Monday, December 20, 2010

Cheap Hawaii Flights - How To Get The Best Deals

Flying nowadays has never been so affordable especially to Hawaii islands. Whatever is your purpose of travel, be a simple visit or a business trip, you can sure get discounted airfare prices.

One airline in particular that offers discounted airfare is GO! Airlines. Their service is so friendly and affordable. Personnel and crew are simply greeting you with smiles to make you feel a lot more at ease as you reach your travel destination. You are already full of smiles just before you land and that's a good thing! GO! Airlines makes travel more fun and convenient for folks heading to visit family friends and relatives in Hawaii and nearby islands.

Flying to the islands via GO! is a good decision because of its discounted flights. This airline brings its passengers to islands of Hilo, Kona and even Maui Kahului from Honolulu. Each of these islands is unique on its own offering fun activities to its visitors. Cheap Hawaii flights are hard to miss since you can jet off to Hawaii and all the islands close to it at bargain costs you never thought of before.

To have a low-down on where to get cheap Hawaii flights, check online - the internet is your best friend. Different websites have updates on their latest discount airfares going to different destinations. Also check with other major flight carriers since they too offer discounted airfare packages from time to time. You can be able to catch one of their tempting deals.

It is almost always wise to visit some websites for cheap Hawaii flights. As you surf the web in your search of discount airfares going to this popular vacation destination, go to travel sites such as Priceline, Expedia and Travelocity to let you in to a lot of good deals and travel treats. Priceline has a unique service that lets you enter your desired flight price. The company sends you a message that will try to get you tickets of your requested value. However, be reminded that once they got you a ticket, you cannot change your mind and ask for refund.

One sure thing that you can get discount fare is when you book in advance. Prepare for it six months earlier before your desired travel date. The sooner the day nears to your planned date and you have not booked one yet, you will be surprised how much the price has already changed. So if you are up to nail that cheap Hawaii flights, then go book early.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Visiting Hawaii On A Budget - Seven Tips To Use Now

Hawaii is an island paradise that everyone should experience at least once. Unfortunately, because of the small size of the islands and the booming tourism, it can certainly be one of the pricier vacation destinations.

If your vacation budget is a little tight, don't worry. You can still afford an incredible Hawaiian adventure without breaking the bank. Here are seven tips for visiting Hawaii on a budget.

1. When to Go. The first part of your money-saving Hawaiian vacation plan to tackle is the time of the year. There are definitely peak seasons to Hawaiian travel. If you choose to travel during off-peak time, you'll avoid the crowds and can also save on airfare and other travel related expenses. Mid-April to mid-June and mid-September to mid-November are the best seasons pricewise.

Ironically, travel dips during these times even though the weather is best on the islands. This is because most people travel to Hawaii when the Weather is poor in his hometown. The winter season is popular for a trip to Hawaii if you go far, then, only in winter in the fall or spring, immediately after it is better to have one.

2. Where to go. You also need a choice of visiting the island you want to do. Although many people make their way to Oahu and Maui, you should know that these islands are usually the biggest price tag. Big Island of Hawaii is the most commercialized than others, but pricesare often lower. Plus, the Big Island offers all of the highlights you want to see on your Hawaiian vacation including the rain forests, deserts, volcanoes and lots of beaches.

3. Find a Discount Flight. Your Hawaiian vacation's price tag will be largely composed of your airfare. Once you've decided on a time of year when you'll go, start keeping tabs on airfare immediately. You should sign up with one or more online airline ticket sellers to be notified when there is a good price for your tickets. The earlier you book the tickets, the better.

4. Shop Hawaii Package Deals. Try to find a package deal that includes your airfare, car rental (if you need it) and your hotel. And be on the lookout for coupon codes that will take a dollar amount off your total package price, which are sometimes offered by Travelocity and other travel websites. Often these packages give you amazing savings, especially during the off-peak season. Business owners are trying to make up for the slow down in tourism during these parts of the year so they are more inclined to offer you a deal to keep their establishments booked.

5. Think outside the hotel. There may be other options that can save you from breaking your budget on a high-priced hotel. Many people have vacation homes in Hawaii that they rent out during the time when they aren't using it. See if you can find vacation rentals by owner on Craigslist or other similar websites. If you're flexible on where you stay, you may be able to find homes for rent for as little as $50 a night.

6. Save on attractions by purchasing a discount pass or coupon book before you go. A Go Maui card, for example, is a discount attractions pass that you can purchase beforehand and that gives you general admission to a variety of Maui attractions - from ocean adventures and tours to culture and history to beach and water fun. Or consider purchasing a Hawaii Entertainment Book. Depending on the time of year, you can get these for as little as $10. At the time of this writing, the Hawaii book offers coupons for all the islands, including restaurant coupons and hotel and travel discounts, including attractions.

7. Set up a google alert with the keywords "Hawaii Discount" and "Hawaii Coupons." If you've never done this before, it's a cinch. Just go to Google.com/alerts and enter your search terms and email address. Google will send you an email update of the latest Google results based on your keywords at the frequency that you specify. This is a really handy way to make sure you stay up-to-date on the latest travel offers, some of which expire very quickly.

With a little planning and preparation you can make your Hawaiian vacation enjoyable no matter what your budget. And if you focus on saving money on your accommodations and your airfare, you'll have plenty left over to see lots of Hawaii attractions.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

The Facts About Hawaii Vacation Cruises

Hawaii vacation cruises are perhaps the best option for the first-time visitor to this tropical island paradise. A cruise around Hawaii is an excellent way to spend your vacation and see all of the different islands of the state. In this article, I will discuss some of the benefits as well as some of the drawbacks that are involved with this type of vacation.

One of the neat things about Hawaii is how it is laid out geographically. On this type of vacation cruise, you will usually be able to visit each one of the main islands. This will give you a variety of different taste the each island has to offer. It's perfect for the person who is having trouble deciding which island they want to visit when they go to vacation in Hawaii.

Of course, while many people may view this as an advantage, some people view this as a disadvantage. For them, they want to plan their vacation so they spend a majority of their time on only one island. This is usually the case for those vacationers that have experienced Hawaii excursions in the past. They have already had a taste of each of the main islands, and they have found their own favorite. However, for the first-time visitor, the ability to sample each island in the Aloha State makes Hawaii vacation cruises a very excellent option.

Additionally, most cruises to Hawaii will be all-inclusive. This means that the meals will be provided to you on the ship. This is no small point, because Hawaii dinners are extremely tasty and many people come back from their experience talking more about the food than everything else. Most vacation packages offer five course meals as part of their all-inclusive package.

There's much more to a cruise then the food and scenery. There is also entertainment onboard the ship. This will include dancing, gambling, games, and other forms of entertainment. You can familiarize yourself with your options by looking at different cruise packages to get a better idea of the entertainment available to you.

If you're interested in booking a Hawaii vacation cruise, I would suggest that you visit a variety of different websites on the Internet to get an idea of the different packages that are available. While you are there, you can do some price comparison shopping to locate your best deal.

Monday, December 13, 2010

3 Things to Do in Hawaii 2010

When most people think of Hawaii they think of an island paradise with white cap waves breaking on the beach, mild climate and cool breezes of the coast. In fact, Hawaii is much more than that. Hawaii is a multi-cultural paradise for people to visit with some of the best cultural events and resistance at home difficult race, most of the known. Here's my take from 3 to participate in events in Hawaii for 2010

Chinese New Year toKAUAI MUSEUM

Feb 6, 2010 kauaimuseum.org

In 2010 the Chinese calendar enters into the year of the Tiger also known by its formal name of Geng Yin. The Chinese calendar unlike the International Calendar (based on the Gregorian Calendar) has been in continuous use for centuries. It predates the International Calendar used by most of the world which only goes back 430 years. In contrast the Chinese Calendar is in the Year 4707.

In celebration of the Chinese New Year the Kauai Museum is hosting a Pre-Chinese New Year events for the year of the Tiger which will be held Saturday, February 6. This is also the museum's 'Ohana Day which allows for free admission to the Museum. The actually Chinese New Year is February 14th.

IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Oct 9, 2010 Ironman.com

Originally started as a challenge between a group of the Navy's elite special forces unit the Navy Seals, the Ironman has exploded to become one of the most recognized endurance events in the world. When it began they combined 3 challenges to highlight their proficiencies in the sea and land. It featured the Waikiki Rough Water swim, the Bike Race Around Oahu and the Honolulu Marathon, the Ironman endurance challenges you with a 2.4 mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run.

The Ironman has grown so much it now has a qualifying series that includes 22 events throughout the world by which an athlete can qualify for the Ironman World Championship held every October in Kona, Hawaii.

16TH ANNUAL HONOLULU FESTIVAL

March 12-14, 2010 honolulufestival.com

The Honolulu Festival which began in 1995 to aide in promoting cultural harmony and understanding between the people of Hawaii and the Asia-Pacific. The Honolulu Festival is supported by the Honolulu Festival Foundation, a non-profit organization formed in 2000 to administer Festival activities and perpetuate the cultures, customs and traditions of Asians and Pacific Islanders through community outreach and charitable efforts.

The Festival's theme this year is "Pacific Harmony" which reflects the Foundation's vision to share with the people of Hawaii the many cultures of the Pacific region from all over the world in addition to the many visitors from around the world.

The Honolulu Festival has evolved in the past few years. What started as an event showcasing Japan and Hawaii's culture now includes cultural events from Australia, Tahiti, Philippines, Republic of China (Taiwan), China, Korea and the U.S. Mainland. In addition to many participants from a large variety of local ethnic groups which continues to increase every year.

With these events you will get a glimpse into Hawaii's culture and heritage combining a little of the old with some of the new opening your eyes to a true multi-cultural paradise.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

3 Popular Foods to Eat in Hawaii

Hawaii is also known as the 50th state of aloha. Located in the middle of the pacific ocean with a population of a little over a million people. Making the island a hub for multiple diversity of cultures throughout the pacific. That is why Hawaii has a lot of mix cultures and also mixed food, as what the locals say mixed plate. I have included below some popular foods to eat while your stay in Hawaii:

Lau Lau - Which means "many leaves" in Hawaiian is a very popular local dish. It is basically any meat or fish wrapped with ti and taro leaves that is steamed in a underground oven which is also called "imu" in Hawaiian for several hours. There are many different style and technique in preparing the dish and making it mandatory in any special occasion throughout the Hawaiian Islands.

Poke - Another favorite in the Hawaiian Islands especially with beer is basically raw fish (preferred tuna) mixed with different sorts of onions, ginger, chili peppers, soy sauce, sesame oil, Hawaiian salt and sesame seeds. Some locals in Hawaii say that a barbeque would not be complete without Poke and beer.

Malasada - Is a Portuguese fried doughnut that is handmade in the Hawaiian islands. It is prepared by shaping different types of yeast dough like an egg, then deep frying it in oil and finally coating it with granulated sugar. Sometimes the Malasadas are filled with all sorts of fillings or goodies which makes it even more enjoyable. A must to eat while in the Hawaiian Islands.

So instead of eating your everyday foods like hamburgers, fries and fried chicken, stop by a local restaurant or fish market and try out the lau lau and poke. Then for dessert grab a malasada in one of Hawaiis bakery because traveling a thousand miles just to come to Hawaii would not make sense if you do not eat the local foods here.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Hawaii Custody Agreements and Parenting Plans - The Laws in the Hawaii Revised Statutes

Title 31 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes contain the laws and statutes about family matters. This section of law includes child custody. Parents in the state who are involved in a custody situation should learn all of the necessary information that is found in these statutes--especially the information that applies when making a parenting plan. Here is a brief overview of some of the laws that affect the making of a Hawaii custody agreement.

1. The requirement of a parenting plan. Chapter 571-46.5 contains a law that requires parents in a custody situation to make a parenting plan. The plan may be general with the parents figuring out the details informally, or the plan can be detailed. A detailed plan can include information about: a residential schedule, holiday planning, parental responsibility and decision making, relocation, right of first refusal, etc. The parents can work together and file a plan jointly, or each parent can file an individual plan of what they want to happen.

2. Joint custody. Chapter 571-46.1 contains the information about joint custody. In Hawaii, if either parent petitions for joint custody, the court may award it. The court will award joint custody if it is in the best interest of the child. Joint custody means that parents share legal custody and they work out a custody schedule that lets both parents be involved with the children. It doesn't have to mean that the parents each get equal time with the children.

3. Best interest of the child. Chapter 571-46 states that the policy of Hawaii is to make all custody decisions with the best interest of the child in mind. Any custody agreement that the court accepts must be made according to the child's needs and for the child's best welfare. Some of the factors that the state considers that impacts the best interest of the child include: the overall quality of the parent-child relationship; any history of abuse by either parent; the history of caregiving or parenting by each parent; each parents' cooperate in developing a parenting plan that meets the child's needs, interests, and schedule; the physical, safety, educational and emotional needs of the child; the child's relationship with a sibling; the mental health of each parent; etc.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Hawaii Fractional Real Estate - Important Factors When Purchasing

The Hawaiian Islands have been and forever will be a preeminent destination for vacation-home buyers. With the wonderful diversity of choices that each island presents, it's no surprise that the long-term demand for resort properties remains strong regardless of the current economic cycle. Fractional ownership opportunities in Hawaii, while still relatively few in number, are opening up a world of new options for second-home buyers-primarily retiring baby boomers.

Because fractional ownership is an "alternative" real estate product, you need to be well informed before considering a fractional purchase. This brief article will give you an overview of some important things to think about. I raise these questions not to create undue concern or dampen anyone's enthusiasm, but to make you a more informed consumer.

This is not a comprehensive "Everything You Need to Know about Fractional Ownership" discussion, and you will still need to seek the expertise of qualified professionals. Also, in the spirit of full disclosure, you should be aware that I'm biased-I am both a fractional real estate consultant and a Hawaii-based fractional developer. I'm also a fractional owner myself, so I naturally share the enthusiasm of thousands of happy fractional owners around the world.

This very basic checklist, though only a beginning, will give you a sense of the questions to be asking as you consider buying a fractional ownership in a vacation property:

1. Is the fractional offering fundamentally sound, and are provisions in place to ensure its long-term viability?

a. Are all the fractional documents in place and ready for review? Do these documents address these essential questions: How is each owner protected? What happens if another owner (or an owner's guest or renter) causes damage? Who is responsible for managing the property? How are decisions reached among the owners? How are disputes resolved? Importantly, are there any zoning or home-owners' association issues outstanding?

b. Who is the developer, and what assurances does the buyer have that the project will be completed/sold out? Does the developer have the financial wherewithal to sustain the project in a slow market? Is the quality of the project's marketing collateral and its Web site and other promotional tools representative of a professional offering?

c. If this is a one-off (not part of a larger project) single-family home, will professional property management be in place? Will the seller/developer remain involved after all the fractional shares are sold?

2. Is the overall value of the offering fair and reasonable?

a. Financial Value: What is the price of the fractional interest compared to the fair market value of the property if it were sold as whole ownership? Developers must add what is known as a multiple to pay themselves for the risk, capital, and time and effort they invest in creating an attractive fractional property. In Hawaii, this multiple generally ranges between 1.4 and 1.7, depending on the specific location, number of fractional interests, quality of construction and furnishings, amenities, and services included. To figure the multiple on a property, all you need are a little basic research on home sale prices and a few seconds with a calculator.

b. Annual Ownership Costs: Are the annual ownership costs within the range of industry averages? Has a fully disclosed budget of all expenses, including a reserve fund for replacements, been provided?

c. Buyer Incentives: What incentives are provided as part of the offering (e.g., first year's fees paid by developer, transportation allowance or vehicle included, exchange opportunities)? Is fractional financing available?

3. Does this vacation home opportunity provide for your family's long-term enjoyment and use?

a. Usage: Does the usage plan meet your family's vacation interests and needs? Given Hawaii's minimum sixty-day fractional ownership requirement, do you envision returning each year for at least a few weeks to enjoy your home away from home? Can your unused weeks be vacation-rented or used by a family member?

b. Exchange: Can you exchange some of your unused time with owners of other luxury properties, perhaps closer to your primary residence or somewhere else that your family would like to vacation?

c. Pride of Ownership: Do the property, furnishings and appointments, and amenities meet your standards and expectations? Will this property fulfill your family's dream of vacation-home ownership?