Hilo - Driving Around the Island

This information was posted on Cruise Critic today by d76dots:

on Trip Advisor a person had asked about driving from VNP back to Hilo and how those roads would be and and destination expert said to allow an extra hour or so coming back from it because there tends to be lots of accidents that totally close down the road! They also said that you don't want to be driving back in the dark from there because of the wind and if it rains the roads are horrible. They said better to get the earliest start possible and do what you want to do and then get back to the Hilo area so you won't have worries about missing the ship.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Steffan Mann - One of our favorite stores!!!

When we first moved to AZ about 7 years ago, we discovered a GREAT store on one of our drives around the Phoenix, AZ area.   The store is called Steffan Mann.  When I am looking for travel bags, accessories (wallets, luggage tags, hats, purse hooks, passport covers, RFID blocking items, purse, evening bags, hats,  and so much more), I know when we go there they will have what we are looking for.   They were amazing in locating the perfect messenger bag for Hal last month for his tablet.  The tablet is an odd size, and the messenger bag he originally wanted was too small.   The bag we bought from Steffan Mann is perfect.  It will hold his tablet as well as miscellaneous items he needs too.

I absolutely love the hand painted purses and shoes Steffan Mann carries in their store.  Each one is a unique piece of art.     Haven't purchased any just yet, but I look every time we go in.   I have purchased the following items in the past from them:   Daymakers Purse (security purse with slash proof strap), a convertible hat, purse organizer that blocks RFID, Hal's messenger bag, and today we found the perfect handheld luggage scale.   More about the scale further down in this post.  Our friend has purchased luggage from them too.

Here's some information from their website:

"In the age-old tradition of Europe's foremost leathergoods shops, Stefan Mann brings to Arizona an array of unique business cases, handbags, wallets, desksets and agendas, in the finest of leathers, including the highly sought-after Bambas Art Bags.

Specializing in exotic leathers, such as ostrich, crocodile, alligator, and stringray, Stefan Mann features personal and business items for every need."

You can order "some" of their items online by clicking HERE.   Remember online shopping is limited.  If there is something you want, you can call them to see if it is in their store.  

Steffan Mann has been in business for over 25 years.   Walking into their store is a true pleasure.  You are greeted with welcoming smiles, and owners who are truly pleased to see you.  Both Patrice and Victoria are willing to answer questions, do special orders if needed, and even ship to their customers.   How many companies go above and beyond like this.  

Heys Touch Scale:   We purchased this handheld scale today at Steffan Mann.   It is small and compact and will easily fit in my purse or carrying on bag when we travel.  (Reminder no batteries allowed in checked luggage if you are flying.)  It is battery operated and comes with 2 AAA batteries.  You turn the scale on (switch on the side), wait till it registers zero, and then attach your bag on the hook to weigh.  When bag is weighed the color readout turns to RED to show it has calculated the weight.   It can handle up to 99.8 LB/45.3 KG.  It automatically will shut off after 60 seconds of non-use, altho recommended to turn off at the switch.  The hook on the scale is rubber coated to protect your luggage.   It is ergonomic for ease of handling.  The numbers are approximately 1" in height on the readout, so very easy to read.  Comes in a number of colors too.   With the outrageous penalty fees for overweight luggage, this scale is a must have item for any traveler who is flying.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Wine Skins and Waterproof Security Travel Wallet

For those planning to travel with bottles of wine in your checked or carry-on luggage, you might want to consider a leak proof container/bag for the wine. Saw these on amazon today ... 2 per package:


Wine Skins

*****
Waterproof Security Travel Wallet

Waterproof wallet protects your valuables in and around the water or in high humidity conditions
The Splash Caddy interior liner is leak-proof
The outer cover sleeve is made of a 420 denier nylon pack cloth
Waterproof, humidity-proof, and tested to be leak-proof down to 200 feet underwater

Looks like it can be hooked around your waist (like a fanny pack does). Perfect if you are going to the beach or snorkeling. 

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

TSA: Traveling with Your E-reader

I found a government written (TSA) blog today loaded with great information.   I know laptops have to be taken out of bags when going thru security but wondered about e-readers.   Well, I found my answer on this blog:

The TSA Blog

E-readers:  "Electronic items smaller than the standard sized laptop should not need to be removed from your bag or their cases."


Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

TSA Guidelines

Thought it was important to list a few of the TSA guidelines for what can and cannot be carried on or pack in your checked suitcase:

3-1-1 Rule for Liquids:   TSA Site
"3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3.4 ounce (100ml) container size is a security measure."

Deodorants:   Stick versus Aerosal - TSA Blog

Prohibited Items:  TSA Site

Permitted - Prohibited Item List - TSA Site  
     has a list showing whether item is banned, can be in carry-on or can be in checked luggage

Batteries:  TSA site - Batteries cannot be in checked luggage.

Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bag Procedures :  TSA Site

Luggage Locks - TSA :  TSA site

Cameras - TSA Site

Special Items - TSA Site - covers many other items you might want to take with you.

FAQ - TSA Site

The links above cover just a few of the things mentioned by TSA ... I highly recommend checking out their website before flying.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Live Cruise Ship Webcams

Many cruise lines have live webcams on their ships.   Allows you to see where the ship is heading or is docked (or at least a partial view).   Saw this link today and thought it was worth passing on:

KROOOZ-CAMS

There is also a multi-cam viewer on the site where you can view more than one webcam at a time.  Scroll towards the bottom of the screen, there are two full view cams available.   Had fun watching people on the sports deck and on the flow rider for Allure of the Seas.   There is a time delay so when you first look it appears as a regular photo.   I think it would be great to see someone you know on the webcam while you are watching from home ... (WAIT:  It would be far better if someone at home was watching you as you were on the webcam ... LOL)

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Wine Tasting - Big Island of Hawaii

Volcano Winery is open 365 days a year.   They are 30 miles from Hilo and 96 miles from Kona.  

From their website:
" Wine tasting in Paradise is just a sip away at Volcano Winery on the Big Island.  Come taste the local wines inspired by volcanic fire and the bounty of the island.  Tropical fruits  like yellow guava and the exotic jaboticaba berry are blended with traditional wine grapes and transformed into vibrant creations that capture the playful spirit of Hawaiian paradise -  and our relaxed, laid-back atmosphere is the perfect place to try them."

"For the more traditional palate, we offer two award-winning wines made with the Symphony grape.  And our Macadamia Nut Honey Wine, made from the island’s blossoms of the Macadamia Nut tree, is a sweet after-dinner treat that is uniquely Hawaiian – a favorite with locals and visitors from all over the world."

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Driving on the Big Island of Hawaii

"Gasoline is higher than the mainland price per gallon here, and the price drops almost 10 cents as you reach Hilo. Hilo is where the fuel is shipped in. There are parts of the Island where you don't want to run out of gas, such as Saddle Road, Hwy 11 between Oceanview and Volcano, Waipio Valley, and Hawi Town on a Sunday after 2:00 PM."

KONAWEB  
Check out this link for lots of information on what to expect when driving on the Big Island of Hawaii.

"Here's a bit more information from their site:

• Kailua-Kona to Hilo via Hwy 19 = 2 hours,15 min.(north)
• Kailua-Kona to Hilo via Hwy 11 = 3 hours,15 min.(south)
• Kailua-Kona to Hilo via Saddle Road = 2 hours,15 min.
• Kailua-Kona to Volcano via Hwy 11 = 2 hours,30 min.
• Kailua-Kona to Waimea via Hwy 19 = 45 min.
• Kailua-Kona to Hawi via Hwys 19 & 279 = 1 hour,15 min."

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Carnival Cruise Lines New Dinner Menus and Dessert Menus

 John Herald's Blog - What's for Dinner
John Herald is Carnival's Senior Cruise Director. 

Wait till you see "What's for Dinner".   They have a Didja sections ... like didja ever want to try:  escargot, alligator, frog legs and more.   Not to worry they have so many choices, no one should go hungry.  They even have a "comfort food" each night like:  beef brisket, pork spare ribs, baked meatloaf with gravy, pot roast and more. 

Here's 8 dinner menus:
Night 1
Night 2
Night 3
Night 4
Night 5
Night 6
Night 7
AND Available Every Day Menu

Can we say YUMMMMMM !!!!

Update:  September 1st.   Menu links above were updated today plus here are the desserts menus now too.

Night 1
Night 2
Night 3
Night 4
Night 5
Night 6
Night 7
 
Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Hawaiian Ribbon/Crochet Leis - Etsy Store

I was so excited to find ribbon/crochet leis on Etsy yesterday.  I've been corresponding today with the shop owner, Susan and thought I would pass on some information I received from her:

Susan's Etsy Store:   Susan's Creations

Susan is wonderful about answering questions and responds quickly.  Great customer service!!!

When you tender in at Kona, or if you are by Bubba Gump's in Kona, you might hear a band called "Aloha in Motion".   Bob, who plays steel guitar, is a friend of Susan's.  They have CDs for sale also.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Ribbon Leis - Make your own

I found a tutorial on-line today on how to make a ribbon lei.   They really are beautiful, and perfect for using for numerous days etc.

Ribbon Lei Tutorial

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Kauai Travel Planner

If you would like to learn more about Kauai, they have a travel planner on-line that you can read or print out to read:

Kauai Travel Planner

If you would like a copy of the planner mailed to you, CLICK HERE.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Bed Bug Registry Worth Checking

Our local news station had a segment today on Bed Bugs, so I thought these articles were worth passing on.   It seems to be a problem at many hotels.

USA Today Travel

Bed Bug Registry

Products to help treat the problem of bed bugs:

Magellans - Spray & suitcase liners & clothes bags

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Traveling with a Service Animal

If you are traveling with a service animal, it is really important that you read this:

http://www.petflight.com/articles/4-hawaii-pet-information
 
Doesn't look like a possibility to cruise from the states to Hawaii with a  service animal.   If you are considering this, please do more research.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Maps of the port areas in Hawaii

While searching for Hawaii information tonight, I came across a government site that has maps of each port location and what is right at the port.  Thought it would of interest to some of you and worthwhile to post to my blog:

Hawaii Ports


Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Port Info: Kona Big Island of Hawaii

Not all cruise lines stop in Kona, so be sure to check itineraries if this port is important to you.  It is a tender port, so the ship is anchored and you take a small boat (tender) into port. The Carnival Spirit stops at both Hilo and Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii.   Also important to note, that depending on the weather and wave action, you may not be able to tender in so your stop in Kona is not guaranteed.

Kailua-Kona is a great place to spend a few hours relaxing on the beach on the lagoon that is opposite of the tender dock.   White sands are featured here.  The following information is from Hawaii by Cruise Ship book:

"Kailua-Kona is an ideal walking port, with several historic sites overlooking the harbor and a lovely pocket beach right besides the tender dock.  A Visitor Information Booth is located at the north end of the tender pier (under the "Aloha" awning) where volunteer staff provide brochures and answer questions.  Telephones and restrooms are also located here.  Boating excursions depart from Kailua pier, many of which can be booked in advance through the cruise lines."  (Pg 283)

The airport is 8 miles from the tender pier, but there is a possibly of long waits for your rental car shuttle because of the heavy traffic in this area along Queen Ka-ahumanu Highway. 

Shopping is just a short walk away from the tender dock on Ali-i Drive at the Kona Inn Shopping Center.   There is a free shuttle for Hilo Hattie and Kona Coast Shopping Center on Palani Road.

Don't forget there is walking tour map for Kona too.


Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Getting from LAX to Union Station in Los Angeles & Some Great Ideas

Thank you to Jackie Lee for such an informative post (this is being reposted with her permission):

The way to go is by Flyaway bus. It is a bus service by the L.A. Metro system (bus, electric metro train etc) it costs about $7.00 each person and they do not take cash... sounds weird I know but they take credit cards etc. The bus runs everyday from 6:00 am to 10:00 at night and on every hour. The ride is about 1 hour (give or take due to traffic) The bus once it leaves Union station is non stop to the airport and it will stop at each terminal in turn once it arrives at the airport at the lower level So you do not have to walk far with your luggage, they allow the standard 3 bags and no to huge stuff just like the airlines. It is a big blue bus with Flyaway written in white. It goes both ways, to and from the airport. At Union station there is a Starbucks (in case you need to kill time) and if it is around lunch or Dinner the way to go is really across the street to Olverio Street. The front of Union Station faces Alameda Street and directly across from the entrance of Union station (then across Alameda street, by the traffic signal) is where Los Angels all began back in the Spanish colonial days, old buildings and places to eat and drink. Lots of trinket shops etc. But if you do not mind a bit of a walk, go down (same side of the street as Olverio street) a couple of blocks north to Phillipes. It is home of the best sandwiches in L.A. (and the say the first place ever to serve a beef dip sandwich.) Now I do not know if you have them in Auzzie land, but roll that is dipped in the beef juice and then slow cooked beef sliced and served up on the slightly soggy roll. They do Lamb, Ham & turkey too. And coffee is still at the "new price" of 10 cents. Used to be 5 cents up prices do go up you know (grin) sandwiches are about 6:00 dollars. And they are the best ever. Last week saw both (2 different times) Wolfgang Puck and Emeril Lagassee (2 famous US chefs with high end restaurants chains) going on and on about Phillipes. They have long tables and sawdust on the floor, and you might share the table with some of L.A.'s police, homeless folks and the movie people are always there. They serve great breakfast too, and you can take a beef dip to go if you want, ask them to put the "ju" on the side. It has been there 75-80 year and it's great.

now here it is this is the linc that the airport has for the flyaway but and http://www.lawa.org/popup.aspx?id=304 there is another linc at the bottom for you to go to Amtrac and the Metro linc.... hope this helps

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Parking Information: San Pedro - World Cruise Center

World Cruise Center
Port of Los Angeles
Berth 93, 92, & 91
San Pedro CA 90731 USA

http://www.sanpedro.com/spcom/crusshp.htm

The website link above gives detailed information on what lot to park in, cost per day/per hr and directions to get there.

The Carnival Spirit leaves from San Pedro.   A few of the local hotels do offer long term parking even if you are just staying at the hotel one night.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Moi Hole Cove - Oahu - Word of Warning

Oh my gosh, I just watch a show on History channel about the Moi Hole Cove in Oahu.  (before you read -- there is a happy ending).   This happens in 1983 a couple is standing out on the ledge (?) overlooking the waves and the ocean.   A monster wave comes up and over the rocks knocking them both over.  They are totally surrounded by water, she grabs the rock and holds on for dear life.  When the water subsides, he is gone.   He has gone over the ledge and into the pounding surf.   He is thrown by the water into a cave that the water pounds and pounds.   At many points the rescuers don't know if he is alive or not or even where he is at except in the cave.  After almost 4 hours, thru a true miracle they are able to rescue him just as another huge wave comes crashing in.     Most people never survive the cave and the pounding against the rocks.

http://www.history.com/shows/shockwave/videos/shockwave-moi-hole-rescue#shockwave-moi-hole-rescue

Hal and I watched the show.   Truly brought tears to my eyes, it was terrifying to know this was real life not a movie we were watching.

Moral:   Have respect for the ocean and the power it brings.   Many people forget that the waves can come up and over any place near the shore and can sweep them out to sea.   It truly was an eye opener to watch this show.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Surfing Event in November & December 2011 - Haleiwa (Oahu)

Van's Triple Crown of Surfing
Free event on Oahu -- November 12 thru December 20, 2011

The Triple Crown is the world’s most prestigious surf series, features the world’s best surfers in the planet’s biggest waves, and offers $1,000,000 in prize money

If you go to the event, you might want to stroll thru the town of Haleiwa also.
"This old plantation town continues to welcome visitors. Designated a Historic, Cultural and Scenic District in 1984, Haleiwa has maintained its simple charm and laid-back environment. Aging storefronts line its main street. This is definitely a “shorts and slippers” kind of place."


Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.