Hawaiian cruise ideas Recommendations

Hawaiian cruise ideas - Hawaii Travel - MSNBC.com Skip navigation Travel Winter Travel Family Travel Cruising Vacations Travel Deals Luxury Travel Romantic Getaways Active Travel Olympics Travel Business Travel Destinations Travel Tips Your World Photos U.S. News World News Business Sports Entertainment Tech / Science Health Weather Travel Blogs Etc. Local News Newsweek Multimedia News Video Most Popular NBC NEWS MSNBC TV Today Show Nightly News Meet the Press Dateline NBC MSNBC Home Travel Hawaii Travel Hawaiian cruise ideas Recommendations for your entire itinerary Slide show Aloha! The Hawaiian Islands offer tropical adventures you will never forget. Lucy Pemoni / Reuters By CruiseCritic staff GETTING THERE For most travelers, the challenge of getting to and from Hawaii is the only negative on this itinerary. Flights from the East Coast typically connect in Los Angeles and San Francisco, which means you're adding a five-plus hour flight to the six hours it took to get there from New York, say, or Boston. If you have little ones with you and can spare the time, you may want to consider spending a night or two in California to break up the travel time. Obviously, West Coast residents have a shorter haul, and folks in some central gateways, such as Minneapolis and Dallas, can find direct flights to Honolulu International Airport that take about 8 1/2 hours each. Keep in mind that the Christmas holiday season - from about Dec. 21 to Jan. 4 - is high season, which means that air prices are at their most expensive. Summer is also popular because it's "family season." Thanksgiving to mid-December is considered "low season" and offers the best bargains. While NCL is currently the only cruise line originating and ending in Hawaii, other lines offer Hawaii itineraries that sail to or from the west coast of the U.S., Mexico or Canada. The advantage of cruising from the mainland is that you eliminate one or both flights, but keep in mind that you could be adding as many as eight days at sea to the duration of the voyage. Also remember that one-way air fares can be expensive, so you may be better off booking air through the cruise lines and taking advantage of their bulk air rates. THE ISLANDS The islands you are likely to visit on a roundtrip Honolulu cruise and cruises to-and-from the West Coast are Oahu (Honolulu), Maui, the Big Island (ports of Kona or Hilo), Kauai and even Fanning Island in the Republic of Kiribati. Lanai and Molokai are typically only available as shore excursions from the main islands. Repositioning cruises may only visit Oahu and Maui, while also incorporating such South Seas destinations as Bora Bora, Tahiti, Fiji and New Zealand. MANEUVERING AROUND HONOLULU Oahu's cruise port, the Aloha Tower Marketplace, is located about 15 minutes from the airport, and transportation from the airport to area hotels (about seven miles) is a snap via shuttle service (about $18 roundtrip on Aloha Hawaii Trans, for example), taxi or car rental. If you rent a car at the airport, keep in mind that, unlike some other islands you may have visited, Honolulu operates like any other American city - which means you won't experience culture shock navigating the roads. If you are simply transferring from the airport to the cruise port, plan on a 15-minute cab ride. Be aware, however, that the return trip from the cruise port to the airport can be another matter entirely - with daunting crowds at the buses (we suggest springing for a cab) and long delays at some of the terminals at the security check point. Waits of up to two hours are not unheard of if you're trying to leave at the same time as everyone else. Our advice? Stay a few extra days (Oahu deserves a week if you can swing it) or at least consider departing at night for a red eye flight home that will put you on the West Coast in time for breakfast or on the East Coast in the afternoon. BEING THERE Most Hawaiian Island cruises begin and/or end in Honolulu, on the island of Oahu - the most logical in terms of air access. It being the port of embarkation - or debarkation - means passengers often are hurrying from the airport to the ship or hustling away to catch a flight home. But don't forego a pre- or post-cruise stay if you can afford the time because there is so much to see on Oahu. From whale watching and surfing on the stunning beaches of the North Shore to the Polynesian Cultural Center and Pearl Harbor, the island has attractions to appeal to a wide variety of interests. Sign up for Cruise Critic's free newsletters! Get cruise reviews, news, bargains and more! CONTINUED: Choosing an itinerary 1 | 2 | 3 | Next > Print this Email this MORE FROM HAWAII TRAVEL The far side of Paradise . Polynesian delights . 'Lost' in Hawaii . Diving the Big Island . Real Hawaiian adventures . Becoming a believer in Maui . Hawaiian cruise ideas . The far side of Paradise . Hawaiian Islands- A diver's paradise . Tripso: 5 cheap thrills on Kauai . Web sources for vacation on Maui . Hawaii Travel Section Front Palestinianshead topolls WP: Hamas poised for new role Bush to visit NSA, defend program Pinochet's daughter detained in D.C. 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Hawaii Volcano Tour By

Hawaii Volcano Tour Web EzineArticles.com Submit Articles Watch the Video -- Members Login Benefits Recent Articles Expert Authors Experts By Location Read Endorsements Editorial Guidelines Author TOS Terms of Service Ezines / Email Alerts Manage Subscriptions EzineArticles RSS Blog Forums About Us What's New Contact Us Affiliates Link To Us Privacy Policy Site Map Search All Options Search Article IDs Search Article Titles Search Articles Search Expert Authors Search Article Keywords Search Article Summary Advanced Search Email Address: Your Name: Got an Ezine Marketing or Email Newsletter Question? AskChrisKnight.com HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Outdoors Hawaii Volcano Tour By Keith Thompson Article Word Count: 316 [ View Summary ] Comments (0) A Hawaii volcano tour can be a most memorable experience,and is readily available (short of eruptions!) year round.While each island boasts some volcanic heritage, The BigIsland is where all the action is. A Hawaii volcano tour of necessity begins in HawaiiVolcanoes National Park, established in 1916. This park,containing more than 218,000 acres, is open daily and offersguided tours and more. It encompasses both the world's mostmassive volcano, Mauna Kea, at 13,796 feet, and Kilauea, theworld's most active volcano. Mauna Kea, which in Hawaiianmeans literally "white mountain", gets this name from thefact that it is quite often snow-capped. It is also thoughtto be the world's tallest mountain when measured from it'sundersea base to the summit. Currently dormant, Mauna Keahas also become the home of an important astronomicalcenter, where astronomers from all over the world vie forspots atop the summit to view the heavens. Kilauea, which has been in continual eruption since 1983,gives visitors on a Hawaii volcano tour stunning views ofmolten lava flows, steam vents, and vast lava fields. It issaid that this eruption has added more than 500 acres to theBig Island since it's eruption! One more fascinating tidbitabout Kilauea, is that perched atop the crater rimoverlooking the caldera is the Volcano House, Hawaii'soldest continually-operated hotel, dating from 1846.Probably not hard to keep warm at night! On Maui, one volcano not to overlook is Haleakala, a dormantvolcano in the middle of the island, long renowned for it'sfantastic sunsets. It's also a great place to hike or camp,and especially ride a bike down! (Very Cool!) Good reason togo to Maui. (As if you needed one!) When you plan your Hawaii volcano tour, be sure to plan sometime to take in some or all of these sights. You'll beforever changed! Keith Thompson is the webmaster at http://www.Hawaii-Vacation-Directory.com , where you can find all sorts oflinks and resources to make your Hawaii volcano tour one you'llremember! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Thompson Other Recent EzineArticles from the Travel-and-Leisure:Outdoors Category: Snowboarding Tips - For Beginners And Advanced Alike An African Adventure on Horseback How to Enjoy the Best Places Under the Sun Tropical North Rainforests Cheap Backpacks Live Underground Like A Bandicoot? You Have To Be Joking! The Great Barrier Reef Van Camping Outdoor Playground Equipment Vacation in Chester Wintertime Fun in Alaska - Alyeska Ski Resort Biodiversity in Ecuador Snowboarding Gear - What Do I Need? Making Clothes For Backpacking Mount St. Helens is a National Monument Most Viewed EzineArticles in the Travel-and-Leisure:Outdoors Category Shark Attacks! How Common are They? Where do They Occur? Discount Lift Tickets - Learn What Colorado Ski Resorts Do Not Want You To Know! Maples for Autumn Colour Shark Pictures 'Not The Real Thing' Wal-Mart Camping And Other Free Places Traveling To and Around Hawaii, A First-Time Visitor's Primer Edible Wild Plants For Backpackers Three Places to Interact with Dolphins in Hawaii The Best Backpacking Food Ultralight Backpacking Versus Traditional Backpacking How to Grab a Bite to Eat and Help the Planet Too much to do in London! Taking an Alaskan Cruise What to Pack Carved Hiking Sticks - Making Your Own Fall Foliage Scenic Drives in New England - Introduction This article has been viewed 532 time(s). Article Submitted On: March 04, 2005 Please Rate This Article: Select Rating Excellent Very Good Interesting Fair Could Use Improvement Number of ratings: 0 Rating: 0 © EzineArticles.com - All Rights Reserved Worldwide. EzineArticles.com is a Member of the EmailUniverse.com Network

Honolulu

Honolulu Star-Bulletin Features Advertisement - Click to support our sponsors. Monday, January 15, 2001 By Ronen Zilberman, Star-Bulletin Players point and shoot as they jockey for position on the field. It's all fun and games at Hawaii All-Star Paintball as players come out of the woods to celebrate their field of dreams Paintball before politics By Burl Burlingame Star-Bulletin THERE'S a steady, hollow drumming -- thwip! thwip! thwip! -- as if vinyl hail is falling. And the stuttering chatter of air bursts. And the occasional shouted command, or cheer of victory. But other than that, standing at ground zero as 300 people engage in rapid-fire combat at close quarters is surprisingly quiet. Opening day at Hawaii All-Star Paintball drew hundreds of players from around the island yesterday in a benefit for Hawaii Food Bank. Owner Brandon Cayetano estimated about 1,500 cans of food were collected. By Ronen Zilberman, Star-Bulletin Ray Contreras eyes the amunition being handed to him. The paintballs, decorated with spots and stripes, are lightweight, but sting when they hit. "Even the other fields shut down for today in support," said Cayetano. He stood atop a Matson container in the center of the playing fields, looking down into the arenas and occasionally shouting orders like the skipper of a pirate ship: "You! Yeah, you! Mask DOWN, brah! Safety first! You HEAR me?" Located on a largely ignored spit of landfill left over from freeway construction, Cayetano had a busy couple of months bulldozing and cleaning up the site. "You wouldn't believe the junk that was here," he said, shaking his head. By Blaine Fergerstrom, Star-Bulletin An overhead view of the paintball grounds. The field is divided into various arenas, each with varying obstacles and degrees of difficulty. The games are basically a variation of capture-the-flag. "When you get right down to it, it's just playing cowboys and Indians," he said. "Except that that you can spend a thousand dollars for your gear and get totally wrapped up in it." The paintballs themselves are surprisingly tough gelatin capsules the size of marbles, filled with water and biodegradable dye. They don't burst unless they strike the target dead-on. Otherwise, they bounce away. "Yeah, I suppose you could eat them," said Cayetano, eyeing the reporter who asks the question. "But why would you want to?" By Ronen Zilberman, Star-Bulletin From left, Alex Frederick, Jonathan Mita and Samuel Nolan, lock and load, preparing for an intergalactic shoot 'em up. Players checking out the facility were happy with it, not just for the challenging courses but because of the location. Wayne Kiyabu, by day a worker at Frito Lay, was introduced to paintball by his brother -- "I was hooked by the first night!" -- and says that Cayetano's course is "just what Hawaii needs. "It's awesome, no kidding. The main thing is that it's centrally located. All the other courses are off in the sticks. It wasn't until I began playing that I realized how big the phenomenon was." Sheryl Miyagawa, Serene Kubota and Heather Enomoto, all about 20 and coeds, were trying paintball for the first time, and were enthusiastic. "It was totally fun," said Miyagawa. "But I didn't know it would hurt! When you get hit by the paintball, it stings!" "My friends told me, wear as much as you can, and they weren't kidding," said Enomoto. "Oh, it's not that bad," huffed Kubota. "Fun has its price." By Ronen Zilberman, Star-Bulletin Trisha Shimomi and Barry Tokuhama, paintball beginners, take a break to give each other support at the paintball field grand opening. Brad Rodrigues, by day a sales broker, began paintballing about a year ago. "My friends said, hey, try 'em, and I really got into it. "This central location will really help the game. It has a lot of space and is organized. A field like this will draw good people into the game." Paintball in Hawaii, although popular, has yet to tap into the lucrative tour or corporate market. Some companies sponsor games as a teambuilding exercise. Although Americans have led the paintball charge, Cayetano has seen a shift in Japanese attitudes. Even 10 years ago, Japanese visitors were crazy for target shooting, but wouldn't shoot at anything resembling a human," Cayetano said. "But that has changed." By Ronen Zilberman, Star-Bulletin A paintball warrior maneuvers for protection from being sprayed with lime green and fuchsia paint as he fires his weapon. How about videogames such as "Doom"? Have they made us more eager to shoot-'em-up? Cayetano shook his head. "Paintball is the antidote to videogames. It's out in the open. Fresh air and exercise. You're a target too. But mostly, there's no concept of teamwork in a videogame. You won't win in paintball unless you pull together." By Ronen Zilberman, Star-Bulletin Brandon Cayetano prefers the blast of paint to that of the political ring. Son o’ da guv is paintball commander BRANDON Cayetano has no intention of following in father Ben's political footsteps, and the governor has never played paintball, his son's passion. But the two share the gift of gab. Press Cayetano's "paintball" button and he goes, like 60 m.p.h. His new paintball field debuted yesterday near Sand Island and finally brings the islands into the modern age of the newly professional sport. "I first went crazy for paintball back in '83, and opened a competitive field in Waimanalo," said Cayetano. "I ran it basically so my friends and I could have a good time playing. I lost it in the early '90s. "I didn't have enough business savvy at the time to run it. I was naive." Discouraged, Cayetano ignored the sport for several years and explored what he calls the "dark side" of life. "Yeah, I got estranged from my family and friends. I knew what it was like on the streets, what it's like to be hungry. It was defensive times. I got into trouble. "But slowly, with the help of my parents, I worked my way back. I trained under computer gurus and got my act together." By coincidence, he worked as human resources and safety manager at United Laundry Services before the owner became his father's second wife. In the meantime, the paintball scene in Hawaii had stagnated, Cayetano believed. It was time someone brought it up to date, and why not him? His experiences in the '90s made him much more aware of the financial aspects of running a business. "In 1983, only the United States played paintball. Today, it's played in 39 countries and it's a $4-billion-a-year industry." Paintball is like any other sport, Cayetano said. It requires discipline, training, awareness and organization. This is created by creating fields like simulated war zones, with varying obstacles and handicaps. Paintball on Oahu had turned into a "renegade" game, with guys running around in the woods, just blasting away at each other. "We spent a lot of time just trying to tell people we weren't mercenaries in training!" he laughed. "There can be a kind of rift between the newbies and the tournament-level players. The newbies can get whacked on. They get excited, and the pros just rail 'em, which can be humbling and bum them out," said Cayetano. He intends to keep everything as even-handed as possible at the new site. Hawaii All-Star Paintball is divided into three zones or "fields" on a spit of land makai of the freeway near Sand Island. "It was trash land," said Cayetano. "I noticed it more than a year ago, and started the permit process to convert it into a paintball park." And no, being the governor's son didn't open any bureaucratic doors, he claims. "In fact, I think being the governor's kid might have slowed things down," he said. One zone comprises ABS water-pipe obstacles, a scenario called "hyper-ball" on the mainland. Another is what Cayetano called an "air-field," filled with inflatable obstacles, delivered by an airline with just hours to spare Saturday. "Thirteen grand to fly in balloons," he moaned. The third is a chessboard of mounds and berms for players to scramble over. The entire site is ringed with netting to prevent stray paintballs from whacking the freeway overpass. "The range on these things is only about 25 to 30 yards anyway," he said. "When I first started out in paintball, the guns were like pump shotguns, slow and inaccurate. Now you can even buy paintball guns for $1,200 that have computer chips in them to control your fire rate, like an automatic." Most paintball guns, though, run about $150, and are accurate enough to put a pattern in a pie plate at 20 yards. On the mainland, Army and Marine Corps use a paintball course for combat training because it's cheaper and more impressive than laser weapons. "When you get hit by a paintball, you know it," Cayetano chuckled. Cayetano raised the funds himself, mainly with the help of paintball enthusiasts like himself. Many show up after their 9-to-5s and help out in the evenings, getting the course ready. While dad doesn't play paintball, he knows Brandon has a passion for it. "Any father would want his son to follow in his footsteps," Brandon said. "But I'm more comfortable as a private businessman. Some people, like my Dad, are born to excel in politics. But not me!" Click for online calendars and events. E-mail to Features Editor Text Site Directory: [News] [Business] [Features] [Sports] [Editorial] [Do It Electric!] [Classified Ads] [Search] [Subscribe] [Info] [Letter to Editor] [Feedback] © 2001 Honolulu Star-Bulletin http://starbulletin.com

Hawaii Hotel

Starwood Hawaii Hotels & Resorts - Sheraton Moana Surfrider - Waikiki, Oahu Vacation | "Hula Jazz" & Hawaian Music Concert in the Courtyard Na Hoku Hanohano award winner Owana Salazar will headline the Hula Jazz and Hawaiian Music Concert in the Courtyard on Thursday, January 19, 2006. January Parades Details on January parades and road closures throughout Waikiki Valentines Under The Stars With Your Sweetheart At Banyan Veranda Executive Sous Chef Richard Lancaster will serve an unforgettable meal, complemented by the moonlight and magic of the Moana. "Promise Me Again" at the Moana Island entertainers Hawaii Loa wrote a song for the hotel's group vow renewal ceremony... View all news In the heart of Waikiki Beach, the Moana Surfrider Hotel introduced the world to Hawaiian hospitality in 1901. Often referred to as the “First lady of Waikiki”, this oceanfront Oahu hotel is a legendary landmark. Step back into yesteryear with all the contemporary amenities and unique services to make your Hawaii vacation both memorable and enjoyable. Check in Check out Room(s) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Adult(s) 1 2 3 4 Book a Room + Air + Car package Select a Property ------------------------------ Starwood Worldwide Starwood Preferred Guest ------------------------------ Starwood Hawaii ------------------------------ Sheraton Hawaii ------------------------------ Sheratons in Waikiki Sheraton Waikiki Sheraton Moana Surfrider Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Sheraton Kauai Resort Sheraton Maui Resort The Royal Hawaiian Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa ------------------------------ The Luxury Collection Hawaii ------------------------------ Princeville Resort ------------------------------ The W Hotel Honolulu ------------------------------ The Westin Maui Resort & Spa The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas

Lanai Village Steak &

Rainbow Lanai - Hilton Hawaiian Village® Features & Amenities Ali'i Tower Rainbow Tower Kalia Tower Tapa Tower Diamond Head Tower Lagoon Tower Guest Activities Children's Programs Swimming Pools Beach Activities Cultural Activities Bishop Museum Collection Shopping Entertainment Art & Wildlife Bali by the Sea Golden Dragon Rainbow Lanai Village Steak & Seafood Tapa Cafe Tropics Bar & Beach Cafe Sergio's Italian Restaurant Niumalu Cafe & Bar Ola Pono Spa Cafe Kahuna Dog Rainbow Bazaar Restaurants - Benihana CJ's New York Style Delicatessen Hanajuban Noodle Shop Hatsuhana Round Table Pizza Lappert's Ice Cream Bars & Lounges In-Room Dining Dining Reservations Press Releases Press Releases Archive Groups & Meetings Indoor Facilities Mid-Pacific Conference Center Tapa Conference Center Kalia Executive Conference Center Rainbow Suite Outdoor Facilities Theme Parties Catering Awards & Membership Why Hilton Hawaiian Village? Sales & Catering Contacts Video Tour Resort Facts & Map Awards & Accolades Panoramic Virtual Tours Resort Specials Oahu Island Maps and Driving Directions Contact Us Mandara Spa Fitness & Health Tour & Activity Desk Business Center Technology Transportation Safety & Access Guest Amenity Ceremony & Venues Services & Amenities Photography & Video Packages Wedding Planner Perfect Honeymoons Rainbow Bazaar Restaurants Benihana CJ's New York Style Delicatessen Hanajuban Noodle Shop Hatsuhana Round Table Pizza Lappert's Ice Cream Bali by the Sea Golden Dragon Rainbow Lanai Village Steak & Seafood Tapa Cafe Tropics Bar & Beach Cafe Sergio's Italian Restaurant Niumalu Cafe & Bar Ola Pono Spa Cafe Kahuna Dog Rainbow Bazaar Restaurants Benihana CJ's New York Style Delicatessen Hanajuban Noodle Shop Hatsuhana Round Table Pizza Lappert's Ice Cream Bars & Lounges In-Room Dining Dining Reservations Casual Beachside All Day Dining Imagine looking out over the clear blue waters of Waikiki, while you dine almost any time of day in this relaxed setting. This is the reality of dining at the Rainbow Lanai. Our beautiful, casual dining restaurant is perfect for a leisurely breakfast or informal lunch or dinner, and is a great spot for family dining. In addition to its extensive menu, Rainbow Lanai offers a bountiful buffet breakfast and International Theme Dinner Buffets daily. Reservations Reservations are not required except on holidays and for groups of six or more. Please call (808) 949-4321 Ext. 48 Hours of Operation 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Buffet and A La Carte Selections Breakfast This indoor/outdoor restaurant serves an extensive breakfast buffet, offering fresh fruit, pastries and breads as well as classic hot breakfast items such as eggs, potatoes and sausage. A la carte items and a lighter continental breakfast buffet featuring healthy, low-cholesterol selections are also available. Lunch A variety of salads, sandwiches and hot entrée selections are available. Dinner Nightly international dinner buffets for each day of the week. Dress Code Casual resort, aloha attire. Shorts are acceptable. Full swimwear cover-up and footwear required. For Kids Family-friendly atmosphere with special kid's menu and all our young guests can choose a toy from our Treasure Chest. Location Rainbow Tower® ground floor, oceanfront. For reservations Book online or call 1-800-HILTONS Our Best Rates Guaranteed About Hilton | Contact Us | Reservations | Hilton.com | Hilton Hawaii | Hilton Waikoloa Village | Doubletree Alana Hotel-Waikiki | Hilton Grand Vacations Club 2006 Hilton Hospitality, Inc. | Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights | Site Usage