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Summer in Hawaii: Free Things to Do on Each Island

June 19, 2012 by The Mom Jen 4 Comments

Did you know that you can enjoy many things in Hawaii on a budget or free? Whether it’s hiking, watching parades, or learning to snorkel, there’s lots to do every day. With its open-air living and open-arms hospitality, Outrigger’s Hawaii bustles with things to do that don’t cost a dime. So go ahead, take a few vacation days. You’ve earned it and we’ll help you save with our great rates on condos and hotels in all the right places. Here are some ideas from Outrigger ohana to help you plan a free itinerary on each island.

OAHU
1 Farmers Markets: There’s a farmers market open somewhere on the island nearly every day of the week. Find fresh-picked produce and locally sourced products. Browsing and sampling are free!
2 Picnic on the beach: Drive around the island to find a terrific spot for a day at the beach. Some favorites:Ala Moana Beach Park, Kailua Beach Park, Waimanalo Beach Park, Waimea Bay Beach Park.
3 Makapuu Lighthouse Trail: The path leading to the lighthouse is paved and there’s a beautiful view in all directions when you get there. It’s a fairly easy hike for kids and even out-of-shape adults.
4 First Friday: Downtown Honolulu hosts a street party on the first Friday of every month. Wander into art galleries, shops, and bars. Lots of live music and late night fun!
5 Festivals and Parades: No matter what time of year, there’s a celebration going on! Some upcoming events: Kamehameha Day Parade (June), Ukulele Festival (July), Slack-key Guitar Festival (August).

MAUI

1 Road to Hana: 52 curvy miles of stunning scenery. On the way, stop at Keanae Landing Fruit Stand and get shave ice and Aunty Sandy’s banana bread!
2 Historic Lahaina Tour: Travel back to 19th century whaling days with a self-guided walking tour of Lahaina town’s well-preserved historic sites. Print Lahaina tour map
3 Windsurfing at Hookipa: Watching windsurfers skim across waves is an exciting spectator sport. And it doesn’t get better than at this famous spot on Maui’s north shore.
4 Snorkeling: There are many superb snorkeling sites accessible from the highway on a drive around the island. Here are some recommended Maui snorkeling sites
5 Kapalua Resort Hiking Trails: This has got to be one of the best free things to do on Maui. There are over 25 miles of well-maintained coastal and mountain hiking and walking trails to explore. Download map of Kapalua hiking trails

KAUAI

1 Obon Festivals: Obon is celebrated at many Buddhist temples on the island with lively traditional Japanese singing, folk dancing, taiko drumming and local food! June – August.
2 Ke Ala Hele Makalae Coastal Path: There are two sections to this east Kauai walking and cycling path. Great views and ocean breezes!
3 Kauai’s North Shore: Drive all the way to the end of the road to Ke’e Beach for snorkeling. Along the way stop at the Hanalei Valley overlook to snap photos. Pick up lunch and do a little shopping in Hanalei town.
4 Kokee State Park Trails: Hike a mile or two or more of the 50+ miles of trails. Different experiences await: ocean vistas, waterfall pools, Berry Flat forest or hike deep into Waimea Canyon.
5 Lawai International Center: This cultural and spiritual center located in Lawai is an oasis for peaceful reflection. Open on the second and last Sunday of every month.

HAWAII, THE BIG ISLAND

1 Snorkeling:Two favorite spots on the Kona Coast are Kealakekua Bay and Kahaluu Beach Park. The reef fish and coral formations are simply stunning to see in the clear waters.
2 Lava Rock Graffiti: Create a crazy message using white coral rocks on black lava beds along Queen Kaahumanu Highway heading toward the Kohala Coast. It’s an eco-friendly way to shout out on vacation!
3 Mauna Kea Star Gazing: Scan the heavens through the lens of a high-powered telescope 9,300 feet above sea level. Bundle up, it’s cold up there! Viewing is available every night at the Mauna Kea observatory visitor center.
4 Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park: Visit well-preserved heiau and archelogical sites. Park rangers provide a short talk on the location’s historical significance. The park’s annual cultural festival is June 29 – July 1.
5 Fishponds at Mauna Lani: These beautifully maintained ponds were used for farming fish in ancient Hawaii. It is a spiritual place and the setting is lovely for morning walks.

What are you waiting for, pack your bags and explore the free things to do on each island!

Hawaii Travel: Island Hopping with Island Air and Mokulele Airlines

March 15, 2012 by The Mom Jen 2 Comments

Island Air
From Oahu’s international airport to Lana’i and from Moloka’i back to Oahu, we flew Island Air to Lana’i. The aircraft was a Dash 8 that seated less than 40 passengers, some tourists like ourselves and others returning home from island hopping. The quick 30 minute flight was an easy one, once in the air you feel like you just get settled in with your local HoloHolo magazine when it’s time to prepare for landing.

There is just enough time to get one quick drink either water or guava juice while in flight, on the way to Lana’i we did get a quick briefing from the airline magazine of the island we were approaching. The atmosphere was comfortable around us, locals chatted and asked questions of our visit, it felt like we were in the middle of a family reunion. Stewardess was kind and friendly and we ended being on her flight both times we flew.

Mokulele Airlines

Flying from Lana’i to Honolulu, then from Honolulu to Moloka’i, we flew Mokulele Airlines. Just when we thought our first inter-island flight was small, take a ride on the Cessna that seats 10 and where you are literally THIS close to the pilot….

If you’re a nervous flyer, the propeller on the plane may also make you nervous, but the 30 minute flight goes by in a flash. No stewardess on this flight, nor drinks.

Starting April 15, 2012
Kona-based Mokulele Airlines today announced service between the islands of Lāna‘i and Maui, starting on April 15, 2012. Listening to their customers’ needs, the airline provider is “happy to follow through with providing affordable and needed flights,” said Ron Hansen, Chief Executive Officer of Mokulele Airlines. The airline, recently under new ownership, will provide one daily direct flight from Lāna‘i to Maui and two daily direct trips from Maui to Lāna‘i. The new flights have allowed for an additional morning flight from Lāna‘i (with a brief stop on Moloka‘i) to Honolulu.

Both flights were louder than a normal flight, it reminded me of my Florida by-plane ride, though we were completely enclosed and pressurized. The airports in Lana’i and Moloka’i are easy to maneuver as they are so small (you don’t even have to go through security leaving Lana’i), but the transitions from the Honolulu airport are tricky so pay attention!!

My flights were covered by Lana’i and Moloka’i’s visitor’s bureaus. My husbands flight plus our luggage charges were paid on our own, all opinions are our own.

Kaanapali Beach, Maui: Trilogy Sunset Sail

July 10, 2011 by The Mom Jen 1 Comment

We ended our wonderful Maui trip with a sunset cruise on the Trilogy IV. Just beachside of the Kaanapali Beach Hotel, you can sign up at their hut for an amazing experience. That morning we awoke at 2am to drive to Mt. Haleakala to watch the sunrise. With a nap mid-afternoon, we were thrilled to experience both a sunrise and sunset in beautiful Maui.

To start your trip you feel like a celebrity as the catamaran comes right onto the shore for a beach pickup. The sand between your toes and the water crashing over the ladder up to the sailboat is just a memorable experience. Once aboard, you find a spot and juice and water is offered. The crew consists of the captain and two other members who fill us in on the rules, our journey, and serve as our waiter and waitress. You are allotted two drinks with your paid ticket along with delicious hors d’oerves, more drinks are available for purchase.

Cruising out along Kaanapali Beach, the wind in your hair is warm and the views spectacular. Flying fish can be seen jetting across the water like skipped rocks. Down in the hull there are restrooms available, cushioned seating, and the opportunity to chat with the Captain if you wish. Walk about the sailboat to get your sea legs, and there’s even the trampoline area you can sit on (3 people max per each of the two trampolines). Down on the trampoline you can feel the water spray beneath you and expect a little sprinkling on your face, it’s really refreshing.

The appetizers come one treat at a time, teriyaki chicken skewers, delectible fish pupus, both hot and cold, and it’s not a full dinner, but with only about 24-30 passengers total, you can grab seconds and even thirds. Following the sunset moist brownies are served to end the evening and your stomach is full.

Once the sun begins to set, the boat is stops to an idle and your photo opportunities begin. Often there’s another boat or two around also enjoying the sunset, but your view is never obscured. If you take a look in the direction of Black Rock, you’ll see a nightly tiki torch lighting ceremony that ends with a local cliff diving into the ocean below.

The cruise and the crew were amazing, funny, lighthearted, and welcoming. We appreciated the hospitality and the cruise was such a fitting ending to a most memorable trip to the island of Maui. Pricing is perfect at just over $50 per person for the two plus hours about the catamaran. If you’re able to take a sail during your next visit, do a Trilogy Sunset Sail!

Tickets were given for an honest experience.

Kula, Maui: Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm

July 10, 2011 by The Mom Jen 3 Comments

Just below the slopes of the Haleakala crater, you’ll find Ali’i Kula Lavender farm (AKL) named for farmer and visionary Ali’i Chang. The beautiful gardens spread over 10.5 acres with over 55,000 lavender plants of over 40 different varieties, as well as olive trees, hydrangea, and protea blooms. Until just about a month before our visit, you’d find Chang nurturing the farm with attention and charm with his home right in the middle of the property. We were told, sadly, that Chang had recently passed away, but has passed on the gorgeous grounds to his family.

Kula, Maui, Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm, Maui Farms, Visit Maui, #Maui, #Hawaii

The grounds are immaculate and as we strolled through with our tour guide, you could feel the “Aloha” Ali’i wanted to express. The views are spectacular of the northwest side of Maui, the air is calming and smells beautiful, and the farm evokes serenity. Walking tours are offered daily, there is a gallery gift shop that sells all the goods they make, and while we were there, saw a group that came for a “ladies day out.”

Weddings are planned at the location, and something new for the farm is the “Pick your own Lavender” tours offered most weekends through the summer. These 40-minute tours give you a history of lavender talk with a host, learning about it’s benefits, time to pick lavender and beverage and scones, both food and drink made with farm lavender! Also throughout the summer, tea parties, lavender wreath making and family gatherings are available.

On our tour, our lovely guide Christina shared how she had previously purchased AKL body butter for her job as a masseuse and made her way to the farm looking for a job. Now as tour guide, they are in talks of adding a spa-like portion to the farm to appeal to more clients and using their land-made ingredients. It was a “follow your dreams and passions” story that made the appeal of the history of this farm more genuine.

From lavender tea, to gourmet seasonings, to strawberry lavender syrup, to clothing, and pet shampoo and conditioner, the gift shop is a must-see on the property. All food goods include lavender and I tried a combination of the lavender salad dressing and the syrup and bought both to bring home for a strawberry-lavender vinagrette, the syrup alone is good on pastry, waffles, and pancakes. The scents alone of anything lavender are soothing and the benefits of the plant are numerous:

-relaxes, calms, comforts
-eases tension, stress, pain, and inflammation
-repels mosquitos and other insects
-acts as a natural antiseptic and disinfectant
-relieves headaches and congestion
-heals cuts, scrapes, burns, bites, and stings
-reduces symptoms from PMS, anxiety, vertigo, and insomnia
-moisturizes and heals the skin

AKL promotes agri-tourism with the products they make using natural, botanical, and organic ingredients. They are proud to farm, teach, and support agriculture and well being through their philosophies, lavender products, and services. If you are on the island of Maui, head over and take a tour. This is something we wouldn’t have thought of venturing to, had it not been in our itinerary. But, the overall experience was so amazing, I’m so glad we had the chance. The climate is cooler and different from other parts of the island and it’ll be a place you won’t forget!

Tour tickets were provide, all experience are our own.

Maui’s Sugar Cane Train Review

June 30, 2011 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

–Written by my Husband…

The Sugar Cane train is a relaxing and scenic diversion from the hustle and bustle of the beaches and resorts of west Maui. After a morning of surf lessons and snorkeling my wife and I took the opportunity to unwind on the nostalgic steam railroad that runs 6 miles from Lahaina Town and the Kaanapali Resort. We got to Lahaina Station early and enjoyed perusing the lovely old station turned gift shop with toys and collectibles that the littlest train lover would enjoy.

Maui's Sugar Cane Train Review, #Maui, #Hawaii

Then the train arrived with all the whistles and gurgles and spurts steam engine enthusiasts and kids love. These relics of the 1800’s are marvelous artifacts of the industrial age and are true inspirations to mechanically inclined.

This particular railroad is a portion of the old narrow gauge line that was used to transport sugar cane from the fields of west Maui to the Pioneer Mill in Lahaina. The old cane fields are now golf courses, residential neighborhoods interspersed with some small farms but the scenic vistas of West Maui Mountain, and the Auau Channel with Molakai and Lanai in the distance are more than enough to look at.

We rode in May but the brochure claims that between December and April it is common to see humpback whales frolicking in the distance. The highlights of the 1 hour and ten minute trip included crossing a 325 foot long curved wooden trestle and the switch yard at Puukolii Station. Train enthusiasts and small kids will thoroughly enjoy this delightful little railroad. Depending on the time of day, some snacks and drinks would be great to have along, especially if you’re traveling with little children.

Tickets are $22.50 round trip for adults, and $15.50 for children 3-12, under 3 are free!
Our tickets were given in exchange for our honest review.