Best Hawaii Hotels

Traveling with children always requires some extra prep time.  Even when you pick the best family vacation destinations, there's no guarantee everyone will have a great time.  Bottom line: you know the personalities and idiosyncracies of your kids and family best. That should largely serve as a guideline on how you go about it. While it's easy for our luxury travel agency to plan your best vacation in Hawaii, or an all-inclusive Club Med vacation, planning luxury family vacations such as a European vacation, Asia vacation and beyond is more challenging. So here are some general observations about family friendly vacations I hope you'll find useful.

1. Take the kids and expose them.
We know children are like sponges in absorbing new sights, sounds and smells. While there are some adults that prefer children not be dragged about the planet because "they're too young to appreciate it, and it's a waste of money;" most parents know exposing children to travel, to other cultures and to new experiences is a great way to acclimate them to grow up to become better rounded individuals. (While this blog isn't about politics, I'm always worried when an elected official to higher office is poorly traveled -- they generally exhibit a much narrorwer viewpoint to the world's problems.)

2. Let your kids be your guide to new experiences.
For parents traveling with children, there's an added bonus. Seeing new destinations through the eyes of children is part of the joy of family vacations. At least that's been my experience traveling with my kids over the years.  They often notice and call attention to things that I may not have given a second glance to or considered. 

3. Do some advance preparation so your kids have an idea of where they're going and what to look forward to.
When we planned our first trip to Europe with our kids, exposing them to a bit of history and art was important.  We went to the library and took out some children's books that dealt with castles in Europe (knights, royalty and all that), and art. Reading these illustrated books, written in language they can understand, prepared them. When we visited a castle or chateau, they had a better appreciation of it, and what life was like in centuries past.

4. How to make a museum visit last longer for everyone's increased pleasure.
We enjoy visiting the world's museums. It's important to limit the time one exposes younger children to at a museum -- there's only so much they'll take or can absorb. But you can make it fun. Our kids have always enjoyed pretty postcards, so sometimes we've gone to the gift shop first, looked at the postcards, had the kids find those they like, then we're off on a treasure hunt in the galleries to find those works of art. Another "game" is have them find paintings that depict certain things, like a castle; or a saint, and what do they think about that portrayal; or an animal, and talk about how the animal is depicted.

5. Don't make all the decisions, let the kids plan some of your activities.
Involving kids in the decision of day-to-day planning is also important. If parents program all the sightseeing without kids' input, and without appropriate down time, kids will generally get bored, have issues, and have a propensity to whine.  Making a list of "things to do," and allow everyone to pick their favorite. It's one way to engage kids and cut down on complaining, because they know they got their pick, too.  If a full day of sightseeing precludes that, then allow a day just for the kids to do what they want to. If traveling in warm summer months, staying at a hotel with a swimming pool, or near a beach, is advantageous.  With the promise of an afternoon swim after some sightseeing, kids can be more patient.

6. Give your kids travel "homework"
Finally, we've always encouraged our kids to keep a travel diary or scrapbook of their adventures. We give them time at the restaurant (waiting for dinner to be served), or before bedtime, to record something about each day. When they were younger, we gave them questions to answer about their day, to make it easier. Saving tickets, pictures, and postcards is also fun and creates memories for them later.  Of course, giving them their own digital camera to record their impressions is a bonus.  As kids get older, sharing their experiences in the classroom is also useful, and we've encouraged their teachers to let kids talk in class about their adventures abroad, because that's of benefit to all children.  (Sometimes they've earned extra credit in class for doing so!)

In working with so many families planning vacations over the years, it's not uncommon, after listening to a client's initial trip request, that I've had to ask: Is this trip for you and your wife, or is it for your kids, or are we planning this so all of you have a great time?  It makes them consider that maybe they've left out an important equation -- their kids, or in some cases, themselves and their own needs.  That helps us plan a better paced vacation that takes everyone's interests into account. Read more about planning  family vacation packages.

It's always a pleasure to hear from clients, and a joy to know they've had great experiences:
 
We are home from our beautiful trip you helped us plan. Thank you so much for all the arrangements you made for our family friendly vacation to The Big Island of Hawaii. Everything turned out perfect! The wine and food that was in our room when we arrived in Hawaii were delicious.

The Fairmont Orchid is a lovely place and we were pampered all the way. My granddaughter loved the pool and cried when we had to leave. We love the Fairmont and I am so glad we stayed on the Gold Floor -- thank you for arranging for us to have a suite. We had never had one before so we were spoiled.

We enjoyed the beach and swimming pool with the whole family.
We all enjoyed seeing the different animals on the Island. Several times we saw goats on the side of the road (between the airport and Fairmont), sheep, and beautiful assortment of birds along with the fish, cats, turtles, and mongoose on the grounds. We drove into Kona and Hilo and saw a couple waterfalls through the mist. The Luau "Gathering of the Kings" was nice and we did try some interesting foods.

We will definitely remember you for our next trip. I also will recommend you to anyone I know traveling. Thanks again and we will never forget this wonderful trip.

God bless, Denise S. & Family from Tampa, FL 

Are you looking for the best Hawaii hotels? Are you interested in planning Hawaii vacations or family vacation packages? Our travel agency has the best connections on the islands and can make all your arrangements.

Do you have a favorite Hawaiian island? For those of us living on the west coast, Hawaii vacations have always been the perfect getaway for many of us. Exquisite beaches, great resorts, fabulous cuisine, superb golf, outdoor adventures, kid-friendly, and let’s not forget aloha hospitality. What more can one ask for?

Hawaii has all the ingredients of the perfect vacation, whether for romance, family vacations, or  whether you want to get away from it all, or find where the action is. But over the years Hawaii, which lacks any all-inclusive vacation resorts like those found mostly in Mexico and the Caribbean, has become a costlier destination. (Even though it’s worth every penny.)

We’ve commented before that the early bird gets the worm. Those who have already booked their 2011 vacations, or doing so now, will get the best deals and selection. And our “Head over Heels for Hawaii” promotion, with savings up to $900, is a great fit for most of you!  When you book a 5-night stay at a number of participating hotels, we’ll take $500 off the airfare. Need a car? We’ll take $100 off the car rental, plus give you up to a triple upgrade (a $200 savings). And the savings keep adding up with the special offers available at select participating hotels. So how cool is that? What’s the catch? You need to book your 2011 Hawaii vacation package by February 28th.  (Not to worry — you can travel anytime this year up to December 17th. Interested? Just contact our travel specialists. (And then you can do a couple of flips to celebrate.) Read more about Hawaii vacation packages.

There are so many great resorts in Hawaii, and on a recent visit I checked out two shining stars here.

Mauna Kea – For years Mauna Kea held a special place in the hearts of  its large fan club, but it got to the point that the property needed a face lift. After the renovations the property looks brand new, and is fabulous.  The new rooms are gorgeous and roomy with a huge walk-in closet and large bathrooms.  I love hotels that put in double sinks in their bathrooms; it is so important to be able to have room to lay out your toiletries.  We dined at the hotel and at Mauna Kea’s sister property next door, the Hapuna Beach Prince.  All meals were first-rate, especially the buffet breakfast at the Mauna Kea.  I always tell my Hawaii vacation clients they have the best beach on the Big Island when staying here, and it is still true.  I love Mauna Kea’s beach and am not alone in rating it one of the finest on the islands.  That alone is reason to stay here.

Four Seasons Hualalai – I wanted to see the property after their recent renovations and I love the new floor plan of the rooms.  I still prefer the ground level rooms so you can enjoy the outdoor shower.  The pool areas have been spruced up along with a new restaurant called Beach Tree.  It has indoor and outdoor dining on a wooden deck with gorgeous beach front water views.  The food was excellent.  You need to order the French fries –they are to die for! As one would expect at a Four Seasons, rooms are tastefully decorated, spacious and comfortable. While the property has a lot going for it, including a variety of pools, including one seawater pool with fish that you can snorkel in, the beach here is not one of the best for swimming.

Learn more about Hawaii vacation packages

Nacy Decker Davidson
nancy.dd@travelstoreusa.com

Our Hawaii vacation was great.  The Hilton Waikoloa was opulent but really too big. It became tedious walking, tramming or boating to all the different activities. If we were traveling with smaller children and wanted to stay in one place this would be my choice. Of all the properties the Kaanapalii Alii was the best fit for us. We felt like we won the room lottery as it had many recent updates. Basically everything about the property was perfect. Location, amenities and size. It felt the least like a hotel of all the places we stayed. The 2 bedrooms and 2 baths were appreciated by all of us. They had recently remodeled and reopened the fitness facility. All new equipment and just the right size for the property, not too small so you had to wait and not too big that if felt empty. The pool remodel was also very nice, the BBQ’s were a cool option that we took advantage of and again it never felt too crowded or empty. We feel like we have found a home on Maui and will return to the Kaanapalii Alii when we return to Maui.

The only blip was nearly missing the zipline tour. We thought we could book it when we got to Maui but waited too late and nearly missed out. Because we tried to book 4 days before all the ziplines on Maui were booked with the exception of Skyline Eco Adventures on the way to the Haleakala Crater. It was smaller (5 lines) and used older equipment, but was considerably cheaper @ $98.00 per person than all the others. The lower price was not reflected in the service of the staff.  (TravelStore can prebook activities like this in advance for you.)

We enjoyed Hawaii and hope to return, you’re great and we will call you again. Thanks for everything!

Scott J. G.,
client of Nancy Harthill
nancy.h@travelstoreusa.com

Read more about Hawaii vacation packages and family vacation packages.

The legendary Mauna Kea Beach resort on the island of Hawaii was closed for two years after the damage done by the earthquake and has re-opened better than ever. Mauna Kea has kept the traditional Hawaiian feeling it always had, with upgraded facilities. The look of the hotel has not changed – the koi pond in the main building, the orange elevator doors, the framed Hawaiian quilts hanging in the hallways are still there.

The rooms in the main building are lovely – they are well designed, fresh, almost a zen feeling of calm. The bathrooms are much improved. There is a separate area where you find two sinks, one on each wall, with plenty of counter space and well-lit mirrors. Through an opaque door is an all-white room with large soaking tub and deluge shower, facing floor to ceiling windows and a glass door opening onto a private balcony, so you can not only enjoy a view of the ocean but can step out from the shower to the open air.

The rooms have coffee makers, complimentary bottles of water, mini bar. As this is one of our preferred hotels, breakfast is always included, as well as an upgrade if available when we make the booking.

The other building is called Plumeria - a bulding down along the beach. In this building is the concierge office with complimentary cookies and soft drinks, library, newspapers, as well as the concierge. There is a game room with pool tables, wii, televisions, etc. – popular on hot days. There is also a laundry room.

The rooms in this bulding have been renovated, but due to demand from the very loyal repeat guests of Mauna Kea, they were kept very much in the old style. The green tile floors, dark teak cabinets, small closets and bathrooms are similar to what was there before. The bathrooms are not only small, they do not have separate tub and shower. They are good if you want to walk right out onto the grass and then onto the beach, but I would not book a guest in this building unless it was requested.

The main building has rooms facing the golf course and mountains for half the price of the ocean-facing rooms — these are the same design as the oceanfront with large walk in closet and the big bathroom. Book this if price is an issue and try for an upgrade!

Pool is rather small, but the beach is still the best on the island – a beautiful curve of white sand, waves rolling in perfect for boogie boarding or body surfing. Lots of chairs and umbrellas (except for Festive Season where guests race to claim their space on the beach.)

We took a yoga class (compimentary class 3 days a week) and watched whales breaching and putting on a show, as our class was outside on the grass in front of the beach. Fitness center was large with plenty of equipment. There are 2 excellent fine dining restaurants as well as a beach bar and main bar, and a nice restaurant on the golf course right across from the main building of the hotel.

Katie Cadar
katie.c@travelstoreusa.com

I recently checked out the new Trump Waikiki,  and the location is not bad but not for 5 Star clients.  The property is one block from the beach, with a narrow alleyway as public access, or walking through the Outrigger directly across the street. The atmosphere here  is totally “New York,” and not conducive to the colors, sights and sounds of the beautiful Islands and what one may desire of a Hawaii vacation. 

But  then I also checked out the new designs of the Royal Hawaiian, and by no means is it the beautiful decor of days gone by.  Again, Black and Yellow just does not cut it when you are in the tropics. Totally “Miami  Beach” look-alike.  Discussed this with management and they are very aware of what the new color scheme and design has done  in regards to client satisfaction.  According to inside news , a totally new tropical theme is being planned to redecorate the Royal Hawaiian once again, at a considerable cost, due to client dissatisfaction and comments received.  

The Halekulani and The Kahala still are two of the most beautiful properties. Here a guest enjoys the ambiance of the location and design of the hotel, and also receive 5-star treatment. Location is not everything, decor also counts.
 
Sally Nockold
sailorlou@aol.com

Hands down the Four Seasons Hualailai is the best property on Hawaii. This resort is so well done. Rooms are large and spacious with patio or balcony, large bathrooms, double sinks, soaking tubs, separate showers. The downstairs rooms also have outdoor showers. (There are only 2 floors in all the buildings – accommodations are in units of approximately four rooms per building.)

The rooms are built in four crescents, each around a different pool. Kings Pond is the furthest to the right – from there you can walk over to Kona Village (reviewed separately). Kings Pond is a pool built into the lava. It is filled with fish guests can snorkel with, or participate in scheduled feedings. There are rays, flounder, angel fish, etc. Always interesting to watch and very popular with children.

The Seashell pool is the family area. This pool is large, light blue, very attractive with waterfalls and large jacuzzi. (no slides!) There is a wading pool for the little ones and a sandbox. The BeachTree pool is for the adults – dark blue tiles, serene, infinity edges. The last crescent is Palm Grove – romantic and quiet. All the pools have jacuzzis, seating areas, poolside service. All the pool areas have cabanas, lounge chairs, umbrellas and there are many lounge chairs along the beach. No extra charge at Four Seasons for any cabanas.

The beach is beautiful but only swimmable in one manmade area due to the lava rocks. This is not the best swimmable beach area. White sand, some tide pools to explore. Toward the Kings Pond crescent is the area where turtles come to rest each day just before sunset.

There’s a fabulous fitness area with indoor and outdoor equipment, a separate area for cardio vs strength training, lap pool, tennis, even a rock climbing wall. The Spa is also excellent  and features outdoor treatment rooms. The golf course here is one of the most popular in Hawaii.

There are several restaurants – each one with different atmosphere but all were fabulous!
Our Preferred Partner benefits (when we make the booking) include full American breakfast daily, one lunch during the stay, and an upgrade if available on check in. (Amex Platinum benefits only gives a continental breakfast.)

As always Four Seasons staff cannot do enough for their guests – every touch is spot on. Of the Four Seasons hotels in Hawaii this is my favorite – in fact it is one of my favorite of all Four Seasons resorts.

Katie Cadar
katie.c@travelstoreusa.com

Arrival at Hawaii’s Manua Kea Resort includes a relaxing, seated check-in service with refreshments, cool towel and flower lei. You observe the breezy open air lobby and hallways that are serene and sport a shiny terracotta red tile flooring and large array of artwork. (There are over 1,600 pieces gathered by Mr. Rockefeller and Davis Allen in 1965.)  A lobby hostess escorts you to your room and then it happens… THAT BREATHTAKING VIEW!  Now you understand the Rockefeller’s statement: ”Every great beach deserves a great hotel.”

Wonderful quirky patterns, textures and that signature orange color have taken over your room. (You may also get a turquoise room.)  A spacious lanai off both the bathroom and bedroom are where you will want to daydream. Of course there is comfortable seating on both. Cabinets and night stands are a hand-rubbed teak with lots of space for personal items; some of the drawers have spiffy leather pulls. Flat screen TV’s are hidden behind sliding teak doors – a nice touch to remind you to look outside instead of in. When you stand on your lanai and look down on the beach, day or night, there is nothing more moving then that space in front of you. It is what makes people want to write songs or propose to the one they love.   
                                 
Now, let’s head off to the beach. Natural white sand Kauna‘oa Beach, one of Hawaii’s best-ranked beaches. You can’t wait to dive into the crescent shaped sandy-bottomed cove. Volcanic rock spills into the two sides of the cove which is perfect for fish to hide in. Snorkeling is beyond compare with numerous fish, turtles, octopus and the occasional daytime manta ray. 

The Mauna Kea is clearly attractive for family vacations. Multi-generational families are obvious on property. Some will be talking over their awesome golf game, others excitedly show pictures of the big fish caught that day, to be served for dinner at the resort. Surprisingly enough, there is room for families to romp and play and space for the couple that wants to be alone. Enhanced beach and pool services, new padded chaise lounges, beach umbrellas, cabanas, and thick orange beach towels make it fun to be here.
 
Behind the pool is a meeting area that hotel guests really enjoy. Cool off in a rec-room with big screen TV’s to catch up on football scores. Share in Hawaiian culture through lei-making, hula, crafting classes, music, and more. Kids programs are located here as well as my husband’s favorite fresh made cookies served throughout the day. Within walking distance is the new golf clubhouse restaurant, “Number 3”, for a quick bite, even if you are not a golfer. Remember too, there is a complimentary shuttle that goes between Mauna Kea and Hapuna Prince Resort for additional golf, activities and more beach options. (Hapuna’s beach is also renowned.)

Sunsets are an event at Mauna Kea. At the Manta & Pavilion Wine bar you can choose from 48 distinctive wines available in small 1-4 oz. pours. The cooking is done in an exhibition kitchen to show off the chef’s culinary talents. Sitting under the stars here could not be any more spectacular, wow. The restaurant, Monette’s, showcases steaks and fresh seafood all with a fantastic island twist. I had potato encrusted mahi that was light and crispy yet melted in your mouth.     
                
Once the night has arrived the hotel turns on spotlights headed out to sea. And then slowly as the small plankton builds up in the water the graceful manta rays start appearing to feed. It is very magical to see them in their evening nautical ballet. 

The Mauna Kea golf course has solidified its place in Hawaii’s history as one of the most scenic and favored. The course surrounds the resort and wraps around some of the most beautiful areas on the Big Island. 

I didn’t really know what to expect, as this hotel has four decades of history.  You still feel and see much of the retro character, but it has been updated and current in 2010. I loved having an ipod dock to play my favorite tunes. The keyless entry to my room is very Star Trek. Hotel staff has high energy and is full of suggestions to make your stay memorable. You soon realize this resort is a fresh expression of Mauna Kea style that still retains her timeless tradition of Aloha. Thank Goodness.  More on Hawaii vacations.

Katy Kennedy
katy.k@travelstoreusa.com

I just returned from a quick trip to Oahu to take a look at what Outrigger Hotels has been up to, and to meet with some of their executive team.

A quiet evolution has been going on– safe to say the original home-based Hawaii hotel brand is reborn. Begun in 1947 by the Kelley family to offer affordable lodging in Hawaii, the company is today the largest Hawaii-based lodging company, comprising three products: the Outrigger beachfront properties (on Oahu the Outrigger Reef and Outrigger Waikiki); the value brand Ohana properties, and condominium units.

The premier property is the Outrigger Waikiki, located on one of the best stretches of beach in the heart of the Waikiki Beach area, between the pink Royal Hawaiian and the Sheraton Waikiki. The pool area is also beachfront (unlike at the Outrigger Reef), and the views (from the oceanfront rooms), particularly from the Diamond Head side, are fabulous. (Oceanfront rooms at Outrigger Waikiki have larger lanais with gliding rocking chairs.)

The lobby is welcoming with fine Hawaiian ambience, and the beachfront restaurants on property include the ever-popular Dukes’s (featuring a terrific breakfast buffet at $14.95), Hula Grill, and Chuck’s Steak House. For spa-addicts, the rooftop Waikiki Plantation Spa, while not the most luxurious, is tastefully done and offers very reasonable pricing relative to those more uppity establishments, plus a great rooftop sitting area (save for the view of hotel rooftops directly below). Activities of note at the Outrigger Waikiki are the outrigger canoe rides or surfing lessons. (The Sheraton Waikiki next door has no sandy beach due to erosion, so those who want beachfront are best directed to the Outrigger.)

A slight notch down is the Outrigger Reef, located just this side of Fort DeRussy on the edge of the prime Waikiki Beach real estate area, and across the street from the Waikiki Beach Walk and the new Trump development. The hotel is in top shape following a $110 million renovation. Room decor is very tastefully done in green and beige tones. While the rooms at both properties are comparable, the pool area at the Reef is not beachfront but wedged between buildings and does not offer a beachfront view. The ocean in front has a nice beach, but has a mostly rocky (coral) bottom (vs. sandy).

Restaurants on property include the Shore Bird and the Ocean House, both beachfront, and the lovely outdoor Kani Ka Pila Grille located poolside with an entertainment stage. The Reef is also completing their Serenity Spa. One notable activity here is the twice weekly Hawaiian vow renewal ceremonies on the beach.

Both hotels have a small display of Hawaiiana in their lobby lounges. Rooms are attractively decorated, with great bathroom amenties, and coffeemakers. The Outrigger Hotels offer free internet and local and long distance dialing within the U.S. and Canada, and have no daily resort fee. The fitness centers at both include new Precor equipment, and are complimentary to guests.

In addition, guests currently receive coupons to restaurants and shops at the new Waikiki Beach Walk retail area, which is owned by the company. The two-level Beach Walk includes some fine restaurants, including Roy’s. The Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center lies between Oahu’s two Outrigger beachfront hotels.

For those who enjoy lazing on the Waikiki’s welcoming beach, umbrellas and chairs are provided by a concession at about $40 a day.

Read more on Hawaii.

Dan Ilves
dan.i@travelstoreusa.com

Wow, what a surprise the renovated Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber is. I just had the opportunity to tour the property. The Outrigger Hotel group, owners of the Ohana value brand, spent $20 million wisely here. This is one of the best off-beachfront values available for spacious, quality rooms at a great price, especially now, and located on Kalakaua Avenue, is adjacent to the International Market Place and across the street from the Outrigger Waikiki.

The new spacious rooms feature cherry furnishings, flat-screen TVs, and granite bathroom countertops, and complimentary internet use and local and long-distance phone calls (up to 30 minutes). This is a great choice for young couples or those on a budget. Bathroom area isn’t large but more than adequate.

A big bonus is the Jimmy Buffet’s at the Beachcomber restaurant, which is a happening scene after 5:30 during cocktail hour, and later at night when live music kicks in. The ambience at Jimmy Buffet’s is welcoming and fun, with TV monitors at all tables along the wall to catch the latest sports action, as well as a wall-size monitor. Adjacent and just opened is the small surfing museum.

Staff at the Ohana are very welcoming. One downside here, however, is the rather small pool.

An added bonus for guests is complimnetary transport on the Waikiki Trolley’s Pink Line throughout Waikiki and to Ala Moana Center. Read more on Hawaii.

Dan Ilves
dan.i@travelstoreusa.com

The property, some 27 acres, is owned by the Hogan family (Pleasant Holidays) and is undergoing a major revitalization which will be ongoing for another year. Recently reopened, the location is just north of Black Rock, along a beautiful ½ mile long beach that is nearly exclusive to the property. The beach in front of the hotel is long and wide, and a winner, and the oceanview rooms have stunning views, especially from higher floors (6 and above)

This property is impressive – with a new WOW factor. The old 12-story Lahaina Kai Tower was recently gutted to the four corners and entirely rebuilt, with larger rooms and many suites (now a total of 330 rooms). The décor is clean, contemporary and Hawaiian, with lots of dark woods, architecturally designed and custom crafted furniture, brightly colored fabrics, and large windows/doors covered with wooden shutters. The new Sealy Presidential Diamond Suite Plush Beds include 360-thread count linens. Beds are high enough off the ground that luggage can be conveniently stored beneath them. The entertainment system is up-to-date with large, 32” hi-definition flat screen TVs and an enhanced Sharper Image sound system; with ZipCOnnect for MP3s and iPods and cordless phones; wireless high-speed internet is standard in each room. Marble counter bathroom areas.

Baths are small in standard rooms, but adequate and well designed. Two-bedded rooms have open vanities, while king-bedded rooms have louvred-screened vanity area. There are many convenient combinations of one and two bedroom units, connecting to a standard room and everywhere we looked the view was good – ocean front, ocean view or mountain. Each room had a small balcony with two chairs and small table. The owners spent over $90,000 per room on the renovations. Rates were starting at just over $200 per night at reopening, and are a steal for what you get (as far as rooms go).

The property also included 22 stand-alone cottages, beach and garden front; each consisting of four regular rooms on the ground floor and a large, one bedroom, two bath suite on the second. These cottages were “old Hawaii” in style and they’re “funky.” All are being replaced with one to five story villa units that are being sold from $2million+.

While the newly renovated rooms might well represent the best deal in Kaanapali right now, if not on the entire island, the downside is that the lobby floor and restaurants had not been renovated and still have that 20-year old look. We had a rather extensive buffet brunch in one of the two restaurants – the room was plain, low-key, overlooking the ocean. The new chef here is Jayson Otani, formerly from Roy’s and the popular Sansei restaurants. There are three pools on the property and 11 tennis courts. An Italian restaurant, Basil & Tomatoes, is on property. (Diamond Jim’s is closed.)

A new lobby/atrium will be built, and the current lobby will become a large new spa/fitness area. The property has a $16 daily resort fee that includes parking, two mai tais, in-room safe, free access to local and toll free phone numbers, a daily newspaper and in-room coffee/tea service.

Room rates were from $200 – $280, suites from $750 – $850. Suites have French bathtubs and large bathrooms. Connecting rooms can be guaranteed for a fee. Ask for 6th floor or higher with full ocean views!

Katie Cadar
katie.c@travelstoreusa.com

The Fairmont Orchid is at the Mauna Lani resort complex.  If you haven’t been here in a while, a small shopping center, The Shops at Mauna Lani, opened just over a year ago.

The Gold Floor is the way to go at the Fairmont. Definitely worth it for the meals, beverages, private concierge service. (Alcohol is charged – they have an honor bar, but all soft drinks, coffees, water, etc. are included.)

Rooms are nice – traditional style as this was originally built as Ritz Carlton. One-bedroom suites are very spacious. Furniture is in need of upgrading but functional. Nice spa – outdoor treatment areas next to the ocean as well as huts (hale) located by waterfalls and ponds.

Best feature is the beach – since this island has so much lava there are not many sandy areas on the dry side of the island – and this is a great beach for children. It’s a circular lagoon – you can swim out into the ocean where there is good snorkeling, and turtles! The hotel sells an activity card – gives guests access to snorkel equipment, kayaks, floats, etc. for the length of stay. ($65 per person per stay). Golf is excellent – Mauna Lani South and Mauna Lani North are right there. Unlike many of Hawaii’s resorts, there is no daily resort fee. Nice spacious oceanfront pool and several outdoor jacuzzis. Great value at this hotel.

I always think of Hawaii as my backyard with a better beach. Getting there is easy.
However, the inter island flights are fewer than they once were. 

Also – I watched my luggage being loaded onto the plane, but when I arrived in Lanai the luggage was not there – they had off loaded it to balance the weight of the plane. I didn’t get it for 4 hours.

Leaving Maui on the way to Kona the gate agent repeatedly told me the plane would be on time – even when it was already 30 minutes past departure time and the plane had not even arrived yet at our gate! Leave plenty of time if you have to connect from an outer island to HNL to go home – you cannot depend on the timing of these flights. (Nonstop flights are always best when you can get them!)

Other than that – the Big Island of Hawaii is beautiful, easy, has all levels of hotels, offers lots of activities – everyone should keep up their knowledge of this destination.

Katie Cadar
katie.c@travelstoreusa.com

Jeju Island is Korea’s honeymoon island.  They compare it to Hawaii.  It is fairly far south and lines up with ocean currents in such a way that the climate is quite temperate.  There are palm trees and they grow citrus and pineapple.

We stayed at the Shilla Hotel, and we were given Korean style rooms but with a western bed (traditionally Koreans sleep on mats on the floor).  The Shilla is a wonderful hotel, every bit a five star property.  It has beautiful grounds and sits on a point of land overlooking the ocean.  There is a beach at the bottom of a LONG flight of stairs; the beach is good for walking but is posted no swimming.  The views from the walkway at the top of the cliff are spectacular. Dinner was shabu shabu, or hot pot, and was excellent.  

We toured Jungmun Country Club by golf cart.  This course wraps around the hotels/convention center of the Jungmun area and once hosted a PGA event.  It is a public course with green fees as low $80 plus caddy and cart. The view from the ninth fairway (along the top of a cliff overlooking the ocean) was awesome.  We then drove to Cheongjiyeon Waterfall scenic area for a short walk to a very nice waterfall (photo), followed by a lunch of barbecued pork (locally raised black pigs, very tasty!) We drove out to the eastern tip of the island to climb the sunrise crater (it is a volcanic island).  It was a about a 600 foot climb (mostly stairs).  The view from the top is spectacular. 

We drove to a folk village.  Jeju Island has traditionally been backwards and isolated; it is where the Korean’s exiled political prisoners.  There is no industry except farming and tourism.  The folk village at first glance looked like a living history museum.  The houses are lava rock held together with mud and straw with thatched roofs.  There are pigs in the sty in the corner, and they are collecting rain water in ceramic pits for drinking.  The problem is that this is not a museum; the people are still living here in conditions not much out of the stone age (OK, they have satellite dishes). The government actually subsidizes them to stay there to keep some of the old ways alive.  It was quite eye opening.  We finished the day with a drive up to one of the volcanic craters in the middle of the island.  It had cleared up by then and the views around the island were breathtaking.  It really brought back memories of the Big Island.  There are all sorts of attractions set up for local/Asian tourists i.e. horseback riding, ATVs, monuments of the world in miniature, etc. 

I visited the Lotte Hotel and Hyatt Hotel.  The Lotte is quite new, very large and has a distinctly Vegas feel to it.  The rooms were large, looked pretty comfy.  They even have a Volcano Show in the evening.  The Hyatt was very cool.  It would be my first choice on the island.  It is older, having been built in 1985.  It has the classic Hyatt floor to ceiling atrium with rooms around the outside.  This produces a very light and airy feel.  The rooms are a bit worn, there are dings on the corners of the furniture, etc.  But this hotel has by far the best setting of any of the big hotels down here.  It is right on the ocean and the ocean view rooms are indeed full on ocean view. 

Hallasan is South Korea’s tallest peak.  We hiked up a smaller peak to the side, it was about a 900-foot climb to a spectacular view.  All the way up we were going through forest with the leaves changing to fall colors.  Beautiful! Lunch was a full blown presentation of Jeju’s seafood.   Fish, shell fish, octopus, oysters, sea urchin, mostly served raw…  For those who like that sort of thing, it was spectacular!  For those who did not…. Oh well.

In the afternoon, we toured the cliffs at Jusangeoli.  This is a place where the lava hit the ocean and instantly set into some fantastic formations.  Again, memories of the Big Island.  We then went to the Jeju Peace Museum.  This museum was built entirely by one man, a Mr. Lee, who invested his personal fortune.  It is centered around tunnels dug during World War II by the Japanese using forced Korean Labor.  Mr. Lee’s father was one of the conscript laborers.  You can walk through about 300m of the tunnels.  And there is an exhibit hall of war memorabilia, a movie presentation and some truly horrific photos.  The power of the place comes from realizing that one man has put so much of himself into this monument which is themed: “There are no winners in war.”  It was deeply moving.

We finished Jeju island with a very fast walk through Hallim Park, which includes a botanical garden, a very nice Bonsai Garden and some Lava tubes.  The lava tubes are huge, it takes ten minutes to walk the length of one of them. 

Stan Godwyn
stan.g@travelstoreusa.com

I just recently returned from Hawaii.  I haven’t visited Hawaii for quite awhile and I saw many changes and visited several hotels.  

 

I used the preferred supplier we use for our clients, and I liked the fact they have their own VIP line at the Rental Car desk. If you register before you travel you can go directly to your car… 

My first stop was at the Four Seasons Hualalai.  We had the pleasure of having lunch at the resort followed by a site inspection.  Of course the food was wonderful!  As you probably know the resort is renovating and I think they have done a fine job of not affecting the clients staying at the resort.  The rooms are spacious and they are adding additional space to some of the rooms with the renovations.  My favorite rooms are the first floor because they all have outdoor showers and of course every room is beautifully decorated with excellent linens.  Rooms have either one king or two double beds while the suites also come with a fold-out couch.  The hotel is laid out in 4 crescents .. with each crescent having its own pool.  They encourage one side of the resort for adults while the other is for families.  One of the pools is a salt & fresh water lagoon with fish.  This provides a safe place for children to snorkel and swim.  The spa is also being renovated and currently located in one of the two bedroom suites.  The new spa will be larger and they expect it to reopen before December 15th.  

 

After visiting the Four Seasons I drove next door to the Kona Village.  It hasn’t changed much after all these years.  The bungalows still don’t have A/C, TV’s or phones, and their repeat clientele like it that way.  Still very much the old “Hawaiian” feel with an all inclusive price (they have revolving menus) and excellent children activities.  The bungalows need updating and I hope that the owner will do that after the Four Season renovations are done.  The same people that own the Four Seasons own Kona Village and they are allowing guests the option to dine at either resort restaurants along with some activities.  Kona Village guests cannot use the pools at the Four Seasons.

 

I spent a couple of nights at the Hapuna Prince. This property with its “sister” property to the Mauna Kea, which still has the best beach on the island.  The Hapuna Prince rooms are a nice size, comfortable bathrooms, but they need to update the walls, linens and etc…  Rooms come with one king or two queen beds and refrigerators.  The breakfast buffet is excellent and other meals we had at the hotel were good.  They also have a Diner for you to grab snacks, light breakfast, or if you want a picnic lunch they have sandwiches and etc… to go.  

 

The Mauna Kea is still under some scaffolding but they are planning a “soft” opening over the holidays and the grand opening is going to be in March, 2009.  The main building rooms were gutted and have been made much larger.  These will be more expensive than the side building which is the ocean front rooms, and that is because those rooms will remain the same size, which are smaller.  The rooms are going to be decorated in a simple modern style with nice woods, flat screen TV’s and linens.  Everyone is excited about the grand reopening.  

 

Rooms come with one king or two queen beds.  The two-bedroom bungalows with butler service and plunge pool are to die for. Both bedrooms in the bungalow are considered “master” bedrooms with one king and the other room has two queen beds.  The hotel will be glad to switch the bedding for the guest if they prefer two kings or queens.   What I like about this property is that the majority of the rooms have ocean views.  They still have their famous Koi ponds and employ a Hawaii historian on property.  

 

I also stayed at the Fairmont Orchid which is next door to the Mauna Lani.  The “Gold” floor at the Fairmont is fabulous!  This floor has its own concierge, a lounge where a huge continental breakfast is served, afternoon tea, evening appetizers and beverages/snacks are available all day.  All are complimentary to the gold floor guest except alcoholic drinks.  They have two available computers with printers available which was nice to be able to check-in for your flight and print your boarding passes or anything else you might need.  Plus you have free Wi-Fi in your room.  Rooms come with one king or two queens very roomy and huge bathrooms.  Excellent food and one of the best luaus I have been too.  The luau was a pleasant surprise. 

 

As some of you might know the “one” highway around the island has been blocked by lava flow.  The only way to get to the Volcano National Park is driving south from Kona or Hilo – you can’t drive around the island any more.  We took a flying tour of the island on a six passenger plane with Island Hopper.  Great way to see the island in a couple of hours and also see the lava flow from above.  

 

Hawaii has always been my favorite islands, but driving up and down the coast highway can get old.  The Four Seasons & Kona Village is only about a 10 minute drive from the airport, the Mauna Lani & Fairmont is 30 minutes, and the Hapuna Prince & Mauna Kea is about 40 minutes.  I call these the “reality” driving times because traffic is slow at 55 mph and it is a two lane highway. Aloha! 

Nancy Decker Davidson

nancy.dd@travelstoreusa.com