HAWAII TRAVEL BLOG

Topic: A 35-year-old woman visiting from Korea died this morning while snorkeling at Hanauma Bay - Oahu

April 18, 2011

Topic: MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL - Big Island

April 24, 2011 to April 30, 2011

The Merrie Monarch competition is held at Edith Kanakaole Stadium. Tickets are available after Dec. 26, 2010. Most activities during the Festival week are free to the public, however tickets are needed to attend the three-day hula competition. Ticket prices vary depending on seating section and the number of days attending the competition. Ticket request forms at: www.merriemonarch.com.

Topic: Ala Moana Center - Store Events & Promotions

4/5/2011

AS SEEN ON TV New Products In Store Now Shake Weight (Men and Women); Yoshi Blade; Cami Secret; Bark Off; Wow Containers; Pillow Pets; U Glu; and Mister Steamy! As Seen on TV Hawaii BAG 'N BAGGAGE Briggs and Riley Transcend Sale Save 25% off selected items from the Briggs and Riley Transcend collection. Offer valid April 1st through June 30th or while supplies last. See sales associate for details. Bag 'n Baggage BARE ESCENTUALS bareMinerals Customizable Get Started Kit $60-$63 Our NEW bareMinerals 8-piece Customizable Get Started Kit has everything you need for a flawless complexion. Just add your choice of bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation—choose from 20 shades in either the natural luminous Original or natural Matte finish. Choose your foundation: With Original Foundation $60 ($163 Value) Click for more info... With Matte Foundation $63 ($166 Value) Bare Escentuals BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSELLERS Nook 101 - Every Saturday Please join us every Saturday at 10:00 am and learn how to operate your Nook! Learn the basics such as highlighting, bookmarking, notes, shopping, sampling, lending eBooks, reading for free in-store, how to add wallpaper, screensavers, music, PDF, library books and free eBooks. Call 949-7307 or come to Nook Counter to sign up. Keiki Storytime - Every Tuesday And Saturday Please join us for a story and a craft. Storytime takes place every Tuesday and Saturday at 11:00 am. Barnes & Noble Booksellers BLUE HAWAII LIFESTYLE BLUE HAWAII LIFESTYLE and BLUE HAWAII SURF have introduced a new t-shirt design in order to assist victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Shirts are available in black and white for $20, and $5 from the sale of each t-shirt will be donated to the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief effort. Blue Hawaii Lifestyle , Blue Hawaii Surf BVLGARI Ring for a Cause BVLGARI has announced that a portion of proceeds raised from the sale of its special-edition Save The Children ring will be directed toward the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami disaster relief. Crafted from rhodium-plated sterling silver with black ceramic inlay, this elegantly designed ring may be purchased for $370. BVLGARI donates $75 from each ring sold to Save The Children, which is dedicated to helping children in need in the U.S. and around the world. Bvlgari ESCADA Escada Extends Aloha For Japan During the entire month of April 2011, Escada will donate 10% of sales from its Ala Moana Center boutique to the American Red Cross in support of its relief efforts in Japan. Escada FOLLI FOLLIE Heart4Heart For Japan Folli Follie is donating 10% of the worldwide proceeds of its bestselling HEART4HEART collection of jewelry and watches to the Japan Red Cross through the end of May 2011. The funds will support disaster relief efforts for those affected by the March 11 Japan earthquake and Pacific tsunami. Cross Your Heart Earrings - Exclusive to Hawaii Folli Follie is excited to announce the release of its Cross Your Heart earrings exclusive to Hawaii! These earrings match the already bestselling necklace of the same name. Stop and let a sales associate show you how the earrings and the necklace can be worn in a variety of ways. Folli Follie GAP T-Shirts for Disaster Relief GAP Ala Moana is proud to sell exclusively designed T-shirts to raise money for Japan. Retailing for $24.95, profits will be donated via Gap Inc. to Japan's Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund. The T-shirt will be available the week of April 4th, but supplies will be limited. Please come in or call 808-949-1933. Gap GUCCI Gucci For UNICEF Special Edition Bag As its partnership with UNICEF enters its sixth year, Gucci is pleased to announce the launch of the year-long special edition "Gucci for UNICEF" Sukey bag in grey "La Pelle Guccissima", with 25% of the retail price for each bag sold going to UNICEF's "Schools for Africa" campaign. Please visit us or contact (808) 942-1148. Gucci HAWAIIAN ISLAND CREATIONS Kokua Japan T-Shirt The Kokua Japan T-shirt was born out of HIC's desire to offer its aid to those affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. Available for $20, all profits from the sale of these t-shirts will be donated to the American Red Cross for the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund. Customers may also make donations by cash or check in Donation Boxes located at the store. Great deals on VOLCOM Gear! • Get a FREE Volcom Tee with any $40 purchase of Volcom Clothing for guys or girls. • Get a FREE Volcom Tee and a Limited Edition Hawaii Trucker Hat when you buy any Volcom Men’s Boardshort priced at $55 or more. • Get a FREE Volcom Junior’s Tee and an additional Free Gift when you spend $55 on Volcom Clothing for girls. • Get two Volcom Tees, guys or girls, for only $28. Offers are available until April 24th or while supplies last. Valid on regular priced purchases only. (Specials include Tees priced at $22 or less only.) Hawaiian Island Creations J. CREW ON-THE-ISLAND College Student And Teachers Discount Stop by J.Crew and enjoy an exclusive 15% discount* when you show your school ID. *Discount cannot be combined with any other promotions or extended to previous purchases, alterations or the purchase of gift cards. Not applicable on sale merchandise or branded items. Valid in store only. Please present school ID at time of purchase to redeem. J.Crew-on-the-Island LACOSTE Play in classic style with LACOSTE'S newest Golf collection for men and women. In store now at Ala Moana Center. Lacoste LEGO Monthly Mini Model Build On the first Tuesday of each month from 5 - 7 p.m., you can learn how to build a cool LEGO mini model, and take it home - for free! A new model will be available every month and will be specially themed to that month. While supplies last. Models are not for sale and cannot be purchased. This event is open to children aged 6 to 14 only. One free model per child. Lego M.A.C New Wonder Woman Colour M.A.C Spring Colour 2011 is the feminine force that saves the day! No nemesis can match her super-sized Mineralize Skinfinish, Eye Shadows, Lipsticks and Powder Blush for this transformation! Our Artists work wonders every day. Wonder Woman Accessories No one understands the importance of a bag of tricks quite like our heroine! M.A.C creates a vivid collection of Makeup Bags, Utility Belt Brush Sets, and more! M.A.C MACY'S For More Information On Macy's Store Events and Services... For more information on Macy's store events and services provided, including Macy's Registry, Macy's By Appointment Personal Shopping Service, Macy's Shop For Education Program, and Macy's Visitor Savings Pass, Click here for more info. Macy's MAX&CO. Save The Date - Friday, April 8th You are invited to an exclusive Spring 2011 Shopping Event featuring Max&Co.'s newest collection of cocktail dresses on Friday April 8th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Enjoy prosecco & hors d'oeuvres - and enter to win a $50 MAX&Co. gift card! RSVP required; call the store at 808-943-6262 to reserve. MAX&Co. MONTBLANC Limited Edition Mark Twain Montblanc honors the father of modern American literature with a unique edition: the Limited Edition Mark Twain. We invite you to experience our new edition to the Writer's Series. New Meisterstück Montblanc Diamond Discover the most enduring expression of a legend. Complimentary engraving with purchase of this pen. Montblanc NORDSTROM We love the shape you're in! Grab a friend and join us for our FREE bra-fit event April 8th and 9th, from 10am-8pm. Certified fit experts will find you the perfect bra to complement your lovely shape. And for every bra purchased from a participating brand at our event, $2 will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. For details & to reserve a time for your fitting, call 953-6100 ext. 1240. Small World. Big Celebration! Nordstrom celebrates the 45th anniversary of Disneyland's IT'S A SMALL WORLD attraction with four seasonal collections of newborn, infant & toddler apparel and accessories - all inspired by Disney artist Mary Blair's original Small World art. Sales of Small World-themed designs from Lauren Bush’s FEED Project and TOMS Shoes benefit UNICEF and children in need. With each collection, Nordstrom is offering a collectible lithograph of Mary Blair's original art as a limited-edition gift with purchase. In stores now: "Japanese Spring" Small World Collection. Nordstrom OLD NAVY Military Appreciation Days The 1st thru the 4th of every month - 10% off entire purchase with a valid Military ID. Old Navy PAPYRUS Spring Is Full of Surprises! The perfect gift brings joy to the giver and receiver. No matter what the occasion, we offer unique and thoughtful gifts for women, men, and children. Each item in our gift collection, from candles to journals and pens, has been selected for its creativity and style. Choose from agendas, bookmarks, drink ware, frames, jewelry, and toys. Stop in today to see our current promotions on cards and gifts! Greeting Cards Buy 3 Get 1 Free* Whether you’re sending a birthday card to a close friend, celebrating a wedding, announcing a new baby or expressing gratitude with a thank-you note, our wide range of cards are perfect for every occasion. Stop in to see our collection of unique styles, including high fashion, photography, illustration, humor, animals, flowers, as well as eco-friendly designs. *(Free Card is of equal or lesser value. See store for details.) Jane Eyre Sweepstakes Enter to win a trip to Yorkshire, England. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A purchase will not improve your chances of winning. The “Jane Eyre, Visit Bronte Country” Sweepstakes ends at 11:59 pm (PT) on 4/11/11. Crane & Co. Wedding Invitation and Stationery Event Buy 75 Get 25 Free* Crafted from luxurious 100% cotton paper, our handpicked selection of Crane & Co. products include stationery, invitations, and more. *(See store for details.) Papyrus PHILIP RICKARD HONOLULU ALOHA FOR JAPAN Pendant Philip Rickard's ALOHA FOR JAPAN pendant blends traditional Hawaii design elements and his signature "Aloha Oe" script with Japan's Hinomaru motif. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each pendant will help to fund the American Red Cross disaster relief effort in Japan. In 14K white or yellow gold, the pendant is available at PHILIP RICKARD HONOLULU (1st level, Center Court) and THE PHILIP RICKARD FACTORY SHOWROOM (3rd level, Nordstrom wing). Philip Rickard Factory Showroom , Philip Rickard Honolulu THE SLIPPER HOUSE Sandals And Slippers On Sale Shop our super selection of sale slippers and sandals. $19.99. $15.99. $11.99 or less! The Slipper House THE VITAMIN SHOPPE BOGO - Buy One, Get One! Buy one Vitamin Shoppe brand item and get the second Vitamin Shoppe brand item half off during the month of April 2011. The Vitamin Shoppe TIFFANY & CO. Rare Yellow Diamonds Tiffany & Co., the world’s premier jeweler, introduces a new jewelry collection featuring the rarest of the rare: fancy yellow diamonds of radiant color and charisma. The collection captures every facet of Tiffany’s heritage, from its founding in New York in 1837 to its reputation for quality and dazzling jewels. The stones are distinguished by a color that is as pure as sunlight, with a level of saturation and intensity that places them among the world’s finest and most sought-after diamonds. Tiffany stonecutters have tailored the Tiffany Diamond’s cushion cut to maximize the stones’ natural color, and Tiffany designers have set the diamonds in modern, must-have jewelry for connoisseurs and fashion loyalists alike. The Tiffany Leather Collection Debuts Tiffany & Co. debuts its new leather collection for men and women. Richard Lamberston and John Truex, design directors of Tiffany Leather Goods, are the latest designers invited to work exclusively with Tiffany & Co. With their vision and mastery of the craft, combined with the skill of the finest Italian artisans, they have produced a leather collection of timeless simplicity, with all the quality and luxury of the Tiffany experience. The collection of men’s and women’s leather accessories are finished with hallmarks of Tiffany craftsmanship including custom-designed hardware, Tiffany blue © leather interiors and enamel, and subtle Tiffany & Co. logos. Tiffany & Co. VALERIE JOSEPH BOUTIQUE At Your Service Enjoy a private shopping experience with your favorite VJ Fashion Consultant. Before or during boutique hours you pick the time...we're at your service. *All appointments include complimentary pampering, makeup, refreshments and gift with wardrobe purchase. For more information, please call 942-5258. Valerie Joseph Boutique VERA BRADLEY Vera Bradley Summer: Beach, Straw and Rolling Luggage Coming April 7th to a store near you … Vera Bradley’s Summer 2011 Beach, Straw and Rolling Luggage collections! Hurry in to see what’s new! Vera Bradley Summer: Criss Cross, City Look and Frill Vera Bradley Summer 2011 collections are coming April 21st! Hurry in soon to see our new Criss Cross, City Look and Frill. Vera Bradley VICTORIA'S SECRET Hi, Gorgeous! The new push-up made to be noticed. Four ways to wear it. Endless ways to get their attention. See it and more in stores and at Victoria’s Secret. Victoria's Secret

Topic: Hanauma Bay - Honolulu, Hawaii

By BrendaG, 05/29/10 it was beauti and beyond... at the bottom of high cliff mountains looking at the horseshoe shape beach. follow the road beyond the bay and talk about breath taking views!!! uncapturable on film, it's got to be seen with your own eyes. someday i will go back!
Source: travel.yahoo.com

Awesome!

By Brenda, 04/19/10 My son and I snorkled there-arrived early and was not disappointed. The fish were beautiful and we had a huge sea turtle swimming with us. We would definitely do it again
Source: travel.yahoo.com

Topic: Waikiki Beach - Honolulu, Hawaii

Worth Seeing, Go Early to Have it To Yourself

By knwitall, 01/25/10 Waikiki is one of the most naturally splendid beaches in the world, so it's no wonder why it got so popular. If you like to be around restaurants, shops, lots of people and see a lot of excitement then this is the place for you. The waves are no doubt the most perfect ever for learning to surf, because they come very regularly, are mellow, and break for a very long distance. This is a magical place, with the views of diamond head, but if you're looking for an authentic romantic beach experience try another beach on Oahu. This is good for young people, teens, and people who like shopping. But it gets very crowded. If you want to experience it all to yourself, get there early, about 9am or so. Most of the crowds don't arrive till later in the day.
Source: travel.yahoo.com

Is it unusual to have so many homeless in waikiki?

By Waikiki, 08/18/09 wow.. I was pretty disappointed to see so many homeless folks wandering around Kapiolani park near Waikiki beach - not safe at all and quite a filthy experience. I'm not sure I'll return if this has become the norm, especially given the amount of $$ you have to drop to stay in Waikiki
Source: travel.yahoo.com