Most people go to Hawaii to get a feel for the rich Hawaiian culture we always here about, well not anymore.  Since its renovation and clean-up, Honolulu’s Chinatown is bringing worldwide visitors to the island.  This area, which was once avoided for its crime, drugs, red-light district and deteriorating buildings, is now the hot spot in Honolulu, offering arts, culture and excitement.  This 140-year-old neighborhood has been cleaned up by locals, and the local arts community.

 Arts are a vital part of this area, featuring everything from classic to contemporary.  The main art spots are: The ARTS at Marks Garage, a project of Hawaii Arts Alliance; the Hawaii State Art Museum; contemporary Hawaiian Art at The Contemporary Museum at First Hawaiian Center; paintings and drawings at Pegge Hopper Gallery; contemporary fine art at Bethel Street Gallery, music and art at Ong King Art Center, art gallery and surf shop, Chinatown Boardroom; and the Studio of Roy Venters which features mixed media works.  Also, bringing most of the visitors, First Friday (held the first Friday of each month) is a gallery walk and huge street fair, featuring strolling musicians, more than 50 galleries and other art venues participating, and shops.  This event draws 5,000 to 10,000 people in one night to the area.

 And the other main vessel of this area is the dining and nightlife.  They offer ethnic restaurants and hot clubs.  They feature over 50 restaurants, such as the Indigo, and Little Village Noodle House.  And many bars like Bar 35 and thirtyninehotel.

 Also, most of the action is found at the markets.  Maunakea Market Place is an open market located behind the food court, and is where you can find things like live eel, chicken feet and pigs’ heads.  The Oahu Market is almost as old as the town, and features blocks of stalls that offer fresh fish, tripe, and roast pork.  The Kekaulike Market offers fruit and poultry, among other things, and is located across from the Oahu Market between North King and Hotel streets.

 The Kapalua Resort in Maui is appealing more and more to active and eco-conscious travelers by the day.  This January the Kapalua Resort opened its Kapalua Adventure Center. 

This 4,500-square-foot Adventure Center features one of the largest and longest (2,200 feet) zipline systems in North America.  This zipline system consists of eight dual-tack runs, two suspension bridges, a comprehensive high ropes challenge course and a four-station climbing tower.  This system allows guests to view the plant and bird life without disrupting the ecosystem.

The entire Kapalua Adventures is designed to impact the natural environment as little as possible.  The ziplines let you learn without disrupting, and guests are transported from the Adventure Center to the Mountain Outpost in biodiesel vehicles.  Kapalua Resort has even pledged 10 percent of the profits generated by the Adventure Center to the Puu Kukui Watershed Preserve, which houses several of the world’s rarest plants and insect in its delicate ecosystem.

The Center also offers their Mountain Outpost experience, where guests can lean about the geological, natural, and cultural history of the area from guides who have been trained in the history, culture, flora and fauna of the area, as well as safety and first aid.  And soon there will be 100 miles of hiking, mountain biking, equestrian trails, outrigger paddling and sailing canoe programs.  And after your adventurous day you can rest and enjoy the great dining options in the destination.

Four Seasons Resort Haulalai at Historic Ka’Upulehu (Big Island of Hawaii)
Located on the Kona-Kahala Coast, this oasis offers great service, snorkeling in a private lava lagoon and outdoor showers in some of the guest rooms.  They try to build this hotel within the environment.  with 243 bungalow-style guestrooms and suites, your are sure to find something you like, with some offering private lanais, ocean views, and some with their own gardens.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa (Kauai)
This Resort features acres of rivers and pools and a man-made waterfall and saltwater lagoon ideal for snorkeling, kayaking and swimming.  They also boast one of the best spas on the island with their Anara Spa, which offers treatments using local botanicals, private lava rock showers, steam grottoes, and open-air fitness and relaxation areas.

Grand Wailea Resort Hotel and Spa (Maui)
This 780-room resort is perfect for weddings, offering a seaside chapel among the gardens with a bell and clock tower, 17th-century chandeliers and stained-glass windows.  And it is perfect for the honey moon after, offering great dining and the resort’s Wailea Canyon Activity Pool, which consists of nine separate pools with waterslides, waterfalls, caves, white-water rapids, grottoes, a whirlpool, a sauna and the world’s first water elevator, with their Hibiscus Pool being for adults only.

Halekulani (Oahu)
This 455-room historic property hotel is the quiet peaceful place you can rely on for relaxation in the middle of bustling Waikiki.  Located on five oceanfront acres, this hotel is perfect for romance, featuring its Vera Wand Suite, which was designed by its fashion designer namesake.  Couples in this suite will receive special treatment such as private limo airport transfers, private butler service and breakfast in bed.

Hilton Waikoloa Village (Big Island of Hawaii)
This Resort offers 1,240 rooms and suites, and canal boats and trams that allow couples to get around the property.  Many guest are attracted to the resorts saltwater lagoon, their “Dolphin Quest” program, which allows guest to swim with dolphins, and three pools with waterfalls, water slides, caves and a swinging bridge.

Hotel Hana Maui and Honua Spa (Maui)
Located on the windward side of Maui, this hotel gives each guest their own private cottage facing the ocean and your own Jacuzzi when staying in the honeymoon cottages.  And every August the Hotel Hana Maui becomes an adults-only hotel.

Kahala Hotel and Resort (Oahu)
This hotel’s 343 suites overlook the lagoon or ocean and come with a private beach cabana for each, and they offer their practically private, but public beach, and are known for their 26,000-square-foot natural lagoon, their Dolphin Quest program and incredible garden spa.

Kona Village Resort (Big Island of Hawaii)
This resort is set on 82 acres on a protected bay and boasts “barefoot luxury” and an “unplugged experience,” with no televisions or radios, and though there is no air conditioning, the place stays cool by the trade winds and ceiling fans.  This is the only all-inclusive resort in Hawaii with meals, and activities such as snorkeling, surfing and tennis, including in every stay.  And in May and September it becomes a couple-only resort.

Maui Prince Hotel (Maui)
This 310-room hotel is built around an Asian meditation garden and has a more private beach.  And if the one beach isn’t enough for you, within a 10-minute drive you can find the Black Beach, Big Beach, Little Beach and Secret Beach.

Princeville Resort (Kauai)
With 252 rooms and suites you will get a taste of Hawaii, as the rooms are all decorated in bright Hawaiian colors and with all rooms providing views of the ocean, mountains or gardens.  They also offer a 5,000-square-foot infinity pool and three Jacuzzis.

 The Big Island of Hawaii has quickly established itself as a shopping and dining mecca.  The shopping scene on the Kohala Coast has grown so tremendously and has visitors staying longer due to that fact.

 The 75,000-square-foot Kings’ Shops is upgrading and adding.  In the past year the Kings’ Shops has added Tiffany and Coach stores, along with a new program of live jazz that visitors can enjoy throughout their shopping experiences on Saturdays from 4-6 p.m.  and many of their existing stores are under construction, making them even better than before.

 And the 135,000-square-foot Queens’ MarketPlace opened this fall at the entrance to Waikoloa Beach Resort, and serves as a companion piece to the Kings’ Shops.  This market place houses over 70 shops and eateries, along with a 20,000-square-foot gourmet food market.  The Queens’ MarketPlace offers more than just a great place to shop and dine, it strives to capture the different aspects of Hawaii’s culture, and features a the Waikoloa Performance Garden, a showcase for live music, films and group events.

 And the Big Island also offers the new 78,000-square-foot Shops at Mauna Lani.  This has grown to a great place for shopping, dining, and art since it opened in 2006.  it features brand-name designer fashions, island-style ware, unique gifts, local art, and gourmet dining in its open-air walkways and tropical landscaping, with 80 percent of its shops found nowhere else on the island.  They also offer two shows, both of which are free to guests.  First is the “Hawaiian Goddesses,” a multimedia entertainment event which runs Wednesday and Friday at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. and second is “Kamehameha” which is presented Monday and Thursday at and 8 p.m.

 Many have been regarding the Hawaiian island of Molokai to be “the last Hawaiian place.”  This island is called “friendly isle” and has a population of about 7,000.  With unspoiled rural natural beauty, mountains, waterfalls and locals that are sticklers for keeping it that way, Molokai has become what seems to be the last authentic Hawaiian island.  The island has no traffic lights, and the tallest building is two stories.  Due to these features, Molokai attracts the fewest visitors of all Hawaiian islands, only 76,000 in 2006 compared to Maui’s 2.2 million annually.

 
 There are only two hotels on the island:  the Hotel Molokai, and the Lodge at Molokai Ranch.  The Polynesian-style, 54-room Hotel Molokai runs partly as a time share and offers some of the only night life of the island with hula Sunday nights and Hawaiian music Fridays and Saturdays.  The Lodge at Molokai Ranch is more upscale and houses 22 rooms and a seaside camp of 40 beachfront “tentalows” on the island’s west end.

 The Island’s goal is a 5-year plan that will increase jobs and small-business opportunities, but where it is acceptable to residents, meaning it will stay protective of natural resources and respectful to native Hawaiian Culture.  The pace is slow and peaceful here, and the residents want to keep it that way.  Many say that the locals of Molokai are not open to outsiders and tourists, but that’s not exactly true, they just prefer laid-back visitors that abandon that “me-first” attitude.  They are just looking for tourists who visit and walk away thinking that they wouldn’t want to change a thing.

            Three years ago the Old Kona Surf was transformed into the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, and they are still upgrading the property.  A 360,000-gallon swimming pool was added, along with slides, and more was added such as the Manta Ray Super Slide and Pool that was built atop a lava rock promontory.  Also added was a sand volleyball court, a basketball court, a bayside wedding chapel and the Ho’ola Spa. 

            Not only were attractions added, but so were other attractions to help boost the quality of the resort.  About $40,000 in Hawaiian art was added to the hotel as part of a program to tie themselves to Kauhou’s Polynesian past.  Also added is the popular Kamahao Luau, which includes table service dinners and a show.  You dine while watching ‘The Wondrous Myths of Hawaii,” that focuses on the history and legends of their history in a mix of theater, music and song.  The resorts shopping center has also been expanded to include additional restaurants and stores.

            And outside the resort you will find attractions as well.  They are also known for their two golf courses, where greens feess are cheaper here than at most of the other resort courses on the same coast.  And when there, you must indulge in the aquatic activities, such as zodiac boating, sport fishing, kayaking, snorkeling trips and whale-watching cruises, which you can find within a short walk of the hotel. 

            For more information visit www.sheratonkeauhou.com.

Waikiki went for long without any renovations, but due to the Outrigger Enterprises Group, everyone has come around to the idea of “a new Waikiki.” When the Outrigger group originally wanted to renovate, it was nearly impossible due to zoning restrictions on the area that were put there to protect open space and restrict density. But Outrigger didn’t give up and continued to prove their point for a bigger, better Waikiki to local restaurants and retailers, until soon the zoning regulations were changed.

With the new freedom, they went into phase one in April 2004, the Waikiki Beach Walk, a development that includes hotels, public spaces, entertainment venues, retail outlets, and condominiums. This area opened last December, and the area now consists of hotels, condominiums and timeshares. Outrigger is also fixing up their Outrigger Reef on the Beach, with an addition of a 200-room Ocean Tower, which opened in May. The rest is predicted to be complete in 2008, and so far is only halfway to the projected goal.

 
Not only is Outrigger making over and adding to their hotels, but others are following their example. Starwood Hotels & Suites has been upgrading their existing properties, refurbishing and renaming their “first lady of Waikiki” from the Moana Surfrider to Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort. The Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa is adding a 38-story Grand Waikiki timeshare tower and made-over the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. Others that are fixing up their properties are Aqua Hotels & Resorts, Waikiki Beach Marriot Resort, Ala Moana Hotel, ResortQuest Hawaii’s Waikiki Beach Hotel, and many others.

Not only are the previous properties being made-over, but many new hotels and attractions are being added to the Waikiki area. One that they are most excited for is the Trump International Hotel & Tower condo hotel, which is scheduled to open in 2009. Other hotel brands are being added such as Embassy Suites, Aqua Resorts and Wyland. Also, many retail establishments and restaurants are upgrading themselves as well, such as the Kamehameha Schools’ Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, who will be going through an $84 million renovation that will offer more space, landscaping and more retailers and restaurants.

Not only are the retailers and hotels changing their looks, but so is the town itself, by offering new attractions and accommodations. Entertainers will be offering free performances of hula, slack key guitar and ukulele, along with other Hawaiian entertainment. The city will also offer widened streets, additional landscaping, and the Waikiki Trolley will become available to everyone with the same fare as public transportation. “The New Waikiki,” as it is being called, will offer so much more to visitors than it used to, with upgraded hotels, resorts, and attractions, which will be sure to make it a popular spot for travelers.

The development of Waikiki has been largely influenced by the natives. Check out the beautiful landscaping along the Waikiki Beach Walk, there are a variety of native plants and flowers along the way. The Outrigger Enterprise has launched a redevelopment project along this walk, which encompasses close to 2 million square feet of hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Outrigger has partnered with the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame and the Hawaii Academy of Recording Artist. They have created a music program, which features performances by local artist, and exhibits along the Waikiki Beach Walk.The Outrigger development is home to Mana Hawaii, a retail outlet selling traditional Hawaiian artwork, woodwork, hula accessories, clothing and other merchandise. So next time you are in Waikiki, make sure you check out the Waikiki Beach Walk.

When you arrive in Kahului Airport on Maui, gather some brochures while waiting for your luggage.

To get your rental vehicle, go outside and head over to the right where you’ll see various car rental booths. Go round the back to where the shuttles are and they’ll take you to their car lot. It’s always a good idea to check your vehicle for dents or scratches before you leave the lot.
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If you are going to Kihei use these directions: about 15 miles:

As you leave the lot follow signs to Kihei and/or Wailea.

About ¾ mile from the airport there is an intersection with a traffic light.
Continue STRAIGHT. Costco and Kmart will be on your left. Follow the signs towards Kihei.
After about 1.8 miles from the airport you will turn LEFT at the traffic light. There is a large Assembly of God church on your left. I think it’s called Mokulele Road.

After about 6.5 miles from the airport turn LEFT towards Wailea. (Don’t take the Kihei road as you end up at the opposite end of Kihei Road from where you want to be and the road to Wailea is a highway which is better.
This is the Piilani Highway. You can stop at the Piilani Shopping Center on your right and get some groceries at Safeway. Most places sell milk for about $8 per gallon but often Safeway has it for about $4.
Continue on the Piilani Highway and turn right on Ali’i Ke Alanui which is about ¼ mile beyond milepost 8. Follow the road all the way down to the ocean and turn left onto South Kihei Road.

Stay on the Piilani Highway if you’re going to Wailea.

To go to Lahaina or Kaanapali return on the Piilani Highway and follow the signs. There’s a nice lookout point at McGregor point which is after the Maui Ocean Center.

Iao Valley and Hawaii Nature Center
Where can you re-trace the footsteps of Hawaiian royalty, stand on the site of Maui’s bloodiest battle or be surrounded by the spirits of ancient chiefs and kings? The answer lies nestled in the West Maui Mountains, encircled by the dizzyingly beautiful cliffs of Iao Valley. It is the Hawaii Nature Center, a non-profit organization offering visitors and locals alike guided interpretive hikes, an interactive nature museum and a well stocked gift shop featuring Hawaiian prints and merchandise. The Hawaii Nature Center is committed to sharing the natural, historical and cultural wonders of the island through its visitors’ programs and environmental education for the children of Maui. Iao Valley is a rainforest, so it is often cool and green, with the sound of the stream a constant companion. The area is also rich with history. The Hawaii Nature Center is your interpretive guide for the “Hana” of the West side. And remember, your dollar spent helps fund our comprehensive environmental education programs for the keiki of Maui. Come explore the wonder that is Iao. Call 808-244-6500 for reservations.

Whalers Village Museum is a fascinating look at an important period in Maui’s history. This museum is believed to house the largest single collection of whaling memorabilia and scrimshaw in the world.

Mokapu and Ulua Beaches, the protected expanse before the Renaissance Wailea Beach Resort, has plenty of parking, showers and restrooms and being a hotel beach is well maintained with excellent snorkeling out by the first reef.

Wailea Beach, a short but wide expanse with excellent swimming, was once very secluded, and now showcases the Grand Wailea Resort.

Polo Beach provides excellent swimming, facilities, and an underwater view of large numbers of fish among the large rocks separating Polo from Wailea Beach.

Lahaina
See the huge banyan tree. To recapture history, the Baldwin Home at Front and Dickenson Streets is a good place to begin. It was the 19th century home of missionary Dr. Dwight Baldwin and has been restored as a museum and historical center by the Lahaina Restoration Foundation. Other Restoration Foundation projects worth visiting are the Wo Hing Temple on Front Street, the whaling-era Prison on Prison Street, and Hale Pa‘i (House of Printing) on Lahainaluna Road. The Lahaina Heritage Museum is located upstairs in Old Lahaina Courthouse. Lahaina Historic Trail is an interpretive, self-guided tour which tells the complete story of Lahaina through the centuries.

Drive to Haleakala National Park. Stop at the museum. On the way down stop at a flower nursery to see the beautiful protea flowers.

On the north shore east of the airport area visit Pahia and continue on to see some more beaches where there are lots of surfers.

A good website for information on the island islands is gohawaii