Waikiki Beach to Replinish Shrinking Sand

According to Hawaii News Now, Waikiki Beach is shrinking again due to erosion. The good news is that new sand is on the way, and will be replenished in a different area than the last project in 2006. According to the report, crews will work in the winter when the surf is fairly flat along the south shore. The equipment will move in this week, and the $2.3 million project will involve the closure of some parts of Kuhio Beach.

This project is necessary for the city and state's tourism industry, the report continues. According to the state, Hawaii could lose an estimated $2 billion in overall visitor expenditures and $150 million in tax revenue if nothing is done.

A barge similar to the one used in 2006 will collect 24,000 cubic yards of sand from offshore and pump it through a pipe to a basin on the beach. Once the sand is dry, it will be blown into place using a new method. Parts of the beach will be blocked off for public safety.

Polynesian Cultural Center Presents Christmas in Polynesia

The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) in Laie, Hawaii, will present “Christmas in Polynesia,” a 25-minute canoe ride that winds through a live production of “Kamakana and the Five Fir Trees.” Rides will be offered from 6 to 8 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from Dec. 12 to 23. “The storyline is a local adaptation of a popular Christmas story, ‘The Three Fir Trees,’ depicting a grandfather as he shares with his grandson, Kamakana, how five fir trees became part of the Christmas nativity story,” said William Mahoni, PCC special events manager.

It is an opportunity to experience the new menu at the recently upgraded Gateway restaurant. For the holidays, the center will feature festive food, arts and crafts, entertainment by halau, choirs and bands, and keiki holiday train rides. In addition, free tram rides will be available to the nearby Laie Hawaii Temple Visitors Center, where guests can see a grand-scale Christmas tree display featuring 19 decorated trees.

Elaborate Christmas lights, decorations and musical performances — and even actors, animals and props — accentuate the production. The experience ends with contemporary Holiday Season icons such as Santa Claus, life-size gingerbread houses and more, which are sure to please keiki and the keiki-at-heart.

Christmas in Polynesia tickets are $10 per adult and $8 per child. Kamaaina Annual Pass holders may enjoy one free ride per night. For more information, call 800-367-7060 or visit www.Polynesia.com.

Hawaii First State to Make Surfing Official High School Sport

The Islands where surfing was born more than three centuries ago is now the first state in the U.S. to recognize surfing as an official high school sport.

In an announcement made on Waikiki beach last month, Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced a plan that would allow Hawaii public high school students to be able to compete in school sanctioned surf competitions. That means surfing would join the ranks of football, basketball, soccer, volleyball and wrestling as a competitive school sport, with contests possibly starting as early as spring 2013.

The plan had been long in the works.

The Hawaii State Board of Education had actually approved surfing as a high school sport in May 2004. In a media release, state officials said that despite support from parents and students, funding for programs and other challenges kept surfing from becoming a sanctioned high school sport in the seven years since. The most significant of these challenges included liability and safety concerns. Students will be covered by their family insurance policies under the new plan.

“Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing. From Duke Kahanamoku to the thousands of residents and visitors who surf both recreationally and competitively, the sport is rooted in our culture and way of life,” said Abercrombie. “Bringing surfing to our students is another step in our collective goal to transform public education and provide our children with rich and diverse educational opportunities.”


Abercrombie made the announcement near the Waikiki statue of Duke Kahanamoku, the famed Hawaii waterman and Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer. Joining Abercrombie and state education officials in the announcement was Hawaii-born-and-raised 2011 Association of Surfing Professionals Women’s World Tour Champion Carissa Moore, who, at age 18 this summer, became the youngest surfer ever to win a world title.

“Surfing has been a really big part of my life growing up and has taught me so many life lessons,” said Moore, adding, “I think surfing is definitely a really good outlet for a lot of teens and young kids. And it’s a way to channel a lot of energy into something positive. So yeah, this is really awesome.”

We can't wait until competition begins!

Dog the Bounty Hunter Opens New Gift Shop on East Oahu

Duane "Dog the Bounty Hunter" Chapman has opened a gift shop in East Oahu’s Koko Marina Shopping Center, near Hanauma Bay.

Da Kine Dog House, which had its grand opening earlier this month, features Dog the Bounty Hunter  logo merchandise, clothing, books, DVDs  — all stamped, in one way or another, with Dog’s tough-guy-on-the-right-side-of-the-law image.

Originally located downtown, close to the bail bond office featured in the Dog the Bounty Hunter  television series on the A&E Television Network, Chapman and his wife, Beth, reportedly decided to move the shop closer to their residence in the Hawaii Kai area.

In a KITV Channel 4 (Honolulu) TV news report, Beth Chapman said: “We brought a store a little bit closer to our community. People visiting Hanauma Bay can find their way to our shop easier. Plus, it'll boost the economy for this small shopping center.”

The premiere episode of the eighth season of Dog the Bounty Hunter is slated to air on Dec. 14. For additional information about Duane “Dog” Chapman, his posse or the shop, click here.

Hawaiian Airlines Marks 82 Years Serving Hawaii

Hawaiian Airlines, the pioneering carrier of the Pacific and one of the nation’s longest-serving commercial carriers, today marks its 82nd anniversary of providing continuous, top-quality air transportation service for Hawaii’s residents and visitors.

On November 11, 1929, Inter-Island Airways (renamed Hawaiian Airlines in 1941) introduced scheduled air service between the Hawaiian Islands using two Sikorsky S-38 amphibian biplanes that had a carrying capacity of eight passengers and two crew members. The company carried 10,000 passengers in its first year.

Today, Hawaiian competes successfully with the world’s largest carriers and ranks at the top of the airline industry for reliability and product quality. It operates a growing fleet of 36 aircraft to an expanding route structure that spans the Pacific with a workforce of more than 4,200.

Hawaiian carried 8.4 million passengers and 68 million pounds of cargo in 2010 and is on pace to set new company records in 2011. Within Hawaii, the company operates approximately 150 flights daily between the islands of the state, carrying more than 5 million passengers and 8 million pounds of cargo annually.

Over the past year, Hawaiian launched new international flights to Honolulu from Tokyo, Seoul, and Osaka, which collectively added more than 250,000 air seats to Hawaii’s tourism industry and will generate a Hawaii Tourism Authority-estimated $350 million in visitor spending and $38 million in tax revenue annually.

Additional growth is coming next year, with four new long range Airbus A330 aircraft arriving in the first half of 2012 and additional new services to be announced.

Hawaiian Hot Travel Deals

Here are the Hot Travel Deals from Wish Upon A Star Travel.  While the flights listed are from LAX, they can give you specials from your home airport.  You can contact Kevin at 805.814.0927 or email him at Kevin@WishUponAStarTravel.com. 

Check out The Tiki Scentsy Warmer

Our sponsor, MyHomeSmellsGood.com has a new product, the Tiki Warmer.  Scentsy is a flameless, wickless candle that melts food grade wax with the heat of a lightbulb, and emits a scent like a candle, only better.  It is perfectly safe for kids, pets, and is not flammable.  You can even leave it going when away from home, it is just a lamp and lightbulb.

This product is available now.  CHECK OUT their website for all the options and over 80 scents. 

CLICK HERE for their US Catalog.

Top 20 Hawaiian Words To Learn Before Your Trip

By learning a few key Hawaiian words and expressions before your next trip to the islands, you can show respect, have some fun, and find the right bathroom for your gender.

Here are the Top 20 Hawaiian words in alphabetical order:

aloha - hello; goodbye; welcome; farewell; love
hale - house
haole - a foreigner, often referring to a Caucasian
heiau - Hawaiian temple; place of worship; sacred ground
hula - native dance of Hawai'i
kama`aina - native born or local resident of Hawai'i
kane - man
keiki - child(ren)
lanai - a porch, balcony or veranda
lua - bathroom
lu`au - a Hawaiian feast
mahalo - thank you
makai - a direction: "towards the sea"
mauka - a direction: "towards the mountains"
ohana - family
ono - delicious
pali - cliff(s)
pau - finished; done (pau hana = done with work)
poi - crushed taro root, made into a sticky paste
wahine - woman

Pronunciation Tips:
1. The Hawaiian alphabet has only 13 letters - the five regular vowels (a, e, i, o, and u) and eight consonants (h, k, l, m, n, p, w, and the okina: ' ).
2. The vowels are pronounced ah, ey, ee, oh and oo, not ay, ee, eye, oh and you, as in English.
3. Usually each vowel in a word is pronounced separately.

RECIPE: Kalua Pork

Even if you don't have an imu, you can still make Hawaiian kalua pig at home from pork butt purchased at your local supermarket.

Ingredients:

• 4-5 pound pork butt
• 2½ tablespoons Hawaiian salt (substitute kosher salt)
• 2 tablespoons liquid smoke
• 1 banana leaf (substitute 4-5 whole, unpeeled bananas)
• 4-6 ti leaves (substitute aluminum foil)

Preparation:

Trim any excess fat from the roast. Make several shallow long cuts along the roast or pierce liberally with a fork. (This allows the salt and liquid smoke to penetrate the meat.) Rub with salt and liquid smoke. Wrap the roast with banana leaf or in the absence of same, place whole bananas on top of meat .
Cut the ribs from the ti leaves and wrap over the banana leaf. Substitute aluminum foil, if ti leaves are not available. (Ti leaves can often be obtained from a local florist). Tie securely with twine.
Roast in a 325-350 degree oven for about 45 minutes per pound. When meat is done, remove ti leaves, banana leaf (or bananas) and shred pork.

Yummy!!!

SPAM: Hawaiian's Favorite Meat

The Hormel company's canned meat product Spam has been highly popular in Hawaii for decades. Hawaiians are the second largest consumers of Spam in the world, right behind Guam. Originally brought to Hawaii by American servicemen in their rations, Spam became an important source of protein for locals after fishing around the Islands was prohibited during World War II. In 2005, Hawaiians consumed more than five million cans of Spam.
Spam is used in local dishes in a variety of ways, most commonly fried and served with rice. In breakfast, fried eggs are often served together. Spam can also be wrapped in ti and roasted, skewered and deep fried, or stir-fried with cabbage. It is added to saimin or fried rice, mashed with tofu, or served with cold sōmen or baked macaroni and cheese. It is also used in chutney for pupu, in sandwich with mayonnaise, or baked with guava jelly. Spam musubi, a slice of sweet and salty marinated Spam tied to a cake of rice with a strip of nori, is very popular as a snack in Hawaii. Spam musubi is served in sushi restaurants in Hawaii, having become popular in the 1980s.

SPAM Musubi

Holiday Inn Waikiki Beachcomber Now Open

The former OHANA Waikiki Beachcomber was rebranded as the new Holiday Inn Waikiki Beachcomber Resort as of Nov. 9, 2010. Additional upgrades were made to the hotel as part of the rebranding, including new bedding, specially designed showerheads in guest bathrooms, signature shower curtain, and Bath & Body Works bath amenity line.

Contact Wish Upon A Star Travel to book your Hawaiian Vacation Package today at (805) 964-3601 or e-mail Kevin@WIshUponAStarTravel.com

Hawaii's Waikiki Aquarium Named Among The Top Family Destinations For 2011

Hawaii's Waikiki Aquarium has been named among the top family destinations for 2011 by Best Western International. Travel and Kids Expert Amy Graff cited the aquarium's new Northwestern Hawaiian Islands exhibit as a "must see."

Slated to open in the spring of 2011, the 4,000-gallon public display will feature a living reef ecosystem representative of those found in the world's most isolated islands.

"This is great national recognition for the Waikiki Aquarium and is indicative of our reputation, our achievements and our quality of exhibits," said director Andrew Rossiter. "We're tremendously excited about the opening of our new Northwestern Hawaiian Islands exhibit and what it represents in terms of continuing to offer our visitors a realistic glimpse of Hawaii's undersea world."

The new exhibit will feature a number of organisms unique to the Northwestern Hawaiians Islands, table corals, masked angelfish, yellow barbel goatfish and Japanese pygmy angelfish. Interactive touch screens will provide additional information on the significance of the islands, their ecology and biodiversity, and the importance of preserving this almost pristine marine ecosystem for future generations.

The new $300,000 Northwestern Hawaiian Islands exhibit is slated to open in late spring 2011. Until then, a portion of the aquarium's Gallery 4 will be closed for construction. The new exhibit is being developed in partnership and with support from the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and Papahnaumokukea Marine National Monument.

Waikiki Parc Hotel Offers Surf Lifestyle Packages

The Waikiki Parc Hotel is launching a new lifestyle initiative aimed at surfers and ocean enthusiasts: the new Parc Chic Surf Lifestyle Package.

The package includes surf lessons at the famous Hans Hedemann Surf School, limited edition ocean photos from an up-and-coming waterman and fashions from in4ma+tion and Aloha Army.

Waikiki Parc has partnered with Red Bull to create exclusive Bull Chic cocktails for every room and each guest's personal copy of Surfer Magazine.

Guests also get daily breakfast for two, surf lessons for two, a Zak Noyle limited-edition matted surf print, a six-pack of Parc Surf notecards, a surf-themed CD by Grammy award winner Daniel Ho, a t-shirt from local retailer Aloha Army or in4ma+tion, and a tube of Vertra suncreen. Package room rates start at $825 for a minimum three night stay. Package effective through December 27, 2011.

For more information or to book your Hawaiian Vacation, contact Wish Upon A Star Travel at (805) 964-3601 or via e-mail at Kevin@WishUponAStarTravel.com

Pleasant Holidays Launches New Luxury Yacht Cruises

Pleasant Holidays announced it has launched luxury yacht cruises between Lahaina and Kona in Hawaii. The cruises will be aboard American Safari Cruises' 36-guest Safari Explorer yacht. The weekly seven- or 10-night trips will begin October 26, 2011 and run through mid-May, 2012. Cruise-only trips start at $4,995 per person, based on double-occupancy.

“We are thrilled to partner with American Safari Cruises who specializes in luxury yacht cruising. These all-inclusive Hawaii yacht vacations are perfect for families and couples looking for a unique Hawaii vacation experience,” said Jack E. Richards, president and CEO of Pleasant Holidays.

The trip will start in Lahaina, Maui, and end up in Kona, on Hawaii's big island. The route will stop at Molokai and Lanai. The 145-foot Safari Explorer is equipped with a wine library, spa, hot tub, fitness equipment and complimentary massage service. Rooms include view windows, flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations and sports equipment for kayaking, snorkeling and more.

For more information, contact Wish Upon A Star Travel at (805) 964-3601 or e-mail Kevin@WishUponAStarTravel.com

New Holoholo Trolley Offers Daily Shuttle Service to Popular Sites From Waikiki

Roberts Hawaii’s new Holoholo Trolley provides daily shuttle service between Waikiki and several of Oahu’s most popular sites, including Bishop Museum, Honolulu Academy of Arts, Aloha Tower Marketplace, and Chinatown. The trolley also stops at Oahu-based factories, including Lion Coffee, KoAloha Ukulele and Menehune Mac.

ABC Stores:

ABC Stores is a chain of convenience stores based in Honolulu. Of their 78 stores, 56 are located in the state of Hawaii, with 37 in Oahu. The remaining locations are in Guam, Saipan and Las Vegas.

The chain was started by Sidney Kosasa, who opened his first store in Waikiki in 1964. The stores were originally named "Mister K." Later, in order to make the store name easier to remember, the name of the stores were changed to "ABC Stores." Only one of the Waikiki stores is still called "Mister K." Jokingly, though not far from the truth, it is said that ABC stands for "All Blocks Covered". Another tourist once referred to the name jokingly as "Aloha Brings Customers".

The stores sell both convenience items such as groceries as well as tourist items and souvenirs; in fact, the chain's best-selling items are tourist-oriented products such as Macadamia nuts and suncare products such as sunscreen and sunglasses.

The chain was started by Sidney Kosasa, who opened his first store in Waikiki in 1964 and now generates more than $150 million in annual profits and employs over 900 staff.

The stores are now ubiquitous in the tourist-dominated Waikiki neighborhood. There are in fact 37 store locations within a one-mile radius of Waikiki alone and consequently many of these sit in close proximity to one another. The intersection of Kalakaua and Seaside Avenue alone has four ABC Stores.

There are 19 other ABC stores in Hawaii, on the islands of O'ahu, Maui, Hawaii and Kauai. There are also six stores in Las Vegas (currently the only mainland location of the stores), as well as eight in Guam and two in Saipan. Almost all the stores are open 365 days a year from 6:30 am to 1:00 am. Ranked 37th among Hawaii businesses, ABC stores sell more macadamia nuts, suncare products, souvenirs, calenders, and other visitor-related products than anyone else in the state.

You can also shop online from the comfort of your home, CLICK HERE 

Big Island Volcano Tours From Oahu

Are you planning a visit to Oahu and wish you could jet away for the day and tour the Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island??  You can!!!  Polynesian Adventure Tours offers the Big Island Volcano Adventure Package.  Hotel pickup is provided from most Waikiki hotels, the tours departs at 4:30 am and returns around 8:30 pm.  Lunch is provided.  

You will also tour Rainbow Falls, Banyan Tree Drive, and possibly the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory.  

Right now, it is priced as low as $ 295.31 for adults which includes transportation, airfare, lunch, National Park admission, and return airfare and transportation.  

Have you been on this tour?  Comment below and let us know!!!

Motorcycle, Motor Scooter, and ATV Rentals

Another great way to tour Oahu is by motorcycle, motor scooters, or ATV rentals.  The following provide rentals and/or tours.

A Big Kahuna Motorcycle Tours
417 Seaside Avenue, Honolulu
(808) 924-2736
www.bigkahunarentals.com

Chase Hawaii Rentals, LLC
355 Royal Hawaiian Avenue, Honolulu
(808) 942-9595
www.chasehawaiirentals.com

Cruzin Hawaii
1980 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu
(808) 945-9595
www.cruzinhawaii.com

Dunebuggy Adventures
909 Ala Nanala Street, Suite 2001, Honolulu
(808) 371-6578
www.dbahawaii.com

Eagle Rider Motorcycle Rentals
818 Iwilei Road, Honolulu
(808) 536-7023
www.eaglerider.com

Harley-Davidson Rental
600 Pu'uloa Road, Honolulu
(808) 241-7020
www.hawaiiharleyrental.com

Kualoa Ranch & Activity Club
49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kane'ohe
(808) 237-7231
www.kualoaranch.com

Mopeds Direct
750 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu
(808) 732-3366
www.mopedsdirect.net



CLICK HERE to return to the Home page.

Horseback Riding on Oahu

Riding horseback on Hawaii is a great way to take in the natural wonders and sights of the islands.  The following are some great places to take a ride:

Circle C Equestrian Center
41-539 Makakalo Street, Waimanalo
(808) 878-1910
www.circlecequestriancenter.net

Gunstock Ranch
56-250 Kamehameha Hwy, Hau'ula
(808) 341-3995
www.gunstockranch.com

Happy Trails Hawaii
59-231 Pupukea Road, Hale'iwa
(808) 638-7433
www.happytrailshawaii.com

Koko Crater Equestrian Center
408 Kealahou Street, Honolulu
(808) 256-1317
www.kokocraterstables.net

Kualoa Ranch & Activity Club
49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kane'ohe
(808) 237-7321
www.kualoaranch.com

Woods Riding Lessons
41-42 Hihimanu Street, Ste 6A, Waimanalo
(808) 256-3889



CLICK HERE to return to home page.

Luau: What Is It???

Attending a luau is on the to-do-list of many Hawaii visitors, which makes the luau the number one activity in Hawaii. But what exactly is a luau? For Hawaii’s people, it is a way to celebrate a variety of occasions, such as a birthday, successful harvest, victorious battle, graduation, etc. A luau is a feast of life and it can be held for many occasions. It can be held at a family’s home or a park in form of a huge family gathering, with lots of traditional luau foods and games. If you’re visiting and don’t have a big ohana (family) here, you can visit one of the luaus, which take place on all the main Hawaiian Islands and are held for visitors and locals alike.

This traditional celebration is accompanied by music, dance and food. Besides the celebration, when you visit a luau you will have the chance to learn about the culture of Hawaii and Polynesia being demonstrated in a variety of Hawaiian customs. Some of the demonstrations include the imu ceremony, hula dance lessons, lei making lessons, Hawaii storytelling, royal court procession, hukilau on the beach and more.

Despite the fact that luau performances slightly differ from each other, every luau features the imu ceremony, the cooking of a kalua pig in an underground oven in the old traditional way. The ceremony follows the rituals of the ancient Hawaiians. And once the pig is cooked, it will be added to the meal that you will enjoy later.

Luaus are offered on all the main Hawaiian Islands – Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. All luaus include a lei greeting at your arrival, a luau dinner and cocktail drinks (no alcohol offered at the Polynesian Cultural Center).

Luaus on Oahu - Click the names below for a direct link to their website for more info:

Royal Hawaiian Luau is the only luau on Waikiki Beach. It is held on the ocean lawn of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, also known as the Pink Palace of the Pacific. From here, you can enjoy sunset views over Waikiki Beach, the ocean and Diamond Head. The luau features classic Polynesian entertainment. If you are staying at Waikiki and you would like to enjoy a classic luau entertainment, the Royal Hawaiian Luau is your pick. Please note that the luau is held on Mondays and Thursdays only.




Paradise Cove Luau is held on the west side of Oahu at the world-famous Ko Olina Resort. This beachfront luau is one of the few luaus in Hawaii that besides the food present a full range of cultural activities, such as the hukilau on the beach (throwing out large fishing nets in the traditional way), Polynesian arts and crafts demonstrations, Hawaiian storytelling, the shower of flowers, the royal court procession and of course the imu ceremony. The highlight of the night is the fun and entertaining Paradise Cove Extravaganza show, which presents music and dances of Polynesia and ends with a thrilling Samoan fire-knife dance. Paradise Cove Luau is offered in three packages – buffet, royal alii and deluxe luau. Roundtrip transportation from Waikiki is offered at an additional cost.

Germaines Luau is a beachfront luau held on a private beach on the western cost of Oahu near Barber's Point Lighthouse. If you want to have lots of fun and at the same time see a traditional and authentic Hawaiian luau, this performance is for you. This luau does not present arts and crafts, but it has one of the best and most complete Polynesian shows on Oahu. Roundtrip transportation from Waikiki is included.


Polynesian Cultural Center is the number one attraction on Oahu. It offers several luau packages, and they also include admission to the park, where you can explore seven Polynesian villages before the luau and learn about their culture and customs. The luau is only one of the attractions offered at the center. Right after the delicious feast and the performances at the luau, you will have the chance to witness another fascination Polynesian show – the world-famous Horizon Show at the Polynesian Cultural Center Open Theatre. It features music and dances from Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, Samoa, New Zealand, Tonga and the Marquesas Islands. Visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center is the best way to learn about the culture of Polynesia. The center opens at 12 pm and the activities end at 9 pm. Transportation from Waikiki can be arranged for an additional fee. The center is open 6 days a week (closed on Sundays).

Hawaii Chosen as Best Value Destination

The website SmarterTravel.com has just announced something we’ve known all along. Hawaii is currently the best value travel destination on the planet.

SmarterTravel’s finalists for its 2010 Editors' Choice best value destination award were Argentina, Australia, Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Mexico.

Hawaii beat all the other contenders based on sales and deals. Said the site:

With a three percent drop in overall year-over-year travel prices and a 10 to 15 percent decrease in premium hotel rates, plus four new air routes so far in 2010 and the likely addition of new low-cost carrier service from Allegiant, Hawaii was the obvious choice.

While the summer peak season should be busy, last-minute deals may still be available, as will discounts for the rest of the year.

Good Bye International Marketplace, Hello Upscale Mall

The Market Place still stands. But its days are numbered.

Last year, we reported that the landowner—Queen Emma Land Co.—was taking proposals for developing the Market Place’s 6.48 acres in the heart of Waikiki. They expected to be done in several months.

It took longer, but last week Queen Emma Land signed an agreement with Taubman Centers.  Taubman is a Bloomfield Hills, Mich., company that develops, owns and operates high-end malls across the country. For instance, they own Beverly Center in Los Angeles, the Short Hills Mall in New Jersey and Fair Oaks Mall in Virginia.

Taubman is not saying much about the agreement except it “will evaluate the market feasibility of developing the current International Market Place, as well as conduct more in-depth due diligence into physical and regulatory requirements as next steps before moving forward.”

A major Hawai‘i project like redeveloping the Market Place will require jumping a fair number of regulatory hurdles—public input, environmental impact statements, approval from the Waikiki Special Design District and so forth. So Taubman's commitment is tentative.

“This is a step, perhaps not a final step, toward redeveloping the Market Place,” says  Queen Emma Land’s Les Goya. “We’re still in a fluid period, but this agreement with Taubman finally moves us forward toward getting it done.”

Don’t expect the Market Place to disappear overnight. Hawaii projects of this magnitude move forward at glacial speed.

However, Taubman already has a financing partner, San Francisco-based real estate investment firm CoastWood Capital Group.

Should all go well, Taubman will take a long-term ground lease on the property and proceed with redevelopment. Says Taubman vice-president, Stephen Kieras, “This popular area will be revitalized with destination retail and dining for tourists and residents alike.” 

In other words, the Market Place is likely to become an upscale mall.

The mall-ing of the Market Place will no doubt bring dismay to many who have happy memories of the place, its colorful jumble of kiosks and souvenir shops.

However, there are many in Hawai‘i who feel the prime Waikiki real estate occupied by the aging Market Place cries out for redevelopment. The Queen Emma Land Co. itself is a income-producing non-profit, which supports The Queen’s Medical Center, a major hospital and healthcare provider for Hawai‘i residents and visitors.

Hawaii Food & Wine Paradise

If you love food, wine and Hawaii, you’ll want to know about Hawaii Food & Wine Paradise, a three-day O‘ahu festival for those who appreciate great food and wine, or, in the words of its organizer, D. Keola Lloyd, “anyone who passionately pursues the finest of life’s pleasures.”

The event, held at the Moana Surfrider in Waikiki and West Oahu’s Ko Olina Resort, features 16 of Hawaii’s top chefs and winemakers from eight Napa wineries, like Jarvis, Rombauer and Silver Oak. Not to mention spirits producers like Pau Maui Vodka and craft beer brewer Hawai‘i Nui.  

This year’s theme: "Back to the Future," as noted chefs including Russell Siu (3660 On the Rise), Ed Kenney (Town), Rodney Uyehara (Beachhouse at the Moana) reinterpret classic dishes with contemporary techniques and ingredients.

There are four events:

• May 27, 6 p.m.: "E Komo Mai at the Beachhouse," an exclusive preview party at the Westin Moana Surfrider in Waikiki, limited to 100 guests.

• May 28, 6 p.m.: "Paradise Food & Wine Classic," a gala dinner, also at the Westin Moana Surfrider, including a fashion show by Hawaii designer Anne Namba, limited to 250 guests.

• May 29, noon: "Pairings in Paradise," a four-course food and wine pairing luncheon at Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club at Ko Olina Resort, limited to 75 guests.

• May 29, 6 p.m.: "Paradise Beachside Barbeque," a down home Island-style barbecue under the stars at Paradise Cove at Ko Olina Resort, including a fashion show featuring two of Hawai’i’s rising fashion stars, Louisa Ngum of Honey Girl and Ida Teiti of Tiare Teiti Designs. Limited to 400 guests.

All events will also include entertainment.

Prices range from $100 for Paradise Beachside Barbeque to $250 for the Paradise Food & Wine Classic. Some of the proceeds benefit Hawaii schools and charities. You can find full event and ticket information here. 

Aulani, Disney's Hawaiian Resort Has Reached It's Height

Aulani, the oceanfront Disney Resort & Spa under construction in Ko Olina in West Oahu, has reached a major construction milestone. 

At the end of April, the resort “topped off.” That is, crews recently poured the last section of cement at the fifteenth floor of the resort’s buildings.

That doesn’t mean the resort is done.  It just has reached its final height.  Above you see a recent picture which shows the two wings of towers connected by three arched lobby structures—which are supposed to evoke a Hawaiian village.  The lobby will eventually have volcanic stone columns and glass walls.

You can see the first outline of the resort’s water features in the center of the photo.  Water features will eventually include an inland saltwater lagoon, quiet pool and a water park with slides, rapids and waterfalls.  Most of the rest of this area, now bare earth, will be filled with gardens.

What you don’t see is the crescent-shaped Ko Olina lagoon, which fronts the hotel.  Here’s a shot from the hotel’s ninth-floor, still under construction, which captures the view.

Saying I Do On Oahu

For as many ways there are to propose, there are just as many ways to say “I do” on the island of O‘ahu.  Whether for just the couple or for a group of family and friends; whether it’s the first time or vow renewal; whether it’s indoors or outdoors, O‘ahu’s romantic wedding options are as unlimited as your imagination.

Adventure Weddings

Adventurous couples can choose from a wedding in the air, on the ground, on the water, or even underwater. 

•      Imagine saying “I do” 10,000 feet in the air while falling rapidly to the ground.  Skydiving nuptials have become increasingly popular, and with the grandeur of O‘ahu’s Ko‘olau and Wai‘anae mountains, a wedding in the sky will offer a bird’s eye view of a spectacular future.

•      Hike to one of the many panoramic points around the island of O‘ahu with the lush rainforest, green covered mountains or dramatic cliff-lined shores as the setting for a picturesque Hawaiian wedding.

•      Sail into romance with a wedding aboard a boat with a captain presiding over the ceremony just like in the movies. 

•      Dive into the underwater world for a wedding for scuba divers, which will definitely make this a day to remember.  Using an underwater white board and markers, couples can profess their love and promise of togetherness at one of the many dive sites in Hawai‘i Kai and around the island of O‘ahu.

Nature Weddings

•      An intimate ceremony on stunning Kailua Beach at sunset, amidst beaming rays of orange light in the sky, while the cool Hawaiian tradewinds blow ever so gently, is just one of the many beach settings to choose from.  Local musicians can serenade the bride and groom with the Hawaiian wedding song, while sharing this special moment on a soft white-sand beach with the beautiful turquoise ocean in the background.

•      Atop Tantalus, at the peak of Diamond Head, and above the lighthouse at Makapu‘u are just a few of the places to get married with panoramic views.

     In an O‘ahu rainforest wedding, couples may get married under a thick canopy of trees with rays of sunlight filtering through, the air filled with the smell of fragrant flowers and the sounds of singing birds.

 

Church Weddings

There are as many styles of wedding ceremonies as there are wedding dressings, however, traditional church weddings are still a favorite choice for marrying couples.  On O‘ahu, churches of various religious denominations range from small, charming chapels to larger cathedral-like places of worship.  

•      Relive the nostalgia of Hawai‘i’s past and exchange vows as Hawaiian Royalty.  Experience getting married as King and Queen, as Maui Loa, Minister of The Church of Hawai‘i Nei on the North Shore of O‘ahu performs the traditional tī leaf wedding ceremony.  Phone: (808) 638-7841

•      Experience Hawaiian history by exchanging vows in the first Christian Church in Hawai‘i.  Known as the “Westminster Abbey of Hawai‘i,” Kawaiaha‘o Church is located in downtown Honolulu and was constructed between 1836 and 1842 with 14,000 coral slabs.  Phone: (808) 522-1333

•      Located in the rainforest of Mānoa Valley is Wai‘oli Chapel, a small church surrounded by tropical gardens, famous for its stained glass by a local artist.       Phone: (808) 988-5800

Hotel Weddings

Hotels on the island of O‘ahu offer a spectrum of wedding locations to choose from whether in an elegant ballroom, in a privately reserved restaurant, on a rooftop, in a tropical garden setting or poolside.  Below are some highlights to inspire wedding dreams.

• Surrounded by lush green gardens and panoramic views of historic Diamond Head and the azure Pacific Ocean, a “heavenly wedding” at the luxurious Halekulani Hotel offers the perfect intimate island setting.  www.halekulani.com

• A wedding held at The Royal Hawaiian, or “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” will set the theme of history, romance and elegance, whether vows are exchanged in the tropical garden setting of the Coconut Grove or on the Ocean Lawn with Waikīkī Beach and Diamond Head as a backdrop.
  www.royal-hawaiian.com
• For a storybook wedding, a bride can walk down the aisle in a setting of grand columns, Victorian-style elegance and sweeping oceanfront vistas at the legendary Moana Surfrider, the first hotel on Waikīkī Beach.
  www.moanasurfrider.com
• A dream wedding under a cascading waterfall can be made a reality at Renaissance ‘Ilikai Waikīkī Hotel’s Angel Chapel by the Sea, or the ceremony can take place outdoors in a harbor-front gazebo with vine-covered trellises.   www.ilikaihotel.com/wedd.htm
• For an intimate place to exchange wedding vows, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort Beach & Spa offers couples garden waterfalls and an open-air gazebo surrounded by a carp-filled pond.  The recently opened Ocean Crystal Chapel, which is situated in a lush garden setting amidst cascading waterfalls and a lagoon, is also available for private wedding ceremonies.
  www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com
• The Outrigger Waikīkī and the Outrigger Reef on the Beach perpetuate the time-honored traditions of Hawai‘i’s rich heritage through their service, programs and weddings.  www.outrigger.com
• The JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa at Ko Olina offers wedding packages that utilize the hotel’s beautiful, secluded location on the leeward coast of O‘ahu. www.ihilani.com
• With so many locations to choose from including a pool terrace with a garden setting and ocean view, The Great Hall featuring a grand staircase, and the romantic Diamond Head Bridge that leads to a garden gazebo, The Hyatt Regency Waikīkī Resort & Spa rolls out the red carpet for every kind of wedding.   www.hyattwaikiki.com

Private Home and Estate Weddings

For those wishing for a wedding with a more private feel in a distinct, romantic setting, a private home or estate wedding can offer the bride and groom a unique and comfortable wedding location.      

• Dillingham Ranch is a private estate house located on the North Shore of O‘ahu. The Hawaiian-plantation style home has been used as a film location for "50 First Dates," "Tears of the Sun", and "ER".  www.dillinghamranch.com

• The oceanside Bayer Estate, located ten minutes from Waikīkī, offers a classic garden wedding or a traditional Hawaiian wedding on the grounds of a Victorian-style home.  Phone (808) 377-9359

• Lanikuhonua (“where the heavens meet the earth”) is a private beachfront property at Ko Olina.  The 20,000 square-foot Lanikuhonua is a special location dedicated to the practice of Hawaiian culture.www.lanikuhonua.org

• Kathy Muller Hawai‘i Oceanfront Rentals offers exclusive oceanfront estates and homes for special, non-tradtional but grand wedding sites, such as Paul Mitchell Estate, Noela Plantation House, Pink House at Portlock, and Waimanalo Blooms.  Complete wedding coordination is available, including services in Japanese. www.hawaiioceanfrontrentals.com

Wedding Coordinators

Planning a wedding on O‘ahu can be made easy by calling one of the island’s many professional wedding coordinators.  From finding the perfect location to arranging the minister and photographer, O‘ahu’s wedding coordinators can take care of every little detail so that the wedding couple can relax and enjoy their special day and precious moments in paradise.

•        A good resource for wedding planning is The Wedding Café. The quaint, pastel-colored space in Mānoa Valley lets guests relax, eat, read, and browse all things weddings. The Café also offers free monthly workshops, which range from hair and makeup demos to flower suggestions to do's and don’ts. In addition, they host themed bridal and baby showers. www.theweddingcafe.net

• Aloha Wedding Planners have been planning Hawaiian weddings since 1981 and are happy to help couples with their “big day.”

www.alohaweddingplanners.com

• 1 & 1 Wedding by the Sea focuses on spiritual, beachside weddings and offers bilingual Japanese services.  Private bare-foot beach weddings, serene tropical garden weddings, cozy chapel weddings, and more are available.

www.weddingbythesea-hawaii.com

• #1 Hawaii Weddings offers various Hawaiian-themed wedding packages on the South Shore and Windward side of O‘ahu. Wedding locales can vary from a country home, beachside or onboard a private yacht.  www.lovehawaii.com
• A husband and wife team founded Hawaii Weddings.net, hoping to help couples plan a Hawaiian wedding as memorable as theirs.   www.hawaiiweddings.net

Happy Easter From Our Family To Yours

Diner's, Drive-Ins, and Dives Hawaii Episode Premieres Monday, April 5th

Food Network personality Guy Fieri was been busy running around Oahu in October, filming segments for his popular show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. It’s the show’s first visit to the Islands.

On Diners, the ebullient Fieri—known more, perhaps, for his over-the-top antics at the DD&Ds he visits and spiked bleach-blonde hair than culinary chops—takes viewers on a continuing gastronomic road trip across America, showcasing dozens of casual eateries and dining institutions. For the restaurants Fieri checks out, a segment on “Triple D” is huge, guaranteeing exposure to millions of viewers across the U.S. who tune to the weekly show.

So where did Fieri wind up dining on his inaugural Hawaii visit?

Poke Stop

Hank's Haute Dog's

Rainbow Drive-In

Nico's at Pier 38

Highway Inn

DD&D’s Hawaii episode will be premiering on Mon. April 5, at 10 p.m. EST on The Food Network.

The Hawaii episode will be an unusual one for DD&D. Host Guy Fieri and the show's producers don't usually put together an entire episode made up of segments from one location.

Photo:  Food Network

Ala Moana Hotel Offering Rooms at $40.00/night

A room at the Ala Moana Hotel in Honolulu for $40 a night?

If you can put together plans within the next couple of weeks for a three- to five-night Hawaii vacation on Oahu between April 22 and May 31, you could get a $40 per night room rate at the hotel for your entire stay.

The Ala Moana Hotel, located just outside of Waikiki and right next door to Hawaii’s largest shopping mall Ala Moana Center, is celebrating its 40th anniversary by offering 40 rooms each day at $40 per night between the above dates. The Outrigger Hotels & Resorts-operated property is calling the deal its “40/40/40” promotion.

Interested? You’ll have to be ready to fly to Oahu anywhere from a week to one month after booking.

Ala Moana Hotel will begin booking reservations at the $40 rate on April 15, only at its website: www.alamoanahotel.com. Bookings at the rate will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis so you’ll have to act quickly on that day.

For more information on Ala Moana Hotel’s “40/40/40” promotion, click here.

Lost Wraps Up Filming This Week

The hit ABC adventure series is wrapping up filming of the final episode of its final season this week. Lost has been shot entirely on Oahu since its 2004 premiere, with its production designers masterfully finessing locations in Honolulu and towns, suburbs, beaches and jungles all over the island as spot-on stand ins for worldwide locales.

Hilton Hawaiian Village To Add New Timeshare Towers

The Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa will begin construction on two new vacation timeshare towers in 2013, launching an aggressive expansion that will add 550 units to the resort’s timeshare holdings by the end of the decade.

Hilton Worldwide officials announced the multi-tower expansion plan this week, along with plans to redevelop the resort's Rainbow Bazaar shopping village, front desk area, main entry and Rainbow Drive thoroughfare. The 22-acre resort’s expansion plans also include new children and adult swimming pools, increased pool deck space and a new Hau Tree Bar.

The new towers, when completed, will expand the Hilton Hawaiian Village’s total pool of vacation ownership units to more than 1,000. The resort introduced 330 brand new vacation ownership units into mix in 2008 with the opening of its timeshare-exclusive Grand Waikikian Tower.

Construction on the first of the two new towers, a 37-story building with 300 units, is expected to begin sometime in 2013. Construction on the second tower, a 25-story building with 250 units, will begin after the first tower is completed.

Because both towers will be built on already developed lots—the first over a bus depot, the second over a redeveloped Rainbow Bazaar—Hilton officials say the project will not reduce the current amount of open space on the resort property.

Hilton Worldwide did not disclose an estimated total cost for the project. The company expects the project to generate 682 permanent jobs when all phases are completed.

The Hilton Hawaiian Village’s total lodging capacity currently comprises 3,627 guest rooms, timeshare units and suites in seven towers.