Hawaii Travel News 01/08/2011

The Year of the Rat officially starts on February 3rd, but celebrations will take place in Honolulu's Chinatown throughout the month of January leading up to the holiday. It's a festive time to visit this neighborhood.

Wow, the Tournament of Champions seems to be having bad luck over on the Valley Isle. Rain and now two disqualifications. Hope that bad luck just comes in threes…

The new Yokouchi Pavilion will play host to Elton John's "Greatest Hits Live" tour this February.

Robert Irvine's "Restaurant Impossible" series is coming to Hawaii. Wonder who they will pick? Just hear we've got a contestant in the running for American Idol this year as well.

This video is amazing! Bethany Hamilton lost her arm in a shark attack, but it obviously has not stopped her from charging the big waves. Amazing!

Part of the reason for the Oahu Fireworks Ban that went into effect Jan. 1 was to alleviate health concerns from fireworks smoke. We'll see if it helps…

The Obama watch is over! Now Kailua can return to normal, haha. I bet Island Snow sees a bump in Shave Ice business…

The Sony Open kicks of Jan 13-16 at the Waialae Country Club on Oahu, and always draws great crowds.

Halekulani is one of the most beautiful hotels on Waikiki Beach. Even if a night there is out of your price range, there are many restaurants on property that you can visit. I love Lewer's Lounge for the piano bar and their expert mixologists.

Maui is the first county in the state to put a plastic ban in effect. Let's hope it's not the last!

A few of the statewide laws that have gone into effect for 2011.

Tomorrow is the 28th anniversary of the eruption at Kilauea on the Big Island. January is also known as Volcano Awareness Month in Hawaii.

Fifteen of the top 30 PGA players will be playing at this year's Sony Open, which kicks off next month at the Waialae Country Club.