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For a relaxing change of pace…the Waikiki Aquarium

The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Exhibit

The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Exhibit is the Waikiki Aquariums first new exhibit in 6-years.  The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, which includes the chain of 120+ islands and atolls that string some 1200 miles to the northwest of Niihau,  is home to over 7,000 marine species, a quarter of which are found nowhere else on Earth.  The 4,000 gallon display will feature many species of fish rarely seen outside of this protected area.

The Waikiki Aquarium…3rd oldest aquarium in the country

It opened its doors on March 19, 1904, and was then called the Honolulu Aquarium.  A state-of-the-art facility, it had 35 tanks and 400 species in its collection and was proclaimed to have the finest collection of fishes in the world.

Its tradition as a research facility began in 1912 with a donation from the C.M. Cooke Estate for a marine biology research laboratory.  When its lease expired in 1919, the Cooke Estate ceded the Aquarium’s property lease to the Territory of Hawaii and operations were turned over to the then newly formed University of Hawaii.

In 1949, the Territory Legislature funded construction of a new aquarium to the south of the original structure and in 1955, the Waikiki Aquarium opened.  This is the building that I originally visited back in the 60’s and which still stands today.  The 1990’s brought a focus on more naturalistic exhibits that focused on the marine life of Hawaii and the western Pacific, as well as significant renovation of the facilities, and in 2000 the Aquarium was designated a Coastal Ecosystem Learning Center of the Coastal America partnership.

It was also during this period that they instituted the coral propagation program, for which the Aquarium is now world-renowned.   The purpose of this program is to supply aquariums and researchers world-wide with live coral specimens while protecting coral in the wild.   The ultimate goal of the program is to reach the point where they can re-introduce corals back into the wild to help propagate dying reefs.

The Waikiki Aquarium Houses Six Main Areas:

• The Corals Are Alive:  Hawaiian coral reefs are unique in that they are geologically young reefs and are the most geographically isolated reefs in the world.
• The Galleries at the Aquarium:  highlight the aquatic communities of the tropical Pacific and Hawaii.
• The Edge of the Reef exhibit is a 7,500 gallon (28,400 liter) outdoor exhibit that recreates a typical Hawaiian shoreline.
• The Hawaiian Monk Seal is one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals.
• The Ocean Aquaculture display focuses on the raising of a Hawaiian favorite, the “moi”, aka Pacific Six Fingered Threadfin (Polydactylus sexfilis).
• Coral Farm exhibit is a working coral propagation facility enabling us to provide hundreds of coral colonies a year to other aquariums and research institutions.
• Seahorse exhibit takes viewers behind the scenes at Waikiki Aquarium to talk about the care and feeding of seahorses.
• The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Exhibit

The Waikiki Aquarium also offers a number of educational and fun activities and events for the family.  These range from night viewings of some of the nocturnal residents in the aquarium to exploring the nearby tidal pools.  Or, you might want to get involved with NOAA’s Ocean Exploration Curriculum Workshop or the Marine Educators’ Night at the Waikīkī Aquarium for adults.

So, while the outward appearance of the Waikiki Aquarium may not rival its larger counterparts on the mainland, it still warrants a visit if you have any interest in the local sea creatures and the many conservation efforts being led by this University of Hawaii operated facility.  What is lacks in size, it more than makes up for in its world renown status!

Admission:

• for adults…$9;
• for locals (kama’ainas), seniors (65+), and active military…$6;
• youths (13-17) or those with a disability…$4;
•  juniors (5-16)…$2;
•  and children (4 and under)…FREE.

Open 9:00 to 4:30 pm daily; closes early at 2:30 Thanksgiving Day; closed for the Honolulu Marathon and Christmas.   Located walking distance of Waikiki at 2777 Kalakaua Ave., call for more information (808)923-9741.

HAWAI’I ISLAND, Hawaii — At 2:05 p.m., HST, this afternoon, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) monitoring network detected the onset of rapid deflation of the Pu`u `Ō `ō crater floor. Soon thereafter, at 2:20 p.m., lava broke out at the base of the west flank of the Pu`u `Ō `ō cone.

According to Jim Kauahikaua, HVO’s Scientist-in-Charge, the breakout points are 0.7 km (0.4 mi) east of the eastern end of the Kamoamoa fissure that erupted earlier this year, in March 2011, or about half way between Pu`u `Ō `ō Crater and the eastern end of the Kamoamoa fissure.

“Interestingly, as the crater floor deflated, lava in the perched lake within Pu`u `Ō `ō Crater continued to circulate, just as it had over the past several weeks,” Kauahikaua noted, “but, by 3:15 p.m., the crater floor and lava lake began to collapse.”

HVO scientists at the eruption site reported a branched lava flow moving down Kīlauea’s south flank.  The weaker northwest arm was pushing into kipuka and forest, while the higher volume, larger south arm had advanced at least 3 km (1.8 mi) downslope as of 3:50 p.m. The lava flow is entirely within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and poses no hazard to residents at this time.

The east rift zone activity has not caused significant changes within Kīlauea’s summit vent in Halema‘uma‘u Crater.

Updates on the status of Kīlauea’s east rift and summit eruptions are posted on HVO’s Web site every morning at http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/activity/status.php, then click on HVO.  Additional updates on the new east rift zone activity will be posted each afternoon as merited.

HVO webcam images of Pu`u `Ō `ō and surrounding area, including the site of the current activity, can be accessed at http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/cams/.   The webcam images, which are updated every 5 minutes, are primarily for research and monitoring purposes, but are made available as a courtesy to the public.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has closed the Chain of Craters Road until further notice, but sections of Crater Rim Drive remain open.  For more information about access and road closures, Park visitors should call 808-985- 6011 or email havo_interpretation@nps.gov.

For daily eruption updates, status reports, and information on recent earthquakes in Hawai’i, please visit the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Web site at http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

Visit one…two…or all of them?

One of the biggest mistake many first-time visitors to the Aloha State make is to try and take in too much of the island experience with too little time.  While on paper, it might seem like you could spend a week and island-hop until you’ve taken in the six major islands, or even just the four most-visited islands, it would be a mistake to do so and do any of them…or yourself, any justice.

Not to mention, each time you decide to pack up and move to the next island, you’ll lose a minimum of 3-hrs to half-a-day in check out, check-in of hotels, car rentals, and airports.  It would be heart-breaking to find that you spent more time in-transit, than actually experiencing the islands.  On the other hand, I have heard people complain that they were not impressed with Hawaii when they never got outside of Waikiki.

After committing so much in both time and money to get to Hawaii, you should do more than just “see” the islands via a windshield tour.  Frankly, you could spend a week on Oahu or the Big Island and barely scratch the surface of what either has to offer.  And, while admittedly, you could take in much of the readily accessible sites on Kauai or Maui in that time-frame, it might also surprise you to see how much more you might experience if you slowed down to relax and enjoy your time there.

Kauai

Kauai is a popular pick for those people looking to simply slow-down and smell the flowers.  Its a very relaxed destination and while traffic is becoming more of an issue in a few spots, for the most part the island and its residents promote that relaxed vacation getaway that many visitors are seeking.   Kauai actually has a law limiting the height of buildings to “no taller than a coconut tree”.  Natural beauty rules here.

Kauai is home to one of the wettest spots on earth and as such, offers several beautiful waterfalls, as you might expect from such a rainy island.  In addition, all that rain has worked to create the island’s version of the Grand Canyon, Waimea Canyon.  It not only offers some picturesque vistas, but also some great hiking trails for all fitness levels.  An option for those who prefer not to pack their hiking boots is to rent bicycles and bike down (glide) from the top to sea-level.

Maui

Haleakala Crater on Maui is most frequently seen from the parking lot and viewing area adjacent to the Haleakala National Park Headquarters.  There are several trails that run through the crater and even cabins that can be rented (reservations in advance are required) for those who would like an enhanced experience of this dormant volcano.  And, like Waimea Canyon on Kauai, you can arrange to rent bicycles that you can ride down from the 7000′ park entrance to sea-level, at your own pace.

Even a “quick” windshield viewing of the famous road-to-Hana will require much more than a map might have you believe.  Geographically, its just over 50 miles from Kahului to Hana, so you might be led to believe it would be a matter of 2-3 hours to get there and back and you would be frustrated when you find yourself not quite to Hana when you hit the two-hour mark.   What you need to factor in is the 53 mostly single-wide bridges, over 300 curves that must be navigated and sharing the road with a couple thousand other drivers making the same trek!

The phrase, “Its not the destination, but the journey”, could not apply more than here.  While Hana is a very appealing town, 80% of the experience is in the great vistas, waterfalls, and beaches to be enjoyed along the way.  By the way, if ever there was a time to splurge and rent a convertible or soft-top Jeep, this would be it.  This is as picturesque a drive as the island of Maui offers…slow down, stop often, and soak it all up.

And of course, no discussion of Maui activities would be complete without at least mentioning snorkeling at Molokini island, a very popular activity.  If you’re fortunate enough to plan your visit during the winter season, you will also find the wintering whales a common site along the southern coast.

Oahu

Honolulu is a world class city of almost a million residents; its the 11th largest city in the US, which also means world class hotels and restaurants.  Oahu is home to many of the iconic places that first come to mind when you hear the word “Hawaii”; Waikiki, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, to mention a few.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is the #1 paid tourist attraction in the state and offers a convenient way to experience many other island cultures from around the south Pacific.  There are several commercial luaus to chose from, but you could also attend a luau on Kauai, Maui, or the Big Island of Hawaii as well.  Oahu also offers you over 100 beaches to choose from and all the water-related activities you might want to try, from surfing to kayaking to snorkeling, you’ll find all the necessary equipment readily available for rent throughout the island.

And, while any map will show you that you could easily drive-around the island in a few hours, you’ll find taking the better part of the day as you  enjoy the view or visit interesting locales a better experience.  To truly enjoy Hawaii, you need to abandon the rush-to-get-there mindset and slow down, after all, you’re on vacation, right?

The Big Island

That brings me to the island of Hawaii, referred to as the Big Island so as to avoid confusion with the state of Hawaii.  Once again, you could make the drive around the island in 6-7 hours, what would be the point in doing so?

The Big Island offers 11 of 13 climatic zones.  Kona, where many of the hotels/resorts are located, is on the dry western side of the island which receives less than 30 inches of rain annually; while Hilo, located on the eastern, windward side of the island is the wettest city in the US, receiving well over 200 inches of rain per year.  You can be swimming in the morning and viewing the stars from 13,000′ on the slopes of Mauna Kea, weather permitting.

As the youngest island in the chain, the Big Island offers the fewest number of sandy beaches, but offers them in an array of white, black, and even green sand.  You can swim with Manta Rays at night off Kailua and have your choice of snorkeling, scuba, or even staying feet dry in a submersible while doing so.  You could take a stab at catching a marlin, tuna, or mahimahi, just minutes, not hours, out of the harbor.

This was in no way intended to be a cover-it-all article, but rather a brief overview of just a few of the things to do you will find on the main islands.  You can find entire books written about all that there is to do on each island.  So, make the most of your visit and limit yourself; an island-per-week is a good rule of thumb to go by.  Besides, that will leave you additional islands to look forward to on your next visit to the 50th state…and I’m sure you’ll want to return.

This question will no longer be asked on Maui, once the new ordinance goes into effect banning the use of plastic bags at checkouts throughout Maui County.  Maui County includes the islands of Maui, Lanai and Molokai.

The new county ordinance is scheduled to take effect January 11, 2011, once Mayor Tavares signs off on it.  However, apparently, Mayor Tavares will not be in office on the 11th.

Once the mayor does sign off on the ordinance, it will be submitted to the County Clerk for recording and will  take effect 10 days later.

The intent of the bill is to encourage the use of re-usable shopping bags and to eliminate waste and environmental hazards to fish and wildlife of improperly disposed of plastic bags.

Violators of this new ordinance will face a civil fine of $500, which may be assessed for each day the ordinance is ignored.  For repeat offenders or those who chose to ignore the new ordinance, fines increase to $1000 daily starting on the 31st day of such violation.

Do you part in helping the environment and bring your own reusable bags when you go shopping.  It may take a while to remember, but eventually, you’ll get in the habit.

Did you know that the average American uses 300 to 700 plastic bags annually?  In the US alone, we use over 30 Million plastic grocery bags a year.

Two recent bills under consideration are aimed at leveling the playing field between timeshares and traditional room rentals.  The current formula used to calculate the value of a timeshare when used by its owner appears to undervalue the market value of that unit and therefore the occupancy tax paid by the owner.

HB 809 and HB1163 are intended to correct that situation.  The result of HB1163 would be to triple the tax basis for timeshare units and HB809 temporarily (for 4-years) increases the transient occupancy tax for timeshare owners using their units from 7.25% to 9.25%.

According to the terms of the bill (HB 1163) that has just passed out of the House Tourism Committee on 1/31/2011 and will now be reviewed by the House Finance Committee (expected later this month).

The purpose of this latest legislation is to bring parity in taxes paid by someone renting an equal value hotel/condo who pays the state’s transient occupancy tax.  The basis of the time-share was based on 50% of the units maintenance costs, which when compared to comparable hotel/condo rental rates was a third of the true market value (although that is a questionable value that can be arrived at thru multiple equations). At any rate, this bill is aimed at bringing the tax basis of a timeshare closer to the true market value.

HB 809 will raise the transient occupancy tax rate from the current 7.25% to 9.25% temporarily from July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2015 on time share units used by the owners. (HB809 HD1) This bill passed out of the Tourism Committee on Feb 9th and is headed to the Finance Committee, too.

The danger with HB809 lies in the fact that what starts out as a “temporary” situation often becomes a permanent one.  And, while the timeshare owners may see this as unfairly singling them out, the fact is that they have had the benefit of having their timeshare usage undervalued for years and this is a fair adjustment making things more equitable.

You can go to the American Resort Development Association website for more information.   They are, of course, opposed to these changes.
http://dev.arda.org/arda/government-affa…

You can also go to the State of Hawaii legislature website:
For HB809:
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session201…
For HB1092
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session201…

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Hawaiian Airlines Inter-island Fee Raises to $17 for 1st Bag

Starting September 1, 2011, passengers flying Hawaiian Airlines between the islands will face a higher checked baggage fee for the first bag checked.  The current $10 inter-island bag fee will rise to $17.  The charge for a second piece of checked baggage will remain the same as the current fee of $17.  A spokesperson for Hawaiian Airlines said that this was the first increase since 2009.

This announcement accompanies Hawaiian Airlines 2nd quarter earnings report, also released today, showing a  loss of $50 Million.

The exemption for the first two-pieces of luggage for First Class, Gold and Platinum members will continue.  So, here is what your checked baggage fees will be starting September 1st:

Restaurants in Waimea on the Big Island

Failed attempts have been made as far back as King David Kalakaua to rename this community to “Kamuela”.  The residents of this up-country community, however, prefer Waimea and refuse to change.  Some map makers have addressed this issue by labeling its location with both Waimea (Kamuela), just in case you go searching for one versus the other.  Hawaiian Airlines, on its free map series, has chosen to go with the locals and simply labels it Waimea.  The US Postal Service, in an effort to reduce confusion between Waimea (96796) on Kauai, uses Kamuela (96743).

But, whatever you call it, it is located about a half hour’s drive from Kailua-Kona (more confusion ensues with Kailua, Oahu, which is why it is most often called Kailua-Kona…Kona being the name of the District).   Mention Waimea to a local and they will usually associate it with the home of the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) and Parker Ranch, even though there are several large ranches in the area.  Parker Ranch is the largest contiguous ranch in the US, so its understandable people think of it first.

Over the course of the last 20-years or so, Waimea has come a long way from its cowboy roots and is now a very appealing community with more and more professionals taking up residency.  A side benefit of this growth is the addition of some great eateries.  The article below is one of the better write-ups I have seen for the current state of restaurant choices and I thought I would share it with you.

Big-Island-Restaurants-in-Waimea

Unfortunately, most visitors to the Big Island who are staying in Kailua, only see whatever is visible through the windshield of their rental cars as they make their way to the Kohala Coast to visit WaipioValley or on to Hilo.  If you have the time, a drive up Hwy 250, which runs northward from Waimea to Hawi along the Kohala Mountains is a beautiful drive.  When you cross the crest, on a clear day, you can see Maui on the horizon.

For those who find themselves enjoying the beaches at Kapaa Beach Park, Mahukona Beach Park, or the Koai’ e Cove State Underwater Park along the northwest shores, you may want to continue your drive north and return via Hwy 250, then make a left into Waimea when you hit Hwy 19 and enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants reviewed in the article.

You may want to keep in mind that the Hawaiian Style Cafe tends to close early…when the food runs out or they just feel like calling it a day.  Their name says it all, its run “Hawaiian Style”.  But, if you get there early enough, come hungry because their portions are renown for being excessive, just the way the locals love it, and you won’t leave hungry. Its just one of the restaurants you’ll find in the town of Waimea…or Kamuela, whichever you prefer.

Koloa Plantation Days

If you’re headed to Kauai, you’re in luck, especially if you’re into rodeo activities.  Koloa Plantation Days is a mix of culture, plantation history, sports, recreation, live entertainment, food and fun for the entire family.

Kick off is Friday, July 22nd, with the Plantation Days Rodeo – preliminary roping & American west barrel racing at CIM stables,  from noon till 5:30 pm.   Following the rodeo events, stick around for a Paniolo Cookout and Slack Key music, from 5:30 to 8:00 pm.  (Call 808-742-6096.)

If tennis is more your game, Saturday starts off at 8:00 am with the Charity Tennis Tournament for United Way at Poipu Kai.   You’ll have to be a spectator, since the deadline for registering was July 15th.  Call 808-634-6050.   There is also a historic Hapa Trail Walk & Lunch leaving from St. Raphael’s Church at 9:00 am.  (808)652-2063

And, back at CIM Stables, the roping event kicks off at noon and runs till 5:00 pm.

Sunday, the 24th, the Charity Tennis Tournament for United Way continues at 8:00 am till 4:30 pm.  There is also a Miniature Golf Tournament for kids 13 and younger at the Lawai Beach Resort, starting at 10:00 am, call (808)240-5179.   And, from 11:30 am – 3:30 pm, the 12th Annual Plantation Days Rodeo, pre-rodeo entertainment helps to raise funds for the YMCA.  ($2/adults, children free with $1/adult going to the YMCA.)  Yes, its back at the CIM Stables, (808)742-6096

Monday morning, you can join in the Makawehi Sand Dune Walk, leaving from the Grand Hyatt Kauai, Seaview Terrace at 9:00 am (808)742-1234.  The Kukuiula Village is the site for a Historic Film Night Exhibit from 6:00 – 7:30 pm.  (808)742-9545

Koloa Plantation Days Craft Fair at The Point at Poipu, runs from 9:00 am till 1:00 pm, Tuesday, July 26th.  (808)742-1888   A Mixed plate-Live Music event is scheduled from 3:00 pm till 7:00 pm at the Old Koloa Town Courtyard. (808)742-7238   Eat early and make a quick run to the Poipu Shopping Village and you can catch the Polynesian Review & Fire Dance, 7:30-8:30 pm. (808)742-2831

Wednesday, July 27th, the Mahaulepu Coastal Hike by Malama Mahaulepu, 9:00 – 11:30 am.  (808)742-2024   Traditional Hawaiian Games at the Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation, 10 am – noon.  (808)742-6411  Plantation Treats at Kauai Culinary Market, Kukuiula Village, 4 – 6 pm.  (808)742-9545

Look back through the Sugar Era on Thursday at the Old Koloa Mill by Grove Farm, 9 – 11 am. (808)245-3678 ext. 222   Plantation Days Putting Contest at the Poipu Bay Resort Golf Club, 2:00 – 4:00 pm.  (808)742-8711   And, the Grand Hyatt Kauai is the location of the Luau Buffet Dinner & Show, 6:00 pm.  (Book via the Hyatt for a discount: 808-240-6456)

Friday, July 29th, Mahaulepu Watercolor Class by Malama Mahaulepu.  There is a fee for supplies or you can bring your own.  (808)742-2024   Talk Story – Sweet Memories of Old Koloa at the Koloa Union Church, 4:30 pm (808)332-0303.  Old Koloa Historical Walk leaves the Koloa School at 5:30 pm. (808)332-5201

Saturday, July 30th – Annual Parade & Park Celebration

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Historic Parade – 10:00 am, Koloa Town   Floats, marching units, riders, classic cars, and the Pacific Fleet Band.

Park Celebration – 11 am – 5:00 pm, Anne Knudsen (Koloa) Park   Food, crafts, live entertainment featuring Henry Kapona & Band, Frank DeLima, Augie T, and more!  $2 admission  (808)652-3217

Things wrap up on Sunday with the Paddle Fest at Poipu Beach Park, by Kukuiula Canoe Club.  10 am – 2 pm.  (808)635-0165

Well, as you can see, its a busy week in Koloa, Kauai!  Love the way they’ve scheduled activities so that you can attend the majority of them without missing out on something else that might be going on.  So, if your plans put you on Kauai between the 22nd and 31st of July, you should have a great time in store with all the activities surround the Koloa Plantation Days!

For more details and videos, visit www.koloaplantationdays.com.