While on the island of Kauai, be sure to take the time to see the famous Spouting Horn in Poipu. Many Hawaiian legends surround this coastal phenomenon.

The Legend of the Spouting Horn is about a lizard family, consisting of a brother and two sisters. When the mo’o (lizard) learned that his sister had died, he was blinded with tears and accidentally swam into the hole and was trapped forever. The geyser sound is supposed to the crying of this giant sea lizard.

The Spouting Horn is a lava tube, which forces salty surf water through an old volcanic lava tube and up to 50 feet in the air. The result is a majestic geyser like spray, causing strange groaning sounds.

Every wave produces another spray. This amazing phenomena is particularly wonderful at sunset when the spray becomes incandescent with the colors of the rainbow.

Back in the 1920′s, there used to be a much bigger blowhole called Kukuiula Seaplume which was near the Spouting Horn. It shot water as high as 200-feet in the air. Because the salt spray was damaging a nearby sugar cane field, the hole was blasted away.

To get to the Spouting Horn Blowhole, get off Lawai Road, which runs west from the south end of Poipu Road (part of Route 520).

Diamond Hawaii Resort & Spa is an elegant 15-acre resort nestled on the grassy hillside overlooking Wailea, commanding the most spectacular panoramic Pacific ocean views.

Experience the peace and tranquility of Maui in a quiet tropical setting only moments from Wailea’s beautiful tropical beaches.

The Japanese-themed all suite Diamond Hawaii Resort & Spa is among the most unique hotels in the state. Once an exclusive private retreat, today Diamond Hawaii Resort & Spa specializes in presenting an authentic Japanese experience for its guests.

Designed as a mountain retreat in a tropical setting, the architecture of Diamond Hawaii Resort and Spa is eye-catching and spirit-lifting. The lobby building resembles a magnificent, wood-and-stone chalet with a focal point of a soaring, cone-shaped roof covered in jade-green Chinese tiles and supported by massive coral pillars.

In the spacious, tastefully furnished interior rotunda formed by the roof, guests look up at a beamed-wood cone squared off and skylighted at the top, a space inspired by the inside of a Japanese umbrella. Brightening the main building are large, brightly colored, wall-mounted rugs woven in the styles of Spanish painters Joan Miro, Picasso, and Isabella.

From dining in fine restaurants, to relaxing in the traditional Japanese spa baths and walking among the richly landscaped gardens, waterfalls, and pools filled with Koi, you will find Diamond Resort a relaxing haven in which to unwind.

Diamond Hawaii Resort & Spa
555 Kaukahi Street
Wailea, Maui, Hawaii 96753
808-874-0500
Fax: (808) 874-8778

Incredible Waimea Canyon on the Garden Isle of Kauai Hawaii, was nicknamed by Mark Twain as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”

But many a tourist has taken the winding 10-mile trip to the Waimea Canyon Lookout and has said the canyon in Arizona should be renamed the “Waimea Canyon of North America.”

Unlike its more famous cousin, the Waimea Canyon’s vertical spires contain plants and trees of all shapes and sizes, giving it a more lush and lively air.

Waimea Canyon is about 10 miles long, a mile wide and over 3,600 feet deep. This mammoth chasm on the lush, Hawaiian island of Kauai struts its rainbow of red, purple, green and blue as you ascend into a blanket of gauzy, white clouds.

A great opportunity to get into the canyon is between mile markers 8 and 9 in Waimea Canyon State Park. A small parking area marks the Kukui and Iliau Loop Trails. The loop is an easy 15-minute quarter-mile nature walk with identified dry land forest plants. It offers a great view looking up the canyon and has a covered picnic area.

Highway 552-Kokee Road is the most scenic drive in the state of Kauai . Combine visits to two of Kauai’s top attractions: Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park. Plan a long, half-day; mornings have better visibility.

Camping is available by permit.

Waimea Canyon
(808)274-3433

Kokee State Park
(808)274-3444

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu is a gorgeous, lush oasis seemingly carved out of the jet-black lava on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast.

On the exclusive Kona-Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, this magical, tropical oasis captures the essence of Hawaii’s golden age. It offers seclusion without isolation, complemented by an award-winning sports club and spa and a private Jack Nicklaus signature golf course.

Flickering torches light narrow paths past lush plants and tidal pools to a secluded white-sand beach. Apparition-like staff members glide just out of sight, instantly available to cater to any whim.

The resort’s 243 bungalow-style rooms, each with a petroglyph or Polynesian theme, are appointed with tropical accents like bamboo headboards and rattan chaise lounges. Many of the spacious marble-accented bathrooms include adjacent outdoor lava-rock showers. Private lanais feature ocean or golf-course views.

The resort’s Hualalai Sports Club & Spa offers an elaborate fitness center, 36-hole golf course and a variety of massages, available indoors or in one of several semi-private fragrant gardens.

Five swimming-whirlpool areas include a lap pool, infinity pools and a splash pool; King’s Pond is carved out of natural lava rock, filled with a combination of fresh mountain and ocean water and more than 3,500 snorkeler-friendly fish. At each pool, on-call attendants provide ice water and spritz services.

You’ve heard of Cirque du Soleil, now get ready for a brand new experience, this time located in the heart of Waikiki –

Cirque Hawaii!

Brought to you by some of the very same talented individuals that made Cirque du Soleil such a huge success, Cirque Hawaii features a talented cast of more than 34 performers from around the world who are guaranteed to dazzle and amaze with their unbelievable acrobatic skill and superb dance ability!

Cirque Hawaii has exploded on Waikiki’s entertainment scene with all the joie de vivre that can be expected from a show patterned in the tradition of the wildly popular and purely magical Cirque du Soleil performances of Las Vegas and international fame. Mounted by two former Cirque du Soleil performers, the Waikiki show features a troupe of 34 award-winning aerialists, acrobats and dancers from around the world.

The show is staged in the Cirque Hawaii Theatre, formerly the IMAX Theater, at 325 Seaside Ave. in Waikiki. The performance is not so much a circus but a story about a circus choreographed by a former Cirque du Soleil performer. The costumes, music and lighting, acrobatic artistry and fine-tuned talents of the performers are laced together to bring precision and enchantment to the magical illusion of the show.

The story follows the journey of lead character Josephine, who searches the globe for the best talent for her exotic circus. Flamboyant costumes, extravagant theatrical make-up and captivating music add to the spell of a well-crafted show with highly skilled performers.

Audiences of all ages, locals and visitors alike, are blown away by the high-energy, precision acts, the laugh-out-loud antics and comedic narration, as well as the elaborate costuming and bright, fanciful make-up – and it all takes place in Cirque Hawaii’s multi-million dollar showroom which features a state-of-the-art light and sound system!

There are several different packages to choose from, but the Deluxe Producer’s Package just can’t be beat and includes VIP seating, a backstage tour, and a complimentary group photo with the show’s amazing troupe of artists!

There’s nothing quite like it in all of Waikiki, and, in fact, the entire island of Oahu, so why not come see what all the excitement is about, and “Experience The Unique” at Cirque Hawaii!

At the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, enjoy fine dining at the Cascades Grill and Sushi Bar.

The Cascades Grill and Sushi Bar combines spectacular Pacific Ocean views with innovative Hawaiian island dishes, add touches of superb sushi by master chefs and you have found a true masterpiece in dining.

From steaks grilled to perfection to the daily catch, you’ll discover the freshest of flavors in this garden setting overlooking our beautiful pools and the Pacific.

Delight all your senses at the very tempting Sushi bar, as you watch the culinary masters prepare such tasty creations as maki sushi rolls and Japanese traditional nigiri.

Hailed by both guests and experts, Cascades Grill and Sushi Bar is widely known as one of the best Maui restaurants.

Coupled with the surrounding Hawaiian Island ambiance, even the most ordinary meal at the Cascades Grill and Sushi Bar becomes an unforgettable dining occasion.

Click Here for more information

Cascades Grill and Sushi Bar
Tel: +1 808 667 4727

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
200 Nohea Kai Drive,
Lahaina, Hawaii, USA 96761-1985
Tel: +1 808 661 1234    Fax: +1 808 667 4498

Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace, located in downtown Honolulu on Ohau Hawaii, is the only royal palace in the United States. It was constructed as seat of the government in 1882 by King David Kalakaua and his wife Queen Kapiolani.

It would be quite worth your while to visit America’s only royal palace (some would even be surprised with this fact!) when you are in Honolulu. A visit to Iolani Palace would surely change your perspective of Hawaii as you get a glimpse of the last days of Hawaii’s royalty.

The Iolani Palace was built by King David Kalakaua, Hawaii’s final king and the first monarch to travel around the world visiting other sovereign states. Inspired by the grand palaces owned by other monarchs, he constructed his own in a spot that is now located in downtown Honolulu.

Completed in 1882, it cost over $360,000 and was powered by electricity and equipped with telephones. Incredibly, the White House wasn’t even powered and had no telephones during that time yet.

The Iolani Palace kept its splendour as a royal residence until the king’s successor, his sister Queen Lili`uokalani , was overthrown and imprisoned there. The Iolani Palace became the capitol of the Provisional Government until 1969. It was vacated afterwards but was restored with the efforts of the “Friends of Iolani Palace.”

TOUR OF THE IOLANI PALACE

It is easy to get a bus to the Iolani Palace which is at the heart of Honolulu,. You could go on a self-guided tour with pre-recorded tour information. A guided tour is best since there are areas that are off-limits to unguided guests.

At admission price of $20 guided tour for adults, you can visit the beautifully restored state apartments and other rooms, the artifacts and jewelry of the royalties, and the past glory that was called the Hawaiian Kingdom. Tours are from Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm.  Source: To-Hawaii.com

Iolani Palace
364 South King Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

Lahaina Fish Company

With an excellent waterfront location and an extensive, reasonably priced menu, the Lahaina Fish Company eatery is one of the best bargains in all of West Maui – Hawaii.

The Lahaina Fish Company offers its patrons a fantastic choice of Hawaiian fresh fish, seafood, and other island fare, plus ribs, grilled steaks and chops, as well as burgers.

Lahaina Fish Company offers waterfront dining, friendly service and great food. It’s one of the most popular restaurants on all of Maui.

The panoramic views are priceless, as you gaze over deep blue waters, out towards the Hawaiian island of Lanai.

If you truly want a magical moment on Maui, be sure to plan your meal for an unbelievable Hawaii sunset.

Sunsets here over of deep blue waters of the pacific Ocean are spectacular!

The long and windy Road to Hana on Maui, is one of the most breathtaking drives anywhere. The road is about fifty two miles in length, including over 617 curves and 56 one lane bridges.

You can make the adventurous drive on your own, but why not leave the trip to the experts. I highly recommend Valley Isle Excursions. They are by far, the top luxury tour operator on Maui.

Valley Isle Excursions operates 12 passenger luxury mini-coaches. Their air-conditioned vans have 12 captain’s chairs, 2 on each side of the isle. These comfortable seats provide large, 40″ vertical viewing windows to easily take in all the beauty that Maui has to offer.

On the Road to Hana, there are numerous stops along the way for passengers to take time and embrace the beauty that is Maui. You get a continental Hawaiian breakfast, picnic lunch, as well as snacks and sodas throughout the day.

Your tour to Hana will truly be a memorable one. Your drive will pass pineapple and sugar cane fields, spectacular cliffs, dense bamboo jungles, breezy Eucalyptus groves, brilliant tropical flowers and incredible waterfalls. The postcard-perfect panoramas appear untouched for hundreds of years.

Valley Isle Excursions allows you to enjoy the informative, narrated tour on the famous Road to Hana. Our tour guide and narrator was a kind gentleman named Iwi. He had a great sense of humor and was very knowledgeable about Hawaiian culture and its rich history.

Driving along the northern coast of Maui presents numerous views of the rugged and scenic coastline. Sheer cliffs, crashing ocean waves and lush tropical vegetation are a feast for the eyes. This makes your Road to Hana trip even more enjoyable.

One enjoyable stop is at the world famous Black Sand Beach or locally known as Waianapanapa Beach. The Black Sand Beach is actually composed of small, water-rounded pebbles. Black Sand Beach is located in the midst of the beautiful 120-acre Waianapanapa State Park. Situated among black lava cliffs and framed by tropical flora, Waianapanapa Beach is quite a sight. Take time to walk along the trail, looking down at crashing waves and jagged cliffs, plus several impressive blow holes.

It was time for lunch and we stopped at a local park for a relaxing picnic lunch of chicken, rice, green salad, macaroni salad, bread rolls and dessert.

The most popular stop was The Seven Pools of O’heo or better known as the Seven Sacred Pools. The Pools of O’heo are a series of cascading waterfalls and tranquil pools that descend through the O’heo Gulch and flows into the nearby Pacific Ocean. The Pipiwai Streams feed these amazing waterfalls and numerous pools starting 2 miles inland. We spent about an hour swimming in the pools and walking along the trail offering incredible views.

Another interesting stop is to the grave site of aviator Charles Lindbergh. Lindbergh flew the first solo non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean, from Roosevelt Field on Long Island to Le Bourget Field in Paris in the Spirit of St. Louis plane.

Charles Lindbergh, nicknamed the “Lone Eagle”, spent his final years on Maui, where he died of lymphoma in 1974. Lindbergh was buried on the grounds of the Palapala Ho’omau Church in Kipahulu.

For wine enthusiasts, you will visit Hawaii’s oldest winery, which is located nearby Haleakala volcano. Taste a variety of Maui’s fine wines, walk around the picnic area and visit the gift shop for some souvenirs.

As you continue along the eastern and southern side of Maui, you have the mighty Haleakala volcano looming over off your right-side. The landscape becomes more barren of vegetation, but that’s what numerous volcanic eruptions over the years will do.

What’s obvious is that Valley Isle Excursions definitely knows where all the best scenic spots are, both to visit … as well as capture wonderful pictures. Their drivers are highly skilled and trained. Although the road is windy and carries a lot of traffic, we always felt safe and could solely focus on the beautiful Road to Hana scenery.

There are many Maui tour companies available but what sets Valley Isle Excursions apart from the competition is their knowledge of the road, the weather, and how to spot the best opportunity for their quests. Tours are adjusted on a daily basis (as needed) to give customers the highest value stops they can.

Thanks Valley Isle Excursions, for an unforgettable trip to “Heavenly Hana.” The tour was absolutely fabulous!

Valley Isle Excursions
(877) 871- 5224
Email: tour@tourmaui.com

On the Big Island of Hawaii, you can find the magnificent Akaka Falls State Park. Akaka Falls State Park is located about about 11 miles north of Hilo on the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii.

The drive to Akaka Falls State Park is somewhat scenic, offering nice views of Mauna Kea.

Once you reach Akaka Falls State Park, there is a short, half-mile loop trail that you will need to hike to view Akaka Falls. The easy trail is along a well maintained and paved route.

The path takes you through thick Big Island foliage and you definitely know you are in the tropics when you follow the path to the viewing area. The Akaka Falls is located on the Kolekole Stream.

Akaka Falls is breathtaking as the 442 foot Akaka Falls drops over lushly green coated cliffs and then into a deep blue pool far below.

The word “Akaka” means a separation, a split or crack in Hawaiian. The reason Akaka Falls was given this name is due to the deep gorge that the waterfall plunges into below.

Not only is view of Akaka Falls incredible but so is the thundering sound. The amazing sound that Akaka Falls makes is caused by rushing water filling the air. The mist from Akaka Falls can be felt quite far away.

The legend of the falls surrounds a Chief named Akaka that lived in the area. He had an affair with a woman down stream. Apparently his wife caught them together, and ran away crying.

Chief named Akaka tried to catch her, Akaka tripped and tragically fell to his death at the bottom of the pool.

Akaka Falls State Park is a 66-acre preserve that’s covered by a canopy of lush rainforest vegetation. The park includes beautiful birds of paradise, azaleas and giant plants with leaves measuring almost 2 feet in length.

For those that are more adventuresome, take a short nature walk that will lead through a variety of bamboo groves, ferns, ti and orchids. You will then have the opportunity to see the 100-foot high Kahuna Falls.

To reach Akaka Falls, take Route 19 and pass by several sugar cane fields. You will see a turnoff for Akaka Falls State Park around the 13 mile marker towards Honomu. Simply follow the signs to Akaka Falls.

There’s a quaint, surf-town on the North Shore of Oahu called Haleiwa. After some sun bathing on the white sandy beaches, surfing in the warm Pacific Ocean or shopping and taking in the sites …. it’s time to eat. The mouth watering smell is Huli Huli Chicken being barbecued.

A huge rotisserie is covered with chicken halves and slowly grilled over a bed of mesquite charcoal. Huli Huli barbecued chicken is a Hawaiian specialty and must be tried.

It gets its name from the Huli Huli sauce, which is made from a recipe of Asian chili paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, ketchup, honey, lime juice, minced garlic and ginger root, salt and pepper.  Full article