Saturday, May 28, 2011

Here's a good review for the Blue Hawaiian Helicopters’ Kauai Eco Tour (posted by Cruising Goddess):

Cruising Goddess

It is worth reading if you are considering this tour.   She gives pros and cons about the seating arrangement on the helicopter as well as what was actually seen on the tour.  Overall I think a positive review.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter's Kauai Eco Tour

The have tours on all of the islands:

Big Island of Hawaii

Maui

Kauai

Oahu

Looks like many choices  ....   Also they have a virtual tour of the outside and inside of the helicopters they use.  Was very interesting.   Click on the link then look at the left side of the page for the virtual tours.

Important note on their website:   No scuba diving within 24 hrs. of departure  

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.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Dole Plantation Tours on Oahu

When I think of Hawaii, I always think of "pineapple" and also the gorgeous flowers that Hawaii is known for.   The Dole Plantation is on Oahu.

From their website:
"Originally operated as a fruit stand beginning in 1950, Dole Plantation opened to the public as Hawaii’s "Pineapple Experience" in 1989. Today, Dole Plantation is one of Oahu’s most popular visitor attractions and welcomes more than one million visitors a year.  

Dole Plantation provides enjoyable activities for the entire family, including the Pineapple Express, the Plantation Garden Tour, and the Pineapple Garden Maze. "

Dole Plantation Website

Dole Plantation Grill  (scroll down on the right of their site and you will see a pdf file with the menu)

Here's some information about the Pineapple Garden Maze on their website:

In 2008, Dole Plantation’s giant Pineapple Garden Maze was declared the world’s largest maze. The maze stretches over three acres and includes nearly two and one-half miles of paths crafted from 14,000 colorful Hawaiian plants
 
Highly recommend going to their website to read more about the Dole Plantation and all it has to offer.  Looks like it would appeal to all ages especially with the Pineapple Express train ride.

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.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Aloha Bus - Gray Line Tours - Oahu

When my brother went to New York a few years ago, he raved about the Gray Line Bus Tours.  He really liked that he could get on and off at the locations of his choosing on the tour plus allowed him to see the whole area at a reasonable price.   I was excited to see that Oahu has Gray Line Tours also called the Aloha Bus.

Aloha Bus on Oahu

From their website:

"The Double Decker Bus
First introduced in the 1950s, double decker buses have long been a symbol of England.  They have grown in popularity since then and are in widespread use around the world. They provide a convenient, fast and economical way to view the city's most important sites. The 2 floor bus with the open top provides easy viewing and picture taking. Tour guides provide the narration, full of information and personal experiences.

What else makes these tours unique you ask? They allow you to "hop off" at any of the bus stops and venture out on your own. You can explore the city or do some shopping, then you can "hop on" the next bus at any of the stops and continue the tour. Hence the term "Hop on, Hop off".

There are many tours and tour combos coupled with attractions like Shopping, Dining and Photo destinations.

So please take a look at our tours and attractions pages. We hope you will enjoy your stay in Hawaii and we welcome you to experience Aloha Bus tours.

Our Aloha Ambassadors are standing by from 9am-5pm to help you with your tour arrangements. "

They use double decker buses for the tour and offer you one, two, or three day passes (24, 48, & 72 hours respectively).

Aloha Bus Tours Offered (start at $29 Adult for 24 hour historic loop pass).  There are many tours offered including the Arizona, Punch Bowl, to name just a few.

Buses operate from 8 am to 8 pm daily.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)



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.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Segway of Hawaii - Oahu

Want to do something completely different on your stop in Oahu ... how about taking a segway tour.

Segway of Hawaii

They have 6 different tours to choose from including a private tour you can work with them to create.

Segway of Hawaii Tours

From their website:

Segway of Hawaii Recommendations:
  • It is a good idea to put plenty of sunscreen on prior to your tour, as you are out in the beautiful Hawaiian sun throughout your tour.
  • We also recommend wearing lightweight clothes, any kind of comfortable shoes (sneakers/flip flops - but, no heels for the ladies), sunglasses are a good idea, as well as a bottle of water.....and, don't forget your camera!
  • There is a small bag on the front of all Segway Personal Transporters that can accommodate a small bag or backback.
Their website has videos and lots of photos.  It was fun to go thru.   

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.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

411 Wrist Labels for Traveling With Children Created by Mabel's Labels

Was watching The View today and they had a segment on summer essentials.  These labels were shown and highly recommended for anyone traveling with small children.   It's an extra precaution in case you get separated.  The label attaches to the child's wrist and can include your cell phone number or other emergency contact information.   There are photos and more information on Mabel's Labels Website (link below)

The 411 Wrist Band is water, chlorine, sunscreen and perspiration resistant.   30 to package for $21.
 Mabel's Labels will donate 10 percent of all sales of this product to Autism Speaks, an organization that promotes research and awareness about autism. 

Mabel's Labels Website

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.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Port: Hilo, Big Island of Hawaii

I am always curious about what is by the dock, what is within walking distance.   My next few posts will pertain to the port and what to expect:

Hilo will be our first port.   It will be so exciting to know that we are finally in Hawaii.   Hal and I have never been to Hawaii before.    I love sea days and we will have 5 of them prior to arriving in Hilo.    Hilo is the port that is used for shipping of all the agricultural products on the island.  The Hawaii Volcano National Park is a 45 minute drive from the port.   Did you know that the park has 150 miles of trails?

The following information is taken from Hawaii By Cruise Ship, Second Edition (Jan 2011) written by Anne Vipond.   I highly recommend this book.   ISBN is:  978-0-9809573-5-8

"The ships dock at a large cargo and container facility located two miles (3 km) from Hilo's historic downtown core and three miles (5 km) from the Hilo Airport terminal.  Pay phones are available outside the cruise ship terminal.  A volunteer greeting program called Destination Hilo offers assistance to cruise passengers coming ashore, and provides a $1 (each way) shuttle between the cruise terminal and downtown Hilo. "   Pg 266 of the book

"Local crafts and flower arrangements are sold inside the cruise terminal.  In downtown Hilo, the shops are concentrated along Kamehameha Avenue, where refurbished historic buildings house shops and restaurants."  Pg 268 of the book

"A free shopping shuttle is provided to Hilo Hattie and Prince Kuhio Plaza.  An open-air farmers market is held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings at the corner of Kamehameha Avenue and Mamo Street.   Some stores are closed on Sunday."   Pg 268 of the book.


Car Rental:  You will find all major car rental places at the Hilo Airport.   The car rental places do have shuttles that run to the cruise terminal and back to the airport.



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.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Convertible Hat Perfect for Traveling

I purchased this hat this last weekend from Stefan Mann in Scottsdale.   They are a GREAT store to work with, and I would highly recommend them.   They carry a great line of travel purses, messenger bags, iPad bags, hats and more.   We found a very nice messenger bag for Hal for traveling.

The hat is made by San Diego Hat Company.  It is a convertible hat that you can wear either as a full hat or as a visor just by unzipping the top.   Isn't it perfect!!  It will be easy to pack, it is adjustable, and the brim is large so will keep out the glare of the sun.







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.