Hawaii Archives - Page 10 of 11 - Jen is on a Journey

Traveling Back to Hawaii: Our Moloka’i Itinerary

February 10, 2012 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

Today we leave the island of Lana’i and head to Moloka’i. Hawaii’s fifth-largest island, Moloka’i is only 38 miles long and 10 miles across at its widest point. Molokai is home to the highest sea cliffs in the world along its northeast coast (3,600-3,900 feet) and Hawaii’s longest continuous fringing reef (28 miles) off it’s southern coast.

Just a few minutes from the island’s largest city of Kaunakakai, we will enjoy a stay at Hotel Molokai. We will learn what is meant by an open-air guestroom as well as dine at Hula Shores, the hotel’s restaurant featuring Polynesian and Hawaiian cuisine and enjoy local entertainment. Back in Kauanakakai, Coffee’s of Hawaii will show us their 500 acre coffee plantation and gift shop, I can already smell the delicious aromas.

On this island, we’ll take the road less traveled and admire the 1,700 foot cliffs leading to Kalaupapa National Historical Park at the Kalaupapa Lookout and also discover Papohaku Beach, one of Hawaii’s biggest 3-mile white sand beach, I know we’re in for a treat.

On the western part of the island, in Maunaloa town we’ll visit the Big Wind Kite Factory and on the eastern end St. Joseph’s church built by St. Damien will be a stop as well as the waterfalls in Halawa Valley. The island is at our fingertips as we’ll have a car to explore as well as live like a local throughout the weekend.

To visit Moloka’i and create your own Moloka’i itinerary, head to their site, http://www.gohawaii.com/molokai.

Traveling Back to Hawaii: Our Lanai Itinerary

February 2, 2012 by The Mom Jen 2 Comments

As a mother, a parent, as a woman, there are times when you just say, “I deserve to get away.” When you get away you say, “I deserve to be pampered.” When you return, you say, “I feel like a new woman.”

This is what I say, what I will do, and how I will feel after a week back to Hawaii. Two islands in one week, Lanai and Molokai, the smaller islands that with Maui and Kaho’olawe make up Maui Nui. Untouched tranquility plus a location that has stayed true to Hawaii’s traditions, I look forward to our escape.

While there, follow me on Twitter (@themomjen) as I Tweet using the #MauiNui hashtag from takeoff to red-eye flight home, follow my adventures that I will share with my husband.

Lanai Itinerary

Every woman deserves a spa treatment of a lifetime, and Lanai’s Four Seasons resorts have what you need. I have planned to Tweet my way through a lovely pedicure and an amazing Custom Perfume Blending where I will create my very own signature perfume from over 200 intoxicating scents indigenous to Hawaii.

Also while on the island, we will tour Lanai City and go off the beaten path to the Lanai Cultural and Heritage Center, Garden of the Gods (Keahiakawelo), take a hike to Sweetheart Rock (Pu’u Pehe), and Shipwreck Beach (Kaiolohia). I can only imagine my photos will be stunning!

My husband and I will try our skills at SNUBA with Trilogy Ocean Sports. A cross between scuba diving and snorkeling, this gives you a chance to be one with the sea breathing underwater!

We’ll wander through unspoiled territory on horseback with the Stables at Koele. Never been on horseback for more than a trot around a ring, I’m going to take in the views and pray I’m not sore the next day. UTV Rides with Lanai Western Adventures will take us along the scenic Munro Trail, in and out of the Ironwood Forests before we head to high ground to admire the islands around us.

Have I mentioned the food…I can already taste the vibrant flavors Hawaii has to offer at Lanai City Grill, Fresco, and Hulopo’e Court, just to name a few locales.

We anxiously await our Molokai itinerary as well as our flight out on Monday, which coincides with my birthday, I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate. Look forward to my full reviews of our lodging, excursions, and more when we return.

You too can visit Lanai by checking out their official travel site, http://www.gohawaii.com/lanai

Hawaii: Outrigger’s Valentine’s Day Vow Renewals

January 20, 2012 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

One dream I have is to renew my vows with my husband. We’ve been married 15 and a half years and would love to have all our family on a tropical island celebrating this type of occasion. Dreams can come true for some of you interested in reliving that special day in Hawaii!

Outrigger Hotels & Resorts is helping couples fall in love all over again this Valentine’s Day with a series of complimentary vow renewal ceremonies for guests. Ceremonies will be conducted by a non-denominational kahu, or Hawaiian officiant, and each couple will be presented with a certificate to commemorate the day’s events.

“We’re bringing our popular vow renewal ceremonies to the most romantic day of the year to give our guests an extra special way to celebrate their commitment in paradise,” said Barry Wallace, senior vice president of hospitality services for Outrigger Hotels & Resorts. “Whether they’ve been together one year or 50, participation in one of our vow renewal ceremonies will rekindle the romance and let couples relive that special day when they first said ‘I do.’”

Travelers can participate in complimentary Valentine’s Day vow renewal ceremonies at the following Outrigger Hotels & Resorts properties. Space is limited so reservations are required for all ceremonies and will be taken on a first come first serve basis. I’ve stayed a few different Outrigger Resorts before, and back in 2006, we were on the island of Kauai staying at the Kiahuna Plantation and I can attest to it’s ultimate beauty!

Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation (Kauai): February 14, 2012, 4 p.m.

On the lush Garden Island of Kauai, registered guests of the Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation participating in the Valentine’s Day Vow Renewal Ceremony will exchange vows in a beautiful garden setting, amidst green lawns, a reflective pond, exotic orchids and swaying palms. Accompanied by the soft serenade from a Hawaiian slack key guitar, couples will learn about the traditional meaning and significance of Ha, “the breath of life,” as they exchange their vows. Participants will receive a fresh flower lei and a special photograph to celebrate the occasion. Three special Valentines Day ceremonies are scheduled at 10 am, 11:15 am and 12:30pm. Couples must be registered Outrigger guests of Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation. Space is limited to six couples per ceremony and participation is subject to availability. For reservations, please call (808) 742-6411 or email kpr@outrigger.com.

Outrigger Reef on the Beach (Oahu): February 14, 2012, 8 a.m.

Guests at Outrigger Reef on the Beach and Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach can renew their love for one another at the edge of iconic Waikiki Beach. Starting with a performance of hula and Hawaiian song, couples will be blessed with a gentle sprinkling of sea water then recite their vows in Hawaiian. Each participant will receive a fresh flower lei and a glass of Champagne or mimosa to celebrate the occasion. A special commemorative photograph will be given as a memento of this unforgettable event. Vow renewals are open to registered guests of Outrigger Reef on the Beach and Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach. Space is limited and reservations are required to participate in this ceremony. For reservations, please call (808) 923-3111.

Keauhou Beach Resort (Hawaii Island): February 14, 2012, 9 a.m.

At Keauhou Beach Resort, Outrigger guests on Hawaii Island are invited to participate in a vow renewal ceremony at the water’s edge. Prior to the start of the ceremony, couples will string kukui nut leis to present to each other as part of the ceremony. After an introduction on the historic and cultural significance of the Keauhou and Kahaluu area where the resort stands, couples will be given a sea water blessing and recite their vows to one another in Hawaiian. The ceremony concludes with a Hawaiian chant to complete the event.

Vow renewals are open to registered guest of Keauhou Beach Resort, Outrigger Kanaloa at Kona, Outrigger Royal Sea Cliff, Outrigger Fairway Villas and Outrigger’s Kohana Coast Condominium Collection. Space is limited to eight couples and participation is subject to availability. For reservations, please call (808) 324-2540.

The Kapalua Villas Maui (Maui): February 14, 2012, 11 a.m.

On Maui, couples will begin their vow renewals with the exchanging of fresh flower lei to symbolize an unbroken circle of love. Held at Merriman’s Kapalua atop Kapalua Resort’s stunning Maui coastline, the ceremony starts with the blowing of the traditional conch shell and a soothing ukulele serenade, followed by a special Hawaiian chant with English translation. Vow renewals are open to registered Outrigger guests of The Kapalua Villas Maui, Outrigger Napili Shores, Outrigger Royal Kahana, Outrigger Maui Eldorado, Outrigger Aina Nalu and Outrigger Palms at Wailea. Space is limited to eight couples and participation is subject to availability. For reservations, please email dina.edmisson@outrigger.com.

“Renewing your vows is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift, so make your reservations now,” said Wallace. For room reservations or information, call your preferred travel professional or Outrigger Hotels & Resorts toll free at 800-OUTRIGGER (1-800-688-7444) within the United States, Guam and Canada or visit www.outrigger.com.

The Best Travel Spot in North America: Hawaiian Islands Hand’s Down!

November 10, 2011 by The Mom Jen 5 Comments

In the past few years our family has done quite a bit of local travel, within our state, and bordering California. I’ve been so thankful for my blog for giving us the opportunity to explore cities, counties, and even outside my home state. Hotels.com is running a promotion on Facebook called “Fall in Love with Travel,” and this week they are celebrating North American travel destinations. They wanted to find out what my favorite North American travel destination is, and I’ll tell you it’s the U.S. Hawaiian Islands!

Before this year, we took our first family vacation to the islands of Hawaii, Kauai, back in 2006. As of today, we’ve visited two more of the islands and I’m more impressed and more in love each visit!

In Kauai, our first experience with warm Pacific Ocean water was magical, the chance to visit the amazing Waimea Canyon and there’s the Napali Coast, purely breathtaking .

Maui had my husband taking surfing lessons with the view of Lanai as his backdrop. We explored desolate beaches with black sand, and cruised along side dolphins.

In Oahu, you can reflect at historic sites like Pearl Harbor and the Battleship Missiouri, walk the beaches alongside gorgeous sea turtles. Or why not tour sites where movies and television shows are filmed.

February, 2012 my husband and I will explore both Lanai and Molokai and my goal is to get to the big island of Hawaii before my 40th birthday.

Sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own.

Oahu Excursions: Kualoa Ranch Tour Review

October 7, 2011 by The Mom Jen 6 Comments

Our recent family vacation on Oahu included a fantastic trip to the Kualoa Ranch. This historic cattle ranch is located on the windward side of the Island, a scenic 45 minute drive from Waikiki, looking out to the coast and Chinaman’s Hat . We arrived about an hour before our Movie Location Tour which allowed us to stroll through the spacious gift shop and meander around the ranch headquarters. This is the starting point for a variety of horseback, ATV, jungle, movie site and ocean tours.

Upon presenting our movie site tour pass to the driver we were ushered onto a rustic bus with a friendly “aloha”. Kind memories of elementary school field trips flooded through my mind as we chose our seats and lowered the windows. Our tour began with a leisurely roll through the historic beginnings of Kualoa. In 1850 King Kamehameha III sold 622 acres to his personal advisor Dr. Gerritt P. Judd. We rolled by the remains of the old sugar mill, and a small herd of long horn cattle posed for pictures as we passed.

Our driver provided a lively history of the ranch and was sure to point out the remnants of the World War II airstrip and bunkers, one of which he claimed was his house. As the bus climbed around the western end of the picturesque ridge of steep sharp mountains that gave the ranch its name (Kualoa means “long back” in Hawaiian) we were treated to endless views of the Pacific Ocean and the coast of Oahu.

The bus stopped at a large concrete bunker overlooking the Rainbow Coast where we walked through a gallery of movie posters and memorabilia from shows filmed on the ranch including a submarine prop from the TV show LOST. Back into the bus and we rolled into the beautiful Ka’a’awa Valley, one of the most filmed locations in Hawaii. Still an active cattle ranch, film crews come to this valley for the quintessential tropical Island back drop.

The bus bumped along the dirt roads as our driver pointed out scenes from numerous movies and TV shows filmed on the ranch. A dead tree from “Jurassic Park”, giant footprints from “Godzilla”, a bunker from “Windtalkers” and off in the distance a set from the upcoming sequel to Journey to the Center of the Earth where among the most memorable sites we passed.

As our bus rambled back toward headquarters we passed tour groups on ATV’s, horses and 6 wheeled jungle vehicles. Together with the ocean and beach adventures offered by the ranch there is sure to be an activity that everyone will enjoy. Ancient Hawaiians considered Kualoa a sacred place of refuge and sanctuary, and our family would like to thank the Judd family and their descendents for preserving and sharing this special part of the island with us.

Our tickets were hosted, all opinions, ours.