Hawaii Travel News 04/11/2011

I recently visited the Surfing Goat Dairy on Maui and absolutely loved trying the fresh goat cheese and meeting the goats. Sonia shares a similar experiences on the Big Island… I've got to add that to my list for my next trip! 

Monday’s new episode takes us into the jungle, to a famous Waikiki restaurant, and to a sunset concert with an award-winning Hawaiian band.

Hawaii's top vocalists, producers, and even slam poet Kealoha have pitched in to create a benefit song for Japan. There is some incredible local talent on this collaboration!

So sad to think of how much debris was washed to sea by the March 11 tsunami in Japan. New projections show how long it will take to reach Hawaii as well as the US Mainland.

Anticipation for the annual Merrie Monarch festival in Hilo is growing around the state. Hula Halau from all over will compete during the festival, celebrating Hawaiian music, culture, and dance.

Sheila has it absolutely right – there are no snakes in Hawaii! One of the many reasons we say "lucky we live Hawaii."

A bunch of friends and I attended this fundraiser for the Japanese Chamber of Commerce last night at Marukai's Dillingham Warehouse. The photos here make me drool all over again! Shows how closely Hawaii is tied to Japanese culture…

It's amazing to see what a difference 8 months of a plastic ban can do! Check out the two photos with this story for the effects of the plastic bag ban on Maui. 

The Hawaiian Music category was among those cut from the Grammy Awards. This year's winner was Tia Carrere, which caused controversy in the local music scene because some felt that she won on name recognition over some more well-known local artists.

We're getting a new Disney resort (Aulani out at Ko Olina) this fall, and now a Disney cruise through the Hawaiian Islands. Fun!