Aqua Hotels

Oahu Ghost Tours

relevantsearches — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 15:07:08 +0000

Oahu Ghost Tours
And ideal tour series for people who love to be scared, or are simply attuned to or interested in the supernatural, Oahu Ghost Tours offers several tours around Oahu that focus on the eerie supernatural haunts, both in the city and the countryside. The company is adamant that they do not hire actors or use any devices or tricks to suggest the appearance of ghosts or spirits.

The Honolulu City Haunts night walking tour is a one-mile walk around Downtown Honolulu where supernatural events have been reported. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes and a jacket in case the night air (or something else altogether) gives you the shivers. The tour takes approximately 2-2.5 hours and departs Thursday and Saturday nights.

The Orbs of Oahu night driving tour will whisk you around the southern end of Oahu to what are reported to be the most haunted locations on the island. Lasting 4-4.5 hours, prepare to keep your wits about you and wear comfortable closed-toed shoes and jacket to keep your tingling spine warm.

The Sacred Spirits day driving tour focuses on the ancient spirits and pantheon of Hawaiian mythology. In addition to the scary and otherworldly presence felt at many of the stops on this tour, the journey will also make a spot at a private waterfall not open to the general public.

All tours include transportation to and from Waikiki. Reservations can be booked online at the website www.oahughosttours.com or can be purchased by calling 877.597.7325

Dole Pineapple Plantation

relevantsearches — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 18:43:23 +0000

Dole Pineapple Plantation
Operated by the world famous Dole Food Company, the Dole Pineapple Plantation celebrates the rich and delicious history of pineapple cultivation in Hawaii. Originally founded as the Hawaiian Pineapple Company in 1901 by James Dole, this plantation serves as the figurehead of the Dole Food Company. While the basic grounds are free and include pineapple-cutting demonstrations, there are several additional experiences that can be enjoyed for small additional fees. Numerous food and drink options abound at the fruit juice stand, in the gift shop and the Plantation Grille Restaurant.

The Pineapple Express is a twenty-minute train-ride over two miles of the plantation, and includes a history of the plantation founder, James Drummond Dole, the North Shore, and a history of agriculture in Hawaii. Not just about pineapples, this tour also includes modern Hawaiian agricultural crops including cacao that is processed to make chocolate, coffee and mangoes. The Pineapple Express chugs it tracks from 9:30am-5pm daily, and is closed on Christmas Day. Admission is $8 for adults, and $6 for children ages 4-12.

A Plantation Tour on foot will bring you through eight different gardens on a self-guided audio tour explaining the history of life on the plantations and the role of many plants in traditional Hawaiian life. The tour is available from 9:30am-5pm daily, and is closed on Christmas Day. Admission is $5 for adults, $4.25 for children ages 4-12.

This plantation is also home to the world’s largest maze. Winding over three acres and including more than two miles of confusing pathways, a game including finding eight secret stations is as fun as it is confusing. Navigators with the fastest times have their names recorded on a sign at the entrance of the maze. The maze is open daily from 9:30am-5pm, and is closed on Christmas Day. Admission to the maze is $6 for adults, and $4 for children ages 4-12. The Dole Food Company guarantees there are no minotaurs in this family-friendly botanical maze.

Lanai ATV Tour Guide

relevantsearches — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 11:07:10 +0000

Lanai ATV Tour Guide
Yet another way to enjoy the majestic and rugged beauty of Lanai is touring the island with an all-terrain vehicle, or ATV. Popular among motorcycle enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys the visceral thrill of off-road driving, you can feel the roar of the engine and the splashing red mud as you drive through this tropical paradise.

Adventure Lanai Ecocentre
Offering ATVs and Jeeps for rent on the island of Lanai, the Adventure Lanai Ecocentre offers a variety of packages that can cater to multiple interests, from solo trips to guided tours of varying length. Tour packages start at $139.20 and last approximately four hours, depending on desired tour package details. Open seven days a week from 9am-2pm, Contact the Adventure Ecocentre at 808.565.7373.

Early riser?

relevantsearches — Sun, 27 May 2012 21:07:00 +0000

Help … I’ve gotten up at 3 am and I don’t want to go back to bed because I’m wide awake!
That scenario happens so often because Hawaii is at least 2 hours, and as much as 6 hours, behind the
continental US. So, when it is 9 am in New York, it’s only 3 am in Waikiki and the sun won’t rise for another
several hours. The latest Hawaiian sunrise happens at about 7 am during December and January. But, when it
does, the air will be warm, the skies blue and there’s plenty of time to enjoy the day … I promise. So, what can
you do when you’re up early? Here are a few suggestions.
Power walk, jog or go for a run around Waikiki with a friend. Yes, it may be dark but Waikiki is a pretty safe
area and you won’t need to bundle up from the cold. If that’s not comforting enough, the Waikiki police substation
is located along Kalakaua Avenue (near the surfboard rental station) and a citizen’s watch group, the
Aloha Patrol, keeps an eye out for wrong doings. Here are a few nearby places to jog:
Kapiolani Park; his is the largest and oldest public park in Hawaii and it’s located on the east end of Waikiki, the
street from Park Shore Waikiki and Queen Kapiolani Hotel. This 300-acre park, named after Queen Kapiolani,
wife of King David Kalakaua, offers a very popular jogging path.
Diamond Head: Near Waikiki is a 4.8 mile run around Diamond Head. It can be a bit much for some because it
includes an incline once you’re on Diamond Head Road.
Ala Moana Park: Just beyond the ‘Ilikai Hotel & Suites and over the bridge from Waikiki is the 76 acre Ala Moana
Park. A favorite family park, Ala Moana offers a 1 mile paved trail around the “Magic Island” peninsula, or a 2
mile loop around the perimeter of the park between Ala Moana Blvd. and the park access road.
Actually, if you really enjoy running and want to participate in an official running event, you can get information
through the Department of Parks and Recreation at 523-4525.
Go to Zippy’s. You’ll probably be hungry after your run so why not stop at Zippy’s – a favorite restaurant for
Hawaii residents.
There are more than 20 Zippy’s on Oahu and there’s one location about a mile from most Aqua hotels at 601
Kapahulu Avenue, open 24 x 7. Here are some interesting facts about Zippy’s:
 They will be celebrating their 44th birthday on October 17, 2011.
 Zippy’s has a fast food counter for take away and casual dine-in meals and snacks plus many locations
also feature full-service restaurants.
 Their signature product is the Original Recipe Chili and Zippy’s sells over 110 tons of it every month
through the stores, fund raising activities, and retail markets.
Zippy’s offers you a chance to try the ‘plate lunch’ – a hot meal on a paper plate. While this is not Hawaiian food,
per se, it is a local tradition that should be experienced by all.
A final suggestion for early risers – check out the Honolulu Fish Auction at 1131 N. Nimitz Highway (Pier
38).
A 10-minute drive from Waikiki, the action starts way before the sun rises (when the fishing boats come in and
their catch is unloaded, weighed and tagged). The Honolulu Fish Auction is a great activity for foodies but
everyone will enjoy a day at the auction. This is the only Japanese-style fish auction in the US and it’s a chance
to get up close and personal with the fish served at our restaurants. If you think you might want to do this, plan to
be there before the bell rings at 5:30 am. Afterwards, you might want to enjoy a nice fish breakfast at Nico’s
before returning to Waikiki.
After 2 – 3 days or, by the time you complete each of these suggestions, your body clock will have adjusted to
Hawaiian time and you’ll find yourself waking up at 6 – 7 am like the rest of us.

Hawaiian Railway

relevantsearches — Fri, 04 May 2012 21:34:16 +0000

Hawaiian Railway
The pleasant afternoon rides on the Hawaiian Railway are a train ride into the past of Hawaii itself. Trains were used for transport and travel across difficult terrain, and were often used to transport sugar cane and other agricultural harvests from the plantations where they were cultivated to the ports and harbors where they were then loaded on to ships for transport. The Hawaiian Railways Society is a not for profit organization dedicated to maintaining the last remaining stretch of the Oahu track, reaching from Ewa to Nanakuli.

In addition to the train ride, the railway station has outdoor exhibits of freight cars and engines as well as a gift shop. If you have ever felt your heart beat a little faster at the sound of a diesel train engine, or wanted to ride in a train across a tropical island, the Hawaiian Railway and Museum are a great place to visit.

The Hawaiian Railway offers 90-minute train rides every Sunday. Tickets for adults are $10, and tickets for children ages 2-12 and seniors are $7. The ticket office is open beginning at 11:30am. Departure times for the train are 1pm and 3pm from the Ewa Station. For additional inquiries, contact the Hawaiian Railway at 808.681.5461.

Biking in Maui

relevantsearches — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 22:55:02 +0000

Biking in Maui
A favorite island pastime that has become a national passion, biking is fun not only as a means of transportation to get from here to there, but as a way to speed across the open roads and trails of the Hawaiian Islands. Both mountain and racing bike use is popular in Maui, and there are plenty of bike shops where you can purchase or rent a bike for use on the island.

As a key leg of any triathlon, biking has become especially popular for visitors in the Hawaiian Islands who aspire to undertake this grueling long-distance endurance sport, whether they seek to compete in the Ironman Triathlon or compete at a smaller scale. Cycling as a competitive sport in its own right has also popularized biking. It’s certainly not all about competition though, and can just be a way for visitors to explore more of the island on their own or with friends.

Below is just a short list of bike shops in Maui:

Island Biker Maui: www.islandbikermaui.com
Offering bike rentals and bike sales. Call 808.877.7744 for additional information

Maui Easy Riders: www.mauieasyriders.com
Offering bike tours through Haleakala and the Road to Hana. Call 808.344.9489.

Maui Downhill Bicycle Safaris: www.mauidownhill.com
Based in Kahului and offering bike tours through Haleakala Volcano National Park. Call 808.871.2155 for reservations

Target Shooting in Oahu

relevantsearches — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 23:42:03 +0000

Target Shooting in Oahu
Koko Head Shooting Complex is the only public shooting range on the island of Oahu. Originally constructed by the National Guard, the practice firing range was later acquired by the city of Honolulu, and transitioned to its current from in 1950.

The Koko Head Shooting Complex offers visitors the opportunity to fire pistols, rifles and shotgun, as well as practice archery with a bow and arrow. In addition to target ranges, the club also offers skeet and trap shooting. The Complex is favored by a number of gun clubs, some of whom will also offer instruction with various firearms, but you will need to find someone who will accompany you or let you borrow a firearm, as there are no gun rentals at the Complex.

Visit the Koko Head Shooting Complex website at www.khsc.com for a complete list of allowed and prohibited firearms, safety rules and hours of operation. For the latest information regarding hours of operation, contact the Complex directly at 808.395.2992.

Dogs going on vacation to Hawaii

relevantsearches — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 21:07:16 +0000

I remember the first time I had to leave ‘Frosty’ at home when I took a trip. Looking at
those sad doggie eyes was pretty unbearable. Well, it can also be difficult (even
traumatic) for a pet to be separated from their owner for a length of time too so here’s
some welcome news for dog owners.
Hawaii’s animal quarantine law was changed (for the better) in 2003. The new five-day or
less quarantine makes it a bit easier for travelers to bring their pets along with them to
Hawaii. Advance planning is definitely on the agenda for you and your pet dog as pre-trip
preparation is required.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO IN ADVANCE: Here’s a link to the checklist:

http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/aqs-checklist-5.pdf

Hawaii’s new quarantine program allows pets to be directly released at the airport if the
pet owner follows strict procedures prior to the pet’s arrival. FYI – it will take at least four
months to qualify an adult pet that has had at least one rabies vaccination and at least 10
months to qualify a newborn puppy for this program.
There are a few exceptions to the quarantine program: Animals originating from other
rabies-free areas that have prevention, control and surveillance methods that are equal to
or more strict than those of Hawai‘i are exempt. At the present time, the only countries
judged to meet these criteria are the British Isles, Australia, Guam and New Zealand.
WHAT ARE THE HOTEL OPTIONS FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG:
Waikiki: Aqua Waikiki Wave and Aqua Waikiki Pearl
Both hotels welcome dogs up to 40 pounds (18 kilograms) in Waikiki. Upon arrival the
hotel provides your furry friends with tail-wagging treats, in-room food & water bowls,
doggie liners, doggie bed and a toy for your dog to take home. For your convenience, the
pet-friendly floor is located on the second floor. To keep the hotel safe and clean for your
four-legged travel companions, both hotels require a small fee of $25 per night, with a
$100 security deposit that is refundable upon checkout after inspection of your room.
Honolulu: Pagoda Hotel
Pagoda Hotel is now welcoming dogs up to 40 pounds. Pets must be supervised at all
times. Upon check-in you will receive complimentary pads to help keep your room clean
and we require a small fee of $25 per night, with a $100 security deposit that is refundable
upon checkout after inspection of your room.
Molokai: Hotel Molokai
Hotel Molokai is proud to welcome pets up to 15 pounds. To keep the hotel safe and clean
for your four-legged travel companions, your pet must be caged while in the room and the
hotel requires a small fee of $35 per night, with a $100 security deposit that is refundable
upon checkout after inspection of your room.
MORE USEFUL INFORMATION:
The airline is responsible for bringing all arriving animals to the Airport Animal Quarantine
Holding Facility (AAQHF). Pets allowed to fly in the passenger cabin will be taken by
airline personnel upon landing and will be transported to the AAQHF. Pets qualifying for
direct release will be processed at the facility, which is located on the Ewa Service Road
that runs between the Interisland Terminal and the Main Terminal.
IMPORTANT! Pet owners are responsible for transporting all pets released from the
Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility (AAQHF) to their vehicles or the Interisland
terminal. Airport security regulations do not permit animals to be let out of the transport
crate on airport property. Pets must be picked up and loaded into a vehicle or onto a
baggage cart in their transport crate. Therefore, vehicles must be large enough to
accommodate the intact crate with the pet inside. There are no baggage carts or porters
in the immediate vicinity of the AAQHF.
For complete information regarding what it will take to bring your pet to Hawaii, visit

http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/info

Manoa Falls

relevantsearches — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 22:15:20 +0000

Manoa Falls
Travelers visiting the Hawaiian Islands would be missing out if they didn’t take advantage of the many great hiking opportunities available to both the beginner and the advanced trekker. Whether you are an absolute beginner or a seasoned veteran, the hike to the Manoa Falls is well worth the trip. One of the most popular hiking trails in all of Oahu, Manoa Falls is popular because of its incredible proximity to Waikiki, its short duration and relative ease.

An easy to reach trailhead, the hiking path can be reached via Upper Manoa Road. Parking is $5 by the Tree Top Restaurant, although every once in a while there will be an available space or two elsewhere for free. The whole hike runs 1.5 miles through the rain forest from the trailhead to the waterfall and back and can be completed in less than two hours at an easy pace with plenty of stops for pictures. Bamboo groves and large Banyan trees line the trail, and the Manoa Falls themselves can be quite impressive after a good rain, before and after the dry summer months.

In any hike in Hawaii, there are at least three essential items to bring. The first is good shoes, as any trail that wanders through a rain forest will often have slippery rocks and wet mud after the rains. Bug repellant spray or wipes are important too. While it’s fun to stop and have a quick bite, no one enjoys being bitten. Third, be sure to bring your camera! The lush and wild tropical environment is beautiful and restful, and every picture you take is a vivid memory of your vacation.

Extra Tips for Safety
Fresh running water must be treated chemically, as all water in the islands is subject to leptospirosis. Hiking boots, sunscreen and insect repellant are all an absolute must. Because this trail is located in a lush, tropical valley, it is not advisable to attempt this hike near sunset. The sun always drops quickly, and the shade of the rain forest will envelop unprepared hikers in almost complete darkness much faster than some might anticipate. Have fun, but be safe!

Visiting Diamond Head

relevantsearches — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 21:48:17 +0000

Visiting Diamond Head
Diamond Head is one of the most prominent features visible around Honolulu and Waikiki and is one of the most recognized natural landmarks in all of Hawaii. The large rounded crater was formed during a particularly explosive volcanic blast that may have occurred as far back as 300,000 years ago. Much of the wildlife and vegetation within the crater was not introduced into the area until the late nineteenth century.

Providing one of the best views of Honolulu and Waikiki from the summit, the trail to the summit of Diamond Head was built in 1908 as part of Oahu’s developing coastal defense system operated by the US military. Although less than a mile from the trailhead to the summit, the elevation gain is a steep 560 feet as it ascends from the crater floor. Continuing along a fortification wall designed to prevent erosion, the ascent continues to a lighted 225-foot tunnel. This tunnel is the entrance to the Fire Control Center built in 1911. There are bunkers at the summit as well as a lighthouse. The view at the top is well worth all the effort, and provides an elevated view that extends from Koko Head Crater to Wai’anae. During winter you may be able to spot the humpback whales that migrate to the Hawaiian Island waters to breed and give birth to their young every year.

To avoid the heat of the midday sun and to secure a parking spot, it is a good idea to plan your hiking in Diamond Head early in the day. The park is open from 6am-6pm and the latest you can enter the hiking trail is 4:30pm, as the gates are locked when the park closes for the day. With the exception of service animals, pets are prohibited from entering the park.

A $5 fee is assessed per car, and $1 is the price of admission for pedestrians.

Extra Tips
The hiking trail is particularly uneven and is very steep in some areas. The last 1/10 of a mile is stairs.