Volcano Hospitality

Kilauea volcano has for quite some time has enticed and fascinated visitors. Since the mid-1800s, The Volcano House Hotel has sat on the edge of Kilauea caldera. Between the years of 1865-1955 the hotel maintained a register which has recorded the experience and wonder of Pele's domain. A lesson in geology and human nature, the amusing entries chronicle the lengths an adventurer might go to experience a natural wonder.

The guest book first appeared in 1865. Volcano house was no more than a grass hut when O.H. Gluck donated the first blank guest book.

Travelers and passerby are requested by the donor of this book to record their names in it and to note all, or any, volcanic phenomena that may come under their notice during their stay at the time of their visit. By so doing, this record may become of great value, some years hence, to the scientific world...
O.H. Gulick, 2 Feb 1865

In 1865 Volcano House was located between two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. As there was no official observatory at the time, Gulick proposed the original log book would be a means to record volcanic activity. The Volcano House eventually became a hotel which was rebuilt over the years. As one logbook was filled a new register was donated.

In 1866 an improved hotel was constructed by Julius Richardson of frame, bamboo and thatch. There was a furnished parlor, a fireplace, and two sleeping rooms.

Read the full Volcano House Hotel article by Gayle Olson.

Kona Coffee - The Cadillac of Coffees

How to start off about Kona Coffees. First talk with an expert about coffees. Like: what is his or her favorite type of bean, almost invariably you’ll hear one variety mentioned: Kona coffee.

Kona beans are grown in Hawaii and are treasured worldwide for their aroma and flavor. Kona beans are some of the most expensive on the market, and have come to be known as the best of the best.

For over 175 years, Kona beans have been growing continually on Hawaii in the North and South Districts of Kona, an area about 20 miles long and 2 miles wide.

In the shadow of two volcanic mountains, the Kona Districts have a unique microclimate of sunny mornings and cloudy afternoons which provide natural shade. The volcanoes protect the area from strong trade winds that would otherwise harm the coffee plants and give the soil its ashen quality in which the plants thrive.

The mountains also give Kona a cool, dry, winter season for harvesting and a rainy summer when the coffee plant is growing and the fruit is developing.

Most Kona coffee is grown on large, old-growth, productive Typica trees. Kona trees grow strongly on the steep, well-draining slopes of the two enormous volcanic mountains.

Read the full Kona coffee article by Randy Wilson.

Iron Man Hawaii 2005

Iron Man Hawaii 2005 will be contested this year on October 15th, 2005, in and around Kailua/Kona, Hawaii. The Iron Man Hawaii 2005 Triathlon World Championship is the culmination of many qualifying events, all leading up to this competition. The race consists of a 2.4 mile ocean swim, a 112 mile bike race, and a 26.2 mile marathon run. Lest there be any slackers, (ha, ha), there is a time limit of 17 hours from start to finish. Iron Man Hawaii 2005 will be watched by thousands on the ground in Kona, as well as approximately 50 million people worldwide on TV.

The Iron Man Hawaii 2005 Triathlon is rightly regarded as the world championship of triathlon racing. A tough course, temperatures between 82-95 degrees and matching humidity, and winds that can gust as high as 60 mph buffet the contestants all the way through the 8-12 hours it takes most of them to finish. The rewards are worth it however. Besides the intangibles of even completing a race as tough as this, a total of $480,000 in prize money is awarded to the pro division. 2000 competitors from over 50 countries will vie for the distinction of winning Iron man Hawaii 2005!

Read the full Iron Man Hawaii article by Keith Thompson.

Molokai: The Best Hawaiian Island You've Never Visited

About 1.5 million years ago two large volcanoes, Kamakou in the east and Maunaloa in the west, pushed through the ocean's surface and formed the island of Molokai. It first became inhabited around 650 A.D. by daring settlers traveling

in double hulled canoes from Tahiti and other areas in the South Pacific. Of the roughly 7,000 residents about 40% are of Hawaiian descent, hence the moniker "The Most Hawaiian Island".

Here's a quick list of places I visited in Molokai...

Kalaupapa National Historical Park: The settings of two tragic chapters starting in the mid 19th century with the removal of indigenous people from this spot followed by the forced quarantining of leprosy patients here.

RW Meyer Sugar Mill Museum: Also known as the Molokai Museum and Cultural Center, this retired sugar mill was built in the late 1870's to crush and process sugar cane. The family home, which overlooks the mill, is still owned by RW Meyer family members.

Kawela Battlefield: Long before hostilities with European settlers existed, inter-island rivalries and battles took place between native Hawaiians. This is the site of a 5-day battle which took place in 1736 where the joint forces of Molokai and Hawaii defeated invading forces from Oahu. Thousands of warriors perished, including the Oahu chief, Kapiiohookai.

Read the full Molokai article by Isaac Rau.

Luau! Decorating with a Hawaiian Theme

Hawaii is a first choice travel destination with millions of people - and for good reason. Bring a little of that island feeling into your home, either indoors or in your outdoor living space. You can apply this theme to an elegant dinner party, a fun and funky luau, or anything in between.

1. First, look at the space itself, including floors, walls, roof or ceiling.

Texture

Think natural materials. Try bamboo matting on the floor. It's fairly inexpensive, very durable and easy on the feet. For a roof or large patio umbrella, consider palm leaf thatch.

Color

Choose rich vibrant colors inspired by island vegetation: hibiscus red, bird of paradise orange or palm tree green. Use pineapple and mango colored accents. Bright navy or marine blue makes an effective background.

2. Next, add the furniture. Again, natural materials are best. For example, raffia table skirts and rattan or bamboo furniture are a fast way to create that island atmosphere. If you're using indoor dining chairs or resin patio chairs and want an elegant feel, consider slipovers made of a fabric with a Hawaiian print.

Read the full Hawaiian decorating article by Debbie Rodgers.

Travel Oahu - Experience Hawaii Like A Local

Every year millions of visitors from Japan, mainland USA and beyond land at Honolulu International Airport ready to begin their vacation in paradise. Soon after landing, most visitors hop in a cab or bus sent from the hotel and begin the journey past downtown Honolulu and on to their reservation at a Waikiki hotel.

The allure of Waikiki is immediate. The packed streets, sounds of the beach, and exotic histories call to the traveler who soon hits the streets. Venturing out in Waikiki can be quite exciting. The streets are filled with foreign languages, throngs of tourists are dressed in their beach best, and the beginning of surf history can be seen at the end of the street. Waikiki can be so exciting that many visitors never escape its imaginary borders. Approximately 6 million of these visitors miss the very sites that locals find so endearing, remaining within the two square miles of Waikiki.

For those travelers interested in seeing Oahu through its residents’ eyes, please read on.

Magic Island Beach Park - This popular park is located just west of Waikiki, across the street from the Ala Moana Shopping Center. The park includes two beaches, a three mile jogging path, tennis courts, and more. A walk around the park will expose the center of Hawaiian culture - the family. Large extended families gather around hibachis, spending the day together with a good food and plenty of sun. The beaches are significantly less crowded, so for a great day, grab a barbecue and head down to the beach at Magic Island!

Read the full Oahu article by Michelle Linden.

Ho'omana - Hawaiian Gods

Many examples of the land and its creatures represented gods, or akua to the Hawaiian. The tree, plants, stones, animals, and human beings were just a few examples, each akua had a special name with certain attributes.

The four great gods of the Polynesian system were Ku, Kane, Kanaloa, and Lono; each possessing particular powers and duties.

Ku - architect and builder

Ku was the great god presiding over war. Human sacrifices were made to him in temples built to honor Ku. His worship days, four in succession, occurred at the start of the moon month. The temples of Ku were built to certain specifications and presided over by a distinct cult of priests.

Kane - creator and giver of life

With the aid of Lono, Kane created man. Kane created the forests and brought certain rains and life to the land. Kane was the healer who resided in many of the healing plants. He had his own temples and priests. Depending on the attributes or purposes, Kane was known by many names.

Read the full Hawaii article by Gayle Olson.

Maui Is Like Your First Kiss, You Never Forget It

Just saying the word "Hawaii" conjures up images of brown
bodies, warm sunshine, and a romantic walk on the beach in
the moonlight. All of this is available and there is much
more than meets the eye. The only thing that could hold you
back from seeing and doing all that there is to do, is your
sense of adventure.

Hawaii is actually made up of six separate islands. Maui is
small compared to the "Big Island". But that doesn't mean
anything, because what Maui lacks in size, it makes it up in
it's atmosphere and personality. Maui serves up plenty of
historic and cultural attractions that will captivate your
imagination, while exposing the timeless traditions of this
magical island. For example, the town of Lahaina is a
National Historic District. This was once a thriving whaling
port. History buffs will enjoy Lahaina-Kaanapali and the
Pacific Railroads provide history lovers with an
unforgettable journey into the area’s plantation past.

"Paradise" is a word that that has been used to describe
Maui. Any way you slice it, vacationing on Maui is an
experience that will bring families closer together. The
good news is that there is also a focus on fun and
education. You have your pick of outdoor activities, and the
Native Hawaiian culture adds to the world-class atractions.
The Hawaiian culture focuses on the importance of children
and family, and many hotels and resorts have kid and student
discount programs available.

Read the full Maui article by Elizabeth Ann Wares.

A Lifetime Cruise – Hawaiian Cruise

Hawaiian Cruises are everyone’s dream cruise to the Hawaiian Islands on an exquisite ocean liner. Being pampered from dawn to dusk with exemplary cuisine, entertainment and fun for all that too for a moderate sum on a Hawaiian Cruise is definitely something out of the world. An increasing number of cruisers and liners are now regularly calling on the Hawaiian ports as also at the neighboring islands of Kaua’i, Maui, Kona and Hilo.

Hawaiian Islands, a cluster of 137, provide adventure – sports, relaxation and a new insight to oneself. The islands make one wonder whether you are at land or at sea.

Hawaiian Cruises transport you to a heavenly state. Because of the tropical latitude, the weather remains the same through most of the year. The eastern side has more rainfall while the western part is the dry land. Locals enjoy skiing and snowboard in the snow-covered areas of the Big Island.

The Hawaiian culture is very diverse and almost every nation’s culture is found here. Hence, any newcomer is automatically drawn into the Hawaiian culture, which is enjoyment and adventure. Honolulu is the capital city. It is believed that the first permanent inhabitants of this island had sailed in from the islands of Marquesas in the southern hemisphere between 300 and 800 A.D.

Read the full Hawaii cruise article by Colin Hartness.

All About Hawaii Five-O

Some of us are old enough to remember Steve McGarrett and his sidekick Danno in the long running tv series Hawaii Five-O.

For those that are old enough – and for those you may not be but are just curious – here are my top five Five-O factlets!

1. The show was based (and filmed almost exclusively) in Hawaii. Since this was the 50th U.S. state, it was given the name Hawaii Five-O. The show’s producer, Leonard Freeman, originally planned to call it “The Man”

2. The series is based around the activities of a special police agency headed by Steve McGarrett who reports directly to the state governor. In reality no such organization exists.

3. Five-O started in 1968 and finished – after 278 episodes spanning 12 series – in 1980.

Read the full Hawaii article by Vernon Stent.

Consider a private Kauai vacation rental for your next getaway

There are many wonderful resorts with tons of activity in the Hawaiian Islands. However, have you ever considered staying in a vacation rental home or condo? You can experience much of what the resorts offer while enjoying the comforts of home in a private Kauai vacation rental. The island of Kauai still has many secluded areas and beaches, and a private vacation rental can give you access to it all while also giving you an unequally level of privacy.

Kauai, Hawaii has a lot to offer for all ages - golfing, fishing, shopping, dinner cruises, fine dining, luau’s, hiking or camping in tropical rainforest, swimming in the ocean or under breathtaking waterfalls, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, windsurfing, helicopter tours, hang gliding, paragliding and more... About 10 percent of Kauai is accessible by road. That's great news if you enjoy hiking because it means there's a lot of island out there waiting to be explored on foot. It also means that are lots of opportunities to stay in a secluded Kauai vacation rental, such as a personal home, condo, or villa.

Relax and enjoy Maui’s beautiful sunsets or go to a luau on the beach. Kauai has a number of world renowned beaches, such as Princeville, Kappa, and Poipu Beach.

Read the full Kauai article by D. Fowler.

Hawaii Volcano Tour

A Hawaii volcano tour can be a most memorable experience,
and is readily available (short of eruptions!) year round.
While each island boasts some volcanic heritage, The Big
Island is where all the action is.

A Hawaii volcano tour of necessity begins in Hawaii
Volcanoes National Park, established in 1916. This park,
containing more than 218,000 acres, is open daily and offers
guided tours and more. It encompasses both the world's most
massive volcano, Mauna Kea, at 13,796 feet, and Kilauea, the
world's most active volcano. Mauna Kea, which in Hawaiian
means literally "white mountain", gets this name from the
fact that it is quite often snow-capped. It is also thought
to be the world's tallest mountain when measured from it's
undersea base to the summit. Currently dormant, Mauna Kea
has also become the home of an important astronomical
center, where astronomers from all over the world vie for
spots atop the summit to view the heavens.

Kilauea, which has been in continual eruption since 1983,
gives visitors on a Hawaii volcano tour stunning views of
molten lava flows, steam vents, and vast lava fields. It is
said that this eruption has added more than 500 acres to the
Big Island since it's eruption! One more fascinating tidbit
about Kilauea, is that perched atop the crater rim
overlooking the caldera is the Volcano House, Hawaii's
oldest continually-operated hotel, dating from 1846.
Probably not hard to keep warm at night!

Read the full Hawaii volcano article by Keith Thompson.