Hawaii Airfare
Hawaii Airfare. There are many airlines that fly into Hawaii, some of them come from the United States and others come from all over the world. Wherever you are you can find a flight to get to the Big Island for a fabulous Hawaii vacation.
Airfare to Hawaii
A Vacation in Hawaii Tips. When you begin to check for flights to Oahu, which is the site of Honolulu International Airport (HNL) be sure to go to all the different airline sites to get the best rate. There are twenty-three domestic airlines that service the area as well as sixteen international carriers so you should be able to compare flight details and find the one that fits both your schedule and your bank account.
Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge - Kauai, Hawaii
Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge - Kauai, Hawaii
Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge first came into being in 1985 with the acquisition of the historic lighthouse. Here ocean cliffs and open grassy slopes of an extinct volcano provide breeding grounds for native Hawaiian seabirds and nene, the endangered Hawaiian goose.
At this location you ca now see the red-footed boobies, Laysan albatrosses, wedge-tailed shearwaters, and other seabirds in their natural habitat which has not been available to the main Hawaiian Islands previously.
Kilauea Lighthouse - Kaui, Hawaii
Kilauea Lighthouse - Kaui, Hawaii
The Kilauea Lighthouse was constructed in 1913 and served as a pivotal navigational aid for the ships sailing on the Orient run.
It is a concrete lighthouse with three field stone keepers' quarters, a fuel oil shed, cisterns, and a supply landing platform. This is one of the nations most intact historical light stations. The 52-foot lighthouse is worth your time to go and visit.
The locations of Kilauea Point is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1976 and was acquired in 1985 by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and manages the 31 acres site as part of the 203 acre wildlife refuge.
The area offers sweeping views of the spectacular, rugged coast, an island bird sanctuary and excellent vantage points from which to observe Pacific marine life. Here the visitor may see native Hawaiian Wild Things including bird life (Red-footed Boobies, Laysan Albatross, Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, White and Red-tailed Tropicbirds, Great Frigatebirds, Pacific Golden Plovers) marine life (Pacific Green Sea Turtles, Spinner Dolphins, Hawaiian Humpback Whales) and coastal plants (alula, naupaka, hala, ulei, pohinahina and ilima).
At Kilauea Point, you are at the northernmost point in the Hawaiian Islands. Open daily from 10am to 4pm (except Holidays). (808) 828-1413.
McBryde Garden - Kaui, Hawaii
McBryde Garden - Kaui, Hawaii
This is a haven for endangered plants of the tropics. It is the home of the world's largest collection of native Hawaiian flora outside of the wild and hosts an extensive planting of palms, flowering trees, heliconias, orchids and other plants from the tropics for your enjoyment.
The garden offers a diversity of terrain and climate from cool, hot, wet, dry, lake, cliff or meadow.
NTBG's Conservation Program is based at this site where the garden contains a state-of-the-art horticulture and micropropagation facility.
Meandering through the garden is the L?wa`i Stream, transected by Bamboo Bridge in the lush greenbelt that borders it. The Canoe Garden contains plants of ancient Hawai`i and Maidenhair Falls area features such plants as chocolate, allspice, and ginger.
Luau - Kauai, Hawaii
Luau - Kauai, Hawaii
What, exactly, is a luau? The luau was born when, in 1819, King Kamehameah II abolished the traditional practice of men and women eating their meals apart. Commoners and women of all ranks were also forbidden by the ancient Hawaiian religion to eat certain dishes. When King Kamehameah II abolished the practice he had a feast where the King ate with the women and the luau was born.
The name Luau comes from the food that was served at these events. Young and tender leaves of the taro plant were combined with chicken, baked in coconut milk and called luau, therein, the name for the party!
Originally utensils were not used to eat, the poi and other foods were eaten with your fingers, today there are utensils for eating but much of the food is the same as in the old days, poi, sweet potatoes, dried fish or meat, coconuts, taro plants and other delicacies.
Some of the best luau food and Polynesian entertainment in the Islands can be found at "commercial" luaus.
Preparations for cooking in the "imu" are begun early in the morning of the day of the luau. A large pit is dug in the sand. Kiawe logs are placed in the bottom of the pit and topped with river rocks. A fire is started and after a couple of hours, the hot coals and hot rocks are ready for the next step. The rocks are evened out on the bottom of the pit and moist banana stalks are placed on top followed by a bed of banana leaves to put the pig on.
The pig, sweet potatoes and laulau are placed in the imu and covered with more banana leaves and ti leaves. Usually several wet burlap bags top this to add steam and keep the heat in. A tarp of some kind is then placed over the whole affair and then the pit is covered with sand. After 6 to 8 hours of this steam-cooking, the kalua pig is ready.
Other foods which are usually found at a luau are poi, chicken long rice, lomi salmon, haupia or coconut custard, sweet potato, salad, fish, rice and lots of specialty items.
Luaus are always held at sunset. Many are located on beautiful estates adjacent to beaches with a view of the setting sun over the ocean. A luau typically lasts about 3 hours and by the time it's over you'll have had more than a "taste of the tropics."
There are a number of different places to go to a luau in Kauai (and the other islands) so here are some suggestions that have been recommended by the islands tourist offices.
'Smith's Tropical Paradise Luau' is probably the most memorable luau on the island.
Smith's Tropical Paradise Luau
Located along the beautiful Wailua River in a rich, tropical garden, Smith's offers one of the most spectacular luau settings in Hawaii. You'll want to arrive early so you can stroll through the meandering pathways where you'll see lagoons teeming with fish, exotic peacocks, endangered "singing tree ducks," and over 20 types of fruit in their orchard. If you're in the mood, you can buy a tram ticket for a narrated tour of the grounds, which begins at 5:30pm.
At 6:00pm, you can watch the unearthing of the traditional pig during the Imu Ceremony. Your succulent dinner has been cooking all day in the underground oven! Then, Mai Tais (an Islnd favorite), beer, wine, standard bar drinks, and soft drinks are served, as tables go one at a time through the international luau buffet. You will be entertained with wonderful Hawaiian music and humor throughout the dinner hour.
After the feast, the conch shell blows and the torches are lit at the Lagoon Amphitheatre for the start of Kauai's most spectacular show! Night blooming lilies open before your eyes as the Hawaiian Goddess of the Volcano, Pele, dramatically emerges from the fiery lava to tell her story.
Kauai Coconut Beach Luau
The famous Coconut Plantation is the setting for this great luau. Beginning with a shell lei greeting and island arts and crafts before unveiling the featured dish, Kalua Pig, you'll enjoy the many Hawaiian specialties at the all-you-can-eat Polynesian buffet, and a never ending supply of Mai Tai's and punch from the open bar.
Tihati Productions brings you "Tihati's Hiva Pasefika" celebrating the special connection between Kauai and the South Pacific in song and dance — taking you on a voyage of discovery from Tahiti to Hawaii. Conch shells, drums of the South Pacific, Tahitian dancers, fire dancers of Samoa, and more!
Reservations for the Kauai Coconut Beach Luau are required. Location: Resort Quest Kauai Beach at Maka'iwa, East Kauai
Time: Evening
Duration: 2.5hrs
Available: Tu -Sun
Toll Free:
1-877-877-1222
Enjoy the experience!
Golfing in Hawaii - Kauai, Hawaii
Golfing in
On the beautiful
There are three major resorts dominating the
The Kauai Lagoons - Kiele Course on the
The Mokihana course is another resort course. This one is 18 holes and a Par 72. There are numerous bunkers and putt the undulating greens of this Scottish-style, rolling links course. This is a Jack Nicklaus layout that will challenge you with its bunkers and legging fairways.
Kukuiolono is a nine hole course and is probably one of
Poipu Bay Golf Course hosted the PGA of America's Grand Slam of Golf from 1994 to 2006. It is a 210 acres setting on the south coast of
Princeville Makai Course - Ocean/Lakes Coruse is made up of 3 9 hole courses names Woods,
Puakea Golf Course is the newest course on the island. An 18 hole Par 72 this course is set at the foot of scenic Haupu Ridge where much of the film
Wailua Golf Course is a municipal course and host to three National Amateur championships in its history. It is an 18 hole course with a Par 72.
When you are taking your Hawaiian vacation be sure to bring your clubs, the weather and views will make you glad you did.
Na ‘?ina Kai Gardens, Kaui, Hawaii
Na ‘?ina Kai Gardens, Kaui, Hawaii
This artistic and horticultural vision displays the founders strong love for the land and the people of the tropics.
The gardens span 240 acres and is a living mosaic of 13 diverse and bounteous gardens with a hardwood plantation, a moss and fern draped canyon and a pristine sandy beach between a meadow and the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
The Na ‘?ina Kai, "Lands by the Sea" in Hawaiian, continually evolves. It showcases the particular rare palette of flora, fauna, land, water and climate.
There are also more than 90 bronze sculptures throughout the gardens. It is one of the nations largest collections.
To tour the gardens you will need to take one of the guided tours whether on foot or on board a covered, motorized carriage. Each garden has its own personality and mood and will transport you into a world away from where you have been.
Tours are offered each Tuesday through Friday throughout the year. Tours range in length from 1.5 hours to 5 hours.
All tours are guided and suitable for children 13 and older. Children younger than 13 will enjoy one of our “Under the Rainbow” Children’s Garden Family Tours. Family tours must be pre-arranged.
Reservations are highly recommended; however, they are happy to accommodate drop-in guests on a space-available basis.
Na ‘?ina Kai’s Orchid House Visitor Center and Gift Shop is open each Monday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.; and Fridays 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Na ‘?ina Kai is closed to the public on weekends and holidays.
Email: info@naainakai.org
Phone: 808.828.0525
For Horticultural Information:
Call 808.828.0179 or send an email to horticulture@naainakai.org
Bellstone - Kauai, Hawaii
Bellstone - Kauai, Hawaii
What is a Bellstone? It is a stone that was struck in a particular spot and resonant tone could be heard for great distances. They were usually "rung" to signal a significant event, such as a royal birth.
There are Bellstones on almost all of the Hawaiian Islands. They were used for communication.
The stones were often placed by people and used to calibrate the Hawaiian calendars to summer and winter solstices.
* Striking the bellstone in the correct place produces an unusual tone that resonates
* Do not move or deface any of these stones as they historical and cultural value
DIRECTIONS:
Take Highway 56 south from Kapa'a toward Wailua. Turn right on Highway 580 (Kuamo'o Road). Just after Mile Marker #1 is a dirt road heading back toward the ocean. Follow this road to the end where these two boulders area located. The bellstone is about 100 feet past the guardrail.
Wet and Dry Caves - Kauai, Hawaii
Wet and Dry Caves - Kauai, Hawaii
On Kauai you have the opportunity to visit both wet and dry caves. The dry cave, Manini-holo Dry, sits among a grotto of ferns just across from Haena Beach Park on Highway 56. This cave feels deep and dry here. The cave is about 300 yards deep. It was much larger but the tsunami of 1957 filled part of it with sand.
Legend has it that Manini-holo, the Menehune (little people) who where chief fishermen dug the cave in search of the supernatural beast, akua, who had been stealing their fish. In reality, the ocean used to be much higher than it is now and the caves were formed when the ocean waves beat against the lava and etched away the rock.
When you visit the cave be sure to bring a flashlight to see the intricate designs that are etched on the caves sidewalls.
DIRECTIONS:
Take Highway 560 west from Ha'ena. The Dry Cave is located on the left side of the road, just before Mile Marker #9, across the street from the Ha'ena Beach Park.
Waikapala'e Wet Cave is located just down the road. This cave has an unusual effect for you if you want to brave the ice-cold water to the Blue Room. You will need to swim through a small opening at the back of the main cave to the smaller room where you will want to look toward the main opening. The sunlight reflecting off the freshwater makes everything around you turn blue!
The water in the wet caves comes from underground springs that eventually feed into the ocean. The water level in the caves are effected by the tide. Viewing in the Blue Room is best during high tide as the sunlight has a narrower opening into the chamber and more of the blue color is reflected.
Some things to keep in mind, there is a short hike to the cave and bacteria, such as leptospirosis is often present. You will see a sign posted nearby that states the hazard and states "No Swimming." But, if you are going to go anyway be aware that the water is very cold and in the Blue Room there is NOTHING to hold onto so you will have to tread water the entire time you are there. You will want to wear reef shoes to provide grip on the slippery lava rock.
DIRECTIONS:
From Ha'ena, take Highway 560 west. Both wet caves are located on the left just before Mile Marker #10, past the Ha'ena Beach Park. A short trail uphill leads to this cave.
Waiakanaloa Wet cave is located at the end of the road just before you reach Ke'e beach. This cave is normally filled with algae and not to be explored but you will certainly enjoy the view.
Directions: Take Hwy. 56 north all the way past the town of Hanalei. The dry cave is across from Haena Beach Park. Follow the directions above for the other caves.
