Hawaii Travel News 03/09/2011

The "Happiest Man in America" lives in Manoa – according to the New York Times! 

Visitors are flocking to the Big Island's Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to get a glimpse of the lava that is spewing from the fissure near Pu'u O'o crater.

Malasadas are a popular treat throughout Hawaii. Many bakeries who make the treat celebrate Shrove Tuesday as "Malasada Day" and customers flock to pick up dozens before Lent begins the following day.

I love Evan Carpenters memories of Hana on Maui in this guest post for AlmostFearless.com. Great tips for avoiding the well worn "backpacker trail" and how to dig deeper into your travels.

Yum! This recipe for taro chips (and the artichoke and crab dip to go with it!) is making my mouth water… Proof that you can do more with taro than just make poi!

It's still whale watching season in Hawaii! Here's photos form the Nonstop Honolulu crew from on board the Navatek I in Honolulu. (These photos have made me realize I really need to get a better camera!)

Over the weekend, the Puu Oo crater floor collapsed, causing a new fissure to develop in the East Rift Zone of the Kilauea volcano. This link features video of the lava fountains (some up to 65ft high!) that have been active after the collapse.

This year, 1,607 humpack whales were sighted, an increase of 33% over last year.

‘Virg’ Pescaia, who has seen the good and bad at iconic Hana store for past three decades, goes to work for last day. Hasegawa general store has a rich history like many mom and pop stores on Maui.

Yikes! Hawaii was listed at #5 on this list… Let's hope that with leadership changes at all levels of government that we can turn this around! Where does your state rank?

There's been a lot of buzz lately about Hawaiian Grown Chocolate, and this article by Ed Morita takes a look at Wailua Estate's 2010 vintage. Since they are a single-estate producer, having a good growing season can make or break their crop. 

Love these photos of various beaches around the islands. My favorite beach? Kaimana Beach/Sans Souci Beach on Oahu… Probably because it's right in my backyard!