Archive for May, 2008
Ala Moana Shopping Center
1450 Ala Moana Blvd.
Honolulu, Big Island
808-955-9517
Want to take an afternoon away from the beach and do some shopping on your Hawaiian getaway? If you are looking for the ultimate one-stop shopping spot, it is for sure the Ala Moana Center in Honolulu. Not only is Ala Moana the largest shopping center in the islands, it was once the largest mall in the entire United States when it first opened in 1959. Today it remains one of the 15 largest malls in the U.S. With almost 300 shops and restaurants, a center stage for performances and open-air corridors lined with palm trees and tropical vegetation, it is easy to spend an entire day shopping and eating at Ala Moana.
Ala Moana has a myriad of different shops from beachwear and souvenirs to high fashion. The restaurants are just as varied, with everything from a casual food court to fine dining. The mall has all the major department stores, many local shops and designer stores like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Versace and Armani.
In addition to great shopping, Ala Moana also has a variety of different events and activities throughout the summer for tourists who want to be entertained while doing their shopping. The Royal Hawaiian Band (accompanied by hula dancers) frequently plays at Center Stage, which is one of the most popular amphitheatres in Hawaii.
Date: May 27th, 2008 |
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Kauai Helicopter Tours
While tens of thousands of tourists enjoy The Garden Isle Kauai every year, far fewer get to experience the beautiful and totally inaccessible majority of the island. Hidden in the interior of the older island in the Hawaiian chain are waterfalls, ancient volcanoes and spectacular scenery that can only be experienced from the air. With no roads or hiking trails penetrating the interior beauty of the island, a great way (and the only way) to catch a glimpse of these spectacular sights is on a helicopter tour.
Date: May 20th, 2008 |
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Airfare Rising for Hawaii Flights
With gas prices soaring to nearly $4 per gallon, filling up your car’s tank is not the only thing getting more expensive. With the summer travel season quickly approaching and gas prices higher than before, your plane ticket to Hawaii is also getting pricier. Delta Airlines recently announced they will be adding a $110 round-trip fuel surcharge to its Los Angeles to Honolulu flights. This added fuel surcharge comes on top of rising airfare prices, which began to climb after ATA and Aloha Airlines declared bankruptcy and discontinued flights in recent months.
Travelers still hoping to make it to the Hawaiian isles can count on lower airfares starting in September, with airfares dropping from summer highs of nearly $700 roundtrip from LAX to Honolulu to a lower $425 range.
Date: May 5th, 2008 |
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Ala Moana Beach Park
South Shore Oahu,
1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu
It’s no wonder Ala Moana Beach Park on the south shore of Oahu is one of the most popular beaches among Oahu residents. The 76-acre park includes a beautiful ½ mile long stretch of beach that leads down to the beautiful blue (and swimmable) ocean waters. There are palms shading a beautiful picnic area with tables, pavilions and barbeques, a grassy area where locals like to fly kites, and a great stretch of beach in a very swimmer friendly section of coast line. There are also tennis courts for those looking to break a sweat before grilling up a batch of hotdogs. There are also lifeguards on duty, restrooms, showers and ample free parking. Located just west of the famous (and often crowded) Waikiki Beach, Ala Moana, which means “Path to the Sea” in Hawaiian, is one of Oahu’s greatest beach parks. It is also very family friendly, with plenty to satisfy everyone. It is easy to pack a cooler and spend the day at Ala Moana.
Date: May 21st, 2008 |
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Mountain Biking Kaupo Road
For Hawaiian vacationers looking for an adventure a chance to show their athletic prowess, mountain biking can be a great option. It also gives willing and in-shape tourists a chance to see some really beautiful and often less accessible areas of the islands. One of these areas ideal for mountain biking is Kaupo Road (Highway 31) on Maui. The unpaved and often treacherous road for cars, is perfect for mountain biking and offers those able to do the realitively difficult ride spectacular views and an adventure that is definitely off the beaten Hawaii path.
The 40-mile journey starts on the southern edge of the island near Hana and the edge of Haleakala National Park and ends on the northern side of the island near Kahului. Plan on arranging transportation either to or from the end point, unless you want to turn around and do the 40 mile trek back to where you started.
Date: May 13th, 2008 |
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Pololu Valley
Pololu Valley
End of Highway 270, Big Island
Pololu Valley is a pristine and beautiful valley once inhabited by early Hawaiians, but long since abandoned because of fear of Tsunamis. The valley, however, offers spectacular vistas of green sloping cliffs dropping into the ocean below. Pololu Beach, located at the bottom of the valley, is also a gorgeous black sand beach. Because of these areas inaccessibility to cars, the area remains calm and pristine and is a great out of the way destination.
To get to Pololu Valley, drive to the very end of Highway 270 on the big island. At the parking lot/trailhead at the end of the highway you can either enjoy the spectacular scenery from your car, or you can take the adventurous route and hike down into the valley and onto the black sand beach below. The hike is relatively short (about 25 minutes), but is rather steep and can be wet and treacherous. In fact, the trail was long closed due to earthquake damage, but has now re-opened to the public. The zigzagging dirt path will take you through beautiful ironwood trees, through marshland, lead you past the creek flowing through the valley and offer you stunning views of waterfalls and the cliffs dropping into the ocean.
Date: May 2nd, 2008 |
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