TNT NewsHawaii® is an ongoing monthly newsletter we send to people like you who visit our website and request information about Hawaii. The newsletter is just one way we hope to keep you connected with Hawaii before and after your visits to the islands.
TNT Specials: Exclusive Discounts & Savings – Click here now!
For readers of this newsletter only – find great discounts and other cost saving packages from major travel providers. Just look for the words “TNT Special.”
* Coming Events (see below)
Discover exciting upcoming events on Kauai, Maui, the Big Island, and Oahu.
* Best (Hidden) Places Hawaii (see below)
Find your way to the special places in Hawaii that other visitors may miss.
* Taste of Hawaii Recipe (see below)
Try a mouthwatering Hawaiian recipe from one of the most-renowned chefs in the islands.
* Travel Tips (see below)
Hawaii is so unique that it even has its own time zone. Enjoy the latest pointers from our collection of travel ideas to enhance your Hawaiian vacation.
* Ask the Big Kahuna (see below)
Find answers to questions from travelers. Submit a question for the Big Kahuna to answer in a future issue.
Kauai
December 5-6, 2003
PGA GRAND SLAM OF GOLF
For the 10th consecutive year, Poipu Bay Golf Course will host the PGA Grand Slam of Golf. Join Masters champion Mike Weir, US Open champion Jim Furyk, British Open Champion Ben Curtis and PGA Championship winner Shaun Micheel as they vie for the title of the PGA Grand Slam Championship. Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designed the links-style course, which offers spectacular views of steep mountains, towering ocean cliffs and sandy beaches edging the turquoise ocean.
Maui
December 8-20, 2003
WOMEN’S VANS TRIPLE CROWN OF SURFING-BILLABONG PRO
The holding period for the third and final jewel of the 2003 Women’s Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, the Billabong Pro, runs from Monday, December 8th through Saturday, December 20th at Honolua Bay. The world’s top professional female surfers will compete for a share of $60,000 and final rankings. The contest is held on the days when the surf is biggest and best, as determined by the contest director.
Big Island of Hawaii
December 6, 2003
43RD ANNUAL WAIMEA CHRISTMAS PARADE
Come and enjoy a colorful and fun day at the parade to welcome in the holidays. Sponsored by Waimea Community Association in Waimea Town. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Church Row Park proceed along Mamalahoa Hwy. to the Parker Ranch Shopping Center.
Oahu/Waikiki
December 6-7, 2003
29TH ANNUAL PACIFIC HANDCRAFTERS CHRISTMAS FAIR
A festival featuring the highest quality fine crafts and arts: pottery, wood, clothing, glass, jewelry, quilting, and more. Great food and entertainment. Free. Thomas Square Park.
For contact details and a complete annual calendar of events by month for each of the Hawaiian Islands, visit our online Events Calendar.
TNT SPECIAL: FOR BEST PLACES HAWAII VISITORS ONLY….
Molokai & Maui – the PERFECT Combination Package! 4 nights at the Sheraton Maui, rental car, shuttle to Lahaina Harbor, ferry transfer to Molokai and 3 nights at the Sheraton Molokai Lodge or Beach Village! Call us and ask about this Best Places Hawaii special now.
Enjoy discount off lunch and dinner at the Beachside Cafe (Sheraton Moana Surfrider) and great savings off the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani’s show, Creation – A Polynesian Journey. Please select the link below for all discount coupons.
The Luxury Collection Hawaii, Sheraton’s Hawaii, W Honolulu Diamond Head, and The Westin Maui represent 13 resorts and hotels on the most beautiful beaches in the Islands of Aloha. Wherever you go in Starwood’s Hawaii, you can choose from an endless variety of activities.
Contact: Reservations
Toll Free: 1-866-500-8313
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Hawaii Website: https://specials.sheraton-hawaii.com/best/
TNT SPECIAL: Best Places Hawaii Customers, select our link below for a special $10.00 off coupon for use at our Honolulu Location. You must print it out and bring it with you when you choose to dine with us.
Dave & Buster¹s is Hawaii¹s most unique dining and entertainment venue. With multiple levels of fun, guests can enjoy delicious food, handcrafted pocket billiards, three full service bars and state-of-the-art games in our Million-Dollar Midway.
Contact:
Phone: 808-589-2215
Dave & Buster’s Website: www.daveandbusters_coupon.com
OPAEKAA FALLS HIKE
Opaekaa Falls is a Kauai landmark in Wailua and beautiful to behold from the popular Opaekaa Falls Lookout. Most people don’t know there is a way down to the bottom of the falls, probably because it is pure wilderness on state land. The state isn’t encouraging you to go and they don’t maintain anything there. It’s simply a faint, vague pig trail that is steep and slippery in spots. If you go, you are practically trailblazing, so don’t blame the state if you find the going difficult.
To get there, drive past the Opaekaa Falls Lookout on Hwy. 580 in Kapaa. Near the 2-mile marker is a dirt turnout after the guardrail ends. A trail leads through the jungle to the stream below. After crossing the usually knee-deep water, you want to head downstream at roughly a 45-degree angle, away from the stream. Pass through a stand of trees, up a short hill and end up on an odd-looking barren plateau. Walk across the plateau and look for a hard-to-see path through the spindly strawberry guava trees. It’s on a hillside. You’ll be glad trees are there to grab on the way.
The “trail” leads down to the stream below, but there are several dicey parts that allow you an opportunity to take a bad tumble if you’re not careful. Don’t go at all if the path is muddy.
At the bottom is a lovely oasis of ti plants, ginger and trees. The falls are MUCH larger than they appear from the lookout above. The trek will take more than half an hour and you will need to remember your path for the return trip.
The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook
bestbookshawaii.com
TNT SPECIAL: Call us now and reserve the best Catamaran Tour you take during your vacation! Tell us you found us through Best Places Hawaii and you will receive $10 off ADULT rates for the tour of your choice. Offer valid December 15th, 2003 through March 30, 2004. You MUST mention Best Places Hawaii to qualify for this discount!
Request TNT Special Value Offer – Email Direct Now!®
Aloha! Come aboard for the best time of your vacation. See the spectacular views of the Na Pali coastline, swim and snorkel at scenic areas that will enhance your vacation experience and last forever. Visit our website for all the details.
Contact: Debbie Swain
Toll Free: 1-888-213-7711
Catamaran Kahanu Website: https://www.CatamaranKahanu.com
TNT SPECIAL: Best Places Hawaii Visitors…when you stay with us you will receive ONE FREE Breakfast for every day during your stay. We offer an incredible selection of food on our menu. All Breakfasts are $16.00 plus tax per person. (Seasonal foods may be substituted.) Selection of entrée is required one week in advance. Please visit our website to view our menu! You must mention Best Places Hawaii to receive your free breakfast.
Request TNT Special Value Offer – Email Direct Now!®
The Heavenly Hana Inn located in the lush tropical rain forest of Hana Town is a unique Japanese style Inn surrounded by Japanese gardens and ponds with the pacific as a backdrop.
Contact: Sheryl Fillipi
Phone: 808-248-8442
Heavenly Hana Inn Website: https://www.heavenlyhanainn.com
SPINACH SALAD
Courtesy of Stanley Kimura
Beachcomber’s Restaurant
3 oz spinach
1 ea cherry tomato (quartered)
1/4 oz goat cheese (crumbled)
1/4 oz red onions (1/4 inch slice)
1/2 – 1 oz sundried tomato
vinaigrette (see below)
Vinaigrette:
1/2 C sundried tomato in olive oil
3 T red wine vinegar
2 1/2 oz oil from sundried tomato
2 T basil (dried)
2 T Dijon mustard
dash salt and pepper
Mince tomato, combine all ingredients except olive oils into a non-reactive bowl. Whisk with wire whip until well blended. Slowly add oil until fully incorporated. Place spinach and red onion into a bowl, add dressing and toss. Place onto plate and garnish with goat cheese and cherry tomato. You may drizzle a little more dressing to coat goat cheese and tomato.
Courtesy of Taste of Hawaii®, the Ultimate Sunday Brunch.
TNT SPECIAL: Condo/Car Packages from $129/day*
Kissed by the sun and moon, Kauai’s magical North Shore is where the stars come to play and so can you. Visit our website at www.oceanfrontrealty.com and take a virtual tour of our oceanfront offerings. Condo/car packages available from $129/day *plus taxes and fees, subject to availability.
Request TNT Special Value Offer – Email Direct Now!®
Princeville condominiums ranging from luxury ocean views to affordable garden views. We offer all the comforts of home including fully equipped kitchens for less than the price of a hotel room. Come stay with us.
Contact: Reservations
Toll Free: 1-800-222-5541
Phone: 1-808-826-6585
Oceanfront Realty International Website: https://www.oceanfrontrealty.com
TNT SPECIAL: Best Places Hawaii visitors, make your reservations with us for your vacation, Online, and get a 10% Discount. This discount will apply to our Condos or Homes from April 1, 2004 through December 15, 2004. We have multiple discounts that you can take advantage of for nightly, weekly and monthly stays. Please contact us for full details. Please mention Best Places Hawaii so we know how to BEST SERVE YOU!
Request TNT Special Value Offer – Email Direct Now!®
Featuring Hawaii’s best assortment of resort condominiums and vacation homes. Specializing on the Kona Coast for 20 years and now All Islands. Tell us your wishes, and we’ll find your ideal hideaway!
Contact: Reservations
Toll Free: 1-800-800-KONA
SunQuest Vacation Website: https://www.sunquest-hawaii.com
- Round trip air travel from the continental U.S.
- Flower lei greeting
- 8 days/7 nights stay
- Use of a rental car
- Candlelight dinner
- Package of romantic tropical isle specials!
It’s free and easy to enter and win – just click “Love Stories of Hawaii” Contest! Sponsored by Pleasant Holidays & Idea Travel.
TNT SPECIAL: Pleasant Holidays has put together great air & hotel packages, at great low rates, from Los Angeles or San Francisco. Stay three nights in Waikiki for $333 or three nights in Maui for $363. Take advantage of these great offers and book today. Offer ends December 12, 2003. January and other 2004 deals are available online now, too! Or call our Reservations Experts at 1-800-742-9244.
Request TNT Special Value Offer – Email Direct Now!®
Pleasant Holidays offers low rates on travel to Hawaii. Get price quotes and confirm your trip online fast at PleasantHolidays.com. We have great airfare, car and hotel packages at your favorite hotels with air only on scheduled carriers from all over the United States!
Contact: Todd Castor
Toll Free: 1-800-742-9244
Pleasant Holidays Website: https://www.pleasantholidays.com
TNT SPECIAL: Finding the best value at rock bottom rates is our goal at Gowaikiki.com. We offer the best rates for all of Honolulu’s hotels and condominiums to meet your needs at prices you can afford! Call us and ask us about our Best Places Hawaii visitors special. You must tell us you found us on Best Places Hawaii.
We offer the best rates for Car Rentals too! Economy cars starting at only $22 per day or $114 per week! Our mission at Gowaikiki.com is to provide you with the best value and the best rates around! Call Israel Francisco at 808.386.3101. Shop around and you’ll find that we’re still the best!
Request TNT Special Value Offer – Email Direct Now!®
Aloha! Find out why our clients return to us each year to book their vacation needs. We can make your vacation affordable. Visit our website for inexpensive and FREE things to do in Hawaii.
Contact: Israel Francisco
Phone: 808-386-3101
Marketing Hawaii & Travel Services Website: https://www.gowaikiki.com
Sampling Hawaii’s Local-style Delicacies
Hungry and curious? Hawaii boasts a wealth of unique “local-style” foods for every visitor’s palette. Here are some yummies to try:
Ahi: yellowfin tuna
Chicken Luau: chicken cooked with taro leaf and coconut milk
Haupia: coconut pudding
Kulolo: taro pudding
Laulau: pork, butterfish, beef or chicken wrapped in taro leaf and steamed in an imu (underground oven)
Lilikoi: passion fruit
Loco Moco: a fried egg on top of a hamburger on top of a pile of rice, all smothered in brown gravy.
Lomi Lomi Salmon: cold diced salmon, tomatoes and onion
Maui Onion: mild white onion, with sweetness similar to a Vidalia onion
Ohelo Berry: bright red, similar to a huckleberry, used in jams and preserves
Opakapaka: pink snapper
Poi: staple starch of the Hawaiian diet, made from boiled taro root.
Poke: raw fish with seaweed and sesame oil
Shave Ice: freshly shaved ice drenched in a sweet syrup – lighter and flakier than a snow cone
Spam: Well, never mind.
Submit your Travel Tips to [email protected].
TNT SPECIAL: Receive a free Kaanapali Beach Resort four-color brochure and map at our web site. Best Places Hawaii visitors, call us now and ask us about our current specials. You must mention Best Places Hawaii.
Request TNT Special Value Offer – Email Direct Now!®
Kaanapali Beach Resort is located on Maui’s lively west side on three miles of sunny, sandy beach. We can offer you a wide selection of accommodations and activities as the Resort Association consists of six beautiful hotels, four condominium complexes, two golf courses, the Whalers Village Shopping Center with more than 60 shops, a free whale museum, and the Sugar Cane Train.
Contact: Kaanapali Beach Resort Association
Toll Free: 1-800-245-9229
Phone: 808-661-3271
Kaanapali Beach Resort Association Website: https://www.kaanapaliresort.com/contact.php
TNT SPECIAL: Clicking on our website below will take you to 10 online, limited-time specials for Aston Hotels and Resorts on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island.
Request TNT Special Value Offer – Email Direct Now!®
Aston Hotels and Resorts have 30 hotels and condominium resorts in Hawaii. From budget to luxury. All on or near the beach with more than 4,500 rooms and suites to choose from.
Contact: Reservations
Toll Free: 1-800-922-7866
Phone: 808-931-1400
Aston Hotels & Resorts Website: https://www.aston-hotels.com/specials.cfm?operatingcompanyid=5
Dear Big Kahuna,
What is Puukohola Heiau on the Big Island? I understand it has some special importance in Hawaiian history.
Kelvin S.
Oakland, CA
Aloha Kelvin,
You are right about Puukohola Heiau. King Kamehameha the Great had the heiau (pre-Christian place of worship) built around 1790 to please the war god Kukailimoku. Kamehameha, a fierce and brutal warrior, started the dynasty that ruled Hawaii for about a century.
After years of civil war battling other chiefs, Kamehameha was told by a kahuna (a different one) on Kauai that if he built the massive temple he could conquer all of Hawaii. At the dedication, to help things along, a rival was sacrificed. Apparently the war god was pretty happy because Kamehameha won several subsequent battles. (Kamehameha’s use of Western military strategy and weapons might have had just a little something to do with his success.)
Puukohala Heiau is a National Historic Site located in Kawaihae on the Big Island. The park is on the northwestern shore in the district of south Kohala near the intersection of Route 270 and Highway 19.
Well Kelvin, now you know.
Mahalo for writing,
Big Kahuna
Do you have a question for the Big Kahuna?
Just email your questions to the Big Kahuna.
Due to the great number of questions asked, the Big Kahuna is unable to answer all personally. Questions of general interest will be answered in future issues of this newsletter, usually one per issue. In the meantime, we invite you to explore www.bestplaceshawaii.com.
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TNT NewsHawaii® is not meant to replace the specific information you receive from accommodations, activities, and other companies at the time of your initial Vacation Information Request. We hope you find the newsletter to be fun and useful for making future plans for visiting Hawaii.