Kauai is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands and thus has the densest rain forests, the deepest canyons and the most stunning sea cliffs. It is nicknamed the Garden Isle and you’ll see amazing flowers almost everywhere.

Check out our tips for first time visitors to Kauai.

Sightseeing Tips for a First Time Visitor to Kauai originally appeared on About.com Hawaii / South Pacific Travel on Thursday, December 31st, 2009 at 08:05:46.

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If everything goes according to schedule, President Barack Obama will arrive on Oahu sometime this afternoon or evening for what is becoming his annual holiday vacation in his home state of Hawaii.

When I received an email from the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau last December about their new Barack Obama’s Hawaii initiative, I had to laugh. The initiative and related microsite GoHawaii.com/Obama shows how visitors to Hawaii can easily explore the sites and favorite places that shaped the foundation of his life and rise to becoming the leader of the free world.

I laughed because I was sure that a few of the sites mentioned (the hospital where he was born and the school he attended)would never want visitors wandering through their halls.

When I considered it more, however, I realized how exciting the initiative actually is. Spending his formative years in such the mixed society of Hawaii has made Barack Obama the man he is today. Walking a bit in his footsteps can be a valuable experience for any visitor to Hawaii.

Find out why in our feature Barack Obama’s Hawaii.

_{Photo – President Barack Obama points out different flavors of shave ice at Kokonuts Shave Ice and Snacks at Koko Head Marina shopping mall on December 26, 2008 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Photo by Kent Nishimura-Pool/Getty Images.}

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President Barack Obama Returns to Hawaii for Christmas and New Years Holidays originally appeared on About.com Hawaii / South Pacific Travel on Thursday, December 24th, 2009 at 05:00:24.

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Travel + Leisure magazine has released their 2010 list of the 500 best hotels in the world. This is always a highly anticipated list since the rankings are determined by votes of the magazine’s readers.

The 2010 list includes 16 hotels/resorts in Hawaii incorporating five separate Hawaiian Islands.

Leading the way as the top rated hotel and also placing number 42 in the entire list is Halekulani on Oahu which should come as no surprise to the hotels loyal visitors. Halekulani scored a superb 91.81 out of a maximum 100 points.

Long considered one of the top hotels in the world, Halekulani, on the beach at Waikiki, is a calm, sophisticated oasis that retains all of its long-held iconic charm and distinctive qualities, yet has still been able to adapt well to the hi-tech and faster paced world that we live in today. You can read my full review of this outstanding hotel.

Joining Halekulani and also representing the island of Oahu is the Kahala Hotel & Resort scoring 84.82 points. The Kahala Hotel & Resort offers a peaceful and scenic alternative to the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, yet remains close enough to Waikiki and downtown Honolulu that visitors can still enjoy the numerous local attractions and entertainment. You can read my full review of this hotel. Read more…

Travel + Leisure’s Best Hotels in the World Includes 16 Hawaii Properties originally appeared on About.com Hawaii / South Pacific Travel on Monday, January 11th, 2010 at 16:06:13.

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Kauai is the perfect island for a honeymoon or romantic getaway, but also a great place for a family vacation. We’ve chosen our top ten things to do on the island of Kauaʻi, Hawaii .

Check out our Top 10 Things to Do on Kauaʻi

Top 10 Things to Do on Kauaʻi originally appeared on About.com Hawaii / South Pacific Travel on Sunday, January 10th, 2010 at 05:11:55.

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I am a big fan of Hawaii Forest and Trail. They are not only one of Hawaii’s top tour companies but one of the world’s top ecotour companies. In 2006 they were awarded the prestigious Ecotour Operator of the Year by the Hawaii Ecotourism Association. You can read more about the company in our Hawaii Forest and Trail profile feature.

In December of 2009 I was invited, along with a group of travel writers and friends to take their Waipio Rim Hike Adventure.

Waipio Valley has always been one of my favorite places in all of Hawaii, but I have only ever seen it from the valley viewpoint or from horseback on the valley floor. The thought of exploring the ecosystem along the rim of the valley and getting some rare views down into the valley was exciting.

I was even more pleased when I learned that our guide would be the founder of the company Robert J. Pacheco.

So, how was it? Read my review of a Waipio Rim Hike Adventure with Hawaii Forest and Trail and then view our Waipio Rim Hike Adventure Photo Gallery.

Waipio Rim Hike Adventure with Hawaii Forest and Trail originally appeared on About.com Hawaii / South Pacific Travel on Wednesday, January 6th, 2010 at 17:34:36.

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The island of Oahu is the perfect place for a vacation that the entire family will remember and treasure forever.

Most visitors to Oahu stay at one of the many hotels or resorts in Waikiki. While Waikiki and downtown Honolulu have plenty of great activities for both adults and children, far too many visitors never take the time to explore the rest of what this wonderful island has to offer.

Allow yourself a full week to really get to know and appreciate the island. In order to really see and enjoy Oahu you’ll probably want to rent a car, at least for a few days. Oahu does have an excellent public transportation system, appropriately called TheBus with routes that cover all of the places mentioned in this feature.

We’ve chosen 15 activities which offer a wide assortment of things to do and see. There are plenty of other choices, but these should give you a good idea of what Oahu has for you and the entire family.

Check out our Top 15 Oahu Family Activities.

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Top 15 Oahu Family Activities originally appeared on About.com Hawaii / South Pacific Travel on Monday, January 4th, 2010 at 09:10:42.

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Construction has been ongoing for many months at the Ko Olina Resort just west of Honolulu, but no one knew the name of the new and widely anticipated Disney resort that is being built and scheduled to open in the fall of 2011.

The resort now has an official name at it is… Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai’i. Disney feels that the name reflects the company’s deep commitment to celebrating the Hawaiian islands’ rich history and traditions.

Joe Rohde, Senior Vice President, Creative for Walt Disney Imagineering explained that Aulani when translated from the Hawaiian language to English, means “the place that speaks for the great ones” or “the place that speaks with deep messages.”

“We want this resort destination to reflect the vibrant culture that surrounds it. The name ‘Aulani’ expresses a connection to tradition and deep story-telling – and its roots are here in this land,” said Rohde. “We’re so grateful to the local Hawaiians who led us to the discovery of this name, and our goal is to live up to its meaning.” Read more…

Disney’s Oahu Resort Gets a Name and a Website originally appeared on About.com Hawaii / South Pacific Travel on Tuesday, January 19th, 2010 at 16:41:58.

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Whether you’re looking for a luxury resort, mid-priced hotel and quiet bed & breakfast, there’s sure to be a deal here for you.

Let’s start with an exciting opportunity to win a free stay at a hotel in the heart of Kailua-Kona which has recently updated its rooms to equal any luxury resort that you’ll find in Hawaii.

Enter to Win Free Stay

King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel

_{New Infinity Pool at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel}

Win a Free Stay and $100 Food Credit in 2010. Start the New Year off right by entering to win a three-night stay in the brand new rooms at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Every month in 2010, a winner will be drawn for a three-night stay plus $100 food credit. Enjoy the only white sand beach in historic Kailua Village, and the unique history and culture of the area, for free! Visit www.konabeachhotel.com to enter.

Hotel, Resort and Condominium Specials

Aston Hotels & Resorts
Aston Hotels & Resorts offers front-row seats to the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea. Aston’s Big Island Volcano Adventure package provides guests with deluxe accommodations and admission for two adults to join the Kilauea Volcano Adventure Tour. Starting rates at Aston Kona by the Sea, $188 per night; Aston Shores at Waikoloa, $198 per night; Aston Waikoloa Colony Villas, $206 per night. Three-night minimum stay required, valid now through Dec. 21, 2010; restrictions may apply. Visit www.AstonHotels.com or call (866) 774-2924.

Fairmont Orchid, Hawai’i
The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai’i is turning 20! Enjoy 20 percent off the best available room rate in the ocean view category and higher as low as $279 per night, plus 20 percent off of resort amenities (including dining, Spa Without Walls treatments and Beach Shack rentals). Offer is valid for new reservations through Dec. 20, 2010. No minimum stay required. Offer may not be combined with any other promotion, based upon availability. Call (800) 845-9905 or visit www.fairmont.com/orchid. Read more…

January 2010 News for Places to Stay on the Big Island of Hawaii originally appeared on About.com Hawaii / South Pacific Travel on Thursday, January 14th, 2010 at 15:40:19.

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Known as the “surfing capital of the world,” Oahu’s North Shore spans from La’ie to Ka’ena Point. Still, it’s an area that far too many visitors never take the opportunity to see.

If you want to see great surfing, a drive to the North Shore is a must trip, but there’s a lot more to the North Shore than just surfing. Whether it’s the Polynesian Cultural Center in La’ie, the James Campbell Nature Wildlife Refuge and a fresh shrimp lunch in Kahuku, the beautiful and lush Waimea Valley or a walk through historic Haleiwa, the North Shore has so much to offer.

In this feature we’ll show you the best ways to get to the North Shore by car and then we’ll take a look at some of the highlights of the area.

Join me for a Driving Tour of Oahu’s North Shore.

Driving Tour of Oahu’s North Shore originally appeared on About.com Hawaii / South Pacific Travel on Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 at 17:38:34.

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