by Editor on June 22, 2009
The Polynesian Cultural Center, which attracts 1 million visitors a year, is the state’s top paid visitor attraction. It has earned its reputation many times over.
Spread over 42 acres in La’ie on Oahu’s northeastern shore, the Cultural Center is a full-day experience with plenty to do and see for the entire family. For nearly 50 years, the Center has delivered exotic customs, cultures and traditions of ancient Polynesia. Visitors can “Go Native” and test their skills in Tongan spear throwing, a New Zealand war dance and other Polynesian cultural practices. Visitors are part of the show at PCC.
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by Editor on June 15, 2009
If you ever take a helicopter ride in Hawaii, do so on Kauai. The majority of the most beautiful places, waterfalls, sea cliffs, and Mountain Waialeale itself can only be seen from the air. I recommend Jack Harter Helicopters but there are many other good choices.
Jack brought his first helicopter to Kauai in 1962. He had visited the island and knew from his initial experience that the best way to view the spectacular and rugged beauty of Na Pali, the Waimea Canyon, and Wai’ale’ale would be from the safety and comfort of a helicopter.
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by Editor on June 8, 2009
The Nene or Hawaiian Goose, is a medium sized goose. The Nene has a black face and crown with cream-colored cheeks.
The neck is buff colored with black streaks and a dark, narrow ring at the base. The upper portion of the bird’s body is a gray-brown along with lighter coloring on the edges of the feathers. The Nene’s bill, legs, and feet are black and the eyes are dark brown.
The Nene became Hawaii’s state bird in 1957. By that time, the Nene were already bred in captivity as conservationists fought to keep the bird from going into extinction. Their goal was to one day, free the Nene back into the wild, and save the bird species.
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by Editor on June 1, 2009
Think oasis….and you have the Royal Hawaiian. From their lush gardens and walkways to the grandeur you feel when walking the grand halls. There is a beautiful giant monkeypod tree on the grounds. I have yet to visit this hotel without seeing a bridal party, as anyone that marries here must feel like a prince or princess!
The spa is around the corner and downstairs from the lobby, to add to the quiet and solitude of the spa. Right in the middle of their tropical gardens are four cabanas for massages — the only spa in the area to offer outdoor treatments.
The luxury resort spa now occupies a 7,000 square-foot space in the right wing of the hotel and has announced plans to expand its garden area, doubling the number of outdoor treatment cabanas.
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by Editor on May 27, 2009
On the north side of Kauai near Princeville, you can find the beautiful Queen’s Bath.
Queen’s Bath is one of the most unique and refreshing swimming areas on Kauai. The water pool is carved into a lava shelf and is the size of several large swimming pools.
Water spills over the black, jagged lava rocks to constantly refresh the pool. This means visitors have a marvelously large solar-powered Hawaiian hot tub at your disposal.
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by Editor on May 25, 2009
Nature and man can work together. The result is the wonderful Tree Tunnel in South Kauai.
Walter Duncan McBryde was a Scotchman and started cattle ranching in South Kauai. McBryde planted these amazing Eucalyptus Trees many years ago.
The Eucalyptus trees once formed a beautiful natural enclosed canopy over Maluhia Road. Unfortunately, two major hurricanes damaged the tops of the trees. But today, the canopy of Eucalyptus trees still form a lush corridor on the way to Po’ipu, Kauai.
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by Editor on May 18, 2009
One of the most amazing and beautiful creatures in the Hawaii Islands is the Green Sea Turtle, or honu. These graceful animals inhabit the warm waters of Hawaii, as well as many other places around the world.
The honu have long been featured in Hawaiian mythology, petroglyphs and as aumakua (personal family gods). Early Hawaiians used the green sea turtles as a source of food, tools and even ornamentation.
But more importantly, native Hawaiians made sure they kept their use of the green sea turtle in balance with nature.
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Back in the early 1900’s, John Stokes who was an anthropologist for the Bishop Museum, started his lifelong mission of documenting all the existing Heiau Temples in the Hawaiian Islands.
He discovered over 150 Heiau sites on the island of Hawaii, around 70 on Molokai and additional ones on Kauai, Oahu and Kahoolawe. His studies focused on drawing plans of the stone structures, describing in detail and taking photographs of his subjects
Hale-o-lono Heiau, which was constructed around 1400 A.D., is dedicated to the God of Agriculture, Lono. God Lono, is one of the four Principal gods of ancient Hawaii.
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by Editor on April 27, 2009
The amazing Wailua Falls is located at the south end of the Wailua River, near Lihue on Kauai.
The falls cascades down as two separate streams to a location at least 80 feet below. Luckily for visitors, Wailua Falls is near the road lookout for all to enjoy.
Back in the 1970’s, TV fans of the popular ABC show “Fantasy Island” will recognize Wailua Falls during the hit show’s opening scene. “Fantasy Island” made these falls popular.
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by Editor on April 20, 2009
Polo Beach is located in Wailea, Maui. The beach fronts the luxury Fairmont Kea Lani and Polo Beach Club condominiums.
Polo Beach is world famous for it’s natural beauty. The sand is gorgeous and the area around it is immaculately maintained.
Polo beach often receives more waves than neighboring beaches, but nobody seems to complain. In fact, it’s usually the best place to boogie board.
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