Hawaiian Gift

Hawaiian Shopping and Gifts from Hawaii  You are here: About > Travel > Hawaii / South Pacific for Visitors > Shopping and Gifts Travel Go Hawaii Essentials Which Hawaiian Island Suits You Best? Clickable Map of the Hawaiian Islands Beach Guide Hawaii Pictures Clickable Map of Maui, Hawaii Topics A Hawaii Vacation Planner Big Island of Hawaii Kauai Maui / Molokai / Lanai Oahu / Honolulu / Waikiki South Pacific Culture, History & Language Hawaii Lodging Hula Luau Maps and Weather Pearl Harbor Photos, Video & Cams Recipes Shopping and Gifts Buyer's Guide Tastes of Paradise from Hilo Hattie HilHilo Hattie Dresses and Sarongs Multi-Day Guided Tours Top Hawaii Guidebooks Top Maui / Molokai / Lanai Guidebooks Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Hawaii / South Pacific for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Hawaii / South Pacific for Visitors > Shopping and Gifts Hawaiian Shopping and Gifts from Hawaii A guide to the best sources for Hawaiian arts and crafts, clothing, flowers, food items, gifts, and quilts. Subtopics Art, Crafts and Photography (9) Hawaii / S. Pacific Cookbooks (4) Bookstore (14) Holiday Gift Guide (12) Buy Hawaiian Music Online (7) Macadamia Nuts (23) Candy, Coffee and Food (9) Pearl Harbor Products (3) Films Made in Hawaii (7) Product Reviews (7) Flowers (17) Quilts (8) Gifts and Clothing (14) Articles & Resources Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent Tastes of Paradise from Hilo Hattie of Hawaii Hilo Hattie is known as The Store of Hawaii. Best known for their Hawaiian fashions, they also have a large selection of food items available for sale. Just visit one of their stores in Hawaii and you'll see how quickly these items fly off the shelves. Now, people outside of Hawaii can enjoy the tastes of Hawaii thanks to the large selection of items available for purchase on the Internet. Top Picks in Hilo Hattie Dresses and Sarongs Hilo Hattie is the Store of Hawaii. With stores on each of the major islands, Hilo Hattie is a must stop for all island visitors. Eileen Fischer, your Guide's wife is a regular Hilo Hattie customer and she offers her picks for some wonderful Hilo Hattie dresses and sarongs. Flea Markets (Swap Meets), Farmers Markets and Craft Fairs on Maui Held every Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to noon is the Maui Swap Meet. The Maui Swap meet is held on South Puunene Ave. next to the Kahului Post Office. If you driving north on the Kuihelani Highway/Dairy Road (380) from either West or South Maui make a left on South Puuene Avenue. Ala Moana Center - Much More Than Just Another Shopping Mall With the addition of more upscale stores, one of Honolulu's most popular evening drink and entertainment locales, and lots of new dining options, including two of Honolulu's best restaurants, the Ala Moana Center has become a must see destination when you visit Oahu. Chocolate from Hawaii How is chocolate made and what makes Hawaiian chocolate so unique? Macadamia Nuts from Hawaii Find out how an Australian immigrant tree has dug deep roots in Hawaii as we look at the history of macadamia nuts in Hawaii, where to purchase macadamia nut products for shipment to your home, and recipes using macadamia nuts.   Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2006 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About Tips to Losing Weight Guide to Distance Learning How to Travel for Less PHOTOS: Italy PHOTOS: Hybrid Cars What's Hot Top Picks in Hawaiian Coffee Kamehameha the Great Kalua Pig Waikiki Beach, Oahu - Life's a Beach in Hawaii - Hawaii Beac... Best Beaches 1999 Headlines Plumeria Photos from Hawaii Plumeria is the most common flower that you'll find in... You Won't See This Sign at Home! This certainly isn't a sign that you've ever seen near... Atlantis Submarine Tour Maui Since I had just experienced the Atlantis Submarine Tour on... Maui Swap Meet Photos Held every Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to noon is the...

Maui Snorkeling

Lahaina Molokini Snorkel Adventure Cruise Home Hotel Directory About Us Directory: Home > North America > United States of America > Hawaii > Maui > Tours & Sightseeing > Water Activity > Product Information Why book ahead? Popular tours sell out well in advance! Don't be disappointed! Reduce stress! Don't waste time haggling with the hotel concierge. Lock in your price! Currency dips & price hikes won't effect you. Save vacation time! Plan & book now, not when you're there. Balance your vacation budget! Charge tours on this month's credit card bill. Our 5 Best Sellers in Maui Lahaina Beach Luau Kayak and Snorkel -... Lahaina Molokini Snorkel... Round-trip Kahului Airport... Lahaina Kaanapali Railroad... Advanced Search Searching for something specific? Click here -- Lahaina Molokini Snorkel Adventure Cruise Starting from USD $94.00 per person -- Lahaina Molokini Snorkel Adventure Cruise Starting from USD $94.00 per person Duration: 6 hours Commences: Maui-Lahaina, Hawaii Introduction: "Turtle Town" © Hawaiian Adventures This is Maui's only Molokini Snorkel cruise with a convenient west side departure from Lahaina. On your adventure you will explore Mauis colorful undersea world at two scenic locations aboard a spacious 65-foot motor yacht. First, travel to Molokini Crater, snorkel or dive in the marine sanctuary, take a jump on our new trampoline and enjoy a buffet-style lunch at your leisure. Then visit Olowalu Turtle Reef at Kalaeloa (Turtle Town) for more great underwater adventures before heading back to Lahaina. A popular dive spot, Molokini is a partially submerged, inactive volcano and nature preserve off the Maui coast. One of Hawaiis best snorkel spots, Molokini's underwater life is home to Kikakapu (Lemon Butterfly Fish), Puhi (Eel), Honu (Sea Turtle), Hahalua (Manta Ray), Orange Cup Coral and other marine life. During winter months, you may hear the haunting songs of Humpback Whales. For your convenience, this spacious yacht is equipped with an air-conditioned main cabin, large sun deck, fresh water showers and extra-large swim step. Snorkel equipment and instructions, flotation equipment such as water noodles, boogie boards, and ski belts are all provided and you will also enjoy a continental breakfast, a delicious BBQ lunch and an open bar! Schedule Details Maui Snorkel Cruises © Hawaiian Adventures Dates: Daily except Sundays - 1 January to 31 December, 2006 Location: Cruise departs from Boat slip #3, Lahaina Harbor, Maui Time: 8:00am Hotel Pickup: Hotel pick-up is not provided Additional Inclusions: Freshly grilled BBQ lunch Trampoline Snorkel equipment and instructions Water noodles Soft drinks Hawaii state taxes Exclusions: Gratuities (optional) Additional Info: This tour must be booked at least 72 hours in advance of your travel date Confirmation for this product will be received at time of booking Sample Menu: Continental Breakfast: Muffins Fresh seasonal fruit juice and coffee BBQ Lunch: Hot dogs Hamburgers Chicken sandwiches Potato or pasta salad Open bar Pricing Policy: Infants aged 2 years and under are free of charge Child prices are applicable for children aged 3-12 years Pricing Lahaina Molokini Snorkel Adventure Cruise per person Season Jan 01, 2006 to Dec 31, 2006 Days of Week Adult Child Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat $94.00 $65.00 Prices are in USD and are listed as a guide only. Travel Voucher For every confirmed booking you will be required to print a voucher which is presented at the destination. You will receive a link to your voucher via email once your booking is confirmed. Local Operator Information Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind. Product Code: 3233MLMSORKEL Product Supplied by Viator Home Hotel Directory About Us About Viator | FAQ | Customer Service | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy

Hawaii Condo Rentals Waikoloa

Hawaii Vacation Condos and Vacation Home Rentals Big Island of Hawaii's Largest Inventory of Hawaii Vacation Rental Condos and Homes SunQuest Vacations is proud to offer you the LARGEST INVENTORY of quality, exclusive private homes and condos for vacation rental on the Big Island of Hawaii. Our vacation rental homes and condos are located in the Kona, Waikoloa, Keauhou and Kealakekua areas of the island of Hawaii.. Find ALL Properties with our SEARCH Feature! Relax and enjoy your SEARCH for your ideal vacation property on our new and improved SunQuest site. Search for homes or condos, number of guests, number of bedrooms, oceanfront, ocean views, etc. You decide. We offer very affordable units to premium properties, so you may select according to your budget. After you have decided on your vacation home or vacation condo, you may look for availability of the property and "Book On-line" with our secure reservation booking server. Of course, if you prefer, you may give us a call at 1.800.367.5168. Big Island Activities and Events Be sure to look through the many exciting Activities available in the Kona coast area and our new Calendar of Events where you will find information, dates and times of interesting events taking place on the Big Island of Hawaii during your stay. SunQuest Vacations Hawaii Vacation Rental Condos Listings Alii Lani, Alii Villas, Banyan Tree, Billfisher, Casa de Emdeko, Country Club Villas, Fairway Villas, Hale Kona Kai, Kahaluu Bay Villas, Kalanikai, Kanaloa at Kona, Keauhou Akahi, Keauhou Gardens, Keauhou Resort, Keauhou Punahele, Keauhou Surf & Racquet Club, Kona Alii, Kona Bali Kai, Kona Magic Sands, Kona Makai, Kona Mansions, Kona Nalu, Kona Reef, Kona Pacific, Makolea, Malia Kai, Royal Sea Cliff, Sea Village, Villas at Keauhou, and White Sands Village. Akai Hale, Alii Tutu Hale, Hale Makai, Hale Pukalani, Kai Kanani, Kaikea Hale, Kealoha Apple, Kona Lani, Kona Splendor, Makana Kai, Moana Hale, Pokela Hale, Pualani Hale, Waiaha House, and White House. SunQuest Vacations Exclusive Vacation Homes (available only from SunQuest Vacations Hawaii) Join the SunQuest Vacations mailing list Email: Hawaii Vacation Condos and Home Rentals Hawaii Vacation Homes Hawaii Condo Rentals Waikoloa Kings Shops Hawaii Vacation Brochures Hawaii Car Rentals Maui Condo Rentals Oahu Condo Rentals Kauai Condo Rentals Hawaiian Weddings Kealakekua Rentals Waikoloa Rentals Discount Hawaii Condo Rentals SunQuest Hawaii Vacation Rental Properties at Rentalo SunQuest Newsletter Archive Our currently Featured Property is Pahukoa Come with us on a Liveaboard Dive Trip of a Lifetime! |Home| | SunQuest | | Condos | | Homes | | Activities | | Travel | | Maps | | Policies | S UN Q UEST V ACATIONS Hawaii Vacation Condo Rentals & Homes 77-6435 Kuakini Hwy. Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 PHONE TOLL-FREE MAINLAND: 1.800.367.5168 PHONE CANADA: 1.800.800.KONA PHONE HAWAII: 1.808.329.6438 FAX: 1.808.329.5480 EMAIL: sqvac@sunquest-hawaii.com -- Search | Condos | Homes | Activities | Travel | Maps | Specials

Hawaiian Cruise

Cruise Ship Profiles Cruise Lines - American Hawaii Cruise Home Photo Gallery Cruise Talk Cruise Search Cruise News Search -- Search CruisePage -- Book a Cruise - CruiseServer - Search Caribbean - Search Alaska - Search Europe - 866.469.4733 Forums Cruise Talk Rail Talk Air Talk Destination Talk Hotel Talk Buy Stuff Evolution of the Ocean Liner Poster Reviews - Ship Reviews - Dream Cruise - Ship of the Month - Reader Reviews - Submit a Review - Millennium Cruise Community - Photo Gallery - Join Cruise Club - Cruise News - Cruise Survey - Cruise Jobs - Special Needs - Maritime Q & A - Sea Stories Industry - New Ship Guide - Former Ships - Port Information - Inspection Scores - Shipyards - Ship Cams - Freighter Travel - Potpourri Shopping - Shirts & Hats - Books - Videos - Reservations - Vacation Specials - Web Deals Contact Us - Reservations - Mail - Feedback - Suggest-a-Site - About Us Travel Resources Reservations Destinations Hotels Air Travel Cruise Travel News/Weather SHIP PROFILE American Hawaii SS Independence TravelPage.com Rating : Submit your review here Operator: American Hawaii Cruises Year Built / Last Refurbished: 1951 / 1994 Length / Tonnage: 682 / 30,900 Number of Cabins / Passengers: 406 / 872 Officers / Crew: American / American Operating Area: Year-round Hawaii Telephone / Fax: Tel 150 2244 / Fax 150 2244 Review by Mark H. Goldberg, TravelServer.net, Cruise Editor Hawaii captures you, soothes and enchants you, she lets you hangloose and envelop yourself in the bright colors of her land andsea. Sail the INDEPENDENCE and it won't be long before you'redecked out in a loud, colorful Hawaiian shirt and enjoying lifethe Old Hawaiian Way. Simply because the State of Hawaii iscomprised of islands, the ideal way to approach them is from thesea and the best way to see them is by this wonderful old cruiseship. Able to produce a maximum of 55,000 shaft horsepower at 150rpms, her steam turbines geared to twin screws are a sight tobehold. When she was new the INDEPENDENCE showed how powerfulthat is when she steamed at just over 26 knots on her trials offCape Cod. By international rules, when new, the INDEPENDENCE was theeleventh largest liner in the world and certainly one of thefastest. The big question was...would anyone care? For spoken intones of a flat declaratory to a shrill protest the cry "No onetravels in an American ship!" was heard in steamship agencies andsmart parties the world over. Experienced travelers and neophytesalike looked upon American ships with a bemused condescension,secure in the "knowledge" that in terms of food and service,those "Yankee" liners just couldn't produce - the foreign linerswere better. American ships had a severe image problem. Yet theAmerican twins INDEPENDENCE and her identical twin CONSTITUTIONsoon proved themselves extraordinarily popular, hostingglittering rosters of notables intent on sailing under the "Starsand Stripes". Movie producers were drawn to them. Cary Grant andDeborah Kerr starred in "An Affair to Remember" costarrinq theCONSTITUTION. After United States Lines stodgily rebuffed Desilustudios, American Export sent plenty of material and film footageof the twin liners to Hollywood. Who among us can ever forgetLucille Ball "landing" by helicopter on the after Bridge Deck ofthe CONSTITUTION? And yes...THIS is the INDEPENDENCE the agent onthe pier mentioned when he told a distraught Lucy that she couldget to Europe on the following sailing... So great was theirpopularity that in 1958 American Export Lines sent both ships formajor overhauls. Fitting additional First Class cabins, theforward ends of their superstructures were massively altered. Forall that, against the ANDREA DORIA and CRISTOFORO COLOMBO andlater the LEONARDO da VINCI and the superliners MICHELANGELO andRAFFAELLO on the "Sunny Southern Route", the American liners justcouldn't compete. The results of a projected trio of 20,000 ton express liners forthe Mediterranean route, these ships began to take shape as farback as 1940 when American Export Lines, Inc. planned for thefuture. It would be YEARS before any such ships were built andwhen they were, there were two, not three. And bucking anAmerican Export Line tradition, the two ships were not givennames beginning with "EX" but were instead named for historicU.S. Navy frigates. Had the intended third sister been built, shewould likely have been named CONSTELLATION. Asking for inputfrom many quarters, it is Gustavo Pulitzer, famed Italianinterior designer who should be given first initial credit formany of the pleasing touches in the ultimate form of theseclassic liners. Noted American industrial designer Henry Dreyfussin collaboration with the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporationdeserves credit as the designers of the INDEPENDENCE and hersister CONSTITUTION. With the help of mail contracts and buildingsubsidies to pay the $25,000,000 each ship cost (that's over $150million each, in TODAY's dollars!) two ships were laid down atBethlehem Steel Company's Quincy, Massachusetts yards at thevery end of the 1940's, the INDEPENDENCE on March 29, 1949, theCONSTITUTION on July 12th. Their plans included many eventualdefense and military needs so safety provisions, fire proofing andrapid convertibility to trooping requirements took first place inthe design of the pair. And the INDEPENDENCE is still a very safeship today! Debuting with a 53 day cruise to the Mediterranean, Red Sea andIndia in 1951, the INDEPENDENCE got into service before theItalian postwar liners came out and captured the cream of theItaly trade. And even had the competition been less, theINDEPENDENCE and CONSTITUTION would have been hard pressed tomeet the enormous costs of operating under the American flageither on their regular Atlantic service or on cruises throughthe Mediterranean or to the Caribbean. By the late 1960s theseAmerican liners were desperate for money and American ExportLines entered into an agreement with Diner's Club/Fugazy to jazzup the twin ships. Only the INDEPENDENCE was actually updated toappeal to a "mod" generation and when she appeared with Harlow'seyes peering out from her halo of a "mod" sunburst on her whitehull, eyes rolled in contempt. Before the ship lover knew it, sheand the CONSTITUTION were gone from our lives. Withdrawn by 1968,the CONSTITUTION went into idleness at Jacksonville, Floridafollowed a few months later by the INDEPENDENCE which was laid upat Baltimore with their fleet mate ATLANTIC. Reports of a sale ofone or both of the sisters to Chandris came to naught. A plan tooperate the INDEPENDENCE on charter by Wall Street Tours, aManhattan based travel company also went nowhere. Should theyfind buyers willing to operate them, they would be but shadows oftheir former selves. The ships were idle for years until 1974 when fabled Chineseshipowner C.Y. Tung came to their rescue. Buying the pair with anobligation to return them to the control of the United Statesgovernment in time of war, he had each ship's twin funnelsrepainted with his signature livery, a red chrysanthemum on buff.Prefacing each ship's name with "OCEANIC", he sent them to HongKong. Some work was found for the OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE but nonefor her sister which now rode at anchor in the shadow of VictoriaPeak. For a while in 1975 the OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE shuttledbetween Lisbon and Angola carrying refugees, mostly civiliansfleeing Angola to Portugal Lisbon. Then, despite several goodintentions, she was again retired and returned to lay up. When Matson and later Pacific Far East Line went out of thepassenger business leaving the piers at Aloha Tower bereft ofpassenger tonnage save the occasional cruise caller, C.Y. Tungsaw possibilities where others saw problems and investigated thepossibility of operating his beautiful OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE as acruise ship among the Hawaiian Islands. But since Congressthought to protect American ship owners and shipbuilders as earlyas 1886, any ship operating Hawaii cruises would have to haveAmerican registry. American ships sold abroad are ineligible toreturn to U.S. registry except in time of war. Though Americanbuilt, the ship was now registered abroad and THAT could havebeen a big problem for the proposed weekly cruises through theHawaiian islands. Unanimously approved by both the U.S. Senateand House of Representatives in 1979, an Act of Congress broughtthe OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE back under the Stars and Stripes andallowed American Hawaii Cruises to go into business. The pleasanttask of refurbishing the graceful vessel for modern cruisingbegan. Eliminating class distinctions, upgrading cabins on thelower decks and altering the decor to include the soft atmosphereof the Hawaiian Islands, the OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE was ready tobegin a new life. Wearing a traditional Hawaiian lei at her stemas she arrived off Honolulu for the first time, she paused offPearl Harbor long enough to drop a wreath in memory of Americanforces killed in the surprise attack there on December 7, 1941. But after that, at least since her maiden sailing on her 7 daycruise circuit of the major islands on June 21, 1980, the gentleHawaii of the tradewinds reigns supreme aboard this wonderfulship. In the meantime American Hawaii Cruises has changed handstwice and the newest owners, who also own the wonderfulMISSISSIPPI QUEEN, AMERICAN QUEEN and DELTA QUEEN decided toupgrade and substantially improve the INDEPENDENCE. In 1994 theship was withdrawn from service and sent to Newport NewsShipbuilding and Drydock Company where she was extensivelyrefitted and prepared to last another forty five years! Conceived to be an example of luxurious modernAmerican living at sea the INDEPENDENCE still offers relaxedelegance in a bright and airy modern decor reflecting the naturalbeauty and colors of Hawaii. The INDEPENDENCE has acres of deck space and both open andcovered promenades. The design of the ship includes a pair ofwings over the old Sea Isle Club, once the First Class pool. Fromthere you have an eaqle's view of the festivities on the afterdecks. It's also a great place to see and not be noticed...Justbeyond the former Sunlane Club, now called the Ohana Lounge isthe big swimming pool and its surrounding lido is the scene ofmany a party. The main public rooms are the semicircularCommodore's Terrace...aft on Kamaa'ina (formerly Promenade) Deckwhere evenings are welcomed with a cocktail and a tune from thetalented pianist. Next is the Hoi Hoi Showplace where sightlinesare mostly good and the efforts of the cruise staff and twoHawaiian dance troupes are shown during nightly shows.Centerpiece of the INDEPENDENCE's public rooms, though, is theKama'aina Lounge...newly thought out and opened up during herrecent refit...so it now extends to the floor to ceiling windowsof the former glass enclosed promenade. Tropical in decor it'sworth a visit if only to write a postcard home...if you can evenremember you had a life before you came to Hawaii. One deck below are the Ohana Lounge and the Ohana Buffet...theformer providing seating for people feasting from the buffet aswell as offering a venue for some late night entertainments. Waydown deep in the ship is a cinema while in spaces once occupiedby Tourist Class public rooms on Maui (formerly A) Deck are thegym and a conference center. There are generally two sittings at dinner, mostbreakfasts and lunches are served in open sittings. Down in the420 seat Hibiscus Dining Room on sailing night there's a buffet.The more intimate 110 seat Orchid Dining Room doesn't operate onSaturday night...it opens for breakfast on Sunday morning. "Aha!"you'll think if you are skeptical of American tonnage - the hotdogs. "There must be something fishy here...Is this an Americanship? This is a sumptuous set up and it looks good," you'llthink. That's what I thought the first time and every time I'vesailed since as I pile on enough shrimp, roast beef and assortedfoodstuffs to choke a pig. A steward brightly garbed in an Alohashirt will escort you to a table and your culinary adventurebegins. For a change I cannot say enough about the food in theINDEPENDENCE. Maybe it's because my expectations were low ormaybe because the food is so good...in fact the food is usuallybetter than good and I'll spill the beans...one feisty old lady,a Mrs. Gottrocks in her own right...and something of a cruiseship reviewer proclaimed the only cruise ship to serve betterfood than she ate on the INDEPENDENCE was the SEA GODDESS I, anaccolade I surely second.... You will eat so well aboard this ship I'd be surprised if you'reable to muster up the curiosity to investigate the midnightsnack. If the lunch buffet doesn't tempt you and the menu in the DiningRoom does, GO...even if you feel less than hunger pangs. Iremember sitting down and thinking "Drat!, foiled again! No HotDogs" - but for simple meals there are great burgers assembled asyou like them, a big sandwich and several choices of hot dishes. Every brochure in the business trumpets the praises of the shin'scuisines so loudly that few can really deliver. American HawaiiCruises has always underplayed its claims to wonderful foodthough the food aboard the INDEPENDENCE is a treat. Somewherebehind the scenes in this American operation must be a Jewish orItalian grandmother demanding that all hands be overfed! Underlining the contemporary American way of living, there was solittle cleavage between First and Cabin class spaces it seemedthat most cabins were interchangeable between the two. And therewas a lot of truth in that for 40% of the 1,003 berths in eachship were interchangeable among classes. Only 205 berths werepermanently graded First Class, 109 always Cabin Class and 258full time Tourist Class. That flexible passenger arrangement gaveAmerican Export Lines tremendous leeway in following marketdemands. Highlight of modern American living were cabinsconvertible to sitting rooms by day. Most cabins are still soequipped and that sofa you use in the afternoon is a verycomfortable bed - because it's not a pull out...the sofa back folds down to reveal a thick comfortable mattress. TheINDEPENDENCE is a one class ship now offering a dazzling 13different varieties of private quarters from tiny Category GBudget Cabins (both inside and outside available) to a CategoryAAA Superior Suite...Category D is the lowest grade for two lowerbeds but for this cruise...your cabin is not where you will wantto be. Take a look at an outside cabin on A deck forward. Decorated withHawaii in mind, it has a Hawaiian name as well as a number. It'sbig enough to sleep four comfortably and the round portholereminds you you are aboard ship. Once you unpack you will bepuzzled by the surfeit of storage space for there are enoughclosets for a dowager and enough drawers for an apothecary. What is small, though, is the shower...but that good Americanplumbing is happily in evidence. American Hawaii Cruises is very"INTO" Hawaii...so much so that one of the most popular employeesaboard ship is the KUMU, the Hawaiian story teller....whose jobit is to tell the visitor as much as possible about Hawaiianlore, customs and culture... Around twilight time on Saturdayevenings, passengers gather in the Hoi Hoi Showplace for aHawaiian Show, one show aboard ship I'm glad I saw. Thisextravaganza of Hawaiian music and hula dancing and memories ofthe "Aloha" that evening will remain with you long after theINDEPENDENCE stops sailing. With the full range of usual cruiseship activities enhanced by some like lei making and ukelelelessons apropos in these parts, it's not hard to imagine how mostpassengers spent their day at sea. I saw some at breakfast in theDining Room where the extraordinary personalities of friendlystaff broke the ice of a first morning at sea. I saw others atthe breakfast buffet while I was on my way to stock up withlogoed souvenirs in the ship's signature shop. But a visit to theNavigation bridge of THIS ship always gets me and I alwaysvisit...even if only for another look at the framed noticeinstructing the officer on watch to take the ship immediately tosea in the event of a nuclear attack. My favorite Hawaiian island is always the one I'm on and I thinkI'd like to keep with the INDEPENDENCE until I have done everyshore excursion the line offers... and at last count there are 56of them. Getting ready to board the INDEPENDENCE I grin like ahyena even before a lei is placed around my neck and I pause forthe obligatory mug shot cruise lines like to sell boardingpassengers. Even before sailing the INDEPENDENCE offers a lot ofthe Hawaii experience but for me one of the best is the moment ofdeparture on this unique American flag ocean liner. Once out ofthe harbor the ship turns to port and is soon off Waikiki. Sunday - It's not far from one island to the next but Sundays are spent at sea and for most of the day from nearly anywhere outon one of her 23,000 feet of open dock space, you can look outand see islands, Kahoolawe, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, depending uponthe circuitous route the Captain chooses to navigate. An activesort, I spent usually spend Sunday afternoons aboard theINDEPENDENCE in a deck chair outside the Surfrider Bar, hardlyable to pause later for some fresh popcorn. When Monday morning comes...be ready for a wonderful time onKauai, the Garden Island. There should be time for a drive out toHanalei Bay. If there is a prettier spot than that end of Kauai,its not on this planet. It's vaguely around the corner from theNa Pali coast, a formation of lushly covered steep cliffsshrouding pretty beaches accessed only by boat orhelicopter.Compelling is the word for the helicopter trip theline offers for a look at those cliffs which rise majesticallyfrom the sea. It's a toss up as to which is lovelier...Kauai orMaui but since the ship arrives at Kahului, Maui on Tuesday foran overnight call, you have plenty of time to check it out anddecide for yourself IF YOU CAN! Maui, so deservedly popular withvacationers, exudes a charm of her own. From the jumbled strandsof spaghetti paved into a road called the Hana highway, a 55 milecourse through landscape inordinately compelling to the majesticIao valley, Maui is a sensual delight. Never mind that AmericanHawaii brings a fabulously rousing Hawaiian show to entertainpassengers here. It's during the Maui call that American Hawaiioffers a shore excursion like no other. Uncommercial in theextreme, it's Tour 32 (at least it USED to be), not a trip forthe queasy or the debile. Leaving the ship's side at 3:30 AM,participants follow a tour leader and bike down the slopes fromthe summit of Mt. Haleakala, 10,000 feet above sea level.MAGNIFICENT! On Thursday the INDEPENDENCE calls at Hilo on the Big Island ofHawaii where you can pick up another rental car and drive it toAkaka Falls, catch another look at Volcano National Park, drivedown the Chain of Craters Road and maybe have lunch in town.(Whatever you do...DON'T bother with the buffet at VolcanoHouse...) To me it is near Hilo, sleepy, rainy little Hilo, wherethe air is gentlest and the breeze softest. Kona on the bright,dry side of this big island is the next port and the INDEPENDENCEanchors there on Friday mornings and the tender gives youflawless views of the ship as it pulls away, runs alongside andcuts across the liner's gently raking bows. Coffee plantations,macadamia nut farms and the Parker ranch are on this side of theBig Island. After the INDEPENDENCE clears Kona on Friday evening, my leiwent into the sea from the after deck. I know that it washedashore and will bring me back...A week in the INDEPENDENCE speedsby like an hour, drawing all to soon to a close. This graciousGRANDE DAME really does turn on its ear for all time must be thatabsurd old saw, "No one travels in an American ship" for here inthe waters of Hawaii the INDEPENDENCE is deservedly popular, anAmerican ship that wins the hearts of most who sails with her. The "who's who" of who has sailed in the INDEPENDENCEor CONSTITUTION at some point in the ship's career really doesread like "Who's Who" for so many names in that book have been onthe ships' passenger lists. It was President Reagan who happilysigned the bill to bring the CONSTITUTION back under Americanregistry. He was familiar with these ships and had been aboardthe INDEPENDENCE for a Governors' conference back in the 1960'swhen he was Governor of California. A framed photograph of himand Mrs. Reagan hangs in the ship's wheelhouse. It is said thatwhen he took the helm the ship veered slightly to the right... People demanding nonstop 24 hour a day loud action accompanied bypulsating bass may not enjoy a cruise in this ship (though I'd besurprised if there is ANYONE who doesn't enjoy a 7 nightINDEPENDENCE cruise). This ship is particularly popular withpeople over 40 who seem to enjoy the sock hop, pajama party andother events calculated to please us aging "boomers" but there isa lot here for everyone - from toddlers to great grandpa!. The first time I set out for Honolulu to takethis ship I hoped for the best and expected the worst. Visions ofplastic cups, paper plates and hot dogs, motel modern style andindifferent American service filled my dream track the nightbefore my first sailing in this ship. Well I needn't haveworried! That cruise was marvelous. Now, after a multi-milliondollar refit and plenty of attention to detail, the ship exudes awarm, friendly Hawaiian air. In a nutshell...this ship and her 7night Hawaii cruise is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. VACATION & CRUISE SPECIALS Check out these great deals from TravelPage.com Holland America - Holiday Adventures from $372 per person Description: Take advantage of these great holiday itineraries. Sail with Holland America to an amazing collection of ports in the Caribbean and Mexico. You won't find these fares anywhere else! Celebrity - Caribbean from $330 per person Description: More great Celebrity Caribbean values. Stroll on the velvety sands of a Jamaican beach or wander through an emerald rain forest. Swim with the stingrays or Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters or Grand Cayman. Relax with two days at sea. Cruises depart from Miami. SilverSea - Europe and South America includes $200 Onboard Credit Description: Explore the exotic ports of South America, stroll the streets of the French Riviera, or watch the changing of the seasons in New England. Sailing aboard a Silversea ship is unique and intimate. Its as if you had your own chartered yacht and could sail anywhere you wanted, except we do all the work for you while you laze in our pool, or watch the dolphins play. Crystal - Mexican Riviera and New England from $1,323 per person Description: Choose between extended itineraries to the Mexican Riviera or relaxing fall foliage cruises to Canada and New England. Sail with Crystal Cruises and discover why the difference is Crystal clear. Experience a convenient 7, 11 or 14-day voyage with the luxury Crystal Harmony or Crystal Symphony. NCL - Caribbean and Bahamas extra savings of $100 per person Description: Explore the islands and beaches of the Bahamas with stops in Nassau and Castaway Cay. Visit historic Bermuda or experience the changing of the seasons in New England. On your way home, enjoy a relaxing day at sea. Includes Philadelphia and New York departures. Disney World - 6 Days, 5-Nights from $499 Description: Vacations to Walt Disney World Resort are more affordable than ever. Plus, new magical benefits will make staying at Disney Resorts the most relaxing way to do and see everything Walt Disney World Resort has to offer. Check out these great deals. More Vacation & Cruise Specials... Cruise Home Photo Gallery Cruise Talk Cruise Search Cruise News This page, and all contents, are © 1995-2002 by Interactive Travel Guides, Inc. and/or its suppliers. All rights reserved. TravelPage.com is a trademark of Interactive Travel Guides, Inc. Powered by TravelServer Software

Hawaii Rental

Guide to Apartment Living and Renting an Apartment  You are here: About > Home & Garden > Apartment Living / Rental Home & Garden Apartment Living Essentials How to Find an Apartment Apartment Lease Basics Move Into Your Apartment First Apartment Checklists Renters Insurance FAQ Topics Find an Apartment Roommates & Neighbors Leases / Agreements Money Issues Moving Pets Apartment Living Pest Control Rights & Safe Living Housing Discrimination Public Housing Lease Changes / Endings Glossary Buyer's Guide Apartment Essentials State Farm Renters Insurance Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Apartment Living / Rental newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Apartment Living / Rental From Jennifer Lai , Your Guide to Apartment Living / Rental . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Items You'll Need When You Sign the Lease These are the items you'll need when you sign the lease: Certified checks or money orders . Get seperate checks for the rent and the security deposit , because the landlord must deposit the check in its own interest-bearing bank account. Thinking cap. If you have yet to see the apartment lease , don't just blindly sign it without reading all the fine print. Be prepared to question any clauses that seem unfair to you. Any changes to the lease must be written down on the lease or a seperate sheet that is signed by both you and the landlord. Bag or folder for the lease. After both you and the landlord sign the lease, you will each receive a copy. Keep all the papers in a safe place, starting with something in which to transport the lease to your new apartment. Wednesday January 25, 2006 | permalink Avoid Bad Roommates Your last roommate drove you crazy. This time around, avoid choosing a bad roommate . This is especially important when you're considering living with a friend. Remember that the bonds of friendship are not the same as the bonds between roommates. Your friend's spontaneity and free spirit may start to irk you when this translates into late rent payments or lost apartment keys. Monday January 23, 2006 | permalink How Much Money Do You Need When You Sign the Lease? When you sign an apartment lease, you'll be handing over a lot of money to the landlord, all in a form of payment that must be equivalent to cash. That means, you can't use a credit card--only cash, certified checks, or money orders will be accepted. Make sure you're prepared by saving enough money to cover yourself when you sign the lease. Friday January 20, 2006 | permalink 2006 College Grads - Start Building Up Credit Now In six months, you will be graduating from college and getting your own apartment. Your credit report is part of the process of renting an apartment. The landlord uses the credit report to gauge whether you will have enough money to pay rent monthly and to pay on time. If you've been using your parent's credit card, now may be a good time to get your own and start building up good credit. There are other ways to establishing good credit . Keep in mind that while a credit card is an excellent way to build good credit, it can also damage your credit, if you rack up debt or pay your bills late. Learn how to maintain good credit with your credit card. Wednesday January 18, 2006 | permalink Get Rid of Rats I had two pet rats when I was a child. Some may be nauseated at the thought of rodents as pets, but I assure you—pet rats are cute, social, and intelligent creatures. On the other hand, rats also are one of the most disgusting and frightening of pests. They're larger than mice and much smarter. So, getting rid of a rat requires different strategies than getting rid of mice. Tuesday January 17, 2006 | permalink No Dogs Allowed! Finding a Home for Frodo Finding an apartment that allows dogs or cats can be difficult. Some landlords do not allow cats, claiming that they'll leave around fur or dander that may bother future tenants with cat allergies. However, it's generally easier to find an apartment that allows cats. Dogs, on the other hand, pose a concern for landlords, primarily because they bark loudly and may frighten other tenants. If you have a pet, there are some apartment listings online that feature pet-friendly apartments . Sunday January 15, 2006 | permalink How to Prevent Loneliness Living by yourself can feel very lonely without anyone to chat with before bedtime or nod sleepily to in the morning. There are ways to keep the feeling of loneliness from overwhelming you. Follow Blanche Evans's advice to keep your apartment from feeling lonely . Friday January 13, 2006 | permalink Before You Rent an Apartment, You Need Money Renting an apartment is expensive. Oftentimes, rent takes up a huge chunk of our monthly paycheck. However, even before you move in, you will fork over more than the first month's rent to the landlord and broker (if you use one). Thus, it is essential that you determine how much money you will need . Wednesday January 11, 2006 | permalink Talk to Your Roommate about the Safety of Your Pet There are so many hazards in an apartment that can harm your pet. To avoid any fatal accidents or fights, explain to your roommate the importance of household safety for your pet . Make sure they understand why you get upset when they leave chocolate lying around or feed your dog chicken wings. Tuesday January 10, 2006 | permalink Alternatives to Breaking the Lease Need to leave your apartment prematurely? Nervous about outrightly breaking the lease? Research alternatives to breaking the lease before you make any decisions. Monday January 09, 2006 | permalink Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives powered by Movable Type Advertisement Most Popular Break a Lease - Alternatives Apartment Lease Explainer First Apartment Checklist - Bedroom Items 11 Items for First Apartment Renters Insurance FAQ What's Hot Apartment Living / Rental - Articles Humane Mouse Removal How to Move State Farm Renters Insurance Starting Capital Related Topics Interior Decorating Frugal Living Housekeeping Housewares / Appliances   Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2006 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About Tips to Losing Weight Guide to Distance Learning How to Travel for Less PHOTOS: Italy PHOTOS: Hybrid Cars What's Hot Apartment Living / Rental - Articles Humane Mouse Removal How to Move State Farm Renters Insurance Starting Capital Headlines Items You'll Need When You Sign the Lease These are the items you'll need when you sign the... Avoid Bad Roommates Your last roommate drove you crazy. This time around, avoid... How Much Money Do You Need When You Sign the Lease? When you sign an apartment lease, you'll be handing over... 2006 College Grads - Start Building Up Credit Now In six months, you will be graduating from college and...