Hawaii Welcomes Whale Season

The winter months bring vacationers’ from near and far to the islands of Hawaii, Humpback whales included.  From December to March and sometimes into April these gentle giants of the sea migrate to mate in our warm waters.  They return the following year to give birth, each female having a calf every two years or so.  The males are known for their songs…they make soulful and deep sounds heard from underwater.  You can’t hear them from the shore, but if lucky enough you see them kicking up some tail, breaching and blowing up to 10 feet.  They fast during their mating journey to Hawaii…imagine a Hawaiian vacation without food!  Maui is excellent for whale watching, as well as the Kona Coast of the Big Island.  Bon Voyage!

Whale Season is Here

Winter Fun in Hawaii

Ahhhh, paradise!  Especially for the “snowbirds”,  our visitors from colder climates.  From November to March the weather in Hawaii is especially nice — a bit cooler than the summer months and somewhat drier as well.  While most everyone on the US mainland is hunkering down, building fires to stay warm and sipping hot chocolate, we’re enjoying the beach and all the activities associated with summer. It’s a great time for a getaway!

All one really needs is a plane ticket, a place to stay and a “puka-shell tour guide”  to find some really great spots and fun things to do.  If you have frequent-flyer miles saved up and a timeshare you’re ahead of the game.  There are deals out there if you look at Kayak.com, Expedia, Priceline or any of the other travel sites.  Booking ahead is a good idea but there are lots of “last-minute” deals if you search around.

The Big Island, also known as the island of Hawaii, is the largest in the Hawaiian island chain.  It’s actually larger than all the other islands put together.  While you can get around the other islands in a few hours, the Big Island requires a few days to really see everything.  Whether you’re arm-chair traveling or actually planning a trip to Hawaii, here’s a few ideas for some winter fun…Aloha!





Postcards from Hawaii

These exotic beauties mature slowly and last for about two months.  The purple flower is lightly scented and the blooms come out one at a time.

Hibiscus come in many colors.  This rare variety blooms upside down and has an extra-long stamen.  The petals are amazingly split rather than solid.

White plumeria is common, but oh, so fragrant!

 

 

 

 

Pikake, or Jasmine is  just delightful…one of the most fragrant flowers found in Hawaii.  The blooms are often strung into lei’s.

Coral-colored anthirium also known as “boy flower”.  These are another long-lasting bloom that come in a wide variety of colors and shapes.

 

 

Aloha from Hawaii, USA

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honolulu — happiest city in the country?

Magazine names Honolulu happiest city in the country.

Honolulu is a lovely city.  It’s like any other big city in a lot of ways but Honolulu is a great place to enjoy cultural events, visit historical sites, swim, surf and find some really great restaurants.  The beautiful warm weather probably has a lot to do with the happiness factor.  And who doesn’t want to be happy?

Handing Down Hawaii’s Rich History

Handing Down Hawaii’s Rich History by Frankie Stapelton
A heartfelt article about a truly great lady with a long Hawaiian heritage…she was a blessing to many and will be so missed.  Aloha nui loa Aunty Wattie.

Guardians of the Place of Refuge

These ki’i guard the Place of Refuge

Hawaiian Beach Vacation

There’s so many beautiful places to visit on the island of Hawaii.  The most popular attraction is by far the Volcano’s National Park where eruptions have been almost continuous since January, 1983.  But along the west side of the island lies another National Park that’s well worth your time while visiting the island.  Pu’uhonua o Honaunau is on the Kona Coast about 15 miles south from the village of Kailua-Kona.

If you have a National Park pass entrance to the park is free, otherwise there’s a small charge to enter the park.  The visitor’s center offers a self-guided walking tour through a recreated ancient Hawaiian village complete with carved tiki and Hawaiian canoe’s and shows how Hawaiians lived centuries ago.

Just imagine the history.  Honaunau Bay, as it’s known today was long inhabited by early Hawaiians.  The  royal grounds were home to the ali’i’, the royal chiefs.  The canoe landing and royal grounds were for the exclusive use of the ali’i’ and their servants.  Their residences included thatched huts, coconut palm groves,  and fish ponds.

The Place of Refuge, or pu’uhonua is separated from the royal grounds by a huge wall made of stone around 1500 and is said to have been a sanctuary for those who were caught breaking any kapu, or sacred laws.  If an offender were to make it to the pu’uhonua safely a priest, or kahuna, could perform a ceremony for their deed to be forgiven.  This was important because breaking a kapu could mean death.

The structures, plants, artifacts and wildlife all make this National Historical Park a must-see for visitors.  Each summer around the 1st of July an annual cultural festival is held.  Picnicking, hiking, diving, snorkeling and fishing are features as well.  Online information is available at http://www.nps.gov/puho

For more fun and Hawaiian activities visit http://www.healthyinhawaii.com “Healthy Fun on My Hawaiian Vacation”

Breath of Fresh Air for Kona

So many restaurants have come and go in Kona it’s hard to remember all of them…some memorable and some not.  It makes one wonder what the owners are thinking when they decide to go into such a tough business.  It surely takes a combination of brains and guts to make it succeed.  And when the business fails it’s because someone, or a group of someone’s, made a bad decision or, more likely a series of bad decisions.

Well it looks like a breath of fresh air has come to Kona with a new restaurant opening soon in Keauhou.  Sam Choy’s Kai Lanai certainly appears to have all the right stuff…breathtaking view of the coast…super location with plenty of parking and of course, Sam Choy.  His success speaks for itself with an impressive track record of recipes, recipe books, TV shows and successful restaurants.  Welcome back Sam!  We’ve missed you.

Whether you’re visiting the Big Island or you’re fortunate enough to live here year-round…treat yourself to some poke and the best view of Kona from the Kai Lani in Keauhou.  A hui ho!