Visit Hilton Waikoloa Village Hotel

Dear Best Hawaii vacation blog visitors,
Remember our last post about the whales still hanging out around the Hawaiian Islands? We had such a wonderful time watching their playful games in the Pacific Ocean. This was a Humpback whale extravaganza during the later part of the 2009 whale season. Well, maybe that was really their last hooray, before leaving for Alaska because ever since Sunday we have not spotted the whales anymore. It's really odd to look at the peaceful ocean waters without seeing blowing spouts and swimming whales. We already miss the whales!


When the whales had left, Keoki and I decided it's time for our annual visit to the Hilton Waikoloa Village at Waikoloa Beach Resort on the South Kohala Coast. We got a big surprise when trying to park our car for our visit to the Hilton Waikoloa, normally one of our favorite hotels to visit with family and friends for a fun day on the coast. If you want to spend your entire Kohala Coast vacation at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, make sure that you don't mind crowds and a disneyland atmosphere.


When you love a peaceful stay in Hawaii, away from other tourists and resort living, then the Hilton is probably not for you but if you spend a family vacation near the Hilton Waikoloa, this Hawaii resort is a great place to visit and hang out for a day. A slow boat trip (choose a boat with a roof for protection from strong sun) or slow walk through the exquisite tropical setting and a nice lunch right at the dolphin lagoon, are among our favorites.


We wrote about how much fun a visit at the Hilton Waikoloa can be, adults and children. When we did that, we also told you about the Hilton resort fee. You can't imagine our disappointment when we noticed with our visit to the Hilton Waikoloa Village that extra resort fees had nearly doubled from 2 years ago. Scroll down in this post for 2009 Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort fees.

Well, we swallowed hard, paid the $15 self-parking fee and did our walk through the lobby to just have a good time. Here is what we noticed was different to the past years. Normally, the lobby hustled and bustled with visitors, not only with hotel guests but lots of Big Island visitors. A visit to the Hilton Waikoloa was always a special attraction for Big island visitors. We always assumed that the Hilton appreciated the extra business from all the outside visitors: visitors to Waikoloa Hilton Spa, shops for Hawaiian clothes, galleries and restaurants.


Looks like the new Hilton resort fees are not a big incentive for guests or Big Island visitors to visit this wonderful Hawaii resort. On the opposite, those new fees must turn off quite a number of visitors. We noticed that the hotel was extremely quiet, resort boats and trains for transporting people between towers were empty, despite personnel assuring us that the hotel 'was' booked 92% due to a huge convention taking place.


When talking to the front desk, we heard some good news that visitors can still book a day-room at the Hilton for $160/nt., from 11am - 7pm, which is a nice thing to do, when two or even three families can share the costs and the kids can use all the different water slides. Believe me. They love it and it's worthwhile the day room money + the parking fee!


We were hanging out at the dolphin lagoon for quite some time. It's so much fun to watch those playful, friendly creatures. It's hard though to snap a nice photo of the dolphins. I was always a little too late. Anyways, one family, couple with two children, must have signed up for the dolphin quest program. We watched their entire program and asked one of the attendants what the cheapest program runs these days: 20min. with the dolphins is $205/per person. Yes, 1 minute $10! I was wondering whether these parents had to pay the full price for their kids.

If you want to spend a vacation at the Hilton Waikoloa on the Big Island, you may expect the following fees and deposits are charged by the property upon service, check-in, or check-out:Valet parking: $21 per 24-hour period, Self parking: $15 per 24-hour period, Aloha Fun Pass: $26 per day.

Now let's see what you get for your Aloha Fun Pass: In-room coffee Daily use of fitness center for two guests One hour daily use of tennis court Daily use of seaside putting course for two guests Self-parking Remember the good old days when parking at a hotel in Hawaii where you stayed as a guest was free? The hotel appreciated that you decided to spend your vacation there. And they even had free coffee at your room available. Nice gesture!

The Aloha Fun Pass for $26 per day sounds like a good deal from the Hawaii Hilton Waikoloa Village for guests who love to work out daily at the fitness center or want to play frequently tennis. I don't know about the majority of guests who don't do either but definitely need the parking! Don't assume there is alternative parking nearby. There is none! There are only gated vacation rental condo resorts closeby. It looks like when Hawaii Hilton guests want to save money, they are better off not to buy the Aloha Fun Pass, when they look closer at this resort deal fee, as they save daily $11 when they pay for their car parking individually the $15/day.

To tell you the truth I don't even know whether guests can turn down the Aloha Fun Pass at check-in. When I called guest service and asked what I need to spend at the resort to validate my parking fee, it was $50/per person at a restaurant! Well, the Waikoloa Marriott at least acknowledges any restaurant, banquet and luau visits and reduces their parking to $5! Good idea to keep your guests happy!


Bottom line of our post: We still love to visit the Hawaii Hilton but would like to see the hotel opening up again to outside visitors and residents by a policy which considers the budget of regular Big Island visitor and asking feasible fees. If hotels like the Hilton ignore customers needs and wishes, Hawaii tourism will be challenged. What's your recent experience with the Hawaii resort fees in 2009. Wouldn't it be nice to hear that hotels will waive those, at least for 2009. Mahalo for your comments. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

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Hawaii Spring Break Specials 2009

Aloha Best Hawaii Vacation blog visitors,
Let's stick with the theme of our last post 'Hawaii Spring Break Vacation with Kids'. Remember Hawaii hotels offer nice specials these days for spring season but you can save a lot of money by staying with your family at a fully equipped Hawaii vacation rental home near best beaches. You can cook 'at home' and take advantage of other free amenities offered by most Hawaii vacation rental hosts free of charge, like free high speed Internet and snorkel gear or boogie boards.

We've put together a list for you of Hawaii vacation rental homes, which offer great spring break accommodation specials or are worthwhile mentioning because of their low cost budget rentals. Here is our list of Best Hawaii Places for Spring 2009, from most expensive luxury homes to cheap, affordable vacation condos and cottages:

Spend Spring Break Kohala Coast Vacation at this brand-new Luxurious Kohala Coast Villa - 3 Bd/3.5 Ba - (Sleeps 6) at the lowest rate ever $810/nt.! This 3000sft Kohala Coast villa features spectacular ocean views from each room, private swimming pool and spa. Guests will enjoy all the luxury Kohala Coast resort amenities of Mauna Kea and Hapuna Beach Resort!

This Puako Oceanfront 4Bd/5Ba from $735/nt. (sleeps 8) is currently still available for spring months May + April 2009. This is the Best price for your family beach vacation in Hawaii! Book it when you can. There is no other Puako beach front home available at this low price.


Enjoy sunsets from the privacy of the large covered lanai, your own sandy beach, enticing tidepools, and ocean breezes in the trees at this lovely 3Bd/3Ba Puako Oceanfront Beach Home
on the Kohala Coast. Owners offer the Beach House at the lowest rate of Puako ocean front homes at $620/nt. for Hawaii Spring Special April and May 2009.


You look for a luxury Hawaii ocean view vacation home, then this one is right for you Kohala Coast vacation home 3BR/3.5BA, $435/nt. (dbl.) w/pool & tennis court Enjoy ocean views and top amenities at the most affordable rate at upscale gated community! At this moment, Spring months April + May 2009 are still available for your spring break vacation in Hawaii.

When you love the warm weather at Kailua-Kona and some late night action, this Kona 4Bd/5Ba Vacation Home with pool and jacuzzi Amazing 180-degree ocean views makes your Spring Break g vacation in Kona Hawaii a special one for special Spring rate $290/nt. Share this Kona ocean view home with friends or family. Available Spring Break dates 2009: 3/12 - 3/20 + April 2009.

2 Bd/2 Ba Kohala Coast vacation home at Kohala Estate with 180° ocean view offers a a 30% discount for Spring 2009 April, May and June at $175/nt. (dbl.). Experience Hawaii at its best. Enjoy the Aloha at this tropically decorates two bedroom, two bathroom Kohala Coast vacation home, minutes from best white sands beaches, world-class golf and five star resorts.


Opulent Executive Kona Vacation Home has panoramic ocean view, every amenity,long distance phone and internet,a two person jacuzzi bath with ocean view. BBQ and watch the whales from the deck and take in the continually comfortable Hawaiian breezes and the smell of flowers as you experience the beauty of paradise. This is a home you will want to come back to again and again. All this is available for Spring Special Rate from May 2009 at $150/nt.


Watch the waves at H-Bay and the ocean view sunsets off the water at Keauhou Bay at this 2Bd/2Ba Luxury Kona Country Club condo. You will have every amenity,long distance phone,high speed internet,granite counters throughout, gourmet kitchen, and BBQ from the beautiful lanai while listening to the luau music. Swim in the beautiful pool to relax and take in the Hawaiian lifestyle. You will not want to go home. Cheap Spring Rates for this Kona condo start May at $125/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 (2 people max., no children). Best Deal Puako Beach $115/nt.! It is available for spring vacation in Puako on the Kohala Coast: 3/15 - 3/31 + April + May! In addition to Puako beach, just across the street from the apartment, best Big Island white sand beaches Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea Beach are a short 5-min. drive away.

Waikoloa Golf Condo with full kitchen enjoys expansive ocean 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 cancellation special NOW for 2/14 - 28/09 at $100/nt. and Spring SPECIALS for April + May at $110/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 on the sunny side of Waimea with short 10-minute drive to the beach, which is currently still available for Spring months 2009 at $95/nt. with 7-night booking: 3/5 - 3/31 + April + May. See more info Sunny Side Waimea Kohala Coast Vacation Rental Cottage Near Best Beaches

There is no place like Hawaii on a Spring vacation. Hope you found what you were looking for on our list of Best Places Hawaii for Spring Break vacation 2009. Please, share comments about your Spring Break vacation in Hawaii. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

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Spring Break 2009 with Kids in Hawaii

Aloha Hawaii visitors,

You have had enough of the snow or rain and cold on the Mainland and look at taking a short Hawaii vacation with your kids during Spring Break 2009. I just did a search for spring break dates in different states. Spring Break 2009 is different from state to state and can even vary from school to school. This is good news.

It looks like the lucky families with kids are those where spring break goes together with the Easter Week 2009 4/6 - 4/12/09. Wrong, guys! Easter Week in Hawaii has been extremely busy in the past. So Hawaii destination airlines, Hawaii car rentals and hotels in Hawaii take advantage of you when wishing to have a Happy Easter in Hawaii. Plan your Hawaii Spring Break vacation before or after week! We wrote several posts in the past about Hawaii family vacation like this one Hawaii vacation with kids. Today, we will add more tips for parents on Spring Break vacation with young children in Hawaii.

7 Best Hawaii Vacation Tips for small children in Hawaii

1. Build sand castles

I know toddlers actually love to smash them as soon as they are made but if you made them really different, they might not. I used to make a slide for a small ball going all around a big sand castle.

2. Go shell hunting on the beach

Give the kiddos a little bucket and look for very special shells or 'ocean treasure', like colorful sea glass which got washed and smooth by the ocean or any special ocean treasure. You won't believe how much your kids love when you admire their special ocean treasure!

3. Go gecko 'hunting'

Whether you stay at a hotel or a vacation rental, you will find and see the geckos on ceilings and in hallways. You don't want to really 'hunt' them. You can't anyways, they are too fast. We would make it a game and count how many we'd find at one night. Tell the kids that the geckos come out at night and eat little insects. They don't go close to people! That's why we people in Hawaii are happy to see them!

4. Look for chameleons in the bushes

Lots of tourists don't know the difference between geckos and chameleons. Chameleons can change color and hang out on palm tree stems and any of our bushes. Kids love to see them!

5. Learn how to hula

Even if you don't stay at a hotel, your kids can have fun watching daily or nightly hula entertainment at Hawaii shopping centers, which is free of charge and includes hula, even keiki (children) hula! The Hawaiian hotel hula dancers often invite kids to join learning the hula, mostly to the most popular kids hula song 'Hukilau Song'. You can't beat the fun your kids have doing the hula and you watching them!

6. Read Hawaiian stories

If you want to spend a little money and give your kids something which lasts for ever: a book about Hawaii. One of my favorite ones is the 'Good Night Gecko'! Great text and lovely illustrations. But there are so many more. Check with a Hawaiian gift store or general store in your area.

7. Hawaii activity books

Hawaii activity are perfect for taking a lunch break with the kids from the hot sun. They are fun and educational with lots of animals who live in Hawaii or the Hawaiian waters or hula girls or Hawaiian flowers. Even if your kids coloring is not yet skilled. They will love it. If you have colored pencils at home, bring them with you. Best tip for your travel with the kids to Hawaii. Get one or two Hawaii activity books before getting on the plane. This is a great way to keep your kids busy on the long flight to Hawaii and get them excited about Hawaii.

I tell you, I could go on and on but this should do for today. There is no need to spend a lot of money for keeping your kids happy in Hawaii. Hey this is Hawaii with lots of sun and white sand beaches! Let your imagination create new and fun things to do. We shared with you a few activities you can do with small kids on any Hawaii island. Let us know your ideas for a fun vacation with your kids on Spring Break in Hawaii! Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations + Big Island Vacation
p.s.
And remember keep the activities with small children simple and age related. A visit to Haleakala on Maui or Mauna Kea Summit on the Big Island would not work for young children.

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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.

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.

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'.

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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.

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.

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4th of July 2008 on Hawaii Big Island

This Best Hawaii Vacation blog post is for all the lucky ones who spend 4th of July on vacation in Hawaii. Be assured that all the Hawaii hotels and resorts bring on some special celebration dinners, hula shows and the not to be missed fireworks. What I like best best with the 4th of July fireworks is that there is not such a long wait till midnight like at New Years. This also accommodates the families with kids in Hawaii. The entire family can watch the fireworks at 8:30pm. Make sure to get your dinner reservation for 4th of July dinner. The hotels will be packed for dinners and 4th of July fireworks.

Wherever you are on Hawaii the Big Island, the island puts on a big 4th of July extravaganza, even at remote Volcano Village, near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. There won't be any any fireworks but a parade with Hawaii County Band, floats, horses and animals in costumes! Music, games, food booths and a craft fair will follow. So, when you happen to be visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the parade will start at 9am in Volcano Village. On your drive back home to the Kohala Coast hotels through Hilo town, you can choose from three 4th of July firework locations starting at 8:30pm: On and along the Bayfront Highway and beach area; the soccer fields along Kamehameha Avenue and Queen Liliuokalani Park.

One of my favorite events on 4th of July on Hawaii's Big Island is 'Turtle Independence Day' at Mauna Lani Beach Hotel & Bungalows. If you vacation with kids on the Kona or Kohala Coast, you don't want to miss this big day when three and four year old turtles are released in the ocean after growing up in the Mauna Lani ponds! Whether it's little turtles or big ones, I don't know what it is with our fascination with turtles. It's not just the kids who get attracted. We do so too. Also read our Tips for watching Green Sea turtles!

Fun for the entire family is programmed at Waikoloa Beach Resort with free entertainment all day long for 4th of July, from 10 am to 8:30 pm. The highlights will be the Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race and of course, fireworks and laser light show at 8:30 pm. You can get forms for "Duckie adoption" at all Kings' Shops merchants. Best part of this 4th of July event - the benefits will go to United Cerebral Palsy Association. of Hawaii!

The new Shopping Center at Mauna Lani Beach Resort 'The Shops at Mauna Lani' offers some great entertainment for their 4th of July celebration, in addition to their free breathtaking Hawaiian shows Mon, Wed, Thur + Fri at 7pm and 8pm! Enjoy enjoy free pupus on Thursday, July 3rd, from 6:00-8:00 pm and listen to the Bill Noble Jazz Band from 6:30-8:30pm. Celebrate the 4th with free balloon animals and continue the fun on the 5th with free face painting from 1:00-3:00 pm. There will be free giveaways every day, including hats, pens and coolers. In addition to all those fun activities, there are lots of prizes to win. Stop at the Shops at Mauna Lani for 4th of July. Maybe you will be the winner of the $500 shopping Spree!

Let's not forget to mention the 4th of July Independence Parade in Kailua-Kona starting at 5:30pm. Kona will highlight their 4th of July celebration with fireworks at Old Kona Airport Park. Fourth of July fireworks will start at 8:30 p.m. at Old Airport State Park. The Park will close at 6 p.m. You can watch the fireworks from Kailua-Kona after the parade, or watch from Makalapua Center (Macy's, movie theaters, KMart).

For those who want to see some more action, the Annual Parker Ranch 4th of July Rodeo is celebrating the Year of the Paniolo. There will be action-packed rodeo events, keiki (children) activities and ono (delicious) food. Parker Ranch paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) are joined by other Big Island paniolo for a corral of traditional rodeo events from 9:00 a.m. until noon at Parker Ranch Arena, Waimea.

Enjoy your special 4th of July celebration in Hawaii. There will be many friends on the Mainland who envy you for it. Let us know on what Hawaiian island you spent your 4th of July and what you did. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

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Hawaii Coloring Book

Visiting Hawaii with your kids, whether in summer or on an even more special tropical vacation during the cold winter months, is probably one of the best family vacations you can have. Those fun vacations in Hawaii will be in your and your kids' memory for ever! We, Pua and Keoki, at Best Hawaii Vacations, continue including the 'keikis' ('children' in Hawaiian) in our Hawaii Vacation Tips. So, parents be aware what we have to say.

Most of the Hawaii hotels offer kids programs at affordable rates, which are great fun and educational for your kids. They include Hawaiian arts and crafts, sandcastle building, hula dancing, T-shirt painting, pool swims and beach treasure/scavenger hunts. T-shirt painting is a favorite for the older kids.

The Hawaii hotel activity programs are also a great way to slow the kids down and get them out of the sun for a few hours during the heat of the day. This can be sometimes very challenging. Which kid wants to go to their room when the big ocean and the pool are waiting for them?! Here is where we as parents have to be somewhat creative. It's amazing how many Hawaii activity books are available at the Hawaii hotels or any of the general stores. They are written matching all age groups, their skills and their preferences.

Best of all, these are books written for kids on Hawaii vacation. So, when it's time to get the kiddos out of the sun, get your magic Hawaii books out! The Hawaii coloring books are very popular among the keikis - coloring Hawaiian flowers is a favorite of the girls and connect the dots/numbers can be challenging for the boys when the numbers are higher. The boys love to hear about sharks and whales. Girls are more into hula, Hawaiian skirts and leis. Most of the Hawaii activity books include Hawaiian letter puzzles, where mom or dad might want to help a bit. Anyways, there are many Hawaii coloring books to choose from.

Recently, I've come across a new Hawaii activity book which brings Hawaii to the children and is worthwhile for parents, who take their kids on a Hawaii vacation, to have a closer look at. It's 'Sir Newton's Color Me Hawai'i'. This Hawaii travel book by author Samantha Clark gets our kids' attention drawn to Hawaiian animals, culture (hula) and landscape (volcanoes) through easy-to-read-passages and fun Hawaii based coloring and activity pages.

Your kids will fall in love with a shaggy dog named Sir Newton which will be their Hawaii travel guide! Visit the Sir Newton Book website to learn more about this book and find out whether this book is right for your kids. I, myself, recommend it for children starting age 6.

I really like what Samantha has to say about her new book: "The Hawaiian Islands have so much beauty and history, from the wonderful tradition of lei making to the amazing monk seal. I know children will be as enchanted by the Hawaiian Islands as I am." Samantha will share the gift of Aloha with the Hawaii children! 10% of the sale of each book is donated to the children's program of the Rotary International District 5000 Hawai'i. Mahalo, Samantha, for your book and gracious donation to the children of Hawaii.

If you know of Hawaii activity books your kids loved a lot, please, share it here with our Best Hawaii Vacation blog visitors. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations Books
p.s.
Dear parents, don't miss our post about the best way to start your Hawaii vacation! This is for you and not the keikis.

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Hawaii Summer Vacation 2008

Aloha to all our Hawaii vacation blog visitors,

Spring is finally everywhere on the Mainland with blooms and blossoms everywhere. So it's about time to plan the summer vacation for the family, which the kids (and you!) have been waiting for all year. Can we blame them?! Hey, two long months July and August no school but enjoying all the summer fun in the sun like swimming, biking, hiking and basking in the sun all day long. Whether you will take the kids to Hawaii this summer, depends on several factors. Here are a few thoughts by the editors of Best Hawaii Vacation blog.

With the Summer Vacation 2008 approaching fast, the big question is how Hawaii will be able to keep up its top ranking as best vacation destination. July and August have always been in the past our second highest season after extremely busy winter months, when they snow birds flock to sunny Hawaii with its warm weather all year round. Not that July and August are necessarily the best time to visit Hawaii.

When we wrote the above post, we made our point clear that to visit Hawaii during the biggest travel time of the year, July and August, means higher travel expenses for you, for air fares to Hawaii, car rentals and even hotels on the islands. Additionally, those two summer months are the hottest months of the year, not just on the Mainland but in Hawaii as well.

Despite of it, July and August have always been the months in Hawaii when we are used to welcome families with kids for their Hawaii vacation. This is the time when the kids are on vacation and a lot of families have no other choices. And to tell you the truth, the heat factor does not matter much. I have never seen a kid complain about the heat in Hawaii. They can hang out in the ocean for hours a day till they fall asleep at dinner at night!

OK, let's get to the basics. Is a Hawaii Vacation still affordable and how much does it cost? Remember our recent post where we questioned AAA's quote for Hawaii vacation costs of $793 a day for food and lodging alone for 2 adults?! We don't argue that Hawaii is the most expensive state to vacation in. Located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, any traveler from the Mainland has to get on a plane to Hawaii.

Round trip air tickets for Hawaii Summer Vacation don't come cheap these days but as mentioned in previous articles they have never been in the past. But...you can save big money on your accommodation, first when you stay at a fully equipped vacation home and second when you book your Hawaii vacation in summer but for September or October.

I know that a lot of parents are hesitant to take the kids out of school during regular school time but I also know that there are fall breaks and since those are different from state to state, this might be your best chance for a great family vacation in fall. For all those, who still want to book a Hawaii summer vacation 2008, here are two links which offered Hawaii Vacation Package Deals for Summer: Shermans Travel with Hawaii hotel discount rates for Oahu, Maui and Big Island starting at $83/nt. for Waikiki hotel and Hawaiian Airlines with more vacation deals. I also noticed when cruising those links that quite a number of Hawaii hotels advertised 20 - 30% off for June. Admitted, those LAST MINUTE Hawaii Specials are always a privilege for those travelers who have a flexible working schedule.

Let us know where you will spend your summer vacation in Hawaii and if it's not Hawaii, where will it be. If you have any feedback on round trip rates from the Mainland to Hawaii, please, share with our blog visitors. They appreciate it! Looking forward to hearing from you.
Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations June 2008
p.s.
Our today's Hawaiian post girl is Amber from Wahine Style.com.

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Tags: best of Hawaii, Hawaii summer vacation 2008

Hawaii Vacations with Kids

When planning your Hawaii Vacations 2008, we can't forget about those many families traveling with kids. Kids love vacation more than anything! No school, no teachers, no homework! The best place to take your kids on vacation is Hawaii. It's a place for the kids where it's always summer. Kids never get tired of the ocean, the pool, the sun and the sand on the beach.

If you have ever taken your kids to Hawaii on vacation, then you know they will not take a break from Hawaii fun, not voluntarily and not on parents' command (kids think will miss something), until their bodies give in at nighttime. I've seen it many times kids falling asleep at dinner tables or parents' laps at Hawaii hotels or restaurants. Hawaii has them in their grip from the first minute on the beach to the last minute at sunset in the Jacuzzi.

3 Best Tips for parents on Hawaii vacations with kids

1. Kids want to have fun in Hawaii

As adults we want of relax and crash on the beach in Hawaii. Go for a swim, sunbathe (get a nap), maybe play some golf or tennis but mainly relaxation is the goal for working parents. Unfortunately, that's not what your kids want. So, why not create a few hours to provide you both what you need. Most Hawaii hotels have kids program. It's amazing what those kids programs offer. Don't feel guilty. Your kids will have fun...shell hunting, turtle feeding, watching geckos and more. Privacy for you and fun for the kids. You will appreciate quality time together even more. Most Hawaii hotels also offer babysitting or child care services by the hour by experienced child care providers. 2. Plan fun activities on Hawaii vacation with your kids

Research ahead of your visit to Hawaii what are the best things to do in Hawaii in the area or the hotel where you stay. The Hilton at Waikoloa Beach Resort on the Big Island offers swimming with dolphins. Naturally, those activities are booked out way in advance. Whale watching is also something you want to book ahead. Find a boat which you and your kids will feel safe and comfortable. All kids love an exotic luau show, where they are allowed to stay up at night. Most of the kids are not too shy to join the hula dancers on stage for their obligatory hula 'lesson'. Don't forget your video camera. Your kids will thank you for it 20 years later.

3. Keep your kids safe in Hawaii

Not all beaches in Hawaii or at Hawaii hotels have life guards. Make sure that your non-swimmer kids have their life vests on at all times when near the water, ocean or pool. I jumped in full clothes after a 3-year old who fell in a swimming pool at a vacation house when she was leaning over to get a ball out of the water. Things happen very fast. Also always pay close attention to ocean condition signs by the water. Red flag means no kids in the water, period! Be also aware that sunscreen washes off and needs to be reapplied several times a day. Best to take the kids out of the sun when the sun is the strongest in Hawaii 11am - 2pm. Do some quiet activities with your kids. All Hawaii gift stores carry wonderful Hawaii activities books for children for coloring, drawing and reading about Hawaii's nature.

Have a wonderful time with your kids on family vacation in Hawaii. Do as much as you can with them. Call it your Hawaii adventure or excursion or whatever. It's not lost time, on the opposite, it's time you and your kids will bond more and remember for a lifetime...vacation with Mom and Dad in Hawaii! Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

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Tags: Family Vacation in Hawaii, Vacation with kids in Hawaii