Hawaii Travel News 12/31/2010

So sad! This is why, in Hawaii, we call rain a "Hawaiian Blessing." Yes, it may interfere with beach activities, but we truly do need the rain to keep Hawaii green.

Eating fresh ahi sashimi is just one of Hawaii's New Year's tradition. The demand causes prices to skyrocket, and this year there had been concerns that there wouldn't be enough.

Island Japanese continue the tradition of pounding mochi rice flour cakes before the New Year.

Christmas night we had the loudest thunder and most lightning I've ever seen in Upcountry Maui, which led to flooding down on the south shore in Kihei.

After years and years of debate, Oahu placed a total ban on fireworks for 2011. Shoppers have been stocking up for the last big hurrah!

In addition to the normal weekly volcano update, this page contains great info on activities happening on the Big Island for Volcano Awareness Month in January 2011.

Kailua (and the whole island of Oahu) are abuzz with Obama news and speculation around the first family's yearly holiday visit. Businesses are hoping for return visits and logistics teams are working on security, press, and more.

Hawaii currently imports 90% of our food, which is crazy considering how much land we have available for agriculture. Local farmers markets are now thriving, but is it enough to keep agriculture alive? This is a very thought-provoking commentary by Howard Dicus.

Kauanoe Kamana becomes the first person of Hawaiian ancestry to receive a doctorate in Hawaiian language at the University of Hawaii – Hilo. The Hawaiian language has recently seen a revival as many students are now opting to learn conversational Hawaiian, and this is an inspirational milestone for those who will follow in her path.

Cocktail lovers who visit Hawaii are always in search of the best "Mai Tai" and this a solid list for finding the best of the best. My vote goes to Tim Rita at Lewers Lounge, who is #2 on this list!