Click here for Slideshow of Whaler’s Cove

We are often asked for an adult’s only resort in Hawaii.

Actually there are none that are exclusive to adults, but Whaler’s Cove comes very close!  Whaler’s Cove is located on the sunniest shore of Kauai on Poipu Bay in a quiet residential area with little traffic.  This is the perfect choice if you are looking for privacy and to get away from it all.  Whaler’s Cove has won many awards for most Romantic Hotels in Hawaii!
While Whaler’s Cove is a condominium property, it does still have many of the amenities offered in full service hotels.  Full maid service, and oceanfront pool, and hot tub, along with many amenities hotels do not offer.  There are only 38 units, all of which have either one or two bedroom.  The two bedroom units have 2 bathrooms, which makes this a perfect fit for 2 couples.  Each unit also has a full kitchen, a washer and dryer, cable TV and, for those who just can’t leave everything behind, Wi-Fi!  Oh and did I mention a spectacular oceanview from each unit?

If you prefer to not cook every meal, and who wants that on their vacation, there are many great dining options: The Beach House, Joe’s on the Green, and Roy’s at Poipu, to name a few.

The Island of Kauai, Hawaii’s Garden Isle is the home of Mount Waialeale, which means overflowing water.   The summit of Mount Waialeale is one of the wettest spots on Earth, averaging over 400 inches of rain per year.  (And you though the Pacific NW had lots of rain!!).  All of this rainfall yields lots of waterfalls, a beautiful rainforest and amazing flora and fauna!  Don’t worry, though, the rain that falls at Mount Waialeale, does not generally affect the coastal parts of the island, particularly Poipu.

If Kauai sounds like the perfect place for you to escape the hustle bustle of daily life, please contact me at 425-821-4100, or Sandi@totemtravel.com

“Get Personalized help from a travel expert at no extra cost!”

-Sandi
1 (425) 821-4100
1 (800) 321-7907
sandi@totemtravel.com
-Sandi
1 (425) 821-4100
1 (800) 321-7907
sandi@totemtravel.com

Click here for a slideshow of Sugar Beach Resort

Update:
One of my clients recently returned from the Sugar Beach resort and had this to say:

Sugar Beach was just beautiful, and looked just like the photos you
had! Koi in the pond, Flowering trees & flowers and the beach right
there. We ended up on floor 5 so had a fabulous view of the pool &
ocean. We could see the sunset from the beach every night. The condo
was super comfortable & had everything we needed.
What was also nice was there was a little sandwich shop/bar right next door
(got an ONO in the Maui Revealed book & we agree.)
And also a little grocery store. Sharing the Sugar Beach office was
a gift shop & activity center, where you could book any kind of tour, luau,
things like that. They also had swim fins, snorkels – pretty handy!

Thanks again,
Sarah and Ken

Sugar Beach Resort on the Island of Maui has just completed a multi-million dollar renovation and is now the fabulous oceanfront property which many families desire.  Sugar Beach Resort.

is in the Kihei area of Maui, which is usually more reasonably priced than the Kaanapali area.  One reason has been the lack of oceanfront resorts.  However, with the renovations now complete at Sugar Beach Resort, the desirable beachfront location has become more attainable.

Sugar Beach Resort is close to shopping, restaurants and many activities and it’s only 10 minutes to the Maui Ocean Center, the beautiful aquarium in Maui. The old whaling city of Lahaina is only 30 minutes away.   Lahaina offers many shops and restaurants, as well.  Golfing is available in Kihei too, as well as Wailea and Makena, just a short drive from Sugar Beach Resort.

Sugar Beach Resort is a condominium property with 1 and 2 bedroom units, fully equipped with kitchens, washers and dryers and central air conditioning, right on the beach.  Although gardenview units are available, we suggest an oceanview or oceanfront unit so you can experience the fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean.    The price difference between a 1 bedroom Gardenview and a 1 bedroom oceanview is less than $100 for 7 nights, total!  The difference between a Gardenview and oceanfront unit is approximately $250!  Very affordable.

The General Store, which is on site at the Sugar Beach Resort, makes shopping for your vacation unit very convenient.  Don’t feel like cooking every evening?  Dina’s Sand Witch is a small restaurant which will provide you with that night out of the kitchen.

The beach at Sugar Beach Resort is great for windsurfing, kayaking and kite surfing. BBQ’s around the oceanfront pool and Jacuzzi are very popular, as well as the beautiful sunsets.

For more information on Sugar Beach and other Hawaii vacation packages, please call or email Sandi@totemtravel.com.  She’ll help you plan the perfect family vacation or honeymoon in Hawaii!

“Get Personalized help from a travel expert at no extra cost!”

-Sandi
1 (425) 821-4100
1 (800) 321-7907
sandi@totemtravel.com

Click for slideshow of Hawaii’s Big Island

The Islands of Hawaii are one of the top honeymoon destinations and for good reason.  Each island offers a myriad of activities for honeymooners. Having fun together creates memories of a lifetime!    From beach-combing and sunbathing in Waikiki, to skiing on the Big Island, honeymooners will find they will run out of time before they run out of things to do!

Choosing the Island for your honeymoon will undoubtedly hinge on the activities available on each island.

Maui, the Magic Isle, and voted the Best Pacific Island for the past 16 years, is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and rustic towns.  Some favorite excursions might include:

• Biking from the summit of Mt. Haleakula at sunrise. The ride is 38 miles, but it’s downhill!
• Parasailing above the beautiful Pacific Ocean
• Exploring the “Road to Hana”.  Located on the far eastern coast of the island, on this drive you will encounter beautiful waterfalls, rustic towns, green valleys, narrow, curvy roads and one lane bridges. The Road to Hana is not to be attempted after dark!
• Whale watching is a breathtaking experience from April to December.
• Sunset Dinner Cruise
• Zip Line!

Kauai, the Garden Isle, is an island that will take your breath away.  It is known for its rain forest, waterfalls, and beaches.  Experiences you do not want to miss:

• Wailua Falls is a do not miss experience.  Just 5 minutes from Lihue.  Made famous by the 70′s TV show Fantasy Island.
• Waipoo Falls, near Waimea Canyon is another sightseeing experience you will not want to miss.
• Waimea Canyon, nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific is spectacular.
• Spouting Horn Park…..surf is channeled into a lava tube.  Depending upon the weather and the season, the resulting tower of water can be 10-60 feet high!
• Shipwreck Beach is a favorite among the experienced swimmers and hikers looking for great vistas.  The water has strong currents and high surf which is excellent for body surfing, boogie boarding, and wind surfing.  The cliffs along the beach are great for hiking.
• One of my favorite little towns is Hanalei Town on the north shore of Kauai.  This little town is both old and new!  Historic sites, eclectic shops and contemporary art galleries together make this a very interesting little place.  A suspension bridge with a weight limit guarantees no busloads of tourists!  The pier over Hanalei Bay is a perfect spot for a picnic supper and gazing into the sunset.
• I cannot wait to do this on my next trip to Kauai: Mountain tubing!  Using an inner tube you will be riding the water through a tropical forest, through secret tunnels and open canals.

Hawaii, The Big Island, is one of my favorites.

It is known for its volcanoes, but is so much more.

• By all means, visit the Kilauea Volcano, in Volcanoes National Park.  Depending upon the eruption situation, you will be able to walk all around the volcano.  If it’s erupting, probably not!
• If you can’t hike Kilauea, by all means enjoy the view from a helicopter.
• Mauna Kea……this mountain is home to an International Astronomical Observatory.  Since the summit can only be reached during the winter via 4 wheel drive, it might be wise to book a tour.  One of many tours available takes you the summit, where you will spend several hours, among a very large number of telescopes.  You will be able to witness an amazing sunset, as well as do a lot of stargazing!
• Are you a skier?  Ever thought you could ski in Hawaii?  Well you can….Manua Kea offers skiing in the winter.  Ski one day, swim in the surf the next!
• Spend the afternoon swimming with the dolphins!
• Black Sand Beach, is made up of crushed lava.  While swimming probably isn’t a good idea, you can certainly walk on the beach and run the Black Sand through your toes!

Oahu, The Gathering Place, is the main island of Hawaii.  While Honolulu, the capital city of Hawaii, is quite a large, bustling city, there are so many activities and sights to see, that I think everyone should spend a little time exploring this island.

• Remember the “old” Hawaii 5-0?  The Aloha Tower with the big clock? King Kamehameha’s Statue draped in floor length leis?  These icons are still just as picturesque as in the 70′s!
• Learn about the Menehunes (think Hawaiian leprechaun) during the Sacred Spirits tour
• Surfing lessons at the Hans Hedemann Surf School right on Waikiki Beach
• Don’t forget to climb Diamond Head!
• Are you a foody?  Hooked on those Food Channel creations?  The Hawaii Food Tour is one of the best food experiences in the world.  Imagine surprising the in-laws with an authentic Hawaiian dinner.
• A luau is a must in Hawaii.  Whether you enjoy the poi and lomi-lomi salmon or not, you will enjoy the entertainment.  Hula Dancers, fire eaters, Tahitian dancers, and of course, lots of audience participation!
• The Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri tours, along with Punchbowl (National Cemetery), are just a few of the historic sites in Honolulu.
• Polynesian Cultural Center, learn about the many Polynesian Cultures through crafts, food, a long canoe parade, and the BEST Polynesian Show on the Island, perhaps in all of Hawaii.
• Sightseeing by float plane!

If you are thinking of honeymooning in the Hawaiian Islands, please contact me, Sandi, and sandi@totemtravel.com, or 425-821-4100.  I would love to help you plan spectacular honeymoon memories.

“Get Personalized help from a travel expert at no extra cost!”

-Sandi
1 (425) 821-4100
1 (800) 321-7907
sandi@totemtravel.com

Click for Slideshow of Pineapple Hill in Maui

Need the perfect accommodations for the whole family?  Pineapple Hill House, in a beautiful location, Kapalua Resort, north of Lahaina Town, on the Island of Maui, just might be your home away from home.

Pineapple Hill House is a 3 bedrooms plus loft, home with 3 ½ bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, washer & dryer.   Each bedroom and the loft will accommodate 2 people; and the pull out sofa in the living room will accommodate 2 more!  That’s a total of 10!  This is the perfect place for a family Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday.

Not only does the Pineapple Hill House have all space for your family it also has lots of extras!  It fronts a golf course in the gated community of Kapalua Resort, a private hot tub, a deck and a patio, and has access to a shared pool, just a street away.  On top of all of that, it has beautiful ocean views!

Pineapple Hill House is beautifully furnished, with a king bed in 2 bedrooms, a queen in one, and twins in the loft.  All necessary cooking utensils and appliances are included….you just supply the food!  For those who can’t leave Facebook on the mainland, WiFi is also included.  Of course, Pineapple Hill House is fully air-conditioned, non-smoking, with several televisions, (cable service included) and a fireplace in the Master Bedroom!

If Pineapple Hill House sounds like the ideal vacation destination for your family vacation, please give me a call or send an email, and I will be very happy to help you plan!!

“Get Personalized help from a travel expert at no extra cost!”

-Sandi
1 (425) 821-4100
1 (800) 321-7907
sandi@totemtravel.com

Click for Hawaii slide show

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.

“Get Personalized help from a travel expert at no extra cost!”

-Sandi
1 (425) 821-4100
1 (800) 321-7907
sandi@totemtravel.com