Hawaiian City Garden

Charming, blue-collar Hilo is the unsung Hawaii SFGate Home Business Sports Entertainment Travel Jobs Real Estate Autos SFGate News Web by Charming, blue-collar Hilo is the unsung Hawaii Eric Brazil, Special to The Chronicle Sunday, August 25, 2002 now part of stylesheet -- Printable Version Email This Article Hilo, Hawaii --Because Hilo gets 130 inches of rain a year, lacks white-sand beaches and has a history of being clobbered by tsunamis, tourists tend to bypass Hawaii's second-biggest city. Big mistake. Hilo, the county seat of the Big Island, with a population of 47,000, has authentic South Seas charm, a vibrant local culture, a rich history and some of the grandest sights anywhere on the planet. Located on the windward side of the island, Hilo has taken a backseat as a tourist destination to the Kailua area on the Kona Coast, with its dry climate and reliable sunshine, luxury hotels, world-class sportfishing and famous coffee. Hilo's physical setting is spectacular, with false-fronted, early 20th century downtown buildings curving along Kamehameha Avenue around palm-lined Hilo Bay, and 13,796-foot Mauna Kea -- snow-crowned in winter -- rising majestically in the background. The city's tropical gardens are perpetually abloom with orchids, ginger and anthurium, and its orchards are heavy with avocados, bananas, guava and macadamia nuts. Just up the road, the active volcano Kilauea steams and smokes and sends molten lava streams snaking seaward. Unlike Honolulu, which is beset by many of the mainland's intractable big-city problems, or Kailua-Kona, with its array of glitzy shops and tourist hustle, Hilo is your basic working-class American small town, except for its decidedly tropical atmosphere. A city with a day-old-bread store smack in the middle of its main street does not put on airs. Yes, Hilo has sprawl. Development, including a huge shopping center with a Wal-Mart, creeps inexorably up Highway 11. But at the city's old, slightly ramshackle, multiethnic core, the beat is slow. Pidgin, the local dialect, is widely spoken here. The Wiki Wiki market advertises "Poi -- We Always Get" in its front window. An arborist in the Puna district bills himself as "Da Puna Pruna." One of Hilo's most colorful and distinctive institutions, the Suisan fish auction on the waterfront at Banyan Drive and Lihiwai Street, was recently closed and doesn't expect to reopen. But visitors can still experience fresh-from-the-producers action at the daily farmers' market on Kamehameha Avenue, where flowers, tropical fruit and vegetables, smoked fish, local cheeses and even some livestock are for sale. We saw a baby goat sold for $50 and led away on a rope leash by a father who evidently intended it as a family pet. Old-town Hilo, between Ponahawai Street and Wailuku Drive, extending three blocks back from Hilo Bay, is an easy stroll. But a car is handy for attractions on the edge of town, notably Rainbow Falls and the Boiling Pots on the Wailuku River, and the tropical gardens that lie just beyond the city limits. One of Hilo's don't-miss attractions is its Pacific Tsunami Museum. Hilo was devastated by two deadly "tidal waves." In 1946, 91 people died and most of the city's business district, an entire residential area, its railroad and the royal fish ponds were destroyed. In 1960, a 35-foot swell, born of an earthquake off the coast of Chile, 6,000 miles away, killed 61 people and destroyed 537 buildings. The museum features awe-inspiring photographs of the damage created by the tsunamis and a video, with scenes from both, plus interviews with survivors. "We're overdue for another big one," said Nani Pierce, a museum docent and survivor of the 1960 disaster. Hilo figures to be better prepared next time, since the installation of a fine-tuned early-warning system, plus the creation of clearly marked evacuation routes leading to higher ground. "First there's a warning," Pierce said. "Then 'it's coming' and finally 'watch out, it's here.' " Another worthwhile attraction is the Lyman Mission House and Museum. Built in 1839 by Congregationalist missionaries, it is the oldest wood-frame building on the island of Hawaii, and it contains an impressive aggregation of furniture, household implements and artifacts from the period when the impact of newly arrived people of European ancestry was first being felt in the Hawaiian Islands. Dining in Hilo can be an adventure. And it can be cheap. At Cafe 100 on Kilauea Avenue, we filled up for $4 each on loco moco -- a cholesterolically lethal, but tasty, concoction of fried meat under a mountain of gravy-soaked rice, topped with a fried egg. Cafe 100 serves 17 kinds of loco moco, including the Super Loco, which includes Spam, linguica, kim chee, two fried eggs and a side order of macaroni-potato salad. Low International Food, which occupies the corner of Kilauea Avenue and Ponahawai Street and specializes in unusual breads -- mango, guava, taro, coconut -- also serves something called a gravy burger. Being fainthearted haole mainlanders, we passed. Banyan Drive, a 15-minute stroll or a short drive from downtown Hilo, is a destination in itself, with luxury hotels, Uncle Billy's lounge -- which has a nightly Hawaiian musical act -- a nine-hole golf course and one of the most delightful public spaces anywhere, the Liliuokalani Garden. Meticulously landscaped, clean as a pin and free, the Japanese-style garden is situated on the edge of Hilo Bay and has been constructed to permit tidal movement in the pools set among its walking paths and flowering shrubs. Fishing is permitted. The banyan, ironwood and palm trees throughout the garden resound with birdsong -- principally mynah birds, which, along with mongooses and feral cats, are a dominant wildlife species on the Big Island and the bane of indigenous fauna. There are swimming beaches near town, but better ones are 45 minutes away on the Puna Coast, southeast of Hilo. Among them is Alalanui Park, where we soaked in a terrific, sandy-bottomed thermal pool, protected from crashing surf by a breakwater -- a good thing to remember when the tsunami alarm goes off. If you go-- GETTING THERE: Hawaiian and Aloha airlines fly regularly to Hilo from Honolulu.-- WHERE TO STAY: We stayed at the Hilo Hawaiian, 71 Banyan Drive, Hilo, HI 96720; phone, (800) 367-5004; Web, www.castleresorts.com . We got the Internet rate of $119 a night for an ocean-view room. Official rates are $149 for an ocean view, $183-$277 for suites, $119 for a garden view. We also stayed at the Dolphin Bay Hotel, 333 Iliahi St., Hilo, HI, 96720; (808) 935-1466; www.dolphinbayhotel.com . $72 a night for a standard double, which includes a kitchen; $99, for two-bedroom doubles. Shipman House B&B, 131 Kaiulani St., Hilo, 96720; (800) 627-8447; e-mail, inn keeper@hilo-hawaii.com ; Web, www.hilo-hawaii.com . This elegant "old Hawaii" landmark, built in 1800, is set on 5 exquisitely landscaped acres on a ridge above the city. It's worth a visit even if you don't stay there. Doubles, $145-$175 a night. Wild Ginger Inn, 100 Puueo St., Hilo, HI 96720; (877) 212-8276, www.wildgingerinn.com . Twenty-seven rooms within walking distance of downtown. Private rooms $45-$69, but the inn offers "shared accommodation" for four to six people per room at $15 apiece.-- WHERE TO EAT: Seaside Restaurant, 1790 Kalaniaole Ave.; (808) 935-8825. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 5-8:30 p.m. Reservations recommended. A terrific restaurant -- not much on decor, but splendid seafood raised in the owner's ponds in the backyard lagoon. Dinner for two with wine, about $60.-- WHAT TO DO: Pacific Tsunami Museum, 130 Kamehameha Ave., (808) 935-0926; www.tsunami.org . Adults, $5; students, $2; children under 5, free. Open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Lyman Mission House and Museum, 276 Haili St.; (808) 935-5021, www.lymanmuseum.org . Open Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.-- FOR MORE INFORMATION: Big Island Visitors Bureau, 250 Keawe St., Hilo, HI 96720; (808) 886-1655, www.bigisland.org . Eric Brazil recently retired as a reporter for The Chronicle. Page C - 14 Get up to 50% off home delivery of the Chronicle for 12 weeks! EARLY SPRING PATIO FURNITURE SALE Order now at fantastic savings for Spring delivery Allegro Classics Bay Area Donate a car to Habitat for Humanity Your car donation helps build homes for families in need. Habitat for Humanity Cars for Homes Bay Area 7 Chefs in 7 Days Montana's Last Best Culinary Festival March 19-26, 2006 The Resort at Paws UpGreenough, Montana 1,000 Businesses For Sale By Owner Motels-Golf CoursesResorts-Retail Stores-Mfg & Land Hurry for best selecton Pin.CA - Property Investment Network Been Thinking About Life Insurance? Guaranteed Rates for 10-20-30 years. Money back option. Starting January 19th Life Insurance By Phone.com Place an OnSale ad About OnSale View All OnSale Ads Back To Top San Francisco Chronicle Sections Style Sports Bay Area Travel Real Estate Insight Business Book Reviews At Work Commentary News Sunday Datebook ©2006 San Francisco Chronicle | Privacy Policy | Feedback | RSS Feeds | FAQ | Site Index | Contact

Maui Resort & Spa

Starwood Hawaii Hotels & Resorts Westin Maui Kaanapali, Maui Vacation | Westin Villas Make Maui your exclusive getaway with Starwood Vacation Ownership. View all news The Westin Maui Resort & Spa is situated along a spectacular stretch of the famed Ka'anapali Beach. This Maui hotel blends an endless array of activities and amenities with gracious aloha spirit, perfect for any Hawaiian vacation. Located beachfront with spectacular views of Lanai and Molokai, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa is just minutes from Maui's many attractions, yet remains a world unto itself, where exclusive services, first-rate restaurants, cultured entertainment, and thrilling diversions satisfy every interest. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 From To Maui, HI (OGG) Departing morning afternoon evening Returning morning afternoon evening Rooms 1 2 3 Service Class Coach Adults 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Children (2-11) 0 1 2 3 4 Select a Property ------------------------------ Starwood Worldwide Starwood Preferred Guest ------------------------------ Starwood Hawaii ------------------------------ Sheraton Hawaii ------------------------------ Sheratons in Waikiki Sheraton Waikiki Sheraton Moana Surfrider Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Sheraton Kauai Resort Sheraton Maui Resort The Royal Hawaiian Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa ------------------------------ The Luxury Collection Hawaii ------------------------------ Princeville Resort ------------------------------ The W Hotel Honolulu ------------------------------ The Westin Maui Resort & Spa The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas ---

Maui Snorkeling

Maui Activities - Activities on Maui, Maui Snorkel Trips, Maui Whale Watching Trips Top Home Our Boat Sunset Sails Whale Watches Snorkel Trips Private Charters Catering Contact Us E-Mail Pricing WINTER SCHEDULE: 15 DECEMBER - 15 APRIL MORNING WHALE WATCH - Daily: 8am-10am Prices do not include tax Adults: $60.00 Teen: $50.00 (13-19) Children: $40.00 (2-12) Infant: Free (0-2) Enjoy a continental breakfast and prepare to enter the world of the Humpback Whale. Experience the grace of their arching dives, the beauty of their exuberant leaps and the gentleness of their nature. Listen to their mystical songs on our hydrophone. Learn about the "gentle giants" here in their winter breeding and birthing habitat from our professional marine naturalist. SNORKEL / WHALE WATCH - Daily: 11am - 3pm Prices do not include tax Adults: $95.00 Teen: $75.00 (13-19) Children: $55.00 (2-12) Infant: Free (0-2) Explore West Maui's beautiful coastline while watching the North Pacific Humpback Whales. Discover an underwater paradise using our snorkel equipment or Gemini's viewing ports. Enjoy a hot buffet lunch in our large shaded central cabin or relax on our spacious decks. AFTERNOON WHALE WATCH - Daily: 3:30pm - 5:30pm Same details as Morning Whale Watch with hot and cold "pupus" (appetizers), sodas, Gemini Mai Tais, beer and wine. SUMMER SCHEDULE: 16 APRIL - 14 DECEMBER PICNIC SNORKEL SAIL - Daily: 11am - 3:30pm Prices do not include tax Adults: $100.00 Teen: $80.00 (13-19) Children: $60.00 (2-12) Infant: Free (0-2) Sail the tropical trade winds with our experienced Captain and Crew. Discover the warm underwater world using our snorkel equipment or Gemini's viewing ports. Explore coral reefs teeming with exotic fish and maybe encounter the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. Enjoy a hot buffet lunch and the cool shade of Gemini's large central cabin or relax on our spacious decks. CHAMPAGNE SUNSET SAIL - Daily: 2 Hours Prices do not include tax Adults: $60.00 Teen: $50.00 (13-19) Children: $40.00 (2-12) Infant: Free (0-2) Phenomenal views of West Maui, Molokai and Lanai combined with smooth and exciting sailing. Enjoy champagne, beer, Gemini Mai-Tais or sodas, served with hot and cold "pupus" (appetizers), as the sun sets on another perfect day in paradise. PRIVATE CHARTERS Perfect for large groups, weddings, conventions and other special occasions. Contact Gemini Charters for details. (Minimum 2 hours) *Snorkel trips include all equipment, prescription masks, flotation devices and instruction. *Ship's store has underwater cameras, film, T-shirts and caps for sale. *Kama'aina rate available *Suggested parking: Public Parking at Whaler's Village (next to the Westin Maui on Kaanapali Parkway) *Prices subject to change without notice. *24 hour Cancellation Policy *Prices do not include tax: State Tax: 4.166% - Harbor Tax: 3% Total Tax: 7.166% Gemini Charters P.O. Box 10846 Lahaina, Hawaii, 96761 Tel: 808- 669- 0508 Fax: 808- 669- 1771 Toll Free 1-800-820-7245 info@geminicharters.com Return to top of page Privacy Policy

Hawaii Condo

Makena Surf Vacation Condo Rental Maui Hawaii Kihei Wailea Napaili Kaanapali Makena Kahana Kapalua Makena Surf Condos. Hawaii Vacation Rentals Maui vacation condos, rentals, homes in Kihei,Wailea,Makena, Maalaea Bay,Lahaina, Kaanapali,Napili,Kahana, Kapalua, Honokowai. Maui Hawaii Vacation Condos: Condos, Homes and Rentals. RBC Travel Management's Online Availability & Booking RBC Travel Management World Wide bookings for Hotels, flights, cars/limos, vacation packages, weekly deals. cruises, quick getaways, resorts & spas and more. Phone reservations 1-800-207-3565 Mail To: Maui condo reservations or Kauai condos reservations Maui Condos and Homes Links Great pictures Maui Great short video Maui Beautiful Maui Homes Maalaea Bay Special News, Weather, Activities, and Links. West Maui Condos: Kaanapali Condos Lahaina Kapalua condos Napili condos South Maui Condos: Kihei Condos Makena Wailea condos Maalaea Bay condos Kauai Condos Kauai condos Kauai South Shore rentals Kauai North Shore rentals Kauai East Shore rentals Kauai Map Kauai condo and hotels map Kauai map of condos and hotels in Poipu Kauai map of condos and hotels in Princeville Kauai map of condos and hotels in Kapaa & Wailua Kauai map of condos and hotels in Lihue Information Maui Napili Village Rentals Kihei Kai oceanfront condos Hale Hui Kai oceanfront condos Kaanapali Royal resort Makena Surf Vacation Condos. Hawaii Vacation Rentals Maui Hawaii Vacation Condos and Rentals in Kihei, Wailea, Kaanapali, Napili, Maalaea Bay, Kahana, Kapalua Maui and Kauai Makena Surf Vacation Rentals in Maui Click here for our great Hawaiian Vacation Packages on all Hawaiian Islands including air, car, and many other great deals. Hawaii Vacation Packages and Specials 1-800-207-3565 Hawaii Vacation Condos INC. Hundreds of beautiful Maui Condos located on Maui Hawaii at Maalaea Bay, Kihei, Napili, Wailea, Kaanapali, Makena , Kapalua, Kahana, and Haiku. Makena Surf is a luxury property on Maui Hawaii that is a can't miss in beautiful Makena. Near the luxury of Wailea and more. Click here to book Hotels, Air and Cars on line on all the Islands or call to get personalized help on Maui and Kauai condos. Hotel, Air and Car Online Bookings. or click on links below for Maui condos. Select an area of Maui or Kauai condo rentals from the dropdown list [Select An Area of Maui or Kauai] Kihei Condos Wailea Condos Napili Condos Maalaea Bay Condos Kaanapali,Honokowai Lahaina, Kapalua Kahana Maui Homes More Maui Homes Kauai condos Kauai South shore condos Kauai North shore condos Kauai East shore condos Maui Pictures Maui MPG Movies News,Weather,Maps Makena Surf condo pictures Map of Wailea and Makena condos Makena Surf Lifestyles of the rich and famous! This is a beachfront location that is a hit with world class travelers. Close to golf and the world renowned Wailea hotels. Four guests maximum. Privacy, seclusion, and awe-inspiring views. These are just some of the most talked about joys of the Maui Makena Surf. On its own secluded beach, the Maui Makena Surf is one of Maui's most luxurious condominium resorts. It features two swimming pools, four tennis courts, private barbecue areas, and two whirlpool spas. Each luxury apartment is oceanfront. Air conditioned , two bedroom overlooking the Pacific. Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen with microwave, and washer dryer. Makena Surf amenities include: Beach, 2 swimming pools, 2 spas, 4 tennis courts (2 lighted), putting green, barbeques, fully equipped kitchen, washer & dryer and central air conditioning. Nearby: Golf at Wailea, Makena and Silverwood courses. Windsurfing, surfing, snorkeling, whale watching and other water activities. Makena Surf Rates (rates subject to change without notice- ask about cancellation policies) Specials at Makena Surf when available. 2 BR ocean view C& G building $450 to $550 2 BR ocean front E building $570 to $585 2 BR Prime Ocean front B $620 to $640 3 BR $775 Regular Rates to Dec 18 only. Ocean Front, G Building: One Bedroom $455 / 7th Night Free Low season Two Bedroom $570 / 7th Night Low season Oceanfront, C Building: One Bedroom $455 / 7th Night Low season Two Bedroom $570 / 7th Night Low season Oceanfront: One Bedroom $485 / 7th Night Low season Two Bedroom $615 / 7th Night Low season Three Bedroom $785 Low season Four Bedroom $1325 / 7th Night Free Low season Prime Oceanfront: One Bedroom $625 / 7th Night Free Low season Two Bedroom $670 $670 / 7th Night Low season Three Bedroom $840 $840 Low season Beach Front: One Bedroom $625 / 7th Night Low season Two Bedroom $670 $670 / 7th Night Low season Prime Beachfront: Two Bedroom $730 $730 Rates depend on condos size, # of people, # of nights (min. stay requirements may apply), season, and view. Units are ocean view, ocean front and prime ocean front (ground floor). We can gurantee some units and others are assigned at check in. Makena Surf vacation condos and rentals **Privacy Policy: Hawaii Vacation Condos Inc. will not give or sell any information provided by you to third parties. Travel Links

Hawaiian Wedding

Hawaii Wedding Photographer, Photographers Hawaii Wedding, Hawaii Wedding Home > Destinations > North America > United States > Hawaii > Hawaii Wedding Photographer Hawaii Wedding Photographer Selecting the perfect Hawaii Wedding Photographer is key to capturing those perfect moments in your Hawaii Wedding . There are a number of factors to consider when choosing your photographer. Aside from the obvious factors such as the location of the wedding and the backdrop you wish to have for you photos, you will want to keep travel fees and the style of photography in mind as well. Choosing a photographer for your Hawaii wedding doesn't have to be a chore- in fact, you will be inspired by the different samples many studios provide. Many photo studios are operated by an individual photographer, and you will find that your rapport with the photographer factors in just as high as other aspects of choosing a Hawaii wedding photographer. Popular Hawaii Wedding Photographer Studios vary from Region to region, each with their own artistic style and personal touch. Oahu The Anthony Calleja photography studio is based directly out of Honolulu and offers a wide range of services from weddings, portraits and special events. This photographers Hawaii wedding portfolio is openly available for public viewing. The Photo Group is a photography studio based in Waikiki, specializes in both black and white and color shots. They offer the best samples of past wedding photo shoots, and will gladly travel all over the Oahu Island Region to conduct a shoot. The David Miyamoto Studio specializes in artistic photography, as well as portraits and wedding shoots. Maui Tad Craig Photography has a great deal of experience with beach side weddings that are popular in Maui, specializes in more casual wedding photo shoots that come with beachside wedding photos, as well as traditional shoots. Aloha Moment Lahaina specializes in dramatic photos of wedding couples, as well as standard portraits. Kona By using tricks of the camera, the Charla Photography Studio can give you dramatic and artistic photographs of your wedding. This studio is experienced in standard photography, as well as specialized shots. The most common fees associated with photographers are the transport fees. These fees are implemented if you require a photographer to leave their home region to travel to another island.. The standard fees for photographers Hawaii weddings includes travel costs and time costs, it covers the amount of time you are purchasing, as well as the actual photos and film. Since the scenery is such a big part of why many couple pick Hawaii for their wedding, it is only natural for one to want to preserve those special moments on film. Finding the right photographer who will enhance your wedding experience is another fun part of planning your Hawaii wedding. contact us | advertising with us | content licensing | privacy policy | terms of use | help (C) 2004 Destination360 All Rights Reserved Hawaii Map Select a region North America Central America South America Caribbean Hawaii Overview When to Go Events and Holidays Top 10 things to do Hawaiian History Interisland Flight Flights to Hawaii Hawaiian Islands Oahu Maui The Big Island Kauai Destinations Waikiki Hawaii Volcano Park Nai Pali Coast Waimea Canyon Pearl Harbor Hana Highway Hawaii Hotels Oahu Hotels Maui Hotels Big Island Hotels Kauai Hotels Travel Resources ATV Tours in Hawaii Hawaii Cruises Hawaiian Dinner Cruise Hawaiian Car Rental Hawaii Diving Golfing Helicopter Tour Luau Sailing Snorkeling Snuba Surfing Hawaii Weather Weddings Wedding Photographer