Monday, May 11, 2009

Choose The Perfect Hawaiian Vacation Destination


5 Tips To Help You Choose The Perfect Hawaiian Vacation Destination

Paradise Cove Luau Stage Performance827133-R1-05-5A_006 LUAU Queen

Author: Danielle Needham

Have you recently decided that you would like to take a trip to Hawaii? If so, have you already decided on a destination? What is nice about Hawaii is that you have so many great vacation destinations to choose from. For starters, you can choose from the Hawaiian Islands of Big Island, Maui, Lanai, Molokai Oahu, and Kauai.

When it comes to choosing a Hawaiian vacation destination, there are a number of factors that you should take into consideration. Five of these important factors are outlined below for your convenience.

1 - Overnight Accommodation Options

When vacationing on one of the many popular Hawaiian Islands, you will find that you have a number of different overnight accommodation options. For instance, popular choices among tourists include booking a stay at a hotel, vacation resort, vacation home, vacation condo, or vacation villa. Although many Hawaiian destinations have each of these overnight accommodations available, not all do. For that reason, if you have your heart set on staying at a Hawaii villa, you will first want to examine Hawaii villa rentals and their locations.

2 - Your Vacation Wants and Needs

Speaking of having your heart set on something, it is advised that you take a step back and think about what you want your vacation to be. What do you expect to get out of your next Hawaiian vacation? For instance, would you like to spend your vacation along the beach or farther inland examining all that Hawaii has to offer? Taking your vacation wants and needs into consideration is one of the best ways to find and choose the Hawaiian vacation destination that is best for you, the rest of your traveling party, and your needs.

3 - Nearby Activities and Attractions

An important component of having the perfect vacation involves having constant fun. Boredom is one of the quickest ways to ruin an otherwise fun vacation. For that reason, you will want to take the time to examine Hawaii vacation destinations and nearby Hawaii activities and attractions. Doing so will enable you to find the Hawaiian vacation destination of your dreams, as you shouldn't experience a moment of boredom.

When examining Hawaiian vacation destinations, namely the Hawaiian Islands, and their activities, you will want use the internet to your advantage or you can request free vacation guides. When doing so, you will see that you have a number of different options. For example, when vacationing on Molokai, you can go out and examine the tallest sea cliffs in the world or you can visit the Kalaupapa National Historical Park on a mule's back.

4 - Available Vacation Rentals

As previously stated, it is important to make sure that your intended Hawaii vacation destination has a number of vacation rentals to choose from. In addition to having a wide range of options, it is also important to make sure that the rentals are available for your tended dates of travel. If you do find an available Hawaii vacation rental that peaks your interest, you may want to consider making your reservations as soon as possible.

As important as availability is, there are additional factors that should also be taken into consideration, when looking to find a Hawaii vacation rental. These factors should include size, onsite features and amenities, rules and restrictions, and cost.

5 - Cost of Travel

Speaking of costs, cost should also play an important role in choosing your Hawaii vacation destination. For example, if you were to choose to visit Molokai, you may need to make multiple travel arrangements. Not all of the Hawaiian Islands take flights directly from the United States and other countries. These additional travel arrangements may play an important part in your Hawaii vacation costs.

The above mentioned points are just a few of the many that you will want to take into consideration, when looking to choose your next Hawaiian vacation destination. Although you will likely be pleased with your trip, no matter which Hawaii destination you choose, you should still take the time to examine all of your options.

About the Author:
To book your next
Hawaii vacation rental, visit HawaiianBeachRentals.com today. They specialize in assisting those planning Hawaiian vacations.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - 5 Tips To Help You Choose The Perfect Hawaiian Vacation Destination

Tiki travel, Tiki torch, Tiki road trips, 

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Tiki Tours and Attractions Around Hawaii

Tiki Tours and Attractions Around Hawaii

By James R Shaw

Located over 2,000 miles away from the nearest landfall, The Eight Islands comprising the state of Hawaii are the most remote island chain in the world. Hawaii consists of eight major islands, and over 100 minor islands, which are strung across the Pacific Ocean.

The eight major islands are Oahu, Maui, Hawaii, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and Niihau. Tiki tours and attractions are available across the islands of Hawaii.

Here are some of the Tiki attractions you should check out when you are in Hawaii:

Consider a visit to the La Marianas. The modestly priced Las Marianas is a very popular Tiki bar. You can join the many tourists that enjoy a refreshing tropical cocktail while surrounded by all things Tiki. It's located near the airport on Sand Island Access Road, and is a secret spot where the Oahu locals meet. Large glass float lamps set the mood, along with fishing nets, the carvings and all of the delightful vintage Hawaiian coconut and pineapple kitsch. La Mariana is a true museum of Hawaiian art, souvenirs and the South Seas. They are located on Kalihi.

@ La Marianas

On Oahu's North Shore, The Polynesian Cultural Center has an impressive collection of the giant wooden Tiki figures.

Polynesian Cultural Center - Pageant of the Long Canoes - Dancers

Maui's Tiki Bar, Located on Kaanapali Parkway in Lahaina, is a popular destination. They serve up specialty tropical cocktails and fresh fruit smoothies along with Hawaiian entertainment in the Tiki Courtyard. Maui has many Tiki Tours, although you won't see as many as on the Big Island and on Oahu.

You Should Also Check Out Tiki's Grill & Bar, recommended by Frommer's Travel Guide. Tiki's Grill & Bar is located at 2570 Kalakaua Ave in the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel on Waikiki, on the second floor of the hotel. The best time to visit and grab a table where you can see the view is just before sunset.

Tiki's Bar & Grill in Oahu

For a piece of Tiki memorabilia, visit the Mai Tai Bar. The Mai Tai Bar serves their drinks in Tiki 3 faced buckets!

During the month of May, Maui's Signature Cultural Heritage Event at Kamehameha Iki Park features live carving events of canoes and Tiki Statues.

About Tiki:

Tiki culture is originally Polynesian. In Hawaiian folklore, Tiki statues play a large role. Carved Tiki statues or pendants are sold as good luck charms. Tiki carvings and sculptures make for unique decorations, while small Tiki pendants are marketed as good luck charms.

Tikis symbolize Hawaii in many ways just as much as beaches and lava lamps. Wherever you go, you can't avoid seeing Tiki figures and collectibles. The piercing eyes and the menacing grin enchant both natives and tourists of Hawaii.

While vacationing in Hawaii, make sure you enjoy the various Tiki events. You can also check with your hotel front desk and any of the friendly locals, who will be glad to help you out - or pick up the local Hawaiian newspapers and see what's going on in the wide world of Tiki culture.

Royal Tiki specializes in genuine Hawaiian-made Tiki masks, Statues and Signs.

Our
Tiki Statues will accent a tiki bar nicely!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_R_Shaw

http://EzineArticles.com/?Tiki-Tours-and-Attractions-Around-Hawaii&id=2076869

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Trader Vic's Lounge in Beverly Hills, CA. A Must Visit Classic Tiki Lougne.

Trader Vic's Lounge
in Beverly Hills, CA. 

A Must Visit Classic Tiki Lougne.

ADDRESS:
9876 Wilshire Blvd.
(at Santa Monica Boulevard) 
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

PHONE:
310-285-1300

Hours:
Sun-Thu 5pm-1amFri-Sat 5pm-2am


Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Visit the Drift Lounge, in Scottsdale, AZ. Modern style of tiki


Visit the Drift Lounge, in Scottsdale, AZ
Modern style of tiki Bar.

OVERVIEW
A hip and casual surrounding that is both comfortable and stylish. Call it contemporary 60's design.
Fashionable interior with a island flare, using such natural materials like lava rock and bamboo.
People are talking about the quality of the classic tiki drinks.
A must visit for any tiki fan in the Pheonix Scottsdale area.
Relax and DRIFT the night away.

FOOD
Food is good and affordable.
Menu of South Pacific influence of quality seafood, prime beef, chicken.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Try the Flaming Pu Pu Platter!

DRINKS
Drinks until Last call 7 days a week!
Classic tropical cocktails include:
THE SQUALL = Dark rum and ginger beer.
PAPUA PUNCH = Drift's version of planters punch.
EVIL BASTARD = Vanilla, 151, lemondae, OJ, Trader Vic's Orgeat & Passion fruit syrup.
PIGMY PIGMY = Blackberry brandy, banana, pineapple, OJ, grenadine and castillo.
PAINKILLER = Pineapple, OJ, pussers, coco lopezi.
BIG CHIEF = Brandy, Gin, light rum and OJ.
MOLOKAI = Malibu, Skyy Citrus, Middori and pineapple.
DAY TRIPPER = 151, coconut rum, coco lopez, pineapple, cream de cacao, half and half & light rum.
EXTOIC RUMS
WINES
BEERS

HOURS
11:30 AM - MIDNIGHT
HAPPY HOUR
4 PM - 7PM MON-FRI

LOCATION
Drift Lounge
4341 N. 75th Strret
Scottsdale, AZ

PHONE: 480.949.TIKI

Monday, April 27, 2009

Visit Tiki Island, Chinese - Polynesian Restaurant. Classic Tiki Bar



If your ever in the Medford, MA area, you gotta check out this
classic Tiki Restaurant Lounge.

Sinice 1983, Tiki Island offer's a Full Line of Classic Exotic Island drinks 
at dinner or in the Lounge.  Pina-Coladas, Mai Tais and Scorpion Bowls 
are among the most popular.  A large party room is available for groups.

FOOD
Superior quality Chinese/Polynesian cuisines 
PRICES:  From $5-27
RECOMMENDATIONS:  
Tiki Gourmet Special, Treasure Island, Tiki Wor Bar, Tiki Platter, Pu Pu Platter.

DRINKS
A full line of Exotic drinks like Mai Tai, Pina Colada, Zombie, Tiki Tiki, 
Blue Hawaii, Pineapple Passion, Head Hunter and our famous  Volcano / Scorpion Bowl!    
One sip will take you to the island of your dream!!
PRICES:  $5.15 to 9.75

Hours:
11:15 am - 10 pm  Mon-Thur
11:15 am - 12 am  Fri, Sat
 Noon - 10 pm  Sun

Contact Info:
Tel:        (781) 391-0477
Fax:       (781) 391-5891
E-mail:   tiki_island@netzero.com

Location:
269 Middlesex Ave., Medford,  MA 02155

Web site:
http://www.TikiIslandRestaurant.com

Hawaiian Leis, Meaning and Uses.


Hawaiian Leis, Meaning and Uses.

A must for a tiki or tropical themed party.

The Leis have become a cultural symbol of the Hawaiian Islands.
When people think of Hawaii or Polynesia the first thing that 
comes to mind besides aloha, is the beautiful fragrant flower leis.

Hawaiian's have been wearing flowers 
as personal adornment for hundreds of years.
Lies of a more permanent type where made
from bone, stone, shell and feathers and were
mainly used for the ruling class.
The lie would also symbolize peace between 
chiefs or tribes.

The lie of the everyday people was called the maile lei.
This lie was worn by all of the people.  The maile lie
was also a symbol of the gods of hula.

The lie has been a hawaiian tourist item for over a
hundred years now as a sign of welcome.
Also, visitors leaving the island would throw their
lies into the ocean, a wish to return again someday.

The Hawaiians give lies on graduations and birthdays.
It is a common sight to see many young adults with
many many lies around their necks.  It is also a sign of
affection, so do not refuse a lie if offered.

The flowers used in making leis are lehua blossoms, plumeria, and orchids, sometimes maile leaves are used, and remain mainly used as adornments for hula dancers.  
The most common type of flower worn by visitors is the plumeria, which is found all over Hawaii. 

May 1st is considered Lei Day in Hawaii. On that day, all people are encouraged to wear a lie. This tradition goes back to may 1st, 1928.


Sunday, April 26, 2009

TIKI GETAWAY: Moorea A Exotic Island in Polynesia


Moorea - An Exotic Island in French Polynesia 

Author: Wolfgang Jaegel

Moorea is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in French Polynesia, after Tahiti - the main island. Occupying an area of about 50 square miles, Moorea is located roughly 20 kilometers west of Tahiti, in the Society Archipelago's Windward Group. By air, Moorea is only ten minutes away from Tahiti, and by water it is less than an hour's ride from the main island.

With shady as well as crystalline lagoons, tranquil meadows, towering mountains, beautiful pineapple plantations, astounding waterfalls, and lush green areas, Moorea is truly a tropical paradise. No matter you are couples, single, or one vacationing with your family or friend, Moorea is a great vacation spot for all types of holidaymakers, boasting of plentiful natural splendor as well as water adventure options.

Visitors touring to Moorea can engage in an array of activities, from diving amongst the vivid marine life and strolling along the white sandy beaches to indulging in traditional massages as well as Polynesian spa treatments and savoring exotic cuisines. In short, a visit to French Polynesia would not be complete without taking a tour to the magnificent island of Moorea.

With trident shape, Moorea is much famed for its two magnificent bays: Cook and Opunohu. Probably, the most popular among the attractions in the island is Moorea Dolphin Center, which is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Dedicated to the conservation of the marine life, the Dolphin Center is home to a large number of welcoming bottlenose dolphins can be seen here.

Taking a tour to the dolphin center would be a great way to swim along these beautiful, friendly creatures as well as to learn about their interesting environment. Another prime landmark of the Moorea Island is Tiki Village Theater, where craftsmen live and work and where one could spectacle great Tahitian shows including Tahitian party nights as well as performances of more than 50 dancers including fire dancers, musicians, and other artists.

Set in a pristine environment near a spectacular lagoon, Tiki Village Theater is also a great spot for getting married as well as renewing your marriage vows. Tiki Village allows honeymooners and couples to choose from three types of wedding packages such as Princess Wedding, Royal Wedding, and Royal Deluxe Wedding. Princess Wedding includes authentic Tahitian village, the service of the chief of the village and the High Priest, band of local musicians, marriage certificate made of Tapa, crowns of flowers for couples, bottle of champagne, photographs of the ceremony, and transportation back to the hotel.

In the case of Royal Wedding Package, almost everything covered in the princess wedding is also included in this package plus arrival of couples by canoe from the hotel, carrying of couples in the Royal Chair by four Polynesian warriors, a romantic cruise on the Royal Outrigger canoe accompanied by a band of musicians, and honeymoon night on the Royal Floating House. When comes to the Royal Deluxe Wedding, it consists of singing of Tahitian mamas during the wedding ceremony and spectacular Tahitian dance shows, apart from that are included in both the Princess Wedding and the Royal Wedding packages.

Top attractions in Moorea also include Maison de la Nature, Mou'a Roa, where you can reach by foot via the Vaianae Valley. It is much noted for its lush green setting, and is a great place to savor delicious natural home made jams made of pure honey and dried fruits.

Apart from these, Moorea allows visitors to engage in a number of adventure as well as fun filled water activities such as boat cruising, jet skiing, deep sea fishing, and surfing. Tourists have also option to engage in such activities as parasailing, land tours, and helicopter sightseeing tours.

In order to cater to needs and preferences of the growing number of tourists in the region, a good number of upscale hotels and resorts operate here, such as, Sofitel Moorea Beach Resort, whose exterior structure is based on the ancient mythology of the region, ie, the pyramid-like central buildings representing the male energy and the brilliant fringed hutu blossoms and verdant plant life, the female energy of the island.

Almost all top-end resorts in the area come attached with an array of facilities such as restaurants, bars, swimming pools, fitness centers, spa facilities, tennis courts, and Jacuzzi.Aside from typical hotel guest rooms and suites, many of the resorts in the area also provide opportunities for the guests to stay in incredible overwater bungalows, all of which are luxuriously appointed and surrounded by landscaped setting.

There are also some hotels that render superb packages in the form of wedding packages, honeymoon packages, and packages to enjoy a number of activities in the area. Even some hotels arrange facilities for island tours in order to explore the attractions of the island.

About the Author: Six exclusive luxury Sofitel and Novotel resorts in French Polynesia, including a private island, offering outstanding natural beauty, sparkling turquoise waters, and all the romance of the South Seas to travelers and honeymooners in search of the ultimate paradise island experience. Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Moorea - An Exotic Island in French Polynesia