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...

Molokai

molokai landscape Contents | Calendar | Mahalo Mail True Hawaiian Culture Nowhere else in Hawai'i can you expose yourself to so much variety in landscape so quickly - so leisurely. Moloka'i is only 10 miles wide and 38 miles long. Carved sharply from the mountains to the sea, its northern sea cliffs are the highest in the world; its West End plains descend gently across ranchlands and deer hunting preserves to clear waters and the longest, least crowded of the accessible beaches in Hawai'i. Moloka'i's shoreline road on the East End presents surprises around every bend, with ancient Hawaiian fishponds, taro farms, mango patches, and incredible inlets and bays with surf Hawai`i's longest beaches­ Moloka`i's West End spots and fishing. At the end of the road, you reach Halawa with its valley walls, waterfalls, meandering stream and Hawaiian village. In the center of the island on the southern coast, the longest pier in Hawai'i extends past reef to a dock where a ferry travels to and from Maui. The main town of Kaunakakai is nearby, with an historic church row and village life. Highway 470 ascends up the mountain for the spectacular lookout to Kalaupapa, a tongue of land extending into the Pacific below the sea cliffs. The isolated village welcomed Father Damien in the 1870s to help the residents, victims of what was then called leprosy. When leaving Ho'olehua Airport, the a sign reminds you that Moloka'i roads, which have no stoplights, are a place to "Slow Down"- one of the reasons many people come to Moloka'i. At Ho'olehua, visit the Purdy family of Hawaiian homesteaders who grow macadamia nuts, harvesting and cracking them for your enjoyment right before your eyes in the shade of mac trees. At Kualapu'u, see Coffees of Hawai'i, which grows Muleskinner and Malulani Estate Coffees and offers mule wagon rides through the plantation. The place to eat in the area is Meyers Sugar Mill & Museum the Kualapu'u Cookhouse, with its home-style cooking, catering and baking of pies and cakes. Continuing up 470, the Kalae Highway, the diversity of Moloka'i becomes apparent as the green hills turn into forests opening up to spectacular ocean views. The R. W. Meyer Sugar Mill (circa 1878) offers a look at an early pioneer who married into a Hawaiian family and developed agriculture. The old mill is on the National Register of Historic Sites. On the grounds is Moloka'i Museum & Cultural Center, which conducts tours and offers classes. Up Kalae Highway is the barn for Moloka'i Mule Ride, which carries visitors down the 1,700-foot Kalaupapa Trail. Kalaupapa can also be reached by small plane. Daily tours are led by Damien Tours. To see Kalaupapa Peninsula from above, continue to the end of Kalae Highway and walk a short path through Pala'au State Park to Kalaupapa Lookout. Interpretive signs explain the history. Nearby, the Phallic Rock is the subject of many legends about fertility. Halawa Valley on Moloka`i's East End Heading back down Highway 470, visit the R.W. Meyer Ltd., which owns 1,800 acres with hiking, mountain biking, fishing and nature treks by 4-wheel drive. When traveling to Kalae, see the Meyer Gate, 610 mile past mile marker 7. Nearby is the 9-hole Ironwood Hills Golf Club. Where Hwy. 470 makes a 'T' with Hwy 460, take a left and head east for a drive along Church Row as you enter Kaunakakai, the main town on the island. Kaunakakai offers shopping, a variety of dining, and the Kaunakakai Wharf, the major shipping center and transportation link, by ferry, on the Maui Princess. See the Giant Banyan Tree at Pau Hana Inn and drive along Kamehameha V (Hwy. 450) to view Keawanui and other ancient fishponds where Hawaiians practiced aquaculture. Wagon ride to ancient heiau Two churches were built by Father Damien on Moloka'i's East End. They are well marked, as St. Joseph Church and Our Lady of the Sorrows Church. One of the largest heiau (Hawaiian temples) in the state, Ili'ili'opa'e, is located near Puko'o, and a Hawaiian family takes visitors by horse-drawn wagon on an interpretive tour, designed for individuals or groups. Moloka'i Horse & Wagon Ride also offers prearranged activities and an informal Hawaiian picnic on the beach next to the largest mango patch in Hawai'i. At Moloka'i's far East End is the verdant Pu'u O Hoku Ranch, with charming ranch buildings. Known for their interest in preserving Hawaiian culture and endangered species, the ranch offers guest rooms to travelers with reservations. Purdy's Hawaiian Homes macadamia farm As you approach the end of Kamehameha V Highway, the scenic drive becomes more winding and the coast more rugged. The tiny, turtle-shaped isle of Mokuho'oniki is just offshore. As you descend into Halawa Valley there are beautiful lookouts and the mouth of the stream is a wonderful place to rest. The walking trail up the valley is closed to the public. (Left) Father Damien's church at Kalaupapa, (right) Touring coffee fields by mule wagon The highway ends at Halawa, marking the beginning of the inaccessible North Shore and the world's highest sea cliffs. The deep valleys were agricultural centers of old Hawai'i with taro patches and many house sites. Today, the valleys are visited by hunters, fishermen and paddlers of kayak and canoe. It is best to find a guide, as the coast is very rugged. The return road trip from Halawa to the airport is 37 miles, and is most enjoyable driven leisurely, taking several hours for scenic stops. (above) Moloka`i Made: Muleskinner Coffee (right) The famous Moloka`i Mule Ride Moloka'i's West End is a short drive along Hwy. 460. The road climbs the gentle slope of Maunaloa, birthplace of hula, and descends to the sunny side. Take the right fork onto Kaluakoi Road to beaches of Papohaku and Kepuhi. Kaluakoi Resort offers an 18-hole championship golf course, accommodations, tennis, and ocean activities. Adjacent Papohaku Ranchlands is a community of homes and ranches for people who enjoy sun, serenity, trails, wildlife and beaches. Papohaku Beach Park is excellent for strolling on the longest, widest sandy beaches in Hawai'i. At nearby Maunaloa Village, visit Moloka'i Ranch Outfitters Headquarters for a safari through Moloka'i Ranch Wildlife Conservation Park. The ranch offers trail rides for ranch guests and has the best rodeo arena in the state; you learn to be a wrangler. Ask about hiking through the rangelands and places to stay. Maunaloa Village has shops and places to buy snacks. It is a quaint town, with a history dating back to the early cattle industry in Hawai'i. It offers beautiful views of the coast and spectacular sunsets for the end of your day.

Hawaii rental cars are

Kauai, Hawaii car rentals - Rent a car in Maui, Kauai, Hawaii. We negotiate the most competitive pricing on rental car rates with Avis, Budget, Dollar and Thrifty, including deeply discounted savings and many benefits currently not available to the general public if booking direct. Wailua Bay Discount Car Rentals provides Hawaii car rentals in Maui, Kauai, Oahu, Hawaii and all the major Hawaiian islands. Use our Rate Checker now to get instant up to date rental rates. :: Wailua Bay View homepage NO pre-payment required or cancellation fees. NO credit cards required for car rental reservation. NO extra charge for drivers under 25 for Thrifty. Avis, Budget, Dollar & Thrifty discounted rental car rates. Serving Kauai, Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Kona, Molokai. Jeep Wrangler rentals in Hawaii at $267.50 per week! FREE one-class upgrade program based on availability . Unlimited mileage, A/C, and automatic transmissions. Rental car pickup info Please choose your pickup location Kahului Airport Maui (OGG) Lahaina-Kaanapali Maui (JHM) Honolulu Airport (HNL) Waikiki, (major hotel pickup/dropoff) Hilo Airport (ITO) Kona Airport (KOA) Lihue Airport Kauai (LIH) Molokai (MKK) Pick up Time 7:00 AM 7:15 AM 7:30 AM 7:45 AM 8:00 AM 8:15 AM 8:30 AM 8:45 AM 9:00 AM 9:15 AM 9:30 AM 9:45 AM 10:00 AM 10:15 AM 10:30 AM 10:45 AM 11:00 AM 11:15 AM 11:30 AM 11:45 AM 12:00 PM 12:15 PM 12:30 PM 12:45 PM 1:00 PM 1:15 PM 1:30 PM 1:45 PM 2:00 PM 2:15 PM 2:30 PM 2:45 PM 3:00 PM 3:15 PM 3:30 PM 3:45 PM 4:00 PM 4:15 PM 4:30 PM 4:45 PM 5:00 PM 5:15 PM 5:30 PM 5:45 PM 6:00 PM 6:15 PM 6:30 PM 6:45 PM 7:00 PM 7:15 PM 7:30 PM 7:45 PM 8:00 PM 8:15 PM 8:30 PM 8:45 PM 9:00 PM 9:15 PM 9:30 PM 9:45 PM 10:00 PM 10:15 PM 10:30 PM 10:45 PM 11:00 PM 11:15 PM 11:30 PM 11:45 PM 12:00 AM Rental car return info Please choose your dropoff location Kahului Airport Maui (OGG) Lahaina-Kaanapali Maui (JHM) Honolulu Airport (HNL) Waikiki, (major hotel pickup/dropoff) Hilo Airport (ITO) Kona Airport (KOA) Lihue Airport Kauai (LIH) Molokai (MKK) Return Time 7:00 AM 7:15 AM 7:30 AM 7:45 AM 8:00 AM 8:15 AM 8:30 AM 8:45 AM 9:00 AM 9:15 AM 9:30 AM 9:45 AM 10:00 AM 10:15 AM 10:30 AM 10:45 AM 11:00 AM 11:15 AM 11:30 AM 11:45 AM 12:00 PM 12:15 PM 12:30 PM 12:45 PM 1:00 PM 1:15 PM 1:30 PM 1:45 PM 2:00 PM 2:15 PM 2:30 PM 2:45 PM 3:00 PM 3:15 PM 3:30 PM 3:45 PM 4:00 PM 4:15 PM 4:30 PM 4:45 PM 5:00 PM 5:15 PM 5:30 PM 5:45 PM 6:00 PM 6:15 PM 6:30 PM 6:45 PM 7:00 PM 7:15 PM 7:30 PM 7:45 PM 8:00 PM 8:15 PM 8:30 PM 8:45 PM 9:00 PM 9:15 PM 9:30 PM 9:45 PM 10:00 PM 10:15 PM 10:30 PM 10:45 PM 11:00 PM 11:15 PM 11:30 PM 11:45 PM 12:00 AM Currency preferred Vehicle of choice US dollar Australian Dollar Canadian Dollar English Pound Euro Japanese Yen Preferred Vehicle Compact Mid-Size Economy Full-Size Luxury Convertible Jeep Wrangler Standard SUV Minivan Immediate rate check for the best deals! Looking for discounted, flat corporate rates on rental cars? Wailua Bay Discount Car Rentals provides Hawaii car rentals in Maui, Kauai, Oahu, Hawaii and all the major Hawaiian islands. We negotiate the most competitive pricing on rental car rates with Avis, Budget, Dollar and Thrifty, including deeply discounted savings and many benefits currently not available to the general public if booking direct. Explore beautiful Kauai, Maui, Oahu and all the Hawaiian Islands with a full range of great rental car models like the Ford Mustang and Jeep Wrangler. Rent a convertible, a minivan or an ecomony car. We have an extensive rental car fleet. Convertible $53.50 Daily $267.50 Weekly Minivans $54.25 Daily $271.50 Weekly Jeep Wrangler $53.50 Daily $267.50 Weekly Economy $28.00 Daily $140.50 Weekly SUV $54.25 Daily $272.00 Weekly Luxury Car $54.95 Daily $274.75 Weekly We offer a full range of current models from the major automobile companies through Avis, Budget, Dollar and Thrifty car rentals. All Hawaii rental cars are offered with heavily discounted corporate rates that will provide a cheaper rental rate for you, the rental car customer. Servicing the islands of Kauai, Maui, Hawaii, Hilo, Kona and Molokai. Jeep Wranglers are not available on Hilo, Hawaii due to their limited inventory at this moment. Molokai add $10 per day, $50 per week. Drop Charges for Dollar and Thrifty: $20.00 (HNL - Waikiki), $65.00 (Hilo - Kona) Thrifty car rates and fleet Avis car rates and fleet Dollar car rates and fleet Budget car rates and fleet THRIFTY Car Rental Rates for 2005 Low Season 1/1/06 -12/18/06 High Season 12/19/06 -12/31/06 Car Type Daily Weekly Daily Weekly Economy 4 Door (Kia Rio or similar) $28.00 $140.50 N/A N/A Compact 4 Door (Dodge Neon or similar) $28.00 $145.25 $46.00 $229.00 Intermediate 4 Door (Dodge Stratus or similar) $31.00 $159.50 $51.00 $252.00 Full Size 4 Door (Dodge Magnum or similar) $34.75 $179.50 $57.00 $284.00 Convertible (Chrysler Sebring or similar) $53.50 $267.50 $80.00 $406.00 Jeep Wrangler, soft removable top $53.50 $267.50 $80.00 $406.00 Sport Utility (Jeep Liberty or similar) $54.25 $272.00 $82.00 $409.00 Minivan (Dodge Caravan or similar) $54.25 $271.50 $82.00 $409.00 Luxury Car (Chrysler 300 Ltd or similar) $54.50 $274.50 $84.00 $420.00 Van (12 pax capacity) $140.00 $770.00 N/A N/A Reserving through our Corporate program allows us to offer No charge for driver under 25 and any number of additional drivers at no extra charge. Floating/current rates can also be given through our Standard Rates program. Hawaiian Vacation Rentals special negotiated Dollar and Thrifty rates. AVIS Car Rental Rates for 2005 Low Season, 1/1/06 - 12/15/06 Holiday Season, 12/16/06 - 12/31/06 Car Type Daily Weekly Daily Weekly Economy, 4 DR (Chevrolet Aveo or similar) $30.00 $150.00 $47.00 $235.00 Compact, 4 DR (Chevrolet Cobalt or similar) $32.00 $160.00 $50.00 $250.00 Mid Size, 2/4 DR (Pontiac G6 or similar) $35.00 $175.00 $57.00 $285.00 Full Size, 2 DR (Chevrolet Monte Carlo or similar) 4 DR (Chevrolet Impala or similar) $40.00 $200.00 $62.00 $310.00 Convertible (Mustang or similar) $69.00 $345.00 $87.00 $435.00 Sports Utility (Chevy Blazer or similar) $69.00 $345.00 $87.00 $435.00 7 Pax Mini Van (Chevy Venture or similar) $69.00 $345.00 $90.00 $450.00 Luxury Car (Cadillac de Ville or similar) $75.00 $375.00 $92.00 $460.00 Back to top DOLLAR Car Rental Rates for 2005 Low Season 1/1/06 - 12/18/06 High Season 12/19/06 - 12/31/06 Car Type Daily Weekly Daily Weekly Economy Car (Hyundai Accent or similar) $30.00 $160.00 $49.00 $249.00 Compact Car (Dodge Neon or similar) $32.00 $165.00 $62.00 $285.00 Intermediate Car (Dodge Stratus or similar) $36.00 $180.00 $68.00 $323.00 Full Size Car (Dodge Intrepid or similar) $44.00 $215.00 $81.00 $373.00 Sebring Convertible (Sebring or similar) $59.00 $295.00 $111.00 $535.00 Jeep Wrangler (soft top) $59.00 $295.00 $111.00 $535.00 Jeep Grand Cherokee Loredo $67.00 $330.00 $115.00 $592.00 7 Pax Mini Van (Dodge Caravan or similar) $68.00 $330.00 $123.00 $620.00 Luxury Car (Chrysler 300 Ltd or similar) $70.00 $350.00 $123.00 $620.00 Due to the small fleet kept on Molokai, Dollar only allows us to rent compact and midsize vehicles there. Hawaiian Vacation Rentals special negotiated Dollar and Thrifty rates Back to top BUDGET Car Rental Rates for 2005 Low Season, 1/1/06 - 12/14/06 Holiday Season, 12/15/06 - 12/31/06 Car Type Daily Weekly Daily Weekly Economy, 4 DR (Hyundai Accent or similar) $29.00 $145.00 $47.00 $235.00 Compact, 4 DR (Ford Focus or similar) $32.00 $60.00 $50.00 $250.00 Mid Size, 2/4 DR Coupe (Ford Mustang or similar) $35.00 $175.00 $57.00 $285.00 Full Size, 4 DR (Ford Taurus or similar) $40.00 $200.00 $62.00 $310.00 Luxury Car (Lincoln Towncar or similar) $75.00 $375.00 $92.00 $460.00 Jeep Wrangler (Soft Top) $69.00 $345.00 $91.00 $455.00 Convertible (Ford Mustang or similar) $69.00 $345.00 $87.00 $435.00 Sports Utility (Ford Explorer or similar) $69.00 $345.00 $87.00 $435.00 7 Pax Mini Van (Ford Windstar or similar) $69.00 $345.00 $90.00 $450.00 Back to top Do you have any comments or questions? Email us , and a representative at Wailua Bay, Kauai will get back to you as soon as possible. Do you require same day or last minute rentals? Click on the Budget or Thrifty logos to access the respective booking systems to make your reservations now! Or, return to our free personalized Hawaii car rental service here. Thrifty Same Day Reservations Budget Same Day Reservations Back to top For Hawaiian Vacation Rental’s special negotiated Dollar and Thrifty rates, click here . Phone: 1 (800) 882-9007 :: Fax: (425) 556-1292 Address: P.O. Box 2283, Issaquah, WA. 98027 :: Email Us Home :: Car rentals :: Kauai activities :: Reservations :: Rooms :: Contact us :: Sitemap :: Links Articles on Cars, Kauai and Hawaii Car theft preventation In the United States, a vehicle is stolen approximately every 30 seconds. That's 120 cars an hour or 2,880 cars in a single day. Not a comforting statistic. Recovery statistics are just as bleak, around 50% recovered successfully. What does recovered successfully mean? more... Maintaining a car - Part 1 Let's get to a checklist to help you maintain your vehicle. Remember, some of these you can do yourself, but in reality, you'll use a shop or a very good friend to help you. Either way, its important information you should know. more... Maintaining a car - Part 2 Now I'll pass along some other steps you can take to help maintain your vehicle. Remember, your car is a major investment and it cannot take care of itself. You rely on your car for transportation, but it relies on you for maintenance. more... Kauai – On 2 wheels or more? There is no better place to relax and unwind. Kauai promises fun filled activities for the entire family. Although the entire island is so huge and there are so many activities and places worth visiting, a drive around the island is a must. Be sure to check with our Kauai car rental service for the best rates. more... Kauai — Getting around by car rentals Planning a vacation to Kauai probably has you pretty excited about seeing all of the amazing beaches and natural landmarks, however you are probably curious how you are going to get around, if you need to rent a car or taxi, or if there is some other option for you. Basically, if you are really interested in seeing Kauai, all of it, on your schedule and the way you want then you need to rent a car. more... When should you rent a car for your trip to Hawaii? Car rental agencies will stock their fleets at a level they hope will be profitable. This means they want to limit the amount of cars sitting around during slow times but have enough on hand during Hawaii's peak travel season. more...

Lanai Rocks Luxe Outpost

Hawaiian Islands Overview | Outside Online Home Gear Bodywork Travel Archives Online Specials Subscribe United States Canada Caribbean Mexico Central America South America Europe Africa Asia Australia-Pacific Search for You Are Here: Home Travel Luxe Outpost More Travel New Mexico Amazing Best Trips 2005 Hiking Scotland MSR Miox purifier (Accessories) 66° North Glymur Powershield Pants (Ski & Snowboard Gear / Pants) Outdoor Research Neoplume Jacket (Jacket) View all Gear Blogs Today's Question Should I run on the treadmill before I eat breakfast or should I eat something first? answer How can I give my legs the right amount of rest when training for a triathlon? answer Today's Question Can you recommend a folding bike I can load onto an inflatable kayak? answer Where can I get a good "strapack"? answer Buy Gear at REI Hiking Gear Cycling Gear Paddling Gear Snow Sports Gear Women's Specific Gear Women's Outerwear Men's Outerwear Kid's Outerwear Luggage & Travel Gear All Gear on Sale Online Favorites " Into Thin Air " Best Adventure Books The O Files: Unsolved Mysteries Dream Towns Dream Jobs Special Issues 2005 Buyer's Guide Summer Traveler Tour de France Adventure Lodges Oceanic Endeavors Adventure Goddesses Photo Galleries Tour de France 2005 American Coasts Beaches See All Galleries Outside Magazine, March 2005 Why Lanai Rocks Luxe Outpost Mellow never had it so good By Ethan Watters Intro | Kauai | Big Island | Lanai | Molokai | Oahu | Maui Going nowhere fast: fat-tire riding, Lanai (Castle & Cooke Resorts) I WAS IN THE GARDEN OF THE GODS at twilight when the feeling first came over me. From Lanai's only town, I had driven half an hour north on a single-lane dirt road to this otherworldly plateau of red dust, pinnacles, and encrusted lava. I turned off the engine of the jeep but left the radio blaring rock from a Big Island station. Walking away from the car—at just the point where the trade winds began to drown out the electric guitar—I felt suddenly and deliriously alone. Like many city dwellers, I fantasize about being stranded on a Pacific island. I read Robinson Crusoe as a kid and saw Cast Away the day it opened, but I'd never experienced the exquisite ache of loneliness that a shipwreck survivor might feel until that moment, standing at the northern edge of Lanai and looking out at the darkening ocean. Of course, this was an illusion. When I turned around, my jeep was there, with the Stone Temple Pilots singing an anthem to modern-day alienation. But all was not lost: I was still on Lanai. Shaped like a teardrop, 18 miles long, and only 13 miles across at its widest point, Lanai has retained a sense of splendid seclusion. No theme-park resorts here. In fact, since the island was once used for growing pineapples and cattle ranching—and 98 percent of it is owned by a single real estate holding—development has been kept to a minimum. Lanai City, with a population of just 3,000, is tightly contained in less than four square miles and still looks like the 1920s pineapple-plantation village it used to be. About half of the island's coast is sheer cliff against ocean, and most of the land is arid—red dirt and low grass. There are less than three dozen miles of paved road, not a single mile of which runs along the coastline; nearly all shore access is by jeep trail, hiking, or rappelling. From almost any place on the island, I had to walk only 15 minutes and I could be deep in my thousands-of-miles-from-civilization reverie. The illusion of utter isolation is a delicacy, but like ordering blowfish at a sushi bar, it's one you want carefully served with the poison excised. Which is to say that the thrill of feeling stranded can sometimes lead to restlessness if you don't have an ultra-luxe hotel to head back to at the end of the day. Fortunately, Lanai has two such retreats. The low, Mediterranean-style buildings of the Manele Bay Hotel are terraced into a hillside next to the island's nicest strand, Hulopoe Beach. The most decadent suites—outfitted with four-poster beds—come with butler service, so I wasn't surprised to learn that, back in the early nineties, Bill Gates had rented the entire place for his wedding. Ten miles away, close to town, the Lodge at Koele, with its old-world hunting-estate decor, is an oddity in Hawaii. Because it's situated at 1,700 feet in the island's center, breezes are often cool enough to warrant use of the lobby's wood-burning fireplace. Both resorts have golf courses that are so well manicured and cleverly designed, with ocean backdrops and island greens, that they look like the virtual landscapes in a golf video game. What I like best about Lanai is that it manages a perfect balance between what there is to do and what there isn't. Sure, you can hook up with scuba and fishing charters, sample world-class snorkeling off Shipwreck Beach (so named because a World War II Liberty Ship rusts on the reef), sea-kayak with pods of spinner dolphins in Kaunolu Bay, mountain-bike down the Munro Trail, and ride horses above Maunalei Gulch. But karaoke nightclubs and beachfront bacchanalias? If you use party as a verb, this is not your island. In the end, your choices come down to a happily manageable handful: Should I play croquet or visit the sporting-clay facility to blow some plates out of the sky? Should I take a jeep down that dirt road or rent a mountain bike and go exploring? Should I get the alii banana-and-coconut scrub or the ki pola hoolu ti leaf wrap? Still want more? Take your day planner and head for Maui. Access & Resources Hole Up: The 249-room, Mediterranean-style Manele Bay Hotel is the only resort on the water. Its spacious rooms open onto garden courtyards or overlook Hulopoe Beach, the island's best. Doubles from $400; 800-450-3704, www.manelebayhotel.com » If you're into fetishizing the lifestyle of English lords and ladies, the 102-room Lodge at Koele, just north of Lanai City, is perfection. The largest wooden structure in the islands, it's modeled after old English hunting lodges, with a full croquet course and pros to teach you the game. Doubles from $400; 800-450-3704, www.lodgeatkoele.com » The oldest and most low-key of the island's accommodations is the 11-room Hotel Lanai, on the edge of Lanai City. Built by pineapple king James Dole in 1923 to house his execs, the plantation-style rooms have a warm charm. Doubles from $105; 877-665-2624, www.hotellanai.com Dine: The Blue Ginger Café is a casual local favorite just across the street from Dole Park, in the center of Lanai City. Eat there two days in a row and you're likely to see the same friendly faces. 808-565-6363 » Henry Clay's Rotisserie, in the Hotel Lanai, serves hearty New Orleans fare at moderate prices. The small bar here is one of the few places where locals and visitors mingle. 877-665-2624 Get Out: Trilogy Ocean Sports Lanai is the catchall guiding service on the island. It leads catamaran-supported scuba dives to the walls and reefs below Lanai's rocky shores, rents jeeps to explore the island's mostly dirt roads, and arranges guided four-wheel-drive expeditions if you don't want to go it alone. Prices vary; 888-628-4800, www.visitlanai.com » Thanks to the cliffs that cover nearly half of Lanai's 47-mile coastline, access to many beaches requires a hike or four-wheel drive. There is one notable exception: Hulopoe Beach, at the south end of Route 440, is not only car-accessible; it's continually rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. On the west end of the beach, the Manele Bay Hotel keeps a stash of snorkel equipment in a kiosk for its guests. » Blast a couple of clay pigeons at the Lodge at Koele's sport-shooting facility. $150 for 100 rounds; 808-559-4600, www.lodgeatkoele.com Shop: The Heart of Lanai art gallery sells island paintings by local artists and custom-made ukuleles. 888-565-7815 Next Page: Your ticket to the land of big cliffs and big hearts Intro | Kauai | Big Island | Lanai | Molokai | Oahu | Maui • Subscribe to Outside magazine for just $1.50 per month. • Give the gift of Outside Magazine! Sponsored Results Where City name or airport code Check in Check out Guests 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Rooms 1 2 3 COMPARE PRICES on Web sites Expedia Orbitz Hotels.com Travelocity Cheap Tickets Lodging.com From City name or airport code To City name or airport code Leave Return Travelers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 COMPARE PRICES on Web sites Expedia Orbitz Travelocity Cheap Tickets Pick-up location City name / airport code Pick-up date Time 7 am 7:30 am 8 am 8:30 am 9 am 9:30 am 10 am 10:30 am 11 am 11:30 am noon 12:30 pm 1 pm 1:30 pm 2 pm 2:30 pm 3 pm 3:30 pm 4 pm 4:30 pm 5 pm 5:30 pm 6 pm 6:30 pm 7 pm 7:30 pm 8 pm 8:30 pm 9 pm 9:30 pm 10 pm 10:30 pm 11 pm midnight Drop-off location City name / airport code Drop-off date Time 7 am 7:30 am 8 am 8:30 am 9 am 9:30 am 10 am 10:30 am 11 am 11:30 am noon 12:30 pm 1 pm 1:30 pm 2 pm 2:30 pm 3 pm 3:30 pm 4 pm 4:30 pm 5 pm 5:30 pm 6 pm 6:30 pm 7 pm 7:30 pm 8 pm 8:30 pm 9 pm 9:30 pm 10 pm 10:30 pm 11 pm midnight COMPARE PRICES on Web sites Orbitz Cheaptickets advertisement The Ultimate Beach Guide—$99 Vegas: 3rd Night Free Celebrate 50 Years of Disney Magic with Special Deals All-Inclusive Vacations—Leave Your Wallet Behind United Airlines Spring Travel Sale—from $85+ AirTran: All Destinations Are on Sale—from $94+ R/T Summertime Deals are Here—$112 R/T TACA: Central America Sale $179 Mexico, Your Way: Air + Hotel from $451 All-Inclusive Vacations—Leave Your Wallet Behind 5-Day Rome Super Saver—from $499 Air France Fare Sale to Europe! $309 Save an Extra $100 Now with Flight + Hotel Last-Minute Flights—Cheap! $83! Win the Trip of Your Choice! In London, We Have Over 200 Ways to Say "Free" FREE Disney World Vacation Planning Kit & DVD -- Sign up now to receive the monthly VisitEurope travel newsletter Get your FREE Alaska Vacation Planner and screensaver! FREE Lake George, NY Travel Guide More From Outside Online Outside December 2005 All-Stars Lance Armstrong Gift Guide Winter Escapes Special Issues 2005 Buyer's Guide Outside Traveler Summer '05 Tour de France 2005 Climber Girls Photo Gallery Outside November 2005 Australia Afghanistan Patagonia Winter Hot List Online Exclusives Outside Lodges Literary All-Stars Oceanic Endeavors Adventure Goddesses Outside October 2005 Worst Moments Yvon Chouinard Ultrarunning Rivals Custom Gear Online Favorites Outside Gear Blog Gear Guy Fitness Q&A Guide to Summer Outside September 2005 Dream Jobs Brad Washburn Nevada Jack Johnson Outside Classics Into Thin Air The Whale Hunters Terminal Ice The Killing Bones Vacation Ideas from The Away Network Active & Outdoor Australia Belize California Colorado Costa Rica Caribbean Vacations Bahamas Dominican Republic Jamaica Puerto Rico U.S. Virgin Islands Family Vacations Lake Tahoe Los Angeles Orlando Sanibel Island Washington, D.C. Golf Boca Raton Hilton Head Myrtle Beach Palm Springs Scottsdale National Parks Acadia Crater Lake Rocky Mountain Yellowstone Yosemite Ski Vacations California Colorado Utah Vermont All Ski Resorts European Vacations Dublin London Paris Prague Rome U.S. Cities Las Vegas Miami New York City San Diego San Francisco Home | Gear | Travel | Bodywork | Archives | Feedback | Subscribe to Outside Magazine | Join/Login About Outside | Advertise | Subscription Services | Outside Info | Site Map | Press Room Photo Department | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Contributor's Guidelines ©2006 Mariah Media Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of material from any pages without written permission is strictly prohibited.