Going2Oahu Travel Blog | Paradise in the Pacific

Alan Wong's in Honolulu

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:57:15 GMT

Okay, get a pencil because you'll want to write this down.

The #1 absolute best restaurant in all of Honolulu is Alan Wong's Restaurant and the li hing tomato and cucumber salad is the best salad in all the land! OMG, the li hing flavor makes your mouth water - it's that good and I want some now.I'm telling you this because you need to have at least one amazing dinner while you're here and I don't want you to leave without eating at Wong's.

Okay, that's all for now - I'm off to dinner!

Aloha ~

Ali

Do We Still Say Aloha... When in Rome?

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:41:59 GMT

Although I live in paradise, I still love traveling to wonderful places - it's something that I love to do and treasure so much. It's just so exciting to go to cities, so new and invigorating with every change in scenery. It's really hard to put into words, believe it or not, but it just renews me. Does that make any sense at all?

One of the cities that I plan to visit next summer is the city of Rome - so historic, so religious, and so classicaly Italian! I want to visit the Campo de' fiori, take a walk on the Piazza Navona, and tour the amazing Colosseo (Colosseum). I want to explore St Peter's Basilica, view the paintings at Caravaggio, and throw a nickle in the Trevi Fountain. OMG I get so excited just thinking about it.

I'm making progress, even started searching for cheap Rome hotels at www.vacationrentalrome.com - yes there really is such a website and their selection and peices are looking good. I just know that I want to plan the trip well so that I can stay longer. Wondering if any of my readers have been to this amazing cit or perhaps even live there? Please drop me a comment!

Aloha ~

Ali

Read Any Good Books Lately?

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:57:35 GMT

Hawaii is a beautiful state, but did you know that it is also one of the most beautiful novels ever written? From the opening scene with Keoki relating the history of the Hawaiian people, I really think you'll love this novel by James Michener.

Keoki, a native Hawaiian and first convert to the Christian faith has traveled across the ocean to America in hopes of convincing some of the upcoming graduates of a Calvinist College in New England to sail to Hawaii and share their faith with his people. Among those who accept the challenge is Abner Hale, a young man of good intentions but overzealous and prideful in his Christianity. Unable to join in the missionary effort unless he is married, one is arranged for him with the lovely Jerusha Bromley.

The hardships of the sea voyage are only a taste of the hardship that face them once they arrive at their destination. As the new arrivals acclimate themselves to their new surroundings Jerusha soon falls in love with the open and loving nature to the natives while Abner grows more narrow and unbending in his proselytization efforts. Unable to appreciate the beauty around him, he sees only heathens doomed to hell for their pagan ways.

Abner eventually loses sight of the Christian message to "love one another" and in a fit of range calls upon God to bring death and destruction to the unrepentant Hawaiians. When a measles epidemic spreads through the islands it appears Abner prayer has been answered with dire consequences.

A poignant and ultimately sad tale of the lose of yet another native 'land of paradise' brought about the greed and lack of concern by foreign powers.

Aloha ~

Ali

My Grandma and Nu'uanu Pali

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:39:03 GMT

Grandma... are you reading this? Of course you are because you read me every day - haha!

My grandma lives in Kailua which is located in Windward Oahu. It's about 12 miles from Honolulu and it's over Nu'uanu Pali which is the tallest mountain peak in the Ko'olau mountain range - a lovely drive but not so good for grandma anymore. We're all worried about grandma because she is getting older and has diabetes so we hope to have her moving in with us soon.

Grandma crosses Nu'uanu Pali once a week for a B-12 injection in Honolulu and we're trying to convince her to try a sublingual B12 instead - wondering if any of my readers have tried this. According to the box, sublingual means “under the tongue” so all she has to do is place the tablet under her tongue and it dissolves completely. This eliminates (Grandma, are you listening?) the problem that B12 oral pills have with poor absorption and it eliminates those painful and costly injections.

So grandma, we're not trying to bug you. We love you and we'd like to have you try sublingual B-12 from Trivita today so you don't need to make that drive anymore. We'd also like you to consider moving in with us here - we'll have a blast!

Aloha ~

Ai

Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron Heading to Hawaii

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:30:31 GMT

Are you a Disney's High School Musical fan? I am - I love the catchy tunes, amazing dancing, and teen drama, and I love the way Disney makes the story fun!

Well here's some gossip about the two main stars - Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens that might be of interest. According to the pros at x17online.com, " Disney lovebirds Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens - they're still dating? Uh, guess so! - boarded a private jet headed for Hawaii this weekend. Hey, maybe they're meeting up with co-star and BFF Ashley Tisdale, she's in Hawaii, too!"So if you're planning a visit this week, keep the Going2Oahu Blog bookmarked and I'll keep you posted on where they are!

Aloha,

Ali

Hawaii Personal Debt is Improving

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:07:00 GMT

Despite some hard economic times across the Aloha State, an article in today's Providence Business News is suggesting that auto loan delinquencies are currently way down in Hawaii. The article says that "the sharpest improvements compared with the fourth quarter were seen in Hawaii, where delinquencies fell 41.7 percent to 0.60 percent of all auto loans..."

So I guess we're all good in Hawaii now? Maybe things are improving, but I know a number of families are really hurting with the high price of gasoline and everything else.

I ran across a neat little website today that gives you a score on various parts of your financial life (credit, debt, budget, wealth, and life plan). I gave it a go and got a 90% which is not bad for a college girl in my opinion. I think the reason I did well on this test is because I only have two credit cards and they're both at around 10% utilization. When I was a freshman, I overused my cards and had to consolidate my debt - working real hard to pay it off quickly. Since then, I have been real careful to live within my means - even started an IRA to shelter some of my internet income.

If you want to learn your score and have a little fun, you might want to visit the bills.com website and give their service a spin. After all, the financially fit can visit us in Honolulu more often!

Aloha ~

Ali

Back in the Aloha State - Physically and Mentally

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 18:06:17 GMT

Aloha everyone - it's good to be home!!!

Yep... I just got back from my "Sunshine State" vacation - paid the mouse a dear sum of money I did, but I have to say that it's great to be back in the Aloha State again! Florida is so beautiful, but I really missed my white sandy beaches, trade winds, and those all too predictable Oahu rain showers.

I did find a neat Florida blog while I was waiting out a weather delay at Orlando International Airport. The SunEGrl Loves to Shop Blog is written by a native Floridian named Dena who filled me in on lots of local happenings - even informed me that Friday is Cow Appreciation Day! I would have never known this without Dena's prompting and thus never been able to pay my tribute to the beloved cattle of the world.

Looking forward to blogging Hawaii again...

Aloha ~

Ali

Do You Love Blogging?

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 17:35:19 GMT

Does the Hawaii Travel Blog turn a profit?

Can I make money from blogging?

Is there room for another travel related blog on the net?

One of easiest way ways to earn extra income nowadays is from blogging. I'm not talking about getting rich in a day, earning $5000/month, or anything of the sort. I am talking, however, about earning a nice supply of "walking around money" from a daily blogging routine.

Blogging is fun, and it's relatively easy to do! You can set up a blog like this one (a sub-domain of my regular website), or you can set up a blog with a free hosting service - there are tons of them. Once you have started your blog, then you can write reviews about websites, products, services, etc. and get paid to post them.

How much can I make, you ask?

Your pay rate depends on lots of important factors like your blog's pagerank, the amount of traffic to your blog, even the way your blog looks. Although there are lots of places where you can get in touch with companies who will provide you work, I like IZEA because they'll connect you to both advertisers and fellow bloggers. In a nutshell, they will get work assignments from various advertisers and then ask you to write relevant posts on your blog about them. They may also pay you to place regular blog ads.

I hope you decide to start blogging - drop me a comment to point me to your creation!

Aloha ~

Ali

Hawaii Pepal Leaves Can Save Your Life!

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:42:25 GMT

A blogger friend just published an interesting article proclaiming that pepal leaves can save your life! How, you ask? Visit his "I Travel to Work, Do You?" blog to find out - or go directly to his article, "Amazing Tip to Recharge Your Battery with Leaves."

I will tell you that pepal leaves are prominent throughout the state. There is a Bo Tree growing on the grounds of Hilo's Waiakea Intermediate School that's about 25 years old. Although planted as a single trunk small tree, I'm told that it quickly developed multiple trunks as new trunks emerged from the root base. Here are some fun facts.

Ficus religiosa, Moraceae, Bo tree, Buddha tree. Large tree with leaves having long drawn-out tips, native to India. Buddha was supposed to have received enlightenment under one which is now dead. However, a cutting of this dating from 288 B.C. still exists in Sri Lanka. Location: Near mauka-Diamond Head corner of Hawaii Hall.

Aloha ~

Ali

Learn to Surf at Surf Camp - It's the Sport of Kings

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:06:03 GMT

They call it the "sport of kings." I'm speaking of surfing of course, and there is nothing on earth as exhilarating as this amazing water sport!

I've been surfing since I was five years old - my first memory of Waikiki Beach, in fact, involves a surf board. Now I'm a very amateur surfer for sure, but I love to get out on my little section of Pipeline and give it a go - absolutely amazing!!

Would you like to learn how to surf?

Would you like to take surfing lessons from the pros?

Would you like to be like me (haha)?

Surf Camp is in the business of running safe and exciting summer surf camps and they've helped people learn to surf since 1995. The camp is a one week immersion in the sport. It's a surf school experience with one assigned instructor for every three students! If you're a beginner seeking your very first surf lesson or if you're an amateur lie me and you just want to brush up on your skills, surf camp is the way to go. Surf Camp offers high quality learn to surf summer camps - kid camps, teen camps, and adult camps, and they're are unlike anything you would imagine.

Now picture this..

Learning to surf in our warm emerald green waters with white sandy beaches, enjoying a week of fun in the sun at one of our amazing summer surf camps. For vacationers and residents alike, surf camps offer a surfing experience that you will never forget. And if you can't commit a week, surf camp can be as flexible as you need them to be.

So jump in to the sport of kings. You will be amazed at how fast you will learn and how much fun you will have!

Aloha ~

Ali

Hawaii Five-O | Baywatch Hawaii | Dog the Bounty Hunter

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:09:13 GMT

Are you a fan of classic Hawaiian television - shows like Hawaii Five-O or the timeless Baywatch Hawaii?

I just discovered a tv links website where you can watch complete television show episodes on your PC or laptop. I'm not exactly sure how it works, but the website says they search video databases like YouTube, Veho, and Daily Motion. Then, they make the search results available for free viewing.

Here are some of my favorite searches:

Hawaii Five-O
Baywatch Hawaii
Dog the Bounty Hunter

Book 'em Danno!

Ali

Renting a Car in Oahu

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:48:22 GMT

Coming to our little island this Summer?

When your airplane lands at the Honolulu International Airport, you're next step after the bathroom and baggage claim is probably going to be the car rental counter.

Would you please allow me to share a little experience here?

Very simply, when in need of a car rental in Honolulu, go straight to the Advantage Rent A Car counter and bypass all of the hassles you’re bound to experience with the competition. Many people learn the hard way, that Advantage will always bail you out and earn your future business in the process. Not only will they have the vehicle you originally reserved from the other company, but it will be cheaper!

Right now they have a special offer of up to a 50% discount on luxury and convertible models, so you'll want to check on this!

Aloha ~

Ali

Thank God It's MONDAY

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 20:41:07 GMT

You've heard of TGIF (Thank God it's Friday!), right?

Well the Honolulu Advertiser posts a TGI Monday feature in their Entertainment section every week, detailing the concerts, plays, dances, etc. that are going on in Honolulu. If you're coming to the island, I suggest a glance at their weekly article to get some ideas!

Aloha ~

Ali

Memorable Vacations to See the Mouse

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 20:31:12 GMT

What is my most memorable vacation??

Well, I'm at Disney World on vacation right now and it reminded me of a crazy fun one from the past.

Recently, we all traveled from Honolulu to Orlando for a three night / four day trip to Walt Disney World. Yes that's correct, we flew from Honolulu to Orlando with the entire family for a three night pilgrimage to see the MOUSE - not a lot of time to take in four major theme parks, two waterparks, and Downtown Disney. We conquered our vacation plans however (at least mine), so yep it really is possible to squeeze all of the wonders of the World (Disney World that is) into a short amount of time.

If you ever decide to do something as crazy as this, you'll need a lot of energy, a solid itinerary, online travel guides, and good walking shoes! We missed so many of the things to do in Orlando because of our lightning round itinerary, so we're back here right now to take in some other attractions (Sea World, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, etc.). We'll probably contract with a company like Trusted Tours and Attractions to take advantage of their discounted tickets - read about it in their newsletter.

What's next for us?? Who knows, maybe a 24 hour run to the Metropolitan Museum of Art!

What has been your wildest vacation ever? Have you ever run a things to do in Las Vegas blitz or a New York City cramfest? I'd love to hear about it in my comments section.

Aloha nui and happy traveling ~

Ali

Mahalo Makuahine = Thanks Mom!

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 20:03:10 GMT

Just a quick thank you to the mothers of the world (we call them makuahine) for staying at home, raising your kids, staying afloat, and living your life without regrets. I found a lovely mom's blog and an associated mom's website while surfing around today, and it just reminded me that I need to say thanks.

Mahalo makuahine!

Aloha ~

Ali

Outdoor Living In Hawaii

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:49:39 GMT

In Hawaii, the locals spend a great deal of time outdoors. Our tropical climate is so temperate and consistent that it allows us to do this year round. Not only do we enjoy our "paradise weather" at the world's most beautiful beaches and parks, we also enjoy that paradise weather at our own homes. In fact, I am blogging to you from my back porch at this very moment!

For those on the mainland, Summer is here!

If you really want to have fun visiting with your family in the front or back yard, then you should consider picking up some outdoor furniture at buyoutdoorfurnitureonline.com. They have a nice selection of outdoor living sets at great prices, and they are currently offering free shipping on all orders until August of this year.

Oh... and they have the prettiest Patio Dining Sets (hint hint Dad - if you're reading this)!

Think I'm exaggerating our temperate climate? Here is our current forecast:

Tuesday, June 24
Mostly sunny with isolated showers. Highs 77 to 87. East winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.

Wednesday, June 25
Mostly sunny with isolated showers. Highs 78 to 87. East winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.

Thursday, June 26
Mostly sunny with isolated showers. Highs 78 to 86. East winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.

Friday, June 27
Mostly sunny with isolated showers. Highs 77 to 86. East winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.

Are ya' beginning to see the pattern??

Aloha ~

Ali

Hawaii Sweepstakes - Hyatt Resorts Summer Giveaway

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:16:57 GMT

Longing for the islands? Wishing you could escape to aloha?

There are currently 3 Hyatt Resorts in Hawaii, and here's a nice new sweepstakes from Hyatt that can get you on your way to the resort of your choice. This contest was brought to our attention by the Hawaiian Vacation Gifts Blog - thanks guys!

The Hyatt Resort Corporation is sponsoring a "Hyatt Resorts Great Summer Getaway 2008". One lucky winner will be awarded a Grand Prize of a Hyatt Gift card worth $15,000.00 This Hyatt gift card can be used at any Hyatt Resort locations around the world for hotel room stays, spa treatments, restaurants, golfing and more.

Aloha ~

Ali

Hawaii Trip Incentives Require Terrific Visuals

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:01:49 GMT

Looking for a way to pitch your Hawaii incentive trip to the masses?

The Godfrey Group can provide trade show display booths, displays and exhibits, pop up display units, portable displays, and even some accessories. You can use them to pitch the trip at trade shows, corporate information centers, showrooms, retail environments, and at all of your promotional events.

A Hawaii trip is a once in a lifetime incentive, so roll it out with an out of sight visual!

Aloha ~

Ali

Presenting... The Hawaii State Flag

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:51:14 GMT

Hawaii State Flag

The official state flag of Hawaii was commissioned by King Kamehameha I in 1816.

Using a schooner armed with a cannon, King Kamehameha I unified the islands of Hawaii in 1810. Before that time, each of the large islands had been a separate kingdom.

The eight stripes of white, red and blue represent the eight main islands of Hawaii. The Union Jack (the flag of Great Britain) is in the upper left corner of Hawaii's flag, honoring Hawaii's long relationship with the British.

Aloha ~

Ali

Identity Theft at Hawaii University Prompts Defensive Measures

aloha@going2oahu.com (Going2Oahu Admin) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:15:42 GMT

Do you know somebody that has been victimized by identity theft?

You hear about it all the time - people getting burned by fraud or identity theft when shopping online. They are scary stories indeed, and they're becoming all too common. Not only do you fear something like that happening to you, you're also brutally aware of how hard it would be on your pocket book and on your time if it did happen.

A friend of mine at Hawaii University was a recent victim of identity theft. Somebody applied for a new credit card in her name and ran it up to the $2,000 credit limit before she found out. The sad thing is that the identity thief ended up being one of her roommates and best friends!

I can't imagine how violated my friend must feel - sharing a home with someone and then discovering that they did something like that. I would be so upset, angry, confused - that would just plain stink. So now, the roommate is still living there in the house, and my friend is watching her back while trying to undo the damage that the event caused to her credit report.

Identity theft is happening more and more around campus, causing a lot of grief and inconvenience to the victims. People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or even years cleaning up the mess thieves have made of their good name and credit record.

Shop Shield® doesn't want to see this type of thing happen to anyone ever again. They're a new consumer protection company providing proactive services against identity theft and fraud when you are shopping online. They'll protect your credit card numbers, bank accounts, billing address, e-mail address, and log in data by using a fortress like security system. All your personal information is encrypted and stored in multiple independent databases. The merchants get paid, the merchandise gets delivered, but your personal information will never reach the merchant or anyone in between for that matter. It's like writing in invisible ink.

Because of the incident I described, I tell all of my friends to visit Shop Shield® and learn how they guarantee their service by reimbursing you up to $10,000 more than the coverage your credit card company provides if you ever become a victim of fraud or identity theft.

Learn more about all these services and how Shop Shield® provides all these to you for FREE!

Ali