Makapu’u Lighthouse, O’ahu

On April 6, 2008, the Travel section of The Honolulu Advertiser featured this list
of Hawai’i’s Top 25 Spots based on a readership poll.  Due to safety concerns,
I list only the top 20 (the last 5 are in remote locations.)  Please consult your
travel agent for further information. 

1. Haleakala Crater, Maui
2. Mauna Loa summit cabins, Big Island (hiking required)
3. Lili’uokalani Gardens, Hilo, Big Island (Beautiful views of a Japanese-style garden, Hilo bay and
majestic Mauna Kea all in one place)
4. Ko Olina, O’ahu (where Ihiliani Resort & Spa by JW Marriott is located; nice ocean lagoons and
mountain views.
5. Makapu’u Lighthouse, O’ahu
6. Ka’ena Point, O’ahu
7. San Souci/Kaimana Beach, O’ahu (captures the feeling of “old Waikiki”)
8. Manele Bay, Lana’i (The Lodge at Koele and Manele Bay Hotel by Four Seasons are fantastic
resort getaways)
9. Pu’u Mahana/Green Sand Beach, Big Island (remote, but well worth the trip)
10. Salt Ponds, Hanapepe, Kaua’i
11. Na Pali Coast, Kaua’i (dramatic cliffs, beautiful ocean, dolphins & sea turtles; great family activities)
12. Pu’uhonua O Honaunau (The City of Refuge) Big Island
13. Red Sand Beach/Leho’ula, Hana, Maui (”a hidden place”)
14. Po’ipu, Kaua’i (”the ideal setting for a family adventure…There are special spots for every age.”)
15. Courtyard of the State Library, O’ahu
16. Ka’iwa Ridge Pillboxes, Lanikai, Kailua, O’ahu (hike)
17. Waikahalulu/Lili’uokalani Garden, O’ahu
18. Diamond Head, O’ahu
19. Shipwreck Beach/Kaiolohia Bay, Lana’i (away from the crowd; enjoy the water and sea life)
20. Honomu’Hanawi’Onomea, Big Island (near Hilo, along the Hamakua coast)

For any additional information on travel to Hawaii contact Panda Travel: www.airtohawaii.com or 1-800-508-6994.

Places to Go, Things to Do on O’ahu

 

     The Halekulani Hotel has graciously shared their travel suggestions with us.  Please open these files:

For sightseeing: halekulani_location-oahu-attractions.doc 

For activities: halekulani_recreat1.DOC

 

End of March 08 update.

 

Aloha!

Welcome to the official blog for the 2008 LDEI conference in Hawaii.  The Hawaii Chapter will provide current information on the conference schedule, as well as travel tips to help Dames plan their visit.  We plan to update the blog during the first week of every month.  Please stay tuned as we develop the site.

  Trade Winds of Change 

  Hele me e’ai  

 Come to Hawaii’s Table 

  October 23-25, 2008  

Plans are underway for three exciting days of Hawaiian culture, sightseeing and networking opportunities.  Our aim is to share with you Hawaii’s multi-ethnic heritage through special tours, hands-on experiences and of course, delicious food and drink. Highlights will include: a traditional luau; a tour of Kualoa Ranch, where we will encounter Hawaiian myths and way of life; dining on the unique flavors of our “melting pot”; hula lessons and visits to the fish auction, farmer’s market and Chinatown. Members of the Hawaii chapter look forward to welcoming you, e komo mai!

Conference Hotels

Halekulani Hotel

Embracing an uncompromising commitment to luxury…
Halekulani has been hosting visitors to Waikiki Beach for nearly 100 years. Today its reputation for gracious hospitality, impeccable service and magnificent cuisine is unequaled on Oahu and renowned throughout the world. Located on the beach in Waikiki, this luxury 455-room resort is situated on five prime oceanfront acres on Waikiki Beach. It is surrounded by open courtyards and lush gardens. Guest facilities include three award-winning restaurants, three cocktail lounges, pool, spa, fitness room, business center, and hospitality suite. Each of Halekulani’s three restaurants offers its own distinct style amid stunning views of the Pacific Blue. Select from the elegant, neo-classic French, La Mer (Hawaii’s only Five-Diamond Restaurant), Orchids for casual elegant and contemporary seafood, or House Without A Key for relaxed resort dining enveloped by Waikiki’s timeless sunsets.

Address & Contact Information:
2199 Kalia Road
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815-1988
Telephone: (808) 923-2311
Toll Free: (800) 367-2343 Reservations (USA/Canada)
Facsimile: (808) 926-8004 Front Office
Website: http://www.halekulani.com/

Waikiki Parc Hotel

The Chicest Address in Waikiki…
About the Brand
In the heart of an exotic and vibrant beachfront city is a chic boutique hotel infused with contemporary style, bold experiences and unpretentious hospitality. To be seen at the Waikiki Parc Hotel is to encounter an energetic alternative to luxury while being immersed in an enticing and captivating world of culture, Nobu-style cuisine, entertainment, shopping, recreation and relaxation. Waikiki Parc Hotel, sister property of the world-renowned Halekulani, has unveiled a new image…unrivaled as the chicest new address in Waikiki.

About the Experience
Accessibility, Value, Chic Design and Service, welcome to Waikiki Parc Hotel. Offering biweekly wine receptions called CITYSCAPE, the exclusive LOTUS EXPERIENCE, in-room amenities such as the PC WINE BAR and MAILE / LAVENDAR body collection, SIGNING PRIVILEDGES at Halekulani, and the island’s hottest new Japanese restaurant, NOBU WAIKIKI - guests of the Parc are immersed in an exotic and sensual urban-tropical escape resulting in a memorable experience that is nothing short of paradise with an edge.

Address & Contact Information
2233 Helumoa Road
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815-1980
Telephone: (808) 921-PARC (7272)
Toll Free: (800) 422-0450 (USA / Canada)
Facsimile: (808) 923-1336 (Reservations)
Website: http://www.waikikiparc.com/

Conference Location: the New Center of Waikiki 
Perhaps you’ve read about how Waikiki is undergoing a Renaissance with lots of renovations, new shops and restaurants.  Lucky you, all you need to do is step outside of your hotel and you will be in the heart of where everything is happening.  Conference map

Waikiki Beach Walk
http://www.waikikibeachwalk.com/

Waikiki Beach Walk is a colorful and spirited showcase; the gathering place for the new Waikiki. Energetic and inviting, eclectic and exciting, Waikiki Beach Walk is an impressive, new leisure destination to play and to stay. Benefiting from the island’s cooling trade winds and year-round excellent weather, an outdoor entertainment plaza, nearly fifty new retailers, sixteen dining establishments, and five hotels welcome visitors and island residents alike; redefining the Waikiki experience.
It aslo includes Hawaiian cultural programs that are free to the public. Please visit the website at: http://www.waikikibeachwalk.com/play_details.aspx?playid=24

The Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center
www.royalhawaiianshopppingcenter.com

Optional Tours

Pre-Conference Tour to the Big Island on Wednesday, Oct. 22
This is an agricultural tour of a farm growing heart of palm and tropical fruits, Hamakua Mushrooms, and the Hawaiian Vanilla Company, where a vanilla-inspired lunch will be served.

Pre/Post Conference Tour of Upcountry Maui - Date TBA
Tour of Ali’i Lavendar Farm, Surfing Goat Dairy and others.

Optional Tour of Chinatown followed by lunch - Date TBA

Optional Tour of Doris Duke’s Shangri La Estate - Thursday, Oct. 23
http://www.shangrilahawaii.org/

Travel Suggestions   

About the island of O’ahu
O’ahu, where the majority of Hawai’i’s population resides, features wonderful beaches, beautiful mountain ranges and historical treasures.  It is also one the best places to enjoy world-class accommodations, shopping and dining.�

Top Five Beaches
Waikiki Beach
Kailua/Lanikai Beach
Hana’uma Bay
Waimea Bay
Sunset Beach

Recommended Museums
Bishop Museum (Hawaiian History, science museum)
Honolulu Academy of Arts (indoor/outdoor galleries, small but exquisite collection)
The Contemporary Museum (beautiful gardens)
Children’s Discovery Center
Hawaiian Plantation Village (preserved structures from 1800s through WWII)

Exercise locations (with a view!)
For those who wish to explore options outside of the hotels:
Walk/Jog around Fort DeRussy (next to the conference hotels)
Walk/Jog around Kapiolani Park
Join the running group at Niketown Waikiki, Wednesdays @ 6 pm, Saturdays at 9 am; 3/5/7 miles
Hike up Diamond Head (great view once you reach the top!)
Walk/Jog/Bike along Diamond Head shoreline
Walk up to the Makapu’u Lighthouse (drive there and walk up; gorgeous view; bring lots of drinking H2O)
Yoga classes at www.waikikiyoga.com

Recommended Sights
I’olani Palace
Sea Life Park, Hana’uma Bay and the Eastern shoreline
Drive to the North Shore (Dole pineapple, Hale’iwa town, Waimea Bay, surfing)
Pearl Harbor and the US Missouri
Polynesian Cultural Center (allow one full day)
Honolulu Zoo

Useful books about Hawaii:

Food Lover’s Guide to Honolulu
By Joan Namkoong (a Dame!)

Lonely Planet Honolulu, Waikiki & O’ahu
By Ned Friary and Glenda Bendure

Historical Dictionary of Honolulu and Hawai’i
By Robert D. Craig

More information to be posted in early February.