Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Big Island of Hawaii
Located on Hawaii’s Big Island, there is a scenic place of refuge called the Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park.
Puuhonua o Honaunau is a 182-acre park full of archaeological sites and reconstructions of an ancient Hawaiian “Place of Refuge”. The park offers visitors a self-guided tour of archaeological finds and recreated Polynesian canoes, houses, statuary and much more.
This sacred site was at one time a home to Hawaiian royalty and a place of refuge for those persons who broke a kapu (ancient Hawaiian law) or defeated military.
This Hawaii historical park offers a self-guided tour and learning opportunities. You start your visit at the park office, then can continue your way down to the beach, to the actual Place of Refuge, walled-in sacred ground where those who broke ancient law could go.
History states that if you could make it to the Place of Refuge before you were killed by the king’s soldiers, your death sentence was lifted.
Instead of king’s warriors chasing after you, you can take a leisure walk down to the actual Place of Refuge, but now it’s just a bunch of rocks and other Polynesian artifacts.
While at the Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, take the time do some green sea-turtle watching, although you are not allowed to bother them. Be advised that is against the law, so running to the Place of Refuge won’t help you there.
Enjoy the Lush Garden Isle of Kauai, Hawaii from Above – By Helicopter
Na Pali coast
There is no better way to experience the sheer beauty of Kauai, than by a helicopter tour. To uncover the secrets that Kauai has to offer, you need to go deep into the rain forest behind the mountains.
So much of the Garden Isle – Kauai is unavailable by car, so seeing Kauai by air allows you to discover the Garden Isle’s most spectacular sights.
You have several choices of helicopter tour companies on Kauai, but there’s only name that is synonymous with excellence and safety – Blue Hawaiian Helicopters.
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters is the largest and most successful helicopter tour company in Hawaii. They are the only tour company that provides tours of all the major Hawaiian islands including Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.
Kauai is the wettest island in Hawaii and is home to Mount Wai’ale’ale, an ancient volcanic crater that is also one of the wettest spots on earth. Mount Wai’ale’ale averages over 400 inches a year.
All that rain on the Garden Isle has to go somewhere. The rainfall generates the most incredible waterfalls that cascade into amazing sheer valleys and down jagged cliffs that seem to fall straight into the Pacific Ocean.
After a safety video and review of the do’s and don’ts, we headed off to the heliport at Lihue airport to begin our tour. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters has an amazing safety record and is the recipient of numerous awards including the Certificate of Excellence “Diamond Award” from the Federal Aviation Administration.
American Eurocopter ECO-Star helicopter
The new American Eurocopter ECO-Star helicopter was top notch and is regarded as the first touring helicopter of the 21st Century. The ECO-Star is roomy and reduces flight noise by approximately 50%.
As we take off and see the expansive blue waters of the Pacific Ocean to our east, you quickly realize this is going to be an incredible journey. We saw a diverse landscape during our nearly one hour helicopter tour.
Waimea Canyon
We saw spectacular Hanapepe Valley, then on to Mana Waiapuna, which is better known as “Jurassic Park Falls.” We passed over Olokele Canyon, before flying over incredible Waimea Canyon, named by Mark Twain as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”
Our pilot was professional and offered a detailed narrative via the headphones which allowed for two-way communication with him.
As we continue over the northwest corner of the island, the sheer cliffs and caves of the Na Pali Coast await – stretching 11 miles on Kauai’s northern shore. What a sight as we hug the coast and seem miniscule in comparison to the jagged vertical cliffs of Na Pali. Lush vegetation, white sand beaches and pounding surf are everywhere.
Na Pali coast beach
We pass by the Bali Hai Cliffs, and hover over the blue waters of stunning Hanalei Bay, then continue to the nearby Princeville resort area.
Mt. Waialeale is often covered in thick clouds, producing all that rain. Luck was with us that day as clouds opened up and we flew directly into the center of the crater! Mt. Waialeale was majestic with 5,000 foot walls towering above and 3,000 foot waterfalls cascading down its sides. Truly an amazing site!
Mount Waialeale crater
As we returned to the heliport, the six passengers all realized what an incredible experience we just had. The ECO-Star’s large glass windows provided excellent sweeping views of Kauai’s natural beauty.
Overall, our experience was terrific and memorable. The office personnel, ground crew, and the pilot were superb.
If you do get the chance to visit Kauai, make sure you plan a helicopter trip. Discover the true beauty of Kauai. It’s an adventure you’ll never forget.
To learn more or make a helicopter tour reservation, please contact – Hawaii Fun Planner
The Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort & Spa is a luxury condominium resort located on the eastern shore of Kauai, Hawaii.
Featuring a magnificent pristine oceanfront setting, the Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort & Spa is found on 12.6 acres between the historic Kauai towns of Kapa’a and Wailua.
Opened in late 2006, the Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort & Spa is an ideal choice for an ultimate home-away-from-home environment. This luxury property is perfect for both couples and families who are looking for a sophisticated, yet relaxing Hawaii escape.
Enhancing your dream Hawaii vacation, is the centrally located is the 300,000 gallon fantasy pool. This tropical oasis covering over 2 acres, features a pool of lava rock and cascading waterfalls, a flowing river, lush tropical garden, dual serpentine waterslides, three sand-bottom whirlpool tubs. and a sand-bottom children’s pool. The entire family can relax and truly enjoy fun in the sun.
The amazing beachfront Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort is famous for its unforgettable sunrises. Just steps from the white sand beach and warm Pacific Ocean waters.
Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort & Spa
Resort accommodations come in two condo flavors – comfortable and luxurious one and two bedroom units. These condos are nicely furnished, offering central air conditioning, cable TV, telephone with voice-mail, data port, coffee-maker, safe, hair dryer, washer/dryer, iron/ironing board, tub/shower combo, free in-room high-speed wireless internet access and a lanai.
Each of the spacious units are elegantly accented with warm Indonesian woods and attractive Peruvian travertine flooring.
The one and two bedroom units all have a full kitchen to enjoy dining in. Kitchens are equipped with stylish granite countertops and modern stainless steel appliances including a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf convection ovens, dishwasher, and microwave. The one bedroom units can sleep 4 and the two bedrooms unit can sleep up to 6 guests.
If you desire to be pampered and deserve a luxurious experience, then visit the The Aveda Lifestyle Salon and Spa and receive a nurturing body care treatment or restorative and relaxing massage. As with all Aveda salons and spas, only high-end Aveda products are used for all guest treatments.
One of the true joys of our wonderful stay at the Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort & Spa, was seeing a Hawaiian Monk Seal close-up. It had come on shore and was resting on the sandy beach for all to enjoy.
Photo: The Life of Luxury
There are numerous shopping options nearby, including the Kauai Village shopping center and Coconut Marketplace.
To assist guests with the wide variety of sightseeing activities on Kauai, you will find an Activities desk located in the main lobby. The polite staff will help you get oriented with the island and make your reservations, including restaurants, boat tours and helicopter rides.
As with all Outrigger properties around the world, resort guests will receive outstanding hospitality and terrific customer service.
The Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort & Spa is a pristine condo property that offers the perfect balance of relaxation, natural beauty and elegance, all in a lush and secluded Hawaiian setting.
If you are looking for a luxury treat, set amidst the beauty of the “Garden Isle” of Kauai, then choose the luxury Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort.
This is definitely a premier Hawaiian resort of distinction.
Please use the Contact Form below to submit your travel request for a stay at the luxurious Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort Spa Kauai. We will promptly get back to you.
For serious inquiries about "The Life of Luxury" or any of our services please contact a concierge representative. Please provide a few details about your request, including your contact information. One of our concierge specialists will contact you as soon as possible.
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Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Hawaii
Photo by: National Park Service
Although it may be hard to reach, the Kalaupapa National Historical Park is another of Molokai’s more unusual tourist attractions worth considering, with guided tours explaining the world-famous and rather unexpected history of its past, isolated settlement.
The Kalaupapa National Historical Park enjoys a remote setting on the Kalaupapa Peninsula and because of this, can be hard to reach. Since it’s not connected by roads, and almost entirely surrounded by the ocean and steep cliffs, it means that visitors will need to either ride down the steep trail on mules, take a boat, or fly into Kalaupapa Airport.
The park was set up in 1980 and is dedicated to the lives and experiences of the former leper colony, which was known throughout the world and completely isolated here between 1866 and 1969. Literally thousands of Hawaiians infected with leprosy once lived here, being shipped in to the village of Kalawao from all over Hawaii.
Today, several local residents with leprosy (Hansen’s disease) still live here and have been treated with modern medicines.
Commercial tours of the main attractions and available and very interesting, although do bear in mind that you will require a permit from Hawaii’s State Department of Health, before you are actually able to enter the settlement.
This Molokai island on Hawaii tourist attraction is open daily and admission is free.
Please use the Contact Form below to submit your Hawaiian travel request. We will promptly get back to you.
For serious inquiries about "The Life of Luxury" or any of our services please contact a concierge representative. Please provide a few details about your request, including your contact information. One of our concierge specialists will contact you as soon as possible.
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Sweetheart Rock on Lanai, Hawaii – A Lover’s Legend
Sweetheart Rock or Puu Pehe is a triangular-shaped rock located just offshore of Hulopoe Bay on Lanai.
The rock can be reached by following the shoreline from the left side of Hulopoe Beach. There you will find a large cove lined with a white sand beach.
Sweetheart Rock is about 80 feet high with a summit that measures approximately 70 feet in diameter. The “tomb” area at the top of the rock can be seen easily from an overlook on beach shore.
According to Hawaiian legend, Pu’u Pehe, who was a young girl, drowned in a sea cave. Her lover, with help from the Gods, carried her body to the summit and buried her beneath the ruins of what is believed to be an ancient bird shrine.
Archeologists who have studied the sea stack, report that there are no human remains in the “tomb” at the top of the rock. Many archeologists believe the “tomb” may really be a bird heiau built by ancient Hawaiians. Numerous bones from sea birds have been discovered near the heaiu.
The cove’s clear waters contain an abundance of marine life, offering visitors excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities.
A trail from Hulopue Beach leads to a wonderful overlook of Puu Pehe Rock.
Waimea Valley Audubon Park on Oahu, Hawaii
Waimea Valley Audubon Center’s mission is to preserve the botanical, cultural and ecological resources of the prosperous Waimea Valley.
It offers visitors to Oahu, Hawaii various opportunities to discover the valley through elaborate guided tours, educational programs and mountain trails.
Back in 2006, several public and private groups worked together to purchase Waimea Valley Park from a private developer. This move protected this valuable heritage property for future generations to come.
The acquisition of the 1,875-acre North Shore property, home to a world class botanical garden and a popular waterfall and pool, was made possible by a partnership of donors, consisting of the City & County of Honolulu, US Army, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, State Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the National Audubon Society.
Under the terms of the agreement, OHA will assume ownership of the land and will manage it in partnership with the Audubon Society. The Hawaii park will henceforth be known as Waimea Valley Audubon Center.
Many residents and tourists are familiar with the beautiful front 300 acres of the park, where the garden and waterfall are located. But the land included in the ahupua’a of Waimea consists of more than 1,500 additional acres of “back country,” that regular visitors to the park never see.
Lovers who desire to catch a glimpse of rare birds, flowers and butterflies are up for a treat in this Hawaiian paradise.
To Lanai, Hawaii By Sunrise Sail
Mornings are magical. There’s an aura of serenity, innocence and freshness in the hours just after sunrise; it’s as though in the dark of night, when most of us were sleeping, breezes swept away all impurities, rewarding us with a clean tableau. Treat yourself to a sunrise sail.
During a sunrise sail, this feeling of renewal seems more pronounced when you’re sailing. Old salts will tell you the farther you are from shore, the more aware you are of the miracle that is nature.
About three dozen guests boarded the 55-foot sailing catamaran Trilogy VI for Trilogy Excursions’ Discover Lanai Sunrise Sail. We are all looking forward to a memorable experience and hopefully seeing many whales up close.
Daylight had just broken when we headed from Maui’s Lahaina Harbor across the Auau Channel to Manele Bay on the southern coast of Lanai. The wind and sea appeared to be dozing; their movements were barely perceptible.
No sooner were the words out of his mouth than a woman standing on the starboard side shouted excitedly, “There’s a whale out there!” This was truly the ultimate, sunrise experience!
We turned just in time to see a spout of mist and part of a humpback’s dark blue-gray body rising out of the water. Another blue-gray form appeared beside it. Even though they were off in the distance, we were pretty sure they were a mother and her baby.
During our leisurely 90-minute trip to Manele, we spotted a few other whales; unfortunately, they were too far away for us to get decent photos, but it was thrilling just the same. One even lifted a fin as if to wave at us.
We arrived at Manele, anticipating a full day of fun. First, we took an hour-long van tour of Lanai City, the ambitiously named center of Hawaii’s smallest inhabited island.
No hustle. No bustle. As we drove through the heart of town past rows and rows of modest but tidy plantation houses, most dating back to the 1930s, it was clear life here moved at its own easy going pace.
Hale Kai Restaurant – The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii
Courtesy of: Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii
The luxury Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii – a AAA Four Diamond resort located on the Kohala Coast of the Island of Hawaii features the incredible, ocean front Hale Kai Restaurant.
The Hale Kai Restaurant offers a family friendly, toes-in-the sand dining experience located just steps from the shoreline.
With a menu featuring ‘Ohana’ (Family) Plates of Grilled Shoyu Flank Steak, Kona Brew Battered Fresh Fish, and Jumbo Crab Cake served with Family Style Edamame and Green Papaya Slaw; this new beachside dining experience is perfect for value-seeking families.
“Our goal is to enhance our guests’ oceanfront dining experience, which is one of the main reasons for the installation of dining palapas,” explains Sean Hubbard, Director of Food and Beverage. “Hale Kai Restaurant embodies the warmth of aloha featuring dishes from all parts of the island.”
Located poolside, Hale Kai Restaurant offers lunch and dinner options ranging from pupus (appetizers) to sandwiches, salads pizzas and burgers. A full service bar featuring an inspired tropical drink menu includes a Hale Kai ‘Tini-a refreshing blend of Malibu rum, fresh pineapple, lime juice, Coco Lopez and a splash of Chambord .
Hale Kai is open daily from 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
For information on the Hale Kai Restaurant, please contact The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii at 808-885-2000 or visit www.fairmont.com/orchid
The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii is a AAA Four Diamond destination resort on 32 oceanfront acres offering 540 guestrooms on the island’s northwestern coast.
Resort facilities and services include the Hawaiian-inspired Spa Without Walls with 8 waterfall hale (hut) and 6 oceanside cabanas, authentically local daily beach and cultural activities, golf, tennis and water sports, year-round children’s program, six delectable restaurants and expansive indoor and outdoor meeting facilities all surrounded by service with Aloha.
Kauai Movie Adventure Tour – Alii Movie Excursion and Scenic Hanalei
Wailua River – scene location in “Raiders of the Lost Ark”
Hawaii has long been a popular location for Hollywood movies. Over the years, well over 100 movies have been filmed just on Kauai “The Garden Isle.”
If you want to experience the Hollywood side of Hawaii, then choose Polynesian Adventure Tours as your personal tour guide.
For those who can’t get enough movies and are a self-proclaimed “movie buff,” then be sure to try the “Ali’i Movie Excursion and Scenic Hanalei” land tour from Polynesian Adventure Tours.
In addition to enjoying many of the most beautiful sights on Kauai, you will also experience a Hawaiian Hollywood journey and explore some of the most exciting and romantic movie locations on the island.
The Ali’i Movie Excursion and Scenic Hanalei tour is the newest on Kauai and is definitely a “must do.”
You can enjoy this tour from the comfort of well maintained, air-conditioned mini-buses. It’s a fun and pleasurable live narrated tour that offers specially licensed video scenes from the popular movies that were filmed on the island of Kauai.
As you drive around the island, not only will you see famous locations used in Hollywood films, but there are numerous stops along the way so you can take photos and pose like your favorite leading actor.
For example, Hanalei Pier was a fun stop. On the shores of the beautiful and world’s famous Hanalei Bay, Hanalei Pier was the location for a pivotal scene in the classic 1959 movie “South Pacific.” Stroll to the end of the pier and gaze out across the blue waters of Hanalei Bay, or watch daring local kids jump from its roof.
Hanalei Pier – scene location in “South Pacific”
The Ali’i Movie Excursion and Scenic Hanalei tour is for everybody, including locals and tourists, families and groups of friends.
We were picked up at our hotel on-time and had fun meeting the others on our tour that day. Our driver – Jack Custer, was very knowledgeable as he has lived on the island for numerous years. He taught us many interesting facts about Hawaii, the island of Kauai, as well as its many scenic spots.
Overall you will visit over 15 locations including the following:
*Ahukini Pier
*Hanamaulu Bay
*Otsuka’s
*Kealia Over Look
*Haupu Ridge
*Poipu at Kipu Kai
*Aliomanu
*Hanalei Pier
*Lumahai Beach
*Ching Young Village
*Hanalei Valley Lookout
*Makaiwa Resort Quest
*Opaeka’a Falls
*Coco Palms
*Menehune Fish Pond
Famous Movie Scenes include:
*South Pacific
*Jurassic Park
*Blue Hawaii
*Donovan’s Reef
*Pagan Love Song
*Beachhead
*Uncommon Valor
*Sadie Thompson
*Six Days & Seven Nights
*Wackiest Ship in the Navy
*Raiders of the Lost Ark
On an island so beautiful and lush, is one of the ugliest and saddest stories on Kauai. In its prime, the iconic Coco Palms Hotel was one of a kind. The most popular movie filmed at the Coco Palms was “Blue Hawaii,” which starred Elvis Presley.
Coco Palms Hotel
In 1992, Hurricane Iniki slammed into the beautiful island of Kauai, causing devastating damage and power outages that lasted for months. One of the most hard hit areas was near Wailua. The result is the ruined remains of the once famous and long vacant – Coco Palms Hotel. http://www.polyad.com/kauai/alii_movie_tour_scenic_hanalei.html
There aren’t many paces in the world as beautiful as Hawaii. Located on the pristine white sands of Wailea on the island of Maui, The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui is Hawaii’s only luxury oceanfront resort that features spacious suites and villas.
No matter why you’re visiting Maui, Hawaii – the all-suite Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui is offering travel packages for everyone, including families, couples, golfers and active travelers.
For the remaining fall season, you enjoy the tropical island of Maui with customized amenities and discounts up to 40 percent during your stay in Wailea.
Offering 22 acres of tropical landscape, the luxury Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui provides authentic Hawaiian cultural experiences and the best amenities found anywhere.
Here are several of the exciting new travel packages to enjoy the sunny southwest shores of Maui at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui:
– The Suite Ride Car Package is perfect for families visiting Maui . The package not only includes accommodations in a spacious one-bedroom suite, but also a midsize rental car with unlimited miles to explore the island. Families will also enjoy the resort’s 140-foot water slide, toddler pool, sandy bottom swimming beach, Keiki Lani Kids Club and complimentary laundry facilities. The Suite Ride Car Package is valued at $571 per night, but starts at $509 per night.
– For couples seeking a quiet retreat, the Kea Lani Romance Package offers a minimum of five nights accommodations in a one-bedroom suite, as well as champagne upon arrival, daily breakfast, and a flower petal turndown on the last night of the stay. The package also includes a candlelit dinner for two at the resort’s newly-renovated and award-winning signature restaurant, Kō. Couples will also enjoy the adults-only pool, two whirlpools, swim up bar, and couples massages, available ocean side at Spa Kea Lani’s private cabana. The Kea Lani Romance Package starts at $559 per night.
– The Wailea Golf and Spa Package is perfect for couples seeking a balance of activity and relaxation. The package includes two rounds of golf at Wailea Golf Club’s championship courses, located just minutes from the resort. Also included is a minimum of four nights in a one-bedroom suite, breakfast daily, two 50-minute spa treatments at Spa Kea Lani and a romantic three-course dinner for two at Kō restaurant. The Wailea Golf and Spa Package is valued at $807 per night, but starts at $759 per night.
– For active travelers who prefer to spend their days under the sea, The Fairmont Kea Lani offers the Suite-to-Reef Package. This unique package encourages guests to explore Maui’s coastline and precious coral reef with complimentary snorkel gear for the entire stay, a fish-themed welcome amenity, reef-safe sunscreen, a waterproof camera, tips on how to preserve Maui ’s coral reefs, and a copy of The Ultimate Guide to Hawaiian Reef Fishes, by John Hoover. With accommodations in a luxurious one-bedroom suite, this package is valued at $642 per night, but starts at $529 per night.
Travelers can enjoy the luxury and spacious 840 square-foot one-bedroom suites featuring private lanais (balconies), separate living areas with full entertainment systems, and large marble bathrooms with his and her pedestal sinks. Book Now, Save Later starts at just $349 per night.
We can also book your entire trip. Contact The Life of Luxury by filling out the below form:
For serious inquiries about "The Life of Luxury" or any of our services please contact a concierge representative. Please provide a few details about your request, including your contact information. One of our concierge specialists will contact you as soon as possible.
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Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu, Hawaii
The Polynesian Cultural Center, which attracts 1 million visitors a year, is the state’s top paid visitor attraction. It has earned its reputation many times over.
Spread over 42 acres in La’ie on Oahu’s northeastern shore, the Polynesian Cultural Center is a full-day experience with plenty to do and see for the entire family.
For nearly 50 years, the Center has delivered exotic customs, cultures and traditions of ancient Polynesia. Visitors can “Go Native” and test their skills in Tahitian spear throwing, a New Zealand war dance and other Polynesian cultural practices. Visitors are part of the show at PCC.
The Center was founded in 1963 by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to help support student attendance at the church’s nearby college, Brigham Young University-Hawaii. It features Pacific Island villages, an extravagant evening show with a cast of 100 native performers called Horizons, a canoe pageant, an award-winning luau, an arts and handicrafts marketplace and an IMAX theater.
It is designed to celebrate the people and culture of the Polynesian islands, which range from New Zealand in the south and Easter Island in the far east, to Hawaii in the north, and include islands like Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands and Fiji.
The Ali’i Luau, which is Hawaii’s largest and most authentic luau, is set against a backdrop of waterfalls and lush gardens. The venue features talented dancers and musicians, in addition to fresh flower leis for each guest.
In October 2013, the PCC was proud to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
One of the most successful cultural theme attractions in the world, the Polynesian Cultural Center skillfully blends education with entertainment.
The Center also offers visitors a choice of several restaurants for dining plus a wide range of gifts, souvenirs and authentic Polynesian handicrafts.
The Polynesian Cultural Center is open from 11:45 to 9:15 p.m. daily except Sundays. Island villages opens at 12:05 p.m.
Note, there is no longer a charge for parking at the PCC grounds.
