Hawaii Travel Tips Sharing

Hawaii's Official Tourism Site - Travel info for your Oahu vacation Choose a Category Calendar of Events Accommodations Activities & Attractions Dining Golf Services & Information Shopping Transportation Travel Professionals Weddings & Honeymoons Free Visitors Guide Hawaii Travel Tips Sharing Aloha Choose an Island All Islands Kauai Oahu Molokai Lanai Maui Hawaii's Big Island Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 04 05 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 04 05 Help me find... Calendar of Events Accommodations Activities & Attractions Dining Golf Services & Information Shopping Transportation Travel Professionals Weddings & Honeymoons Free Visitors Guide Hawaii Travel Tips Sharing Aloha Alternate Search Oahu is the most popular of the Hawaiian Islands and it’s easy to understand why – there’s so much to do on Oahu! With Waikiki as a central hub, you can explore the legendary North Shore of Oahu one day, and spend the next day on the east side snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, a protected marine sanctuary with tons of colorful fish. It’s clear that Oahu offers just the right amount of diversity for the adventurous as well as the cautious visitor. Thrill seekers can skydive at Mokuleia while daydreamers can relax peacefully on the beach. Exquisite dining and exciting nightlife also entice people to Oahu again and again. > learn more about Oahu M EETINGS & C ONVENTIONS | T RAVEL T RADE R ESOURCES | M EDIA C OMMUNICATIONS Corporate Information | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | ©2005 Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Hawaii's Volcano Parks Let Visitors Go With The Flow Welcome to TBO.com. Skip directly to: our Keyword Search , Section Navigation , Content . TBO.com Life TBO.com WFLA The Tampa Tribune Search: Keyword Site News | Weather | Hurricane Guide | Things to Do | Sports | Jobs | Cars | Homes | Shopping | Classified Travel TBO.com Life Travel Hawaii's Volcano Parks Let Visitors Go With The Flow Skip directly to the full story . By TANYA BRICKING LEACH For The Associated Press Published: Dec 18, 2005 ADVERTISEMENT More from this channel: This feature requires the Macromedia Flash Plugin. Please visit http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer to download this plugin. Search our archives: Type keyword(s) 30 days 6 months 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 All Past 7 days most viewed | Tribune archive from 1990 VOLCANO, HAWAII - About the time jagged edges started poking through my T-shirt as I wormed my way through a tight spot in a lava tube, I began to wonder: What am I doing here? We could have been relaxing on the famous Green Sand Beach at South Point of the Big Island of Hawaii. But in the spirit of adventure, we were instead exploring the world underground. I had convinced my husband that it would be neat to go hiking to see flowing lava at the Kilauea Volcano on the first night of our weekend getaway, and then get up early the next morning to go caving in 1,000-year-old lava tubes. He was agreeable, even after twisting his ankle on the initial hiking excursion, which lasted past midnight. Once we got back to our cabin at Volcanoes National Park, we understood why each room had a Jacuzzi. But we weren't about to let our sore muscles get the best of us. Watching the orange glow of waxy-looking lava hiss into the ocean had intoxicated us. We wanted to see tunnels formed by the molten stuff. The Dawn Patrol So we caught just enough sleep to wake at the crack of dawn and drive to South Point in search of a labyrinth of lava tubes at a place called Kula Kai Caverns. To get there, we punched in a pass code and entered a remote neighborhood built on lava rock. Then we saw our guide's landmark, a thatched hut that looked like something out of "Gilligan's Island." Our tour guide, Kathlyn Richardson, led us into the yurt and handed us spelunking helmets, lights, gloves and kneepads to gear up. We looked like coal miners without the soot, and we were about to go on a two-hour spelunking tour. So she tested us a little. Would we like to try shimmying up parts of the cave and crawling around in tunnels? We were game. Let me just say my previous experience in caves was limited to a guided tour years earlier on a heavily traveled pathway at Kentucky's Mammoth Cave. Although it is considered the granddaddy of American caves - and the longest cave in the world - I saw only the easy-access "tourist" part of it. No shimmying through narrow passageways was involved. And I had seen Thurston Lava Tube, a major attraction on the drive around Crater Rim Drive at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. But that was just a peek into a cavelike shell. I had never seen much of caves or could explain the difference between stalactites and stalagmites. Somehow, the idea of exploring a pitch-black volcanic cavern still appealed to me. That's just the kind of tourist Kula Kai Cavern founder Ric Elhard wants to educate. "I started crawling around in caves when I was 12 years old," said Elhard, a California native who bought property on the Big Island because he knew there were caves underneath it. He and other cavers have since mapped out miles of lava tubes that crisscross the area. "We're not doing big numbers, but we saw huge potential," Elhard said. "We want to be more of an educational tour. We want people to learn and understand about the archaeological aspects of caves." Treks Of Your Choice He and other guides lead small groups, even children as young as 5, through parts of the caves on tours that last from easy half-hour strolls to more challenging half-day explorations. When my husband and I were there, it was just the two of us, following Richardson into a braided maze she knew by heart and getting a taste of massive chambers and small spaces formed by volcanic gases rising through cooling magma 1,000 years ago. A National Park tour, it is not. It's a fledgling operation that's loosely organized, and sometimes the battery-powered lights on the well-used equipment go out. But it's definitely an adventure tour. We broke a sweat, despite the cool 68-degree temperature inside the cave, and had to watch our footing navigating craggy rocks that seemed to grow out from above and below. One of the most interesting parts was when we turned off our head lamps and sat in the dark, listening closely to dripping water and the sound of ourselves breathing. I'll admit I liked climbing and scrambling over loose rocks much better than belly-crawling through the tight spots. The crawling part made me think about being swallowed by hot lava as I tried to untangle myself from its pointy fingers. Underground Point Of View But squirming around on my hands and knees gave me a feeling not just for overcoming claustrophobia, but also for looking at a volcanic island from a different perspective. I thought about the cave dwellers who must have used the spaces for shelter. I wondered how long the kukui nuts, which contained oil that Hawaiians used to light like candles, had been left on the rock shelves that we passed. I pictured the lava flowing through the walls I could now touch. The tour captured my imagination. Yes, I could have spent the day relaxing on the beach. What I did instead made me feel like an explorer. And to me, discovering a world I had never seen before made the vacation feel complete. FOR LOVE OF LAVA KULA KAI CAVERNS AND LAVA TUBES: www.kulakai caverns.com or (808) 929-7539. Located off Highway 11 in Ocean View, Hawaii. Tours by appointment ranging from $15 half-hour walking tours to $95 half-day tours. The two-hour spelunking tour is $65. Discounts for Hawaii residents and groups. Wear a T-shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. WHERE TO STAY: For the full Kilauea experience, stay in a B&B in Volcano Village or in a cabin at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. •Carson's Volcano Cottages: www.carsonscottage.com or 1-800-845-5282 or (808) 967-7683. B&B accommodations, from one-room spaces to family cottages with kitchens and storybook cottages nestled in the tropical rain forest. Breakfast is served in a dining room beside the fire. Rates range from $115 to $170 a night. •Volcano House: (808) 967-7321. This historical hotel sits on the edge of a crater, and the rooms are heated by volcanic steam. Rooms range from $95 to $225. Its cabins are among the few available in the park, but the rooms are a bit worn. Cabins are $50. •Kilauea Military Camp: www.kmc-volcano.com or (808) 967-8333. A joint services recreation center in Volcanoes National Park, open to military members and Department of Defense workers and retirees. Rates are based on rank, and accommodations range from dorms to cottages. WHERE TO EAT: After a spelunking tour, drive to the Kona side of the island for food. •The Coffee Shack: A casual coffeehouse with a sweeping view of the ocean. The staff is friendly, and the portions are big. •Cafe Pesto in Hilo: Whether you're in Kawaihae near the harbor on the scenic South Kohala coast or in historic Hilo on the Big Island's east side, find this restaurant. It has gourmet pizzas, an assortment of pasta and seafood. Most items are about $10. •Ken's House of Pancakes: Ken's is like a local Denny's. It's open 24 hours a day, and most items are less than $7. Write a letter to the editor | Subscribe to the Tribune | Place an Ad Online TBO.com AdLinks Site Tools Advertise with us Web site feedback Make TBO.com my homepage RSS Feeds: Feed for this channel All feeds/RSS FAQ Most Popular: This feature requires the Macromedia Flash Plugin. Please visit http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer to download this plugin. 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Hawaii Wedding

"Destination Wedding in Hawaii" planning articles ask the newlyweds bachelor/ette parties beauty & health bridal party bridal shower catering & cakes ceremony ceremony vows consultants craft & decorations destination weddings engagement flowers formalwear & attire general planning invitations jewelry & accessories legal & financial music & dance photo & video reception rehearsal dinners relationships traditions & customs travel & honeymoon vow renewals wedding song collections top songs of 2005 wedding prose & poetry vows & ceremonies photo gallery favor ideas local vendors wedding blogs & websites on sale this week ! 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Hewitt Inspirational Invitations Invitation Papers Jewelry Keepsakes Lillian Rose Music & Books Napkins & Coasters Party Supplies Pens & Bases Photograph Albums Picture Frames Placecards Placecard Frames Placecard Holders Programs & Bulletins Reception Essentials Ribbons & Bows Ring Pillows Ringbearer Gifts Rose Petals Shoes & Sandals Shower Activities Stationery Thank You Notes Tiaras Tussie Mussies Unity Candles ... over 1500 items ! Main > Destination Weddings > Destination Wedding in Hawaii Destination Wedding in Hawaii Home | Submit Search Written by Global Aloha Weddings A destination wedding in Hawaii is fast becoming the choice for couples from all around the world to say "I DO." Brides see themselves in a simple Hawaiian Wedding Dress, draped in a fragrant flower lei and with a Haku (head lei) veil of white orchids to accent her bouquet. Envisioning an oceanfront gazebo adorned with tropical flowers, she can almost hear the clear falsetto voices singing the Hawaiian Wedding Song- first in English, then in Hawaiian. The Bride and Groom kiss and are whisked away in an Outrigger Canoe into the sunset. Imagine the video of this ceremony! Just a romantic notion? Too far, too costly, too complicated? Not really, the vacation location wedding/honeymoon is becoming more popular and is usually less expensive than the big family hometown wedding-reception-dinner extravaganzas of the 80's. It can also be a lot more fun for everyone. If a Hawaiian wedding is your dream, a good place to start is with one of the many wedding planners in the islands. Try the First Hawaiian Wedding and Bridal Directory, or type "Hawaiian Weddings" into the search field in Yahoo. According to Scott Tambling, a local coordinator who has planned literally thousands of Hawaiian weddings, "the best place to start is with your making your travel and room arrangements. Once you have a definite date, you can contact a reputable wedding company such as Global Aloha Weddings and make arrangements for your ceremony." Tambling suggests you shop around to compare prices and packages and says "a couple can easily arrange their dream ceremony, complete with professional photography and videography for under $1000." Tambling goes on to say "Picking an island is another question that is hard for people who have never been to Hawaii before." He suggests you have your ceremony and reception if any on Oahu (the island on which the city of Honolulu and the resort area of Waikiki is based) and then fly over to Maui, Kauai or the Big Island of Hawaii for an official honeymoon. "The prices for wedding services are generally much higher on the outer islands and it is easier to obtain a marriage license in Honolulu. It also enables the couple to visit more than one island and really have a honeymoon within a honeymoon." The most popular sites on Oahu include Diamond Head Park, at the end of Waikiki, best of all it is free of charge; The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, for a more elaborate ceremony, but on the expensive side; and Haiku Gardens, in the Tropical Forests of the Windward Side of the Island. Another option is to have your ceremony onboard one of the many pleasure boats based in Waikiki. A wedding at sea with the Hawaiian sunset as a backdrop can make wedding photos appear as if out of a Fairy tale. To begin planning, answer the following: How many will attend? What is your budget? Where will you stay, hotel or condo? How does the wedding look in your dreams? On the beach, in a Gazebo or Church, by a waterfall or a rain forest, at sunset or on a bright Hawaiian morning? What type of amenities do you desire, photography, videography, florals, entertainment and transportation? These are the questions a wedding planner will need to get your "vision" and put together a proposal just for you. Want to be notified when new articles are added? Find Related Items at the UW Wedding Mall Ask a question regarding this topic! Read more articles on this topic See what others say about Destination Weddings! 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Oahu MLS Active listings.

Honolulu, Waikiki, Kahala, Luxury, Ocean Front, Diamond Head, Oahu Real Estate 505 Ward Ave., Suite 201 HONOLULU, HI 96814 (808) 922-3456 WAIKIKI How do you get reliable real estate information without the worry about being pressured or hounded for your real estate business? We made it as easy as possible to find out in a pleasant and hassle free way over the internet ..... There are many hype-filled promises and claims out there, and it is easy to become a little confused and overwhelmed. Our web site was designed with one purpose in mind: to give consumers insightful real estate information WITHOUT all the hoopla and hype. CMA Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) within 24 hours, alongwith all recent market activity in your area. NO OBLIGATION. MLS listings FREE unlimited access to Oahu MLS Active listings. Searches can be conducted anonymously! Mortgage 101 In the real estate game, the field of financing is covered with hurdles and quicksand. In no other part of the process can you loose so much money and not even know it ..... Financing 101 Unless you have all cash, financing is the most integral part of a real estate transaction, without it no end result: owning a home ..... Smart investing will put you in the position wheresomeday your investments will earn more money each year than you do working atyour job. At that point you can retire and do whatever you want, or continue towork and really sock away the dough and build up some serious wealth! You can save yourself time, money and frustration by selecting a Realtor with the experience, knowledge and commitment to you that will make the process smooth and successful. We would like to emphasize that having a real estate agent represent you in the transaction WILL NOT COST YOU ANYTHING EXTRA ..... Mortgage 101 Financing 101 Foreclosure 101 Investing 101 CMA MLS listings Contact Us Photo Tour

Hawaii Vacation

Let's Go Hawaii - Big Island Vacation & Travel Guide Vacation Planner Our travel guide offers an unparalleled collection of photos, videos, both on land and underwater, to help you plan your Hawaiian vacation. Skip the guided tours and let us show you the Big Island. What's New Vacation Packages Discount Hawaii Airfare New Lava Flow Videos Interactive Hawaii Map New Kona Snorkeling Kona SCUBA Diving Kona Manta Ray Diving New Lava Flow Photos Updated Kona Beaches New Diving Photos Send an e-Postcard Discover Hawaii BEACHES Hawaii Beach Guide OCEAN Snorkeling SCUBA Diving Kayak Hawaii SIGHTSEEING Big Island Sights Hawaii Hiking HAWAII VOLCANO Active Lava Flow Volcano Hiking Lava Flow Videos KONA Manta Ray Dive Kailua-Kona Kohala Coast HILO Japanese Gardens Farmer's Market Akaka Falls HAWAII SECRETS Airfare, Hotels, Car BIG ISLAND HAWAII The Island of Hawai'i is sometimes called the Orchid Isle or the Volcano Isle, but to its residents it's always "the Big Island of Hawaii." A Big Island vacation excites the senses and inspires the adventurer. You can hike into a volcano crater, catch marlin weighing hundreds of pounds, discover our universe from the top of Mauna Ke'a, and outstare a shark from the safety of a submarine porthole. The Big Island has the world's most active volcano: Kilauea has been spewing lava intermittently since January 3, 1983. Vacation secrets abound; let us provide you a guide to the Beach and Ocean, Land, Volcano, and Bargains of the Big Island. BEACHES Hawaii's pristine beaches abound. There are 80 or more beaches, and new ones are formed when molten lava shattered as it hit cold ocean waters. Beautiful marine life can be observed by snorkeling or scuba diving from boat and from shore. OCEAN Spectacular crystal-clear Hawaiian waters await you. Experience the stunning corals, fish, turtles, dolphins, and whales that populate the islands. Kayak across the blue water and marvel at the scenery in paradise. Don't forget your underwater camera! SIGHTSEEING Hike to a scenic waterfall. Relax on a black sand beach. Explore ancient Hawaiian ruins. Experience the different climate zones, beautiful plant and animal species. Many sights and species are native only to the Hawaiian Islands. Take ample photos and videos to cherish your vacation. VOLCANO Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, established in 1916, displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution. Kilauea, the world's most active volcano, offers scientists insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and visitors views of dramatic volcanic landscapes. KONA Kona is famous for sportfishing, snorkeling, sunsets and coffee. It means leeward in Hawaiian and stretches along the isles west side. The northern portion of the Kona side is also known as the Kohala district. You will see strikingly different terrain features as you travel up and down the coast. HILO Historic Downtown Hilo is alive and bustling. More laid back from the hustle of more touristy Hawaii, one can find great bargains in this quaint town. Its diverse shopping opportunities, small scale, and friendliness makes Hilo an enchanting town to visit and explore. With lots of rain, you will find Hilo exceptionally green and fertile. 2006 All Rights Reserved - Contact Let's Go Hawaii - Links Travel Resources Discount Hawaii Airfare Kona Hawaii Hotels Vacation Rentals Vacation Packages Rental Cars Hilo Hattie - Souvenirs Tours and Activities Discount Calling Cards Hawaii Travel Links Hawaii Library Maps of Big Island Travel Guides Hawaiian Islands Diving and Snorkeling Photo Galleries Hawaii Photos Hawaiian Sea Turtle Volcano Photos Sunset Photos Diving Photos Send an e-Postcard Hawaii Souvenirs Hawaiian Shirts Macadamia Nuts Hawaiian Flowers Kona Coffee Hilo Hattie Store Hawaiian Surfwear Hawaiian Shirts Guide Books Macadamia Nuts