Click for Slideshow of Norwegian Cruise’s “Pride of America”

One of the best, and most comprehensive ways to visit all of the Islands of Hawaii in just 7 days, is to cruise!   Norwegian Cruise Line offers a cruise from Honolulu to 3 outer islands: Maui, Kauai and the Big Island of Hawaii.  Stops in Kauai and Maui include an overnight stay.  So no rushing!  Imagine visiting 4 islands, and only packing and un-packing once!

Saving money is on everyone’s mind these days.  A great way to save some money on vacation is by saving the expense of passports for the whole family, at about $100 + per person.  Since you are not leaving the USA, a passport is not required.  Another plus is eliminating additional hotel nights.  If you are flying from the West Coast, you can fly from your home city on the morning of the sail date, arriving in Honolulu with lots of time to spare prior to embarkation.  On the return, you will have plenty of time after disembarkation to get to the airport and fly home!

Of course no cruise is complete without a few excursions to see the sights at each port.  Since you will have an overnight stay in both Maui and Kauai, many folks prefer to rent a car and explore on their own.  Even though Hawaii is very exotic and you feel as though you are in a foreign land, you are still in the USA; we drive on the right side of the road, and all of the street signs are in English.  Albeit, Hawaiian names are a bit difficult to grasp at first!   Both Kauai and Maui have handy self guided island tours.  Just stop at the first ABC Store (they are everywhere) and invest in the CD version, about $15, and pop it into the car CD player and enjoy your tour!  And the fact that you are saving a lot of money!

On board the Pride of America, it’s business as usual, even while in port.  That means your meals are still being prepared 3 times a day, snacks are always available, and the bartenders are still on duty!  So if you prefer to return to the ship for your meals, that’s not a problem at all.  Otherwise, having breakfast and dinner on board, and your lunch ashore is still a good way to save some money.  Norwegian Cruise Line was one of the first cruise lines to offer dining called Free Style.  This means no assigned dining time, table or dinner companions.  This gives you even more freedom while in port.

Your stop in Hilo allows plenty of time to visit the Volcanoes National Park, or the Planetarium for some star gazing.  Do you enjoy the chocolate covered Macadamia Nuts…..go right to the source, at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory!  Your friends and family will appreciate your thoughtfulness when you bring home boxes of these tasty bites of Hawaii.

After leaving Hilo you will cruise to the other side of the island, past Mount Kilauea, you will hopefully be able to catch a few pictures the flowing lava in the darkness.  Of course, that’s something dependent upon Mother Nature!

Kona, Hawaii is a great place to explore.  There are so many shops, restaurants (if you choose), and activities, you won’t know which to do first!  A favorite is the Kailua Glass-bottom boat.  You will be able to experience the underwater paradise of colorful reefs full of fish and other aquatic wildlife!

Once back in Honolulu, if you have a late flight, be sure to visit Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head, and of course, Waikiki Beach!

If Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America sounds like the way you would like to see Hawaii, please give me a call or send an email.  I am happy to help you realize the fun of touring 4 islands in 7 days!

sandi@totemtravel.com
425 821-4100 or 1 800-321-7907

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As honeymoon travel specialists we are frequently asked “How can I stretch my honeymoon budget?” or “What can I afford under $2K?”  The great news is that Hawaii is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world and offers many options for an affordable tropical vacation.  In fact some of our favorite honeymoon packages in Hawaii start under $2K including airfare and accommodations at a 4 star resort!

Each island in Hawaii has a full range of resorts and condominiums from budget to luxury, but there are some tips and tricks to stretching your honeymoon dollar -

1. Travel when the kids are in school.  Hawaii is a popular family vacation destination, so when kids go back to school, the prices go down!  Traveling in May or September - mid December is a fantastic way to stretch your honeymoon budget and enjoy Hawaii when the weather is beautiful and the beaches less crowded.

2. Travel Monday through Thursday to save weekend airfare surcharges.  This can save you more than $100.

3. Stay longer in one place!  Seeing more than one Hawaiian island is appealing but many resorts and condos offer free nights with a longer stay and you’ll save airfare if you choose one island for your honeymoon.

4. Honeymoon in Honolulu.  Oahu tends to be the least expensive island and Waikiki Beach, the Polynesian Cultural Center, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head and North Shore are just a few popular tourist spots. A car rental is not necessary in Honolulu since public transportation is readily and inexpensively available and restaurants, shopping and entertainment are all within walking distance of the many resorts located on or near the beach.

Talk about value!  A honeymoon package at a 4 star resort such as the Outrigger Reef on the Beach starts under $2K for two people including airfare from the west coast to Hawaii and a 5 night stay.  This resort is newly renovated, located right on world famous Waikiki Beach and close to everything! I stayed a few nights recently and fell in love with the resort and location all over again.

5. Rent a car on the outer islands.  A car is an extravagance in Honolulu, but it’s a budget saver on the outer islands of Hawaii.  Not only will you need transportation from the airport but you can drive yourself to popular sights and beaches and take advantage of less expensive dining away from the major resorts.

If Maui is your style, you will love the beautiful beaches, relaxed atmosphere and fantastic restaurants.  The Sheraton Maui is one of several favorite resorts on Kaanapali Beach and is located at Black Rock which has the best off beach snorkeling in Hawaii!   In Lahaina, about 10 minutes from the resort, you will find lots of restaurants, shopping and entertainment.  Currently a honeymoon vacation package with airfare from the West Coast, accommodations and a rental car is under $2500.

The Big Island of Hawaii is known for Volcanoes, hiking, and sightseeing and a few great beaches.  The Hapuna Prince is on one of the best and a 5 night package starts just over $2K for air, accommodations and rental car

6. Book a condo rather than a resort and save on restaurant expenses.  Most condos in Hawaii have full kitchens and it’s particularly easy to save money by preparing breakfast, simple lunches, snacks and drinks.  For dinnertime you may wish to find a affordable restaurant or throw some burgers on the BBQ.  Your choice!

Kauai is known as the Garden Island with lush tropical foliage, waterfalls and canyons.  You’ll find a wide array of condos and resorts located on or near the beach and vacation packages starting just over $2K per couple with airfare, accommodations and car rental. Two of my favorites are the Aston Poipu Kai and Sheraton.

7. Travel light.  A bikini and flip flops won’t take much room so pack light and avoid baggage fees.  Most airlines allow a 20-21 inch rolling bag and one personal item per person, which provides plenty of space for shorts, bathing suits and sunglasses and most couples will save more than $100.

8. Rent your snorkel gear for the week. Outlets like Snorkel Bob’s in Maui will rent snorkel gear by the week for about the same that some resorts charge for a single day.

9. Book excursions last minute for a deep discount.  This isn’t the way to plan your whole trip because popular attractions sell out way in advance but a same day booking for an unsold helicopter flight may be available at ½ price.

10. Work with a honeymoon travel specialist and work with a Hawaii specialist.  Our goal is to help you find the best honeymoon for the lowest price possible.  When we put your wish list and our destination knowledge together you may be surprised by how far your honeymoon budget can go! Call or email sandi@totemtravel.com.

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Destination Weddings are fast becoming the norm rather than the exception.  Most couples are dreaming of a beach, sunset, and beautiful water when thinking of a wedding in Hawaii.  We can help you find the best setting for your wedding, as well as help you and your guests deal with flights and accommodations.  Once you decide on the island, which we will help you choose, the venue is next.  We have contacts at many of the venues, and can work with them to provide you the best possible experience.  .  Below are some ideas which hopefully will help you narrow down your options.

A wedding in Hawaii can include anything from a simple barefoot in the sand wedding with just the couple, to an opulent wedding, many guests, at ‘Iolani Palace in Honolulu.

Each of the main Islands of Hawaii, Oahu, Maui, Hawaii (The Big Island) and Kauai offer many beautiful venues.

Oahu, nicknamed The Gathering Place is the main island is the most populous and most commercial….in the Waikiki area.  However, Oahu is so much more than the 66 acres that make up Waikiki.  I recently toured Oahu with the specific purpose of visiting as many varied wedding venues as possible.  Surprisingly, most of the venues were miles away, both figuratively and literally, from Waikiki.

This is not to say that many of the hotels along Waikiki do not offer beautiful wedding venues and packages.  Most hotels offer wedding packages which can include all aspects of your wedding:  catering, photography and music.  A wedding coordinator is also available to help you plan everything, long distance!    Outdoor sunset weddings are very popular, with rooftop or beach receptions!

Since most couples think of sand and beach, when they think Hawaii Wedding, there are some legal aspects involving permits, which are not costly but can be confusing and complicated. However, a good wedding planner, which we help you find, will deal with all of this on your behalf. Since the use of chairs, tables, arches and other assorted decorative elements are not allowed on the beach, be sure that all of your guests are comfortable with standing on the beach for 30 minutes while you repeat your vows, Remember, even if you do not actually recite your vows on the beach, photographers, which we can also help you find, love to photograph you on the beach, on the cliffs, in the water, at sunset, or sunrise.  You will still have that beautiful beachfront wedding portfolio of pictures!

Many couples opt for a garden wedding overlooking the beach and ocean.  One of my favorite locations for a garden wedding was on the Windward side of Oahu.  There are garden & beach settings that make this venue particularly appealing.  A casual wedding on the beach is of course very special, but even more special is that it can be on a Secret Island site!  The Secret Island is actually private!  You and your guests will be transported by boat to the Island, for your ceremony on the beach.  You can have your reception on Secret Island, or in one of the gardens on the “mainland”.  Very private and very romantic!

In addition to the Secret Island, garden settings offer some of the most beautiful wedding locations on Oahu.  The staff will provide different decorative elements such as arches and flower arrangements, tables and chairs as are needed for your guests, and tents protection from the elements.   Nature provides the views:  Ocean, the small island, Chinaman’s Hat, and beautiful mountains all contribute to the ambiance!

Another of my favorite venues for a wedding is the Waimea Valley Park.  This Park is on the North Shore of Oahu and has some of the most beautiful garden settings for a wedding.  They do not have a beach, but they do have a beautiful waterfall!  The waterfall is a short walk down a beautiful pathway with tropical flowers everywhere!

Some couples do want to have a chapel wedding, and Oahu has some beautiful options.  Small privately owned chapels offer a beautiful setting in a tropical garden with sweeping ocean views. Many of the chapels have beautiful stained glass windows which contribute greatly to your photos, as well. The private chapels are generally non-denominational so they can provide your dream wedding regardless of religion.  Some of the settings also feature gardens with waterfalls or fountains, gazebos and lanais for wedding ceremonies and receptions. One of my favorites also includes a Romeo and Juliet balcony for throwing the bouquet!!

Chapels in the harbor offer the unique opportunity for the bride and groom to be married, celebrate with their guests and fly off to their honeymoon on a sea-plane!!

Another chapel that is very convenient for guest staying in Waikiki is the St. Augustine By-The-Sea Waikiki Roman Catholic Church.  The church is about 1 to 2 blocks off Kalakaua Avenue which is the main street in Waikiki.  For your wedding photos, this church, built in 1854, with Neo-gothic architecture and many stained glass windows are going to be amazing!

For the ultimate in convenience, one or two of the Waikiki hotels have chapels on site.  This can be particularly desirable if you are hosting a small wedding with all of the guests at the same hotel.  The Ocean Crystal Chapel, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, is a wonderful option.  The Chapel is beautiful, air conditioned, great sound system, with an all-white color scheme.  Since it is in the Hilton Hawaiian Village, there are many options your reception.  Or maybe, the Waikiki Starlight Luau, on the rooftop, would be a great choice for your reception?

On the far North Shore of Oahu lies Turtle Bay.  One of the most romantic settings on the island, this resort offers beautiful ocean views, gardens and an oceanfront chapel as wedding options.  The waves are some of the biggest & most picturesque anywhere, and make the perfect backdrop for your wedding photos.

I’m sure you will agree Oahu is much more than Waikiki!  But that’s fun, too!!

If you interested, please give me a call at (425) 821-4100 or send me an email at sandi@totemtravel.com!

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When you have children it is almost a necessity to have some time devoted to just having fun and reconnecting.  I’ve been told, and am a believer, that children will not remember that you remodeled the kitchen but they will remember that wonderful family vacation!  A destination that will create wonderful memories for both the adults and the children is Hawaii. What is to stop you from traveling now!  Rates are down for both hotels and air flights.  Below I will detail some great resorts for families, and hopefully encourage that traveling bug!

Honolulu is still a great destination. Yes, it is busier than the other islands, but it offers so many options for fun that it’s worth it!  However, if you really prefer to stay far from Waikiki, the North Shore of Oahu is home to a fantastic family resort called Turtle Bay Resort.  Your teen can take surf lessons, and the younger ones can go for a pony rides.  How about a clear-bottom Kayak, to experience the life under the sea.  The resort itself offers 2 championship golf courses, tennis courts, and 12 miles of hiking trails to accommodate every age group.  Accommodations range from standard Oceanview rooms to Oceanfront Beach Cottages.  And the Turtle Bay Resort is just a short drive to the Polynesian Cultural Center, where you can see the best Polynesian show on Oahu, maybe in Hawaii.

Another family friendly resort, outside the Waikiki area, is the Kahala Hotel & Resort.  This resort has a dedicated club for the keikis (Hawaiian for child) age 5-12.  They will be able to participate in many diverse activities and learn about Hawaiian culture.  Among these activities are reef walking, snorkeling, bamboo pole fishing, lei making, hula dancing and swimming with the dolphins.  Accommodations range from a garden view room to 2 bedroom beachfront suites.  Oh, and for mom and dad?  How about a couple’s massage at the spa!  Many packages include buffet breakfast, too!

Moving on to Kauai, the Garden Isle, we find the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa.  Complimentary activities abound for the kids:  a meandering river pool, a 150 foot waterslide, and basketball or volleyball in the pool!  There is also an expansive saltwater lagoon where children can swim, float or kayak together with other children.  Hiking opportunities include an easy hike along a sea cliff with spectacular views….you might even see endangered humpback whales, or monk seals.  Accommodations here run from the standard Gardenview room, to an expansive Oceanfront Suites.

On the big island of Hawaii, is the Hilton Waikoloa Village. I have stayed here and loved every minute!  There is something do all the time!  Dolphin Quest is right at the resort, so Swimming with the Dolphins will surely interest your kids!  Mom and Dad will love it too!  The resort has the most amazing water park…lazy river, swinging bridges, water slides, waterfalls…..Kings Golf Course is also offering Waikoloa Family Golf Days through the end of July.  Families will have the opportunity to play nine holes at a much discounted rate.  Accommodations at this resort include standard rooms, as well as 2 bedroom family units.

Let’s not forget Maui. Maui is quickly becoming the most popular island for families.  One of my favorite family resorts is the Hyatt Regency in Lahaina, on the beautiful Kaanapali Beach.  Small children, as well as the other ones, will have a great time at Camp Hyatt Kaanapali.  They love creating photo memories with their own camp-issued cameras.  I’m sure their favorite will be a photo t-shirt!  How about coconut bowling?  The Hyatt also includes a night program for the kids where they will learn about the Hawaiian night sky with the “Tour of the Stars” astronomy program.  Adults will love sitting around the pool, or playing a round or two of golf, since the kids are having so much fun at Camp Hyatt!

The hotels and resorts mentioned are just a few of the wonderful family properties available in Hawaii.  Many are offering reduced rates, or 3^rd or 4^th night free, buffet breakfasts, reduced rates for luaus or even a resort $ credit.  Now is the time for you plan your family vacation.  The memories you create will stay with you and your children forever!

Please call me to start the coconut rolling!  Sandi Moore, (425) 821-4100, or sandi@totemtravel.com

Can you travel before summer vacation?  If so, there are some really great deals to Hawaii.  For example, roundtrip airfare from Seattle and five nights at a moderate condo or resort in Honolulu is less than $600 per person.  So if you’d like to have some fun in the sun and score a great deal on a Hawaii vacation please call Sandi at Totem Travel  for more information or email sandi@totemtravel.com.