So, the Island of Hawaii inspires you to visit and you've decided that you want to go experience it all! The next stage in the planning process is where to stay on the beautiful island?? There is so much variety on the island and no shortage of places to stay. And part of our experience was to see some of the beautiful accommodations that you can stay for your trip.

SHERATON KONA RESORT & SPA at KEAUHOU BAY
The Sheraton Kona is a 4 star hotel in the Kona area providing gorgeous views of the Kona coast of the island. Located right next to the marina, it is within walking distance to snorkelling adventures and night time manta ray feeding excursions as well as close to Kona Village if you wanted to explore the area. 

This hotel is ideal for families and honeymooners in Kona. It is known for the iconic lava rocks that surround the property and the opportunity to view the manta ray feedings from the shore. The Rays on the Bay Restaurant is themed around the manta ray fish with the option to watch night feedings from the balcony overlooking the water. 

It holds the Haleo Luau at the resort, which we were able to enjoy during our trip. The gorgeous sunset setting is the perfect place to enjoy the luau. 

VOLCANO HOUSE
If you are visiting the Hawaii National Volanoes Park area, I would highly recommend moving to a location in the Hilo area for a couple of nights to explore the area and visit the park. The Hawaii National Volcanoes Park is the number #1 tourist attraction on the island, so it is definitely worth spending a few days in this area to explore the natural beauty of the Island of Hawaii. 

We were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to stay at Volcano House, right in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, overlooking Kilauea Caldera, with clear views of Halemaumau Crater. 
​

WESTIN HAPUNA BEACH RESORT
Hapuna Beach is rated one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii and the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort is beautiful beachfront resort in agreat location in the Waikoloa area. 

The Westin Hapuna recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation in June 2018 with a complete makeover of its lobby, guest rooms and pool area. The rebrand to the Westin aligns with the wellness and relaxation pillars that are evident with the Westin hotels. The upscale dining options and cuisine enhance the overall lush and relaxation experience you get when staying at this property. The rooms at 600 square feet are the largest hotel rooms available in the Kohala Coast area. 

It's a great hotel for families and honeymooners, with a gorgeous location to hold a destination wedding! 

MAUNA KEA BEACH HOTEL 

For families requiring more space or those looking for an upscale experience with culture and history, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel can meet those requirements! 

The ample cultural programs and kids activities onsite is what makes this hotel attractive to families. The Mauna Kea Discovery Center provides a great place for guests ot explore and learn about the history of Hawaii and the Mauna Kea Beach Resort. 

The hotel offers a variety of room sizes and configurations to meet different clientele, with a large section for golf enthusiasts. 

Unique to Mauna Kea is the Moonlight Manta Ray Tours, where you can enjoy a moonlight swim with the manta rays experience from the shores at the Mauna Kea! This activity is unique from other manta ray experiences is that you walk into the water from the shore, so it's safe and easy for those who are concerned about being in the water at night and easier for younger kids who want the experience! 

(We were supposed to have enjoyed this tour but the waters were too rough during our trip and our tour was cancelled. We were still able to learn all about the manta rays from our guide and it was a very educational and informative experience learning about these gentle giants!)
​

HALI'I KAI AT WAIKOLOA
Condo rentals are very popular in Hawaii and Waikoloa is a great area for guests with a lot of amenities and accommodations options to suit a variety of travellers. Hali'i Kai offers great villa and condo options for families wanting extra space, without the hotel amenities with a large choice of one- to three-bedroom condos. 

FOUR SEASONS HUALALEI
You can never go wrong with a stay at any Four Seasons hotel! And the Four Seasons Hualalai is no different. Being the only five star, five diamond resort on the island, guests return time and time again for the intimate guest experience. Originally a village, the area was abandoned when the volcano erupted and the story and history of the place is embedded everywhere you go. 

Peace. The intimacy of the community feel and the customized guest experience is unparalleled. The amenities and activities available here are plentiful and unique, ranging from cooking and mixology classes, wellness experiences with a personal reflexology river journey, cultural activities and onsite marine experiences. 

FAIRMONT ORCHID
We ended our trip with a stay at the Fairmont Orchid, the perfect place to relax and end our adventurous week! Another beautiful resort, perfect for couples, honeymoons and weddings, the scenery is breathtakingly calm and serene, surrounded by lush greenery and the sound of trickling waterfalls. 
​

Wherever you choose to stay on the island, the spirit of aloha is all around and each property welcomes you with the same warm hospitality of the Hawaiian people and culture. 

The Island of Hawaii is unique all to itself, continuing to evolve and grow. Make sure you take the time to explore all that the island offers on all corners to get the full island experience!  Need ideas?? Make sure you check out my other Hawaii posts, "Bucket List Adventures on the Island of Hawaii" and "Hidden Gems on the Island of Hawaii". 

Let me know how I can help you plan your trip to the island!
​

So you've probably read about all the things that are unique to the Island of Hawaii and must do! But there are also a lot of fantastic little hidden gems that are just as awesome and wanted to share with you so you don't miss out on these as well. 
​

Akatsuka Orchid Gardens 

Where else can you see and smell a chocolate orchid! Among other orchids, Akatsuka Orchid Gardens is where you will want to stop for a quick visit if you are in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park area! Take a stroll through their showroom for the largest variety of gorgeous and unique orchids all in one place! 

Big Island Candies

Around since 1977, Big Island Candies are known for their macadamia nut chocolate dipped shortbread cookies and the Hilo location is their flagship store and factory where you can catch a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes of cookie production! Their cookies are heavenly and make perfect gifts for people back home! 

The Coffee Shack

Blink and you will miss this gem! Driving along the highway in Captain Cook, it's easy to miss The Coffee Shack as it's just a small unassuming little place that you'd never guess what lies beyond its little doors. 

But if you take the time to stop, you'll be rewarded with some of the most amazing views of Kealakekua Bay, best known for the place where British explorer Captain James Cook first arrived in Hawaii, in the late 1700's.

The cafe serves homemade soup, sandwiches, pizzas specializing in local ingredients, and 100% Kona coffee. Portions are generous and food is fresh. It's the perfect place to stop for a lunch or even a quick coffee break to appreciate the gorgeous views!  

Ippy's Hawaiian BBQ
​
Located in Queen's Marketplace, A Hawaii Resort Shopping Center in Waikoloa Beach, make sure you stop by Ippy's Hawaiian BBQ, a little food court gem for Hawaiian BBQ! Owned by local Hawaiian chef, Philip “Ippy” Aiona is also a Season 8 finalist on "Food Network Star", Ippy's Hawaiian BBQ is the perfect place for a quick sampling of his cuisine. On the other side of the road at the King's Shops, you can enjoy his sit down restaurant experience at Three Fat Pigs Restaurant & The Thirsty Wolf, a Restaurant and Gastropub by Chef Ippy Aiona. 

Pueo's Osteria 

For a truly "farm to table" foodie experience, Pueo's Osteria was an amazing dining experience for fresh seafood, locally sourced ingredients paired with authentic Italian imports, for an authentic Italian dinner in a fun environment. The restaurant is open later so it's a great place to go for drinks and dinner after dark, when so many places are closed. And judging by the walls of photos and celebrity visits, this award winning restaurant is a popular favourite among many! 

Farmers Markets 

Enjoy fresh brewed Kona coffee and enjoy the farmer's markets on Saturday morning to peruse through a community of local handmade goods, arts and crafts as well as the large number of food stands selling authentic Hawaiian food and snacks.  

The beauty of Hawaii is everywhere - through its experiences of the land. The Island of Hawaii may be known for its active volcano, black sand beaches, swimming with the manta rays and stargazing into the beautiful skies, there is also much to enjoy and appreciate in the simple activities and hidden gems sprinkled throughout the island. 

The Hawaiian culture is steeped in tradition, paying homage to the land that bears its fruits for all to enjoy. There is no need for "want" in Hawaii as the island has everything you need. Life is simple, and life is good. What else could a person want? The spirit of aloha is all around and the generosity and love the people of Hawaii share is aspirational for us to lead our daily lives with the same level of appreciation in all that we do, and all that we have. 

I think it's time we all started bringing in a little bit of aloha into our daily lives and enjoying the fruits of an aloha life! If you are planning a trip to Hawaii, make sure you reach out for assistance! I would love the opportunity to help you plan the most amazing trip to Hawaii! 

As one of the most aspirational destinations in North America, and with a 90% repeat traveller rate, almost everyone who travels to Hawaii falls in love with the islands and returns home with a calm sense of "aloha", inspiring you to live better, to live with love, kindness and generosity. 

I was fortunate enough to be invited to further my Hawaii Destination Specialist designation with an exclusive opportunity to attend an in destination Master Island Certification training experience to the Island of Hawaii, hosted by Hawaii Tourism Canada and the Island of Hawaii Visitor's Bureau. With this trip, we were able to experience the best of the Island of Hawaii offers, many of which are likely bucket list experiences so it was a huge privilege and opportunity for me to overcome many of my own fears! 

Since the eruption of the Kilauea volcano in May, the island has been forever changed in a way that people may not understand until you visit and see it for yourself. As the youngest of the Hawaiian islands, the island of Hawaii is still growing and changing because of the activity of the active volcanoes. 

Kilauea Volcano

A visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the number one tourist attraction to the island of Hawaii. But since the eruption of the volcano, the park was closed for safety reasons and only reopened to the public in November. Though some parts of the park remain closed, different areas are slowly reopening so guests can see up close the changes from the lava flow and volcano eruption.

We had the exclusive experience to view the Kilauea Caldera and the Halema'uma'u crater from different angles, and see the impact and changes since the eruption in May.  
​

Volcano House Hotel, only reopened to the public last month and the restaurant just reopened for full service a week before our visit. The hotel is located in the Halema'uma'u Crater, with up close and personal views of the the crater. I have to admit that it is quite mesmerizing being there. It is a quiet and intimate lodge with a very cosy atmosphere. Where the glow used to be visible and constant, the sky has now changed to a darkness in the area. The food at the restaurant, both dinner and breakfast, were amazing fine dining cuisine options and high quality service. Our Volcano House experience is highly recommended and a great place to stay if you want to really explore the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. 

​Helicopter Ride 

The best way to view the landscape of the island is with a helicopter ride to see things from above. We enjoyed the helicopter ride with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. The Circle of Fire and Waterfalls Adventure gave us up close and personal views of the beautiful landscape of the island. 

​Hiking and Waterfalls 

Exploring the landscape in a private nature reserve, Hawaii Forest and Trail took us in an offroad adventure for us to experience the Kohala coast, enjoy a quick swim in the waterfalls, and completed with a private picnic with the most amazing views! 

​Snorkel Cruise

Exploring Kona coast with Fairwinds Cruise aboard the Hula Kai, gave us a luxury snorkel cruise experience with two snorkelling locations. The smaller ship moves faster in the water, which allowed us to go deeper along the South Kona coast. FairWinds offers several different boats, both for all ages, beginners to advanced snorkelers. They also offer snuba diving experiences (combination of snorkelling and scuba diving) for those looking for an entry dive experience without diving. 

And yay for me for conquering my fears here!

Yes, I did go snorkelling! Twice....in the ocean!! Because if you know me.....I know what you're thinking...."What??!!"

Shocking....I KNOW! Huge wins for me here on all those accounts. 

My previous attempts at snorkelling in the past did not go over very well so I wasn't initially very keen on the idea of snorkelling in the ocean. First of all, I'm not a very strong swimmer and have issues with treading water so I don't like the feeling of my feet not touching anything solid. Second, I'm much more of a pool person (because I can see the bottom, and also the edges of the pool are never too far away) rather that the vast ocean of nothingness. Swimming in the middle of the ocean has never been on my list of things "to do"! 

I also get motion sickness sometimes so the bobbing up and down in the ocean isn't something that sits well with me. And of course I allowed myself to enjoy the experience, to forget that I was in the water and just enjoy the moment for what it was. And it was beautiful! (We won't talk about the rest of the experience as the motion sickness malady did hit me for the rest of the excursion). But I was so proud of myself for doing it anyway in spite of my fears! 

Black Sand Beaches

Black sand beaches are a MUST to see when in Hawaii! The black sand is so different than other types of sand. Generally, the colour of the sand is based on the age of the beach. The lighter the colour, the older the beach. So you can imagine how old some of the gorgeous white sandy beaches might be!

But the black sand, created from volcanic and lava minerals creates this equally gorgeous sand that is shiny and feels amazing! Punalu'u Beach is the most famous black sand beach on the Island of Hawaii, but there are others you can enjoy. We were also fortunate enough to see 9 green sea turtles lounging around during our visit! 

White Sandy Beaches

Just as gorgeous as the black sand beaches is the white sandy beaches of Hapuna Beach, the largest and favourite beach on the island and consistently ranked as one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world! 
​

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Park

The second most popular tourist attraction on the island (following the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park) is the Pu'uhonua o Honoaunau National Park, a place of refuge for ancient Hawaiians who broke the law, or for defeated warriors to visit and seek refuge in times of battle. Now you can wander around, enjoy the peace and serenity, and step back in time to honour the land. 

Kona Coffee

You can't NOT visit a coffee farm or something coffee related when visiting Kona! It's Kona coffee and it's one of the most expensive coffees in the world, as is cultivated in the North and South Districts of Kona on the Island of Hawaii. Be wary of the "Kona blends" coffee as these coffee blends contain only the minimum amount of Kona coffee (10%) with other coffee beans. 100% Kona coffee is a really treat and perfect for the coffee lovers. 

We visited the Ueshima Coffee Company to roast our very own Kona Coffee blend! 

We learned about the coffee beans, the roasting process and then had the opportunity to roast our own beans to package as a souvenir of the experience! 

Paniolo Life

Did you know that Hawaii has cowboys?? In fact, the paniolo (cowboy) culture is very strong in Hawaii and most people do not think about cowboys in Hawaii! Up in the town of Waimea is the famous Parker Ranch, one of the largest cattle ranches in America. We toured Anna Ranch Heritage Center, the former home of Anna Lindsay Perry-Fiske, the original Hawaiian Cowgirl & the First lady of Ranching whose legacy to the history and community of ranching helped shape paniolo life as it is today. 

The Island of Hawaii is also home to the largest hula competition in the world, the Merrie Monarch Festival, held each year in Hilo starting on Easter Sunday for one week. Three of those nights are the signature hula competitions, where teams from all over the world are invited to participate and compete. The Merrie Monarch Festival is held in honour of King David Kalakaua, whose love for music and the arts inspired the Hawaiian people to honour his legacy and commit to upholding traditional Hawaiian arts and culture. 

Over at the Four Season Hualalai, we were introduced to the hula and walked away with our own little hula dance! 

Luau - The Story of Haleo - The Voice of Life

A luau experience in Hawaii is the best way to experience Hawaiian culture, food and entertainment. And it doesn't matter if it is your first luau, or if you have been to one before, the experience is always entertaining! On our first full night in Hawaii, we enjoyed the Haleo Luau at the Sheraton Kona, with stories unique to the Keauhou Bay Area under a gorgeous Kona sunset. 

Nightlife
The nightlife in Hawaii is not your typical nightlife scene. When someone mentions nightlife in Hawaii, they are usually referring to one of two experiences: Stargazing or Night Snorkelling with the Manta Rays. 

Star Gazing 

​The Island of Hawaii is the best place in the world to watch the stars with or without a telescope. The location of the island provides dazzling views of the Northern Hemisphere skies and most of the Southern hemisphere skies. 

We had a land star gazing experience with Star Gaze Hawaii, where they brought the telescopes and the equipment to set up a private/semi-private small group tour to explain the night sky to us in detail. We alternated between two telescopes and were able to see comets, stars and constellations. It was a very educational and eye-opening experience to see the beautiful stars, from our hotel. 

Night Snorkelling with the Manta Rays

This was one of the other highly anticipated excursions of our trip, but sadly, the tides were very strong so the manta ray snorkelling tours were cancelled for safety reasons. We still attended the talk to learn more about the "gentle giants" of the ocean and watched them swim from land. The Manta Ray Moonlight Swim Experience is a bit different than other night snorkelling experiences in that this one is good for kids ages 10 and above, and starts from land. So anyone who has hesitation about swimming in the ocean....and in the dark (hands up here!) can put some anxiety to rest as the guests are walked into the water and swim a short distance where the manta rays come to you.

We'll just have to save that experience for next time! 

Hard to believe that we were able to experience all these bucket list experiences, as well as hidden gems of the island in our week! The Island of Hawaii truly has something for everyone and the spirit of aloha stays with you long after you leave. 

Aloha aku no, aloha mai no. I give my love to you, you give your love to me. 💞

Hawaii....you had me at aloha! I am so honoured and privileged to experience this week, to have the opportunity to continue my Hawaiian Destination specialty to become 1 of 7 Island of Hawaii Master Certified travel agents in Canada through Hawaii Tourism Canada and the Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau.

Aloha! 

What is it about Hawaii that makes everyone smile and sigh with memories of pure paradise or dreams envisioning an Hawaiian adventure? For anyone who has visited Hawaii, you KNOW what I'm talking about! 

The spirit of Aloha and the tourism board of Hawaii came to Calgary last month as the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau brought their revamped training workshop program for travel agents to give us the opportunity to learn about what is new about Hawaii and how to reconnect ourselves and our clients to the islands again. (#LetHawaiiHappen) 

After an intensive recap of all the islands, the unique aspects of each islands and what they offer, I'm excited to present all the great information to my clients who may be looking at a trip to Hawaii in the near future! If you have never been, then please allow me to bestow upon you all the wonderful opportunities to hopefully inspire you to visit and experience the spirit of aloha that is unique to a Hawaiian vacation! 

Why Hawaii??

It is the number 1 aspirational destination for North America. For those who have been to Hawaii, more than 90% of visitors will return at some point in the future. For those who have never been, Hawaii is almost always on everyone's list to visit in their lifetime. (Is this true for you??) 

It has the highest customer satisfaction of any destination - 98% of visitors were happy with their vacation and the warmth and spirit of aloha stays with them long after their stay.

The spirit of "Aloha" - aloha is a genuine sense of inclusive and kindness that is inherent in Hawaiian culture and upbringing. It is the heart and soul of Hawaiian culture and they are quick to share it with visitors  to their islands. The pride of their culture and the heartfelt hospitality sets the tone for many travellers and it is truly the spirit of aloha that many travellers seek and return to the islands for. 

The people. The Hawaiian people are brought up with a strong pride of culture and they have a genuine passion to share that with you. They have the highest life expectancy in the US and seem to embrace eternal happiness in their everyday lives. While the native Hawaiian population consisted mostly of Polynesian and Asian members, there is no longer an ethnic majority in Hawaii so the islands are very multicultural with a variety of different people from all over. 

Hawaii appeals to anyone and everyone. There is truly something for everyone on the islands to enjoy. It is the perfect destination for multi-generational travel groups, romantic honeymoons for couples and lots of outdoor adventure for nature and adventure enthusiasts.

Climate. Who wouldn't want to visit a place with the most perfect temperature in the world wall year round?! With a 15 degree variance, the temperature in Hawaii is steady all year round, for the most part. From perfect sunny beaches to snow capped mountains, the Hawaiian Islands include a range of 13 different climate zones you can experience! (There are only 15 climate zones in the world and you can experience 13 of the 15 climate zones throughout Hawaii. The only climate zones not found in Hawaii are the Sahara desert and the Arctic). The trade winds are unique to the islands and keep the temperature steady within the 15 degree variance all year long. 

The 2 seasons considered "high" season are July-August and December-March. The fall and spring seasons are considered slower seasons so more specials are available and lots of great festivals to enjoy. 

Hawaii is multiple destinations in one! Take the time to visit one or more islands on your vacation. Inter-island flights make it easy to island hop and see more than one island on the same trip if time permits. 

Hawaii is an easy destination to visit from Canada and US with many options from major US and Canadian cities. 

Hawaii is unique and exotic enough with culture, history and beautiful and unmatched scenery, while maintaining a sense of convenience and security within the US satisfying a broad range of traveler's interests. 

Rich history - lots of remains from the royal kingdom and its diverse cultural influences are visible and inherent throughout the islands. Hawaii is the only US state that was once a royal kingdom and Iolani Palace is one of 3 royal kingdoms in the US. 

Although there are no "all-inclusive" accommodation options in Hawaii, there are a variety of suitable accommodations options for any type of traveller. Resort hotels offer a luxurious resort experience, often with gorgeous oceanfront views and beach access. Condominiums, private homes and villas are fantastic alternatives for families and multi-generational families or groups travelling together. Some places offer breakfast packages and those in condos and villas have fully stocked kitchens allowing families to prepare their own meals. 

Cruise. There are lots of cruise options to visit Hawaii, but Norwegian Cruise Line also offers a unique cruise aboard the Pride of America that provides travellers to see and experience all of the islands in one trip! It is the only cruise that is based in Hawaii and offers a roundtrip experience of the islands. 

Hawaii is the longest island chain in the world covering 1500 miles and made of 132 islands. Hawaii Islands are made up of 8 islands, of which 6 are open to tourism. 

Kauai is Hawaii's oldest island and commonly referred to as the "Garden Isle" and the island of discovery. Known for its lush beauty and untapped natural beauty, Kauai is the perfect island for those looking for soft adventure and unparalleled natural beauty - Mother Nature at its best! Most of the island (about 80%) is inaccessible by car so the most ideal option to see and appreciate the true beauty and wonder of Kauai is though aerial tours. 

Recommended Must Do:
Tubing along the Wailua River, the only river you can navigate and float down leisurely.
Napili coast - air or helicopter tours or you can hike the 11 mile trail that crosses 5 valleys and ends at the beach.
Fern Grotto - special and intimate place previously used as an exclusive destination for Hawaiian royalty. Today, it is a lush geological wonder making it a popular and romantic wedding venue. Experience the beautiful natural level rock wonder through guided tours on open air boats. 
Poipu Beach - watch for humpback whales (December to April) and Hawaiian monk seals and lots of fantastic marine life. 
Waterfalls of Kauai 
Waimea Canyon - also known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific". 
Spouting Horn - blowhole, natural lava tube that releases huge sprays of water during large swells. 

"Gathering Place" and the heart of Hawaii. Oahu is vibrant, densely populated, and contains most of the iconic landmarks and tourist attractions as well as trade and business. More than 70% of the population of Hawaii resides on Oahu island, and it is home to the capital city of Honolulu, and the famous Waikiki Beach. 

Recommended Must Do:
Iconic North Shore - over seven miles of flawless beaches, the North Shore on Oahu is where you will spot the perfect wave! Known to have swells over 30 feet tall, the North Shore is home to the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing competition where the best of the best gather to attempt the big wave surfing experience! 
Haleiwa Town - local favourite small town charm with iconic shave ice. 
Diamond Head (Leahi, "brow of the tuna") - hike up the 760 foot volcanic tuff crater, an iconic Hawaiian landmark for panoramic views of the south shore of the island. 
Waikiki - home base of Oahu and center of the Hawaii trade and business district. The area presents a metropolitan feel with high class dining, shopping and nightlife experiences along the Waikiki Beach. 
Pearl Harbor - World War II monument, National Historical Landmark memorializing the events of December 7, 1941,"a date which will live in infamy". 
Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve - marine conservatory in a breached volcanic crater. Learn about the fragile marine ecosystem and enjoy a unique snorkelling with Hawaii''s friendly fish. 
Family friendly attractions include Dole Plantation to learn about all things related to pineapple, Kualoa Ranch, Honolulu Zoo, free fireworks show every Friday at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Resort
Waimea Valley - rainforest and botanical garden with gorgeous waterfalls

Oahu has a lot of tourist attractions for those wanting to learn about its rich history and culture. Iolani Palace, Byodo-in Temple, Honolulu Museum of Art, Hawaii State Art Museum and Bishop Museum are some of the most popular attractions. 

One cannot visit Hawaii and NOT experience a lu'au! Options include Polynesian Cultural Center, Paradise Cove Lu'au, Royal Hawaiian Lu'au, Germaine's Lu'au. 

Known as the "Valley Isle", sophisticated with a down-home, earthy appeal. Maui is the perfect mix of all the islands, and has a little bit from each island. 

Maui offers more swimmable beaches than any other Hawaiian island! It has more than 120 miles of shoreline and 81 beaches to enjoy so it is a very popular choice for those who are look for beautiful beaches! 
 
Recommended Must Do:
Road to Hana - with over 600 hairpin turns and 54 narrow road bridges, the Road to Hana is a famous drive known for its scenery including plunging seaside cliffs and lush rain forests. The Road Hana is all about slowing down and enjoying life's little pleasures along the way. 
Molokini crater - Two miles off the coast of Maui, Molokini is an extinct volcano crater and is accessible only with a registered tour company. You can enjoy the clear open waters of the ocean in a unique, protected marine and bird reserve. 
Lahaina - perfect place to enjoy whale -watching in December to March. 
Iao Valley State Park - rich foliage and scenic mountain views provide a peaceful and lush environment to enjoy with plentiful opportunities for hikes and natural pools. 
Ka'anapali - the beautiful white sandy beaches are perfect for enjoying swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing in an area once reserved for Hawaiian royalty. 
Haleakala "House of the Sun"- dormant volano and national park, Haleakala offers activities for nature enthusiasts, adventurers, thrill seekers and for romantic lovers. If you are an early riser, some of the most spectacular sunrises can be seen from the top. 

Secluded island with a population of 3100 people. There are no traffic lights on the island and people living on the island live as they did in the past, without the modern advances of technology. Only 2 resorts exist on the island, so it is the perfect destination for seclusion away from the modern world. 

Recommended Must Do:
Visit Polihua Beach on the north shore. A beautiful white sandy beach and popular nesting ground for endangered sea turtles. 
Pu'u Pehe, "Sweetheart Rock" - dramatic natural wonder 

Known as the "Friendly Isle", Molokai is truly taking a step into Hawaii's past. It is "old-style Hawai'i". It is a small island with a population of 1400 people. Heritage and tradition thrive on the island and the people live simple yet authentic lives within the beauty of nature. 

Recommended Must Do:
Mule ride in Kalaupapa National Historical Park to the Kaluapapa Peninsula. Learn about Saint Damien, Belgian priest who devoted his life to the patients afflicted with Hansen's Disease (leprosy) in 1865 and quarantined for life in the Kalaupapa area until his death in 1889 from the disease. Father Damien was elevated to sainthood in 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI for his courageous dedication to the patients and important contribution to the history of the island. 

Commonly referred to as the "Big Island", Hawaii Island is the biggest island and continues to grow. It is the only island with an active volcano that contributes to the constant change in land topography and mass. The island is twice as big as all of the other islands combined and has 2 airports. The Big Island is full of adventure and new opportunities as the ever changing landscape provides uniquely active experiences.

Recommended Must Do:
Star gazing atop Maunakea (world's best site for astronomical observation). The entire Northern Hemisphere and 90% of the Southern Hemisphere can be seen from the islands of Hawaii. 
Kilauea Volcano - most active volcano in the world, and the only active volcano in Hawaii.
Night swimming with the manta rays. 
Experience paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage in Waimea.
Visit coffee farms that are abound throughout the island. 
Kailua Village - previously a retreat for Hawaiian royalty, it is now a vibrant sea town with lost of shops and restaurants to enjoy. Every October, the Ironman World Championship takes place on Hawaii Island with the start and finish in Kailua Village.  

(All photos used in above post are from the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau). For more information about the Hawaiian Islands, please visit their website, www.gohawaii.com to begin planning your next Hawaiian vacation!

Or, let me know if I can provide any assistance with your next trip to Hawaii or any other destination! As a Hawaii Destination Specialist, I hope to find the right island and activities for your vacation! Of all the islands, which ones have you visited and which one is your favourite?


"Mahalo nui loa" (Thank you very much) to the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau for a fun filled day of Hawaiian Island training, education, entertainment and bringing the spirit of Aloha to Calgary for the evening! Inspiring us to visit Hawaii again! 

As we drive up to the entrance, we are warmly greeted by valet staff who help take our luggage and hold it in storage for us while we go check in and wait for our room. Front lobby staff welcome each individual with a lei greeting, including little gifts for the kids! You can check in anytime on the date of your check in and begin using the facilities of the resort immediately. Although your room is not available until 4pm, the Luana Lounge is available for all guests, who are offered a one-time use of the lounge to change into bathing suits and begin enjoying the pool area. The lounge is also available to  guests after check out, if they wish to remain for the day and continue using the facilities after check out time. 

The Aulani resort offers many value added activities that are included in your stay. During your stay, you can use the pools, watersides, beaches, etc... from the day of your check in until 11:59pm on the day of your check out so you can take advantage of the opportunities to maximize your stay at Aulani! 

RECREATION ACTIVITIES:
We checked in to get our resort cards and wristbands and headed straight to the pools! There are lots of different activities, something for everyone! The Waikolohe pool is 8200 square feet of family fun in the water. The Waikolohe Stream is lazy waterway that moves you through the landscape of Aulani or you can enjoy the Tubestone Curl, an exhilarating slide that launches your tube into the Waikolohe Stream! There is also the Wailana Pool, an adult only pool area that provides some serenity and peace from the little keiki guests.  Other pool areas include the Ka Maka Grotto, with an infinity pool that overlooks the beautiful beaches of Ko Olina, Makai Preserve (interactive conservation pool),  4 different whirlpool spas for the ultimate relaxation, 2 of which are specifically placed to catch the spectular sunsets of Hawaii! For the little keiki guests, there is the Menehune Bridge, and interactive water play area for children, and the Keiki Cove Splash zone. Poolside cabanas are also available for rent, for the ultimate in pampering by the pool! 

Aunty's Beach House is a state of the art kids club with over 5000 square feet of fun!! Disney Youth Counsellors provide world class children's programming where kids can watch movies, partake in authentic Hawaiian crafts and so much more! Parents can drop off their kids at Aunty's Beach House with the confidence that the kids will be well entertained, while enjoying some adult-only time at the resort! All are value added activities that are included with your stay! 

Aunty's Breakfast Celebration  with parade, songs and dance! 

There are both full service dining restaurants onsite, and grab & go dining options as well. Poolside lounges and quick service restaurants are easy options to quench your hunger or thirst, without leaving the pool areas. 

ROOMS:
Aulani is designed for families. Both hotel rooms and vacation villas are available to book with spacious accommodations and lots of amenities specifically for families. The beds are raised so that luggage can be stored underneath without the need to take up extra floor space in the room. Each room includes a pack and play, and a stool for little ones to reach the sink! Connecting rooms are available for families travelling together. Each room also includes refrigerator, microwave, in-room safe and so much more!  For larger families travelling together, there are also 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom suites available.

Our stay at Aulani was much too short! We didn't have enough to enjoy all that Disney had to offer at the resort! Which only means that we MUST go back!! (Which I think that's what Disney wants anyway....) As with anything Disney does, they do it well and Aulani is no exception. The attention to detail, and the authenticity of the Hawaiian experience make Aulani and truly exceptional experience for families vacationing to Hawaii! 

For more pictures of our visit to Aulani, please visit my Facebook page at Facebook.com/ReneeTsangTravel. 

And because I simply couldn't capture the magic and wonder of Aulani myself, here's a fantastic video by Disney showcasing the amazing resort that is Aulani! 

If you have any questions about the resort or are interested in booking your next family vacation, please let me know!! I would love to help you book your family vacation at Aulani or anywhere else (including all things Disney)! 

One of the first training course I wanted to complete was the College of Disney Knowledge! Who wouldn't want to immerse themselves in all things Disney??!! Then after I completed my Akamai Level Hawaii Destination Specialist course, I knew I needed to experience Hawaii for myself! And if you have both Disney and Hawaii certifications, then that can only mean one thing........a visit to Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa is a definite MUST DO on our list!! Stay tuned for all the details of our visit!