The Big Island

You know many people think Hawaii is one big place so you can go to one island and know how the others will look and feel.
You could not be more wrong... with the exception that they are all surrounded by water!

Each Hawaiian island is uniquely different from the rest. They have different foliage, weather, animal life, atmosphere, water movement, people, culture, look and feel. This is what makes Hawaii so incredible; you can island hop and have a completely different experience just 30 minutes of flight time away!

The Big island, named Hawaii, is amazingly beautiful and still raw with the activity of Kilauea, it's active volcano. The national park has lava tubes that you can walk through! The largest of all the Hawaiian islands and the youngest has miles and miles of beautiful driving available to all.

Although the majority of hotels and resorts are found on the Kona side of the island, it is well worth the drive to visit Hilo.
You can make an entire day of visiting the volcano and then driving to Hilo. See where many of the locals live and have lunch at a local restaurant. They won't look like any restaurant in your Kona resorts but the local flavor is delicious and inexpensive!
Make sure to go to Big island candies, (one of my favorite cookie companies); address 585 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720. You can get samples of their cookies and coffee and even watch the great workers that create these goodies. Make sure to think of souvenirs here, they can ship them home for you! Head over to Rainbow Falls; the waterfall is right in Hilo and has a parking lot to make it easy!

Make sure to stop by Hilo Homemade ice cream on Waianuenue Avenue for some macadamia nut ice cream! Make sure you stop by Akaka Falls before heading back to your hotel!

Maui On My Mind

Ok, Maui is usually not far from my mind... how do you think I keep my sanity?!
But in trying to find a family a trip to San Diego, a lovely place; I was able to find
a trip in the same budget for Maui, including airfare and rental car.

When you find yourself on a budget or you're taking the whole family along, a
condo is a good choice. There are many available in different areas and they are
usually quite larger than the hotel rooms. They come with kitchens so you can
save a lot of money by simply cooking some of your meals. Remember, you're
on Maui where fresh fish is always available in the markets. I have stayed in
hotels and condos on Maui.

When in a condo, I'll have a great breakfast out on
the lanai and then head out. I'll have a nice lunch out and then a candlit dinner
on the lanai again or I'll have a nice dinner out. You can buy a cooler and have a
romantic picnic on the beach. I've gotten many compliments for doing that and it
was inexpensive and took little effort. Save the cooler for your trip to Hana and
upcountry; you'll be using it again!

Oahu on Sale & Looking Good

The major renovations Oahu has been undergoing the last few years are pretty much done. With many properties renovated and new walk and shop areas in Waikiki, it looks better than ever. The economy has hit Hawaii hard as many other places. The pricing has fallen and if you've always wanted to go to Oahu or have thought of returning.... now is the time! I suggest using a travel agent so you don't end up in one of the properties that has not renovated.

Now is the time!

Evalani says: "now is the time to go to Hawaii." The prices of flights, hotels and activities are great but will be going up.
Even though people are being more careful with how they spend their money, Hawaii remains the most tropical and cultural
destination within the United States. With no passports required, English spoken, friendly environment and absolutely beautiful
islands, Hawaii is a winning destination!