Travel the United States on an escorted or a city stay pre-planned vacation, and experience the cultural diversity in any one of our vibrantly animated cities saturated with distinct character and a unique charm. Start on the Western frontier visiting the historic California landmarks of San Diego and Los Angeles en route to San Francisco where the iconic Golden Gate Bridge awaits. Perhaps you crave an outdoor adventure in the Old West, exploring national landmarks such as Mount Rushmore in South Dakota or the Grand Canyon and its immense glory in Arizona. Moving east, you will encounter the smooth texture of a jazz infused Chicago nightlife and the cultural seeds of today’s modern United States in the cities of Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington DC. New York needs no introduction as the cultural, financial, and media capital of the United States—a must-see for any traveler exploring the states.
Disney is expanding their resort operations to Hawaii with a new hotel currently under construction. The first section is expected to open in the fall of 2011. Disney has announced the name of the hotel will be Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina having selected a Hawaiian name to show their commitment to honoring Hawaiian culture and traditions throughout the resort.
The property will sit on 21 acres of oceanfront land in the Ko Olina Resort and Marina development, about 30 minutes from Waikiki. Ko Olina was a sacred place of renewal for Kamehameha the Great and his wife, Ka`ahumanu. Known for its sandy beaches, majestic seascapes and snorkeling, Ko Olina is home to many islanders who make their living from the rich agricultural tradition and fishing in the area.
The 360 hotel rooms and 481 time-share villas will include an 18,000 square foot spa, 2 restaurants, kids’ club, designated area for meetings and banquets, as well as a wedding lawn.
Disney is, of course, synonymous with family entertainment. We don’t have all the details at this time, but we know the children’s programs will engage children in fun-filled Hawaiian-themed activities like creating crafts from local materials and interacting with touch tables that will offer children a more in depth look into Hawaii. There will be several pools, waterslides, a sparkling inland saltwater lagoon for snorkeling, and a river running through a specially designed volcanic outcropping for tubing. The resort is sure to have extra touches that will make this resort uniquely Disney.
I find this resort to be an interesting move, as Disney recently dropped their Hawaii tours from their Adventures by Disney family tour product. There’s also a lot of competition in Hawaii with upscale resorts that offer family programs, and Disney is usually quite expensive. Will travelers be willing to spend more to stay at a Disney resort? Time will tell.
You could say Kauai is on any list of the world’s most beautiful and spectacular islands as it is made up of lush tropical greenery and sparkling beaches.
Formed some six million years ago, Kauai is the oldest island in Hawaii. South of the island is Poipu which is the perfect resort area. The accommodations range from ultra-luxury hotels to cozy bed-and-breakfasts.
Here you will find gourmet restaurants and specialty shopping. Wailua Falls is the must-see waterfall to visit on the garden island of Kauai, mainly, because it is the most easily accessible waterfall. The falls was made famous when it was the opening scene of the popular show, Fantasy Island.
Click here to save money on popular tours such as the Waimea Canyon Tour or the Grand Deluxe Airline tour of this amazing island.
Maui is second most visited island. The most popular area is along Kaanapali, which is on the western shore of the island. Kaanapali is considered to have one of Maui’s best beaches.
Home to 36 holes of championship golf, Ka’anapali offers golfers both spectacular views , as well as a challenge. So if golf is your passion, then you’re in one of the best spots on Maui.
In Lahaina, on a specially built, open-air luau grounds next to the ocean, the Old Lahaina Luau is one of the finest luaus in the world, offering excellent Hawaiian food and entertainment.
Hana is Hawaii’s very own Garden of Eden with its unspoiled tropics with shimmering waterfalls, beautiful flowers and breathtaking cliffs.
There has never been a better time to discover true paradise with a 2010 Globus Hawaii vacation. Globus is offering seven vacations to these awe-inpsiring islands. Globus offers a wide range of travel styles and itineraries to ensure you find the ideal Hawaiian getaway. Choose from first class escorted vacations with Globus, or independent travel packages from Monograms.
Featured vacation: New! Enchanting Hawaii
(a Globus Platinum vacation)
8 days from $3,204 land only (price include intra-tour flights)
Visiting Honolulu & Maui
Vacation Highlights:
Stay in moderate deluxe and above hotels
Visit Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Memorial & Museum
Enjoy an oceanfront dinner with entertainment in Honolulu
Choose your experience in Maui: choose a snorkel adventure or sunset cruise
Released today – Globus 2010 Vacations to Asia, the South Pacific, South & Central America & Hawaii. Book early & save!
Save $600 per couple on air-inclusive 2010 Globus family of brands South & Central America vacations booked between August 12 and October 13, 2009.*
Booking window: August 12 – October 13, 2009
*Book a 2010 Globus, Monograms or Avalon South America air-inclusive vacation to receive the $300 per person discount. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between August 12 and October 13, 2009 for travel commencing through December 31, 2010. Offers not valid with any other offer except Journeys Club and applies to new 2010 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.
Save $400 per couple on air-inclusive 2010 Globus family of brands Asia and South Pacific vacations booked between August 12 and October 13, 2009.*
Booking window: August 12 – October 13, 2009
*Book a 2010 Globus, Monograms or Avalon Asia or South Pacific air-inclusive vacation. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between August 12 and October 13, 2009 for travel commencing through December 31, 2010. Offers not valid with any other offer except Journeys Club and applies to new 2010 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.
Save $500 per couple on air-inclusive 2010 Globus family of brands Hawaii vacations booked between August 12 and October 13, 2009.*
Booking window: August 12 – October 13, 2009
*Book a 2010 Globus or Monograms Hawaii air-inclusive vacation to receive the $250 per person discount. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between August 12 and October 13, 2009 for travel commencing through December 31, 2010. Offers not valid with any other offer except Journeys Club and applies to new 2010 Hawaii bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.
Oahuhas the most shopping choices of all the islands.Waikikiis well known for its world class shops – you’ll find everything from Gucci and Tiffany and Co. to unusual local stores and unique handicrafts. The Ala Moana Shopping Center, Hawaii’s largest mall, has more than 200 restaurants and shops, including Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Sears and J.C.Penny. Right across the street from our hotel, the famous International Marketplace offers bargains on souvenirs and craft items, and down the street is the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, housing 160 shops, including Fendi, Chanel, Ferragamo and Hermes.
In downtownHonoluluis the largest Hilo Hattie in the islands. It’s a fun place to visit – they carry the largest selection of “Aloha wear” you’ll find anywhere. Aloha shirts, floral print dresses, t-shirts, souvenirs and all kinds of Hawaiian products, including macadamia nuts and other packaged food items. They even have seamstresses on hand, in case you need that special muu muu altered!
Honolulu’s Chinatown District, historically the oldest Chinatown in the country, is filled with exotic Asian shops, and Maui Divers Jewelry carries beautiful, locally made jewelry. For excellent quality, this is a great place to buy Hawaiian jewelry, especially coral pieces. Down the block from Chinatown on Honolulu Harbor is the Aloha Tower Market Place, famous for the Aloha Tower and now for some fabulous stores and restaurants.
Kauai, on the other hand, is known more for its beauty and resistance to change than for shopping. Nevertheless, there are many fun and interesting places to browse and buy. The Poipu Shopping Village has about 30 great little shops and restaurants, and in downtown Lihue you can find anything that you might need.
AlthoughMauiis more laid back than Oahu, there are plenty of shopping opportunities. The Whalers Village Shopping Center is Maui’s only oceanfront shopping center. A number of shops and restaurants surround the Whalers Village Museum, too – and be sure to check out the museum!
Another must-see on Maui is the town ofLahaina, the first capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii as well as one of the most important whaling towns in the world. Front Street has many specialty shops, art galleries, restaurants and popular night spots.
On the Big Islandof Hawaii, check out King’s Shops, which has more than 35 specialty shops and restaurants.
The city of Honolulu recently expanded its beachfront where you can attend weekend concerts, sunset torch-lighting ceremonies and free hula performances.
Waikiki makes Oahu the most-visited island. It has more restaurants, shops, and nightlife than all the other Hawaiian Islands combined.
Close to Waikiki is the USS Arizona Memorial which commemorates the women and men that died on December 7, 1941, during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Along the North Shore of the island, you can drive to the 42-acre lagoon park, The Polynesian Cultural Center. Enjoy the authentic Hawaiian luau experience at the award-winning Ali’i Lu’au dinner and show. The Polynesian Cultural Center is the number-one paid attraction in Hawaii.
Planning on taking a cruise, tour or vacation to Hawaii?
Considered a “must do” by most is to attend a Hawaiian Luau. Wondering what kind of food you can expect during a Luau in Hawaii? Many foods may seem quite foreign to you.
Below is a look at some of the foods and drinks that you are likely to find at one or more of the luaus throughout Hawaii.
Char Siu: These delicious rich, red spareribs are a favorite thanks to the Chinese immigrants of Hawaii.
Chicken Lu’au: A Hawaiian classic made with chicken cooked with taro leaves (or spinach) and coconut milk.
Kim Chee: Great as a dip for pupu’s (appetizers) or a stand-alone side dish, Korean style Kim Chee is made of fresh island cabbage, chili peppers, ginger, garlic, and other seasonings.
Kalua-style chicken, pork or turkey: Meat that is cooked for long hours wrapped inside banana, ti or luau leaves. The long cooking time allows the meat to come out tender, juicy and full of flavor.
Kalua pua’a: Roast pork, as its prepared in the Hawaiian imu or underground steam oven. Kalua pig is traditionally seasoned with sea salt and sometimes green onions.
Poi : Traditional Hawaiian staple made by pounding boiled taro roots and mixing with water until it reaches a smooth consistency.
Poke: Raw fish marinated in lemon or lime juice with other condiments and a little coconut cream.
Mai Tai: The Mai Tai is an alcoholic cocktail that has become synonymous with Hawaiian sunsets and lounging in hammocks. It is a mix of Jamaican rum and lime juice, garnished with fresh mint. Blue Hawaii’s, Lava Flow’s and other tropical drinks are very popular as well.
Breads & Cakes: Fresh baked breads, pastries and cakes made with island fruits such as mangos, guava, coconut and ripe bananas.
We’ve included a recipe below for tasty Mango bread.
Mango BreadRecipe:
Version is prepared from a recipe by Hawaii’s most famous chef, Sam Choy.
Ingredients:
2 cups flour, sifted
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon salt
1 cups sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two loaf pans. Combine all dry ingredients. Beat eggs. Add oil and butter and beat for approximately 2 minutes.Add dry ingredients and mangoes. Add nuts. Bake 45-55 minutes.
We’d love to hear your suggestion of other foods to add to our list, as well as recipes on your favorite Hawaiian Luau foods. We look forward to reading your comments!
Travel the United States on an escorted or a city stay pre-planned vacation, and experience the cultural diversity in any one of our vibrantly animated cities saturated with distinct character and a unique charm. Start on the Western frontier visiting the historic California landmarks of San Diego and Los Angeles en route to San Francisco where the iconic Golden Gate Bridge awaits. Perhaps you crave an outdoor adventure in the Old West, exploring national landmarks such as Mount Rushmore in South Dakota or the Grand Canyon and its immense glory in Arizona. Moving east, you will encounter the smooth texture of a jazz infused Chicago nightlife and the cultural seeds of today’s modern United States in the cities of Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington DC. New York needs no introduction as the cultural, financial, and media capital of the United States—a must-see for any traveler exploring the states.
Kauai – “The Garden Isle”
Maui
There has never been a better time to discover true paradise with a 2010 Globus Hawaii vacation. Globus is offering seven vacations to these awe-inpsiring islands. Globus offers a wide range of travel styles and itineraries to ensure you find the ideal Hawaiian getaway. Choose from first class escorted vacations with Globus, or independent travel packages from Monograms.
Oahu
