Archive for the Category »Hawaii «

Apr
12th		   Hotel of the Week: Sister Hotels in #Hawaii Get Makeovers
Leave a Comment Category: Family Travel, Hawaii, hotels, Travel Tags:

From concierge.com

One small Hawaiian  island – two completely different resorts. That is Lanai. Although there are other smaller B and B type accommodations on the island, these are the main places to stay… The Lodge at Koele, and Four Seasons Manele Bay. (Both are Four Seasons properties by the way.)

Lodge at Koele, Lanai

The good news: Both have been renovated in time for summer! The Lodge feels like a hunting lodge with a slight Hawaiian twist, not a typical Hawaiian beach resort – it is not right on the beach, but you can access one.

Horseback riding at the Lodge, from Pleasantholidays.com

The Lodge at Koele is a unique property for Hawaii, offering activities like horseback riding, archery, and air rifle.

Renovated lobby, Four Seasons at Manele Bay, Lanai

Four Seasons at Manele Bay is now open and airy, right on a family friendly beach. I was there about three years ago, and it needed an update. It certainly didn’t feel like a typical Four Seasons to me. See old lobby below.

Old lobby at Manele Bay

 

Resort at Manele Bay pool

These aren’t your water slide hotels you’ll find on other Hawaiian islands if that’s your thing, but there is still plenty for families to do -stand up paddling lessons, body surfing, golf,  etc.

Certain public areas like the sports bar at Manele Bay has been upgraded as well… and Nobu restaurant has been added… and offers poolside sushi :)

The Lodge has around 100 rooms, and Manele Bay – around 200 rooms. Hopefully each room and suite will be updated soon – I heard a rumor and am trying to confirm.

It will also be easier to get there -  Hawaiian Airline’s new turboprop subsidiary, Ohana by Hawaiian Airlines, will begin daily service to Lanai starting July 2013. Island Air also announced plans to double its inter-island turboprop fleet by the end of 2013.

After a lot of traveling, I am in the mood to kick it on a peaceful beach this summer – you? If so – there are some summer specials – book two nights get a third free! www.fourseasons.com/lanai.

Wishing you a weekend full of aloha spirit…

 

 
Jun
15th		   Hotel of the Week: Inspiration for Dads and Grads
Leave a Comment Category: Cool Hotels, golf, Hawaii, hotels, New York, Travel Tags: , , ,

In my next life I want to be a motivational speaker. That’s if being a rockstar/singer/musician doesn’t work out :)

It’s no coincidence I realize this during the season of commencement speeches… I get sentimental as I watch my kids or my kids’ friends graduate and move on.

What does this have to do with travel? I can make that segue! One of my favorite muse-like songs has frequent metaphors referring to places to visit… Many of those places are perfect for all you great dads, and hopeful grads. As “mushy” as it is, “I Hope You Dance” inspires…it would make a good commencement speech.

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty-handed

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean.…

THE FOUR SEASONS LANAI LODGE AT KOELE

An anomaly as far as Hawaiian resorts go, this is almost like a hunting lodge on a tropical island.

Masculine and strong design..with a fantastic golf course, this appeals to dads… and the relaxing beautiful setting appeals to grads.

When you stand by the ocean here, it is at the sister Four Seasons on the island at Manele Bay – inviting white sand beaches with great snorkeling and paddleboarding.

Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance…

THE POINT IN NEW YORK’S ADIRONDACK MOUNTAINS

This is one place over which I still lust . On my bucket list. A six hour drive from Manhattan, it is opulance in relaxed mountain wilderness, with outstanding food and wine.

.. Creature comforts of the highest caliber mixed with the simplicity and beauty of nature…which keeps it unpretentious. It is a Relais and Chateaux getaway, & kids aren’t allowed.

There are only 11 rooms… and each one has a lake view, with an over-sized chiseled fireplace for cozy nights in the fresh mountain air.

Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances but they’re worth taking
Lovin’ might be a mistake but it’s worth making

Don’t let some hell-bent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance…

CLOSE TO HEAVENS ABOVE: Jungfraujoch, Switzerland.

This spectacular spot in the Swiss Alps is known as the “Top of the World” since it is more than 11,000 feet above sea level.

The Jungfrau Railway, which leads through the heart of the mountains and up to the highest train station in Europe, offers unbelievable views of the mountain giants Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau and of the longest river of ice in the Alps.

Inside the train station (the peak is called “Sphinx”), a lift takes visitors to the observation platform, from which one has a magnificent view of the mountains. The Jungfrau-Aletsch region is the first Unesco World Natural Heritage Site in the entire Alpine region.

Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along….
Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder
Where those years have gone

Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance – DANCE.

Do you dance?

2011

 
Sep
23rd		   Hotel of the Week: Disney Comes to Hawaii
Leave a Comment Category: Amusement Parks, Hawaii, Travel Tags: , , ,

I know what you’re thinking. Or at least what I’m thinking. Hawaii personifies everything that Disney is not.

Don’t get me wrong – I think Disney is one of the best companies for customer service. Their theme parks and hotels are unparalleled in terms of cleanliness and catering to families. I just would have wanted to keep the “magic of Disney” away from the pristine shores of Hawaii.

Yes, I know some big hotels with water slides have sort of already tarnished the natural beauty… but Mickey with a lei on a white beach just seems wrong.

Nonetheless, it is my job to tell you that the Aulani is now open on Oahu – a grand Disney resort with 359 hotel rooms, and 460 vacation club villas. It is located on the leeward side of the island, about 17 miles west of Honolulu airport. You would need a taxi or car if you want to go into Waikiki.

The resort is actually located in a beautiful setting near lush green mountains and right on the beach… but in a sort of fabricated Disney way. I’ve never been, just for full disclosure,  and am just saying this according to the research I’ve done.

To Disney’s credit, they have put Hawaiin art all througout the resort, and tried incorporating authentic touches. Even better, it means jobs for the locals, and Disney has contributed back to the community by donating money to local schools.

The activities are of course, family friendly. There are some awesome pool play areas. But many hotels in Hawaii have similar great programs. Kids club, waterslides, more than one pool, beach activities, but at a price. Renting a beach umbrella and chairs for the day costs $20, and to rent a Stand Up Paddleboard – $30.

One thing that stood out as different to me is that they have a “teen spa.” Catering to girly-girls, it offers  a mixology bar to make perfume, and body polishes. It also has a yogurt and elixir bar, teen activities, and computer stations – which I would have left off. Can’t they go off the grid in a place like Hawaii? But teens will be teens.

It will be interesting how the hotel does – I was just on Oahu, and hotel bookings were down due to the decrease in Japanese visitors affected by the March tsunami. If you want to check it out, just go to www.resorts.disney.go.com/aulani-hawaii-resort/

Aloha and have a great weekend.

 
Sep
21st		   Where to Take Your Kids Before They Move Out.
Leave a Comment Category: African Safari, Amusement Parks, Beaches, Educational Travel, Family Travel, Hawaii, History, Italy, New York, Travel, Walt DIsney World Tags: ,

School is back in session.. life is getting back to routine. My oldest started middle school… so last spring’s 5th grade graduation was a milestone for me: He was leaving the nurturing nest of our sweet elementary school.

Actually, it was compounded by the fact that my youngest graduated kindergarten just the day before… the stark contrast between the 5 year olds and 10 year olds made me realize they grow so fast. So me, being sentimental, started to think that – OMG – the empty nest doesn’t seem too far away. A bit dramatic? Maybe.

Have you thought about what you want your life to be when you are an empty-nester? (That is another blog post!) Or…have you thought about what you want to do with your kids while you still have them at home? Where would you like to take family vacations before they are too busy… or have moved away? You only have so many chances to create indelible travel moments together.

I have thought about this. Everyone is different, but there are some general themes that would make for memorable family get aways.

1) I will start with the most obvious, and probably easiest: Hit the beach. Rent a beach house, plant your toes in the sand, BBQ at sunset, play on the beach, and bring board games. With just simple pleasures, there are many opportunities for bonding time. Hawaii will also work here – there is nothing like getting to an island – can’t recreate that vibe as much as I have tried. Hawaii is the easiest for many reasons: With kids you want things simple, and it is an English speaking, American state…. everything is pretty convenient. Cue the sea breeze please.

2) Brave a World-Class Big City or Two. World class museums, taxis zipping by, wonderful parks. I would put New York City, Paris, London, and Rome on that list. San Francisco too – but it is more laid back.

You can also find many free things to do in large cities – take advantage of free days at museums, the many free activities in parks from puppet shows to concerts to playgrounds. When I took my kids to Paris, it was unbelievable how long we could sit in a park and watch our kids play on all the play areas so different than anything we have in America, as well as multi-generational pick-up games of soccer that they joined.

3) Sneak in a History Lesson: Everyone would love their children to have a sense of the world, and historic moments. Seeing is believing over just learning in textbooks. Some locations steeped in history make awesome family vacations. Did I mention Rome? I am again. The birthplace of Western civilization, there are many a history lesson to be found here. There are tours about Julius Caesar… and standing relics of ancient Rome like the Forum and Coliseum. Vatican city is important whether you are a practicing Catholic or not  - what a statement it makes about organized religion, and it’s importance to many people. No to mention, the art history lesson there…the Sistine Chapel and the architecture of Basilica di San Pietro.

Also on my list: Greece, Washington DC – tour the capitol and White House, visit the monuments, and if you have time go to Gettysburg, Boston, or London.

4) Lions and Tigers and Bears and Nature. Expose your kids to the good old outdoors, and all the creatures that call  it home. Kids love animals – even teens find them interesting. In Alaska, I met some teens who said Alaska was their best family vacation – believe me, if you’ve been to Alaska, you know how original it is compared to the rest of America. Bear viewing, kayaking with bald eagles, hiking glaciers are all possible in the Last Frontier.

Easier to get to for most, are our national parks. Yellowstone may be one of the best I’ve visited for animal viewing, along with being an incredible geological lab for all! Your kids will love the spouting geysers, bubbling mudpots, and hissing steam vents… Yellowstone has the greatest concentration of thermal features in the country—nearly 10,000 of them.

There is also the Galapagos Islands – home of the blue-footed booby, the Great Barrier Reef for some amazing viewing of marine life, and Africa for an organized safari, which is better for older kids.

5) Lastly – it is a rite of passage for a child to visit a theme park. You only capture that thrill for a short time, so indulge them, no matter how crowded and how bad the food.:)

Some of these trips can be done on a budget. Forgive me if I have missed some other potential trips.

But now, you have time, and hopefully inspiration to plan for next summer… these are trips that will last a lifetime.

 
Jun
01st		   What’s Your Best Locals’ Tip? An Insider’s Beach For Kayaking And Paddling…
Leave a Comment Category: Beaches, Family Travel, Hawaii, Travel Tags: , ,

How many of you bother to ask the locals what you should do on a trip to their home town? On my last trip to Hawaii, I peppered my friend who lives there for suggestions. We had a car the whole time on Oahu and I was ready to use it.

It is rare that a local’s suggestion isn’t a good one. Usually if it is a bad suggestion it is because they tell you what they think you want to see a.k.a. touristy destinations instead of authentic gems.

The tip to go to Kailua Beach on Eastern Oahu was a treasure. It didn’t feel like Hawaii…. fine white sand… warm light blue water… and not a tourist I could spot for miles.

It was quiet and peaceful – get me out of Waikiki – and as a parent I could actually relax. My kids were playing in the water, but the tide broke close to where I was laying on the sand, and the waves were gentle.

The beach is a great beach for swimming….

Or if you arel up for a more active day, it is a big kayaking beach (this photo makes it look crowded, but really it wasn’t.)…and good for stand up paddling. It is also famous for windsurfing, but I didn’t see many the day I went.

You can find rentals for all the equipment right down near the beach, or in the nearby village. Some places even offer lessons. Try www.hawaiianwatersports.com, or www.kailuasailboards.com.

There is a big grass area near the beach to toss a ball too…. surprisingly clean bathrooms for a beach… and plentiful parking.

AND – it is right across the street from Buzz’s Original Steakhouse- another local favorite. Feels like Jimmy Buffet should be right there on the wrap around porch with a margarita. This joint is way casual, but has loads of personality. The food wasn’t outstanding, but the place grew on me after one of their strong drinks. A convenient and fun way to grab lunch… or appetizers. Buzz’s closes between 3 and 4:30 so make sure you go during the open hours…. dinner time no tank tops are allowed.

Got a favorite locals’ tip? Please share!

 
May
27th		   Hotel of the Week: An Unusual Combo of Chic, Elegant, and Family-Friendly
One Comment Category: Beaches, Hawaii, hotels, Luxury Travel, Travel Tags: ,

My new favorite hotel of the moment is the Kahala Resort in Hawaii on the island of Oahu. Not far from Waikiki…. but it feels like a different island itself. The Kahala is not only gorgeous, but peaceful since it is away from the hubbub of Honolulu.

The interior of the main lobby is open and airy – and the beach is picturesque…great for swimming as it doesn’t get too deep fast.

The Kahala Resort is in one of the nicest neighborhoods in Hawaii. We stayed in that neighborhood recently and could ride our bikes to the Kahala – the hotel is notorious for its Sunday brunch which attracts locals from nearby.

The kids love the dolphin quest program.. and the rays who live at the hotel. Even though other hotels I’ve seen with dolphin programs seem a little commercial, the Kahala is able to maintain its authenticity, In fact, it is far from being similar to some of the mega ornate hotels that have spouted up in Hawaii.

There are a few great restaurants – the Plumeria is high on my list even if you don’t stay at the hotel. It is what a meal in Hawaii should be – right on the beach… a very relaxed environment -kids were running around on the grass lot right near the tables… and fairly priced for a nice hotel. The Plumeria is not the highest end restaurant at the hotel, and frankly I think it is the prettiest.

Look how cute the menu and centerpieces are.  It has a kids menu too.

The hotel has a great package for families who want joining rooms – and right now is running a last minute spring deal… as well as a “4th night free” special that we’ve been seeing at a lot of other hotels.

Yes, airfare to Hawaii is costly right now – but it is to many other places too….. so if you are thinking about a summer vacation on this weekend to kick off the sunny season, the Kahala won’t disappoint. Aloha and have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend. :)

www.kahalaresort.com

 
May
23rd		   Get Off the Lounge Chair and into the Wild in Hawaii
Leave a Comment Category: eco-friendly, Family Travel, Hawaii, Travel Tags: , , ,

Believe me, there are times when all I want to do on vacation is show up with my good book, have everything planned for me, and never ever leave the beach. But that rarely happens because I am the planner, and once I am on a trip, I want to see things. Hawaii – the ultimate lounging vacation – is no exception.

Manoa Falls Hike, Oahu

On my recent trip that I have written about in the past couple weeks, I took a family hike along a trail that is totally enjoyable and lush. I have taken the Manoa Falls hike a couple times now, and it really is an easy outing if you are staying on Oahu. If you don’t stay on Oahu, don’t worry, there are plenty of good hikes on other islands, and plenty of guide books to tell you where.

But what makes Manoa Falls special is that it is fabulous for kids – it is easy enough, yet the path is also interesting to hold their attention. It is about a 1 1/2 mile hike round trip… and the reward is a pretty waterfall.

Along the way you go through enormous bamboo forests….

and a rain forest that resembles Jurassic Park.

There are also bridges and other natural structures along the path that the kids find fun.

The other thing I like about Manoa is that if you aren’t with kids, you can extend the hike with a pretty strenuous and steep detour to the left once you reach the  falls.  If you go on that path it will take you another good hour higher. Although the lower portion of the hike  – to the falls – is plenty aerobic, this second portion will have you comatose. Good comatose, however, because when I hiked it on another trip with my girlfriends,  we rewarded ourselves with the best burgers in Oahu – The Counter in Kahala.

Overall, it is a couple hour outing, and longer if you do the extended hike. It is a great way to spend time with your kids- lots of time for good conversations – and pointing out some of the beauty of nature. We saw some brilliantly colored birds… as well as a friendly chicken :)

It is an easy drive from Waikiki… there is a parking lot right there for $5, and you can buy water at the cafe about 100 yards from the parking lot. Better yet – bring water on your own. Don’t leave valuables in your car – there have been some reported problems with thieves. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes with good traction – it can be slippery on parts of the trail because it is so moist.

I have been on some equally beautiful hikes on Maui as well… If you motivate to get off the lounge chair, there are some good resources to help you plan a hike on your next trip to the islands:

“The Hiker’s Guide to Oahu”…..by Stuart M. Ball Jr.  and “The Hiker’s Guide to th e Hawaiian Islands” by the same author…also “Day HIkes in Hawaii,” by Robert Stone

Happy Trails….

 
May
05th		   A Beautiful Beach: Sun Bathing, Snorkeling, etc.: One Week in Hawaii off the Resort Part II
Leave a Comment Category: Family Travel, Hawaii, Travel Tags: ,

If you ever go to Hawaii and stay on Oahu, go  beyond Waikiki and the hotels.

Hanauma Bay, Oahu

One of the top highlights for any family is Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Every guide book says this – but I will share my personal experience there.

The bay IS as beautiful as that picture. It is an inactive volcanic crater, and  is a state park that is preserved very well in part by limiting the number of daily visitors. The nature preserve’s website says it opens at 6AM – Once the parking lot fills up, drivers are turned away. Don’t come after 8:30 AM and expect to get in.

Get there early!

Just look at the crowds at 8:20 AM. Why the line?  You need to watch a film about conservation before entering the beach. Since this is a top snorkeling destination, there are instructions about not touching the fish, or walking on the coral. After the film, you walk down a steep hill to the beach. Beautiful view on the way down – you can actually see the coral beds the water is so clear.

Once you hit the sand,  you can rent snorkeling gear and get a locker if need be. There is not much shade on this beach, so if possible bring an umbrella.

In addition to getting there EARLY, bring snacks…. there is no food on the bay. There is a snack shack up near the entrance, but you won’t want to  hike back up that steep, long hill in the heat, for a mere pineapple slush. The bathrooms are also up the hill. For these two reasons, Hanauma Bay makes for a good half day outing.

The beach itself is feels very safe -  The water is calm and clear…

I was impressed with the lifeguard attention on this small quaint bay. Still, don’t get too relaxed  – always keep an eye on your kids when they are snorkeling. If you can, practice snorkeling with them in a pool first. It’s a shallow bay – the coral is only about two feet below water level, so you are really close to the fish and large reefs when you snorkel …which can be a little nerve wracking for young kids.

The marine life is great, there are some truly gorgeous fish.  But on the day I was there, there were not nearly as many fish as in the film you watch.

The bay is known for the abundant green sea turtles, but my biggest disappointment was not seeing one. I get the sense visibility must vary day to day. Another benefit to getting there early is that you can snorkel before all the sand is kicked up making the water murky.

If you have little ones who aren’t confident swimming with snorkel gear, bring your own kids’ sized mask. And bring your own “noodle” to help them float. You can rent life vests, but my kids found them uncomfortable and cumbersome.

The park is closed on Tuesdays…unless you are President Obama -there are reports he and his family snorkeled here on a Tuesday during his Christmas break.

There is a $7.50 admission fee for adults over 13, and a $1 fee to park. If you are staying at a hotel in Waikiki, and don’t have a car, there is a bus that runs to Hanauma. But, although Hanauma Bay is only 10 miles from Waikiki, it can be an hour or more trip by bus.

This may be one of  the prettiest beaches in America. I am so ready for summer. Have you booked your family vacation? http://www1.honolulu.gov/parks/facility/hanaumabay/

 
Apr
27th		   Sun Bathing…Surfing…Snorkeling..and Snuba: One Week in Hawaii off the Resort.
Leave a Comment Category: Beaches, Family Travel, Hawaii, sports travel, Travel Tags: , , ,

It is SO easy to go to Hawaii and just chill. Completely relax on the beach, or by the pool. But… don’t ya sometimes want a little more action? I discovered that you can have balance – relax, AND do something out of the ordinary.. even when you bring the kids.

During the next week or two, my posts will reveal some fun things to do with (or without) your kids on the island of Oahu. Oahu is MUCH more than Waikiki (thank goodness.) You can spend a week there and never even visit Waikiki and still see beautiful beaches. No offense to those who love Waikiki – it just has become overrun with tourists and very very commercial.

Waikiki Beach, Honolulu with Diamond Head in background

One of my very favorite things to do in Hawaii, and you can do this on most Hawaiian islands, is to take a surf lesson if you aren’t already a skilled wave rider. There are a few different groups who teach – some are stationed right on the beach of Waikiki. But it is always best to try and reserve a lesson in advance with a phone call because lessons do fill up. I have used Ty Gurney Surf School twice now and had a blast. They make standing up on the board seem so easy, and are patient, encouraging teachers…plus just a plain fun bunch of guys. www.tygurneysurfschool.com

You first get an instruction on dry land of where to lay on your board when you paddle, how you stand up, and where you put your feet. move . Then it’s time to paddle out.

The lesson comes with a surfboard… Beginners get a long board, with a soft top like the one above.  TIP: You WILL feel sore the next day. It is quite a work out, even though you don’t realize it because you are having too much fun.

Since the waves break pretty far out off the Waikiki shore, you gotta paddle  a while.  The guys had to tow me at one point so we could actually catch some waves before my one hour lesson ended. It is truly amazing to see how these guys pulled me out – me, laying on my board, with one instructor laying on his board right ahead of me, so I am looking a the bottom of  his feet.  His toes are securely wedged onto my board, pulling me – with the sheer strength of his toes!! Seriously – even when we went through waves head on to get out farther, his toes still stayed attached to my board!!

Once we got far enough out, the instructors helped me read the waves. In my experience Waikiki is a great place to learn because the waves aren’t too big, and they come in rapid sets. Once the boys decided the wave was a good one, I had to face the shore and paddle. The most valuable thing the instructors do is give you a little push at that point so you can “catch” the rhythm of that wave… then standing up on the board is “all you.”

TIP: You  have more time than you would think to stand up – don’t be impatient and rush it.

Once you get it, it is exhilarating and addictive. And that’s good… because Ty Gurney offers you a surf photographer to document your little adventure. James of 83 East Productions was fun and never got in my way (smart guy avoiding the rookie) – so much so that I didn’t think he was even taking photos of me. If you can afford it, I would buy the video/photo package if you take the lesson. Even if you have someone on shore taking pictures, they would never be as close up as these, for example. He shoots video too!! Super fun.

You GOTTA check out the surfing bulldog on his YouTube page. I wish I could embed it here. www.youtube.com/83eastproductions

Incorporating lessons would make a great girls trip… or a gift for someone’s special birthday. It’s never too late to try something new. There are kids lessons too! Yes, your kids should be strong swimmers.

TIP: What to wear:

–The heaviest sunscreen you can find, then layer it with make up. You can get really scorched and not realize it while you are out there for a while.

–Rash guard is appropriately named. Wear one.  The friction of your body against the board every time you move on it causes an annoying rash – feels kinda like a rug burn. If you have a wetsuit, that would be the ultimate protection.

–Beware of your feet too… I know it is only best to wear surf booties in cold water, but I thrashed my toes from the friction of transitioning from laying on my board, to sliding my feet into standing position.

Most important tip: Have fun! Everyone learns at a different pace so don’t expect to stand up your first wave. Remember, we all take our spills so hang in there :)

 
Apr
22nd		   A Pristine Place to Appreciate Earth Day
Leave a Comment Category: Hawaii, Travel Tags: , ,

Kahala Beach, Oahu

Sunrise in Hawaii this morning. Inspirational on this Earth Day, and Good Friday.

Happy Easter!

 
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