Diamond Hawaii Resort & Spa - Maui
Posted on September 5, 2008
Diamond Hawaii Resort & Spa is an elegant 15-acre resort nestled on the grassy hillside overlooking Wailea, commanding the most spectacular panoramic Pacific ocean views.
Experience the peace and tranquility of Maui in a quiet tropical setting only moments from Wailea’s beautiful tropical beaches.
The Japanese-themed all suite Diamond Hawaii Resort & Spa is among the most unique hotels in the state. Once an exclusive private retreat, today Diamond Hawaii Resort & Spa specializes in presenting an authentic Japanese experience for its guests.
Designed as a mountain retreat in a tropical setting, the architecture of Diamond Hawaii Resort and Spa is eye-catching and spirit-lifting. The lobby building resembles a magnificent, wood-and-stone chalet with a focal point of a soaring, cone-shaped roof covered in jade-green Chinese tiles and supported by massive coral pillars.
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Halona Blowhole - Nature’s Whale
Posted on September 3, 2008
The Halona Blowhole is just a short drive from the center of Honolulu, on the east coast of Oahu. Every day, visitors gather here to see this amazing Hawaiian natural wonder.
Molten lava tubes from volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago formed the natural occurrence known as the blowhole. The lava tubes extend to the ocean, and when the surf is just right, the mighty blowhole can shoot water up to 30 feet in the air. It’s an incredible site.
You cannot actually get to the Halona Blowhole itself, at least not easily. People can make it down there, but they worked their way across various lava ledges from nearby beaches. Anyone wanting to try this must be extremley careful. There have been numerous accidents because people get caught off guard by the very powerful waves near the blowhole.
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Snorkeling Best Bets in Hawaii
Posted on September 1, 2008
Hawaii is a popular destination for water sports enthusiast, obviously because the entire state is surrounded by water. Each island offers different water and weather conditions, making each island experience completely unique.
The water temperature in Hawaii varies only between about 72 to 80 degrees year round making water sports ideal the entire year long. You will see an amazing array of sea life while snorkeling in Hawaii such as, sea turtles, manta rays, moray eels, and dolphins.
The best thing about snorkeling is that it doesn’t require a lot of effort and it’s not particularly difficult. Most snorkeling tours will provide all of the necessary equipment, including a mask and snorkel, fins and usually some sort of floatation device. You simply put on your equipment and stick your face in the water, and prepare to be amazed by the sea life surrounding you in this paradise.
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Oheo Gulch - Maui’s Seven Sacred Pools
Posted on August 29, 2008
Although this attraction is sometimes referred to as “Seven Sacred Pools,” there are many more pools than that, and none of them were sacred to the ancients. Still, the basins and waterfalls are a stunning sight within the Haleakala National Park and are a terrific way to cool off after a long day on the Road to Hana.
These beautiful waterfalls and tranquil pools trail through the Ohe’o Gulch and flow into the nearby ocean. The Pipiwai Streams flow into these falls and pools starting inland about 2 miles, with the nicest and easiest to reach pools closer to the shore.
The land where the pools are situated was donated to the Haleakala National Park so that the pools would always be open to the public.
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Waikiki Lu’au at Hilton Hawaii
Posted on August 27, 2008
For an unforgettable luau experience, try the Waikiki Lu’au at Hilton Hotel on Oahu, Hawaii. The ‘Waikiki Lu’au on the Lagoon’ premiered at Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa last month and is now offered twice a week.
In partnership with Tihati Productions, the show commences at 5:15pm on Sundays and Wednesdays where lu’au guests are greeted on the Hilton’s Great Lawn by fishermen arriving in canoes to teach the traditional “hukilau” song and dance.
Guests are treated to a Samoan fire-knife dance and there are also interactive games and activities for guests that include a pineapple toss and coconut husking, all amongst the backdrop of the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon.
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Find Old Hawaii Peace on Big Isle - Wailea - Hakalau
Posted on August 25, 2008
On the Big Island of Hawaii at mile marker 15 north of Hilo, you must make a choice: left to Wailea or right to Hakalau. Hakalau is the postal address, but Wailea is a true ghost town. Both represent the kind of Old Hawaii you advise people to visit right away because it’s likely to undergo major changes in the next decade.
Both entered the modern era as sugar towns. Wailea popped up in 1919 when Japanese businessman Tatsuji Kawachi visited, felt he could make money milling sugar cane from independent growers, and started Wailea Milling Co. That lasted 24 years. Both the railroad line and the offshore loading facilities were next door, at Hakalau, favoring C. Brewer’s mill and company-owned fields there.
Hakalau fell on hard times in the past, but now a Richie Rich subdivision has sprung up under the name Hakalau Plantation Village. There’s a post office and the old plantation manager’s house, and some foundation material where a sugar mill sat on the shoreline.
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Lanikai Beach - Oahu
Posted on August 22, 2008
Located on the Windward side of Oahu, Kailua and Lanikai Beach are a best kept secret.
With over four and a half miles of uncrouded white sand beaches to explore, its obvious why the fortunate return year after year.
Lanikai beach is highly ranked by many even among locals to be the best swimming beach in Hawaii.
Lanikai beach has clear clean waters, a mile-long stretch of powdered-sugar sand is perfect for sunbathing, and swaying coconut palms providing a picture perfect setting.
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Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens, Big Island
Posted on August 20, 2008
The Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is the only tropical zoo in the United States and shouldn’t be missed during your Big Island vacation.
You will encounter a variety of rainforest animals and endangered Hawaiian animals, such as a white Bengal tiger, spider monkeys, lemurs, nene geese (the Hawaiian State bird), and over 80 other animal species.
The Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is also considered a botanical garden covered with orchids, bamboos, 100 varieties of palms, and a water garden.
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Stevenson’s Library and Bar
Posted on August 18, 2008
In the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, Stevenson’s Library, named for Scottish novelist Robert Louis Stevenson, has always been the place to go for specialty and traditional drinks.
Lively conversation, live music, billiards and board games, plus outdoor seating overlooking Keoneloa Bay make this Kaua‘i’s best luxury nightspot.
Savor the aged Cognac and Scotch selections or indulge in a specialty martini. The majestic 25 foot-long Koa bar in addition to seating areas with deep-cushioned chairs and sofas provide a variety of areas in which to indulge.
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Da Kitchen - Kahului, Maui
Posted on August 15, 2008
Well, well. There’s one choice above all others on the island for plate lunches. We went straight to Da Kitchen. There are at least two on the island - Da Kitchen in Kahului and Da Kitchen Express in Kiehi.
You can eat in or take your food to go. They have plate lunches, sandwiches, appetizers, and other treats. I usually always get a plate lunch - you get your entree of choice, rice, and either green or macaroni salad. And these portions are big! Many people share a plate lunch. Ordering a full meal for oneself, you often end up taking food home.
Today, I ordered the Teriyaki beef with green salad. Our friends ordered the Kalua pork with macaroni salad, some noodles (can’t remember the name), and a cheeseburger. Everything was fantastic.
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