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

Would you take your kids out of school to save money on a Hawaii vacation during off-peak travel times to the islands? We posed this question on our Facebook wall and got almost a unanimous vote. Yes, the majority of parents would absolutely pull their kids out of school early if it meant getting a better deal on their Hawaii vacation. With family vacations costing a pretty penny these days, most people will do anything they can to save money, even if it means slightly compromising the kids’ learning experience in school. However, many parents who answered our question justified taking their kids out of school by saying that traveling is a huge part of the learning experience, cultivating real world adventures, culture, and open mindedness, and we couldn't agree more. What better way to learn about a different culture than to explore it for yourself? Peak travel times are summers and winters, for obvious reasons. Kids are on school breaks, which means families plan vacations around these months. But, you can beat the crowds and the high prices by working outside of these days. For example, a trip to Hawaii in the month of October or May is not only cheaper for airfare and hotel accommodations, but the islands are always much less populated, giving you a less crowded experience. This is especially ideal for those long, lazy beach days in Hawaii. Who wants to spread their towel out only two feet away from the next family? Not me. Which is why off-season traveling is one of the better ways to not only save money, but maximize your vacation as well. If you choose to pull the keikis out of school, make sure that you plan ahead for it. No one likes a flaky parent, and besides, it compromises your child's schooling. Like we've said before, planning a vacation to Hawaii is best done in advance. If you buy your tickets one year to six months prior to the trip, you will have plenty of time to figure out the school thing. For example, let your child's teacher know you will be leaving one week shy of summer break and see what will be missed during these final days. If there are tests, reports, speeches, or homework, make sure to get everything taken care of ahead of time, even if it means crunching down on the homework a bit early. You want to make this situation a win-win for both the parents (saving money) and kids (not missing out in school). I have seen many parents bring summer homework and reading to the islands for kids to work on while vacationing. This not only keeps them sharp during the break, it also gets them ahead for next year and catches them up on what they've missed out on. So how exactly can you make this happen? First, plan for a month that is ideal for you and the family. Whether its December or July, choose the season that you wish to travel during. We understand that planning for a large family can be challenging, what with ballet recitals, sports games, school schedules, and holiday parties, which is why we recommend getting the date circled on the calendar as soon as possible. This way, you can plan your events around your vacation date, instead of the other way around. Second, book your flights. Like we mentioned before, if you can choose an off-season travel date, this is hands down the best way to save money. But, if it just can't come together this way, then we suggest booking during an unpopular day. Mondays and Tuesdays tend to be cheapest, whereas Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are always the most expensive. Also, if you're planning to travel around a holiday date, why not travel on that exact day? For example, having your Christmas festivities on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas morning can mean saving you hundreds of dollars on your flight. That way you and the family can fly on Christmas Day and beat the crowds. Or, plan to fly on Fourth of July if you're scheduling a July vacation. These are small tips that help out in a huge way,

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

This week we're going to give you some local insight into the Hawaii attractions that are off the beaten path, so to speak. We'll also inform you of things to do in Hawaii that you would never guess were available in the islands, such as wine tasting. Exactly. Since when did Hawaii have a climate for grapes? Or how about snow? Hawaii's Big Island actually receives snowfall every winter. Winter in Hawaii you're asking? We've picked out a handful of the most unique Hawaii attractions that are uncharacteristic to Hawaii. And while they may have turned into popular attractions now, it is only because of their mysteriousness and unfamiliarity that has made visitors wish to seek them out. We'll start with the two “hidden” spots on Oahu, that we like to showcase to our close friends and family. The first one is Cromwell's Cove, located east of Diamond Head Beach. You access it by wading through shallow, which is one reason why it was so secluded back in the days. You can swim, snorkel, jump off the rock wall, or picnic along the beach here, and it is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Just make sure whatever you bring with you is waterproof, or that you tightly secure it, because accessing this spot definitely requires some water action. The other Oahu attraction is Bellow's Field Beach in Waimanalo. What makes this stretch of beach so hidden is the fact that it's only open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. This exclusivity has made it a secret spot for locals, but also a popular place for beach goers to frequent on the weekend. With talcum powder like sand and turquoise waters, this beach is pristine and accommodating. Known to be one of the most beautiful places visited by many people, this beach also offers camping and cabins, pavilions with barbeque pits, grassy areas, plenty shade, and bathrooms and showers. It simply is a must see, but chances are, you won't hear about it from your hotel concierge, restaurant server, or travel book. The hot springs in Hilo was just mentioned on our travel blog, which is what originally sparked this discussion topic. Many people think of cold climates when they think of hot springs, I know I think of the hot springs I hiked to in the snowy rainforests of Washington, but these hot springs are located in Hilo on the Big Island and are naturally heated by the famous volcanoes and legendary Hawaii goddess, Pele. Lined in lava, this emerald colored pool of fresh water has been improved for visitors by the rock walls and steps leading into the water. Not always a hot spring, this natural pool was used for refreshing swims, with ocean temperature water, and during the volcanic eruption in the 60's, the underground venting changed which turned the cool pool into a natural hot spring. When you think of wineries, most people envision the rolling vineyards of California's hillsides, much like what we see depicted in Sonoma and Napa County. These lands have ideal climates for grapes, which makes it hard to believe that a winery could exist in Hawaii. But low and behold, Maui harbors one of the only vineyards in the state; along the slopes of Mount Haleakala, is Tedeschi Winery. This location is known not only for their traditional red and white wines, but also for their unique pineapple wine and dessert wine. Tedeschi began growing grapes on the slopes of this dormant volcano in 1974, and has been successful for nearly 40 years due to the rich volcanic soil that is found on the slopes of Haleakala. This next attraction is special because not only is it relatively unknown to most, but also because it is a unique addition to the oldest Hawaiian Island. The Hindu Monastery in the interior of Kauai's east side is a peaceful place to visit, with tours available every day of the beautifully lush grounds. The 90-minute walking tour takes visitors to highlights among the 353-acre sanctuary, including ponds, buildings, statues,

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

This week's show we discuss two things: using the Hawaiian/local language when vacationing in Hawaii, and whether or not to book a tour for lava sightings on Big Island. These questions came from a fellow fan and are most likely relevant to a lot of visitors coming to the islands. Let's talk about the language topic first, and to give you a better idea of the question, here are their exact words, “If I went to France I would try to learn some French before I went, the same in Spain, but would you come off like a clueless haole if you tried to use some Hawaiian phrases while on the Islands - like Aloha! Pehea 'oe?” If for no other reason, learn a few words or phrases for the fun of it. Although you probably won't use it too often, it might be nice to come home and be able to tell your best friend or family member “Happy Birthday” in Hawaiian (hau'oli la hanau), “Merry Christmas” (Mele Kalikimaka) or “good morning” (aloha kakaihaika). While you most likely won't be greeting your restaurant server with these types of phrases in Hawaii, you can at least learn them. Think of them as souvenirs to bring back home with you. That being said, let us give you our opinion on what words to know and which ones to use while here in Hawaii. When traveling to a foreign place, many people make sure they know a few basic words and phrases to help them along with their travels. In Hawaii, the general population speaks English, but we still use traditional words and phrases that might be unfamiliar to you and therefore useful to know. For example, when dining out at a restaurant, chances are you will need to use the restroom. Make sure you know the difference between “wahine” (female) and “kane” (male), as it could save you some embarrassment from walking into the wrong bathroom. Another word to know is “howzit”. While many locals phrase this as a question, they are not actually asking you how you're doing. They are simply saying, “what's up” or “hi”. So don't try to respond with your usual reply of “I'm doing good, how about yourself?” because they will have walked away before you can even begin. “Aloha” and “mahalo” are good ones to know and use, as they are your standard P's&Q's in Hawaii. Just make sure not to over do the whole aloha mahalo thing, as it tends to get a bit annoying to some locals. Another good term to know is “mauka” (mountain) and “makai” (ocean), as many residents use this terminology for directional purposes. Also, make sure to get familiar with the word “dakine”, as it is commonly used and somewhat confusing. “Dakine” can mean anything, literally anything. Here are a few sentences to give you a better idea: “Did you remember to pack dakine for the beach today?” “Meet my friend Pono, he lives over in dakine and works for dakine.” “Can you pass me the dakine please?” As you can see, “dakine” is a substitute for any word a local person is trying to pinpoint, but cannot, so they simply use this as a filler. There are also many other words that will be unfamiliar to you that you might want to be able to recognize. Many foods, flowers, fish, and roads are referred to in the Hawaiian language, so it's a good idea to get used to long and vowel-like pronunciations. Familiarize yourself with your hotel name and the street its on, so you're not constantly stumbling over it. Many visitors don't even like to attempt to pronounce a lot of the words here, but it's always a good idea to try. An extremely common mistake is to call the “Like Like Highway” (pronounced “leek eh leek eh”) on Oahu the “Like Like” highway, so just make sure you don't do that. Once you've learned a few Hawaiian terms, give yourself the ultimate test and try out the pronunciation of Hawaii's state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapua'a. Yep. Popular food names you will most likely hear and want to recognize is lilikoi (passion fruit), shoyu (soy sauce),

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

Last week, we posted a question on our Facebook page, which sparked a lot of comments and back and forth “debate” so to speak. “If you have to choose what is more important to you, would it be airline prices or customer service satisfaction?” I actually did a tally of what people’s answers were and […]

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

Summer months mean it’s time to begin planning your Hawaii Vacation for Christmas. And although some of you may think it’s possible to tackle this trip last minute, we’re here to tell you not only will airfare be 3x the cost, but most hotels will be sold out as well. So make sure to do […]

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

Today we discuss the topic of small group travel to Hawaii, based on a Facebook follower's question regarding a Hawaii vacation for his age-varying family: “Traveling with a wide variety of ages and interests…. what is the best way to accommodate everyone…we have 5 children between 3 and 10…. and four adults between 35 and 65…. we'd like to do as much as reasonably possible for everyone to have a memorable time”. Our first response to this question is that Hawaii is truly ideal for families, especially multi generation families and groups. This is because there really is something for everyone to do; activities in Hawaii range from easy walks in town and along the beaches, to a hopping nightlife, to ocean sports and activities, culinary experiences, driving tours, museums, thrill-seeking adventures, pool-side lounging, spas, shopping, and everything else you could think of. Honestly, you couldn't come to a better place if you have family members anywhere between the ages of 0-90 (and beyond!). When planning a group travel, even if it's with family, we always recommend appointing a “group leader”. Many times, parents take on this role, but if you're traveling with older people, there may be someone in the group that has more experience in travel planning, or Hawaii, or naturally just wants to take on this role. Group leaders ensure that everyone gets a little representation while on vacation. For example, if one of the afternoons is dedicated to shopping for some of the girls, then the group leader should make sure to plan another afternoon that is dedicated to what the other folks want to do. If it's surf lessons or a hike to a waterfall, everyone should be able to get one of their preferred activities in. A big concern of group travel vacationers is price. But just because you're traveling with a large amount of people, this doesn't mean you'll be spending more money. In fact, many travel companies can save you money on airfare and accommodations if you're doing group travel. And Hawaii Aloha specializes in getting exclusive deals and cheap prices on activities and such for the whole family. A good way to save money while on vacation is to rent a condo that has a kitchen. This way, you can plan and make your own meals and save bucco bucks day-to-day. Another suggestion for group travel is cruise ships. They are a great way to see the Hawaiian Islands, and onboard the ships there are activities to keep you busy every hour of every day. You can stay as active as you'd like, with outdoor pools, spas, gyms, wine tasting, dining, live entertainment, lounges, kid-friendly clubs, informative classes, arts and crafts, and seriously so much more, there is enough stuff going on within these cruise ships to keep everyone busy and happy. Here are a few more tips for group travel: Don't try to please everyone, it simply can't be done. If your expectations are set too high, you are likely to be disappointed. Choose activities wisely, as not everyone will want to do the same thing. Plan alternate activities and itineraries, in case people want to split/branch off and do something different. If you're planning a family vacation or group travel, we recommend having a minimum of 10 people to maximize your potential deals. If the group size falls below the 10-person threshold, you can lose money. Treat different groups accordingly. For example, a family vacation vs. a corporate or business group travel will have very different schedules and activities planned. Both groups have different needs, and for business trips, planned meals and other activities are very important, as these types of social gatherings lends itself to team building. Try outrigger canoe paddling for some ultimate team building practice! We recommend planning a group travel to Oahu, as this island is known to offer the most for things to do on a day-...

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

This topic was sparked when we discovered that the Dole Plantation, in Wahiawa, central Oahu, is the second most visited attraction in all of the Hawaiian Islands, with 1.5 million visitors last year alone. We just don’t get it! The Dole Plantation, although deemed a landmark due to its historical value, is totally touristy in […]

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