Hawaii Vacation Connection

Direct from Honolulu Hawaii, this podcast focuses on Hawaii Vacations and Travel to Hawaii. Each 15 minute podcast segment is packed with valuable information on pricing, trends and Hawaii vacation itineraries submitted by podcast listeners. Topics range from booking Hawaii All inclusive packages to sailing Hawaii cruises covering just about anything having to do with Hawaii Travel

The Na Pali Coast. Cathedral-like mountain peaks and crevices, verdant and textured like the scales on the back of a chameleon, beaches beyond even the most secluded in Hawaii, and dramatic scenery like no other. Situated along Kauai's west facing shores is one of the most impressive sights in all the islands, and is also touted as one of the most revered. 15 miles of rugged coastline, the Na Pali coast is a must-see while visiting the island of Kauai. And for the nature enthusiast, you'll be happy to know it can be accessed in a variety of ways. Today we're going to give you the details on this renowned place, so that you might be able to glimpse it for yourself someday. First off, the best time to check out this coastline is during summer, hands down. Not only is it the calmest, but it's also the safest time and the most visually pleasing. It's not uncommon for access to the Na Pali to shut down during harsh winter months because waves make it non navigable for boats and rain makes it impossible for hikers. We don't recommend attempting to view the Na Pali coast under rough conditions, and this includes stormy weather, high surf advisory, and recent flooding (which all happen regularly on the north shore during the winter). In the summertime, you'll find much more agreeable weather, and the ocean conditions are typically pristine. Nothing beats a view of the Na Pali with turquoise waters at the base of its sheer cliffs- it is simply unbeatable. The two most popular ways to view the Na Pali coast are via the hiking trail from the north shore and a boat tour from the west side. Depending on how you'd like to witness the scenery, each method has its pros and cons. Hiking the trail gives you breathtaking views of the staggering mountains, plus you can hike into one of the secluded beaches and hike further inland to a beautiful waterfall. It is a 2-mile hike to the beach and another 2 miles to the Hanakapi'ai waterfall. An intermediate-advanced hike, this is a great daytime activity and doable for just about anyone who is in good health. You definitely get a hands-on experience of the trail and the view, and walking along the landscape gives you an incredible vantage point of the sea cliffs and ocean horizon. There are so many gorgeous look out points you'll probably max out your camera storage! And the beach at the end of the 2 miles is spectacular, especially on a calm summer day. Stay out of the water during large swells though, this beach has been known to sweep swimmers out into the undercurrents. While this hike is truly spectacular, you won't see it quite like you would from a boat with its sweeping panoramic views, and ocean versus land views. Onboard a tour boat, you'll travel along the secluded coastlines of the entire Na Pali coast, weaving in and out of caves (depending on your tour boat size), exploring the depth of the mountainsides, and mooring just off the desolate beaches for a snorkel and a swim. Tour companies typically set sail from the west side (particularly Ele'ele), which gives guests views of the entire west side of Kauai. The secluded beaches you'll see of the coast are mostly only accessibly via boat, and unfortunately, the tour will not take you to them. They will however, point out the various movies that you might recognize the strips of sand and cave archways from. Taking a boat ride along the Na Pali coast gives you a broader aspect of its beauty, but you won't ever get to set foot on the land like you would if you were to hike the trail. Each method of viewing is equally fantastic, just different in their own ways. The last method to experience the Na Pali coast, which also happens to be the most intimate but only for true experienced nature enthusiasts, is to kayak into the beaches. This can only be done on a calm summer day, otherwise there is too big of a danger of rising ...

The Na Pali Coast. Cathedral-like mountain peaks and crevices, verdant and textured like the scales on the back of a chameleon, beaches beyond even the most secluded in Hawaii, and dramatic scenery like no other. Situated along Kauai's west facing shores is one of the most impressive sights in all the islands, and is also touted as one of the most revered. 15 miles of rugged coastline, the Na Pali coast is a must-see while visiting the island of Kauai. And for the nature enthusiast, you'll be happy to know it can be accessed in a variety of ways. Today we're going to give you the details on this renowned place, so that you might be able to glimpse it for yourself someday. First off, the best time to check out this coastline is during summer, hands down. Not only is it the calmest, but it's also the safest time and the most visually pleasing. It's not uncommon for access to the Na Pali to shut down during harsh winter months because waves make it non navigable for boats and rain makes it impossible for hikers. We don't recommend attempting to view the Na Pali coast under rough conditions, and this includes stormy weather, high surf advisory, and recent flooding (which all happen regularly on the north shore during the winter). In the summertime, you'll find much more agreeable weather, and the ocean conditions are typically pristine. Nothing beats a view of the Na Pali with turquoise waters at the base of its sheer cliffs- it is simply unbeatable. The two most popular ways to view the Na Pali coast are via the hiking trail from the north shore and a boat tour from the west side. Depending on how you'd like to witness the scenery, each method has its pros and cons. Hiking the trail gives you breathtaking views of the staggering mountains, plus you can hike into one of the secluded beaches and hike further inland to a beautiful waterfall. It is a 2-mile hike to the beach and another 2 miles to the Hanakapi'ai waterfall. An intermediate-advanced hike, this is a great daytime activity and doable for just about anyone who is in good health. You definitely get a hands-on experience of the trail and the view, and walking along the landscape gives you an incredible vantage point of the sea cliffs and ocean horizon. There are so many gorgeous look out points you'll probably max out your camera storage! And the beach at the end of the 2 miles is spectacular, especially on a calm summer day. Stay out of the water during large swells though, this beach has been known to sweep swimmers out into the undercurrents. While this hike is truly spectacular, you won't see it quite like you would from a boat with its sweeping panoramic views, and ocean versus land views. Onboard a tour boat, you'll travel along the secluded coastlines of the entire Na Pali coast, weaving in and out of caves (depending on your tour boat size), exploring the depth of the mountainsides, and mooring just off the desolate beaches for a snorkel and a swim. Tour companies typically set sail from the west side (particularly Ele'ele), which gives guests views of the entire west side of Kauai. The secluded beaches you'll see of the coast are mostly only accessibly via boat, and unfortunately, the tour will not take you to them. They will however, point out the various movies that you might recognize the strips of sand and cave archways from. Taking a boat ride along the Na Pali coast gives you a broader aspect of its beauty, but you won't ever get to set foot on the land like you would if you were to hike the trail. Each method of viewing is equally fantastic, just different in their own ways. The last method to experience the Na Pali coast, which also happens to be the most intimate but only for true experienced nature enthusiasts, is to kayak into the beaches. This can only be done on a calm summer day, otherwise there is too big of a danger of rising swells hitting powerful waves against the sea cliffs.

Direct from Honolulu Hawaii, this podcast focuses on Hawaii Vacations and Travel to Hawaii. Each 15 minute podcast segment is packed with valuable information on pricing, trends and Hawaii vacation itineraries submitted by podcast listeners. Topics range from booking Hawaii All inclusive packages to sailing Hawaii cruises covering just about anything having to do with Hawaii Travel

Hiking in Hawaii doesn’t always have to be for the outdoor enthusiast. If you’re not a hiking extraordinaire, don’t worry! There are plenty of easy hikes Oahu offers that still feature breathtaking scenery. We understand that not everyone comes to Hawaii for the activities. Some of you might be allured simply by the sunshine and relaxing days of lounging and leisure. So, if you’re not an active type of vacationer but still want to enjoy some of Hawaii’s untouched beauty, then here are a couple mellow hikes for you to explore. Manoa Falls Trail The first easy Oahu Hike we’re highlighting is the Manoa Falls Trail. While the weekends have proved to be somewhat crowded here, during a weekday or off-times (early morning and late afternoon), this hike is very pleasant. Where to Find It Located in the lush valley of Manoa, this hike is accessible if you’re staying in Honolulu or Waikiki. Just drive inland up Manoa Road, winding through neighborhoods of beautifully classic Hawaiian plantation homes and points of interest. There is a parking lot at the end of the road, where you’ll also find the Lyon Arboretum.  You’ll need to pay a few dollars to park, which we prefer over difficult hikes with hard-to-find parking spots.  What to Expect The trail begins through dripping vines and large green elephant-eared palm fronds along a crumbled black asphalt and dirt road. It’ll then open up into a larger path, passing through tall coconut palm forests, canopies of trees and ferns, and arguably the lushest sights you’ll ever encounter.  A bridge takes you over a small ravine, and then you’re in the real beginning of the trail. Manoa Falls hike is beautiful and easy, with some rocks, roots, and wood planks to walk over.  We recommend wearing walking shoes on this hike, but have also seen it done easily in slippers (and we mean flip-flop rubbah slippahs, not your fuzzy house slippers). The walk takes less than an hour one-way, guiding you toward a tumbling waterfall glistening against a freshwater pool. There are ropes and signs deterring folks from trekking outside of the intended path. This is for safety and to protect the plant life and landscape here. Falling rocks and landslides do occur at waterfall cliff sites.  There are many break points along the trail where you can stop and rest, (or take in the beauty, however you prefer to label it!) Hang out in a bamboo forest, by the creek, amidst twisted tree branches, by the river crossings, or on large boulders.  Manoa Falls is one of our favorite easy hikes on Oahu. It’s under 2 miles roundtrip, within shady canopies and great scenery. If it has been rainy, be prepared for mud. Bug spray and/or long pants are also advisable.  During the summer months, the waterfall is just barely a trickle, since the water flow depends upon the rainfall. So don’t think you’re hiking into some spectacularly powerful waterfall! But it’s still a great place to see, so give this easy but gorgeous trail a chance!  It is very worthwhile and takes you into the greenest, most tropical parts of the island. You haven’t explored Hawaii if you haven’t been to its rainforests.  Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail The second easy Oahu hike to highlight is the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail. This trek is the opposite of Manoa Falls, since it offers spectacular views of the coastline rather than the rainforests. But it’s still equally stunning.  Where to this Easy Hike in Oahu

Hiking in Hawaii doesn't always have to be for the outdoor enthusiast. If you're not a hiking extraordinaire, don't worry! Because there are plenty of easy walking trails along Oahu that offer the beauty, scenery, and outdoor experiences that any other good hike will offer. We understand that not everyone comes to Hawaii for the activities; some of you might be allured simply by the sunshine and relaxing days of lounging and leisure. So if you're not an active type of vacationer, but still want to enjoy some of Hawaii's untouched beauty, then here are a couple mellow hikes for you to explore. The first one we're going to highlight is the Manoa Falls hike. While the weekends have proved to be somewhat crowded here, during a weekday or off-times (early morning and late afternoon), this hike is a real pleaser. Located in the lush valley of Manoa, this hike is very accessible if you're staying in the town parts of Oahu (Honolulu/Waikiki). Just head inland up Manoa Road and you'll wind through neighborhoods of beautifully classic Hawaiian plantation homes and points of interest. There is a parking lot at the end of the road, where you'll also find the Lyon Arboretum and Tree Tops Restaurant. Parking here is $5, or you can retrace back out into the neighborhoods and park along the street. The walk back into the park entrance is roughly 5-8 minutes on pavement, but if you prefer the convenience of parking close to the trailhead, we recommend having cash to spare for the lot. The trail begins through dripping vines and large green elephant-eared palm fronds along a crumbled black asphalt and dirt road. It'll then open up into a larger trail, where you'll pass through tall coconut palm forests, canopies of trees and ferns, and arguably the lushest sights you'll ever encounter. A bridge takes you over a small ravine and then you're in the real beginning of the trail. Manoa Falls hike is beautiful and easy, with some rocks, roots, and wood planks to walk over. We recommend wearing walking shoes on this hike, but have also seen it done easily in slippers (and we mean rubbah slippahs, not your fuzzy house slippers). The hike takes less than an hour one-way, and the end result is a tumbling waterfall down into a shallow pool of fresh water. There are ropes and signs deterring folks from trekking outside of the intended path, and this is for reasons of nature preservation as well as safety. So don't hang out beneath the lip of the waterfall because there have been falling rocks and landslides known to occur at waterfall cliff sites. There are many break points along the trail where you can stop and rest, (or take in the beauty, however you prefer to label it :), including a bamboo forest, various creek sides, twisted tree branch areas, river crossings, and large sitting rocks. The hike is under 2 miles roundtrip, within shady canopies and along a beaten path. If it has been rainy, be prepared for mud. If you're inclined to getting bug bites, you might want to bring repellant on this hike, or just wear long pants. Also, during the summer months, the waterfall is just barely a trickle, since the water flow is dependant upon the rainfall. So don't think you're hiking into some spectacularly powerful waterfall! Manoa Falls is beautiful and tall, but doesn't yield tons of water (unless there has been heavy rains). So before you talk yourself out of some activity while in Hawaii, give this easy but gorgeous trail a chance! It is very worthwhile and takes you into the greenest, most tropical parts of the island. You haven't explored Hawaii if you haven't been to its rainforests! The second hike to highlight is the Makapu'u Point Trail. Located on Oahu's southeastern side, this hike is the opposite of Manoa Falls. Meaning that it offers spectacular views of the coastline, rather than the rainforests. Equally stunning yet unique in their own ways, this particular hike winds within the Ka Iwi State Scenic Shoreline,

Direct from Honolulu Hawaii, this podcast focuses on Hawaii Vacations and Travel to Hawaii. Each 15 minute podcast segment is packed with valuable information on pricing, trends and Hawaii vacation itineraries submitted by podcast listeners. Topics range from booking Hawaii All inclusive packages to sailing Hawaii cruises covering just about anything having to do with Hawaii Travel

It's no mystery why so many Hawaii vacationers choose Maui over any other island- the crowds are smaller than Oahu, but bigger than Kauai, (offering a varied nightlife), the scenery is unbeatable (living up to it's nickname “The Valley Isle”), and the beaches are diverse and beautiful. And speaking of beaches, today we're highlighting our top five picks of Maui's stretches of coastline, where golden sand meets turquoise waters and in some instances, a refreshing mai tai is only steps from your beach towel and umbrella. Some folks prefer a beach with accessibility (restrooms, parking lots, picnic tables, etc.) whereas some prefer a beach off the beaten path, where getting to it is half the adventure. Others are looking for a family-friendly place where the kids can swim safely, whereas some folks simply prefer an all-around good beach (temperate swimming conditions, ample shade, decent parking, etc.). Showcasing a little bit of everything, Maui is an ideal island for beach varieties so without further ado, here are our five favorites. Kaanapali Beach, West Maui- This stretch offers three miles of yellow/white sand with incredibly clear waters. Perfect for a lazy day, Kaanapali Beach offers umbrellas and lounge chairs and plenty of space to stretch out your beach towel. Located in the popular resort community of Kaanapali, this beach is ideal for anyone wanting to experience a bit of beach with a bit of luxury. Located just steps off the sand is a variety of bars and outdoor restaurants, plus an outdoor shopping mall and plenty of fresh water showers. Kaanapali is also great for ocean activities such as parasailing, surfing, SUPing and sea kayaking, and at Black Rock you can take the adventurous plunge off the cliff or check out some great snorkeling spots along the coast. This beach definitely gives you the feeling of being on vacation in Hawaii, and we recommend it for families, couples, or groups. Mokuleia Bay (Slaughterhouse Beach), West Maui- Part of a 45-acre marine life conservation district, Mokuleia Bay is alive with beauty both above and under water. Ideal during the summer months, this beach offers clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling and is sheltered from any wind, making it a good beach to get a tan. Parking is ample and the walk is easy, down concrete steps with a hand railing. Once you're down, the white sand, blue waters, and green background will be breath taking. Honolua Bay, another great spot for snorkeling, is next door to Mokuleia on the northern side and is just a quick swim away during calm ocean conditions. We recommend this spot for couples and adventurous families, due to its seclusion and accessibility. It's a beautiful bay that will surely bring you back to Maui for your next tropical vacation. Kamaole Beach Parks, Kihei- There are three beaches to the Kamaole Beach Parks, known as I, II, and III. This review is for Kamaole Beach I because of its size and the fun body boarding waves it provides. Fronting the Kamaole Beach Club, this beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and whale watching during the months of December-April. Close to shops and a variety of dining options, this spot is a great place to come during the later afternoon. Prop up a beach chair, take a few dips in the ocean, warm up and dry off just in time to watch the sunset, and then saunter over to the nearby town of Kihei for a great dinner or evening cocktails. This stretch of sand is ideal for just about anyone, as you can walk to any of the three “Kam's”, each offering up something different but equally beautiful.

It's no mystery why so many Hawaii vacationers choose Maui over any other island- the crowds are smaller than Oahu, but bigger than Kauai, (offering a varied nightlife), the scenery is unbeatable (living up to it's nickname “The Valley Isle”), and the beaches are diverse and beautiful. And speaking of beaches, today we're highlighting our top five picks of Maui's stretches of coastline, where golden sand meets turquoise waters and in some instances, a refreshing mai tai is only steps from your beach towel and umbrella. Some folks prefer a beach with accessibility (restrooms, parking lots, picnic tables, etc.) whereas some prefer a beach off the beaten path, where getting to it is half the adventure. Others are looking for a family-friendly place where the kids can swim safely, whereas some folks simply prefer an all-around good beach (temperate swimming conditions, ample shade, decent parking, etc.). Showcasing a little bit of everything, Maui is an ideal island for beach varieties so without further ado, here are our five favorites. Kaanapali Beach, West Maui- This stretch offers three miles of yellow/white sand with incredibly clear waters. Perfect for a lazy day, Kaanapali Beach offers umbrellas and lounge chairs and plenty of space to stretch out your beach towel. Located in the popular resort community of Kaanapali, this beach is ideal for anyone wanting to experience a bit of beach with a bit of luxury. Located just steps off the sand is a variety of bars and outdoor restaurants, plus an outdoor shopping mall and plenty of fresh water showers. Kaanapali is also great for ocean activities such as parasailing, surfing, SUPing and sea kayaking, and at Black Rock you can take the adventurous plunge off the cliff or check out some great snorkeling spots along the coast. This beach definitely gives you the feeling of being on vacation in Hawaii, and we recommend it for families, couples, or groups. Mokuleia Bay (Slaughterhouse Beach), West Maui- Part of a 45-acre marine life conservation district, Mokuleia Bay is alive with beauty both above and under water. Ideal during the summer months, this beach offers clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling and is sheltered from any wind, making it a good beach to get a tan. Parking is ample and the walk is easy, down concrete steps with a hand railing. Once you're down, the white sand, blue waters, and green background will be breath taking. Honolua Bay, another great spot for snorkeling, is next door to Mokuleia on the northern side and is just a quick swim away during calm ocean conditions. We recommend this spot for couples and adventurous families, due to its seclusion and accessibility. It's a beautiful bay that will surely bring you back to Maui for your next tropical vacation. Kamaole Beach Parks, Kihei- There are three beaches to the Kamaole Beach Parks, known as I, II, and III. This review is for Kamaole Beach I because of its size and the fun body boarding waves it provides. Fronting the Kamaole Beach Club, this beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and whale watching during the months of December-April. Close to shops and a variety of dining options, this spot is a great place to come during the later afternoon. Prop up a beach chair, take a few dips in the ocean, warm up and dry off just in time to watch the sunset, and then saunter over to the nearby town of Kihei for a great dinner or evening cocktails. This stretch of sand is ideal for just about anyone, as you can walk to any of the three “Kam's”, each offering up something different but equally beautiful.

Direct from Honolulu Hawaii, this podcast focuses on Hawaii Vacations and Travel to Hawaii. Each 15 minute podcast segment is packed with valuable information on pricing, trends and Hawaii vacation itineraries submitted by podcast listeners. Topics range from booking Hawaii All inclusive packages to sailing Hawaii cruises covering just about anything having to do with Hawaii Travel

Talk has slowly turned into action regarding new timeshare towers in Waikiki, and I believe these changes will have a negative impact to the tourism industry in Hawaii. With 10,000 timeshare units currently in Hawaii, accounting for 13% of total lodging inventory, this number only continues to increase as fewer stand-alone hotels are being built. Almost every major hospitality company is either revamping existing hotels into timeshare units or developing completely new timeshare properties. I question if we're ruining the starter market for the islands, and if Hawaii is going to abandon tourism altogether. Starting prices of timeshares in Hawaii are in the $20,000 range for a one-week interval. And who but the wealthy can afford a vacation where the accommodations start out at this price? In my mind, Hawaii is a place where young people can visit, either for a honeymoon, college trip, or a small family taking their first vacation together. It's a place that grows on a person, and if you're lucky enough, the first experience is enticing enough to make you plan and save for future visits. Hawaii should be a place that is attainable, contributing to the economy in a positive way. But now, with timeshares outpacing the hotel industry, many people won't be able to afford a vacation to Hawaii anymore. And there simply won't be enough hotel rooms, only timeshares. As if this weren't enough, Hawaii already has the label of being a travel destination for “older” people who can afford it. Too often we see the same, redundancy of hula performances, songs, and entertainment; things that fail to entice young people. Instead, they cater to the older crowd, the common crowd, the crowd who can afford to be there. If Hawaii wants to continue a healthy, productive economy, then we're going to need to figure out ways to redirect attention. And the flood of timeshares is not helping. Maybe I'm just biased, but I believe timeshares bring in a different kind of visitor. And how many people take the brunt of a pushy salesperson just for the discount or coupon they receive at the end of the intense sales pitch? These meetings are high pressure, and they surely must be pushing young couples or middle class families out the door quicker than they can even give a pitch. Is this the kind of reputation Hawaii wants to give the rest of the world? There is so much culture, history, and beauty to be had here in the islands, and I do not believe it should be reserved for only those who can afford the high (getting higher) prices. Timeshares may inevitably drive hotel costs higher, which have a direct link to air fare, which leaks out into every other aspect of cost in a desirable location. And did I mention that the timeshares are having another major effect on Hawaii? Currently, the International Marketplace, Waikiki's only remaining untouched historical site, is being slated for demolition. A very large plan is taking place in Waikiki, including Hilton Hawaiian Village's new 550 unit timeshare development, with the first phase of 300 units planned for completion by 2015. Additional high rises also has an effect on the amount of sunlight let into the city. Waikiki already sees less light than its counterparts, and more buildings means more light blocked out. Waikiki just doesn't seem the same without the natural Hawaiian sun streaming in, does it? Maybe this is what people call progress though, and maybe I'm just pessimistic. But I'd love to see Hawaii as an attainable destination for anyone lucky enough to be able to vacation, not just the ones who can afford a double digit condo. I'd also like to see Hawaii reach out more to the younger generations and entice them to share in the beauty and add to the prosperity. Because what are we without our future?

Talk has slowly turned into action regarding new timeshare towers in Waikiki, and I believe these changes will have a negative impact to the tourism industry in Hawaii. With 10,000 timeshare units currently in Hawaii, accounting for 13% of total lodging inventory, this number only continues to increase as fewer stand-alone hotels are being built. Almost every major hospitality company is either revamping existing hotels into timeshare units or developing completely new timeshare properties. I question if we're ruining the starter market for the islands, and if Hawaii is going to abandon tourism altogether. Starting prices of timeshares in Hawaii are in the $20,000 range for a one-week interval. And who but the wealthy can afford a vacation where the accommodations start out at this price? In my mind, Hawaii is a place where young people can visit, either for a honeymoon, college trip, or a small family taking their first vacation together. It's a place that grows on a person, and if you're lucky enough, the first experience is enticing enough to make you plan and save for future visits. Hawaii should be a place that is attainable, contributing to the economy in a positive way. But now, with timeshares outpacing the hotel industry, many people won't be able to afford a vacation to Hawaii anymore. And there simply won't be enough hotel rooms, only timeshares. As if this weren't enough, Hawaii already has the label of being a travel destination for “older” people who can afford it. Too often we see the same, redundancy of hula performances, songs, and entertainment; things that fail to entice young people. Instead, they cater to the older crowd, the common crowd, the crowd who can afford to be there. If Hawaii wants to continue a healthy, productive economy, then we're going to need to figure out ways to redirect attention. And the flood of timeshares is not helping. Maybe I'm just biased, but I believe timeshares bring in a different kind of visitor. And how many people take the brunt of a pushy salesperson just for the discount or coupon they receive at the end of the intense sales pitch? These meetings are high pressure, and they surely must be pushing young couples or middle class families out the door quicker than they can even give a pitch. Is this the kind of reputation Hawaii wants to give the rest of the world? There is so much culture, history, and beauty to be had here in the islands, and I do not believe it should be reserved for only those who can afford the high (getting higher) prices. Timeshares may inevitably drive hotel costs higher, which have a direct link to air fare, which leaks out into every other aspect of cost in a desirable location. And did I mention that the timeshares are having another major effect on Hawaii? Currently, the International Marketplace, Waikiki's only remaining untouched historical site, is being slated for demolition. A very large plan is taking place in Waikiki, including Hilton Hawaiian Village's new 550 unit timeshare development, with the first phase of 300 units planned for completion by 2015. Additional high rises also has an effect on the amount of sunlight let into the city. Waikiki already sees less light than its counterparts, and more buildings means more light blocked out. Waikiki just doesn't seem the same without the natural Hawaiian sun streaming in, does it? Maybe this is what people call progress though, and maybe I'm just pessimistic. But I'd love to see Hawaii as an attainable destination for anyone lucky enough to be able to vacation, not just the ones who can afford a double digit condo. I'd also like to see Hawaii reach out more to the younger generations and entice them to share in the beauty and add to the prosperity. Because what are we without our future?

Direct from Honolulu Hawaii, this podcast focuses on Hawaii Vacations and Travel to Hawaii. Each 15 minute podcast segment is packed with valuable information on pricing, trends and Hawaii vacation itineraries submitted by podcast listeners. Topics range from booking Hawaii All inclusive packages to sailing Hawaii cruises covering just about anything having to do with Hawaii Travel

Well folks, just when you thought we might be slowing down on our vacation bookings to Hawaii, we have actually now entered into our busy season. And now is the time to start thinking about your upcoming trips (that is, if you want to make sure you book something for a reasonable price). Despite popular belief, booking a trip within the last few weeks of your departure date is rarely a good idea. Someone might luck out with a killer last minute airfare deal, but with the way hotel and resort occupancy has been the past year, a plane ticket to Hawaii doesn't necessarily mean a hotel room is guaranteed once you're here. In fact, this is the reason why airfare has been cheap lately, because there are no rooms available in the hotels and resorts in Hawaii! Which is why I'm hammering you over the head with my mantra, “book in advance, book in advance, book in advance!” Now is the time when we start booking for April and May, otherwise known as spring break. There is a common misconception that travel times peak in the summer and winter months, but with Hawaii, we're almost seeing a year-round busy season these days. Spring is a wonderful time to come to Hawaii however; the weather is not too hot, not too cool (in the evenings), whale watching is at a prime time, the landscapes are in full blossom, and the ocean swells are in a sort of holding period, making swimming and snorkeling more ideal. Plus, you don't get quite the hustle bustle crowd of the summer and winter months, but don't let this fool you. Just because it doesn't seem like a popular travel season, doesn't mean it's not. And like I said before, Hawaii hasn't seen any slow down in tourism for almost a year now. Since we're on the topic, I'm going to take this opportunity to spiel a bit about whale watching. From the months of December through May, whale watching is at its prime and you can book a catamaran cruise to view these stunning creatures for as low at $40 a person! We have a variety of tour companies on all four major islands that offer whale watching, along with food, cocktails, live entertainment, and more during the trip. It truly is an experience that is worthwhile because it achieves a few different things. #1- you get to witness humpback whales in their natural environment, during their most playful and active time of the year. #2- you get to get out on a boat. This is an activity that is high up on the bucket list for folks traveling to Hawaii. And #3, you get to experience the island from a completely different perspective, via the ocean. These factors all make a whale watching activity extremely worthwhile, and especially for the price you can find them at. But back to booking Hawaii vacations. Often times we get inquiries about when the cheapest time to travel to Hawaii is. My answer is always May and October, but this is only relevant when you book in advance. May and October happen to be the months that fall outside of popular travel dates, such as the summer months and winter months, making them an easy target for those looking to travel on a budget. However, one new variable in these “cheap” travel months is the fact that hotel prices are a lot higher than they used to be, and likely to get even higher. The demand for hotel rooms is going up, therefore the prices are going up as well. In the past year we've seen rooms increase anywhere from 7-10% in price, making what used to be a $200 room (per night) into $220.00, which might as well be $250 with all the taxes and service charges that are tacked on! I question where the tipping point will be. However, it is important to factor in these climbing prices when planning a vacation to Hawaii, otherwise your “off-season, inexpensive getaway” will have a hefty price tag attached to it. Some things to remember: book in advance, look into your hotel accommodations early, and start planning as soon as possible! We can beat the competition,

Well folks, just when you thought we might be slowing down on our vacation bookings to Hawaii, we have actually now entered into our busy season. And now is the time to start thinking about your upcoming trips (that is, if you want to make sure you boo...