The Nene or Hawaiian Goose, is a medium sized goose. The Nene has a black face and crown with cream-colored cheeks.

The neck is buff colored with black streaks and a dark, narrow ring at the base. The upper portion of the bird’s body is a gray-brown along with lighter coloring on the edges of the feathers. The Nene’s bill, legs, and feet are black and the eyes are dark brown.

The Nene became Hawaii’s state bird in 1957. By that time, the Nene were already bred in captivity as conservationists fought to keep the bird from going into extinction. Their goal was to one day, free the Nene back into the wild, and save the bird species.

The Nene is the sixth most endangered waterfowl species worldwide. The Nene used to live across all of the main Hawaiian islands and their population was estimated as big 25,000 birds.

Sadly by 1952, their numbers diminished to only 30 birds due to hunting and the introduction of predators such as mongooses, pigs, and cats.  The Nenet was listed as an endangered species in 1967.

Due to new laws and a massive Island effort, this special bird now flourishes. They roam freely around the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii where laws still protect them.

The resemblance of the Nene to the Canadian Goose is uncanny. But there is a valid reason for this. Surprisingly, the Nene actually is the Canada goose!

The Nene were not brought to Hawaii, but somehow they managed to make their way all the way to Hawaii. Over several centuries, the Nene have learned to adapt to the much warmer climate.

Courtesy of: Halekulani

Halekulani, on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu is one of the world’s most acclaimed hotels. Since its opening in 1984, Halekulani has proudly received more than five hundred accolades, awards and honoraria. This amazing hotel is consistently ranked among the world’s finest.

The luxury hotel has just unveiled Pure Renewal at SpaHalekulani.  Spa guests at SpaHalekulani can now enjoy the ultimate 3 ½ hour detoxification experience.

Pure Renewal restores optimal well-being to the mind, body and soul.  Guests will be pampered and receive invigorating treatments, combined with nourishing cuisine and Halekulani’s personalized service.

The Pure Renewal treatment provides proven purification results … both inward and outward.

SpaHalekulani was the first spa to fully explore the healing cultures of Asia, Hawaii and the South Pacific.

Guests of SpaHalekulani receive a welcome that consists of the spa’s signature Foot Pounding, which includes an exclusive ritual that stimulates circulation in the feet. During this time, spa therapists can get a better understanding of specific guest needs.

To begin with, Pure Renewal offers a tea service consisting of warm Cinnamon Orange Tea. The purification process as the Cinnamon’s therapeutic value starts to calm the mind and promotes lymphatic drainage.

Next, is a Foot Reflexology session, that opens up the body’s circulation channels. Completing the detox experience, is pampering, full body massage that relaxes the lymphatic system and ultimately release stress.

As the next phase of the treatment begins, guests will enjoy a healthy and tasty Farm Fresh Lunch on SpaHalekulani’s own serene ocean front terrace. The lunch is heart healthy, savory and locally-sourced and you will enjoy the beautiful Pacific Ocean views.

Your Pure Renewal journey will continue, and entails two rituals of Full Body Skin Brushing. This treatment stimulates the lymphatic system. Wet brushing stimulates hormonal and oil-producing glands, for a healthy and youthful glow. Dry brushing regenerates skin via the process of exfoliation.

Next is an Espresso Limon Body Wrap. Coffee has long been known for its detoxifying and firming effects. Coffee also visibly diminishes the appearance of cellulite and eliminates water retention. The Espresso Limon Body Wrap also contains essential oils of cinnamon and lemon to ensure that skin boasts a long-lasting luster.

The conclusion of your SpaHalekulani Pure Renewal treatment, is with the Detox Therapy Foot Soak. It’s a tranquil treatment focused on recharging the body through the elimination of congested toxins through the feet. The Detox Therapy Foot Soak is the ultimate in holistic cleansing.

The Pure Renewal at SpaHalekulani is now available. Learn more at http://www.halekulani.com/spa_halekulani/

For reservations and information, please contact a travel planner, call Halekulani at (800) 367-2343 / (808) 923-2311 or visit the Halekulani website (www.halekulani.com).

If you’re looking for an intimate, low-key place where you can enjoy good conversation and fabulous pastas, Pomodoro is ideal. Family-owned, this great Italian restaurant offers well-prepared food at reasonable prices.

Pomodoro Ristorante Italiano is located In Rainbow Plaza, Kaumualii Hwy. (Hwy. 50), inland from Poipu, in the Poipu Resort area of Kauai, Hawaii.

The selection of pastas at Pomodoro is substantial, whether you’re looking for something dressed (fettuccine Alfredo) or stuffed (manicotti).

If you’re open to other possibilities, look to veal parmigiana, chicken saltimbocca, or one of the seafood dishes. The signature lasagna is also not-to-be-missed, and special requests can be accommodated as well.

Courtesy of: Hyatt Regency Waikiki

Anyone who has visited Oahu knows that a stroll down seafront Kalakaua Avenue, Waikiki’s main drive, can find a wide array of shopping.

There are more than 500 boutiques along Kalakaua Avenue. The allure can cause Hawaiian visitors to indulge in a strenuous regimen of retail therapy. The result is often a tired body with sore and achy muscles.

Na Ho’ola Spa, at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa in Honolulu, has recently introduced a new, totally unique spa treatment called, The Shopaholics Treatment to help you relax and rejuvenate.

The Shopaholics Treatment is he ultimate “retail therapy” and was specifically created for the shopper extraordinaire.

Courtesy of: Hyatt Regency Waikiki

This vigorous massage concentrates solely on those muscles that are used the most while shopping. They include feet, lower back, shoulders, neck and head.

The Shopaholics Treatment features moist heating blankets rather than wet towels. This provides consistent deep penetration of those targeted areas.

The treatment also integrates various stretching techniques to help alleviate your muscles used to carrying those heavy shopping bags.

The Shopaholics Treatment is attractively priced at only $140.

Na Ho’ola Spa
2424 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815-3289
(808) 923 1234

Yum Cha Asian Fusion Eatery, winner of Honolulu Magazine’s coveted Hale ‘Aina Silver Award for Best New Restaurant. Here …. East meets West.

Yum Cha translates into “drink tea” — a healthy and habitual aspect of Chinese cuisine.

Yum Cha offers a captivating mix of food and drink. Delight in a blossoming tea or sip a ginger infused martini.

Located at the Poipu Bay Golf Clubhouse, next to the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa on the island of Kauai.

The head sous chef, Romel Begonia, brings a pioneering and approachable spirit to the current trend in Asian fusion cuisine.

Popular “small plates” include Dim Sum, Vietnamese-style lettuce wraps, Kalua pork spring rolls. “Large plates” feature moo-shu pork, wok fried lobster and prawns, steamed Hawaiian snapper and more.

Try an eclectic dessert such as Jasmine TeaRamisu – a twist on Tiramisu.

The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday, 5:30-9:30pm.

Yum Cha Asian Fusion Eatery
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
1571 Poipu Road,
Koloa, Hawaii, USA 96756
Tel: (808) 742 1234

You take a vacation to a tropical paradise like Hawaii but so many people spend all their time researching where to stay and finding the best resorts.

If you are planning to visit the beautiful Hawaiian island of Maui, and need to learn about the best restaurants Maui has to offer, then this new book is for you.

The 2010 Top Maui Restaurants book is the latest version, written by Molly and James Jacobson.

Anybody who has traveled knows how difficult it is to find a nice restaurant. We all have our own budgets and preferences. The 2010 Top Maui Restaurants restaurant guide has them all covered.

Don’t be fooled by other inferior tour books that write short reviews. They’re too generic and often way off the mark.

The 2010 Top Maui Restaurants restaurant guide is a must have for any visitor to Maui.

Whether you prefer romantic waterfront dining, a quiet lunch over looking a tropical garden, or a memorable sunset dinner, you’ll find it all in this “must-have” Maui restaurant guide.

The book is in paperback form and covers 248 pages. Married couple James and Molly Jacobson are respected food journalists and dine out approximately eleven time a week.

The Jacobson’s primary goal is to present a fair and well balanced review of Maui’s restaurants.

Previous versions of this highly acclaimed book have been read by tens of thousands of satisfied readers.

In the new 2010 edition, you will discover:
* The best romantic restaurants that worth your money.
* Discover the hot spots where the locals eat.
* Inexpensive restaurants offering the best value.
* A handy reference to help you find the dining nationality you desire.

There are detailed reviews for almost 200 Maui restaurants, which represents about half of all restaurants on Maui.

Each restaurant review contains a table with the restaurant’s address, location, types of meals served, hours, parking, phone number, and website.

The authors use a graphical “Star” rating system (from 1 to 5 stars) that makes it very simple to quickly identify how a particular restaurants ranks. There are five major categories (Food, Ambiance, Service, Love and value) along with an Overall Star rating.

Another nice feature is an iconic representation of the restaurant’s Cost, Amenities and type of payment accepted.

I like the variety of restaurants reviewed, in addition to the balance of the writers’ opinions. Another important fact is each restaurant in the guide, has been personally reviewed at least twice, and most either three or more times.

In summary, the 2010 Top Maui Restaurants book offers readers excellent overviews and detailed reviews of the various cuisines of the Hawaiian island of Maui.

So don’t take a chance with a bad meal at some over-hyped restaurant. Trust the personal expertise of Molly and James Jacobson. It could very well be the best money you ever spend.

Purchase your copy now:

The Hawaiian Lei is an image that most people associate directly to Hawaii. It’s a wonderful island greeting for arriving tourists as well as used by locals for many special occasions.

Be sure to treat yourself to one of the traditional single-strand leis, featuring beautiful, fresh local orchids. But what’s the history of the Hawaiian Lei?

The history of the lei dates way back to the time of ancient Hawaiians. They wore a variety of braided leaves, shells, native flowers, stones, feathers, and even bones to beautify themselves.

Ancient Hawaiians also offered these garlands to each other in addition to their gods as a tangible symbol of both their love and friendship. The lei was treasured and worn with pride by people from every age group.

Polynesians who had voyaged to Hawaii from nearby Tahiti, introduced the lei to the Hawaiian Islands. A lei was worn as a form of decoration, similar to how people wear jewelry today. They were also given in greeting or to honor the recipient.

The traditional flower lei, which is basically a garland worn like a necklace, is created by stringing together individual flowers into single or multiple strands. When completed, the ends are then tied together.

Leis are still carefully made by hand, weaving fragrant, colorful flowers and leaves together to create a work of art. Leis are worn on all special occasions and given to family and friends as gifts of love. Indeed, the lei is a symbol of Hawaii.

Each Hawaiian island has its own signature lei flower. In addition to the shells for Niihau and the red Lehua for the Big Island, Oahu favors the orange Ilima. Kauai uses a green vine and berry called the Mokihana and Molokai has the Kukui, the white blossom of the Candlenut Tree. Maui’s choice is the Lokelani, a small rose. The yellow moss, Kuanaoa, is the choice of Lanai.

Today, in addition to weddings and special ceremonies, flower lei are most often presented to honor birthdays and graduations. Islanders will also wear a lei on May 1, which is Lei Day in Hawai’i, and during the Aloha Week festivities that take place throughout the islands during the Fall.

The lei is also was used in more formal ceremonies. Beautiful Jasmine flowers or pikake are traditionally used in courtship and marriage.

Diamond Head – Oahu Hawaii

Diamond Head is one of the primary icons that Hawaii is known for. This majestic giant volcano towers above the Waikiki beach area and can be seen for miles.

Diamond Head’s visual prominence also benefits from Hawaii’s weather. The clear air and low clouds set off the shape the way a frame promotes a picture. “In Hawaii you see sharp, dense shadows and sparkling highlights on the landscape, and that helps define it as well.”

Government-owned, Diamond Head served over the years as a training ground and revetment for the military, rarely open to the public except during occasional music festivals. That has changed, and the two-hour hike to the 760-foot summit has become one of the most popular outings in the islands.

On the rim, visitors can also inspect the tunnels and sighting apertures dug out by the Army, when the peak was an important part of Fort DeRussy’s artillery system.

Diamond Head is a kind of logo for Hawaii, said artist Pegge Hopper. “The sheer shape of it is so iconic. A great crutch for beginning artists; if you had to ship out a label for anyone. Diamond Head, a hula girl, plumeria lei, a coconut tree — mix them together in any combination, and you have a logo that’s distinctly Hawaii.”

Diamond Head is also the name of a British heavy metal band and of a Charlton Heston movie, of a comic-book villain and of a tiny Southern hamlet. But the Hawaiian locals feel that Diamond Head is simply the best-known volcanic crater in the universe. Amen.

Hawaii is a tropical paradise, well known for the many beautiful beaches, palm trees and warm Pacific Ocean waters. But its active volcanoes captivates us all and 1959 was memorable when Kilauea Volcano again roared to life and put on an incredible display of nature’s fury.

On Hawaii’s Big Island, the Kilauea Iki eruption began on the morning of November 14, 1959, three months after a rapid increase in inflation of the ground surface and the number and size of earthquakes.  The eruption started halfway up the 600-650 foot (180-200 m) south wall of the crater as a curtain of fire a half-a-mile (0.8 km) long. Lava was ejected up to 100 feet (30 m) in the air.

Watch this amazing video of the 1959 Kilauea Volcano eruption on the Big Island of Hawaii. It will amaze you. It’s nature at its very best.

On the lush island of Maui, a must see is the splendor of Iao’s Valley. Iao Valley and Iao Needle, is named for Iao, daughter of Maui.

The needle itself is said to be Iao’s warrior lover, found by her father and turned to stone. Once a peaceful taro farming valley, the valley at one time turned into the location of great brutality. It is the site of a famous battle (1790) in which King Kamehameha I defeated the Maui army during Kamehameha’s push to unite the Hawaiian Islands.

Historians say that warriors from Kahului retreated into Iao Valley where they were bloodily defeated in battle. A local guidebook mentions, “the waters of Iao Stream were so choked with bodies that the area was called Kepaniwai meaning ‘Damming of the Waters.’

Luckily for visitors coming today, Iao Valley is once again peaceful, lush and green.

The highlight of the park of course is Iao Needle, a 2,250 foot tall pinnacle. Due to its height, the Needle is often shrouded in clouds of fog, making for interesting photo opportunities.

There is a short paved trail that goes to a viewpoint, but better photos are from the bridge near the start of the trail. An additional short trails loop down along Iao Stream, which I believe offers the best photos.

Also to be discovered, is an inviting trail that leads farther into the lush rainforest. Unfortunately the trail is  accompanied by a “No Trespassing” sign.  Proceed at your own risk.

There is also a small area planted with native plants such as taro, and an imu pit, used by local people for cooking.

For another memorable photo opportunity, also visible from the park is Puu Kukui, the highest spot in West Maui at 5,788 feet, and also the wettest point.

Courtesy of: Halekulani Hotel

As the holiday travel season is quickly approaching, many Hawaiian resorts are planning amazing holiday celebrations.

The luxury Halekulani Hotel is located on five acres fronting the gorgeous Waikiki Beach on Oahu. This elegant hotel has a long reputation of offering its guests gracious hospitality, impeccable service and magnificent cuisine.

o December 12 – 24: Twelve Days of Christmas at Halekulani

Each day, guests of Halekulani are treated to surprising, thoughtful, exclusive and complimentary holiday festivities. From poolside snow cones and limo transfers to the ‘Rodeo’ of Hawaii…this is a tradition beloved by return guests.

o December 24: Halekulani’s Santa Claus arrives by Outrigger Canoe
As the sun sets over Waikiki, young children of Hawaii dance hula and sing in anticipation of Halekulani’s beloved Santa Claus who surfs into Waikiki Beach every year. Santa hosts an exclusive Halekulani children’s party and an elegant adult’s reception together with the General Manager.

o December 31: Halekulani New Year’s Eve Extravaganza
Halekulani celebrates New Year’s Eve with a formal gala of fine dining at La Mer and Orchids featuring festive entertainment by the Honolulu Symphony and a fireworks extravaganza over Waikiki Beach.

Halekulani
2199 Kalia Road
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
(800) 367-2343