Best sun glasses for Hawaii vacation

Are you wondering what the best sun glasses are for your Hawaii vacation and whether your 'old' sun glasses will still do for your 2012 Hawaii beach vacation? OK your sun glasses have nice dark shades and served you well in the past. They even have polarized lenses as health experts recommend. However, ladies here is the deal. Now and then we need to make a 'fashion statement'! So forget about the $20 - 30 polarized sun glasses from WalMart. Designer sun glasses are 'in', and you deserve them no matter whether your hubbie asks you 'Do you really need those sun glasses?' 'No, not REALLY but I want them' was my answer to Keoki.

This all happened when I came across those stylish sun glasses from Margaritaville Eyewear. I knew immediately I'd found what I wanted: state-of-the-art polarized lenses for best protection of my eyes from strong tropical Hawaiian sun combined with fancy styles of frames, shades and tinting. Now the question was not any more whether I really wanted to spend that kind of money on designer glasses but to choose from a huge variety of tropical sun glasses, sun glasses I like best for Hawaii and Hawaii vacation. The Calypso style sun glasses are MY favorite shades (photos courtesy by Margaritaville Eyewear).


Instead of my conventional brown frame sun glasses from the past, I chose the white/conch colored frame this time! Perfect tropical sun glasses for hanging out on Hawaii's white sand beaches and the right match for my new classy white cover-up I bought in Rome this summer. Too bad that I did not have those stylish sun glasses there, yet. OK no beaches or oceans in Rome but I tell you Rome's ladies are very fashion conscious and I would have fit right in with my new shades.

Anyways, I love my Margaritaville sun glasses. The stylish, light weight, tropical design is perfect for Hawaii vacations. Best tropical sun glass designs are of course a matter of personal taste but the big variety of Margaritaville shades allow everybody to find their personal best sunglasses for Hawaii vacation.Visit Hawaii in style and feel good about your fun-in-the-sun eye protection. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

p.s.

Of course, Keoki could not resist and had to try on my new fancy Calypso sun glasses. The design is not really for a guy. OK maybe Elton John but here is what Keoki said: Very stylish and sooo smooth. Wearing these shades is like giving my eyes a massage!

Tags: Best sun glasses for Hawaii vacation, Hawaii vacation with fun-in -the-sun eye protection

10 Best Hawaii vacation tips

Dear Hawaii visitors,

Summer is coming to an end on the Mainland with cooler, rainier days announcing fall season for most of our 50 states. NOT so for Hawaii. Hawaii vacation in sunny warm weather all year round becomes again the top topic for family vacation plans for this fall and winter season. Our '10 Best Hawaii vacation tips' were put together to make sure you and your family will enjoy your best Hawaii vacation on your next trip to Hawaii.

When preparing our today's Hawaii travel and vacation tips and ideas, I became fully aware that this is actually what our 'Best Hawaii Vacation Blog' is all about: sharing our travel and vacation tips with all of you who are getting ready to visit Hawaii. It got me by surprise that we already listed 63 posts under 'Hawaii vacation tips' among them such interesting topics (randomly chosen) as:

How to find peace in Hawaii?

5 Things to pack for your Hawaii vacation

Hawaii Volcanoes Videos

How to visit Haleakala on Maui?

So, what's so different with our today's post from all the 'old' Hawaii vacation tips? I'd say Hawaii visitors will get basic, easy-to-follow Hawaii vacation tips at one glance. Here are our '10 Best Hawaii vacation tips' to make your Hawaii vacation easier, healthier, safer and cheaper:

1. Take snacks with you to the beach or on your island trips

Snacks like homemade sandwiches at your vacation home kitchen or granola bars, trail mix or fresh fruit. Don't count on finding restaurants or affordable food places on your island adventures. Bring your snacks, safe big, and of course, you won't go hungry!

2. Take plenty of bottled water with you

when going to the beach or on road trips around the Hawaiian islands. To buy a single bottle of water on the road will cost you much more than a 6-pack at WalMart or worse, you might not even find a place to buy water. The hot Hawaii sun can dehydrate you within 1/2 hr!

3. Stay away from soft drinks

With their high sugar content, soft drinks will make you actually make you thirstier, plus bottled water is generally healthier and cheaper.

4. Get a small cooler on your Hawaii vacation

Most Hawaii hosts offer small coolers to their guests anyways. If not, ask them. Otherwise when you stay at a hotel, we recommend to buy a small cooler at WalMart for about $5. It will keep your food and water cool + fresh, especially when on road trips or on a hidden beach.

5. Stay out of Hawaii sun between 11am - 2pm

When hanging out on our Hawaiian beaches, try to find a shady spot to settle down, especially during midday hours. You can even find at WalMart a cheap beach umbrella for sun protection. A hat (best with neck protection) and high SPF sunscreen are a must for Hawaii. Always reapply sunscreen after swimming, even when sunscreen says 'waterproof' on label. Make sure that your kids stay protected from strong Hawaiian sun. One can even get a sunburn in Hawaii from sun reflection!

6. Don't keep valuables in your car

I lot of Hawaii visitors think valuables are safe under their front seats when they go to the beach or for a hike. Unfortunately they are not. This is where thieves always look first. Carrying a backpack will help you keep your valuables safe.

7. Visit Hawaii restaurants at lunch time

Just like on the Mainland, visiting a restaurant in Hawaii at lunch is a great idea for vacation and can save you lots of money. The amount of food you will get is mostly the same as for a dinner entree at night but it's mostly 1/3 or even half the price of the dinner meal. No reservation is necessary and often you don't have to wait for your favorite ocean front table. If it's a very popular restaurant, you might want to show up before 12 noon to avoid the busy lunch crowd.

8. Carry your Hawaiian Island map

and your Hawaiian Island Revealed guidebook with you on road trips, so you will always know know where you are and what to see and to do in the area. Never go on a road trip without your bathing suit, a towel and a beach mat!

9. Talk to Locals

Talk to your Hawaii vacation rental hosts, shop assistants at markets or when you meet people. They happily share with you: best beaches in the area, affordable local restaurants, farmers markets for fresh fruits and more.

10. Hang loose, sit back and relax

Finally, relax and let go of your Mainland tension. No tight schedules in Hawaii! Give yourselves plenty of time to enjoy the ocean waves, the balmy breezes, a good book or just do NOTHING!

If you have more Hawaii vacation tips, please, share with our Hawaii blog visitors. The more, the better. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii vacacations

More Best Hawaii Vacation Tips posts

3 Best Hawaii Vacation Tips for Thanksgiving

How to save money on gas in Hawaii
A visit to Waikoloa Village

Hawaii Vacation with Kids

Have fun at Christmas in Hawaii
Hiking in Hawaii

Tags: 10 best Hawaii vacation tips, Hawaii travel

How to find Peace on Hawaii vacation?

Dear Hawaii vacation lovers,

When dealing with Best Hawaii vacation, we occasionally encounter Hawaii visitors asking us where the non-touristy places in Hawaii are. They tell us they are looking for hidden beaches or Hawaii vacation rentals away from the tourists and the big crowds. Just a few thoughts from us regards non touristy places in Hawaii.

How to find peace on Hawaii vacation?

Hawaii has changed a lot, even more so within the last 10 - 15 year. I love to listen to the stories my husband tells me about the Big Island when he came there over 35 years ago: there was only one highway on the island, there was only one 5-star hotel, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel built by Rockefeller in 1965, most of those white sand beaches on the Kohala Coast were still hard to reach and imagine, there was not one traffic light between Hilo and Kona!

As you know this has all changed big time. Once the beauty and warm climate of the Hawaiian islands were discovered, naturally everybody wanted and wants to experience it! Resorts and golf courses got 'dug out' of the lava fields, palm trees planted and ocean front 5-star hotels with access beach access built. Hawaii's infrastructure is still lagging a bit behind those latest townhouses and condominium subdivisions developed during the Hawaii building boom during 2000 - 2005.

I always have a hard time to accept all the changes at one of the most beautiful resorts, Mauna Lani Beach Resort, when visiting there. Hotels like 'Mauna Lani Beach Hotel & Bungalows' and 'Fairmont Orchid at Mauna Lani' are not easy to spot anymore with all the new condominium and townhouse structures developed around them. I appreciate that Big Island builders at least stayed away from those high rise condo buildings as visitors can find in Honolulu. Well, as Keoki says 'The only constant in life is change!'. This is not any different for the Hawaiian Islands. One cannot go back in time.

Here is the good news. There are still a few secret beaches which are not well known to tourists but mostly it's the ones which are hard to get to. The majority of Hawaii visitors prefer a short walk to the beach from parking lot. So these hard to access beaches and coves still provide the non-touristy visitors with peace, tranquility and serenity they are looking for on their Hawaii visit. Please, be aware that you might not be by yourselves on weekends when Hawaiians love to go camping on those beaches.

Quite a number of locals, Hawaiians and Haoles (white people), do still camp on the beach, play their ukuleles and BBQ. These people know each other well and don't advertise their 'beach party'. You definitely need to know somebody in order to be part of it.

Unfortunately, non-touristy Hawaii visitors' wishes of rain forest and waterfalls being close to white sand beaches do not match how 'Mother Nature' developed the islands. It's either or. There are spectacular waterfalls in Hawaii but a lot of the times it will take you long walks (or a long kayak tour like on Kauai) to reach those but already the walk, hike or kayaking is an experience by itself. Try it and you will love it!

If you really want to spend your Hawaii vacation away from people and resorts, try Upcountry Maui or Upcountry Big Island. It's beautiful ranch land with rolling hills, cows and horses. You may find a private cottage overlooking the mountains and the coastal regions. There is always Molokai being the least developed island in regards to tourists and resorts but this also means it's a little harder to get to and a simpler life with less shopping available.


Hoping this gives the non-touristy visitor, who is in search for peace and tranquility on Hawaii vacation, a better understanding of the Hawaiian Islands TODAY. Have a peaceful Hawaii vacation! Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Peaceful Hawaii vacation related posts

Secret Beaches in Hawaii

Big Island Secret Beach

Hiking in Hawaii

Best Things to Do on Kauai Wailua River

Upcountry Maui

Tags: Peaceful Hawaii vacation, secret beaches in Hawaii, how to find peace in Hawaii

Is it a good time to travel to Hawaii NOW?

Aloha Hawaii lovers,
If you recently wondered whether it's a good time to travel to Hawaii NOW, you are not alone. Spring 2010 is looking around the corner and Hawaii spring vacation ideas are popping up in people's heads asking themselves 'When is the best, cheapest time to travel to Hawaii?'.

5 Best Reasons to travel to Hawaii NOW

1. Spring 2010 April + May Hawaii low season travel months

April and May 2010 won't be any different. With March being the last month of Hawaii high season December - March, the number of Hawaii visitors declines rapidly in April. Maybe because April is tax month and generally people are preoccupied and don't think of traveling to Hawaii in April? However, if you are looking for the cheapest travel month to Hawaii, add April or May to your itinerary options.

2. Best vacation accommodation deals for April and May 2010

Private Hawaii vacation rental owners are willing to offer you accommodation specials for low season months April, May and beginning June 2010. Keep in mind that with the Economic Slowdown, the vacation industry including Hawaii tourism was hit hard too. More Hawaii vacation rental owners are competing for less guest inquiries! A good chance for you to book a Hawaii vacation rental for an unbelievable low rate as we did in September 2009 when we paid for our 1Bd/1Ba Kihei condo 1000ft from beach $70/nt.!

3. Hawaii Hotel Specials for Spring Vacation 2010

If you prefer staying at a Hawaii hotel to renting a private vacation rental or condo, sign up for email specials from your favorite Hawaii hotel. I already noticed quite a number of great online specials from Hawaii hotels starting April 2010 like discounted room rates, 4th night free or resort vouchers!

4. Empty Beaches during spring months

A lot of Hawaii visitors are not aware that a big part of our favorite Hawaii beach gets under water during the high tide winter months. Some huge swells can even occasionally 'swallow-up' the entire beach for a few days. Anyways, during the winter months Hawaii's white sand beaches offer somewhat limited space for the huge winter crowd of snowbirds. During spring months, the ocean will recede again so there is plenty of white sand beach available for much less visitors guaranteeing privacy and peace for for Hawaii vacation.

5. Empty Restaurants in Hawaii in spring

Honestly, restaurants can get quite busy during our our high season winter months in Hawaii. Nobody likes to wait for their food or for getting seated in a restaurant. Hawaii restaurants are no exception. Waiters at Hawaii restaurants will warmly welcome you on your Hawaii vacation in slow spring months. No waiting for seats or being served! You will really enjoy your meal and a nice hula performance with a relaxed dinner in Hawaii in April or May.

Last but not least, Hawaii car rentals are generally cheaper during low season spring months. Just make sure that no huge Hawaii event is scheduled for the time you want to travel to Hawaii. Cheap Hawaii air fares are in everybody's mind but not that easy to get. Low season spring air fares are somewhat cheaper but to catch the Last Minute Hawaii travel deals, one has to be on a flexible working schedule and not traveling with family and kids.

'Is it a good time to travel to Hawaii NOW?' What do you think? Your comments are most welcome by our Best Hawaii vacation visitors and by us. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

'Best Time to travel to Hawaii' Related Posts

Planning a Hawaii Vacation 2010
What's Hawaii like in April?
3 Reasons to visit Hawaii this summer
Is November a good time to go to Kona?

Tags: Good time to visit Hawaii Now, cheap Hawaii vacation, Spring vacation Hawaii

Visit Hawaii for Thanksgiving 2009

Thanksgiving 2009 is coming up with high speed. Anybody of our Best Hawaii Vacation blog visitors who still wants to visit Hawaii for Thanksgiving 2009, might want to catch up on some Thanksgiving info from our older posts 'Best Places Hawaii for Thanksgiving 2008' or '3 Best Hawaii Vacation Tips for Thanksgiving in Hawaii' and of course, continue reading.

Here is a short list fully equipped Hawaii vacation rental homes near best beaches which are currently still available for 2009 Thanksgiving in Hawaii. Most vacation rental hosts offer great amenities, such as free high speed Internet access for your laptop and snorkel gear or and boogie boards. Visit Best Hawaii Places for Thanksgiving 2009, from most expensive luxury homes to cheap, affordable vacation condos and cottages:

Spend Thanksgiving Kohala Coast Vacation at this brand-new Luxurious Kohala Coast Villa - 3 Bd/3.5 Ba - (Sleeps 6) at the lowest rate ever $1100/nt.! This 3000sft features spectacular ocean views from each room, private swimming pool and spa. Guests will enjoy all the luxury Kohala Coast resort amenities of Mauna Kea and Hapuna Beach Resort.

This Puako Oceanfront 3Bd/3Ba from $735/nt. (sleeps 8) is currently still available for Thanksgiving 2009. This is the Best price for your family beach vacation in Hawaii! Book it when you can. There is no beach home available at this price.

You look for a luxury Hawaii ocean view vacation home, then this one is right for you Kohala Coast vacation home 3BR/3.5BA, $435/nt. (dbl.) w/pool & tennis court Enjoy ocean views and top amenities at the most affordable rate at upscale gated community!

It's just the two of you and you love to stay close to the beach, this Puako Apartment is right across from Beach 1Bd/1Ba Puako Vacation Apartment Best Deal Puako Beach $115/nt.! It is available before Thanksgiving week 11/10 - 11/22/09.

Save lots of money on your nightly rate for going out to dinner or do a whale watch tour when you stay at this fully equipped (full kitchen), private location with short 10-minute drive to the beach, which is currently still available for Thanksgiving week at $95/nt. with 7-night booking. Sunny Side Waimea Kohala Coast Vacation Rental Cottage Near Best Beaches

There is no place like Hawaii on a Thanksgiving vacation. Hope you found what you were looking for on our list of Best Places Hawaii for Thanksgiving. Please, let us know in the comments whether you booked one of these vacation homes and how you liked it. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations
p.s.
Hawaii vacation rentals owners still having a vacancy for Hawaii Thanksgiving 2009, check our affordable Best Hawaii Vacation blog ads for finding your Thanksgiving guests TODAY.

Tags: Visit Hawaii for Thanksgiving, Hawaii Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving in Hawaii 2009, Best places Hawaii

Fly cheap between Hawaiian Islands NOW

We just island hopped virtually yesterday from Maui to the Big Island. But this is much better. Here is our Best Hawaii Vacation blog Interisland Flight Special Alert for everybody who is visiting Hawaii in September. Hawaiian Airlines offers Island Hop Hawaiian Style at $24.99 Interisland Fare One Way, which includes tax!

Hawaii Traveler Alert:

Sign-Up by 8/31/2009 + get this Hawaii Interisland
Flight Special for 9/1 - 9/30/09

- The $24.99* Interisland fare inclusive of U.S. tax is applicable to one way routing
- You'll get unlimited Interisland trips at this low fare
- Reservations must be booked via HawaiianAirlines.com from 08/24/2009 - 09/30/2009
- Travel must be completed by 09/30/2009
- The $24.99* Interisland fare inclusive of U.S. tax is good for coach class travel booking class 1
- Discount cannot be applied to tickets purchased before sign-up
- Interisland flights booked with this special promotion are eligible for HawaiianMiles Mainland Madness credits.

Read more about this Cheap Hawaii flight between Hawaiian Islands in September 2009. Hawaiian island hopping as cheap as it gets! Don't miss the deadline on 8/31/09 for your September Interisland travel for this Hawaiian Airlines flight special. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Tags: Best Interisland Hawaii flight, cheap Hawaii Island hopping

Ocean Life in Hawaii

Aloha Hawaii Lovers,

After we talked about the big fish in Hawaii's ocean like Ono, Ahi, Mahimahi, Marlin and the big game fishing season, which has arrived in Hawaii, specifically in Kona Hawaii with the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, we decided to stay in the water, the water of the Pacific Ocean around the Hawaiian Islands. Let's talk more about ocean life in Hawaii.

Those of you who have been following our Best Hawaii Vacation blog since we started this blog in July 2006 - Oh my, it's another blog anniversary, the 3rd! - have seen lots of great Hawaii photos taken by our friend Jennifer Crites, renowned Oahu Hawaii photographer and travel magazine writer. However, when Jennifer needed to have foot surgery after a hiking accident on Oahu, she was not able to continue to follow up with more Hawaii photos or guests posts like '5 Best Photo Tips for Your Hawaii Vacation' for our blog. We had to fill in the blanks with Kawika's beautiful and sexy Wahine girls of Hawaii - I am sure the guys did not mind - and our own amateur photos of Hawaii.

Today's blog post is about catching up with our dear friend, Jennifer Crites. Good news is that she is back to her busy schedule taking photos of our beautiful Hawaiian Islands, writing interesting articles for travel magazines, and now listen, she is also in the midst of writing a mystery book, which picks up the strong spirituality of native Hawaiians for 'weaving' the story. When the book is on the shelves of the bookstores, we will let you know.

Speaking with Jennifer about her latest book project, reminded us that this is not Jennifer's first book. Her first fiction book, yes.

Jennifer actually wrote together with her partner in life, Gerald Crow, longtime manager at the Waikiki Aquarium, a fascinating book about 'Sharks and Rays of Hawaii', which was published in 2002. If you can get your hands on this book, you won't be disappointed. Amazing, there are 40 species of sharks and 9 species of rays living in the ocean around the Hawaiian Islands, yet, little do we know about them. There is so much in the book that is fascinating. Here are the reasons why we, Keoki and myself, love this book.

5 Reasons why 'Sharks and Rays of Hawaii' belongs on the best seller list of Hawaii books

1.

There are about 400 photos in the book. There are NO all-text pages. About 60 % of the photos were taken by Jennifer Crites. Other photos were contributed by underwater photographers and scientists from all over the world.

2.

There are exciting stories from people who've had unusual encounters with sharks and rays.

3.

There's also a chapter on the early Hawaiians, their shark gods, how they used shark teeth for weapons and shark skin on their drums, how they co-existed with sharks and rays, and some of their legends.

4.

There's information about staying safe from sharks while swimming in the ocean, and how to recognize the different types of sharks, which ones might hurt you and which ones you don't have to worry about.

5.

There are a lot of "Wow, I didn't know that about sharks!" facts in the book. Kids like to read that sharks, when they have a tummy ache, can push their stomachs out through their mouths, wash them in sea water, and pull them back in again. It's called "gastric eversion."

Now, you can understand that 'Sharks and Rays of Hawaii' does not only attract the adult audience but kids alike. It's educational and entertaining at the same time. This is definitely a book which will keep your and your kids' attention on your next flight to Hawaii.It makes a great gift too.

Well, you may want to own your own copy of 'Sharks and Rays of Hawaii' and peruse through it with your kids leisurely. Amazon makes it possible with used books as low as $4.49 a book. We'd love to hear from our readers who have read the book and tell us how they liked it. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

p.s.

Last but not least, here is a short bio about Gerald Crow who co-authored the book "Sharks and Rays of Hawaii" with Jennifer Crites. Jerry is a well-known science researcher who has been interviewed for many TV programs and has appeared nationally on the Discovery Channel's "Shark Week" and on Animal Planet. He's also featured in the Discovery Channel's book, "Sharks." He's currently doing research on jellyfish.

Tags: Sharks and Rays in Hawaii, Hawaii bestseller books, Hawaii photographers, Jennifer Crites

5 Things to Pack for your Best Hawaii Vacation

Welcome back to Best Hawaii Vacation blog,

How did you like all those beautiful places from our last post 'Where to Stay in Hawaii this Summer'? You still have time to check out these vacation rental places and find something matching your budget and expectations. Remember it has never been cheaper and easier to visit Hawaii this summer.

Are you wondering what to pack for your Best Hawaii vacation to the Hawaiian Islands?

5 Things to pack for your Best Hawaii Vacation this Summer:

1. Bathing Suit(s)

Pack it in carry-on. Your check-in luggage might arrive a day later. Have your suit available right away. It would be too sad to have to watch your friends jumping in the ocean to cool off.

2. Casual light summer clothes

Casual Hawaiian light summer clothes work fine for going out dining. Outdoor seating at night is wonderful in Hawaii. Avoid the strong AC of restaurants, if possible. Also pack a pair of long pants, sweater for Hawaii island adventures when going upcountry or visiting our higher elevation areas: volcanoes like Haleakela, Mauna Kea summit or Volcanoes National Park. Walking shoes instead of flipflops are recommended for hiking.

3. Sunscreen

First thing when you arrive is heading to the nearest beach. Who wants to shop for your favorite sunscreen when the beach waits for you?! A hotel shop might be around but believe me sunscreen is not cheap there and your favorite sunscreen and SPF might not be available.

4. Camera

Upgrade the memory card of your digital camera. You will take lots of photos in Hawaii and don't want to run out of memory. Same applies to your camera battery. Don't forget the recharging cable!I won't ever forget our Hawaii visitors from Germany whose camera battery gave up in Volcano Park. They went all the way back to Hilo, bought what they needed and took the most spectacular photos of a lifetime! Take the memory of your Hawaii vacation home with you through your photos!

5. Snorkel Gear - yes or no?

Bringing snorkel gear with you has been and still is a big question for our Hawaii visitors. We recommend to pack your own snorkel gear if you have prescription glasses or are very particular with your masks and fins. Most Hawaii visitors, especially those who snorkel a lot, just buy snorkel gear after arriving in Hawaii at Costco or WalMart. With luggage weight restrictions not a bad idea.The ones at the snorkel gear rental places can be somwhat funky. Depends all where you rent the snorkel gear.

Any suggestions what things Hawaii travelers should pack for their trip to the islands? Our Hawaii vacation blog visitors and we'd love to hear from you. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacation
p.s.
We don't want to forget to mention that our beautiful girl from Hawaii is Toshua from WahineStyle. BTW Kawika, the photographer is currently inviting Big Island girls to become models for the new 2010 Hawaiian Girls Calendar and his wahine (girl, woman) website.

Related Articles Hawaii Summer Vacation

3 Reasons to Visit Hawaii this Summer
Where to Stay in Hawaii this Summer

Tags: Hawaii vacation, trip to Hawaii, visit Hawaii this summer, what to pack

Where to stay in Hawaii this Summer Vacation?

E Komo Mai everybody,
Welcome back to our Best Hawaii Vacation blog. Here is the follow-up on our '3 Reasons to visit Hawaii this Summer', our recent blog post which received lots of attention and responses by blog visitors and Hawaii vacation rental owners alike. Happy to see that we hit a nerve in Hawaii travel industry with that post about a summer vacation in Hawaii.

As Hawaii vacation rental owners are looking forward to pamper you this summer with their lowest accommodation rates in years, you may choose from luxury vacation homes with swimming pool and/or tennis court for the active vacationer or stay at a golf condo next to the golf course for the passionate Hawaii golfer, escape to Volcano for some spectacular hiking + watching an active volcano or stay in beautiful upcountry Waimea cottage with short drives to best beaches or easy access to Mauna Kea summit stargazing. Explore Hawaii Big Island this summer!

Review our 2009 Hawaii Summer Vacation Deals

Stay in Volcano next to Volcanoes National Park

2Bd/2Ba Volcano Cottage w/jacuzzi offers Summer Special at $115/nt. (dbl.) + $100/nt. w/o jacuzzi.

Kona Summer Vacation

2Bd/2Ba Kona Golf condo offers 10% off + 7th night free for weekly stay in Kona at summer bargain $115/nt.


Play Golf in Waikoloa Vacation
Golf Studio on Waikoloa Golf Course with Expansive Ocean Views Summer Deal $100/nt.

Luxury Kohala Coast Vacation

3Bd/3Ba Kohala Coast Vacation Home at Gated Kohala Ranch with swimming pool + tennis court at most affordable rate $415/nt. (dbl.) for luxury Kohala Coast vacation.

Best rate Kohala Coast Ocean View vacation

2Bd/2Ba Kohala Coast Vacation home at Kohala Estate at 30% off this summer for $175/nt.

Puako Beach Vacation

1Bd/1Ba Puako Beach Apartment (Mauka side) with AC. Puako beach access across the street. Best rate Puako beach $115/nt.

Puako Beach Family Vacation

3Bd/3Ba Puako Beach Condo, jacuzzi, w/beach access across the street at best Puako vacation family rate $145/nt.

Waimea Upcountry Cottage

Sunny side private Waimea Cottage across from HPA at most affordable $95/nt. or $85/nt. for weekly booking.

There are many more Hawaii vacation homes, condos and cottages available for your summer vacation. Best you visit our Summer vacation page. Much mahalo for stopping by. You comments are most welcome. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Tags: Best Places Hawaii, Summer 2009 in Hawaii, Summer Vacation in Hawaii

3 Reasons to Visit Hawaii this Summer

Everybody around the globe and in Hawaii is talking about the Economic Slowdown. We even offer Keoki's Hawaii Stretch DVD at an 'Economic Slowdown' price for $18.50. Everybody has become very considerate about how and when to spend money. People start to cut back their expenses with anything that does not seem necessary or important like a vacation in Hawaii. Visiting Hawaii this summer has become for them a dream for the future, unless they win a free trip to Hawaii.

Who'd actually believe that there is actually no better time than this summer to book a trip to Hawaii instead of spending the money on traveling the Mainland. Here is what Best Hawaii Vacation blog editors, Pua + Keoki, think why it is a good time to visit Hawaii this summer.

3 Reasons to Visit Hawaii this summer

1. Air fares to Hawaii are at bargain prices this summer

At least when we compare the fares to ticket prices to Hawaii in the past few years. The economic slowdown forces the Hawaii carriers to come up with unbelievable low RT fares to Hawaii for this summer. This applies to Interisland ticket prices too. Just remember that about 9 mos. ago a one-way Hawaii Interisland ticket was about $150, when one did not fly in the very early morning or late at night. Today, a round-trip ticket with IflyGo from Honolulu, Oahu to Kona, Big Island is $48! With those low Interisland rates, Hawaii island hopping has become very popular again. Most of our Hawaii visitors currently visit two Hawaiian islands on Hawaii vacation.

2. Hawaii Vacation Rental hosts consider your best offer

Why shouldn't they? It's all about bookings for their vacation homes in Hawaii. They have mortgages or monthly payments for their cars to pay, school tuition and more. Smart vacation rental owners will consider your offer. Advice from us: Be reasonable with your offer and consider what you already get for free - compared to a stay at a Hawaii hotel. Don't forget electricity costs for AC and hot water in Hawaii is one of the highest in the nation.

Be aware that Hawaii beach rental owners are used to charging high rates (and always got those in the past) and are not always willing to come down with their rates. Hawaii rentals within 10 - 15 min. drive to beaches are more willing to make special offers this summer. Mostly those rentals are at a higher elevation, which allows you a comfortable sleep in the cooler air esp. during summer vacation.

3. Hawaii Vacation Effect - Priceless!

Is it the beach, the endless ocean, the swaying palm trees, the Maitai or the pretty hula dancer which makes the Hawaii vacation one of the most relaxing and recuperating of vacation destinations around the world? Who knows! But ask anybody who visited Hawaii and can compare his Hawaii vacation with other destinations, in most cases, Hawaii vacation memories don't fade. On the contrary, Hawaii and Hawaii vacation memories become more vivid with the number of passing years and 'haunt' you till you go back to Hawaii. Visit Hawaii this summer and come back as a new 'You', ready to take on the world!

As usual, we'd love to hear from you with more reasons why to visit Hawaii this summer. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

Related Articles 'Summer Vacation in Hawaii'

Hawaii Spring Break Specials 2009

Hawaii Vacation Deals Book Now
Hawaii Vacation with Kids
Hawaii Summer Vacation
4th of July on Hawaii Big Island
Hawaii Summer Vacation 2008

Tags: Summer 2009 in Hawaii, Hawaii Summer Vacation, Visit Hawaii this Summer

Hawaii Vacation Rental Deals April

What's a better way to follow-up on our recent post 'What's Hawaii like in April?' than introducing April Hawaii vacation deals to our Best Hawaii Vacation blog visitors. Let's start with an email vacation promotion which we received last week from the Hawaii Prince hotels, which sounded initially extremely good: 2 for 1 Room Promotion for Hawaii Prince Hotels! However, when I had a closer look at this 'Hawaii Family Summer Promotion Deal', I noticed the highly inflated room rates from last year.


If I did not know better about the room rates of Hapuna Beach Prince hotel and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, I might think 2 rooms for the price of 1 should attract many visitors. However, let's have a closer look at this Hawaii vacation deal from the Prince hotels: "Book the 1st room at published rates listed below and the 2nd room is FREE! Choose from select locations on Oahu, Maui and Big Island. Valid through 9/30/09."

Here are the published room rates:

Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki - rates start at $330
Maui Prince Hotel - rates start at $425
Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel - rates start at $415
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel - rates start at $700


I don't know about the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki and the Maui Prince, but I can definitely speak for Hapuna Beach Hotel and Mauna Kea Beach hotel that the rates listed are nearly double the room rates from the past. We reported that the Mauna Kea room rates had skyrocketed after it reopened in December 2008. Anybody would expect that with the economy slowdown and Hawaii Tourism trying to attract visitors to Hawaii, Hapuna Beach Hotel would offer special room rates instead of raising those considerably and then offer 2 rooms for 1. So where is the promised Hawaii vacation deal?

Anybody familiar with Hawaii travel knows that Spring and Summer Hawaii visitors have been the average or even budget traveler. As the middle class is the same affected by the economy slowdown as everybody else, I have my serious doubts that this Hawaii Prince Vacaction promotion will sell additional rooms. And remember before committing to booking your Hawaii hotel, make sure that the quoted rate is really what you have to pay at check-out and no surprise resort fees will be added.

What's your alternative to higher Hawaii hotel room rates and resort fees for a Hawaii vacation deal in April? Best way to go these days are fully equipped Hawaii vacation rentals, homes and condos. Maui condo in Kihei are well-known among Maui visitors for their beach locations top amenities and affordability. Same applies to Kauai condos in Kapaau. We loved our walk to the beach, daily tennis and pool. Most of the Big Island condos are very fancy resort condos on the Kohala Coast, which are renting for the same high room rates as the 4- and 5- star hotel.

However, there are great fully equipped Hawaii vacation rentals and homes available, short 10-min. drives to the white sand beaches of Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea beach, with affordable low rates for April and May. Kohala Coast home owners are happy to offer you special rates for April and May 2009. You can cook at your own kitchen, have a Maitai on your lanai, enjoy all the goodies of a local farmers market, go online through free Wifi connection, make use of boogie boards and snorkel for free and so much more. Hawaii vacation rental owners share their aloha with you! A hui hou. Pua Hawaii Vacations

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Tags: Hawaii, Best of Hawaii, Hawaii vacation rentals, Hawaii vacation deals, April Hawaii Vacation Deals, Kohala Coast

Big Island Triathlon is coming up

Dear Hawaii lovers,
Best Hawaii Vacation blog is still waiting for sharing your 'Favorite Hawaiian Flower' with our blog visitors. We know there are too many beautiful tropical flowers to choose from. Which one do you like best?

What's our today's blog title 'Big Island Triathlon coming up' all about? Everybody knows that the Big Island is not only famous all over the world for its active volcano but also for hosting one of the most attractive and popular Hawaii events, the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon in Kona in October.

In March each year, there is another Big Island Triathlon happening on the Kohala Coast, which you might hear about for the first time. The Lavaman Ironman is kind of a spin-off of the real Ironman Triathlon in October.

Well, when you are currently still on your Hawaii vacation on the Big Island, you have a chance to watch the 12th Annual Lavaman Triathlon on Sunday March 29, 2009. The Lavaman Triathlon consists of 1.5k swim, 40k bike and 10k run. Not much compared to 2.4-mile ocean swim, 112-mile bike race and 26.2-mile run of the real Ironman competition.

I remember we both participated in a 10k run many years ago and were quite wasted afterwards, despite the colder upcountry climate. What are the Lavaman Ironman participants up against? Definitely, the heat in the coastal areas of the Kohala Coast and the wind, which can be strong and gusty when biking Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy. Plus ,one never knows about the ocean conditions. At this time of the year, the Pacific ocean can be quite choppy and challenginging for the swimmers.

Mastering this 'Mini' Big Island Triathlon makes the competitors a Lavaman and can be a first step in the direction for preparing for the ultimate goal for triathletes, a spot on the Ford Ironman Triathlon Worldchampionship in Hawaii. Come and see for yourself what it takes to be a Lavaman Triathlete.

Here are a few tips for Big Island visitors of the 12th Lavaman Triathlon this Sunday:

-Most of the Lavaman events take place at Waikoloa Beach Resort.

-There will be plenty of parking at the Queen's MarketPlace and the Kings' Shops.

-Watch for bikers when driving Hwy 19 between 7:30 - 11.30am.

-Bikers will go from Waikoloa Beach resort to Turnaround at mile marker 88, near Hualalai Resort.

-Hilton Waikoloa Village is the official hotel for the Triathlon Waikoloa.

-Find information on special triathlon rates at Hilton Waikoloa.

Visit the LavamanTriathlon site for more information on race details and events or call 808-329-9718. Have fun at the Waikoloa Beach Resort. No worries about food. The Queens Marketplace and Kings Shops have plenty of restaurants, from affordable to pricey, for satisfying your stomach. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

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Visit Hilton Waikoloa Village Hotel

Dear Best Hawaii vacation blog visitors,
Remember our last post about the whales still hanging out around the Hawaiian Islands? We had such a wonderful time watching their playful games in the Pacific Ocean. This was a Humpback whale extravaganza during the later part of the 2009 whale season. Well, maybe that was really their last hooray, before leaving for Alaska because ever since Sunday we have not spotted the whales anymore. It's really odd to look at the peaceful ocean waters without seeing blowing spouts and swimming whales. We already miss the whales!


When the whales had left, Keoki and I decided it's time for our annual visit to the Hilton Waikoloa Village at Waikoloa Beach Resort on the South Kohala Coast. We got a big surprise when trying to park our car for our visit to the Hilton Waikoloa, normally one of our favorite hotels to visit with family and friends for a fun day on the coast. If you want to spend your entire Kohala Coast vacation at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, make sure that you don't mind crowds and a disneyland atmosphere.


When you love a peaceful stay in Hawaii, away from other tourists and resort living, then the Hilton is probably not for you but if you spend a family vacation near the Hilton Waikoloa, this Hawaii resort is a great place to visit and hang out for a day. A slow boat trip (choose a boat with a roof for protection from strong sun) or slow walk through the exquisite tropical setting and a nice lunch right at the dolphin lagoon, are among our favorites.


We wrote about how much fun a visit at the Hilton Waikoloa can be, adults and children. When we did that, we also told you about the Hilton resort fee. You can't imagine our disappointment when we noticed with our visit to the Hilton Waikoloa Village that extra resort fees had nearly doubled from 2 years ago. Scroll down in this post for 2009 Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort fees.

Well, we swallowed hard, paid the $15 self-parking fee and did our walk through the lobby to just have a good time. Here is what we noticed was different to the past years. Normally, the lobby hustled and bustled with visitors, not only with hotel guests but lots of Big Island visitors. A visit to the Hilton Waikoloa was always a special attraction for Big island visitors. We always assumed that the Hilton appreciated the extra business from all the outside visitors: visitors to Waikoloa Hilton Spa, shops for Hawaiian clothes, galleries and restaurants.


Looks like the new Hilton resort fees are not a big incentive for guests or Big Island visitors to visit this wonderful Hawaii resort. On the opposite, those new fees must turn off quite a number of visitors. We noticed that the hotel was extremely quiet, resort boats and trains for transporting people between towers were empty, despite personnel assuring us that the hotel 'was' booked 92% due to a huge convention taking place.


When talking to the front desk, we heard some good news that visitors can still book a day-room at the Hilton for $160/nt., from 11am - 7pm, which is a nice thing to do, when two or even three families can share the costs and the kids can use all the different water slides. Believe me. They love it and it's worthwhile the day room money + the parking fee!


We were hanging out at the dolphin lagoon for quite some time. It's so much fun to watch those playful, friendly creatures. It's hard though to snap a nice photo of the dolphins. I was always a little too late. Anyways, one family, couple with two children, must have signed up for the dolphin quest program. We watched their entire program and asked one of the attendants what the cheapest program runs these days: 20min. with the dolphins is $205/per person. Yes, 1 minute $10! I was wondering whether these parents had to pay the full price for their kids.

If you want to spend a vacation at the Hilton Waikoloa on the Big Island, you may expect the following fees and deposits are charged by the property upon service, check-in, or check-out:Valet parking: $21 per 24-hour period, Self parking: $15 per 24-hour period, Aloha Fun Pass: $26 per day.

Now let's see what you get for your Aloha Fun Pass: In-room coffee Daily use of fitness center for two guests One hour daily use of tennis court Daily use of seaside putting course for two guests Self-parking Remember the good old days when parking at a hotel in Hawaii where you stayed as a guest was free? The hotel appreciated that you decided to spend your vacation there. And they even had free coffee at your room available. Nice gesture!

The Aloha Fun Pass for $26 per day sounds like a good deal from the Hawaii Hilton Waikoloa Village for guests who love to work out daily at the fitness center or want to play frequently tennis. I don't know about the majority of guests who don't do either but definitely need the parking! Don't assume there is alternative parking nearby. There is none! There are only gated vacation rental condo resorts closeby. It looks like when Hawaii Hilton guests want to save money, they are better off not to buy the Aloha Fun Pass, when they look closer at this resort deal fee, as they save daily $11 when they pay for their car parking individually the $15/day.

To tell you the truth I don't even know whether guests can turn down the Aloha Fun Pass at check-in. When I called guest service and asked what I need to spend at the resort to validate my parking fee, it was $50/per person at a restaurant! Well, the Waikoloa Marriott at least acknowledges any restaurant, banquet and luau visits and reduces their parking to $5! Good idea to keep your guests happy!


Bottom line of our post: We still love to visit the Hawaii Hilton but would like to see the hotel opening up again to outside visitors and residents by a policy which considers the budget of regular Big Island visitor and asking feasible fees. If hotels like the Hilton ignore customers needs and wishes, Hawaii tourism will be challenged. What's your recent experience with the Hawaii resort fees in 2009. Wouldn't it be nice to hear that hotels will waive those, at least for 2009. Mahalo for your comments. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

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Tags: Hilton Waikoloa Village, Hawaii Hilton, Hawaii Resort fees, Aloha Fun Pass

Hawaii Spring Break Specials 2009

Aloha Best Hawaii Vacation blog visitors,
Let's stick with the theme of our last post 'Hawaii Spring Break Vacation with Kids'. Remember Hawaii hotels offer nice specials these days for spring season but you can save a lot of money by staying with your family at a fully equipped Hawaii vacation rental home near best beaches. You can cook 'at home' and take advantage of other free amenities offered by most Hawaii vacation rental hosts free of charge, like free high speed Internet and snorkel gear or boogie boards.

We've put together a list for you of Hawaii vacation rental homes, which offer great spring break accommodation specials or are worthwhile mentioning because of their low cost budget rentals. Here is our list of Best Hawaii Places for Spring 2009, from most expensive luxury homes to cheap, affordable vacation condos and cottages:

Spend Spring Break Kohala Coast Vacation at this brand-new Luxurious Kohala Coast Villa - 3 Bd/3.5 Ba - (Sleeps 6) at the lowest rate ever $810/nt.! This 3000sft Kohala Coast villa features spectacular ocean views from each room, private swimming pool and spa. Guests will enjoy all the luxury Kohala Coast resort amenities of Mauna Kea and Hapuna Beach Resort!

This Puako Oceanfront 4Bd/5Ba from $735/nt. (sleeps 8) is currently still available for spring months May + April 2009. This is the Best price for your family beach vacation in Hawaii! Book it when you can. There is no other Puako beach front home available at this low price.


Enjoy sunsets from the privacy of the large covered lanai, your own sandy beach, enticing tidepools, and ocean breezes in the trees at this lovely 3Bd/3Ba Puako Oceanfront Beach Home
on the Kohala Coast. Owners offer the Beach House at the lowest rate of Puako ocean front homes at $620/nt. for Hawaii Spring Special April and May 2009.


You look for a luxury Hawaii ocean view vacation home, then this one is right for you Kohala Coast vacation home 3BR/3.5BA, $435/nt. (dbl.) w/pool & tennis court Enjoy ocean views and top amenities at the most affordable rate at upscale gated community! At this moment, Spring months April + May 2009 are still available for your spring break vacation in Hawaii.

When you love the warm weather at Kailua-Kona and some late night action, this Kona 4Bd/5Ba Vacation Home with pool and jacuzzi Amazing 180-degree ocean views makes your Spring Break g vacation in Kona Hawaii a special one for special Spring rate $290/nt. Share this Kona ocean view home with friends or family. Available Spring Break dates 2009: 3/12 - 3/20 + April 2009.

2 Bd/2 Ba Kohala Coast vacation home at Kohala Estate with 180° ocean view offers a a 30% discount for Spring 2009 April, May and June at $175/nt. (dbl.). Experience Hawaii at its best. Enjoy the Aloha at this tropically decorates two bedroom, two bathroom Kohala Coast vacation home, minutes from best white sands beaches, world-class golf and five star resorts.


Opulent Executive Kona Vacation Home has panoramic ocean view, every amenity,long distance phone and internet,a two person jacuzzi bath with ocean view. BBQ and watch the whales from the deck and take in the continually comfortable Hawaiian breezes and the smell of flowers as you experience the beauty of paradise. This is a home you will want to come back to again and again. All this is available for Spring Special Rate from May 2009 at $150/nt.


Watch the waves at H-Bay and the ocean view sunsets off the water at Keauhou Bay at this 2Bd/2Ba Luxury Kona Country Club condo. You will have every amenity,long distance phone,high speed internet,granite counters throughout, gourmet kitchen, and BBQ from the beautiful lanai while listening to the luau music. Swim in the beautiful pool to relax and take in the Hawaiian lifestyle. You will not want to go home. Cheap Spring Rates for this Kona condo start May at $125/nt.


It's just the two of you and you love to stay close to the beach, this Puako Apartment is right across from Beach 1Bd/1Ba Puako Vacation Apartment (2 people max., no children). Best Deal Puako Beach $115/nt.! It is available for spring vacation in Puako on the Kohala Coast: 3/15 - 3/31 + April + May! In addition to Puako beach, just across the street from the apartment, best Big Island white sand beaches Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea Beach are a short 5-min. drive away.

Waikoloa Golf Condo with full kitchen enjoys expansive ocean views is located directly on the beautiful Waikoloa Village Golf Course on the Big Island. It has expansive ocean and beautiful sunset views. Beautiful Anaeho'omalu Beach is a short 10-min. drive away. The Golf Condo offers a great cancellation special NOW for 2/14 - 28/09 at $100/nt. and Spring SPECIALS for April + May at $110/nt.


Save lots of money on your nightly rate for going out to dinner or do a whale watch tour when you stay at this fully equipped (full kitchen), private location on the sunny side of Waimea with short 10-minute drive to the beach, which is currently still available for Spring months 2009 at $95/nt. with 7-night booking: 3/5 - 3/31 + April + May. See more info Sunny Side Waimea Kohala Coast Vacation Rental Cottage Near Best Beaches

There is no place like Hawaii on a Spring vacation. Hope you found what you were looking for on our list of Best Places Hawaii for Spring Break vacation 2009. Please, share comments about your Spring Break vacation in Hawaii. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

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Tags: Spring Break Hawaii, Spring Break 2009, Hawaii Spring Specials 2009, Hawaii Spring Vacation