Click the link to take you to the discoveringhawaii website, then click on the FREE OAHU HAWAII MOVIE LOCATIONS DRIVE MAP to download a high-quality pdf.
http://www.discoveringhawaii.com
Friday, March 12, 2010
Our Free Map To Oahu's Most Famous Movie Locations, Including LOST
Click the link to take you to the discoveringhawaii website, then click on the FREE OAHU HAWAII MOVIE LOCATIONS DRIVE MAP to download a high-quality pdf.
http://www.discoveringhawaii.com
Friday, February 26, 2010
Makena: The Best Clothing Optional Beach In Hawaii
For fun in the Maui sun, you can’t beat clothing-optional Little Makena Beach, on Maui’s sunniest, driest stretch of awesome coastline. With azure waters, colorful snorkeling at the rocky points, some excellent bodysurfing waves, fine naked bodies, and plenty of like-minded company, you may never want to leave. Weekends are crowded, but often during the week nobody is here.
A mile or so south of the Makena Prince Hotel, parking at Makena Beach’s lots fills up early, but even so, circle a few times, as many people just drop by for a quick look and leave. A lunch wagon or two will be in the area if you’d like to purchase food or drink.
Big Makena Beach (seen on the right in the aerial photo) is a world- class watery playground, but to reach Little Makena (seen on the left), you have to take the trail over the rocky point at the north end. On the other side, just a 2 minute journey, you’ll discover hidden Little Makena, a crowded compact paradise of freedom. The gay area of the beach is at the farthest end.
Although nudity is officially illegal —in direct opposition to Hawaiian culture— but the cops only bother those who venture into the brush in search of an adventure.
Makena Alanui (Road) TRAVELS SOUTH FROM THE WAILEA RESORT and skirts past distinctive Pu`u `Ola`i Crater and an unmarked and very rough and deeply rutted dirt spur road through the trees to Oneuli Beach, an unremarkable dark sand beach with no facilities. Beyond, a surprise to those who have not visited this area in a few years, is a large paved parking lot at the northern end of Big Beach. There is foot trail access to CLOTHING OPTIONAL Little Beach from here.
Little Beach is also one of the best beach-access scuba diving spots on Maui (depth: 45'/14m). Enter the water near the right/far end of the beach and swim out. Currents are not usually a problem unless, of course, seas are stormy. The underwater topography is varied and rewarding. Pick up a free --and excellent-- guide to snorkeling and scuba areas on Maui at any Maui Dive Shops location.
Big Beach, officially called Oneloa Beach, is one of Hawaii's most fabulous strands. Even at two thirds of a mile long and 100 feet wide, with transparent waters, the place is surprisingly popular, considering how out of the way it is.
There are two more parking areas for Big Beach beyond the first one. The third parking area may not be open. We have found this unpaved lot sometimes open and sometimes closed. This part (the southern end) of Big Beach draws surfers and body boarders, making for an interesting crowd and some fancy board work in the surf. Big Beach is justifiably famous and well worth a visit.
An interesting cloud condition often develops overhead at Big Beach, sometimes lasting from late morning until mid afternoon, which shades only part of Makena from the sun while everywhere else along this coast the sunshine brightly blazes down. It can be frustrating for those who want to just lie in the sun and get a tan at Big Beach, since the cloud can stubbornly just sit there for hours, blocking the sun's rays in an otherwise totally blue sky. Or for those wanting to enjoy the beach yet minimize exposure to the direct rays, it might just be the perfect option. As you reach the sand from the first parking area, look to the right to see the bluff you'll be climbing over to reach Little Makena Beach, photos below:
A mile or so south of the Makena Prince Hotel, parking at Makena Beach’s lots fills up early, but even so, circle a few times, as many people just drop by for a quick look and leave. A lunch wagon or two will be in the area if you’d like to purchase food or drink.
Big Makena Beach (seen on the right in the aerial photo) is a world- class watery playground, but to reach Little Makena (seen on the left), you have to take the trail over the rocky point at the north end. On the other side, just a 2 minute journey, you’ll discover hidden Little Makena, a crowded compact paradise of freedom. The gay area of the beach is at the farthest end.
Although nudity is officially illegal —in direct opposition to Hawaiian culture— but the cops only bother those who venture into the brush in search of an adventure.
Makena Alanui (Road) TRAVELS SOUTH FROM THE WAILEA RESORT and skirts past distinctive Pu`u `Ola`i Crater and an unmarked and very rough and deeply rutted dirt spur road through the trees to Oneuli Beach, an unremarkable dark sand beach with no facilities. Beyond, a surprise to those who have not visited this area in a few years, is a large paved parking lot at the northern end of Big Beach. There is foot trail access to CLOTHING OPTIONAL Little Beach from here.
Little Beach is also one of the best beach-access scuba diving spots on Maui (depth: 45'/14m). Enter the water near the right/far end of the beach and swim out. Currents are not usually a problem unless, of course, seas are stormy. The underwater topography is varied and rewarding. Pick up a free --and excellent-- guide to snorkeling and scuba areas on Maui at any Maui Dive Shops location.
Big Beach, officially called Oneloa Beach, is one of Hawaii's most fabulous strands. Even at two thirds of a mile long and 100 feet wide, with transparent waters, the place is surprisingly popular, considering how out of the way it is.
There are two more parking areas for Big Beach beyond the first one. The third parking area may not be open. We have found this unpaved lot sometimes open and sometimes closed. This part (the southern end) of Big Beach draws surfers and body boarders, making for an interesting crowd and some fancy board work in the surf. Big Beach is justifiably famous and well worth a visit.
An interesting cloud condition often develops overhead at Big Beach, sometimes lasting from late morning until mid afternoon, which shades only part of Makena from the sun while everywhere else along this coast the sunshine brightly blazes down. It can be frustrating for those who want to just lie in the sun and get a tan at Big Beach, since the cloud can stubbornly just sit there for hours, blocking the sun's rays in an otherwise totally blue sky. Or for those wanting to enjoy the beach yet minimize exposure to the direct rays, it might just be the perfect option. As you reach the sand from the first parking area, look to the right to see the bluff you'll be climbing over to reach Little Makena Beach, photos below:
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
8 Terrific BARGAIN-PRICED Eating Places on Maui
1. ALOHA MIXED PLATE
1285 Front St., Lahaina (behind the Lahaina Cannery Mall); (808) 661-3322
Price: $6.25 to $13.95. Features inexpensive local style plate lunches with a view worth a million bucks, especially at sunset: tiki torches, crashing waves and Hawaiian music from the luau next door.
2. SUNRISE CAFE
Sunrise Cafe, 693-A N. Front St., Lahaina (around the corner makai from Lappert's ice cream place); (808) 661-8558.
Price: $5.95 to $9.95. Tiny hole-in-the-wall. Great Eggs Benedict. Breakfast is served until 3 p.m., when the place closes for the day. The lunch menu of soups and sandwiches kicks in after 11:30 a.m. Cash only accepted.
3. PAUWELA CAFE / CLOSED
Haiku, HI 96708-5131
575-9242
Do not miss! On the way to Hana uphill from the highway.
4. CAFE DES AMIS
42 Baldwin Ave
Paia, HI 96779
579-6323
Do not miss! Average price: $8.00.
3. PAUWELA CAFE / CLOSED
Haiku, HI 96708-5131
575-9242
Do not miss! On the way to Hana uphill from the highway.
4. CAFE DES AMIS
42 Baldwin Ave
Paia, HI 96779
579-6323
Do not miss! Average price: $8.00.
5. BA-LE FRENCH SANDWICHES & BAKERY
Ba-Le French Sandwiches & Bakery, 1221 Honoapiilani Road, Lahaina (in the Lahaina Cannery Mall); (808) 661-5566. Also, 4b: 270 Dairy Road, Kahului (in the Maui Marketplace); (808) 877-2400
Price: $7.75 to $8.25
Vietnamese/ French/Hawaiian. Yummy sandwiches are served on French-style baguettes. Pastries and croissants round out the menu. Fast service. Try the Ba-Le Corn Puffs and the Kiawe-smoked Pastrami Banh Mi Rolls.
6. FISH MARKET MAUI
3600 Lower Honoapiilani Road, Lahaina; (808) 665-9895.
This market has a take out counter with sandwiches, fish tacos and pizzas, including crab and avocado, lobster salad, poke (Hawaiian ceviche) and smoked fish. For a great fish dinner without paying a fortune, this tiny shop in a West Maui strip mall makes it simple. Convenient to Napili/Honokowai, near the West Maui Airport.
Price: $8.99 to $12.99
7. HONOLUA STORE DELI
502 Office Road, Kapalua. Phone 808-669-6128
Price: About $7.00. Located within the Kapuala Bay Resort property, Chef Romeo Arruiza, formerly of the Westin Kaanapali, offers a changing menu of lunch plates, pizzas and creative sandwiches. Stop on your way up to Mokuleia Marine Life Conservation District Beach and Honolua Bay and enjoy the food while looking at the dreamy view of Molokai across the channel, and in the surfers and snorkel boats in the bay below.
Maui Community College, 310 W. Kaahumanu Ave., Kahului; (808) 984-3225, open during the school season. The best affordable gourmet food on the island. Call ahead to make reservations. Located near the Kahalui Airport. Visit the website to see the menus.
Price: $5 to $8.50, more for the multi-course dinners.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Who Knew There Was Color Photography In The 1920s?
Here is a color autochrome taken at the Grand Opening of Waikiki's Royal Hawaiian Hotel in 1927. Color photos this old are rare because color cost a fortune back then. We read that just ONE color glass Autochrome plate with processing cost the equivilant of $32 in today's US$.
Visit the website to see more 1920s color from Hawaii:
http://www.discoveringhawaii.com
Visit the website to see more 1920s color from Hawaii:
http://www.discoveringhawaii.com
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
The First Family's Favorite Hawaii Places
If you'd like to retrace some of the many steps the Prez and his family have taken while enjoying their vacations on Oahu, here's a free map to guide you. The locals always know the best spots, so you can depend on these places to please.
Five BARGAIN Kauai Restaurants You Won't Want To Miss!
1. Red Hot Mama's / Hanalei / North Shore
5-6607 Kuhio Highway, Halalei; (808) 826-7266
Price: $5 to $11.50
This petite Mexican taco hole-in-the-wall is located about a mile after the Hanalei Bridge, right before you enter Hanalei Town, next to Wainiha General Store, and features organic foods. Burritos are fat with big chunks of beef and chicken.
2. Polynesia Café/Hanalei/ North Shore
Ching Young Village Shopping Center, 5-5190 Kuhio Highway, Hanalei; (808) 826-1999
Polynesia Café, features salads, sandwiches and huge burgers,. We love the macadamia encrusted ahi. Portions are large and accompanied by steamed veggies and choice of white or brown rice.
3. Kilauea Fish Market/Kilauea/ North Shore
4270 Kilauea Lighthouse Road, Kilauea; (808) 828-6244
Price: $9.99 to $14.99
Healthier Hawaiian food: get the ahi wrap or teriyaki chicken.
4. Kilauea Bakery / North Shore
Kong Lung Center, 2484 Keneke St. at Kilauea Lighthouse Road, Kilauea; (808) 828-2020Price: $3.05 to $11.95
Still going strong since the early 90s. Terrific baked goods and unusual offerings. The breads are wonderful.
5. Duane's Ono Char-Burger / East Shore
44350 Kuhio Highway, Anahola (midway between Lihue and Princeville, next to Whaler General Store); (808) 822-9181
44350 Kuhio Highway, Anahola (midway between Lihue and Princeville, next to Whaler General Store); (808) 822-9181
Price: $4.40 to $7.25
The legendary local favorite, hands down. The burgers are great, but the surroundings are, umm, untidy, so opt for take-out.
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