Honolulu, HI

I’ve decided that I’m going to do everything I can to make this summer great for me and my kids. Since they are going to be home with me, I wanted to do something different and make it interesting and fun – a summer they’ll never forget. Since it’s been one of my personal goals as a parent to expose my children to the various cultures that exist in Hawaii, I came up with a list of things I’d like to do with my children. A few years ago, when one of my children was studying Hawaiian culture, I wanted to take him to the Big Island. Well, maybe this is the summer that we’ll finally get to go there. (more…)

I read in the paper that Hawaiian Air just increased their airfare and American Airlines is now going to start charging for any checked in luggage. Yes… including the first bag.

I thought things got bad when we started to not have meals during the red-eye flights to the mainland. Things got worse when they brought back the food and made it an option to purchase charging about $10 for it. (more…)

Summer vacations are not out of the question! Yes, you can consider traveling to Hawaii or even traveling within Hawaii for your next get-away. Hawaii hotel chains are offering many freebies, kids eat free, and even free activities for kids. I’ve even seen some sites where the children’s airfare has been reduced as part of an incentive for a travel package.

As you plan for your next trip to Hawaii, here are some great links to help start off your vacation cost research. Keep in mind that the deals are subject to change. Check the website links for more info. (more…)

The closing of Aloha Airlines represents a marked change in the face of Hawaii’s airline industry. Whoa! That basically leaves Hawaiian Airlines and competing go! Airlines as our two options air travel in the islands. Ummm… I’ll take Hawaiian Air! (more…)

I attended a conference today about the real estate market. I got to thinking about all the great reasons why Hawaii is such a prime location to invest and worth every penny. It’s all about the dream! On top of that, every market goes up and down and there’s no doubt that over the long haul, Hawaii real estate will always go up.

Well, there’s really no new land that’s being created and the land that is being created is well – lava. That’s probably, not such a great place to live in. It’ll be smelly (sulfur dioxide) and hot! And since there’s no new land, supply is limited.

Here are the top reasons why investing in Hawaii Real Estate is a good idea. (or just come for a visit)

1. Property values will always go up. Every market goes up and down, but no matter what state you live in, property values aren’t what they were 30 years ago.

2. The longest one way trip you’ll ever make on an island is at most 100 miles.

3. No matter how far inland you are, you’re never really far from the beach.

4. The Big Island (Hawaii) is roughly 50 minutes away by plane.

5. Winter temperature low’s are in the low 60’s, high 50’s. Summer temperature high’s are usually in the low to mid 90’s at most. If it gets too hot, just go to the beach!

6. You can enjoy life in the balmy tropics and still capitalize on convenience stores and Starbucks.

7. You’re kids will know you’re the best parent a kid could every have if you ever gift your Hawaii real estate to them!

hawaii real estate, Big Island, Starbucks

The Honolulu Advertiser published a timeline of events for the Hawaii Superferry.
Here’s a summary of what it said.

2004

The Hawaii Superferry starts laying the foundation of its business by agreeing to purchase two catamaran vessels. Even the U.S. House appropriates some money for ferry service between Hawaii and Alaska. Late 2004, we begin to hear complaints that of industrialization and congestion on Maui.

2005

Early in the year, the request for an environmental impact statement arises. (more…)

Businesses and non-profit agencies make a good combination! Starting today through September 14, 2007, go! Airlines will contribute $1 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) of Hawaii for every roundtrip purchased. Travel must be between August 31, 2007 and September 14, 2007 in order to qualify.

go! Airlines, the originator of cheap inter-island travel, is doing its part in raising MDA awareness here in Hawaii. “We are glad to contribute to our community’s efforts in raising awareness of the many ailments known as muscular dystrophy,” said Jonathan Ornstein, MESA Air Group Chairman and CEO.

Corporate giving is on the rise averaging an increase of 4.7% for top companies. There’s even a study done in 2006 attempting to link increased profits and corporate giving. The study suggests that businesses selling consumer products since they already advertise to the general public. In addition, businesses have an opportunity to use a “back door” approach to sales. By advertising the donations, they can ultimately see an increase in their revenues.

Is this really the cause of revenue increase? I really don’t think anybody knows. Honestly, how can you really prove something like that? However, I think what should matter most is that somehow businesses are getting involved in aiding community causes. We are seeing businesses commonly taking on more social responsibility and that’s a good thing. We should probably just leave it at that.

go airlines, muscular dystrophy association Hawaii, mda Hawaii, mesa air group, corporate giving, Hawaii

The Hawaii Superferry sure is getting a lot of press these days. Its inaugural sail which was reported to leave many feeling sea sick also brought about some environmental concerns. Now, I’m not too familiar with the whole process, but the concept of the Hawaii Superferry is not new. Right when they are just about to open for business, there are potential environmental issues that need to be addressed? Couldn’t they have been addressed sooner? Like maybe when they weren’t yet committed to transporting passengers?

An article in the Honolulu Advertiser this past Sunday reported that neighbor island passengers could be stranded potentially should environmentalists decide to set up a picket line. Bummer! Can you imagine being a passenger having to cross a picket line just because you’ve already paid for a fare? Does this label me as “non-environmentally friendly?” Really - I just want to take advantage of the $5 fare and I really do love the environment.

Anyway, here are some great photos on Flickr showing the Superferry. You can even view them in a slideshow format if you wish. The Superferry’s webpage has more professional shots taken (can you see the difference a lens makes? – amazing)

I’m personally excited about the Hawaii Superferry. Who wouldn’t be? You can essentially take you and your car to a neighbor island for the cost of an airline ticket. Besides, it’s a new thing. I do have one question though. Is my car insurance rate going to go up if I transport it on the ferry? Just wondering.

Hawaii superferry, superferry photos

So what do we do here? Body surfing! Well, I don’t body surf. I don’t even swim very well, BUT many people here do!

Check out what it’s like with this YouTube clip.

body surfing hawaii, point panic, surf session report

Walking around the Honolulu Zoo is great but at some point in your walk, you’re going to need some refreshment. Located just in the back left corner of the zoo in the heart of the Savanna are two great places to do just that - “Via Veneto” and “Fresh Squeezed Lemonade”.

And no doubt, cool and refreshing these places are! Owned by Drake Nishijo, these stands are located in just the right spot to keep you refreshed during your visit to the zoo. Open 7 days a week from 10am – 4pm, these stands offer the greatest tasting lemonade around; not to mention the best light, fruity and refreshing Italian ice in Waikiki.

The flavors of the Italian ice vary from week to week, but some of the most popular flavors are mango, strawberry-banana, rainbow (which is a combination of cherry, blue raspberry, and lemon) and cotton candy. The flavors do rotate, but you’ll never be disappointed with the choices available! Every flavor is great!

You may have seen his face around working various events at places like the Aloha Stadium and Blaisdell Center. While working for Bull Dog Concessions, Drake purchased these two stands at the Honolulu Zoo about a year ago and it’s been a ride for him ever since! He’s always loved serving both the people of Hawaii and the island’s visitors as well.

Drake is probably one of the friendliest guys I know. Always joking around and never failing to give a great smile and a warm welcome to all who come to visit him. His friends claim that “There’s never a dull moment with Drake.” Drake is certainly a person who embodies the “Aloha Spirit” of the islands.

If you’re ever around the Waikiki area, drop by and visit the stands for some of the coolest, most refreshing treats available at the zoo!

Honolulu Zoo, waikiki, Via Veneto, Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

When you think of Hawaii, what do you think about? Is it the lush tropical flora or the balmy beaches that add to Hawaii’s appeal? Hey, I live here and it certainly works for me! While I can think of so many places to visit, I really can’t think of any place else I’d rather live.

Here’s just an introductory (with more on the way) of one of Hawaii’s islands – Kauai. Most of the islands pretty much look like this, with Oahu definitely being one of the most commercialized of them all.

Enjoy this clip from YouTube on “Hawaii Scenenery”! There’ll be more pictures and clips in the future so stay posted!

If you have a place you’d like to feature, send me a message!

hawaii, kauai, hawaii scenery, kauai scenery, hawaii travel

Hawaiian Air’s story is amazing. Just several years ago, this company was filing Chapter 11 and today, they are leading their industry in airline performance.

A 2006 Airline Quality Rating (AQR) study ranked Hawaiian Air #1 out of a possible 18 airline carriers. The study included performance factors such as best on-time, fewest mishandled bags, denied boarding performance, and number of consumer complaints. Additionally, consumer surveys performed by Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure, and Zagat all ranked Hawaiian Air as the top domestic airline serving Hawaii.

Mark Dunkerley, President and CEO, says “Our employees have earned Hawaiian this award by giving customers the kind of uniquely refreshing in-flight experience one would expect when flying Hawaii’s flagship carrier.”

Here’s another reason why Hawaiian Air continues to be a leader in their industry. They understand the need to improve a customer’s online experience. Not only do they master domestic air service, but they also hope to master the online customer experience as well.

Geoff Galat, Vice President of Marketing and Product Strategy, says “Hawaiian Airlines recognizes that, for today’s consumers, the online channel is an increasingly important method of making travel purchases.” The company is working with an online customer experience management, Tealeaf, Inc. to provide outstanding online customer service that Hawaiian Air has built a reputation for.

Stories like these are inspiring. It’s great to see a company believe in its leadership and their employees to make something like this happen! Props for Hawaiian Air! We’ll be sure to be on the lookout for good things from you!

hawaiian air, travel