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  18. <description>The Hawaii Vacation Connection is a one-of-a-kind podcast that is produced live every Monday, straight from a recording studio in Hawaii Kai, Oahu. Hosted by Hawaii Aloha Travel owner Bruce Fisher, the podcast touches on an array of Aloha state news topics and is dedicated to Hawaii’s guests. Whether you’re a first time visitor or repeat traveler, the Hawaii Vacation Connection keeps you in the loop and in the local know.</description>
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  25. <itunes:summary>Hosted by Hawaii Aloha Travel owner Bruce Fisher, the podcast touches on an array of Aloha state news topics and is dedicated to Hawaii’s guests. Whether you’re a first time visitor or repeat traveler, the Hawaii Vacation Connection keeps you in the loop and in the local know.&lt;br /&gt;
  26. &lt;br /&gt;
  27. The podcast focuses on the travel and tourism industry of Hawaii and is designed to help people learn about this unique destination. Since a vacation to the islands can be confusing and time consuming to plan, this podcast dedicates itself to covering helpful topics with a touch of humor and plenty of entertainment.</itunes:summary>
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  58. <title>These Hawaii Parks &#038; Attractions Require Reservations</title>
  59. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/these-hawaii-parks-attractions-require-reservations/</link>
  60. <pubDate>Tue, 19 Mar 2024 01:30:59 +0000</pubDate>
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  65. <description>If you haven’t been to Hawaii in a few years, there’s one big change waiting for you here: reservation requirements at parks and beaches. 
  66.  
  67.  
  68.  
  69. It began as a way to control crowds and guarantee spots at high-demand attractions. Now the program has grown and spread throughout the state. You’ll see at select national, county, and state parks in Hawaii – but not all of them (not yet, anyway!). 
  70.  
  71.  
  72.  
  73. What does that mean for your vacation? Well, you can no longer come to Hawaii and just “wing it.” Not without some disappointments, anyway. You’ll want to plan your itinerary with a little more care. And it all starts with knowing which attractions require reservations. 
  74.  
  75.  
  76.  
  77. Let’s learn about Hawaii’s reservation requirements and get an idea of how to plan for it as you look forward to your vacation. 
  78.  
  79.  
  80.  
  81. What to know About Hawaii Reservations at Park
  82.  
  83.  
  84.  
  85. Many parks and areas in Hawaii now require reservations to visit, and more will likely be added to the list in the next year or two. 
  86.  
  87.  
  88.  
  89. This is to help keep crowds down, reserve space for residents, and help maintain some environmental balance. 
  90.  
  91.  
  92.  
  93. Also, some areas have become off-limits except to approved tour companies. So though Waipio Valley on Hawaii Island isn’t a park and doesn’t have a public reservation system, you do need to book a tour in advance to visit that area. 
  94.  
  95.  
  96.  
  97. But for now, reservations are just required at a handful of parks and locations that have been overwhelmed with visitors – especially since the post-COVID visitor surge. 
  98.  
  99.  
  100.  
  101. In most cases, these aren’t make-or-break fees. Instead, it’s a few bucks that you need to pay online to secure your spot. Here’s what to look for as you reserve your Hawaii activities:
  102.  
  103.  
  104.  
  105. What Are You Paying For When You Make a Reservation?
  106.  
  107.  
  108.  
  109. Some reservation systems require you to pay a full entry fee when you sign up online. Others (like Haleakala National Park Sunrise Reservations) require you to pay a couple of dollars online and then pay your remaining entry fee at the gate. Review what you’re paying for as you make your reservations so there are no surprises later. 
  110.  
  111.  
  112.  
  113. How Far In Advance Can You Reserve?
  114.  
  115.  
  116.  
  117. Most parks have a revolving window where you can make reservations. For example, you can make Pearl Harbor reservations up to 8 weeks in advance, with additional tickets becoming available the day before. 
  118.  
  119.  
  120.  
  121. It’s Worth Checking for Last-Minute Hawaii Reservations
  122.  
  123.  
  124.  
  125. For peak days and times, reservations get booked up quickly. If you are planning a spur-of-the-moment outing, check on the reservation site to see if there happen to be any openings. It could be your lucky day. If not, head to a park that doesn’t require reservations.
  126.  
  127.  
  128.  
  129. Sunrise at Haleakala and Throughout Hawaii 
  130.  
  131.  
  132.  
  133.  
  134.  
  135.  
  136.  
  137. It was always an early start if you wanted to watch the sunrise at Haleakala National Park. But we used to have to plan to get there even earlier than necessary because of crowds. When I took visitors up to the peak of Haleakala to watch the sunrise, we were always worried about the parking lots becoming full, and us getting turned away at the gate. 
  138.  
  139.  
  140.  
  141. But then, in 2017, the park introduced a reservation system. For $1.50, you secured your spot in the park, allowing you to drive up without worrying about getting turned away. The reservations weren’t optional – you had to have one to access the park during sunrise hours. 
  142.  
  143.  
  144.  
  145. Now, years later, the reservation requirement endures. And while some hopeful sunrise spectators see it as an obstacle to accessing Haleakala, I appreciate the assurance of it. You have your reservation, you’re all set, and you know you’re not risking getting turned away after waking up early and driving up to the mountaintop. 
  146.  
  147.  
  148.  
  149. And, if you can’t secure a pass for sunrise access, you can always watch the (often equally) stunning Haleakala sunset without reservation. 
  150.  
  151.  
  152.  
  153. Post-Covid Tourism Surge
  154.  
  155.  
  156.  
  157. During Covid, some parks began requiring reservations to control gathering sizes. But the real regulation happened post-covid,</description>
  158. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/reservation-needed-in-hawaii.mp3" length="21491989" type="audio/mpeg" />
  159. <itunes:subtitle>If you haven’t been to Hawaii in a few years, there’s one big change waiting for you here: reservation requirements at parks and beaches.     It began as a way to control crowds and guarantee spots at high-demand attractions.</itunes:subtitle>
  160. <itunes:summary>If you haven’t been to Hawaii in a few years, there’s one big change waiting for you here: reservation requirements at parks and beaches. &lt;br /&gt;
  161. &lt;br /&gt;
  162. &lt;br /&gt;
  163. &lt;br /&gt;
  164. It began as a way to control crowds and guarantee spots at high-demand attractions. Now the program has grown and spread throughout the state. You’ll see at select national, county, and state parks in Hawaii – but not all of them (not yet, anyway!). &lt;br /&gt;
  165. &lt;br /&gt;
  166. &lt;br /&gt;
  167. &lt;br /&gt;
  168. What does that mean for your vacation? Well, you can no longer come to Hawaii and just “wing it.” Not without some disappointments, anyway. You’ll want to plan your itinerary with a little more care. And it all starts with knowing which attractions require reservations. &lt;br /&gt;
  169. &lt;br /&gt;
  170. &lt;br /&gt;
  171. &lt;br /&gt;
  172. Let’s learn about Hawaii’s reservation requirements and get an idea of how to plan for it as you look forward to your vacation. &lt;br /&gt;
  173. &lt;br /&gt;
  174. &lt;br /&gt;
  175. &lt;br /&gt;
  176. What to know About Hawaii Reservations at Park&lt;br /&gt;
  177. &lt;br /&gt;
  178. &lt;br /&gt;
  179. &lt;br /&gt;
  180. Many parks and areas in Hawaii now require reservations to visit, and more will likely be added to the list in the next year or two. &lt;br /&gt;
  181. &lt;br /&gt;
  182. &lt;br /&gt;
  183. &lt;br /&gt;
  184. This is to help keep crowds down, reserve space for residents, and help maintain some environmental balance. &lt;br /&gt;
  185. &lt;br /&gt;
  186. &lt;br /&gt;
  187. &lt;br /&gt;
  188. Also, some areas have become off-limits except to approved tour companies. So though Waipio Valley on Hawaii Island isn’t a park and doesn’t have a public reservation system, you do need to book a tour in advance to visit that area. &lt;br /&gt;
  189. &lt;br /&gt;
  190. &lt;br /&gt;
  191. &lt;br /&gt;
  192. But for now, reservations are just required at a handful of parks and locations that have been overwhelmed with visitors – especially since the post-COVID visitor surge. &lt;br /&gt;
  193. &lt;br /&gt;
  194. &lt;br /&gt;
  195. &lt;br /&gt;
  196. In most cases, these aren’t make-or-break fees. Instead, it’s a few bucks that you need to pay online to secure your spot. Here’s what to look for as you reserve your Hawaii activities:&lt;br /&gt;
  197. &lt;br /&gt;
  198. &lt;br /&gt;
  199. &lt;br /&gt;
  200. What Are You Paying For When You Make a Reservation?&lt;br /&gt;
  201. &lt;br /&gt;
  202. &lt;br /&gt;
  203. &lt;br /&gt;
  204. Some reservation systems require you to pay a full entry fee when you sign up online. Others (like Haleakala National Park Sunrise Reservations) require you to pay a couple of dollars online and then pay your remaining entry fee at the gate. Review what you’re paying for as you make your reservations so there are no surprises later. &lt;br /&gt;
  205. &lt;br /&gt;
  206. &lt;br /&gt;
  207. &lt;br /&gt;
  208. How Far In Advance Can You Reserve?&lt;br /&gt;
  209. &lt;br /&gt;
  210. &lt;br /&gt;
  211. &lt;br /&gt;
  212. Most parks have a revolving window where you can make reservations. For example, you can make Pearl Harbor reservations up to 8 weeks in advance, with additional tickets becoming available the day before. &lt;br /&gt;
  213. &lt;br /&gt;
  214. &lt;br /&gt;
  215. &lt;br /&gt;
  216. It’s Worth Checking for Last-Minute Hawaii Reservations&lt;br /&gt;
  217. &lt;br /&gt;
  218. &lt;br /&gt;
  219. &lt;br /&gt;
  220. For peak days and times, reservations get booked up quickly. If you are planning a spur-of-the-moment outing, check on the reservation site to see if there happen to be any openings. It could be your lucky day. If not, head to a park that doesn’t require reservations.&lt;br /&gt;
  221. &lt;br /&gt;
  222. &lt;br /&gt;
  223. &lt;br /&gt;
  224. Sunrise at Haleakala and Throughout Hawaii &lt;br /&gt;
  225. &lt;br /&gt;
  226. &lt;br /&gt;
  227. &lt;br /&gt;
  228. &lt;br /&gt;
  229. &lt;br /&gt;
  230. &lt;br /&gt;
  231. &lt;br /&gt;
  232. It was always an early start if you wanted to watch the sunrise at Haleakala National Park. But we used to have to plan to get there even earlier than necessary because of crowds. When I took visitors up to the peak of Haleakala to watch the sunrise, we were always worried about the parking lots becoming full, and us getting turned away at the gate. &lt;br /&gt;
  233. &lt;br /&gt;
  234. &lt;br /&gt;
  235. &lt;br /&gt;
  236. But then, in 2017, the park introduced a reservation system. For $1.50, you secured your spot in the park, allowing you to drive up without worrying about getting turned away. The reservations weren’t optional – you had to have one to access the park during sunrise hours. &lt;br /&gt;
  237. &lt;br /&gt;
  238. &lt;br /&gt;
  239. &lt;br /&gt;
  240. Now, years later, the reservation requirement endures. And while some hopeful sunrise spectators see it as an obstacle to accessing Haleakala,</itunes:summary>
  241. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  242. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  243. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  244. <itunes:duration>20:04</itunes:duration>
  245. </item>
  246. <item>
  247. <title>Unforgettable Spots in Hawaii: I Never Tire of Living Here</title>
  248. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/unforgettable-hawaii-spots/</link>
  249. <pubDate>Mon, 04 Mar 2024 00:26:13 +0000</pubDate>
  250. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=52172</guid>
  251. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/unforgettable-hawaii-spots/#respond</comments>
  252. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/unforgettable-hawaii-spots/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  253. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  254. <description>In this episode of the podcast,  I dive into the unforgettable spots in Hawaii that make the islands a unique paradise to live on. From personal anecdotes to expert insights, we explore the landscapes and experiences that have left a lasting impression on residents and travelers alike. Join us as we journey through the beauty and diversity of Hawaii. This podcast is your guide to understanding why these spots are etched in the memories of those who experience them and make it so I never tire of living here.
  255.  
  256.  
  257.  
  258. East Shore to Windward side
  259.  
  260.  
  261.  
  262. Venturing just 15 miles east of Honolulu leads to the serene beginning of Oahu&#039;s Windward Coast, stretching to Kahana Bay. Along this picturesque shoreline, abundant trails, beaches, lava tubes, and surf breaks await exploration, offering endless opportunities for hiking and beachcombing. Families often enjoy the paved Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail, while seasoned surfers tackle the challenging waves of Makapuʻu Beach and Sandy Beach.Sherwoods Beach in Waimānalo holds a special place in my heart. Its soft sands, gentle waves, and stunning backdrop of the Ko&#039;olau mountains make it a beloved spot for family outings. After a day by the sea, the journey home is sprinkled with local delights like shave ice, lau lau, and malasadas, adding a flavorful touch to the experience.Further along Windward Oahu, Kailua Beach and Lanikai Beach beckon windsurfers and kayakers with their pristine beauty. Kualoa Ranch, a vast 4,000-acre reserve, offers thrilling adventures such as zip lining and horseback riding, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich &#039;āina (land) heritage. And tucked away like a hidden treasure, Sherwood Beach enchants with its gentle waves and panoramic views of the majestic Ko&#039;olau mountains.
  263.  
  264.  
  265.  
  266. Upcountry Maui
  267.  
  268.  
  269.  
  270. Every time I head to Maui one of my first treks is Upcountry and a visit to Haleakalā National Park.
  271.  
  272.  
  273.  
  274. Spanning over 30,000 acres, the park is dominated by a dormant volcano, occupying 75 percent of Maui and soaring to 10,023 feet. Haleakalā is a sanctuary for numerous endangered and indigenous species, its name translating to &quot;House of the Sun&quot; in Hawaiian. Locals revere it as a sacred site where ancient high priests sought wisdom through meditation.
  275.  
  276.  
  277.  
  278. Exploring Upcountry Maui, I suggest visiting the Saturday Upcountry Farmers Market in Makawao. Here, you&#039;ll discover an array of locally sourced delights, from tropical fruits to artisanal goods and fresh blooms. We always take a trip to Ali&#039;i Kula Lavender Farm, where we stock up on Lavender soap, lotion, and sanitizer and always find something new to bring back to Honolulu that we can&#039;t find here.
  279.  
  280.  
  281.  
  282. We Podcast About Hawaii Because We Love Hawaii
  283. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  284.  
  285.  
  286.  
  287. Kauai South Shore
  288.  
  289.  
  290.  
  291. The less developed island of Kauai is nicknamed the &quot;Garden Island.&quot; Home to one of the wettest spots on Earth, Mount Waialeale, this destination receives a good amount of rain. But the South Shore is a slightly drier escape. This sunny swath of Kauai is popular among snorkelers, swimmers, and Poipu Beach resort guests.
  292.  
  293.  
  294.  
  295. For sure, the South Shore has some of the best sunsets.  Baby Beach, is I think one of the best places to see it, This is a protected cove just west of Poipu Beach, where you&#039;ll find &quot;calm, ankle-deep waters, perfect for families with babies — hence the name — and small children.&quot; Also, a place known as Sunset Wall, a local favorite spot at Koloa Landing, is just down the road from Ko&#039;a Kea Resort.  Also, I love the Sunsets from Salt Pond Beach Park, where a protected lagoon with clear water offers a serene sunset experience.
  296.  
  297.  
  298.  
  299. Hamakua Coast - Hawaii Island
  300.  
  301.  
  302.  
  303. I love this drive so much that I can&#039;t wait to return to it every time I am on the Big Island.  It starts with the Pepe’ekeo Scenic Drive, conveniently nestled just a short drive north of Hilo on Highway 19, offering a delightful escape into the essence of old Hawai&#039;i.</description>
  304. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/Unforgettable-Hawaii-Spots.mp3" length="13191232" type="audio/mpeg" />
  305. <itunes:subtitle>In this episode of the podcast,  I dive into the unforgettable spots in Hawaii that make the islands a unique paradise to live on. From personal anecdotes to expert insights, we explore the landscapes and experiences that have left a lasting impression...</itunes:subtitle>
  306. <itunes:summary>In this episode of the podcast,  I dive into the unforgettable spots in Hawaii that make the islands a unique paradise to live on. From personal anecdotes to expert insights, we explore the landscapes and experiences that have left a lasting impression on residents and travelers alike. Join us as we journey through the beauty and diversity of Hawaii. This podcast is your guide to understanding why these spots are etched in the memories of those who experience them and make it so I never tire of living here.&lt;br /&gt;
  307. &lt;br /&gt;
  308. &lt;br /&gt;
  309. &lt;br /&gt;
  310. East Shore to Windward side &lt;br /&gt;
  311. &lt;br /&gt;
  312. &lt;br /&gt;
  313. &lt;br /&gt;
  314. Venturing just 15 miles east of Honolulu leads to the serene beginning of Oahu&#039;s Windward Coast, stretching to Kahana Bay. Along this picturesque shoreline, abundant trails, beaches, lava tubes, and surf breaks await exploration, offering endless opportunities for hiking and beachcombing. Families often enjoy the paved Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail, while seasoned surfers tackle the challenging waves of Makapuʻu Beach and Sandy Beach.Sherwoods Beach in Waimānalo holds a special place in my heart. Its soft sands, gentle waves, and stunning backdrop of the Ko&#039;olau mountains make it a beloved spot for family outings. After a day by the sea, the journey home is sprinkled with local delights like shave ice, lau lau, and malasadas, adding a flavorful touch to the experience.Further along Windward Oahu, Kailua Beach and Lanikai Beach beckon windsurfers and kayakers with their pristine beauty. Kualoa Ranch, a vast 4,000-acre reserve, offers thrilling adventures such as zip lining and horseback riding, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich &#039;āina (land) heritage. And tucked away like a hidden treasure, Sherwood Beach enchants with its gentle waves and panoramic views of the majestic Ko&#039;olau mountains.&lt;br /&gt;
  315. &lt;br /&gt;
  316. &lt;br /&gt;
  317. &lt;br /&gt;
  318. Upcountry Maui&lt;br /&gt;
  319. &lt;br /&gt;
  320. &lt;br /&gt;
  321. &lt;br /&gt;
  322. Every time I head to Maui one of my first treks is Upcountry and a visit to Haleakalā National Park. &lt;br /&gt;
  323. &lt;br /&gt;
  324. &lt;br /&gt;
  325. &lt;br /&gt;
  326. Spanning over 30,000 acres, the park is dominated by a dormant volcano, occupying 75 percent of Maui and soaring to 10,023 feet. Haleakalā is a sanctuary for numerous endangered and indigenous species, its name translating to &quot;House of the Sun&quot; in Hawaiian. Locals revere it as a sacred site where ancient high priests sought wisdom through meditation.&lt;br /&gt;
  327. &lt;br /&gt;
  328. &lt;br /&gt;
  329. &lt;br /&gt;
  330. Exploring Upcountry Maui, I suggest visiting the Saturday Upcountry Farmers Market in Makawao. Here, you&#039;ll discover an array of locally sourced delights, from tropical fruits to artisanal goods and fresh blooms. We always take a trip to Ali&#039;i Kula Lavender Farm, where we stock up on Lavender soap, lotion, and sanitizer and always find something new to bring back to Honolulu that we can&#039;t find here. &lt;br /&gt;
  331. &lt;br /&gt;
  332. &lt;br /&gt;
  333. &lt;br /&gt;
  334. &lt;br /&gt;
  335. &lt;br /&gt;
  336. We Podcast About Hawaii Because We Love Hawaii &lt;br /&gt;
  337. &lt;br /&gt;
  338. &lt;br /&gt;
  339. &lt;br /&gt;
  340. &lt;br /&gt;
  341. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  342. &lt;br /&gt;
  343. &lt;br /&gt;
  344. &lt;br /&gt;
  345. &lt;br /&gt;
  346. &lt;br /&gt;
  347. &lt;br /&gt;
  348. &lt;br /&gt;
  349. &lt;br /&gt;
  350. &lt;br /&gt;
  351. Kauai South Shore&lt;br /&gt;
  352. &lt;br /&gt;
  353. &lt;br /&gt;
  354. &lt;br /&gt;
  355. The less developed island of Kauai is nicknamed the &quot;Garden Island.&quot; Home to one of the wettest spots on Earth, Mount Waialeale, this destination receives a good amount of rain. But the South Shore is a slightly drier escape. This sunny swath of Kauai is popular among snorkelers, swimmers, and Poipu Beach resort guests.&lt;br /&gt;
  356. &lt;br /&gt;
  357. &lt;br /&gt;
  358. &lt;br /&gt;
  359. For sure, the South Shore has some of the best sunsets.  Baby Beach, is I think one of the best places to see it, This is a protected cove just west of Poipu Beach, where you&#039;ll find &quot;calm, ankle-deep waters, perfect for families with babies — hence the name — and small children.&quot; Also, a place known as Sunset Wall, a local favorite spot at Koloa Landing, is just down the road from Ko&#039;a Kea Resort.  Also, I love the Sunsets from Salt Pond Beach Park, where a protected lagoon with clear water offers a serene sunset experi...</itunes:summary>
  360. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  361. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  362. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  363. <itunes:duration>15:37</itunes:duration>
  364. </item>
  365. <item>
  366. <title>Navigating Your Hawaii Hotel Booking: A Comprehensive Guide</title>
  367. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/navigating-your-hawaii-hotel-booking-a-comprehensive-guide/</link>
  368. <pubDate>Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:57:38 +0000</pubDate>
  369. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=51975</guid>
  370. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/navigating-your-hawaii-hotel-booking-a-comprehensive-guide/#respond</comments>
  371. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/navigating-your-hawaii-hotel-booking-a-comprehensive-guide/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  372. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  373. <description>Booking a hotel in Hawaii is an exciting step toward a memorable vacation. Still, with so many options available, it&#039;s essential to consider various factors to ensure your stay aligns with your preferences and needs. From budget constraints to room categories, amenities, and location, each decision contributes to the overall enjoyment of your Hawaiian getaway.  One of the things I always mention when talking to customers about hotels in Hawaii is that you should adjust your expectations slightly compared to other high-end destinations. Many of the hotels and resorts were built in the 1970s and 1980s and have undergone various forms of renovation over the years. There have been relatively few new constructions. So, if you prefer newer accommodations, it&#039;s wise to check with our advisors or me to find out which hotels have been recently renovated or are entirely new.
  374.  
  375.  
  376.  
  377. Budget
  378.  
  379.  
  380.  
  381. Determining your budget is the first step in narrowing down your hotel options. Hawaii offers accommodations ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts, allowing travelers to find a place that suits their financial constraints. Start by establishing a total budget for your Hawaii trip, including transportation, accommodations, meals, activities, and other expenses. Consider factors such as the duration of your stay, your travel dates, and the cost of living in Hawaii.
  382.  
  383.  
  384.  
  385. Room Catagory
  386.  
  387.  
  388.  
  389. Consider the type of room that best suits your needs and preferences. Options may include ocean view, partial ocean view, city view, or resort view. If you&#039;re traveling with children, you might prioritize spacious accommodations with multiple beds or connecting rooms. Assess how much space you&#039;ll need based on the number of travelers in your party. Hotels typically offer various bed configurations, including two queens or double beds, which can accommodate families or larger groups. Additionally, consider whether you prefer a condo-style setup with separate living areas or a traditional hotel room layout.
  390.  
  391.  
  392.  
  393. What can you afford?
  394.  
  395.  
  396.  
  397. If you&#039;re looking for a luxurious experience, many 5-star resorts in Hawaii offer stunning ocean views, world-class amenities, and impeccable service. However, these hotels can be quite expensive. Many mid-range hotels in Hawaii offer a good balance of value and amenities. These hotels may not have all the bells and whistles of a luxury resort, but they can still provide a comfortable and enjoyable stay. If you&#039;re on a tight budget, there are several affordable hotels and hostels in Hawaii. These accommodations may not have the best amenities, but they can be a good option if you&#039;re just looking for a place to sleep and shower.
  398.  
  399.  
  400.  
  401. We Podcast About Hawaii Because We Love Hawaii
  402. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  403.  
  404.  
  405.  
  406. Condo vs. Resort
  407.  
  408.  
  409.  
  410. Decide whether you prefer the amenities and convenience of a full-service resort or the added privacy and flexibility of a condo rental. Resorts often offer a wide range of on-site facilities, including restaurants, pools, and recreational activities, while condos provide a more homelike atmosphere with kitchen facilities and laundry amenities.  Consider which amenities are essential for your comfort and enjoyment during your stay. Whether you prioritize on-site dining options, spa services, or recreational activities, ensure your chosen hotel can cater to your needs. Keep in mind that some amenities, such as room service, may be limited due to pandemic-related restrictions.
  411.  
  412.  
  413.  
  414. Location and Proximity to the Beach
  415.  
  416.  
  417.  
  418. For many travelers, proximity to the beach is a top priority. Beachfront hotels offer convenient access to the ocean and stunning views, while those located further inland may provide a more budget-friendly option. Consider how important beach access is to your vacation experience when choosing your hotel location.
  419.  
  420.  
  421.  
  422. Flexibility and Adaptability
  423.  
  424.  
  425.  
  426. Remain flexible when booking your Hawaii hotel,</description>
  427. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/Navigating-Your-Hawaii-Hotel-Booking.mp3" length="18095782" type="audio/mpeg" />
  428. <itunes:subtitle>Booking a hotel in Hawaii is an exciting step toward a memorable vacation. Still, with so many options available, it&#039;s essential to consider various factors to ensure your stay aligns with your preferences and needs.</itunes:subtitle>
  429. <itunes:summary>Booking a hotel in Hawaii is an exciting step toward a memorable vacation. Still, with so many options available, it&#039;s essential to consider various factors to ensure your stay aligns with your preferences and needs. From budget constraints to room categories, amenities, and location, each decision contributes to the overall enjoyment of your Hawaiian getaway.  One of the things I always mention when talking to customers about hotels in Hawaii is that you should adjust your expectations slightly compared to other high-end destinations. Many of the hotels and resorts were built in the 1970s and 1980s and have undergone various forms of renovation over the years. There have been relatively few new constructions. So, if you prefer newer accommodations, it&#039;s wise to check with our advisors or me to find out which hotels have been recently renovated or are entirely new.&lt;br /&gt;
  430. &lt;br /&gt;
  431. &lt;br /&gt;
  432. &lt;br /&gt;
  433. Budget&lt;br /&gt;
  434. &lt;br /&gt;
  435. &lt;br /&gt;
  436. &lt;br /&gt;
  437. Determining your budget is the first step in narrowing down your hotel options. Hawaii offers accommodations ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts, allowing travelers to find a place that suits their financial constraints. Start by establishing a total budget for your Hawaii trip, including transportation, accommodations, meals, activities, and other expenses. Consider factors such as the duration of your stay, your travel dates, and the cost of living in Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  438. &lt;br /&gt;
  439. &lt;br /&gt;
  440. &lt;br /&gt;
  441. Room Catagory &lt;br /&gt;
  442. &lt;br /&gt;
  443. &lt;br /&gt;
  444. &lt;br /&gt;
  445. Consider the type of room that best suits your needs and preferences. Options may include ocean view, partial ocean view, city view, or resort view. If you&#039;re traveling with children, you might prioritize spacious accommodations with multiple beds or connecting rooms. Assess how much space you&#039;ll need based on the number of travelers in your party. Hotels typically offer various bed configurations, including two queens or double beds, which can accommodate families or larger groups. Additionally, consider whether you prefer a condo-style setup with separate living areas or a traditional hotel room layout.&lt;br /&gt;
  446. &lt;br /&gt;
  447. &lt;br /&gt;
  448. &lt;br /&gt;
  449. What can you afford? &lt;br /&gt;
  450. &lt;br /&gt;
  451. &lt;br /&gt;
  452. &lt;br /&gt;
  453. If you&#039;re looking for a luxurious experience, many 5-star resorts in Hawaii offer stunning ocean views, world-class amenities, and impeccable service. However, these hotels can be quite expensive. Many mid-range hotels in Hawaii offer a good balance of value and amenities. These hotels may not have all the bells and whistles of a luxury resort, but they can still provide a comfortable and enjoyable stay. If you&#039;re on a tight budget, there are several affordable hotels and hostels in Hawaii. These accommodations may not have the best amenities, but they can be a good option if you&#039;re just looking for a place to sleep and shower.&lt;br /&gt;
  454. &lt;br /&gt;
  455. &lt;br /&gt;
  456. &lt;br /&gt;
  457. &lt;br /&gt;
  458. &lt;br /&gt;
  459. We Podcast About Hawaii Because We Love Hawaii &lt;br /&gt;
  460. &lt;br /&gt;
  461. &lt;br /&gt;
  462. &lt;br /&gt;
  463. &lt;br /&gt;
  464. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  465. &lt;br /&gt;
  466. &lt;br /&gt;
  467. &lt;br /&gt;
  468. &lt;br /&gt;
  469. &lt;br /&gt;
  470. &lt;br /&gt;
  471. &lt;br /&gt;
  472. &lt;br /&gt;
  473. &lt;br /&gt;
  474. Condo vs. Resort &lt;br /&gt;
  475. &lt;br /&gt;
  476. &lt;br /&gt;
  477. &lt;br /&gt;
  478. Decide whether you prefer the amenities and convenience of a full-service resort or the added privacy and flexibility of a condo rental. Resorts often offer a wide range of on-site facilities, including restaurants, pools, and recreational activities, while condos provide a more homelike atmosphere with kitchen facilities and laundry amenities.  Consider which amenities are essential for your comfort and enjoyment during your stay. Whether you prioritize on-site dining options, spa services, or recreational activities, ensure your chosen hotel can cater to your needs. Keep in mind that some amenities, such as room service, may be limited due to pandemic-related restrictions.&lt;br /&gt;
  479. &lt;br /&gt;
  480. &lt;br /&gt;
  481. &lt;br /&gt;
  482. Location and Proximity to the Beach&lt;br /&gt;
  483. &lt;br /&gt;
  484. &lt;br /&gt;
  485. &lt;br /&gt;
  486. For many travelers, proximity to the beach is a top priority.</itunes:summary>
  487. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  488. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  489. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  490. <itunes:duration>17:27</itunes:duration>
  491. </item>
  492. <item>
  493. <title>Balancing Time and Budget in Paradise</title>
  494. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/unlocking-the-secrets-of-hawaiian-vacation-length-balancing-time-and-budget-in-paradise/</link>
  495. <pubDate>Sun, 04 Feb 2024 19:56:48 +0000</pubDate>
  496. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=51932</guid>
  497. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/unlocking-the-secrets-of-hawaiian-vacation-length-balancing-time-and-budget-in-paradise/#respond</comments>
  498. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/unlocking-the-secrets-of-hawaiian-vacation-length-balancing-time-and-budget-in-paradise/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  499. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  500. <description>Navigating Your Hawaiian Getaway: Duration and Budget Insights
  501.  
  502.  
  503.  
  504. Welcome to today&#039;s podcast, where we&#039;ll delve deep into the intricate art of determining the ideal vacation duration for your Hawaiian getaway. Now, if you&#039;re part of the fortunate 2% with boundless time and an unlimited budget, by all means, the longer your Hawaiian vacation the better, but let&#039;s be realistic here; most of us don&#039;t fall into that exclusive category. So, in today&#039;s episode, we will unravel the complexities of choosing the right length for your Hawaiian vacation.
  505.  
  506.  
  507.  
  508. Here at our office, we regularly receive inquiries from eager travelers who are just beginning their quest to plan their perfect Hawaiian getaway. When I ask them about the duration of their intended stay on the islands, their answers tend to fall into two categories: either too short or too long.
  509.  
  510.  
  511.  
  512. Hawaii on a Budget: Maximizing Your Island Adventure
  513.  
  514.  
  515.  
  516. For those seeking a quick getaway, perhaps a whirlwind 2 to 3-day trip, it presents quite a challenge. Remember, Hawaii is situated thousands of miles away and several flights removed from the mainland United States, with one or two connections needed for those on the East Coast. Considering the time spent traveling and the potential for jet lag, I often find myself cautioning against such brief visits, instead suggesting they extend their stay. Hawaii, in general, doesn&#039;t align with the notion of a last-minute destination or a &quot;quick escape.&quot; However, there is one exception to this rule: a short hop from California to explore the vibrant island of Oahu.
  517.  
  518.  
  519.  
  520. The complexity of vacation planning often arises from the sheer abundance of attractions and activities on these beautiful islands. I recently had a conversation with a customer, a party of two adults and three adventurous kids, who harbored grand ambitions of conquering all the Hawaiian islands in a mere 5 days. Upon further exploration, they were drawing a comparison to a previous road trip they had embarked upon in Mexico!
  521.  
  522.  
  523.  
  524. We Podcast About Hawaii Because We Love Hawaii
  525. Get Help Planning Your Trip</description>
  526. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/how-long-to-stay.mp3" length="12840138" type="audio/mpeg" />
  527. <itunes:subtitle>Navigating Your Hawaiian Getaway: Duration and Budget Insights    Welcome to today&#039;s podcast, where we&#039;ll delve deep into the intricate art of determining the ideal vacation duration for your Hawaiian getaway. Now,</itunes:subtitle>
  528. <itunes:summary>Navigating Your Hawaiian Getaway: Duration and Budget Insights&lt;br /&gt;
  529. &lt;br /&gt;
  530. &lt;br /&gt;
  531. &lt;br /&gt;
  532. Welcome to today&#039;s podcast, where we&#039;ll delve deep into the intricate art of determining the ideal vacation duration for your Hawaiian getaway. Now, if you&#039;re part of the fortunate 2% with boundless time and an unlimited budget, by all means, the longer your Hawaiian vacation the better, but let&#039;s be realistic here; most of us don&#039;t fall into that exclusive category. So, in today&#039;s episode, we will unravel the complexities of choosing the right length for your Hawaiian vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  533. &lt;br /&gt;
  534. &lt;br /&gt;
  535. &lt;br /&gt;
  536. Here at our office, we regularly receive inquiries from eager travelers who are just beginning their quest to plan their perfect Hawaiian getaway. When I ask them about the duration of their intended stay on the islands, their answers tend to fall into two categories: either too short or too long.&lt;br /&gt;
  537. &lt;br /&gt;
  538. &lt;br /&gt;
  539. &lt;br /&gt;
  540. Hawaii on a Budget: Maximizing Your Island Adventure&lt;br /&gt;
  541. &lt;br /&gt;
  542. &lt;br /&gt;
  543. &lt;br /&gt;
  544. For those seeking a quick getaway, perhaps a whirlwind 2 to 3-day trip, it presents quite a challenge. Remember, Hawaii is situated thousands of miles away and several flights removed from the mainland United States, with one or two connections needed for those on the East Coast. Considering the time spent traveling and the potential for jet lag, I often find myself cautioning against such brief visits, instead suggesting they extend their stay. Hawaii, in general, doesn&#039;t align with the notion of a last-minute destination or a &quot;quick escape.&quot; However, there is one exception to this rule: a short hop from California to explore the vibrant island of Oahu.&lt;br /&gt;
  545. &lt;br /&gt;
  546. &lt;br /&gt;
  547. &lt;br /&gt;
  548. The complexity of vacation planning often arises from the sheer abundance of attractions and activities on these beautiful islands. I recently had a conversation with a customer, a party of two adults and three adventurous kids, who harbored grand ambitions of conquering all the Hawaiian islands in a mere 5 days. Upon further exploration, they were drawing a comparison to a previous road trip they had embarked upon in Mexico!&lt;br /&gt;
  549. &lt;br /&gt;
  550. &lt;br /&gt;
  551. &lt;br /&gt;
  552. &lt;br /&gt;
  553. &lt;br /&gt;
  554. We Podcast About Hawaii Because We Love Hawaii &lt;br /&gt;
  555. &lt;br /&gt;
  556. &lt;br /&gt;
  557. &lt;br /&gt;
  558. &lt;br /&gt;
  559. Get Help Planning Your Trip</itunes:summary>
  560. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  561. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  562. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  563. <itunes:duration>15:15</itunes:duration>
  564. </item>
  565. <item>
  566. <title>Fly Smart: Avoid These Costly  Airfare to Hawaii Mistakes</title>
  567. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/fly-smart-avoid-these-costly-airfare-to-hawaii-mistakes/</link>
  568. <pubDate>Mon, 22 Jan 2024 19:44:13 +0000</pubDate>
  569. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=51907</guid>
  570. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/fly-smart-avoid-these-costly-airfare-to-hawaii-mistakes/#respond</comments>
  571. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/fly-smart-avoid-these-costly-airfare-to-hawaii-mistakes/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  572. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  573. <description>Hawaii has been a popular choice among leisure travelers ever since the advent of jet airlines in the mid-20th century, and it&#039;s easy to understand why. However, in the year 2024, Hawaii is poised to stand out as an exceptional destination. Maui, in particular, is diligently working towards the recovery of its tourism industry. This effort involves striking a delicate balance, emphasizing respect for the recovery and rebuilding endeavors in Lahaina while also conveying that the entirety of the island is open for visitors.Lately, we have heard from eager travelers searching for those enticing last-minute Hawaii getaways. But here&#039;s the thing, Hawaii doesn&#039;t quite follow the same rules as other typical vacation spots. While you might stumble upon seemingly low airfare, it often comes with a set of restrictions and, more often than not, coincides with a period when everything else is priced significantly higher – we&#039;re talking about hotel rooms and more.
  574.  
  575.  
  576.  
  577. Airfare to Hawaii Pitfalls
  578.  
  579.  
  580.  
  581. I&#039;ve noticed that those who plan for a long weekend getaway to our beautiful islands are often taken aback by the sticker shock when they start browsing for hotel accommodations. Hawaii&#039;s allure may come at a price that surprises the unprepared traveler.
  582.  
  583.  
  584.  
  585. Other destinations across the Aloha State are facing similar challenges. They are grappling with ensuring that tourism contributes positively to the local economy without negatively impacting the communities where residents live and work. Despite these challenges, it&#039;s important to note that tourism remains Hawaii&#039;s largest industry, and its position as one of the most coveted destinations in the world remains unshaken.Contrary to common belief, airfare to Hawaii can be unpredictable. Waiting until the last minute to book your flight can result in significantly higher costs. Last-minute fares often double, triple, or even quadruple compared to early bookings. Therefore, it&#039;s crucial to plan and book your flights in advance to secure reasonable prices.While many sources advise on the optimal booking window (typically one to three months in advance), this may not apply to Hawaii. Hawaii&#039;s airfare and hotel pricing dynamics are different. Booking too far in advance can sometimes be as costly as booking too late. It&#039;s essential to strike the right balance and not rush into booking too early.  Remember that Hawaii&#039;s travel timing differs from other destinations, so relying on general advice may not be suitable. Be mindful of the unique considerations when planning your trip to the Hawaiian Islands.
  586.  
  587.  
  588.  
  589. Airfare to Hawaii Prices
  590.  
  591.  
  592.  
  593. Airfare to Hawaii can vary widely depending on factors such as the departure city, time of booking, airline, class of service, and travel dates. Here are estimated ranges for round-trip airfare from the West Coast, Midwest, and East Coast of the United States to the Hawaiian Islands:
  594.  
  595.  
  596.  
  597.  
  598. West Coast (e.g., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle)     Economy Class: $300 to $700 USD or more   Premium Economy: $700 to $1,200 USD or more   Business Class: $1,500 to $3,000 USD or more   First Class: $2,500 to $5,000 USD or more.
  599.  
  600.  
  601.  
  602. Midwest (e.g., Chicago, Denver)    Economy Class: $400 to $800 USD or more    Premium Economy: $800 to $1,500 USD or more    Business Class: $1,800 to $3,500 USD or more     First Class: $2,800 to $5,500 USD or more.East Coast (e.g., New York, Boston, Miami)    Economy Class: $500 to $1,000 USD or more.     Premium Economy: $1,000 to $1,800 USD or more.     Business Class: $2,000 to $4,000 USD or more.     First Class: $3,000 to $6,000 USD or more
  603.  
  604.  
  605.  
  606.  
  607.  
  608.  
  609.  
  610.  
  611. We&#039;re here to help, check out our All-Inclusive Hawaii Packages or get help with airfare, picking hotels or activities. If it&#039;s in Hawaii we can make it happen.Get Help With Planning</description>
  612. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/airfae-to-hawaii-mistakes.mp3" length="16553734" type="audio/mpeg" />
  613. <itunes:subtitle>Hawaii has been a popular choice among leisure travelers ever since the advent of jet airlines in the mid-20th century, and it&#039;s easy to understand why. However, in the year 2024, Hawaii is poised to stand out as an exceptional destination. Maui,</itunes:subtitle>
  614. <itunes:summary>Hawaii has been a popular choice among leisure travelers ever since the advent of jet airlines in the mid-20th century, and it&#039;s easy to understand why. However, in the year 2024, Hawaii is poised to stand out as an exceptional destination. Maui, in particular, is diligently working towards the recovery of its tourism industry. This effort involves striking a delicate balance, emphasizing respect for the recovery and rebuilding endeavors in Lahaina while also conveying that the entirety of the island is open for visitors.Lately, we have heard from eager travelers searching for those enticing last-minute Hawaii getaways. But here&#039;s the thing, Hawaii doesn&#039;t quite follow the same rules as other typical vacation spots. While you might stumble upon seemingly low airfare, it often comes with a set of restrictions and, more often than not, coincides with a period when everything else is priced significantly higher – we&#039;re talking about hotel rooms and more.&lt;br /&gt;
  615. &lt;br /&gt;
  616. &lt;br /&gt;
  617. &lt;br /&gt;
  618. Airfare to Hawaii Pitfalls &lt;br /&gt;
  619. &lt;br /&gt;
  620. &lt;br /&gt;
  621. &lt;br /&gt;
  622. I&#039;ve noticed that those who plan for a long weekend getaway to our beautiful islands are often taken aback by the sticker shock when they start browsing for hotel accommodations. Hawaii&#039;s allure may come at a price that surprises the unprepared traveler.&lt;br /&gt;
  623. &lt;br /&gt;
  624. &lt;br /&gt;
  625. &lt;br /&gt;
  626. Other destinations across the Aloha State are facing similar challenges. They are grappling with ensuring that tourism contributes positively to the local economy without negatively impacting the communities where residents live and work. Despite these challenges, it&#039;s important to note that tourism remains Hawaii&#039;s largest industry, and its position as one of the most coveted destinations in the world remains unshaken.Contrary to common belief, airfare to Hawaii can be unpredictable. Waiting until the last minute to book your flight can result in significantly higher costs. Last-minute fares often double, triple, or even quadruple compared to early bookings. Therefore, it&#039;s crucial to plan and book your flights in advance to secure reasonable prices.While many sources advise on the optimal booking window (typically one to three months in advance), this may not apply to Hawaii. Hawaii&#039;s airfare and hotel pricing dynamics are different. Booking too far in advance can sometimes be as costly as booking too late. It&#039;s essential to strike the right balance and not rush into booking too early.  Remember that Hawaii&#039;s travel timing differs from other destinations, so relying on general advice may not be suitable. Be mindful of the unique considerations when planning your trip to the Hawaiian Islands.&lt;br /&gt;
  627. &lt;br /&gt;
  628. &lt;br /&gt;
  629. &lt;br /&gt;
  630. Airfare to Hawaii Prices &lt;br /&gt;
  631. &lt;br /&gt;
  632. &lt;br /&gt;
  633. &lt;br /&gt;
  634. Airfare to Hawaii can vary widely depending on factors such as the departure city, time of booking, airline, class of service, and travel dates. Here are estimated ranges for round-trip airfare from the West Coast, Midwest, and East Coast of the United States to the Hawaiian Islands:&lt;br /&gt;
  635. &lt;br /&gt;
  636. &lt;br /&gt;
  637. &lt;br /&gt;
  638. &lt;br /&gt;
  639. West Coast (e.g., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle)     Economy Class: $300 to $700 USD or more   Premium Economy: $700 to $1,200 USD or more   Business Class: $1,500 to $3,000 USD or more   First Class: $2,500 to $5,000 USD or more.&lt;br /&gt;
  640. &lt;br /&gt;
  641. &lt;br /&gt;
  642. &lt;br /&gt;
  643. Midwest (e.g., Chicago, Denver)    Economy Class: $400 to $800 USD or more    Premium Economy: $800 to $1,500 USD or more    Business Class: $1,800 to $3,500 USD or more     First Class: $2,800 to $5,500 USD or more.East Coast (e.g., New York, Boston, Miami)    Economy Class: $500 to $1,000 USD or more.     Premium Economy: $1,000 to $1,800 USD or more.     Business Class: $2,000 to $4,000 USD or more.     First Class: $3,000 to $6,000 USD or more&lt;br /&gt;
  644. &lt;br /&gt;
  645. &lt;br /&gt;
  646. &lt;br /&gt;
  647. &lt;br /&gt;
  648. &lt;br /&gt;
  649. &lt;br /&gt;
  650. &lt;br /&gt;
  651. &lt;br /&gt;
  652. We&#039;re here to help, check out our All-Inclusive Hawaii Packages or get help with airfare, picking hotels or activities. If it&#039;s in Hawaii we can make it happen.</itunes:summary>
  653. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  654. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  655. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  656. <itunes:duration>16:10</itunes:duration>
  657. </item>
  658. <item>
  659. <title>Hawaii Beach Safety Guide: Navigating the Risks at Dangerous Beaches</title>
  660. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/visiting-dangerous-hawaii-beaches-where-swimming-takes-a-backseat/</link>
  661. <pubDate>Sun, 14 Jan 2024 20:11:41 +0000</pubDate>
  662. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=51861</guid>
  663. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/visiting-dangerous-hawaii-beaches-where-swimming-takes-a-backseat/#respond</comments>
  664. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/visiting-dangerous-hawaii-beaches-where-swimming-takes-a-backseat/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  665. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  666. <description>Drowning ranks as the fifth most common cause of fatal injuries among Hawaii residents, resulting in an annual average of nearly 40 deaths. Notably, drowning stands out as the sole injury cause, in which non-residents make up the majority of victims, accounting for 53% of cases. This inclusion of non-residents raises the average annual number of deaths to 83. From 2013 to 2017, Hawaii had the second-highest resident drowning fatality rate among all 50 states, trailing only behind Alaska. From 2013 to 2022, there were nearly 800 fatal ocean drownings in Hawaii, with  54% being visitors. Drowning is the only injury cause for which non-residents comprise a majority of victims (53%). This makes beach safety an imperative topic to cover before your next Hawaiian vacation.
  667.  
  668.  
  669.  
  670. Unfortunately, the sheer number of out-of-state visitors to Hawaii means many underestimate the power of Hawaii&#039;s waves and waters. Locals, too, can get into trouble in Hawaii waters, even if they&#039;ve been to that particular beach dozens of times.
  671.  
  672.  
  673.  
  674. Bottom line: Hawaii has lots of &quot;dangerous&quot; beaches, and it&#039;s important you know which ones are drowning hot-spots. So, we&#039;ve put together a list of the riskiest beaches in Hawaii.
  675.  
  676.  
  677.  
  678. We Podcast About Hawaii Because We Love Hawaii
  679. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  680.  
  681.  
  682.  
  683. Oahu:
  684.  
  685.  
  686.  
  687.  
  688. Sandy Beach: Nicknamed &quot;Shorebreak Beach&quot; for a reason, Sandy Beach pummels swimmers with year-round crashing waves and strong currents. This combination has caused numerous spinal cord injuries, making it extremely dangerous for swimming. Oahu, the most populous island, also sees the highest number of drownings, with an average of 395 fatalities over a five-year period. The majority of drownings occur on the south shore, where popular beaches like Waikiki and Sandy Beach experience strong waves and currents.
  689.  
  690.  
  691.  
  692. Hanauma Bay: While seemingly serene, Hanauma Bay has seen a history of drownings due to sudden waves and unexpected currents. While snorkeling can be enjoyed with caution, stay aware of changing conditions.
  693.  
  694.  
  695.  
  696.  
  697.  
  698.  
  699.  
  700.  
  701. Maui:
  702.  
  703.  
  704.  
  705.  
  706. Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach: This exquisite red-sand beach boasts rough waters and unpredictable currents, making swimming highly inadvisable. Enjoy the view, but keep your feet dry.  Maui comes in second with an average of 67 drownings, with most incidents happening on the west side near popular tourist destinations like Ka&#039;anapali and Molokini.
  707.  
  708.  
  709.  
  710. Makena Beach: Earning the nickname &quot;Breakneck Beach,&quot; Makena suffers from powerful waves breaking right on the shore, posing significant danger to swimmers. Additionally, past shark attacks add to the risk.
  711.  
  712.  
  713.  
  714.  
  715.  
  716.  
  717.  
  718.  
  719. Island-wide:
  720.  
  721.  
  722.  
  723.  
  724. Hapuna Beach Park: Despite its beauty, Hapuna Beach on the Big Island has led to many spinal cord injuries due to its intense shore break. Swimming is not recommended unless you&#039;re an experienced and cautious swimmer.
  725.  
  726.  
  727.  
  728.  
  729.  
  730.  
  731.  
  732.  
  733. Hawaii Beach Safety Tips:
  734.  
  735.  
  736.  
  737.  
  738. Always check ocean conditions and lifeguard reports before entering the water.
  739.  
  740.  
  741.  
  742. Never underestimate the power of the ocean, especially currents and riptides.
  743.  
  744.  
  745.  
  746. Obey posted warnings and signs.
  747.  
  748.  
  749.  
  750. If unfamiliar with a beach, ask locals or lifeguards for advice.
  751.  
  752.  
  753.  
  754. Prioritize safety over adventure, especially with children present
  755.  
  756.  
  757.  
  758. And here&#039;s an interesting fact: On the South Shore, there were 110 drownings, but a full 82 of them (75%) happened from April-September
  759.  
  760.  
  761.  
  762. Stay safe, be smart, and use this information to identify the riskiest beaches in Hawaii
  763.  
  764.  
  765.  
  766.  
  767.  
  768.  
  769.  
  770.  
  771. Kauai
  772.  
  773.  
  774.  
  775.  
  776. Hanakapi&#039;iai Beach: Renowned as the &quot;most perilous beach in Hawaii,&quot; Hanakapi&#039;iai, situated on the Na Pali Coast, confronts relentless rip currents, formidable waves, and ever-changing conditions. Swimming is strongly discouraged, and even wading can pose serious risks.
  777.  
  778.  
  779.  
  780.  
  781.  
  782. Lumahai Beach: While offering stunning views, Lumahai showcases powerful waves and strong undertows that render swimming hazardous for the majority of the year.</description>
  783. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/beach-safety-hawaii.mp3" length="12416127" type="audio/mpeg" />
  784. <itunes:subtitle>Drowning ranks as the fifth most common cause of fatal injuries among Hawaii residents, resulting in an annual average of nearly 40 deaths. Notably, drowning stands out as the sole injury cause, in which non-residents make up the majority of victims,</itunes:subtitle>
  785. <itunes:summary>Drowning ranks as the fifth most common cause of fatal injuries among Hawaii residents, resulting in an annual average of nearly 40 deaths. Notably, drowning stands out as the sole injury cause, in which non-residents make up the majority of victims, accounting for 53% of cases. This inclusion of non-residents raises the average annual number of deaths to 83. From 2013 to 2017, Hawaii had the second-highest resident drowning fatality rate among all 50 states, trailing only behind Alaska. From 2013 to 2022, there were nearly 800 fatal ocean drownings in Hawaii, with  54% being visitors. Drowning is the only injury cause for which non-residents comprise a majority of victims (53%). This makes beach safety an imperative topic to cover before your next Hawaiian vacation. &lt;br /&gt;
  786. &lt;br /&gt;
  787. &lt;br /&gt;
  788. &lt;br /&gt;
  789. Unfortunately, the sheer number of out-of-state visitors to Hawaii means many underestimate the power of Hawaii&#039;s waves and waters. Locals, too, can get into trouble in Hawaii waters, even if they&#039;ve been to that particular beach dozens of times.&lt;br /&gt;
  790. &lt;br /&gt;
  791. &lt;br /&gt;
  792. &lt;br /&gt;
  793. Bottom line: Hawaii has lots of &quot;dangerous&quot; beaches, and it&#039;s important you know which ones are drowning hot-spots. So, we&#039;ve put together a list of the riskiest beaches in Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  794. &lt;br /&gt;
  795. &lt;br /&gt;
  796. &lt;br /&gt;
  797. &lt;br /&gt;
  798. &lt;br /&gt;
  799. We Podcast About Hawaii Because We Love Hawaii &lt;br /&gt;
  800. &lt;br /&gt;
  801. &lt;br /&gt;
  802. &lt;br /&gt;
  803. &lt;br /&gt;
  804. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  805. &lt;br /&gt;
  806. &lt;br /&gt;
  807. &lt;br /&gt;
  808. &lt;br /&gt;
  809. &lt;br /&gt;
  810. &lt;br /&gt;
  811. &lt;br /&gt;
  812. &lt;br /&gt;
  813. &lt;br /&gt;
  814. Oahu:&lt;br /&gt;
  815. &lt;br /&gt;
  816. &lt;br /&gt;
  817. &lt;br /&gt;
  818. &lt;br /&gt;
  819. Sandy Beach: Nicknamed &quot;Shorebreak Beach&quot; for a reason, Sandy Beach pummels swimmers with year-round crashing waves and strong currents. This combination has caused numerous spinal cord injuries, making it extremely dangerous for swimming. Oahu, the most populous island, also sees the highest number of drownings, with an average of 395 fatalities over a five-year period. The majority of drownings occur on the south shore, where popular beaches like Waikiki and Sandy Beach experience strong waves and currents.&lt;br /&gt;
  820. &lt;br /&gt;
  821. &lt;br /&gt;
  822. &lt;br /&gt;
  823. Hanauma Bay: While seemingly serene, Hanauma Bay has seen a history of drownings due to sudden waves and unexpected currents. While snorkeling can be enjoyed with caution, stay aware of changing conditions.&lt;br /&gt;
  824. &lt;br /&gt;
  825. &lt;br /&gt;
  826. &lt;br /&gt;
  827. &lt;br /&gt;
  828. &lt;br /&gt;
  829. &lt;br /&gt;
  830. &lt;br /&gt;
  831. &lt;br /&gt;
  832. Maui:&lt;br /&gt;
  833. &lt;br /&gt;
  834. &lt;br /&gt;
  835. &lt;br /&gt;
  836. &lt;br /&gt;
  837. Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach: This exquisite red-sand beach boasts rough waters and unpredictable currents, making swimming highly inadvisable. Enjoy the view, but keep your feet dry.  Maui comes in second with an average of 67 drownings, with most incidents happening on the west side near popular tourist destinations like Ka&#039;anapali and Molokini.&lt;br /&gt;
  838. &lt;br /&gt;
  839. &lt;br /&gt;
  840. &lt;br /&gt;
  841. Makena Beach: Earning the nickname &quot;Breakneck Beach,&quot; Makena suffers from powerful waves breaking right on the shore, posing significant danger to swimmers. Additionally, past shark attacks add to the risk.&lt;br /&gt;
  842. &lt;br /&gt;
  843. &lt;br /&gt;
  844. &lt;br /&gt;
  845. &lt;br /&gt;
  846. &lt;br /&gt;
  847. &lt;br /&gt;
  848. &lt;br /&gt;
  849. &lt;br /&gt;
  850. Island-wide:&lt;br /&gt;
  851. &lt;br /&gt;
  852. &lt;br /&gt;
  853. &lt;br /&gt;
  854. &lt;br /&gt;
  855. Hapuna Beach Park: Despite its beauty, Hapuna Beach on the Big Island has led to many spinal cord injuries due to its intense shore break. Swimming is not recommended unless you&#039;re an experienced and cautious swimmer.&lt;br /&gt;
  856. &lt;br /&gt;
  857. &lt;br /&gt;
  858. &lt;br /&gt;
  859. &lt;br /&gt;
  860. &lt;br /&gt;
  861. &lt;br /&gt;
  862. &lt;br /&gt;
  863. &lt;br /&gt;
  864. Hawaii Beach Safety Tips:&lt;br /&gt;
  865. &lt;br /&gt;
  866. &lt;br /&gt;
  867. &lt;br /&gt;
  868. &lt;br /&gt;
  869. Always check ocean conditions and lifeguard reports before entering the water.&lt;br /&gt;
  870. &lt;br /&gt;
  871. &lt;br /&gt;
  872. &lt;br /&gt;
  873. Never underestimate the power of the ocean, especially currents and riptides.&lt;br /&gt;
  874. &lt;br /&gt;
  875. &lt;br /&gt;
  876. &lt;br /&gt;
  877. Obey posted warnings and signs.&lt;br /&gt;
  878. &lt;br /&gt;
  879. &lt;br /&gt;
  880. &lt;br /&gt;
  881. If unfamiliar with a beach, ask locals or lifeguards for advice.&lt;br /&gt;
  882. &lt;br /&gt;
  883. &lt;br /&gt;
  884. &lt;br /&gt;
  885. Prioritize safety over adventure, especially with children present&lt;br /&gt;
  886. &lt;br /&gt;
  887. &lt;br /&gt;
  888. &lt;br /&gt;
  889. And here&#039;s an interesting fact: On the South Shore, there were 110 drownings,</itunes:summary>
  890. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  891. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  892. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  893. <itunes:duration>14:25</itunes:duration>
  894. </item>
  895. <item>
  896. <title>Embracing Change &#8211; Hawaii&#8217;s Worst Kept Secrets</title>
  897. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/embracing-change-hawaiis-worst-kept-secrets/</link>
  898. <pubDate>Sun, 07 Jan 2024 19:07:05 +0000</pubDate>
  899. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=51737</guid>
  900. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/embracing-change-hawaiis-worst-kept-secrets/#respond</comments>
  901. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/embracing-change-hawaiis-worst-kept-secrets/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  902. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  903. <description>A lot has happened here in Hawaii in the last few years. I don’t have to remind you about COVID-19 and the wildfires, but one thing hasn’t changed, and that’s the beauty of the islands and their appeal as vacation destinations. One of the things we love to do here is share fun things to do and, hotel reviews, off-the-bean path spots, help visitors understand these islands, share Hawaii&#039;s Worst-Kept Secrets, and how to prepare for a memorable vacation.
  904.  
  905.  
  906.  
  907. Surfing Sucks- Don&#039;t Try It
  908.  
  909.  
  910.  
  911. Have you ever seen or heard the meme, “surfing sucks don’t try it”? If you have then I’m sure you know the purpose behind it. Any local can attest to the frustration of their hometown becoming more and more crowded, and not just the popular towns of Hawaii like Waikiki. It’s happening everywhere. 
  912.  
  913.  
  914.  
  915. I think there’s something to be said about this. First and foremost, the earth is a thriving place. It’s ignorant to think that population growth won’t affect your hometown. Whether it’s happening now or 25 years from now, the place that you call home will (or already does) see more people within its borders than it did when you were growing up.
  916.  
  917.  
  918.  
  919. I understand why so many people feel this is a bad thing. I can definitely get frustrated when trying to get around town.  I wouldn&#039;t say I like being held up by slow-moving cars, hoards of tour bus pedestrians crossing the road, or unusual traffic, all caused by overcrowding. But all that being said, if you don’t change your attitude about it, you’ll always be conflicted by it. Unfortunately, it is inevitable, and the only way to stay happy amongst an ever-growing population is to embrace it. Or at least learn to accept it. Or move I guess. I know it’s hard.
  920.  
  921.  
  922.  
  923. So in honor of changing our attitude toward population growth, I’m highlighting Hawaii’s worst-kept secrets. The destinations of the islands are what everyone knows about, but the locals wish they could be kept secret forever.
  924.  
  925.  
  926.  
  927. It’s these ‘secrets’ that give visitors a unique experience in Hawaii though, which they have a right to enjoy. Everyone deserves to have an insightful and fun vacation right? Locals from the islands want to know about the best nightclubs in Vegas or the secret surf spots in California, just like I wanted to know about the best wineries in Bordeaux or the most fun place to surf in Barbados when I traveled there.
  928.  
  929.  
  930.  
  931. We&#039;re here to help, check out our All-Inclusive Hawaii Packages or get help with airfare, picking hotels or activities. If it&#039;s in Hawaii we can make it happen.Get Help With Planning
  932.  
  933.  
  934.  
  935. Hawaii&#039;s Worst Kept Secrets
  936.  
  937.  
  938.  
  939. This is why I’m sharing the top things about Hawaii that should have been kept a secret a long time ago, but are now widely known for your vacation pleasure. Enjoy.
  940.  
  941.  
  942.  
  943. Snorkeling
  944.  
  945.  
  946.  
  947. There was a time when visitors came to Hawaii but didn’t swim. Well, they did swim, but it was in layered gowns, stockings, wool suits, and swimming caps and only wading out to their waists. Getting in the water wasn’t a widely enjoyed outdoor activity, especially because bathing suits (especially for women) were very uncommon until about the early 1900s. So you can bet that Hawaii&#039;s now popular water activity- snorkeling- was definitely not a common thing to do. Thus the waters were void of snorkelers.
  948.  
  949.  
  950.  
  951. But today, snorkeling has become one of the top ocean sports for visitors to partake in during their Hawaii experience. Which means many of the top snorkel spots are crowded. But if you’re adventurous enough, there are coastlines, coves, and beaches that are snorkel-friendly AND uncrowded, you have to be willing to explore a little. Top snorkel spots that are Hawaii’s worst-kept secrets are Hanauma Bay in Honolulu, Shark’s Cove on Oahu’s North Shore, Poipu Beach on Kauai, Molokini off of Maui and Kahaluu in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island. Remember, if it’s crowded, it must be for a reason!
  952.  
  953.  
  954.  
  955. Food Trucks
  956.  
  957.  
  958.  
  959. Hawaii has quite possibly one of the most popular food truck scenes in the country.</description>
  960. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/hawaii-worst-kept-secrets.mp3" length="13127566" type="audio/mpeg" />
  961. <itunes:subtitle>A lot has happened here in Hawaii in the last few years. I don’t have to remind you about COVID-19 and the wildfires, but one thing hasn’t changed, and that’s the beauty of the islands and their appeal as vacation destinations.</itunes:subtitle>
  962. <itunes:summary>A lot has happened here in Hawaii in the last few years. I don’t have to remind you about COVID-19 and the wildfires, but one thing hasn’t changed, and that’s the beauty of the islands and their appeal as vacation destinations. One of the things we love to do here is share fun things to do and, hotel reviews, off-the-bean path spots, help visitors understand these islands, share Hawaii&#039;s Worst-Kept Secrets, and how to prepare for a memorable vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  963. &lt;br /&gt;
  964. &lt;br /&gt;
  965. &lt;br /&gt;
  966. Surfing Sucks- Don&#039;t Try It&lt;br /&gt;
  967. &lt;br /&gt;
  968. &lt;br /&gt;
  969. &lt;br /&gt;
  970. Have you ever seen or heard the meme, “surfing sucks don’t try it”? If you have then I’m sure you know the purpose behind it. Any local can attest to the frustration of their hometown becoming more and more crowded, and not just the popular towns of Hawaii like Waikiki. It’s happening everywhere. &lt;br /&gt;
  971. &lt;br /&gt;
  972. &lt;br /&gt;
  973. &lt;br /&gt;
  974. I think there’s something to be said about this. First and foremost, the earth is a thriving place. It’s ignorant to think that population growth won’t affect your hometown. Whether it’s happening now or 25 years from now, the place that you call home will (or already does) see more people within its borders than it did when you were growing up.&lt;br /&gt;
  975. &lt;br /&gt;
  976. &lt;br /&gt;
  977. &lt;br /&gt;
  978. I understand why so many people feel this is a bad thing. I can definitely get frustrated when trying to get around town.  I wouldn&#039;t say I like being held up by slow-moving cars, hoards of tour bus pedestrians crossing the road, or unusual traffic, all caused by overcrowding. But all that being said, if you don’t change your attitude about it, you’ll always be conflicted by it. Unfortunately, it is inevitable, and the only way to stay happy amongst an ever-growing population is to embrace it. Or at least learn to accept it. Or move I guess. I know it’s hard.&lt;br /&gt;
  979. &lt;br /&gt;
  980. &lt;br /&gt;
  981. &lt;br /&gt;
  982. So in honor of changing our attitude toward population growth, I’m highlighting Hawaii’s worst-kept secrets. The destinations of the islands are what everyone knows about, but the locals wish they could be kept secret forever.&lt;br /&gt;
  983. &lt;br /&gt;
  984. &lt;br /&gt;
  985. &lt;br /&gt;
  986. It’s these ‘secrets’ that give visitors a unique experience in Hawaii though, which they have a right to enjoy. Everyone deserves to have an insightful and fun vacation right? Locals from the islands want to know about the best nightclubs in Vegas or the secret surf spots in California, just like I wanted to know about the best wineries in Bordeaux or the most fun place to surf in Barbados when I traveled there.&lt;br /&gt;
  987. &lt;br /&gt;
  988. &lt;br /&gt;
  989. &lt;br /&gt;
  990. We&#039;re here to help, check out our All-Inclusive Hawaii Packages or get help with airfare, picking hotels or activities. If it&#039;s in Hawaii we can make it happen.Get Help With Planning&lt;br /&gt;
  991. &lt;br /&gt;
  992. &lt;br /&gt;
  993. &lt;br /&gt;
  994. Hawaii&#039;s Worst Kept Secrets &lt;br /&gt;
  995. &lt;br /&gt;
  996. &lt;br /&gt;
  997. &lt;br /&gt;
  998. This is why I’m sharing the top things about Hawaii that should have been kept a secret a long time ago, but are now widely known for your vacation pleasure. Enjoy.&lt;br /&gt;
  999. &lt;br /&gt;
  1000. &lt;br /&gt;
  1001. &lt;br /&gt;
  1002. Snorkeling&lt;br /&gt;
  1003. &lt;br /&gt;
  1004. &lt;br /&gt;
  1005. &lt;br /&gt;
  1006. There was a time when visitors came to Hawaii but didn’t swim. Well, they did swim, but it was in layered gowns, stockings, wool suits, and swimming caps and only wading out to their waists. Getting in the water wasn’t a widely enjoyed outdoor activity, especially because bathing suits (especially for women) were very uncommon until about the early 1900s. So you can bet that Hawaii&#039;s now popular water activity- snorkeling- was definitely not a common thing to do. Thus the waters were void of snorkelers.&lt;br /&gt;
  1007. &lt;br /&gt;
  1008. &lt;br /&gt;
  1009. &lt;br /&gt;
  1010. But today, snorkeling has become one of the top ocean sports for visitors to partake in during their Hawaii experience. Which means many of the top snorkel spots are crowded. But if you’re adventurous enough, there are coastlines, coves, and beaches that are snorkel-friendly AND uncrowded, you have to be willing to explore a little. Top snorkel spots that are Hawaii’s worst-kept secrets are Hanauma Bay in Honolulu,</itunes:summary>
  1011. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  1012. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  1013. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  1014. <itunes:duration>15:39</itunes:duration>
  1015. </item>
  1016. <item>
  1017. <title>What Type of Traveler are you? &#8211; Hawaii Edition</title>
  1018. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/what-type-of-traveler-are-you-hawaii-edition/</link>
  1019. <pubDate>Thu, 14 Dec 2023 15:41:00 +0000</pubDate>
  1020. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=51181</guid>
  1021. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/what-type-of-traveler-are-you-hawaii-edition/#respond</comments>
  1022. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/what-type-of-traveler-are-you-hawaii-edition/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  1023. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  1024. <description>When thinking about a Hawaii vacation, it’s important to consider the type of traveler you are. Do you want to have an adventure? Are you looking just to chill out? Is this a special occasion, a once-in-a-lifetime experience? 
  1025.  
  1026.  
  1027.  
  1028. Or maybe you don&#039;t know! 
  1029.  
  1030.  
  1031.  
  1032. These are some of the questions I ask clients when planning their Hawaii vacations, and I am sometimes very surprised that some people have no idea or haven&#039;t traveled much, so they need guidance.
  1033.  
  1034.  
  1035.  
  1036. The good news is that when you&#039;re traveling to Hawaii, chances are that any travel style or preference can be accommodated. Here are some of the most common travel styles and categories I typically encounter when helping people plan their Hawaii vacations.
  1037.  
  1038.  
  1039.  
  1040. The Touristy Traveler
  1041.  
  1042.  
  1043.  
  1044. Let&#039;s start by discussing traditional or tourist-oriented travelers. Demographics often play a significant role in this type of traveler. Typically, this type of travel wants to stay in their comfort zone. They may be older, less active, or first-time travelers new to the experience. If this description fits you, Hawaii is the ideal destination. You will likely enjoy typical tourist activities such as group bus tours, luaus, farmers&#039; markets, sunset cruises, and easy hikes.
  1045.  
  1046.  
  1047.  
  1048. The Adventure Traveler
  1049.  
  1050.  
  1051.  
  1052. Next up are the adventure enthusiasts. In general, they gravitate towards off-the-beaten-path experiences and have a strong passion for exploring and nature. These individuals often seek out moderate to challenging hikes and extreme adventures such as waterfall rappelling, bungee jumping, cliff diving, or skydiving.
  1053.  
  1054.  
  1055.  
  1056. The Pampering Traveler
  1057.  
  1058.  
  1059.  
  1060. Another category of travelers includes those seeking pampering and restful relaxation. Typically, these travelers prefer resort properties with a plethora of amenities. They often indulge in spa treatments and tend to have more disposable income than the average traveler. These individuals may be celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime trip, honeymoon, or wedding, and they relish private tours, solitary beach time, cooking classes, or fine dining experiences.
  1061.  
  1062.  
  1063.  
  1064. The Budget Traveler
  1065.  
  1066.  
  1067.  
  1068. Now, let&#039;s turn our attention to the budget-conscious traveler. Let’s face it: Who isn&#039;t looking for the best deal?
  1069.  
  1070.  
  1071.  
  1072. I&#039;m primarily referring to individuals who aim to maximize their Hawaii vacation experience without exceeding their budget. This type of traveler may require assistance in exploring independently. They are usually open to flexible travel dates and comfortable with modest accommodations. They often rely on public transportation to get around and participate in group tours and free festivals across the islands.
  1073.  
  1074.  
  1075.  
  1076. The Family Travelers
  1077.  
  1078.  
  1079.  
  1080. Last but not least, we have family travelers. Families usually have fixed vacation periods, often involving multiple generations. Considering this, itineraries must be adaptable and inclusive for all age groups. There&#039;s no one-size-fits-all approach, as family vacation styles can encompass any of the aforementioned traveler types in our list. Typically, we&#039;ll plan some activities that the whole family can enjoy together, as well as individual options for members who may not share the same interests or abilities as others in the group.</description>
  1081. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/what-kind-of-hawaii-vacation-traveler-are-you.mp3" length="5242880" type="audio/mpeg" />
  1082. <itunes:subtitle>When thinking about a Hawaii vacation, it’s important to consider the type of traveler you are. Do you want to have an adventure? Are you looking just to chill out? Is this a special occasion, a once-in-a-lifetime experience?     </itunes:subtitle>
  1083. <itunes:summary>When thinking about a Hawaii vacation, it’s important to consider the type of traveler you are. Do you want to have an adventure? Are you looking just to chill out? Is this a special occasion, a once-in-a-lifetime experience? &lt;br /&gt;
  1084. &lt;br /&gt;
  1085. &lt;br /&gt;
  1086. &lt;br /&gt;
  1087. Or maybe you don&#039;t know! &lt;br /&gt;
  1088. &lt;br /&gt;
  1089. &lt;br /&gt;
  1090. &lt;br /&gt;
  1091. These are some of the questions I ask clients when planning their Hawaii vacations, and I am sometimes very surprised that some people have no idea or haven&#039;t traveled much, so they need guidance.&lt;br /&gt;
  1092. &lt;br /&gt;
  1093. &lt;br /&gt;
  1094. &lt;br /&gt;
  1095. The good news is that when you&#039;re traveling to Hawaii, chances are that any travel style or preference can be accommodated. Here are some of the most common travel styles and categories I typically encounter when helping people plan their Hawaii vacations.&lt;br /&gt;
  1096. &lt;br /&gt;
  1097. &lt;br /&gt;
  1098. &lt;br /&gt;
  1099. The Touristy Traveler&lt;br /&gt;
  1100. &lt;br /&gt;
  1101. &lt;br /&gt;
  1102. &lt;br /&gt;
  1103. Let&#039;s start by discussing traditional or tourist-oriented travelers. Demographics often play a significant role in this type of traveler. Typically, this type of travel wants to stay in their comfort zone. They may be older, less active, or first-time travelers new to the experience. If this description fits you, Hawaii is the ideal destination. You will likely enjoy typical tourist activities such as group bus tours, luaus, farmers&#039; markets, sunset cruises, and easy hikes. &lt;br /&gt;
  1104. &lt;br /&gt;
  1105. &lt;br /&gt;
  1106. &lt;br /&gt;
  1107. The Adventure Traveler&lt;br /&gt;
  1108. &lt;br /&gt;
  1109. &lt;br /&gt;
  1110. &lt;br /&gt;
  1111. Next up are the adventure enthusiasts. In general, they gravitate towards off-the-beaten-path experiences and have a strong passion for exploring and nature. These individuals often seek out moderate to challenging hikes and extreme adventures such as waterfall rappelling, bungee jumping, cliff diving, or skydiving.&lt;br /&gt;
  1112. &lt;br /&gt;
  1113. &lt;br /&gt;
  1114. &lt;br /&gt;
  1115. The Pampering Traveler&lt;br /&gt;
  1116. &lt;br /&gt;
  1117. &lt;br /&gt;
  1118. &lt;br /&gt;
  1119. Another category of travelers includes those seeking pampering and restful relaxation. Typically, these travelers prefer resort properties with a plethora of amenities. They often indulge in spa treatments and tend to have more disposable income than the average traveler. These individuals may be celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime trip, honeymoon, or wedding, and they relish private tours, solitary beach time, cooking classes, or fine dining experiences.&lt;br /&gt;
  1120. &lt;br /&gt;
  1121. &lt;br /&gt;
  1122. &lt;br /&gt;
  1123. The Budget Traveler&lt;br /&gt;
  1124. &lt;br /&gt;
  1125. &lt;br /&gt;
  1126. &lt;br /&gt;
  1127. Now, let&#039;s turn our attention to the budget-conscious traveler. Let’s face it: Who isn&#039;t looking for the best deal?&lt;br /&gt;
  1128. &lt;br /&gt;
  1129. &lt;br /&gt;
  1130. &lt;br /&gt;
  1131. I&#039;m primarily referring to individuals who aim to maximize their Hawaii vacation experience without exceeding their budget. This type of traveler may require assistance in exploring independently. They are usually open to flexible travel dates and comfortable with modest accommodations. They often rely on public transportation to get around and participate in group tours and free festivals across the islands.&lt;br /&gt;
  1132. &lt;br /&gt;
  1133. &lt;br /&gt;
  1134. &lt;br /&gt;
  1135. The Family Travelers &lt;br /&gt;
  1136. &lt;br /&gt;
  1137. &lt;br /&gt;
  1138. &lt;br /&gt;
  1139. Last but not least, we have family travelers. Families usually have fixed vacation periods, often involving multiple generations. Considering this, itineraries must be adaptable and inclusive for all age groups. There&#039;s no one-size-fits-all approach, as family vacation styles can encompass any of the aforementioned traveler types in our list. Typically, we&#039;ll plan some activities that the whole family can enjoy together, as well as individual options for members who may not share the same interests or abilities as others in the group.</itunes:summary>
  1140. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  1141. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  1142. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  1143. </item>
  1144. <item>
  1145. <title>Is Maui&#8217;s Tourism Recovering?</title>
  1146. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/is-maui-tourism-recovering/</link>
  1147. <pubDate>Thu, 07 Dec 2023 22:46:20 +0000</pubDate>
  1148. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=50989</guid>
  1149. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/is-maui-tourism-recovering/#respond</comments>
  1150. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/is-maui-tourism-recovering/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  1151. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  1152. <description>If you&#039;ve been considering a trip to Maui recently, you might be surprised by the steep prices you encounter. One would expect that with such high prices, Maui would have a thriving tourism industry, and supply and demand would naturally govern the current pricing. However, from my perspective, something seems amiss. Given the impact of the wildfires on visitor arrivals, one would anticipate a natural adjustment in pricing, possibly resulting in lower rates.  However, that&#039;s simply not the reality. If you&#039;ve been checking out Maui prices lately, you&#039;ll likely be taken aback, particularly when it comes to hotels on the West side, close to the Lahaina area affected by the fires. At present, hotels in this region are commanding prices ranging from $600 to $700, and I regrettably lack a clear explanation. Some hoteliers I&#039;ve conversed with claim that this is simply where the current pricing is settling, suggesting that the market has become somewhat unconventional due to certain factors.
  1153.  
  1154.  
  1155.  
  1156. Locals Want You to Come to Maui
  1157.  
  1158.  
  1159.  
  1160. Contrary to any misconceptions that may have arisen following the destructive Maui wildfires, Hawaii needs to welcome back tourists. This sentiment isn&#039;t limited to tourism officials; it resonates strongly among the local residents as well.  The outspoken minority certainly makes themselves heard—quite vociferously. They are seizing this moment to criticize the Hawaii tourism industry relentlessly. Those involved in the tourism sector have been unfairly targeted as scapegoats. Are we to be held responsible for all of this? I don&#039;t believe so; we are part of the solution. The information we exchange here, along with others who are sharing the facts, will contribute to finding resolutions. While this is not a novel situation, the volume of voices has undeniably increased. During the pandemic, we encountered similar negativity regarding over-tourism.
  1161.  
  1162.  
  1163.  
  1164. On an emotional level, there&#039;s no denying that the disaster has deeply affected the entire island. However, at this juncture, I&#039;ve heard from tourism employees, local inhabitants, and Hawaiian authorities, all of whom have emphasized the pressing need for tourists to come back to help restore stability to Maui and the broader Hawaiian Islands&#039; already struggling economy. While it&#039;s impossible to quantify the human and personal toll of the fire&#039;s devastation, analysts have projected that the fires resulted in an economic loss ranging from $4 to $6 billion for the state.
  1165.  
  1166.  
  1167.  
  1168. We Podcast About Hawaii Because We Love Hawaii
  1169. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  1170.  
  1171.  
  1172.  
  1173. Maui Tourism - The Reality
  1174.  
  1175.  
  1176.  
  1177. The reality is that there were conflicting opinions regarding tourism in the aftermath of the fires, and this wasn&#039;t limited to just immediate visits. Some locals suggested that tourists should refrain from coming to respect those who had suffered significant losses. However, this message was disseminated widely or persisted longer than anticipated, causing challenges for certain small businesses and residents who depend on tourism revenue for their livelihoods.
  1178.  
  1179.  
  1180.  
  1181. Tourism has seen a significant decline in various parts of Hawaii, as reported by the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. This decline is particularly pronounced in Maui. According to the latest figures from the Hawaii Bureau of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, in October 2023, Maui welcomed 132,909 visitors, marking a substantial decrease compared to October 2022 (-42.3%) and October 2019 (-44.2%)
  1182.  
  1183.  
  1184.  
  1185. Maui is welcoming visitors throughout the entire island, with the exception of the areas directly impacted by the fire. This presents an opportune moment to consider planning your trip, as there are fewer tourists at the moment.
  1186.  
  1187.  
  1188.  
  1189. You can currently enjoy a less crowded experience, and prices have somewhat leveled off since the peak of the travel rebound that followed the easing of pandemic-related restrictions.</description>
  1190. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/is-maui-recovering.mp3" length="12848472" type="audio/mpeg" />
  1191. <itunes:subtitle>If you&#039;ve been considering a trip to Maui recently, you might be surprised by the steep prices you encounter. One would expect that with such high prices, Maui would have a thriving tourism industry, and supply and demand would naturally govern the cur...</itunes:subtitle>
  1192. <itunes:summary>If you&#039;ve been considering a trip to Maui recently, you might be surprised by the steep prices you encounter. One would expect that with such high prices, Maui would have a thriving tourism industry, and supply and demand would naturally govern the current pricing. However, from my perspective, something seems amiss. Given the impact of the wildfires on visitor arrivals, one would anticipate a natural adjustment in pricing, possibly resulting in lower rates.  However, that&#039;s simply not the reality. If you&#039;ve been checking out Maui prices lately, you&#039;ll likely be taken aback, particularly when it comes to hotels on the West side, close to the Lahaina area affected by the fires. At present, hotels in this region are commanding prices ranging from $600 to $700, and I regrettably lack a clear explanation. Some hoteliers I&#039;ve conversed with claim that this is simply where the current pricing is settling, suggesting that the market has become somewhat unconventional due to certain factors.&lt;br /&gt;
  1193. &lt;br /&gt;
  1194. &lt;br /&gt;
  1195. &lt;br /&gt;
  1196. Locals Want You to Come to Maui&lt;br /&gt;
  1197. &lt;br /&gt;
  1198. &lt;br /&gt;
  1199. &lt;br /&gt;
  1200. Contrary to any misconceptions that may have arisen following the destructive Maui wildfires, Hawaii needs to welcome back tourists. This sentiment isn&#039;t limited to tourism officials; it resonates strongly among the local residents as well.  The outspoken minority certainly makes themselves heard—quite vociferously. They are seizing this moment to criticize the Hawaii tourism industry relentlessly. Those involved in the tourism sector have been unfairly targeted as scapegoats. Are we to be held responsible for all of this? I don&#039;t believe so; we are part of the solution. The information we exchange here, along with others who are sharing the facts, will contribute to finding resolutions. While this is not a novel situation, the volume of voices has undeniably increased. During the pandemic, we encountered similar negativity regarding over-tourism.&lt;br /&gt;
  1201. &lt;br /&gt;
  1202. &lt;br /&gt;
  1203. &lt;br /&gt;
  1204. On an emotional level, there&#039;s no denying that the disaster has deeply affected the entire island. However, at this juncture, I&#039;ve heard from tourism employees, local inhabitants, and Hawaiian authorities, all of whom have emphasized the pressing need for tourists to come back to help restore stability to Maui and the broader Hawaiian Islands&#039; already struggling economy. While it&#039;s impossible to quantify the human and personal toll of the fire&#039;s devastation, analysts have projected that the fires resulted in an economic loss ranging from $4 to $6 billion for the state.&lt;br /&gt;
  1205. &lt;br /&gt;
  1206. &lt;br /&gt;
  1207. &lt;br /&gt;
  1208. &lt;br /&gt;
  1209. &lt;br /&gt;
  1210. We Podcast About Hawaii Because We Love Hawaii &lt;br /&gt;
  1211. &lt;br /&gt;
  1212. &lt;br /&gt;
  1213. &lt;br /&gt;
  1214. &lt;br /&gt;
  1215. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  1216. &lt;br /&gt;
  1217. &lt;br /&gt;
  1218. &lt;br /&gt;
  1219. &lt;br /&gt;
  1220. &lt;br /&gt;
  1221. &lt;br /&gt;
  1222. &lt;br /&gt;
  1223. &lt;br /&gt;
  1224. &lt;br /&gt;
  1225. Maui Tourism - The Reality&lt;br /&gt;
  1226. &lt;br /&gt;
  1227. &lt;br /&gt;
  1228. &lt;br /&gt;
  1229. The reality is that there were conflicting opinions regarding tourism in the aftermath of the fires, and this wasn&#039;t limited to just immediate visits. Some locals suggested that tourists should refrain from coming to respect those who had suffered significant losses. However, this message was disseminated widely or persisted longer than anticipated, causing challenges for certain small businesses and residents who depend on tourism revenue for their livelihoods.&lt;br /&gt;
  1230. &lt;br /&gt;
  1231. &lt;br /&gt;
  1232. &lt;br /&gt;
  1233. Tourism has seen a significant decline in various parts of Hawaii, as reported by the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. This decline is particularly pronounced in Maui. According to the latest figures from the Hawaii Bureau of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, in October 2023, Maui welcomed 132,909 visitors, marking a substantial decrease compared to October 2022 (-42.3%) and October 2019 (-44.2%)&lt;br /&gt;
  1234. &lt;br /&gt;
  1235. &lt;br /&gt;
  1236. &lt;br /&gt;
  1237. Maui is welcoming visitors throughout the entire island, with the exception of the areas directly impacted by the fire.</itunes:summary>
  1238. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  1239. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  1240. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  1241. <itunes:duration>15:06</itunes:duration>
  1242. </item>
  1243. <item>
  1244. <title>Hawaii Bungalow and Villa Reality: Unveiling the Truth</title>
  1245. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-bungalows-and-villas-reality/</link>
  1246. <pubDate>Sat, 11 Nov 2023 17:16:12 +0000</pubDate>
  1247. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=50376</guid>
  1248. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-bungalows-and-villas-reality/#respond</comments>
  1249. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-bungalows-and-villas-reality/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  1250. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  1251. <description> Today, we&#039;re going to discuss Hawaii Bungalows and Villas. This question arises frequently, and today, I will clarify what these terms truly mean in the context of accommodations here in the Hawaiian Islands. Recently, a client called me and attempted to compare Hawaii to Bora Bora, which is like comparing apples and oranges.When you hear the terms Villa or Bungalow, certain images come to mind for most people. It typically denotes a detached, separate accommodation with some privacy and possibly two floors. Villas are typically larger than even a standard house and generally are more luxurious.  A bungalow is usually a single-story home with one level or a variation of a raised structure, sometimes over the water. It’s usually a bit more rustic and, in terms of vacations, part of all-inclusive resorts in places like Bora Bora, New Zealand, or Maldives.
  1252.  
  1253.  
  1254.  
  1255. Hawaii&#039;s Bungalows and Villas: Myth vs. Reality
  1256.  
  1257.  
  1258.  
  1259. The truth is, in Hawaii, the terms &quot;Villas&quot; and &quot;Bungalows&quot; don&#039;t quite align with their conventional definitions. While these words may conjure images of luxurious, detached properties with sprawling gardens and serene verandas, the reality is often different. In this tropical paradise, these terms are often associated with condominiums, vacation rentals, or resort-style accommodations that provide a taste of the Hawaiian experience but not necessarily the detached opulence you might envision.Let’s give you some examples of Hawaii bungalows or villas you may be hearing about. I think the terms are a bit overused and, in some cases, misleading.
  1260.  
  1261.  
  1262.  
  1263. For example, let&#039;s discuss the Royal Lahaina Beach Hotel and Bungalows. I adore the Royal Lahaina for its excellent value and cost-effectiveness when we&#039;re trying to stay within our budget on Maui. However, it&#039;s important to note that the &quot;bungalows&quot; here aren&#039;t precisely what you&#039;d typically envision as bungalows. I can see why they&#039;re referred to as such, but the reality differs. These &quot;bungalows&quot; consist of four separate studio rooms (some of which can be connected) within a single building designed to resemble a cottage.
  1264.  
  1265.  
  1266.  
  1267. Another example of properties labeled as &quot;Villas&quot; but don&#039;t quite fit the traditional villa definition are condo-like accommodations. An example is the Kaanapali Villas on Maui. These properties are essentially condos, with some units featuring lofts, which might be where the concept of calling them &quot;villas&quot; comes from. Similarly, places like The Island Colony Villas on the Big Island are more accurately described as condo complexes situated on a golf course on the Big Island.
  1268.  
  1269.  
  1270.  
  1271. Here are a few more instances where the &quot;villa&quot; label may be a bit of a stretch:
  1272.  
  1273.  
  1274.  
  1275. Kauai - Koloa Landing- Kalanipuu Villas- The Villas at Poipu Kai Wyndham Bali Hai &amp; Kauai Beach Villas- Westin Princeville Resort VillasOahu- Ko O‘lina Beach Club and Villas - Disney Aulani VillasMaui-  Kaanapali Villas-  Wailea Beach Villas-  Kapalua Villas - Maui Bay villas  - Big Island Island Colony - Waikaloa Beach Villas-  Fairway Villas
  1276.  
  1277.  
  1278.  
  1279. The True Face of Hawaiian Bungalows and Villas
  1280.  
  1281.  
  1282.  
  1283. That being said, there are indeed some remarkable accommodations in Hawaii that come close to providing a true villa experience. However, be prepared to splurge on these options. Here are a few examples of actual villas.Oahu - Turtle Bay Villas - Tiki Moon Villas- Ke Iki Beach BungalowsMaui-  Fairmont Kea Lani-  Andaz Maui - Montage Maui-  Luana Maui-  Ho‘olei at Grand WaileaBig Island- Various individually owned villa-like properties- Mauna Lani Villas - Hualalai Villas at Four Seasons
  1284.  
  1285.  
  1286.  
  1287. In conclusion, while Hawaii offers a wide range of accommodations, the labels &quot;bungalow&quot; and &quot;villa&quot; are sometimes used liberally and may not always align with their traditional definitions. It&#039;s important to research and understand the specifics of your chosen accommodation to ensure it meets your expectations.</description>
  1288. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/villas-bungalows-hawaii.mp3" length="13550574" type="audio/mpeg" />
  1289. <itunes:subtitle> Today, we&#039;re going to discuss Hawaii Bungalows and Villas. This question arises frequently, and today, I will clarify what these terms truly mean in the context of accommodations here in the Hawaiian Islands. Recently,</itunes:subtitle>
  1290. <itunes:summary> Today, we&#039;re going to discuss Hawaii Bungalows and Villas. This question arises frequently, and today, I will clarify what these terms truly mean in the context of accommodations here in the Hawaiian Islands. Recently, a client called me and attempted to compare Hawaii to Bora Bora, which is like comparing apples and oranges.When you hear the terms Villa or Bungalow, certain images come to mind for most people. It typically denotes a detached, separate accommodation with some privacy and possibly two floors. Villas are typically larger than even a standard house and generally are more luxurious.  A bungalow is usually a single-story home with one level or a variation of a raised structure, sometimes over the water. It’s usually a bit more rustic and, in terms of vacations, part of all-inclusive resorts in places like Bora Bora, New Zealand, or Maldives. &lt;br /&gt;
  1291. &lt;br /&gt;
  1292. &lt;br /&gt;
  1293. &lt;br /&gt;
  1294. Hawaii&#039;s Bungalows and Villas: Myth vs. Reality&lt;br /&gt;
  1295. &lt;br /&gt;
  1296. &lt;br /&gt;
  1297. &lt;br /&gt;
  1298. The truth is, in Hawaii, the terms &quot;Villas&quot; and &quot;Bungalows&quot; don&#039;t quite align with their conventional definitions. While these words may conjure images of luxurious, detached properties with sprawling gardens and serene verandas, the reality is often different. In this tropical paradise, these terms are often associated with condominiums, vacation rentals, or resort-style accommodations that provide a taste of the Hawaiian experience but not necessarily the detached opulence you might envision.Let’s give you some examples of Hawaii bungalows or villas you may be hearing about. I think the terms are a bit overused and, in some cases, misleading.&lt;br /&gt;
  1299. &lt;br /&gt;
  1300. &lt;br /&gt;
  1301. &lt;br /&gt;
  1302. For example, let&#039;s discuss the Royal Lahaina Beach Hotel and Bungalows. I adore the Royal Lahaina for its excellent value and cost-effectiveness when we&#039;re trying to stay within our budget on Maui. However, it&#039;s important to note that the &quot;bungalows&quot; here aren&#039;t precisely what you&#039;d typically envision as bungalows. I can see why they&#039;re referred to as such, but the reality differs. These &quot;bungalows&quot; consist of four separate studio rooms (some of which can be connected) within a single building designed to resemble a cottage.&lt;br /&gt;
  1303. &lt;br /&gt;
  1304. &lt;br /&gt;
  1305. &lt;br /&gt;
  1306. Another example of properties labeled as &quot;Villas&quot; but don&#039;t quite fit the traditional villa definition are condo-like accommodations. An example is the Kaanapali Villas on Maui. These properties are essentially condos, with some units featuring lofts, which might be where the concept of calling them &quot;villas&quot; comes from. Similarly, places like The Island Colony Villas on the Big Island are more accurately described as condo complexes situated on a golf course on the Big Island. &lt;br /&gt;
  1307. &lt;br /&gt;
  1308. &lt;br /&gt;
  1309. &lt;br /&gt;
  1310. Here are a few more instances where the &quot;villa&quot; label may be a bit of a stretch:&lt;br /&gt;
  1311. &lt;br /&gt;
  1312. &lt;br /&gt;
  1313. &lt;br /&gt;
  1314. Kauai - Koloa Landing- Kalanipuu Villas- The Villas at Poipu Kai Wyndham Bali Hai &amp; Kauai Beach Villas- Westin Princeville Resort VillasOahu- Ko O‘lina Beach Club and Villas - Disney Aulani VillasMaui-  Kaanapali Villas-  Wailea Beach Villas-  Kapalua Villas - Maui Bay villas  - Big Island Island Colony - Waikaloa Beach Villas-  Fairway Villas&lt;br /&gt;
  1315. &lt;br /&gt;
  1316. &lt;br /&gt;
  1317. &lt;br /&gt;
  1318. The True Face of Hawaiian Bungalows and Villas&lt;br /&gt;
  1319. &lt;br /&gt;
  1320. &lt;br /&gt;
  1321. &lt;br /&gt;
  1322. That being said, there are indeed some remarkable accommodations in Hawaii that come close to providing a true villa experience. However, be prepared to splurge on these options. Here are a few examples of actual villas.Oahu - Turtle Bay Villas - Tiki Moon Villas- Ke Iki Beach BungalowsMaui-  Fairmont Kea Lani-  Andaz Maui - Montage Maui-  Luana Maui-  Ho‘olei at Grand WaileaBig Island- Various individually owned villa-like properties- Mauna Lani Villas - Hualalai Villas at Four Seasons&lt;br /&gt;
  1323. &lt;br /&gt;
  1324. &lt;br /&gt;
  1325. &lt;br /&gt;
  1326. In conclusion, while Hawaii offers a wide range of accommodations, the labels &quot;bungalow&quot; and &quot;villa&quot; are sometimes used liberally and may not always align with their traditional definitions.</itunes:summary>
  1327. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  1328. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  1329. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  1330. <itunes:duration>16:40</itunes:duration>
  1331. </item>
  1332. <item>
  1333. <title>Exploring Kapaa, Hawaii</title>
  1334. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/exploring-kapaa-hawaii/</link>
  1335. <pubDate>Sun, 05 Nov 2023 21:26:35 +0000</pubDate>
  1336. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=50175</guid>
  1337. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/exploring-kapaa-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  1338. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/exploring-kapaa-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  1339. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  1340. <description>Kapaa (pronounced ka pah ah) is on the east side of the island of Kauai. In 1777 (Captain Cook’s time) the town was not populated, according to the book Rainbows Over Kapaa by Bill Fernandez. There is no mention of Kapaa, which means the solid”, in early Kauai history. In 1877, 13,400 acres were leased from the government by Makee Sugar Company. The venture failed because the operators had little knowledge about growing and processing sugar and the town was doomed to become “a backwater habitat of isolated squatter shanties of expatriate Chinese laborers.” Nevertheless, Kapaa turned its fortune around with a unique identity of mixed cultures and cheap land.
  1341.  
  1342.  
  1343.  
  1344. Emanating the American Dream, Kapaa’s early settlers created a thriving town. Visit Kapaa town today and you’ll see a large city (for Kauai) bustling with cars, stores, award-winning restaurants, hotels, resorts, shopping centers, and tourist attractions.
  1345.  
  1346.  
  1347.  
  1348. Where to Eat
  1349.  
  1350.  
  1351.  
  1352. For breakfast, I recommend the Kauai Benedict at Country Kitchen, which is made with lomilomi salmon and Kalua Pork atop thick Molokai sweetbread. Alternatively, you can try their Mediterranean omelet. I&#039;ve had both dishes there, and the omelet is packed with veggies, essentially making it a veggie omelet. Be prepared for a potential wait; although there isn&#039;t much of a view, it&#039;s worth it and a great way to start your morning. Additionally, it&#039;s worth mentioning the Olympic Cafe, also a great spot for breakfast. They serve some of the best Macadamia nut pancakes I&#039;ve ever eaten, with generous portions and a pleasant view. You can also visit this place for brunch or lunch.
  1353.  
  1354.  
  1355.  
  1356. Kauai Benedict
  1357.  
  1358.  
  1359.  
  1360. Let me introduce you to Kenji Burgers for lunch. Their burgers are truly exceptional, and this place isn&#039;t just your typical burger joint; it adds a delightful Japanese twist to these delectable creations. But that&#039;s not all; Kenji Burgers also serves up some incredible burritos. Their burrito options are nothing short of amazing. You absolutely must try their Japanese Sushi burrito, which features a tantalizing combination of Spicy tuna, Shrimp tempura, Crab meat, and a crispy wonton shell, making it a delightful and fun culinary experience.
  1361.  
  1362.  
  1363.  
  1364. Japanese Burrito
  1365.  
  1366.  
  1367.  
  1368. One of my favorite restaurants for dinner is Sam’s Oceanview in the heart of Kapaa. The food is delicious. The couple of times I’ve eaten here, I’ve had fresh fish; this last time, the Parmesan-Encrusted fresh Mahi Mahi was exceptional. The views are amazing here, so make sure you visit before the sunset. If you&#039;re in the mood for takeout that&#039;s not too fancy, I have to recommend Chicken in a Barrel in Kapaa; it&#039;s excellent. They specialize in smoked BBQ, but I particularly adore their ribs. They&#039;re incredibly juicy, and the meat practically falls off the bone. You can pair them with their chili for an unbeatable combo.
  1369.  
  1370.  
  1371.  
  1372. Parmesan-encrusted fresh Mahi Mahi
  1373.  
  1374.  
  1375.  
  1376. Kappa Outdoor Fun
  1377.  
  1378.  
  1379.  
  1380. Kapaa also has three beautiful beaches, which are accessible year-round for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling. Rent a bike and ride beside the ocean on the 2.5-mile paved Ke Ala Hele Makalae or “the path that goes by the coast.” The path takes you along, stretching from Lydgate Beach Park to the picturesque Donkey&#039;s Beach. Kapaa has five streams, Hoopi Falls, and five parks. Nounou or “Sleeping Giant,” provides day hikes with ocean views. You can enjoy a self-guided tour of the beautiful 300-acre Hindu monastery, take a chocolate tour at Lydgate Farms, kayak along the Wailua River, or play golf.
  1381.  
  1382.  
  1383.  
  1384.  
  1385.  
  1386.  
  1387.  
  1388. Kapaa: Local Shopping and events
  1389.  
  1390.  
  1391.  
  1392. Make sure you take the time to savor the Royal Coconut Coast, part of old Kapaa Town and offer an excellent way to support the local community through shopping. One of the most enjoyable ways to explore Kapaa is at a leisurely pace on foot. Old Town Kapaa is brimming with quirky clothing stores, diverse ethnic restaurants, handcrafted Hawaiian goods, musical vibes, fruit stalls, cozy coffee shops, yoga studios,</description>
  1393. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/kapaa.mp3" length="12546490" type="audio/mpeg" />
  1394. <itunes:subtitle>Kapaa (pronounced ka pah ah) is on the east side of the island of Kauai. In 1777 (Captain Cook’s time) the town was not populated, according to the book Rainbows Over Kapaa by Bill Fernandez. There is no mention of Kapaa, which means the solid”,</itunes:subtitle>
  1395. <itunes:summary>Kapaa (pronounced ka pah ah) is on the east side of the island of Kauai. In 1777 (Captain Cook’s time) the town was not populated, according to the book Rainbows Over Kapaa by Bill Fernandez. There is no mention of Kapaa, which means the solid”, in early Kauai history. In 1877, 13,400 acres were leased from the government by Makee Sugar Company. The venture failed because the operators had little knowledge about growing and processing sugar and the town was doomed to become “a backwater habitat of isolated squatter shanties of expatriate Chinese laborers.” Nevertheless, Kapaa turned its fortune around with a unique identity of mixed cultures and cheap land.&lt;br /&gt;
  1396. &lt;br /&gt;
  1397. &lt;br /&gt;
  1398. &lt;br /&gt;
  1399. Emanating the American Dream, Kapaa’s early settlers created a thriving town. Visit Kapaa town today and you’ll see a large city (for Kauai) bustling with cars, stores, award-winning restaurants, hotels, resorts, shopping centers, and tourist attractions.&lt;br /&gt;
  1400. &lt;br /&gt;
  1401. &lt;br /&gt;
  1402. &lt;br /&gt;
  1403. Where to Eat &lt;br /&gt;
  1404. &lt;br /&gt;
  1405. &lt;br /&gt;
  1406. &lt;br /&gt;
  1407. For breakfast, I recommend the Kauai Benedict at Country Kitchen, which is made with lomilomi salmon and Kalua Pork atop thick Molokai sweetbread. Alternatively, you can try their Mediterranean omelet. I&#039;ve had both dishes there, and the omelet is packed with veggies, essentially making it a veggie omelet. Be prepared for a potential wait; although there isn&#039;t much of a view, it&#039;s worth it and a great way to start your morning. Additionally, it&#039;s worth mentioning the Olympic Cafe, also a great spot for breakfast. They serve some of the best Macadamia nut pancakes I&#039;ve ever eaten, with generous portions and a pleasant view. You can also visit this place for brunch or lunch.&lt;br /&gt;
  1408. &lt;br /&gt;
  1409. &lt;br /&gt;
  1410. &lt;br /&gt;
  1411. Kauai Benedict&lt;br /&gt;
  1412. &lt;br /&gt;
  1413. &lt;br /&gt;
  1414. &lt;br /&gt;
  1415. Let me introduce you to Kenji Burgers for lunch. Their burgers are truly exceptional, and this place isn&#039;t just your typical burger joint; it adds a delightful Japanese twist to these delectable creations. But that&#039;s not all; Kenji Burgers also serves up some incredible burritos. Their burrito options are nothing short of amazing. You absolutely must try their Japanese Sushi burrito, which features a tantalizing combination of Spicy tuna, Shrimp tempura, Crab meat, and a crispy wonton shell, making it a delightful and fun culinary experience.&lt;br /&gt;
  1416. &lt;br /&gt;
  1417. &lt;br /&gt;
  1418. &lt;br /&gt;
  1419. Japanese Burrito &lt;br /&gt;
  1420. &lt;br /&gt;
  1421. &lt;br /&gt;
  1422. &lt;br /&gt;
  1423. One of my favorite restaurants for dinner is Sam’s Oceanview in the heart of Kapaa. The food is delicious. The couple of times I’ve eaten here, I’ve had fresh fish; this last time, the Parmesan-Encrusted fresh Mahi Mahi was exceptional. The views are amazing here, so make sure you visit before the sunset. If you&#039;re in the mood for takeout that&#039;s not too fancy, I have to recommend Chicken in a Barrel in Kapaa; it&#039;s excellent. They specialize in smoked BBQ, but I particularly adore their ribs. They&#039;re incredibly juicy, and the meat practically falls off the bone. You can pair them with their chili for an unbeatable combo.&lt;br /&gt;
  1424. &lt;br /&gt;
  1425. &lt;br /&gt;
  1426. &lt;br /&gt;
  1427. Parmesan-encrusted fresh Mahi Mahi &lt;br /&gt;
  1428. &lt;br /&gt;
  1429. &lt;br /&gt;
  1430. &lt;br /&gt;
  1431. Kappa Outdoor Fun&lt;br /&gt;
  1432. &lt;br /&gt;
  1433. &lt;br /&gt;
  1434. &lt;br /&gt;
  1435. Kapaa also has three beautiful beaches, which are accessible year-round for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling. Rent a bike and ride beside the ocean on the 2.5-mile paved Ke Ala Hele Makalae or “the path that goes by the coast.” The path takes you along, stretching from Lydgate Beach Park to the picturesque Donkey&#039;s Beach. Kapaa has five streams, Hoopi Falls, and five parks. Nounou or “Sleeping Giant,” provides day hikes with ocean views. You can enjoy a self-guided tour of the beautiful 300-acre Hindu monastery, take a chocolate tour at Lydgate Farms, kayak along the Wailua River, or play golf.&lt;br /&gt;
  1436. &lt;br /&gt;
  1437. &lt;br /&gt;
  1438. &lt;br /&gt;
  1439. &lt;br /&gt;
  1440. &lt;br /&gt;
  1441. &lt;br /&gt;
  1442. &lt;br /&gt;
  1443. Kapaa: Local Shopping and events&lt;br /&gt;
  1444. &lt;br /&gt;
  1445. &lt;br /&gt;
  1446. &lt;br /&gt;
  1447. Make sure you take the time to savor the Royal Coconut Coast, part of old Kapaa Town and offer an excellent way to support the ...</itunes:summary>
  1448. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  1449. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  1450. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  1451. <itunes:duration>15:08</itunes:duration>
  1452. </item>
  1453. <item>
  1454. <title>Car Rental Hawaii</title>
  1455. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/car-rental-hawaii/</link>
  1456. <pubDate>Mon, 30 Oct 2023 22:44:29 +0000</pubDate>
  1457. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=49974</guid>
  1458. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/car-rental-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  1459. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/car-rental-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  1460. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  1461. <description>On the last podcast, I talked about driving the Ka iwi coast, which prompted a couple of responses from you. Jason,  who is a long-time listener, was curious about the hike I take, and I sent him the route; he’s gonna plug it into his iFit. I also heard from Trish, who asked me about car rental in Hawaii and if I have any advice, so we talked about that on today’s podcast.
  1462.  
  1463.  
  1464.  
  1465. The best part of being in Hawaii is exploration. Whether on a guided tour or on your own with a Hawaii car rental, your Hawaiian experience is enhanced by the ability to get out and see the islands&#039; beauty. I am surprised at how many people never leave their hotel when they come to the islands. Your vacation to Hawaii should never revolve solely around staying in a hotel.
  1466.  
  1467.  
  1468.  
  1469. Having a Hawaii car rental is pretty much synonymous with a Hawaii trip, so it&#039;s recommended on all islands. However, on Oahu, you can probably get away with having a rental car for just a couple of days. But if you plan on staying outside Waikiki, having a car is a must.
  1470.  
  1471.  
  1472.  
  1473. A Car Rental in Hawaii saves you money!
  1474.  
  1475.  
  1476.  
  1477. Having a car grants you an abundance of flexibility when crafting your itinerary, given the vast array of sights and activities to explore on the islands. While it&#039;s true that a rental car can&#039;t entirely replace the experience of guided tours to certain attractions, it can often translate into cost savings, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. Many Hawaii tour companies have raised their pickup fees significantly in recent years, especially for popular events like luaus. For a family of four, the transportation cost alone could easily reach $200.00.Conversely, another compelling reason to have a car at your disposal pertains to the changes also brought about by the pandemic. Many attractions that once provided transportation as part of their packages have discontinued this service. This shift is particularly notable on Oahu, where numerous visitors seek out adventures like ziplining on the picturesque North Shore or embarking on horseback riding adventures in Mokuleia. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, many vendors can no longer afford to include transportation, leaving travelers to their own devices when it comes to reaching these sought-after destinations.
  1478.  
  1479.  
  1480.  
  1481. Car Rental in Hawaii - Pro Tips
  1482.  
  1483.  
  1484.  
  1485. Hawaii car rental prices vary from island to island and depend on the time of year. Most car rental companies are here, including Turo, which is becoming very popular in the islands. The average price of a car can range from $49.00 for an economy car to $175 for a luxury or Jeep vehicle. This does not include taxes and fees, which can be substantial. If you use a company like ours, these fees are included, and you can save money if you bundle a car into your Hawaii vacation package. Gas is another factor to consider, so rent the smallest car if possible. Also, on Oahu, there are ride-sharing and electric car alternatives. Parking is very expensive in Hawaii. In some cases, the cost of parking is more than renting the car itself. Make sure you factor that in when budgeting for your Hawaii vacation. Be care to to take out toomuch insurance! Many guests are so exhausted when they arrive they just sign up for all the extras incuding emergency towing and not realize they added hundres of dollars to the car rental cost.
  1486.  
  1487.  
  1488.  
  1489. Fun Scenic Drives
  1490.  
  1491.  
  1492.  
  1493. Oahu - Circle Island Scenic Drive: A trip to Oahu is incomplete unless you have visited the North Shore. It&#039;s likely you&#039;ll be staying in Waikiki, so this is a fun Hawaii car rental all-day adventure. It’s best to get an early start and take the 45-minute dive directly to the North Shore and circle the entire island.
  1494.  
  1495.  
  1496.  
  1497.  
  1498. Dole Plantation
  1499.  
  1500.  
  1501.  
  1502. Wailea Coffee Plantation
  1503.  
  1504.  
  1505.  
  1506. Rum Faculty
  1507.  
  1508.  
  1509.  
  1510. Haleiwa and Alii Beach (Turtles)
  1511.  
  1512.  
  1513.  
  1514. Waimea, Sunset, and Pipeline Beaches (Huge winter waves)
  1515.  
  1516.  
  1517.  
  1518. Sharks Cove
  1519.  
  1520.  
  1521.  
  1522. Kualoa Ranch
  1523.  
  1524.  
  1525.  
  1526. Mac nut Factory
  1527.  
  1528.  
  1529.  
  1530.  
  1531. Maui - Scenic Drive Upcountry: A scenic drive upcountry Maui is an enchanting journey through lush lan...</description>
  1532. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/car-rental-hawaii.mp3" length="13542010" type="audio/mpeg" />
  1533. <itunes:subtitle>On the last podcast, I talked about driving the Ka iwi coast, which prompted a couple of responses from you. Jason,  who is a long-time listener, was curious about the hike I take, and I sent him the route; he’s gonna plug it into his iFit.</itunes:subtitle>
  1534. <itunes:summary>On the last podcast, I talked about driving the Ka iwi coast, which prompted a couple of responses from you. Jason,  who is a long-time listener, was curious about the hike I take, and I sent him the route; he’s gonna plug it into his iFit. I also heard from Trish, who asked me about car rental in Hawaii and if I have any advice, so we talked about that on today’s podcast.&lt;br /&gt;
  1535. &lt;br /&gt;
  1536. &lt;br /&gt;
  1537. &lt;br /&gt;
  1538. The best part of being in Hawaii is exploration. Whether on a guided tour or on your own with a Hawaii car rental, your Hawaiian experience is enhanced by the ability to get out and see the islands&#039; beauty. I am surprised at how many people never leave their hotel when they come to the islands. Your vacation to Hawaii should never revolve solely around staying in a hotel.&lt;br /&gt;
  1539. &lt;br /&gt;
  1540. &lt;br /&gt;
  1541. &lt;br /&gt;
  1542. Having a Hawaii car rental is pretty much synonymous with a Hawaii trip, so it&#039;s recommended on all islands. However, on Oahu, you can probably get away with having a rental car for just a couple of days. But if you plan on staying outside Waikiki, having a car is a must.&lt;br /&gt;
  1543. &lt;br /&gt;
  1544. &lt;br /&gt;
  1545. &lt;br /&gt;
  1546. A Car Rental in Hawaii saves you money!&lt;br /&gt;
  1547. &lt;br /&gt;
  1548. &lt;br /&gt;
  1549. &lt;br /&gt;
  1550. Having a car grants you an abundance of flexibility when crafting your itinerary, given the vast array of sights and activities to explore on the islands. While it&#039;s true that a rental car can&#039;t entirely replace the experience of guided tours to certain attractions, it can often translate into cost savings, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. Many Hawaii tour companies have raised their pickup fees significantly in recent years, especially for popular events like luaus. For a family of four, the transportation cost alone could easily reach $200.00.Conversely, another compelling reason to have a car at your disposal pertains to the changes also brought about by the pandemic. Many attractions that once provided transportation as part of their packages have discontinued this service. This shift is particularly notable on Oahu, where numerous visitors seek out adventures like ziplining on the picturesque North Shore or embarking on horseback riding adventures in Mokuleia. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, many vendors can no longer afford to include transportation, leaving travelers to their own devices when it comes to reaching these sought-after destinations.&lt;br /&gt;
  1551. &lt;br /&gt;
  1552. &lt;br /&gt;
  1553. &lt;br /&gt;
  1554. Car Rental in Hawaii - Pro Tips &lt;br /&gt;
  1555. &lt;br /&gt;
  1556. &lt;br /&gt;
  1557. &lt;br /&gt;
  1558. Hawaii car rental prices vary from island to island and depend on the time of year. Most car rental companies are here, including Turo, which is becoming very popular in the islands. The average price of a car can range from $49.00 for an economy car to $175 for a luxury or Jeep vehicle. This does not include taxes and fees, which can be substantial. If you use a company like ours, these fees are included, and you can save money if you bundle a car into your Hawaii vacation package. Gas is another factor to consider, so rent the smallest car if possible. Also, on Oahu, there are ride-sharing and electric car alternatives. Parking is very expensive in Hawaii. In some cases, the cost of parking is more than renting the car itself. Make sure you factor that in when budgeting for your Hawaii vacation. Be care to to take out toomuch insurance! Many guests are so exhausted when they arrive they just sign up for all the extras incuding emergency towing and not realize they added hundres of dollars to the car rental cost. &lt;br /&gt;
  1559. &lt;br /&gt;
  1560. &lt;br /&gt;
  1561. &lt;br /&gt;
  1562. Fun Scenic Drives&lt;br /&gt;
  1563. &lt;br /&gt;
  1564. &lt;br /&gt;
  1565. &lt;br /&gt;
  1566. Oahu - Circle Island Scenic Drive: A trip to Oahu is incomplete unless you have visited the North Shore. It&#039;s likely you&#039;ll be staying in Waikiki, so this is a fun Hawaii car rental all-day adventure. It’s best to get an early start and take the 45-minute dive directly to the North Shore and circle the entire island.&lt;br /&gt;
  1567. &lt;br /&gt;
  1568. &lt;br /&gt;
  1569. &lt;br /&gt;
  1570. &lt;br /&gt;
  1571. Dole Plantation&lt;br /&gt;
  1572. &lt;br /&gt;
  1573. &lt;br /&gt;
  1574. &lt;br /&gt;
  1575. Wailea Coffee Plantation&lt;br /&gt;
  1576. &lt;br /&gt;
  1577. &lt;br /&gt;
  1578. </itunes:summary>
  1579. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  1580. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  1581. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  1582. <itunes:duration>16:50</itunes:duration>
  1583. </item>
  1584. <item>
  1585. <title>Driving the Ka Iwi Coast</title>
  1586. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/driving-the-ka-iwi-coast/</link>
  1587. <pubDate>Sat, 21 Oct 2023 19:26:29 +0000</pubDate>
  1588. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=49922</guid>
  1589. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/driving-the-ka-iwi-coast/#respond</comments>
  1590. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/driving-the-ka-iwi-coast/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  1591. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  1592. <description>I&#039;ve lived in Hawaii for almost three decades, primarily in the southern part of the island in an area known as Hawaii Kai. If you&#039;re on Oahu, I highly recommend stopping in this community before heading along the coast.  This community is the gateway to Hawaii&#039;s most beautiful coastline; the Ka Iwi Coast, located approximately 15 miles south of Waikiki. 
  1593.  
  1594.  
  1595.  
  1596. Getting there is an easy, short drive from Waikiki, and along the way is Koko Marina Shopping Center. It’s the perfect stop for an early morning breakfast before exploring the coast or spending the day at Hanauma Bay.  Here, you&#039;ll find local shops, restaurants, and the famous Leonard&#039;s Malasada truck. Malasadas are Hawaii&#039;s answer to doughnuts, and people flock from all over the world to try them. 
  1597.  
  1598.  
  1599.  
  1600. This coastal stretch spans about 8 miles and features numerous must-see attractions. I frequently hike along this coastline, which has made it an intimately familiar place, and I consistently find it awe-inspiring. 
  1601.  
  1602.  
  1603.  
  1604. Ka Iwi&quot; in Hawaiian means &quot;the bone,&quot; and there are multiple interpretations of how it was named. However, it is generally believed that the name serves as a reminder of the significant importance that bones hold, as they are believed to contain &quot;Mana,&quot; or a person’s soul. It is also thought that Ka Iwi coast was one of the first landing sites for the Native Hawaiians who arrived from Polynesia on Oahu.
  1605.  
  1606.  
  1607.  
  1608. You can take as little or as much time as you like to explore the coast, and there are a couple of stops where you can pause and spend the day, if you wish. For example, you could spend the day at Hanauma Bay or combine the Makapuu Lighthouse hike with an afternoon swim at Waimanalo Beach, a little further up the coast.
  1609.  
  1610.  
  1611.  
  1612. If you want to take a scenic drive, the coast is perfect for that and will take about an hour to complete, with short stops at the various lookouts along the way. 
  1613.  
  1614.  
  1615.  
  1616. These are the highlights to explore;
  1617.  
  1618.  
  1619.  
  1620. China Walls 
  1621.  
  1622.  
  1623.  
  1624. China Walls Cliffs
  1625.  
  1626.  
  1627.  
  1628. Just South of Koko Marina, you can discover China Walls. It’s accessed from the Portlock residential neighborhood via a park at Hanepepe Place. 
  1629.  
  1630.  
  1631.  
  1632. It&#039;s known for its dramatic natural rock formations, which create a series of cliffs and ledges along the shoreline. Visitors should know that cliff jumping can be dangerous and should exercise caution if considering it.
  1633.  
  1634.  
  1635.  
  1636. Koko Crater
  1637.  
  1638.  
  1639.  
  1640. As you continue south on Kalanianaole Highway, you&#039;ll see a lookout on the left side with a view of Koko Crater. Feel free to park your car and capture some photos, and be sure to glance back toward Waikiki for a spectacular view of the south side, including Diamond Head.
  1641.  
  1642.  
  1643.  
  1644. Koko Crater Lookout
  1645.  
  1646.  
  1647.  
  1648. Lanai Lookout
  1649.  
  1650.  
  1651.  
  1652. After passing Hanauma Bay, you&#039;ll come across Lanai Lookout. On a clear day, you can spot the islands of Lanai and Molokai, which is how it got its name. During the winter months, which is whale-watching season, you might even catch sight of whales breaching in the ocean.
  1653.  
  1654.  
  1655.  
  1656. Lanai Lookout - Ka Iwi Coast
  1657.  
  1658.  
  1659.  
  1660. Halona Blowhole
  1661.  
  1662.  
  1663.  
  1664. The next attraction is the Halona Blow Hole as you proceed along the coast. It&#039;s a natural geyser that ejects a spray of water when wave energy collides with the rocky shoreline. Additionally, there&#039;s an access point to Halona Beach Cove, which you can reach via a steep pathway adjacent to the parking area. This may look familiar since it’s a popular filming location for Movies and TV shows.
  1665.  
  1666.  
  1667.  
  1668. Halona Blow Hole
  1669.  
  1670.  
  1671.  
  1672. Sandy Beach Park
  1673.  
  1674.  
  1675.  
  1676. Sandy&#039;s, as locals commonly call it, is a stretch of golden sandy beach situated at the foot of Koko Crater. The beach isn&#039;t particularly safe for swimming due to the strong shore break. However, if you are an experienced boogie boarder or bodysurfer, this is the ideal spot for you. Alternatively, I recommend simply driving through and making a stop at the tide pools just beyond the beach. You can dip your toes in the water or wade in if you prefer.
  1677.  
  1678.  
  1679.  
  1680. Sandy Beach Park
  1681.  
  1682.  
  1683.  
  1684. Makapuu Lookout and Lighthouse 
  1685.  
  1686.  
  1687.  
  1688. The final destination along the coast is Makapu...</description>
  1689. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/drive-ka-iwiw-coast.mp3" length="12897160" type="audio/mpeg" />
  1690. <itunes:subtitle>I&#039;ve lived in Hawaii for almost three decades, primarily in the southern part of the island in an area known as Hawaii Kai. If you&#039;re on Oahu, I highly recommend stopping in this community before heading along the coast.</itunes:subtitle>
  1691. <itunes:summary>I&#039;ve lived in Hawaii for almost three decades, primarily in the southern part of the island in an area known as Hawaii Kai. If you&#039;re on Oahu, I highly recommend stopping in this community before heading along the coast.  This community is the gateway to Hawaii&#039;s most beautiful coastline; the Ka Iwi Coast, located approximately 15 miles south of Waikiki. &lt;br /&gt;
  1692. &lt;br /&gt;
  1693. &lt;br /&gt;
  1694. &lt;br /&gt;
  1695. Getting there is an easy, short drive from Waikiki, and along the way is Koko Marina Shopping Center. It’s the perfect stop for an early morning breakfast before exploring the coast or spending the day at Hanauma Bay.  Here, you&#039;ll find local shops, restaurants, and the famous Leonard&#039;s Malasada truck. Malasadas are Hawaii&#039;s answer to doughnuts, and people flock from all over the world to try them. &lt;br /&gt;
  1696. &lt;br /&gt;
  1697. &lt;br /&gt;
  1698. &lt;br /&gt;
  1699. This coastal stretch spans about 8 miles and features numerous must-see attractions. I frequently hike along this coastline, which has made it an intimately familiar place, and I consistently find it awe-inspiring. &lt;br /&gt;
  1700. &lt;br /&gt;
  1701. &lt;br /&gt;
  1702. &lt;br /&gt;
  1703. Ka Iwi&quot; in Hawaiian means &quot;the bone,&quot; and there are multiple interpretations of how it was named. However, it is generally believed that the name serves as a reminder of the significant importance that bones hold, as they are believed to contain &quot;Mana,&quot; or a person’s soul. It is also thought that Ka Iwi coast was one of the first landing sites for the Native Hawaiians who arrived from Polynesia on Oahu.&lt;br /&gt;
  1704. &lt;br /&gt;
  1705. &lt;br /&gt;
  1706. &lt;br /&gt;
  1707. You can take as little or as much time as you like to explore the coast, and there are a couple of stops where you can pause and spend the day, if you wish. For example, you could spend the day at Hanauma Bay or combine the Makapuu Lighthouse hike with an afternoon swim at Waimanalo Beach, a little further up the coast.&lt;br /&gt;
  1708. &lt;br /&gt;
  1709. &lt;br /&gt;
  1710. &lt;br /&gt;
  1711. If you want to take a scenic drive, the coast is perfect for that and will take about an hour to complete, with short stops at the various lookouts along the way. &lt;br /&gt;
  1712. &lt;br /&gt;
  1713. &lt;br /&gt;
  1714. &lt;br /&gt;
  1715. These are the highlights to explore;&lt;br /&gt;
  1716. &lt;br /&gt;
  1717. &lt;br /&gt;
  1718. &lt;br /&gt;
  1719. China Walls &lt;br /&gt;
  1720. &lt;br /&gt;
  1721. &lt;br /&gt;
  1722. &lt;br /&gt;
  1723. China Walls Cliffs &lt;br /&gt;
  1724. &lt;br /&gt;
  1725. &lt;br /&gt;
  1726. &lt;br /&gt;
  1727. Just South of Koko Marina, you can discover China Walls. It’s accessed from the Portlock residential neighborhood via a park at Hanepepe Place. &lt;br /&gt;
  1728. &lt;br /&gt;
  1729. &lt;br /&gt;
  1730. &lt;br /&gt;
  1731. It&#039;s known for its dramatic natural rock formations, which create a series of cliffs and ledges along the shoreline. Visitors should know that cliff jumping can be dangerous and should exercise caution if considering it.&lt;br /&gt;
  1732. &lt;br /&gt;
  1733. &lt;br /&gt;
  1734. &lt;br /&gt;
  1735. Koko Crater&lt;br /&gt;
  1736. &lt;br /&gt;
  1737. &lt;br /&gt;
  1738. &lt;br /&gt;
  1739. As you continue south on Kalanianaole Highway, you&#039;ll see a lookout on the left side with a view of Koko Crater. Feel free to park your car and capture some photos, and be sure to glance back toward Waikiki for a spectacular view of the south side, including Diamond Head.&lt;br /&gt;
  1740. &lt;br /&gt;
  1741. &lt;br /&gt;
  1742. &lt;br /&gt;
  1743. Koko Crater Lookout &lt;br /&gt;
  1744. &lt;br /&gt;
  1745. &lt;br /&gt;
  1746. &lt;br /&gt;
  1747. Lanai Lookout&lt;br /&gt;
  1748. &lt;br /&gt;
  1749. &lt;br /&gt;
  1750. &lt;br /&gt;
  1751. After passing Hanauma Bay, you&#039;ll come across Lanai Lookout. On a clear day, you can spot the islands of Lanai and Molokai, which is how it got its name. During the winter months, which is whale-watching season, you might even catch sight of whales breaching in the ocean.&lt;br /&gt;
  1752. &lt;br /&gt;
  1753. &lt;br /&gt;
  1754. &lt;br /&gt;
  1755. Lanai Lookout - Ka Iwi Coast &lt;br /&gt;
  1756. &lt;br /&gt;
  1757. &lt;br /&gt;
  1758. &lt;br /&gt;
  1759. Halona Blowhole&lt;br /&gt;
  1760. &lt;br /&gt;
  1761. &lt;br /&gt;
  1762. &lt;br /&gt;
  1763. The next attraction is the Halona Blow Hole as you proceed along the coast. It&#039;s a natural geyser that ejects a spray of water when wave energy collides with the rocky shoreline. Additionally, there&#039;s an access point to Halona Beach Cove, which you can reach via a steep pathway adjacent to the parking area. This may look familiar since it’s a popular filming location for Movies and TV shows.&lt;br /&gt;
  1764. &lt;br /&gt;
  1765. &lt;br /&gt;
  1766. &lt;br /&gt;
  1767. Halona Blow Hole&lt;br /&gt;
  1768. &lt;br /&gt;
  1769. &lt;br /&gt;
  1770. &lt;br /&gt;
  1771. Sandy Beach Park&lt;br /&gt;
  1772. &lt;br /&gt;
  1773. &lt;br /&gt;
  1774. &lt;br /&gt;
  1775. Sandy&#039;s, as locals commonly call it,</itunes:summary>
  1776. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  1777. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  1778. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  1779. <itunes:duration>14:48</itunes:duration>
  1780. </item>
  1781. <item>
  1782. <title>Hawaii Vacation Cost</title>
  1783. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-vacation-cost/</link>
  1784. <pubDate>Sat, 14 Oct 2023 19:23:23 +0000</pubDate>
  1785. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=49746</guid>
  1786. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-vacation-cost/#respond</comments>
  1787. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-vacation-cost/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  1788. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  1789. <description>The cost of a Hawaii vacation is one of the first questions when consulting clients about their trips. While Hawaii is known to be an expensive destination, proper planning can make a Hawaiian vacation affordable and achievable for most people who want to visit the islands. There are several factors to consider when budgeting, so it&#039;s a good idea to get a head start and plan at least eight months in advance.
  1790.  
  1791.  
  1792.  
  1793. The following information will help you get a realistic budget set so that you can come up with a ballpark idea of the cost and start planning. 
  1794.  
  1795.  
  1796.  
  1797. A Simple Formula 
  1798.  
  1799.  
  1800.  
  1801. Here&#039;s a straightforward approach to estimating your expenses when working on your budget. Begin with the essentials, which include considering airfare, accommodations, and ground transportation. Additionally, create an all-inclusive budget that accounts for the entire vacation. Despite meticulous planning, unforeseen expenses can arise, so it&#039;s wise to allocate extra funds to prevent exceeding your budget. 
  1802.  
  1803.  
  1804.  
  1805. Here&#039;s a simple formula to estimate the per-person cost of a vacation to Hawaii:Airfare + Accommodations + Transportation = Basic ballpark.
  1806.  
  1807.  
  1808.  
  1809. Once you’ve calculated the basic costs, add $150.00 per person for each day you spend in Hawaii. While that may seem like a lot, this amount will cover everything else you&#039;ll be spending on your vacation, including meals, taxes, gas, incidentals, and gifts.
  1810.  
  1811.  
  1812.  
  1813. Using the above formula, here’s a typical example of an estimated per-person cost for a 6-night 7-day Vacation for two from the East Coast to Oahu.
  1814.  
  1815.  
  1816.  
  1817. AirfareCost per PersonTotal for 2 People Airfare$850.00$1,700Accommodations (6 nights)$375.00/night$2,250Car Rental (7 days)$75.00/day$525Daily Spend Per Person$150.00/day$1,050Total Ballpark Price$2,762.50$5,525Calculation of Hawaii Vacation Cost
  1818.  
  1819.  
  1820.  
  1821. Cost-saving tips:
  1822.  
  1823.  
  1824.  
  1825.  
  1826. Book Flights Early: Flights to Hawaii are a major expensive part of your trip.  Typically, you can secure the best deals by booking your flights at least six months in advance. 
  1827.  
  1828.  
  1829.  
  1830. Consider using a professional service like ours. We have access to all the airlines that fly to Hawaii and have contracted rates with hotels. We also offer bundled packages, which can provide even more savings.
  1831.  
  1832.  
  1833.  
  1834. Take advantage of Travel Protection: Travel protection isn&#039;t just about having insurance for when something goes wrong. Companies like ours also offer price protection, allowing you to lock in a great rate. If the price drops, we can adjust it or cancel the booking.
  1835.  
  1836.  
  1837.  
  1838. Be flexible on dates. Consider choosing dates during the shoulder season, from mid-April to early June, when rates are less expensive. If you’re planning a trip during a holiday, think about coming a week before or after the holiday. If you have children, consider taking them out of school early.
  1839.  
  1840.  
  1841.  
  1842. Consider a Vacation Rental: The vacation rental market in Hawaii is quite different from other destinations. Several laws are in place that restrict these properties. However, finding a suitable condo vacation rental can save significantly on meals, especially if you have a large family.
  1843.  
  1844.  
  1845.  
  1846. Free Activities:  Take advantage of the many free activities in Hawaii, such as swimming, hiking, cultural activities, town strolls, and window shopping. Most properties charge a resort fee, which often includes valuable activities and events taking place at the resort. 
  1847.  
  1848.  
  1849.  
  1850.  
  1851. Remember that Hawaii vacation prices fluctuate regularly, so it&#039;s crucial to stay informed and be prepared to make bookings when you find a deal that fits your budget.
  1852.  
  1853.  
  1854.  
  1855. In conclusion, a family vacation to Hawaii can be an unforgettable experience that brings loved ones closer together. By planning ahead, making smart choices, and embracing the island&#039;s diverse offerings, you can create cherished memories without breaking the bank. So, don&#039;t delay—start planning your Hawaii family vacation today! Aloha!
  1856.  
  1857.  
  1858.  
  1859. We&#039;re here to help, check out our All-Inclusive Hawaii Packages or get help with airfare, picking hotels or activities.</description>
  1860. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/hawaii-budgeting-formula.mp3" length="14187792" type="audio/mpeg" />
  1861. <itunes:subtitle>The cost of a Hawaii vacation is one of the first questions when consulting clients about their trips. While Hawaii is known to be an expensive destination, proper planning can make a Hawaiian vacation affordable and achievable for most people who want...</itunes:subtitle>
  1862. <itunes:summary>The cost of a Hawaii vacation is one of the first questions when consulting clients about their trips. While Hawaii is known to be an expensive destination, proper planning can make a Hawaiian vacation affordable and achievable for most people who want to visit the islands. There are several factors to consider when budgeting, so it&#039;s a good idea to get a head start and plan at least eight months in advance.&lt;br /&gt;
  1863. &lt;br /&gt;
  1864. &lt;br /&gt;
  1865. &lt;br /&gt;
  1866. The following information will help you get a realistic budget set so that you can come up with a ballpark idea of the cost and start planning. &lt;br /&gt;
  1867. &lt;br /&gt;
  1868. &lt;br /&gt;
  1869. &lt;br /&gt;
  1870. A Simple Formula &lt;br /&gt;
  1871. &lt;br /&gt;
  1872. &lt;br /&gt;
  1873. &lt;br /&gt;
  1874. Here&#039;s a straightforward approach to estimating your expenses when working on your budget. Begin with the essentials, which include considering airfare, accommodations, and ground transportation. Additionally, create an all-inclusive budget that accounts for the entire vacation. Despite meticulous planning, unforeseen expenses can arise, so it&#039;s wise to allocate extra funds to prevent exceeding your budget. &lt;br /&gt;
  1875. &lt;br /&gt;
  1876. &lt;br /&gt;
  1877. &lt;br /&gt;
  1878. Here&#039;s a simple formula to estimate the per-person cost of a vacation to Hawaii:Airfare + Accommodations + Transportation = Basic ballpark.&lt;br /&gt;
  1879. &lt;br /&gt;
  1880. &lt;br /&gt;
  1881. &lt;br /&gt;
  1882. Once you’ve calculated the basic costs, add $150.00 per person for each day you spend in Hawaii. While that may seem like a lot, this amount will cover everything else you&#039;ll be spending on your vacation, including meals, taxes, gas, incidentals, and gifts.&lt;br /&gt;
  1883. &lt;br /&gt;
  1884. &lt;br /&gt;
  1885. &lt;br /&gt;
  1886. Using the above formula, here’s a typical example of an estimated per-person cost for a 6-night 7-day Vacation for two from the East Coast to Oahu.&lt;br /&gt;
  1887. &lt;br /&gt;
  1888. &lt;br /&gt;
  1889. &lt;br /&gt;
  1890. AirfareCost per PersonTotal for 2 People Airfare$850.00$1,700Accommodations (6 nights)$375.00/night$2,250Car Rental (7 days)$75.00/day$525Daily Spend Per Person$150.00/day$1,050Total Ballpark Price$2,762.50$5,525Calculation of Hawaii Vacation Cost&lt;br /&gt;
  1891. &lt;br /&gt;
  1892. &lt;br /&gt;
  1893. &lt;br /&gt;
  1894. Cost-saving tips:&lt;br /&gt;
  1895. &lt;br /&gt;
  1896. &lt;br /&gt;
  1897. &lt;br /&gt;
  1898. &lt;br /&gt;
  1899. Book Flights Early: Flights to Hawaii are a major expensive part of your trip.  Typically, you can secure the best deals by booking your flights at least six months in advance. &lt;br /&gt;
  1900. &lt;br /&gt;
  1901. &lt;br /&gt;
  1902. &lt;br /&gt;
  1903. Consider using a professional service like ours. We have access to all the airlines that fly to Hawaii and have contracted rates with hotels. We also offer bundled packages, which can provide even more savings.&lt;br /&gt;
  1904. &lt;br /&gt;
  1905. &lt;br /&gt;
  1906. &lt;br /&gt;
  1907. Take advantage of Travel Protection: Travel protection isn&#039;t just about having insurance for when something goes wrong. Companies like ours also offer price protection, allowing you to lock in a great rate. If the price drops, we can adjust it or cancel the booking.&lt;br /&gt;
  1908. &lt;br /&gt;
  1909. &lt;br /&gt;
  1910. &lt;br /&gt;
  1911. Be flexible on dates. Consider choosing dates during the shoulder season, from mid-April to early June, when rates are less expensive. If you’re planning a trip during a holiday, think about coming a week before or after the holiday. If you have children, consider taking them out of school early.&lt;br /&gt;
  1912. &lt;br /&gt;
  1913. &lt;br /&gt;
  1914. &lt;br /&gt;
  1915. Consider a Vacation Rental: The vacation rental market in Hawaii is quite different from other destinations. Several laws are in place that restrict these properties. However, finding a suitable condo vacation rental can save significantly on meals, especially if you have a large family.&lt;br /&gt;
  1916. &lt;br /&gt;
  1917. &lt;br /&gt;
  1918. &lt;br /&gt;
  1919. Free Activities:  Take advantage of the many free activities in Hawaii, such as swimming, hiking, cultural activities, town strolls, and window shopping. Most properties charge a resort fee, which often includes valuable activities and events taking place at the resort. &lt;br /&gt;
  1920. &lt;br /&gt;
  1921. &lt;br /&gt;
  1922. &lt;br /&gt;
  1923. &lt;br /&gt;
  1924. Remember that Hawaii vacation prices fluctuate regularly, so it&#039;s crucial to stay informed and be prepared to make bookings when you find a deal that fits your budget.&lt;br /&gt;
  1925. &lt;br /&gt;
  1926. &lt;br /&gt;
  1927. &lt;br /&gt;
  1928. In conclusion, a family vacation to Hawaii can be an unforgettable ex...</itunes:summary>
  1929. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  1930. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  1931. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  1932. <itunes:duration>16:02</itunes:duration>
  1933. </item>
  1934. <item>
  1935. <title>Pride of America Cruise</title>
  1936. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/pride-of-america-cruise/</link>
  1937. <pubDate>Mon, 09 Oct 2023 00:09:49 +0000</pubDate>
  1938. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=49696</guid>
  1939. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/pride-of-america-cruise/#respond</comments>
  1940. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/pride-of-america-cruise/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  1941. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  1942. <description>The Ship
  1943.  
  1944.  
  1945.  
  1946. The NCL Pride of America Cruise is an excellent choice if you&#039;re considering a Hawaii cruise. This ship is unique because it&#039;s permanently docked in the Hawaiian Islands, offering weekly sailings from Honolulu every Saturday. The Pride of America underwent complete renovations in 2015 and was refurbished in 2022. It can accommodate 2,100 passengers and boasts a crew of 900 members. She is 920 feet long with two pools is the world&#039;s only US-flagged ship, and features an all-American crew. The ship can comfortably accommodate larger families with 15 decks and numerous family suites.
  1947.  
  1948.  
  1949.  
  1950. Pride of America cruising along the Na Plai Coast of Kauai
  1951.  
  1952.  
  1953.  
  1954. The Experience
  1955.  
  1956.  
  1957.  
  1958. The NCL Pride of America Cruise offers a freestyle cruising experience for meals and activities so you’re not tied to a structured schedule unless you want to. There’s plenty to do on board, with 15 dining options and 12 bars and lounges. It&#039;s important to note that there are no casinos on board since the ship only sails in US waters. The cruise experience is akin to staying in a floating hotel, as it allows you to spend a significant amount of time in port, maximizing your land-based activities. Another advantage is the convenience of not having to repeatedly pack and unpack when island-hopping by plane to neighboring islands.
  1959.  
  1960.  
  1961.  
  1962. The ship primarily navigates from port to port during the evening while passengers are asleep, so you hardly feel like you&#039;re on the water. The seven-day itinerary includes 1 1/2 days on both Maui and Kauai, along with 2 days on the Big Island, encompassing both Hilo and Kona. The extended time spent on land makes this cruise an excellent choice for those who want to experience all the islands without the short port stays typical of other cruise itineraries.
  1963.  
  1964.  
  1965.  
  1966. Many clients appreciate the cruise because it resembles an all-inclusive vacation, offering unlimited dining, drinks, and activities bundled together. 
  1967.  
  1968.  
  1969.  
  1970. Couple enjoying the breathtaking views while cruising on the Pride of America
  1971.  
  1972.  
  1973.  
  1974. Pre or post Packages to include Oahu
  1975.  
  1976.  
  1977.  
  1978. Since the ship departs every Saturday from Honolulu you need to fly to Hawaii (Oahu) to board the ship. It is recommended to combine the cruise itinerary with a few days in Honolulu either before or after the cruise. This is the ideal way to explore the island of Oahu and take excursions to places like Pearl Harbor, the North Shore, or Waikiki. Doing this lets you enjoy a delightful 10-day vacation on the islands.
  1979.  
  1980.  
  1981.  
  1982. Enjoy Oahu either before or after the cruise
  1983.  
  1984.  
  1985.  
  1986. Pride of America Cruise Pricing
  1987.  
  1988.  
  1989.  
  1990. The average price for the cruise is about $2500 per person, depending on which cabin you choose. Hawaii Aloha Travel offers group pricing, so we can save you money by booking you into one of our groups.  Another way to save money is by booking an inside cabin, which is the least expensive option. Since there&#039;s plenty of time spent on land during this cruise, you can cut costs by choosing an inside cabin. You won&#039;t be in your cabin as much as you would on a different ship coming from the mainland that spends a lot of time at sea. There are numerous places on the ship to enjoy while cruising, so you don&#039;t always need to be in your cabin.
  1991.  
  1992.  
  1993.  
  1994. We&#039;re here to help, check out our All-Inclusive Hawaii Packages or get help with airfare, picking hotels or activities. If it&#039;s in Hawaii we can make it happen.Get Help With Planning</description>
  1995. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/pride-of-america-cruise.mp3" length="13018076" type="audio/mpeg" />
  1996. <itunes:subtitle>The Ship    The NCL Pride of America Cruise is an excellent choice if you&#039;re considering a Hawaii cruise. This ship is unique because it&#039;s permanently docked in the Hawaiian Islands, offering weekly sailings from Honolulu every Saturday.</itunes:subtitle>
  1997. <itunes:summary>The Ship&lt;br /&gt;
  1998. &lt;br /&gt;
  1999. &lt;br /&gt;
  2000. &lt;br /&gt;
  2001. The NCL Pride of America Cruise is an excellent choice if you&#039;re considering a Hawaii cruise. This ship is unique because it&#039;s permanently docked in the Hawaiian Islands, offering weekly sailings from Honolulu every Saturday. The Pride of America underwent complete renovations in 2015 and was refurbished in 2022. It can accommodate 2,100 passengers and boasts a crew of 900 members. She is 920 feet long with two pools is the world&#039;s only US-flagged ship, and features an all-American crew. The ship can comfortably accommodate larger families with 15 decks and numerous family suites.&lt;br /&gt;
  2002. &lt;br /&gt;
  2003. &lt;br /&gt;
  2004. &lt;br /&gt;
  2005. Pride of America cruising along the Na Plai Coast of Kauai &lt;br /&gt;
  2006. &lt;br /&gt;
  2007. &lt;br /&gt;
  2008. &lt;br /&gt;
  2009. The Experience&lt;br /&gt;
  2010. &lt;br /&gt;
  2011. &lt;br /&gt;
  2012. &lt;br /&gt;
  2013. The NCL Pride of America Cruise offers a freestyle cruising experience for meals and activities so you’re not tied to a structured schedule unless you want to. There’s plenty to do on board, with 15 dining options and 12 bars and lounges. It&#039;s important to note that there are no casinos on board since the ship only sails in US waters. The cruise experience is akin to staying in a floating hotel, as it allows you to spend a significant amount of time in port, maximizing your land-based activities. Another advantage is the convenience of not having to repeatedly pack and unpack when island-hopping by plane to neighboring islands.&lt;br /&gt;
  2014. &lt;br /&gt;
  2015. &lt;br /&gt;
  2016. &lt;br /&gt;
  2017. The ship primarily navigates from port to port during the evening while passengers are asleep, so you hardly feel like you&#039;re on the water. The seven-day itinerary includes 1 1/2 days on both Maui and Kauai, along with 2 days on the Big Island, encompassing both Hilo and Kona. The extended time spent on land makes this cruise an excellent choice for those who want to experience all the islands without the short port stays typical of other cruise itineraries.&lt;br /&gt;
  2018. &lt;br /&gt;
  2019. &lt;br /&gt;
  2020. &lt;br /&gt;
  2021. Many clients appreciate the cruise because it resembles an all-inclusive vacation, offering unlimited dining, drinks, and activities bundled together. &lt;br /&gt;
  2022. &lt;br /&gt;
  2023. &lt;br /&gt;
  2024. &lt;br /&gt;
  2025. Couple enjoying the breathtaking views while cruising on the Pride of America &lt;br /&gt;
  2026. &lt;br /&gt;
  2027. &lt;br /&gt;
  2028. &lt;br /&gt;
  2029. Pre or post Packages to include Oahu&lt;br /&gt;
  2030. &lt;br /&gt;
  2031. &lt;br /&gt;
  2032. &lt;br /&gt;
  2033. Since the ship departs every Saturday from Honolulu you need to fly to Hawaii (Oahu) to board the ship. It is recommended to combine the cruise itinerary with a few days in Honolulu either before or after the cruise. This is the ideal way to explore the island of Oahu and take excursions to places like Pearl Harbor, the North Shore, or Waikiki. Doing this lets you enjoy a delightful 10-day vacation on the islands.&lt;br /&gt;
  2034. &lt;br /&gt;
  2035. &lt;br /&gt;
  2036. &lt;br /&gt;
  2037. Enjoy Oahu either before or after the cruise &lt;br /&gt;
  2038. &lt;br /&gt;
  2039. &lt;br /&gt;
  2040. &lt;br /&gt;
  2041. Pride of America Cruise Pricing &lt;br /&gt;
  2042. &lt;br /&gt;
  2043. &lt;br /&gt;
  2044. &lt;br /&gt;
  2045. The average price for the cruise is about $2500 per person, depending on which cabin you choose. Hawaii Aloha Travel offers group pricing, so we can save you money by booking you into one of our groups.  Another way to save money is by booking an inside cabin, which is the least expensive option. Since there&#039;s plenty of time spent on land during this cruise, you can cut costs by choosing an inside cabin. You won&#039;t be in your cabin as much as you would on a different ship coming from the mainland that spends a lot of time at sea. There are numerous places on the ship to enjoy while cruising, so you don&#039;t always need to be in your cabin.&lt;br /&gt;
  2046. &lt;br /&gt;
  2047. &lt;br /&gt;
  2048. &lt;br /&gt;
  2049. We&#039;re here to help, check out our All-Inclusive Hawaii Packages or get help with airfare, picking hotels or activities. If it&#039;s in Hawaii we can make it happen.Get Help With Planning</itunes:summary>
  2050. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  2051. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  2052. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  2053. <itunes:duration>14:49</itunes:duration>
  2054. </item>
  2055. <item>
  2056. <title>Cockroaches in Hawaii</title>
  2057. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-cockroach-encounters/</link>
  2058. <pubDate>Sun, 01 Oct 2023 17:32:59 +0000</pubDate>
  2059. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=49609</guid>
  2060. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-cockroach-encounters/#respond</comments>
  2061. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-cockroach-encounters/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  2062. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  2063. <description>This week, I heard from a guest who was upset about having a Hawaii Cockroach encounter in his room. He sent me multiple photos of the pesky creatures and asked me to relocate him to another property.
  2064.  
  2065.  
  2066.  
  2067. While I was happy to do that, the reality is Cockroaches in Hawaii are a part of the Hawaiian community, and chances are you might encounter a few during your stay, so please don&#039;t be alarmed. Even when relocated, I explained there may still be a few cockroach sightings.
  2068.  
  2069.  
  2070.  
  2071. Cockroaches are an ancient insect species, with fossil records suggesting their existence for over 200 million years. There are many types of cockroaches, but the most common Hawaii Cockroach is the American Cockroach. But there are 20 different types of cockroaches!!
  2072.  
  2073.  
  2074.  
  2075. In addition, these pests can sometimes be hard to catch! They can still be alive and scurry off even if you think you’ve smashed one! They can show up just about anywhere. They can crawl through building walls and fly through small cracks. They love warmth, but just like humans, they prefer a slightly cooler environment for shelter, so they are likely to appear at night.
  2076.  
  2077.  
  2078.  
  2079. Steps to take to avoid a Hawaii Cockroach encounter
  2080.  
  2081.  
  2082.  
  2083. Here are some steps to take to avoid a Hawaii Cockroach encounter on your Hawaii vacation:• Avoid eating in your hotel room.• If you’re in a condo, make sure you clean thoroughly if cooking your own meals.• Consider getting a couple of HoyHoy non-toxic traps. These contain sticky material and bait that traps the roaches in the container.• Contact management; they are usually very accommodating about sending an exterminator or even changing rooms.• If you happen to smash one at home, make sure you use an antibacterial wipe to clean the area:
  2084.  
  2085.  
  2086.  
  2087. Non-toxic HoyHoy Traps
  2088.  
  2089.  
  2090.  
  2091. Other Pests
  2092.  
  2093.  
  2094.  
  2095. While roaches are most likely to appear in living spaces, mosquitoes are the other most common insects you will likely encounter. There are several types of mosquitoes in Hawaii. Still, for the most part, you’ll only get bitten if you are out on hikes, in remote areas near water, or occasionally at night if you&#039;re at a resort in less populated areas.
  2096.  
  2097.  
  2098.  
  2099. Generally speaking, there&#039;s nothing to worry about in your hotel room or the resort you&#039;re likely staying at.
  2100.  
  2101.  
  2102.  
  2103. We&#039;re here to help, check out our All-Inclusive Hawaii Packages or get help with airfare, picking hotels or activities. If it&#039;s in Hawaii we can make it happen.Get Help With Planning</description>
  2104. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/roach-encounter-hawaii-vacation.mp3" length="12741807" type="audio/mpeg" />
  2105. <itunes:subtitle>This week, I heard from a guest who was upset about having a Hawaii Cockroach encounter in his room. He sent me multiple photos of the pesky creatures and asked me to relocate him to another property.    While I was happy to do that,</itunes:subtitle>
  2106. <itunes:summary>This week, I heard from a guest who was upset about having a Hawaii Cockroach encounter in his room. He sent me multiple photos of the pesky creatures and asked me to relocate him to another property.&lt;br /&gt;
  2107. &lt;br /&gt;
  2108. &lt;br /&gt;
  2109. &lt;br /&gt;
  2110. While I was happy to do that, the reality is Cockroaches in Hawaii are a part of the Hawaiian community, and chances are you might encounter a few during your stay, so please don&#039;t be alarmed. Even when relocated, I explained there may still be a few cockroach sightings.&lt;br /&gt;
  2111. &lt;br /&gt;
  2112. &lt;br /&gt;
  2113. &lt;br /&gt;
  2114. Cockroaches are an ancient insect species, with fossil records suggesting their existence for over 200 million years. There are many types of cockroaches, but the most common Hawaii Cockroach is the American Cockroach. But there are 20 different types of cockroaches!!&lt;br /&gt;
  2115. &lt;br /&gt;
  2116. &lt;br /&gt;
  2117. &lt;br /&gt;
  2118. In addition, these pests can sometimes be hard to catch! They can still be alive and scurry off even if you think you’ve smashed one! They can show up just about anywhere. They can crawl through building walls and fly through small cracks. They love warmth, but just like humans, they prefer a slightly cooler environment for shelter, so they are likely to appear at night.&lt;br /&gt;
  2119. &lt;br /&gt;
  2120. &lt;br /&gt;
  2121. &lt;br /&gt;
  2122. Steps to take to avoid a Hawaii Cockroach encounter &lt;br /&gt;
  2123. &lt;br /&gt;
  2124. &lt;br /&gt;
  2125. &lt;br /&gt;
  2126. Here are some steps to take to avoid a Hawaii Cockroach encounter on your Hawaii vacation:• Avoid eating in your hotel room.• If you’re in a condo, make sure you clean thoroughly if cooking your own meals.• Consider getting a couple of HoyHoy non-toxic traps. These contain sticky material and bait that traps the roaches in the container.• Contact management; they are usually very accommodating about sending an exterminator or even changing rooms.• If you happen to smash one at home, make sure you use an antibacterial wipe to clean the area:&lt;br /&gt;
  2127. &lt;br /&gt;
  2128. &lt;br /&gt;
  2129. &lt;br /&gt;
  2130. Non-toxic HoyHoy Traps &lt;br /&gt;
  2131. &lt;br /&gt;
  2132. &lt;br /&gt;
  2133. &lt;br /&gt;
  2134. Other Pests&lt;br /&gt;
  2135. &lt;br /&gt;
  2136. &lt;br /&gt;
  2137. &lt;br /&gt;
  2138. While roaches are most likely to appear in living spaces, mosquitoes are the other most common insects you will likely encounter. There are several types of mosquitoes in Hawaii. Still, for the most part, you’ll only get bitten if you are out on hikes, in remote areas near water, or occasionally at night if you&#039;re at a resort in less populated areas.&lt;br /&gt;
  2139. &lt;br /&gt;
  2140. &lt;br /&gt;
  2141. &lt;br /&gt;
  2142. Generally speaking, there&#039;s nothing to worry about in your hotel room or the resort you&#039;re likely staying at.&lt;br /&gt;
  2143. &lt;br /&gt;
  2144. &lt;br /&gt;
  2145. &lt;br /&gt;
  2146. We&#039;re here to help, check out our All-Inclusive Hawaii Packages or get help with airfare, picking hotels or activities. If it&#039;s in Hawaii we can make it happen.Get Help With Planning</itunes:summary>
  2147. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  2148. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  2149. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  2150. <itunes:duration>14:31</itunes:duration>
  2151. </item>
  2152. <item>
  2153. <title>Our Picks for the Best Resorts in Hawaii for Couples</title>
  2154. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/our-top-picks-for-best-hawaii-resorts-for-couples/</link>
  2155. <pubDate>Sun, 24 Sep 2023 05:01:27 +0000</pubDate>
  2156. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=49466</guid>
  2157. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/our-top-picks-for-best-hawaii-resorts-for-couples/#respond</comments>
  2158. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/our-top-picks-for-best-hawaii-resorts-for-couples/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  2159. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  2160. <description>Hawaii is often seen as a family destination, but what if you’re searching for the best resorts in Hawaii for couples?
  2161.  
  2162.  
  2163.  
  2164. Couples love vacationing here for the same reasons that families do: there are no distractions (like gambling or bustling nightlife), there are great all-ages activities, and there’s a distinct cultural charm that sets it apart from other destinations. 
  2165.  
  2166.  
  2167.  
  2168. However, you may struggle to decide which hotel is best for your Hawaii couple&#039;s getaway. There is only one adults-only hotel in Hawaii (we’ll share more about it below), and there are no all-inclusive Hawaii resorts. 
  2169.  
  2170.  
  2171.  
  2172. In today’s podcast, we’re highlighting the best resorts in Hawaii for couples. We’re covering each of the four major islands and sharing various price points as well. So click “play” above to listen in, and read on to learn more about these great places. 
  2173.  
  2174.  
  2175.  
  2176. Top Oahu Hawaii Resorts for Couples
  2177.  
  2178.  
  2179.  
  2180.  
  2181.  
  2182.  
  2183.  
  2184. High End -The Kahala Hotel &amp; Resort
  2185.  
  2186.  
  2187.  
  2188. Our high-end choice for Oahu is The Kahala. The location alone makes it ideal. Since it’s so secluded, it attracts fewer families and has a more romantic vibe. Situated on its own stretch of beach, away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, this resort offers numerous amenities for couples. These include couples massages, private poolside dining, exclusive activities for couples, and Dolphin Quest sessions.
  2189.  
  2190.  
  2191.  
  2192.  
  2193.  
  2194.  
  2195.  
  2196. Couple paddle boarding together at the Kahala
  2197.  
  2198.  
  2199.  
  2200. Moderate – Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort &amp; Spa
  2201.  
  2202.  
  2203.  
  2204. Located in a great spot overlooking the beach, this resort has been recently renovated and has lovely amenities for couples. A big plus is the adult-only pool, which is quite large and has a jacuzzi adjacent to it. The property offers private fire-pit seating for romantic cocktails at sunset, couples spa treatments, stargazing sessions, and even painting classes for couples to enjoy.
  2205.  
  2206.  
  2207.  
  2208. Marriott  Resort and Spa Waikiki Beach
  2209.  
  2210.  
  2211.  
  2212. Top Maui Resorts for Couples
  2213.  
  2214.  
  2215.  
  2216. High End – Hotel Wailea 
  2217.  
  2218.  
  2219.  
  2220. This is the only adults-only hotel in Hawaii, making it an easy choice for those seeking a kid-free experience with zero distractions. Even better, all the rooms at this property are suites. Everything here revolves around couples – they offer private cabana downtime, a Porsche speedster for cruising, a beach setup at Wailea Beach, and a couples’ surf safari experience.
  2221.  
  2222.  
  2223.  
  2224. Since The Hotel Wailea is an adults-only boutique hotel, it was an easy choice for our best resorts in Hawaii for couples.
  2225.  
  2226.  
  2227.  
  2228. Adults only pool at Hotel Wailea Relais &amp; Chateaux
  2229.  
  2230.  
  2231.  
  2232. Moderate – Royal Lahaina 
  2233.  
  2234.  
  2235.  
  2236. This iconic property, located directly on Kaanapali Beach, is an excellent choice for couples. The property offers a beach setup with coolers and umbrellas for couples. For special occasions, private dining can be arranged. Active couples can enjoy ocean kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and even eFoils! The full-service spa offers couples massages
  2237.  
  2238.  
  2239.  
  2240. Beach setup for Couples at the Royal Lahaina
  2241.  
  2242.  
  2243.  
  2244. Top Kauai Resorts for Couples
  2245.  
  2246.  
  2247.  
  2248. High End – Koʻa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach
  2249.  
  2250.  
  2251.  
  2252. With only 120 rooms, this low-rise boutique hotel is on the south side of Kauai at Poipu Beach. Given that the resort primarily caters to couples with limited rooms, there’s a lesser likelihood of encountering large families with kids. The property offers oceanfront cabana dining with a private chef. A full-service spa provides couples’ massages. Onsite, couples can enjoy various water sports, including snorkeling, surfing, and paddle boarding. 
  2253.  
  2254.  
  2255.  
  2256. Couples enjoy quiet time at Koa Kea, one of the best resorts in Hawaii for couples
  2257.  
  2258.  
  2259.  
  2260. Moderate – Sheraton Kauai Resort
  2261.  
  2262.  
  2263.  
  2264. The Sheraton Kauai Resort is the perfect spot for couples. It’s located on Poipu Beach, and deluxe oceanfront rooms provide direct access to the beach. The resort features a beachside adult pool and “Hawaii bungalows” to ensure a tranquil, relaxing experience. Couples can also enjoy private beachside dining.
  2265.  
  2266.  
  2267.  
  2268. Private Beachside Dining for couples at the Sheraton Poipu
  2269.  
  2270.  
  2271.  
  2272. </description>
  2273. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/hawaii-resorts-for-couples.mp3" length="15355082" type="audio/mpeg" />
  2274. <itunes:subtitle>Hawaii is often seen as a family destination, but what if you’re searching for the best resorts in Hawaii for couples?    Couples love vacationing here for the same reasons that families do: there are no distractions (like gambling or bustling nightlif...</itunes:subtitle>
  2275. <itunes:summary>Hawaii is often seen as a family destination, but what if you’re searching for the best resorts in Hawaii for couples?&lt;br /&gt;
  2276. &lt;br /&gt;
  2277. &lt;br /&gt;
  2278. &lt;br /&gt;
  2279. Couples love vacationing here for the same reasons that families do: there are no distractions (like gambling or bustling nightlife), there are great all-ages activities, and there’s a distinct cultural charm that sets it apart from other destinations. &lt;br /&gt;
  2280. &lt;br /&gt;
  2281. &lt;br /&gt;
  2282. &lt;br /&gt;
  2283. However, you may struggle to decide which hotel is best for your Hawaii couple&#039;s getaway. There is only one adults-only hotel in Hawaii (we’ll share more about it below), and there are no all-inclusive Hawaii resorts. &lt;br /&gt;
  2284. &lt;br /&gt;
  2285. &lt;br /&gt;
  2286. &lt;br /&gt;
  2287. In today’s podcast, we’re highlighting the best resorts in Hawaii for couples. We’re covering each of the four major islands and sharing various price points as well. So click “play” above to listen in, and read on to learn more about these great places. &lt;br /&gt;
  2288. &lt;br /&gt;
  2289. &lt;br /&gt;
  2290. &lt;br /&gt;
  2291. Top Oahu Hawaii Resorts for Couples&lt;br /&gt;
  2292. &lt;br /&gt;
  2293. &lt;br /&gt;
  2294. &lt;br /&gt;
  2295. &lt;br /&gt;
  2296. &lt;br /&gt;
  2297. &lt;br /&gt;
  2298. &lt;br /&gt;
  2299. High End -The Kahala Hotel &amp; Resort&lt;br /&gt;
  2300. &lt;br /&gt;
  2301. &lt;br /&gt;
  2302. &lt;br /&gt;
  2303. Our high-end choice for Oahu is The Kahala. The location alone makes it ideal. Since it’s so secluded, it attracts fewer families and has a more romantic vibe. Situated on its own stretch of beach, away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, this resort offers numerous amenities for couples. These include couples massages, private poolside dining, exclusive activities for couples, and Dolphin Quest sessions.&lt;br /&gt;
  2304. &lt;br /&gt;
  2305. &lt;br /&gt;
  2306. &lt;br /&gt;
  2307. &lt;br /&gt;
  2308. &lt;br /&gt;
  2309. &lt;br /&gt;
  2310. &lt;br /&gt;
  2311. Couple paddle boarding together at the Kahala &lt;br /&gt;
  2312. &lt;br /&gt;
  2313. &lt;br /&gt;
  2314. &lt;br /&gt;
  2315. Moderate – Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort &amp; Spa&lt;br /&gt;
  2316. &lt;br /&gt;
  2317. &lt;br /&gt;
  2318. &lt;br /&gt;
  2319. Located in a great spot overlooking the beach, this resort has been recently renovated and has lovely amenities for couples. A big plus is the adult-only pool, which is quite large and has a jacuzzi adjacent to it. The property offers private fire-pit seating for romantic cocktails at sunset, couples spa treatments, stargazing sessions, and even painting classes for couples to enjoy.&lt;br /&gt;
  2320. &lt;br /&gt;
  2321. &lt;br /&gt;
  2322. &lt;br /&gt;
  2323. Marriott  Resort and Spa Waikiki Beach&lt;br /&gt;
  2324. &lt;br /&gt;
  2325. &lt;br /&gt;
  2326. &lt;br /&gt;
  2327. Top Maui Resorts for Couples&lt;br /&gt;
  2328. &lt;br /&gt;
  2329. &lt;br /&gt;
  2330. &lt;br /&gt;
  2331. High End – Hotel Wailea &lt;br /&gt;
  2332. &lt;br /&gt;
  2333. &lt;br /&gt;
  2334. &lt;br /&gt;
  2335. This is the only adults-only hotel in Hawaii, making it an easy choice for those seeking a kid-free experience with zero distractions. Even better, all the rooms at this property are suites. Everything here revolves around couples – they offer private cabana downtime, a Porsche speedster for cruising, a beach setup at Wailea Beach, and a couples’ surf safari experience.&lt;br /&gt;
  2336. &lt;br /&gt;
  2337. &lt;br /&gt;
  2338. &lt;br /&gt;
  2339. Since The Hotel Wailea is an adults-only boutique hotel, it was an easy choice for our best resorts in Hawaii for couples.&lt;br /&gt;
  2340. &lt;br /&gt;
  2341. &lt;br /&gt;
  2342. &lt;br /&gt;
  2343. Adults only pool at Hotel Wailea Relais &amp; Chateaux&lt;br /&gt;
  2344. &lt;br /&gt;
  2345. &lt;br /&gt;
  2346. &lt;br /&gt;
  2347. Moderate – Royal Lahaina &lt;br /&gt;
  2348. &lt;br /&gt;
  2349. &lt;br /&gt;
  2350. &lt;br /&gt;
  2351. This iconic property, located directly on Kaanapali Beach, is an excellent choice for couples. The property offers a beach setup with coolers and umbrellas for couples. For special occasions, private dining can be arranged. Active couples can enjoy ocean kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and even eFoils! The full-service spa offers couples massages&lt;br /&gt;
  2352. &lt;br /&gt;
  2353. &lt;br /&gt;
  2354. &lt;br /&gt;
  2355. Beach setup for Couples at the Royal Lahaina&lt;br /&gt;
  2356. &lt;br /&gt;
  2357. &lt;br /&gt;
  2358. &lt;br /&gt;
  2359. Top Kauai Resorts for Couples&lt;br /&gt;
  2360. &lt;br /&gt;
  2361. &lt;br /&gt;
  2362. &lt;br /&gt;
  2363. High End – Koʻa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach&lt;br /&gt;
  2364. &lt;br /&gt;
  2365. &lt;br /&gt;
  2366. &lt;br /&gt;
  2367. With only 120 rooms, this low-rise boutique hotel is on the south side of Kauai at Poipu Beach. Given that the resort primarily caters to couples with limited rooms, there’s a lesser likelihood of encountering large families with kids. The property offers oceanfront cabana dining with a private chef. A full-service spa provides couples’ massages. Onsite, couples can enjoy various water sports, including snorkeling,</itunes:summary>
  2368. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  2369. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  2370. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  2371. <itunes:duration>18:16</itunes:duration>
  2372. </item>
  2373. <item>
  2374. <title>Resorts Ditch Hawaii Kids Clubs</title>
  2375. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/resorts-ditch-hawaii-kids-clubs/</link>
  2376. <pubDate>Sun, 17 Sep 2023 21:55:03 +0000</pubDate>
  2377. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=49300</guid>
  2378. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/resorts-ditch-hawaii-kids-clubs/#respond</comments>
  2379. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/resorts-ditch-hawaii-kids-clubs/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  2380. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  2381. <description>Aloha Bruce takes a deep dive into finding a Hawaii kids club for families planning a Hawaii vacation. Bruce begins with a news update about Governor Josh Green’s proposal to impose a $50 fee per visitor coming to Hawaii. Bruce notes that it may be illegal and says Green is tying it to the recent devastating Maui wildfires as an impact climate fee. “I don’t think that will go over very well!” Bruce says.
  2382.  
  2383.  
  2384.  
  2385. The opening of the newly renovated Highgate The Roamer Hotel at the old Ambassador Hotel is discussed along with some exciting design elements and dining options. It is set to open on October 1. “We’ll be going!”
  2386.  
  2387.  
  2388.  
  2389. Bruce says now is a good time to book a Maui vacation, noting that prices are coming down (bookings on Maui are down 50%). The Kealani on Maui has dropped prices for kama’aina, and Bruce says he plans a Maui trip soon.
  2390.  
  2391.  
  2392.  
  2393. On to the main topic of finding a Hawaii kids club during a Hawaii vacation, Bruce says that they are increasingly hard to find in 2023. He explains that Hawaii is a family destination and wonders why they are so rare. Structured keiki programs “are almost impossible to find”, Bruce says. He says the Hilton Hawaiian Village and other family-friendly resorts have not returned to providing a Hawaii kids club.
  2394.  
  2395.  
  2396.  
  2397. “Even the Grand Wailea on Maui!” Bruce marvels. “You mean to tell me they can’t assemble a Hawaii kids club together?” He has reached out to multiple properties about keiki clubs and has been told they just haven’t brought back those programs following the pandemic. “I think it’s really important to get those programs back…we are a family-friendly destination!”
  2398.  
  2399.  
  2400.  
  2401. Bruce mentions the Sheraton Waikiki’s Poppets program and another program at the Outrigger Reef, both in Waikiki. “The Disney Aulani is a no-brainer for kids,” Bruce says, noting that the properties that do offer a Hawaii kids club are generally major resorts with high rates. The Four Seasons on Maui and on the Big Island are also mentioned, along with the Westin Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea Resort.
  2402.  
  2403.  
  2404.  
  2405. Bruce describes contacting a large number of properties about their offerings for a Hawaii kids club and finding that very few offer them. He discusses Happy Kids Maui and Keiki Sitters on Oahu and Aloha Sitters as options for babysitting, as well as Kauai Babysitting Company on the Garden Isle.
  2406.  
  2407.  
  2408.  
  2409. “If you’ve been struggling with this,” Bruce assures listeners, “you’re not alone.” To book your Hawaiian trip give us a call or use our Trip Planner.</description>
  2410. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/kid-clubs-hawaii.mp3" length="17225844" type="audio/mpeg" />
  2411. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce takes a deep dive into finding a Hawaii kids club for families planning a Hawaii vacation. Bruce begins with a news update about Governor Josh Green’s proposal to impose a $50 fee per visitor coming to Hawaii.</itunes:subtitle>
  2412. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce takes a deep dive into finding a Hawaii kids club for families planning a Hawaii vacation. Bruce begins with a news update about Governor Josh Green’s proposal to impose a $50 fee per visitor coming to Hawaii. Bruce notes that it may be illegal and says Green is tying it to the recent devastating Maui wildfires as an impact climate fee. “I don’t think that will go over very well!” Bruce says.&lt;br /&gt;
  2413. &lt;br /&gt;
  2414. &lt;br /&gt;
  2415. &lt;br /&gt;
  2416. The opening of the newly renovated Highgate The Roamer Hotel at the old Ambassador Hotel is discussed along with some exciting design elements and dining options. It is set to open on October 1. “We’ll be going!”&lt;br /&gt;
  2417. &lt;br /&gt;
  2418. &lt;br /&gt;
  2419. &lt;br /&gt;
  2420. Bruce says now is a good time to book a Maui vacation, noting that prices are coming down (bookings on Maui are down 50%). The Kealani on Maui has dropped prices for kama’aina, and Bruce says he plans a Maui trip soon.&lt;br /&gt;
  2421. &lt;br /&gt;
  2422. &lt;br /&gt;
  2423. &lt;br /&gt;
  2424. On to the main topic of finding a Hawaii kids club during a Hawaii vacation, Bruce says that they are increasingly hard to find in 2023. He explains that Hawaii is a family destination and wonders why they are so rare. Structured keiki programs “are almost impossible to find”, Bruce says. He says the Hilton Hawaiian Village and other family-friendly resorts have not returned to providing a Hawaii kids club.&lt;br /&gt;
  2425. &lt;br /&gt;
  2426. &lt;br /&gt;
  2427. &lt;br /&gt;
  2428. “Even the Grand Wailea on Maui!” Bruce marvels. “You mean to tell me they can’t assemble a Hawaii kids club together?” He has reached out to multiple properties about keiki clubs and has been told they just haven’t brought back those programs following the pandemic. “I think it’s really important to get those programs back…we are a family-friendly destination!”&lt;br /&gt;
  2429. &lt;br /&gt;
  2430. &lt;br /&gt;
  2431. &lt;br /&gt;
  2432. Bruce mentions the Sheraton Waikiki’s Poppets program and another program at the Outrigger Reef, both in Waikiki. “The Disney Aulani is a no-brainer for kids,” Bruce says, noting that the properties that do offer a Hawaii kids club are generally major resorts with high rates. The Four Seasons on Maui and on the Big Island are also mentioned, along with the Westin Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea Resort.&lt;br /&gt;
  2433. &lt;br /&gt;
  2434. &lt;br /&gt;
  2435. &lt;br /&gt;
  2436. Bruce describes contacting a large number of properties about their offerings for a Hawaii kids club and finding that very few offer them. He discusses Happy Kids Maui and Keiki Sitters on Oahu and Aloha Sitters as options for babysitting, as well as Kauai Babysitting Company on the Garden Isle.&lt;br /&gt;
  2437. &lt;br /&gt;
  2438. &lt;br /&gt;
  2439. &lt;br /&gt;
  2440. “If you’ve been struggling with this,” Bruce assures listeners, “you’re not alone.” To book your Hawaiian trip give us a call or use our Trip Planner.</itunes:summary>
  2441. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  2442. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  2443. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  2444. <itunes:duration>16:27</itunes:duration>
  2445. </item>
  2446. <item>
  2447. <title>Hawaii Vacation Bundling</title>
  2448. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-vacation-bundling/</link>
  2449. <pubDate>Sat, 09 Sep 2023 21:38:23 +0000</pubDate>
  2450. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=49098</guid>
  2451. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-vacation-bundling/#respond</comments>
  2452. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-vacation-bundling/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  2453. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  2454. <description>Aloha Bruce Fisher shares the benefits of Hawaii vacation bundling. He Shares  “why more is better” on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce starts out with an update on the situation in the aftermath of the devastating and deadly Maui wildfires.  Governor Josh Green has announced that West Maui will be reopened on October 8th.
  2455.  
  2456.  
  2457.  
  2458. “I think that’s a good thing,” Bruce says.  Although he wonders about how residents, relief workers, and visitors will be accommodated. He is encouraged by the amazing outpouring of support from around the world for the people of Maui.
  2459.  
  2460.  
  2461.  
  2462. The more the merrier!
  2463.  
  2464.  
  2465.  
  2466. On to the benefits of Hawaii vacation bundling, Bruce says. “There’s no magic formula for getting the best price.” He notes that using companies like Hawaii Aloha Travel is the best way to find the best deals. Bruce gets into the ways that HAT can offer Hawaii vacation bundling packages. Through wholesale arrangements with various hotels, resorts, and vendors that limit transaction fees.
  2467.  
  2468.  
  2469.  
  2470. Bruce goes on to explain the concept of “dynamic packaging” . He explains how HAT  makes custom travel packages using, promo codes, and other incentives attractive to visitors. “Think about these kinds of savings!” he says. He offers some examples of offers that add bonus savings to your vacation package. Bruce also talks about the value-added service Hawaii Aloha Travel offers. “Try calling Expedia when anything goes wrong,” he jokes. “See what happens when you do that.” With Hawaii Aloha Travel, you have a local friend to help with your vacation planning. “You only have to think about it once!”
  2471.  
  2472.  
  2473.  
  2474. Hawaii Vacation Bundling Advantage
  2475.  
  2476.  
  2477.  
  2478. Hawaii vacation bundling also gives visitors a clearer picture of fees and taxes on a Hawaii vacation. Bruce also notes that with Hawaii Aloha Travel, “whatever you book, you’re going to get”. He explains the advantages of bundling with HAT, including monitoring prices. Also,  adjusting costs according to market factors often result in lower prices for Hawaii vacation bundling.
  2479.  
  2480.  
  2481.  
  2482. Bruce mentions Marriott, Aston Aqua, and Hyatt deals that are now available through Hawaii Aloha Travel. “Take advantage of our all-inclusive packages because we bundle everything in there for you…more is better.”
  2483.  
  2484.  
  2485.  
  2486. Check out the newly refurbished HAT website. The site has comprehensive new hotel pages that include accurate hotel fees. Alos, you&#039;ll find other charges that might otherwise slip under your Hawaii vacation planning radar. “We’ve ramped it up a lot!”</description>
  2487. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/bundle-and-save.mp3" length="12654478" type="audio/mpeg" />
  2488. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce Fisher shares the benefits of Hawaii vacation bundling. He Shares  “why more is better” on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce starts out with an update on the situation in the aftermath of the devastating a...</itunes:subtitle>
  2489. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce Fisher shares the benefits of Hawaii vacation bundling. He Shares  “why more is better” on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce starts out with an update on the situation in the aftermath of the devastating and deadly Maui wildfires.  Governor Josh Green has announced that West Maui will be reopened on October 8th.&lt;br /&gt;
  2490. &lt;br /&gt;
  2491. &lt;br /&gt;
  2492. &lt;br /&gt;
  2493. “I think that’s a good thing,” Bruce says.  Although he wonders about how residents, relief workers, and visitors will be accommodated. He is encouraged by the amazing outpouring of support from around the world for the people of Maui.&lt;br /&gt;
  2494. &lt;br /&gt;
  2495. &lt;br /&gt;
  2496. &lt;br /&gt;
  2497. The more the merrier!&lt;br /&gt;
  2498. &lt;br /&gt;
  2499. &lt;br /&gt;
  2500. &lt;br /&gt;
  2501. On to the benefits of Hawaii vacation bundling, Bruce says. “There’s no magic formula for getting the best price.” He notes that using companies like Hawaii Aloha Travel is the best way to find the best deals. Bruce gets into the ways that HAT can offer Hawaii vacation bundling packages. Through wholesale arrangements with various hotels, resorts, and vendors that limit transaction fees.&lt;br /&gt;
  2502. &lt;br /&gt;
  2503. &lt;br /&gt;
  2504. &lt;br /&gt;
  2505. Bruce goes on to explain the concept of “dynamic packaging” . He explains how HAT  makes custom travel packages using, promo codes, and other incentives attractive to visitors. “Think about these kinds of savings!” he says. He offers some examples of offers that add bonus savings to your vacation package. Bruce also talks about the value-added service Hawaii Aloha Travel offers. “Try calling Expedia when anything goes wrong,” he jokes. “See what happens when you do that.” With Hawaii Aloha Travel, you have a local friend to help with your vacation planning. “You only have to think about it once!”&lt;br /&gt;
  2506. &lt;br /&gt;
  2507. &lt;br /&gt;
  2508. &lt;br /&gt;
  2509. Hawaii Vacation Bundling Advantage &lt;br /&gt;
  2510. &lt;br /&gt;
  2511. &lt;br /&gt;
  2512. &lt;br /&gt;
  2513. Hawaii vacation bundling also gives visitors a clearer picture of fees and taxes on a Hawaii vacation. Bruce also notes that with Hawaii Aloha Travel, “whatever you book, you’re going to get”. He explains the advantages of bundling with HAT, including monitoring prices. Also,  adjusting costs according to market factors often result in lower prices for Hawaii vacation bundling.&lt;br /&gt;
  2514. &lt;br /&gt;
  2515. &lt;br /&gt;
  2516. &lt;br /&gt;
  2517. Bruce mentions Marriott, Aston Aqua, and Hyatt deals that are now available through Hawaii Aloha Travel. “Take advantage of our all-inclusive packages because we bundle everything in there for you…more is better.”&lt;br /&gt;
  2518. &lt;br /&gt;
  2519. &lt;br /&gt;
  2520. &lt;br /&gt;
  2521. Check out the newly refurbished HAT website. The site has comprehensive new hotel pages that include accurate hotel fees. Alos, you&#039;ll find other charges that might otherwise slip under your Hawaii vacation planning radar. “We’ve ramped it up a lot!”</itunes:summary>
  2522. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  2523. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  2524. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  2525. <itunes:duration>14:16</itunes:duration>
  2526. </item>
  2527. <item>
  2528. <title>Rethinking your Maui Vacation After Wildfires</title>
  2529. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/rethinking-your-maui-vacation-after-wildfires/</link>
  2530. <pubDate>Mon, 28 Aug 2023 06:30:27 +0000</pubDate>
  2531. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=48668</guid>
  2532. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/rethinking-your-maui-vacation-after-wildfires/#respond</comments>
  2533. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/rethinking-your-maui-vacation-after-wildfires/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  2534. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  2535. <description>Aloha Bruce gets into the important topic of rethinking your Maui Vacation After Wildfires destroyed Lahaina .
  2536.  
  2537.  
  2538.  
  2539. First, Bruce discusses Oahu beach closures due to poor water quality and high bacteria counts. “The closures are very precautionary,” he says. The Hawaii Department of Health website states that they issued many water quality advisories in August 2023. Bruce recommends staying out of the ocean during those events (which tend to pass fairly quickly). Bruce also notes some brief news about Oahu’s rapid transit rail project. He shares new Hawaiian Air routes to Taipei and other Pacific Rim destinations.
  2540.  
  2541.  
  2542.  
  2543. On Maui, Bruce says that there are 49 sunken vessels in Lahaina Harbor and suggests looking into Maui Strong and the HI Red Cross for ways to volunteer or otherwise contribute to relief.
  2544.  
  2545.  
  2546.  
  2547. On rethinking your Maui vacation after the wildfires.  Bruce points out that 90% of the Valley Isle remains open to visitors. Bruce notes there are several “really nice” vacation condos in Kihei and South Maui. This side of Maui is in proximity to the beautiful beaches of Wailea and Makena. Moreover, Bruce emphasizes, “Tourism is so important here. We need you to come.”
  2548.  
  2549.  
  2550.  
  2551. Where to stay for a Maui Vacation After Wildfires
  2552.  
  2553.  
  2554.  
  2555. Bruce says that they will close much of West Maui to non-essential travel. “Don’t go to the west side, period,” he says. South Maui condos like the Maui Coast Hotel, the Maui Seaside, and the Paiea Inn are options.  Several others in the $200-$300 price range are available. “The hotels that are in Wailea are super expensive,” Bruce says, noting a $900-$1200 price range for the luxury area.
  2556.  
  2557.  
  2558.  
  2559. Properties on the slope of Haleakala Crater above Wailea have slightly more reasonable prices.  However, “If you do have the big bucks, you can still stay at some of these high-end resorts.” Bruce moves on to mention several properties, Kahului, Paiea, Makawao, and Upcountry Maui.
  2560.  
  2561.  
  2562.  
  2563. The upcountry provides more convenient access to Haleakala National Park and the Road to Hana.
  2564.  
  2565.  
  2566.  
  2567. Places to visit for a Maui Vacation After Wildfires
  2568.  
  2569.  
  2570.  
  2571. Bruce mentions the Surfing Goat Dairy Farm and a vodka distillery in the area which is accessible to you on your Maui Vacation After Wildfires. He mentions some properties in Hana and activities like waterfall repelling along the way to the remote small town.
  2572.  
  2573.  
  2574.  
  2575. &quot;Please don&#039;t let this discourage you from visiting Maui,&quot; Bruce says, recommending volunteering or donating to relief efforts.. That may be the best way of rethinking your Maui vacation. “We do want you to come to Maui!”</description>
  2576. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/rethinkin-your-maui-vacation.mp3" length="13018794" type="audio/mpeg" />
  2577. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce gets into the important topic of rethinking your Maui Vacation After Wildfires destroyed Lahaina .    First, Bruce discusses Oahu beach closures due to poor water quality and high bacteria counts. “The closures are very precautionary,</itunes:subtitle>
  2578. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce gets into the important topic of rethinking your Maui Vacation After Wildfires destroyed Lahaina .&lt;br /&gt;
  2579. &lt;br /&gt;
  2580. &lt;br /&gt;
  2581. &lt;br /&gt;
  2582. First, Bruce discusses Oahu beach closures due to poor water quality and high bacteria counts. “The closures are very precautionary,” he says. The Hawaii Department of Health website states that they issued many water quality advisories in August 2023. Bruce recommends staying out of the ocean during those events (which tend to pass fairly quickly). Bruce also notes some brief news about Oahu’s rapid transit rail project. He shares new Hawaiian Air routes to Taipei and other Pacific Rim destinations.&lt;br /&gt;
  2583. &lt;br /&gt;
  2584. &lt;br /&gt;
  2585. &lt;br /&gt;
  2586. On Maui, Bruce says that there are 49 sunken vessels in Lahaina Harbor and suggests looking into Maui Strong and the HI Red Cross for ways to volunteer or otherwise contribute to relief. &lt;br /&gt;
  2587. &lt;br /&gt;
  2588. &lt;br /&gt;
  2589. &lt;br /&gt;
  2590. On rethinking your Maui vacation after the wildfires.  Bruce points out that 90% of the Valley Isle remains open to visitors. Bruce notes there are several “really nice” vacation condos in Kihei and South Maui. This side of Maui is in proximity to the beautiful beaches of Wailea and Makena. Moreover, Bruce emphasizes, “Tourism is so important here. We need you to come.”&lt;br /&gt;
  2591. &lt;br /&gt;
  2592. &lt;br /&gt;
  2593. &lt;br /&gt;
  2594. Where to stay for a Maui Vacation After Wildfires&lt;br /&gt;
  2595. &lt;br /&gt;
  2596. &lt;br /&gt;
  2597. &lt;br /&gt;
  2598. Bruce says that they will close much of West Maui to non-essential travel. “Don’t go to the west side, period,” he says. South Maui condos like the Maui Coast Hotel, the Maui Seaside, and the Paiea Inn are options.  Several others in the $200-$300 price range are available. “The hotels that are in Wailea are super expensive,” Bruce says, noting a $900-$1200 price range for the luxury area.&lt;br /&gt;
  2599. &lt;br /&gt;
  2600. &lt;br /&gt;
  2601. &lt;br /&gt;
  2602. Properties on the slope of Haleakala Crater above Wailea have slightly more reasonable prices.  However, “If you do have the big bucks, you can still stay at some of these high-end resorts.” Bruce moves on to mention several properties, Kahului, Paiea, Makawao, and Upcountry Maui.&lt;br /&gt;
  2603. &lt;br /&gt;
  2604. &lt;br /&gt;
  2605. &lt;br /&gt;
  2606. The upcountry provides more convenient access to Haleakala National Park and the Road to Hana.&lt;br /&gt;
  2607. &lt;br /&gt;
  2608. &lt;br /&gt;
  2609. &lt;br /&gt;
  2610. Places to visit for a Maui Vacation After Wildfires&lt;br /&gt;
  2611. &lt;br /&gt;
  2612. &lt;br /&gt;
  2613. &lt;br /&gt;
  2614. Bruce mentions the Surfing Goat Dairy Farm and a vodka distillery in the area which is accessible to you on your Maui Vacation After Wildfires. He mentions some properties in Hana and activities like waterfall repelling along the way to the remote small town.&lt;br /&gt;
  2615. &lt;br /&gt;
  2616. &lt;br /&gt;
  2617. &lt;br /&gt;
  2618. &quot;Please don&#039;t let this discourage you from visiting Maui,&quot; Bruce says, recommending volunteering or donating to relief efforts.. That may be the best way of rethinking your Maui vacation. “We do want you to come to Maui!”</itunes:summary>
  2619. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  2620. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  2621. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  2622. <itunes:duration>14:31</itunes:duration>
  2623. </item>
  2624. <item>
  2625. <title>Maui Wildfires &#124; Come to Hawaii but NOT MAUI !</title>
  2626. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/maui-wildfires/</link>
  2627. <pubDate>Mon, 21 Aug 2023 17:55:50 +0000</pubDate>
  2628. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=48426</guid>
  2629. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/maui-wildfires/#respond</comments>
  2630. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/maui-wildfires/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  2631. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  2632. <description>Aloha Bruce provides important information about the Maui wildfires that have burned Historic Lahaina Town to the ground and continue to burn in multiple areas on the Valley Isle. Bruce says straight away to come to Hawaii, “just not to Maui”, on this Saturday, August 12, 2023, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast.
  2633.  
  2634.  
  2635.  
  2636. Current Situation
  2637.  
  2638.  
  2639.  
  2640. Bruce gives details about current conditions in Maui and the locations of current blazes. He discusses the current dry conditions and dry brush “waiting to ignite” that he passes through on his daily hikes in southeast Oahu. “It’s kind of scary,” he says.
  2641.  
  2642.  
  2643.  
  2644. 80 people have so far died in Lahaina because of the Maui wildfires, Bruce notes solemnly. “There will never be a Historic Lahaina Town again,” Bruce says and offers some insight into possibilities as redevelopment plans begin following the completion of the grim task of the search and recovery of victims of the blaze. Bruce is concerned that large corporations will offer area landowners victims, large sums of money and turn Lahaina into another Waikiki. “It would just be so sad to see that happen.”
  2645.  
  2646.  
  2647.  
  2648. Bruce talks about the thousands of visitors affected by the Maui wildfires and notes that the rest of Hawaii is still open. “We are not going to be booking people to Maui,” Bruce says of the immediate future. He does note that the rest of Hawaii retains its amazing natural beauty.
  2649.  
  2650.  
  2651.  
  2652. 90% of Maui is Open!
  2653.  
  2654.  
  2655.  
  2656. For visitors with plans to travel to Maui, Bruce notes the high costs of staying in areas like Wailea and he offers some options to stay on Oahu instead. Oahu is a great alternative to Maui, and he shares some of the many attractions here. “Honestly, of all the islands in Hawaii, Maui is not always my first pick,” he says, despite internet algorithms that tend to point people to the Valley Isle. “Sometimes I have to talk people out of going to Maui. We’re saying don’t go to Maui right now.”There is no reason to cancel your Hawaii vacation because of the Maui Wildfires. “You can still come here and have an amazing time,” Bruce says, and he mentions that the Big Island also has some beautiful beaches.
  2657.  
  2658.  
  2659.  
  2660. “We are all in shock over what has happened here,” Bruce says. “It’s just so sad.” He shares his personal history in Hawaii, including being the first Kauai journalist after Hurricane Iniki devastated much of the Garden Isle in 1992. He discusses the lack of communication at the time and describes the efforts made to establish communication channels between the Hawaiian Islands. “It was a life-changing experience. We reported it, and we helped people.”
  2661.  
  2662.  
  2663.  
  2664. Bruce says communications and resources have greatly improved since then, and he offers some positive thoughts about the recovery efforts in Lahaina, which are going to take years following the deadly, devastating, and tragic Maui wildfires.</description>
  2665. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/come-to-hawaii-not-maui.mp3" length="14988333" type="audio/mpeg" />
  2666. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce provides important information about the Maui wildfires that have burned Historic Lahaina Town to the ground and continue to burn in multiple areas on the Valley Isle. Bruce says straight away to come to Hawaii, “just not to Maui”,</itunes:subtitle>
  2667. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce provides important information about the Maui wildfires that have burned Historic Lahaina Town to the ground and continue to burn in multiple areas on the Valley Isle. Bruce says straight away to come to Hawaii, “just not to Maui”, on this Saturday, August 12, 2023, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast.&lt;br /&gt;
  2668. &lt;br /&gt;
  2669. &lt;br /&gt;
  2670. &lt;br /&gt;
  2671. Current Situation&lt;br /&gt;
  2672. &lt;br /&gt;
  2673. &lt;br /&gt;
  2674. &lt;br /&gt;
  2675. Bruce gives details about current conditions in Maui and the locations of current blazes. He discusses the current dry conditions and dry brush “waiting to ignite” that he passes through on his daily hikes in southeast Oahu. “It’s kind of scary,” he says.&lt;br /&gt;
  2676. &lt;br /&gt;
  2677. &lt;br /&gt;
  2678. &lt;br /&gt;
  2679. 80 people have so far died in Lahaina because of the Maui wildfires, Bruce notes solemnly. “There will never be a Historic Lahaina Town again,” Bruce says and offers some insight into possibilities as redevelopment plans begin following the completion of the grim task of the search and recovery of victims of the blaze. Bruce is concerned that large corporations will offer area landowners victims, large sums of money and turn Lahaina into another Waikiki. “It would just be so sad to see that happen.”&lt;br /&gt;
  2680. &lt;br /&gt;
  2681. &lt;br /&gt;
  2682. &lt;br /&gt;
  2683. Bruce talks about the thousands of visitors affected by the Maui wildfires and notes that the rest of Hawaii is still open. “We are not going to be booking people to Maui,” Bruce says of the immediate future. He does note that the rest of Hawaii retains its amazing natural beauty.&lt;br /&gt;
  2684. &lt;br /&gt;
  2685. &lt;br /&gt;
  2686. &lt;br /&gt;
  2687. 90% of Maui is Open!&lt;br /&gt;
  2688. &lt;br /&gt;
  2689. &lt;br /&gt;
  2690. &lt;br /&gt;
  2691. For visitors with plans to travel to Maui, Bruce notes the high costs of staying in areas like Wailea and he offers some options to stay on Oahu instead. Oahu is a great alternative to Maui, and he shares some of the many attractions here. “Honestly, of all the islands in Hawaii, Maui is not always my first pick,” he says, despite internet algorithms that tend to point people to the Valley Isle. “Sometimes I have to talk people out of going to Maui. We’re saying don’t go to Maui right now.”There is no reason to cancel your Hawaii vacation because of the Maui Wildfires. “You can still come here and have an amazing time,” Bruce says, and he mentions that the Big Island also has some beautiful beaches.&lt;br /&gt;
  2692. &lt;br /&gt;
  2693. &lt;br /&gt;
  2694. &lt;br /&gt;
  2695. “We are all in shock over what has happened here,” Bruce says. “It’s just so sad.” He shares his personal history in Hawaii, including being the first Kauai journalist after Hurricane Iniki devastated much of the Garden Isle in 1992. He discusses the lack of communication at the time and describes the efforts made to establish communication channels between the Hawaiian Islands. “It was a life-changing experience. We reported it, and we helped people.”&lt;br /&gt;
  2696. &lt;br /&gt;
  2697. &lt;br /&gt;
  2698. &lt;br /&gt;
  2699. Bruce says communications and resources have greatly improved since then, and he offers some positive thoughts about the recovery efforts in Lahaina, which are going to take years following the deadly, devastating, and tragic Maui wildfires.</itunes:summary>
  2700. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  2701. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  2702. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  2703. <itunes:duration>18:44</itunes:duration>
  2704. </item>
  2705. <item>
  2706. <title>Unique Hawaii Experiences for Your Hawaiian Getaway</title>
  2707. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/unique-hawaii-experiences/</link>
  2708. <pubDate>Mon, 21 Aug 2023 17:43:59 +0000</pubDate>
  2709. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=48423</guid>
  2710. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/unique-hawaii-experiences/#respond</comments>
  2711. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/unique-hawaii-experiences/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  2712. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  2713. <description>Aloha Bruce Fisher offers his take on unique Hawaii experiences on this new Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast after a brief update on the devastation of Maui wildfires. He notes that the Hyatt Regency Maui has been a hub of relief efforts in West Maui. “Tourism is kind of on hold,” Bruce says of efforts to house displaced residents, families, and disaster relief personnel. He breaks down the conflict between Maui’s reliance on tourism and the island’s need to allocate resources to recovery from an unthinkable tragedy.
  2714.  
  2715.  
  2716.  
  2717. Hawaii remains open and welcomes visitors. Bruce offers some of his top recommendations for unique Hawaii experiences that won&#039;t interfere with the extensive recovery efforts needed to address the historical, human, and cultural damage from the Maui wildfires.
  2718.  
  2719.  
  2720.  
  2721. Get out and explore!
  2722.  
  2723.  
  2724.  
  2725. “Step out of the resort confines!” Bruce says. “You pay a lot of money to get these oceanfront rooms and you’re only in the room for five minutes a day.” Go out and support a local café. Take a private tour. Trust local wisdom.
  2726.  
  2727.  
  2728.  
  2729. Bruce shares unique Hawaii experiences like seahorse wrangling and cow-hugging on Hawaii Island. Also, as a dedicated cat parent, he also throws in a plug for the internet-famous Lanai Cat Sanctuary, cheekily known as the “Fur Seasons.” Bruce also recommends an organic bee honey operation near Kona.
  2730.  
  2731.  
  2732.  
  2733. On Oahu, Bruce offers Nisshodo Mochiya in Kalihi, a traditional Japanese candy store with a wide selection of mochi and other sweet treats. “They’ve been doing for 100 years,” Bruce says. “You can Uber there.”
  2734.  
  2735.  
  2736.  
  2737. Embrace Hawaiian Culture
  2738.  
  2739.  
  2740.  
  2741. Doing culturally immersive things in Hawaii are key to having unique Hawaii experiences. Many Hawaii hotels and resorts teach lei-making. “Go ahead. Make a lei. Relax.” Bruce also encourages visitors to get out into Hawaii’s green places like the Greenwell Farms. Oh, and don’t forget about Hawaii stargazing!
  2742.  
  2743.  
  2744.  
  2745. “You should be taking a cooking class,” Bruce says. The Hawaiian Style Cooking Class in Waikiki provides the kind of immersive Hawaii experience he recommends. “You want to take a deep dive into some Hawaiian culinary experiences.” The Aloha Plate Food Tour is another great way to explore “Hawaiian grinds”.
  2746.  
  2747.  
  2748.  
  2749. There are many ways to explore unique Hawaii experiences, Bruce says. Hawaii Aloha Travel will get you onto the adventures you’re after.</description>
  2750. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/unique-hawaii-experiences.mp3" length="13775255" type="audio/mpeg" />
  2751. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce Fisher offers his take on unique Hawaii experiences on this new Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast after a brief update on the devastation of Maui wildfires. He notes that the Hyatt Regency Maui has been a hub of relief efforts in West Maui...</itunes:subtitle>
  2752. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce Fisher offers his take on unique Hawaii experiences on this new Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast after a brief update on the devastation of Maui wildfires. He notes that the Hyatt Regency Maui has been a hub of relief efforts in West Maui. “Tourism is kind of on hold,” Bruce says of efforts to house displaced residents, families, and disaster relief personnel. He breaks down the conflict between Maui’s reliance on tourism and the island’s need to allocate resources to recovery from an unthinkable tragedy.&lt;br /&gt;
  2753. &lt;br /&gt;
  2754. &lt;br /&gt;
  2755. &lt;br /&gt;
  2756. Hawaii remains open and welcomes visitors. Bruce offers some of his top recommendations for unique Hawaii experiences that won&#039;t interfere with the extensive recovery efforts needed to address the historical, human, and cultural damage from the Maui wildfires.&lt;br /&gt;
  2757. &lt;br /&gt;
  2758. &lt;br /&gt;
  2759. &lt;br /&gt;
  2760. Get out and explore! &lt;br /&gt;
  2761. &lt;br /&gt;
  2762. &lt;br /&gt;
  2763. &lt;br /&gt;
  2764. “Step out of the resort confines!” Bruce says. “You pay a lot of money to get these oceanfront rooms and you’re only in the room for five minutes a day.” Go out and support a local café. Take a private tour. Trust local wisdom.&lt;br /&gt;
  2765. &lt;br /&gt;
  2766. &lt;br /&gt;
  2767. &lt;br /&gt;
  2768. Bruce shares unique Hawaii experiences like seahorse wrangling and cow-hugging on Hawaii Island. Also, as a dedicated cat parent, he also throws in a plug for the internet-famous Lanai Cat Sanctuary, cheekily known as the “Fur Seasons.” Bruce also recommends an organic bee honey operation near Kona.&lt;br /&gt;
  2769. &lt;br /&gt;
  2770. &lt;br /&gt;
  2771. &lt;br /&gt;
  2772. On Oahu, Bruce offers Nisshodo Mochiya in Kalihi, a traditional Japanese candy store with a wide selection of mochi and other sweet treats. “They’ve been doing for 100 years,” Bruce says. “You can Uber there.”&lt;br /&gt;
  2773. &lt;br /&gt;
  2774. &lt;br /&gt;
  2775. &lt;br /&gt;
  2776. Embrace Hawaiian Culture&lt;br /&gt;
  2777. &lt;br /&gt;
  2778. &lt;br /&gt;
  2779. &lt;br /&gt;
  2780. Doing culturally immersive things in Hawaii are key to having unique Hawaii experiences. Many Hawaii hotels and resorts teach lei-making. “Go ahead. Make a lei. Relax.” Bruce also encourages visitors to get out into Hawaii’s green places like the Greenwell Farms. Oh, and don’t forget about Hawaii stargazing!&lt;br /&gt;
  2781. &lt;br /&gt;
  2782. &lt;br /&gt;
  2783. &lt;br /&gt;
  2784. “You should be taking a cooking class,” Bruce says. The Hawaiian Style Cooking Class in Waikiki provides the kind of immersive Hawaii experience he recommends. “You want to take a deep dive into some Hawaiian culinary experiences.” The Aloha Plate Food Tour is another great way to explore “Hawaiian grinds”.&lt;br /&gt;
  2785. &lt;br /&gt;
  2786. &lt;br /&gt;
  2787. &lt;br /&gt;
  2788. There are many ways to explore unique Hawaii experiences, Bruce says. Hawaii Aloha Travel will get you onto the adventures you’re after.</itunes:summary>
  2789. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  2790. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  2791. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  2792. <itunes:duration>15:39</itunes:duration>
  2793. </item>
  2794. <item>
  2795. <title>Hawaii Travel Troubles: What to Do When Your Vacation Isn’t What You Expected</title>
  2796. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-travel-troubles/</link>
  2797. <pubDate>Sat, 05 Aug 2023 22:00:37 +0000</pubDate>
  2798. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=46524</guid>
  2799. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-travel-troubles/#respond</comments>
  2800. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-travel-troubles/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  2801. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  2802. <description>Aloha Bruce is in the studio to talk about Hawaii travel troubles visitors may encounter on this latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. He offers some helpful, expert advise about how to handle any disruptions that may crop up during a Hawaii vacation.
  2803. Bruce begins with a discussion about the high cost for three rooms in a 4-Star  property for a family from the East Coast, coming in at over $80,000. “If you’re planning on a family vacation in Hawaii over the holidays, you better do it soon!” He notes that it may be more cost effective to plan your vacation in November.
  2804. He notes a new climate change office on Hawaii Island intended to coordinate efforts to mitigate and adapt changes brought on by global climate change. He also mentions that Honolulu City &amp; County is spending over $500,000 to hire security guards to patrol Waikiki 6pm-2am in a crime reduction effort working with the Honolulu Police Department. Back on the Big Island, Bruce mentions the Hawaii Island the Heart of Polynesia program, a campaign to increase cultural awareness in Hawaii’s visitors. He also shares the news that officials on Maui are considering tourism taxes on overnight accommodations.
  2805. To wrap the news segment, Bruce discusses the reopening of the DFS Galleria in Waikiki and a nearby restaurant as indicators of an increase of international visitor arrivals. “That’s a good sign!”
  2806. On to the main topic of Hawaii travel troubles and how to handle them, Bruce first talks about purchasing travel insurance. He describes Hawaii Aloha Travel’s insurance policies and the benefits they offer. He also recommends “dialing back your expectations” about Hawaii hotels and mentions the Hilton Hawaii Village as being an attractive property for families with children.
  2807. Bruce explains that having travel insurance and an expert travel advisor are the two most important things to consider when confronted with Hawaii travel troubles. “Call us when these things are happening,” Bruce says. “We can help you 24-7!”
  2808. Aloha Bruce notes the importance of reading the “fine print” and be leery of Chat AI advice that can be ultimately unhelpful. “Sometimes people just don’t understand what they’re getting,” he says and discusses recently being able to move one vacationer and her family to a property more suitable than the one she had originally booked and found it lacking. Most Hawaii travel troubles start with your accommodations.
  2809. “We can help! At the end of the day, all we want is for you to have an amazing Hawaii vacation.”</description>
  2810. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/hawaii-travel-troubles.mp3" length="14492206" type="audio/mpeg" />
  2811. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce is in the studio to talk about Hawaii travel troubles visitors may encounter on this latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. He offers some helpful, expert advise about how to handle any disruptions that may crop up during a Hawaii vacat...</itunes:subtitle>
  2812. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce is in the studio to talk about Hawaii travel troubles visitors may encounter on this latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. He offers some helpful, expert advise about how to handle any disruptions that may crop up during a Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  2813. Bruce begins with a discussion about the high cost for three rooms in a 4-Star  property for a family from the East Coast, coming in at over $80,000. “If you’re planning on a family vacation in Hawaii over the holidays, you better do it soon!” He notes that it may be more cost effective to plan your vacation in November.&lt;br /&gt;
  2814. He notes a new climate change office on Hawaii Island intended to coordinate efforts to mitigate and adapt changes brought on by global climate change. He also mentions that Honolulu City &amp; County is spending over $500,000 to hire security guards to patrol Waikiki 6pm-2am in a crime reduction effort working with the Honolulu Police Department. Back on the Big Island, Bruce mentions the Hawaii Island the Heart of Polynesia program, a campaign to increase cultural awareness in Hawaii’s visitors. He also shares the news that officials on Maui are considering tourism taxes on overnight accommodations.&lt;br /&gt;
  2815. To wrap the news segment, Bruce discusses the reopening of the DFS Galleria in Waikiki and a nearby restaurant as indicators of an increase of international visitor arrivals. “That’s a good sign!”&lt;br /&gt;
  2816. On to the main topic of Hawaii travel troubles and how to handle them, Bruce first talks about purchasing travel insurance. He describes Hawaii Aloha Travel’s insurance policies and the benefits they offer. He also recommends “dialing back your expectations” about Hawaii hotels and mentions the Hilton Hawaii Village as being an attractive property for families with children.&lt;br /&gt;
  2817. Bruce explains that having travel insurance and an expert travel advisor are the two most important things to consider when confronted with Hawaii travel troubles. “Call us when these things are happening,” Bruce says. “We can help you 24-7!”&lt;br /&gt;
  2818. Aloha Bruce notes the importance of reading the “fine print” and be leery of Chat AI advice that can be ultimately unhelpful. “Sometimes people just don’t understand what they’re getting,” he says and discusses recently being able to move one vacationer and her family to a property more suitable than the one she had originally booked and found it lacking. Most Hawaii travel troubles start with your accommodations.&lt;br /&gt;
  2819. “We can help! At the end of the day, all we want is for you to have an amazing Hawaii vacation.”</itunes:summary>
  2820. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  2821. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  2822. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  2823. <itunes:duration>16:28</itunes:duration>
  2824. </item>
  2825. <item>
  2826. <title>Top Etiquette Tips for Hawaii</title>
  2827. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/top-etiquette-tips-for-hawaii-how-to-avoid-tourist-shaming-in-hawaii/</link>
  2828. <pubDate>Sun, 30 Jul 2023 20:03:57 +0000</pubDate>
  2829. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=44578</guid>
  2830. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/top-etiquette-tips-for-hawaii-how-to-avoid-tourist-shaming-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  2831. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/top-etiquette-tips-for-hawaii-how-to-avoid-tourist-shaming-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  2832. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  2833. <description>On this week&#039;s podcast I talk about some Etiquette Tips for Hawaii. As you plan your visit to the beautiful islands, it&#039;s essential to respect the local culture and etiquette to enjoy a truly authentic and respectful Hawaiian experience.
  2834.  
  2835. First, a word about Hawaiian identity: The term &quot;Hawaiian&quot; is reserved for individuals of Native Hawaiian descent. If you&#039;re chatting with locals and aren&#039;t certain of their ancestry, it&#039;s safe to use the term &#039;locals.&#039; Of all the Etiquette Tips for Hawaii, this is one of the most important.
  2836.  
  2837. And while we&#039;re talking terminology, remember that Hawaii proudly stands as the 50th state of America. When referring to the rest of the country, it&#039;s best to specify individual states instead of referring to them collectively as &quot;the states,&quot; which might seem to exclude Hawaii.
  2838.  
  2839. Locals are the heart and soul of Hawaii&#039;s vibrant culture. Just as a New Yorker hails from New York, those living in Hawaii identify as locals, not Hawaiians.
  2840.  
  2841. Upon arrival, you may be welcomed with a lei - a string or garland of beautifully strung flowers, akin to a long necklace. This token of welcome is also offered during celebrations such as birthdays, graduations, and anniversaries. Accept it gracefully and wear it proudly.
  2842.  
  2843. As you engage with locals, you will likely hear the words &#039;mahalo&#039; and &#039;aloha&#039; frequently. These words are integral to everyday life in the islands. &#039;Mahalo&#039; means thank you, while &#039;Aloha&#039; has multiple meanings, including hello, goodbye, and love. Learn them, use them correctly, and add a touch of Hawaiian spirit to your vocabulary as an addition to Etiquette Tips for Hawaii.
  2844.  
  2845. Among the many fascinating elements of Hawaiian culture, the art of Hula holds a special place. This sacred dance form, often showcased at luaus or hula competitions, is a profound expression of Hawaiian heritage. As an observer, be sure to respect the art form and the dancers. Refrain from joining in unless invited and never mock the performers.
  2846.  
  2847. While the stunning volcanic sites might tempt you to pocket a lava rock or two as souvenirs, we strongly advise against it. Respect the land and its resources, leaving everything just as you found it.
  2848.  
  2849. Hawaii&#039;s spectacular geography is split across eight islands: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, Hawaii Island, Kahoolawe, and Niihau. These are not &quot;outer islands&quot;, but rather &quot;neighbor islands&quot;. Use the latter term or refer to each by its specific name to avoid causing offence.
  2850.  
  2851. Finally, when you&#039;re gearing up for a day at the beach, remember to choose reef-friendly sunscreen. Hawaii&#039;s marine ecosystems, including a vast network of live coral reefs, are incredibly delicate. State law even prohibits the sale and distribution of sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, known to be toxic to coral reefs and marine life. Although tourists aren&#039;t penalized for using such sunscreens, we strongly urge you to opt for a reef-safe or biodegradable alternative.
  2852.  
  2853. So, as you step onto Hawaiian soil, remember to savor the beauty, respect the culture, and contribute positively to the preservation of this paradise. Mahalo for your consideration, and enjoy your Hawaiian adventure! Aloha!
  2854. We podcast about Hawaii
  2855. because we love Hawaii.
  2856. Get Help Planning Your Trip</description>
  2857. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/etiqutte-tips.mp3" length="13844806" type="audio/mpeg" />
  2858. <itunes:subtitle>On this week&#039;s podcast I talk about some Etiquette Tips for Hawaii. As you plan your visit to the beautiful islands, it&#039;s essential to respect the local culture and etiquette to enjoy a truly authentic and respectful Hawaiian experience.  First,</itunes:subtitle>
  2859. <itunes:summary>On this week&#039;s podcast I talk about some Etiquette Tips for Hawaii. As you plan your visit to the beautiful islands, it&#039;s essential to respect the local culture and etiquette to enjoy a truly authentic and respectful Hawaiian experience.&lt;br /&gt;
  2860. &lt;br /&gt;
  2861. First, a word about Hawaiian identity: The term &quot;Hawaiian&quot; is reserved for individuals of Native Hawaiian descent. If you&#039;re chatting with locals and aren&#039;t certain of their ancestry, it&#039;s safe to use the term &#039;locals.&#039; Of all the Etiquette Tips for Hawaii, this is one of the most important.&lt;br /&gt;
  2862. &lt;br /&gt;
  2863. And while we&#039;re talking terminology, remember that Hawaii proudly stands as the 50th state of America. When referring to the rest of the country, it&#039;s best to specify individual states instead of referring to them collectively as &quot;the states,&quot; which might seem to exclude Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  2864. &lt;br /&gt;
  2865. Locals are the heart and soul of Hawaii&#039;s vibrant culture. Just as a New Yorker hails from New York, those living in Hawaii identify as locals, not Hawaiians.&lt;br /&gt;
  2866. &lt;br /&gt;
  2867. Upon arrival, you may be welcomed with a lei - a string or garland of beautifully strung flowers, akin to a long necklace. This token of welcome is also offered during celebrations such as birthdays, graduations, and anniversaries. Accept it gracefully and wear it proudly.&lt;br /&gt;
  2868. &lt;br /&gt;
  2869. As you engage with locals, you will likely hear the words &#039;mahalo&#039; and &#039;aloha&#039; frequently. These words are integral to everyday life in the islands. &#039;Mahalo&#039; means thank you, while &#039;Aloha&#039; has multiple meanings, including hello, goodbye, and love. Learn them, use them correctly, and add a touch of Hawaiian spirit to your vocabulary as an addition to Etiquette Tips for Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  2870. &lt;br /&gt;
  2871. Among the many fascinating elements of Hawaiian culture, the art of Hula holds a special place. This sacred dance form, often showcased at luaus or hula competitions, is a profound expression of Hawaiian heritage. As an observer, be sure to respect the art form and the dancers. Refrain from joining in unless invited and never mock the performers.&lt;br /&gt;
  2872. &lt;br /&gt;
  2873. While the stunning volcanic sites might tempt you to pocket a lava rock or two as souvenirs, we strongly advise against it. Respect the land and its resources, leaving everything just as you found it.&lt;br /&gt;
  2874. &lt;br /&gt;
  2875. Hawaii&#039;s spectacular geography is split across eight islands: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, Hawaii Island, Kahoolawe, and Niihau. These are not &quot;outer islands&quot;, but rather &quot;neighbor islands&quot;. Use the latter term or refer to each by its specific name to avoid causing offence.&lt;br /&gt;
  2876. &lt;br /&gt;
  2877. Finally, when you&#039;re gearing up for a day at the beach, remember to choose reef-friendly sunscreen. Hawaii&#039;s marine ecosystems, including a vast network of live coral reefs, are incredibly delicate. State law even prohibits the sale and distribution of sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, known to be toxic to coral reefs and marine life. Although tourists aren&#039;t penalized for using such sunscreens, we strongly urge you to opt for a reef-safe or biodegradable alternative.&lt;br /&gt;
  2878. &lt;br /&gt;
  2879. So, as you step onto Hawaiian soil, remember to savor the beauty, respect the culture, and contribute positively to the preservation of this paradise. Mahalo for your consideration, and enjoy your Hawaiian adventure! Aloha!&lt;br /&gt;
  2880. &lt;br /&gt;
  2881. &lt;br /&gt;
  2882. We podcast about Hawaii&lt;br /&gt;
  2883. because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  2884. &lt;br /&gt;
  2885. &lt;br /&gt;
  2886. &lt;br /&gt;
  2887. &lt;br /&gt;
  2888. Get Help Planning Your Trip</itunes:summary>
  2889. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  2890. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  2891. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  2892. <itunes:duration>15:44</itunes:duration>
  2893. </item>
  2894. <item>
  2895. <title>The Weather in Hawaii is so good You&#8217;ll Never Want to Leave !</title>
  2896. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/weather-in-hawaii-2/</link>
  2897. <pubDate>Sun, 23 Jul 2023 20:41:57 +0000</pubDate>
  2898. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=44564</guid>
  2899. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/weather-in-hawaii-2/#respond</comments>
  2900. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/weather-in-hawaii-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  2901. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  2902. <description>The recent stir that Tropical Storm Calvin caused in Hawaii prompts Aloha Bruce to discuss weather in Hawaii on this latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Should you be concerned about severe weather that is forecasted during your Hawaii vacation?
  2903.  
  2904. Bruce has just returned from a quick work trip to Kauai and he offers some keen insight into a “budget hotel” stay on the Garden Isle. Bruce’s assessment of the Hilton Garden Inn and the Royal Sunesta are frank and clear and very different.
  2905.  
  2906. On to the main topic of weather in Hawaii, Bruce notes dryly that “Hawaii only has two seasons”, summer and winter. For Hawaii vacation planning purposes, he says that it’s important to maximize your outdoor time and the potential effects El Nino and La Nina weather patterns. “I would say the wet season, in general, is November through March.”
  2907.  
  2908. Bruce shares some vital info about Hawaii rainfall and when and where you can expect it. He shares some facts about Hawaii’s dry season in July and August. “You’re definitely going to want to hydrate and wear more sunscreen.” This leads to a discussion about Hawaii’s high tourism seasons, and when you can expect to find the best weather and the best accommodations deals.
  2909.  
  2910. There’s an average of 9-11 hours of sunlight per day in Hawaii. “In general, I say just don’t worry about the weather stuff!” Bruce is not a meteorologist and doesn’t claim to be one. “These storms and rains that we get move through very quickly,” he says. July’s Tropical Storm Calvin sputtered past, gushing rivers and streams and property in East Hawaii, but sparing residents from widespread damage.
  2911.  
  2912. For Hawaii’s winter months Bruce offers some key tips on where to stay out of the rain. The western and south sides of each Hawaiian island get the least rain. Hawaii’s “shoulder seasons” are in the spring and fall, which is when the best deals are available.
  2913.  
  2914. Bruce delves briefly deep into rainfall totals in Hawaii, which peak in November. “Don’t worry about the weather so much. There’s nothing you can do about it!”
  2915. We podcast about Hawaii
  2916. because we love Hawaii.
  2917. Get Help Planning Your Trip</description>
  2918. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/weather-in-hawaii.mp3" length="15441474" type="audio/mpeg" />
  2919. <itunes:subtitle>The recent stir that Tropical Storm Calvin caused in Hawaii prompts Aloha Bruce to discuss weather in Hawaii on this latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Should you be concerned about severe weather that is forecasted during your Hawaii vacation?...</itunes:subtitle>
  2920. <itunes:summary>The recent stir that Tropical Storm Calvin caused in Hawaii prompts Aloha Bruce to discuss weather in Hawaii on this latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Should you be concerned about severe weather that is forecasted during your Hawaii vacation?&lt;br /&gt;
  2921. &lt;br /&gt;
  2922. Bruce has just returned from a quick work trip to Kauai and he offers some keen insight into a “budget hotel” stay on the Garden Isle. Bruce’s assessment of the Hilton Garden Inn and the Royal Sunesta are frank and clear and very different.&lt;br /&gt;
  2923. &lt;br /&gt;
  2924. On to the main topic of weather in Hawaii, Bruce notes dryly that “Hawaii only has two seasons”, summer and winter. For Hawaii vacation planning purposes, he says that it’s important to maximize your outdoor time and the potential effects El Nino and La Nina weather patterns. “I would say the wet season, in general, is November through March.”&lt;br /&gt;
  2925. &lt;br /&gt;
  2926. Bruce shares some vital info about Hawaii rainfall and when and where you can expect it. He shares some facts about Hawaii’s dry season in July and August. “You’re definitely going to want to hydrate and wear more sunscreen.” This leads to a discussion about Hawaii’s high tourism seasons, and when you can expect to find the best weather and the best accommodations deals.&lt;br /&gt;
  2927. &lt;br /&gt;
  2928. There’s an average of 9-11 hours of sunlight per day in Hawaii. “In general, I say just don’t worry about the weather stuff!” Bruce is not a meteorologist and doesn’t claim to be one. “These storms and rains that we get move through very quickly,” he says. July’s Tropical Storm Calvin sputtered past, gushing rivers and streams and property in East Hawaii, but sparing residents from widespread damage.&lt;br /&gt;
  2929. &lt;br /&gt;
  2930. For Hawaii’s winter months Bruce offers some key tips on where to stay out of the rain. The western and south sides of each Hawaiian island get the least rain. Hawaii’s “shoulder seasons” are in the spring and fall, which is when the best deals are available.&lt;br /&gt;
  2931. &lt;br /&gt;
  2932. Bruce delves briefly deep into rainfall totals in Hawaii, which peak in November. “Don’t worry about the weather so much. There’s nothing you can do about it!”&lt;br /&gt;
  2933. &lt;br /&gt;
  2934. &lt;br /&gt;
  2935. We podcast about Hawaii&lt;br /&gt;
  2936. because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  2937. &lt;br /&gt;
  2938. &lt;br /&gt;
  2939. &lt;br /&gt;
  2940. &lt;br /&gt;
  2941. Get Help Planning Your Trip</itunes:summary>
  2942. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  2943. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  2944. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  2945. <itunes:duration>17:23</itunes:duration>
  2946. </item>
  2947. <item>
  2948. <title>The Aloha State: Where to Stay in Hawaii on your Vacation</title>
  2949. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/where-to-stay-in-hawaii/</link>
  2950. <pubDate>Sat, 15 Jul 2023 21:54:26 +0000</pubDate>
  2951. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=44550</guid>
  2952. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/where-to-stay-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  2953. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/where-to-stay-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  2954. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  2955. <description>Aloha Bruce has some essential pro tips for choosing where to stay in Hawaii for this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. From the different islands in general to specific parts of each island, Bruce breaks it down with expert local knowledge and his easygoing style.
  2956.  
  2957. Bruce starts off with some thoughts about the approaching weather system that is currently known as Hurricane Calvin in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Bruce muses that his upcoming trip to Kauai, where the last hurricane to make landfall in Hawaii, Hurricane Iniki, might affect his stay.
  2958.  
  2959. On to the main topic of where to stay in Hawaii, Bruce starts with the island of Oahu. Oahu offers “just about everything”, Bruce says, as he talks about the many popular beaches and beach towns around the island. Kailua Town and the North Shore/Haleiwa are noted as visitor favorites. Bruce also mentions West Oahu and Ko Olina, where the Disney Aulani and Four Seasons call home. “The lagoons out at Ko Olina are just spectacular!” Waikiki and Honolulu are bursting with activity, Bruce notes. He suggests planning an Oahu vacation that includes remote areas as well as activity hubs. Call it a “split”.
  2960.  
  2961. On to Kauai, the Garden Isle, which Bruce calls a “peaceful retreat” and recommends it for honeymooners. He explains some of Kauai’s terrain and the small towns of Koloa and other areas of south and west Kauai. “I can’t wait to get back there!” He mentions Hanapepe, Kauai’s “biggest little town” and the many galleries it features that offer great souvenir options. Polihale Beach is one of the most stunning beaches on Kauai, Bruce says, and he mentions JoJo’s Shave Ice as a great stop on the way to Waimea Canyon. Kapaa is home to a wide variety of nature adventures and dining options. Kauai’s North Shore is noted for its many remote beaches and waterfalls (Secret Hawaii Tours can get you to them).
  2962.  
  2963. Maui is up next, with its many diverse activities and attractions. Bruce recommends taking guided tours and offers up some suggestions for popular beaches along Maui’s west side including Lahaina and Kaanapali. “There’s a lot of night life there, too.” Maui’s south side features luxury resorts and tons of activities for families with children. Bruce notes the Road to Hana and Upcountry Maui options for visitors. Like all of Hawaii’s islands, a visit to any one of them can be split between different areas.
  2964.  
  2965. On the Big Island, or Hawaii Island, Bruce says, “You can do everything there.” He mentions Mauna Kea, Kilauea Volcano, and the many coffee farms in the area. He contrasts that with the Hilo/Puna side of the island which is much more lush and green than coastal West Hawaii. “I love the Hamakua Coast,” Bruce says, while speaking highly of the relatively nearby Kohala Coast. Bruce recommends staying both in Kona and in Hilo, which provides easy access to popular destinations like Waikoloa and a wide variety of Native Hawaiian cultural and historic sites. “That’s also a great place to do a split!”</description>
  2966. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/where-to-stay.mp3" length="18842376" type="audio/mpeg" />
  2967. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce has some essential pro tips for choosing where to stay in Hawaii for this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. From the different islands in general to specific parts of each island,</itunes:subtitle>
  2968. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce has some essential pro tips for choosing where to stay in Hawaii for this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. From the different islands in general to specific parts of each island, Bruce breaks it down with expert local knowledge and his easygoing style.&lt;br /&gt;
  2969. &lt;br /&gt;
  2970. Bruce starts off with some thoughts about the approaching weather system that is currently known as Hurricane Calvin in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Bruce muses that his upcoming trip to Kauai, where the last hurricane to make landfall in Hawaii, Hurricane Iniki, might affect his stay.&lt;br /&gt;
  2971. &lt;br /&gt;
  2972. On to the main topic of where to stay in Hawaii, Bruce starts with the island of Oahu. Oahu offers “just about everything”, Bruce says, as he talks about the many popular beaches and beach towns around the island. Kailua Town and the North Shore/Haleiwa are noted as visitor favorites. Bruce also mentions West Oahu and Ko Olina, where the Disney Aulani and Four Seasons call home. “The lagoons out at Ko Olina are just spectacular!” Waikiki and Honolulu are bursting with activity, Bruce notes. He suggests planning an Oahu vacation that includes remote areas as well as activity hubs. Call it a “split”.&lt;br /&gt;
  2973. &lt;br /&gt;
  2974. On to Kauai, the Garden Isle, which Bruce calls a “peaceful retreat” and recommends it for honeymooners. He explains some of Kauai’s terrain and the small towns of Koloa and other areas of south and west Kauai. “I can’t wait to get back there!” He mentions Hanapepe, Kauai’s “biggest little town” and the many galleries it features that offer great souvenir options. Polihale Beach is one of the most stunning beaches on Kauai, Bruce says, and he mentions JoJo’s Shave Ice as a great stop on the way to Waimea Canyon. Kapaa is home to a wide variety of nature adventures and dining options. Kauai’s North Shore is noted for its many remote beaches and waterfalls (Secret Hawaii Tours can get you to them).&lt;br /&gt;
  2975. &lt;br /&gt;
  2976. Maui is up next, with its many diverse activities and attractions. Bruce recommends taking guided tours and offers up some suggestions for popular beaches along Maui’s west side including Lahaina and Kaanapali. “There’s a lot of night life there, too.” Maui’s south side features luxury resorts and tons of activities for families with children. Bruce notes the Road to Hana and Upcountry Maui options for visitors. Like all of Hawaii’s islands, a visit to any one of them can be split between different areas.&lt;br /&gt;
  2977. &lt;br /&gt;
  2978. On the Big Island, or Hawaii Island, Bruce says, “You can do everything there.” He mentions Mauna Kea, Kilauea Volcano, and the many coffee farms in the area. He contrasts that with the Hilo/Puna side of the island which is much more lush and green than coastal West Hawaii. “I love the Hamakua Coast,” Bruce says, while speaking highly of the relatively nearby Kohala Coast. Bruce recommends staying both in Kona and in Hilo, which provides easy access to popular destinations like Waikoloa and a wide variety of Native Hawaiian cultural and historic sites. “That’s also a great place to do a split!”</itunes:summary>
  2979. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  2980. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  2981. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  2982. <itunes:duration>21:27</itunes:duration>
  2983. </item>
  2984. <item>
  2985. <title>6 Best Family Resorts in Hawaii That Your Kids Will Love</title>
  2986. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/best-hawaii-family-resorts/</link>
  2987. <pubDate>Sun, 09 Jul 2023 21:26:10 +0000</pubDate>
  2988. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=44536</guid>
  2989. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/best-hawaii-family-resorts/#respond</comments>
  2990. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/best-hawaii-family-resorts/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  2991. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  2992. <description>On today’s podcast, I’m making a case for Hawaii as the world’s premier family vacation spot. This means we also need to consider the best family resorts in Hawaii. 
  2993.  
  2994.  
  2995.  
  2996. What sets Hawaii apart from other popular destinations, such as Mexico or the Caribbean, is its lack of the typical distractions like casinos and bustling nightlife. There also aren’t any all-inclusive options in Hawaii. Plus, you likely will want to explore much of the island beyond the bubble of your resort. 
  2997.  
  2998.  
  2999.  
  3000. Click play above to listen to my full run-down, and then check out these best family resorts in Hawaii to begin planning your getaway. 
  3001.  
  3002.  
  3003.  
  3004. OAHU
  3005.  
  3006.  
  3007.  
  3008. Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
  3009.  
  3010.  
  3011.  
  3012. Situated in the heart of Honolulu, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort guarantees an unforgettable family experience. With exciting water slides, five swimming pools, and daily activities designed specifically for kids, you can be sure there won’t be a dull moment.
  3013.  
  3014.  
  3015.  
  3016. Aulani, A Disney Resort &amp; Spa (Oahu)
  3017.  
  3018.  
  3019.  
  3020. We can’t talk about the best Hawaii family resorts without discussing the magical Aulani, A Disney Resort &amp; Spa. Nestled in Ko Olina, Oahu, Aulani combines the enchantment of Disney and the vibrant culture of Hawaii. With water parks, character breakfasts, and an interactive kids’ club, this resort ensures that every day feels like a fairytale for your little ones.
  3021.  
  3022.  
  3023.  
  3024. MAUI
  3025.  
  3026.  
  3027.  
  3028. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa (Maui)
  3029.  
  3030.  
  3031.  
  3032. The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa stands out with its superb pool area, fascinating wildlife tours, and the delightful Camp Hyatt for kids. The unique penguin habitat is an added charm that will undoubtedly captivate your little explorers.
  3033.  
  3034.  
  3035.  
  3036. The Westin Maui Resort &amp; Spa, Ka’anapali (Maui)
  3037.  
  3038.  
  3039.  
  3040. Featuring an aquatic playground with five swimming pools, water slides, and a lazy river, The Westin Maui Resort &amp; Spa, Ka’anapali keeps the entire family entertained. The Westin Kids Club Discovery Room, offering cultural and environmental activities, ensures a blend of fun and education for your children.
  3041.  
  3042.  
  3043.  
  3044. Grand Wailea Resort (Maui)
  3045.  
  3046.  
  3047.  
  3048. Next on our list of best family resorts in Hawaii is the prestigious Grand Wailea Resort in Maui. As part of the esteemed Waldorf Astoria collection, the Grand Wailea offers a spectacular pool complex that promises endless fun. Imagine water slides, a lazy river, and even a water elevator! To top it all, the Camp Grande engages your children in an array of entertaining activities.
  3049.  
  3050.  
  3051.  
  3052. BIG ISLAND
  3053.  
  3054.  
  3055.  
  3056. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (Big Island)
  3057.  
  3058.  
  3059.  
  3060. For nature-loving families, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is the perfect choice. Here, children can explore abundant marine life in King’s Pond, a natural aquarium, and partake in numerous complimentary activities at the Kids For All Seasons club. It truly is a haven where fun meets learning.
  3061.  
  3062.  
  3063.  
  3064. Booking the Best Family Resorts in Hawaii
  3065.  
  3066.  
  3067.  
  3068. Whether your kids like endless pool days, structured activities, or exploration in the wild, there is a Hawaii hotel for you. Want to discover your dream destination? Begin planning your Hawaii vacation with Hawaii Aloha Travel today. </description>
  3069. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/best-hawaii-family-resort.mp3" length="12392739" type="audio/mpeg" />
  3070. <itunes:subtitle>On today’s podcast, I’m making a case for Hawaii as the world’s premier family vacation spot. This means we also need to consider the best family resorts in Hawaii.     What sets Hawaii apart from other popular destinations,</itunes:subtitle>
  3071. <itunes:summary>On today’s podcast, I’m making a case for Hawaii as the world’s premier family vacation spot. This means we also need to consider the best family resorts in Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  3072. &lt;br /&gt;
  3073. &lt;br /&gt;
  3074. &lt;br /&gt;
  3075. What sets Hawaii apart from other popular destinations, such as Mexico or the Caribbean, is its lack of the typical distractions like casinos and bustling nightlife. There also aren’t any all-inclusive options in Hawaii. Plus, you likely will want to explore much of the island beyond the bubble of your resort. &lt;br /&gt;
  3076. &lt;br /&gt;
  3077. &lt;br /&gt;
  3078. &lt;br /&gt;
  3079. Click play above to listen to my full run-down, and then check out these best family resorts in Hawaii to begin planning your getaway. &lt;br /&gt;
  3080. &lt;br /&gt;
  3081. &lt;br /&gt;
  3082. &lt;br /&gt;
  3083. OAHU&lt;br /&gt;
  3084. &lt;br /&gt;
  3085. &lt;br /&gt;
  3086. &lt;br /&gt;
  3087. Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort &lt;br /&gt;
  3088. &lt;br /&gt;
  3089. &lt;br /&gt;
  3090. &lt;br /&gt;
  3091. Situated in the heart of Honolulu, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort guarantees an unforgettable family experience. With exciting water slides, five swimming pools, and daily activities designed specifically for kids, you can be sure there won’t be a dull moment.&lt;br /&gt;
  3092. &lt;br /&gt;
  3093. &lt;br /&gt;
  3094. &lt;br /&gt;
  3095. Aulani, A Disney Resort &amp; Spa (Oahu)&lt;br /&gt;
  3096. &lt;br /&gt;
  3097. &lt;br /&gt;
  3098. &lt;br /&gt;
  3099. We can’t talk about the best Hawaii family resorts without discussing the magical Aulani, A Disney Resort &amp; Spa. Nestled in Ko Olina, Oahu, Aulani combines the enchantment of Disney and the vibrant culture of Hawaii. With water parks, character breakfasts, and an interactive kids’ club, this resort ensures that every day feels like a fairytale for your little ones.&lt;br /&gt;
  3100. &lt;br /&gt;
  3101. &lt;br /&gt;
  3102. &lt;br /&gt;
  3103. MAUI&lt;br /&gt;
  3104. &lt;br /&gt;
  3105. &lt;br /&gt;
  3106. &lt;br /&gt;
  3107. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa (Maui)&lt;br /&gt;
  3108. &lt;br /&gt;
  3109. &lt;br /&gt;
  3110. &lt;br /&gt;
  3111. The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa stands out with its superb pool area, fascinating wildlife tours, and the delightful Camp Hyatt for kids. The unique penguin habitat is an added charm that will undoubtedly captivate your little explorers.&lt;br /&gt;
  3112. &lt;br /&gt;
  3113. &lt;br /&gt;
  3114. &lt;br /&gt;
  3115. The Westin Maui Resort &amp; Spa, Ka’anapali (Maui)&lt;br /&gt;
  3116. &lt;br /&gt;
  3117. &lt;br /&gt;
  3118. &lt;br /&gt;
  3119. Featuring an aquatic playground with five swimming pools, water slides, and a lazy river, The Westin Maui Resort &amp; Spa, Ka’anapali keeps the entire family entertained. The Westin Kids Club Discovery Room, offering cultural and environmental activities, ensures a blend of fun and education for your children.&lt;br /&gt;
  3120. &lt;br /&gt;
  3121. &lt;br /&gt;
  3122. &lt;br /&gt;
  3123. Grand Wailea Resort (Maui)&lt;br /&gt;
  3124. &lt;br /&gt;
  3125. &lt;br /&gt;
  3126. &lt;br /&gt;
  3127. Next on our list of best family resorts in Hawaii is the prestigious Grand Wailea Resort in Maui. As part of the esteemed Waldorf Astoria collection, the Grand Wailea offers a spectacular pool complex that promises endless fun. Imagine water slides, a lazy river, and even a water elevator! To top it all, the Camp Grande engages your children in an array of entertaining activities.&lt;br /&gt;
  3128. &lt;br /&gt;
  3129. &lt;br /&gt;
  3130. &lt;br /&gt;
  3131. BIG ISLAND&lt;br /&gt;
  3132. &lt;br /&gt;
  3133. &lt;br /&gt;
  3134. &lt;br /&gt;
  3135. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (Big Island)&lt;br /&gt;
  3136. &lt;br /&gt;
  3137. &lt;br /&gt;
  3138. &lt;br /&gt;
  3139. For nature-loving families, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is the perfect choice. Here, children can explore abundant marine life in King’s Pond, a natural aquarium, and partake in numerous complimentary activities at the Kids For All Seasons club. It truly is a haven where fun meets learning.&lt;br /&gt;
  3140. &lt;br /&gt;
  3141. &lt;br /&gt;
  3142. &lt;br /&gt;
  3143. Booking the Best Family Resorts in Hawaii&lt;br /&gt;
  3144. &lt;br /&gt;
  3145. &lt;br /&gt;
  3146. &lt;br /&gt;
  3147. Whether your kids like endless pool days, structured activities, or exploration in the wild, there is a Hawaii hotel for you. Want to discover your dream destination? Begin planning your Hawaii vacation with Hawaii Aloha Travel today. </itunes:summary>
  3148. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  3149. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  3150. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  3151. <itunes:duration>13:49</itunes:duration>
  3152. </item>
  3153. <item>
  3154. <title>Avoid making these Hawaii Vacation Mistakes</title>
  3155. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-vacation-mistakes/</link>
  3156. <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jun 2023 23:37:39 +0000</pubDate>
  3157. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=44500</guid>
  3158. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-vacation-mistakes/#respond</comments>
  3159. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-vacation-mistakes/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  3160. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  3161. <description>Host Aloha Bruce Fisher is offering some solid advice on avoiding common Hawaii vacation mistakes on this newest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Simple slip-ups can put an unnecessary damper on an otherwise wonderful Hawaii Vacation. Bruce mentions the Juneteenth holiday and offers his best wishes for all of the dads out there on this Fathers Day 2023.
  3162.  
  3163. First up, Bruce gives some news about Honolulu’s “Skyline” rail service set to open service in the coming days. “I think it’s really gonna help commuters,” Bruce says. “It’s here. We’ve got to make the best of it.” Bruce also mentions a Yahoo Finance article that discusses the costs of moving to Hawaii (expect to need about $100,000 per year!). “People do it cheaper,” Bruce notes. He recalls talking with a couple that just moved to Hawaii from Seattle who are shocked by high prices here.
  3164.  
  3165. On to the main topic of common Hawaii vacation mistakes, Bruce urges Hawaii visitors to “leave the mainland attitude on the mainland”. Certainly, you’ve spent a lot of money on a Hawaii vacation and can fairly expect to get what you paid for. But an attitude of entitlement will not go over well with residents and workers you’ll encounter during your vacation.
  3166.  
  3167. Also, “Don’t touch any of the wildlife!” Bruce says, mentioning sea turtles and monk seals. He also notes that taking lava rocks and other such items out of the state is against the law. Bruce urges visitors to engage in Hawaii culture, mentioning museums and other activities beyond the beach. “Don’t make your vacation revolve around a resort.”
  3168.  
  3169. Bruce moves on to talk about Hawaii’s unique dining options, including a thriving food truck culture. He mentions the concept of “Malama Hawaii”, which is an effort to encourage respect Hawaii’s people and cultures. He mentions driving etiquette in Hawaii and the dangers of road rage being one of the common Hawaii vacation mistakes. He also notes a couple of recent incidents of tourists driving their rental vehicles into the ocean!
  3170.  
  3171. He advises visitors to take online reviews about Hawaii hotels, restaurants, and activities with a grain of salt and to trust the recommendations of Hawaii locals, who know better than anyone the best of the best. “There needs to be some serious planning,” Bruce says about a Hawaii vacation.
  3172.  
  3173. Bruce urges visitors get travel insurance and be aware of cancellation policies, reservation documents, and other important practices for a Hawaii vacation. He mentions Hawaii guidebooks and suggests instead using a few phone apps that he recommends for researching a Hawaii vacation.
  3174.  
  3175. Also, “Pack light!” He mentions the importance of researching your accommodations and the pricing for different types of properties. “Be careful. Don’t be swayed by keywords and buzzwords like ‘budget’ and ‘discount’.” Hawaii is, Bruce says, an expensive destination. Look into local options like Secret Hawaii Tours and the Hawaii Aloha Travel Waikiki condominium at the Luana Waikiki. Locals know best!
  3176. We podcast about Hawaii
  3177. because we love Hawaii.
  3178. Get Help Planning Your Trip</description>
  3179. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/avoid-mistakes.mp3" length="17982735" type="audio/mpeg" />
  3180. <itunes:subtitle>Host Aloha Bruce Fisher is offering some solid advice on avoiding common Hawaii vacation mistakes on this newest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Simple slip-ups can put an unnecessary damper on an otherwise wonderful Hawaii Vacation....</itunes:subtitle>
  3181. <itunes:summary>Host Aloha Bruce Fisher is offering some solid advice on avoiding common Hawaii vacation mistakes on this newest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Simple slip-ups can put an unnecessary damper on an otherwise wonderful Hawaii Vacation. Bruce mentions the Juneteenth holiday and offers his best wishes for all of the dads out there on this Fathers Day 2023.&lt;br /&gt;
  3182. &lt;br /&gt;
  3183. First up, Bruce gives some news about Honolulu’s “Skyline” rail service set to open service in the coming days. “I think it’s really gonna help commuters,” Bruce says. “It’s here. We’ve got to make the best of it.” Bruce also mentions a Yahoo Finance article that discusses the costs of moving to Hawaii (expect to need about $100,000 per year!). “People do it cheaper,” Bruce notes. He recalls talking with a couple that just moved to Hawaii from Seattle who are shocked by high prices here.&lt;br /&gt;
  3184. &lt;br /&gt;
  3185. On to the main topic of common Hawaii vacation mistakes, Bruce urges Hawaii visitors to “leave the mainland attitude on the mainland”. Certainly, you’ve spent a lot of money on a Hawaii vacation and can fairly expect to get what you paid for. But an attitude of entitlement will not go over well with residents and workers you’ll encounter during your vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  3186. &lt;br /&gt;
  3187. Also, “Don’t touch any of the wildlife!” Bruce says, mentioning sea turtles and monk seals. He also notes that taking lava rocks and other such items out of the state is against the law. Bruce urges visitors to engage in Hawaii culture, mentioning museums and other activities beyond the beach. “Don’t make your vacation revolve around a resort.”&lt;br /&gt;
  3188. &lt;br /&gt;
  3189. Bruce moves on to talk about Hawaii’s unique dining options, including a thriving food truck culture. He mentions the concept of “Malama Hawaii”, which is an effort to encourage respect Hawaii’s people and cultures. He mentions driving etiquette in Hawaii and the dangers of road rage being one of the common Hawaii vacation mistakes. He also notes a couple of recent incidents of tourists driving their rental vehicles into the ocean!&lt;br /&gt;
  3190. &lt;br /&gt;
  3191. He advises visitors to take online reviews about Hawaii hotels, restaurants, and activities with a grain of salt and to trust the recommendations of Hawaii locals, who know better than anyone the best of the best. “There needs to be some serious planning,” Bruce says about a Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  3192. &lt;br /&gt;
  3193. Bruce urges visitors get travel insurance and be aware of cancellation policies, reservation documents, and other important practices for a Hawaii vacation. He mentions Hawaii guidebooks and suggests instead using a few phone apps that he recommends for researching a Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  3194. &lt;br /&gt;
  3195. Also, “Pack light!” He mentions the importance of researching your accommodations and the pricing for different types of properties. “Be careful. Don’t be swayed by keywords and buzzwords like ‘budget’ and ‘discount’.” Hawaii is, Bruce says, an expensive destination. Look into local options like Secret Hawaii Tours and the Hawaii Aloha Travel Waikiki condominium at the Luana Waikiki. Locals know best!&lt;br /&gt;
  3196. &lt;br /&gt;
  3197. &lt;br /&gt;
  3198. We podcast about Hawaii&lt;br /&gt;
  3199. because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  3200. &lt;br /&gt;
  3201. &lt;br /&gt;
  3202. &lt;br /&gt;
  3203. &lt;br /&gt;
  3204. Get Help Planning Your Trip</itunes:summary>
  3205. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  3206. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  3207. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  3208. <itunes:duration>17:41</itunes:duration>
  3209. </item>
  3210. <item>
  3211. <title>Hawaii Vacation with Young Children : Must-Know Tips</title>
  3212. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-vacation-young-children/</link>
  3213. <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jun 2023 22:36:28 +0000</pubDate>
  3214. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=44486</guid>
  3215. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-vacation-young-children/#respond</comments>
  3216. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-vacation-young-children/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  3217. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  3218. <description>Aloha Bruce offers some important tips on planning a Hawaii vacation with young children on this latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Summer holidays from school are underway for kids, and many families will be headed for Hawaii. Bruce looks into safe and fun activities for youngsters, from toddlers to teens.
  3219.  
  3220. For starters, Bruce begins with the news of the Kilauea Volcano eruption on Hawaii Island (check the HAT Blog) and a new Alaska Airlines direct Hawaii flight from the Everett Payne airport in Seattle. The topic turns to a new bill signed into law by Governor Josh Green that addresses overcrowding at popular visitor destinations like Haena Beach State Park on Kauai. Bruce talks about the importance of being aware of rules and restrictions, and the importance of managing Hawaii’s natural resources.
  3221.  
  3222. A podcast listener’s questions about bedding provided with Hawaii accommodations are answered quickly and Bruce offers some tips about routing Hawaii vacation flights with suggestions about which islands to choose for a Hawaii vacation. He keeps it real about the actual costs of a Hawaii vacation.
  3223.  
  3224. On to the topic of a Hawaii vacation with young children, Bruce talks about Hawaii Aloha Travel’s experience in booking vacations for families traveling with children. He makes the important point that safety should always come first, especially Ocean Safety and protection against the sun’s harmful rays. “Make sure that they have basic swimming skills.” Beach etiquette and respect for others are encouraged. “I can’t do a podcast like this without mentioning these basic things,” Bruce says.
  3225.  
  3226. The importance of having adequate snacks for a Hawaii vacation with young children is noted, as well as how jetlag and the time zone change can affect kids on a Hawaii vacation. Bruce also talks about the importance of giving your kids some insight into Hawaii’s native culture and the concept of caring for the land, or “Malama Hawaii”.
  3227.  
  3228. Bruce gets specific about activities for a Hawaii vacation with young children, including Kualoa Ranch Oahu and Dolphin Quest encounters. “These are also good for older folks!” Glass-bottom tours at Molokini off Maui are noted, as well as a surf school and the Maui Ocean Center. The Honolulu Zoo and Honolulu Aquarium are great for kids, with Bruce saying that “Oahu and Maui are the most kid-friendly”. He moves on to mention the Smith River Tour on Kauai as also kid-friendly and some scenic drives that are great for a Hawaii vacation with young children.
  3229.  
  3230. Bruce offers a host of suggestions, including private tours, for children’s activities on every island. This episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast is a great resource for families planning a Hawaii vacation this summer.
  3231. We blog about Hawaii
  3232. because we love Hawaii.
  3233. Get Help Planning Your Trip</description>
  3234. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/hawaii-for-toddlers.mp3" length="21711599" type="audio/mpeg" />
  3235. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce offers some important tips on planning a Hawaii vacation with young children on this latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Summer holidays from school are underway for kids, and many families will be headed for Hawaii.</itunes:subtitle>
  3236. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce offers some important tips on planning a Hawaii vacation with young children on this latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Summer holidays from school are underway for kids, and many families will be headed for Hawaii. Bruce looks into safe and fun activities for youngsters, from toddlers to teens.&lt;br /&gt;
  3237. &lt;br /&gt;
  3238. For starters, Bruce begins with the news of the Kilauea Volcano eruption on Hawaii Island (check the HAT Blog) and a new Alaska Airlines direct Hawaii flight from the Everett Payne airport in Seattle. The topic turns to a new bill signed into law by Governor Josh Green that addresses overcrowding at popular visitor destinations like Haena Beach State Park on Kauai. Bruce talks about the importance of being aware of rules and restrictions, and the importance of managing Hawaii’s natural resources.&lt;br /&gt;
  3239. &lt;br /&gt;
  3240. A podcast listener’s questions about bedding provided with Hawaii accommodations are answered quickly and Bruce offers some tips about routing Hawaii vacation flights with suggestions about which islands to choose for a Hawaii vacation. He keeps it real about the actual costs of a Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  3241. &lt;br /&gt;
  3242. On to the topic of a Hawaii vacation with young children, Bruce talks about Hawaii Aloha Travel’s experience in booking vacations for families traveling with children. He makes the important point that safety should always come first, especially Ocean Safety and protection against the sun’s harmful rays. “Make sure that they have basic swimming skills.” Beach etiquette and respect for others are encouraged. “I can’t do a podcast like this without mentioning these basic things,” Bruce says.&lt;br /&gt;
  3243. &lt;br /&gt;
  3244. The importance of having adequate snacks for a Hawaii vacation with young children is noted, as well as how jetlag and the time zone change can affect kids on a Hawaii vacation. Bruce also talks about the importance of giving your kids some insight into Hawaii’s native culture and the concept of caring for the land, or “Malama Hawaii”.&lt;br /&gt;
  3245. &lt;br /&gt;
  3246. Bruce gets specific about activities for a Hawaii vacation with young children, including Kualoa Ranch Oahu and Dolphin Quest encounters. “These are also good for older folks!” Glass-bottom tours at Molokini off Maui are noted, as well as a surf school and the Maui Ocean Center. The Honolulu Zoo and Honolulu Aquarium are great for kids, with Bruce saying that “Oahu and Maui are the most kid-friendly”. He moves on to mention the Smith River Tour on Kauai as also kid-friendly and some scenic drives that are great for a Hawaii vacation with young children.&lt;br /&gt;
  3247. &lt;br /&gt;
  3248. Bruce offers a host of suggestions, including private tours, for children’s activities on every island. This episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast is a great resource for families planning a Hawaii vacation this summer.&lt;br /&gt;
  3249. &lt;br /&gt;
  3250. &lt;br /&gt;
  3251. We blog about Hawaii&lt;br /&gt;
  3252. because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  3253. &lt;br /&gt;
  3254. &lt;br /&gt;
  3255. &lt;br /&gt;
  3256. &lt;br /&gt;
  3257. Get Help Planning Your Trip</itunes:summary>
  3258. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  3259. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  3260. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  3261. <itunes:duration>20:46</itunes:duration>
  3262. </item>
  3263. <item>
  3264. <title>Choosing Hawaii Activities out of your Comfort Zone</title>
  3265. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-activities/</link>
  3266. <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jun 2023 18:04:31 +0000</pubDate>
  3267. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=44471</guid>
  3268. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-activities/#respond</comments>
  3269. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-activities/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  3270. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  3271. <description>Hawaii activities and getting out of your “comfort zone” are the topics as Aloha Bruce comes in hot to the studio on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. “You can use your Hawaii vacation as a catalyst for change.”
  3272.  
  3273. There are many attractions that “everybody does”, Bruce says, but there can be much more to a Hawaii vacation than the tropes and traps that many thousands of visitors flock to every day. He offers some Hawaii activities that go beyond the expected and can change the way we look at the world.
  3274.  
  3275. Bruce’s recent trip to Maui prompts an enthusiastic waterfall repelling recommendation. “I banged into the mountain a couple of times, but I’m going to do it again!” Bruce says. He also drops props about manta ray dives on Hawaii Island.
  3276.  
  3277. “Just get out in the ocean and take a surf lesson! It doesn’t matter if you fall off!” Bruce is passionate about getting into the ocean for Snuba or snorkleling or scuba excursions. He also hints at a trip to Lanai Island and a visit to the wonderful cat sanctuary there. And also the Garden of Eden State Park.
  3278. We blog about Hawaii
  3279. because we love Hawaii.
  3280. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  3281. “It does take trust,” Bruce says. “We want to create out of the box experiences for people.” The point is that there are many more Hawaii activities to explore beyond Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, and Diamond Head.
  3282.  
  3283. Hawaii cuisine is up next, with Aloha Bruce encouraging visitors to try new food experiences. “You have to get out of your comfort zone in the food department. Eat some raw fish.” Bruce’s pride for Hawaii food comes into clear focus with a nod to his podcasts with local and international celebrity and Great Food Truck Race winner Lanai Tabura. “Try some poi! At least you gave it a shot.”
  3284.  
  3285. Special events like the upcoming Bon Dance Festival or lei-making classes are key to planning genuine Hawaii activities. “Take a little bit of time to immerse yourself in where you are.” Hawaii Aloha Travel does it all. “From end to end, we’re going to help you with the whole process. Engage with us!</description>
  3286. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/get-out-of-comfort-zone.mp3" length="12182674" type="audio/mpeg" />
  3287. <itunes:subtitle>Hawaii activities and getting out of your “comfort zone” are the topics as Aloha Bruce comes in hot to the studio on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. “You can use your Hawaii vacation as a catalyst for change.”  </itunes:subtitle>
  3288. <itunes:summary>Hawaii activities and getting out of your “comfort zone” are the topics as Aloha Bruce comes in hot to the studio on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. “You can use your Hawaii vacation as a catalyst for change.”&lt;br /&gt;
  3289. &lt;br /&gt;
  3290. There are many attractions that “everybody does”, Bruce says, but there can be much more to a Hawaii vacation than the tropes and traps that many thousands of visitors flock to every day. He offers some Hawaii activities that go beyond the expected and can change the way we look at the world.&lt;br /&gt;
  3291. &lt;br /&gt;
  3292. Bruce’s recent trip to Maui prompts an enthusiastic waterfall repelling recommendation. “I banged into the mountain a couple of times, but I’m going to do it again!” Bruce says. He also drops props about manta ray dives on Hawaii Island.&lt;br /&gt;
  3293. &lt;br /&gt;
  3294. “Just get out in the ocean and take a surf lesson! It doesn’t matter if you fall off!” Bruce is passionate about getting into the ocean for Snuba or snorkleling or scuba excursions. He also hints at a trip to Lanai Island and a visit to the wonderful cat sanctuary there. And also the Garden of Eden State Park.&lt;br /&gt;
  3295. &lt;br /&gt;
  3296. &lt;br /&gt;
  3297. We blog about Hawaii&lt;br /&gt;
  3298. because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  3299. &lt;br /&gt;
  3300. &lt;br /&gt;
  3301. &lt;br /&gt;
  3302. &lt;br /&gt;
  3303. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  3304. &lt;br /&gt;
  3305. &lt;br /&gt;
  3306. &lt;br /&gt;
  3307. &lt;br /&gt;
  3308. &lt;br /&gt;
  3309. &lt;br /&gt;
  3310. “It does take trust,” Bruce says. “We want to create out of the box experiences for people.” The point is that there are many more Hawaii activities to explore beyond Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, and Diamond Head.&lt;br /&gt;
  3311. &lt;br /&gt;
  3312. Hawaii cuisine is up next, with Aloha Bruce encouraging visitors to try new food experiences. “You have to get out of your comfort zone in the food department. Eat some raw fish.” Bruce’s pride for Hawaii food comes into clear focus with a nod to his podcasts with local and international celebrity and Great Food Truck Race winner Lanai Tabura. “Try some poi! At least you gave it a shot.”&lt;br /&gt;
  3313. &lt;br /&gt;
  3314. Special events like the upcoming Bon Dance Festival or lei-making classes are key to planning genuine Hawaii activities. “Take a little bit of time to immerse yourself in where you are.” Hawaii Aloha Travel does it all. “From end to end, we’re going to help you with the whole process. Engage with us!</itunes:summary>
  3315. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  3316. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  3317. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  3318. <itunes:duration>15:01</itunes:duration>
  3319. </item>
  3320. <item>
  3321. <title>Hawaii Honeymoon Budgeting</title>
  3322. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-honeymoon-budgeting/</link>
  3323. <pubDate>Sun, 28 May 2023 21:43:49 +0000</pubDate>
  3324. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=44453</guid>
  3325. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-honeymoon-budgeting/#respond</comments>
  3326. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-honeymoon-budgeting/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  3327. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  3328. <description>Aloha Bruce returns to the studio to offer some keen local knowledge and practical advice about Hawaii honeymoon budgeting on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce says straight away that planning a Hawaii honeymoon takes a lot of work, that the pandemic forced the postponement or cancellation of many Hawaii honeymoons, and that your best bet is to work with a travel advisor like Hawaii Aloha Travel. Bruce notes that people who booked their Hawaii honeymoon with HAT over the past three years were much better off because we are here in Hawaii. “They really fared a lot better!”
  3329.  
  3330. Bruce then suggests booking a Hawaii honeymoon during the “shoulder season”, March through May and September through Thanksgiving to save money on your Hawaii honeymoon budgeting. Bruce discusses booking vacation condos and the benefits of working with management companies rather than individual owners.
  3331.  
  3332. Up next is room choice when considering Hawaii honeymoon budgeting. Bruce points out that garden view rooms rather than ocean view are another way save money. He also discusses renting a vehicle and ways to save on transportation. Also, Bruce says, “Spend as much time here as you can! You came all the way here!”
  3333.  
  3334. Hawaii honeymoon budgeting should also consider food and beverage costs. Bruce moves on to talk about other inexpensive options like bicycling, especially in Lahaina on Maui. He warns against trying to visit multiple islands if you want to save money. He also recommends using travel-branded credit cards like the ones from Delta Airline and Chase.
  3335.  
  3336. Bruce brings up honeymoon “wish lists” and suggests putting gift cards on your honeymoon gift list. Hawaii honeymoon budgeting should consider the costs of airfare and Bruce breaks down typical costs of an average 8-day Maui honey and activities like luau and snorkeling trips. Bruce keeps it real about how much you can expect to spend. “Hawaii is just not cheap,” he says. “It can get really crazy.” He talk about the range of prices for Hawaii honeymoon budgeting.
  3337.  
  3338. Bruce says that staying on Oahu can provide both a lot of activity as well as quiet accommodations and dining and activities outside of Waikiki. He says the typical Hawaii honeymoon is 7-8 nights, but he recommends staying for 10 days to make the most of your experience. “If you do right, you’re going to get the right price.</description>
  3339. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/budgeting-for-honeymoom.mp3" length="12989366" type="audio/mpeg" />
  3340. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce returns to the studio to offer some keen local knowledge and practical advice about Hawaii honeymoon budgeting on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce says straight away that planning a Hawaii honeymoon takes...</itunes:subtitle>
  3341. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce returns to the studio to offer some keen local knowledge and practical advice about Hawaii honeymoon budgeting on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce says straight away that planning a Hawaii honeymoon takes a lot of work, that the pandemic forced the postponement or cancellation of many Hawaii honeymoons, and that your best bet is to work with a travel advisor like Hawaii Aloha Travel. Bruce notes that people who booked their Hawaii honeymoon with HAT over the past three years were much better off because we are here in Hawaii. “They really fared a lot better!”&lt;br /&gt;
  3342. &lt;br /&gt;
  3343. Bruce then suggests booking a Hawaii honeymoon during the “shoulder season”, March through May and September through Thanksgiving to save money on your Hawaii honeymoon budgeting. Bruce discusses booking vacation condos and the benefits of working with management companies rather than individual owners.&lt;br /&gt;
  3344. &lt;br /&gt;
  3345. Up next is room choice when considering Hawaii honeymoon budgeting. Bruce points out that garden view rooms rather than ocean view are another way save money. He also discusses renting a vehicle and ways to save on transportation. Also, Bruce says, “Spend as much time here as you can! You came all the way here!”&lt;br /&gt;
  3346. &lt;br /&gt;
  3347. Hawaii honeymoon budgeting should also consider food and beverage costs. Bruce moves on to talk about other inexpensive options like bicycling, especially in Lahaina on Maui. He warns against trying to visit multiple islands if you want to save money. He also recommends using travel-branded credit cards like the ones from Delta Airline and Chase.&lt;br /&gt;
  3348. &lt;br /&gt;
  3349. Bruce brings up honeymoon “wish lists” and suggests putting gift cards on your honeymoon gift list. Hawaii honeymoon budgeting should consider the costs of airfare and Bruce breaks down typical costs of an average 8-day Maui honey and activities like luau and snorkeling trips. Bruce keeps it real about how much you can expect to spend. “Hawaii is just not cheap,” he says. “It can get really crazy.” He talk about the range of prices for Hawaii honeymoon budgeting.&lt;br /&gt;
  3350. &lt;br /&gt;
  3351. Bruce says that staying on Oahu can provide both a lot of activity as well as quiet accommodations and dining and activities outside of Waikiki. He says the typical Hawaii honeymoon is 7-8 nights, but he recommends staying for 10 days to make the most of your experience. “If you do right, you’re going to get the right price.</itunes:summary>
  3352. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  3353. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  3354. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  3355. <itunes:duration>14:56</itunes:duration>
  3356. </item>
  3357. <item>
  3358. <title>Explore Wailea &#124; HIghlights from a quick trip to Maui</title>
  3359. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/explore-wailea/</link>
  3360. <pubDate>Fri, 12 May 2023 22:50:51 +0000</pubDate>
  3361. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=44414</guid>
  3362. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/explore-wailea/#respond</comments>
  3363. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/explore-wailea/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  3364. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  3365. <description>Aloha Bruce is back in the studio to talk about the Valley Isle and some of the ways you can explore Wailea on Maui, and his waterfall rappelling adventure. Wailea, Bruce notes, is home to “some of the high-end resorts” and is ideal for honeymooners and Hawaii visitors looking for a more quiet, luxury vacation.
  3366.  
  3367. Bruce offers his takes on the luxury properties in Wailea, including the Grand Wailea, the Fairmont Kealani, the Andaz, the Wailea Beach Resort, and the Four Seasons Wailea. “Some of the best beaches are right there,” Bruce says. He gives an honest appraisal of those properties, unvarnished and candid about what he finds lacking. His highest marks go to the Fairmont Kealani.
  3368.  
  3369. The beaches in the area, Makena Beach in particular, are spectacular. “I gotta say it’s one of my most favorite beaches.” Bruce notes that Wailea is ideal for short Maui visits because it is close to the airport in Kahului, about 25-25 minutes by car.
  3370.  
  3371. Bruce stayed at the AC by Marriott, and Bruce says its location is ideal and also offers other less expensive options for accommodations. Bruce talks about the quality of amenities, services, dining, and overall value. He also shares his tips on other more affordable properties in the area. The restaurant Lineage comes up (Bruce loves it), and Bruce mentions the Wailea Shops as ideal for retail shopping options from luxury to the ABC Store.
  3372.  
  3373. We podcast about Hawaii
  3374. because we love Hawaii.
  3375. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  3376.  
  3377. Ho’okipa Beach and the eucalyptus trees at the Garden of Eden Arboretum on the Road to Hana are noted as great destinations. Bruce raves about the bratwurst hotdogs at the visitor center at the forest reserve.
  3378.  
  3379. Onto his waterfall-rappelling adventure,Bruce describes the experience as “very safe” and explains some of the safety protocols. Bruce’s experience included three waterfalls and a swim in “freezing cold” water. “It’s one of the most incredible experiences I&#039;ve ever had,” Bruce says. He “got a little banged up up” during the fairly strenuous descents, “but every scratch was worth it.” He gives a shout out to the staff and crew of Rappel Maui.
  3380.  
  3381. Bruce also spent hours lounging in the sand at Makena Beach. “Early in the morning is the time to go,” Bruce says. “I forgot how beautiful it is.” He got lunch at the Fairmont Kealani and got a spa treatment. He notes that the spa at the Grand Wailea is under renovation, and the Fairmont Kealani was “packed” so he opted for the lomi lomi massage spa treatment at The Andaz, which gave him full access to the four pool areas on the property for the day. Bruce was travelling solo on this Maui trip, and he recommends the Fairmont Kealani overall for the best experience and value. He notes some of the construction affecting other resorts in the Wailea area. “There not doing much at the bigger hotels!”</description>
  3382. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/exploring-wailea-maui.mp3" length="16270252" type="audio/mpeg" />
  3383. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce is back in the studio to talk about the Valley Isle and some of the ways you can explore Wailea on Maui, and his waterfall rappelling adventure. Wailea, Bruce notes, is home to “some of the high-end resorts” and is ideal for honeymooners an...</itunes:subtitle>
  3384. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce is back in the studio to talk about the Valley Isle and some of the ways you can explore Wailea on Maui, and his waterfall rappelling adventure. Wailea, Bruce notes, is home to “some of the high-end resorts” and is ideal for honeymooners and Hawaii visitors looking for a more quiet, luxury vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  3385. &lt;br /&gt;
  3386. Bruce offers his takes on the luxury properties in Wailea, including the Grand Wailea, the Fairmont Kealani, the Andaz, the Wailea Beach Resort, and the Four Seasons Wailea. “Some of the best beaches are right there,” Bruce says. He gives an honest appraisal of those properties, unvarnished and candid about what he finds lacking. His highest marks go to the Fairmont Kealani.&lt;br /&gt;
  3387. &lt;br /&gt;
  3388. The beaches in the area, Makena Beach in particular, are spectacular. “I gotta say it’s one of my most favorite beaches.” Bruce notes that Wailea is ideal for short Maui visits because it is close to the airport in Kahului, about 25-25 minutes by car.&lt;br /&gt;
  3389. &lt;br /&gt;
  3390. Bruce stayed at the AC by Marriott, and Bruce says its location is ideal and also offers other less expensive options for accommodations. Bruce talks about the quality of amenities, services, dining, and overall value. He also shares his tips on other more affordable properties in the area. The restaurant Lineage comes up (Bruce loves it), and Bruce mentions the Wailea Shops as ideal for retail shopping options from luxury to the ABC Store.&lt;br /&gt;
  3391. &lt;br /&gt;
  3392. &lt;br /&gt;
  3393. &lt;br /&gt;
  3394. We podcast about Hawaii&lt;br /&gt;
  3395. because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  3396. &lt;br /&gt;
  3397. &lt;br /&gt;
  3398. &lt;br /&gt;
  3399. &lt;br /&gt;
  3400. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  3401. &lt;br /&gt;
  3402. &lt;br /&gt;
  3403. &lt;br /&gt;
  3404. &lt;br /&gt;
  3405. &lt;br /&gt;
  3406. &lt;br /&gt;
  3407. &lt;br /&gt;
  3408. Ho’okipa Beach and the eucalyptus trees at the Garden of Eden Arboretum on the Road to Hana are noted as great destinations. Bruce raves about the bratwurst hotdogs at the visitor center at the forest reserve.&lt;br /&gt;
  3409. &lt;br /&gt;
  3410. Onto his waterfall-rappelling adventure,Bruce describes the experience as “very safe” and explains some of the safety protocols. Bruce’s experience included three waterfalls and a swim in “freezing cold” water. “It’s one of the most incredible experiences I&#039;ve ever had,” Bruce says. He “got a little banged up up” during the fairly strenuous descents, “but every scratch was worth it.” He gives a shout out to the staff and crew of Rappel Maui.&lt;br /&gt;
  3411. &lt;br /&gt;
  3412. Bruce also spent hours lounging in the sand at Makena Beach. “Early in the morning is the time to go,” Bruce says. “I forgot how beautiful it is.” He got lunch at the Fairmont Kealani and got a spa treatment. He notes that the spa at the Grand Wailea is under renovation, and the Fairmont Kealani was “packed” so he opted for the lomi lomi massage spa treatment at The Andaz, which gave him full access to the four pool areas on the property for the day. Bruce was travelling solo on this Maui trip, and he recommends the Fairmont Kealani overall for the best experience and value. He notes some of the construction affecting other resorts in the Wailea area. “There not doing much at the bigger hotels!”</itunes:summary>
  3413. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  3414. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  3415. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  3416. <itunes:duration>18:30</itunes:duration>
  3417. </item>
  3418. <item>
  3419. <title>Sustainable Hawaii &#8211; How to reduce your carbon footprint on your Hawaii Vacation</title>
  3420. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/sustainable-hawaii/</link>
  3421. <pubDate>Sun, 07 May 2023 23:29:12 +0000</pubDate>
  3422. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=44400</guid>
  3423. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/sustainable-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  3424. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/sustainable-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  3425. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  3426. <description>The topic of this newest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast is Sustainable Hawaii, and Aloha Bruce offers his insider expertise on how Hawaii visitors can help preserve and protect Hawaii’s natural and cultural resources during a Hawaii vacation. Bruce also mentions an upcoming birthday trip to Maui, which will include some waterfall rappelling. “I’ll be telling you all about it!”
  3427.  
  3428. Are you planning a trip to Hawaii? While this tropical paradise may seem like the perfect getaway, it&#039;s important to remember that our actions can significantly impact the environment. As travelers, it&#039;s our responsibility to protect the beauty of Hawaii and make our adventures more sustainable. In this week&#039;s podcast, we share some tips and tricks for reducing your carbon footprint and enjoying a more eco-friendly trip.
  3429.  
  3430. Let&#039;s start with transportation.  Bruce notes the popularity of “carbon neutral” air travel options and mentions a United Airlines program to offer an assessment of a flight’s actual footprint. The airline also plans to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiencies in the immediate future. Bruce also mentions Alaska Airlines, Delta Airlines, and American Airlines efforts to implement carbon offsets. Air travel is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. While we can&#039;t eliminate air travel, we can make smarter choices. Consider booking a direct flight to minimize layovers, and choose airlines that prioritize fuel efficiency and sustainability practices. Airlines like United, Alaska Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines have made significant efforts to reduce their carbon emissions and offer carbon-neutral flights.
  3431.  
  3432. Once you arrive in Hawaii, choose eco-friendly transportation options like electric or hybrid vehicles, bicycles, public transportation, or even walking. This will go a long way to a more Sustainable Hawaii.
  3433.  
  3434. Next up, accommodations. Seek eco-friendly lodgings like boutique hotels or vacation rentals prioritizing sustainable practices. On to eco-friendly lodging for a sustainable Hawaii vacation, Bruce mentions several properties’ efforts toward that end. These establishments often use renewable energy sources, compost waste, and provide organic, locally-sourced meals. Supporting these businesses will contribute to a greener, more sustainable Hawaii. Some major hotels like The Modern Honolulu, Fairmont Kea Lani, Honua Kai, and Turtle Bay Resort have implemented environmentally-friendly initiatives, such as recycling programs and energy-saving technology.
  3435.  
  3436. We podcast about Hawaii
  3437. because we love Hawaii.
  3438. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  3439.  
  3440. When it comes to dining, Sustainable Hawaii means choosing restaurants that prioritize locally-sourced, organic ingredients. Not only does this reduce carbon emissions from transportation, but it also supports local farmers and fishermen. Additionally, opt for reusable water bottles and avoid single-use plastics. Bring your own reusable bags for shopping to avoid contributing to the plastic waste problem.
  3441.  
  3442. Finally, be a responsible tourist. Follow the principles of leave no trace by packing out all trash, staying on designated trails, and respecting wildlife. When visiting Hawaii&#039;s beautiful beaches, opt for reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate coral reefs from harmful chemicals. Participate in eco-tourism activities, such as guided hikes and cultural experiences, to learn about Hawaii&#039;s unique ecosystems and respect the traditions of the local people.
  3443.  
  3444. By making these small, conscious choices, we can all contribute to a more sustainable Hawaii, ensuring that this tropical paradise remains pristine and beautiful for generations to come. Together, we can make a difference and preserve the enchanting spirit of Aloha. Mahalo for your commitment to a greener, more sustainable future!</description>
  3445. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/making-hawaii-vacation-sustainable.mp3" length="18405902" type="audio/mpeg" />
  3446. <itunes:subtitle>The topic of this newest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast is Sustainable Hawaii, and Aloha Bruce offers his insider expertise on how Hawaii visitors can help preserve and protect Hawaii’s natural and cultural resources during a Hawaii ...</itunes:subtitle>
  3447. <itunes:summary>The topic of this newest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast is Sustainable Hawaii, and Aloha Bruce offers his insider expertise on how Hawaii visitors can help preserve and protect Hawaii’s natural and cultural resources during a Hawaii vacation. Bruce also mentions an upcoming birthday trip to Maui, which will include some waterfall rappelling. “I’ll be telling you all about it!”&lt;br /&gt;
  3448. &lt;br /&gt;
  3449. Are you planning a trip to Hawaii? While this tropical paradise may seem like the perfect getaway, it&#039;s important to remember that our actions can significantly impact the environment. As travelers, it&#039;s our responsibility to protect the beauty of Hawaii and make our adventures more sustainable. In this week&#039;s podcast, we share some tips and tricks for reducing your carbon footprint and enjoying a more eco-friendly trip.&lt;br /&gt;
  3450. &lt;br /&gt;
  3451. Let&#039;s start with transportation.  Bruce notes the popularity of “carbon neutral” air travel options and mentions a United Airlines program to offer an assessment of a flight’s actual footprint. The airline also plans to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiencies in the immediate future. Bruce also mentions Alaska Airlines, Delta Airlines, and American Airlines efforts to implement carbon offsets. Air travel is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. While we can&#039;t eliminate air travel, we can make smarter choices. Consider booking a direct flight to minimize layovers, and choose airlines that prioritize fuel efficiency and sustainability practices. Airlines like United, Alaska Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines have made significant efforts to reduce their carbon emissions and offer carbon-neutral flights.&lt;br /&gt;
  3452. &lt;br /&gt;
  3453. Once you arrive in Hawaii, choose eco-friendly transportation options like electric or hybrid vehicles, bicycles, public transportation, or even walking. This will go a long way to a more Sustainable Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  3454. &lt;br /&gt;
  3455. Next up, accommodations. Seek eco-friendly lodgings like boutique hotels or vacation rentals prioritizing sustainable practices. On to eco-friendly lodging for a sustainable Hawaii vacation, Bruce mentions several properties’ efforts toward that end. These establishments often use renewable energy sources, compost waste, and provide organic, locally-sourced meals. Supporting these businesses will contribute to a greener, more sustainable Hawaii. Some major hotels like The Modern Honolulu, Fairmont Kea Lani, Honua Kai, and Turtle Bay Resort have implemented environmentally-friendly initiatives, such as recycling programs and energy-saving technology.&lt;br /&gt;
  3456. &lt;br /&gt;
  3457. &lt;br /&gt;
  3458. &lt;br /&gt;
  3459. We podcast about Hawaii&lt;br /&gt;
  3460. because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  3461. &lt;br /&gt;
  3462. &lt;br /&gt;
  3463. &lt;br /&gt;
  3464. &lt;br /&gt;
  3465. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  3466. &lt;br /&gt;
  3467. &lt;br /&gt;
  3468. &lt;br /&gt;
  3469. &lt;br /&gt;
  3470. &lt;br /&gt;
  3471. &lt;br /&gt;
  3472. &lt;br /&gt;
  3473. When it comes to dining, Sustainable Hawaii means choosing restaurants that prioritize locally-sourced, organic ingredients. Not only does this reduce carbon emissions from transportation, but it also supports local farmers and fishermen. Additionally, opt for reusable water bottles and avoid single-use plastics. Bring your own reusable bags for shopping to avoid contributing to the plastic waste problem.&lt;br /&gt;
  3474. &lt;br /&gt;
  3475. Finally, be a responsible tourist. Follow the principles of leave no trace by packing out all trash, staying on designated trails, and respecting wildlife. When visiting Hawaii&#039;s beautiful beaches, opt for reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate coral reefs from harmful chemicals. Participate in eco-tourism activities, such as guided hikes and cultural experiences, to learn about Hawaii&#039;s unique ecosystems and respect the traditions of the local people.&lt;br /&gt;
  3476. &lt;br /&gt;
  3477. By making these small, conscious choices, we can all contribute to a more sustainable Hawaii, ensuring that this tropical paradise remains pristine and beautiful for generations to come. Together, we can make a difference and preserve the enchanting spirit of Aloha....</itunes:summary>
  3478. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  3479. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  3480. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  3481. <itunes:duration>21:18</itunes:duration>
  3482. </item>
  3483. <item>
  3484. <title>Basic Hawaii Vacation Planning &#124; Getting started on your plans</title>
  3485. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-planning-101/</link>
  3486. <pubDate>Sat, 29 Apr 2023 22:45:51 +0000</pubDate>
  3487. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=44388</guid>
  3488. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-planning-101/#respond</comments>
  3489. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-planning-101/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  3490. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  3491. <description>Aloha Bruce offers some keen local insight into “Basic Hawaii vacation planning 101”.   Calls and emails and messages with questions from savvy travelers have been pouring in lately.  Bruce offers his insider’s take on what is most important when booking a Hawaii vacation.
  3492.  
  3493.  
  3494.  
  3495. Demand is high, Bruce says, and it is only going to grow as we roll into the summer holiday season. “Time is running out, and availability is getting really, really tight.” We expect international travel to Hawaii to surge.. The time to book is now. The number of available rooms and rentals decreases as demand soars.
  3496.  
  3497.  
  3498.  
  3499. Bruce shares real-time pricing for a 5-day Maui vacation for two from Atlanta in the coming weeks, and the numbers will startle you. “Make sure you have a realistic budget.” That’s one of the most important parts of basic Hawaii vacation planning 101. So is knowing what you want. “Don&#039;t confuse your islands.
  3500.  
  3501.  
  3502.  
  3503. You need to budget your time, not just your money. Bruce talks about how to consider Hawaii’s four major islands of Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island (the Big Island), and Kauai. “I would pick just one island and go with it.&quot;  For a full, &quot;immersive experience,” says our host of a typical 5-day stay.
  3504.  
  3505.  
  3506.  
  3507. This leads to key factors to consider for “island-hopping” or visiting more than one island. Visiting the islands of Molokai and Lanai requires a lot, as they offer limited, exclusive, and frankly expensive accommodations.
  3508.  
  3509.  
  3510.  
  3511. When you island-hop, Bruce notes, “Make sure you understand that it’s a travel day.” Timing your itinerary is vital when considering basic Hawaii vacation planning 101. Too many Hawaii visitors want a multi-island Hawaii vacation and don’t understand the actual pricing they face. And the cheapest option isn’t always the best option. “We want you to have a good time! We’re really doing this every day.”
  3512.  
  3513.  
  3514.  
  3515. Next, Bruce will discuss transportation during a Hawaii vacation.  He notes that Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai have limited and expensive taxi and rideshare services. &quot;Getting started with basic Hawaii vacation planning 101 is tough,&quot; says Bruce.. He explains the importance of booking well in advance to take advantage of always-changing discounts and incentives.
  3516.  
  3517.  
  3518.  
  3519. Bruce will be off on his own Hawaii vacation for his upcoming birthday, which will involve waterfall rappelling. Also, other adventures that will surely make their way onto the next Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. “Give me a buzz!” Bruce says. “You know who to call.”
  3520.  
  3521.  
  3522.  
  3523. Choose the right time to visit
  3524.  
  3525.  
  3526.  
  3527. The peak tourist season in Hawaii is from December to April, when the weather is warm and sunny. During this time, airfare and accommodation prices are at their highest. To save money, consider visiting Hawaii during the off-season.  May to November is when prices are lower. Also, the weather is still pleasant as part of your Hawaii vacation plans.
  3528.  
  3529.  
  3530.  
  3531. Book your flights in advance
  3532.  
  3533.  
  3534.  
  3535. Booking your flights in advance can help you save a significant amount of money. If you are flexible with your travel dates, consider traveling midweek, as flights are cheaper on weekdays. Most people can&#039;t do that. Bruce suggests giving Hawaii Aloha Travel a call and speaking to one of our advisors.
  3536.  
  3537.  
  3538.  
  3539. Island Hopping
  3540.  
  3541.  
  3542.  
  3543. To travel between the Hawaiian Islands, you must fly. No bridges or tunnels connect the islands.  The only way to move from one island to another is by air. There are 3 main carriers that offer inter-island flights; Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest, and Mokolele. These flights are relatively short. Flights typically take only 30 minutes to an hour, and offer stunning aerial views of the Hawaiian Islands. When planning an island-hopping trip, booking your flights in advance is important to ensure availability and secure the best prices. Remember that flying between islands can add to the overall cost of your trip. Be sure to factor this into your budget when making youur Hawaiian vacation plans.
  3544.  
  3545.  
  3546.  
  3547. Opt for budget-friendly accommodations.
  3548.  
  3549.  
  3550.  
  3551. </description>
  3552. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/101-hawaii-planning.mp3" length="12493996" type="audio/mpeg" />
  3553. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce offers some keen local insight into “Basic Hawaii vacation planning 101”.   Calls and emails and messages with questions from savvy travelers have been pouring in lately.  Bruce offers his insider’s take on what is most important when booki...</itunes:subtitle>
  3554. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce offers some keen local insight into “Basic Hawaii vacation planning 101”.   Calls and emails and messages with questions from savvy travelers have been pouring in lately.  Bruce offers his insider’s take on what is most important when booking a Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  3555. &lt;br /&gt;
  3556. &lt;br /&gt;
  3557. &lt;br /&gt;
  3558. Demand is high, Bruce says, and it is only going to grow as we roll into the summer holiday season. “Time is running out, and availability is getting really, really tight.” We expect international travel to Hawaii to surge.. The time to book is now. The number of available rooms and rentals decreases as demand soars.&lt;br /&gt;
  3559. &lt;br /&gt;
  3560. &lt;br /&gt;
  3561. &lt;br /&gt;
  3562. Bruce shares real-time pricing for a 5-day Maui vacation for two from Atlanta in the coming weeks, and the numbers will startle you. “Make sure you have a realistic budget.” That’s one of the most important parts of basic Hawaii vacation planning 101. So is knowing what you want. “Don&#039;t confuse your islands.&lt;br /&gt;
  3563. &lt;br /&gt;
  3564. &lt;br /&gt;
  3565. &lt;br /&gt;
  3566. You need to budget your time, not just your money. Bruce talks about how to consider Hawaii’s four major islands of Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island (the Big Island), and Kauai. “I would pick just one island and go with it.&quot;  For a full, &quot;immersive experience,” says our host of a typical 5-day stay.&lt;br /&gt;
  3567. &lt;br /&gt;
  3568. &lt;br /&gt;
  3569. &lt;br /&gt;
  3570. This leads to key factors to consider for “island-hopping” or visiting more than one island. Visiting the islands of Molokai and Lanai requires a lot, as they offer limited, exclusive, and frankly expensive accommodations.&lt;br /&gt;
  3571. &lt;br /&gt;
  3572. &lt;br /&gt;
  3573. &lt;br /&gt;
  3574. When you island-hop, Bruce notes, “Make sure you understand that it’s a travel day.” Timing your itinerary is vital when considering basic Hawaii vacation planning 101. Too many Hawaii visitors want a multi-island Hawaii vacation and don’t understand the actual pricing they face. And the cheapest option isn’t always the best option. “We want you to have a good time! We’re really doing this every day.”&lt;br /&gt;
  3575. &lt;br /&gt;
  3576. &lt;br /&gt;
  3577. &lt;br /&gt;
  3578. Next, Bruce will discuss transportation during a Hawaii vacation.  He notes that Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai have limited and expensive taxi and rideshare services. &quot;Getting started with basic Hawaii vacation planning 101 is tough,&quot; says Bruce.. He explains the importance of booking well in advance to take advantage of always-changing discounts and incentives.&lt;br /&gt;
  3579. &lt;br /&gt;
  3580. &lt;br /&gt;
  3581. &lt;br /&gt;
  3582. Bruce will be off on his own Hawaii vacation for his upcoming birthday, which will involve waterfall rappelling. Also, other adventures that will surely make their way onto the next Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. “Give me a buzz!” Bruce says. “You know who to call.”&lt;br /&gt;
  3583. &lt;br /&gt;
  3584. &lt;br /&gt;
  3585. &lt;br /&gt;
  3586. Choose the right time to visit&lt;br /&gt;
  3587. &lt;br /&gt;
  3588. &lt;br /&gt;
  3589. &lt;br /&gt;
  3590. The peak tourist season in Hawaii is from December to April, when the weather is warm and sunny. During this time, airfare and accommodation prices are at their highest. To save money, consider visiting Hawaii during the off-season.  May to November is when prices are lower. Also, the weather is still pleasant as part of your Hawaii vacation plans.&lt;br /&gt;
  3591. &lt;br /&gt;
  3592. &lt;br /&gt;
  3593. &lt;br /&gt;
  3594. Book your flights in advance&lt;br /&gt;
  3595. &lt;br /&gt;
  3596. &lt;br /&gt;
  3597. &lt;br /&gt;
  3598. Booking your flights in advance can help you save a significant amount of money. If you are flexible with your travel dates, consider traveling midweek, as flights are cheaper on weekdays. Most people can&#039;t do that. Bruce suggests giving Hawaii Aloha Travel a call and speaking to one of our advisors.&lt;br /&gt;
  3599. &lt;br /&gt;
  3600. &lt;br /&gt;
  3601. &lt;br /&gt;
  3602. Island Hopping&lt;br /&gt;
  3603. &lt;br /&gt;
  3604. &lt;br /&gt;
  3605. &lt;br /&gt;
  3606. To travel between the Hawaiian Islands, you must fly. No bridges or tunnels connect the islands.  The only way to move from one island to another is by air. There are 3 main carriers that offer inter-island flights; Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest, and Mokolele. These flights are relatively short. Flights typically take only 30 minutes to an hour, and offer stunning aerial views of the Hawaiian Islands. When planning an island-hopping trip,</itunes:summary>
  3607. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  3608. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  3609. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  3610. <itunes:duration>15:21</itunes:duration>
  3611. </item>
  3612. <item>
  3613. <title>Why Kauai? &#124; A 15 Minute Guide to Kauai</title>
  3614. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/why-kauai-2/</link>
  3615. <pubDate>Sat, 08 Apr 2023 17:18:36 +0000</pubDate>
  3616. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=44164</guid>
  3617. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/why-kauai-2/#respond</comments>
  3618. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/why-kauai-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  3619. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  3620. <description>On this episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast, host Aloha Bruce dives into a Guide to Kauai with some insider tips about the best places to visit and experience on the Garden Isle, with some local favorite eateries thrown into the mix. Bruce focuses on Kauai hiking trails, beaches, and cultural/historical sites, and he shares some of his expert recommendations for exploring the lush, rugged expanses of the oldest of Hawaii’s main islands and its glorious coastline.
  3621.  
  3622. Bruce starts with some tips on flying into Lihue Airport. It’s easy to get to, and it’s an international airport. Bruce also breaks down the best time of year to visit, and talks about the areas of Poipu, Waimea Canyon, Kapaa and others on Kauai.
  3623.  
  3624. Up first among many hikes is Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Bruce talks about the Out and Back Trail, the Waimea Canyon Trail, and shares his advice about the “moderate” hikes and what to expect in the terrain. (“I always have my walking stick.”) The Pihea Trail is another that is challenging, Bruce says, “But, man! The views of Na Pali!”
  3625.  
  3626. The Awa’awapuhi Trail (Ah-va-Ah-va-Poo-hee) is next, a 6.2 mile trek through the forest and along the Waimea Canyon rim. “It’s kind of challenging when you get to some of the sections there.” The Kukui Trail is another Bruce discusses, which ends down at the Wailua River. He makes an important point about the challenges of the trail itself and arranging transportation between the trail head and its endpoint.
  3627.  
  3628. Bruce moves on to some of Kauai’s best beaches on this Guide to Kauai. Poipu Beach is one of Kauai’s most popular (and famous) beaches on the south side of the Garden Isle, with several beaches in close proximity. Brenneke’s Beach is great for surfriding of all kinds. Shipwreck Beach is at the western end of Poipu is great for picnicking but not great for swimming, Bruce says. Lawae beach comes up, east of Poipu and features calm waters, with Bruce mentioning the Hyatt as a great place to stay in Poipu.
  3629.  
  3630. The podcast moves on to historical and cultural sites in South Kauai, and Bruce recommends the Kilohana Plantation (great for kids) and its exceptional luau. Bruce also mentions a great museum in Kokee that’s also ideal for families.
  3631.  
  3632. Bruce then gets into his top eateries on Kauai, with Mark’s Place in Lihue for starters. Bruce breaks down the excellent (and huge) plate lunches there and notes that “it’s a little, tiny place!” Hamura’s Saimin Stand is also in Lihue and has been there for about 60 years and is very friendly. The Koloa Fishmarket has many local shops and is a great place to hang out and enjoy “some of the best poke that I’ve had”. The Kauai Family Café in Kapaa is quietly famous for their comfort food and homemade pies.
  3633.  
  3634. Bruce then expresses the importance for visitors to stay safe on this Guide to Kauai. He notes recent trends and statistics and talks about the impact of Malama Hawaii, or respective Hawaii’s culture and natural environment. Other health and safety tips are noted, with Bruce saying that “these things are just common sense.”
  3635.  
  3636. “Trust me when I tell you,” Bruce says. Kauai has everything, and he mentions the Kauai Childrens Discover Center as perfect for families and kids. “There’s just so many things for kids to do!”
  3637. We podcast about Hawaiibecause we love Hawaii.
  3638. Get Help Planning Your Trip</description>
  3639. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/why-kauaii.mp3" length="16476260" type="audio/mpeg" />
  3640. <itunes:subtitle>On this episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast, host Aloha Bruce dives into a Guide to Kauai with some insider tips about the best places to visit and experience on the Garden Isle, with some local favorite eateries thrown into the mix.</itunes:subtitle>
  3641. <itunes:summary>On this episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast, host Aloha Bruce dives into a Guide to Kauai with some insider tips about the best places to visit and experience on the Garden Isle, with some local favorite eateries thrown into the mix. Bruce focuses on Kauai hiking trails, beaches, and cultural/historical sites, and he shares some of his expert recommendations for exploring the lush, rugged expanses of the oldest of Hawaii’s main islands and its glorious coastline.&lt;br /&gt;
  3642. &lt;br /&gt;
  3643. Bruce starts with some tips on flying into Lihue Airport. It’s easy to get to, and it’s an international airport. Bruce also breaks down the best time of year to visit, and talks about the areas of Poipu, Waimea Canyon, Kapaa and others on Kauai.&lt;br /&gt;
  3644. &lt;br /&gt;
  3645. Up first among many hikes is Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Bruce talks about the Out and Back Trail, the Waimea Canyon Trail, and shares his advice about the “moderate” hikes and what to expect in the terrain. (“I always have my walking stick.”) The Pihea Trail is another that is challenging, Bruce says, “But, man! The views of Na Pali!”&lt;br /&gt;
  3646. &lt;br /&gt;
  3647. The Awa’awapuhi Trail (Ah-va-Ah-va-Poo-hee) is next, a 6.2 mile trek through the forest and along the Waimea Canyon rim. “It’s kind of challenging when you get to some of the sections there.” The Kukui Trail is another Bruce discusses, which ends down at the Wailua River. He makes an important point about the challenges of the trail itself and arranging transportation between the trail head and its endpoint.&lt;br /&gt;
  3648. &lt;br /&gt;
  3649. Bruce moves on to some of Kauai’s best beaches on this Guide to Kauai. Poipu Beach is one of Kauai’s most popular (and famous) beaches on the south side of the Garden Isle, with several beaches in close proximity. Brenneke’s Beach is great for surfriding of all kinds. Shipwreck Beach is at the western end of Poipu is great for picnicking but not great for swimming, Bruce says. Lawae beach comes up, east of Poipu and features calm waters, with Bruce mentioning the Hyatt as a great place to stay in Poipu.&lt;br /&gt;
  3650. &lt;br /&gt;
  3651. The podcast moves on to historical and cultural sites in South Kauai, and Bruce recommends the Kilohana Plantation (great for kids) and its exceptional luau. Bruce also mentions a great museum in Kokee that’s also ideal for families.&lt;br /&gt;
  3652. &lt;br /&gt;
  3653. Bruce then gets into his top eateries on Kauai, with Mark’s Place in Lihue for starters. Bruce breaks down the excellent (and huge) plate lunches there and notes that “it’s a little, tiny place!” Hamura’s Saimin Stand is also in Lihue and has been there for about 60 years and is very friendly. The Koloa Fishmarket has many local shops and is a great place to hang out and enjoy “some of the best poke that I’ve had”. The Kauai Family Café in Kapaa is quietly famous for their comfort food and homemade pies.&lt;br /&gt;
  3654. &lt;br /&gt;
  3655. Bruce then expresses the importance for visitors to stay safe on this Guide to Kauai. He notes recent trends and statistics and talks about the impact of Malama Hawaii, or respective Hawaii’s culture and natural environment. Other health and safety tips are noted, with Bruce saying that “these things are just common sense.”&lt;br /&gt;
  3656. &lt;br /&gt;
  3657. “Trust me when I tell you,” Bruce says. Kauai has everything, and he mentions the Kauai Childrens Discover Center as perfect for families and kids. “There’s just so many things for kids to do!”&lt;br /&gt;
  3658. &lt;br /&gt;
  3659. &lt;br /&gt;
  3660. We podcast about Hawaiibecause we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  3661. &lt;br /&gt;
  3662. &lt;br /&gt;
  3663. &lt;br /&gt;
  3664. &lt;br /&gt;
  3665. Get Help Planning Your Trip</itunes:summary>
  3666. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  3667. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  3668. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  3669. <itunes:duration>18:05</itunes:duration>
  3670. </item>
  3671. <item>
  3672. <title>Turning a Negative into a Positive: The Art of Polite Complaints for Your Hawaii Accommodations</title>
  3673. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-accomodations/</link>
  3674. <pubDate>Sat, 01 Apr 2023 18:54:51 +0000</pubDate>
  3675. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=44328</guid>
  3676. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-accomodations/#respond</comments>
  3677. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-accomodations/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  3678. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  3679. <description>Aloha Bruce talks about some common complaints from luxury hotel employees about guests and he dives into common myths and superstitions about Hawaii accommodations. With his trademark candor and expertise, Aloha Bruce offers his advice in this latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast.
  3680.  
  3681. This episode’s topic was inspired by a Forbes Magazine article about luxury resorts and the popular culture stir created by the hit HBO series White Lotus. The Forbes article talks about luxury resort superstitions about the use of mirrors or the number 13, hidden passageways for resort employees, secret hidden rooms for VIP and celebrity guests, and exclusive private islands and experiences. Bruce says it’s a “fascinating glimpse” into the luxury resort experience.
  3682.  
  3683. The writer of the article stayed at the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore and got insider information about guests at Hawaii accommodations who behave as though they are “entitled” to special treatment (just like the characters on that HBO series!). The biggest offenders? Honeymooners. “How do you know who’s on a honeymoon? They’ll tell you!” Bruce drops some clever quotes from the article about various guests haggling for honeymoon upgrades, even those who aren’t actually married.
  3684.  
  3685. “It’s really uncomfortable sometimes,” Bruce says. Some properties will require a marriage certificate as proof that you’re on a honeymoon. “People are just taking advantage of it so much!” Bruce mentions a couple that wanted a full refund because of bad weather. It’s not uncommon. At Turtle Bay, about 20 guests complain about the weather every day.
  3686.  
  3687. On to the subject of superstitions, Bruce mentions the famous “Brady Bunch” Hawaii episodes about a cursed Hawaii relic. Hawaii Aloha Travel and other visitor industry businesses often receive via snail mail things like sand or lava rocks taken from public lands in Hawaii by visitors because of bad luck they experienced afterwards.
  3688.  
  3689. Bruce moves on to strange visitor complaints about things like strangely dressed (or nude) beachgoers. “Somebody called me the other day complaining about how Hanauma Bay doesn’t take cash,” Bruce says. The Forbes article reveals that 500 pool/beach towels are stolen from the property every month. “They spend over $72,000 a year on replacement towels. “Satin clothes hangers get stolen!” Bruce marvels.
  3690.  
  3691. Bruce discusses the importance of managing your expectations for your Hawaii accommodations. With a list of practical suggestions to voice concerns, he shares his expert insight into the value of simply being friendly, polite, and concise with your complaint. “Get right to the point.” Pictures and documentation are important, too. It’s also beneficial to offer solutions like room reassignment or monetary compensation.
  3692.  
  3693. “Give them the opportunity to fix the situation,” Bruce says. Having a travel advisor like Hawaii Aloha Travel is your best chance to resolve any snags you may hit during a Hawaii vacation, of course.</description>
  3694. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/cpmplaining-nicely.mp3" length="13389694" type="audio/mpeg" />
  3695. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce talks about some common complaints from luxury hotel employees about guests and he dives into common myths and superstitions about Hawaii accommodations. With his trademark candor and expertise,</itunes:subtitle>
  3696. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce talks about some common complaints from luxury hotel employees about guests and he dives into common myths and superstitions about Hawaii accommodations. With his trademark candor and expertise, Aloha Bruce offers his advice in this latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast.&lt;br /&gt;
  3697. &lt;br /&gt;
  3698. This episode’s topic was inspired by a Forbes Magazine article about luxury resorts and the popular culture stir created by the hit HBO series White Lotus. The Forbes article talks about luxury resort superstitions about the use of mirrors or the number 13, hidden passageways for resort employees, secret hidden rooms for VIP and celebrity guests, and exclusive private islands and experiences. Bruce says it’s a “fascinating glimpse” into the luxury resort experience.&lt;br /&gt;
  3699. &lt;br /&gt;
  3700. The writer of the article stayed at the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore and got insider information about guests at Hawaii accommodations who behave as though they are “entitled” to special treatment (just like the characters on that HBO series!). The biggest offenders? Honeymooners. “How do you know who’s on a honeymoon? They’ll tell you!” Bruce drops some clever quotes from the article about various guests haggling for honeymoon upgrades, even those who aren’t actually married.&lt;br /&gt;
  3701. &lt;br /&gt;
  3702. “It’s really uncomfortable sometimes,” Bruce says. Some properties will require a marriage certificate as proof that you’re on a honeymoon. “People are just taking advantage of it so much!” Bruce mentions a couple that wanted a full refund because of bad weather. It’s not uncommon. At Turtle Bay, about 20 guests complain about the weather every day.&lt;br /&gt;
  3703. &lt;br /&gt;
  3704. On to the subject of superstitions, Bruce mentions the famous “Brady Bunch” Hawaii episodes about a cursed Hawaii relic. Hawaii Aloha Travel and other visitor industry businesses often receive via snail mail things like sand or lava rocks taken from public lands in Hawaii by visitors because of bad luck they experienced afterwards.&lt;br /&gt;
  3705. &lt;br /&gt;
  3706. Bruce moves on to strange visitor complaints about things like strangely dressed (or nude) beachgoers. “Somebody called me the other day complaining about how Hanauma Bay doesn’t take cash,” Bruce says. The Forbes article reveals that 500 pool/beach towels are stolen from the property every month. “They spend over $72,000 a year on replacement towels. “Satin clothes hangers get stolen!” Bruce marvels.&lt;br /&gt;
  3707. &lt;br /&gt;
  3708. Bruce discusses the importance of managing your expectations for your Hawaii accommodations. With a list of practical suggestions to voice concerns, he shares his expert insight into the value of simply being friendly, polite, and concise with your complaint. “Get right to the point.” Pictures and documentation are important, too. It’s also beneficial to offer solutions like room reassignment or monetary compensation.&lt;br /&gt;
  3709. &lt;br /&gt;
  3710. “Give them the opportunity to fix the situation,” Bruce says. Having a travel advisor like Hawaii Aloha Travel is your best chance to resolve any snags you may hit during a Hawaii vacation, of course.</itunes:summary>
  3711. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  3712. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  3713. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  3714. <itunes:duration>15:52</itunes:duration>
  3715. </item>
  3716. <item>
  3717. <title>Budget Friendly Hawaii Hotels  &#124; Are they Dumps?</title>
  3718. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/budget-frendly-hawaii-hotels-2/</link>
  3719. <pubDate>Sat, 25 Mar 2023 17:29:05 +0000</pubDate>
  3720. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=44095</guid>
  3721. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/budget-frendly-hawaii-hotels-2/#respond</comments>
  3722. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/budget-frendly-hawaii-hotels-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  3723. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  3724. <description>The topic turns to budget friendly Hawaii hotels on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Aloha Bruce gets into the details of accommodations that offer good vacation value for Hawaii visitors not looking to drop a fortune for a stay in Paradise.
  3725.  
  3726. Many people contact Bruce and HAT to find Hawaii’s cheapest hotels. “I don’t book dumps!” Budget properties do a great job presenting themselves online through the marvels of photo editing, which can be misleading. Bruce offers his suggestions for budget friendly Hawaii hotels that meet the studied standards of decades of planning Hawaii vacations.
  3727.  
  3728. Bruce starts in the “$200 range”, noting that some Hawaii resorts are just prohibitively expensive for most Hawaii visitors. “It’s a lot of money for a one-night stay. Forget it.” The Aqua Oasis comes first, located on Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki. Free shuttles around Waikiki are available there, and Bruce shares some of the conveniences and amenities public.  He briefly explains the history of “condo-tels” in Waikiki, converted residential condominiums that are now part of national and international hospitality brands like Aston/Aqua.
  3729.  
  3730. The Waikiki Circle is another Aston/Aqua property on Kalakaua Avenue with rooms that are “a little bit small” but offer good value. The Kauai Beach Resort near Kapaa is another good Garden Isle value, and Bruce recommends upgrading to the “deluxe” room after recent renovations.  
  3731.  
  3732. On Hawaii Island, the Royal Kona Resort is noted, and Bruce shares some insights about what to expect regarding resort fees at budget friendly Hawaii hotels. “You really can’t get closer to the ocean,” he says, booking their oceanfront rooms while sharing some amenities. “It’s one of the favorites that we recommend.” Bruce also mentions the Doubletree over on the Hilo side, which he says is generally more affordable than Kona-side properties. The subject of “boutique hotels” like Vive Waikiki, White Sands, and Queen Kapiolani is explored, with Bruce also mentioning the Courtyard by Marriott Kahului on Maui (ideal for an “island-hop”).
  3733.  
  3734. Bruce turns his attention to booking bed-and-breakfast operations in Hawaii (HAT has rooms at the Luana Waikiki). “Air B&amp;B’s are much harder on Oahu,” Bruce says, noting that Maui has many options. “But it can be a good way to save money.”
  3735.  
  3736. “Research the location. But put your trust in us,” Bruce says. “I’ll tell you if it’s a dump!”
  3737. We podcast about Hawaiibecause we love Hawaii.
  3738. Get Help Planning Your Trip</description>
  3739. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/budget-friendly-hawaii-hotel-options.mp3" length="14392352" type="audio/mpeg" />
  3740. <itunes:subtitle>The topic turns to budget friendly Hawaii hotels on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Aloha Bruce gets into the details of accommodations that offer good vacation value for Hawaii visitors not looking to drop a fortune for a stay in P...</itunes:subtitle>
  3741. <itunes:summary>The topic turns to budget friendly Hawaii hotels on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Aloha Bruce gets into the details of accommodations that offer good vacation value for Hawaii visitors not looking to drop a fortune for a stay in Paradise.&lt;br /&gt;
  3742. &lt;br /&gt;
  3743. Many people contact Bruce and HAT to find Hawaii’s cheapest hotels. “I don’t book dumps!” Budget properties do a great job presenting themselves online through the marvels of photo editing, which can be misleading. Bruce offers his suggestions for budget friendly Hawaii hotels that meet the studied standards of decades of planning Hawaii vacations.&lt;br /&gt;
  3744. &lt;br /&gt;
  3745. Bruce starts in the “$200 range”, noting that some Hawaii resorts are just prohibitively expensive for most Hawaii visitors. “It’s a lot of money for a one-night stay. Forget it.” The Aqua Oasis comes first, located on Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki. Free shuttles around Waikiki are available there, and Bruce shares some of the conveniences and amenities public.  He briefly explains the history of “condo-tels” in Waikiki, converted residential condominiums that are now part of national and international hospitality brands like Aston/Aqua.&lt;br /&gt;
  3746. &lt;br /&gt;
  3747. The Waikiki Circle is another Aston/Aqua property on Kalakaua Avenue with rooms that are “a little bit small” but offer good value. The Kauai Beach Resort near Kapaa is another good Garden Isle value, and Bruce recommends upgrading to the “deluxe” room after recent renovations.  &lt;br /&gt;
  3748. &lt;br /&gt;
  3749. On Hawaii Island, the Royal Kona Resort is noted, and Bruce shares some insights about what to expect regarding resort fees at budget friendly Hawaii hotels. “You really can’t get closer to the ocean,” he says, booking their oceanfront rooms while sharing some amenities. “It’s one of the favorites that we recommend.” Bruce also mentions the Doubletree over on the Hilo side, which he says is generally more affordable than Kona-side properties. The subject of “boutique hotels” like Vive Waikiki, White Sands, and Queen Kapiolani is explored, with Bruce also mentioning the Courtyard by Marriott Kahului on Maui (ideal for an “island-hop”).&lt;br /&gt;
  3750. &lt;br /&gt;
  3751. Bruce turns his attention to booking bed-and-breakfast operations in Hawaii (HAT has rooms at the Luana Waikiki). “Air B&amp;B’s are much harder on Oahu,” Bruce says, noting that Maui has many options. “But it can be a good way to save money.”&lt;br /&gt;
  3752. &lt;br /&gt;
  3753. “Research the location. But put your trust in us,” Bruce says. “I’ll tell you if it’s a dump!”&lt;br /&gt;
  3754. &lt;br /&gt;
  3755. &lt;br /&gt;
  3756. We podcast about Hawaiibecause we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  3757. &lt;br /&gt;
  3758. &lt;br /&gt;
  3759. &lt;br /&gt;
  3760. &lt;br /&gt;
  3761. Get Help Planning Your Trip</itunes:summary>
  3762. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  3763. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  3764. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  3765. <itunes:duration>15:56</itunes:duration>
  3766. </item>
  3767. <item>
  3768. <title>Saving Big Bucks on a Dream Hawaii Vacation</title>
  3769. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/dream-hawaii-vacation/</link>
  3770. <pubDate>Sat, 18 Mar 2023 17:34:33 +0000</pubDate>
  3771. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=44214</guid>
  3772. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/dream-hawaii-vacation/#respond</comments>
  3773. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/dream-hawaii-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  3774. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  3775. <description>Aloha Bruce is offering money saving tips for a dream Hawaii vacation on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. “Now is the time when we’re seeing people planning very diligently for their summer Hawaii vacations,” he says, noting that many of these people are families.
  3776.  
  3777. Bruce talks about families planning a Hawaii vacation who are learning that it is expensive to vacation in Hawaii, and shares some of his expert knowledge about booking flights, accommodations, and other important things to consider. First up are some tips about booking flights to Hawaii, and Bruce explains the benefits of booking certain flight times, economy seats, and baggage strategies to reduce costs.
  3778.  
  3779. Bruce moves on to booking accommodations, noting that ocean view rooms and suites are always more expensive. He notes that upgrades are available through HAT and asks, “How important is that view?” Bruce then explains some things to consider when booking for a group, and details factors in play when renting a condominium for a dream Hawaii vacation . When it comes to booking hotel rooms for groups, “That just jacks the price up,” he says. Condominiums also provide the opportunity to cook at “home” when booking a condominium.
  3780.  
  3781. The importance of the location of where you book accommodations on each island is also important to consider. Waikiki, for example, offers more discounted rooms. Bruce names some areas of the Neighbor Islands that are less expensive than resort areas.
  3782.  
  3783. Budgeting for food is also essential on a dream Hawaii vacation, Bruce says, and he offers his tips on choosing restaurants. “This is where it starts to get out of hand,” Bruce says. Incidentals like sunscreen, beach gear, rentals, and tipping at restaurants are also discussed. Travel insurance is another way to save money if you end up needing it.
  3784.  
  3785. We blog about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  3786. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  3787.  
  3788. Bruce then moves on to the topic of activities, noting that “beaches are free!”. Other activities like hiking are mentioned, and Bruce talks about activity discounts and bundles that can offer significant savings. He mentions the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki and says that surfing lessons and other ocean activities are often reasonably inexpensive.
  3789.  
  3790.  
  3791.  
  3792. When it comes to transportation, Bruce makes the important point that you’ll need to rent a car on all of Hawaii’s islands except Oahu, where trolleys and The Bus offer free or inexpensive transportation all over the island. “You don’t have to be ‘Ubering’ everywhere!”
  3793.  
  3794. Shopping on a Hawaii vacation is next, and Bruce as always recommends buying local. Retail stores like Longs/CVS often have great souvenirs at reasonable prices to bring to family and friends back home. “Even Costco has some good stuff.”
  3795.  
  3796. Bruce also suggests avoiding activities that aren’t essential. “You don’t have to do a luau!” he says, explaining that they can be quite expensive. “The luau has become a really commercial, touristy kind of thing.”
  3797.  
  3798. There are many things to consider when planning a budget for a dream Hawaii vacation. Of course, the best way to get started is to contact the experts at Hawaii Aloha Travel who know the best ways to save and can find upgrades and discounts that simply aren’t available when you book on your own. Call us. Aloha!
  3799.  
  3800. testtest</description>
  3801. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/money-saving-tips.mp3" length="16184253" type="audio/mpeg" />
  3802. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce is offering money saving tips for a dream Hawaii vacation on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. “Now is the time when we’re seeing people planning very diligently for their summer Hawaii vacations,” he says,</itunes:subtitle>
  3803. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce is offering money saving tips for a dream Hawaii vacation on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. “Now is the time when we’re seeing people planning very diligently for their summer Hawaii vacations,” he says, noting that many of these people are families.&lt;br /&gt;
  3804. &lt;br /&gt;
  3805. Bruce talks about families planning a Hawaii vacation who are learning that it is expensive to vacation in Hawaii, and shares some of his expert knowledge about booking flights, accommodations, and other important things to consider. First up are some tips about booking flights to Hawaii, and Bruce explains the benefits of booking certain flight times, economy seats, and baggage strategies to reduce costs.&lt;br /&gt;
  3806. &lt;br /&gt;
  3807. Bruce moves on to booking accommodations, noting that ocean view rooms and suites are always more expensive. He notes that upgrades are available through HAT and asks, “How important is that view?” Bruce then explains some things to consider when booking for a group, and details factors in play when renting a condominium for a dream Hawaii vacation . When it comes to booking hotel rooms for groups, “That just jacks the price up,” he says. Condominiums also provide the opportunity to cook at “home” when booking a condominium.&lt;br /&gt;
  3808. &lt;br /&gt;
  3809. The importance of the location of where you book accommodations on each island is also important to consider. Waikiki, for example, offers more discounted rooms. Bruce names some areas of the Neighbor Islands that are less expensive than resort areas.&lt;br /&gt;
  3810. &lt;br /&gt;
  3811. Budgeting for food is also essential on a dream Hawaii vacation, Bruce says, and he offers his tips on choosing restaurants. “This is where it starts to get out of hand,” Bruce says. Incidentals like sunscreen, beach gear, rentals, and tipping at restaurants are also discussed. Travel insurance is another way to save money if you end up needing it.&lt;br /&gt;
  3812. &lt;br /&gt;
  3813. &lt;br /&gt;
  3814. &lt;br /&gt;
  3815. We blog about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  3816. &lt;br /&gt;
  3817. &lt;br /&gt;
  3818. &lt;br /&gt;
  3819. &lt;br /&gt;
  3820. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  3821. &lt;br /&gt;
  3822. &lt;br /&gt;
  3823. &lt;br /&gt;
  3824. &lt;br /&gt;
  3825. &lt;br /&gt;
  3826. &lt;br /&gt;
  3827. &lt;br /&gt;
  3828. Bruce then moves on to the topic of activities, noting that “beaches are free!”. Other activities like hiking are mentioned, and Bruce talks about activity discounts and bundles that can offer significant savings. He mentions the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki and says that surfing lessons and other ocean activities are often reasonably inexpensive.&lt;br /&gt;
  3829. &lt;br /&gt;
  3830.  &lt;br /&gt;
  3831. &lt;br /&gt;
  3832. When it comes to transportation, Bruce makes the important point that you’ll need to rent a car on all of Hawaii’s islands except Oahu, where trolleys and The Bus offer free or inexpensive transportation all over the island. “You don’t have to be ‘Ubering’ everywhere!”&lt;br /&gt;
  3833. &lt;br /&gt;
  3834. Shopping on a Hawaii vacation is next, and Bruce as always recommends buying local. Retail stores like Longs/CVS often have great souvenirs at reasonable prices to bring to family and friends back home. “Even Costco has some good stuff.”&lt;br /&gt;
  3835. &lt;br /&gt;
  3836. Bruce also suggests avoiding activities that aren’t essential. “You don’t have to do a luau!” he says, explaining that they can be quite expensive. “The luau has become a really commercial, touristy kind of thing.”&lt;br /&gt;
  3837. &lt;br /&gt;
  3838. There are many things to consider when planning a budget for a dream Hawaii vacation. Of course, the best way to get started is to contact the experts at Hawaii Aloha Travel who know the best ways to save and can find upgrades and discounts that simply aren’t available when you book on your own. Call us. Aloha!&lt;br /&gt;
  3839. &lt;br /&gt;
  3840. testtest</itunes:summary>
  3841. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  3842. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  3843. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  3844. <itunes:duration>17:39</itunes:duration>
  3845. </item>
  3846. <item>
  3847. <title>Tips for individuals with disabilities traveling to Hawaii</title>
  3848. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/tips-for-individuals-with-disabilities-traveling-to-hawaii/</link>
  3849. <pubDate>Sat, 11 Mar 2023 17:18:32 +0000</pubDate>
  3850. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=44168</guid>
  3851. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/tips-for-individuals-with-disabilities-traveling-to-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  3852. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/tips-for-individuals-with-disabilities-traveling-to-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  3853. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  3854. <description>Aloha Bruce is offering tips for individuals with disabilities visiting Hawaii on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce talks about some of the efforts in Hawaii to make attractions and destinations more accessible. “I think it’s really great news for seniors and people with disabilities,” he says.
  3855.  
  3856. Bruce starts by noting that Hanauma Bay, one of Oahu’s most popular visitor destinations, offers wheelchair rentals. He has specific locations on each island to discuss, and insights on Hawaii hotels making accessibility improvements thanks to state legislation requiring them. Improvements to transportation accessibility have been made, and many tour operators and activities have special programs for the disabled.
  3857.  
  3858. “Hawaii really has a commitment to making accessibility top-of-mind,” Bruce says. He talks about a state office devoted to monitoring and ensuring accessibility. Hawaii’s airports have made many improvements, and Bruce mentions the TSA Disability Notification Card, which eases travel delays.
  3859.  
  3860. The topic moves to native Hawaiian cultural activities that make participation accessible, with Bruce mentioning the Merrie Monarch Festival and the Aloha Festival which provide reserved seating and parking.
  3861.  
  3862. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  3863. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  3864.  
  3865.  
  3866.  
  3867. As for tips for individuals with disabilities visiting Hawaii, Bruce begins on Maui. Many Maui beaches offer beach wheelchair rentals, making the sand and ocean accessible. Haleakala National Park has some accessible trails and viewpoints that can be accessed with a pass. The Maui Ocean Center is “totally wheelchair accessible”, and Bruce also mentions the Atlantis Submarine experience on every island being accessible. The Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, Maui Arts &amp; Cultural Center. Bruce also mentions Adaptive Sports Maui that offers a variety of activities like surfing and canoeing. Historic Lahaina Town “is completely wheelchair accessible. Many Maui whale watching outfits are also fully accessible.
  3868.  
  3869. On Oahu, Bruce mentions the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquariums accessibility. He also notes that private tours like Secret Hawaii Tours offer full accessibility. Bruce says Waikiki Beach, Ala Moana Beach Park, Hanauma, and Kailua Beach are all accessible. As is the Bishop Museum, the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and the USS Arizona Memorial are noted. Bruce says that all parks and museums on Oahu are accessible.
  3870.  
  3871. Bruce continues with tips for individuals with disabilities visiting Hawaii on the Big Island. Volcanoes National Park offers several accessible tours and trails. Sea Paradise and Fair Wind are snorkeling tours that offer accessibility to explore under the sea. Bruce also says that scenic drives are a great idea, mentioning spectacular Akaka Falls and the Hamakua Coast. Whale watching with Kona Ocean Adventures is “especially good for wheelchair accessible folks”. Farmer’s markets in Hilo are noted, and Bruce mentions the helicopter tour company Paradise Helicopters. Bruce then names several Big Island beaches that are noted for their accessibility.
  3872.  
  3873. On Kauai, Waimea Canyon National Park has exceptional accessibility. Bruce notes several scenic drives, including Hanapepe Loop Road. The National Tropical Botanical Gardens on Kauai offers and accessible tram tour, and the Kilauea Lighthouse has accessible parking and accommodations.
  3874.  
  3875. Bruce ends his tips for individuals with disabilities visiting Hawaii by encouraging listeners to contact Hawaii Aloha Travel about their accessibility needs as you do your own research about wheelchair access and activities for seniors.</description>
  3876. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/tips-for-visitors-with-disabilities.mp3" length="15447161" type="audio/mpeg" />
  3877. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce is offering tips for individuals with disabilities visiting Hawaii on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce talks about some of the efforts in Hawaii to make attractions and destinations more accessible.</itunes:subtitle>
  3878. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce is offering tips for individuals with disabilities visiting Hawaii on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce talks about some of the efforts in Hawaii to make attractions and destinations more accessible. “I think it’s really great news for seniors and people with disabilities,” he says.&lt;br /&gt;
  3879. &lt;br /&gt;
  3880. Bruce starts by noting that Hanauma Bay, one of Oahu’s most popular visitor destinations, offers wheelchair rentals. He has specific locations on each island to discuss, and insights on Hawaii hotels making accessibility improvements thanks to state legislation requiring them. Improvements to transportation accessibility have been made, and many tour operators and activities have special programs for the disabled.&lt;br /&gt;
  3881. &lt;br /&gt;
  3882. “Hawaii really has a commitment to making accessibility top-of-mind,” Bruce says. He talks about a state office devoted to monitoring and ensuring accessibility. Hawaii’s airports have made many improvements, and Bruce mentions the TSA Disability Notification Card, which eases travel delays.&lt;br /&gt;
  3883. &lt;br /&gt;
  3884. The topic moves to native Hawaiian cultural activities that make participation accessible, with Bruce mentioning the Merrie Monarch Festival and the Aloha Festival which provide reserved seating and parking.&lt;br /&gt;
  3885. &lt;br /&gt;
  3886. &lt;br /&gt;
  3887. &lt;br /&gt;
  3888. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  3889. &lt;br /&gt;
  3890. &lt;br /&gt;
  3891. &lt;br /&gt;
  3892. &lt;br /&gt;
  3893. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  3894. &lt;br /&gt;
  3895. &lt;br /&gt;
  3896. &lt;br /&gt;
  3897. &lt;br /&gt;
  3898. &lt;br /&gt;
  3899. &lt;br /&gt;
  3900. &lt;br /&gt;
  3901.  &lt;br /&gt;
  3902. &lt;br /&gt;
  3903. As for tips for individuals with disabilities visiting Hawaii, Bruce begins on Maui. Many Maui beaches offer beach wheelchair rentals, making the sand and ocean accessible. Haleakala National Park has some accessible trails and viewpoints that can be accessed with a pass. The Maui Ocean Center is “totally wheelchair accessible”, and Bruce also mentions the Atlantis Submarine experience on every island being accessible. The Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, Maui Arts &amp; Cultural Center. Bruce also mentions Adaptive Sports Maui that offers a variety of activities like surfing and canoeing. Historic Lahaina Town “is completely wheelchair accessible. Many Maui whale watching outfits are also fully accessible.&lt;br /&gt;
  3904. &lt;br /&gt;
  3905. On Oahu, Bruce mentions the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquariums accessibility. He also notes that private tours like Secret Hawaii Tours offer full accessibility. Bruce says Waikiki Beach, Ala Moana Beach Park, Hanauma, and Kailua Beach are all accessible. As is the Bishop Museum, the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and the USS Arizona Memorial are noted. Bruce says that all parks and museums on Oahu are accessible.&lt;br /&gt;
  3906. &lt;br /&gt;
  3907. Bruce continues with tips for individuals with disabilities visiting Hawaii on the Big Island. Volcanoes National Park offers several accessible tours and trails. Sea Paradise and Fair Wind are snorkeling tours that offer accessibility to explore under the sea. Bruce also says that scenic drives are a great idea, mentioning spectacular Akaka Falls and the Hamakua Coast. Whale watching with Kona Ocean Adventures is “especially good for wheelchair accessible folks”. Farmer’s markets in Hilo are noted, and Bruce mentions the helicopter tour company Paradise Helicopters. Bruce then names several Big Island beaches that are noted for their accessibility.&lt;br /&gt;
  3908. &lt;br /&gt;
  3909. On Kauai, Waimea Canyon National Park has exceptional accessibility. Bruce notes several scenic drives, including Hanapepe Loop Road. The National Tropical Botanical Gardens on Kauai offers and accessible tram tour, and the Kilauea Lighthouse has accessible parking and accommodations.&lt;br /&gt;
  3910. &lt;br /&gt;
  3911. Bruce ends his tips for individuals with disabilities visiting Hawaii by encouraging listeners to contact Hawaii Aloha Travel about their accessibility needs as you do your own research about wheelchair access and activities for seniors.</itunes:summary>
  3912. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  3913. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  3914. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  3915. <itunes:duration>17:18</itunes:duration>
  3916. </item>
  3917. <item>
  3918. <title>Malama Hawaii&#8217;s impact &#124; Are tourists becoming more respectful?</title>
  3919. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/malama-hawaii-impact/</link>
  3920. <pubDate>Fri, 03 Mar 2023 21:04:22 +0000</pubDate>
  3921. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=44097</guid>
  3922. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/malama-hawaii-impact/#respond</comments>
  3923. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/malama-hawaii-impact/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  3924. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  3925. <description>Aloha Bruce explores the topic of the push for “Malama Hawaii”, a program intended to increase visitor awareness about the preservation and respect for Native Hawaiian culture and Hawaii’s natural beauty and resources. This episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast offers a look at Malama Hawaii’s impact.
  3926.  
  3927. Bruce explains the Malama Hawaii concept and discusses whether or not it’s resonating with Hawaii visitors. He notes the environmental concerns expressed by Native Hawaiians and Hawaii residents over the impacts of over-tourism. “I think that in general, people are getting it,” Bruce says. Part of the point of Malama Hawaii is to attract more respectful visitors.
  3928.  
  3929. Bruce talks about how visitors can “cut down on your travel footprint”, as he puts it, and mentions the “Leave No Trace” philosophy that is meant to protect Hawaii’s environment. Bruce talks about Hawaiian notions of “aloha”, “kapu”, and “ho’ihi” and several others that can be helpful for visitors to understand.
  3930.  
  3931. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  3932. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  3933.  
  3934. As far as tips to help Malama Hawaii’s impact go, Bruce mentions “leaving the beach cleaner” than when you arrived, keeping a respectful distance from wildlife (Hawaiian monk seals in particular), and supporting local small businesses during your Hawaii vacation (including Hawaii Aloha Travel and Secret Hawaii Tours).
  3935.  
  3936. Malama Hawaii results are tied to balancing the needs of the visitor industry with the needs of Native Hawaiians, Hawaii residents, and the environment itself. Bruce mentions limiting the number of visitors to Hawaii, tourism development in residential areas, and other ideas to make Hawaii tourism more sustainable. Improvements to transportation infrastructure would be helpful to reduce congestion, Bruce says, as would other ideas like a toll for the Road to Hana.
  3937.  
  3938. “Hawaii can benefit from having alternative tourism attractions,” Bruce says, and offers some suggestions for uncrowded destinations like Lanai and Molokai. He says Malama Hawaii’s impact “is making a difference”. The HAT ohana has a vested interest in sustainable tourism, as our agents are from Hawaii and want what’s best for visitors and residents. Bruce notes that the podcast has been educating Hawaii visitors for 16 years with an eye to the future.</description>
  3939. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/is-malama-hawaii-working.mp3" length="13969829" type="audio/mpeg" />
  3940. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce explores the topic of the push for “Malama Hawaii”, a program intended to increase visitor awareness about the preservation and respect for Native Hawaiian culture and Hawaii’s natural beauty and resources.</itunes:subtitle>
  3941. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce explores the topic of the push for “Malama Hawaii”, a program intended to increase visitor awareness about the preservation and respect for Native Hawaiian culture and Hawaii’s natural beauty and resources. This episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast offers a look at Malama Hawaii’s impact.&lt;br /&gt;
  3942. &lt;br /&gt;
  3943. Bruce explains the Malama Hawaii concept and discusses whether or not it’s resonating with Hawaii visitors. He notes the environmental concerns expressed by Native Hawaiians and Hawaii residents over the impacts of over-tourism. “I think that in general, people are getting it,” Bruce says. Part of the point of Malama Hawaii is to attract more respectful visitors.&lt;br /&gt;
  3944. &lt;br /&gt;
  3945. Bruce talks about how visitors can “cut down on your travel footprint”, as he puts it, and mentions the “Leave No Trace” philosophy that is meant to protect Hawaii’s environment. Bruce talks about Hawaiian notions of “aloha”, “kapu”, and “ho’ihi” and several others that can be helpful for visitors to understand.&lt;br /&gt;
  3946. &lt;br /&gt;
  3947. &lt;br /&gt;
  3948. &lt;br /&gt;
  3949. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  3950. &lt;br /&gt;
  3951. &lt;br /&gt;
  3952. &lt;br /&gt;
  3953. &lt;br /&gt;
  3954. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  3955. &lt;br /&gt;
  3956. &lt;br /&gt;
  3957. &lt;br /&gt;
  3958. &lt;br /&gt;
  3959. &lt;br /&gt;
  3960. &lt;br /&gt;
  3961. &lt;br /&gt;
  3962. As far as tips to help Malama Hawaii’s impact go, Bruce mentions “leaving the beach cleaner” than when you arrived, keeping a respectful distance from wildlife (Hawaiian monk seals in particular), and supporting local small businesses during your Hawaii vacation (including Hawaii Aloha Travel and Secret Hawaii Tours).&lt;br /&gt;
  3963. &lt;br /&gt;
  3964. Malama Hawaii results are tied to balancing the needs of the visitor industry with the needs of Native Hawaiians, Hawaii residents, and the environment itself. Bruce mentions limiting the number of visitors to Hawaii, tourism development in residential areas, and other ideas to make Hawaii tourism more sustainable. Improvements to transportation infrastructure would be helpful to reduce congestion, Bruce says, as would other ideas like a toll for the Road to Hana.&lt;br /&gt;
  3965. &lt;br /&gt;
  3966. “Hawaii can benefit from having alternative tourism attractions,” Bruce says, and offers some suggestions for uncrowded destinations like Lanai and Molokai. He says Malama Hawaii’s impact “is making a difference”. The HAT ohana has a vested interest in sustainable tourism, as our agents are from Hawaii and want what’s best for visitors and residents. Bruce notes that the podcast has been educating Hawaii visitors for 16 years with an eye to the future.</itunes:summary>
  3967. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  3968. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  3969. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  3970. <itunes:duration>16:21</itunes:duration>
  3971. </item>
  3972. <item>
  3973. <title>Researching your next Hawaii Vacation</title>
  3974. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/researching-hawaii-vacation/</link>
  3975. <pubDate>Sat, 25 Feb 2023 22:17:08 +0000</pubDate>
  3976. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=44090</guid>
  3977. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/researching-hawaii-vacation/#respond</comments>
  3978. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/researching-hawaii-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  3979. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  3980. <description>Aloha Bruce takes on the topic of researching your next Hawaii vacation on this February 25, 2023 episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast, prompted by an inquiry from listener “Joan”. Bruce offers some suggestions about how to go about doing your own research, the latest Hawaii travel news, and a discussion about hiking on Kauai.
  3981.  
  3982. First up is the recent announcement of a concert by Weird Al Yankovich at the Polynesian Cultural Center on March 31. Yankovich is a part time resident of Hana, Maui, as it turns out, so he won’t have to travel far for the show. Also, The Grand Wailea Resort on Maui is seeking an “Instagram-sitter” to serve as a social media photographer of its many opulent amenities.
  3983.  
  3984. Bruce also notes that the airport at Lihue, Kauai is facing opposition to a plan to improve expand its capabilities. Some residents are against making it easier to bring more people to the Garden Isle. Others insist that modernizing the airport should be a priority for safety and economic reasons. “I really don’t understand the opposition to improvements to our infrastructure,” Bruce says, offering on his impressions of the dated airports in Hawaii.
  3985.  
  3986. On to the subject of researching Hawaii vacations, Bruce says it’s important to work with a travel advisor. “We’ve done it all, we’ve seen it all!” Bruce says. He offers up a story about his move to Hawaii 32 years ago, which included reading a book titled Hawaii for Dummies. “I don’t even know who wrote that book, but I used it like a cheat sheet.”
  3987.  
  3988. Bruce mentions other titles like the Revealed series, which is controversial in some circles because it makes recommendations for activities that are restricted or plainly illegal. Fodor’s Hawaii is mentioned along with Moon Hawaii, Lonely Planet, and several others. Hawaii’s Best Spooky Tales by Rick Carroll explores Hawaii’s supernatural myths and legends.
  3989.  
  3990. Another podcast listener had a question about hiking on Kauai along the Kalalau Trail. Bruce says that staying on Kauai’s east side near Kapaa is best for visitors keen to explore and adventure. Bruce makes fun of himself for butchering the pronunciation of Hanakapi’ai (ha-na-ka-pee-eye), and explains that it is along the way to Kalalau Valley. The remote valley is “like a three day thing” and takes serious commitment and preparation, which prompts our host to muse about Hawaii’s recent spate of high winds and heavy rains.
  3991.  
  3992. Up next is the Waimea Canyon Trail (HAT offers tours), Sleeping Giant Trail (4-miles), the Heritage Trail, and others. Bruce talks about some of the historic hikes, walks, and attractions on Kauai, like the Kilauea Light House and (great for kids). Bruce mentions Wailua River and the many activities to consider there when researching Hawaii vacations.
  3993.  
  3994. “Kauai is just a great place to visit,” Bruce says, noting that there are currently some attractive travel deals available to those planning to visit. Get in touch with us!</description>
  3995. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/researching.mp3" length="18430316" type="audio/mpeg" />
  3996. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce takes on the topic of researching your next Hawaii vacation on this February 25, 2023 episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast, prompted by an inquiry from listener “Joan”. Bruce offers some suggestions about how to go about doing your own re...</itunes:subtitle>
  3997. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce takes on the topic of researching your next Hawaii vacation on this February 25, 2023 episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast, prompted by an inquiry from listener “Joan”. Bruce offers some suggestions about how to go about doing your own research, the latest Hawaii travel news, and a discussion about hiking on Kauai.&lt;br /&gt;
  3998. &lt;br /&gt;
  3999. First up is the recent announcement of a concert by Weird Al Yankovich at the Polynesian Cultural Center on March 31. Yankovich is a part time resident of Hana, Maui, as it turns out, so he won’t have to travel far for the show. Also, The Grand Wailea Resort on Maui is seeking an “Instagram-sitter” to serve as a social media photographer of its many opulent amenities.&lt;br /&gt;
  4000. &lt;br /&gt;
  4001. Bruce also notes that the airport at Lihue, Kauai is facing opposition to a plan to improve expand its capabilities. Some residents are against making it easier to bring more people to the Garden Isle. Others insist that modernizing the airport should be a priority for safety and economic reasons. “I really don’t understand the opposition to improvements to our infrastructure,” Bruce says, offering on his impressions of the dated airports in Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  4002. &lt;br /&gt;
  4003. On to the subject of researching Hawaii vacations, Bruce says it’s important to work with a travel advisor. “We’ve done it all, we’ve seen it all!” Bruce says. He offers up a story about his move to Hawaii 32 years ago, which included reading a book titled Hawaii for Dummies. “I don’t even know who wrote that book, but I used it like a cheat sheet.”&lt;br /&gt;
  4004. &lt;br /&gt;
  4005. Bruce mentions other titles like the Revealed series, which is controversial in some circles because it makes recommendations for activities that are restricted or plainly illegal. Fodor’s Hawaii is mentioned along with Moon Hawaii, Lonely Planet, and several others. Hawaii’s Best Spooky Tales by Rick Carroll explores Hawaii’s supernatural myths and legends.&lt;br /&gt;
  4006. &lt;br /&gt;
  4007. Another podcast listener had a question about hiking on Kauai along the Kalalau Trail. Bruce says that staying on Kauai’s east side near Kapaa is best for visitors keen to explore and adventure. Bruce makes fun of himself for butchering the pronunciation of Hanakapi’ai (ha-na-ka-pee-eye), and explains that it is along the way to Kalalau Valley. The remote valley is “like a three day thing” and takes serious commitment and preparation, which prompts our host to muse about Hawaii’s recent spate of high winds and heavy rains.&lt;br /&gt;
  4008. &lt;br /&gt;
  4009. Up next is the Waimea Canyon Trail (HAT offers tours), Sleeping Giant Trail (4-miles), the Heritage Trail, and others. Bruce talks about some of the historic hikes, walks, and attractions on Kauai, like the Kilauea Light House and (great for kids). Bruce mentions Wailua River and the many activities to consider there when researching Hawaii vacations.&lt;br /&gt;
  4010. &lt;br /&gt;
  4011. “Kauai is just a great place to visit,” Bruce says, noting that there are currently some attractive travel deals available to those planning to visit. Get in touch with us!</itunes:summary>
  4012. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  4013. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  4014. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  4015. <itunes:duration>16:52</itunes:duration>
  4016. </item>
  4017. <item>
  4018. <title>Hawaii Hotel Resort Fees &#8211; Are they a rip off or good value?</title>
  4019. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-hotel-resort-fees/</link>
  4020. <pubDate>Tue, 14 Feb 2023 00:47:38 +0000</pubDate>
  4021. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=43579</guid>
  4022. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-hotel-resort-fees/#respond</comments>
  4023. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-hotel-resort-fees/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  4024. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  4025. <description>Aloha Bruce is unpacking Hawaii hotel resort fees on this Monday, February 13, 2023, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. “Are they just a big rip-off?” It’s a hot topic in Hawaii’s visitor industry right now, and Bruce breaks it down for the layperson and aspiring Hawaii vacationers.
  4026.  
  4027. First is a quick rundown of Hawaii travel news and the new move to make the mandatory Department of Agriculture forms for visitors a digital process. The program is meant to keep invasive species out of Hawaii. Jet Blue has merged with Sprint Airlines and they are considering Hawaii service. United Airlines is cancelling an Orange County to Honolulu flight. “It’s going to be missed.” Also, the Four Seasons Hualalai Resort in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii Island was ranked 6th nationally for hotels in the US. Bruce notes some special features and amenities at the property.
  4028.  
  4029. On to the main topic of Hawaii hotel resort fees, Bruce notes that President Biden in his SOTU speech talked about regulating outrageous fees for services in many industries. “We have seen this happen in Hawaii,” he says. “You’ve got to be careful with this.”
  4030.  
  4031. Bruce says that Hawaii hotel resort fees “are always subject to change”. Those fees also come with a sales tax. “It seems like a big rip-off”. He compares those fees with retail gift cards that never get used. He also lists some of the minor items like packets of coffee that are listed under the hotel fees. Bruce also notes that many Hawaii properties will include admission discounts to Bishop Museum and the Honolulu Museum of Art.
  4032.  
  4033. Highgate properties in Waikiki including the Twin Fin offer “Beach Candy” discounts at various locations and beach rentals in Waikiki. Bruce says that most high end 5-star properties don’t have resort fees. The Waikiki Beach Tower is mentioned as having good amenities and activities onsite that are included with its fee. “These are the things that you should know about.”
  4034.  
  4035. Bruce also mentions the Courtyard by Marriott on Oahu’s North Shore, which does not have a resort fee but does have nice amenities and activities. Bruce talks about special discounts, coupons and offers that can add up to real savings. Bruce notes several other properties without Hawaii hotel resort fees. “Personally, I’m not a fan of these resort fees. I don’t like when they hide things!”
  4036.  
  4037. Bruce also mentions the proposed “Green Fee” that would charge $50 per visiting vacationer and says, “The prices are already so crazy!” The best way to avoid unnecessary fees and charges is to work with Aloha Bruce and the experts at Hawaii Aloha Travel.</description>
  4038. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/fees.mp3" length="13939179" type="audio/mpeg" />
  4039. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce is unpacking Hawaii hotel resort fees on this Monday, February 13, 2023, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. “Are they just a big rip-off?” It’s a hot topic in Hawaii’s visitor industry right now,</itunes:subtitle>
  4040. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce is unpacking Hawaii hotel resort fees on this Monday, February 13, 2023, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. “Are they just a big rip-off?” It’s a hot topic in Hawaii’s visitor industry right now, and Bruce breaks it down for the layperson and aspiring Hawaii vacationers.&lt;br /&gt;
  4041. &lt;br /&gt;
  4042. First is a quick rundown of Hawaii travel news and the new move to make the mandatory Department of Agriculture forms for visitors a digital process. The program is meant to keep invasive species out of Hawaii. Jet Blue has merged with Sprint Airlines and they are considering Hawaii service. United Airlines is cancelling an Orange County to Honolulu flight. “It’s going to be missed.” Also, the Four Seasons Hualalai Resort in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii Island was ranked 6th nationally for hotels in the US. Bruce notes some special features and amenities at the property.&lt;br /&gt;
  4043. &lt;br /&gt;
  4044. On to the main topic of Hawaii hotel resort fees, Bruce notes that President Biden in his SOTU speech talked about regulating outrageous fees for services in many industries. “We have seen this happen in Hawaii,” he says. “You’ve got to be careful with this.”&lt;br /&gt;
  4045. &lt;br /&gt;
  4046. Bruce says that Hawaii hotel resort fees “are always subject to change”. Those fees also come with a sales tax. “It seems like a big rip-off”. He compares those fees with retail gift cards that never get used. He also lists some of the minor items like packets of coffee that are listed under the hotel fees. Bruce also notes that many Hawaii properties will include admission discounts to Bishop Museum and the Honolulu Museum of Art.&lt;br /&gt;
  4047. &lt;br /&gt;
  4048. Highgate properties in Waikiki including the Twin Fin offer “Beach Candy” discounts at various locations and beach rentals in Waikiki. Bruce says that most high end 5-star properties don’t have resort fees. The Waikiki Beach Tower is mentioned as having good amenities and activities onsite that are included with its fee. “These are the things that you should know about.”&lt;br /&gt;
  4049. &lt;br /&gt;
  4050. Bruce also mentions the Courtyard by Marriott on Oahu’s North Shore, which does not have a resort fee but does have nice amenities and activities. Bruce talks about special discounts, coupons and offers that can add up to real savings. Bruce notes several other properties without Hawaii hotel resort fees. “Personally, I’m not a fan of these resort fees. I don’t like when they hide things!”&lt;br /&gt;
  4051. &lt;br /&gt;
  4052. Bruce also mentions the proposed “Green Fee” that would charge $50 per visiting vacationer and says, “The prices are already so crazy!” The best way to avoid unnecessary fees and charges is to work with Aloha Bruce and the experts at Hawaii Aloha Travel.</itunes:summary>
  4053. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  4054. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  4055. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  4056. <itunes:duration>17:39</itunes:duration>
  4057. </item>
  4058. <item>
  4059. <title>Southwest Airlines in Hawaii &#124; Is this airline an option for your Hawaii Vacation?</title>
  4060. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/southwest-airlines-in-hawaii/</link>
  4061. <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2023 01:56:50 +0000</pubDate>
  4062. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=43556</guid>
  4063. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/southwest-airlines-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  4064. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/southwest-airlines-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  4065. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  4066. <description>Hawaii Aloha Travel and Aloha Bruce were along for a tour of the Southwest Airlines baggage and customer service operation at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport this week and Bruce shares the story of Southwest in Hawaii and current Hawaii travel news in this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. It’s been a bit rainy for a spell now, and Bruce shares some facts about how and when weather might affect your Hawaii vacation. “It is really windy here today!”
  4067.  
  4068. A mysterious “blue spiral” was observed by the National Observatory of Japan from its Subaru Telescope on Mauna Kea recently, prompting speculation about UFO’s and such. Bruce explains it was the latest SpaceX launch. “I’m sorry! There’s no UFOs.” Ka’aloa Super J’s Authentic Hawaiian Restaurant in Captain Cook and Adela’s Country Eatery In Kaneohe in Hawaii made it to the high end of a couple of Yelp rakings. “Broke the mouth!”
  4069. We blog about Hawaii
  4070. because we love Hawaii.
  4071. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  4072. Bruce moves on to current Hawaii hotel rates and how they are dropping as properties try to keep occupancy high as demand levels off after a busy season. Bruce offers key insights into the factors that go into the rates for accommodation in Hawaii. He notes Maui as an example of higher prices and that operators there are concerned about the impact of runaway pricing. “It should bring those prices down.”
  4073.  
  4074. On to the recent tour of Southwest in Hawaii at HNL,  Bruce says that the airline is working to cater to the local interisland market. “I was quite impressed with the improvements.” The new setup’s accessibility to the TSA and its baggage handling system have made interisland travel more convenient. Hawaii surfers will be happy to learn that boards fly free interisland for Hawaii residents. “It seems like an easier process to me.”
  4075.  
  4076. The tour of Southwest in Hawaii also included a look at the advanced “T Point” baggage system the airline now has in place to make the TSA “belly of the beast” more accessible and hassle-free in a process that usually takes 25 minutes. Bruce breaks it all down with his reliable humor and insight about the truth of planning a Hawaii vacation.</description>
  4077. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/southwest2023.mp3" length="13462900" type="audio/mpeg" />
  4078. <itunes:subtitle>Hawaii Aloha Travel and Aloha Bruce were along for a tour of the Southwest Airlines baggage and customer service operation at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport this week and Bruce shares the story of Southwest in Hawaii and current Hawa...</itunes:subtitle>
  4079. <itunes:summary>Hawaii Aloha Travel and Aloha Bruce were along for a tour of the Southwest Airlines baggage and customer service operation at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport this week and Bruce shares the story of Southwest in Hawaii and current Hawaii travel news in this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. It’s been a bit rainy for a spell now, and Bruce shares some facts about how and when weather might affect your Hawaii vacation. “It is really windy here today!”&lt;br /&gt;
  4080. &lt;br /&gt;
  4081. A mysterious “blue spiral” was observed by the National Observatory of Japan from its Subaru Telescope on Mauna Kea recently, prompting speculation about UFO’s and such. Bruce explains it was the latest SpaceX launch. “I’m sorry! There’s no UFOs.” Ka’aloa Super J’s Authentic Hawaiian Restaurant in Captain Cook and Adela’s Country Eatery In Kaneohe in Hawaii made it to the high end of a couple of Yelp rakings. “Broke the mouth!”&lt;br /&gt;
  4082. &lt;br /&gt;
  4083. &lt;br /&gt;
  4084. We blog about Hawaii&lt;br /&gt;
  4085. because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  4086. &lt;br /&gt;
  4087. &lt;br /&gt;
  4088. &lt;br /&gt;
  4089. &lt;br /&gt;
  4090. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  4091. &lt;br /&gt;
  4092. &lt;br /&gt;
  4093. &lt;br /&gt;
  4094. &lt;br /&gt;
  4095. &lt;br /&gt;
  4096. &lt;br /&gt;
  4097. Bruce moves on to current Hawaii hotel rates and how they are dropping as properties try to keep occupancy high as demand levels off after a busy season. Bruce offers key insights into the factors that go into the rates for accommodation in Hawaii. He notes Maui as an example of higher prices and that operators there are concerned about the impact of runaway pricing. “It should bring those prices down.”&lt;br /&gt;
  4098. &lt;br /&gt;
  4099. On to the recent tour of Southwest in Hawaii at HNL,  Bruce says that the airline is working to cater to the local interisland market. “I was quite impressed with the improvements.” The new setup’s accessibility to the TSA and its baggage handling system have made interisland travel more convenient. Hawaii surfers will be happy to learn that boards fly free interisland for Hawaii residents. “It seems like an easier process to me.”&lt;br /&gt;
  4100. &lt;br /&gt;
  4101. The tour of Southwest in Hawaii also included a look at the advanced “T Point” baggage system the airline now has in place to make the TSA “belly of the beast” more accessible and hassle-free in a process that usually takes 25 minutes. Bruce breaks it all down with his reliable humor and insight about the truth of planning a Hawaii vacation.</itunes:summary>
  4102. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  4103. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  4104. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  4105. <itunes:duration>14:59</itunes:duration>
  4106. </item>
  4107. <item>
  4108. <title>Tips for an extended or month long Hawaii Vacation</title>
  4109. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/month-long-hawaii-vacation/</link>
  4110. <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2023 22:35:34 +0000</pubDate>
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  4112. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/month-long-hawaii-vacation/#respond</comments>
  4113. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/month-long-hawaii-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  4114. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  4115. <description>What should you consider when planning an extended month long Hawaii vacation? Aloha Bruce Fisher has some answers about a long Hawaii visit on this Thursday, January 19, 2023, episode of the Hawaii Vacation. Length of stay, accommodations, transportation…Bruce offers some important, expert insight on the key aspects of spending weeks in Hawaii.
  4116.  
  4117. Up first is some of the latest Hawaii travel news, starting with the volcanic haze, or “vog”, that has settled over the state as the eruption at Kilauea Volcano on Hawaii Island and our “Kona weather” continue. Bruce notes the difficulties that those with respiratory conditions can experience in vog conditions. Bruce also notes a recent box jellyfish influx at Ala Moana Beach on Oahu, when a child required transport to an emergency room in critical condition following a sting. “It’s very, very painful,” Bruce says, and reminds visitors to heed warning signs.
  4118.  
  4119. Bruce moves on to discuss billionaire Larry Ellison, the owner of Oracle and 95% of Lanai, being stopped for speeding on the Pineapple Isle. “Apparently, if you own your own island, you kind of get away with things,” Bruce remarks. “The people that actually live there aren’t exactly thrilled with Larry Ellison.”
  4120.  
  4121. Bruce mentions a Fodor’s Travel article that discourages travelers from visiting Maui due to problems with the limited water supply. He recalls a recent HAT trip to the Valley Isle during the normally-rainy season that saw very little rainfall. “It was scary how dry it was,” Bruce says. He notes some local reaction to over-tourism and water use.
  4122.  
  4123. On to the main topic of planning a month long Hawaii vacation, Bruce says HAT has received multiple inquiries about extended Hawaii vacations of late. “We had a lot of this during the pandemic,” Bruce says. He makes the distinction between a “get ‘zen’ with nature” adventure and an actual planned family vacation. “It’s not gonna be cheap,” Bruce levels.
  4124.  
  4125. The number of people traveling is the most important thing to consider and to whether others will join the extended stay. Next, the type of accommodations (condo, resort, hotel) you’ll want should be clear when planning a month-long Hawaii vacation. “If you’re going to be here with four people for a month, you’re going to need at least $25K,” Bruce points out. “We’re talking all-in.”
  4126. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  4127. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  4128. Bruce recommends a combination of resorts and condos, although it will depend on your budget. When it comes to transportation, he says, “That’s where you can save money if you plan it right.” Also, Bruce recommends visiting more than one island during a month long Hawaii vacation. A longer Hawaii stay will allow more time to spend on whatever islands you choose. “I like the idea of staying on one island and really immersing yourself.” Bruce shares some options for what islands to visit and how long to spend in various locations.
  4129.  
  4130. The vacation rental option is discussed, and Bruce shares some of the opposition to and pitfalls that may come with them during a month long Hawaii vacation. Bruce then speaks to the importance of travel insurance for an extended Hawaii stay, noting that Hawaii Aloha Travel offers protection that includes coverage for medical treatments that may become necessary.
  4131.  
  4132. Planning for a month long Hawaii vacation is crucial to making it successful, and Hawaii Aloha Travel is here to help you make that happen. Aloha!</description>
  4133. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/month-long-hawaii-vacation.mp3" length="14311706" type="audio/mpeg" />
  4134. <itunes:subtitle>What should you consider when planning an extended month long Hawaii vacation? Aloha Bruce Fisher has some answers about a long Hawaii visit on this Thursday, January 19, 2023, episode of the Hawaii Vacation. Length of stay, accommodations,</itunes:subtitle>
  4135. <itunes:summary>What should you consider when planning an extended month long Hawaii vacation? Aloha Bruce Fisher has some answers about a long Hawaii visit on this Thursday, January 19, 2023, episode of the Hawaii Vacation. Length of stay, accommodations, transportation…Bruce offers some important, expert insight on the key aspects of spending weeks in Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  4136. &lt;br /&gt;
  4137. Up first is some of the latest Hawaii travel news, starting with the volcanic haze, or “vog”, that has settled over the state as the eruption at Kilauea Volcano on Hawaii Island and our “Kona weather” continue. Bruce notes the difficulties that those with respiratory conditions can experience in vog conditions. Bruce also notes a recent box jellyfish influx at Ala Moana Beach on Oahu, when a child required transport to an emergency room in critical condition following a sting. “It’s very, very painful,” Bruce says, and reminds visitors to heed warning signs.&lt;br /&gt;
  4138. &lt;br /&gt;
  4139. Bruce moves on to discuss billionaire Larry Ellison, the owner of Oracle and 95% of Lanai, being stopped for speeding on the Pineapple Isle. “Apparently, if you own your own island, you kind of get away with things,” Bruce remarks. “The people that actually live there aren’t exactly thrilled with Larry Ellison.”&lt;br /&gt;
  4140. &lt;br /&gt;
  4141. Bruce mentions a Fodor’s Travel article that discourages travelers from visiting Maui due to problems with the limited water supply. He recalls a recent HAT trip to the Valley Isle during the normally-rainy season that saw very little rainfall. “It was scary how dry it was,” Bruce says. He notes some local reaction to over-tourism and water use.&lt;br /&gt;
  4142. &lt;br /&gt;
  4143. On to the main topic of planning a month long Hawaii vacation, Bruce says HAT has received multiple inquiries about extended Hawaii vacations of late. “We had a lot of this during the pandemic,” Bruce says. He makes the distinction between a “get ‘zen’ with nature” adventure and an actual planned family vacation. “It’s not gonna be cheap,” Bruce levels.&lt;br /&gt;
  4144. &lt;br /&gt;
  4145. The number of people traveling is the most important thing to consider and to whether others will join the extended stay. Next, the type of accommodations (condo, resort, hotel) you’ll want should be clear when planning a month-long Hawaii vacation. “If you’re going to be here with four people for a month, you’re going to need at least $25K,” Bruce points out. “We’re talking all-in.”&lt;br /&gt;
  4146. &lt;br /&gt;
  4147. &lt;br /&gt;
  4148. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  4149. &lt;br /&gt;
  4150. &lt;br /&gt;
  4151. &lt;br /&gt;
  4152. &lt;br /&gt;
  4153. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  4154. &lt;br /&gt;
  4155. &lt;br /&gt;
  4156. &lt;br /&gt;
  4157. &lt;br /&gt;
  4158. &lt;br /&gt;
  4159. &lt;br /&gt;
  4160. Bruce recommends a combination of resorts and condos, although it will depend on your budget. When it comes to transportation, he says, “That’s where you can save money if you plan it right.” Also, Bruce recommends visiting more than one island during a month long Hawaii vacation. A longer Hawaii stay will allow more time to spend on whatever islands you choose. “I like the idea of staying on one island and really immersing yourself.” Bruce shares some options for what islands to visit and how long to spend in various locations.&lt;br /&gt;
  4161. &lt;br /&gt;
  4162. The vacation rental option is discussed, and Bruce shares some of the opposition to and pitfalls that may come with them during a month long Hawaii vacation. Bruce then speaks to the importance of travel insurance for an extended Hawaii stay, noting that Hawaii Aloha Travel offers protection that includes coverage for medical treatments that may become necessary.&lt;br /&gt;
  4163. &lt;br /&gt;
  4164. Planning for a month long Hawaii vacation is crucial to making it successful, and Hawaii Aloha Travel is here to help you make that happen. Aloha!</itunes:summary>
  4165. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  4166. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  4167. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  4168. <itunes:duration>15:20</itunes:duration>
  4169. </item>
  4170. <item>
  4171. <title>2023 Hawaii Vacation Planning</title>
  4172. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/2023-hawaii-vacation-planning/</link>
  4173. <pubDate>Wed, 11 Jan 2023 20:23:10 +0000</pubDate>
  4174. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=43524</guid>
  4175. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/2023-hawaii-vacation-planning/#respond</comments>
  4176. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/2023-hawaii-vacation-planning/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  4177. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  4178. <description>Aloha Bruce is back in the home studio for the first Hawaii Vacations Podcast on this Wednesday, January 11 to talk about 2023 Hawaii Vacation Planning. Bruce says now is the time of year that he sees the most interest in Hawaii vacations and it is the best time to plan and book.
  4179.  
  4180. Bruce says that Hawaii saw a slower holiday season due to limited international arrivals, and that resulted in lower room rates at Hawaii hotels. He notes that prices are back on the rise, and that he’s seeing rates above $300 per night at many hotels for dates in July.
  4181.  
  4182. Bruce starts with some recent Hawaii vacation news items, and he discusses the current eruption at Kilauea Volcano. He recommends Hawaii Island visitors to try and make a trip to view the lava lake in Halemaumau Crater. Bruce also notes that the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational surfing competition at Waimea Bay being called “on” and then “off” for today, and that it may yet take place later this month.
  4183.  
  4184. There is a proposal at the Hawaii Legislature to make gambling, sports betting and poker, legal at a stand-alone facility in the Aloha State. Bruce gets into some speculation over why gambling has remained illegal here for so long. He mentions the popularity of Las Vegas among Hawaii residents, saying, “Keep that money in Hawaii!” Next up is an IV (intravenous) Drip service at the Four Seasons on Hawaii Island, Next Health Wellness that can cost up to $12,000 for a single session. Bruce mentions some of the products and services on offer. “I need a longevity IV!”
  4185.  
  4186. On to 2023 Hawaii vacation planning, Bruce gets into the basics. He says knowing your preferred dates, number of travelers, and islands to visit are the most important parts of Hawaii vacation planning. “If you’re coming all the way to Hawaii, I think it makes sense to try to do more than one island.”
  4187. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  4188. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  4189. Bruce recommends choosing two islands for a weeklong stay. He also stresses the importance of being realistic when it comes to your Hawaii vacation budget. He also discusses the benefits of vacation protection insurance. He also talks about possible occasions and reasons for a Hawaii vacation like honeymoons and “baby-moons”, anniversaries and the like.
  4190.  
  4191. Bruce says that July is likely to see high room rates as Hawaii vacation season peaks, similar to holiday travel. He also says that visitors may want to take children out of school for a few days to have the flexibility to take advantage of the best available rates. Bruce says that 2023 Hawaii vacation planning for July should begin now.
  4192.  
  4193. The time to find the best rates is October/November, Bruce says, and discusses some tour and luau options that are less expensive than high prices at many commercial luaus. He mentions free entertainment and affordable beach rentals. Bruce also mentions Greenwell Farms on the Big Island, Dole Plantation, and Chinatown walking tours as low-cost options for 2023 Hawaii vacation planning. Now is the time to book!</description>
  4194. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/hawaivacationplanning.mp3" length="16442041" type="audio/mpeg" />
  4195. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce is back in the home studio for the first Hawaii Vacations Podcast on this Wednesday, January 11 to talk about 2023 Hawaii Vacation Planning. Bruce says now is the time of year that he sees the most interest in Hawaii vacations and it is the...</itunes:subtitle>
  4196. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce is back in the home studio for the first Hawaii Vacations Podcast on this Wednesday, January 11 to talk about 2023 Hawaii Vacation Planning. Bruce says now is the time of year that he sees the most interest in Hawaii vacations and it is the best time to plan and book.&lt;br /&gt;
  4197. &lt;br /&gt;
  4198. Bruce says that Hawaii saw a slower holiday season due to limited international arrivals, and that resulted in lower room rates at Hawaii hotels. He notes that prices are back on the rise, and that he’s seeing rates above $300 per night at many hotels for dates in July.&lt;br /&gt;
  4199. &lt;br /&gt;
  4200. Bruce starts with some recent Hawaii vacation news items, and he discusses the current eruption at Kilauea Volcano. He recommends Hawaii Island visitors to try and make a trip to view the lava lake in Halemaumau Crater. Bruce also notes that the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational surfing competition at Waimea Bay being called “on” and then “off” for today, and that it may yet take place later this month.&lt;br /&gt;
  4201. &lt;br /&gt;
  4202. There is a proposal at the Hawaii Legislature to make gambling, sports betting and poker, legal at a stand-alone facility in the Aloha State. Bruce gets into some speculation over why gambling has remained illegal here for so long. He mentions the popularity of Las Vegas among Hawaii residents, saying, “Keep that money in Hawaii!” Next up is an IV (intravenous) Drip service at the Four Seasons on Hawaii Island, Next Health Wellness that can cost up to $12,000 for a single session. Bruce mentions some of the products and services on offer. “I need a longevity IV!”&lt;br /&gt;
  4203. &lt;br /&gt;
  4204. On to 2023 Hawaii vacation planning, Bruce gets into the basics. He says knowing your preferred dates, number of travelers, and islands to visit are the most important parts of Hawaii vacation planning. “If you’re coming all the way to Hawaii, I think it makes sense to try to do more than one island.”&lt;br /&gt;
  4205. &lt;br /&gt;
  4206. &lt;br /&gt;
  4207. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  4208. &lt;br /&gt;
  4209. &lt;br /&gt;
  4210. &lt;br /&gt;
  4211. &lt;br /&gt;
  4212. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  4213. &lt;br /&gt;
  4214. &lt;br /&gt;
  4215. &lt;br /&gt;
  4216. &lt;br /&gt;
  4217. &lt;br /&gt;
  4218. &lt;br /&gt;
  4219. Bruce recommends choosing two islands for a weeklong stay. He also stresses the importance of being realistic when it comes to your Hawaii vacation budget. He also discusses the benefits of vacation protection insurance. He also talks about possible occasions and reasons for a Hawaii vacation like honeymoons and “baby-moons”, anniversaries and the like.&lt;br /&gt;
  4220. &lt;br /&gt;
  4221. Bruce says that July is likely to see high room rates as Hawaii vacation season peaks, similar to holiday travel. He also says that visitors may want to take children out of school for a few days to have the flexibility to take advantage of the best available rates. Bruce says that 2023 Hawaii vacation planning for July should begin now.&lt;br /&gt;
  4222. &lt;br /&gt;
  4223. The time to find the best rates is October/November, Bruce says, and discusses some tour and luau options that are less expensive than high prices at many commercial luaus. He mentions free entertainment and affordable beach rentals. Bruce also mentions Greenwell Farms on the Big Island, Dole Plantation, and Chinatown walking tours as low-cost options for 2023 Hawaii vacation planning. Now is the time to book!</itunes:summary>
  4224. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  4225. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  4226. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  4227. <itunes:duration>18:24</itunes:duration>
  4228. </item>
  4229. <item>
  4230. <title>Mauna Loa Volcano is Erupting !</title>
  4231. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/mauna-loa-volcano/</link>
  4232. <pubDate>Thu, 01 Dec 2022 01:07:38 +0000</pubDate>
  4233. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=43452</guid>
  4234. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/mauna-loa-volcano/#respond</comments>
  4235. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/mauna-loa-volcano/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  4236. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  4237. <description>Aloha Bruce is focusing on the Mauna Loa Volcano eruption currently underway on Hawaii Island for this Wednesday, November 30, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast.
  4238.  
  4239. Bruce starts with a reflection on the holidays in Hawaii, and notes that the Honolulu City Lights Festival gets underway on December 3. It features a parade and block party at Honolulu Hale (City Hall), and a month-long light show. The 2022 holiday season also includes the Honolulu Marathon, with upwards of 30,000 runners expected to participate.
  4240.  
  4241. In other Hawaii vacation news, Bruce briefly discusses turmoil over the marketing budget Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB). He explains the tension and offers his opinion on accountability over spending on the contract. “We need the government to be in it, but they need to do it right,” Bruce says. Bruce also offers some thanks to “Dave” and others who have recently booked HAT’s condo at the Luana Waikiki.
  4242.  
  4243. On to the main topic of the Mauna Loa Volcano eruption, Bruce offers some facts about the type of volcanic activity that is currently taking place there. He discusses how quickly conditions at Mauna Loa have changed since a recent HAT Blog post about recent seismic activity on November 8, and offers some updates about the eruption.
  4244.  
  4245. Bruce discusses the tremendous impact the closure of the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, or “Saddle Road”, would have on the Big Island. The road connects Hilo and Kona, a trip of about 2-3 hours by car. If the lava flows over the road, visitors and residents would have to take the long way around the Big Island, adding hours to the trip. “This is huge!”
  4246.  
  4247. Bruce also mentions the potential impacts of lava flowing into communities, as insurance companies won’t cover homes in an eruption zone.  He also touches on concerns the Mauna Loa Volcano eruption is causing over air quality and offers some tips for visitors with respiratory issues.
  4248.  
  4249. Some specifics about the lava flow’s location and characteristics are offered and Bruce mentions the amazing video and photography coming out of the Big Island. Surely, the video will encourage people to seek a view of it. Bruce offers his tips on viewing the lava, and suggests a helicopter tour (which are expensive but “worth it”). He also notes that the Hawaii Visitors Bureau is encouraging visitors not to cancel their Hawaii vacation plans because of the Maula Loa Volcano eruption.
  4250.  
  4251. Bruce also shares HAT’s trusted agencies for information about the ongoing eruption and encourages listeners to check them out. This may be the last Hawaii Vacation podcast of 2022, as Bruce is headed out on vacation, but “may be able to get one out before the end of the year”. Aloha, and Happy Holidays!
  4252.  
  4253. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  4254. Get Help Planning Your Trip</description>
  4255. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/mauna-loa.mp3" length="13863397" type="audio/mpeg" />
  4256. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce is focusing on the Mauna Loa Volcano eruption currently underway on Hawaii Island for this Wednesday, November 30, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast.  Bruce starts with a reflection on the holidays in Hawaii,</itunes:subtitle>
  4257. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce is focusing on the Mauna Loa Volcano eruption currently underway on Hawaii Island for this Wednesday, November 30, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast.&lt;br /&gt;
  4258. &lt;br /&gt;
  4259. Bruce starts with a reflection on the holidays in Hawaii, and notes that the Honolulu City Lights Festival gets underway on December 3. It features a parade and block party at Honolulu Hale (City Hall), and a month-long light show. The 2022 holiday season also includes the Honolulu Marathon, with upwards of 30,000 runners expected to participate.&lt;br /&gt;
  4260. &lt;br /&gt;
  4261. In other Hawaii vacation news, Bruce briefly discusses turmoil over the marketing budget Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB). He explains the tension and offers his opinion on accountability over spending on the contract. “We need the government to be in it, but they need to do it right,” Bruce says. Bruce also offers some thanks to “Dave” and others who have recently booked HAT’s condo at the Luana Waikiki.&lt;br /&gt;
  4262. &lt;br /&gt;
  4263. On to the main topic of the Mauna Loa Volcano eruption, Bruce offers some facts about the type of volcanic activity that is currently taking place there. He discusses how quickly conditions at Mauna Loa have changed since a recent HAT Blog post about recent seismic activity on November 8, and offers some updates about the eruption.&lt;br /&gt;
  4264. &lt;br /&gt;
  4265. Bruce discusses the tremendous impact the closure of the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, or “Saddle Road”, would have on the Big Island. The road connects Hilo and Kona, a trip of about 2-3 hours by car. If the lava flows over the road, visitors and residents would have to take the long way around the Big Island, adding hours to the trip. “This is huge!”&lt;br /&gt;
  4266. &lt;br /&gt;
  4267. Bruce also mentions the potential impacts of lava flowing into communities, as insurance companies won’t cover homes in an eruption zone.  He also touches on concerns the Mauna Loa Volcano eruption is causing over air quality and offers some tips for visitors with respiratory issues.&lt;br /&gt;
  4268. &lt;br /&gt;
  4269. Some specifics about the lava flow’s location and characteristics are offered and Bruce mentions the amazing video and photography coming out of the Big Island. Surely, the video will encourage people to seek a view of it. Bruce offers his tips on viewing the lava, and suggests a helicopter tour (which are expensive but “worth it”). He also notes that the Hawaii Visitors Bureau is encouraging visitors not to cancel their Hawaii vacation plans because of the Maula Loa Volcano eruption.&lt;br /&gt;
  4270. &lt;br /&gt;
  4271. Bruce also shares HAT’s trusted agencies for information about the ongoing eruption and encourages listeners to check them out. This may be the last Hawaii Vacation podcast of 2022, as Bruce is headed out on vacation, but “may be able to get one out before the end of the year”. Aloha, and Happy Holidays!&lt;br /&gt;
  4272. &lt;br /&gt;
  4273. &lt;br /&gt;
  4274. &lt;br /&gt;
  4275. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  4276. &lt;br /&gt;
  4277. &lt;br /&gt;
  4278. &lt;br /&gt;
  4279. &lt;br /&gt;
  4280. Get Help Planning Your Trip</itunes:summary>
  4281. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  4282. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  4283. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  4284. <itunes:duration>16:56</itunes:duration>
  4285. </item>
  4286. <item>
  4287. <title>Hawaii Crime Rate: Will You Be Safe Here in the Islands?</title>
  4288. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/crime-in-hawaii/</link>
  4289. <pubDate>Fri, 11 Nov 2022 20:58:34 +0000</pubDate>
  4290. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=43428</guid>
  4291. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/crime-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  4292. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/crime-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  4293. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  4294. <description>On this week’s episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Bruce is talking about Hawaii crime rate and how Hawaii is one of the safest travel destinations in the world.
  4295.  
  4296.  
  4297.  
  4298. Most people choose a Hawaii vacation because it seems safer than international destinations (and many U.S. hot spots). It’s also why many people choose to live here!
  4299.  
  4300.  
  4301.  
  4302. But do the stats align with their reputation? Listen in by clicking the “play” button above, or read on to learn more about Hawaii crime rate and safety tips for travelers. 
  4303.  
  4304.  
  4305.  
  4306. Hawaii Crime: A Resident’s Perspective
  4307.  
  4308.  
  4309.  
  4310. Bruce shares his own experience living in Hawaii and how crimes can get sensationalized here. “If it bleeds, it leads,” Bruce says of sensationalist headlines in Hawaii.
  4311.  
  4312.  
  4313.  
  4314. Bruce urges visitors not to believe the hype of those kinds of headlines, like the preposterous fear-mongering local news stories of the danger of fentanyl-laced candy being passed to children on Halloween. It was nonsense. “It’s safe to visit Hawaii! Worry more about ocean safety!”
  4315.  
  4316.  
  4317.  
  4318. Our Aloha Travel Agents also work with solo travelers who are concerned with safety. And while we always encourage visitors to be smart and aware during their time in the islands, we think this is one of the best places to visit if you want to feel safe. 
  4319.  
  4320.  
  4321.  
  4322. Looking at the Statistics
  4323.  
  4324.  
  4325.  
  4326. Bruce looks at some of the statistics about Hawaii crime rate. The good news is that Hawaii’s violent crime rate is far lower than the national average. Take a look:
  4327.  
  4328.  
  4329.  
  4330.  
  4331. Hawaii has 2.5 violent crimes per 1,000 people
  4332.  
  4333.  
  4334.  
  4335. The national average is 4 violent crimes per 1,000 people. 
  4336.  
  4337.  
  4338.  
  4339.  
  4340. One thing to be aware of is that the property crime rate in Hawaii is higher than the national average, and it continues to rise. Tourists comprise a small part of these victims, but it still should be a reminder not to leave valuables in your car and lock everything up. 
  4341.  
  4342.  
  4343.  
  4344. Bruce mentions a Travel Pulse ranking that lists Honolulu as the only US city on a short list of the world’s safest travel destinations. Bruce also points out that Hawaii’s visitor arrivals have returned to pre-pandemic levels.
  4345.  
  4346.  
  4347.  
  4348. So why does crime get so sensationalized in Hawaii? Likely because it is so rare, and the stories seem shocking to mainlanders who picture a glistening, worry-free Hawaii. 
  4349.  
  4350.  
  4351.  
  4352. Bruce says,  “Hawaii visitors are just a fraction of violent crime victims in Hawaii. It’s extremely rare, and that’s why you see it make headlines.”
  4353.  
  4354.  
  4355.  
  4356. Other News from the Podcast
  4357.  
  4358.  
  4359.  
  4360. Also in today’s episode, Bruce shares some recent news headlines that affect Hawaii travel, worrying that “this could be the kind of thing that tips people over the edge” and causes them to not vacation in Hawaii. 
  4361.  
  4362.  
  4363.  
  4364. Will it be a dealbreaker for you?
  4365.  
  4366.  
  4367.  
  4368. Bruce also has some interesting hotel updates and shares a little insight on conversations between the team at Aloha Hawaii Travel. 
  4369.  
  4370.  
  4371.  
  4372. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  4373. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  4374.  
  4375.  
  4376.  
  4377. Hawaii Crime Rate and Your Vacation
  4378.  
  4379.  
  4380.  
  4381. Bottom line? Hawaii visitors are extremely unlikely to fall victim to violent crime while they’re here – so definitely come and visit, even if you avoid many urban or rural destinations out of fear of crime. 
  4382.  
  4383.  
  4384.  
  4385. The biggest danger in Hawaii is likely ocean and outdoor safety. Hiking, swimming, and adventuring should all be done with great awareness and respect for nature.</description>
  4386. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/crime-in-hawaii.mp3" length="14546312" type="audio/mpeg" />
  4387. <itunes:subtitle>On this week’s episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Bruce is talking about Hawaii crime rate and how Hawaii is one of the safest travel destinations in the world.    Most people choose a Hawaii vacation because it seems safer than interna...</itunes:subtitle>
  4388. <itunes:summary>On this week’s episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Bruce is talking about Hawaii crime rate and how Hawaii is one of the safest travel destinations in the world.&lt;br /&gt;
  4389. &lt;br /&gt;
  4390. &lt;br /&gt;
  4391. &lt;br /&gt;
  4392. Most people choose a Hawaii vacation because it seems safer than international destinations (and many U.S. hot spots). It’s also why many people choose to live here!&lt;br /&gt;
  4393. &lt;br /&gt;
  4394. &lt;br /&gt;
  4395. &lt;br /&gt;
  4396. But do the stats align with their reputation? Listen in by clicking the “play” button above, or read on to learn more about Hawaii crime rate and safety tips for travelers. &lt;br /&gt;
  4397. &lt;br /&gt;
  4398. &lt;br /&gt;
  4399. &lt;br /&gt;
  4400. Hawaii Crime: A Resident’s Perspective&lt;br /&gt;
  4401. &lt;br /&gt;
  4402. &lt;br /&gt;
  4403. &lt;br /&gt;
  4404. Bruce shares his own experience living in Hawaii and how crimes can get sensationalized here. “If it bleeds, it leads,” Bruce says of sensationalist headlines in Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  4405. &lt;br /&gt;
  4406. &lt;br /&gt;
  4407. &lt;br /&gt;
  4408. Bruce urges visitors not to believe the hype of those kinds of headlines, like the preposterous fear-mongering local news stories of the danger of fentanyl-laced candy being passed to children on Halloween. It was nonsense. “It’s safe to visit Hawaii! Worry more about ocean safety!”&lt;br /&gt;
  4409. &lt;br /&gt;
  4410. &lt;br /&gt;
  4411. &lt;br /&gt;
  4412. Our Aloha Travel Agents also work with solo travelers who are concerned with safety. And while we always encourage visitors to be smart and aware during their time in the islands, we think this is one of the best places to visit if you want to feel safe. &lt;br /&gt;
  4413. &lt;br /&gt;
  4414. &lt;br /&gt;
  4415. &lt;br /&gt;
  4416. Looking at the Statistics&lt;br /&gt;
  4417. &lt;br /&gt;
  4418. &lt;br /&gt;
  4419. &lt;br /&gt;
  4420. Bruce looks at some of the statistics about Hawaii crime rate. The good news is that Hawaii’s violent crime rate is far lower than the national average. Take a look:&lt;br /&gt;
  4421. &lt;br /&gt;
  4422. &lt;br /&gt;
  4423. &lt;br /&gt;
  4424. &lt;br /&gt;
  4425. Hawaii has 2.5 violent crimes per 1,000 people&lt;br /&gt;
  4426. &lt;br /&gt;
  4427. &lt;br /&gt;
  4428. &lt;br /&gt;
  4429. The national average is 4 violent crimes per 1,000 people. &lt;br /&gt;
  4430. &lt;br /&gt;
  4431. &lt;br /&gt;
  4432. &lt;br /&gt;
  4433. &lt;br /&gt;
  4434. One thing to be aware of is that the property crime rate in Hawaii is higher than the national average, and it continues to rise. Tourists comprise a small part of these victims, but it still should be a reminder not to leave valuables in your car and lock everything up. &lt;br /&gt;
  4435. &lt;br /&gt;
  4436. &lt;br /&gt;
  4437. &lt;br /&gt;
  4438. Bruce mentions a Travel Pulse ranking that lists Honolulu as the only US city on a short list of the world’s safest travel destinations. Bruce also points out that Hawaii’s visitor arrivals have returned to pre-pandemic levels.&lt;br /&gt;
  4439. &lt;br /&gt;
  4440. &lt;br /&gt;
  4441. &lt;br /&gt;
  4442. So why does crime get so sensationalized in Hawaii? Likely because it is so rare, and the stories seem shocking to mainlanders who picture a glistening, worry-free Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  4443. &lt;br /&gt;
  4444. &lt;br /&gt;
  4445. &lt;br /&gt;
  4446. Bruce says,  “Hawaii visitors are just a fraction of violent crime victims in Hawaii. It’s extremely rare, and that’s why you see it make headlines.”&lt;br /&gt;
  4447. &lt;br /&gt;
  4448. &lt;br /&gt;
  4449. &lt;br /&gt;
  4450. Other News from the Podcast&lt;br /&gt;
  4451. &lt;br /&gt;
  4452. &lt;br /&gt;
  4453. &lt;br /&gt;
  4454. Also in today’s episode, Bruce shares some recent news headlines that affect Hawaii travel, worrying that “this could be the kind of thing that tips people over the edge” and causes them to not vacation in Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  4455. &lt;br /&gt;
  4456. &lt;br /&gt;
  4457. &lt;br /&gt;
  4458. Will it be a dealbreaker for you?&lt;br /&gt;
  4459. &lt;br /&gt;
  4460. &lt;br /&gt;
  4461. &lt;br /&gt;
  4462. Bruce also has some interesting hotel updates and shares a little insight on conversations between the team at Aloha Hawaii Travel. &lt;br /&gt;
  4463. &lt;br /&gt;
  4464. &lt;br /&gt;
  4465. &lt;br /&gt;
  4466. &lt;br /&gt;
  4467. &lt;br /&gt;
  4468. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  4469. &lt;br /&gt;
  4470. &lt;br /&gt;
  4471. &lt;br /&gt;
  4472. &lt;br /&gt;
  4473. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  4474. &lt;br /&gt;
  4475. &lt;br /&gt;
  4476. &lt;br /&gt;
  4477. &lt;br /&gt;
  4478. &lt;br /&gt;
  4479. &lt;br /&gt;
  4480. &lt;br /&gt;
  4481. &lt;br /&gt;
  4482. &lt;br /&gt;
  4483. Hawaii Crime Rate and Your Vacation&lt;br /&gt;
  4484. &lt;br /&gt;
  4485. &lt;br /&gt;
  4486. &lt;br /&gt;
  4487. Bottom line? Hawaii visitors are extremely unlikely to fall victim to violent crime while they’re here – so definitely come and visit, even if you avoid many urban or rural destinations out of fear of crime. &lt;br /&gt;
  4488. &lt;br /&gt;
  4489. &lt;br /&gt;
  4490. &lt;br /&gt;
  4491. The biggest danger in Hawaii is likely ocean and outdoor safety. Hiking, swimming,</itunes:summary>
  4492. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  4493. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  4494. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  4495. <itunes:duration>15:21</itunes:duration>
  4496. </item>
  4497. <item>
  4498. <title>Should a Big Island Vacation be included in your Hawaii Vacation Plans?</title>
  4499. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/big-island-vacation-2/</link>
  4500. <pubDate>Thu, 03 Nov 2022 22:05:02 +0000</pubDate>
  4501. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=43411</guid>
  4502. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/big-island-vacation-2/#respond</comments>
  4503. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/big-island-vacation-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  4504. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  4505. <description>Should the Big Island be included in your Hawaii vacation plans? Aloha Bruce is offering expert advice on planning a Big Island vacation on this Thursday, November 3, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Bruce mentions that the podcast schedule has been skewed due to a recent bout of Covid, after minding a large tour group in Waikiki for ten days. He’s fully vaccinated and boosted. He tested positive, was treated and his symptoms were mild, but quite unpleasant. He’s being vigilant in protecting himself and masking everywhere. “I don’t want to get it again! It freaked me out.”
  4506.  
  4507. Bruce offers an update on the HAT website overhaul and its temporary effect on the podcast before moving on to some Big Island vacation news. He discusses the Kona Village “hale” vacation destination opening in 2023, which Bruce says provides an authentic Hawaii vacation experience and discusses some of the amenities included in its previous all-inclusive form.
  4508.  
  4509. Bruce briefly addresses the question of legal cannabis use in Hawaii, which requires a medical marijuana license/card and what it takes to get one. He also mentions a planned new tower at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki. “My guess is that they’re not going to have any problem getting the permitting,” he says.
  4510. We blog about Hawaii
  4511. because we love Hawaii.
  4512. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  4513. Up next is the recent volcanic activity at Mauna Loa on the Big Island, which is separate from the recent eruption at the nearby Kilauea Volcano. Bruce explains the possible impact of an eruption, which last occurred in 1984. He says that Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is carefully monitoring the situation.
  4514.  
  4515. Moving on to Big Island vacation planning, Bruce discusses proposed restrictions to popular nighttime manta ray tours which include safety measures and capacity limits.
  4516.  
  4517. Most Big Island visitors are interested in viewing volcanoes and Bruce gets into what it takes to do so. He talks about the factors involved in choosing between Hilo in the north and Kona in the south. Kona is “more touristy” with more activities available than in Hilo, which is several hours away. He mentions the Waikoloa resort area slightly north of Kona and the amenities and beach activities. “It isn’t much for nightlife at all,” Bruce notes.
  4518.  
  4519. Discussing Hilo, Bruce notes several hotel properties and various attractions in Hilo and the easier access to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. He offers his expert insight into the benefits and options for a Big Island vacation. “It really gets down to whether or not it works for you and your family,” Bruce says. The Big Island is really, really big!”</description>
  4520. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/big-island-vacation.mp3" length="20022436" type="audio/mpeg" />
  4521. <itunes:subtitle>Should the Big Island be included in your Hawaii vacation plans? Aloha Bruce is offering expert advice on planning a Big Island vacation on this Thursday, November 3, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast.</itunes:subtitle>
  4522. <itunes:summary>Should the Big Island be included in your Hawaii vacation plans? Aloha Bruce is offering expert advice on planning a Big Island vacation on this Thursday, November 3, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Bruce mentions that the podcast schedule has been skewed due to a recent bout of Covid, after minding a large tour group in Waikiki for ten days. He’s fully vaccinated and boosted. He tested positive, was treated and his symptoms were mild, but quite unpleasant. He’s being vigilant in protecting himself and masking everywhere. “I don’t want to get it again! It freaked me out.”&lt;br /&gt;
  4523. &lt;br /&gt;
  4524. Bruce offers an update on the HAT website overhaul and its temporary effect on the podcast before moving on to some Big Island vacation news. He discusses the Kona Village “hale” vacation destination opening in 2023, which Bruce says provides an authentic Hawaii vacation experience and discusses some of the amenities included in its previous all-inclusive form.&lt;br /&gt;
  4525. &lt;br /&gt;
  4526. Bruce briefly addresses the question of legal cannabis use in Hawaii, which requires a medical marijuana license/card and what it takes to get one. He also mentions a planned new tower at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki. “My guess is that they’re not going to have any problem getting the permitting,” he says.&lt;br /&gt;
  4527. &lt;br /&gt;
  4528. &lt;br /&gt;
  4529. We blog about Hawaii&lt;br /&gt;
  4530. because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  4531. &lt;br /&gt;
  4532. &lt;br /&gt;
  4533. &lt;br /&gt;
  4534. &lt;br /&gt;
  4535. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  4536. &lt;br /&gt;
  4537. &lt;br /&gt;
  4538. &lt;br /&gt;
  4539. &lt;br /&gt;
  4540. &lt;br /&gt;
  4541. &lt;br /&gt;
  4542. Up next is the recent volcanic activity at Mauna Loa on the Big Island, which is separate from the recent eruption at the nearby Kilauea Volcano. Bruce explains the possible impact of an eruption, which last occurred in 1984. He says that Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is carefully monitoring the situation.&lt;br /&gt;
  4543. &lt;br /&gt;
  4544. Moving on to Big Island vacation planning, Bruce discusses proposed restrictions to popular nighttime manta ray tours which include safety measures and capacity limits.&lt;br /&gt;
  4545. &lt;br /&gt;
  4546. Most Big Island visitors are interested in viewing volcanoes and Bruce gets into what it takes to do so. He talks about the factors involved in choosing between Hilo in the north and Kona in the south. Kona is “more touristy” with more activities available than in Hilo, which is several hours away. He mentions the Waikoloa resort area slightly north of Kona and the amenities and beach activities. “It isn’t much for nightlife at all,” Bruce notes.&lt;br /&gt;
  4547. &lt;br /&gt;
  4548. Discussing Hilo, Bruce notes several hotel properties and various attractions in Hilo and the easier access to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. He offers his expert insight into the benefits and options for a Big Island vacation. “It really gets down to whether or not it works for you and your family,” Bruce says. The Big Island is really, really big!”</itunes:summary>
  4549. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  4550. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  4551. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  4552. <itunes:duration>21:44</itunes:duration>
  4553. </item>
  4554. <item>
  4555. <title>Hawaii Volcanoes National Park &#124; Know before you go!</title>
  4556. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-volcanoes-national-park/</link>
  4557. <pubDate>Sun, 23 Oct 2022 22:37:47 +0000</pubDate>
  4558. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=41554</guid>
  4559. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-volcanoes-national-park/#respond</comments>
  4560. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-volcanoes-national-park/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  4561. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  4562. <description>On this Sunday, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast, Aloha Bruce offers some important safety tips for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (and hints at some great news later in the episode). Bruce also mentions a busy week spent in Waikiki for business and how it got him thinking about safety during a Hawaii vacation, in particular, the recent drowning deaths of two people at Kaena Point on Oahu.
  4563.  
  4564. First, Bruce begins by discussing the current high Hawaii vacation prices. He discusses the “Generation Z” demographic trend that places Honolulu 5th in hostel bookings for that age group. Bruce details the “shared space” model of hostels and why the lower rates attract younger vacationers.
  4565.  
  4566. During his recent stay at the Marriott Waikiki Beach Hotel, Bruce notes the lack of return of tourists from the Japanese market. Covid remains a major concern in Japan, and that market is not expected to recover until next year.
  4567.  
  4568. Bruce discusses the similarity between Gen Z and the “starter market” that existed years ago, which would attract younger visitors with low rates in the hope of developing a loyal market as they aged and grew families. The low prices of hostels in Waikiki seem to be attracting a young demographic. “There were a lot of younger people!”
  4569.  
  4570. Bruce also mentions the discontinuation of United Airlines’ direct Las Vegas-Hilo route in January. He notes the effect this may have on Hawaii vacation bookings.
  4571.  
  4572. On to the main topic of safety at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Bruce starts with some simple tips like not wearing sandals or slippers while visiting the park. “Don’t wear sandals on these hikes!” He also talks about the importance of sun protection and reef-safe sunscreen, staying hydrated, and timing your hikes outside of the hours of the highest temperatures. And don’t feed any wild animals like the Nene Goose.
  4573.  
  4574. Bruce discusses being prepared for hiking in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and knowing air quality conditions, especially if you have a respiratory condition. He also notes the dangers of pursuing dramatic “selfie” photos in dangerous off-trail areas. “Not everything single thing has to be documented!”
  4575.  
  4576. Bruce closes with an announcement of exciting new changes on the Hawaii Aloha Travel website, which will greatly enhance the user experience beginning in early November. Mahalo for tuning in, and as Bruce says, “Support local businesses!”
  4577. We blog podcast Hawaii
  4578. because we love Hawaii.
  4579. Get Help Planning Your Trip</description>
  4580. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/storage.googleapis.com/hat-storage-podcast/podcast/volcano-safety-tips.mp3" length="14392425" type="audio/mpeg" />
  4581. <itunes:subtitle>On this Sunday, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast, Aloha Bruce offers some important safety tips for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (and hints at some great news later in the episode). Bruce also mentions a busy week spent in Waikiki for business ...</itunes:subtitle>
  4582. <itunes:summary>On this Sunday, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast, Aloha Bruce offers some important safety tips for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (and hints at some great news later in the episode). Bruce also mentions a busy week spent in Waikiki for business and how it got him thinking about safety during a Hawaii vacation, in particular, the recent drowning deaths of two people at Kaena Point on Oahu.&lt;br /&gt;
  4583. &lt;br /&gt;
  4584. First, Bruce begins by discussing the current high Hawaii vacation prices. He discusses the “Generation Z” demographic trend that places Honolulu 5th in hostel bookings for that age group. Bruce details the “shared space” model of hostels and why the lower rates attract younger vacationers.&lt;br /&gt;
  4585. &lt;br /&gt;
  4586. During his recent stay at the Marriott Waikiki Beach Hotel, Bruce notes the lack of return of tourists from the Japanese market. Covid remains a major concern in Japan, and that market is not expected to recover until next year.&lt;br /&gt;
  4587. &lt;br /&gt;
  4588. Bruce discusses the similarity between Gen Z and the “starter market” that existed years ago, which would attract younger visitors with low rates in the hope of developing a loyal market as they aged and grew families. The low prices of hostels in Waikiki seem to be attracting a young demographic. “There were a lot of younger people!”&lt;br /&gt;
  4589. &lt;br /&gt;
  4590. Bruce also mentions the discontinuation of United Airlines’ direct Las Vegas-Hilo route in January. He notes the effect this may have on Hawaii vacation bookings.&lt;br /&gt;
  4591. &lt;br /&gt;
  4592. On to the main topic of safety at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Bruce starts with some simple tips like not wearing sandals or slippers while visiting the park. “Don’t wear sandals on these hikes!” He also talks about the importance of sun protection and reef-safe sunscreen, staying hydrated, and timing your hikes outside of the hours of the highest temperatures. And don’t feed any wild animals like the Nene Goose.&lt;br /&gt;
  4593. &lt;br /&gt;
  4594. Bruce discusses being prepared for hiking in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and knowing air quality conditions, especially if you have a respiratory condition. He also notes the dangers of pursuing dramatic “selfie” photos in dangerous off-trail areas. “Not everything single thing has to be documented!”&lt;br /&gt;
  4595. &lt;br /&gt;
  4596. Bruce closes with an announcement of exciting new changes on the Hawaii Aloha Travel website, which will greatly enhance the user experience beginning in early November. Mahalo for tuning in, and as Bruce says, “Support local businesses!”&lt;br /&gt;
  4597. &lt;br /&gt;
  4598. &lt;br /&gt;
  4599. We blog podcast Hawaii&lt;br /&gt;
  4600. because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  4601. &lt;br /&gt;
  4602. &lt;br /&gt;
  4603. &lt;br /&gt;
  4604. &lt;br /&gt;
  4605. Get Help Planning Your Trip</itunes:summary>
  4606. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  4607. <itunes:season>15</itunes:season>
  4608. <podcast:season>15</podcast:season>
  4609. <itunes:episode>789</itunes:episode>
  4610. <podcast:episode>789</podcast:episode>
  4611. <itunes:title>Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Safety Tips </itunes:title>
  4612. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  4613. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  4614. <itunes:duration>16:08</itunes:duration>
  4615. </item>
  4616. <item>
  4617. <title>Why Waikiki ? &#124; Where to stay and What to Do</title>
  4618. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/why-waikiki/</link>
  4619. <pubDate>Thu, 06 Oct 2022 22:44:03 +0000</pubDate>
  4620. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=41454</guid>
  4621. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/why-waikiki/#respond</comments>
  4622. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/why-waikiki/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  4623. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  4624. <description>“Why Waikiki?” is the question that Aloha Bruce answers on this Thursday, October 6, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Bruce notes that the podcast has been off for two weeks due to a complete overhaul of the Hawaii Aloha Travel website and the tremendous amount of pages on this legacy site.
  4625.  
  4626. First up is Hawaii tourism news and the planned Wai Kai Experience water park in Ewa Beach on Oahu. Bruce says that it will feature the largest standing deep water standing surfing wave in the world and a wide variety of recreational water features. It’s being marketed as waterfront recreation and lifestyle venue, and our host notes some of the details. The park is set to open next February.
  4627.  
  4628. Next is Conde Nast naming the Espacio Jewel Waikiki as Hawaii’s #1 hotel. Bruce says it is a very high-end “super mucky-muck&quot; property that he’s only booked once in decades of serving Hawaii visitors. He notes some of the details noted in the article, including thousands of dollars per night stay. 00“Who can afford this?” Bruce also reminds listeners that while there are no COVID restrictions on Hawaii visitors as we emerge from the pandemic, visitors are still encouraged to get vaccinated and boosted.
  4629.  
  4630. On to the main topic of “Why Waikiki?”, Bruce begins with some basics about the island of Oahu, the City of Honolulu, and the area of Waikiki. He mentions the “two-mile rule” and says that everything in Waikiki is nearby. Bruce names Waikiki’s several beaches and gives a brief history of sand replenishment efforts at those beaches over the decades.
  4631.  
  4632. Bruce breaks down Waikiki into three parts. The Diamond Head (southern) area and its attractions are noted. Central Waikiki contains the International Marketplace and anchor properties. The Ewa side (northern) contains Fort DeRussy and other attractions.
  4633.  
  4634. There are three “main drags” in Waikiki, Kalakaua Avenue, Kuhio Avenue, and Ala Wai Boulevard are discussed along with some of the popular properties and attractions they feature. Bruce says that prices drop in Waikiki the farther you stay from the beach, and he offers several boutique hotel suggestions.
  4635.  
  4636. Bruce moves into a discussion about the wide variety of ocean activities available at Waikiki beaches. He also discusses some nearby out-of-the way places and restaurants that are easily accessed on foot from Waikiki. “It’s nice to have things accessible!”
  4637. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  4638. Get Help Planning Your Trip</description>
  4639. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2022/why-waikiki.mp3" length="16995887" type="audio/mpeg" />
  4640. <itunes:subtitle>“Why Waikiki?” is the question that Aloha Bruce answers on this Thursday, October 6, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Bruce notes that the podcast has been off for two weeks due to a complete overhaul of the Hawaii Aloha Travel website and...</itunes:subtitle>
  4641. <itunes:summary>“Why Waikiki?” is the question that Aloha Bruce answers on this Thursday, October 6, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Bruce notes that the podcast has been off for two weeks due to a complete overhaul of the Hawaii Aloha Travel website and the tremendous amount of pages on this legacy site.&lt;br /&gt;
  4642. &lt;br /&gt;
  4643. First up is Hawaii tourism news and the planned Wai Kai Experience water park in Ewa Beach on Oahu. Bruce says that it will feature the largest standing deep water standing surfing wave in the world and a wide variety of recreational water features. It’s being marketed as waterfront recreation and lifestyle venue, and our host notes some of the details. The park is set to open next February.&lt;br /&gt;
  4644. &lt;br /&gt;
  4645. Next is Conde Nast naming the Espacio Jewel Waikiki as Hawaii’s #1 hotel. Bruce says it is a very high-end “super mucky-muck&quot; property that he’s only booked once in decades of serving Hawaii visitors. He notes some of the details noted in the article, including thousands of dollars per night stay. 00“Who can afford this?” Bruce also reminds listeners that while there are no COVID restrictions on Hawaii visitors as we emerge from the pandemic, visitors are still encouraged to get vaccinated and boosted.&lt;br /&gt;
  4646. &lt;br /&gt;
  4647. On to the main topic of “Why Waikiki?”, Bruce begins with some basics about the island of Oahu, the City of Honolulu, and the area of Waikiki. He mentions the “two-mile rule” and says that everything in Waikiki is nearby. Bruce names Waikiki’s several beaches and gives a brief history of sand replenishment efforts at those beaches over the decades.&lt;br /&gt;
  4648. &lt;br /&gt;
  4649. Bruce breaks down Waikiki into three parts. The Diamond Head (southern) area and its attractions are noted. Central Waikiki contains the International Marketplace and anchor properties. The Ewa side (northern) contains Fort DeRussy and other attractions.&lt;br /&gt;
  4650. &lt;br /&gt;
  4651. There are three “main drags” in Waikiki, Kalakaua Avenue, Kuhio Avenue, and Ala Wai Boulevard are discussed along with some of the popular properties and attractions they feature. Bruce says that prices drop in Waikiki the farther you stay from the beach, and he offers several boutique hotel suggestions.&lt;br /&gt;
  4652. &lt;br /&gt;
  4653. Bruce moves into a discussion about the wide variety of ocean activities available at Waikiki beaches. He also discusses some nearby out-of-the way places and restaurants that are easily accessed on foot from Waikiki. “It’s nice to have things accessible!”&lt;br /&gt;
  4654. &lt;br /&gt;
  4655. &lt;br /&gt;
  4656. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  4657. &lt;br /&gt;
  4658. &lt;br /&gt;
  4659. &lt;br /&gt;
  4660. &lt;br /&gt;
  4661. Get Help Planning Your Trip</itunes:summary>
  4662. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  4663. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  4664. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  4665. <itunes:duration>18:15</itunes:duration>
  4666. </item>
  4667. <item>
  4668. <title>Tips for Repeat Oahu Visitors</title>
  4669. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/repeat-oahu-visitors/</link>
  4670. <pubDate>Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:19:36 +0000</pubDate>
  4671. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=41429</guid>
  4672. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/repeat-oahu-visitors/#respond</comments>
  4673. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/repeat-oahu-visitors/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  4674. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  4675. <description>Hawaii Vacation Podcast host Aloha Bruce is offering tips for repeat Oahu visitors on this latest episode. At the top, Bruce encourages our listeners to reach out and engage with us through our social media platforms. We want to hear from you!
  4676.  
  4677. Bruce mentions a recent HVCB survey looking into the likelihood of Hawaii vacationers returning in the future. Our host gets into some of the top reasons visitors say that they will not be returning. More than half of survey respondents say that high prices are the main reason they won’t return. Bruce talks about low supply and high demand creating high prices we are currently seeing in Hawaii.
  4678.  
  4679. Other respondents expressed interest in a different experience, and still others say that “poor value” is a factor in choosing not to return. Bruce repeats his frequent advice to “toggle back your expectations” regarding hotels, noting that there are very few new hotels in Hawaii. “There is so much you can do for free!” Bruce says. “Just go to the beach! Watch the sunset!”
  4680.  
  4681. Many respondents complained that Hawaii is too crowded and too commercialized. Others say that returning in five years is “too soon”. Bruce says that “every couple of years” is a good approach for repeat Hawaii visitors. “I’m learning the islands all over again after the pandemic.” More than 10% say that the length of Hawaii flights is the reason they won’t return. Bruce offers tips for planning arrival and departure days.
  4682.  
  4683. 11% of respondents of the survey say that they have “no compelling reason” to return. This prompts Bruce to discuss repeat Oahu visitors and some of the things that make Oahu such an attractive visitor destination. He says that for repeat Oahu visitors, vacation itineraries can become “ a little more refined”.
  4684.  
  4685. Among activities for repeat Oahu visitors, Bruce discusses several hikes and restaurants that visitors may have missed on previous Hawaii vacations. He also mentions Iolani Palace and Washington Place, as well as the Queen Emma Summer Palace. “A lot of people don’t know about it or go to it,” Bruce says and shares some of the things that make it a unique museum and historically significant site. He also notes the Manoa Heritage Center, which features a beautiful garden and ancient heiau.
  4686.  
  4687. Up next for repeat Oahu visitors is the Koko Crater Botanical Gardens in southeast Oahu, which is easily reachable on the TheBus. Bruce also encourages a visit to Shangri La, the former estate of tobacco heiress Doris Duke, which is now a renowned museum of Islamic art at the foot of Diamond Head. “It’s Pretty incredible!”
  4688.  
  4689. Bruce also discusses the famous Liljestrand House on Tantalus Drive, which offers a 90-minute tour. On to the Hawaii Plantation Village in Waipahu that represents the many cultures that arrived in Hawaii during the Plantation Era. On the North Shore, Bruce notes Kahuku Farms tours as being great for kids and learning about sustainable agriculture in Hawaii.
  4690.  
  4691. Bruce says repeat Oahu visitors should “dig a little bit deeper” when planning your next trip, and that HAT can help you find those places on the island that you have yet to discover.
  4692. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  4693. Get Help Planning Your Trip</description>
  4694. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/repeat-oahu-visitors.mp3" length="18286069" type="audio/mpeg" />
  4695. <itunes:subtitle>Hawaii Vacation Podcast host Aloha Bruce is offering tips for repeat Oahu visitors on this latest episode. At the top, Bruce encourages our listeners to reach out and engage with us through our social media platforms. We want to hear from you!  </itunes:subtitle>
  4696. <itunes:summary>Hawaii Vacation Podcast host Aloha Bruce is offering tips for repeat Oahu visitors on this latest episode. At the top, Bruce encourages our listeners to reach out and engage with us through our social media platforms. We want to hear from you!&lt;br /&gt;
  4697. &lt;br /&gt;
  4698. Bruce mentions a recent HVCB survey looking into the likelihood of Hawaii vacationers returning in the future. Our host gets into some of the top reasons visitors say that they will not be returning. More than half of survey respondents say that high prices are the main reason they won’t return. Bruce talks about low supply and high demand creating high prices we are currently seeing in Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  4699. &lt;br /&gt;
  4700. Other respondents expressed interest in a different experience, and still others say that “poor value” is a factor in choosing not to return. Bruce repeats his frequent advice to “toggle back your expectations” regarding hotels, noting that there are very few new hotels in Hawaii. “There is so much you can do for free!” Bruce says. “Just go to the beach! Watch the sunset!”&lt;br /&gt;
  4701. &lt;br /&gt;
  4702. Many respondents complained that Hawaii is too crowded and too commercialized. Others say that returning in five years is “too soon”. Bruce says that “every couple of years” is a good approach for repeat Hawaii visitors. “I’m learning the islands all over again after the pandemic.” More than 10% say that the length of Hawaii flights is the reason they won’t return. Bruce offers tips for planning arrival and departure days.&lt;br /&gt;
  4703. &lt;br /&gt;
  4704. 11% of respondents of the survey say that they have “no compelling reason” to return. This prompts Bruce to discuss repeat Oahu visitors and some of the things that make Oahu such an attractive visitor destination. He says that for repeat Oahu visitors, vacation itineraries can become “ a little more refined”.&lt;br /&gt;
  4705. &lt;br /&gt;
  4706. Among activities for repeat Oahu visitors, Bruce discusses several hikes and restaurants that visitors may have missed on previous Hawaii vacations. He also mentions Iolani Palace and Washington Place, as well as the Queen Emma Summer Palace. “A lot of people don’t know about it or go to it,” Bruce says and shares some of the things that make it a unique museum and historically significant site. He also notes the Manoa Heritage Center, which features a beautiful garden and ancient heiau.&lt;br /&gt;
  4707. &lt;br /&gt;
  4708. Up next for repeat Oahu visitors is the Koko Crater Botanical Gardens in southeast Oahu, which is easily reachable on the TheBus. Bruce also encourages a visit to Shangri La, the former estate of tobacco heiress Doris Duke, which is now a renowned museum of Islamic art at the foot of Diamond Head. “It’s Pretty incredible!”&lt;br /&gt;
  4709. &lt;br /&gt;
  4710. Bruce also discusses the famous Liljestrand House on Tantalus Drive, which offers a 90-minute tour. On to the Hawaii Plantation Village in Waipahu that represents the many cultures that arrived in Hawaii during the Plantation Era. On the North Shore, Bruce notes Kahuku Farms tours as being great for kids and learning about sustainable agriculture in Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  4711. &lt;br /&gt;
  4712. Bruce says repeat Oahu visitors should “dig a little bit deeper” when planning your next trip, and that HAT can help you find those places on the island that you have yet to discover.&lt;br /&gt;
  4713. &lt;br /&gt;
  4714. &lt;br /&gt;
  4715. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  4716. &lt;br /&gt;
  4717. &lt;br /&gt;
  4718. &lt;br /&gt;
  4719. &lt;br /&gt;
  4720. Get Help Planning Your Trip</itunes:summary>
  4721. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  4722. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  4723. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  4724. <itunes:duration>16:55</itunes:duration>
  4725. </item>
  4726. <item>
  4727. <title>Booking Hawaii Group Travel and Family Vacations to Hawaii</title>
  4728. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/grou-travelto-hawaii/</link>
  4729. <pubDate>Thu, 15 Sep 2022 00:21:44 +0000</pubDate>
  4730. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=41402</guid>
  4731. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/grou-travelto-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  4732. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/grou-travelto-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  4733. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  4734. <description>Aloha Bruce is focused on Hawaii group travel on this Wednesday, September 14, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Hawaii Aloha Travel has been booking groups large and small for decades, and Bruce offers his insight into the best ways to go about it.
  4735.  
  4736. Up first is some Hawaii vacation news. Bruce mentions a recent news story about a young woman who stayed in a camper van at $119 per night and had a miserable experience and faced hidden many costs. “We do not have campers. You can’t just cruise around in RVs and sleep in vans. We don’t have RV parks. It’s not legal.” There simply isn’t enough suitable open land to do this on in the State of Hawaii, Bruce explains. He mentions a new parking lot designated to allow the homeless to sleep overnight in their cars. “This is for locals, people that don’t have homes!” Bruce says, mentioning recent “glamping” debacles. “You just can’t do that in Hawaii. It’s not that kind of destination.”
  4737.  
  4738. Bruce moves on to a brief discussion about Southwest Airlines points usage and problems some customers are encountering. He says that there is some speculation about whether or not the airline is making any profit in Hawaii. Our host recalls the promise of discounted Hawaii fares and challenges customers are facing in peak travel season. Bruce shares his trademark expertise about booking Hawaii airfares.
  4739.  
  4740. On to the main topic of Hawaii group travel, Bruce says “We’re kind of back to normal” after the pandemic and Bruce talks about how it changed the way people travel. Bruce says the first thing for a group to do is to established firm dates. “We can organize all of this,” he says. “We work with a lot of groups.”
  4741.  
  4742. Bruce also recommends that groups select a “group leader” for the trip and giving your group eight months in advance before departure to set the itinerary. He also stresses the importance of sorting out room lists/assignments for Hawaii group travel, noting that vacation homes and condos are difficult to find on Oahu and Maui. Bruce gets into granular detail about the challenges faced by small-to-medium groups and ways around them.
  4743.  
  4744. Our host moves into a discussion of pricing for airfare and accommodations, and he says that Hawaii Aloha Travel is already booking Hawaii group travel as far out as July next year. He says peak season prices are already higher than usual for Summer 2023.
  4745.  
  4746. Bruce closes by discussing the benefits of getting travel insurance and being aware of cancellation policies for Hawaii group travel. Often, Bruce says, changing or canceling reservations can be expensive. “Whenever someone is spending big bucks for a group trip, I always recommend spending the extra money for insurance.”</description>
  4747. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/hawaii-group-travel.mp3" length="17876114" type="audio/mpeg" />
  4748. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce is focused on Hawaii group travel on this Wednesday, September 14, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Hawaii Aloha Travel has been booking groups large and small for decades, and Bruce offers his insight into the best ways to go ...</itunes:subtitle>
  4749. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce is focused on Hawaii group travel on this Wednesday, September 14, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Hawaii Aloha Travel has been booking groups large and small for decades, and Bruce offers his insight into the best ways to go about it.&lt;br /&gt;
  4750. &lt;br /&gt;
  4751. Up first is some Hawaii vacation news. Bruce mentions a recent news story about a young woman who stayed in a camper van at $119 per night and had a miserable experience and faced hidden many costs. “We do not have campers. You can’t just cruise around in RVs and sleep in vans. We don’t have RV parks. It’s not legal.” There simply isn’t enough suitable open land to do this on in the State of Hawaii, Bruce explains. He mentions a new parking lot designated to allow the homeless to sleep overnight in their cars. “This is for locals, people that don’t have homes!” Bruce says, mentioning recent “glamping” debacles. “You just can’t do that in Hawaii. It’s not that kind of destination.”&lt;br /&gt;
  4752. &lt;br /&gt;
  4753. Bruce moves on to a brief discussion about Southwest Airlines points usage and problems some customers are encountering. He says that there is some speculation about whether or not the airline is making any profit in Hawaii. Our host recalls the promise of discounted Hawaii fares and challenges customers are facing in peak travel season. Bruce shares his trademark expertise about booking Hawaii airfares.&lt;br /&gt;
  4754. &lt;br /&gt;
  4755. On to the main topic of Hawaii group travel, Bruce says “We’re kind of back to normal” after the pandemic and Bruce talks about how it changed the way people travel. Bruce says the first thing for a group to do is to established firm dates. “We can organize all of this,” he says. “We work with a lot of groups.”&lt;br /&gt;
  4756. &lt;br /&gt;
  4757. Bruce also recommends that groups select a “group leader” for the trip and giving your group eight months in advance before departure to set the itinerary. He also stresses the importance of sorting out room lists/assignments for Hawaii group travel, noting that vacation homes and condos are difficult to find on Oahu and Maui. Bruce gets into granular detail about the challenges faced by small-to-medium groups and ways around them.&lt;br /&gt;
  4758. &lt;br /&gt;
  4759. Our host moves into a discussion of pricing for airfare and accommodations, and he says that Hawaii Aloha Travel is already booking Hawaii group travel as far out as July next year. He says peak season prices are already higher than usual for Summer 2023.&lt;br /&gt;
  4760. &lt;br /&gt;
  4761. Bruce closes by discussing the benefits of getting travel insurance and being aware of cancellation policies for Hawaii group travel. Often, Bruce says, changing or canceling reservations can be expensive. “Whenever someone is spending big bucks for a group trip, I always recommend spending the extra money for insurance.”</itunes:summary>
  4762. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  4763. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  4764. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  4765. <itunes:duration>15:39</itunes:duration>
  4766. </item>
  4767. <item>
  4768. <title>Maui Pros and Cons &#124; Is Maui the right choice for your Vacation?</title>
  4769. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/maui-pros-cons/</link>
  4770. <pubDate>Mon, 05 Sep 2022 23:31:08 +0000</pubDate>
  4771. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=41364</guid>
  4772. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/maui-pros-cons/#respond</comments>
  4773. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/maui-pros-cons/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  4774. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  4775. <description>Aloha Bruce is talking about Maui pros and cons on this Hawaii Vacation Podcast Labor Day holiday episode of Monday, September 5, 2022 (Bruce is always working!). Bruce says Hawaii Aloha Travel is receiving a large volume of calls about a December Hawaii vacation as prices are quite high right now.
  4776. Hawaii Vacation News
  4777. Into some recent Hawaii visitor news, Bruce notes Hawaii’s gradual emergence from the pandemic and the return of a street festival along Waikiki Beach Walk in September and October. It will feature free outdoor entertainment and vendors. Bruce moves on to talk about severe drought conditions and high temperatures in Hawaii and particularly on Maui. He recalls his early days in radio in Hawaii and says that in the twenty years since, it has become much hotter. Brush fires are a major concern as well. Bruce offers simple tips for saving water in your hotel/resort/condo. Bruce says to check that a vacation condo comes with air conditioning as temperatures are rising in the coming months.
  4778.  
  4779. Bruce moves on to answer a Facebook travel support group question about booking tickets for a Pearl Harbor Tour. “Make sure you go to a ‘dot-gov” site!” Bruce explains some potential snags in getting tickets and how to avoid them by getting them early.
  4780. Maui Pros and Cons
  4781. Maui Pros and Cons are up next. Bruce shares his unique perspective as a 22-year veteran booking Maui vacations. He recommends Maui for families and couples especially and notes scenic attractions like Iao Valley. “Maui in general has a lot of pristine beauty”, noting the many farms and ranches on the Valley Isle. Bruce says that Maui is “not as country as Kauai and not as lively as Oahu” and strikes a good balance between the two.
  4782.  
  4783. Our host recalls his first trip to the summit of Haleakala. He also says that Maui is great for “foodies” and mentions the Surfing Goat Dairy and other attractions found all over the island. The Maui Ocean Center is among many activities that are great for kids, and Bruce says that most hotels and resorts offer keiki activities and programs.
  4784.  
  4785. Among the “pros” for a Maui vacation is that Maui has the most swimmable beaches, Bruce says, as well as some of the best snorkeling. He also says that Maui has more accommodations options. Maui is family friendly and also perfect for a romantic getaway.
  4786.  
  4787. Of Maui pros and cons, Bruce says Maui requires a lot of driving, and that while it increases in popularity it is getting more “touristy” and is the most expensive island to visit. “It’s getting really expensive over there. And it is getting a lot more touristy than in the past.”
  4788.  
  4789. Bruce suggests Oahu and Kauai visitors connect with Secret Hawaii Tours for a private tour experience unlike any other. Aloha!
  4790. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  4791. Get Help Planning Your Trip</description>
  4792. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/maui-pros-cons.mp3" length="13736453" type="audio/mpeg" />
  4793. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce is talking about Maui pros and cons on this Hawaii Vacation Podcast Labor Day holiday episode of Monday, September 5, 2022 (Bruce is always working!). Bruce says Hawaii Aloha Travel is receiving a large volume of calls about a December Hawa...</itunes:subtitle>
  4794. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce is talking about Maui pros and cons on this Hawaii Vacation Podcast Labor Day holiday episode of Monday, September 5, 2022 (Bruce is always working!). Bruce says Hawaii Aloha Travel is receiving a large volume of calls about a December Hawaii vacation as prices are quite high right now.&lt;br /&gt;
  4795. Hawaii Vacation News&lt;br /&gt;
  4796. Into some recent Hawaii visitor news, Bruce notes Hawaii’s gradual emergence from the pandemic and the return of a street festival along Waikiki Beach Walk in September and October. It will feature free outdoor entertainment and vendors. Bruce moves on to talk about severe drought conditions and high temperatures in Hawaii and particularly on Maui. He recalls his early days in radio in Hawaii and says that in the twenty years since, it has become much hotter. Brush fires are a major concern as well. Bruce offers simple tips for saving water in your hotel/resort/condo. Bruce says to check that a vacation condo comes with air conditioning as temperatures are rising in the coming months.&lt;br /&gt;
  4797. &lt;br /&gt;
  4798. Bruce moves on to answer a Facebook travel support group question about booking tickets for a Pearl Harbor Tour. “Make sure you go to a ‘dot-gov” site!” Bruce explains some potential snags in getting tickets and how to avoid them by getting them early.&lt;br /&gt;
  4799. Maui Pros and Cons&lt;br /&gt;
  4800. Maui Pros and Cons are up next. Bruce shares his unique perspective as a 22-year veteran booking Maui vacations. He recommends Maui for families and couples especially and notes scenic attractions like Iao Valley. “Maui in general has a lot of pristine beauty”, noting the many farms and ranches on the Valley Isle. Bruce says that Maui is “not as country as Kauai and not as lively as Oahu” and strikes a good balance between the two.&lt;br /&gt;
  4801. &lt;br /&gt;
  4802. Our host recalls his first trip to the summit of Haleakala. He also says that Maui is great for “foodies” and mentions the Surfing Goat Dairy and other attractions found all over the island. The Maui Ocean Center is among many activities that are great for kids, and Bruce says that most hotels and resorts offer keiki activities and programs.&lt;br /&gt;
  4803. &lt;br /&gt;
  4804. Among the “pros” for a Maui vacation is that Maui has the most swimmable beaches, Bruce says, as well as some of the best snorkeling. He also says that Maui has more accommodations options. Maui is family friendly and also perfect for a romantic getaway.&lt;br /&gt;
  4805. &lt;br /&gt;
  4806. Of Maui pros and cons, Bruce says Maui requires a lot of driving, and that while it increases in popularity it is getting more “touristy” and is the most expensive island to visit. “It’s getting really expensive over there. And it is getting a lot more touristy than in the past.”&lt;br /&gt;
  4807. &lt;br /&gt;
  4808. Bruce suggests Oahu and Kauai visitors connect with Secret Hawaii Tours for a private tour experience unlike any other. Aloha!&lt;br /&gt;
  4809. &lt;br /&gt;
  4810. &lt;br /&gt;
  4811. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  4812. &lt;br /&gt;
  4813. &lt;br /&gt;
  4814. &lt;br /&gt;
  4815. &lt;br /&gt;
  4816. Get Help Planning Your Trip</itunes:summary>
  4817. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  4818. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  4819. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  4820. <itunes:duration>15:37</itunes:duration>
  4821. </item>
  4822. <item>
  4823. <title>Top 8 Kauai Tours to enjoy on the Garden Isle</title>
  4824. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/kauai-tours/</link>
  4825. <pubDate>Wed, 31 Aug 2022 22:22:23 +0000</pubDate>
  4826. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=41356</guid>
  4827. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/kauai-tours/#respond</comments>
  4828. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/kauai-tours/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  4829. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  4830. <description>Aloha Bruce goes deep and gets specific about Kauai tours on this Wednesday, August 31, 2022, Hawaii Vacations Podcast.
  4831.  
  4832. Bruce starts off with a restaurant review focused on J. Dolan’s Pizza Pub in Chinatown and their new location in Kahala. Bruce says it’s the best pizza in Hawaii. “I probably inhaled that pizza in about three minutes!” He says the new Kahala location is larger and more airy and open than the Chinatown location and that it is always packed with customers. Bruce also mentions a donut shop and locally sourced storefronts in the new Kahala strip mall.
  4833.  
  4834. On to the subject of Kauai tours and enjoyable activities to book on the Garden Isle. First up is Secret Hawaii Tours, the only private tour available on Kauai’s south side, or Gold Coast. On to the Na Pali Coast, Bruce mentions Blue Ocean Adventure Tours and discusses highlights the trip offers, like dolphin sightings and remote sea caves.
  4835.  
  4836. High-speed rafting (“You’ll get a little bit wet!”) with Holo Holo Charters is another highlight. Holo Holo also offers a dinner cruise, and Bruce says now is the best time to book a dinner cruise because of ideal ocean conditions. Bruce then moves on to Blue Hawaiian and other helicopter tours along the Na Pali Coast.
  4837.  
  4838. A Hollywood movie tour is up next, which goes to locations made famous in blockbuster franchises like Jurassic Park. “It’s great for families,” Bruce says. Guided biking tours of Waimea Canyon are also popular, and Bruce offers some specific highlights certain tours offer.
  4839.  
  4840. Aloha Bruce suggests that planning Kauai tours should include a trip to Kauai’s North Shore and Princeville and Hanalei. Bruce mentions the Princeville Botanical Gardens, which offers guided tours and homegrown chocolate.
  4841.  
  4842. Bruce wraps this episode with an invitation to listeners to the HAT travel support group on Facebook and to engage with local businesses by booking with locally owned and operated Hawaii Aloha Travel.
  4843. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  4844. Get Help Planning Your Trip</description>
  4845. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/must-do-tous-on-kauai.mp3" length="11843211" type="audio/mpeg" />
  4846. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce goes deep and gets specific about Kauai tours on this Wednesday, August 31, 2022, Hawaii Vacations Podcast.  Bruce starts off with a restaurant review focused on J. Dolan’s Pizza Pub in Chinatown and their new location in Kahala.</itunes:subtitle>
  4847. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce goes deep and gets specific about Kauai tours on this Wednesday, August 31, 2022, Hawaii Vacations Podcast.&lt;br /&gt;
  4848. &lt;br /&gt;
  4849. Bruce starts off with a restaurant review focused on J. Dolan’s Pizza Pub in Chinatown and their new location in Kahala. Bruce says it’s the best pizza in Hawaii. “I probably inhaled that pizza in about three minutes!” He says the new Kahala location is larger and more airy and open than the Chinatown location and that it is always packed with customers. Bruce also mentions a donut shop and locally sourced storefronts in the new Kahala strip mall.&lt;br /&gt;
  4850. &lt;br /&gt;
  4851. On to the subject of Kauai tours and enjoyable activities to book on the Garden Isle. First up is Secret Hawaii Tours, the only private tour available on Kauai’s south side, or Gold Coast. On to the Na Pali Coast, Bruce mentions Blue Ocean Adventure Tours and discusses highlights the trip offers, like dolphin sightings and remote sea caves.&lt;br /&gt;
  4852. &lt;br /&gt;
  4853. High-speed rafting (“You’ll get a little bit wet!”) with Holo Holo Charters is another highlight. Holo Holo also offers a dinner cruise, and Bruce says now is the best time to book a dinner cruise because of ideal ocean conditions. Bruce then moves on to Blue Hawaiian and other helicopter tours along the Na Pali Coast.&lt;br /&gt;
  4854. &lt;br /&gt;
  4855. A Hollywood movie tour is up next, which goes to locations made famous in blockbuster franchises like Jurassic Park. “It’s great for families,” Bruce says. Guided biking tours of Waimea Canyon are also popular, and Bruce offers some specific highlights certain tours offer.&lt;br /&gt;
  4856. &lt;br /&gt;
  4857. Aloha Bruce suggests that planning Kauai tours should include a trip to Kauai’s North Shore and Princeville and Hanalei. Bruce mentions the Princeville Botanical Gardens, which offers guided tours and homegrown chocolate.&lt;br /&gt;
  4858. &lt;br /&gt;
  4859. Bruce wraps this episode with an invitation to listeners to the HAT travel support group on Facebook and to engage with local businesses by booking with locally owned and operated Hawaii Aloha Travel.&lt;br /&gt;
  4860. &lt;br /&gt;
  4861. &lt;br /&gt;
  4862. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  4863. &lt;br /&gt;
  4864. &lt;br /&gt;
  4865. &lt;br /&gt;
  4866. &lt;br /&gt;
  4867. Get Help Planning Your Trip</itunes:summary>
  4868. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  4869. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  4870. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  4871. <itunes:duration>13:14</itunes:duration>
  4872. </item>
  4873. <item>
  4874. <title>How to be a Visitor and NOT a tourist on Your Hawaii Vacation</title>
  4875. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/be-a-visitor-and-not-a-tourist-in-hawaii/</link>
  4876. <pubDate>Mon, 29 Aug 2022 23:55:11 +0000</pubDate>
  4877. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=41345</guid>
  4878. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/be-a-visitor-and-not-a-tourist-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  4879. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/be-a-visitor-and-not-a-tourist-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  4880. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  4881. <description>Aloha Bruce offers some tips on how to be a visitor and not a tourist in Hawaii on this Monday, August 29, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Bruce uses his 22 years of experience in Hawaii vacation planning to share his insight into what it means to be a Hawaii visitor/traveler.
  4882.  
  4883. Our host starts off with a discussion of Kamau Bell’s recent CNN United Shades of America episode featuring Hawaii and views about tourism in Hawaii. “It did bring a lot of attention to the fact that Hawaii is changing,” Bruce says. He also mentions a development at the Hyatt Maui Resort and Spa that saw a land board deny the property permission to import more penguins into its popular exhibit/sanctuary over concerns about the propriety of the exhibit of non-native species. “Think those penguins are wonderful!” Bruce says.
  4884.  
  4885. Bruce also gives a proud shout-out to Hawaii’s little league baseball team for winning the Little League World Series to become world champions over the team from Curacao. “They’re gonna be treated like royalty when they get back!”
  4886.  
  4887. Bruce moves on to discuss a Money.com report that says Honolulu visitors pay the highest tax-to-tourist of any destination. Bruce mentions Hawaii resort fees and gets into the real numbers involved. “Hawaii really has to charge more than anywhere else,” he says, before he takes on the topic of how to be a visitor and not a tourist in Hawaii.
  4888.  
  4889. Bruce offers some aloha mentions for podcast listeners and social media community, and he says “There are a lot of decisions that need to be made about your trip here,” Bruce says. He mentions a client that wanted to spend seven nights on Oahu, and two nights each on Maui and the Big Island. He lists some of the “touristy” activities they hoped to do. “I immediately straightened them out,” he says about some of the common misconceptions about popular attractions on Oahu like the Polynesian Cultural Center.
  4890.  
  4891. “A tourist will stick out, a traveler blends in,” Bruce says. “Tourists sometimes draw negative attention to themselves.” He offers some common approaches “tourists” take towards a Hawaiian vacation and offers some tips about how to truly experience the real Hawaii. Bruce makes some important distinctions between “tourists” and “travelers”.
  4892.  
  4893. “I have so many things here!” Bruce says, speaking about all of the differences he sees between tourists and travelers/visitors. It’s important information on how to be a visitor and not a tourist in Hawaii. “Treat the destination as you would your own home,” Bruce says. He talks about avoiding taking on an attitude of “entitlement”. Go local, he urges, and book locally through Hawaii Aloha Travel and Secret Hawaii Tours. “You’re going to be a visitor, not a tourist!”
  4894. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  4895. Get Help Planning Your Trip</description>
  4896. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/be-a-visitor-not-tourist.mp3" length="18833220" type="audio/mpeg" />
  4897. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce offers some tips on how to be a visitor and not a tourist in Hawaii on this Monday, August 29, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Bruce uses his 22 years of experience in Hawaii vacation planning to share his insight into what it...</itunes:subtitle>
  4898. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce offers some tips on how to be a visitor and not a tourist in Hawaii on this Monday, August 29, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Bruce uses his 22 years of experience in Hawaii vacation planning to share his insight into what it means to be a Hawaii visitor/traveler.&lt;br /&gt;
  4899. &lt;br /&gt;
  4900. Our host starts off with a discussion of Kamau Bell’s recent CNN United Shades of America episode featuring Hawaii and views about tourism in Hawaii. “It did bring a lot of attention to the fact that Hawaii is changing,” Bruce says. He also mentions a development at the Hyatt Maui Resort and Spa that saw a land board deny the property permission to import more penguins into its popular exhibit/sanctuary over concerns about the propriety of the exhibit of non-native species. “Think those penguins are wonderful!” Bruce says.&lt;br /&gt;
  4901. &lt;br /&gt;
  4902. Bruce also gives a proud shout-out to Hawaii’s little league baseball team for winning the Little League World Series to become world champions over the team from Curacao. “They’re gonna be treated like royalty when they get back!”&lt;br /&gt;
  4903. &lt;br /&gt;
  4904. Bruce moves on to discuss a Money.com report that says Honolulu visitors pay the highest tax-to-tourist of any destination. Bruce mentions Hawaii resort fees and gets into the real numbers involved. “Hawaii really has to charge more than anywhere else,” he says, before he takes on the topic of how to be a visitor and not a tourist in Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  4905. &lt;br /&gt;
  4906. Bruce offers some aloha mentions for podcast listeners and social media community, and he says “There are a lot of decisions that need to be made about your trip here,” Bruce says. He mentions a client that wanted to spend seven nights on Oahu, and two nights each on Maui and the Big Island. He lists some of the “touristy” activities they hoped to do. “I immediately straightened them out,” he says about some of the common misconceptions about popular attractions on Oahu like the Polynesian Cultural Center.&lt;br /&gt;
  4907. &lt;br /&gt;
  4908. “A tourist will stick out, a traveler blends in,” Bruce says. “Tourists sometimes draw negative attention to themselves.” He offers some common approaches “tourists” take towards a Hawaiian vacation and offers some tips about how to truly experience the real Hawaii. Bruce makes some important distinctions between “tourists” and “travelers”.&lt;br /&gt;
  4909. &lt;br /&gt;
  4910. “I have so many things here!” Bruce says, speaking about all of the differences he sees between tourists and travelers/visitors. It’s important information on how to be a visitor and not a tourist in Hawaii. “Treat the destination as you would your own home,” Bruce says. He talks about avoiding taking on an attitude of “entitlement”. Go local, he urges, and book locally through Hawaii Aloha Travel and Secret Hawaii Tours. “You’re going to be a visitor, not a tourist!”&lt;br /&gt;
  4911. &lt;br /&gt;
  4912. &lt;br /&gt;
  4913. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  4914. &lt;br /&gt;
  4915. &lt;br /&gt;
  4916. &lt;br /&gt;
  4917. &lt;br /&gt;
  4918. Get Help Planning Your Trip</itunes:summary>
  4919. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  4920. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  4921. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  4922. <itunes:duration>18:31</itunes:duration>
  4923. </item>
  4924. <item>
  4925. <title>Things you don&#8217;t need to bring on your Hawaiian Vacation</title>
  4926. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/things-not-to-bring-to-hawaii/</link>
  4927. <pubDate>Sun, 21 Aug 2022 20:02:01 +0000</pubDate>
  4928. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=41334</guid>
  4929. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/things-not-to-bring-to-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  4930. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/things-not-to-bring-to-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  4931. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  4932. <description>Aloha Bruce is talking about things you don’t need to bring to Hawaii on this Sunday, August 21, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. (Leave more room for stuff to bring home!) Bruce starts off with some Hawaii travel news, including a special deal at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki that includes breakfast and a resort credit available at HAT.
  4933.  
  4934. Bruce notes the reopening of the Nahuku Lava Tube on Hawaii Island, known also as the Thurston Lava Tube. It was closed recently due to concerns of a roof collapse but has been deemed safe for visitors after careful monitoring. It is one of the many highlights of Volcanoes National Park, and Bruce shares some tips about visiting it safely.
  4935.  
  4936. A tourism construction moratorium on Maui is discussed as the Valley Isle tries to cope with over-tourism. Bruce discusses some proposed measures like parking fees for visitors and encouraging the use of public transportation. Bruce also mentions tonight’s Kamau Bell Hawaii “United Shades of America” special on CNN that will examine, as Bruce puts, “how to come to Hawaii without being an ‘A-hole”.
  4937.  
  4938. “I am in the industry in Hawaii,” Bruce says. “I can tell you that you will be welcomed in Hawaii.” This leads to a discussion about HAT’s Facebook group question of “What cultural experience do you plan on partaking in when you come to Hawaii?” Most Hawaii hotels and resorts include native Hawaiian cultural experiences.
  4939.  
  4940. Bruce shares his experience in learning about lei-making and discusses visiting historical sites like Iolani Palace and Bishop Museum. Ukulele lessons are also popular with visitors, Bruce notes. Activities involved in “voluntourism” are described, as well as organized luau and hula lessons. “A lot of the hotels are going to have that for you.” Bruce moves on to discuss Hawaii festivals, including September’s Aloha Festivals. The Duke Oceanfest is currently underway, and Bruce also suggests surfing lessons.
  4941.  
  4942. On to the topic of things you don’t need to bring to Hawaii, Bruce says you don’t need to pack too much clothing, noting Hawaii’s casual lifestyle and warm climate. Heavy coats aren’t necessary unless you plan to go to high-altitude locations. Bruce also says you don’t need to bring things like scuba gear and beach gear and toys, as they are readily available for affordable rentals pretty much everywhere.
  4943.  
  4944. Hawaii vacation planning will always involve packing. That’s why it’s important to know the things you don’t need to bring to Hawaii. Travel light, live aloha!
  4945. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  4946. Get Help Planning Your Trip</description>
  4947. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/things-you-dont-need.mp3" length="13030208" type="audio/mpeg" />
  4948. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce is talking about things you don’t need to bring to Hawaii on this Sunday, August 21, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. (Leave more room for stuff to bring home!) Bruce starts off with some Hawaii travel news,</itunes:subtitle>
  4949. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce is talking about things you don’t need to bring to Hawaii on this Sunday, August 21, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. (Leave more room for stuff to bring home!) Bruce starts off with some Hawaii travel news, including a special deal at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki that includes breakfast and a resort credit available at HAT.&lt;br /&gt;
  4950. &lt;br /&gt;
  4951. Bruce notes the reopening of the Nahuku Lava Tube on Hawaii Island, known also as the Thurston Lava Tube. It was closed recently due to concerns of a roof collapse but has been deemed safe for visitors after careful monitoring. It is one of the many highlights of Volcanoes National Park, and Bruce shares some tips about visiting it safely.&lt;br /&gt;
  4952. &lt;br /&gt;
  4953. A tourism construction moratorium on Maui is discussed as the Valley Isle tries to cope with over-tourism. Bruce discusses some proposed measures like parking fees for visitors and encouraging the use of public transportation. Bruce also mentions tonight’s Kamau Bell Hawaii “United Shades of America” special on CNN that will examine, as Bruce puts, “how to come to Hawaii without being an ‘A-hole”.&lt;br /&gt;
  4954. &lt;br /&gt;
  4955. “I am in the industry in Hawaii,” Bruce says. “I can tell you that you will be welcomed in Hawaii.” This leads to a discussion about HAT’s Facebook group question of “What cultural experience do you plan on partaking in when you come to Hawaii?” Most Hawaii hotels and resorts include native Hawaiian cultural experiences.&lt;br /&gt;
  4956. &lt;br /&gt;
  4957. Bruce shares his experience in learning about lei-making and discusses visiting historical sites like Iolani Palace and Bishop Museum. Ukulele lessons are also popular with visitors, Bruce notes. Activities involved in “voluntourism” are described, as well as organized luau and hula lessons. “A lot of the hotels are going to have that for you.” Bruce moves on to discuss Hawaii festivals, including September’s Aloha Festivals. The Duke Oceanfest is currently underway, and Bruce also suggests surfing lessons.&lt;br /&gt;
  4958. &lt;br /&gt;
  4959. On to the topic of things you don’t need to bring to Hawaii, Bruce says you don’t need to pack too much clothing, noting Hawaii’s casual lifestyle and warm climate. Heavy coats aren’t necessary unless you plan to go to high-altitude locations. Bruce also says you don’t need to bring things like scuba gear and beach gear and toys, as they are readily available for affordable rentals pretty much everywhere.&lt;br /&gt;
  4960. &lt;br /&gt;
  4961. Hawaii vacation planning will always involve packing. That’s why it’s important to know the things you don’t need to bring to Hawaii. Travel light, live aloha!&lt;br /&gt;
  4962. &lt;br /&gt;
  4963. &lt;br /&gt;
  4964. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  4965. &lt;br /&gt;
  4966. &lt;br /&gt;
  4967. &lt;br /&gt;
  4968. &lt;br /&gt;
  4969. Get Help Planning Your Trip</itunes:summary>
  4970. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  4971. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  4972. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  4973. <itunes:duration>14:38</itunes:duration>
  4974. </item>
  4975. <item>
  4976. <title>Oahu Itinerary for 1st time Oahu visitors</title>
  4977. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/easy-oahu-itinerary/</link>
  4978. <pubDate>Wed, 10 Aug 2022 17:20:47 +0000</pubDate>
  4979. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=41295</guid>
  4980. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/easy-oahu-itinerary/#respond</comments>
  4981. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/easy-oahu-itinerary/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  4982. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  4983. <description>Tips for planning an Oahu itinerary and valuable insights into making a “quick trip” to Hawaii are discussed on this Tuesday, August 9, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Our host Aloha Bruce gets right into the latest Hawaii travel news and developments at Hawaii Aloha Travel. He also offers on-air thanks to podcast listeners for their engagement with HAT.
  4984.  
  4985. First up is a breaking broadcast news story about a potential scam promising travel discounts and freebies from an app/company mistaken as part of HAT. Eight people have complained to the Better Business Bureau about a $2000 “pay-for-discounts” offer that hasn’t been honored (duh). The suspect company is named Aloha Hawaii Tours.
  4986.  
  4987. The complaints were not about Hawaii Aloha Travel. Bruce explains how Hawaii visitors are often swindled by bad actors and how the news got it wrong and how it can actually get it right. “I’m kind of glad she did complain because I was able to get the information I needed to protect our name and our visitors,” Bruce says. “Don’t worry. If you book through us, everything is going to be legit.”
  4988.  
  4989. After a brief note about new aircraft to be added to the fleet that serves Hawaii, Aloha Bruce moves into a discussion about the cost of living in Hawaii. “A lot of records are being broken in the purchase of Hawaii homes.”
  4990.  
  4991. Bruce also makes note of the recent closure of Kaimana Beach in Waikiki due to the residence of a mother monk seal and her newborn pup. “It’s such a special beach that it’s hard to keep people away from it.” Still, Bruce suggests, stay away for now. Also in the news is the Hotel Wailea on Maui (Hawaii’s only adults-only hotel), which offers a spendy 4-hour surf lesson experience.
  4992.  
  4993. The HAT Facebook Question of the Week is “Has inflation had any impact on your plans to visit Hawaii?” and Bruce shares several responses from several community members with a wide range of experiences. The response was “50-50”, Bruce says.
  4994.  
  4995. The topic of planning an Oahu itinerary brings Bruce to a recent client with a large party with children and how important it is to “book way in advance and don’t wait”. Bruce breaks down the costs of a December booking for a large party on Maui and Oahu and offers the realities of pricing accommodations at premium and luxury properties.
  4996.  
  4997. Quick trips to Hawaii are up next, and Bruce notes that Oahu is likely the best getaway for first-time Hawaii visitors for a variety of reasons. He offers a sample itinerary for a 5-night stay, which includes flight arrival and departure considerations and a day-by-day plan that includes experiences like Secret Hawaii Tours, beach activities, a luau, and other popular activities. Time management for a quick Oahu itinerary is vital. Bruce also shares some other useful and time-saving tips for departing flight days.
  4998. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  4999. Get Help Planning Your Trip</description>
  5000. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/easy-5-day-hawaii.output.mp3" length="19996720" type="audio/mpeg" />
  5001. <itunes:subtitle>Tips for planning an Oahu itinerary and valuable insights into making a “quick trip” to Hawaii are discussed on this Tuesday, August 9, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Our host Aloha Bruce gets right into the latest Hawaii travel news and...</itunes:subtitle>
  5002. <itunes:summary>Tips for planning an Oahu itinerary and valuable insights into making a “quick trip” to Hawaii are discussed on this Tuesday, August 9, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Our host Aloha Bruce gets right into the latest Hawaii travel news and developments at Hawaii Aloha Travel. He also offers on-air thanks to podcast listeners for their engagement with HAT.&lt;br /&gt;
  5003. &lt;br /&gt;
  5004. First up is a breaking broadcast news story about a potential scam promising travel discounts and freebies from an app/company mistaken as part of HAT. Eight people have complained to the Better Business Bureau about a $2000 “pay-for-discounts” offer that hasn’t been honored (duh). The suspect company is named Aloha Hawaii Tours.&lt;br /&gt;
  5005. &lt;br /&gt;
  5006. The complaints were not about Hawaii Aloha Travel. Bruce explains how Hawaii visitors are often swindled by bad actors and how the news got it wrong and how it can actually get it right. “I’m kind of glad she did complain because I was able to get the information I needed to protect our name and our visitors,” Bruce says. “Don’t worry. If you book through us, everything is going to be legit.”&lt;br /&gt;
  5007. &lt;br /&gt;
  5008. After a brief note about new aircraft to be added to the fleet that serves Hawaii, Aloha Bruce moves into a discussion about the cost of living in Hawaii. “A lot of records are being broken in the purchase of Hawaii homes.”&lt;br /&gt;
  5009. &lt;br /&gt;
  5010. Bruce also makes note of the recent closure of Kaimana Beach in Waikiki due to the residence of a mother monk seal and her newborn pup. “It’s such a special beach that it’s hard to keep people away from it.” Still, Bruce suggests, stay away for now. Also in the news is the Hotel Wailea on Maui (Hawaii’s only adults-only hotel), which offers a spendy 4-hour surf lesson experience.&lt;br /&gt;
  5011. &lt;br /&gt;
  5012. The HAT Facebook Question of the Week is “Has inflation had any impact on your plans to visit Hawaii?” and Bruce shares several responses from several community members with a wide range of experiences. The response was “50-50”, Bruce says.&lt;br /&gt;
  5013. &lt;br /&gt;
  5014. The topic of planning an Oahu itinerary brings Bruce to a recent client with a large party with children and how important it is to “book way in advance and don’t wait”. Bruce breaks down the costs of a December booking for a large party on Maui and Oahu and offers the realities of pricing accommodations at premium and luxury properties.&lt;br /&gt;
  5015. &lt;br /&gt;
  5016. Quick trips to Hawaii are up next, and Bruce notes that Oahu is likely the best getaway for first-time Hawaii visitors for a variety of reasons. He offers a sample itinerary for a 5-night stay, which includes flight arrival and departure considerations and a day-by-day plan that includes experiences like Secret Hawaii Tours, beach activities, a luau, and other popular activities. Time management for a quick Oahu itinerary is vital. Bruce also shares some other useful and time-saving tips for departing flight days.&lt;br /&gt;
  5017. &lt;br /&gt;
  5018. &lt;br /&gt;
  5019. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  5020. &lt;br /&gt;
  5021. &lt;br /&gt;
  5022. &lt;br /&gt;
  5023. &lt;br /&gt;
  5024. Get Help Planning Your Trip</itunes:summary>
  5025. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  5026. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  5027. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  5028. <itunes:duration>24:10</itunes:duration>
  5029. </item>
  5030. <item>
  5031. <title>Realistic Hawaii Vacation Planning</title>
  5032. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/realistic-hawaii-vacation-planning/</link>
  5033. <pubDate>Wed, 03 Aug 2022 01:35:27 +0000</pubDate>
  5034. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=41260</guid>
  5035. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/realistic-hawaii-vacation-planning/#respond</comments>
  5036. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/realistic-hawaii-vacation-planning/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  5037. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  5038. <description>Aloha Bruce is talking about sensible Hawaii vacation planning on this episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. “I’m going down the rabbit hole to discuss unrealistic expectations about a Hawaii vacation!”
  5039.  
  5040.  
  5041.  
  5042. Bruce starts briefly discussing travel protection/insurance before turning to Delta Airlines, offering many more Premium Select Seating and other first-class upgrades on several Hawaii-bound flights.
  5043.  
  5044.  
  5045.  
  5046. Don&#039;t be Over-ambitious
  5047.  
  5048.  
  5049.  
  5050. On the topic of Hawaii vacation planning, Bruce delves deep into the yearnings of travelers seeking a genuine touch of the islands. He eloquently speaks of the growing appetite amongst tourists to immerse themselves in the “authentic Hawaii”, away from the stereotypical glitz of commercial establishments. Venturing beyond the conventional confines of hotels and resorts, vacation rentals and homes emerge as alluring alternatives. However, Bruce cautions securing such a retreat can sometimes tread into the realm of “unrealistic expectations.” The fantasy of these private getaways often comes with grandiose anticipations, setting the bar incredibly high for reality to match..
  5051.  
  5052.  
  5053.  
  5054. Hawaii Doesn&#039;t have over-the-water &quot;Huts.&quot;
  5055.  
  5056.  
  5057.  
  5058. Bruce mentions the Hana Maui Resort by Hyatt on Maui and notes that remote accommodations will limit your options for activities during a Hawaii vacation. “Just be more realistic with your expectations and Hawaii vacation planning,” Bruce says. He also notes that “word of mouth” suggestions from friends will not likely provide the same experience for you.
  5059.  
  5060.  
  5061.  
  5062. Bruce also says that expectations like private jacuzzis and pools and bringing a family pet are unrealistic. He briefly notes Hawaii’s pet quarantine rules. “It’s such a hassle!” Bruce also says that there are no Hawaii hotels that allow smoking outside of designated areas. “You can’t smoke in hotel rooms in Hawaii!”
  5063.  
  5064.  
  5065.  
  5066. When doing Hawaii vacation planning, Bruce says it’s important to remember how expensive it is to fly first class, noting that easy upgrades are increasingly rare. “Those days are over, kids!” Finally, Bruce talks about the fact that there are no “all-inclusive” resorts in Hawaii like in other international destinations, although Hawaii Aloha Travel does put together all-inclusive packages for our clients. Give us a call!
  5067.  
  5068.  
  5069.  
  5070. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  5071. Get Help Planning Your Trip</description>
  5072. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/realistic-hawaii-vacation-planning.mp3" length="14315255" type="audio/mpeg" />
  5073. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce is talking about sensible Hawaii vacation planning on this episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. “I’m going down the rabbit hole to discuss unrealistic expectations about a Hawaii vacation!”    </itunes:subtitle>
  5074. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce is talking about sensible Hawaii vacation planning on this episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. “I’m going down the rabbit hole to discuss unrealistic expectations about a Hawaii vacation!”&lt;br /&gt;
  5075. &lt;br /&gt;
  5076. &lt;br /&gt;
  5077. &lt;br /&gt;
  5078. Bruce starts briefly discussing travel protection/insurance before turning to Delta Airlines, offering many more Premium Select Seating and other first-class upgrades on several Hawaii-bound flights.&lt;br /&gt;
  5079. &lt;br /&gt;
  5080. &lt;br /&gt;
  5081. &lt;br /&gt;
  5082. Don&#039;t be Over-ambitious &lt;br /&gt;
  5083. &lt;br /&gt;
  5084. &lt;br /&gt;
  5085. &lt;br /&gt;
  5086. On the topic of Hawaii vacation planning, Bruce delves deep into the yearnings of travelers seeking a genuine touch of the islands. He eloquently speaks of the growing appetite amongst tourists to immerse themselves in the “authentic Hawaii”, away from the stereotypical glitz of commercial establishments. Venturing beyond the conventional confines of hotels and resorts, vacation rentals and homes emerge as alluring alternatives. However, Bruce cautions securing such a retreat can sometimes tread into the realm of “unrealistic expectations.” The fantasy of these private getaways often comes with grandiose anticipations, setting the bar incredibly high for reality to match..&lt;br /&gt;
  5087. &lt;br /&gt;
  5088. &lt;br /&gt;
  5089. &lt;br /&gt;
  5090. Hawaii Doesn&#039;t have over-the-water &quot;Huts.&quot; &lt;br /&gt;
  5091. &lt;br /&gt;
  5092. &lt;br /&gt;
  5093. &lt;br /&gt;
  5094. Bruce mentions the Hana Maui Resort by Hyatt on Maui and notes that remote accommodations will limit your options for activities during a Hawaii vacation. “Just be more realistic with your expectations and Hawaii vacation planning,” Bruce says. He also notes that “word of mouth” suggestions from friends will not likely provide the same experience for you.&lt;br /&gt;
  5095. &lt;br /&gt;
  5096. &lt;br /&gt;
  5097. &lt;br /&gt;
  5098. Bruce also says that expectations like private jacuzzis and pools and bringing a family pet are unrealistic. He briefly notes Hawaii’s pet quarantine rules. “It’s such a hassle!” Bruce also says that there are no Hawaii hotels that allow smoking outside of designated areas. “You can’t smoke in hotel rooms in Hawaii!”&lt;br /&gt;
  5099. &lt;br /&gt;
  5100. &lt;br /&gt;
  5101. &lt;br /&gt;
  5102. When doing Hawaii vacation planning, Bruce says it’s important to remember how expensive it is to fly first class, noting that easy upgrades are increasingly rare. “Those days are over, kids!” Finally, Bruce talks about the fact that there are no “all-inclusive” resorts in Hawaii like in other international destinations, although Hawaii Aloha Travel does put together all-inclusive packages for our clients. Give us a call!&lt;br /&gt;
  5103. &lt;br /&gt;
  5104. &lt;br /&gt;
  5105. &lt;br /&gt;
  5106. &lt;br /&gt;
  5107. &lt;br /&gt;
  5108. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  5109. &lt;br /&gt;
  5110. &lt;br /&gt;
  5111. &lt;br /&gt;
  5112. &lt;br /&gt;
  5113. Get Help Planning Your Trip</itunes:summary>
  5114. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  5115. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  5116. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  5117. <itunes:duration>16:24</itunes:duration>
  5118. </item>
  5119. <item>
  5120. <title>Best Hawaii Snacks to enjoy on your Hawaii Vacation</title>
  5121. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/best-hawaii-snacks/</link>
  5122. <pubDate>Sun, 24 Jul 2022 21:44:40 +0000</pubDate>
  5123. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=41226</guid>
  5124. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/best-hawaii-snacks/#respond</comments>
  5125. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/best-hawaii-snacks/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  5126. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  5127. <description>Aloha Bruce is talking about the Best Hawaii Snacks on this Hawaii Vacation Podcast. It’s a favorite topic among members of the Hawaii Aloha Travel online community, and Bruce is keen to offer his enthusiasm for Hawaii foods.
  5128.  
  5129. Up first is a quick breakdown of Hawaii vacation news, beginning with a proposed “Climate Impact Fee” that will charge a $50 per Hawaii visitor fee to help fight back against the potential impact of climate change. “They’re trying to tackle over-tourism in Hawaii,” says Bruce, noting the importance of attracting respectful visitors. He cites a vocal public pushback against unchecked tourism and notes frontrunner gubernatorial candidate Josh Green’s support of the proposed fee. Bruce also mentions growing concerns over feeding birds, and chickens especially, which have become problematic in public spaces throughout Hawaii.
  5130.  
  5131. Up next is the subject of businesses exploiting and capitalizing the “Hawaii” brand, from Maui-style potato chips to “Hawaiian-style” poke bowl shops proliferating on the continent. Bruce notes several examples before moving on to the podcast topic of Best Hawaii Snacks.
  5132.  
  5133. Bruce starts with Enjoy Snacks, available at Long’s Drugs (now owned by CVS). He describes arare, a savory soy cracker treat that most anyone who is from Hawaii has known since early childhood. Next up is dried cuttlefish (squid). Bruce describes them as a tasty type of jerky (but you have to like squid!).
  5134.  
  5135. Hawaiian Hurricane Popcorn is discussed. It’s mixed with a variety of treats, including arare, that you can easily add to a plain batch of popped kernels. Bruce shares his love of manapua, a steamed or baked pastry filled with various meats and vegetables. It’s among the quintessentially best Hawaii snacks. Bruce also talks about the abundance of different types of jerky we have in Hawaii: fish jerky, turkey jerky, and kalua pig jerky. Bruce recommends them all.
  5136.  
  5137. HAT social media community members have weighed in on their favorite Hawaii snacks and desserts, and Bruce talks about some specific examples. Malasadas are at the top of the list of best Hawaii snacks. Poke is also up there, with the famed “loco-moco” plate lunch, shave ice, Hawaii Coffee Purveyors, and the Hanalei Bakery on Kauai among the discussed favorites.
  5138.  
  5139. “I would suspect that you’re going to put on a couple of pounds,” Bruce jokes about the abundance of best Hawaii snacks. Engage with Bruce, the podcast, and the HAT Blog on our social media platforms. We value your input. Mahalo!
  5140.  
  5141. We blog about Hawaii
  5142. because we love Hawaii.
  5143. Get Help Planning Your Trip</description>
  5144. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/best-hawaii-snacks.mp3" length="13013919" type="audio/mpeg" />
  5145. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce is talking about the Best Hawaii Snacks on this Hawaii Vacation Podcast. It’s a favorite topic among members of the Hawaii Aloha Travel online community, and Bruce is keen to offer his enthusiasm for Hawaii foods.  </itunes:subtitle>
  5146. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce is talking about the Best Hawaii Snacks on this Hawaii Vacation Podcast. It’s a favorite topic among members of the Hawaii Aloha Travel online community, and Bruce is keen to offer his enthusiasm for Hawaii foods.&lt;br /&gt;
  5147. &lt;br /&gt;
  5148. Up first is a quick breakdown of Hawaii vacation news, beginning with a proposed “Climate Impact Fee” that will charge a $50 per Hawaii visitor fee to help fight back against the potential impact of climate change. “They’re trying to tackle over-tourism in Hawaii,” says Bruce, noting the importance of attracting respectful visitors. He cites a vocal public pushback against unchecked tourism and notes frontrunner gubernatorial candidate Josh Green’s support of the proposed fee. Bruce also mentions growing concerns over feeding birds, and chickens especially, which have become problematic in public spaces throughout Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  5149. &lt;br /&gt;
  5150. Up next is the subject of businesses exploiting and capitalizing the “Hawaii” brand, from Maui-style potato chips to “Hawaiian-style” poke bowl shops proliferating on the continent. Bruce notes several examples before moving on to the podcast topic of Best Hawaii Snacks.&lt;br /&gt;
  5151. &lt;br /&gt;
  5152. Bruce starts with Enjoy Snacks, available at Long’s Drugs (now owned by CVS). He describes arare, a savory soy cracker treat that most anyone who is from Hawaii has known since early childhood. Next up is dried cuttlefish (squid). Bruce describes them as a tasty type of jerky (but you have to like squid!).&lt;br /&gt;
  5153. &lt;br /&gt;
  5154. Hawaiian Hurricane Popcorn is discussed. It’s mixed with a variety of treats, including arare, that you can easily add to a plain batch of popped kernels. Bruce shares his love of manapua, a steamed or baked pastry filled with various meats and vegetables. It’s among the quintessentially best Hawaii snacks. Bruce also talks about the abundance of different types of jerky we have in Hawaii: fish jerky, turkey jerky, and kalua pig jerky. Bruce recommends them all.&lt;br /&gt;
  5155. &lt;br /&gt;
  5156. HAT social media community members have weighed in on their favorite Hawaii snacks and desserts, and Bruce talks about some specific examples. Malasadas are at the top of the list of best Hawaii snacks. Poke is also up there, with the famed “loco-moco” plate lunch, shave ice, Hawaii Coffee Purveyors, and the Hanalei Bakery on Kauai among the discussed favorites.&lt;br /&gt;
  5157. &lt;br /&gt;
  5158. “I would suspect that you’re going to put on a couple of pounds,” Bruce jokes about the abundance of best Hawaii snacks. Engage with Bruce, the podcast, and the HAT Blog on our social media platforms. We value your input. Mahalo!&lt;br /&gt;
  5159. &lt;br /&gt;
  5160. &lt;br /&gt;
  5161. &lt;br /&gt;
  5162. We blog about Hawaii&lt;br /&gt;
  5163. because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  5164. &lt;br /&gt;
  5165. &lt;br /&gt;
  5166. &lt;br /&gt;
  5167. &lt;br /&gt;
  5168. Get Help Planning Your Trip</itunes:summary>
  5169. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  5170. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  5171. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  5172. <itunes:duration>14:46</itunes:duration>
  5173. </item>
  5174. <item>
  5175. <title>Top 5 Hawaii traditions to know for your Hawaii Vacation &#124; Malama Hawaii</title>
  5176. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/top-5-hawaii-traditions-to-know-for-your-hawaii-vacation-malama-hawaii/</link>
  5177. <pubDate>Tue, 21 Jun 2022 22:56:53 +0000</pubDate>
  5178. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=41073</guid>
  5179. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/top-5-hawaii-traditions-to-know-for-your-hawaii-vacation-malama-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  5180. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/top-5-hawaii-traditions-to-know-for-your-hawaii-vacation-malama-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  5181. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  5182. <description>Yaling Fisher is back in the studio with Aloha Bruce to discuss Top 5 Hawaii traditions for this episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast, as well as the Malama Hawaii campaign to increase Hawaii visitor cultural and environmental awareness.
  5183.  
  5184. Starting with some Hawaii travel news, Bruce discusses rising travel prices and mentions some truly staggering prices. Electric “sea gliders” aircraft have been announced, Bruce says, and they have a range of 180 miles. Mokulele Airlines hopes to put them into service by 2025.
  5185.  
  5186. Increasing restaurant prices are noted. Bruce recalls a restaurant that announced a 20% increase in prices on its menu. Rising fish and seafood prices are seeing the biggest price spike, Bruce says. Bruce gets deep about Hawaii’s cost of living and the price of a property in the Aloha State. He mentions the over $1 million median home price in Hawaii and the median household income of $85,000. “Before you go making the move, think about this!” Bruce says.
  5187.  
  5188. Bruce briefly discusses a recent “boys’ night out” at The Deck at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel, noting the excellent food and drinks menus.
  5189.  
  5190. On to the topic of Hawaii traditions, Bruce talks about lei-giving and the many types of lei there are. Each Hawaiian island has its own traditional flower lei. The Hawaii tradition of native Hawaiian lomilomi massage is up next, which incorporates a holistic approach to Hawaiian healing techniques. Bruce ties wellness into the concept of Malama Hawaii.
  5191.  
  5192. Bruce also describes the native Hawaiian tradition of exchanging ha, or sharing breath. It is a practice that demonstrates personal friendship, respect, and closeness. The Hawaii tradition of chant, or mele, is discussed as integral to many gatherings and celebrations.
  5193.  
  5194. Hawaii traditions of cultural festivals are also important, with many returning this summer after being shut down by the pandemic. Bruce says these Hawaii traditions are the best way to experience Hawaii’s diverse foods and cultures.
  5195.  
  5196. Our hosts finish the podcast with some recent bookings, noting that prices are rising. A Las Vegas package for October that includes stays on Kauai and Oahu is noted at $3,873. “That’s not bad!” Bruce and Yaling say. “October prices are holding.”
  5197.  
  5198. Bruce thanks podcast listeners and social media community for responding and reaching out to Hawaii Aloha Travel, noting that the Hawaii Vacation Podcast has been going for 16 years. Mahalo!
  5199. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  5200. Get Help Planning Your Trip</description>
  5201. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/top-5-hawaii-traditions.mp3" length="16228887" type="audio/mpeg" />
  5202. <itunes:subtitle>Yaling Fisher is back in the studio with Aloha Bruce to discuss Top 5 Hawaii traditions for this episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast, as well as the Malama Hawaii campaign to increase Hawaii visitor cultural and environmental awareness.  </itunes:subtitle>
  5203. <itunes:summary>Yaling Fisher is back in the studio with Aloha Bruce to discuss Top 5 Hawaii traditions for this episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast, as well as the Malama Hawaii campaign to increase Hawaii visitor cultural and environmental awareness.&lt;br /&gt;
  5204. &lt;br /&gt;
  5205. Starting with some Hawaii travel news, Bruce discusses rising travel prices and mentions some truly staggering prices. Electric “sea gliders” aircraft have been announced, Bruce says, and they have a range of 180 miles. Mokulele Airlines hopes to put them into service by 2025.&lt;br /&gt;
  5206. &lt;br /&gt;
  5207. Increasing restaurant prices are noted. Bruce recalls a restaurant that announced a 20% increase in prices on its menu. Rising fish and seafood prices are seeing the biggest price spike, Bruce says. Bruce gets deep about Hawaii’s cost of living and the price of a property in the Aloha State. He mentions the over $1 million median home price in Hawaii and the median household income of $85,000. “Before you go making the move, think about this!” Bruce says.&lt;br /&gt;
  5208. &lt;br /&gt;
  5209. Bruce briefly discusses a recent “boys’ night out” at The Deck at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel, noting the excellent food and drinks menus.&lt;br /&gt;
  5210. &lt;br /&gt;
  5211. On to the topic of Hawaii traditions, Bruce talks about lei-giving and the many types of lei there are. Each Hawaiian island has its own traditional flower lei. The Hawaii tradition of native Hawaiian lomilomi massage is up next, which incorporates a holistic approach to Hawaiian healing techniques. Bruce ties wellness into the concept of Malama Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  5212. &lt;br /&gt;
  5213. Bruce also describes the native Hawaiian tradition of exchanging ha, or sharing breath. It is a practice that demonstrates personal friendship, respect, and closeness. The Hawaii tradition of chant, or mele, is discussed as integral to many gatherings and celebrations.&lt;br /&gt;
  5214. &lt;br /&gt;
  5215. Hawaii traditions of cultural festivals are also important, with many returning this summer after being shut down by the pandemic. Bruce says these Hawaii traditions are the best way to experience Hawaii’s diverse foods and cultures.&lt;br /&gt;
  5216. &lt;br /&gt;
  5217. Our hosts finish the podcast with some recent bookings, noting that prices are rising. A Las Vegas package for October that includes stays on Kauai and Oahu is noted at $3,873. “That’s not bad!” Bruce and Yaling say. “October prices are holding.”&lt;br /&gt;
  5218. &lt;br /&gt;
  5219. Bruce thanks podcast listeners and social media community for responding and reaching out to Hawaii Aloha Travel, noting that the Hawaii Vacation Podcast has been going for 16 years. Mahalo!&lt;br /&gt;
  5220. &lt;br /&gt;
  5221. &lt;br /&gt;
  5222. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  5223. &lt;br /&gt;
  5224. &lt;br /&gt;
  5225. &lt;br /&gt;
  5226. &lt;br /&gt;
  5227. Get Help Planning Your Trip</itunes:summary>
  5228. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  5229. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  5230. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  5231. <itunes:duration>19:01</itunes:duration>
  5232. </item>
  5233. <item>
  5234. <title>Top 5 Hawaii Historical Sites to Visit on your Hawaii Vacation</title>
  5235. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/top-5-hawaii-historical-sites/</link>
  5236. <pubDate>Mon, 13 Jun 2022 22:51:04 +0000</pubDate>
  5237. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=41048</guid>
  5238. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/top-5-hawaii-historical-sites/#respond</comments>
  5239. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/top-5-hawaii-historical-sites/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  5240. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  5241. <description>Aloha Bruce is talking about some notable Hawaii historical sites on this Monday, June 13, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast, sights that might miss some Hawaii visitors’ Hawaii vacation planning radar.
  5242.  
  5243. First, Bruce talks about the latest news in Hawaii tourism and travel. Bruce notes that Covid testing and vaccine requirements are no longer required in Hawaii (or anywhere in the US). Bruce mentions important concerns about high case numbers in Hawaii and instances of Hawaii visitors contracting Covid during their vacation. He describes CDC suggestions for people who test positive for Covid.
  5244.  
  5245. Bruce also discusses public/private beach access and offers some interesting points about commercial activities and access at Waikiki and other beaches. Next up is a new lawsuit challenging new Oahu vacation rental restrictions and property owners seeking to get “grand-fathered” into the law to be allowed to continue operating. Bruce moves on to reef-friendly sunscreens, and rules to ban harmful products on the Neighbor Islands.
  5246.  
  5247. Hawaii vacation bookings are maxed-out, Bruce says, mentioning that booking airfare and accommodations early has paid off for HAT clients who booked in 2021 and are now enjoying hassle-free Hawaii vacations.
  5248.  
  5249.  
  5250.  
  5251. The main topic of Hawaii historical sights is next, with Bruce mentioning the Malama Hawaii campaign which promotes cultural and environmental awareness in Hawaii’s visitors. He describes the Pu’u Mahuka Heiau (sacred temple) on Oahu’s North Shore. It’s believed to have been built in the 1600s and is the largest heiau on Oahu. Washington Place in Downtown Honolulu is noted as the home of Queen Lili’uokalani, who was deposed in 1893. Nearby Iolani Palace is the only royal palace in the United States. Bruce also mentions the Bishop Museum, which is full of Hawaii’s cultural history.
  5252.  
  5253. On the Big Island, Bruce suggests visiting the Pu’uloa Petroglyphs, a collection of more than 23,000 carvings and markings that date back many centuries. Kahua Ranch, in Waimea/Kamuela, is up next, with Bruce talking about the history of horsemanship, ranching, and Hawaii’s paniolo (cowboys). Kahua Ranch was important to the growth of that industry on the Big Island.
  5254.  
  5255. Maui’s Lahaina Historical trail is noted, with Bruce mentioning that Lahaina was Hawaii’s first capitol. He recalls a recent visit with Yaling that included Lahaina’s whaling, fishing, and sugar plantation history. There are many relatively unknown Hawaii historical sites among the Hawaiian Islands.
  5256.  
  5257. Bruce also gives a proper shout-out to podcast listeners and Facebook community members who have reached out in recent weeks. Mahalo!
  5258.  
  5259. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  5260. Get Help Planning Your Trip</description>
  5261. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/top-five-hawaii-historical-sites.mp3" length="15685071" type="audio/mpeg" />
  5262. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce is talking about some notable Hawaii historical sites on this Monday, June 13, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast, sights that might miss some Hawaii visitors’ Hawaii vacation planning radar.  First,</itunes:subtitle>
  5263. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce is talking about some notable Hawaii historical sites on this Monday, June 13, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast, sights that might miss some Hawaii visitors’ Hawaii vacation planning radar.&lt;br /&gt;
  5264. &lt;br /&gt;
  5265. First, Bruce talks about the latest news in Hawaii tourism and travel. Bruce notes that Covid testing and vaccine requirements are no longer required in Hawaii (or anywhere in the US). Bruce mentions important concerns about high case numbers in Hawaii and instances of Hawaii visitors contracting Covid during their vacation. He describes CDC suggestions for people who test positive for Covid.&lt;br /&gt;
  5266. &lt;br /&gt;
  5267. Bruce also discusses public/private beach access and offers some interesting points about commercial activities and access at Waikiki and other beaches. Next up is a new lawsuit challenging new Oahu vacation rental restrictions and property owners seeking to get “grand-fathered” into the law to be allowed to continue operating. Bruce moves on to reef-friendly sunscreens, and rules to ban harmful products on the Neighbor Islands.&lt;br /&gt;
  5268. &lt;br /&gt;
  5269. Hawaii vacation bookings are maxed-out, Bruce says, mentioning that booking airfare and accommodations early has paid off for HAT clients who booked in 2021 and are now enjoying hassle-free Hawaii vacations.&lt;br /&gt;
  5270. &lt;br /&gt;
  5271. &lt;br /&gt;
  5272. &lt;br /&gt;
  5273. The main topic of Hawaii historical sights is next, with Bruce mentioning the Malama Hawaii campaign which promotes cultural and environmental awareness in Hawaii’s visitors. He describes the Pu’u Mahuka Heiau (sacred temple) on Oahu’s North Shore. It’s believed to have been built in the 1600s and is the largest heiau on Oahu. Washington Place in Downtown Honolulu is noted as the home of Queen Lili’uokalani, who was deposed in 1893. Nearby Iolani Palace is the only royal palace in the United States. Bruce also mentions the Bishop Museum, which is full of Hawaii’s cultural history.&lt;br /&gt;
  5274. &lt;br /&gt;
  5275. On the Big Island, Bruce suggests visiting the Pu’uloa Petroglyphs, a collection of more than 23,000 carvings and markings that date back many centuries. Kahua Ranch, in Waimea/Kamuela, is up next, with Bruce talking about the history of horsemanship, ranching, and Hawaii’s paniolo (cowboys). Kahua Ranch was important to the growth of that industry on the Big Island.&lt;br /&gt;
  5276. &lt;br /&gt;
  5277. Maui’s Lahaina Historical trail is noted, with Bruce mentioning that Lahaina was Hawaii’s first capitol. He recalls a recent visit with Yaling that included Lahaina’s whaling, fishing, and sugar plantation history. There are many relatively unknown Hawaii historical sites among the Hawaiian Islands.&lt;br /&gt;
  5278. &lt;br /&gt;
  5279. Bruce also gives a proper shout-out to podcast listeners and Facebook community members who have reached out in recent weeks. Mahalo!&lt;br /&gt;
  5280. &lt;br /&gt;
  5281. &lt;br /&gt;
  5282. &lt;br /&gt;
  5283. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  5284. &lt;br /&gt;
  5285. &lt;br /&gt;
  5286. &lt;br /&gt;
  5287. &lt;br /&gt;
  5288. Get Help Planning Your Trip</itunes:summary>
  5289. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  5290. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  5291. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  5292. <itunes:duration>16:23</itunes:duration>
  5293. </item>
  5294. <item>
  5295. <title>Overtourism in Hawaii &#124; Will you be welcome with open arms on your Hawaii Vacation?</title>
  5296. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-overtourism-will-you-be-welcome-to-hawaii-on-your-next-vacation-here/</link>
  5297. <pubDate>Mon, 06 Jun 2022 17:43:57 +0000</pubDate>
  5298. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=41037</guid>
  5299. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-overtourism-will-you-be-welcome-to-hawaii-on-your-next-vacation-here/#respond</comments>
  5300. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-overtourism-will-you-be-welcome-to-hawaii-on-your-next-vacation-here/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  5301. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  5302. <description>Aloha Bruce is back in the home studio after a two-week hiatus to talk about the pressing topic of overtourism in Hawaii and some recent developments at the Hawaii Tourism Authority on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast.
  5303.  
  5304. Bruce starts with some recent news and details about his recent trip to California, including plans to bring back supersonic air travel akin to the Concorde by the company Boom. Bruce says that flight times to Hawaii could be cut in half with the return of supersonic travel.
  5305.  
  5306. Bruce says that easy travel options to Hawaii have seen a spike in the cost of a Hawaii vacation, with the average price per night of Hawaii accommodations now at $371. &quot;That&#039;s the highest I&#039;ve ever seen,&quot; Bruce says, noting that high-end properties are likely driving up that nightly average. Now is the time to book, as demand is currently through the roof. He discusses the lack of housekeeping services and employees in Hawaii and the possibility that some properties are considering eliminating those services. Many in the HAT Facebook community say they don&#039;t need housekeeping during a Hawaii vacation.
  5307.  
  5308. Bruce moves on to the complex topic of overtourism in Hawaii and some static from various social media sectors indicating that you may not be welcome in Hawaii. &quot;There seems to be a vocal minority of people claiming that we don&#039;t want people here,&quot; Bruce says HAT&#039;s philosophy has always been respectful of Hawaii&#039;s people and culture. The pandemic shutdown, Bruce says, gave people a taste of what Hawaii is like without the tourism industry and the people it attracts.
  5309.  
  5310. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  5311. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  5312.  
  5313. Bruce discusses the Hawaii Tourism Authority awarding a massive marketing contract to the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement. Bruce says the effort aims to advance the &quot;Malama Hawaii&quot; concept and awareness of Hawaii&#039;s cultural and social needs. Bruce says that it may have been a politically-motivated decision and questions the motivation of the decision, noting that the CNHA has no experience in marketing Hawaii to the world.
  5314.  
  5315. &quot;If you&#039;re booking your Hawaii vacation, I can tell you that most people here will love that you&#039;re here,&quot; Bruce says. He explains that this is not simply because of the revenue it generates but rather because people here love to share their aloha and love for the land.
  5316.  
  5317. Bruce then recalls some of the things that have helped curb overtourism in Hawaii, such as reservations at places like Hanauma Bay. &quot;People still think that they&#039;re going to come here and &#039;wing it&#039;! It just doesn&#039;t work that way anymore.&quot; He explains the importance of planning for a Hawaii vacation, even for dinner or tour reservations.
  5318.  
  5319. Bruce says that &quot;voluntourism&quot; awareness is increasing and how important it is for visitors to respect Hawaii&#039;s people and cultures while on a Hawaii vacation and not &quot;do anything stupid&quot; like ignoring warning signs or littering. Bruce says claims of overtourism in Hawaii are over-hyped, and the best way to plan and enjoy a respectful Hawaii vacation is to work with local companies like HAT and our sister company Secret Hawaii Tours, that have your best interests at heart and want to help you enjoy the perfect Hawaii vacation.</description>
  5320. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/will-you-be-welcome.mp3" length="16139390" type="audio/mpeg" />
  5321. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce is back in the home studio after a two-week hiatus to talk about the pressing topic of overtourism in Hawaii and some recent developments at the Hawaii Tourism Authority on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. - </itunes:subtitle>
  5322. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce is back in the home studio after a two-week hiatus to talk about the pressing topic of overtourism in Hawaii and some recent developments at the Hawaii Tourism Authority on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast.&lt;br /&gt;
  5323. &lt;br /&gt;
  5324. Bruce starts with some recent news and details about his recent trip to California, including plans to bring back supersonic air travel akin to the Concorde by the company Boom. Bruce says that flight times to Hawaii could be cut in half with the return of supersonic travel.&lt;br /&gt;
  5325. &lt;br /&gt;
  5326. Bruce says that easy travel options to Hawaii have seen a spike in the cost of a Hawaii vacation, with the average price per night of Hawaii accommodations now at $371. &quot;That&#039;s the highest I&#039;ve ever seen,&quot; Bruce says, noting that high-end properties are likely driving up that nightly average. Now is the time to book, as demand is currently through the roof. He discusses the lack of housekeeping services and employees in Hawaii and the possibility that some properties are considering eliminating those services. Many in the HAT Facebook community say they don&#039;t need housekeeping during a Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  5327. &lt;br /&gt;
  5328. Bruce moves on to the complex topic of overtourism in Hawaii and some static from various social media sectors indicating that you may not be welcome in Hawaii. &quot;There seems to be a vocal minority of people claiming that we don&#039;t want people here,&quot; Bruce says HAT&#039;s philosophy has always been respectful of Hawaii&#039;s people and culture. The pandemic shutdown, Bruce says, gave people a taste of what Hawaii is like without the tourism industry and the people it attracts.&lt;br /&gt;
  5329. &lt;br /&gt;
  5330. &lt;br /&gt;
  5331. &lt;br /&gt;
  5332. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  5333. &lt;br /&gt;
  5334. &lt;br /&gt;
  5335. &lt;br /&gt;
  5336. &lt;br /&gt;
  5337. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  5338. &lt;br /&gt;
  5339. &lt;br /&gt;
  5340. &lt;br /&gt;
  5341. &lt;br /&gt;
  5342. &lt;br /&gt;
  5343. &lt;br /&gt;
  5344. &lt;br /&gt;
  5345. Bruce discusses the Hawaii Tourism Authority awarding a massive marketing contract to the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement. Bruce says the effort aims to advance the &quot;Malama Hawaii&quot; concept and awareness of Hawaii&#039;s cultural and social needs. Bruce says that it may have been a politically-motivated decision and questions the motivation of the decision, noting that the CNHA has no experience in marketing Hawaii to the world.&lt;br /&gt;
  5346. &lt;br /&gt;
  5347. &quot;If you&#039;re booking your Hawaii vacation, I can tell you that most people here will love that you&#039;re here,&quot; Bruce says. He explains that this is not simply because of the revenue it generates but rather because people here love to share their aloha and love for the land.&lt;br /&gt;
  5348. &lt;br /&gt;
  5349. Bruce then recalls some of the things that have helped curb overtourism in Hawaii, such as reservations at places like Hanauma Bay. &quot;People still think that they&#039;re going to come here and &#039;wing it&#039;! It just doesn&#039;t work that way anymore.&quot; He explains the importance of planning for a Hawaii vacation, even for dinner or tour reservations.&lt;br /&gt;
  5350. &lt;br /&gt;
  5351. Bruce says that &quot;voluntourism&quot; awareness is increasing and how important it is for visitors to respect Hawaii&#039;s people and cultures while on a Hawaii vacation and not &quot;do anything stupid&quot; like ignoring warning signs or littering. Bruce says claims of overtourism in Hawaii are over-hyped, and the best way to plan and enjoy a respectful Hawaii vacation is to work with local companies like HAT and our sister company Secret Hawaii Tours, that have your best interests at heart and want to help you enjoy the perfect Hawaii vacation.</itunes:summary>
  5352. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  5353. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  5354. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  5355. <itunes:duration>17:49</itunes:duration>
  5356. </item>
  5357. <item>
  5358. <title>Kauai Pros and Cons &#124; Unplug on the Garden Island &#124; Hawaii Vacation News</title>
  5359. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/kawaii-pros-cons/</link>
  5360. <pubDate>Mon, 16 May 2022 23:39:45 +0000</pubDate>
  5361. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=40995</guid>
  5362. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/kawaii-pros-cons/#respond</comments>
  5363. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/kawaii-pros-cons/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  5364. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  5365. <description>The Garden Isle is the focus of this Monday, May 16, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast as Aloha Bruce Fisher talks about Kauai Pros and Cons. Bruce makes the quick point that demand for Hawaii travel is soaring and booking now is the best bet for deals as far out as the holiday season. Bruce starts of with feedback from a question posed to HAT Facebook community members about the first thing that comes to mind when they think about Hawaii, with many responding “paradise”.
  5366.  
  5367. Kualoa Ranch’s Malama Aina program is mentioned along with Secret Hawaii Tours as being successful in educating Hawaii visitors about land stewardship and caring for the Hawaiian culture. Bruce shares some unique aspects of the Kualoa Ranch program.
  5368.  
  5369. Bruce moves on to mention the latest HAT Blog, which talks about the return of the summer festival season in Hawaii after two years of cancellations due to the pandemic. Bruce says that Japanese bon dance festivals around the state are back, along with several other noted events. “It really brightens up your trip and kind of gives it more meaning, in my opinion,” he says. “A lot of these things are free or really cheap!”
  5370.  
  5371. On the main topic of Kauai pros and cons, Bruce says, “I would call this a nature lover’s paradise.” He notes the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Mount Wai’ale’ale (the rainiest place on earth). He also notes that Kauai is the least developed island in Hawaii (excluding Molokai). Bruce also talks about several popular hikes and helicopter tours that visit Jurassic Park film locations. He says Kauai is ideal for people looking to avoid crowds. Many waterfall hikes are easily accessible, Bruce says, and talks about different parts of Kauai and the features they offer.
  5372.  
  5373. One of the cons about Kauai is that it can be rainy at times, which can impinge on beach time. Bruce observes that many Kauai beaches are quite rocky as well. Kauai doesn’t feature many resort areas, and our host notes that there isn’t much nightlife on the Garden Isle.
  5374.  
  5375. As for Kauai pros and cons, Bruce says, “I highly recommend it. It’s where we go when we want to get away.” Bruce hints at a return of live Hawaii Aloha Travel events on Facebook and invites listeners to sign up for Zoom planning sessions for Hawaii vacations. Join us!</description>
  5376. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/kauai-pros-cons.mp3" length="13191825" type="audio/mpeg" />
  5377. <itunes:subtitle>The Garden Isle is the focus of this Monday, May 16, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast as Aloha Bruce Fisher talks about Kauai Pros and Cons. Bruce makes the quick point that demand for Hawaii travel is soaring and booking now is the best be...</itunes:subtitle>
  5378. <itunes:summary>The Garden Isle is the focus of this Monday, May 16, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast as Aloha Bruce Fisher talks about Kauai Pros and Cons. Bruce makes the quick point that demand for Hawaii travel is soaring and booking now is the best bet for deals as far out as the holiday season. Bruce starts of with feedback from a question posed to HAT Facebook community members about the first thing that comes to mind when they think about Hawaii, with many responding “paradise”.&lt;br /&gt;
  5379. &lt;br /&gt;
  5380. Kualoa Ranch’s Malama Aina program is mentioned along with Secret Hawaii Tours as being successful in educating Hawaii visitors about land stewardship and caring for the Hawaiian culture. Bruce shares some unique aspects of the Kualoa Ranch program.&lt;br /&gt;
  5381. &lt;br /&gt;
  5382. Bruce moves on to mention the latest HAT Blog, which talks about the return of the summer festival season in Hawaii after two years of cancellations due to the pandemic. Bruce says that Japanese bon dance festivals around the state are back, along with several other noted events. “It really brightens up your trip and kind of gives it more meaning, in my opinion,” he says. “A lot of these things are free or really cheap!”&lt;br /&gt;
  5383. &lt;br /&gt;
  5384. On the main topic of Kauai pros and cons, Bruce says, “I would call this a nature lover’s paradise.” He notes the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Mount Wai’ale’ale (the rainiest place on earth). He also notes that Kauai is the least developed island in Hawaii (excluding Molokai). Bruce also talks about several popular hikes and helicopter tours that visit Jurassic Park film locations. He says Kauai is ideal for people looking to avoid crowds. Many waterfall hikes are easily accessible, Bruce says, and talks about different parts of Kauai and the features they offer.&lt;br /&gt;
  5385. &lt;br /&gt;
  5386. One of the cons about Kauai is that it can be rainy at times, which can impinge on beach time. Bruce observes that many Kauai beaches are quite rocky as well. Kauai doesn’t feature many resort areas, and our host notes that there isn’t much nightlife on the Garden Isle.&lt;br /&gt;
  5387. &lt;br /&gt;
  5388. As for Kauai pros and cons, Bruce says, “I highly recommend it. It’s where we go when we want to get away.” Bruce hints at a return of live Hawaii Aloha Travel events on Facebook and invites listeners to sign up for Zoom planning sessions for Hawaii vacations. Join us!</itunes:summary>
  5389. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  5390. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  5391. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  5392. <itunes:duration>14:40</itunes:duration>
  5393. </item>
  5394. <item>
  5395. <title>Affordable Big Island Hotels</title>
  5396. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/affordable-big-island-hotels/</link>
  5397. <pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2022 23:28:12 +0000</pubDate>
  5398. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=40969</guid>
  5399. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/affordable-big-island-hotels/#respond</comments>
  5400. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/affordable-big-island-hotels/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  5401. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  5402. <description>Aloha Bruce Fisher is in the studio to offer some insight into affordable Big Island hotels on this episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Bruce powers through a cold to discuss properties he visited on the Big Island last week.
  5403.  
  5404. Bruce begins with some Hawaii vacation news, including Travel &amp; Leisure listing Poipu Beach on Kauai as their Top Beach and “Dr. Beach” naming Hapuna Beach on the Big Island as one of his favorites. Bruce mentions that the sunset from Hapuna Beach is spectacular and some nearby hotels. Visitor arrival and spending numbers were up in March, especially on Maui and Oahu. “I’m sure you’re going to see pre-pandemic levels when those April numbers start coming in.” Bruce also notes a rise the average length-of-stay.
  5405.  
  5406. Bruce then talks about the new Un-Cruise and some of the things that make it unique. “This thing is going to cost you at least $6-K per person,” Bruce says and mentions some Un-Cruise activities.
  5407.  
  5408. A new magic show at Hilton Hawaiian Village called the “Magical Mystery Show” is discussed briefly.
  5409.  
  5410. Bruce moves on to the main topic of affordable Big Island hotels, with Bruce noting that he took Southwest Airlines for the first time on his recent trip there. “They did a great job.”
  5411.  
  5412. Bruce’s first stop was the Royal Kona Hotel, which has just renovated all of its rooms. Bruce says the Ali’i Tower has nice views and describes some of the new amenities there, and he says you can hear the ocean 24-7. Ukulele and hula lessons are available, and Bruce mentions entertainment at Don the Beachcomber’s.
  5413.  
  5414. Problems with getting a rental car Dollar Rent a Car, with at least an hour wait, are noted briefly. The number of quality restaurants along Ali’i Drive is discussed, with Bruce mentioning Hugo’s and Umeke Market (“The best fresh poke you will get anywhere, ever, in the world!”).
  5415.  
  5416. Up next is The Courtyard by Marriott, which has also been completely renovated. Bruce says it’s a great property for group travel and talks about some of the positive changes and cultural programs and tours. Bruce lauds the buffet there as the best in Kona.
  5417.  
  5418. The Outrigger Keahou is also among affordable Big Island hotels and will be discussed in the next episode, along with the Marriott Waikoloa Beach, which is a partial time-share and offers deals for Ohana Suites.</description>
  5419. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/affordable-big-island-hotels.mp3" length="18435972" type="audio/mpeg" />
  5420. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce Fisher is in the studio to offer some insight into affordable Big Island hotels on this episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Bruce powers through a cold to discuss properties he visited on the Big Island last week.  </itunes:subtitle>
  5421. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce Fisher is in the studio to offer some insight into affordable Big Island hotels on this episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. Bruce powers through a cold to discuss properties he visited on the Big Island last week.&lt;br /&gt;
  5422. &lt;br /&gt;
  5423. Bruce begins with some Hawaii vacation news, including Travel &amp; Leisure listing Poipu Beach on Kauai as their Top Beach and “Dr. Beach” naming Hapuna Beach on the Big Island as one of his favorites. Bruce mentions that the sunset from Hapuna Beach is spectacular and some nearby hotels. Visitor arrival and spending numbers were up in March, especially on Maui and Oahu. “I’m sure you’re going to see pre-pandemic levels when those April numbers start coming in.” Bruce also notes a rise the average length-of-stay.&lt;br /&gt;
  5424. &lt;br /&gt;
  5425. Bruce then talks about the new Un-Cruise and some of the things that make it unique. “This thing is going to cost you at least $6-K per person,” Bruce says and mentions some Un-Cruise activities.&lt;br /&gt;
  5426. &lt;br /&gt;
  5427. A new magic show at Hilton Hawaiian Village called the “Magical Mystery Show” is discussed briefly.&lt;br /&gt;
  5428. &lt;br /&gt;
  5429. Bruce moves on to the main topic of affordable Big Island hotels, with Bruce noting that he took Southwest Airlines for the first time on his recent trip there. “They did a great job.”&lt;br /&gt;
  5430. &lt;br /&gt;
  5431. Bruce’s first stop was the Royal Kona Hotel, which has just renovated all of its rooms. Bruce says the Ali’i Tower has nice views and describes some of the new amenities there, and he says you can hear the ocean 24-7. Ukulele and hula lessons are available, and Bruce mentions entertainment at Don the Beachcomber’s.&lt;br /&gt;
  5432. &lt;br /&gt;
  5433. Problems with getting a rental car Dollar Rent a Car, with at least an hour wait, are noted briefly. The number of quality restaurants along Ali’i Drive is discussed, with Bruce mentioning Hugo’s and Umeke Market (“The best fresh poke you will get anywhere, ever, in the world!”).&lt;br /&gt;
  5434. &lt;br /&gt;
  5435. Up next is The Courtyard by Marriott, which has also been completely renovated. Bruce says it’s a great property for group travel and talks about some of the positive changes and cultural programs and tours. Bruce lauds the buffet there as the best in Kona.&lt;br /&gt;
  5436. &lt;br /&gt;
  5437. The Outrigger Keahou is also among affordable Big Island hotels and will be discussed in the next episode, along with the Marriott Waikoloa Beach, which is a partial time-share and offers deals for Ohana Suites.</itunes:summary>
  5438. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  5439. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  5440. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  5441. <itunes:duration>19:40</itunes:duration>
  5442. </item>
  5443. <item>
  5444. <title>Getting around on Oahu &#124; Do you need a rental car on Oahu? &#124; Hawaii Vacation News</title>
  5445. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/getting-around-on-oahu-do-you-need-a-rental-car-on-oahu-hawaii-vacation-news/</link>
  5446. <pubDate>Mon, 02 May 2022 03:41:29 +0000</pubDate>
  5447. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=40956</guid>
  5448. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/getting-around-on-oahu-do-you-need-a-rental-car-on-oahu-hawaii-vacation-news/#respond</comments>
  5449. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/getting-around-on-oahu-do-you-need-a-rental-car-on-oahu-hawaii-vacation-news/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  5450. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  5451. <description>Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher are in the studio to talk about the best way to rent a car on Oahu for the latest Hawaii Vacations Podcast, along with some pertinent Hawaii travel news and recent and relevant bookings.
  5452.  
  5453. The Halekulani Hotel’s Mothers’ Day Brunch was noted as one of the most extravagant brunches in the US by Conde Nast, and Bruce shares some of the details about booking a table. Next up is a new suspended pedestrian bridge in Kapalua on Maui, now Hawaii’s longest. It’s part of Kapalua Resort’s Mountain Adventure Course, and to cross the bridge, you’ll have to sign up for the Zipline.
  5454.  
  5455. Bruce also reminds listeners that there are essentially no Covid restrictions on Hawaii travel. “I’m not sure why people keep asking me that.” The CDC has declared Hawaii’s level of Covid risk as “medium”, up from “low”. He and Yaling agree that rising numbers are cause for concern. “We’re careful out here. I think it makes good sense to be as prudent as possible.”
  5456.  
  5457. When it comes to figure out how to rent a car on Oahu, Bruce talks about smart ways to get around the island. Parking is expensive, and Bruce observe that you might not need a rental vehicle for your entire Oahu stay. A discussion of HAT social media community members’ comments on the topic follows, with testimonials from Hawaii visitors. Some rented vehicles and were pleased. Some did not and were also pleased.
  5458.  
  5459. “This is a big city,” Bruce says about Oahu. “But everything is pretty much in proximity to everything else. The airport is only 15 minutes from Waikiki.” Our hosts discuss a variety of alternative modes of transportation available on Oahu, including TheBus, bicycling, and just walking.
  5460.  
  5461. “Parking can be up to fifty bucks a night,” says Bruce about hotel parking fees.
  5462.  
  5463. The latest HAT booked vacations include an inter-island stay for two with rooms and rental vehicle that came in under $5000 (excluding transpacific airfare) for a week in September that includes the Kaanapali Beach Hotel. Yaling shares another booking for two from Virginia Beach, VA in December for a weeklong stay at the Waikiki Beach Hotel came in at about $4,200, including airfare.
  5464.  
  5465. Hawaii Aloha Travel and Secret Hawaii Tours are locally owned and operated. We know the best values, especially if you want to rent a car on Oahu.</description>
  5466. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/getting-around-on-oahu.mp3" length="13582511" type="audio/mpeg" />
  5467. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher are in the studio to talk about the best way to rent a car on Oahu for the latest Hawaii Vacations Podcast, along with some pertinent Hawaii travel news and recent and relevant bookings.  </itunes:subtitle>
  5468. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher are in the studio to talk about the best way to rent a car on Oahu for the latest Hawaii Vacations Podcast, along with some pertinent Hawaii travel news and recent and relevant bookings.&lt;br /&gt;
  5469. &lt;br /&gt;
  5470. The Halekulani Hotel’s Mothers’ Day Brunch was noted as one of the most extravagant brunches in the US by Conde Nast, and Bruce shares some of the details about booking a table. Next up is a new suspended pedestrian bridge in Kapalua on Maui, now Hawaii’s longest. It’s part of Kapalua Resort’s Mountain Adventure Course, and to cross the bridge, you’ll have to sign up for the Zipline.&lt;br /&gt;
  5471. &lt;br /&gt;
  5472. Bruce also reminds listeners that there are essentially no Covid restrictions on Hawaii travel. “I’m not sure why people keep asking me that.” The CDC has declared Hawaii’s level of Covid risk as “medium”, up from “low”. He and Yaling agree that rising numbers are cause for concern. “We’re careful out here. I think it makes good sense to be as prudent as possible.”&lt;br /&gt;
  5473. &lt;br /&gt;
  5474. When it comes to figure out how to rent a car on Oahu, Bruce talks about smart ways to get around the island. Parking is expensive, and Bruce observe that you might not need a rental vehicle for your entire Oahu stay. A discussion of HAT social media community members’ comments on the topic follows, with testimonials from Hawaii visitors. Some rented vehicles and were pleased. Some did not and were also pleased.&lt;br /&gt;
  5475. &lt;br /&gt;
  5476. “This is a big city,” Bruce says about Oahu. “But everything is pretty much in proximity to everything else. The airport is only 15 minutes from Waikiki.” Our hosts discuss a variety of alternative modes of transportation available on Oahu, including TheBus, bicycling, and just walking.&lt;br /&gt;
  5477. &lt;br /&gt;
  5478. “Parking can be up to fifty bucks a night,” says Bruce about hotel parking fees.&lt;br /&gt;
  5479. &lt;br /&gt;
  5480. The latest HAT booked vacations include an inter-island stay for two with rooms and rental vehicle that came in under $5000 (excluding transpacific airfare) for a week in September that includes the Kaanapali Beach Hotel. Yaling shares another booking for two from Virginia Beach, VA in December for a weeklong stay at the Waikiki Beach Hotel came in at about $4,200, including airfare.&lt;br /&gt;
  5481. &lt;br /&gt;
  5482. Hawaii Aloha Travel and Secret Hawaii Tours are locally owned and operated. We know the best values, especially if you want to rent a car on Oahu.</itunes:summary>
  5483. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  5484. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  5485. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  5486. <itunes:duration>16:16</itunes:duration>
  5487. </item>
  5488. <item>
  5489. <title>Hawaii hotels &#124; Tips for choosing the best room category for your budget</title>
  5490. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-hotel-catagories/</link>
  5491. <pubDate>Mon, 25 Apr 2022 22:55:14 +0000</pubDate>
  5492. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=40952</guid>
  5493. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-hotel-catagories/#respond</comments>
  5494. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-hotel-catagories/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  5495. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  5496. <description>Aloha Bruce Fisher is talking about Hawaii hotels and Hawaii hotel categories on this Monday, April 25, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. He offers some great insight into choosing what type of hotel room is best for your Hawaii vacation plans.
  5497.  
  5498. Bruce starts of with some Hawaii tourism news, including efforts on Maui to cap visitor units and restrict the use of “camper vans” as vacation rental units. Bruce says many residents there support the measure and discuss resident concerns. Bruce mentions current vacation rental restrictions on Oahu. Bruce also mentions Hawaiian Airlines partnering with SkyLink to provide internet access on their flights. “I say you should disconnect!”. He also briefly notes a recent HAT Blog post about the surprising history of “Rabbit Island”, or Manana, of East Oahu.
  5499.  
  5500. On to the subject of Hawaii hotels, Bruce gets into ocean view hotel rooms and whether they are important for a Hawaii vacation. He discusses many people in the HAT’s Facebook community who have said they’d prefer an ocean view. “You do pay a premium, always, for ocean views,” he says. Bruce agrees that an ocean view is a great way to start and end your days during a Hawaii vacation. It may not be a priority for some Hawaii vacationers.
  5501.  
  5502. Bruce moves into discussing different room categories at Hawaii hotels, including, Standard View, Run of House, City View, and Partial Ocean View and the differences between them. “Some hotels even offer a Parking Lot View!”
  5503.  
  5504. The description Ocean View is up next, and Bruce says Ocean Front View is the highest level of room in Hawaii hotels. He says that it’s important to talk with a travel planner about your specific wants and needs for the view from Hawaii hotels. “If you really want to save money, don’t worry about the ocean view.”
  5505.  
  5506. Don’t forget to check out HAT’s sister company Secret Hawaii Tours for a variety of personal tours from expert guides who know Hawaii’s hidden gems as well as anyone.</description>
  5507. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/hawaii-hotel-choices.mp3" length="13923572" type="audio/mpeg" />
  5508. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce Fisher is talking about Hawaii hotels and Hawaii hotel categories on this Monday, April 25, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. He offers some great insight into choosing what type of hotel room is best for your Hawaii vacation pl...</itunes:subtitle>
  5509. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce Fisher is talking about Hawaii hotels and Hawaii hotel categories on this Monday, April 25, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. He offers some great insight into choosing what type of hotel room is best for your Hawaii vacation plans.&lt;br /&gt;
  5510. &lt;br /&gt;
  5511. Bruce starts of with some Hawaii tourism news, including efforts on Maui to cap visitor units and restrict the use of “camper vans” as vacation rental units. Bruce says many residents there support the measure and discuss resident concerns. Bruce mentions current vacation rental restrictions on Oahu. Bruce also mentions Hawaiian Airlines partnering with SkyLink to provide internet access on their flights. “I say you should disconnect!”. He also briefly notes a recent HAT Blog post about the surprising history of “Rabbit Island”, or Manana, of East Oahu.&lt;br /&gt;
  5512. &lt;br /&gt;
  5513. On to the subject of Hawaii hotels, Bruce gets into ocean view hotel rooms and whether they are important for a Hawaii vacation. He discusses many people in the HAT’s Facebook community who have said they’d prefer an ocean view. “You do pay a premium, always, for ocean views,” he says. Bruce agrees that an ocean view is a great way to start and end your days during a Hawaii vacation. It may not be a priority for some Hawaii vacationers.&lt;br /&gt;
  5514. &lt;br /&gt;
  5515. Bruce moves into discussing different room categories at Hawaii hotels, including, Standard View, Run of House, City View, and Partial Ocean View and the differences between them. “Some hotels even offer a Parking Lot View!”&lt;br /&gt;
  5516. &lt;br /&gt;
  5517. The description Ocean View is up next, and Bruce says Ocean Front View is the highest level of room in Hawaii hotels. He says that it’s important to talk with a travel planner about your specific wants and needs for the view from Hawaii hotels. “If you really want to save money, don’t worry about the ocean view.”&lt;br /&gt;
  5518. &lt;br /&gt;
  5519. Don’t forget to check out HAT’s sister company Secret Hawaii Tours for a variety of personal tours from expert guides who know Hawaii’s hidden gems as well as anyone.</itunes:summary>
  5520. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  5521. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  5522. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  5523. <itunes:duration>15:16</itunes:duration>
  5524. </item>
  5525. <item>
  5526. <title>Is Oahu Overcrowded and too &#8220;touristy&#8221;? &#124; The Pros and Cons about staying on Oahu Island</title>
  5527. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/is-oahu-overcrowded-and-too-touristy-the-pros-and-cons-about-staying-on-oahu-island/</link>
  5528. <pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2022 00:16:10 +0000</pubDate>
  5529. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=40928</guid>
  5530. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/is-oahu-overcrowded-and-too-touristy-the-pros-and-cons-about-staying-on-oahu-island/#respond</comments>
  5531. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/is-oahu-overcrowded-and-too-touristy-the-pros-and-cons-about-staying-on-oahu-island/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  5532. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  5533. <description>Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher look into the question of “is Oahu overcrowded?” on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast, and they start of by encouraging listeners to engage with the HAT Facebook page, where a large community discusses Hawaii vacations and offers unique, expert perspectives. “Information is ‘king’”, Bruce notes. “And time is money.”
  5534.  
  5535. Bruce and Yaling start off by discussing the high volume of calls HAT has been receiving about June and July Hawaii vacations, and high demand driving up prices before getting into the latest Hawaii tourism news, including a new City Council measure that has passed to ban short term vacation rentals outside of designated resort areas. Our hosts break down the impact of the new law.
  5536.  
  5537. Bruce mentions 30,000 Hawaii arrivals on Wednesday, March 22 and says, “We are now ahead of pre-pandemic numbers.” He also mentions the return of international travel to Hawaii and what that might mean for customer service in the Islands.
  5538.  
  5539. Is Oahu overcrowded? Bruce talks about the idea that Oahu is too “touristy” with Yaling noting that certain areas are meant to be touristy. Bruce shares one comment from a visitor about the atmosphere during her vacation and another who noted that it depends on where in Hawaii you go. “There’s nothing wrong with being a tourist!” Bruce laughs, and he shares other comments from the Facebook community.
  5540.  
  5541. Is Oahu overcrowded? Well, it is called “The Gathering Place”, and Bruce talks about some of the more popular attractions that can be found on the island of Oahu. He suggests getting out of Waikiki to escape the crowds, including heading to the Halona Blowhole at the southeastern tip of Oahu (also known as “From Here to Eternity Beach”) near the famous Hanauma Bay.
  5542.  
  5543. Bruce and Yaling talk about some of the things that make Oahu an attractive destination for first-time Hawaii visitors. Oahu offers the widest variety of experiences for new visitors. He mentions the Chinatown Arts District, the Pearl Harbor experience, and Bishop Museum.
  5544.  
  5545. Bruce mentions that Oahu is overcrowded and notes that rush hour traffic can get “pretty bad”. Our hosts remind listeners that Oahu is not an “exotic” destination and that Honolulu is a major US city. “Things are opening up,” Bruce says and notes the Merrie Monarch Festival, the Waikiki Spam Jam, and incoming Broadway shows as just a few of the activities visitors can enjoy on Oahu.</description>
  5546. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/is-oahu-too-touristy.mp3" length="14872618" type="audio/mpeg" />
  5547. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher look into the question of “is Oahu overcrowded?” on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast, and they start of by encouraging listeners to engage with the HAT Facebook page,</itunes:subtitle>
  5548. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher look into the question of “is Oahu overcrowded?” on this latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast, and they start of by encouraging listeners to engage with the HAT Facebook page, where a large community discusses Hawaii vacations and offers unique, expert perspectives. “Information is ‘king’”, Bruce notes. “And time is money.”&lt;br /&gt;
  5549. &lt;br /&gt;
  5550. Bruce and Yaling start off by discussing the high volume of calls HAT has been receiving about June and July Hawaii vacations, and high demand driving up prices before getting into the latest Hawaii tourism news, including a new City Council measure that has passed to ban short term vacation rentals outside of designated resort areas. Our hosts break down the impact of the new law.&lt;br /&gt;
  5551. &lt;br /&gt;
  5552. Bruce mentions 30,000 Hawaii arrivals on Wednesday, March 22 and says, “We are now ahead of pre-pandemic numbers.” He also mentions the return of international travel to Hawaii and what that might mean for customer service in the Islands.&lt;br /&gt;
  5553. &lt;br /&gt;
  5554. Is Oahu overcrowded? Bruce talks about the idea that Oahu is too “touristy” with Yaling noting that certain areas are meant to be touristy. Bruce shares one comment from a visitor about the atmosphere during her vacation and another who noted that it depends on where in Hawaii you go. “There’s nothing wrong with being a tourist!” Bruce laughs, and he shares other comments from the Facebook community.&lt;br /&gt;
  5555. &lt;br /&gt;
  5556. Is Oahu overcrowded? Well, it is called “The Gathering Place”, and Bruce talks about some of the more popular attractions that can be found on the island of Oahu. He suggests getting out of Waikiki to escape the crowds, including heading to the Halona Blowhole at the southeastern tip of Oahu (also known as “From Here to Eternity Beach”) near the famous Hanauma Bay.&lt;br /&gt;
  5557. &lt;br /&gt;
  5558. Bruce and Yaling talk about some of the things that make Oahu an attractive destination for first-time Hawaii visitors. Oahu offers the widest variety of experiences for new visitors. He mentions the Chinatown Arts District, the Pearl Harbor experience, and Bishop Museum.&lt;br /&gt;
  5559. &lt;br /&gt;
  5560. Bruce mentions that Oahu is overcrowded and notes that rush hour traffic can get “pretty bad”. Our hosts remind listeners that Oahu is not an “exotic” destination and that Honolulu is a major US city. “Things are opening up,” Bruce says and notes the Merrie Monarch Festival, the Waikiki Spam Jam, and incoming Broadway shows as just a few of the activities visitors can enjoy on Oahu.</itunes:summary>
  5561. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  5562. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  5563. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  5564. <itunes:duration>18:24</itunes:duration>
  5565. </item>
  5566. <item>
  5567. <title>Is the Big Island the right choice for your Hawaii vacation? &#124; Big Island Pro’s and Con’s</title>
  5568. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/is-the-big-island-the-right-choice-for-your-hawaii-vacation-big-island-pros-and-cons/</link>
  5569. <pubDate>Mon, 04 Apr 2022 20:38:05 +0000</pubDate>
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  5571. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/is-the-big-island-the-right-choice-for-your-hawaii-vacation-big-island-pros-and-cons/#respond</comments>
  5572. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/is-the-big-island-the-right-choice-for-your-hawaii-vacation-big-island-pros-and-cons/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  5573. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  5574. <description>Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher offer listeners important Big Island Pro’s and Con’s on this Monday, April 4, 2022, Hawaii Vacation Podcast. But first, an update on Hawaii Aloha Travel in the news and the latest developments in Hawaii tourism.
  5575.  
  5576. Bruce was featured on a recent Hawaii News Now lead story talking about some amazing visitor arrival and spending numbers from the first months of 2022. He notes limited inventory for hotel rooms, and he and Yaling discuss soaring room rates already booked for the months ahead.
  5577.  
  5578. The Restaurant of the Week segment includes H Mart, a Korean supermarket that has a terrific food court. Various dishes are recalled with relish, including a “left wing” chicken dish that Bruce enjoyed (it takes about 15 minutes to prepare an order).
  5579.  
  5580. Big Island Pro’s and Con’s starts with Bruce noting a new digital site pass at Hawaii Volcanoes National Parks, the first of its kind in the fee-charging federal parks program nationwide. It makes park entry easier. “I like that we’re at the cutting edge of this technology,” says Bruce. The pass is not available to commercial users and conventional pay-upon-entry for park users remains in place.
  5581.  
  5582. Each of Hawaii’s main islands have their own unique appeal, Bruce says, and mentions that the Big Island is large enough to contain all of the other Hawaiian Islands. This Big Island Pro’s and Con’s episode discusses wide variety of activities, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Volcanoes National Forest. Bruce and Yaling say that the Big Island is great for repeat Hawaii visitors looking for new things to experience in Hawaii.
  5583.  
  5584. Bruce explains that the sheer size of the Big Island means that there are some long drives to certain places, “and that can take up a lot of time”. He also notes that there aren’t as many options for accommodations on the Big Island as there are on Oahu.
  5585.  
  5586. The number of ocean activities available on the Big Island is vast, ranging from novice snorkeling to deep-sea sport fishing. Big Island Pro’s and Con’s is the start of a series of upcoming episodes to focus on Hawaii’s Neighbor Island experiences.
  5587.  
  5588. Bruce and Yaling encourage Hawaii Vacation Podcast listeners to engage with HAT across our social media platforms and check out our Secret Hawaii Tours. “What we do here on the podcast is unique,” Bruce says. “And we’ve been doing it for 15 years!”</description>
  5589. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/big-island-pros-cons.mp3" length="14967313" type="audio/mpeg" />
  5590. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher offer listeners important Big Island Pro’s and Con’s on this Monday, April 4, 2022, Hawaii Vacation Podcast. But first, an update on Hawaii Aloha Travel in the news and the latest developments in Hawaii tourism.  </itunes:subtitle>
  5591. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher offer listeners important Big Island Pro’s and Con’s on this Monday, April 4, 2022, Hawaii Vacation Podcast. But first, an update on Hawaii Aloha Travel in the news and the latest developments in Hawaii tourism.&lt;br /&gt;
  5592. &lt;br /&gt;
  5593. Bruce was featured on a recent Hawaii News Now lead story talking about some amazing visitor arrival and spending numbers from the first months of 2022. He notes limited inventory for hotel rooms, and he and Yaling discuss soaring room rates already booked for the months ahead.&lt;br /&gt;
  5594. &lt;br /&gt;
  5595. The Restaurant of the Week segment includes H Mart, a Korean supermarket that has a terrific food court. Various dishes are recalled with relish, including a “left wing” chicken dish that Bruce enjoyed (it takes about 15 minutes to prepare an order).&lt;br /&gt;
  5596. &lt;br /&gt;
  5597. Big Island Pro’s and Con’s starts with Bruce noting a new digital site pass at Hawaii Volcanoes National Parks, the first of its kind in the fee-charging federal parks program nationwide. It makes park entry easier. “I like that we’re at the cutting edge of this technology,” says Bruce. The pass is not available to commercial users and conventional pay-upon-entry for park users remains in place.&lt;br /&gt;
  5598. &lt;br /&gt;
  5599. Each of Hawaii’s main islands have their own unique appeal, Bruce says, and mentions that the Big Island is large enough to contain all of the other Hawaiian Islands. This Big Island Pro’s and Con’s episode discusses wide variety of activities, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Volcanoes National Forest. Bruce and Yaling say that the Big Island is great for repeat Hawaii visitors looking for new things to experience in Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  5600. &lt;br /&gt;
  5601. Bruce explains that the sheer size of the Big Island means that there are some long drives to certain places, “and that can take up a lot of time”. He also notes that there aren’t as many options for accommodations on the Big Island as there are on Oahu.&lt;br /&gt;
  5602. &lt;br /&gt;
  5603. The number of ocean activities available on the Big Island is vast, ranging from novice snorkeling to deep-sea sport fishing. Big Island Pro’s and Con’s is the start of a series of upcoming episodes to focus on Hawaii’s Neighbor Island experiences.&lt;br /&gt;
  5604. &lt;br /&gt;
  5605. Bruce and Yaling encourage Hawaii Vacation Podcast listeners to engage with HAT across our social media platforms and check out our Secret Hawaii Tours. “What we do here on the podcast is unique,” Bruce says. “And we’ve been doing it for 15 years!”</itunes:summary>
  5606. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  5607. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  5608. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  5609. <itunes:duration>17:03</itunes:duration>
  5610. </item>
  5611. <item>
  5612. <title>Should you plan a Multi Island Hawaii Vacation or stay on one island?</title>
  5613. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/should-you-plan-a-multi-island-vacation-or-stay-on-one-island/</link>
  5614. <pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2022 20:49:03 +0000</pubDate>
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  5616. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/should-you-plan-a-multi-island-vacation-or-stay-on-one-island/#respond</comments>
  5617. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/should-you-plan-a-multi-island-vacation-or-stay-on-one-island/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  5618. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  5619. <description>Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher are giving some important information about planning a Multi-Island Hawaii Vacation on this Monday, March 28, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. But first, some Hawaii vacation news and the Restaurant of the Week, as well as developments in Hawaii’s vacation rental market.
  5620.  
  5621. Bruce begins by discussing a Honolulu County plan to increase enforcement of Oahu vacation rental rules, which includes minimum stays and parking restrictions for visitors. “This is going to discourage a lot of people,” says Bruce. He notes some of the ways that homeowners are skirting existing rules and wonders how the City will actually increase enforcement. Bruce also mentions common complaints about vacation rentals from Oahu residents.
  5622.  
  5623. Our hosts move on to discuss a new “slow travel trend”, a contrast to what a local researcher calls “Instagram tourism”. Bruce says that the new slow travel trend is seeing more visitors looking for more meaningful experiences like visiting museums, historic places, and indigenous sites. Bruce says, “Why not just unplug while you’re here? Become a slow traveler!”
  5624.  
  5625. The Restaurant of the Week focuses on Koko Marina Shopping Center and Hawaii Kai Town Center in East Honolulu near the Ka Iwi Coast, both of which feature a number of notable and tasty eateries that offer great quality and value, with the Koa Pancake House getting a special shout-out.
  5626.  
  5627. Bruce gets into details about planning a Multi-Island Hawaii Vacation. He suggests planning four nights per island you plan to visit. Bruce also talks about the importance of picking the islands “that are right for you”. He also notes that visitors can do “island splits”, like staying in both Kona and in Hilo on Hawaii Island during a Big Island trip. “There’s so much to do!” Similar splits are available on Oahu, Kauai, and Maui as well. Bruce and Yaling discuss the differences between different parts of each island, as the Multi-Island Hawaii vacation episode rolls on.
  5628.  
  5629. Our hosts also encourage podcast listeners to engage with the Hawaii-Aloha Vacation Podcast, the HAT Facebook page and HAT’s TikTok account, which features a video Bruce took of Magnum PI filming in Waikiki that has garnered well over 7 million views (!!). Aloha!</description>
  5630. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/multi-island-hawaii-vacation.mp3" length="11959627" type="audio/mpeg" />
  5631. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher are giving some important information about planning a Multi-Island Hawaii Vacation on this Monday, March 28, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. But first, some Hawaii vacation news and the Restaurant of the Wee...</itunes:subtitle>
  5632. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher are giving some important information about planning a Multi-Island Hawaii Vacation on this Monday, March 28, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Podcast. But first, some Hawaii vacation news and the Restaurant of the Week, as well as developments in Hawaii’s vacation rental market.&lt;br /&gt;
  5633. &lt;br /&gt;
  5634. Bruce begins by discussing a Honolulu County plan to increase enforcement of Oahu vacation rental rules, which includes minimum stays and parking restrictions for visitors. “This is going to discourage a lot of people,” says Bruce. He notes some of the ways that homeowners are skirting existing rules and wonders how the City will actually increase enforcement. Bruce also mentions common complaints about vacation rentals from Oahu residents.&lt;br /&gt;
  5635. &lt;br /&gt;
  5636. Our hosts move on to discuss a new “slow travel trend”, a contrast to what a local researcher calls “Instagram tourism”. Bruce says that the new slow travel trend is seeing more visitors looking for more meaningful experiences like visiting museums, historic places, and indigenous sites. Bruce says, “Why not just unplug while you’re here? Become a slow traveler!”&lt;br /&gt;
  5637. &lt;br /&gt;
  5638. The Restaurant of the Week focuses on Koko Marina Shopping Center and Hawaii Kai Town Center in East Honolulu near the Ka Iwi Coast, both of which feature a number of notable and tasty eateries that offer great quality and value, with the Koa Pancake House getting a special shout-out.&lt;br /&gt;
  5639. &lt;br /&gt;
  5640. Bruce gets into details about planning a Multi-Island Hawaii Vacation. He suggests planning four nights per island you plan to visit. Bruce also talks about the importance of picking the islands “that are right for you”. He also notes that visitors can do “island splits”, like staying in both Kona and in Hilo on Hawaii Island during a Big Island trip. “There’s so much to do!” Similar splits are available on Oahu, Kauai, and Maui as well. Bruce and Yaling discuss the differences between different parts of each island, as the Multi-Island Hawaii vacation episode rolls on.&lt;br /&gt;
  5641. &lt;br /&gt;
  5642. Our hosts also encourage podcast listeners to engage with the Hawaii-Aloha Vacation Podcast, the HAT Facebook page and HAT’s TikTok account, which features a video Bruce took of Magnum PI filming in Waikiki that has garnered well over 7 million views (!!). Aloha!</itunes:summary>
  5643. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  5644. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  5645. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  5646. <itunes:duration>13:15</itunes:duration>
  5647. </item>
  5648. <item>
  5649. <title>Maui Must do&#8217;s &#124;  Restaurants and Activities</title>
  5650. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/maui-must-dos-restaurants-and-activities/</link>
  5651. <pubDate>Mon, 21 Mar 2022 01:02:17 +0000</pubDate>
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  5655. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  5656. <description>This Sunday March 20, 2022 episode of the Hawaii Vacation focuses on Maui Must Do’s, activities, and dining Maui visitors should make a point of experiencing. Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher are following up with Part 2 of a Maui-focused discussion that began with last week’s episode.
  5657.  
  5658. Bruce offers an update on changes in Hawaii travel, particularly the lifting of the Hawaii Safe Travels restrictions and requirements (including indoor masking) beginning at 11:59pm March 29, Bruce says that the lifting of those restrictions is already seeing a spike in prices. “You can expect that there’s going to be a rush,” says Bruce. He also says that some hotels are already seeing 2023 dates filling up. Yaling says she has seen prices rise almost by the hour. Book now!
  5659.  
  5660. Bruce discusses a recent study that looks into the best places to live in Hawaii for students, with Maunawili in Windward Oahu topping the list. Honolulu-proper comes in second with an A-minus rating. In third place is Kailua, and Bruce notes the other Hawaii towns making the list.
  5661.  
  5662. The Restaurant of the Week focuses on Maui Must Do’s restaurants, with “The Restaurant” at the Wailea. Our hosts discuss the dishes they enjoyed, which included fresh Hamachi and a “huge!” lamb shank. Bruce recommends making reservations in the garden section.
  5663.  
  5664. Mama’s Fish House is up next, where Bruce says it can be tough to get reservations. Paiea Fish Market is popular with locals and visitors at several locations. Lineage in Wailea is noted for some of its specialty items. GuriGuri, the Tin Roof, and Miko’s are also mentioned as delicious “hole-in-the-wall” places visitors will enjoy.
  5665.  
  5666. The topic moves onto Maui Must Do’s. Bruce says that ziplining is one activity that is exciting, and Yaling recalls one memorable experience. Ziplining can be scary, Bruce says, and he recalls one woman who overcame her fear and had the time of her life. Our hosts mention several reputable and safe ziplining outfits.
  5667.  
  5668. Another one of Maui Must Do’s is snorkeling. Yaling, who is trepidatious in the ocean, enjoyed snorkeling at Molokini Island and describes her experience. Bruce notes that he noticed fewer fish than he saw on his last trip to Molokini. Bruce and Yaling were thrilled to see humpback whales and a calf breeching.
  5669.  
  5670. Bruce also says that a trip up to Haleakala is absolutely a Maui Must do (and to “just eat the local food!!”).
  5671.  
  5672. The conversation moves onto the Hyatt Regency on Maui, where Bruce and Yaling were impressed by the renovations made at the resort and offer details about improvements that have been made to the property, including a penguin secretary. Bruce says that “it isn’t as quaint as it used to be” but notes changes that have made the rooms even more comfortable. Our hosts recommend signing up for “The Regency Club” which comes with added meal benefits. It comes with a price of $50 per room per day, and Bruce offers his budgeting tips. “All the hotels are expensive to eat at.”
  5673.  
  5674. The Fairmont Kealani is up next on the this Maui Must Do’s, and Bruce offers his assessment of the new renovations there. Bruce talks about the Four Seasons and other high-end properties, and our hosts promise more Maui insights on upcoming podcasts and Secret Hawaii Tour reservations.</description>
  5675. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/mauimust.mp3" length="21844315" type="audio/mpeg" />
  5676. <itunes:subtitle>This Sunday March 20, 2022 episode of the Hawaii Vacation focuses on Maui Must Do’s, activities, and dining Maui visitors should make a point of experiencing. Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher are following up with Part 2 of a Maui-focused discussion that ...</itunes:subtitle>
  5677. <itunes:summary>This Sunday March 20, 2022 episode of the Hawaii Vacation focuses on Maui Must Do’s, activities, and dining Maui visitors should make a point of experiencing. Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher are following up with Part 2 of a Maui-focused discussion that began with last week’s episode.&lt;br /&gt;
  5678. &lt;br /&gt;
  5679. Bruce offers an update on changes in Hawaii travel, particularly the lifting of the Hawaii Safe Travels restrictions and requirements (including indoor masking) beginning at 11:59pm March 29, Bruce says that the lifting of those restrictions is already seeing a spike in prices. “You can expect that there’s going to be a rush,” says Bruce. He also says that some hotels are already seeing 2023 dates filling up. Yaling says she has seen prices rise almost by the hour. Book now!&lt;br /&gt;
  5680. &lt;br /&gt;
  5681. Bruce discusses a recent study that looks into the best places to live in Hawaii for students, with Maunawili in Windward Oahu topping the list. Honolulu-proper comes in second with an A-minus rating. In third place is Kailua, and Bruce notes the other Hawaii towns making the list.&lt;br /&gt;
  5682. &lt;br /&gt;
  5683. The Restaurant of the Week focuses on Maui Must Do’s restaurants, with “The Restaurant” at the Wailea. Our hosts discuss the dishes they enjoyed, which included fresh Hamachi and a “huge!” lamb shank. Bruce recommends making reservations in the garden section.&lt;br /&gt;
  5684. &lt;br /&gt;
  5685. Mama’s Fish House is up next, where Bruce says it can be tough to get reservations. Paiea Fish Market is popular with locals and visitors at several locations. Lineage in Wailea is noted for some of its specialty items. GuriGuri, the Tin Roof, and Miko’s are also mentioned as delicious “hole-in-the-wall” places visitors will enjoy.&lt;br /&gt;
  5686. &lt;br /&gt;
  5687. The topic moves onto Maui Must Do’s. Bruce says that ziplining is one activity that is exciting, and Yaling recalls one memorable experience. Ziplining can be scary, Bruce says, and he recalls one woman who overcame her fear and had the time of her life. Our hosts mention several reputable and safe ziplining outfits.&lt;br /&gt;
  5688. &lt;br /&gt;
  5689. Another one of Maui Must Do’s is snorkeling. Yaling, who is trepidatious in the ocean, enjoyed snorkeling at Molokini Island and describes her experience. Bruce notes that he noticed fewer fish than he saw on his last trip to Molokini. Bruce and Yaling were thrilled to see humpback whales and a calf breeching.&lt;br /&gt;
  5690. &lt;br /&gt;
  5691. Bruce also says that a trip up to Haleakala is absolutely a Maui Must do (and to “just eat the local food!!”).&lt;br /&gt;
  5692. &lt;br /&gt;
  5693. The conversation moves onto the Hyatt Regency on Maui, where Bruce and Yaling were impressed by the renovations made at the resort and offer details about improvements that have been made to the property, including a penguin secretary. Bruce says that “it isn’t as quaint as it used to be” but notes changes that have made the rooms even more comfortable. Our hosts recommend signing up for “The Regency Club” which comes with added meal benefits. It comes with a price of $50 per room per day, and Bruce offers his budgeting tips. “All the hotels are expensive to eat at.”&lt;br /&gt;
  5694. &lt;br /&gt;
  5695. The Fairmont Kealani is up next on the this Maui Must Do’s, and Bruce offers his assessment of the new renovations there. Bruce talks about the Four Seasons and other high-end properties, and our hosts promise more Maui insights on upcoming podcasts and Secret Hawaii Tour reservations.</itunes:summary>
  5696. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  5697. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  5698. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  5699. <itunes:duration>26:40</itunes:duration>
  5700. </item>
  5701. <item>
  5702. <title>If you don&#8217;t book your Hawaii NOW you may miss out this year!</title>
  5703. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/if-you-dont-book-your-hawaii-now-you-may-miss-out-this-year/</link>
  5704. <pubDate>Sun, 27 Feb 2022 22:44:34 +0000</pubDate>
  5705. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=40753</guid>
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  5708. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  5709. <description>Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast hosts Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher talk about how important it is to book your Hawaii vacation now or miss out this year on this Sunday, February 27, 2022, episode.
  5710.  
  5711. Bruce starts with some important Covid-related Hawaii travel news, noting that Hawaii’s indoor mask mandate will remain in place despite new CDC guidance issued recently. Bruce says that this makes Hawaii the only US state with an indoor mask mandate. He also says that Hawaii’s mask mandate is one of the reasons Hawaii has the 2nd lowest Covid positivity and death rates in the country. “We’re extra cautious about these kinds of things,” Bruce says.
  5712.  
  5713. The topic moves to a podcast listener’s question about the high number of hiker rescues being reported on Kauai. Our hosts discuss the challenging and dangerous Kalalau Trail. “Unprepared hikers are getting into trouble over there,” Bruce says the have been 13 rescues on Kauai so far this year, with 9 requiring helicopter airlifts. “People are underestimating these trails.” Bruce moves on to discuss several recent rescue incidents. “You just gotta be careful!” Bruce also notes a recent rescue Queen’s Bath that nearly became fatal for the victim.
  5714.  
  5715. Bruce moves on to discussing vacation rental reforms, especially on Maui. He says that a Maui County commission is looking into ways to curb unsustainable visitor arrival numbers and mentions a two-year moratorium on new vacation rentals. Bruce says 3,000,000 visitors arrived on Maui in 2019. The shutdown of Hawaii early in the pandemic forced a tourism pause and many residents and officials took the relative quiet to reflect on tourism impact on Hawaii’s communities.
  5716.  
  5717. “Kaanapali is almost like a mini-Honolulu,” Bruce offers. He mentions several other specific proposals and the potential impact such steps would have. It’s a complicated situation with many important factors. “It’s getting overwhelming.”
  5718.  
  5719. Bruce and Yaling move on to briefly discuss the Restaurant of the Week, Macaroni Grill. “It’s a fun place to eat and the service is great.” They particularly enjoyed Mac N Cheese Bites, and Bruce talks about the custom of sharing drinks and some other unique dishes.
  5720.  
  5721. Our hosts note that they will be going on vacation to Maui soon and will not have a new podcast episode next week. But they promise to come back with an abundance of valuable Maui content and hotel information. They will be doing site visits to a number popular Maui properties.
  5722.  
  5723. Our hosts reach out to the audience for help generating engagement on the Hawaii Aloha Travel Instagram page and other social media platforms. We’d love for you to get involved!
  5724.  
  5725. Bruce then tells the story of a viral short HAT TikTok post featuring the stars of Magnum P.I. filming in Waikiki that has now more than 2 million views in just 48 hours. Incredible! “Maybe I should try to be TikTok celebrity?!” Bruce jokes.
  5726.  
  5727. Bruce and Yaling move on to the main topic of this episode: Book your Hawaii vacation now or miss out this year. “Right now, we are getting a lot of calls for March and April, for Spring Break,” says Bruce. He notes some unpleasant surprises that cheap airfare deals sometimes come with. Reservations for the summer months are filling up fast. “It’s very difficult for June and July.” And demand for reservations toward the end of the year is already very busy.
  5728.  
  5729. This is why it is vital to book your Hawaii vacation now or miss out this year. Bruce and Yaling explain why prices around the Holidays are much higher. “We’ll find you the ‘puka’, or the perfect time and place for your Hawaii vacation,” Bruce says.
  5730.  
  5731. Bruce again encourages listeners to engage with the podcast and leave comments and interact with the HAT Instagram page, Facebook page, and TikTok account (check out the Magnum P.I. video!). We want to hear from you!
  5732.  
  5733. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  5734. Get Help Planning Your Trip</description>
  5735. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/dont-miss-out.mp3" length="24235416" type="audio/mpeg" />
  5736. <itunes:subtitle>Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast hosts Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher talk about how important it is to book your Hawaii vacation now or miss out this year on this Sunday, February 27, 2022, episode.  Bruce starts with some important Covid-related Haw...</itunes:subtitle>
  5737. <itunes:summary>Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast hosts Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher talk about how important it is to book your Hawaii vacation now or miss out this year on this Sunday, February 27, 2022, episode.&lt;br /&gt;
  5738. &lt;br /&gt;
  5739. Bruce starts with some important Covid-related Hawaii travel news, noting that Hawaii’s indoor mask mandate will remain in place despite new CDC guidance issued recently. Bruce says that this makes Hawaii the only US state with an indoor mask mandate. He also says that Hawaii’s mask mandate is one of the reasons Hawaii has the 2nd lowest Covid positivity and death rates in the country. “We’re extra cautious about these kinds of things,” Bruce says.&lt;br /&gt;
  5740. &lt;br /&gt;
  5741. The topic moves to a podcast listener’s question about the high number of hiker rescues being reported on Kauai. Our hosts discuss the challenging and dangerous Kalalau Trail. “Unprepared hikers are getting into trouble over there,” Bruce says the have been 13 rescues on Kauai so far this year, with 9 requiring helicopter airlifts. “People are underestimating these trails.” Bruce moves on to discuss several recent rescue incidents. “You just gotta be careful!” Bruce also notes a recent rescue Queen’s Bath that nearly became fatal for the victim.&lt;br /&gt;
  5742. &lt;br /&gt;
  5743. Bruce moves on to discussing vacation rental reforms, especially on Maui. He says that a Maui County commission is looking into ways to curb unsustainable visitor arrival numbers and mentions a two-year moratorium on new vacation rentals. Bruce says 3,000,000 visitors arrived on Maui in 2019. The shutdown of Hawaii early in the pandemic forced a tourism pause and many residents and officials took the relative quiet to reflect on tourism impact on Hawaii’s communities.&lt;br /&gt;
  5744. &lt;br /&gt;
  5745. “Kaanapali is almost like a mini-Honolulu,” Bruce offers. He mentions several other specific proposals and the potential impact such steps would have. It’s a complicated situation with many important factors. “It’s getting overwhelming.”&lt;br /&gt;
  5746. &lt;br /&gt;
  5747. Bruce and Yaling move on to briefly discuss the Restaurant of the Week, Macaroni Grill. “It’s a fun place to eat and the service is great.” They particularly enjoyed Mac N Cheese Bites, and Bruce talks about the custom of sharing drinks and some other unique dishes.&lt;br /&gt;
  5748. &lt;br /&gt;
  5749. Our hosts note that they will be going on vacation to Maui soon and will not have a new podcast episode next week. But they promise to come back with an abundance of valuable Maui content and hotel information. They will be doing site visits to a number popular Maui properties.&lt;br /&gt;
  5750. &lt;br /&gt;
  5751. Our hosts reach out to the audience for help generating engagement on the Hawaii Aloha Travel Instagram page and other social media platforms. We’d love for you to get involved!&lt;br /&gt;
  5752. &lt;br /&gt;
  5753. Bruce then tells the story of a viral short HAT TikTok post featuring the stars of Magnum P.I. filming in Waikiki that has now more than 2 million views in just 48 hours. Incredible! “Maybe I should try to be TikTok celebrity?!” Bruce jokes.&lt;br /&gt;
  5754. &lt;br /&gt;
  5755. Bruce and Yaling move on to the main topic of this episode: Book your Hawaii vacation now or miss out this year. “Right now, we are getting a lot of calls for March and April, for Spring Break,” says Bruce. He notes some unpleasant surprises that cheap airfare deals sometimes come with. Reservations for the summer months are filling up fast. “It’s very difficult for June and July.” And demand for reservations toward the end of the year is already very busy.&lt;br /&gt;
  5756. &lt;br /&gt;
  5757. This is why it is vital to book your Hawaii vacation now or miss out this year. Bruce and Yaling explain why prices around the Holidays are much higher. “We’ll find you the ‘puka’, or the perfect time and place for your Hawaii vacation,” Bruce says.&lt;br /&gt;
  5758. &lt;br /&gt;
  5759. Bruce again encourages listeners to engage with the podcast and leave comments and interact with the HAT Instagram page, Facebook page, and TikTok account (check out the Magnum P.I. video!). We want to hear from you!&lt;br /&gt;
  5760. &lt;br /&gt;
  5761. &lt;br /&gt;
  5762. &lt;br /&gt;
  5763. </itunes:summary>
  5764. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  5765. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  5766. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  5767. <itunes:duration>28:13</itunes:duration>
  5768. </item>
  5769. <item>
  5770. <title>4 out-of-the-way less-crowded Maui destinations &#124; Travel News from Hawaii</title>
  5771. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/4-less-crowded-hikes-and-farms-to-visit-on-maui/</link>
  5772. <pubDate>Sun, 20 Feb 2022 23:42:25 +0000</pubDate>
  5773. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=40738</guid>
  5774. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/4-less-crowded-hikes-and-farms-to-visit-on-maui/#respond</comments>
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  5776. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  5777. <description>On today&#039;s podcast, Bruce and yaling offer 4 less crowded Maui destinations to visit on your Hawaii Vacation for this Sunday, February 20, 2022. Our hosts start off by announcing three new Delta flights to Hawaii from Atlanta, New York City (JFK), and Detroit in 2022 before moving on to important Hawaii travel and vacation news and offering some out-of-the-way, less-crowded Maui destinations.
  5778.  
  5779. Our hosts are confident that the Hawaii indoor mask mandate may soon be lifted but remains in place. “This is the way it is here,” Bruce says. “We’re just very cautious here,” Bruce mentions the prevalence of the Aloha Spirit in Hawaii and recalls a recent news story about a local artist who found a lost phone while snorkeling in Waikiki. He dried out the phone in rice (it works!) and managed to locate the owner and return it (along with an expensive pair of sunglasses) to her. This was back in 2020, and the woman recently returned to Hawaii to thank the artist in person.
  5780.  
  5781. Bruce recalls all kinds of personal belongings he’s found on his daily hikes, noting that he (and most Hawaii people) makes a point of trying to return such items to their owners. “People lose things here in Hawaii all the time!”
  5782.  
  5783. The Restaurant of the Week is Mariposa at Neimann Marcus at Ala Moana Center, where Bruce and Yaling enjoyed indoor seating and the “afternoon experience”. Noting their favorite selections, our hosts also mention vegetarian and plant-based options. Yaling raves about an intermezzo chicken soup that was fantastic. Bruce says that the live music played by a local musician was wonderful.
  5784.  
  5785.  
  5786.  
  5787. Moving on to special less-crowded Maui destinations, Bruce discusses Waihou Spring Trail in Upcountry Makawao, a moderate forest hike. Our hosts recommend visiting the Surfing Goat Dairy in nearby Kula, a lavender farm, and the local Ocean Spirits Distillery. Bruce also mentions a guided 2-mile hike at Kopili’ula Falls along the Road to Hana at Marker 21. Bruce and Yaling talk about how long the Road to Hana takes to drive, and not an option to fly into Hana, less crowded Maui destinations may be harder and harder to find with all the info on the web but you can still find some hidden gems.
  5788.  
  5789. Our hosts note the high demand for Hawaii travel and discuss a couple of recent bookings at the Waikiki Beach Marriott. “We’re seeing some really great prices for Marriott,” says Bruce, mentioning a HAT resort fee discount. Another booking noted is a 2-week stay for two at the legendary Royal Hawaiian Hotel with an ocean view that came in at about $8400.
  5790.  
  5791. Bruce says that the Royal Hawaiian is a 5-star property and even at that cost, the daily room rate is a very good price at the famous “Pink Palace” hotel. “It’s actually a darn good deal!”  If you headed to the Garden Isle then less crowded Maui destinations can be found!
  5792.  
  5793. We blog about Hawaii
  5794. because we love Hawaii.
  5795. Get Help Planning Your Trip</description>
  5796. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/hiddem.maui-gems.mp3" length="17111253" type="audio/mpeg" />
  5797. <itunes:subtitle>On today&#039;s podcast, Bruce and yaling offer 4 less crowded Maui destinations to visit on your Hawaii Vacation for this Sunday, February 20, 2022. Our hosts start off by announcing three new Delta flights to Hawaii from Atlanta, New York City (JFK),</itunes:subtitle>
  5798. <itunes:summary>On today&#039;s podcast, Bruce and yaling offer 4 less crowded Maui destinations to visit on your Hawaii Vacation for this Sunday, February 20, 2022. Our hosts start off by announcing three new Delta flights to Hawaii from Atlanta, New York City (JFK), and Detroit in 2022 before moving on to important Hawaii travel and vacation news and offering some out-of-the-way, less-crowded Maui destinations.&lt;br /&gt;
  5799. &lt;br /&gt;
  5800. Our hosts are confident that the Hawaii indoor mask mandate may soon be lifted but remains in place. “This is the way it is here,” Bruce says. “We’re just very cautious here,” Bruce mentions the prevalence of the Aloha Spirit in Hawaii and recalls a recent news story about a local artist who found a lost phone while snorkeling in Waikiki. He dried out the phone in rice (it works!) and managed to locate the owner and return it (along with an expensive pair of sunglasses) to her. This was back in 2020, and the woman recently returned to Hawaii to thank the artist in person.&lt;br /&gt;
  5801. &lt;br /&gt;
  5802. Bruce recalls all kinds of personal belongings he’s found on his daily hikes, noting that he (and most Hawaii people) makes a point of trying to return such items to their owners. “People lose things here in Hawaii all the time!”&lt;br /&gt;
  5803. &lt;br /&gt;
  5804. The Restaurant of the Week is Mariposa at Neimann Marcus at Ala Moana Center, where Bruce and Yaling enjoyed indoor seating and the “afternoon experience”. Noting their favorite selections, our hosts also mention vegetarian and plant-based options. Yaling raves about an intermezzo chicken soup that was fantastic. Bruce says that the live music played by a local musician was wonderful.&lt;br /&gt;
  5805. &lt;br /&gt;
  5806. &lt;br /&gt;
  5807. &lt;br /&gt;
  5808. Moving on to special less-crowded Maui destinations, Bruce discusses Waihou Spring Trail in Upcountry Makawao, a moderate forest hike. Our hosts recommend visiting the Surfing Goat Dairy in nearby Kula, a lavender farm, and the local Ocean Spirits Distillery. Bruce also mentions a guided 2-mile hike at Kopili’ula Falls along the Road to Hana at Marker 21. Bruce and Yaling talk about how long the Road to Hana takes to drive, and not an option to fly into Hana, less crowded Maui destinations may be harder and harder to find with all the info on the web but you can still find some hidden gems.&lt;br /&gt;
  5809. &lt;br /&gt;
  5810. Our hosts note the high demand for Hawaii travel and discuss a couple of recent bookings at the Waikiki Beach Marriott. “We’re seeing some really great prices for Marriott,” says Bruce, mentioning a HAT resort fee discount. Another booking noted is a 2-week stay for two at the legendary Royal Hawaiian Hotel with an ocean view that came in at about $8400.&lt;br /&gt;
  5811. &lt;br /&gt;
  5812. Bruce says that the Royal Hawaiian is a 5-star property and even at that cost, the daily room rate is a very good price at the famous “Pink Palace” hotel. “It’s actually a darn good deal!”  If you headed to the Garden Isle then less crowded Maui destinations can be found!&lt;br /&gt;
  5813. &lt;br /&gt;
  5814. &lt;br /&gt;
  5815. &lt;br /&gt;
  5816. We blog about Hawaii&lt;br /&gt;
  5817. because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  5818. &lt;br /&gt;
  5819. &lt;br /&gt;
  5820. &lt;br /&gt;
  5821. &lt;br /&gt;
  5822. Get Help Planning Your Trip</itunes:summary>
  5823. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  5824. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  5825. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  5826. <itunes:duration>18:37</itunes:duration>
  5827. </item>
  5828. <item>
  5829. <title>5 Things to remember when choosing a Hawaii Hotel Room &#124; Know before you Go!</title>
  5830. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/5-things-to-remember-when-choosing-a-hawaii-hotel-room/</link>
  5831. <pubDate>Sun, 13 Feb 2022 20:39:29 +0000</pubDate>
  5832. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=40714</guid>
  5833. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/5-things-to-remember-when-choosing-a-hawaii-hotel-room/#respond</comments>
  5834. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/5-things-to-remember-when-choosing-a-hawaii-hotel-room/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  5835. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  5836. <description>On today&#039;s podcast for February 13th, 2022 (Super Bowl day)  Yaling and Bruce ( the owners of Hawaii Aloha Travel) talk about some essential things you need to know about Hawaii hotel room configurations. They discuss the many challenges clients face and solutions to make decisions easier.
  5837.  
  5838. The podcast begins with our hosts covering the latest information on covid-19 restrictions. According to Lieutenant Governor Josh Green, the regulations could be lifted by Spring. He says that “ if it weren&#039;t for the Omicron variant, the restrictions would have already been lifted by now.”  Welcome news to all of us here in Hawaii and across the world.
  5839.  
  5840. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  5841. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  5842.  
  5843. While this might seem like a pretty straightforward process, there&#039;s a lot to consider when choosing the fitting Hawaii hotel room for a Hawaii vacation. Granted, if you&#039;re just two people traveling, there&#039;s not much to worry about except to confirm you&#039;re bedding.  However, if you are more than two people, either adults or children, staying together, the process can get very complicated and lead to disappointment. Many consumers don&#039;t realize that hotel rooms in Hawaii generally don&#039;t have two queen beds but two double beds. Not understanding this leads to frustration upon arrival at the hotel and sometimes can sour an entire vacation.
  5844.  
  5845. The good news is that we have all the answers to these kinds of questions. Here at Hawaii Aloha Travel, all of our advisors look for these red flags, and we make sure that our client&#039;s requirements are of the utmost importance. We pay attention to all the details including, room configurations, special requests, and the physical room location, and make sure requests are followed up on with our suppliers. Even with all this due diligence, requests are not guaranteed. Hence, it makes the most sense to use a travel advisor located here in the islands to troubleshoot and follow through on requests, which will give you a better likelihood of being granted.</description>
  5846. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/hotel-room-seletion.mp3" length="21696985" type="audio/mpeg" />
  5847. <itunes:subtitle>On today&#039;s podcast for February 13th, 2022 (Super Bowl day)  Yaling and Bruce ( the owners of Hawaii Aloha Travel) talk about some essential things you need to know about Hawaii hotel room configurations. They discuss the many challenges clients face a...</itunes:subtitle>
  5848. <itunes:summary>On today&#039;s podcast for February 13th, 2022 (Super Bowl day)  Yaling and Bruce ( the owners of Hawaii Aloha Travel) talk about some essential things you need to know about Hawaii hotel room configurations. They discuss the many challenges clients face and solutions to make decisions easier.&lt;br /&gt;
  5849. &lt;br /&gt;
  5850. The podcast begins with our hosts covering the latest information on covid-19 restrictions. According to Lieutenant Governor Josh Green, the regulations could be lifted by Spring. He says that “ if it weren&#039;t for the Omicron variant, the restrictions would have already been lifted by now.”  Welcome news to all of us here in Hawaii and across the world.&lt;br /&gt;
  5851. &lt;br /&gt;
  5852. &lt;br /&gt;
  5853. &lt;br /&gt;
  5854. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  5855. &lt;br /&gt;
  5856. &lt;br /&gt;
  5857. &lt;br /&gt;
  5858. &lt;br /&gt;
  5859. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  5860. &lt;br /&gt;
  5861. &lt;br /&gt;
  5862. &lt;br /&gt;
  5863. &lt;br /&gt;
  5864. &lt;br /&gt;
  5865. &lt;br /&gt;
  5866. &lt;br /&gt;
  5867. While this might seem like a pretty straightforward process, there&#039;s a lot to consider when choosing the fitting Hawaii hotel room for a Hawaii vacation. Granted, if you&#039;re just two people traveling, there&#039;s not much to worry about except to confirm you&#039;re bedding.  However, if you are more than two people, either adults or children, staying together, the process can get very complicated and lead to disappointment. Many consumers don&#039;t realize that hotel rooms in Hawaii generally don&#039;t have two queen beds but two double beds. Not understanding this leads to frustration upon arrival at the hotel and sometimes can sour an entire vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  5868. &lt;br /&gt;
  5869. The good news is that we have all the answers to these kinds of questions. Here at Hawaii Aloha Travel, all of our advisors look for these red flags, and we make sure that our client&#039;s requirements are of the utmost importance. We pay attention to all the details including, room configurations, special requests, and the physical room location, and make sure requests are followed up on with our suppliers. Even with all this due diligence, requests are not guaranteed. Hence, it makes the most sense to use a travel advisor located here in the islands to troubleshoot and follow through on requests, which will give you a better likelihood of being granted.</itunes:summary>
  5870. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  5871. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  5872. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  5873. <itunes:duration>20:43</itunes:duration>
  5874. </item>
  5875. <item>
  5876. <title>6 Mistakes people make when trying to save money on a Hawaii Vacation</title>
  5877. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/6-mistakes-trying-to-save-on-hawaii-vacation/</link>
  5878. <pubDate>Sun, 06 Feb 2022 21:43:51 +0000</pubDate>
  5879. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=40685</guid>
  5880. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/6-mistakes-trying-to-save-on-hawaii-vacation/#respond</comments>
  5881. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/6-mistakes-trying-to-save-on-hawaii-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  5882. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  5883. <description>We get it! Hawaii is an expensive destination, and you want to save money any way you can!! 6 mistakes people make when trying to save money on a Hawaii vacation!
  5884.  
  5885. On this episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast for Sunday, February 6th, 2022, Yaling and Aloha Bruce talk about 6 mistakes people make when trying to save money on a Hawaii vacation. Whether it&#039;s booking your airfare to the wrong island, not allocating enough time to visit the island, or simply picking the wrong location, this podcast will help you with the essential budget concerns.
  5886.  
  5887. After bringing listeners up-to-date on Chinese New Year celebrations, Bruce and Yaling discuss our restaurant of the week: Keneke’s in Waimanalo, a favorite among locals for Hawaiian food and great local plate lunch selections. Out hosts offer an update on COVID news, which remains relatively unchanged. Bruce is confident that some restrictions will be lifted soon.
  5888.  
  5889. Bruce and Yaling also discuss a proposal at the State Legislature to restrict peer-to-peer vehicle rentals like Turo, and the tax revenue implications it brings. Bruce mentions Oahu’s Hui vehicle sharing service.
  5890.  
  5891. Our hosts get deep into the budgeting and planning process, primarily focused on mistakes people make over and over again when deciding to come to visit the islands.  Bruce and Yaling share that it comes down to proper planning and understanding many hidden costs and complications in choosing which islands to stay.
  5892.  
  5893. Bruce shares the story of a client who found cheap airfare to Kauai for three days but failed to research rental cars and accommodations and blew her budget up. Our hosts agree that booking such a short stay on Kauai severely limits the activities and amenities available. “People want to save money, so they book a shorter trip,” Bruce says. “But they end up not having a very good time.”
  5894.  
  5895. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  5896. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  5897.  
  5898. Next, Bruce and Yaling talk about the importance of budgeting currently and considering “incidentals” like tipping, resort fees, gas prices, debit card deposits, and how many businesses do not accept pre-paid credit cards. “Have some emergency funds available for a Hawaii vacation.
  5899.  
  5900. Bruce moves on to discuss potential confusion about Hawaii’s airports for visitors who travel to multiple islands. The Big Island, for example, has busy airports in both Hilo and Kailua-Kona. “It just depends on which islands you’re going to!” Knowing your arrival and departure airports on each island can eliminate that confusion.
  5901.  
  5902. The conversation moves on to discuss booking “cheap hotels”. Bruce says even cheap hotels average about $160. Yaling notes surprise cleaning fees and other charges like parking and resort fees. Even if you can find a “cheap hotel” you’ll likely be faced with considerable additional fees.
  5903.  
  5904. Our hosts then get into talking about arranging transportation and discuss ride-sharing options like Uber and Lift. “It’s costly!” says Bruce. “To Uber everywhere is ridiculously expensive.”
  5905.  
  5906. Finally, Bruce and Yaling agree that the most common mistake people make when booking a Hawaii vacation is waiting until the last minute. A room that comes at a reasonable rate on one day may be much more expensive on the next. “The same thing happens with airfare,” Bruce says. “You’ve got to be very careful with all of this.”</description>
  5907. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/budgetmistakes.mp3" length="16675467" type="audio/mpeg" />
  5908. <itunes:subtitle>We get it! Hawaii is an expensive destination, and you want to save money any way you can!! 6 mistakes people make when trying to save money on a Hawaii vacation!  On this episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast for Sunday, February 6th,</itunes:subtitle>
  5909. <itunes:summary>We get it! Hawaii is an expensive destination, and you want to save money any way you can!! 6 mistakes people make when trying to save money on a Hawaii vacation!&lt;br /&gt;
  5910. &lt;br /&gt;
  5911. On this episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast for Sunday, February 6th, 2022, Yaling and Aloha Bruce talk about 6 mistakes people make when trying to save money on a Hawaii vacation. Whether it&#039;s booking your airfare to the wrong island, not allocating enough time to visit the island, or simply picking the wrong location, this podcast will help you with the essential budget concerns.&lt;br /&gt;
  5912. &lt;br /&gt;
  5913. After bringing listeners up-to-date on Chinese New Year celebrations, Bruce and Yaling discuss our restaurant of the week: Keneke’s in Waimanalo, a favorite among locals for Hawaiian food and great local plate lunch selections. Out hosts offer an update on COVID news, which remains relatively unchanged. Bruce is confident that some restrictions will be lifted soon.&lt;br /&gt;
  5914. &lt;br /&gt;
  5915. Bruce and Yaling also discuss a proposal at the State Legislature to restrict peer-to-peer vehicle rentals like Turo, and the tax revenue implications it brings. Bruce mentions Oahu’s Hui vehicle sharing service.&lt;br /&gt;
  5916. &lt;br /&gt;
  5917. Our hosts get deep into the budgeting and planning process, primarily focused on mistakes people make over and over again when deciding to come to visit the islands.  Bruce and Yaling share that it comes down to proper planning and understanding many hidden costs and complications in choosing which islands to stay.&lt;br /&gt;
  5918. &lt;br /&gt;
  5919. Bruce shares the story of a client who found cheap airfare to Kauai for three days but failed to research rental cars and accommodations and blew her budget up. Our hosts agree that booking such a short stay on Kauai severely limits the activities and amenities available. “People want to save money, so they book a shorter trip,” Bruce says. “But they end up not having a very good time.”&lt;br /&gt;
  5920. &lt;br /&gt;
  5921. &lt;br /&gt;
  5922. &lt;br /&gt;
  5923. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  5924. &lt;br /&gt;
  5925. &lt;br /&gt;
  5926. &lt;br /&gt;
  5927. &lt;br /&gt;
  5928. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  5929. &lt;br /&gt;
  5930. &lt;br /&gt;
  5931. &lt;br /&gt;
  5932. &lt;br /&gt;
  5933. &lt;br /&gt;
  5934. &lt;br /&gt;
  5935. &lt;br /&gt;
  5936. Next, Bruce and Yaling talk about the importance of budgeting currently and considering “incidentals” like tipping, resort fees, gas prices, debit card deposits, and how many businesses do not accept pre-paid credit cards. “Have some emergency funds available for a Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  5937. &lt;br /&gt;
  5938. Bruce moves on to discuss potential confusion about Hawaii’s airports for visitors who travel to multiple islands. The Big Island, for example, has busy airports in both Hilo and Kailua-Kona. “It just depends on which islands you’re going to!” Knowing your arrival and departure airports on each island can eliminate that confusion.&lt;br /&gt;
  5939. &lt;br /&gt;
  5940. The conversation moves on to discuss booking “cheap hotels”. Bruce says even cheap hotels average about $160. Yaling notes surprise cleaning fees and other charges like parking and resort fees. Even if you can find a “cheap hotel” you’ll likely be faced with considerable additional fees.&lt;br /&gt;
  5941. &lt;br /&gt;
  5942. Our hosts then get into talking about arranging transportation and discuss ride-sharing options like Uber and Lift. “It’s costly!” says Bruce. “To Uber everywhere is ridiculously expensive.”&lt;br /&gt;
  5943. &lt;br /&gt;
  5944. Finally, Bruce and Yaling agree that the most common mistake people make when booking a Hawaii vacation is waiting until the last minute. A room that comes at a reasonable rate on one day may be much more expensive on the next. “The same thing happens with airfare,” Bruce says. “You’ve got to be very careful with all of this.”</itunes:summary>
  5945. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  5946. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  5947. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  5948. <itunes:duration>19:09</itunes:duration>
  5949. </item>
  5950. <item>
  5951. <title>Off the Beaten Path Towns to Visit in Hawaii</title>
  5952. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/off-the-beaten-path-towns-to-visit-in-hawaii/</link>
  5953. <pubDate>Wed, 26 Jan 2022 20:38:12 +0000</pubDate>
  5954. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=40673</guid>
  5955. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/off-the-beaten-path-towns-to-visit-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  5956. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/off-the-beaten-path-towns-to-visit-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  5957. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  5958. <description>On this Wednesday January 26, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce offers suggestions for Off the Beaten Path Towns to Visit in Hawaii, some Hawaii Covid news, including Maui’s new requirement of proof of a booster shot to be considered “fully vaccinated” for places like restaurants, bars, and gyms. Bruce notes that this does not include the Hawaii Safe Travels Program, but Governor Ige has expressed interest in implementing the requirement statewide.
  5959.  
  5960. Bruce also mentions Hawaii’s high gas prices (about a dollar more per gallon than the mainland average), and how that may affect your plans to get a rental vehicle on a Hawaii vacation.
  5961.  
  5962. For the Restaurant of the Week, Bruce offers Brick Fire Tavern, a relatively new pizza restaurant in the retail/dining corridor of Kaimuki in Honolulu. Bruce was craving meatballs, he said, which were delicious. They followed with a Marguerita-style pizza with a perfect crust. He mentions some other non-pizza selections and notes that everything was terrific.
  5963.  
  5964. Bruce moves the topic to the Malama Hawaii program that seeks to promote regenerative tourism that promotes the conservation and preservation of Hawaii&#039;s natural and cultural resources. There are programs available that provide for a free night’s stay at various properties if visitors volunteer for community projects like tree planting and beach cleanups.
  5965.  
  5966. The Sustainable Hotel Package at the Waikiki Prince Hotel is noted as exceptional. Bruce offers details about the hotel’s program, including beach cleanups. Bruce says that he sees more and more discarded facemasks along with his daily Ka Iwi Coast hikes. He also mentions the Kualoa Ranch Malama Experience, a 2-hour “eco-adventure” that’s great for kids to learn about traditional Hawaiian methods of sustainability and taro farming. Bruce notes that the Hawaii Tourism Authority has a list of Hawaii hotels and resorts that participate in the Malama Hawaii program.
  5967.  
  5968. The discussion turns to Off the Beaten Path Towns to Visit in Hawaii, and how supporting businesses there can help with sustainability efforts. Bruce first mentions a self-guided tour in the old sugar town of Koloa on Kauai, the Koloa Heritage Trail. It features many local foods and products and a monthly food truck and live music event.
  5969.  
  5970. Bruce moves on to discuss Off the Beaten Path Towns such as Hawaii Haleiwa Town on Oahu’s North Shore, where the surfing, art, and restaurant communities are thriving far from the bustle of Waikiki and Honolulu. On the Big Island, Holualoa in “coffee country” is a great small town for local shopping. Bruce says Makawao in Upcountry Maui features Hawaii’s paniolo (cowboy) culture, and he mentions the popular Komodo Store there that offers deliciously baked and fried treats. Bruce suggests taking a horseback tour in Makawao and mentions the annual Makawao Rodeo.
  5971.  
  5972. Bruce circles back to Heeia on Oahu, a tiny town on Kaneohe Bay. There is a small boat harbor, Heeia Pier, home to Heeia General Store (a beloved local eatery with sophisticated but affordable selections. Bruce also notes that Heeia is home to an 800-year-old native Hawaiian fishpond. “It’s really an amazing experience,” Bruce says, noting that the HAT Cultural Tour features the historic location.
  5973.  
  5974. “Experiencing Hawaii’s small towns is a great way to immerse yourself in Hawaii’s island culture.”</description>
  5975. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/townvisit.mp3" length="15857962" type="audio/mpeg" />
  5976. <itunes:subtitle>On this Wednesday January 26, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce offers suggestions for Off the Beaten Path Towns to Visit in Hawaii, some Hawaii Covid news, including Maui’s new requirement of proof of a booster shot ...</itunes:subtitle>
  5977. <itunes:summary>On this Wednesday January 26, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce offers suggestions for Off the Beaten Path Towns to Visit in Hawaii, some Hawaii Covid news, including Maui’s new requirement of proof of a booster shot to be considered “fully vaccinated” for places like restaurants, bars, and gyms. Bruce notes that this does not include the Hawaii Safe Travels Program, but Governor Ige has expressed interest in implementing the requirement statewide.&lt;br /&gt;
  5978. &lt;br /&gt;
  5979. Bruce also mentions Hawaii’s high gas prices (about a dollar more per gallon than the mainland average), and how that may affect your plans to get a rental vehicle on a Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  5980. &lt;br /&gt;
  5981. For the Restaurant of the Week, Bruce offers Brick Fire Tavern, a relatively new pizza restaurant in the retail/dining corridor of Kaimuki in Honolulu. Bruce was craving meatballs, he said, which were delicious. They followed with a Marguerita-style pizza with a perfect crust. He mentions some other non-pizza selections and notes that everything was terrific.&lt;br /&gt;
  5982. &lt;br /&gt;
  5983. Bruce moves the topic to the Malama Hawaii program that seeks to promote regenerative tourism that promotes the conservation and preservation of Hawaii&#039;s natural and cultural resources. There are programs available that provide for a free night’s stay at various properties if visitors volunteer for community projects like tree planting and beach cleanups.&lt;br /&gt;
  5984. &lt;br /&gt;
  5985. The Sustainable Hotel Package at the Waikiki Prince Hotel is noted as exceptional. Bruce offers details about the hotel’s program, including beach cleanups. Bruce says that he sees more and more discarded facemasks along with his daily Ka Iwi Coast hikes. He also mentions the Kualoa Ranch Malama Experience, a 2-hour “eco-adventure” that’s great for kids to learn about traditional Hawaiian methods of sustainability and taro farming. Bruce notes that the Hawaii Tourism Authority has a list of Hawaii hotels and resorts that participate in the Malama Hawaii program.&lt;br /&gt;
  5986. &lt;br /&gt;
  5987. The discussion turns to Off the Beaten Path Towns to Visit in Hawaii, and how supporting businesses there can help with sustainability efforts. Bruce first mentions a self-guided tour in the old sugar town of Koloa on Kauai, the Koloa Heritage Trail. It features many local foods and products and a monthly food truck and live music event.&lt;br /&gt;
  5988. &lt;br /&gt;
  5989. Bruce moves on to discuss Off the Beaten Path Towns such as Hawaii Haleiwa Town on Oahu’s North Shore, where the surfing, art, and restaurant communities are thriving far from the bustle of Waikiki and Honolulu. On the Big Island, Holualoa in “coffee country” is a great small town for local shopping. Bruce says Makawao in Upcountry Maui features Hawaii’s paniolo (cowboy) culture, and he mentions the popular Komodo Store there that offers deliciously baked and fried treats. Bruce suggests taking a horseback tour in Makawao and mentions the annual Makawao Rodeo.&lt;br /&gt;
  5990. &lt;br /&gt;
  5991. Bruce circles back to Heeia on Oahu, a tiny town on Kaneohe Bay. There is a small boat harbor, Heeia Pier, home to Heeia General Store (a beloved local eatery with sophisticated but affordable selections. Bruce also notes that Heeia is home to an 800-year-old native Hawaiian fishpond. “It’s really an amazing experience,” Bruce says, noting that the HAT Cultural Tour features the historic location.&lt;br /&gt;
  5992. &lt;br /&gt;
  5993. “Experiencing Hawaii’s small towns is a great way to immerse yourself in Hawaii’s island culture.”</itunes:summary>
  5994. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  5995. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  5996. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  5997. <itunes:duration>16:55</itunes:duration>
  5998. </item>
  5999. <item>
  6000. <title>Hawaii Travel Do&#8217;s and Don&#8217;ts &#124; Plan in Advance to enjoy Hawaii&#8217;s State and County Parks</title>
  6001. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-travel-dos-and-donts-plan-in-advance-to-enjoy-hawaiis-state-and-county-parks/</link>
  6002. <pubDate>Wed, 19 Jan 2022 01:58:50 +0000</pubDate>
  6003. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=40655</guid>
  6004. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-travel-dos-and-donts-plan-in-advance-to-enjoy-hawaiis-state-and-county-parks/#respond</comments>
  6005. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-travel-dos-and-donts-plan-in-advance-to-enjoy-hawaiis-state-and-county-parks/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  6006. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  6007. <description>Aloha Bruce offers some important Hawaii Travel Do&#039;s and Don&#039;ts for your Hawaii vacation and talks about the importance of not “winging it” when it comes to planning a Hawaii vacation on the latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. He also gives some important Covid developments on potential Hawaii travel policy and requirement changes.
  6008.  
  6009. Bruce starts by discussing proposed fees for Hawaii visitors to come to Hawaii and that they are unlikely to be implemented. He also notes that a “booster shot” requirement may soon be added by the State of Hawaii in order to be considered “fully vaccinated” under the Hawaii Safe Travels Program.
  6010.  
  6011. Many State parks now require fees from visitors, for admission as at Hanauma Bay on Oahu or parking fees at the Nuuanu Pali Lookout. Bruce mentions several locations in Hawaii that have already instituted those kinds of fees. State and County parks and nature areas have different requirements.
  6012.  
  6013. Bruce notes that these fees are part of the reason that you shouldn’t “wing it” when planning your Hawaii vacation. “You need to make your reservations in advance,” Bruce says. “You can’t just think that you’ll come here and get it all done.” He breaks down how public and industry policies have changed because of the Covid pandemic.
  6014.  
  6015. Moving on to the Hawaii Travel Do&#039;s and Don&#039;ts, Bruce remembers consulting for the Travel Channel on some things that are always true and some that have changed. He says that using words like “aloha” and “mahalo” sincerely can be helpful. He also notes that attempting to speak Hawaiian “pidgin” if you don’t speak it naturally is probably a bad idea. Bruce mentions HAT friend Lanai Tabura’s Hawaiian pidgin app as particularly insightful for those planning a Hawaii vacation.
  6016.  
  6017. Bruce shares his own personal experience in moving to Hawaii 27 years ago and how long it took him to adjust to the pace of life in Hawaii. “Leave that Mainland attitude behind,” Bruce says, riffing on the peculiarities of driving in Hawaii. He also talks about not disturbing rock formations or trying to build them. “Just in general, stay away from that kind of thing.” And don&#039;t go naked at the beach!
  6018.  
  6019. There are many social and cultural taboos that most visitors might be unaware of during a Hawaii vacation. Aloha Bruce’s expert insight offers important tips on how to avoid them, and how to best experience Hawaii while respecting its native and multicultural traditions. HAT’s sister company Secret Hawaii Tours is an excellent way to experience Hawaii in just such a manner.</description>
  6020. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/dodont.mp3" length="15641770" type="audio/mpeg" />
  6021. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce offers some important Hawaii Travel Do&#039;s and Don&#039;ts for your Hawaii vacation and talks about the importance of not “winging it” when it comes to planning a Hawaii vacation on the latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast.</itunes:subtitle>
  6022. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce offers some important Hawaii Travel Do&#039;s and Don&#039;ts for your Hawaii vacation and talks about the importance of not “winging it” when it comes to planning a Hawaii vacation on the latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. He also gives some important Covid developments on potential Hawaii travel policy and requirement changes.&lt;br /&gt;
  6023. &lt;br /&gt;
  6024. Bruce starts by discussing proposed fees for Hawaii visitors to come to Hawaii and that they are unlikely to be implemented. He also notes that a “booster shot” requirement may soon be added by the State of Hawaii in order to be considered “fully vaccinated” under the Hawaii Safe Travels Program.&lt;br /&gt;
  6025. &lt;br /&gt;
  6026. Many State parks now require fees from visitors, for admission as at Hanauma Bay on Oahu or parking fees at the Nuuanu Pali Lookout. Bruce mentions several locations in Hawaii that have already instituted those kinds of fees. State and County parks and nature areas have different requirements.&lt;br /&gt;
  6027. &lt;br /&gt;
  6028. Bruce notes that these fees are part of the reason that you shouldn’t “wing it” when planning your Hawaii vacation. “You need to make your reservations in advance,” Bruce says. “You can’t just think that you’ll come here and get it all done.” He breaks down how public and industry policies have changed because of the Covid pandemic.&lt;br /&gt;
  6029. &lt;br /&gt;
  6030. Moving on to the Hawaii Travel Do&#039;s and Don&#039;ts, Bruce remembers consulting for the Travel Channel on some things that are always true and some that have changed. He says that using words like “aloha” and “mahalo” sincerely can be helpful. He also notes that attempting to speak Hawaiian “pidgin” if you don’t speak it naturally is probably a bad idea. Bruce mentions HAT friend Lanai Tabura’s Hawaiian pidgin app as particularly insightful for those planning a Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  6031. &lt;br /&gt;
  6032. Bruce shares his own personal experience in moving to Hawaii 27 years ago and how long it took him to adjust to the pace of life in Hawaii. “Leave that Mainland attitude behind,” Bruce says, riffing on the peculiarities of driving in Hawaii. He also talks about not disturbing rock formations or trying to build them. “Just in general, stay away from that kind of thing.” And don&#039;t go naked at the beach!&lt;br /&gt;
  6033. &lt;br /&gt;
  6034. There are many social and cultural taboos that most visitors might be unaware of during a Hawaii vacation. Aloha Bruce’s expert insight offers important tips on how to avoid them, and how to best experience Hawaii while respecting its native and multicultural traditions. HAT’s sister company Secret Hawaii Tours is an excellent way to experience Hawaii in just such a manner.</itunes:summary>
  6035. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  6036. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  6037. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  6038. <itunes:duration>18:24</itunes:duration>
  6039. </item>
  6040. <item>
  6041. <title>Choosing a Condo versus a Resort for your Hawaii Vacation</title>
  6042. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/choosing-a-condo-vs-a-resort-for-your-hawaii-vacation/</link>
  6043. <pubDate>Wed, 12 Jan 2022 04:37:40 +0000</pubDate>
  6044. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=40646</guid>
  6045. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/choosing-a-condo-vs-a-resort-for-your-hawaii-vacation/#respond</comments>
  6046. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/choosing-a-condo-vs-a-resort-for-your-hawaii-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  6047. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  6048. <description>This Tuesday, January 11, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast features host Aloha Bruce discussing the latest Hawaii Covid travel news, the Restaurant of the Week, and the differences between a regular condo and a “hybrid condo” for your Hawaii vacation.
  6049.  
  6050. Bruce begins by discussing changes to the Hawaii Safe Travel Program, and he explains the QR code aspect of the program. He also says that it looks like Governor David Ige is close to making a third booster shot a requirement to be considered fully vaccinated.
  6051.  
  6052. The recent arrival of the Grand Princess cruise ship is the first arrival of a cruise in Honolulu Harbor in two years, with more scheduled to return in the weeks and months to come. Bruce says you’ll need a proof of vaccination or a negative Covid ship to leave the ship while it is docked in Hawaii waters.
  6053.  
  6054. The Restaurant of the Week is Lulu’s in Waikiki, across the street from Waikiki and Queen’s Beach. Bruce notes the outdoor seating option, and says that it makes a lot of people more comfortable than indoor dining. He mentions a couple of notable dishes (delicious) and says the price for food and drinks was very reasonable for Waikiki.
  6055.  
  6056. Bruce moves on to the topic of the best time to vacation in Hawaii and when the best rates are available. April through mid-June and September through mid-December are the times of year for the best rates for a Hawaii vacation. He also recommends traveling with a group to get discounted rates.
  6057.  
  6058. Bruce says accommodations with a kitchen can help save on food costs. He also mentions the importance of picking the right island(s) for your vacation needs and preferences. He also recommends enjoying many of the free and inexpensive attractions Hawaii offers, including the Pearl Harbor Memorial.
  6059.  
  6060. The topic of choosing a condominium is up next, and Bruce explains the difference between different types of condos available throughout Hawaii. He also discusses “hybrid condos” like the Honua Kai on Maui. These condos have amenities like spas, restaurants and bars, and even activities for kids. Hybrid condos are slightly more expensive, and Bruce mentions the Kaanapali Shores as being highly popular for visitors.
  6061.  
  6062. Bruce says Hawaii Aloha Travel can help you choose the vacation condo, hybrid or otherwise, that best suits what you are looking for on your Hawaii vacation.</description>
  6063. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/hybrid4.mp3" length="14395374" type="audio/mpeg" />
  6064. <itunes:subtitle>This Tuesday, January 11, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast features host Aloha Bruce discussing the latest Hawaii Covid travel news, the Restaurant of the Week, and the differences between a regular condo and a “hybrid condo” for...</itunes:subtitle>
  6065. <itunes:summary>This Tuesday, January 11, 2022, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast features host Aloha Bruce discussing the latest Hawaii Covid travel news, the Restaurant of the Week, and the differences between a regular condo and a “hybrid condo” for your Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  6066. &lt;br /&gt;
  6067. Bruce begins by discussing changes to the Hawaii Safe Travel Program, and he explains the QR code aspect of the program. He also says that it looks like Governor David Ige is close to making a third booster shot a requirement to be considered fully vaccinated.&lt;br /&gt;
  6068. &lt;br /&gt;
  6069. The recent arrival of the Grand Princess cruise ship is the first arrival of a cruise in Honolulu Harbor in two years, with more scheduled to return in the weeks and months to come. Bruce says you’ll need a proof of vaccination or a negative Covid ship to leave the ship while it is docked in Hawaii waters.&lt;br /&gt;
  6070. &lt;br /&gt;
  6071. The Restaurant of the Week is Lulu’s in Waikiki, across the street from Waikiki and Queen’s Beach. Bruce notes the outdoor seating option, and says that it makes a lot of people more comfortable than indoor dining. He mentions a couple of notable dishes (delicious) and says the price for food and drinks was very reasonable for Waikiki.&lt;br /&gt;
  6072. &lt;br /&gt;
  6073. Bruce moves on to the topic of the best time to vacation in Hawaii and when the best rates are available. April through mid-June and September through mid-December are the times of year for the best rates for a Hawaii vacation. He also recommends traveling with a group to get discounted rates.&lt;br /&gt;
  6074. &lt;br /&gt;
  6075. Bruce says accommodations with a kitchen can help save on food costs. He also mentions the importance of picking the right island(s) for your vacation needs and preferences. He also recommends enjoying many of the free and inexpensive attractions Hawaii offers, including the Pearl Harbor Memorial.&lt;br /&gt;
  6076. &lt;br /&gt;
  6077. The topic of choosing a condominium is up next, and Bruce explains the difference between different types of condos available throughout Hawaii. He also discusses “hybrid condos” like the Honua Kai on Maui. These condos have amenities like spas, restaurants and bars, and even activities for kids. Hybrid condos are slightly more expensive, and Bruce mentions the Kaanapali Shores as being highly popular for visitors.&lt;br /&gt;
  6078. &lt;br /&gt;
  6079. Bruce says Hawaii Aloha Travel can help you choose the vacation condo, hybrid or otherwise, that best suits what you are looking for on your Hawaii vacation.</itunes:summary>
  6080. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  6081. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  6082. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  6083. <itunes:duration>16:23</itunes:duration>
  6084. </item>
  6085. <item>
  6086. <title>Is Hawaii an Exotic Destination? &#124; Hawaii Cruises for 2021 &#124; Dwayne &#8220;The Rock&#8221; Johnson Fanny Packs</title>
  6087. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-exotic-destination/</link>
  6088. <pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2021 22:21:20 +0000</pubDate>
  6089. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=40598</guid>
  6090. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-exotic-destination/#respond</comments>
  6091. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-exotic-destination/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  6092. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  6093. <description>Aloha Bruce offers up a special extended 2021 year-end episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection for Tuesday, December 21, 2021 (new episodes return in the new year of 2022). He talks about booking Hawaii cruises (there are many), offers his restaurant recommendations, and gives his own unique perspective on the year that was 2021.
  6094.  
  6095. Our host recalls talking with local news broadcaster Mahealani Richardson at the beginning of the COVID pandemic, and how two years have slipped by in the grips of the global crisis. Bruce notes that no new travel restrictions have been put in place as the Omicron variant continues to spread.
  6096.  
  6097. Bruce begins with the Restaurants of the Week. Up first is The Counter, a unique burger place in Kahala Mall on Oahu, where he and Yaling enjoyed the turkey burger, impossible burger, a “burger bowl” and fried pickles. Bruce also mentions Fete in Chinatown, saying “I’m gonna give them another chance.”
  6098.  
  6099. The topic of Duane “The Rock” Johnson is up next, and Bruce comments on the Hawaii superstar’s affinity for bringing fanny-packs for his Hawaii visits and Oahu being his favorite island. “Fanny packs are in!”
  6100.  
  6101. Bruce also notes that the Obama family is back in Kailua on Oahu, where they stay at a Paradise Point property that goes for $5400 per night. “A lot of celebrities have stayed there,” Bruce notes. He also says Obama is building a home at the former Magnum PI “Masters Estate” in East Oahu.
  6102.  
  6103. The topic moves on to what happens if you test positive for COVID during a Hawaii vacation. “It is quite a mess if that happens,” Bruce says. He mentions HAT’s Facebook Covid Support Page, a community of 5000 that tackles tough questions. “A lot of hotels are not accepting people who are Covid-positive.” Vacationers who do test positive are required to undergo 10 days of mandatory quarantine (without clearance from the Department of Health) out of their pocket.
  6104.  
  6105.  
  6106.  
  6107. “It’s really a big problem now,” Bruce offers. He also makes the important point that visitors should have a contingency plan in the event that they do test positive.
  6108.  
  6109. Next in Hawaii news is the high number of hiker rescues that have been made recently and an alarming number of trails that have been closed due to hazards, including an incident at Sacred Falls that killed multiple hikers years ago. Bruce says that Hawaii’s hiking community is increasingly frustrated with these closures due to hikers needing rescue from illegal trails. “Please take heed on these trails!” Bruce implores.
  6110.  
  6111. The common question of finding remote, “exotic” Hawaii locations is up next. “Hawaii is not an exotic destination,” Bruce explains. “We’re not another country.” He discusses Kauai and the Big Island as being something close to “exotic” locations.
  6112.  
  6113. Bruce notes that we are seeing an increase in cruise bookings. “Cruising, I think, is coming back,” he says, and offers some recommends a variety of Hawaii cruise options. He mentions a 17-day Holland America “circle island” cruise out of San Diego that visits each of the major islands, with day-stops.
  6114.  
  6115. Among the many cruises and stops Bruce mentions is a Royal Caribbean “Quantum of the Seas” cruise that offers a wide variety of on-board activities out of Vancouver that makes stops on Maui and Oahu. The Norwegian Cruise Lines “Pride of America” Hawaii 7-day cruise also comes up, and Bruce mentions that rates are fairly high-end. The “Safari Explorer” yacht cruise that visits four islands including Molokai and Lanai is noted.
  6116.  
  6117. BruceAlohaBruce signs off with a warm thank you and mahalo and happy holiday wishes to Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast listeners over the past 14 years from him and Aloha Yaling Fisher. “I love hearing from you!”
  6118.  
  6119. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  6120. Get Help Planning Your Trip</description>
  6121. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/2021yearend.mp3" length="30435122" type="audio/mpeg" />
  6122. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce offers up a special extended 2021 year-end episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection for Tuesday, December 21, 2021 (new episodes return in the new year of 2022). He talks about booking Hawaii cruises (there are many),</itunes:subtitle>
  6123. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce offers up a special extended 2021 year-end episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection for Tuesday, December 21, 2021 (new episodes return in the new year of 2022). He talks about booking Hawaii cruises (there are many), offers his restaurant recommendations, and gives his own unique perspective on the year that was 2021.&lt;br /&gt;
  6124. &lt;br /&gt;
  6125. Our host recalls talking with local news broadcaster Mahealani Richardson at the beginning of the COVID pandemic, and how two years have slipped by in the grips of the global crisis. Bruce notes that no new travel restrictions have been put in place as the Omicron variant continues to spread.&lt;br /&gt;
  6126. &lt;br /&gt;
  6127. Bruce begins with the Restaurants of the Week. Up first is The Counter, a unique burger place in Kahala Mall on Oahu, where he and Yaling enjoyed the turkey burger, impossible burger, a “burger bowl” and fried pickles. Bruce also mentions Fete in Chinatown, saying “I’m gonna give them another chance.”&lt;br /&gt;
  6128. &lt;br /&gt;
  6129. The topic of Duane “The Rock” Johnson is up next, and Bruce comments on the Hawaii superstar’s affinity for bringing fanny-packs for his Hawaii visits and Oahu being his favorite island. “Fanny packs are in!”&lt;br /&gt;
  6130. &lt;br /&gt;
  6131. Bruce also notes that the Obama family is back in Kailua on Oahu, where they stay at a Paradise Point property that goes for $5400 per night. “A lot of celebrities have stayed there,” Bruce notes. He also says Obama is building a home at the former Magnum PI “Masters Estate” in East Oahu.&lt;br /&gt;
  6132. &lt;br /&gt;
  6133. The topic moves on to what happens if you test positive for COVID during a Hawaii vacation. “It is quite a mess if that happens,” Bruce says. He mentions HAT’s Facebook Covid Support Page, a community of 5000 that tackles tough questions. “A lot of hotels are not accepting people who are Covid-positive.” Vacationers who do test positive are required to undergo 10 days of mandatory quarantine (without clearance from the Department of Health) out of their pocket.&lt;br /&gt;
  6134. &lt;br /&gt;
  6135. &lt;br /&gt;
  6136. &lt;br /&gt;
  6137. “It’s really a big problem now,” Bruce offers. He also makes the important point that visitors should have a contingency plan in the event that they do test positive.&lt;br /&gt;
  6138. &lt;br /&gt;
  6139. Next in Hawaii news is the high number of hiker rescues that have been made recently and an alarming number of trails that have been closed due to hazards, including an incident at Sacred Falls that killed multiple hikers years ago. Bruce says that Hawaii’s hiking community is increasingly frustrated with these closures due to hikers needing rescue from illegal trails. “Please take heed on these trails!” Bruce implores.&lt;br /&gt;
  6140. &lt;br /&gt;
  6141. The common question of finding remote, “exotic” Hawaii locations is up next. “Hawaii is not an exotic destination,” Bruce explains. “We’re not another country.” He discusses Kauai and the Big Island as being something close to “exotic” locations.&lt;br /&gt;
  6142. &lt;br /&gt;
  6143. Bruce notes that we are seeing an increase in cruise bookings. “Cruising, I think, is coming back,” he says, and offers some recommends a variety of Hawaii cruise options. He mentions a 17-day Holland America “circle island” cruise out of San Diego that visits each of the major islands, with day-stops.&lt;br /&gt;
  6144. &lt;br /&gt;
  6145. Among the many cruises and stops Bruce mentions is a Royal Caribbean “Quantum of the Seas” cruise that offers a wide variety of on-board activities out of Vancouver that makes stops on Maui and Oahu. The Norwegian Cruise Lines “Pride of America” Hawaii 7-day cruise also comes up, and Bruce mentions that rates are fairly high-end. The “Safari Explorer” yacht cruise that visits four islands including Molokai and Lanai is noted.&lt;br /&gt;
  6146. &lt;br /&gt;
  6147. BruceAlohaBruce signs off with a warm thank you and mahalo and happy holiday wishes to Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast listeners over the past 14 years from him and Aloha Yaling Fisher. “I love hearing from you!”&lt;br /&gt;
  6148. &lt;br /&gt;
  6149. &lt;br /&gt;
  6150. &lt;br /&gt;
  6151. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  6152. &lt;br /&gt;
  6153. &lt;br /&gt;
  6154. &lt;br /&gt;
  6155. &lt;br /&gt;
  6156. </itunes:summary>
  6157. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  6158. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  6159. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  6160. <itunes:duration>33:34</itunes:duration>
  6161. </item>
  6162. <item>
  6163. <title>Hidden Hawaii Vacation Budget Busters!! &#124; Fees that get tacked on that you just don&#8217;t know about!</title>
  6164. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hidden-hawaii-hotel-fees/</link>
  6165. <pubDate>Tue, 14 Dec 2021 20:35:13 +0000</pubDate>
  6166. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=40584</guid>
  6167. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hidden-hawaii-hotel-fees/#respond</comments>
  6168. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hidden-hawaii-hotel-fees/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  6169. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  6170. <description>Trying to Get your Hawaii Vacation Budget worked out?
  6171.  
  6172. Aloha Bruce gives listeners the insider low-down on hidden “resort” and “destination” fees that can catch visitors unaware and blow up a Hawaii vacation budget on this December 14, 2021, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. He’s coming in hot!
  6173.  
  6174. Bruce starts off by noting that Hawaii is back to pre-pandemic visitor numbers during this busy holiday season. He also says that pandemic conditions remain essentially the same, with some restrictions lifted but almost everyone remaining masked indoors and getting vaccinated. Hawaii Aloha Travel can help visitors navigate the Hawaii Safe Travels program.
  6175.  
  6176. Bruce’s Restaurant of the Week is on Oahu: Thai Valley Cuisine. It’s in Kalama Valley in Hawaii Kai. It’s great for takeout when enjoying area sights like the famous (and dangerous) Spitting Cave cliff overlook. The curries at Thai Valley, including delicious pineapple and “Evil” curry creations are “not too hot.”
  6177.  
  6178. Moving on to the topic of resort fees, Bruce dives deep into the nature of how they are applied. “They are jacking up these fees to no end!” he says. They’re called “resort fees”, “destination fees”,
  6179. “connection fees” and other sneaky ways of piling on charges.
  6180.  
  6181.  
  6182.  
  6183. Bruce also discusses the hefty taxes levied on visitor accommodations. Bruce is animated as ever when talking about hidden Hawaii vacation budget busters; things like the excise tax, and the Transient Accommodation Tax (TAT) that comes in at 10.25%, and the fact that Hawaii’s counties are now able to add an additional 3% on top of the TAT. “Of course the counties have done it!” Bruce laughs.
  6184.  
  6185. Most hotels, Bruce notes, do not include the tax with their published rates. He also talks about one unnamed hotel chain that will tack on a $5 “donation” to your bill. Fees can be changed at any time, and Bruce offers his 20-plus years of expertise about how to identify and understand them. They can be raised at any time which can take its toll on your Hawaii Vacation Budget!
  6186.  
  6187. Bruce says that many condo properties are adding to the common “cleaning fee” an additional “resort fee”. Bruce jokes about an “air conditioner fee” at one property that applies when you don’t empty the home appliance before you leave. “Do you believe this? Who remembers to do this stuff?” Bruce also talks about bringing pets and service dogs along on a Hawaii vacation and how that may incur additional fees.
  6188.  
  6189. A proposed “green fee” for all visitors comes up next, as well as another “pandemic fee” that has also been suggested. Bruce mentions an “extra person fee” at Sheraton, and when it might apply. He also talks about parking fees, “free breakfasts”, and other charges that add up in the end.
  6190.  
  6191. In this latest episode of the podcast, Bruce offers a vital introduction to the kinds of taxes, charges, and fees that anyone planning and budgeting a Hawaii vacation should know about, and that only seasoned vacation planners like Hawaii Aloha Travel can help you understand.
  6192.  
  6193. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  6194. Get Help Planning Your Trip</description>
  6195. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/hiddenfees.mp3" length="14280255" type="audio/mpeg" />
  6196. <itunes:subtitle>Trying to Get your Hawaii Vacation Budget worked out?  Aloha Bruce gives listeners the insider low-down on hidden “resort” and “destination” fees that can catch visitors unaware and blow up a Hawaii vacation budget on this December 14, 2021,</itunes:subtitle>
  6197. <itunes:summary>Trying to Get your Hawaii Vacation Budget worked out?&lt;br /&gt;
  6198. &lt;br /&gt;
  6199. Aloha Bruce gives listeners the insider low-down on hidden “resort” and “destination” fees that can catch visitors unaware and blow up a Hawaii vacation budget on this December 14, 2021, episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. He’s coming in hot!&lt;br /&gt;
  6200. &lt;br /&gt;
  6201. Bruce starts off by noting that Hawaii is back to pre-pandemic visitor numbers during this busy holiday season. He also says that pandemic conditions remain essentially the same, with some restrictions lifted but almost everyone remaining masked indoors and getting vaccinated. Hawaii Aloha Travel can help visitors navigate the Hawaii Safe Travels program.&lt;br /&gt;
  6202. &lt;br /&gt;
  6203. Bruce’s Restaurant of the Week is on Oahu: Thai Valley Cuisine. It’s in Kalama Valley in Hawaii Kai. It’s great for takeout when enjoying area sights like the famous (and dangerous) Spitting Cave cliff overlook. The curries at Thai Valley, including delicious pineapple and “Evil” curry creations are “not too hot.”&lt;br /&gt;
  6204. &lt;br /&gt;
  6205. Moving on to the topic of resort fees, Bruce dives deep into the nature of how they are applied. “They are jacking up these fees to no end!” he says. They’re called “resort fees”, “destination fees”,&lt;br /&gt;
  6206. “connection fees” and other sneaky ways of piling on charges.&lt;br /&gt;
  6207. &lt;br /&gt;
  6208. &lt;br /&gt;
  6209. &lt;br /&gt;
  6210. Bruce also discusses the hefty taxes levied on visitor accommodations. Bruce is animated as ever when talking about hidden Hawaii vacation budget busters; things like the excise tax, and the Transient Accommodation Tax (TAT) that comes in at 10.25%, and the fact that Hawaii’s counties are now able to add an additional 3% on top of the TAT. “Of course the counties have done it!” Bruce laughs.&lt;br /&gt;
  6211. &lt;br /&gt;
  6212. Most hotels, Bruce notes, do not include the tax with their published rates. He also talks about one unnamed hotel chain that will tack on a $5 “donation” to your bill. Fees can be changed at any time, and Bruce offers his 20-plus years of expertise about how to identify and understand them. They can be raised at any time which can take its toll on your Hawaii Vacation Budget!&lt;br /&gt;
  6213. &lt;br /&gt;
  6214. Bruce says that many condo properties are adding to the common “cleaning fee” an additional “resort fee”. Bruce jokes about an “air conditioner fee” at one property that applies when you don’t empty the home appliance before you leave. “Do you believe this? Who remembers to do this stuff?” Bruce also talks about bringing pets and service dogs along on a Hawaii vacation and how that may incur additional fees.&lt;br /&gt;
  6215. &lt;br /&gt;
  6216. A proposed “green fee” for all visitors comes up next, as well as another “pandemic fee” that has also been suggested. Bruce mentions an “extra person fee” at Sheraton, and when it might apply. He also talks about parking fees, “free breakfasts”, and other charges that add up in the end.&lt;br /&gt;
  6217. &lt;br /&gt;
  6218. In this latest episode of the podcast, Bruce offers a vital introduction to the kinds of taxes, charges, and fees that anyone planning and budgeting a Hawaii vacation should know about, and that only seasoned vacation planners like Hawaii Aloha Travel can help you understand.&lt;br /&gt;
  6219. &lt;br /&gt;
  6220. &lt;br /&gt;
  6221. &lt;br /&gt;
  6222. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  6223. &lt;br /&gt;
  6224. &lt;br /&gt;
  6225. &lt;br /&gt;
  6226. &lt;br /&gt;
  6227. Get Help Planning Your Trip</itunes:summary>
  6228. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  6229. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  6230. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  6231. <itunes:duration>15:26</itunes:duration>
  6232. </item>
  6233. <item>
  6234. <title>New and Renovated Hotels Available in Hawaii for 2021</title>
  6235. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/new-and-renovated-hotels-available-in-hawaii-for-2021/</link>
  6236. <pubDate>Sun, 14 Nov 2021 23:10:47 +0000</pubDate>
  6237. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=40532</guid>
  6238. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/new-and-renovated-hotels-available-in-hawaii-for-2021/#respond</comments>
  6239. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/new-and-renovated-hotels-available-in-hawaii-for-2021/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  6240. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  6241. <description>Aloha Bruce is talking about some new and renovated Hotels available in Hawaii for 2021, as well from the vacation rental property debate underway throughout Hawaii’s counties on this Sunday, November 14, 2021 episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. “It feels like we’re coming out of the pandemic and you have to relearn everything about traveling!” Bruce observes.
  6242.  
  6243. The $100 million renovations done at the Four Seasons on the Big Island is discussed, the largest they’ve done in 25 years. Bruce mentions several new amenities, including the Kumukai Marine Center, a million-gallon swimmable aquarium, and the addition of golf training facilities at Hualalai.
  6244.  
  6245. Bruce moves on to the Outrigger Reef on the Beach in Waikiki, including a new 5-story Diamond Head Tower with various luxury suites, including a massive new private lanai, and renovations at the Kanikapila Grill, Monkeypod, and Merriman’s restaurants. “The whole design is pretty amazing,” says Bruce.
  6246.  
  6247. Also on Oahu, the Turtle Bay Resort has completed renovations as well, the second major renovation in about 10 years. Bruce says the design has a lot of Native Hawaiian themes and notes other upgraded amenities.
  6248.  
  6249. The Hilton Hawaiian Village has announced plans to build another skyscraper hotel on its Waikiki property for timeshares. Bruce also mentions a new Hilton property on Maui, as well as AC by Marriott in Wailea which is a great alternative to higher-end properties. Bruce notes that Hana Hotel by Hyatt is the only major property in the remote town.
  6250.  
  6251. Renovations at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel are wrapping up, and Bruce mentions the Highgate renovation of the Royal Lahaina Hotel. On Kauai, The Timbers is noted, and The Lodge at Kukui Ula has opened on the site of a former sugar plantation in historic Koloa that offers unlimited amenities, including the opportunity to pick your own produce, which ties into the concept of “Malama Hawaii” or mindful tourism. The Princeville Resort on Kauai’s North Shore has been completely renovated, and Bruce notes that Hawaii Aloha Travel can offer the best deals on rates that are sometimes prohibitively expensive.
  6252.  
  6253. Bruce moves on to discuss vacation rentals on Oahu, and an effort to restrict permitting on the island. The City Council recently passed restrictions through a key committee due to concerns of overcrowding in residential neighbors and the lack of affordable housing for residents. Bruce gives a quick rundown of recent measures at the City Council, including a proposal to increase the minimum stay of six months on residential properties and levying a $10,000 per day fine for violators.
  6254.  
  6255. Bruce mentions HAT’s legal vacation rentals in Waikiki, and notes proposed expansions of resort areas to allow for more vacation rental inventory on Oahu.</description>
  6256. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/newhotels1.mp3" length="18172006" type="audio/mpeg" />
  6257. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce is talking about some new and renovated Hotels available in Hawaii for 2021, as well from the vacation rental property debate underway throughout Hawaii’s counties on this Sunday, November 14, 2021 episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection ...</itunes:subtitle>
  6258. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce is talking about some new and renovated Hotels available in Hawaii for 2021, as well from the vacation rental property debate underway throughout Hawaii’s counties on this Sunday, November 14, 2021 episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. “It feels like we’re coming out of the pandemic and you have to relearn everything about traveling!” Bruce observes.&lt;br /&gt;
  6259. &lt;br /&gt;
  6260. The $100 million renovations done at the Four Seasons on the Big Island is discussed, the largest they’ve done in 25 years. Bruce mentions several new amenities, including the Kumukai Marine Center, a million-gallon swimmable aquarium, and the addition of golf training facilities at Hualalai.&lt;br /&gt;
  6261. &lt;br /&gt;
  6262. Bruce moves on to the Outrigger Reef on the Beach in Waikiki, including a new 5-story Diamond Head Tower with various luxury suites, including a massive new private lanai, and renovations at the Kanikapila Grill, Monkeypod, and Merriman’s restaurants. “The whole design is pretty amazing,” says Bruce.&lt;br /&gt;
  6263. &lt;br /&gt;
  6264. Also on Oahu, the Turtle Bay Resort has completed renovations as well, the second major renovation in about 10 years. Bruce says the design has a lot of Native Hawaiian themes and notes other upgraded amenities.&lt;br /&gt;
  6265. &lt;br /&gt;
  6266. The Hilton Hawaiian Village has announced plans to build another skyscraper hotel on its Waikiki property for timeshares. Bruce also mentions a new Hilton property on Maui, as well as AC by Marriott in Wailea which is a great alternative to higher-end properties. Bruce notes that Hana Hotel by Hyatt is the only major property in the remote town.&lt;br /&gt;
  6267. &lt;br /&gt;
  6268. Renovations at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel are wrapping up, and Bruce mentions the Highgate renovation of the Royal Lahaina Hotel. On Kauai, The Timbers is noted, and The Lodge at Kukui Ula has opened on the site of a former sugar plantation in historic Koloa that offers unlimited amenities, including the opportunity to pick your own produce, which ties into the concept of “Malama Hawaii” or mindful tourism. The Princeville Resort on Kauai’s North Shore has been completely renovated, and Bruce notes that Hawaii Aloha Travel can offer the best deals on rates that are sometimes prohibitively expensive.&lt;br /&gt;
  6269. &lt;br /&gt;
  6270. Bruce moves on to discuss vacation rentals on Oahu, and an effort to restrict permitting on the island. The City Council recently passed restrictions through a key committee due to concerns of overcrowding in residential neighbors and the lack of affordable housing for residents. Bruce gives a quick rundown of recent measures at the City Council, including a proposal to increase the minimum stay of six months on residential properties and levying a $10,000 per day fine for violators.&lt;br /&gt;
  6271. &lt;br /&gt;
  6272. Bruce mentions HAT’s legal vacation rentals in Waikiki, and notes proposed expansions of resort areas to allow for more vacation rental inventory on Oahu.</itunes:summary>
  6273. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  6274. <itunes:season>15</itunes:season>
  6275. <podcast:season>15</podcast:season>
  6276. <itunes:episode>689</itunes:episode>
  6277. <podcast:episode>689</podcast:episode>
  6278. <itunes:title>New and Renovated Hotels in Hawaii for 2021 </itunes:title>
  6279. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  6280. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  6281. <itunes:duration>20:48</itunes:duration>
  6282. </item>
  6283. <item>
  6284. <title>Pulling The Kids from School to Save Money on your Hawaii Trip during Peak seasons</title>
  6285. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-trip/</link>
  6286. <pubDate>Tue, 09 Nov 2021 02:29:44 +0000</pubDate>
  6287. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=40519</guid>
  6288. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-trip/#respond</comments>
  6289. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-trip/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  6290. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  6291. <description>Aloha Bruce tackles the question of whether or not to take your kids out of school for a Hawaii trip on this episone Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce marvels that the pandemic has been going on this long, and notes that he received his vaccine booster shot without any side effects at all. He says being vaccinated makes a Hawaii vacation much more enjoyable than having to get tested to do almost anything indoors without it.
  6292.  
  6293.  
  6294.  
  6295. “I’m not getting why so many people are so resistant to it,” Bruce says. “The vaccine is the way to go.”
  6296.  
  6297.  
  6298.  
  6299. Bruce gives a rundown of the latest developments in Hawaii’s travel restrictions and requirements. “We are in, probably, the safest place in the country.” He talks about a common question from listeners and explains Hawaii Aloha Travel’s “all-inclusive” packages. He notes some booking mistakes people make, such as booking cheap airfare before booking accommodations that fit their travel budget.
  6300.  
  6301.  
  6302.  
  6303. Bruce says that a vast majority of on HAT’s Facebook group page would absolutely take their kids out of school if it means getting a better deal on their Hawaii vacation. Cheaper rates come along during “off season” months, which coincide with when kids are in school. Bruce wonders out loud about creating distance learning for kids away from school with their families on vacation.
  6304.  
  6305.  
  6306.  
  6307. “You can beat the crowds and beat the prices is to book during the off months,” Bruce says. He explains how HAT books families with kids during the school year and says planning well in advance is key. He advises informing teachers about your trip and possibly having kids do their schoolwork in advance, and incentivizing kids to get the work done here in Hawaii and at home.
  6308.  
  6309.  
  6310.  
  6311. Bruce also discusses how much money you can save by booking well in advance and during the off seasons. “I don’t think you should feel guilty about pulling your kids out of school for a Hawaii vtrip. They might not even want to go back!”, Bruce jokes, and mentions the popular HBO series White Lotus, which was filmed on Maui. “That’s what happened to me!”</description>
  6312. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/kids.mp3" length="18340852" type="audio/mpeg" />
  6313. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce tackles the question of whether or not to take your kids out of school for a Hawaii trip on this episone Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce marvels that the pandemic has been going on this long,</itunes:subtitle>
  6314. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce tackles the question of whether or not to take your kids out of school for a Hawaii trip on this episone Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce marvels that the pandemic has been going on this long, and notes that he received his vaccine booster shot without any side effects at all. He says being vaccinated makes a Hawaii vacation much more enjoyable than having to get tested to do almost anything indoors without it.&lt;br /&gt;
  6315. &lt;br /&gt;
  6316. &lt;br /&gt;
  6317. &lt;br /&gt;
  6318. “I’m not getting why so many people are so resistant to it,” Bruce says. “The vaccine is the way to go.”&lt;br /&gt;
  6319. &lt;br /&gt;
  6320. &lt;br /&gt;
  6321. &lt;br /&gt;
  6322. Bruce gives a rundown of the latest developments in Hawaii’s travel restrictions and requirements. “We are in, probably, the safest place in the country.” He talks about a common question from listeners and explains Hawaii Aloha Travel’s “all-inclusive” packages. He notes some booking mistakes people make, such as booking cheap airfare before booking accommodations that fit their travel budget.&lt;br /&gt;
  6323. &lt;br /&gt;
  6324. &lt;br /&gt;
  6325. &lt;br /&gt;
  6326. Bruce says that a vast majority of on HAT’s Facebook group page would absolutely take their kids out of school if it means getting a better deal on their Hawaii vacation. Cheaper rates come along during “off season” months, which coincide with when kids are in school. Bruce wonders out loud about creating distance learning for kids away from school with their families on vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  6327. &lt;br /&gt;
  6328. &lt;br /&gt;
  6329. &lt;br /&gt;
  6330. “You can beat the crowds and beat the prices is to book during the off months,” Bruce says. He explains how HAT books families with kids during the school year and says planning well in advance is key. He advises informing teachers about your trip and possibly having kids do their schoolwork in advance, and incentivizing kids to get the work done here in Hawaii and at home.&lt;br /&gt;
  6331. &lt;br /&gt;
  6332. &lt;br /&gt;
  6333. &lt;br /&gt;
  6334. Bruce also discusses how much money you can save by booking well in advance and during the off seasons. “I don’t think you should feel guilty about pulling your kids out of school for a Hawaii vtrip. They might not even want to go back!”, Bruce jokes, and mentions the popular HBO series White Lotus, which was filmed on Maui. “That’s what happened to me!”</itunes:summary>
  6335. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  6336. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  6337. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  6338. <itunes:duration>16:53</itunes:duration>
  6339. </item>
  6340. <item>
  6341. <title>How long should my Hawaii vacation be?</title>
  6342. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/how-long-should-my-hawaii-vacation-be/</link>
  6343. <pubDate>Tue, 02 Nov 2021 00:34:23 +0000</pubDate>
  6344. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=40508</guid>
  6345. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/how-long-should-my-hawaii-vacation-be/#respond</comments>
  6346. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/how-long-should-my-hawaii-vacation-be/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  6347. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  6348. <description>A podcast listener’s email prompts Aloha Bruce to unpack the question “how long should my Hawaii vacation be?” on this November 1, 2021, Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. He will also talk about what it means to be a respectful visitor during a Hawaii vacation.
  6349.  
  6350. Bruce talks a bit about some changes to the home office and studio and laments the poor performance of his beloved Miami Dolphins. Bruce says most testing/vaccine restrictions remain in place in Hawaii and are likely to for the rest of the year. Most Hawaii restaurants require proof of vaccination, Bruce notes, explaining that several clusters have been found to have started in eating establishments. He notes the HAT Hawaii COVID Travel Facebook group as a great resource for updates on the situation on the ground.
  6351.  
  6352. A traveler from the UK wrote asking about a 3-week Hawaii vacation/wedding in June 2022 and which islands to visit. Bruce mentions the HAT condo at the Luana Waikiki as a great place to make a home base for an Oahu stay.
  6353.  
  6354. “You really don’t want to try to do too much on your Hawaii vacation,” Bruce says, suggesting paring down planned activities to make more room for flexibility. “It really comes down to budget and dates.” He suggests setting an “all-in” budget for your Hawaii vacation and making your plans around it.
  6355.  
  6356. For a one-week vacation, Bruce suggests picking an island and immersing yourself in what it has to offer. Knowing what activities (enjoying the ocean, helicopter tours, history tours) you want to try will help you decide which island to choose, although each island offers many of the same types of activities as every other island. Oahu is great for history buffs, Bruce says, the Big Island for geology enthusiasts, and Maui for ocean activities. Bruce notes new regulations regarding spinner dolphin encounters in Maui County.
  6357.  
  6358. Bruce moves on to discuss planning a vacation with kids, mentioning Disney Aulani and the Sheraton Waikiki on Oahu. He suggests 8 nights, 9 days for a two-island Hawaii vacation. “I want you to have a full experience,” says Bruce. “You can’t get it all in a one-week vacation anyway! Come back again and again!”
  6359.  
  6360. Bruce also talks about a listener with a multi-island vacation planned and how to make it happen. He notes Oahu’s “touristy” attractions compared to more rural Kauai and the Maui resort experience.
  6361.  
  6362. Listener Claire asks about being respectful during a Hawaii vacation, and Bruce offers some important insight about what to expect as Hawaii tourism rebounds (and throws in a plug for Sweet E’s breakfast joint on Oahu). Choose local, says Bruce. “Try to stay local and to buy local”, Bruce says, emphasizing the importance of being mindful during a Hawaii vacation.</description>
  6363. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/howlong.mp3" length="14919367" type="audio/mpeg" />
  6364. <itunes:subtitle>A podcast listener’s email prompts Aloha Bruce to unpack the question “how long should my Hawaii vacation be?” on this November 1, 2021, Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. He will also talk about what it means to be a respectful visitor during a Hawai...</itunes:subtitle>
  6365. <itunes:summary>A podcast listener’s email prompts Aloha Bruce to unpack the question “how long should my Hawaii vacation be?” on this November 1, 2021, Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. He will also talk about what it means to be a respectful visitor during a Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  6366. &lt;br /&gt;
  6367. Bruce talks a bit about some changes to the home office and studio and laments the poor performance of his beloved Miami Dolphins. Bruce says most testing/vaccine restrictions remain in place in Hawaii and are likely to for the rest of the year. Most Hawaii restaurants require proof of vaccination, Bruce notes, explaining that several clusters have been found to have started in eating establishments. He notes the HAT Hawaii COVID Travel Facebook group as a great resource for updates on the situation on the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
  6368. &lt;br /&gt;
  6369. A traveler from the UK wrote asking about a 3-week Hawaii vacation/wedding in June 2022 and which islands to visit. Bruce mentions the HAT condo at the Luana Waikiki as a great place to make a home base for an Oahu stay.&lt;br /&gt;
  6370. &lt;br /&gt;
  6371. “You really don’t want to try to do too much on your Hawaii vacation,” Bruce says, suggesting paring down planned activities to make more room for flexibility. “It really comes down to budget and dates.” He suggests setting an “all-in” budget for your Hawaii vacation and making your plans around it.&lt;br /&gt;
  6372. &lt;br /&gt;
  6373. For a one-week vacation, Bruce suggests picking an island and immersing yourself in what it has to offer. Knowing what activities (enjoying the ocean, helicopter tours, history tours) you want to try will help you decide which island to choose, although each island offers many of the same types of activities as every other island. Oahu is great for history buffs, Bruce says, the Big Island for geology enthusiasts, and Maui for ocean activities. Bruce notes new regulations regarding spinner dolphin encounters in Maui County.&lt;br /&gt;
  6374. &lt;br /&gt;
  6375. Bruce moves on to discuss planning a vacation with kids, mentioning Disney Aulani and the Sheraton Waikiki on Oahu. He suggests 8 nights, 9 days for a two-island Hawaii vacation. “I want you to have a full experience,” says Bruce. “You can’t get it all in a one-week vacation anyway! Come back again and again!”&lt;br /&gt;
  6376. &lt;br /&gt;
  6377. Bruce also talks about a listener with a multi-island vacation planned and how to make it happen. He notes Oahu’s “touristy” attractions compared to more rural Kauai and the Maui resort experience.&lt;br /&gt;
  6378. &lt;br /&gt;
  6379. Listener Claire asks about being respectful during a Hawaii vacation, and Bruce offers some important insight about what to expect as Hawaii tourism rebounds (and throws in a plug for Sweet E’s breakfast joint on Oahu). Choose local, says Bruce. “Try to stay local and to buy local”, Bruce says, emphasizing the importance of being mindful during a Hawaii vacation.</itunes:summary>
  6380. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  6381. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  6382. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  6383. <itunes:duration>18:38</itunes:duration>
  6384. </item>
  6385. <item>
  6386. <title>Is a Hawaii vacation over the Holidays still possible this year?</title>
  6387. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/is-a-vacation-to-hawaii-over-the-holidays-still-possible-this-year/</link>
  6388. <pubDate>Mon, 25 Oct 2021 03:20:31 +0000</pubDate>
  6389. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=40495</guid>
  6390. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/is-a-vacation-to-hawaii-over-the-holidays-still-possible-this-year/#respond</comments>
  6391. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/is-a-vacation-to-hawaii-over-the-holidays-still-possible-this-year/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  6392. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  6393. <description>For the Sunday, October 24, 2021, Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce provides some updates on Hawaii vacation planning, and on planning “last-minute” trips (HAT has been fielding a lot of questions from listeners about holiday season travel lately).
  6394.  
  6395. Bruce starts off with some updates about Governor Ige’s recent announcement welcoming back Hawaii travelers beginning November 1. “I think it was kind of expected,” Bruce says. He notes an email from a podcast listener who thanked him for his insights, which led to them going through with a planned Hawaii vacation that was unforgettable. He also mentions a long-time client and podcast listener, Perry, who booked at the HAT Luana Waikiki Condominium and had a marvelous time.
  6396.  
  6397. Bruce talks about the process of researching a Hawaii vacation, saying that the internet can become a “rabbit hole” of information. He stresses the importance of talking with experts (like us!) in Hawaii when planning a Hawaii vacation. “It always helps,” Bruce says. Reviews on popular sites are often inaccurate or incomplete.
  6398.  
  6399. Hawaii’s dropping COVID numbers are noted with Hawaii’s 70% vaccination rate and Bruce says, “There couldn’t be a better time to come to Hawaii.” He notes some deals from Southwest and Hawaiian Air. He notes that booking during the holiday season can be difficult, especially for affordable accommodations.
  6400.  
  6401. Bruce mentions a client wanting to book a group of nine with specific needs, and notes the importance of setting an “all-in” budget, beyond air/room/car. Bruce says that $15K for 10 nights might be on the low-end during the high holiday season for that. He notes minimum nights (up to 7 nights!) requirements another group 8 of from Florida staying for 10 days in 5-star Hyatt properties on Maui and Kauai, booked earlier in 2021, that totaled almost $24K without airfare. “And that’s a good price right now! It’s crazy!”
  6402.  
  6403. Aloha Bruce talks about the importance of being flexible when planning a Hawaii vacation. Demand is high during the holidays. He also mentions COVID testing and vaccine requirements that remain in place throughout the state.
  6404.  
  6405. He also notes that Hawaii hotels and resorts have lost $1 billion(!) in revenue during the pandemic, and part of their effort to recover those losses is through higher prices. You may be able to find a great deal on airfare on your own but finding accommodations that suit your needs is more challenging.
  6406.  
  6407. “Use a professional,” Bruce says. “Someone like me!” Only experts on the ground can find you the best deals available when planning a Hawaii vacation.</description>
  6408. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/hlodaylast.mp3" length="13676108" type="audio/mpeg" />
  6409. <itunes:subtitle>For the Sunday, October 24, 2021, Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce provides some updates on Hawaii vacation planning, and on planning “last-minute” trips (HAT has been fielding a lot of questions from listeners about holiday season trave...</itunes:subtitle>
  6410. <itunes:summary>For the Sunday, October 24, 2021, Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce provides some updates on Hawaii vacation planning, and on planning “last-minute” trips (HAT has been fielding a lot of questions from listeners about holiday season travel lately).&lt;br /&gt;
  6411. &lt;br /&gt;
  6412. Bruce starts off with some updates about Governor Ige’s recent announcement welcoming back Hawaii travelers beginning November 1. “I think it was kind of expected,” Bruce says. He notes an email from a podcast listener who thanked him for his insights, which led to them going through with a planned Hawaii vacation that was unforgettable. He also mentions a long-time client and podcast listener, Perry, who booked at the HAT Luana Waikiki Condominium and had a marvelous time.&lt;br /&gt;
  6413. &lt;br /&gt;
  6414. Bruce talks about the process of researching a Hawaii vacation, saying that the internet can become a “rabbit hole” of information. He stresses the importance of talking with experts (like us!) in Hawaii when planning a Hawaii vacation. “It always helps,” Bruce says. Reviews on popular sites are often inaccurate or incomplete.&lt;br /&gt;
  6415. &lt;br /&gt;
  6416. Hawaii’s dropping COVID numbers are noted with Hawaii’s 70% vaccination rate and Bruce says, “There couldn’t be a better time to come to Hawaii.” He notes some deals from Southwest and Hawaiian Air. He notes that booking during the holiday season can be difficult, especially for affordable accommodations.&lt;br /&gt;
  6417. &lt;br /&gt;
  6418. Bruce mentions a client wanting to book a group of nine with specific needs, and notes the importance of setting an “all-in” budget, beyond air/room/car. Bruce says that $15K for 10 nights might be on the low-end during the high holiday season for that. He notes minimum nights (up to 7 nights!) requirements another group 8 of from Florida staying for 10 days in 5-star Hyatt properties on Maui and Kauai, booked earlier in 2021, that totaled almost $24K without airfare. “And that’s a good price right now! It’s crazy!”&lt;br /&gt;
  6419. &lt;br /&gt;
  6420. Aloha Bruce talks about the importance of being flexible when planning a Hawaii vacation. Demand is high during the holidays. He also mentions COVID testing and vaccine requirements that remain in place throughout the state.&lt;br /&gt;
  6421. &lt;br /&gt;
  6422. He also notes that Hawaii hotels and resorts have lost $1 billion(!) in revenue during the pandemic, and part of their effort to recover those losses is through higher prices. You may be able to find a great deal on airfare on your own but finding accommodations that suit your needs is more challenging.&lt;br /&gt;
  6423. &lt;br /&gt;
  6424. “Use a professional,” Bruce says. “Someone like me!” Only experts on the ground can find you the best deals available when planning a Hawaii vacation.</itunes:summary>
  6425. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  6426. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  6427. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  6428. <itunes:duration>17:03</itunes:duration>
  6429. </item>
  6430. <item>
  6431. <title>Packing tips for a Hawaii Vacation</title>
  6432. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/packing-tips-for-hawaii/</link>
  6433. <pubDate>Mon, 18 Oct 2021 04:13:38 +0000</pubDate>
  6434. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=40473</guid>
  6435. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/packing-tips-for-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  6436. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/packing-tips-for-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  6437. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  6438. <description>On this Sunday, October 17, 2021, Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce offers some helpful Hawaii packing tips for your next vacation.
  6439.  
  6440. Bruce says the COVID numbers in Hawaii are dropping and some gathering restrictions are being loosened. He also offers some insights about vaccination requirements at restaurants on Oahu.
  6441.  
  6442. Bruce moves on to the discussion about what to pack for a Hawaii vacation and mentions that he no longer gets sick when he travels and attributes it to people traveling smarter in the pandemic. “Try to pack less,” says Bruce.
  6443.  
  6444. Bruce says that few restaurants have dress codes, and that “one nice outfit” for men and women traveling to Hawaii on vacation. “In general, you don’t have to worry about packing fancy clothes.” What to pack depends on how long your stay will be. He notes that many condos have a washer/dryer, and to check with hotels about laundry policy.
  6445.  
  6446. Bring at least two pairs of shorts, Bruce says, and recommends slip-on shoes for flying. He also recommends bringing something to eat on the plane because food service and quality on flights “isn’t very good these days.”
  6447.  
  6448. Bruce also recommends bringing a jacket, especially if you plan to go to Mauna Kea on the Big Island. He also says to bring a hoodie, just in case of a cold snap. Bruce doesn’t think it will be a super rainy winter. He talks about packing swimsuits and recommends bringing two. Bruce also mentions picking up reef-walker shoes for the beach.
  6449.  
  6450. Bruce notes that hiking shoes will almost certainly get muddy, so don’t bother bringing hiking shoes you don’t want to get dirty. Other tips for cords and chargers for electronics are noted and Bruce says he sometimes forgets to pack a car charger. He also highly recommends bringing a spare pair of glasses just in case.
  6451.  
  6452. With his famous expertise, Bruce mentions other things like a waterproof bag and other items that might otherwise slip your mind when packing for your Hawaii vacation. And remember to leave room in your luggage for things to bring home from Hawaii!
  6453.  
  6454. Bruce also notes the Hawaii Aloha Travel condo in Waikiki that offers a special rate to podcast listeners. Give us a call!</description>
  6455. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/packing2.mp3" length="13771572" type="audio/mpeg" />
  6456. <itunes:subtitle>On this Sunday, October 17, 2021, Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce offers some helpful Hawaii packing tips for your next vacation.  Bruce says the COVID numbers in Hawaii are dropping and some gathering restrictions are being loosened.</itunes:subtitle>
  6457. <itunes:summary>On this Sunday, October 17, 2021, Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce offers some helpful Hawaii packing tips for your next vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  6458. &lt;br /&gt;
  6459. Bruce says the COVID numbers in Hawaii are dropping and some gathering restrictions are being loosened. He also offers some insights about vaccination requirements at restaurants on Oahu.&lt;br /&gt;
  6460. &lt;br /&gt;
  6461. Bruce moves on to the discussion about what to pack for a Hawaii vacation and mentions that he no longer gets sick when he travels and attributes it to people traveling smarter in the pandemic. “Try to pack less,” says Bruce.&lt;br /&gt;
  6462. &lt;br /&gt;
  6463. Bruce says that few restaurants have dress codes, and that “one nice outfit” for men and women traveling to Hawaii on vacation. “In general, you don’t have to worry about packing fancy clothes.” What to pack depends on how long your stay will be. He notes that many condos have a washer/dryer, and to check with hotels about laundry policy.&lt;br /&gt;
  6464. &lt;br /&gt;
  6465. Bring at least two pairs of shorts, Bruce says, and recommends slip-on shoes for flying. He also recommends bringing something to eat on the plane because food service and quality on flights “isn’t very good these days.”&lt;br /&gt;
  6466. &lt;br /&gt;
  6467. Bruce also recommends bringing a jacket, especially if you plan to go to Mauna Kea on the Big Island. He also says to bring a hoodie, just in case of a cold snap. Bruce doesn’t think it will be a super rainy winter. He talks about packing swimsuits and recommends bringing two. Bruce also mentions picking up reef-walker shoes for the beach.&lt;br /&gt;
  6468. &lt;br /&gt;
  6469. Bruce notes that hiking shoes will almost certainly get muddy, so don’t bother bringing hiking shoes you don’t want to get dirty. Other tips for cords and chargers for electronics are noted and Bruce says he sometimes forgets to pack a car charger. He also highly recommends bringing a spare pair of glasses just in case.&lt;br /&gt;
  6470. &lt;br /&gt;
  6471. With his famous expertise, Bruce mentions other things like a waterproof bag and other items that might otherwise slip your mind when packing for your Hawaii vacation. And remember to leave room in your luggage for things to bring home from Hawaii!&lt;br /&gt;
  6472. &lt;br /&gt;
  6473. Bruce also notes the Hawaii Aloha Travel condo in Waikiki that offers a special rate to podcast listeners. Give us a call!</itunes:summary>
  6474. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  6475. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  6476. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  6477. <itunes:duration>15:29</itunes:duration>
  6478. </item>
  6479. <item>
  6480. <title>Travel Pono &#124; Don&#8217;t Piss Off locals on Your Hawaii Vacation</title>
  6481. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/do-not-piss-off-locals-on-your-hawaii-vacation/</link>
  6482. <pubDate>Tue, 12 Oct 2021 01:52:27 +0000</pubDate>
  6483. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=40444</guid>
  6484. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/do-not-piss-off-locals-on-your-hawaii-vacation/#respond</comments>
  6485. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/do-not-piss-off-locals-on-your-hawaii-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  6486. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  6487. <description>The important point of “traveling pono”, with respect and a sense of responsibility to the community, is the topic Aloha Bruce explores on this October 11, 2021, Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce notes some cautious loosening of gathering restrictions by officials and maintains that visitors should keep their Hawaii vacation plans in place.
  6488.  
  6489. “Things are so much better now than they were!” says Bruce. Things are going smoothly and quickly with the Hawaii Safe Travels Program with due diligence. “Do your homework on this. Or call us!”
  6490.  
  6491. The podcast moves to the concept of traveling “pono”. Bruce describes an info-educational video presentation all overseas Hawaii air arrivals are shown on their incoming flights. At the end of the video, our host says, talks about simple concepts like not littering, not harassing wildlife, minding ocean safety awareness, hiking safety, and other common-sense approaches to traveling anywhere (but especially in Hawaii).
  6492.  
  6493. Visitors shouldn’t have to be expected to be historians, Bruce says. “But I don’t think it’s really too much to ask that you understand” that Hawaii is unique in its native and multicultural history. “These places are sacred!”
  6494.  
  6495. Bruce breaks down some of what has caused a backlash against Hawaii tourism by residents as the COVID pandemic continues, or “what really pisses off locals”. He notes social media pages and feeds that highlight residential parking hassles and other behaviors by visitors that are otherwise rare in our neighborhoods, in our gathering places, and on our roads. Bruce pulls out the stops.
  6496.  
  6497. Our host gets into detail about the approach of Hawaii tourism industry players and officials to the future. Bruce also explains the demands and expectations of Hawaii visitors in the market, such as it is.
  6498.  
  6499. Bruce shares a recent booking with a family from a Boston family who will be able to enjoy a two-island Hawaii vacation over Christmas (Kauai and Oahu). “You may want to consider it.”
  6500.  
  6501. “Keep in mind the little things,” Bruce says. Residents got comfortable with empty roads and beaches and hiking trails. It’s important to be mindful. “Meanwhile, we love tourists here! We want you here.” There’s a vocal subset of anti-tourism people in Hawaii who have found traction on social media. They are not representative of the vast majority here.
  6502.  
  6503. Bruce also makes the point that all of Hawaii Aloha Travel’s agents and employees are current and longtime residents of the Aloha State. “They wouldn’t be here if they didn’t love this place!”
  6504.  
  6505. Send us your feedback! We are here to engage with you about what a real and meaningful Hawaii vacation means.</description>
  6506. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/travelpono.mp3" length="16127981" type="audio/mpeg" />
  6507. <itunes:subtitle>The important point of “traveling pono”, with respect and a sense of responsibility to the community, is the topic Aloha Bruce explores on this October 11, 2021, Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce notes some cautious loosening of gathering restr...</itunes:subtitle>
  6508. <itunes:summary>The important point of “traveling pono”, with respect and a sense of responsibility to the community, is the topic Aloha Bruce explores on this October 11, 2021, Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce notes some cautious loosening of gathering restrictions by officials and maintains that visitors should keep their Hawaii vacation plans in place.&lt;br /&gt;
  6509. &lt;br /&gt;
  6510. “Things are so much better now than they were!” says Bruce. Things are going smoothly and quickly with the Hawaii Safe Travels Program with due diligence. “Do your homework on this. Or call us!”&lt;br /&gt;
  6511. &lt;br /&gt;
  6512. The podcast moves to the concept of traveling “pono”. Bruce describes an info-educational video presentation all overseas Hawaii air arrivals are shown on their incoming flights. At the end of the video, our host says, talks about simple concepts like not littering, not harassing wildlife, minding ocean safety awareness, hiking safety, and other common-sense approaches to traveling anywhere (but especially in Hawaii).&lt;br /&gt;
  6513. &lt;br /&gt;
  6514. Visitors shouldn’t have to be expected to be historians, Bruce says. “But I don’t think it’s really too much to ask that you understand” that Hawaii is unique in its native and multicultural history. “These places are sacred!”&lt;br /&gt;
  6515. &lt;br /&gt;
  6516. Bruce breaks down some of what has caused a backlash against Hawaii tourism by residents as the COVID pandemic continues, or “what really pisses off locals”. He notes social media pages and feeds that highlight residential parking hassles and other behaviors by visitors that are otherwise rare in our neighborhoods, in our gathering places, and on our roads. Bruce pulls out the stops.&lt;br /&gt;
  6517. &lt;br /&gt;
  6518. Our host gets into detail about the approach of Hawaii tourism industry players and officials to the future. Bruce also explains the demands and expectations of Hawaii visitors in the market, such as it is.&lt;br /&gt;
  6519. &lt;br /&gt;
  6520. Bruce shares a recent booking with a family from a Boston family who will be able to enjoy a two-island Hawaii vacation over Christmas (Kauai and Oahu). “You may want to consider it.”&lt;br /&gt;
  6521. &lt;br /&gt;
  6522. “Keep in mind the little things,” Bruce says. Residents got comfortable with empty roads and beaches and hiking trails. It’s important to be mindful. “Meanwhile, we love tourists here! We want you here.” There’s a vocal subset of anti-tourism people in Hawaii who have found traction on social media. They are not representative of the vast majority here.&lt;br /&gt;
  6523. &lt;br /&gt;
  6524. Bruce also makes the point that all of Hawaii Aloha Travel’s agents and employees are current and longtime residents of the Aloha State. “They wouldn’t be here if they didn’t love this place!”&lt;br /&gt;
  6525. &lt;br /&gt;
  6526. Send us your feedback! We are here to engage with you about what a real and meaningful Hawaii vacation means.</itunes:summary>
  6527. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  6528. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  6529. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  6530. <itunes:duration>17:48</itunes:duration>
  6531. </item>
  6532. <item>
  6533. <title>Big Island Vacation Accommodations &#124; Alternatives to Resorts &#124; Vacation Rentals</title>
  6534. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/big-island-vacation/</link>
  6535. <pubDate>Tue, 05 Oct 2021 02:06:01 +0000</pubDate>
  6536. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=40432</guid>
  6537. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/big-island-vacation/#respond</comments>
  6538. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/big-island-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  6539. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  6540. <description>Aloha Bruce is just back from an extended vacation that included California, a Miami Dolphins NFL game in Las Vegas against the Raiders, and a wonderful Big Island vacation. He’s got some fresh insight into what the home of Kilauea Volcano has to offer and he gets into details about booking non-hotel/resort accommodations in Hawaii.
  6541.  
  6542. Bruce says that the Hawaii COVID situation is calming down with decreasing case numbers but travel restrictions remain in place. He notes that it’s been just about a year since the Hawaii Safe Travels program opened. Bruce says that Hawaii is seeing a lot of cancelled vacations lately, despite encouraging data and noting that this is the slower “shoulder season” for Hawaii tourism.
  6543.  
  6544. “I would never consider recommending coming to Hawaii if I didn’t think it was safe,” Bruce assures, discussing COVID vaccination as the easiest way to begin planning a Hawaii vacation. “It’s such an easy-breezy thing to do. It’s just a great time to come to Hawaii. Traveling is back on the table.”
  6545.  
  6546. Bruce and Yaling stayed at the property of a podcast listener (mahalo, Brent!) near the Kona Airport, and says it was very convenient. “It was like an estate, it was fantastic!” He discusses the benefits of vacation rentals and how they make more sense for large groups and families. Bruce also makes the important point that knowing what you’re getting and that it’s legal. VRBO and Air B&amp;B come up, and Bruce discusses varying restrictions on Oahu and the Neighbor Islands for such vacation properties.
  6547.  
  6548. Aloha Bruce says that vacation rental properties provide more together-time for families and moves on to discuss the activities he and Yaling Fisher enjoyed while on the Big Island. He mentions a catamaran sail to “Pine Trees” and snorkeling adventure. “Sailing is the way to go!” Bruce says, marveling at the energy of the wind and the waves of the Big Island.
  6549.  
  6550. With the latest eruption at Kilauea Volcano, Bruce says that helicopter tours were booked solid.
  6551.  
  6552. He describes a marvelous visit to Greenwell Farms, a coffee farm in a remote rural area. Owner Tom Greenwell is also growing pepper plants and prepares homemade steak sauce that sells out as fast as he can make it.
  6553.  
  6554. Bruce mentions that Hawaii Aloha Travel can connect you with the ideal vacation rental in Hawaii, one that suits your particular needs and let you make the most of your Hawaii vacation. “Don’t cancel your vacation!”</description>
  6555. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/bigislandadventure.mp3" length="15589876" type="audio/mpeg" />
  6556. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce is just back from an extended vacation that included California, a Miami Dolphins NFL game in Las Vegas against the Raiders, and a wonderful Big Island vacation. He’s got some fresh insight into what the home of Kilauea Volcano has to offer...</itunes:subtitle>
  6557. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce is just back from an extended vacation that included California, a Miami Dolphins NFL game in Las Vegas against the Raiders, and a wonderful Big Island vacation. He’s got some fresh insight into what the home of Kilauea Volcano has to offer and he gets into details about booking non-hotel/resort accommodations in Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  6558. &lt;br /&gt;
  6559. Bruce says that the Hawaii COVID situation is calming down with decreasing case numbers but travel restrictions remain in place. He notes that it’s been just about a year since the Hawaii Safe Travels program opened. Bruce says that Hawaii is seeing a lot of cancelled vacations lately, despite encouraging data and noting that this is the slower “shoulder season” for Hawaii tourism.&lt;br /&gt;
  6560. &lt;br /&gt;
  6561. “I would never consider recommending coming to Hawaii if I didn’t think it was safe,” Bruce assures, discussing COVID vaccination as the easiest way to begin planning a Hawaii vacation. “It’s such an easy-breezy thing to do. It’s just a great time to come to Hawaii. Traveling is back on the table.”&lt;br /&gt;
  6562. &lt;br /&gt;
  6563. Bruce and Yaling stayed at the property of a podcast listener (mahalo, Brent!) near the Kona Airport, and says it was very convenient. “It was like an estate, it was fantastic!” He discusses the benefits of vacation rentals and how they make more sense for large groups and families. Bruce also makes the important point that knowing what you’re getting and that it’s legal. VRBO and Air B&amp;B come up, and Bruce discusses varying restrictions on Oahu and the Neighbor Islands for such vacation properties.&lt;br /&gt;
  6564. &lt;br /&gt;
  6565. Aloha Bruce says that vacation rental properties provide more together-time for families and moves on to discuss the activities he and Yaling Fisher enjoyed while on the Big Island. He mentions a catamaran sail to “Pine Trees” and snorkeling adventure. “Sailing is the way to go!” Bruce says, marveling at the energy of the wind and the waves of the Big Island.&lt;br /&gt;
  6566. &lt;br /&gt;
  6567. With the latest eruption at Kilauea Volcano, Bruce says that helicopter tours were booked solid.&lt;br /&gt;
  6568. &lt;br /&gt;
  6569. He describes a marvelous visit to Greenwell Farms, a coffee farm in a remote rural area. Owner Tom Greenwell is also growing pepper plants and prepares homemade steak sauce that sells out as fast as he can make it.&lt;br /&gt;
  6570. &lt;br /&gt;
  6571. Bruce mentions that Hawaii Aloha Travel can connect you with the ideal vacation rental in Hawaii, one that suits your particular needs and let you make the most of your Hawaii vacation. “Don’t cancel your vacation!”</itunes:summary>
  6572. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  6573. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  6574. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  6575. <itunes:duration>16:41</itunes:duration>
  6576. </item>
  6577. <item>
  6578. <title>Taking organized  Hawaii Tours or Touring on your Own</title>
  6579. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/taking-organized-tours-or-touring-on-your-own/</link>
  6580. <pubDate>Tue, 24 Aug 2021 02:56:19 +0000</pubDate>
  6581. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=40281</guid>
  6582. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/taking-organized-tours-or-touring-on-your-own/#respond</comments>
  6583. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/taking-organized-tours-or-touring-on-your-own/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  6584. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  6585. <description>On this edition of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce discusses recent policy changes due to a major, record spikes in daily COVID cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in recent weeks due to the Delta variant surge. Bruce says that if you’d asked him a year ago if we’d be at this point, “I’d be telling you you’re crazy!” He then moves on and talks about the benefits taking organized Hawaii tours our touring on your own.
  6586.  
  6587. Aloha Bruce notes that Oahu Mayor Rick Blangiardi today announced a 28-day ban cancelling large gatherings of over 25 people, although it remains unclear if luaus are affected. Bruce says Governor Ige is discouraging people from visiting demand due to the Delta surge. Bruce says he is not discouraging clients and friends from coming to Hawaii because you are more likely to have a better experience with fewer people here.
  6588.  
  6589. Hawaii has been unable to meet demand, Bruce says, and overcrowding has been a problem throughout the state. He explains that visitors should plan to get out and explore the islands outdoors. It’s difficult to predict outcomes months from now. He discusses the importance of getting travel protections in the event of the unexpected, and says Hawaii Aloha Travel is able to offer those vital protections.
  6590.  
  6591. Bruce mentions Hawaii’s vaccination rate and the current push to encouraging the unvaccinated to get the vaccine.
  6592.  
  6593. The podcast turns to booking Hawaii Tours tours for attractions like Haleakala and the Road to Hana on Maui. Bruce says that tours work best for some, while others are better suited to heading out on their own. The same applies for the volcano tours on the Big Island and Waimea Canyon on Kauai.
  6594.  
  6595. Bruce says certain activities like the Na Pali Coast on Kauai are unavailable without a tour for most non-expert hikers and outdoorspeople. The priority for activity planning during a Hawaii vacation is paramount. Sometimes HAT recommends tours, sometimes not. Some Kauai activities require a tour, or paid activity, like horseback riding and ATV rides.
  6596.  
  6597. Booking tours and full itineraries are a specialty at HAT, and Bruce talks about mapping out “bucket list” activities with vacationing families. He says that some people don’t want to do a lot of driving during their Hawaii vacation, and tours are the best option. Finding your own way around Hawaii’s attractions can be difficult, Bruce says, and careful planning will help you check off more items from your bucket list. He notes a recent couple HAT worked with who had such a good time that they are already planning activities and tours for their next Hawaii vacation.
  6598.  
  6599. Hawaii Aloha Travel knows best! Check out our Secret Hawaii Tours (Oahu and Kauai) sister site for specialty Hawaii 5-0 and Aloha Plate food tours, guided by Hawaii’s most knowledgeable residents.</description>
  6600. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/toursornot.mp3" length="15460177" type="audio/mpeg" />
  6601. <itunes:subtitle>On this edition of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce discusses recent policy changes due to a major, record spikes in daily COVID cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in recent weeks due to the Delta variant surge.</itunes:subtitle>
  6602. <itunes:summary>On this edition of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce discusses recent policy changes due to a major, record spikes in daily COVID cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in recent weeks due to the Delta variant surge. Bruce says that if you’d asked him a year ago if we’d be at this point, “I’d be telling you you’re crazy!” He then moves on and talks about the benefits taking organized Hawaii tours our touring on your own.&lt;br /&gt;
  6603. &lt;br /&gt;
  6604. Aloha Bruce notes that Oahu Mayor Rick Blangiardi today announced a 28-day ban cancelling large gatherings of over 25 people, although it remains unclear if luaus are affected. Bruce says Governor Ige is discouraging people from visiting demand due to the Delta surge. Bruce says he is not discouraging clients and friends from coming to Hawaii because you are more likely to have a better experience with fewer people here.&lt;br /&gt;
  6605. &lt;br /&gt;
  6606. Hawaii has been unable to meet demand, Bruce says, and overcrowding has been a problem throughout the state. He explains that visitors should plan to get out and explore the islands outdoors. It’s difficult to predict outcomes months from now. He discusses the importance of getting travel protections in the event of the unexpected, and says Hawaii Aloha Travel is able to offer those vital protections.&lt;br /&gt;
  6607. &lt;br /&gt;
  6608. Bruce mentions Hawaii’s vaccination rate and the current push to encouraging the unvaccinated to get the vaccine.&lt;br /&gt;
  6609. &lt;br /&gt;
  6610. The podcast turns to booking Hawaii Tours tours for attractions like Haleakala and the Road to Hana on Maui. Bruce says that tours work best for some, while others are better suited to heading out on their own. The same applies for the volcano tours on the Big Island and Waimea Canyon on Kauai.&lt;br /&gt;
  6611. &lt;br /&gt;
  6612. Bruce says certain activities like the Na Pali Coast on Kauai are unavailable without a tour for most non-expert hikers and outdoorspeople. The priority for activity planning during a Hawaii vacation is paramount. Sometimes HAT recommends tours, sometimes not. Some Kauai activities require a tour, or paid activity, like horseback riding and ATV rides.&lt;br /&gt;
  6613. &lt;br /&gt;
  6614. Booking tours and full itineraries are a specialty at HAT, and Bruce talks about mapping out “bucket list” activities with vacationing families. He says that some people don’t want to do a lot of driving during their Hawaii vacation, and tours are the best option. Finding your own way around Hawaii’s attractions can be difficult, Bruce says, and careful planning will help you check off more items from your bucket list. He notes a recent couple HAT worked with who had such a good time that they are already planning activities and tours for their next Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  6615. &lt;br /&gt;
  6616. Hawaii Aloha Travel knows best! Check out our Secret Hawaii Tours (Oahu and Kauai) sister site for specialty Hawaii 5-0 and Aloha Plate food tours, guided by Hawaii’s most knowledgeable residents.</itunes:summary>
  6617. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  6618. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  6619. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  6620. <itunes:duration>19:19</itunes:duration>
  6621. </item>
  6622. <item>
  6623. <title>Hawaii Travel Planning Ideas &#8211; Things to know before you go!</title>
  6624. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-travel-plaanning/</link>
  6625. <pubDate>Sun, 08 Aug 2021 22:33:44 +0000</pubDate>
  6626. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=40261</guid>
  6627. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-travel-plaanning/#respond</comments>
  6628. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-travel-plaanning/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  6629. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  6630. <description>Yaling Fisher joins Aloha Bruce this Sunday, August 8, 2021 with some Hawaii travel planning ideas, recent booking challenges, Hawaii tourism news, and a recent news report about Hawaii vacationing.
  6631.  
  6632. Bruce starts off by encouraging listeners to reach out to Hawaii Aloha Travel with questions and input about Hawaii vacations. Bruce talks about planning a multi-island Hawaii vacation and a possible Pride of America cruise that may be launched in October that will travel to all islands. “It’s big bucks,” Bruce notes, commenting on the high prices visitors are facing when planning a Hawaii vacation. He mentions a $10,000 price tag on two rooms at a Hyatt property in December.
  6633.  
  6634. Our hosts urge listeners to stay up to date on travel restrictions and rules as Hawaii’s COVID case numbers climb to record levels. Bruce says this is largely due to community spread and not due to visitor arrivals.
  6635.  
  6636. It’s also important to make plans and reservations as far in advance as possible. “Start with the car,” Bruce says. “It’s the number one reservation you need to be worried about.” Bruce goes on to explain how important to be a respectful traveler at a time when demand is extremely high. He urges private tours like those offered through Secret Hawaii Tours that encourage responsible, respectful travel. Bruce also notes HAT’s Waikiki condo is an affordable option that comes with a special podcast listener rate.
  6637.  
  6638. The conversation moves on to a recent KRON News feature “Guide to Visiting Hawaii” that claims that there are a lot of options outside of Waikiki for Oahu visitors. Bruce and Yaling unpack the feature, which includes an incident that saw a visiting couple fined for harassing an endangered Hawaiian monk seal. The article mentions Kualoa Ranch and the Polynesian Cultural Center and mentions two different tourists drowning on consecutive days on the North Shore. Bruce returns to the importance of enjoying Hawaii’s beaches and natural attractions with respect.
  6639.  
  6640. Bruce and Yaling talk about a dilemma faced by podcast listener Christine who has concerns about being too late in planning a Big Island vacation and also visit Maui and Kauai.  Bruce quickly put together a package for her party of two that was quite expensive. Bruce found rooms at the Hyatt on Maui but recommended a condo instead, and the Coconut Beach Resort in Kapaa on Kauai. Without a car, “it ended up being 6500 bucks. For a week. Ouch!” There are options. “Call us!” Bruce returns to the point that rental cars are prohibitively expensive.
  6641.  
  6642. Bruce and Yaling note booking an August package at the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, mentioning Southwest Air routing. An October booking for three in October at the hotel for about $3500 is noted, as well as a booking from Philadelphia for February 2021 with an ocean view room that came it $6200 for 10 days for two at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel (without a car). “It’s a very Hawaiian hotel,” Bruce says.
  6643.  
  6644. Our hosts remind listeners about private Secret Hawaii Tours that include the Hawaii 5-0 Tour, the Aloha Plate Food Tour, and other specialty tours. “Tours are the way to go!”</description>
  6645. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/vacayplan.mp3" length="17823207" type="audio/mpeg" />
  6646. <itunes:subtitle>Yaling Fisher joins Aloha Bruce this Sunday, August 8, 2021 with some Hawaii travel planning ideas, recent booking challenges, Hawaii tourism news, and a recent news report about Hawaii vacationing.  Bruce starts off by encouraging listeners to reach o...</itunes:subtitle>
  6647. <itunes:summary>Yaling Fisher joins Aloha Bruce this Sunday, August 8, 2021 with some Hawaii travel planning ideas, recent booking challenges, Hawaii tourism news, and a recent news report about Hawaii vacationing.&lt;br /&gt;
  6648. &lt;br /&gt;
  6649. Bruce starts off by encouraging listeners to reach out to Hawaii Aloha Travel with questions and input about Hawaii vacations. Bruce talks about planning a multi-island Hawaii vacation and a possible Pride of America cruise that may be launched in October that will travel to all islands. “It’s big bucks,” Bruce notes, commenting on the high prices visitors are facing when planning a Hawaii vacation. He mentions a $10,000 price tag on two rooms at a Hyatt property in December.&lt;br /&gt;
  6650. &lt;br /&gt;
  6651. Our hosts urge listeners to stay up to date on travel restrictions and rules as Hawaii’s COVID case numbers climb to record levels. Bruce says this is largely due to community spread and not due to visitor arrivals.&lt;br /&gt;
  6652. &lt;br /&gt;
  6653. It’s also important to make plans and reservations as far in advance as possible. “Start with the car,” Bruce says. “It’s the number one reservation you need to be worried about.” Bruce goes on to explain how important to be a respectful traveler at a time when demand is extremely high. He urges private tours like those offered through Secret Hawaii Tours that encourage responsible, respectful travel. Bruce also notes HAT’s Waikiki condo is an affordable option that comes with a special podcast listener rate.&lt;br /&gt;
  6654. &lt;br /&gt;
  6655. The conversation moves on to a recent KRON News feature “Guide to Visiting Hawaii” that claims that there are a lot of options outside of Waikiki for Oahu visitors. Bruce and Yaling unpack the feature, which includes an incident that saw a visiting couple fined for harassing an endangered Hawaiian monk seal. The article mentions Kualoa Ranch and the Polynesian Cultural Center and mentions two different tourists drowning on consecutive days on the North Shore. Bruce returns to the importance of enjoying Hawaii’s beaches and natural attractions with respect.&lt;br /&gt;
  6656. &lt;br /&gt;
  6657. Bruce and Yaling talk about a dilemma faced by podcast listener Christine who has concerns about being too late in planning a Big Island vacation and also visit Maui and Kauai.  Bruce quickly put together a package for her party of two that was quite expensive. Bruce found rooms at the Hyatt on Maui but recommended a condo instead, and the Coconut Beach Resort in Kapaa on Kauai. Without a car, “it ended up being 6500 bucks. For a week. Ouch!” There are options. “Call us!” Bruce returns to the point that rental cars are prohibitively expensive.&lt;br /&gt;
  6658. &lt;br /&gt;
  6659. Bruce and Yaling note booking an August package at the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, mentioning Southwest Air routing. An October booking for three in October at the hotel for about $3500 is noted, as well as a booking from Philadelphia for February 2021 with an ocean view room that came it $6200 for 10 days for two at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel (without a car). “It’s a very Hawaiian hotel,” Bruce says.&lt;br /&gt;
  6660. &lt;br /&gt;
  6661. Our hosts remind listeners about private Secret Hawaii Tours that include the Hawaii 5-0 Tour, the Aloha Plate Food Tour, and other specialty tours. “Tours are the way to go!”</itunes:summary>
  6662. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  6663. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  6664. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  6665. <itunes:duration>20:13</itunes:duration>
  6666. </item>
  6667. <item>
  6668. <title>Reasons Why Hawaii is the #1 Tourism Destination Right Now</title>
  6669. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-tourism/</link>
  6670. <pubDate>Sun, 01 Aug 2021 21:19:02 +0000</pubDate>
  6671. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=40204</guid>
  6672. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-tourism/#respond</comments>
  6673. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-tourism/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  6674. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  6675. <description>On this August 1, 2021 edition of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Yaling Fisher joins Aloha Bruce to talk about the reasons why Hawaii is the #1 Tourism Destination right now. Our hosts note that amid the current boom, private, personal tours like those offered by Secret Hawaii Tours are becoming increasingly popular for visitors.
  6676.  
  6677. Bruce reminds listeners about COVID vaccine and testing requirements for Hawaii arrivals. Hawaii has reached a 60% vaccination rate milestone. “Just do it,” Bruce says. “Get the vaccine. It’s the easiest way to come here.&quot;
  6678.  
  6679. Hawaii had over 400 cases reported in one day on July 31, the highest daily total since the beginning of the pandemic. Bruce notes that the startling number is the result of community spread and not because of high visitor arrival numbers. “You’re gonna be safe when you’re here,” Bruce says. “You just gotta be careful.” Our hosts also note that Hawaii has not yet fully reopened and discuss some of the restrictions that remain in place for restaurants and public gatherings.
  6680.  
  6681. Hawaii is the most popular destination in the world right now, for the simple reason that “it’s the only place that’s open”. Bruce talks about the strain on Hawaii resources, particularly on Oahu, and an effort by the Hawaii Tourism Authority to limit the number of visitors to the Aloha State. The prevailing sentiment is that if Hawaii’s residents are overwhelmed by record numbers of visitors, visitors are less likely to have a good Hawaii vacation experience.
  6682.  
  6683. Bruce says part of the effort to reduce visitor numbers on Oahu is to crack down on illegal vacation rentals, and re-assessing zoning and airport policies. Our hosts talk about how visitors and hosts circumvent current regulations. “I’m not sure how they’re going to stop that,” Bruce says, and he offers some of his suggestions.
  6684.  
  6685. The discussion moves on to the fact that once other global tourism destinations reopen in the wake of the pandemic, it will reduce the pressure currently being felt by Hawaii and its people. Bruce and Yaling talk about popular “all-inclusive packages” and Hawaii Aloha Travel’s offerings. “I think, just in general, people should be doing more guided tours,” Bruce says, tours that respect Hawaii’s people, culture, and natural resources.
  6686.  
  6687. Bruce also notes that visitors who have booked with Hawaii Aloha Travel have a positive experience because of the local knowledge provided by our expert, on-island professionals. “If you contact us, we’re going to be here to help you and you’re not going to be caught up in any negativity,” Bruce says. He notes that uninformed social-media-driven visitors are much more likely to stumble into a negative situation, like a young woman who recently drowned in waters off Oahu where she should most certainly not have been.
  6688.  
  6689. “If you have to get rescued, it costs us money to rescue you!” our hosts say, mentioning that the costs can be imposed on the rescuee.
  6690.  
  6691. Bruce stresses that the COVID vaccine “is a big, BIG game-changer” for Hawaii tourism. “We wouldn’t be where we are without it.”
  6692.  
  6693. Recent Hawaii Aloha Travel bookings are noted, including an August trip to the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani in Waikiki, and a November-December oceanfront booking at the Waikiki Beach Hotel. And advance booking for June 2022 at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel on Maui. “Get those packages locked in!” Bruce says.</description>
  6694. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/boom.mp3" length="17928761" type="audio/mpeg" />
  6695. <itunes:subtitle>On this August 1, 2021 edition of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Yaling Fisher joins Aloha Bruce to talk about the reasons why Hawaii is the #1 Tourism Destination right now. Our hosts note that amid the current boom, private,</itunes:subtitle>
  6696. <itunes:summary>On this August 1, 2021 edition of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Yaling Fisher joins Aloha Bruce to talk about the reasons why Hawaii is the #1 Tourism Destination right now. Our hosts note that amid the current boom, private, personal tours like those offered by Secret Hawaii Tours are becoming increasingly popular for visitors.&lt;br /&gt;
  6697. &lt;br /&gt;
  6698. Bruce reminds listeners about COVID vaccine and testing requirements for Hawaii arrivals. Hawaii has reached a 60% vaccination rate milestone. “Just do it,” Bruce says. “Get the vaccine. It’s the easiest way to come here.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;
  6699. &lt;br /&gt;
  6700. Hawaii had over 400 cases reported in one day on July 31, the highest daily total since the beginning of the pandemic. Bruce notes that the startling number is the result of community spread and not because of high visitor arrival numbers. “You’re gonna be safe when you’re here,” Bruce says. “You just gotta be careful.” Our hosts also note that Hawaii has not yet fully reopened and discuss some of the restrictions that remain in place for restaurants and public gatherings.&lt;br /&gt;
  6701. &lt;br /&gt;
  6702. Hawaii is the most popular destination in the world right now, for the simple reason that “it’s the only place that’s open”. Bruce talks about the strain on Hawaii resources, particularly on Oahu, and an effort by the Hawaii Tourism Authority to limit the number of visitors to the Aloha State. The prevailing sentiment is that if Hawaii’s residents are overwhelmed by record numbers of visitors, visitors are less likely to have a good Hawaii vacation experience.&lt;br /&gt;
  6703. &lt;br /&gt;
  6704. Bruce says part of the effort to reduce visitor numbers on Oahu is to crack down on illegal vacation rentals, and re-assessing zoning and airport policies. Our hosts talk about how visitors and hosts circumvent current regulations. “I’m not sure how they’re going to stop that,” Bruce says, and he offers some of his suggestions.&lt;br /&gt;
  6705. &lt;br /&gt;
  6706. The discussion moves on to the fact that once other global tourism destinations reopen in the wake of the pandemic, it will reduce the pressure currently being felt by Hawaii and its people. Bruce and Yaling talk about popular “all-inclusive packages” and Hawaii Aloha Travel’s offerings. “I think, just in general, people should be doing more guided tours,” Bruce says, tours that respect Hawaii’s people, culture, and natural resources.&lt;br /&gt;
  6707. &lt;br /&gt;
  6708. Bruce also notes that visitors who have booked with Hawaii Aloha Travel have a positive experience because of the local knowledge provided by our expert, on-island professionals. “If you contact us, we’re going to be here to help you and you’re not going to be caught up in any negativity,” Bruce says. He notes that uninformed social-media-driven visitors are much more likely to stumble into a negative situation, like a young woman who recently drowned in waters off Oahu where she should most certainly not have been.&lt;br /&gt;
  6709. &lt;br /&gt;
  6710. “If you have to get rescued, it costs us money to rescue you!” our hosts say, mentioning that the costs can be imposed on the rescuee.&lt;br /&gt;
  6711. &lt;br /&gt;
  6712. Bruce stresses that the COVID vaccine “is a big, BIG game-changer” for Hawaii tourism. “We wouldn’t be where we are without it.”&lt;br /&gt;
  6713. &lt;br /&gt;
  6714. Recent Hawaii Aloha Travel bookings are noted, including an August trip to the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani in Waikiki, and a November-December oceanfront booking at the Waikiki Beach Hotel. And advance booking for June 2022 at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel on Maui. “Get those packages locked in!” Bruce says.</itunes:summary>
  6715. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  6716. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  6717. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  6718. <itunes:duration>19:59</itunes:duration>
  6719. </item>
  6720. <item>
  6721. <title>Tips for booking Hawaii Activities</title>
  6722. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/tips-for-booking-hawaii-activities/</link>
  6723. <pubDate>Sun, 25 Jul 2021 22:31:35 +0000</pubDate>
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  6725. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/tips-for-booking-hawaii-activities/#respond</comments>
  6726. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/tips-for-booking-hawaii-activities/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  6727. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  6728. <description>Aloha Bruce offers some Hawaii vacation news, tips for booking Hawaii activities, and notes some available deals and recent bookings on this Sunday, July 25, 2021 episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast.
  6729.  
  6730. Bruce mentions a man on social media who bragged that he had successfully cheated Hawaii’s COVID Passport and testing system. The post went viral and prompted a statement from Governor Ige about the seriousness of the offense. “This guy is in big trouble,” says Bruce. The Las Vegas man later said it was a “joke” and apologized. “Don’t cheat!”
  6731.  
  6732. The Governor also discussed a possible “no-fly list” for people who violate vaccination, testing, or quarantine rules or restrictions in Hawaii. Bruce notes that Hawaii has not yet reopened fully and continues some indoor masking and gathering restrictions, particularly at restaurants. He says that some visitors have arrived in Hawaii behaving as though the pandemic never happened and that it’s not ongoing. “It’s not in their brain anymore!” Bruce says Hawaii’s Safe Travels will be in effect through all of 2021. Many retail and dining/service industry businesses are understaffed for 30,000 Hawaii visitor arrivals per day, and urges patience and kindness for workers.
  6733.  
  6734. Moving on to booking vacation activities in Hawaii Bruce says that it is important to plan and reserve activities well in advance. Hawaii Aloha Travel offers full activity itineraries for customers who buy air/room/transportation packages (including adventures with sister company Secret Hawaii Tours).
  6735.  
  6736. Bruce suggests visitors book activities “from mauka to makai”, or from the mountains to the ocean. Bruce says to “get up in the air” with activities like helicopter tours or glider rides, which are safe and unforgettable. “Get out of your comfort zone,” he urges. Take a surfing lesson, go kayaking, “something you never thought you’d do”. Choose safe, managed activities, of course. But have an adventure. “Same with food!”
  6737.  
  6738. Hawaii visitors should also do something “touristy” as well, especially a traditional luau or dinner cruise that gives you a little bit of the flavor of the islands. Bruce talks about other common activities like “hiking Diamond Head” or “seeing a volcano” that are popular but have drawbacks, especially during the pandemic.
  6739.  
  6740. The podcast moves onto some special air offers available for various US cities through United Airlines to most of Hawaii airports. Southwest Air has specific discounted fairs through a number of Hawaii hotels (“all of the major chains”) that last through July 30, and Bruce offers a special promo code.
  6741.  
  6742. Bruce also mentions many budget chains and hotels that are offering discounted rates and provides some specifics about requirements and restrictions. Hawaii Aloha Travel’s expert and in-Hawaii experts have all of the information you need to best plan your Hawaii vacation.</description>
  6743. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/bookingsactivitiesd.mp3" length="14048544" type="audio/mpeg" />
  6744. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce offers some Hawaii vacation news, tips for booking Hawaii activities, and notes some available deals and recent bookings on this Sunday, July 25, 2021 episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast.  </itunes:subtitle>
  6745. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce offers some Hawaii vacation news, tips for booking Hawaii activities, and notes some available deals and recent bookings on this Sunday, July 25, 2021 episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast.&lt;br /&gt;
  6746. &lt;br /&gt;
  6747. Bruce mentions a man on social media who bragged that he had successfully cheated Hawaii’s COVID Passport and testing system. The post went viral and prompted a statement from Governor Ige about the seriousness of the offense. “This guy is in big trouble,” says Bruce. The Las Vegas man later said it was a “joke” and apologized. “Don’t cheat!”&lt;br /&gt;
  6748. &lt;br /&gt;
  6749. The Governor also discussed a possible “no-fly list” for people who violate vaccination, testing, or quarantine rules or restrictions in Hawaii. Bruce notes that Hawaii has not yet reopened fully and continues some indoor masking and gathering restrictions, particularly at restaurants. He says that some visitors have arrived in Hawaii behaving as though the pandemic never happened and that it’s not ongoing. “It’s not in their brain anymore!” Bruce says Hawaii’s Safe Travels will be in effect through all of 2021. Many retail and dining/service industry businesses are understaffed for 30,000 Hawaii visitor arrivals per day, and urges patience and kindness for workers.&lt;br /&gt;
  6750. &lt;br /&gt;
  6751. Moving on to booking vacation activities in Hawaii Bruce says that it is important to plan and reserve activities well in advance. Hawaii Aloha Travel offers full activity itineraries for customers who buy air/room/transportation packages (including adventures with sister company Secret Hawaii Tours).&lt;br /&gt;
  6752. &lt;br /&gt;
  6753. Bruce suggests visitors book activities “from mauka to makai”, or from the mountains to the ocean. Bruce says to “get up in the air” with activities like helicopter tours or glider rides, which are safe and unforgettable. “Get out of your comfort zone,” he urges. Take a surfing lesson, go kayaking, “something you never thought you’d do”. Choose safe, managed activities, of course. But have an adventure. “Same with food!”&lt;br /&gt;
  6754. &lt;br /&gt;
  6755. Hawaii visitors should also do something “touristy” as well, especially a traditional luau or dinner cruise that gives you a little bit of the flavor of the islands. Bruce talks about other common activities like “hiking Diamond Head” or “seeing a volcano” that are popular but have drawbacks, especially during the pandemic.&lt;br /&gt;
  6756. &lt;br /&gt;
  6757. The podcast moves onto some special air offers available for various US cities through United Airlines to most of Hawaii airports. Southwest Air has specific discounted fairs through a number of Hawaii hotels (“all of the major chains”) that last through July 30, and Bruce offers a special promo code.&lt;br /&gt;
  6758. &lt;br /&gt;
  6759. Bruce also mentions many budget chains and hotels that are offering discounted rates and provides some specifics about requirements and restrictions. Hawaii Aloha Travel’s expert and in-Hawaii experts have all of the information you need to best plan your Hawaii vacation.</itunes:summary>
  6760. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  6761. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  6762. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  6763. <itunes:duration>16:35</itunes:duration>
  6764. </item>
  6765. <item>
  6766. <title>Making the most of your Hawaii Vacation during the current Hawaii tourism boom</title>
  6767. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-tourism-boom/</link>
  6768. <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2021 18:25:36 +0000</pubDate>
  6769. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=39985</guid>
  6770. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-tourism-boom/#respond</comments>
  6771. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-tourism-boom/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  6772. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  6773. <description>On the Sunday, July 11, 2021, Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce starts by discussing implementing the Hawaii Safe Travels “vaccine passport” for visitors and how it will affect vacation plans, particularly for families traveling with young children. Bruce also explains that some Hawaii restaurants and venues are now returning to 100% capacity. Bruce Goes on to talk about making the most of your Hawaii Vacation during the current Hawaii tourism boom.
  6774.  
  6775. In light of the massive influx of visitors, which has resulted in the current Hawaii tourism boom, Bruce offers some vital suggestions for booking a Hawaii vacation and says to avoid booking Hawaii activities through certain third-party agencies because that leads to “an extra layer of things that can go wrong.”
  6776.  
  6777. Bruce urges visitors to make reservations well in advance, as many are left waiting for tables, tours, and other activities. HAT has been able to rectify cancellations for clients because of our connections that are unavailable through third-party vacation booking. “The biggest problem we’re having right now is folks waiting,” Bruce says.
  6778.  
  6779. Hawaii is in the top three travel destinations in the world. Bruce notes the importance of not booking illegal vacation rentals (rules differ by County). He says that many visitors have seen their reservations canceled simply because the rental owner found someone to pay more. Bruce stresses the importance of verifying names and contacts for your reservations. “If you don’t, it can be a real problem.”
  6780.  
  6781. He also breaks down perhaps the most important part of a Hawaii vacation: “Just. Be. Nice.” This is most important to remember should things turn difficult or confusing during a Hawaii vacation during this Hawaii Tourism boom.
  6782.  
  6783. Bruce talks about the benefits of booking with a licensed tour company for activities because of their increased access to popular destinations. Of course, Bruce always encourages visitors to find their own Hawaii vacation experience. But with vehicle and foot traffic at record highs at locations all over Hawaii, reservations with a licensed tour company like Hawaii Aloha Travel’s Secret Hawaii Tours will help minimize wait times and rental vehicle parking mayhem.
  6784.  
  6785. Bruce offers his insight into approaching a Hawaii vacation in the “short term” during these high summer months of record arrivals. There is an overwhelming demand for Hawaii vacation accommodations and activities right now. He explains the significance of the visitor-to-resident ratio on Maui right now and offers some context for what measures are being considered to manage record numbers of visitors.
  6786.  
  6787. With his typical candor and straight talk, Bruce talks about Hawaii Tourism Authority messaging and measures and some simple answers to challenges like low supply, traffic, and illegal vacation rentals. “This is all new territory,” Bruce says. “I know this will all get better.”
  6788.  
  6789. Bruce moves into the potential and likely benefits of booking a Hawaii vacation in advance for 2022. Crowds will be thinner, and things are likely to have settled down after the confusion and changes brought by the pandemic.
  6790.  
  6791. “There isn’t a better place in the world to visit,” Bruce says.</description>
  6792. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/tourismboom1.mp3" length="15391374" type="audio/mpeg" />
  6793. <itunes:subtitle>On the Sunday, July 11, 2021, Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce starts by discussing implementing the Hawaii Safe Travels “vaccine passport” for visitors and how it will affect vacation plans,</itunes:subtitle>
  6794. <itunes:summary>On the Sunday, July 11, 2021, Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce starts by discussing implementing the Hawaii Safe Travels “vaccine passport” for visitors and how it will affect vacation plans, particularly for families traveling with young children. Bruce also explains that some Hawaii restaurants and venues are now returning to 100% capacity. Bruce Goes on to talk about making the most of your Hawaii Vacation during the current Hawaii tourism boom.&lt;br /&gt;
  6795. &lt;br /&gt;
  6796. In light of the massive influx of visitors, which has resulted in the current Hawaii tourism boom, Bruce offers some vital suggestions for booking a Hawaii vacation and says to avoid booking Hawaii activities through certain third-party agencies because that leads to “an extra layer of things that can go wrong.”&lt;br /&gt;
  6797. &lt;br /&gt;
  6798. Bruce urges visitors to make reservations well in advance, as many are left waiting for tables, tours, and other activities. HAT has been able to rectify cancellations for clients because of our connections that are unavailable through third-party vacation booking. “The biggest problem we’re having right now is folks waiting,” Bruce says.&lt;br /&gt;
  6799. &lt;br /&gt;
  6800. Hawaii is in the top three travel destinations in the world. Bruce notes the importance of not booking illegal vacation rentals (rules differ by County). He says that many visitors have seen their reservations canceled simply because the rental owner found someone to pay more. Bruce stresses the importance of verifying names and contacts for your reservations. “If you don’t, it can be a real problem.”&lt;br /&gt;
  6801. &lt;br /&gt;
  6802. He also breaks down perhaps the most important part of a Hawaii vacation: “Just. Be. Nice.” This is most important to remember should things turn difficult or confusing during a Hawaii vacation during this Hawaii Tourism boom.&lt;br /&gt;
  6803. &lt;br /&gt;
  6804. Bruce talks about the benefits of booking with a licensed tour company for activities because of their increased access to popular destinations. Of course, Bruce always encourages visitors to find their own Hawaii vacation experience. But with vehicle and foot traffic at record highs at locations all over Hawaii, reservations with a licensed tour company like Hawaii Aloha Travel’s Secret Hawaii Tours will help minimize wait times and rental vehicle parking mayhem.&lt;br /&gt;
  6805. &lt;br /&gt;
  6806. Bruce offers his insight into approaching a Hawaii vacation in the “short term” during these high summer months of record arrivals. There is an overwhelming demand for Hawaii vacation accommodations and activities right now. He explains the significance of the visitor-to-resident ratio on Maui right now and offers some context for what measures are being considered to manage record numbers of visitors.&lt;br /&gt;
  6807. &lt;br /&gt;
  6808. With his typical candor and straight talk, Bruce talks about Hawaii Tourism Authority messaging and measures and some simple answers to challenges like low supply, traffic, and illegal vacation rentals. “This is all new territory,” Bruce says. “I know this will all get better.”&lt;br /&gt;
  6809. &lt;br /&gt;
  6810. Bruce moves into the potential and likely benefits of booking a Hawaii vacation in advance for 2022. Crowds will be thinner, and things are likely to have settled down after the confusion and changes brought by the pandemic.&lt;br /&gt;
  6811. &lt;br /&gt;
  6812. “There isn’t a better place in the world to visit,” Bruce says.</itunes:summary>
  6813. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  6814. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  6815. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  6816. <itunes:duration>17:49</itunes:duration>
  6817. </item>
  6818. <item>
  6819. <title>Capturing the moment on Your Hawaii Vacation &#8211; Photos Tips from Joe Philipson</title>
  6820. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/capturing-the-moment-on-your-hawaii-vacation-photos-tips-from-joe-philipson/</link>
  6821. <pubDate>Sun, 27 Jun 2021 02:32:36 +0000</pubDate>
  6822. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=39940</guid>
  6823. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/capturing-the-moment-on-your-hawaii-vacation-photos-tips-from-joe-philipson/#respond</comments>
  6824. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/capturing-the-moment-on-your-hawaii-vacation-photos-tips-from-joe-philipson/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  6825. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  6826. <description>On this special Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce welcomes acclaimed photographer Joe Phillipson into the studio to talk share some Hawaii Vacation photo tips. Bruce and Joe recall how they connected over social media more than a decade ago, and marvel at the growth of the online community.
  6827.  
  6828. Joe first came to Hawaii as a teacher at Ewa Beach Elementary School and recalls becoming obsessed with his new camera and taking unique photographs of Hawaii’s landscape and people. He went on to study photography on the East Coast and is now a sought-after professional.
  6829.  
  6830. Joe offers tips for aspiring amateur photographers and discusses the many options for taking pictures, even your smartphone. “You want to fill that frame with all of your happy moments,” he says. “Those are the ones you’ll want to remember. Get your camera ready and capture that moment.”
  6831.  
  6832. Bruce and Joe agree that great photographs don’t require expensive equipment. “Sometimes the best camera is the one you have with you, even if it’s your phone,” Joe says.
  6833.  
  6834. He goes on to give tips for being prepared to capture special moments as they happen. If your Hawaii vacation is planned well, you’ll know well in advance when the best opportunities for great photos will be. “Anticipate those moments and have your camera ready.”
  6835.  
  6836. Joe offers unique insight about taking group/family photos and discusses some common mistakes visitors make when trying to get the “perfect shot”. Instead of fighting the sun for a good photo, let it work for you. You’ll need a flash, for example, if you want a picture with your back to the sunset. “Don’t fight the sun,” Joe says. “Just use it.”
  6837.  
  6838. The conversation moves to different types of photo filters like Neutral Density Filter, and Joe explains how different the quality of light is in different locations around the world. Joe recommends a “polarizing filter” and explains why they are advantageous for photography in Hawaii. Bruce and Joe move on to talk about using flashes and the challenges they present.
  6839.  
  6840. Joe recommends hiring a professional photographer during a Hawaii vacation. A professional will have all of the necessary flashes and filters, freeing you to simply be in the photo with your family and friends.
  6841.  
  6842. Find Joe at www.joephilipson.com and on Instagram and Twitter to see his portfolio (it is vast and impressive), and consider hiring him to capture the “special moments” during your Hawaii vacation.
  6843.  
  6844. Bruce also notes that bookings are full or filling quickly for just about any and all Hawaii vacation activities. The time to book a Hawaii vacation is now!</description>
  6845. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/phototips.mp3" length="18940246" type="audio/mpeg" />
  6846. <itunes:subtitle>On this special Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce welcomes acclaimed photographer Joe Phillipson into the studio to talk share some Hawaii Vacation photo tips. Bruce and Joe recall how they connected over social media more than a decade a...</itunes:subtitle>
  6847. <itunes:summary>On this special Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce welcomes acclaimed photographer Joe Phillipson into the studio to talk share some Hawaii Vacation photo tips. Bruce and Joe recall how they connected over social media more than a decade ago, and marvel at the growth of the online community.&lt;br /&gt;
  6848. &lt;br /&gt;
  6849. Joe first came to Hawaii as a teacher at Ewa Beach Elementary School and recalls becoming obsessed with his new camera and taking unique photographs of Hawaii’s landscape and people. He went on to study photography on the East Coast and is now a sought-after professional.&lt;br /&gt;
  6850. &lt;br /&gt;
  6851. Joe offers tips for aspiring amateur photographers and discusses the many options for taking pictures, even your smartphone. “You want to fill that frame with all of your happy moments,” he says. “Those are the ones you’ll want to remember. Get your camera ready and capture that moment.”&lt;br /&gt;
  6852. &lt;br /&gt;
  6853. Bruce and Joe agree that great photographs don’t require expensive equipment. “Sometimes the best camera is the one you have with you, even if it’s your phone,” Joe says.&lt;br /&gt;
  6854. &lt;br /&gt;
  6855. He goes on to give tips for being prepared to capture special moments as they happen. If your Hawaii vacation is planned well, you’ll know well in advance when the best opportunities for great photos will be. “Anticipate those moments and have your camera ready.”&lt;br /&gt;
  6856. &lt;br /&gt;
  6857. Joe offers unique insight about taking group/family photos and discusses some common mistakes visitors make when trying to get the “perfect shot”. Instead of fighting the sun for a good photo, let it work for you. You’ll need a flash, for example, if you want a picture with your back to the sunset. “Don’t fight the sun,” Joe says. “Just use it.”&lt;br /&gt;
  6858. &lt;br /&gt;
  6859. The conversation moves to different types of photo filters like Neutral Density Filter, and Joe explains how different the quality of light is in different locations around the world. Joe recommends a “polarizing filter” and explains why they are advantageous for photography in Hawaii. Bruce and Joe move on to talk about using flashes and the challenges they present.&lt;br /&gt;
  6860. &lt;br /&gt;
  6861. Joe recommends hiring a professional photographer during a Hawaii vacation. A professional will have all of the necessary flashes and filters, freeing you to simply be in the photo with your family and friends.&lt;br /&gt;
  6862. &lt;br /&gt;
  6863. Find Joe at www.joephilipson.com and on Instagram and Twitter to see his portfolio (it is vast and impressive), and consider hiring him to capture the “special moments” during your Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  6864. &lt;br /&gt;
  6865. Bruce also notes that bookings are full or filling quickly for just about any and all Hawaii vacation activities. The time to book a Hawaii vacation is now!</itunes:summary>
  6866. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  6867. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  6868. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  6869. <itunes:duration>19:07</itunes:duration>
  6870. </item>
  6871. <item>
  6872. <title>Kauai &#8211; The Garden Island</title>
  6873. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/kauai-the-garden-island/</link>
  6874. <pubDate>Mon, 14 Jun 2021 00:02:30 +0000</pubDate>
  6875. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=39906</guid>
  6876. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/kauai-the-garden-island/#respond</comments>
  6877. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/kauai-the-garden-island/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  6878. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  6879. <description>Aloha Bruce dives right into talking about where to stay and what to do on the beautiful Kauai the Garden Island. Bruce also offers the latest in Hawaii vacation news and shares some of the deals he’s been able to track down for Hawaii’s visitors.
  6880.  
  6881. Beginning Tuesday, June 15, 2021, travelers will no longer be required to show proof of a negative COVID test to fly interisland, and Bruce talks about how busy Hawaii’s tourism is now that many restrictions have lifted, with more easing expected soon. Bruce reminds listeners that the people working in the industry are under a lot of pressure due to the massive influx of visitors and that vacationers are best to be patient.
  6882.  
  6883. “Here in Hawaii,” Bruce says, “people are not going to respond well if you get impatient,” Bruce recalls stories about TSA and health screeners encountering a lot of disrespectful visitors at the airport. He also mentions the Road to Hana being overwhelmed with the visitor traffic. “It’s not going to bode well if we keep having situations like this.” Malama Hawaii!
  6884.  
  6885. Bruce moves on to discussing the island of Kauai and notes some of the things that make it unique among the Hawaiian Island, noting that Hawaii Aloha Travel can help you plan all of your day trip excursions. He notes some of the visitor towns, and he mentions the Sheraton Coconut Beach Resort, which has a great location and is walkable to popular areas.
  6886.  
  6887. Poipu is on the south side of Kauai and is a beloved resort area. Bruce also mentions the rustic Waimea Plantation Cottages on the West Side. Bruce moves on to Princeville and Hanalei on the Kauai’s North Shore, noting that you can expect heavy rains during the winter months.
  6888.  
  6889. Bruce recommends the Sheraton in Kapaa, particularly the beach view suites. He mentions the Lodge at Kukui Ula on Kauai, which provides activities that educate and enrich visitors with a destination management approach. Bruce also mentions the Royal Sunesta in Lihue and notes that HAT has condos for rent in beautiful Hanalei.
  6890.  
  6891. Recent packages booked include the Santos family of four from Sacramento staying at the Shraton Coconut Beach Resort July 16-August 2 for a total of just over $6000 which includes a rental car. Another group will be staying at the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel for a little over $6500 and have opted for one of HAT’s all-inclusive Oahu packages and a stay at the Royal Lahaina on Maui for $6571. A family from Minneapolis will be flying Sun Country Air and staying at Princess Kaiulani in Waikiki.</description>
  6892. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/kauai-new.mp3" length="13946269" type="audio/mpeg" />
  6893. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce dives right into talking about where to stay and what to do on the beautiful Kauai the Garden Island. Bruce also offers the latest in Hawaii vacation news and shares some of the deals he’s been able to track down for Hawaii’s visitors.  </itunes:subtitle>
  6894. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce dives right into talking about where to stay and what to do on the beautiful Kauai the Garden Island. Bruce also offers the latest in Hawaii vacation news and shares some of the deals he’s been able to track down for Hawaii’s visitors.&lt;br /&gt;
  6895. &lt;br /&gt;
  6896. Beginning Tuesday, June 15, 2021, travelers will no longer be required to show proof of a negative COVID test to fly interisland, and Bruce talks about how busy Hawaii’s tourism is now that many restrictions have lifted, with more easing expected soon. Bruce reminds listeners that the people working in the industry are under a lot of pressure due to the massive influx of visitors and that vacationers are best to be patient.&lt;br /&gt;
  6897. &lt;br /&gt;
  6898. “Here in Hawaii,” Bruce says, “people are not going to respond well if you get impatient,” Bruce recalls stories about TSA and health screeners encountering a lot of disrespectful visitors at the airport. He also mentions the Road to Hana being overwhelmed with the visitor traffic. “It’s not going to bode well if we keep having situations like this.” Malama Hawaii!&lt;br /&gt;
  6899. &lt;br /&gt;
  6900. Bruce moves on to discussing the island of Kauai and notes some of the things that make it unique among the Hawaiian Island, noting that Hawaii Aloha Travel can help you plan all of your day trip excursions. He notes some of the visitor towns, and he mentions the Sheraton Coconut Beach Resort, which has a great location and is walkable to popular areas.&lt;br /&gt;
  6901. &lt;br /&gt;
  6902. Poipu is on the south side of Kauai and is a beloved resort area. Bruce also mentions the rustic Waimea Plantation Cottages on the West Side. Bruce moves on to Princeville and Hanalei on the Kauai’s North Shore, noting that you can expect heavy rains during the winter months.&lt;br /&gt;
  6903. &lt;br /&gt;
  6904. Bruce recommends the Sheraton in Kapaa, particularly the beach view suites. He mentions the Lodge at Kukui Ula on Kauai, which provides activities that educate and enrich visitors with a destination management approach. Bruce also mentions the Royal Sunesta in Lihue and notes that HAT has condos for rent in beautiful Hanalei.&lt;br /&gt;
  6905. &lt;br /&gt;
  6906. Recent packages booked include the Santos family of four from Sacramento staying at the Shraton Coconut Beach Resort July 16-August 2 for a total of just over $6000 which includes a rental car. Another group will be staying at the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel for a little over $6500 and have opted for one of HAT’s all-inclusive Oahu packages and a stay at the Royal Lahaina on Maui for $6571. A family from Minneapolis will be flying Sun Country Air and staying at Princess Kaiulani in Waikiki.</itunes:summary>
  6907. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  6908. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  6909. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  6910. <itunes:duration>15:41</itunes:duration>
  6911. </item>
  6912. <item>
  6913. <title>Hawaii Rental Car Shortage and what you can do if your stuck in Hawaii wihtout transportation!</title>
  6914. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-car-rental-shortage/</link>
  6915. <pubDate>Tue, 01 Jun 2021 00:18:38 +0000</pubDate>
  6916. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=39863</guid>
  6917. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-car-rental-shortage/#respond</comments>
  6918. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-car-rental-shortage/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  6919. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  6920. <description>On this special May 31, 2021 Memorial Day Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce is talking about the Hawaii Car Rental shortage and exorbitant pricing throughout the Hawaiian Islands, and possible alternatives for transportation during your Hawaii vacation.
  6921.  
  6922. Bruce notes the lifting of Hawaii’s outdoor mask mandate, and he expects other restrictions to be lifted soon. He mentions problems people have had regarding COVID-19 testing and reminds visitors to get travel insurance in the event that plans have to be changed or canceled and rescheduled.
  6923.  
  6924. “It is driving me nuts what is going on here with this Hawaii car rental shortage!” Bruce exclaims. He mentions a client who asked about public transportation. There is public transportation on all islands, and Bruce gets into details about how to take advantage of it.
  6925.  
  6926. Oahu’s public transportation system, “TheBus”, is ranked among the best in the United States. Bruce says you can get “just about anywhere” on Oahu, noting that many routes go through the Ala Moana Shopping Center hub. Bruce mentions several route numbers that take passengers to major attractions around Oahu, and the information is readily available online.
  6927.  
  6928. Bruce moves on to discuss Maui’s public bus system that serves Lahaina, the Lahaina Villager, and the Lahaina Islander and offers details about the routes. He also mentions routes that have been closed and that he hopes will reopen soon. The Queen Kaahumanu Center is a hub for many Maui routes, including one for Upcountry Maui.
  6929.  
  6930. The Big Island routes are more complicated, but Bruce mentions a Kohala Coast route and Kona Coast route. “You gotta be patient,” Bruce says.
  6931.  
  6932. Kauai’s bus routes are noted, and Bruce says that there are only six on the island. Bruce says that more bus routes should be added in the future.
  6933.  
  6934. Car rental prices will remain very high through the summer, and Bruce encourages listeners to reach out to Hawaii Aloha Travel to work out your transportation needs and the Hawaii car rental shortage, solutions, and costs. “That’s what we’re here for!”</description>
  6935. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/carshortage.mp3" length="12201872" type="audio/mpeg" />
  6936. <itunes:subtitle>On this special May 31, 2021 Memorial Day Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce is talking about the Hawaii Car Rental shortage and exorbitant pricing throughout the Hawaiian Islands, and possible alternatives for transportation during your H...</itunes:subtitle>
  6937. <itunes:summary>On this special May 31, 2021 Memorial Day Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce is talking about the Hawaii Car Rental shortage and exorbitant pricing throughout the Hawaiian Islands, and possible alternatives for transportation during your Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  6938. &lt;br /&gt;
  6939. Bruce notes the lifting of Hawaii’s outdoor mask mandate, and he expects other restrictions to be lifted soon. He mentions problems people have had regarding COVID-19 testing and reminds visitors to get travel insurance in the event that plans have to be changed or canceled and rescheduled.&lt;br /&gt;
  6940. &lt;br /&gt;
  6941. “It is driving me nuts what is going on here with this Hawaii car rental shortage!” Bruce exclaims. He mentions a client who asked about public transportation. There is public transportation on all islands, and Bruce gets into details about how to take advantage of it.&lt;br /&gt;
  6942. &lt;br /&gt;
  6943. Oahu’s public transportation system, “TheBus”, is ranked among the best in the United States. Bruce says you can get “just about anywhere” on Oahu, noting that many routes go through the Ala Moana Shopping Center hub. Bruce mentions several route numbers that take passengers to major attractions around Oahu, and the information is readily available online.&lt;br /&gt;
  6944. &lt;br /&gt;
  6945. Bruce moves on to discuss Maui’s public bus system that serves Lahaina, the Lahaina Villager, and the Lahaina Islander and offers details about the routes. He also mentions routes that have been closed and that he hopes will reopen soon. The Queen Kaahumanu Center is a hub for many Maui routes, including one for Upcountry Maui.&lt;br /&gt;
  6946. &lt;br /&gt;
  6947. The Big Island routes are more complicated, but Bruce mentions a Kohala Coast route and Kona Coast route. “You gotta be patient,” Bruce says.&lt;br /&gt;
  6948. &lt;br /&gt;
  6949. Kauai’s bus routes are noted, and Bruce says that there are only six on the island. Bruce says that more bus routes should be added in the future.&lt;br /&gt;
  6950. &lt;br /&gt;
  6951. Car rental prices will remain very high through the summer, and Bruce encourages listeners to reach out to Hawaii Aloha Travel to work out your transportation needs and the Hawaii car rental shortage, solutions, and costs. “That’s what we’re here for!”</itunes:summary>
  6952. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  6953. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  6954. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  6955. <itunes:duration>14:10</itunes:duration>
  6956. </item>
  6957. <item>
  6958. <title>Southwest Airlines Announces Major Hawaii Expansion</title>
  6959. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/southwest-airlines-announces-major-expansion/</link>
  6960. <pubDate>Sun, 16 May 2021 21:22:50 +0000</pubDate>
  6961. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=39763</guid>
  6962. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/southwest-airlines-announces-major-expansion/#respond</comments>
  6963. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/southwest-airlines-announces-major-expansion/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  6964. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  6965. <description>Aloha Bruce looks into some recent news about Hawaii tourism, and the soaring demand for travel to Hawaii. Bruce notes that the huge demand caused the data system at Hawaiian Airlines to crash a couple of days ago, rendering the airline unable to book any travelers and forcing the airline to issue a public apology for the failure.
  6966.  
  6967. Bruce also discusses the fact that Hawaii’s masking mandates remain in place despite the CDC recently saying that vaccinated individuals can remove their masks in most circumstances. Bruce says that Hawaii is quite conservative in matters of public safety and that masking will remain the norm in Hawaii. “Masks were no big deal, to begin with here,” says Bruce.
  6968.  
  6969. Bruce talks briefly about a recent trip to Kakaako in Honolulu and a Korean-style market called H-Mart with an excellent food court and specialty spots, including the now-famous Giovanni&#039;s Shrimp.
  6970.  
  6971. Bruce moves on to address the high demand and low supply of rental vehicles. Bruce mentions a recent booking for a couple for New York City who weren’t bothered by the lack of rental cars because they live in the city and don’t even have a driver’s license! Bruce explains the difference between Hawaii Aloha Travel and so-called “influencers” seeking publicity as Hawaii experts. “I’m really just trying to help people book a Hawaii vacation.”
  6972.  
  6973. The topic moves to the entrance of Southwest Airlines into the Hawaii market in 2018, during a time when interisland travel saw some major changes and the loss of Aloha Air and other charter carriers. Bruce says that Southwest entering the market has made for more competitive pricing. The launch was met with equipment failures and pandemic issues, Bruce says, and has done a good job of adapting and will launch a series of new Hawaii routes from a variety of mainland cities in June and September. With his typical real talk, Bruce says, “You’ve got to give them their props!”
  6974.  
  6975. Bruce shares some recent booking deals through Southwest and Hilton Hawaiian Village that includes a rental car. Another package for three at the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotels through Southwest is noted, as well as a high-end 5-star honeymoon package Bruce worked out for a couple from Boston at the Maunalani Resort on the building. While spendy, the package includes a rental car and travel insurance.</description>
  6976. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/south.mp3" length="17536188" type="audio/mpeg" />
  6977. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce looks into some recent news about Hawaii tourism, and the soaring demand for travel to Hawaii. Bruce notes that the huge demand caused the data system at Hawaiian Airlines to crash a couple of days ago,</itunes:subtitle>
  6978. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce looks into some recent news about Hawaii tourism, and the soaring demand for travel to Hawaii. Bruce notes that the huge demand caused the data system at Hawaiian Airlines to crash a couple of days ago, rendering the airline unable to book any travelers and forcing the airline to issue a public apology for the failure.&lt;br /&gt;
  6979. &lt;br /&gt;
  6980. Bruce also discusses the fact that Hawaii’s masking mandates remain in place despite the CDC recently saying that vaccinated individuals can remove their masks in most circumstances. Bruce says that Hawaii is quite conservative in matters of public safety and that masking will remain the norm in Hawaii. “Masks were no big deal, to begin with here,” says Bruce.&lt;br /&gt;
  6981. &lt;br /&gt;
  6982. Bruce talks briefly about a recent trip to Kakaako in Honolulu and a Korean-style market called H-Mart with an excellent food court and specialty spots, including the now-famous Giovanni&#039;s Shrimp.&lt;br /&gt;
  6983. &lt;br /&gt;
  6984. Bruce moves on to address the high demand and low supply of rental vehicles. Bruce mentions a recent booking for a couple for New York City who weren’t bothered by the lack of rental cars because they live in the city and don’t even have a driver’s license! Bruce explains the difference between Hawaii Aloha Travel and so-called “influencers” seeking publicity as Hawaii experts. “I’m really just trying to help people book a Hawaii vacation.”&lt;br /&gt;
  6985. &lt;br /&gt;
  6986. The topic moves to the entrance of Southwest Airlines into the Hawaii market in 2018, during a time when interisland travel saw some major changes and the loss of Aloha Air and other charter carriers. Bruce says that Southwest entering the market has made for more competitive pricing. The launch was met with equipment failures and pandemic issues, Bruce says, and has done a good job of adapting and will launch a series of new Hawaii routes from a variety of mainland cities in June and September. With his typical real talk, Bruce says, “You’ve got to give them their props!”&lt;br /&gt;
  6987. &lt;br /&gt;
  6988. Bruce shares some recent booking deals through Southwest and Hilton Hawaiian Village that includes a rental car. Another package for three at the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotels through Southwest is noted, as well as a high-end 5-star honeymoon package Bruce worked out for a couple from Boston at the Maunalani Resort on the building. While spendy, the package includes a rental car and travel insurance.</itunes:summary>
  6989. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  6990. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  6991. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  6992. <itunes:duration>18:03</itunes:duration>
  6993. </item>
  6994. <item>
  6995. <title>Creating your day by day Hawaii Vacation Itinerary</title>
  6996. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/creating-you-day-by-day-hawaii-vacation-itinerary/</link>
  6997. <pubDate>Mon, 10 May 2021 23:34:43 +0000</pubDate>
  6998. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=39750</guid>
  6999. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/creating-you-day-by-day-hawaii-vacation-itinerary/#respond</comments>
  7000. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/creating-you-day-by-day-hawaii-vacation-itinerary/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  7001. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  7002. <description>Aloha Bruce gets into the specifics of creating your day by day Hawaii vacation itinerary on our May 10, 2021 Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, and he starts off by sharing some important information about COVID-19 vaccination status for Hawaii travelers, mainly that vaccination does not yet exempt trans-Pacific travelers from Hawaii’s COVID testing requirements.
  7003.  
  7004. Bruce talks about a daily activity approach to planning your Hawaii vacation, noting that you can’t do everything. That’s why it is important to prioritize your activities with a “bucket list” of things you want to do. He mentions a trip to Haleakala or a trip to Hana on Maui as an activity you can do on your own with some simple planning. “It really depends on your particular style,” Bruce says.
  7005.  
  7006. Bruce explains smart daily budgeting for a Hawaii vacation, noting that it is important to have a realistic, “all-in” budget and to be flexible with your choices. Ambitious activities like helicopter tours are more expensive than many people expect, Bruce says, so knowing what your priorities are when booking is key. You don’t want to “blow your budget” for just one activity.
  7007.  
  7008. The average vacation is a six-night stay, Bruce says, and offers tips for planning around your arrival and departure times. He mentions a variety of activities that are best with an early morning start, how to plan out your days to relax, to make time for a traditional luau, to have an “adventure tour”, and other essential elements of a Hawaii vacation.
  7009.  
  7010. Bruce says that because of the pandemic “everything is new again” as visitors return and hotels, restaurants, and businesses welcome people back and public health protocols change. Now is the time to plan and book a Hawaii vacation.</description>
  7011. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/itn.mp3" length="13003011" type="audio/mpeg" />
  7012. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce gets into the specifics of creating your day by day Hawaii vacation itinerary on our May 10, 2021 Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, and he starts off by sharing some important information about COVID-19 vaccination status for Hawaii trave...</itunes:subtitle>
  7013. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce gets into the specifics of creating your day by day Hawaii vacation itinerary on our May 10, 2021 Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, and he starts off by sharing some important information about COVID-19 vaccination status for Hawaii travelers, mainly that vaccination does not yet exempt trans-Pacific travelers from Hawaii’s COVID testing requirements.&lt;br /&gt;
  7014. &lt;br /&gt;
  7015. Bruce talks about a daily activity approach to planning your Hawaii vacation, noting that you can’t do everything. That’s why it is important to prioritize your activities with a “bucket list” of things you want to do. He mentions a trip to Haleakala or a trip to Hana on Maui as an activity you can do on your own with some simple planning. “It really depends on your particular style,” Bruce says.&lt;br /&gt;
  7016. &lt;br /&gt;
  7017. Bruce explains smart daily budgeting for a Hawaii vacation, noting that it is important to have a realistic, “all-in” budget and to be flexible with your choices. Ambitious activities like helicopter tours are more expensive than many people expect, Bruce says, so knowing what your priorities are when booking is key. You don’t want to “blow your budget” for just one activity.&lt;br /&gt;
  7018. &lt;br /&gt;
  7019. The average vacation is a six-night stay, Bruce says, and offers tips for planning around your arrival and departure times. He mentions a variety of activities that are best with an early morning start, how to plan out your days to relax, to make time for a traditional luau, to have an “adventure tour”, and other essential elements of a Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  7020. &lt;br /&gt;
  7021. Bruce says that because of the pandemic “everything is new again” as visitors return and hotels, restaurants, and businesses welcome people back and public health protocols change. Now is the time to plan and book a Hawaii vacation.</itunes:summary>
  7022. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  7023. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  7024. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  7025. <itunes:duration>13:17</itunes:duration>
  7026. </item>
  7027. <item>
  7028. <title>Best time to plan a Hawaii Vacation</title>
  7029. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/best-time-to-plan-hawaii-vacation/</link>
  7030. <pubDate>Mon, 03 May 2021 21:00:37 +0000</pubDate>
  7031. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=39646</guid>
  7032. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/best-time-to-plan-hawaii-vacation/#respond</comments>
  7033. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/best-time-to-plan-hawaii-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  7034. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  7035. <description>On our latest Hawaii Vacation Podcast, Aloha Bruce discusses the question: “When is the best time to plan a Hawaii vacation?” Bruce talks about some of Hawaii Aloha Travel’s recent bookings to give listeners an idea of what pricing is like right now.
  7036.  
  7037.  
  7038.  
  7039. Bruce says that now is an excellent time to vacation in Hawaii, as international travel remains difficult or impossible and Hawaii is relatively close to home on the mainland. “It’s just really the best place to visit right now,” Bruce says.
  7040.  
  7041.  
  7042.  
  7043. The busiest time of year for Hawaii tourism is in the late/spring-summer and in the winter, Bruce says, and he discusses the “high season” that begins in December. Bruce gets into some detail about specific times of the year and what visitors can expect for weather and pricing, and the kinds of annual events and attractions that are happening.Bruce says May and September are also good for weather and pricing. October and November, Bruce says, are usually the months with the best deals, as it is Hawaii shoulder season.
  7044.  
  7045.  
  7046.  
  7047. Bruce follows up with a month-by-month breakdown of weather and visitor patterns, as well as pricing trends for specific dates and holidays. He notes that tourism generally dips slightly in May before demand begins to peak and prices (and temperatures) rise. Bruce says this is the best reason to book a Hawaii vacation early. “Don’t wait, at all,” Bruce says about booking July and August Hawaii vacations.
  7048.  
  7049.  
  7050.  
  7051. “October is absolutely the slowest month,” Bruce says, noting that it is the month to find the best deals. Late November into December is when Hawaii sees demand spike again. Peak season runs through Christmas into the second week of January, after which deals and airfare wars begin.
  7052.  
  7053.  
  7054.  
  7055. Bruce shares a 6-person group (the Tolbert family) booking for Oahu at the Aston Waikiki Beach that was a fantastic deal. He also notes a September honeymoon booking also at the Aston Waikiki as well as the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore that got a terrific rate</description>
  7056. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/besttime.mp3" length="13156984" type="audio/mpeg" />
  7057. <itunes:subtitle>On our latest Hawaii Vacation Podcast, Aloha Bruce discusses the question: “When is the best time to plan a Hawaii vacation?” Bruce talks about some of Hawaii Aloha Travel’s recent bookings to give listeners an idea of what pricing is like right now.  ...</itunes:subtitle>
  7058. <itunes:summary>On our latest Hawaii Vacation Podcast, Aloha Bruce discusses the question: “When is the best time to plan a Hawaii vacation?” Bruce talks about some of Hawaii Aloha Travel’s recent bookings to give listeners an idea of what pricing is like right now.&lt;br /&gt;
  7059. &lt;br /&gt;
  7060. &lt;br /&gt;
  7061. &lt;br /&gt;
  7062. Bruce says that now is an excellent time to vacation in Hawaii, as international travel remains difficult or impossible and Hawaii is relatively close to home on the mainland. “It’s just really the best place to visit right now,” Bruce says.&lt;br /&gt;
  7063. &lt;br /&gt;
  7064. &lt;br /&gt;
  7065. &lt;br /&gt;
  7066. The busiest time of year for Hawaii tourism is in the late/spring-summer and in the winter, Bruce says, and he discusses the “high season” that begins in December. Bruce gets into some detail about specific times of the year and what visitors can expect for weather and pricing, and the kinds of annual events and attractions that are happening.Bruce says May and September are also good for weather and pricing. October and November, Bruce says, are usually the months with the best deals, as it is Hawaii shoulder season.&lt;br /&gt;
  7067. &lt;br /&gt;
  7068. &lt;br /&gt;
  7069. &lt;br /&gt;
  7070. Bruce follows up with a month-by-month breakdown of weather and visitor patterns, as well as pricing trends for specific dates and holidays. He notes that tourism generally dips slightly in May before demand begins to peak and prices (and temperatures) rise. Bruce says this is the best reason to book a Hawaii vacation early. “Don’t wait, at all,” Bruce says about booking July and August Hawaii vacations.&lt;br /&gt;
  7071. &lt;br /&gt;
  7072. &lt;br /&gt;
  7073. &lt;br /&gt;
  7074. “October is absolutely the slowest month,” Bruce says, noting that it is the month to find the best deals. Late November into December is when Hawaii sees demand spike again. Peak season runs through Christmas into the second week of January, after which deals and airfare wars begin.&lt;br /&gt;
  7075. &lt;br /&gt;
  7076. &lt;br /&gt;
  7077. &lt;br /&gt;
  7078. Bruce shares a 6-person group (the Tolbert family) booking for Oahu at the Aston Waikiki Beach that was a fantastic deal. He also notes a September honeymoon booking also at the Aston Waikiki as well as the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore that got a terrific rate</itunes:summary>
  7079. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  7080. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  7081. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  7082. <itunes:duration>14:12</itunes:duration>
  7083. </item>
  7084. <item>
  7085. <title>Stop shopping &#8211; deals are hard to find now- Just Book it!</title>
  7086. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/stop-shopping-just-book/</link>
  7087. <pubDate>Mon, 26 Apr 2021 00:58:20 +0000</pubDate>
  7088. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=39421</guid>
  7089. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/stop-shopping-just-book/#respond</comments>
  7090. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/stop-shopping-just-book/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  7091. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  7092. <description>Aloha Bruce urges visitors book their Hawaii vacations now on the newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce talks briefly about an interisland travel “vaccine passport” for people who have been fully vaccinated in Hawaii set to launch in May. Bruce notes that he is now fully vaccinated and that “I feel free, in a way.”
  7093.  
  7094. Bruce moves on to discuss the high cost of vehicle rentals in Hawaii right now, and notes that by booking with Hawaii Aloha Travel, you can avoid the high prices by bundling with us. He also mentions the flexibility that booking through HAT affords Hawaii vacationers. He also mentions Touro.com.
  7095.  
  7096. Bruce says when thinking about booking “It’s time to stop shopping! When you get a good price, take it.” He mentions a podcast listener who missed out on a great deal because she waited too long to take advantage of an exclusive offer.
  7097.  
  7098. Hawaii is very unique among vacation destinations, Bruce says, and HAT is able to offer upgrades, rebates, and exclusive offers. Pricing for a Hawaii vacation changes from day to day, and Bruce says HAT is in the business of finding the best deals for Hawaii visitors. The same offer available one day may be gone the next, with the difference in pricing sometimes being in the hundreds of dollars.
  7099.  
  7100. With his typical expert insight into Hawaii’s travel and visitor industry, Bruce offers a look into the inner workings of pricing trends in Hawaii. He also mentions the personal, customized and themed secrethawaiitours.com that HAT offers.
  7101.  
  7102. Bruce talks about a couple of bookings made in the past 48 hours, including a vacation for a multi-night stay for a couple (Eileen and Christian) from San Francisco at the historic Moana Surfrider in the heart of Waikiki. He says the price he was able to secure for them was exceptionally reasonable. Bruce then talks about a package for a family of four from Chicago staying at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort that came in around $8000.
  7103.  
  7104. Bruce also mentions a party of two staying at the Westin on Maui in August for just over $4500 for six nights. Hawaii Aloha Travel, Bruce says is always here to connect you with the best deals possible for all aspects of an unforgettable Hawaii vacation.
  7105.  
  7106. “Stop shopping!” Bruce says. “Just book it!”</description>
  7107. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/dont.mp3" length="13652344" type="audio/mpeg" />
  7108. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce urges visitors book their Hawaii vacations now on the newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce talks briefly about an interisland travel “vaccine passport” for people who have been fully vaccinated in Hawaii set to launch in May.</itunes:subtitle>
  7109. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce urges visitors book their Hawaii vacations now on the newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce talks briefly about an interisland travel “vaccine passport” for people who have been fully vaccinated in Hawaii set to launch in May. Bruce notes that he is now fully vaccinated and that “I feel free, in a way.”&lt;br /&gt;
  7110. &lt;br /&gt;
  7111. Bruce moves on to discuss the high cost of vehicle rentals in Hawaii right now, and notes that by booking with Hawaii Aloha Travel, you can avoid the high prices by bundling with us. He also mentions the flexibility that booking through HAT affords Hawaii vacationers. He also mentions Touro.com.&lt;br /&gt;
  7112. &lt;br /&gt;
  7113. Bruce says when thinking about booking “It’s time to stop shopping! When you get a good price, take it.” He mentions a podcast listener who missed out on a great deal because she waited too long to take advantage of an exclusive offer.&lt;br /&gt;
  7114. &lt;br /&gt;
  7115. Hawaii is very unique among vacation destinations, Bruce says, and HAT is able to offer upgrades, rebates, and exclusive offers. Pricing for a Hawaii vacation changes from day to day, and Bruce says HAT is in the business of finding the best deals for Hawaii visitors. The same offer available one day may be gone the next, with the difference in pricing sometimes being in the hundreds of dollars.&lt;br /&gt;
  7116. &lt;br /&gt;
  7117. With his typical expert insight into Hawaii’s travel and visitor industry, Bruce offers a look into the inner workings of pricing trends in Hawaii. He also mentions the personal, customized and themed secrethawaiitours.com that HAT offers.&lt;br /&gt;
  7118. &lt;br /&gt;
  7119. Bruce talks about a couple of bookings made in the past 48 hours, including a vacation for a multi-night stay for a couple (Eileen and Christian) from San Francisco at the historic Moana Surfrider in the heart of Waikiki. He says the price he was able to secure for them was exceptionally reasonable. Bruce then talks about a package for a family of four from Chicago staying at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort that came in around $8000.&lt;br /&gt;
  7120. &lt;br /&gt;
  7121. Bruce also mentions a party of two staying at the Westin on Maui in August for just over $4500 for six nights. Hawaii Aloha Travel, Bruce says is always here to connect you with the best deals possible for all aspects of an unforgettable Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  7122. &lt;br /&gt;
  7123. “Stop shopping!” Bruce says. “Just book it!”</itunes:summary>
  7124. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  7125. <itunes:season>14</itunes:season>
  7126. <podcast:season>14</podcast:season>
  7127. <itunes:episode>971</itunes:episode>
  7128. <podcast:episode>971</podcast:episode>
  7129. <itunes:title>Don&#039;t Be one of these People!! </itunes:title>
  7130. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  7131. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  7132. <itunes:duration>15:47</itunes:duration>
  7133. </item>
  7134. <item>
  7135. <title>Here&#8217;s what you should eat on your Hawaii Vacation</title>
  7136. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/what-to-eat-in-hawaii/</link>
  7137. <pubDate>Wed, 21 Apr 2021 06:18:51 +0000</pubDate>
  7138. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=39414</guid>
  7139. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/what-to-eat-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  7140. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/what-to-eat-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  7141. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  7142. <description>Aloha Bruce and Lanai dive into a discussion about Hawaii’s food options for vacationers on the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Lanai knows Hawaii’s food culture as well as anyone, and he offers his insight about how best to enjoy dining in the Aloha State. Later, our hosts offer important tips on getting around during your visit.
  7143.  
  7144. As far as finding the best places to eat, Lanai says simply, “Ask a local!” Bruce asks Lanai about his success in highlighting Hawaii’s food culture, with Lanai saying he’s been successful because he supports local businesses in his work.
  7145.  
  7146. The conversation moves on to the variety of restaurants in Hawaii, from 5-Star fine dining to simple plate lunches. Our hosts share a few of their favorites hole-in-the-wall restaurants that have been operating for generations. Lanai offers a brief history of the evolution of food in Hawaii and mentions James Beard Award winner Helena’s Hawaiian Food. Lanai goes on to tell the story of the invention of the “Loco Moco” by ravenous surfers in Hilo on the Big Island.
  7147.  
  7148. Bruce and Lanai discuss a variety of Facebook comments that prompt mini-history lessons about a variety of local favorites, and the marvelous story of how “shave ice” became a Hawaii food institution, and rattles off a list of mom and pop shave ice joints around Hawaii.
  7149.  
  7150. After announcing the Deal of the Day, Bruce and Lanai move on to offering tips about transportation during a Hawaii vacation and interisland air travel. Lanai says that on the Neighbor Islands, visitors should plan to rent a vehicle, but public transportation and rideshare services on Oahu can be enough for some visitors. Bruce thinks renting a vehicle for at least part of a Hawaii vacation is best. Our hosts note high parking costs in some areas and resorts.</description>
  7151. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/buyhawaii.mp3" length="39338362" type="audio/mpeg" />
  7152. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce and Lanai dive into a discussion about Hawaii’s food options for vacationers on the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Lanai knows Hawaii’s food culture as well as anyone, and he offers his insight about how best to enjoy dining in ...</itunes:subtitle>
  7153. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce and Lanai dive into a discussion about Hawaii’s food options for vacationers on the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Lanai knows Hawaii’s food culture as well as anyone, and he offers his insight about how best to enjoy dining in the Aloha State. Later, our hosts offer important tips on getting around during your visit.&lt;br /&gt;
  7154. &lt;br /&gt;
  7155. As far as finding the best places to eat, Lanai says simply, “Ask a local!” Bruce asks Lanai about his success in highlighting Hawaii’s food culture, with Lanai saying he’s been successful because he supports local businesses in his work.&lt;br /&gt;
  7156. &lt;br /&gt;
  7157. The conversation moves on to the variety of restaurants in Hawaii, from 5-Star fine dining to simple plate lunches. Our hosts share a few of their favorites hole-in-the-wall restaurants that have been operating for generations. Lanai offers a brief history of the evolution of food in Hawaii and mentions James Beard Award winner Helena’s Hawaiian Food. Lanai goes on to tell the story of the invention of the “Loco Moco” by ravenous surfers in Hilo on the Big Island.&lt;br /&gt;
  7158. &lt;br /&gt;
  7159. Bruce and Lanai discuss a variety of Facebook comments that prompt mini-history lessons about a variety of local favorites, and the marvelous story of how “shave ice” became a Hawaii food institution, and rattles off a list of mom and pop shave ice joints around Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  7160. &lt;br /&gt;
  7161. After announcing the Deal of the Day, Bruce and Lanai move on to offering tips about transportation during a Hawaii vacation and interisland air travel. Lanai says that on the Neighbor Islands, visitors should plan to rent a vehicle, but public transportation and rideshare services on Oahu can be enough for some visitors. Bruce thinks renting a vehicle for at least part of a Hawaii vacation is best. Our hosts note high parking costs in some areas and resorts.</itunes:summary>
  7162. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  7163. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  7164. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  7165. <itunes:duration>16:23</itunes:duration>
  7166. </item>
  7167. <item>
  7168. <title>Best Oahu Hotel Picks</title>
  7169. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/best-oahu-hotel-picks/</link>
  7170. <pubDate>Sun, 04 Apr 2021 18:06:18 +0000</pubDate>
  7171. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=38720</guid>
  7172. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/best-oahu-hotel-picks/#respond</comments>
  7173. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/best-oahu-hotel-picks/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  7174. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  7175. <description>Aloha Bruce shares his personal best Oahu hotel picks, from budget to luxury for the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. He starts off with some of the latest news affecting Hawaii travel, including potential plans for a “vaccine passport” possibly letting travelers with proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination avoid a mandatory quarantine without testing required by the Hawaii Safe Travels program.
  7176.  
  7177. Bruce asks visitors to please “be patient with us” here in Hawaii, as workers in the tourism industry have been nearly overwhelmed with soaring demand for flights, rooms, cars, and dining and entertainment options.
  7178.  
  7179. Bruce begins his list of favorite best Oahu hotel picks with properties in the “budget” category, between $120-$200 per night. He mentions the White Sands, which had deteriorated before a recent remodel and rebranding project. He also mentions the Hilton Garden Inn, which has also undergone a recent renovation in a great location on Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki.
  7180.  
  7181. Aloha Bruce moves on to “boutique hotels” ($200-$250), starting with the Queen Kapiolani Hotel, and talks about the rich history of the unique property next to Kapiolani Point and close to Diamond Head. He also mentions the LayLow, another older property near International Marketplace modernized and taken over by Marriott. The nearby SurfJack is also mentioned, and Bruce says that it is a well-marketed property.
  7182.  
  7183. The “Upscale” range includes the Alohilani ($250-$350), which Hawaii Aloha Travel books regularly. It has great restaurants, and Bruce says, “It’s skewed a little younger.” The Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel also gets a mention of the best Oahu Hotel Picks.
  7184.  
  7185. Moving on to “high end” properties, Bruce starts with the Halepuna ($350-$500), which hasn’t officially opened due to the COVID pandemic.  It is a sister property to the famous Halekulani Hotel, which has also undergone recent renovations. Bruce says July is a good month to book at the Halepuna.
  7186.  
  7187. Bruce says the high-end Ritz Carlton Residences, a 5-Star property, is an amazing property and talks about the location of the posh accommodations. He also notes The Kahala, a luxury property that also offers beachfront cottages and a long history of welcoming world-famous luminaries for decades. Bruce gives Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore an “Honorable Mention”, and notes its remote and exotic location.
  7188.  
  7189. Bruce also reminds listeners about Hawaii Aloha Travel’s private tour company Secret Hawaii Tours!</description>
  7190. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/oahuhotelpicks.mp3" length="16172734" type="audio/mpeg" />
  7191. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce shares his personal best Oahu hotel picks, from budget to luxury for the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. He starts off with some of the latest news affecting Hawaii travel, including potential plans for a “vaccine passport” possi...</itunes:subtitle>
  7192. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce shares his personal best Oahu hotel picks, from budget to luxury for the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. He starts off with some of the latest news affecting Hawaii travel, including potential plans for a “vaccine passport” possibly letting travelers with proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination avoid a mandatory quarantine without testing required by the Hawaii Safe Travels program.&lt;br /&gt;
  7193. &lt;br /&gt;
  7194. Bruce asks visitors to please “be patient with us” here in Hawaii, as workers in the tourism industry have been nearly overwhelmed with soaring demand for flights, rooms, cars, and dining and entertainment options.&lt;br /&gt;
  7195. &lt;br /&gt;
  7196. Bruce begins his list of favorite best Oahu hotel picks with properties in the “budget” category, between $120-$200 per night. He mentions the White Sands, which had deteriorated before a recent remodel and rebranding project. He also mentions the Hilton Garden Inn, which has also undergone a recent renovation in a great location on Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki.&lt;br /&gt;
  7197. &lt;br /&gt;
  7198. Aloha Bruce moves on to “boutique hotels” ($200-$250), starting with the Queen Kapiolani Hotel, and talks about the rich history of the unique property next to Kapiolani Point and close to Diamond Head. He also mentions the LayLow, another older property near International Marketplace modernized and taken over by Marriott. The nearby SurfJack is also mentioned, and Bruce says that it is a well-marketed property.&lt;br /&gt;
  7199. &lt;br /&gt;
  7200. The “Upscale” range includes the Alohilani ($250-$350), which Hawaii Aloha Travel books regularly. It has great restaurants, and Bruce says, “It’s skewed a little younger.” The Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel also gets a mention of the best Oahu Hotel Picks.&lt;br /&gt;
  7201. &lt;br /&gt;
  7202. Moving on to “high end” properties, Bruce starts with the Halepuna ($350-$500), which hasn’t officially opened due to the COVID pandemic.  It is a sister property to the famous Halekulani Hotel, which has also undergone recent renovations. Bruce says July is a good month to book at the Halepuna.&lt;br /&gt;
  7203. &lt;br /&gt;
  7204. Bruce says the high-end Ritz Carlton Residences, a 5-Star property, is an amazing property and talks about the location of the posh accommodations. He also notes The Kahala, a luxury property that also offers beachfront cottages and a long history of welcoming world-famous luminaries for decades. Bruce gives Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore an “Honorable Mention”, and notes its remote and exotic location.&lt;br /&gt;
  7205. &lt;br /&gt;
  7206. Bruce also reminds listeners about Hawaii Aloha Travel’s private tour company Secret Hawaii Tours!</itunes:summary>
  7207. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  7208. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  7209. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  7210. <itunes:duration>17:04</itunes:duration>
  7211. </item>
  7212. <item>
  7213. <title>Hawaii Vacation news and Hawaii Hotel deals</title>
  7214. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-vacation-news-and-hawaii-hotel-deals/</link>
  7215. <pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2021 03:48:34 +0000</pubDate>
  7216. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=38612</guid>
  7217. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-vacation-news-and-hawaii-hotel-deals/#respond</comments>
  7218. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-vacation-news-and-hawaii-hotel-deals/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  7219. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  7220. <description>Aloha Bruce has some important travel news and great hawaii hotel deals on this February 28, 2021 Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. He starts with “something you should definitely not do”, a story about two people who tried to bribe their way into avoiding Hawaii’s travel requirements and ended up in jail. He notes that are many easy options for getting a COVID test, and even some exceptions to the quarantine rule.
  7221.  
  7222. Bruce moves on to discuss proposed legislation to standardize Hawaii’s travel requirements, noting Kauai’s opting out of the Hawaii Safe Travels program and requiring more strict measures for visitors. He says that Kauai is he and Yaling’s favorite island to visit.
  7223.  
  7224. Bruce also notes the good news that Oahu (Honolulu County) has entered Tier 3 of the reopening plan, with restaurants opened to more seating and various businesses easing restriction and/or opening after many months of the shutdown. “That’s absolutely excellent news for us here.” The number of visitors to Hawaii in 2020 was down to numbers not seen since the 1970s, Bruce says, sharing shocking low visitor numbers.
  7225.  
  7226. The topic moves to a timeline of Hawaii’s shutdown and travel restrictions, and Bruce notes Kauai’s mandatory quarantine policy. He says that many of the calls Hawaii Aloha Travel is receiving lately are visitors from the East Coast. “I think that we are going to recover a lot more quickly than people are predicting,” Bruce says. He notes Hawaii’s undeniable appeal as a vacation destination for US travelers.
  7227.  
  7228. Bruce transitions into some special hawaii hotel deals at various properties, including Outrigger and Ohana hotels offering an exclusive 35% discount. He also mentions Highgate properties and the Aston Waikiki Beach. He also says that there are some great deals available for groups as Tier 3 allows for larger group gatherings.
  7229.  
  7230. Bruce also notes deals at a couple of gorgeous properties on Hawaii Island (the Big Island) and resort credits to cover pesky resort fees. He also talks about a special Pay-In-Full Promo exclusively for Hawaii Aloha Travel customers. “Now’s the best time to come to Hawaii,” Bruce says.</description>
  7231. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/hoteldeals.mp3" length="14672806" type="audio/mpeg" />
  7232. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce has some important travel news and great hawaii hotel deals on this February 28, 2021 Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. He starts with “something you should definitely not do”, a story about two people who tried to bribe their way into av...</itunes:subtitle>
  7233. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce has some important travel news and great hawaii hotel deals on this February 28, 2021 Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. He starts with “something you should definitely not do”, a story about two people who tried to bribe their way into avoiding Hawaii’s travel requirements and ended up in jail. He notes that are many easy options for getting a COVID test, and even some exceptions to the quarantine rule.&lt;br /&gt;
  7234. &lt;br /&gt;
  7235. Bruce moves on to discuss proposed legislation to standardize Hawaii’s travel requirements, noting Kauai’s opting out of the Hawaii Safe Travels program and requiring more strict measures for visitors. He says that Kauai is he and Yaling’s favorite island to visit.&lt;br /&gt;
  7236. &lt;br /&gt;
  7237. Bruce also notes the good news that Oahu (Honolulu County) has entered Tier 3 of the reopening plan, with restaurants opened to more seating and various businesses easing restriction and/or opening after many months of the shutdown. “That’s absolutely excellent news for us here.” The number of visitors to Hawaii in 2020 was down to numbers not seen since the 1970s, Bruce says, sharing shocking low visitor numbers.&lt;br /&gt;
  7238. &lt;br /&gt;
  7239. The topic moves to a timeline of Hawaii’s shutdown and travel restrictions, and Bruce notes Kauai’s mandatory quarantine policy. He says that many of the calls Hawaii Aloha Travel is receiving lately are visitors from the East Coast. “I think that we are going to recover a lot more quickly than people are predicting,” Bruce says. He notes Hawaii’s undeniable appeal as a vacation destination for US travelers.&lt;br /&gt;
  7240. &lt;br /&gt;
  7241. Bruce transitions into some special hawaii hotel deals at various properties, including Outrigger and Ohana hotels offering an exclusive 35% discount. He also mentions Highgate properties and the Aston Waikiki Beach. He also says that there are some great deals available for groups as Tier 3 allows for larger group gatherings.&lt;br /&gt;
  7242. &lt;br /&gt;
  7243. Bruce also notes deals at a couple of gorgeous properties on Hawaii Island (the Big Island) and resort credits to cover pesky resort fees. He also talks about a special Pay-In-Full Promo exclusively for Hawaii Aloha Travel customers. “Now’s the best time to come to Hawaii,” Bruce says.</itunes:summary>
  7244. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  7245. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  7246. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  7247. <itunes:duration>16:10</itunes:duration>
  7248. </item>
  7249. <item>
  7250. <title>Do you need a Hotel on the Beach when Vacationing in Hawaii?</title>
  7251. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/do-you-need-a-hotel-on-the-beach-when-vacationing-in-hawaii/</link>
  7252. <pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 2021 17:46:52 +0000</pubDate>
  7253. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=38595</guid>
  7254. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/do-you-need-a-hotel-on-the-beach-when-vacationing-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  7255. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/do-you-need-a-hotel-on-the-beach-when-vacationing-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  7256. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  7257. <description>Aloha Bruce breaks down the specifics of booking beachside accommodations on our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce says he’s confident in Hawaii’s reopening to tourism as cases trend downward and COVID-19 vaccines become more available. He also notes the success of the state’s Hawaii Safe Travels program and the benefit of vacationing n Hawaii.
  7258.  
  7259. Bruce says that there are great deals and real value in booking accommodations that are near the beach as opposed to “on the beach” in Waikiki when vacationing in Hawaii. He notes that the same types of properties are available all over the Aloha State.
  7260.  
  7261. Many visitors make staying “on the beach” their priority when vacationing in Hawaii. There are deals out there at beachfront properties, Bruce says, where you can save by booking a room without an ocean view. You’re still on the beach!
  7262.  
  7263. Bruce mentions a recent honeymoon client that was faced with a $1K-plus markup for a room with an ocean view. “Put the property over the view,” Bruce offers. “Getting an ocean view always jacks up the price when vacationing in Hawaii.”
  7264.  
  7265. Our host also shares some insider tips about booking on the east side of Kauai and says that some “on the beach” properties in Hawaii are not located in places with beaches that are safe for recreational or novice swimmers.
  7266.  
  7267. With his characteristic good nature and candor, Bruce says that “waking up on the beach” is an unreal expectation for the vast majority of Hawaii visitors vacationing in HAwaii, simply because there are very few places available in Hawaii where you can “get out of bed and step onto the beach.”
  7268.  
  7269. It’s better to get the most out of your vacation budget than to over-spend for a “room with a view”. Bruce tells it like it is on this new Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast.</description>
  7270. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/needbeach.mp3" length="11926137" type="audio/mpeg" />
  7271. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce breaks down the specifics of booking beachside accommodations on our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce says he’s confident in Hawaii’s reopening to tourism as cases trend downward and COVID-19 vaccines become more available.</itunes:subtitle>
  7272. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce breaks down the specifics of booking beachside accommodations on our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce says he’s confident in Hawaii’s reopening to tourism as cases trend downward and COVID-19 vaccines become more available. He also notes the success of the state’s Hawaii Safe Travels program and the benefit of vacationing n Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  7273. &lt;br /&gt;
  7274. Bruce says that there are great deals and real value in booking accommodations that are near the beach as opposed to “on the beach” in Waikiki when vacationing in Hawaii. He notes that the same types of properties are available all over the Aloha State.&lt;br /&gt;
  7275. &lt;br /&gt;
  7276. Many visitors make staying “on the beach” their priority when vacationing in Hawaii. There are deals out there at beachfront properties, Bruce says, where you can save by booking a room without an ocean view. You’re still on the beach!&lt;br /&gt;
  7277. &lt;br /&gt;
  7278. Bruce mentions a recent honeymoon client that was faced with a $1K-plus markup for a room with an ocean view. “Put the property over the view,” Bruce offers. “Getting an ocean view always jacks up the price when vacationing in Hawaii.”&lt;br /&gt;
  7279. &lt;br /&gt;
  7280. Our host also shares some insider tips about booking on the east side of Kauai and says that some “on the beach” properties in Hawaii are not located in places with beaches that are safe for recreational or novice swimmers.&lt;br /&gt;
  7281. &lt;br /&gt;
  7282. With his characteristic good nature and candor, Bruce says that “waking up on the beach” is an unreal expectation for the vast majority of Hawaii visitors vacationing in HAwaii, simply because there are very few places available in Hawaii where you can “get out of bed and step onto the beach.”&lt;br /&gt;
  7283. &lt;br /&gt;
  7284. It’s better to get the most out of your vacation budget than to over-spend for a “room with a view”. Bruce tells it like it is on this new Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast.</itunes:summary>
  7285. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  7286. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  7287. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  7288. <itunes:duration>13:00</itunes:duration>
  7289. </item>
  7290. <item>
  7291. <title>Volcano Eco Retreat &#8211; Couple buys Big Island Property fulfilling lifelong dream</title>
  7292. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/volcano-eco-retreat/</link>
  7293. <pubDate>Fri, 19 Feb 2021 05:27:22 +0000</pubDate>
  7294. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=38195</guid>
  7295. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/volcano-eco-retreat/#respond</comments>
  7296. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/volcano-eco-retreat/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  7297. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  7298. <description>Aloha Bruce is joined by Volcano Eco Retreat owners Gabby and Tony Aziz for the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast to talk about their unique Big Island vacation property on the slopes of Kilauea Volcano. Tony and Gabby found out about Bruce and Hawaii Aloha Travel through the Hawaii Vacation connection podcast in 2018, They used tips from the podcast to plan their first trip and have since come to call Hawaii home.
  7299.  
  7300. Gabby and Tony tell talk about visiting Oahu and the Big Island and how they found opened the Volcano Eco retreat. They had hoped to open and operate a small vacation property, planning on something out of the United States, before their Hawaii vacation. A series of fortunate events during and after their Hawaii vacation led to Tony and Abby finding their place of serenity in the Puna rainforest.
  7301.  
  7302. They talk briefly about their lives and careers before creating the Eco Volcano Retreat and describe the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic on their plans and operations. “It was a slow start,” says Abby. The property is located in the Mountain View area, and Gabby and Tony say they are “kind of exactly halfway between Hilo and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.”
  7303.  
  7304. Abby and Tony share some details about the property, which includes four bamboo bungalows on four acres of rainforest land. They are LEED-certified and very eco-friendly. They discuss some of the many modern amenities of the accommodations (including a hot tub). Bruce notes that there has always been a lack of options for vacation properties in that part of the Big Island.
  7305.  
  7306. They also talk about their sustainability practices and growing some of their own food, while also relying on area farmers to help the community. Gabby says Volcano Eco Retreat is “more like a bed and brunch” than a traditional B&amp;B and talks about their popular daily gourmet plant-based breakfast. Gabby says that, surprisingly, those who have been most enthusiastic about the cuisine at the retreat are meat-eaters despite the meatless menu.
  7307.  
  7308. Abby and Tony discuss how to find and book the Volcano Eco Retreat, and say that they have seen an encouraging bump in booking due both to the recent spectacular eruption at the Kilauea Volcano and Hawaii’s reopening to tourism.
  7309.  
  7310. “You just have to listen to your gut!” says Gabby.
  7311.  
  7312. Find them at volcanoecoretreat.com</description>
  7313. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/retreat.mp3" length="19541123" type="audio/mpeg" />
  7314. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce is joined by Volcano Eco Retreat owners Gabby and Tony Aziz for the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast to talk about their unique Big Island vacation property on the slopes of Kilauea Volcano.</itunes:subtitle>
  7315. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce is joined by Volcano Eco Retreat owners Gabby and Tony Aziz for the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast to talk about their unique Big Island vacation property on the slopes of Kilauea Volcano. Tony and Gabby found out about Bruce and Hawaii Aloha Travel through the Hawaii Vacation connection podcast in 2018, They used tips from the podcast to plan their first trip and have since come to call Hawaii home. &lt;br /&gt;
  7316. &lt;br /&gt;
  7317. Gabby and Tony tell talk about visiting Oahu and the Big Island and how they found opened the Volcano Eco retreat. They had hoped to open and operate a small vacation property, planning on something out of the United States, before their Hawaii vacation. A series of fortunate events during and after their Hawaii vacation led to Tony and Abby finding their place of serenity in the Puna rainforest.&lt;br /&gt;
  7318. &lt;br /&gt;
  7319. They talk briefly about their lives and careers before creating the Eco Volcano Retreat and describe the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic on their plans and operations. “It was a slow start,” says Abby. The property is located in the Mountain View area, and Gabby and Tony say they are “kind of exactly halfway between Hilo and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.”&lt;br /&gt;
  7320. &lt;br /&gt;
  7321. Abby and Tony share some details about the property, which includes four bamboo bungalows on four acres of rainforest land. They are LEED-certified and very eco-friendly. They discuss some of the many modern amenities of the accommodations (including a hot tub). Bruce notes that there has always been a lack of options for vacation properties in that part of the Big Island.&lt;br /&gt;
  7322. &lt;br /&gt;
  7323. They also talk about their sustainability practices and growing some of their own food, while also relying on area farmers to help the community. Gabby says Volcano Eco Retreat is “more like a bed and brunch” than a traditional B&amp;B and talks about their popular daily gourmet plant-based breakfast. Gabby says that, surprisingly, those who have been most enthusiastic about the cuisine at the retreat are meat-eaters despite the meatless menu.&lt;br /&gt;
  7324. &lt;br /&gt;
  7325. Abby and Tony discuss how to find and book the Volcano Eco Retreat, and say that they have seen an encouraging bump in booking due both to the recent spectacular eruption at the Kilauea Volcano and Hawaii’s reopening to tourism.&lt;br /&gt;
  7326. &lt;br /&gt;
  7327. “You just have to listen to your gut!” says Gabby.&lt;br /&gt;
  7328. &lt;br /&gt;
  7329. Find them at volcanoecoretreat.com</itunes:summary>
  7330. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  7331. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  7332. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  7333. <itunes:duration>19:54</itunes:duration>
  7334. </item>
  7335. <item>
  7336. <title>Tips for making important Hawaii Vacation Decisions</title>
  7337. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/making-hawaii-vacation-decisions/</link>
  7338. <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jan 2021 00:55:21 +0000</pubDate>
  7339. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=38155</guid>
  7340. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/making-hawaii-vacation-decisions/#respond</comments>
  7341. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/making-hawaii-vacation-decisions/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  7342. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  7343. <description>Bruce discusses the importance of planning and decision making when traveling with a family or a group, and the need to establish a realistic “all-in” budget, the maximum amount you are willing to spend. He talks about being able to give people a cushion, or room to spare within your budget when making Hawaii Vacation Decisions.
  7344.  
  7345. One of the important decisions Bruce talks about is knowing what you want to do on your Hawaii vacation. “Let’s face it,” he says. “You can’t do everything.” A good professional will help you narrow down your choices and have a plan that won’t “stress you out”. Bruce also says “Try to keep it as simple as possible.”
  7346.  
  7347. With his typical good-natured candor, Bruce talks about the fact no one property or location is going to have everything you want for your vacation. He notes the many different kinds of properties and destinations available in Hawaii. “If you try to keep it simple, you’re going to be fine,” he says, noting that 4- and 5-star properties are all quite similar across the Aloha State. He shares his take on hotel star ratings and reviews and how they are different.
  7348.  
  7349. Bruce reminds listeners about the Hawaii Covid Test calculator and a new series of video podcasts with co-host Lanai Tabura in connection with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and Hawaii.com. Aloha Bruce throws in a plug for Hawaii Aloha Travel’s private Secret Hawaii Tours on Oahu and the Aloha Plate Food Tour with Lanai.</description>
  7350. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/makingdecisions.mp3" length="13423390" type="audio/mpeg" />
  7351. <itunes:subtitle>Bruce discusses the importance of planning and decision making when traveling with a family or a group, and the need to establish a realistic “all-in” budget, the maximum amount you are willing to spend. He talks about being able to give people a cushi...</itunes:subtitle>
  7352. <itunes:summary>Bruce discusses the importance of planning and decision making when traveling with a family or a group, and the need to establish a realistic “all-in” budget, the maximum amount you are willing to spend. He talks about being able to give people a cushion, or room to spare within your budget when making Hawaii Vacation Decisions.&lt;br /&gt;
  7353. &lt;br /&gt;
  7354. One of the important decisions Bruce talks about is knowing what you want to do on your Hawaii vacation. “Let’s face it,” he says. “You can’t do everything.” A good professional will help you narrow down your choices and have a plan that won’t “stress you out”. Bruce also says “Try to keep it as simple as possible.”&lt;br /&gt;
  7355. &lt;br /&gt;
  7356. With his typical good-natured candor, Bruce talks about the fact no one property or location is going to have everything you want for your vacation. He notes the many different kinds of properties and destinations available in Hawaii. “If you try to keep it simple, you’re going to be fine,” he says, noting that 4- and 5-star properties are all quite similar across the Aloha State. He shares his take on hotel star ratings and reviews and how they are different.&lt;br /&gt;
  7357. &lt;br /&gt;
  7358. Bruce reminds listeners about the Hawaii Covid Test calculator and a new series of video podcasts with co-host Lanai Tabura in connection with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and Hawaii.com. Aloha Bruce throws in a plug for Hawaii Aloha Travel’s private Secret Hawaii Tours on Oahu and the Aloha Plate Food Tour with Lanai.</itunes:summary>
  7359. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  7360. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  7361. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  7362. <itunes:duration>14:43</itunes:duration>
  7363. </item>
  7364. <item>
  7365. <title>Rediscover Hawaii with Fairmont Orchid General Manager Charles Head</title>
  7366. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/fairmont-orchid-hawaii/</link>
  7367. <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2021 01:19:24 +0000</pubDate>
  7368. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=38091</guid>
  7369. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/fairmont-orchid-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  7370. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/fairmont-orchid-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  7371. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  7372. <description>After catching up on the latest news and some shout outs to listeners, the podcast focuses on Part 2 on location from the Fairmont Orchid Resort in Kohala on Hawaii Island, hosts Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura welcome General Manager Charles Head (and commend him for a stylish Tori Richards aloha print facemask). He is on to discuss the promising reopening of the resort and the return of guests and employees.
  7373.  
  7374. Regarding the theme of Rediscovering Hawaii, Charles recalls his first experience in Hawaii and being struck by the strong sense of Aloha back in 2002 and finding it still many years later when he began with the Fairmont Orchid.
  7375.  
  7376. Mr. Head talks about the importance of providing cultural education to visitors and says that is what resonates most. Having worked at destination properties all over the world, he says that you can’t find the same sense of welcoming and ‘ohana anywhere else.
  7377.  
  7378. The conversation turns to the Fairmont Orchid’s unique Native Hawaiian Cultural Program and to the 30th anniversary of the resort’s opening.  Lanai lets it slip that the resort is a favorite of international reggae superstar Ziggy Marley.
  7379.  
  7380. Charles says that part of the 30th Anniversary commemoration are special offers to welcome kama’aina Hawaii resident) guests. He mentions a new champagne and champagne cocktail bar that has just opened at the resort, and innovative new spa facilities and services called the “Spa Without Walls”.
  7381.  
  7382. The Fairmont Orchid is a 30-acre property, and Mr. Head describes the wide variety of ocean activities available at the Fairmont Orchid, and the fact that the Executive Chef is an avid surfer who turns up in the early hours of the morning for a surf check before the workday begins.</description>
  7383. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/discoverhawaiipart2.mp3" length="33486755" type="audio/mpeg" />
  7384. <itunes:subtitle>After catching up on the latest news and some shout outs to listeners, the podcast focuses on Part 2 on location from the Fairmont Orchid Resort in Kohala on Hawaii Island, hosts Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura welcome General Manager Charles Head (and co...</itunes:subtitle>
  7385. <itunes:summary>After catching up on the latest news and some shout outs to listeners, the podcast focuses on Part 2 on location from the Fairmont Orchid Resort in Kohala on Hawaii Island, hosts Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura welcome General Manager Charles Head (and commend him for a stylish Tori Richards aloha print facemask). He is on to discuss the promising reopening of the resort and the return of guests and employees.&lt;br /&gt;
  7386. &lt;br /&gt;
  7387. Regarding the theme of Rediscovering Hawaii, Charles recalls his first experience in Hawaii and being struck by the strong sense of Aloha back in 2002 and finding it still many years later when he began with the Fairmont Orchid.&lt;br /&gt;
  7388. &lt;br /&gt;
  7389. Mr. Head talks about the importance of providing cultural education to visitors and says that is what resonates most. Having worked at destination properties all over the world, he says that you can’t find the same sense of welcoming and ‘ohana anywhere else.&lt;br /&gt;
  7390. &lt;br /&gt;
  7391. The conversation turns to the Fairmont Orchid’s unique Native Hawaiian Cultural Program and to the 30th anniversary of the resort’s opening.  Lanai lets it slip that the resort is a favorite of international reggae superstar Ziggy Marley.&lt;br /&gt;
  7392. &lt;br /&gt;
  7393. Charles says that part of the 30th Anniversary commemoration are special offers to welcome kama’aina Hawaii resident) guests. He mentions a new champagne and champagne cocktail bar that has just opened at the resort, and innovative new spa facilities and services called the “Spa Without Walls”.&lt;br /&gt;
  7394. &lt;br /&gt;
  7395. The Fairmont Orchid is a 30-acre property, and Mr. Head describes the wide variety of ocean activities available at the Fairmont Orchid, and the fact that the Executive Chef is an avid surfer who turns up in the early hours of the morning for a surf check before the workday begins.</itunes:summary>
  7396. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  7397. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  7398. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  7399. <itunes:duration>24:24</itunes:duration>
  7400. </item>
  7401. <item>
  7402. <title>Rediscovering Hawaii Island at the Fairmont Orchid Part 1 &#8211; Kaiulani Blankenfeld, Director of Hawaiian Culture</title>
  7403. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/rediscovering-hawaii/</link>
  7404. <pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2021 01:23:16 +0000</pubDate>
  7405. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=38056</guid>
  7406. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/rediscovering-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  7407. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/rediscovering-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  7408. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  7409. <description>The first Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast of 2021 is on location at the Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island to talk about what it means to be rediscovering Hawaii. In part 1 of this series, our hosts Aloha Bruce and Lanai start of with a quick shout-out to Blue Hawaii Helicopter Tours for an amazing aerial tour and to Paradise Sailing Hawaii for an unforgettable day of snorkeling on along the Kona Coast. Both agree that their helicopter tour was life-changing.
  7410.  
  7411. Bruce and Lanai give details of the many amenities and activities available at the Fairmont Orchid and welcome their guest Kaiulani Blankenfeld, Director of Hawaiian Culture at the resort.
  7412.  
  7413. Kaiulani shares her knowledge about the coastal Ala Kahakai Trail and the remarkable cultural resources to be found along the centuries-old walking path. She also offers her insight about other trails in the area around the resort, their deep cultural and spiritual meaning and value.
  7414.  
  7415. The Director of Hawaiian Culture takes our hosts on a deep dive into the royal history of the area and the palpable power, or mana, of the place, known as Ka Lahuipua’a. She describes ancient rituals and observances practiced by native Hawaiians, and the connection between different West Hawaii Island communities.
  7416.  
  7417. Kaiulani talks about her own family and their connection to the ocean and to the land. She talks about ‘aumakua, or “spirit animals” that many families in Hawaii identify with, like the shark or in Kaiulani’s experience the Hawaiian owl (pueo).
  7418.  
  7419. She then goes on to explain some of the major archaeological discoveries near the Fairmont Orchid, including stunning petroglyphs and evidence of stone tool-making. Kaiulani also talks about the number of native plant species at the property and Lanai notes that many are medicinal.
  7420.  
  7421. Kaiulani describes other natural features of the resort and the wide variety of Hawaiian cultural activities and programs available to guests at the Fairmont, including a walking tour available through your smartphone or device. Our hosts and their guest let listeners know how to learn more about the Hawaiian Cultural programs Fairmont Orchid.
  7422.  
  7423. “Learn it here,” she says. “And take it home with you!”</description>
  7424. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/discoverhawaii.mp3" length="10992711" type="audio/mpeg" />
  7425. <itunes:subtitle>The first Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast of 2021 is on location at the Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island to talk about what it means to be rediscovering Hawaii. In part 1 of this series, our hosts Aloha Bruce and Lanai start of with a quick shout-o...</itunes:subtitle>
  7426. <itunes:summary>The first Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast of 2021 is on location at the Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island to talk about what it means to be rediscovering Hawaii. In part 1 of this series, our hosts Aloha Bruce and Lanai start of with a quick shout-out to Blue Hawaii Helicopter Tours for an amazing aerial tour and to Paradise Sailing Hawaii for an unforgettable day of snorkeling on along the Kona Coast. Both agree that their helicopter tour was life-changing.&lt;br /&gt;
  7427. &lt;br /&gt;
  7428. Bruce and Lanai give details of the many amenities and activities available at the Fairmont Orchid and welcome their guest Kaiulani Blankenfeld, Director of Hawaiian Culture at the resort.&lt;br /&gt;
  7429. &lt;br /&gt;
  7430. Kaiulani shares her knowledge about the coastal Ala Kahakai Trail and the remarkable cultural resources to be found along the centuries-old walking path. She also offers her insight about other trails in the area around the resort, their deep cultural and spiritual meaning and value.&lt;br /&gt;
  7431. &lt;br /&gt;
  7432. The Director of Hawaiian Culture takes our hosts on a deep dive into the royal history of the area and the palpable power, or mana, of the place, known as Ka Lahuipua’a. She describes ancient rituals and observances practiced by native Hawaiians, and the connection between different West Hawaii Island communities.&lt;br /&gt;
  7433. &lt;br /&gt;
  7434. Kaiulani talks about her own family and their connection to the ocean and to the land. She talks about ‘aumakua, or “spirit animals” that many families in Hawaii identify with, like the shark or in Kaiulani’s experience the Hawaiian owl (pueo).&lt;br /&gt;
  7435. &lt;br /&gt;
  7436. She then goes on to explain some of the major archaeological discoveries near the Fairmont Orchid, including stunning petroglyphs and evidence of stone tool-making. Kaiulani also talks about the number of native plant species at the property and Lanai notes that many are medicinal.&lt;br /&gt;
  7437. &lt;br /&gt;
  7438. Kaiulani describes other natural features of the resort and the wide variety of Hawaiian cultural activities and programs available to guests at the Fairmont, including a walking tour available through your smartphone or device. Our hosts and their guest let listeners know how to learn more about the Hawaiian Cultural programs Fairmont Orchid.&lt;br /&gt;
  7439. &lt;br /&gt;
  7440. “Learn it here,” she says. “And take it home with you!”</itunes:summary>
  7441. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  7442. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  7443. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  7444. <itunes:duration>30:32</itunes:duration>
  7445. </item>
  7446. <item>
  7447. <title>Booking Hawaii Family Vacations</title>
  7448. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/booking-hawaii-family-vacations/</link>
  7449. <pubDate>Mon, 21 Dec 2020 00:11:02 +0000</pubDate>
  7450. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=38045</guid>
  7451. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/booking-hawaii-family-vacations/#respond</comments>
  7452. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/booking-hawaii-family-vacations/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  7453. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  7454. <description>Our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection has Aloha Bruce providing some developments in Hawaii vacation news and talking about Booking Hawaii Family Vacations. He also notes Hawaii’s superstar NFL quarterback Tua Tagavailoa leading the Miami Dolphins to victory over New England Patriots today, December 20 (Bruce is a huge fan, as are many Hawaii residents).
  7455.  
  7456. Bruce also promotes a new weekly video podcast called the Hawaii Vacation Podcast that he and Lanai Tabura are hosting that will debut on Wednesday in partnership with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and on the Hawaii Vacation Podcast website.
  7457.  
  7458. Bruce notes Hawaiian Airlines adding four (4) new Hawaii routes, beginning March 11. He discusses details of the flights to and from Orlando, Austin, Ontario, and a daily flight Maui-to-Long Beach, CA. Bruce also shares the news of the partial reopening of the iconic Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki.
  7459.  
  7460. He also discusses the great news that Governor Ige has shortened the mandatory 14-day quarantine for visitors without a negative COVID-19 test to ten (10) days, which falls within CDC guidelines.
  7461.  
  7462. Bruce moves on to dive into Booking Hawaii Family Vacations. He talks about his suggestions for lodgings for large families. He discusses options for condominium-like hybrid properties such as the Embassy Suites, the Hyatt Place, and the Alohilani in Waikiki.
  7463.  
  7464. Our host says Maui has more options for hybrid properties than Oahu, and he makes a few suggestions for Booking Hawaii Family Vacations including the Honua Kai. He says that 3-bedroom accommodations are difficult to find and goes on to make suggestions for locations on Kauai and on Hawaii Island (the Big Island).
  7465.  
  7466. Bruce makes some important points about finding suitable accommodations for large family groups and reminds listeners to find the video Hawaii Vacation Podcast and to book a private tour with Secret Hawaii Tours.</description>
  7467. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/familyvacationsfinal.mp3" length="14000723" type="audio/mpeg" />
  7468. <itunes:subtitle>Our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection has Aloha Bruce providing some developments in Hawaii vacation news and talking about Booking Hawaii Family Vacations. He also notes Hawaii’s superstar NFL quarterback Tua Tagavailoa leading the Miami Dolphins to v...</itunes:subtitle>
  7469. <itunes:summary>Our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection has Aloha Bruce providing some developments in Hawaii vacation news and talking about Booking Hawaii Family Vacations. He also notes Hawaii’s superstar NFL quarterback Tua Tagavailoa leading the Miami Dolphins to victory over New England Patriots today, December 20 (Bruce is a huge fan, as are many Hawaii residents).&lt;br /&gt;
  7470. &lt;br /&gt;
  7471. Bruce also promotes a new weekly video podcast called the Hawaii Vacation Podcast that he and Lanai Tabura are hosting that will debut on Wednesday in partnership with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and on the Hawaii Vacation Podcast website.&lt;br /&gt;
  7472. &lt;br /&gt;
  7473. Bruce notes Hawaiian Airlines adding four (4) new Hawaii routes, beginning March 11. He discusses details of the flights to and from Orlando, Austin, Ontario, and a daily flight Maui-to-Long Beach, CA. Bruce also shares the news of the partial reopening of the iconic Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki.&lt;br /&gt;
  7474. &lt;br /&gt;
  7475. He also discusses the great news that Governor Ige has shortened the mandatory 14-day quarantine for visitors without a negative COVID-19 test to ten (10) days, which falls within CDC guidelines.&lt;br /&gt;
  7476. &lt;br /&gt;
  7477. Bruce moves on to dive into Booking Hawaii Family Vacations. He talks about his suggestions for lodgings for large families. He discusses options for condominium-like hybrid properties such as the Embassy Suites, the Hyatt Place, and the Alohilani in Waikiki.&lt;br /&gt;
  7478. &lt;br /&gt;
  7479. Our host says Maui has more options for hybrid properties than Oahu, and he makes a few suggestions for Booking Hawaii Family Vacations including the Honua Kai. He says that 3-bedroom accommodations are difficult to find and goes on to make suggestions for locations on Kauai and on Hawaii Island (the Big Island).&lt;br /&gt;
  7480. &lt;br /&gt;
  7481. Bruce makes some important points about finding suitable accommodations for large family groups and reminds listeners to find the video Hawaii Vacation Podcast and to book a private tour with Secret Hawaii Tours.</itunes:summary>
  7482. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  7483. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  7484. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  7485. <itunes:duration>15:35</itunes:duration>
  7486. </item>
  7487. <item>
  7488. <title>Safest outdoor Hawaii activities</title>
  7489. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/safe-outdoor-hawaii-activities/</link>
  7490. <pubDate>Mon, 14 Dec 2020 06:13:02 +0000</pubDate>
  7491. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=38019</guid>
  7492. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/safe-outdoor-hawaii-activities/#respond</comments>
  7493. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/safe-outdoor-hawaii-activities/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  7494. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  7495. <description>Bruce enthusiastically discusses various captivating and secure Hawaiian activities that adults and kids alike can relish during their unforgettable Hawaiian vacation. This episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection is tailor-made for visitors traveling to Hawaii with youngsters or those seeking adventure without prior experience in this tropical paradise.While many structured activities are safe for families with younger children, one of the safest outdoor activities in Hawaii is simply exploring! On all islands, whether by public transportation or by car, you can discover safe and enjoyable attractions and activities. It can be as simple as planning a day at one of the safer beaches, such as Ala Moana Beach on Oahu or Lydgate State Park on Kauai. You may also want to explore Haleakalā or take the Road to Hana, as these are all safe and enjoyable outdoor activities. On the Big Island, you can do everything from cuddling with cows to driving up the coast to Waimea and experiencing the numerous lookouts.
  7496.  
  7497.  
  7498.  
  7499. Hanauma Bay
  7500.  
  7501.  
  7502.  
  7503.  
  7504.  
  7505.  
  7506.  
  7507. Hanauma Bay, Located along the serene shores of the Ka Iwi Coast on the Eastern side of Oahu, stands as a magnificent haven for snorkeling enthusiasts of all skill levels. You can effortlessly wade into the crystalline waters directly from the shore, unveiling a mesmerizing underwater world adorned with exquisite fish and vibrant coral formations. The park conveniently provides snorkeling equipment, ensuring you have all the gear for your aquatic adventure. To ensure the preservation of this natural gem, reservations are required, and visitor numbers are thoughtfully capped, allowing for a more immersive and sustainable experience amidst its captivating marine wonders. Hanauma Bay also has a rich history that many are not aware of.
  7508.  
  7509.  
  7510.  
  7511. Shark&#039;s Cove
  7512.  
  7513.  
  7514.  
  7515. Because of its amazing underwater world, Shark’s Cove is a favorite spot among snorkelers and shore divers. The lava has formed underwater caves and tunnels about 15 to 45 feet below the surface.
  7516.  
  7517.  
  7518.  
  7519. First and foremost, the name of this place has no connection to sharks whatsoever. You can rest assured that there is no need to worry about shark bites here.  Shark&#039;s Cove, nestled along Oahu&#039;s captivating North Shore, derives its name from the distinctive reef formation resembling a shark&#039;s open mouth as seen from the shoreline. During the summer, this enchanting locale transforms into a vibrant wonderland teeming with a kaleidoscope of colorful marine life. It offers an ideal and safe environment for families, making it a perfect destination for adults and children seeking unforgettable Hawaii experiences. Snorkeling is not recommended during the winter months when the surf is up because it can be very dangerous.
  7520.  
  7521.  
  7522.  
  7523. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  7524. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  7525.  
  7526.  
  7527.  
  7528. Goat Farm Dairy - Maui
  7529.  
  7530.  
  7531.  
  7532. Maui Surfing Goat Dairy
  7533.  
  7534.  
  7535.  
  7536. This interesting dairy farm, renowned for its award-winning goat cheese, got its name from the unique behavior of the goats located on the farm. When taking a walking tour, you&#039;ll be entertained by the playful behavior of these cute goats, who have a knack for climbing and balancing on objects, much like surfboards. Visitors of all ages can pet the goats, and the cheese is delicious and available for purchase.
  7537.  
  7538.  
  7539.  
  7540. Waikaloa Petroglyph Park
  7541.  
  7542.  
  7543.  
  7544.  
  7545.  
  7546.  
  7547.  
  7548. If you have even a hint of an archaeologist&#039;s spirit within you or simply have a deep appreciation for Hawaiian history, embarking on a side-trip to the petroglyph field in Waikoloa becomes an absolute necessity. In Hawaiian, these petroglyphs are referred to as &quot;kii pohaku,&quot; which literally translates to &quot;rock pictures.&quot; They offer a profound and intimate glimpse into the daily lives of the individuals who painstakingly carved them, akin to a form of ancient graffiti.
  7549.  
  7550.  
  7551.  
  7552. Bruce also offers his tips for Safe Hawaii activities for Adults and Kids on neighboring Islands like Akaka Falls on the Big Island,</description>
  7553. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/safeactivitieshawaii.mp3" length="5136844" type="audio/mpeg" />
  7554. <itunes:subtitle>Bruce enthusiastically discusses various captivating and secure Hawaiian activities that adults and kids alike can relish during their unforgettable Hawaiian vacation. This episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection is tailor-made for visitors traveling...</itunes:subtitle>
  7555. <itunes:summary>Bruce enthusiastically discusses various captivating and secure Hawaiian activities that adults and kids alike can relish during their unforgettable Hawaiian vacation. This episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection is tailor-made for visitors traveling to Hawaii with youngsters or those seeking adventure without prior experience in this tropical paradise.While many structured activities are safe for families with younger children, one of the safest outdoor activities in Hawaii is simply exploring! On all islands, whether by public transportation or by car, you can discover safe and enjoyable attractions and activities. It can be as simple as planning a day at one of the safer beaches, such as Ala Moana Beach on Oahu or Lydgate State Park on Kauai. You may also want to explore Haleakalā or take the Road to Hana, as these are all safe and enjoyable outdoor activities. On the Big Island, you can do everything from cuddling with cows to driving up the coast to Waimea and experiencing the numerous lookouts.&lt;br /&gt;
  7556. &lt;br /&gt;
  7557. &lt;br /&gt;
  7558. &lt;br /&gt;
  7559. Hanauma Bay&lt;br /&gt;
  7560. &lt;br /&gt;
  7561. &lt;br /&gt;
  7562. &lt;br /&gt;
  7563. &lt;br /&gt;
  7564. &lt;br /&gt;
  7565. &lt;br /&gt;
  7566. &lt;br /&gt;
  7567. Hanauma Bay, Located along the serene shores of the Ka Iwi Coast on the Eastern side of Oahu, stands as a magnificent haven for snorkeling enthusiasts of all skill levels. You can effortlessly wade into the crystalline waters directly from the shore, unveiling a mesmerizing underwater world adorned with exquisite fish and vibrant coral formations. The park conveniently provides snorkeling equipment, ensuring you have all the gear for your aquatic adventure. To ensure the preservation of this natural gem, reservations are required, and visitor numbers are thoughtfully capped, allowing for a more immersive and sustainable experience amidst its captivating marine wonders. Hanauma Bay also has a rich history that many are not aware of.&lt;br /&gt;
  7568. &lt;br /&gt;
  7569. &lt;br /&gt;
  7570. &lt;br /&gt;
  7571. Shark&#039;s Cove&lt;br /&gt;
  7572. &lt;br /&gt;
  7573. &lt;br /&gt;
  7574. &lt;br /&gt;
  7575. Because of its amazing underwater world, Shark’s Cove is a favorite spot among snorkelers and shore divers. The lava has formed underwater caves and tunnels about 15 to 45 feet below the surface.&lt;br /&gt;
  7576. &lt;br /&gt;
  7577. &lt;br /&gt;
  7578. &lt;br /&gt;
  7579. First and foremost, the name of this place has no connection to sharks whatsoever. You can rest assured that there is no need to worry about shark bites here.  Shark&#039;s Cove, nestled along Oahu&#039;s captivating North Shore, derives its name from the distinctive reef formation resembling a shark&#039;s open mouth as seen from the shoreline. During the summer, this enchanting locale transforms into a vibrant wonderland teeming with a kaleidoscope of colorful marine life. It offers an ideal and safe environment for families, making it a perfect destination for adults and children seeking unforgettable Hawaii experiences. Snorkeling is not recommended during the winter months when the surf is up because it can be very dangerous.&lt;br /&gt;
  7580. &lt;br /&gt;
  7581. &lt;br /&gt;
  7582. &lt;br /&gt;
  7583. &lt;br /&gt;
  7584. &lt;br /&gt;
  7585. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  7586. &lt;br /&gt;
  7587. &lt;br /&gt;
  7588. &lt;br /&gt;
  7589. &lt;br /&gt;
  7590. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  7591. &lt;br /&gt;
  7592. &lt;br /&gt;
  7593. &lt;br /&gt;
  7594. &lt;br /&gt;
  7595. &lt;br /&gt;
  7596. &lt;br /&gt;
  7597. &lt;br /&gt;
  7598. &lt;br /&gt;
  7599. &lt;br /&gt;
  7600. Goat Farm Dairy - Maui &lt;br /&gt;
  7601. &lt;br /&gt;
  7602. &lt;br /&gt;
  7603. &lt;br /&gt;
  7604. Maui Surfing Goat Dairy&lt;br /&gt;
  7605. &lt;br /&gt;
  7606. &lt;br /&gt;
  7607. &lt;br /&gt;
  7608. This interesting dairy farm, renowned for its award-winning goat cheese, got its name from the unique behavior of the goats located on the farm. When taking a walking tour, you&#039;ll be entertained by the playful behavior of these cute goats, who have a knack for climbing and balancing on objects, much like surfboards. Visitors of all ages can pet the goats, and the cheese is delicious and available for purchase.&lt;br /&gt;
  7609. &lt;br /&gt;
  7610. &lt;br /&gt;
  7611. &lt;br /&gt;
  7612. Waikaloa Petroglyph Park &lt;br /&gt;
  7613. &lt;br /&gt;
  7614. &lt;br /&gt;
  7615. &lt;br /&gt;
  7616. &lt;br /&gt;
  7617. &lt;br /&gt;
  7618. &lt;br /&gt;
  7619. &lt;br /&gt;
  7620. If you have even a hint of an archaeologist&#039;s spirit within you or simply have a deep appreciation for Hawaiian history, embarking on a side-trip to the petroglyph field in Waikoloa becomes an absolute necessity. In Hawaiian,</itunes:summary>
  7621. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  7622. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  7623. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  7624. <itunes:duration>14:16</itunes:duration>
  7625. </item>
  7626. <item>
  7627. <title>Give back and earn FREE Hawaii Hotel night Stays</title>
  7628. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/give-back-and-earn-free-hawaii-hotel-night-stays/</link>
  7629. <pubDate>Thu, 03 Dec 2020 22:29:04 +0000</pubDate>
  7630. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=38008</guid>
  7631. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/give-back-and-earn-free-hawaii-hotel-night-stays/#respond</comments>
  7632. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/give-back-and-earn-free-hawaii-hotel-night-stays/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  7633. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  7634. <description>Here&#039;s how to earn Free Hawaii hotel nights on your next Hawaiian Vacation. Malama Hawaii is the latest campaign rolled out by the state of Hawaii to bring awareness to people visiting the islands to help take care of the islands by being mindful of the importance of taking care of the land and treating the islands with respect. Hopefully, this campaign will educate and encourage more respectful visitors to come here to Hawaii. This is also a way for tourism to reboot in the islands by offering more opportunities for visitors to have &quot;hands-on&quot; experiences while visiting on their Hawaii vacations.
  7635.  
  7636. On today’s podcast, we talk about this messaging and a partnership created with Hotels in Hawaii to offer free nights in exchange for doing some volunteer work. The projects range from beach cleanups to making Hawaiian quilts for “Kapuna” (elders). The process is simple; choose a hotel in the program, agree to the volunteer project, and get FREE Hawaii Hotel nights. Many properties are also bundling additional specials to encourage people to participate, including a Rental car and meal offerings.
  7637.  
  7638. Voluntourism has been around for quite some time, but this is a new twist on the concept that gives you the chance to give back and save some money at the same time. When you volunteer during your Hawaii vacation, you get a more profound sense of place when you’re here and get the opportunity to connect with locals and make new friends. What better way than this to have a unique ex
  7639.  
  7640. For more information about the participating hotels, click here.</description>
  7641. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/freenights.mp3" length="6207163" type="audio/mpeg" />
  7642. <itunes:subtitle>Here&#039;s how to earn Free Hawaii hotel nights on your next Hawaiian Vacation. Malama Hawaii is the latest campaign rolled out by the state of Hawaii to bring awareness to people visiting the islands to help take care of the islands by being mindful of th...</itunes:subtitle>
  7643. <itunes:summary>Here&#039;s how to earn Free Hawaii hotel nights on your next Hawaiian Vacation. Malama Hawaii is the latest campaign rolled out by the state of Hawaii to bring awareness to people visiting the islands to help take care of the islands by being mindful of the importance of taking care of the land and treating the islands with respect. Hopefully, this campaign will educate and encourage more respectful visitors to come here to Hawaii. This is also a way for tourism to reboot in the islands by offering more opportunities for visitors to have &quot;hands-on&quot; experiences while visiting on their Hawaii vacations.&lt;br /&gt;
  7644. &lt;br /&gt;
  7645. On today’s podcast, we talk about this messaging and a partnership created with Hotels in Hawaii to offer free nights in exchange for doing some volunteer work. The projects range from beach cleanups to making Hawaiian quilts for “Kapuna” (elders). The process is simple; choose a hotel in the program, agree to the volunteer project, and get FREE Hawaii Hotel nights. Many properties are also bundling additional specials to encourage people to participate, including a Rental car and meal offerings.&lt;br /&gt;
  7646. &lt;br /&gt;
  7647. Voluntourism has been around for quite some time, but this is a new twist on the concept that gives you the chance to give back and save some money at the same time. When you volunteer during your Hawaii vacation, you get a more profound sense of place when you’re here and get the opportunity to connect with locals and make new friends. What better way than this to have a unique ex&lt;br /&gt;
  7648. &lt;br /&gt;
  7649. For more information about the participating hotels, click here.</itunes:summary>
  7650. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  7651. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  7652. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  7653. <itunes:duration>17:15</itunes:duration>
  7654. </item>
  7655. <item>
  7656. <title>Negativity about Hawaii visitors being promulgated on social media is misguided !</title>
  7657. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/negativity-about-hawaii-visitors-being-promulgated-on-social-media-is-misguided/</link>
  7658. <pubDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2020 05:32:55 +0000</pubDate>
  7659. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37979</guid>
  7660. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/negativity-about-hawaii-visitors-being-promulgated-on-social-media-is-misguided/#respond</comments>
  7661. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/negativity-about-hawaii-visitors-being-promulgated-on-social-media-is-misguided/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  7662. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  7663. <description>Aloha Bruce is solo with the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast to talk about Hawaii’s quarantine requirement for Hawaii visitors, and about some of the copious misinformation about traveling to and vacationing in Hawaii. Bruce notes that Governor David Ige has announced a mandatory negative COVID-19 test result pre-boarding a Hawaii-bound flight beginning Tuesday, November 24.
  7664.  
  7665. Bruce says that negativity about Hawaii visitors being promulgated on social media is misguided and that the vast majority of Hawaii visitors are educated about our COVID-19 protocols and are respectful of the rules established to contain the virus while reopening Hawaii to tourism. He notes that glitches in the Hawaii Safe Travels were always expected and that Hawaii and its officials are doing an admirable job of managing the global crisis. He says that the people he’s worked with planning a Hawaii vacation are conscientious, noting that the people who have made it to Hawaii for a vacation are having “the time of their lives”. He shares some stories about bookings he’s made and how happy those people have been, and he urges folks to make negative comments about Hawaii tourism in context with the massive amount of positive experiences people are having. He also notes the Hawaii Aloha Travel Facebook page/community that shares important, positive information about Hawaii’s COVID-19 efforts and experiences.
  7666.  
  7667. Our host offers some suggestions about changes that could be made to Hawaii’s quarantine rules for the better. Bruce dispels the myth that anyone in the travel industry is interested only in money. “I am not a COVID hoaxer”, Bruce says, noting the many community outreach efforts of people and businesses in Hawaii tourism. He soundly rejects the insidious notion that tourism businesses and officials are interested only in profits. “I’m fed up with it, to be honest with you,” Bruce says.
  7668.  
  7669. Bruce talks about the need for “brand management” and the prevalence of COVID scolds and trolls on social media shaming visitors and spreading disinformation. He also talks about new testing and quarantine rules on the Neighbor Islands.
  7670.  
  7671. As always, Bruce keeps it positive.</description>
  7672. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/new-travel-quranantine-rules.mp3" length="12601089" type="audio/mpeg" />
  7673. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce is solo with the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast to talk about Hawaii’s quarantine requirement for Hawaii visitors, and about some of the copious misinformation about traveling to and vacationing in Hawaii.</itunes:subtitle>
  7674. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce is solo with the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast to talk about Hawaii’s quarantine requirement for Hawaii visitors, and about some of the copious misinformation about traveling to and vacationing in Hawaii. Bruce notes that Governor David Ige has announced a mandatory negative COVID-19 test result pre-boarding a Hawaii-bound flight beginning Tuesday, November 24.&lt;br /&gt;
  7675. &lt;br /&gt;
  7676. Bruce says that negativity about Hawaii visitors being promulgated on social media is misguided and that the vast majority of Hawaii visitors are educated about our COVID-19 protocols and are respectful of the rules established to contain the virus while reopening Hawaii to tourism. He notes that glitches in the Hawaii Safe Travels were always expected and that Hawaii and its officials are doing an admirable job of managing the global crisis. He says that the people he’s worked with planning a Hawaii vacation are conscientious, noting that the people who have made it to Hawaii for a vacation are having “the time of their lives”. He shares some stories about bookings he’s made and how happy those people have been, and he urges folks to make negative comments about Hawaii tourism in context with the massive amount of positive experiences people are having. He also notes the Hawaii Aloha Travel Facebook page/community that shares important, positive information about Hawaii’s COVID-19 efforts and experiences.&lt;br /&gt;
  7677. &lt;br /&gt;
  7678. Our host offers some suggestions about changes that could be made to Hawaii’s quarantine rules for the better. Bruce dispels the myth that anyone in the travel industry is interested only in money. “I am not a COVID hoaxer”, Bruce says, noting the many community outreach efforts of people and businesses in Hawaii tourism. He soundly rejects the insidious notion that tourism businesses and officials are interested only in profits. “I’m fed up with it, to be honest with you,” Bruce says.&lt;br /&gt;
  7679. &lt;br /&gt;
  7680. Bruce talks about the need for “brand management” and the prevalence of COVID scolds and trolls on social media shaming visitors and spreading disinformation. He also talks about new testing and quarantine rules on the Neighbor Islands.&lt;br /&gt;
  7681. &lt;br /&gt;
  7682. As always, Bruce keeps it positive.</itunes:summary>
  7683. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  7684. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  7685. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  7686. <itunes:duration>14:37</itunes:duration>
  7687. </item>
  7688. <item>
  7689. <title>Should you worry about the weather on your Hawaii Vacation?</title>
  7690. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/weather-in-hawaii/</link>
  7691. <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2020 04:56:05 +0000</pubDate>
  7692. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37953</guid>
  7693. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/weather-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  7694. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/weather-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  7695. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  7696. <description>As more and more visitors arrive in Hawaii with the reopening of Hawaii tourism, Aloha Bruce talks about the weather in Hawaii and what you can reasonably expect during your stay on the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce says that he’s in his “happy place”, busily helping people plan their perfect Hawaii vacation as more and more flock to the shores of the Aloha State.
  7697.  
  7698. Bruce also encourages listeners to check out Hawaii Aloha Travel’s website for an exclusive in-site app that calculates the earliest time and date to get your COVID-19 test to meet the 72-hour requirement for an acceptable negative result to avoid mandatory quarantine.
  7699.  
  7700. Aloha Bruce says that he has been getting a lot of questions from visitors about the weather in Hawaii as we roll into winter. He notes that by most standards Hawaii doesn’t’ really have a “winter”, as our average daily temperature stays within a 10-degree range throughout the year, all of it pleasant. Of course, the peaks of Mauna Kea on the Big Island and Haleakala on Maui receive occasional snowfall, but that is unlikely to affect the vast majority of Hawaii visitors.
  7701.  
  7702. Bruce goes on to explain that part of the weather in Hawaii includes a “volcanic shielding effect”, which allows for different environments and microclimates. It is possible to go skiing and surfing in the same day. He explains how Hawaii’s prevailing trade winds work and act as our “air conditioner”. Bruce says the “the worst day in Hawaii is much better than a bad day wherever your coming from”. He explains that it is unlikely that rainfall will dominate your vacation, and that most often rain is localized and passing with the trades
  7703.  
  7704. He also mentions HAT’s sister company Secret Hawaii Tours has almost never had to cancel a tour because of weather in Hawaii or rain. “And we’re happy to offer a rain check!” Bruce says. The topic of “Kona Weather” comes up, when the trade winds back off and muggier weather moves in, often with rain. He mentions volcanic haze, or “vog”, when visibility drops, and how it can affect people with respiratory issues.
  7705.  
  7706. Aloha Bruce talks about ocean water temperature, which is always comfortable, and the seasonal wave activity that makes the North Shore of Oahu so famous and the home of “The Eddie”, the most prestigious big wave surfing contest in the world. Bruce also talks about some of Hawaii’s safest beaches and the presence of world-class Ocean Safety lifeguards at many Hawaii beaches.
  7707.  
  7708. Bruce reminds visitors that Hawaii can get very cold at higher elevations and recommends visitors prepare for colder weather if planning to make the trek.
  7709.  
  7710. But ultimately, “I don’t want you to worry about it,” Bruce says. It’s highly unlikely that the weather will ruin your Hawaii vacation.
  7711.  
  7712. (Bruce also teases an exciting, upcoming announcement about the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, so stay tuned!)</description>
  7713. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/weatherinawaii.mp3" length="13992441" type="audio/mpeg" />
  7714. <itunes:subtitle>As more and more visitors arrive in Hawaii with the reopening of Hawaii tourism, Aloha Bruce talks about the weather in Hawaii and what you can reasonably expect during your stay on the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast.</itunes:subtitle>
  7715. <itunes:summary>As more and more visitors arrive in Hawaii with the reopening of Hawaii tourism, Aloha Bruce turns to what kind of weather you can reasonably expect during your stay on the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce says that he’s in his “happy place”, busily helping people plan their perfect Hawaii vacation as more and more flock to the shores of the Aloha State.</itunes:summary>
  7716. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  7717. <itunes:season>14</itunes:season>
  7718. <podcast:season>14</podcast:season>
  7719. <itunes:episode>1233</itunes:episode>
  7720. <podcast:episode>1233</podcast:episode>
  7721. <itunes:title>The weather in Hawaii </itunes:title>
  7722. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  7723. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  7724. <itunes:duration>15:12</itunes:duration>
  7725. </item>
  7726. <item>
  7727. <title>Hawaii Vacation Planning</title>
  7728. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-vacation-planning/</link>
  7729. <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2020 17:35:45 +0000</pubDate>
  7730. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37947</guid>
  7731. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-vacation-planning/#respond</comments>
  7732. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-vacation-planning/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  7733. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  7734. <description>For the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce is back in the studio to talk about Hawaii Vacation Planning and some of the most important things to keep in mind when booking a Hawaii vacation. Our Emmy Award-winning cohost Lanai Tabura will soon be back in episodes to come and exciting new announcements are to be made, with Yaling Fisher due back as well after a busy week of booking Hawaii travel.
  7735.  
  7736. In this episode, Bruce talks about getting around on Hawaii vacation and the important airports on each island destination in the Aloha State. There are very few options for interisland travel beyond taking a flight in Hawaii.
  7737.  
  7738. Bruce then moves on to on-island transportation during a Hawaii vacation. There is a fairly robust public bus system on Oahu, and there may not be a need for most visitors to rent a vehicle for their entire stay. Public and private parking fees get steep quickly. Hawaii Aloha Travel can help avoid those costs.
  7739.  
  7740. On neighboring islands, Bruce says you’ll likely want to rent a vehicle. He gives examples of why visitors might want to choose a rental vehicle. And he notes the advantages of renting a car on the Big Island (Hawaii Island), because you can pick up in Kona and drop off in Hilo, taking in much of the Big Island along the way (although fees may apply).
  7741.  
  7742. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  7743. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  7744.  
  7745. Aloha Bruce moves on to talk about the fact that Hawaii is a US state and to remind listeners that Hawaii visitors are still in America. “You can feel comfortable here,” he says.
  7746.  
  7747. It helps to have someone “on the ground” here in Hawaii to help you plan a perfect Hawaii vacation, Bruce notes, and that Hawaii Aloha Travel works personally with Hawaii visitors throughout their vacation in the Aloha State, wherever it may take them.
  7748.  
  7749. Bruce also talks about how important it is to avoid “over-planning” a Hawaii vacation, and why it is important to leave room for spontaneity in paradise. He says that now is a great time to book a Hawaii vacation before the end of the year because of deals and safety measures in place.
  7750.  
  7751. It is important to note, as Bruce says, that “Hawaii is open.”
  7752.  
  7753. Bruce shares some important transportation pricing facts and notes that HAT can help bundle transportation costs into your Hawaii vacation budget and itinerary. We use only local vendors and operate safe, personalized custom secrethawaiitours.com on a purely locally inspired mission to help Hawaii visitors fulfill their Hawaii vacation dreams and support local businesses.
  7754.  
  7755. Tune in for big news and fresh insight on our next Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast.</description>
  7756. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/betweenislands.mp3" length="14287859" type="audio/mpeg" />
  7757. <itunes:subtitle>For the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce is back in the studio to talk about Hawaii Vacation Planning and some of the most important things to keep in mind when booking a Hawaii vacation.</itunes:subtitle>
  7758. <itunes:summary>For the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce is back in the studio to talk about Hawaii Vacation Planning and some of the most important things to keep in mind when booking a Hawaii vacation. Our Emmy Award-winning cohost Lanai Tabura will soon be back in episodes to come and exciting new announcements are to be made, with Yaling Fisher due back as well after a busy week of booking Hawaii travel.&lt;br /&gt;
  7759. &lt;br /&gt;
  7760. In this episode, Bruce talks about getting around on Hawaii vacation and the important airports on each island destination in the Aloha State. There are very few options for interisland travel beyond taking a flight in Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  7761. &lt;br /&gt;
  7762. Bruce then moves on to on-island transportation during a Hawaii vacation. There is a fairly robust public bus system on Oahu, and there may not be a need for most visitors to rent a vehicle for their entire stay. Public and private parking fees get steep quickly. Hawaii Aloha Travel can help avoid those costs.&lt;br /&gt;
  7763. &lt;br /&gt;
  7764. On neighboring islands, Bruce says you’ll likely want to rent a vehicle. He gives examples of why visitors might want to choose a rental vehicle. And he notes the advantages of renting a car on the Big Island (Hawaii Island), because you can pick up in Kona and drop off in Hilo, taking in much of the Big Island along the way (although fees may apply).&lt;br /&gt;
  7765. &lt;br /&gt;
  7766. &lt;br /&gt;
  7767. &lt;br /&gt;
  7768. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  7769. &lt;br /&gt;
  7770. &lt;br /&gt;
  7771. &lt;br /&gt;
  7772. &lt;br /&gt;
  7773. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  7774. &lt;br /&gt;
  7775. &lt;br /&gt;
  7776. &lt;br /&gt;
  7777. &lt;br /&gt;
  7778. &lt;br /&gt;
  7779. &lt;br /&gt;
  7780. &lt;br /&gt;
  7781. Aloha Bruce moves on to talk about the fact that Hawaii is a US state and to remind listeners that Hawaii visitors are still in America. “You can feel comfortable here,” he says.&lt;br /&gt;
  7782. &lt;br /&gt;
  7783. It helps to have someone “on the ground” here in Hawaii to help you plan a perfect Hawaii vacation, Bruce notes, and that Hawaii Aloha Travel works personally with Hawaii visitors throughout their vacation in the Aloha State, wherever it may take them.&lt;br /&gt;
  7784. &lt;br /&gt;
  7785. Bruce also talks about how important it is to avoid “over-planning” a Hawaii vacation, and why it is important to leave room for spontaneity in paradise. He says that now is a great time to book a Hawaii vacation before the end of the year because of deals and safety measures in place.&lt;br /&gt;
  7786. &lt;br /&gt;
  7787. It is important to note, as Bruce says, that “Hawaii is open.”&lt;br /&gt;
  7788. &lt;br /&gt;
  7789. Bruce shares some important transportation pricing facts and notes that HAT can help bundle transportation costs into your Hawaii vacation budget and itinerary. We use only local vendors and operate safe, personalized custom secrethawaiitours.com on a purely locally inspired mission to help Hawaii visitors fulfill their Hawaii vacation dreams and support local businesses.&lt;br /&gt;
  7790. &lt;br /&gt;
  7791. Tune in for big news and fresh insight on our next Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast.</itunes:summary>
  7792. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  7793. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  7794. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  7795. <itunes:duration>15:54</itunes:duration>
  7796. </item>
  7797. <item>
  7798. <title>Honeymoon in Hawaii Deals &#8211; 3 Things You Need to Know</title>
  7799. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/honeymoon-in-hawaii-deals-3-things-you-need-to-know/</link>
  7800. <pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 2020 18:50:11 +0000</pubDate>
  7801. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37944</guid>
  7802. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/honeymoon-in-hawaii-deals-3-things-you-need-to-know/#respond</comments>
  7803. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/honeymoon-in-hawaii-deals-3-things-you-need-to-know/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  7804. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  7805. <description>Aloha Bruce is solo once again for the newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, as Yaling is busy with a flood of bookings and Lanai Tabura continues work on a variety of projects (find him here @lanai). Both will be rejoining the podcast soon. Bruce settles in to talk about how important to book a Hawaii vacation before the end of the year before moving on to talk about booking a Honeymoon in Hawaii Deals and  3 things you need to know.
  7806.  
  7807. Bruce says that now is a great time to visit Hawaii, as our visitor numbers remain relatively low due to the COVID-19 pandemic, even as Hawaii begins to slowly reopen to trans-Pacific travelers. He notes that some popular activities and locations like Hanauma Bay on Oahu remain closed to the public. He mentions Kualoa Ranch being open for limited tours.
  7808.  
  7809. He also notes that now is a great time to book a Hawaii vacation due to some great deals that are now available through Hawaii Aloha Travel. Bruce talks about the importance of supporting local businesses because that money goes directly back into our local economy.
  7810.  
  7811. Bruce names several iconic hotels in Waikiki, including The Westin Moana Surfrider and the Royal Hawaii Hotel, which are offering excellent deals. He mentions excellent rates and discounts at properties and resorts throughout the Aloha State. Bruce also talks about the many airlines that HAT works with to provide great offers and discounts.
  7812.  
  7813. Bruce then offers some important tips about booking a honeymoon in Hawaii, including booking an extra day to take advantage of special weekday fares and discounts. He talks about how HAT is specialized in honeymoon planning and relates the story of the specific dining needs of a recent honeymoon booking that HAT was able to accommodate.
  7814.  
  7815. Our host also reminds visitors not to “over-plan” a honeymoon, and to give yourself some time to be flexible and spontaneous. He also notes the importance of knowing specifically what you want for your accommodations. HAT specializes in personal travel advising and honeymoon planning and has been helping make the perfect Hawaii honeymoon for visitors for decades. We can help you make it happen!</description>
  7816. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/honeymoondeals.mp3" length="14769150" type="audio/mpeg" />
  7817. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce is solo once again for the newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, as Yaling is busy with a flood of bookings and Lanai Tabura continues work on a variety of projects (find him here @lanai). Both will be rejoining the podcast soon.</itunes:subtitle>
  7818. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce is solo once again for the newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, as Yaling is busy with a flood of bookings and Lanai Tabura continues work on a variety of projects (find him here @lanai). Both will be rejoining the podcast soon. Bruce settles in to talk about how important to book a Hawaii vacation before the end of the year before moving on to talk about booking a Honeymoon in Hawaii Deals and  3 things you need to know.&lt;br /&gt;
  7819. &lt;br /&gt;
  7820. Bruce says that now is a great time to visit Hawaii, as our visitor numbers remain relatively low due to the COVID-19 pandemic, even as Hawaii begins to slowly reopen to trans-Pacific travelers. He notes that some popular activities and locations like Hanauma Bay on Oahu remain closed to the public. He mentions Kualoa Ranch being open for limited tours.&lt;br /&gt;
  7821. &lt;br /&gt;
  7822. He also notes that now is a great time to book a Hawaii vacation due to some great deals that are now available through Hawaii Aloha Travel. Bruce talks about the importance of supporting local businesses because that money goes directly back into our local economy.&lt;br /&gt;
  7823. &lt;br /&gt;
  7824. Bruce names several iconic hotels in Waikiki, including The Westin Moana Surfrider and the Royal Hawaii Hotel, which are offering excellent deals. He mentions excellent rates and discounts at properties and resorts throughout the Aloha State. Bruce also talks about the many airlines that HAT works with to provide great offers and discounts.&lt;br /&gt;
  7825. &lt;br /&gt;
  7826. Bruce then offers some important tips about booking a honeymoon in Hawaii, including booking an extra day to take advantage of special weekday fares and discounts. He talks about how HAT is specialized in honeymoon planning and relates the story of the specific dining needs of a recent honeymoon booking that HAT was able to accommodate.&lt;br /&gt;
  7827. &lt;br /&gt;
  7828. Our host also reminds visitors not to “over-plan” a honeymoon, and to give yourself some time to be flexible and spontaneous. He also notes the importance of knowing specifically what you want for your accommodations. HAT specializes in personal travel advising and honeymoon planning and has been helping make the perfect Hawaii honeymoon for visitors for decades. We can help you make it happen!</itunes:summary>
  7829. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  7830. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  7831. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  7832. <itunes:duration>16:13</itunes:duration>
  7833. </item>
  7834. <item>
  7835. <title>Common mistakes made by Hawaii visitors</title>
  7836. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/common-mistakes-made-by-hawaii-visitors/</link>
  7837. <pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2020 22:45:40 +0000</pubDate>
  7838. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37868</guid>
  7839. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/common-mistakes-made-by-hawaii-visitors/#respond</comments>
  7840. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/common-mistakes-made-by-hawaii-visitors/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  7841. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  7842. <description>Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura are back in the socially-distanced studio for the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast to discuss common social mistakes made by Hawaii visitors. Bruce and Lanai says “We’re still here!!”, still booking travel and offering expert local tours from Secret Hawaii Tours despite the current travel restrictions.
  7843.  
  7844. Lanai talks about the importance of being aware of water safety during a Hawaii vacation. He recalls a number of instances where visitors were badly hurt or died due to a lack of ocean safety awareness. “You gotta respect the ocean,” he says.
  7845.  
  7846. Lanai also talks about the importance of respecting the land, the “aina”. He says the land itself needs to be respected. Bruce adds that Hawaii’s people should be respected and visitors should leave their “mainland attitudes” at home. Lanai says, “This isn’t Cancun.”
  7847.  
  7848. Our hosts note the unwritten “Don’t Honk Your Horn Unless It’s an Emergency Rule” in Hawaii. They about how much of a problem littering is in Hawaii. Bruce puts it simply: “Just don’t do stupid things!” Lanai makes the point that visitors should consider how they would behave when invited to someone’s home.
  7849.  
  7850. Bruce says it’s also important not to over-plan a Hawaii vacation, and to get out of Waikiki and interact with locals. Lanai and Bruce encourage visitors to eat locally and avoid fast-food chains. The cultural aspect of Hawaii is a vital part of a Hawaii vacation and our hosts mention the Bishop Museum on Oahu.
  7851.  
  7852. Our hosts also encourage visitors to get out of their comfort zone and do things like take a surfing lesson or go skydiving. Lanai notes that Secret Hawaii Tour offers private surf lessons and other personal tours. “You don’t want to make the mistake of missing out on your vacation.”
  7853.  
  7854. Aloha Bruce and Lanai also recommend Lanai’s “It’s a Hawaii Thing” podcast, and talk about some of the local, national, and international celebrities he has on as guests. Travel may be restricted, but Hawaii Aloha Travel and Secret Hawaii Tours are hard at work helping visitors plan their perfect Hawaii vacation.</description>
  7855. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/things.mp3" length="12814868" type="audio/mpeg" />
  7856. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura are back in the socially-distanced studio for the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast to discuss common social mistakes made by Hawaii visitors. Bruce and Lanai says “We’re still here!!”,</itunes:subtitle>
  7857. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura are back in the socially-distanced studio for the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast to discuss common social mistakes made by Hawaii visitors. Bruce and Lanai says “We’re still here!!”, still booking travel and offering expert local tours from Secret Hawaii Tours despite the current travel restrictions.&lt;br /&gt;
  7858. &lt;br /&gt;
  7859. Lanai talks about the importance of being aware of water safety during a Hawaii vacation. He recalls a number of instances where visitors were badly hurt or died due to a lack of ocean safety awareness. “You gotta respect the ocean,” he says.&lt;br /&gt;
  7860. &lt;br /&gt;
  7861. Lanai also talks about the importance of respecting the land, the “aina”. He says the land itself needs to be respected. Bruce adds that Hawaii’s people should be respected and visitors should leave their “mainland attitudes” at home. Lanai says, “This isn’t Cancun.”&lt;br /&gt;
  7862. &lt;br /&gt;
  7863. Our hosts note the unwritten “Don’t Honk Your Horn Unless It’s an Emergency Rule” in Hawaii. They about how much of a problem littering is in Hawaii. Bruce puts it simply: “Just don’t do stupid things!” Lanai makes the point that visitors should consider how they would behave when invited to someone’s home.&lt;br /&gt;
  7864. &lt;br /&gt;
  7865. Bruce says it’s also important not to over-plan a Hawaii vacation, and to get out of Waikiki and interact with locals. Lanai and Bruce encourage visitors to eat locally and avoid fast-food chains. The cultural aspect of Hawaii is a vital part of a Hawaii vacation and our hosts mention the Bishop Museum on Oahu.&lt;br /&gt;
  7866. &lt;br /&gt;
  7867. Our hosts also encourage visitors to get out of their comfort zone and do things like take a surfing lesson or go skydiving. Lanai notes that Secret Hawaii Tour offers private surf lessons and other personal tours. “You don’t want to make the mistake of missing out on your vacation.”&lt;br /&gt;
  7868. &lt;br /&gt;
  7869. Aloha Bruce and Lanai also recommend Lanai’s “It’s a Hawaii Thing” podcast, and talk about some of the local, national, and international celebrities he has on as guests. Travel may be restricted, but Hawaii Aloha Travel and Secret Hawaii Tours are hard at work helping visitors plan their perfect Hawaii vacation.</itunes:summary>
  7870. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  7871. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  7872. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  7873. <itunes:duration>14:59</itunes:duration>
  7874. </item>
  7875. <item>
  7876. <title>Hawaii Hotel Spotlight: Hyatt Regency Maui</title>
  7877. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-hotel-spotlight-hyatt-regency-maui/</link>
  7878. <pubDate>Sat, 15 Aug 2020 01:37:02 +0000</pubDate>
  7879. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37820</guid>
  7880. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-hotel-spotlight-hyatt-regency-maui/#respond</comments>
  7881. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-hotel-spotlight-hyatt-regency-maui/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  7882. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  7883. <description>Christina Richardson joins our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Christina is the Associate Director of Sales for the Hyatt Regency Maui and she shares Hyatt’s efforts to restore Hawaii tourism in the age of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher provide an insider perspective on Hawaii vacations with a conversation with an industry executive.
  7884.  
  7885. The property remains closed temporarily, though Richardson notes the outreach efforts of the resort to inform vacationers about procedures and policies underway at the Hyatt to keep guests safe and enjoy the resort upon opening. Richardson describes changes made at the Hyatt, design elements and layouts that enhance the visitor experience and implement innovative safety strategies.
  7886.  
  7887. Christina describes a variety of advancements made on the property, including several water features and the transformation of the focal point of The Atrium. Ms. Richardson also talks with our hosts about other developments at the property and the best ways to make plans for a Hyatt Regency Maui resort experience.
  7888.  
  7889. Ms. Richardson affirms for Bruce and Yaling that Hyatt is meeting and exceeding established protocols to ensure the safety of guests the moment the resort opens for business and finding new ways to enhance best practices.
  7890.  
  7891. There are laughs and there is learning in the latest from the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast.</description>
  7892. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/hyattregencymaui.mp3" length="12453946" type="audio/mpeg" />
  7893. <itunes:subtitle>Christina Richardson joins our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Christina is the Associate Director of Sales for the Hyatt Regency Maui and she shares Hyatt’s efforts to restore Hawaii tourism in the age of the global COVID-19 pandemic.</itunes:subtitle>
  7894. <itunes:summary>Christina Richardson joins our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Christina is the Associate Director of Sales for the Hyatt Regency Maui and she shares Hyatt’s efforts to restore Hawaii tourism in the age of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher provide an insider perspective on Hawaii vacations with a conversation with an industry executive.&lt;br /&gt;
  7895. &lt;br /&gt;
  7896. The property remains closed temporarily, though Richardson notes the outreach efforts of the resort to inform vacationers about procedures and policies underway at the Hyatt to keep guests safe and enjoy the resort upon opening. Richardson describes changes made at the Hyatt, design elements and layouts that enhance the visitor experience and implement innovative safety strategies.&lt;br /&gt;
  7897. &lt;br /&gt;
  7898. Christina describes a variety of advancements made on the property, including several water features and the transformation of the focal point of The Atrium. Ms. Richardson also talks with our hosts about other developments at the property and the best ways to make plans for a Hyatt Regency Maui resort experience.&lt;br /&gt;
  7899. &lt;br /&gt;
  7900. Ms. Richardson affirms for Bruce and Yaling that Hyatt is meeting and exceeding established protocols to ensure the safety of guests the moment the resort opens for business and finding new ways to enhance best practices.&lt;br /&gt;
  7901. &lt;br /&gt;
  7902. There are laughs and there is learning in the latest from the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast.</itunes:summary>
  7903. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  7904. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  7905. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  7906. <itunes:duration>15:04</itunes:duration>
  7907. </item>
  7908. <item>
  7909. <title>Wanted: Respectful and repeat visitors to Hawaii</title>
  7910. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/repectful-visitors-wanted/</link>
  7911. <pubDate>Sat, 08 Aug 2020 06:09:40 +0000</pubDate>
  7912. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37808</guid>
  7913. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/repectful-visitors-wanted/#respond</comments>
  7914. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/repectful-visitors-wanted/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  7915. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  7916. <description>On our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher break down the latest from the Hawaii Visitors &amp; Convention Bureau (HVCB), COVID-19 in Hawaii, and its impact on Hawaii tourism. A lot has happened in recent days, and there is a lot to unpack.
  7917.  
  7918. Bruce begins by talking about how so much uncertainty right now makes it important to be in the moment, and how it has led him and Yaling to really appreciate the importance of new technologies like Zoom and other video-conferencing in Hawaii’s travel industry.
  7919.  
  7920. Our hosts note the scheduled September lifting of the mandatory 14-day quarantine requirement, and how it is not clear that it will happen. This is due to an alarming spike in new COVID cases in Hawaii in recent days. Bruce also mentions the quarantine exemption for visitors with a negative COVID test within 72 hours of arrivals.
  7921.  
  7922. Bruce tells listeners about restrictions once lifted that have been reinstated, including beach closures and the shuttering of bars for three weeks. Governor Ige also reinstated the mandatory quarantine for interisland travel, with some confusing exemptions.
  7923.  
  7924. Bruce also talks about the fact that no matter what government does, supply and demand for Hawaii travel is changed irrevocably. Our hosts talk about “travel bubbles” and “geo-fencing” technologies that are hoped to help Hawaii reopen to tourism.
  7925.  
  7926. Bruce talks about the two types of visitors that HVCB is hoping to attract back to Hawaii. The first is the “respectful visitor”, the people who regard Hawaii’s unique people, folkways, and pristine natural resources with reverence. Basically, visitors who understand the “Aloha Spirit”. The other type HVCB is focused on is the “return visitor”, those who have come to love the Islands through previous visits. Bruce also notes the kind of message we can expect to come out of HVCB in the weeks to come.
  7927.  
  7928. Yaling makes the point that although the future of Hawaii tourism is uncertain the Aloha Spirit remains, and that is what Hawaii Aloha Travel hopes to share with visitors.</description>
  7929. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/visitors.mp3" length="15888203" type="audio/mpeg" />
  7930. <itunes:subtitle>On our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher break down the latest from the Hawaii Visitors &amp; Convention Bureau (HVCB), COVID-19 in Hawaii, and its impact on Hawaii tourism. A lot has happened in recent days,</itunes:subtitle>
  7931. <itunes:summary>On our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher break down the latest from the Hawaii Visitors &amp; Convention Bureau (HVCB), COVID-19 in Hawaii, and its impact on Hawaii tourism. A lot has happened in recent days, and there is a lot to unpack.&lt;br /&gt;
  7932. &lt;br /&gt;
  7933. Bruce begins by talking about how so much uncertainty right now makes it important to be in the moment, and how it has led him and Yaling to really appreciate the importance of new technologies like Zoom and other video-conferencing in Hawaii’s travel industry.&lt;br /&gt;
  7934. &lt;br /&gt;
  7935. Our hosts note the scheduled September lifting of the mandatory 14-day quarantine requirement, and how it is not clear that it will happen. This is due to an alarming spike in new COVID cases in Hawaii in recent days. Bruce also mentions the quarantine exemption for visitors with a negative COVID test within 72 hours of arrivals.&lt;br /&gt;
  7936. &lt;br /&gt;
  7937. Bruce tells listeners about restrictions once lifted that have been reinstated, including beach closures and the shuttering of bars for three weeks. Governor Ige also reinstated the mandatory quarantine for interisland travel, with some confusing exemptions.&lt;br /&gt;
  7938. &lt;br /&gt;
  7939. Bruce also talks about the fact that no matter what government does, supply and demand for Hawaii travel is changed irrevocably. Our hosts talk about “travel bubbles” and “geo-fencing” technologies that are hoped to help Hawaii reopen to tourism.&lt;br /&gt;
  7940. &lt;br /&gt;
  7941. Bruce talks about the two types of visitors that HVCB is hoping to attract back to Hawaii. The first is the “respectful visitor”, the people who regard Hawaii’s unique people, folkways, and pristine natural resources with reverence. Basically, visitors who understand the “Aloha Spirit”. The other type HVCB is focused on is the “return visitor”, those who have come to love the Islands through previous visits. Bruce also notes the kind of message we can expect to come out of HVCB in the weeks to come.&lt;br /&gt;
  7942. &lt;br /&gt;
  7943. Yaling makes the point that although the future of Hawaii tourism is uncertain the Aloha Spirit remains, and that is what Hawaii Aloha Travel hopes to share with visitors.</itunes:summary>
  7944. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  7945. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  7946. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  7947. <itunes:duration>18:17</itunes:duration>
  7948. </item>
  7949. <item>
  7950. <title>Make Hawaiian Healing part of your Hawaii Vacation</title>
  7951. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/make-hawaii-healing-part-of-your-hawaii-vacation/</link>
  7952. <pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2020 02:12:05 +0000</pubDate>
  7953. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37716</guid>
  7954. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/make-hawaii-healing-part-of-your-hawaii-vacation/#respond</comments>
  7955. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/make-hawaii-healing-part-of-your-hawaii-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  7956. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  7957. <description>Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura are joined by Lanai’s brother Makani Tabura. The conversation centers around native Hawaiian wellness practices and how you can make Hawaiian healing part of your Hawaii vacation. Makani plays a big role at the Ha Ola Healing Center, which provides an immersive experience with ancient Hawaiian healing arts.
  7958.  
  7959. Known as “la’au lapa’au”, Hawaiian healing arts involve a holistic approach to health and wellness, and to disease and risk prevention. Makani places Hawaiian healing arts in the context of the current Hawaii COVID-19 shutdown during the global pandemic.
  7960.  
  7961. Makani offers his insights into the differences between traditional Hawaiian and Western medicine. He notes the similarities between natural remedies in Hawaiian culture and those used around the world for time immemorial. The noni fruit as a healing and preventive agent is discussed, and our hosts joke that in traditional Hawaiian medicine, “if it tastes bad, it’s good for you.”
  7962.  
  7963. Lanai and Makani note that ancient Hawaiians preferred “sour poi” as opposed to fresh because of its perceived benefits. Lanai and Makani talk about some other traditional Hawaiian remedies for common maladies. Makani shares details about the health services and products that Ha Ola provides, and how visitors can benefit by learning about traditional Hawaiian health practices. Makani discusses the use of rose petals, lavender, and other natural extracts that are in common use around the world.
  7964.  
  7965. The use of coffee beans and coffee fruit (there’s a difference!) is also discussed by our hosts and their guest. Makani talks about the use of kukui nut oil as a natural sunscreen and skin conditioner, and discusses the use of other extracts common in Hawaii for positive health and nutrition outcomes.
  7966.  
  7967. Our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast is a deep dive into native Hawaiian healing and wellness arts, and into Makani and Ha Ola Village’s efforts to share them with Hawaii visitors.</description>
  7968. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/healing.mp3" length="15103120" type="audio/mpeg" />
  7969. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura are joined by Lanai’s brother Makani Tabura. The conversation centers around native Hawaiian wellness practices and how you can make Hawaiian healing part of your Hawaii vacation.</itunes:subtitle>
  7970. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura are joined by Lanai’s brother Makani Tabura. The conversation centers around native Hawaiian wellness practices and how you can make Hawaiian healing part of your Hawaii vacation. Makani plays a big role at the Ha Ola Healing Center, which provides an immersive experience with ancient Hawaiian healing arts.&lt;br /&gt;
  7971. &lt;br /&gt;
  7972. Known as “la’au lapa’au”, Hawaiian healing arts involve a holistic approach to health and wellness, and to disease and risk prevention. Makani places Hawaiian healing arts in the context of the current Hawaii COVID-19 shutdown during the global pandemic.&lt;br /&gt;
  7973. &lt;br /&gt;
  7974. Makani offers his insights into the differences between traditional Hawaiian and Western medicine. He notes the similarities between natural remedies in Hawaiian culture and those used around the world for time immemorial. The noni fruit as a healing and preventive agent is discussed, and our hosts joke that in traditional Hawaiian medicine, “if it tastes bad, it’s good for you.”&lt;br /&gt;
  7975. &lt;br /&gt;
  7976. Lanai and Makani note that ancient Hawaiians preferred “sour poi” as opposed to fresh because of its perceived benefits. Lanai and Makani talk about some other traditional Hawaiian remedies for common maladies. Makani shares details about the health services and products that Ha Ola provides, and how visitors can benefit by learning about traditional Hawaiian health practices. Makani discusses the use of rose petals, lavender, and other natural extracts that are in common use around the world.&lt;br /&gt;
  7977. &lt;br /&gt;
  7978. The use of coffee beans and coffee fruit (there’s a difference!) is also discussed by our hosts and their guest. Makani talks about the use of kukui nut oil as a natural sunscreen and skin conditioner, and discusses the use of other extracts common in Hawaii for positive health and nutrition outcomes.&lt;br /&gt;
  7979. &lt;br /&gt;
  7980. Our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast is a deep dive into native Hawaiian healing and wellness arts, and into Makani and Ha Ola Village’s efforts to share them with Hawaii visitors.</itunes:summary>
  7981. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  7982. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  7983. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  7984. <itunes:duration>17:47</itunes:duration>
  7985. </item>
  7986. <item>
  7987. <title>Make voluntourism part of your next Hawaii Vacation</title>
  7988. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/make-voluntourism-part-of-your-next-hawaii-vacation/</link>
  7989. <pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2020 19:17:11 +0000</pubDate>
  7990. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37653</guid>
  7991. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/make-voluntourism-part-of-your-next-hawaii-vacation/#respond</comments>
  7992. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/make-voluntourism-part-of-your-next-hawaii-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  7993. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  7994. <description>Hawaii “voluntourism” is the topic of the newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura talk about ways that visitors can volunteer for community-based projects during their Hawaii vacation and the benefits of doing so.
  7995.  
  7996. Lanai notes that many Hawaii families volunteer at “lo’i”, or taro patches throughout Hawaii and explains how Hawaii’s various ecosystems make up “ahupua’a”, or districts and resources that were cared for by the people that lived there. Anyone who helped do the work got to enjoy its benefits.
  7997.  
  7998. Lanai also says that volunteering during your Hawaii vacation is an excellent way to understand the people and culture of Hawaii. “It’s like being in a National Geographic show.”
  7999.  
  8000. Bruce also mentions the Hawaii Land Trust, which conducts cleanups and maintenance at “heiau”, or sacred sites around the Aloha State. Hui o Ko’olaupoko is noted as a group that restores ancient Hawaiian fishponds, and Lanai shares his knowledge about how they work and the traditional technologies they use.
  8001.  
  8002. Pu’u Kapolei and the Honolulu Board of Water supply are also noted as providing educational tours about Hawaii’s environment. Bruce also mentions the Pacific Whale Foundation’s volunteer opportunities on Maui.
  8003.  
  8004. Other such organizations on Hawaii Island and Kauai are discussed as having many visitor volunteer opportunities. Our hosts agree that volunteering during your Hawaii vacation is the best way to connect with Hawaii’s land and culture.
  8005.  
  8006. Contact Hawaii Aloha Travel for more information on voluntourism part of your Hawaii vacation</description>
  8007. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/voluntourism.mp3" length="10696850" type="audio/mpeg" />
  8008. <itunes:subtitle>Hawaii “voluntourism” is the topic of the newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura talk about ways that visitors can volunteer for community-based projects during their Hawaii vacation and the benefits of doing so.  </itunes:subtitle>
  8009. <itunes:summary>Hawaii “voluntourism” is the topic of the newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura talk about ways that visitors can volunteer for community-based projects during their Hawaii vacation and the benefits of doing so.&lt;br /&gt;
  8010. &lt;br /&gt;
  8011. Lanai notes that many Hawaii families volunteer at “lo’i”, or taro patches throughout Hawaii and explains how Hawaii’s various ecosystems make up “ahupua’a”, or districts and resources that were cared for by the people that lived there. Anyone who helped do the work got to enjoy its benefits.&lt;br /&gt;
  8012. &lt;br /&gt;
  8013. Lanai also says that volunteering during your Hawaii vacation is an excellent way to understand the people and culture of Hawaii. “It’s like being in a National Geographic show.”&lt;br /&gt;
  8014. &lt;br /&gt;
  8015. Bruce also mentions the Hawaii Land Trust, which conducts cleanups and maintenance at “heiau”, or sacred sites around the Aloha State. Hui o Ko’olaupoko is noted as a group that restores ancient Hawaiian fishponds, and Lanai shares his knowledge about how they work and the traditional technologies they use.&lt;br /&gt;
  8016. &lt;br /&gt;
  8017. Pu’u Kapolei and the Honolulu Board of Water supply are also noted as providing educational tours about Hawaii’s environment. Bruce also mentions the Pacific Whale Foundation’s volunteer opportunities on Maui.&lt;br /&gt;
  8018. &lt;br /&gt;
  8019. Other such organizations on Hawaii Island and Kauai are discussed as having many visitor volunteer opportunities. Our hosts agree that volunteering during your Hawaii vacation is the best way to connect with Hawaii’s land and culture.&lt;br /&gt;
  8020. &lt;br /&gt;
  8021. Contact Hawaii Aloha Travel for more information on voluntourism part of your Hawaii vacation</itunes:summary>
  8022. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  8023. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  8024. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  8025. <itunes:duration>12:48</itunes:duration>
  8026. </item>
  8027. <item>
  8028. <title>The History of Hawaii Tourism &#8211; Remembering Hawaii Calls</title>
  8029. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/the-history-of-hawaii-tourism/</link>
  8030. <pubDate>Sat, 23 May 2020 22:45:03 +0000</pubDate>
  8031. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37640</guid>
  8032. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/the-history-of-hawaii-tourism/#respond</comments>
  8033. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/the-history-of-hawaii-tourism/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  8034. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  8035. <description>Then Vacation Connection Podcast gets away from the constant stream of information and concern about COVID-19 in Hawaii on our latest episode. Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura talk about the “Hawaii Calls” tourism campaign in the islands from days gone by. Bruce says he ran across an old video while researching in his free time and he and Lanai discuss advertising copy from 1965.
  8036.  
  8037. Lanai talks about old-style plantation homes that remain in Waikiki that owners continue to live in them despite the massive growth of Waikiki Tourism. Our hosts talk about the first hotels in and offer some interesting tidbits about Waikiki tourism history. Lanai talks about the history of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel property.
  8038.  
  8039. Lanai says that Hawaii experienced a huge surge in tourism because of Don Ho and Elvis Presley. He remembers the performers that Don Ho featured in his show. Lanai says that early in his career he performed with Don Ho and shares personal stories about the experience.
  8040.  
  8041. It’s an in-depth look at the history of tourism and entertainment in the Aloha State. Bruce talks about celebrities he met while working in Hawaii radio decades ago. Our hosts fondly recall a number of iconic Hawaii shows and names like Andy Bumatai, Frank Delima, and Al Harrington.
  8042.  
  8043. It’s an enlightening and entertaining walk down memory lane for our hosts, as Bruce plays an edited clip from long ago. It features facts and stories that most visitors would never be aware of, the kind of insight the experts at Hawaii Aloha Travel specialize in.
  8044.  
  8045. Aloha Bruce and Lanai offer their perspectives of what entertainment in Hawaii might look like in a post-COVID world. It’s a great, upbeat listen during a difficult time in Hawaii tourism.</description>
  8046. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/hawaiihistory.mp3" length="14593385" type="audio/mpeg" />
  8047. <itunes:subtitle>Then Vacation Connection Podcast gets away from the constant stream of information and concern about COVID-19 in Hawaii on our latest episode. Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura talk about the “Hawaii Calls” tourism campaign in the islands from days gone by....</itunes:subtitle>
  8048. <itunes:summary>Then Vacation Connection Podcast gets away from the constant stream of information and concern about COVID-19 in Hawaii on our latest episode. Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura talk about the “Hawaii Calls” tourism campaign in the islands from days gone by. Bruce says he ran across an old video while researching in his free time and he and Lanai discuss advertising copy from 1965.&lt;br /&gt;
  8049. &lt;br /&gt;
  8050. Lanai talks about old-style plantation homes that remain in Waikiki that owners continue to live in them despite the massive growth of Waikiki Tourism. Our hosts talk about the first hotels in and offer some interesting tidbits about Waikiki tourism history. Lanai talks about the history of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel property.&lt;br /&gt;
  8051. &lt;br /&gt;
  8052. Lanai says that Hawaii experienced a huge surge in tourism because of Don Ho and Elvis Presley. He remembers the performers that Don Ho featured in his show. Lanai says that early in his career he performed with Don Ho and shares personal stories about the experience.&lt;br /&gt;
  8053. &lt;br /&gt;
  8054. It’s an in-depth look at the history of tourism and entertainment in the Aloha State. Bruce talks about celebrities he met while working in Hawaii radio decades ago. Our hosts fondly recall a number of iconic Hawaii shows and names like Andy Bumatai, Frank Delima, and Al Harrington.&lt;br /&gt;
  8055. &lt;br /&gt;
  8056. It’s an enlightening and entertaining walk down memory lane for our hosts, as Bruce plays an edited clip from long ago. It features facts and stories that most visitors would never be aware of, the kind of insight the experts at Hawaii Aloha Travel specialize in.&lt;br /&gt;
  8057. &lt;br /&gt;
  8058. Aloha Bruce and Lanai offer their perspectives of what entertainment in Hawaii might look like in a post-COVID world. It’s a great, upbeat listen during a difficult time in Hawaii tourism.</itunes:summary>
  8059. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  8060. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  8061. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  8062. <itunes:duration>17:12</itunes:duration>
  8063. </item>
  8064. <item>
  8065. <title>Re-thinking Hawaii Tourism</title>
  8066. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/re-thinking-hawaii-tourism/</link>
  8067. <pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2020 19:57:48 +0000</pubDate>
  8068. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37578</guid>
  8069. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/re-thinking-hawaii-tourism/#respond</comments>
  8070. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/re-thinking-hawaii-tourism/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  8071. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  8072. <description>On the newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher share the latest developments and insight into the effect of coronavirus restrictions and quarantine requirements on Hawaii Tourism.
  8073.  
  8074. Bruce makes the point that Hawaii’s statistics on confirmed cases of coronavirus and other telling metrics are far lower than mainland states. Bruce also mentions the hopeful story of a young Honolulu bartender who has begun the road to recovery after falling gravely ill with COVID-19.
  8075.  
  8076. Yaling offers numbers on how many visitors are arriving in Hawaii in spite of travel restrictions and Hawaii Tourism quarantine rules. Our hosts note that some visitors have been exploiting loopholes in the new rules and that the Honolulu City &amp; County was moved to action after a visit to Daniel K. Inouye Airport (HNL) that spotlighted shortcomings in the screening of Hawaii arrivals.
  8077.  
  8078. Bruce says that Hawaii Aloha Travel is receiving many calls from visitors who want to know when hotels will be reopened. He says hotels will begin using “hygiene managers” to monitor guests subject to travel restrictions.
  8079.  
  8080. Our hosts move the discussion to steps that can be taken to make travelers safer. Bruce and Yaling talk about air carriers suspending service to and from a large number of mainland airports. Bruce wonders who will be brought in to monitor the many aspects of the Hawaii Tourism travel industry that are affected by the coronavirus global pandemic.
  8081.  
  8082. Bruce and Yaling talk about pending Hawaii Aloha Travel bookings in the coming months, and how they are managing changes in travel bookings. They agree that those things are changing quickly, but they expect bookings for June and beyond to continue.
  8083.  
  8084. Bruce shares his feelings about the unprecedented nature of the disruption the coronavirus has caused in Hawaii. He and Yaling assure podcast listeners that Hawaii Aloha Travel’s travel insurance provides peace of mind if your vacation plans have to be adjusted. Of course, special considerations can be offered to front-line workers in the stand against the global pandemic.
  8085.  
  8086. Co-host Lanai Tabura will be back with the podcast soon, our hosts assure. He’s quite busy helping feed thousands with the Show Aloha Challenge and other projects serving Hawaii’s vulnerable communities.</description>
  8087. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/rethinkhawaii.mp3" length="14423912" type="audio/mpeg" />
  8088. <itunes:subtitle>On the newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher share the latest developments and insight into the effect of coronavirus restrictions and quarantine requirements on Hawaii Tourism.  </itunes:subtitle>
  8089. <itunes:summary>On the newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce and Yaling Fisher share the latest developments and insight into the effect of coronavirus restrictions and quarantine requirements on Hawaii Tourism.&lt;br /&gt;
  8090. &lt;br /&gt;
  8091. Bruce makes the point that Hawaii’s statistics on confirmed cases of coronavirus and other telling metrics are far lower than mainland states. Bruce also mentions the hopeful story of a young Honolulu bartender who has begun the road to recovery after falling gravely ill with COVID-19.&lt;br /&gt;
  8092. &lt;br /&gt;
  8093. Yaling offers numbers on how many visitors are arriving in Hawaii in spite of travel restrictions and Hawaii Tourism quarantine rules. Our hosts note that some visitors have been exploiting loopholes in the new rules and that the Honolulu City &amp; County was moved to action after a visit to Daniel K. Inouye Airport (HNL) that spotlighted shortcomings in the screening of Hawaii arrivals.&lt;br /&gt;
  8094. &lt;br /&gt;
  8095. Bruce says that Hawaii Aloha Travel is receiving many calls from visitors who want to know when hotels will be reopened. He says hotels will begin using “hygiene managers” to monitor guests subject to travel restrictions.&lt;br /&gt;
  8096. &lt;br /&gt;
  8097. Our hosts move the discussion to steps that can be taken to make travelers safer. Bruce and Yaling talk about air carriers suspending service to and from a large number of mainland airports. Bruce wonders who will be brought in to monitor the many aspects of the Hawaii Tourism travel industry that are affected by the coronavirus global pandemic.&lt;br /&gt;
  8098. &lt;br /&gt;
  8099. Bruce and Yaling talk about pending Hawaii Aloha Travel bookings in the coming months, and how they are managing changes in travel bookings. They agree that those things are changing quickly, but they expect bookings for June and beyond to continue.&lt;br /&gt;
  8100. &lt;br /&gt;
  8101. Bruce shares his feelings about the unprecedented nature of the disruption the coronavirus has caused in Hawaii. He and Yaling assure podcast listeners that Hawaii Aloha Travel’s travel insurance provides peace of mind if your vacation plans have to be adjusted. Of course, special considerations can be offered to front-line workers in the stand against the global pandemic.&lt;br /&gt;
  8102. &lt;br /&gt;
  8103. Co-host Lanai Tabura will be back with the podcast soon, our hosts assure. He’s quite busy helping feed thousands with the Show Aloha Challenge and other projects serving Hawaii’s vulnerable communities.</itunes:summary>
  8104. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  8105. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  8106. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  8107. <itunes:duration>17:32</itunes:duration>
  8108. </item>
  8109. <item>
  8110. <title>The cultural importance of food in Hawaii</title>
  8111. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/cultural-importance-of-food-in-hawaii/</link>
  8112. <pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2020 06:07:48 +0000</pubDate>
  8113. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37539</guid>
  8114. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/cultural-importance-of-food-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  8115. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/cultural-importance-of-food-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  8116. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  8117. <description>Host Lanai Tabura is back (remotely) to join Aloha Bruce for our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Lanai has been working non-stop on his Show Aloha Challenge Project, which is helping to connect locally-owned restaurants and food suppliers with the most vulnerable members of our community during the COVID-19 global pandemic shutdown. Bruce and Lanai talk about the cultural importance of food in Hawaii’s many cultures, and especially the native Hawaiian culture. They muse on the ubiquitous backyard luaus that are a mainstay in residential communities throughout the Aloha State. Lanai notes that Hawaii has a massive “tailgate” culture, even though we don’t have a professional major league sports team here.
  8118.  
  8119. Lanai talks about growing up on his home island of Lanai, where foodways were and are largely determined by the relative isolation of that island’s population. Our Emmy Award-winning host recalls the days of his youth, when most folks farmed, hunted, and fished for their food and offers anecdotes about those simpler times when the day’s hunt, catch, or harvest was shared in the community.
  8120.  
  8121. Lanai shares his recipe for “refrigerator fried rice”, which is made up of “extra stuff” in the refrigerator, often including the local favorite food in Hawaii Spam and whatever leftovers remain from the last prepared meal. He offers simple tips on how to make the local staple, and how quick and easy it is to put together.
  8122.  
  8123. Of course, the main ingredient of rice is discussed as Aloha Bruce plies Lanai about his way of cooking it. Lanai says, simply, “I use a rice cooker!” Lanai does note that the kind of rice he uses and the best way to make Hawaii-style sticky rice. Lanai suggests visiting his cookbook at cookinghawaiianstyle.com, which offers a wide variety of recipes unique to the islands. The cookbook about food in Hawaii is gaining popularity around the world.
  8124.  
  8125. Lanai also offers his special and simple recipe for “shoyu chicken”, a dish that is as iconic in Hawaii as hotdogs are in ballparks. He offers his chef’s tips on the ingredients involved in the island&#039;s favorite food in Hawaii and subtle variations that can be made to it. Aloha Bruce notes that during the pandemic things like rice and pasta are in very high demand.
  8126.  
  8127. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  8128. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  8129.  
  8130. Bruce and Lanai talk about their hopes for when Hawaii will reopen, possibly in June. They discuss the potential impacts of the COVID-19 shutdown on mainland visitors at home and the businesses that rely on their patronage here in Hawaii.
  8131.  
  8132. Our hosts move on to talk about Show Aloha Challenge, which has raised nearly $300,000 dollars in its effort to provide much-needed food assistance to Hawaii’s elderly kupuna (seniors) in cooperation with the Hawaii Foodbank. Lanai says more assistance is needed and tells the stories of some Hawaii seniors experiencing genuine peril as they remain isolated.
  8133.  
  8134. Lanai shares what his days are like as a point person for efforts to provide assistance to those that need help and coordinating the many members of the community who want to help. (Obviously, Lanai’s days are extremely busy). It is a daunting task, but the people of Hawaii are largely united in caring for the most needy and they embody the true meaning of the Aloha Spirit that Hawaii Aloha Travel strives for.</description>
  8135. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/foodinhawaii.mp3" length="11773770" type="audio/mpeg" />
  8136. <itunes:subtitle>Host Lanai Tabura is back (remotely) to join Aloha Bruce for our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Lanai has been working non-stop on his Show Aloha Challenge Project, which is helping to connect locally-owned restaurants and food suppliers wi...</itunes:subtitle>
  8137. <itunes:summary>Host Lanai Tabura is back (remotely) to join Aloha Bruce for our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Lanai has been working non-stop on his Show Aloha Challenge Project, which is helping to connect locally-owned restaurants and food suppliers with the most vulnerable members of our community during the COVID-19 global pandemic shutdown. Bruce and Lanai talk about the cultural importance of food in Hawaii’s many cultures, and especially the native Hawaiian culture. They muse on the ubiquitous backyard luaus that are a mainstay in residential communities throughout the Aloha State. Lanai notes that Hawaii has a massive “tailgate” culture, even though we don’t have a professional major league sports team here.&lt;br /&gt;
  8138. &lt;br /&gt;
  8139. Lanai talks about growing up on his home island of Lanai, where foodways were and are largely determined by the relative isolation of that island’s population. Our Emmy Award-winning host recalls the days of his youth, when most folks farmed, hunted, and fished for their food and offers anecdotes about those simpler times when the day’s hunt, catch, or harvest was shared in the community.&lt;br /&gt;
  8140. &lt;br /&gt;
  8141. Lanai shares his recipe for “refrigerator fried rice”, which is made up of “extra stuff” in the refrigerator, often including the local favorite food in Hawaii Spam and whatever leftovers remain from the last prepared meal. He offers simple tips on how to make the local staple, and how quick and easy it is to put together.&lt;br /&gt;
  8142. &lt;br /&gt;
  8143. Of course, the main ingredient of rice is discussed as Aloha Bruce plies Lanai about his way of cooking it. Lanai says, simply, “I use a rice cooker!” Lanai does note that the kind of rice he uses and the best way to make Hawaii-style sticky rice. Lanai suggests visiting his cookbook at cookinghawaiianstyle.com, which offers a wide variety of recipes unique to the islands. The cookbook about food in Hawaii is gaining popularity around the world.&lt;br /&gt;
  8144. &lt;br /&gt;
  8145. Lanai also offers his special and simple recipe for “shoyu chicken”, a dish that is as iconic in Hawaii as hotdogs are in ballparks. He offers his chef’s tips on the ingredients involved in the island&#039;s favorite food in Hawaii and subtle variations that can be made to it. Aloha Bruce notes that during the pandemic things like rice and pasta are in very high demand.&lt;br /&gt;
  8146. &lt;br /&gt;
  8147. &lt;br /&gt;
  8148. &lt;br /&gt;
  8149. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  8150. &lt;br /&gt;
  8151. &lt;br /&gt;
  8152. &lt;br /&gt;
  8153. &lt;br /&gt;
  8154. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  8155. &lt;br /&gt;
  8156. &lt;br /&gt;
  8157. &lt;br /&gt;
  8158. &lt;br /&gt;
  8159. &lt;br /&gt;
  8160. &lt;br /&gt;
  8161. &lt;br /&gt;
  8162. Bruce and Lanai talk about their hopes for when Hawaii will reopen, possibly in June. They discuss the potential impacts of the COVID-19 shutdown on mainland visitors at home and the businesses that rely on their patronage here in Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  8163. &lt;br /&gt;
  8164. Our hosts move on to talk about Show Aloha Challenge, which has raised nearly $300,000 dollars in its effort to provide much-needed food assistance to Hawaii’s elderly kupuna (seniors) in cooperation with the Hawaii Foodbank. Lanai says more assistance is needed and tells the stories of some Hawaii seniors experiencing genuine peril as they remain isolated.&lt;br /&gt;
  8165. &lt;br /&gt;
  8166. Lanai shares what his days are like as a point person for efforts to provide assistance to those that need help and coordinating the many members of the community who want to help. (Obviously, Lanai’s days are extremely busy). It is a daunting task, but the people of Hawaii are largely united in caring for the most needy and they embody the true meaning of the Aloha Spirit that Hawaii Aloha Travel strives for.</itunes:summary>
  8167. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  8168. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  8169. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  8170. <itunes:duration>14:07</itunes:duration>
  8171. </item>
  8172. <item>
  8173. <title>Where to Stay on the Big Island</title>
  8174. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/where-to-stay-on-the-big-island/</link>
  8175. <pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2020 19:35:46 +0000</pubDate>
  8176. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37501</guid>
  8177. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/where-to-stay-on-the-big-island/#respond</comments>
  8178. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/where-to-stay-on-the-big-island/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  8179. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  8180. <description>Traveling to the Big Island of Hawaii? Not sure where to start planning your vacation, which airport to fly into, or what side of the island is best for you to stay? Check out this podcast from Bruce and Lanai of Hawaii Aloha Travel LLC where they share their local knowledge and travel planning expertise on where to stay to the Big Island of Hawaii.
  8181.  
  8182. The Big Island is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands. It is larger than all the other islands combined at a total of 4,038 square miles and growing. You can find eleven of the world&#039;s thirteen climate zones on the Big Island. Located on the Big Island is Kilauea which is Hawaii&#039;s only active volcano and Mauna Kea which is one of the highest points in the United States with telescopes for some of the worlds’ best stargazing.
  8183.  
  8184. The Big Island is a perfect place for your next vacation but being so vast, there’s a lot to think about. Listen in on this podcast as these local experts reveal their specific travel tips and break down the best areas to stay while visiting the Big Island.
  8185.  
  8186. Bruce and Lanai share in this podcast ways to get around the island and where to stay if you’re looking for the islands limited but beautiful beaches. This episode covers rental options such as resort vacations, affordable lodgings, and condos by the sea. They even include some tips and suggestions for the waterfall seeker, the ocean lover, and how to plan your trip in order to get a little bit of both.
  8187.  
  8188. Check out Hawaii’s travel experts, Bruce and Lanai, for their tips and suggestions on airports, car rentals, and making sure you have the best information in order to book and plan your Big Island vacation. If you’re headed to the islands you don’t want to miss this episode.</description>
  8189. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/saty.mp3" length="5242880" type="audio/mpeg" />
  8190. <itunes:subtitle>Traveling to the Big Island of Hawaii? Not sure where to start planning your vacation, which airport to fly into, or what side of the island is best for you to stay? Check out this podcast from Bruce and Lanai of Hawaii Aloha Travel LLC where they shar...</itunes:subtitle>
  8191. <itunes:summary>Traveling to the Big Island of Hawaii? Not sure where to start planning your vacation, which airport to fly into, or what side of the island is best for you to stay? Check out this podcast from Bruce and Lanai of Hawaii Aloha Travel LLC where they share their local knowledge and travel planning expertise on where to stay to the Big Island of Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  8192. &lt;br /&gt;
  8193. The Big Island is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands. It is larger than all the other islands combined at a total of 4,038 square miles and growing. You can find eleven of the world&#039;s thirteen climate zones on the Big Island. Located on the Big Island is Kilauea which is Hawaii&#039;s only active volcano and Mauna Kea which is one of the highest points in the United States with telescopes for some of the worlds’ best stargazing.&lt;br /&gt;
  8194. &lt;br /&gt;
  8195. The Big Island is a perfect place for your next vacation but being so vast, there’s a lot to think about. Listen in on this podcast as these local experts reveal their specific travel tips and break down the best areas to stay while visiting the Big Island.&lt;br /&gt;
  8196. &lt;br /&gt;
  8197. Bruce and Lanai share in this podcast ways to get around the island and where to stay if you’re looking for the islands limited but beautiful beaches. This episode covers rental options such as resort vacations, affordable lodgings, and condos by the sea. They even include some tips and suggestions for the waterfall seeker, the ocean lover, and how to plan your trip in order to get a little bit of both.&lt;br /&gt;
  8198. &lt;br /&gt;
  8199. Check out Hawaii’s travel experts, Bruce and Lanai, for their tips and suggestions on airports, car rentals, and making sure you have the best information in order to book and plan your Big Island vacation. If you’re headed to the islands you don’t want to miss this episode.</itunes:summary>
  8200. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  8201. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  8202. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  8203. </item>
  8204. <item>
  8205. <title>James Asquith Returns to Hawaii</title>
  8206. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/37498/</link>
  8207. <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2020 00:02:24 +0000</pubDate>
  8208. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37498</guid>
  8209. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/37498/#respond</comments>
  8210. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/37498/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  8211. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  8212. <description>We’ve got a special new Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast on offer, as our hosts Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura welcome back world-famous world-traveler James Asquith to the show for a freewheeling chat about travel and Hawaii.
  8213.  
  8214. James holds the Guinness World Record for being the youngest person ever to visit every country in the world. He began at age 18 and set the record by July 2013. He’s an accomplished author and an incredibly successful entrepreneur with his Holiday Swap app. He joined us on the podcast in early 2019. He’s now 31 years old.
  8215.  
  8216. Our hosts and their esteemed guest joke about boring questions Asquith encounters on his countless interviews and public appearances around the world. He notes that he took 166 flights in 2019. He also says Hawaii is in his “top three” destinations in the world. Asquith says he spent an average of six days in every country he visited while setting the world travel record.
  8217.  
  8218. Asquith says he still travels all the time, but now it’s mostly for work reasons regarding his company Holiday Swap. The company facilitates home-swapping services for world travelers. He says the international travel press has termed Holiday Swap “Travel Tinder” with a perfect dry British wit.
  8219.  
  8220. James explains how the Holiday Swap platform works, and what makes it a great option for world travelers. James notes that each transaction costs only one dollar and the differences between his company and others like Air B&amp;B. He notes that Holiday Swap has over 500,000 users and expects to reach one million in two months.
  8221.  
  8222. Bruce and Lanai pick Asquith’s brains about how his company works, and he offers some genuine insight into what travelers are looking for when booking accommodations around the world. James discusses the wide demographic that use Holiday Swap. Some use it regularly for short, unexpected trips, and others use it to book lodgings a year or two out.
  8223.  
  8224. James talks about why Hawaii is a great market for Holiday Swap, as Bruce gets into the specifics of how the Holiday Swap app works. The discussion moves onto how the visitor accommodation market behaves differently in different destinations around the world. James notes that Holiday Swap operates in 186 countries.
  8225.  
  8226. The newest Hawaii Vacation Podcast features an in-depth conversation between some of the world’s foremost travel experts. James Asquith is quite possibly the world’s most experienced traveler at the young age of 31. His thoughts are a great look into the best ways to book your travel from door to door.
  8227.  
  8228. James talks about finding the best deals and making the most or four travel miles and credits. Lanai notes that James manages to find first-class arrangements and how he is the best job in the world. Everyone agrees that there is much more to talk about and that James will come back for another Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast while he is here. And then they all agree that it’s time to “go find something to eat!” to celebrate Hawaii Aloha Travel founders Bruce and Yaling’s wedding anniversary. Cheers!</description>
  8229. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/asquith.mp3" length="13056146" type="audio/mpeg" />
  8230. <itunes:subtitle>We’ve got a special new Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast on offer, as our hosts Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura welcome back world-famous world-traveler James Asquith to the show for a freewheeling chat about travel and Hawaii.  </itunes:subtitle>
  8231. <itunes:summary>We’ve got a special new Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast on offer, as our hosts Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura welcome back world-famous world-traveler James Asquith to the show for a freewheeling chat about travel and Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  8232. &lt;br /&gt;
  8233. James holds the Guinness World Record for being the youngest person ever to visit every country in the world. He began at age 18 and set the record by July 2013. He’s an accomplished author and an incredibly successful entrepreneur with his Holiday Swap app. He joined us on the podcast in early 2019. He’s now 31 years old.&lt;br /&gt;
  8234. &lt;br /&gt;
  8235. Our hosts and their esteemed guest joke about boring questions Asquith encounters on his countless interviews and public appearances around the world. He notes that he took 166 flights in 2019. He also says Hawaii is in his “top three” destinations in the world. Asquith says he spent an average of six days in every country he visited while setting the world travel record.&lt;br /&gt;
  8236. &lt;br /&gt;
  8237. Asquith says he still travels all the time, but now it’s mostly for work reasons regarding his company Holiday Swap. The company facilitates home-swapping services for world travelers. He says the international travel press has termed Holiday Swap “Travel Tinder” with a perfect dry British wit.&lt;br /&gt;
  8238. &lt;br /&gt;
  8239. James explains how the Holiday Swap platform works, and what makes it a great option for world travelers. James notes that each transaction costs only one dollar and the differences between his company and others like Air B&amp;B. He notes that Holiday Swap has over 500,000 users and expects to reach one million in two months.&lt;br /&gt;
  8240. &lt;br /&gt;
  8241. Bruce and Lanai pick Asquith’s brains about how his company works, and he offers some genuine insight into what travelers are looking for when booking accommodations around the world. James discusses the wide demographic that use Holiday Swap. Some use it regularly for short, unexpected trips, and others use it to book lodgings a year or two out.&lt;br /&gt;
  8242. &lt;br /&gt;
  8243. James talks about why Hawaii is a great market for Holiday Swap, as Bruce gets into the specifics of how the Holiday Swap app works. The discussion moves onto how the visitor accommodation market behaves differently in different destinations around the world. James notes that Holiday Swap operates in 186 countries.&lt;br /&gt;
  8244. &lt;br /&gt;
  8245. The newest Hawaii Vacation Podcast features an in-depth conversation between some of the world’s foremost travel experts. James Asquith is quite possibly the world’s most experienced traveler at the young age of 31. His thoughts are a great look into the best ways to book your travel from door to door.&lt;br /&gt;
  8246. &lt;br /&gt;
  8247. James talks about finding the best deals and making the most or four travel miles and credits. Lanai notes that James manages to find first-class arrangements and how he is the best job in the world. Everyone agrees that there is much more to talk about and that James will come back for another Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast while he is here. And then they all agree that it’s time to “go find something to eat!” to celebrate Hawaii Aloha Travel founders Bruce and Yaling’s wedding anniversary. Cheers!</itunes:summary>
  8248. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  8249. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  8250. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  8251. <itunes:duration>16:20</itunes:duration>
  8252. </item>
  8253. <item>
  8254. <title>Hawaii Do&#8217;s and Don&#8217;ts</title>
  8255. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-dos-and-donts/</link>
  8256. <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2020 23:35:42 +0000</pubDate>
  8257. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37494</guid>
  8258. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-dos-and-donts/#respond</comments>
  8259. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-dos-and-donts/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  8260. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  8261. <description>On our new Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, our hosts Aloha Bruce and Emmy Award winner Lanai Tabura offer their unique, expert insight into the “Hawaii Do&#039;s and Don’ts” for visitors on holiday in the Aloha State. Special guest Sean, who guides the Lunch at McGarrett’s Hawaii 5-0 tour is along to offer his take on the best way to get on with locals during your Hawaii vacation.
  8262.  
  8263. Lanai says that the first thing to remember during a Hawaii vacation if you’re driving a rental vehicle is “Don’t honk your horn!” It’s widely regarded as rude and hostile. Hawaii is a quiet and peaceful place. When we do honk our horns, it’s usually a couple of quick beeps to say “Hi” to friends or family on the road.
  8264.  
  8265. Bruce points out that drivers should also take their time. Driving “mainland style” simply doesn’t work on our roads. Sean recalls signs in a Honolulu neighborhood made by a resident that say “Drive Like Your Kids Live Here”. Bruce remembers a mainland friend who is otherwise calm and collected who flies into a rage when driving. That’s the opposite of the Aloha Spirit.
  8266.  
  8267. The conversation moves onto ocean etiquette. Sean points out that an important thing for visitors to remember is to leave our green sea turtles alone. It’s illegal to touch or disturb them. The same goes for our endangered Hawaiian monk seals.
  8268.  
  8269. Bruce reminds listeners that warning signs about ocean safety conditions are to be taken seriously. Sean mentions a grim statistic about visitor drownings, and Lanai notes that even expert swimmers can find themselves in danger when conditions are hazardous. Bruce says that visitors, especially novice swimmers should only go to beaches with lifeguards.
  8270.  
  8271. Sean mentions the dangers Hawaii beaches can pose for visitors, as even the most beautiful and seemingly placid waters can be very risky. Sean and Lanai talk about Sandy Beach, known as “Break Neck Beach” because of the number of visitors and residents alike who have been seriously injured or even killed at the beach, which can go from perfectly calm to dangerously rough in minutes. Bruce offers his own frightening experience at Sandy Beach when he first arrived on Oahu.
  8272.  
  8273. Bruce moves on to some of the pet peeves Hawaii residents have about visitors. Chief among them is people referring to the mainland as “back in the States.” Lanai jokes that “some Hawaiians like that,” but that US citizens don’t need a passport to come to the 50th State. Our hosts then begin to joke about visitors over-doing the aloha-attire thing and how it is a sure way to identify yourself as a tourist.
  8274.  
  8275. As far as things that visitors absolutely should do in Hawaii, our hosts note that it is important to show respect. That might mean being a courteous driver, heeding warning signs and respecting the ocean and the lifeguards that protect the people that enjoy it. Everyone agrees that the surest way to get on the bad side of a Hawaii resident is to litter. Anywhere.
  8276.  
  8277. Sean reminds listeners to never leave valuables in rental vehicles, and that’s something travelers everywhere should remember.
  8278.  
  8279. Bruce talks about the fact that some visitors are rude out a sense of entitlement, which is understandable but still untoward. Lanai jokes, “Yeah, don’t get drunk and loud!” As always, the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast gives our listeners the expert, local knowledge that only Hawaii Aloha Travel can deliver.</description>
  8280. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/dosdonts.mp3" length="9728163" type="audio/mpeg" />
  8281. <itunes:subtitle>On our new Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, our hosts Aloha Bruce and Emmy Award winner Lanai Tabura offer their unique, expert insight into the “Hawaii Do&#039;s and Don’ts” for visitors on holiday in the Aloha State. Special guest Sean,</itunes:subtitle>
  8282. <itunes:summary>On our new Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, our hosts Aloha Bruce and Emmy Award winner Lanai Tabura offer their unique, expert insight into the “Hawaii Do&#039;s and Don’ts” for visitors on holiday in the Aloha State. Special guest Sean, who guides the Lunch at McGarrett’s Hawaii 5-0 tour is along to offer his take on the best way to get on with locals during your Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  8283. &lt;br /&gt;
  8284. Lanai says that the first thing to remember during a Hawaii vacation if you’re driving a rental vehicle is “Don’t honk your horn!” It’s widely regarded as rude and hostile. Hawaii is a quiet and peaceful place. When we do honk our horns, it’s usually a couple of quick beeps to say “Hi” to friends or family on the road.&lt;br /&gt;
  8285. &lt;br /&gt;
  8286. Bruce points out that drivers should also take their time. Driving “mainland style” simply doesn’t work on our roads. Sean recalls signs in a Honolulu neighborhood made by a resident that say “Drive Like Your Kids Live Here”. Bruce remembers a mainland friend who is otherwise calm and collected who flies into a rage when driving. That’s the opposite of the Aloha Spirit.&lt;br /&gt;
  8287. &lt;br /&gt;
  8288. The conversation moves onto ocean etiquette. Sean points out that an important thing for visitors to remember is to leave our green sea turtles alone. It’s illegal to touch or disturb them. The same goes for our endangered Hawaiian monk seals.&lt;br /&gt;
  8289. &lt;br /&gt;
  8290. Bruce reminds listeners that warning signs about ocean safety conditions are to be taken seriously. Sean mentions a grim statistic about visitor drownings, and Lanai notes that even expert swimmers can find themselves in danger when conditions are hazardous. Bruce says that visitors, especially novice swimmers should only go to beaches with lifeguards.&lt;br /&gt;
  8291. &lt;br /&gt;
  8292. Sean mentions the dangers Hawaii beaches can pose for visitors, as even the most beautiful and seemingly placid waters can be very risky. Sean and Lanai talk about Sandy Beach, known as “Break Neck Beach” because of the number of visitors and residents alike who have been seriously injured or even killed at the beach, which can go from perfectly calm to dangerously rough in minutes. Bruce offers his own frightening experience at Sandy Beach when he first arrived on Oahu.&lt;br /&gt;
  8293. &lt;br /&gt;
  8294. Bruce moves on to some of the pet peeves Hawaii residents have about visitors. Chief among them is people referring to the mainland as “back in the States.” Lanai jokes that “some Hawaiians like that,” but that US citizens don’t need a passport to come to the 50th State. Our hosts then begin to joke about visitors over-doing the aloha-attire thing and how it is a sure way to identify yourself as a tourist.&lt;br /&gt;
  8295. &lt;br /&gt;
  8296. As far as things that visitors absolutely should do in Hawaii, our hosts note that it is important to show respect. That might mean being a courteous driver, heeding warning signs and respecting the ocean and the lifeguards that protect the people that enjoy it. Everyone agrees that the surest way to get on the bad side of a Hawaii resident is to litter. Anywhere.&lt;br /&gt;
  8297. &lt;br /&gt;
  8298. Sean reminds listeners to never leave valuables in rental vehicles, and that’s something travelers everywhere should remember.&lt;br /&gt;
  8299. &lt;br /&gt;
  8300. Bruce talks about the fact that some visitors are rude out a sense of entitlement, which is understandable but still untoward. Lanai jokes, “Yeah, don’t get drunk and loud!” As always, the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast gives our listeners the expert, local knowledge that only Hawaii Aloha Travel can deliver.</itunes:summary>
  8301. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  8302. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  8303. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  8304. <itunes:duration>12:32</itunes:duration>
  8305. </item>
  8306. <item>
  8307. <title>Where to Stay on Kauai</title>
  8308. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/where-to-stay-on-kauai/</link>
  8309. <pubDate>Sun, 23 Feb 2020 18:55:31 +0000</pubDate>
  8310. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37482</guid>
  8311. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/where-to-stay-on-kauai/#respond</comments>
  8312. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/where-to-stay-on-kauai/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  8313. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  8314. <description>Following up on our “Where to stay on Maui” podcast, Where to Stay on Kauai is the topic of our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Aloha Bruce and Lanai offer their expertise on all things “Garden Isle” and offer tips on the best places to find accommodations to suit your dream vacation.
  8315.  
  8316. Our hosts joke around about some of the funny messages they get about people wondering what they look like. Lanai laughs and says he’s not a six-foot-five local guy with long hair.
  8317.  
  8318. Lanai breaks down the geography of Kauai, which is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands. He notes that Lihue, on Kauai’s southeast side, is the starting point there, and he and Bruce discuss the nearby resort town of Poipu.
  8319.  
  8320. Bruce says Poipu is the sunniest part of the island, and our hosts note that there are high-end resorts in the area like the Hyatt and others. He and Lanai talk about condos in Poipu, and Bruce says that he often books condos for vacationing families because it is more affordable.
  8321.  
  8322. Bruce mentions the Waimea Vacation Cottages and notes that they are authentic plantation-era properties that have been completely modernized. Bruce and Lanai also talk about the cabins available in Kokea near Waimea Canyon. Bruce notes that he recently booked a wedding party and ceremony in the remote area around the canyon, something that is becoming more common for destination weddings.
  8323.  
  8324. Our hosts mention the Coconut Beach Resort in Kapaa, and how it is near to a variety of popular and easily accessible attractions. Bruce notes that many condo rentals on Kauai do not have air conditioning, and Lanai points out that’s because there’s no need as there is pretty much always a breeze blowing on the Garden Isle.
  8325.  
  8326. Bruce points out that some of the beaches on that side of the island are not swimmer friendly, but spectacularly beautiful. Our hosts mention that the Kauai Beach Resort is an ideal property in the area.
  8327.  
  8328. The conversation moves to other ideas about where to stay on Kauai to the northern end of Kauai, Hanalei, and Princeville. Bruce breaks down the condominium situation in Princeville with his expert insight. He mentions the Westin Kauai Villas as great for families.
  8329.  
  8330. Bruce and Lanai move on to some of the best and most beautiful attractions on Kauai’s north side. Bruce and Lanai agree that for most Kauai vacationers, Poipu is the ideal place to stay. Bruce and Lanai remind listeners that Hawaii Aloha Travel books private tours on the Garden Isle.</description>
  8331. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/staykauai.mp3" length="11680351" type="audio/mpeg" />
  8332. <itunes:subtitle>Following up on our “Where to stay on Maui” podcast, Where to Stay on Kauai is the topic of our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Aloha Bruce and Lanai offer their expertise on all things “Garden Isle” and offer tips on the best places to find...</itunes:subtitle>
  8333. <itunes:summary>Following up on our “Where to stay on Maui” podcast, Where to Stay on Kauai is the topic of our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Aloha Bruce and Lanai offer their expertise on all things “Garden Isle” and offer tips on the best places to find accommodations to suit your dream vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  8334. &lt;br /&gt;
  8335. Our hosts joke around about some of the funny messages they get about people wondering what they look like. Lanai laughs and says he’s not a six-foot-five local guy with long hair.&lt;br /&gt;
  8336. &lt;br /&gt;
  8337. Lanai breaks down the geography of Kauai, which is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands. He notes that Lihue, on Kauai’s southeast side, is the starting point there, and he and Bruce discuss the nearby resort town of Poipu.&lt;br /&gt;
  8338. &lt;br /&gt;
  8339. Bruce says Poipu is the sunniest part of the island, and our hosts note that there are high-end resorts in the area like the Hyatt and others. He and Lanai talk about condos in Poipu, and Bruce says that he often books condos for vacationing families because it is more affordable.&lt;br /&gt;
  8340. &lt;br /&gt;
  8341. Bruce mentions the Waimea Vacation Cottages and notes that they are authentic plantation-era properties that have been completely modernized. Bruce and Lanai also talk about the cabins available in Kokea near Waimea Canyon. Bruce notes that he recently booked a wedding party and ceremony in the remote area around the canyon, something that is becoming more common for destination weddings.&lt;br /&gt;
  8342. &lt;br /&gt;
  8343. Our hosts mention the Coconut Beach Resort in Kapaa, and how it is near to a variety of popular and easily accessible attractions. Bruce notes that many condo rentals on Kauai do not have air conditioning, and Lanai points out that’s because there’s no need as there is pretty much always a breeze blowing on the Garden Isle.&lt;br /&gt;
  8344. &lt;br /&gt;
  8345. Bruce points out that some of the beaches on that side of the island are not swimmer friendly, but spectacularly beautiful. Our hosts mention that the Kauai Beach Resort is an ideal property in the area.&lt;br /&gt;
  8346. &lt;br /&gt;
  8347. The conversation moves to other ideas about where to stay on Kauai to the northern end of Kauai, Hanalei, and Princeville. Bruce breaks down the condominium situation in Princeville with his expert insight. He mentions the Westin Kauai Villas as great for families.&lt;br /&gt;
  8348. &lt;br /&gt;
  8349. Bruce and Lanai move on to some of the best and most beautiful attractions on Kauai’s north side. Bruce and Lanai agree that for most Kauai vacationers, Poipu is the ideal place to stay. Bruce and Lanai remind listeners that Hawaii Aloha Travel books private tours on the Garden Isle.</itunes:summary>
  8350. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  8351. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  8352. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  8353. <itunes:duration>13:42</itunes:duration>
  8354. </item>
  8355. <item>
  8356. <title>Where to Stay on Maui</title>
  8357. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/where-to-stay-on-maui-2/</link>
  8358. <pubDate>Mon, 10 Feb 2020 05:28:03 +0000</pubDate>
  8359. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37471</guid>
  8360. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/where-to-stay-on-maui-2/#respond</comments>
  8361. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/where-to-stay-on-maui-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  8362. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  8363. <description>Where to Stay on Maui is the topic Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura get into on our newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. After some joking about caller ID and Super Bowl phone calls, our Hawaii vacation planning experts discuss the particulars of selecting the part of the Valley Isle that will best suit your Maui vacation plans.
  8364.  
  8365. Bruce and Lanai talk about Maui’s layout, with Lanai talking about Maui being shaped like a person, with a head (West Maui), a neck (Kahului), and a body (Haleakala and points east). They note that it can take up to two hours or more to get to Hana from West Maui. The more remote destinations on the island are not practical for a taxi or other ride services.
  8366.  
  8367. Our hosts talk about the main attractions of West Maui and the Kapalua area. Lanai says that part of Maui offers the best golfing and ocean activities like snorkeling and whale watching and day trips to Lanai. Bruce mentions the Goofyfoot Surf Club. Bruce and Lanai agree that nearby Lahaina is a popular destination and talk about some of its main attractions.
  8368.  
  8369. The conversation moves east to Kihei, where Bruce says that accommodations are probably the most affordable on the island. Lanai says the Wailea Banyan and Kamaole Sands are “best-kept secrets” and he and Bruce talk about some of the great properties that most folks don’t know about in and around Kihei and Wailea. They also talk about high-end resort properties like the Four Seasons, The Fairmont, and the Grand Wailea (where 50 First Dates” was filmed).
  8370.  
  8371. Bruce gives a shout out to Hotel Wailea, and both of our hosts talk about the higher prices in the Wailea resort area. Lanai says the Grand Wailea and the Westin are great places for kids, all great ideas about where to stay on Maui.
  8372.  
  8373. The boys make their way to Hana, one of Lanai’s favorite places to stay. They talk about Travassa, and how it is incredibly peaceful with all rooms facing the ocean. Lanai admits to sneaking off to the 9-hole golf course whenever he’s in Hana. Bruce talks about the many other activities and attractions in Hana. Lanai says you should stay two nights in Hana if you plan on going there.
  8374.  
  8375. Bruce reminds listeners that Hawaii Aloha Travel plans and handles all manner of Hawaii vacations, from vacation rentals to the Aloha State’s most luxurious resorts.</description>
  8376. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/wheretostaymaui.mp3" length="11598601" type="audio/mpeg" />
  8377. <itunes:subtitle>Where to Stay on Maui is the topic Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura get into on our newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. After some joking about caller ID and Super Bowl phone calls, our Hawaii vacation planning experts discuss the particulars of sel...</itunes:subtitle>
  8378. <itunes:summary>Where to Stay on Maui is the topic Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura get into on our newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. After some joking about caller ID and Super Bowl phone calls, our Hawaii vacation planning experts discuss the particulars of selecting the part of the Valley Isle that will best suit your Maui vacation plans.&lt;br /&gt;
  8379. &lt;br /&gt;
  8380. Bruce and Lanai talk about Maui’s layout, with Lanai talking about Maui being shaped like a person, with a head (West Maui), a neck (Kahului), and a body (Haleakala and points east). They note that it can take up to two hours or more to get to Hana from West Maui. The more remote destinations on the island are not practical for a taxi or other ride services.&lt;br /&gt;
  8381. &lt;br /&gt;
  8382. Our hosts talk about the main attractions of West Maui and the Kapalua area. Lanai says that part of Maui offers the best golfing and ocean activities like snorkeling and whale watching and day trips to Lanai. Bruce mentions the Goofyfoot Surf Club. Bruce and Lanai agree that nearby Lahaina is a popular destination and talk about some of its main attractions.&lt;br /&gt;
  8383. &lt;br /&gt;
  8384. The conversation moves east to Kihei, where Bruce says that accommodations are probably the most affordable on the island. Lanai says the Wailea Banyan and Kamaole Sands are “best-kept secrets” and he and Bruce talk about some of the great properties that most folks don’t know about in and around Kihei and Wailea. They also talk about high-end resort properties like the Four Seasons, The Fairmont, and the Grand Wailea (where 50 First Dates” was filmed).&lt;br /&gt;
  8385. &lt;br /&gt;
  8386. Bruce gives a shout out to Hotel Wailea, and both of our hosts talk about the higher prices in the Wailea resort area. Lanai says the Grand Wailea and the Westin are great places for kids, all great ideas about where to stay on Maui.&lt;br /&gt;
  8387. &lt;br /&gt;
  8388. The boys make their way to Hana, one of Lanai’s favorite places to stay. They talk about Travassa, and how it is incredibly peaceful with all rooms facing the ocean. Lanai admits to sneaking off to the 9-hole golf course whenever he’s in Hana. Bruce talks about the many other activities and attractions in Hana. Lanai says you should stay two nights in Hana if you plan on going there.&lt;br /&gt;
  8389. &lt;br /&gt;
  8390. Bruce reminds listeners that Hawaii Aloha Travel plans and handles all manner of Hawaii vacations, from vacation rentals to the Aloha State’s most luxurious resorts.</itunes:summary>
  8391. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  8392. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  8393. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  8394. <itunes:duration>13:42</itunes:duration>
  8395. </item>
  8396. <item>
  8397. <title>Getting Married in Hawaii &#8211; Tips for Tying the Knot</title>
  8398. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/getting-married-in-hawaii-tips-for-tying-the-knot/</link>
  8399. <pubDate>Mon, 03 Feb 2020 05:07:39 +0000</pubDate>
  8400. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37455</guid>
  8401. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/getting-married-in-hawaii-tips-for-tying-the-knot/#respond</comments>
  8402. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/getting-married-in-hawaii-tips-for-tying-the-knot/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  8403. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  8404. <description>Aloha Bruce welcomes beloved Hawaii television personality and Hawaii expert, Angela Keen, as a guest host on our newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast.
  8405.  
  8406. They discuss getting married in Hawaii, as Angela has been a wedding officiant for many years and offers insight that only a true professional can give. Angela says that Bruce and Yaling are a big part of the reason that she became a wedding officiant.
  8407.  
  8408. Bruce and Angela talk about her personal story about arriving in Hawaii as a news broadcaster and her amazing career path. Angela recalls the days of kids diving for coins at Aloha Tower when she arrived. Angela had never been to Hawaii, but she does have family history here. She notes that she had planned her job in Hawaii to be temporary, but she fell in love with the Islands and has been here ever since. Bruce mentions Angela’s community work, including working at Shriner’s Hospital for Children.
  8409.  
  8410. Angela shares the fact that she has met a wide variety of world-famous celebrities and shares a story about her experience meeting and working with the legendary Willie Nelson. She calls it “one of the most amazing moments of my life.” She talks about the experience, and how kind and generous Willie was to her and her family.
  8411.  
  8412. Angela talks about the culture of ohana, family, in Hawaii and her personal journey into learning about the native Hawaiian culture and language. Angela says that she focuses on those values as a wedding officiant. She describes her approach to presiding over wedding ceremonies and says that she works directly with couples to provide exactly the wedding experience they hope for.
  8413.  
  8414. Angela focuses on the couple’s stories, and that she doesn’t take a routine approach to help provide a truly unique and memorable experience. She talks about some of the things she asks couples when planning a wedding ceremony. Angela also explains some of the native Hawaiian aspects of ceremonies she makes happen.
  8415.  
  8416. Her work as an officiant involves all aspects of wedding planning, and she shares what is required of her when making it happen, including state laws and licensing protocols.
  8417.  
  8418. The special relationship between Aloha Bruce and Angela Keen and Hawaii Aloha Travel makes this podcast an conversation between old friends, with Angela talking about her husband Norm (“Mr. Keen”, she jokes), who provides photography for the weddings she presides over, and how the photography aspects of her ceremonies work (at very reasonable rates).
  8419.  
  8420. Aloha Bruce and guest host Angela Keen share how to contact her for information about her wedding services by going to her website HawaiianWeddingOfficiant.com and they thank one another in true Hawaiian style. Their chat between old friends is a great listen full of the Aloha Spirit!</description>
  8421. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/tyingknot.mp3" length="15484420" type="audio/mpeg" />
  8422. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce welcomes beloved Hawaii television personality and Hawaii expert, Angela Keen, as a guest host on our newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast.  They discuss getting married in Hawaii, as Angela has been a wedding officiant for many years ...</itunes:subtitle>
  8423. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce welcomes beloved Hawaii television personality and Hawaii expert, Angela Keen, as a guest host on our newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast.&lt;br /&gt;
  8424. &lt;br /&gt;
  8425. They discuss getting married in Hawaii, as Angela has been a wedding officiant for many years and offers insight that only a true professional can give. Angela says that Bruce and Yaling are a big part of the reason that she became a wedding officiant.&lt;br /&gt;
  8426. &lt;br /&gt;
  8427. Bruce and Angela talk about her personal story about arriving in Hawaii as a news broadcaster and her amazing career path. Angela recalls the days of kids diving for coins at Aloha Tower when she arrived. Angela had never been to Hawaii, but she does have family history here. She notes that she had planned her job in Hawaii to be temporary, but she fell in love with the Islands and has been here ever since. Bruce mentions Angela’s community work, including working at Shriner’s Hospital for Children.&lt;br /&gt;
  8428. &lt;br /&gt;
  8429. Angela shares the fact that she has met a wide variety of world-famous celebrities and shares a story about her experience meeting and working with the legendary Willie Nelson. She calls it “one of the most amazing moments of my life.” She talks about the experience, and how kind and generous Willie was to her and her family.&lt;br /&gt;
  8430. &lt;br /&gt;
  8431. Angela talks about the culture of ohana, family, in Hawaii and her personal journey into learning about the native Hawaiian culture and language. Angela says that she focuses on those values as a wedding officiant. She describes her approach to presiding over wedding ceremonies and says that she works directly with couples to provide exactly the wedding experience they hope for.&lt;br /&gt;
  8432. &lt;br /&gt;
  8433. Angela focuses on the couple’s stories, and that she doesn’t take a routine approach to help provide a truly unique and memorable experience. She talks about some of the things she asks couples when planning a wedding ceremony. Angela also explains some of the native Hawaiian aspects of ceremonies she makes happen.&lt;br /&gt;
  8434. &lt;br /&gt;
  8435. Her work as an officiant involves all aspects of wedding planning, and she shares what is required of her when making it happen, including state laws and licensing protocols.&lt;br /&gt;
  8436. &lt;br /&gt;
  8437. The special relationship between Aloha Bruce and Angela Keen and Hawaii Aloha Travel makes this podcast an conversation between old friends, with Angela talking about her husband Norm (“Mr. Keen”, she jokes), who provides photography for the weddings she presides over, and how the photography aspects of her ceremonies work (at very reasonable rates).&lt;br /&gt;
  8438. &lt;br /&gt;
  8439. Aloha Bruce and guest host Angela Keen share how to contact her for information about her wedding services by going to her website HawaiianWeddingOfficiant.com and they thank one another in true Hawaiian style. Their chat between old friends is a great listen full of the Aloha Spirit!</itunes:summary>
  8440. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  8441. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  8442. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  8443. <itunes:duration>19:03</itunes:duration>
  8444. </item>
  8445. <item>
  8446. <title>The best way to experience a Big Island vacation</title>
  8447. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/the-best-way-to-experience-a-big-island-vacation/</link>
  8448. <pubDate>Sun, 26 Jan 2020 21:45:25 +0000</pubDate>
  8449. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37440</guid>
  8450. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/the-best-way-to-experience-a-big-island-vacation/#respond</comments>
  8451. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/the-best-way-to-experience-a-big-island-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  8452. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  8453. <description>On our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast hosts Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura fill listeners in on the best way to experience a Big Island vacation. We talk about some of the best places to stay and the best things to do.
  8454.  
  8455. Lanai fills us in on his latest travels, and where to find his CNN specials on his work in the Philippines and elsewhere around the world and appearances on other networks like Lifetime TV.
  8456.  
  8457. Lanai make clears the distinction of the Big Island, or Hawaii Island as it’s often referred. Bruce and Lanai talk about how the name of the Big Island (or Hawaii Island) often confuses visitors. The conversation turns to how big the Big Island actually is and how it surprises visitors.
  8458.  
  8459. Bruce says that Hilo and Kona on the Big Island are the main destinations for visitors and that the Kona area is the most popular among visitors. He and Lanai offer their insight about major resort brands like Marriott, Hilton, and Four Seasons.
  8460.  
  8461. Bruce notes that the Fairmont Orchid in Hawaii the only private resort in Hawaii where it is legal to have a cocktail on the beach in Hawaii. Our hosts talk about their personal preferences when staying on the Kona side and why they love them.
  8462.  
  8463. The conversation moves on to accommodations on the northern Hilo side of Hawaii Island. Lanai offers some history on the Naniloa Hotel, the famous and oldest hotel in Hawaii. Bruce also mentions the Hilo Hawaiian and the Volcano House. He says that the best way to experience a Big Island vacation is to make time for both the Hilo and Kona sides of the island. Lanai notes the beauty of the Hamakua Coast and compares it to the Pacific Coast Highway in California.
  8464.  
  8465. Our hosts then offer their unique insight into experiencing the wonders of Volcanoes National Park. Kilauea Volcano is still erupting, but not in the spectacular fashion that made global headlines in the past couple of years.
  8466.  
  8467. Bruce offers his animated take on manta ray tours that are available on the Big Island. Lanai says that a helicopter tour is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty and splendor of the Big Island.
  8468.  
  8469. With their typical casual and informed style, Bruce and Lanai talk about out of the way places on the Big Island that many visitors are simply unaware of, but that they are not difficult to get to. Lanai mentions the wild horses to be seen in the famous and stunning Waipio Valley on the Hilo side of the island.
  8470.  
  8471. Bruce and Lanai move on to popular luaus offered at the Royal Kona, Sheraton. Lanai says that visiting coffee farms is a great part of any Big Island Vacation, noting a couple of iconic farms on the Big Island. The conversation turns to an organic vanilla farm open to tours.
  8472.  
  8473. Our hosts point out there is so much to do during a Big Island vacation that visitors should speak to people with detailed local knowledge, the kind that Hawaii Aloha Travel offers 24/7. We’re the experts!</description>
  8474. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/bigsland.mp3" length="13688146" type="audio/mpeg" />
  8475. <itunes:subtitle>On our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast hosts Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura fill listeners in on the best way to experience a Big Island vacation. We talk about some of the best places to stay and the best things to do.  </itunes:subtitle>
  8476. <itunes:summary>On our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast hosts Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura fill listeners in on the best way to experience a Big Island vacation. We talk about some of the best places to stay and the best things to do.&lt;br /&gt;
  8477. &lt;br /&gt;
  8478. Lanai fills us in on his latest travels, and where to find his CNN specials on his work in the Philippines and elsewhere around the world and appearances on other networks like Lifetime TV.&lt;br /&gt;
  8479. &lt;br /&gt;
  8480. Lanai make clears the distinction of the Big Island, or Hawaii Island as it’s often referred. Bruce and Lanai talk about how the name of the Big Island (or Hawaii Island) often confuses visitors. The conversation turns to how big the Big Island actually is and how it surprises visitors.&lt;br /&gt;
  8481. &lt;br /&gt;
  8482. Bruce says that Hilo and Kona on the Big Island are the main destinations for visitors and that the Kona area is the most popular among visitors. He and Lanai offer their insight about major resort brands like Marriott, Hilton, and Four Seasons.&lt;br /&gt;
  8483. &lt;br /&gt;
  8484. Bruce notes that the Fairmont Orchid in Hawaii the only private resort in Hawaii where it is legal to have a cocktail on the beach in Hawaii. Our hosts talk about their personal preferences when staying on the Kona side and why they love them.&lt;br /&gt;
  8485. &lt;br /&gt;
  8486. The conversation moves on to accommodations on the northern Hilo side of Hawaii Island. Lanai offers some history on the Naniloa Hotel, the famous and oldest hotel in Hawaii. Bruce also mentions the Hilo Hawaiian and the Volcano House. He says that the best way to experience a Big Island vacation is to make time for both the Hilo and Kona sides of the island. Lanai notes the beauty of the Hamakua Coast and compares it to the Pacific Coast Highway in California.&lt;br /&gt;
  8487. &lt;br /&gt;
  8488. Our hosts then offer their unique insight into experiencing the wonders of Volcanoes National Park. Kilauea Volcano is still erupting, but not in the spectacular fashion that made global headlines in the past couple of years.&lt;br /&gt;
  8489. &lt;br /&gt;
  8490. Bruce offers his animated take on manta ray tours that are available on the Big Island. Lanai says that a helicopter tour is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty and splendor of the Big Island.&lt;br /&gt;
  8491. &lt;br /&gt;
  8492. With their typical casual and informed style, Bruce and Lanai talk about out of the way places on the Big Island that many visitors are simply unaware of, but that they are not difficult to get to. Lanai mentions the wild horses to be seen in the famous and stunning Waipio Valley on the Hilo side of the island.&lt;br /&gt;
  8493. &lt;br /&gt;
  8494. Bruce and Lanai move on to popular luaus offered at the Royal Kona, Sheraton. Lanai says that visiting coffee farms is a great part of any Big Island Vacation, noting a couple of iconic farms on the Big Island. The conversation turns to an organic vanilla farm open to tours.&lt;br /&gt;
  8495. &lt;br /&gt;
  8496. Our hosts point out there is so much to do during a Big Island vacation that visitors should speak to people with detailed local knowledge, the kind that Hawaii Aloha Travel offers 24/7. We’re the experts!</itunes:summary>
  8497. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  8498. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  8499. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  8500. <itunes:duration>16:00</itunes:duration>
  8501. </item>
  8502. <item>
  8503. <title>Hawaii Vacation Tips</title>
  8504. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/tips-for-booking-your-hawaii-vacation/</link>
  8505. <pubDate>Mon, 20 Jan 2020 03:51:02 +0000</pubDate>
  8506. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37437</guid>
  8507. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/tips-for-booking-your-hawaii-vacation/#respond</comments>
  8508. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/tips-for-booking-your-hawaii-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  8509. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  8510. <description>There are a lot of little things about preparing for Hawaii vacation that visitors may (and often) forget before making a trip to the Aloha State. Aloha Bruce and Emmy Award winner Lanai Tabura, both highly experienced world travelers, offer their Hawaii Vacation tips on those sometimes overlooked details on our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast.
  8511.  
  8512. Bruce reminds us that reviewing your travel documents often is key. Lanai admits to turning up to the airport on a wrong day more than once because he wasn’t careful about reviewing his printed itineraries.
  8513.  
  8514. Lanai says that often people don’t use travel documents because everything is booked online now. Our hosts talk about how relying on customer reviews on a variety of websites don’t offer the kind of local knowledge that will make a Hawaii vacation truly unique, rewarding, and unforgettable. Bruce &amp; Lanai share laughs over bad reviews of restaurants, hotels, and other things that don’t offer any real insight into a Hawaii vacation experience.
  8515.  
  8516. Lanai talks about the benefits of packing light, and that there are laundry services throughout the Aloha State that make it easy to keep your Hawaii vacation baggage load to a minimum. Lanai marvels at the fact that people will bring blankets and pillows onto their flight, and that in his extensive travels, he sees it all the time. “Bring a jacket,” he says.
  8517.  
  8518. Bruce notes that people nowadays are booking their travel far in advance of their desired dates for cheaper fares, so it’s important to know what you’ve actually booked.
  8519.  
  8520. Aloha Bruce reminds listeners that even a driver&#039;s license may be invalid for identification purposes if it doesn’t have the “gold star” now issued with new licenses and state identification cards. Lanai says that he uses a passport card to make travel easier and efficient.
  8521.  
  8522. Bruce offers his insight into “direct connect rates” and how important it is to book at least three months out. He prefers booking far in advance and says that he’s already doing a lot of booking for the end of 2020 already. “Don’t procrastinate, people!” says Lanai.
  8523.  
  8524. Our hosts discuss other important Hawaii Vacation Tips including the importance of paying attention to terms and conditions, and that cancellation fee policies often take customers by surprise. Lanai says that booking through an actual person or agency like Hawaii Aloha Travel is the best way to avoid cancellation fees if something goes wrong before or during your Hawaii vacation. Both Bruce and Lanai agree that they have many repeat customers precisely because of the personal service that they enjoy.
  8525.  
  8526. Our hosts agree that trying to visit multiple islands in the Aloha State during a short Hawaii vacation is not a good idea. Lanai says that for a weeklong Hawaii vacation, it’s best to limit your interisland travel to two islands, whichever they may be. Bruce says that ideally, you should plan four days for each island. Bruce and Lanai talk about how much time is spent traveling between islands and airports, even though the flights are under an hour.
  8527.  
  8528. The experts talk about how to make the most of the time you have for your Hawaii vacation. Lanai talks about recent clients that made plans for a trip to Hana on Maui without taking into account the time it takes, and that he was able to reroute their itinerary to maximize their enjoyment. Bruce and Lanai share their unique insight on how to plan a Maui trip while taking road traffic into consideration.
  8529.  
  8530. Our hosts note that being flexible during a Hawaii vacation (or any vacation) is the key to making the most of it. Lanai offers tips about traveling with children and says that it’s a good idea to bring their homework along if they’re going to miss school for the trip.
  8531.  
  8532. Bruce reminds listeners all of Hawaii Aloha Travel’s customized packages and tours and encourages everyone to find HAT and Lanai Tabura on their social media platforms. No one knows Hawaii better!</description>
  8533. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/yhingstoremember.mp3" length="15911621" type="audio/mpeg" />
  8534. <itunes:subtitle>There are a lot of little things about preparing for Hawaii vacation that visitors may (and often) forget before making a trip to the Aloha State. Aloha Bruce and Emmy Award winner Lanai Tabura, both highly experienced world travelers,</itunes:subtitle>
  8535. <itunes:summary>There are a lot of little things about preparing for Hawaii vacation that visitors may (and often) forget before making a trip to the Aloha State. Aloha Bruce and Emmy Award winner Lanai Tabura, both highly experienced world travelers, offer their Hawaii Vacation tips on those sometimes overlooked details on our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast.&lt;br /&gt;
  8536. &lt;br /&gt;
  8537. Bruce reminds us that reviewing your travel documents often is key. Lanai admits to turning up to the airport on a wrong day more than once because he wasn’t careful about reviewing his printed itineraries.&lt;br /&gt;
  8538. &lt;br /&gt;
  8539. Lanai says that often people don’t use travel documents because everything is booked online now. Our hosts talk about how relying on customer reviews on a variety of websites don’t offer the kind of local knowledge that will make a Hawaii vacation truly unique, rewarding, and unforgettable. Bruce &amp; Lanai share laughs over bad reviews of restaurants, hotels, and other things that don’t offer any real insight into a Hawaii vacation experience.&lt;br /&gt;
  8540. &lt;br /&gt;
  8541. Lanai talks about the benefits of packing light, and that there are laundry services throughout the Aloha State that make it easy to keep your Hawaii vacation baggage load to a minimum. Lanai marvels at the fact that people will bring blankets and pillows onto their flight, and that in his extensive travels, he sees it all the time. “Bring a jacket,” he says.&lt;br /&gt;
  8542. &lt;br /&gt;
  8543. Bruce notes that people nowadays are booking their travel far in advance of their desired dates for cheaper fares, so it’s important to know what you’ve actually booked.&lt;br /&gt;
  8544. &lt;br /&gt;
  8545. Aloha Bruce reminds listeners that even a driver&#039;s license may be invalid for identification purposes if it doesn’t have the “gold star” now issued with new licenses and state identification cards. Lanai says that he uses a passport card to make travel easier and efficient.&lt;br /&gt;
  8546. &lt;br /&gt;
  8547. Bruce offers his insight into “direct connect rates” and how important it is to book at least three months out. He prefers booking far in advance and says that he’s already doing a lot of booking for the end of 2020 already. “Don’t procrastinate, people!” says Lanai.&lt;br /&gt;
  8548. &lt;br /&gt;
  8549. Our hosts discuss other important Hawaii Vacation Tips including the importance of paying attention to terms and conditions, and that cancellation fee policies often take customers by surprise. Lanai says that booking through an actual person or agency like Hawaii Aloha Travel is the best way to avoid cancellation fees if something goes wrong before or during your Hawaii vacation. Both Bruce and Lanai agree that they have many repeat customers precisely because of the personal service that they enjoy.&lt;br /&gt;
  8550. &lt;br /&gt;
  8551. Our hosts agree that trying to visit multiple islands in the Aloha State during a short Hawaii vacation is not a good idea. Lanai says that for a weeklong Hawaii vacation, it’s best to limit your interisland travel to two islands, whichever they may be. Bruce says that ideally, you should plan four days for each island. Bruce and Lanai talk about how much time is spent traveling between islands and airports, even though the flights are under an hour.&lt;br /&gt;
  8552. &lt;br /&gt;
  8553. The experts talk about how to make the most of the time you have for your Hawaii vacation. Lanai talks about recent clients that made plans for a trip to Hana on Maui without taking into account the time it takes, and that he was able to reroute their itinerary to maximize their enjoyment. Bruce and Lanai share their unique insight on how to plan a Maui trip while taking road traffic into consideration.&lt;br /&gt;
  8554. &lt;br /&gt;
  8555. Our hosts note that being flexible during a Hawaii vacation (or any vacation) is the key to making the most of it. Lanai offers tips about traveling with children and says that it’s a good idea to bring their homework along if they’re going to miss school for the trip.&lt;br /&gt;
  8556. &lt;br /&gt;
  8557. Bruce reminds listeners all of Hawaii Aloha Travel’s customized packages and tours and encourages everyone to find HAT and Lanai T...</itunes:summary>
  8558. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  8559. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  8560. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  8561. <itunes:duration>18:59</itunes:duration>
  8562. </item>
  8563. <item>
  8564. <title>Tips for visiting Iolani Palace on Oahu</title>
  8565. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/tips-for-visiting-iolani-palace-on-oahu/</link>
  8566. <pubDate>Mon, 13 Jan 2020 01:13:52 +0000</pubDate>
  8567. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37424</guid>
  8568. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/tips-for-visiting-iolani-palace-on-oahu/#respond</comments>
  8569. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/tips-for-visiting-iolani-palace-on-oahu/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  8570. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  8571. <description>Our newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast digs deep into the history of Iolani Palace. Hawaii experts Bruce Fisher and Lanai Tabura share their vast knowledge about the only royal palace in the United States. Our hosts start off with some common mistakes that Hawaii visitors make while planning a Hawaii vacation, and how Hawaii Aloha Travel can help plan vacations on all islands.
  8572.  
  8573. Bruce and Lanai discuss upcoming CNN news features that Lanai worked on that are set to air soon about Iolani Palace. Iolani is one of the subjects of one of the CNN stories. Lanai says that King David Kalakaua admired the Victorian style that is featured at the palace. Lanai says the king was a world traveler who loved San Francisco and its architecture.
  8574.  
  8575. Lanai notes that Iolani Palace has a flushing toilet, telephone, and electricity before the White House in Washington DC did. The king was a friend of Thomas Edison, who helped with the installation of electricity in Iolani Palace.
  8576.  
  8577. Our hosts discuss the extravagant parties held at the palace, and the usage of four gates to the palace for royals, guests, and workers. Lanai discusses large windows that served as mirrors for female guests of palace events, and the use of expansive balconies that go all around the palace.
  8578.  
  8579. Lanai mentions a former cemetery on the palace grounds, and that all of the royals once buried there have been moved to the Royal Mausoleum, Mauna Ala, in nearby Nuuanu. Bruce and Lanai talk about the various tours offered at Iolani Palace, including a guided private tour and other exclusive experiences there.
  8580.  
  8581. Our hosts agree that a trip to Iolani Palace is a must-see for Oahu visitors, and a perfect way to spend a rainy day indoors. Bruce mentions an audio tour that is available at the palace. He also mentions a sweet fragrance of plumeria that is said to smell like Queen Liliuokalani and is known to blow in during certain wind patterns.
  8582.  
  8583. Bruce and Lanai note that two of Hawaii Aloha Travel’s tours take visitors to the grounds of Iolani Palace as part of the half-island and circle-island tours. Lanai reminds listeners that locals provide the best advice for planning a Hawaii vacation, and that the experts at Hawaii Aloha Travel are dedicated to and specialize in planning customized tours and experiences for Hawaii visitors.</description>
  8584. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/iolanipalace.mp3" length="13275064" type="audio/mpeg" />
  8585. <itunes:subtitle>Our newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast digs deep into the history of Iolani Palace. Hawaii experts Bruce Fisher and Lanai Tabura share their vast knowledge about the only royal palace in the United States.</itunes:subtitle>
  8586. <itunes:summary>Our newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast digs deep into the history of Iolani Palace. Hawaii experts Bruce Fisher and Lanai Tabura share their vast knowledge about the only royal palace in the United States. Our hosts start off with some common mistakes that Hawaii visitors make while planning a Hawaii vacation, and how Hawaii Aloha Travel can help plan vacations on all islands.&lt;br /&gt;
  8587. &lt;br /&gt;
  8588. Bruce and Lanai discuss upcoming CNN news features that Lanai worked on that are set to air soon about Iolani Palace. Iolani is one of the subjects of one of the CNN stories. Lanai says that King David Kalakaua admired the Victorian style that is featured at the palace. Lanai says the king was a world traveler who loved San Francisco and its architecture.&lt;br /&gt;
  8589. &lt;br /&gt;
  8590. Lanai notes that Iolani Palace has a flushing toilet, telephone, and electricity before the White House in Washington DC did. The king was a friend of Thomas Edison, who helped with the installation of electricity in Iolani Palace.&lt;br /&gt;
  8591. &lt;br /&gt;
  8592. Our hosts discuss the extravagant parties held at the palace, and the usage of four gates to the palace for royals, guests, and workers. Lanai discusses large windows that served as mirrors for female guests of palace events, and the use of expansive balconies that go all around the palace.&lt;br /&gt;
  8593. &lt;br /&gt;
  8594. Lanai mentions a former cemetery on the palace grounds, and that all of the royals once buried there have been moved to the Royal Mausoleum, Mauna Ala, in nearby Nuuanu. Bruce and Lanai talk about the various tours offered at Iolani Palace, including a guided private tour and other exclusive experiences there.&lt;br /&gt;
  8595. &lt;br /&gt;
  8596. Our hosts agree that a trip to Iolani Palace is a must-see for Oahu visitors, and a perfect way to spend a rainy day indoors. Bruce mentions an audio tour that is available at the palace. He also mentions a sweet fragrance of plumeria that is said to smell like Queen Liliuokalani and is known to blow in during certain wind patterns.&lt;br /&gt;
  8597. &lt;br /&gt;
  8598. Bruce and Lanai note that two of Hawaii Aloha Travel’s tours take visitors to the grounds of Iolani Palace as part of the half-island and circle-island tours. Lanai reminds listeners that locals provide the best advice for planning a Hawaii vacation, and that the experts at Hawaii Aloha Travel are dedicated to and specialize in planning customized tours and experiences for Hawaii visitors.</itunes:summary>
  8599. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  8600. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  8601. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  8602. <itunes:duration>14:17</itunes:duration>
  8603. </item>
  8604. <item>
  8605. <title>Top ten reasons to visit and stay in Waikiki</title>
  8606. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/top-ten-reasons-to-visit-and-stay-in-waikiki/</link>
  8607. <pubDate>Sun, 05 Jan 2020 23:40:33 +0000</pubDate>
  8608. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37416</guid>
  8609. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/top-ten-reasons-to-visit-and-stay-in-waikiki/#respond</comments>
  8610. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/top-ten-reasons-to-visit-and-stay-in-waikiki/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  8611. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  8612. <description>On this weeks podcast, we offer our top ten reasons to visit and stay in Waikiki and explore what Oahu, the Gathering Place, has to offer.
  8613.  
  8614. Our hosts start off the podcast noting that the two main concerns they get from incoming visitors are that “Oahu is too crowded” and the cost to stay in Waikiki. Bruce and Lanai break down the prices of staying in Waikiki vs other parts of the island.
  8615.  
  8616. Bruce dispels the idea that Oahu and Waikiki get a “bad rap” because of the number of visitors and steeper pricing for accommodations, parking, dining, retail, and other vacation expenses. Bruce says that Oahu is actually the cheapest island to visit. Lanai notes that there is more competition among hotels and resorts in Waikiki because of the sheer volume of visitors, so pricing is designed to attract visitors.
  8617.  
  8618. Lanai notes that Neighbor Island visitors will most likely need to rent a vehicle, and Bruce offers that a Waikiki vacation doesn’t require a car. Waikiki’s location is noted as convenient, and that the prime location is only just over a mile along one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Our hosts note the vast spectrum of entertainment options in Waikiki, particularly Hawaii’s top artists at a variety of Waikiki venues.
  8619.  
  8620. Bruce makes an important point that there are many family-friendly options in Waikiki, which makes it an ideal option for large groups. Luaus and the Magic of Polynesia show are noted, as well as the Honolulu Zoo as being attractive for multi-generational family groups. Lanai points out that the calm waters of Waikiki are great for families, and not nearly as dangerous as North Shore waters during the winter season.
  8621.  
  8622. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  8623. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  8624.  
  8625. The Blue Note concert venue and the famous “Legends” show featuring Elvis  and other icons of Waikiki’s storied Hollywood connection is discussed. Bruce says that many visitors are interested in live sports action and that the University of Hawaii basketball and volleyball are hugely popular draws. Bruce and Lanai talk about the popularity of prep football in Hawaii.
  8626.  
  8627. The regular Friday night fireworks show in Waikiki is free, and Lanai notes that during convention season, there are often even more free fireworks displays in the heart of Waikiki. Waikiki is also home to lots of great nightlife options.
  8628.  
  8629. The conversation moves on to the appeal of the island of Oahu, and the fact that Oahu offers the best of the big city as well as country living and the raw, beautiful natural landscape of paradise. Bruce says Oahu offers everything you can find on the Neighbor Islands except an active volcano.
  8630.  
  8631. Aloha Bruce and Lanai say that Oahu should certainly be part of a Hawaii vacation. They muse over that staggering amount of different activities that Oahu has to offer, from scuba diving to zip-lining. Lanai talks about the Bishop Museum and offers insight into what makes its exhibitions so special.
  8632.  
  8633. Our hosts agree that they could actually do a Top 20 list of reasons to visit Oahu. The Gathering Place is full of cultural and recreational activity options, with Lanai mentioning the annual PowWow! art festival in Kakaako, which features amazing murals by artists from all over the world.</description>
  8634. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/topten.mp3" length="13001263" type="audio/mpeg" />
  8635. <itunes:subtitle>On this weeks podcast, we offer our top ten reasons to visit and stay in Waikiki and explore what Oahu, the Gathering Place, has to offer.  Our hosts start off the podcast noting that the two main concerns they get from incoming visitors are that “Oahu...</itunes:subtitle>
  8636. <itunes:summary>On this weeks podcast, we offer our top ten reasons to visit and stay in Waikiki and explore what Oahu, the Gathering Place, has to offer.&lt;br /&gt;
  8637. &lt;br /&gt;
  8638. Our hosts start off the podcast noting that the two main concerns they get from incoming visitors are that “Oahu is too crowded” and the cost to stay in Waikiki. Bruce and Lanai break down the prices of staying in Waikiki vs other parts of the island.&lt;br /&gt;
  8639. &lt;br /&gt;
  8640. Bruce dispels the idea that Oahu and Waikiki get a “bad rap” because of the number of visitors and steeper pricing for accommodations, parking, dining, retail, and other vacation expenses. Bruce says that Oahu is actually the cheapest island to visit. Lanai notes that there is more competition among hotels and resorts in Waikiki because of the sheer volume of visitors, so pricing is designed to attract visitors.&lt;br /&gt;
  8641. &lt;br /&gt;
  8642. Lanai notes that Neighbor Island visitors will most likely need to rent a vehicle, and Bruce offers that a Waikiki vacation doesn’t require a car. Waikiki’s location is noted as convenient, and that the prime location is only just over a mile along one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Our hosts note the vast spectrum of entertainment options in Waikiki, particularly Hawaii’s top artists at a variety of Waikiki venues.&lt;br /&gt;
  8643. &lt;br /&gt;
  8644. Bruce makes an important point that there are many family-friendly options in Waikiki, which makes it an ideal option for large groups. Luaus and the Magic of Polynesia show are noted, as well as the Honolulu Zoo as being attractive for multi-generational family groups. Lanai points out that the calm waters of Waikiki are great for families, and not nearly as dangerous as North Shore waters during the winter season.&lt;br /&gt;
  8645. &lt;br /&gt;
  8646. &lt;br /&gt;
  8647. &lt;br /&gt;
  8648. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  8649. &lt;br /&gt;
  8650. &lt;br /&gt;
  8651. &lt;br /&gt;
  8652. &lt;br /&gt;
  8653. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  8654. &lt;br /&gt;
  8655. &lt;br /&gt;
  8656. &lt;br /&gt;
  8657. &lt;br /&gt;
  8658. &lt;br /&gt;
  8659. &lt;br /&gt;
  8660. &lt;br /&gt;
  8661. The Blue Note concert venue and the famous “Legends” show featuring Elvis  and other icons of Waikiki’s storied Hollywood connection is discussed. Bruce says that many visitors are interested in live sports action and that the University of Hawaii basketball and volleyball are hugely popular draws. Bruce and Lanai talk about the popularity of prep football in Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  8662. &lt;br /&gt;
  8663. The regular Friday night fireworks show in Waikiki is free, and Lanai notes that during convention season, there are often even more free fireworks displays in the heart of Waikiki. Waikiki is also home to lots of great nightlife options.&lt;br /&gt;
  8664. &lt;br /&gt;
  8665. The conversation moves on to the appeal of the island of Oahu, and the fact that Oahu offers the best of the big city as well as country living and the raw, beautiful natural landscape of paradise. Bruce says Oahu offers everything you can find on the Neighbor Islands except an active volcano.&lt;br /&gt;
  8666. &lt;br /&gt;
  8667. Aloha Bruce and Lanai say that Oahu should certainly be part of a Hawaii vacation. They muse over that staggering amount of different activities that Oahu has to offer, from scuba diving to zip-lining. Lanai talks about the Bishop Museum and offers insight into what makes its exhibitions so special.&lt;br /&gt;
  8668. &lt;br /&gt;
  8669. Our hosts agree that they could actually do a Top 20 list of reasons to visit Oahu. The Gathering Place is full of cultural and recreational activity options, with Lanai mentioning the annual PowWow! art festival in Kakaako, which features amazing murals by artists from all over the world.</itunes:summary>
  8670. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  8671. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  8672. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  8673. <itunes:duration>14:48</itunes:duration>
  8674. </item>
  8675. <item>
  8676. <title>Hawaii Made Products to bring back from your Vacation</title>
  8677. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-made-product-to-bring-back-from-your-vacation/</link>
  8678. <pubDate>Tue, 24 Dec 2019 23:56:18 +0000</pubDate>
  8679. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37365</guid>
  8680. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-made-product-to-bring-back-from-your-vacation/#respond</comments>
  8681. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-made-product-to-bring-back-from-your-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  8682. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  8683. <description>On the final Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast of 2019, Aloha Bruce and Emmy Award-winner Lanai Tabura offer their mahalo to listers as they delve into Hawaii Made Products to bring back from your Vacation. Lanai mentions Don Quijote, a popular iconic local department store located near Ala Moana Center and just minutes from Waikiki’s hotels and resorts.
  8684.  
  8685. Bruce talks about koa wood products, available at retailers like Martin &amp; MacArthur. Lanai shares his vast expertise about what makes koa wood so unique and prized by collectors. He notes the rarity of koa wood and how its rich texture is distinctly Hawaiian. Our hosts note that there are many koa products on the market, furniture, sculpture, wristwatches, and ukuleles among them. Lanai says to seek out koa products outside of Waikiki from local merchants.
  8686.  
  8687. The conversation moves on to Ni’ihau shell jewelry and Lanai says to verify their authenticity, as the exceedingly rare and tiny seashells are quite expensive and are being faked by importers. The shells are cherished as Hawaiian jewelry pieces, all great Hawaii Made Products to bring back from your Vacation
  8688.  
  8689. Lanai then delves into the history of iconic Hawaiian gold jewelry and its Victorian British origins. Many families present bracelets, pendants and other finery to family members celebrating traditional first birthday celebrations for new family members. Bruce mentions Royal Hawaiian Heritage Jewelry.
  8690.  
  8691. Hawaiian fabrics are noted by our hosts as popular Hawaii Made Products to bring back from your Vacation many people take them home as gifts. They are cherished among avid crafters and great Hawaii Made Products to bring back from your Vacation.
  8692.  
  8693. Hawaiian pearl jewelry is also popular among visitors to Hawaii, and Lanai shares more of his expertise about the sourcing of the rare gems in the Aloha State. Many of the black pearls found in Hawaii are sourced from Tahiti. Our host&#039;s joke about pick-your-pearl oyster operations, and that the quality is often dubious and the sales pitch disingenuous. Lanai mentions Maui Divers as a trustworthy pearl retailer.
  8694.  
  8695. Bruce and Lanai move on to the topic of macadamia nuts, which are hugely popular among Hawaii visitors looking for gifts to take home. Lanai says the nuts are originally from Australia, but that macadamia nuts from Hawaii taste better because of our volcanic soil. Our hosts go on to talk about the wide variety of macadamia products available, such as macadamia nut oil. Ukuleles come up again, and Lanai says good quality instruments are available at reasonable prices.
  8696.  
  8697. Aloha Bruce and Lanai talk about the popularity of Hawaii-made rum, mentioning the Ko Hana Rum Company. The distillery uses Hawaiian varieties of sugar cane and is available at many Hawaii retailers and served at Hawaii restaurants.
  8698.  
  8699. Our hosts talk about the quality and comfort of Hawaiian quilts and what makes them so unique and desirable (and expensive). The conversation moves on to Hawaiian fruit preserves, including mango and passion fruit that are easy to find and to take back home from a Hawaii vacation.
  8700.  
  8701. Bruce and Lanai continue with a discussion of giving Hawaiian music as a gift, and aloha wear with shout outs to popular brands in the Aloha State. Lanai says aloha wear bought at a convenience store is likely cheap and inauthentic.
  8702.  
  8703. The discussion moves to Hawaii craft brews with Lanai recommending Beer Lab Hawaii. Our hosts agree that there is a huge variety of Hawaii products that are perfect for gift giving after a Hawaii vacation.</description>
  8704. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/madeinhawaii.mp3" length="14752255" type="audio/mpeg" />
  8705. <itunes:subtitle>On the final Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast of 2019, Aloha Bruce and Emmy Award-winner Lanai Tabura offer their mahalo to listers as they delve into Hawaii Made Products to bring back from your Vacation. Lanai mentions Don Quijote,</itunes:subtitle>
  8706. <itunes:summary>On the final Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast of 2019, Aloha Bruce and Emmy Award-winner Lanai Tabura offer their mahalo to listers as they delve into Hawaii Made Products to bring back from your Vacation. Lanai mentions Don Quijote, a popular iconic local department store located near Ala Moana Center and just minutes from Waikiki’s hotels and resorts.&lt;br /&gt;
  8707. &lt;br /&gt;
  8708. Bruce talks about koa wood products, available at retailers like Martin &amp; MacArthur. Lanai shares his vast expertise about what makes koa wood so unique and prized by collectors. He notes the rarity of koa wood and how its rich texture is distinctly Hawaiian. Our hosts note that there are many koa products on the market, furniture, sculpture, wristwatches, and ukuleles among them. Lanai says to seek out koa products outside of Waikiki from local merchants.&lt;br /&gt;
  8709. &lt;br /&gt;
  8710. The conversation moves on to Ni’ihau shell jewelry and Lanai says to verify their authenticity, as the exceedingly rare and tiny seashells are quite expensive and are being faked by importers. The shells are cherished as Hawaiian jewelry pieces, all great Hawaii Made Products to bring back from your Vacation&lt;br /&gt;
  8711. &lt;br /&gt;
  8712. Lanai then delves into the history of iconic Hawaiian gold jewelry and its Victorian British origins. Many families present bracelets, pendants and other finery to family members celebrating traditional first birthday celebrations for new family members. Bruce mentions Royal Hawaiian Heritage Jewelry.&lt;br /&gt;
  8713. &lt;br /&gt;
  8714. Hawaiian fabrics are noted by our hosts as popular Hawaii Made Products to bring back from your Vacation many people take them home as gifts. They are cherished among avid crafters and great Hawaii Made Products to bring back from your Vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  8715. &lt;br /&gt;
  8716. Hawaiian pearl jewelry is also popular among visitors to Hawaii, and Lanai shares more of his expertise about the sourcing of the rare gems in the Aloha State. Many of the black pearls found in Hawaii are sourced from Tahiti. Our host&#039;s joke about pick-your-pearl oyster operations, and that the quality is often dubious and the sales pitch disingenuous. Lanai mentions Maui Divers as a trustworthy pearl retailer.&lt;br /&gt;
  8717. &lt;br /&gt;
  8718. Bruce and Lanai move on to the topic of macadamia nuts, which are hugely popular among Hawaii visitors looking for gifts to take home. Lanai says the nuts are originally from Australia, but that macadamia nuts from Hawaii taste better because of our volcanic soil. Our hosts go on to talk about the wide variety of macadamia products available, such as macadamia nut oil. Ukuleles come up again, and Lanai says good quality instruments are available at reasonable prices.&lt;br /&gt;
  8719. &lt;br /&gt;
  8720. Aloha Bruce and Lanai talk about the popularity of Hawaii-made rum, mentioning the Ko Hana Rum Company. The distillery uses Hawaiian varieties of sugar cane and is available at many Hawaii retailers and served at Hawaii restaurants.&lt;br /&gt;
  8721. &lt;br /&gt;
  8722. Our hosts talk about the quality and comfort of Hawaiian quilts and what makes them so unique and desirable (and expensive). The conversation moves on to Hawaiian fruit preserves, including mango and passion fruit that are easy to find and to take back home from a Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  8723. &lt;br /&gt;
  8724. Bruce and Lanai continue with a discussion of giving Hawaiian music as a gift, and aloha wear with shout outs to popular brands in the Aloha State. Lanai says aloha wear bought at a convenience store is likely cheap and inauthentic.&lt;br /&gt;
  8725. &lt;br /&gt;
  8726. The discussion moves to Hawaii craft brews with Lanai recommending Beer Lab Hawaii. Our hosts agree that there is a huge variety of Hawaii products that are perfect for gift giving after a Hawaii vacation.</itunes:summary>
  8727. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  8728. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  8729. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  8730. <itunes:duration>16:40</itunes:duration>
  8731. </item>
  8732. <item>
  8733. <title>How Lanai Tabura is Promoting Hawaii through Food &#038; Culture</title>
  8734. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/lanai-tabura-promotes-hawaii-though-its-food/</link>
  8735. <pubDate>Mon, 16 Dec 2019 00:20:11 +0000</pubDate>
  8736. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37356</guid>
  8737. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/lanai-tabura-promotes-hawaii-though-its-food/#respond</comments>
  8738. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/lanai-tabura-promotes-hawaii-though-its-food/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  8739. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  8740. <description>Emmy-Award winner Lanai Tabura is back from traveling the world as a Hawaii tourism expert, and he and Aloha Bruce talk about How Lanai Tabura is Promoting Hawaii through Food &amp; Culture.
  8741.  
  8742. Lanai had been working with the Hawaii Tourism Authority on promoting Hawaii tourism. Our hosts talk about the amount of work it takes to successfully managing relevant social media accounts. Lanai mentions some of the international he worked with on a tour that focused on food and the culinary arts.
  8743.  
  8744. He visited several Asia and Asia-Pacific countries and mention a food tour in Panang, which he says is the street food capital of the world and that is a remarkably clean and sanitary city. Lanai took a three-week food tour in the Philippines, accompanied by several award-winning chefs. CNN filmed the tour and this is just one of the ways how Lanai Tabura is Promoting Hawaii through Food &amp; Culture.
  8745.  
  8746. Lanai talks about several dishes he prepared during the tours, and the connection Hawaii has with foods from around the world. “We are all related through food,” he says. Lanai also discusses his appearance on CNN’s “Quest for the World” through December and says CNN presentation of the Philippine food tour will air in early 2020.
  8747.  
  8748. Lanai says a recent study commissioned by the Hawaii Tourism Authority indicates that experience new cultures is the most popular reason for traveling. One of the best ways to experience a culture is through its food and culinary traditions.
  8749.  
  8750. Our hosts talk about Lanai’s Hawaii hugely popular food tours. Aloha Bruce talks about a recent Trip Advisor study that stresses the popularity of food tours around the world. Lanai mentions the recent and success of the Hawaii Food &amp; Wine Festival. Bruce says Hawaii resorts and hotels are focusing more and more on food and dining experience.
  8751.  
  8752. Lanai notes that his Aloha Plate Food Tour is the only food tour that does authentic Hawaiian food. Bruce mentions a sunset dinner on Hawaii Island. Lanai fondly recalls a cooking class he took on his Philippine food tour that took place in the female chef’s home.
  8753.  
  8754. Our hosts joke about brainstorming during the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Our hosts also note Hawaiian culture tours. Lanai says he takes visitors to wonderful restaurants “that you’d never find on your own”.
  8755.  
  8756. Aloha Bruce and Lanai also remind listeners about Hawaii Aloha Travel and Lanai’s social media accounts and how to connect directly with them.</description>
  8757. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/promotinhawaii.mp3" length="13079383" type="audio/mpeg" />
  8758. <itunes:subtitle>Emmy-Award winner Lanai Tabura is back from traveling the world as a Hawaii tourism expert, and he and Aloha Bruce talk about How Lanai Tabura is Promoting Hawaii through Food &amp; Culture.  Lanai had been working with the Hawaii Tourism Authority on prom...</itunes:subtitle>
  8759. <itunes:summary>Emmy-Award winner Lanai Tabura is back from traveling the world as a Hawaii tourism expert, and he and Aloha Bruce talk about How Lanai Tabura is Promoting Hawaii through Food &amp; Culture.&lt;br /&gt;
  8760. &lt;br /&gt;
  8761. Lanai had been working with the Hawaii Tourism Authority on promoting Hawaii tourism. Our hosts talk about the amount of work it takes to successfully managing relevant social media accounts. Lanai mentions some of the international he worked with on a tour that focused on food and the culinary arts.&lt;br /&gt;
  8762. &lt;br /&gt;
  8763. He visited several Asia and Asia-Pacific countries and mention a food tour in Panang, which he says is the street food capital of the world and that is a remarkably clean and sanitary city. Lanai took a three-week food tour in the Philippines, accompanied by several award-winning chefs. CNN filmed the tour and this is just one of the ways how Lanai Tabura is Promoting Hawaii through Food &amp; Culture.&lt;br /&gt;
  8764. &lt;br /&gt;
  8765. Lanai talks about several dishes he prepared during the tours, and the connection Hawaii has with foods from around the world. “We are all related through food,” he says. Lanai also discusses his appearance on CNN’s “Quest for the World” through December and says CNN presentation of the Philippine food tour will air in early 2020.&lt;br /&gt;
  8766. &lt;br /&gt;
  8767. Lanai says a recent study commissioned by the Hawaii Tourism Authority indicates that experience new cultures is the most popular reason for traveling. One of the best ways to experience a culture is through its food and culinary traditions.&lt;br /&gt;
  8768. &lt;br /&gt;
  8769. Our hosts talk about Lanai’s Hawaii hugely popular food tours. Aloha Bruce talks about a recent Trip Advisor study that stresses the popularity of food tours around the world. Lanai mentions the recent and success of the Hawaii Food &amp; Wine Festival. Bruce says Hawaii resorts and hotels are focusing more and more on food and dining experience.&lt;br /&gt;
  8770. &lt;br /&gt;
  8771. Lanai notes that his Aloha Plate Food Tour is the only food tour that does authentic Hawaiian food. Bruce mentions a sunset dinner on Hawaii Island. Lanai fondly recalls a cooking class he took on his Philippine food tour that took place in the female chef’s home.&lt;br /&gt;
  8772. &lt;br /&gt;
  8773. Our hosts joke about brainstorming during the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Our hosts also note Hawaiian culture tours. Lanai says he takes visitors to wonderful restaurants “that you’d never find on your own”.&lt;br /&gt;
  8774. &lt;br /&gt;
  8775. Aloha Bruce and Lanai also remind listeners about Hawaii Aloha Travel and Lanai’s social media accounts and how to connect directly with them.</itunes:summary>
  8776. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  8777. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  8778. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  8779. <itunes:duration>15:08</itunes:duration>
  8780. </item>
  8781. <item>
  8782. <title>Maui Hotel Spotlight &#8211; The Fairmont Kea Lani Resort</title>
  8783. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/maui-hotel-spotlight-the-fairmont-kea-lani-resort/</link>
  8784. <pubDate>Tue, 03 Dec 2019 02:38:12 +0000</pubDate>
  8785. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37336</guid>
  8786. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/maui-hotel-spotlight-the-fairmont-kea-lani-resort/#respond</comments>
  8787. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/maui-hotel-spotlight-the-fairmont-kea-lani-resort/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  8788. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  8789. <description>With co-host Lanai Tabura still traveling the world at the moment (he&#039;ll be back for the next episode), Aloha Bruce flies solo once more on our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce is joined for this special podcast by Rie Takahashi, the Leisure Sales Manager at the exquisite Fairmont Kea Lani Resort on Maui, the beautiful Valley Isle.
  8790.  
  8791. Bruce and Rie talk about the many wonderful amenities at the resort, and about some of Maui’s favorite attractions. Bruce says that the Fairmont Kea Lani resort is one of his favorite Hawaii properties. Ms Takahashi explains that the Fairmont Kea Lani is located in Wailea, about 30 minutes from the Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui’s sunny south side.
  8792.  
  8793. Rie says the Fairmont Kea Lani is conveniently located and provides fairly easy access to popular locations like the Hana and all the way up Haleakala. The resort comprises 22 oceanfront acres and, 413 suites, and 37 beach villas. Aloha Bruce recalls a recent trip to the resort and says the secluded beach there feels “almost like your own”. Rie notes that the Fairmont doesn’t share the beach with any other resort, although the beach is open to the public.
  8794.  
  8795. Bruce notes the value villas at the Fairmont Kea Lani resort offers to large groups or families. Rie says the suites are ample at over 800 square feet and discuss luxury amenities available in the suites. Other advantages for families booking suites are noted. Ms. Takahashi says that all of the villas are 2-3 bedrooms and two stories. The beach villas are literally just steps from the beach.
  8796.  
  8797. Rie also talks about the adult pool and two family-friendly pools with slides and other fun amenities and organized activities for kids. Bruce and Rie also talk about pool cabanas that are available for daily rentals. Other amenities include fresh fruits and healthy snacks offered poolside.
  8798.  
  8799. The conversation moves to the restaurants and dining options available at the Fairmont Kea Lani.Ms. Takahashi talks about a breakfast offer, as well as renovations to several eateries and a fitness center with Peleton bikes and a virtual training center with online trainers. Bruce mentions Nick’s Fishmarket and a convenient grab-and-go center with pizza, poke bowls and a variety of other tasty items. Rie mentions the signature Ko Restaurant and its mix of island and Pacific/Asian cuisine.
  8800.  
  8801. Various spa treatments and massage packages are also available in state of the art facilities at the Fairmont Kea Lani. Bruce and Rie note that many perks are included with the resort fees at the property, adding value to an already amazing resort property.</description>
  8802. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/fairmont.mp3" length="12690438" type="audio/mpeg" />
  8803. <itunes:subtitle>With co-host Lanai Tabura still traveling the world at the moment (he&#039;ll be back for the next episode), Aloha Bruce flies solo once more on our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce is joined for this special podcast by Rie Takahashi,</itunes:subtitle>
  8804. <itunes:summary>With co-host Lanai Tabura still traveling the world at the moment (he&#039;ll be back for the next episode), Aloha Bruce flies solo once more on our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Bruce is joined for this special podcast by Rie Takahashi, the Leisure Sales Manager at the exquisite Fairmont Kea Lani Resort on Maui, the beautiful Valley Isle.&lt;br /&gt;
  8805. &lt;br /&gt;
  8806. Bruce and Rie talk about the many wonderful amenities at the resort, and about some of Maui’s favorite attractions. Bruce says that the Fairmont Kea Lani resort is one of his favorite Hawaii properties. Ms Takahashi explains that the Fairmont Kea Lani is located in Wailea, about 30 minutes from the Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui’s sunny south side.&lt;br /&gt;
  8807. &lt;br /&gt;
  8808. Rie says the Fairmont Kea Lani is conveniently located and provides fairly easy access to popular locations like the Hana and all the way up Haleakala. The resort comprises 22 oceanfront acres and, 413 suites, and 37 beach villas. Aloha Bruce recalls a recent trip to the resort and says the secluded beach there feels “almost like your own”. Rie notes that the Fairmont doesn’t share the beach with any other resort, although the beach is open to the public.&lt;br /&gt;
  8809. &lt;br /&gt;
  8810. Bruce notes the value villas at the Fairmont Kea Lani resort offers to large groups or families. Rie says the suites are ample at over 800 square feet and discuss luxury amenities available in the suites. Other advantages for families booking suites are noted. Ms. Takahashi says that all of the villas are 2-3 bedrooms and two stories. The beach villas are literally just steps from the beach.&lt;br /&gt;
  8811. &lt;br /&gt;
  8812. Rie also talks about the adult pool and two family-friendly pools with slides and other fun amenities and organized activities for kids. Bruce and Rie also talk about pool cabanas that are available for daily rentals. Other amenities include fresh fruits and healthy snacks offered poolside.&lt;br /&gt;
  8813. &lt;br /&gt;
  8814. The conversation moves to the restaurants and dining options available at the Fairmont Kea Lani.Ms. Takahashi talks about a breakfast offer, as well as renovations to several eateries and a fitness center with Peleton bikes and a virtual training center with online trainers. Bruce mentions Nick’s Fishmarket and a convenient grab-and-go center with pizza, poke bowls and a variety of other tasty items. Rie mentions the signature Ko Restaurant and its mix of island and Pacific/Asian cuisine.&lt;br /&gt;
  8815. &lt;br /&gt;
  8816. Various spa treatments and massage packages are also available in state of the art facilities at the Fairmont Kea Lani. Bruce and Rie note that many perks are included with the resort fees at the property, adding value to an already amazing resort property.</itunes:summary>
  8817. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  8818. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  8819. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  8820. <itunes:duration>15:19</itunes:duration>
  8821. </item>
  8822. <item>
  8823. <title>Planning a Multigenerational Family Vacation to Hawaii</title>
  8824. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/planning-a-multigenerational-family-vacation-to-hawaii/</link>
  8825. <pubDate>Sun, 24 Nov 2019 23:04:30 +0000</pubDate>
  8826. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37332</guid>
  8827. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/planning-a-multigenerational-family-vacation-to-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  8828. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/planning-a-multigenerational-family-vacation-to-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  8829. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  8830. <description>On our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast Aloha Bruce offers his expert insight into planning a multigenerational family vacation in Hawaii. With Lanai Tabura traveling the world at the time, Bruce flies solo on this podcast.
  8831.  
  8832. Hawaii Aloha Travel handles a large amount of group and family tours. Bruce notes that family groups should consider whether they plan fine accommodations together or if the group might be willing to find different places to stay.
  8833.  
  8834. Bruce notes that it is generally cheaper for family groups to stay together when considering a multigenerational family vacation in Hawaii. He notes the likely price range for a multigenerational family often. Bruce also talks about transportation options and says that often renting more than one vehicle for a large group allows for more flexibility. He reminds listeners that when arranging transportation for a large group or family, it’s important to consider the amount of luggage brought on the trip.
  8835.  
  8836. Bruce also notes the importance of booking well in advance and looking into travel waivers and refundable packages. He says there are often hidden charges and fees that apply to online bookings, and that by booking with Hawaii Aloha Travel, you are guaranteed to know what you are getting ahead of time and without any surprises on your bill.
  8837.  
  8838. Aloha Bruce also advises listeners to work with experts like Hawaii Aloha Travel for a multigenerational family vacation in Hawaii, as often online reviews of properties and activities can be inaccurate or even flatly false. Bruce encourages listeners to engage in the comments section and over social media. Hawaii Aloha Travel works directly with our clients with a personal touch and the kind of expertise you simply cannot receive from online reviews.</description>
  8839. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/familyvacations.mp3" length="12589252" type="audio/mpeg" />
  8840. <itunes:subtitle>On our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast Aloha Bruce offers his expert insight into planning a multigenerational family vacation in Hawaii. With Lanai Tabura traveling the world at the time, Bruce flies solo on this podcast.  </itunes:subtitle>
  8841. <itunes:summary>On our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast Aloha Bruce offers his expert insight into planning a multigenerational family vacation in Hawaii. With Lanai Tabura traveling the world at the time, Bruce flies solo on this podcast.&lt;br /&gt;
  8842. &lt;br /&gt;
  8843. Hawaii Aloha Travel handles a large amount of group and family tours. Bruce notes that family groups should consider whether they plan fine accommodations together or if the group might be willing to find different places to stay.&lt;br /&gt;
  8844. &lt;br /&gt;
  8845. Bruce notes that it is generally cheaper for family groups to stay together when considering a multigenerational family vacation in Hawaii. He notes the likely price range for a multigenerational family often. Bruce also talks about transportation options and says that often renting more than one vehicle for a large group allows for more flexibility. He reminds listeners that when arranging transportation for a large group or family, it’s important to consider the amount of luggage brought on the trip.&lt;br /&gt;
  8846. &lt;br /&gt;
  8847. Bruce also notes the importance of booking well in advance and looking into travel waivers and refundable packages. He says there are often hidden charges and fees that apply to online bookings, and that by booking with Hawaii Aloha Travel, you are guaranteed to know what you are getting ahead of time and without any surprises on your bill.&lt;br /&gt;
  8848. &lt;br /&gt;
  8849. Aloha Bruce also advises listeners to work with experts like Hawaii Aloha Travel for a multigenerational family vacation in Hawaii, as often online reviews of properties and activities can be inaccurate or even flatly false. Bruce encourages listeners to engage in the comments section and over social media. Hawaii Aloha Travel works directly with our clients with a personal touch and the kind of expertise you simply cannot receive from online reviews.</itunes:summary>
  8850. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  8851. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  8852. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  8853. <itunes:duration>14:57</itunes:duration>
  8854. </item>
  8855. <item>
  8856. <title>Here&#8217;s where the Bar Scene in Honolulu REALLY Begins</title>
  8857. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/heres-where-the-bar-scene-in-honolulu-really-begins/</link>
  8858. <pubDate>Sun, 17 Nov 2019 04:26:31 +0000</pubDate>
  8859. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37319</guid>
  8860. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/heres-where-the-bar-scene-in-honolulu-really-begins/#respond</comments>
  8861. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/heres-where-the-bar-scene-in-honolulu-really-begins/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  8862. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  8863. <description>We’ve brought on a special guest for our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Hosts Aloha Bruce and Emmy award winner Lanai Tabura talk with Joe Hart, the General Manager of O’Toole’s Irish Pub in Honolulu’s historic Chinatown Arts District where the bar scene in Honolulu really begins.
  8864.  
  8865. The traditional Irish pub calls the T.M. Forester Building home, just steps from the waterfront of Honolulu Harbor. It has been a location for several episodes of the wildly popular television show Hawaii 5-0, and a variety of other popular shows and mainstream movies, most recently Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates. For that movie, O’Toole’s served as the main characters’ watering hole back east.
  8866.  
  8867. Joe recalls one shoot that saw producers of Hawaii 5-0 bring in truckloads of artificial snow for a scene that involved winter in Boston and how authentic the scene was. Joe is in the center of the bar scene in Honolulu. He talks about the historic building and what makes it such an attractive location for filming. He also notes how much work production crews do to prepare the pub for filming, which generally takes at least three days.
  8868.  
  8869. The conversation turns to the thriving Chinatown arts, culture, dining, and music communities. Lanai, with his typical humor and expertise, gives a brief history of Chinatown. He also rattles off a number of new establishments that any visitor keen to experience the “real Hawaii” would certainly enjoy. Aloha Bruce says that a trip to Chinatown’s many restaurants, bars and galleries is a must for any visitor looking to connect with residents and get a keen sense of what it’s like to live in Honolulu.
  8870.  
  8871. As always, our hosts Bruce and Lanai offer their expert local knowledge about an Oahu attraction that has become an increasingly popular destination for visitors to Oahu, The Gathering Place. We encourage listeners to tune in, and join the conversation with comments online.</description>
  8872. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/otooles.mp3" length="15499828" type="audio/mpeg" />
  8873. <itunes:subtitle>We’ve brought on a special guest for our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Hosts Aloha Bruce and Emmy award winner Lanai Tabura talk with Joe Hart, the General Manager of O’Toole’s Irish Pub in Honolulu’s historic Chinatown Arts District where...</itunes:subtitle>
  8874. <itunes:summary>We’ve brought on a special guest for our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Hosts Aloha Bruce and Emmy award winner Lanai Tabura talk with Joe Hart, the General Manager of O’Toole’s Irish Pub in Honolulu’s historic Chinatown Arts District where the bar scene in Honolulu really begins.&lt;br /&gt;
  8875. &lt;br /&gt;
  8876. The traditional Irish pub calls the T.M. Forester Building home, just steps from the waterfront of Honolulu Harbor. It has been a location for several episodes of the wildly popular television show Hawaii 5-0, and a variety of other popular shows and mainstream movies, most recently Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates. For that movie, O’Toole’s served as the main characters’ watering hole back east.&lt;br /&gt;
  8877. &lt;br /&gt;
  8878. Joe recalls one shoot that saw producers of Hawaii 5-0 bring in truckloads of artificial snow for a scene that involved winter in Boston and how authentic the scene was. Joe is in the center of the bar scene in Honolulu. He talks about the historic building and what makes it such an attractive location for filming. He also notes how much work production crews do to prepare the pub for filming, which generally takes at least three days.&lt;br /&gt;
  8879. &lt;br /&gt;
  8880. The conversation turns to the thriving Chinatown arts, culture, dining, and music communities. Lanai, with his typical humor and expertise, gives a brief history of Chinatown. He also rattles off a number of new establishments that any visitor keen to experience the “real Hawaii” would certainly enjoy. Aloha Bruce says that a trip to Chinatown’s many restaurants, bars and galleries is a must for any visitor looking to connect with residents and get a keen sense of what it’s like to live in Honolulu.&lt;br /&gt;
  8881. &lt;br /&gt;
  8882. As always, our hosts Bruce and Lanai offer their expert local knowledge about an Oahu attraction that has become an increasingly popular destination for visitors to Oahu, The Gathering Place. We encourage listeners to tune in, and join the conversation with comments online.</itunes:summary>
  8883. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  8884. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  8885. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  8886. <itunes:duration>14:53</itunes:duration>
  8887. </item>
  8888. <item>
  8889. <title>Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura &#8220;Pop-up&#8221; on Maui</title>
  8890. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/aloha-bruce-and-lanai-tabura-pop-up-on-maui/</link>
  8891. <pubDate>Tue, 05 Nov 2019 19:05:33 +0000</pubDate>
  8892. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37286</guid>
  8893. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/aloha-bruce-and-lanai-tabura-pop-up-on-maui/#respond</comments>
  8894. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/aloha-bruce-and-lanai-tabura-pop-up-on-maui/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  8895. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  8896. <description>On our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast hosts Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura discuss their recent trip to Maui for a pop-up dining event they put together at the Lineage restaurant at the Shops at Wailea.
  8897.  
  8898. This podcast gives them the opportunity to share some information about Maui also know as the Garden Isle. They note the many improvements made at the Kahului Airport, and how easy it is to fly there from Hawaii and many US mainland destinations. They discuss a new tram system that gets travelers to the rental car area and other changes that make it much easier to hit the road from the airport. As Lanai says, “We’re not stuck in the 1970s anymore.”
  8899.  
  8900. Aloha Bruce lauds the Fairmont Kea Lani on Maui for the quality of the suites and villas at the property. He says that rooms and suites at the Fairmont Kea Lani come with a lot of “extras,” including a secluded beach and world-class golfing, restaurants, and a state of the art gym with Pelaton training options.
  8901.  
  8902. Lanai and Bruce get into the pop-up experience at the Lineage, which featured chef Sheldon Simeon featuring interpretations of plantation-style dishes from Hawaii’s multicultural, agricultural past. The event included a history of foodways and ingredients in Hawaii.
  8903.  
  8904. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  8905. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  8906.  
  8907. The conversation leads to a discussion of what “poke” is. Our hosts both agree that you can find Hawaiian style cooking and people with a deep connection to Hawaiian food all over the US. Lanai says that he can take his pop-up concept of Hawaiian style food anywhere.
  8908.  
  8909. Our hosts also discuss Lanai’s upcoming pop-up event at the Hau Tree Lanai at the New Otani Resort in Waikiki on December 5th, and what attendees can expect.
  8910.  
  8911. Aloha Bruce also encourages listeners to leave comments on the podcast at iTunes and other services strives to connect with people interested in planning a Hawaii vacation.</description>
  8912. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/visitingmaui.mp3" length="12703295" type="audio/mpeg" />
  8913. <itunes:subtitle>On our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast hosts Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura discuss their recent trip to Maui for a pop-up dining event they put together at the Lineage restaurant at the Shops at Wailea.  </itunes:subtitle>
  8914. <itunes:summary>On our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast hosts Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura discuss their recent trip to Maui for a pop-up dining event they put together at the Lineage restaurant at the Shops at Wailea.&lt;br /&gt;
  8915. &lt;br /&gt;
  8916. This podcast gives them the opportunity to share some information about Maui also know as the Garden Isle. They note the many improvements made at the Kahului Airport, and how easy it is to fly there from Hawaii and many US mainland destinations. They discuss a new tram system that gets travelers to the rental car area and other changes that make it much easier to hit the road from the airport. As Lanai says, “We’re not stuck in the 1970s anymore.”&lt;br /&gt;
  8917. &lt;br /&gt;
  8918. Aloha Bruce lauds the Fairmont Kea Lani on Maui for the quality of the suites and villas at the property. He says that rooms and suites at the Fairmont Kea Lani come with a lot of “extras,” including a secluded beach and world-class golfing, restaurants, and a state of the art gym with Pelaton training options.&lt;br /&gt;
  8919. &lt;br /&gt;
  8920. Lanai and Bruce get into the pop-up experience at the Lineage, which featured chef Sheldon Simeon featuring interpretations of plantation-style dishes from Hawaii’s multicultural, agricultural past. The event included a history of foodways and ingredients in Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  8921. &lt;br /&gt;
  8922. &lt;br /&gt;
  8923. &lt;br /&gt;
  8924. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  8925. &lt;br /&gt;
  8926. &lt;br /&gt;
  8927. &lt;br /&gt;
  8928. &lt;br /&gt;
  8929. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  8930. &lt;br /&gt;
  8931. &lt;br /&gt;
  8932. &lt;br /&gt;
  8933. &lt;br /&gt;
  8934. &lt;br /&gt;
  8935. &lt;br /&gt;
  8936. &lt;br /&gt;
  8937. The conversation leads to a discussion of what “poke” is. Our hosts both agree that you can find Hawaiian style cooking and people with a deep connection to Hawaiian food all over the US. Lanai says that he can take his pop-up concept of Hawaiian style food anywhere.&lt;br /&gt;
  8938. &lt;br /&gt;
  8939. Our hosts also discuss Lanai’s upcoming pop-up event at the Hau Tree Lanai at the New Otani Resort in Waikiki on December 5th, and what attendees can expect.&lt;br /&gt;
  8940. &lt;br /&gt;
  8941. Aloha Bruce also encourages listeners to leave comments on the podcast at iTunes and other services strives to connect with people interested in planning a Hawaii vacation.</itunes:summary>
  8942. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  8943. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  8944. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  8945. <itunes:duration>15:40</itunes:duration>
  8946. </item>
  8947. <item>
  8948. <title>Must do Hawaii Activities</title>
  8949. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/must-do-hawaii-activities/</link>
  8950. <pubDate>Mon, 21 Oct 2019 00:39:47 +0000</pubDate>
  8951. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37247</guid>
  8952. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/must-do-hawaii-activities/#respond</comments>
  8953. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/must-do-hawaii-activities/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  8954. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  8955. <description>On our latest Hawaii Vacations Connection Podcast, hosts Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura have a free-wheeling and insightful discussion about must do Hawaii activities for anyone planning a Hawaii vacation.
  8956.  
  8957. After a shout-out to new listeners in the Philippines and a quick note about Lanai’s upcoming “pop-up” at Lineage Restaurant on Maui with Chef Sheldon Simeon (of recent “Top Chef” fame), Bruce and Lanai dive right in.
  8958.  
  8959. Lanai says right off the bat that going to the beach is probably the first and most important item on a Hawaii vacation must-do list. Bruce says that although Oahu beaches sometimes get negative internet comments for being too crowded, there are dozens of quiet, secluded beaches all over Oahu for visitors to enjoy. Lanai says his must do Hawaii activities on Oahu are on the West Side and in Kailua.
  8960.  
  8961. Our hosts also talk about the many farmers markets on Oahu, and that farmers markets can be found seven days a week on Oahu. Lanai says they feature local business that rely on word-of-mouth to spread awareness of their products.
  8962.  
  8963. The conversation moves onto ziplining at Kaena Point, helicopter tours, and hiking. Lanai gives his typically funny and correct opinion on what makes hiking in Hawaii so great: “No snakes!” or other dangerous animals.
  8964.  
  8965. Bruce and Lanai move on to Maui where they say snorkeling and whale watching are must-do activities. They also mention Haleakala and the Road to Hana. Bruce notes that Hawaii Aloha Travel helps vacationers plan for these activities.
  8966.  
  8967. Bruce talks briefly about waterfall rappelling gaining popularity, surf lessons, and challenging fears by doing things like parasailing.
  8968.  
  8969. As the conversation moves to the Big Island, Aloha Bruce and Lanai mention manta ray encounters, coffee farms, and of course, Kilauea Volcano. Fluming in Kohala is noted, which allows visitors to rent an innertube or kayak to ride the currents of freshwater irrigation ditches no longer in use.
  8970.  
  8971. On Kauai, Waimea Canyon, fluming, coffee farms and a variety of beautiful beaches are all must do Hawaii activities. Some activities and trails require permits. Our hosts note that they can help planning activities that require more preparation than a simple hike or trip to the beach.
  8972.  
  8973. Lanai also speaks briefly about beaches on the islands of Lanai and Molokai. Bruce notes Maui helicopter tours to Molokai.
  8974.  
  8975. This Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast offers a lot of valuable suggestions for must-do activities for a Hawaii vacation. And no one is better than planning a Hawaii vacation than Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura at Hawaii Aloha Travel.</description>
  8976. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/mustdos.mp3" length="11347381" type="audio/mpeg" />
  8977. <itunes:subtitle>On our latest Hawaii Vacations Connection Podcast, hosts Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura have a free-wheeling and insightful discussion about must do Hawaii activities for anyone planning a Hawaii vacation.  After a shout-out to new listeners in the Phili...</itunes:subtitle>
  8978. <itunes:summary>On our latest Hawaii Vacations Connection Podcast, hosts Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura have a free-wheeling and insightful discussion about must do Hawaii activities for anyone planning a Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  8979. &lt;br /&gt;
  8980. After a shout-out to new listeners in the Philippines and a quick note about Lanai’s upcoming “pop-up” at Lineage Restaurant on Maui with Chef Sheldon Simeon (of recent “Top Chef” fame), Bruce and Lanai dive right in.&lt;br /&gt;
  8981. &lt;br /&gt;
  8982. Lanai says right off the bat that going to the beach is probably the first and most important item on a Hawaii vacation must-do list. Bruce says that although Oahu beaches sometimes get negative internet comments for being too crowded, there are dozens of quiet, secluded beaches all over Oahu for visitors to enjoy. Lanai says his must do Hawaii activities on Oahu are on the West Side and in Kailua.&lt;br /&gt;
  8983. &lt;br /&gt;
  8984. Our hosts also talk about the many farmers markets on Oahu, and that farmers markets can be found seven days a week on Oahu. Lanai says they feature local business that rely on word-of-mouth to spread awareness of their products.&lt;br /&gt;
  8985. &lt;br /&gt;
  8986. The conversation moves onto ziplining at Kaena Point, helicopter tours, and hiking. Lanai gives his typically funny and correct opinion on what makes hiking in Hawaii so great: “No snakes!” or other dangerous animals.&lt;br /&gt;
  8987. &lt;br /&gt;
  8988. Bruce and Lanai move on to Maui where they say snorkeling and whale watching are must-do activities. They also mention Haleakala and the Road to Hana. Bruce notes that Hawaii Aloha Travel helps vacationers plan for these activities.&lt;br /&gt;
  8989. &lt;br /&gt;
  8990. Bruce talks briefly about waterfall rappelling gaining popularity, surf lessons, and challenging fears by doing things like parasailing.&lt;br /&gt;
  8991. &lt;br /&gt;
  8992. As the conversation moves to the Big Island, Aloha Bruce and Lanai mention manta ray encounters, coffee farms, and of course, Kilauea Volcano. Fluming in Kohala is noted, which allows visitors to rent an innertube or kayak to ride the currents of freshwater irrigation ditches no longer in use.&lt;br /&gt;
  8993. &lt;br /&gt;
  8994. On Kauai, Waimea Canyon, fluming, coffee farms and a variety of beautiful beaches are all must do Hawaii activities. Some activities and trails require permits. Our hosts note that they can help planning activities that require more preparation than a simple hike or trip to the beach.&lt;br /&gt;
  8995. &lt;br /&gt;
  8996. Lanai also speaks briefly about beaches on the islands of Lanai and Molokai. Bruce notes Maui helicopter tours to Molokai.&lt;br /&gt;
  8997. &lt;br /&gt;
  8998. This Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast offers a lot of valuable suggestions for must-do activities for a Hawaii vacation. And no one is better than planning a Hawaii vacation than Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura at Hawaii Aloha Travel.</itunes:summary>
  8999. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  9000. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  9001. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  9002. <itunes:duration>13:57</itunes:duration>
  9003. </item>
  9004. <item>
  9005. <title>2020 Hawaii Vacation Deals</title>
  9006. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/2020-hawaii-vacation-deals/</link>
  9007. <pubDate>Tue, 24 Sep 2019 18:28:21 +0000</pubDate>
  9008. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37220</guid>
  9009. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/2020-hawaii-vacation-deals/#respond</comments>
  9010. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/2020-hawaii-vacation-deals/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  9011. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  9012. <description>Our newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast has Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura discussing the amazing deals now available to folks looking to plan a Hawaii vacation. Our hosts joke about how social media is unreliable when trying to find the best deals available. Why trust a stranger online?
  9013.  
  9014. The entry of Southwest Airlines into the Hawaii market has become a major force in the drop in airfare prices to the Aloha State. Mid-January is usually the time of year that airfares typically drop, but competition has made cheaper flights more available to savvy travelers now.
  9015.  
  9016. Bruce and Lanai discuss the fact that there are many points of departure from the West Coast that offer the best deals. For instance, a commuter flight from San Diego to Oakland followed by a round trip Hawaii deal can often be much less expensive than a direct flight.
  9017.  
  9018. West Coast flights from cities like Sacramento, and San Jose offer savings that simple internet searches won’t reveal. Hawaii Aloha Travel has the connections and packages that can shave dollars off of your Hawaii vacation budget.
  9019.  
  9020. Aloha Bruce says that he expects inter-island fares to drop due to increased competition among a variety of airlines, and those fares will be the least expensive the travel industry has seen in a long time. With his renowned insight into Hawaii’s travel and visitor industry, Bruce predicts pricing trends in hotel and resort property prices to remain static as lower fares attract more visitors. He says now is the time to book, and that booking well in advance can help ensure the best value for visitors’ travel dollars.
  9021.  
  9022. This latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast offers insight into taking advantage of travel industry changes as new airlines and aircrafts enter the market. The value of the bundling packages Hawaii Aloha Travel available to Hawaii visitors are explained.
  9023.  
  9024. Aloha Bruce and Lanai also give proper shout-outs to podcast listeners and Hawaii Aloha Travel customers who have given feedback on Hawaii Aloha Travel’s unparalleled personal customer service. Expert local knowledge and trusted relationships with the Hawaii visitor industry’s most respected brands make us your best source for planning every aspect of your Hawaii vacation.</description>
  9025. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/deals2020.mp3" length="12023856" type="audio/mpeg" />
  9026. <itunes:subtitle>Our newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast has Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura discussing the amazing deals now available to folks looking to plan a Hawaii vacation. Our hosts joke about how social media is unreliable when trying to find the best deals...</itunes:subtitle>
  9027. <itunes:summary>Our newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast has Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura discussing the amazing deals now available to folks looking to plan a Hawaii vacation. Our hosts joke about how social media is unreliable when trying to find the best deals available. Why trust a stranger online?&lt;br /&gt;
  9028. &lt;br /&gt;
  9029. The entry of Southwest Airlines into the Hawaii market has become a major force in the drop in airfare prices to the Aloha State. Mid-January is usually the time of year that airfares typically drop, but competition has made cheaper flights more available to savvy travelers now.&lt;br /&gt;
  9030. &lt;br /&gt;
  9031. Bruce and Lanai discuss the fact that there are many points of departure from the West Coast that offer the best deals. For instance, a commuter flight from San Diego to Oakland followed by a round trip Hawaii deal can often be much less expensive than a direct flight.&lt;br /&gt;
  9032. &lt;br /&gt;
  9033. West Coast flights from cities like Sacramento, and San Jose offer savings that simple internet searches won’t reveal. Hawaii Aloha Travel has the connections and packages that can shave dollars off of your Hawaii vacation budget.&lt;br /&gt;
  9034. &lt;br /&gt;
  9035. Aloha Bruce says that he expects inter-island fares to drop due to increased competition among a variety of airlines, and those fares will be the least expensive the travel industry has seen in a long time. With his renowned insight into Hawaii’s travel and visitor industry, Bruce predicts pricing trends in hotel and resort property prices to remain static as lower fares attract more visitors. He says now is the time to book, and that booking well in advance can help ensure the best value for visitors’ travel dollars.&lt;br /&gt;
  9036. &lt;br /&gt;
  9037. This latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast offers insight into taking advantage of travel industry changes as new airlines and aircrafts enter the market. The value of the bundling packages Hawaii Aloha Travel available to Hawaii visitors are explained.&lt;br /&gt;
  9038. &lt;br /&gt;
  9039. Aloha Bruce and Lanai also give proper shout-outs to podcast listeners and Hawaii Aloha Travel customers who have given feedback on Hawaii Aloha Travel’s unparalleled personal customer service. Expert local knowledge and trusted relationships with the Hawaii visitor industry’s most respected brands make us your best source for planning every aspect of your Hawaii vacation.</itunes:summary>
  9040. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  9041. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  9042. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  9043. <itunes:duration>14:49</itunes:duration>
  9044. </item>
  9045. <item>
  9046. <title>Hawaiian plate lunch</title>
  9047. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaiian-plate-lunch/</link>
  9048. <pubDate>Sun, 08 Sep 2019 23:52:45 +0000</pubDate>
  9049. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37204</guid>
  9050. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaiian-plate-lunch/#respond</comments>
  9051. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaiian-plate-lunch/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  9052. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  9053. <description>Our fresh Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast finds Aloha Bruce and Emmy Award-winning entertainer Lanai Tabura talk about the Hawaiian plate lunch, a Hawaii institution. After joking about how to pronounce “buffet”, our hosts get right into the unique Hawaii plate lunch experience. Bruce also thanks listeners for their podcast reviews on iTunes.
  9054.  
  9055. Lanai discusses the fact that food is a major part of the Hawaii vacation experience. He says that the plate lunch is rooted in immigrant culture and planation life reality. During those days, immigrants from many cultures mingled during lunchtime. It blended and bonded those communities, as they shared their “kaukau tins”, or lunchboxes. Plantation workers would eat together, each with tins with food from their own native cultures: Japan, China, Korea, the Phillipines, and Portugal.
  9056.  
  9057. Our hosts mention Rainbow Drive In, on of the oldest plate lunch establishments in Hawaii for Hawaiian plate lunch. Lanai discusses how Hawaii plantation lunches continue in plate lunches across the Aloha State. Aloha Bruce says that Hawaii visitors are best off avoiding familiar fast food establishments and seek out locally owned and operated plate lunch joints as a way to experience true Aloha State culture.
  9058.  
  9059. Lanai mentions places in Chinatown on Oahu that are award-winners like Pig &amp; the Lady that continue the tradition of the plate lunch in modern ways at moderate prices. He also mentions Ethel’s in Kalihi, which was a favorite haunt of culinary legend and television superstar Anthony Bourdain when he visited Hawaii.
  9060.  
  9061. Liliha Bakery is also noted as one of the best places for a Hawaiian plate lunch. Bruce talks about how doing a local plate lunch is a more affordable option for visitors than dinner-focused restaurants to experience real Hawaii cuisine.
  9062.  
  9063. The bento is noted as a favorite for lunch. It is basically a fresh meal in a box that you can take to the beach or anywhere on the fly. Lanai talks about the history of the iconic ABC Stores found throughout Waikiki, where bentos are on offer. His knowledge of the history of the chain is insightful. He notes that the chain is owned locally and is the biggest seller of alcohol in Waikiki due to the high prices for drinks at hotels.
  9064.  
  9065. Aloha Bruce and Lanai remind viewers that they are both available to offer suggestions on where to eat lunch through their social media accounts. As Bruce says, “All we do is plan Hawaii vacations!”</description>
  9066. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/platelunch.mp3" length="5576616" type="audio/mpeg" />
  9067. <itunes:subtitle>Our fresh Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast finds Aloha Bruce and Emmy Award-winning entertainer Lanai Tabura talk about the Hawaiian plate lunch, a Hawaii institution. After joking about how to pronounce “buffet”,</itunes:subtitle>
  9068. <itunes:summary>Our fresh Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast finds Aloha Bruce and Emmy Award-winning entertainer Lanai Tabura talk about the Hawaiian plate lunch, a Hawaii institution. After joking about how to pronounce “buffet”, our hosts get right into the unique Hawaii plate lunch experience. Bruce also thanks listeners for their podcast reviews on iTunes.&lt;br /&gt;
  9069. &lt;br /&gt;
  9070. Lanai discusses the fact that food is a major part of the Hawaii vacation experience. He says that the plate lunch is rooted in immigrant culture and planation life reality. During those days, immigrants from many cultures mingled during lunchtime. It blended and bonded those communities, as they shared their “kaukau tins”, or lunchboxes. Plantation workers would eat together, each with tins with food from their own native cultures: Japan, China, Korea, the Phillipines, and Portugal.&lt;br /&gt;
  9071. &lt;br /&gt;
  9072. Our hosts mention Rainbow Drive In, on of the oldest plate lunch establishments in Hawaii for Hawaiian plate lunch. Lanai discusses how Hawaii plantation lunches continue in plate lunches across the Aloha State. Aloha Bruce says that Hawaii visitors are best off avoiding familiar fast food establishments and seek out locally owned and operated plate lunch joints as a way to experience true Aloha State culture.&lt;br /&gt;
  9073. &lt;br /&gt;
  9074. Lanai mentions places in Chinatown on Oahu that are award-winners like Pig &amp; the Lady that continue the tradition of the plate lunch in modern ways at moderate prices. He also mentions Ethel’s in Kalihi, which was a favorite haunt of culinary legend and television superstar Anthony Bourdain when he visited Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  9075. &lt;br /&gt;
  9076. Liliha Bakery is also noted as one of the best places for a Hawaiian plate lunch. Bruce talks about how doing a local plate lunch is a more affordable option for visitors than dinner-focused restaurants to experience real Hawaii cuisine.&lt;br /&gt;
  9077. &lt;br /&gt;
  9078. The bento is noted as a favorite for lunch. It is basically a fresh meal in a box that you can take to the beach or anywhere on the fly. Lanai talks about the history of the iconic ABC Stores found throughout Waikiki, where bentos are on offer. His knowledge of the history of the chain is insightful. He notes that the chain is owned locally and is the biggest seller of alcohol in Waikiki due to the high prices for drinks at hotels.&lt;br /&gt;
  9079. &lt;br /&gt;
  9080. Aloha Bruce and Lanai remind viewers that they are both available to offer suggestions on where to eat lunch through their social media accounts. As Bruce says, “All we do is plan Hawaii vacations!”</itunes:summary>
  9081. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  9082. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  9083. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  9084. <itunes:duration>15:29</itunes:duration>
  9085. </item>
  9086. <item>
  9087. <title>Oahu Vacation Rental Crises</title>
  9088. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/oahu-vacation-rental-crises/</link>
  9089. <pubDate>Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:17:04 +0000</pubDate>
  9090. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37185</guid>
  9091. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/oahu-vacation-rental-crises/#respond</comments>
  9092. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/oahu-vacation-rental-crises/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  9093. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  9094. <description>On this important Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce and Emmy Award winner Lanai Tabura go deep into the impact that a new law regulating vacation rental properties through AirBnB, VRBO and others is having within the visitor and residential housing industry on Oahu. With their expert local knowledge, our hosts break down the new law and what Aloha Bruce calls the Oahu Vacation Rental Crises.
  9095.  
  9096. Bruce begins the podcast with a story about a woman who called him about a cancelled AirBnB reservation due to the new law. She had been planning her Hawaii family vacation for many months, having purchased airline tickets and other incidentals for ten people one year before her planned arrival date. The loss of accommodations created considerable difficulties (of course, Bruce was able to help).
  9097.  
  9098. Our hosts note that two main reasons for the new law and its enforcement were the huge amount of unreported income generated by short-term vacation rentals (and loss of tax revenue for the City), and the impact of short-term rental properties on the shrinking availability and soaring costs of rental units for Oahu residents. Lanai discusses the vast difference in income between a short-term vacation rental and a residential rental property.
  9099.  
  9100. Essentially, the new law means that vacation rentals under 30 days must be licensed/permitted and must be within designated resort areas like Waikiki and Ko Olina. This eliminates a massive part of the inventory of vacation rentals available to Oahu visitors. Property owners who are found in violation of the new law (through electronic “sting” operations) face fines up to $10,000.
  9101.  
  9102. Aloha Bruce notes that Hawaii Aloha Travel owns and maintains deluxe vacation rental condos in Waikiki at the Luana that are unaffected by the new law. Bruce says that HAT can help visitors finding themselves with cancelled find the best alternatives.
  9103.  
  9104. Among the properties mentioned as being legal and available on Oahu include The Waikiki Shores and others along Ala Moana Boulevard. Large vacation groups are likely to have the most difficulty finding suitable accommodation alternatives if a short-term vacation rental has been cancelled.
  9105.  
  9106. Bruce and Lanai offer their tips on how to determine whether a vacation rental is licensed and legal. Our hosts talk about the shrinking availability of short-term vacation rentals for Oahu visitors. Hawaii Aloha Travel has the resources and local knowledge to help any Hawaii visitors feeling the impact of the vacation rental crisis.</description>
  9107. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/vacationrental.mp3" length="4538416" type="audio/mpeg" />
  9108. <itunes:subtitle>On this important Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce and Emmy Award winner Lanai Tabura go deep into the impact that a new law regulating vacation rental properties through AirBnB, VRBO and others is having within the visitor and residenti...</itunes:subtitle>
  9109. <itunes:summary>On this important Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce and Emmy Award winner Lanai Tabura go deep into the impact that a new law regulating vacation rental properties through AirBnB, VRBO and others is having within the visitor and residential housing industry on Oahu. With their expert local knowledge, our hosts break down the new law and what Aloha Bruce calls the Oahu Vacation Rental Crises.&lt;br /&gt;
  9110. &lt;br /&gt;
  9111. Bruce begins the podcast with a story about a woman who called him about a cancelled AirBnB reservation due to the new law. She had been planning her Hawaii family vacation for many months, having purchased airline tickets and other incidentals for ten people one year before her planned arrival date. The loss of accommodations created considerable difficulties (of course, Bruce was able to help).&lt;br /&gt;
  9112. &lt;br /&gt;
  9113. Our hosts note that two main reasons for the new law and its enforcement were the huge amount of unreported income generated by short-term vacation rentals (and loss of tax revenue for the City), and the impact of short-term rental properties on the shrinking availability and soaring costs of rental units for Oahu residents. Lanai discusses the vast difference in income between a short-term vacation rental and a residential rental property.&lt;br /&gt;
  9114. &lt;br /&gt;
  9115. Essentially, the new law means that vacation rentals under 30 days must be licensed/permitted and must be within designated resort areas like Waikiki and Ko Olina. This eliminates a massive part of the inventory of vacation rentals available to Oahu visitors. Property owners who are found in violation of the new law (through electronic “sting” operations) face fines up to $10,000.&lt;br /&gt;
  9116. &lt;br /&gt;
  9117. Aloha Bruce notes that Hawaii Aloha Travel owns and maintains deluxe vacation rental condos in Waikiki at the Luana that are unaffected by the new law. Bruce says that HAT can help visitors finding themselves with cancelled find the best alternatives.&lt;br /&gt;
  9118. &lt;br /&gt;
  9119. Among the properties mentioned as being legal and available on Oahu include The Waikiki Shores and others along Ala Moana Boulevard. Large vacation groups are likely to have the most difficulty finding suitable accommodation alternatives if a short-term vacation rental has been cancelled.&lt;br /&gt;
  9120. &lt;br /&gt;
  9121. Bruce and Lanai offer their tips on how to determine whether a vacation rental is licensed and legal. Our hosts talk about the shrinking availability of short-term vacation rentals for Oahu visitors. Hawaii Aloha Travel has the resources and local knowledge to help any Hawaii visitors feeling the impact of the vacation rental crisis.</itunes:summary>
  9122. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  9123. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  9124. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  9125. <itunes:duration>12:36</itunes:duration>
  9126. </item>
  9127. <item>
  9128. <title>Tips for getting married in Hawaii</title>
  9129. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/tips-for-getting-married-in-hawaii/</link>
  9130. <pubDate>Mon, 19 Aug 2019 20:14:50 +0000</pubDate>
  9131. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37161</guid>
  9132. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/tips-for-getting-married-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  9133. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/tips-for-getting-married-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  9134. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  9135. <description>Aloha Bruce and Emmy Award-winning Lanai Tabura offers Tips for getting married in Hawaii. Lanai is “ordained” and is able to legally marry people in the State of Hawaii. Bruce and Lanai briefly discuss the turmoil caused by a new vacation rental law that is affecting many Hawaii residents and visitors. They will tackle that complicated on their next podcast.
  9136.  
  9137. As for weddings in Hawaii, Lanai says that Hawaii is one of the world’s popular destinations for weddings. He notes that Hawaii is becoming especially popular in the LGTBQ community. Bruce notes that Hawaii Aloha Travel can help couple get all the necessary licenses and permits for destination weddings in Hawaii.
  9138.  
  9139. Aloha Bruce talks about the fact that many couples from Japan choose Hawaii for their wedding because it is significantly less expensive than weddings in Japan. Lanai says that many Japanese couple have their wedding ceremony in Hawaii and hold their receptions when they get back home to Japan.
  9140.  
  9141. Bruce talks about the many options for weddings in Hawaii. Some may be religious, others nonreligious. Hawaii weddings can run the spectrum from quite simple to lavishly expensive. Our hosts discuss the process of obtaining a marriage license in Hawaii through the Department of Health. They also note some other requirements to get married in Hawaii.
  9142. Lanai talks about his experience in officiating a number of different types of weddings. Bruce notes requirements for divorcees and the spouses of those who are deceased. “Wait for the ink to dry!” Lanai jokes.
  9143.  
  9144. Bruce says that choosing an island for your wedding. Bruce says he and his wife Yaling were married on Oahu and describes the process of a simple Hawaii wedding. Lanai says that many Hawaii resorts and vacation properties that offer wedding services on every island and mentions Four Seasons Resorts with special areas dedicated to weddings. Bruce says many of those types of weddings being quite expensive.
  9145.  
  9146. Our hosts list a number of popular wedding destinations and Tips for getting married in Hawaii, and Bruce says Maui Boutique Weddings is a fine operation. Bruce also says that Oahu is the best island for weddings for a number of reasons. Aloha Bruce and Lanai talk about their service to custom create a unique and beautiful marriage proposal.
  9147.  
  9148. The Queen Kapiolani Hotel is mentioned as Bruce explains how wedding costs can accumulate quickly. Bruce mentions Angela Keen as an excellent officiant and reminds listeners that Hawaii Aloha Travel offers the full range of wedding services, including the officiant, permitting, and catering.</description>
  9149. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/hawaiiweddings.mp3" length="5314258" type="audio/mpeg" />
  9150. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha Bruce and Emmy Award-winning Lanai Tabura offers Tips for getting married in Hawaii. Lanai is “ordained” and is able to legally marry people in the State of Hawaii. Bruce and Lanai briefly discuss the turmoil caused by a new vacation rental law t...</itunes:subtitle>
  9151. <itunes:summary>Aloha Bruce and Emmy Award-winning Lanai Tabura offers Tips for getting married in Hawaii. Lanai is “ordained” and is able to legally marry people in the State of Hawaii. Bruce and Lanai briefly discuss the turmoil caused by a new vacation rental law that is affecting many Hawaii residents and visitors. They will tackle that complicated on their next podcast.&lt;br /&gt;
  9152. &lt;br /&gt;
  9153. As for weddings in Hawaii, Lanai says that Hawaii is one of the world’s popular destinations for weddings. He notes that Hawaii is becoming especially popular in the LGTBQ community. Bruce notes that Hawaii Aloha Travel can help couple get all the necessary licenses and permits for destination weddings in Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  9154. &lt;br /&gt;
  9155. Aloha Bruce talks about the fact that many couples from Japan choose Hawaii for their wedding because it is significantly less expensive than weddings in Japan. Lanai says that many Japanese couple have their wedding ceremony in Hawaii and hold their receptions when they get back home to Japan.&lt;br /&gt;
  9156. &lt;br /&gt;
  9157. Bruce talks about the many options for weddings in Hawaii. Some may be religious, others nonreligious. Hawaii weddings can run the spectrum from quite simple to lavishly expensive. Our hosts discuss the process of obtaining a marriage license in Hawaii through the Department of Health. They also note some other requirements to get married in Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  9158. Lanai talks about his experience in officiating a number of different types of weddings. Bruce notes requirements for divorcees and the spouses of those who are deceased. “Wait for the ink to dry!” Lanai jokes.&lt;br /&gt;
  9159. &lt;br /&gt;
  9160. Bruce says that choosing an island for your wedding. Bruce says he and his wife Yaling were married on Oahu and describes the process of a simple Hawaii wedding. Lanai says that many Hawaii resorts and vacation properties that offer wedding services on every island and mentions Four Seasons Resorts with special areas dedicated to weddings. Bruce says many of those types of weddings being quite expensive.&lt;br /&gt;
  9161. &lt;br /&gt;
  9162. Our hosts list a number of popular wedding destinations and Tips for getting married in Hawaii, and Bruce says Maui Boutique Weddings is a fine operation. Bruce also says that Oahu is the best island for weddings for a number of reasons. Aloha Bruce and Lanai talk about their service to custom create a unique and beautiful marriage proposal.&lt;br /&gt;
  9163. &lt;br /&gt;
  9164. The Queen Kapiolani Hotel is mentioned as Bruce explains how wedding costs can accumulate quickly. Bruce mentions Angela Keen as an excellent officiant and reminds listeners that Hawaii Aloha Travel offers the full range of wedding services, including the officiant, permitting, and catering.</itunes:summary>
  9165. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  9166. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  9167. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  9168. <itunes:duration>14:46</itunes:duration>
  9169. </item>
  9170. <item>
  9171. <title>Are you ready for your Hawaii Vacation?</title>
  9172. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/are-you-ready-for-your-hawaii-vacation/</link>
  9173. <pubDate>Mon, 12 Aug 2019 03:02:29 +0000</pubDate>
  9174. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37156</guid>
  9175. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/are-you-ready-for-your-hawaii-vacation/#respond</comments>
  9176. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/are-you-ready-for-your-hawaii-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  9177. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  9178. <description>The newest Hawaii Vacation Podcast discusses last-minute reminders for those visiting Hawaii. Aloha Bruce also reminds listeners that Hawaii Aloha Travel handles all aspects of a Hawaii vacation: everything from plane tickets and accommodations to restaurant reservations and tours.
  9179.  
  9180. Bruce talks about the fact that most travelers no longer use paper tickets, but they will still need the PNR, or “Passenger Name Record” document. It’s an important document that covers the duration of your trip. He also notes that the electronic ticket number is important and recommends printing one out.
  9181. Visitors working with Hawaii Aloha Travel also receive a separate document that includes all hotel reservation information with a hotel reservation number. That document includes special requests, including bedding preferences, including bed sizes and room categories (ocean view, ocean front, etc). These documents help if anything goes wrong with the reservation.
  9182. B
  9183. ruce also talks about resort and portage fees that most hotels now charge. He also mentions incidental charges and the need to have a credit card. Bruce talks about service fees on rental vehicles and recommends asking about added fees that some visitors get overcharged without knowing it. Bruce notes that Hawaii Aloha Travel can help visitors avoid unnecessary fees and insurance. Bruce notes that personal insurance and credit cars often offer insurance options. Some rental car companies offer advantage programs that let you take advantage of special members-only deals.
  9184.  
  9185. Bruce says that it is important to always have a number to call if something goes wrong. He reminds visitors that Hawaii Aloha Travel’s mission is to give visitors the best possible personal service, particularly if things go wrong. He reminds listeners to keep important printed documents handy during your Hawaii vacation.
  9186. Bruce mentions that Emmy-award winning co-host is still traveling the world, and encourages Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast listeners to leave their questions and comments at www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast.</description>
  9187. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/lastminute.mp3" length="5589330" type="audio/mpeg" />
  9188. <itunes:subtitle>The newest Hawaii Vacation Podcast discusses last-minute reminders for those visiting Hawaii. Aloha Bruce also reminds listeners that Hawaii Aloha Travel handles all aspects of a Hawaii vacation: everything from plane tickets and accommodations to rest...</itunes:subtitle>
  9189. <itunes:summary>The newest Hawaii Vacation Podcast discusses last-minute reminders for those visiting Hawaii. Aloha Bruce also reminds listeners that Hawaii Aloha Travel handles all aspects of a Hawaii vacation: everything from plane tickets and accommodations to restaurant reservations and tours.&lt;br /&gt;
  9190. &lt;br /&gt;
  9191. Bruce talks about the fact that most travelers no longer use paper tickets, but they will still need the PNR, or “Passenger Name Record” document. It’s an important document that covers the duration of your trip. He also notes that the electronic ticket number is important and recommends printing one out.&lt;br /&gt;
  9192. Visitors working with Hawaii Aloha Travel also receive a separate document that includes all hotel reservation information with a hotel reservation number. That document includes special requests, including bedding preferences, including bed sizes and room categories (ocean view, ocean front, etc). These documents help if anything goes wrong with the reservation.&lt;br /&gt;
  9193. B&lt;br /&gt;
  9194. ruce also talks about resort and portage fees that most hotels now charge. He also mentions incidental charges and the need to have a credit card. Bruce talks about service fees on rental vehicles and recommends asking about added fees that some visitors get overcharged without knowing it. Bruce notes that Hawaii Aloha Travel can help visitors avoid unnecessary fees and insurance. Bruce notes that personal insurance and credit cars often offer insurance options. Some rental car companies offer advantage programs that let you take advantage of special members-only deals.&lt;br /&gt;
  9195. &lt;br /&gt;
  9196. Bruce says that it is important to always have a number to call if something goes wrong. He reminds visitors that Hawaii Aloha Travel’s mission is to give visitors the best possible personal service, particularly if things go wrong. He reminds listeners to keep important printed documents handy during your Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  9197. Bruce mentions that Emmy-award winning co-host is still traveling the world, and encourages Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast listeners to leave their questions and comments at www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast.</itunes:summary>
  9198. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  9199. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  9200. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  9201. <itunes:duration>15:32</itunes:duration>
  9202. </item>
  9203. <item>
  9204. <title>Hawaii for the Solo Traveler</title>
  9205. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-for-the-solo-traveler/</link>
  9206. <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jul 2019 18:58:42 +0000</pubDate>
  9207. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37133</guid>
  9208. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-for-the-solo-traveler/#respond</comments>
  9209. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-for-the-solo-traveler/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  9210. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  9211. <description>This week’s Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast focuses on Hawaii for the solo traveler. Aloha Bruce mentions a couple of listeners who have called Hawaii-Aloha Travel with questions about traveling solo in the Aloha State. Aloha Bruce also notes that listeners can now comment on the podcast web page, and Lanai says he’s keen to hear where folks are listening from. Bruce offers a shout-out to listeners in Japan.
  9212.  
  9213. Our hosts talk about safety for solo travelers, and Lanai says Hawaii is very safe for travelers and notes Hawaii’s relatively low crime rates. Bruce says he often has to remind visitors that Hawaii is one of the 50 states and is not an international destination for US residents.
  9214.  
  9215. Lanai discusses the fact that he often travels alone and why he like the freedom and flexibility of solo travel. He says that solo travel is becoming more popular among international and millennial women. Bruce says that transportation is key for solo travelers while Lanai offers his insight about the length of Circle Island tours.
  9216. Both hosts give their thoughts on the sometimes-lacking quality of hostel accommodations on Oahu. With his typical candor, Lanai says “Get a boutique hotel.” Bruce points out that people in Hawaii are typically quite friendly, and it’s easy for solo travelers to make friends on their vacation.
  9217.  
  9218. Booze cruises and surf lessons are mentioned along with other a variety of other great activities for visitors traveling alone. Lanai mentions  as another fun activity. Bruce says that solo travelers can enjoy all of the same activities enjoyed by groups and also notes that solo travelers can enjoy more flexibility and spur-of-the-moment side trips.
  9219.  
  9220. Bruce says that Maui is an ideal destination for solo travelers for a variety of reasons. He recommends bus tours on Maui as being affordable and a good way to meet people. Bruce and Lanai remind listeners that Hawaii Aloha Travel provides the kind of local knowledge that allows Hawaii visitors to find the best deals, whether traveling solo or with large families or groups.</description>
  9221. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/hawaiisolo.mp3" length="5298892" type="audio/mpeg" />
  9222. <itunes:subtitle>This week’s Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast focuses on Hawaii for the solo traveler. Aloha Bruce mentions a couple of listeners who have called Hawaii-Aloha Travel with questions about traveling solo in the Aloha State.</itunes:subtitle>
  9223. <itunes:summary>This week’s Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast focuses on Hawaii for the solo traveler. Aloha Bruce mentions a couple of listeners who have called Hawaii-Aloha Travel with questions about traveling solo in the Aloha State. Aloha Bruce also notes that listeners can now comment on the podcast web page, and Lanai says he’s keen to hear where folks are listening from. Bruce offers a shout-out to listeners in Japan.&lt;br /&gt;
  9224. &lt;br /&gt;
  9225. Our hosts talk about safety for solo travelers, and Lanai says Hawaii is very safe for travelers and notes Hawaii’s relatively low crime rates. Bruce says he often has to remind visitors that Hawaii is one of the 50 states and is not an international destination for US residents.&lt;br /&gt;
  9226. &lt;br /&gt;
  9227. Lanai discusses the fact that he often travels alone and why he like the freedom and flexibility of solo travel. He says that solo travel is becoming more popular among international and millennial women. Bruce says that transportation is key for solo travelers while Lanai offers his insight about the length of Circle Island tours.&lt;br /&gt;
  9228. Both hosts give their thoughts on the sometimes-lacking quality of hostel accommodations on Oahu. With his typical candor, Lanai says “Get a boutique hotel.” Bruce points out that people in Hawaii are typically quite friendly, and it’s easy for solo travelers to make friends on their vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  9229. &lt;br /&gt;
  9230. Booze cruises and surf lessons are mentioned along with other a variety of other great activities for visitors traveling alone. Lanai mentions  as another fun activity. Bruce says that solo travelers can enjoy all of the same activities enjoyed by groups and also notes that solo travelers can enjoy more flexibility and spur-of-the-moment side trips.&lt;br /&gt;
  9231. &lt;br /&gt;
  9232. Bruce says that Maui is an ideal destination for solo travelers for a variety of reasons. He recommends bus tours on Maui as being affordable and a good way to meet people. Bruce and Lanai remind listeners that Hawaii Aloha Travel provides the kind of local knowledge that allows Hawaii visitors to find the best deals, whether traveling solo or with large families or groups.</itunes:summary>
  9233. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  9234. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  9235. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  9236. <itunes:duration>14:43</itunes:duration>
  9237. </item>
  9238. <item>
  9239. <title>Luau in Hawaii</title>
  9240. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/luau-in-hawaii/</link>
  9241. <pubDate>Tue, 16 Jul 2019 03:08:06 +0000</pubDate>
  9242. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37098</guid>
  9243. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/luau-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  9244. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/luau-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  9245. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  9246. <description>The Hawaiian luau is the subject of this week’s Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, with Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura delving deep into a symbol of Hawaii’s Aloha Spirit and generous hospitality. Before getting into it, our hosts note that podcast listeners can now comment online and encourage engagement.
  9247.  
  9248. Lanai begins by discussing the history of luau at Iolani Palace, with anecdotes about what it was like during the time of the royals. “It’s a party!” He discusses the Paradise Cove luau on Oahu and the award-winning performers it features. Lanai discusses luau menus as being more broad than a traditional Hawaiian luau to accommodate many different cultures and diets.
  9249.  
  9250. Bruce says that while commercial luau might be considered “touristy”, everyone should experience it. Lanai points out that the sunset at the Paradise Cove luau is spectacular. Our hosts discuss a variety of other Hawaii luau, including the one at the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu. It features many Polynesian cultures, including Samoan, Tahitian, and Maori.
  9251.  
  9252. The Smith Family Luau on Kauai and the Drums of the Pacific at the Hyatt Kaanapali on Maui are mentioned as exceptional. Our hosts note that Maui’s Old Lahaina Luau is hugely popular and should be booked well in advance. Bruce says that his favorite Big Island luau is at the King Kamehameha Hotel in Kona, called the Island Breeze Luau. The Sheraton Luau is also noted. Te Au Manoa at the Wailea Beach Marriott and the Feast of Lele on Maui are mentioned as sit-down luau, as opposed to the more common buffet-style feast.
  9253.  
  9254. Bruce points out that there are more than 40 regular luau on Oahu. The Chief’s Luau is mentioned as quite entertaining and the affable host. Our hosts talk about open bar luau and offer a number of luau suggestions for all islands.
  9255.  
  9256. Enjoy this week’s Hawaii Vacation Connection Luau Podcast and leave your comments and location on the podcast page!</description>
  9257. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/luaus.mp3" length="5844471" type="audio/mpeg" />
  9258. <itunes:subtitle>The Hawaiian luau is the subject of this week’s Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, with Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura delving deep into a symbol of Hawaii’s Aloha Spirit and generous hospitality. Before getting into it,</itunes:subtitle>
  9259. <itunes:summary>The Hawaiian luau is the subject of this week’s Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, with Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura delving deep into a symbol of Hawaii’s Aloha Spirit and generous hospitality. Before getting into it, our hosts note that podcast listeners can now comment online and encourage engagement.&lt;br /&gt;
  9260. &lt;br /&gt;
  9261. Lanai begins by discussing the history of luau at Iolani Palace, with anecdotes about what it was like during the time of the royals. “It’s a party!” He discusses the Paradise Cove luau on Oahu and the award-winning performers it features. Lanai discusses luau menus as being more broad than a traditional Hawaiian luau to accommodate many different cultures and diets.&lt;br /&gt;
  9262. &lt;br /&gt;
  9263. Bruce says that while commercial luau might be considered “touristy”, everyone should experience it. Lanai points out that the sunset at the Paradise Cove luau is spectacular. Our hosts discuss a variety of other Hawaii luau, including the one at the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu. It features many Polynesian cultures, including Samoan, Tahitian, and Maori.&lt;br /&gt;
  9264. &lt;br /&gt;
  9265. The Smith Family Luau on Kauai and the Drums of the Pacific at the Hyatt Kaanapali on Maui are mentioned as exceptional. Our hosts note that Maui’s Old Lahaina Luau is hugely popular and should be booked well in advance. Bruce says that his favorite Big Island luau is at the King Kamehameha Hotel in Kona, called the Island Breeze Luau. The Sheraton Luau is also noted. Te Au Manoa at the Wailea Beach Marriott and the Feast of Lele on Maui are mentioned as sit-down luau, as opposed to the more common buffet-style feast.&lt;br /&gt;
  9266. &lt;br /&gt;
  9267. Bruce points out that there are more than 40 regular luau on Oahu. The Chief’s Luau is mentioned as quite entertaining and the affable host. Our hosts talk about open bar luau and offer a number of luau suggestions for all islands.&lt;br /&gt;
  9268. &lt;br /&gt;
  9269. Enjoy this week’s Hawaii Vacation Connection Luau Podcast and leave your comments and location on the podcast page!</itunes:summary>
  9270. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  9271. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  9272. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  9273. <itunes:duration>16:14</itunes:duration>
  9274. </item>
  9275. <item>
  9276. <title>Hawaii Vacation Insurance</title>
  9277. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/37091/</link>
  9278. <pubDate>Sun, 07 Jul 2019 22:23:16 +0000</pubDate>
  9279. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37091</guid>
  9280. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/37091/#respond</comments>
  9281. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/37091/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  9282. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  9283. <description>Our most recent Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast tackles the important topic of Hawaii Vacation Insurance. Aloha Bruce and Emmy Award- winner Lanai Tabura offer their vast expertise on being prepared for the unexpected. Unfortunate as it may be, even the most perfectly-planned holiday can go wrong: cancelled flights, botched reservations, or, Heaven forbid, injuries or health issues. Bruce and Lanai agree that purchasing travel waivers and/or travel insurance are the best way to safeguard against surprise problems during a Hawaii vacation.
  9284.  
  9285. Aloha Bruce breaks down the difference between Hawaii Vacation Insurance and travel waivers and travel insurance. He explains that travel waivers allow travelers to cancel their trip before their departure “right up until you get on the plane. Bruce notes that travel waivers are a particularly beneficial for travelers booking far in advance of the actual trip. More time before the trip means more time for life to get in the way. Waivers ensure that you won’t be penalized for rotten luck.
  9286.  
  9287. Travel insurance covers you during your vacation. Bruce notes that adding insurance to a travel waiver is just a few dollars added to the cost of the waiver. He says that the size of the party traveling is an important factor to consider when deciding on waivers and insurance. Lanai discusses an affordable policy he holds for travel to Japan that is comprehensive in its coverage. Bruce suggests checking with your own current insurance companies about travel insurance, and how many credit card companies offer travel insurance and waivers.
  9288.  
  9289. Above all, Bruce says, is having someone to work with personally in the event that something does go wrong during a Hawaii vacation. He mentions the good work of the people at the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii, an organization that assists Hawaii visitors and their families in the event of crime, injuries or poor health, or any other personal calamity that befalls travelers all over the world each and every day.
  9290.  
  9291. Aloha Bruce reminds listeners that Hawaii-Aloha Travel always provide unparalleled personal service, especially in the event of a Hawaii vacation snafu. We do everything and everything to help when things go wrong.</description>
  9292. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/insurance.mp3" length="5216148" type="audio/mpeg" />
  9293. <itunes:subtitle>Our most recent Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast tackles the important topic of Hawaii Vacation Insurance. Aloha Bruce and Emmy Award- winner Lanai Tabura offer their vast expertise on being prepared for the unexpected. Unfortunate as it may be,</itunes:subtitle>
  9294. <itunes:summary>Our most recent Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast tackles the important topic of Hawaii Vacation Insurance. Aloha Bruce and Emmy Award- winner Lanai Tabura offer their vast expertise on being prepared for the unexpected. Unfortunate as it may be, even the most perfectly-planned holiday can go wrong: cancelled flights, botched reservations, or, Heaven forbid, injuries or health issues. Bruce and Lanai agree that purchasing travel waivers and/or travel insurance are the best way to safeguard against surprise problems during a Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  9295. &lt;br /&gt;
  9296. Aloha Bruce breaks down the difference between Hawaii Vacation Insurance and travel waivers and travel insurance. He explains that travel waivers allow travelers to cancel their trip before their departure “right up until you get on the plane. Bruce notes that travel waivers are a particularly beneficial for travelers booking far in advance of the actual trip. More time before the trip means more time for life to get in the way. Waivers ensure that you won’t be penalized for rotten luck.&lt;br /&gt;
  9297. &lt;br /&gt;
  9298. Travel insurance covers you during your vacation. Bruce notes that adding insurance to a travel waiver is just a few dollars added to the cost of the waiver. He says that the size of the party traveling is an important factor to consider when deciding on waivers and insurance. Lanai discusses an affordable policy he holds for travel to Japan that is comprehensive in its coverage. Bruce suggests checking with your own current insurance companies about travel insurance, and how many credit card companies offer travel insurance and waivers.&lt;br /&gt;
  9299. &lt;br /&gt;
  9300. Above all, Bruce says, is having someone to work with personally in the event that something does go wrong during a Hawaii vacation. He mentions the good work of the people at the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii, an organization that assists Hawaii visitors and their families in the event of crime, injuries or poor health, or any other personal calamity that befalls travelers all over the world each and every day.&lt;br /&gt;
  9301. &lt;br /&gt;
  9302. Aloha Bruce reminds listeners that Hawaii-Aloha Travel always provide unparalleled personal service, especially in the event of a Hawaii vacation snafu. We do everything and everything to help when things go wrong.</itunes:summary>
  9303. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  9304. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  9305. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  9306. <itunes:duration>14:29</itunes:duration>
  9307. </item>
  9308. <item>
  9309. <title>Boutique hotels in Hawaii</title>
  9310. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/boutique-hotels-in-hawaii/</link>
  9311. <pubDate>Sun, 23 Jun 2019 18:08:40 +0000</pubDate>
  9312. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=37062</guid>
  9313. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/boutique-hotels-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  9314. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/boutique-hotels-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  9315. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  9316. <description>Our latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast delves into the captivating world of boutique hotels in the Hawaiian Islands. Join hosts Aloha Bruce and Emmy-winner Lanai Tabura as they shed light on why these accommodations are an excellent choice for your Hawaii vacation.
  9317.  
  9318.  
  9319.  
  9320. Before delving into the boutique hotel experience, Bruce takes a moment to share exciting news about Alaska Airfare reductions and special deals for travel in September and October, emphasizing Hawaii Aloha Travel&#039;s commitment to providing exceptional, personalized service to travelers. With these enticing announcements, the conversation smoothly transitions to the charm of Hawaii&#039;s boutique hotels.
  9321.  
  9322.  
  9323.  
  9324. Bruce underscores a fundamental characteristic of boutique hotels in Hawaii: their intimate scale compared to sprawling resort properties. While these boutique hotels may offer fewer on-property amenities, they compensate with unparalleled personal service and more comfortable room accommodations.
  9325.  
  9326.  
  9327.  
  9328. The hosts spotlight a few notable boutique properties, including a new Aqua establishment in Waikiki featuring deluxe rooms. Bruce highlights the Queen Kapiolani, while Lanai shares his personal favorite, the New Otani Hotel in Waikiki. They also mention the Laylow and Surfjack, emphasizing their prime locations.
  9329.  
  9330.  
  9331.  
  9332. Moving on to Kauai, Aloha Bruce discusses the refurbishment of Koa Kea, a boutique hotel that faced extensive damage from a historic storm. The hosts remark that Kauai&#039;s hotel landscape is predominantly low-rise, even among larger properties like the Sheraton. The Cliffs at Princeville is recommended, albeit a bit on the pricey side, for its exceptional quality. Koloa Landing on Kauai&#039;s Gold Coast also gets a well-deserved mention.
  9333.  
  9334.  
  9335.  
  9336. On the Big Island, Bruce and Lanai touch upon options like the King Kamehameha and the Sheraton Keahou. Lanai highlights the newly renovated and rebranded New Naniloa in Hilo, which features stunning artwork by Kim Taylor Reece. Bruce distinguishes between the Fairmont and Four Seasons on the Big Island.
  9337.  
  9338.  
  9339.  
  9340. The conversation then turns to more affordable boutique hotel choices, such as The Modern in Waikiki, a favored pick by Bruce. Lanai recommends the tranquil and all-inclusive Hotel Hana, Maui, known for its solitude and diverse package offerings. Bruce wraps up the podcast with an enticing offer from Hawaii Aloha Travel for the Luana in Waikiki and a mention of other fantastic deals available for boutique hotels throughout Hawaii.
  9341.  
  9342.  
  9343.  
  9344. Whether you&#039;re seeking a personalized experience, a romantic getaway, or a taste of Hawaiian charm, boutique hotels in the islands offer an inviting and distinctive way to savor your Hawaiian vacation. Tune in to the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast for more insights and travel tips.</description>
  9345. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/botiquehotels.mp3" length="5565902" type="audio/mpeg" />
  9346. <itunes:subtitle>Our latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast delves into the captivating world of boutique hotels in the Hawaiian Islands. Join hosts Aloha Bruce and Emmy-winner Lanai Tabura as they shed light on why these accommodations are an excelle...</itunes:subtitle>
  9347. <itunes:summary>Our latest episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast delves into the captivating world of boutique hotels in the Hawaiian Islands. Join hosts Aloha Bruce and Emmy-winner Lanai Tabura as they shed light on why these accommodations are an excellent choice for your Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  9348. &lt;br /&gt;
  9349. &lt;br /&gt;
  9350. &lt;br /&gt;
  9351. Before delving into the boutique hotel experience, Bruce takes a moment to share exciting news about Alaska Airfare reductions and special deals for travel in September and October, emphasizing Hawaii Aloha Travel&#039;s commitment to providing exceptional, personalized service to travelers. With these enticing announcements, the conversation smoothly transitions to the charm of Hawaii&#039;s boutique hotels.&lt;br /&gt;
  9352. &lt;br /&gt;
  9353. &lt;br /&gt;
  9354. &lt;br /&gt;
  9355. Bruce underscores a fundamental characteristic of boutique hotels in Hawaii: their intimate scale compared to sprawling resort properties. While these boutique hotels may offer fewer on-property amenities, they compensate with unparalleled personal service and more comfortable room accommodations.&lt;br /&gt;
  9356. &lt;br /&gt;
  9357. &lt;br /&gt;
  9358. &lt;br /&gt;
  9359. The hosts spotlight a few notable boutique properties, including a new Aqua establishment in Waikiki featuring deluxe rooms. Bruce highlights the Queen Kapiolani, while Lanai shares his personal favorite, the New Otani Hotel in Waikiki. They also mention the Laylow and Surfjack, emphasizing their prime locations.&lt;br /&gt;
  9360. &lt;br /&gt;
  9361. &lt;br /&gt;
  9362. &lt;br /&gt;
  9363. Moving on to Kauai, Aloha Bruce discusses the refurbishment of Koa Kea, a boutique hotel that faced extensive damage from a historic storm. The hosts remark that Kauai&#039;s hotel landscape is predominantly low-rise, even among larger properties like the Sheraton. The Cliffs at Princeville is recommended, albeit a bit on the pricey side, for its exceptional quality. Koloa Landing on Kauai&#039;s Gold Coast also gets a well-deserved mention.&lt;br /&gt;
  9364. &lt;br /&gt;
  9365. &lt;br /&gt;
  9366. &lt;br /&gt;
  9367. On the Big Island, Bruce and Lanai touch upon options like the King Kamehameha and the Sheraton Keahou. Lanai highlights the newly renovated and rebranded New Naniloa in Hilo, which features stunning artwork by Kim Taylor Reece. Bruce distinguishes between the Fairmont and Four Seasons on the Big Island.&lt;br /&gt;
  9368. &lt;br /&gt;
  9369. &lt;br /&gt;
  9370. &lt;br /&gt;
  9371. The conversation then turns to more affordable boutique hotel choices, such as The Modern in Waikiki, a favored pick by Bruce. Lanai recommends the tranquil and all-inclusive Hotel Hana, Maui, known for its solitude and diverse package offerings. Bruce wraps up the podcast with an enticing offer from Hawaii Aloha Travel for the Luana in Waikiki and a mention of other fantastic deals available for boutique hotels throughout Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  9372. &lt;br /&gt;
  9373. &lt;br /&gt;
  9374. &lt;br /&gt;
  9375. Whether you&#039;re seeking a personalized experience, a romantic getaway, or a taste of Hawaiian charm, boutique hotels in the islands offer an inviting and distinctive way to savor your Hawaiian vacation. Tune in to the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast for more insights and travel tips.</itunes:summary>
  9376. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  9377. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  9378. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  9379. <itunes:duration>15:28</itunes:duration>
  9380. </item>
  9381. <item>
  9382. <title>Hawaiian Culture Offerings at Hotels in Hawaii</title>
  9383. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaiian-culture-offerings-at-hotels-in-hawaii/</link>
  9384. <pubDate>Sun, 19 May 2019 21:33:55 +0000</pubDate>
  9385. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=36985</guid>
  9386. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaiian-culture-offerings-at-hotels-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  9387. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaiian-culture-offerings-at-hotels-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  9388. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  9389. <description>Hawaiian cultural activities offerings at Hotels in Hawaii is the topic of our newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Visitor industry research indicates that Hawaiian culture is the most sought-after experience for Hawaii visitors. Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura share their expert local knowledge about how best to experience Hawaii culture on your Hawaii vacation.
  9390.  
  9391. Many or most of Hawaii resorts strive to offer programming that highlights and celebrates Hawaiian culture. Bruce notes that the Outrigger chain excels in that regard. Lanai speaks of the importance of kukui nut oil and its many uses, from culinary applications to healing properties.
  9392.  
  9393. Hawaiian culture offerings at Hotels in Hawaii Many feature Hawaiian music as part of their cultural programming. It’s quite effective in attracting visitors, and famous hotels like the Royal Hawaiian focus on cultural engagement to provide authentic experiences as part of the visitor experience.
  9394.  
  9395. Bruce and Lanai discuss the history of a number of historic Waikiki hotels and how they have re-branded and maintained Hawaiian culture programming. They note new ownership’s approach to maintaining classic Hawaiian culture at properties like the New Otani Hotel.
  9396.  
  9397. The fish-feeding tank at the Alohilani and Prince Waikiki Hotel are noted for their cultural programming, as well as several other Neighbor Island hotels that focus on Hawaiian culture on Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island. Our hosts share their expert knowledge about which hotels provide experiences. The Kaanapali Beach Hotel is noted as a resort property that stays true to historic themes of Hawaiian hospitality, and one of the best places to experience humpback whale season.
  9398.  
  9399. Bruce observes that the cultural programming at Napili Bay is exceptional for its attention to educating children and their families about traditional Hawaiian foodways, agricultural practices, hula dancing. Lanai speaks to the history of traditional Hawaiian music and the explosion of slack key guitar in world music.
  9400. Fairmont Hawaii offers canoe-paddling and olelo Hawaii (Hawaiian language). Bruce talks about his favorite museum displays and interactive experiences that bring Hawaii visitors directly into the history and lifestyle of Hawaii.
  9401.  
  9402. Our most recent podcast gives listeners an insider’s look at the most popular and authentic cultural experiences that Hawaii has to offers. Some are free, some aren’t. Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura know better than most how to find the most rewarding Hawaiian cultural activities.
  9403.  
  9404. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  9405. Get Help Planning Your Trip</description>
  9406. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/culture-activities.mp3" length="6766291" type="audio/mpeg" />
  9407. <itunes:subtitle>Hawaiian cultural activities offerings at Hotels in Hawaii is the topic of our newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Visitor industry research indicates that Hawaiian culture is the most sought-after experience for Hawaii visitors.</itunes:subtitle>
  9408. <itunes:summary>Hawaiian cultural activities offerings at Hotels in Hawaii is the topic of our newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Visitor industry research indicates that Hawaiian culture is the most sought-after experience for Hawaii visitors. Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura share their expert local knowledge about how best to experience Hawaii culture on your Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  9409. &lt;br /&gt;
  9410. Many or most of Hawaii resorts strive to offer programming that highlights and celebrates Hawaiian culture. Bruce notes that the Outrigger chain excels in that regard. Lanai speaks of the importance of kukui nut oil and its many uses, from culinary applications to healing properties.&lt;br /&gt;
  9411. &lt;br /&gt;
  9412. Hawaiian culture offerings at Hotels in Hawaii Many feature Hawaiian music as part of their cultural programming. It’s quite effective in attracting visitors, and famous hotels like the Royal Hawaiian focus on cultural engagement to provide authentic experiences as part of the visitor experience.&lt;br /&gt;
  9413. &lt;br /&gt;
  9414. Bruce and Lanai discuss the history of a number of historic Waikiki hotels and how they have re-branded and maintained Hawaiian culture programming. They note new ownership’s approach to maintaining classic Hawaiian culture at properties like the New Otani Hotel.&lt;br /&gt;
  9415. &lt;br /&gt;
  9416. The fish-feeding tank at the Alohilani and Prince Waikiki Hotel are noted for their cultural programming, as well as several other Neighbor Island hotels that focus on Hawaiian culture on Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island. Our hosts share their expert knowledge about which hotels provide experiences. The Kaanapali Beach Hotel is noted as a resort property that stays true to historic themes of Hawaiian hospitality, and one of the best places to experience humpback whale season.&lt;br /&gt;
  9417. &lt;br /&gt;
  9418. Bruce observes that the cultural programming at Napili Bay is exceptional for its attention to educating children and their families about traditional Hawaiian foodways, agricultural practices, hula dancing. Lanai speaks to the history of traditional Hawaiian music and the explosion of slack key guitar in world music.&lt;br /&gt;
  9419. Fairmont Hawaii offers canoe-paddling and olelo Hawaii (Hawaiian language). Bruce talks about his favorite museum displays and interactive experiences that bring Hawaii visitors directly into the history and lifestyle of Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  9420. &lt;br /&gt;
  9421. Our most recent podcast gives listeners an insider’s look at the most popular and authentic cultural experiences that Hawaii has to offers. Some are free, some aren’t. Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura know better than most how to find the most rewarding Hawaiian cultural activities.&lt;br /&gt;
  9422. &lt;br /&gt;
  9423. &lt;br /&gt;
  9424. &lt;br /&gt;
  9425. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  9426. &lt;br /&gt;
  9427. &lt;br /&gt;
  9428. &lt;br /&gt;
  9429. &lt;br /&gt;
  9430. Get Help Planning Your Trip</itunes:summary>
  9431. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  9432. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  9433. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  9434. <itunes:duration>18:48</itunes:duration>
  9435. </item>
  9436. <item>
  9437. <title>Guide to Tipping in Hawaii</title>
  9438. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/guide-to-tipping-in-hawaii/</link>
  9439. <pubDate>Sun, 12 May 2019 18:29:57 +0000</pubDate>
  9440. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=36980</guid>
  9441. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/guide-to-tipping-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  9442. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/guide-to-tipping-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  9443. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  9444. <description>On our most recent Hawaii Vacations Connection Podcast has Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura talk about tipping in Hawaii. With their typically easy-going style, our hosts talk about how to determine whom to tip and how much.
  9445.  
  9446. Lanai notes that cultures in Japan, China, and Australia do not tip, which disappoints servers in Hawaii. Those cultures have much higher minimum wages compared to workers in Hawaii, many of whom depend on tips as part of their incoming.
  9447.  
  9448. Bruce and Lanai talk about tipping bell clerks and valets, and how they are your “front line” on a Hawaii vacation. Lanai has a helpful tip for tipping valets when you park your rental car. Lanai notes that his private tours often tip him. Bruce and Lanai say it’s also important to tip housekeepers. Lanai also says its nice to tip baggage porters. Our hosts also not that large-tour bus drivers also appreciate tips.
  9449.  
  9450. Bruce says he’s seeing a “gratuity included” charge for many services, because workers are often not tipped. Bruce notes the cultural differences when tipping. In fact, some cultures may even view tipping as an insult to the worker/server. Lanai discusses how he has hosted week-long tours for millionaires who ended up not tipping him.
  9451.  
  9452. Lanai talks about tipping in bars and restaurants, and how bartenders are permitted to offer free cocktails to customers, and that tipping well could see the bartender make your next round free. Aloha Bruce says that anytime you’re receiving a service, you should include a tip.
  9453.  
  9454. Lanai says that tipping in Hawaii boils down to “karma”. If someone does something nice for you, you should return the favor. It is truly the Spirit of Aloha. Take care of your servers in Hawaii!
  9455.  
  9456. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  9457. Get Help Planning Your Trip</description>
  9458. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/tipping.mp3" length="5346151" type="audio/mpeg" />
  9459. <itunes:subtitle>On our most recent Hawaii Vacations Connection Podcast has Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura talk about tipping in Hawaii. With their typically easy-going style, our hosts talk about how to determine whom to tip and how much.  </itunes:subtitle>
  9460. <itunes:summary>On our most recent Hawaii Vacations Connection Podcast has Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura talk about tipping in Hawaii. With their typically easy-going style, our hosts talk about how to determine whom to tip and how much.&lt;br /&gt;
  9461. &lt;br /&gt;
  9462. Lanai notes that cultures in Japan, China, and Australia do not tip, which disappoints servers in Hawaii. Those cultures have much higher minimum wages compared to workers in Hawaii, many of whom depend on tips as part of their incoming.&lt;br /&gt;
  9463. &lt;br /&gt;
  9464. Bruce and Lanai talk about tipping bell clerks and valets, and how they are your “front line” on a Hawaii vacation. Lanai has a helpful tip for tipping valets when you park your rental car. Lanai notes that his private tours often tip him. Bruce and Lanai say it’s also important to tip housekeepers. Lanai also says its nice to tip baggage porters. Our hosts also not that large-tour bus drivers also appreciate tips.&lt;br /&gt;
  9465. &lt;br /&gt;
  9466. Bruce says he’s seeing a “gratuity included” charge for many services, because workers are often not tipped. Bruce notes the cultural differences when tipping. In fact, some cultures may even view tipping as an insult to the worker/server. Lanai discusses how he has hosted week-long tours for millionaires who ended up not tipping him.&lt;br /&gt;
  9467. &lt;br /&gt;
  9468. Lanai talks about tipping in bars and restaurants, and how bartenders are permitted to offer free cocktails to customers, and that tipping well could see the bartender make your next round free. Aloha Bruce says that anytime you’re receiving a service, you should include a tip.&lt;br /&gt;
  9469. &lt;br /&gt;
  9470. Lanai says that tipping in Hawaii boils down to “karma”. If someone does something nice for you, you should return the favor. It is truly the Spirit of Aloha. Take care of your servers in Hawaii!&lt;br /&gt;
  9471. &lt;br /&gt;
  9472. &lt;br /&gt;
  9473. &lt;br /&gt;
  9474. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  9475. &lt;br /&gt;
  9476. &lt;br /&gt;
  9477. &lt;br /&gt;
  9478. &lt;br /&gt;
  9479. Get Help Planning Your Trip</itunes:summary>
  9480. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  9481. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  9482. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  9483. <itunes:duration>14:51</itunes:duration>
  9484. </item>
  9485. <item>
  9486. <title>Honolulu&#8217;s Chinatown</title>
  9487. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/oahus-chinatown/</link>
  9488. <pubDate>Sat, 27 Apr 2019 23:36:07 +0000</pubDate>
  9489. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=36942</guid>
  9490. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/oahus-chinatown/#respond</comments>
  9491. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/oahus-chinatown/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  9492. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  9493. <description>The history of Honolulu’s Chinatown is explored on our newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura have a lively discussion about how Chinatown came to be, and the history of the Chinese in Hawaii.
  9494.  
  9495. With his typically vast knowledge of Hawaii’s past, Lanai explains that the first Chinese arrived in Hawaii all the way back in 1780. They found work under King Kamehameha as carpenters when the sandalwood trade was booming in the early 1800s. Many Chinese found success as merchants near Honolulu Harbor. This was the beginning of Chinatown as we know it.
  9496.  
  9497. Lanai also notes that many of the unique buildings in Chinatown were built around the same time, just after the Great Fire that decimated the neighborhood. May6 of Chinatown’s buildings have their year of construction featured in their faces, usually 1908-1910.
  9498.  
  9499. Lanai and Bruce also recall the seedy days of Chinatown, and its rebirth as a sophisticated arts district and a hotbed of innovative new restaurants and young chefs and restauranteurs. Critically-acclaimed places like Pig &amp; the Lady, Encore, and Lucky Belly are noted, as well as a handful of excellent pizza joints.
  9500. Chinatown was once a theater district. Lanai talks about childhood memories of visiting a number of movie houses in Chinatown. He also discusses Chinatown’s history of gambling and prostitution. About 15-20 years ago, Chinatown underwent a makeover into the vibrant area it is today.
  9501.  
  9502. But old Chinatown can still be found in the traditional fish markets and dim sum and noodle shops that still serve a large Chinese community. Chinatown is now a multi-ethnic area as Honolulu’s demographics changes.
  9503.  
  9504. Lanai also points out that Honolulu’s Chinatown is different from others in San Francisco and Los Angeles because of its diversity. He also addresses the homeless in the area as typical of any big city, and the best and safest times to visit. Join Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura as they offer their unique expertise on Chinatown and how to experience it
  9505. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  9506. Get Help Planning Your Trip</description>
  9507. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/chinatown.mp3" length="5434854" type="audio/mpeg" />
  9508. <itunes:subtitle>The history of Honolulu’s Chinatown is explored on our newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura have a lively discussion about how Chinatown came to be, and the history of the Chinese in Hawaii.  </itunes:subtitle>
  9509. <itunes:summary>The history of Honolulu’s Chinatown is explored on our newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura have a lively discussion about how Chinatown came to be, and the history of the Chinese in Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  9510. &lt;br /&gt;
  9511. With his typically vast knowledge of Hawaii’s past, Lanai explains that the first Chinese arrived in Hawaii all the way back in 1780. They found work under King Kamehameha as carpenters when the sandalwood trade was booming in the early 1800s. Many Chinese found success as merchants near Honolulu Harbor. This was the beginning of Chinatown as we know it.&lt;br /&gt;
  9512. &lt;br /&gt;
  9513. Lanai also notes that many of the unique buildings in Chinatown were built around the same time, just after the Great Fire that decimated the neighborhood. May6 of Chinatown’s buildings have their year of construction featured in their faces, usually 1908-1910.&lt;br /&gt;
  9514. &lt;br /&gt;
  9515. Lanai and Bruce also recall the seedy days of Chinatown, and its rebirth as a sophisticated arts district and a hotbed of innovative new restaurants and young chefs and restauranteurs. Critically-acclaimed places like Pig &amp; the Lady, Encore, and Lucky Belly are noted, as well as a handful of excellent pizza joints.&lt;br /&gt;
  9516. Chinatown was once a theater district. Lanai talks about childhood memories of visiting a number of movie houses in Chinatown. He also discusses Chinatown’s history of gambling and prostitution. About 15-20 years ago, Chinatown underwent a makeover into the vibrant area it is today.&lt;br /&gt;
  9517. &lt;br /&gt;
  9518. But old Chinatown can still be found in the traditional fish markets and dim sum and noodle shops that still serve a large Chinese community. Chinatown is now a multi-ethnic area as Honolulu’s demographics changes.&lt;br /&gt;
  9519. &lt;br /&gt;
  9520. Lanai also points out that Honolulu’s Chinatown is different from others in San Francisco and Los Angeles because of its diversity. He also addresses the homeless in the area as typical of any big city, and the best and safest times to visit. Join Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura as they offer their unique expertise on Chinatown and how to experience it&lt;br /&gt;
  9521. &lt;br /&gt;
  9522. &lt;br /&gt;
  9523. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  9524. &lt;br /&gt;
  9525. &lt;br /&gt;
  9526. &lt;br /&gt;
  9527. &lt;br /&gt;
  9528. Get Help Planning Your Trip</itunes:summary>
  9529. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  9530. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  9531. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  9532. <itunes:duration>15:06</itunes:duration>
  9533. </item>
  9534. <item>
  9535. <title>Hawaiian pidgin English</title>
  9536. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaiian-pidgin-english/</link>
  9537. <pubDate>Sat, 06 Apr 2019 18:14:23 +0000</pubDate>
  9538. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=36932</guid>
  9539. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaiian-pidgin-english/#respond</comments>
  9540. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaiian-pidgin-english/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  9541. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  9542. <description>Eh, Brah! Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura go deep into the language of Hawaiian pidgin English on the newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast for Hawaii visitors.
  9543.  
  9544. Lanai explains that Hawaiian pidgin is essentially broken English. It is built on both English and the words and phrases used in the native Hawaiian language, and those of the Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, and Portuguese plantation workers who flocked to the Hawaiian Islands as the sugar industry flourished in the 1800’s.
  9545. A multi-cultural blend of workers gathered for lunch each day back then, everyone contributing to a makeshift language that helped them work together. Aloha Bruce and Lanai get to the bottom of Hawaii euphemisms like “da kine” and “bumbay”. They discuss how Hawaiian pidgin was a short-cut through language barriers.
  9546.  
  9547. Lanai makes the important point that Hawaiian pidgin comes from Hawaiian people who taught the newcomers how to share not just food and lodgings and labor, but language as well. He also reminds us of the impact of the seminal and hilarious book Pidgin To Da Max, published way back in 1981 and read by pretty much everyone in Hawaii.
  9548. In the same way Hawaii’s foods reflect its broad cultural spectrum, Hawaiian pidgin is a stew of languages and cultural identities and attitudes. In the plantation days, there were many languages prevalent amid the cane and pineapple fields. Rugged Portuguese paniolo herded cattle as workers from the Far East managed crops nearby. Back then, verbal short-cuts were a vital part of keeping things running smoothly.
  9549.  
  9550. Hawaiian pidgin is a big part of the modern “Aloha Spirit”. Aloha Bruce and Lanai offer their unique local insight into Hawaiian pidgin on our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. And check out Lanai Tabura’s new app “Pidgin 101”. It’s available across all platforms, and its a fun way to learn about pidgin in Hawaii.</description>
  9551. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/pidgin101.mp3" length="6131820" type="audio/mpeg" />
  9552. <itunes:subtitle>Eh, Brah! Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura go deep into the language of Hawaiian pidgin English on the newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast for Hawaii visitors.  Lanai explains that Hawaiian pidgin is essentially broken English.</itunes:subtitle>
  9553. <itunes:summary>Eh, Brah! Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura go deep into the language of Hawaiian pidgin English on the newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast for Hawaii visitors.&lt;br /&gt;
  9554. &lt;br /&gt;
  9555. Lanai explains that Hawaiian pidgin is essentially broken English. It is built on both English and the words and phrases used in the native Hawaiian language, and those of the Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, and Portuguese plantation workers who flocked to the Hawaiian Islands as the sugar industry flourished in the 1800’s.&lt;br /&gt;
  9556. A multi-cultural blend of workers gathered for lunch each day back then, everyone contributing to a makeshift language that helped them work together. Aloha Bruce and Lanai get to the bottom of Hawaii euphemisms like “da kine” and “bumbay”. They discuss how Hawaiian pidgin was a short-cut through language barriers.&lt;br /&gt;
  9557. &lt;br /&gt;
  9558. Lanai makes the important point that Hawaiian pidgin comes from Hawaiian people who taught the newcomers how to share not just food and lodgings and labor, but language as well. He also reminds us of the impact of the seminal and hilarious book Pidgin To Da Max, published way back in 1981 and read by pretty much everyone in Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  9559. In the same way Hawaii’s foods reflect its broad cultural spectrum, Hawaiian pidgin is a stew of languages and cultural identities and attitudes. In the plantation days, there were many languages prevalent amid the cane and pineapple fields. Rugged Portuguese paniolo herded cattle as workers from the Far East managed crops nearby. Back then, verbal short-cuts were a vital part of keeping things running smoothly.&lt;br /&gt;
  9560. &lt;br /&gt;
  9561. Hawaiian pidgin is a big part of the modern “Aloha Spirit”. Aloha Bruce and Lanai offer their unique local insight into Hawaiian pidgin on our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. And check out Lanai Tabura’s new app “Pidgin 101”. It’s available across all platforms, and its a fun way to learn about pidgin in Hawaii.</itunes:summary>
  9562. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  9563. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  9564. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  9565. <itunes:duration>17:02</itunes:duration>
  9566. </item>
  9567. <item>
  9568. <title>What&#8217;s the weather like in Hawaii?</title>
  9569. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/whats-the-weather-like-in-hawaii/</link>
  9570. <pubDate>Fri, 15 Mar 2019 18:03:08 +0000</pubDate>
  9571. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=36898</guid>
  9572. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/whats-the-weather-like-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  9573. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/whats-the-weather-like-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  9574. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  9575. <description>On our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura answer the seemingly silly but very relevant question, What’s the weather like in Hawaii?
  9576.  
  9577. Of course, the weather in the Aloha State is almost always perfect.  We enjoy mostly sunny skies and warm temperatures. This is a big part of what makes Hawaii such an ideal vacation destination. But we do have stretches of chilly, rainy weather. Recent snowfalls at Mauna Kea on the Big Island and Haleakala Crater on Maui have made national and international headlines.
  9578. Aloha Bruce and Lanai talk about how visitors should be prepared for wind and rain at any time of the year. They’ll share their expert local knowledge about Hawaii’s rainy season, and about summertime months that can get uncomfortably warm and muggy.
  9579. Hawaii is home to 10 of the Earth’s 13 climate zones. Visitors who plan to explore areas beyond beachfront resorts should know what to reasonably expect of weather conditions. Going to the summit of Mauna Kea or Haleakala? Best to pack a good jacket. Visiting the leeward side of any of the Hawaiian Islands? It’s likely to be hot and breezeless. Windward locations are famous for their buffeting ocean breezes.
  9580.  
  9581. There are many microclimate parts of Hawaii as well. With the kind of insights that only longtime and lifetime residents can provide, Aloha Bruce and Lanai break down the realities of the impact the weather can have on a Hawaii vacation. Afterall, we have a hurricane season here. And wildfire season, too. The important part is knowing what to expect and being prepared. (You can also read our recent blog about chilly weather in Hawaii.)
  9582.  
  9583. There’s no one better to help you negotiate the elements when planning or enjoying a Hawaii vacation than Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura and their Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Join us for the latest edition, and get the inside scoop on where and what to expect from Hawaii’s unique climate and weather patterns.</description>
  9584. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/weather_in-hawaii.mp3" length="4518167" type="audio/mpeg" />
  9585. <itunes:subtitle>On our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura answer the seemingly silly but very relevant question, What’s the weather like in Hawaii?  Of course, the weather in the Aloha State is almost always perfect.</itunes:subtitle>
  9586. <itunes:summary>On our latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura answer the seemingly silly but very relevant question, What’s the weather like in Hawaii?&lt;br /&gt;
  9587. &lt;br /&gt;
  9588. Of course, the weather in the Aloha State is almost always perfect.  We enjoy mostly sunny skies and warm temperatures. This is a big part of what makes Hawaii such an ideal vacation destination. But we do have stretches of chilly, rainy weather. Recent snowfalls at Mauna Kea on the Big Island and Haleakala Crater on Maui have made national and international headlines.&lt;br /&gt;
  9589. Aloha Bruce and Lanai talk about how visitors should be prepared for wind and rain at any time of the year. They’ll share their expert local knowledge about Hawaii’s rainy season, and about summertime months that can get uncomfortably warm and muggy.&lt;br /&gt;
  9590. Hawaii is home to 10 of the Earth’s 13 climate zones. Visitors who plan to explore areas beyond beachfront resorts should know what to reasonably expect of weather conditions. Going to the summit of Mauna Kea or Haleakala? Best to pack a good jacket. Visiting the leeward side of any of the Hawaiian Islands? It’s likely to be hot and breezeless. Windward locations are famous for their buffeting ocean breezes.&lt;br /&gt;
  9591. &lt;br /&gt;
  9592. There are many microclimate parts of Hawaii as well. With the kind of insights that only longtime and lifetime residents can provide, Aloha Bruce and Lanai break down the realities of the impact the weather can have on a Hawaii vacation. Afterall, we have a hurricane season here. And wildfire season, too. The important part is knowing what to expect and being prepared. (You can also read our recent blog about chilly weather in Hawaii.)&lt;br /&gt;
  9593. &lt;br /&gt;
  9594. There’s no one better to help you negotiate the elements when planning or enjoying a Hawaii vacation than Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura and their Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. Join us for the latest edition, and get the inside scoop on where and what to expect from Hawaii’s unique climate and weather patterns.</itunes:summary>
  9595. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  9596. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  9597. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  9598. <itunes:duration>12:33</itunes:duration>
  9599. </item>
  9600. <item>
  9601. <title>Hawaii Honeymoon Tips</title>
  9602. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-honeymoon-tips/</link>
  9603. <pubDate>Fri, 08 Mar 2019 17:09:12 +0000</pubDate>
  9604. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=36889</guid>
  9605. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-honeymoon-tips/#respond</comments>
  9606. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-honeymoon-tips/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  9607. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  9608. <description>On the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura will talk about honeymooning in Hawaii. Of course, the Aloha State is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations the world over. They’ll also muse over the fact that it’s been “cold” in Hawaii over the past few weeks. It’s been 65 degrees at the beach!
  9609.  
  9610. We’ll talk about how Maui has become the go-to honeymoon destinations for newlyweds through internet searches. Maui is certainly a wonderful destination for the recently married. But each island in Hawaii holds its own charms, and the best way to to choose your Hawaii honeymoon destination is to talk to the experts personally instead of simply booking air/room/car online.
  9611. Aloha Bruce and Hawaii Aloha Travel offer the kind of personal service that gives newlyweds the kind of inside local knowledge that will make your honeymoon truly unique and forever memorable.
  9612. Aloha Bruce and Lanai will talk about how many honeymooners “over-plan” their Hawaii experience. Even though interisland flights are fairly short, an hour at most, an interisland flight also involves rental car returns, security lines, and jam-packed flights. What might sound like a quick trip to a neighbor island usually involves at least a half-day, which many visitors do not expect when planning on their own.
  9613.  
  9614. With their typical humor and insight, Aloha Bruce and Lanai will also talk about the importance of picking the right island for your honeymoon. Multi-island Hawaii visits are certainly possible. The best way to make the most of your time in Hawaii is to talk to experts like Aloha Bruce and Hawaii Aloha Travel.
  9615.  
  9616. As most Hawaii honeymooners are between 25-45 years old, many will want to find accommodations that offer child-free swimming pools and eateries. It’s not unusual for young couple to want to spend their honeymoon away from other people’s children. Aloha Bruce and Lanai will help sort out how best to find what you are looking for on your Hawaii honeymoon, and how to get the most out your honeymoon budget.</description>
  9617. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/hawaiihoneymoons.mp3" length="5900841" type="audio/mpeg" />
  9618. <itunes:subtitle>On the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura will talk about honeymooning in Hawaii. Of course, the Aloha State is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations the world over.</itunes:subtitle>
  9619. <itunes:summary>On the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura will talk about honeymooning in Hawaii. Of course, the Aloha State is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations the world over. They’ll also muse over the fact that it’s been “cold” in Hawaii over the past few weeks. It’s been 65 degrees at the beach!&lt;br /&gt;
  9620. &lt;br /&gt;
  9621. We’ll talk about how Maui has become the go-to honeymoon destinations for newlyweds through internet searches. Maui is certainly a wonderful destination for the recently married. But each island in Hawaii holds its own charms, and the best way to to choose your Hawaii honeymoon destination is to talk to the experts personally instead of simply booking air/room/car online.&lt;br /&gt;
  9622. Aloha Bruce and Hawaii Aloha Travel offer the kind of personal service that gives newlyweds the kind of inside local knowledge that will make your honeymoon truly unique and forever memorable.&lt;br /&gt;
  9623. Aloha Bruce and Lanai will talk about how many honeymooners “over-plan” their Hawaii experience. Even though interisland flights are fairly short, an hour at most, an interisland flight also involves rental car returns, security lines, and jam-packed flights. What might sound like a quick trip to a neighbor island usually involves at least a half-day, which many visitors do not expect when planning on their own.&lt;br /&gt;
  9624. &lt;br /&gt;
  9625. With their typical humor and insight, Aloha Bruce and Lanai will also talk about the importance of picking the right island for your honeymoon. Multi-island Hawaii visits are certainly possible. The best way to make the most of your time in Hawaii is to talk to experts like Aloha Bruce and Hawaii Aloha Travel.&lt;br /&gt;
  9626. &lt;br /&gt;
  9627. As most Hawaii honeymooners are between 25-45 years old, many will want to find accommodations that offer child-free swimming pools and eateries. It’s not unusual for young couple to want to spend their honeymoon away from other people’s children. Aloha Bruce and Lanai will help sort out how best to find what you are looking for on your Hawaii honeymoon, and how to get the most out your honeymoon budget.</itunes:summary>
  9628. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  9629. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  9630. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  9631. <itunes:duration>16:23</itunes:duration>
  9632. </item>
  9633. <item>
  9634. <title>Visiting Hawaiian cultural sites on Oahu</title>
  9635. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/visiting-hawaiian-cultural-sites-on-oahu/</link>
  9636. <pubDate>Fri, 01 Mar 2019 01:33:36 +0000</pubDate>
  9637. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=36884</guid>
  9638. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/visiting-hawaiian-cultural-sites-on-oahu/#respond</comments>
  9639. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/visiting-hawaiian-cultural-sites-on-oahu/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  9640. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  9641. <description>On the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura will discuss visiting native Hawaiian cultural sites on Oahu. Known as “The Gathering Place”, Oahu is home to a rich historical legacy and many important locations and structures.
  9642.  
  9643. Lanai shares his extensive knowledge of Hawaiian culture and history as he discusses several places on Oahu that are alive with stories. Lanai will tell us about Waimea Valley on the Oahu’s North Shore and about its famous waterfall. Waimea is home to dozens of archaeological sites and dozens of native Hawaiian plant, insect, and animal species. Lanai notes that there is a small fee to enter the park.
  9644.  
  9645. Bruce and Lanai also discuss the Royal Mausoleum, just a few minutes from Waikiki and the final resting place of Hawaii’s most important royals dating back to King Kamehameha II and other luminaries of the Hawaiian royal family. Lanai will also talk about the history of Iolani Palace, the only royal palace ever built in the United States (it had electricity before the White House).
  9646. Other places discussed on the podcast are the Kaneana Cave in West Oahu, the sacred birthing stones in Wahiawa, important heiau (sacred temples), the historical significance of the popular Pali Lookout, and ancient fishponds on Oahu that date back to 400 AD.
  9647.  
  9648. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  9649. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  9650.  
  9651. Most importantly, Aloha Bruce and Lanai will talk about the need to show respect when visiting these types of historic cultural sites anywhere in Hawaii. They’ll discuss why you should stay away from areas marked “kapu”, which mean sacred and forbidden.
  9652. The latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast will tell you what you need to know about visiting these places, and how to show respect for native Hawaiian culture and history in its most sacred places.</description>
  9653. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/oahuhawaiianculture.mp3" length="6750594" type="audio/mpeg" />
  9654. <itunes:subtitle>On the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura will discuss visiting native Hawaiian cultural sites on Oahu. Known as “The Gathering Place”, Oahu is home to a rich historical legacy and many important locations and struc...</itunes:subtitle>
  9655. <itunes:summary>On the latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura will discuss visiting native Hawaiian cultural sites on Oahu. Known as “The Gathering Place”, Oahu is home to a rich historical legacy and many important locations and structures.&lt;br /&gt;
  9656. &lt;br /&gt;
  9657. Lanai shares his extensive knowledge of Hawaiian culture and history as he discusses several places on Oahu that are alive with stories. Lanai will tell us about Waimea Valley on the Oahu’s North Shore and about its famous waterfall. Waimea is home to dozens of archaeological sites and dozens of native Hawaiian plant, insect, and animal species. Lanai notes that there is a small fee to enter the park.&lt;br /&gt;
  9658. &lt;br /&gt;
  9659. Bruce and Lanai also discuss the Royal Mausoleum, just a few minutes from Waikiki and the final resting place of Hawaii’s most important royals dating back to King Kamehameha II and other luminaries of the Hawaiian royal family. Lanai will also talk about the history of Iolani Palace, the only royal palace ever built in the United States (it had electricity before the White House).&lt;br /&gt;
  9660. Other places discussed on the podcast are the Kaneana Cave in West Oahu, the sacred birthing stones in Wahiawa, important heiau (sacred temples), the historical significance of the popular Pali Lookout, and ancient fishponds on Oahu that date back to 400 AD.&lt;br /&gt;
  9661. &lt;br /&gt;
  9662. &lt;br /&gt;
  9663. &lt;br /&gt;
  9664. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  9665. &lt;br /&gt;
  9666. &lt;br /&gt;
  9667. &lt;br /&gt;
  9668. &lt;br /&gt;
  9669. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  9670. &lt;br /&gt;
  9671. &lt;br /&gt;
  9672. &lt;br /&gt;
  9673. &lt;br /&gt;
  9674. &lt;br /&gt;
  9675. &lt;br /&gt;
  9676. &lt;br /&gt;
  9677. Most importantly, Aloha Bruce and Lanai will talk about the need to show respect when visiting these types of historic cultural sites anywhere in Hawaii. They’ll discuss why you should stay away from areas marked “kapu”, which mean sacred and forbidden.&lt;br /&gt;
  9678. The latest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast will tell you what you need to know about visiting these places, and how to show respect for native Hawaiian culture and history in its most sacred places.</itunes:summary>
  9679. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  9680. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  9681. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  9682. <itunes:duration>18:45</itunes:duration>
  9683. </item>
  9684. <item>
  9685. <title>All Inclusive Hawaii Vacations</title>
  9686. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/all-inclusive-hawaii-vacations/</link>
  9687. <pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2019 23:43:07 +0000</pubDate>
  9688. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=36866</guid>
  9689. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/all-inclusive-hawaii-vacations/#respond</comments>
  9690. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/all-inclusive-hawaii-vacations/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  9691. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  9692. <description>On our newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura discuss the realities of an “all inclusive vacation” package experience in Hawaii. Many vacationers are after an experience in which all costs are paid up front.
  9693.  
  9694. Air-room-car packages are not all inclusive, our hosts note, and that many visitors who sign on for such offers are unaware that the hotel or resort does not include resort fees, parking charges, meals, or activities. Many vacationers are shocked by those additional fees when they turn up on the bill when they check out.
  9695.  
  9696. Bruce and Lanai will discuss, with their unique insight and humor, how “all-inclusive” has become a buzzword in the travel industry, and how in Hawaii there aren’t really any of the kinds of offers available at resorts in Mexico or the Caribbean. Our hosts muse over the fact that for many, all-inclusive means simply free alcohol and food along with lodgings.
  9697.  
  9698. Hawaii Aloha Travel has created a couple of unique “all-inclusive packages” by working with properties on Oahu and Maui. Bruce and Lanai will talk about the Standard and Super Saver offers available, which do include limited meals and drinks.
  9699. With other all-inclusive offers in other vacation destinations, it means never leaving the resort. But the point of a Hawaii vacation is to enjoy the true Hawaii experience that a hotel or resort property simply cannot provide. Hawaii Aloha Travel offers private and group tours and includes some meals and drinks at various properties and establishments.
  9700.  
  9701. Join us as we get behind the myth of all-inclusive vacations in Hawaii, and how Hawaii Aloha Travel can offer the same kind of experience without hidden fees and other charges that can take visitors by surprise. We’ll tell you exactly what you can expect from our Standard and Super Saver All Inclusive Vacation Packages, and how you can get the best value out of your Hawaii vacation dollars.</description>
  9702. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/allinclusivehawaii.mp3" length="5245065" type="audio/mpeg" />
  9703. <itunes:subtitle>On our newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura discuss the realities of an “all inclusive vacation” package experience in Hawaii. Many vacationers are after an experience in which all costs are paid up front.  </itunes:subtitle>
  9704. <itunes:summary>On our newest Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura discuss the realities of an “all inclusive vacation” package experience in Hawaii. Many vacationers are after an experience in which all costs are paid up front.&lt;br /&gt;
  9705. &lt;br /&gt;
  9706. Air-room-car packages are not all inclusive, our hosts note, and that many visitors who sign on for such offers are unaware that the hotel or resort does not include resort fees, parking charges, meals, or activities. Many vacationers are shocked by those additional fees when they turn up on the bill when they check out.&lt;br /&gt;
  9707. &lt;br /&gt;
  9708. Bruce and Lanai will discuss, with their unique insight and humor, how “all-inclusive” has become a buzzword in the travel industry, and how in Hawaii there aren’t really any of the kinds of offers available at resorts in Mexico or the Caribbean. Our hosts muse over the fact that for many, all-inclusive means simply free alcohol and food along with lodgings.&lt;br /&gt;
  9709. &lt;br /&gt;
  9710. Hawaii Aloha Travel has created a couple of unique “all-inclusive packages” by working with properties on Oahu and Maui. Bruce and Lanai will talk about the Standard and Super Saver offers available, which do include limited meals and drinks.&lt;br /&gt;
  9711. With other all-inclusive offers in other vacation destinations, it means never leaving the resort. But the point of a Hawaii vacation is to enjoy the true Hawaii experience that a hotel or resort property simply cannot provide. Hawaii Aloha Travel offers private and group tours and includes some meals and drinks at various properties and establishments.&lt;br /&gt;
  9712. &lt;br /&gt;
  9713. Join us as we get behind the myth of all-inclusive vacations in Hawaii, and how Hawaii Aloha Travel can offer the same kind of experience without hidden fees and other charges that can take visitors by surprise. We’ll tell you exactly what you can expect from our Standard and Super Saver All Inclusive Vacation Packages, and how you can get the best value out of your Hawaii vacation dollars.</itunes:summary>
  9714. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  9715. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  9716. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  9717. <itunes:duration>14:34</itunes:duration>
  9718. </item>
  9719. <item>
  9720. <title>James Asquith Visits Hawaii Part 2</title>
  9721. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/james-asquith-visits-hawaii-part-2/</link>
  9722. <pubDate>Thu, 14 Feb 2019 05:31:02 +0000</pubDate>
  9723. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=36854</guid>
  9724. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/james-asquith-visits-hawaii-part-2/#respond</comments>
  9725. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/james-asquith-visits-hawaii-part-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  9726. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  9727. <description>Join us for Part Two of our Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast with James Asquith, the Guinness Book of World Record’s youngest person, at the age of 24, to visit every one of the 196 countries on the planet. Mr. Asquith shares with us his adventures and the challenges he faced and the wonders he experienced in his travels. And why he loves Hawaii.
  9728.  
  9729. As the world’s most widely traveled young person, James talks with us about savvy “travel hacks” and how the best way to find the best deals available for airfare and accommodations is to be flexible. He also talks about jetlag, and how he isn’t affected by it.
  9730.  
  9731. Best of all, James Asquith talks with us about why Hawaii is his favorite travel destination. He’ll discuss the personal, professional, and intangible appeal Hawaii and especially Oahu holds for him. As a Londoner, he’s accustomed to big city life. As a world traveler, he’s come to appreciate the laid-back lifestyle and incredible natural environment we enjoy here.
  9732. Above all, Mr. Asquith enjoys the people of Hawaii and the fact that every time he’s been to Hawaii, he’s experienced something new and deeply rewarding.  Also, he loves the food.
  9733.  
  9734. On this week’s Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura get inside the mind of a world traveler who has achieved something no one is likely to accomplish. James Asquith talks candidly about what it’s like to be forever on the road, and why he considers Hawaii to be the place that he finally settles down.
  9735.  
  9736. We offer tips on websites and services to enhance your Hawaii experience and get the most from your travel budget. With our typical humor and unique insight into the Hawaii experience, this week’s podcast offers a truly unique perspective on world travel, and Hawaii should be on everyone’s travel “bucket list”.</description>
  9737. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/part2asquith.mp3" length="5824965" type="audio/mpeg" />
  9738. <itunes:subtitle>Join us for Part Two of our Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast with James Asquith, the Guinness Book of World Record’s youngest person, at the age of 24, to visit every one of the 196 countries on the planet. Mr.</itunes:subtitle>
  9739. <itunes:summary>Join us for Part Two of our Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast with James Asquith, the Guinness Book of World Record’s youngest person, at the age of 24, to visit every one of the 196 countries on the planet. Mr. Asquith shares with us his adventures and the challenges he faced and the wonders he experienced in his travels. And why he loves Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  9740. &lt;br /&gt;
  9741. As the world’s most widely traveled young person, James talks with us about savvy “travel hacks” and how the best way to find the best deals available for airfare and accommodations is to be flexible. He also talks about jetlag, and how he isn’t affected by it.&lt;br /&gt;
  9742. &lt;br /&gt;
  9743. Best of all, James Asquith talks with us about why Hawaii is his favorite travel destination. He’ll discuss the personal, professional, and intangible appeal Hawaii and especially Oahu holds for him. As a Londoner, he’s accustomed to big city life. As a world traveler, he’s come to appreciate the laid-back lifestyle and incredible natural environment we enjoy here.&lt;br /&gt;
  9744. Above all, Mr. Asquith enjoys the people of Hawaii and the fact that every time he’s been to Hawaii, he’s experienced something new and deeply rewarding.  Also, he loves the food.&lt;br /&gt;
  9745. &lt;br /&gt;
  9746. On this week’s Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast, Aloha Bruce and Lanai Tabura get inside the mind of a world traveler who has achieved something no one is likely to accomplish. James Asquith talks candidly about what it’s like to be forever on the road, and why he considers Hawaii to be the place that he finally settles down.&lt;br /&gt;
  9747. &lt;br /&gt;
  9748. We offer tips on websites and services to enhance your Hawaii experience and get the most from your travel budget. With our typical humor and unique insight into the Hawaii experience, this week’s podcast offers a truly unique perspective on world travel, and Hawaii should be on everyone’s travel “bucket list”.</itunes:summary>
  9749. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  9750. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  9751. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  9752. <itunes:duration>16:11</itunes:duration>
  9753. </item>
  9754. <item>
  9755. <title>Planning a Family Vacation in Hawaii</title>
  9756. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/planning-a-family-vacation-in-hawaii/</link>
  9757. <pubDate>Fri, 01 Feb 2019 04:48:27 +0000</pubDate>
  9758. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=36851</guid>
  9759. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/planning-a-family-vacation-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  9760. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/planning-a-family-vacation-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  9761. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  9762. <description>Planning a Hawaii vacation can be a daunting task, even for solo travelers. There are so many options for accommodations, dining, and activities that it can be hard to make sense of it all. On today’s Hawaii Vacation Connection podcast, we’ll be talking about planning a family vacation, and all of the things to consider to keep the whole family happy.
  9763.  
  9764. The most important thing to consider when planning a family vacation in Hawaii is what you want to get out of it. Whether it’s plenty of beach time, taking in cultural sites, or a food-centric stay, bringing the kids along is easier than you might think.
  9765. Fortunately, many Hawaii hotels and resorts offer programs for kids of all ages. From hula lessons to arts and crafts, from ocean safety and education to native Hawaiian cultural experiences, there are lots of exciting things for the keiki to learn and experience during a Hawaii vacation.
  9766.  
  9767. Properties like Disney’s Aulani in West Oahu are geared toward family vacations with a variety of activities and educational programs to fascinate and entertain curious little ones. Other large properties like Hilton Hawaiian Village also offer similar children’s programming.
  9768.  
  9769. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  9770. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  9771.  
  9772. There are some important tips we’ll offer as well. For example, if you are travelling to Hawaii with small children, it’s safest to only go to beaches monitored by City &amp; County Ocean Safety Lifeguards. Always be sure to visit with a lifeguard and let them know you’re at the beach with children. Lifeguards are more than happy to educate beachgoers about safety. It’s easier for lifeguards to keep and eye on beachgoers young and old when they’ve met them face-to-face. Hawaii has the best lifeguards in the world, and they love their job.
  9773.  
  9774. Just organizing a trip to the grocery store can be a challenge with small children. Planning a Hawaii family vacation presents its own challenges, but on this week’s podcast we’ll help make sure you know what to expect, and how to get the most of your family’s dream Hawaii vacation.</description>
  9775. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/hawaiifamilyplanning.mp3" length="7379012" type="audio/mpeg" />
  9776. <itunes:subtitle>Planning a Hawaii vacation can be a daunting task, even for solo travelers. There are so many options for accommodations, dining, and activities that it can be hard to make sense of it all. On today’s Hawaii Vacation Connection podcast,</itunes:subtitle>
  9777. <itunes:summary>Planning a Hawaii vacation can be a daunting task, even for solo travelers. There are so many options for accommodations, dining, and activities that it can be hard to make sense of it all. On today’s Hawaii Vacation Connection podcast, we’ll be talking about planning a family vacation, and all of the things to consider to keep the whole family happy.&lt;br /&gt;
  9778. &lt;br /&gt;
  9779. The most important thing to consider when planning a family vacation in Hawaii is what you want to get out of it. Whether it’s plenty of beach time, taking in cultural sites, or a food-centric stay, bringing the kids along is easier than you might think.&lt;br /&gt;
  9780. Fortunately, many Hawaii hotels and resorts offer programs for kids of all ages. From hula lessons to arts and crafts, from ocean safety and education to native Hawaiian cultural experiences, there are lots of exciting things for the keiki to learn and experience during a Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  9781. &lt;br /&gt;
  9782. Properties like Disney’s Aulani in West Oahu are geared toward family vacations with a variety of activities and educational programs to fascinate and entertain curious little ones. Other large properties like Hilton Hawaiian Village also offer similar children’s programming.&lt;br /&gt;
  9783. &lt;br /&gt;
  9784. &lt;br /&gt;
  9785. &lt;br /&gt;
  9786. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  9787. &lt;br /&gt;
  9788. &lt;br /&gt;
  9789. &lt;br /&gt;
  9790. &lt;br /&gt;
  9791. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  9792. &lt;br /&gt;
  9793. &lt;br /&gt;
  9794. &lt;br /&gt;
  9795. &lt;br /&gt;
  9796. &lt;br /&gt;
  9797. &lt;br /&gt;
  9798. &lt;br /&gt;
  9799. There are some important tips we’ll offer as well. For example, if you are travelling to Hawaii with small children, it’s safest to only go to beaches monitored by City &amp; County Ocean Safety Lifeguards. Always be sure to visit with a lifeguard and let them know you’re at the beach with children. Lifeguards are more than happy to educate beachgoers about safety. It’s easier for lifeguards to keep and eye on beachgoers young and old when they’ve met them face-to-face. Hawaii has the best lifeguards in the world, and they love their job.&lt;br /&gt;
  9800. &lt;br /&gt;
  9801. Just organizing a trip to the grocery store can be a challenge with small children. Planning a Hawaii family vacation presents its own challenges, but on this week’s podcast we’ll help make sure you know what to expect, and how to get the most of your family’s dream Hawaii vacation.</itunes:summary>
  9802. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  9803. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  9804. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  9805. <itunes:duration>20:30</itunes:duration>
  9806. </item>
  9807. <item>
  9808. <title>Hiking Diamond head Do&#8217;s and Dont&#8217;s</title>
  9809. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hiking-diamond-head-dos-and-donts/</link>
  9810. <pubDate>Fri, 04 Jan 2019 04:10:31 +0000</pubDate>
  9811. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=36668</guid>
  9812. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hiking-diamond-head-dos-and-donts/#respond</comments>
  9813. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hiking-diamond-head-dos-and-donts/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  9814. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  9815. <description>This week’s podcast is about hiking one of the most popular landmarks in Hawaii: Diamond Head. We tell you about where the name came from and the history of this amazing crater, also known as “Leahi”.  Lanai and Bruce offer tips and things to remember including do’s and don’ts for hiking the crater. We discuss what to expect and what time to visit.
  9816.  
  9817. Diamond Head is certainly Hawaii’s most iconic landmark, and its ideal location at the eastern end of makes it one of Hawaii’s most well-traveled hikes. The Diamond Head State Monument comprises 475 acres in the crater. Scientists have determined that the crater was formed about 300,000 years ago following a volcanic eruption.
  9818.  
  9819. The first hiking trail to Diamond Head’s summit was opened in 1908. Although the Diamond Head Summit Trail is slightly less than one mile, but it is quite steep and challenging even for fitness and hiking enthusiasts. We’ll talk about what visitors need to know to keep safe.
  9820.  
  9821. We’ll talk about the incredible views of Waikiki west to the Waianae Mountain Range and East Honolulu out to Koko Crater and Koko Head, and sprawling Kapiolani Park at the foot of the crater. We’ll also discuss park entrance fees (entry to the park is not free, but it’s very inexpensive). It’s also cash-only.
  9822.  
  9823. Diamond Head State Monument has an important cultural history and is the source of several ancient Hawaiian legends. It’s easy to sort of forget about Diamond Head during a Waikiki vacation with all of the ocean, dining and shopping activities, and that’s why we’re talking about how great it is to make the short trek to the summit of Hawaii’s most recognizable landmark.</description>
  9824. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/hikingdiamondhead.mp3" length="4867062" type="audio/mpeg" />
  9825. <itunes:subtitle>This week’s podcast is about hiking one of the most popular landmarks in Hawaii: Diamond Head. We tell you about where the name came from and the history of this amazing crater, also known as “Leahi”.  Lanai and Bruce offer tips and things to remember ...</itunes:subtitle>
  9826. <itunes:summary>This week’s podcast is about hiking one of the most popular landmarks in Hawaii: Diamond Head. We tell you about where the name came from and the history of this amazing crater, also known as “Leahi”.  Lanai and Bruce offer tips and things to remember including do’s and don’ts for hiking the crater. We discuss what to expect and what time to visit.&lt;br /&gt;
  9827. &lt;br /&gt;
  9828. Diamond Head is certainly Hawaii’s most iconic landmark, and its ideal location at the eastern end of makes it one of Hawaii’s most well-traveled hikes. The Diamond Head State Monument comprises 475 acres in the crater. Scientists have determined that the crater was formed about 300,000 years ago following a volcanic eruption.&lt;br /&gt;
  9829. &lt;br /&gt;
  9830. The first hiking trail to Diamond Head’s summit was opened in 1908. Although the Diamond Head Summit Trail is slightly less than one mile, but it is quite steep and challenging even for fitness and hiking enthusiasts. We’ll talk about what visitors need to know to keep safe.&lt;br /&gt;
  9831. &lt;br /&gt;
  9832. We’ll talk about the incredible views of Waikiki west to the Waianae Mountain Range and East Honolulu out to Koko Crater and Koko Head, and sprawling Kapiolani Park at the foot of the crater. We’ll also discuss park entrance fees (entry to the park is not free, but it’s very inexpensive). It’s also cash-only.&lt;br /&gt;
  9833. &lt;br /&gt;
  9834. Diamond Head State Monument has an important cultural history and is the source of several ancient Hawaiian legends. It’s easy to sort of forget about Diamond Head during a Waikiki vacation with all of the ocean, dining and shopping activities, and that’s why we’re talking about how great it is to make the short trek to the summit of Hawaii’s most recognizable landmark.</itunes:summary>
  9835. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  9836. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  9837. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  9838. <itunes:duration>13:31</itunes:duration>
  9839. </item>
  9840. <item>
  9841. <title>Cooking Hawaiian Style</title>
  9842. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/cooking-hawaiian-style/</link>
  9843. <pubDate>Thu, 27 Dec 2018 20:23:54 +0000</pubDate>
  9844. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=36654</guid>
  9845. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/cooking-hawaiian-style/#respond</comments>
  9846. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/cooking-hawaiian-style/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  9847. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  9848. <description>On today&#039;s podcast we talk Cooking Hawaiian Style. And what does that have to do with traveling to Hawaii?  It’s a great way to prepare for your vacation by learning the recipes, origins of our food and what to be sure to eat then you’re here.
  9849.  
  9850. When you&#039;re on vacation here you’ll be sampling our foods and may want to learn how to make them on your own. Lanai Tabura is synonymous with Cooking Hawaiian Style, as his hit TV show of the same name airs in 250 cities all over the globe! He shares the importance of connecting with the culture in Hawaii through food. He hits on some of the most popular foods and recipes, including loco moco, Poke, Shave Ice, Malasadas and Manapua.
  9851.  
  9852. There are all kinds of techniques and ingredients to choose from when you’re Cooking Hawaii Style. In addition to traditional Hawaiian foods like poi or kalua pig, to cook Hawaiian style is to use flavors and ingredients from all over the world, especially Asian cuisine like Japanese, Chinese, Filipino and Korean. Lanai has traveled all over the world to learn about food culture. As the author of beloved cookbooks, no one knows more about what makes Cooking Hawaiian Style so special.
  9853.  
  9854. Join us as we talk about all of the things that go into Cooking Hawaiian Style. We’ll help you learn about the various local preparations you may want to try during your vacation, or to prepare a local favorite when you get home from a Hawaii vacation. We’ll give you tips, and maybe an old family recipe or two.</description>
  9855. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/cooking-hawaiian-style.mp3" length="4598219" type="audio/mpeg" />
  9856. <itunes:subtitle>On today&#039;s podcast we talk Cooking Hawaiian Style. And what does that have to do with traveling to Hawaii?  It’s a great way to prepare for your vacation by learning the recipes, origins of our food and what to be sure to eat then you’re here.  </itunes:subtitle>
  9857. <itunes:summary>On today&#039;s podcast we talk Cooking Hawaiian Style. And what does that have to do with traveling to Hawaii?  It’s a great way to prepare for your vacation by learning the recipes, origins of our food and what to be sure to eat then you’re here.&lt;br /&gt;
  9858. &lt;br /&gt;
  9859. When you&#039;re on vacation here you’ll be sampling our foods and may want to learn how to make them on your own. Lanai Tabura is synonymous with Cooking Hawaiian Style, as his hit TV show of the same name airs in 250 cities all over the globe! He shares the importance of connecting with the culture in Hawaii through food. He hits on some of the most popular foods and recipes, including loco moco, Poke, Shave Ice, Malasadas and Manapua.&lt;br /&gt;
  9860. &lt;br /&gt;
  9861. There are all kinds of techniques and ingredients to choose from when you’re Cooking Hawaii Style. In addition to traditional Hawaiian foods like poi or kalua pig, to cook Hawaiian style is to use flavors and ingredients from all over the world, especially Asian cuisine like Japanese, Chinese, Filipino and Korean. Lanai has traveled all over the world to learn about food culture. As the author of beloved cookbooks, no one knows more about what makes Cooking Hawaiian Style so special.&lt;br /&gt;
  9862. &lt;br /&gt;
  9863. Join us as we talk about all of the things that go into Cooking Hawaiian Style. We’ll help you learn about the various local preparations you may want to try during your vacation, or to prepare a local favorite when you get home from a Hawaii vacation. We’ll give you tips, and maybe an old family recipe or two.</itunes:summary>
  9864. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  9865. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  9866. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  9867. <itunes:duration>12:46</itunes:duration>
  9868. </item>
  9869. <item>
  9870. <title>Stuff to Buy on your Hawaii Vacation</title>
  9871. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/stuff-to-buy-on-your-hawaii-vacation/</link>
  9872. <pubDate>Thu, 29 Nov 2018 02:25:35 +0000</pubDate>
  9873. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=35735</guid>
  9874. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/stuff-to-buy-on-your-hawaii-vacation/#respond</comments>
  9875. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/stuff-to-buy-on-your-hawaii-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  9876. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  9877. <description>On this week’s Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast we’ll talk important tips for stuff to buy on your Hawaii Vacation. We offer suggestions for what essential Hawaii products to purchase and where to find them at the best prices.
  9878.  
  9879. We’ll discuss must-have Hawaii-grown foods like macadamia nuts, chocolate, and coffee. And the perennial favorite chocolate-covered macadamia nuts. And we’ll note that Hawaii is the only US state that grows coffee and cacao beans, making those Hawaii products truly unique.
  9880.  
  9881. Aloha shirts are hugely popular. We note, however, that the ones you’ll find at chain box-stores are not the truly authentic styles and brands made here for generations in Hawaii. We’ll even talk about Bailey’s in Kapahulu (just outside of Waikiki), which is famous for its vintage aloha wear.
  9882. We discuss the uniqueness of Hawaiian jewelry, like familiar gold and silver bracelets and their engraved floral designs and black enamel calligraphy. Ukuleles are another popular item for visitors. But we’re not talking about the kind you’ll find with a “Made in China” sticker on it. Many Hawaii artisans produce beautiful, authentic instruments.
  9883.  
  9884. We’ll also talk about the importance of buying local. There are countless new businesses in Hawaii, creating amazing products, from beer, wine, and spirits to soaps, honey, baby clothes, and barbeque sauces. Gift ideas for Hawaii visitors are practically endless.
  9885. Of course, we’ll tell you where to find the perfect gift. Everyone knows that Oahu is home to mega malls and outlet stores, so we discuss local Oahu stores and boutiques that visitors might otherwise miss. We’ll get into flea markets and craft fairs on all islands, and the major shopping centers on the Big Island, Maui, and Kauai.
  9886.  
  9887. Shopping is something you&#039;ll surely do so here&#039;s some advice especially for visitors without local knowledge.
  9888.  
  9889. We&#039;d love to hear from you contact reach out to AlohaBruceelated]AlohaBruce or Lanai</description>
  9890. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/stuff-to-buy-in-hawaii.mp3" length="6222970" type="audio/mpeg" />
  9891. <itunes:subtitle>On this week’s Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast we’ll talk important tips for stuff to buy on your Hawaii Vacation. We offer suggestions for what essential Hawaii products to purchase and where to find them at the best prices.  </itunes:subtitle>
  9892. <itunes:summary>On this week’s Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast we’ll talk important tips for stuff to buy on your Hawaii Vacation. We offer suggestions for what essential Hawaii products to purchase and where to find them at the best prices.&lt;br /&gt;
  9893. &lt;br /&gt;
  9894. We’ll discuss must-have Hawaii-grown foods like macadamia nuts, chocolate, and coffee. And the perennial favorite chocolate-covered macadamia nuts. And we’ll note that Hawaii is the only US state that grows coffee and cacao beans, making those Hawaii products truly unique.&lt;br /&gt;
  9895. &lt;br /&gt;
  9896. Aloha shirts are hugely popular. We note, however, that the ones you’ll find at chain box-stores are not the truly authentic styles and brands made here for generations in Hawaii. We’ll even talk about Bailey’s in Kapahulu (just outside of Waikiki), which is famous for its vintage aloha wear.&lt;br /&gt;
  9897. We discuss the uniqueness of Hawaiian jewelry, like familiar gold and silver bracelets and their engraved floral designs and black enamel calligraphy. Ukuleles are another popular item for visitors. But we’re not talking about the kind you’ll find with a “Made in China” sticker on it. Many Hawaii artisans produce beautiful, authentic instruments.&lt;br /&gt;
  9898. &lt;br /&gt;
  9899. We’ll also talk about the importance of buying local. There are countless new businesses in Hawaii, creating amazing products, from beer, wine, and spirits to soaps, honey, baby clothes, and barbeque sauces. Gift ideas for Hawaii visitors are practically endless.&lt;br /&gt;
  9900. Of course, we’ll tell you where to find the perfect gift. Everyone knows that Oahu is home to mega malls and outlet stores, so we discuss local Oahu stores and boutiques that visitors might otherwise miss. We’ll get into flea markets and craft fairs on all islands, and the major shopping centers on the Big Island, Maui, and Kauai.&lt;br /&gt;
  9901. &lt;br /&gt;
  9902. Shopping is something you&#039;ll surely do so here&#039;s some advice especially for visitors without local knowledge.&lt;br /&gt;
  9903. &lt;br /&gt;
  9904. We&#039;d love to hear from you contact reach out to AlohaBruceelated]AlohaBruce or Lanai</itunes:summary>
  9905. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  9906. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  9907. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  9908. <itunes:duration>17:17</itunes:duration>
  9909. </item>
  9910. <item>
  9911. <title>Hawaii Water Activities</title>
  9912. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-water-activities/</link>
  9913. <pubDate>Thu, 22 Nov 2018 22:49:01 +0000</pubDate>
  9914. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=35671</guid>
  9915. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-water-activities/#respond</comments>
  9916. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-water-activities/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  9917. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  9918. <description>Hawaii is an ocean Lover&#039;s Dream. Whether it&#039;s just putting your toes in the sand at the beach or taking 100 foot dives deep into the Pacific Ocean, water activities in Hawaii are a &quot;Must Do&quot;.
  9919.  
  9920. A lot of visitors think of Surfing as one of the number one water activities in Hawaii but there&#039;s so more to enjoy! Each island has its own unique Water activities to experience. For example, on Kauai and the Big Island you can traverse old sugar cane ditches in canoes or inner tubes. This little known activity allows you to cruise through Hawaii&#039;s rich history as they were built in the early plantation days of the 40s by Japanese and Chinese immigrants. On Maui you can snorkel or dive to underwater lava tubes at the spectacular Molokini crater. You&#039;ll experience underwater beauty that&#039;s second to none in the world. On Oahu you can walk right out from the ocean at Hanauma Bay and snorkel or take a cruise out to swim with turtles at Turtle canyon or frolic in the wild with spinner dolphins.
  9921.  
  9922. On today&#039;s podcast we focus on some of the most popular and unique Water activities in Hawaii while you&#039;re visiting. We&#039;ll tell you about Diving with Manta rays and sailing excursions for the day to Lanai. We&#039;ll offer you some tips and ideas about which Water activities in Hawaii are available on each of the islands.
  9923.  
  9924. Reach out to us, we&#039;d love to hear from you ! Contact AlohaBruce or Lanai</description>
  9925. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/water-activities-in-hawaii.mp3" length="5470287" type="audio/mpeg" />
  9926. <itunes:subtitle>Hawaii is an ocean Lover&#039;s Dream. Whether it&#039;s just putting your toes in the sand at the beach or taking 100 foot dives deep into the Pacific Ocean, water activities in Hawaii are a &quot;Must Do&quot;.  A lot of visitors think of Surfing as one of the number on...</itunes:subtitle>
  9927. <itunes:summary>Hawaii is an ocean Lover&#039;s Dream. Whether it&#039;s just putting your toes in the sand at the beach or taking 100 foot dives deep into the Pacific Ocean, water activities in Hawaii are a &quot;Must Do&quot;.&lt;br /&gt;
  9928. &lt;br /&gt;
  9929. A lot of visitors think of Surfing as one of the number one water activities in Hawaii but there&#039;s so more to enjoy! Each island has its own unique Water activities to experience. For example, on Kauai and the Big Island you can traverse old sugar cane ditches in canoes or inner tubes. This little known activity allows you to cruise through Hawaii&#039;s rich history as they were built in the early plantation days of the 40s by Japanese and Chinese immigrants. On Maui you can snorkel or dive to underwater lava tubes at the spectacular Molokini crater. You&#039;ll experience underwater beauty that&#039;s second to none in the world. On Oahu you can walk right out from the ocean at Hanauma Bay and snorkel or take a cruise out to swim with turtles at Turtle canyon or frolic in the wild with spinner dolphins.&lt;br /&gt;
  9930. &lt;br /&gt;
  9931. On today&#039;s podcast we focus on some of the most popular and unique Water activities in Hawaii while you&#039;re visiting. We&#039;ll tell you about Diving with Manta rays and sailing excursions for the day to Lanai. We&#039;ll offer you some tips and ideas about which Water activities in Hawaii are available on each of the islands.&lt;br /&gt;
  9932. &lt;br /&gt;
  9933. Reach out to us, we&#039;d love to hear from you ! Contact AlohaBruce or Lanai</itunes:summary>
  9934. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  9935. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  9936. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  9937. <itunes:duration>15:12</itunes:duration>
  9938. </item>
  9939. <item>
  9940. <title>Hawaii Vacation Movies</title>
  9941. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-vacation-movies/</link>
  9942. <pubDate>Thu, 15 Nov 2018 22:13:33 +0000</pubDate>
  9943. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=35660</guid>
  9944. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-vacation-movies/#respond</comments>
  9945. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-vacation-movies/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  9946. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  9947. <description>Anyone with a screen knows that the hit series Hawaii 5-0 and Magnum P.I. are set and filmed in Hawaii. But Hawaii is also the backdrop for dozens of Hollywood blockbuster movies and independent films, too. We’ll talk about some of those films, and about the places they’re filmed. We’ll tell you what famous locations are accessible to the public and which aren’t.
  9948.  
  9949. Kualoa Ranch has been featured in some of the most successful Hollywood movies ever. Jurassic Park, Jumanji, and the Hunger Games were all filmed at Kualoa Ranch. The list of such movies is long. We’ll talk about which movies you may have not known were filmed there. The massive ranch is perfect for movies that need exotic locations and spectacular views. And you can book tours to explore the locations of some of the most memorable scenes in recent cinema history.
  9950.  
  9951. We’ll also talk about movies where Hawaii becomes a character, like in Honeymoon in Vegas, when legendary Hawaii actor Pat Morita portrayed an easygoing and hilarious cab driver all Hawaii residents could relate to. In movies like 50 First Dates and Forgetting Sarah Marshall, being in Hawaii is practically the whole point. The somber indie hit The Descendants focused on the struggles of a wealthy missionary family on Kauai coming to grips with tragedy and its role as a steward of the land.
  9952.  
  9953. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  9954. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  9955.  
  9956. Lanai is a veteran of Hawaii’s film industry and has appeared in Mike &amp; Dave Need Dates and Go for Broke. Lanai discusses his experience with the film industry in Hawaii and offers insight into how movies filmed in Hawaii can help incoming visitors make the most of their experience in the Aloha State. Join us!</description>
  9957. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/hawaii-vacation-movies.mp3" length="6722363" type="audio/mpeg" />
  9958. <itunes:subtitle>Anyone with a screen knows that the hit series Hawaii 5-0 and Magnum P.I. are set and filmed in Hawaii. But Hawaii is also the backdrop for dozens of Hollywood blockbuster movies and independent films, too. We’ll talk about some of those films,</itunes:subtitle>
  9959. <itunes:summary>Anyone with a screen knows that the hit series Hawaii 5-0 and Magnum P.I. are set and filmed in Hawaii. But Hawaii is also the backdrop for dozens of Hollywood blockbuster movies and independent films, too. We’ll talk about some of those films, and about the places they’re filmed. We’ll tell you what famous locations are accessible to the public and which aren’t.&lt;br /&gt;
  9960. &lt;br /&gt;
  9961. Kualoa Ranch has been featured in some of the most successful Hollywood movies ever. Jurassic Park, Jumanji, and the Hunger Games were all filmed at Kualoa Ranch. The list of such movies is long. We’ll talk about which movies you may have not known were filmed there. The massive ranch is perfect for movies that need exotic locations and spectacular views. And you can book tours to explore the locations of some of the most memorable scenes in recent cinema history.&lt;br /&gt;
  9962. &lt;br /&gt;
  9963. We’ll also talk about movies where Hawaii becomes a character, like in Honeymoon in Vegas, when legendary Hawaii actor Pat Morita portrayed an easygoing and hilarious cab driver all Hawaii residents could relate to. In movies like 50 First Dates and Forgetting Sarah Marshall, being in Hawaii is practically the whole point. The somber indie hit The Descendants focused on the struggles of a wealthy missionary family on Kauai coming to grips with tragedy and its role as a steward of the land.&lt;br /&gt;
  9964. &lt;br /&gt;
  9965. &lt;br /&gt;
  9966. &lt;br /&gt;
  9967. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  9968. &lt;br /&gt;
  9969. &lt;br /&gt;
  9970. &lt;br /&gt;
  9971. &lt;br /&gt;
  9972. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  9973. &lt;br /&gt;
  9974. &lt;br /&gt;
  9975. &lt;br /&gt;
  9976. &lt;br /&gt;
  9977. &lt;br /&gt;
  9978. &lt;br /&gt;
  9979. &lt;br /&gt;
  9980. Lanai is a veteran of Hawaii’s film industry and has appeared in Mike &amp; Dave Need Dates and Go for Broke. Lanai discusses his experience with the film industry in Hawaii and offers insight into how movies filmed in Hawaii can help incoming visitors make the most of their experience in the Aloha State. Join us!</itunes:summary>
  9981. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  9982. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  9983. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  9984. <itunes:duration>18:40</itunes:duration>
  9985. </item>
  9986. <item>
  9987. <title>When&#8217;s the best time to visit Hawaii?</title>
  9988. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/whens-the-best-time-to-visit-hawaii/</link>
  9989. <pubDate>Fri, 09 Nov 2018 00:09:23 +0000</pubDate>
  9990. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=35620</guid>
  9991. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/whens-the-best-time-to-visit-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  9992. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/whens-the-best-time-to-visit-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  9993. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  9994. <description>When&#039;s the best time to visit Hawaii? There are various factors to consider when planning and timing your Hawaii vacation. For some visitors, it’s the weather, For others it’s about price and for some it’s simply the vacation days they have because they can’t be flexible because of school or work.
  9995.  
  9996. We talk about all of these factors, as well as seasonal activities that happen only during certain times of the year, like humpback whale watching on Maui and the North shore winter season of big waves and professional surfing competitions on Oahu.
  9997. We also talk about the best deals to be had, usually during the “shoulder season”. Typically, we see the best deals in May and Oct. We also see good deals is the beginning of December. Booking IN ADVANCE is the key to great deals for Hawaii, it’s different than other destinations, where you may find last minute deals.
  9998.  
  9999. Flights to Hawaii can often be cheaper in January or February than during the typical high seasons between June and August and during the months of winter.  Hotel rooms in Hawaii are typically the cheapest from September through mid-December.
  10000.  
  10001. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  10002. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  10003.  
  10004. For those looking for the best weather, rainfall is at its lowest in Hawaii from April through September. Hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 3. In terms of visitor arrivals, July is typically the busiest. December is the second-busiest month, as visitors from cold weather locations around the world flock to Hawaii’s shores to flee Old Man Winter and enjoy nearly year-round sunshine.
  10005.  
  10006. Tune in to our podcast, as we share our extensive local knowledge about the best time of year to visit Hawaii. Whether you’re concerned about the weather, seasonal activities, or the best time of year to find the best air and hotel deals, we’ll share our unsurpassed expertise.</description>
  10007. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/best-times-to-visit-hawaii.mp3" length="5756992" type="audio/mpeg" />
  10008. <itunes:subtitle>When&#039;s the best time to visit Hawaii? There are various factors to consider when planning and timing your Hawaii vacation. For some visitors, it’s the weather, For others it’s about price and for some it’s simply the vacation days they have because the...</itunes:subtitle>
  10009. <itunes:summary>When&#039;s the best time to visit Hawaii? There are various factors to consider when planning and timing your Hawaii vacation. For some visitors, it’s the weather, For others it’s about price and for some it’s simply the vacation days they have because they can’t be flexible because of school or work.&lt;br /&gt;
  10010. &lt;br /&gt;
  10011. We talk about all of these factors, as well as seasonal activities that happen only during certain times of the year, like humpback whale watching on Maui and the North shore winter season of big waves and professional surfing competitions on Oahu.&lt;br /&gt;
  10012. We also talk about the best deals to be had, usually during the “shoulder season”. Typically, we see the best deals in May and Oct. We also see good deals is the beginning of December. Booking IN ADVANCE is the key to great deals for Hawaii, it’s different than other destinations, where you may find last minute deals.&lt;br /&gt;
  10013. &lt;br /&gt;
  10014. Flights to Hawaii can often be cheaper in January or February than during the typical high seasons between June and August and during the months of winter.  Hotel rooms in Hawaii are typically the cheapest from September through mid-December.&lt;br /&gt;
  10015. &lt;br /&gt;
  10016. &lt;br /&gt;
  10017. &lt;br /&gt;
  10018. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  10019. &lt;br /&gt;
  10020. &lt;br /&gt;
  10021. &lt;br /&gt;
  10022. &lt;br /&gt;
  10023. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  10024. &lt;br /&gt;
  10025. &lt;br /&gt;
  10026. &lt;br /&gt;
  10027. &lt;br /&gt;
  10028. &lt;br /&gt;
  10029. &lt;br /&gt;
  10030. &lt;br /&gt;
  10031. For those looking for the best weather, rainfall is at its lowest in Hawaii from April through September. Hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 3. In terms of visitor arrivals, July is typically the busiest. December is the second-busiest month, as visitors from cold weather locations around the world flock to Hawaii’s shores to flee Old Man Winter and enjoy nearly year-round sunshine.&lt;br /&gt;
  10032. &lt;br /&gt;
  10033. Tune in to our podcast, as we share our extensive local knowledge about the best time of year to visit Hawaii. Whether you’re concerned about the weather, seasonal activities, or the best time of year to find the best air and hotel deals, we’ll share our unsurpassed expertise.</itunes:summary>
  10034. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  10035. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  10036. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  10037. <itunes:duration>15:59</itunes:duration>
  10038. </item>
  10039. <item>
  10040. <title>Hawaii&#8217;s Best Breakfast Spots</title>
  10041. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaiis-best-breakfast-spots/</link>
  10042. <pubDate>Sat, 03 Nov 2018 18:52:42 +0000</pubDate>
  10043. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=35610</guid>
  10044. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaiis-best-breakfast-spots/#respond</comments>
  10045. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaiis-best-breakfast-spots/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  10046. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  10047. <description>You need to fuel up to make the most of your day during a Hawaii vacation, and on this podcast we’ll talk about the best places to get an island-style breakfast to start your day.
  10048.  
  10049. A healthy serving of bacon, SPAM and eggs or a slice of papaya and cup of stout coffee make for a perfect way to start your day. It’s easy enough to fast food it, to swing through a drive-through or grab a premade sandwich from a gas station or convenience store. We’ll talk favorite about homegrown breakfast alternatives that support local businesses and farms.
  10050.  
  10051. Places like Boots &amp; Kimo’s, Ethel’s Grill, Goofy, Koko Head Café, and Jack’s on Oahu are favorite breakfast joints that most visitors never find. On Maui, it’s Da Kitchen, Slappy Cakes, and Leona’s Bakery that serve up day-starting fare that every area resident knows but many tourists miss.
  10052.  
  10053. In Kona on the Big Island, places like 808 Grindz and Frenchman’s Café feed hungry workers sturdy repasts every morning. We’ll talk about how a good breakfast really is “the most important part of your day.” And we discuss how a good local breakfast is the best way to start your day on a Hawaii vacation.
  10054.  
  10055. We podcast about Hawaii
  10056. because we love Hawaii.
  10057. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  10058.  
  10059. We take breakfast seriously in Hawaii. The sound of spoons tinkling on coffee cups and forks scraping up the last bit of hash browns and Portuguese sausage are a morning song, and we here in Hawaii don’t take it lightly. You have to be properly nourished to make the most of your days in paradise.
  10060.  
  10061. We’re here to offer genuine local perspectives and favorites about Hawaii’s best places for a hearty meal to start your day, and to support local and family-owned businesses that most visitors to the Aloha State never find.</description>
  10062. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/breakfast.mp3" length="5882850" type="audio/mpeg" />
  10063. <itunes:subtitle>You need to fuel up to make the most of your day during a Hawaii vacation, and on this podcast we’ll talk about the best places to get an island-style breakfast to start your day.  A healthy serving of bacon,</itunes:subtitle>
  10064. <itunes:summary>You need to fuel up to make the most of your day during a Hawaii vacation, and on this podcast we’ll talk about the best places to get an island-style breakfast to start your day.&lt;br /&gt;
  10065. &lt;br /&gt;
  10066. A healthy serving of bacon, SPAM and eggs or a slice of papaya and cup of stout coffee make for a perfect way to start your day. It’s easy enough to fast food it, to swing through a drive-through or grab a premade sandwich from a gas station or convenience store. We’ll talk favorite about homegrown breakfast alternatives that support local businesses and farms.&lt;br /&gt;
  10067. &lt;br /&gt;
  10068. Places like Boots &amp; Kimo’s, Ethel’s Grill, Goofy, Koko Head Café, and Jack’s on Oahu are favorite breakfast joints that most visitors never find. On Maui, it’s Da Kitchen, Slappy Cakes, and Leona’s Bakery that serve up day-starting fare that every area resident knows but many tourists miss.&lt;br /&gt;
  10069. &lt;br /&gt;
  10070. In Kona on the Big Island, places like 808 Grindz and Frenchman’s Café feed hungry workers sturdy repasts every morning. We’ll talk about how a good breakfast really is “the most important part of your day.” And we discuss how a good local breakfast is the best way to start your day on a Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  10071. &lt;br /&gt;
  10072. &lt;br /&gt;
  10073. &lt;br /&gt;
  10074. We podcast about Hawaii&lt;br /&gt;
  10075. because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  10076. &lt;br /&gt;
  10077. &lt;br /&gt;
  10078. &lt;br /&gt;
  10079. &lt;br /&gt;
  10080. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  10081. &lt;br /&gt;
  10082. &lt;br /&gt;
  10083. &lt;br /&gt;
  10084. &lt;br /&gt;
  10085. &lt;br /&gt;
  10086. &lt;br /&gt;
  10087. &lt;br /&gt;
  10088. We take breakfast seriously in Hawaii. The sound of spoons tinkling on coffee cups and forks scraping up the last bit of hash browns and Portuguese sausage are a morning song, and we here in Hawaii don’t take it lightly. You have to be properly nourished to make the most of your days in paradise.&lt;br /&gt;
  10089. &lt;br /&gt;
  10090. We’re here to offer genuine local perspectives and favorites about Hawaii’s best places for a hearty meal to start your day, and to support local and family-owned businesses that most visitors to the Aloha State never find.</itunes:summary>
  10091. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  10092. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  10093. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  10094. <itunes:duration>16:20</itunes:duration>
  10095. </item>
  10096. <item>
  10097. <title>Hawaii For Halloween</title>
  10098. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-for-halloween/</link>
  10099. <pubDate>Thu, 18 Oct 2018 04:50:03 +0000</pubDate>
  10100. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=35548</guid>
  10101. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-for-halloween/#respond</comments>
  10102. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-for-halloween/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  10103. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  10104. <description>If you’re going to be in Hawaii for Halloween, then you’re in for a lot more than just “trick or treats.” The islands are full of major events that will spook and entertain keiki and grown-ups alike. On today’s podcast we’ll talk about some of our favorite Halloween happenings.
  10105.  
  10106. Famously, Lahaina Hawaii for Halloween on Maui is home to a Halloween street festival that attracts thousands every year. We’ll discuss our unique insights about getting into and out of Lahaina town without hassle. Of course, Waikiki offers a carnival of costumes and special Halloween events. We’ll talk about what makes a Waikiki Halloween so special.
  10107.  
  10108. There are many other Hawaii for Halloween events to choose from for Hawaii visitors looking to enjoy the Halloween spirit. Hallowballoo in Honolulu’s Chinatown is Hawaii’s largest Halloween celebration. It is a unique extravaganza of arts, music, and cuisine involving multiple restaurants and music venues. The annual street festival features multiple outdoor stages. This year, hip-hop legend Ja Rule is the headliner.
  10109.  
  10110. We also discuss other Halloween favorites for kids of all ages: The Nightmare at Dole Plantation, the Haunted House at Plantation Village, and Aloun Farms’ beloved annual Halloween celebration and activities. Oahu Ghost Tours sparks thoughts on actual spooky Hawaii stuff that remains in Hawaii’s collective memory.
  10111.  
  10112. Join us for lively locals’ perspectives, insights and inside info on Halloween in Hawaii.</description>
  10113. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/halloween.mp3" length="5149021" type="audio/mpeg" />
  10114. <itunes:subtitle>If you’re going to be in Hawaii for Halloween, then you’re in for a lot more than just “trick or treats.” The islands are full of major events that will spook and entertain keiki and grown-ups alike. On today’s podcast we’ll talk about some of our favo...</itunes:subtitle>
  10115. <itunes:summary>If you’re going to be in Hawaii for Halloween, then you’re in for a lot more than just “trick or treats.” The islands are full of major events that will spook and entertain keiki and grown-ups alike. On today’s podcast we’ll talk about some of our favorite Halloween happenings.&lt;br /&gt;
  10116. &lt;br /&gt;
  10117. Famously, Lahaina Hawaii for Halloween on Maui is home to a Halloween street festival that attracts thousands every year. We’ll discuss our unique insights about getting into and out of Lahaina town without hassle. Of course, Waikiki offers a carnival of costumes and special Halloween events. We’ll talk about what makes a Waikiki Halloween so special.&lt;br /&gt;
  10118. &lt;br /&gt;
  10119. There are many other Hawaii for Halloween events to choose from for Hawaii visitors looking to enjoy the Halloween spirit. Hallowballoo in Honolulu’s Chinatown is Hawaii’s largest Halloween celebration. It is a unique extravaganza of arts, music, and cuisine involving multiple restaurants and music venues. The annual street festival features multiple outdoor stages. This year, hip-hop legend Ja Rule is the headliner.&lt;br /&gt;
  10120. &lt;br /&gt;
  10121. We also discuss other Halloween favorites for kids of all ages: The Nightmare at Dole Plantation, the Haunted House at Plantation Village, and Aloun Farms’ beloved annual Halloween celebration and activities. Oahu Ghost Tours sparks thoughts on actual spooky Hawaii stuff that remains in Hawaii’s collective memory.&lt;br /&gt;
  10122. &lt;br /&gt;
  10123. Join us for lively locals’ perspectives, insights and inside info on Halloween in Hawaii.</itunes:summary>
  10124. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  10125. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  10126. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  10127. <itunes:duration>14:18</itunes:duration>
  10128. </item>
  10129. <item>
  10130. <title>New Hawaii Hotels</title>
  10131. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/new-hawaii-hotels/</link>
  10132. <pubDate>Tue, 09 Oct 2018 21:34:47 +0000</pubDate>
  10133. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=35511</guid>
  10134. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/new-hawaii-hotels/#respond</comments>
  10135. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/new-hawaii-hotels/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  10136. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  10137. <description>Hawaii in general, but especially Oahu, has seen an increase in new Hawaii hotels, resorts and condominiums, creating a new landscape and vibe to certain areas on every island. As you can imagine real estate and construction costs are expensive in Hawaii. It’s for that reason that it just doesn’t make financial sense to completely tear down these structures and build new ones.
  10138.  
  10139. So that’s why most of the new Hawaii Hotels are total transformations of existing properties that were built back in the 70’s. In the last ten years there have been only a few newly-built from the ground up resorts. There is also the fact that Waikiki in particular is pretty much jam packed with hotels and condominiums. There’s just no room for a new property. Instead of tear-downs and rebuilds, developers are improving and re-branding properties that are already established, transforming the characters of the hotels inside and out.
  10140.  
  10141. From high end luxury properties to more affordable new Hawaii hotels, the choices are numerous and varied on each island. We cover our favorites, most of which we’ve visited personally.
  10142.  
  10143. We share the basic pricing of these new Hawaii hotels, the features and amenities we love about each property, and the unique characters of the towns where they’re located.
  10144.  
  10145. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  10146. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  10147.  
  10148. We didn’t have time to cover all of them so here’s our list of favorites:
  10149.  
  10150. Oahu
  10151. The Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club (formerly Hokele Suites Waikiki)
  10152. The LayLow (Formerly the Wave Waikiki)
  10153. Hyatt Centric (Formerly the Waikiki business center)
  10154. Ritz Carlton (New build)
  10155. Holiday Inn Express Waikiki (Formally Maile Sky Court)
  10156. Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore (New build Formally Days Inn)
  10157. Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach (Formally Pacific Beach Hotel)
  10158. Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina (Formally Marriott Ko Olia)
  10159. Prince Waikiki
  10160. Waikiki Beachcomber
  10161.  
  10162. Maui
  10163. Aston at The Whaler, Kaanapali Beach
  10164. Residence Inn by Marriott Maui Wailea (New Build)
  10165. Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
  10166. Sheraton Maui Resort &amp; Spa
  10167. The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, Kaanapali (new Build)
  10168. Kohea Kai Resort (New build)
  10169.  
  10170. Big Island
  10171. Marriott’s Waikoloa Ocean Club (new build)
  10172.  
  10173. Kauai
  10174. Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection (new build)
  10175. Sheraton Kauai Resort
  10176. Aqua Kauai Beach Resort
  10177. Kauai Shores</description>
  10178. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/newhotels.mp3" length="8717630" type="audio/mpeg" />
  10179. <itunes:subtitle>Hawaii in general, but especially Oahu, has seen an increase in new Hawaii hotels, resorts and condominiums, creating a new landscape and vibe to certain areas on every island. As you can imagine real estate and construction costs are expensive in Hawa...</itunes:subtitle>
  10180. <itunes:summary>Hawaii in general, but especially Oahu, has seen an increase in new Hawaii hotels, resorts and condominiums, creating a new landscape and vibe to certain areas on every island. As you can imagine real estate and construction costs are expensive in Hawaii. It’s for that reason that it just doesn’t make financial sense to completely tear down these structures and build new ones.&lt;br /&gt;
  10181. &lt;br /&gt;
  10182. So that’s why most of the new Hawaii Hotels are total transformations of existing properties that were built back in the 70’s. In the last ten years there have been only a few newly-built from the ground up resorts. There is also the fact that Waikiki in particular is pretty much jam packed with hotels and condominiums. There’s just no room for a new property. Instead of tear-downs and rebuilds, developers are improving and re-branding properties that are already established, transforming the characters of the hotels inside and out.&lt;br /&gt;
  10183. &lt;br /&gt;
  10184. From high end luxury properties to more affordable new Hawaii hotels, the choices are numerous and varied on each island. We cover our favorites, most of which we’ve visited personally.&lt;br /&gt;
  10185. &lt;br /&gt;
  10186. We share the basic pricing of these new Hawaii hotels, the features and amenities we love about each property, and the unique characters of the towns where they’re located.&lt;br /&gt;
  10187. &lt;br /&gt;
  10188. &lt;br /&gt;
  10189. &lt;br /&gt;
  10190. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  10191. &lt;br /&gt;
  10192. &lt;br /&gt;
  10193. &lt;br /&gt;
  10194. &lt;br /&gt;
  10195. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  10196. &lt;br /&gt;
  10197. &lt;br /&gt;
  10198. &lt;br /&gt;
  10199. &lt;br /&gt;
  10200. &lt;br /&gt;
  10201. &lt;br /&gt;
  10202. &lt;br /&gt;
  10203. We didn’t have time to cover all of them so here’s our list of favorites:&lt;br /&gt;
  10204. &lt;br /&gt;
  10205. Oahu&lt;br /&gt;
  10206. The Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club (formerly Hokele Suites Waikiki)&lt;br /&gt;
  10207. The LayLow (Formerly the Wave Waikiki)&lt;br /&gt;
  10208. Hyatt Centric (Formerly the Waikiki business center)&lt;br /&gt;
  10209. Ritz Carlton (New build)&lt;br /&gt;
  10210. Holiday Inn Express Waikiki (Formally Maile Sky Court)&lt;br /&gt;
  10211. Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore (New build Formally Days Inn)&lt;br /&gt;
  10212. Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach (Formally Pacific Beach Hotel)&lt;br /&gt;
  10213. Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina (Formally Marriott Ko Olia)&lt;br /&gt;
  10214. Prince Waikiki&lt;br /&gt;
  10215. Waikiki Beachcomber&lt;br /&gt;
  10216. &lt;br /&gt;
  10217. Maui&lt;br /&gt;
  10218. Aston at The Whaler, Kaanapali Beach&lt;br /&gt;
  10219. Residence Inn by Marriott Maui Wailea (New Build)&lt;br /&gt;
  10220. Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort&lt;br /&gt;
  10221. Sheraton Maui Resort &amp; Spa&lt;br /&gt;
  10222. The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, Kaanapali (new Build)&lt;br /&gt;
  10223. Kohea Kai Resort (New build)&lt;br /&gt;
  10224. &lt;br /&gt;
  10225. Big Island&lt;br /&gt;
  10226. Marriott’s Waikoloa Ocean Club (new build)&lt;br /&gt;
  10227. &lt;br /&gt;
  10228. Kauai&lt;br /&gt;
  10229. Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection (new build)&lt;br /&gt;
  10230. Sheraton Kauai Resort&lt;br /&gt;
  10231. Aqua Kauai Beach Resort&lt;br /&gt;
  10232. Kauai Shores</itunes:summary>
  10233. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  10234. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  10235. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  10236. <itunes:duration>24:13</itunes:duration>
  10237. </item>
  10238. <item>
  10239. <title>Fun Things to do in Hawaii</title>
  10240. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/fun-things-to-do-in-hawaii/</link>
  10241. <pubDate>Thu, 20 Sep 2018 20:16:04 +0000</pubDate>
  10242. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=35466</guid>
  10243. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/fun-things-to-do-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  10244. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/fun-things-to-do-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  10245. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  10246. <description>Lanai Tabura, born and raised in Hawaii discovered something about himself; he&#039;s been here his entire life but hasn&#039;t been to a lot of popular attractions most locals and even tourists have experienced. For example; he&#039;s never gone on the popular LaniKai Pillbox hike, just about everyone who&#039;s live here has done that! Curious to find out if other locals likewise haven&#039;t been to some of these places he asked his FB fans “If you&#039;re a local, what poplar attractions or landmarks (like Pearl Harbor) have you never been to?  After reviewing the comments, we were surprised how many locals take for granted some of the fun things to do in Hawaii. We thought this would be a perfect podcast topic to share which should give you some ideas about fun things to do in Hawaii when you’re here.
  10247.  
  10248. There are so many activities and Fun things to do in Hawaii. You could probably spend years here and never do all that’s available. Today we offer up some of the suggestions that came in to our fan pages and add some of our own. We cover some that may be on your bucket list and other that might not be on your list at all.  The best part is that some of these suggestions are absolutely free or very affordable.
  10249.  
  10250. Taking the lead from Lanai we also asked our Hawaii Aloha Travel FB friends about some to chime in with the Fun things to do in Hawaii they’ve enjoyed  while on Vacation here and plan to do when they visit. We share some of the unique one s and offer some advice about how to visit them. From hiking to museums we share as much as we could in our short podcast.  To find out more make sure you follow Lanai and Hawaii Aloha Travel on Facebook</description>
  10251. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/thingstodo.mp3" length="5388101" type="audio/mpeg" />
  10252. <itunes:subtitle>Lanai Tabura, born and raised in Hawaii discovered something about himself; he&#039;s been here his entire life but hasn&#039;t been to a lot of popular attractions most locals and even tourists have experienced. For example; he&#039;s never gone on the popular LaniK...</itunes:subtitle>
  10253. <itunes:summary>Lanai Tabura, born and raised in Hawaii discovered something about himself; he&#039;s been here his entire life but hasn&#039;t been to a lot of popular attractions most locals and even tourists have experienced. For example; he&#039;s never gone on the popular LaniKai Pillbox hike, just about everyone who&#039;s live here has done that! Curious to find out if other locals likewise haven&#039;t been to some of these places he asked his FB fans “If you&#039;re a local, what poplar attractions or landmarks (like Pearl Harbor) have you never been to?  After reviewing the comments, we were surprised how many locals take for granted some of the fun things to do in Hawaii. We thought this would be a perfect podcast topic to share which should give you some ideas about fun things to do in Hawaii when you’re here.&lt;br /&gt;
  10254. &lt;br /&gt;
  10255. There are so many activities and Fun things to do in Hawaii. You could probably spend years here and never do all that’s available. Today we offer up some of the suggestions that came in to our fan pages and add some of our own. We cover some that may be on your bucket list and other that might not be on your list at all.  The best part is that some of these suggestions are absolutely free or very affordable.&lt;br /&gt;
  10256. &lt;br /&gt;
  10257. Taking the lead from Lanai we also asked our Hawaii Aloha Travel FB friends about some to chime in with the Fun things to do in Hawaii they’ve enjoyed  while on Vacation here and plan to do when they visit. We share some of the unique one s and offer some advice about how to visit them. From hiking to museums we share as much as we could in our short podcast.  To find out more make sure you follow Lanai and Hawaii Aloha Travel on Facebook</itunes:summary>
  10258. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  10259. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  10260. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  10261. <itunes:duration>14:58</itunes:duration>
  10262. </item>
  10263. <item>
  10264. <title>Historic sites to visit in Hawaii</title>
  10265. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/historic-sites-to-visit-in-hawaii/</link>
  10266. <pubDate>Sat, 15 Sep 2018 22:14:19 +0000</pubDate>
  10267. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=35437</guid>
  10268. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/historic-sites-to-visit-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  10269. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/historic-sites-to-visit-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  10270. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  10271. <description>We know you’re coming to Hawaii for a fabulous vacation, to enjoy the beautiful scenery, and to treat yourself to much needed relaxation and fun.  While that of course is the most important part of a Hawaii vacation, taking in some of the Historic Sites to visit in Hawaii that are fun and educational, too!  On today’s podcast, Lanai and AlohaBruce talk about some of the most popular locations and the history behind a number of historical Hawaii landmarks.
  10272.  
  10273. The history of Hawaii dates back over 1500 years. Long before Captain Cook set foot in these islands, Hawaiians were busy creating sustainable communities by building sophisticated agricultural systems. They were and are masters of the land and sea which led to the ahupua’a system. This system, centered around fresh water rivers and streams, controlled and allocated the landscape and its resources from the highest mountain peaks to the ocean shore and the reefs that have come to make Hawaii one of the most popular destinations in the world.
  10274.  
  10275. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  10276. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  10277.  
  10278. Native Hawaiians became proficient at harvesting crops such as sweet potatoes, Taro, bananas and more. They had a system to manage ocean resources as well, with strict rules on when certain plants, animals and fish could be harvested. Violators of these kapu faced the punishment of death.
  10279.  
  10280. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for fun and interesting places to go on your vacation make to include Historic Sites to visit in Hawaii. If you want some ideas and suggestions this podcast is for you! Email AlohaBruce if you need more info or would like help to start planning your Hawaii vacation.</description>
  10281. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/hawaiihistory.mp3" length="14593385" type="audio/mpeg" />
  10282. <itunes:subtitle>We know you’re coming to Hawaii for a fabulous vacation, to enjoy the beautiful scenery, and to treat yourself to much needed relaxation and fun.  While that of course is the most important part of a Hawaii vacation,</itunes:subtitle>
  10283. <itunes:summary>We know you’re coming to Hawaii for a fabulous vacation, to enjoy the beautiful scenery, and to treat yourself to much needed relaxation and fun.  While that of course is the most important part of a Hawaii vacation, taking in some of the Historic Sites to visit in Hawaii that are fun and educational, too!  On today’s podcast, Lanai and AlohaBruce talk about some of the most popular locations and the history behind a number of historical Hawaii landmarks.&lt;br /&gt;
  10284. &lt;br /&gt;
  10285. The history of Hawaii dates back over 1500 years. Long before Captain Cook set foot in these islands, Hawaiians were busy creating sustainable communities by building sophisticated agricultural systems. They were and are masters of the land and sea which led to the ahupua’a system. This system, centered around fresh water rivers and streams, controlled and allocated the landscape and its resources from the highest mountain peaks to the ocean shore and the reefs that have come to make Hawaii one of the most popular destinations in the world.&lt;br /&gt;
  10286. &lt;br /&gt;
  10287. &lt;br /&gt;
  10288. &lt;br /&gt;
  10289. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  10290. &lt;br /&gt;
  10291. &lt;br /&gt;
  10292. &lt;br /&gt;
  10293. &lt;br /&gt;
  10294. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  10295. &lt;br /&gt;
  10296. &lt;br /&gt;
  10297. &lt;br /&gt;
  10298. &lt;br /&gt;
  10299. &lt;br /&gt;
  10300. &lt;br /&gt;
  10301. &lt;br /&gt;
  10302. Native Hawaiians became proficient at harvesting crops such as sweet potatoes, Taro, bananas and more. They had a system to manage ocean resources as well, with strict rules on when certain plants, animals and fish could be harvested. Violators of these kapu faced the punishment of death.&lt;br /&gt;
  10303. &lt;br /&gt;
  10304. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for fun and interesting places to go on your vacation make to include Historic Sites to visit in Hawaii. If you want some ideas and suggestions this podcast is for you! Email AlohaBruce if you need more info or would like help to start planning your Hawaii vacation.</itunes:summary>
  10305. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  10306. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  10307. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  10308. <itunes:duration>17:12</itunes:duration>
  10309. </item>
  10310. <item>
  10311. <title>Hawaiian vs Hawaiian Style Food</title>
  10312. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaiian-vs-hawaiian-style-food/</link>
  10313. <pubDate>Fri, 24 Aug 2018 20:07:06 +0000</pubDate>
  10314. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=35366</guid>
  10315. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaiian-vs-hawaiian-style-food/#respond</comments>
  10316. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaiian-vs-hawaiian-style-food/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  10317. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  10318. <description>Have you ever wondered what the difference is between Hawaiian food and Hawaiian style food? It&#039;s probably a question that&#039;s never even crossed your mind, right?
  10319.  
  10320. Many visitors just assume that when you come to Hawaii you&#039;ll simply enjoy Hawaiian food by default without really giving it much thought. For the most part that&#039;s true with over 3000 restaurants in the Islands it&#039;s hard NOT to easily enjoy the food here. But for the the inner foodie in you it&#039;s helpful to understand the basic difference.  Hawaiian food in the purest sense is made up of only two things; Fish and Poi. On the other hand, Hawaiian style food is a combination of flavors from many cultures merged together. That&#039;s pretty much it!
  10321.  
  10322. Emmy award-winning Lanai Tabura shares with us his unique insight into the foods of Hawaii on this podcast. We talk about the cultures they&#039;re from and how the food is  prepared. We&#039;ll discuss some of the most popular and not so popular foods you need to try when you visit. We got food covered for you on this podcast, Lanai shares some of the best hole in the wall restaurants on Oahu and give you some ideas for foods to try when you here on your Hawaii Vacation.</description>
  10323. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/hawaiianvsstyle.mp3" length="5146031" type="audio/mpeg" />
  10324. <itunes:subtitle>Have you ever wondered what the difference is between Hawaiian food and Hawaiian style food? It&#039;s probably a question that&#039;s never even crossed your mind, right?  Many visitors just assume that when you come to Hawaii you&#039;ll simply enjoy Hawaiian food ...</itunes:subtitle>
  10325. <itunes:summary>Have you ever wondered what the difference is between Hawaiian food and Hawaiian style food? It&#039;s probably a question that&#039;s never even crossed your mind, right?&lt;br /&gt;
  10326. &lt;br /&gt;
  10327. Many visitors just assume that when you come to Hawaii you&#039;ll simply enjoy Hawaiian food by default without really giving it much thought. For the most part that&#039;s true with over 3000 restaurants in the Islands it&#039;s hard NOT to easily enjoy the food here. But for the the inner foodie in you it&#039;s helpful to understand the basic difference.  Hawaiian food in the purest sense is made up of only two things; Fish and Poi. On the other hand, Hawaiian style food is a combination of flavors from many cultures merged together. That&#039;s pretty much it!&lt;br /&gt;
  10328. &lt;br /&gt;
  10329. Emmy award-winning Lanai Tabura shares with us his unique insight into the foods of Hawaii on this podcast. We talk about the cultures they&#039;re from and how the food is  prepared. We&#039;ll discuss some of the most popular and not so popular foods you need to try when you visit. We got food covered for you on this podcast, Lanai shares some of the best hole in the wall restaurants on Oahu and give you some ideas for foods to try when you here on your Hawaii Vacation.</itunes:summary>
  10330. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  10331. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  10332. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  10333. <itunes:duration>14:18</itunes:duration>
  10334. </item>
  10335. <item>
  10336. <title>Instagram accounts and Apps for your Hawaii Vacation</title>
  10337. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/instagram-accounts-and-apps-for-your-hawaii-vacation/</link>
  10338. <pubDate>Mon, 13 Aug 2018 02:40:39 +0000</pubDate>
  10339. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=35331</guid>
  10340. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/instagram-accounts-and-apps-for-your-hawaii-vacation/#respond</comments>
  10341. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/instagram-accounts-and-apps-for-your-hawaii-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  10342. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  10343. <description>There was a time when planning a vacation was a simple and straight-forward process. Perhaps you’d talk to a few friends, visit a travel agent, or just go to AAA and make some reservations. For some, that’s still the way to get a vacation worked out, but for most people in today&#039;s age of information, it involves a lot more. The Internet gave birth to instantly-public consumer reviews, and social media has made it easier than ever for folks to research and plan customized travel experiences. The problem is that there are so many &quot;apps&quot; and Social media accounts to download and follow that it’s hard to know where to begin with the information overload!
  10344.  
  10345. Technology is a huge part of traveling today. It’s only fitting we share with you our favorite Hawaii Instagram stars and Apps the we believe you should have for your Hawaii vacation experience. Today, Lanai Tabura and I share with you everything you need to know to put, literally, in the palm of your hand during your Hawaii vacation.  From the best pau hana (after work) hot spots for meal and drinks deals to the most popular Hawaiian Instagram superstars, we&#039;ll cover them all on this podcast. You&#039;ll learn what you need to know to make the most of social media on your Hawaii vacation on this week&#039;s podcast. We&#039;ll connect you with Hawaii&#039;s Insta-stars and Facebook-famous, and the slew of apps to make your Hawaii Vacation more interesting.</description>
  10346. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/apps_you_should_have.mp3" length="6685173" type="audio/mpeg" />
  10347. <itunes:subtitle>There was a time when planning a vacation was a simple and straight-forward process. Perhaps you’d talk to a few friends, visit a travel agent, or just go to AAA and make some reservations. For some, that’s still the way to get a vacation worked out,</itunes:subtitle>
  10348. <itunes:summary>There was a time when planning a vacation was a simple and straight-forward process. Perhaps you’d talk to a few friends, visit a travel agent, or just go to AAA and make some reservations. For some, that’s still the way to get a vacation worked out, but for most people in today&#039;s age of information, it involves a lot more. The Internet gave birth to instantly-public consumer reviews, and social media has made it easier than ever for folks to research and plan customized travel experiences. The problem is that there are so many &quot;apps&quot; and Social media accounts to download and follow that it’s hard to know where to begin with the information overload!&lt;br /&gt;
  10349. &lt;br /&gt;
  10350. Technology is a huge part of traveling today. It’s only fitting we share with you our favorite Hawaii Instagram stars and Apps the we believe you should have for your Hawaii vacation experience. Today, Lanai Tabura and I share with you everything you need to know to put, literally, in the palm of your hand during your Hawaii vacation.  From the best pau hana (after work) hot spots for meal and drinks deals to the most popular Hawaiian Instagram superstars, we&#039;ll cover them all on this podcast. You&#039;ll learn what you need to know to make the most of social media on your Hawaii vacation on this week&#039;s podcast. We&#039;ll connect you with Hawaii&#039;s Insta-stars and Facebook-famous, and the slew of apps to make your Hawaii Vacation more interesting.</itunes:summary>
  10351. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  10352. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  10353. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  10354. <itunes:duration>18:34</itunes:duration>
  10355. </item>
  10356. <item>
  10357. <title>The &#8220;Southwest Effect&#8221; on Hawaii</title>
  10358. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/the-southwest-effect-on-hawaii/</link>
  10359. <pubDate>Sun, 12 Nov 2017 22:51:26 +0000</pubDate>
  10360. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=34011</guid>
  10361. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/the-southwest-effect-on-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  10362. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/the-southwest-effect-on-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  10363. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  10364. <description>Today&#039;s podcast focuses on ways we can help you save money on your Hawaii vacation. To help us understand what&#039;s happening, we check in with Marco Forlliti, who&#039;s the business management development manager for Blue Sky tours, one of our major partners. He&#039;ll fill us in on The Latest Scoop about when we can expect to see more and less expensive airfares. It&#039;s interesting to note that whenever Southwest enters a market prices go down. Marco talks about the Southwest effect and how this mean savings for you!
  10365.  
  10366. Now is a great time to start planning your Hawaii vacation so feel free to give us a call and see what we can do to give you a head start. With partners like Blue Sky tours and the Mark Travel Corporation you&#039;ll have the peace of mind that when you book your vacation with us everything will go smoothly. And more importantly,  if there is a glitch or a problem we are here to take care of you, we actually do our best work with things go wrong not when they go right.</description>
  10367. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/southwesteffect.mp3" length="6148854" type="audio/mpeg" />
  10368. <itunes:subtitle>Today&#039;s podcast focuses on ways we can help you save money on your Hawaii vacation. To help us understand what&#039;s happening, we check in with Marco Forlliti, who&#039;s the business management development manager for Blue Sky tours,</itunes:subtitle>
  10369. <itunes:summary>Today&#039;s podcast focuses on ways we can help you save money on your Hawaii vacation. To help us understand what&#039;s happening, we check in with Marco Forlliti, who&#039;s the business management development manager for Blue Sky tours, one of our major partners. He&#039;ll fill us in on The Latest Scoop about when we can expect to see more and less expensive airfares. It&#039;s interesting to note that whenever Southwest enters a market prices go down. Marco talks about the Southwest effect and how this mean savings for you!&lt;br /&gt;
  10370. &lt;br /&gt;
  10371. Now is a great time to start planning your Hawaii vacation so feel free to give us a call and see what we can do to give you a head start. With partners like Blue Sky tours and the Mark Travel Corporation you&#039;ll have the peace of mind that when you book your vacation with us everything will go smoothly. And more importantly,  if there is a glitch or a problem we are here to take care of you, we actually do our best work with things go wrong not when they go right.</itunes:summary>
  10372. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  10373. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  10374. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  10375. <itunes:duration>17:05</itunes:duration>
  10376. </item>
  10377. <item>
  10378. <title>Where to Stay for Cheap Hotels on Oahu (And Where to Splurge!)</title>
  10379. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/which-part-of-oahu-should-you-stay-on/</link>
  10380. <pubDate>Tue, 03 Oct 2017 18:54:45 +0000</pubDate>
  10381. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=33931</guid>
  10382. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/which-part-of-oahu-should-you-stay-on/#respond</comments>
  10383. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/which-part-of-oahu-should-you-stay-on/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  10384. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  10385. <description>If you’re looking for cheap hotels in Oahu, you might automatically assume you should stay in Waikiki. While Waikiki is a fantastic place with a lot to offer travelers, I want you to know that there are a few different areas on Oahu where visitors like to stay.
  10386.  
  10387.  
  10388.  
  10389. You have options, and I want to make sure you know about all of them before you come to visit!
  10390.  
  10391.  
  10392.  
  10393. Depending on your needs, budget, and how you want to spend your time on Oahu, you might want to stay closer to the action in Waikiki, experience the laid-back vibes on the North Shore, or get away from it all in Ko Olina.
  10394.  
  10395.  
  10396.  
  10397. Ahead we’re sharing the best areas for cheap hotels on Oahu along with great options for other budgets and activities too. 
  10398.  
  10399.  
  10400.  
  10401. How will you know which part of Oahu should you stay on? Let me help you decide…
  10402.  
  10403.  
  10404.  
  10405. Waikiki/Honolulu
  10406.  
  10407.  
  10408.  
  10409. Waikiki is where most visitors to Oahu stay, and for good reasons. When I need a staycation, I love to go down to Waikiki for an evening or sometimes for an entire weekend. Everything is in one place, and there are many different hotels and resorts in all different price ranges. There are luxury resorts right on the beach and cheaper hotels a few blocks away. Views from some of these resorts are simply stunning, with the gorgeous ocean waters and Diamond Head in the distance.
  10410.  
  10411.  
  10412.  
  10413. I’d say if your #1 priority is to find cheap hotels in Oahu, the outskirts of Honolulu will be the best bet. However, some places right in Waikiki will have a nice balance between cost and comfort. 
  10414.  
  10415.  
  10416.  
  10417. Things to Do Near Cheap Hotels on Oahu
  10418.  
  10419.  
  10420.  
  10421. You will find high-end shopping and dining on Ala Moana Boulevard and inside Ala Moana Mall. The restaurants, bars, and nightlife cannot be beaten.
  10422.  
  10423.  
  10424.  
  10425. Of course, Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head are nearby. There are also many museums, including my personal favorites, the Honolulu Museum of Art, the Bishop Museum, and Iolani Palace. Waikiki is also home to the Honolulu Zoo and Honolulu Aquarium.
  10426.  
  10427.  
  10428.  
  10429. Nearby Attractions
  10430.  
  10431.  
  10432.  
  10433. Waikiki offers decent access to the other parts of the island, making it a great option for people who want to explore all that Oahu has to offer. Depending on traffic, it could take between 35 minutes and an hour to get to the Dole Plantation, and about an hour to get to Haleiwa, the North Shore’s busiest town. From there, you can spend the day exploring the quiet and scenic North Shore.
  10434.  
  10435.  
  10436.  
  10437. Honolulu is a city with local community events like farmers markets and Eat the Street, a food truck rally that happens once a month. 
  10438.  
  10439.  
  10440.  
  10441. Almost every visitor to Oahu wants to visit Pearl Harbor, which is about a half hour from Waikiki, depending on traffic.
  10442.  
  10443.  
  10444.  
  10445. Pros of Waikiki
  10446.  
  10447.  
  10448.  
  10449. Waikiki has incredible sunsets. When I think about a Hawaiian vacation, I think about sipping Mai Tais while watching the sunset in Waikiki. Also, Waikiki is walkable. It’s located in the middle of a great city, so there is a lot to do here. You could spend weeks here and never get bored.
  10450.  
  10451.  
  10452.  
  10453. If you are a foodie, you will want to be in Waikiki. Some of the best restaurants and world-class chefs are in Waikiki. Waikiki also has the best nightlife of anywhere on the island. In fact, nightlife is pretty much nonexistent in the other areas that cater to visitors.
  10454.  
  10455.  
  10456.  
  10457. And, as I mentioned, lots of the cheap hotels on Oahu are located in and around Waikiki. 
  10458.  
  10459.  
  10460.  
  10461. Cons of Waikiki
  10462.  
  10463.  
  10464.  
  10465. There is a lot of traffic—all of the time. Parking can be difficult and expensive. Most hotels will charge a separate parking fee. If you don’t plan to leave Waikiki, you could get around without a car, but I highly recommend renting a car and getting out of Waikiki. Allow yourself more time to get around than you think that you will need.
  10466.  
  10467.  
  10468.  
  10469. Also, you will pay a higher price tag in Waikiki than you’re used to in the mainland, simply because it’s such a large tourist destination (of course, Hawaii Aloha Travel’s Travel Agents can help you get the best prices).
  10470.  
  10471.  
  10472.  
  10473. North Shore
  10474.  
  10475.  
  10476.  
  10477. Oahu’s fabled North Shore is known for the huge waves that draw surfers from all over t...</description>
  10478. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/wheretostayoahu.mp3" length="6656910" type="audio/mpeg" />
  10479. <itunes:subtitle>If you’re looking for cheap hotels in Oahu, you might automatically assume you should stay in Waikiki. While Waikiki is a fantastic place with a lot to offer travelers, I want you to know that there are a few different areas on Oahu where visitors like...</itunes:subtitle>
  10480. <itunes:summary>If you’re looking for cheap hotels in Oahu, you might automatically assume you should stay in Waikiki. While Waikiki is a fantastic place with a lot to offer travelers, I want you to know that there are a few different areas on Oahu where visitors like to stay.&lt;br /&gt;
  10481. &lt;br /&gt;
  10482. &lt;br /&gt;
  10483. &lt;br /&gt;
  10484. You have options, and I want to make sure you know about all of them before you come to visit!&lt;br /&gt;
  10485. &lt;br /&gt;
  10486. &lt;br /&gt;
  10487. &lt;br /&gt;
  10488. Depending on your needs, budget, and how you want to spend your time on Oahu, you might want to stay closer to the action in Waikiki, experience the laid-back vibes on the North Shore, or get away from it all in Ko Olina.&lt;br /&gt;
  10489. &lt;br /&gt;
  10490. &lt;br /&gt;
  10491. &lt;br /&gt;
  10492. Ahead we’re sharing the best areas for cheap hotels on Oahu along with great options for other budgets and activities too. &lt;br /&gt;
  10493. &lt;br /&gt;
  10494. &lt;br /&gt;
  10495. &lt;br /&gt;
  10496. How will you know which part of Oahu should you stay on? Let me help you decide…&lt;br /&gt;
  10497. &lt;br /&gt;
  10498. &lt;br /&gt;
  10499. &lt;br /&gt;
  10500. Waikiki/Honolulu&lt;br /&gt;
  10501. &lt;br /&gt;
  10502. &lt;br /&gt;
  10503. &lt;br /&gt;
  10504. Waikiki is where most visitors to Oahu stay, and for good reasons. When I need a staycation, I love to go down to Waikiki for an evening or sometimes for an entire weekend. Everything is in one place, and there are many different hotels and resorts in all different price ranges. There are luxury resorts right on the beach and cheaper hotels a few blocks away. Views from some of these resorts are simply stunning, with the gorgeous ocean waters and Diamond Head in the distance.&lt;br /&gt;
  10505. &lt;br /&gt;
  10506. &lt;br /&gt;
  10507. &lt;br /&gt;
  10508. I’d say if your #1 priority is to find cheap hotels in Oahu, the outskirts of Honolulu will be the best bet. However, some places right in Waikiki will have a nice balance between cost and comfort. &lt;br /&gt;
  10509. &lt;br /&gt;
  10510. &lt;br /&gt;
  10511. &lt;br /&gt;
  10512. Things to Do Near Cheap Hotels on Oahu&lt;br /&gt;
  10513. &lt;br /&gt;
  10514. &lt;br /&gt;
  10515. &lt;br /&gt;
  10516. You will find high-end shopping and dining on Ala Moana Boulevard and inside Ala Moana Mall. The restaurants, bars, and nightlife cannot be beaten.&lt;br /&gt;
  10517. &lt;br /&gt;
  10518. &lt;br /&gt;
  10519. &lt;br /&gt;
  10520. Of course, Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head are nearby. There are also many museums, including my personal favorites, the Honolulu Museum of Art, the Bishop Museum, and Iolani Palace. Waikiki is also home to the Honolulu Zoo and Honolulu Aquarium.&lt;br /&gt;
  10521. &lt;br /&gt;
  10522. &lt;br /&gt;
  10523. &lt;br /&gt;
  10524. Nearby Attractions&lt;br /&gt;
  10525. &lt;br /&gt;
  10526. &lt;br /&gt;
  10527. &lt;br /&gt;
  10528. Waikiki offers decent access to the other parts of the island, making it a great option for people who want to explore all that Oahu has to offer. Depending on traffic, it could take between 35 minutes and an hour to get to the Dole Plantation, and about an hour to get to Haleiwa, the North Shore’s busiest town. From there, you can spend the day exploring the quiet and scenic North Shore.&lt;br /&gt;
  10529. &lt;br /&gt;
  10530. &lt;br /&gt;
  10531. &lt;br /&gt;
  10532. Honolulu is a city with local community events like farmers markets and Eat the Street, a food truck rally that happens once a month. &lt;br /&gt;
  10533. &lt;br /&gt;
  10534. &lt;br /&gt;
  10535. &lt;br /&gt;
  10536. Almost every visitor to Oahu wants to visit Pearl Harbor, which is about a half hour from Waikiki, depending on traffic.&lt;br /&gt;
  10537. &lt;br /&gt;
  10538. &lt;br /&gt;
  10539. &lt;br /&gt;
  10540. Pros of Waikiki&lt;br /&gt;
  10541. &lt;br /&gt;
  10542. &lt;br /&gt;
  10543. &lt;br /&gt;
  10544. Waikiki has incredible sunsets. When I think about a Hawaiian vacation, I think about sipping Mai Tais while watching the sunset in Waikiki. Also, Waikiki is walkable. It’s located in the middle of a great city, so there is a lot to do here. You could spend weeks here and never get bored.&lt;br /&gt;
  10545. &lt;br /&gt;
  10546. &lt;br /&gt;
  10547. &lt;br /&gt;
  10548. If you are a foodie, you will want to be in Waikiki. Some of the best restaurants and world-class chefs are in Waikiki. Waikiki also has the best nightlife of anywhere on the island. In fact, nightlife is pretty much nonexistent in the other areas that cater to visitors.&lt;br /&gt;
  10549. &lt;br /&gt;
  10550. &lt;br /&gt;
  10551. &lt;br /&gt;
  10552. And, as I mentioned, lots of the cheap hotels on Oahu are located in and around Waikiki. &lt;br /&gt;
  10553. &lt;br /&gt;
  10554. &lt;br /&gt;
  10555. &lt;br /&gt;
  10556. Cons of Waikiki&lt;br /&gt;
  10557. &lt;br /&gt;
  10558. &lt;br /&gt;
  10559. &lt;br /&gt;
  10560. There is a lot of traffic—all of the time. Parking can be difficult and expensive. Most hotels will charge a separate parking fee. If you don’t plan to leave Waikiki,</itunes:summary>
  10561. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  10562. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  10563. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  10564. <itunes:duration>18:29</itunes:duration>
  10565. </item>
  10566. <item>
  10567. <title>Don&#8217;t Make These Mistakes on your Hawaii Vacation</title>
  10568. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/dont-make-these-mistakes-on-your-hawaii-vacation/</link>
  10569. <pubDate>Fri, 08 Sep 2017 23:48:31 +0000</pubDate>
  10570. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=33867</guid>
  10571. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/dont-make-these-mistakes-on-your-hawaii-vacation/#respond</comments>
  10572. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/dont-make-these-mistakes-on-your-hawaii-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  10573. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  10574. <description>Many people come to Hawaii for the very first time not knowing much about it. That’s where we come in. Since we are not a cookie cutter, automated travel website, we can give you the best tips to get the most out of your vacation and how to be safe when you visit. From knowing local customs to local laws, coming prepared to Hawaii will not only help you get the most out of your trip, but it will also contribute to keeping you safe.
  10575.  
  10576. To get you started, I’ve got a list of 12 common mistakes that people make in Hawaii, and how you can avoid them:
  10577.  
  10578. Not leaving Waikiki (or your resort)
  10579. Yes, there is plenty to do in Waikiki, and many resorts can keep you busy for weeks. I’ve lived on Oahu for years, and I still haven’t tried all of the restaurants I want to try in Waikiki.
  10580.  
  10581. And, I know that many people come to Hawaii for relaxation. But there is so much more to explore on Oahu besides Waikiki, and there are so many places to eat and see beyond the resorts. Go to the North shore and find a secluded beach. Drive up to Waimea and swim in a waterfall. Take a  Secret Hawaii’s cultural sights. Explore Pearl Harbor, museums, and other historical sights. Get out of Waikiki - you will be glad that you did!
  10582. Not trying local food
  10583. Sometimes I crave a good burger or pizza no matter where I am, but I always encourage people to get outside their comfort zones a bit and try new foods. There is a huge push towards local farming and sustainability happening in Hawaii. Restaurants pride themselves on using ingredients from local farmers and work hard to infuse Hawaiian flavors into their dishes. Try some local comfort food at Side Street Inn. Go to a farmer&#039;s market. Check out Eat the Street - where 40+ food trucks gather and you can try lots of local favorites. Maybe try one of my favorite restaurants with views that emphasize local farms and local flavors.
  10584.  
  10585. Some Hawaiian foods to try include poke, shrimp trucks, spam musubi, malasadas, acai bowls, or shave ice. Go to the farmer&#039;s markets and try fruit like lilikoi and apple bananas. Try fish like Ono, Opah, and Mahi Mahi. A luau is a great way to try traditional Hawaiian food, too!
  10586. Touching a sea turtle (or other wildlife)
  10587. It’s illegal to harass or touch both Hawaiian green sea turtles and monk seals. You can be fined up to $10,000.
  10588.  
  10589. These two animals are extremely endangered. There are a few beaches where turtles are known to hang out. Volunteers from Malama na Honu take turns watching over the sea turtles to make sure no one gets too close, both on land and in the water. If a sea turtle is resting on the beach, they will often rope off the area around them. They do the same for monk seals.
  10590.  
  10591. For more information about how to keep these animals safe, click here.
  10592. Taking lava rock
  10593. Lava rock is so cool! It’s going to be tempting, but whatever you do, do not take the lava rock! Walk on it, touch it, and photograph it instead.
  10594.  
  10595. The Hawaiian goddess Pele does not like it when you take lava rock. Pele is angry and vengeful. According to legend, she will get so mad if you take lava rock that she will make sure you have bad luck for the rest of your life.
  10596.  
  10597. And, like many Hawaiian legends, this might not just be a legend. Every year, people mail lava rocks that they took back to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park hoping that Pele will forgive them and their bad luck will end!
  10598.  
  10599. Aside from that, it is illegal to take anything from any national park, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is where much of the lava rock is.
  10600.  
  10601. To that effect, please do not remove sand from Hawaii’s beaches. There is only so much of it. Enjoy the beauty and make sure that it remains for future generations.
  10602. Not wearing sunscreen
  10603. You might get away with not wearing sunscreen back home, but since we are close to the equator in Hawaii, the sun is much stronger. Make it a habit to put sunscreen on first thing in the morning and regularly reapply it throughout the day. I would hate it for you to get a terrible burn on your firs...</description>
  10604. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/mistakes.mp3" length="7823723" type="audio/mpeg" />
  10605. <itunes:subtitle>Many people come to Hawaii for the very first time not knowing much about it. That’s where we come in. Since we are not a cookie cutter, automated travel website, we can give you the best tips to get the most out of your vacation and how to be safe whe...</itunes:subtitle>
  10606. <itunes:summary>Many people come to Hawaii for the very first time not knowing much about it. That’s where we come in. Since we are not a cookie cutter, automated travel website, we can give you the best tips to get the most out of your vacation and how to be safe when you visit. From knowing local customs to local laws, coming prepared to Hawaii will not only help you get the most out of your trip, but it will also contribute to keeping you safe.&lt;br /&gt;
  10607. &lt;br /&gt;
  10608. To get you started, I’ve got a list of 12 common mistakes that people make in Hawaii, and how you can avoid them:&lt;br /&gt;
  10609. &lt;br /&gt;
  10610. &lt;br /&gt;
  10611. Not leaving Waikiki (or your resort)&lt;br /&gt;
  10612. Yes, there is plenty to do in Waikiki, and many resorts can keep you busy for weeks. I’ve lived on Oahu for years, and I still haven’t tried all of the restaurants I want to try in Waikiki.&lt;br /&gt;
  10613. &lt;br /&gt;
  10614. And, I know that many people come to Hawaii for relaxation. But there is so much more to explore on Oahu besides Waikiki, and there are so many places to eat and see beyond the resorts. Go to the North shore and find a secluded beach. Drive up to Waimea and swim in a waterfall. Take a  Secret Hawaii’s cultural sights. Explore Pearl Harbor, museums, and other historical sights. Get out of Waikiki - you will be glad that you did!&lt;br /&gt;
  10615. &lt;br /&gt;
  10616. Not trying local food&lt;br /&gt;
  10617. Sometimes I crave a good burger or pizza no matter where I am, but I always encourage people to get outside their comfort zones a bit and try new foods. There is a huge push towards local farming and sustainability happening in Hawaii. Restaurants pride themselves on using ingredients from local farmers and work hard to infuse Hawaiian flavors into their dishes. Try some local comfort food at Side Street Inn. Go to a farmer&#039;s market. Check out Eat the Street - where 40+ food trucks gather and you can try lots of local favorites. Maybe try one of my favorite restaurants with views that emphasize local farms and local flavors.&lt;br /&gt;
  10618. &lt;br /&gt;
  10619. Some Hawaiian foods to try include poke, shrimp trucks, spam musubi, malasadas, acai bowls, or shave ice. Go to the farmer&#039;s markets and try fruit like lilikoi and apple bananas. Try fish like Ono, Opah, and Mahi Mahi. A luau is a great way to try traditional Hawaiian food, too!&lt;br /&gt;
  10620. &lt;br /&gt;
  10621. Touching a sea turtle (or other wildlife)&lt;br /&gt;
  10622. It’s illegal to harass or touch both Hawaiian green sea turtles and monk seals. You can be fined up to $10,000.&lt;br /&gt;
  10623. &lt;br /&gt;
  10624. These two animals are extremely endangered. There are a few beaches where turtles are known to hang out. Volunteers from Malama na Honu take turns watching over the sea turtles to make sure no one gets too close, both on land and in the water. If a sea turtle is resting on the beach, they will often rope off the area around them. They do the same for monk seals.&lt;br /&gt;
  10625. &lt;br /&gt;
  10626. For more information about how to keep these animals safe, click here.&lt;br /&gt;
  10627. &lt;br /&gt;
  10628. Taking lava rock&lt;br /&gt;
  10629. Lava rock is so cool! It’s going to be tempting, but whatever you do, do not take the lava rock! Walk on it, touch it, and photograph it instead.&lt;br /&gt;
  10630. &lt;br /&gt;
  10631. The Hawaiian goddess Pele does not like it when you take lava rock. Pele is angry and vengeful. According to legend, she will get so mad if you take lava rock that she will make sure you have bad luck for the rest of your life.&lt;br /&gt;
  10632. &lt;br /&gt;
  10633. And, like many Hawaiian legends, this might not just be a legend. Every year, people mail lava rocks that they took back to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park hoping that Pele will forgive them and their bad luck will end!&lt;br /&gt;
  10634. &lt;br /&gt;
  10635. Aside from that, it is illegal to take anything from any national park, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is where much of the lava rock is.&lt;br /&gt;
  10636. &lt;br /&gt;
  10637. To that effect, please do not remove sand from Hawaii’s beaches. There is only so much of it. Enjoy the beauty and make sure that it remains for future generations.&lt;br /&gt;
  10638. &lt;br /&gt;
  10639. Not wearing sunscreen&lt;br /&gt;
  10640. You might get away with not wearing sunscreen back home,</itunes:summary>
  10641. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  10642. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  10643. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  10644. <itunes:duration>21:44</itunes:duration>
  10645. </item>
  10646. <item>
  10647. <title>Planning a Wedding in Hawaii</title>
  10648. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/planning-a-wedding-in-hawaii/</link>
  10649. <pubDate>Wed, 06 Sep 2017 18:48:10 +0000</pubDate>
  10650. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=33862</guid>
  10651. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/planning-a-wedding-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  10652. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/planning-a-wedding-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  10653. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  10654. <description>If you&#039;re planning on getting married in Hawaii there&#039;s a lot to consider. There&#039;s the obvious things including the venue, photographer, the wedding dress, who will be attending etc. But there are some not so obvious elements that need to be budgeted for the big day.
  10655.  
  10656. On today&#039;s podcast we give you a quick and dirty version of what a wedding in Hawaii would look like. We talk about some costs and especially the things that you may not remember to be planning for on your big day. You&#039;ll meet our special guests Chavah Grant and who owns and operates Vida Chic a local wedding planning company here on Oahu. She&#039;s a wealth of information and as you&#039;ll hear a bundle of energy which is actually what you need from a wedding planner!
  10657.  
  10658. If you&#039;re planning a wedding we can take care of all the air &amp; hotel accommodations for your guests which will be a major part of the whole process so give us a call at 1-800-843-8771 or email me and we can get the ball rolling.</description>
  10659. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/weddings.mp3" length="5420066" type="audio/mpeg" />
  10660. <itunes:subtitle>If you&#039;re planning on getting married in Hawaii there&#039;s a lot to consider. There&#039;s the obvious things including the venue, photographer, the wedding dress, who will be attending etc. But there are some not so obvious elements that need to be budgeted f...</itunes:subtitle>
  10661. <itunes:summary>If you&#039;re planning on getting married in Hawaii there&#039;s a lot to consider. There&#039;s the obvious things including the venue, photographer, the wedding dress, who will be attending etc. But there are some not so obvious elements that need to be budgeted for the big day.&lt;br /&gt;
  10662. &lt;br /&gt;
  10663. On today&#039;s podcast we give you a quick and dirty version of what a wedding in Hawaii would look like. We talk about some costs and especially the things that you may not remember to be planning for on your big day. You&#039;ll meet our special guests Chavah Grant and who owns and operates Vida Chic a local wedding planning company here on Oahu. She&#039;s a wealth of information and as you&#039;ll hear a bundle of energy which is actually what you need from a wedding planner!&lt;br /&gt;
  10664. &lt;br /&gt;
  10665. If you&#039;re planning a wedding we can take care of all the air &amp; hotel accommodations for your guests which will be a major part of the whole process so give us a call at 1-800-843-8771 or email me and we can get the ball rolling.</itunes:summary>
  10666. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  10667. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  10668. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  10669. <itunes:duration>15:03</itunes:duration>
  10670. </item>
  10671. <item>
  10672. <title>How to Budget for Meals on your Hawaii Vacation</title>
  10673. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/how-to-budget-for-meals-on-your-hawaii-vacation/</link>
  10674. <pubDate>Wed, 09 Aug 2017 22:24:38 +0000</pubDate>
  10675. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=33767</guid>
  10676. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/how-to-budget-for-meals-on-your-hawaii-vacation/#respond</comments>
  10677. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/how-to-budget-for-meals-on-your-hawaii-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  10678. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  10679. <description>When budgeting for your Hawaii vacation an expense that may be hard to calculate are the meals when you&#039;re here. Many questions arise around this topic. How much will food cost? Are there meal plans? Will there be restaurants nearby the hotel in Hawaii that are affordable?
  10680.  
  10681. Figuring out how to budget meals in Hawaii is really about knowing what you typically spend on meals wherever you live. Most people know how much a breakfast or dinner  out will cost and most likely that will be on par with what you spend here in the islands. The problem is that you don&#039;t typically eat all of your meals out,  so it can &quot;eat up&quot; a significant part of your budget if you don&#039;t plan accordingly for meals. Of course if this is a special occasion, you may want to include a fancy dinner or even a dinner cruise with a five-star meal.
  10682.  
  10683. The foods of Hawaii should be part of your experience when visiting the islands. But that doesn&#039;t mean it has to be expensive. There are ways to enjoy the foods here and not spend a fortune. Today we focus on this topic, how to budget and discuss some of the options that are available to you when you&#039;re visiting the islands .
  10684.  
  10685. If you&#039;re planning a trip to Hawaii we&#039;re here to help make that happen, give us a call at 800-843-8771 or feel free to email us support@hawaii-aloha.com</description>
  10686. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/budgeting-for-meals.mp3" length="4679840" type="audio/mpeg" />
  10687. <itunes:subtitle>When budgeting for your Hawaii vacation an expense that may be hard to calculate are the meals when you&#039;re here. Many questions arise around this topic. How much will food cost? Are there meal plans? Will there be restaurants nearby the hotel in Hawaii...</itunes:subtitle>
  10688. <itunes:summary>When budgeting for your Hawaii vacation an expense that may be hard to calculate are the meals when you&#039;re here. Many questions arise around this topic. How much will food cost? Are there meal plans? Will there be restaurants nearby the hotel in Hawaii that are affordable?&lt;br /&gt;
  10689. &lt;br /&gt;
  10690. Figuring out how to budget meals in Hawaii is really about knowing what you typically spend on meals wherever you live. Most people know how much a breakfast or dinner  out will cost and most likely that will be on par with what you spend here in the islands. The problem is that you don&#039;t typically eat all of your meals out,  so it can &quot;eat up&quot; a significant part of your budget if you don&#039;t plan accordingly for meals. Of course if this is a special occasion, you may want to include a fancy dinner or even a dinner cruise with a five-star meal.&lt;br /&gt;
  10691. &lt;br /&gt;
  10692. The foods of Hawaii should be part of your experience when visiting the islands. But that doesn&#039;t mean it has to be expensive. There are ways to enjoy the foods here and not spend a fortune. Today we focus on this topic, how to budget and discuss some of the options that are available to you when you&#039;re visiting the islands .&lt;br /&gt;
  10693. &lt;br /&gt;
  10694. If you&#039;re planning a trip to Hawaii we&#039;re here to help make that happen, give us a call at 800-843-8771 or feel free to email us support@hawaii-aloha.com</itunes:summary>
  10695. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  10696. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  10697. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  10698. <itunes:duration>13:00</itunes:duration>
  10699. </item>
  10700. <item>
  10701. <title>Hawaii Hotel Room Types</title>
  10702. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-hotel-room-types/</link>
  10703. <pubDate>Wed, 02 Aug 2017 18:48:57 +0000</pubDate>
  10704. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=33730</guid>
  10705. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-hotel-room-types/#respond</comments>
  10706. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-hotel-room-types/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  10707. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  10708. <description>A lot of people ask us about the different kinds of hotel rooms available in Hawaii. At the various properties here on the islands, you’ll find a wide variety of categories - from parking lot views to ocean views. And some rooms will have private lanais (balconies) for you to sit on, while others won’t.
  10709.  
  10710. You may be wondering how important it is to your vacation experience to have an ocean view. You might already know you want to save money by not having a view. Or, depending on your expectations for your vacation, it might already be an absolute must.
  10711.  
  10712. For some folks, this is an easy decision because they&#039;re not planning on spending a whole lot of time in their room. If you are planning to get up in the morning and head straight for the outdoors, you probably don’t need an ocean view. You can save that money for other things that are more important to you, like excursions.
  10713.  
  10714. On the other hand, if you want to go to sleep with the sounds of the ocean, or if your idea of a perfect Hawaiian vacation includes leisurely mornings as you look out at the ocean with a cup of java on your lanai, then having a room with a view might be “a must” for you.
  10715.  
  10716. It all depends on what you want out of your vacation and where you want to spend your money.
  10717.  
  10718. Of course, having a spectacular view comes at a higher price tag, and in some case a LOT higher. The more ocean you want, the deeper you&#039;ll have to reach into your vacation pocket. The good news is that sometimes we can provide upgrades. And, in some cases, Honeymooners and seniors get bumped up automatically.
  10719.  
  10720. On today&#039;s podcast, we will discuss the various room categories to help you with your decision making on your next Hawaii vacation.</description>
  10721. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/hawaii-hotel-room-types.mp3" length="6011185" type="audio/mpeg" />
  10722. <itunes:subtitle>A lot of people ask us about the different kinds of hotel rooms available in Hawaii. At the various properties here on the islands, you’ll find a wide variety of categories - from parking lot views to ocean views.</itunes:subtitle>
  10723. <itunes:summary>A lot of people ask us about the different kinds of hotel rooms available in Hawaii. At the various properties here on the islands, you’ll find a wide variety of categories - from parking lot views to ocean views. And some rooms will have private lanais (balconies) for you to sit on, while others won’t.&lt;br /&gt;
  10724. &lt;br /&gt;
  10725. You may be wondering how important it is to your vacation experience to have an ocean view. You might already know you want to save money by not having a view. Or, depending on your expectations for your vacation, it might already be an absolute must.&lt;br /&gt;
  10726. &lt;br /&gt;
  10727. For some folks, this is an easy decision because they&#039;re not planning on spending a whole lot of time in their room. If you are planning to get up in the morning and head straight for the outdoors, you probably don’t need an ocean view. You can save that money for other things that are more important to you, like excursions.&lt;br /&gt;
  10728. &lt;br /&gt;
  10729. On the other hand, if you want to go to sleep with the sounds of the ocean, or if your idea of a perfect Hawaiian vacation includes leisurely mornings as you look out at the ocean with a cup of java on your lanai, then having a room with a view might be “a must” for you.&lt;br /&gt;
  10730. &lt;br /&gt;
  10731. It all depends on what you want out of your vacation and where you want to spend your money.&lt;br /&gt;
  10732. &lt;br /&gt;
  10733. Of course, having a spectacular view comes at a higher price tag, and in some case a LOT higher. The more ocean you want, the deeper you&#039;ll have to reach into your vacation pocket. The good news is that sometimes we can provide upgrades. And, in some cases, Honeymooners and seniors get bumped up automatically.&lt;br /&gt;
  10734. &lt;br /&gt;
  10735. On today&#039;s podcast, we will discuss the various room categories to help you with your decision making on your next Hawaii vacation.</itunes:summary>
  10736. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  10737. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  10738. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  10739. <itunes:duration>16:42</itunes:duration>
  10740. </item>
  10741. <item>
  10742. <title>Don&#8217;t procrastinate, book your Hawaii vacation now</title>
  10743. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/dont-procrastinate-book-your-hawaii-vacation-now/</link>
  10744. <pubDate>Sat, 01 Jul 2017 01:56:29 +0000</pubDate>
  10745. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=33532</guid>
  10746. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/dont-procrastinate-book-your-hawaii-vacation-now/#respond</comments>
  10747. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/dont-procrastinate-book-your-hawaii-vacation-now/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  10748. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  10749. <description>This is a historic time for the Hawaii tourism industry. People a flocking to the islands in record numbers. Of course Hawaii has always been a popular destination for a Hawaii Vacation but with an insecure world people are traveling here more than ever before. Folks who may be reluctant to go overseas and travel abroad find Hawaii to be a better alternative. Hawaii is safe, a family destination, and also affordable if you plan in advance. The islands feel like a tropical Wonderland in another country but it&#039;s still the United States and very secure.
  10750.  
  10751. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority arrivals are up 4.5 percent in 2017 over the same time last year. Hawaii&#039;s four largest markets; U.S. West, U.S.East, Japan and Canada report year-over-year increases in visitor spending and arrivals for the third straight month in a row. Arrivals are up 4.5 percent. Another contributing factor is the fact that there are more flights to Hawaii from all over the world which makes the island more accessible.
  10752.  
  10753. On today&#039;s podcast we share with you some deals we have and some packages that have been booked in the last 24 hours so you can get an idea of what people are paying for their Hawaii vacations.
  10754.  
  10755. I&#039;m sure you&#039;ve heard the saying if you snooze you lose and that certainly applies to Hawaii right now so give us a call at +1-800-843-8771  or visit our website Hawaii Aloha Travel</description>
  10756. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2017/06/dontprocrastinate.mp3" length="5517871" type="audio/mpeg" />
  10757. <itunes:subtitle>This is a historic time for the Hawaii tourism industry. People a flocking to the islands in record numbers. Of course Hawaii has always been a popular destination for a Hawaii Vacation but with an insecure world people are traveling here more than eve...</itunes:subtitle>
  10758. <itunes:summary>This is a historic time for the Hawaii tourism industry. People a flocking to the islands in record numbers. Of course Hawaii has always been a popular destination for a Hawaii Vacation but with an insecure world people are traveling here more than ever before. Folks who may be reluctant to go overseas and travel abroad find Hawaii to be a better alternative. Hawaii is safe, a family destination, and also affordable if you plan in advance. The islands feel like a tropical Wonderland in another country but it&#039;s still the United States and very secure.&lt;br /&gt;
  10759. &lt;br /&gt;
  10760. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority arrivals are up 4.5 percent in 2017 over the same time last year. Hawaii&#039;s four largest markets; U.S. West, U.S.East, Japan and Canada report year-over-year increases in visitor spending and arrivals for the third straight month in a row. Arrivals are up 4.5 percent. Another contributing factor is the fact that there are more flights to Hawaii from all over the world which makes the island more accessible.&lt;br /&gt;
  10761. &lt;br /&gt;
  10762. On today&#039;s podcast we share with you some deals we have and some packages that have been booked in the last 24 hours so you can get an idea of what people are paying for their Hawaii vacations.&lt;br /&gt;
  10763. &lt;br /&gt;
  10764. I&#039;m sure you&#039;ve heard the saying if you snooze you lose and that certainly applies to Hawaii right now so give us a call at +1-800-843-8771  or visit our website Hawaii Aloha Travel</itunes:summary>
  10765. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  10766. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  10767. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  10768. <itunes:duration>15:20</itunes:duration>
  10769. </item>
  10770. <item>
  10771. <title>Make Hawaiian Music Part of your Hawaii Vacation</title>
  10772. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/make-hawaiian-music-part-of-your-hawaii-vacation/</link>
  10773. <pubDate>Wed, 09 Nov 2016 22:01:07 +0000</pubDate>
  10774. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=32606</guid>
  10775. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/make-hawaiian-music-part-of-your-hawaii-vacation/#respond</comments>
  10776. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/make-hawaiian-music-part-of-your-hawaii-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  10777. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  10778. <description>Hawaiian Music is a big part of the culture in Hawaii so make sure to make it part of your Hawaii Vacation. It’s also become extremely popular; 2nd only to Nashville in regional music sales in the last five years. That&#039;s because of its distinct identity, sound and rhythms.
  10779.  
  10780. Today we talk about Hawaii’s musical roots and what has influenced the many Island genres. We talk about the various types of Island sounds you’ll hear from Slack Key &amp; Olel’o to more modern Island reggae music. No matter what genre you hear, it’s always happy, laid back and very addictive!
  10781.  
  10782. Chances are you won’t miss hearing some form of this music while you’re here it’s played just about everywhere. On today’s show we’re joined by Lanai Tabura who is very familiar with eh music scene and makes some suggestions about local musicians to check out and some great places to hear these artists.</description>
  10783. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2016/11/hawaiianmusic.mp3" length="4819093" type="audio/mpeg" />
  10784. <itunes:subtitle>Hawaiian Music is a big part of the culture in Hawaii so make sure to make it part of your Hawaii Vacation. It’s also become extremely popular; 2nd only to Nashville in regional music sales in the last five years.</itunes:subtitle>
  10785. <itunes:summary>Hawaiian Music is a big part of the culture in Hawaii so make sure to make it part of your Hawaii Vacation. It’s also become extremely popular; 2nd only to Nashville in regional music sales in the last five years. That&#039;s because of its distinct identity, sound and rhythms.&lt;br /&gt;
  10786. &lt;br /&gt;
  10787. Today we talk about Hawaii’s musical roots and what has influenced the many Island genres. We talk about the various types of Island sounds you’ll hear from Slack Key &amp; Olel’o to more modern Island reggae music. No matter what genre you hear, it’s always happy, laid back and very addictive!&lt;br /&gt;
  10788. &lt;br /&gt;
  10789. Chances are you won’t miss hearing some form of this music while you’re here it’s played just about everywhere. On today’s show we’re joined by Lanai Tabura who is very familiar with eh music scene and makes some suggestions about local musicians to check out and some great places to hear these artists.</itunes:summary>
  10790. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  10791. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  10792. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  10793. <itunes:duration>13:23</itunes:duration>
  10794. </item>
  10795. <item>
  10796. <title>Tips for making your Hawaii Vacation more Affordable</title>
  10797. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/tips-for-making-your-hawaii-vacation-more-affordable/</link>
  10798. <pubDate>Mon, 26 Sep 2016 23:02:51 +0000</pubDate>
  10799. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=32392</guid>
  10800. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/tips-for-making-your-hawaii-vacation-more-affordable/#respond</comments>
  10801. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/tips-for-making-your-hawaii-vacation-more-affordable/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  10802. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  10803. <description>On today’s podcast we offer some ideas about how to make your trip more affordable once you get to Hawaii.
  10804.  
  10805. Hawaii is an expensive destination, there’s just no getting around that fact. Costly airfares and hotel room rates that exceed 200.00 per night makes it seem like paradise is only for the rich and famous. However, there are so many things you can do to cut down on costs which will make your experience more fun and be better on your budget.
  10806. Remember, don’t get caught up in the buzz word “Resort”.
  10807.  
  10808. Put aside the thought that just because you’re saying at a “resort” that means you have to do everything there. There are so many places to eat, see and explore in Hawaii that your accommodations should not be the most important thing about your Hawaii Vacation.</description>
  10809. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2016/09/moneysavnghawaii.mp3" length="5123433" type="audio/mpeg" />
  10810. <itunes:subtitle>On today’s podcast we offer some ideas about how to make your trip more affordable once you get to Hawaii.  Hawaii is an expensive destination, there’s just no getting around that fact. Costly airfares and hotel room rates that exceed 200.</itunes:subtitle>
  10811. <itunes:summary>On today’s podcast we offer some ideas about how to make your trip more affordable once you get to Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  10812. &lt;br /&gt;
  10813. Hawaii is an expensive destination, there’s just no getting around that fact. Costly airfares and hotel room rates that exceed 200.00 per night makes it seem like paradise is only for the rich and famous. However, there are so many things you can do to cut down on costs which will make your experience more fun and be better on your budget.&lt;br /&gt;
  10814. Remember, don’t get caught up in the buzz word “Resort”.&lt;br /&gt;
  10815. &lt;br /&gt;
  10816. Put aside the thought that just because you’re saying at a “resort” that means you have to do everything there. There are so many places to eat, see and explore in Hawaii that your accommodations should not be the most important thing about your Hawaii Vacation.</itunes:summary>
  10817. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  10818. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  10819. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  10820. <itunes:duration>14:14</itunes:duration>
  10821. </item>
  10822. <item>
  10823. <title>Where to Play, Eat and Shop on Maui’s North Shore</title>
  10824. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/where-to-play-eat-and-shop-on-mauis-north-shore/</link>
  10825. <pubDate>Sun, 18 Sep 2016 03:55:48 +0000</pubDate>
  10826. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=32337</guid>
  10827. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/where-to-play-eat-and-shop-on-mauis-north-shore/#respond</comments>
  10828. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/where-to-play-eat-and-shop-on-mauis-north-shore/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  10829. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  10830. <description>Maui is one of Hawaii&#039;s most popular destinations. When considering exactly where to stay on the Island, most people focus on staying either at Kaanapali, Waialea or Kapalua. Don’t get me wrong, it’s absolutely amazing in these locations, but over the years Kaanapali has become crowded and Wailea &amp; Kapalua are becoming places for the 1 percenters. And while all of Maui is majestic, (that&#039;s why they call it the Magic Isle) often visitors explore the North side but rarely consider staying on the North side of the Island. Today Lanai and I discuss places to stay, eat shop on this side of Maui.
  10831.  
  10832. We cover it all in Today&#039;s podcast, from amazing beaches to excellent dining, this part of Maui has a distinct charm. We’ll give you tips on the everything you need to know whether you’re just passing though or deciding to stay there for your entire Hawaii Vacation.</description>
  10833. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2016/09/mauinorthshore.mp3" length="11730363" type="audio/mpeg" />
  10834. <itunes:subtitle>Maui is one of Hawaii&#039;s most popular destinations. When considering exactly where to stay on the Island, most people focus on staying either at Kaanapali, Waialea or Kapalua. Don’t get me wrong, it’s absolutely amazing in these locations,</itunes:subtitle>
  10835. <itunes:summary>Maui is one of Hawaii&#039;s most popular destinations. When considering exactly where to stay on the Island, most people focus on staying either at Kaanapali, Waialea or Kapalua. Don’t get me wrong, it’s absolutely amazing in these locations, but over the years Kaanapali has become crowded and Wailea &amp; Kapalua are becoming places for the 1 percenters. And while all of Maui is majestic, (that&#039;s why they call it the Magic Isle) often visitors explore the North side but rarely consider staying on the North side of the Island. Today Lanai and I discuss places to stay, eat shop on this side of Maui.&lt;br /&gt;
  10836. &lt;br /&gt;
  10837. We cover it all in Today&#039;s podcast, from amazing beaches to excellent dining, this part of Maui has a distinct charm. We’ll give you tips on the everything you need to know whether you’re just passing though or deciding to stay there for your entire Hawaii Vacation.</itunes:summary>
  10838. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  10839. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  10840. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  10841. <itunes:duration>15:56</itunes:duration>
  10842. </item>
  10843. <item>
  10844. <title>7 Potential Budget-Busters During Your Hawaii Vacation</title>
  10845. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/7-potential-budget-busters-during-your-hawaii-vacation/</link>
  10846. <pubDate>Thu, 21 Jul 2016 19:37:47 +0000</pubDate>
  10847. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=32040</guid>
  10848. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/7-potential-budget-busters-during-your-hawaii-vacation/#respond</comments>
  10849. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/7-potential-budget-busters-during-your-hawaii-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  10850. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  10851. <description>Taking a luxurious Hawaii vacation is on a lot of folks&#039; bucket lists — and for good reason, too. Here in the islands, our visitors enjoy spectacular scenery, fantastic adventures, and a safe environment in which to relax and get-away from it all.
  10852.  
  10853. But, that kind of vacation comes at a price. In fact, a recent TripAdvisor survey just named Honolulu the second-most-expensive city for summer travel this year. The average price for a four-star hotel? $436. A two-mile Uber ride? $24 Dinner for two? $121.
  10854.  
  10855. You might be thinking — yikes!
  10856.  
  10857. These above-average prices come at a surprise to most visitors here, but YOU don&#039;t have to be caught off-guard. We&#039;ve made a list of some of the top budget-busters you might encounter during your Hawaii vacation:
  10858.  
  10859.  
  10860.  1. Hidden Resort Fees: When you start to budget for hotel, consider adding $20-$40 per night onto the booking price. Why? Seems more and more hotels are adding &quot;resort fees&quot; to the base rate. The fee covers use of the amenities, daily maid service, wake-up calls, and (sometimes) parking.
  10861.  
  10862.  
  10863.  
  10864. 2. Rental Car Taxes: You book your rental car for $40/day and think you&#039;re getting a great deal, right? Beware that most rental car rates don&#039;t &quot;show&quot; the extra cost of taxes, which will be added to your total at checkout. Here&#039;s a look at some of the rental car taxes you might find, courtesy of HawaiiCarRentals.net:
  10865.  
  10866. Hawaii Motor Vehicle Surcharge Tax: $3 per day
  10867. Vehicle License Fee (yep, for a rental): 35 cents to $1.45 per day
  10868. Hawaii State General Excise Tax (GET): 4.166 percent
  10869. Honolulu County Tax: .546 percent (Oahu only)
  10870. Hawaii Rental Vehicle Customer Facility Charge: $4.50 per day (airport rentals only)
  10871. Airport Concessionaire/Permittee Charge: 11.11 percent (airport rentals only)
  10872.  
  10873. 3. Fuel Prices: Still want to rent a car after adding the taxes? Now, you need to contend with high fuel prices. According to the State of Hawaii, Hawaii gas prices averaged $2.654 per gallon in May 2016, or 18 percent higher than the average for the nation.
  10874.  
  10875. 4. Higher Food Costs: If you&#039;re from the mainland south or any place where groceries are dirt-cheap, you may experience sever sticker-shock when you arrive in Hawaii. Since everything that&#039;s not made-in-Hawaii has to be shipped here, goods just cost more. And, that includes pantry staples and restaurant fare, too. When budgeting for food, increase your budget by 30-40 percent to absorb the extra costs.
  10876.  
  10877. 5. Transient Accommodation Tax: The word &quot;transient&quot; is kind of loaded, especially here in Hawaii where homelessness is a big problem. But, actually, you, our cherished vistor, are a transient. That means you&#039;re on the hook for paying the Transient Accomodation Tax, which is currently 9.2 percent and is tacked onto any accommodation booking. On a $300-a-night hotel room, that’s $27.60 a night. Over a 10-day vacation, that’s almost another $300 — or a night’s stay.
  10878.  
  10879. 6. Interisland Flight Fares: You might think that airfares to and from the neighbor islands would be super-cheap, but you would be wrong. Prices are now in the hundreds of dollars each way. I&#039;m flying to Kauai from Oahu and back this week, and each flight cost me about $125 each way. So, make sure you budget this into your vacation plans or you may end up busting your budget big-time.
  10880.  
  10881. 7. Transportation to Your Hotel: SOME hotels offer transportation to and from the airport, but I haven&#039;t found many. Instead, most visitors are on the hook to get to and from their hotel from the airport. Now that Uber and Lyft are in Hawaii, you may want to consider using one of these rideshare companies because taxis can be very expensive. According to TaxiFareFinder.com,  a taxi ride from Honolulu International Airport to Waikiki costs, on average, including a 15 percent tip, $82.34. Hit some traffic, and it could leap to $142. When it comes to Hawaii activities, you may be in luck, though. Companies like Hawaii Aloha Travel will pick you up at your hotel and provide transportation to and from most excu...</description>
  10882. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2016/07/hawaii-budget-busters.mp3" length="3171501" type="audio/mpeg" />
  10883. <itunes:subtitle>Taking a luxurious Hawaii vacation is on a lot of folks&#039; bucket lists — and for good reason, too. Here in the islands, our visitors enjoy spectacular scenery, fantastic adventures, and a safe environment in which to relax and get-away from it all.  </itunes:subtitle>
  10884. <itunes:summary>Taking a luxurious Hawaii vacation is on a lot of folks&#039; bucket lists — and for good reason, too. Here in the islands, our visitors enjoy spectacular scenery, fantastic adventures, and a safe environment in which to relax and get-away from it all.&lt;br /&gt;
  10885. &lt;br /&gt;
  10886. But, that kind of vacation comes at a price. In fact, a recent TripAdvisor survey just named Honolulu the second-most-expensive city for summer travel this year. The average price for a four-star hotel? $436. A two-mile Uber ride? $24 Dinner for two? $121.&lt;br /&gt;
  10887. &lt;br /&gt;
  10888. You might be thinking — yikes!&lt;br /&gt;
  10889. &lt;br /&gt;
  10890. These above-average prices come at a surprise to most visitors here, but YOU don&#039;t have to be caught off-guard. We&#039;ve made a list of some of the top budget-busters you might encounter during your Hawaii vacation:&lt;br /&gt;
  10891. &lt;br /&gt;
  10892. &lt;br /&gt;
  10893.  1. Hidden Resort Fees: When you start to budget for hotel, consider adding $20-$40 per night onto the booking price. Why? Seems more and more hotels are adding &quot;resort fees&quot; to the base rate. The fee covers use of the amenities, daily maid service, wake-up calls, and (sometimes) parking.&lt;br /&gt;
  10894. &lt;br /&gt;
  10895. &lt;br /&gt;
  10896. &lt;br /&gt;
  10897. 2. Rental Car Taxes: You book your rental car for $40/day and think you&#039;re getting a great deal, right? Beware that most rental car rates don&#039;t &quot;show&quot; the extra cost of taxes, which will be added to your total at checkout. Here&#039;s a look at some of the rental car taxes you might find, courtesy of HawaiiCarRentals.net:&lt;br /&gt;
  10898. &lt;br /&gt;
  10899. Hawaii Motor Vehicle Surcharge Tax: $3 per day&lt;br /&gt;
  10900. Vehicle License Fee (yep, for a rental): 35 cents to $1.45 per day&lt;br /&gt;
  10901. Hawaii State General Excise Tax (GET): 4.166 percent&lt;br /&gt;
  10902. Honolulu County Tax: .546 percent (Oahu only)&lt;br /&gt;
  10903. Hawaii Rental Vehicle Customer Facility Charge: $4.50 per day (airport rentals only)&lt;br /&gt;
  10904. Airport Concessionaire/Permittee Charge: 11.11 percent (airport rentals only)&lt;br /&gt;
  10905. &lt;br /&gt;
  10906. 3. Fuel Prices: Still want to rent a car after adding the taxes? Now, you need to contend with high fuel prices. According to the State of Hawaii, Hawaii gas prices averaged $2.654 per gallon in May 2016, or 18 percent higher than the average for the nation.&lt;br /&gt;
  10907. &lt;br /&gt;
  10908. 4. Higher Food Costs: If you&#039;re from the mainland south or any place where groceries are dirt-cheap, you may experience sever sticker-shock when you arrive in Hawaii. Since everything that&#039;s not made-in-Hawaii has to be shipped here, goods just cost more. And, that includes pantry staples and restaurant fare, too. When budgeting for food, increase your budget by 30-40 percent to absorb the extra costs.&lt;br /&gt;
  10909. &lt;br /&gt;
  10910. 5. Transient Accommodation Tax: The word &quot;transient&quot; is kind of loaded, especially here in Hawaii where homelessness is a big problem. But, actually, you, our cherished vistor, are a transient. That means you&#039;re on the hook for paying the Transient Accomodation Tax, which is currently 9.2 percent and is tacked onto any accommodation booking. On a $300-a-night hotel room, that’s $27.60 a night. Over a 10-day vacation, that’s almost another $300 — or a night’s stay.&lt;br /&gt;
  10911. &lt;br /&gt;
  10912. 6. Interisland Flight Fares: You might think that airfares to and from the neighbor islands would be super-cheap, but you would be wrong. Prices are now in the hundreds of dollars each way. I&#039;m flying to Kauai from Oahu and back this week, and each flight cost me about $125 each way. So, make sure you budget this into your vacation plans or you may end up busting your budget big-time.&lt;br /&gt;
  10913. &lt;br /&gt;
  10914. 7. Transportation to Your Hotel: SOME hotels offer transportation to and from the airport, but I haven&#039;t found many. Instead, most visitors are on the hook to get to and from their hotel from the airport. Now that Uber and Lyft are in Hawaii, you may want to consider using one of these rideshare companies because taxis can be very expensive. According to TaxiFareFinder.com,  a taxi ride from Honolulu International Airport to Waikiki costs, on average, including a 15 percent tip, $82.34. Hit some traffic,</itunes:summary>
  10915. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  10916. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  10917. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  10918. <itunes:duration>4:13</itunes:duration>
  10919. </item>
  10920. <item>
  10921. <title>Confused about Pearl Harbor? You’re not Alone!</title>
  10922. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/confused-about-pearl-harbor-youre-not-alone/</link>
  10923. <pubDate>Tue, 24 May 2016 21:30:42 +0000</pubDate>
  10924. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=31732</guid>
  10925. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/confused-about-pearl-harbor-youre-not-alone/#respond</comments>
  10926. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/confused-about-pearl-harbor-youre-not-alone/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  10927. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  10928. <description>I can’t tell you how many people each week ask me about this venue so on today’s podcast we talk about Hawaii’s #1 tourist attraction; Pearl Harbor. It also happens to be one to the most confusing. Pearl harbor is an all-encompassing term that is an area which includes the USS Arizona Memorial, The USS Bowfin, The Mighty Mo (USS Missouri) and the Pacific Aviation Museum.
  10929.  
  10930. I explain how to navigate this maze of World War II history, offer suggestions and most of all GETTING TICKETS!! How important this historical place is to you personally will determine how much time you want to invest in exploring. After listening you’ll be able to make a much more informed decision about what is best for your situation.</description>
  10931. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2016/05/confused-about-pearl-harbor-youre-not-alone.mp3" length="14134382" type="audio/mpeg" />
  10932. <itunes:subtitle>I can’t tell you how many people each week ask me about this venue so on today’s podcast we talk about Hawaii’s #1 tourist attraction; Pearl Harbor. It also happens to be one to the most confusing. Pearl harbor is an all-encompassing term that is an ar...</itunes:subtitle>
  10933. <itunes:summary>I can’t tell you how many people each week ask me about this venue so on today’s podcast we talk about Hawaii’s #1 tourist attraction; Pearl Harbor. It also happens to be one to the most confusing. Pearl harbor is an all-encompassing term that is an area which includes the USS Arizona Memorial, The USS Bowfin, The Mighty Mo (USS Missouri) and the Pacific Aviation Museum.&lt;br /&gt;
  10934. &lt;br /&gt;
  10935. I explain how to navigate this maze of World War II history, offer suggestions and most of all GETTING TICKETS!! How important this historical place is to you personally will determine how much time you want to invest in exploring. After listening you’ll be able to make a much more informed decision about what is best for your situation.</itunes:summary>
  10936. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  10937. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  10938. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  10939. <itunes:duration>16:05</itunes:duration>
  10940. </item>
  10941. <item>
  10942. <title>How to Save on your Hawaii Vacation</title>
  10943. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/how-to-save-on-your-hawaii-vacation/</link>
  10944. <pubDate>Mon, 25 Apr 2016 21:39:44 +0000</pubDate>
  10945. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=31566</guid>
  10946. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/how-to-save-on-your-hawaii-vacation/#respond</comments>
  10947. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/how-to-save-on-your-hawaii-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  10948. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  10949. <description>With all the choices out there on the Web you can really go blind trying to figure out the best way to plan your Hawaii Vacation. Trust me, I talk to folks every day that are getting so much information they don&#039;t know where to begin!! It&#039;s information overload. Today we &quot;cut to the chase&quot; and talk about how we help folks plan and save money on their Hawaii Vacations with Denton Bangs, the regional sales manager for All About Hawaii, a wholesaler we work very closely with here at Hawaii Aloha Travel.
  10950.  
  10951. Most people do the same thing. They go to all the big Travel sites, which are mostly owned by Expedia, then go on Tripadvisor (also owned by Expedia) and without too much effort make decisions based on what they see there. These sites are very good at making you “think” it’s simple and seeing all the choices, but when it comes to Hawaii, it&#039;s not you’re not getting the entire picture and it’s not that simple. For some maybe that works, but for most people, especially for Hawaii, it&#039;s not that simple. Chances are this is a once in a lifetime experience or a special occasion so you really can&#039;t afford to mess up!!
  10952.  
  10953. Since 2001 all we&#039;ve been doing here is helping folks plan Hawaii Vacations, but not jut plan them; create experiences. We&#039;re in a unique position to do this because we&#039;re all right here! All of our agents are either born or raised in Hawaii or lived here most of their lives. We go way beyond what you can find online, learn what you want and curate the perfect Hawaii Vacation just for you, not created by a computer or manipulated by a giant travel company but with real locals from Hawaii.
  10954.  
  10955. Hawaii is having one of it&#039;s best years ever but we still have some awesome deals and specials I can share with you. Give us a call at 800-843-8771 or reach out to me personally or visit on our website and discover the Hawaii Aloha Travel  difference.</description>
  10956. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2016/04/how-to-save-on-your-hawaii-vacation.mp3" length="13005906" type="audio/mpeg" />
  10957. <itunes:subtitle>With all the choices out there on the Web you can really go blind trying to figure out the best way to plan your Hawaii Vacation. Trust me, I talk to folks every day that are getting so much information they don&#039;t know where to begin!!</itunes:subtitle>
  10958. <itunes:summary>With all the choices out there on the Web you can really go blind trying to figure out the best way to plan your Hawaii Vacation. Trust me, I talk to folks every day that are getting so much information they don&#039;t know where to begin!! It&#039;s information overload. Today we &quot;cut to the chase&quot; and talk about how we help folks plan and save money on their Hawaii Vacations with Denton Bangs, the regional sales manager for All About Hawaii, a wholesaler we work very closely with here at Hawaii Aloha Travel.&lt;br /&gt;
  10959. &lt;br /&gt;
  10960. Most people do the same thing. They go to all the big Travel sites, which are mostly owned by Expedia, then go on Tripadvisor (also owned by Expedia) and without too much effort make decisions based on what they see there. These sites are very good at making you “think” it’s simple and seeing all the choices, but when it comes to Hawaii, it&#039;s not you’re not getting the entire picture and it’s not that simple. For some maybe that works, but for most people, especially for Hawaii, it&#039;s not that simple. Chances are this is a once in a lifetime experience or a special occasion so you really can&#039;t afford to mess up!!&lt;br /&gt;
  10961. &lt;br /&gt;
  10962. Since 2001 all we&#039;ve been doing here is helping folks plan Hawaii Vacations, but not jut plan them; create experiences. We&#039;re in a unique position to do this because we&#039;re all right here! All of our agents are either born or raised in Hawaii or lived here most of their lives. We go way beyond what you can find online, learn what you want and curate the perfect Hawaii Vacation just for you, not created by a computer or manipulated by a giant travel company but with real locals from Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  10963. &lt;br /&gt;
  10964. Hawaii is having one of it&#039;s best years ever but we still have some awesome deals and specials I can share with you. Give us a call at 800-843-8771 or reach out to me personally or visit on our website and discover the Hawaii Aloha Travel  difference.</itunes:summary>
  10965. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  10966. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  10967. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  10968. <itunes:duration>14:50</itunes:duration>
  10969. </item>
  10970. <item>
  10971. <title>Where to get the best Poke and Seafood in Hawaii</title>
  10972. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/where-to-get-the-best-poke-and-seafood-in-hawaii/</link>
  10973. <pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2016 00:26:16 +0000</pubDate>
  10974. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=31436</guid>
  10975. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/where-to-get-the-best-poke-and-seafood-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  10976. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/where-to-get-the-best-poke-and-seafood-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  10977. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  10978. <description>Lots of folks wonder, &quot;Where in Hawaii can I get the best seafood and Poke?&quot; Sure, it may seem like a silly question (since we&#039;re in the middle of the ocean), but we actually get asked that a lot. In fact, it&#039;s a really good question. Here&#039;s the answer: For the most part, seafood in Hawaii is extremely fresh and is typically cheaper than seafood on the mainland. Every morning, our local, hard-working fishermen bring their newest catches to the fish auction, where the market price is set depending on supply and demand. Ahi and Mahi are the most popular fish from Hawaiian waters, but you&#039;d be impressed with the sheer number and variety of fish we have here in the islands.
  10979.  
  10980. A Hawaiian delicacy called Poke (pronounced poke-eh) is extremely popular and is a must-try while you&#039;re here. Although its popularity is catching on all over country, Hawaii still has the best Poke around. You may see it in a variety of presentations, but it&#039;s typically served as raw Ahi cubes with Limu (seaweed). Each island has its signature &quot;type&quot; of Poke, so it&#039;s important you take notes! During our in-depth discussion about Poke, we&#039;ll talk about the many differently types and, of course, direct you to the best places to try this amazing dish!</description>
  10981. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2016/03/where-to-get-the-best-poke-and-seafood-in-hawaii.mp3" length="17409195" type="audio/mpeg" />
  10982. <itunes:subtitle>Lots of folks wonder, &quot;Where in Hawaii can I get the best seafood and Poke?&quot; Sure, it may seem like a silly question (since we&#039;re in the middle of the ocean), but we actually get asked that a lot. In fact, it&#039;s a really good question.</itunes:subtitle>
  10983. <itunes:summary>Lots of folks wonder, &quot;Where in Hawaii can I get the best seafood and Poke?&quot; Sure, it may seem like a silly question (since we&#039;re in the middle of the ocean), but we actually get asked that a lot. In fact, it&#039;s a really good question. Here&#039;s the answer: For the most part, seafood in Hawaii is extremely fresh and is typically cheaper than seafood on the mainland. Every morning, our local, hard-working fishermen bring their newest catches to the fish auction, where the market price is set depending on supply and demand. Ahi and Mahi are the most popular fish from Hawaiian waters, but you&#039;d be impressed with the sheer number and variety of fish we have here in the islands.&lt;br /&gt;
  10984. &lt;br /&gt;
  10985. A Hawaiian delicacy called Poke (pronounced poke-eh) is extremely popular and is a must-try while you&#039;re here. Although its popularity is catching on all over country, Hawaii still has the best Poke around. You may see it in a variety of presentations, but it&#039;s typically served as raw Ahi cubes with Limu (seaweed). Each island has its signature &quot;type&quot; of Poke, so it&#039;s important you take notes! During our in-depth discussion about Poke, we&#039;ll talk about the many differently types and, of course, direct you to the best places to try this amazing dish!</itunes:summary>
  10986. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  10987. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  10988. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  10989. <itunes:duration>19:11</itunes:duration>
  10990. </item>
  10991. <item>
  10992. <title>Must-have Hawaii travel accessories</title>
  10993. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/must-have-hawaii-travel-accessories/</link>
  10994. <pubDate>Mon, 21 Mar 2016 22:18:47 +0000</pubDate>
  10995. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=31386</guid>
  10996. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/must-have-hawaii-travel-accessories/#respond</comments>
  10997. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/must-have-hawaii-travel-accessories/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  10998. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  10999. <description>If you&#039;re an accessory-addict and love to travel, have we found some items for you! Seems there&#039;s a travel accessory to fulfill you&#039;re every travel want and need--we even found some must-have Hawaii travel accessories you didn&#039;t even know you needed (yet). The website, Travelon, features dozens of accessories for the world traveler, and we&#039;ve picked a few for those of you headed to Hawaii (or anywhere for that matter).
  11000.  
  11001. If you&#039;re taking an extra-long flight and want to keep the circulation flowing, Travelon offers-up compression socks that reduce swelling and can even help reduce the chance of developing blood clots, which can form if you sit too long on a plane. Just as importantly, compression socks can help relieve that feeling of heavy, sore legs that often happens when you travel long distances. Speaking of compression, we also found travel compression bags on the Travelon website, which can help reduce the amount of space you need by compressing your clothes into a small space.
  11002.  
  11003. Another useful item we found is a set of inflatable clothes hangers, which you can inflate once you get to your destination. And, don&#039;t forget to take along your travel toothbrush holder--there&#039;s nothing more disgusting than getting gunk all over your toothbrush. We also found body washing sheets and clothes washing sheets, that take up a fraction of the space in your suitcase. Also, you can bring them in your carry-on bag, since they&#039;re not liquid.  Finally, we loved the site&#039;s security wallets. Many of them feature slash-proof straps, and they&#039;re perfect for storing your important travel documents.</description>
  11004. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2016/03/must-have-hawaii-travel-accessories.mp3" length="15745117" type="audio/mpeg" />
  11005. <itunes:subtitle>If you&#039;re an accessory-addict and love to travel, have we found some items for you! Seems there&#039;s a travel accessory to fulfill you&#039;re every travel want and need--we even found some must-have Hawaii travel accessories you didn&#039;t even know you needed (y...</itunes:subtitle>
  11006. <itunes:summary>If you&#039;re an accessory-addict and love to travel, have we found some items for you! Seems there&#039;s a travel accessory to fulfill you&#039;re every travel want and need--we even found some must-have Hawaii travel accessories you didn&#039;t even know you needed (yet). The website, Travelon, features dozens of accessories for the world traveler, and we&#039;ve picked a few for those of you headed to Hawaii (or anywhere for that matter).&lt;br /&gt;
  11007. &lt;br /&gt;
  11008. If you&#039;re taking an extra-long flight and want to keep the circulation flowing, Travelon offers-up compression socks that reduce swelling and can even help reduce the chance of developing blood clots, which can form if you sit too long on a plane. Just as importantly, compression socks can help relieve that feeling of heavy, sore legs that often happens when you travel long distances. Speaking of compression, we also found travel compression bags on the Travelon website, which can help reduce the amount of space you need by compressing your clothes into a small space.&lt;br /&gt;
  11009. &lt;br /&gt;
  11010. Another useful item we found is a set of inflatable clothes hangers, which you can inflate once you get to your destination. And, don&#039;t forget to take along your travel toothbrush holder--there&#039;s nothing more disgusting than getting gunk all over your toothbrush. We also found body washing sheets and clothes washing sheets, that take up a fraction of the space in your suitcase. Also, you can bring them in your carry-on bag, since they&#039;re not liquid.  Finally, we loved the site&#039;s security wallets. Many of them feature slash-proof straps, and they&#039;re perfect for storing your important travel documents.</itunes:summary>
  11011. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  11012. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  11013. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  11014. <itunes:duration>17:11</itunes:duration>
  11015. </item>
  11016. <item>
  11017. <title>Must Do Things to Do on Lanai</title>
  11018. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/must-do-things-to-do-on-lanai/</link>
  11019. <pubDate>Fri, 04 Mar 2016 20:51:01 +0000</pubDate>
  11020. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=31302</guid>
  11021. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/must-do-things-to-do-on-lanai/#respond</comments>
  11022. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/must-do-things-to-do-on-lanai/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  11023. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  11024. <description>If you&#039;re interested in whats happening on the Island of Lanai this podcast is for you. Lanai Tabura, born and raised on the Pineapple isle is in the studio to give us he top Must Do Things to do on Lanai!!
  11025.  
  11026. The island of Lanai is just off the coast of Maui, but it may as well be a million miles away. Although Lanai is small when compared to some of the other islands, you&#039;ll be surprised at all there is to see and do. We&#039;ve put together a &quot;must-do&quot; list for you here, so you can make the most of your time on this amazing island.
  11027.  
  11028. If you&#039;ve even wondered what the planet, Mars, might look like, you can get a pretty good idea when you visit Keahiakawelo, also known as Garden of the Gods. The site is  an otherworldly rock garden at the end of rocky Polihua Road. Located roughly 45-minutes from Lanai City, on the northwest side of the island, its mysterious lunar topography is populated with boulders and rock towers.
  11029.  
  11030. On the southern coast, you&#039;ll find Puu Pehe, better known as Sweetheart Rock, which rises from the sea betwee Hulopoe Bay and Manele Bay. Besides being a picturesque natural landmark, Puu Pehe is also steeped in Hawaiian legend (an ancient Hawaiian warrior hid his sweetheart away here, who drowned in the waters. Alas, the Hawaiian warrior plunged to his OWN death off Puu Pehe).
  11031.  
  11032. Finally, Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach) is an eight-mile stretch of beach that has wrecked numerous ships along its shallow, rocky channel. In fact, the hull of a ghostly oil tanker from the 1940s is still beached on Kaiolohia Bay’s coral reef, its rusted hull giving the beach a surreal sense of wonder.</description>
  11033. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2016/03/must-do-things-to-do-on-lanai.mp3" length="17282143" type="audio/mpeg" />
  11034. <itunes:subtitle>If you&#039;re interested in whats happening on the Island of Lanai this podcast is for you. Lanai Tabura, born and raised on the Pineapple isle is in the studio to give us he top Must Do Things to do on Lanai!!  </itunes:subtitle>
  11035. <itunes:summary>If you&#039;re interested in whats happening on the Island of Lanai this podcast is for you. Lanai Tabura, born and raised on the Pineapple isle is in the studio to give us he top Must Do Things to do on Lanai!!&lt;br /&gt;
  11036. &lt;br /&gt;
  11037. The island of Lanai is just off the coast of Maui, but it may as well be a million miles away. Although Lanai is small when compared to some of the other islands, you&#039;ll be surprised at all there is to see and do. We&#039;ve put together a &quot;must-do&quot; list for you here, so you can make the most of your time on this amazing island.&lt;br /&gt;
  11038. &lt;br /&gt;
  11039. If you&#039;ve even wondered what the planet, Mars, might look like, you can get a pretty good idea when you visit Keahiakawelo, also known as Garden of the Gods. The site is  an otherworldly rock garden at the end of rocky Polihua Road. Located roughly 45-minutes from Lanai City, on the northwest side of the island, its mysterious lunar topography is populated with boulders and rock towers.&lt;br /&gt;
  11040. &lt;br /&gt;
  11041. On the southern coast, you&#039;ll find Puu Pehe, better known as Sweetheart Rock, which rises from the sea betwee Hulopoe Bay and Manele Bay. Besides being a picturesque natural landmark, Puu Pehe is also steeped in Hawaiian legend (an ancient Hawaiian warrior hid his sweetheart away here, who drowned in the waters. Alas, the Hawaiian warrior plunged to his OWN death off Puu Pehe).&lt;br /&gt;
  11042. &lt;br /&gt;
  11043. Finally, Kaiolohia (Shipwreck Beach) is an eight-mile stretch of beach that has wrecked numerous ships along its shallow, rocky channel. In fact, the hull of a ghostly oil tanker from the 1940s is still beached on Kaiolohia Bay’s coral reef, its rusted hull giving the beach a surreal sense of wonder.</itunes:summary>
  11044. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  11045. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  11046. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  11047. <itunes:duration>17:58</itunes:duration>
  11048. </item>
  11049. <item>
  11050. <title>A Guide to Hawaii&#8217;s Most Famous Places</title>
  11051. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/a-guide-to-hawaiis-most-famous-places/</link>
  11052. <pubDate>Sat, 20 Feb 2016 21:22:39 +0000</pubDate>
  11053. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=31230</guid>
  11054. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/a-guide-to-hawaiis-most-famous-places/#respond</comments>
  11055. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/a-guide-to-hawaiis-most-famous-places/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  11056. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  11057. <description>Pearl Harbor: Not only is Pearl Harbor the most visited spot in Hawaii, it&#039;s also one of the most visited places in the world, welcoming approximately 1.8 million visitors per year. Pearl Harbor is a National Historical Landmark, which commemorates the devastating aerial attack on Pearl Harbor that resulted in 2,390 dead and hundreds wounded, and drove the United States into World War II. But, did you know Pearl Harbor is actually comprised of five main venues, each of which focuses on a different aspect of Pearl Harbor itself:
  11058.  
  11059. USS Arizona Memorial: The USS Arizona Memorial is a floating memorial built over the sunken hull of the Battleship USS Arizona, the final resting place for many of the ship’s crew.
  11060. Battleship Missouri Memorial: General Macarthur accepted the unconditional Japanese surrender that ended WWII on September 2, 1945 on the Surrender Deck of the Battleship Missouri Memorial.
  11061. USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park: The U.S.S. Bowfin (SS-287) is one of the 288 U.S. submarines that carried out the war in the Pacific during World War II. Here, you can explore the 10,000 square foot submarine museum to learn about the battle under the seas.
  11062. Pacific Aviation Museum: The Pacific Aviation Museum is an immersive aviation museum complete with interactive simulators and exhibits showcasing the stories behind authentic WWII fighter planes and bombers.
  11063. USS Oklahoma Memorial: The USS Oklahoma Memorial honors the 429 crewmen who lost their lives in the Pearl Harbor attack. Approximately nine torpedoes hit “The Okie,” capsizing this 35,000-ton battleship in only twelve minutes.
  11064.  
  11065.  
  11066. North Shore and Haleiwa: The beaches of the North Shore stretch on for more than seven miles! That, along with 20+ foot waves in the winter make it an ideal surfing destination. In fact, the beaches of the North Shore host the world’s premier surfing competitions during the peak, winter months, including the Super Bowl of wave riding, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (November - December). But, the reason the North Shore is on our list of must-sees on Oahu is due to more than the waves. Haleiwa, the commercial center of the North Shore, is an eclectic, bohemian town known for its artsy, fun, casual culture. It&#039;s important you venture out of Waikiki during your stay, and a visit to the North Shore is the perfect solution.
  11067. Cultural Sites Throughout Downtown Honolulu: I&#039;m writing this post just as I returned from my first visit to Iolani Palace, and I can&#039;t imagine what took me so long! If you&#039;re visiting Oahu, don&#039;t leave without soaking up some local history — downtown Honolulu and the surrounding areas is ripe with historical significance. Three sites not to miss:
  11068.  
  11069. Iolani Palace (you can view the King Kamehameha statue across the street)
  11070. The Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives (try the restaurant, too)
  11071. Kawaiahao Church
  11072.  
  11073. Other must-sees: Hanauma Bay and Diamond Head
  11074. MAUI
  11075.  
  11076.  
  11077. Haleakala National Park: Haleakala is nearlky 10,000 feet above sea level, and the climate at this altitude is completely different than down below. Many visitors enjoy watching the sun rise from the peak — others prefer sunset. Either way, surveying Maui from above the clouds is an experience not to be missed. Haleakala encompasses more than 30,000 acres of public land, the park offers hiking trails, pre-arranged horseback riding tours and more endangered species than any other National Park. Just don&#039;t forget your warm clothes!
  11078. Hana, Maui: Driving the &quot;Road to Hana&quot; is on the bucket list for countless visitors, and it really is a must-do while you&#039;re there. Yes, the road is long. Yes, it&#039;s slow-going. Yes, it&#039;s quite curvy (620 curves and 59 bridges). BUT, the road is dotted with beautiful waterfalls, and the reward is the town of Hana, where the pastures roll right up to the main street. The historic Travaasa Hana is a luxurious retreat in this village rooted in Hawaiian tradition. Browse the Hasegawa General Store and Hana Ranch Store for...</description>
  11079. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2016/02/a-guide-to-hawaiis-most-famous-places.mp3" length="24377928" type="audio/mpeg" />
  11080. <itunes:subtitle>Pearl Harbor: Not only is Pearl Harbor the most visited spot in Hawaii, it&#039;s also one of the most visited places in the world, welcoming approximately 1.8 million visitors per year. Pearl Harbor is a National Historical Landmark,</itunes:subtitle>
  11081. <itunes:summary>Pearl Harbor: Not only is Pearl Harbor the most visited spot in Hawaii, it&#039;s also one of the most visited places in the world, welcoming approximately 1.8 million visitors per year. Pearl Harbor is a National Historical Landmark, which commemorates the devastating aerial attack on Pearl Harbor that resulted in 2,390 dead and hundreds wounded, and drove the United States into World War II. But, did you know Pearl Harbor is actually comprised of five main venues, each of which focuses on a different aspect of Pearl Harbor itself:&lt;br /&gt;
  11082. &lt;br /&gt;
  11083. USS Arizona Memorial: The USS Arizona Memorial is a floating memorial built over the sunken hull of the Battleship USS Arizona, the final resting place for many of the ship’s crew.&lt;br /&gt;
  11084. Battleship Missouri Memorial: General Macarthur accepted the unconditional Japanese surrender that ended WWII on September 2, 1945 on the Surrender Deck of the Battleship Missouri Memorial.&lt;br /&gt;
  11085. USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park: The U.S.S. Bowfin (SS-287) is one of the 288 U.S. submarines that carried out the war in the Pacific during World War II. Here, you can explore the 10,000 square foot submarine museum to learn about the battle under the seas.&lt;br /&gt;
  11086. Pacific Aviation Museum: The Pacific Aviation Museum is an immersive aviation museum complete with interactive simulators and exhibits showcasing the stories behind authentic WWII fighter planes and bombers.&lt;br /&gt;
  11087. USS Oklahoma Memorial: The USS Oklahoma Memorial honors the 429 crewmen who lost their lives in the Pearl Harbor attack. Approximately nine torpedoes hit “The Okie,” capsizing this 35,000-ton battleship in only twelve minutes.&lt;br /&gt;
  11088. &lt;br /&gt;
  11089. &lt;br /&gt;
  11090. North Shore and Haleiwa: The beaches of the North Shore stretch on for more than seven miles! That, along with 20+ foot waves in the winter make it an ideal surfing destination. In fact, the beaches of the North Shore host the world’s premier surfing competitions during the peak, winter months, including the Super Bowl of wave riding, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (November - December). But, the reason the North Shore is on our list of must-sees on Oahu is due to more than the waves. Haleiwa, the commercial center of the North Shore, is an eclectic, bohemian town known for its artsy, fun, casual culture. It&#039;s important you venture out of Waikiki during your stay, and a visit to the North Shore is the perfect solution.&lt;br /&gt;
  11091. Cultural Sites Throughout Downtown Honolulu: I&#039;m writing this post just as I returned from my first visit to Iolani Palace, and I can&#039;t imagine what took me so long! If you&#039;re visiting Oahu, don&#039;t leave without soaking up some local history — downtown Honolulu and the surrounding areas is ripe with historical significance. Three sites not to miss:&lt;br /&gt;
  11092. &lt;br /&gt;
  11093. Iolani Palace (you can view the King Kamehameha statue across the street)&lt;br /&gt;
  11094. The Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives (try the restaurant, too)&lt;br /&gt;
  11095. Kawaiahao Church&lt;br /&gt;
  11096. &lt;br /&gt;
  11097. Other must-sees: Hanauma Bay and Diamond Head&lt;br /&gt;
  11098. MAUI&lt;br /&gt;
  11099. &lt;br /&gt;
  11100. &lt;br /&gt;
  11101. Haleakala National Park: Haleakala is nearlky 10,000 feet above sea level, and the climate at this altitude is completely different than down below. Many visitors enjoy watching the sun rise from the peak — others prefer sunset. Either way, surveying Maui from above the clouds is an experience not to be missed. Haleakala encompasses more than 30,000 acres of public land, the park offers hiking trails, pre-arranged horseback riding tours and more endangered species than any other National Park. Just don&#039;t forget your warm clothes!&lt;br /&gt;
  11102. Hana, Maui: Driving the &quot;Road to Hana&quot; is on the bucket list for countless visitors, and it really is a must-do while you&#039;re there. Yes, the road is long. Yes, it&#039;s slow-going. Yes, it&#039;s quite curvy (620 curves and 59 bridges). BUT, the road is dotted with beautiful waterfalls, and the reward is the town of Hana, where the pastures roll right up to the main street.</itunes:summary>
  11103. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  11104. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  11105. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  11106. <itunes:duration>23:08</itunes:duration>
  11107. </item>
  11108. <item>
  11109. <title>Top 10 shoreline whale watching sites in Hawaii</title>
  11110. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/top-10-shoreline-whale-watching-sites-in-hawaii/</link>
  11111. <pubDate>Thu, 11 Feb 2016 19:27:49 +0000</pubDate>
  11112. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=31172</guid>
  11113. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/top-10-shoreline-whale-watching-sites-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  11114. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/top-10-shoreline-whale-watching-sites-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  11115. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  11116. <description>This year, the humpback whales took their time arriving in Hawaiian waters. But, they&#039;re here now! In fact, we&#039;re fortunate enough to see them from nearby our home, and it&#039;s a spectacular site!
  11117.  
  11118. Here&#039;s a look at the top 10 shoreline whale watching sites in Hawaii, courtesy of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary:
  11119. Oahu:
  11120. 1. Makapuu Lighthouse: To get there, you&#039;ll travel east on Kalanianaole Highway towards Makapuu Point. The site is approximately 4.5 miles from Koko Marina Shopping Center. Look for trail entrance on the right hand side of the road before the scenic lookouts. A black gate indicates the start of the trail, and a paved parking lot is available off the main road. A 1-3/4 mile hike (approx. 30-45 minutes) up a 30 degree grade is required to get to the site. The semi-paved trail is at a moderate slope. Windy conditions at the top.
  11121.  
  11122.        
  11123.            
  11124.                
  11125.                
  11126.  
  11127.  
  11128.                
  11129.                
  11130.                
  11131.                
  11132.                
  11133.                
  11134.                                
  11135.                    
  11136.                                            
  11137.                
  11138.            
  11139.                            Viewing stations near the Makapuu Lighthouse means you can learn about the humpback whales as you look for them.
  11140.                    
  11141.        
  11142.  
  11143. 2. Halona Blowhole: If you&#039;re coming from town, travel east on Kalanianaole Highway towards Hanauma Bay. Halona Blowhole is the second lookout area past Hanauma Bay. If you&#039;re coming from Kailua, travel south on Kalanianaole Highway through Waimanalo past Sea Life Park and Makapuu Point. A paved parking lot is available off the main road. Site is the large lookout just past Sandy Beach. Easily accessible from the main road, high vantage point for viewing. Can be very hot or windy, dress accordingly.
  11144.  
  11145. 3. Hanauma Bay:  Travel east on Kalanianaole Highway towards Makapuu Point. Entrance to Hanauma Bay will be on the right, not far from Koko Marina Shopping Center. Parking is available in the Hanauma Bay lot ($1 per vehicle). Whale watching is best done from lookout points.
  11146.  
  11147. 4. Diamond Head Scenic Lookout:  Heading east on Diamond Head Road, look for the second lookout after the lighthouse. If you&#039;re coming from the Kahului Airport, take Highway 380 W. and, then, turn left on Puunene which turns into Highway 311. Then, turn left (South) on South Kihei Road to 726 S. Kihei Road. From Lahaina, take Highway 30 to Maalaea, turn right on Highway 31 N. Kihei Road, then turn right on South Kihei Road to 726 S. Kihei Road. Parking is available. Viewing scope is available on site.  Be sure to visit the Education Center.
  11148. Big Island:
  11149. 7. Lapakahi State Historical Park: Take Highway 270 north of Kawaihae at mile marker 14. The site is located 100 yards past the gate at the top of the hill. Approximately 1/2 mile from shore. Look for the sign on roadway. Parking available. Lapakahi is a cultural and historical state park. Hot, bring umbrella!
  11150.  
  11151.        
  11152.            
  11153.                
  11154.                
  11155.  
  11156.  
  11157.                
  11158.                
  11159.                
  11160.                
  11161.                
  11162.                
  11163.                                
  11164.                    
  11165.                                            
  11166.                
  11167.            
  11168.                            Lapakahi State Historical Park on the Big Island is a great place to view humpback whales, and it offers a look at some untouched land in Hawaii.
  11169.                    
  11170.        
  11171.  
  11172. 8. Kapaa Beach Park: &gt; Site is located off of Highway 270 (Pule Highway). Traveling north, turn left on the one-lane paved road just past mile marker 16. Site is located at the end of the road. Adequate parking is available for approximately 10 cars. Covered picnic pavilions are available. Hiking trails lead off the site.
  11173. Kauai:
  11174. 9. Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge:  If you want to see humpback whales early in the morning, meet at the gated entrance to the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge by 7...</description>
  11175. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2016/02/top-10-shoreline-whale-watching-sites-in-hawaii.mp3" length="18397750" type="audio/mpeg" />
  11176. <itunes:subtitle>This year, the humpback whales took their time arriving in Hawaiian waters. But, they&#039;re here now! In fact, we&#039;re fortunate enough to see them from nearby our home, and it&#039;s a spectacular site!  Here&#039;s a look at the top 10 shoreline whale watching site...</itunes:subtitle>
  11177. <itunes:summary>This year, the humpback whales took their time arriving in Hawaiian waters. But, they&#039;re here now! In fact, we&#039;re fortunate enough to see them from nearby our home, and it&#039;s a spectacular site!&lt;br /&gt;
  11178. &lt;br /&gt;
  11179. Here&#039;s a look at the top 10 shoreline whale watching sites in Hawaii, courtesy of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary:&lt;br /&gt;
  11180. Oahu:&lt;br /&gt;
  11181. 1. Makapuu Lighthouse: To get there, you&#039;ll travel east on Kalanianaole Highway towards Makapuu Point. The site is approximately 4.5 miles from Koko Marina Shopping Center. Look for trail entrance on the right hand side of the road before the scenic lookouts. A black gate indicates the start of the trail, and a paved parking lot is available off the main road. A 1-3/4 mile hike (approx. 30-45 minutes) up a 30 degree grade is required to get to the site. The semi-paved trail is at a moderate slope. Windy conditions at the top.&lt;br /&gt;
  11182. &lt;br /&gt;
  11183.        &lt;br /&gt;
  11184.            &lt;br /&gt;
  11185.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11186.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11187. &lt;br /&gt;
  11188. &lt;br /&gt;
  11189.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11190.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11191.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11192.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11193.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11194.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11195.                                &lt;br /&gt;
  11196.                    &lt;br /&gt;
  11197.                                            &lt;br /&gt;
  11198.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11199.            &lt;br /&gt;
  11200.                            Viewing stations near the Makapuu Lighthouse means you can learn about the humpback whales as you look for them.&lt;br /&gt;
  11201.                    &lt;br /&gt;
  11202.        &lt;br /&gt;
  11203. &lt;br /&gt;
  11204. 2. Halona Blowhole: If you&#039;re coming from town, travel east on Kalanianaole Highway towards Hanauma Bay. Halona Blowhole is the second lookout area past Hanauma Bay. If you&#039;re coming from Kailua, travel south on Kalanianaole Highway through Waimanalo past Sea Life Park and Makapuu Point. A paved parking lot is available off the main road. Site is the large lookout just past Sandy Beach. Easily accessible from the main road, high vantage point for viewing. Can be very hot or windy, dress accordingly.&lt;br /&gt;
  11205. &lt;br /&gt;
  11206. 3. Hanauma Bay:  Travel east on Kalanianaole Highway towards Makapuu Point. Entrance to Hanauma Bay will be on the right, not far from Koko Marina Shopping Center. Parking is available in the Hanauma Bay lot ($1 per vehicle). Whale watching is best done from lookout points.&lt;br /&gt;
  11207. &lt;br /&gt;
  11208. 4. Diamond Head Scenic Lookout:  Heading east on Diamond Head Road, look for the second lookout after the lighthouse. If you&#039;re coming from the Kahului Airport, take Highway 380 W. and, then, turn left on Puunene which turns into Highway 311. Then, turn left (South) on South Kihei Road to 726 S. Kihei Road. From Lahaina, take Highway 30 to Maalaea, turn right on Highway 31 N. Kihei Road, then turn right on South Kihei Road to 726 S. Kihei Road. Parking is available. Viewing scope is available on site.  Be sure to visit the Education Center.&lt;br /&gt;
  11209. Big Island:&lt;br /&gt;
  11210. 7. Lapakahi State Historical Park: Take Highway 270 north of Kawaihae at mile marker 14. The site is located 100 yards past the gate at the top of the hill. Approximately 1/2 mile from shore. Look for the sign on roadway. Parking available. Lapakahi is a cultural and historical state park. Hot, bring umbrella!&lt;br /&gt;
  11211. &lt;br /&gt;
  11212.        &lt;br /&gt;
  11213.            &lt;br /&gt;
  11214.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11215.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11216. &lt;br /&gt;
  11217. &lt;br /&gt;
  11218.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11219.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11220.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11221.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11222.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11223.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11224.                                &lt;br /&gt;
  11225.                    &lt;br /&gt;
  11226.                                            &lt;br /&gt;
  11227.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11228.            &lt;br /&gt;
  11229.                            Lapakahi State Historical Park on the Big Island is a great place to view humpback whales, and it offers a look at some untouched land in Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  11230.                    &lt;br /&gt;
  11231.        &lt;br /&gt;
  11232. &lt;br /&gt;
  11233. 8. Kapaa Beach Park: &gt; Site is located off of Highway 270 (Pule Highway). Traveling north, turn left on the one-lane paved road just past mile marker 16.</itunes:summary>
  11234. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  11235. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  11236. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  11237. <itunes:duration>21:08</itunes:duration>
  11238. </item>
  11239. <item>
  11240. <title>Nourishing food to try on your Hawaii Vacation</title>
  11241. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/nourishing-food-to-try-on-your-hawaii-vacation/</link>
  11242. <pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2016 23:06:22 +0000</pubDate>
  11243. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=31128</guid>
  11244. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/nourishing-food-to-try-on-your-hawaii-vacation/#respond</comments>
  11245. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/nourishing-food-to-try-on-your-hawaii-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  11246. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  11247. <description>On today&#039;s podcast we&#039;re joined By Lanai Tabura and we discuss Hawaii&#039; nourishing foods you can enjoy her and also take hoe with you after your vacation. Just in case you need another reason to consider Hawaii for your vacation--your visit could be good for your health!
  11248.  
  11249. Hawaii is home to a variety of super foods, all with essential nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants to kick start a healthier lifestyle. Enjoy the “feel good” benefits of these unprocessed natural foods, all found in the Hawaiian Islands. You are what you eat!
  11250.  
  11251. KonaRed
  11252.  
  11253. The red fruit surrounding the coffee bean is gaining popularity as an antioxidant. KonaRed, based on Hawaii, has developed a juice supplement to delay aging, prevent disease, and provide a mood boost. The concoction of antioxidants and acids results in a juice that is immediately absorbed at the cellular level.
  11254.  
  11255. The power of KonaRed comes from the coffee fruit that surrounds the coffee bean. The fruit surrounding and protecting the seed (or bean) is removed, dried and condensed into a liquid that blends with other delicious fruits to create this amazing beverage. KonaRed’s Hawaiian CoffeeBerry consists of only the ripe red fruit, the whole fruit and nothing but the fruit. For more information, visit konared.com.
  11256.  
  11257. Noni Juice 
  11258. This light green fruit has been used to treat a wide range of medical conditions including menstrual cramps, asthma, tumors, broken bones, skin conditions, and inflammation. Its juice contains high levels of phytochemicals, macronutients, and micronutrients to strengthen the immune system and regulate cell functions. Find noni juice at health food stores throughout Hawaii, including Whole Foods Market, Umeke Market, and Down to Earth.
  11259.  
  11260.        
  11261.            
  11262.                
  11263.                
  11264.  
  11265.  
  11266.                
  11267.                
  11268.                
  11269.                
  11270.                
  11271.                
  11272.                                
  11273.                    
  11274.                                            
  11275.                
  11276.            
  11277.                            Noni juice from Hawaii is used to treat a variety of medical conditions. Photos courtesy Noni Connection.
  11278.                    
  11279.        
  11280.  
  11281. Noni, also known as Morinda citrifolia, is a small, flowering shrub native to the Pacific islands, Polynesia, Asia, and Australia. It grows to a height of up to 10 feet high, and the leaves are dark green and oval shaped. The flower heads grow to become mature yellow fruit that have a strong odor.
  11282.  
  11283. Noni juice is widely available as the juice or liquid concentrate. It can also be found in tablet and capsule form.
  11284.  
  11285. Breadfruit 
  11286. Considered a staple in the diets of ancient Hawaiians, ulu (breadfruit) provides sustained energy from carbohydrates and its low fat content. It is an excellent source essential minerals such as fiber, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, thiamine, and niacin. For more information, visit NTBG.org/breadfruit.
  11287.  
  11288. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy with low levels of fat and protein and a moderate glycemic index.
  11289.  
  11290. The seeds are edible and can be boiled, roasted, or ground into a meal.
  11291.  
  11292. Kukui Nut Oil
  11293.  
  11294. Indulge in moisture-rich kukui nut oil, high in Vitamins A, C, and E. This moisture-rich oil is high in Vitamins A, C and E, and provides antioxidants that rejuvenate and protect skin and hair without leaving a greasy residue.
  11295.  
  11296. Added in creams, lotions, and massage oils, the kukui nut is said to be good to provide relief from burns, eczema, dry skin, psoriasis, acne, scares and lesions.
  11297.  
  11298.        
  11299.            
  11300.                
  11301.                
  11302.  
  11303.  
  11304.                
  11305.                
  11306.                
  11307.                
  11308.                
  11309.                
  11310.                                
  11311.                    
  11312.                                            
  11313.                
  11314.            
  11315.                    
  11316.        
  11317.  
  11318. The kukui nut tree is the official tree of Hawaii, and has been used by natives for hundreds of years. They recognized the oil&#039;s high penetrability and soothing proper...</description>
  11319. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2016/02/nourishing-food-to-try-on-your-hawaii-vacation.mp3" length="15363246" type="audio/mpeg" />
  11320. <itunes:subtitle>On today&#039;s podcast we&#039;re joined By Lanai Tabura and we discuss Hawaii&#039; nourishing foods you can enjoy her and also take hoe with you after your vacation. Just in case you need another reason to consider Hawaii for your vacation--your visit could be goo...</itunes:subtitle>
  11321. <itunes:summary>On today&#039;s podcast we&#039;re joined By Lanai Tabura and we discuss Hawaii&#039; nourishing foods you can enjoy her and also take hoe with you after your vacation. Just in case you need another reason to consider Hawaii for your vacation--your visit could be good for your health!&lt;br /&gt;
  11322. &lt;br /&gt;
  11323. Hawaii is home to a variety of super foods, all with essential nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants to kick start a healthier lifestyle. Enjoy the “feel good” benefits of these unprocessed natural foods, all found in the Hawaiian Islands. You are what you eat!&lt;br /&gt;
  11324. &lt;br /&gt;
  11325. KonaRed&lt;br /&gt;
  11326. &lt;br /&gt;
  11327. The red fruit surrounding the coffee bean is gaining popularity as an antioxidant. KonaRed, based on Hawaii, has developed a juice supplement to delay aging, prevent disease, and provide a mood boost. The concoction of antioxidants and acids results in a juice that is immediately absorbed at the cellular level.&lt;br /&gt;
  11328. &lt;br /&gt;
  11329. The power of KonaRed comes from the coffee fruit that surrounds the coffee bean. The fruit surrounding and protecting the seed (or bean) is removed, dried and condensed into a liquid that blends with other delicious fruits to create this amazing beverage. KonaRed’s Hawaiian CoffeeBerry consists of only the ripe red fruit, the whole fruit and nothing but the fruit. For more information, visit konared.com.&lt;br /&gt;
  11330. &lt;br /&gt;
  11331. Noni Juice &lt;br /&gt;
  11332. This light green fruit has been used to treat a wide range of medical conditions including menstrual cramps, asthma, tumors, broken bones, skin conditions, and inflammation. Its juice contains high levels of phytochemicals, macronutients, and micronutrients to strengthen the immune system and regulate cell functions. Find noni juice at health food stores throughout Hawaii, including Whole Foods Market, Umeke Market, and Down to Earth.&lt;br /&gt;
  11333. &lt;br /&gt;
  11334.        &lt;br /&gt;
  11335.            &lt;br /&gt;
  11336.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11337.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11338. &lt;br /&gt;
  11339. &lt;br /&gt;
  11340.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11341.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11342.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11343.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11344.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11345.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11346.                                &lt;br /&gt;
  11347.                    &lt;br /&gt;
  11348.                                            &lt;br /&gt;
  11349.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11350.            &lt;br /&gt;
  11351.                            Noni juice from Hawaii is used to treat a variety of medical conditions. Photos courtesy Noni Connection.&lt;br /&gt;
  11352.                    &lt;br /&gt;
  11353.        &lt;br /&gt;
  11354. &lt;br /&gt;
  11355. Noni, also known as Morinda citrifolia, is a small, flowering shrub native to the Pacific islands, Polynesia, Asia, and Australia. It grows to a height of up to 10 feet high, and the leaves are dark green and oval shaped. The flower heads grow to become mature yellow fruit that have a strong odor.&lt;br /&gt;
  11356. &lt;br /&gt;
  11357. Noni juice is widely available as the juice or liquid concentrate. It can also be found in tablet and capsule form.&lt;br /&gt;
  11358. &lt;br /&gt;
  11359. Breadfruit &lt;br /&gt;
  11360. Considered a staple in the diets of ancient Hawaiians, ulu (breadfruit) provides sustained energy from carbohydrates and its low fat content. It is an excellent source essential minerals such as fiber, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, thiamine, and niacin. For more information, visit NTBG.org/breadfruit.&lt;br /&gt;
  11361. &lt;br /&gt;
  11362. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy with low levels of fat and protein and a moderate glycemic index.&lt;br /&gt;
  11363. &lt;br /&gt;
  11364. The seeds are edible and can be boiled, roasted, or ground into a meal.&lt;br /&gt;
  11365. &lt;br /&gt;
  11366. Kukui Nut Oil&lt;br /&gt;
  11367. &lt;br /&gt;
  11368. Indulge in moisture-rich kukui nut oil, high in Vitamins A, C, and E. This moisture-rich oil is high in Vitamins A, C and E, and provides antioxidants that rejuvenate and protect skin and hair without leaving a greasy residue.&lt;br /&gt;
  11369. &lt;br /&gt;
  11370. Added in creams, lotions, and massage oils, the kukui nut is said to be good to provide relief from burns, eczema, dry skin, psoriasis, acne, scares and lesions.&lt;br /&gt;
  11371. &lt;br /&gt;
  11372.        &lt;br /&gt;
  11373.            &lt;br /&gt;
  11374.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11375.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11376. &lt;br /&gt;
  11377. &lt;br /&gt;
  11378.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11379.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11380.                &lt;br /&gt;
  11381. </itunes:summary>
  11382. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  11383. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  11384. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  11385. <itunes:duration>15:48</itunes:duration>
  11386. </item>
  11387. <item>
  11388. <title>Quirky, Fun and New things to do In Hawaii</title>
  11389. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/quirky-fun-and-new-things-to-do-in-hawaii/</link>
  11390. <pubDate>Sun, 31 Jan 2016 04:33:47 +0000</pubDate>
  11391. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=31111</guid>
  11392. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/quirky-fun-and-new-things-to-do-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  11393. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/quirky-fun-and-new-things-to-do-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  11394. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  11395. <description>We&#039;ve been getting a lot of requests lately from Podcast listeners to talk about fun things to do in Hawaii so on today&#039;s podcast Yaling and I offer some suggestions. Before you even get on your plane to come to Hawaii, you&#039;ll likely hear A LOT of suggestions from those who have been here before — &quot;Go here,&quot; &quot;See that,&quot; &quot;Don&#039;t miss out on...&quot;
  11396.  
  11397. Chances are, you&#039;ll hear a lot of people tell you to visit some of the amazing beaches, picturesque landscapes, and top-tier cultural sites. And, yes, you should definitely see those.
  11398.  
  11399. But, what if you&#039;re the type of traveler who likes to take a more &quot;off the beaten path&quot; approach to your vacation? For those of you who would like to see some of the quirkiest attractions on Oahu, we have a Top 5 list for you:
  11400. Oahu:
  11401. 1. Aloha Stadium Swap Meet: Sadly, Hawaii doesn&#039;t use the Aloha Stadium for much in the way of sports. But, the venue is perfect for one of the quirkiest attractions on Oahu, the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet. Just 20 minutes away from Waikiki, you&#039;ll find Hawaii’s largest open air flea market where the locals shop for the best deals in town. Open three days a week, we offer endless rows of more than 400 local merchants offering the best value on imported merchandise, hand made items, eclectic art pieces, popular local snacks, and other made in Hawaii products. This is sure to be your one stop destination to find that special gift or souvenir for everyone on your list. Open Wed. and Sat. 8-3, Sun. 6:30-3.
  11402.  
  11403. 2. Honolulu Fish Auction: Six days a week (not Sundays), the Honolulu Fish Auction welcomes weary-eyed visitors who have gotten up early to see this magical event. Located at the end of Pier 38, this fish auction is the only fish auction that sells fresh tuna in the United States. If you enjoy tuna (or ahi as the locals call it) in your sushi then you’ve probably taken a bite out of ahi that made its way through the Honolulu Fish Auction.  Auctions begin at 5:30 a.m.
  11404.  
  11405. 3. Kukaniloko Birthing Site: The Kukaniloko birthing stones are located in Wahiawa and were placed in a spot where the ancient islanders believed the life force of the land was strong. When a new chief was to be born, the mother would be brought to the rocks and under the watch of anywhere from 36 to 48 chiefs, the birth would take place. When the birthing was complete, the child would be swept away, not to be seen by the mother until it had reached maturity. This was practiced to reduce the chance of murder from rival chiefs.
  11406.  
  11407. Recent research has uncovered patterns on the rocks that could have served an astrological purpose. It is now believed that the stones may have acted as a sort of Pacific Island henge. In the modern day, rows of other stones have been added to represent the ranks of chiefs that would come to witness the births or defend their land, but the original stones also still rest on the site.
  11408.  
  11409. 4. Oahu Ghost Tours: Oahu Ghost Tours® takes guests to the most haunted sites on Oahu. Some of these sites include places visited by Hawaiian Night Marchers, places where sacrifices were made to ancient gods and goddesses of Hawaii, and more modern haunts, like those of old hospitals that housed sick children during World War II. All stories are true, and all sites are real.
  11410.  
  11411. 5. Elvis Aloha Statue: The statue stands near the parking lot of the Neal Blaisdell Center in Honolulu, along a walkway to the concert hall&#039;s ticket windows. Elvis, acoustic guitar strapped on, is depicted in full sweaty croon atop a circular pedestal, a sprinkling of stars surrounding the title &quot;Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii.&quot; Another plaque on the walk credits the TV Land connection. Of course, &quot;The King&quot; wears a lei of fresh flowers.
  11412.  
  11413. Why that location? Apparently, this was the site of the &quot;World&#039;s First Satellite TV Concert&quot; performed here on January 14, 1973. The statue was unveiled on July 26, 2007.
  11414.  
  11415. While you&#039;re at it, visit another quirky attraction, the Jack Lord bust at Kahala Mall. Hawaii  5-0 fans will appreciate seeing the famous a...</description>
  11416. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2016/01/quirky-fun-and-new-things-to-do-in-hawaii.mp3" length="20866475" type="audio/mpeg" />
  11417. <itunes:subtitle>We&#039;ve been getting a lot of requests lately from Podcast listeners to talk about fun things to do in Hawaii so on today&#039;s podcast Yaling and I offer some suggestions. Before you even get on your plane to come to Hawaii,</itunes:subtitle>
  11418. <itunes:summary>We&#039;ve been getting a lot of requests lately from Podcast listeners to talk about fun things to do in Hawaii so on today&#039;s podcast Yaling and I offer some suggestions. Before you even get on your plane to come to Hawaii, you&#039;ll likely hear A LOT of suggestions from those who have been here before — &quot;Go here,&quot; &quot;See that,&quot; &quot;Don&#039;t miss out on...&quot;&lt;br /&gt;
  11419. &lt;br /&gt;
  11420. Chances are, you&#039;ll hear a lot of people tell you to visit some of the amazing beaches, picturesque landscapes, and top-tier cultural sites. And, yes, you should definitely see those.&lt;br /&gt;
  11421. &lt;br /&gt;
  11422. But, what if you&#039;re the type of traveler who likes to take a more &quot;off the beaten path&quot; approach to your vacation? For those of you who would like to see some of the quirkiest attractions on Oahu, we have a Top 5 list for you:&lt;br /&gt;
  11423. Oahu:&lt;br /&gt;
  11424. 1. Aloha Stadium Swap Meet: Sadly, Hawaii doesn&#039;t use the Aloha Stadium for much in the way of sports. But, the venue is perfect for one of the quirkiest attractions on Oahu, the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet. Just 20 minutes away from Waikiki, you&#039;ll find Hawaii’s largest open air flea market where the locals shop for the best deals in town. Open three days a week, we offer endless rows of more than 400 local merchants offering the best value on imported merchandise, hand made items, eclectic art pieces, popular local snacks, and other made in Hawaii products. This is sure to be your one stop destination to find that special gift or souvenir for everyone on your list. Open Wed. and Sat. 8-3, Sun. 6:30-3.&lt;br /&gt;
  11425. &lt;br /&gt;
  11426. 2. Honolulu Fish Auction: Six days a week (not Sundays), the Honolulu Fish Auction welcomes weary-eyed visitors who have gotten up early to see this magical event. Located at the end of Pier 38, this fish auction is the only fish auction that sells fresh tuna in the United States. If you enjoy tuna (or ahi as the locals call it) in your sushi then you’ve probably taken a bite out of ahi that made its way through the Honolulu Fish Auction.  Auctions begin at 5:30 a.m.&lt;br /&gt;
  11427. &lt;br /&gt;
  11428. 3. Kukaniloko Birthing Site: The Kukaniloko birthing stones are located in Wahiawa and were placed in a spot where the ancient islanders believed the life force of the land was strong. When a new chief was to be born, the mother would be brought to the rocks and under the watch of anywhere from 36 to 48 chiefs, the birth would take place. When the birthing was complete, the child would be swept away, not to be seen by the mother until it had reached maturity. This was practiced to reduce the chance of murder from rival chiefs.&lt;br /&gt;
  11429. &lt;br /&gt;
  11430. Recent research has uncovered patterns on the rocks that could have served an astrological purpose. It is now believed that the stones may have acted as a sort of Pacific Island henge. In the modern day, rows of other stones have been added to represent the ranks of chiefs that would come to witness the births or defend their land, but the original stones also still rest on the site.&lt;br /&gt;
  11431. &lt;br /&gt;
  11432. 4. Oahu Ghost Tours: Oahu Ghost Tours® takes guests to the most haunted sites on Oahu. Some of these sites include places visited by Hawaiian Night Marchers, places where sacrifices were made to ancient gods and goddesses of Hawaii, and more modern haunts, like those of old hospitals that housed sick children during World War II. All stories are true, and all sites are real.&lt;br /&gt;
  11433. &lt;br /&gt;
  11434. 5. Elvis Aloha Statue: The statue stands near the parking lot of the Neal Blaisdell Center in Honolulu, along a walkway to the concert hall&#039;s ticket windows. Elvis, acoustic guitar strapped on, is depicted in full sweaty croon atop a circular pedestal, a sprinkling of stars surrounding the title &quot;Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii.&quot; Another plaque on the walk credits the TV Land connection. Of course, &quot;The King&quot; wears a lei of fresh flowers.&lt;br /&gt;
  11435. &lt;br /&gt;
  11436. Why that location? Apparently, this was the site of the &quot;World&#039;s First Satellite TV Concert&quot; performed here on January 14, 1973. The statue was unveiled on July 26, 2007.&lt;br /&gt;
  11437. &lt;br /&gt;
  11438. While you&#039;re at it,</itunes:summary>
  11439. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  11440. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  11441. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  11442. <itunes:duration>18:42</itunes:duration>
  11443. </item>
  11444. <item>
  11445. <title>2016 Hawaii airfare deals: 101</title>
  11446. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/2016-hawaii-airfare-deals-101/</link>
  11447. <pubDate>Tue, 26 Jan 2016 02:20:10 +0000</pubDate>
  11448. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=31079</guid>
  11449. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/2016-hawaii-airfare-deals-101/#respond</comments>
  11450. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/2016-hawaii-airfare-deals-101/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  11451. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  11452. <description>One of the biggest questions we get this time of year is &quot;where are all the cheap airfare deals?&quot; The good news is that airfares are likely going to be lower this year very soon as a result of the low price of oil we&#039;ve been seeing recently. Listen to today&#039;s podcast to hear our take on where airfares are headed and some tips to save on your Hawaii vacation this year.
  11453.  
  11454. A recent study shows that airfares across the board were a 8 percent lower in October 2015 then they are this year so far. Data also shows that most of the airlines are expected to grow by 3 to 5 percent which overall means better deals for consumers. The idea is that if the airlines are making more money they are likely to pass it to the consumer.
  11455.  
  11456. Unfortunately, the discounts are not as deep for flights to Hawaii. Think of Hawaii as a international destination when it comes to airfare pricing. While we&#039;re seeing decreases in airfare pricing, it&#039;s not nearly as much as other mainland destinations. What might work as a rule of thumb for mainland destinations simply doesn&#039;t always work for Hawaii. For example; research shows that the best deals for airfare are found 57 days in advance for mainland US destinations however, that doesn&#039;t work for Hawaii where the best deals are found 167 days in advance very similar to that of an international destination.
  11457.  
  11458. All this being said there&#039;s still plenty of deals to be had and we have them here at Hawaii Aloha travel. On today&#039;s podcast we go over some examples of cheap airfares you can expect and should buy as well as some cheap airfare we have found over the last few days. As far as fare sales go, good luck finding them on the day you want to go especially when it comes to Hawaii vacation that you need to plan way in advance.
  11459.  
  11460. If you like what you hear, please drop Bruce a lineAlohaBruce and let us know what you think! If you have a trip you&#039;re working on let us know and we give yo some advise on the podcast.</description>
  11461. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2016/01/2016-hawaii-airfare-deals-101.mp3" length="14906292" type="audio/mpeg" />
  11462. <itunes:subtitle>One of the biggest questions we get this time of year is &quot;where are all the cheap airfare deals?&quot; The good news is that airfares are likely going to be lower this year very soon as a result of the low price of oil we&#039;ve been seeing recently.</itunes:subtitle>
  11463. <itunes:summary>One of the biggest questions we get this time of year is &quot;where are all the cheap airfare deals?&quot; The good news is that airfares are likely going to be lower this year very soon as a result of the low price of oil we&#039;ve been seeing recently. Listen to today&#039;s podcast to hear our take on where airfares are headed and some tips to save on your Hawaii vacation this year.&lt;br /&gt;
  11464. &lt;br /&gt;
  11465. A recent study shows that airfares across the board were a 8 percent lower in October 2015 then they are this year so far. Data also shows that most of the airlines are expected to grow by 3 to 5 percent which overall means better deals for consumers. The idea is that if the airlines are making more money they are likely to pass it to the consumer.&lt;br /&gt;
  11466. &lt;br /&gt;
  11467. Unfortunately, the discounts are not as deep for flights to Hawaii. Think of Hawaii as a international destination when it comes to airfare pricing. While we&#039;re seeing decreases in airfare pricing, it&#039;s not nearly as much as other mainland destinations. What might work as a rule of thumb for mainland destinations simply doesn&#039;t always work for Hawaii. For example; research shows that the best deals for airfare are found 57 days in advance for mainland US destinations however, that doesn&#039;t work for Hawaii where the best deals are found 167 days in advance very similar to that of an international destination.&lt;br /&gt;
  11468. &lt;br /&gt;
  11469. All this being said there&#039;s still plenty of deals to be had and we have them here at Hawaii Aloha travel. On today&#039;s podcast we go over some examples of cheap airfares you can expect and should buy as well as some cheap airfare we have found over the last few days. As far as fare sales go, good luck finding them on the day you want to go especially when it comes to Hawaii vacation that you need to plan way in advance.&lt;br /&gt;
  11470. &lt;br /&gt;
  11471. If you like what you hear, please drop Bruce a lineAlohaBruce and let us know what you think! If you have a trip you&#039;re working on let us know and we give yo some advise on the podcast.</itunes:summary>
  11472. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  11473. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  11474. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  11475. <itunes:duration>15:32</itunes:duration>
  11476. </item>
  11477. <item>
  11478. <title>Top 10 Hawaii Etiquette Tips</title>
  11479. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/top-10-hawaii-etiquette-tips/</link>
  11480. <pubDate>Sun, 24 Jan 2016 13:24:20 +0000</pubDate>
  11481. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=31071</guid>
  11482. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/top-10-hawaii-etiquette-tips/#respond</comments>
  11483. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/top-10-hawaii-etiquette-tips/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  11484. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  11485. <description>Hawaii etiquette and culture is unlike any other in the world. So, we completely understand that many visitors won&#039;t automatically know how to honor and respect the islands&#039; customs and traditions. Luckily, you have me (AlohaBruce) and Lanai to help you out! Read on for our top 10 Hawaii etiquette tips:
  11486.  
  11487. 1. Appreciate Lei: Lei have have been used by Hawaiians since the early Polynesian settlers wore them, and chiefs would exchange them as symbols of peace between groups. So, they have deep cultural significance. If someone gives you a lei, etiquette dictates that you accept it and wear it as long as you&#039;re in the presence of the giver. If you don&#039;t know how to position the lei, here&#039;s what to do: Wear it around your neck, with the flowers hanging down in both the front and back. And, please don&#039;t play with it by putting it on your head or wrapping it around your wrist as a bracelet. If someone is pregnant, DON&#039;T offer them a lei, as it&#039;s considered bad luck to wear one (it symbolizes the umbilical cord getting wrapped around the baby&#039;s neck). If you&#039;re pregnant and believe it a lei&#039;s bad luck potential, politely decline and say, &quot;I&#039;m hapai (pregnant). The lei-offerer will understand.
  11488.  
  11489. 2. Respect Sacred Sites: You&#039;ll find that cultural sites are just about everywhere in Hawaii, whether it&#039;s a temple, rock wall with petroglyphs, or carvings created by ancient Hawaiians. It&#039;s crucial that you respect these sites by speaking and walking quietly in these areas. Always strive to leave the site the same as you found it, and don&#039;t leave trash behind. Extend your respect to the local wildlife and landscape; something as simple as picking a flower or rearranging some rocks to spell out your name can be interpreted as disrespectful.
  11490.  
  11491. 3. Surf Like a Local: We applaud anyone who is willing to get out and try to learn how to surf. But, be sure to stay out of the way of the more serious surfers (you&#039;ll know who they are). When you&#039;re ready to try it on your own, wait in line behind the other surfers and don&#039;t try to catch the first wave. Wait until everyone ahead of you has ridden waves back toward shore, then take your turn. Always stay out of the way of local surfers, and be careful of others on the beach and in the water.
  11492.  
  11493. 4. Respect the Kupuna: Hawaiian people have great respect for their kupuna (elders), and you should make an effort to do so as well. Let older people go in front of you and hold doors open for them. If you&#039;re sitting down, and an elderly person shows up, consider offering him/her your seat. This isn&#039;t quite as popular as I remember years ago, but showing deference to seniors will win you points no matter what the situation.
  11494.  
  11495. 5. Know Aloha and Mahalo: If you learn only two Hawaiian words while you&#039;re here, make them &quot;Aloha&quot; and &quot;Mahalo.&quot; &quot;Aloha&quot; has many meanings, but you&#039;ll probably use it to mean Hello and Good-bye. Mahalo means &quot;thank you,&quot; and many locals appreciate when visitors say something polite, not to mention saying something polite in Hawaiian! When you book any one of the Hawaii Activities through Hawaii Aloha Travel, you&#039;ll likely find yourself in the presence of a local. Impress him/her with your language skills!
  11496.  
  11497. 6. Take Off Your Shoes: Hawaii locals can be so friendly, you just might find yourself invited into someone else&#039;s home. If that happens, remove your shoes before you enter. The tradition stems from Japanese immigrants who brought the custom to Hawaii. And, if you see a line of shoes, make sure you put your shoes neatly in line. In many homes, you&#039;ll see a line of shoes right outside the door.
  11498.  
  11499. 7. Be a Courteous Driver: This was the hardest one for me to adopt, but I&#039;m getting the hang of it. When you drive in Hawaii, try your best to leave your aggressive traffic behaviors behind. Drivers here typically don&#039;t use their horns, and most people are gracious about allowing other drivers to ease in front of them in traffic.
  11500.  
  11501. 8. Know What You Can Take: I KNOW you don&#039;t want bad luck. So,</description>
  11502. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2016/01/top-10-hawaii-etiquette-tips.mp3" length="17027427" type="audio/mpeg" />
  11503. <itunes:subtitle>Hawaii etiquette and culture is unlike any other in the world. So, we completely understand that many visitors won&#039;t automatically know how to honor and respect the islands&#039; customs and traditions. Luckily,</itunes:subtitle>
  11504. <itunes:summary>Hawaii etiquette and culture is unlike any other in the world. So, we completely understand that many visitors won&#039;t automatically know how to honor and respect the islands&#039; customs and traditions. Luckily, you have me (AlohaBruce) and Lanai to help you out! Read on for our top 10 Hawaii etiquette tips:&lt;br /&gt;
  11505. &lt;br /&gt;
  11506. 1. Appreciate Lei: Lei have have been used by Hawaiians since the early Polynesian settlers wore them, and chiefs would exchange them as symbols of peace between groups. So, they have deep cultural significance. If someone gives you a lei, etiquette dictates that you accept it and wear it as long as you&#039;re in the presence of the giver. If you don&#039;t know how to position the lei, here&#039;s what to do: Wear it around your neck, with the flowers hanging down in both the front and back. And, please don&#039;t play with it by putting it on your head or wrapping it around your wrist as a bracelet. If someone is pregnant, DON&#039;T offer them a lei, as it&#039;s considered bad luck to wear one (it symbolizes the umbilical cord getting wrapped around the baby&#039;s neck). If you&#039;re pregnant and believe it a lei&#039;s bad luck potential, politely decline and say, &quot;I&#039;m hapai (pregnant). The lei-offerer will understand.&lt;br /&gt;
  11507. &lt;br /&gt;
  11508. 2. Respect Sacred Sites: You&#039;ll find that cultural sites are just about everywhere in Hawaii, whether it&#039;s a temple, rock wall with petroglyphs, or carvings created by ancient Hawaiians. It&#039;s crucial that you respect these sites by speaking and walking quietly in these areas. Always strive to leave the site the same as you found it, and don&#039;t leave trash behind. Extend your respect to the local wildlife and landscape; something as simple as picking a flower or rearranging some rocks to spell out your name can be interpreted as disrespectful.&lt;br /&gt;
  11509. &lt;br /&gt;
  11510. 3. Surf Like a Local: We applaud anyone who is willing to get out and try to learn how to surf. But, be sure to stay out of the way of the more serious surfers (you&#039;ll know who they are). When you&#039;re ready to try it on your own, wait in line behind the other surfers and don&#039;t try to catch the first wave. Wait until everyone ahead of you has ridden waves back toward shore, then take your turn. Always stay out of the way of local surfers, and be careful of others on the beach and in the water.&lt;br /&gt;
  11511. &lt;br /&gt;
  11512. 4. Respect the Kupuna: Hawaiian people have great respect for their kupuna (elders), and you should make an effort to do so as well. Let older people go in front of you and hold doors open for them. If you&#039;re sitting down, and an elderly person shows up, consider offering him/her your seat. This isn&#039;t quite as popular as I remember years ago, but showing deference to seniors will win you points no matter what the situation.&lt;br /&gt;
  11513. &lt;br /&gt;
  11514. 5. Know Aloha and Mahalo: If you learn only two Hawaiian words while you&#039;re here, make them &quot;Aloha&quot; and &quot;Mahalo.&quot; &quot;Aloha&quot; has many meanings, but you&#039;ll probably use it to mean Hello and Good-bye. Mahalo means &quot;thank you,&quot; and many locals appreciate when visitors say something polite, not to mention saying something polite in Hawaiian! When you book any one of the Hawaii Activities through Hawaii Aloha Travel, you&#039;ll likely find yourself in the presence of a local. Impress him/her with your language skills!&lt;br /&gt;
  11515. &lt;br /&gt;
  11516. 6. Take Off Your Shoes: Hawaii locals can be so friendly, you just might find yourself invited into someone else&#039;s home. If that happens, remove your shoes before you enter. The tradition stems from Japanese immigrants who brought the custom to Hawaii. And, if you see a line of shoes, make sure you put your shoes neatly in line. In many homes, you&#039;ll see a line of shoes right outside the door.&lt;br /&gt;
  11517. &lt;br /&gt;
  11518. 7. Be a Courteous Driver: This was the hardest one for me to adopt, but I&#039;m getting the hang of it. When you drive in Hawaii, try your best to leave your aggressive traffic behaviors behind. Drivers here typically don&#039;t use their horns, and most people are gracious about allowing other drivers to ease in front of them in...</itunes:summary>
  11519. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  11520. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  11521. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  11522. <itunes:duration>17:44</itunes:duration>
  11523. </item>
  11524. <item>
  11525. <title>5 Things to know when planning a Hawaii Vacation</title>
  11526. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/5-things-to-know-when-planning-a-hawaii-vacation/</link>
  11527. <pubDate>Tue, 19 Jan 2016 19:20:40 +0000</pubDate>
  11528. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=31053</guid>
  11529. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/5-things-to-know-when-planning-a-hawaii-vacation/#respond</comments>
  11530. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/5-things-to-know-when-planning-a-hawaii-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  11531. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  11532. <description>On today&#039;s show we help you get started on planning your vacation to the islands! What does a fabulous Hawaii vacation cost? The answer is: It depends. Lots of factors will determine the ultimate cost of your island vacation, such as airfares, hotel choices, and excursion options, to only name a few.
  11533.  
  11534. But, even those with money to burn will agree that finding ways to save money when you travel is the smart choice. So, take a look at our top 5 ways to save money on your Hawaii vacation, and use your savings to book another Hawaii vacation after you return home!
  11535.  
  11536. 1. Pick the right time to visit: According to USA Today, there are two specific periods to consider when looking for the cheapest times to fly. These make up Hawaii’s low season. The first is in the spring, from the Easter break until the middle of June. The exception is &quot;Golden Week,&quot; held the last week of April, when visitors from Japan come over in droves because of national holidays in their own country. The other half of the low season runs from September through the middle of December. Exceptions to this are Thanksgiving week and the Aloha festivals on specific islands. Each island has its own Aloha Festival scheduled sometime during September or October. It might be harder to get hotel space during those times, limiting the bargains offered. If you&#039;re looking for specific DAYS to travel, consider traveling mid-week. Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday usually gives you the lowest airfares. Monday and Friday are a little higher, and weekends are the most expensive.
  11537.  
  11538. 2.Pick the right island: According to Brian Ek, travel editor from priceline.com, visiting all of Hawaii’s six main islands during one trip certainly would cost more than just seeing one. So, Ek says it’s important to research the islands to figure out which one offers what you most want to experience during a Hawaiian vacation. You can look at what each island offers by visiting the Hawaii Aloha Travel website or visit the Hawaii Tourism Authority website, which details things-to-do on each island. Be aware that the three largest islands, Maui, Oahu and Hawaii (the Big Island), have more hotels and vacation properties, so rates are more competitive. Some of the least expensive areas to stay are Kihei on Maui, Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island, a block or two away from Waikiki Beach on Oahu, and Kapaa and Lihue on Kauai, which is less developed than the three biggest islands.
  11539.  
  11540. 3. Look for vacation packages: If you choose to visit Hawaii and book your hotel, flight, and activities &quot;a la carte,&quot; you may end up paying more for your Hawaii vacation. That&#039;s because many tour operators like Hawaii Aloha Travel and Secret Hawaii Tours are able to get discounted rates from vendors and pass the savings onto you. For example, when you book a Hawaiian Vacation Package, you can choose to bundle airfare, hotel, and activities in one transaction. Doing so could save you hundreds of dollars, since many vendors offer discounts to tour company clients in return for referrals.
  11541.  
  11542. 4. Use discount websites to save on dining: Hawaii may be in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, but we still have access to all the discount sites, like Groupon, Amazon Local, and Living Social. Once you&#039;ve arrived on island (or even before you land), go online to find deals for everything from dining to massages. Many local restaurants offer half-priced meals or deeply-discounted dining through these sites, and it could save you a bundle on food. You may also want to invest in a Hawaii Perks card while you&#039;re here. The card benefits the Boy Scouts, and for your $7 purchase, you can save boatloads of money when visiting various places in Hawaii. Oh, and the Boy Scouts receive 20% of all proceeds.
  11543.  
  11544. 5. Beaches are free: Don&#039;t forget that the best excursions in Hawaii may be FREE. For example, many visitors grab a boogie-board, paddleboard or surfboard and head out for a day at the beach free of charge. Or, take your snorkel gear and spend the afternoon snork...</description>
  11545. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2016/01/5-things-to-know-when-planning-a-hawaii-vacation.mp3" length="17186462" type="audio/mpeg" />
  11546. <itunes:subtitle>On today&#039;s show we help you get started on planning your vacation to the islands! What does a fabulous Hawaii vacation cost? The answer is: It depends. Lots of factors will determine the ultimate cost of your island vacation, such as airfares,</itunes:subtitle>
  11547. <itunes:summary>On today&#039;s show we help you get started on planning your vacation to the islands! What does a fabulous Hawaii vacation cost? The answer is: It depends. Lots of factors will determine the ultimate cost of your island vacation, such as airfares, hotel choices, and excursion options, to only name a few.&lt;br /&gt;
  11548. &lt;br /&gt;
  11549. But, even those with money to burn will agree that finding ways to save money when you travel is the smart choice. So, take a look at our top 5 ways to save money on your Hawaii vacation, and use your savings to book another Hawaii vacation after you return home!&lt;br /&gt;
  11550. &lt;br /&gt;
  11551. 1. Pick the right time to visit: According to USA Today, there are two specific periods to consider when looking for the cheapest times to fly. These make up Hawaii’s low season. The first is in the spring, from the Easter break until the middle of June. The exception is &quot;Golden Week,&quot; held the last week of April, when visitors from Japan come over in droves because of national holidays in their own country. The other half of the low season runs from September through the middle of December. Exceptions to this are Thanksgiving week and the Aloha festivals on specific islands. Each island has its own Aloha Festival scheduled sometime during September or October. It might be harder to get hotel space during those times, limiting the bargains offered. If you&#039;re looking for specific DAYS to travel, consider traveling mid-week. Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday usually gives you the lowest airfares. Monday and Friday are a little higher, and weekends are the most expensive.&lt;br /&gt;
  11552. &lt;br /&gt;
  11553. 2.Pick the right island: According to Brian Ek, travel editor from priceline.com, visiting all of Hawaii’s six main islands during one trip certainly would cost more than just seeing one. So, Ek says it’s important to research the islands to figure out which one offers what you most want to experience during a Hawaiian vacation. You can look at what each island offers by visiting the Hawaii Aloha Travel website or visit the Hawaii Tourism Authority website, which details things-to-do on each island. Be aware that the three largest islands, Maui, Oahu and Hawaii (the Big Island), have more hotels and vacation properties, so rates are more competitive. Some of the least expensive areas to stay are Kihei on Maui, Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island, a block or two away from Waikiki Beach on Oahu, and Kapaa and Lihue on Kauai, which is less developed than the three biggest islands.&lt;br /&gt;
  11554. &lt;br /&gt;
  11555. 3. Look for vacation packages: If you choose to visit Hawaii and book your hotel, flight, and activities &quot;a la carte,&quot; you may end up paying more for your Hawaii vacation. That&#039;s because many tour operators like Hawaii Aloha Travel and Secret Hawaii Tours are able to get discounted rates from vendors and pass the savings onto you. For example, when you book a Hawaiian Vacation Package, you can choose to bundle airfare, hotel, and activities in one transaction. Doing so could save you hundreds of dollars, since many vendors offer discounts to tour company clients in return for referrals.&lt;br /&gt;
  11556. &lt;br /&gt;
  11557. 4. Use discount websites to save on dining: Hawaii may be in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, but we still have access to all the discount sites, like Groupon, Amazon Local, and Living Social. Once you&#039;ve arrived on island (or even before you land), go online to find deals for everything from dining to massages. Many local restaurants offer half-priced meals or deeply-discounted dining through these sites, and it could save you a bundle on food. You may also want to invest in a Hawaii Perks card while you&#039;re here. The card benefits the Boy Scouts, and for your $7 purchase, you can save boatloads of money when visiting various places in Hawaii. Oh, and the Boy Scouts receive 20% of all proceeds.&lt;br /&gt;
  11558. &lt;br /&gt;
  11559. 5. Beaches are free: Don&#039;t forget that the best excursions in Hawaii may be FREE. For example, many visitors grab a boogie-board, paddleboard or surfboard and head out for a day at the beach ...</itunes:summary>
  11560. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  11561. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  11562. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  11563. <itunes:duration>17:54</itunes:duration>
  11564. </item>
  11565. <item>
  11566. <title>Immerse yourself in Hawaiian Culture on  your Vacation</title>
  11567. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/immerse-yourself-in-hawaiian-culture-on-your-vacation/</link>
  11568. <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2016 23:52:38 +0000</pubDate>
  11569. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=31039</guid>
  11570. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/immerse-yourself-in-hawaiian-culture-on-your-vacation/#respond</comments>
  11571. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/immerse-yourself-in-hawaiian-culture-on-your-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  11572. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  11573. <description>If you&#039;re visiting Hawaii and catch a local newscast, you may see a segment featuring a Hawaiian blessing ceremony, it&#039;s part of the Hawaiian Culture. Whether done to consecrate new business, a new home, or even a sports trophy, traditional Hawaiian blessings are a part of the culture in the islands. And, we take them very seriously.
  11574.  
  11575. Lanai and I often get asked: What IS a traditional Hawaiian blessing? And, why is it so important to people in Hawaii?
  11576. Ask and you shall receive! This is the topic for today&#039;s show!
  11577.  
  11578. Here&#039;s a brief tutorial on this very sacred event and some facts about Hawaiian blessings:
  11579.  
  11580. What is a traditional Hawaiian blessing? According to kahina.com, blessings are a sacred tradition in Hawaiian protocol. &quot;The purpose of Blessing Ceremonies is to invite the goodness from the hightest for Aloha, happiness, harmony, health, peace, protection, and abundance. As well to say Mahalo (thank you).&quot; Each kahu (the person performing the blessing) has his/her own way of presenting a blessing. However, most kahu begins by explaining the process to the clients. Then, the kahu will chant or recite prayers (typically in Hawaiian) and, perhaps, use incense.
  11581.  
  11582. On the website, kahunateachings.com, the use of incense is explained this way: &quot;Kahu says the smoke &#039;talks&#039; to him and all who are present will obviously see the unique way the smoke behaves curling into shapes that only Kahu can interpret.&quot;
  11583.  
  11584. Why have a traditional Hawaiian blessing? According to kaahelehawaii.com, blessing ceremonies are done for many reasons. &quot;They are done to give thanks for good things, to help resolve bad things, in celebration, and in penance. They are done to facilitate change. The birth of a baby changes its own status, making it an independent human. Buying land changes the status of the land, and the responsibilities of the former and new owners. Building a home or business on the land changes things yet again.&quot;
  11585.  
  11586. Who performs a traditional Hawaiian blessing? The person who typically performs a Hawaiian blessing is a kahu. Kahu is a Hawaiian word that means caretaker, guardian, or honored attendant. According to kaahelehawaii.com, &quot;Each kahu will have been trained by his or her own mentors and will eventually create a synthesis which expresses a synergy of the kahu’s own manao (thought process), tradition, and the specific people for whom the blessing is being called.&quot;
  11587.  
  11588. Most kahus will remind their clients that they, in fact, do not have the power to bless anything. Instead, they call upon &quot;Ke Akua (the supreme creator), the various spiritual entities associated with the land for which blessing is being sought, my own ancestors, and the ancestors of the people involved.&quot;
  11589.  
  11590. Who would ask for a traditional Hawaiian blessing? Anyone, really, can ask for a Hawaiian blessing. Even some visitors find it comforting to call upon a kahu to bless their visit to the islands.
  11591.  
  11592. Some examples of Hawaiian blessing intentions include:
  11593.  
  11594. Couples wanting to become pregnant
  11595. Difficult pregnancy
  11596. Birth of a child
  11597. Child&#039;s first birthday
  11598. Childhood problems
  11599. Graduation
  11600. Weddings
  11601. Funerals
  11602. New home
  11603. New business
  11604. Land transfer
  11605.  
  11606. Of course, any life event or ceremony may call for a Hawaiian blessing. For example, if you plan to attend a traditional luau, you may even witness an abbreviated Hawaiian blessing at the beginning of the meal.
  11607.  
  11608. Traditional Hawaiian blessings have a deep, cultural significance to those who live in Hawaii, and they are especially poignant for those of Native Hawaiian ancestry. So, if you&#039;re fortunate enough to see one while you&#039;re visiting Hawaii, make sure to be respectful!</description>
  11609. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2016/01/immerse-yourself-in-hawaiian-culture-on-your-vacation.mp3" length="17348536" type="audio/mpeg" />
  11610. <itunes:subtitle>If you&#039;re visiting Hawaii and catch a local newscast, you may see a segment featuring a Hawaiian blessing ceremony, it&#039;s part of the Hawaiian Culture. Whether done to consecrate new business, a new home, or even a sports trophy,</itunes:subtitle>
  11611. <itunes:summary>If you&#039;re visiting Hawaii and catch a local newscast, you may see a segment featuring a Hawaiian blessing ceremony, it&#039;s part of the Hawaiian Culture. Whether done to consecrate new business, a new home, or even a sports trophy, traditional Hawaiian blessings are a part of the culture in the islands. And, we take them very seriously.&lt;br /&gt;
  11612. &lt;br /&gt;
  11613. Lanai and I often get asked: What IS a traditional Hawaiian blessing? And, why is it so important to people in Hawaii?&lt;br /&gt;
  11614. Ask and you shall receive! This is the topic for today&#039;s show!&lt;br /&gt;
  11615. &lt;br /&gt;
  11616. Here&#039;s a brief tutorial on this very sacred event and some facts about Hawaiian blessings:&lt;br /&gt;
  11617. &lt;br /&gt;
  11618. What is a traditional Hawaiian blessing? According to kahina.com, blessings are a sacred tradition in Hawaiian protocol. &quot;The purpose of Blessing Ceremonies is to invite the goodness from the hightest for Aloha, happiness, harmony, health, peace, protection, and abundance. As well to say Mahalo (thank you).&quot; Each kahu (the person performing the blessing) has his/her own way of presenting a blessing. However, most kahu begins by explaining the process to the clients. Then, the kahu will chant or recite prayers (typically in Hawaiian) and, perhaps, use incense.&lt;br /&gt;
  11619. &lt;br /&gt;
  11620. On the website, kahunateachings.com, the use of incense is explained this way: &quot;Kahu says the smoke &#039;talks&#039; to him and all who are present will obviously see the unique way the smoke behaves curling into shapes that only Kahu can interpret.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;
  11621. &lt;br /&gt;
  11622. Why have a traditional Hawaiian blessing? According to kaahelehawaii.com, blessing ceremonies are done for many reasons. &quot;They are done to give thanks for good things, to help resolve bad things, in celebration, and in penance. They are done to facilitate change. The birth of a baby changes its own status, making it an independent human. Buying land changes the status of the land, and the responsibilities of the former and new owners. Building a home or business on the land changes things yet again.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;
  11623. &lt;br /&gt;
  11624. Who performs a traditional Hawaiian blessing? The person who typically performs a Hawaiian blessing is a kahu. Kahu is a Hawaiian word that means caretaker, guardian, or honored attendant. According to kaahelehawaii.com, &quot;Each kahu will have been trained by his or her own mentors and will eventually create a synthesis which expresses a synergy of the kahu’s own manao (thought process), tradition, and the specific people for whom the blessing is being called.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;
  11625. &lt;br /&gt;
  11626. Most kahus will remind their clients that they, in fact, do not have the power to bless anything. Instead, they call upon &quot;Ke Akua (the supreme creator), the various spiritual entities associated with the land for which blessing is being sought, my own ancestors, and the ancestors of the people involved.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;
  11627. &lt;br /&gt;
  11628. Who would ask for a traditional Hawaiian blessing? Anyone, really, can ask for a Hawaiian blessing. Even some visitors find it comforting to call upon a kahu to bless their visit to the islands.&lt;br /&gt;
  11629. &lt;br /&gt;
  11630. Some examples of Hawaiian blessing intentions include:&lt;br /&gt;
  11631. &lt;br /&gt;
  11632. Couples wanting to become pregnant&lt;br /&gt;
  11633. Difficult pregnancy&lt;br /&gt;
  11634. Birth of a child&lt;br /&gt;
  11635. Child&#039;s first birthday&lt;br /&gt;
  11636. Childhood problems&lt;br /&gt;
  11637. Graduation&lt;br /&gt;
  11638. Weddings&lt;br /&gt;
  11639. Funerals&lt;br /&gt;
  11640. New home&lt;br /&gt;
  11641. New business&lt;br /&gt;
  11642. Land transfer&lt;br /&gt;
  11643. &lt;br /&gt;
  11644. Of course, any life event or ceremony may call for a Hawaiian blessing. For example, if you plan to attend a traditional luau, you may even witness an abbreviated Hawaiian blessing at the beginning of the meal.&lt;br /&gt;
  11645. &lt;br /&gt;
  11646. Traditional Hawaiian blessings have a deep, cultural significance to those who live in Hawaii, and they are especially poignant for those of Native Hawaiian ancestry. So, if you&#039;re fortunate enough to see one while you&#039;re visiting Hawaii, make sure to be respectful!</itunes:summary>
  11647. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  11648. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  11649. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  11650. <itunes:duration>18:04</itunes:duration>
  11651. </item>
  11652. <item>
  11653. <title>Fun things to buy when in Hawaii</title>
  11654. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/fun-things-to-buy-when-in-hawaii/</link>
  11655. <pubDate>Thu, 14 Jan 2016 23:16:00 +0000</pubDate>
  11656. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=31020</guid>
  11657. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/fun-things-to-buy-when-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  11658. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/fun-things-to-buy-when-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  11659. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  11660. <description>If you&#039;re like most Hawaii travelers, you&#039;ll probably want to remember your amazing Hawaii vacation. Or, maybe you have lots of loved ones at home who are hoping for a gift from paradise. Either way, you&#039;ll want to do some shopping while you&#039;re here in the islands. On today&#039;s podcast we give you some ideas and share our favorites.
  11661.  
  11662. But, you want to be careful about what you bring home. After all, you don&#039;t have a lot of available luggage space!
  11663.  
  11664. So, here&#039;s a look at our top 5 things to buy when in Hawaii (and where to find them!):
  11665.  
  11666. 1. 100% Kona Coffee: Every time my Mom comes to visit, she makes a b-line for the nearest store, so she can stock-up on 100% Kona Coffee. I don&#039;t drink coffee, but according to her, there&#039;s absolutely NOTHING like it! Yes, you can order it on Amazon or pick some up at Costco in Hawaii, but to get the good stuff, go local. If you happen to be visiting the Big Island, take an excursion like the Big Island Circle Tour through Hawaii Aloha Travel. During your trip, you&#039;ll visit the coffee fields of Royal Kona Coffee, and you can purchase some there.
  11667.  
  11668. 2. Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts: If you try to come home after your Hawaii vacation WITHOUT at least ten packs of Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts, run for cover! The loved-ones you left behind may be pretty angry! The good news? You can find boxes of these delicious chocolates just about anywhere in Hawaii (Costco, Longs, Wal Mart, Walgreens, Target). The bad news? Now, you&#039;ll find all sorts of variations on the original, which may make your job of choosing which ones to buy a little harder
  11669.  
  11670. 3. Local Art: Hawaii boasts some of the most eclectic and talented artists in the world, and you can find all sorts of one-of-a-kind pieces of art here. One of my all-time favorite gifts is part of a roof tile from the oldest church in Hawaii. On it, an artist carved an ancient Hawaiian &quot;family&quot; symbol. Now tell me--where else can you find something like that? Check-out the Naturally Hawaiian Gallery in Waimanalo for some really unique island treasures. Scrimshaw and Koa wood art is especially beautiful. But, beware: Koa wood is expensive!
  11671.  
  11672. 4. Portuguese Sausage: I&#039;ve recently become a portuguese sausage addict — and I&#039;m loving it! You can find portuguese sausage links in any of the major grocery stores, plus Longs, Walgreens, Wal Mart, and Target. Portuguese sausage is an island staple, even if it is a bit fatty. My favorite brand is Hawaiian Brand Portuguese Sausage. One online writer says to freeze the links prior to flying-out. Then, they&#039;re still cool when you arrive home. Yes, they sell it on the mainland. But, I&#039;ve heard it&#039;s not nearly as good as what you can find here.
  11673.  
  11674. 5. Coconut Postcards: You may not believe this, but it&#039;s possible to mail a coconut postcard from Hawaii. In Hoolehua, Molokai, you can even pick-up a coconut at the local Post Office (for free) and decorate it there. The average cost to mail on is $11 to $16. In theory, any Post Office should mail one, but those in Hawaii are more used to it. Just find a dried-out coconut, decorate it, and find room for a mailing label. I can&#039;t promise every Post Office will accept it, but it&#039;s worth a try!
  11675.  
  11676. Empty luggage space is a precious commodity, and so is your hard-earned money. Don&#039;t waste either. So, consider our picks when you&#039;re thinking about what to buy when in Hawaii.
  11677.  
  11678. Do you have some ideas we missed? Got a question or comment? Leave it here or drop Bruce a line AlohaBruce</description>
  11679. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2016/01/fun-things-to-buy-when-in-hawaii.mp3" length="22587052" type="audio/mpeg" />
  11680. <itunes:subtitle>If you&#039;re like most Hawaii travelers, you&#039;ll probably want to remember your amazing Hawaii vacation. Or, maybe you have lots of loved ones at home who are hoping for a gift from paradise. Either way, you&#039;ll want to do some shopping while you&#039;re here in...</itunes:subtitle>
  11681. <itunes:summary>If you&#039;re like most Hawaii travelers, you&#039;ll probably want to remember your amazing Hawaii vacation. Or, maybe you have lots of loved ones at home who are hoping for a gift from paradise. Either way, you&#039;ll want to do some shopping while you&#039;re here in the islands. On today&#039;s podcast we give you some ideas and share our favorites.&lt;br /&gt;
  11682. &lt;br /&gt;
  11683. But, you want to be careful about what you bring home. After all, you don&#039;t have a lot of available luggage space!&lt;br /&gt;
  11684. &lt;br /&gt;
  11685. So, here&#039;s a look at our top 5 things to buy when in Hawaii (and where to find them!):&lt;br /&gt;
  11686. &lt;br /&gt;
  11687. 1. 100% Kona Coffee: Every time my Mom comes to visit, she makes a b-line for the nearest store, so she can stock-up on 100% Kona Coffee. I don&#039;t drink coffee, but according to her, there&#039;s absolutely NOTHING like it! Yes, you can order it on Amazon or pick some up at Costco in Hawaii, but to get the good stuff, go local. If you happen to be visiting the Big Island, take an excursion like the Big Island Circle Tour through Hawaii Aloha Travel. During your trip, you&#039;ll visit the coffee fields of Royal Kona Coffee, and you can purchase some there.&lt;br /&gt;
  11688. &lt;br /&gt;
  11689. 2. Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts: If you try to come home after your Hawaii vacation WITHOUT at least ten packs of Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts, run for cover! The loved-ones you left behind may be pretty angry! The good news? You can find boxes of these delicious chocolates just about anywhere in Hawaii (Costco, Longs, Wal Mart, Walgreens, Target). The bad news? Now, you&#039;ll find all sorts of variations on the original, which may make your job of choosing which ones to buy a little harder&lt;br /&gt;
  11690. &lt;br /&gt;
  11691. 3. Local Art: Hawaii boasts some of the most eclectic and talented artists in the world, and you can find all sorts of one-of-a-kind pieces of art here. One of my all-time favorite gifts is part of a roof tile from the oldest church in Hawaii. On it, an artist carved an ancient Hawaiian &quot;family&quot; symbol. Now tell me--where else can you find something like that? Check-out the Naturally Hawaiian Gallery in Waimanalo for some really unique island treasures. Scrimshaw and Koa wood art is especially beautiful. But, beware: Koa wood is expensive!&lt;br /&gt;
  11692. &lt;br /&gt;
  11693. 4. Portuguese Sausage: I&#039;ve recently become a portuguese sausage addict — and I&#039;m loving it! You can find portuguese sausage links in any of the major grocery stores, plus Longs, Walgreens, Wal Mart, and Target. Portuguese sausage is an island staple, even if it is a bit fatty. My favorite brand is Hawaiian Brand Portuguese Sausage. One online writer says to freeze the links prior to flying-out. Then, they&#039;re still cool when you arrive home. Yes, they sell it on the mainland. But, I&#039;ve heard it&#039;s not nearly as good as what you can find here.&lt;br /&gt;
  11694. &lt;br /&gt;
  11695. 5. Coconut Postcards: You may not believe this, but it&#039;s possible to mail a coconut postcard from Hawaii. In Hoolehua, Molokai, you can even pick-up a coconut at the local Post Office (for free) and decorate it there. The average cost to mail on is $11 to $16. In theory, any Post Office should mail one, but those in Hawaii are more used to it. Just find a dried-out coconut, decorate it, and find room for a mailing label. I can&#039;t promise every Post Office will accept it, but it&#039;s worth a try!&lt;br /&gt;
  11696. &lt;br /&gt;
  11697. Empty luggage space is a precious commodity, and so is your hard-earned money. Don&#039;t waste either. So, consider our picks when you&#039;re thinking about what to buy when in Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  11698. &lt;br /&gt;
  11699. Do you have some ideas we missed? Got a question or comment? Leave it here or drop Bruce a line AlohaBruce</itunes:summary>
  11700. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  11701. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  11702. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  11703. <itunes:duration>23:32</itunes:duration>
  11704. </item>
  11705. <item>
  11706. <title>Where do Hawaii foods come from?</title>
  11707. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/where-do-hawaii-foods-come-from/</link>
  11708. <pubDate>Mon, 11 Jan 2016 21:34:31 +0000</pubDate>
  11709. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=30990</guid>
  11710. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/where-do-hawaii-foods-come-from/#respond</comments>
  11711. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/where-do-hawaii-foods-come-from/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  11712. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  11713. <description>Today we welcome our new Co-Host to The Hawaii Vacation Connection; Lanai Tabura! We’re excited to have him on the show as a regular and to hear his enthusiasm for this special place. Born and raised in Hawaii on the Island of Lanai (that’s how he got his name), Lanai brings a wealth of information and ideas for Hawaii Vacationers to our podcast.
  11714.  
  11715. On todays show we talk about the origins of Hawaii’s many foods and dishes which come from so many cultures. We cover how Hawaii has become a Mecca of flavors which make up Hawaii Asian cuisine. Lanai also shares his favorite “hole in the Wall” restaurant for this week. We also discuss the Aloha Plate Food tour and why you should make this part of your vacation if you’re coming to Oahu.
  11716.  
  11717. We&#039;d love to hear from you so leave a comment or shoot me a email AlohaBruce</description>
  11718. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2016/01/where-do-hawaii-foods-come-from.mp3" length="15271817" type="audio/mpeg" />
  11719. <itunes:subtitle>Today we welcome our new Co-Host to The Hawaii Vacation Connection; Lanai Tabura! We’re excited to have him on the show as a regular and to hear his enthusiasm for this special place. Born and raised in Hawaii on the Island of Lanai (that’s how he got ...</itunes:subtitle>
  11720. <itunes:summary>Today we welcome our new Co-Host to The Hawaii Vacation Connection; Lanai Tabura! We’re excited to have him on the show as a regular and to hear his enthusiasm for this special place. Born and raised in Hawaii on the Island of Lanai (that’s how he got his name), Lanai brings a wealth of information and ideas for Hawaii Vacationers to our podcast.&lt;br /&gt;
  11721. &lt;br /&gt;
  11722. On todays show we talk about the origins of Hawaii’s many foods and dishes which come from so many cultures. We cover how Hawaii has become a Mecca of flavors which make up Hawaii Asian cuisine. Lanai also shares his favorite “hole in the Wall” restaurant for this week. We also discuss the Aloha Plate Food tour and why you should make this part of your vacation if you’re coming to Oahu.&lt;br /&gt;
  11723. &lt;br /&gt;
  11724. We&#039;d love to hear from you so leave a comment or shoot me a email AlohaBruce</itunes:summary>
  11725. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  11726. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  11727. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  11728. <itunes:duration>15:54</itunes:duration>
  11729. </item>
  11730. <item>
  11731. <title>Bars &#038; Nightclubs in Waikiki</title>
  11732. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/late-night-venues-in-waikiki/</link>
  11733. <pubDate>Fri, 08 Jan 2016 06:10:43 +0000</pubDate>
  11734. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=30974</guid>
  11735. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/late-night-venues-in-waikiki/#respond</comments>
  11736. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/late-night-venues-in-waikiki/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  11737. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  11738. <description>If someone wants to enjoy nightlife while in Hawaii, we always encourage them to stay in Waikiki. But where are the best nightclubs in Waikiki? Press play to listen to our classic podcast episode, or read along for the most up-to-date info about partying after-hours in Hawaii. 
  11739.  
  11740.  
  11741.  
  11742. How to Plan for Nightclubs in Waikiki
  11743.  
  11744.  
  11745.  
  11746. There is no question that Waikiki offers an abundance of nightlife options. Dining, cocktails, live music: Waikiki has it all on practically every block. And sometimes, when you’re letting off steam on vacation, you want to carry on with the revelry beyond the standard 2 am last call. 
  11747.  
  11748.  
  11749.  
  11750. Certainly, the men and women working in Waikiki&#039;s food and bar industry often seek a cocktail or two after serving hordes of sunburned punters until that last call.
  11751.  
  11752.  
  11753.  
  11754. Fortunately, Waikiki does have a few bars and clubs that cater to that late-night crowd. These bars stay open until 4 am. Some feature live music until the lights come on. The last call is usually before 4 am because it sometimes takes a while to chase out stalwart drinkers, doddling musicians, and people making last-ditch efforts at love.
  11755.  
  11756.  
  11757.  
  11758. If you’re inclined to “fly it till the wings fall off” during your stay in Waikiki, keep in mind that, like most anywhere else in the world, more unsavory elements are out on the streets in the small hours. Waikiki is perfectly safe, of course, but anyone not paying attention to their surroundings can fall prey to morally adaptable people.
  11759.  
  11760.  
  11761.  
  11762.  Wandering aimlessly around as you look for a late-night establishment is dangerous wherever you are. So, read on to learn about Waikiki Nightclubs and the best late-night bars in the city.
  11763.  
  11764.  
  11765.  
  11766. Night Clubs in Waikiki 
  11767.  
  11768.  
  11769.  
  11770. The District 
  11771.  
  11772.  
  11773.  
  11774. The District is a classic nightclub near Ala Moana Center. They’ve got live music, VIP areas, private karaoke rooms, and a hopping dance floor. It’s typically open until 4 AM and they’ve got special themes certain nights of the week. 
  11775.  
  11776.  
  11777.  
  11778. 1349 Kapiolani Blvd
  11779.  
  11780.  
  11781.  
  11782. Honolulu, HI 96814
  11783.  
  11784.  
  11785.  
  11786. (808) 949-1349
  11787.  
  11788.  
  11789.  
  11790. Playbar Nightclub in Waikiki
  11791.  
  11792.  
  11793.  
  11794. Playbar is a nightclub in Waikiki that draws a younger crowd. On any given late night, it will likely be filled with 20- and 30-somethings who want to dance. It offers nightly drink specials, which helps to offset the usual cover charge. It’s a dance club, so expect the deejay’s soundtrack to be loud and pulsing.2310 Kuhio AveHonolulu, HI 96815
  11795.  
  11796.  
  11797.  
  11798. (808)762-9161
  11799.  
  11800.  
  11801.  
  11802. Fyre by Night 
  11803.  
  11804.  
  11805.  
  11806. Fyre by Night is one of the top-rated nightclubs in Waikiki. After 10 PM, ShoreFyre restaurant transforms into a bouncing nightclub with great DJs, flowing drinks, and an outdoor area. They’re open until 2 AM. 
  11807.  
  11808.  
  11809.  
  11810. 2330 Kalākaua Ave.
  11811.  
  11812.  
  11813.  
  11814. Honolulu, HI 96815
  11815.  
  11816.  
  11817.  
  11818. (808)672-2097
  11819.  
  11820.  
  11821.  
  11822. After-Hour Bars
  11823.  
  11824.  
  11825.  
  11826. Kelly O’Neil’s
  11827.  
  11828.  
  11829.  
  11830. If someone wants to enjoy nightlife while in Hawaii, we always encourage them to stay in Waikiki. But where are the best nightclubs in Waikiki?
  11831.  
  11832.  
  11833.  
  11834. Other Great Waikiki Bars
  11835.  
  11836.  
  11837.  
  11838. Wanting to experience more Waikiki nightlife (even if last call is before 2 AM)? Check out these hot spots during your next Hawaii vacation:
  11839.  
  11840.  
  11841.  
  11842.  
  11843. Buho Cocina y Cantina is a fun spot in the Waikiki Shopping Plaza that is often open until 12 or 1:30 AM.
  11844.  
  11845.  
  11846.  
  11847. Bar 35 has a fun nightclub vibe in the wee hours of the morning. It’s sometimes open until 2 AM.
  11848.  
  11849.  
  11850.  
  11851. Arnold&#039;s Beach Bar is highly rated and has a great location in Waikiki. It’s open until 2 AM with tropical drinks and regular live music. 
  11852.  
  11853.  
  11854.  
  11855.  
  11856. Having Fun at Nightclubs in Waikiki
  11857.  
  11858.  
  11859.  
  11860. Whether you opt for a laid-back bar or a thumping nightclub, you’re sure to have a fun time after-hours in Waikiki. Plus, it’s a great chance to meet locals who come to hang out after a long day’s work. 
  11861.  
  11862.  
  11863.  
  11864. And feel free to sleep in after your all-night partying. The Waikiki beaches will be waiting for your afternoon wake-up call.</description>
  11865. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2016/01/late-night-venues-in-waikiki.mp3" length="21033953" type="audio/mpeg" />
  11866. <itunes:subtitle>If someone wants to enjoy nightlife while in Hawaii, we always encourage them to stay in Waikiki. But where are the best nightclubs in Waikiki? Press play to listen to our classic podcast episode, or read along for the most up-to-date info about partyi...</itunes:subtitle>
  11867. <itunes:summary>If someone wants to enjoy nightlife while in Hawaii, we always encourage them to stay in Waikiki. But where are the best nightclubs in Waikiki? Press play to listen to our classic podcast episode, or read along for the most up-to-date info about partying after-hours in Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  11868. &lt;br /&gt;
  11869. &lt;br /&gt;
  11870. &lt;br /&gt;
  11871. How to Plan for Nightclubs in Waikiki&lt;br /&gt;
  11872. &lt;br /&gt;
  11873. &lt;br /&gt;
  11874. &lt;br /&gt;
  11875. There is no question that Waikiki offers an abundance of nightlife options. Dining, cocktails, live music: Waikiki has it all on practically every block. And sometimes, when you’re letting off steam on vacation, you want to carry on with the revelry beyond the standard 2 am last call. &lt;br /&gt;
  11876. &lt;br /&gt;
  11877. &lt;br /&gt;
  11878. &lt;br /&gt;
  11879. Certainly, the men and women working in Waikiki&#039;s food and bar industry often seek a cocktail or two after serving hordes of sunburned punters until that last call.&lt;br /&gt;
  11880. &lt;br /&gt;
  11881. &lt;br /&gt;
  11882. &lt;br /&gt;
  11883. Fortunately, Waikiki does have a few bars and clubs that cater to that late-night crowd. These bars stay open until 4 am. Some feature live music until the lights come on. The last call is usually before 4 am because it sometimes takes a while to chase out stalwart drinkers, doddling musicians, and people making last-ditch efforts at love.&lt;br /&gt;
  11884. &lt;br /&gt;
  11885. &lt;br /&gt;
  11886. &lt;br /&gt;
  11887. If you’re inclined to “fly it till the wings fall off” during your stay in Waikiki, keep in mind that, like most anywhere else in the world, more unsavory elements are out on the streets in the small hours. Waikiki is perfectly safe, of course, but anyone not paying attention to their surroundings can fall prey to morally adaptable people.&lt;br /&gt;
  11888. &lt;br /&gt;
  11889. &lt;br /&gt;
  11890. &lt;br /&gt;
  11891.  Wandering aimlessly around as you look for a late-night establishment is dangerous wherever you are. So, read on to learn about Waikiki Nightclubs and the best late-night bars in the city.&lt;br /&gt;
  11892. &lt;br /&gt;
  11893. &lt;br /&gt;
  11894. &lt;br /&gt;
  11895. Night Clubs in Waikiki &lt;br /&gt;
  11896. &lt;br /&gt;
  11897. &lt;br /&gt;
  11898. &lt;br /&gt;
  11899. The District &lt;br /&gt;
  11900. &lt;br /&gt;
  11901. &lt;br /&gt;
  11902. &lt;br /&gt;
  11903. The District is a classic nightclub near Ala Moana Center. They’ve got live music, VIP areas, private karaoke rooms, and a hopping dance floor. It’s typically open until 4 AM and they’ve got special themes certain nights of the week. &lt;br /&gt;
  11904. &lt;br /&gt;
  11905. &lt;br /&gt;
  11906. &lt;br /&gt;
  11907. 1349 Kapiolani Blvd&lt;br /&gt;
  11908. &lt;br /&gt;
  11909. &lt;br /&gt;
  11910. &lt;br /&gt;
  11911. Honolulu, HI 96814&lt;br /&gt;
  11912. &lt;br /&gt;
  11913. &lt;br /&gt;
  11914. &lt;br /&gt;
  11915. (808) 949-1349&lt;br /&gt;
  11916. &lt;br /&gt;
  11917. &lt;br /&gt;
  11918. &lt;br /&gt;
  11919. Playbar Nightclub in Waikiki&lt;br /&gt;
  11920. &lt;br /&gt;
  11921. &lt;br /&gt;
  11922. &lt;br /&gt;
  11923. Playbar is a nightclub in Waikiki that draws a younger crowd. On any given late night, it will likely be filled with 20- and 30-somethings who want to dance. It offers nightly drink specials, which helps to offset the usual cover charge. It’s a dance club, so expect the deejay’s soundtrack to be loud and pulsing.2310 Kuhio AveHonolulu, HI 96815&lt;br /&gt;
  11924. &lt;br /&gt;
  11925. &lt;br /&gt;
  11926. &lt;br /&gt;
  11927. (808)762-9161&lt;br /&gt;
  11928. &lt;br /&gt;
  11929. &lt;br /&gt;
  11930. &lt;br /&gt;
  11931. Fyre by Night &lt;br /&gt;
  11932. &lt;br /&gt;
  11933. &lt;br /&gt;
  11934. &lt;br /&gt;
  11935. Fyre by Night is one of the top-rated nightclubs in Waikiki. After 10 PM, ShoreFyre restaurant transforms into a bouncing nightclub with great DJs, flowing drinks, and an outdoor area. They’re open until 2 AM. &lt;br /&gt;
  11936. &lt;br /&gt;
  11937. &lt;br /&gt;
  11938. &lt;br /&gt;
  11939. 2330 Kalākaua Ave.&lt;br /&gt;
  11940. &lt;br /&gt;
  11941. &lt;br /&gt;
  11942. &lt;br /&gt;
  11943. Honolulu, HI 96815&lt;br /&gt;
  11944. &lt;br /&gt;
  11945. &lt;br /&gt;
  11946. &lt;br /&gt;
  11947. (808)672-2097&lt;br /&gt;
  11948. &lt;br /&gt;
  11949. &lt;br /&gt;
  11950. &lt;br /&gt;
  11951. After-Hour Bars&lt;br /&gt;
  11952. &lt;br /&gt;
  11953. &lt;br /&gt;
  11954. &lt;br /&gt;
  11955. Kelly O’Neil’s&lt;br /&gt;
  11956. &lt;br /&gt;
  11957. &lt;br /&gt;
  11958. &lt;br /&gt;
  11959. If someone wants to enjoy nightlife while in Hawaii, we always encourage them to stay in Waikiki. But where are the best nightclubs in Waikiki?&lt;br /&gt;
  11960. &lt;br /&gt;
  11961. &lt;br /&gt;
  11962. &lt;br /&gt;
  11963. Other Great Waikiki Bars&lt;br /&gt;
  11964. &lt;br /&gt;
  11965. &lt;br /&gt;
  11966. &lt;br /&gt;
  11967. Wanting to experience more Waikiki nightlife (even if last call is before 2 AM)? Check out these hot spots during your next Hawaii vacation:&lt;br /&gt;
  11968. &lt;br /&gt;
  11969. &lt;br /&gt;
  11970. &lt;br /&gt;
  11971. &lt;br /&gt;
  11972. Buho Cocina y Cantina is a fun spot in the Waikiki Shopping Plaza that is often open until 12 or 1:30 AM.&lt;br /&gt;
  11973. &lt;br /&gt;
  11974. &lt;br /&gt;
  11975. &lt;br /&gt;
  11976. Bar 35 has a fun nightclub vibe in the wee hours of the morning. It’s sometimes open until 2 AM.&lt;br /&gt;
  11977. &lt;br /&gt;
  11978. &lt;br /&gt;
  11979. &lt;br /&gt;
  11980. Arnold&#039;s Beach Bar is highly rated and has a great l...</itunes:summary>
  11981. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  11982. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  11983. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  11984. <itunes:duration>21:55</itunes:duration>
  11985. </item>
  11986. <item>
  11987. <title>Hawaii Airport Guide</title>
  11988. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-airport-guide/</link>
  11989. <pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2015 02:23:12 +0000</pubDate>
  11990. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=29560</guid>
  11991. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-airport-guide/#respond</comments>
  11992. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-airport-guide/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  11993. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  11994. <description>Traveling to Hawaii by air is pretty straightforward when your destination is only one island, but when you have to travel between our islands, it can get complicated. Multi island packages (as they’re called) require copious planning. That includes the timing because flights between the islands are getting slimmer and slimmer to come by.
  11995.  
  11996. The days of deciding to fly to another island once you get here are gone and if you do happen to find flights, it’s going to cost you top dollar. The bottom line is you really need to plan ahead and today’s podcast will help you get started.
  11997.  
  11998. On today’s podcast I provide you with a comprehensive Hawaii Airport Guide. I go over all the major and smaller airports on each island and discuss the pros and cons. If you want to make this really easy just give us a call to plan your Hawaii Vacation! I know that sounds like a selfless plug and it kinda is, but the truth is, we really can save you a lot of time and money, so take advantage of our experience and knowledge.  Best of all, it’s FREE!!
  11999.  
  12000. As always, I’d love to hear from you so drop me a line AlohaBruce, follow me on twitter or comment on Facebook</description>
  12001. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2014/04/podcast713.mp3" length="19713653" type="audio/mpeg" />
  12002. <itunes:subtitle>Traveling to Hawaii by air is pretty straightforward when your destination is only one island, but when you have to travel between our islands, it can get complicated. Multi island packages (as they’re called) require copious planning.</itunes:subtitle>
  12003. <itunes:summary>Traveling to Hawaii by air is pretty straightforward when your destination is only one island, but when you have to travel between our islands, it can get complicated. Multi island packages (as they’re called) require copious planning. That includes the timing because flights between the islands are getting slimmer and slimmer to come by.&lt;br /&gt;
  12004. &lt;br /&gt;
  12005. The days of deciding to fly to another island once you get here are gone and if you do happen to find flights, it’s going to cost you top dollar. The bottom line is you really need to plan ahead and today’s podcast will help you get started.&lt;br /&gt;
  12006. &lt;br /&gt;
  12007. On today’s podcast I provide you with a comprehensive Hawaii Airport Guide. I go over all the major and smaller airports on each island and discuss the pros and cons. If you want to make this really easy just give us a call to plan your Hawaii Vacation! I know that sounds like a selfless plug and it kinda is, but the truth is, we really can save you a lot of time and money, so take advantage of our experience and knowledge.  Best of all, it’s FREE!!&lt;br /&gt;
  12008. &lt;br /&gt;
  12009. As always, I’d love to hear from you so drop me a line AlohaBruce, follow me on twitter or comment on Facebook</itunes:summary>
  12010. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  12011. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  12012. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  12013. <itunes:duration>20:32</itunes:duration>
  12014. </item>
  12015. <item>
  12016. <title>Unplugging during your Hawaii Vacation</title>
  12017. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/unplugging-during-your-hawaii-vacation/</link>
  12018. <pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2015 06:38:03 +0000</pubDate>
  12019. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=29421</guid>
  12020. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/unplugging-during-your-hawaii-vacation/#respond</comments>
  12021. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/unplugging-during-your-hawaii-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  12022. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  12023. <description>Unplugging from the internet during you Hawaii Vacation may seem like a far fetched idea in this day and age.  However, you may want to consider the benefits before dismissing the idea. Studies have shown that a vacation is important to our overall well-being. Let&#039;s face it, you can&#039;t really be fully on vacation with all the distractions that come from email, texting, sharing and the like.  After-all, vacations are meant to pull you way from the day to day grind, pressures, stress and allow you to escape to a more peaceful place. so why not give it a try and see if that makes for a better vacation?
  12024.  
  12025. On todays show I discuss this topic and offer up some advice on how to successfully unplug so you can enjoy the vacation you worked so hard to achieve. With a little planning and a few simple steps, you can be device free without feeling disconnected. Following this advice will leave you feeling better about your vacation and ready to take on the world when you get home. If you need a little more help in disciplining yourself,  I offer some Hawaii properties where unplugging is the only option because there is no internet at all!
  12026.  
  12027. If you planning a vacation to Hawaii don&#039;t forget to drop me a line, I&#039;d love to help you no matter what stage of the process you&#039;re in.</description>
  12028. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2014/04/2015-05-26_e712-unplugging-on-vacation.mp3" length="16810558" type="audio/mpeg" />
  12029. <itunes:subtitle>Unplugging from the internet during you Hawaii Vacation may seem like a far fetched idea in this day and age.  However, you may want to consider the benefits before dismissing the idea. Studies have shown that a vacation is important to our overall wel...</itunes:subtitle>
  12030. <itunes:summary>Unplugging from the internet during you Hawaii Vacation may seem like a far fetched idea in this day and age.  However, you may want to consider the benefits before dismissing the idea. Studies have shown that a vacation is important to our overall well-being. Let&#039;s face it, you can&#039;t really be fully on vacation with all the distractions that come from email, texting, sharing and the like.  After-all, vacations are meant to pull you way from the day to day grind, pressures, stress and allow you to escape to a more peaceful place. so why not give it a try and see if that makes for a better vacation?&lt;br /&gt;
  12031. &lt;br /&gt;
  12032. On todays show I discuss this topic and offer up some advice on how to successfully unplug so you can enjoy the vacation you worked so hard to achieve. With a little planning and a few simple steps, you can be device free without feeling disconnected. Following this advice will leave you feeling better about your vacation and ready to take on the world when you get home. If you need a little more help in disciplining yourself,  I offer some Hawaii properties where unplugging is the only option because there is no internet at all!&lt;br /&gt;
  12033. &lt;br /&gt;
  12034. If you planning a vacation to Hawaii don&#039;t forget to drop me a line, I&#039;d love to help you no matter what stage of the process you&#039;re in.</itunes:summary>
  12035. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  12036. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  12037. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  12038. <itunes:duration>17:31</itunes:duration>
  12039. </item>
  12040. <item>
  12041. <title>Maui&#8217;s Best Pools and Aloha Attire tips</title>
  12042. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/mauis-best-pools-and-aloha-attire-tips/</link>
  12043. <pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2015 02:02:12 +0000</pubDate>
  12044. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=29322</guid>
  12045. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/mauis-best-pools-and-aloha-attire-tips/#respond</comments>
  12046. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/mauis-best-pools-and-aloha-attire-tips/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  12047. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  12048. <description>If you&#039;ve ever wondered where the best pools are on Maui, then today we got you covered! I tell you all about my favorites, the most popular and why they’re so awesome.
  12049.  
  12050. Maui is my favorite island for pool lounging and there are so many excellent choices.  While I’ll never tell you to spend your entire vacation laying on your back doing nothing, there is defiantly something to be said for enjoying a relaxing day at the pool, floating down a winding river or sipping your favorite cocktail at an expansive pool. And lets face it, kids love them and a real vacation really can’t be complete without one, especially if you have little ones.
  12051.  
  12052. Later in the show I answer a podcast listener question about Aloha attire in Hawaii. Laura wants to know where to get the best Aloha shirts when visiting Hawaii. I share my picks and offer suggestions about which ones to choose.
  12053.  
  12054. I’d love to hear from you! If you have a question, comment or just want to say ALOHA, feel free to drop me a line at bruce@hawaii-aloha.com or visit me on Facebook or Twitter</description>
  12055. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2014/04/2015-05-05_711-Mauis-top-pools.mp3" length="15260305" type="audio/mpeg" />
  12056. <itunes:subtitle>If you&#039;ve ever wondered where the best pools are on Maui, then today we got you covered! I tell you all about my favorites, the most popular and why they’re so awesome.  Maui is my favorite island for pool lounging and there are so many excellent choic...</itunes:subtitle>
  12057. <itunes:summary>If you&#039;ve ever wondered where the best pools are on Maui, then today we got you covered! I tell you all about my favorites, the most popular and why they’re so awesome.&lt;br /&gt;
  12058. &lt;br /&gt;
  12059. Maui is my favorite island for pool lounging and there are so many excellent choices.  While I’ll never tell you to spend your entire vacation laying on your back doing nothing, there is defiantly something to be said for enjoying a relaxing day at the pool, floating down a winding river or sipping your favorite cocktail at an expansive pool. And lets face it, kids love them and a real vacation really can’t be complete without one, especially if you have little ones.&lt;br /&gt;
  12060. &lt;br /&gt;
  12061. Later in the show I answer a podcast listener question about Aloha attire in Hawaii. Laura wants to know where to get the best Aloha shirts when visiting Hawaii. I share my picks and offer suggestions about which ones to choose.&lt;br /&gt;
  12062. &lt;br /&gt;
  12063. I’d love to hear from you! If you have a question, comment or just want to say ALOHA, feel free to drop me a line at bruce@hawaii-aloha.com or visit me on Facebook or Twitter</itunes:summary>
  12064. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  12065. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  12066. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  12067. <itunes:duration>15:54</itunes:duration>
  12068. </item>
  12069. <item>
  12070. <title>Should Wailuku Maui be part of your Hawaii Vacation plans?</title>
  12071. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/should-wailuku-maui-be-part-of-your-hawaii-vacation-plans/</link>
  12072. <pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2015 01:55:56 +0000</pubDate>
  12073. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=29300</guid>
  12074. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/should-wailuku-maui-be-part-of-your-hawaii-vacation-plans/#respond</comments>
  12075. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/should-wailuku-maui-be-part-of-your-hawaii-vacation-plans/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  12076. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  12077. <description>Today we answer a question from Paul Miller who is headed to Maui and wanted to know whether he should include Wailuku Maui in his plans. I always recommend a visit to Wailuku I love that area of Maui!  I  go over some of the highlights of this historic community and give suggestions on things you should do if you&#039;re planning on visiting Maui.
  12078.  
  12079. Also on today show I talk about some upcoming festivals that are going to be happening in Hawaii that you might want to include in your vacation plans. I&#039;ve been a big advocate over the years for including these kinds of events during your vacation because studies have shown that people who experience Hawaii&#039;s culture come back to visit multiple times over and over. The best part is that these events are FREE!!
  12080. Finally I talk about some great deals that we have here at Hawaii Aloha Travel. If you&#039;re planning to come for the summer you may be out of luck but if you intend on vacationing in paradise during the Christmas holiday season now is the time to start your research and making reservations.
  12081.  
  12082. If you have a question of comment or would like my feedback on you Hawaii Vacation plans, feel free to email me at bruce@hawaii-aloha.com, I&#039;d love to hear from you!!</description>
  12083. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2014/04/2015-04-28_e710-wailuku-maui.mp3" length="18207766" type="audio/mpeg" />
  12084. <itunes:subtitle>Today we answer a question from Paul Miller who is headed to Maui and wanted to know whether he should include Wailuku Maui in his plans. I always recommend a visit to Wailuku I love that area of Maui!  I  go over some of the highlights of this histori...</itunes:subtitle>
  12085. <itunes:summary>Today we answer a question from Paul Miller who is headed to Maui and wanted to know whether he should include Wailuku Maui in his plans. I always recommend a visit to Wailuku I love that area of Maui!  I  go over some of the highlights of this historic community and give suggestions on things you should do if you&#039;re planning on visiting Maui.&lt;br /&gt;
  12086. &lt;br /&gt;
  12087. Also on today show I talk about some upcoming festivals that are going to be happening in Hawaii that you might want to include in your vacation plans. I&#039;ve been a big advocate over the years for including these kinds of events during your vacation because studies have shown that people who experience Hawaii&#039;s culture come back to visit multiple times over and over. The best part is that these events are FREE!!&lt;br /&gt;
  12088. Finally I talk about some great deals that we have here at Hawaii Aloha Travel. If you&#039;re planning to come for the summer you may be out of luck but if you intend on vacationing in paradise during the Christmas holiday season now is the time to start your research and making reservations.&lt;br /&gt;
  12089. &lt;br /&gt;
  12090. If you have a question of comment or would like my feedback on you Hawaii Vacation plans, feel free to email me at bruce@hawaii-aloha.com, I&#039;d love to hear from you!!</itunes:summary>
  12091. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  12092. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  12093. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  12094. <itunes:duration>18:58</itunes:duration>
  12095. </item>
  12096. <item>
  12097. <title>Hiking to Lava on the Big Island</title>
  12098. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hiking-to-lava-on-the-big-island/</link>
  12099. <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2015 02:33:21 +0000</pubDate>
  12100. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=29103</guid>
  12101. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hiking-to-lava-on-the-big-island/#respond</comments>
  12102. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hiking-to-lava-on-the-big-island/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  12103. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  12104. <description>Ever since Mark Twain’s famous journey to Hawaii in 1866 as a correspondent for the Sacramento Union, the Kilauea lava flow has been attracting visitors from around the world. And for good reason. This is Mother Nature at her rawest and Madam Pele made visible in all of her fiery glory. There are few earthly spectacles as compelling as a volcanic eruption. It is creation and destruction at once. Under certain conditions, lava pours dramatically into the churning surf at land’s end. Or lights up the night sky over the Halemaumau Crater.
  12105.  
  12106. There are a few ways to see the lava, depending on current conditions of the flow that began way back in 1983. And a trip to the Hawaii Volcanoes Observatory and Halemaumau Crater will take you through vast fields of young lava, a desert of forbidding new rock.
  12107.  
  12108. The first thing to know about viewing the lava is that conditions are changing constantly. You really have to contact the National Volcanoes Observatory to find out what’s the status with the Crater Rim Drive, the Chain of Craters Road and the nearby hiking trails. Right now, parts of some roads are closed and others are open to foot traffic only. Their observatory’s website is updated daily with changes in conditions, road and hiking restrictions, and sulfur dioxide levels. There are lava lakes at the Pu’u O’o Crater and at the Halemaumau Crater.
  12109.  
  12110. It’s important to know that viewing the Kilauea lava flow takes planning. It’s not as though you can drive right up, take out your camera and film slowly creeping lava.
  12111.  
  12112. To plan your trip to see the lava on the Big Island, there are a few agencies to check with first for current conditions. The US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website is the best place to start, but you’ll want to check with the Kilauea Visitors Center when making the trip to Volcanoes National Park. They’re open daily from 9am – 5pm, and there are park rangers on hand to answer questions and let know anything you need to view the lava.
  12113.  
  12114. And of course we can help you get there.</description>
  12115. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2014/04/podcast707.mp3" length="11875289" type="audio/mpeg" />
  12116. <itunes:subtitle>Ever since Mark Twain’s famous journey to Hawaii in 1866 as a correspondent for the Sacramento Union, the Kilauea lava flow has been attracting visitors from around the world. And for good reason. This is Mother Nature at her rawest and Madam Pele made...</itunes:subtitle>
  12117. <itunes:summary>Ever since Mark Twain’s famous journey to Hawaii in 1866 as a correspondent for the Sacramento Union, the Kilauea lava flow has been attracting visitors from around the world. And for good reason. This is Mother Nature at her rawest and Madam Pele made visible in all of her fiery glory. There are few earthly spectacles as compelling as a volcanic eruption. It is creation and destruction at once. Under certain conditions, lava pours dramatically into the churning surf at land’s end. Or lights up the night sky over the Halemaumau Crater.&lt;br /&gt;
  12118. &lt;br /&gt;
  12119. There are a few ways to see the lava, depending on current conditions of the flow that began way back in 1983. And a trip to the Hawaii Volcanoes Observatory and Halemaumau Crater will take you through vast fields of young lava, a desert of forbidding new rock.&lt;br /&gt;
  12120. &lt;br /&gt;
  12121. The first thing to know about viewing the lava is that conditions are changing constantly. You really have to contact the National Volcanoes Observatory to find out what’s the status with the Crater Rim Drive, the Chain of Craters Road and the nearby hiking trails. Right now, parts of some roads are closed and others are open to foot traffic only. Their observatory’s website is updated daily with changes in conditions, road and hiking restrictions, and sulfur dioxide levels. There are lava lakes at the Pu’u O’o Crater and at the Halemaumau Crater.&lt;br /&gt;
  12122. &lt;br /&gt;
  12123. It’s important to know that viewing the Kilauea lava flow takes planning. It’s not as though you can drive right up, take out your camera and film slowly creeping lava.&lt;br /&gt;
  12124. &lt;br /&gt;
  12125. To plan your trip to see the lava on the Big Island, there are a few agencies to check with first for current conditions. The US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website is the best place to start, but you’ll want to check with the Kilauea Visitors Center when making the trip to Volcanoes National Park. They’re open daily from 9am – 5pm, and there are park rangers on hand to answer questions and let know anything you need to view the lava.&lt;br /&gt;
  12126. &lt;br /&gt;
  12127. And of course we can help you get there.</itunes:summary>
  12128. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  12129. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  12130. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  12131. <itunes:duration>12:22</itunes:duration>
  12132. </item>
  12133. <item>
  12134. <title>Hawaii Hotel Prices are CHEAPER when compared to similar destinations</title>
  12135. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-hotel-prices-are-cheaper-when-compared-to-similar-destinations/</link>
  12136. <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2015 00:57:09 +0000</pubDate>
  12137. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=29069</guid>
  12138. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-hotel-prices-are-cheaper-when-compared-to-similar-destinations/#respond</comments>
  12139. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-hotel-prices-are-cheaper-when-compared-to-similar-destinations/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  12140. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  12141. <description>If you think Hawaii hotels rates are high, think again, because we&#039;re actually CHEAPER when you&#039;re talking about how they compare to other similar destinations.
  12142.  
  12143. l will  concede that room rates in Hawaii are about double the national average, but there is at least one simple explanation for that disparity. There are a whole lot more crummy hotels on the mainland without the exacting standards of the many branded hotels we enjoy here in Hawaii. I mean, you just can’t compare a Best Western in Wichita to the Royal Hawaiian. The sheer number of lesser properties on the mainland drives that national room rate average way down.
  12144.  
  12145. As with any industry, it’s all about supply and demand. In Hawaii, that translates into hotel occupancy numbers. In Hawaii in December, hotel occupancy was just over 70%. That number is up 4.7% over the same period a year before, and that’s encouraging, but hotels get nervous when occupancy dips below 80%. So a 70% occupancy rate means that most hotels will offer limited-time discounted rooms to increase occupancy. An empty room loses money.
  12146.  
  12147. Listen to today&#039;s show to hear here more and learn how you can save on Hawaii Hotels your next Hawaii Vacation.</description>
  12148. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2014/04/2015-02-02_e704-hawaii-hotel-rates.mp3" length="14289351" type="audio/mpeg" />
  12149. <itunes:subtitle>If you think Hawaii hotels rates are high, think again, because we&#039;re actually CHEAPER when you&#039;re talking about how they compare to other similar destinations.  l will  concede that room rates in Hawaii are about double the national average,</itunes:subtitle>
  12150. <itunes:summary>If you think Hawaii hotels rates are high, think again, because we&#039;re actually CHEAPER when you&#039;re talking about how they compare to other similar destinations.&lt;br /&gt;
  12151. &lt;br /&gt;
  12152. l will  concede that room rates in Hawaii are about double the national average, but there is at least one simple explanation for that disparity. There are a whole lot more crummy hotels on the mainland without the exacting standards of the many branded hotels we enjoy here in Hawaii. I mean, you just can’t compare a Best Western in Wichita to the Royal Hawaiian. The sheer number of lesser properties on the mainland drives that national room rate average way down.&lt;br /&gt;
  12153. &lt;br /&gt;
  12154. As with any industry, it’s all about supply and demand. In Hawaii, that translates into hotel occupancy numbers. In Hawaii in December, hotel occupancy was just over 70%. That number is up 4.7% over the same period a year before, and that’s encouraging, but hotels get nervous when occupancy dips below 80%. So a 70% occupancy rate means that most hotels will offer limited-time discounted rooms to increase occupancy. An empty room loses money.&lt;br /&gt;
  12155. &lt;br /&gt;
  12156. Listen to today&#039;s show to hear here more and learn how you can save on Hawaii Hotels your next Hawaii Vacation.</itunes:summary>
  12157. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  12158. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  12159. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  12160. <itunes:duration>14:53</itunes:duration>
  12161. </item>
  12162. <item>
  12163. <title>Holidays are upon us &#8211; Tips for flying to Hawaii during the busy season</title>
  12164. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/holidays-are-upon-us-tips-for-flying-to-hawaii-during-the-busy-season/</link>
  12165. <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2014 21:31:00 +0000</pubDate>
  12166. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=28938</guid>
  12167. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/holidays-are-upon-us-tips-for-flying-to-hawaii-during-the-busy-season/#respond</comments>
  12168. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/holidays-are-upon-us-tips-for-flying-to-hawaii-during-the-busy-season/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  12169. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  12170. <description>Well, the holiday season is upon us, folks! And their arrival signals another seasonal spike in visitor arrivals to Hawaii. Visitor arrivals continue to grow, and a gloomy weather forecast for North America, Hawaii’s largest source market, could see a significant spike in arrivals as temperatures on the mainland plummet.
  12171.  
  12172. The flood of visitors means that there will be plenty of great deals on hotels, activities, dining, and entertainment across the state. For anyone considering a Hawaii vacation, for the family, a romantic getaway, or business, this is one of the best times of the year to book. Give Hawaii Aloha Travel a call at 1 (800) 843-8771 to find out more about what is being offered- you’ll definitely be glad you did!
  12173. And as those Hawaii-bound planes begin to fill up in winter, you might be wondering what you can expect during your flight. Some international carriers provide free in-flight meals, but most don’t. Hawaii residents traveling abroad make a habit of “packing a lunch” for their flights. It’s a good idea to do the same, because six dollars for a dry ham-and-cheese seems extortionate.
  12174.  
  12175. Any flight to Hawaii is a long one, at least 4-and-a-half to 5 hours from the West Coast, and considerably longer from more distant, international origins. A flight from Australia to Hawaii can take more than 12 hours. It’s at least 10 hours from Newark, New Jersey. A Chicago-Hawaii flight is typically 8-plus hours. That’s a long flight! Especially if you have to deal with combative “seat defenders” that keep you from that precious few inches allowed for reclining or a colicky infant bent on making your flight miserable.
  12176. But there’s something different about a long flight to Hawaii than long flights anywhere else in the world. The reason is simple. You’re flying to Hawaii! There’s a real sense of anticipation and excitement aboard a flight to Hawaii. Whether it’s a young couple on their honeymoon in the row ahead of you, the family of five from the Midwest, or the local family returning from a visit with family in Las Vegas, you’re not likely to encounter anyone who is unhappy about coming to Hawaii.
  12177.  
  12178. You can also expect that excitement to spark conversations between complete strangers. I can’t count the times I’ve taken a Hawaii flight and ended up talking to a fellow passenger about their reason for taking it. Tourists, residents, transplants…Everyone is happy to be coming to Hawaii, and that shared feeling often results in friendships whether they last only as long as the flight, or for years after.
  12179. Keep in mind that this is no guarantee that your inbound Hawaii flight will be free of common air travel pratfalls, of course. But those things are just somehow more bearable when you know you’ll be landing in paradise.
  12180.  
  12181. NEWS STORIES
  12182. VANS TRIPLE CROWN OF SURFING GETS UNDERWAY
  12183. They call it “The Circus.” The Vans Triple Crown is one of professional surfing’s most coveted prizes, second only to the World Title in prestige. Hundreds of professional surfers, as well as many more visiting surfers from all over the planet converging on the Oahu’s “Seven Mile Miracle” on the North Shore. The Triple Crown began earlier this week with the start of the Reef Hawaiian Pro.
  12184.  
  12185. The Triple Crown is comprised of three contests, taking place at Haleiwa’s Alii Beach Park, Sunset Beach, and culminating dramatically at the Banzai Pipeline. The Triple Crown is an unforgettable experience for competitors and spectators alike. The hunt for the World Title comes down to the Pipeline contest, and professional surfing’s top three competitors, including 11-time world champ Kelly Slater, are in the hunt, making for possibly the most exciting event in professional surfing history.
  12186.  
  12187. Beyond that, dozens of other surfers will be vying to keep their professional hopes alive. And North Shore prodigy John John Florence is a favorite to win the Triple Crown, although he pulled out of the Reef Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa with a blown hammie.</description>
  12188. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2014/04/2014-11-24_e701-flyhing-to-hawaii.mp3" length="17739185" type="audio/mpeg" />
  12189. <itunes:subtitle>Well, the holiday season is upon us, folks! And their arrival signals another seasonal spike in visitor arrivals to Hawaii. Visitor arrivals continue to grow, and a gloomy weather forecast for North America, Hawaii’s largest source market,</itunes:subtitle>
  12190. <itunes:summary>Well, the holiday season is upon us, folks! And their arrival signals another seasonal spike in visitor arrivals to Hawaii. Visitor arrivals continue to grow, and a gloomy weather forecast for North America, Hawaii’s largest source market, could see a significant spike in arrivals as temperatures on the mainland plummet.&lt;br /&gt;
  12191. &lt;br /&gt;
  12192. The flood of visitors means that there will be plenty of great deals on hotels, activities, dining, and entertainment across the state. For anyone considering a Hawaii vacation, for the family, a romantic getaway, or business, this is one of the best times of the year to book. Give Hawaii Aloha Travel a call at 1 (800) 843-8771 to find out more about what is being offered- you’ll definitely be glad you did!&lt;br /&gt;
  12193. And as those Hawaii-bound planes begin to fill up in winter, you might be wondering what you can expect during your flight. Some international carriers provide free in-flight meals, but most don’t. Hawaii residents traveling abroad make a habit of “packing a lunch” for their flights. It’s a good idea to do the same, because six dollars for a dry ham-and-cheese seems extortionate.&lt;br /&gt;
  12194. &lt;br /&gt;
  12195. Any flight to Hawaii is a long one, at least 4-and-a-half to 5 hours from the West Coast, and considerably longer from more distant, international origins. A flight from Australia to Hawaii can take more than 12 hours. It’s at least 10 hours from Newark, New Jersey. A Chicago-Hawaii flight is typically 8-plus hours. That’s a long flight! Especially if you have to deal with combative “seat defenders” that keep you from that precious few inches allowed for reclining or a colicky infant bent on making your flight miserable.&lt;br /&gt;
  12196. But there’s something different about a long flight to Hawaii than long flights anywhere else in the world. The reason is simple. You’re flying to Hawaii! There’s a real sense of anticipation and excitement aboard a flight to Hawaii. Whether it’s a young couple on their honeymoon in the row ahead of you, the family of five from the Midwest, or the local family returning from a visit with family in Las Vegas, you’re not likely to encounter anyone who is unhappy about coming to Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  12197. &lt;br /&gt;
  12198. You can also expect that excitement to spark conversations between complete strangers. I can’t count the times I’ve taken a Hawaii flight and ended up talking to a fellow passenger about their reason for taking it. Tourists, residents, transplants…Everyone is happy to be coming to Hawaii, and that shared feeling often results in friendships whether they last only as long as the flight, or for years after.&lt;br /&gt;
  12199. Keep in mind that this is no guarantee that your inbound Hawaii flight will be free of common air travel pratfalls, of course. But those things are just somehow more bearable when you know you’ll be landing in paradise.&lt;br /&gt;
  12200. &lt;br /&gt;
  12201. NEWS STORIES&lt;br /&gt;
  12202. VANS TRIPLE CROWN OF SURFING GETS UNDERWAY&lt;br /&gt;
  12203. They call it “The Circus.” The Vans Triple Crown is one of professional surfing’s most coveted prizes, second only to the World Title in prestige. Hundreds of professional surfers, as well as many more visiting surfers from all over the planet converging on the Oahu’s “Seven Mile Miracle” on the North Shore. The Triple Crown began earlier this week with the start of the Reef Hawaiian Pro.&lt;br /&gt;
  12204. &lt;br /&gt;
  12205. The Triple Crown is comprised of three contests, taking place at Haleiwa’s Alii Beach Park, Sunset Beach, and culminating dramatically at the Banzai Pipeline. The Triple Crown is an unforgettable experience for competitors and spectators alike. The hunt for the World Title comes down to the Pipeline contest, and professional surfing’s top three competitors, including 11-time world champ Kelly Slater, are in the hunt, making for possibly the most exciting event in professional surfing history.&lt;br /&gt;
  12206. &lt;br /&gt;
  12207. Beyond that, dozens of other surfers will be vying to keep their professional hopes alive. And North Shore prodigy John John Florence is a favorite to win the Triple Crown,</itunes:summary>
  12208. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  12209. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  12210. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  12211. <itunes:duration>18:29</itunes:duration>
  12212. </item>
  12213. <item>
  12214. <title>Hawaii Resort Fees, Are They Worth It?</title>
  12215. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-resort-fees-are-they-worth-it/</link>
  12216. <pubDate>Wed, 29 Oct 2014 23:21:39 +0000</pubDate>
  12217. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=28899</guid>
  12218. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-resort-fees-are-they-worth-it/#respond</comments>
  12219. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-resort-fees-are-they-worth-it/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  12220. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  12221. <description>On October 10th, Maui resident Kathleen Soule filed a class action lawsuit against Priceline and Marriott Resorts. Kathleen is suing because she believes she was faced with unfair and unreasonable assessment and collection of &#039;Hawaii resort fees.&#039;
  12222.  
  12223. On August 9, 2011, Kathleen used Priceline.com to book a reservation at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort &amp; Spa for August 12,2011. The room rate was listed at $110 per night on Priceline. Before finalizing the transaction, Priceline quoted a total room cost of $133.49, which included the room rate, taxes and fees of $23.49. However, when Kathleen checked out of her room after staying at the Wailea, she was charged a $30 resort fee per night. The suit alleges that the mandatory resort fee was known by Priceline, but was not included in Priceline’s ‘total room cost’ that she paid upfront.
  12224.  
  12225. We’ve all been faced with this at one time or another, but Kathleen is making  news because she’s actually made a stance against it. Today I give you my take on the whole situation and give you some advise about how to get the most of the the resort fees that you&#039;ll to pay weather you like it or not.</description>
  12226. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2014/04/2014-10-27_e700-hawaii-hotel-resort-fees.mp3" length="15472177" type="audio/mpeg" />
  12227. <itunes:subtitle>On October 10th, Maui resident Kathleen Soule filed a class action lawsuit against Priceline and Marriott Resorts. Kathleen is suing because she believes she was faced with unfair and unreasonable assessment and collection of &#039;Hawaii resort fees.&#039;  </itunes:subtitle>
  12228. <itunes:summary>On October 10th, Maui resident Kathleen Soule filed a class action lawsuit against Priceline and Marriott Resorts. Kathleen is suing because she believes she was faced with unfair and unreasonable assessment and collection of &#039;Hawaii resort fees.&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
  12229. &lt;br /&gt;
  12230. On August 9, 2011, Kathleen used Priceline.com to book a reservation at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort &amp; Spa for August 12,2011. The room rate was listed at $110 per night on Priceline. Before finalizing the transaction, Priceline quoted a total room cost of $133.49, which included the room rate, taxes and fees of $23.49. However, when Kathleen checked out of her room after staying at the Wailea, she was charged a $30 resort fee per night. The suit alleges that the mandatory resort fee was known by Priceline, but was not included in Priceline’s ‘total room cost’ that she paid upfront.&lt;br /&gt;
  12231. &lt;br /&gt;
  12232. We’ve all been faced with this at one time or another, but Kathleen is making  news because she’s actually made a stance against it. Today I give you my take on the whole situation and give you some advise about how to get the most of the the resort fees that you&#039;ll to pay weather you like it or not.</itunes:summary>
  12233. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  12234. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  12235. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  12236. <itunes:duration>16:07</itunes:duration>
  12237. </item>
  12238. <item>
  12239. <title>Vacationing vs. just Traveling to Hawaii</title>
  12240. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/vacationing-vs-just-traveling-to-hawaii/</link>
  12241. <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2014 22:32:05 +0000</pubDate>
  12242. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=28877</guid>
  12243. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/vacationing-vs-just-traveling-to-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  12244. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/vacationing-vs-just-traveling-to-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  12245. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  12246. <description>There are a ton of ways for travelers to save on vacations, especially with new companies popping up like Airbnb and VRBO for accommodations, Uber for transportation, and review sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp. This is a great thing because it provides the budget traveler with tools and options. Trust me, for a newly married, late 20’s, hard working, 2 weeks off a year individual like myself, it’s these types of outlets that allow for cheaper travel so I can experience the world.
  12247.  
  12248. But here’s the thing.
  12249.  
  12250. Budget traveling is for travelers and not necessarily for vacationers. I think there is a major difference so let me explain. Traveling is seeing the world, experiencing new cultures, taking risks and sometimes getting yourself into unpleasant situations. Travel is free-spirited and fancy free, where you don’t know the exact pinpoints on the map or the precise hostels you’ll be staying in. Travel can also be purposeful, where you seek out museums and landmarks, cities and islands. Where you pursue a new language or an understanding of someplace you&#039;ve never been before.
  12251.  
  12252. Vacationing, on the other hand, is a word almost synonymous with relaxation. Lazy mornings, afternoons by the pool with cocktail in hand, spa treatments, hotel amenities, fancy dinners out. Vacationing is different from traveling because it is intended to require little effort. Taking a break from normal life means not washing your own dishes or preparing your own meal. It’s all about luxury and indulgence, otherwise, we wouldn’t call it a vacation.
  12253.  
  12254. If you&#039;re traveling to Hawaii  you should be vacationing here, so toady we focus on talking about how you do just that! Enjoy!
  12255.  
  12256.  </description>
  12257. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2014/04/skimp.mp3" length="16713526" type="audio/mpeg" />
  12258. <itunes:subtitle>There are a ton of ways for travelers to save on vacations, especially with new companies popping up like Airbnb and VRBO for accommodations, Uber for transportation, and review sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp.</itunes:subtitle>
  12259. <itunes:summary>There are a ton of ways for travelers to save on vacations, especially with new companies popping up like Airbnb and VRBO for accommodations, Uber for transportation, and review sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp. This is a great thing because it provides the budget traveler with tools and options. Trust me, for a newly married, late 20’s, hard working, 2 weeks off a year individual like myself, it’s these types of outlets that allow for cheaper travel so I can experience the world.&lt;br /&gt;
  12260. &lt;br /&gt;
  12261. But here’s the thing.&lt;br /&gt;
  12262. &lt;br /&gt;
  12263. Budget traveling is for travelers and not necessarily for vacationers. I think there is a major difference so let me explain. Traveling is seeing the world, experiencing new cultures, taking risks and sometimes getting yourself into unpleasant situations. Travel is free-spirited and fancy free, where you don’t know the exact pinpoints on the map or the precise hostels you’ll be staying in. Travel can also be purposeful, where you seek out museums and landmarks, cities and islands. Where you pursue a new language or an understanding of someplace you&#039;ve never been before.&lt;br /&gt;
  12264. &lt;br /&gt;
  12265. Vacationing, on the other hand, is a word almost synonymous with relaxation. Lazy mornings, afternoons by the pool with cocktail in hand, spa treatments, hotel amenities, fancy dinners out. Vacationing is different from traveling because it is intended to require little effort. Taking a break from normal life means not washing your own dishes or preparing your own meal. It’s all about luxury and indulgence, otherwise, we wouldn’t call it a vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  12266. &lt;br /&gt;
  12267. If you&#039;re traveling to Hawaii  you should be vacationing here, so toady we focus on talking about how you do just that! Enjoy!&lt;br /&gt;
  12268. &lt;br /&gt;
  12269.  </itunes:summary>
  12270. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  12271. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  12272. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  12273. <itunes:duration>17:25</itunes:duration>
  12274. </item>
  12275. <item>
  12276. <title>Hawaii Plate Lunches &#8211; It&#8217;s all about the sides</title>
  12277. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-plate-lunches-its-all-about-the-sides/</link>
  12278. <pubDate>Tue, 16 Sep 2014 21:07:20 +0000</pubDate>
  12279. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=28781</guid>
  12280. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-plate-lunches-its-all-about-the-sides/#respond</comments>
  12281. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-plate-lunches-its-all-about-the-sides/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  12282. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  12283. <description>Can you believe September is coming to an end? Honestly I feel like summer didn’t even happen- it seems to have come and gone so quick! Well, autumn doesn’t technically start till September 22nd, but Hawaii really only sees two seasons a year, summer and winter. But I feel like winter will be upon us before we know it! And you know what that means… holidays in Hawaii!
  12284.  
  12285. Right now is a great time to book your Christmas vacation to the islands. We’re seeing great deals from the hotels come through, with discounts on activities, rooms and family vacations on almost every island. If you’ve been considering a getaway to Hawaii this winter, whether for business, romance or the whole family, now is definitely the time to plan! Give us a call at 1 (800) 843-8771 to find out more about what is being offered- you’ll definitely be glad you did!
  12286.  
  12287. Even though summer is over technically, many folks are still looking forward to a vacay  here in the islands over the next few weeks, let’s talk about something that everyone enjoys here in Hawaii… the food. I recently posted on my Facebook a question for fans to answer and I loved the variety of responses. My question was:
  12288.  
  12289. Hawaii has unique &quot;accompaniments&quot; on your Hawaii Plate Lunch and at the dinner table. You might see things like pickled ginger, a slice of pineapple, a slice of mango, etc. Or how about siracha sauce, spicy mayo, or red chili? If you could have one Hawaii &quot;accompaniment&quot; on your plate today... What would it be?? Listen to today&#039;s Show for the responses.</description>
  12290. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2014/04/2014-16-09_e697-summer-ending.mp3" length="16140077" type="audio/mpeg" />
  12291. <itunes:subtitle>Can you believe September is coming to an end? Honestly I feel like summer didn’t even happen- it seems to have come and gone so quick! Well, autumn doesn’t technically start till September 22nd, but Hawaii really only sees two seasons a year,</itunes:subtitle>
  12292. <itunes:summary>Can you believe September is coming to an end? Honestly I feel like summer didn’t even happen- it seems to have come and gone so quick! Well, autumn doesn’t technically start till September 22nd, but Hawaii really only sees two seasons a year, summer and winter. But I feel like winter will be upon us before we know it! And you know what that means… holidays in Hawaii!&lt;br /&gt;
  12293. &lt;br /&gt;
  12294. Right now is a great time to book your Christmas vacation to the islands. We’re seeing great deals from the hotels come through, with discounts on activities, rooms and family vacations on almost every island. If you’ve been considering a getaway to Hawaii this winter, whether for business, romance or the whole family, now is definitely the time to plan! Give us a call at 1 (800) 843-8771 to find out more about what is being offered- you’ll definitely be glad you did!&lt;br /&gt;
  12295. &lt;br /&gt;
  12296. Even though summer is over technically, many folks are still looking forward to a vacay  here in the islands over the next few weeks, let’s talk about something that everyone enjoys here in Hawaii… the food. I recently posted on my Facebook a question for fans to answer and I loved the variety of responses. My question was:&lt;br /&gt;
  12297. &lt;br /&gt;
  12298. Hawaii has unique &quot;accompaniments&quot; on your Hawaii Plate Lunch and at the dinner table. You might see things like pickled ginger, a slice of pineapple, a slice of mango, etc. Or how about siracha sauce, spicy mayo, or red chili? If you could have one Hawaii &quot;accompaniment&quot; on your plate today... What would it be?? Listen to today&#039;s Show for the responses.</itunes:summary>
  12299. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  12300. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  12301. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  12302. <itunes:duration>16:49</itunes:duration>
  12303. </item>
  12304. <item>
  12305. <title>Describing Hawaii</title>
  12306. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/describing-hawaii/</link>
  12307. <pubDate>Fri, 15 Aug 2014 19:58:27 +0000</pubDate>
  12308. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=28679</guid>
  12309. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/describing-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  12310. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/describing-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  12311. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  12312. <description>I feel like a lot of things big have happened in Hawaii pretty recently… Big Island had an earthquake, two hurricanes threatened the islands, (which had all grocery stores cleared out of water and canned goods across the entire state and everyone on high alert), primary elections took place, freak hurricane swells have surfaced on the North Shore, Robin Williams passed away (that’s not really Hawaii related but it’s definitely newsworthy) and to top it all off, statehood day is happening this month on Friday the 15th. Sounds like a lot huh?
  12313.  
  12314. Amongst the current events happening here, I’ve kept up my own conversations through Facebook, and recently posed a question I thought listeners might like to hear about. I asked Facebook fans “How would you describe Hawai&#039;i in 2 words to someone who knows nothing about it?” and the response was overwhelming!
  12315.  
  12316. Almost 130 people responded, each with their own unique, fun and quirky way of describing Hawaii. And since the responses are quick- only two words! - I’m going to share some of them with you now. Hopefully you’ll get as much of a kick out of them as I did.
  12317.  
  12318. “Beautiful sunsets”
  12319. “Ancient and humbling”
  12320. “Like paradise”
  12321. “Paradise found!”
  12322. “Must go!”
  12323. “Future address”
  12324. “Gorgeous utopia”
  12325. “No worries”
  12326. “Aloha spirit”
  12327. “Love it”
  12328. “Soul-stirring”
  12329. “Snake free!”
  12330. “Dream vacation”
  12331. “Killer waves”
  12332. “Move there”
  12333. “Life changing”
  12334. “Recovery discovered”
  12335. “Sunshine state”
  12336. “Pure bliss”
  12337. “Effortlessly beautiful”
  12338. “Wonderful world”
  12339. “My sanity”
  12340.  
  12341. Reading through the entire thread of comments online, it’s easy to see what the most popular words in people’s descriptions were: “beautiful”, “paradise” and “amazing”. This just goes to show how truly incredible of a place Hawaii is. Sometimes living here, we can forget how lucky we are to call these islands home. But my fans are always a wonderful reminder of this blessing and I love this kind of feedback.</description>
  12342. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2014/04/2014-08-11_e696-two-words-to-describe-hawaii.mp3" length="14602414" type="audio/mpeg" />
  12343. <itunes:subtitle>I feel like a lot of things big have happened in Hawaii pretty recently… Big Island had an earthquake, two hurricanes threatened the islands, (which had all grocery stores cleared out of water and canned goods across the entire state and everyone on hi...</itunes:subtitle>
  12344. <itunes:summary>I feel like a lot of things big have happened in Hawaii pretty recently… Big Island had an earthquake, two hurricanes threatened the islands, (which had all grocery stores cleared out of water and canned goods across the entire state and everyone on high alert), primary elections took place, freak hurricane swells have surfaced on the North Shore, Robin Williams passed away (that’s not really Hawaii related but it’s definitely newsworthy) and to top it all off, statehood day is happening this month on Friday the 15th. Sounds like a lot huh?&lt;br /&gt;
  12345. &lt;br /&gt;
  12346. Amongst the current events happening here, I’ve kept up my own conversations through Facebook, and recently posed a question I thought listeners might like to hear about. I asked Facebook fans “How would you describe Hawai&#039;i in 2 words to someone who knows nothing about it?” and the response was overwhelming!&lt;br /&gt;
  12347. &lt;br /&gt;
  12348. Almost 130 people responded, each with their own unique, fun and quirky way of describing Hawaii. And since the responses are quick- only two words! - I’m going to share some of them with you now. Hopefully you’ll get as much of a kick out of them as I did.&lt;br /&gt;
  12349. &lt;br /&gt;
  12350. “Beautiful sunsets”&lt;br /&gt;
  12351. “Ancient and humbling”&lt;br /&gt;
  12352. “Like paradise”&lt;br /&gt;
  12353. “Paradise found!”&lt;br /&gt;
  12354. “Must go!”&lt;br /&gt;
  12355. “Future address”&lt;br /&gt;
  12356. “Gorgeous utopia”&lt;br /&gt;
  12357. “No worries”&lt;br /&gt;
  12358. “Aloha spirit”&lt;br /&gt;
  12359. “Love it”&lt;br /&gt;
  12360. “Soul-stirring”&lt;br /&gt;
  12361. “Snake free!”&lt;br /&gt;
  12362. “Dream vacation”&lt;br /&gt;
  12363. “Killer waves”&lt;br /&gt;
  12364. “Move there”&lt;br /&gt;
  12365. “Life changing”&lt;br /&gt;
  12366. “Recovery discovered”&lt;br /&gt;
  12367. “Sunshine state”&lt;br /&gt;
  12368. “Pure bliss”&lt;br /&gt;
  12369. “Effortlessly beautiful”&lt;br /&gt;
  12370. “Wonderful world”&lt;br /&gt;
  12371. “My sanity”&lt;br /&gt;
  12372. &lt;br /&gt;
  12373. Reading through the entire thread of comments online, it’s easy to see what the most popular words in people’s descriptions were: “beautiful”, “paradise” and “amazing”. This just goes to show how truly incredible of a place Hawaii is. Sometimes living here, we can forget how lucky we are to call these islands home. But my fans are always a wonderful reminder of this blessing and I love this kind of feedback.</itunes:summary>
  12374. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  12375. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  12376. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  12377. <itunes:duration>15:13</itunes:duration>
  12378. </item>
  12379. <item>
  12380. <title>What Hawaii DOESN&#8217;T have</title>
  12381. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/what-hawaii-doesnt-have/</link>
  12382. <pubDate>Tue, 08 Jul 2014 20:46:32 +0000</pubDate>
  12383. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=28560</guid>
  12384. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/what-hawaii-doesnt-have/#respond</comments>
  12385. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/what-hawaii-doesnt-have/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  12386. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  12387. <description>Hawaii seems to have it all. Year round warm weather, a gorgeous ocean, beautiful beaches, high-end hotels, incredible shopping, tropical fruits, unique eateries… I could go on. It’s hard to think of something that Hawaii DOESN’T has. So for fun, we posted this question on our Facebook page for fans to answer: “What Hawaii DOESN&#039;T have; We don&#039;t have Ikea in Hawai&#039;i. We also don&#039;t have a JC Penny or TGI Fridays. Up until recently we didn&#039;t have Bath &amp; Body Works! Is there anything we DON&#039;T have in Hawai&#039;i that you wish we did have?”
  12388.  
  12389. While I like the idea of NOT having an Ikea, JC Penny or TGI Fridays, there is certain things I DO wish Hawaii had. And our fans had some interesting responses as well. Aside from the overwhelming amount of people that responded to the question saying “me, I am the one thing that is missing from Hawaii!’ there was also a lot of other good ideas too. Here are a few of our favorites:
  12390.  
  12391. Lou Nakapalau said, “A bridge from California to Hawaii.” We like this, because while it wouldn’t be environmentally or economically sound, it sure would make seeing our friends and family back on the mainland easier!
  12392.  
  12393. Dina Georgiou, Audrey Nabor, David Nash, Nick Green, Linda LaMont Luedtke and Donna Wong Kyono all said a Trader Joe’s would be a good addition to Hawaii. I totally agree! The only things we have in Hawaii that semi resemble a T.J.’s is Whole Wallet (whoops I mean Whole Foods) and Down to Earth. But these two natural food stores are very expensive, and Trader Joe’s is committed to saving money themselves to save their customers money.
  12394.  
  12395. They don’t charge a suppliers fee for stocking items on their shelves (like so many other grocers do), they buy direct from suppliers whenever possible and bargain hard, and they buy in volume and contract early to get the best prices. Okay, I’ll end my love affair rant for Trader Joe’s. Moving on…
  12396.  
  12397. Another personal favorite that was mentioned from our Facebook fans was In-N-Out Burger, the beloved burger joint of California. While Hawaii has its own unique burger restaurants like Teddy’s Bigger Burger (island-wide), Seven Brothers (in Laie) and Kua Aina (island-wide), I have to agree that there is many hot days I could really use an In-N-Out milkshake!
  12398.  
  12399. Some of the other mentions included Red Robin, Togos, Lane Bryant, Kohls, Bev Mo, 99 cent stores, Dunkin’ Donuts, Olive Garden, Applebee’s, Sonic, White Castle, IKEA, and the Australian spread Vegemite (never tried that stuff but I heard it’s gross). Anyways, we thought it was interesting to find out what visitors coming to Hawaii missed most, and if you ask me, sounds like most responses were focused around the comfort foods they’re leaving behind when traveling to Hawaii!
  12400.  
  12401. You know what that means? Break away from your comfort zone and experience the new, delicious and exotic flavors that Hawaii has to offer! We actually have many blog posts about this topic, so if you want to learn more about the foods and flavors of these Islands, check out our Hawaii Vacation Blog  Or, check out our exclusive Hawaii Aloha Food Plate Tour if you’re visiting Oahu anytime soon. We’ve got a great experience for all you foodies out there, and it’s curated by Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race winner Lanai Tabura. It’s a great tour that introduces you to the authentic flavors of Hawaii, complete with plenty local experiences and tons of incredible foods!</description>
  12402. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2014/04/2014-07-08_e694-Things-Hawaii-does-not-have.mp3" length="13714666" type="audio/mpeg" />
  12403. <itunes:subtitle>Hawaii seems to have it all. Year round warm weather, a gorgeous ocean, beautiful beaches, high-end hotels, incredible shopping, tropical fruits, unique eateries… I could go on. It’s hard to think of something that Hawaii DOESN’T has. So for fun,</itunes:subtitle>
  12404. <itunes:summary>Hawaii seems to have it all. Year round warm weather, a gorgeous ocean, beautiful beaches, high-end hotels, incredible shopping, tropical fruits, unique eateries… I could go on. It’s hard to think of something that Hawaii DOESN’T has. So for fun, we posted this question on our Facebook page for fans to answer: “What Hawaii DOESN&#039;T have; We don&#039;t have Ikea in Hawai&#039;i. We also don&#039;t have a JC Penny or TGI Fridays. Up until recently we didn&#039;t have Bath &amp; Body Works! Is there anything we DON&#039;T have in Hawai&#039;i that you wish we did have?”&lt;br /&gt;
  12405. &lt;br /&gt;
  12406. While I like the idea of NOT having an Ikea, JC Penny or TGI Fridays, there is certain things I DO wish Hawaii had. And our fans had some interesting responses as well. Aside from the overwhelming amount of people that responded to the question saying “me, I am the one thing that is missing from Hawaii!’ there was also a lot of other good ideas too. Here are a few of our favorites:&lt;br /&gt;
  12407. &lt;br /&gt;
  12408. Lou Nakapalau said, “A bridge from California to Hawaii.” We like this, because while it wouldn’t be environmentally or economically sound, it sure would make seeing our friends and family back on the mainland easier!&lt;br /&gt;
  12409. &lt;br /&gt;
  12410. Dina Georgiou, Audrey Nabor, David Nash, Nick Green, Linda LaMont Luedtke and Donna Wong Kyono all said a Trader Joe’s would be a good addition to Hawaii. I totally agree! The only things we have in Hawaii that semi resemble a T.J.’s is Whole Wallet (whoops I mean Whole Foods) and Down to Earth. But these two natural food stores are very expensive, and Trader Joe’s is committed to saving money themselves to save their customers money.&lt;br /&gt;
  12411. &lt;br /&gt;
  12412. They don’t charge a suppliers fee for stocking items on their shelves (like so many other grocers do), they buy direct from suppliers whenever possible and bargain hard, and they buy in volume and contract early to get the best prices. Okay, I’ll end my love affair rant for Trader Joe’s. Moving on…&lt;br /&gt;
  12413. &lt;br /&gt;
  12414. Another personal favorite that was mentioned from our Facebook fans was In-N-Out Burger, the beloved burger joint of California. While Hawaii has its own unique burger restaurants like Teddy’s Bigger Burger (island-wide), Seven Brothers (in Laie) and Kua Aina (island-wide), I have to agree that there is many hot days I could really use an In-N-Out milkshake!&lt;br /&gt;
  12415. &lt;br /&gt;
  12416. Some of the other mentions included Red Robin, Togos, Lane Bryant, Kohls, Bev Mo, 99 cent stores, Dunkin’ Donuts, Olive Garden, Applebee’s, Sonic, White Castle, IKEA, and the Australian spread Vegemite (never tried that stuff but I heard it’s gross). Anyways, we thought it was interesting to find out what visitors coming to Hawaii missed most, and if you ask me, sounds like most responses were focused around the comfort foods they’re leaving behind when traveling to Hawaii!&lt;br /&gt;
  12417. &lt;br /&gt;
  12418. You know what that means? Break away from your comfort zone and experience the new, delicious and exotic flavors that Hawaii has to offer! We actually have many blog posts about this topic, so if you want to learn more about the foods and flavors of these Islands, check out our Hawaii Vacation Blog  Or, check out our exclusive Hawaii Aloha Food Plate Tour if you’re visiting Oahu anytime soon. We’ve got a great experience for all you foodies out there, and it’s curated by Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race winner Lanai Tabura. It’s a great tour that introduces you to the authentic flavors of Hawaii, complete with plenty local experiences and tons of incredible foods!</itunes:summary>
  12419. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  12420. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  12421. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  12422. <itunes:duration>14:17</itunes:duration>
  12423. </item>
  12424. <item>
  12425. <title>Good to be back home in Paradise</title>
  12426. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/good-to-be-back-home-in-paradise/</link>
  12427. <pubDate>Tue, 27 May 2014 02:47:03 +0000</pubDate>
  12428. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=28457</guid>
  12429. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/good-to-be-back-home-in-paradise/#respond</comments>
  12430. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/good-to-be-back-home-in-paradise/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  12431. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  12432. <description>Wow, what an adventurous last two weeks! If you hadn’t heard, I was away on a trip to Europe with Lanai’s Travel Club from Hawaii. I took a group of people to Italy, Spain and France and we had an incredible time exploring the city streets, the various landmarks (like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Sistine Chapels, Cathedral Palma, Monaco, The Vatican, the Coliseum, Sorrento, Pompeii and so much more!) and the incredible sights of Europe. Oh and the food… soooo good. We found local spots that serve up the freshest, tastiest Italian, Spanish and French dishes, each one equally amazing.
  12433.  
  12434. Throughout this trip we had activities and tours sprinkled in, and it occurred to me how important it was to have our local guides giving us local experiences. Each tour we booked I made sure to assign a local guide to, because since running a travel company in Hawaii I know how important it is to maximize your time while on vacation. And using a local guide is one of the only ways to do this!
  12435.  
  12436. We were able to experience the cities, landmarks and eateries in a totally different way- from a resident’s perspective. Enjoying the things that locals do in Italy, Spain and France was a cool way to get to know each location, and these personalized tours made all the difference. I really realized that it’s all about keeping it local.
  12437.  
  12438. So often these days people opt for the bigger businesses that lack personal touch. I don’t know why either! Because you can find great companies and guides that are truly local and looking to show you a great time. Plus, keeping things local is important for the local economies. It’s so tough these days for the littler guy to make it in the big world, especially with all the cons out there.
  12439.  
  12440. Thankfully, we are seeing a small shift in this trend. Google just refreshed their algorithm and it is supposed to benefit small businesses, which is great news for me. As a small business owner myself, I was happy to hear this and even happier to see the results. I think we’re actually benefitting from it, as we’re moving up in the ranking and seeing more unique visitors per month. So, from Hawaii to France, be sure to keep it local and book with local guides, agents and companies. Maybe this way we can help equalize the playing field a bit. We all know small business help to bring growth and innovation to a community, so let’s keep these wheels turning and make a point to support local!
  12441.  
  12442. Now that I’m getting back into the swing of things, I also realize how tough it can be to overcome a vacation. For me, I traveled across the timeline, which has its own difficulties regarding sleep and time zones, but for those traveling to or from Hawaii, a trip somewhere within the US can still mean 8 or 10 hours on a plane. And time changes play a big role in the way you feel day-to-day during your trip. You still deal with jet lag and that can sometimes hold up enjoying your vacation.
  12443.  
  12444. The other thing I realized while traveling these long distances is the amount of germs your body is blasted with. Touch points in an airplane like the remote control or television are ridden with germs, along with items like water glasses and comforters in a hotel rooms. I don’t want to scare you, but just keep in mind that when traveling you should really stock up on the vitamin C or hand sanitizer. But don’t get so paranoid that you over use it. Our bodies are meant to resist a certain amount of infection, and can usually handle the flood of germs while traveling. Take precautionary measures like washing your hands more frequently and sucking on vitamin C drops, but don’t allow yourself to become over sensitized and keep your body from fighting things off on its own. We are fully equipped germ killing machines, so allow your body to do what it does best- keep you healthy.
  12445.  
  12446. In related news, a while back I told you about that GermFalcon that was unveiled in 2013 at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics conference in Los Angeles.</description>
  12447. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2014/04/2014-05-24_e691-catching-up.mp3" length="16988525" type="audio/mpeg" />
  12448. <itunes:subtitle>Wow, what an adventurous last two weeks! If you hadn’t heard, I was away on a trip to Europe with Lanai’s Travel Club from Hawaii. I took a group of people to Italy, Spain and France and we had an incredible time exploring the city streets,</itunes:subtitle>
  12449. <itunes:summary>Wow, what an adventurous last two weeks! If you hadn’t heard, I was away on a trip to Europe with Lanai’s Travel Club from Hawaii. I took a group of people to Italy, Spain and France and we had an incredible time exploring the city streets, the various landmarks (like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Sistine Chapels, Cathedral Palma, Monaco, The Vatican, the Coliseum, Sorrento, Pompeii and so much more!) and the incredible sights of Europe. Oh and the food… soooo good. We found local spots that serve up the freshest, tastiest Italian, Spanish and French dishes, each one equally amazing.&lt;br /&gt;
  12450. &lt;br /&gt;
  12451. Throughout this trip we had activities and tours sprinkled in, and it occurred to me how important it was to have our local guides giving us local experiences. Each tour we booked I made sure to assign a local guide to, because since running a travel company in Hawaii I know how important it is to maximize your time while on vacation. And using a local guide is one of the only ways to do this!&lt;br /&gt;
  12452. &lt;br /&gt;
  12453. We were able to experience the cities, landmarks and eateries in a totally different way- from a resident’s perspective. Enjoying the things that locals do in Italy, Spain and France was a cool way to get to know each location, and these personalized tours made all the difference. I really realized that it’s all about keeping it local.&lt;br /&gt;
  12454. &lt;br /&gt;
  12455. So often these days people opt for the bigger businesses that lack personal touch. I don’t know why either! Because you can find great companies and guides that are truly local and looking to show you a great time. Plus, keeping things local is important for the local economies. It’s so tough these days for the littler guy to make it in the big world, especially with all the cons out there.&lt;br /&gt;
  12456. &lt;br /&gt;
  12457. Thankfully, we are seeing a small shift in this trend. Google just refreshed their algorithm and it is supposed to benefit small businesses, which is great news for me. As a small business owner myself, I was happy to hear this and even happier to see the results. I think we’re actually benefitting from it, as we’re moving up in the ranking and seeing more unique visitors per month. So, from Hawaii to France, be sure to keep it local and book with local guides, agents and companies. Maybe this way we can help equalize the playing field a bit. We all know small business help to bring growth and innovation to a community, so let’s keep these wheels turning and make a point to support local!&lt;br /&gt;
  12458. &lt;br /&gt;
  12459. Now that I’m getting back into the swing of things, I also realize how tough it can be to overcome a vacation. For me, I traveled across the timeline, which has its own difficulties regarding sleep and time zones, but for those traveling to or from Hawaii, a trip somewhere within the US can still mean 8 or 10 hours on a plane. And time changes play a big role in the way you feel day-to-day during your trip. You still deal with jet lag and that can sometimes hold up enjoying your vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  12460. &lt;br /&gt;
  12461. The other thing I realized while traveling these long distances is the amount of germs your body is blasted with. Touch points in an airplane like the remote control or television are ridden with germs, along with items like water glasses and comforters in a hotel rooms. I don’t want to scare you, but just keep in mind that when traveling you should really stock up on the vitamin C or hand sanitizer. But don’t get so paranoid that you over use it. Our bodies are meant to resist a certain amount of infection, and can usually handle the flood of germs while traveling. Take precautionary measures like washing your hands more frequently and sucking on vitamin C drops, but don’t allow yourself to become over sensitized and keep your body from fighting things off on its own. We are fully equipped germ killing machines, so allow your body to do what it does best- keep you healthy.&lt;br /&gt;
  12462. &lt;br /&gt;
  12463. In related news, a while back I told you about that GermFalcon that was unveiled in 2013 at the American Insti...</itunes:summary>
  12464. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  12465. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  12466. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  12467. <itunes:duration>17:42</itunes:duration>
  12468. </item>
  12469. <item>
  12470. <title>Hawaii Q and A</title>
  12471. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-q-and-a/</link>
  12472. <pubDate>Mon, 28 Apr 2014 23:19:14 +0000</pubDate>
  12473. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=28322</guid>
  12474. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-q-and-a/#respond</comments>
  12475. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-q-and-a/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  12476. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  12477. <description>Today we do something we haven&#039;t done in a while and that is answer questions from some of our social media friends.
  12478.  
  12479. Patty is going to be in Kona for a week and is looking for a hiking suggestion to enjoy during her visit. I shared my favorite hike and some ideas about how to get the most out of making a day of visiting Capt. Cook Monument and Kalakeakua Bay.
  12480.  
  12481. Next up is Joe and Rachel who argued the spending 70 days on Oahu and wanted some ideas about things to do in the area. With that kind of time on the island there are a plethora of options to choose from . Since he&#039;ll be staying on the west side of the island I focused on things they can do neither that area and some of my favorite stops.
  12482.  
  12483. Finally Karen wanted to know how doable it is to go all the way around the island when taking the road to Hana. We did that a couple of years ago and while I can&#039;t recommend using a rental car to take a trip around the island, it is very doable and you can see some some scenery that you don&#039;t see traversing back the same way you came.
  12484.  
  12485. If you have a question or comment I&#039;d love to hear from you please reach out to bruce@hawaii-aloha.com and I&#039;ll be happy to get back to you and share your question with listeners.</description>
  12486. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2014/04/2014-04-28-listener-questions.mp3" length="17583716" type="audio/mpeg" />
  12487. <itunes:subtitle>Today we do something we haven&#039;t done in a while and that is answer questions from some of our social media friends.  Patty is going to be in Kona for a week and is looking for a hiking suggestion to enjoy during her visit.</itunes:subtitle>
  12488. <itunes:summary>Today we do something we haven&#039;t done in a while and that is answer questions from some of our social media friends.&lt;br /&gt;
  12489. &lt;br /&gt;
  12490. Patty is going to be in Kona for a week and is looking for a hiking suggestion to enjoy during her visit. I shared my favorite hike and some ideas about how to get the most out of making a day of visiting Capt. Cook Monument and Kalakeakua Bay.&lt;br /&gt;
  12491. &lt;br /&gt;
  12492. Next up is Joe and Rachel who argued the spending 70 days on Oahu and wanted some ideas about things to do in the area. With that kind of time on the island there are a plethora of options to choose from . Since he&#039;ll be staying on the west side of the island I focused on things they can do neither that area and some of my favorite stops.&lt;br /&gt;
  12493. &lt;br /&gt;
  12494. Finally Karen wanted to know how doable it is to go all the way around the island when taking the road to Hana. We did that a couple of years ago and while I can&#039;t recommend using a rental car to take a trip around the island, it is very doable and you can see some some scenery that you don&#039;t see traversing back the same way you came.&lt;br /&gt;
  12495. &lt;br /&gt;
  12496. If you have a question or comment I&#039;d love to hear from you please reach out to bruce@hawaii-aloha.com and I&#039;ll be happy to get back to you and share your question with listeners.</itunes:summary>
  12497. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  12498. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  12499. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  12500. <itunes:duration>18:19</itunes:duration>
  12501. </item>
  12502. <item>
  12503. <title>Getting into relax mode on your Hawaiian Vacation</title>
  12504. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/getting-into-relax-mode-on-your-hawaiian-vacation/</link>
  12505. <pubDate>Sat, 05 Apr 2014 04:50:51 +0000</pubDate>
  12506. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=28145</guid>
  12507. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/getting-into-relax-mode-on-your-hawaiian-vacation/#respond</comments>
  12508. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/getting-into-relax-mode-on-your-hawaiian-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  12509. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  12510. <description>Aloha and welcome to another episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection!
  12511.  
  12512. Today I’m giving you my top recommendations for how to fast track into relax mode during your Hawaiian vacation. You know how after a vacation ends you feel like it took half the time just to decompress and unwind? Well don’t let this happen again! Maximize your relaxation time by following a few (or all) of these tips and feel the island vibes almost immediately.
  12513.  
  12514. Actually, it will be immediate, since my first tip happens before you even the ground! From the plane to the drive to the hotel to the restaurant, settle into relax mode and get the most out of your holiday in Hawaii. I think you’ll enjoy this highly entertaining topic!
  12515. Hawaii Vacation News
  12516. We have some great news to share, along with Hawaii travel news, an entertaining main discussion topic and lastly, Hawaii vacation reviews that have been booked within the last 24-48 hours. We’re getting a lot of summer vacation requests right now, so if you’re thinking about a trip to Hawaii this summer season, be sure to call us as soon as possible! The deals go quick and the prices go up!
  12517.  
  12518. First off, I wanted to be the first to tell you MY exciting news, and that is the launch of our new and highly improved website that just happened this week. If you haven’t already checked out Hawaii-aloha.com be sure to do so! We have tons of updated content, revitalized pages, an organized and easily navigable blog and podcast page, high res photos to accompany everything and so much more. After seven months, I have to admit I am hugely relieved to have this thing finally up and running!
  12519.  
  12520. In other news, two new stores have broken ground in Waikiki, the first is H&amp;M and the second is Tori Richard. H&amp;M had a launch party on March 27th and lines were formed to get into the department store for days after the opening. Tori Richard, an alohawear brand opened a new redesigned store in Ala Moana on Oahu and has plans to open another store in June at the Kahala Hotel &amp; Resort.
  12521.  
  12522. And speaking of openings, after eight months of renovating a 1,200-square-foot spot at 62 N. Hotel St. in Chinatown, the area&#039;s new French-Latin kitchen, Restaurant Grondin, has officially opened for dinner as of Monday, March 31st. The owners, Jenny Grondin and David Segarra, are a soon-to-be-married couple and decided to blend their heritages together to create the theme of Grondin, with the help of Chef Andrew Pressler, who was recruited from New York. If you’re in town and enjoy fusion cuisine, be sure to check this place out and give us a review!
  12523.  
  12524. In travel news, Go Airlines has officially shut down, which doesn’t seem to come as a shock to many Hawaii tourism officials. Go was providing just 1,050 total available air seats to Kauai each week when according to HTA, Kauai receives a total of 169,700 interisland air seats each week. Executive director for the Kauai Visitors Bureau Sue Kanoho said she was just happy they gave two weeks notice. “In the past, we’ve sometimes had less than 24 hours [from carriers going out of business],” Sue reports.
  12525.  
  12526. The word ‘babymoon’ seems to be gaining more credit in the travel industry, as the St. Regis Princeville on the North Shore of Kauai is reaching out and marketing to babymooners. What is a babymoon you ask? “It’s that last chance before their life is totally changed to really just enjoy each other,” said Paula Simpson Takamori, the owner of Oahu-based Travel to Paradise. “It’s a last chance to relax, to spend time alone together, to just sit on a beach and look at the sunset [before] their whole world changes.” So if you don’t need to save money for diapers or college, I suggest planning your babymoon with Hawaii Aloha Travel!
  12527.  
  12528. If you happen to live in the Bay area of California and are looking into that vacation to Hawaii, good news- Hawaiian Airlines has announced plans to reinstate its daily, nonstop flight between Honolulu and San Jose, California on May 16.</description>
  12529. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2014/03/2014-03-31_e687-getting-into-relax-mode.mp3" length="13988450" type="audio/mpeg" />
  12530. <itunes:subtitle>Aloha and welcome to another episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection!  Today I’m giving you my top recommendations for how to fast track into relax mode during your Hawaiian vacation. You know how after a vacation ends you feel like it took half the ...</itunes:subtitle>
  12531. <itunes:summary>Aloha and welcome to another episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection!&lt;br /&gt;
  12532. &lt;br /&gt;
  12533. Today I’m giving you my top recommendations for how to fast track into relax mode during your Hawaiian vacation. You know how after a vacation ends you feel like it took half the time just to decompress and unwind? Well don’t let this happen again! Maximize your relaxation time by following a few (or all) of these tips and feel the island vibes almost immediately.&lt;br /&gt;
  12534. &lt;br /&gt;
  12535. Actually, it will be immediate, since my first tip happens before you even the ground! From the plane to the drive to the hotel to the restaurant, settle into relax mode and get the most out of your holiday in Hawaii. I think you’ll enjoy this highly entertaining topic!&lt;br /&gt;
  12536. Hawaii Vacation News&lt;br /&gt;
  12537. We have some great news to share, along with Hawaii travel news, an entertaining main discussion topic and lastly, Hawaii vacation reviews that have been booked within the last 24-48 hours. We’re getting a lot of summer vacation requests right now, so if you’re thinking about a trip to Hawaii this summer season, be sure to call us as soon as possible! The deals go quick and the prices go up!&lt;br /&gt;
  12538. &lt;br /&gt;
  12539. First off, I wanted to be the first to tell you MY exciting news, and that is the launch of our new and highly improved website that just happened this week. If you haven’t already checked out Hawaii-aloha.com be sure to do so! We have tons of updated content, revitalized pages, an organized and easily navigable blog and podcast page, high res photos to accompany everything and so much more. After seven months, I have to admit I am hugely relieved to have this thing finally up and running!&lt;br /&gt;
  12540. &lt;br /&gt;
  12541. In other news, two new stores have broken ground in Waikiki, the first is H&amp;M and the second is Tori Richard. H&amp;M had a launch party on March 27th and lines were formed to get into the department store for days after the opening. Tori Richard, an alohawear brand opened a new redesigned store in Ala Moana on Oahu and has plans to open another store in June at the Kahala Hotel &amp; Resort.&lt;br /&gt;
  12542. &lt;br /&gt;
  12543. And speaking of openings, after eight months of renovating a 1,200-square-foot spot at 62 N. Hotel St. in Chinatown, the area&#039;s new French-Latin kitchen, Restaurant Grondin, has officially opened for dinner as of Monday, March 31st. The owners, Jenny Grondin and David Segarra, are a soon-to-be-married couple and decided to blend their heritages together to create the theme of Grondin, with the help of Chef Andrew Pressler, who was recruited from New York. If you’re in town and enjoy fusion cuisine, be sure to check this place out and give us a review!&lt;br /&gt;
  12544. &lt;br /&gt;
  12545. In travel news, Go Airlines has officially shut down, which doesn’t seem to come as a shock to many Hawaii tourism officials. Go was providing just 1,050 total available air seats to Kauai each week when according to HTA, Kauai receives a total of 169,700 interisland air seats each week. Executive director for the Kauai Visitors Bureau Sue Kanoho said she was just happy they gave two weeks notice. “In the past, we’ve sometimes had less than 24 hours [from carriers going out of business],” Sue reports.&lt;br /&gt;
  12546. &lt;br /&gt;
  12547. The word ‘babymoon’ seems to be gaining more credit in the travel industry, as the St. Regis Princeville on the North Shore of Kauai is reaching out and marketing to babymooners. What is a babymoon you ask? “It’s that last chance before their life is totally changed to really just enjoy each other,” said Paula Simpson Takamori, the owner of Oahu-based Travel to Paradise. “It’s a last chance to relax, to spend time alone together, to just sit on a beach and look at the sunset [before] their whole world changes.” So if you don’t need to save money for diapers or college, I suggest planning your babymoon with Hawaii Aloha Travel!&lt;br /&gt;
  12548. &lt;br /&gt;
  12549. If you happen to live in the Bay area of California and are looking into that vacation to Hawaii, good news- Hawaiian Airlines has announced plans to reinstate its daily,</itunes:summary>
  12550. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  12551. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  12552. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  12553. <itunes:duration>14:34</itunes:duration>
  12554. </item>
  12555. <item>
  12556. <title>How to make Hawaii Hotel Requests before you arrive</title>
  12557. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/how-to-make-hawaii-hotel-requests-before-you-arrive/</link>
  12558. <pubDate>Tue, 18 Feb 2014 22:46:28 +0000</pubDate>
  12559. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=27506</guid>
  12560. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/how-to-make-hawaii-hotel-requests-before-you-arrive/#respond</comments>
  12561. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/how-to-make-hawaii-hotel-requests-before-you-arrive/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  12562. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  12563. <description>Did you know that if you make a request from a Hawaii Hotel it&#039;s not always a sure thing that your request will be met?
  12564.  
  12565. On today&#039;s show I cover all the in&#039;s and out&#039;s of how to make requests and how travel agents can give you a little bit of an edge in that department.  We have great relationships with all the hotels and front desk staff, and while we can&#039;t guaranteed any request, we can be very sure your wishes are being conveyed to the right person. 
  12566.  
  12567. From bedding to amenities, making hotel requests should be part of your overall vacation planning.
  12568. Here&#039;s some Hawaii Vacation news also covered on the show today.
  12569.  
  12570. Hawaiian Airlines Passenger Traffic Up from Last year
  12571. Hawaiian Airlines&#039; passenger traffic rose 4.1 percent in January from the year-earlier period as the state&#039;s largest carrier added more flights. The airline transported 824,824 passengers last month compared with 792,009 a year ago. Its load factor, or the percentage of seats filled, rose 1.2 percentage points to 81.7 percent from 80.5 percent. Revenue passenger miles, or one paying passenger transported one mile, increased 6.9 percent to 1.15 million from 1.07 million. Available seat miles, or one seat transported one mile, rose 5.3 percent to 1.40 million from 1.33 million.
  12572. Waikiki&#039;s Newest Luxury Accommodations
  12573. The 2,900-square-foot penthouse suite at the Aston Waikiki Beachside Hotel is the newest addition to luxe vacationing in Hawaii. the penthouse occupies the entire 11th floor of the Aston Waikiki Beachside, and according to Shari Chang, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Aston Hotels &amp; Resorts, the layout now encompasses an area that once housed eight separate rooms.
  12574.  
  12575. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a large outdoor lanai, it&#039;s easy to see the unit&#039;s unmistakable highlight: unobstructed, sweeping views of Waikiki Beach and the Pacific. The suite also has a gourmet kitchen featuring state-of-the-art appliances and granite countertops along with three bedrooms, including a master bedroom suite with his-and-her bathrooms and a Jacuzzi tub.
  12576. Maui&#039;s Residences of Kapalua Bay Gets a Rebrand
  12577. Montage Hotels &amp; Resorts took over management of the Residences at Kapalua Bay on Maui&#039;s west coast last August, and work is now winding down on a multimillion-dollar renovation to the property. The company plans to reposition the property into a full-service, luxury resort.
  12578.  
  12579. ‘It&#039;s really for that client who wants something quieter and a little more authentic,’ said Janet White, Montage&#039;s corporate director of leisure sales. ‘It&#039;s not like other parts of the island where you see wall-to-wall-to-wall condos and hotels, [and] there is a lot of value because the units are so large.’
  12580.  
  12581. Each of the property&#039;s two-, three- and four-bedroom suites face photogenic Kapalua Bay and include a large lanai, five-fixture bathrooms, gourmet kitchens and washers and dryers.
  12582. Whale-Watching on Maui
  12583. Tis the season for spectacular whale-watching, and Sheraton Maui Resort &amp; Spa on Kaanapali Beach has created the Whale Watching Experience package, valid through peak viewing season. Priced from $579 per night, double, the cost covers oceanfront accommodations, two nonalcoholic beverages daily via in-room dining, two tickets for a whale-watching catamaran trip, one pair of souvenir binoculars and an invitation to the weekly ‘A Whale&#039;s Tale’ chat with a Maui Ocean Center marine naturalist. The package is valid through March 31.
  12584. Kauai&#039;s Coco Palms Investors to Choose a Hotel Operator
  12585. The Honolulu investment group that has plans to restore the iconic Coco Palms Resort on Kauai to its original glory plans to select a “nationwide” hotel operator in two weeks, and start demolition and construction on the site as early as the third quarter of this year.
  12586.  
  12587. Coco Palms Hui, which is led by investors Chad Waters and Tyler Greene, gave a general update on the project to the Kapaa Business Association on Thursday. The plan is rebuild the resort with up to 390 units with a target ...</description>
  12588. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2014/02/2014-02-18_e644-making-hotel-requests.mp3" length="17643478" type="audio/mpeg" />
  12589. <itunes:subtitle>Did you know that if you make a request from a Hawaii Hotel it&#039;s not always a sure thing that your request will be met?  On today&#039;s show I cover all the in&#039;s and out&#039;s of how to make requests and how travel agents can give you a little bit of an edge i...</itunes:subtitle>
  12590. <itunes:summary>Did you know that if you make a request from a Hawaii Hotel it&#039;s not always a sure thing that your request will be met?&lt;br /&gt;
  12591. &lt;br /&gt;
  12592. On today&#039;s show I cover all the in&#039;s and out&#039;s of how to make requests and how travel agents can give you a little bit of an edge in that department.  We have great relationships with all the hotels and front desk staff, and while we can&#039;t guaranteed any request, we can be very sure your wishes are being conveyed to the right person. &lt;br /&gt;
  12593. &lt;br /&gt;
  12594. From bedding to amenities, making hotel requests should be part of your overall vacation planning.&lt;br /&gt;
  12595. Here&#039;s some Hawaii Vacation news also covered on the show today.&lt;br /&gt;
  12596. &lt;br /&gt;
  12597. &lt;br /&gt;
  12598. Hawaiian Airlines Passenger Traffic Up from Last year&lt;br /&gt;
  12599. Hawaiian Airlines&#039; passenger traffic rose 4.1 percent in January from the year-earlier period as the state&#039;s largest carrier added more flights. The airline transported 824,824 passengers last month compared with 792,009 a year ago. Its load factor, or the percentage of seats filled, rose 1.2 percentage points to 81.7 percent from 80.5 percent. Revenue passenger miles, or one paying passenger transported one mile, increased 6.9 percent to 1.15 million from 1.07 million. Available seat miles, or one seat transported one mile, rose 5.3 percent to 1.40 million from 1.33 million.&lt;br /&gt;
  12600. &lt;br /&gt;
  12601. Waikiki&#039;s Newest Luxury Accommodations&lt;br /&gt;
  12602. The 2,900-square-foot penthouse suite at the Aston Waikiki Beachside Hotel is the newest addition to luxe vacationing in Hawaii. the penthouse occupies the entire 11th floor of the Aston Waikiki Beachside, and according to Shari Chang, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Aston Hotels &amp; Resorts, the layout now encompasses an area that once housed eight separate rooms.&lt;br /&gt;
  12603. &lt;br /&gt;
  12604. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a large outdoor lanai, it&#039;s easy to see the unit&#039;s unmistakable highlight: unobstructed, sweeping views of Waikiki Beach and the Pacific. The suite also has a gourmet kitchen featuring state-of-the-art appliances and granite countertops along with three bedrooms, including a master bedroom suite with his-and-her bathrooms and a Jacuzzi tub.&lt;br /&gt;
  12605. &lt;br /&gt;
  12606. Maui&#039;s Residences of Kapalua Bay Gets a Rebrand&lt;br /&gt;
  12607. Montage Hotels &amp; Resorts took over management of the Residences at Kapalua Bay on Maui&#039;s west coast last August, and work is now winding down on a multimillion-dollar renovation to the property. The company plans to reposition the property into a full-service, luxury resort.&lt;br /&gt;
  12608. &lt;br /&gt;
  12609. ‘It&#039;s really for that client who wants something quieter and a little more authentic,’ said Janet White, Montage&#039;s corporate director of leisure sales. ‘It&#039;s not like other parts of the island where you see wall-to-wall-to-wall condos and hotels, [and] there is a lot of value because the units are so large.’&lt;br /&gt;
  12610. &lt;br /&gt;
  12611. Each of the property&#039;s two-, three- and four-bedroom suites face photogenic Kapalua Bay and include a large lanai, five-fixture bathrooms, gourmet kitchens and washers and dryers.&lt;br /&gt;
  12612. &lt;br /&gt;
  12613. Whale-Watching on Maui&lt;br /&gt;
  12614. Tis the season for spectacular whale-watching, and Sheraton Maui Resort &amp; Spa on Kaanapali Beach has created the Whale Watching Experience package, valid through peak viewing season. Priced from $579 per night, double, the cost covers oceanfront accommodations, two nonalcoholic beverages daily via in-room dining, two tickets for a whale-watching catamaran trip, one pair of souvenir binoculars and an invitation to the weekly ‘A Whale&#039;s Tale’ chat with a Maui Ocean Center marine naturalist. The package is valid through March 31.&lt;br /&gt;
  12615. &lt;br /&gt;
  12616. Kauai&#039;s Coco Palms Investors to Choose a Hotel Operator&lt;br /&gt;
  12617. The Honolulu investment group that has plans to restore the iconic Coco Palms Resort on Kauai to its original glory plans to select a “nationwide” hotel operator in two weeks, and start demolition and construction on the site as early as the third quarter of this year.&lt;br /&gt;
  12618. &lt;br /&gt;
  12619. Coco Palms Hui,</itunes:summary>
  12620. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  12621. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  12622. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  12623. <itunes:duration>18:23</itunes:duration>
  12624. </item>
  12625. <item>
  12626. <title>The Hawaii Lava Rock Curse Explained</title>
  12627. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/the-hawaii-lava-rock-curse-explained/</link>
  12628. <pubDate>Sun, 12 Jan 2014 22:29:02 +0000</pubDate>
  12629. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=27499</guid>
  12630. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/the-hawaii-lava-rock-curse-explained/#respond</comments>
  12631. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/the-hawaii-lava-rock-curse-explained/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  12632. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  12633. <description>Our main topic today is a spooky one. Well, if you&#039;re superstitious I guess, because I think the topic is more about respect and less about a curse. Anyways, we&#039;ll tell you all about the lava rock curse that has plagued Hawaii vacationers for years, starting from the very beginning. Get ready for a great podcast!
  12634.  
  12635. Did you hear about the hailstorm in Hawaii Kai on Oahu? How about the incredibly low temperatures (58 degrees!) on Kauai? We&#039;ve recently had some interesting winter weather in Hawaii, but don&#039;t let it keep you away from these tropics! January and February are beautiful months to visit Hawaii, especially because whale watching is at an all-time high.
  12636.  
  12637. Today we have a variety of news topics for you. From updates on Bravo channel&#039;s Top Chef Finale to the reduced infrastructure land deal that is being decided between the state and Turtle Bay developers. Travelers will also be happy to hear that Governor Abercrombie released $74 million for upgrades to airports around the state. October 2013 set a new revenue record for Hawaii and aloha state hotels are receiving praise from Conde Nast Traveler&#039;s annual readers&#039; choice survey. Lastly, there&#039;s a new shop opening on Maui, and your hint is: who is the title sponsor of the Triple Crown of Surfing?</description>
  12638. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2014/01/2014-01-12_e638_lava-rock-curse.mp3" length="15139479" type="audio/mpeg" />
  12639. <itunes:subtitle>Our main topic today is a spooky one. Well, if you&#039;re superstitious I guess, because I think the topic is more about respect and less about a curse. Anyways, we&#039;ll tell you all about the lava rock curse that has plagued Hawaii vacationers for years,</itunes:subtitle>
  12640. <itunes:summary>Our main topic today is a spooky one. Well, if you&#039;re superstitious I guess, because I think the topic is more about respect and less about a curse. Anyways, we&#039;ll tell you all about the lava rock curse that has plagued Hawaii vacationers for years, starting from the very beginning. Get ready for a great podcast!&lt;br /&gt;
  12641. &lt;br /&gt;
  12642. Did you hear about the hailstorm in Hawaii Kai on Oahu? How about the incredibly low temperatures (58 degrees!) on Kauai? We&#039;ve recently had some interesting winter weather in Hawaii, but don&#039;t let it keep you away from these tropics! January and February are beautiful months to visit Hawaii, especially because whale watching is at an all-time high.&lt;br /&gt;
  12643. &lt;br /&gt;
  12644. Today we have a variety of news topics for you. From updates on Bravo channel&#039;s Top Chef Finale to the reduced infrastructure land deal that is being decided between the state and Turtle Bay developers. Travelers will also be happy to hear that Governor Abercrombie released $74 million for upgrades to airports around the state. October 2013 set a new revenue record for Hawaii and aloha state hotels are receiving praise from Conde Nast Traveler&#039;s annual readers&#039; choice survey. Lastly, there&#039;s a new shop opening on Maui, and your hint is: who is the title sponsor of the Triple Crown of Surfing?</itunes:summary>
  12645. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  12646. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  12647. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  12648. <itunes:duration>15:46</itunes:duration>
  12649. </item>
  12650. <item>
  12651. <title>My Favorite Walking Paths on Oahu</title>
  12652. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/my-favorite-walking-paths-on-oahu/</link>
  12653. <pubDate>Tue, 31 Dec 2013 05:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
  12654. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/?p=2759</guid>
  12655. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/my-favorite-walking-paths-on-oahu/#respond</comments>
  12656. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/my-favorite-walking-paths-on-oahu/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  12657. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  12658. <category><![CDATA[Hawaii walking paths]]></category>
  12659. <description>For some, Hawaii instills a sense of adventure and desire for outdoor activity, such as hiking. A big hiking fan myself, I must say that Oahu has some of Hawaii’s finest hiking trails, but I also have to admit that throughout my time here in the islands, I’ve come across many people that aren’t here for the hikes. Which is perfectly fine! Some people aren’t as nimble on their feet as they used to be or just aren’t that into the strenuousness of a hike. Some, like myself, might just want to skip the hike and enjoy a leisurely walk instead for exercise. Whatever the case may be, a good walk is just as fun and entertaining as a good hike, and you’re in luck with our top Oahu walking paths list.
  12660.  
  12661. Walking is a great form of exercise and is as easy as tying on your tennies. And in Hawaii the weather is always accommodating for a nice stroll, plus it’s a good way to get out and about and see the sights by foot instead of by car. Many people enjoy a nice walk after a big meal to help with digestion, while some prefer a stroll in the morning to get the day started. Whatever your walking style may be, we’re going to fill you in on some of Oahu’s best paths for an easy stroll.
  12662.  
  12663. No matter which side of the island you’re staying on, we’ve got a nice route you can take by foot. And all of them can be done in your sandals or slippers too! So forget the vigorous hikes and slow the pace down with an unhurried, relaxing walk.
  12664.  
  12665. Here&#039;s  my top picks but listen to the show for all the details about why I am choosing these.
  12666.  
  12667. North Shore Bike Path
  12668. Waikiki Beach Path
  12669. Diamond Head State Park
  12670. Honolulu’s historic areas
  12671. Kaena Point Trail
  12672. Walk Lanikai neighborhood
  12673. Ko Olina beach coves</description>
  12674. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2013/12/2013-12-30_e636_oahus_walking_paths.mp3" length="16135910" type="audio/mpeg" />
  12675. <itunes:subtitle>For some, Hawaii instills a sense of adventure and desire for outdoor activity, such as hiking. A big hiking fan myself, I must say that Oahu has some of Hawaii’s finest hiking trails, but I also have to admit that throughout my time here in the island...</itunes:subtitle>
  12676. <itunes:summary>For some, Hawaii instills a sense of adventure and desire for outdoor activity, such as hiking. A big hiking fan myself, I must say that Oahu has some of Hawaii’s finest hiking trails, but I also have to admit that throughout my time here in the islands, I’ve come across many people that aren’t here for the hikes. Which is perfectly fine! Some people aren’t as nimble on their feet as they used to be or just aren’t that into the strenuousness of a hike. Some, like myself, might just want to skip the hike and enjoy a leisurely walk instead for exercise. Whatever the case may be, a good walk is just as fun and entertaining as a good hike, and you’re in luck with our top Oahu walking paths list.&lt;br /&gt;
  12677. &lt;br /&gt;
  12678. Walking is a great form of exercise and is as easy as tying on your tennies. And in Hawaii the weather is always accommodating for a nice stroll, plus it’s a good way to get out and about and see the sights by foot instead of by car. Many people enjoy a nice walk after a big meal to help with digestion, while some prefer a stroll in the morning to get the day started. Whatever your walking style may be, we’re going to fill you in on some of Oahu’s best paths for an easy stroll.&lt;br /&gt;
  12679. &lt;br /&gt;
  12680. No matter which side of the island you’re staying on, we’ve got a nice route you can take by foot. And all of them can be done in your sandals or slippers too! So forget the vigorous hikes and slow the pace down with an unhurried, relaxing walk.&lt;br /&gt;
  12681. &lt;br /&gt;
  12682. Here&#039;s  my top picks but listen to the show for all the details about why I am choosing these.&lt;br /&gt;
  12683. &lt;br /&gt;
  12684. North Shore Bike Path&lt;br /&gt;
  12685. Waikiki Beach Path&lt;br /&gt;
  12686. Diamond Head State Park&lt;br /&gt;
  12687. Honolulu’s historic areas&lt;br /&gt;
  12688. Kaena Point Trail&lt;br /&gt;
  12689. Walk Lanikai neighborhood&lt;br /&gt;
  12690. Ko Olina beach coves</itunes:summary>
  12691. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  12692. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  12693. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  12694. <itunes:duration>16:48</itunes:duration>
  12695. </item>
  12696. <item>
  12697. <title>Hawaii&#8217;s Best Kid Friendly Hotel Programs</title>
  12698. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/my-picks-for-hawaiis-best-hotel-kids-programs/</link>
  12699. <pubDate>Tue, 26 Nov 2013 03:20:06 +0000</pubDate>
  12700. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/?p=2739</guid>
  12701. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/my-picks-for-hawaiis-best-hotel-kids-programs/#respond</comments>
  12702. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/my-picks-for-hawaiis-best-hotel-kids-programs/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  12703. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  12704. <category><![CDATA[Concierge]]></category>
  12705. <category><![CDATA[Electronic Devices]]></category>
  12706. <category><![CDATA[Equus Hotel]]></category>
  12707. <category><![CDATA[Gay Marriage]]></category>
  12708. <category><![CDATA[Hawaiian Airlines]]></category>
  12709. <category><![CDATA[High Tech]]></category>
  12710. <category><![CDATA[Hyatt]]></category>
  12711. <category><![CDATA[Hyatt Regency Waikiki]]></category>
  12712. <category><![CDATA[Keiki-Kids]]></category>
  12713. <category><![CDATA[Kid Friendly]]></category>
  12714. <category><![CDATA[Kids]]></category>
  12715. <category><![CDATA[Kukui Grove]]></category>
  12716. <category><![CDATA[LGBT Marriage]]></category>
  12717. <category><![CDATA[LGBTQ]]></category>
  12718. <category><![CDATA[Lihue]]></category>
  12719. <category><![CDATA[Shopping]]></category>
  12720. <category><![CDATA[Text Butler]]></category>
  12721. <category><![CDATA[Waikiki]]></category>
  12722. <description>Our main topic on today’s podcast is about kid-friendly hotels in Hawaii. We’re listing the top two resorts that have the best kids’ programs on each major island in the state. Find out which hotel has the best waterslide, cultural activities and amenities, plus did you know many resorts have fun critters on-site for the kids to enjoy? Penguins, parrots, tropical fish- what more could a kid ask for? If you’re thinking about booking a family vacation to Hawaii, be sure to tune in to this podcast! It’ll definitely offer some good insight, plus your kids will thank you too!
  12723.  
  12724. It’s just like Hawaii to have cooler weather one week and extremely humid days the next. For the past week we’ve had very still, very muggy and very voggy weather with threats of flash floods and storms heading our way. Still no sign of the storm, but it is early in the winter after all. The days are shortened and the sun sets now before 6pm, leaving the 9 to 5’ers with little light for any sort of outdoor activities after punching the time clock to end the work day. But we can’t complain too much cause hey! We’re in Hawaii!
  12725.  
  12726. Last week we had some pretty sensational news topics, but this week is equally entertaining. Hawaiian Airlines decided to hop on the bandwagon and allow the use of portable electronic devices on flights. And the even better news about this is that it’s effective immediately. More on the electronic news scene, the Equus Hotel in Waikiki has just launched a new TextButler service, where guests can get 24-hour service via text messages. Kind of like a personal, electronic concierge that fits right in your pocket!
  12727.  
  12728. More from Waikiki, an overhaul has been decided for Hyatt Regency Waikiki, which is likely to last for 18 months. But find out what these renovations include on today’s podcast. Also, after legalizing gay marriage, the state’s destination-wedding industry is expecting a boom in business. Lastly, find out what new shops are slated for Kauai’s Kukui Grove shopping plaza in Lihue. It’s sure to make sports gear and equipment an easier feat for locals and tourists alike!</description>
  12729. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2013/11/2013-11-25_E633_best-hotel-kids-programs.mp3" length="18769061" type="audio/mpeg" />
  12730. <itunes:subtitle>Our main topic on today’s podcast is about kid-friendly hotels in Hawaii. We’re listing the top two resorts that have the best kids’ programs on each major island in the state. Find out which hotel has the best waterslide,</itunes:subtitle>
  12731. <itunes:summary>Our main topic on today’s podcast is about kid-friendly hotels in Hawaii. We’re listing the top two resorts that have the best kids’ programs on each major island in the state. Find out which hotel has the best waterslide, cultural activities and amenities, plus did you know many resorts have fun critters on-site for the kids to enjoy? Penguins, parrots, tropical fish- what more could a kid ask for? If you’re thinking about booking a family vacation to Hawaii, be sure to tune in to this podcast! It’ll definitely offer some good insight, plus your kids will thank you too!&lt;br /&gt;
  12732. &lt;br /&gt;
  12733. It’s just like Hawaii to have cooler weather one week and extremely humid days the next. For the past week we’ve had very still, very muggy and very voggy weather with threats of flash floods and storms heading our way. Still no sign of the storm, but it is early in the winter after all. The days are shortened and the sun sets now before 6pm, leaving the 9 to 5’ers with little light for any sort of outdoor activities after punching the time clock to end the work day. But we can’t complain too much cause hey! We’re in Hawaii!&lt;br /&gt;
  12734. &lt;br /&gt;
  12735. Last week we had some pretty sensational news topics, but this week is equally entertaining. Hawaiian Airlines decided to hop on the bandwagon and allow the use of portable electronic devices on flights. And the even better news about this is that it’s effective immediately. More on the electronic news scene, the Equus Hotel in Waikiki has just launched a new TextButler service, where guests can get 24-hour service via text messages. Kind of like a personal, electronic concierge that fits right in your pocket!&lt;br /&gt;
  12736. &lt;br /&gt;
  12737. More from Waikiki, an overhaul has been decided for Hyatt Regency Waikiki, which is likely to last for 18 months. But find out what these renovations include on today’s podcast. Also, after legalizing gay marriage, the state’s destination-wedding industry is expecting a boom in business. Lastly, find out what new shops are slated for Kauai’s Kukui Grove shopping plaza in Lihue. It’s sure to make sports gear and equipment an easier feat for locals and tourists alike!</itunes:summary>
  12738. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  12739. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  12740. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  12741. <itunes:duration>19:33</itunes:duration>
  12742. </item>
  12743. <item>
  12744. <title>Airline Fees and Tips for Better Flying to Hawaii</title>
  12745. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/airline-fees-and-tips-for-better-flying-to-hawaii/</link>
  12746. <pubDate>Tue, 05 Nov 2013 22:14:59 +0000</pubDate>
  12747. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/?p=2733</guid>
  12748. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/airline-fees-and-tips-for-better-flying-to-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  12749. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/airline-fees-and-tips-for-better-flying-to-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  12750. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  12751. <category><![CDATA[Baggage Fees]]></category>
  12752. <category><![CDATA[Beijing and Honolulu]]></category>
  12753. <category><![CDATA[Big Island]]></category>
  12754. <category><![CDATA[Big Island Candies]]></category>
  12755. <category><![CDATA[Cheap]]></category>
  12756. <category><![CDATA[Chickens]]></category>
  12757. <category><![CDATA[Electronic Devices]]></category>
  12758. <category><![CDATA[Fall]]></category>
  12759. <category><![CDATA[Halloween]]></category>
  12760. <category><![CDATA[High Surf]]></category>
  12761. <category><![CDATA[Inexpensive]]></category>
  12762. <category><![CDATA[Last Minute Travel]]></category>
  12763. <category><![CDATA[North Shore]]></category>
  12764. <category><![CDATA[Save Money]]></category>
  12765. <category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category>
  12766. <category><![CDATA[Tips on flying]]></category>
  12767. <category><![CDATA[vacation]]></category>
  12768. <category><![CDATA[Waves]]></category>
  12769. <category><![CDATA[winter]]></category>
  12770. <category><![CDATA[Winter Swell]]></category>
  12771. <description>Halloween has come and gone already, which always seems to mark the beginning of the holiday season. For those of you vacationing to Hawaii this winter, be sure to get those activities booked soon because they’re filling up quick! We’ve been having beautiful weather so far this fall and the outdoor activities will surely be the highlight of your vacation.
  12772.  
  12773. On an earlier podcast we talked about last minute holiday traveling and why it’s important to book early. This week we’ve got a follow-up to the travel topic and will be talking about airline fees and how to fly most efficiently. Plus we’ll give you a breakdown of the major airline baggage fees and where to best save your money while booking flights. But before that topic, I’ve got some other news stories for you, the first one being the biggest news in the travel industry since checked baggage fees! But this one is good news!
  12774.  
  12775. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has decided that it is safe for airline passengers to keep their electronic devices on airplane mode throughout their entire journey. The only catch is that airlines have to prove to the FAA that this won’t affect their landing operations. Find out which airline was the first to meet regulations, and now offers their passengers the luxury of keeping their phone, iPad, iPod, DVD player, laptop, etc. on from gate to gate.
  12776.  
  12777. Next is the new airline that’s offering flights between Beijing and Honolulu, and what this service entails. We’ll switch gears to a local news topic that will most likely affect tourists as well- the chicken population on Oahu. Find out why you’ll be seeing (and hearing) more of these feral birds around the island.
  12778.  
  12779. In other news, the Hawaii Tourism Authority made an accurate judgment when they said visitors frequenting the islands will begin to slow down. Hear more about this on today’s podcast plus how north shore residents are in a wave of worry over the big swell season. Lastly we’ll tell you about Big Island Candies newest store location on Oahu, so don’t miss this show!</description>
  12780. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2013/11/2013-11-05_E631_airline-fees-and-tips.mp3" length="23872215" type="audio/mpeg" />
  12781. <itunes:subtitle>Halloween has come and gone already, which always seems to mark the beginning of the holiday season. For those of you vacationing to Hawaii this winter, be sure to get those activities booked soon because they’re filling up quick!</itunes:subtitle>
  12782. <itunes:summary>Halloween has come and gone already, which always seems to mark the beginning of the holiday season. For those of you vacationing to Hawaii this winter, be sure to get those activities booked soon because they’re filling up quick! We’ve been having beautiful weather so far this fall and the outdoor activities will surely be the highlight of your vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  12783. &lt;br /&gt;
  12784. On an earlier podcast we talked about last minute holiday traveling and why it’s important to book early. This week we’ve got a follow-up to the travel topic and will be talking about airline fees and how to fly most efficiently. Plus we’ll give you a breakdown of the major airline baggage fees and where to best save your money while booking flights. But before that topic, I’ve got some other news stories for you, the first one being the biggest news in the travel industry since checked baggage fees! But this one is good news!&lt;br /&gt;
  12785. &lt;br /&gt;
  12786. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has decided that it is safe for airline passengers to keep their electronic devices on airplane mode throughout their entire journey. The only catch is that airlines have to prove to the FAA that this won’t affect their landing operations. Find out which airline was the first to meet regulations, and now offers their passengers the luxury of keeping their phone, iPad, iPod, DVD player, laptop, etc. on from gate to gate.&lt;br /&gt;
  12787. &lt;br /&gt;
  12788. Next is the new airline that’s offering flights between Beijing and Honolulu, and what this service entails. We’ll switch gears to a local news topic that will most likely affect tourists as well- the chicken population on Oahu. Find out why you’ll be seeing (and hearing) more of these feral birds around the island.&lt;br /&gt;
  12789. &lt;br /&gt;
  12790. In other news, the Hawaii Tourism Authority made an accurate judgment when they said visitors frequenting the islands will begin to slow down. Hear more about this on today’s podcast plus how north shore residents are in a wave of worry over the big swell season. Lastly we’ll tell you about Big Island Candies newest store location on Oahu, so don’t miss this show!</itunes:summary>
  12791. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  12792. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  12793. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  12794. <itunes:duration>24:51</itunes:duration>
  12795. </item>
  12796. <item>
  12797. <title>Winter Weather in Hawaii</title>
  12798. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/winter-weather-in-hawaii/</link>
  12799. <pubDate>Tue, 29 Oct 2013 01:13:16 +0000</pubDate>
  12800. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=2729</guid>
  12801. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/winter-weather-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  12802. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/winter-weather-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  12803. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  12804. <category><![CDATA[Art]]></category>
  12805. <category><![CDATA[Aulani]]></category>
  12806. <category><![CDATA[Big Island]]></category>
  12807. <category><![CDATA[Disney]]></category>
  12808. <category><![CDATA[Disney Aulani]]></category>
  12809. <category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>
  12810. <category><![CDATA[Festival]]></category>
  12811. <category><![CDATA[Hawaii Five-0]]></category>
  12812. <category><![CDATA[Hawaii Island]]></category>
  12813. <category><![CDATA[Hawaiian Airlines]]></category>
  12814. <category><![CDATA[Historic Tours]]></category>
  12815. <category><![CDATA[Historic Walking Tours]]></category>
  12816. <category><![CDATA[History]]></category>
  12817. <category><![CDATA[Ihilani]]></category>
  12818. <category><![CDATA[islolated]]></category>
  12819. <category><![CDATA[JW Marriot]]></category>
  12820. <category><![CDATA[Kona coffee]]></category>
  12821. <category><![CDATA[Kona Coffee Cultural Festival]]></category>
  12822. <category><![CDATA[Liliha Bakery]]></category>
  12823. <category><![CDATA[Marriot]]></category>
  12824. <category><![CDATA[Resorts]]></category>
  12825. <category><![CDATA[Restaurant Week]]></category>
  12826. <category><![CDATA[whale watching]]></category>
  12827. <category><![CDATA[Winter Vacation]]></category>
  12828. <category><![CDATA[Winter Weather]]></category>
  12829. <description>Our main topic today is on winter (what?) in Hawaii and the highlights of vacationing to the islands during this time of year. If you&#039;re fond of nature and want the experience of a lifetime, we recommend booking a whale watching tour while visiting Hawaii, since it is touted as one of the best places to witness these amazing creatures. We&#039;ll give you some background on the whales plus some interesting factoids that will surely have you looking into the next available whale watching tour.
  12830.  
  12831. We&#039;ll also tell you what makes Big Island unique in the wintertime, and it has everything to do with the slushy white powder you might just be trying to escape from on the mainland. And don&#039;t forget what else winter brings in Hawaii; big wave season on the north shore. If you&#039;re a fan of surfing then you&#039;ll love hearing about the excitement that ensues on Oahu&#039;s 7-mile miracle every winter.
  12832.  
  12833. Hawaii Five-0 fans will like this news story a lot- Liliha Bakery is opening up a second shop, right near the Honolulu International Airport. Famous for their coco puffs, Liliha Bakery has made two debuts on the hit television series ‘Hawaii Five-0’ and created a buzz for themselves. Find out the location of their new location on today&#039;s show! Also, we&#039;ve got a couple items on Hawaiian Airlines, both good news. First we&#039;ll tell you how the airline ranked #1 again in performance and next we&#039;ll give the details on the newest nonstop services. If you&#039;re thinking about a summer vacation in Hawaii then you&#039;ll definitely want to tune in for this!
  12834.  
  12835. Ko Olina has recently finished renovations to both the Aulani Disney Resort and JW Marriot Ihilani. Attempting to fine tune what their guests are looking for, both resorts have completed multi-million dollar overhauls that will hopefully entice visitors to the western lands of sunshine and serenity, as opposed to the bustling and busy southern counterpart known as Waikiki.
  12836.  
  12837. And for those of you traveling to outer islands, we&#039;ve got a few events coming up this November for you to check out. Things like Restaurant Week, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, Friday Art Night and Historic Walking Tours are on the agenda and should be penciled onto yours too!</description>
  12838. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2013/10/2013-10-28_e630_winter-in-hawaii.mp3" length="17353272" type="audio/mpeg" />
  12839. <itunes:subtitle>Our main topic today is on winter (what?) in Hawaii and the highlights of vacationing to the islands during this time of year. If you&#039;re fond of nature and want the experience of a lifetime, we recommend booking a whale watching tour while visiting Haw...</itunes:subtitle>
  12840. <itunes:summary>Our main topic today is on winter (what?) in Hawaii and the highlights of vacationing to the islands during this time of year. If you&#039;re fond of nature and want the experience of a lifetime, we recommend booking a whale watching tour while visiting Hawaii, since it is touted as one of the best places to witness these amazing creatures. We&#039;ll give you some background on the whales plus some interesting factoids that will surely have you looking into the next available whale watching tour.&lt;br /&gt;
  12841. &lt;br /&gt;
  12842. We&#039;ll also tell you what makes Big Island unique in the wintertime, and it has everything to do with the slushy white powder you might just be trying to escape from on the mainland. And don&#039;t forget what else winter brings in Hawaii; big wave season on the north shore. If you&#039;re a fan of surfing then you&#039;ll love hearing about the excitement that ensues on Oahu&#039;s 7-mile miracle every winter.&lt;br /&gt;
  12843. &lt;br /&gt;
  12844. Hawaii Five-0 fans will like this news story a lot- Liliha Bakery is opening up a second shop, right near the Honolulu International Airport. Famous for their coco puffs, Liliha Bakery has made two debuts on the hit television series ‘Hawaii Five-0’ and created a buzz for themselves. Find out the location of their new location on today&#039;s show! Also, we&#039;ve got a couple items on Hawaiian Airlines, both good news. First we&#039;ll tell you how the airline ranked #1 again in performance and next we&#039;ll give the details on the newest nonstop services. If you&#039;re thinking about a summer vacation in Hawaii then you&#039;ll definitely want to tune in for this!&lt;br /&gt;
  12845. &lt;br /&gt;
  12846. Ko Olina has recently finished renovations to both the Aulani Disney Resort and JW Marriot Ihilani. Attempting to fine tune what their guests are looking for, both resorts have completed multi-million dollar overhauls that will hopefully entice visitors to the western lands of sunshine and serenity, as opposed to the bustling and busy southern counterpart known as Waikiki.&lt;br /&gt;
  12847. &lt;br /&gt;
  12848. And for those of you traveling to outer islands, we&#039;ve got a few events coming up this November for you to check out. Things like Restaurant Week, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, Friday Art Night and Historic Walking Tours are on the agenda and should be penciled onto yours too!</itunes:summary>
  12849. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  12850. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  12851. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  12852. <itunes:duration>18:05</itunes:duration>
  12853. </item>
  12854. <item>
  12855. <title>My Must Do Suggestions for Hilo, Hawaii</title>
  12856. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/my-must-do-suggestions-for-hilo-hawaii/</link>
  12857. <pubDate>Wed, 09 Oct 2013 19:48:24 +0000</pubDate>
  12858. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=2720</guid>
  12859. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/my-must-do-suggestions-for-hilo-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  12860. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/my-must-do-suggestions-for-hilo-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  12861. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  12862. <category><![CDATA[Ala Moana Shopping Center]]></category>
  12863. <category><![CDATA[Arizona Memorial]]></category>
  12864. <category><![CDATA[Great Food Truck Race]]></category>
  12865. <category><![CDATA[Hawaii Volcanoes National Park]]></category>
  12866. <category><![CDATA[Pearl Harbor]]></category>
  12867. <description>Our main topic of the day is about Hilo, Big Island&#039;s largest town and Hawaii&#039;s second largest town. Most people only know one thing about Hilo, and that is that it&#039;s a gateway to get to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. But there is so much more to this verdant Hawaii-style community! Get the highlights of Hilo on today&#039;s podcast and find out why it may be your next (and favorite) Hawaii vacation destination.
  12868.  
  12869. The topic that seems hot on everyone&#039;s list is the recent shut down of the Government, and how it&#039;s affecting people&#039;s lives across the nation. Yes, Hawaii is feeling it too with the recent closures of state parks like the USS Arizona Memorial of Pearl Harbor on Oahu, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, Haleakala National Park on Maui and Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Molokai, among many others. We&#039;ll dive further into this topic in today&#039;s podcast plus other Hawaii news such as Aloha Plate winning Food Network&#039;s The Great Food Truck Race!
  12870.  
  12871. This was big news for us (not to overshadow the seriousness of the government shut down, but really, who wants to dwell on the negative?) since our very own Lanai Tabura was one of three Hawaii members who traveled across the country to compete with the nation&#039;s best up-and-coming food trucks. Hear more about this exciting topic on today&#039;s show, plus have you heard about the relocation of Ala Moana Farmer&#039;s Market all you Oahu market fans out there?
  12872.  
  12873. Due to the renovations happening at Ala Moana shopping center, the Saturday weekly market has moved to Ward Warehouse. But you&#039;ll have to tune in to this podcast to learn more about the details. We&#039;ll also tell you about the new eco-tour hitting the Big Island, where guests can plant their own koa tree and help give back to the aina. And that new resort property slotted for Kauai? The Coconut Beach Resort that&#039;s allocated to ocean front property on the east side? Yeah, it&#039;s on the market. Unfortunately the price for this property is undisclosed, but you&#039;ll find out a little bit more about this new development, which will most likely sprout up on the Garden Isle in the near future.</description>
  12874. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2013/10/2013-10-07_e627_hilo-must-do-suggestions.mp3" length="19394585" type="audio/mpeg" />
  12875. <itunes:subtitle>Our main topic of the day is about Hilo, Big Island&#039;s largest town and Hawaii&#039;s second largest town. Most people only know one thing about Hilo, and that is that it&#039;s a gateway to get to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.</itunes:subtitle>
  12876. <itunes:summary>Our main topic of the day is about Hilo, Big Island&#039;s largest town and Hawaii&#039;s second largest town. Most people only know one thing about Hilo, and that is that it&#039;s a gateway to get to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. But there is so much more to this verdant Hawaii-style community! Get the highlights of Hilo on today&#039;s podcast and find out why it may be your next (and favorite) Hawaii vacation destination.&lt;br /&gt;
  12877. &lt;br /&gt;
  12878. The topic that seems hot on everyone&#039;s list is the recent shut down of the Government, and how it&#039;s affecting people&#039;s lives across the nation. Yes, Hawaii is feeling it too with the recent closures of state parks like the USS Arizona Memorial of Pearl Harbor on Oahu, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, Haleakala National Park on Maui and Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Molokai, among many others. We&#039;ll dive further into this topic in today&#039;s podcast plus other Hawaii news such as Aloha Plate winning Food Network&#039;s The Great Food Truck Race!&lt;br /&gt;
  12879. &lt;br /&gt;
  12880. This was big news for us (not to overshadow the seriousness of the government shut down, but really, who wants to dwell on the negative?) since our very own Lanai Tabura was one of three Hawaii members who traveled across the country to compete with the nation&#039;s best up-and-coming food trucks. Hear more about this exciting topic on today&#039;s show, plus have you heard about the relocation of Ala Moana Farmer&#039;s Market all you Oahu market fans out there?&lt;br /&gt;
  12881. &lt;br /&gt;
  12882. Due to the renovations happening at Ala Moana shopping center, the Saturday weekly market has moved to Ward Warehouse. But you&#039;ll have to tune in to this podcast to learn more about the details. We&#039;ll also tell you about the new eco-tour hitting the Big Island, where guests can plant their own koa tree and help give back to the aina. And that new resort property slotted for Kauai? The Coconut Beach Resort that&#039;s allocated to ocean front property on the east side? Yeah, it&#039;s on the market. Unfortunately the price for this property is undisclosed, but you&#039;ll find out a little bit more about this new development, which will most likely sprout up on the Garden Isle in the near future.</itunes:summary>
  12883. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  12884. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  12885. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  12886. <itunes:duration>20:12</itunes:duration>
  12887. </item>
  12888. <item>
  12889. <title>Creating a Last Minute Hawaii Vacation Checklist</title>
  12890. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/creating-a-last-minute-hawaii-vacation-checklist/</link>
  12891. <pubDate>Tue, 24 Sep 2013 08:53:45 +0000</pubDate>
  12892. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=2712</guid>
  12893. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/creating-a-last-minute-hawaii-vacation-checklist/#respond</comments>
  12894. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/creating-a-last-minute-hawaii-vacation-checklist/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  12895. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  12896. <category><![CDATA[Dole Plantation]]></category>
  12897. <category><![CDATA[Haleiwa Redevelopment]]></category>
  12898. <category><![CDATA[Kaanapali Beach]]></category>
  12899. <category><![CDATA[USS Missouri]]></category>
  12900. <description>On today&#039;s podcast, we&#039;re going to give you some tips on what to pack for your Hawaii vacation plus last minute reminders that might just save you a ton of money. I&#039;ll tell you the story of the tourist that forgot to bring his luggage with him to Hawaii… yep. Which is what inspired this Last Minute Check List for you to use before your vacation. Don&#039;t be stressed out when you land in Hawaii, plan ahead and get help from our podcast.
  12901.  
  12902. September must be the sleepiest month in Hawaii- there seems to be less traffic, less crowds at the beach and a drop in hotel occupancy. September usually means back to school for the keiki and vacation time all used up for parents, but the good news is we have Christmas vacation to look forward to!
  12903.  
  12904. Anyways, on today&#039;s show we have a handful of interesting news topics for your listening ears, starting with the new expanded services at Pearl Harbor for Chinese-speaking visitors. The number one visited attraction in the state of Hawaii, Pearl Harbor attracts over a million visitors a year and Mighty Mo (the USS Missouri battleship tour) wants to make sure it doesn&#039;t miss out on any of the business or action!
  12905.  
  12906. Next we&#039;ll tell you about the new germ-zapping machine that has some airlines wondering if they can keep their clients and employees healthier. All hail the GermFalcon! And if you haven&#039;t heard about Haleiwa&#039;s redevelopment on Oahu&#039;s North Shore then the newly announced 11 shops will surprise you! While North Shore residents are torn about their beloved town becoming more commercialized, visitors will be happy to hear what shops and restaurants are slotted to open after the renovation concludes.
  12907.  
  12908. Wailuku Maui has just opened up a new Safeway, but tune into this podcast to hear about what makes this Hawaii location one-of-a-kind. Maui is also seeing a new spa located within the Honua Kai Resort &amp; Spa condo resort property on Kaanapali Beach. You&#039;ll hear what makes this spa unique, like it&#039;s exclusive Kauai–style treatments, open-air facilities and more. Lastly before our main topic of the day we&#039;ll tell you about Dole Plantation and what&#039;s been unveiled on their property.</description>
  12909. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2013/09/2013-09-23_e625_last-minute-hawaii-vacation-checklist.mp3" length="24822203" type="audio/mpeg" />
  12910. <itunes:subtitle>On today&#039;s podcast, we&#039;re going to give you some tips on what to pack for your Hawaii vacation plus last minute reminders that might just save you a ton of money. I&#039;ll tell you the story of the tourist that forgot to bring his luggage with him to Hawai...</itunes:subtitle>
  12911. <itunes:summary>On today&#039;s podcast, we&#039;re going to give you some tips on what to pack for your Hawaii vacation plus last minute reminders that might just save you a ton of money. I&#039;ll tell you the story of the tourist that forgot to bring his luggage with him to Hawaii… yep. Which is what inspired this Last Minute Check List for you to use before your vacation. Don&#039;t be stressed out when you land in Hawaii, plan ahead and get help from our podcast.&lt;br /&gt;
  12912. &lt;br /&gt;
  12913. September must be the sleepiest month in Hawaii- there seems to be less traffic, less crowds at the beach and a drop in hotel occupancy. September usually means back to school for the keiki and vacation time all used up for parents, but the good news is we have Christmas vacation to look forward to!&lt;br /&gt;
  12914. &lt;br /&gt;
  12915. Anyways, on today&#039;s show we have a handful of interesting news topics for your listening ears, starting with the new expanded services at Pearl Harbor for Chinese-speaking visitors. The number one visited attraction in the state of Hawaii, Pearl Harbor attracts over a million visitors a year and Mighty Mo (the USS Missouri battleship tour) wants to make sure it doesn&#039;t miss out on any of the business or action!&lt;br /&gt;
  12916. &lt;br /&gt;
  12917. Next we&#039;ll tell you about the new germ-zapping machine that has some airlines wondering if they can keep their clients and employees healthier. All hail the GermFalcon! And if you haven&#039;t heard about Haleiwa&#039;s redevelopment on Oahu&#039;s North Shore then the newly announced 11 shops will surprise you! While North Shore residents are torn about their beloved town becoming more commercialized, visitors will be happy to hear what shops and restaurants are slotted to open after the renovation concludes.&lt;br /&gt;
  12918. &lt;br /&gt;
  12919. Wailuku Maui has just opened up a new Safeway, but tune into this podcast to hear about what makes this Hawaii location one-of-a-kind. Maui is also seeing a new spa located within the Honua Kai Resort &amp; Spa condo resort property on Kaanapali Beach. You&#039;ll hear what makes this spa unique, like it&#039;s exclusive Kauai–style treatments, open-air facilities and more. Lastly before our main topic of the day we&#039;ll tell you about Dole Plantation and what&#039;s been unveiled on their property.</itunes:summary>
  12920. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  12921. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  12922. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  12923. <itunes:duration>25:51</itunes:duration>
  12924. </item>
  12925. <item>
  12926. <title>Respecting the Aina (island) on your Hawaii Vacation</title>
  12927. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/respecting-the-ania-island-on-your-hawaii-vacation/</link>
  12928. <pubDate>Tue, 20 Aug 2013 22:19:42 +0000</pubDate>
  12929. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=2693</guid>
  12930. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/respecting-the-ania-island-on-your-hawaii-vacation/#respond</comments>
  12931. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/respecting-the-ania-island-on-your-hawaii-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  12932. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  12933. <description>This week we&#039;ve got a great podcast for you. Lots of news items that are sure to interest you, starting off with the topic of the International Marketplace. You may have heard by now that this beloved outdoor shopping space is undergoing renovation soon. And we&#039;ll give you the update about when they expect to complete it, plus what&#039;s going on with the vendors who set up here every day.
  12934.  
  12935. Remember Elvis Presley in Blue Hawaii? Then you probably remember the Coco Palms. It&#039;s been an eyesore for the past 21 years, but now there are some investors that are looking to repair it and get it open for business once again. We&#039;ll tell you more about this rebuild in the podcast. Speaking of new buildings, we&#039;ll tell you about the two new spots that are likely to open up on Oahu… and here&#039;s a hint. One is a popular clothing and apartment store where you can find some of the craziest books on the market, and the other is where you&#039;ll find some of the best organic chocolate on the planet! We&#039;ll say no more…
  12936.  
  12937. Our next topic concerns that long lost name ‘Aloha Airlines’ and what Island Air has up its sleeve regarding this. Next is the new exhibit at the Honolulu Museum of Art, one you definitely don&#039;t want to miss, and our last topic is about the HTA and what their goals are for 2014.
  12938.  
  12939. And finally, our main topic of the day. How to respect the Aina (island) during your Hawaii vacation. It&#039;s something that comes up a lot between tourists and locals, and it&#039;s best if visitors know a few things about respecting the island before they travel here. We&#039;ll talk about ‘mana’, bad luck following you off the island, turtle harassment and more interesting topics as part of this discussion.</description>
  12940. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2013/08/2013-08-19_e623_respecting-the-aina-on-your-vacation.mp3" length="20985337" type="audio/mpeg" />
  12941. <itunes:subtitle>This week we&#039;ve got a great podcast for you. Lots of news items that are sure to interest you, starting off with the topic of the International Marketplace. You may have heard by now that this beloved outdoor shopping space is undergoing renovation soo...</itunes:subtitle>
  12942. <itunes:summary>This week we&#039;ve got a great podcast for you. Lots of news items that are sure to interest you, starting off with the topic of the International Marketplace. You may have heard by now that this beloved outdoor shopping space is undergoing renovation soon. And we&#039;ll give you the update about when they expect to complete it, plus what&#039;s going on with the vendors who set up here every day.&lt;br /&gt;
  12943. &lt;br /&gt;
  12944. Remember Elvis Presley in Blue Hawaii? Then you probably remember the Coco Palms. It&#039;s been an eyesore for the past 21 years, but now there are some investors that are looking to repair it and get it open for business once again. We&#039;ll tell you more about this rebuild in the podcast. Speaking of new buildings, we&#039;ll tell you about the two new spots that are likely to open up on Oahu… and here&#039;s a hint. One is a popular clothing and apartment store where you can find some of the craziest books on the market, and the other is where you&#039;ll find some of the best organic chocolate on the planet! We&#039;ll say no more…&lt;br /&gt;
  12945. &lt;br /&gt;
  12946. Our next topic concerns that long lost name ‘Aloha Airlines’ and what Island Air has up its sleeve regarding this. Next is the new exhibit at the Honolulu Museum of Art, one you definitely don&#039;t want to miss, and our last topic is about the HTA and what their goals are for 2014.&lt;br /&gt;
  12947. &lt;br /&gt;
  12948. And finally, our main topic of the day. How to respect the Aina (island) during your Hawaii vacation. It&#039;s something that comes up a lot between tourists and locals, and it&#039;s best if visitors know a few things about respecting the island before they travel here. We&#039;ll talk about ‘mana’, bad luck following you off the island, turtle harassment and more interesting topics as part of this discussion.</itunes:summary>
  12949. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  12950. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  12951. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  12952. <itunes:duration>21:52</itunes:duration>
  12953. </item>
  12954. <item>
  12955. <title>The impossibility of changing your Hawaii Vacation plans once you get here</title>
  12956. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/the-impossibility-of-changing-your-hawaii-vacation-plans-once-you-get-here/</link>
  12957. <pubDate>Sat, 29 Jun 2013 01:03:09 +0000</pubDate>
  12958. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=2656</guid>
  12959. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/the-impossibility-of-changing-your-hawaii-vacation-plans-once-you-get-here/#respond</comments>
  12960. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/the-impossibility-of-changing-your-hawaii-vacation-plans-once-you-get-here/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  12961. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  12962. <description>So you booked a vacation to Hawaii and now you&#039;re here. But you&#039;re having such an amazing time you want to stay longer. One problem though- you&#039;ve already booked your flights in advance. Learn about changing flights not just for yourself but also for the whole family, and find out the pros and cons of this situation on today&#039;s podcast. It&#039;s a very typical circumstance and we want you to be prepared if and when you ever find yourself in this same position! That&#039;s today&#039;s give a listen.
  12963.  
  12964. This week in Hawaii, the weather has been pretty typical. I swear the local newspapers have to come up with seven different ways to say the same thing about the weather… mostly sunny, some clouds. But I&#039;m not complaining! June has an average weather temperature of 72 degrees to 87 degrees, from morning till night. This month has ideal summertime weather because it never gets too hot, nor does it drop below a comfortable coolness. Gotta love Hawaii, I never get tired of wearing shorts year round! Also, the tradewinds are back up which is great news. Keeps the vog away and also helps from residents and vacationers getting too hot on the beach!
  12965.  
  12966. In this week&#039;s podcast we&#039;ll talk about a handful of interesting news topics, our first being about the highest lounge in Hawaii. Skybar Waikiki, a lofty lounge and tapas bar will open in the spring of 2014 and boast the title, “Hawaii&#039;s Highest Lounge”. Located on the 19th floor of the Waikiki Business Plaza, listen to our podcast to hear more about what this new lounge offers… We&#039;ll give you one detail: seamless glass railings that allow for unobstructed views of Diamond Head crater and the ocean. WOW!
  12967.  
  12968. Next we&#039;ll discuss Castle Resorts &amp; Hotels and their rave review from TripAdvisor. Believe it or not, Castle Resorts &amp; Hotels will have nine of its properties recognized with the 2013 Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor. Find out why and what our opinions are on this topic…
  12969.  
  12970. Before we begin the main topic discussion, we also talk a bit about the new restaurants opening at Westin Maui this summer. Two new dining options will replace the resort&#039;s existing Ono Bar &amp; Grill and Tropica Restaurant &amp; Bar venues. Relish Burger Bistro and Sugar House Island Kitchen will be the summer. I also go over a podcast listener itinerary from Ian I received and offer some advice and honest opinions which I hope he&#039;s not to upset about!!</description>
  12971. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2013/06/2013-06-28_e613_the-impossibility-of-changing-your-plans-once-you-get-here.mp3" length="25787688" type="audio/mpeg" />
  12972. <itunes:subtitle>So you booked a vacation to Hawaii and now you&#039;re here. But you&#039;re having such an amazing time you want to stay longer. One problem though- you&#039;ve already booked your flights in advance. Learn about changing flights not just for yourself but also for t...</itunes:subtitle>
  12973. <itunes:summary>So you booked a vacation to Hawaii and now you&#039;re here. But you&#039;re having such an amazing time you want to stay longer. One problem though- you&#039;ve already booked your flights in advance. Learn about changing flights not just for yourself but also for the whole family, and find out the pros and cons of this situation on today&#039;s podcast. It&#039;s a very typical circumstance and we want you to be prepared if and when you ever find yourself in this same position! That&#039;s today&#039;s give a listen.&lt;br /&gt;
  12974. &lt;br /&gt;
  12975. This week in Hawaii, the weather has been pretty typical. I swear the local newspapers have to come up with seven different ways to say the same thing about the weather… mostly sunny, some clouds. But I&#039;m not complaining! June has an average weather temperature of 72 degrees to 87 degrees, from morning till night. This month has ideal summertime weather because it never gets too hot, nor does it drop below a comfortable coolness. Gotta love Hawaii, I never get tired of wearing shorts year round! Also, the tradewinds are back up which is great news. Keeps the vog away and also helps from residents and vacationers getting too hot on the beach!&lt;br /&gt;
  12976. &lt;br /&gt;
  12977. In this week&#039;s podcast we&#039;ll talk about a handful of interesting news topics, our first being about the highest lounge in Hawaii. Skybar Waikiki, a lofty lounge and tapas bar will open in the spring of 2014 and boast the title, “Hawaii&#039;s Highest Lounge”. Located on the 19th floor of the Waikiki Business Plaza, listen to our podcast to hear more about what this new lounge offers… We&#039;ll give you one detail: seamless glass railings that allow for unobstructed views of Diamond Head crater and the ocean. WOW!&lt;br /&gt;
  12978. &lt;br /&gt;
  12979. Next we&#039;ll discuss Castle Resorts &amp; Hotels and their rave review from TripAdvisor. Believe it or not, Castle Resorts &amp; Hotels will have nine of its properties recognized with the 2013 Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor. Find out why and what our opinions are on this topic…&lt;br /&gt;
  12980. &lt;br /&gt;
  12981. Before we begin the main topic discussion, we also talk a bit about the new restaurants opening at Westin Maui this summer. Two new dining options will replace the resort&#039;s existing Ono Bar &amp; Grill and Tropica Restaurant &amp; Bar venues. Relish Burger Bistro and Sugar House Island Kitchen will be the summer. I also go over a podcast listener itinerary from Ian I received and offer some advice and honest opinions which I hope he&#039;s not to upset about!!</itunes:summary>
  12982. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  12983. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  12984. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  12985. <itunes:duration>26:52</itunes:duration>
  12986. </item>
  12987. <item>
  12988. <title>The Aloha Plate Song</title>
  12989. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/the-aloha-plate-song/</link>
  12990. <pubDate>Fri, 21 Jun 2013 02:13:08 +0000</pubDate>
  12991. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=2648</guid>
  12992. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/the-aloha-plate-song/#respond</comments>
  12993. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/the-aloha-plate-song/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  12994. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  12995. <description>If you&#039;ve ever heard smooth vocals of traditional Hawaiian music, chances are this song will bring back those kinds of memories. Even if you&#039;re not familiar with Hawaiian Music , you&#039;ll feel the Aloha in the melody. The the Aloha Plate Truck… In honor of the truck that&#039;s making its way around the continental United States, serving up aloha one plate at a time, is an impromptu song about the Aloha Plate Truck written byLono Makia.
  12996.  
  12997. Connecting with truck team member Lanai Tabura, he sent over the demo of “Aloha Plate”, the first ever song written for The Food Network&#039;s The Great Food Truck Race. While the song was created just for fun, we just had to share it with our listeners and readers! Aloha Plate, aloha, we travel near and far so you can have a taste at Aloha Plate” is the chorus of this original Hapa song. With the ukulele creating the melody, this song is reminiscent of traditional Hawaii and makes you feel relaxed and surrounded by aloha. “We&#039;re serving up Aloha to each and every state at Aloha Plate” is the hook of the song and the message behind what the Aloha Plate Truck is all about.
  12998.  
  12999. Soft, and melodic, this song is a great show of the support the Aloha Plate Truck is receiving from home. We&#039;re finding ohana everywhere to join the Hawaii team on this Great Food Truck Race! We are so excited about this song and can&#039;t wait for you to listen along with us!</description>
  13000. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2013/06/2013-06-20_e610_the-aloha-plate-song.mp3" length="1612499" type="audio/mpeg" />
  13001. <itunes:subtitle>If you&#039;ve ever heard smooth vocals of traditional Hawaiian music, chances are this song will bring back those kinds of memories. Even if you&#039;re not familiar with Hawaiian Music , you&#039;ll feel the Aloha in the melody.</itunes:subtitle>
  13002. <itunes:summary>If you&#039;ve ever heard smooth vocals of traditional Hawaiian music, chances are this song will bring back those kinds of memories. Even if you&#039;re not familiar with Hawaiian Music , you&#039;ll feel the Aloha in the melody. The the Aloha Plate Truck… In honor of the truck that&#039;s making its way around the continental United States, serving up aloha one plate at a time, is an impromptu song about the Aloha Plate Truck written byLono Makia.&lt;br /&gt;
  13003. &lt;br /&gt;
  13004. Connecting with truck team member Lanai Tabura, he sent over the demo of “Aloha Plate”, the first ever song written for The Food Network&#039;s The Great Food Truck Race. While the song was created just for fun, we just had to share it with our listeners and readers! Aloha Plate, aloha, we travel near and far so you can have a taste at Aloha Plate” is the chorus of this original Hapa song. With the ukulele creating the melody, this song is reminiscent of traditional Hawaii and makes you feel relaxed and surrounded by aloha. “We&#039;re serving up Aloha to each and every state at Aloha Plate” is the hook of the song and the message behind what the Aloha Plate Truck is all about.&lt;br /&gt;
  13005. &lt;br /&gt;
  13006. Soft, and melodic, this song is a great show of the support the Aloha Plate Truck is receiving from home. We&#039;re finding ohana everywhere to join the Hawaii team on this Great Food Truck Race! We are so excited about this song and can&#039;t wait for you to listen along with us!</itunes:summary>
  13007. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  13008. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  13009. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  13010. <itunes:duration>1:40</itunes:duration>
  13011. </item>
  13012. <item>
  13013. <title>Fun Picture Talking ideas for your Hawaii Vacation</title>
  13014. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/fun-picture-talking-ideas-for-your-hawaii-vacation/</link>
  13015. <pubDate>Fri, 31 May 2013 23:37:18 +0000</pubDate>
  13016. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=2635</guid>
  13017. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/fun-picture-talking-ideas-for-your-hawaii-vacation/#respond</comments>
  13018. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/fun-picture-talking-ideas-for-your-hawaii-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  13019. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  13020. <description>Photos are THE best way to relive memories, and your vacation to Hawaii will be worth every click of the camera. Whether you&#039;re a hobby photographer, professional photographer or social media photographer there are ways to create unique photo opportunities that make for great pictures and also great adventures along the way. With smartphones completely transforming the photo process, it&#039;s now easier than ever to click, upload and share your vacation with everyone back home. So with all the time you&#039;re saving not having to load your camera, develop the film, then sort through all the junk, why not get creative with some photo ops during your Hawaiian vacation? It&#039;ll provide some entertaining days and some even better stories for friends and family back home!
  13021.  
  13022. To make the process a little easier, we&#039;ve thought up a handful of our own unique ways to capture moments. And just because you&#039;ve seen it done before doesn&#039;t mean YOU can&#039;t do it again yourself! Or, try spinning off our ideas and come up with your own. Either way, don&#039;t let those wonderful photo opportunities pass you by, especially when you&#039;re in Hawaii.
  13023. Holding the setting sun
  13024. This is only successful when you stop trying to get people&#039;s faces to light up with a flash. You need to embrace the silhouette. It makes for a more beautiful photo anyways. Try facing your back to the camera and holding your arms loosely above your head with your hands in an open V. Your photographer will move you left or right, up or down till they get the sun directly centered between your palms. Another fun one is “pinching” the sun, which again takes your photographer positioning you perfectly. Or, for a romantic photo, have a couple stand equal distances from the sun (the sun should be in the middle of the couple), facing each other, and leaning in toward one another for a kiss.
  13025. Cradling Diamond Head
  13026. You can achieve this best on a beach in Waikiki, or on a boat overlooking the city. Both have equally great views of Diamond Head. Similar to the sun pictures, you&#039;ll be doing some trick photography to make it appear as if you&#039;re right next to Diamond Head. You can try “leaning” up against the mountain, “cupping” it in your hands, or circling it with your arms. While spectators might think you&#039;re a bit loony, you won&#039;t be ashamed once you have that perfect shot captured on your camera.
  13027. Underwater Photography
  13028. Obviously you&#039;ll need an underwater camera for this one. But there are so many great photo ops when you&#039;re underwater, it&#039;s like a whole new world opens up for your photographic eye! If you&#039;re swimming amongst fish, try holding your breath and swimming to the bottom, then glide parallel to the bottom while looking up to the surface. Your photographer should be able to get a photo of you swimming amongst the reef fish in this shot. Another good one is to run rocks. Find a rock that you can pick up, but that weights you down to the bottom. Bear hug the rock and then run on the bottom of the ocean. It makes for a great photo of you running underwater and a great workout! Also, posing underwater isn&#039;t like posing on land- there&#039;s no gravity so you are weightless! Experiment with crazy poses from yoga, jui jitsu or just you being silly. Lastly, a half in/half out of water photo is always beautiful. These work well as up-close headshots, or for just capturing the beauty above and below the ocean&#039;s surface.
  13029. Hobby in Hawaii (yoga, dance, music, etc.)
  13030. There&#039;s nothing like bringing a little bit of YOU to Hawaii, so let loose and be yourself- even if there is a crowd! If you&#039;ve just accomplished a great hike, take a photo at the end of it in a pose that best describes you. This can be a yoga pose, dance move, jumping picture, air guitar jamming, silly face, or whatever best describes your hobbies and/or personality. Taking these photos at the top of a mountain, overlooking a cliff, on a park bench, or in the sand are great stories to share and will have your friends saying,</description>
  13031. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2013/05/2013-05-31_e605_creative-fun-pictures-you-can-take-in-hawaii.mp3" length="13690331" type="audio/mpeg" />
  13032. <itunes:subtitle>Photos are THE best way to relive memories, and your vacation to Hawaii will be worth every click of the camera. Whether you&#039;re a hobby photographer, professional photographer or social media photographer there are ways to create unique photo opportuni...</itunes:subtitle>
  13033. <itunes:summary>Photos are THE best way to relive memories, and your vacation to Hawaii will be worth every click of the camera. Whether you&#039;re a hobby photographer, professional photographer or social media photographer there are ways to create unique photo opportunities that make for great pictures and also great adventures along the way. With smartphones completely transforming the photo process, it&#039;s now easier than ever to click, upload and share your vacation with everyone back home. So with all the time you&#039;re saving not having to load your camera, develop the film, then sort through all the junk, why not get creative with some photo ops during your Hawaiian vacation? It&#039;ll provide some entertaining days and some even better stories for friends and family back home!&lt;br /&gt;
  13034. &lt;br /&gt;
  13035. To make the process a little easier, we&#039;ve thought up a handful of our own unique ways to capture moments. And just because you&#039;ve seen it done before doesn&#039;t mean YOU can&#039;t do it again yourself! Or, try spinning off our ideas and come up with your own. Either way, don&#039;t let those wonderful photo opportunities pass you by, especially when you&#039;re in Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  13036. Holding the setting sun&lt;br /&gt;
  13037. This is only successful when you stop trying to get people&#039;s faces to light up with a flash. You need to embrace the silhouette. It makes for a more beautiful photo anyways. Try facing your back to the camera and holding your arms loosely above your head with your hands in an open V. Your photographer will move you left or right, up or down till they get the sun directly centered between your palms. Another fun one is “pinching” the sun, which again takes your photographer positioning you perfectly. Or, for a romantic photo, have a couple stand equal distances from the sun (the sun should be in the middle of the couple), facing each other, and leaning in toward one another for a kiss.&lt;br /&gt;
  13038. Cradling Diamond Head&lt;br /&gt;
  13039. You can achieve this best on a beach in Waikiki, or on a boat overlooking the city. Both have equally great views of Diamond Head. Similar to the sun pictures, you&#039;ll be doing some trick photography to make it appear as if you&#039;re right next to Diamond Head. You can try “leaning” up against the mountain, “cupping” it in your hands, or circling it with your arms. While spectators might think you&#039;re a bit loony, you won&#039;t be ashamed once you have that perfect shot captured on your camera.&lt;br /&gt;
  13040. Underwater Photography&lt;br /&gt;
  13041. Obviously you&#039;ll need an underwater camera for this one. But there are so many great photo ops when you&#039;re underwater, it&#039;s like a whole new world opens up for your photographic eye! If you&#039;re swimming amongst fish, try holding your breath and swimming to the bottom, then glide parallel to the bottom while looking up to the surface. Your photographer should be able to get a photo of you swimming amongst the reef fish in this shot. Another good one is to run rocks. Find a rock that you can pick up, but that weights you down to the bottom. Bear hug the rock and then run on the bottom of the ocean. It makes for a great photo of you running underwater and a great workout! Also, posing underwater isn&#039;t like posing on land- there&#039;s no gravity so you are weightless! Experiment with crazy poses from yoga, jui jitsu or just you being silly. Lastly, a half in/half out of water photo is always beautiful. These work well as up-close headshots, or for just capturing the beauty above and below the ocean&#039;s surface.&lt;br /&gt;
  13042. Hobby in Hawaii (yoga, dance, music, etc.)&lt;br /&gt;
  13043. There&#039;s nothing like bringing a little bit of YOU to Hawaii, so let loose and be yourself- even if there is a crowd! If you&#039;ve just accomplished a great hike, take a photo at the end of it in a pose that best describes you. This can be a yoga pose, dance move, jumping picture, air guitar jamming, silly face, or whatever best describes your hobbies and/or personality. Taking these photos at the top of a mountain, overlooking a cliff, on a park bench,</itunes:summary>
  13044. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  13045. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  13046. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  13047. <itunes:duration>14:15</itunes:duration>
  13048. </item>
  13049. <item>
  13050. <title>Some of my Favorite North Shore Drive Stops</title>
  13051. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/some-of-my-favorite-north-shore-drive-stops/</link>
  13052. <pubDate>Sat, 25 May 2013 00:29:49 +0000</pubDate>
  13053. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=2629</guid>
  13054. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/some-of-my-favorite-north-shore-drive-stops/#respond</comments>
  13055. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/some-of-my-favorite-north-shore-drive-stops/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  13056. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  13057. <description>When you&#039;re vacationing on Oahu, make sure to plan a day exploring the north shore because it depicts a totally different personality of this bustling island. The drive alone is worthwhile in itself, but aside from the natural beauty, there are plenty of fun and different things to see while traveling to and from the north shore. If you&#039;re staying in Waikiki, there are two ways you can access the opposite side. Either head east and drive along the coast, or head west and cut up the center of the island through Wahiawa. It really doesn&#039;t matter which way you start out because if you plan to circle the north shore, you&#039;ll hit all the pit stops either on your way in or on your way out.
  13058.  
  13059. Enjoying Oahu&#039;s countryside counterparts is like adventuring to another island. The differences between Waikiki and Haleiwa are vast, and the drive gives you a perspective of the island that you wouldn&#039;t otherwise see. We&#039;ve created a list of a few of the must-see pit stops during your north shore adventure. From famous beaches and breaks to world famous shrimp trucks to boutique shopping and more, be sure to check these points of interest off your Oahu bucket list!
  13060.  
  13061. Chinaman&#039;s Hat- Located on the northeast side, a small island named Mokolii, but more commonly referred to as Chinaman&#039;s Hat got its name from its unusual shape. Home to shearwater birds, this islet can be explored by kayak, but is mostly just enjoyed from afar at the beach shores. This is one of most popular spots for pictures on Oahu and provides a fabulous backdrop of Hawaii&#039;s tropical scenery.
  13062.  
  13063. Tropical Farms (Mac Nut Farm)- Beginning as a roadside stand, Tropical Farms has now expanded to a beautiful property overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Open to visitors, this charming little farm offers tours, gifts, and some of the freshest macadamia nut and coffee samples around. This is a great place to stock up on Hawaiian goodies for gifts or stop off for some local style refreshments. You&#039;ve never tasted macadamia nuts quite like the kind that Tropical Farms grows and seasons!
  13064.  
  13065. Kualoa Beach Park- Offering a great view of Chinaman&#039;s Hat, Kualoa Beach Park is a fun place for a family picnic or a quick beach stop off. With large grassy areas, public restrooms, and calm waters, Kualoa is the ideal location for photos providing a beautiful white sand beach with a stunning backdrop of the Koolau Mountains. This beach was also popular for the ancient Hawaiians to frequent, as whale bones were known to wash up on the shores. These bones were saved and only worn by ali&#039;i (Hawaiian royalty) and were used as jewelry and body décor.
  13066.  
  13067. Shrimp Trucks- These world famous shrimp trucks are scattered along the drive from Kualoa all the way through Haleiwa. While some are better than others, they all sell tasty shrimp cooked up in local flavors. Somewhat of a novelty, these shrimp trucks create a quirky ambiance that many visitors love. Order a shrimp plate to go and eat it on the beach, or enjoy the outdoor tables right near the truck.
  13068.  
  13069. Pipeline- One of the most renowned surf breaks in the world, Pipeline is calm during the summer months and firing during the winter. But even if you see Pipe when there are no waves, it&#039;s still a sight for sore eyes. The reef formations below are visible from the surface and the sand stretches for miles in either direction. While walking the beach near Pipeline, you&#039;ll see some of the famous pro houses that line the beach such as the Volcom House, Billabong House, and Redbull House.
  13070.  
  13071. Laniakea- Also known as Turtle Beach, this spot is a breeding and feeding ground for Hawaiian green sea turtles. You can find them basking in the sand or swimming through the water, just be careful you don&#039;t get too close. It&#039;s a large fine for bothering these protected creatures, so remember to enjoy them from a respectful distance. Laniakea is also great for swimming and snorkeling and is the first sandy you&#039;ll see when driving from the Wahiawa route.
  13072.  
  13073. </description>
  13074. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2013/05/2013-05-24_e604_popular-north-shore-drive-stops.mp3" length="14832649" type="audio/mpeg" />
  13075. <itunes:subtitle>When you&#039;re vacationing on Oahu, make sure to plan a day exploring the north shore because it depicts a totally different personality of this bustling island. The drive alone is worthwhile in itself, but aside from the natural beauty,</itunes:subtitle>
  13076. <itunes:summary>When you&#039;re vacationing on Oahu, make sure to plan a day exploring the north shore because it depicts a totally different personality of this bustling island. The drive alone is worthwhile in itself, but aside from the natural beauty, there are plenty of fun and different things to see while traveling to and from the north shore. If you&#039;re staying in Waikiki, there are two ways you can access the opposite side. Either head east and drive along the coast, or head west and cut up the center of the island through Wahiawa. It really doesn&#039;t matter which way you start out because if you plan to circle the north shore, you&#039;ll hit all the pit stops either on your way in or on your way out.&lt;br /&gt;
  13077. &lt;br /&gt;
  13078. Enjoying Oahu&#039;s countryside counterparts is like adventuring to another island. The differences between Waikiki and Haleiwa are vast, and the drive gives you a perspective of the island that you wouldn&#039;t otherwise see. We&#039;ve created a list of a few of the must-see pit stops during your north shore adventure. From famous beaches and breaks to world famous shrimp trucks to boutique shopping and more, be sure to check these points of interest off your Oahu bucket list!&lt;br /&gt;
  13079. &lt;br /&gt;
  13080. Chinaman&#039;s Hat- Located on the northeast side, a small island named Mokolii, but more commonly referred to as Chinaman&#039;s Hat got its name from its unusual shape. Home to shearwater birds, this islet can be explored by kayak, but is mostly just enjoyed from afar at the beach shores. This is one of most popular spots for pictures on Oahu and provides a fabulous backdrop of Hawaii&#039;s tropical scenery.&lt;br /&gt;
  13081. &lt;br /&gt;
  13082. Tropical Farms (Mac Nut Farm)- Beginning as a roadside stand, Tropical Farms has now expanded to a beautiful property overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Open to visitors, this charming little farm offers tours, gifts, and some of the freshest macadamia nut and coffee samples around. This is a great place to stock up on Hawaiian goodies for gifts or stop off for some local style refreshments. You&#039;ve never tasted macadamia nuts quite like the kind that Tropical Farms grows and seasons!&lt;br /&gt;
  13083. &lt;br /&gt;
  13084. Kualoa Beach Park- Offering a great view of Chinaman&#039;s Hat, Kualoa Beach Park is a fun place for a family picnic or a quick beach stop off. With large grassy areas, public restrooms, and calm waters, Kualoa is the ideal location for photos providing a beautiful white sand beach with a stunning backdrop of the Koolau Mountains. This beach was also popular for the ancient Hawaiians to frequent, as whale bones were known to wash up on the shores. These bones were saved and only worn by ali&#039;i (Hawaiian royalty) and were used as jewelry and body décor.&lt;br /&gt;
  13085. &lt;br /&gt;
  13086. Shrimp Trucks- These world famous shrimp trucks are scattered along the drive from Kualoa all the way through Haleiwa. While some are better than others, they all sell tasty shrimp cooked up in local flavors. Somewhat of a novelty, these shrimp trucks create a quirky ambiance that many visitors love. Order a shrimp plate to go and eat it on the beach, or enjoy the outdoor tables right near the truck.&lt;br /&gt;
  13087. &lt;br /&gt;
  13088. Pipeline- One of the most renowned surf breaks in the world, Pipeline is calm during the summer months and firing during the winter. But even if you see Pipe when there are no waves, it&#039;s still a sight for sore eyes. The reef formations below are visible from the surface and the sand stretches for miles in either direction. While walking the beach near Pipeline, you&#039;ll see some of the famous pro houses that line the beach such as the Volcom House, Billabong House, and Redbull House.&lt;br /&gt;
  13089. &lt;br /&gt;
  13090. Laniakea- Also known as Turtle Beach, this spot is a breeding and feeding ground for Hawaiian green sea turtles. You can find them basking in the sand or swimming through the water, just be careful you don&#039;t get too close. It&#039;s a large fine for bothering these protected creatures, so remember to enjoy them from a respectful distance. Laniakea is also great for swimming and snorkeling and is the first sandy ...</itunes:summary>
  13091. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  13092. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  13093. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  13094. <itunes:duration>15:26</itunes:duration>
  13095. </item>
  13096. <item>
  13097. <title>Experiencing Hawaii&#8217;s History through its Iconic Hotels</title>
  13098. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/experiencing-hawaiis-history-through-its-iconic-hotels/</link>
  13099. <pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 18:59:29 +0000</pubDate>
  13100. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=2619</guid>
  13101. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/experiencing-hawaiis-history-through-its-iconic-hotels/#respond</comments>
  13102. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/experiencing-hawaiis-history-through-its-iconic-hotels/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  13103. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  13104. <description>Many travelers visit Hawaii for the beaches, tropical weather, and beautiful landscapes but few come for the history. Richly steeped in long standing culture and tradition, the islands of Hawaii have maintained timelessness while still leaving room for development. The first people settled on Hawaiian soil between 400 and 900 A.D., who are believed to have sailed from the Marquesas Islands. The 1800&#039;s brought foreigners who sailed to the Hawaiian Islands, bringing with them language, religion, and the influence of their European and American construction.
  13105.  
  13106.  
  13107.  
  13108. You can still witness the history of Hawaii in various ways. There are extensive museums that document the modernization of the islands, the missionaries who irrevocably changed history, and the ancient ways of the native Hawaiians. However, the history still lives on through some hotels within the islands. Today we&#039;re going to give you a few brief narratives about the historic hotels of Hawaii, beginning with quite possibly the most famous of all, The Royal Hawaiian.
  13109.  
  13110.  
  13111.  
  13112.  
  13113.  
  13114.  
  13115.  
  13116. The Royal Hawaiian, Oahu. Lovingly referred to as “The Pink Palace”, this beach front resort is notorious for being one of the most popular destinations in the world. The property was once used as a playground for King Kamehameha after he conquered the island of Oahu. And Queen Kaahumanu&#039;s Summer Palace was previously located on what is now the resort&#039;s Coconut Grove garden, boasting a majestic lineage for the land.
  13117.  
  13118.  
  13119.  
  13120. Royal Hawaiian
  13121.  
  13122.  
  13123.  
  13124.  
  13125.  
  13126.  
  13127.  
  13128. Developed in the mid-1920&#039;s and opening its doors in 1927, The Royal Hawaiian had celebrities like The Beatles, Marilyn Monroe, the Rockefellers, Dean Martin, Shirley Temple, and Natalie Wood frequent its properties. Attracting elite visitors from all over the world, this destination was known as “the first resort hostelry in America”. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Royal Hawaiian closed down its doors December of 1941 and allowed the United States Navy to use the hotel as a rest and recreation center for enlisted sailors. Reopening again in January of 1947 to the public, the world fell in love with Hawaii via the Pink Palace.
  13129.  
  13130.  
  13131.  
  13132.  
  13133.  
  13134.  
  13135.  
  13136. The Moana Surfrider, Oahu. Known as “The First Lady of Waikiki,” The Moana Surfrider opened its doors in 1901 and became the first large hotel on Waikiki beach (desolate and neglected at that time). Construction of The Moana marked the beginning of tourism in Waikiki, and the structure was the first hotel amidst the bungalows and beach houses. The very first electric-powered elevator was installed in this hotel, which still runs today and old-fashioned features (such as wide hallways for steamer trunks) have remained at the core of the design and renovations throughout the years. The hotel&#039;s first guests paid $1.50 per night for their rooms, whereas a room today will sell for $235 a night.
  13137.  
  13138.  
  13139.  
  13140. cottage49 wide
  13141.  
  13142.  
  13143.  
  13144. Waimea Plantation Cottages, Kauai. Hidden along the quiet west side of Kauai, the Waimea Plantation Cottages are a glimpse of what Hawaiian life was like in the 1800&#039;s. Polynesia, Asia, and Europe all blended together to create the unique culture of contemporary Hawaii and these authentic plantation homes have been carefully restored to match an earlier era. Scattered throughout a peaceful coconut grove, the Waimea Plantation Cottages are set along a historical coastline. Waimea is the first place where Captain Cook landed when he reached the Hawaiian Islands in 1778 and a statue of Cook stands today in Waimea Town in his honor. The first mission house in Waimea was built in 1820, and the Waimea Plantation Cottages help keep this history alive and accessible for visitors.
  13145.  
  13146.  
  13147.  
  13148. OldWailukuInn 63AirBnB
  13149.  
  13150.  
  13151.  
  13152. The Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono, Maui. Listed on the Hawaii Registry of Historic Places, this bed and breakfast was built in 1924 and known as the “Queen of Wailuku Homes.” Lovingly restored to its original glory, The Old Wailuku Inn was set within a prestigious residential neighborhood.</description>
  13153. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2013/05/2013-05-17_e601_learn-hawaiis-history-from-historic-hawaii-hotels.mp3" length="21099271" type="audio/mpeg" />
  13154. <itunes:subtitle>Many travelers visit Hawaii for the beaches, tropical weather, and beautiful landscapes but few come for the history. Richly steeped in long standing culture and tradition, the islands of Hawaii have maintained timelessness while still leaving room for...</itunes:subtitle>
  13155. <itunes:summary>Many travelers visit Hawaii for the beaches, tropical weather, and beautiful landscapes but few come for the history. Richly steeped in long standing culture and tradition, the islands of Hawaii have maintained timelessness while still leaving room for development. The first people settled on Hawaiian soil between 400 and 900 A.D., who are believed to have sailed from the Marquesas Islands. The 1800&#039;s brought foreigners who sailed to the Hawaiian Islands, bringing with them language, religion, and the influence of their European and American construction.&lt;br /&gt;
  13156. &lt;br /&gt;
  13157. &lt;br /&gt;
  13158. &lt;br /&gt;
  13159. You can still witness the history of Hawaii in various ways. There are extensive museums that document the modernization of the islands, the missionaries who irrevocably changed history, and the ancient ways of the native Hawaiians. However, the history still lives on through some hotels within the islands. Today we&#039;re going to give you a few brief narratives about the historic hotels of Hawaii, beginning with quite possibly the most famous of all, The Royal Hawaiian.&lt;br /&gt;
  13160. &lt;br /&gt;
  13161. &lt;br /&gt;
  13162. &lt;br /&gt;
  13163. &lt;br /&gt;
  13164. &lt;br /&gt;
  13165. &lt;br /&gt;
  13166. &lt;br /&gt;
  13167. The Royal Hawaiian, Oahu. Lovingly referred to as “The Pink Palace”, this beach front resort is notorious for being one of the most popular destinations in the world. The property was once used as a playground for King Kamehameha after he conquered the island of Oahu. And Queen Kaahumanu&#039;s Summer Palace was previously located on what is now the resort&#039;s Coconut Grove garden, boasting a majestic lineage for the land.&lt;br /&gt;
  13168. &lt;br /&gt;
  13169. &lt;br /&gt;
  13170. &lt;br /&gt;
  13171. Royal Hawaiian &lt;br /&gt;
  13172. &lt;br /&gt;
  13173. &lt;br /&gt;
  13174. &lt;br /&gt;
  13175. &lt;br /&gt;
  13176. &lt;br /&gt;
  13177. &lt;br /&gt;
  13178. &lt;br /&gt;
  13179. Developed in the mid-1920&#039;s and opening its doors in 1927, The Royal Hawaiian had celebrities like The Beatles, Marilyn Monroe, the Rockefellers, Dean Martin, Shirley Temple, and Natalie Wood frequent its properties. Attracting elite visitors from all over the world, this destination was known as “the first resort hostelry in America”. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Royal Hawaiian closed down its doors December of 1941 and allowed the United States Navy to use the hotel as a rest and recreation center for enlisted sailors. Reopening again in January of 1947 to the public, the world fell in love with Hawaii via the Pink Palace.&lt;br /&gt;
  13180. &lt;br /&gt;
  13181. &lt;br /&gt;
  13182. &lt;br /&gt;
  13183. &lt;br /&gt;
  13184. &lt;br /&gt;
  13185. &lt;br /&gt;
  13186. &lt;br /&gt;
  13187. The Moana Surfrider, Oahu. Known as “The First Lady of Waikiki,” The Moana Surfrider opened its doors in 1901 and became the first large hotel on Waikiki beach (desolate and neglected at that time). Construction of The Moana marked the beginning of tourism in Waikiki, and the structure was the first hotel amidst the bungalows and beach houses. The very first electric-powered elevator was installed in this hotel, which still runs today and old-fashioned features (such as wide hallways for steamer trunks) have remained at the core of the design and renovations throughout the years. The hotel&#039;s first guests paid $1.50 per night for their rooms, whereas a room today will sell for $235 a night.&lt;br /&gt;
  13188. &lt;br /&gt;
  13189. &lt;br /&gt;
  13190. &lt;br /&gt;
  13191. cottage49 wide&lt;br /&gt;
  13192. &lt;br /&gt;
  13193. &lt;br /&gt;
  13194. &lt;br /&gt;
  13195. Waimea Plantation Cottages, Kauai. Hidden along the quiet west side of Kauai, the Waimea Plantation Cottages are a glimpse of what Hawaiian life was like in the 1800&#039;s. Polynesia, Asia, and Europe all blended together to create the unique culture of contemporary Hawaii and these authentic plantation homes have been carefully restored to match an earlier era. Scattered throughout a peaceful coconut grove, the Waimea Plantation Cottages are set along a historical coastline. Waimea is the first place where Captain Cook landed when he reached the Hawaiian Islands in 1778 and a statue of Cook stands today in Waimea Town in his honor. The first mission house in Waimea was built in 1820, and the Waimea Plantation Cottages help keep this history alive and accessible for visitors.&lt;br /&gt;
  13196. &lt;br /&gt;
  13197. &lt;br /&gt;
  13198. &lt;br /&gt;
  13199. OldWailukuInn 63AirBnB&lt;br /&gt;
  13200. &lt;br /&gt;
  13201. &lt;br /&gt;
  13202. &lt;br /&gt;
  13203. The Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono,</itunes:summary>
  13204. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  13205. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  13206. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  13207. <itunes:duration>21:58</itunes:duration>
  13208. </item>
  13209. <item>
  13210. <title>My Picks for Hawaii Vacation Island Combos</title>
  13211. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/my-picks-for-hawaii-vacation-island-combos/</link>
  13212. <pubDate>Sat, 11 May 2013 01:18:36 +0000</pubDate>
  13213. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=2616</guid>
  13214. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/my-picks-for-hawaii-vacation-island-combos/#respond</comments>
  13215. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/my-picks-for-hawaii-vacation-island-combos/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  13216. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  13217. <description>If you&#039;re coming to Hawaii for vacation, consider expanding your trip by planning a multi island package. Traveling to two different islands is the best way to get the most out of Hawaii, especially because each island offers something so totally different from the next. The only problem is, how do you choose which islands to travel to? Especially if you&#039;ve never been to Hawaii or are unfamiliar with the neighboring islands. So what&#039;s the best way to figure out which two islands to visit during your vacation? We&#039;re giving you a run down on a few of the best mix n match combos of the Hawaiian chain!
  13218.  
  13219. For a complete change: Oahu and Big Island. Oahu is bustling with the state&#039;s capitol, but also has some incredible counterparts on the north and east sides. Lively and crowded, Oahu offers a timeless vacation in the hub of Hawaii, while Big Island gives vacationers a unique look of the archipelago. You can see waterfalls, volcanoes, a metropolitan city, black sand beaches, white sand beaches, and quaint shopping towns by combining these two islands together. It&#039;s great for the traveler who wants a complete switch up from one island to the next.
  13220.  
  13221. For some city and some tropics: Oahu and Kauai. This mix n match is great for anyone looking for a blend of excitement and relaxation. While Oahu offers the nightlife, Kauai can provide long days simply enjoying the beach. You can also spend the day shopping on Oahu amongst the crowds and buzz of the city, and the next day be the only one swimming in the secluded waters of Kauai&#039;s north shore beaches. A great juxtaposition between liveliness and calm, check out Oahu and Kauai for the ultimate mix.
  13222.  
  13223. For seeing real Hawaii: Maui and Molokai. Rural and largely undeveloped, both Maui and Molokai offer a glimpse into old Hawaii. With quaint fishing villages scattered along Maui&#039;s coastal areas and an untamed drive down the Hana Highway, you can see what makes this Valley Isle so loved. Hop over to Molokai and get yourself a slice of solitude. With a small local population and tourist industry, Molokai has vast land that remains undeveloped. Parts of these islands show you what Hawaii&#039;s lands look like without human interruption.
  13224.  
  13225. For an outdoor adventure vacation: Kauai and Big Island. These two islands offer some of the most fun things to do in nature for your vacation. Zip lining through Kauai&#039;s lush rainforests to spending a day exploring Big Island&#039;s Volcano National Park, if you&#039;re an outdoor enthusiast, you&#039;ll love this combo of island hopping. Rural, tropical, and different from one another, Kauai and Big Island will make anyone fall in love with the state of Hawaii.
  13226.  
  13227. For nonstop nightlife and a party: Oahu and Maui. For some people a vacation means one thing; parties! And you&#039;re not going to find that on most of the islands. In fact, Oahu and Maui are the only two islands that have a nightlife exceeding past 10:00pm! Check out Oahu for some fun nights down the Waikiki strip and then hop over to Maui to explore the exciting towns of Lahaina, Paia, and Kihei. This is a great mix n match for the traveler that wants to have a party time in Hawaii&#039;s warm weather and accommodating surroundings.
  13228.  
  13229. For beauty and solitude: Kauai and Molokai. If you&#039;re looking to get away from it all, this combo will surely make it possible. Check in to a secluded rental or hotel on the quiet island of Kauai and take in the incredible views from your window. With gorgeous beaches and lush tropical backdrops, Kauai offers as much beauty as the eye can handle. And Molokai will provide the seclusion you seek. Known as an outer island, there aren&#039;t many vacationers who venture to this island of tranquility.
  13230.  
  13231. Island hopping is the most ideal way to explore all that Hawaii has to offer. And by choosing your islands based on your vacationing style, you&#039;ll create the perfect vacation with just the right amount of diversity. Mix n matching your islands allows you to witness the breadth of this tropical state and spice...</description>
  13232. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2013/05/2013-05-13_e600_hawaiian-island-combo-choices.mp3" length="9595614" type="audio/mpeg" />
  13233. <itunes:subtitle>If you&#039;re coming to Hawaii for vacation, consider expanding your trip by planning a multi island package. Traveling to two different islands is the best way to get the most out of Hawaii, especially because each island offers something so totally diffe...</itunes:subtitle>
  13234. <itunes:summary>If you&#039;re coming to Hawaii for vacation, consider expanding your trip by planning a multi island package. Traveling to two different islands is the best way to get the most out of Hawaii, especially because each island offers something so totally different from the next. The only problem is, how do you choose which islands to travel to? Especially if you&#039;ve never been to Hawaii or are unfamiliar with the neighboring islands. So what&#039;s the best way to figure out which two islands to visit during your vacation? We&#039;re giving you a run down on a few of the best mix n match combos of the Hawaiian chain!&lt;br /&gt;
  13235. &lt;br /&gt;
  13236. For a complete change: Oahu and Big Island. Oahu is bustling with the state&#039;s capitol, but also has some incredible counterparts on the north and east sides. Lively and crowded, Oahu offers a timeless vacation in the hub of Hawaii, while Big Island gives vacationers a unique look of the archipelago. You can see waterfalls, volcanoes, a metropolitan city, black sand beaches, white sand beaches, and quaint shopping towns by combining these two islands together. It&#039;s great for the traveler who wants a complete switch up from one island to the next.&lt;br /&gt;
  13237. &lt;br /&gt;
  13238. For some city and some tropics: Oahu and Kauai. This mix n match is great for anyone looking for a blend of excitement and relaxation. While Oahu offers the nightlife, Kauai can provide long days simply enjoying the beach. You can also spend the day shopping on Oahu amongst the crowds and buzz of the city, and the next day be the only one swimming in the secluded waters of Kauai&#039;s north shore beaches. A great juxtaposition between liveliness and calm, check out Oahu and Kauai for the ultimate mix.&lt;br /&gt;
  13239. &lt;br /&gt;
  13240. For seeing real Hawaii: Maui and Molokai. Rural and largely undeveloped, both Maui and Molokai offer a glimpse into old Hawaii. With quaint fishing villages scattered along Maui&#039;s coastal areas and an untamed drive down the Hana Highway, you can see what makes this Valley Isle so loved. Hop over to Molokai and get yourself a slice of solitude. With a small local population and tourist industry, Molokai has vast land that remains undeveloped. Parts of these islands show you what Hawaii&#039;s lands look like without human interruption.&lt;br /&gt;
  13241. &lt;br /&gt;
  13242. For an outdoor adventure vacation: Kauai and Big Island. These two islands offer some of the most fun things to do in nature for your vacation. Zip lining through Kauai&#039;s lush rainforests to spending a day exploring Big Island&#039;s Volcano National Park, if you&#039;re an outdoor enthusiast, you&#039;ll love this combo of island hopping. Rural, tropical, and different from one another, Kauai and Big Island will make anyone fall in love with the state of Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  13243. &lt;br /&gt;
  13244. For nonstop nightlife and a party: Oahu and Maui. For some people a vacation means one thing; parties! And you&#039;re not going to find that on most of the islands. In fact, Oahu and Maui are the only two islands that have a nightlife exceeding past 10:00pm! Check out Oahu for some fun nights down the Waikiki strip and then hop over to Maui to explore the exciting towns of Lahaina, Paia, and Kihei. This is a great mix n match for the traveler that wants to have a party time in Hawaii&#039;s warm weather and accommodating surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
  13245. &lt;br /&gt;
  13246. For beauty and solitude: Kauai and Molokai. If you&#039;re looking to get away from it all, this combo will surely make it possible. Check in to a secluded rental or hotel on the quiet island of Kauai and take in the incredible views from your window. With gorgeous beaches and lush tropical backdrops, Kauai offers as much beauty as the eye can handle. And Molokai will provide the seclusion you seek. Known as an outer island, there aren&#039;t many vacationers who venture to this island of tranquility.&lt;br /&gt;
  13247. &lt;br /&gt;
  13248. Island hopping is the most ideal way to explore all that Hawaii has to offer. And by choosing your islands based on your vacationing style, you&#039;ll create the perfect vacation with just the right amount of diversity.</itunes:summary>
  13249. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  13250. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  13251. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  13252. <itunes:duration>9:59</itunes:duration>
  13253. </item>
  13254. <item>
  13255. <title>Enjoying your Hawaii Vacation like a Hollywood Celebrity</title>
  13256. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/enjoying-you-hawaii-vacation-like-a-hollywood-celebrity/</link>
  13257. <pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2013 02:41:19 +0000</pubDate>
  13258. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=2612</guid>
  13259. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/enjoying-you-hawaii-vacation-like-a-hollywood-celebrity/#respond</comments>
  13260. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/enjoying-you-hawaii-vacation-like-a-hollywood-celebrity/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  13261. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  13262. <description>With top notch beaches, year round warm weather, and water front resorts, it&#039;s no wonder Hawaii is a popular destination for celebrities to frequent. And despite Hawaii&#039;s flood of tourism that keeps the beaches busy, celebrities still choose to vacation within the islands. While they may find a slice of seclusion at their resort or private rental, they still have to brave the outside world every now and again, and it&#039;s quite common for vacationers to catch a glimpse of a Hollywood celebrity.
  13263.  
  13264. While it may be tempting to rush up to an actor or singer for an autograph, keep in mind that these people deserve personal space like everyone else. And they also probably don&#039;t enjoy being bothered when they&#039;re trying to relax. In fact, Steven Tyler of the rock band Aerosmith found this to be such a problem, that he proposed an act that would protect celebrities’ privacy in the state of Hawaii. Owning a multimillion-dollar home on Maui, Steven Tyler says that he is constantly bombarded by onlookers and fans and actually caught paparazzi taking pictures of him and his girlfriend through the window of their private home.
  13265.  
  13266. Tyler fought for an act that would allow celebrities to sue others who take photos or video of their private moments, which was dubbed the Tyler Steven Act. Other celebrities like Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, and Mick Fleetwood submitted written testimony in favor of the bill. Although it made it through the Senate this past February, the future is looking bleak as key lawmakers say they won&#039;t push it through.
  13267.  
  13268. Sounds like celebrities are getting pretty serious about their private time, especially in Hawaii. Is there a law like this in California? Or the Caribbean? Why would they single out Hawaii when this stuff goes on in probably every state and country these celebrities visit? Anyways, there is an upside to this topic. Because celebrities visit Hawaii on the regular, this means that you&#039;re vacationing in the same destination as the Hollywood A Listers! So your upcoming vacation to the islands can be glamorous too.
  13269.  
  13270. You can find big names like Oprah Winfrey, Justin Timberlake, Owen Wilson, Cher, Paris Hilton, and Elton John hanging around their property or a private resort on Maui, which is the most popular Hawaiian Island for celebrities. But Kauai also has a list of actors that visit often too. Names like Pierce Brosnan, Drew Barrymore, and Ben Stiller travel to Kauai on the regular and you also hear about Adam Sandler, Keanu Reeves, and Paul Walker spending time on Oahu and Roseanne Barr around her macadamia nut farm on the Big Island.
  13271.  
  13272. So for anyone looking to have an attractive vacation in Hawaii like the celebrities do, here&#039;s a few ways to get ya there:
  13273.  
  13274. Chances are if you see a magazine photo of a celebrity in Hawaii, they are either in the water or on the sand. So really take the time to soak in this type of relaxation. Plan to spend an entire day at the beach, jumping in and out of the water, beach combing, and getting some sun. You&#039;ll definitely feel well rested after 12 hours of beach time, just make sure to apply the sunscreen liberally- you don&#039;t want your skin looking burnt for your paparazzi photos! And that&#039;s one thing you don&#039;t see too often, lobster red celebrities!
  13275.  
  13276. Another thing you see celebrities doing in Hawaii is outdoor activities. Beach volleyball, surfing, golfing, and catamaran cruises are great ways to partake in the celebrity lifestyle. Rent a longboard and catch some waves in Waikiki like Cameron Diaz, paddle around on a SUP board like Rhianna, or play some water football like LeAnn Rimes and President Obama. Shopping is another great activity celebrities love to partake it. But just because you can&#039;t spend like a celebrity doesn&#039;t mean you can&#039;t pretend! Limit yourself to window-shopping and maybe a splurge or two and you&#039;ll love the feel of a few different designer bags swinging in your hand.
  13277.  
  13278. Dining and drinking is a great way to feel glamorous during your vacation.</description>
  13279. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2013/05/2013-05-03_e599_vacationing-in-hawaii-like-a-celebrity.mp3" length="14286505" type="audio/mpeg" />
  13280. <itunes:subtitle>With top notch beaches, year round warm weather, and water front resorts, it&#039;s no wonder Hawaii is a popular destination for celebrities to frequent. And despite Hawaii&#039;s flood of tourism that keeps the beaches busy,</itunes:subtitle>
  13281. <itunes:summary>With top notch beaches, year round warm weather, and water front resorts, it&#039;s no wonder Hawaii is a popular destination for celebrities to frequent. And despite Hawaii&#039;s flood of tourism that keeps the beaches busy, celebrities still choose to vacation within the islands. While they may find a slice of seclusion at their resort or private rental, they still have to brave the outside world every now and again, and it&#039;s quite common for vacationers to catch a glimpse of a Hollywood celebrity.&lt;br /&gt;
  13282. &lt;br /&gt;
  13283. While it may be tempting to rush up to an actor or singer for an autograph, keep in mind that these people deserve personal space like everyone else. And they also probably don&#039;t enjoy being bothered when they&#039;re trying to relax. In fact, Steven Tyler of the rock band Aerosmith found this to be such a problem, that he proposed an act that would protect celebrities’ privacy in the state of Hawaii. Owning a multimillion-dollar home on Maui, Steven Tyler says that he is constantly bombarded by onlookers and fans and actually caught paparazzi taking pictures of him and his girlfriend through the window of their private home.&lt;br /&gt;
  13284. &lt;br /&gt;
  13285. Tyler fought for an act that would allow celebrities to sue others who take photos or video of their private moments, which was dubbed the Tyler Steven Act. Other celebrities like Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, and Mick Fleetwood submitted written testimony in favor of the bill. Although it made it through the Senate this past February, the future is looking bleak as key lawmakers say they won&#039;t push it through.&lt;br /&gt;
  13286. &lt;br /&gt;
  13287. Sounds like celebrities are getting pretty serious about their private time, especially in Hawaii. Is there a law like this in California? Or the Caribbean? Why would they single out Hawaii when this stuff goes on in probably every state and country these celebrities visit? Anyways, there is an upside to this topic. Because celebrities visit Hawaii on the regular, this means that you&#039;re vacationing in the same destination as the Hollywood A Listers! So your upcoming vacation to the islands can be glamorous too.&lt;br /&gt;
  13288. &lt;br /&gt;
  13289. You can find big names like Oprah Winfrey, Justin Timberlake, Owen Wilson, Cher, Paris Hilton, and Elton John hanging around their property or a private resort on Maui, which is the most popular Hawaiian Island for celebrities. But Kauai also has a list of actors that visit often too. Names like Pierce Brosnan, Drew Barrymore, and Ben Stiller travel to Kauai on the regular and you also hear about Adam Sandler, Keanu Reeves, and Paul Walker spending time on Oahu and Roseanne Barr around her macadamia nut farm on the Big Island.&lt;br /&gt;
  13290. &lt;br /&gt;
  13291. So for anyone looking to have an attractive vacation in Hawaii like the celebrities do, here&#039;s a few ways to get ya there:&lt;br /&gt;
  13292. &lt;br /&gt;
  13293. Chances are if you see a magazine photo of a celebrity in Hawaii, they are either in the water or on the sand. So really take the time to soak in this type of relaxation. Plan to spend an entire day at the beach, jumping in and out of the water, beach combing, and getting some sun. You&#039;ll definitely feel well rested after 12 hours of beach time, just make sure to apply the sunscreen liberally- you don&#039;t want your skin looking burnt for your paparazzi photos! And that&#039;s one thing you don&#039;t see too often, lobster red celebrities!&lt;br /&gt;
  13294. &lt;br /&gt;
  13295. Another thing you see celebrities doing in Hawaii is outdoor activities. Beach volleyball, surfing, golfing, and catamaran cruises are great ways to partake in the celebrity lifestyle. Rent a longboard and catch some waves in Waikiki like Cameron Diaz, paddle around on a SUP board like Rhianna, or play some water football like LeAnn Rimes and President Obama. Shopping is another great activity celebrities love to partake it. But just because you can&#039;t spend like a celebrity doesn&#039;t mean you can&#039;t pretend! Limit yourself to window-shopping and maybe a splurge or two and you&#039;ll love the feel of a few different designer bags swinging in your hand.</itunes:summary>
  13296. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  13297. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  13298. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  13299. <itunes:duration>14:52</itunes:duration>
  13300. </item>
  13301. <item>
  13302. <title>My top pics for Live Music on Oahu</title>
  13303. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/my-top-pics-for-live-music-on-oahu/</link>
  13304. <pubDate>Sat, 27 Apr 2013 02:13:46 +0000</pubDate>
  13305. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=2608</guid>
  13306. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/my-top-pics-for-live-music-on-oahu/#respond</comments>
  13307. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/my-top-pics-for-live-music-on-oahu/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  13308. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  13309. <description>When you&#039;re on vacation, a bit of live music always helps add to the ambiance of a good time. Listening to some fun cover songs at a beach side restaurant during cocktails, some mellow jazz for dinner, or even a band or DJ for a night on the town can make your Hawaii vacation exciting and adventurous. Here are a list of the top spots you can find some live music around Oahu. Unwind and enjoy the musical quality of some live beats while relaxing in the islands!
  13310.  
  13311. The Republik, Honolulu- A popular music hall and lounge, The Republik is notorious for its underground bands and party scene. Known as Oahu&#039;s best concert venue, it offers a full bar, food, and standing room by the stage as well as a lounge by the bar. If you&#039;re looking for some fresh music and a fun night, check out this swanky Honolulu spot. https://jointherepublik.com/
  13312.  
  13313. Gordon Biersch, Aloha Tower- This place is cool for live music because the bands will set up in a couple different locations. For mellower music, the 1 to 3 member bands will set up directly across from the inside bar, where you can find a cocktail table and enjoy one of their fine menu options. When a band sets up outside by the outdoor bar, it&#039;s going to be a louder, more rockin’ type of performance. On some occasions they even set up a stage outdoors with tables surrounding it. It&#039;s a fun place for dancing, drinking, and just enjoying the warm tropical air.
  13314.  
  13315. Mai Tai Bar, Ala Moana- Located on the top floor of the Ala Moana Shopping Center, Mai Tai Bar is one of the liveliest spots for music on the weekends. A local spot, this restaurant and bar boasts live music seven nights a week, which is great for vacationers because you don&#039;t have to look high and low for some live jams on a Tuesday night. With an open-air atmosphere, you come here for a drink, some live music, and a conversation with some friendly bar folk.
  13316.  
  13317. Lewers Lounge, Waikiki- This dim jazz lounge is the ideal place to grab a cheeky cocktail. And not the tropical kind either. I&#039;m talking an old fashioned or some scotch; this is a seriously cool lounge located right in the Halekulani hotel of Waikiki. With a classy vibe, Lewers Lounge plays live music every night of the week. Tuesdays through Saturdays, Maggie Herron and Rockford &quot;Rocky&quot; Holmes entertain guests, while Sundays and Mondays Noly Pa&#039;a tickles the ivories with classical and light jazz renditions.
  13318.  
  13319. O&#039;Tooles, Honolulu- If you&#039;re into Irish pubs then you gotta check this spot out. Located in the quaint streets of downtown Honolulu right at Nuuanu and Ala Moana Boulevard, just wandering these streets will get you in the beer-drinking, river dancing kind of mood! O&#039;Tooles has a stage for large bands and you&#039;ll usually find a mix of funk, rock, and cover bands gracing the mic. With a very Irish drink menu, you can enjoy an authentic beverage while listening to some upbeat bands on the weekends. Check their website for week day performances at https://otoolesirishpub.com/ and stroll the streets of Honolulu for even more live music venues.
  13320.  
  13321. Banzai Sushi, North Shore- Mixing it up between DJ&#039;s and live bands, this small sushi joint sure brings the crowd. And not only do they play live music on some days, but they also run surf movies on their projector big screen every night of the week. So you can enjoy sake AND music AND movies; where else can you enjoy all three but at Banzai Sushi?!! With late night happy hours on weeknights, make your way to the north shore for a fun evening at this popular sushi bar. And when the music starts, be sure you&#039;ve got a table reserved otherwise its standing room only.
  13322.  
  13323. Surfer The Bar, North Shore- North shore&#039;s premium lounge, Surfer has entertainment seven nights a week. From speak easies to live bands to DJs, movies, karaoke, open mic night and more, Surfer is a great place to hang if you&#039;re on the north shore. Drop in guests like Jack Johnson, Gerry Lopez, John Cruz, and Matt Costa frequent the stage too,</description>
  13324. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2013/04/2013-04-26_e598_live-music-in-hawaii.mp3" length="13611037" type="audio/mpeg" />
  13325. <itunes:subtitle>When you&#039;re on vacation, a bit of live music always helps add to the ambiance of a good time. Listening to some fun cover songs at a beach side restaurant during cocktails, some mellow jazz for dinner, or even a band or DJ for a night on the town can m...</itunes:subtitle>
  13326. <itunes:summary>When you&#039;re on vacation, a bit of live music always helps add to the ambiance of a good time. Listening to some fun cover songs at a beach side restaurant during cocktails, some mellow jazz for dinner, or even a band or DJ for a night on the town can make your Hawaii vacation exciting and adventurous. Here are a list of the top spots you can find some live music around Oahu. Unwind and enjoy the musical quality of some live beats while relaxing in the islands!&lt;br /&gt;
  13327. &lt;br /&gt;
  13328. The Republik, Honolulu- A popular music hall and lounge, The Republik is notorious for its underground bands and party scene. Known as Oahu&#039;s best concert venue, it offers a full bar, food, and standing room by the stage as well as a lounge by the bar. If you&#039;re looking for some fresh music and a fun night, check out this swanky Honolulu spot. https://jointherepublik.com/&lt;br /&gt;
  13329. &lt;br /&gt;
  13330. Gordon Biersch, Aloha Tower- This place is cool for live music because the bands will set up in a couple different locations. For mellower music, the 1 to 3 member bands will set up directly across from the inside bar, where you can find a cocktail table and enjoy one of their fine menu options. When a band sets up outside by the outdoor bar, it&#039;s going to be a louder, more rockin’ type of performance. On some occasions they even set up a stage outdoors with tables surrounding it. It&#039;s a fun place for dancing, drinking, and just enjoying the warm tropical air.&lt;br /&gt;
  13331. &lt;br /&gt;
  13332. Mai Tai Bar, Ala Moana- Located on the top floor of the Ala Moana Shopping Center, Mai Tai Bar is one of the liveliest spots for music on the weekends. A local spot, this restaurant and bar boasts live music seven nights a week, which is great for vacationers because you don&#039;t have to look high and low for some live jams on a Tuesday night. With an open-air atmosphere, you come here for a drink, some live music, and a conversation with some friendly bar folk.&lt;br /&gt;
  13333. &lt;br /&gt;
  13334. Lewers Lounge, Waikiki- This dim jazz lounge is the ideal place to grab a cheeky cocktail. And not the tropical kind either. I&#039;m talking an old fashioned or some scotch; this is a seriously cool lounge located right in the Halekulani hotel of Waikiki. With a classy vibe, Lewers Lounge plays live music every night of the week. Tuesdays through Saturdays, Maggie Herron and Rockford &quot;Rocky&quot; Holmes entertain guests, while Sundays and Mondays Noly Pa&#039;a tickles the ivories with classical and light jazz renditions.&lt;br /&gt;
  13335. &lt;br /&gt;
  13336. O&#039;Tooles, Honolulu- If you&#039;re into Irish pubs then you gotta check this spot out. Located in the quaint streets of downtown Honolulu right at Nuuanu and Ala Moana Boulevard, just wandering these streets will get you in the beer-drinking, river dancing kind of mood! O&#039;Tooles has a stage for large bands and you&#039;ll usually find a mix of funk, rock, and cover bands gracing the mic. With a very Irish drink menu, you can enjoy an authentic beverage while listening to some upbeat bands on the weekends. Check their website for week day performances at https://otoolesirishpub.com/ and stroll the streets of Honolulu for even more live music venues.&lt;br /&gt;
  13337. &lt;br /&gt;
  13338. Banzai Sushi, North Shore- Mixing it up between DJ&#039;s and live bands, this small sushi joint sure brings the crowd. And not only do they play live music on some days, but they also run surf movies on their projector big screen every night of the week. So you can enjoy sake AND music AND movies; where else can you enjoy all three but at Banzai Sushi?!! With late night happy hours on weeknights, make your way to the north shore for a fun evening at this popular sushi bar. And when the music starts, be sure you&#039;ve got a table reserved otherwise its standing room only.&lt;br /&gt;
  13339. &lt;br /&gt;
  13340. Surfer The Bar, North Shore- North shore&#039;s premium lounge, Surfer has entertainment seven nights a week. From speak easies to live bands to DJs, movies, karaoke, open mic night and more, Surfer is a great place to hang if you&#039;re on the north shore. Drop in guests like Jack Johnson, Gerry Lopez,</itunes:summary>
  13341. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  13342. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  13343. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  13344. <itunes:duration>14:10</itunes:duration>
  13345. </item>
  13346. <item>
  13347. <title>10 Ways to Make your Home More Tropical (a.k.a. Hawaiian)</title>
  13348. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/10-ways-to-make-your-mainland-home-more-tropical-a-k-a-hawaiianizing-your-home/</link>
  13349. <pubDate>Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:41:27 +0000</pubDate>
  13350. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=2604</guid>
  13351. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/10-ways-to-make-your-mainland-home-more-tropical-a-k-a-hawaiianizing-your-home/#respond</comments>
  13352. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/10-ways-to-make-your-mainland-home-more-tropical-a-k-a-hawaiianizing-your-home/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  13353. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  13354. <description>When people come to Hawaii, they always want to bring a little aloha back with them. We&#039;ve done a monologue on how you can bring Hawaii home with you, but we&#039;ve never talked about how you can make your own home Hawaiian (meaning tropical). Doing small things to your hale (Hawaiian word for “house”) to create reminders of the relaxation, enjoyment, and good times you&#039;ve had in Hawaii is a great way to stay sane during the months when you&#039;re not here. Haha, just kidding. But it really is a great way to bring peace and tranquility into a home, not to mention some great décor ideas you can try out and share!
  13355.  
  13356. Here are ten easy things you can do to make your house more tropical. Hopefully they help to bring a bit of aloha to you and your family when you&#039;re not in the islands.
  13357.  
  13358. Plant a tropical tree outside. The most tropical looking tree that can survive in mainland weather conditions is a banana palm. You can find the typical green ones or the beautiful ones with red stems, but both grow well in outdoor climates.
  13359. Hang a bamboo wind chime. The sound of bamboo stalks clinking together in the wind is undeniably calming. It is also very characteristic of Hawaii because so many shops, restaurants, and hotels use them as décor.
  13360. Use pareos (sarongs) as throws or bedspreads. In the morning after you&#039;ve made your bed, try spreading out your favorite pareo over your comforter at the foot of your bed.
  13361. Keep a bar of plumeria soap at your sink. Plumerias are the scent of the islands. It&#039;s the fragrant you smell when you first step off the plane, the trees you see lining streets, homes, and yards, and the flowers that make up most Hawaiian leis.
  13362. Grow tropical indoor houseplants. Just as an outdoor plant helps to bring Hawaii to your home, so too do indoor plants. Plus, they tend to grow better because they&#039;re in a more controlled environment.
  13363. Lather up with tropical shampoo. If you purchase tropical shampoo with awapuhi, coconut, ginger, or mango, the scent you&#039;ll get when washing your hair will inevitably take you back to the islands.
  13364. Use a Hawaiian doormat. Your front door is known to be a place of strong feng shui, so why not make the most out of it and be sure it gives off something tropical and soothing for all who enter? Use a Hawaiian doormat at your front entry way for people to see every time they enter or leave your home.
  13365. Embrace the local way to enter a home (and put up a sign to say it!) When you&#039;re in Hawaii, it&#039;s customary to remove your shoes before entering a home. Try adopting this practice for your own house and put a sign up at your entrance to inform others.
  13366. Play some island music. Music totally creates an ambiance, and if you&#039;re looking for ways to create a tropical sense of Hawaii in your home, try some Hawaiian music. Listening to this type of music as background noise is a great way to keep the island vibe alive.
  13367. Paint a room sunshine yellow or island green. Studies show that there is actual brain chemistry going on when you enter a room painted certain colors. Yellows and greens are known to create calmness and relaxation and is why so many doctors’ offices and dentists’ offices are painted these soft shades.</description>
  13368. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2013/04/2013-04-19_e597_how-to-make-your-home-more-hawaiian.mp3" length="12307416" type="audio/mpeg" />
  13369. <itunes:subtitle>When people come to Hawaii, they always want to bring a little aloha back with them. We&#039;ve done a monologue on how you can bring Hawaii home with you, but we&#039;ve never talked about how you can make your own home Hawaiian (meaning tropical).</itunes:subtitle>
  13370. <itunes:summary>When people come to Hawaii, they always want to bring a little aloha back with them. We&#039;ve done a monologue on how you can bring Hawaii home with you, but we&#039;ve never talked about how you can make your own home Hawaiian (meaning tropical). Doing small things to your hale (Hawaiian word for “house”) to create reminders of the relaxation, enjoyment, and good times you&#039;ve had in Hawaii is a great way to stay sane during the months when you&#039;re not here. Haha, just kidding. But it really is a great way to bring peace and tranquility into a home, not to mention some great décor ideas you can try out and share!&lt;br /&gt;
  13371. &lt;br /&gt;
  13372. Here are ten easy things you can do to make your house more tropical. Hopefully they help to bring a bit of aloha to you and your family when you&#039;re not in the islands.&lt;br /&gt;
  13373. &lt;br /&gt;
  13374. Plant a tropical tree outside. The most tropical looking tree that can survive in mainland weather conditions is a banana palm. You can find the typical green ones or the beautiful ones with red stems, but both grow well in outdoor climates.&lt;br /&gt;
  13375. Hang a bamboo wind chime. The sound of bamboo stalks clinking together in the wind is undeniably calming. It is also very characteristic of Hawaii because so many shops, restaurants, and hotels use them as décor.&lt;br /&gt;
  13376. Use pareos (sarongs) as throws or bedspreads. In the morning after you&#039;ve made your bed, try spreading out your favorite pareo over your comforter at the foot of your bed.&lt;br /&gt;
  13377. Keep a bar of plumeria soap at your sink. Plumerias are the scent of the islands. It&#039;s the fragrant you smell when you first step off the plane, the trees you see lining streets, homes, and yards, and the flowers that make up most Hawaiian leis.&lt;br /&gt;
  13378. Grow tropical indoor houseplants. Just as an outdoor plant helps to bring Hawaii to your home, so too do indoor plants. Plus, they tend to grow better because they&#039;re in a more controlled environment.&lt;br /&gt;
  13379. Lather up with tropical shampoo. If you purchase tropical shampoo with awapuhi, coconut, ginger, or mango, the scent you&#039;ll get when washing your hair will inevitably take you back to the islands.&lt;br /&gt;
  13380. Use a Hawaiian doormat. Your front door is known to be a place of strong feng shui, so why not make the most out of it and be sure it gives off something tropical and soothing for all who enter? Use a Hawaiian doormat at your front entry way for people to see every time they enter or leave your home.&lt;br /&gt;
  13381. Embrace the local way to enter a home (and put up a sign to say it!) When you&#039;re in Hawaii, it&#039;s customary to remove your shoes before entering a home. Try adopting this practice for your own house and put a sign up at your entrance to inform others.&lt;br /&gt;
  13382. Play some island music. Music totally creates an ambiance, and if you&#039;re looking for ways to create a tropical sense of Hawaii in your home, try some Hawaiian music. Listening to this type of music as background noise is a great way to keep the island vibe alive.&lt;br /&gt;
  13383. Paint a room sunshine yellow or island green. Studies show that there is actual brain chemistry going on when you enter a room painted certain colors. Yellows and greens are known to create calmness and relaxation and is why so many doctors’ offices and dentists’ offices are painted these soft shades.</itunes:summary>
  13384. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  13385. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  13386. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  13387. <itunes:duration>12:48</itunes:duration>
  13388. </item>
  13389. <item>
  13390. <title>How to choose Airline seats for your Hawaii Vacation</title>
  13391. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/how-to-choose-airline-seats-for-your-hawaii-vacation/</link>
  13392. <pubDate>Sat, 23 Mar 2013 03:07:14 +0000</pubDate>
  13393. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=2594</guid>
  13394. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/how-to-choose-airline-seats-for-your-hawaii-vacation/#respond</comments>
  13395. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/how-to-choose-airline-seats-for-your-hawaii-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  13396. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  13397. <description>Some say there are ways to enhance a flight, either with a first class seat, purchased amenities, or simply an aisle versus a window spot. Some may disagree however, believing that a seat is a seat and a six-hour flight in the exit row is more or less the same as a six-hour flight in the back of the plane. But according to Skyscanner, an online flight comparison site, there seems to be one lucky seat that tends to make flying easiest. And it&#039;s not first class. It is seat number 6A, a window seat up front.
  13398.  
  13399. The survey asked over 1,000 people their preference on airplane seating and it was also revealed that more people prefer a window seat to an aisle one. (The ratio for this was 60:40). While you might have your own opinions on where the most coveted seat is on a plane, we&#039;re going to let you in on a few secrets to help make your decision easier. So before you wake up early and stand in line for hours on end at the airport to ensure you nab that lucky 6A seat, read our tips and learn a little more about what your first choice for seats might really be.
  13400.  
  13401. Window or aisle? That is always the biggest question. In my family, we used to all fight over who got the window seats, since our flights were usually long and we liked to prop our heads against the window to catch some zzz&#039;s. Windows are also good for their view of course. There is nothing like flying into Honolulu and seeing that bird&#039;s eye view of the island&#039;s gorgeous southern coastline. Or witnessing the sparkling city lights of San Francisco on a late night flight into California. Window seats also offer a sense of more privacy, since you can turn toward the window and close yourself off better from the rest of the world.
  13402.  
  13403. Aisle seats are good for those who make frequent bathroom breaks or don&#039;t like to clamber over their seat neighbors. They&#039;re also good for taller people because they can stretch their legs into the aisle every once in a while. Not surprisingly, only 1% of the survey responders said they would choose a middle seat over an isle or window one. Middle seats tend to get the least amount of space, and typically both armrests will be taken up by your neighbors.
  13404.  
  13405. Left side of the plane or right side? While this may not seem like something you would necessarily think of, there is a science behind choosing the right or the left side of a plane. According to Scientific American, only 15% of flyers are left-handed. Chances are your seat neighbor will eat, drink, and write with their right hand, and even lean toward their right side for comfort. So if you&#039;re right-handed, this means whatever space your neighbor leaves open on their left side will be yours for the taking on your right. This also usually means you&#039;ll have the armrest available to your right too. The left side of the plane is known to be better for those who prefer window seats however, because the windows are typically off-center. This allows more wall space for passengers to lean on. Definitely something to think about if you plan to sleep during your flight.
  13406.  
  13407. Front or back of the plane? Typically people will choose to sit toward the front of the plane. People tend to think that sitting as close to the front as possible will make the “getting on” and “getting off” part quicker and easier, which is true. But during the “de-planing” process, the time difference between a front row seat versus a seat 10 rows back is only about 7-9 minutes. The front rows also have a little more to offer passengers, such as less engine noise and first choice on the food and beverage carts. Oftentimes passengers are left with little or no choice on food options when the cart finally reaches them in the back. And here&#039;s an interesting fact about the middle seats on a plane: passengers are less likely to feel turbulence in the middle sections than they are the front or back. If turbulence is something that bothers you or instill anxiety, we recommend snagging a spot as close to the mid-section as possible.
  13408.  
  13409. </description>
  13410. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2013/03/2013-03-22_e566_seating-on-airplanes-to-hawaii.mp3" length="27296260" type="audio/mpeg" />
  13411. <itunes:subtitle>Some say there are ways to enhance a flight, either with a first class seat, purchased amenities, or simply an aisle versus a window spot. Some may disagree however, believing that a seat is a seat and a six-hour flight in the exit row is more or less ...</itunes:subtitle>
  13412. <itunes:summary>Some say there are ways to enhance a flight, either with a first class seat, purchased amenities, or simply an aisle versus a window spot. Some may disagree however, believing that a seat is a seat and a six-hour flight in the exit row is more or less the same as a six-hour flight in the back of the plane. But according to Skyscanner, an online flight comparison site, there seems to be one lucky seat that tends to make flying easiest. And it&#039;s not first class. It is seat number 6A, a window seat up front.&lt;br /&gt;
  13413. &lt;br /&gt;
  13414. The survey asked over 1,000 people their preference on airplane seating and it was also revealed that more people prefer a window seat to an aisle one. (The ratio for this was 60:40). While you might have your own opinions on where the most coveted seat is on a plane, we&#039;re going to let you in on a few secrets to help make your decision easier. So before you wake up early and stand in line for hours on end at the airport to ensure you nab that lucky 6A seat, read our tips and learn a little more about what your first choice for seats might really be.&lt;br /&gt;
  13415. &lt;br /&gt;
  13416. Window or aisle? That is always the biggest question. In my family, we used to all fight over who got the window seats, since our flights were usually long and we liked to prop our heads against the window to catch some zzz&#039;s. Windows are also good for their view of course. There is nothing like flying into Honolulu and seeing that bird&#039;s eye view of the island&#039;s gorgeous southern coastline. Or witnessing the sparkling city lights of San Francisco on a late night flight into California. Window seats also offer a sense of more privacy, since you can turn toward the window and close yourself off better from the rest of the world.&lt;br /&gt;
  13417. &lt;br /&gt;
  13418. Aisle seats are good for those who make frequent bathroom breaks or don&#039;t like to clamber over their seat neighbors. They&#039;re also good for taller people because they can stretch their legs into the aisle every once in a while. Not surprisingly, only 1% of the survey responders said they would choose a middle seat over an isle or window one. Middle seats tend to get the least amount of space, and typically both armrests will be taken up by your neighbors.&lt;br /&gt;
  13419. &lt;br /&gt;
  13420. Left side of the plane or right side? While this may not seem like something you would necessarily think of, there is a science behind choosing the right or the left side of a plane. According to Scientific American, only 15% of flyers are left-handed. Chances are your seat neighbor will eat, drink, and write with their right hand, and even lean toward their right side for comfort. So if you&#039;re right-handed, this means whatever space your neighbor leaves open on their left side will be yours for the taking on your right. This also usually means you&#039;ll have the armrest available to your right too. The left side of the plane is known to be better for those who prefer window seats however, because the windows are typically off-center. This allows more wall space for passengers to lean on. Definitely something to think about if you plan to sleep during your flight.&lt;br /&gt;
  13421. &lt;br /&gt;
  13422. Front or back of the plane? Typically people will choose to sit toward the front of the plane. People tend to think that sitting as close to the front as possible will make the “getting on” and “getting off” part quicker and easier, which is true. But during the “de-planing” process, the time difference between a front row seat versus a seat 10 rows back is only about 7-9 minutes. The front rows also have a little more to offer passengers, such as less engine noise and first choice on the food and beverage carts. Oftentimes passengers are left with little or no choice on food options when the cart finally reaches them in the back. And here&#039;s an interesting fact about the middle seats on a plane: passengers are less likely to feel turbulence in the middle sections than they are the front or back. If turbulence is something that bothers you or instill anxiety,</itunes:summary>
  13423. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  13424. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  13425. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  13426. <itunes:duration>28:25</itunes:duration>
  13427. </item>
  13428. <item>
  13429. <title>Should the Islands of Molokai or Lanai be part of your Hawaii Vacation plans ?</title>
  13430. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/should-the-islands-of-molokai-or-lanai-be-part-of-your-hawaii-vacation-plans/</link>
  13431. <pubDate>Sat, 16 Mar 2013 02:10:46 +0000</pubDate>
  13432. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=2586</guid>
  13433. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/should-the-islands-of-molokai-or-lanai-be-part-of-your-hawaii-vacation-plans/#respond</comments>
  13434. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/should-the-islands-of-molokai-or-lanai-be-part-of-your-hawaii-vacation-plans/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  13435. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  13436. <description>Podcast listener questions
  13437. We got several questions this week which we addressed on today&#039;s show. Claire is worried about sharks when she comes here to the islands because of recent shark attacks in the news. Studies show that we&#039;re not on the menu for lunch when it comes to what sharks prefer in their diet. Research shows that they mostly have a diet based of squid or fish or even seals. They go on to conclude that human meet simply just doesn&#039;t taste good to sharks. That being said, we definitely have had our share of shark bites; since November of last year there have been had six incidents already. Pretty Scary!
  13438.  
  13439. Shout outs to Dave sturdy, Gary Ekborg, Claire Kaufman, Robin Parks and Bridgette Parker for the great questions which we also discussed on today&#039;s show.
  13440. Lanai &amp; Molokai
  13441. We often hear of the “outer islands” in relation to the major islands, which may give travelers the impression that they are unchartered territory or no-mans land. Lanai and Molokai may be small and much less populated than any of the other islands, but that doesn&#039;t mean they are not vacation destinations! In fact, Lanai is known to be the best island destination for honeymooners, weddings, or romantic getaways and Molokai has an equally rich history that can be navigated via mule! I don&#039;t know if any of the other major islands boast this type of allure. These two outer islands offers travelers remoteness like nowhere else in Hawaii plus unspoiled views of the coastlines, valleys, and rainforests that are simply unmatched. Here&#039;s a little more about each of these islands for those interested in a unique retreat that is definitely off-the-beaten-path of traditional Hawaii vacations.
  13442.  
  13443. Lanai was once referred to as The Pineapple Island but has recently been more commonly called The Private Island. This is because of its seclusion, luxury, and absolute isolation from the rest of the world. Lanai houses only three high-end resorts, the Resort Lanai at Manele Bay, The Lodge at Koele, and Hotel Lanai. While Lanai is not the first place we would recommend for vacationers on a budget, it has a lot of outdoor adventuring to offer newlyweds or business groups looking for bonding experiences. Activities such as horseback rides, kayaking, hiking, and world-class golf are available to vacationers on Lanai, and most of the hotels offer these activities to their guests. It&#039;s important to know what is included in your stay at the resort because all-inclusive packages do exist and they actually save you the most money on a trip like this. They can get pricey, but it is well worth the money and Lanai is a well-worth-it island destination.
  13444.  
  13445. Lanai also has a ferry that operates between Maui 7 days a week. Booking a vacation to Lanai doesn&#039;t have to be confined to the one island; it can extend out to a weekend getaway to Maui too! Or experience the different sides of Lanai, which feels like two very different places. Central Lanai is rustic with cooler temperatures, pineapple fields, and Dole Park. You&#039;ll also find the Munro Trail in central Lanai, which is renowned for its highest scenic point in the whole island and offers miles of hiking trails and backcountry. South Lanai is the other location on the island, which is sunny, warm, and mixes luxury with serenity. Here you&#039;ll find incredible beaches and landmarks, such as Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock), Hulopoe Bay, and the Kaumalapau Harbor, where sunsets are known to be unbelievably stunning.
  13446.  
  13447. Molokai is known as being rural, historic, and untouched, giving vacationers a glimpse into old Hawaii. With no traffic lights, this island has the seclusion you seek for your ultimate getaway and is best viewed via horse or mule. Molokai boasts ancient fishponds, coconut groves, historic settlements, and one of Hawaii&#039;s largest white sand beaches. It is truly a unique Hawaii experience, with plenty to keep you busy. Like Lanai, Molokai only has a few hotels, but each one offers an authentic Hawaiian experience that...</description>
  13448. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2013/03/2013-03-05_e565_the-less-visited-islands-of-hawaii-molokai-and-lanai.mp3" length="22562098" type="audio/mpeg" />
  13449. <itunes:subtitle>Podcast listener questions We got several questions this week which we addressed on today&#039;s show. Claire is worried about sharks when she comes here to the islands because of recent shark attacks in the news.</itunes:subtitle>
  13450. <itunes:summary>Podcast listener questions&lt;br /&gt;
  13451. We got several questions this week which we addressed on today&#039;s show. Claire is worried about sharks when she comes here to the islands because of recent shark attacks in the news. Studies show that we&#039;re not on the menu for lunch when it comes to what sharks prefer in their diet. Research shows that they mostly have a diet based of squid or fish or even seals. They go on to conclude that human meet simply just doesn&#039;t taste good to sharks. That being said, we definitely have had our share of shark bites; since November of last year there have been had six incidents already. Pretty Scary!&lt;br /&gt;
  13452. &lt;br /&gt;
  13453. Shout outs to Dave sturdy, Gary Ekborg, Claire Kaufman, Robin Parks and Bridgette Parker for the great questions which we also discussed on today&#039;s show. &lt;br /&gt;
  13454. Lanai &amp; Molokai&lt;br /&gt;
  13455. We often hear of the “outer islands” in relation to the major islands, which may give travelers the impression that they are unchartered territory or no-mans land. Lanai and Molokai may be small and much less populated than any of the other islands, but that doesn&#039;t mean they are not vacation destinations! In fact, Lanai is known to be the best island destination for honeymooners, weddings, or romantic getaways and Molokai has an equally rich history that can be navigated via mule! I don&#039;t know if any of the other major islands boast this type of allure. These two outer islands offers travelers remoteness like nowhere else in Hawaii plus unspoiled views of the coastlines, valleys, and rainforests that are simply unmatched. Here&#039;s a little more about each of these islands for those interested in a unique retreat that is definitely off-the-beaten-path of traditional Hawaii vacations.&lt;br /&gt;
  13456. &lt;br /&gt;
  13457. Lanai was once referred to as The Pineapple Island but has recently been more commonly called The Private Island. This is because of its seclusion, luxury, and absolute isolation from the rest of the world. Lanai houses only three high-end resorts, the Resort Lanai at Manele Bay, The Lodge at Koele, and Hotel Lanai. While Lanai is not the first place we would recommend for vacationers on a budget, it has a lot of outdoor adventuring to offer newlyweds or business groups looking for bonding experiences. Activities such as horseback rides, kayaking, hiking, and world-class golf are available to vacationers on Lanai, and most of the hotels offer these activities to their guests. It&#039;s important to know what is included in your stay at the resort because all-inclusive packages do exist and they actually save you the most money on a trip like this. They can get pricey, but it is well worth the money and Lanai is a well-worth-it island destination.&lt;br /&gt;
  13458. &lt;br /&gt;
  13459. Lanai also has a ferry that operates between Maui 7 days a week. Booking a vacation to Lanai doesn&#039;t have to be confined to the one island; it can extend out to a weekend getaway to Maui too! Or experience the different sides of Lanai, which feels like two very different places. Central Lanai is rustic with cooler temperatures, pineapple fields, and Dole Park. You&#039;ll also find the Munro Trail in central Lanai, which is renowned for its highest scenic point in the whole island and offers miles of hiking trails and backcountry. South Lanai is the other location on the island, which is sunny, warm, and mixes luxury with serenity. Here you&#039;ll find incredible beaches and landmarks, such as Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock), Hulopoe Bay, and the Kaumalapau Harbor, where sunsets are known to be unbelievably stunning.&lt;br /&gt;
  13460. &lt;br /&gt;
  13461. Molokai is known as being rural, historic, and untouched, giving vacationers a glimpse into old Hawaii. With no traffic lights, this island has the seclusion you seek for your ultimate getaway and is best viewed via horse or mule. Molokai boasts ancient fishponds, coconut groves, historic settlements, and one of Hawaii&#039;s largest white sand beaches. It is truly a unique Hawaii experience, with plenty to keep you busy. Like Lanai,</itunes:summary>
  13462. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  13463. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  13464. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  13465. <itunes:duration>23:29</itunes:duration>
  13466. </item>
  13467. <item>
  13468. <title>5 Most Annoying Things that Hawaii Drivers Do</title>
  13469. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/5-most-annoying-things-that-hawaii-drivers-do/</link>
  13470. <pubDate>Sat, 09 Mar 2013 02:53:47 +0000</pubDate>
  13471. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=2582</guid>
  13472. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/5-most-annoying-things-that-hawaii-drivers-do/#respond</comments>
  13473. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/5-most-annoying-things-that-hawaii-drivers-do/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  13474. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  13475. <description>Today we start the show answering questions from our podcast and Facebook friends. I offer some tips and advice to these listeners and hope they will be of some help. Big Mahalo&#039;s to Juale Winas, Monika, Betinna Tores, Carol Silversteinm Jan Blocker, Stacy aAexander and Betina Parker for the great questions. If you have a question you&#039;d like answered or an itinerary you need some help with feel free to reach out to me at bruce@hawaii-aloha.com, I&#039;d love to hear from you!
  13476.  
  13477.  
  13478. Driving in Hawaii vs. Driving in the Mainland
  13479. One thing folks love to reminisce about from their trip to Hawaii is how driving around the island was vastly different from driving on the mainland. While we will agree it&#039;s different, we won&#039;t say that it is vastly different. After all, when us islanders travel back to the mainland, all we can think about is how crazy those drivers are in LA and San Francisco! Seriously, is 80mph really worth the risk?!! But anyways, we posed this topic on our Facebook page and watched as the comments piled up. Some were very true-to-life while others were just plain comical. Our favorite repeat mention was how drivers in Hawaii “drive with aloha.” We recently covered this topic on our blog, but because it&#039;s proved to be so entertaining we&#039;re doing it again. This time with a slightly different spin.
  13480.  
  13481. We&#039;re breaking down driving here island-by-island, beginning with the quiet island that some might not even be able to envision even having a rush hour. The Garden Isle of Kauai is roughly the same size as Oahu but home to only about 67,000 people (compared to Oahu&#039;s 875,000 residents). There is one road on Kauai, and the speed limit is 50mph. With recent expansion to the stretch of the Kaumuali&#039;i Highway in Lihue (Kauai&#039;s main town), it has given residents and tourists a little more room to navigate together on the road. But that doesn&#039;t mean drivers change their habits. Kauai&#039;s north shore has many one-lane bridges that fit only one car at a time. While many locals are generous on the road and will wave a car in front of them, there are the faster-driving, lifted truck and speedy coupe drivers that aren&#039;t as friendly. Kauai is notorious for this local mentality, so just be forewarned when you visit; not all drivers in Hawaii are as friendly as they might appear. Also, Lihue and Kapa‘a traffic can be a major hold up, and most locals seem to never be in a hurry. If you&#039;re late for a dinner reservation or activity, expect to be maddened by a slow-driving, rubbernecking, making-the-traffic-even-worse type of driver on this island! (That is, unless you&#039;re behind one of the crazier drivers!)
  13482.  
  13483. Due to its dense population and capitol city, Oahu has a blend of “good” drivers and “bad” drivers. In Hawaii it is habit to wave to other drivers and throw shaka, but that doesn&#039;t mean everyone will. And in areas like Honolulu and the north shore, locals are known to race through certain areas to try and avoid the tourist traffic. Take the stretch of highway in Haleiwa, Oahu&#039;s north shore, for example. While it is only a one-lane road, many locals will attempt to bypass the traffic by cutting cars off from the shoulder lane or merging lanes. It really puts a damper on everyone&#039;s day! Why does that guy in the big lifted truck think he is above having to wait in traffic to get to the beautiful beaches on this side? Waimea Bay parking lot is another especially aggressive area on the north shore for this type of driving as well. You will see lines of cars waiting patiently for a car to reverse and give up their parking spot, only to be snaked by some local driver who has been eagle-eyeing the spot for the past 10 minutes. Waikiki is notorious for quick-moving buses and trolleys and confused people trying to navigate the roads. Perhaps the lack of grid systems is to blame?
  13484.  
  13485. Maui is a blend of Kauai and Oahu, but seems to take after more of Kauai&#039;s driving habits than Oahu&#039;s. The stretch of road that is probably the road that locals avoid like the p...</description>
  13486. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2013/03/2013-03-08_e564_driving-in-hawaii-vs-driving-on-the-mainland.mp3" length="22350494" type="audio/mpeg" />
  13487. <itunes:subtitle>Today we start the show answering questions from our podcast and Facebook friends. I offer some tips and advice to these listeners and hope they will be of some help. Big Mahalo&#039;s to Juale Winas, Monika, Betinna Tores, Carol Silversteinm Jan Blocker,</itunes:subtitle>
  13488. <itunes:summary>Today we start the show answering questions from our podcast and Facebook friends. I offer some tips and advice to these listeners and hope they will be of some help. Big Mahalo&#039;s to Juale Winas, Monika, Betinna Tores, Carol Silversteinm Jan Blocker, Stacy aAexander and Betina Parker for the great questions. If you have a question you&#039;d like answered or an itinerary you need some help with feel free to reach out to me at bruce@hawaii-aloha.com, I&#039;d love to hear from you!&lt;br /&gt;
  13489. &lt;br /&gt;
  13490. &lt;br /&gt;
  13491. Driving in Hawaii vs. Driving in the Mainland&lt;br /&gt;
  13492. One thing folks love to reminisce about from their trip to Hawaii is how driving around the island was vastly different from driving on the mainland. While we will agree it&#039;s different, we won&#039;t say that it is vastly different. After all, when us islanders travel back to the mainland, all we can think about is how crazy those drivers are in LA and San Francisco! Seriously, is 80mph really worth the risk?!! But anyways, we posed this topic on our Facebook page and watched as the comments piled up. Some were very true-to-life while others were just plain comical. Our favorite repeat mention was how drivers in Hawaii “drive with aloha.” We recently covered this topic on our blog, but because it&#039;s proved to be so entertaining we&#039;re doing it again. This time with a slightly different spin.&lt;br /&gt;
  13493. &lt;br /&gt;
  13494. We&#039;re breaking down driving here island-by-island, beginning with the quiet island that some might not even be able to envision even having a rush hour. The Garden Isle of Kauai is roughly the same size as Oahu but home to only about 67,000 people (compared to Oahu&#039;s 875,000 residents). There is one road on Kauai, and the speed limit is 50mph. With recent expansion to the stretch of the Kaumuali&#039;i Highway in Lihue (Kauai&#039;s main town), it has given residents and tourists a little more room to navigate together on the road. But that doesn&#039;t mean drivers change their habits. Kauai&#039;s north shore has many one-lane bridges that fit only one car at a time. While many locals are generous on the road and will wave a car in front of them, there are the faster-driving, lifted truck and speedy coupe drivers that aren&#039;t as friendly. Kauai is notorious for this local mentality, so just be forewarned when you visit; not all drivers in Hawaii are as friendly as they might appear. Also, Lihue and Kapa‘a traffic can be a major hold up, and most locals seem to never be in a hurry. If you&#039;re late for a dinner reservation or activity, expect to be maddened by a slow-driving, rubbernecking, making-the-traffic-even-worse type of driver on this island! (That is, unless you&#039;re behind one of the crazier drivers!)&lt;br /&gt;
  13495. &lt;br /&gt;
  13496. Due to its dense population and capitol city, Oahu has a blend of “good” drivers and “bad” drivers. In Hawaii it is habit to wave to other drivers and throw shaka, but that doesn&#039;t mean everyone will. And in areas like Honolulu and the north shore, locals are known to race through certain areas to try and avoid the tourist traffic. Take the stretch of highway in Haleiwa, Oahu&#039;s north shore, for example. While it is only a one-lane road, many locals will attempt to bypass the traffic by cutting cars off from the shoulder lane or merging lanes. It really puts a damper on everyone&#039;s day! Why does that guy in the big lifted truck think he is above having to wait in traffic to get to the beautiful beaches on this side? Waimea Bay parking lot is another especially aggressive area on the north shore for this type of driving as well. You will see lines of cars waiting patiently for a car to reverse and give up their parking spot, only to be snaked by some local driver who has been eagle-eyeing the spot for the past 10 minutes. Waikiki is notorious for quick-moving buses and trolleys and confused people trying to navigate the roads. Perhaps the lack of grid systems is to blame?&lt;br /&gt;
  13497. &lt;br /&gt;
  13498. Maui is a blend of Kauai and Oahu, but seems to take after more of Kauai&#039;s driving habits than Oahu&#039;s.</itunes:summary>
  13499. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  13500. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  13501. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  13502. <itunes:duration>23:16</itunes:duration>
  13503. </item>
  13504. <item>
  13505. <title>Vegetarian Hawaiian Choices &#8211;  Koko Crater vs. Koko Head, what&#8217;s the difference?</title>
  13506. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/vegetarian-hawaiian-choices-koko-crater-vs-koko-head-what-the-difference/</link>
  13507. <pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2013 22:49:10 +0000</pubDate>
  13508. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=2565</guid>
  13509. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/vegetarian-hawaiian-choices-koko-crater-vs-koko-head-what-the-difference/#respond</comments>
  13510. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/vegetarian-hawaiian-choices-koko-crater-vs-koko-head-what-the-difference/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  13511. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  13512. <description>Veggie Hawaiian Choices
  13513. Are you a vegetarian traveling to Hawaii and still want to enjoy some Hawaiian cuisine? That&#039;s exactly the question one of our listeners proposed which we answer on today&#039;s show. The fact is traditional Hawaiian food does contain a lot of meat so the choices are limited. The good news is there is lots of choices for folks who still want to experience and Hawaiian food.
  13514. Koko Crater versus Koko Head
  13515. Hawaii is notorious for its confusing, hard-to-pronounce landmarks, street names, and towns. With only 12 letters in the Hawaiian alphabet, many visitors come to the islands and never really learn how to correctly pronounce or identify names, which makes vacationing a little bit harder than normal. If you&#039;re trying to get to the ocean, but you confuse makai with mauka, then you&#039;ll be finding yourself deep in the valleys of the island in no time. The same goes for the names of things, such as beaches, hikes, or points of interest. Our topic today attempts to unveil the mystery and confusion behind the two landmarks on Oahu&#039;s southeast side, Koko Crater and Koko Head.
  13516.  
  13517. Probably the more known of the Koko&#039;s for travelers and locals alike is the Koko Crater, but this name has become popular and widely used for misleading reasons. Most people think when they hike the treacherous staircase trail up the mountain, they&#039;re hiking the Koko Crater trail. Technically you are hiking the crater, but the trail (and peak for that matter) is in fact called Puu Mai and even further, Kohelepelepe. But for the sake of sanity, let&#039;s just refer to it as Puu Mai. There is no such hike as “Koko Crater Trail” although the Internet and apps like Yelp will have you thinking differently. But we&#039;re calling ourselves the authority on this topic, and the trail is called PUU MAI! Koko Crater is very massive and from an aerial view looks very much like a crater, visually dominating the view plains in that area. Probably the biggest difference between Koko Crater and Koko Head are their sizes. Koko Crater is much larger than Koko Head. And you can hike up Koko Crater. You can&#039;t hike up Koko Head.
  13518.  
  13519. A little more on the crater: Koko Crater is a cinder cone with a 1.5-mile trail that offers an incredible 360-degree view of southeast Oahu. It&#039;s been known to be a great workout, and from Kalanianaole Highway you can see people making the trek up the steep cliff, which faces the ocean, just north of Haunama Bay. Koko Crater is behind Koko Head and has farms and Kaiser High School on it. Within the crater are horse stables and a botanical garden. It is a popular hike on Oahu and pictures online are plentiful.
  13520.  
  13521. Koko Head, on the other hand, has relatively no photos on the Internet. This is because people are confused as to what land mass it is, and also because they think it is the same thing as Koko Crater. (If you Google Koko Head, images of the Koko Crater will come up). Koko Head is a much smaller cinder cone that juts into the ocean and cradles Haunama Bay. On the other side of Koko Head is Maunalua Bay, a beach with shallow waters located in Hawaii Kai&#039;s smaller neighborhood of Portlock. “Maunalua” means “two mountains”, which refers to the two peaks of Koko Head and Koko Crater, which are both visible from the beach. Koko Head is basically just a high point of landmass above Haunama Bay. It has a water tank and communication towers on it, with an access road that is off-limits to the public. Koko Head also has the Koko Head Elementary School on it and upscale homes on it, although I&#039;m not sure what this neighborhood is called…
  13522.  
  13523. Let&#039;s unlock this mystery: The reason why they are both named “Koko” is because they both lie along the Koko rift zone. A rift zone is a feature of some volcanoes where lava erupts from the flanks (or sides) of the volcano, instead of its summit (or peak), due to gravity. (Lava easily flows out of the sides of volcanoes as opposed to being pushed up and out the top- think of your chocolate molten lava cake ...</description>
  13524. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2013/02/2013-02-22_e562_koko-crater-vs-koko-head-whats-the-deal.mp3" length="17162035" type="audio/mpeg" />
  13525. <itunes:subtitle>Veggie Hawaiian Choices Are you a vegetarian traveling to Hawaii and still want to enjoy some Hawaiian cuisine? That&#039;s exactly the question one of our listeners proposed which we answer on today&#039;s show. The fact is traditional Hawaiian food does conta...</itunes:subtitle>
  13526. <itunes:summary>Veggie Hawaiian Choices&lt;br /&gt;
  13527. Are you a vegetarian traveling to Hawaii and still want to enjoy some Hawaiian cuisine? That&#039;s exactly the question one of our listeners proposed which we answer on today&#039;s show. The fact is traditional Hawaiian food does contain a lot of meat so the choices are limited. The good news is there is lots of choices for folks who still want to experience and Hawaiian food.&lt;br /&gt;
  13528. Koko Crater versus Koko Head&lt;br /&gt;
  13529. Hawaii is notorious for its confusing, hard-to-pronounce landmarks, street names, and towns. With only 12 letters in the Hawaiian alphabet, many visitors come to the islands and never really learn how to correctly pronounce or identify names, which makes vacationing a little bit harder than normal. If you&#039;re trying to get to the ocean, but you confuse makai with mauka, then you&#039;ll be finding yourself deep in the valleys of the island in no time. The same goes for the names of things, such as beaches, hikes, or points of interest. Our topic today attempts to unveil the mystery and confusion behind the two landmarks on Oahu&#039;s southeast side, Koko Crater and Koko Head.&lt;br /&gt;
  13530. &lt;br /&gt;
  13531. Probably the more known of the Koko&#039;s for travelers and locals alike is the Koko Crater, but this name has become popular and widely used for misleading reasons. Most people think when they hike the treacherous staircase trail up the mountain, they&#039;re hiking the Koko Crater trail. Technically you are hiking the crater, but the trail (and peak for that matter) is in fact called Puu Mai and even further, Kohelepelepe. But for the sake of sanity, let&#039;s just refer to it as Puu Mai. There is no such hike as “Koko Crater Trail” although the Internet and apps like Yelp will have you thinking differently. But we&#039;re calling ourselves the authority on this topic, and the trail is called PUU MAI! Koko Crater is very massive and from an aerial view looks very much like a crater, visually dominating the view plains in that area. Probably the biggest difference between Koko Crater and Koko Head are their sizes. Koko Crater is much larger than Koko Head. And you can hike up Koko Crater. You can&#039;t hike up Koko Head.&lt;br /&gt;
  13532. &lt;br /&gt;
  13533. A little more on the crater: Koko Crater is a cinder cone with a 1.5-mile trail that offers an incredible 360-degree view of southeast Oahu. It&#039;s been known to be a great workout, and from Kalanianaole Highway you can see people making the trek up the steep cliff, which faces the ocean, just north of Haunama Bay. Koko Crater is behind Koko Head and has farms and Kaiser High School on it. Within the crater are horse stables and a botanical garden. It is a popular hike on Oahu and pictures online are plentiful.&lt;br /&gt;
  13534. &lt;br /&gt;
  13535. Koko Head, on the other hand, has relatively no photos on the Internet. This is because people are confused as to what land mass it is, and also because they think it is the same thing as Koko Crater. (If you Google Koko Head, images of the Koko Crater will come up). Koko Head is a much smaller cinder cone that juts into the ocean and cradles Haunama Bay. On the other side of Koko Head is Maunalua Bay, a beach with shallow waters located in Hawaii Kai&#039;s smaller neighborhood of Portlock. “Maunalua” means “two mountains”, which refers to the two peaks of Koko Head and Koko Crater, which are both visible from the beach. Koko Head is basically just a high point of landmass above Haunama Bay. It has a water tank and communication towers on it, with an access road that is off-limits to the public. Koko Head also has the Koko Head Elementary School on it and upscale homes on it, although I&#039;m not sure what this neighborhood is called…&lt;br /&gt;
  13536. &lt;br /&gt;
  13537. Let&#039;s unlock this mystery: The reason why they are both named “Koko” is because they both lie along the Koko rift zone. A rift zone is a feature of some volcanoes where lava erupts from the flanks (or sides) of the volcano, instead of its summit (or peak), due to gravity. (Lava easily flows out of the sides of volcanoes as opposed to being pu...</itunes:summary>
  13538. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  13539. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  13540. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  13541. <itunes:duration>17:52</itunes:duration>
  13542. </item>
  13543. <item>
  13544. <title>Getting the most out of &#8220;annoying&#8221; Hawaii Resort Fees</title>
  13545. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/getting-the-most-out-of-those-annoying-hawaii-resort-fees/</link>
  13546. <pubDate>Fri, 15 Feb 2013 19:14:09 +0000</pubDate>
  13547. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=2558</guid>
  13548. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/getting-the-most-out-of-those-annoying-hawaii-resort-fees/#respond</comments>
  13549. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/getting-the-most-out-of-those-annoying-hawaii-resort-fees/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  13550. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  13551. <description>Resort fees. Have you heard of them? They&#039;re those LITTLE numbers tacked onto your hotel bill during checkout that make a BIG difference when it comes to price. And now in Hawaii almost every single hotel you stay in will have these “little” mandatory resort fees. That means you have no option, no choice in the matter of whether or not you want to partake in these amenities that are covered by these resort fees. You don&#039;t get to choose whether or not you want that newspaper delivered to your door or that one-hour tennis court time reserved or even those fax and copy services made available to you in the hotel&#039;s office. You&#039;re forced to accept them and further more, pay for them. But just because we&#039;re doing our fair share of griping doesn&#039;t mean it&#039;s all bad news. This topic is designed to inform people on how to take advantage of this seemingly annoying little extra fee. So instead of feeling shocked and pissed off when you see those little number signs slipped onto your bill on a daily rate, heed our advice and allow them to do YOU a favor.
  13552.  
  13553. It&#039;s important to become familiar with the resort amenities that are covered under your hotel&#039;s resort fees, in order to maximize your vacation. Go ahead and allow yourself the benefit of those snorkel rentals, free valet, or access to the DVD library so you can know you&#039;re getting a good deal when those extra prices pop up. And remember, resort fees are usually a daily fee, which means you are charged anywhere from $2.50 to $37 per night, depending on your hotel. Some hotels do however, charge a “one-time” resort fee that is charged only once per stay. But regardless, let&#039;s get you updated, informed, and in-the-know on these fees so that you can feel like the money you&#039;re spending equals the amenities you&#039;ll receive.
  13554.  
  13555. Here&#039;s a brief look into some of Waikiki&#039;s popular hotels and what they&#039;re charging for what they&#039;re offering:
  13556.  
  13557. Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel- $18.75 per night. Amenities include: In-room Internet access; Playstation 2 console in each room; unlimited access to DVD movies and Playstation 2 games; daily newspaper; daily in-room safe; Local &amp; Toll Free calls. (The only things we like about this are the Internet access and unlimited DVD rentals, so at least their price isn&#039;t SO bad).
  13558.  
  13559. Hilton Hawaiian Village- $26.18 per night. Amenities include: High Speed Internet access in guest rooms and all public areas; Local calls and 800 access calls; In-Room PlayStation 3 Console with unlimited movies and games; Daily cultural activities including Lei Making, Hula Lessons, Ukulele Lessons (Subject to class availability); Resort Audio Tour. (The classes and activities are pretty cool here, but only relevant if you care to partake. If not, we recommend checking into other hotels, as this resort fee rate is pretty exorbitant).
  13560.  
  13561. Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort &amp; Spa- $25.00 per night. Amenities include: Wireless internet access; complimentary local phone and toll free calls; up to 60 minutes of international calls (per stay); health club access; resort cultural amenities (Hula lessons, Hawaiian history, etc.); beach amenities (towel, umbrella, beach chairs); 2 bottled waters daily. (Again, the classes offered are great, if you&#039;re interested in taking them. But we also like the free waters and beach amenities with this hotel because any guest would most likely want to take the Hyatt up on these offers).
  13562.  
  13563. Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort &amp; Spa- $26.18 per night. Amenities include: High-speed internet access in guest room; Wireless high speed internet access in public areas to include lobby, pool area, and Banyan Courtyard; Self parking (valet parking available for a nominal fee); Unlimited local and 1-800 telephone calls; Up to 60 minutes of long distance and international telephone calls per day; Children 12 and under eat for free from children&#039;s menu at designated dining outlets for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner with paying adult; Mini-surfing lesson (15 minutes, on the beach,</description>
  13564. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2013/02/2013-02-15_e561_hawaii-hotel-resort-fees.mp3" length="15225120" type="audio/mpeg" />
  13565. <itunes:subtitle>Resort fees. Have you heard of them? They&#039;re those LITTLE numbers tacked onto your hotel bill during checkout that make a BIG difference when it comes to price. And now in Hawaii almost every single hotel you stay in will have these “little” mandatory ...</itunes:subtitle>
  13566. <itunes:summary>Resort fees. Have you heard of them? They&#039;re those LITTLE numbers tacked onto your hotel bill during checkout that make a BIG difference when it comes to price. And now in Hawaii almost every single hotel you stay in will have these “little” mandatory resort fees. That means you have no option, no choice in the matter of whether or not you want to partake in these amenities that are covered by these resort fees. You don&#039;t get to choose whether or not you want that newspaper delivered to your door or that one-hour tennis court time reserved or even those fax and copy services made available to you in the hotel&#039;s office. You&#039;re forced to accept them and further more, pay for them. But just because we&#039;re doing our fair share of griping doesn&#039;t mean it&#039;s all bad news. This topic is designed to inform people on how to take advantage of this seemingly annoying little extra fee. So instead of feeling shocked and pissed off when you see those little number signs slipped onto your bill on a daily rate, heed our advice and allow them to do YOU a favor.&lt;br /&gt;
  13567. &lt;br /&gt;
  13568. It&#039;s important to become familiar with the resort amenities that are covered under your hotel&#039;s resort fees, in order to maximize your vacation. Go ahead and allow yourself the benefit of those snorkel rentals, free valet, or access to the DVD library so you can know you&#039;re getting a good deal when those extra prices pop up. And remember, resort fees are usually a daily fee, which means you are charged anywhere from $2.50 to $37 per night, depending on your hotel. Some hotels do however, charge a “one-time” resort fee that is charged only once per stay. But regardless, let&#039;s get you updated, informed, and in-the-know on these fees so that you can feel like the money you&#039;re spending equals the amenities you&#039;ll receive.&lt;br /&gt;
  13569. &lt;br /&gt;
  13570. Here&#039;s a brief look into some of Waikiki&#039;s popular hotels and what they&#039;re charging for what they&#039;re offering:&lt;br /&gt;
  13571. &lt;br /&gt;
  13572. Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel- $18.75 per night. Amenities include: In-room Internet access; Playstation 2 console in each room; unlimited access to DVD movies and Playstation 2 games; daily newspaper; daily in-room safe; Local &amp; Toll Free calls. (The only things we like about this are the Internet access and unlimited DVD rentals, so at least their price isn&#039;t SO bad).&lt;br /&gt;
  13573. &lt;br /&gt;
  13574. Hilton Hawaiian Village- $26.18 per night. Amenities include: High Speed Internet access in guest rooms and all public areas; Local calls and 800 access calls; In-Room PlayStation 3 Console with unlimited movies and games; Daily cultural activities including Lei Making, Hula Lessons, Ukulele Lessons (Subject to class availability); Resort Audio Tour. (The classes and activities are pretty cool here, but only relevant if you care to partake. If not, we recommend checking into other hotels, as this resort fee rate is pretty exorbitant).&lt;br /&gt;
  13575. &lt;br /&gt;
  13576. Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort &amp; Spa- $25.00 per night. Amenities include: Wireless internet access; complimentary local phone and toll free calls; up to 60 minutes of international calls (per stay); health club access; resort cultural amenities (Hula lessons, Hawaiian history, etc.); beach amenities (towel, umbrella, beach chairs); 2 bottled waters daily. (Again, the classes offered are great, if you&#039;re interested in taking them. But we also like the free waters and beach amenities with this hotel because any guest would most likely want to take the Hyatt up on these offers).&lt;br /&gt;
  13577. &lt;br /&gt;
  13578. Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort &amp; Spa- $26.18 per night. Amenities include: High-speed internet access in guest room; Wireless high speed internet access in public areas to include lobby, pool area, and Banyan Courtyard; Self parking (valet parking available for a nominal fee); Unlimited local and 1-800 telephone calls; Up to 60 minutes of long distance and international telephone calls per day; Children 12 and under eat for free from children&#039;s menu at designated dining outlets for breakfast, lunch,</itunes:summary>
  13579. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  13580. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  13581. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  13582. <itunes:duration>15:51</itunes:duration>
  13583. </item>
  13584. <item>
  13585. <title>My &#8220;Must do&#8221; Hawaii Waterfall Suggestions</title>
  13586. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/my-mus-do-hawaii-waterfall-suggestions/</link>
  13587. <pubDate>Fri, 08 Feb 2013 23:10:59 +0000</pubDate>
  13588. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=2550</guid>
  13589. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/my-mus-do-hawaii-waterfall-suggestions/#respond</comments>
  13590. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/my-mus-do-hawaii-waterfall-suggestions/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  13591. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  13592. <description>Waterfalls are a big source of question when it comes to vacationers traveling to Hawaii. For some, these natural water spectacles might seem like a mythical creatures, existing only in dreams and in highly unattainable landscapes. Or maybe you&#039;ve seen waterfalls online and on TV and think the ones in Hawaii could never compare. You might even think that in order to access one, you&#039;d have to be some sort of hiker guru or super nature enthusiast. But no. None of this is true. In fact, Hawaii harbors not only some of the most beautiful waterfalls but some of the tallest in the world too! From steep tumbling falls against jagged cliffs to shorter falls you can jump off, to waterfalls backed by lush green moss and ferns, to shallow pools, deep pools, small pools, and large pools beneath, Hawaii has the ultimate variety when it comes to waterfalls!
  13593.  
  13594.  
  13595.  
  13596. Many waterfalls in Hawaii are accessible only via helicopter, but don&#039;t get discouraged just yet! There are tons that are accessible via hiking trails, kayaks, and tour boats too! Some waterfalls freefall into the ocean, while others drain into fresh pools below. Some are off-limits and some are open to the public. Some are major tourist attractions, while others offer more personal encounters. Some waterfall trails are a quick walk, others are a long hike, and some can take days. Most are free to explore, but some have the occasional parking fee or park entrance fee. Some waterfalls are commonly known and widely visited while others are yet to be discovered. You can usually find wildlife in and around waterfalls such as crayfish, freshwater gobies, freshwater crabs, wild pigs, birds, mosquitoes (yes, lots of them!), and anything else that runs wild in the forests of Hawaii (no snakes though!) You can also usually find fruit along waterfall hiking trails such as guava, papaya, lilikoi, and strawberry guava. Waterfall hikes in Hawaii are usually safe for any age and any stage of hiker, unless there are signs indicating otherwise or security guards protecting the entrance (for example Stairway to Heaven on Oahu and Kipu Falls on Kauai).
  13597.  
  13598.  
  13599.  
  13600.  
  13601.  
  13602.  
  13603.  
  13604. While we&#039;d like to mention all of our favorites, we&#039;re narrowing it down to just one waterfall hike per main island (Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and Big Island). These waterfall hikes were picked for their astounding beauty, accessibility, and overall satisfaction factor. So while we may have other favorites in mind, these ones provide the ideal array for any type of hike and hiker. And we&#039;re listing them from the most effortless to the most advanced, but remember; there are plenty of other waterfall hikes on each island that will appeal to any skill level. So if you&#039;re vacationing to Hawaii be sure to check out all your options, and not just the ones we mention here. There is so much to explore! So get busy!
  13605.  
  13606.  
  13607.  
  13608. Big Island: Akaka Falls, Hamakua
  13609.  
  13610.  
  13611.  
  13612. Our first mention is also the easiest mention that we&#039;re highlighting, but quite possibly the one that will yield the heaviest water tumbling down. Akaka Falls State Park features two different waterfalls, Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. They are both easily accessed via a short, well-maintained paved path. You&#039;ll pass through dense rainforests filled with stunning flora and fauna including bamboo groves, wild orchids, ferns, and towering trees. While walking the 0.4-mile trail through the lush vegetation, you&#039;ll first come to the 100-foot Kahuna Falls. Walk further around the loop and you&#039;ll come across 442 feet of falling water, known as Akaka Falls- this will simply mesmerize you. There is a parking fee of $5 per car or $1 for walk-ins, but this goes toward the maintenance of the park and upkeep of facilities. There are public restrooms, trashcans, and drinking water available here for convenience. The all-around experience of Akaka Falls is gratifying, easy, and accommodating, which is why we recommend it for your visit to the Big Island.
  13613.  
  13614.  
  13615.  
  13616. Oahu: Maunawili Falls, Kailua
  13617.  
  13618.  
  13619.  
  13620. This hike is beautiful,</description>
  13621. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2013/02/2013-02-08_e560_waterfalls-of-hawaii.mp3" length="21742232" type="audio/mpeg" />
  13622. <itunes:subtitle>Waterfalls are a big source of question when it comes to vacationers traveling to Hawaii. For some, these natural water spectacles might seem like a mythical creatures, existing only in dreams and in highly unattainable landscapes.</itunes:subtitle>
  13623. <itunes:summary>Waterfalls are a big source of question when it comes to vacationers traveling to Hawaii. For some, these natural water spectacles might seem like a mythical creatures, existing only in dreams and in highly unattainable landscapes. Or maybe you&#039;ve seen waterfalls online and on TV and think the ones in Hawaii could never compare. You might even think that in order to access one, you&#039;d have to be some sort of hiker guru or super nature enthusiast. But no. None of this is true. In fact, Hawaii harbors not only some of the most beautiful waterfalls but some of the tallest in the world too! From steep tumbling falls against jagged cliffs to shorter falls you can jump off, to waterfalls backed by lush green moss and ferns, to shallow pools, deep pools, small pools, and large pools beneath, Hawaii has the ultimate variety when it comes to waterfalls!&lt;br /&gt;
  13624. &lt;br /&gt;
  13625. &lt;br /&gt;
  13626. &lt;br /&gt;
  13627. Many waterfalls in Hawaii are accessible only via helicopter, but don&#039;t get discouraged just yet! There are tons that are accessible via hiking trails, kayaks, and tour boats too! Some waterfalls freefall into the ocean, while others drain into fresh pools below. Some are off-limits and some are open to the public. Some are major tourist attractions, while others offer more personal encounters. Some waterfall trails are a quick walk, others are a long hike, and some can take days. Most are free to explore, but some have the occasional parking fee or park entrance fee. Some waterfalls are commonly known and widely visited while others are yet to be discovered. You can usually find wildlife in and around waterfalls such as crayfish, freshwater gobies, freshwater crabs, wild pigs, birds, mosquitoes (yes, lots of them!), and anything else that runs wild in the forests of Hawaii (no snakes though!) You can also usually find fruit along waterfall hiking trails such as guava, papaya, lilikoi, and strawberry guava. Waterfall hikes in Hawaii are usually safe for any age and any stage of hiker, unless there are signs indicating otherwise or security guards protecting the entrance (for example Stairway to Heaven on Oahu and Kipu Falls on Kauai).&lt;br /&gt;
  13628. &lt;br /&gt;
  13629. &lt;br /&gt;
  13630. &lt;br /&gt;
  13631. &lt;br /&gt;
  13632. &lt;br /&gt;
  13633. &lt;br /&gt;
  13634. &lt;br /&gt;
  13635. While we&#039;d like to mention all of our favorites, we&#039;re narrowing it down to just one waterfall hike per main island (Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and Big Island). These waterfall hikes were picked for their astounding beauty, accessibility, and overall satisfaction factor. So while we may have other favorites in mind, these ones provide the ideal array for any type of hike and hiker. And we&#039;re listing them from the most effortless to the most advanced, but remember; there are plenty of other waterfall hikes on each island that will appeal to any skill level. So if you&#039;re vacationing to Hawaii be sure to check out all your options, and not just the ones we mention here. There is so much to explore! So get busy!&lt;br /&gt;
  13636. &lt;br /&gt;
  13637. &lt;br /&gt;
  13638. &lt;br /&gt;
  13639. Big Island: Akaka Falls, Hamakua&lt;br /&gt;
  13640. &lt;br /&gt;
  13641. &lt;br /&gt;
  13642. &lt;br /&gt;
  13643. Our first mention is also the easiest mention that we&#039;re highlighting, but quite possibly the one that will yield the heaviest water tumbling down. Akaka Falls State Park features two different waterfalls, Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. They are both easily accessed via a short, well-maintained paved path. You&#039;ll pass through dense rainforests filled with stunning flora and fauna including bamboo groves, wild orchids, ferns, and towering trees. While walking the 0.4-mile trail through the lush vegetation, you&#039;ll first come to the 100-foot Kahuna Falls. Walk further around the loop and you&#039;ll come across 442 feet of falling water, known as Akaka Falls- this will simply mesmerize you. There is a parking fee of $5 per car or $1 for walk-ins, but this goes toward the maintenance of the park and upkeep of facilities. There are public restrooms, trashcans, and drinking water available here for convenience. The all-around experience of Akaka Falls is gratifying, easy, and accommodating,</itunes:summary>
  13644. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  13645. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  13646. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  13647. <itunes:duration>22:38</itunes:duration>
  13648. </item>
  13649. <item>
  13650. <title>The best ways to see the Napali Coast on Kauai</title>
  13651. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/the-best-ways-to-see-the-napali-coast-on-kauai/</link>
  13652. <pubDate>Sat, 02 Feb 2013 03:24:25 +0000</pubDate>
  13653. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=2546</guid>
  13654. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/the-best-ways-to-see-the-napali-coast-on-kauai/#respond</comments>
  13655. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/the-best-ways-to-see-the-napali-coast-on-kauai/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  13656. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  13657. <description>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&#039;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&#039;ll be happy to know it can be accessed in a variety of ways. Today we&#039;re going to give you the details on this renowned place, so that you might be able to glimpse it for yourself someday.
  13658. First off, the best time to check out this coastline is during summer, hands down. Not only is it the calmest, but it&#039;s also the safest time and the most visually pleasing. It&#039;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&#039;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&#039;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.
  13659.  
  13660. 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&#039;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&#039;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&#039;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&#039;t see it quite like you would from a boat with its sweeping panoramic views, and ocean versus land views.
  13661.  
  13662. Onboard a tour boat, you&#039;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&#039;ele), which gives guests views of the entire west side of Kauai. The secluded beaches you&#039;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&#039;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.
  13663.  
  13664. 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 cl...</description>
  13665. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2013/02/2013-02-01_e559_kauais-napali-coast.mp3" length="12475855" type="audio/mpeg" />
  13666. <itunes:subtitle>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.</itunes:subtitle>
  13667. <itunes:summary>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&#039;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&#039;ll be happy to know it can be accessed in a variety of ways. Today we&#039;re going to give you the details on this renowned place, so that you might be able to glimpse it for yourself someday.&lt;br /&gt;
  13668. &lt;br /&gt;
  13669. First off, the best time to check out this coastline is during summer, hands down. Not only is it the calmest, but it&#039;s also the safest time and the most visually pleasing. It&#039;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&#039;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&#039;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.&lt;br /&gt;
  13670. &lt;br /&gt;
  13671. 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&#039;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&#039;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&#039;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&#039;t see it quite like you would from a boat with its sweeping panoramic views, and ocean versus land views.&lt;br /&gt;
  13672. &lt;br /&gt;
  13673. Onboard a tour boat, you&#039;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&#039;ele), which gives guests views of the entire west side of Kauai. The secluded beaches you&#039;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&#039;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.&lt;br /&gt;
  13674. &lt;br /&gt;
  13675. 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 ...</itunes:summary>
  13676. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  13677. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  13678. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  13679. <itunes:duration>12:59</itunes:duration>
  13680. </item>
  13681. <item>
  13682. <title>The Best Easy Hikes Oahu Offers: Makapu’u Point  Manoa Falls</title>
  13683. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/easy-hiking-suggestions-on-oahu/</link>
  13684. <pubDate>Sat, 26 Jan 2013 00:16:09 +0000</pubDate>
  13685. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=2541</guid>
  13686. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/easy-hiking-suggestions-on-oahu/#respond</comments>
  13687. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/easy-hiking-suggestions-on-oahu/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  13688. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  13689. <description>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.
  13690.  
  13691.  
  13692.  
  13693. 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.
  13694.  
  13695.  
  13696.  
  13697.  
  13698.  
  13699.  
  13700.  
  13701. Manoa Falls Trail
  13702.  
  13703.  
  13704.  
  13705. 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.
  13706.  
  13707.  
  13708.  
  13709.  
  13710.  
  13711.  
  13712.  
  13713. Where to Find It
  13714.  
  13715.  
  13716.  
  13717. 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. 
  13718.  
  13719.  
  13720.  
  13721. You’ll need to pay a few dollars to park, which we prefer over difficult hikes with hard-to-find parking spots. 
  13722.  
  13723.  
  13724.  
  13725. What to Expect
  13726.  
  13727.  
  13728.  
  13729. 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. 
  13730.  
  13731.  
  13732.  
  13733. 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. 
  13734.  
  13735.  
  13736.  
  13737. 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.
  13738.  
  13739.  
  13740.  
  13741. 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. 
  13742.  
  13743.  
  13744.  
  13745. 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. 
  13746.  
  13747.  
  13748.  
  13749. 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. 
  13750.  
  13751.  
  13752.  
  13753. 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! 
  13754.  
  13755.  
  13756.  
  13757. 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. 
  13758.  
  13759.  
  13760.  
  13761. Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail
  13762.  
  13763.  
  13764.  
  13765. 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. 
  13766.  
  13767.  
  13768.  
  13769. Where to this Easy Hike in Oahu
  13770.  
  13771.  
  13772.  
  13773. Makapu’u Point is on Oahu’s southeastern side, just around the corner from Waikiki. You’ll be near Sea Life Park, Hawaii Kai Golf Course, and Makapu’u Beach Park.
  13774.  
  13775.  
  13776.  
  13777. There is an accessible parking area located off of the Kalanianaole Highway (Hwy. 72)
  13778.  
  13779.  
  13780.  
  13781. What to Expect
  13782.  
  13783.  
  13784.  
  13785. This scenic hike winds within the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, offering great vantages for seeing wildlife, including humpback whales in the winter months.  
  13786.  
  13787.  
  13788.  
  13789. It’s about a mile from the parking lot to the lighthouse (so...</description>
  13790. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2013/01/2013-01-25_e558_easy-hike-for-everyone-on-oahu.mp3" length="5242880" type="audio/mpeg" />
  13791. <itunes:subtitle>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.    </itunes:subtitle>
  13792. <itunes:summary>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.&lt;br /&gt;
  13793. &lt;br /&gt;
  13794. &lt;br /&gt;
  13795. &lt;br /&gt;
  13796. 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.&lt;br /&gt;
  13797. &lt;br /&gt;
  13798. &lt;br /&gt;
  13799. &lt;br /&gt;
  13800. &lt;br /&gt;
  13801. &lt;br /&gt;
  13802. &lt;br /&gt;
  13803. &lt;br /&gt;
  13804. Manoa Falls Trail&lt;br /&gt;
  13805. &lt;br /&gt;
  13806. &lt;br /&gt;
  13807. &lt;br /&gt;
  13808. 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.&lt;br /&gt;
  13809. &lt;br /&gt;
  13810. &lt;br /&gt;
  13811. &lt;br /&gt;
  13812. &lt;br /&gt;
  13813. &lt;br /&gt;
  13814. &lt;br /&gt;
  13815. &lt;br /&gt;
  13816. Where to Find It&lt;br /&gt;
  13817. &lt;br /&gt;
  13818. &lt;br /&gt;
  13819. &lt;br /&gt;
  13820. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
  13821. &lt;br /&gt;
  13822. &lt;br /&gt;
  13823. &lt;br /&gt;
  13824. You’ll need to pay a few dollars to park, which we prefer over difficult hikes with hard-to-find parking spots. &lt;br /&gt;
  13825. &lt;br /&gt;
  13826. &lt;br /&gt;
  13827. &lt;br /&gt;
  13828. What to Expect&lt;br /&gt;
  13829. &lt;br /&gt;
  13830. &lt;br /&gt;
  13831. &lt;br /&gt;
  13832. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
  13833. &lt;br /&gt;
  13834. &lt;br /&gt;
  13835. &lt;br /&gt;
  13836. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
  13837. &lt;br /&gt;
  13838. &lt;br /&gt;
  13839. &lt;br /&gt;
  13840. 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.&lt;br /&gt;
  13841. &lt;br /&gt;
  13842. &lt;br /&gt;
  13843. &lt;br /&gt;
  13844. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
  13845. &lt;br /&gt;
  13846. &lt;br /&gt;
  13847. &lt;br /&gt;
  13848. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
  13849. &lt;br /&gt;
  13850. &lt;br /&gt;
  13851. &lt;br /&gt;
  13852. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
  13853. &lt;br /&gt;
  13854. &lt;br /&gt;
  13855. &lt;br /&gt;
  13856. 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! &lt;br /&gt;
  13857. &lt;br /&gt;
  13858. &lt;br /&gt;
  13859. &lt;br /&gt;
  13860. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
  13861. &lt;br /&gt;
  13862. &lt;br /&gt;
  13863. &lt;br /&gt;
  13864. Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail&lt;br /&gt;
  13865. &lt;br /&gt;
  13866. &lt;br /&gt;
  13867. &lt;br /&gt;
  13868. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
  13869. &lt;br /&gt;
  13870. &lt;br /&gt;
  13871. &lt;br /&gt;
  13872. Where to this Easy Hike in Oahu&lt;br /&gt;
  13873. &lt;br /&gt;
  13874. </itunes:summary>
  13875. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  13876. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  13877. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  13878. </item>
  13879. <item>
  13880. <title>My Favorite Maui Beach Picks</title>
  13881. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/my-favorite-maui-beach-picks/</link>
  13882. <pubDate>Fri, 18 Jan 2013 20:07:04 +0000</pubDate>
  13883. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=2538</guid>
  13884. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/my-favorite-maui-beach-picks/#respond</comments>
  13885. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/my-favorite-maui-beach-picks/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  13886. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  13887. <description>It&#039;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&#039;s nickname “The Valley Isle”), and the beaches are diverse and beautiful. And speaking of beaches, today we&#039;re highlighting our top five picks of Maui&#039;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.
  13888.  
  13889. 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.
  13890.  
  13891. 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&#039;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&#039;s a beautiful bay that will surely bring you back to Maui for your next tropical vacation.
  13892.  
  13893. 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&#039;s”, each offering up something different but equally beautiful.</description>
  13894. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2013/01/2013-01-18_e557_my-favorite-maui-beaches.mp3" length="17026637" type="audio/mpeg" />
  13895. <itunes:subtitle>It&#039;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&#039;s nickname “The Valley Isle”),</itunes:subtitle>
  13896. <itunes:summary>It&#039;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&#039;s nickname “The Valley Isle”), and the beaches are diverse and beautiful. And speaking of beaches, today we&#039;re highlighting our top five picks of Maui&#039;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.&lt;br /&gt;
  13897. &lt;br /&gt;
  13898. 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.&lt;br /&gt;
  13899. &lt;br /&gt;
  13900. 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&#039;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&#039;s a beautiful bay that will surely bring you back to Maui for your next tropical vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  13901. &lt;br /&gt;
  13902. 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&#039;s”, each offering up something different but equally beautiful.</itunes:summary>
  13903. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  13904. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  13905. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  13906. <itunes:duration>17:43</itunes:duration>
  13907. </item>
  13908. <item>
  13909. <title>Timeshares in Waikiki-good news for tourism or devastating for the future?</title>
  13910. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/timeshares-in-waikiki-good-news-for-tourism-or-devastating-for-the-future/</link>
  13911. <pubDate>Sat, 12 Jan 2013 19:40:19 +0000</pubDate>
  13912. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=2533</guid>
  13913. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/timeshares-in-waikiki-good-news-for-tourism-or-devastating-for-the-future/#respond</comments>
  13914. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/timeshares-in-waikiki-good-news-for-tourism-or-devastating-for-the-future/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  13915. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  13916. <description>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.
  13917.  
  13918. I question if we&#039;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&#039;s a place that grows on a person, and if you&#039;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&#039;t be able to afford a vacation to Hawaii anymore. And there simply won&#039;t be enough hotel rooms, only timeshares.
  13919.  
  13920. As if this weren&#039;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&#039;re going to need to figure out ways to redirect attention. And the flood of timeshares is not helping. Maybe I&#039;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.
  13921.  
  13922. 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&#039;s only remaining untouched historical site, is being slated for demolition. A very large plan is taking place in Waikiki, including Hilton Hawaiian Village&#039;s new 550 unit timeshare development, with the first phase of 300 units planned for completion by 2015.
  13923.  
  13924. 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&#039;t seem the same without the natural Hawaiian sun streaming in, does it? Maybe this is what people call progress though, and maybe I&#039;m just pessimistic. But I&#039;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&#039;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?</description>
  13925. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2013/01/2013-01-11_e533_are-timeshares-ruining-waikiki.mp3" length="13990129" type="audio/mpeg" />
  13926. <itunes:subtitle>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,</itunes:subtitle>
  13927. <itunes:summary>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. &lt;br /&gt;
  13928. &lt;br /&gt;
  13929. I question if we&#039;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&#039;s a place that grows on a person, and if you&#039;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&#039;t be able to afford a vacation to Hawaii anymore. And there simply won&#039;t be enough hotel rooms, only timeshares.&lt;br /&gt;
  13930. &lt;br /&gt;
  13931. As if this weren&#039;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&#039;re going to need to figure out ways to redirect attention. And the flood of timeshares is not helping. Maybe I&#039;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.&lt;br /&gt;
  13932. &lt;br /&gt;
  13933. 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&#039;s only remaining untouched historical site, is being slated for demolition. A very large plan is taking place in Waikiki, including Hilton Hawaiian Village&#039;s new 550 unit timeshare development, with the first phase of 300 units planned for completion by 2015.&lt;br /&gt;
  13934. &lt;br /&gt;
  13935. 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&#039;t seem the same without the natural Hawaiian sun streaming in, does it? Maybe this is what people call progress though, and maybe I&#039;m just pessimistic. But I&#039;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&#039;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?</itunes:summary>
  13936. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  13937. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  13938. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  13939. <itunes:duration>14:34</itunes:duration>
  13940. </item>
  13941. <item>
  13942. <title>Planning your Hawaii Vacation in Advance</title>
  13943. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/planning-your-hawaii-vacation-in-advance/</link>
  13944. <pubDate>Sat, 05 Jan 2013 01:57:13 +0000</pubDate>
  13945. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=2526</guid>
  13946. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/planning-your-hawaii-vacation-in-advance/#respond</comments>
  13947. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/planning-your-hawaii-vacation-in-advance/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  13948. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  13949. <description>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&#039;t necessarily mean a hotel room is guaranteed once you&#039;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&#039;m hammering you over the head with my mantra, “book in advance, book in advance, book in advance!”
  13950.  
  13951. 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&#039;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&#039;t get quite the hustle bustle crowd of the summer and winter months, but don&#039;t let this fool you. Just because it doesn&#039;t seem like a popular travel season, doesn&#039;t mean it&#039;s not. And like I said before, Hawaii hasn&#039;t seen any slow down in tourism for almost a year now.
  13952.  
  13953. Since we&#039;re on the topic, I&#039;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.
  13954.  
  13955. 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&#039;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.
  13956.  
  13957. 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, so it&#039;s best to book with someone like us; a local travel comp...</description>
  13958. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2013/01/2013-01-04_e541_planning-your-hawaii-vacation-in-advance.mp3" length="16022158" type="audio/mpeg" />
  13959. <itunes:subtitle>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,</itunes:subtitle>
  13960. <itunes:summary>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&#039;t necessarily mean a hotel room is guaranteed once you&#039;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&#039;m hammering you over the head with my mantra, “book in advance, book in advance, book in advance!”&lt;br /&gt;
  13961. &lt;br /&gt;
  13962. 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&#039;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&#039;t get quite the hustle bustle crowd of the summer and winter months, but don&#039;t let this fool you. Just because it doesn&#039;t seem like a popular travel season, doesn&#039;t mean it&#039;s not. And like I said before, Hawaii hasn&#039;t seen any slow down in tourism for almost a year now.&lt;br /&gt;
  13963. &lt;br /&gt;
  13964. Since we&#039;re on the topic, I&#039;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.&lt;br /&gt;
  13965. &lt;br /&gt;
  13966. 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&#039;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.&lt;br /&gt;
  13967. &lt;br /&gt;
  13968. 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,</itunes:summary>
  13969. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  13970. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  13971. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  13972. <itunes:duration>16:41</itunes:duration>
  13973. </item>
  13974. <item>
  13975. <title>Hawaii Cocktails &#038; Drinking 101 in Hawaii</title>
  13976. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-cocktails-drinking-101-in-hawaii/</link>
  13977. <pubDate>Sat, 15 Dec 2012 02:49:06 +0000</pubDate>
  13978. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=1999</guid>
  13979. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-cocktails-drinking-101-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  13980. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-cocktails-drinking-101-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  13981. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  13982. <description>Today&#039;s topic we&#039;re going to cover something that might prove to be quite helpful during your trip to Hawaii. Vacationers all find different ways to relax; whether with a good book, spa time and massages, laying in the sun, or one of my personal favorites, enjoying a refreshing tropical cocktail. Hawaii has some of the most unique and exclusive cocktail concoctions in the US, and we know many folks who can&#039;t wait to wind down with one of the islands’ most popular drinks. Today we&#039;re going to talk about these tropical blends, where to find the best in town, and how to bring a little of it back home with you. And since we&#039;re a family-friendly type of talk show, we&#039;re also going to cover the drinking age (and how those under 21 can still have some fun), restrictions, and what you should know about drinking in public in Hawaii. Cheers!
  13983.  
  13984. Some of the most popular drinks in Hawaii are marked by their distinctive, Hawaii-style names. Here&#039;s a few of our favorites: Mai Tai, Lava Flow, Chi Chi, Blue Hawaii (or Blue Hawaiian), li hing mui rimmed martinis, and anything with lilikoi (passion fruit) in it. Mai Tais are mixed with three different types of rum: dark, light, and 151. It&#039;s a blend of the alcohol with pineapple and orange juices, plus an array of other twists that are left up to the bartender&#039;s discretion. Mai Tais are a classic cocktail of Hawaii; just make sure you go easy with all that rum! The sun is known to have a powerful effect on people when they&#039;re drinking heavy amounts of liquor.
  13985.  
  13986. Lava Flows I like to call the “dessert cocktail” because it&#039;s like having a tropical (and alcoholic) ice cream shake. They are fruity, delicious, and lighter on the alcohol than Mai Tais, which is ideal for the occasional drinker. Lava Flows get their name from their coloring, and are a mixture of light rum, coconut rum, strawberries, bananas, pineapple juice, and coconut cream. They are served in attractive glasses, usually with a fruit garnish and umbrella. Lava Flows just scream, “I&#039;m on vacation and loving Hawaii.”
  13987.  
  13988. Chi Chis are very similar to a Lava Flow, only they don&#039;t contain the rum and they are white in color. Also a little lighter than a Lava Flow, they go down a bit easier and are fun to order, simply for announcing their name in public (especially when you&#039;ve got a good lookin’ waitress or bartender to order from!). Recently made famous in South Park&#039;s “Going Native” episode about Kauai “locals”, the Chi Chi is a signature Hawaii cocktail that is refreshing on a warm beach day.
  13989.  
  13990. Bring on more rum with the Blue Hawaii cocktail! Light rum, vodka, blue Curacao, pineapple juice, and sweet &amp; sour make this drink light, refreshing, and colorfully blue. The Blue Hawaii drink was invented by a bartender named Harry Yee who worked at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in 1957. A Bols Liqueurs representative asked Harry to create a new cocktail that included Bols’ newest liqueur, Blue Curacao, and thus Blue Hawaii was created. There&#039;s nothing like sipping on an ocean blue cocktail to remind you of where you made it to for you&#039;re your vacation!
  13991.  
  13992. Li hing mui- you either love it or you hate it. It&#039;s a dried Chinese plum that has a salty, sweet &amp; sour taste, and is reddish orange in color. It offers a flavor kick in any cocktail, and is used as a salty rim for an array of specialty drinks. Many people will order a drink specifically for its Li hing mui rim, or will ask to add it to their drink of choice. If you&#039;ve never tried it, make sure you taste its unique flavors at least once while you&#039;re visiting the islands! It&#039;s a local favorite, and can also be found in a variety of different forms (like candy and rubs).
  13993.  
  13994. Lilikoi is an incredibly delicious flavor that comes from the yellow ball fruit of the lilikoi vine. Also known as passion fruit, lilikoi usually blooms year round in Hawaii, and is offered in many tropical cocktails. Its sweet/tart flavor gives a fruity taste to any drink, and is served in a variety of ways.</description>
  13995. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2012/12/2012-12-12_e537_hawaii-cocktails-and-drinking-in-hawaii-101.mp3" length="19333902" type="audio/mpeg" />
  13996. <itunes:subtitle>Today&#039;s topic we&#039;re going to cover something that might prove to be quite helpful during your trip to Hawaii. Vacationers all find different ways to relax; whether with a good book, spa time and massages, laying in the sun,</itunes:subtitle>
  13997. <itunes:summary>Today&#039;s topic we&#039;re going to cover something that might prove to be quite helpful during your trip to Hawaii. Vacationers all find different ways to relax; whether with a good book, spa time and massages, laying in the sun, or one of my personal favorites, enjoying a refreshing tropical cocktail. Hawaii has some of the most unique and exclusive cocktail concoctions in the US, and we know many folks who can&#039;t wait to wind down with one of the islands’ most popular drinks. Today we&#039;re going to talk about these tropical blends, where to find the best in town, and how to bring a little of it back home with you. And since we&#039;re a family-friendly type of talk show, we&#039;re also going to cover the drinking age (and how those under 21 can still have some fun), restrictions, and what you should know about drinking in public in Hawaii. Cheers!&lt;br /&gt;
  13998. &lt;br /&gt;
  13999. Some of the most popular drinks in Hawaii are marked by their distinctive, Hawaii-style names. Here&#039;s a few of our favorites: Mai Tai, Lava Flow, Chi Chi, Blue Hawaii (or Blue Hawaiian), li hing mui rimmed martinis, and anything with lilikoi (passion fruit) in it. Mai Tais are mixed with three different types of rum: dark, light, and 151. It&#039;s a blend of the alcohol with pineapple and orange juices, plus an array of other twists that are left up to the bartender&#039;s discretion. Mai Tais are a classic cocktail of Hawaii; just make sure you go easy with all that rum! The sun is known to have a powerful effect on people when they&#039;re drinking heavy amounts of liquor.&lt;br /&gt;
  14000. &lt;br /&gt;
  14001. Lava Flows I like to call the “dessert cocktail” because it&#039;s like having a tropical (and alcoholic) ice cream shake. They are fruity, delicious, and lighter on the alcohol than Mai Tais, which is ideal for the occasional drinker. Lava Flows get their name from their coloring, and are a mixture of light rum, coconut rum, strawberries, bananas, pineapple juice, and coconut cream. They are served in attractive glasses, usually with a fruit garnish and umbrella. Lava Flows just scream, “I&#039;m on vacation and loving Hawaii.”&lt;br /&gt;
  14002. &lt;br /&gt;
  14003. Chi Chis are very similar to a Lava Flow, only they don&#039;t contain the rum and they are white in color. Also a little lighter than a Lava Flow, they go down a bit easier and are fun to order, simply for announcing their name in public (especially when you&#039;ve got a good lookin’ waitress or bartender to order from!). Recently made famous in South Park&#039;s “Going Native” episode about Kauai “locals”, the Chi Chi is a signature Hawaii cocktail that is refreshing on a warm beach day.&lt;br /&gt;
  14004. &lt;br /&gt;
  14005. Bring on more rum with the Blue Hawaii cocktail! Light rum, vodka, blue Curacao, pineapple juice, and sweet &amp; sour make this drink light, refreshing, and colorfully blue. The Blue Hawaii drink was invented by a bartender named Harry Yee who worked at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in 1957. A Bols Liqueurs representative asked Harry to create a new cocktail that included Bols’ newest liqueur, Blue Curacao, and thus Blue Hawaii was created. There&#039;s nothing like sipping on an ocean blue cocktail to remind you of where you made it to for you&#039;re your vacation!&lt;br /&gt;
  14006. &lt;br /&gt;
  14007. Li hing mui- you either love it or you hate it. It&#039;s a dried Chinese plum that has a salty, sweet &amp; sour taste, and is reddish orange in color. It offers a flavor kick in any cocktail, and is used as a salty rim for an array of specialty drinks. Many people will order a drink specifically for its Li hing mui rim, or will ask to add it to their drink of choice. If you&#039;ve never tried it, make sure you taste its unique flavors at least once while you&#039;re visiting the islands! It&#039;s a local favorite, and can also be found in a variety of different forms (like candy and rubs).&lt;br /&gt;
  14008. &lt;br /&gt;
  14009. Lilikoi is an incredibly delicious flavor that comes from the yellow ball fruit of the lilikoi vine. Also known as passion fruit, lilikoi usually blooms year round in Hawaii, and is offered in many tropical cocktails.</itunes:summary>
  14010. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  14011. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  14012. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  14013. <itunes:duration>20:08</itunes:duration>
  14014. </item>
  14015. <item>
  14016. <title>My Favorite Big Island Beach Picks</title>
  14017. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/the-best-beaches-on-the-big-island/</link>
  14018. <pubDate>Fri, 30 Nov 2012 00:11:26 +0000</pubDate>
  14019. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=1990</guid>
  14020. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/the-best-beaches-on-the-big-island/#respond</comments>
  14021. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/the-best-beaches-on-the-big-island/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  14022. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  14023. <description>The Big Island, although the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, has some of the clearest waters in all of Hawaii along its northwest coast. While the stretches of sand may not be as expansive as some of the older islands’, (due to less time for development), they are still some of the most spectacular and unique “pocket style” beaches that Hawaii offers. Many people conjure up images of black, volcanic, rocky coastlines with little or no beaches when they think of the Big Island. But we&#039;re here to shed some light on that myth and give you a guide to some of the island&#039;s best sandy spots. On today&#039;s show, we&#039;re going to highlight some of our favorite Big Island beaches, and give you some tips and pointers about each one. Our first highlight is the very loved and very popular, Hapuna Beach State Park, an excellent location for beach enthusiasts.
  14024. Hapuna Beach
  14025. Hapuna is toward the northern tip of the island and offers up a relatively long stretch of sand. Beach combing, swimming, snorkeling, body surfing and boogie boarding are all perfect daytime activities at this spot. Wide and long, the soft sand at Hapuna is an ideal place for an all-day beach day. With a lifeguard on duty, and mostly temperate ocean conditions, it&#039;s a perfect beach for the kids too. Shady spots are limited here, so make sure to claim your spot early if you intend to stay all day.
  14026. Four Seasons Beach
  14027. Named after the resort along its sand, is unique for the tide pools that are big enough to swim in. When the waves are mellow, this beach is great for soaking and swimming. The Four Seasons Resort is accessible for drinks and lunch as well, which gives this beach a resort community-esque feel to it. One pointer for the rockier beaches: be cautious of your footing underwater. Wana (sea urchin) is known to nestle in the nooks and crannies of the reef and is sure to put a damper on your vacation if you step on it. Tip for wana stings: soak the infected area in vinegar. This helps loosen and dissolve the spikes in the skin, making it less painful and a quicker heal time. And when you don&#039;t have vinegar on hand, well, there&#039;s always the old trick of peeing on the stings!
  14028. Black Sand Beach
  14029. The Big Island is probably most known for its one-of-a-kind colored sand beaches, one being Punaluu, or Black Sand Beach. This black sand was created from crushed up lava rock, and is likely one of the most renowned beaches in Hawaii. Decent for swimming, but mostly just a novelty landmark, this beach is worth checking out simply for its exclusive coloring. Many people like to take a pinch of the sand home to bottle as a memento, but one (superstitious) word of advice: the Hawaiians believed that taking anything off the island was considered bad luck, especially lava rock. While the sand isn&#039;t technically lava rocks, it did derive from rocks, and therefore might make you a bit wary of packing it up in your suitcase.
  14030. Anaehoomalu Bay
  14031. This is a great place for families because of its protected swimming area. The reef that shelters this bay from waves also offers great snorkeling. While the shoreline might be a little murky for underwater visibility, the outer portions of the beach and reef are ideal for sights of tropical fish. Many people rent or bring lounge chairs to this beach, and with such ample shade from the palm tree-lined sand, Anaehoomalu is ideal for relaxing.
  14032. Mauna Kea Beach
  14033. This beach is known as one of the best beaches on Big Island. The sandy bottom makes it perfect for swimming, and the reef along both sides of the beach offer incredible snorkeling as well. A lush backdrop gives this beach a very tropical feel to it, plus the waters are turquoise and clear, a picture-perfect beach. Because of the lush vegetation here, we recommend trying this local secret for optimal snorkeling: the Naupaka plant can be found growing out of the sand along most Hawaii beaches. It is a green, waxy plant with small white flowers and its leaves are shaped like skinny ovals.</description>
  14034. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2012/11/2012-11-29_e538_my-favorite-big-island-beach-picks.mp3" length="20908824" type="audio/mpeg" />
  14035. <itunes:subtitle>The Big Island, although the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, has some of the clearest waters in all of Hawaii along its northwest coast. While the stretches of sand may not be as expansive as some of the older islands’,</itunes:subtitle>
  14036. <itunes:summary>The Big Island, although the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, has some of the clearest waters in all of Hawaii along its northwest coast. While the stretches of sand may not be as expansive as some of the older islands’, (due to less time for development), they are still some of the most spectacular and unique “pocket style” beaches that Hawaii offers. Many people conjure up images of black, volcanic, rocky coastlines with little or no beaches when they think of the Big Island. But we&#039;re here to shed some light on that myth and give you a guide to some of the island&#039;s best sandy spots. On today&#039;s show, we&#039;re going to highlight some of our favorite Big Island beaches, and give you some tips and pointers about each one. Our first highlight is the very loved and very popular, Hapuna Beach State Park, an excellent location for beach enthusiasts.&lt;br /&gt;
  14037. Hapuna Beach&lt;br /&gt;
  14038. Hapuna is toward the northern tip of the island and offers up a relatively long stretch of sand. Beach combing, swimming, snorkeling, body surfing and boogie boarding are all perfect daytime activities at this spot. Wide and long, the soft sand at Hapuna is an ideal place for an all-day beach day. With a lifeguard on duty, and mostly temperate ocean conditions, it&#039;s a perfect beach for the kids too. Shady spots are limited here, so make sure to claim your spot early if you intend to stay all day.&lt;br /&gt;
  14039. Four Seasons Beach&lt;br /&gt;
  14040. Named after the resort along its sand, is unique for the tide pools that are big enough to swim in. When the waves are mellow, this beach is great for soaking and swimming. The Four Seasons Resort is accessible for drinks and lunch as well, which gives this beach a resort community-esque feel to it. One pointer for the rockier beaches: be cautious of your footing underwater. Wana (sea urchin) is known to nestle in the nooks and crannies of the reef and is sure to put a damper on your vacation if you step on it. Tip for wana stings: soak the infected area in vinegar. This helps loosen and dissolve the spikes in the skin, making it less painful and a quicker heal time. And when you don&#039;t have vinegar on hand, well, there&#039;s always the old trick of peeing on the stings!&lt;br /&gt;
  14041. Black Sand Beach&lt;br /&gt;
  14042. The Big Island is probably most known for its one-of-a-kind colored sand beaches, one being Punaluu, or Black Sand Beach. This black sand was created from crushed up lava rock, and is likely one of the most renowned beaches in Hawaii. Decent for swimming, but mostly just a novelty landmark, this beach is worth checking out simply for its exclusive coloring. Many people like to take a pinch of the sand home to bottle as a memento, but one (superstitious) word of advice: the Hawaiians believed that taking anything off the island was considered bad luck, especially lava rock. While the sand isn&#039;t technically lava rocks, it did derive from rocks, and therefore might make you a bit wary of packing it up in your suitcase.&lt;br /&gt;
  14043. Anaehoomalu Bay&lt;br /&gt;
  14044. This is a great place for families because of its protected swimming area. The reef that shelters this bay from waves also offers great snorkeling. While the shoreline might be a little murky for underwater visibility, the outer portions of the beach and reef are ideal for sights of tropical fish. Many people rent or bring lounge chairs to this beach, and with such ample shade from the palm tree-lined sand, Anaehoomalu is ideal for relaxing.&lt;br /&gt;
  14045. Mauna Kea Beach&lt;br /&gt;
  14046. This beach is known as one of the best beaches on Big Island. The sandy bottom makes it perfect for swimming, and the reef along both sides of the beach offer incredible snorkeling as well. A lush backdrop gives this beach a very tropical feel to it, plus the waters are turquoise and clear, a picture-perfect beach. Because of the lush vegetation here, we recommend trying this local secret for optimal snorkeling: the Naupaka plant can be found growing out of the sand along most Hawaii beaches. It is a green,</itunes:summary>
  14047. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  14048. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  14049. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  14050. <itunes:duration>21:46</itunes:duration>
  14051. </item>
  14052. <item>
  14053. <title>How To Decide Which Hawaiian Island To Visit</title>
  14054. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/how-to-decide-which-hawaiian-island-to-visit/</link>
  14055. <pubDate>Fri, 23 Nov 2012 23:04:48 +0000</pubDate>
  14056. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=1987</guid>
  14057. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/how-to-decide-which-hawaiian-island-to-visit/#respond</comments>
  14058. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/how-to-decide-which-hawaiian-island-to-visit/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  14059. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  14060. <description>One of the most frequent questions people ask us as a Hawaii travel agency is, “which island should I choose?” While this may seem like a tough choice as a first time traveler to the islands, we&#039;re here to reassure you that with Hawaii, you really can&#039;t go wrong. The Hawaiian archipelago is made up of seven islands, four of which are most popular for travel. And although each island offers incredible beaches and tropical beauty, the islands are individual and unique in their own way. You won&#039;t find volcanic splendor like what the Big Island offers, and you won&#039;t find a nightlife that rivals Oahu&#039;s bustling city. Kauai is a lush, verdant island where you can hike into the rainforests, while Maui offers a similar tropical experience with a mixture of nightlife as well. There are many names that each island is given, and while these pronouns might give you a glimpse into what the lands offer, it&#039;s always a good idea to ask an expert. Which is why we&#039;re answering the number one question for Hawaii travel companies on today&#039;s show!
  14061.  
  14062. Today we&#039;ll highlight the four main islands for travel: Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and Big Island. Like we said, each island is individual and has something different for everyone. But we&#039;re going to generalize for the sake of giving you a straightforward answer. We asked our Facebook fans “If you won a trip to Hawaii and could only pick one island which one would you choose?” We mostly received answers that reflected a “die hard” type of attitude toward one island or another, or people answering based on what they had not yet experienced of Hawaii. I have to admit, I like both these answers. And while I personally would choose Kauai, I would also be torn between choosing an island I had never been to before, to further experience the breadth of Hawaii. These answers make sense to us, especially because we&#039;ve lived and vacationed around the islands. But for a first time traveler to Hawaii, we&#039;d like to offer a few tips on how to choose the ideal island for your Hawaii vacation, based on what popular vote has to say.
  14063.  
  14064. First and foremost, the first question you want to ask yourself is, what type of vacationer are you? Do you prefer a laid-back, relaxing type of getaway, or an active, adventure-filled one? Do you like a little bit of nightlife or a sleepy town to saunter through in the evenings? Are beaches your main reasons for traveling to Hawaii or do you enjoy hikes, shopping, or tour activities? Choosing your island depends on your vacationing style, so once you have this figured out, the choice will be much easier. Here are some guidelines:
  14065. Oahu
  14066. This Island has the best nightlife by far. With a bustling city and multiple hot spots on island, you can have a different club or bar experience for every night you&#039;re here. But don&#039;t be fooled by its liveliness. Oahu has some incredibly tranquil and relaxing counterparts. The north shore is a surfer&#039;s paradise; filled with the iconic breaks of Waimea Bay, Pipeline, and Sunset Beach. The east side is also a quieter place, with boutique shopping and white sand beaches that are seriously unmatched elsewhere in Hawaii. We recommend Oahu for the active family, the lively couple, the party group, or the person who wants a little bit of everything Hawaii.
  14067. Kauai
  14068. Known as the Garden Isle, this green island&#039;s beauty will take your breath away. Tropical vines drip from stoplights and the north shore beaches are back dropped against humid rainforests. If you want to experience Hawaii as a lush island with a relaxed atmosphere, then Kauai is the place for you. A smaller island with far less nightlife than Oahu, many honeymooners, retired vacationers, and families enjoy this island. The daytime activities are nothing short of an adventure, because here you&#039;ll find kayaking, hiking, beach going, snorkeling, leisurely walks, and golfing a plenty! Plus, each side is dramatically different. From the west side&#039;s deep red canyons to the north shore&#039;s damp green forests,</description>
  14069. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2012/11/2012-11-23_e536_how-to-decide-which-hawaiian-island-to-visit.mp3" length="18359807" type="audio/mpeg" />
  14070. <itunes:subtitle>One of the most frequent questions people ask us as a Hawaii travel agency is, “which island should I choose?” While this may seem like a tough choice as a first time traveler to the islands, we&#039;re here to reassure you that with Hawaii,</itunes:subtitle>
  14071. <itunes:summary>One of the most frequent questions people ask us as a Hawaii travel agency is, “which island should I choose?” While this may seem like a tough choice as a first time traveler to the islands, we&#039;re here to reassure you that with Hawaii, you really can&#039;t go wrong. The Hawaiian archipelago is made up of seven islands, four of which are most popular for travel. And although each island offers incredible beaches and tropical beauty, the islands are individual and unique in their own way. You won&#039;t find volcanic splendor like what the Big Island offers, and you won&#039;t find a nightlife that rivals Oahu&#039;s bustling city. Kauai is a lush, verdant island where you can hike into the rainforests, while Maui offers a similar tropical experience with a mixture of nightlife as well. There are many names that each island is given, and while these pronouns might give you a glimpse into what the lands offer, it&#039;s always a good idea to ask an expert. Which is why we&#039;re answering the number one question for Hawaii travel companies on today&#039;s show!&lt;br /&gt;
  14072. &lt;br /&gt;
  14073. Today we&#039;ll highlight the four main islands for travel: Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and Big Island. Like we said, each island is individual and has something different for everyone. But we&#039;re going to generalize for the sake of giving you a straightforward answer. We asked our Facebook fans “If you won a trip to Hawaii and could only pick one island which one would you choose?” We mostly received answers that reflected a “die hard” type of attitude toward one island or another, or people answering based on what they had not yet experienced of Hawaii. I have to admit, I like both these answers. And while I personally would choose Kauai, I would also be torn between choosing an island I had never been to before, to further experience the breadth of Hawaii. These answers make sense to us, especially because we&#039;ve lived and vacationed around the islands. But for a first time traveler to Hawaii, we&#039;d like to offer a few tips on how to choose the ideal island for your Hawaii vacation, based on what popular vote has to say.&lt;br /&gt;
  14074. &lt;br /&gt;
  14075. First and foremost, the first question you want to ask yourself is, what type of vacationer are you? Do you prefer a laid-back, relaxing type of getaway, or an active, adventure-filled one? Do you like a little bit of nightlife or a sleepy town to saunter through in the evenings? Are beaches your main reasons for traveling to Hawaii or do you enjoy hikes, shopping, or tour activities? Choosing your island depends on your vacationing style, so once you have this figured out, the choice will be much easier. Here are some guidelines:&lt;br /&gt;
  14076. Oahu&lt;br /&gt;
  14077. This Island has the best nightlife by far. With a bustling city and multiple hot spots on island, you can have a different club or bar experience for every night you&#039;re here. But don&#039;t be fooled by its liveliness. Oahu has some incredibly tranquil and relaxing counterparts. The north shore is a surfer&#039;s paradise; filled with the iconic breaks of Waimea Bay, Pipeline, and Sunset Beach. The east side is also a quieter place, with boutique shopping and white sand beaches that are seriously unmatched elsewhere in Hawaii. We recommend Oahu for the active family, the lively couple, the party group, or the person who wants a little bit of everything Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  14078. Kauai&lt;br /&gt;
  14079. Known as the Garden Isle, this green island&#039;s beauty will take your breath away. Tropical vines drip from stoplights and the north shore beaches are back dropped against humid rainforests. If you want to experience Hawaii as a lush island with a relaxed atmosphere, then Kauai is the place for you. A smaller island with far less nightlife than Oahu, many honeymooners, retired vacationers, and families enjoy this island. The daytime activities are nothing short of an adventure, because here you&#039;ll find kayaking, hiking, beach going, snorkeling, leisurely walks, and golfing a plenty! Plus, each side is dramatically different.</itunes:summary>
  14080. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  14081. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  14082. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  14083. <itunes:duration>19:07</itunes:duration>
  14084. </item>
  14085. <item>
  14086. <title>Avoiding Waikiki&#8217;s Parking Nightmare</title>
  14087. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/avoiding-waikikis-parking-nightmare/</link>
  14088. <pubDate>Fri, 16 Nov 2012 23:40:12 +0000</pubDate>
  14089. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=1982</guid>
  14090. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/avoiding-waikikis-parking-nightmare/#respond</comments>
  14091. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/avoiding-waikikis-parking-nightmare/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  14092. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  14093. <description>Driving, let alone parking in Waikiki has been known to be a nightmare, whether you&#039;re traveling into town for the night or spending your vacation here. The crowds spill onto the streets, making any driver&#039;s awareness (and stress levels) heighten, and if you&#039;re not willing to pay for a parking lot or valet fees then you have slim chances of finding a spot. There are ways to beat this chaos however, and since we&#039;re experienced with the art of Waikiki parking, we&#039;d like to share our insight with you.
  14094.  
  14095. First off, if you&#039;re staying in Waikiki, then it&#039;s probably not necessary to drive to your dinner destination a few blocks away. Trust us, you&#039;re better off just leaving the car at the hotel parking lot and walking. Waikiki is a lively strip of sidewalk, and it will give you a chance to check things out at a slower pace, not to mention be entertained by the street performers. If you&#039;re traveling into the city for the day or evening, then your parking situation will be a little tougher. I like to approach it in three different ways.
  14096.  
  14097. #1- Weave the side streets. You might just get lucky with a metered parking space down one of Waikiki&#039;s many side streets. These spaces tend to have a quick turn around, but you need to time and patience to wait this one out. If you&#039;re in a hurry or trying to make dinner reservations, we don&#039;t really recommend this approach. Unless you just want to do a quick scout for open spaces to try your luck. Also, the long road along the Ala Wai canal offers free parking, and a lot of it. You just have to be okay with walking about 6 or so blocks to get to the waterfront areas. Remember though, weaving through Waikiki in a vehicle can be stressful and frustrating, so if you&#039;re not familiar with the area, or aren&#039;t having any luck finding a parking spot, then we recommend this next approach.
  14098.  
  14099. #2- Find a lot. Parking lot pricing in Waikiki depends on the time of day and duration of your stay. Waikiki parking garages range in price from $2/hour to $15/hour, so you want to make sure you cruise the area first to compare lots. The paid parking lot at the end of Hobron Lane (where you&#039;ll find Red Lobster, The Modern Honolulu, and the boat harbor) is a great place to park if you are up for a decent walk, or if your day takes you into the Hilton Hawaiian Village. You pay by the hour at an automated machine, and you can take the beach route to your destination if you follow the parking lot to the ocean. The Honolulu Zoo parking lot is also an easy one to find and located in a good spot. Close to the water and at the east end of Kalakaua, you&#039;ll be able to walk Waikiki&#039;s strip from start to finish from here, plus the hourly rate is pretty cheap. Also, the parking lot beneath The Top of Waikiki building and restaurant at Kalakaua and Seaside Ave has a flat fee of $5 during the evening. This is a great price, and the lot is very centrally located. Just make sure you&#039;re out of the garage by midnight, otherwise your car will be locked inside!
  14100.  
  14101. #3-Valet parking with validation. Probably the priciest but most convenient way to park, valet is a great option, if you can get around the sky-high prices. A good way to do this is by finding out which valet lots accept validation from nearby businesses. If you spend any amount of money at a nearby ABC store, valet parking ticket prices will drop significantly. What I always like to recommend to a couple or family who is looking for a nice evening in Waikiki is to valet park the car at the Embassy Suites on Beachwalk Dr. and enjoy a cocktail at Roy&#039;s outdoor bar. Any amount spent at Roy&#039;s will drop your valet parking fee down by nearly $10, and if you&#039;re planning on having a drink anyways, you might as well kill two birds with one stone.
  14102.  
  14103. Another way around pricy parking while vacationing in Hawaii is to book a condo. Often times condominiums offer guests free parking, and spaces are always plentiful. Almost all of the condos we book on outer islands offer free parking,</description>
  14104. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2012/11/2012-11-16_e536_avoiding-the-parking-nightmares-in-waikiki.mp3" length="19693731" type="audio/mpeg" />
  14105. <itunes:subtitle>Driving, let alone parking in Waikiki has been known to be a nightmare, whether you&#039;re traveling into town for the night or spending your vacation here. The crowds spill onto the streets, making any driver&#039;s awareness (and stress levels) heighten,</itunes:subtitle>
  14106. <itunes:summary>Driving, let alone parking in Waikiki has been known to be a nightmare, whether you&#039;re traveling into town for the night or spending your vacation here. The crowds spill onto the streets, making any driver&#039;s awareness (and stress levels) heighten, and if you&#039;re not willing to pay for a parking lot or valet fees then you have slim chances of finding a spot. There are ways to beat this chaos however, and since we&#039;re experienced with the art of Waikiki parking, we&#039;d like to share our insight with you.&lt;br /&gt;
  14107. &lt;br /&gt;
  14108. First off, if you&#039;re staying in Waikiki, then it&#039;s probably not necessary to drive to your dinner destination a few blocks away. Trust us, you&#039;re better off just leaving the car at the hotel parking lot and walking. Waikiki is a lively strip of sidewalk, and it will give you a chance to check things out at a slower pace, not to mention be entertained by the street performers. If you&#039;re traveling into the city for the day or evening, then your parking situation will be a little tougher. I like to approach it in three different ways.&lt;br /&gt;
  14109. &lt;br /&gt;
  14110. #1- Weave the side streets. You might just get lucky with a metered parking space down one of Waikiki&#039;s many side streets. These spaces tend to have a quick turn around, but you need to time and patience to wait this one out. If you&#039;re in a hurry or trying to make dinner reservations, we don&#039;t really recommend this approach. Unless you just want to do a quick scout for open spaces to try your luck. Also, the long road along the Ala Wai canal offers free parking, and a lot of it. You just have to be okay with walking about 6 or so blocks to get to the waterfront areas. Remember though, weaving through Waikiki in a vehicle can be stressful and frustrating, so if you&#039;re not familiar with the area, or aren&#039;t having any luck finding a parking spot, then we recommend this next approach.&lt;br /&gt;
  14111. &lt;br /&gt;
  14112. #2- Find a lot. Parking lot pricing in Waikiki depends on the time of day and duration of your stay. Waikiki parking garages range in price from $2/hour to $15/hour, so you want to make sure you cruise the area first to compare lots. The paid parking lot at the end of Hobron Lane (where you&#039;ll find Red Lobster, The Modern Honolulu, and the boat harbor) is a great place to park if you are up for a decent walk, or if your day takes you into the Hilton Hawaiian Village. You pay by the hour at an automated machine, and you can take the beach route to your destination if you follow the parking lot to the ocean. The Honolulu Zoo parking lot is also an easy one to find and located in a good spot. Close to the water and at the east end of Kalakaua, you&#039;ll be able to walk Waikiki&#039;s strip from start to finish from here, plus the hourly rate is pretty cheap. Also, the parking lot beneath The Top of Waikiki building and restaurant at Kalakaua and Seaside Ave has a flat fee of $5 during the evening. This is a great price, and the lot is very centrally located. Just make sure you&#039;re out of the garage by midnight, otherwise your car will be locked inside!&lt;br /&gt;
  14113. &lt;br /&gt;
  14114. #3-Valet parking with validation. Probably the priciest but most convenient way to park, valet is a great option, if you can get around the sky-high prices. A good way to do this is by finding out which valet lots accept validation from nearby businesses. If you spend any amount of money at a nearby ABC store, valet parking ticket prices will drop significantly. What I always like to recommend to a couple or family who is looking for a nice evening in Waikiki is to valet park the car at the Embassy Suites on Beachwalk Dr. and enjoy a cocktail at Roy&#039;s outdoor bar. Any amount spent at Roy&#039;s will drop your valet parking fee down by nearly $10, and if you&#039;re planning on having a drink anyways, you might as well kill two birds with one stone.&lt;br /&gt;
  14115. &lt;br /&gt;
  14116. Another way around pricy parking while vacationing in Hawaii is to book a condo. Often times condominiums offer guests free parking, and spaces are always plentiful.</itunes:summary>
  14117. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  14118. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  14119. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  14120. <itunes:duration>20:30</itunes:duration>
  14121. </item>
  14122. <item>
  14123. <title>Tsunami Saturday in Hawaii, Things you may forget to bring on your Hawaii Vacation</title>
  14124. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/tsunami-saturday-in-hawaii-things-you-may-forget-to-bring-on-your-hawaii-vacation/</link>
  14125. <pubDate>Fri, 02 Nov 2012 21:53:17 +0000</pubDate>
  14126. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=1961</guid>
  14127. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/tsunami-saturday-in-hawaii-things-you-may-forget-to-bring-on-your-hawaii-vacation/#respond</comments>
  14128. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/tsunami-saturday-in-hawaii-things-you-may-forget-to-bring-on-your-hawaii-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  14129. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  14130. <description>This past week, the state of Hawaii echoed with the troublesome sounds of tsunami sirens. On Sunday, October 28th, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Canada, causing a tsunami alert in Alaska and Hawaii. If you&#039;re a visitor to Hawaii during a time like this, the wailing sirens throughout every neighborhood might cause anxiety, especially if you  don&#039;t know what the sounds mean. I think an important rule of thumb for travel is to know the potential threats of the area and be prepared should disaster strike. For example, Hawaii has a much higher likelihood of hurricanes and tsunamis than earthquakes or tornados, so it&#039;s good to do a bit of research on proper protocol when exploring an unfamiliar location.
  14131.  
  14132. This leads into our first topic of the day, how hotels prepare for disasters and what to expect if there is an emergency during your Hawaii vacation. No one likes to plan for these types of things, but the sudden strike of last&#039;s week&#039;s tsunami warning is a good reminder that vacationing doesn&#039;t necessarily mean you&#039;re exempt from disaster. In case of tsunamis, hurricanes, power outages, and other serious events, thankfully we have the hotels to look to. They are prepared and trained in the event of most if not all emergencies, and actually plan to provide in times of national catastrophe. If you are vacationing in Hawaii and staying in a hotel, you are in good hands.
  14133.  
  14134. The bigger hotels that have event space such as meeting halls and ballrooms will typically gather up all their roll-a-way beds and cots to create shelters not only for hotel guests, but for locals as well. Often times, hotels will also offer free services, such as food, water, and electricity if needed. While in less serious events, hotels may charge a nominal fee for water and sewage usage, in the case of a national disaster, hotels will often times rise to the occasion. Red Cross has been known to set up at hotels to help in medical emergencies too.
  14135.  
  14136. If you are staying at an ocean front hotel during the event of a tsunami or tsunami warning, your hotel will alert you and prep you on what needs to happen. It is procedure to evacuate and head for higher grounds if the threat appears to be likely. However, tsunamis are usually anticipated well in advance, which gives guests enough time to gather their belongings and devise a plan. Hotel management and staff will always try to remain calm, and will most likely continue to operate business, unless of course there is complete devastation. Hotels are equipped with things like back-up computers, generators, batteries, chargers, first aid kits, candles, fire extinguishers, and emergency evacuation routes and plans. If you&#039;re ever in doubt about how to handle a disaster while staying in a hotel, you can almost always guarantee that management will be around to help with advice, shuttle services, emergency kits, and local knowledge on things like where the nearest hospital is or the safest driving route for evacuation.
  14137.  
  14138. Hotel staff will also alert their guests in multiple ways, to ensure they are well aware of an emergency. Power outages are probably the most common type of inconveniency, but being prepared for this doesn&#039;t take much. Some water bottles, non-perishable foods, and other small supplies are good to have on hand, and can usually be found at the hotel front desk or at a nearby sundry store. Always remember, in the event of an emergency, panic usually makes matters worse. It&#039;s important to remain calm and clear headed, especially if you&#039;re rallying kids or groups of people. Keep in mind that hotels are usually one of the safest places to be, even in the event of a tsunami in Hawaii at your waterfront abode. The higher floors’ hallways act as shelters, not to mention most hotel staff are CPR and safety trained, and run yearly safely procedures on every room to make sure it is up to par. Expect the best but be prepared for the worst, a good rule to live by.
  14139. Things to remember to bring on your Hawaii vacation
  14140. </description>
  14141. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2012/11/2012-11-03_e533_tsunami-saturday-in-hawaii-things-you-may-forget-to-bring-on-your-hawaii-vacation.mp3" length="18344324" type="audio/mpeg" />
  14142. <itunes:subtitle>This past week, the state of Hawaii echoed with the troublesome sounds of tsunami sirens. On Sunday, October 28th, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Canada, causing a tsunami alert in Alaska and Hawaii. If you&#039;re a visitor to Hawaii during a time like ...</itunes:subtitle>
  14143. <itunes:summary>This past week, the state of Hawaii echoed with the troublesome sounds of tsunami sirens. On Sunday, October 28th, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Canada, causing a tsunami alert in Alaska and Hawaii. If you&#039;re a visitor to Hawaii during a time like this, the wailing sirens throughout every neighborhood might cause anxiety, especially if you  don&#039;t know what the sounds mean. I think an important rule of thumb for travel is to know the potential threats of the area and be prepared should disaster strike. For example, Hawaii has a much higher likelihood of hurricanes and tsunamis than earthquakes or tornados, so it&#039;s good to do a bit of research on proper protocol when exploring an unfamiliar location.&lt;br /&gt;
  14144. &lt;br /&gt;
  14145. This leads into our first topic of the day, how hotels prepare for disasters and what to expect if there is an emergency during your Hawaii vacation. No one likes to plan for these types of things, but the sudden strike of last&#039;s week&#039;s tsunami warning is a good reminder that vacationing doesn&#039;t necessarily mean you&#039;re exempt from disaster. In case of tsunamis, hurricanes, power outages, and other serious events, thankfully we have the hotels to look to. They are prepared and trained in the event of most if not all emergencies, and actually plan to provide in times of national catastrophe. If you are vacationing in Hawaii and staying in a hotel, you are in good hands.&lt;br /&gt;
  14146. &lt;br /&gt;
  14147. The bigger hotels that have event space such as meeting halls and ballrooms will typically gather up all their roll-a-way beds and cots to create shelters not only for hotel guests, but for locals as well. Often times, hotels will also offer free services, such as food, water, and electricity if needed. While in less serious events, hotels may charge a nominal fee for water and sewage usage, in the case of a national disaster, hotels will often times rise to the occasion. Red Cross has been known to set up at hotels to help in medical emergencies too.&lt;br /&gt;
  14148. &lt;br /&gt;
  14149. If you are staying at an ocean front hotel during the event of a tsunami or tsunami warning, your hotel will alert you and prep you on what needs to happen. It is procedure to evacuate and head for higher grounds if the threat appears to be likely. However, tsunamis are usually anticipated well in advance, which gives guests enough time to gather their belongings and devise a plan. Hotel management and staff will always try to remain calm, and will most likely continue to operate business, unless of course there is complete devastation. Hotels are equipped with things like back-up computers, generators, batteries, chargers, first aid kits, candles, fire extinguishers, and emergency evacuation routes and plans. If you&#039;re ever in doubt about how to handle a disaster while staying in a hotel, you can almost always guarantee that management will be around to help with advice, shuttle services, emergency kits, and local knowledge on things like where the nearest hospital is or the safest driving route for evacuation.&lt;br /&gt;
  14150. &lt;br /&gt;
  14151. Hotel staff will also alert their guests in multiple ways, to ensure they are well aware of an emergency. Power outages are probably the most common type of inconveniency, but being prepared for this doesn&#039;t take much. Some water bottles, non-perishable foods, and other small supplies are good to have on hand, and can usually be found at the hotel front desk or at a nearby sundry store. Always remember, in the event of an emergency, panic usually makes matters worse. It&#039;s important to remain calm and clear headed, especially if you&#039;re rallying kids or groups of people. Keep in mind that hotels are usually one of the safest places to be, even in the event of a tsunami in Hawaii at your waterfront abode. The higher floors’ hallways act as shelters, not to mention most hotel staff are CPR and safety trained, and run yearly safely procedures on every room to make sure it is up to par. Expect the best but be prepared for the worst, a good rule to live by.</itunes:summary>
  14152. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  14153. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  14154. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  14155. <itunes:duration>19:06</itunes:duration>
  14156. </item>
  14157. <item>
  14158. <title>Shout outs, Kid Friendly Snorkeling on the Big Island, Surfing Tips</title>
  14159. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/shout-outs-kid-friendly-snorkeling-on-the-big-island-surfing-tips/</link>
  14160. <pubDate>Fri, 26 Oct 2012 23:00:35 +0000</pubDate>
  14161. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=1943</guid>
  14162. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/shout-outs-kid-friendly-snorkeling-on-the-big-island-surfing-tips/#respond</comments>
  14163. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/shout-outs-kid-friendly-snorkeling-on-the-big-island-surfing-tips/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  14164. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  14165. <description>Shout outs!
  14166. Podcast listener and now customer John Washam Mahlao!!
  14167. Twitter friend - Ali - Moon St. John - She&#039;s about to book her trip with us. WHOOT!
  14168. Jason Christopherson podcast listener, - Enjoys the show, loves our prices!
  14169. Facebook friend Tmothy L - Maui no kai oi &amp;Shout out to Rissi at the Old Lahaina Luau
  14170. Podcast listener Josh longtime listener, loves our show, Thanks Bruddah!
  14171. Surf Lesson Tips
  14172. Surf lessons are a popular activity to try while in Hawaii, but it&#039;s always interesting to get a wider opinion on a topic, which is why we branched out to Facebook. We asked our fans, “Did you get surfing lessons when you came to Hawaii or are you planning to try when you come here?” and we had some interesting reviews. Majority of the comments stated that they have not yet tried surfing (which surprised us), but that they planned on doing so next time they were here. One response mentioned sharks,  and she figured that as long as sharks leave the land to her, she&#039;d leave the ocean to them. While surfing may or may not be a priority for you while vacationing in Hawaii, here what we have to say about it.
  14173.  
  14174. From a beginner&#039;s perspective, if you plan to take surf lessons in Hawaii, then it&#039;s a good idea to know the seasons of the waves. South and east facing shores catch summer swells (meaning bigger waves) whereas north and west facing shores catch the winter swells. Of course, the unpredictability of nature can change these conditions, but typically, you&#039;ll have bigger waves in these areas during those seasons. The north shore of Oahu is notorious for it&#039;s 7-mile miracle, a stretch of sand that offers up some of the best surf in the world. For beginners, the only place we recommend taking a surf lesson out here though is at Chun&#039;s reef. And maybe Turtle Bay. Otherwise, you&#039;re better off finding an easy wave in the protected wave areas of Waikiki.
  14175.  
  14176. Surf lessons are also almost always more fun with a friend. Plan to bring your sister, brother, boyfriend, best friend, mom or dad with you for your lesson, or book a group surf lesson with the whole family. This will be an afternoon of entertainment, and it will be an adventure you will never forget. However, if you&#039;re trying to get serious about surfing, we recommend either a one-on-one lesson or a small group lesson. This way, the instructor has more time to spend with you and correct your stance, pop up, and balance. And just like they say with skiing, if you stick with the sport for 2-3 days consistently, you&#039;ll be skiing (or surfing) like a pro in no time! But seriously, it&#039;s pretty easy to stand up and ride a wave on the large foam boards that beginners learn on. And most surf lesson schools guarantee that you&#039;ll catch a wave, or your second lesson is free!
  14177.  
  14178. Surfing is a sport that many people envy; it&#039;s free, athletic, outdoorsy, and within the ocean (does it get any better?) Which is why it&#039;s so popular to do in Hawaii. The water is warm, the sun is shining, and it&#039;s a great way to catch up on your tan! Plus get some decent ocean time in to keep you dreaming about it till next vacation. A tip for staying occupied while doing surf lessons in a large group: bring a snorkel and mask! That way, when the instructor is focused on another student, you can stay busy and enjoy the underwater world below your dangling feet. And for those who have shark phobias, remember this slice of assurance: you&#039;re more likely to be killed by a falling coconut than by a shark attack. So remember, don&#039;t stand under heavy coconut trees and take your chances out in the water! It&#039;ll be worth it every time.</description>
  14179. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2012/10/2012-10-26_e532_shout-outs-kid-friendly-snorkeling-on-the-big-island-beginner-surfing-tips.mp3" length="20323008" type="audio/mpeg" />
  14180. <itunes:subtitle>Shout outs! Podcast listener and now customer John Washam Mahlao!! Twitter friend - Ali - Moon St. John - She&#039;s about to book her trip with us. WHOOT! Jason Christopherson podcast listener, - Enjoys the show, loves our prices! </itunes:subtitle>
  14181. <itunes:summary>Shout outs!&lt;br /&gt;
  14182. Podcast listener and now customer John Washam Mahlao!!&lt;br /&gt;
  14183. Twitter friend - Ali - Moon St. John - She&#039;s about to book her trip with us. WHOOT!&lt;br /&gt;
  14184. Jason Christopherson podcast listener, - Enjoys the show, loves our prices!&lt;br /&gt;
  14185. Facebook friend Tmothy L - Maui no kai oi &amp;Shout out to Rissi at the Old Lahaina Luau&lt;br /&gt;
  14186. Podcast listener Josh longtime listener, loves our show, Thanks Bruddah!&lt;br /&gt;
  14187. Surf Lesson Tips&lt;br /&gt;
  14188. Surf lessons are a popular activity to try while in Hawaii, but it&#039;s always interesting to get a wider opinion on a topic, which is why we branched out to Facebook. We asked our fans, “Did you get surfing lessons when you came to Hawaii or are you planning to try when you come here?” and we had some interesting reviews. Majority of the comments stated that they have not yet tried surfing (which surprised us), but that they planned on doing so next time they were here. One response mentioned sharks,  and she figured that as long as sharks leave the land to her, she&#039;d leave the ocean to them. While surfing may or may not be a priority for you while vacationing in Hawaii, here what we have to say about it.&lt;br /&gt;
  14189. &lt;br /&gt;
  14190. From a beginner&#039;s perspective, if you plan to take surf lessons in Hawaii, then it&#039;s a good idea to know the seasons of the waves. South and east facing shores catch summer swells (meaning bigger waves) whereas north and west facing shores catch the winter swells. Of course, the unpredictability of nature can change these conditions, but typically, you&#039;ll have bigger waves in these areas during those seasons. The north shore of Oahu is notorious for it&#039;s 7-mile miracle, a stretch of sand that offers up some of the best surf in the world. For beginners, the only place we recommend taking a surf lesson out here though is at Chun&#039;s reef. And maybe Turtle Bay. Otherwise, you&#039;re better off finding an easy wave in the protected wave areas of Waikiki.&lt;br /&gt;
  14191. &lt;br /&gt;
  14192. Surf lessons are also almost always more fun with a friend. Plan to bring your sister, brother, boyfriend, best friend, mom or dad with you for your lesson, or book a group surf lesson with the whole family. This will be an afternoon of entertainment, and it will be an adventure you will never forget. However, if you&#039;re trying to get serious about surfing, we recommend either a one-on-one lesson or a small group lesson. This way, the instructor has more time to spend with you and correct your stance, pop up, and balance. And just like they say with skiing, if you stick with the sport for 2-3 days consistently, you&#039;ll be skiing (or surfing) like a pro in no time! But seriously, it&#039;s pretty easy to stand up and ride a wave on the large foam boards that beginners learn on. And most surf lesson schools guarantee that you&#039;ll catch a wave, or your second lesson is free!&lt;br /&gt;
  14193. &lt;br /&gt;
  14194. Surfing is a sport that many people envy; it&#039;s free, athletic, outdoorsy, and within the ocean (does it get any better?) Which is why it&#039;s so popular to do in Hawaii. The water is warm, the sun is shining, and it&#039;s a great way to catch up on your tan! Plus get some decent ocean time in to keep you dreaming about it till next vacation. A tip for staying occupied while doing surf lessons in a large group: bring a snorkel and mask! That way, when the instructor is focused on another student, you can stay busy and enjoy the underwater world below your dangling feet. And for those who have shark phobias, remember this slice of assurance: you&#039;re more likely to be killed by a falling coconut than by a shark attack. So remember, don&#039;t stand under heavy coconut trees and take your chances out in the water! It&#039;ll be worth it every time.</itunes:summary>
  14195. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  14196. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  14197. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  14198. <itunes:duration>21:09</itunes:duration>
  14199. </item>
  14200. <item>
  14201. <title>Getting the most out of your Hawaiian Hotel Stay</title>
  14202. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/getting-the-most-out-of-your-hawaiian-hotel-stay/</link>
  14203. <pubDate>Fri, 19 Oct 2012 07:46:43 +0000</pubDate>
  14204. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=1935</guid>
  14205. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/getting-the-most-out-of-your-hawaiian-hotel-stay/#respond</comments>
  14206. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/getting-the-most-out-of-your-hawaiian-hotel-stay/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  14207. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  14208. <description>What&#039;s Included?
  14209. Although Waikiki hotels and resorts often times cost an arm and a leg, they actually offer some reasonable rates for the amenities they provide. Especially when you can take advantage of things like room upgrades, one free night after staying for a minimum of three, or special packages on things like spa days and hotel cultural activities. One thing that people might not take enough advantage of is the pool. While many will scoff at this remark and say, “why would you swim in a pool when you have the ocean so readily available”, we still believe in getting some good R&amp;R by lounging poolside. There&#039;s something about  knowing that you can retreat back to the hotel pool area for a soak in the hot tub after a long surf session or an evening ocean dip. It adds to the relaxation of the day, not to mention gives you the feeling that you&#039;re getting more out of the vacation too. Carve out some time to relax at the pool and enjoy the luxuriousness the hotel provides for its guests. You&#039;ll receive envious eyes from the passerbys on the beach and really feel like you&#039;ve got it made on your Hawaii vacation.
  14210.  
  14211. Unfortunately, not many Waikiki hotels and resorts offer pool passes to non-guests. Some places like The Modern Honolulu offer access to their pool beds when you spend $250 on drinks or food at the pool bar. But the main resorts such as the Ilikai, Sheraton Waikiki, Hilton Hawaiian Village, and The Royal Hawaiian do not offer any access to the pools, unless you are a registered guest. While it may be illegal for us to tell you that slipping in to the pool areas via the beach side access points is really quite easy, we&#039;ll also tell you that there are other ways to getting the most out of your hotel accommodations., even if you don&#039;t have a pool.
  14212.  
  14213. If you&#039;re booking a hotel yourself, you can always try the kama&#039;aina card. Kama&#039;aina is Hawaii&#039;s word for local, and if you carry a Hawaii state ID or drivers license, you can usually get kama&#039;aina rates on just about anything. We don&#039;t recommend taking advantage of this however, for example, don&#039;t order an extravagant meal at a fancy restaurant and then ask for kama&#039;aina rates once the check arrives. But asking the hotel front desk if they honor the rates with a valid ID is a good way to cut back on hotel costs.
  14214.  
  14215. Another good way to get more out of your hotel is to know what&#039;s included in your resort fees. A lot of times cultural activities are included in this, such as ukulele lessons, arts &amp; crafts, property tours and more. You&#039;ll also want to become familiar with hotel amenities, such as continental breakfasts, free WiFi, complimentary bathrobes, yoga and workout classes, toothpaste, razors, DVD rentals, Hawaiian coffee, and sometimes even fresh fruit. We like to make sure our clients receive good treatment while staying in Hawaii, so we at Hawaii Aloha Travel even add in our own touches like flower lei greetings at the airport, picnic lunches, and personalized welcome baskets. Make sure you&#039;re satisfied with your hotel experience, because if you&#039;re spending money on staying in Waikiki, you want to make sure you&#039;re fulfilled. Always look into what your hotel offers and take advantage of those mysterious resort fees; you&#039;ll be glad you did! And you might even be surprised at what&#039;s included.</description>
  14216. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2012/10/2012-10-19_e530_getting-the-most-out-of-your-hawaii-hotel.mp3" length="18632669" type="audio/mpeg" />
  14217. <itunes:subtitle>What&#039;s Included? Although Waikiki hotels and resorts often times cost an arm and a leg, they actually offer some reasonable rates for the amenities they provide. Especially when you can take advantage of things like room upgrades,</itunes:subtitle>
  14218. <itunes:summary>What&#039;s Included?&lt;br /&gt;
  14219. Although Waikiki hotels and resorts often times cost an arm and a leg, they actually offer some reasonable rates for the amenities they provide. Especially when you can take advantage of things like room upgrades, one free night after staying for a minimum of three, or special packages on things like spa days and hotel cultural activities. One thing that people might not take enough advantage of is the pool. While many will scoff at this remark and say, “why would you swim in a pool when you have the ocean so readily available”, we still believe in getting some good R&amp;R by lounging poolside. There&#039;s something about  knowing that you can retreat back to the hotel pool area for a soak in the hot tub after a long surf session or an evening ocean dip. It adds to the relaxation of the day, not to mention gives you the feeling that you&#039;re getting more out of the vacation too. Carve out some time to relax at the pool and enjoy the luxuriousness the hotel provides for its guests. You&#039;ll receive envious eyes from the passerbys on the beach and really feel like you&#039;ve got it made on your Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  14220. &lt;br /&gt;
  14221. Unfortunately, not many Waikiki hotels and resorts offer pool passes to non-guests. Some places like The Modern Honolulu offer access to their pool beds when you spend $250 on drinks or food at the pool bar. But the main resorts such as the Ilikai, Sheraton Waikiki, Hilton Hawaiian Village, and The Royal Hawaiian do not offer any access to the pools, unless you are a registered guest. While it may be illegal for us to tell you that slipping in to the pool areas via the beach side access points is really quite easy, we&#039;ll also tell you that there are other ways to getting the most out of your hotel accommodations., even if you don&#039;t have a pool.&lt;br /&gt;
  14222. &lt;br /&gt;
  14223. If you&#039;re booking a hotel yourself, you can always try the kama&#039;aina card. Kama&#039;aina is Hawaii&#039;s word for local, and if you carry a Hawaii state ID or drivers license, you can usually get kama&#039;aina rates on just about anything. We don&#039;t recommend taking advantage of this however, for example, don&#039;t order an extravagant meal at a fancy restaurant and then ask for kama&#039;aina rates once the check arrives. But asking the hotel front desk if they honor the rates with a valid ID is a good way to cut back on hotel costs.&lt;br /&gt;
  14224. &lt;br /&gt;
  14225. Another good way to get more out of your hotel is to know what&#039;s included in your resort fees. A lot of times cultural activities are included in this, such as ukulele lessons, arts &amp; crafts, property tours and more. You&#039;ll also want to become familiar with hotel amenities, such as continental breakfasts, free WiFi, complimentary bathrobes, yoga and workout classes, toothpaste, razors, DVD rentals, Hawaiian coffee, and sometimes even fresh fruit. We like to make sure our clients receive good treatment while staying in Hawaii, so we at Hawaii Aloha Travel even add in our own touches like flower lei greetings at the airport, picnic lunches, and personalized welcome baskets. Make sure you&#039;re satisfied with your hotel experience, because if you&#039;re spending money on staying in Waikiki, you want to make sure you&#039;re fulfilled. Always look into what your hotel offers and take advantage of those mysterious resort fees; you&#039;ll be glad you did! And you might even be surprised at what&#039;s included.</itunes:summary>
  14226. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  14227. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  14228. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  14229. <itunes:duration>19:24</itunes:duration>
  14230. </item>
  14231. <item>
  14232. <title>Will You be Eating Fast Food on your Hawaii Vacation?</title>
  14233. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/will-you-be-eating-fast-food-on-your-hawaii-vacation/</link>
  14234. <pubDate>Fri, 12 Oct 2012 22:26:59 +0000</pubDate>
  14235. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=1925</guid>
  14236. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/will-you-be-eating-fast-food-on-your-hawaii-vacation/#respond</comments>
  14237. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/will-you-be-eating-fast-food-on-your-hawaii-vacation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  14238. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  14239. <description>Fast Food in Hawaii- Are You Planning to Indulge?
  14240. I think at one time or another, fast food has played some sort of role for everyone. Whether it&#039;s what you were raised on as a kid, what you had to eat when you were on a budget, or what you currently still indulge with, fast food is undoubtedly a part of American culture. Which is why you will find fast food restaurants not only throughout the nation, but throughout the entire globe as well. Many travelers think that if they visit the Caribbean, Mexico, or even Hawaii, that they won&#039;t spot the familiar golden “M” arches against the red background, the purple bell, or freckle faced Wendy. Fast food is  everywhere though, so it&#039;s up to you to choose whether or not you want to eat it while you&#039;re on vacation.
  14241.  
  14242. We posed the question, “Do you plan on eating at fast food restaurants when you come to Hawaii? Be honest :) Customer just asked which ones we have” on our Facebook page and received over fifty comments from fans. Many folks said they looked forward to the local style fast food, such as lunch trucks, plate lunches, and uniquely local spots like Zippy&#039;s, Puka Dogs, and Rainbow Drive Inn. What I find interesting is that many people are open to eating the familiar fast food from places like Jack in the Box and McDonald&#039;s, but not from the Hawaiian style fast food places. If you&#039;re vacationing to Hawaii and you plan to eat fast food, you might as well experience the Hawaiian style stuff instead of the fast food you can get anywhere- do as the locals do and kaukau!
  14243.  
  14244. The most popular fast food restaurant that was mentioned on the facebook conversation thread was Jack in the Box. I&#039;m not surprised. I&#039;ve noticed that people have some strange sort of allegiance to Jack in the Box, and many times it&#039;s for their extremely cheap tacos. The second most mentioned place was McDonald&#039;s, but what I found interesting is how the Hawaiian McDonald&#039;s serve items with local flavors. Like the taro and haupia pies. Now that&#039;s a great way to entice tourists to eat fast food! Make it Hawaiian!
  14245.  
  14246. One fan made the comment, “If you eat fast food at home, likely you&#039;ll eat it anywhere … especially if you&#039;ve got kids.” Very true statement. Just because you&#039;re traveling or on vacation, doesn&#039;t mean you&#039;ll stray from your normal habits. In fact, if you&#039;re accustomed to eating fast food at home, chances are you&#039;ll eat it more than normal when traveling because it&#039;s within your comfort zones and is what&#039;s recognizable. Often times people don&#039;t want to step outside of what&#039;s familiar when traveling because of certain worries or concerns, also for budgeting reasons too. And everyone knows that when you&#039;re traveling with kids, one meal for the whole family can end up being in the triple digits.
  14247.  
  14248. I think the best way to approach the situation is to stay open to trying foods that are different and part of the culture you&#039;re currently in. If you were traveling to India, rotis would be a good fast food style meal. Gyros from Greece, pho from Vietnam, fried chicken from the south; there are different fast foods for different locations. And another thing, fast food doesn&#039;t have to mean McDonald&#039;s or Taco Bell. In Hawaii, it can be a delicious plate lunch from the local fish market, coconut shrimp from the Kahuku shrimp trucks, quick sushi rolls from the local grocery store, a healthy pita wrap from Pupukea Grill lunch truck, or a fresh bakery item from Leonard&#039;s.
  14249.  
  14250. Remain open minded when traveling anywhere, because you&#039;re only cutting yourself short by not trying the variety of flavors from around the world. And we may be biased when we say this, but Hawaii just may have some of the best dishes you&#039;ll ever have the pleasure of sampling!
  14251. Getting Stuck in the Middle
  14252. Our other monologue topic today is the role that some tend to take on when planning a vacation. It&#039;s common for one person to be the planner, therefore making the decisions on where to eat, the daytime activities, itinerary, and ultimately,</description>
  14253. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2012/10/2012-10-12_e529_eating-fast-food-in-hawaii.mp3" length="19369957" type="audio/mpeg" />
  14254. <itunes:subtitle>Fast Food in Hawaii- Are You Planning to Indulge? I think at one time or another, fast food has played some sort of role for everyone. Whether it&#039;s what you were raised on as a kid, what you had to eat when you were on a budget,</itunes:subtitle>
  14255. <itunes:summary>Fast Food in Hawaii- Are You Planning to Indulge?&lt;br /&gt;
  14256. I think at one time or another, fast food has played some sort of role for everyone. Whether it&#039;s what you were raised on as a kid, what you had to eat when you were on a budget, or what you currently still indulge with, fast food is undoubtedly a part of American culture. Which is why you will find fast food restaurants not only throughout the nation, but throughout the entire globe as well. Many travelers think that if they visit the Caribbean, Mexico, or even Hawaii, that they won&#039;t spot the familiar golden “M” arches against the red background, the purple bell, or freckle faced Wendy. Fast food is  everywhere though, so it&#039;s up to you to choose whether or not you want to eat it while you&#039;re on vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  14257. &lt;br /&gt;
  14258. We posed the question, “Do you plan on eating at fast food restaurants when you come to Hawaii? Be honest :) Customer just asked which ones we have” on our Facebook page and received over fifty comments from fans. Many folks said they looked forward to the local style fast food, such as lunch trucks, plate lunches, and uniquely local spots like Zippy&#039;s, Puka Dogs, and Rainbow Drive Inn. What I find interesting is that many people are open to eating the familiar fast food from places like Jack in the Box and McDonald&#039;s, but not from the Hawaiian style fast food places. If you&#039;re vacationing to Hawaii and you plan to eat fast food, you might as well experience the Hawaiian style stuff instead of the fast food you can get anywhere- do as the locals do and kaukau!&lt;br /&gt;
  14259. &lt;br /&gt;
  14260. The most popular fast food restaurant that was mentioned on the facebook conversation thread was Jack in the Box. I&#039;m not surprised. I&#039;ve noticed that people have some strange sort of allegiance to Jack in the Box, and many times it&#039;s for their extremely cheap tacos. The second most mentioned place was McDonald&#039;s, but what I found interesting is how the Hawaiian McDonald&#039;s serve items with local flavors. Like the taro and haupia pies. Now that&#039;s a great way to entice tourists to eat fast food! Make it Hawaiian!&lt;br /&gt;
  14261. &lt;br /&gt;
  14262. One fan made the comment, “If you eat fast food at home, likely you&#039;ll eat it anywhere … especially if you&#039;ve got kids.” Very true statement. Just because you&#039;re traveling or on vacation, doesn&#039;t mean you&#039;ll stray from your normal habits. In fact, if you&#039;re accustomed to eating fast food at home, chances are you&#039;ll eat it more than normal when traveling because it&#039;s within your comfort zones and is what&#039;s recognizable. Often times people don&#039;t want to step outside of what&#039;s familiar when traveling because of certain worries or concerns, also for budgeting reasons too. And everyone knows that when you&#039;re traveling with kids, one meal for the whole family can end up being in the triple digits.&lt;br /&gt;
  14263. &lt;br /&gt;
  14264. I think the best way to approach the situation is to stay open to trying foods that are different and part of the culture you&#039;re currently in. If you were traveling to India, rotis would be a good fast food style meal. Gyros from Greece, pho from Vietnam, fried chicken from the south; there are different fast foods for different locations. And another thing, fast food doesn&#039;t have to mean McDonald&#039;s or Taco Bell. In Hawaii, it can be a delicious plate lunch from the local fish market, coconut shrimp from the Kahuku shrimp trucks, quick sushi rolls from the local grocery store, a healthy pita wrap from Pupukea Grill lunch truck, or a fresh bakery item from Leonard&#039;s.&lt;br /&gt;
  14265. &lt;br /&gt;
  14266. Remain open minded when traveling anywhere, because you&#039;re only cutting yourself short by not trying the variety of flavors from around the world. And we may be biased when we say this, but Hawaii just may have some of the best dishes you&#039;ll ever have the pleasure of sampling!&lt;br /&gt;
  14267. Getting Stuck in the Middle&lt;br /&gt;
  14268. Our other monologue topic today is the role that some tend to take on when planning a vacation. It&#039;s common for one person to be the planner,</itunes:summary>
  14269. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  14270. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  14271. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  14272. <itunes:duration>20:10</itunes:duration>
  14273. </item>
  14274. <item>
  14275. <title>Planning for Whale Watching Season in Hawaii</title>
  14276. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/planning-for-whale-watcing-season-in-hawaii/</link>
  14277. <pubDate>Fri, 05 Oct 2012 21:47:54 +0000</pubDate>
  14278. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=1918</guid>
  14279. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/planning-for-whale-watcing-season-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  14280. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/planning-for-whale-watcing-season-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  14281. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  14282. <description>Each week we shout out Hawaii Aloha Travel supporters and local Hawaii businesses, here are this week&#039;s!
  14283.  
  14284.  
  14285. Cholo&#039;s Homesyle Mexican in Haleiwa, Oahu
  14286. Mama&#039;s House in Waimea, Big Island
  14287. Hawaii Weddings, Suzanne Ventura
  14288. TheOahuAgents.com They use technology to make buying property in the islands easy from any computer on Earth….and they are absolutely ruling the Iphone market with their free application that shows every home on market on Oahu.
  14289. Sugai Kona Coffee
  14290. Jack Grace Photography on Maui
  14291. Blazin’ Steaks Grill, across from the convention center in Honolulu
  14292. Daisy Jones is shouting out Flyin Hawaiian in Maui …they are awesome….and Hawaii aloha travel…best travel agency ever!!!
  14293. James Mane India Cafe is one of my favorite places to eat. Great quality food. Indiacafehawaii.com
  14294. Tattoo Hawaii Studio Looking for Traditional tattoos, Asian tattoos, Tribal tattoos, Polynesian tattoos, Old School tattoos, Custom tattoos or Permanent Cosmetics? Or YOUR custom tattoo designs? Let&#039;s work together! 140 Kona Street Ask for Peggy 945-3120
  14295.  
  14296.  
  14297.  
  14298.  
  14299. Piko McLaughlin Shout out to Bruce and the gang! Mahalo for such a great travel service from the ?ohana at the Hawaii Concert Guide
  14300. Spencer Toyama https://bit.ly/bebraveks :) Home of the Brave: Struggle &amp; triumph in a broken America
  14301. Maddy Rico Shout out from NJ! Mahalo for setting up the H5Ohana when we were there. I know I had an awesome time!
  14302. Jamie Neely To Kalei at HAT for always being helpful!
  14303. Tammy Moser I work at Whole Foods in there Prepared food department if you would like a quick and healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner come see us
  14304.  
  14305. Whale Watching Season
  14306. For Hawaii locals, fall time doesn&#039;t mean autumn leaves, scarves and boots, or chilly weather. It means the start of two things: big waves, and whale-watching season. Whale watching has become a beloved activity for tourists and locals alike in the islands, and the tour boats and activity choices are abundant. Each of the four main islands (Big Island, Oahu, Maui, and Kauai) offers a variety of ways to view the migrating whales, with equally magnificent views. From on land aerial views to large catamaran tours to small, private kayak adventures, SUPing, or simply using a pair of binoculars, whale-watching has never before been so accommodating. The best things to know for successful whale watching are the seasons (and particularly which month is busiest for migration), location, and protocol. Here are some details about all three aspects.
  14307.  
  14308. Whale watching season is between December to early May (give or take a few weeks), and peaks between January and early April. Humpback whales migrate 3,00 miles from the cold waters of Alaska to the shallow, warm tropical waters of Hawaii every year to breed and give birth. Whales, otherwise known as “kohala” in Hawaiian, are majestic creatures that grace the islands regularly. Kohala have been integrated into Hawaiian culture for generations, known as an aumakua, or family guardian for the local people. Their bones were also regarded as sacred, and only the ali&#039;i, or chiefs, were allowed to adorn themselves with them.
  14309.  
  14310. Today, whales remain majestic beings that continue to amaze us all. Seeing one breach out of the water is like receiving a special gift, and watching tails (or flukes) rise out of the ocean is an incredible sight to witness. Whether you see it from afar or up close, the image will remain with you always. One of our Facebook fans asked which island is best for viewing whales. While you can see whales frolicking from any of the islands at any given point during the season, it&#039;s been pinpointed that Auau Channel between Maui, Molokai, and Lanai is the best place to see the most activity. Its calm, clear waters are what entice the mammals, and this channel is notorious for spectacular whale watching.
  14311.  
  14312. If you&#039;re visiting the islands during the winter months, be sure to take a moment to do some whale watching. You can choose a landmark and set up a picnic,</description>
  14313. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2012/10/2012-10-05_e528_planning-for-whale-watching-in-hawaii.mp3" length="14878069" type="audio/mpeg" />
  14314. <itunes:subtitle>Each week we shout out Hawaii Aloha Travel supporters and local Hawaii businesses, here are this week&#039;s!     Cholo&#039;s Homesyle Mexican in Haleiwa, Oahu   Mama&#039;s House in Waimea, Big Island   Hawaii Weddings, Suzanne Ventura   TheOahuAgents.</itunes:subtitle>
  14315. <itunes:summary>Each week we shout out Hawaii Aloha Travel supporters and local Hawaii businesses, here are this week&#039;s!&lt;br /&gt;
  14316. &lt;br /&gt;
  14317. &lt;br /&gt;
  14318. Cholo&#039;s Homesyle Mexican in Haleiwa, Oahu&lt;br /&gt;
  14319. Mama&#039;s House in Waimea, Big Island&lt;br /&gt;
  14320. Hawaii Weddings, Suzanne Ventura&lt;br /&gt;
  14321. TheOahuAgents.com They use technology to make buying property in the islands easy from any computer on Earth….and they are absolutely ruling the Iphone market with their free application that shows every home on market on Oahu.&lt;br /&gt;
  14322. Sugai Kona Coffee&lt;br /&gt;
  14323. Jack Grace Photography on Maui&lt;br /&gt;
  14324. Blazin’ Steaks Grill, across from the convention center in Honolulu&lt;br /&gt;
  14325. Daisy Jones is shouting out Flyin Hawaiian in Maui …they are awesome….and Hawaii aloha travel…best travel agency ever!!!&lt;br /&gt;
  14326. James Mane India Cafe is one of my favorite places to eat. Great quality food. Indiacafehawaii.com&lt;br /&gt;
  14327. Tattoo Hawaii Studio Looking for Traditional tattoos, Asian tattoos, Tribal tattoos, Polynesian tattoos, Old School tattoos, Custom tattoos or Permanent Cosmetics? Or YOUR custom tattoo designs? Let&#039;s work together! 140 Kona Street Ask for Peggy 945-3120&lt;br /&gt;
  14328. &lt;br /&gt;
  14329. &lt;br /&gt;
  14330. &lt;br /&gt;
  14331. &lt;br /&gt;
  14332. Piko McLaughlin Shout out to Bruce and the gang! Mahalo for such a great travel service from the ?ohana at the Hawaii Concert Guide &lt;br /&gt;
  14333. Spencer Toyama https://bit.ly/bebraveks :) Home of the Brave: Struggle &amp; triumph in a broken America&lt;br /&gt;
  14334. Maddy Rico Shout out from NJ! Mahalo for setting up the H5Ohana when we were there. I know I had an awesome time!&lt;br /&gt;
  14335. Jamie Neely To Kalei at HAT for always being helpful!&lt;br /&gt;
  14336. Tammy Moser I work at Whole Foods in there Prepared food department if you would like a quick and healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner come see us&lt;br /&gt;
  14337. &lt;br /&gt;
  14338. Whale Watching Season&lt;br /&gt;
  14339. For Hawaii locals, fall time doesn&#039;t mean autumn leaves, scarves and boots, or chilly weather. It means the start of two things: big waves, and whale-watching season. Whale watching has become a beloved activity for tourists and locals alike in the islands, and the tour boats and activity choices are abundant. Each of the four main islands (Big Island, Oahu, Maui, and Kauai) offers a variety of ways to view the migrating whales, with equally magnificent views. From on land aerial views to large catamaran tours to small, private kayak adventures, SUPing, or simply using a pair of binoculars, whale-watching has never before been so accommodating. The best things to know for successful whale watching are the seasons (and particularly which month is busiest for migration), location, and protocol. Here are some details about all three aspects.&lt;br /&gt;
  14340. &lt;br /&gt;
  14341. Whale watching season is between December to early May (give or take a few weeks), and peaks between January and early April. Humpback whales migrate 3,00 miles from the cold waters of Alaska to the shallow, warm tropical waters of Hawaii every year to breed and give birth. Whales, otherwise known as “kohala” in Hawaiian, are majestic creatures that grace the islands regularly. Kohala have been integrated into Hawaiian culture for generations, known as an aumakua, or family guardian for the local people. Their bones were also regarded as sacred, and only the ali&#039;i, or chiefs, were allowed to adorn themselves with them.&lt;br /&gt;
  14342. &lt;br /&gt;
  14343. Today, whales remain majestic beings that continue to amaze us all. Seeing one breach out of the water is like receiving a special gift, and watching tails (or flukes) rise out of the ocean is an incredible sight to witness. Whether you see it from afar or up close, the image will remain with you always. One of our Facebook fans asked which island is best for viewing whales. While you can see whales frolicking from any of the islands at any given point during the season, it&#039;s been pinpointed that Auau Channel between Maui, Molokai, and Lanai is the best place to see the most activity. Its calm, clear waters are what entice the mammals, and this channel is notorious for spectacular whale watching.</itunes:summary>
  14344. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  14345. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  14346. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  14347. <itunes:duration>15:29</itunes:duration>
  14348. </item>
  14349. <item>
  14350. <title>Hawaii Vacation Connection &#8211; Answering listener questions</title>
  14351. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-vacatoin-connection-answering-listener-questions/</link>
  14352. <pubDate>Sat, 22 Sep 2012 07:33:26 +0000</pubDate>
  14353. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=1871</guid>
  14354. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-vacatoin-connection-answering-listener-questions/#respond</comments>
  14355. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-vacatoin-connection-answering-listener-questions/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  14356. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  14357. <description>It&#039;s going to be a busy weekend for us here at Hawaii Aloha Travel. On Sunday the premiere of Hawaii Five-0 happens in Waikiki at Sunset on the Beach. This is an annual event where the folks in Hawaii get to see the first episode of the season before anyone else in the world. We&#039;ll be streaming all the action live starting at 11 AM on Sunday. We&#039;ll have full coverage and show as much of the red carpet as possible from our vantage point from the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel. Here&#039;s the link if you want to check it out.
  14358. Today&#039;s shout outs!
  14359.  
  14360. Shizuka Usagi - She wants to come to Hawaii!!
  14361. Marcella Horn - She&#039;s here in Hawai right now having a great time and wants Joey her agent to know!
  14362. Stephanie Mills - Wants to thank our agent Ashley for all her help.
  14363. Joe Morrissey - Loves the podcast!
  14364. Carol Silverstein - Big Hawaiian Shout out!
  14365.  
  14366. Also A few local business shout outs
  14367.  
  14368. The Waikoloa Grill and Bar on the Big Island - Ono food!
  14369. The Spa at the Outrigger Waikiki Reef is offering a four dollar discount on all AVEDA products in October to support breast cancer research.
  14370. Kimberly is shouting out a local biz Akimbo Glass Studios on Mauiathey do something really special and unique things with glass and you can even take a class when you&#039;re here on vacation which will make for a lifetime memory. For more information call 808-667-5393 or visit them at akimbostudios.com
  14371.  
  14372. Off Roading on the Big Island
  14373. Many folks to travel to the Big Island want to rent a 4 Wheel Drive jeep or SUV to go off roading. The problem is that the major rental car companies don&#039;t allow it. Today we answer question from one of our a podcast listner who asks if we know of a company that might rent off roading vehicles. We recommend a company called Aiona Car Rental in Hilo they are flexible and allow their cars to go off roading!
  14374. Must dos On Oahu
  14375. Today we were asked by one of our Facebook friends Jason Johnson where we would recommend to take a first time visitor if they only had one place to see and eat on a walk. Well, it&#039;s very difficult to narrow down just one place but I recommend they enjoy the east side for the day. You can go to Hanauma Bay, Eternity beach, China walls, Sandy beach, and the MakaPuu tide-pools. The East side is a great way to spend the day and on my must do list. My favorite restaurants I always recommend Town restaurant in Kaimuki and also I&#039;m telling folks about two new favorites of mine Pint &amp; Jigger on King Street and The Whole in downtown Kakkako.</description>
  14376. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2012/09/2012-09-21_e526_can-you-go-off-roading-on-the-big-island.mp3" length="13181214" type="audio/mpeg" />
  14377. <itunes:subtitle>It&#039;s going to be a busy weekend for us here at Hawaii Aloha Travel. On Sunday the premiere of Hawaii Five-0 happens in Waikiki at Sunset on the Beach. This is an annual event where the folks in Hawaii get to see the first episode of the season before a...</itunes:subtitle>
  14378. <itunes:summary>It&#039;s going to be a busy weekend for us here at Hawaii Aloha Travel. On Sunday the premiere of Hawaii Five-0 happens in Waikiki at Sunset on the Beach. This is an annual event where the folks in Hawaii get to see the first episode of the season before anyone else in the world. We&#039;ll be streaming all the action live starting at 11 AM on Sunday. We&#039;ll have full coverage and show as much of the red carpet as possible from our vantage point from the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel. Here&#039;s the link if you want to check it out. &lt;br /&gt;
  14379. Today&#039;s shout outs!&lt;br /&gt;
  14380. &lt;br /&gt;
  14381. Shizuka Usagi - She wants to come to Hawaii!!&lt;br /&gt;
  14382. Marcella Horn - She&#039;s here in Hawai right now having a great time and wants Joey her agent to know!&lt;br /&gt;
  14383. Stephanie Mills - Wants to thank our agent Ashley for all her help.&lt;br /&gt;
  14384. Joe Morrissey - Loves the podcast!&lt;br /&gt;
  14385. Carol Silverstein - Big Hawaiian Shout out!&lt;br /&gt;
  14386. &lt;br /&gt;
  14387. Also A few local business shout outs&lt;br /&gt;
  14388. &lt;br /&gt;
  14389. The Waikoloa Grill and Bar on the Big Island - Ono food!&lt;br /&gt;
  14390. The Spa at the Outrigger Waikiki Reef is offering a four dollar discount on all AVEDA products in October to support breast cancer research.&lt;br /&gt;
  14391. Kimberly is shouting out a local biz Akimbo Glass Studios on Mauiathey do something really special and unique things with glass and you can even take a class when you&#039;re here on vacation which will make for a lifetime memory. For more information call 808-667-5393 or visit them at akimbostudios.com&lt;br /&gt;
  14392. &lt;br /&gt;
  14393. Off Roading on the Big Island&lt;br /&gt;
  14394. Many folks to travel to the Big Island want to rent a 4 Wheel Drive jeep or SUV to go off roading. The problem is that the major rental car companies don&#039;t allow it. Today we answer question from one of our a podcast listner who asks if we know of a company that might rent off roading vehicles. We recommend a company called Aiona Car Rental in Hilo they are flexible and allow their cars to go off roading!&lt;br /&gt;
  14395. Must dos On Oahu&lt;br /&gt;
  14396. Today we were asked by one of our Facebook friends Jason Johnson where we would recommend to take a first time visitor if they only had one place to see and eat on a walk. Well, it&#039;s very difficult to narrow down just one place but I recommend they enjoy the east side for the day. You can go to Hanauma Bay, Eternity beach, China walls, Sandy beach, and the MakaPuu tide-pools. The East side is a great way to spend the day and on my must do list. My favorite restaurants I always recommend Town restaurant in Kaimuki and also I&#039;m telling folks about two new favorites of mine Pint &amp; Jigger on King Street and The Whole in downtown Kakkako.</itunes:summary>
  14397. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  14398. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  14399. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  14400. <itunes:duration>13:43</itunes:duration>
  14401. </item>
  14402. <item>
  14403. <title>Food Saving tips for Hawaii Vacations</title>
  14404. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/food-saving-tips-for-hawaii-vacations/</link>
  14405. <pubDate>Sat, 15 Sep 2012 02:19:25 +0000</pubDate>
  14406. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=1865</guid>
  14407. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/food-saving-tips-for-hawaii-vacations/#respond</comments>
  14408. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/food-saving-tips-for-hawaii-vacations/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  14409. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  14410. <description>How to eat cheap and outside of your comfort zone in Hawaii. While this may sound like an oxymoron, we&#039;re here to tell you that you can indeed eat affordably while on vacation in Hawaii; you just have to know where to go. We hear time and time again how expensive it is to eat here, especially when on vacation because you&#039;re so limited. But although we agree that the price of cereal at the store or that lunch along Waikiki is totally absurd, we also believe it can be avoided… well, at least a little. Because sometimes it&#039;s fun and okay to splurge, heck, isn&#039;t that why you created a budget for your vacation in the first place?
  14411. First off, eating out, if possible, should be minimized if you want to save money on food. With great condo rates, it&#039;s a good idea to look into your kitchen and at-home cooking options while on vacation. Leftovers and home cooked meals can save you a lot of money, not to mention home mixed cocktails too. This way you&#039;re not paying for inflated food and booze prices or gratuity, and you can make things exactly how you like them. But for the traveler who plans to eat almost every meal out, here are our top tips for eating cheap. Oh, and we recommend eating outside of your comfort zone too (which is usually very affordable) because what&#039;s a Hawaii vacation without a taste of spam or sushi?!!
  14412. If you&#039;re vacationing in Waikiki area, then we&#039;re sure you&#039;ve seen those iconic ABC stores. While some people might be bothered by their abundance, we actually like to take advantage of it. Many of these stores offer quick, sustaining bites, such as hard-boiled eggs, fresh fruit, or granola bars. If you&#039;re looking for a snack throughout the day, we suggest stopping by your nearest ABC store and stocking up. Go for the cheaper stuff too, like musubis, arare, fruit, or nuts. And since we&#039;re on the topic, 7-Eleven is actually one of the favored places among locals to grab some local kine grinds. You&#039;ll find everything from manapua to hot dogs to Hawaiian baked goods, poi, kalua pig, taquitos, and even lau lau. 7-Eleven&#039;s tend to take on the food varieties of their location, so it&#039;s a good place to taste Hawaiian flavors for cheap.
  14413.  
  14414. Local grocery stores like Foodland, Malama, and Tamura&#039;s will also offer shoppers a variety of inexpensive goodies. One of my all-time favorite grab-and-go type snacks (that is really inexpensive) is edamame, specifically the kind that&#039;s been marinated Hawaiian-style. You can also find sushi rolls that are made fresh every day, different types of poke (which you HAVE to try!), a variety of fried foods (like potato wedges, chicken, corn dogs, etc.) fruit salads, olives, and delicious cheeses. We recommend going for the more sustaining stuff, like edamame and rice, which will leave you full for longer than fried stuff or other cheap items can. Also, an increasingly popular dish among locals is the poke bowls, which are an instant filler and very affordable. This is a bowl of white sticky rice topped with fresh poke (fresh ahi tuna) that&#039;s marinated in shoyu, onion, garlic, seaweed, and other tasty island flavors.
  14415.  
  14416. Farmers markets are another great way to save (that is, if your rental includes a kitchen). Because of the plentiful markets happening around the island, you can usually find one every day of the week. Here you can stock up on fresh fruits and veggies, breads and bakery goodies, meats, and other things for at-home cooking. Or, if you really want to go cheap, you can always check out the farmers markets for their free samples! You can taste different dips, spreads, hummus, coconut popcorn, fruits, spices, chocolate and more, and most farmers markets offer plate lunch options as well. (Did we mention Costco gives out free samples all day long too? Hahaha…)
  14417. As far as eating out for dinner, it&#039;s possible to do affordably too, and we don&#039;t mean taking the kids to McDonalds. Keep in mind that many times the view will indicate the price. For example,</description>
  14418. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2012/09/2012-09-14_e524_food-saving-tips-for-your-hawaii-vacation.mp3" length="16023267" type="audio/mpeg" />
  14419. <itunes:subtitle>How to eat cheap and outside of your comfort zone in Hawaii. While this may sound like an oxymoron, we&#039;re here to tell you that you can indeed eat affordably while on vacation in Hawaii; you just have to know where to go.</itunes:subtitle>
  14420. <itunes:summary>How to eat cheap and outside of your comfort zone in Hawaii. While this may sound like an oxymoron, we&#039;re here to tell you that you can indeed eat affordably while on vacation in Hawaii; you just have to know where to go. We hear time and time again how expensive it is to eat here, especially when on vacation because you&#039;re so limited. But although we agree that the price of cereal at the store or that lunch along Waikiki is totally absurd, we also believe it can be avoided… well, at least a little. Because sometimes it&#039;s fun and okay to splurge, heck, isn&#039;t that why you created a budget for your vacation in the first place?&lt;br /&gt;
  14421. First off, eating out, if possible, should be minimized if you want to save money on food. With great condo rates, it&#039;s a good idea to look into your kitchen and at-home cooking options while on vacation. Leftovers and home cooked meals can save you a lot of money, not to mention home mixed cocktails too. This way you&#039;re not paying for inflated food and booze prices or gratuity, and you can make things exactly how you like them. But for the traveler who plans to eat almost every meal out, here are our top tips for eating cheap. Oh, and we recommend eating outside of your comfort zone too (which is usually very affordable) because what&#039;s a Hawaii vacation without a taste of spam or sushi?!!&lt;br /&gt;
  14422. If you&#039;re vacationing in Waikiki area, then we&#039;re sure you&#039;ve seen those iconic ABC stores. While some people might be bothered by their abundance, we actually like to take advantage of it. Many of these stores offer quick, sustaining bites, such as hard-boiled eggs, fresh fruit, or granola bars. If you&#039;re looking for a snack throughout the day, we suggest stopping by your nearest ABC store and stocking up. Go for the cheaper stuff too, like musubis, arare, fruit, or nuts. And since we&#039;re on the topic, 7-Eleven is actually one of the favored places among locals to grab some local kine grinds. You&#039;ll find everything from manapua to hot dogs to Hawaiian baked goods, poi, kalua pig, taquitos, and even lau lau. 7-Eleven&#039;s tend to take on the food varieties of their location, so it&#039;s a good place to taste Hawaiian flavors for cheap.&lt;br /&gt;
  14423. &lt;br /&gt;
  14424. Local grocery stores like Foodland, Malama, and Tamura&#039;s will also offer shoppers a variety of inexpensive goodies. One of my all-time favorite grab-and-go type snacks (that is really inexpensive) is edamame, specifically the kind that&#039;s been marinated Hawaiian-style. You can also find sushi rolls that are made fresh every day, different types of poke (which you HAVE to try!), a variety of fried foods (like potato wedges, chicken, corn dogs, etc.) fruit salads, olives, and delicious cheeses. We recommend going for the more sustaining stuff, like edamame and rice, which will leave you full for longer than fried stuff or other cheap items can. Also, an increasingly popular dish among locals is the poke bowls, which are an instant filler and very affordable. This is a bowl of white sticky rice topped with fresh poke (fresh ahi tuna) that&#039;s marinated in shoyu, onion, garlic, seaweed, and other tasty island flavors.&lt;br /&gt;
  14425. &lt;br /&gt;
  14426. Farmers markets are another great way to save (that is, if your rental includes a kitchen). Because of the plentiful markets happening around the island, you can usually find one every day of the week. Here you can stock up on fresh fruits and veggies, breads and bakery goodies, meats, and other things for at-home cooking. Or, if you really want to go cheap, you can always check out the farmers markets for their free samples! You can taste different dips, spreads, hummus, coconut popcorn, fruits, spices, chocolate and more, and most farmers markets offer plate lunch options as well. (Did we mention Costco gives out free samples all day long too? Hahaha…)&lt;br /&gt;
  14427. As far as eating out for dinner, it&#039;s possible to do affordably too, and we don&#039;t mean taking the kids to McDonalds. Keep in mind that many times the view will indicate the price. For example,</itunes:summary>
  14428. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  14429. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  14430. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  14431. <itunes:duration>16:41</itunes:duration>
  14432. </item>
  14433. <item>
  14434. <title>Hawaii Condo Deals for Hawaii Vacations</title>
  14435. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-condo-deals-for-hawaii-vacations/</link>
  14436. <pubDate>Fri, 07 Sep 2012 22:29:03 +0000</pubDate>
  14437. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=1855</guid>
  14438. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-condo-deals-for-hawaii-vacations/#respond</comments>
  14439. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-condo-deals-for-hawaii-vacations/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  14440. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  14441. <description>We&#039;re revisiting this topic because it&#039;s simply too good of a time not to. August, September, and October used to be what&#039;s considered Hawaii&#039;s off-season, but with Hawaiian Airline flights up 12.6% from August of last year, it appears that the summer season will flow directly in the winter season, with little to no drop in tourism at all. So because hotels are still up in sales, this means they are booking quickly, leaving a condo rental as many traveler&#039;s only option. Inventory for condos has always been hard to find, but if you do find and book them, they are a more affordable option for Hawaii vacations than resorts these days anyways! And most times you get more out of your accommodations!
  14442.  
  14443. Now is a great time to take advantage of condo rentals in Hawaii, since hotels are starting to already oversell for the fall. As a local travel company, we&#039;ve been booking a lot of condos through our sources lately, due to hotels already being booked for the “slow season”. Condos are becoming a great value, especially because Waikiki is getting so expensive. Hawaii Aloha Travel is able to book a studio condo in Waikiki for 5 or more nights at the rate of $110 per night, and that&#039;s including tax! These days you can&#039;t even find a small hotel room in Waikiki for less than $150, so a studio condo is really giving you more bang for your buck.
  14444.  
  14445. We have never seen an off-season this busy, and typically we see a lot less tourists during this time of year. But hotel and flight sales aren&#039;t letting up quite yet, so now&#039;s the time to book cheap airfare and affordable condo accommodations. Even as far in advance as October, we&#039;re still not seeing the availability we normally do, so 2012 really will be a banner year for Hawaii tourism.
  14446.  
  14447. As we&#039;ve said before, renting a condo in Hawaii is really a great way to vacation. Although they might not provide you with some of the resort luxuries, you can still get room cleaning, free parking, activity discounts, in-room amenities (like free DVD rentals), and kitchen facilities. And the kitchen is where guests can really save some money too. We recommend stocking up at the local grocery store once you arrive for things like breakfast foods, daytime snacks, lunch fixings, and the big saving tip, alcohol. Also, cooking a big dinner every other night will provide leftovers that can last a while, which saves money when vacationing with a big family or group.
  14448.  
  14449. Condos offer a home-away-from-home feel that hotels simply cannot. There is a community feeling surrounding condo resorts, and it helps to make guests more comfortable when they&#039;re traveling far from home. We always enjoy recommending condos for groups because they&#039;re affordable and convenient. You don&#039;t end up paying the inflated prices of hotels either, and the amenities are just as enticing as any resort</description>
  14450. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2012/09/2012-09-12_e523_condo-deals-to-hawaii-abound.mp3" length="20316556" type="audio/mpeg" />
  14451. <itunes:subtitle>We&#039;re revisiting this topic because it&#039;s simply too good of a time not to. August, September, and October used to be what&#039;s considered Hawaii&#039;s off-season, but with Hawaiian Airline flights up 12.6% from August of last year,</itunes:subtitle>
  14452. <itunes:summary>We&#039;re revisiting this topic because it&#039;s simply too good of a time not to. August, September, and October used to be what&#039;s considered Hawaii&#039;s off-season, but with Hawaiian Airline flights up 12.6% from August of last year, it appears that the summer season will flow directly in the winter season, with little to no drop in tourism at all. So because hotels are still up in sales, this means they are booking quickly, leaving a condo rental as many traveler&#039;s only option. Inventory for condos has always been hard to find, but if you do find and book them, they are a more affordable option for Hawaii vacations than resorts these days anyways! And most times you get more out of your accommodations!&lt;br /&gt;
  14453. &lt;br /&gt;
  14454. Now is a great time to take advantage of condo rentals in Hawaii, since hotels are starting to already oversell for the fall. As a local travel company, we&#039;ve been booking a lot of condos through our sources lately, due to hotels already being booked for the “slow season”. Condos are becoming a great value, especially because Waikiki is getting so expensive. Hawaii Aloha Travel is able to book a studio condo in Waikiki for 5 or more nights at the rate of $110 per night, and that&#039;s including tax! These days you can&#039;t even find a small hotel room in Waikiki for less than $150, so a studio condo is really giving you more bang for your buck.&lt;br /&gt;
  14455. &lt;br /&gt;
  14456. We have never seen an off-season this busy, and typically we see a lot less tourists during this time of year. But hotel and flight sales aren&#039;t letting up quite yet, so now&#039;s the time to book cheap airfare and affordable condo accommodations. Even as far in advance as October, we&#039;re still not seeing the availability we normally do, so 2012 really will be a banner year for Hawaii tourism.&lt;br /&gt;
  14457. &lt;br /&gt;
  14458. As we&#039;ve said before, renting a condo in Hawaii is really a great way to vacation. Although they might not provide you with some of the resort luxuries, you can still get room cleaning, free parking, activity discounts, in-room amenities (like free DVD rentals), and kitchen facilities. And the kitchen is where guests can really save some money too. We recommend stocking up at the local grocery store once you arrive for things like breakfast foods, daytime snacks, lunch fixings, and the big saving tip, alcohol. Also, cooking a big dinner every other night will provide leftovers that can last a while, which saves money when vacationing with a big family or group.&lt;br /&gt;
  14459. &lt;br /&gt;
  14460. Condos offer a home-away-from-home feel that hotels simply cannot. There is a community feeling surrounding condo resorts, and it helps to make guests more comfortable when they&#039;re traveling far from home. We always enjoy recommending condos for groups because they&#039;re affordable and convenient. You don&#039;t end up paying the inflated prices of hotels either, and the amenities are just as enticing as any resort</itunes:summary>
  14461. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  14462. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  14463. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  14464. <itunes:duration>21:09</itunes:duration>
  14465. </item>
  14466. <item>
  14467. <title>Booking on sites Like Expedia Doesn&#8217;t Save you Money</title>
  14468. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/booking-on-sites-like-expeida-dont-save-you-money/</link>
  14469. <pubDate>Sat, 25 Aug 2012 04:36:30 +0000</pubDate>
  14470. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=1833</guid>
  14471. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/booking-on-sites-like-expeida-dont-save-you-money/#respond</comments>
  14472. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/booking-on-sites-like-expeida-dont-save-you-money/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  14473. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  14474. <description>What if I told you that you&#039;re actually paying more when booking with an online travel agency?
  14475.  
  14476. More for hotel rooms, rental cars and airfare, leaving less to spend when the real vacation starts. It&#039;s an unfortunate reality that many travelers have been discovering; the convenience of booking via a quick online search just isn&#039;t what it&#039;s hyped up to be. That&#039;s why it&#039;s best to chuck the cyberspace convenience and stick to the real-life instead, with travel agents like Hawaii Aloha Travel (HAT) equipped and ready to help you!
  14477.  
  14478. And we&#039;re not just being biased here. NBC dug up the truth about a scheme called &quot;price-fixing,&quot; when travel websites and hotel chains band together and agree to offer only the fixed, higher prices to travelers. It&#039;s a &quot;dirty little secret&quot; that leaves consumers the losers in the end and the Internet agencies the winners.
  14479.  
  14480. We see the commercials and internet ads from online travel agency giants Travelocity, Orbitz and Expedia. They tell us about the guaranteed best prices and at the &quot;click of a mouse.&quot; But really, it&#039;s just a sham. For so many years, we&#039;ve been misled into believing it&#039;s the one and only way to plan a trip. What about the little guys that have been around from the beginning? Before computers and before the internet became a tool to survival. Travel agents, like those at HAT, are still here. So support these small, local businesses, who only have your best intentions in mind. They&#039;re real people, and they know the secrets to planning a perfect getaway in paradise.</description>
  14481. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2012/08/2012-08-24_e520_booking-on-expedia-doesnt-save-you-money.mp3" length="16082920" type="audio/mpeg" />
  14482. <itunes:subtitle>What if I told you that you&#039;re actually paying more when booking with an online travel agency?  More for hotel rooms, rental cars and airfare, leaving less to spend when the real vacation starts. It&#039;s an unfortunate reality that many travelers have bee...</itunes:subtitle>
  14483. <itunes:summary>What if I told you that you&#039;re actually paying more when booking with an online travel agency?&lt;br /&gt;
  14484. &lt;br /&gt;
  14485. More for hotel rooms, rental cars and airfare, leaving less to spend when the real vacation starts. It&#039;s an unfortunate reality that many travelers have been discovering; the convenience of booking via a quick online search just isn&#039;t what it&#039;s hyped up to be. That&#039;s why it&#039;s best to chuck the cyberspace convenience and stick to the real-life instead, with travel agents like Hawaii Aloha Travel (HAT) equipped and ready to help you!&lt;br /&gt;
  14486. &lt;br /&gt;
  14487. And we&#039;re not just being biased here. NBC dug up the truth about a scheme called &quot;price-fixing,&quot; when travel websites and hotel chains band together and agree to offer only the fixed, higher prices to travelers. It&#039;s a &quot;dirty little secret&quot; that leaves consumers the losers in the end and the Internet agencies the winners.&lt;br /&gt;
  14488. &lt;br /&gt;
  14489. We see the commercials and internet ads from online travel agency giants Travelocity, Orbitz and Expedia. They tell us about the guaranteed best prices and at the &quot;click of a mouse.&quot; But really, it&#039;s just a sham. For so many years, we&#039;ve been misled into believing it&#039;s the one and only way to plan a trip. What about the little guys that have been around from the beginning? Before computers and before the internet became a tool to survival. Travel agents, like those at HAT, are still here. So support these small, local businesses, who only have your best intentions in mind. They&#039;re real people, and they know the secrets to planning a perfect getaway in paradise.</itunes:summary>
  14490. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  14491. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  14492. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  14493. <itunes:duration>16:44</itunes:duration>
  14494. </item>
  14495. <item>
  14496. <title>Saving on Family Hawaii Vacations</title>
  14497. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/saving-on-family-hawaii-vacations/</link>
  14498. <pubDate>Fri, 03 Aug 2012 06:43:22 +0000</pubDate>
  14499. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=1792</guid>
  14500. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/saving-on-family-hawaii-vacations/#respond</comments>
  14501. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/saving-on-family-hawaii-vacations/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  14502. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  14503. <description>Would you take your kids out of school to save money on a Hawaii vacation during off-peak travel times to the islands?
  14504.  
  14505. 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&#039;t agree more. What better way to learn about a different culture than to explore it for yourself?
  14506.  
  14507. 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.
  14508.  
  14509. 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&#039;s schooling. Like we&#039;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&#039;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&#039;ve missed out on.
  14510.  
  14511. 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&#039;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&#039;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&#039;re scheduling a July vacation.
  14512.  
  14513. These are small tips that help out in a huge way, and it&#039;s worth giving them a try.</description>
  14514. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2012/08/2012-08-02_e512_saving-money-on-hawaii-family-vacations.mp3" length="14942805" type="audio/mpeg" />
  14515. <itunes:subtitle>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 thei...</itunes:subtitle>
  14516. <itunes:summary>Would you take your kids out of school to save money on a Hawaii vacation during off-peak travel times to the islands?&lt;br /&gt;
  14517. &lt;br /&gt;
  14518. 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&#039;t agree more. What better way to learn about a different culture than to explore it for yourself?&lt;br /&gt;
  14519. &lt;br /&gt;
  14520. 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.&lt;br /&gt;
  14521. &lt;br /&gt;
  14522. 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&#039;s schooling. Like we&#039;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&#039;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&#039;ve missed out on.&lt;br /&gt;
  14523. &lt;br /&gt;
  14524. 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&#039;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&#039;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&#039;re scheduling a July vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  14525. &lt;br /&gt;
  14526. These are small tips that help out in a huge way,</itunes:summary>
  14527. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  14528. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  14529. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  14530. <itunes:duration>15:33</itunes:duration>
  14531. </item>
  14532. <item>
  14533. <title>Attractions You Never Thought Existed in Hawaii</title>
  14534. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/attractions-you-never-thought-existed-in-hawaii/</link>
  14535. <pubDate>Fri, 27 Jul 2012 21:26:51 +0000</pubDate>
  14536. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=1774</guid>
  14537. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/attractions-you-never-thought-existed-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  14538. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/attractions-you-never-thought-existed-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  14539. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  14540. <description>This week we&#039;re going to give you some local insight into the Hawaii attractions that are off the beaten path, so to speak. We&#039;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&#039;s Big Island actually receives snowfall every winter. Winter in Hawaii you&#039;re asking? We&#039;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.
  14541.  
  14542. We&#039;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&#039;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&#039;s Field Beach in Waimanalo. What makes this stretch of beach so hidden is the fact that it&#039;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&#039;t hear about it from your hotel concierge, restaurant server, or travel book.
  14543.  
  14544. 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&#039;s, the underground venting changed which turned the cool pool into a natural hot spring.
  14545.  
  14546. When you think of wineries, most people envision the rolling vineyards of California&#039;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.
  14547.  
  14548. 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&#039;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, and botanical gardens.</description>
  14549. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2012/07/2012-07-27_e513_attractions-you-never-thought-existed-in-hawaii.mp3" length="14484914" type="audio/mpeg" />
  14550. <itunes:subtitle>This week we&#039;re going to give you some local insight into the Hawaii attractions that are off the beaten path, so to speak. We&#039;ll also inform you of things to do in Hawaii that you would never guess were available in the islands, such as wine tasting.</itunes:subtitle>
  14551. <itunes:summary>This week we&#039;re going to give you some local insight into the Hawaii attractions that are off the beaten path, so to speak. We&#039;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&#039;s Big Island actually receives snowfall every winter. Winter in Hawaii you&#039;re asking? We&#039;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.&lt;br /&gt;
  14552. &lt;br /&gt;
  14553. We&#039;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&#039;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&#039;s Field Beach in Waimanalo. What makes this stretch of beach so hidden is the fact that it&#039;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&#039;t hear about it from your hotel concierge, restaurant server, or travel book.&lt;br /&gt;
  14554. &lt;br /&gt;
  14555. 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&#039;s, the underground venting changed which turned the cool pool into a natural hot spring.&lt;br /&gt;
  14556. &lt;br /&gt;
  14557. When you think of wineries, most people envision the rolling vineyards of California&#039;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.&lt;br /&gt;
  14558. &lt;br /&gt;
  14559. 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&#039;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,</itunes:summary>
  14560. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  14561. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  14562. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  14563. <itunes:duration>15:05</itunes:duration>
  14564. </item>
  14565. <item>
  14566. <title>The best way to see Lava on the Big Island</title>
  14567. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/the-best-way-to-see-lava-on-the-big-island/</link>
  14568. <pubDate>Sat, 21 Jul 2012 07:21:47 +0000</pubDate>
  14569. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=1767</guid>
  14570. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/the-best-way-to-see-lava-on-the-big-island/#respond</comments>
  14571. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/the-best-way-to-see-lava-on-the-big-island/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  14572. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  14573. <description>This week&#039;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&#039;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 &#039;oe?”
  14574.  
  14575. If for no other reason, learn a few words or phrases for the fun of it. Although you probably won&#039;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&#039;oli la hanau), “Merry Christmas” (Mele Kalikimaka) or “good morning” (aloha kakaihaika). While you most likely won&#039;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.
  14576.  
  14577. 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.
  14578.  
  14579. Another word to know is “howzit”. While many locals phrase this as a question, they are not actually asking you how you&#039;re doing. They are simply saying, “what&#039;s up” or “hi”. So don&#039;t try to respond with your usual reply of “I&#039;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&#039;s&amp;Q&#039;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:
  14580.  
  14581. “Did you remember to pack dakine for the beach today?”
  14582. “Meet my friend Pono, he lives over in dakine and works for dakine.”
  14583. “Can you pass me the dakine please?”
  14584.  
  14585. 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.
  14586.  
  14587. 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&#039;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&#039;re not constantly stumbling over it. Many visitors don&#039;t even like to attempt to pronounce a lot of the words here, but it&#039;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&#039;t do that. Once you&#039;ve learned a few Hawaiian terms, give yourself the ultimate test and try out the pronunciation of Hawaii&#039;s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapua&#039;a. Yep.
  14588.  
  14589. Popular food names you will most likely hear and want to recognize is lilikoi (passion fruit), shoyu (soy sauce), saimin (noodle soup), malasada (fried pastry), musubi (spam wrapped in rice and nori-or seaweed),</description>
  14590. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2012/07/2012-07-20_e512_hawaiian-words-to-know-for-your-hawaii-vacation.mp3" length="21183672" type="audio/mpeg" />
  14591. <itunes:subtitle>This week&#039;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 vi...</itunes:subtitle>
  14592. <itunes:summary>This week&#039;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&#039;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 &#039;oe?”&lt;br /&gt;
  14593. &lt;br /&gt;
  14594. If for no other reason, learn a few words or phrases for the fun of it. Although you probably won&#039;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&#039;oli la hanau), “Merry Christmas” (Mele Kalikimaka) or “good morning” (aloha kakaihaika). While you most likely won&#039;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.&lt;br /&gt;
  14595. &lt;br /&gt;
  14596. 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.&lt;br /&gt;
  14597. &lt;br /&gt;
  14598. Another word to know is “howzit”. While many locals phrase this as a question, they are not actually asking you how you&#039;re doing. They are simply saying, “what&#039;s up” or “hi”. So don&#039;t try to respond with your usual reply of “I&#039;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&#039;s&amp;Q&#039;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:&lt;br /&gt;
  14599. &lt;br /&gt;
  14600. “Did you remember to pack dakine for the beach today?”&lt;br /&gt;
  14601. “Meet my friend Pono, he lives over in dakine and works for dakine.”&lt;br /&gt;
  14602. “Can you pass me the dakine please?”&lt;br /&gt;
  14603. &lt;br /&gt;
  14604. 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.&lt;br /&gt;
  14605. &lt;br /&gt;
  14606. 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&#039;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&#039;re not constantly stumbling over it. Many visitors don&#039;t even like to attempt to pronounce a lot of the words here, but it&#039;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&#039;t do that. Once you&#039;ve learned a few Hawaiian terms, give yourself the ultimate test and try out the pronunciation of Hawaii&#039;s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapua&#039;a. Yep.&lt;br /&gt;
  14607. &lt;br /&gt;
  14608. Popular food names you will most likely hear and want to recognize is lilikoi (passion fruit), shoyu (soy sauce),</itunes:summary>
  14609. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  14610. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  14611. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  14612. <itunes:duration>22:03</itunes:duration>
  14613. </item>
  14614. <item>
  14615. <title>Hawaiian Vacations for Families</title>
  14616. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaiian-vacations-for-families/</link>
  14617. <pubDate>Fri, 29 Jun 2012 18:45:16 +0000</pubDate>
  14618. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=1708</guid>
  14619. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaiian-vacations-for-families/#respond</comments>
  14620. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaiian-vacations-for-families/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  14621. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  14622. <description>Today we discuss the topic of small group travel to Hawaii, based on a Facebook follower&#039;s question regarding a Hawaii vacation for his age-varying family:
  14623.  
  14624. “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&#039;d like to do as much as reasonably possible for everyone to have a memorable time”.
  14625.  
  14626. 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&#039;t come to a better place if you have family members anywhere between the ages of 0-90 (and beyond!).
  14627.  
  14628. When planning a group travel, even if it&#039;s with family, we always recommend appointing a “group leader”. Many times, parents take on this role, but if you&#039;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&#039;s surf lessons or a hike to a waterfall, everyone should be able to get one of their preferred activities in.
  14629.  
  14630. A big concern of group travel vacationers is price. But just because you&#039;re traveling with a large amount of people, this doesn&#039;t mean you&#039;ll be spending more money. In fact, many travel companies can save you money on airfare and accommodations if you&#039;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.
  14631.  
  14632. 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&#039;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.
  14633.  
  14634. Here are a few more tips for group travel:
  14635.  
  14636. Don&#039;t try to please everyone, it simply can&#039;t be done. If your expectations are set too high, you are likely to be disappointed.
  14637. 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.
  14638. If you&#039;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.
  14639. 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!
  14640. We recommend planning a group travel to Oahu, as this island is known to offer the most for things to do on a day-to-day basis.</description>
  14641. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2012/06/2012-06-29_e509_planning-hawaii-family-vacations.mp3" length="17770873" type="audio/mpeg" />
  14642. <itunes:subtitle>Today we discuss the topic of small group travel to Hawaii, based on a Facebook follower&#039;s question regarding a Hawaii vacation for his age-varying family:  “Traveling with a wide variety of ages and interests….</itunes:subtitle>
  14643. <itunes:summary>Today we discuss the topic of small group travel to Hawaii, based on a Facebook follower&#039;s question regarding a Hawaii vacation for his age-varying family:&lt;br /&gt;
  14644. &lt;br /&gt;
  14645. “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&#039;d like to do as much as reasonably possible for everyone to have a memorable time”.&lt;br /&gt;
  14646. &lt;br /&gt;
  14647. 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&#039;t come to a better place if you have family members anywhere between the ages of 0-90 (and beyond!).&lt;br /&gt;
  14648. &lt;br /&gt;
  14649. When planning a group travel, even if it&#039;s with family, we always recommend appointing a “group leader”. Many times, parents take on this role, but if you&#039;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&#039;s surf lessons or a hike to a waterfall, everyone should be able to get one of their preferred activities in.&lt;br /&gt;
  14650. &lt;br /&gt;
  14651. A big concern of group travel vacationers is price. But just because you&#039;re traveling with a large amount of people, this doesn&#039;t mean you&#039;ll be spending more money. In fact, many travel companies can save you money on airfare and accommodations if you&#039;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.&lt;br /&gt;
  14652. &lt;br /&gt;
  14653. 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&#039;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.&lt;br /&gt;
  14654. &lt;br /&gt;
  14655. Here are a few more tips for group travel:&lt;br /&gt;
  14656. &lt;br /&gt;
  14657. Don&#039;t try to please everyone, it simply can&#039;t be done. If your expectations are set too high, you are likely to be disappointed.&lt;br /&gt;
  14658. 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.&lt;br /&gt;
  14659. If you&#039;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.&lt;br /&gt;
  14660. 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!&lt;br /&gt;
  14661. We recommend planning a group travel to Oahu, as this island is known to offer the most for things to do on a day-...</itunes:summary>
  14662. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  14663. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  14664. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  14665. <itunes:duration>18:30</itunes:duration>
  14666. </item>
  14667. <item>
  14668. <title>Hawaii Vacation Guide</title>
  14669. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/guide-to-hawaii-vacation-planning/</link>
  14670. <pubDate>Fri, 08 Jun 2012 22:59:48 +0000</pubDate>
  14671. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=1662</guid>
  14672. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/guide-to-hawaii-vacation-planning/#respond</comments>
  14673. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/guide-to-hawaii-vacation-planning/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  14674. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  14675. <description>So you&#039;ve decided to travel to Hawaii, but now it&#039;s time to actually create the vacation. How and what should you prioritize? How much should you budget for? Where will you stay and what amenities do you wish to include? How do you know which activities to choose? The list of questions is endless, which is why we&#039;ve created a quick Hawaii vacation guide for you to follow when planning your trip.
  14676.  
  14677.  
  14678.  
  14679. So you&#039;ve decided to travel to Hawaii, but now it&#039;s time to actually create the vacation. How and what should you prioritize? How much should you budget for? Where will you stay and what amenities do you wish to include? How do you know which activities to choose? The list of questions is endless, which is why we&#039;ve created a quick guide for you to follow when planning your Hawaii vacation.
  14680.  
  14681.  
  14682.  
  14683. Let&#039;s talk costs and budgets since this is usually the first topic that comes up in travel conversations. We&#039;ve done some research and found out that the typical vacationer spends approximately $150 a day, per person. But before you run for the hills, let us first explain that this cost typically includes hotel, transportation, meals, and activities, typically. This means if you are a family of four planning to spend a week in Hawaii, you can expect to spend roughly $4,200 on the entire trip, not including airfare. This is a typical amount most families budget their travel at, but if you&#039;re trying to vacation on tighter funds, there are ways to lower this average.
  14684.  
  14685.  
  14686.  
  14687. For example, a rental car adds a few hundred dollars to your trip, and if you wish to cut back on this, we suggest traveling to Oahu or Maui. Kauai and Big Island are rental car MUSTS, due to their sprawling landscapes with landmarks, resorts, and sightseeing being much more spread out. Whereas on Oahu and Maui, you can easily get away with public transportation or simply stay within your hotel&#039;s vicinity for your entire vacation.
  14688.  
  14689.  
  14690.  
  14691. Another way to save is by renting accommodations with a kitchen, so you can prepare your own meals. By simply packing a lunch and eating breakfast in your hotel room every day, you could save hundreds on meal costs. Eating out, especially in Hawaii, tends to get expensive very quickly, even if you are looking for cheaper meal options. All-inclusive hotel packages often offer lower prices on meals as well.
  14692.  
  14693.  
  14694.  
  14695. Okay, so now you&#039;ve got your budget roughly figured out. Next, you need to decide which island you want to visit. If you have over a week to spend, we always recommend a multi-island Hawaii vacation, because you get to enjoy a broader experience of Hawaii. But, for pricing reasons, let&#039;s stick with a one-island option vacation. It helps to know a little bit about each island and the unique things they offer. For example, Kauai offers an extremely relaxed, quiet, and outdoorsy type of vacationing experience with little nightlife. Maui, on the other hand, offers these same qualities but with a lively nightlife in its more popular areas. Big Island provides a unique volcano experience, so this might be something to consider if you wish to see this aspect of Hawaii. Oahu harbors the state&#039;s capital, Honolulu, and you can expect to find a bustling city but also beautiful beaches and plenty of culture. Every island presents a plethora of things to do, so don&#039;t think if you pick a quieter island that you will become bored. Choosing an island is more like choosing a destination that caters to the type of vacationer you tend to be.
  14696.  
  14697.  
  14698.  
  14699. You&#039;ve created a budget and now you&#039;ve chosen an island. Now how about figuring out which activities to take advantage of? This will also depend heavily on your budget, as well as your activity preferences. You can buy snorkel gear at a local convenience store for $25/person and visit a different beach every day of your vacation. Or, you can book a lot of little activities, such as surf lessons, zip lining, or touring. You can also save for one big activity, like a fancy luau or a boat cruise adventure.</description>
  14700. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2012/06/2012-06-08_e508_creating-your-hawaii-vacation.mp3" length="20388270" type="audio/mpeg" />
  14701. <itunes:subtitle>So you&#039;ve decided to travel to Hawaii, but now it&#039;s time to actually create the vacation. How and what should you prioritize? How much should you budget for? Where will you stay and what amenities do you wish to include?</itunes:subtitle>
  14702. <itunes:summary>So you&#039;ve decided to travel to Hawaii, but now it&#039;s time to actually create the vacation. How and what should you prioritize? How much should you budget for? Where will you stay and what amenities do you wish to include? How do you know which activities to choose? The list of questions is endless, which is why we&#039;ve created a quick Hawaii vacation guide for you to follow when planning your trip.&lt;br /&gt;
  14703. &lt;br /&gt;
  14704. &lt;br /&gt;
  14705. &lt;br /&gt;
  14706. So you&#039;ve decided to travel to Hawaii, but now it&#039;s time to actually create the vacation. How and what should you prioritize? How much should you budget for? Where will you stay and what amenities do you wish to include? How do you know which activities to choose? The list of questions is endless, which is why we&#039;ve created a quick guide for you to follow when planning your Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  14707. &lt;br /&gt;
  14708. &lt;br /&gt;
  14709. &lt;br /&gt;
  14710. Let&#039;s talk costs and budgets since this is usually the first topic that comes up in travel conversations. We&#039;ve done some research and found out that the typical vacationer spends approximately $150 a day, per person. But before you run for the hills, let us first explain that this cost typically includes hotel, transportation, meals, and activities, typically. This means if you are a family of four planning to spend a week in Hawaii, you can expect to spend roughly $4,200 on the entire trip, not including airfare. This is a typical amount most families budget their travel at, but if you&#039;re trying to vacation on tighter funds, there are ways to lower this average.&lt;br /&gt;
  14711. &lt;br /&gt;
  14712. &lt;br /&gt;
  14713. &lt;br /&gt;
  14714. For example, a rental car adds a few hundred dollars to your trip, and if you wish to cut back on this, we suggest traveling to Oahu or Maui. Kauai and Big Island are rental car MUSTS, due to their sprawling landscapes with landmarks, resorts, and sightseeing being much more spread out. Whereas on Oahu and Maui, you can easily get away with public transportation or simply stay within your hotel&#039;s vicinity for your entire vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  14715. &lt;br /&gt;
  14716. &lt;br /&gt;
  14717. &lt;br /&gt;
  14718. Another way to save is by renting accommodations with a kitchen, so you can prepare your own meals. By simply packing a lunch and eating breakfast in your hotel room every day, you could save hundreds on meal costs. Eating out, especially in Hawaii, tends to get expensive very quickly, even if you are looking for cheaper meal options. All-inclusive hotel packages often offer lower prices on meals as well.&lt;br /&gt;
  14719. &lt;br /&gt;
  14720. &lt;br /&gt;
  14721. &lt;br /&gt;
  14722. Okay, so now you&#039;ve got your budget roughly figured out. Next, you need to decide which island you want to visit. If you have over a week to spend, we always recommend a multi-island Hawaii vacation, because you get to enjoy a broader experience of Hawaii. But, for pricing reasons, let&#039;s stick with a one-island option vacation. It helps to know a little bit about each island and the unique things they offer. For example, Kauai offers an extremely relaxed, quiet, and outdoorsy type of vacationing experience with little nightlife. Maui, on the other hand, offers these same qualities but with a lively nightlife in its more popular areas. Big Island provides a unique volcano experience, so this might be something to consider if you wish to see this aspect of Hawaii. Oahu harbors the state&#039;s capital, Honolulu, and you can expect to find a bustling city but also beautiful beaches and plenty of culture. Every island presents a plethora of things to do, so don&#039;t think if you pick a quieter island that you will become bored. Choosing an island is more like choosing a destination that caters to the type of vacationer you tend to be.&lt;br /&gt;
  14723. &lt;br /&gt;
  14724. &lt;br /&gt;
  14725. &lt;br /&gt;
  14726. You&#039;ve created a budget and now you&#039;ve chosen an island. Now how about figuring out which activities to take advantage of? This will also depend heavily on your budget, as well as your activity preferences. You can buy snorkel gear at a local convenience store for $25/person and visit a different beach every day of your vacation. Or, you can book a lot of little activities,</itunes:summary>
  14727. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  14728. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  14729. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  14730. <itunes:duration>21:14</itunes:duration>
  14731. </item>
  14732. <item>
  14733. <title>Hawaii Island Hopping Tips</title>
  14734. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-island-hopping-tips/</link>
  14735. <pubDate>Fri, 25 May 2012 04:18:28 +0000</pubDate>
  14736. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=1630</guid>
  14737. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-island-hopping-tips/#respond</comments>
  14738. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-island-hopping-tips/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  14739. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  14740. <description>Hawaii Island hopping is a common desire for vacationers, and while it&#039;s possible, there are some important considerations to remember.Hawaii Island hopping has evolved over the years, and it&#039;s no longer as simple as hopping on a plane on a whim. “Back in the day,” you could come to Hawaii and decide to go to another island more easily while here. Visitors could purchase island-hopping packages and jump around at will! Planning in advance is recommended now due to potential limitations in flight availability and the possibility of higher costs if you wait until you arrive in Hawaii. Additionally, since Hawaii is in such demand, finding affordable accommodations at the last minute in the best areas is an issue. That said, if you&#039;re flexible with your flight times and hotel choices, you can still enjoy the spontaneity of island hopping.
  14741.  
  14742.  
  14743.  
  14744. Airline Carriers
  14745.  
  14746.  
  14747.  
  14748. Hawaii and Southwest are the primary inter-island carriers.
  14749.  
  14750.  
  14751.  
  14752. The only way to get between the islands is by plane. The two leading carriers for Hawaii Island Hopping are Hawaiian and Southwest Airlines. Mokulele Airlines is a smaller commuter airline that offers service to Molokai and smaller airports in the island chain. Southwest uses larger planes, flying the 737 MAX, accommodating 174 passengers. Hawaiian uses mostly Boeing 717-200s, which seats 123-128 passengers. Both airlines offer referred seating, but since the flights are so short, First-class eating is unnecessary for most people.
  14753.  
  14754.  
  14755.  
  14756. Hawaii&#039;s Airports
  14757.  
  14758.  
  14759.  
  14760. While there are eight Hawaiian islands, visitors who want to opt for Hawaii island Hopping can only travel to six, so ensure you book the correct airport to avoid the common mistake of ending up at the wrong one. These are the available airport sand codes.
  14761.  
  14762.  
  14763.  
  14764. Hawaii&#039;s Airports
  14765.  
  14766.  
  14767.  
  14768. Oahu HNL (Honolulu International Airport)Maui OGG (Kahului Airport)Maui Kapalua JHM (West Maui Airport) *Very limited serviceMaui Hana HMN Airport *Very limited serviceKauai LIH Lihue AirportKailua Kona KOA (Big Island)Hilo ITI Hilo Airport (Big Island)Lanai LNY Lanai Airport *Very limited service
  14769.  
  14770.  
  14771.  
  14772. Pricing Considerations
  14773.  
  14774.  
  14775.  
  14776. Prices can be competitive and typically range from $60 to $110 per hop, depending on flight times. Generally, the least expensive flights are early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Hawaiian Airlines has the most flights, offering 170 per day, while Southwest offers 90. If you plan to check into your hotel later, a morning flight will allow you to engage in an activity before checking in, typically around 3 p.m. The choice of airport can also impact your travel experience, so understanding the proximity of airports to your hotel is important. Using a local travel company for scheduling can help ensure a smoother experience.
  14777.  
  14778.  
  14779.  
  14780.  
  14781.  
  14782.  
  14783.  
  14784. Flying to another Island for the Day
  14785.  
  14786.  
  14787.  
  14788. Another option for Hawaii vacationers is island hopping packages, allowing you to fly to another island, pick up a rental car, and return on the same day. This works well if you want to visit the Hilo side of the Big Island, especially if the volcano is active. Hawaii&#039;s islands are relatively close, with flights taking as few as 20 minutes. It&#039;s recommended that you plan this well before you arrive in the islands, rather than trying to do it on the fly when you get here, because you may need more time to get the flight you want or secure reservations for activities due to availability issues.
  14789.  
  14790.  
  14791.  
  14792. Multi Island Packages
  14793.  
  14794.  
  14795.  
  14796. Multi-island destination packages are highly recommended for travelers with a week or more of vacation time. They offer a diverse experience of Hawaii and the opportunity to explore more than just one island. If you plan on visiting two islands, choose ones that contrast with each other since Hawaii&#039;s islands have very different topographies. It would be best to spend at least four nights on each island. If you want to see all the islands, you should plan to be here for a minimum of 10 nights and 11 days.
  14797.  
  14798.  
  14799.  
  14800. While it&#039;s tempting to wish for teleportation to make trave...</description>
  14801. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2012/05/2012-05-25_e506_hawaii-island-hopping-tips.mp3" length="31875370" type="audio/mpeg" />
  14802. <itunes:subtitle>Hawaii Island hopping is a common desire for vacationers, and while it&#039;s possible, there are some important considerations to remember.Hawaii Island hopping has evolved over the years, and it&#039;s no longer as simple as hopping on a plane on a whim.</itunes:subtitle>
  14803. <itunes:summary>Hawaii Island hopping is a common desire for vacationers, and while it&#039;s possible, there are some important considerations to remember.Hawaii Island hopping has evolved over the years, and it&#039;s no longer as simple as hopping on a plane on a whim. “Back in the day,” you could come to Hawaii and decide to go to another island more easily while here. Visitors could purchase island-hopping packages and jump around at will! Planning in advance is recommended now due to potential limitations in flight availability and the possibility of higher costs if you wait until you arrive in Hawaii. Additionally, since Hawaii is in such demand, finding affordable accommodations at the last minute in the best areas is an issue. That said, if you&#039;re flexible with your flight times and hotel choices, you can still enjoy the spontaneity of island hopping.&lt;br /&gt;
  14804. &lt;br /&gt;
  14805. &lt;br /&gt;
  14806. &lt;br /&gt;
  14807. Airline Carriers &lt;br /&gt;
  14808. &lt;br /&gt;
  14809. &lt;br /&gt;
  14810. &lt;br /&gt;
  14811. Hawaii and Southwest are the primary inter-island carriers. &lt;br /&gt;
  14812. &lt;br /&gt;
  14813. &lt;br /&gt;
  14814. &lt;br /&gt;
  14815. The only way to get between the islands is by plane. The two leading carriers for Hawaii Island Hopping are Hawaiian and Southwest Airlines. Mokulele Airlines is a smaller commuter airline that offers service to Molokai and smaller airports in the island chain. Southwest uses larger planes, flying the 737 MAX, accommodating 174 passengers. Hawaiian uses mostly Boeing 717-200s, which seats 123-128 passengers. Both airlines offer referred seating, but since the flights are so short, First-class eating is unnecessary for most people.&lt;br /&gt;
  14816. &lt;br /&gt;
  14817. &lt;br /&gt;
  14818. &lt;br /&gt;
  14819. Hawaii&#039;s Airports &lt;br /&gt;
  14820. &lt;br /&gt;
  14821. &lt;br /&gt;
  14822. &lt;br /&gt;
  14823. While there are eight Hawaiian islands, visitors who want to opt for Hawaii island Hopping can only travel to six, so ensure you book the correct airport to avoid the common mistake of ending up at the wrong one. These are the available airport sand codes.&lt;br /&gt;
  14824. &lt;br /&gt;
  14825. &lt;br /&gt;
  14826. &lt;br /&gt;
  14827. Hawaii&#039;s Airports &lt;br /&gt;
  14828. &lt;br /&gt;
  14829. &lt;br /&gt;
  14830. &lt;br /&gt;
  14831. Oahu HNL (Honolulu International Airport)Maui OGG (Kahului Airport)Maui Kapalua JHM (West Maui Airport) *Very limited serviceMaui Hana HMN Airport *Very limited serviceKauai LIH Lihue AirportKailua Kona KOA (Big Island)Hilo ITI Hilo Airport (Big Island)Lanai LNY Lanai Airport *Very limited service&lt;br /&gt;
  14832. &lt;br /&gt;
  14833. &lt;br /&gt;
  14834. &lt;br /&gt;
  14835. Pricing Considerations &lt;br /&gt;
  14836. &lt;br /&gt;
  14837. &lt;br /&gt;
  14838. &lt;br /&gt;
  14839. Prices can be competitive and typically range from $60 to $110 per hop, depending on flight times. Generally, the least expensive flights are early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Hawaiian Airlines has the most flights, offering 170 per day, while Southwest offers 90. If you plan to check into your hotel later, a morning flight will allow you to engage in an activity before checking in, typically around 3 p.m. The choice of airport can also impact your travel experience, so understanding the proximity of airports to your hotel is important. Using a local travel company for scheduling can help ensure a smoother experience.&lt;br /&gt;
  14840. &lt;br /&gt;
  14841. &lt;br /&gt;
  14842. &lt;br /&gt;
  14843. &lt;br /&gt;
  14844. &lt;br /&gt;
  14845. &lt;br /&gt;
  14846. &lt;br /&gt;
  14847. Flying to another Island for the Day &lt;br /&gt;
  14848. &lt;br /&gt;
  14849. &lt;br /&gt;
  14850. &lt;br /&gt;
  14851. Another option for Hawaii vacationers is island hopping packages, allowing you to fly to another island, pick up a rental car, and return on the same day. This works well if you want to visit the Hilo side of the Big Island, especially if the volcano is active. Hawaii&#039;s islands are relatively close, with flights taking as few as 20 minutes. It&#039;s recommended that you plan this well before you arrive in the islands, rather than trying to do it on the fly when you get here, because you may need more time to get the flight you want or secure reservations for activities due to availability issues.&lt;br /&gt;
  14852. &lt;br /&gt;
  14853. &lt;br /&gt;
  14854. &lt;br /&gt;
  14855. Multi Island Packages &lt;br /&gt;
  14856. &lt;br /&gt;
  14857. &lt;br /&gt;
  14858. &lt;br /&gt;
  14859. Multi-island destination packages are highly recommended for travelers with a week or more of vacation time. They offer a diverse experience of Hawaii and the opportunity to explore more than just one island.</itunes:summary>
  14860. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  14861. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  14862. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  14863. <itunes:duration>33:11</itunes:duration>
  14864. </item>
  14865. <item>
  14866. <title>Nightlife in Waikiki</title>
  14867. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/nightlife-in-waikiki/</link>
  14868. <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2011 23:01:01 +0000</pubDate>
  14869. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=1377</guid>
  14870. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/nightlife-in-waikiki/#respond</comments>
  14871. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/nightlife-in-waikiki/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  14872. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  14873. <description>Nightlife on Oahu
  14874. Today we talk about things to do at night on Oahu. Depending on your preferences there&#039;s really something for everybody after the sun sets. In Hawaii we like to Pau Hana which really means relaxing after a hard days work. In Waikiki their several places to do this including some of the more expensive hotels where are you&#039;ll find an open door policy. Even if you don&#039;t stay in these hotels you can enjoy the atmosphere and entertainment. If you&#039;re into sports fishing you can find a great excursion for shark fishing or bottom fishing at night. You also might want to consider a moonlight dinner or one of the evening shows we have such as Society of seven or the Magic of Polynesia. If you&#039;re a young person there&#039;s lots of hip clubs in Chinatown that you can enjoy. We recommend a local website called Nonstophonolulu(broken link removed) which lists lots of fun things for young people to do on Oahu.
  14875. Shrimp Trucks
  14876. Karen one of our Facebook friends asked about the shrimp trucks on the North Shore. She specifically wanted to know about Giovanni&#039;s but there are many shrimp trucks worth considering. A couple of years ago we sponsored a shrimp truck trek tour where we sampled some of the most popular trucks on the North Shore. It was the consensus of the group that Macky&#039;s in Haleiwa was the best.
  14877. Lei Greetings
  14878. Part of the Hawaii tradition is receiving a lei for special occasions. Very often we package a lei greeting into the itinerary that we plan for folks Hawaii vacations. We arrange for a lei greeter to meet our customers at the airport and present them with this very special welcome. There are lei stands at the airport where you can purchase lei&#039;s to take these back with you for the mainland for gifts. We talk about the options offer suggestions about lei greetings in Hawaii.</description>
  14879. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2011/07/2011-07-15_e468_nightlife-in-waikiki.mp3" length="13584841" type="audio/mpeg" />
  14880. <itunes:subtitle>Nightlife on Oahu Today we talk about things to do at night on Oahu. Depending on your preferences there&#039;s really something for everybody after the sun sets. In Hawaii we like to Pau Hana which really means relaxing after a hard days work.</itunes:subtitle>
  14881. <itunes:summary>Nightlife on Oahu&lt;br /&gt;
  14882. Today we talk about things to do at night on Oahu. Depending on your preferences there&#039;s really something for everybody after the sun sets. In Hawaii we like to Pau Hana which really means relaxing after a hard days work. In Waikiki their several places to do this including some of the more expensive hotels where are you&#039;ll find an open door policy. Even if you don&#039;t stay in these hotels you can enjoy the atmosphere and entertainment. If you&#039;re into sports fishing you can find a great excursion for shark fishing or bottom fishing at night. You also might want to consider a moonlight dinner or one of the evening shows we have such as Society of seven or the Magic of Polynesia. If you&#039;re a young person there&#039;s lots of hip clubs in Chinatown that you can enjoy. We recommend a local website called Nonstophonolulu(broken link removed) which lists lots of fun things for young people to do on Oahu.&lt;br /&gt;
  14883. Shrimp Trucks&lt;br /&gt;
  14884. Karen one of our Facebook friends asked about the shrimp trucks on the North Shore. She specifically wanted to know about Giovanni&#039;s but there are many shrimp trucks worth considering. A couple of years ago we sponsored a shrimp truck trek tour where we sampled some of the most popular trucks on the North Shore. It was the consensus of the group that Macky&#039;s in Haleiwa was the best.&lt;br /&gt;
  14885. Lei Greetings&lt;br /&gt;
  14886. Part of the Hawaii tradition is receiving a lei for special occasions. Very often we package a lei greeting into the itinerary that we plan for folks Hawaii vacations. We arrange for a lei greeter to meet our customers at the airport and present them with this very special welcome. There are lei stands at the airport where you can purchase lei&#039;s to take these back with you for the mainland for gifts. We talk about the options offer suggestions about lei greetings in Hawaii.</itunes:summary>
  14887. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  14888. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  14889. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  14890. <itunes:duration>14:08</itunes:duration>
  14891. </item>
  14892. <item>
  14893. <title>Should you be worried about Bed Bugs in Hawaii?</title>
  14894. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/1337/</link>
  14895. <pubDate>Sat, 18 Jun 2011 00:37:29 +0000</pubDate>
  14896. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=1337</guid>
  14897. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/1337/#respond</comments>
  14898. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/1337/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  14899. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  14900. <description>Hawaii Five-0 Sunset on the Beach
  14901. Did you know that you can see the premiere of next seasons Hawaii Five-0 before anyone else in the world does? Yes it&#039;s true, the premiere episode airs in Hawaii at an event called Sunset on the Beach a week before the actual episode airs nationally. We are excited to hear that just today Peter Lenkov, the executive producer of Hawaii Five-0 tweeted the date is set for September 10th. While this has not been confirmed, and he has subsequently deleted this tweet, we believe that it only makes sense that this will end up being around this date. For more information check out our Facebook page which has detailed information about the event and our special packages for those people who&#039;d like to attend. Check out the Hawaii Five-0 SotB Facebook page
  14902. Bed bugs in Hawaii?
  14903. Bed bugs have been making big news lately. Today we got a question from Jason who wants to know if he should be worrying about that if he is coming here on his Hawaii vacation. In the 13 years I&#039;ve been doing travel to Hawaii I have had not one single call from a customer complaining about bed bugs in a Hawaii Hotel. The fact is that there are bedbugs everywhere and you can even get them from other people&#039;s clothing or shoes. I think the whole issue regarding bedbugs is being blown way out of proportion and that would not let any news like this hamper your Hawaii travel plans.
  14904. Favorite restaurants on Kauai
  14905. I was asked today by a Facebook friend Nikki to share my favorite restaurants on Kauai. There are so many excellent choices on Kauai but here are some that I think are worth checking out if you&#039;re on the Garden Isle.
  14906.  
  14907. Beachouse Resturant in Poipu
  14908. Tutu&#039;s Soupe Hale in Lihue
  14909. Jocelyn Tapa&#039;s bar and Grill
  14910. Mediterranean luau</description>
  14911. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2011/06/2011-06-17_e464_should-you-be-worried-about-bed-bugs-in-hawaii.mp3" length="12290139" type="audio/mpeg" />
  14912. <itunes:subtitle>Hawaii Five-0 Sunset on the Beach Did you know that you can see the premiere of next seasons Hawaii Five-0 before anyone else in the world does? Yes it&#039;s true, the premiere episode airs in Hawaii at an event called Sunset on the Beach a week before the...</itunes:subtitle>
  14913. <itunes:summary>Hawaii Five-0 Sunset on the Beach&lt;br /&gt;
  14914. Did you know that you can see the premiere of next seasons Hawaii Five-0 before anyone else in the world does? Yes it&#039;s true, the premiere episode airs in Hawaii at an event called Sunset on the Beach a week before the actual episode airs nationally. We are excited to hear that just today Peter Lenkov, the executive producer of Hawaii Five-0 tweeted the date is set for September 10th. While this has not been confirmed, and he has subsequently deleted this tweet, we believe that it only makes sense that this will end up being around this date. For more information check out our Facebook page which has detailed information about the event and our special packages for those people who&#039;d like to attend. Check out the Hawaii Five-0 SotB Facebook page &lt;br /&gt;
  14915. Bed bugs in Hawaii?&lt;br /&gt;
  14916. Bed bugs have been making big news lately. Today we got a question from Jason who wants to know if he should be worrying about that if he is coming here on his Hawaii vacation. In the 13 years I&#039;ve been doing travel to Hawaii I have had not one single call from a customer complaining about bed bugs in a Hawaii Hotel. The fact is that there are bedbugs everywhere and you can even get them from other people&#039;s clothing or shoes. I think the whole issue regarding bedbugs is being blown way out of proportion and that would not let any news like this hamper your Hawaii travel plans.&lt;br /&gt;
  14917. Favorite restaurants on Kauai&lt;br /&gt;
  14918. I was asked today by a Facebook friend Nikki to share my favorite restaurants on Kauai. There are so many excellent choices on Kauai but here are some that I think are worth checking out if you&#039;re on the Garden Isle.&lt;br /&gt;
  14919. &lt;br /&gt;
  14920. Beachouse Resturant in Poipu&lt;br /&gt;
  14921. Tutu&#039;s Soupe Hale in Lihue&lt;br /&gt;
  14922. Jocelyn Tapa&#039;s bar and Grill&lt;br /&gt;
  14923. Mediterranean luau</itunes:summary>
  14924. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  14925. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  14926. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  14927. <itunes:duration>12:47</itunes:duration>
  14928. </item>
  14929. <item>
  14930. <title>Hawaii Island Retreat, Disney Aulani</title>
  14931. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-island-retreat-disney-aulani/</link>
  14932. <pubDate>Mon, 02 May 2011 19:05:40 +0000</pubDate>
  14933. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=1284</guid>
  14934. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-island-retreat-disney-aulani/#respond</comments>
  14935. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-island-retreat-disney-aulani/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  14936. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  14937. <description>Hawaii Island Retreat
  14938. Today we met with Leah from the Hawaiian island retreat which is located in Hawi on the Big Island. While this property is only a year old it has already won numerous green awards for sustainability. There are nine luxurious rooms all with ocean views. The property also features five Yurts which are small hale&#039;s &quot;huts&quot; that allow you to experience a true nature of Hawaii. The property has everything you need including three swimming pools and fabulous nature walks with rich history attached. You find this experience to be like no other in Hawaii in we highly recommend this property for those folks who really truly want a Hawaii Vacation Package retreat away from all the hustle bustle of city life. You won&#039;t find any phones or Tv&#039;s in your suite instead you will be treated to the sounds of nature and fall asleep to this cascading ocean.
  14939. Disney Aulani
  14940. Yaling decided to join us today on the podcasts to help us answer some questions from podcast listeners. We talk about the new Disney Aulani and what to expect when this property opens in September. While nobody has been able to get in there and see any pictures first-hand referred to the big draw will be recreational facilities. The property will feature a giant water park where kids of all ages will enjoy everything from the Menehune Trail to the rainbow reef where you can snorkel all day.</description>
  14941. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2011/05/2011-05-02_e457_hawaii-island-retreat-disney-aulani.mp3" length="18181667" type="audio/mpeg" />
  14942. <itunes:subtitle>Hawaii Island Retreat Today we met with Leah from the Hawaiian island retreat which is located in Hawi on the Big Island. While this property is only a year old it has already won numerous green awards for sustainability.</itunes:subtitle>
  14943. <itunes:summary>Hawaii Island Retreat&lt;br /&gt;
  14944. Today we met with Leah from the Hawaiian island retreat which is located in Hawi on the Big Island. While this property is only a year old it has already won numerous green awards for sustainability. There are nine luxurious rooms all with ocean views. The property also features five Yurts which are small hale&#039;s &quot;huts&quot; that allow you to experience a true nature of Hawaii. The property has everything you need including three swimming pools and fabulous nature walks with rich history attached. You find this experience to be like no other in Hawaii in we highly recommend this property for those folks who really truly want a Hawaii Vacation Package retreat away from all the hustle bustle of city life. You won&#039;t find any phones or Tv&#039;s in your suite instead you will be treated to the sounds of nature and fall asleep to this cascading ocean.&lt;br /&gt;
  14945. Disney Aulani&lt;br /&gt;
  14946. Yaling decided to join us today on the podcasts to help us answer some questions from podcast listeners. We talk about the new Disney Aulani and what to expect when this property opens in September. While nobody has been able to get in there and see any pictures first-hand referred to the big draw will be recreational facilities. The property will feature a giant water park where kids of all ages will enjoy everything from the Menehune Trail to the rainbow reef where you can snorkel all day.</itunes:summary>
  14947. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  14948. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  14949. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  14950. <itunes:duration>18:55</itunes:duration>
  14951. </item>
  14952. <item>
  14953. <title>Hawaii Airfare Pricing, Don&#8217;t Honk in Hawaii, Surf lesson ideas</title>
  14954. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-airfare-pricing-dont-honk-in-hawaii-surf-lesson-ideas/</link>
  14955. <pubDate>Sat, 09 Apr 2011 01:42:53 +0000</pubDate>
  14956. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=1270</guid>
  14957. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-airfare-pricing-dont-honk-in-hawaii-surf-lesson-ideas/#respond</comments>
  14958. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-airfare-pricing-dont-honk-in-hawaii-surf-lesson-ideas/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  14959. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  14960. <description>Hawaii Vacation News
  14961. We start the show off today with a little bit of news about Disney bringing a cruise ship to Hawaii. Starting in April of 2012 they&#039;re offering of 15 to Hawaii cruise. This is the first time for Disney as they expanded the Hawaii market with the recent addition of the Aulani Disney resort at Ko Olina on Oahu.
  14962.  
  14963. Hawaii Airfare Pricing
  14964. The Hawaii visitors Bureau is doing a advertising blitz in key states so we decided to take a look at what the airfares are running which coincide with this promotion. Traditionally, in May we start to see airfare wars so it will be interesting to see where prices land. We&#039;ve also been getting a lot of calls from people who want to book last minute in April so we share some pricing for April dates.
  14965.  
  14966. We looked at Denver Phoenix and Dallas round-trip airfares and this is what we came up with for pricing.
  14967.  
  14968. April: 4/20-4/27
  14969. Den-HNL $567.00 with 2 stops united
  14970. PHX-HNL: $481.00 with 1 stop AA
  14971. DFW-HNL: $573.00 with 0 stop AA
  14972.  
  14973. May: 5/10-5/17
  14974. Den-HNL $567.00 with 2 stops united
  14975. PHX-HNL: $438.00 with 1 stop delta
  14976. DFW-HNL: $412.00 with 1 stop united
  14977.  
  14978. June: 06/8-6/15
  14979. Den-HNL: $667.00 with 2 stops united
  14980. PHX-HNL: $515.00 with 1 stop delta
  14981. DFW-HNL: $538.00 with 2 stop Continental
  14982.  
  14983. July: 07/06-7/13
  14984. Den-HNL $807.00 with 1 stop united
  14985. PHX-HNL: $586.00 with 1 stop US airway
  14986. DFW-HNL: $610.00 with 1 stop United
  14987.  
  14988. Podcast, Facebook and Twitter Questions
  14989. As we do every Friday we answer questions from Facebook and twitter friends. Mary wants to know if it&#039;s really true that people get offended when someone honks airport in Hawaii. Actually that is true people in Hawaii don&#039;t honk their horns and find it quite offensive so make sure when you&#039;re here on vacation you don&#039;t lean heavy on the horn.
  14990.  
  14991. Did you know that we have fantastic farmers markets here in Hawaii where you can enjoy local food at great prices. Kenya talk about some of the popular farmers markets and offer some ideas about enjoying this great part of Hawaii. Most locals feel it&#039;s important to live local and buy local and we discussed the importance of doing that on your Hawaii vacation.
  14992.  
  14993. Finally we offer Jennifer a couple of ideas about beginning surf lessons when she comes to Oahu. There are lots of choices and most of them are good ones right on Waikiki Beach. If you&#039;d like a little more formal teaching there are surf schools and one that&#039;s very popular in his home that I&#039;m in located in the lobby of the Park Shore hotel right across the street from the beach.</description>
  14994. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2011/04/2011-04-08_e454_hawaii_airfare_pricing.mp3" length="14315968" type="audio/mpeg" />
  14995. <itunes:subtitle>Hawaii Vacation News We start the show off today with a little bit of news about Disney bringing a cruise ship to Hawaii. Starting in April of 2012 they&#039;re offering of 15 to Hawaii cruise. This is the first time for Disney as they expanded the Hawaii m...</itunes:subtitle>
  14996. <itunes:summary>Hawaii Vacation News&lt;br /&gt;
  14997. We start the show off today with a little bit of news about Disney bringing a cruise ship to Hawaii. Starting in April of 2012 they&#039;re offering of 15 to Hawaii cruise. This is the first time for Disney as they expanded the Hawaii market with the recent addition of the Aulani Disney resort at Ko Olina on Oahu.&lt;br /&gt;
  14998. &lt;br /&gt;
  14999. Hawaii Airfare Pricing&lt;br /&gt;
  15000. The Hawaii visitors Bureau is doing a advertising blitz in key states so we decided to take a look at what the airfares are running which coincide with this promotion. Traditionally, in May we start to see airfare wars so it will be interesting to see where prices land. We&#039;ve also been getting a lot of calls from people who want to book last minute in April so we share some pricing for April dates.&lt;br /&gt;
  15001. &lt;br /&gt;
  15002. We looked at Denver Phoenix and Dallas round-trip airfares and this is what we came up with for pricing.&lt;br /&gt;
  15003. &lt;br /&gt;
  15004. April: 4/20-4/27&lt;br /&gt;
  15005. Den-HNL $567.00 with 2 stops united&lt;br /&gt;
  15006. PHX-HNL: $481.00 with 1 stop AA&lt;br /&gt;
  15007. DFW-HNL: $573.00 with 0 stop AA&lt;br /&gt;
  15008. &lt;br /&gt;
  15009. May: 5/10-5/17&lt;br /&gt;
  15010. Den-HNL $567.00 with 2 stops united&lt;br /&gt;
  15011. PHX-HNL: $438.00 with 1 stop delta&lt;br /&gt;
  15012. DFW-HNL: $412.00 with 1 stop united&lt;br /&gt;
  15013. &lt;br /&gt;
  15014. June: 06/8-6/15&lt;br /&gt;
  15015. Den-HNL: $667.00 with 2 stops united&lt;br /&gt;
  15016. PHX-HNL: $515.00 with 1 stop delta&lt;br /&gt;
  15017. DFW-HNL: $538.00 with 2 stop Continental&lt;br /&gt;
  15018. &lt;br /&gt;
  15019. July: 07/06-7/13&lt;br /&gt;
  15020. Den-HNL $807.00 with 1 stop united&lt;br /&gt;
  15021. PHX-HNL: $586.00 with 1 stop US airway&lt;br /&gt;
  15022. DFW-HNL: $610.00 with 1 stop United&lt;br /&gt;
  15023. &lt;br /&gt;
  15024. Podcast, Facebook and Twitter Questions&lt;br /&gt;
  15025. As we do every Friday we answer questions from Facebook and twitter friends. Mary wants to know if it&#039;s really true that people get offended when someone honks airport in Hawaii. Actually that is true people in Hawaii don&#039;t honk their horns and find it quite offensive so make sure when you&#039;re here on vacation you don&#039;t lean heavy on the horn.&lt;br /&gt;
  15026. &lt;br /&gt;
  15027. Did you know that we have fantastic farmers markets here in Hawaii where you can enjoy local food at great prices. Kenya talk about some of the popular farmers markets and offer some ideas about enjoying this great part of Hawaii. Most locals feel it&#039;s important to live local and buy local and we discussed the importance of doing that on your Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  15028. &lt;br /&gt;
  15029. Finally we offer Jennifer a couple of ideas about beginning surf lessons when she comes to Oahu. There are lots of choices and most of them are good ones right on Waikiki Beach. If you&#039;d like a little more formal teaching there are surf schools and one that&#039;s very popular in his home that I&#039;m in located in the lobby of the Park Shore hotel right across the street from the beach.</itunes:summary>
  15030. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  15031. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  15032. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  15033. <itunes:duration>14:55</itunes:duration>
  15034. </item>
  15035. <item>
  15036. <title>Favorite Hawaiian Words</title>
  15037. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/favorite-hawaiian-words/</link>
  15038. <pubDate>Wed, 02 Mar 2011 02:47:30 +0000</pubDate>
  15039. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=1239</guid>
  15040. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/favorite-hawaiian-words/#respond</comments>
  15041. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/favorite-hawaiian-words/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  15042. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  15043. <description>Today we talk about common words you&#039;ll likely hear on your Hawaiian Vacation.
  15044.  
  15045. Imagine this: 500,000 Hawaiians spoke the language when Captain Cook arrived. Today, there are only 1,000 native speakers left, most of whom live on isolated Ni&#039;ihau. Another 8,000 people can speak and understand Hawaiian, and use it among themselves. However, people who have lived here for any length of time use many Hawaiian words in our daily lives, today we share some of the words you&#039;ll likely hear when you come to the islands.
  15046. Common Hawaiian Words
  15047.  
  15048. Pau - All done, over
  15049. Manini - Small
  15050. Puka - Hole
  15051. Kuleana - Taking responsibility
  15052. Mauka - to the Mountians
  15053. Makai - to the ocean/sea
  15054. Aloha - Greeting
  15055. Mahalo - Thank you
  15056. Ono - good
  15057. Kau Kau - to Eat
  15058. Lolo - crazy
  15059. Mahalo nui - thank you big
  15060. Kapa Kahi - upside down, all messed up
  15061. Pilau - rotten</description>
  15062. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2011/03/2011-03-01_e446_hawaiian-words-to-know-on-a-hawaii-vacation.mp3" length="13638541" type="audio/mpeg" />
  15063. <itunes:subtitle>Today we talk about common words you&#039;ll likely hear on your Hawaiian Vacation.  Imagine this: 500,000 Hawaiians spoke the language when Captain Cook arrived. Today, there are only 1,000 native speakers left, most of whom live on isolated Ni&#039;ihau.</itunes:subtitle>
  15064. <itunes:summary>Today we talk about common words you&#039;ll likely hear on your Hawaiian Vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  15065. &lt;br /&gt;
  15066. Imagine this: 500,000 Hawaiians spoke the language when Captain Cook arrived. Today, there are only 1,000 native speakers left, most of whom live on isolated Ni&#039;ihau. Another 8,000 people can speak and understand Hawaiian, and use it among themselves. However, people who have lived here for any length of time use many Hawaiian words in our daily lives, today we share some of the words you&#039;ll likely hear when you come to the islands.&lt;br /&gt;
  15067. Common Hawaiian Words&lt;br /&gt;
  15068. &lt;br /&gt;
  15069. Pau - All done, over&lt;br /&gt;
  15070. Manini - Small&lt;br /&gt;
  15071. Puka - Hole&lt;br /&gt;
  15072. Kuleana - Taking responsibility&lt;br /&gt;
  15073. Mauka - to the Mountians&lt;br /&gt;
  15074. Makai - to the ocean/sea&lt;br /&gt;
  15075. Aloha - Greeting&lt;br /&gt;
  15076. Mahalo - Thank you&lt;br /&gt;
  15077. Ono - good&lt;br /&gt;
  15078. Kau Kau - to Eat&lt;br /&gt;
  15079. Lolo - crazy&lt;br /&gt;
  15080. Mahalo nui - thank you big&lt;br /&gt;
  15081. Kapa Kahi - upside down, all messed up&lt;br /&gt;
  15082. Pilau - rotten</itunes:summary>
  15083. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  15084. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  15085. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  15086. <itunes:duration>14:12</itunes:duration>
  15087. </item>
  15088. <item>
  15089. <title>Popular Hawaiian Drinks</title>
  15090. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/popular-hawaiian-drinks/</link>
  15091. <pubDate>Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:55:16 +0000</pubDate>
  15092. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=1050</guid>
  15093. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/popular-hawaiian-drinks/#respond</comments>
  15094. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/popular-hawaiian-drinks/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  15095. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  15096. <description>The partners who launched cirque Polynesia on Maui last year are bringing that show to Oahu. They also plan to produce at least two new traveling circuses in Hawaii and southeast Asia where they already have booked 1,500 shows through next year. Cornell “tuffy” Nicholas, a producer and veteran circus performer, and Doug Harris, president and CEO of the Harris agency, recently formed Nicholas Harris entertainment, a company that will specialize in acrobats and illusion.
  15097.  
  15098. When you vacation in Hawaii, you surely will be urged to try one of those colorful, fruit-slice-filled, tiny-umbrella-embellished concoctions served up at every restaurant, lounge and visitor gathering on every island. There&#039;s probably nowhere in the world where a tropical drink is more appropriate than in hawaii. The exotic colors and flavors that typify tropical drinks were inspired by the palette of colors in the hawaii sky and landscape.
  15099.  
  15100. These are some of the more popular ones:
  15101.  
  15102. Mai tai
  15103. the king of all tropical drinks has to be the mai tai. Consisting of rum and triple sec or orange Curacao with lime, almond syrup and grenadine, the mai tai is the quintessential tropical drink. The recipe has been adjusted over the years, but most variations are still close to the original. Also mixed with a rum base are the Blue Hawaii (rum and pineapple juice), the pina colada (rum, cream of coconut and pineapple juice), and the scorpion (rum, orange, grapefruit and pineapple juice).
  15104.  
  15105. Blue Hawaii
  15106. invented by Harry Yee at the Hilton Hawaiian village
  15107. Harry Yee was a bartender at the Hilton Hawaiian village resort and spa when in 1957 he was asked by a representative of bols to create a new drink using the company&#039;s new blue Curacao liqueur. The blue Hawaii was born. There are numerous variations of this recipe, many using crème de coconut, but this is the authentic recipe.
  15108.  
  15109. Piña colada
  15110. A delicious blend of pineapple juice, rum and coconut cream.
  15111.  
  15112. Lava flow
  15113. There are numerous variations for making a lava flow. This biggest difference is that some recipes use 1 oz. Of light rum and 1 oz. Of malibu® coconut rum. When malibu® coconut rum is unavilable you can use 1 1/2 oz. Of light rum and 1/2 oz. Of coconut cream.
  15114.  
  15115. Chi chi
  15116. This delicious blend of fresh hawaiian pineapple juice, tequilla, orange liqueur and grenadine is popular at many waikiki bars.</description>
  15117. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2010/11/2010-11-16_e422_popular-hawaiian-drinks.mp3" length="23414176" type="audio/mpeg" />
  15118. <itunes:subtitle>The partners who launched cirque Polynesia on Maui last year are bringing that show to Oahu. They also plan to produce at least two new traveling circuses in Hawaii and southeast Asia where they already have booked 1,500 shows through next year.</itunes:subtitle>
  15119. <itunes:summary>The partners who launched cirque Polynesia on Maui last year are bringing that show to Oahu. They also plan to produce at least two new traveling circuses in Hawaii and southeast Asia where they already have booked 1,500 shows through next year. Cornell “tuffy” Nicholas, a producer and veteran circus performer, and Doug Harris, president and CEO of the Harris agency, recently formed Nicholas Harris entertainment, a company that will specialize in acrobats and illusion.&lt;br /&gt;
  15120. &lt;br /&gt;
  15121. When you vacation in Hawaii, you surely will be urged to try one of those colorful, fruit-slice-filled, tiny-umbrella-embellished concoctions served up at every restaurant, lounge and visitor gathering on every island. There&#039;s probably nowhere in the world where a tropical drink is more appropriate than in hawaii. The exotic colors and flavors that typify tropical drinks were inspired by the palette of colors in the hawaii sky and landscape.&lt;br /&gt;
  15122. &lt;br /&gt;
  15123. These are some of the more popular ones:&lt;br /&gt;
  15124. &lt;br /&gt;
  15125. Mai tai&lt;br /&gt;
  15126. the king of all tropical drinks has to be the mai tai. Consisting of rum and triple sec or orange Curacao with lime, almond syrup and grenadine, the mai tai is the quintessential tropical drink. The recipe has been adjusted over the years, but most variations are still close to the original. Also mixed with a rum base are the Blue Hawaii (rum and pineapple juice), the pina colada (rum, cream of coconut and pineapple juice), and the scorpion (rum, orange, grapefruit and pineapple juice).&lt;br /&gt;
  15127. &lt;br /&gt;
  15128. Blue Hawaii &lt;br /&gt;
  15129. invented by Harry Yee at the Hilton Hawaiian village&lt;br /&gt;
  15130. Harry Yee was a bartender at the Hilton Hawaiian village resort and spa when in 1957 he was asked by a representative of bols to create a new drink using the company&#039;s new blue Curacao liqueur. The blue Hawaii was born. There are numerous variations of this recipe, many using crème de coconut, but this is the authentic recipe.&lt;br /&gt;
  15131. &lt;br /&gt;
  15132. Piña colada&lt;br /&gt;
  15133. A delicious blend of pineapple juice, rum and coconut cream.&lt;br /&gt;
  15134. &lt;br /&gt;
  15135. Lava flow&lt;br /&gt;
  15136. There are numerous variations for making a lava flow. This biggest difference is that some recipes use 1 oz. Of light rum and 1 oz. Of malibu® coconut rum. When malibu® coconut rum is unavilable you can use 1 1/2 oz. Of light rum and 1/2 oz. Of coconut cream.&lt;br /&gt;
  15137. &lt;br /&gt;
  15138. Chi chi&lt;br /&gt;
  15139. This delicious blend of fresh hawaiian pineapple juice, tequilla, orange liqueur and grenadine is popular at many waikiki bars.</itunes:summary>
  15140. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  15141. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  15142. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  15143. <itunes:duration>19:31</itunes:duration>
  15144. </item>
  15145. <item>
  15146. <title>Hawaii vs Mexico Cruise</title>
  15147. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-vs-mexico-cruise/</link>
  15148. <pubDate>Thu, 30 Sep 2010 00:16:18 +0000</pubDate>
  15149. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=971</guid>
  15150. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-vs-mexico-cruise/#respond</comments>
  15151. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-vs-mexico-cruise/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  15152. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  15153. <description>Yaling and I just got back from our Mexican vacation. We went on a Mexican Riviera cruise on the Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas. We have gone to Mexico a couple of times but never cruised there. I have talked about Mexico in general as a destination in the past, so today, I thought I would compare the pros and cons of a Hawaii vs Mexico cruise. Obviously, I&#039;m a Hawaii travel agent; I&#039;m partial to Hawaii. However, I am trying to be objective. Note: When talking about Hawaiian cruises, I&#039;m talking strictly about the seven-day Norwegian cruise line Pride of America itinerary around the Islands; we recommend this Hawaiian over all others because you can experience more of Hawaii. Less time at sea gives you more time here.
  15154.  
  15155.  
  15156.  
  15157. In comparing the ships&#039;  for a Hawaii or Mexico cruise, In general, Royal Caribbean Princess Holland sails nicer ships, has a foreign crew and higher staff-to-passenger ratio, and better service than the Pride of America, which is a US-flagged ship.
  15158.  
  15159.  
  15160.  
  15161. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii.
  15162. Get Help Planning Your Trip
  15163.  
  15164.  
  15165.  
  15166. We spent the first two days at sea, and then because of the tropical storm, we had to spend a third day at sea, and our entire itinerary got reversed. This allowed us to see what goes on when you have nothing else to do but stay on the ship. Bingo, belly flopping contests, shopping, casino, cheesy seminars that lead to expensive sales pitches, food, food, and more food. I was laughing because one day they had napkin folding and puffy dark circles under your eyes seminars. To their credit, they do a great job of coming up with things for people to do if that&#039;s your sort of thing. Our free time was spent mostly hanging out at the pool, in the gym, or in our stateroom. Warning: There was a lot of smoking aboard the ship, which limited my time in the casino, which was probably good.
  15167.  
  15168.  
  15169.  
  15170. On the Hawaii cruise, there is freestyle dining, so you can enter any restaurant anytime. You don&#039;t need reservations. You&#039;re spending a lot of land time when you come to Hawaii, so it&#039;s much better to have flexibility. We only ate in the main dining room once; it took a long time, and the food was just okay. The rest of the time we spent at the buffet or we can eat whatever we want. We took excursions at each port but felt rushed, which took away from the experience. The tours&#039; quality and Hawaii&#039;s beauty are so much better.
  15171.  
  15172.  
  15173.  
  15174. The Mexican Rivera cruise is much less expensive; however, the old saying” you get what you pay for” applies here.</description>
  15175. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2010/09/2010-09-29_e411_hawaii-vs-mexico-cruises.mp3" length="34350016" type="audio/mpeg" />
  15176. <itunes:subtitle>Yaling and I just got back from our Mexican vacation. We went on a Mexican Riviera cruise on the Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas. We have gone to Mexico a couple of times but never cruised there. I have talked about Mexico in general as a destinati...</itunes:subtitle>
  15177. <itunes:summary>Yaling and I just got back from our Mexican vacation. We went on a Mexican Riviera cruise on the Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas. We have gone to Mexico a couple of times but never cruised there. I have talked about Mexico in general as a destination in the past, so today, I thought I would compare the pros and cons of a Hawaii vs Mexico cruise. Obviously, I&#039;m a Hawaii travel agent; I&#039;m partial to Hawaii. However, I am trying to be objective. Note: When talking about Hawaiian cruises, I&#039;m talking strictly about the seven-day Norwegian cruise line Pride of America itinerary around the Islands; we recommend this Hawaiian over all others because you can experience more of Hawaii. Less time at sea gives you more time here.&lt;br /&gt;
  15178. &lt;br /&gt;
  15179. &lt;br /&gt;
  15180. &lt;br /&gt;
  15181. In comparing the ships&#039;  for a Hawaii or Mexico cruise, In general, Royal Caribbean Princess Holland sails nicer ships, has a foreign crew and higher staff-to-passenger ratio, and better service than the Pride of America, which is a US-flagged ship.&lt;br /&gt;
  15182. &lt;br /&gt;
  15183. &lt;br /&gt;
  15184. &lt;br /&gt;
  15185. &lt;br /&gt;
  15186. &lt;br /&gt;
  15187. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. &lt;br /&gt;
  15188. &lt;br /&gt;
  15189. &lt;br /&gt;
  15190. &lt;br /&gt;
  15191. &lt;br /&gt;
  15192. Get Help Planning Your Trip &lt;br /&gt;
  15193. &lt;br /&gt;
  15194. &lt;br /&gt;
  15195. &lt;br /&gt;
  15196. &lt;br /&gt;
  15197. &lt;br /&gt;
  15198. &lt;br /&gt;
  15199. &lt;br /&gt;
  15200. &lt;br /&gt;
  15201. &lt;br /&gt;
  15202. We spent the first two days at sea, and then because of the tropical storm, we had to spend a third day at sea, and our entire itinerary got reversed. This allowed us to see what goes on when you have nothing else to do but stay on the ship. Bingo, belly flopping contests, shopping, casino, cheesy seminars that lead to expensive sales pitches, food, food, and more food. I was laughing because one day they had napkin folding and puffy dark circles under your eyes seminars. To their credit, they do a great job of coming up with things for people to do if that&#039;s your sort of thing. Our free time was spent mostly hanging out at the pool, in the gym, or in our stateroom. Warning: There was a lot of smoking aboard the ship, which limited my time in the casino, which was probably good.&lt;br /&gt;
  15203. &lt;br /&gt;
  15204. &lt;br /&gt;
  15205. &lt;br /&gt;
  15206. On the Hawaii cruise, there is freestyle dining, so you can enter any restaurant anytime. You don&#039;t need reservations. You&#039;re spending a lot of land time when you come to Hawaii, so it&#039;s much better to have flexibility. We only ate in the main dining room once; it took a long time, and the food was just okay. The rest of the time we spent at the buffet or we can eat whatever we want. We took excursions at each port but felt rushed, which took away from the experience. The tours&#039; quality and Hawaii&#039;s beauty are so much better.&lt;br /&gt;
  15207. &lt;br /&gt;
  15208. &lt;br /&gt;
  15209. &lt;br /&gt;
  15210. The Mexican Rivera cruise is much less expensive; however, the old saying” you get what you pay for” applies here.</itunes:summary>
  15211. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  15212. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  15213. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  15214. <itunes:duration>28:37</itunes:duration>
  15215. </item>
  15216. <item>
  15217. <title>Luxury Condos on Maui &#8211; Honua Kai Resort  Review</title>
  15218. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/luxury-condos-on-maui-honua-kai-resort-review/</link>
  15219. <pubDate>Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:24:23 +0000</pubDate>
  15220. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=966</guid>
  15221. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/luxury-condos-on-maui-honua-kai-resort-review/#respond</comments>
  15222. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/luxury-condos-on-maui-honua-kai-resort-review/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  15223. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  15224. <description>We&#039;ve been talking a lot about Maui lately and a couple of weeks ago we had a chance to do a site at the Honua Kai Resort and Spa.
  15225.  
  15226. The first thing that struck me about this property was just how large it is with over 643 condos and then another 75 townhomes. The second thing that struck me was just that this is not your ordinary condo, it&#039;s a full on resort. We&#039;re seeing more and more of this; condos becoming full on resorts with all the amenities that you expect in a hotel. They have a huge super pool with a couple of aqua lounges, slides and kids pool. Speaking of kids, they even have a kids camp where they can be entertained all day . There is a huge expansive lobby beautifully furnished with rich wood tones. The hotel lobby is also the home to the Aina market which is an organic market run by Chef James who owns the Pacific-O restaurant and also caters all of the food at the Feast of Lele. So you get the best of both worlds here; great amenities of a hotel and the connivance of these gorgeous condos.
  15227.  
  15228. I was really impressed with these large modern condos. You can get a studio or one, two and three-bedroom units. All of them are impeccably decorated, very comfortable, the kitchens all have really high-end appliances in them, and they have awesome views from the private Lanai&#039;s. The units are very spacious and include these Nano Doors which are doors that fold out so that it really brings the outside in.
  15229.  
  15230. You can make this an affordable option if you&#039;re going to be traveling with other folks. For example, a two bedroom can actually hold six people so that&#039;s only 80 bucks a day or less if people are going to split the cost. In fact this is a great way to get more out of your Hawaii vacation. Just bring people with you and you may be able to stay in a luxury Hawaii condo for the price that it would cost you for a much lesser hotel.
  15231.  
  15232. Of course all the units have washers and dryers, barbecue grills and everything you need to cook a meal in the unit. There&#039;s also daily maid service and they do the dishes for you if you really want to be on a lazy Hawaii vacation.
  15233.  
  15234. Things to remember about renting condos on Maui:
  15235.  
  15236. The smaller more affordable condos do not have the amenities of a hotel
  15237. You get more bang for your buck if can share the cost of a Luxury 2 or 3 Bedroom Condo
  15238. Condos are more private with less people
  15239. Make sure the condo has made service
  15240. Sometimes vbro bookings are misleading</description>
  15241. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2010/09/2010-09-01_e408_luxury-condos-on-maui-honua-kai-resort-review.mp3" length="23952062" type="audio/mpeg" />
  15242. <itunes:subtitle>We&#039;ve been talking a lot about Maui lately and a couple of weeks ago we had a chance to do a site at the Honua Kai Resort and Spa.  The first thing that struck me about this property was just how large it is with over 643 condos and then another 75 tow...</itunes:subtitle>
  15243. <itunes:summary>We&#039;ve been talking a lot about Maui lately and a couple of weeks ago we had a chance to do a site at the Honua Kai Resort and Spa.&lt;br /&gt;
  15244. &lt;br /&gt;
  15245. The first thing that struck me about this property was just how large it is with over 643 condos and then another 75 townhomes. The second thing that struck me was just that this is not your ordinary condo, it&#039;s a full on resort. We&#039;re seeing more and more of this; condos becoming full on resorts with all the amenities that you expect in a hotel. They have a huge super pool with a couple of aqua lounges, slides and kids pool. Speaking of kids, they even have a kids camp where they can be entertained all day . There is a huge expansive lobby beautifully furnished with rich wood tones. The hotel lobby is also the home to the Aina market which is an organic market run by Chef James who owns the Pacific-O restaurant and also caters all of the food at the Feast of Lele. So you get the best of both worlds here; great amenities of a hotel and the connivance of these gorgeous condos.&lt;br /&gt;
  15246. &lt;br /&gt;
  15247. I was really impressed with these large modern condos. You can get a studio or one, two and three-bedroom units. All of them are impeccably decorated, very comfortable, the kitchens all have really high-end appliances in them, and they have awesome views from the private Lanai&#039;s. The units are very spacious and include these Nano Doors which are doors that fold out so that it really brings the outside in.&lt;br /&gt;
  15248. &lt;br /&gt;
  15249. You can make this an affordable option if you&#039;re going to be traveling with other folks. For example, a two bedroom can actually hold six people so that&#039;s only 80 bucks a day or less if people are going to split the cost. In fact this is a great way to get more out of your Hawaii vacation. Just bring people with you and you may be able to stay in a luxury Hawaii condo for the price that it would cost you for a much lesser hotel.&lt;br /&gt;
  15250. &lt;br /&gt;
  15251. Of course all the units have washers and dryers, barbecue grills and everything you need to cook a meal in the unit. There&#039;s also daily maid service and they do the dishes for you if you really want to be on a lazy Hawaii vacation.&lt;br /&gt;
  15252. &lt;br /&gt;
  15253. Things to remember about renting condos on Maui:&lt;br /&gt;
  15254. &lt;br /&gt;
  15255. The smaller more affordable condos do not have the amenities of a hotel&lt;br /&gt;
  15256. You get more bang for your buck if can share the cost of a Luxury 2 or 3 Bedroom Condo&lt;br /&gt;
  15257. Condos are more private with less people&lt;br /&gt;
  15258. Make sure the condo has made service&lt;br /&gt;
  15259. Sometimes vbro bookings are misleading</itunes:summary>
  15260. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  15261. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  15262. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  15263. <itunes:duration>19:57</itunes:duration>
  15264. </item>
  15265. <item>
  15266. <title>Hawaii Wedding Photography Ideas</title>
  15267. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-wedding-photography-ideas/</link>
  15268. <pubDate>Sat, 15 May 2010 01:48:31 +0000</pubDate>
  15269. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=2820</guid>
  15270. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-wedding-photography-ideas/#respond</comments>
  15271. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/hawaii-wedding-photography-ideas/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  15272. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  15273. <description>This is the Hawaii Vacation Connection, May 14th, 2010. Today Bruce will be talking about wedding photography and capturing that special moment during your special day. Jean is on the show as a guest wedding photographer to help explain a little bit about the basics of wedding photography in Hawaii.
  15274.  
  15275. Making sure you are observant, your equipment is working and being ready at every second is important. Jean tries to recreate moments and acts almost as a director for her clients. Bruce and Jean also go through some of her best work and we get to listen to the behind the scenes from the photographer.Listen to tips from a professional on today&#039;s podcast and learn how to capture that amazing moment during your Hawaii wedding.</description>
  15276. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2010/05/2010-05-14_e388_hawaii-wedding-photography-ideas.mp3" length="19446038" type="audio/mpeg" />
  15277. <itunes:subtitle>This is the Hawaii Vacation Connection, May 14th, 2010. Today Bruce will be talking about wedding photography and capturing that special moment during your special day. Jean is on the show as a guest wedding photographer to help explain a little bit ab...</itunes:subtitle>
  15278. <itunes:summary>This is the Hawaii Vacation Connection, May 14th, 2010. Today Bruce will be talking about wedding photography and capturing that special moment during your special day. Jean is on the show as a guest wedding photographer to help explain a little bit about the basics of wedding photography in Hawaii.&lt;br /&gt;
  15279. &lt;br /&gt;
  15280. Making sure you are observant, your equipment is working and being ready at every second is important. Jean tries to recreate moments and acts almost as a director for her clients. Bruce and Jean also go through some of her best work and we get to listen to the behind the scenes from the photographer.Listen to tips from a professional on today&#039;s podcast and learn how to capture that amazing moment during your Hawaii wedding.</itunes:summary>
  15281. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  15282. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  15283. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  15284. <itunes:duration>20:15</itunes:duration>
  15285. </item>
  15286. <item>
  15287. <title>Which Island to Visit in Hawaii</title>
  15288. <link>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/which-island-to-visit-in-hawaii/</link>
  15289. <pubDate>Sat, 16 Jan 2010 03:46:14 +0000</pubDate>
  15290. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/?p=876</guid>
  15291. <comments>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/which-island-to-visit-in-hawaii/#respond</comments>
  15292. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/which-island-to-visit-in-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  15293. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  15294. <description>Maui, Oahu, Big Island, Molokai or Kauai? Which island is best for you? Picking which Island to visit in Hawaii can be confusing and time-consuming. So listen in for help and learn more about the five main islands for travel. Do you prefer hikes in the rainforest versus hikes along the beach? Do you want to snorkel or lounge? Ride a surfboard or ride a horse? Explore museums or explore waterfalls? Do you like seclusion or lively crowds? Sunshine or shade? These are all the aspects to consider when picking the right Hawaiian Island for your trip.
  15295.  
  15296.  
  15297.  
  15298. Oahu - The Gathering Place
  15299.  
  15300.  
  15301.  
  15302. How this nickname came to be is a mystery, but it certainly fits. When you come to Oahu, you will most definitely &quot;gather&quot;. Ohau is the hub of the Hawaiian Islands and is home to the state capital. it&#039;s the most populated island with over 1 million residents.  If you&#039;re looking for a little bit of everything Hawaii has to offer, then choose Oahu. Waikiki, the North Shore, Pearl Harbor, and many other attractions bring millions of visitors to the island every year. This influx of tourists, combined with the residents and other visitors, makes O&#039;ahu a gathering place for people from around the world. Pro tip reminder: Oahu is the Island, Honolulu is the county and Waaikik is the district where 90 percent of the hotels are located.
  15303.  
  15304.  
  15305.  
  15306. Maui - The Valley Isle
  15307.  
  15308.  
  15309.  
  15310. This nickname captures the beauty and landscape of Maui. The island was shaped by two major volcanoes, which carved out significant valleys. The deep valleys and gorges in the West Maui Mountains are the result of millions of years of erosion. Maui is an excellent destination if you enjoy adventure but also seek some relaxing time at a quality resort or vacation rental. However, be prepared to drive. A car is essential to reach many of the popular attractions and beaches. The island resembles a sideways figure-eight. Most accommodations are situated on the South or West sides. In the south, the area of Kihei offers numerous condos at more affordable prices. On the west side, Honokowai has a plethora of vacation rentals catering to budget-conscious travelers
  15311.  
  15312.  
  15313.  
  15314. Kauai - The Garden Isle and Hawaii
  15315.  
  15316.  
  15317.  
  15318. With its lush greenery and tropical landscapes, it&#039;s no wonder where this nickname originates. The island is home to Mount Waialeale, one of the rainiest places on the planet. There is so much natural beauty, making this island a wonderful place to explore. Since the island is small, you don&#039;t have to drive very far to experience amazing waterfalls and hiking trails.
  15319.  
  15320.  
  15321.  
  15322. There are three areas of the island to find the best accommodations to suit your needs and preferences. On the South Side, the Poipu area has a mixture of beautiful resorts and vacation rental condos. Pricing varies, but the resorts in this part of the island tend to be more expensive. The east side of Kauai, spanning the Lihue to Kapaa areas, is also plentiful in beauty and accommodation, and it&#039;s more centrally located. So, if you have a shorter stay, you can travel north or south rather easily, saving some time when exploring.&quot;
  15323.  
  15324.  
  15325.  
  15326. Hawaii Island - The Big Island
  15327.  
  15328.  
  15329.  
  15330. The Big Island is, well, big! And thus, the nickname certainly fits the topography of this island. For this reason, many people confuse the island chain of Hawaii with the Big Island itself. This is why you see that reference to distinguish the island from the chain. Hawai&#039;i is the youngest island in the Hawaiian chain, and recent volcanic activity has further expanded its landmass. Visiting the Big Island is not just about experiencing the volcanoes. There is so much more to Hawaii Island than that. In fact, Hawaii Island has many climates and vistas; for example, during the winter, you can be surfing on the beach and then skiing on snow-capped mountains. The Hamakua coast has some of the most beautiful beaches on the islands. Most of the accommodations can be found on the Northeast (Waikoloa) or Southeast (Kona) side of the island.</description>
  15331. <enclosure url="https://media.blubrry.com/vacations/enclosures.hawaii-aloha.com/2010/01/2010-01-15_e361_picking-the-right-island.mp3" length="29023936" type="audio/mpeg" />
  15332. <itunes:subtitle>Maui, Oahu, Big Island, Molokai or Kauai? Which island is best for you? Picking which Island to visit in Hawaii can be confusing and time-consuming. So listen in for help and learn more about the five main islands for travel.</itunes:subtitle>
  15333. <itunes:summary>Maui, Oahu, Big Island, Molokai or Kauai? Which island is best for you? Picking which Island to visit in Hawaii can be confusing and time-consuming. So listen in for help and learn more about the five main islands for travel. Do you prefer hikes in the rainforest versus hikes along the beach? Do you want to snorkel or lounge? Ride a surfboard or ride a horse? Explore museums or explore waterfalls? Do you like seclusion or lively crowds? Sunshine or shade? These are all the aspects to consider when picking the right Hawaiian Island for your trip.&lt;br /&gt;
  15334. &lt;br /&gt;
  15335. &lt;br /&gt;
  15336. &lt;br /&gt;
  15337. Oahu - The Gathering Place&lt;br /&gt;
  15338. &lt;br /&gt;
  15339. &lt;br /&gt;
  15340. &lt;br /&gt;
  15341. How this nickname came to be is a mystery, but it certainly fits. When you come to Oahu, you will most definitely &quot;gather&quot;. Ohau is the hub of the Hawaiian Islands and is home to the state capital. it&#039;s the most populated island with over 1 million residents.  If you&#039;re looking for a little bit of everything Hawaii has to offer, then choose Oahu. Waikiki, the North Shore, Pearl Harbor, and many other attractions bring millions of visitors to the island every year. This influx of tourists, combined with the residents and other visitors, makes O&#039;ahu a gathering place for people from around the world. Pro tip reminder: Oahu is the Island, Honolulu is the county and Waaikik is the district where 90 percent of the hotels are located. &lt;br /&gt;
  15342. &lt;br /&gt;
  15343. &lt;br /&gt;
  15344. &lt;br /&gt;
  15345. Maui - The Valley Isle&lt;br /&gt;
  15346. &lt;br /&gt;
  15347. &lt;br /&gt;
  15348. &lt;br /&gt;
  15349. This nickname captures the beauty and landscape of Maui. The island was shaped by two major volcanoes, which carved out significant valleys. The deep valleys and gorges in the West Maui Mountains are the result of millions of years of erosion. Maui is an excellent destination if you enjoy adventure but also seek some relaxing time at a quality resort or vacation rental. However, be prepared to drive. A car is essential to reach many of the popular attractions and beaches. The island resembles a sideways figure-eight. Most accommodations are situated on the South or West sides. In the south, the area of Kihei offers numerous condos at more affordable prices. On the west side, Honokowai has a plethora of vacation rentals catering to budget-conscious travelers&lt;br /&gt;
  15350. &lt;br /&gt;
  15351. &lt;br /&gt;
  15352. &lt;br /&gt;
  15353. Kauai - The Garden Isle and Hawaii&lt;br /&gt;
  15354. &lt;br /&gt;
  15355. &lt;br /&gt;
  15356. &lt;br /&gt;
  15357. With its lush greenery and tropical landscapes, it&#039;s no wonder where this nickname originates. The island is home to Mount Waialeale, one of the rainiest places on the planet. There is so much natural beauty, making this island a wonderful place to explore. Since the island is small, you don&#039;t have to drive very far to experience amazing waterfalls and hiking trails. &lt;br /&gt;
  15358. &lt;br /&gt;
  15359. &lt;br /&gt;
  15360. &lt;br /&gt;
  15361. There are three areas of the island to find the best accommodations to suit your needs and preferences. On the South Side, the Poipu area has a mixture of beautiful resorts and vacation rental condos. Pricing varies, but the resorts in this part of the island tend to be more expensive. The east side of Kauai, spanning the Lihue to Kapaa areas, is also plentiful in beauty and accommodation, and it&#039;s more centrally located. So, if you have a shorter stay, you can travel north or south rather easily, saving some time when exploring.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;
  15362. &lt;br /&gt;
  15363. &lt;br /&gt;
  15364. &lt;br /&gt;
  15365. Hawaii Island - The Big Island&lt;br /&gt;
  15366. &lt;br /&gt;
  15367. &lt;br /&gt;
  15368. &lt;br /&gt;
  15369. The Big Island is, well, big! And thus, the nickname certainly fits the topography of this island. For this reason, many people confuse the island chain of Hawaii with the Big Island itself. This is why you see that reference to distinguish the island from the chain. Hawai&#039;i is the youngest island in the Hawaiian chain, and recent volcanic activity has further expanded its landmass. Visiting the Big Island is not just about experiencing the volcanoes. There is so much more to Hawaii Island than that. In fact, Hawaii Island has many climates and vistas; for example, during the winter, you can be surfing on the beach and then skiing on snow-capped mountains.</itunes:summary>
  15370. <itunes:author>Bruce Fisher</itunes:author>
  15371. <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  15372. <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  15373. <itunes:duration>24:11</itunes:duration>
  15374. </item>
  15375. </channel>
  15376. </rss>
  15377.  
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