How About Hawaii For Your Summer Vacation?

Summer is right around the corner for those of us in the northern hemisphere.  Are you taking time off for a well-deserved vacation?  If so, perhaps you have thought about travelling to Hawaii?

In my team here at the office, we have a number of people who love Hawaii and in fact, Erin B is taking a trip to Oahu next week, and Mariella is thinking about a trip in July.  Shelby will likely go later this year (although she is a Maui Babe) and I am also heading back in early November.  While we only have a small team (about 25 people) - we sure do love Hawaii.  Not only is it close to Seattle, but it truly is a piece of paradise. 

Is anyone else planning a trip to Hawaii this year?  I'd love to know what Island you are planning to visit!

Fancy a Cruise?

Thinking about a trip to Hawaii in the next few months? Have you considered a cruise of the Hawaiian Islands? Beat of Hawaii is reporting today that you can score a 7 day cruise around the Hawaiian Islands for as little as $499 per person with NCL Price of America Cruises. This is an amazing deal!

Departures are available on October 17, 24, 31 and November 7, 14, 21, 28. For more information, head to the Vacations To Go Website!

Wordless Wednesday

Here's some of my favorite pictures from O'ahu to help you forget about the fall weather....enjoy!

I Needed A Break

It has been close to three weeks since I last wrote a blog post. The reason why? Well, I don't have one. For some reason, my usual Hawaii inspiration disappeared as my time and thoughts have been focused on other things. Thankfully, its not long now before we head back to the Islands again, just in time to get me out of this rut. Don't get my wrong, my love of Hawaii hasn't changed, but keeping my eye on the prize has been difficult as of late.

Is anyone else feeling like this? Is it the change in weather? Or is it just my attitude? Time will tell!

Back to Work, Back to Reality....

I had a great vacation over the summer, and the weather here in Seattle has been great. Whenever people come to visit, its always an opportunity to do some touristy things in your local area; things you have done many times or maybe something new. I have been to the Space Needle enough this year, that's for sure!

So, if you live in Hawaii and you have guests, where do you like to take them and what are the must-see destinations? O'ahu is my island of choice and my top 5 tourist attractions would include the following:

1. Waikiki Beach

2. North Shore

3. Dinner at Alan Wong's

4. Duke's Canoe Club at the Outrigger Waikiki

5. Diamond Head

What ideas do you have? Why not share with me your tips on best things to do on Maui or Kauai?

It's Finally Here - Hawaii!

I had such a great sleep last night - perhaps it was because I knew I didn't have to get up and do anything this morning, because I am finally on vacation! It has been almost 6 months since I really had a vacation, and although that doesn't sound like much, there has been a lot going on behind the scenes lately that would make you understand the importance of taking a break. I managed to take the email function off the menu on my smartphone, so now when I turn it on, I can only make calls and check the internet with ease, and to retrieve my work mail would require some difficulty. So its time to separate for a couple of weeks, and really take time out to reflect on the important things in life - friends and family.

I will be in Hawaii in just over 24 hours and I can't wait to see my mom, and head to the Barefoot Bar and see Rex. Ahhh, the good things in life!

Time for a Hawaiian Summer

Summer is here and thanks to my colleague and friend Mariella Souflis I thought I would share some thoughts and pictures to get you ready for a Hawaiian summer. Although it is warm all year round in Hawaii, it gets particularly hot and humid during the summer months. I moved to Hawaii in August and at the time it felt like a heat wave. So, with that in mind, here are some tips for keeping cool this summer:

Hawaii has lots of trees - perfect for staying out of the sun while keeping warm. But remember, just because there is shade doesn't mean you are completely protected from the sun - be sure to lather on the SPF regularly.

There is no better place than Hawaii in summertime to hit the beach! The water temperature can get close to 80 degrees during August and September - which is still cooler than the outside air!

If you will be in Maui, why not check out some of the local beaches see what the keiki get up to in their own island backyard. This photo was taken in Maui with some of the cutest Hawaiian kids I have ever met.

If you head to Waikiki Beach during the summer, then you must visit Dukes Waikiki. Grab a cocktail and a bite to eat, and check out their twitter feed for the latest updates on local bands and upcoming events.

Your summer adventure would not be complete without enjoying a Hawaiian sunset. Enjoy the summer and experience all that Hawaii has to offer!

I Am Going To.....Hawaii!

Great news - I have booked another trip to Hawaii (O'ahu) in August - thanks to my mother, who is planning on travelling via Hawaii on her way to Seattle. It will be a brief trip (only 3 nights), but that's enough time for me to.....

Get a tan at Waikiki Beach

Buy some Nine West Shoes

Dine at Alan Wongs

Shop at the ABC Stores

Have a drink (or two or three) at the Barefoot Bar at the Hale Koa Hotel

Watch the sunrise and sunset

Catch up with my friends at CommPac

and many more things....that I will let you know about as I start to countdown to the trip (only 94 sleeps to go)!

Things Are Looking Up for Oahu Hotels

Although the travel and tourism industry could be doing better, there is some encouraging news out of O'ahu today. Oahu hotel room occupancy grew 2.2% to 75.1% for the week ending May 2. But, compared with the same week last year, statewide occupancy fell 2.9% to 64.8%.

Good news for travelers (like me) though - room rates on O'ahu and statewide fell as well, each down about 11 percent to average $156 and $172 a night, respectively. Perfect if you are still trying to decide where to head for your summer vacation.

Other occupancy and average room rates for the other Hawaiian Islands are as follows:

Maui occupancy dropped 8.9% to 56.6%, while room rates slid 13% to $212;

Kauai occupancy plummeted 12.7% to 49.6%, while room rates were down nearly 12% to $172; and

Big Island occupancy decreased 4.4% to 52.3%, while room rates were off about 1% to $174.

This Hawaii hotel industry snapshot is thanks to Smith Travel Research and Hospitality Advisors.

Are You Using All Your Vacation Days?

A recent survey conducted by Expedia.com found that 34 percent of employed Americans will not use all of their vacation days for the year, citing . work-related pressure as one of the main reasons.

In a recent news release, Tim MacDonald, general manager of Expedia.com said, "The stress associated with the current economy makes the need for time away from work even more important than ever, and it's unfortunate that one-third of Americans won't use all of their vacation days this year."

The survey also discovered that people are taking fewer extended vacations, with the number of adults who plan to take a two-week vacation falling to 10 percent in 2009 from 14 percent in 2008. Some of the other findings from the survey show that on average, Americans reported receiving 13 vacation days in 2009, one day less than the previous three years, and women are more likely than men to feel guilty about taking time off from work (40 percent of women vs. 29 percent of men).

I a strong believer of time away from work to rejuvenate and refresh. A rule in our house is that we always have a vacation planned so that we have something to look forward to. We spend so much of our lives working, that we deserve to take vacation time so spend with family, and to unwind from a constantly busy schedule. Employers give you paid time off as part of your compensation package, so use it! Taking a vacation doesn't mean that you are not loyal to your employer, so don't feel guilty about taking time off that you deserve.

With flights, accommodation and activities at the lowest prices we have seen in years, now is a great time to think about your next vacation and how you can make the most of your well-deserved break from the office. Even if you decide on a staycation (a stay at home vacation) there are plenty of things at home to keep you entertained at an affordable price, such as museum and zoo visits, trips to the local park and attending local festivals. Thanks to Time Inc. for the staycation pic!

As If You Needed A Reason To Go To Hawaii....

The recession is proving to be fabulous for travellers. I was looking at online travel deals over the weekend and found some unbeatable deals for Las Vegas. and Hawaii. Last week Pacific Business News (Honolulu) reported that hotel occupancy rates in Hawaii had dropped to 68% - the lowest they have been in quite some time. This means it is a buyers market, so if you were needing a reason to head to the Islands, now you have it. Two of the best specials I have seen advertised recently include:

• Roundtrip ticket from Seattle to Honolulu from $298 - for travel between April 20-June 11 at with Hawaiian Airlines - they also have specials for a number of other mainland cities


• Book a minimum 3-night stay at the Wyland Waikiki and receive a complimentary 3rd night stay, free upgrade upon check-in and complimentary breakfast each day, valid through December 21, 2009. Prices start from about $150 per night - so for 3 nights it would only cost you $300 as the third night is free!
  

With deals like this, how can you afford NOT to go! I think its time for another vacation.....

Hawaii Do’s and Don’ts

I watched an interesting show on the Travel Channel over the weekend called “Hawaii Do’s and Don’ts”. The show was filmed in 2007, so although it was a little out of date, many of the points they offered to people planning to visit the Islands were still relevant. If you are planning a trip to Hawaii anytime soon, be sure to keep these do’s and don’ts on your radar:

When in Hawaii:

DO

· Slow down to Hawaiian speed
· Say ‘aloha’ – this can be used to say hello and goodbye
· Book inter-island flights early to get the best deals and cheapest fares
· Plan for rainy days in Hawaii – it does happen from time to time
· Check if your hotel has a beach nearby – The Big Island has many hotels that are not walking distance to the beach, so if that’s important to you, ask before you book

DON’T
· Bring your bad driving habits with you to the Islands – always let people in/out of traffic and don’t your horn in anger – this is considered to be very rude
· Believe that Hawaii is merely grass shacks and hula girls – the Islands are very rich in culture
· Believe that all the Islands are the same – they are very diverse and all have something unique to offer
· Go surfing on the North Shore of O’ahu during winter if you are a first time surfer – waves at this time of the year are huge and you could be in for a pounding
· Forget your golf clubs – there are nearly 100 courses over 6 Islands

Picasa

It seems that I have been a little isolated and hidden away lately, but while in hiding today I have discovered another amazing program that has been around for a long time, but has just captured my attention: Google's Picasa. This program is so awesome! In less than 10 minutes I grabbed some pics from my latest trip to Hawaii, made a collage (seen below), made a movie which I will post to YouTube shortly, and archived all my photos in one place! If you have the time and the patience to look for cool technology, you will be amazed how many things you can find and what you can do with it! I am going to work on a cool movie that captures our recent vacation and post it to my blog later this week. I am feeling giddy like a child right now as this is something so easy with awesome results!

Trump Tower Waikiki

Trump Tower Waikiki is one of many mew developments in the greater Honolulu area, and in the 12 months since we had last visited Hawaii, the building had grown from a hole in the ground to over 35 stories high. The tower is actually a combination of condos and hotel rooms, and is scheduled to be completed in late 2009. When they first broke ground on the site, I have to admit it was exciting! But, after seeing just how big this building actually is it makes me a little concerned about the future of development in Waikiki, and Hawaii in general. Unfortunately Waikiki is turning into a concrete jungle. Don’t get me wrong, I think its great that business is booming and that Waikiki is being cleaned up a little, but at what point do you decide that there is enough development in the area?

The stats on Trump Tower are very impressive. The day that the building went on sale (November 9, 2006) all 464 units were sold, breaking real estate records around the globe.

Features and amenities of the Tower include:
24 hour concierge
24 hour in-room dining
6th floor pool with large lanai deck
Valet Parking
Fitness Center
Full Service Spa
Fine Dining
Private Owners Lobby (no idea what that is, but it sounds fancy!)

The Trump Tower website has lots of great information, including construction updates and info on color schemes should you be lucky enough to own a piece of this property.

Here’s some pictures of the development as of February 2009. I am sure you will agree that it is MASSIVE!

Climb Koko Head Crater - If You Dare!

So, you have climbed Diamond Head and you think, what's next? Well, if you are like me and you think you are 'kinda fit', then this climb is NOT for you! About a 20 minute drive from Waikiki, Koko Crater is located on the southeastern side of Oʻahu. Its hard to miss, as you can see from the photos below. I had done a bit of research about the hike and was looking forward to it as it was something we had not done before. And, I have always loved the leisurely walk to the top of Diamond Head. I was in for a rude shock when I saw the so called walking track - the "stairs" are the railway ties of a long abandoned incline tram formerly used by the military to transport personnel and supplies to a lookout post on the summit.


The thin line running through the center of the crater is the trail to the top of the summit.


I had walked about 200 steps (there was easily over 1,500 steps)....when I decided that I was done. I was hot and sweaty, breathing like I was about to have a heart attack, and the real challenge hadn't even begun. A few people politely jogged by, locals mainly out for their daily exercise - how embarrassing (for me). John was climbing up with ease and I was ready to die. He kept telling me that the view at the top would be worth the climb, so ever so slowly I started walking 10 steps at a time, and then took a break. So needless to say, it took quite some time to get to the top. But, as we got higher and higher, the view was getting better and better. You had the most amazing views of Hawaii Kai, Hanauma Bay, and Diamond Head. So I kept going, through the railroad track with the massive gaps and almost fell through, only to hit an incline of about 45 degrees for the final leg of the journey. Man am I unfit.

View from about halfway up the crater, Hanauma Bay



By the time we reached the summit I seriously thought my heart was going to fall out of my chest. I haven't done a 'walk' like that in a long time, and it made me realize the importance of exercise. The view from the top was unbeatable, and it kicked butt on Diamond Head. There were a bunch of people at the top just sitting around and admiring the view. But I started to realize pretty quickly that what goes up must come down, and the trek to the bottom was not much easier than the one to the top! As you can see from the photo below my face is brighter than a beetroot after making it to the top of the summit!



This activity is a must if you want to witness Oʻahu's true beauty. My recommendations are:

• Wear very comfortable walking shoes - no sandals or flip flops
• Put plenty of sunscreen on and go early as it gets HOT
• Take a hat and plenty of water
• If you are not fit, take your time but be prepared for the pain the next day - my legs were aching for about 5 days after the walk

After the hike we headed to The Shack in Hawaii Kai. I was so tired I could have fallen asleep in the chair just waiting for my lunch!

Waikiki Beach

I have to admit that Waikiki Beach is not my favorite beach in Waikiki - if you have been there you will know what I mean. The ratio of sand to person is VERY tiny, and when I go the beach I prefer to relax - the last thing I want to hear is the person next to me on their cell phone calling home asking about the weather, or how the family pet is coping in their absence. However, Waikiki Beach is probably the most famous beach in Hawaii, and I have to admit, the view of Diamond Head is spectacular.

We did head to Waikiki Beach not long after arriving in Hawaii - there is something about it that truly makes you feel like you are on vacation. Perhaps its the vendors nicely spread along the beach offering you surfing lessons, beach chairs and umbrellas, kayaks, a booze cruise, shave ice etc. Or maybe its the multi-cultural mix of people who are sharing the same experience as you. The Japanese still dominate Waikiki Beach, and their is nothing cuter than watching them attempt to run out to the waves, surfboard in hand. Or maybe it's that everyone, literally everyone, is just so happy to be at the beach with their friends and family having a good time. Although always busy, the beach has such a calming feeling it makes all your troubles disappear.

Waikiki Beach in all its glory!





This picture below is actually further down the beach, actually at Fort DeRussy Beach, which is where I prefer to hang out. Much quieter and the view of Diamond Head is just as good, if not better.

Welcome to the Wyland Waikiki

I had trouble deciding on where to start when writing a recap of our vacation. I wanted to start at the flight to Hawaii on Hawaiian Airlines but I think I will save that for the end. When we arrived in Waikiki on February 6, we were so excited to get to the hotel, check in, and head to the Barefoot Bar. However, when we arrived at the Wyland Waikiki Hotel we were very surprised to see that there was a huge party about to start at the hotel pool. As it turns out, Thomas Jones from the New York Jets was staying at our hotel, along with his massive entourage, and he was hosting a Pro-Bowl party! John was beside himself, all star-struck! I didn't know who was who, so I just sat by and watched the football players arrive - I only recognize them if they have their jersey on with the number on it!

Here's some pics from the party:

Once we were able to check in at 3pm, we were pleasantly surprised with the room; it was cosy but tasteful, and we had a balcony which got lots of sun in the afternoon. The bathroom was so small that only one person could literally fit in there at any one time, but it was fine! I thought I would have trouble living in such a tight space with John for the whole time given that we have such a large house in Seattle; but actually, it was fine and it made me realize how much space we really need to survive - not much at all.

The hotel facilities were excellent; they had two pools and a hot tub, a cafe and business center in the lobby, massage chairs and x-box consoles for game junkies, great concierge services and free internet in each hotel room. We also got a copy of the Honolulu Advertiser delivered to our room each morning, which was a blast from the past - we used to get the paper delivered when we lived in our apartment and that was how we kept up with the news, not the internet! Unfortunately we did experience one problem, being noisy guests in the room next to us - we had to call security twice but they did handle the situation for us so kudos to the security staff for responding so promptly (at 2am).

We really enjoyed staying at the Wyland Waikiki and would definitely recommend to others. You can book via the Outrigger website or directly at the Wyland Waikiki website if you are planning a trip. Also, thanks to Stacy Manzo, Director of Sales and Marketing at the hotel for taking care of our internet queries and for her Island recommendations, particularly the 'Monkey Lunch' at Turtle Bay!

Room Photos:

The Blog is Back!

I am back in Seattle, after 12 days and 11 nights of bliss. What a fabulous trip to Hawaii! I expected nothing less. I did find that I was too busy having a good time to actually sit down and blog, so not as much real-time posting as I would have liked, but hey, when you are in Hawaii you live on Hawaii time. I did however take down lots of notes and have taken a lot of pictures, so I have many memories and stories to share - the problem is where to begin! Well, the main reason for the vacation this time was Jim & Sammy's wedding - so the photo above is of John and I at the wedding - it was truly wonderful (more posts on that later).

Prepare for Natalani to get bigger and better as the days progress - I truly was inspired on this trip and I hope to keep my memories in the front of my mind until I get back to Oah'u again - hopefully in the not too distant future!

Hawaii is What I Live For

Apologies for the lack of blog posts, but I honestly have not had time to sit down at the computer until now and write. Today is the first day that it has rained since we arrived in Hawaii, and since I got up this morning (about 1 hour ago) it is now lovely and sunny again. John and I are having a swell time here in Honolulu, and I have been making copious notes throughout my trip so I will have plenty of content for my blog in the coming weeks. When I am in Seattle I am usually glued to my computer, and here, I feel like throwing the laptop out the window - because there is so much more to life than email!

Today, I am off to meet my good friends and past colleagues from Communications Pacific for some lunch and a catchup - really looking forward to seeing what everyone has been up to and how the Hawaiian economy has been treating them - well I hope. Jimmy's wedding is this Saturday, and it looks to be an all-day affair, with John being the Best Man. So much more to do, and as always, not enough time to enjoy it all. I look forward to writing away once I return to Seattle, where the memories will remain with me until we get back here for good.

Aloha People!

Just a quick post before I head out to the Ala Moana Shopping Center, but we arrived safe and sound - had a fabulous flight with Hawaiian Airlines, and our hotel is super. John and Jimmy are off the Pro Bowl today, and I am going to make the most of my free time and do some serious shopping, and first stop is the Hello Kitty store! It is so great to be back here and it reminds me that the plan is to return - we just have to decide when, and from my experience so far it will be in the not too distant future. I love Hawaii!! Aloha!