Tag Archives | Hawaii

Hawaii for Lovers

Hawaii is calling.

For many Americans this is their one big, lifetime, bucket-listed dream destination.  Being a US state, the language, transportation, currency and in some ways the culture is similar to the mainland. Plus, it’s relatively close: Hawaii is a mere 190 million inches away for Los Angeles.  That math translates to a simple 6 hour flight to paradise.  Recently Southwest Airlines announced that they will begin service to Honolulu.  The starting price?  $49 (one way, limited time, limited availably, plus taxes and fees-no way you are going this cheap).  Regardless of the price, Southwest is doing something special for traveling couples.  Alaska Airlines, as well as Delta Airlines, do get honorable mentions for affordable flights.  In no uncertain terms, these airlines are placing the dream couple’s trip within your reach. It’s time to go to Hawaii!

Tickets booked?

Hawaii is waiting.

Let’s work on your plan.  Having been to the Islands a number of times, we have posted a few articles that may help.  Step one is to pick an Island(s).  We took the challenge to describe each island in three words or less:

Oahu:  Crowded, Waikiki, Pearl Harbor

Maui:  Trendy, Fun, Yum

Hawaii:  Volcanos

Kauai: Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful

Molokai:  Rustic, quiet, off the grid

Lanai:  Golf, small, island life

Let’s start where most trips to the Island start: Oahu.  Most of the flights from the mainland arrive at the Oahu airport.  Most people are surprised as they circle on final approach at Honolulu.  It is a large city. It’s Manhattan with a beach.  There are four recommendations we have for you on Oahu:  Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay and the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Waikiki

If you are looking to do a sunset heart-hands selfie, be prepared to share the frame with a few dozen fellow sun worshipers.  Waikiki is crowded; there is no getting around it. It’s still very special.  Major international resorts line the long golden beach.  You will never be a stones through from a “watering hole” with umbrella drinks and other liquid libations.  With the sun and sand, the recipe for Hawaiian romance is waiting for you. You can rent a surf board, take a catamaran sunset cruise, or plant yourself in the sand and listen to the surf.

Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor

Real all about this important historical attraction on in our most recent post: Remembering Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor https://1000fights.com/remembering-pearl-harbor/

Hanauma Bay

Located a few miles, but light years away from the hustle and bustle of the city is Hanauma State Park (https://hanaumabaystatepark.com/).  Here you can snorkel and see some amazing sea-life.  The waters are shallow making snorkeling an absolute perfect adventure.  The beach is very inviting and if you time your visit in the early morning and late afternoon, the crowds are not bad.   You can rent all of your snorkeling equipment on sight.  Parking is a bit of pain, but there is a tram that will take you down and back from the water.  The waters are crystal clear; this place is not to be missed.

Polynesian Cultural Center

Polynesian Cultural Center

Our last stop in Oahu, is the Polynesian Cultural Center (https://www.polynesia.com/).  This Disneyland-ish park highlights the many cultures and aspects of traditional Polynesian life.  It is owned and operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to help young Polynesians earn money for higher education. Island cultures throughout the South Pacific are represented.  You are able to stroll from village to village learning about dance, tools, culture and dress of these unique island people.  It is all very tastefully done.  The highlight is the evening show and luau.  Reservations are highly recommended.

While we are on the topic of Island dancing, how could we not mention Luci’s Hula lesson with the Grand Master of Hula:     https://1000fights.com/luci-learns-to-hula/   

Grand Hyatt at Kauai

Kauai

Perhaps our favorite island in the chain is Kauai.  This island is made for lovers. It is called the garden Island for good reason.  It is very lush and green.  The entire island operates at a much slower pace.  You can dive at the many reefs along the north and south shores, take a helicopter ride to waterfall spot, hike into a secret beach, play a round of golf, or do absolutely nothing sitting on the beach.

There are a dozen or so very nice resorts lining the coast.  We highly recommend a stay at the Grand Hyatt Kauai.  It is a paradise. Kauai https://1000fights.com/grandhyattkaaui/

Once you check in, order up a Hawaiian Massage. https://1000fights.com/fighting-couples-hawaiian-secret/

The Garden Island

Maui

If you are looking for a cross between the hustle and bustle of Oahu and sleepy Kauai, Maui is the place for you.  Maui has an active foodie scene and has a lively nightlife. 

It has been a few moons since we have been to Maui.  To offer some current perspectives check out these blog posts:

https://www.tripsavvy.com/romantic-things-to-do-on-maui-1861904

https://hawaiiforlovers.com/

Staying Connected

We strongly recommend using a virtual private network (VPN) when using the hotel’s free wifi – the last thing you want is for your banking info or credit card numbers to get stolen by hackers while you’re far away from home. This bestvpn.com/guides/what-is-vpn-beginners-guide/ has a pretty good breakdown of what VPNs do, if you’re not familiar.

We hope that this post helped you find the inspiration to book your couple’s trip to Hawaii.  What are you waiting for?  Aloha!

Luci Learns to Hula

If there was a Black Belt in Hula or Hula Emmy, Leihi`ilani Kirkpatrick would have it.

For 60 years, Leihi`ilani has danced this ancient art form that enthralls Hawaiian visitors. Leihi`ilani is a professional hula dancer. She has traveled the world, dancing the hula and teaching students of all ages. She had just returned from Singapore, where she taught an international group of women to hula, when she agreed to meet me.

Hula dancing hawaii

Learning Hula!

Meeting one of the Island’s most celebrated hula dancers seemed completely out of my realm. My dream of learning to hula started as a child. Like many, the movement of the dancer’s hips and arms, that make this form of dance so exotic, mesmerized me. I had never seen hula in person until Mike and I’s trip to Hawaii.  As part of my bucket list, I wanted to learn to hula. So, after searching the web, I found Leihi`ilani.

We met at the Lyndgate State Park in Lihue, on the island of Kauai. I was nervous and worried that Leihi`ilani would think I was the most uncoordinated student ever. I have no rhythm. This coupled with my lack of flexibility made me wonder if I my hula technique would like a chicken trying to two-step.

At age 64, Leihi`ilani has a timeless elegance about her. When she got out of her car and we greeted one another, I felt at ease. She emulated a humble confidence and peaceful spirit.  To get started we sat on some mats she brought with her laid carefully on the sand. She presented me with a homemade lei made by her granddaughter. I felt more like a close family friend, than a stranger.

She began to tell me her story, the story the islands as told through the gentle sway of hula.

“Hula is our library books,” she shared. “We didn’t have a written language. It was through hula that we told our stories.”

According to Leihi`ilani, in the early 1900s, there was a revival of Polynesian culture as tourism flourished in Hawaii. This included the establishment of Hula schools. Leihi`ilani was talented enough that she was sent to one of these special hula school.

“Hula entertains, heals, and is a wonderful way to express the hearts of Hawaiians. It also has many physical benefits including strength, balance and coordination. Most of all you learn discipline in hula. When I went to school it was very strict, but also loving. Hula was part of my family. My mother danced as well as many of my relatives,” Leihi`ilani explained.

Hula dancing

Luci learning the Hula

Once, we discussed the history and the true meaning of hula, we began our lesson. Leihi`ilani had a simple dance for me to learn.

While hula looks uncontrolled at times, it is a meticulous way of dance.

  • Posture is number one and bending the knees. Leihi`ilani taught me that bending the knees is what gives the hips the flow hula is famous for. Your shoulders should be aligned with your hips.
  • Now for the arms. Arm movements should be even with your chest bones. No hip hop arms! Don’t shimmy your shoulders. They should be relaxed.
  • Legs should be bent and flow with the movement of the hips. Point your toes.
  • If you want a  brief lesson, check out this short tutorial featuring Leihi`ilani. http://hawaiianhulatutorial.com/hawaiian-hula-tutorial-part-1/

For a girl from eastern Idaho, learning the hula seemed like something I would never get to do. Not only did I learn the basics, I met one of the best hula teachers in the world. I checked off a bucket list goal. But it wasn’t just the hula, I learned from Leihi`ilani. After meeting her, I wanted to be the type of person people meet and feel peace. Talking to Leihi`ilani, she exudes love and goodwill. She explained that people gain balance, strength, and coordination. But most importantly, hula has a spiritual element to it – as you become more in tune with your body, the ancient stories, and the peace you feel from expression. She left me with a Hawaiian kiss or honi, an ancient tradition where friends touch foreheads. I left her a better person and a little more coordinated.

Luci learns to Hula

You can learn more about Leihi`ilani from this documentary: http://hawaiianhulatutorial.com/hula-teachers/.

Better yet, go to Kauai and take a lesson or catch up with her wherever in the world you may be, as she travels the globe. https://halaukaleikukuihiilani.wordpress.com/

 

 

Fight on Flight



helicopterOf all the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai is best known for its breathtaking landscapes. It is known as the “Garden Isle” due to the beautiful greenery that drapes the island. Cliffs, canyons, and waterfalls remain untouched, as the terrain is impassable by car. The only way to see the whole island is by air.

We are partnering with The Villas at Poipu Kai to give our readers a chance to fly around the island for free. For every booking made in March of 6 nights or more the Villas at Poipu Kai is giving away a free helicopter ride.  The helicopter ride lasts an hour and takes you to the most remote places on the island. The helicopter comes with “Mega” windows so that all passengers have an unobstructed panoramic view – a very unique opportunity for couples and families.