jardine, long time realtor on the Big Island, came up with another one of his wonderful articles about Hawaii, written with love and passion for the islands and writing skills I envy him for, I could not resist to publish it right NOW:

June is the month for sunsets in Hawaii

"There are sunsets every night. Actually, scientists might remind us that there are "horizon rises" every night, but I prefer the idea that the sun is going down rather than the horizon rising up, hurling me backward into the night at over 1,000 miles per hour! The thing with sunsets is that the ones with the ocean on the bottom have been glorified to the point that the other sunsets just don’t get the attention they deserve. The classic ocean sunset is indeed gorgeous but, really, kind of boring too.

Mountain sunset in Hawaii
Here on the Island we get plane loads of folks from the mainland who are dreaming of sitting on their very own lanai and watching the horizon gradually rise up to block the sun. Perhaps they will match the ruby red wine in their glass with the rosy western afterglow as the canopy of stars spreads far above. Before long the edge of the great Milky Way will be obvious, stretching across the heavens from upper right to lower left. Perhaps with subsequent glasses of wine they will toast the great good fortune that has guided them to this blessed place in the middle of the vast North Pacific. Indeed, it is a blessing, and we who have been able to spend our lives in all this beauty are way beyond lucky.

Ours is a very special view at sunset, because the rush toward dusk sets the mountains glowing with bright blades of gold before rendering their great flanks a warm burgundy against the gathering darkness in the eastern sky. Flocks of Warbling Silverbills fly like notes of a symphony into the shelter of the Koa trees.

Ranch land on Hawaii Big Island
We enjoy views of great, sunny pastures which are home to cattle and wild donkeys and goats who revel in the fresh trade winds that ruffle their coats and sweep away the flying insects seeking to climb aboard. In the distance are the three great mountains, Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and Hualalai, gathering cloaks of afternoon rain along their western slopes. They are intensely beautiful and seem to have personalities of their own when the sun sets over the ocean and shows its reflections on the majestic volcanoes."

As soon as I was writing Bill's article about Hawaii sunsets, I was wondering what fun it would be to collect Hawaii sunset photos from residents or Hawaii visitors. If you have one of those special Hawaii sunset, feel free to email it to us with your short description where in Hawaii you took the sunset photo. Maybe, if we get enough photos, I can publish your photos in a special "Best Hawaii Sunset Photos". I can't wait to hear from you. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations
p.s.
As a start with Hawaii sunset photos, here is my contribution.

Special Hawaii sunset photo

Monday, March 22, 2010

How to find Peace on Hawaii vacation?

Dear Hawaii vacation lovers,
When dealing with Best Hawaii vacation, we occasionally encounter Hawaii visitors asking us where the non-touristy places in Hawaii are. They tell us they are looking for hidden beaches or Hawaii vacation rentals away from the tourists and the big crowds. Just a few thoughts from us regards non touristy places in Hawaii.

How to find peace on Hawaii vacation?

Hawaii has changed a lot, even more so within the last 10 - 15 year. I love to listen to the stories my husband tells me about the Big Island when he came there over 35 years ago: there was only one highway on the island, there was only one 5-star hotel, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel built by Rockefeller in 1965, most of those white sand beaches on the Kohala Coast were still hard to reach and imagine, there was not one traffic light between Hilo and Kona!

Peaceful Puako sun set on beach
As you know this has all changed big time. Once the beauty and warm climate of the Hawaiian islands were discovered, naturally everybody wanted and wants to experience it! Resorts and golf courses got 'dug out' of the lava fields, palm trees planted and ocean front 5-star hotels with access beach access built. Hawaii's infrastructure is still lagging a bit behind those latest townhouses and condominium subdivisions developed during the Hawaii building boom during 2000 - 2005.

I always have a hard time to accept all the changes at one of the most beautiful resorts, Mauna Lani Beach Resort, when visiting there. Hotels like 'Mauna Lani Beach Hotel & Bungalows' and 'Fairmont Orchid at Mauna Lani' are not easy to spot anymore with all the new condominium and townhouse structures developed around them. I appreciate that Big Island builders at least stayed away from those high rise condo buildings as visitors can find in Honolulu. Well, as Keoki says 'The only constant in life is change!'. This is not any different for the Hawaiian Islands. One cannot go back in time.

Here is the good news. There are still a few secret beaches which are not well known to tourists but mostly it's the ones which are hard to get to. The majority of Hawaii visitors prefer a short walk to the beach from parking lot. So these hard to access beaches and coves still provide the non-touristy visitors with peace, tranquility and serenity they are looking for on their Hawaii visit. Please, be aware that you might not be by yourselves on weekends when Hawaiians love to go camping on those beaches.

Quite a number of locals, Hawaiians and Haoles (white people), do still camp on the beach, play their ukuleles and BBQ. These people know each other well and don't advertise their 'beach party'. You definitely need to know somebody in order to be part of it.

Unfortunately, non-touristy Hawaii visitors' wishes of rain forest and waterfalls being close to white sand beaches do not match how 'Mother Nature' developed the islands. It's either or. There are spectacular waterfalls in Hawaii but a lot of the times it will take you long walks (or a long kayak tour like on Kauai) to reach those but already the walk, hike or kayaking is an experience by itself. Try it and you will love it!

If you really want to spend your Hawaii vacation away from people and resorts, try Upcountry Maui or Upcountry Big Island. It's beautiful ranch land with rolling hills, cows and horses. You may find a private cottage overlooking the mountains and the coastal regions. There is always Molokai being the least developed island in regards to tourists and resorts but this also means it's a little harder to get to and a simpler life with less shopping available.

Peaceful beach setting on Molokai
Hoping this gives the non-touristy visitor, who is in search for peace and tranquility on Hawaii vacation, a better understanding of the Hawaiian Islands TODAY. Have a peaceful Hawaii vacation! Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Peaceful Hawaii vacation related posts

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Best Hawaii Vacation Rentals Spring 2010

A Komo Mai and Welcome back to our Hawaii Blog,
Best Hawaii Vacation Blog's editors, Pua and Keoki, are happy to see that our post 'Is it a good time to travel to Hawaii NOW?' attracted a number of Hawaii hosts to share their comments about the many advantages of travel to Hawaii this spring. Today's post will provide vacation rental recommendations for 'Best Hawaii vacation rentals Spring 2010'. We've put together a list of fully equipped, yet affordable Hawaii vacation cottages, condos and suites near best beaches on the sunny Kona Kohala Coast of the Big Island.

Choose from our Best Hawaii Vacation rentals for your Hawaii spring vacation!

Sunny Side Waimea Cottage from $95/nt.

Save lots of money on your nightly rate for going out to dinner or do a whale watch tour when you stay at this fully equipped (full kitchen), private location with short 10-minute drive to Mauna Kea beach, which is currently still available from April 8 - May at $95/nt. with 7-night booking. Sunny Side Waimea Kohala Coast Vacation Rental Cottage Near Best Beaches

Peaceful, fully equipped cottage with kitchen   with short drive to best beaches

Mauna Kea Views 1Bd/1Ba vacation Apartment from $110/nt.

This Waimea vacation rental w/kitchen is a private, peaceful vacation apartment overlooking an expansive valley and captivating, well-known mountain of Mauna Kea on the Big Island Waimea Apartment with Mauna Kea Views It's a short 5-minute drive to Waimea for shopping. Kohala Coast Beaches and Big Island adventures like Waipio Valley or Mauna Kea Summit are in easy to reach. Inquire with your travel dates for April or May 2010!

Waimea Vacation Rental with Mauna Kea Views

Waikoloa Golf Condo with full kitchen enjoys expansive ocean and mountain views is located directly on the beautiful Waikoloa Village Golf Course on the Big Island. It has expansive ocean and beautiful sunset views. Beautiful Anaeho'omalu Beach is a short 10-min. drive away. The Golf Condo offers a great Spring Special at $ 100/nt. for April + May.

Waikoloa Golf Course Condo for Great Rate

Puako Beach Apartment across from ocean from $115/nt.

It's just the two of you and you love to stay close to the beach, this Puako Apartment is right across from Beach 1Bd/1Ba Puako Vacation Apartment Best Deal Puako Beach $115/nt.! It is currently still available for 4/13 - 4/19 + 4/27 - May. A spacious lanai allows for enjoying your meals outdoors in a tropical setting. Puako is one of the most desired areas on the Kohala Coast. You can access the ocean right there in Puako or pack your beach stuff into the car and take a short 5-minute drive to Puako Beach 69 or Wailea Bay.

Stay at this   1Bd/1Ba Puako apartment with AC across from Puako Beach
South Kona Vacation Suites from $115/nt. + Cottage from $150/nt.

Kona Vacation Rentals Suites offer a unique location overlooking historical Kealakekua Bay. This property has breathtaking Pacific Ocean views and an expansive panoramic South Kona coastline view. These two private Kona vacation suites are fully equipped, spacious accommodations with private entrances. The individual cottage with its private lanai is blessed with lots of amenities, views and privacy. It's perfect as a honeymoon cottage in Hawaii. This property lies on a lush, five-acre coffee farm complete with coffee, avocado, papaya and banana trees. Inquiry for your Spring vacation.

Kealakekua Vacation Cottage
Kona Vacation Condo 2Bd/2Ba from $120/nt.

White Sands Estates Triplex on a bluff above Alii Drive with an amazing view of the ocean. Located between Kona's most popular beach, Magic Sands and Kahaluu. This two-bedroom, two-bath condo features sun decks, pool and an incredible panoramic ocean front view from the lanai, splash pool and living areas. Kona Ocean View condo with Pool + Short walk to beach has Spring vacancies from 4/12 - May. Best Kona condo rate for location + amenities!

Kona Ocean View condo with pool
Kohala Coast vacation rental 1Bd/1Ba Ocean Views from $150/nt.

This Kohala Coast vacation rental is situated 400' above the Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii, offering expansive,unobstructed views of the ocean, coastline, and nearby Hualalai Volcano. Awesome sunsets and balmy ocean breezes are the norm here. Best rate for Kohala Coast Estates premier location and top amenities. Rare vacancy 4/22 - 4/30 + May!

Kohala Estates Vacation Rental

Kohala Estates Private Vacation Home from $175/nt. (dbl.)

2 Bd/2 Ba Kohala Coast vacation home at Kohala Estate with 180° ocean view offers a a 30% discount for Spring 2010 April + May at $175/nt. (dbl.). Experience Hawaii at its best. Enjoy the Aloha at this tropically decorated two bedroom, two bathroom Kohala Coast vacation home, minutes from best white sands beaches like Spencer, Mauna Kea and Hapuna Beach, world-class golf and five star resorts.

Kohala Coast Vacation Home in Kohala Estates
We hope you found the Hawaii vacation rental matching your budget and expectations for your 2010 Hawaii Spring vacation. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Is it a good time to travel to Hawaii NOW?

Aloha Hawaii lovers,
If you recently wondered whether it's a good time to travel to Hawaii NOW, you are not alone. Spring 2010 is looking around the corner and Hawaii spring vacation ideas are popping up in people's heads asking themselves 'When is the best, cheapest time to travel to Hawaii?'.

5 Best Reasons to travel to Hawaii NOW

1. Spring 2010 April + May Hawaii low season travel months

April and May 2010 won't be any different. With March being the last month of Hawaii high season December - March, the number of Hawaii visitors declines rapidly in April. Maybe because April is tax month and generally people are preoccupied and don't think of traveling to Hawaii in April? However, if you are looking for the cheapest travel month to Hawaii, add April or May to your itinerary options.

2. Best vacation accommodation deals for April and May 2010

Private Hawaii vacation rental owners are willing to offer you accommodation specials for low season months April, May and beginning June 2010. Keep in mind that with the Economic Slowdown, the vacation industry including Hawaii tourism was hit hard too. More Hawaii vacation rental owners are competing for less guest inquiries! A good chance for you to book a Hawaii vacation rental for an unbelievable low rate as we did in September 2009 when we paid for our 1Bd/1Ba Kihei condo 1000ft from beach $70/nt.!

3. Hawaii Hotel Specials for Spring Vacation 2010

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel offers 4th night FREE for spring 2010
If you prefer staying at a Hawaii hotel to renting a private vacation rental or condo, sign up for email specials from your favorite Hawaii hotel. I already noticed quite a number of great online specials from Hawaii hotels starting April 2010 like discounted room rates, 4th night free or resort vouchers!

4. Empty Beaches during spring months

Empty Mauna Lani Beach on Kohala Coast during low season
A lot of Hawaii visitors are not aware that a big part of our favorite Hawaii beach gets under water during the high tide winter months. Some huge swells can even occasionally 'swallow-up' the entire beach for a few days. Anyways, during the winter months Hawaii's white sand beaches offer somewhat limited space for the huge winter crowd of snowbirds. During spring months, the ocean will recede again so there is plenty of white sand beach available for much less visitors guaranteeing privacy and peace for for Hawaii vacation.

5. Empty Restaurants in Hawaii in spring

Famous Canoe Restaurant on Kohala Coast of Big Island

Honestly, restaurants can get quite busy during our our high season winter months in Hawaii. Nobody likes to wait for their food or for getting seated in a restaurant. Hawaii restaurants are no exception. Waiters at Hawaii restaurants will warmly welcome you on your Hawaii vacation in slow spring months. No waiting for seats or being served! You will really enjoy your meal and a nice hula performance with a relaxed dinner in Hawaii in April or May.

Last but not least, Hawaii car rentals are generally cheaper during low season spring months. Just make sure that no huge Hawaii event is scheduled for the time you want to travel to Hawaii. Cheap Hawaii air fares are in everybody's mind but not that easy to get. Low season spring air fares are somewhat cheaper but to catch the Last Minute Hawaii travel deals, one has to be on a flexible working schedule and not traveling with family and kids.

'Is it a good time to travel to Hawaii NOW?' What do you think? Your comments are most welcome by our Best Hawaii vacation visitors and by us. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

'Best Time to travel to Hawaii' Related Posts

Planning a Hawaii Vacation 2010
What's Hawaii like in April?
3 Reasons to visit Hawaii this summer
Is November a good time to go to Kona?

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Why write guest post for Best Hawaii Vacation?

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou to all our Best Hawaii Vacation blog visitors,
The New Year 2010 is 7 days old. Not too late for plans and resolutions. for 2010. Make your dream of a Hawaii vacation come true. Our Planning a Hawaii Vacation 2010 got out in time for Christmas and New Year's when meeting with friends and family for making vacation plans for 2010.

Hawaii vacation rental hosts adjusted to the economic slowdown. We believe there will be again vacation rental bargains out there like our $70/nt. at a wonderful 1Bd/1Ba Maui condo, 1000 steps to beach, in September. Hawaii experienced a big revival for the winter season. We recommend to make Hawaii travel plans for spring 2010, starting April, to get the benefits from best Hawaii air fares, car rentals, hotel rooms or best Hawaii vacation rental rates.

Today's post is an invitation for all the Hawaii vacation and travel businesses to promote their Hawaii business without spending extra money. Yes, you can advertise with Best Hawaii Vacation blog at the lowest Hawaii advertising rates but there is even a way to get some extra attention and traffic to your Hawaii site for free by writing a guest author article for our Hawaii vacation blog. Pretty much anything about Hawaii, Hawaii vacation and Hawaii travel goes. No writer's skills are necessary. This is our personal blog about our love with Hawaii. Write a guest article about what you love in Hawaii, what our Hawaii visitors can do and see on their vacation on the Hawaiian Islands.

Benefits of writing a guest post on Best Hawaii Vacation blog

1. Increasing traffic to your Hawaii vacation related website

2. Talking to your target audience for 'Hawaii vacation'

3. Demonstrating your expertise in the field you write about

4. Online exposure before new groups of people

5. SEO benefits of your article in Google search

6. Free advertising and almost instant Internet promotion

Let us help you make writing a Hawaii article on Best Hawaii Vacation blog your FREE marketing tool for 2010. Please, email us your post. Best wishes for all Hawaii businesses. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Planning a Hawaii vacation 2010?

Here is an idea from Best Hawaii Vacation blog for 'Which Hawaiian Island to visit in 2010' and 'What to do in Hawaii on vacation in 2010?' If you want to add some additional excitement to your Hawaii vacation 2010, please, keep reading.

Hawaii Big Island has been named the island of adventures by Hawaii travelers for a long time. Viewing a live volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or stargazing through telescopes on top of the highest mountain on earth (measured from bottom of the sea) Mauna Kea Summit, not to forget those daredevils who ski the mountain in winter, helped the Big Island winning this attribute of 'adventure island'.

I've always called the Big Island, the Hawaiian Island of Superlatives. Why not plan your 2010 Hawaii vacation for October on the Big Island and add one more of those Superlatives to your Hawaii vacation next year? Kona Hawaii Big Island will host the next Ironman Triathlon World Championship on Saturday October 9, 2010. Believe me the Hawaii Ironman in Kona meets the criteria for biggest and best Hawaii event. This is your chance to be part of the biggest spectacle in Hawaii. Not sure what to expect, watch this Hawaii youtube video of the 2009 Hawaii Ironman.



So, when sitting down with family or friends over the holiday planning your Hawaii vacation 2010, share with them this exciting video. BTW, this is not a paid advertising. I just like the video!

Mele Kalikimaka - Merry Christmas to all our Best Hawaii Vacation blog visitors. We hope you will stay with us through another exciting year of Hawaii vacations 2010. Aloha, Pua Affordable Hawaii Vacations

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Which island is your favorite Hawaiian Island?

E komo mai and welcome Hawaii visitors,
Today, we are back to the same old question which Hawaiian island is your favorite - this is where you can find what other Hawaii visitors have to say about their favorite Hawaiian island - or in other words 'Which Hawaiian island should you visit for your best Hawaii vacation?'

I actually answered that question in detail in Yahoo answers some two years ago. Here is an updated version of 'Favorite Hawaiian Island':

Most everybody who visits Hawaii for the first time is getting overwhelmed and confused, yes confused too, by figuring out which Hawaiian island they should visit first. When you limited your Hawaii visit choices to 2 islands, you are already a step closer to your final destination in Hawaii. That makes things a little bit easier.

Here is what I recommend you to do before making your final decision. Think about and determine what it is you expect from this 'first Hawaii visit or vacation'! It's all about your expectations what to want to see and to do in Hawaii and how much money you can spend for your Hawaii vacation.

When asking fellow Hawaii travelers for their favorite island, you will hear all kinds of different answers and reasons. It's good to hear those but it does not help you solve your problem, unless they love exactly the same things you do. So 'word-of-mouth' is not necessarily working in your situation.If somebody gave you advice to make yourself knowledgeable about those 2 Hawaiian Islands for your best Hawaii vacation. I agree. That will help. However, here are my suggestions for choosing your Hawaii vacation island.

Book your Maui Hawaii vacation when/if

1. your are a surfer - Maui is a surfer's paradise
2. like lots of white sand beaches
3. are young + like nightlife + don't mind crowds
4. prefer ocean view rental and don't mind a condo

Book your Big Island Hawaii vacation when/if

1. you love adventure - 'live' volcano, snow in Hawaii (Mauna Kea summit)
2. love laid back Hawaii with quiet beaches: white or black or green
3. like a peaceful Hawaii vacation Big Island Vacation Guide
4. love healing vacations: spas, alternative healing vacation

Book your Kauai Hawaii vacation when/if

1. you like laid back Hawaiian atmosphere - not too touristy
2. you love green tropical scenery - Kauai is the Garden Island
3. you don't mind some rain from time to time
4. you look for affordable ocean front or view condos

Book your Oahu Hawaii Vacation when/if

1. you have to switch planes in Honolulu anyways
2. you have never been to legendary Waikiki Beach
3. you want to see the crazy surfers on North Shore
4. you want to discover the old laid back Hawaii
5. you want to learn more about Pearl Harbor

Be aware that I am totally generalizing. Best you complete my lists with finding pros and cons which apply exclusively to you. All those who went through this process before are invited to share their favorite Hawaiian island with our first-time Hawaii visitors.

Hope this gets you on the right track. Have fun contemplating your options. Have a great Hawaii vacation. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacation

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Win a Free Trip to Hawaii

Today's Best Hawaii Vacation blog post is a short one but it will grab your attention faster than you think. It's a a long time back that we told you how to win a free Hawaii Vacation. When reading Hawaii twitter tweets the other day a came across two tweets by @DiscoverHawaii about winning a free vacation. Instead of 'retweeting' the messages, I decided to share the good news with all our Hawaii vacation visitors right here on Best Hawaii vacation blog. So I went to the sites which posted the contests for winning the free trips to Hawaii and off we go to win a Hawaii vacation, a free vacation!

Win a free trip to Hawaii from Hawaii Magazine

Hawaii Magazine asks its readers for their special Hawaii photo, which shows their Hawaii memories and experiences. They say 'Got a great photo taken in Hawaii? It could win you a free trip back to our Islands in our 11th Annual HAWAII Magazine Photo Contest. Enter your photos in one of these four categories: Oahu, Maui, Big Island or Kauai. The photos can be of anything - people, places, things - but need to have been shot on the island corresponding to the category you are entering.

Win a free trip to HawaiiYou may enter up to eight Hawaii photos, but no more than two photos per category. Make sure you send your photo (or photos) to Hawaii Magazine, postmarked by Aug. 7, 2009. Hawaii Magazine will be giving away nine prizes - one grand prize, four first-place and four second-place prizes. Grand Prize is airfare for two to Honolulu from your nearest Hawaiian Airlines gateway city, plus a six-night stay at the newly remodeled Outrigger Reef on the Beach Hotel in Waikiki.'

Win a free trip to Hawaii from the Travel Channel

Another chance to win a free trip to Hawaii is with the Sweepstakes of the Travel Channel. This month's prize winner of Travel channel will fly round-trip to Hawaii and stay for 8 days and 7 nights on the magical islands of Oahu and Maui. Enjoy complimentary transportation, breakfast and golf packages during your stay. Enter your chance to win the Travel Bug Sweepstakes free trip to Hawaii.

You have nothing to lose but a chance to win a free trip to Hawaii. I have hundreds of beautiful Hawaii photos and decided to join the Hawaii Magazine photo contest. A stay at a Waikiki hotel is always something special. If you are the winner of a free Hawaii trip, we'd love to hear about your Hawaii vacation. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations
p.s.
If you like the pretty girls from Hawaii, our today's post girl is Nikki from WahineStyle.com in Hawaii. Kawika is the photographer of those pretty women. Mahalo for sharing.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Have fun in Hawaii at Christmas 2008

Our recent little excursion to Upcountry Maui at Best Hawaii vacation blog got attention by Hawaii travelers who look for the Hawaii paths less traveled away from the tourist crowds. Well, we are sure that today's blog post will get everybody's attention who has a Christmas vacation in Hawaii in mind for this year.

There is no doubt that Vacation in Hawaii is special at any time of the year. Hawaii still holds its position as a top destination for visitors from the Mainland and from around the world, whether it's for a special Hawaii honeymoon, a family beach vacation with kids or celebrities taking a break from their Mainland lifestyles. From our experience as longtime vacation hosts in Hawaii, we can say that the most desired time for a Hawaii vacation is Christmas together with New Year's (this is how most people book it), followed by Thanksgiving and the snowbird months January and February.

Free Christmas entertainment at Waikoloa Beach Resort Hawaii Big Island
We always considered it our most special Christmas gift to go on Christmas Day or the afternoon of Christmas Eve to white sand Mauna Kea Beach, lie in the sun and have a swim in the ocean! Hawaii spoils its visitors with its warm sunny days and warm ocean waters even in December when most Mainland states are in the tight grip of frost, ice and snow. Admittedly, the fun of a Hawaii Christmas vacation does not come cheap to Hawaii visitors. Hawaii hotels charge higher holiday room rates and hotels, 5-star or budget, but they book very fast in advance. We noticed that even this year, after lower Hawaii visitor numbers during the summer and fall months, Christmas holidays don't make an exception.

Keiki hula at Hawaii Christmas vacation
Here are a few Hawaii Vacation tips for the average Hawaii traveler to save money and have fun at Christmas Vacation 2008:

1. Rent a Hawaii vacation home or condo instead of staying at a hotel

First of all, privately owned Hawaii vacation rentals don't book as fast as hotels, if they are not right on the beach. There are lovely places with short 10 - 15 minute drive to best beaches in your vacation area. They are fully equipped with complete kitchens, which can save you tons of money on all your meals. With this extra money, you can take the whole family to a whale watch tour. Remember the humpback whales are back in December. Vacation rentals by owner come all inclusive with beach equipment, snorkel gear and even Internet access, even saunas or jaccuzis. Remember that's what you pay those Hawaii resort fees for.

2. Share a Hawaii vacation home or condo with family or friends

So many guests would love to have a private pool for their Hawaii Christmas vacation, but cannot afford the place, unless they make a small sacrifice and share the home + the rate (!) with family or friends which you hang out with anyway on a daily basis. Look for vacation rentals which have short driving distances to beaches, shopping and fun entertainment.

3. Share a rental car with family or friends for Christmas

It does not take big planning to share a car with friends for going to the beach, going shopping or do a special Hawaiian island adventure. With a few easy adjustments and planning, you can save a lot of money with a shared car. With higher gas prices in Hawaii, this makes perfectly sense. Remember your last Hawaii vacation when you afterwards wondered why you rented the car in the first place. Book your Hawaii rental car for Christmas as early as possible. Guys these are the Hawaiian Islands and rental cars are not unlimited.

4. Free Christmas entertainment in Hawaii

Yes, there are still things in Hawaii for Christmas which are free. You just have to find them. Hotels have beautifully decorated Christmas tree exhibitions, electric toy railroads in winter wonderland scenery or even ginger bread houses as tall as people (hmm, that smell!). Shopping centers do nightly Christmas entertainment with hula dancers and carol singing. It's a wonderful experience to join those Hawaiian Christmas traditions, more so when you can show up in shorts and Aloha shirts! Welcome to Christmas in Hawaii! Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations
p.s.
If you are still looking for a Last Minute Thanksgiving Hawaii rental, visit our 'Best Places Hawaii Thanksgiving 2008'.

Have fun on your Christmas vacation in Hawaii
Related Articles Christmas in Hawaii

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Hawaii family vacation in October

We are certain that we got with our recent post about 'Cheap Airfares from Seattle to Hawaii' the attention of Hawaii travelers from the Pacific Northwest. That was definitely good news for everybody who plans a family vacation this fall 2008 in Hawaii. Most kids get a fall break in October. So there is a great chance to take the kids on a special family vacation to the Hawaiian Islands: Maui, Kauai, Oahu or the Big Island.

If you consider Kona on the Big Island, be aware that Kona gets busy at the beginning of October with some athletes flying in early for some training of ocean swimming at the original swimming contest place, trying out the bike ride to Hawi in North Kohala and get a feel for running in the not to merciful Kona sun. The busiest week in Kona in October will be from 10/5 - 10/12/08 with the day of the Hawaii Ironman on 10/11/08 hustling and bustling with thousands of visitors and Ironman participants from all over the world. Kona Ironman accommodations will be harder to get every day now!

Apart from the Ironman week on the Big Island October school break is the perfect time for taking a family vacation in Hawaii with the kids. As mentioned several times before: There are no all-inclusive vacation packages in Hawaii, at least not the cheap way you find in Mexico. However, most Hawaiian hotels offer kids specials for meals and complimentary activity programs they can join, like learn to to hula, make a flower lei or Hawaiian umeke (bowl from a gourd) or even make a hula skirt from ti leaves for the older kids.

Family vacation with Kids, Beach in Hawaii
When you visit Hawaii in October, you can expect the same nice weather and warm ocean as at other months. Actually, it's even nicer than during the hot summer months July and August. September and October are low season months in Hawaii, when plenty of affordable vacation rentals on all the Hawaiian islands are available. Most of the hosts, include all the beach equipment, booggie boards, snorkel gear etc. in their rental fee for free. Kids love to snorkel and boogie board. Make sure they will be safe on the beach and pay attention to beach safety updates.

When deciding for a vacation rental, make sure that the beaches are not far away - rule of thumb though, you pay more for ocean view and much more for ocean front - that's why you and the kids come to Hawaii.

You will have to rent a car on all islands apart from Oahu which has a very well developed bus service at decent rates. When you call the car rental companies, let them give you a quote. Write it all down and compare. October is low season, which is perfect for decent airfares and best car rental rates.

If your kids are over 10, you want to share some adventure in Hawaii with them. The Big Island has some pretty good ones with a live volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Mauna Kea summit for stargazing. The Big Island's Kohala Coast (West Coast) has the best Big Island's white sand beaches for the kids and you and the best sunny weather.

Another rule of thumb for all the islands regards the Hawaii weather, east coast has more rain, west coast is drier and sunnier.

Go to the library and get the 'Frommers Hawaii' Guidebook. It's one of the best Hawaii information books about all Hawaiian islands. Hope this will get you going. It's a little big for taking it with your for reference on your Hawaii vacation with your kids. Once you figured out which Hawaii island you want to go visit in October, buy the 'Hawaii Revealed' book for this island. There is a 'Revealed' book for each island with maps, best activities, restaurants, hiking and places to stay. The book is handy and can be taken on your Hawaii road trips when exploring the island of your choice.

Any recommendations for Hawaii family vacation with kids in October are most welcome. Good luck for your Hawaii travel plans this October 2008! Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations
p.s.
Just found out more good news for your October vacation in Hawaii on 'travel specialist' Beat of Hawaii, which prides itself to provide the latest updates on Hawaii travel deals: round trip from Newark to Hawaii for $520 with latest travel 10/27. Seems a fantastic deal to me for travelers from the East Coast to Honolulu Hawaii.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Cheap Airfares from Seattle to Hawaii

This blog post is for our Best Hawaii vacation visitors who live in the Pacific Northwest and look for cheap airfares from Seattle to Hawaii. To find cheap airfare deals, with fuel prices rising, had become top priority when currently planning a trip to Hawaii.

Hawaii visitors did not always find air ticket prices they could afford this summer, which was reason for a slowing down our Hawaii summer tourist business and caused private vacation rental owners to offer the lowest summer rental rates ever. Actually, the good rates for Hawaii vacation rentals continue all the way through August 2008.

It's tough to follow all the Hawaii airline offers, deals and specials, while time consuming and appropriate knowledge required. I just came back from a visit to Beat of Hawaii, where I was happy to find Jeff's article from August 1st about 'Pacific Northwest to Hawaii deals' - Fly to Honolulu for under $400 RT (including all taxes, fees, surcharges).

So, maybe the announced rates including Round Trip Seattle to Honolulu for $402 (HA, NW) and Round Trip Portland to Honolulu for $392 (HA, NW) will work for you. Hope these cheap airfare deals - cheap always in comparison to recent high ticket prices - will come in time for our Hawaii visitors from Seattle and Portland.

Jeff starts his good airfare news revealing article: "This morning I see that both Hawaiian and United have joined the airfare sale that we noted yesterday from Northwest Airlines." If you want to take advantage of those airfare deals from Seattle to Honolulu, read the whole article by Beat of Hawaii. Last but not least, I did not double check the instructions Jeff advises how to book these cheap round trip tickets to Honolulu Hawaii but when Arthur Frommers from Frommers Budget Travel mentions Jeff's blog as a resource for Hawaii travel deals, it seems to be worthwhile to check it out.

Let us know what your current experience with airfares to Hawaii is. Detailed travel info: month of travel to Hawaii, airline and rate for round trip and where you booked your airfare special are appreciated information for our visitors. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations
p.s.
With all the excitement about cheap tickets to Hawaii, we should not forget that Tina is our beautiful Hawaii post girl from WahineStyle. BTW, if you love Hawaiian music, you want to read about the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festivals coming up on the islands + watch Hawaiian music youtube video.

Save Money on Hawaii Vacation

Monday, July 14, 2008

Is November a good time to go to Kona Hawaii?

Aloha Hawaii lovers,
For all those of you who are planning a Hawaii visit for the fall season 2008, here is my answer to Yahoo Hawaii travel question: Is November a good time to go to Kona Hawaii? Hey, it got chosen as best answer and I got 10 points for it. What a deal!

I guess 'When is the best weather for visiting Hawaii?' is one of the most asked question. Well, compared to the rainy cold mainland weather in winter, starting with late November, any time is good escaping to Hawaii. Of course, snow birds prefer the winter months for their Hawaii visit. Why visit Hawaii in summer when it's nice and warm weather even in Canada or Alaska?

Snow-covered Mauna Kea Summit, View from Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Golf Course
What can you expect for visiting Kona Hawaii in November? Kona and Kohala Coast are located on the west coast of the Big Island and are blessed with sunny, dry, warm weather all year round. Kona can be extremely hot during summer month. November weather will be very pleasant, provided no winter storm is passing through. It can happen though. All Hawaiian Islands are more prone to those during the winter months December - February.

Hey, guys believe it or not, Hawaii needs to get some rain from time to time, even though Hawaii vacation rental hosts feel sorry for those unlucky visitors who get hit by the rare rain.

Mauna Kea Beach, Kohala Coast, Big Island
I also tell Big Island visitors how else can they experience those most impressive pictures of Mauna Kea (White Mountain) and Mauna Loa (Flat Mountain) volcanoes covered in snow and sparkling in the tropical sun??!!! So, have fun in Kona in November and also go north to the Kohala Coast too...great white sand beaches, easy access to Mauna Kea summit with stargazing and visit spectacular Waipio and Pololu Valley.

Well, one amendment needs to be made: If you are on a budget for your Hawaii vacation, best stay away from Thanksgiving week 11/24 - 11/30/08. No airline, car rental company, Hawaii hotel or vacation rental host will make you special offer then. Over the years, Hawaii hotels, Kona and Kohala Coast vacation rentals are booked 100% during Thanksgiving. If you want to book a hotel or Kona vacation rental for Thanksgiving 2008, you'd better book your vacation NOW.

Please, share your Hawaii vacation experience with our Best Hawaii vacation blog visitors. If you ever spend a vacation in November or for Thanksgiving in Hawaii, we would love to hear from you. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations
p.s.
If you did not vote for your favorite story on our Hawaii blog yet, please, vote today. Scroll down on the sidebar to the very bottom where you read 'Best Hawaii Vacation Categories' and you will find the links to all our 170 posts about Hawaii vacation. We want to find out what you like best about Hawaii. Bloggers or site owners will get a link back on our birthday post 7/27/08.

Related Articles Best Hawaii Vacation

What does a Hawaii Vacation cost?
Best Time to Visit Hawaii
Hawaii Vacations with Kids
How to Save Money on Your Hawaii Vacation?
Why Rent a Vacation Rental in Hawaii?

Tags: , , , ,

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Secret Beaches in Hawaii

Beaches, Beaches, Beaches!!! When visiting Hawaii, to locate the closest and best beach seems to be a top priority for any Hawaii visitor whether they spend their vacation on Oahu, Maui, Kaui or the Big Island.

Here is another one of those secret Big Island beaches, which Kona resident and vacation rental owner Bill is sharing with our Best Hawaii Vacation blog visitors today.

"My favorite Big Island beach is probably the best kept secret. It is Honomalino Bay. Most people who live here think Honomalino is on Maui. This lovely black and white sands beach is not that well known. It is a 100 yards or so of beautiful secluded beach backed by loads of coconut trees and it descends to a wonderful swimming and snorkeling beach. A great place to swim with the dolphins.

It is about a 20 minute hike that is marked with lots of “private property” signs but if you stay on the trail you will bypass each and every private area and then it opens up to the most beautiful, breath taking and private spots on the Big Island. There have never been more than a handful of people on this beach making it that much more enjoyable. With a good book and some sun screen I can’t think of a better way to spend a day!

Big Island Secret Beach, Hanomalino Bay Beach
This is how to get to Hanomalino Bay beach: DRIVE to Miloli’i Beach Park, HIKE to Honomalino Bay. Take the winding one lane paved road just south of the 89 mile marker. This is a very local place, and it is a courtesy to leave it to the locals on weekends and holidays. Park and take the trail heading south along the waterfront, through the tide pools. Ignore the “private” signs, access to the trail is public. You’ll regain the trail at the back of the sand and palm trees at the south end of Miloli’i. This beach is public also, but not too appealing with the “keep out” signs. You will have a 20 minute walk south to a beautiful and secluded black and white sand beach. Swimming is good when calm. Carry food and water. There are a few homes here, accessed by this trail or a torturous 4 wheel drive private road."

Much mahalo again, Bill, for joining our guest author list. Please everybody, share your favorite Hawaii beach for any of the Hawaiian Islands with our blog visitors. They appreciate your vacation ideas. Guest posts by Hawaii visitors or residents about your favorite Hawaii beach are most welcome. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Related Articles

Best Big Island Beach
Big Island Secret Beach

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Vote for your favorite Hawaii Story!

Can anybody believe that another year has passed since our 1st Hawaii Blog Anniversary in July 2007! Well, time flies by when you are having fun, Keoki likes to say. Well, the full year is not over yet but it's time to reflect and prepare our blog birthday celebration. In this post, we are taking a few moments to recount what we have achieved during the past year of blogging about Hawaii and what we intend to do for celebration.

First of all, we'd like to say 'Mahalo' to all our Best Hawaii Vacation Blog visitors, to those who were dropping in to read up on a certain post, but more so to those who visited our blog regularly and even left comments when they felt they had something to contribute to our article. We are happy to name a few right here: Bobbie from The Right Blue, Charles from WaveShoppe and Evelyn from HomespunHonolulu. Thanks for having your steady support in our Hawaii MyBloglog family.

We also owe big thanks to our Best Hawaii Vacation guest authors, Hawaii bloggers or visitors, who shared their Hawaii stories. With their article contributions, our Hawaii blog became more entertaining by talking about Hawaii from a different perspective and with a different style. We definitely encourage everybody who is in love with Hawaii to join our guest authors. If you have a nice Hawaii story to tell - no specials skills required! - please, let us know. We will publish it with a short bio and link to your website.

OK let's get to the point celebrating our Hawaii blog birthday with all of you. Last time when celebrating our 1st Blog Birthday we did not ask for presents. On the opposite, we gave everybody, who left a comment, a link to their site with a short description what their Hawaii blog is all about. This time we decided to write our birthday invitation early, so all those busy bloggers or Hawaii site owners or Hawaii visitors have enough time to join the fun.

Hawaii and what we love about it. Join our Birthday bash and vote for the best Hawaii article.
How can you join our 2nd Best Hawaii Vacation Blog Birthday Bash?

It's very easy. You simply tell us which one of our Hawaii blog articles you like best. Finish the following sentence "My favorite article at Best Hawaii Vacation blog is ..."

What will you get?

Everybody who leaves a comment on this post or provides his vote for best article by email, will get a link on our Birthday Bash Post on July 27, 2008 (sorry no adult sites).

What will we get?

Hopefully we will get some good feedback which Hawaii stories our blog visitors liked best and want to hear more about in future blog posts.

Best way to find an interesting Hawaii blog story

With 165 posts and steadily growing, the best way to find an article you want to vote for, is by cruising the Best Hawaii Vacation Categories towards the bottom of right side bar. Find what Hawaii category is your favorite, click it and choose from a number of choices there. Our Best Hawaii Articles in the top is an option as well.

Vote for your favorite Hawaii Article by leaving a comment

Easiest way to submit your vote is to leave a comment right here on this post. Make sure not to sign in with Google but with name/URL (don't forget http://). With that method you actually double your chances to increase traffic to your blog or site. However, if you don't know how to leave a comment, send us an email and we will add your vote for you. Make sure to include your site or blog URL.

Let the fun begin and choose your favorite Hawaii story at Best Hawaii Vacation blog today. Don't forget to check your link on our Birthday Blog Post 7/27/08!

Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations Summer Deals
p.s.
It was a tough decision this time which of the beautiful Hawaiian girls from WahineStyle
we wanted to have as our special Hawaii birthday girl. We chose Kahiau on the beach. What do you think?

Related Articles

Saturday, May 10, 2008

3 Best Things to Do on Maui Vacation

We recently posted an article on 'Things to Do on Maui', which was more or less referring to the area of Central Maui. Today we welcome another guest post by Julie, the owner of Ideal Vacation Rentals, who we consider an expert not just of Hawaii vacation rentals (and vacation rentals around the words!) but also of anything related to your Maui vacation. Here is what Julie has to say about 'Three Best Things to do on Maui':

"The enchanting island of Maui has so many wonderful experiences to offer the visitor that it is hard to think of the best things to do. The reason being is that each person has their own individual preference of what is the "best" for him or her.
In this article I will share with you my choices for the three best things to do on Maui and the reasons I have chosen them.

Visit Maui's best Beaches

First, Maui is all about its wonderful beaches not only because they are beautiful but because of the many things that a person can do at the beach. Probably my favorite all round beach is the Old Airport Beach in Kaanapali, at Kahakili State Park. The coral reef here offers wonderful snorkeling or diving and you can see many colorful tropical fish, including the Hawaiian State fish, Humuhumunukunukuapuaa. Turtles live in caves in this reef and if you are lucky you can go swimming with them. Also to be seen in this underwater garden are octopus, spotted eels, and sometimes you may meet one of the curious spotted eagle rays that are known to visit the area.

Black Rock, also on Kaanapali Beach is another of my favorite beaches for snorkeling. Hookipa Beach, on the North Shore is known as the windsurfing capital of the world so if you are seeking adventure this is the beach to go to. Kayaking, outrigger canoeing and deep sea fishing are also available from many Maui beaches. Just plain relaxing on a Maui beach and enjoying the trade winds and sound of the surf, is another reason to vote for Maui beaches. Not to mention the miles of sand for great walks.

Another of my favorite beaches is Waiohuli Beach in Kihei. It is not one of the most popular ones but to me it is unique because of the many treasures you can find washed up on the shore, from sea urchin shells, to colorful lobsters. It is also a great walking and sunbathing beach. Other great beaches in Maui including the famous Kihei beaches of Kamaole I,II and III and the beautiful Charlie Young Beach. Whale watching from Maui's beaches is often more exciting than paying to go out on an official whale watch, as they come quite close to shore during whale season.

Take a Road Trip to Hana

For the second best thing to do on Maui, I have chosen the famous trip to Hana. This incredibly beautiful drive winds through lush tropical rain forest, past stunning waterfalls and takes you over 59 one lane bridges. You will also enjoy spectacular scenery of the coastline in certain areas. "The Road to Hana" is all about the journey not so much the destination. You can even stop off for some great walks on marked trails, or try some banana bread or a fruit smoothie from vendors at the side of the road.

If you are interested in a self guided tour to get more out of the trip, there are many places in Maui to purchase a tape or CD to play in your car. The audio tour is very well put together and points out just what you are experiencing every turn of the way. Hana is a charming little village with a general store, a few shops, a resort, and a black sand beach. If you drive on past Hana for about 20 minutes you will come to the famous "Seven Sacred Pools" part of Haleakala National Park. If you don't feel like driving the 3 hour trip back the same day, you may want to stay overnight in a cottage or vacation home in Hana.

Visit Maui's Best Luau

The third best thing to do on Maui is to attend one of the many great Luaus, especially if it is your first time to Hawaii. At a luau you will experience the Hawaiian culture through Hula and song, and often there will be an extraordinary fire-eating act to complete the program. You also get to taste the traditional food, such as the Kalua pig which is roasted underground all day long. The Old Lahaina Luau is voted the most Hawaiian luau and one of my favorites is the Hyatt Luau in Kaanapali.

So these are my choices and I hope that you will leave your comments and tell us your ideas for the 3 best things to do on Maui. Let's hope this will help make your Maui vacation your Best Hawaii Vacation. Aloha, Julie"

Once again a big 'Mahalo' Julie for another great guest post about Maui. Your 'Maui Trip Report' found many readers on our Best Hawaii Vacation blog and in the search engines. We are certain this Maui guest post will do so too.

Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Related Articles

Maui Hiking - Hawaii Waterfall Adventure
Maui vacation Trip Report
How to have a great Maui vacation and Save Money
How about Golf on Maui
Maui is the Best More About Surfing