The Hawaii Traveler

If you think that Baccarat is just crystal, think again.  Baccarat Wailea is Maui’s premiere luxury resort, with residences. Which means that you can come for the crystal and stay for a lifetime.If you don’t know Wailea, it’s a community nestled at the base of Haleakala along Maui’s southern coast.  Primarily a resort community consisting of luxury hotels, private luxury homes and condominiums, and golf courses, it’s known as the place to be…if you’ve got a few million burning a hole in your pocket.
Photo by Flickr–Creative Commons, by Eric_Charlton

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Hotel Hana Maui, Hana’s most exclusive and chi-chi resort and spa, must be feeling the pinch of certain trends in tourism and economics, because their latest fall special is pretty, well, special.
In a radical departure to their traditional policies, there’s no minimum stay requirements at the resort this fall, and there’s the  offer of a 4th night free and reduced room rates. For more information call 800-321-HANA, or see the Hotel Hana Maui Web site.

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More from the Alohaween files: If you and your little ones are interested in some pumpkin carving activities for this season, here are a few starter ideas to get you going wikki wikki.
First Check Architects Hawaii LTD  or give them a call.  They usually hold an annual pumpkin carving that’s top notch.
Look at Kuhuku Public Library.  It’s Halloween Extravaganza is scheduled for Oct. 20.
Keep looking at the Honolulu Advertiser  or the Honolulu Star-Bulletin for current events and announcements as Halloween time draws near.
Hanapepe Spook Night is an annual event that takes place on or near Halloween night every year in …read more

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If you’re wondering if Hawaiians hand out pineapple instead of candy on Halloween, there’s only one way to find out: Come on out, wearing your best Elvis costume, of course.And while you’re here, don’t miss Hallowbaloo, Oahu’s most totally awesome art and music festival that takes place on October 31. (Coincidence? I think not.)
Other Halloween celebrations around the islands:

Halloween in Lahaina, Maui is always fun, and draws a big crowd. Sounds like this year, there’s going to be an effort to curb the “Mardi Gras” atmosphere and make things a little more  family-friendly. Find other kid-friendly Halloween activities at About.com
The …read more

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A beach in Hana
If you’ve heard anything about Maui, you’ve heard of “the road to Hana.” While I wouldn’t say it’s treacherous, it is wind-y, it’s twist-y, and it’s long; at the end of it is, in my opinion, the greatest place in the world. Here’s why: There’s nothing to do there.I realize that, to some, this is the description of Hell.  But I think it’s sometimes good to unplug, decompress, and smell the rainforest. This is what Hana is for.  And Hamoa Beach is one of the best beaches in the state.  But here’s the deal with Hana: You …read more

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News from the This Oil Crisis Sucks files: the Moloka’i ferry I’ve mentioned here at The Hawaii Traveler raised its rates today by adding a temporary fuel surcharge.  The regular $40 one-way fare to/from Maui and Moloka’i will now cost you $66.  Work commuters are certainly going to be the most hard-hit from the hike, but Sea Link, the ferry operator is appealing to the PUC for a special concession to avoid shutting down.Unlike other operators like the Superferry, Sea Link  receives no subsidies, loan guarantees or other special considerations from government; gas prices combined with declining tourist turn-out in …read more

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Since its founding in 1951 The Nature Conservancy has become, “the leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people.” It’s an international organization with more than 117 million acres worldwide and 11 private preserves in Hawaii totaling 32,000 acres.Active for 20 years in the state of Hawaii, it’s a membership coalition that works in cooperation with more than 100 businesses. In Maui, the Conservancy manages preserves at Kapunakea and Waikamoi, the sites of a feral animal hunting initiative. On Lanai, it manages Kanepuu, the site of a see-it-before-you-die ecosystem. And …read more

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Is there a deader horse to beat than the one about commercial airlines and airports? The overselling, the delays, the lack of in-flight goodies, and the security measures that don’t make any sense. (I can carry on two pints of milk for the kid, but my lip gloss is confiscated.) There’s also the other passengers (and their idea of hygiene), the pickup/drop-off procedures, the lines for a bad cup of coffee, and the germs.
In fact, I’m home today with a cold that I probably picked up at one airport or another while traveling to and from Albany, …read more

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This just in:  According to KGMB9 News, more than 10,000 gallons of wastewater overflowed from a pump station in Paukukalo and made its way to the ocean by way of a sewer manhole on Waiehu Beach Road, and then a storm drain connection to systems that drain into the ocean.
Stay tuned for news from the Department of Health, which is conducting an analysis of the ocean waters for bacteria and other hazards. Until then, signs have been posted warning swimmers of potential risks.
Photo by Flickr–Creative Commons, by The_Tim

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Here at The Hawai’i Traveler, we primarily talk about the eight main Hawaiian islands of interest to tourists and armchair travelers, but thinking outside the box brings us, strangely, to a triangle–The Polynesian Triangle, that is.
Hawai’i is actually comprised of a chain of 137 islands, islets, and shoals. Only seven of these islands are inhabited year round and four are the main attractions: The Big Island, O’ahu, Maui, and Kaua’i.
At first glance, Hawai’i is a lot like a little piece of Americana wrapped in ti leaves and served with poi. The atmosphere is unlike what most of us travelers …read more

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