a


Archive for the ‘Summer Travel’ Category

Hawaii: One of the most popular vacation destinations in the world…

Are you interested in taking a trip with your friends, a family vacation, or a romantic getaway? If so, have you decided where you would like to travel to? If you have yet to choose a destination for your next trip, you are advised to discover Hawaii. After a close examination, you will likely see exactly why Hawaii is considered one of the most popular vacation destinations, in the entire world.

As you may already know, Hawaii is composed of a number of islands. Six of those islands are considered popular vacation destinations. Those islands include the Hawaiian islands of Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai, and Hawaii’s Big Island. In fact, the choice that you have, as to where you want to visit, is one of the reasons why Hawaii vacations are so highly sought after. In fact, you don’t even really have to choose just one island. Over the past few years, the popularity of inter-island vacations has skyrocketed. This popularity has lead to the addition of more inter-island flights, as well as affordable prices.

In addition to having a wide variety of different choices, island wise, the beaches are also one of the reasons why Hawaii is considered one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. Hawaii is most well-known for its beautiful beaches, many of which have white sandy beaches and clear waters. With Hawaii being a collection of islands, no matter where you travel, you are almost always given the opportunity to enjoy those beaches. In fact, in addition to the views that come along with them, the beach activities that you can enjoy are another one of the many of many reasons why Hawaii vacations come so highly recommended. Those activities include, but are not limited to, fishing, swimming, boating, scuba diving, and surfing.

Hawaii is also a popular vacation destination because of the wide range of overnight accommodations. As previously mentioned, the beaches are what often lure vacationers in. That is why beachfront vacation rentals are so popular in Hawaii. These rentals often include Hawaii beachfront vacation homes and beachfront vacation villas. If you are looking for something a little bit more affordable, you may enjoy a stay at a beachfront hotel or resort. Although Hawaii beaches are part of the attraction, there is also a chance that you may like to stay inland, at a more centralized location. If so, you can also find hotels, resorts, villas, and vacation homes that are not located along the beach, but inland.

The costs of Hawaii vacations are another reason why they are so popular; they can be affordable. Of course, it is always possible to schedule an expensive Hawaii vacation, but it is also possible to make affordable reservations. The cost of a Hawaii vacation will all depend on the reservations that you are interested in making. For instance, if you are looking to book a stay at a vacation villa, you should expect to pay more for your vacation than you would if you wanted to stay at a vacation hotel or resort. The cost of a vacation will also depend on how you make your reservations. If you would like to save the most money, you may want to think about booking your Hawaii vacation reservations through an online travel website or with the purchase of a Hawaii vacation package.

With all of the benefits, you can easily see why Hawaii is known as one of the most popular vacation destinations, in the entire world. If you are interested in taking a Hawaii trip, you will need to start making your vacation reservations. As previously mentioned, these reservations can easily be made online, through an online travel website. For the largest selection of overnight accommodations, you may want to use a Hawaii travel website. These websites are online travel websites that deal specifically with Hawaii vacations.

Imagine, your wedding on Kauai….

Hawaii, has been a favorite for many couples as it offers a multitude of romantic settings including the traditional chapel to popular outdoor locations such as beach weddings, tropical gardens, ocean bluff, and river side.  Whatever your little heart desires is something Allure Kauai wedding planners will be sure to meet.  So if you’re looking for that tropical wedding – Hawaii is the place for you.  The ultimate location for a Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall wedding on Kauai.  Weather is pleasant all year round.  

(more…)

New Transient Kauai Vacation Rental Ordinance

Pine Trees Beach Villa, Hanalei BayOn March 7th, 2008, the Kauai County Council passed Ordinance #864 to regulate Transient Vacation Rentals on the Island of Kauai.  The council said that the ordinance was needed to address “the uncontrolled proliferation” of vacation rentals outside of designated Visitor Destination Areas (VDA’s).  However, the new ordinance requires registration of all vacation rentals – both inside and outside of the VDA’s.  The existing Visitor Destination Areas include most of Princeville, portions of Poipu, Lihue and Kapaa and some other small areas.

All condos and single family homes inside the designated VDA areas that rent to vacationers will have until September 3, 2008 to apply for a Vacation Rental Registration Number.   Vacation Rentals that are located outside of the designated VDA must apply for a non-conforming Use Certificate from the county by October 15th and receive approval by March 30, 2009. If your property is located within the existing Visitor Destination Area (VDA), registration your registration should be approved as long as you file the required documentation and pay an annual $150 fee to the county.  Outside of the VDA, the county will no longer allow new vacation rentals.  Existing vacation rentals that can show current and past reservation history will be allowed to continue with a special use permit, only if they register with the county each year and comply with numerous other zoning and use requirements.   As of this writing, the County is requiring that all forms be submitted in person at the County Assessment Office AND at the County Planning Office.  You are allowed to have another person submit the applications for you if you provide an Authorization Letter.  As part of the application, the county is requiring a plot plan and building plans, signed and stamped by a licensed architect or engineer along with copies of General Excise Tax and Transient Accommodation Tax licenses and a designated 24 hour contact person.

Whether you are considering buying or selling vacation rental property in Kauai, it will be very important in the future to work with people who familiar with this ordinance and how it will affect you.  The county can levy a fine against any owner, person or company that it finds in violation of the new ordinance, so please feel free to go to the County Of Kauai for more information.

Golfing Paradise on the Garden Island of Kauai

Golf lovers from all over the world make their way to the beautiful Garden Island of Kauai.  Kauai best known for its lush island beauty and Each Hawaiian island is unique in itself, so are the more than 90 golf courses in the island chain.  Kauai aka the ‘Garden Isle’ is the oldest of all Hawaiian Islands.  The lush and tropical north shore is a misty mountain wilderness where rainbow-crowned waterfalls drop from sheer cliffs into the sea.   (more…)

Fishing On Kaua’i

My husband & I visit Kauai every year for it’s natural beauty and fabulous outdoor activities.  We usually spend about a month on the island and treat ourselves to the most amazing activities including fishing, snorkeling, hiking, shopping, and zip-lining.  In the past we’ve divided our time in Poipu, Sunny south-side and Hanalei, Kauai’s tropical north shore.  This year we stayed near the end of the road on the northern end called ‘Haena’.  It was absolutely magical in every way possible.  One of our most favorites is fishing in Kauai’s tropical seas.  Our charter departed out of Anini Beach on the north shore.  A beautifully protected large reef which we also enjoyed snorkeling as well.  Every year we’ve caught fish.  This past year we caught 5 different types of good eating fish.  All of which you pay top dollar at the local restaurants.  Here are some of the most commonly caught island fish:

Mahimahi – This light pink meat has a slightly sweet and delicate flavor. It can be prepared on the grill, in a fish sandwich or even as fish tacos.
Best months for catching – November to April

Opah (’moonfish’) – Not as commonly found on the menu as ono or ahi, Opah is quite popular with the locals, as it has a rich flavor best experienced in a fine, light sauce. This fish is not so good for the grill because of the delicate nature of the meat’s consistency and flavor.

Striped Marlin (’nairagi’) – Considered the finest for eating of all the varieties in the marlin family, the pinkish orange meat is often prepared the same way as ahi or swordfish. You will see marlin featured in fish and chips entrees and in its smoked state it can be purchased at fish markets by the pound.

Best months for catching – January to June

Ahi (’yellowfin tuna’) – This dark pink, almost red meat is most commonly used as sashimi and is often served raw or seared. You’ll see it prepared as poke with onion or seaweed and can be bought fresh at fish markets. Restaurants frequently feature it as an entree that can be crusted or blackened.
Best months for catching – May & June

Ono (’wahoo’) – Ono means ‘delicious’ and this lean, white meat is delicate and can be found featured at restaurants serving fish sandwiches or other fish entrees. Like ahi, when featured as a main course, it is often crusted, blackened or served with a Pacific Rim inspired sauce.
Best months for catching – May to August

Striped Marlin (’nairagi’) – Considered the finest for eating of all the varieties in the marlin family, the pinkish orange meat is often prepared the same way as ahi or swordfish. You will see marlin featured in fish and chips entrees and in its smoked state it can be purchased at fish markets by the pound.
Best months for catching – January to June

Swordfish – An ideal fish for grilling, swordfish can be skewered or cut into thick steaks. You also may find it featured in raw fish dishes or even served as sashimi much like ahi.

Best months for catching – June & July We always look forward to dining at our favorite restaurants in Poipu and Hanalei and sampling the fresh island ‘catch of the day’.